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Contents
Books of the Bible in Alphabetical Order, iv
About the Bible, v
Preface to The New International Version, vi
iv
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v
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PREFACE TO THE
PREFACE vii
mittee on Bible Translation submitted the de- textual witnesses appeared to provide the cor-
veloping version to a number of stylistic con- rect reading. Such instances are footnoted.
sultants. Two of them read every book of both Sometimes vowel letters and vowel signs did
Old and New Testaments twice—once before not, in the judgment of the translators, repre-
and once after the last major revision—and sent the correct vowels for the original conso-
made invaluable suggestions. Samples of the nantal text. Accordingly some words were read
translation were tested for clarity and ease of with a different set of vowels. These instances
reading by various kinds of people—young and are usually not indicated by footnotes.
old, highly educated and less well educated, The Greek text used in translating the New
ministers and laymen. Testament was an eclectic one. No other piece
Concern for clear and natural English—that of ancient literature has such an abundance of
the New International Version should be id- manuscript witnesses as does the New Testa-
iomatic but not idiosyncratic, contemporary ment. Where existing manuscripts differ, the
but not dated—motivated the translators and translators made their choice of readings ac-
consultants. At the same time, they tried to re- cording to accepted principles of New Testa-
flect the differing styles of the biblical writers. In ment textual criticism. Footnotes call attention
view of the international use of English, the to places where there was uncertainty about
translators sought to avoid obvious American- what the original text was. The best current
isms on the one hand and obvious Anglicisms printed texts of the Greek New Testament were
on the other. A British edition reflects the com- used.
paratively few differences of significant idiom
and of spelling. There is a sense in which the work of trans-
As for the traditional pronouns “thou,” lation is never wholly finished. This applies to
“thee” and “thine” in reference to the Deity, the all great literature and uniquely so to the Bible.
translators judged that to use these archaisms In 1973 the New Testament in the New Interna-
(along with the old verb forms such as “doest,” tional Version was published. Since then, sug-
“wouldest” and “hadst”) would violate accuracy gestions for corrections and revisions have
in translation. Neither Hebrew, Aramaic nor been received from various sources. The Com-
Greek uses special pronouns for the persons of mittee on Bible Translation carefully consid-
the Godhead. A present-day translation is not ered the suggestions and adopted a number of
enhanced by forms that in the time of the King them. These were incorporated in the first
James Version were used in everyday speech, printing of the entire Bible in 1978. Additional
whether referring to God or man. revisions were made by the Committee on
Bible Translation in 1983 and appear in print-
For the Old Testament the standard Hebrew ings after that date.
text, the Masoretic Text as published in the lat- As in other ancient documents, the precise
est editions of Biblia Hebraica, was used meaning of the biblical texts is sometimes un-
throughout. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain ma- certain. This is more often the case with the
terial bearing on an earlier stage of the Hebrew Hebrew and Aramaic texts than with the Greek
text. They were consulted, as were the Samari- text. Although archaeological and linguistic
tan Pentateuch and the ancient scribal tradi- discoveries in this century aid in understanding
tions relating to textual changes. Sometimes a difficult passages, some uncertainties remain.
variant Hebrew reading in the margin of the The more significant of these have been called
Masoretic Text was followed instead of the text to the reader’s attention in the footnotes.
itself. Such instances, being variants within the In regard to the divine name YHWH, com-
Masoretic tradition, are not specified by foot- monly referred to as the Tetragrammaton, the
notes. In rare cases, words in the consonantal translators adopted the device used in most
text were divided differently from the way they English versions of rendering that name as
appear in the Masoretic Text. Footnotes indi- “LORD” in capital letters to distinguish it from
cate this. The translators also consulted the Adonai, another Hebrew word rendered “Lord,”
more important early versions—the Septu- for which small letters are used. Wherever the
agint; Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion; the two names stand together in the Old Testament
Vulgate; the Syriac Peshitta; the Targums; and as a compound name of God, they are ren-
for the Psalms the Juxta Hebraica of Jerome. dered “Sovereign LORD.”
Readings from these versions were occasional- Because for most readers today the phrases
ly followed where the Masoretic Text seemed “the LORD of hosts” and “God of hosts” have little
doubtful and where accepted principles of tex- meaning, this version renders them “the LORD
tual criticism showed that one or more of these Almighty” and “God Almighty.” These render-
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viii PREFACE
ings convey the sense of the Hebrew, namely, The footnotes in this version are of several
“he who is sovereign over all the ‘hosts’ (powers) kinds, most of which need no explanation.
in heaven and on earth, especially over the Those giving alternative translations begin
‘hosts’ (armies) of Israel.” For readers unac- with “Or” and generally introduce the alterna-
quainted with Hebrew this does not make clear tive with the last word preceding it in the text,
the distinction between Sabaoth (“hosts” or except when it is a single-word alternative; in
“Almighty”) and Shaddai (which can also be poetry quoted in a footnote a slant mark indi-
translated “Almighty”), but the latter occurs in- cates a line division. Footnotes introduced by
frequently and is always footnoted. When “Or” do not have uniform significance. In some
Adonai and YHWH Sabaoth occur together, cases two possible translations were consid-
they are rendered “the Lord, the LORD Almighty.” ered to have about equal validity. In other
As for other proper nouns, the familiar cases, though the translators were convinced
spellings of the King James Version are general- that the translation in the text was correct, they
ly retained. Names traditionally spelled with judged that another interpretation was possi-
“ch,” except where it is final, are usually spelled ble and of sufficient importance to be repre-
in this translation with “k” or “c,” since the bibli- sented in a footnote.
cal languages do not have the sound that “ch” In the New Testament, footnotes that refer
frequently indicates in English—for example, in to uncertainty regarding the original text are
chant. For well-known names such as Zechari- introduced by “Some manuscripts” or similar
ah, however, the traditional spelling has been expressions. In the Old Testament, evidence for
retained. Variation in the spelling of names in the reading chosen is given first and evidence
the original languages has usually not been in- for the alternative is added after a semicolon
dicated. Where a person or place has two or (for example: Septuagint; Hebrew father). In
more different names in the Hebrew, Aramaic such notes the term “Hebrew” refers to the Ma-
or Greek texts, the more familiar one has gener- soretic Text.
ally been used, with footnotes where needed. It should be noted that minerals, flora and
To achieve clarity the translators sometimes fauna, architectural details, articles of clothing
supplied words not in the original texts but re- and jewelry, musical instruments and other ar-
quired by the context. If there was uncertainty ticles cannot always be identified with preci-
about such material, it is enclosed in brackets. sion. Also measures of capacity in the biblical
Also for the sake of clarity or style, nouns, in- period are particularly uncertain (see the table
cluding some proper nouns, are sometimes of weights and measures following the text).
substituted for pronouns, and vice versa. And
though the Hebrew writers often shifted back Like all translations of the Bible, made as
and forth between first, second and third per- they are by imperfect man, this one undoubt-
sonal pronouns without change of antecedent, edly falls short of its goals. Yet we are grateful to
this translation often makes them uniform, in God for the extent to which he has enabled us
accordance with English style and without the to realize these goals and for the strength he
use of footnotes. has given us and our colleagues to complete
our task. We offer this version of the Bible to
Poetical passages are printed as poetry, that him in whose name and for whose glory it has
is, with indentation of lines and with separate been made. We pray that it will lead many into a
stanzas. These are generally designed to reflect better understanding of the Holy Scriptures
the structure of Hebrew poetry. This poetry is and a fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ the in-
normally characterized by parallelism in bal- carnate Word, of whom the Scriptures so faith-
anced lines. Most of the poetry in the Bible is in fully testify.
the Old Testament, and scholars differ regard-
The Committee on Bible Translation
ing the scansion of Hebrew lines. The transla-
tors determined the stanza divisions for the June 1978
most part by analysis of the subject matter. The (Revised August 1983)
stanzas therefore serve as poetic paragraphs.
As an aid to the reader, italicized sectional Names of the translators and editors may be secured
from the International Bible Society,
headings are inserted in most of the books. translation sponsors of the New International Version,
They are not to be regarded as part of the NIV 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs,
text, are not for oral reading, and are not in- Colorado 80921-3696 U.S.A.
tended to dictate the interpretation of the sec-
tions they head.
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THE
Old Testament
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Genesis
The Beginning move along the ground, and wild animals, each
according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and
the earth. 2 Now the earth was a formless and emp-
ty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and
the wild animals according to their kinds, the live-
stock according to their kinds, and all the crea-
the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. tures that move along the ground according to
3 And
their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
God said, “Let there be light,” and there was 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our im-
light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he age, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish
separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called of the sea and the birds of the air, over the live-
the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” stock, over all the earth, b and over all the creatures
And there was evening, and there was morning— that move along the ground.”
the first day.
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the 27 So God created man in his own image,
waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God in the image of God he created him;
made the expanse and separated the water under male and female he created them.
the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruit-
8 God called the expanse “sky.” And there was eve-
ful and increase in number; fill the earth and sub-
ning, and there was morning—the second day. due it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of
9 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gath-
the air and over every living creature that moves on
ered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And the ground.”
it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and 29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing
the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree
that it was good. that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for
11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegeta-
food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the
tion: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land birds of the air and all the creatures that move on
that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their the ground—everything that has the breath of life
various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it
vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their was so.
kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it ac- 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very
cording to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was
good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
morning—the third day.
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of
the sky to separate the day from the night, and let 2 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed
in all their vast array.
them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had
years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of been doing; so on the seventh day he rested c from
the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day
16 God made two great lights—the greater light to and made it holy, because on it he rested from all
govern the day and the lesser light to govern the the work of creating that he had done.
night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in
the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, Adam and Eve
4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth
18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate
light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. when they were created.
19 And there was evening, and there was morn-
When the LORD God made the earth and the heav-
ing—the fourth day. ens— 5 and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on
20 And God said, “Let the water teem with living crea-
the earth d and no plant of the field had yet sprung up,
tures, and let birds fly above the earth across the for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth d and
expanse of the sky.” 21 So God created the great there was no man to work the ground, 6 but streams e
creatures of the sea and every living and moving came up from the earth and watered the whole surface
thing with which the water teems, according to of the ground— 7 the LORD God formed the man f from
their kinds, and every winged bird according to its the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils
kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the
and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds in- east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
crease on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of
there was morning—the fifth day. the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and
24 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree
according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
a 2 Or possibly became b 26 Hebrew; Syriac all the wild animals c 2 Or ceased; also in verse 3 d 5 Or land; also in verse 6 e 6 Or
mist f 7 The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah); it is also the name Adam (see
Gen. 2:20).
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2 GENESIS 2:10
10 A
river watering the garden flowed from Eden; Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you
from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The not to eat from?”
name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the en- 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with
tire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
that land is good; aromatic resin a and onyx are also 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is
there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it this you have done?”
winds through the entire land of Cush. b 14 The name of The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I
the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of ate.”
Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the have done this,
Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the
“Cursed are you above all the livestock
LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat
and all the wild animals!
from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat
You will crawl on your belly
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for
and you will eat dust
when you eat of it you will surely die.”
18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground between you and the woman,
and between your offspring g and hers;
all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He
he will crush h your head,
brought them to the man to see what he would name
and you will strike his heel.”
them; and whatever the man called each living crea-
ture, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all 16 To the woman he said,
the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the
“I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
field.
with pain you will give birth to children.
But for Adam c no suitable helper was found. 21 So
Your desire will be for your husband,
the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep;
and he will rule over you.”
and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s
ribs d and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the 17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your
LORD God made a woman from the rib e he had taken wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded
out of the man, and he brought her to the man. you, ‘You must not eat of it,’
23 The man said,
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
“This is now bone of my bones through painful toil you will eat of it
and flesh of my flesh; all the days of your life.
she shall be called ‘woman, f ’ 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
for she was taken out of man.” and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
you will eat your food
and be united to his wife, and they will become one
until you return to the ground,
flesh.
25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
felt no shame.
and to dust you will return.”
The Fall of Man 20 Adam i named his wife Eve, j because she would
GENESIS 6:9 3
you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and
sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but daughters. 8 Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he
you must master it.” died.
8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to 9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the fa-
the field.” a And while they were in the field, Cain at- ther of Kenan. 10 And after he became the father of Ke-
tacked his brother Abel and killed him. nan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and
9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother daughters. 11 Altogether, Enosh lived 905 years, and then
Abel?” he died.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keep- 12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the fa-
er?” ther of Mahalalel. 13 And after he became the father of
10 The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons
brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now and daughters. 14 Altogether, Kenan lived 910 years, and
you are under a curse and driven from the ground, then he died.
which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood 15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the
from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it will no father of Jared. 16 And after he became the father of Ja-
longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wan- red, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and
derer on the earth.” daughters. 17 Altogether, Mahalalel lived 895 years, and
13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more then he died.
than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the 18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the fa-
land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be ther of Enoch. 19 And after he became the father of
a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and
will kill me.” daughters. 20 Altogether, Jared lived 962 years, and then
15 But the LORD said to him, “Not so b; if anyone kills he died.
Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the fa-
the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found ther of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of
him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the LORD’s Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had
presence and lived in the land of Nod, c east of Eden. other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365
17 Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more,
and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, because God took him away.
and he named it after his son Enoch. 18 To Enoch was 25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became
born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Me- the father of Lamech. 26 And after he became the father
hujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other
was the father of Lamech. sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Methuselah lived 969
19 Lamech married two women, one named Adah years, and then he died.
and the other Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was 28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son.
the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 29 He named him Noah j and said, “He will comfort us in
21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the
who play the harp and flute. 22 Zillah also had a son, Tu- ground the LORD has cursed.” 30 After Noah was born,
bal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of d bronze Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daugh-
and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. ters. 31 Altogether, Lamech lived 777 years, and then he
23 Lamech said to his wives, died.
32 After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father
“Adah and Zillah, listen to me;
of Shem, Ham and Japheth.
wives of Lamech, hear my words.
I have killed e a man for wounding me, The Flood
a young man for injuring me.
24 If Cain is avenged seven times,
then Lamech seventy-seven times.”
6GodWhen men began to increase in number on the
2
earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of
saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and
25 Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to they married any of them they chose. 3 Then
the LORD
a son and named him Seth, f saying, “God has granted said, “My Spirit will not contend with k man forever, for
me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed he is mortal l; his days will be a hundred and twenty
him.” 26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. years.”
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—
At that time men began to call on g the name of the
LORD. and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the
daughters of men and had children by them. They were
From Adam to Noah the heroes of old, men of renown.
5 When
This is the written account of Adam’s line. 5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the
earth had become, and that every inclination of the
God created man, he made him in the like- thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The
ness of God. 2 He created them male and female and LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth,
blessed them. And when they were created, he called and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, “I
them “man. h” will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that
his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am
Seth. 4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and grieved that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor
had other sons and daughters. 5 Altogether, Adam lived in the eyes of the LORD.
930 years, and then he died. 9 This
6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the fa- is the account of Noah.
ther i of Enosh. 7 And after he became the father of Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the
a 8 Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Masoretic Text does not have “Let’s go out to the field.” b 15 Septuagint,
Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew Very well c 16 Nod means wandering (see verses 12 and 14). d 22 Or who instructed all who work in
e 23 Or I will kill f 25 Seth probably means granted. g 26 Or to proclaim h 2 Hebrew adam i 6 Father may mean ancestor; also
in verses 7–26. j 29 Noah sounds like the Hebrew for comfort. k 3 Or My spirit will not remain in l 3 Or corrupt
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4 GENESIS 6:10
people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had the high mountains under the entire heavens were
three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. covered. 20 The waters rose and covered the mountains
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was to a depth of more than twenty feet. f, g 21 Every living
full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had thing that moved on the earth perished—birds, live-
become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their stock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over
ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on dry land
to all people, for the earth is filled with violence be- that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every
cause of them. I am surely going to destroy both them living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out;
and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress a men and animals and the creatures that move along
wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from
and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in
450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. b 16 Make a the ark.
roof for it and finish c the ark to within 18 inches d of the 24 The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fif-
top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, ty days.
middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring flood-
waters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens,
every creature that has the breath of life in it. Every-
8 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals
and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and
he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.
thing on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my cov- 2 Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the
enant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped fall-
your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. ing from the sky. 3 The water receded steadily from the
19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures,
earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water
male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of had gone down, 4 and on the seventeenth day of the
every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of
kind of creature that moves along the ground will come Ararat. 5 The waters continued to recede until the tenth
to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops
food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you of the mountains became visible.
and for them.” 6 After forty days Noah opened the window he had
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
made in the ark 7 and sent out a raven, and it kept fly-
7 The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you
and your whole family, because I have found you
righteous in this generation. 2 Take with you seven e of
ing back and forth until the water had dried up from
the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove to see if the water
had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the
every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and dove could find no place to set its feet because there
two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its was water over all the surface of the earth; so it re-
mate, 3 and also seven of every kind of bird, male and fe- turned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand
male, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the and took the dove and brought it back to himself in
earth. 4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the the ark. 10 He waited seven more days and again sent
earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to
from the face of the earth every living creature I have him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly
made.” plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had
5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.
6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwa-
receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days
and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not re-
ters came on the earth. 7 And Noah and his sons and his turn to him.
wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the 13 By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six
waters of the flood. 8 Pairs of clean and unclean ani- hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the
mals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ark
ground, 9 male and female, came to Noah and entered and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. 14 By the
the ark, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And after the twenty-seventh day of the second month the earth was
seven days the floodwaters came on the earth. completely dry.
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the sev-
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Come out of the ark,
enteenth day of the second month—on that day all the you and your wife and your sons and their wives.
springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates 17 Bring out every kind of living creature that is with
of the heavens were opened. 12 And rain fell on the earth you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that
forty days and forty nights. move along the ground—so they can multiply on the
13 On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham
earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it.”
and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his 18 So Noah came out, together with his sons and his
three sons, entered the ark. 14 They had with them every wife and his sons’ wives. 19 All the animals and all the
wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according creatures that move along the ground and all the
to their kinds, every creature that moves along the birds—everything that moves on the earth—came out
ground according to its kind and every bird according to of the ark, one kind after another.
its kind, everything with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures 20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking
that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacri-
entered the ark. 16 The animals going in were male and ficed burnt offerings on it. 21 The LORD smelled the
female of every living thing, as God had commanded pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I
Noah. Then the LORD shut him in. curse the ground because of man, even though h every
17 For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth,
inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And nev-
and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high
er again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
above the earth. 18 The waters rose and increased
greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface 22 “As
long as the earth endures,
of the water. 19 They rose greatly on the earth, and all seedtime and harvest,
a 14 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b 15 Hebrew 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high (about 140
meters long, 23 meters wide and 13.5 meters high) c 16 Or Make an opening for light by finishing d 16 Hebrew a cubit (about 0.5
meter) e 2 Or seven pairs; also in verse 3 f 20 Hebrew fifteen cubits (about 6.9 meters) g 20 Or rose more than twenty feet, and the
mountains were covered h 21 Or man, for
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GENESIS 10:21 5
cold and heat, 24 WhenNoah awoke from his wine and found out
summer and winter, what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said,
day and night
“Cursed be Canaan!
will never cease.”
The lowest of slaves
God’s Covenant With Noah will he be to his brothers.”
on the earth and increase upon it.” Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah.
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 9 “I 4 The sons of Javan:
now establish my covenant with you and with your de- Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim and the Rodanim. f
5 (From these the maritime peoples spread out
scendants after you 10 and with every living creature
that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the into their territories by their clans within their
wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with nations, each with its own language.)
you—every living creature on earth. 11 I establish my The Hamites
covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by 6 The sons of Ham:
the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to Cush, Mizraim, g Put and Canaan.
destroy the earth.” 7 The sons of Cush:
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am
Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah and Sabteca.
making between me and you and every living creature The sons of Raamah:
with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I Sheba and Dedan.
have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the
sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 8 Cush was the father h of Nimrod, who grew to be a
14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rain- mighty warrior on the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter
bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my cov- before the LORD; that is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a
enant between me and you and all living creatures of mighty hunter before the LORD.” 10 The first centers of his
every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood kingdom were Babylon, Erech, Akkad and Calneh, in i
to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in Shinar. j 11 From that land he went to Assyria, where he
the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, k Calah 12 and Resen, which is
covenant between God and all living creatures of every between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city.
kind on the earth.” 13 Mizraim
17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the cov- was the father of
the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites,
enant I have established between me and all life on the 14 Pathrusites, Casluhites (from whom the Phi-
earth.”
listines came) and Caphtorites.
The Sons of Noah 15 Canaan was the father of
18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Sidon his firstborn, l and of the Hittites, 16 Jebu-
Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Ca- sites, Amorites, Girgashites, 17 Hivites, Arkites,
naan.) 19 These were the three sons of Noah, and from Sinites, 18 Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites.
them came the people who were scattered over the Later the Canaanite clans scattered 19 and the bor-
earth. ders of Canaan reached from Sidon toward Gerar as far
20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded a to plant a
as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah
vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.
drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the fa- 20 These are the sons of Ham by their clans and lan-
ther of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his guages, in their territories and nations.
two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a
garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they The Semites
walked in backward and covered their father’s naked- 21 Sons were also born to Shem, whose older brother
ness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they was m Japheth; Shem was the ancestor of all the sons of
would not see their father’s nakedness. Eber.
a 20 Or soil, was the first b 26 Or be his slave c 27 Japheth sounds like the Hebrew for extend. d 27 Or their e 2 Sons may mean
descendants or successors or nations; also in verses 3, 4, 6, 7, 20–23, 29 and 31. f 4 Some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and
Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Septuagint and 1 Chron. 1:7); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text Dodanim g 6 That is, Egypt; also
in verse 13 h 8 Father may mean ancestor or predecessor or founder; also in verses 13, 15, 24 and 26. i 10 Or Erech and Akkad—all of
them in j 10 That is, Babylonia k 11 Or Nineveh with its city squares l 15 Or of the Sidonians, the foremost m 21 Or Shem, the
older brother of
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6 GENESIS 10:22
22The sons of Shem: 20 When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father
Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram. of Serug. 21 And after he became the father of Serug, Reu
23 The sons of Aram: lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters.
Uz, Hul, Gether and Meshech. a 22 When Serug had lived 30 years, he became the fa-
24 Arphaxad was the father of b Shelah, ther of Nahor. 23 And after he became the father of Na-
and Shelah the father of Eber. hor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and
25 Two sons were born to Eber: daughters.
One was named Peleg, c because in his time the 24 When Nahor had lived 29 years, he became the fa-
earth was divided; his brother was named Jok- ther of Terah. 25 And after he became the father of Terah,
tan. Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daugh-
26 Joktan was the father of ters.
26 After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the fa-
Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Ha-
doram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, ther of Abram, Nahor and Haran.
29 Ophir, Havilah and Jobab. All these were sons
27 This is the account of Terah.
of Joktan.
30 The region where they lived stretched from Mesha to-
Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Ha-
ran. And Haran became the father of Lot. 28 While his
ward Sephar, in the eastern hill country. father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chal-
31 These are the sons of Shem by their clans and lan-
deans, in the land of his birth. 29 Abram and Nahor both
guages, in their territories and nations. married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the
32 These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah; she was the daughter
their lines of descent, within their nations. From these of Haran, the father of both Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now
the nations spread out over the earth after the flood. Sarai was barren; she had no children.
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of
The Tower of Babel Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his
11 Now the whole world had one language and a
common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, d they
found a plain in Shinar e and settled there.
son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the
Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Ha-
ran, they settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of
stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us The Call of Abram
build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the
heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves 12 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country,
your people and your father’s household and go
to the land I will show you.
and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the 2 “I will make you into a great nation
tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as and I will bless you;
one people speaking the same language they have be- I will make your name great,
gun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be im- and you will be a blessing.
possible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse 3 I will bless those who bless you,
their language so they will not understand each other.” and whoever curses you I will curse;
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the
and all peoples on earth
earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it will be blessed through you.”
was called Babel f—because there the LORD confused 4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot
the language of the whole world. From there the LORD
scattered them over the face of the whole earth. went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when
he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his
From Shem to Abram nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated
10 This is the account of Shem. and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set
out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years 6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of
old, he became the father g of Arphaxad. 11 And after he the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Ca-
became the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years naanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to
and had other sons and daughters. Abram and said, “To your offspring i I will give this
12 When Arphaxad had lived 35 years, he became the
land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had ap-
father of Shelah. 13 And after he became the father of peared to him.
Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons 8 From there he went on toward the hills east of
and daughters. h Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west
14 When Shelah had lived 30 years, he became the fa-
and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD
ther of Eber. 15 And after he became the father of Eber, and called on the name of the LORD. 9 Then Abram set
Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daugh- out and continued toward the Negev.
ters.
16 When Eber had lived 34 years, he became the fa- Abram in Egypt
ther of Peleg. 17 And after he became the father of Peleg, 10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram
Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters. went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the
18 When Peleg had lived 30 years, he became the fa- famine was severe. 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he
ther of Reu. 19 And after he became the father of Reu, said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman
Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daugh- you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say,
ters. ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you
a 23 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 1:17; Hebrew Mash b 24 Hebrew; Septuagint father of Cainan, and Cainan was the father of
c 25Peleg means division. d 2 Or from the east; or in the east e 2 That is, Babylonia f 9 That is, Babylon; Babel sounds like the
Hebrew for confused. g 10 Father may mean ancestor; also in verses 11–25. h 12,13 Hebrew; Septuagint (see also Luke 3:35, 36 and
note at Gen. 10:24) 35 years, he became the father of Cainan. 13And after he became the father of Cainan, Arphaxad lived 430 years and had
other sons and daughters, and then he died. When Cainan had lived 130 years, he became the father of Shelah. And after he became the
father of Shelah, Cainan lived 330 years and had other sons and daughters i 7 Or seed
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GENESIS 15:2 7
live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well Siddim (the Salt Sea c). 4 For twelve years they had been
for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they
14 When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw rebelled.
that she was a very beautiful woman. 15 And when Phar- 5 In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings
aoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in
she was taken into his palace. 16 He treated Abram well Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in
for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, Shaveh Kiriathaim 6 and the Horites in the hill country
male and female donkeys, menservants and maidser- of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert. 7 Then they
vants, and camels. turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh),
17 But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalek-
and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. 18 So ites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazazon
Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to Tamar.
me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your 8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the
wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela
her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle
and go!” 20 Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to lines in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Kedorlaomer king
his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar
and everything he had. and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.
10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when
Abram and Lot Separate the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the
13 So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with
his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with
2
him. Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and
men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. 11 The
four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah
and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also car-
in silver and gold. ried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since
3 From the Negev he went from place to place until
he was living in Sodom.
he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai 13 One who had escaped came and reported this to
where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the
built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother d of Eshcol
LORD. and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When
5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also
Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he
had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not called out the 318 trained men born in his household
support them while they stayed together, for their pos- and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night
sessions were so great that they were not able to stay to- Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed
gether. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herds- them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damas-
men and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and cus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his
Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. relative Lot and his possessions, together with the
8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling
women and the other people.
between you and me, or between your herdsmen and 17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer
mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came
you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the
the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” King’s Valley).
10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem e brought out
Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and
like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the he blessed Abram, saying,
LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose
for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out to- “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
ward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram Creator f of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be g God Most High,
lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the
cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
greatly against the LORD. 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the
14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from people and keep the goods for yourself.”
him, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have
north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of
see I will give to you and your offspring a forever. 16 I will heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23 that I will
make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or
anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to
be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but
of the land, for I am giving it to you.” what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mam-
the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an re. Let them have their share.”
altar to the LORD.
God’s Covenant With Abram
Abram Rescues Lot
14 At this time Amraphel king of Shinar, b Arioch king
of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal
15 After this, the word of the L
vision:
ORD came to Abram in a
8 GENESIS 15:3
give me since I remain childless and the one who will “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she an-
inherit a my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram swered.
said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in 9 Then the angel of the LORD told her, “Go back to
my household will be my heir.” your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel added, “I
4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will so increase your descendants that they will be too
will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own numerous to count.”
body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, 11 The angel of the LORD also said to her:
“Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed
you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall “You are now with child
your offspring be.” and you will have a son.
6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him You shall name him Ishmael, c
as righteousness. for the LORD has heard of your misery.
12 He will be a wild donkey of a man;
7 He also said to him, “I am the LORD, who brought
you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to his hand will be against everyone
take possession of it.” and everyone’s hand against him,
8 But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, how can I know and he will live in hostility
that I will gain possession of it?” toward d all his brothers.”
9 So the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat 13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her:
and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have
young pigeon.” now seen e the One who sees me.” 14 That is why the well
10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two
was called Beer Lahai Roi f; it is still there, between Ka-
and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, desh and Bered.
however, he did not cut in half. 11 Then birds of prey 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the
came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them name Ishmael to the son she had borne. 16 Abram was
away. eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep
sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over The Covenant of Circumcision
him. 13 Then the LORD said to him, “Know for certain
that your descendants will be strangers in a country not
their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated
17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD
appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty g;
walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my
four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they covenant between me and you and will greatly increase
serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with your numbers.”
great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your fa- 3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for
thers in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In the me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father
fourth generation your descendants will come back of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram h;
here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its your name will be Abraham, i for I have made you a fa-
full measure.” ther of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I
17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a
will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.
smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant
passed between the pieces. 18 On that day the LORD between me and you and your descendants after you for
made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your de- the generations to come, to be your God and the God of
scendants I give this land, from the river b of Egypt to the your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Ca-
great river, the Euphrates— 19 the land of the Kenites, naan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an ever-
Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Repha- lasting possession to you and your descendants after
ites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.” you; and I will be their God.”
9 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must
Hagar and Ishmael
keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you
16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no chil-
dren. But she had an Egyptian maidservant
2
named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The L has ORD
for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with
you and your descendants after you, the covenant you
kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maid- are to keep: Every male among you shall be circum-
servant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” cised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be
Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the
had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took generations to come every male among you who is
her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her eight days old must be circumcised, including those
husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she born in your household or bought with money from a
conceived. foreigner—those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether
When she knew she was pregnant, she began to de- born in your household or bought with your money,
spise her mistress. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is
responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my ser- to be an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised
vant in your arms, and now that she knows she is preg- male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be
nant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife,
you and me.”
6 “Your servant is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sar-
with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreat- ah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.
ed Hagar; so she fled from her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations;
7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in kings of peoples will come from her.”
the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to 17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to
Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years
you come from, and where are you going?” old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 And
a2The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. b 18 Or Wadi c 11 Ishmael means God hears. d 12 Or live to the east /
of e 13 Or seen the back of f 14 Beer Lahai Roi means well of the Living One who sees me. g 1 Hebrew El-Shaddai h 5 Abram
means exalted father. i 5 Abraham means father of many.
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GENESIS 19:6 9
Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham
your blessing!” will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all
19 Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I
you a son, and you will call him Isaac. a I will establish have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and
my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by
his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring
heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruit- about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
ful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the 20 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom
father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
nation. 21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as
whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will
22 When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God know.”
went up from him. 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom,
23 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. f
and all those born in his household or bought with his 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you
money, every male in his household, and circumcised sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if
them, as God told him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you
years old when he was circumcised, 25 and his son Ish- really sweep it away and not spare g the place for the
mael was thirteen; 26 Abraham and his son Ishmael sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from
were both circumcised on that same day. 27 And every you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the
male in Abraham’s household, including those born in wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far
his household or bought from a foreigner, was circum- be it from you! Will not the Judge h of all the earth do
cised with him. right?”
26 The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in
The Three Visitors the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their
18 The L ORDappeared to Abraham near the great
trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the en-
trance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham 2
sake.”
27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have
been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am noth-
looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he ing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the
saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the
meet them and bowed low to the ground. whole city because of five people?”
3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my
“If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not de-
lord, b do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be stroy it.”
brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest 29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty
under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so are found there?”
you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”
that you have come to your servant.” 30 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,”
He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”
he said, “get three seahs c of fine flour and knead it and 31 Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to
bake some bread.” speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, ten-
there?”
der calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.”
it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf 32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let
that had been prepared, and set these before them. me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found
While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. there?”
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.
He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not de-
“There, in the tent,” he said. stroy it.”
10 Then the LORD d said, “I will surely return to you 33 When the LORD had finished speaking with Abra-
about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have ham, he left, and Abraham returned home.
a son.”
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were al-
ready old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was 19 The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening,
and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city.
When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed
past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to her-
self as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master e down with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said,
is old, will I now have this pleasure?” “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your
laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am way early in the morning.”
old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the
you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have square.”
3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with
a son.”
15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for
laugh.” them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before
But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the
city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the
Abraham Pleads for Sodom house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who
16 When the men got up to leave, they looked down came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we
toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them can have sex with them.”
to see them on their way. 17 Then the LORD said, “Shall I 6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door
a 19 Isaac means he laughs. b 3 Or O Lord c 6 That is, probably about 20 quarts (about 22 liters) d 10 Hebrew Then he e 12 Or
husband f 22 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition but the LORD remained standing before Abraham g 24 Or forgive;
also in verse 26 h 25 Or Ruler
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10 GENESIS 19:7
behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this there is no man around here to lie with us, as is the cus-
wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have tom all over the earth. 32 Let’s get our father to drink
never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, wine and then lie with him and preserve our family line
and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do through our father.”
anything to these men, for they have come under the 33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and
protection of my roof.” the older daughter went in and lay with him. He was
9 “Get out of our way,” they replied. And they said, not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
“This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to 34 The next day the older daughter said to the youn-
play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They ger, “Last night I lay with my father. Let’s get him to
kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and lie with
break down the door. him so we can preserve our family line through our fa-
10 But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot ther.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night
back into the house and shut the door. 11 Then they also, and the younger daughter went and lay with him.
struck the men who were at the door of the house, Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or
young and old, with blindness so that they could not when she got up.
find the door. 36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by
12 The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she
else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone named him Moab e; he is the father of the Moabites of
else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she
here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The named him Ben-Ammi f; he is the father of the Ammon-
outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he ites of today.
has sent us to destroy it.”
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who Abraham and Abimelech
were pledged to marry a his daughters. He said, “Hurry
and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to 20 Now Abraham moved on from there into the re-
gion of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and
2
Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, and there Abra-
destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was
joking. ham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Then
15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream one night
saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters
who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is and said to him, “You are as good as dead because of the
punished.” woman you have taken; she is a married woman.”
16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and 4 Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he said,
the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 5 Did he not
them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and didn’t she also say, ‘He
them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of is my brother’? I have done this with a clear conscience
them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and and clean hands.”
6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know
don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains
or you will be swept away!” you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept
18 But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, b please! you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let
19 Your c servant has found favor in your c eyes, and you c you touch her. 7 Now return the man’s wife, for he is a
have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if
I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all
me, and I’ll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to yours will die.”
8 Early the next morning Abimelech summoned all
run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small,
isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.” his officials, and when he told them all that had hap-
21 He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request pened, they were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelech
too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But called Abraham in and said, “What have you done to
flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until us? How have I wronged you that you have brought
you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar. d) such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have
23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen done things to me that should not be done.” 10 And
over the land. 24 Then the LORD rained down burning Abimelech asked Abraham, “What was your reason for
sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of doing this?”
11 Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely
the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the
entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me be-
also the vegetation in the land. 26 But Lot’s wife looked cause of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she really is my sister, the
back, and she became a pillar of salt. daughter of my father though not of my mother; and
27 Early the next morning Abraham got up and re- she became my wife. 13 And when God had me wander
turned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how
28 He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, to- you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of
ward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”
14 Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and
rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace.
29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and
remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the he returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelech
catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had said, “My land is before you; live wherever you like.”
16 To Sarah he said, “I am giving your brother a thou-
lived.
sand shekels g of silver. This is to cover the offense
Lot and His Daughters against you before all who are with you; you are com-
30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in pletely vindicated.”
the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and 17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed
his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 One day the older Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could
daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and have children again, 18 for the LORD had closed up every
a 14 Or were married to b 18 Or No, Lord; or No, my lord c 19 The Hebrew is singular. d 22 Zoar means small. e 37 Moab sounds
like the Hebrew for from father. f 38 Ben-Ammi means son of my people. g 16 That is, about 25 pounds (about 11.5 kilograms)
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GENESIS 22:17 11
womb in Abimelech’s household because of Abraham’s 26 But Abimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this.
wife Sarah. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.”
27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave
The Birth of Isaac them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty.
21 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had
said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had
promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to
28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,
29 and Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning
of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by them-
Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had prom- selves?”
ised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac a to the son 30 He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my
Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, hand as a witness that I dug this well.”
Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 31 So that place was called Beersheba, d because the
5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac two men swore an oath there.
was born to him. 32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba,
6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and ev- Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces re-
eryone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And turned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted
she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sar- a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon
ah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham
his old age.” stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away Abraham Tested
8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day
Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sar- 22“Here
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to
him, “Abraham!”
I am,” he replied.
ah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had
2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son,
borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abra-
ham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.
slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the
with my son Isaac.” mountains I will tell you about.”
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and sad-
11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it
concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so dled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants
distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for
to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told
that your offspring b will be reckoned. 13 I will make the him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and
son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants,
your offspring.” “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over
14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food there. We will worship and then we will come back to
you.”
and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and
them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the
boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
Beersheba. 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Fa-
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the
ther?”
boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where
thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
there nearby, she c began to sob. 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the
17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God
lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of
called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is them went on together.
the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the 9 When they reached the place God had told him
boy crying as he lies there. 18 Lift the boy up and take about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the
him by the hand, for I will make him into a great na- wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the
tion.” altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his
19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of
hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel
water. So she went and filled the skin with water and of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham!
gave the boy a drink. Abraham!”
20 God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the “Here I am,” he replied.
desert and became an archer. 21 While he was living in 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do
the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, be-
Egypt. cause you have not withheld from me your son, your
only son.”
The Treaty at Beersheba 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a
22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the command-
ram e caught by its horns. He went over and took the
er of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in ev- ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his
erything you do. 23 Now swear to me here before God son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Pro-
that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or vide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the
my descendants. Show to me and the country where LORD it will be provided.”
you are living as an alien the same kindness I have 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from
shown to you.” heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself,
24 Abraham said, “I swear it.” declares the LORD, that because you have done this and
25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will sure-
well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized. ly bless you and make your descendants as numerous
a3 Isaac means he laughs. b 12 Or seed c 16 Hebrew; Septuagint the child d 31 Beersheba can mean well of seven or well of the
oath. e 13 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic
Text a ram behind õhimÕ
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12 GENESIS 22:18
as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my
Your descendants will take possession of the cities of thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of
their enemies, 18 and through your offspring a all na- heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife
tions on earth will be blessed, because you have for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites,
obeyed me.” among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”
set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in 5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is un-
cept it from me so I can bury my dead there.” water for your camels too, until they have finished
14 Ephron answered Abraham, 15 “Listen to me, my drinking.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the
lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels d of silver, trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and
but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.” drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a
16 Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or
out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the not the LORD had made his journey successful.
22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man
Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the
weight current among the merchants. took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka g and two
17 So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. h 23 Then he asked,
the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room
borders of the field—was deeded 18 to Abraham as his in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”
24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel,
property in the presence of all the Hittites who had
come to the gate of the city. 19 Afterward Abraham bur- the son that Milcah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added,
ied his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for
near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan. you to spend the night.”
20 So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham 26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the
by the Hittites as a burial site. LORD, 27 saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my
master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness
Isaac and Rebekah and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has
24
2
Abraham was now old and well advanced in
years, and the L had blessed him in every way.
ORD
He said to the chief servant in his household, the one
e
led me on the journey to the house of my master’s rela-
tives.”
28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household
a 18,7 Or seed b 3 Or the sons of Heth; also in verses 5, 7, 10, 16, 18 and 20 c 11 Or sell d 15 That is, about 10 pounds (about 4.5
kilograms) e 2 Or oldest f 10 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia g 22 That is, about 1/5 ounce (about 5.5 grams) h 22 That is,
about 4 ounces (about 110 grams)
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GENESIS 25:17 13
about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send
named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the me on my way to my master.”
spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the 55 But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the
bracelets on his sister’s arms, and had heard Rebekah girl remain with us ten days or so; then you b may go.”
tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man 56 But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that
and found him standing by the camels near the spring. the LORD has granted success to my journey. Send me on
31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” he said. my way so I may go to my master.”
“Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the 57 Then they said, “Let’s call the girl and ask her
house and a place for the camels.” about it.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will
32 So the man went to the house, and the camels you go with this man?”
were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the “I will go,” she said.
camels, and water for him and his men to wash their 59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along
feet. 33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men.
not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,
“Then tell us,” õLabanÕ said.
34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The LORD “Our sister, may you increase
to thousands upon thousands;
has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become
may your offspring possess
wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and
the gates of their enemies.”
gold, menservants and maidservants, and camels and
donkeys. 36 My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son 61 Then Rebekah and her maids got ready and
in her a old age, and he has given him everything he mounted their camels and went back with the man. So
owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and the servant took Rebekah and left.
said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the 62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he
daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one
go to my father’s family and to my own clan, and get a evening to meditate, c and as he looked up, he saw cam-
wife for my son.’ els approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw
39 “Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the
not come back with me?’ servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to
40 “He replied, ‘The LORD, before whom I have meet us?”
walked, will send his angel with you and make your “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she
journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son took her veil and covered herself.
from my own clan and from my father’s family. 41 Then, 66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done.
when you go to my clan, you will be released from my 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah,
oath even if they refuse to give her to you—you will be and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and
released from my oath.’ he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s
42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘O LORD, death.
God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant
success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am The Death of Abraham
25 Abraham took another wife, whose name was
d
standing beside this spring; if a maiden comes out to
2
Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan,
draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little
3
Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of
water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink,
and I’ll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the
one the LORD has chosen for my master’s son.’ Asshurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. 4 The
45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and
came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But
to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please
give me a drink.’ while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his
46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to
and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I the land of the east.
7 Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-
drank, and she watered the camels also.
47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at
“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was
whom Milcah bore to him.’ gathered to his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael
“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in
her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the LORD. the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field
I praised the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who Abraham had bought from the Hittites. e There Abra-
had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of ham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 After Abraham’s
my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near
kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if Beer Lahai Roi.
not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.” Ishmael’s Sons
50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the
12 This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael,
LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. whom Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar the Egyptian, bore to
51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become
Abraham.
the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed.”
52 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed
bowed down to the ground before the LORD. 53 Then the in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ish-
servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles mael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Mas-
of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave sa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah.
costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he 16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the
and the men who were with him ate and drank and names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their set-
spent the night there. tlements and camps. 17 Altogether, Ishmael lived a hun-
a 36 Or his b 55 Or she c 63 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. d1 Or had taken e 10 Or the sons of Heth
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14 GENESIS 25:18
dred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and 8 When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech
died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descen- king of the Philistines looked down from a window and
dants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 So Abimelech
border of Egypt, as you go toward Asshur. And they summoned Isaac and said, “She is really your wife! Why
lived in hostility toward a all their brothers. did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”
Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might lose
Jacob and Esau my life on account of her.”
19 This is the account of Abraham’s son Isaac. 10 Then Abimelech said, “What is this you have done
Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac to us? One of the men might well have slept with your
was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”
11 So Abimelech gave orders to all the people: “Any-
of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram b and sister
of Laban the Aramean. one who molests this man or his wife shall surely be put
21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, be- to death.”
12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year
cause she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer,
and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him.
13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to
jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this
happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many
23 The LORD said to her, flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines en-
vied him. 15 So all the wells that his father’s servants had
“Two nations are in your womb, dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines
and two peoples from within you will be stopped up, filling them with earth.
separated; 16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Move away from
one people will be stronger than the other, us; you have become too powerful for us.”
and the older will serve the younger.” 17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in
24 When the time came for her to give birth, there the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 Isaac reopened
were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out the wells that had been dug in the time of his father
was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after
they named him Esau. c 26 After this, his brother came Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his
out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was father had given them.
19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a
named Jacob. d Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah
gave birth to them. well of fresh water there. 20 But the herdsmen of Gerar
27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is
hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a ours!” So he named the well Esek, g because they dis-
quiet man, staying among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a puted with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they
taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Ja- quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. h
22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no
cob.
29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, i saying,
came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to “Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in
Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m the land.”
23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 That night
famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom. e)
31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of
32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with
the birthright to me?” you; I will bless you and will increase the number of
33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.”
25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of
oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his ser-
stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. vants dug a well.
26 Meanwhile, Abimelech had come to him from Ge-
So Esau despised his birthright.
rar, with Ahuzzath his personal adviser and Phicol the
Isaac and Abimelech commander of his forces. 27 Isaac asked them, “Why
GENESIS 28:2 15
ter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They were a source of grief to and of earth’s richness—
Isaac and Rebekah. an abundance of grain and new wine.
29 May nations serve you
Jacob Gets Isaac’s Blessing and peoples bow down to you.
27 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak
that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his
older son and said to him, “My son.”
Be lord over your brothers,
and may the sons of your mother bow down to
you.
“Here I am,” he answered. May those who curse you be cursed
2 Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know
and those who bless you be blessed.”
the day of my death. 3 Now then, get your weapons—
30 After Isaac finished blessing him and Jacob had
your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country
to hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare me the kind of scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau
tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may came in from hunting. 31 He too prepared some tasty
give you my blessing before I die.” food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him,
5 Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his “My father, sit up and eat some of my game, so that you
son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt may give me your blessing.”
32 His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?”
game and bring it back, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob,
“Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, “I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn,
7 ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food Esau.”
33 Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it,
to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the pres-
ence of the LORD before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen care- then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it
fully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed
bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare he will be blessed!”
34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out
some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it.
10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless
you his blessing before he dies.” me—me too, my father!”
35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and
11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother
Esau is a hairy man, and I’m a man with smooth skin. took your blessing.”
36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob a? He has
12 What if my father touches me? I would appear to be
tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself deceived me these two times: He took my birthright,
rather than a blessing.” and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked,
13 His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?”
37 Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over
on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”
14 So he went and got them and brought them to his you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I
mother, and she prepared some tasty food, just the way have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what
his father liked it. 15 Then Rebekah took the best clothes can I possibly do for you, my son?”
38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one
of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and
blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then
put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 She also covered
Esau wept aloud.
his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the 39 His father Isaac answered him,
goatskins. 17 Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty
food and the bread she had made. “Your dwelling will be
18 He went to his father and said, “My father.” away from the earth’s richness,
“Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?” away from the dew of heaven above.
19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I 40 You will live by the sword
have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of and you will serve your brother.
my game so that you may give me your blessing.” But when you grow restless,
20 Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quick- you will throw his yoke
ly, my son?” from off your neck.”
“The LORD your God gave me success,” he replied.
21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can Jacob Flees to Laban
41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the
touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my
son Esau or not.” blessing his father had given him. He said to himself,
22 Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I
him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the will kill my brother Jacob.”
42 When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau
hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 He did not recognize
him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to
Esau; so he blessed him. 24 “Are you really my son Esau?” him, “Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the
he asked. thought of killing you. 43 Now then, my son, do what I
“I am,” he replied. say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. 44 Stay
25 Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides.
45 When your brother is no longer angry with you and
game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.”
Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to
some wine and he drank. 26 Then his father Isaac said to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in
him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” one day?”
46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with
27 So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac
caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a
wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite
“Ah, the smell of my son women like these, my life will not be worth living.”
is like the smell of a field
that the LORD has blessed.
28 May God give you of heaven’s dew
28 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed b him and
commanded him: “Do not marry a Canaanite
woman. 2 Go at once to Paddan Aram, c to the house of
a 36Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively, he deceives). b1 Or greeted c2 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia; also in verses 5,
6 and 7
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16 GENESIS 28:3
your mother’s father Bethuel. Take a wife for yourself 5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, Nahor’s
there, from among the daughters of Laban, your moth- grandson?”
er’s brother. 3 May God Almighty a bless you and make “Yes, we know him,” they answered.
you fruitful and increase your numbers until you be- 6 Then Jacob asked them, “Is he well?”
come a community of peoples. 4 May he give you and “Yes, he is,” they said, “and here comes his daughter
your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that Rachel with the sheep.”
you may take possession of the land where you now live 7 “Look,” he said, “the sun is still high; it is not time
as an alien, the land God gave to Abraham.” 5 Then Isaac for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take
sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to them back to pasture.”
Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Re- 8 “We can’t,” they replied, “until all the flocks are
bekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau. gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the
6 Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.”
had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, 9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel came
and that when he blessed him he commanded him, with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.
“Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” 7 and that Jacob 10 When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of Laban, his moth-
had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Pad- er’s brother, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled
dan Aram. 8 Esau then realized how displeasing the Ca- the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered
naanite women were to his father Isaac; 9 so he went to his uncle’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and be-
Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth gan to weep aloud. 12 He had told Rachel that he was a
and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran
the wives he already had. and told her father.
13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his
Jacob’s Dream at Bethel sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him
10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. 11 When
and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there
he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night be- Jacob told him all these things. 14 Then Laban said to
cause the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he him, “You are my own flesh and blood.”
put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a
dream in which he saw a stairway b resting on the earth, Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God After Jacob had stayed with him for a whole month,
were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it c 15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of
stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what
your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give your wages should be.”
you and your descendants the land on which you are ly- 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the
ing. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Ra-
earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the chel. 17 Leah had weak g eyes, but Rachel was lovely in
east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth form, and beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel
will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 I am and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for
with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and your younger daughter Rachel.”
I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you 19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to
until I have done what I have promised you.” some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served
16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a
“Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of few days to him because of his love for her.
it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My
place! This is none other than the house of God; this is time is completed, and I want to lie with her.”
the gate of heaven.” 22 So Laban brought together all the people of the
18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he
had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob
poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel, d lay with her. 24 And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to
though the city used to be called Luz. his daughter as her maidservant.
20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be 25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said
with me and will watch over me on this journey I am to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served
taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”
21 so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the 26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give
LORD e will be my God 22 and f this stone that I have set up the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.
as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give
me I will give you a tenth.” you the younger one also, in return for another seven
years of work.”
Jacob Arrives in Paddan Aram 28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah,
father’s house, the LORD f 21,22 Or house, and the LORD will be my God, 22then g 17 Or delicate h 32 Reuben sounds like the Hebrew
for he has seen my misery; the name means see, a son.
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GENESIS 31:5 17
33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a homeland. 26 Give me my wives and children, for whom
son she said, “Because the LORD heard that I am not I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know
loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Sim- how much work I’ve done for you.”
eon. a 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in
34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that l
son she said, “Now at last my husband will become at- the LORD has blessed me because of you.” 28 He added,
tached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”
he was named Levi. b 29 Jacob said to him, “You know how I have worked
35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a for you and how your livestock has fared under my care.
son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she 30 The little you had before I came has increased greatly,
named him Judah. c Then she stopped having children. and the LORD has blessed you wherever I have been. But
sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for praise. d 6 Dan here means he has vindicated. e 8 Naphtali means my struggle.
f 11 Or “A troop is coming!” g 11 Gad can mean good fortune or a troop. h 13 Asher means happy. i 18 Issachar sounds like the
Hebrew for reward. j 20 Zebulun probably means honor. k 24 Joseph means may he add. l 27 Or possibly have become rich and
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18 GENESIS 31:6
6 You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my was sitting on them. Laban searched through every-
strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me by changing thing in the tent but found nothing.
my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him 35 Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord,
to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my
wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; period.” So he searched but could not find the house-
and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ hold gods.
36 Jacob was angry and took Laban to task. “What is
then all the flocks bore streaked young. 9 So God has
taken away your father’s livestock and has given them my crime?” he asked Laban. “What sin have I commit-
to me. ted that you hunt me down? 37 Now that you have
10 “In breeding season I once had a dream in which I searched through all my goods, what have you found
looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the that belongs to your household? Put it here in front of
flock were streaked, speckled or spotted. 11 The angel of your relatives and mine, and let them judge between
God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I the two of us.
38 “I have been with you for twenty years now. Your
am.’ 12 And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male
goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten
spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to rams from your flocks. 39 I did not bring you animals
you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pil- torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you de-
lar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this manded payment from me for whatever was stolen by
land at once and go back to your native land.’ ” day or night. 40 This was my situation: The heat con-
14 Then Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have sumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and
any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? sleep fled from my eyes. 41 It was like this for the twenty
15 Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he years I was in your household. I worked for you fourteen
sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. years for your two daughters and six years for your
16 Surely all the wealth that God took away from our fa- flocks, and you changed my wages ten times. 42 If the
ther belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of
God has told you.” Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have
17 Then Jacob put his children and his wives on cam- sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my
els, 18 and he drove all his livestock ahead of him, along hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he re-
with all the goods he had accumulated in Paddan buked you.”
43 Laban answered Jacob, “The women are my
Aram, a to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.
19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel daughters, the children are my children, and the flocks
stole her father’s household gods. 20 Moreover, Jacob de- are my flocks. All you see is mine. Yet what can I do
ceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was today about these daughters of mine, or about the chil-
dren they have borne? 44 Come now, let’s make a cov-
running away. 21 So he fled with all he had, and crossing
enant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness be-
the River, b he headed for the hill country of Gilead.
tween us.”
Laban Pursues Jacob 45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 He
22 On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took
fled. 23 Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by
for seven days and caught up with him in the hill coun- the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, c and Jacob
try of Gilead. 24 Then God came to Laban the Aramean in called it Galeed. d
48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you
a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say
anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” and me today.” That is why it was called Galeed. 49 It was
25 Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of also called Mizpah, e because he said, “May the LORD
Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his keep watch between you and me when we are away
relatives camped there too. 26 Then Laban said to Jacob, from each other. 50 If you mistreat my daughters or if
“What have you done? You’ve deceived me, and you’ve you take any wives besides my daughters, even though
carried off my daughters like captives in war. 27 Why did no one is with us, remember that God is a witness be-
you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell tween you and me.”
51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is this heap, and
me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the
music of tambourines and harps? 28 You didn’t even let here is this pillar I have set up between you and me.
52 This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that
me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters good-by.
You have done a foolish thing. 29 I have the power to I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and
that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side
harm you; but last night the God of your father said to
to harm me. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of
me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good
Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.”
or bad.’ 30 Now you have gone off because you longed to
So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his
return to your father’s house. But why did you steal my father Isaac. 54 He offered a sacrifice there in the hill
gods?” country and invited his relatives to a meal. After they
31 Jacob answered Laban, “I was afraid, because I
had eaten, they spent the night there.
thought you would take your daughters away from me 55 Early the next morning Laban kissed his grand-
by force. 32 But if you find anyone who has your gods, he children and his daughters and blessed them. Then he
shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, see for left and returned home.
yourself whether there is anything of yours here with
me; and if so, take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Ra- Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
chel had stolen the gods.
33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s
tent and into the tent of the two maidservants, but he
32 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God
2
met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is
the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. f
found nothing. After he came out of Leah’s tent, he en- 3 Jacobsent messengers ahead of him to his brother
tered Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the house- Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He in-
hold gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and structed them: “This is what you are to say to my master
a 18 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia b 21 That is, the Euphrates c 47 The Aramaic Jegar Sahadutha means witness heap.
d 47 The Hebrew Galeed means witness heap. e 49 Mizpah means watchtower. f 2 Mahanaim means two camps.
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GENESIS 34:3 19
Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with 30 So
Jacob called the place Peniel, d saying, “It is be-
Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle cause I saw God face to face, and yet my life was
and donkeys, sheep and goats, menservants and maid- spared.”
servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, e and
that I may find favor in your eyes.’ ” he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this
6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the
“We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was
meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” touched near the tendon.
7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people
who were with him into two groups, a and the flocks Jacob Meets Esau
and herds and camels as well. 8 He thought, “If Esau
comes and attacks one group, b the group b that is left 33 Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with
his four hundred men; so he divided the children
among Leah, Rachel and the two maidservants. He put 2
may escape.”
9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and
God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Go her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear.
3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the
back to your country and your relatives, and I will make
you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and ground seven times as he approached his brother.
4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he
faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only
my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have be- threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And
come two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my they wept. 5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women
brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked.
me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you Jacob answered, “They are the children God has gra-
have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make ciously given your servant.”
6 Then the maidservants and their children ap-
your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot
be counted.’ ” proached and bowed down. 7 Next, Leah and her chil-
13 He spent the night there, and from what he had dren came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph
with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 14 two and Rachel, and they too bowed down.
8 Esau asked, “What do you mean by all these droves
hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hun-
dred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty female camels with I met?”
their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty fe- “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said.
9 But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother.
male donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 He put them in
the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to Keep what you have for yourself.”
10 “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in
his servants, “Go ahead of me, and keep some space be-
tween the herds.” your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face
17 He instructed the one in the lead: “When my is like seeing the face of God, now that you have re-
brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you be- ceived me favorably. 11 Please accept the present that
long, and where are you going, and who owns all these was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me
animals in front of you?’ 18 then you are to say, ‘They be- and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau
long to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my accepted it.
12 Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way; I’ll accom-
lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’ ”
19 He also instructed the second, the third and all the pany you.”
13 But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the
others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same
thing to Esau when you meet him. 20 And be sure to say, children are tender and that I must care for the ewes
‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’ ” For he and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven
thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending hard just one day, all the animals will die. 14 So let my
on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along
me.” 21 So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he slowly at the pace of the droves before me and that of
himself spent the night in the camp. the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.”
15 Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men
Jacob Wrestles With God with you.”
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his
“But why do that?” Jacob asked. “Just let me find fa-
two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the vor in the eyes of my lord.”
ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the 16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir.
stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was 17 Jacob, however, went to Succoth, where he built a
left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. place for himself and made shelters for his livestock.
25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him,
That is why the place is called Succoth. f
he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was 18 After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, g he arrived
wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man safely at the h city of Shechem in Canaan and camped
said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” within sight of the city. 19 For a hundred pieces of silver, i
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you he bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of She-
bless me.” chem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent.
27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” 20 There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel. j
“Jacob,” he answered.
28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Dinah and the Shechemites
Jacob, but Israel, c because you have struggled with God
and with men and have overcome.”
29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”
34
2
Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Ja-
cob, went out to visit the women of the land.
When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of
But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then that area, saw her, he took her and violated her. 3 His
he blessed him there. heart was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob, and he
a7 Or camps; also in verse 10 b 8 Or camp c 28 Israel means he struggles with God. d 30 Peniel means face of God. e 31 Hebrew
Penuel, a variant of Peniel f17 Succoth means shelters. g 18 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia h 18 Or arrived at Shalem, a
i 19 Hebrew hundred kesitahs; a kesitah was a unit of money of unknown weight and value. j 20 El Elohe Israel can mean God, the God
20 GENESIS 34:4
loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her. 4 And Shechem 31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister
said to his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as my wife.” like a prostitute?”
5 When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had
been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his live- Jacob Returns to Bethel
stock; so he kept quiet about it until they came home.
6 Then Shechem’s father Hamor went out to talk with 35 Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and set-
tle there, and build an altar there to God, who ap-
peared to you when you were fleeing from your brother
Jacob. 7 Now Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as
soon as they heard what had happened. They were Esau.”
2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were
filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had done a
disgraceful thing in a Israel by lying with Jacob’s daugh- with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with
ter—a thing that should not be done. you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.
8 But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem has his 3 Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an
heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his altar to God, who answered me in the day of my dis-
wife. 9 Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and tress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”
4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the
take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You can settle
among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade b in it, rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the
and acquire property in it.” oak at Shechem. 5 Then they set out, and the terror of
11 Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one
“Let me find favor in your eyes, and I will give you pursued them.
6 Jacob and all the people with him came to Luz (that
whatever you ask. 12 Make the price for the bride and
the gift I am to bring as great as you like, and I’ll pay is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7 There he built an al-
whatever you ask me. Only give me the girl as my wife.” tar, and he called the place El Bethel, e because it was
13 Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Ja- there that God revealed himself to him when he was
cob’s sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem fleeing from his brother.
8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was bur-
and his father Hamor. 14 They said to them, “We can’t do
such a thing; we can’t give our sister to a man who is not ied under the oak below Bethel. So it was named Allon
circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us. 15 We will Bacuth. f
9 After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, g God ap-
give our consent to you on one condition only: that you
become like us by circumcising all your males. 16 Then peared to him again and blessed him. 10 God said to
we will give you our daughters and take your daughters him, “Your name is Jacob, h but you will no longer be
for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one called Jacob; your name will be Israel. i” So he named
people with you. 17 But if you will not agree to be cir- him Israel.
11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty j; be
cumcised, we’ll take our sister c and go.”
18 Their proposal seemed good to Hamor and his son fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a commu-
Shechem. 19 The young man, who was the most hon- nity of nations will come from you, and kings will come
ored of all his father’s household, lost no time in doing from your body. 12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac
what they said, because he was delighted with Jacob’s I also give to you, and I will give this land to your de-
daughter. 20 So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the scendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him at
gate of their city to speak to their fellow townsmen. the place where he had talked with him.
21 “These men are friendly toward us,” they said. “Let 14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God
them live in our land and trade in it; the land has plen- had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering
ty of room for them. We can marry their daughters and on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the place
they can marry ours. 22 But the men will consent to live where God had talked with him Bethel. k
with us as one people only on the condition that our The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac
males be circumcised, as they themselves are. 23 Won’t 16 Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were
their livestock, their property and all their other ani- still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give
mals become ours? So let us give our consent to them, birth and had great difficulty. 17 And as she was having
and they will settle among us.”
24 All the men who went out of the city gate agreed great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her,
“Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.” 18 As she
with Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male in
breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her
the city was circumcised.
25 Three days later, while all of them were still in son Ben-Oni. l But his father named him Benjamin. m
19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Eph-
pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s
rath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Over her tomb Jacob set up
brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsus-
a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.
pecting city, killing every male. 26 They put Hamor and 21 Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond
his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from
Migdal Eder. 22 While Israel was living in that region,
Shechem’s house and left. 27 The sons of Jacob came
Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine
upon the dead bodies and looted the city where d their
Bilhah, and Israel heard of it.
sister had been defiled. 28 They seized their flocks and
herds and donkeys and everything else of theirs in the Jacob had twelve sons:
city and out in the fields. 29 They carried off all their 23 The sons of Leah:
wealth and all their women and children, taking as Reuben the firstborn of Jacob,
plunder everything in the houses. Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.
30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have 24 The sons of Rachel:
brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Joseph and Benjamin.
Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this 25 The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah:
land. We are few in number, and if they join forces Dan and Naphtali.
against me and attack me, I and my household will be 26 The sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah:
destroyed.” Gad and Asher.
a7 Or against b 10 Or move about freely; also in verse 21 c 17 Hebrew daughter d 27 Or because e 7 El Bethel means God of
Bethel. f 8 Allon Bacuth means oak of weeping. g 9 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia; also in verse 26 h 10 Jacob means he grasps
the heel (figuratively, he deceives). i 10 Israel means he struggles with God. j11 Hebrew El-Shaddai k 15 Bethel means house of
God. l 18 Ben-Oni means son of my trouble. m 18 Benjamin means son of my right hand.
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GENESIS 37:3 21
These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him 20 These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were
in Paddan Aram. living in the region:
27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer
and Dishan. These sons of Seir in Edom were
near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Horite chiefs.
Isaac had stayed. 28 Isaac lived a hundred and eighty 22 The sons of Lotan:
years. 29 Then he breathed his last and died and was Hori and Homam. b Timna was Lotan’s sister.
gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his 23 The sons of Shobal:
sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam.
24 The sons of Zibeon:
Esau’s Descendants
Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered
36 This
2
is the account of Esau (that is, Edom).
Reuel, 5 and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan.
28 The sons of Dishan:
Korah. These were the sons of Esau, who were
born to him in Canaan. Uz and Aran.
6 Esau took his wives and sons and daughters 29 These were the Horite chiefs:
and all the members of his household, as well as Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 30 Dishon, Ezer
his livestock and all his other animals and all the and Dishan. These were the Horite chiefs, ac-
goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a cording to their divisions, in the land of Seir.
land some distance from his brother Jacob. 7 Their The Rulers of Edom
possessions were too great for them to remain to- 31 These were the kings who reigned in Edom before
gether; the land where they were staying could not any Israelite king reigned e:
support them both because of their livestock. 8 So 32 Bela son of Beor became king of Edom. His city
Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of was named Dinhabah.
Seir. 33 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah
9 This is the account of Esau the father of the Edom- succeeded him as king.
34 When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the
ites in the hill country of Seir.
10 These
Temanites succeeded him as king.
are the names of Esau’s sons: 35 When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who de-
Eliphaz, the son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel, feated Midian in the country of Moab, succeed-
the son of Esau’s wife Basemath. ed him as king. His city was named Avith.
11 The sons of Eliphaz:
36 When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah suc-
Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz. ceeded him as king.
12 Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine named 37 When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the
Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were river f succeeded him as king.
grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah. 38 When Shaul died, Baal-Hanan son of Acbor suc-
13 The sons of Reuel:
ceeded him as king.
Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These 39 When Baal-Hanan son of Acbor died, Hadad g suc-
were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. ceeded him as king. His city was named Pau,
14 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of
and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of
Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, whom she Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab.
bore to Esau:
40 These were the chiefs descended from Esau, by
Jeush, Jalam and Korah.
name, according to their clans and regions:
15 These were the chiefs among Esau’s descendants: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pi-
The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: non, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel and
Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, 16 Korah, a Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according
Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs de- to their settlements in the land they occupied.
scended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were
grandsons of Adah. This was Esau the father of the Edomites.
17 The sons of Esau’s son Reuel:
Joseph’s Dreams
Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.
These were the chiefs descended from Reuel in
Edom; they were grandsons of Esau’s wife Base-
37 Jacob lived in the land where his father had
stayed, the land of Canaan.
math. 2 This is the account of Jacob.
18 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah:
Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the
Chiefs Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons
chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father
daughter of Anah. a bad report about them.
19 These were the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other
these were their chiefs. sons, because he had been born to him in his old age;
a 16 Masoretic Text; Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Gen. 36:11 and 1 Chron. 1:36) does not have Korah. b 22 Hebrew Hemam, a variant
of Homam (see 1 Chron. 1:39) c 24 Vulgate; Syriac discovered water; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
d 26 Hebrew Dishan, a variant of Dishon e 31 Or before an Israelite king reigned over them f 37 Possibly the Euphrates g 39 Many
manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch and Syriac (see also 1 Chron. 1:50); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text
Hadar
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22 GENESIS 37:4
and he made a richly ornamented a robe for him. him for twenty shekels b of silver to the Ishmaelites,
4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him who took him to Egypt.
more than any of them, they hated him and could not 29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that
speak a kind word to him. Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went
5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there!
brothers, they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, Where can I turn now?”
“Listen to this dream I had: 7 We were binding sheaves of 31 Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat
grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They took the orna-
stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mented robe back to their father and said, “We found
mine and bowed down to it.” this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.”
8 His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign 33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe!
over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has
all the more because of his dream and what he had surely been torn to pieces.”
said. 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and
9 Then he had another dream, and he told it to his mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and
brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be
this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bow- comforted. “No,” he said, “in mourning will I go down to
ing down to me.” the grave c to my son.” So his father wept for him.
10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his 36 Meanwhile, the Midianites d sold Joseph in Egypt
father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the
had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually guard.
come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His
brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the Judah and Tamar
matter in mind.
Joseph Sold by His Brothers
38 At that time, Judah left his brothers and went
down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hi-
2
rah. There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man
12 Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s named Shua. He married her and lay with her; 3 she be-
flocks near Shechem, 13 and Israel said to Joseph, “As came pregnant and gave birth to a son, who was named
you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Er. 4 She conceived again and gave birth to a son and
Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.” named him Onan. 5 She gave birth to still another son
“Very well,” he replied. and named him Shelah. It was at Kezib that she gave
14 So he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with birth to him.
your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back 6 Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name
to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the
When Joseph arrived at Shechem, 15 a man found LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death.
him wandering around in the fields and asked him, 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Lie with your brother’s
“What are you looking for?” wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to
16 He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Can you produce offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew
tell me where they are grazing their flocks?” that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay
17 “They have moved on from here,” the man an- with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the
swered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’ ” ground to keep from producing offspring for his broth-
So Joseph went after his brothers and found them er. 10 What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so he
near Dothan. 18 But they saw him in the distance, and put him to death also.
before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. 11 Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar,
19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each oth- “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son
er. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, just
these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s
him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” house.
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him 12 After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of
from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. Shua, died. When Judah had recovered from his grief, he
22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern went up to Timnah, to the men who were shearing his
here in the desert, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben sheep, and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went with
said this to rescue him from them and take him back to him.
his father. 13 When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is on his
23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they way to Timnah to shear his sheep,” 14 she took off her
stripped him of his robe—the richly ornamented robe widow’s clothes, covered herself with a veil to disguise
he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enaim,
into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that,
no water in it. though Shelah had now grown up, she had not been
25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up given to him as his wife.
and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prosti-
Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, tute, for she had covered her face. 16 Not realizing that
and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the
26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we roadside and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.”
kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s “And what will you give me to sleep with you?” she
sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on asked.
him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and 17 “I’ll send you a young goat from my flock,” he said.
blood.” His brothers agreed. “Will you give me something as a pledge until you
28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his send it?” she asked.
brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold 18 He said, “What pledge should I give you?”
a 3 The meaning of the Hebrew for richly ornamented is uncertain; also in verses 23 and 32. b 28 That is, about 8 ounces (about
0.2 kilogram) c 35 Hebrew Sheol d 36 Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac (see also verse 28); Masoretic Text
Medanites
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GENESIS 40:16 23
“Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand,” duties, and none of the household servants was inside.
she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed
her, and she became pregnant by him. 19 After she left, with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of
she took off her veil and put on her widow’s clothes the house.
again. 13 When she saw that he had left his cloak in her
20 Meanwhile Judah sent the young goat by his friend hand and had run out of the house, 14 she called her
the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from the household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this He-
woman, but he did not find her. 21 He asked the men brew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He
who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute who came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. 15 When
was beside the road at Enaim?” he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside
“There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute here,” they me and ran out of the house.”
said. 16 She kept his cloak beside her until his master
22 So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find came home. 17 Then she told him this story: “That He-
her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t brew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of
been any shrine prostitute here.’ ” me. 18 But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his
23 Then Judah said, “Let her keep what she has, or we cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”
will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him,
this young goat, but you didn’t find her.” saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned
24 About three months later Judah was told, “Your with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in
daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were con-
result she is now pregnant.” fined.
Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the
death!” LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and
25 As she was being brought out, she sent a message granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
to her father-in-law. “I am pregnant by the man who 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held
owns these,” she said. And she added, “See if you recog- in the prison, and he was made responsible for all
nize whose seal and cord and staff these are.” that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention
26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD
righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he
Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again. did.
27 When the time came for her to give birth, there
were twin boys in her womb. 28 As she was giving birth, The Cupbearer and the Baker
one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a
scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This 40 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of
the king of Egypt offended their master, the king
2
of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the
one came out first.” 29 But when he drew back his hand,
his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in
have broken out!” And he was named Perez. a 30 Then custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the
his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain
came out and he was given the name Zerah. b of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended
them.
Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife After they had been in custody for some time, 5 each
24 GENESIS 40:17
dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. a 17 In by the east wind. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up
the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Phar- the seven good heads. I told this to the magicians, but
aoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on none could explain it to me.”
my head.” 25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of
18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to
baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good cows
lift off your head and hang you on a tree. b And the birds are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are
will eat away your flesh.” seven years; it is one and the same dream. 27 The seven
20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years,
gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched
the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.
of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his 28 “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown
position, so that he once again put the cup into Phar- Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Seven years of great
aoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged c the chief baker, just as Jo- abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
seph had said to them in his interpretation. 30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all
23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the fam-
Joseph; he forgot him. ine will ravage the land. 31 The abundance in the land
will not be remembered, because the famine that fol-
Pharaoh’s Dreams lows it will be so severe. 32 The reason the dream was
41 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a
2
dream: He was standing by the Nile, when out of
the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, and
given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has
been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.
33 “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and
they grazed among the reeds. 3 After
them, seven other wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to
stood beside those on the riverbank. 4 And the cows that take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven
were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. years of abundance. 35 They should collect all the food of
Then Pharaoh woke up. these good years that are coming and store up the grain
5 He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven
under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities
heads of grain, healthy and good, were growing on a for food. 36 This food should be held in reserve for the
single stalk. 6 After them, seven other heads of grain country, to be used during the seven years of famine
sprouted—thin and scorched by the east wind. 7 The that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not
thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy, full be ruined by the famine.”
heads. Then Pharaoh woke up; it had been a dream. 37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his
8 In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent
officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone
for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God d?”
told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made
for him. all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and
9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I
wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all
am reminded of my shortcomings. 10 Pharaoh was once my people are to submit to your orders. Only with re-
angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the spect to the throne will I be greater than you.”
chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard.
11 Each of us had a dream the same night, and each Joseph in Charge of Egypt
dream had a meaning of its own. 12 Now a young He- 41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in
brew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the charge of the whole land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh
guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Jo-
them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his seph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and
dream. 13 And things turned out exactly as he interpret- put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in
ed them to us: I was restored to my position, and the a chariot as his second-in-command, e and men shout-
other man was hanged. c” ed before him, “Make way f !” Thus he put him in charge
14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly of the whole land of Egypt.
brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and 44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but
changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all
15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-
one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera,
when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” priest of On, g to be his wife. And Joseph went through-
16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but out the land of Egypt.
God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” 46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the
17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream I was service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out
standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when out of the riv- from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout
er there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they Egypt. 47 During the seven years of abundance the land
grazed among the reeds. 19 After them, seven other cows produced plentifully. 48 Joseph collected all the food
came up—scrawny and very ugly and lean. I had never produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt
seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. 20 The lean, and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food
ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first. grown in the fields surrounding it. 49 Joseph stored up
21 But even after they ate them, no one could tell that huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was
they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before. so much that he stopped keeping records because it
Then I woke up. was beyond measure.
22 “In my dreams I also saw seven heads of grain, full 50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were
and good, growing on a single stalk. 23 After them, seven born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest
other heads sprouted—withered and thin and scorched of On. 51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh h and
a 16 Or three wicker baskets b 19 Or and impale you on a pole c 22,13 Or impaled d 38 Or of the gods e 43 Or in the chariot of his
second-in-command; or in his second chariot f 43 Or Bow down g 45 That is, Heliopolis; also in verse 50 h 51 Manasseh sounds
like and may be derived from the Hebrew for forget.
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GENESIS 43:7 25
said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trou- we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come
ble and all my father’s household.” 52 The second son he upon us.”
named Ephraim a and said, “It is because God has made 22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against
me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an
53 The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an accounting for his blood.” 23 They did not realize that
end, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Jo- Joseph could understand them, since he was using an
seph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, interpreter.
but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. 55 When 24 He turned away from them and began to weep,
all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had
Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.
“Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.” 25 Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to
56 When the famine had spread over the whole coun- put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them
try, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to provisions for their journey. After this was done for
the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout them, 26 they loaded their grain on their donkeys and
Egypt. 57 And all the countries came to Egypt to buy left.
grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all 27 At the place where they stopped for the night one
the world. of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and
he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack. 28 “My silver
Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt has been returned,” he said to his brothers. “Here it is in
42 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt,
he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking
2
at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there
my sack.”
Their hearts sank and they turned to each other
trembling and said, “What is this that God has done
is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so to us?”
that we may live and not die.” 29 When they came to their father Jacob in the land of
3 Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy
Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them.
grain from Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Jo- They said, 30 “The man who is lord over the land spoke
seph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid harshly to us and treated us as though we were spying
that harm might come to him. 5 So Israel’s sons were on the land. 31 But we said to him, ‘We are honest men;
among those who went to buy grain, for the famine was we are not spies. 32 We were twelve brothers, sons of one
in the land of Canaan also. father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with
6 Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one
our father in Canaan.’
who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s broth- 33 “Then the man who is lord over the land said to
ers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest
the ground. 7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he rec- men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take
ognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and food for your starving households and go. 34 But bring
spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are
asked. not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother
“From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy back to you, and you can trade b in the land.’ ”
food.” 35 As they were emptying their sacks, there in each
8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did
man’s sack was his pouch of silver! When they and their
not recognize him. 9 Then he remembered his dreams father saw the money pouches, they were frightened.
about them and said to them, “You are spies! You have 36 Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived
come to see where our land is unprotected.” me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no
10 “No, my lord,” they answered. “Your servants have
more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything
come to buy food. 11 We are all the sons of one man. is against me!”
Your servants are honest men, not spies.” 37 Then Reuben said to his father, “You may put both
12 “No!” he said to them. “You have come to see
of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you.
where our land is unprotected.” Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.”
13 But they replied, “Your servants were twelve broth- 38 But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there
ers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Ca- with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left.
naan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking,
more.” you will bring my gray head down to the grave c in sor-
14 Joseph said to them, “It is just as I told you: You are
row.”
spies! 15 And this is how you will be tested: As surely as
Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your The Second Journey to Egypt
youngest brother comes here. 16 Send one of your num-
43 Now the famine was still severe in the land. So 2
ber to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in when they had eaten all the grain they had
prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back
are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as and buy us a little more food.”
Pharaoh lives, you are spies!” 17 And he put them all in 3 But Judah said to him, “The man warned us sol-
custody for three days. emnly, ‘You will not see my face again unless your
18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother along
you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let with us, we will go down and buy food for you. 5 But if
one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you will not send him, we will not go down, because the
you go and take grain back for your starving house- man said to us, ‘You will not see my face again unless
holds. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to your brother is with you.’ ”
me, so that your words may be verified and that you 6 Israel asked, “Why did you bring this trouble on me
may not die.” This they proceeded to do. by telling the man you had another brother?”
21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being 7 They replied, “The man questioned us closely
punished because of our brother. We saw how dis- about ourselves and our family. ‘Is your father still liv-
tressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but ing?’ he asked us. ‘Do you have another brother?’ We
a 52 Ephraim sounds like the Hebrew for twice fruitful. b 34 Or move about freely c 38 Hebrew Sheol
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26 GENESIS 43:8
simply answered his questions. How were we to know selves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by them-
he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?” selves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews,
8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy for that is detestable to Egyptians. 33 The men had been
along with me and we will go at once, so that we and seated before him in the order of their ages, from the
you and our children may live and not die. 9 I myself will firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each oth-
guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally re- er in astonishment. 34 When portions were served to
sponsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five
set him here before you, I will bear the blame before times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and
you all my life. 10 As it is, if we had not delayed, we could drank freely with him.
have gone and returned twice.”
11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, A Silver Cup in a Sack
then do this: Put some of the best products of the land
in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift— 44 Now Joseph gave these instructions to the stew-
ard of his house: “Fill the men’s sacks with as
much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver
a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh,
some pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double the in the mouth of his sack. 2 Then put my cup, the silver
amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along
that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Per- with the silver for his grain.” And he did as Joseph said.
3 As morning dawned, the men were sent on their
haps it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother also and go
back to the man at once. 14 And may God Almighty a way with their donkeys. 4 They had not gone far from
grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Go after those
men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to
other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for
them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? 5 Isn’t this
me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”
15 So the men took the gifts and double the amount of the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divina-
tion? This is a wicked thing you have done.’ ”
silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt 6 When he caught up with them, he repeated these
and presented themselves to Joseph. 16 When Joseph words to them. 7 But they said to him, “Why does my
saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do
house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an ani- anything like that! 8 We even brought back to you from
mal and prepare dinner; they are to eat with me at the land of Canaan the silver we found inside the
noon.” mouths of our sacks. So why would we steal silver or
17 The man did as Joseph told him and took the men
gold from your master’s house? 9 If any of your servants
to Joseph’s house. 18 Now the men were frightened when is found to have it, he will die; and the rest of us will be-
they were taken to his house. They thought, “We were come my lord’s slaves.”
brought here because of the silver that was put back 10 “Very well, then,” he said, “let it be as you say.
into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and Whoever is found to have it will become my slave; the
overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our don- rest of you will be free from blame.”
keys.” 11 Each of them quickly lowered his sack to the
19 So they went up to Joseph’s steward and spoke to
ground and opened it. 12 Then the steward proceeded
him at the entrance to the house. 20 “Please, sir,” they to search, beginning with the oldest and ending with
said, “we came down here the first time to buy food. the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s
21 But at the place where we stopped for the night we
sack. 13 At this, they tore their clothes. Then they all
opened our sacks and each of us found his silver—the loaded their donkeys and returned to the city.
exact weight—in the mouth of his sack. So we have 14 Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his
brought it back with us. 22 We have also brought addi- brothers came in, and they threw themselves to the
tional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put ground before him. 15 Joseph said to them, “What is this
our silver in our sacks.” you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me can
23 “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God,
find things out by divination?”
the God of your father, has given you treasure in your 16 “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied.
sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence?
out to them. God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my
24 The steward took the men into Joseph’s house,
lord’s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found
gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder to have the cup.”
for their donkeys. 25 They prepared their gifts for Jo- 17 But Joseph said, “Far be it from me to do such a
seph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will
were to eat there. become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father
26 When Joseph came home, they presented to him
in peace.”
the gifts they had brought into the house, and they 18 Then Judah went up to him and said: “Please, my
bowed down before him to the ground. 27 He asked lord, let your servant speak a word to my lord. Do not be
them how they were, and then he said, “How is your angry with your servant, though you are equal to Phar-
aged father you told me about? Is he still living?” aoh himself. 19 My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have
28 They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive
a father or a brother?’ 20 And we answered, ‘We have an
and well.” And they bowed low to pay him honor. aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his
29 As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin,
old age. His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his
his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’
brother, the one you told me about?” And he said, “God 21 “Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down
be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Deeply moved at the to me so I can see him for myself.’ 22 And we said to my
sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father; if he leaves him,
place to weep. He went into his private room and wept his father will die.’ 23 But you told your servants, ‘Unless
there. your youngest brother comes down with you, you will
31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, not see my face again.’ 24 When we went back to your
controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.” servant my father, we told him what my lord had said.
32 They served him by himself, the brothers by them- 25 “Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy a little
a 14 Hebrew El-Shaddai
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GENESIS 46:15 27
more food.’ 26 But we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if lies back to me. I will give you the best of the land of
our youngest brother is with us will we go. We cannot Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’
see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is 19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take
with us.’ some carts from Egypt for your children and your
27 “Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind
my wife bore me two sons. 28 One of them went away about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt
from me, and I said, “He has surely been torn to pieces.” will be yours.’ ”
21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them
And I have not seen him since. 29 If you take this one
from me too and harm comes to him, you will bring my carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave
gray head down to the grave a in misery.’ them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he
30 “So now, if the boy is not with us when I go back to gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hun-
your servant my father and if my father, whose life is dred shekels c of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this
closely bound up with the boy’s life, 31 sees that the boy is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the
isn’t there, he will die. Your servants will bring the gray best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded
head of our father down to the grave in sorrow. 32 Your with grain and bread and other provisions for his jour-
servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father. I said, ney. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were
‘If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”
25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their fa-
before you, my father, all my life!’
33 “Now then, please let your servant remain here as ther Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Jo-
my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return seph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob
with his brothers. 34 How can I go back to my father if the was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they
boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when
that would come upon my father.” he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the
spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said,
Joseph Makes Himself Known “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and
28 GENESIS 46:16
16 The sons of Gad: brothers have come to you, 6 and the land of Egypt is
Zephon, a Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and before you; settle your father and your brothers in the
Areli. best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if
17 The sons of Asher: you know of any among them with special ability, put
Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. them in charge of my own livestock.”
Their sister was Serah. 7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and pre-
The sons of Beriah: sented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed f Phar-
Heber and Malkiel. aoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
18 These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pil-
whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen grimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been
in all. few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the
19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed g Phar-
Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt, Manasseh aoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in
and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath
daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. b Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the
21 The sons of Benjamin: land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Jo-
Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, seph also provided his father and his brothers and all his
Muppim, Huppim and Ard. father’s household with food, according to the number
22 These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Ja- of their children.
cob—fourteen in all. Joseph and the Famine
23 The 13 There was no food, however, in the whole region
son of Dan:
Hushim. because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan
24 The sons of Naphtali: wasted away because of the famine. 14 Joseph collected
Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem. all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Ca-
25 These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, naan in payment for the grain they were buying, and
whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel—seven he brought it to Pharaoh’s palace. 15 When the money of
in all. the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt
26 All those who went to Egypt with Jacob—those
came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we
die before your eyes? Our money is used up.”
who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ 16 “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell
wives—numbered sixty-six persons. 27 With the two you food in exchange for your livestock, since your
sons c who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the mem- money is gone.” 17 So they brought their livestock to Jo-
bers of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seven- seph, and he gave them food in exchange for their
ty d in all. horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys.
28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to And he brought them through that year with food in ex-
get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the re- change for all their livestock.
18 When that year was over, they came to him the fol-
gion of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready
and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as lowing year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord the
Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around fact that since our money is gone and our livestock be-
his father e and wept for a long time. longs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our
30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since bodies and our land. 19Why should we perish before your
I have seen for myself that you are still alive.” eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in ex-
31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s change for food, and we with our land will be in bondage
household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die,
say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, and that the land may not become desolate.”
20 So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Phar-
who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to
me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and aoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, be-
they have brought along their flocks and herds and ev- cause the famine was too severe for them. The land be-
erything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and came Pharaoh’s, 21 and Joseph reduced the people to
asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, servitude, h from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 How-
‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood ever, he did not buy the land of the priests, because
on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and
settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are de- had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gave
testable to the Egyptians.” them. That is why they did not sell their land.
47 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and 23 Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have bought
brothers, with their flocks and herds and every- you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for
thing they own, have come from the land of Canaan you so you can plant the ground. 24 But when the crop
and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-
and presented them before Pharaoh. fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupa- yourselves and your households and your children.”
tion?” 25 “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Phar- favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to
aoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, Pharaoh.”
“We have come to live here awhile, because the famine 26 So Joseph established it as a law concerning land in
is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no Egypt—still in force today—that a fifth of the produce
pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Go- belongs to Pharaoh. It was only the land of the priests
shen.” that did not become Pharaoh’s.
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your 27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of
a 16 Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint (see also Num. 26:15); Masoretic Text Ziphion b 20 That is, Heliopolis c 27 Hebrew;
Septuagint the nine children d 27 Hebrew (see also Exodus 1:5 and footnote); Septuagint (see also Acts 7:14) seventy-five e 29 Hebrew
around him f 7 Or greeted g 10 Or said farewell to h 21 Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint (see also Vulgate); Masoretic Text
and he moved the people into the cities
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GENESIS 49:13 29
Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and may they increase greatly
and increased greatly in number. upon the earth.”
28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years
17 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand
of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. 29 When the
time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Jo- on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of
seph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Ma-
put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will nasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this
show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
19 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I
Egypt, 30 but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of
Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” know. He too will become a people, and he too will be-
“I will do as you say,” he said. come great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be
31 “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, greater than he, and his descendants will become a
and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his group of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day and said,
staff. a “In your d name will Israel pronounce this blessing:
Manasseh and Ephraim ‘May God make you like Ephraim and
Manasseh.’ ”
48 Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is
ill.” So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephra-
im along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Jo-
So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but
seph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat God will be with you e and take you e back to the land of
up on the bed. your e fathers. 22 And to you, as one who is over your
3 Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty b appeared to brothers, I give the ridge of land f I took from the Amo-
me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed rites with my sword and my bow.”
me 4 and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful
and will increase your numbers. I will make you a com- Jacob Blesses His Sons
munity of peoples, and I will give this land as an ever-
lasting possession to your descendants after you.’
5 “Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt be-
49 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather
around so I can tell you what will happen to you
in days to come.
fore I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; 2 “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;
Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben listen to your father Israel.
and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after
3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will
be reckoned under the names of their brothers. 7 As I my might, the first sign of my strength,
was returning from Paddan, c to my sorrow Rachel died excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,
in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a
little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside for you went up onto your father’s bed,
the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). onto my couch and defiled it.
8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers—
are these?” their swords g are weapons of violence.
9 “They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph 6 Let me not enter their council,
said to his father. let me not join their assembly,
Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless for they have killed men in their anger
them.” and hamstrung oxen as they pleased.
10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age,
7 Cursed be their anger, so fierce,
and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons and their fury, so cruel!
close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced I will scatter them in Jacob
them. and disperse them in Israel.
11 Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your
8 “Judah, h your brothers will praise you;
face again, and now God has allowed me to see your
children too.” your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;
12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees your father’s sons will bow down to you.
9 You are a lion’s cub, O Judah;
and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Jo-
seph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward you return from the prey, my son.
Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Isra- Like a lion he crouches and lies down,
el’s right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Is- like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
rael reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s
head, though he was the younger, and crossing his nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even until he comes to whom it belongs i
though Manasseh was the firstborn. and the obedience of the nations is his.
15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, 11 He will tether his donkey to a vine,
singular. e 21 The Hebrew is plural. f 22 Or And to you I give one portion more than to your brothers—the portion g 5 The meaning
of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. h 8 Judah sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for praise. i 10 Or until Shiloh
comes; or until he comes to whom tribute belongs j 12 Or will be dull from wine, / his teeth white from milk
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30 GENESIS 49:14
14 “Issacharis a rawboned a donkey 4 When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said
lying down between two saddlebags. b to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes,
15 When he sees how good is his resting place speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him, 5 ‘My father made me
and how pleasant is his land, swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the
he will bend his shoulder to the burden tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now let me
and submit to forced labor. go up and bury my father; then I will return.’ ”
6 Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he
16 “Dan cwill provide justice for his people
as one of the tribes of Israel. made you swear to do.”
7 So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s
17 Dan will be a serpent by the roadside,
a viper along the path, officials accompanied him—the dignitaries of his court
that bites the horse’s heels and all the dignitaries of Egypt— 8 besides all the mem-
so that its rider tumbles backward. bers of Joseph’s household and his brothers and those
belonging to his father’s household. Only their children
18 “I look for your deliverance, O LORD. and their flocks and herds were left in Goshen. 9 Chari-
19 “Gad d will be attacked by a band of raiders, ots and horsemen l also went up with him. It was a very
but he will attack them at their heels. large company.
10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad,
20 “Asher’s food will be rich; near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and
he will provide delicacies fit for a king. there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning
21 “Naphtali is a doe set free for his father. 11 When the Canaanites who lived there
that bears beautiful fawns. e saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they
said, “The Egyptians are holding a solemn ceremony of
22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine, mourning.” That is why that place near the Jordan is
a fruitful vine near a spring, called Abel Mizraim. m
whose branches climb over a wall. f 12 So Jacob’s sons did as he had commanded them:
23 With bitterness archers attacked him; 13 They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him
they shot at him with hostility. in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which
24 But his bow remained steady,
Abraham had bought as a burial place from Ephron the
his strong arms stayed g limber, Hittite, along with the field. 14 After burying his father, Jo-
because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, seph returned to Egypt, together with his brothers and all
because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, the others who had gone with him to bury his father.
25 because of your father’s God, who helps you,
because of the Almighty, h who blesses you Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was
with blessings of the heavens above,
blessings of the deep that lies below, dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against
blessings of the breast and womb. us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”
26 Your father’s blessings are greater 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left
than the blessings of the ancient mountains, these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you
than i the bounty of the age-old hills. are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you
on the brow of the prince among j his brothers. so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of
27 “Benjamin
the God of your father.” When their message came to
is a ravenous wolf; him, Joseph wept.
in the morning he devours the prey, 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves
in the evening he divides the plunder.” down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in
what their father said to them when he blessed them, the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God
giving each the blessing appropriate to him. intended it for good to accomplish what is now being
done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be
The Death of Jacob afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he
29 Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about
reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in
the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 the cave in The Death of Joseph
the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which 22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s
Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hit- family. He lived a hundred and ten years 23 and saw the
tite, along with the field. 31 There Abraham and his wife third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the chil-
Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah dren of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on
were buried, and there I buried Leah. 32 The field and Joseph’s knees. n
the cave in it were bought from the Hittites. k” 24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to
33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you
sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to
and was gathered to his people. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the
Exodus
The Israelites Oppressed slave girl to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He
was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the
1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to
Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: 2 Reuben,
Simeon, Levi and Judah; 3 Issachar, Zebulun and Benja-
Hebrew babies,” she said.
7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I
min; 4 Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. 5 The descen- go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby
dants of Jacob numbered seventy a in all; Joseph was al- for you?”
8 “Yes, go,” she answered. And the girl went and got
ready in Egypt.
6 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that gener- the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her,
ation died, 7 but the Israelites were fruitful and multi- “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay
plied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.
10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s
that the land was filled with them.
8 Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, daughter and he became her son. She named him Mo-
came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, ses, c saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
“the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Moses Flees to Midian
10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will
11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to
become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will where his own people were and watched them at their
join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of
11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress
his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing
them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fight-
were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; ing. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting
so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites 13 and your fellow Hebrew?”
worked them ruthlessly. 14 They made their lives bitter 14 The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge
with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the
work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I
used them ruthlessly. did must have become known.”
15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives,
15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses,
whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian,
help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe where he sat down by a well. 16 Now a priest of Midian
them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and
is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 Some
God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses
them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.
Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why 18 When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he
have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”
19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women 19 They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the
are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the
birth before the midwives arrive.” flock.”
20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people 20 “And where is he?” he asked his daughters. “Why
increased and became even more numerous. 21 And be- did you leave him? Invite him to have something to eat.”
cause the midwives feared God, he gave them families 21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his
of their own. daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. 22 Zipporah
22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people:
gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, d
“Every boy that is born b you must throw into the Nile, saying, “I have become an alien in a foreign land.”
but let every girl live.” 23 During that long period, the king of Egypt died.
The Birth of Moses The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out,
and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to
2 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite
woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to
a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him
God. 24 God heard their groaning and he remembered
his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.
25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned
for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no lon- about them.
ger, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with
tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it Moses and the Burning Bush
among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister
stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to
3flockNow Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his fa-
ther-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the
to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the
bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD ap-
bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her peared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Mo-
a5 Masoretic Text (see also Gen. 46:27); Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint (see also Acts 7:14 and note at Gen. 46:27) seventy-five
b 22 Masoretic Text; Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint and Targums born to the Hebrews c 10 Moses sounds like the Hebrew for draw
32 EXODUS 3:3
ses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn 2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your
up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this hand?”
strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” “A staff,” he replied.
4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, 3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.”
God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a
And Moses said, “Here I am.” snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him,
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses
sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned
ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the back into a staff in his hand. 5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Ja- that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fa-
cob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid thers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the
to look at God. God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of 6 Then the LORD said, “Put your hand inside your
my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out be- cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when
cause of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about he took it out, it was leprous, d like snow.
their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them 7 “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses
from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it
out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.
flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaan- 8 Then the LORD said, “If they do not believe you or
ites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. pay attention to the first miraculous sign, they may be-
9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I lieve the second. 9 But if they do not believe these two
have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile
10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from
people the Israelites out of Egypt.” the river will become blood on the ground.”
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go 10 Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been
to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken
12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you 11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?
have brought the people out of Egypt, you a will wor- Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or
ship God on this mountain.” makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will
13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to 13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else
you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what to do it.”
shall I tell them?” 14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. b This is what you he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I
are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” know he can speak well. He is already on his way to
15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
LORD, c the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I
the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to will help both of you speak and will teach you what to
you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as
to be remembered from generation to generation. if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.
16 “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform
‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abra- miraculous signs with it.”
ham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have
watched over you and have seen what has been done to Moses Returns to Egypt
18 Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law
you in Egypt. 17 And I have promised to bring you up out
of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, and said to him, “Let me go back to my own people in
Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.”
land flowing with milk and honey.’ Jethro said, “Go, and I wish you well.”
18 “The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you 19 Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go
and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to back to Egypt, for all the men who wanted to kill you are
him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a
us. Let us take a three-day journey into the desert to of- donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff
fer sacrifices to the LORD our God.’ 19 But I know that the of God in his hand.
21 The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to
king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand
compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the
the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will
among them. After that, he will let you go. harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
21 “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed 22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Isra-
toward this people, so that when you leave you will not el is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, “Let my son go,
go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neigh- so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go;
bor and any woman living in her house for articles of sil- so I will kill your firstborn son.’ ”
24 At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met õMo-
ver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on
your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the sesÕ e and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a
Egyptians.” flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched õMo-
ses’Õ feet with it. f “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood
Signs for Moses to me,” she said. 26 So the LORD let him alone. (At that
a 12 The Hebrew is plural. b 14 Or I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE c 15 The Hebrew for LORD sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew
for I AM in verse 14. d 6 The Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy. e 24 Or õMoses’
sonÕ; Hebrew him f 25 Or and drew near õMoses’Õ feet
02Ex-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:34 AM Page 33
EXODUS 6:25 33
meet Moses.” So he met Moses at the mountain of God your name, he has brought trouble upon this people,
and kissed him. 28 Then Moses told Aaron everything and you have not rescued your people at all.”
the LORD had sent him to say, and also about all the mi-
raculous signs he had commanded him to perform.
29 Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of
6 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see
what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty
hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he
the Israelites, 30 and Aaron told them everything the LORD will drive them out of his country.”
had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the 2 God also said to Moses, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared
people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, a
the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their but by my name the LORD b I did not make myself
misery, they bowed down and worshiped. known to them. c 4 I also established my covenant with
them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived
Bricks Without Straw as aliens. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Is-
5‘LetAfterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and
said, “This is what the L , the God of Israel, says:
ORD
my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me
raelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have
remembered my covenant.
6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and
in the desert.’ ” I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyp-
2 Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey
tians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I
him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with
not let Israel go.” mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own
3 Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met
people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that
with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from un-
desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he may der the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to
strike us with plagues or with the sword.” the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham,
4 But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why
to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession.
are you taking the people away from their labor? Get I am the LORD.’ ”
back to your work!” 5 Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the 9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did
people of the land are now numerous, and you are not listen to him because of their discouragement and
stopping them from working.” cruel bondage.
6 That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave 10 Then the LORD said to Moses, 11 “Go, tell Pharaoh
drivers and foremen in charge of the people: 7 “You are king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.”
no longer to supply the people with straw for making 12 But Moses said to the LORD, “If the Israelites will
bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. 8 But re- not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since
quire them to make the same number of bricks as be- I speak with faltering lips d?”
fore; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why
they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Family Record of Moses and Aaron
9 Make the work harder for the men so that they keep 13 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron about the
working and pay no attention to lies.” Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he command-
10 Then the slave drivers and the foremen went out ed them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
and said to the people, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I will 14 These were the heads of their families e:
not give you any more straw. 11 Go and get your own
straw wherever you can find it, but your work will not be The sons of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel
reduced at all.’ ” 12 So the people scattered all over Egypt were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These
to gather stubble to use for straw. 13 The slave drivers were the clans of Reuben.
15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin,
kept pressing them, saying, “Complete the work re-
quired of you for each day, just as when you had straw.” Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaan-
14 The Israelite foremen appointed by Pharaoh’s slave ite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.
16 These were the names of the sons of Levi ac-
drivers were beaten and were asked, “Why didn’t you
meet your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as before?” cording to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Me-
15 Then the Israelite foremen went and appealed to rari. Levi lived 137 years.
17 The sons of Gershon, by clans, were Libni and
Pharaoh: “Why have you treated your servants this
way? 16 Your servants are given no straw, yet we are told, Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, He-
‘Make bricks!’ Your servants are being beaten, but the
fault is with your own people.” bron and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.
17 Pharaoh said, “Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! 19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.
That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to These were the clans of Levi according to their
the LORD.’ 18 Now get to work. You will not be given any records.
20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed,
straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks.”
19 The Israelite foremen realized they were in trou- who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137
ble when they were told, “You are not to reduce the years.
21 The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg and
number of bricks required of you for each day.” 20 When
they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting Zicri.
22 The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan
to meet them, 21 and they said, “May the LORD look upon
you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Phar- and Sithri.
23 Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Ammin-
aoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand
to kill us.” adab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Na-
dab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
God Promises Deliverance 24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah and
22 Moses returned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans.
have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why 25 Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the
you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas.
a3 Hebrew El-Shaddai b 3 See note at Exodus 3:15. c3 Or Almighty, and by my name the LORD did I not let myself be known to them?
d 12 Hebrew I am uncircumcised of lips; also in verse 30 e 14 The Hebrew for families here and in verse 25 refers to units larger than
clans.
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34 EXODUS 6:26
These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he
clan. would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD
26 It was this same Aaron and Moses to whom the had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace,
and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyp-
LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divi- tians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because
sions.” 27 They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh they could not drink the water of the river.
king of Egypt about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt.
It was the same Moses and Aaron. The Plague of Frogs
25 Seven days passed after the LORD struck the Nile.
Aaron to Speak for Moses
8ple go,sayThensoto that
1 ORDthe L said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and
28 Now when the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt, 29 he him, ‘This is what the L
ORD says: Let my peo-
said to him, “I am the LORD. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt 2
they may worship me. If you refuse to let
everything I tell you.” them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs.
30 But Moses said to the LORD, “Since I speak with fal-
3 The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into
tering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?” your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you
like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be
your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command
the houses of your officials and on your people, and
into your ovens and kneading troughs. 4 The frogs will go
up on you and your people and all your officials.’ ”
you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the 5 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch
Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Phar- out your hand with your staff over the streams and ca-
aoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs nals and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of
and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I Egypt.’ ”
will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judg- 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of
ment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israel- Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land.
ites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD 7 But the magicians did the same things by their secret
when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of
Israelites out of it.” Egypt.
6 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded
8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said,
them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty- “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my
three when they spoke to Pharaoh. people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to
Aaron’s Staff Becomes a Snake the LORD.”
9 Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of
8 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9 “When Phar-
aoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials
‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and and your people that you and your houses may be rid of
it will become a snake.” the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.”
10 “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said.
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just
as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may
front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a know there is no one like the LORD our God. 11 The frogs
will leave you and your houses, your officials and your
snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sor-
people; they will remain only in the Nile.”
cerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same 12 After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried
things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his
out to the LORD about the frogs he had brought on Phar-
staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed
aoh. 13 And the LORD did what Moses asked. The frogs
up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he
died in the houses, in the courtyards and in the fields.
would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. 14 They were piled into heaps, and the land reeked of
The Plague of Blood them. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and
unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Phar- Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
aoh in the morning as he goes out to the water. Wait on The Plague of Gnats
the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand 16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch
the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,’ and
him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become
say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship gnats.” 17 They did this, and when Aaron stretched out
me in the desert. But until now you have not listened. his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the
17 This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I
ground, gnats came upon men and animals. All the
am the LORD: With the staff that is in my hand I will dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. 18 But
strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their se-
blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will cret arts, they could not. And the gnats were on men
stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.’ ” and animals.
19 The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your
19 The magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger
staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not
Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds listen, just as the LORD had said.
and all the reservoirs’—and they will turn to blood.
Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in the wooden The Plague of Flies
buckets and stone jars.” 20 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the
20 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had com- morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the water
manded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD says: Let my peo-
and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all ple go, so that they may worship me. 21 If you do not let
the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and
died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians your officials, on your people and into your houses. The
could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies, and even the
Egypt. ground where they are.
22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by 22 “ ‘But on that day I will deal differently with the
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EXODUS 10:6 35
land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck
flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, you and your people with a plague that would have
am in this land. 23 I will make a distinction a between my wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up b for
people and your people. This miraculous sign will occur this very purpose, that I might show you my power and
tomorrow.’ ” that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
24 And the LORD did this. Dense swarms of flies 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not
poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his let them go. 18 Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will
officials, and throughout Egypt the land was ruined by send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt,
the flies. from the day it was founded till now. 19 Give an order
25 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and now to bring your livestock and everything you have in
said, “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.” the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on
26 But Moses said, “That would not be right. The sac- every man and animal that has not been brought in and
rifices we offer the LORD our God would be detestable to is still out in the field, and they will die.’ ”
20 Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of
the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detest-
able in their eyes, will they not stone us? 27 We must take the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock
a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to inside. 21 But those who ignored the word of the LORD
the LORD our God, as he commands us.” left their slaves and livestock in the field.
28 Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to 22 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your
the LORD your God in the desert, but you must not go hand toward the sky so that hail will fall all over Egypt—
very far. Now pray for me.” on men and animals and on everything growing in the
29 Moses answered, “As soon as I leave you, I will pray fields of Egypt.” 23 When Moses stretched out his staff to-
to the LORD, and tomorrow the flies will leave Pharaoh ward the sky, the LORD sent thunder and hail, and light-
and his officials and his people. Only be sure that Phar- ning flashed down to the ground. So the LORD rained
aoh does not act deceitfully again by not letting the hail on the land of Egypt; 24 hail fell and lightning flashed
people go to offer sacrifices to the LORD.” back and forth. It was the worst storm in all the land of
30 Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD, Egypt since it had become a nation. 25 Throughout Egypt
31 and the LORD did what Moses asked: The flies left hail struck everything in the fields—both men and ani-
Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly re- mals; it beat down everything growing in the fields and
mained. 32 But this time also Pharaoh hardened his stripped every tree. 26 The only place it did not hail was
heart and would not let the people go. the land of Goshen, where the Israelites were.
27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This
The Plague on Livestock time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The LORD is in the
9Hebrews,
Then the L said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and
ORD
say to him, ‘This is what the L , the God of the
ORD
says: “Let my people go, so that they may
right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to
the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I
will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”
worship me.” 2 If you refuse to let them go and continue 29 Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I
to hold them back, 3 the hand of the LORD will bring a will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The
terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you
horses and donkeys and camels and on your cattle and may know that the earth is the LORD’s. 30 But I know that
sheep and goats. 4 But the LORD will make a distinction you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”
between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the bar-
no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’ ” ley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat
5 The LORD set a time and said, “Tomorrow the LORD and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they
will do this in the land.” 6 And the next day the LORD did ripen later.)
it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one an- 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city.
imal belonging to the Israelites died. 7 Pharaoh sent He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder
men to investigate and found that not even one of the and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down
animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was un- on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail
yielding and he would not let the people go. and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his
officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was
The Plague of Boils hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the
8 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take hand-
LORD had said through Moses.
fuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it into the
air in the presence of Pharaoh. 9 It will become fine dust The Plague of Locusts
over the whole land of Egypt, and festering boils will
break out on men and animals throughout the land.”
10 So they took soot from a furnace and stood before
10 Then the L said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I
ORD
have hardened his heart and the hearts of his offi-
cials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of
Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils mine among them 2 that you may tell your children and
broke out on men and animals. 11 The magicians could grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians
not stand before Moses because of the boils that were and how I performed my signs among them, and that
on them and on all the Egyptians. 12 But the LORD hard- you may know that I am the LORD.”
3 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to
ened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses
and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses. him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews,
says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself be-
The Plague of Hail fore me? Let my people go, so that they may worship
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the me. 4 If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into
morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is your country tomorrow. 5 They will cover the face of the
what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what
people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I little you have left after the hail, including every tree
will send the full force of my plagues against you and that is growing in your fields. 6 They will fill your houses
against your officials and your people, so you may and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians—
know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For something neither your fathers nor your forefathers
a 23 Septuagint and Vulgate; Hebrew will put a deliverance b 16 Or have spared you
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36 EXODUS 10:7
have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till The Plague on the Firstborn
now.’ ” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.
7 Pharaoh’s officials said to him, “How long will this
EXODUS 13:16 37
a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. cause the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of
Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to
for everyone to eat—that is all you may do. honor the LORD for the generations to come.
17 “Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because
it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out Passover Restrictions
43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the
of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for
the generations to come. 18 In the first month you are to regulations for the Passover:
eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the “No foreigner is to eat of it. 44 Any slave you have
fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. bought may eat of it after you have circumcised him,
19 For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. 45 but a temporary resident and a hired worker may not
And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut eat of it.
off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien 46 “It must be eaten inside one house; take none of
or native-born. 20 Eat nothing made with yeast. Wher- the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the
ever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.” bones. 47 The whole community of Israel must cele-
21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and brate it.
said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for 48 “An alien living among you who wants to celebrate
your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a the LORD’s Passover must have all the males in his
bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and household circumcised; then he may take part like one
put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat of it.
the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of 49 The same law applies to the native-born and to the
his house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through alien living among you.”
the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the
50 All the Israelites did just what the LORD had com-
blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will
pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the de- manded Moses and Aaron. 51 And on that very day the
stroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. LORD brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divi-
24 “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for sions.
you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land Consecration of the Firstborn
that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this
13 The L 2
said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every
ORD
ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, ‘What
does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27 then tell them, ‘It is firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb
the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or
houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes animal.”
3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate
when he struck down the Egyptians.’ ” Then the people
bowed down and worshiped. 28 The Israelites did just this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land
what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. of slavery, because the LORD brought you out of it with a
29 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast. 4 Today, in
in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the the month of Abib, you are leaving. 5 When the LORD
throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Am-
dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. orites, Hivites and Jebusites—the land he swore to your
30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and
up during the night, and there was loud wailing in honey—you are to observe this ceremony in this
Egypt, for there was not a house without someone month: 6 For seven days eat bread made without yeast
dead. and on the seventh day hold a festival to the LORD. 7 Eat
unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing
The Exodus with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any
31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and
yeast be seen anywhere within your borders. 8 On that
Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Isra- day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the LORD
elites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9 This observance
32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go.
will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder
And also bless me.” on your forehead that the law of the LORD is to be on
33 The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave
your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his
the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!”
34 So the people took their dough before the yeast was mighty hand. 10 You must keep this ordinance at the ap-
added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading pointed time year after year.
11 “After the LORD brings you into the land of the Ca-
troughs wrapped in clothing. 35 The Israelites did as Mo-
ses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of naanites and gives it to you, as he promised on oath to
silver and gold and for clothing. 36 The LORD had made you and your forefathers, 12 you are to give over to the
the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, LORD the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn
and they gave them what they asked for; so they plun- males of your livestock belong to the LORD. 13 Redeem
dered the Egyptians. with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not re-
37 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. deem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among
There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, your sons.
14 “In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What
besides women and children. 38 Many other people
went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the
both flocks and herds. 39 With the dough they had LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the
brought from Egypt, they baked cakes of unleavened
bread. The dough was without yeast because they had LORD killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and ani-
been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to pre- mal. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male off-
pare food for themselves. spring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn
40 Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in sons.’ 16 And it will be like a sign on your hand and a
Egypt a was 430 years. 41 At the end of the 430 years, to symbol on your forehead that the LORD brought us out
the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt. 42 Be- of Egypt with his mighty hand.”
a 40 Masoretic Text; Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint Egypt and Canaan
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38 EXODUS 13:17
Crossing the Sea behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought
them on the road through the Philistine country, darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so
though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, neither went near the other all night long.
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,
they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
18 So God led the people around by the desert road to- and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a
ward the Red Sea. a The Israelites went up out of Egypt strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters
armed for battle. were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea
19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on
Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He their left.
23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s
had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then
you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” b horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into
20 After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night the LORD
the edge of the desert. 21 By day the LORD went ahead of looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the
them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25 He made
by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they the wheels of their chariots come off d so that they had
could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get
cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them
front of the people. against Egypt.”
26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your
sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon. “I will sing to the LORD,
10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, for he is highly exalted.
and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. The horse and its rider
They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They he has hurled into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in
Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What he has become my salvation.
have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? He is my God, and I will praise him,
12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3 The LORD is a warrior;
serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to
serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid.
Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD he has hurled into the sea.
will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you The best of Pharaoh’s officers
will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you are drowned in the Red Sea. f
5 The deep waters have covered them;
need only to be still.”
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying they sank to the depths like a stone.
out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your 6 “Your right hand, O LORD,
staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the was majestic in power.
water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry Your right hand, O LORD,
ground. 17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so shattered the enemy.
that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory 7 In the greatness of your majesty
through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots you threw down those who opposed you.
and his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am You unleashed your burning anger;
the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chari- it consumed them like stubble.
ots and his horsemen.” 8 By the blast of your nostrils
19 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in the waters piled up.
front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The surging waters stood firm like a wall;
The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
a 18 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds b 19 See Gen. 50:25. c 9 Or charioteers; also in verses 17, 18, 23, 26 and 28 d 25 Or He
jammed the wheels of their chariots (see Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint and Syriac) e 27 Or from f 4 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is,
Sea of Reeds; also in verse 22
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EXODUS 16:23 39
9 “The enemy boasted, springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there
‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. near the water.
I will divide the spoils;
I will gorge myself on them. Manna and Quail
I will draw my sword
and my hand will destroy them.’
10 But you blew with your breath,
16 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim
and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between
Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second
and the sea covered them. month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert
They sank like lead the whole community grumbled against Moses and
in the mighty waters. Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died
by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of
11 “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have
Who is like you— brought us out into this desert to starve this entire as-
majestic in holiness, sembly to death.”
awesome in glory, 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down
working wonders? bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out
12 You stretched out your right hand each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I
and the earth swallowed them. will test them and see whether they will follow my in-
13 “In
structions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what
your unfailing love you will lead they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they
the people you have redeemed. gather on the other days.”
In your strength you will guide them 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the
to your holy dwelling. evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought
14 The nations will hear and tremble;
you out of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the
anguish will grip the people of Philistia. glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling
15 The chiefs of Edom will be terrified,
against him. Who are we, that you should grumble
the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, against us?” 8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was
the people a of Canaan will melt away; the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening
16 terror and dread will fall upon them. and all the bread you want in the morning, because he
By the power of your arm has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we?
they will be as still as a stone— You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.”
until your people pass by, O LORD, 9 Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite
until the people you bought b pass by. community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard
17 You will bring them in and plant them
your grumbling.’ ”
on the mountain of your inheritance— 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite
the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling, community, they looked toward the desert, and there
the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established. was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.
18 The LORD will reign 11 The LORD said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the grum-
for ever and ever.” bling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat
19 When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen c meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread.
went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ”
13 That evening quail came and covered the camp,
back over them, but the Israelites walked through the
sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aar- and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the
on’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the camp. 14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on
women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15 When the Is-
21 Miriam sang to them: raelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For
they did not know what it was.
“Sing to the LORD, Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has giv-
for he is highly exalted. en you to eat. 16 This is what the LORD has commanded:
The horse and its rider ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an
he has hurled into the sea.” omer e for each person you have in your tent.’ ”
17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered
The Waters of Marah and Elim much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they
omer, he who gathered much did not have too much,
went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they trav- and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each
eled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they one gathered as much as he needed.
came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it 19 Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of
was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. d) 24 So it until morning.”
the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are 20 However, some of them paid no attention to Mo-
we to drink?” ses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of
25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD
maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with
showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, them.
and the water became sweet. 21 Each morning everyone gathered as much as he
There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.
and there he tested them. 26 He said, “If you listen care- 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two
fully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is omers f for each person—and the leaders of the com-
right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands munity came and reported this to Moses. 23 He said to
and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of them, “This is what the LORD commanded: ‘Tomorrow is
the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake
LORD, who heals you.” what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil.
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’ ”
a 15 Or rulers b 16 Or created c 19 Or charioteers d 23 Marah means bitter. e 16 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters);
also in verses 18, 32, 33 and 36 f 22 That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4.5 liters)
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40 EXODUS 16:24
24 So
they saved it until morning, as Moses com- side, one on the other—so that his hands remained
manded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25 “Eat steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite
it today,” Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath to the army with the sword.
LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll
26 Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, as something to be remembered and make sure that
the Sabbath, there will not be any.” Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the
27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then 15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my
the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you a refuse to Banner. 16 He said, “For hands were lifted up to the
keep my commands and my instructions? 29 Bear in throne of the LORD. The e LORD will be at war against the
mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is Amalekites from generation to generation.”
why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Ev-
eryone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one
Jethro Visits Moses
is to go out.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 The people of Israel called the bread manna. b It 18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law
of Moses, heard of everything God had done for
Moses and for his people Israel, and how the L had
ORD
was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers
made with honey. 32 Moses said, “This is what the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt.
2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his
has commanded: ‘Take an omer of manna and keep it
for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I father-in-law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons.
gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of One son was named Gershom, f for Moses said, “I have
Egypt.’ ” become an alien in a foreign land”; 4 and the other was
33 So Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an named Eliezer, g for he said, “My father’s God was my
omer of manna in it. Then place it before the LORD to be helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’
kept for the generations to come.”
34 As the LORD commanded Moses, Aaron put the sons and wife, came to him in the desert, where he was
manna in front of the Testimony, that it might be kept. camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent
35 The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came word to him, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to
to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they you with your wife and her two sons.”
7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and
reached the border of Canaan.
36 (An omer is one tenth of an ephah.) bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other
and then went into the tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-
Water From the Rock law about everything the LORD had done to Pharaoh
and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the
17
L
The whole Israelite community set out from the
Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the
ORDcommanded. They camped at Rephidim, but
hardships they had met along the way and how the
LORD had saved them.
9 Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good
there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they
quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to things the LORD had done for Israel in rescuing them
drink.” from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 He said, “Praise be to
Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyp-
do you put the LORD to the test?” tians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from
3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the LORD
they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those
bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children who had treated Israel arrogantly.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’
and livestock die of thirst?” father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacri-
4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do fices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Isra-
with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” el to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the pres-
5 The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the ence of God.
13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge
people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and
take in your hand the staff with which you struck the for the people, and they stood around him from morn-
Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at ing till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that
Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this
the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as
elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah c and judge, while all these people stand around you from
Meribah d because the Israelites quarreled and because morning till evening?”
15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to
they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or
not?” me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it
is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and
The Amalekites Defeated inform them of God’s decrees and laws.”
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at 17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is
Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will
men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you;
stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will
hands.” give you some advice, and may God be with you. You
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had or- must be the people’s representative before God and
dered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees
hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties
were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all
Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who
tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over
on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them
a 28
The Hebrew is plural. b 31 Manna means What is it? (see verse 15). c 7 Massah means testing. d 7 Meribah means quarreling.
e 16
Or “Because a hand was against the throne of the LORD, the f 3 Gershom sounds like the Hebrew for an alien there. g 4 Eliezer
means my God is helper.
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EXODUS 20:21 41
serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them up 21 and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the
bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they people so they do not force their way through to see the
can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, LORD and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who
because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and approach the LORD, must consecrate themselves, or the
God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, LORD will break out against them.”
and all these people will go home satisfied.” 23 Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come
24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did every-
up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put
thing he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’ ”
and made them leaders of the people, officials over 24 The LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron up
thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as with you. But the priests and the people must not force
judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases their way through to come up to the LORD, or he will
they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decid- break out against them.”
ed themselves. 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.
27 Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and
Jethro returned to his own country. The Ten Commandments
At Mount Sinai 20 And“I amGodthespoke all these words:
the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not may live long in the land the LORD your God is
go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever giving you.
touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 He 13 “You shall not murder.
shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is 14 “You shall not commit adultery.
to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not 15 “You shall not steal.
be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your
long blast may they go up to the mountain.” neighbor.
14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You
people, he consecrated them, and they washed their shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his
clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare your- manservant or maidservant, his ox or don-
selves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.” key, or anything that belongs to your neigh-
16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder
bor.”
and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain,
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning
and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp
trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in
to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a dis-
mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, be- tance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we
cause the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke bil- will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will
lowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole die.”
20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God
mountain b trembled violently, 19 and the sound of the
trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with
and the voice of God answered him. c you to keep you from sinning.”
20 The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses
called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went approached the thick darkness where God was.
a 5,6Or possession, for the whole earth is mine. 6You b 18 Most Hebrew manuscripts; a few Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint all the
people c 19 Or and God answered him with thunder d 3 Or besides
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42 EXODUS 20:22
Idols and Altars serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye,
22 Thenthe LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for
this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
26 “If a man hits a manservant or maidservant in the
you from heaven: 23 Do not make any gods to be along-
side me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or eye and destroys it, he must let the servant go free to
gods of gold. compensate for the eye. 27 And if he knocks out the
24 “ ‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it tooth of a manservant or maidservant, he must let the
your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, a your servant go free to compensate for the tooth.
28 “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the
sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my
name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be
25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held respon-
with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a sible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring
tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, lest and the owner has been warned but has not kept it
your nakedness be exposed on it.’ penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must
be stoned and the owner also must be put to death.
30 However, if payment is demanded of him, he may re-
21 “These are the laws you are to set before them: deem his life by paying whatever is demanded. 31 This
law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. 32 If
Hebrew Servants the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must
2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for
pay thirty shekels g of silver to the master of the slave,
six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, with- and the bull must be stoned.
out paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free 33 “If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to
alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the owner of
with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears the pit must pay for the loss; he must pay its owner, and
him sons or daughters, the woman and her children the dead animal will be his.
shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go 35 “If a man’s bull injures the bull of another and it
free. dies, they are to sell the live one and divide both the
5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and
money and the dead animal equally. 36 However, if it
my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the
his master must take him before the judges. b He shall owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay,
take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear animal for animal, and the dead animal will be his.
with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not Protection of Property
to go free as menservants do. 8 If she does not please the
master who has selected her for himself, c he must let
her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreign-
22 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it
or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for
the ox and four sheep for the sheep.
2 “If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that
ers, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects
her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daugh- he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it
ter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not de- happens h after sunrise, he is guilty of bloodshed.
prive the first one of her food, clothing and marital “A thief must certainly make restitution, but if he
rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three has nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft.
4 “If the stolen animal is found alive in his posses-
things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.
sion—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay
Personal Injuries back double.
12 “Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall 5 “If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard
surely be put to death. 13 However, if he does not do it in- and lets them stray and they graze in another man’s
tentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a field, he must make restitution from the best of his own
place I will designate. 14 But if a man schemes and kills field or vineyard.
another man deliberately, take him away from my altar 6 “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so
and put him to death. that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the
15 “Anyone who attacks d his father or his mother whole field, the one who started the fire must make res-
must be put to death. titution.
16 “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him 7 “If a man gives his neighbor silver or goods for safe-
or still has him when he is caught must be put to death. keeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house,
17 “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be the thief, if he is caught, must pay back double. 8 But if
put to death. the thief is not found, the owner of the house must ap-
18 “If men quarrel and one hits the other with a stone pear before the judges i to determine whether he has
or with his fist e and he does not die but is confined to laid his hands on the other man’s property. 9 In all cases
bed, 19 the one who struck the blow will not be held re- of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a gar-
sponsible if the other gets up and walks around outside ment, or any other lost property about which some-
with his staff; however, he must pay the injured man for body says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their
the loss of his time and see that he is completely healed. cases before the judges. The one whom the judges de-
20 “If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod clare j guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.
and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be pun- 10 “If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any oth-
ished, 21 but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up er animal to his neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or
after a day or two, since the slave is his property. is injured or is taken away while no one is looking, 11 the
22 “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman issue between them will be settled by the taking of an
and she gives birth prematurely f but there is no serious oath before the LORD that the neighbor did not lay
injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to
husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is accept this, and no restitution is required. 12 But if the
a 24 Traditionally peace offerings b 6 Or before God c 8 Or master so that he does not choose her d 15 Or kills e 18 Or with a tool
f 22Or she has a miscarriage g 32 That is, about 12 ounces (about 0.3 kilogram) h 3 Or if he strikes him i 8 Or before God; also in
verse 9 j 9 Or whom God declares
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EXODUS 23:33 43
animal was stolen from the neighbor, he must make the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie
restitution to the owner. 13 If it was torn to pieces by a unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your peo-
wild animal, he shall bring in the remains as evidence ple may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat
and he will not be required to pay for the torn animal. what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and
14 “If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor your olive grove.
and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, 12 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do
he must make restitution. 15 But if the owner is with the not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and
animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal the slave born in your household, and the alien as well,
was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss. may be refreshed.
13 “Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do
Social Responsibility not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be
16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be
heard on your lips.
married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-
price, and she shall be his wife. 17 If her father absolute- The Three Annual Festivals
ly refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride- 14 “Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival
44 EXODUS 24:1
The Covenant Confirmed side and out, and make a gold molding around it. 12 Cast
four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet,
24 Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you
and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the el-
ders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2but Moses
with two rings on one side and two rings on the other.
13 Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them
alone is to approach the LORD; the others must not come with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of
near. And the people may not come up with him.” the chest to carry it. 15 The poles are to remain in the
3 When Moses went and told the people all the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. 16 Then put
LORD’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.
17 “Make an atonement cover e of pure gold—two and
“Everything the LORD has said we will do.” 4 Moses then
wrote down everything the LORD had said. a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. f 18 And
He got up early the next morning and built an altar make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends
at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pil- of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the sec-
lars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he ond cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one
sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offer- piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20The cherubim are
ings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings a to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the
to the LORD. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other,
bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the
7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give
the people. They responded, “We will do everything the you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim
LORD has said; we will obey.” that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with
8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the peo- you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
ple and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the The Table
LORD has made with you in accordance with all these 23 “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a
words.” cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. g 24 Overlay it
9 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seven-
with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.
ty elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel. 25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth h wide and
Under his feet was something like a pavement made of put a gold molding on the rim. 26 Make four gold rings
sapphire, b clear as the sky itself. 11 But God did not raise for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where
his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw the four legs are. 27 The rings are to be close to the rim to
God, and they ate and drank. hold the poles used in carrying the table. 28 Make the
12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the
poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry
mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of the table with them. 29 And make its plates and dishes of
stone, with the law and commands I have written for pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pour-
their instruction.” ing out of offerings. 30 Put the bread of the Presence on
13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Mo-
this table to be before me at all times.
ses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the el-
ders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron The Lampstand
and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute 31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it
can go to them.” out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blos-
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud soms shall be of one piece with it. 32 Six branches are to
covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one
Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like al-
on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from with- mond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one
in the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all
looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on
18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like al-
mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days mond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall
and forty nights. be under the first pair of branches extending from the
lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a
Offerings for the Tabernacle third bud under the third pair—six branches in all.
25 The L 2
said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to
ORD 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with
bring me an offering. You are to receive the offer- the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
ing for me from each man whose heart prompts him to 37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it
give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trim-
them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet mers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent i of pure
yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these acces-
hides of sea cows c; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; sories. 40 See that you make them according to the pat-
spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; tern shown you on the mountain.
7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the
ephod and breastpiece. The Tabernacle
8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I
will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its 26 “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely
twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn,
with cherubim worked into them by a skilled crafts-
furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.
man. 2 All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-
The Ark eight cubits long and four cubits wide. j 3 Join five of the
10 “Have them make a chest of acacia wood—two curtains together, and do the same with the other five.
and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cu- 4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end
bit and a half high. d 11 Overlay it with pure gold, both in- curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain
a 5 Traditionally peace offerings b 10 Or lapis lazuli c 5 That is, dugongs d 10 That is, about 3 3/4 feet (about 1.1 meters) long and
2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) wide and high e 17 Traditionally a mercy seat f 17 That is, about 3 3/4 feet (about 1.1 meters) long and
2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) wide g 23 That is, about 3 feet (about 0.9 meter) long and 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter) wide and 2 1/4 feet
(about 0.7 meter) high h 25 That is, about 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) i 39 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms)
j 2 That is, about 42 feet (about 12.5 meters) long and 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) wide
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EXODUS 28:5 45
in the other set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fif- the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the
ty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its
loops opposite each other. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling
and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a
tabernacle is a unit. bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the
7 “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of
tabernacle—eleven altogether. 8 All eleven curtains are the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of
to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze.
wide. a 9 Join five of the curtains together into one set 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will
and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make
double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as
the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the you were shown on the mountain.
edge of the end curtain in the other set. 11 Then make fif-
ty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the The Courtyard
9 “Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south
tent together as a unit. 12 As for the additional length of
the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to side shall be a hundred cubits g long and is to have cur-
hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. 13 The tent cur- tains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and
tains will be a cubit b longer on both sides; what is left twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands
will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover on the posts. 11 The north side shall also be a hundred
it. 14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts
and over that a covering of hides of sea cows. c and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and
15 “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the taber- bands on the posts.
12 “The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cu-
nacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit
and a half wide, d 17 with two projections set parallel to bits h wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten
each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this bases. 13 On the east end, toward the sunrise, the court-
way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tab- yard shall also be fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cu-
ernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under bits i long are to be on one side of the entrance, with
them—two bases for each frame, one under each pro- three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits
jection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the taber- long are to be on the other side, with three posts and
nacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases— three bases.
two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far 16 “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a cur-
end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make tain twenty cubits j long, of blue, purple and scarlet
two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroi-
corners they must be double from the bottom all the derer—with four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts
way to the top, and fitted into a single ring; both shall be around the courtyard are to have silver bands and
like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen sil- hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The courtyard shall be a
ver bases—two under each frame. hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, k with cur-
26 “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the tains of finely twisted linen five cubits l high, and with
frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on bronze bases. 19 All the other articles used in the service
the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all
far end of the tabernacle. 28 The center crossbar is to ex- the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be
tend from end to end at the middle of the frames. of bronze.
29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to
hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. Oil for the Lampstand
30 “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan 20 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of
shown you on the mountain. pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be
31 “Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn kept burning. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the cur-
and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by tain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons
a skilled craftsman. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from
posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance
four silver bases. 33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and among the Israelites for the generations to come.
place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The The Priestly Garments
curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy
Place. 34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testi-
mony in the Most Holy Place. 35 Place the table outside 28 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from
among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab
and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me
the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put
the lampstand opposite it on the south side. as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aar-
36 “For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of on, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled
blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen— men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that
the work of an embroiderer. 37 Make gold hooks for this they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecra-
curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with tion, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the gar-
gold. And cast five bronze bases for them. ments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a
robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to
The Altar of Burnt Offering make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron
27 “Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have
e
it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and
f2
wide. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that fine linen.
a8 That is, about 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) long and 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) wide b 13 That is, about 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter)
c 14 That is, dugongs d 16 That is, about 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) long and 2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) wide e 1 That is, about 4 1/2
feet (about 1.3 meters) f 1 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters) long and wide g 9 That is, about 150 feet (about 46 meters);
also in verse 11 h 12 That is, about 75 feet (about 23 meters); also in verse 13 i 14 That is, about 22 1/2 feet (about 6.9 meters); also in
verse 15 j 16 That is, about 30 feet (about 9 meters) k 18 That is, about 150 feet (about 46 meters) long and 75 feet (about 23 meters)
wide l 18 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters)
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46 EXODUS 28:6
The Ephod a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to at-
6 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and tach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the tur-
scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a ban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the
skilled craftsman. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces at- guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites conse-
tached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its crate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s
skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to
with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, the LORD.
39 “Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban
purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.
9 “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroider-
names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth— er. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron’s
six names on one stone and the remaining six on the sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put
other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons,
two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may
mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten serve me as priests.
42 “Make linen undergarments as a covering for the
them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial
stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and
on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. 13 Make his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent
gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy
gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings. Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.
“This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his
The Breastpiece descendants.
15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the
work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of Consecration of the Priests
gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely
twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span a long and a
span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four
29 “This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so
they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull
2
and two rams without defect. And from fine wheat
rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall flour, without yeast, make bread, and cakes mixed with
be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a tur- oil, and wafers spread with oil. 3 Put them in a basket
quoise, a sapphire b and an emerald; 19 in the third row a and present them in it—along with the bull and the two
jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a rams. 4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to
chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. c Mount them in gold the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 5 Take
filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe
each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fas-
like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. ten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband.
22 “For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure 6 Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred dia-
gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten dem to the turban. 7 Take the anointing oil and anoint
them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the him by pouring it on his head. 8 Bring his sons and dress
two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breast- them in tunics 9 and put headbands on them. Then tie
piece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two set- sashes on Aaron and his sons. e The priesthood is theirs
tings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the by a lasting ordinance. In this way you shall ordain Aar-
ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach on and his sons.
10 “Bring the bull to the front of the Tent of Meeting,
them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the
inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
11 Slaughter it in the LORD’s presence at the entrance to
rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder
pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just the Tent of Meeting. 12 Take some of the bull’s blood and
above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour
breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13 Then take all
blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver,
breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod. and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them
29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will on the altar. 14But burn the bull’s flesh and its hide and its
bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the offal outside the camp. It is a sin offering.
15 “Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons
breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before
the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the shall lay their hands on its head. 16 Slaughter it and take
breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenev- the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides.
17 Cut the ram into pieces and wash the inner parts and
er he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will
always bear the means of making decisions for the Isra- the legs, putting them with the head and the other
elites over his heart before the LORD. pieces. 18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a
burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering
Other Priestly Garments made to the LORD by fire.
31 “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue 19 “Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall
cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. lay their hands on its head. 20 Slaughter it, take some of
There shall be a woven edge like a collar d around this its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aar-
opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates on and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands,
of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the and on the big toes of their right feet. Then sprinkle
robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells blood against the altar on all sides. 21 And take some of
and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and
of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons
The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the and their garments. Then he and his sons and their gar-
Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so ments will be consecrated.
that he will not die. 22 “Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat
36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, both
a 16 That is, about 9 inches (about 22 centimeters) b 18 Or lapis lazuli c 20 The precise identification of some of these precious
stones is uncertain. d 32 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. e 9 Hebrew; Septuagint on them
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EXODUS 30:34 47
kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ark of the Testimony—before the atonement cover
the ram for the ordination.) 23 From the basket of bread that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.
made without yeast, which is before the LORD, take a 7 “Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every
loaf, and a cake made with oil, and a wafer. 24 Put all morning when he tends the lamps. 8 He must burn in-
these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them cense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so in-
before the LORD as a wave offering. 25 Then take them cense will burn regularly before the LORD for the genera-
from their hands and burn them on the altar along with tions to come. 9 Do not offer on this altar any other
the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD, an incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do
offering made to the LORD by fire. 26 After you take the not pour a drink offering on it. 10 Once a year Aaron shall
breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement
the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your share. must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering
27 “Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that for the generations to come. It is most holy to the LORD.”
belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved
and the thigh that was presented. 28 This is always to be Atonement Money
11 Then the LORD said to Moses, 12 “When you take a
the regular share from the Israelites for Aaron and his
sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to census of the Israelites to count them, each one must
the LORD from their fellowship offerings. a pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is
29 “Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his de- counted. Then no plague will come on them when you
scendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in number them. 13 Each one who crosses over to those al-
them. 30 The son who succeeds him as priest and comes ready counted is to give a half shekel, e according to the
to the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half
wear them seven days. shekel is an offering to the LORD. 14 All who cross over,
31 “Take the ram for the ordination and cook the those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to
meat in a sacred place. 32 At the entrance to the Tent of the LORD. 15 The rich are not to give more than a half
Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make
ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33 They are to eat the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives. 16 Re-
these offerings by which atonement was made for their ceive the atonement money from the Israelites and use
ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will be a me-
them, because they are sacred. 34 And if any of the meat morial for the Israelites before the LORD, making atone-
of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morn- ment for your lives.”
ing, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred. Basin for Washing
35 “Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have com-
17 Then the LORD said to Moses, 18 “Make a bronze ba-
manded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36 Sacri- sin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between
fice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atone- the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.
ment. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and 19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet
anoint it to consecrate it. 37 For seven days make atone- with water from it. 20 Whenever they enter the Tent of
ment for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will
be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy. not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister
38 “This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly
by presenting an offering made to the LORD by fire,
each day: two lambs a year old. 39 Offer one in the 21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will
morning and the other at twilight. 40 With the first lamb not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and
offer a tenth of an ephah b of fine flour mixed with a his descendants for the generations to come.”
quarter of a hin c of oil from pressed olives, and a quar-
ter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. 41 Sacrifice the Anointing Oil
other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and 22 Then the LORD said to Moses, 23 “Take the following
its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, fine spices: 500 shekels f of liquid myrrh, half as much
an offering made to the LORD by fire. (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels
42 “For the generations to come this burnt offering is of fragrant cane, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according
to be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin g of olive oil. 25 Make
Meeting before the LORD. There I will meet you and these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the
speak to you; 43 there also I will meet with the Israelites, work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.
and the place will be consecrated by my glory. 26 Then use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of
44 “So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the al- the Testimony, 27 the table and all its articles, the lamp-
tar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me stand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 28 the altar
as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with
be their God. 46 They will know that I am the LORD their its stand. 29 You shall consecrate them so they will be
God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. 30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them
so they may serve me as priests. 31 Say to the Israelites,
The Altar of Incense ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the genera-
30 “Make an altar of acacia wood for burning in-
2
cense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit
wide, and two cubits high —its horns of one piece with
d
tions to come. 32 Do not pour it on men’s bodies and do
not make any oil with the same formula. It is sacred,
and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes
it. 3 Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other
pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. 4 Make than a priest must be cut off from his people.’ ”
two gold rings for the altar below the molding—two on
opposite sides—to hold the poles used to carry it. Incense
5 Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with 34 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take fragrant
gold. 6 Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure
a 28 Traditionally peace offerings b 40 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) c 40 That is, probably about 1 quart (about 1
liter) d 2 That is, about 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter) long and wide and about 3 feet (about 0.9 meter) high e 13 That is, about 1/5
ounce (about 6 grams); also in verse 15 f 23 That is, about 12 1/2 pounds (about 6 kilograms) g 24 That is, probably about 4 quarts
(about 4 liters)
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48 EXODUS 30:35
frankincense, all in equal amounts, 35 and make a fra- tival to the LORD.” 6 So the next day the people rose ear-
grant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be ly and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellow-
salted and pure and sacred. 36 Grind some of it to pow- ship offerings. d Afterward they sat down to eat and
der and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most 7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because
holy to you. 37 Do not make any incense with this formu- your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have
la for yourselves; consider it holy to the LORD. 38 Whoev- become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away
er makes any like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from what I commanded them and have made them-
from his people.” selves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have
bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said,
Bezalel and Oholiab ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out
31 Bezalel
Then the L 2
said to Moses, “See, I have chosen
ORD of Egypt.’
son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Ju- 9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses,
3
dah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me
skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— 4 to alone so that my anger may burn against them and that
make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great
bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to nation.”
engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have 11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God.
appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of “O LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against
Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the crafts- your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great
men to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians
Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to
atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the
the tent— 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent
lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember
9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin
your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you
with its stand— 10 and also the woven garments, both swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as
the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the gar- numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your de-
ments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the scendants all this land I promised them, and it will be
anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. their inheritance forever.’ ” 14 Then the LORD relented
They are to make them just as I commanded you.” and did not bring on his people the disaster he had
The Sabbath threatened.
15 Moses turned and went down the mountain with
12 Then the LORD said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israel-
ites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They
between me and you for the generations to come, so were inscribed on both sides, front and back. 16 The tab-
you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you lets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of
holy. a God, engraved on the tablets.
17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shout-
14 “ ‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you.
Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoev- ing, he said to Moses, “There is the sound of war in the
er does any work on that day must be cut off from his camp.”
18 Moses replied:
people. 15 For six days, work is to be done, but the sev-
enth day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever “It is not the sound of victory,
does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to it is not the sound of defeat;
death. 16 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, cele- it is the sound of singing that I hear.”
brating it for the generations to come as a lasting cov- 19 When Moses approached the camp and saw the
enant. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites
forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw
the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at
work and rested.’ ” the foot of the mountain. 20 And he took the calf they
18 When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to
Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimo- powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israel-
ny, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. ites drink it.
21 He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to
The Golden Calf you, that you led them into such great sin?”
32 When the people saw that Moses was so long in 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You
coming down from the mountain, they gathered know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to
around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will b me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fel-
go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up low Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t
out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them,
him.” ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they
2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out
that your wives, your sons and your daughters are came this calf!”
wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took 25 Moses saw that the people were running wild and
off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took that Aaron had let them get out of control and so be-
what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in come a laughingstock to their enemies. 26 So he stood at
the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the
said, “These are your gods, c O Israel, who brought you LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.
up out of Egypt.” 27 Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD, the
5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side.
the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a fes- Go back and forth through the camp from one end to
a 13 Or who sanctifies you; or who sets you apart as holy b1 Or a god; also in verses 23 and 31 c4 Or This is your god; also in verse 8
d6 Traditionally peace offerings
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EXODUS 34:19 49
the other, each killing his brother and friend and neigh- guish me and your people from all the other people on
bor.’ ” 28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and the face of the earth?”
that day about three thousand of the people died. 17 And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very
29 Then Moses said, “You have been set apart to the thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you
LORD today, for you were against your own sons and and I know you by name.”
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
brothers, and he has blessed you this day.”
30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have 19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to
committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the
perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I
31 So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I
what a great sin these people have committed! They will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see
have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me
forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the
book you have written.” where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory
33 The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover
against me I will blot out of my book. 34 Now go, lead you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will
the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face
before you. However, when the time comes for me to must not be seen.”
punish, I will punish them for their sin.” The New Stone Tablets
35 And the LORD struck the people with a plague be-
cause of what they did with the calf Aaron had made. 34 The L ORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone
tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them
33 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place,
you and the people you brought up out of Egypt,
and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham,
the words that were on the first tablets, which you
broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on
Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the
Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descen- mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen any-
dants.’ 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out where on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds
the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites may graze in front of the mountain.”
and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and 4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the
honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morn-
stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the ing, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried
way.” the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the LORD came
4 When the people heard these distressing words,
down in the cloud and stood there with him and pro-
they began to mourn and no one put on any orna- claimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of
ments. 5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israel- Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compas-
ites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with sionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in
you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands,
off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does
you.’ ” 6 So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the chil-
Mount Horeb. dren and their children for the sin of the fathers to the
third and fourth generation.”
The Tent of Meeting 8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and wor-
7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside
shiped. 9 “O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes,” he
the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of said, “then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a
meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our
tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Mo- sin, and take us as your inheritance.”
ses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at 10 Then the LORD said: “I am making a covenant with
the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he you. Before all your people I will do wonders never be-
entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar fore done in any nation in all the world. The people you
of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the
while the LORD spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the peo- LORD, will do for you. 11 Obey what I command you to-
ple saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to day. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites,
the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the en- Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 12 Be careful
trance to his tent. 11 The LORD would speak to Moses not to make a treaty with those who live in the land
face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Mo- where you are going, or they will be a snare among you.
ses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua 13 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones
son of Nun did not leave the tent. and cut down their Asherah poles. a 14 Do not worship
any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a
Moses and the Glory of the LORD jealous God.
12 Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, 15 “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who
‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to
whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you
by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you and you will eat their sacrifices. 16 And when you choose
are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know some of their daughters as wives for your sons and
you and continue to find favor with you. Remember those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods,
that this nation is your people.” they will lead your sons to do the same.
14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, 17 “Do not make cast idols.
and I will give you rest.” 18 “Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For sev-
15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does en days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded
not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of
anyone know that you are pleased with me and with Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt.
your people unless you go with us? What else will distin- 19 “The first offspring of every womb belongs to me,
50 EXODUS 34:20
including all the firstborn males of your livestock, the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it;
whether from herd or flock. 20 Redeem the firstborn 13 the table with its poles and all its articles and the
donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break bread of the Presence; 14 the lampstand that is for light
its neck. Redeem all your firstborn sons. with its accessories, lamps and oil for the light; 15 the al-
“No one is to appear before me empty-handed. tar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil and the
21 “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the en-
you shall rest; even during the plowing season and har- trance to the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering
vest you must rest. with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the
22 “Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of bronze basin with its stand; 17 the curtains of the court-
the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the yard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the
turn of the year. a 23 Three times a year all your men are entrance to the courtyard; 18 the tent pegs for the taber-
to appear before the Sovereign LORD, the God of Israel. nacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes; 19 the wo-
24 I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your ven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary—
territory, and no one will covet your land when you go both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the
up three times each year to appear before the LORD your garments for his sons when they serve as priests.”
20 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew
God.
25 “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along from Moses’ presence, 21 and everyone who was willing
with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the and whose heart moved him came and brought an of-
sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning. fering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting,
26 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22 All who
house of the LORD your God. were willing, men and women alike, came and brought
“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and
27 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write down these ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave of-
words, for in accordance with these words I have made fering to the LORD. 23 Everyone who had blue, purple or
a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 Moses was there scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed
with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating red or hides of sea cows brought them. 24 Those pre-
bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets senting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an
the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. offering to the LORD, and everyone who had acacia
wood for any part of the work brought it. 25 Every skilled
The Radiant Face of Moses woman spun with her hands and brought what she had
29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. 26 And
the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was all the women who were willing and had the skill spun
not aware that his face was radiant because he had spo- the goat hair. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and
ken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breast-
saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to piece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the
come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant in-
and all the leaders of the community came back to him, cense. 29 All the Israelite men and women who were
and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the
came near him, and he gave them all the commands work the LORD through Moses had commanded them
the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. to do.
33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a
veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD’s Bezalel and Oholiab
30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD
presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he
came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the
what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of
was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of
his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. crafts— 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver
and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood
Sabbath Regulations and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.
34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisa-
done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sab- craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and
bath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them
must be put to death. 3 Do not light a fire in any of your
dwellings on the Sabbath day.” 36 master craftsmen and designers. 1 So Bezalel,
Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the
LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry
Materials for the Tabernacle out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do
4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This
the work just as the LORD has commanded.”
is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you 2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and
have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is every skilled person to whom the LORD had given abili-
willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver ty and who was willing to come and do the work. 3 They
and bronze; 6 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine lin- received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had
en; goat hair; 7 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanc-
cows b; acacia wood; 8 olive oil for the light; spices for tuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offer-
the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9 and ings morning after morning. 4 So all the skilled crafts-
onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the men who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left
ephod and breastpiece. their work 5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing
10 “All who are skilled among you are to come and more than enough for doing the work the LORD com-
make everything the LORD has commanded: 11 the taber- manded to be done.”
nacle with its tent and its covering, clasps, frames, 6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word
crossbars, posts and bases; 12 the ark with its poles and throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make
a 22 That is, in the fall b7 That is, dugongs; also in verse 23
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EXODUS 37:27 51
anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so of the posts and their bands with gold and made their
the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 be- five bases of bronze.
cause what they already had was more than enough to
do all the work. The Ark
The Tabernacle
8 All
the skilled men among the workmen made the
37 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a
half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cu-
e2
bit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both
tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3 He
blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four
into them by a skilled craftsman. 9 All the curtains were feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the
the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cu- other. 4 Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid
bits wide. a 10 They joined five of the curtains together them with gold. 5 And he inserted the poles into the
and did the same with the other five. 11 Then they made rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.
loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain 6 He made the atonement cover of pure gold—two
in one set, and the same was done with the end curtain and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. f
in the other set. 12 They also made fifty loops on one 7 Then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at
curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other the ends of the cover. 8 He made one cherub on one end
set, with the loops opposite each other. 13 Then they and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he
made fifty gold clasps and used them to fasten the two made them of one piece with the cover. 9 The cherubim
sets of curtains together so that the tabernacle was a had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the
unit. cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, look-
14 They made curtains of goat hair for the tent over
ing toward the cover.
the tabernacle—eleven altogether. 15 All eleven curtains
were the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits The Table
wide. b 16 They joined five of the curtains into one set 10 They g made the table of acacia wood—two cubits
and the other six into another set. 17 Then they made fif- long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. h 11 Then
ty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set they overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding
and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other around it. 12 They also made around it a rim a hand-
set. 18 They made fifty bronze clasps to fasten the tent to- breadth i wide and put a gold molding on the rim.
gether as a unit. 19 Then they made for the tent a cover- 13 They cast four gold rings for the table and fastened
ing of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of them to the four corners, where the four legs were.
hides of sea cows. c 14 The rings were put close to the rim to hold the poles
20 They made upright frames of acacia wood for the
used in carrying the table. 15 The poles for carrying the
tabernacle. 21 Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit table were made of acacia wood and were overlaid with
and a half wide, d 22 with two projections set parallel to gold. 16 And they made from pure gold the articles for the
each other. They made all the frames of the tabernacle table—its plates and dishes and bowls and its pitchers
in this way. 23 They made twenty frames for the south for the pouring out of drink offerings.
side of the tabernacle 24 and made forty silver bases to go
under them—two bases for each frame, one under each The Lampstand
projection. 25 For the other side, the north side of the 17 They made the lampstand of pure gold and ham-
tabernacle, they made twenty frames 26 and forty silver mered it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds
bases—two under each frame. 27 They made six frames and blossoms were of one piece with it. 18 Six branches
for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on
28 and two frames were made for the corners of the tab- one side and three on the other. 19 Three cups shaped
ernacle at the far end. 29 At these two corners the frames like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on
were double from the bottom all the way to the top and one branch, three on the next branch and the same for
fitted into a single ring; both were made alike. 30 So all six branches extending from the lampstand. 20 And
there were eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond
under each frame. flowers with buds and blossoms. 21 One bud was under
31 They also made crossbars of acacia wood: five for the first pair of branches extending from the lamp-
the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 32 five for those stand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third
on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 22 The
the far end of the tabernacle. 33 They made the center buds and the branches were all of one piece with the
crossbar so that it extended from end to end at the mid- lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
dle of the frames. 34 They overlaid the frames with gold 23 They made its seven lamps, as well as its wick
and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. They also trimmers and trays, of pure gold. 24 They made the
overlaid the crossbars with gold. lampstand and all its accessories from one talent j of
35 They made the curtain of blue, purple and scarlet
pure gold.
yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked
into it by a skilled craftsman. 36 They made four posts of The Altar of Incense
acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold. They 25 They made the altar of incense out of acacia wood.
made gold hooks for them and cast their four silver It was square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cu-
bases. 37 For the entrance to the tent they made a cur- bits high k—its horns of one piece with it. 26 They over-
tain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted laid the top and all the sides and the horns with pure
linen—the work of an embroiderer; 38 and they made gold, and made a gold molding around it. 27 They made
five posts with hooks for them. They overlaid the tops two gold rings below the molding—two on opposite
a9 That is, about 42 feet (about 12.5 meters) long and 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) wide b 15 That is, about 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) long
and 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) wide c 19 That is, dugongs d 21 That is, about 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) long and 2 1/4 feet (about 0.7
meter) wide e 1 That is, about 3 3/4 feet (about 1.1 meters) long and 2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) wide and high f 6 That is, about
3 3/4 feet (about 1.1 meters) long and 2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) wide g 10 Or He; also in verses 11–29 h 10 That is, about 3 feet
(about 0.9 meter) long, 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter) wide, and 2 1/4 feet (about 0.7 meter) high i 12 That is, about 3 inches (about 8
centimeters) j 24 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) k 25 That is, about 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter) long and wide, and
about 3 feet (about 0.9 meter) high
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52 EXODUS 37:28
sides—to hold the poles used to carry it. 28 They made all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730
the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. shekels, i according to the sanctuary shekel.
29 They also made the sacred anointing oil and the 25 The silver obtained from those of the community
pure, fragrant incense—the work of a perfumer. who were counted in the census was 100 talents and
1,775 shekels, j according to the sanctuary shekel—
The Altar of Burnt Offering 26 one beka per person, that is, half a shekel, k according
wide d 9 That is, about 150 feet (about 46 meters) e 12 That is, about 75 feet (about 23 meters) f 14 That is, about 22 1/2 feet
(about 6.9 meters) g 18 That is, about 30 feet (about 9 meters) h 18 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters) i 24 The weight of
the gold was a little over one ton (about 1 metric ton). j 25 The weight of the silver was a little over 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons).
k 26 That is, about 1/5 ounce (about 5.5 grams) l 27 That is, about 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons) m 28 That is, about 45 pounds
(about 20 kilograms) n 29 The weight of the bronze was about 2 1/2 tons (about 2.4 metric tons). o 2 Or He; also in verses 7, 8 and 22
p 9 That is, about 9 inches (about 22 centimeters) q 11 Or lapis lazuli r 13 The precise identification of some of these precious stones
is uncertain.
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EXODUS 40:38 53
piece, 18 and the other ends of the chains to the two set- front of the ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at
tings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the the entrance to the tabernacle.
ephod at the front. 19 They made two gold rings and at- 6 “Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the en-
tached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece trance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting; 7 place the
on the inside edge next to the ephod. 20 Then they made basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and
two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of put water in it. 8 Set up the courtyard around it and put
the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.
the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 21 They 9 “Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle
tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnish-
ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so ings, and it will be holy. 10 Then anoint the altar of burnt
that the breastpiece would not swing out from the offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it
ephod—as the LORD commanded Moses. will be most holy. 11 Anoint the basin and its stand and
consecrate them.
Other Priestly Garments 12 “Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the
22 They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue
Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 13 Then
cloth—the work of a weaver— 23 with an opening in the dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and
center of the robe like the opening of a collar, a and a consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. 14 Bring
band around this opening, so that it would not tear. his sons and dress them in tunics. 15 Anoint them just as
24 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet
you anointed their father, so they may serve me as
yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will
robe. 25 And they made bells of pure gold and attached continue for all generations to come.” 16 Moses did ev-
them around the hem between the pomegranates. erything just as the LORD commanded him.
26 The bells and pomegranates alternated around the 17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the
hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the LORD first month in the second year. 18 When Moses set up the
commanded Moses. tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the
27 For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of fine
frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.
linen—the work of a weaver— 28 and the turban of fine 19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put
linen, the linen headbands and the undergarments of the covering over the tent, as the LORD commanded him.
finely twisted linen. 29 The sash was of finely twisted lin- 20 He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, at-
en and blue, purple and scarlet yarn—the work of an tached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cov-
embroiderer—as the LORD commanded Moses. er over it. 21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle
30 They made the plate, the sacred diadem, out of and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of
pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a the Testimony, as the LORD commanded him.
seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 31 Then they fastened a blue cord 22 Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on
to it to attach it to the turban, as the LORD commanded the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain
Moses. 23 and set out the bread on it before the LORD, as the
LORD commanded him.
Moses Inspects the Tabernacle 24 He placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting
32 So all the work on the tabernacle, the Tent of Meet-
opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle
ing, was completed. The Israelites did everything just 25 and set up the lamps before the LORD, as the LORD
as the LORD commanded Moses. 33 Then they brought commanded him.
the tabernacle to Moses: the tent and all its furnishings, 26 Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting
its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; 34 the cov- in front of the curtain 27 and burned fragrant incense on
ering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of hides of sea it, as the LORD commanded him. 28 Then he put up the
cows b and the shielding curtain; 35 the ark of the Testi- curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.
mony with its poles and the atonement cover; 36 the ta- 29 He set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance
ble with all its articles and the bread of the Presence; to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it
37 the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all
burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the LORD com-
its accessories, and the oil for the light; 38 the gold altar, manded him.
the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain 30 He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting
for the entrance to the tent; 39 the bronze altar with its and the altar and put water in it for washing, 31 and Mo-
bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the basin ses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands
with its stand; 40 the curtains of the courtyard with its and feet. 32 They washed whenever they entered the
posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, as the LORD
courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs for the courtyard; all commanded Moses.
the furnishings for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting; 33 Then Moses set up the courtyard around the taber-
41 and the woven garments worn for ministering in the
nacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to
sanctuary, both the sacred garments for Aaron the the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.
priest and the garments for his sons when serving as
priests. The Glory of the LORD
42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the 34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and
LORD had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses
work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud
commanded. So Moses blessed them. had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the
tabernacle.
Setting Up the Tabernacle 36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the
40 Then the L 2
said to Moses: “Set up the taber-
ORD cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set
nacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—
3
first month. Place the ark of the Testimony in it and until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was
shield the ark with the curtain. 4 Bring in the table and over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by
set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all
and set up its lamps. 5 Place the gold altar of incense in their travels.
a 23 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b 34 That is, dugongs
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Leviticus
The Burnt Offering griddle, it is to be made of fine flour mixed with oil, and
without yeast. 6 Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a
1 The LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the
Tent of Meeting. He said, 2 “Speak to the Israelites
and say to them: ‘When any of you brings an offering to
grain offering. 7 If your grain offering is cooked in a pan,
it is to be made of fine flour and oil. 8 Bring the grain of-
the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either fering made of these things to the LORD; present it to
the herd or the flock. the priest, who shall take it to the altar. 9 He shall take
3 “ ‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he out the memorial portion from the grain offering and
is to offer a male without defect. He must present it at burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, an aroma
the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that it a will be ac- pleasing to the LORD. 10 The rest of the grain offering be-
ceptable to the LORD. 4 He is to lay his hand on the head longs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the
of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his be- offerings made to the LORD by fire.
half to make atonement for him. 5 He is to slaughter the 11 “ ‘Every grain offering you bring to the LORD must
young bull before the LORD, and then Aaron’s sons the be made without yeast, for you are not to burn any
priests shall bring the blood and sprinkle it against the yeast or honey in an offering made to the LORD by fire.
altar on all sides at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 12 You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of the
6 He is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a
7 The sons of Aaron the priest are to put fire on the altar pleasing aroma. 13 Season all your grain offerings with
and arrange wood on the fire. 8 Then Aaron’s sons the salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God
priests shall arrange the pieces, including the head and out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.
the fat, on the burning wood that is on the altar. 9 He is 14 “ ‘If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the
to wash the inner parts and the legs with water, and the LORD, offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the
priest is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, fire. 15 Put oil and incense on it; it is a grain offering.
an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 16 The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the
10 “ ‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, crushed grain and the oil, together with all the incense,
from either the sheep or the goats, he is to offer a male as an offering made to the LORD by fire.
without defect. 11 He is to slaughter it at the north side of
the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests The Fellowship Offering
3female,
“ ‘If someone’s offering is a fellowship offering, and d
shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.
12 He is to cut it into pieces, and the priest shall arrange he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or
them, including the head and the fat, on the burning he is to present before the L an animal with-
ORD
wood that is on the altar. 13 He is to wash the inner parts out defect. 2 He is to lay his hand on the head of his of-
and the legs with water, and the priest is to bring all of it fering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of
and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle
made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. the blood against the altar on all sides. 3 From the fellow-
14 “ ‘If the offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of ship offering he is to bring a sacrifice made to the LORD
birds, he is to offer a dove or a young pigeon. 15 The by fire: all the fat that covers the inner parts or is con-
priest shall bring it to the altar, wring off the head and nected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them
burn it on the altar; its blood shall be drained out on the near the loins, and the covering of the liver, which he
side of the altar. 16 He is to remove the crop with its con- will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to
tents b and throw it to the east side of the altar, where the burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is on
ashes are. 17 He shall tear it open by the wings, not sever- the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, an aroma
ing it completely, and then the priest shall burn it on the pleasing to the LORD.
6 “ ‘If he offers an animal from the flock as a fellow-
wood that is on the fire on the altar. It is a burnt offering,
an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. ship offering to the LORD, he is to offer a male or female
without defect. 7 If he offers a lamb, he is to present it be-
The Grain Offering fore the LORD. 8 He is to lay his hand on the head of his
LEVITICUS 5:9 55
shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides. without defect. 24 He is to lay his hand on the goat’s
14 From what he offers he is to make this offering to the head and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offer-
LORD by fire: all the fat that covers the inner parts or is ing is slaughtered before the LORD. It is a sin offering.
connected to them, 15 both kidneys with the fat on them 25 Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin
near the loins, and the covering of the liver, which he offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the al-
will remove with the kidneys. 16 The priest shall burn tar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at
them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire, a the base of the altar. 26 He shall burn all the fat on the al-
pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s. tar as he burned the fat of the fellowship offering. In
17 “ ‘This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to this way the priest will make atonement for the man’s
come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or sin, and he will be forgiven.
any blood.’ ” 27 “ ‘If a member of the community sins uninten-
The Sin Offering tionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s
commands, he is guilty. 28 When he is made aware of the
4forbidden
The L 2
said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites:
ORD
‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is sin he committed, he must bring as his offering for the
in any of the L ’s commands—
ORD sin he committed a female goat without defect. 29 He is
3“
to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and
‘If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering. 30 Then
people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger
defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and
4 He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of
pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.
Meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its 31 He shall remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed
head and slaughter it before the LORD. 5 Then the from the fellowship offering, and the priest shall burn it
anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. In this
carry it into the Tent of Meeting. 6 He is to dip his finger way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will
into the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times be- be forgiven.
fore the LORD, in front of the curtain of the sanctuary. 32 “ ‘If he brings a lamb as his sin offering, he is to
7 The priest shall then put some of the blood on the
bring a female without defect. 33 He is to lay his hand on
horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the its head and slaughter it for a sin offering at the place
LORD in the Tent of Meeting. The rest of the bull’s blood where the burnt offering is slaughtered. 34 Then the
he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offer- priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering
ing at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 8 He shall re- with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of
move all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the
that covers the inner parts or is connected to them, base of the altar. 35 He shall remove all the fat, just as the
9 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and
fat is removed from the lamb of the fellowship offering,
the covering of the liver, which he will remove with the and the priest shall burn it on the altar on top of the of-
kidneys— 10 just as the fat is removed from the ox a sac- ferings made to the LORD by fire. In this way the priest
rificed as a fellowship offering. b Then the priest shall will make atonement for him for the sin he has commit-
burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 11 But the hide ted, and he will be forgiven.
of the bull and all its flesh, as well as the head and legs,
the inner parts and offal— 12 that is, all the rest of the
bull—he must take outside the camp to a place cere-
monially clean, where the ashes are thrown, and burn it
5something
“ ‘If a person sins because he does not speak up
when he hears a public charge to testify regarding
he has seen or learned about, he will be held
in a wood fire on the ash heap. responsible.
2 “ ‘Or if a person touches anything ceremonially un-
13 “
‘If the whole Israelite community sins uninten- clean—whether the carcasses of unclean wild animals
tionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s or of unclean livestock or of unclean creatures that
commands, even though the community is unaware of move along the ground—even though he is unaware of
the matter, they are guilty. 14 When they become aware it, he has become unclean and is guilty.
of the sin they committed, the assembly must bring a 3 “ ‘Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything
young bull as a sin offering and present it before the that would make him unclean—even though he is un-
Tent of Meeting. 15 The elders of the community are to aware of it, when he learns of it he will be guilty.
lay their hands on the bull’s head before the LORD, and 4 “ ‘Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do
the bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD. 16 Then anything, whether good or evil—in any matter one
the anointed priest is to take some of the bull’s blood might carelessly swear about—even though he is un-
into the Tent of Meeting. 17 He shall dip his finger into aware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be
the blood and sprinkle it before the LORD seven times in guilty.
front of the curtain. 18 He is to put some of the blood on 5 “ ‘When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he
the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent must confess in what way he has sinned 6 and, as a pen-
of Meeting. The rest of the blood he shall pour out at the alty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the
base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offer-
Tent of Meeting. 19 He shall remove all the fat from it ing; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his
and burn it on the altar, 20 and do with this bull just as he sin.
did with the bull for the sin offering. In this way the 7 “ ‘If he cannot afford a lamb, he is to bring two
priest will make atonement for them, and they will be
doves or two young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for
forgiven. 21 Then he shall take the bull outside the camp
his sin—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt
and burn it as he burned the first bull. This is the sin of-
offering. 8 He is to bring them to the priest, who shall
fering for the community.
first offer the one for the sin offering. He is to wring its
22 “ ‘When a leader sins unintentionally and does head from its neck, not severing it completely, 9 and is to
what is forbidden in any of the commands of the LORD sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering against
his God, he is guilty. 23 When he is made aware of the sin the side of the altar; the rest of the blood must be
he committed, he must bring as his offering a male goat drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering.
a 10 The Hebrew word can include both male and female. b 10 Traditionally peace offering; also in verses 26, 31 and 35
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56 LEVITICUS 5:10
10 The priest shall then offer the other as a burnt offering the fellowship offerings d on it. 13 The fire must be kept
in the prescribed way and make atonement for him for burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.
the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.
11 “ ‘If, however, he cannot afford two doves or two The Grain Offering
14 “ ‘These are the regulations for the grain offering:
young pigeons, he is to bring as an offering for his sin a
tenth of an ephah a of fine flour for a sin offering. He Aaron’s sons are to bring it before the LORD, in front of
must not put oil or incense on it, because it is a sin offer- the altar. 15 The priest is to take a handful of fine flour
ing. 12 He is to bring it to the priest, who shall take a and oil, together with all the incense on the grain offer-
handful of it as a memorial portion and burn it on the ing, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as an
altar on top of the offerings made to the LORD by fire. It aroma pleasing to the LORD. 16 Aaron and his sons shall
is a sin offering. 13 In this way the priest will make atone- eat the rest of it, but it is to be eaten without yeast in a
ment for him for any of these sins he has committed, holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent
and he will be forgiven. The rest of the offering will be- of Meeting. 17 It must not be baked with yeast; I have
long to the priest, as in the case of the grain offering.’ ” given it as their share of the offerings made to me by fire.
Like the sin offering and the guilt offering, it is most
The Guilt Offering holy. 18 Any male descendant of Aaron may eat it. It is his
14 The LORD said to Moses: 15 “When a person com- regular share of the offerings made to the LORD by fire
mits a violation and sins unintentionally in regard to for the generations to come. Whatever touches them
any of the LORD’s holy things, he is to bring to the LORD will become holy. e’ ”
as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect 19 The LORD also said to Moses, 20 “This is the offering
and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanc- Aaron and his sons are to bring to the LORD on the day
tuary shekel. b It is a guilt offering. 16 He must make res- he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah a of fine flour as a
f
titution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half
things, add a fifth of the value to that and give it all to in the evening. 21 Prepare it with oil on a griddle; bring it
the priest, who will make atonement for him with the well-mixed and present the grain offering broken g in
ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven. pieces as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 22 The son who
17 “If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any
is to succeed him as anointed priest shall prepare it. It is
of the LORD’s commands, even though he does not the LORD’s regular share and is to be burned completely.
know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible. 18 He is 23 Every grain offering of a priest shall be burned com-
to bring to the priest as a guilt offering a ram from the pletely; it must not be eaten.”
flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In
this way the priest will make atonement for him for the The Sin Offering
24 The LORD said to Moses, 25 “Say to Aaron and his
wrong he has committed unintentionally, and he will
be forgiven. 19 It is a guilt offering; he has been guilty of c sons: ‘These are the regulations for the sin offering: The
wrongdoing against the LORD.” sin offering is to be slaughtered before the LORD in the
place the burnt offering is slaughtered; it is most holy.
6 The LORD said to Moses: 2 “If anyone sins and is un-
faithful to the LORD by deceiving his neighbor about
something entrusted to him or left in his care or stolen,
26 The priest who offers it shall eat it; it is to be eaten in
the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the al- the guilt offering: They belong to the priest who makes
tar and place them beside the altar. 11 Then he is to take atonement with them. 8 The priest who offers a burnt of-
off these clothes and put on others, and carry the ashes fering for anyone may keep its hide for himself. 9 Every
outside the camp to a place that is ceremonially clean. grain offering baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on
12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not a griddle belongs to the priest who offers it, 10 and every
go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and grain offering, whether mixed with oil or dry, belongs
arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of equally to all the sons of Aaron.
a 11,20 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) b 15 That is, about 2/5 ounce (about 11.5 grams) c 19 Or has made full
expiation for his d 12 Traditionally peace offerings e 18 Or Whoever touches them must be holy; similarly in verse 27 f 20 Or each
g 21The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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LEVITICUS 8:27 57
The Fellowship Offering 37 These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offer-
11 “ ‘These are the regulations for the fellowship offer- ing, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering,
ing a a person may present to the LORD: the ordination offering and the fellowship offering,
12 “ ‘If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness, 38 which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the
then along with this thank offering he is to offer cakes of day he commanded the Israelites to bring their offerings
bread made without yeast and mixed with oil, wafers to the LORD, in the Desert of Sinai.
made without yeast and spread with oil, and cakes of The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons
fine flour well-kneaded and mixed with oil. 13 Along
8offering,
The LORD 2
said to Moses, “Bring Aaron and his sons,
with his fellowship offering of thanksgiving he is to pre-
sent an offering with cakes of bread made with yeast. their garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin
14 He is to bring one of each kind as an offering, a contri- the two rams and the basket containing bread
bution to the LORD; it belongs to the priest who sprinkles made without yeast, 3 and gather the entire assembly at
the blood of the fellowship offerings. 15 The meat of his the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” 4 Moses did as the
fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on LORD commanded him, and the assembly gathered at
the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morn- the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
5 Moses said to the assembly, “This is what the LORD
ing.
16 “ ‘If, however, his offering is the result of a vow or is has commanded to be done.” 6 Then Moses brought
a freewill offering, the sacrifice shall be eaten on the Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with wa-
day he offers it, but anything left over may be eaten on ter. 7 He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around
the next day. 17 Any meat of the sacrifice left over till the him, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on
third day must be burned up. 18 If any meat of the fellow- him. He also tied the ephod to him by its skillfully wo-
ship offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be ac- ven waistband; so it was fastened on him. 8 He placed
cepted. It will not be credited to the one who offered it, the breastpiece on him and put the Urim and Thum-
for it is impure; the person who eats any of it will be mim in the breastpiece. 9 Then he placed the turban on
held responsible. Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the sacred diadem,
19 “ ‘Meat that touches anything ceremonially un- on the front of it, as the LORD commanded Moses.
10 Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed
clean must not be eaten; it must be burned up. As for
other meat, anyone ceremonially clean may eat it. the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated
20 But if anyone who is unclean eats any meat of the fel- them. 11 He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven
lowship offering belonging to the LORD, that person times, anointing the altar and all its utensils and the ba-
must be cut off from his people. 21 If anyone touches sin with its stand, to consecrate them. 12 He poured
something unclean—whether human uncleanness or some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed
an unclean animal or any unclean, detestable thing— him to consecrate him. 13 Then he brought Aaron’s sons
and then eats any of the meat of the fellowship offering forward, put tunics on them, tied sashes around them
belonging to the LORD, that person must be cut off from and put headbands on them, as the LORD commanded
his people.’ ” Moses.
14 He then presented the bull for the sin offering, and
Eating Fat and Blood Forbidden Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 15 Moses
22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Say to the Israelites: slaughtered the bull and took some of the blood, and
‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. 24 The with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar to
fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals purify the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at
may be used for any other purpose, but you must not the base of the altar. So he consecrated it to make
eat it. 25 Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from atonement for it. 16 Moses also took all the fat around the
which an offering by fire may be b made to the LORD inner parts, the covering of the liver, and both kidneys
must be cut off from his people. 26 And wherever you and their fat, and burned it on the altar. 17 But the bull
live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. with its hide and its flesh and its offal he burned up out-
27 If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from side the camp, as the LORD commanded Moses.
18 He then presented the ram for the burnt offering,
his people.’ ”
and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.
The Priests’ Share 19 Then Moses slaughtered the ram and sprinkled the
28 The LORD said to Moses, 29 “Say to the Israelites: blood against the altar on all sides. 20 He cut the ram
‘Anyone who brings a fellowship offering to the LORD is into pieces and burned the head, the pieces and the fat.
to bring part of it as his sacrifice to the LORD. 30 With his 21 He washed the inner parts and the legs with water
own hands he is to bring the offering made to the LORD and burned the whole ram on the altar as a burnt offer-
by fire; he is to bring the fat, together with the breast, ing, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by
and wave the breast before the LORD as a wave offering. fire, as the LORD commanded Moses.
31 The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the 22 He then presented the other ram, the ram for the
breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. 32 You are to give ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on
the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest its head. 23 Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of
as a contribution. 33 The son of Aaron who offers the its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on
blood and the fat of the fellowship offering shall have the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his
the right thigh as his share. 34 From the fellowship offer- right foot. 24 Moses also brought Aaron’s sons forward
ings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast that is and put some of the blood on the lobes of their right
waved and the thigh that is presented and have given ears, on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big
them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their regular toes of their right feet. Then he sprinkled blood against
share from the Israelites.’ ” the altar on all sides. 25 He took the fat, the fat tail, all the
35 This is the portion of the offerings made to the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver,
LORD by fire that were allotted to Aaron and his sons on both kidneys and their fat and the right thigh. 26 Then
the day they were presented to serve the LORD as from the basket of bread made without yeast, which
priests. 36 On the day they were anointed, the LORD com- was before the LORD, he took a cake of bread, and one
manded that the Israelites give this to them as their reg- made with oil, and a wafer; he put these on the fat por-
ular share for the generations to come. tions and on the right thigh. 27 He put all these in the
a 11 Traditionally peace offering; also in verses 13–37 b 25 Or fire is
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58 LEVITICUS 8:28
hands of Aaron and his sons and waved them before took a handful of it and burned it on the altar in addi-
the LORD as a wave offering. 28 Then Moses took them tion to the morning’s burnt offering.
from their hands and burned them on the altar on top 18 He slaughtered the ox and the ram as the fellow-
of the burnt offering as an ordination offering, a pleas- ship offering for the people. His sons handed him the
ing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire. 29 He blood, and he sprinkled it against the altar on all sides.
also took the breast—Moses’ share of the ordination 19 But the fat portions of the ox and the ram—the fat tail,
ram—and waved it before the LORD as a wave offering, the layer of fat, the kidneys and the covering of the liv-
as the LORD commanded Moses. er— 20 these they laid on the breasts, and then Aaron
30 Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts
some of the blood from the altar and sprinkled them and the right thigh before the LORD as a wave offering, as
on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their Moses commanded.
garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments 22 Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people
and his sons and their garments. and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offer-
31 Moses then said to Aaron and his sons, “Cook the ing, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he
meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it stepped down.
there with the bread from the basket of ordination offer- 23 Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meet-
ings, as I commanded, saying, a ‘Aaron and his sons are ing. When they came out, they blessed the people; and
to eat it.’ 32 Then burn up the rest of the meat and the the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24 Fire
bread. 33 Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meet- came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed
ing for seven days, until the days of your ordination are the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And
completed, for your ordination will last seven days. when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell
34 What has been done today was commanded by the facedown.
LORD to make atonement for you. 35 You must stay at the
entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven The Death of Nadab and Abihu
days and do what the LORD requires, so you will not die;
for that is what I have been commanded.” 36 So Aaron 10 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers,
put fire in them and added incense; and they of-
fered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his
and his sons did everything the LORD commanded
through Moses. command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the
LORD and consumed them, and they died before the
The Priests Begin Their Ministry LORD. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD
LEVITICUS 12:6 59
that was waved must be brought with the fat portions of those that walk on their paws are unclean for you; who-
the offerings made by fire, to be waved before the LORD ever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
as a wave offering. This will be the regular share for you 28 Anyone who picks up their carcasses must wash his
and your children, as the LORD has commanded.” clothes, and he will be unclean till evening. They are
16 When Moses inquired about the goat of the sin of- unclean for you.
fering and found that it had been burned up, he was 29 “ ‘Of the animals that move about on the ground,
angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind
sons, and asked, 17 “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in of great lizard, 30 the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall
the sanctuary area? It is most holy; it was given to you to lizard, the skink and the chameleon. 31 Of all those that
take away the guilt of the community by making atone- move along the ground, these are unclean for you.
ment for them before the LORD. 18 Since its blood was Whoever touches them when they are dead will be un-
not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten clean till evening. 32 When one of them dies and falls on
the goat in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.” something, that article, whatever its use, will be un-
19 Aaron replied to Moses, “Today they sacrificed clean, whether it is made of wood, cloth, hide or sack-
their sin offering and their burnt offering before the cloth. Put it in water; it will be unclean till evening, and
LORD, but such things as this have happened to me. then it will be clean. 33 If one of them falls into a clay
Would the LORD have been pleased if I had eaten the sin pot, everything in it will be unclean, and you must
offering today?” 20 When Moses heard this, he was satis- break the pot. 34 Any food that could be eaten but has
fied. water on it from such a pot is unclean, and any liquid
that could be drunk from it is unclean. 35 Anything that
Clean and Unclean Food one of their carcasses falls on becomes unclean; an
11 The L ORD 2
said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Is- oven or cooking pot must be broken up. They are un-
raelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these clean, and you are to regard them as unclean. 36 A
3
are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that spring, however, or a cistern for collecting water re-
has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the mains clean, but anyone who touches one of these
cud. carcasses is unclean. 37 If a carcass falls on any seeds
4 “ ‘There are some that only chew the cud or only
that are to be planted, they remain clean. 38 But if water
have a split hoof, but you must not eat them. The cam- has been put on the seed and a carcass falls on it, it is
el, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it unclean for you.
is ceremonially unclean for you. 5 The coney, a though it 39 “ ‘If an animal that you are allowed to eat dies,
chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean till
for you. 6 The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not evening. 40 Anyone who eats some of the carcass must
have a split hoof; it is unclean for you. 7 And the pig, wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not Anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his
chew the cud; it is unclean for you. 8 You must not eat clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for 41 “ ‘Every creature that moves about on the ground is
you. detestable; it is not to be eaten. 42 You are not to eat any
9 “ ‘Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas
creature that moves about on the ground, whether it
and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and moves on its belly or walks on all fours or on many feet;
scales. 10 But all creatures in the seas or streams that do it is detestable. 43 Do not defile yourselves by any of
not have fins and scales—whether among all the these creatures. Do not make yourselves unclean by
swarming things or among all the other living creatures means of them or be made unclean by them. 44 I am the
in the water—you are to detest. 11 And since you are to LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, be-
detest them, you must not eat their meat and you must cause I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by
detest their carcasses. 12 Anything living in the water any creature that moves about on the ground. 45 I am
that does not have fins and scales is to be detestable to the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your
you. God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
13 “ ‘These are the birds you are to detest and not eat 46 “ ‘These are the regulations concerning animals,
because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the birds, every living thing that moves in the water and ev-
black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any ery creature that moves about on the ground. 47 You
kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the must distinguish between the unclean and the clean,
gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, between living creatures that may be eaten and those
the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the os- that may not be eaten.’ ”
prey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the
bat. b Purification After Childbirth
12
20 “ ‘All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be The L 2
said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘A
ORD
detestable to you. 21 There are, however, some winged woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth
creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days,
that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. 22 Of just as she is unclean during her monthly period. 3 On
these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. 4 Then the
grasshopper. 23 But all other winged creatures that have woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified
four legs you are to detest. from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sa-
24 “ ‘You will make yourselves unclean by these; cred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purifi-
whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till cation are over. 5 If she gives birth to a daughter, for
evening. 25 Whoever picks up one of their carcasses two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her
must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till eve- period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified
ning. from her bleeding.
26 “ ‘Every animal that has a split hoof not complete- 6 “ ‘When the days of her purification for a son or
ly divided or that does not chew the cud is unclean for daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the en-
you; whoever touches õthe carcass ofÕ any of them will trance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a
be unclean. 27 Of all the animals that walk on all fours, burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin of-
a 5 That is, the hyrax or rock badger b 19 The precise identification of some of the birds, insects and animals in this chapter is
uncertain.
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60 LEVITICUS 12:7
fering. 7 He shall offer them before the LORD to make scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him
atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean.
clean from her flow of blood. 24 “When someone has a burn on his skin and a red-
“ ‘These are the regulations for the woman who dish-white or white spot appears in the raw flesh of the
gives birth to a boy or a girl. 8 If she cannot afford a burn, 25 the priest is to examine the spot, and if the hair
lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, in it has turned white, and it appears to be more than
one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. skin deep, it is an infectious disease that has broken out
In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and in the burn. The priest shall pronounce him unclean; it
she will be clean.’ ” is an infectious skin disease. 26 But if the priest examines
it and there is no white hair in the spot and if it is not
Regulations About Infectious Skin Diseases more than skin deep and has faded, then the priest is to
13 The L said to Moses and Aaron, “When any- 2
ORD put him in isolation for seven days. 27 On the seventh
one has a swelling or a rash or a bright spot on his day the priest is to examine him, and if it is spreading in
skin that may become an infectious skin disease, he a
the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is an
must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his infectious skin disease. 28 If, however, the spot is un-
sons b who is a priest. 3 The priest is to examine the sore changed and has not spread in the skin but has faded, it
on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pro-
and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, c it is an nounce him clean; it is only a scar from the burn.
infectious skin disease. When the priest examines him, 29 “If a man or woman has a sore on the head or on
he shall pronounce him ceremonially unclean. 4 If the the chin, 30 the priest is to examine the sore, and if it ap-
spot on his skin is white but does not appear to be more pears to be more than skin deep and the hair in it is yel-
than skin deep and the hair in it has not turned white, low and thin, the priest shall pronounce that person
the priest is to put the infected person in isolation for unclean; it is an itch, an infectious disease of the head or
seven days. 5 On the seventh day the priest is to examine chin. 31 But if, when the priest examines this kind of
him, and if he sees that the sore is unchanged and has sore, it does not seem to be more than skin deep and
not spread in the skin, he is to keep him in isolation an- there is no black hair in it, then the priest is to put the
other seven days. 6 On the seventh day the priest is to ex- infected person in isolation for seven days. 32 On the
amine him again, and if the sore has faded and has not seventh day the priest is to examine the sore, and if the
spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him itch has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it and
clean; it is only a rash. The man must wash his clothes, it does not appear to be more than skin deep, 33 he must
and he will be clean. 7 But if the rash does spread in his be shaved except for the diseased area, and the priest is
skin after he has shown himself to the priest to be pro- to keep him in isolation another seven days. 34 On the
nounced clean, he must appear before the priest again. seventh day the priest is to examine the itch, and if it
8 The priest is to examine him, and if the rash has has not spread in the skin and appears to be no more
spread in the skin, he shall pronounce him unclean; it is than skin deep, the priest shall pronounce him clean.
an infectious disease. He must wash his clothes, and he will be clean. 35 But if
9 “When anyone has an infectious skin disease, he the itch does spread in the skin after he is pronounced
must be brought to the priest. 10 The priest is to examine clean, 36 the priest is to examine him, and if the itch has
him, and if there is a white swelling in the skin that has spread in the skin, the priest does not need to look for
turned the hair white and if there is raw flesh in the yellow hair; the person is unclean. 37 If, however, in his
swelling, 11 it is a chronic skin disease and the priest judgment it is unchanged and black hair has grown in it,
shall pronounce him unclean. He is not to put him in the itch is healed. He is clean, and the priest shall pro-
isolation, because he is already unclean. nounce him clean.
38 “When a man or woman has white spots on the
12 “If the disease breaks out all over his skin and, so
far as the priest can see, it covers all the skin of the in- skin, 39 the priest is to examine them, and if the spots are
fected person from head to foot, 13 the priest is to exam- dull white, it is a harmless rash that has broken out on
ine him, and if the disease has covered his whole body, the skin; that person is clean.
40 “When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is
he shall pronounce that person clean. Since it has all
turned white, he is clean. 14 But whenever raw flesh ap- clean. 41 If he has lost his hair from the front of his scalp
pears on him, he will be unclean. 15 When the priest and has a bald forehead, he is clean. 42 But if he has a
sees the raw flesh, he shall pronounce him unclean. reddish-white sore on his bald head or forehead, it is
The raw flesh is unclean; he has an infectious disease. an infectious disease breaking out on his head or fore-
16 Should the raw flesh change and turn white, he must head. 43 The priest is to examine him, and if the swollen
sore on his head or forehead is reddish-white like an in-
go to the priest. 17 The priest is to examine him, and if
fectious skin disease, 44 the man is diseased and is un-
the sores have turned white, the priest shall pronounce
clean. The priest shall pronounce him unclean because
the infected person clean; then he will be clean. of the sore on his head.
18 “When someone has a boil on his skin and it heals,
45 “The person with such an infectious disease must
19 and in the place where the boil was, a white swelling
wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, d cover the
or reddish-white spot appears, he must present himself lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’
to the priest. 20 The priest is to examine it, and if it ap- 46 As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He
pears to be more than skin deep and the hair in it has must live alone; he must live outside the camp.
turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It
is an infectious skin disease that has broken out where Regulations About Mildew
the boil was. 21 But if, when the priest examines it, there 47 “If any clothing is contaminated with mildew—
is no white hair in it and it is not more than skin deep any woolen or linen clothing, 48 any woven or knitted
and has faded, then the priest is to put him in isolation material of linen or wool, any leather or anything made
for seven days. 22 If it is spreading in the skin, the priest of leather— 49 and if the contamination in the clothing,
shall pronounce him unclean; it is infectious. 23 But if or leather, or woven or knitted material, or any leather
the spot is unchanged and has not spread, it is only a article, is greenish or reddish, it is a spreading mildew
a2 Traditionally leprosy; the Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy; also elsewhere in
this chapter. b 2 Or descendants c 3 Or be lower than the rest of the skin; also elsewhere in this chapter d 45 Or clothes, uncover
his head
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LEVITICUS 14:37 61
and must be shown to the priest. 50 The priest is to ex- 13 He is to slaughter the lamb in the holy place where
amine the mildew and isolate the affected article for the sin offering and the burnt offering are slaughtered.
seven days. 51 On the seventh day he is to examine it, Like the sin offering, the guilt offering belongs to the
and if the mildew has spread in the clothing, or the wo- priest; it is most holy. 14 The priest is to take some of the
ven or knitted material, or the leather, whatever its use, blood of the guilt offering and put it on the lobe of
it is a destructive mildew; the article is unclean. 52 He the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of
must burn up the clothing, or the woven or knitted ma- his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. 15 The
terial of wool or linen, or any leather article that has the priest shall then take some of the log of oil, pour it in the
contamination in it, because the mildew is destructive; palm of his own left hand, 16 dip his right forefinger into
the article must be burned up. the oil in his palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of
53 “But if, when the priest examines it, the mildew it before the LORD seven times. 17 The priest is to put
has not spread in the clothing, or the woven or knitted some of the oil remaining in his palm on the lobe of the
material, or the leather article, 54 he shall order that the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his
contaminated article be washed. Then he is to isolate it right hand and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of
for another seven days. 55 After the affected article has the blood of the guilt offering. 18 The rest of the oil in his
been washed, the priest is to examine it, and if the mil- palm the priest shall put on the head of the one to be
dew has not changed its appearance, even though it cleansed and make atonement for him before the LORD.
has not spread, it is unclean. Burn it with fire, whether 19 “Then the priest is to sacrifice the sin offering and
the mildew has affected one side or the other. 56 If, make atonement for the one to be cleansed from his
when the priest examines it, the mildew has faded after uncleanness. After that, the priest shall slaughter the
the article has been washed, he is to tear the contami- burnt offering 20 and offer it on the altar, together with
nated part out of the clothing, or the leather, or the wo- the grain offering, and make atonement for him, and
ven or knitted material. 57 But if it reappears in the he will be clean.
clothing, or in the woven or knitted material, or in the 21 “If, however, he is poor and cannot afford these,
leather article, it is spreading, and whatever has he must take one male lamb as a guilt offering to be
the mildew must be burned with fire. 58 The clothing, or waved to make atonement for him, together with a
the woven or knitted material, or any leather article tenth of an ephah d of fine flour mixed with oil for a
that has been washed and is rid of the mildew, must be grain offering, a log of oil, 22 and two doves or two young
washed again, and it will be clean.” pigeons, which he can afford, one for a sin offering and
59 These are the regulations concerning contamina- the other for a burnt offering.
tion by mildew in woolen or linen clothing, woven or 23 “On the eighth day he must bring them for his
knitted material, or any leather article, for pronouncing cleansing to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of
them clean or unclean. Meeting, before the LORD. 24 The priest is to take the
lamb for the guilt offering, together with the log of oil,
Cleansing From Infectious Skin Diseases and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. 25 He
14 The L 2
said to Moses, “These are the regula-
ORD shall slaughter the lamb for the guilt offering and take
tions for the diseased person at the time of his cer- some of its blood and put it on the lobe of the right ear
emonial cleansing, when he is brought to the priest: of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right
3 The priest is to go outside the camp and examine him. hand and on the big toe of his right foot. 26 The priest is
If the person has been healed of his infectious skin dis- to pour some of the oil into the palm of his own left
ease, a 4 the priest shall order that two live clean birds hand, 27 and with his right forefinger sprinkle some of
and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop be the oil from his palm seven times before the LORD.
brought for the one to be cleansed. 5 Then the priest 28 Some of the oil in his palm he is to put on the same
shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh wa- places he put the blood of the guilt offering—on the
ter in a clay pot. 6 He is then to take the live bird and dip lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the
it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right
the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed foot. 29 The rest of the oil in his palm the priest shall put
over the fresh water. 7 Seven times he shall sprinkle the on the head of the one to be cleansed, to make atone-
one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pro- ment for him before the LORD. 30 Then he shall sacrifice
nounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the doves or the young pigeons, which the person can
the open fields. afford, 31 one e as a sin offering and the other as a burnt
8 “The person to be cleansed must wash his clothes,
offering, together with the grain offering. In this way
shave off all his hair and bathe with water; then he will the priest will make atonement before the LORD on be-
be ceremonially clean. After this he may come into the half of the one to be cleansed.”
camp, but he must stay outside his tent for seven days. 32 These are the regulations for anyone who has an
9 On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair; he
infectious skin disease and who cannot afford the regu-
must shave his head, his beard, his eyebrows and the lar offerings for his cleansing.
rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe
himself with water, and he will be clean. Cleansing From Mildew
10 “On the eighth day he must bring two male lambs 33 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 34 “When you
and one ewe lamb a year old, each without defect, enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your
along with three-tenths of an ephah b of fine flour possession, and I put a spreading mildew in a house in
mixed with oil for a grain offering, and one log c of oil. that land, 35 the owner of the house must go and tell the
11 The priest who pronounces him clean shall present priest, ‘I have seen something that looks like mildew in
both the one to be cleansed and his offerings before the my house.’ 36 The priest is to order the house to be emp-
LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. tied before he goes in to examine the mildew, so that
12 “Then the priest is to take one of the male lambs nothing in the house will be pronounced unclean. After
and offer it as a guilt offering, along with the log of oil; this the priest is to go in and inspect the house. 37 He is
he shall wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. to examine the mildew on the walls, and if it has green-
a 3 Traditionally leprosy; the Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy; also elsewhere in this
chapter. b 10 That is, probably about 6 quarts (about 6.5 liters) c 10 That is, probably about 2/3 pint (about 0.3 liter); also in verses
12, 15, 21 and 24 d 21 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) e 31 Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew 31such as the person can
afford, one
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62 LEVITICUS 14:38
ish or reddish depressions that appear to be deeper and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till eve-
than the surface of the wall, 38 the priest shall go out the ning.
doorway of the house and close it up for seven days. 12 “ ‘A clay pot that the man touches must be broken,
39 On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect and any wooden article is to be rinsed with water.
the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls, 40 he is 13 “ ‘When a man is cleansed from his discharge, he is
to order that the contaminated stones be torn out and to count off seven days for his ceremonial cleansing; he
thrown into an unclean place outside the town. 41 He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with fresh wa-
must have all the inside walls of the house scraped and ter, and he will be clean. 14 On the eighth day he must
the material that is scraped off dumped into an unclean take two doves or two young pigeons and come before
place outside the town. 42 Then they are to take other the LORD to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and give
stones to replace these and take new clay and plaster them to the priest. 15 The priest is to sacrifice them, the
the house. one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
43 “If the mildew reappears in the house after the In this way he will make atonement before the LORD for
stones have been torn out and the house scraped and the man because of his discharge.
16 “ ‘When a man has an emission of semen, he must
plastered, 44 the priest is to go and examine it and, if the
mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mil- bathe his whole body with water, and he will be un-
dew; the house is unclean. 45 It must be torn down—its clean till evening. 17 Any clothing or leather that has se-
stones, timbers and all the plaster—and taken out of men on it must be washed with water, and it will be un-
the town to an unclean place. clean till evening. 18 When a man lies with a woman and
46 “Anyone who goes into the house while it is closed there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with
up will be unclean till evening. 47 Anyone who sleeps or water, and they will be unclean till evening.
19 “ ‘When a woman has her regular flow of blood,
eats in the house must wash his clothes.
48 “But if the priest comes to examine it and the mil- the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days,
dew has not spread after the house has been plastered, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till eve-
he shall pronounce the house clean, because the mil- ning.
20 “ ‘Anything she lies on during her period will be
dew is gone. 49 To purify the house he is to take two
birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop. unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean.
21 Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and
50 He shall kill one of the birds over fresh water in a clay
pot. 51 Then he is to take the cedar wood, the hyssop, bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening.
22 Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his
the scarlet yarn and the live bird, dip them into the
blood of the dead bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean
the house seven times. 52 He shall purify the house with till evening. 23 Whether it is the bed or anything she was
the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean
wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn. 53 Then he is to till evening.
24 “ ‘If a man lies with her and her monthly flow
release the live bird in the open fields outside the town.
touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed
In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it
he lies on will be unclean.
will be clean.” 25 “ ‘When a woman has a discharge of blood for
54 These are the regulations for any infectious skin
many days at a time other than her monthly period or
disease, for an itch, 55 for mildew in clothing or in a has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she
house, 56 and for a swelling, a rash or a bright spot, 57 to will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as
determine when something is clean or unclean. in the days of her period. 26 Any bed she lies on while her
These are the regulations for infectious skin diseases discharge continues will be unclean, as is her bed dur-
and mildew. ing her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be
Discharges Causing Uncleanness unclean, as during her period. 27 Whoever touches them
will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe
15 The L 2
said to Moses and Aaron, “Speak to the
ORD
Israelites and say to them: ‘When any man has a with water, and he will be unclean till evening.
28 “ ‘When she is cleansed from her discharge, she
3
bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean. Whether it
continues flowing from his body or is blocked, it will must count off seven days, and after that she will be
make him unclean. This is how his discharge will bring ceremonially clean. 29 On the eighth day she must take
about uncleanness: two doves or two young pigeons and bring them to the
4 “ ‘Any bed the man with a discharge lies on will be priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 30 The
unclean, and anything he sits on will be unclean. 5 Any- priest is to sacrifice one for a sin offering and the other
one who touches his bed must wash his clothes and for a burnt offering. In this way he will make atonement
for her before the LORD for the uncleanness of her dis-
bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening.
6 Whoever sits on anything that the man with a dis- charge.
31 “ ‘You must keep the Israelites separate from
charge sat on must wash his clothes and bathe with wa-
things that make them unclean, so they will not die in
ter, and he will be unclean till evening. their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, a
7 “ ‘Whoever touches the man who has a discharge
which is among them.’ ”
must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will 32 These are the regulations for a man with a dis-
be unclean till evening. charge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of se-
8 “ ‘If the man with the discharge spits on someone
men, 33 for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or
who is clean, that person must wash his clothes and a woman with a discharge, and for a man who lies with
bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. a woman who is ceremonially unclean.
9 “ ‘Everything the man sits on when riding will be
unclean, 10 and whoever touches any of the things that The Day of Atonement
were under him will be unclean till evening; whoever
picks up those things must wash his clothes and bathe
with water, and he will be unclean till evening.
16 The L spoke to Moses after the death of the
ORD
two sons of Aaron who died when they ap-
ORD 2
proached the L . The L said to Moses: “Tell your
ORD
11 “ ‘Anyone the man with a discharge touches with- brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into
out rinsing his hands with water must wash his clothes the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the
a 31 Or my tabernacle
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LEVITICUS 17:14 63
atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because sacrifice the burnt offering for himself and the burnt
I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover. offering for the people, to make atonement for himself
3 “This is how Aaron is to enter the sanctuary area: and for the people. 25 He shall also burn the fat of the sin
with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a offering on the altar.
burnt offering. 4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, 26 “The man who releases the goat as a scapegoat
with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; af-
the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. terward he may come into the camp. 27 The bull and the
These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself goat for the sin offerings, whose blood was brought into
with water before he puts them on. 5 From the Israelite the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken
community he is to take two male goats for a sin offer- outside the camp; their hides, flesh and offal are to be
ing and a ram for a burnt offering. burned up. 28 The man who burns them must wash his
6 “Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may
make atonement for himself and his household. 7 Then come into the camp.
29 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the
he is to take the two goats and present them before the
LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 8 He is to tenth day of the seventh month you must deny your-
cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the selves b and not do any work—whether native-born or
other for the scapegoat. a 9 Aaron shall bring the goat an alien living among you— 30 because on this day
whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offer- atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then,
ing. 10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. 31 It
be presented alive before the LORD to be used for mak- is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is
ing atonement by sending it into the desert as a scape- a lasting ordinance. 32 The priest who is anointed and or-
goat. dained to succeed his father as high priest is to make
11 “Aaron shall bring the bull for his own sin offering atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments
33 and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the
to make atonement for himself and his household, and
he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering. 12 He is Tent of Meeting and the altar, and for the priests and all
to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar be- the people of the community.
34 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atone-
fore the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fra-
grant incense and take them behind the curtain. 13 He is ment is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Is-
to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the raelites.”
smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover And it was done, as the LORD commanded Moses.
above the Testimony, so that he will not die. 14 He is to Eating Blood Forbidden
take some of the bull’s blood and with his finger sprinkle
17 sons
The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and his
ORD
it on the front of the atonement cover; then he shall and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘This
sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before is what the L has commanded: Any Israelite who
ORD 3
the atonement cover. sacrifices an ox, c a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside
15 “He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offer-
of it 4 instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of
ing for the people and take its blood behind the curtain Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD in front
and do with it as he did with the bull’s blood: He shall of the tabernacle of the LORD—that man shall be consid-
sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. ered guilty of bloodshed; he has shed blood and must
16 In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy
be cut off from his people. 5 This is so the Israelites will
Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the bring to the LORD the sacrifices they are now making in
Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that
same for the Tent of Meeting, which is among them in is, to the LORD, at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
the midst of their uncleanness. 17 No one is to be in the and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. d 6 The priest
Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make is to sprinkle the blood against the altar of the LORD at
atonement in the Most Holy Place until he comes out, the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as
having made atonement for himself, his household and an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 7 They must no longer of-
the whole community of Israel. fer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols e to whom
18 “Then he shall come out to the altar that is before
they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordi-
the LORD and make atonement for it. He shall take some nance for them and for the generations to come.’
of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put 8 “Say to them: ‘Any Israelite or any alien living
it on all the horns of the altar. 19 He shall sprinkle some among them who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice
of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse 9 and does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of
it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Isra- Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD—that man must be
elites. cut off from his people.
20 “When Aaron has finished making atonement for 10 “ ‘Any Israelite or any alien living among them
the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, who eats any blood—I will set my face against that per-
he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both son who eats blood and will cut him off from his people.
hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all 11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have giv-
the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their en it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the al-
sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send tar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.
the goat away into the desert in the care of a man ap- 12 Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat
pointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood.”
their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it 13 “ ‘Any Israelite or any alien living among you who
in the desert. hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain
23 “Then Aaron is to go into the Tent of Meeting and out the blood and cover it with earth, 14 because the life
take off the linen garments he put on before he entered of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to
the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there. 24 He the Israelites, “You must not eat the blood of any crea-
shall bathe himself with water in a holy place and put ture, because the life of every creature is its blood; any-
on his regular garments. Then he shall come out and one who eats it must be cut off.”
a8 That is, the goat of removal; Hebrew azazel; also in verses 10 and 26 b 29 Or must fast; also in verse 31 c3 The Hebrew word can
include both male and female. d 5 Traditionally peace offerings e 7 Or demons
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64 LEVITICUS 17:15
15 “
‘Anyone, whether native-born or alien, who eats 28 And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it
anything found dead or torn by wild animals must vomited out the nations that were before you.
wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be 29 “ ‘Everyone who does any of these detestable
ceremonially unclean till evening; then he will be clean. things—such persons must be cut off from their people.
16 But if he does not wash his clothes and bathe himself, 30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the
he will be held responsible.’ ” detestable customs that were practiced before you
came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the
Unlawful Sexual Relations LORD your God.’ ”
18 The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites
ORD
and say to them: ‘I am the L your God. You ORD 3 Various Laws
must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live,
and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan,
where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.
19 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the entire as-
sembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because
I, the LORD your God, am holy.
4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my 3 “ ‘Each of you must respect his mother and father,
decrees. I am the LORD your God. 5 Keep my decrees and and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your
laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I God.
am the LORD. 4 “ ‘Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal
6 “ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.
sexual relations. I am the LORD. 5 “ ‘When you sacrifice a fellowship offering b to the
7 “ ‘Do not dishonor your father by having sexual re- LORD, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on
lations with your mother. She is your mother; do not your behalf. 6 It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it
have relations with her. or on the next day; anything left over until the third day
8 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s must be burned up. 7 If any of it is eaten on the third
wife; that would dishonor your father. day, it is impure and will not be accepted. 8 Whoever
9 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your sister, ei- eats it will be held responsible because he has desecrat-
ther your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, ed what is holy to the LORD; that person must be cut off
whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. from his people.
10 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your son’s 9 “ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not
daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dis- reap to the very edges of your field or gather the glean-
honor you. ings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a
11 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen.
your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD
12 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s your God.
sister; she is your father’s close relative. 11 “ ‘Do not steal.
13 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s “ ‘Do not lie.
sister, because she is your mother’s close relative. “ ‘Do not deceive one another.
14 “ ‘Do not dishonor your father’s brother by ap- 12 “ ‘Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane
proaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your the name of your God. I am the LORD.
aunt. 13 “ ‘Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him.
15 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your daughter- “ ‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired man over-
in-law. She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with night.
her. 14 “ ‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in
16 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD.
wife; that would dishonor your brother. 15 “ ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to
17 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your
and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with ei- neighbor fairly.
ther her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they 16 “ ‘Do not go about spreading slander among your
are her close relatives. That is wickedness. people.
18 “ ‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and “ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neigh-
have sexual relations with her while your wife is living. bor’s life. I am the LORD.
19 “ ‘Do not approach a woman to have sexual rela- 17 “ ‘Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke
tions during the uncleanness of her monthly period. your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
20 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your neigh- 18 “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against
bor’s wife and defile yourself with her. one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.
21 “ ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacri- I am the LORD.
ficed a to Molech, for you must not profane the name of 19 “ ‘Keep my decrees.
your God. I am the LORD. “ ‘Do not mate different kinds of animals.
22 “ ‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; “ ‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed.
that is detestable. “ ‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of ma-
23 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with an animal and terial.
defile yourself with it. A woman must not present her- 20 “ ‘If a man sleeps with a woman who is a slave girl
self to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is promised to another man but who has not been ran-
a perversion. somed or given her freedom, there must be due punish-
24 “ ‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, ment. Yet they are not to be put to death, because she
because this is how the nations that I am going to drive had not been freed. 21 The man, however, must bring a
out before you became defiled. 25 Even the land was de- ram to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for a guilt of-
filed; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited fering to the LORD. 22 With the ram of the guilt offering the
out its inhabitants. 26 But you must keep my decrees priest is to make atonement for him before the LORD for
and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living the sin he has committed, and his sin will be forgiven.
among you must not do any of these detestable things, 23 “ ‘When you enter the land and plant any kind of
27 for all these things were done by the people who lived fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. c For three years
in the land before you, and the land became defiled. you are to consider it forbidden c; it must not be eaten.
a 21 Or to be passed through õthe fireÕ b5 Traditionally peace offering c 23 Hebrew uncircumcised
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LEVITICUS 21:10 65
24 In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of 15 “ ‘If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he
praise to the LORD. 25 But in the fifth year you may eat its must be put to death, and you must kill the animal.
fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am 16 “ ‘If a woman approaches an animal to have sexu-
the LORD your God. al relations with it, kill both the woman and the animal.
26 “ ‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their
“ ‘Do not practice divination or sorcery. own heads.
27 “ ‘Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or 17 “ ‘If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either
clip off the edges of your beard. his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations,
28 “ ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo it is a disgrace. They must be cut off before the eyes of
marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be
29 “ ‘Do not degrade your daughter by making her a held responsible.
18 “ ‘If a man lies with a woman during her monthly
prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be
filled with wickedness. period and has sexual relations with her, he has ex-
30 “ ‘Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for posed the source of her flow, and she has also uncov-
my sanctuary. I am the LORD. ered it. Both of them must be cut off from their people.
31 “ ‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, 19 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the sister of ei-
for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. ther your mother or your father, for that would dishonor
32 “ ‘Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.
20 “ ‘If a man sleeps with his aunt, he has dishonored
for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
33 “ ‘When an alien lives with you in your land, do his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die
not mistreat him. 34 The alien living with you must be childless.
21 “ ‘If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of
treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself,
for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be
35 “ ‘Do not use dishonest standards when measuring childless.
22 “ ‘Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them,
length, weight or quantity. 36 Use honest scales and
honest weights, an honest ephah a and an honest hin. b so that the land where I am bringing you to live may
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt. not vomit you out. 23 You must not live according to the
37 “ ‘Keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow customs of the nations I am going to drive out before
them. I am the LORD.’ ” you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.
24 But I said to you, “You will possess their land; I will
Punishments for Sin give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk
and honey.” I am the LORD your God, who has set you
20 The L 2
said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites:
ORD
‘Any Israelite or any alien living in Israel who apart from the nations.
25 “ ‘You must therefore make a distinction between
gives any of his children to Molech must be put to
c
death. The people of the community are to stone him. 3 I clean and unclean animals and between unclean and
will set my face against that man and I will cut him off clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or
from his people; for by giving his children to Molech, he bird or anything that moves along the ground—those
has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. which I have set apart as unclean for you. 26 You are to be
4 If the people of the community close their eyes when holy to me e because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set
that man gives one of his children to Molech and they you apart from the nations to be my own.
27 “ ‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist
fail to put him to death, 5 I will set my face against that
man and his family and will cut off from their people among you must be put to death. You are to stone
both him and all who follow him in prostituting them- them; their blood will be on their own heads.’ ”
selves to Molech. Rules for Priests
6 “ ‘I will set my face against the person who turns to
mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by follow-
ing them, and I will cut him off from his people.
21 The L said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the
ORD
sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘A priest must not
make himself ceremonially unclean for any of his peo-
7 “ ‘Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am
ple who die, 2 except for a close relative, such as his
the LORD your God. 8 Keep my decrees and follow them. mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother, 3 or an
I am the LORD, who makes you holy. d unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she
9 “ ‘If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be
has no husband—for her he may make himself un-
put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother, clean. 4 He must not make himself unclean for people
and his blood will be on his own head. related to him by marriage, f and so defile himself.
10 “ ‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s 5 “ ‘Priests must not shave their heads or shave off
wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer the edges of their beards or cut their bodies. 6 They
and the adulteress must be put to death. must be holy to their God and must not profane the
11 “ ‘If a man sleeps with his father’s wife, he has dis-
name of their God. Because they present the offerings
honored his father. Both the man and the woman must made to the LORD by fire, the food of their God, they are
be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. to be holy.
12 “ ‘If a man sleeps with his daughter-in-law, both of 7 “ ‘They must not marry women defiled by prostitu-
them must be put to death. What they have done is a tion or divorced from their husbands, because priests
perversion; their blood will be on their own heads. are holy to their God. 8 Regard them as holy, because
13 “ ‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a wom-
they offer up the food of your God. Consider them holy,
an, both of them have done what is detestable. They because I the LORD am holy—I who make you holy. g
must be put to death; their blood will be on their own 9 “ ‘If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by becoming
heads. a prostitute, she disgraces her father; she must be
14 “ ‘If a man marries both a woman and her mother, burned in the fire.
it is wicked. Both he and they must be burned in the 10 “ ‘The high priest, the one among his brothers
fire, so that no wickedness will be among you. who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and
a 36 An ephah was a dry measure. b 36 A hin was a liquid measure. c 2 Or sacrifices; also in verses 3 and 4 d 8 Or who sanctifies
you; or who sets you apart as holy e 26 Or be my holy ones f 4 Or unclean as a leader among his people g 8 Or who sanctify you; or
who set you apart as holy
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66 LEVITICUS 21:11
who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must make restitution to the priest for the offering and
must not let his hair become unkempt a or tear his add a fifth of the value to it. 15 The priests must not des-
clothes. 11 He must not enter a place where there is a ecrate the sacred offerings the Israelites present to the
dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even for LORD 16 by allowing them to eat the sacred offerings and
his father or mother, 12 nor leave the sanctuary of his so bring upon them guilt requiring payment. I am the
God or desecrate it, because he has been dedicated by LORD, who makes them holy.’ ”
the anointing oil of his God. I am the LORD.
13 “ ‘The woman he marries must be a virgin. 14 He Unacceptable Sacrifices
17 The LORD said to Moses, 18 “Speak to Aaron and his
must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a wom-
an defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘If any of
own people, 15 so he will not defile his offspring among you—either an Israelite or an alien living in Israel—pre-
his people. I am the LORD, who makes him holy. b’ ” sents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, either to ful-
16 The LORD said to Moses, 17 “Say to Aaron: ‘For the fill a vow or as a freewill offering, 19 you must present a
generations to come none of your descendants who male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in
has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. order that it may be accepted on your behalf. 20 Do not
18 No man who has any defect may come near: no man bring anything with a defect, because it will not be ac-
who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; 19 no man cepted on your behalf. 21 When anyone brings from the
with a crippled foot or hand, 20 or who is hunchbacked herd or flock a fellowship offering f to the LORD to fulfill
or dwarfed, or who has any eye defect, or who has fes- a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without
tering or running sores or damaged testicles. 21 No de- defect or blemish to be acceptable. 22 Do not offer to the
scendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to LORD the blind, the injured or the maimed, or anything
come near to present the offerings made to the LORD by with warts or festering or running sores. Do not place
fire. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the any of these on the altar as an offering made to the
food of his God. 22 He may eat the most holy food of his LORD by fire. 23 You may, however, present as a freewill
God, as well as the holy food; 23 yet because of his defect, offering an ox g or a sheep that is deformed or stunted,
he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, but it will not be accepted in fulfillment of a vow. 24 You
and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the LORD, who must not offer to the LORD an animal whose testicles are
makes them holy. c’ ” bruised, crushed, torn or cut. You must not do this in
24 So Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all your own land, 25 and you must not accept such animals
the Israelites. from the hand of a foreigner and offer them as the food
22 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell Aaron and his sons
to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Isra-
elites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my
of your God. They will not be accepted on your behalf,
because they are deformed and have defects.’ ”
26 The LORD said to Moses, 27 “When a calf, a lamb or
holy name. I am the LORD. a goat is born, it is to remain with its mother for seven
3 “Say to them: ‘For the generations to come, if any of
days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as an
your descendants is ceremonially unclean and yet offering made to the LORD by fire. 28 Do not slaughter a
comes near the sacred offerings that the Israelites con- cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.
secrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from 29 “When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD,
my presence. I am the LORD. sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your
4 “ ‘If a descendant of Aaron has an infectious skin
behalf. 30 It must be eaten that same day; leave none of it
disease d or a bodily discharge, he may not eat the sa- till morning. I am the LORD.
cred offerings until he is cleansed. He will also be un- 31 “Keep my commands and follow them. I am the
clean if he touches something defiled by a corpse or by LORD. 32 Do not profane my holy name. I must be ac-
anyone who has an emission of semen, 5 or if he knowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD,
touches any crawling thing that makes him unclean, or who makes h you holy i 33 and who brought you out of
any person who makes him unclean, whatever the un- Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.”
cleanness may be. 6 The one who touches any such
thing will be unclean till evening. He must not eat any of
23 The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites
ORD
the sacred offerings unless he has bathed himself with and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts,
water. 7 When the sun goes down, he will be clean, and the appointed feasts of the L , which you are to pro-
ORD
after that he may eat the sacred offerings, for they are claim as sacred assemblies.
his food. 8 He must not eat anything found dead or torn
by wild animals, and so become unclean through it. I The Sabbath
am the LORD. 3 “ ‘There are six days when you may work, but the
9 “ ‘The priests are to keep my requirements so that
seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assem-
they do not become guilty and die for treating them bly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a
with contempt. I am the LORD, who makes them holy. e Sabbath to the LORD.
10 “ ‘No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sa-
cred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired The Passover and Unleavened Bread
4 “ ‘These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred
worker eat it. 11 But if a priest buys a slave with money, or
if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed
food. 12 If a priest’s daughter marries anyone other than times: 5 The LORD’s Passover begins at twilight on the
a priest, she may not eat any of the sacred contribu- fourteenth day of the first month. 6 On the fifteenth day
tions. 13 But if a priest’s daughter becomes a widow or is of that month the LORD’s Feast of Unleavened Bread be-
divorced, yet has no children, and she returns to live in gins; for seven days you must eat bread made without
her father’s house as in her youth, she may eat of her fa- yeast. 7 On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do
ther’s food. No unauthorized person, however, may eat no regular work. 8 For seven days present an offering
any of it. made to the LORD by fire. And on the seventh day hold a
14 “ ‘If anyone eats a sacred offering by mistake, he sacred assembly and do no regular work.’ ”
a 10 Or not uncover his head b 15 Or who sanctifies him; or who sets him apart as holy c 23 Or who sanctifies them; or who sets them
apart as holy d 4 Traditionally leprosy; the Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.
e 9 Or who sanctifies them; or who sets them apart as holy; also in verse 16 f 21 Traditionally peace offering g 23 The Hebrew word
can include both male and female. h 32 Or made i 32 Or who sanctifies you; or who sets you apart as holy
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LEVITICUS 24:16 67
Firstfruits Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days.
9 The LORD said to Moses, 10 “Speak to the Israelites 35 The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work.
and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to 36 For seven days present offerings made to the LORD by
give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and
sheaf of the first grain you harvest. 11 He is to wave the present an offering made to the LORD by fire. It is the
sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your be- closing assembly; do no regular work.
half; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sab- 37 (“ ‘These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, which
bath. 12 On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacri- you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing
fice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old offerings made to the LORD by fire—the burnt offerings
without defect, 13 together with its grain offering of two- and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings re-
tenths of an ephah a of fine flour mixed with oil—an of- quired for each day. 38 These offerings are in addition to
fering made to the LORD by fire, a pleasing aroma—and those for the LORD’s Sabbaths and e in addition to your
its drink offering of a quarter of a hin b of wine. 14 You gifts and whatever you have vowed and all the freewill
must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until offerings you give to the LORD.)
the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is 39 “ ‘So beginning with the fifteenth day of the sev-
to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, enth month, after you have gathered the crops of the
wherever you live. land, celebrate the festival to the LORD for seven days;
Feast of Weeks the first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day also is a
15 “ ‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you day of rest. 40 On the first day you are to take choice fruit
brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and
full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven
seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new days. 41 Celebrate this as a festival to the LORD for seven
grain to the LORD. 17 From wherever you live, bring two days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the
loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.
42 Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites
baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the
LORD. 18 Present with this bread seven male lambs, each are to live in booths 43 so your descendants will know
a year old and without defect, one young bull and two that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought
rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, togeth- them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ ”
44 So Moses announced to the Israelites the appoint-
er with their grain offerings and drink offerings—an of-
fering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. ed feasts of the LORD.
19 Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and
two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. c
Oil and Bread Set Before the LORD
20 The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as
a wave offering, together with the bread of the first- 24 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites
to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light
so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.
fruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the 3 Outside the curtain of the Testimony in the Tent of
priest. 21 On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred
assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the LORD
ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a
live. lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 4 The
22 “ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD
reap to the very edges of your field or gather the glean- must be tended continually.
5 “Take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread,
ings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the
alien. I am the LORD your God.’ ” using two-tenths of an ephah f for each loaf. 6 Set them
in two rows, six in each row, on the table of pure gold
Feast of Trumpets before the LORD. 7 Along each row put some pure in-
23 The LORD said to Moses, 24 “Say to the Israelites:
cense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and
‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a to be an offering made to the LORD by fire. 8 This bread is
day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with to be set out before the LORD regularly, Sabbath after
trumpet blasts. 25 Do no regular work, but present an of- Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting cov-
fering made to the LORD by fire.’ ” enant. 9 It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat
Day of Atonement it in a holy place, because it is a most holy part of their
26 The LORD said to Moses, 27 “The tenth day of this regular share of the offerings made to the LORD by fire.”
seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred A Blasphemer Stoned
assembly and deny yourselves, d and present an offering 10 Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian
made to the LORD by fire. 28 Do no work on that day, be- father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke
cause it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is out in the camp between him and an Israelite. 11 The
made for you before the LORD your God. 29 Anyone who son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with
does not deny himself on that day must be cut off from
a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s
his people. 30 I will destroy from among his people any-
name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri the Danite.)
one who does any work on that day. 31 You shall do no 12 They put him in custody until the will of the LORD
work at all. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the gen-
erations to come, wherever you live. 32 It is a sabbath of should be made clear to them.
13 Then the LORD said to Moses: 14 “Take the blas-
rest for you, and you must deny yourselves. From the
evening of the ninth day of the month until the follow- phemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are
ing evening you are to observe your sabbath.” to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly
is to stone him. 15 Say to the Israelites: ‘If anyone curses
Feast of Tabernacles his God, he will be held responsible; 16 anyone who
33 The LORD said to Moses, 34 “Say to the Israelites: blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death.
‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD’s The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien
a 13That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4.5 liters); also in verse 17 b 13 That is, probably about 1 quart (about 1 liter)
c 19Traditionally peace offering d 27 Or and fast; also in verses 29 and 32 e 38 Or These feasts are in addition to the LORD’s Sabbaths,
and these offerings are f 5 That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4.5 liters)
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68 LEVITICUS 24:17
or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he tenants. 24 Throughout the country that you hold as a
must be put to death. possession, you must provide for the redemption of the
17 “ ‘If anyone takes the life of a human being, he land.
must be put to death. 18 Anyone who takes the life of 25 “ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and
someone’s animal must make restitution—life for life. sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come
19 If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done and redeem what his countryman has sold. 26 If, howev-
must be done to him: 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, er, a man has no one to redeem it for him but he himself
tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be prospers and acquires sufficient means to redeem it,
injured. 21 Whoever kills an animal must make restitu- 27 he is to determine the value for the years since he sold
tion, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. it and refund the balance to the man to whom he sold it;
22 You are to have the same law for the alien and the na- he can then go back to his own property. 28 But if he
tive-born. I am the LORD your God.’ ” does not acquire the means to repay him, what he sold
23 Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year
the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. The of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and he can
Israelites did as the LORD commanded Moses. then go back to his property.
29 “ ‘If a man sells a house in a walled city, he retains
The Sabbath Year the right of redemption a full year after its sale. During
25 The L said to Moses on Mount Sinai, “Speak
ORD 2
that time he may redeem it. 30 If it is not redeemed be-
to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter fore a full year has passed, the house in the walled city
the land I am going to give you, the land itself must ob- shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descen-
serve a sabbath to the LORD. 3 For six years sow your dants. It is not to be returned in the Jubilee. 31 But
fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gath- houses in villages without walls around them are to be
er their crops. 4 But in the seventh year the land is to considered as open country. They can be redeemed,
have a sabbath of rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not and they are to be returned in the Jubilee.
sow your fields or prune your vineyards. 5 Do not reap 32 “ ‘The Levites always have the right to redeem
what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your un- their houses in the Levitical towns, which they possess.
tended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. 6 Whatev- 33 So the property of the Levites is redeemable—that is, a
er the land yields during the sabbath year will be food house sold in any town they hold—and is to be re-
for you—for yourself, your manservant and maidser- turned in the Jubilee, because the houses in the towns of
vant, and the hired worker and temporary resident who the Levites are their property among the Israelites.
live among you, 7 as well as for your livestock and the 34 But the pastureland belonging to their towns must
wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces not be sold; it is their permanent possession.
may be eaten. 35 “ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is
The Year of Jubilee unable to support himself among you, help him as you
8 “ ‘Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can con-
seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years tinue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest of any
amount to a period of forty-nine years. 9 Then have the kind a from him, but fear your God, so that your coun-
trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the tryman may continue to live among you. 37 You must
seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a
trumpet throughout your land. 10 Consecrate the fiftieth profit. 38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out
year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your
inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you God.
39 “ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor among
is to return to his family property and each to his own
clan. 11 The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not you and sells himself to you, do not make him work as a
sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the slave. 40 He is to be treated as a hired worker or a tempo-
untended vines. 12 For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for rary resident among you; he is to work for you until the
you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. Year of Jubilee. 41 Then he and his children are to be re-
13 “ ‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his leased, and he will go back to his own clan and to the
own property. property of his forefathers. 42 Because the Israelites are
14 “ ‘If you sell land to one of your countrymen or my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must
buy any from him, do not take advantage of each other. not be sold as slaves. 43 Do not rule over them ruthless-
15 You are to buy from your countryman on the basis of ly, but fear your God.
44 “ ‘Your male and female slaves are to come from
the number of years since the Jubilee. And he is to sell to
you on the basis of the number of years left for harvest- the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves.
45 You may also buy some of the temporary residents
ing crops. 16 When the years are many, you are to in-
crease the price, and when the years are few, you are to living among you and members of their clans born in
decrease the price, because what he is really selling you your country, and they will become your property.
is the number of crops. 17 Do not take advantage of each 46 You can will them to your children as inherited prop-
other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God. erty and can make them slaves for life, but you must
18 “ ‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.
laws, and you will live safely in the land. 19 Then the 47 “ ‘If an alien or a temporary resident among you
land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live becomes rich and one of your countrymen becomes
there in safety. 20 You may ask, “What will we eat in the poor and sells himself to the alien living among you or
seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?” 21 I to a member of the alien’s clan, 48 he retains the right of
will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the redemption after he has sold himself. One of his rela-
land will yield enough for three years. 22 While you plant tives may redeem him: 49 An uncle or a cousin or any
during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop blood relative in his clan may redeem him. Or if he
and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the prospers, he may redeem himself. 50 He and his buyer
ninth year comes in. are to count the time from the year he sold himself up to
23 “ ‘The land must not be sold permanently, be- the Year of Jubilee. The price for his release is to be
cause the land is mine and you are but aliens and my based on the rate paid to a hired man for that number of
a 36 Or take excessive interest; similarly in verse 37
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LEVITICUS 27:3 69
years. 51 If many years remain, he must pay for his re- 23 “ ‘If in spite of these things you do not accept my
demption a larger share of the price paid for him. 52 If correction but continue to be hostile toward me, 24 I
only a few years remain until the Year of Jubilee, he is to myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for
compute that and pay for his redemption accordingly. your sins seven times over. 25 And I will bring the sword
53 He is to be treated as a man hired from year to year; upon you to avenge the breaking of the covenant. When
you must see to it that his owner does not rule over him you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague
ruthlessly. among you, and you will be given into enemy hands.
54 “ ‘Even if he is not redeemed in any of these ways, 26 When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will
he and his children are to be released in the Year of Jubi- be able to bake your bread in one oven, and they will
lee, 55 for the Israelites belong to me as servants. They dole out the bread by weight. You will eat, but you will
are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt. I am the not be satisfied.
LORD your God. 27 “ ‘If in spite of this you still do not listen to me
but continue to be hostile toward me, 28 then in my an-
Reward for Obedience ger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will pun-
26 “ ‘Do not make idols or set up an image or a sa-
cred stone for yourselves, and do not place a
carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am
ish you for your sins seven times over. 29 You will eat
the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters.
30 I will destroy your high places, cut down your in-
the LORD your God. cense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless
2 “ ‘Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my
forms of your idols, and I will abhor you. 31 I will turn
sanctuary. I am the LORD. your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries,
3 “ ‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey
and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your
my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and offerings. 32 I will lay waste the land, so that your ene-
the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field mies who live there will be appalled. 33 I will scatter
their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape you among the nations and will draw out my sword
harvest and the grape harvest will continue until plant- and pursue you. Your land will be laid waste, and your
ing, and you will eat all the food you want and live in cities will lie in ruins. 34 Then the land will enjoy its
safety in your land. sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you
6 “ ‘I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie
are in the country of your enemies; then the land will
down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 All the time that it lies
savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have
pass through your country. 7 You will pursue your ene- during the sabbaths you lived in it.
mies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of 36 “ ‘As for those of you who are left, I will make their
you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will hearts so fearful in the lands of their enemies that the
chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. They
sword before you. will run as though fleeing from the sword, and they will
9 “ ‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruit-
fall, even though no one is pursuing them. 37 They will
ful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my cov- stumble over one another as though fleeing from the
enant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year’s har- sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you
vest when you will have to move it out to make room for will not be able to stand before your enemies. 38 You
the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place a among you, and will perish among the nations; the land of your ene-
I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be mies will devour you. 39 Those of you who are left will
your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD waste away in the lands of their enemies because of
your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you their sins; also because of their fathers’ sins they will
would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the waste away.
bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads 40 “ ‘But if they will confess their sins and the sins of
held high. their fathers—their treachery against me and their
hostility toward me, 41 which made me hostile toward
Punishment for Disobedience them so that I sent them into the land of their ene-
14 “ ‘But if you will not listen to me and carry out all
mies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are hum-
these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and bled and they pay for their sin, 42 I will remember my
abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and
and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the
I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases land. 43 For the land will be deserted by them and will
and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them.
your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your ene- They will pay for their sins because they rejected my
mies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that laws and abhorred my decrees. 44 Yet in spite of this,
you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not re-
you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no ject them or abhor them so as to destroy them com-
one is pursuing you. pletely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the
18 “ ‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will
LORD their God. 45 But for their sake I will remember the
punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of
down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am
like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. the LORD.’ ”
20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil 46 These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations
will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of the land that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between him-
yield their fruit. self and the Israelites through Moses.
21 “ ‘If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to
listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times Redeeming What Is the LORD’s
27
over, as your sins deserve. 22 I will send wild animals The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites
ORD
against you, and they will rob you of your children, de- and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow to
stroy your cattle and make you so few in number that dedicate persons to the L by giving equivalent val-
ORD
your roads will be deserted. ues, 3 set the value of a male between the ages of twenty
a 11 Or my tabernacle
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70 LEVITICUS 27:4
and sixty at fifty shekels a of silver, according to the be reduced. 19 If the man who dedicates the field wishes
sanctuary shekel b; 4 and if it is a female, set her value at to redeem it, he must add a fifth to its value, and the
thirty shekels. c 5 If it is a person between the ages of five field will again become his. 20 If, however, he does not re-
and twenty, set the value of a male at twenty shekels d deem the field, or if he has sold it to someone else, it can
and of a female at ten shekels. e 6 If it is a person be- never be redeemed. 21 When the field is released in the
tween one month and five years, set the value of a male Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the
at five shekels f of silver and that of a female at three LORD; it will become the property of the priests. j
22 “ ‘If a man dedicates to the LORD a field he has
shekels g of silver. 7 If it is a person sixty years old or
more, set the value of a male at fifteen shekels h and of a bought, which is not part of his family land, 23 the priest
female at ten shekels. 8 If anyone making the vow is too will determine its value up to the Year of Jubilee, and
poor to pay the specified amount, he is to present the the man must pay its value on that day as something
person to the priest, who will set the value for him ac- holy to the LORD. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field will re-
cording to what the man making the vow can afford. vert to the person from whom he bought it, the one
9 “ ‘If what he vowed is an animal that is acceptable whose land it was. 25 Every value is to be set according to
as an offering to the LORD, such an animal given to the the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel.
26 “ ‘No one, however, may dedicate the firstborn of
LORD becomes holy. 10 He must not exchange it or substi-
tute a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good an animal, since the firstborn already belongs to the
one; if he should substitute one animal for another, LORD; whether an ox k or a sheep, it is the LORD’s. 27 If it is
both it and the substitute become holy. 11 If what he one of the unclean animals, he may buy it back at its set
vowed is a ceremonially unclean animal—one that is value, adding a fifth of the value to it. If he does not re-
not acceptable as an offering to the LORD—the animal deem it, it is to be sold at its set value.
28 “ ‘But nothing that a man owns and devotes l to
must be presented to the priest, 12 who will judge its
quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then the LORD—whether man or animal or family land—may
sets, that is what it will be. 13 If the owner wishes to re- be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most
deem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value. holy to the LORD.
29 “ ‘No person devoted to destruction m may be ran-
14 “ ‘If a man dedicates his house as something holy
to the LORD, the priest will judge its quality as good or somed; he must be put to death.
30 “ ‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether
bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, so it will re-
main. 15 If the man who dedicates his house redeems it, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the
he must add a fifth to its value, and the house will again LORD; it is holy to the LORD. 31 If a man redeems any of his
become his. tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. 32 The entire
16 “ ‘If a man dedicates to the LORD part of his family tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that
land, its value is to be set according to the amount of passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the
seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver to a homer i of LORD. 33 He must not pick out the good from the bad or
barley seed. 17 If he dedicates his field during the Year of make any substitution. If he does make a substitution,
Jubilee, the value that has been set remains. 18 But if he both the animal and its substitute become holy and
dedicates his field after the Jubilee, the priest will deter- cannot be redeemed.’ ”
mine the value according to the number of years that re- 34 These are the commands the LORD gave Moses on
main until the next Year of Jubilee, and its set value will Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
a3 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds (about 0.6 kilogram); also in verse 16 b 3 That is, about 2/5 ounce (about 11.5 grams); also in verse 25
c4 That is, about 12 ounces (about 0.3 kilogram) d 5 That is, about 8 ounces (about 0.2 kilogram) e 5 That is, about 4 ounces (about
110 grams); also in verse 7 f 6 That is, about 2 ounces (about 55 grams) g 6 That is, about 1 1/4 ounces (about 35 grams) h 7 That
is, about 6 ounces (about 170 grams) i 16 That is, probably about 6 bushels (about 220 liters) j 21 Or priest k 26 The Hebrew word
can include both male and female. l 28 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD.
m 29 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.
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Numbers
The Census ilies. 27 The number from the tribe of Judah was
74,600.
1 The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in
the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second
month of the second year after the Israelites came out of
28 From the descendants of Issachar:
All the men twenty years old or more who were
Egypt. He said: 2 “Take a census of the whole Israelite able to serve in the army were listed by name,
community by their clans and families, listing every according to the records of their clans and fam-
man by name, one by one. 3 You and Aaron are to num- ilies. 29 The number from the tribe of Issachar
ber by their divisions all the men in Israel twenty years was 54,400.
old or more who are able to serve in the army. 4 One
man from each tribe, each the head of his family, is to 30 From the descendants of Zebulun:
help you. 5 These are the names of the men who are to All the men twenty years old or more who were
assist you: able to serve in the army were listed by name,
according to the records of their clans and fam-
from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; ilies. 31 The number from the tribe of Zebulun
6 from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;
7 from
was 57,400.
Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab;
8 from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; 32 From the sons of Joseph:
9 from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; From the descendants of Ephraim:
10 from the sons of Joseph: All the men twenty years old or more who were
from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; able to serve in the army were listed by name,
from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; according to the records of their clans and fam-
11 from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; ilies. 33 The number from the tribe of Ephraim
12 from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; was 40,500.
13 from Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran; 34 From the descendants of Manasseh:
14 from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; All the men twenty years old or more who were
15 from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” able to serve in the army were listed by name,
16 These were the men appointed from the commu-
according to the records of their clans and fam-
ilies. 35 The number from the tribe of Manasseh
nity, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the was 32,200.
heads of the clans of Israel.
17 Moses and Aaron took these men whose names 36 From the descendants of Benjamin:
had been given, 18 and they called the whole communi- All the men twenty years old or more who were
ty together on the first day of the second month. The able to serve in the army were listed by name,
people indicated their ancestry by their clans and fam- according to the records of their clans and fam-
ilies, and the men twenty years old or more were listed ilies. 37 The number from the tribe of Benjamin
by name, one by one, 19 as the LORD commanded Moses. was 35,400.
And so he counted them in the Desert of Sinai: 38 From the descendants of Dan:
20 From the descendants of Reuben the firstborn son of All the men twenty years old or more who were
Israel: able to serve in the army were listed by name,
All the men twenty years old or more who were according to the records of their clans and fam-
able to serve in the army were listed by name, ilies. 39 The number from the tribe of Dan was
one by one, according to the records of their 62,700.
clans and families. 21 The number from the tribe 40 From the descendants of Asher:
of Reuben was 46,500.
All the men twenty years old or more who were
22 From the descendants of Simeon: able to serve in the army were listed by name,
All the men twenty years old or more who were according to the records of their clans and fam-
able to serve in the army were counted and list- ilies. 41 The number from the tribe of Asher was
ed by name, one by one, according to the rec- 41,500.
ords of their clans and families. 23 The number 42 From the descendants of Naphtali:
from the tribe of Simeon was 59,300.
All the men twenty years old or more who were
24 From the descendants of Gad: able to serve in the army were listed by name,
All the men twenty years old or more who were according to the records of their clans and fam-
able to serve in the army were listed by name, ilies. 43 The number from the tribe of Naphtali
according to the records of their clans and fam- was 53,400.
ilies. 25 The number from the tribe of Gad was 44 These were the men counted by Moses and Aaron
45,650.
and the twelve leaders of Israel, each one representing
26 From the descendants of Judah: his family. 45 All the Israelites twenty years old or more
All the men twenty years old or more who were who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted
able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to their families. 46 The total number was
according to the records of their clans and fam- 603,550.
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72 NUMBERS 1:47
47 The
families of the tribe of Levi, however, were not according to their divisions, number 108,100.
counted along with the others. 48 The LORD had said to They will set out third.
49
Moses: “You must not count the tribe of Levi or in- 25 On the north will be the divisions of the camp
clude them in the census of the other Israelites. 50 In-
of Dan, under their standard. The leader of the
stead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the taber-
people of Dan is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
nacle of the Testimony—over all its furnishings and 26 His division numbers 62,700.
everything belonging to it. They are to carry the taber- 27 The tribe of Asher will camp next to them. The
nacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it leader of the people of Asher is Pagiel son of Ocran.
and encamp around it. 51 Whenever the tabernacle is to 28 His division numbers 41,500.
move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the 29 The tribe of Naphtali will be next. The leader of
tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Anyone the people of Naphtali is Ahira son of Enan. 30 His
else who goes near it shall be put to death. 52 The Israel- division numbers 53,400.
ites are to set up their tents by divisions, each man in his 31 All the men assigned to the camp of Dan
own camp under his own standard. 53 The Levites, how- number 157,600. They will set out last, under their
ever, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle of standards.
the Testimony so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite
32 These are the Israelites, counted according to
community. The Levites are to be responsible for the
care of the tabernacle of the Testimony.” their families. All those in the camps, by their divi-
54 The Israelites did all this just as the LORD com- sions, number 603,550. 33 The Levites, however,
manded Moses. were not counted along with the other Israelites, as
the LORD commanded Moses.
The Arrangement of the Tribal Camps
34 So the Israelites did everything the LORD com-
2tanceare
The L 2
said to Moses and Aaron: “The Israelites
ORD
to camp around the Tent of Meeting some dis- manded Moses; that is the way they encamped under
from it, each man under his standard with the their standards, and that is the way they set out, each
banners of his family.” with his clan and family.
3 On the east, toward the sunrise, the divisions of The Levites
the camp of Judah are to encamp under their stan-
dard. The leader of the people of Judah is Nahshon 3
Sinai.
This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses
at the time the LORD talked with Moses on Mount
son of Amminadab. 4 His division numbers 74,600.
5 The tribe of Issachar will camp next to them. 2 The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the
The leader of the people of Issachar is Nethanel firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 3 Those were
son of Zuar. 6 His division numbers 54,400. the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who
7 The tribe of Zebulun will be next. The leader of were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu,
the people of Zebulun is Eliab son of Helon. 8 His however, fell dead before the LORD when they made an
division numbers 57,400. offering with unauthorized fire before him in the
9 All the men assigned to the camp of Judah, ac- Desert of Sinai. They had no sons; so only Eleazar and
cording to their divisions, number 186,400. They Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their
will set out first. father Aaron.
5 The LORD said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi
10 On the south will be the divisions of the camp
and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
of Reuben under their standard. The leader of the 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole
people of Reuben is Elizur son of Shedeur. 11 His community at the Tent of Meeting by doing the work of
division numbers 46,500. the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnish-
12 The tribe of Simeon will camp next to them.
ings of the Tent of Meeting, fulfilling the obligations of
The leader of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give
son of Zurishaddai. 13 His division numbers 59,300. the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites
14 The tribe of Gad will be next. The leader of the
who are to be given wholly to him. b 10 Appoint Aaron
people of Gad is Eliasaph son of Deuel. a 15 His divi- and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who ap-
sion numbers 45,650. proaches the sanctuary must be put to death.”
16 All the men assigned to the camp of Reuben, 11 The LORD also said to Moses, 12 “I have taken the
according to their divisions, number 151,450. Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first
They will set out second. male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are
17 Then the Tent of Meeting and the camp of the mine, 13 for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck
Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself ev-
They will set out in the same order as they en- ery firstborn in Israel, whether man or animal. They are
camp, each in his own place under his standard. to be mine. I am the LORD.”
14 The LORD said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai,
18 On the west will be the divisions of the camp 15 “Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count
of Ephraim under their standard. The leader of the every male a month old or more.” 16 So Moses counted
people of Ephraim is Elishama son of Ammihud. them, as he was commanded by the word of the LORD.
19 His division numbers 40,500. 17 These were the names of the sons of Levi:
20 The tribe of Manasseh will be next to them. Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
The leader of the people of Manasseh is Gamaliel 18 These were the names of the Gershonite clans:
son of Pedahzur. 21 His division numbers 32,200. Libni and Shimei.
22 The tribe of Benjamin will be next. The leader 19 The Kohathite clans:
of the people of Benjamin is Abidan son of Gideo- Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
ni. 23 His division numbers 35,400. 20 The Merarite clans:
24 All the men assigned to the camp of Ephraim, Mahli and Mushi.
a 14 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch and Vulgate (see also Num. 1:14); most manuscripts of the Masoretic
Text Reuel b 9 Most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text; some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint
(see also Num. 8:16) to me
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NUMBERS 4:23 73
These were the Levite clans, according to their fam- for the redemption of the additional Israelites to Aaron
ilies. and his sons.”
49 So Moses collected the redemption money from
21 To Gershon belonged the clans of the Libnites and those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Le-
Shimeites; these were the Gershonite clans. 22 The num- vites. 50 From the firstborn of the Israelites he collected
ber of all the males a month old or more who were silver weighing 1,365 shekels, c according to the sanctu-
counted was 7,500. 23 The Gershonite clans were to ary shekel. 51 Moses gave the redemption money to Aar-
camp on the west, behind the tabernacle. 24 The leader of on and his sons, as he was commanded by the word of
the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. the LORD.
25 At the Tent of Meeting the Gershonites were responsi-
ble for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings,
The Kohathites
4andThe L ORD 2
said to Moses and Aaron: “Take a census
the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 26 the
curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans
3
families. Count all the men from thirty to fifty
the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and
the ropes—and everything related to their use. years of age who come to serve in the work in the Tent of
Meeting.
4 “This is the work of the Kohathites in the Tent of
27 To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites,
Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites; these were the Ko- Meeting: the care of the most holy things. 5 When the
hathite clans. 28 The number of all the males a month camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and
old or more was 8,600. a The Kohathites were responsi- take down the shielding curtain and cover the ark of the
ble for the care of the sanctuary. 29 The Kohathite clans Testimony with it. 6 Then they are to cover this with
were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. 30 The hides of sea cows, d spread a cloth of solid blue over that
leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Eliza- and put the poles in place.
7 “Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a
phan son of Uzziel. 31 They were responsible for the care
of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the arti- blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls,
cles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and the jars for drink offerings; the bread that is contin-
and everything related to their use. 32 The chief leader of ually there is to remain on it. 8 Over these they are to
the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was spread a scarlet cloth, cover that with hides of sea cows
appointed over those who were responsible for the care and put its poles in place.
9 “They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lamp-
of the sanctuary.
stand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick
33 To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and trimmers and trays, and all its jars for the oil used to
supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accesso-
the Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. 34 The
ries in a covering of hides of sea cows and put it on a
number of all the males a month old or more who were
carrying frame.
counted was 6,200. 35 The leader of the families of the 11 “Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth
Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to
and cover that with hides of sea cows and put its poles
camp on the north side of the tabernacle. 36 The Mera-
in place.
rites were appointed to take care of the frames of the 12 “They are to take all the articles used for minister-
tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, ing in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover
and everything related to their use, 37 as well as the that with hides of sea cows and put them on a carrying
posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, frame.
tent pegs and ropes. 13 “They are to remove the ashes from the bronze al-
74 NUMBERS 4:24
the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to dwell among them.” 4 The Israelites did this; they sent
serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. them outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had
24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans as they instructed Moses.
work and carry burdens: 25 They are to carry the cur-
tains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, its covering Restitution for Wrongs
5 The LORD said to Moses, 6 “Say to the Israelites:
and the outer covering of hides of sea cows, the cur-
tains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 26 the cur- ‘When a man or woman wrongs another in any way b
tains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and and so is unfaithful to the LORD, that person is guilty
7 and must confess the sin he has committed. He must
altar, the curtain for the entrance, the ropes and all the
equipment used in its service. The Gershonites are to do make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it
all that needs to be done with these things. 27 All their and give it all to the person he has wronged. 8 But if that
service, whether carrying or doing other work, is to be person has no close relative to whom restitution can be
done under the direction of Aaron and his sons. You made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD
shall assign to them as their responsibility all they are to and must be given to the priest, along with the ram with
carry. 28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the which atonement is made for him. 9 All the sacred con-
Tent of Meeting. Their duties are to be under the direc- tributions the Israelites bring to a priest will belong to
tion of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. him. 10 Each man’s sacred gifts are his own, but what he
gives to the priest will belong to the priest.’ ”
The Merarites
29 “Count the Merarites by their clans and families. The Test for an Unfaithful Wife
30 Count 11 Then the LORD said to Moses, 12 “Speak to the Israel-
all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who
come to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. 31 This ites and say to them: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is
is their duty as they perform service at the Tent of Meet- unfaithful to him 13 by sleeping with another man, and
ing: to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is
posts and bases, 32 as well as the posts of the surround- undetected (since there is no witness against her and
ing courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, all their she has not been caught in the act), 14 and if feelings of
equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to jealousy come over her husband and he suspects his
each man the specific things he is to carry. 33 This is the wife and she is impure—or if he is jealous and suspects
service of the Merarite clans as they work at the Tent of her even though she is not impure— 15 then he is to take
Meeting under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, his wife to the priest. He must also take an offering of a
the priest.” tenth of an ephah c of barley flour on her behalf. He
must not pour oil on it or put incense on it, because it is
The Numbering of the Levite Clans a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder offering to draw
34 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community
attention to guilt.
counted the Kohathites by their clans and families. 35 All 16 “ ‘The priest shall bring her and have her stand be-
the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to fore the LORD. 17 Then he shall take some holy water in a
serve in the work in the Tent of Meeting, 36 counted by clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into
clans, were 2,750. 37 This was the total of all those in the the water. 18 After the priest has had the woman stand
Kohathite clans who served in the Tent of Meeting. Mo- before the LORD, he shall loosen her hair and place in
ses and Aaron counted them according to the LORD’s her hands the reminder offering, the grain offering for
command through Moses. jealousy, while he himself holds the bitter water that
38 The Gershonites were counted by their clans and
brings a curse. 19 Then the priest shall put the woman
families. 39 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age under oath and say to her, “If no other man has slept
who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting, with you and you have not gone astray and become im-
40 counted by their clans and families, were 2,630. 41 This
pure while married to your husband, may this bitter wa-
was the total of those in the Gershonite clans who ter that brings a curse not harm you. 20 But if you have
served at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron count- gone astray while married to your husband and you
ed them according to the LORD’s command. have defiled yourself by sleeping with a man other than
42 The Merarites were counted by their clans and
your husband”— 21 here the priest is to put the woman
families. 43 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age
under this curse of the oath—“may the LORD cause your
who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting,
44 counted by their clans, were 3,200. 45 This was the total people to curse and denounce you when he causes your
of those in the Merarite clans. Moses and Aaron counted thigh to waste away and your abdomen to swell. d 22 May
them according to the LORD’s command through Moses. this water that brings a curse enter your body so that
46 So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted your abdomen swells and your thigh wastes away. e”
all the Levites by their clans and families. 47 All the men “ ‘Then the woman is to say, “Amen. So be it.”
23 “ ‘The priest is to write these curses on a scroll and
from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work
of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting 48 numbered then wash them off into the bitter water. 24 He shall have
8,580. 49 At the LORD’s command through Moses, each the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and
was assigned his work and told what to carry. this water will enter her and cause bitter suffering. 25 The
Thus they were counted, as the LORD commanded priest is to take from her hands the grain offering for jeal-
Moses. ousy, wave it before the LORD and bring it to the altar.
26 The priest is then to take a handful of the grain offering
The Purity of the Camp as a memorial offering and burn it on the altar; after that,
he is to have the woman drink the water. 27 If she has de-
5fectious
The L ORD 2
said to Moses, “Command the Israelites
to send away from the camp anyone who has an in- filed herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then
skin disease or a discharge of any kind, or
a when she is made to drink the water that brings a curse,
who is ceremonially unclean because of a dead body. it will go into her and cause bitter suffering; her abdomen
3 Send away male and female alike; send them outside will swell and her thigh waste away, f and she will be-
the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I come accursed among her people. 28 If, however, the
a 2 Traditionally leprosy; the Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy. b 6 Or woman
commits any wrong common to mankind c 15 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) d 21 Or causes you to have a
miscarrying womb and barrenness e 22 Or body and cause you to be barren and have a miscarrying womb f 27 Or suffering; she will
have barrenness and a miscarrying womb
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NUMBERS 7:19 75
woman has not defiled herself and is free from impurity, then wave them before the LORD as a wave offering;
she will be cleared of guilt and will be able to have chil- they are holy and belong to the priest, together with the
dren. breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented.
29 “ ‘This, then, is the law of jealousy when a woman After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.
goes astray and defiles herself while married to her hus- 21 “ ‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offer-
band, 30 or when feelings of jealousy come over a man ing to the LORD in accordance with his separation, in
because he suspects his wife. The priest is to have her addition to whatever else he can afford. He must fulfill
stand before the LORD and is to apply this entire law to the vow he has made, according to the law of the Nazi-
her. 31 The husband will be innocent of any wrongdo- rite.’ ”
ing, but the woman will bear the consequences of her
sin.’ ” The Priestly Blessing
22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his
The Nazirite sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to
6a special
The L ORD 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites them:
and say to them: ‘If a man or woman wants to make 24 “
vow, a vow of separation to the L as a Naz-
ORD
‘ “The LORD bless you
irite, 3 he must abstain from wine and other fermented and keep you;
25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or
from other fermented drink. He must not drink grape and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face toward you
juice or eat grapes or raisins. 4 As long as he is a Nazirite,
he must not eat anything that comes from the grape- and give you peace.” ’
vine, not even the seeds or skins. 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I
5 “ ‘During the entire period of his vow of separation
will bless them.”
no razor may be used on his head. He must be holy un-
til the period of his separation to the LORD is over; he Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle
must let the hair of his head grow long. 6 Throughout
the period of his separation to the LORD he must not go
near a dead body. 7 Even if his own father or mother or
7ings.When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he
anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnish-
He also anointed and consecrated the altar and all
brother or sister dies, he must not make himself cere- its utensils. 2 Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of
monially unclean on account of them, because the families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those
symbol of his separation to God is on his head. who were counted, made offerings. 3 They brought as
8 Throughout the period of his separation he is conse- their gifts before the LORD six covered carts and twelve
crated to the LORD. oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every
9 “ ‘If someone dies suddenly in his presence, thus two. These they presented before the tabernacle.
4 The LORD said to Moses, 5 “Accept these from them,
defiling the hair he has dedicated, he must shave his
head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day. that they may be used in the work at the Tent of Meet-
10 Then on the eighth day he must bring two doves or ing. Give them to the Levites as each man’s work re-
two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the quires.”
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to
Tent of Meeting. 11 The priest is to offer one as a sin offer-
ing and the other as a burnt offering to make atone- the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the
ment for him because he sinned by being in the pres- Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four
ence of the dead body. That same day he is to carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work re-
consecrate his head. 12 He must dedicate himself to the quired. They were all under the direction of Ithamar
LORD for the period of his separation and must bring a son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to
year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their
days do not count, because he became defiled during shoulders the holy things, for which they were respon-
his separation. sible.
13 “ ‘Now this is the law for the Nazirite when the pe- 10 When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought
riod of his separation is over. He is to be brought to the their offerings for its dedication and presented them
entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 14 There he is to pre- before the altar. 11 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Each
sent his offerings to the LORD: a year-old male lamb day one leader is to bring his offering for the dedica-
without defect for a burnt offering, a year-old ewe lamb tion of the altar.”
without defect for a sin offering, a ram without defect 12 The one who brought his offering on the first day was
for a fellowship offering, a 15 together with their grain of- Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah.
ferings and drink offerings, and a basket of bread made 13 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
without yeast—cakes made of fine flour mixed with oil, dred and thirty shekels, b and one silver sprinkling
and wafers spread with oil. bowl weighing seventy shekels, c both according to
16 “ ‘The priest is to present them before the LORD
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. 17 He is mixed with oil as a grain offering; 14 one gold dish
to present the basket of unleavened bread and is to sac- weighing ten shekels, d filled with incense; 15 one
rifice the ram as a fellowship offering to the LORD, to- young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
gether with its grain offering and drink offering. for a burnt offering; 16 one male goat for a sin offer-
18 “ ‘Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the
ing; 17 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
Nazirite must shave off the hair that he dedicated. He is five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
to take the hair and put it in the fire that is under the lowship offering. e This was the offering of Nah-
sacrifice of the fellowship offering.
19 “ ‘After the Nazirite has shaved off the hair of his shon son of Amminadab.
dedication, the priest is to place in his hands a boiled 18 On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of
shoulder of the ram, and a cake and a wafer from the Issachar, brought his offering.
basket, both made without yeast. 20 The priest shall 19 The offering he brought was one silver plate
a 14Traditionally peace offering; also in verses 17 and 18 b 13 That is, about 3 1/4 pounds (about 1.5 kilograms); also elsewhere in this
chapter c 13 That is, about 1 3/4 pounds (about 0.8 kilogram); also elsewhere in this chapter d 14 That is, about 4 ounces (about 110
grams); also elsewhere in this chapter e 17 Traditionally peace offering; also elsewhere in this chapter
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76 NUMBERS 7:20
weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled mixed with oil as a grain offering; 50 one gold dish
with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 51 one
20 one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
incense; 21 one young bull, one ram and one male for a burnt offering; 52 one male goat for a sin offer-
lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 22 one male ing; 53 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
goat for a sin offering; 23 and two oxen, five rams, five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
five male goats and five male lambs a year old, to lowship offering. This was the offering of Elishama
be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the son of Ammihud.
offering of Nethanel son of Zuar. 54 On the eighth day Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the lead-
24 On the third day, Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the er of the people of Manasseh, brought his offering.
people of Zebulun, brought his offering. 55 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
25 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun- dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling
dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 56 one gold dish
mixed with oil as a grain offering; 26 one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 57 one
weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 27 one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 58 one male goat for a sin offer-
for a burnt offering; 28 one male goat for a sin offer- ing; 59 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
ing; 29 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel- lowship offering. This was the offering of Gamaliel
lowship offering. This was the offering of Eliab son son of Pedahzur.
of Helon. 60 On the ninth day Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of
30 On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the people of Benjamin, brought his offering.
the people of Reuben, brought his offering. 61 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
31 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun- dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling
dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 62 one gold dish
mixed with oil as a grain offering; 32 one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 63 one
weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 33 one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 64 one male goat for a sin offer-
for a burnt offering; 34 one male goat for a sin offer- ing; 65 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
ing; 35 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel- lowship offering. This was the offering of Abidan
lowship offering. This was the offering of Elizur son of Gideoni.
son of Shedeur. 66 On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the
36 On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Dan, brought his offering.
leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering. 67 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
37 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun- dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling
dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 68 one gold dish
mixed with oil as a grain offering; 38 one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 69 one
weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 39 one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 70 one male goat for a sin offer-
for a burnt offering; 40 one male goat for a sin offer- ing; 71 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
ing; 41 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel- lowship offering. This was the offering of Ahiezer
lowship offering. This was the offering of Shelumi- son of Ammishaddai.
el son of Zurishaddai. 72 On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Ocran, the leader of
42 On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering.
the people of Gad, brought his offering. 73 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
43 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun- dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling
dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 74 one gold dish
mixed with oil as a grain offering; 44 one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 75 one
weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 45 one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old,
young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 76 one male goat for a sin offer-
for a burnt offering; 46 one male goat for a sin offer- ing; 77 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and
ing; 47 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel-
five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel- lowship offering. This was the offering of Pagiel
lowship offering. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Ocran.
son of Deuel. 78 On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of
48 On the seventh day Elishama son of Ammihud, the the people of Naphtali, brought his offering.
leader of the people of Ephraim, brought his offering. 79 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun-
49 His offering was one silver plate weighing a hun- dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling
dred and thirty shekels, and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to
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NUMBERS 9:17 77
the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour from every Israelite woman. 17 Every firstborn male in
mixed with oil as a grain offering; 80 one gold dish Israel, whether man or animal, is mine. When I struck
weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 81 one down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set them apart for my-
young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old, self. 18 And I have taken the Levites in place of all the
for a burnt offering; 82 one male goat for a sin offer- firstborn sons in Israel. 19 Of all the Israelites, I have giv-
ing; 83 and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and en the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons to do the
five male lambs a year old, to be sacrificed as a fel- work at the Tent of Meeting on behalf of the Israelites
lowship offering. This was the offering of Ahira son and to make atonement for them so that no plague will
of Enan. strike the Israelites when they go near the sanctuary.”
20 Moses, Aaron and the whole Israelite community
84 These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for
did with the Levites just as the LORD commanded Mo-
the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve ses. 21 The Levites purified themselves and washed their
silver plates, twelve silver sprinkling bowls and twelve clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a wave offering
gold dishes. 85 Each silver plate weighed a hundred and before the LORD and made atonement for them to puri-
thirty shekels, and each sprinkling bowl seventy shekels. fy them. 22 After that, the Levites came to do their work
Altogether, the silver dishes weighed two thousand four at the Tent of Meeting under the supervision of Aaron
hundred shekels, a according to the sanctuary shekel. and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the LORD
86 The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed
commanded Moses.
ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. Al- 23 The LORD said to Moses, 24 “This applies to the Le-
together, the gold dishes weighed a hundred and twen- vites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to
ty shekels. b 87 The total number of animals for the burnt take part in the work at the Tent of Meeting, 25 but at the
offering came to twelve young bulls, twelve rams and age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service
twelve male lambs a year old, together with their grain and work no longer. 26 They may assist their brothers in
offering. Twelve male goats were used for the sin offer- performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they
ing. 88 The total number of animals for the sacrifice of themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how
the fellowship offering came to twenty-four oxen, sixty you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.”
rams, sixty male goats and sixty male lambs a year old.
These were the offerings for the dedication of the altar The Passover
after it was anointed.
89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak
with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from
9Egypt.first
The L ORD spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the
month of the second year after they came out of
2
He said, “Have the Israelites celebrate the Pass-
between the two cherubim above the atonement cover over at the appointed time. 3 Celebrate it at the appoint-
on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him. ed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month,
in accordance with all its rules and regulations.”
Setting Up the Lamps 4 So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Pass-
8lighthim,
The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and say to
ORD over, 5 and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight
‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites
the area in front of the lampstand.’ ” did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses.
3 Aaron did so; he set up the lamps so that they faced 6 But some of them could not celebrate the Passover
forward on the lampstand, just as the LORD commanded on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on
Moses. 4 This is how the lampstand was made: It was account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and
made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. Aaron that same day 7 and said to Moses, “We have be-
The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the come unclean because of a dead body, but why should
LORD had shown Moses. we be kept from presenting the LORD’s offering with the
The Setting Apart of the Levites other Israelites at the appointed time?”
8 Moses answered them, “Wait until I find out what
5 The LORD said to Moses: 6 “Take the Levites from
the LORD commands concerning you.”
among the other Israelites and make them ceremonial- 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, 10 “Tell the Israelites:
ly clean. 7 To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of ‘When any of you or your descendants are unclean be-
cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole cause of a dead body or are away on a journey, they
bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify them- may still celebrate the LORD’s Passover. 11 They are to cel-
selves. 8 Have them take a young bull with its grain offer- ebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at
ing of fine flour mixed with oil; then you are to take a twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleav-
second young bull for a sin offering. 9 Bring the Levites ened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They must not leave any
to the front of the Tent of Meeting and assemble the of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they
whole Israelite community. 10 You are to bring the Le- celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regula-
vites before the LORD, and the Israelites are to lay their tions. 13 But if a man who is ceremonially clean and not
hands on them. 11 Aaron is to present the Levites before on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person
the LORD as a wave offering from the Israelites, so that must be cut off from his people because he did not pre-
they may be ready to do the work of the LORD. sent the LORD’s offering at the appointed time. That
12 “After the Levites lay their hands on the heads of
man will bear the consequences of his sin.
the bulls, use the one for a sin offering to the LORD and 14 “ ‘An alien living among you who wants to cele-
the other for a burnt offering, to make atonement for brate the LORD’s Passover must do so in accordance
the Levites. 13 Have the Levites stand in front of Aaron with its rules and regulations. You must have the same
and his sons and then present them as a wave offering regulations for the alien and the native-born.’ ”
to the LORD. 14 In this way you are to set the Levites apart
from the other Israelites, and the Levites will be mine. The Cloud Above the Tabernacle
15 “After you have purified the Levites and presented 15 On the day the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimo-
them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their ny, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till
work at the Tent of Meeting. 16 They are the Israelites morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like
who are to be given wholly to me. I have taken them as fire. 16 That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered
my own in place of the firstborn, the first male offspring it, and at night it looked like fire. 17 Whenever the cloud
a 85 That is, about 60 pounds (about 28 kilograms) b 86 That is, about 3 pounds (about 1.4 kilograms)
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78 NUMBERS 9:18
lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wher- vision of the tribe of Manasseh, 24 and Abidan son of
ever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin.
LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his com- 25 Finally, as the rear guard for all the units, the divi-
mand they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over sions of the camp of Dan set out, under their standard.
the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai was in command. 26 Pagiel
cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Is- son of Ocran was over the division of the tribe of Asher,
raelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out. 27 and Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the
20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a
tribe of Naphtali. 28 This was the order of march for the
few days; at the LORD’s command they would encamp, Israelite divisions as they set out.
and then at his command they would set out. 21 Some- 29 Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midian-
times the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, ite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the
and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Wheth- place about which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you.’
er by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD
out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for has promised good things to Israel.”
two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would re- 30 He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to
main in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they my own land and my own people.”
would set out. 23 At the LORD’s command they en- 31 But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know
camped, and at the LORD’s command they set out. They where we should camp in the desert, and you can be
obeyed the LORD’s order, in accordance with his com- our eyes. 32 If you come with us, we will share with you
mand through Moses. whatever good things the LORD gives us.”
33 So they set out from the mountain of the LORD and
The Silver Trumpets
traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the
10 hammered
The L 2
said to Moses: “Make two trumpets of
ORD
silver, and use them for calling the LORD went before them during those three days to find
community together and for having the camps set out. them a place to rest. 34 The cloud of the LORD was over
3 When both are sounded, the whole community is to them by day when they set out from the camp.
35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,
assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of
Meeting. 4 If only one is sounded, the leaders—the “Rise up, O LORD!
heads of the clans of Israel—are to assemble before May your enemies be scattered;
you. 5 When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes may your foes flee before you.”
camping on the east are to set out. 6 At the sounding of a
second blast, the camps on the south are to set out. The 36 Whenever it came to rest, he said,
blast will be the signal for setting out. 7 To gather the as-
“Return, O LORD,
sembly, blow the trumpets, but not with the same sig-
nal. to the countless thousands of Israel.”
8 “The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow the
Fire From the LORD
trumpets. This is to be a lasting ordinance for you and
the generations to come. 9 When you go into battle in
your own land against an enemy who is oppressing
11 Now the people complained about their hardships
in the hearing of the L , and when he heard
ORD
them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the L ORD
you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be re- burned among them and consumed some of the out-
membered by the LORD your God and rescued from skirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses,
your enemies. 10 Also at your times of rejoicing—your he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. 3 So that
appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to place was called Taberah, b because fire from the LORD
sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fel- had burned among them.
lowship offerings, a and they will be a memorial for you
before your God. I am the LORD your God.” Quail From the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food,
The Israelites Leave Sinai
11 On and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only
the twentieth day of the second month of the
second year, the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in
of the Testimony. 12 Then the Israelites set out from the Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks,
Desert of Sinai and traveled from place to place until onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite;
the cloud came to rest in the Desert of Paran. 13 They set we never see anything but this manna!”
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like
out, this first time, at the LORD’s command through
Moses. resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then
14 The divisions of the camp of Judah went first, un- ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They
der their standard. Nahshon son of Amminadab was in cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like
command. 15 Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled
of the tribe of Issachar, 16 and Eliab son of Helon was on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing,
over the division of the tribe of Zebulun. 17 Then the
tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became ex-
Merarites, who carried it, set out. ceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked
18 The divisions of the camp of Reuben went next, the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your
under their standard. Elizur son of Shedeur was in servant? What have I done to displease you that you put
command. 19 Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive
division of the tribe of Simeon, 20 and Eliasaph son of all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell
Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad. 21 Then me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an in-
the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The fant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefa-
tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived. thers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They
22 The divisions of the camp of Ephraim went next, keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot car-
under their standard. Elishama son of Ammihud was in ry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for
command. 23 Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the di- me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to
a 10 Traditionally peace offerings b3 Taberah means burning.
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NUMBERS 13:18 79
death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes— they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And
and do not let me face my own ruin.” the LORD heard this.
16 The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Isra- 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble
el’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
among the people. Have them come to the Tent of 4 At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam,
Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will “Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you.” So
come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the three of them came out. 5 Then the LORD came down
the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent
They will help you carry the burden of the people so and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them
that you will not have to carry it alone. stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:
18 “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in prepara-
“When a prophet of the LORD is among you,
tion for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD I reveal myself to him in visions,
heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! I speak to him in dreams.
We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you 7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;
meat, and you will eat it. 19 You will not eat it for just one he is faithful in all my house.
day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20 but for a 8 With him I speak face to face,
whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and clearly and not in riddles;
you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who he sees the form of the LORD.
is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, Why then were you not afraid
“Why did we ever leave Egypt?” ’ ” to speak against my servant Moses?”
21 But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred
9 The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he
thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them
meat to eat for a whole month!’ 22 Would they have left them.
10 When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there
enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them?
Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were stood Miriam—leprous, f like snow. Aaron turned to-
caught for them?” ward her and saw that she had leprosy; 11 and he said to
23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too Moses, “Please, my lord, do not hold against us the sin
short? You will now see whether or not what I say will we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like
come true for you.” a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the its flesh half eaten away.”
13 So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please
LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their el-
ders and had them stand around the Tent. 25 Then the heal her!”
14 The LORD replied to Moses, “If her father had spit in
LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and
her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven
he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit
days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after
on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them,
that she can be brought back.” 15 So Miriam was con-
they prophesied, but they did not do so again. a fined outside the camp for seven days, and the people
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and
did not move on till she was brought back.
Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed 16 After that, the people left Hazeroth and encamped
among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the in the Desert of Paran.
Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the
camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Exploring Canaan
Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
13 The L ORD 2
said to Moses, “Send some men to ex-
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide
plore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the
since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its
them!” leaders.”
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I 3 So at the LORD’s command Moses sent them out
wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of
the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” 30 Then Moses the Israelites. 4 These are their names:
and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zac-
cur;
quail in from the sea. It brought them b down all around 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori;
the camp to about three feet c above the ground, as far 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;
as a day’s walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph;
and all the next day the people went out and gathered 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;
quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. d Then 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu;
they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi;
the meat was still between their teeth and before it 11 from the tribe of Manasseh (a tribe of Joseph),
could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned Gaddi son of Susi;
against the people, and he struck them with a severe 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli;
plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hatta- 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael;
avah, e because there they buried the people who had 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi;
craved other food. 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Maki.
35 From Kibroth Hattaavah the people traveled to
16 These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore
Hazeroth and stayed there.
the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses Joshua.)
80 NUMBERS 13:19
people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all
19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? the miraculous signs I have performed among them?
What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or 12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy
fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there them, but I will make you into a nation greater and
trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of stronger than they.”
the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe 13 Moses said to the LORD, “Then the Egyptians will
grapes.) hear about it! By your power you brought these people
21 So they went up and explored the land from the up from among them. 14 And they will tell the inhabi-
Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo a Hamath. tants of this land about it. They have already heard that
22 They went up through the Negev and came to He- you, O LORD, are with these people and that you,
bron, where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descen- O LORD, have been seen face to face, that your cloud
dants of Anak, lived. (Hebron had been built seven stays over them, and that you go before them in a pillar
years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they reached the of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 15 If you put
Valley of Eshcol, b they cut off a branch bearing a single these people to death all at one time, the nations who
cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole be- have heard this report about you will say, 16 ‘The LORD
tween them, along with some pomegranates and figs. was not able to bring these people into the land he
24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of
promised them on oath; so he slaughtered them in the
the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the desert.’
end of forty days they returned from exploring the land. 17 “Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as
Report on the Exploration you have declared: 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger,
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the
abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he
does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the
whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth
Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole generation.’ 19 In accordance with your great love, for-
assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They give the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned
gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to them from the time they left Egypt until now.”
which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and hon- 20 The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you
ey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are asked. 21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as
powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, 22 not one of
even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I
live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites performed in Egypt and in the desert but who dis-
live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the obeyed me and tested me ten times— 23 not one of
sea and along the Jordan.” them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and
forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt
said, “We should go up and take possession of the land,
will ever see it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a
for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will
bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants
can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we
will inherit it. 25 Since the Amalekites and Canaanites
are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad re-
are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and set out
port about the land they had explored. They said, “The
toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea. c”
land we explored devours those living in it. All the peo- 26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long
ple we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim
there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephi- will this wicked community grumble against me? I have
lim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So
we looked the same to them.” tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do
to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert
The People Rebel your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old
or more who was counted in the census and who has
14 That night all the people of the community raised
2
their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites
grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole as-
grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the
land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, ex-
sembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in cept Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
31 As for your children that you said would be taken as
this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land
only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have
will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to rejected. 32 But you—your bodies will fall in this desert.
33 Your children will be shepherds here for forty years,
go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We
should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the bodies lies in the desert. 34 For forty years—one year for
whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of each of the forty days you explored the land—you will
Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me
those who had explored the land, tore their clothes against you.’ 35 I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will sure-
7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we ly do these things to this whole wicked community,
passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If which has banded together against me. They will meet
the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that their end in this desert; here they will die.”
land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it 36 So the men Moses had sent to explore the land,
to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be who returned and made the whole community grumble
afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow against him by spreading a bad report about it—
them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with 37 these men responsible for spreading the bad report
us. Do not be afraid of them.” about the land were struck down and died of a plague
10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning before the LORD. 38 Of the men who went to explore the
them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephun-
Meeting to all the Israelites. 11 The LORD said to Moses, neh survived.
“How long will these people treat me with contempt? 39 When Moses reported this to all the Israelites, they
a 21 Or toward the entrance to b 23 Eshcol means cluster; also in verse 24. c 25 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds
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NUMBERS 16:7 81
mourned bitterly. 40 Early the next morning they went without the community being aware of it, then the
up toward the high hill country. “We have sinned,” they whole community is to offer a young bull for a burnt
said. “We will go up to the place the LORD promised.” offering as an aroma pleasing to the LORD, along with its
41 But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the prescribed grain offering and drink offering, and a male
LORD’s command? This will not succeed! 42 Do not go up, goat for a sin offering. 25 The priest is to make atone-
because the LORD is not with you. You will be defeated ment for the whole Israelite community, and they will
by your enemies, 43 for the Amalekites and Canaanites be forgiven, for it was not intentional and they have
will face you there. Because you have turned away from brought to the LORD for their wrong an offering made by
the LORD, he will not be with you and you will fall by the fire and a sin offering. 26 The whole Israelite community
sword.” and the aliens living among them will be forgiven, be-
44 Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up cause all the people were involved in the unintentional
toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor wrong.
the ark of the LORD’s covenant moved from the camp. 27 “ ‘But if just one person sins unintentionally, he
45 Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that must bring a year-old female goat for a sin offering.
hill country came down and attacked them and beat 28 The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for
them down all the way to Hormah. the one who erred by sinning unintentionally, and
when atonement has been made for him, he will be for-
Supplementary Offerings given. 29 One and the same law applies to everyone who
15 The L 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites
ORD
sins unintentionally, whether he is a native-born Israel-
and say to them: ‘After you enter the land I am giv- ite or an alien.
3
ing you as a home and you present to the L offer-
ORD 30 “ ‘But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-
ings made by fire, from the herd or the flock, as an aro- born or alien, blasphemes the LORD, and that person
ma pleasing to the LORD—whether burnt offerings or must be cut off from his people. 31 Because he has de-
sacrifices, for special vows or freewill offerings or festival spised the LORD’s word and broken his commands, that
offerings— 4 then the one who brings his offering shall person must surely be cut off; his guilt remains on
present to the LORD a grain offering of a tenth of an him.’ ”
ephah a of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin b of oil.
5 With each lamb for the burnt offering or the sacrifice, The Sabbath-Breaker Put to Death
prepare a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. 32 While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was
6 “ ‘With a ram prepare a grain offering of two-tenths
found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who
of an ephah c of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin d of found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and
oil, 7 and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Of- Aaron and the whole assembly, 34 and they kept him in
fer it as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. custody, because it was not clear what should be done to
8 “ ‘When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offer-
him. 35 Then the LORD said to Moses, “The man must die.
ing or sacrifice, for a special vow or a fellowship offer- The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.”
ing e to the LORD, 9 bring with the bull a grain offering of 36 So the assembly took him outside the camp and
three-tenths of an ephah f of fine flour mixed with half a stoned him to death, as the LORD commanded Moses.
hin g of oil. 10 Also bring half a hin of wine as a drink of-
fering. It will be an offering made by fire, an aroma Tassels on Garments
37 The LORD said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites
pleasing to the LORD. 11 Each bull or ram, each lamb or
young goat, is to be prepared in this manner. 12 Do this and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come
for each one, for as many as you prepare. you are to make tassels on the corners of your gar-
13 “ ‘Everyone who is native-born must do these ments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have
things in this way when he brings an offering made by these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the
fire as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 14 For the genera- commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and
tions to come, whenever an alien or anyone else living not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your
among you presents an offering made by fire as an aro- own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey
ma pleasing to the LORD, he must do exactly as you do. all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.
15 The community is to have the same rules for you and 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of
for the alien living among you; this is a lasting ordi- Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.’ ”
nance for the generations to come. You and the alien
shall be the same before the LORD: 16 The same laws and
Korah, Dathan and Abiram
regulations will apply both to you and to the alien living
among you.’ ”
17 The LORD said to Moses, 18 “Speak to the Israelites
16 Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of
Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abi-
ram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became inso-
and say to them: ‘When you enter the land to which I lent h 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250
am taking you 19 and you eat the food of the land, pre- Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had
sent a portion as an offering to the LORD. 20 Present a been appointed members of the council. 3 They came as
cake from the first of your ground meal and present it as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them,
an offering from the threshing floor. 21 Throughout the “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy,
generations to come you are to give this offering to the every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then
LORD from the first of your ground meal. do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?”
4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. 5 Then he
Offerings for Unintentional Sins said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the
22 “ ‘Now if you unintentionally fail to keep any of LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy,
these commands the LORD gave Moses— 23 any of the and he will have that person come near him. The man
LORD’s commands to you through him, from the day the he chooses he will cause to come near him. 6 You, Korah,
LORD gave them and continuing through the genera- and all your followers are to do this: Take censers 7 and
tions to come— 24 and if this is done unintentionally tomorrow put fire and incense in them before the LORD.
a 4 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) b 4 That is, probably about 1 quart (about 1 liter); also in verse 5 c 6 That is,
probably about 4 quarts (about 4.5 liters) d 6 That is, probably about 1 1/4 quarts (about 1.2 liters); also in verse 7 e 8 Traditionally
peace offering f 9 That is, probably about 6 quarts (about 6.5 liters) g 9 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters); also in
verse 10 h 1 Or Peleth—took õmenÕ
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82 NUMBERS 16:8
The man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. ites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to
You Levites have gone too far!” swallow us too!”
8 Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you Levites! 35 And fire came out from the LORD and consumed
9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has sepa- the 250 men who were offering the incense.
rated you from the rest of the Israelite community and 36 The LORD said to Moses, 37 “Tell Eleazar son of Aar-
brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD’s on, the priest, to take the censers out of the smoldering
tabernacle and to stand before the community and remains and scatter the coals some distance away, for
minister to them? 10 He has brought you and all your fel- the censers are holy— 38 the censers of the men who
low Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get sinned at the cost of their lives. Hammer the censers
the priesthood too. 11 It is against the LORD that you and into sheets to overlay the altar, for they were presented
all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron before the LORD and have become holy. Let them be a
that you should grumble against him?” sign to the Israelites.”
12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the 39 So Eleazar the priest collected the bronze censers
sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! 13 Isn’t it brought by those who had been burned up, and he had
enough that you have brought us up out of a land flow- them hammered out to overlay the altar, 40 as the LORD
ing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And directed him through Moses. This was to remind the Is-
now you also want to lord it over us? 14 Moreover, you raelites that no one except a descendant of Aaron
haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and should come to burn incense before the LORD, or he
honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vine- would become like Korah and his followers.
41 The next day the whole Israelite community grum-
yards. Will you gouge out the eyes of a these men? No, we
will not come!” bled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the
15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD’s people,” they said.
42 But when the assembly gathered in opposition to
LORD, “Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so
much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any Moses and Aaron and turned toward the Tent of Meet-
of them.” ing, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the
16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers LORD appeared. 43 Then Moses and Aaron went to the
are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they front of the Tent of Meeting, 44 and the LORD said to Mo-
and Aaron. 17 Each man is to take his censer and put in- ses, 45 “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end
cense in it—250 censers in all—and present it before to them at once.” And they fell facedown.
46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and
the LORD. You and Aaron are to present your censers
also.” 18 So each man took his censer, put fire and in- put incense in it, along with fire from the altar, and hur-
cense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the en- ry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath
trance to the Tent of Meeting. 19 When Korah had gath- has come out from the LORD; the plague has started.”
47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of
ered all his followers in opposition to them at the
entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD the assembly. The plague had already started among
appeared to the entire assembly. 20 The LORD said to Mo- the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made
ses and Aaron, 21 “Separate yourselves from this assem- atonement for them. 48 He stood between the living and
bly so I can put an end to them at once.” the dead, and the plague stopped. 49 But 14,700 people
22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, died from the plague, in addition to those who had died
“O God, God of the spirits of all mankind, will you be because of Korah. 50 Then Aaron returned to Moses at
angry with the entire assembly when only one man the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, for the plague had
sins?” stopped.
23 Then the LORD said to Moses, 24 “Say to the assem-
The Budding of Aaron’s Staff
bly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and
17 The L ORD 2
said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites
Abiram.’ ” and get twelve staffs from them, one from the
25 Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram,
leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name
and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 He warned the of each man on his staff. 3 On the staff of Levi write Aar-
assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked on’s name, for there must be one staff for the head of
men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you each ancestral tribe. 4 Place them in the Tent of Meeting
will be swept away because of all their sins.” 27 So they in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you. 5 The
moved away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abi- staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I
ram. Dathan and Abiram had come out and were will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by
standing with their wives, children and little ones at the the Israelites.”
entrances to their tents. 6 So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders
28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that
gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of
the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among
was not my idea: 29 If these men die a natural death and them. 7 Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the
experience only what usually happens to men, then the Tent of the Testimony.
LORD has not sent me. 30 But if the LORD brings about 8 The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testi-
something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth mony and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the
and swallows them, with everything that belongs to house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded,
them, and they go down alive into the grave, b then you blossomed and produced almonds. 9 Then Moses
will know that these men have treated the LORD with brought out all the staffs from the LORD’s presence to all
contempt.” the Israelites. They looked at them, and each man took
31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground his own staff.
under them split apart 32 and the earth opened its 10 The LORD said to Moses, “Put back Aaron’s staff in
mouth and swallowed them, with their households and front of the Testimony, to be kept as a sign to the rebel-
all Korah’s men and all their possessions. 33 They went lious. This will put an end to their grumbling against
down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; me, so that they will not die.” 11 Moses did just as the
the earth closed over them, and they perished and were LORD commanded him.
gone from the community. 34 At their cries, all the Israel- 12 The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are
a 14 Or you make slaves of; or you deceive b 30 Hebrew Sheol; also in verse 33
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NUMBERS 19:14 83
lost, we are all lost! 13 Anyone who even comes near the 21 “Igive to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their
tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to die?” inheritance in return for the work they do while serving
at the Tent of Meeting. 22 From now on the Israelites
Duties of Priests and Levites must not go near the Tent of Meeting, or they will bear
18 The L ORDsaid to Aaron, “You, your sons and your
father’s family are to bear the responsibility for of-
fenses against the sanctuary, and you and your sons
the consequences of their sin and will die. 23 It is the Le-
vites who are to do the work at the Tent of Meeting and
bear the responsibility for offenses against it. This is a
alone are to bear the responsibility for offenses against lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will
the priesthood. 2 Bring your fellow Levites from your an- receive no inheritance among the Israelites. 24 Instead, I
cestral tribe to join you and assist you when you and give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that
your sons minister before the Tent of the Testimony. the Israelites present as an offering to the LORD. That is
3 They are to be responsible to you and are to perform all
why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheri-
the duties of the Tent, but they must not go near the fur- tance among the Israelites.’ ”
nishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and 25 The LORD said to Moses, 26 “Speak to the Levites
you will die. 4 They are to join you and be responsible for and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites
the care of the Tent of Meeting—all the work at the the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must pre-
Tent—and no one else may come near where you are. sent a tenth of that tithe as the LORD’s offering. 27 Your of-
5 “You are to be responsible for the care of the sanc-
fering will be reckoned to you as grain from the thresh-
tuary and the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Isra- ing floor or juice from the winepress. 28 In this way you
elites again. 6 I myself have selected your fellow Levites also will present an offering to the LORD from all the
from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to tithes you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes
the LORD to do the work at the Tent of Meeting. 7 But you must give the LORD’s portion to Aaron the priest.
only you and your sons may serve as priests in connec- 29 You must present as the LORD’s portion the best and
tion with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. holiest part of everything given to you.’
I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. 30 “Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best
Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the
to death.” threshing floor or the winepress. 31 You and your house-
Offerings for Priests and Levites holds may eat the rest of it anywhere, for it is your
8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “I myself have put you
wages for your work at the Tent of Meeting. 32 By pre-
senting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this
in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the
offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your Israelites, and you will not die.’ ”
sons as your portion and regular share. 9 You are to have
the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the The Water of Cleansing
fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offer-
19 The L ORD 2
said to Moses and Aaron: “This is a re-
ings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part quirement of the law that the L has command-
ORD
belongs to you and your sons. 10 Eat it as something ed: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without
most holy; every male shall eat it. You must regard it as defect or blemish and that has never been under a
holy. yoke. 3 Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken out-
11 “This also is yours: whatever is set aside from the
side the camp and slaughtered in his presence. 4 Then
gifts of all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I give this Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his fin-
to you and your sons and daughters as your regular ger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the
share. Everyone in your household who is ceremonially Tent of Meeting. 5 While he watches, the heifer is to be
clean may eat it. burned—its hide, flesh, blood and offal. 6 The priest is to
12 “I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest
take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and
new wine and grain they give the LORD as the firstfruits throw them onto the burning heifer. 7 After that, the
of their harvest. 13 All the land’s firstfruits that they bring priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with
to the LORD will be yours. Everyone in your household water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be
who is ceremonially clean may eat it. ceremonially unclean till evening. 8 The man who burns
14 “Everything in Israel that is devoted a to the LORD is it must also wash his clothes and bathe with water, and
yours. 15 The first offspring of every womb, both man he too will be unclean till evening.
and animal, that is offered to the LORD is yours. But you 9 “A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the
must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place out-
male of unclean animals. 16 When they are a month old, side the camp. They shall be kept by the Israelite com-
you must redeem them at the redemption price set at munity for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purifi-
five shekels b of silver, according to the sanctuary shek- cation from sin. 10 The man who gathers up the ashes of
el, which weighs twenty gerahs. the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he too will be
17 “But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a unclean till evening. This will be a lasting ordinance
sheep or a goat; they are holy. Sprinkle their blood on both for the Israelites and for the aliens living among
the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, them.
an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 18 Their meat is to be 11 “Whoever touches the dead body of anyone will be
yours, just as the breast of the wave offering and the unclean for seven days. 12 He must purify himself with
right thigh are yours. 19 Whatever is set aside from the the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then
holy offerings the Israelites present to the LORD I give to he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the
you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. third and seventh days, he will not be clean. 13 Whoever
It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the LORD for touches the dead body of anyone and fails to purify
both you and your offspring.” himself defiles the LORD’s tabernacle. That person must
20 The LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheri- be cut off from Israel. Because the water of cleansing
tance in their land, nor will you have any share among has not been sprinkled on him, he is unclean; his un-
them; I am your share and your inheritance among the cleanness remains on him.
Israelites. 14 “This is the law that applies when a person dies in
a 14The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD. b 16 That is, about 2 ounces (about 55
grams)
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84 NUMBERS 19:15
a tent: Anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in “This is what your brother Israel says: You know
it will be unclean for seven days, 15 and every open con- about all the hardships that have come upon us.
tainer without a lid fastened on it will be unclean. 15 Our forefathers went down into Egypt, and we
16 “Anyone out in the open who touches someone lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated
who has been killed with a sword or someone who has us and our fathers, 16 but when we cried out to the
died a natural death, or anyone who touches a human LORD, he heard our cry and sent an angel and
bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. brought us out of Egypt.
17 “For the unclean person, put some ashes from the “Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge
burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh of your territory. 17 Please let us pass through your
water over them. 18 Then a man who is ceremonially country. We will not go through any field or vine-
clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and yard, or drink water from any well. We will travel
sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people along the king’s highway and not turn to the right
who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has or to the left until we have passed through your
touched a human bone or a grave or someone who has territory.”
been killed or someone who has died a natural death. 18 But
19 The man who is clean is to sprinkle the unclean per- Edom answered:
son on the third and seventh days, and on the seventh “You may not pass through here; if you try, we
day he is to purify him. The person being cleansed will march out and attack you with the sword.”
must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and that 19 The
evening he will be clean. 20 But if a person who is un- Israelites replied:
clean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from “We will go along the main road, and if we or
the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay
the LORD. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled for it. We only want to pass through on foot—
on him, and he is unclean. 21 This is a lasting ordinance nothing else.”
for them. 20 Again
“The man who sprinkles the water of cleansing they answered:
must also wash his clothes, and anyone who touches “You may not pass through.”
the water of cleansing will be unclean till evening.
22 Anything that an unclean person touches becomes Then Edom came out against them with a large and
unclean, and anyone who touches it becomes unclean powerful army. 21 Since Edom refused to let them go
till evening.” through their territory, Israel turned away from them.
totally destroying them; also in verse 3. c 3 Hormah means destruction. d 4 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds
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NUMBERS 22:16 85
ple came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke and his daughters as captives
against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD to Sihon king of the Amorites.
will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for 30 “But
we have overthrown them;
the people.
8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it Heshbon is destroyed all the way to Dibon.
We have demolished them as far as Nophah,
up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and
live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a which extends to Medeba.”
pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and 31 SoIsrael settled in the land of the Amorites.
looked at the bronze snake, he lived. 32 AfterMoses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites
captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the
The Journey to Moab Amorites who were there. 33 Then they turned and went
10 The
Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth.
11 Then
up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Ba-
they set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Ab- shan and his whole army marched out to meet them in
arim, in the desert that faces Moab toward the sunrise. battle at Edrei.
12 From there they moved on and camped in the Zered
34 The LORD said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of him,
Valley. 13 They set out from there and camped alongside for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army
the Arnon, which is in the desert extending into Amorite and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of
territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.”
Moab and the Amorites. 14 That is why the Book of the 35 So they struck him down, together with his sons
Wars of the LORD says: and his whole army, leaving them no survivors. And
“. . . Waheb in Suphah a and the ravines, they took possession of his land.
the Arnon 15 and b the slopes of the ravines Balak Summons Balaam
that lead to the site of Ar
16 From
and lie along the border of Moab.”
there they continued on to Beer, the well where
22
cho.
Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab
and camped along the Jordan across from Jeri-
c
the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together 2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had
and I will give them water.” done to the Amorites, 3 and Moab was terrified because
17 Then Israel sang this song:
there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled
“Spring up, O well! with dread because of the Israelites.
4 The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This
Sing about it,
18 aboutthe well that the princes dug, horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox
that the nobles of the people sank— licks up the grass of the field.”
the nobles with scepters and staffs.” So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at
that time, 5 sent messengers to summon Balaam son of
Then they went from the desert to Mattanah, 19 from Beor, who was at Pethor, near the River, d in his native
Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 20 and land. Balak said:
from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of
Pisgah overlooks the wasteland. “A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the
face of the land and have settled next to me. 6 Now
Defeat of Sihon and Og come and put a curse on these people, because
21 Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be
Amorites: able to defeat them and drive them out of the
22 “Let us pass through your country. We will not
country. For I know that those you bless are
blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”
turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water
from any well. We will travel along the king’s high- 7 The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with
way until we have passed through your territory.” them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam,
23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his ter-
they told him what Balak had said.
8 “Spend the night here,” Balaam said to them, “and I
ritory. He mustered his entire army and marched out will bring you back the answer the LORD gives me.” So
into the desert against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he the Moabite princes stayed with him.
fought with Israel. 24 Israel, however, put him to the 9 God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these
sword and took over his land from the Arnon to the Jab- men with you?”
bok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their 10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of
border was fortified. 25 Israel captured all the cities of Moab, sent me this message: 11 ‘A people that has come
the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and
and all its surrounding settlements. 26 Heshbon was the put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able
city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought to fight them and drive them away.’ ”
against the former king of Moab and had taken from 12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You
him all his land as far as the Arnon. must not put a curse on those people, because they are
27 That is why the poets say:
blessed.”
“Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; 13 The next morning Balaam got up and said to Ba-
let Sihon’s city be restored. lak’s princes, “Go back to your own country, for the
28 “Fire LORD has refused to let me go with you.”
went out from Heshbon, 14 So the Moabite princes returned to Balak and said,
a blaze from the city of Sihon.
“Balaam refused to come with us.”
It consumed Ar of Moab, 15 Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous
the citizens of Arnon’s heights.
29 Woe to you, O Moab! and more distinguished than the first. 16 They came to
Balaam and said:
You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh!
He has given up his sons as fugitives “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let
a 14 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. b 14,15 Or “I have been given from Suphah and the ravines / of the Arnon
15to c 1 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho; possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River d 5 That is, the Euphrates
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86 NUMBERS 22:17
anything keep you from coming to me, 17 because I Balaam’s First Oracle
will reward you handsomely and do whatever you
say. Come and put a curse on these people for me.” 23 Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and
prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” Ba-
lak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a
2
18 But
Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave
me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do bull and a ram on each altar.
3 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your
anything great or small to go beyond the command of
the LORD my God. 19 Now stay here tonight as the others offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to
did, and I will find out what else the LORD will tell me.” meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.”
20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since Then he went off to a barren height.
4 God met with him, and Balaam said, “I have pre-
these men have come to summon you, go with them,
pared seven altars, and on each altar I have offered a
but do only what I tell you.”
bull and a ram.”
Balaam’s Donkey 5 The LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth and
21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey said, “Go back to Balak and give him this message.”
6 So he went back to him and found him standing
and went with the princes of Moab. 22 But God was very
angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in beside his offering, with all the princes of Moab. 7 Then
the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his don- Balaam uttered his oracle:
key, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the “Balak brought me from Aram,
donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road the king of Moab from the eastern mountains.
with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road ‘Come,’ he said, ‘curse Jacob for me;
into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road. come, denounce Israel.’
24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path 8 How can I curse
between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. those whom God has not cursed?
25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she
How can I denounce
pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against those whom the LORD has not denounced?
it. So he beat her again. 9 From the rocky peaks I see them,
26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and
from the heights I view them.
stood in a narrow place where there was no room to I see a people who live apart
turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey and do not consider themselves one of the
saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, nations.
and he was angry and beat her with his staff. 28 Then the 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob
LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Ba- or number the fourth part of Israel?
laam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me Let me die the death of the righteous,
these three times?” and may my end be like theirs!”
29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a
11 Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me?
fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you
right now.” I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done
30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own nothing but bless them!”
12 He answered, “Must I not speak what the LORD
donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day?
Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” puts in my mouth?”
“No,” he said. Balaam’s Second Oracle
31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw 13 Then Balak said to him, “Come with me to another
the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his place where you can see them; you will see only a part
sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. but not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”
32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you 14 So he took him to the field of Zophim on the top of Pis-
beaten your donkey these three times? I have come gah, and there he built seven altars and offered a bull
here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one and a ram on each altar.
before me. a 33 The donkey saw me and turned away 15 Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offer-
from me these three times. If she had not turned away, ing while I meet with him over there.”
I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would 16 The LORD met with Balaam and put a message in
have spared her.” his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this
34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have
message.”
sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to 17 So he went to him and found him standing beside
oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.” his offering, with the princes of Moab. Balak asked him,
35 The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the
“What did the LORD say?”
men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went 18 Then he uttered his oracle:
with the princes of Balak.
36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went “Arise, Balak, and listen;
out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, hear me, son of Zippor.
19 God is not a man, that he should lie,
at the edge of his territory. 37Balak said to Balaam, “Did I
not send you an urgent summons? Why didn’t you come nor a son of man, that he should change his
to me? Am I really not able to reward you?” mind.
38 “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. Does he speak and then not act?
“But can I say just anything? I must speak only what Does he promise and not fulfill?
20 I have received a command to bless;
God puts in my mouth.”
39 Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth. he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to 21 “No misfortune is seen in Jacob,
Balaam and the princes who were with him. 41 The next no misery observed in Israel. b
morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and The LORD their God is with them;
from there he saw part of the people. the shout of the King is among them.
a 32 The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain. b 21 Or He has not looked on Jacob’s offenses / or on the wrongs found in
Israel.
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NUMBERS 25:11 87
22 God brought them out of Egypt; let me warn you of what this people will do to your peo-
they have the strength of a wild ox. ple in days to come.”
23 There is no sorcery against Jacob,
no divination against Israel. Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
15 Then he uttered his oracle:
It will now be said of Jacob
and of Israel, ‘See what God has done!’ “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
24 The people rise like a lioness;
the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly,
they rouse themselves like a lion 16 the oracle of one who hears the words of God,
that does not rest till he devours his prey who has knowledge from the Most High,
and drinks the blood of his victims.” who sees a vision from the Almighty,
25 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:
all nor bless them at all!” 17 “Isee him, but not now;
26 Balaam answered, “Did I not tell you I must do
I behold him, but not near.
whatever the LORD says?” A star will come out of Jacob;
Balaam’s Third Oracle a scepter will rise out of Israel.
27 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Come, let me take you He will crush the foreheads of Moab,
to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you the skulls b of c all the sons of Sheth. d
18 Edom will be conquered;
curse them for me from there.” 28 And Balak took Ba-
laam to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland. Seir, his enemy, will be conquered,
29 Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and pre- but Israel will grow strong.
19 A ruler will come out of Jacob
pare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” 30 Balak did as
Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each and destroy the survivors of the city.”
altar. Balaam’s Final Oracles
24 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to
bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as at oth-
er times, but turned his face toward the desert. 2 When
20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and uttered his oracle:
“Amalek was first among the nations,
Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by but he will come to ruin at last.”
tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him 3 and he uttered 21 Then he saw the Kenites and uttered his oracle:
his oracle:
“Your dwelling place is secure,
“The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
your nest is set in a rock;
the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, 22 yet you Kenites will be destroyed
4 the oracle of one who hears the words of God,
when Asshur takes you captive.”
who sees a vision from the Almighty, a
who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: 23 Then he uttered his oracle:
5 “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, “Ah, who can live when God does this? e
your dwelling places, O Israel! 24 Ships will come from the shores of Kittim;
6 “Like valleys they spread out, they will subdue Asshur and Eber,
like gardens beside a river, but they too will come to ruin.”
like aloes planted by the LORD, 25 Then Balaam got up and returned home and Balak
like cedars beside the waters. went his own way.
7 Water will flow from their buckets;
their seed will have abundant water. Moab Seduces Israel
“Their king will be greater than Agag;
their kingdom will be exalted.
25 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men be-
gan to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite
2
women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their
8 “God brought them out of Egypt; gods. The people ate and bowed down before these
they have the strength of a wild ox. gods. 3 So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor.
They devour hostile nations And the LORD’s anger burned against them.
4 The LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of
and break their bones in pieces;
with their arrows they pierce them. these people, kill them and expose them in broad day-
9 Like a lion they crouch and lie down, light before the LORD, so that the LORD’s fierce anger
like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? may turn away from Israel.”
5 So Moses said to Israel’s judges, “Each of you must
“May those who bless you be blessed put to death those of your men who have joined in wor-
and those who curse you be cursed!” shiping the Baal of Peor.”
10 Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He 6 Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Mid-
struck his hands together and said to him, “I sum- ianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the
moned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the
them these three times. 11 Now leave at once and go entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 7 When Phinehas son of
home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the
LORD has kept you from being rewarded.” assembly, took a spear in his hand 8 and followed the Is-
12 Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the mes- raelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of
sengers you sent me, 13 ‘Even if Balak gave me his palace them—through the Israelite and into the woman’s
filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of body. Then the plague against the Israelites was
my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the com- stopped; 9 but those who died in the plague numbered
mand of the LORD—and I must say only what the LORD 24,000.
says’? 14 Now I am going back to my people, but come, 10 The LORD said to Moses, 11 “Phinehas son of Eleazar,
a4 Hebrew Shaddai; also in verse 16 b 17 Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Jer. 48:45); the meaning of the word in the Masoretic Text is
uncertain. c 17 Or possibly Moab, / batter d 17 Or all the noisy boasters e 23 Masoretic Text; with a different word division of the
Hebrew A people will gather from the north.
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88 NUMBERS 25:12
the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away 19 Er and Onan were sons of Judah, but they died in Ca-
from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my naan.
honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an 20 The descendants of Judah by their clans were:
end to them. 12 Therefore tell him I am making my cov- through Shelah, the Shelanite clan;
enant of peace with him. 13 He and his descendants will through Perez, the Perezite clan;
have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was through Zerah, the Zerahite clan.
zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement 21 The descendants of Perez were:
through Carmi, the Carmite clan. through Shechem, the Shechemite clan;
7 These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 32 through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan;
were Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram. The same Dathan only daughters, whose names were Mahlah,
and Abiram were the community officials who rebelled Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.)
34 These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered
against Moses and Aaron and were among Korah’s fol-
lowers when they rebelled against the LORD. 10 The earth were 52,700.
opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Ko- 35 These were the descendants of Ephraim by their
rah, whose followers died when the fire devoured the clans:
250 men. And they served as a warning sign. 11 The line through Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan;
of Korah, however, did not die out. through Beker, the Bekerite clan;
12 The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: through Tahan, the Tahanite clan.
36 These were the descendants of Shuthelah:
through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan;
through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Eran, the Eranite clan.
37 These were the clans of Ephraim; those numbered
through Jakin, the Jakinite clan;
13 through Zerah, the Zerahite clan; were 32,500.
through Shaul, the Shaulite clan. These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans.
14 These were the clans of Simeon; there were 22,200
38 The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were:
men.
through Bela, the Belaite clan;
15 The descendants of Gad by their clans were: through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan;
through Zephon, the Zephonite clan; through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan;
through Haggi, the Haggite clan; 39 through Shupham, d the Shuphamite clan;
through Shuni, the Shunite clan; through Hupham, the Huphamite clan.
16 through Ozni, the Oznite clan; 40 The descendants of Bela through Ard and Naaman
through Eri, the Erite clan; were:
17 through Arodi, b the Arodite clan; through Ard, e the Ardite clan;
through Areli, the Arelite clan. through Naaman, the Naamite clan.
18 These were the clans of Gad; those numbered were 41 These were the clans of Benjamin; those numbered
40,500. were 45,600.
a 3 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho; possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River; also in verse 63 b 17 Samaritan Pentateuch and Syriac (see
also Gen. 46:16); Masoretic Text Arod c 23 Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac (see also 1 Chron. 7:1); Masoretic Text
through Puvah, the Punite d 39 A few manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch, Vulgate and Syriac (see also
Septuagint); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text Shephupham e 40 Samaritan Pentateuch and Vulgate (see also Septuagint);
Masoretic Text does not have through Ard.
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NUMBERS 28:6 89
42 Thesewere the descendants of Dan by their clans: Zelophehad’s Daughters
through Shuham, the Shuhamite clan.
These were the clans of Dan: 43 All of them were Shu-
hamite clans; and those numbered were 64,400.
27 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the
son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manas-
seh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph.
44 The
The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hog-
descendants of Asher by their clans were: lah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached 2 the entrance
through Imnah, the Imnite clan; to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar
through Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and
through Beriah, the Beriite clan; said, 3 “Our father died in the desert. He was not among
45 and through the descendants of Beriah:
Korah’s followers, who banded together against the
through Heber, the Heberite clan; LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why
through Malkiel, the Malkielite clan. should our father’s name disappear from his clan be-
46 (Asher had a daughter named Serah.) cause he had no son? Give us property among our fa-
47 These were the clans of Asher; those numbered were ther’s relatives.”
53,400. 5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD 6 and
the LORD said to him, 7 “What Zelophehad’s daughters
48 The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were: are saying is right. You must certainly give them proper-
through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan; ty as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and
through Guni, the Gunite clan; turn their father’s inheritance over to them.
49 through Jezer, the Jezerite clan; 8 “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no
through Shillem, the Shillemite clan. son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. 9 If he has
50 These were the clans of Naphtali; those numbered no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. 10 If he
were 45,400. has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s
brothers. 11 If his father had no brothers, give his inheri-
51 The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730. tance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may
possess it. This is to be a legal requirement for the Isra-
52 The
LORD said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be allot- elites, as the LORD commanded Moses.’ ”
ted to them as an inheritance based on the number of
Joshua to Succeed Moses
names. 54 To a larger group give a larger inheritance, 12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go up this mountain
and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive
in the Abarim range and see the land I have given the Is-
its inheritance according to the number of those listed.
55 Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each
raelites. 13 After you have seen it, you too will be gathered
to your people, as your brother Aaron was, 14 for when
group inherits will be according to the names for its an- the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of
cestral tribe. 56 Each inheritance is to be distributed by Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me
lot among the larger and smaller groups.” as holy before their eyes.” (These were the waters of
57 These were the Levites who were counted by their Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)
15 Moses said to the LORD, 16 “May the LORD, the God of
clans:
through Gershon, the Gershonite clan; the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this com-
through Kohath, the Kohathite clan; munity 17 to go out and come in before them, one who
through Merari, the Merarite clan. will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s peo-
58 These also were Levite clans: ple will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of
the Libnite clan, Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, b and lay your hand on
the Hebronite clan, him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the
the Mahlite clan, entire assembly and commission him in their presence.
the Mushite clan, 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite
the Korahite clan. community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Elea-
(Kohath was the forefather of Amram; 59 the name zar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by in-
of Amram’s wife was Jochebed, a descendant of quiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command he
Levi, who was born to the Levites a in Egypt. To and the entire community of the Israelites will go out,
Amram she bore Aaron, Moses and their sister and at his command they will come in.”
Miriam. 60 Aaron was the father of Nadab and Abi- 22 Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took
hu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 61 But Nadab and Abihu Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and
died when they made an offering before the LORD the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him
with unauthorized fire.) and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through
62 All the male Levites a month old or more numbered
Moses.
23,000. They were not counted along with the other Isra- Daily Offerings
28
elites because they received no inheritance among The L ORD 2
said to Moses, “Give this command to
them. the Israelites and say to them: ‘See that you pre-
63 These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar
sent to me at the appointed time the food for my offer-
ings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me.’ 3 Say to
the priest when they counted the Israelites on the them: ‘This is the offering made by fire that you are to
plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. 64 Not present to the LORD: two lambs a year old without de-
one of them was among those counted by Moses and fect, as a regular burnt offering each day. 4 Prepare one
Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the lamb in the morning and the other at twilight, 5 togeth-
Desert of Sinai. 65 For the LORD had told those Israelites er with a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah c of fine
they would surely die in the desert, and not one of them flour mixed with a quarter of a hin d of oil from pressed
was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son olives. 6 This is the regular burnt offering instituted at
of Nun. Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, an offering made to
a 59 Or Jochebed, a daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi b 18 Or Spirit c 5 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters); also in
verses 13, 21 and 29 d 5 That is, probably about 1 quart (about 1 liter); also in verses 7 and 14
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90 NUMBERS 28:7
the LORD by fire. 7 The accompanying drink offering is to Feast of Trumpets
be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each
lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the LORD at the
sanctuary. 8 Prepare the second lamb at twilight, along
29 “ ‘On the first day of the seventh month hold a sa-
cred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day
2
for you to sound the trumpets. As an aroma pleasing to
with the same kind of grain offering and drink offering the LORD, prepare a burnt offering of one young bull,
that you prepare in the morning. This is an offering one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without de-
made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. fect. 3 With the bull prepare a grain offering of three-
tenths of an ephah e of fine flour mixed with oil; with the
Sabbath Offerings ram, two-tenths f; 4 and with each of the seven lambs,
9 “ ‘On the Sabbath day, make an offering of two
one-tenth. g 5 Include one male goat as a sin offering to
lambs a year old without defect, together with its drink make atonement for you. 6 These are in addition to the
offering and a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah a monthly and daily burnt offerings with their grain offer-
of fine flour mixed with oil. 10 This is the burnt offering ings and drink offerings as specified. They are offerings
for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offer- made to the LORD by fire—a pleasing aroma.
ing and its drink offering.
Day of Atonement
Monthly Offerings 7 “ ‘On the tenth day of this seventh month hold a
11 “
‘On the first of every month, present to the LORD a sacred assembly. You must deny yourselves h and do no
burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven work. 8 Present as an aroma pleasing to the LORD a burnt
male lambs a year old, all without defect. 12 With each offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male
bull there is to be a grain offering of three-tenths of an lambs a year old, all without defect. 9 With the bull pre-
ephah b of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, a pare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine
grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; 10 and
mixed with oil; 13 and with each lamb, a grain offering of with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. 11 Include one
a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil. This is male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering
for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made for atonement and the regular burnt offering with its
to the LORD by fire. 14 With each bull there is to be a drink grain offering, and their drink offerings.
offering of half a hin c of wine; with the ram, a third of a Feast of Tabernacles
hin d; and with each lamb, a quarter of a hin. This is the 12 “ ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, hold
monthly burnt offering to be made at each new moon a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Celebrate a
during the year. 15 Besides the regular burnt offering festival to the LORD for seven days. 13 Present an offering
with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented made by fire as an aroma pleasing to the LORD, a burnt
to the LORD as a sin offering. offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams and fourteen
The Passover male lambs a year old, all without defect. 14 With each of
16 “ ‘On the fourteenth day of the first month the the thirteen bulls prepare a grain offering of three-
tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with
LORD’s Passover is to be held. 17 On the fifteenth day of
each of the two rams, two-tenths; 15 and with each of
this month there is to be a festival; for seven days eat
the fourteen lambs, one-tenth. 16 Include one male goat
bread made without yeast. 18 On the first day hold a sa- as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering
cred assembly and do no regular work. 19 Present to the with its grain offering and drink offering.
LORD an offering made by fire, a burnt offering of two 17 “ ‘On the second day prepare twelve young bulls,
young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all with-
all without defect. 20 With each bull prepare a grain of- out defect. 18 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare
fering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed their grain offerings and drink offerings according to
with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; 21 and with each of the number specified. 19 Include one male goat as a sin
the seven lambs, one-tenth. 22 Include one male goat as offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its
a sin offering to make atonement for you. 23 Prepare grain offering, and their drink offerings.
these in addition to the regular morning burnt offering. 20 “ ‘On the third day prepare eleven bulls, two rams
24 In this way prepare the food for the offering made by
and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect.
fire every day for seven days as an aroma pleasing to 21 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain
the LORD; it is to be prepared in addition to the regular offerings and drink offerings according to the number
burnt offering and its drink offering. 25 On the seventh specified. 22 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in
day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain of-
fering and drink offering.
Feast of Weeks 23 “ ‘On the fourth day prepare ten bulls, two rams
26 “ ‘On the day of firstfruits, when you present to the
and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect.
LORD an offering of new grain during the Feast of Weeks, 24 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain
hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. 27 Pre- offerings and drink offerings according to the number
sent a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and specified. 25 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in
seven male lambs a year old as an aroma pleasing to addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain of-
the LORD. 28 With each bull there is to be a grain offering fering and drink offering.
of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; 26 “ ‘On the fifth day prepare nine bulls, two rams
with the ram, two-tenths; 29 and with each of the seven and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect.
lambs, one-tenth. 30 Include one male goat to make 27 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain
atonement for you. 31 Prepare these together with their offerings and drink offerings according to the number
drink offerings, in addition to the regular burnt offering specified. 28 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in
and its grain offering. Be sure the animals are without addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain of-
defect. fering and drink offering.
a 9 That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4.5 liters); also in verses 12, 20 and 28 b 12 That is, probably about 6 quarts (about 6.5 liters);
also in verses 20 and 28 c 14 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters) d 14 That is, probably about 1 1/4 quarts (about
1.2 liters) e 3 That is, probably about 6 quarts (about 6.5 liters); also in verses 9 and 14 f 3 That is, probably about 4 quarts (about
4.5 liters); also in verses 9 and 14 g 4 That is, probably about 2 quarts (about 2 liters); also in verses 10 and 15 h 7 Or must fast
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NUMBERS 31:30 91
29 “
‘On the sixth day prepare eight bulls, two rams concerning relationships between a man and his wife,
and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. and between a father and his young daughter still living
30 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain in his house.
offerings and drink offerings according to the number
specified. 31 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in Vengeance on the Midianites
31 The L 2
said to Moses, “Take vengeance on the
ORD
addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain of-
fering and drink offering. Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be
32 “ ‘On the seventh day prepare seven bulls, two gathered to your people.”
3 So Moses said to the people, “Arm some of your
rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without
defect. 33 With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their men to go to war against the Midianites and to carry
grain offerings and drink offerings according to the out the LORD’s vengeance on them. 4 Send into battle a
number specified. 34 Include one male goat as a sin of- thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel.” 5 So
fering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand
grain offering and drink offering. from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel.
35 “ ‘On the eighth day hold an assembly and do no 6 Moses sent them into battle, a thousand from each
regular work. 36 Present an offering made by fire as an tribe, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest,
aroma pleasing to the LORD, a burnt offering of one bull, who took with him articles from the sanctuary and the
one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without trumpets for signaling.
7 They fought against Midian, as the LORD com-
defect. 37 With the bull, the ram and the lambs, prepare
their grain offerings and drink offerings according to manded Moses, and killed every man. 8 Among their
the number specified. 38 Include one male goat as a sin victims were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—the five
offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor
grain offering and drink offering. with the sword. 9 The Israelites captured the Midianite
39 “ ‘In addition to what you vow and your freewill women and children and took all the Midianite herds,
offerings, prepare these for the LORD at your appointed flocks and goods as plunder. 10 They burned all the
feasts: your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offer- towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all
ings and fellowship offerings. a’ ” their camps. 11 They took all the plunder and spoils, in-
40 Moses told the Israelites all that the LORD com- cluding the people and animals, 12 and brought the cap-
manded him. tives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the
priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the
Vows plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. b
30 Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel:
“This is what the LORD commands: 2 When a man
makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate
13 Moses, Eleazar the priest and all the leaders of the
community went to meet them outside the camp.
14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the
himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but commanders of thousands and commanders of hun-
must do everything he said. dreds—who returned from the battle.
3 “When a young woman still living in her father’s 15 “Have you allowed all the women to live?” he
house makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a asked them. 16 “They were the ones who followed Ba-
pledge 4 and her father hears about her vow or pledge laam’s advice and were the means of turning the Israel-
but says nothing to her, then all her vows and every ites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so
pledge by which she obligated herself will stand. 5 But if that a plague struck the LORD’s people. 17 Now kill all the
her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man,
her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself 18 but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept
will stand; the LORD will release her because her father with a man.
has forbidden her. 19 “All of you who have killed anyone or touched any-
6 “If she marries after she makes a vow or after her
one who was killed must stay outside the camp seven
lips utter a rash promise by which she obligates herself days. On the third and seventh days you must purify
7 and her husband hears about it but says nothing to
yourselves and your captives. 20 Purify every garment as
her, then her vows or the pledges by which she obligat- well as everything made of leather, goat hair or wood.”
ed herself will stand. 8 But if her husband forbids her 21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who
when he hears about it, he nullifies the vow that obli- had gone into battle, “This is the requirement of the law
gates her or the rash promise by which she obligates that the LORD gave Moses: 22 Gold, silver, bronze, iron,
herself, and the LORD will release her. tin, lead 23 and anything else that can withstand fire
9 “Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or di-
must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean.
vorced woman will be binding on her. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing.
10 “If a woman living with her husband makes a vow
And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put
or obligates herself by a pledge under oath 11 and her through that water. 24 On the seventh day wash your
husband hears about it but says nothing to her and clothes and you will be clean. Then you may come into
does not forbid her, then all her vows or the pledges by the camp.”
which she obligated herself will stand. 12 But if her hus-
band nullifies them when he hears about them, then Dividing the Spoils
none of the vows or pledges that came from her lips will 25 The LORD said to Moses, 26 “You and Eleazar the
stand. Her husband has nullified them, and the LORD priest and the family heads of the community are to
will release her. 13 Her husband may confirm or nullify count all the people and animals that were captured.
any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself. 27 Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part
14 But if her husband says nothing to her about it from in the battle and the rest of the community. 28 From the
day to day, then he confirms all her vows or the pledges soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for
binding on her. He confirms them by saying nothing to the LORD one out of every five hundred, whether per-
her when he hears about them. 15 If, however, he nulli- sons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats. 29 Take this tribute
fies them some time after he hears about them, then he from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as
is responsible for her guilt.” the LORD’s part. 30 From the Israelites’ half, select one
16 These are the regulations the LORD gave Moses out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys,
a 39 Traditionally peace offerings b 12 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho; possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River
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92 NUMBERS 31:31
sheep, goats or other animals. Give them to the Levites, Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of
who are responsible for the care of the LORD’s taberna- Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly.’ 13 The
cle.” 31 So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD LORD’s anger burned against Israel and he made them
commanded Moses. wander in the desert forty years, until the whole gener-
32 The plunder remaining from the spoils that the ation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.
soldiers took was 675,000 sheep, 33 72,000 cattle, 14 “And here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in
34 61,000 donkeys 35 and 32,000 women who had never the place of your fathers and making the LORD even
slept with a man. more angry with Israel. 15 If you turn away from follow-
36 The half share of those who fought in the battle
ing him, he will again leave all this people in the desert,
was: and you will be the cause of their destruction.”
16 Then they came up to him and said, “We would
337,500 sheep, 37 of which the tribute for the LORD
was 675; like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our
38 36,000 cattle, of which the tribute for the LORD women and children. 17 But we are ready to arm our-
was 72; selves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have
39 30,500 donkeys, of which the tribute for the LORD brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women
was 61; and children will live in fortified cities, for protection
40 16,000 people, of which the tribute for the LORD from the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return to
was 32. our homes until every Israelite has received his inheri-
tance. 19 We will not receive any inheritance with them
41 Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as the
on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance
LORD’s part, as the LORD commanded Moses. has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.”
42 The half belonging to the Israelites, which Moses 20 Then Moses said to them, “If you will do this—if
set apart from that of the fighting men— 43 the commu- you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, 21 and
nity’s half—was 337,500 sheep, 44 36,000 cattle, 45 30,500 if all of you will go armed over the Jordan before the
donkeys 46 and 16,000 people. 47 From the Israelites’ LORD until he has driven his enemies out before him—
half, Moses selected one out of every fifty persons and 22 then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you
animals, as the LORD commanded him, and gave them may return and be free from your obligation to the LORD
to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the and to Israel. And this land will be your possession be-
LORD’s tabernacle. fore the LORD.
48 Then the officers who were over the units of the 23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning
army—the commanders of thousands and commanders against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will
of hundreds—went to Moses 49 and said to him, “Your find you out. 24 Build cities for your women and chil-
servants have counted the soldiers under our command, dren, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have
and not one is missing. 50 So we have brought as an offer- promised.”
ing to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired— 25 The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “We
armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces— your servants will do as our lord commands. 26 Our chil-
to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.” dren and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in
51 Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted from them
the cities of Gilead. 27 But your servants, every man
the gold—all the crafted articles. 52 All the gold from the armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the LORD,
commanders of thousands and commanders of hun- just as our lord says.”
dreds that Moses and Eleazar presented as a gift to the 28 Then Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the
LORD weighed 16,750 shekels. a 53 Each soldier had taken priest and Joshua son of Nun and to the family heads of
plunder for himself. 54 Moses and Eleazar the priest ac- the Israelite tribes. 29 He said to them, “If the Gadites
cepted the gold from the commanders of thousands and and Reubenites, every man armed for battle, cross over
commanders of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of the Jordan with you before the LORD, then when the
Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD. land is subdued before you, give them the land of Gile-
The Transjordan Tribes ad as their possession. 30 But if they do not cross over
with you armed, they must accept their possession with
32 The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large
herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and
2
Gilead were suitable for livestock. So they came to Mo-
you in Canaan.”
31 The Gadites and Reubenites answered, “Your ser-
ses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the com- vants will do what the LORD has said. 32 We will cross
munity, and said, 3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, over before the LORD into Canaan armed, but the prop-
Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon— 4 the land erty we inherit will be on this side of the Jordan.”
33 Then Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites
the LORD subdued before the people of Israel—are suit-
able for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5 If and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the king-
we have found favor in your eyes,” they said, “let this dom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of
land be given to your servants as our possession. Do Og king of Bashan—the whole land with its cities and
not make us cross the Jordan.” the territory around them.
6 Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall 34 The Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, 35 At-
your countrymen go to war while you sit here? 7 Why do roth Shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, 36 Beth Nimrah and Beth
you discourage the Israelites from going over into the Haran as fortified cities, and built pens for their flocks.
37 And the Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh and Kir-
land the LORD has given them? 8 This is what your fa-
thers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look iathaim, 38 as well as Nebo and Baal Meon (these names
over the land. 9 After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol were changed) and Sibmah. They gave names to the cit-
and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites ies they rebuilt.
from entering the land the LORD had given them. 10 The 39 The descendants of Makir son of Manasseh went
LORD’s anger was aroused that day and he swore this to Gilead, captured it and drove out the Amorites who
oath: 11 ‘Because they have not followed me wholeheart- were there. 40 So Moses gave Gilead to the Makirites, the
edly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who descendants of Manasseh, and they settled there. 41 Jair,
came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on a descendant of Manasseh, captured their settlements
oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob— 12 not one except and called them Havvoth Jair. b 42 And Nobah captured
a 52 That is, about 420 pounds (about 190 kilograms) b 41 Or them the settlements of Jair
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NUMBERS 34:9 93
Kenath and its surrounding settlements and called it 34 They left Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.
Nobah after himself. 35 They left Abronah and camped at Ezion Ge-
ber.
Stages in Israel’s Journey 36 They left Ezion Geber and camped at Kadesh,
Hahiroth b 10 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds; also in verse 11 c 45 That is, Iye Abarim d 48 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho;
possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River; also in verse 50 e 3 That is, the Dead Sea; also in verse 12 f 4 Hebrew Akrabbim
g 5 That is, the Mediterranean; also in verses 6 and 7 h 8 Or to the entrance to
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94 NUMBERS 34:10
10 “
‘For your eastern boundary, run a line from Hazar towns from a tribe that has many, but few from one that
Enan to Shepham. 11 The boundary will go down from has few.”
Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue 9 Then the LORD said to Moses: 10 “Speak to the Israel-
along the slopes east of the Sea of Kinnereth. a 12 Then ites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into
the boundary will go down along the Jordan and end at Canaan, 11 select some towns to be your cities of refuge,
the Salt Sea. to which a person who has killed someone accidentally
“ ‘This will be your land, with its boundaries on ev- may flee. 12 They will be places of refuge from the aveng-
ery side.’ ” er, so that a person accused of murder may not die be-
13 Moses commanded the Israelites: “Assign this land fore he stands trial before the assembly. 13 These six
by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has ordered that it be towns you give will be your cities of refuge. 14 Give three
given to the nine and a half tribes, 14 because the families on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities
of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad and the half- of refuge. 15 These six towns will be a place of refuge for
tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance. Israelites, aliens and any other people living among
15 These two and a half tribes have received their inher- them, so that anyone who has killed another accidental-
itance on the east side of the Jordan of Jericho, b toward ly can flee there.
the sunrise.” 16 “ ‘If a man strikes someone with an iron object so
16 The LORD said to Moses, 17 “These are the names of that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put
the men who are to assign the land for you as an inher- to death. 17 Or if anyone has a stone in his hand that
itance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. 18 And could kill, and he strikes someone so that he dies, he is
appoint one leader from each tribe to help assign the a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. 18 Or if
land. 19 These are their names: anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill,
Caleb son of Jephunneh, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer;
from the tribe of Judah; the murderer shall be put to death. 19 The avenger of
20 Shemuel son of Ammihud, blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets
from the tribe of Simeon; him, he shall put him to death. 20 If anyone with malice
21 Elidad son of Kislon, aforethought shoves another or throws something at
from the tribe of Benjamin; him intentionally so that he dies 21 or if in hostility he
22 Bukki son of Jogli, hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person shall be
the leader from the tribe of Dan; put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood
23 Hanniel son of Ephod, shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.
22 “ ‘But if without hostility someone suddenly
the leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Jo-
seph; shoves another or throws something at him uninten-
24 Kemuel son of Shiphtan, tionally 23 or, without seeing him, drops a stone on him
the leader from the tribe of Ephraim son of Jo- that could kill him, and he dies, then since he was not
seph; his enemy and he did not intend to harm him, 24 the as-
25 Elizaphan son of Parnach, sembly must judge between him and the avenger of
the leader from the tribe of Zebulun; blood according to these regulations. 25 The assembly
26 Paltiel son of Azzan, must protect the one accused of murder from the
the leader from the tribe of Issachar; avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge
27 Ahihud son of Shelomi, to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of
the leader from the tribe of Asher; the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.
26 “ ‘But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of
28 Pedahel son of Ammihud,
the leader from the tribe of Naphtali.” the city of refuge to which he has fled 27 and the aveng-
29 These are the men the LORD commanded to assign er of blood finds him outside the city, the avenger of
the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan. blood may kill the accused without being guilty of mur-
der. 28 The accused must stay in his city of refuge until
Towns for the Levites the death of the high priest; only after the death of the
pasturelands around the towns. 3 Then they will have a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no
towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one
and all their other livestock. witness.
4 “The pasturelands around the towns that you give 31 “ ‘Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murder-
the Levites will extend out fifteen hundred feet d from er, who deserves to die. He must surely be put to death.
the town wall. 5 Outside the town, measure three thou- 32 “ ‘Do not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled
sand feet e on the east side, three thousand on the south to a city of refuge and so allow him to go back and live
side, three thousand on the west and three thousand on his own land before the death of the high priest.
on the north, with the town in the center. They will have 33 “ ‘Do not pollute the land where you are. Blood-
this area as pastureland for the towns. shed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made
for the land on which blood has been shed, except by
Cities of Refuge the blood of the one who shed it. 34 Do not defile the
6 “Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of
land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the LORD,
refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may dwell among the Israelites.’ ”
flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns. 7 In all
you must give the Levites forty-eight towns, together Inheritance of Zelophehad’s Daughters
with their pasturelands. 8 The towns you give the Levites
from the land the Israelites possess are to be given in
proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: Take many
36 The family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Ma-
kir, the son of Manasseh, who were from the clans
of the descendants of Joseph, came and spoke before
a 11That is, Galilee b15 Jordan of Jericho was possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River. c 1 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho; possibly
an ancient name for the Jordan River d 4 Hebrew a thousand cubits (about 450 meters) e 5 Hebrew two thousand cubits (about 900
meters)
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NUMBERS 36:13 95
Moses and the leaders, the heads of the Israelite fami- tribal clan of their father. 7 No inheritance in Israel is to
lies. 2 They said, “When the LORD commanded my lord to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the
give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, he tribal land inherited from his forefathers. 8 Every daugh-
ordered you to give the inheritance of our brother Zelo- ter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry
phehad to his daughters. 3 Now suppose they marry someone in her father’s tribal clan, so that every Israel-
men from other Israelite tribes; then their inheritance ite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. 9 No in-
will be taken from our ancestral inheritance and added heritance may pass from tribe to tribe, for each Israelite
to that of the tribe they marry into. And so part of the in- tribe is to keep the land it inherits.”
heritance allotted to us will be taken away. 4 When the 10 So Zelophehad’s daughters did as the LORD com-
Year of Jubilee for the Israelites comes, their inheritance manded Moses. 11 Zelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah,
will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah—married their cous-
and their property will be taken from the tribal inheri- ins on their father’s side. 12 They married within the
tance of our forefathers.” clans of the descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph,
5 Then at the LORD’s command Moses gave this order and their inheritance remained in their father’s clan
to the Israelites: “What the tribe of the descendants of and tribe.
Joseph is saying is right. 6 This is what the LORD com- 13 These are the commands and regulations the LORD
mands for Zelophehad’s daughters: They may marry gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of
anyone they please as long as they marry within the Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. a
a 13 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho; possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River
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Deuteronomy
The Command to Leave Horeb thers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be dis-
couraged.”
1 These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the
desert east of the Jordan—that is, in the Arabah—
opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Ha-
22 Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send
men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a
zeroth and Dizahab. 2 (It takes eleven days to go from report about the route we are to take and the towns we
Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.) will come to.”
3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh 23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve
month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the of you, one man from each tribe. 24 They left and went
LORD had commanded him concerning them. 4 This was up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol
after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who and explored it. 25 Taking with them some of the fruit of
reigned in Heshbon, and at Edrei had defeated Og king the land, they brought it down to us and reported, “It is
of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.”
5 East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab, Moses
began to expound this law, saying: Rebellion Against the LORD
26 But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled
6 The
LORD our God said to us at Horeb, “You have against the command of the LORD your God. 27 You
stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and grumbled in your tents and said, “The LORD hates us; so
advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands
the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the moun- of the Amorites to destroy us. 28 Where can we go? Our
tains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along brothers have made us lose heart. They say, ‘The people
the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Leba- are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large,
non, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites
given you this land. Go in and take possession of the there.’ ”
land that the LORD swore he would give to your fa- 29 Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be
thers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their de- afraid of them. 30 The LORD your God, who is going be-
scendants after them.” fore you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, be-
The Appointment of Leaders fore your very eyes, 31 and in the desert. There you saw
9 At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a bur- how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries
den for me to carry alone. 10 The LORD your God has in- his son, all the way you went until you reached this
creased your numbers so that today you are as many as place.”
32 In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your
the stars in the sky. 11 May the LORD, the God of your fa-
thers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he God, 33 who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire
has promised! 12 But how can I bear your problems and by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for
your burdens and your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose you to camp and to show you the way you should go.
34 When the LORD heard what you said, he was angry
some wise, understanding and respected men from
each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.” and solemnly swore: 35 “Not a man of this evil genera-
14 You answered me, “What you propose to do is tion shall see the good land I swore to give your forefa-
good.” thers, 36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it,
15 So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and and I will give him and his descendants the land he set
respected men, and appointed them to have authority his feet on, because he followed the LORD wholeheart-
over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, edly.”
37 Because of you the LORD became angry with me
of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16 And I
charged your judges at that time: Hear the disputes be- also and said, “You shall not enter it, either. 38 But your
tween your brothers and judge fairly, whether the case is assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage
between brother Israelites or between one of them and him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it. 39 And the
an alien. 17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both little ones that you said would be taken captive, your
small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for children who do not yet know good from bad—they
judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will
for you, and I will hear it. 18 And at that time I told you take possession of it. 40 But as for you, turn around and
everything you were to do. set out toward the desert along the route to the Red
Sea. a”
Spies Sent Out 41 Then you replied, “We have sinned against the
19 Then, as the LORD our God commanded us, we set LORD. We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God com-
out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the manded us.” So every one of you put on his weapons,
Amorites through all that vast and dreadful desert that thinking it easy to go up into the hill country.
you have seen, and so we reached Kadesh Barnea. 42 But the LORD said to me, “Tell them, ‘Do not go up
20 Then I said to you, “You have reached the hill country and fight, because I will not be with you. You will be de-
of the Amorites, which the LORD our God is giving us. feated by your enemies.’ ”
21 See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up 43 So I told you, but you would not listen. You re-
and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fa- belled against the LORD’s command and in your arro-
a 40 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds
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DEUTERONOMY 3:11 97
gance you marched up into the hill country. 44 The Am- Gaza, the Caphtorites coming out from Caphtor b de-
orites who lived in those hills came out against you; stroyed them and settled in their place.)
they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you
down from Seir all the way to Hormah. 45 You came back Defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon
24 “Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I
and wept before the LORD, but he paid no attention to
your weeping and turned a deaf ear to you. 46 And so have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of
you stayed in Kadesh many days—all the time you Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it
spent there. and engage him in battle. 25 This very day I will begin to
put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under
Wanderings in the Desert heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble
eliminated them from the camp. king of Bashan and all his army. We struck them down,
16 Now when the last of these fighting men among leaving no survivors. 4 At that time we took all his cities.
the people had died, 17 the LORD said to me, 18 “Today There was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take
you are to pass by the region of Moab at Ar. 19 When you from them—the whole region of Argob, Og’s kingdom in
come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke Bashan. 5 All these cities were fortified with high walls
them to war, for I will not give you possession of any and with gates and bars, and there were also a great
land belonging to the Ammonites. I have given it as a many unwalled villages. 6 We completely destroyed c
possession to the descendants of Lot.” them, as we had done with Sihon king of Heshbon, de-
20 (That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, stroying c every city—men, women and children. 7 But
who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them all the livestock and the plunder from their cities we
Zamzummites. 21 They were a people strong and nu- carried off for ourselves.
merous, and as tall as the Anakites. The LORD destroyed 8 So at that time we took from these two kings of the
them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out Amorites the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon
and settled in their place. 22 The LORD had done the Gorge as far as Mount Hermon. 9 (Hermon is called Sir-
same for the descendants of Esau, who lived in Seir, ion by the Sidonians; the Amorites call it Senir.) 10 We
when he destroyed the Horites from before them. They took all the towns on the plateau, and all Gilead, and all
drove them out and have lived in their place to this day. Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, towns of Og’s king-
23 And as for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as dom in Bashan. 11 (Only Og king of Bashan was left of the
a 1 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds b 23 That is, Crete c 34,6 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things
or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.
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98 DEUTERONOMY 3:12
remnant of the Rephaites. His bed a was made of iron 5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD
and was more than thirteen feet long and six feet wide. b my God commanded me, so that you may follow them
It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) in the land you are entering to take possession of it.
6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom
Division of the Land and understanding to the nations, who will hear about
12 Of the land that we took over at that time, I gave the
all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a
Reubenites and the Gadites the territory north of Aroer wise and understanding people.” 7 What other nation is
by the Arnon Gorge, including half the hill country of so great as to have their gods near them the way the
Gilead, together with its towns. 13 The rest of Gilead and LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8 And
also all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half what other nation is so great as to have such righteous
tribe of Manasseh. (The whole region of Argob in Ba- decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before
shan used to be known as a land of the Rephaites. 14 Jair, you today?
a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Ar- 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so
gob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maac- that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or
athites; it was named after him, so that to this day Ba- let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach
shan is called Havvoth Jair. c) 15 And I gave Gilead to them to your children and to their children after them.
Makir. 16 But to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave 10 Remember the day you stood before the LORD your
the territory extending from Gilead down to the Arnon God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the peo-
Gorge (the middle of the gorge being the border) and ple before me to hear my words so that they may learn
out to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Am- to revere me as long as they live in the land and may
monites. 17 Its western border was the Jordan in the Ara- teach them to their children.” 11 You came near and
bah, from Kinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with
Sea d), below the slopes of Pisgah. fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep
18 I commanded you at that time: “The LORD your
darkness. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire.
God has given you this land to take possession of it. But You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there
all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross was only a voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the
over ahead of your brother Israelites. 19 However, your Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to fol-
wives, your children and your livestock (I know you low and then wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 And
have much livestock) may stay in the towns I have given the LORD directed me at that time to teach you the de-
you, 20 until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as he crees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are
has to you, and they too have taken over the land that crossing the Jordan to possess.
the LORD your God is giving them, across the Jordan. Af-
ter that, each of you may go back to the possession I Idolatry Forbidden
15 You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD
have given you.”
spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch
Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan yourselves very carefully, 16 so that you do not become
21 At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of
with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, 17 or
to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air,
kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be 18 or like any creature that moves along the ground or
afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for any fish in the waters below. 19 And when you look up to
you.” the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the
23 At that time I pleaded with the LORD: 24 “O Sover- heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down
eign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has
greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in apportioned to all the nations under heaven. 20 But as
heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty for you, the LORD took you and brought you out of the
works you do? 25 Let me go over and see the good land iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of
beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Leba- his inheritance, as you now are.
21 The LORD was angry with me because of you, and
non.”
26 But because of you the LORD was angry with me he solemnly swore that I would not cross the Jordan
and would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the LORD and enter the good land the LORD your God is giving
said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. you as your inheritance. 22 I will die in this land; I will not
27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north cross the Jordan; but you are about to cross over and
and south and east. Look at the land with your own take possession of that good land. 23 Be careful not to
eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made
commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form
him, for he will lead this people across and will cause of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. 24 For the
them to inherit the land that you will see.” 29 So we LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
25 After you have had children and grandchildren
stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.
and have lived in the land a long time—if you then be-
Obedience Commanded come corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in
DEUTERONOMY 5:27 99
God, you will find him if you look for him with all your today. 4 The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the
heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in distress fire on the mountain. 5 (At that time I stood between the
and all these things have happened to you, then in later LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, be-
days you will return to the LORD your God and obey cause you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the
him. 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will mountain.) And he said:
not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with 6 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you
your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
The LORD Is God 7 “You shall have no other gods before d me.
32 Ask now about the former days, long before your 8 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the
time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask form of anything in heaven above or on the
from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You
so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it shall not bow down to them or worship
ever been heard of? 33 Has any other people heard the them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous
voice of God a speaking out of fire, as you have, and God, punishing the children for the sin of the
lived? 34 Has any god ever tried to take for himself one fathers to the third and fourth generation of
nation out of another nation, by testings, by miraculous those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a
signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an thousand õgenerationsÕ of those who love me
outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like and keep my commandments.
11 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your
all the things the LORD your God did for you in Egypt be-
fore your very eyes? God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guilt-
35 You were shown these things so that you might less who misuses his name.
12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as
know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no oth-
36
er. From heaven he made you hear his voice to disci- the LORD your God has commanded you.
13 Six days you shall labor and do all your
pline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and
you heard his words from out of the fire. 37 Because he work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to
loved your forefathers and chose their descendants after the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any
them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and work, neither you, nor your son or daughter,
his great strength, 38 to drive out before you nations nor your manservant or maidservant, nor
greater and stronger than you and to bring you into your ox, your donkey or any of your animals,
their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is nor the alien within your gates, so that your
today. manservant and maidservant may rest, as
39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in
LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Egypt and that the LORD your God brought
There is no other. 40 Keep his decrees and commands, you out of there with a mighty hand and an
which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your
you and your children after you and that you may live God has commanded you to observe the Sab-
long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all bath day.
16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD
time.
your God has commanded you, so that you
Cities of Refuge may live long and that it may go well with you
41 Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan, in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
42 towhich anyone who had killed a person could flee if 17 “You shall not murder.
he had unintentionally killed his neighbor without mal- 18 “You shall not commit adultery.
ice aforethought. He could flee into one of these cities 19 “You shall not steal.
and save his life. 43 The cities were these: Bezer in the 20 “You shall not give false testimony against your
5hearing
Moses summoned all Israel and said:
Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your
today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.
voice of the LORD our God any longer. 26 For what mortal
man has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking
out of fire, as we have, and survived? 27 Go near and lis-
2 TheLORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. ten to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us what-
3 It
was not with our fathers that the LORD made this ever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and
covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here obey.”
a 33 Or of a god b 48 Hebrew; Syriac (see also Deut. 3:9) Sirion c 49 That is, the Dead Sea d7 Or besides
05Dt-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:36 AM Page 100
6in theThese
L ORD
are the commands, decrees and laws the
your God directed me to teach you to observe
land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess,
sons, 4 for they will turn your sons away from following
me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn
against you and will quickly destroy you. 5 This is what
2 so that you, your children and their children after you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash
them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles c and
keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, burn their idols in the fire. 6 For you are a people holy to
and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you
be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his
that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with people, his treasured possession.
milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fa- 7 The LORD did not set his affection on you and
thers, promised you. choose you because you were more numerous than
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. a other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.
5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all 8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the
your soul and with all your strength. 6 These command- oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you
ments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of
you sit at home and when you walk along the road, Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God;
when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a
symbols on your hands and bind them on your fore- thousand generations of those who love him and keep
heads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses his commands. 10 But
and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land those who hate him he will repay to their face by
destruction;
he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
he will not be slow to repay to their face those
to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did
who hate him.
not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things
you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vine- 11 Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees
yards and olive groves you did not plant—then when and laws I give you today.
you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not 12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to
forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his cov-
the land of slavery. enant of love with you, as he swore to your forefathers.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take 13 He will love you and bless you and increase your
your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the
gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your crops of your land—your grain, new wine and oil—the
God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the
will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you. 14 You
face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you will be blessed more than any other people; none of
did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the your men or women will be childless, nor any of your
LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has livestock without young. 15 The LORD will keep you free
given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD’s from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horri-
sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in ble diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them
and take over the good land that the LORD promised on on all who hate you. 16 You must destroy all the peoples
oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your ene- the LORD your God gives over to you. Do not look on
mies before you, as the LORD said. them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will
20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the be a snare to you.
meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD 17 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are
our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?”
slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out 18 But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the
of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. 19 You
sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terri- saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous
ble—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole house- signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched
hold. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out.
and give us the land that he promised on oath to our The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples
forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these you now fear. 20 Moreover, the LORD your God will send
a4 Or The LORD our God is one LORD; or The LORD is our God, the LORD is one; or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone b 2 The Hebrew term
refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also in verse 26. c 5 That is,
symbols of the goddess Asherah; here and elsewhere in Deuteronomy
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giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you
in all his ways and to hold fast to him— 23 then the LORD want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the
will drive out all these nations before you, and you will blessing the LORD your God gives you. Both the ceremo-
dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every nially unclean and the clean may eat it. 16 But you must
place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territo- not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water.
17 You must not eat in your own towns the tithe of your
ry will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the
Euphrates River to the western sea. a 25 No man will be grain and new wine and oil, or the firstborn of your
able to stand against you. The LORD your God, as he herds and flocks, or whatever you have vowed to give, or
promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the your freewill offerings or special gifts. 18 Instead, you are
whole land, wherever you go. to eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the
26 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons
curse— 27 the blessing if you obey the commands of the and daughters, your menservants and maidservants,
LORD your God that I am giving you today; 28 the curse if and the Levites from your towns—and you are to re-
you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and joice before the LORD your God in everything you put
turn from the way that I command you today by follow- your hand to. 19 Be careful not to neglect the Levites as
ing other gods, which you have not known. 29 When the long as you live in your land.
20 When the LORD your God has enlarged your territo-
LORD your God has brought you into the land you are
entering to possess, you are to proclaim on Mount Geri- ry as he promised you, and you crave meat and say, “I
zim the blessings, and on Mount Ebal the curses. 30 As would like some meat,” then you may eat as much of it
you know, these mountains are across the Jordan, west as you want. 21 If the place where the LORD your God
of the road, b toward the setting sun, near the great trees chooses to put his Name is too far away from you, you
of Moreh, in the territory of those Canaanites living in may slaughter animals from the herds and flocks the
the Arabah in the vicinity of Gilgal. 31 You are about to LORD has given you, as I have commanded you, and in
cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the your own towns you may eat as much of them as you
land the LORD your God is giving you. When you have want. 22 Eat them as you would gazelle or deer. Both the
taken it over and are living there, 32 be sure that you ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat. 23 But be
obey all the decrees and laws I am setting before you to- sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the
day. life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. 24 You
must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like
The One Place of Worship water. 25 Do not eat it, so that it may go well with you and
your children after you, because you will be doing what
12 These are the decrees and laws you must be care-
ful to follow in the land that the L , the God of
ORD
your fathers, has given you to possess—as long as you
is right in the eyes of the LORD.
26 But take your consecrated things and whatever
live in the land. 2 Destroy completely all the places on you have vowed to give, and go to the place the LORD will
the high mountains and on the hills and under every choose. 27 Present your burnt offerings on the altar of
spreading tree where the nations you are dispossessing the LORD your God, both the meat and the blood. The
worship their gods. 3 Break down their altars, smash blood of your sacrifices must be poured beside the altar
their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat. 28 Be
fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so
names from those places. that it may always go well with you and your children af-
4 You must not worship the LORD your God in their ter you, because you will be doing what is good and
way. 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God right in the eyes of the LORD your God.
29 The LORD your God will cut off before you the na-
will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name
there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there tions you are about to invade and dispossess. But when
bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes you have driven them out and settled in their land,
30 and after they have been destroyed before you, be
and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your
freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their
flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods?
you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in ev- We will do the same.” 31 You must not worship the LORD
erything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their
your God has blessed you. gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD
8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the
fire as sacrifices to their gods.
he sees fit, 9 since you have not yet reached the resting 32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it
place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving
or take away from it.
you. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the
land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, Worshiping Other Gods
and he will give you rest from all your enemies around
you so that you will live in safety. 11 Then to the place
the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his
13 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, ap-
pears among you and announces to you a miracu-
2
lous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which
Name—there you are to bring everything I command he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow
you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us wor-
special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have ship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that
vowed to the LORD. 12 And there rejoice before the LORD prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to
your God, you, your sons and daughters, your menser- find out whether you love him with all your heart and
vants and maidservants, and the Levites from your with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must fol-
towns, who have no allotment or inheritance of their low, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and
own. 13 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 5 That proph-
anywhere you please. 14 Offer them only at the place the et or dreamer must be put to death, because he
a 24 That is, the Mediterranean b 30 Or Jordan, westward
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people and its livestock. 16 Gather all the plunder of the of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, 29 so
town into the middle of the public square and com- that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance
pletely burn the town and all its plunder as a whole of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the wid-
burnt offering to the LORD your God. It is to remain a ows who live in your towns may come and eat and be
ruin forever, never to be rebuilt. 17 None of those con- satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you
demned things a shall be found in your hands, so that in all the work of your hands.
the LORD will turn from his fierce anger; he will show
you mercy, have compassion on you, and increase your The Year for Canceling Debts
numbers, as he promised on oath to your forefathers,
18 because you obey the LORD your God, keeping all his 15 At the end of every seven years you must cancel
2
debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor
shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite.
commands that I am giving you today and doing what is
right in his eyes. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or
brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts
Clean and Unclean Food has been proclaimed. 3 You may require payment from a
a 15,17 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them. b5 The
precise identification of some of the birds and animals in this chapter is uncertain. c 7 That is, the hyrax or rock badger
05Dt-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:36 AM Page 105
ing you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of him, assaults and kills him, and then flees to one of
the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you these cities, 12 the elders of his town shall send for him,
who sacrifices his son or daughter in a the fire, who bring him back from the city, and hand him over to the
practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, en- avenger of blood to die. 13 Show him no pity. You must
gages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood,
or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who so that it may go well with you.
14 Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set
does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because
of these detestable practices the LORD your God will up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive
drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
blameless before the LORD your God. Witnesses
The Prophet 15 One witness is not enough to convict a man ac-
14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who cused of any crime or offense he may have committed.
practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD A matter must be established by the testimony of two or
your God has not permitted you to do so. 15 The LORD three witnesses.
16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse a
your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from
among your own brothers. You must listen to him. 16 For man of a crime, 17 the two men involved in the dispute
this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on must stand in the presence of the LORD before the
the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear priests and the judges who are in office at the time.
the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire any- 18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if
more, or we will die.” the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony
17 The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I against his brother, 19 then do to him as he intended to
will raise up for them a prophet like you from among do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among
their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he you. 20 The rest of the people will hear of this and be
will tell them everything I command him. 19 If anyone afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done
does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in among you. 21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye,
my name, I myself will call him to account. 20 But a tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
a 10 Or who makes his son or daughter pass through
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girl’s virginity can be found, 21 she shall be brought to him over to his master. 16 Let him live among you wher-
the door of her father’s house and there the men of her ever he likes and in whatever town he chooses. Do not
town shall stone her to death. She has done a disgrace- oppress him.
17 No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine
ful thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in
her father’s house. You must purge the evil from among prostitute. 18 You must not bring the earnings of a fe-
you. male prostitute or of a male prostitute f into the house of
22 If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD
both the man who slept with her and the woman must your God detests them both.
19 Do not charge your brother interest, whether on
die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
23 If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin money or food or anything else that may earn interest.
20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother
pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, 24 you
shall take both of them to the gate of that town and Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in ev-
stone them to death—the girl because she was in a erything you put your hand to in the land you are enter-
town and did not scream for help, and the man because ing to possess.
21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be
he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil
from among you. slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly de-
25 But if out in the country a man happens to meet a mand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22 But if you
girl pledged to be married and rapes her, only the man refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty.
23 Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, be-
who has done this shall die. 26 Do nothing to the girl;
she has committed no sin deserving death. This case is cause you made your vow freely to the LORD your God
like that of someone who attacks and murders his with your own mouth.
24 If you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat
neighbor, 27 for the man found the girl out in the coun-
try, and though the betrothed girl screamed, there was all the grapes you want, but do not put any in your bas-
no one to rescue her. ket. 25 If you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may
28 If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a
pledged to be married and rapes her and they are dis- sickle to his standing grain.
covered, 29 he shall pay the girl’s father fifty shekels of sil-
ver. c He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He 24 If a man marries a woman who becomes dis-
pleasing to him because he finds something inde-
cent about her, and he writes her a certificate of di-
can never divorce her as long as he lives.
30 A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not vorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, 2 and
dishonor his father’s bed. if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of an-
other man, 3 and her second husband dislikes her and
Exclusion From the Assembly writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and
23NoNo
2
one who has been emasculated by crushing
or cutting may enter the assembly of the L .
one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of d
ORD
sends her from his house, or if he dies, 4 then her first
husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her
again after she has been defiled. That would be detest-
a9 Or be forfeited to the sanctuary b 19 That is, about 2 1/2 pounds (about 1 kilogram) c 29 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds (about 0.6
kilogram) d 2 Or one of illegitimate birth e 4 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia f 18 Hebrew of a dog
05Dt-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:36 AM Page 109
stones. Do not use any iron tool upon them. 6 Build the the country.
4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the
altar of the LORD your God with fieldstones and offer
burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God. 7 Sacrifice crops of your land and the young of your live-
fellowship offerings a there, eating them and rejoicing in stock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of
the presence of the LORD your God. 8 And you shall write your flocks.
5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be
very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you
have set up.” blessed.
6 You will be blessed when you come in and
Curses From Mount Ebal blessed when you go out.
9 Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to
7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up
all Israel, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now
become the people of the LORD your God. 10 Obey the against you will be defeated before you. They will come
LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on
that I give you today.”
11 On the same day Moses commanded the people: everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God
12 When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes will bless you in the land he is giving you.
9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he
shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Sim-
eon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. 13 And promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the
these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce LORD your God and walk in his ways. 10 Then all the peo-
curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naph- ples on earth will see that you are called by the name of
tali. the LORD, and they will fear you. 11 The LORD will grant you
14 The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the
a loud voice: young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in
the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.
15 “Cursed is the man who carves an image or 12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of
casts an idol—a thing detestable to the LORD, the his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to
work of the craftsman’s hands—and sets it up in bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many
secret.” nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to
16 “Cursed is the man who dishonors his father
the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this
or his mother.” day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” top, never at the bottom. 14 Do not turn aside from any
17 “Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor’s
of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the
boundary stone.” left, following other gods and serving them.
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
18 “Cursed is the man who leads the blind astray Curses for Disobedience
on the road.” 15 However, if you do not obey the LORD your God
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” and do not carefully follow all his commands and de-
a7 Traditionally peace offerings
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enant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 Then ginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of
Moses commanded them: “At the end of every seven Israel:
years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of
Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the
LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read
32LetListen,
2
O heavens, and I will speak;
hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
my teaching fall like rain
this law before them in their hearing. 12 Assemble the and my words descend like dew,
people—men, women and children, and the aliens living like showers on new grass,
in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the like abundant rain on tender plants.
LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this
3I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
law. 13 Their children, who do not know this law, must
hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
and all his ways are just.
Israel’s Rebellion Predicted A faithful God who does no wrong,
14 The LORD said to Moses, “Now the day of your
upright and just is he.
death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the 5 They
Tent of Meeting, where I will commission him.” So Mo- have acted corruptly toward him;
ses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the to their shame they are no longer his children,
Tent of Meeting. but a warped and crooked generation. a
6 Is this the way you repay the LORD,
15 Then the LORD appeared at the Tent in a pillar of
cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the O foolish and unwise people?
Tent. 16 And the LORD said to Moses: “You are going to Is he not your Father, your Creator, b
rest with your fathers, and these people will soon pros- who made you and formed you?
titute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they 7 Remember the days of old;
are entering. They will forsake me and break the cov- consider the generations long past.
enant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become an- Ask your father and he will tell you,
gry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face your elders, and they will explain to you.
from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters 8 When the Most High gave the nations their
and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day inheritance,
they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us when he divided all mankind,
because our God is not with us?’ 18 And I will certainly he set up boundaries for the peoples
hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness according to the number of the sons of Israel. c
in turning to other gods. 9 For the LORD’s portion is his people,
a5 Or Corrupt are they and not his children, / a generation warped and twisted to their shame b6 Or Father, who bought you
c8 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls (see also Septuagint) sons of God
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and fed him with the fruit of the fields. the deadly poison of cobras.
He nourished him with honey from the rock, 34 “Have I not kept this in reserve
and with oil from the flinty crag, and sealed it in my vaults?
14 with curds and milk from herd and flock
35 It
is mine to avenge; I will repay.
and with fattened lambs and goats, In due time their foot will slip;
with choice rams of Bashan their day of disaster is near
and the finest kernels of wheat. and their doom rushes upon them.”
You drank the foaming blood of the grape.
36 The LORD will judge his people
15 Jeshurun a grew fat and kicked; and have compassion on his servants
filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. when he sees their strength is gone
He abandoned the God who made him and no one is left, slave or free.
and rejected the Rock his Savior. 37 He will say: “Now where are their gods,
16 They made him jealous with their foreign gods
the rock they took refuge in,
and angered him with their detestable idols. 38 the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices
17 They sacrificed to demons, which are not God—
and drank the wine of their drink offerings?
gods they had not known, Let them rise up to help you!
gods that recently appeared, Let them give you shelter!
gods your fathers did not fear.
18 You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; 39 “See now that I myself am He!
you forgot the God who gave you birth. There is no god besides me.
19 The
I put to death and I bring to life,
LORD saw this and rejected them I have wounded and I will heal,
because he was angered by his sons and and no one can deliver out of my hand.
daughters. 40 I lift my hand to heaven and declare:
20 “I will hide my face from them,” he said,
As surely as I live forever,
“and see what their end will be; 41 when I sharpen my flashing sword
for they are a perverse generation, and my hand grasps it in judgment,
children who are unfaithful. I will take vengeance on my adversaries
21 They made me jealous by what is no god
and repay those who hate me.
and angered me with their worthless idols. 42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood,
I will make them envious by those who are not a while my sword devours flesh:
people; the blood of the slain and the captives,
I will make them angry by a nation that has no the heads of the enemy leaders.”
understanding.
22 For a fire has been kindled by my wrath, 43 Rejoice,O nations, with his people, c, d
one that burns to the realm of death b below. for he will avenge the blood of his servants;
It will devour the earth and its harvests he will take vengeance on his enemies
and set afire the foundations of the mountains. and make atonement for his land and people.
23 “I 44 Moses came with Joshua e son of Nun and spoke all
will heap calamities upon them
and spend my arrows against them. the words of this song in the hearing of the people.
24 I will send wasting famine against them, 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Is-
consuming pestilence and deadly plague; rael, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I
I will send against them the fangs of wild beasts, have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may
the venom of vipers that glide in the dust. command your children to obey carefully all the words
25 In the street the sword will make them childless; of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they
in their homes terror will reign. are your life. By them you will live long in the land you
Young men and young women will perish, are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
infants and gray-haired men. Moses to Die on Mount Nebo
26 I said I would scatter them
48 On that same day the LORD told Moses, 49 “Go up
and blot out their memory from mankind,
27 but I dreaded the taunt of the enemy, into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across
from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the
lest the adversary misunderstand
Israelites as their own possession. 50 There on the
and say, ‘Our hand has triumphed;
mountain that you have climbed you will die and be
the LORD has not done all this.’ ”
gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron
28 They are a nation without sense, died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.
there is no discernment in them. 51 This is because both of you broke faith with me in the
a 15 Jeshurun means the upright one, that is, Israel. b 22 Hebrew to Sheol c 43 Or Make his people rejoice, O nations d 43 Masoretic
Text; Dead Sea Scrolls (see also Septuagint) people, / and let all the angels worship him / e 44 Hebrew Hoshea, a variant of Joshua
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Joshua
The LORD Commands Joshua 2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look! Some of the Is-
raelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.”
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the
LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses
my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people,
3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab:
“Bring out the men who came to you and entered your
get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am house, because they have come to spy out the whole
about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you land.”
4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden
every place where you set your foot, as I promised Mo-
ses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Leba- them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not
non, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was
Hittite country—to the Great Sea a on the west. 5 No one time to close the city gate, the men left. I don’t know
will be able to stand up against you all the days of your which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may
life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will nev- catch up with them.” 6 (But she had taken them up to
er leave you nor forsake you. the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she
6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead had laid out on the roof.) 7 So the men set out in pursuit
these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefa- of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the
thers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the
careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; gate was shut.
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went
do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you
may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD
Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it has given this land to you and that a great fear of you
day and night, so that you may be careful to do every- has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are
thing written in it. Then you will be prosperous and melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how
successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea c for you
courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon
for the LORD your God will be with you wherever and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan,
you go.” whom you completely destroyed. d 11 When we heard of
10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed be-
through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your sup- cause of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven
plies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jor- above and on the earth below. 12 Now then, please swear
dan here to go in and take possession of the land the to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my
LORD your God is giving you for your own.’ ” family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me
12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half- a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father
tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the com- and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong
mand that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: ‘The to them, and that you will save us from death.”
14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If
LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you
this land.’ 14 Your wives, your children and your live- you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kind-
stock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of ly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land.”
15 So she let them down by a rope through the win-
the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must
cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your dow, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.
16 Now she had said to them, “Go to the hills so the pur-
brothers 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has
done for you, and until they too have taken possession suers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days
of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After until they return, and then go on your way.”
17 The men said to her, “This oath you made us swear
that, you may go back and occupy your own land,
which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the
the Jordan toward the sunrise.” land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window
16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have through which you let us down, and unless you have
commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us brought your father and mother, your brothers and all
we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will your family into your house. 19 If anyone goes outside
obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as your house into the street, his blood will be on his own
he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in
and does not obey your words, whatever you may com- the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a
mand them, will be put to death. Only be strong and hand is laid on him. 20 But if you tell what we are doing,
courageous!” we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she
Rahab and the Spies sent them away and they departed. And she tied the
2pecially
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies
from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “es-
Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of
scarlet cord in the window.
22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed
there three days, until the pursuers had searched all
a prostitute b named Rahab and stayed there. along the road and returned without finding them.
a4 That is, the Mediterranean b 1 Or possibly an innkeeper c 10 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds d 10 The Hebrew term
refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.
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of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also in verses 18 and 21. e 17 Or possibly innkeeper; also in verses 22
and 25 f 1 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also
in verses 11, 12, 13 and 15. g 1 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 2:6; Hebrew Zabdi; also in verses 17 and 18. h 5 Or as far as Shebarim
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a 19 A solemn charge to tell the truth b 19 Or and confess to him c 21 Hebrew Shinar d 21 That is, about 5 pounds (about 2.3
kilograms) e 21 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds (about 0.6 kilogram) f 26 Achor means trouble.
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sunset, Joshua ordered them to take his body from the not inquire of the LORD. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of
tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the
And they raised a large pile of rocks over it, which re- assembly ratified it by oath.
mains to this day. 16 Three days after they made the treaty with the Gib-
eonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors,
The Covenant Renewed at Mount Ebal living near them. 17 So the Israelites set out and on the
30 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the
third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Bee-
LORD, the God of Israel, 31 as Moses the servant of the roth and Kiriath Jearim. 18 But the Israelites did not at-
LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it accord- tack them, because the leaders of the assembly had
ing to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses— sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel.
an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders,
been used. On it they offered to the LORD burnt offerings 19 but all the leaders answered, “We have given them our
and sacrificed fellowship offerings. b 32 There, in the oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and we cannot
presence of the Israelites, Joshua copied on stones the touch them now. 20 This is what we will do to them: We
law of Moses, which he had written. 33 All Israel, aliens will let them live, so that wrath will not fall on us for
and citizens alike, with their elders, officials and judges, breaking the oath we swore to them.” 21 They contin-
were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of ued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and
the LORD, facing those who carried it—the priests, who water carriers for the entire community.” So the leaders’
were Levites. Half of the people stood in front of Mount promise to them was kept.
Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Mo- 22 Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said,
ses the servant of the LORD had formerly commanded “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way
when he gave instructions to bless the people of Israel. from you,’ while actually you live near us? 23 You are
34 Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—
now under a curse: You will never cease to serve as
the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my
Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Mo- God.”
ses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the 24 They answered Joshua, “Your servants were clearly
whole assembly of Israel, including the women and told how the LORD your God had commanded his ser-
children, and the aliens who lived among them. vant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out
The Gibeonite Deception all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our
lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We
9western
Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard
about these things—those in the hill country, in the
foothills, and along the entire coast of the
are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good
and right to you.”
26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they
Great Sea c as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, did not kill them. 27 That day he made the Gibeonites
Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebu- woodcutters and water carriers for the community and
sites)— 2 they came together to make war against Josh- for the altar of the LORD at the place the LORD would
ua and Israel. choose. And that is what they are to this day.
3 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what
Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a The Sun Stands Still
ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were
loaded d with worn-out sacks and old wineskins,
cracked and mended. 5 The men put worn and patched
10 Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that
Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, do-
ing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its
e
sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of
of their food supply was dry and moldy. 6 Then they peace with Israel and were living near them. 2 He and his
went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon
and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was
country; make a treaty with us.” larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So
7 The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “But perhaps Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham
you live near us. How then can we make a treaty with king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of
you?” Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help
8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace
But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you with Joshua and the Israelites.”
come from?” 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of
9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—
very distant country because of the fame of the LORD joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and
your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp
a 26 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.
b 31 Traditionally peace offerings c 1 That is, the Mediterranean d 4 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate
and Syriac (see also Septuagint) They prepared provisions and loaded their donkeys e 1 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving
over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also in verses 28, 35, 37, 39 and 40.
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as it is written in the Book of Jashar. and attacked Debir. 39 They took the city, its king and its
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and de- villages, and put them to the sword. Everyone in it they
layed going down about a full day. 14 There has never totally destroyed. They left no survivors. They did to
been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD lis- Debir and its king as they had done to Libnah and its
tened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel! king and to Hebron.
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including
15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at
Gilgal. the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the
mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no
Five Amorite Kings Killed survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as
16 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua
at Makkedah. 17 When Joshua was told that the five subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from
kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah, the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. 42 All these kings
18 he said, “Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, be-
and post some men there to guard it. 19 But don’t stop! cause the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
43 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at
Pursue your enemies, attack them from the rear and
don’t let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God Gilgal.
has given them into your hand.” Northern Kings Defeated
20 So Joshua and the Israelites destroyed them com-
pletely—almost to a man—but the few who were left
reached their fortified cities. 21 The whole army then re-
11 When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent
word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of
2
Shimron and Acshaph, and to the northern kings who
turned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Kinne-
no one uttered a word against the Israelites. reth, in the western foothills and in Naphoth Dor b on
22 Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and
the west; 3 to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the
bring those five kings out to me.” 23 So they brought the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites in the hill
five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, He- country; and to the Hivites below Hermon in the region
bron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. 24 When they had of Mizpah. 4 They came out with all their troops and a
brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as
men of Israel and said to the army commanders who numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings
had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of
the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and Merom, to fight against Israel.
placed their feet on their necks. 6 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them,
25 Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be
because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them
discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses
the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to and burn their chariots.”
fight.” 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and 7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them
hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them,
the trees until evening. 8 and the LORD gave them into the hand of Israel. They
27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took
defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater
them down from the trees and threw them into the cave Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah
where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to
they placed large rocks, which are there to this day. them as the LORD had directed: He hamstrung their
28 That day Joshua took Makkedah. He put the city horses and burned their chariots.
and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone 10 At that time Joshua turned back and captured Ha-
in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Mak- zor and put its king to the sword. (Hazor had been the
kedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. head of all these kingdoms.) 11 Everyone in it they put to
a 13 Or nation triumphed over b2 Or in the heights of Dor
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29 This
is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Ma- at the southern end of the Salt Sea, c 3 crossed
nasseh, that is, to half the family of the descendants of south of Scorpion d Pass, continued on to Zin and
Manasseh, clan by clan: went over to the south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it
ran past Hezron up to Addar and curved around to
30 The territory extending from Mahanaim and in-
Karka. 4 It then passed along to Azmon and joined
cluding all of Bashan, the entire realm of Og king of the Wadi of Egypt, ending at the sea. This is their e
Bashan—all the settlements of Jair in Bashan, six- southern boundary.
ty towns, 31 half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei 5 The eastern boundary is the Salt Sea as far as
(the royal cities of Og in Bashan). This was for the the mouth of the Jordan.
descendants of Makir son of Manasseh—for half The northern boundary started from the bay of
of the sons of Makir, clan by clan. the sea at the mouth of the Jordan, 6 went up to
32 This is the inheritance Moses had given when he Beth Hoglah and continued north of Beth Arabah
was in the plains of Moab across the Jordan east of Jeri- to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. 7 The bound-
cho. 33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inher- ary then went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor
itance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, and turned north to Gilgal, which faces the Pass of
as he promised them. Adummim south of the gorge. It continued along
to the waters of En Shemesh and came out at En
Division of the Land West of the Jordan Rogel. 8 Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom
down to Beth Shemesh and crossed to Timnah. 11 It am, Zanoah, 57 Kain, Gibeah and Timnah—ten
went to the northern slope of Ekron, turned to- towns and their villages.
ward Shikkeron, passed along to Mount Baalah 58 Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor, 59 Maarath, Beth
and reached Jabneel. The boundary ended at the Anoth and Eltekon—six towns and their villages.
sea. 60 Kiriath Baal (that is, Kiriath Jearim) and Rab-
12 The western boundary is the coastline of the bah—two towns and their villages.
Great Sea. a 61 Inthe desert:
These are the boundaries around the people of Judah by Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, 62 Nibshan, the
their clans. City of Salt and En Gedi—six towns and their vil-
13 In accordance with the LORD’s command to him, lages.
Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion in Ju- 63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were
dah—Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefa- living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there
ther of Anak.) 14 From Hebron Caleb drove out the three with the people of Judah.
Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai—descendants
of Anak. 15 From there he marched against the people
Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh
living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). 16 And
Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to 16 The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan
of Jericho, d east of the waters of Jericho, and
went up from there through the desert into the hill
the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.”
17 Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb country of Bethel. 2 It went on from Bethel (that is,
gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. Luz), e crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in
18 One day when she came to Othniel, she urged Ataroth, 3 descended westward to the territory of
him b to ask her father for a field. When she got off her the Japhletites as far as the region of Lower Beth
donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?” Horon and on to Gezer, ending at the sea.
4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph,
19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have
given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of wa- received their inheritance.
ter.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. 5 This was the territory of Ephraim, clan by clan:
20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, clan by The boundary of their inheritance went from
clan: Ataroth Addar in the east to Upper Beth Horon
6 and continued to the sea. From Micmethath on
21 The southernmost towns of the tribe of Judah in the the north it curved eastward to Taanath Shiloh,
Negev toward the boundary of Edom were: passing by it to Janoah on the east. 7 Then it went
Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 22 Kinah, Dimonah, Ada- down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah,
dah, 23 Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24 Ziph, Telem, Bea- touched Jericho and came out at the Jordan.
loth, 25 Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth Hezron (that is, 8 From Tappuah the border went west to the Ka-
Hazor), 26 Amam, Shema, Moladah, 27 Hazar Gad- nah Ravine and ended at the sea. This was the in-
dah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, 28 Hazar Shual, Beer- heritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites, clan by
sheba, Biziothiah, 29 Baalah, Iim, Ezem, 30 Eltolad, clan. 9 It also included all the towns and their vil-
Kesil, Hormah, 31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, lages that were set aside for the Ephraimites with-
32 Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain and Rimmon—a total of in the inheritance of the Manassites.
twenty-nine towns and their villages. 10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer;
33 Inthe western foothills: to this day the Canaanites live among the people of
Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 34 Zanoah, En Gannim, Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Tappuah, Enam, 35 Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Aze-
kah, 36 Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gede- 17 This was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as
Joseph’s firstborn, that is, for Makir, Manasseh’s
firstborn. Makir was the ancestor of the Gileadites, who
rothaim) c—fourteen towns and their villages.
37 Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal Gad, 38 Dilean, Miz- had received Gilead and Bashan because the Makirites
pah, Joktheel, 39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, 40 Cab- were great soldiers. 2 So this allotment was for the rest of
bon, Lahmas, Kitlish, 41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Na- the people of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek,
amah and Makkedah—sixteen towns and their Asriel, Shechem, Hepher and Shemida. These are the
villages. other male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by
42 Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43 Iphtah, Ashnah, Ne- their clans.
3 Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead,
zib, 44 Keilah, Aczib and Mareshah—nine towns
and their villages. the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but
45 Ekron, with its surrounding settlements and only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah,
villages; 46 west of Ekron, all that were in the vicin- Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. 4 They went to Eleazar the
priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said,
ity of Ashdod, together with their villages; 47 Ash-
“The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance
dod, its surrounding settlements and villages; and
among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheri-
Gaza, its settlements and villages, as far as the
tance along with the brothers of their father, according
Wadi of Egypt and the coastline of the Great Sea.
to the LORD’s command. 5 Manasseh’s share consisted of
48 In the hill country: ten tracts of land besides Gilead and Bashan east of the
Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, 49 Dannah, Kiriath Sannah Jordan, 6 because the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh
a 12 That is, the Mediterranean; also in verse 47 b 18 Hebrew and some Septuagint manuscripts; other Septuagint manuscripts (see
also note at Judges 1:14) Othniel, he urged her c 36 Or Gederah and Gederothaim d 1 Jordan of Jericho was possibly an ancient name
for the Jordan River. e 2 Septuagint; Hebrew Bethel to Luz
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Jordan, c 50 Also known as Timnath Heres (see Judges 2:9) d 8 Jordan of Jericho was possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River.
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tire journey and among all the nations through which Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had
we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.
nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. 32 And Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had
We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.” brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the
19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to tract of land that Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of
serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He silver b from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you This became the inheritance of Joseph’s descendants.
forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn 33 And Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at
and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after Gibeah, which had been allotted to his son Phinehas in
he has been good to you.” the hill country of Ephraim.
a 30 Also known as Timnath Heres (see Judges 2:9) b 32 Hebrew hundred kesitahs; a kesitah was a unit of money of unknown weight
and value.
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Judges
Israel Fights the Remaining Canaanites sites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebu-
sites live there with the Benjamites.
1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the
LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us
against the Canaanites?”
22 Now the house of Joseph attacked Bethel, and the
LORD was with them. 23 When they sent men to spy out
2 The LORD answered, “Judah is to go; I have given the Bethel (formerly called Luz), 24 the spies saw a man
land into their hands.” coming out of the city and they said to him, “Show us
3 Then the men of Judah said to the Simeonites their how to get into the city and we will see that you are
brothers, “Come up with us into the territory allotted treated well.” 25 So he showed them, and they put the
to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go city to the sword but spared the man and his whole
with you into yours.” So the Simeonites went with family. 26 He then went to the land of the Hittites, where
them. he built a city and called it Luz, which is its name to this
4 When Judah attacked, the LORD gave the Canaanites day.
and Perizzites into their hands and they struck down 27 But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth
ten thousand men at Bezek. 5 It was there that they Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their
found Adoni-Bezek and fought against him, putting to surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were deter-
rout the Canaanites and Perizzites. 6 Adoni-Bezek fled, mined to live in that land. 28 When Israel became
but they chased him and caught him, and cut off his strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor
thumbs and big toes. but never drove them out completely. 29 Nor did Ephra-
7 Then Adoni-Bezek said, “Seventy kings with their
im drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, but the Ca-
thumbs and big toes cut off have picked up scraps un- naanites continued to live there among them. 30 Neither
der my table. Now God has paid me back for what I did did Zebulun drive out the Canaanites living in Kitron
to them.” They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died or Nahalol, who remained among them; but they did
there. subject them to forced labor. 31 Nor did Asher drive out
8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem also and took
those living in Acco or Sidon or Ahlab or Aczib or Hel-
it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire. bah or Aphek or Rehob, 32 and because of this the people
9 After that, the men of Judah went down to fight
of Asher lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the
against the Canaanites living in the hill country, the land. 33 Neither did Naphtali drive out those living in
Negev and the western foothills. 10 They advanced Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath; but the Naphtalites too
against the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, and
called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and those living in Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath became
Talmai. forced laborers for them. 34 The Amorites confined the
11 From there they advanced against the people living
Danites to the hill country, not allowing them to come
in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). 12 And Caleb down into the plain. 35 And the Amorites were deter-
said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the mined also to hold out in Mount Heres, Aijalon and
man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” 13 Othni- Shaalbim, but when the power of the house of Joseph
el son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it; so Ca- increased, they too were pressed into forced labor.
leb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. 36 The boundary of the Amorites was from Scorpion f
14 One day when she came to Othniel, she urged
Pass to Sela and beyond.
him a to ask her father for a field. When she got off her
donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?” The Angel of the LORD at Bokim
15 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have
given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of wa-
ter.” Then Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
2intoThe angel of the L ORDwent up from Gilgal to Bokim
and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you
the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. I
16 The descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Ke-
said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you
nite, went up from the City of Palms b with the men of shall not make a covenant with the people of this land,
Judah to live among the people of the Desert of Judah in but you shall break down their altars.’ Yet you have dis-
the Negev near Arad. obeyed me. Why have you done this? 3 Now therefore I
17 Then the men of Judah went with the Simeonites
tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they
their brothers and attacked the Canaanites living in Ze- will be õthornsÕ in your sides and their gods will be a
phath, and they totally destroyed c the city. Therefore it snare to you.”
was called Hormah. d 18 The men of Judah also took e 4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these
Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron—each city with its territory. things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud, 5 and
19 The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took
they called that place Bokim. g There they offered sacri-
possession of the hill country, but they were unable to fices to the LORD.
drive the people from the plains, because they had iron
chariots. 20 As Moses had promised, Hebron was given Disobedience and Defeat
to Caleb, who drove from it the three sons of Anak. 6 After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went
21 The Benjamites, however, failed to dislodge the Jebu- to take possession of the land, each to his own inheri-
a 14 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate Othniel, he urged her b 16 That is, Jericho c 17 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving
over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them. d 17 Hormah means destruction. e 18 Hebrew; Septuagint
Judah did not take f 36 Hebrew Akrabbim g 5 Bokim means weepers.
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quarries; also in verse 26 i 20 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. j 23 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word
is uncertain.
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will praise f 7 Or Warriors g 7 Or you h 11 Or archers; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. i 11 Or villagers
j 16 Or saddlebags
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28 “Through the window peered Sisera’s mother; an ephah b of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting
behind the lattice she cried out, the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought
‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? them out and offered them to him under the oak.
20 The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and
Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?’
29 The wisest of her ladies answer her; the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and
indeed, she keeps saying to herself, pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. 21 With the tip of
30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoils: the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD
a girl or two for each man, touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared
colorful garments as plunder for Sisera, from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And
the angel of the LORD disappeared. 22 When Gideon real-
colorful garments embroidered,
ized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Ah,
highly embroidered garments for my neck—
Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to
all this as plunder?’
face!”
23 But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid.
31 “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! You are not going to die.”
But may they who love you be like the sun 24 So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and
when it rises in its strength.” called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Oph-
Then the land had peace forty years. rah of the Abiezrites.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, “Take the
Gideon second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years
6the and
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the L
for seven years he gave them into the hands of
2
Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so
, ORD old. c Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down
the Asherah pole d beside it. 26 Then build a proper kind
of e altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height.
oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for them- Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down,
selves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. offer the second f bull as a burnt offering.”
3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midi- 27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the
anites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family
the country. 4 They camped on the land and ruined the and the men of the town, he did it at night rather than in
crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living the daytime.
thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 28 In the morning when the men of the town got up,
5 They came up with their livestock and their tents like there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah
swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count the men pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed
and their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. on the newly built altar!
6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried 29 They asked each other, “Who did this?”
out to the LORD for help. When they carefully investigated, they were told,
7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of “Gideon son of Joash did it.”
Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, “This is 30 The men of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring
a 15 Or sir b 19 That is, probably about 3/5 bushel (about 22 liters) c 25 Or Take a full-grown, mature bull from your father’s herd
d 25 That is, a symbol of the goddess Asherah; here and elsewhere in Judges e 26 Or build with layers of stone an f 26 Or full-grown;
also in verse 28
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your son and your grandson—because you have saved which cheers both gods and men, to hold sway over the
us out of the hand of Midian.” trees?’
23 But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor 14 “Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come
will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.” and be our king.’
24 And he said, “I do have one request, that each of you 15 “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really
give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” (It want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge
was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold ear- in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the
rings.) thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’
25 They answered, “We’ll be glad to give them.” So 16 “Now if you have acted honorably and in good
they spread out a garment, and each man threw a ring faith when you made Abimelech king, and if you have
from his plunder onto it. 26 The weight of the gold rings been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family, and if you have
he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, b not treated him as he deserves— 17 and to think that my fa-
counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple ther fought for you, risked his life to rescue you from the
garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains hand of Midian 18 (but today you have revolted against
that were on their camels’ necks. 27 Gideon made the my father’s family, murdered his seventy sons on a sin-
gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his gle stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl,
town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it king over the citizens of Shechem because he is your
there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. brother)— 19 if then you have acted honorably and in
good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today, may
Gideon’s Death Abimelech be your joy, and may you be his, too! 20 But if
28 Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites you have not, let fire come out from Abimelech and
and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s life- consume you, citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and
time, the land enjoyed peace forty years. let fire come out from you, citizens of Shechem and
29 Jerub-Baal son of Joash went back home to live. Beth Millo, and consume Abimelech!”
30 He had seventy sons of his own, for he had many 21 Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived
wives. 31 His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech.
bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. 32 Gideon 22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years,
son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in 23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the
the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against
a8 Hebrew Penuel, a variant of Peniel; also in verses 9 and 17 b 26 That is, about 43 pounds (about 19.5 kilograms) c4 That is, about
1 3/4 pounds (about 0.8 kilogram)
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to Abimelech. and captured it. 51 Inside the city, however, was a strong
26 Now Gaal son of Ebed moved with his brothers tower, to which all the men and women—all the people
into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in of the city—fled. They locked themselves in and
him. 27 After they had gone out into the fields and gath- climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelech went to the
ered the grapes and trodden them, they held a festival in tower and stormed it. But as he approached the en-
the temple of their god. While they were eating and trance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped
drinking, they cursed Abimelech. 28 Then Gaal son of an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.
Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, 54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, “Draw
that we should be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s your sword and kill me, so that they can’t say, ‘A woman
son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the men of Ha- killed him.’ ” So his servant ran him through, and he
mor, Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abime- died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was
lech? 29 If only this people were under my command! dead, they went home.
Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelech, 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech
‘Call out your whole army!’ ” a had done to his father by murdering his seventy broth-
30 When Zebul the governor of the city heard what ers. 57 God also made the men of Shechem pay for all
Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry. 31 Under cover their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal
he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Gaal son of came on them.
Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are
stirring up the city against you. 32 Now then, during the
Tola
night you and your men should come and lie in wait in
the fields. 33 In the morning at sunrise, advance against 10 After the time of Abimelech a man of Issachar,
Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Is-
rael. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim.
the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, 2 He led c Israel twenty-three years; then he died, and
do whatever your hand finds to do.”
34 So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night was buried in Shamir.
and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four Jair
companies. 35 Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and 3 He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel
was standing at the entrance to the city gate just as twenty-two years. 4 He had thirty sons, who rode thirty
Abimelech and his soldiers came out from their hiding donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which
place. to this day are called Havvoth Jair. d 5 When Jair died, he
36 When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look,
was buried in Kamon.
people are coming down from the tops of the moun-
tains!” Jephthah
Zebul replied, “You mistake the shadows of the 6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD.
mountains for men.” They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods
37 But Gaal spoke up again: “Look, people are coming of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods
down from the center of the land, and a company is of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And
coming from the direction of the soothsayers’ tree.” because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer
38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your big talk served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them
now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites,
be subject to him?’ Aren’t these the men you ridiculed? 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eigh-
Go out and fight them!” teen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east
39 So Gaal led out b the citizens of Shechem and side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
fought Abimelech. 40 Abimelech chased him, and many 9 The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan to fight
fell wounded in the flight—all the way to the entrance to against Judah, Benjamin and the house of Ephraim;
the gate. 41 Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul and Israel was in great distress. 10 Then the Israelites
drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem. cried out to the LORD, “We have sinned against you, for-
42 The next day the people of Shechem went out to saking our God and serving the Baals.”
the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech. 43 So he 11 The LORD replied, “When the Egyptians, the Amo-
took his men, divided them into three companies and rites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians,
set an ambush in the fields. When he saw the people the Amalekites and the Maonites e oppressed you and
coming out of the city, he rose to attack them. 44 Abime- you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their
lech and the companies with him rushed forward to a hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other
position at the entrance to the city gate. Then two com- gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the
panies rushed upon those in the fields and struck them gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are
down. 45 All that day Abimelech pressed his attack in trouble!”
against the city until he had captured it and killed its 15 But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have
people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please
over it. rescue us now.” 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods
46 On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of She- among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Is-
chem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Be- rael’s misery no longer.
rith. 47 When Abimelech heard that they had assembled 17 When the Ammonites were called to arms and
there, 48 he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon. He camped in Gilead, the Israelites assembled and
took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to camped at Mizpah. 18 The leaders of the people of Gile-
a 29 Septuagint; Hebrew him.” Then he said to Abimelech, “Call out your whole army!” b 39 Or Gaal went out in the sight of
c2 Traditionally judged; also in verse 3 d 4 Or called the settlements of Jair e 12 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts Midianites
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“This is what Jephthah says: Israel did not take the months. She and the girls went into the hills and wept
land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites. 16 But because she would never marry. 39 After the two
when they came up out of Egypt, Israel went months, she returned to her father and he did to her as
through the desert to the Red Sea a and on to Ka- he had vowed. And she was a virgin.
desh. 17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of From this comes the Israelite custom 40 that each
Edom, saying, ‘Give us permission to go through year the young women of Israel go out for four days to
your country,’ but the king of Edom would not lis- commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.
ten. They sent also to the king of Moab, and he re- Jephthah and Ephraim
fused. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 “Next they traveled through the desert, skirted
the lands of Edom and Moab, passed along the 12 The men of Ephraim called out their forces,
crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah,
“Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling
eastern side of the country of Moab, and camped
on the other side of the Arnon. They did not enter us to go with you? We’re going to burn down your house
the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was its border. over your head.”
19 “Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of 2 Jephthah answered, “I and my people were en-
the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and said to gaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and al-
him, ‘Let us pass through your country to our own though I called, you didn’t save me out of their hands.
3 When I saw that you wouldn’t help, I took my life in
place.’ 20 Sihon, however, did not trust Israel b to
pass through his territory. He mustered all his men my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and
and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have
21 “Then the LORD, the God of Israel, gave Sihon you come up today to fight me?”
4 Jephthah then called together the men of Gilead
and all his men into Israel’s hands, and they de-
feated them. Israel took over all the land of the and fought against Ephraim. The Gileadites struck
Amorites who lived in that country, 22 capturing all them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gil-
of it from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the eadites are renegades from Ephraim and Manasseh.”
5 The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading
desert to the Jordan.
23 “Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said,
driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead asked him, “Are
what right have you to take it over? 24 Will you not you an Ephraimite?” If he replied, “No,” 6 they said, “All
take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, right, say ‘Shibboleth.’ ” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because
whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized
a 16 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds b 20 Or however, would not make an agreement for Israel c 27 Or Ruler
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13 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the L , Samson’s Marriage
so the L delivered them into the hands of the
ORD
Philistines for forty years.
ORD
a7 Traditionally judged; also in verses 8–14 b 18 Or is wonderful c 15 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew seventh
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used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Naz- silver to his mother, she said, “I solemnly consecrate
irite set apart to God since birth. If my head were my silver to the LORD for my son to make a carved image
shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would be- and a cast idol. I will give it back to you.”
come as weak as any other man.” 4 So he returned the silver to his mother, and she
18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, took two hundred shekels e of silver and gave them to a
she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come silversmith, who made them into the image and the
back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rul- idol. And they were put in Micah’s house.
ers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their 5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an
hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as
a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so his priest. 6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone
began to subdue him. b And his strength left him. did as he saw fit.
20 Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon 7 A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had
you!” been living within the clan of Judah, 8 left that town in
He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as search of some other place to stay. On his way f he came
before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
the LORD had left him. 9 Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said,
eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. 10 Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my
22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it
father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels g of silver
had been shaved. a year, your clothes and your food.” 11 So the Levite
The Death of Samson agreed to live with him, and the young man was to him
23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer like one of his sons. 12 Then Micah installed the Levite,
a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, and the young man became his priest and lived in his
saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into house. 13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the LORD
our hands.” will be good to me, since this Levite has become my
24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, priest.”
saying, Danites Settle in Laish
“Our god has delivered our enemy
into our hands,
the one who laid waste our land
18 In those days Israel had no king.
And in those days the tribe of the Danites was
seeking a place of their own where they might settle,
and multiplied our slain.” because they had not yet come into an inheritance
25 While
they were in high spirits, they shouted, among the tribes of Israel. 2 So the Danites sent five
“Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Sam- warriors from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land
son out of the prison, and he performed for them. and explore it. These men represented all their clans.
When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson They told them, “Go, explore the land.”
said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and
can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I came to the house of Micah, where they spent the
may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded night. 3 When they were near Micah’s house, they recog-
with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines nized the voice of the young Levite; so they turned in
were there, and on the roof were about three thousand there and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are
men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then you doing in this place? Why are you here?”
4 He told them what Micah had done for him, and
Samson prayed to the LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, remem-
ber me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, said, “He has hired me and I am his priest.”
5 Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to
and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines
for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the learn whether our journey will be successful.”
6 The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your jour-
two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing
himself against them, his right hand on the one and his ney has the LORD’s approval.”
7 So the five men left and came to Laish, where they
left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with
the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidoni-
down came the temple on the rulers and all the people ans, unsuspecting and secure. And since their land
in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than lacked nothing, they were prosperous. h Also, they lived
while he lived. a long way from the Sidonians and had no relationship
31 Then his brothers and his father’s whole family with anyone else. i
a 13,14 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew “õI canÕ if you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric õon the loomÕ.” 14So she
b 19 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts and he began to weaken c 31 Traditionally judged d 2 That is, about 28 pounds (about
13 kilograms) e 4 That is, about 5 pounds (about 2.3 kilograms) f 8 Or To carry on his profession g 10 That is, about 4 ounces
(about 110 grams) h 7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain. i 7 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts with the
Arameans
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about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!” Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD.
They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt
Israelites Fight the Benjamites offerings and fellowship offerings c to the LORD. 27 And
20 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and
from the land of Gilead came out as one man and
assembled before the L 2
in Mizpah. The leaders of
ORD
the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the
ark of the covenant of God was there, 28 with Phinehas
son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.)
all the people of the tribes of Israel took their places in They asked, “Shall we go up again to battle with Benja-
the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thou- min our brother, or not?”
sand soldiers armed with swords. 3 (The Benjamites The LORD responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give
heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) Then them into your hands.”
the Israelites said, “Tell us how this awful thing hap- 29 Then Israel set an ambush around Gibeah. 30 They
pened.” went up against the Benjamites on the third day and
4 So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman,
took up positions against Gibeah as they had done be-
said, “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin fore. 31 The Benjamites came out to meet them and were
to spend the night. 5 During the night the men of Gibe- drawn away from the city. They began to inflict casual-
ah came after me and surrounded the house, intending ties on the Israelites as before, so that about thirty men
to kill me. They raped my concubine, and she died. 6 I fell in the open field and on the roads—the one leading
took my concubine, cut her into pieces and sent one to Bethel and the other to Gibeah.
piece to each region of Israel’s inheritance, because 32 While the Benjamites were saying, “We are defeat-
they committed this lewd and disgraceful act in Israel. ing them as before,” the Israelites were saying, “Let’s re-
7 Now, all you Israelites, speak up and give your verdict.”
treat and draw them away from the city to the roads.”
8 All the people rose as one man, saying, “None of us 33 All the men of Israel moved from their places and
will go home. No, not one of us will return to his house. took up positions at Baal Tamar, and the Israelite am-
9 But now this is what we’ll do to Gibeah: We’ll go up
bush charged out of its place on the west d of Gibeah. e
against it as the lot directs. 10 We’ll take ten men out of 34 Then ten thousand of Israel’s finest men made a fron-
every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and a hun- tal attack on Gibeah. The fighting was so heavy that the
dred from a thousand, and a thousand from ten thou- Benjamites did not realize how near disaster was. 35 The
sand, to get provisions for the army. Then, when the LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day
army arrives at Gibeah a in Benjamin, it can give them the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed
what they deserve for all this vileness done in Israel.” with swords. 36 Then the Benjamites saw that they were
11 So all the men of Israel got together and united as one
beaten.
man against the city. Now the men of Israel had given way before Benja-
12 The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe min, because they relied on the ambush they had set
of Benjamin, saying, “What about this awful crime that near Gibeah. 37 The men who had been in ambush
was committed among you? 13 Now surrender those made a sudden dash into Gibeah, spread out and put
wicked men of Gibeah so that we may put them to the whole city to the sword. 38 The men of Israel had ar-
death and purge the evil from Israel.” ranged with the ambush that they should send up a
But the Benjamites would not listen to their fellow great cloud of smoke from the city, 39 and then the men
Israelites. 14 From their towns they came together at of Israel would turn in the battle.
Gibeah to fight against the Israelites. 15 At once the Ben- The Benjamites had begun to inflict casualties on
jamites mobilized twenty-six thousand swordsmen the men of Israel (about thirty), and they said, “We are
from their towns, in addition to seven hundred chosen defeating them as in the first battle.” 40 But when the
men from those living in Gibeah. 16 Among all these sol- column of smoke began to rise from the city, the Benja-
diers there were seven hundred chosen men who were mites turned and saw the smoke of the whole city going
left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair up into the sky. 41 Then the men of Israel turned on
and not miss. them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified, because
17 Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hun- they realized that disaster had come upon them. 42 So
dred thousand swordsmen, all of them fighting men. they fled before the Israelites in the direction of the
18 The Israelites went up to Bethel b and inquired of desert, but they could not escape the battle. And the
a 10 One Hebrew manuscript; most Hebrew manuscripts Geba, a variant of Gibeah b 18 Or to the house of God; also in verse 26
c 26 Traditionally peace offerings d 33 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
e 33 Hebrew Geba, a variant of Gibeah
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sented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. c hide in the vineyards 21 and watch. When the girls of
5 Then the Israelites asked, “Who from all the tribes Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, then rush from
of Israel has failed to assemble before the LORD?” For the vineyards and each of you seize a wife from the girls
they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to of Shiloh and go to the land of Benjamin. 22 When their
assemble before the LORD at Mizpah should certainly fathers or brothers complain to us, we will say to them,
be put to death. ‘Do us a kindness by helping them, because we did not
6 Now the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the get wives for them during the war, and you are inno-
Benjamites. “Today one tribe is cut off from Israel,” they cent, since you did not give your daughters to them.’ ”
23 So that is what the Benjamites did. While the girls
said. 7 “How can we provide wives for those who are left,
since we have taken an oath by the LORD not to give were dancing, each man caught one and carried her off
them any of our daughters in marriage?” 8 Then they to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance
asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to as- and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.
semble before the LORD at Mizpah?” They discovered 24 At that time the Israelites left that place and went
that no one from Jabesh Gilead had come to the camp home to their tribes and clans, each to his own inheri-
for the assembly. 9 For when they counted the people, tance.
they found that none of the people of Jabesh Gilead 25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he
were there. saw fit.
a 43 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b2 Or to the house of God c4 Traditionally peace offerings
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Ruth
Naomi and Ruth 22 So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by
Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in
1 In the days when the judges ruled, a there was a fam-
ine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah,
together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a
Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let
show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the
and to me. 9 May the LORD grant that each of you will harvesters.’ She went into the field and has worked
find rest in the home of another husband.” steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in
Then she kissed them and they wept aloud 10 and the shelter.”
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me.
said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”
11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away
would you come with me? Am I going to have any more from here. Stay here with my servant girls. 9 Watch the
sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return field where the men are harvesting, and follow along af-
home, my daughters; I am too old to have another hus- ter the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And
band. Even if I thought there was still hope for me— whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the
even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to water jars the men have filled.”
10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the
sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you
remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in
more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’s your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you
hand has gone out against me!”
14 At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her have done for your mother-in-law since the death of
mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. your husband—how you left your father and mother
15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going and your homeland and came to live with a people you
back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the
turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have
you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and come to take refuge.”
13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my
your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there
I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort and have
severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have
18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go the standing of one of your servant girls.”
with her, she stopped urging her. 14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here.
19 So the two women went on until they came to Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”
Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered
town was stirred because of them, and the women ex- her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had
claimed, “Can this be Naomi?” some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders
20 “Don’t call me Naomi, b” she told them. “Call me to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves,
Mara, c because the Almighty d has made my life very don’t embarrass her. 16 Rather, pull out some stalks for
bitter. 21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up,
back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted e and don’t rebuke her.”
me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” 17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then
a1 Traditionally judged b 20 Naomi means pleasant; also in verse 21. c 20 Mara means bitter. d 20 Hebrew Shaddai; also in
verse 21 e 21 Or has testified against
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had left over after she had eaten enough. saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-
19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you handed.’ ”
glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man 18 Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you
who took notice of you!” find out what happens. For the man will not rest until
Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at the matter is settled today.”
whose place she had been working. “The name of the Boaz Marries Ruth
man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.
20 “The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-
in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the 4tioned
Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat
there. When the kinsman-redeemer he had men-
came along, Boaz said, “Come over here, my
living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close
relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said,
21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He even said to
me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the kins-
my grain.’ ” man-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from
22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our
brother Elimelech. 4 I thought I should bring the matter
good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because
to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the
in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”
23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to presence of these seated here and in the presence of the
elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if
glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished.
you d will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the
And she lived with her mother-in-law. right to do it except you, and I am next in line.”
Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor “I will redeem it,” he said.
5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from
Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate and Syriac she d 4 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts
he e 5 Hebrew; Vulgate and Syriac Naomi, you acquire Ruth the Moabitess,
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a 20A few Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate (see also verse 21 and Septuagint of 1 Chron. 2:11); most
Hebrew manuscripts Salma
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1 Samuel
The Birth of Samuel vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “Af-
ter the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him
1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuph-
ite a from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name
was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of
before the LORD, and he will live there always.”
23 “Do what seems best to you,” Elkanah her hus-
Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two band told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him;
wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. only may the LORD make good his d word.” So the wom-
Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. an stayed at home and nursed her son until she had
3 Year after year this man went up from his town to weaned him.
24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her,
worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh,
where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, e an
priests of the LORD. 4 Whenever the day came for Elka- ephah f of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to
nah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25 When they had
his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and
5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he she said to him, “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the
loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And be- woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.
27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me
cause the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept
provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For
year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he
of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and worshiped the LORD there.
would not eat. 8 Elkanah her husband would say to her,
“Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat?
Hannah’s Prayer
Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you
than ten sons?”
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in
2“My
Then Hannah prayed and said:
Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac your e 24 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac; Masoretic Text with three bulls f 24 That
is, probably about 3/5 bushel (about 22 liters) g 1 Horn here symbolizes strength; also in verse 10. h 2 Or no Holy One i 6 Hebrew
Sheol
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17 This sin of the young men was very great in the 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak
LORD’s sight, for they a were treating the LORD’s offering that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual
with contempt. place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and
18 But Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a Samuel was lying down in the temple d of the LORD,
boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Sam-
made him a little robe and took it to him when she uel.
went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli
20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
LORD give you children by this woman to take the place But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So
of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.” Then he went and lay down.
6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got
they would go home. 21 And the LORD was gracious to
Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie
up in the presence of the LORD. down.”
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of
his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel
the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of
Meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you
things? I hear from all the people about these wicked called me.”
deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls
that I hear spreading among the LORD’s people. 25 If a
man sins against another man, God b may mediate for you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So
him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will inter- Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the
cede for him?” His sons, however, did not listen to their
father’s rebuke, for it was the LORD’s will to put them to other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
death. Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listen-
26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature ing.”
11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do
and in favor with the LORD and with men.
something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone
Prophecy Against the House of Eli who hears of it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out
27 Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal my- beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge
self to your father’s house when they were in Egypt un- his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his
der Pharaoh? 28 I chose your father out of all the tribes of sons made themselves contemptible, e and he failed to
Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn in- restrain them. 14 Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli,
cense, and to wear an ephod in my presence. I also gave ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sac-
your father’s house all the offerings made with fire by rifice or offering.’ ”
the Israelites. 29 Why do you c scorn my sacrifice and of- 15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened
fering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell
honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel,
on the choice parts of every offering made by my people my son.”
Israel?’ Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
30 “Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I 17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not
promised that your house and your father’s house hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so se-
would minister before me forever.’ But now the LORD verely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So
a 17 Or men b 25 Or the judges c 29 The Hebrew is plural. d3 That is, tabernacle e 13 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew
scribal tradition and Septuagint sons blasphemed God
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4 And Samuel’s word came to all Israel. has departed from Israel”—because of the capture of
the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and
her husband. 22 She said, “The glory has departed from
The Philistines Capture the Ark Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”
Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Phi-
listines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Phi- The Ark in Ashdod and Ekron
listines at Aphek. 2 The Philistines deployed their forces
to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was de-
feated by the Philistines, who killed about four thou-
5carried
After the Philistines had captured the ark of God,
they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they2
the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside
sand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers re- Dagon. 3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next
turned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground
LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put
Let us bring the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Shiloh, him back in his place. 4 But the following morning when
so that it a may go with us and save us from the hand of they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the
our enemies.” ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands
4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought had been broken off and were lying on the threshold;
back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who only his body remained. 5 That is why to this day neither
is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon’s
Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.
covenant of God. 6 The LORD’s hand was heavy upon the people of
5 When the ark of the LORD’s covenant came into the Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon
camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the them and afflicted them with tumors. d 7 When the men
ground shook. 6 Hearing the uproar, the Philistines of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark
asked, “What’s all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?” of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because
When they learned that the ark of the LORD had his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god.”
come into the camp, 7 the Philistines were afraid. “A god 8 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines
has come into the camp,” they said. “We’re in trouble! and asked them, “What shall we do with the ark of the
Nothing like this has happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who god of Israel?”
will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They answered, “Have the ark of the god of Israel
They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all moved to Gath.” So they moved the ark of the God of Is-
kinds of plagues in the desert. 9 Be strong, Philistines! rael.
Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they 9 But after they had moved it, the LORD’s hand was
have been to you. Be men, and fight!” against that city, throwing it into a great panic. He af-
10 So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were flicted the people of the city, both young and old, with
defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter an outbreak of tumors. e 10 So they sent the ark of God to
was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. Ekron.
11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, As the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people of
Hophni and Phinehas, died. Ekron cried out, “They have brought the ark of the god
of Israel around to us to kill us and our people.” 11 So
Death of Eli they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and
12 That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line
said, “Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go
and went to Shiloh, his clothes torn and dust on his back to its own place, or it f will kill us and our people.”
head. 13 When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was
chair by the side of the road, watching, because his very heavy upon it. 12 Those who did not die were af-
heart feared for the ark of God. When the man entered flicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to
the town and told what had happened, the whole town heaven.
sent up a cry.
14 Eli heard the outcry and asked, “What is the mean- The Ark Returned to Israel
ing of this uproar?”
The man hurried over to Eli, 15 who was ninety-eight
years old and whose eyes were set so that he could not
6 When the ark of the LORD had been in Philistine ter-
ritory seven months, 2 the Philistines called for the
priests and the diviners and said, “What shall we do
see. 16 He told Eli, “I have just come from the battle line; with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how we should send it
I fled from it this very day.” back to its place.”
Eli asked, “What happened, my son?” 3 They answered, “If you return the ark of the god of
17 The man who brought the news replied, “Israel Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means send
fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered a guilt offering to him. Then you will be healed, and you
heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phine- will know why his hand has not been lifted from you.”
has, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 4 The Philistines asked, “What guilt offering should
18 When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell back- we send to him?”
ward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was They replied, “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,
broken and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. according to the number of the Philistine rulers, be-
He had led b Israel forty years. cause the same plague has struck both you and your
a 3 Or he b 18 Traditionally judged c 21 Ichabod means no glory. d 6 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate tumors. And rats appeared in
their land, and death and destruction were throughout the city e 9 Or with tumors in the groin (see Septuagint) f 11 Or he
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your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. vealed this to Samuel: 16 “About this time tomorrow I
14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint
olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my
take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked
to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and upon my people, for their cry has reached me.”
maidservants and the best of your cattle a and donkeys 17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to
he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will gov-
your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. ern my people.”
18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from 18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and
the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s
you in that day.” house is?”
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” 19 “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of
they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me,
all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all
before us and fight our battles.” that is in your heart. 20 As for the donkeys you lost three
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he re- days ago, do not worry about them; they have been
peated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if
to them and give them a king.” not to you and all your father’s family?”
21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from
Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Everyone go
back to his town.” the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least
of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say
Samuel Anoints Saul such a thing to me?”
9sonThere was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose
name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the
of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. He 2
22 Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the
hall and seated them at the head of those who were in-
vited—about thirty in number. 23 Samuel said to the
had a son named Saul, an impressive young man with- cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told
out equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any you to lay aside.”
of the others. 24 So the cook took up the leg with what was on it
3 Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish
and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what
were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for
servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” 4 So you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invit-
he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and ed guests.’ ” And Saul dined with Samuel that day.
through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find 25 After they came down from the high place to the
them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house.
donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the 26 They rose about daybreak and Samuel called to Saul
territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them. on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to
way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside
the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or together. 27 As they were going down to the edge of the
my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on
start worrying about us.” ahead of us”—and the servant did so—“but you stay
6 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is
here awhile, so that I may give you a message from
a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he God.”
says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell
us what way to take.”
7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give
10 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on
Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the
LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance? c 2 When
the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift you leave me today, you will meet two men near Ra-
to take to the man of God. What do we have?” chel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They
8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for
have a quarter of a shekel b of silver. I will give it to the have been found. And now your father has stopped
man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.” thinking about them and is worried about you. He is
9 (Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he asking, “What shall I do about my son?” ’
would say, “Come, let us go to the seer,” because the 3 “Then you will go on from there until you reach the
prophet of today used to be called a seer.) great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Beth-
10 “Good,” Saul said to his servant. “Come, let’s go.” So el will meet you there. One will be carrying three young
they set out for the town where the man of God was. goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin
11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they of wine. 4 They will greet you and offer you two loaves of
met some girls coming out to draw water, and they bread, which you will accept from them.
asked them, “Is the seer here?” 5 “After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there
12 “He is,” they answered. “He’s ahead of you. Hurry is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you
now; he has just come to our town today, for the people will meet a procession of prophets coming down from
have a sacrifice at the high place. 13 As soon as you enter the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps
the town, you will find him before he goes up to the being played before them, and they will be prophesying.
high place to eat. The people will not begin eating until 6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and
he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after- you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed
a 16 Septuagint; Hebrew young men b 8 That is, about 1/10 ounce (about 3 grams) c 1 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate over his
people Israel? You will reign over the LORD’s people and save them from the power of their enemies round about. And this will be a sign to you
that the LORD has anointed you leader over his inheritance:
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save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you
But Saul kept silent. have not found anything in my hand.”
“He is witness,” they said.
Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh 6 Then Samuel said to the people, “It is the LORD who
army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in
the king of Moab, who fought against them. 10 They caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and
cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned; we cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the
have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the land of Gad and Gilead.
Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him
enemies, and we will serve you.’ 11 Then the LORD sent were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time
Jerub-Baal, a Barak, b Jephthah and Samuel, c and he de- set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and
livered you from the hands of your enemies on every Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the
side, so that you lived securely. burnt offering and the fellowship offerings. h” And Saul
12 “But when you saw that Nahash king of the Am- offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished mak-
monites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, ing the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to
we want a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD greet him.
11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel.
your God was your king. 13 Now here is the king you
have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scatter-
a king over you. 14 If you fear the LORD and serve and ing, and that you did not come at the set time, and that
obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I
both you and the king who reigns over you follow the thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against
LORD your God—good! 15 But if you do not obey the me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So
LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”
13 “You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not
will be against you, as it was against your fathers.
16 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you
LORD is about to do before your eyes! 17 Is it not wheat had, he would have established your kingdom over Isra-
harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder el for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure;
and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and
in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king.” appointed him leader of his people, because you have
18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same not kept the LORD’s command.”
15 Then Samuel left Gilgal i and went up to Gibeah in
day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people
stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with
19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD him. They numbered about six hundred.
your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we Israel Without Weapons
have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a 16 Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them
king.” were staying in Gibeah j in Benjamin, while the Philis-
20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done
tines camped at Micmash. 17 Raiding parties went out
all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One
serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away af- turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual, 18 anoth-
ter useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they er toward Beth Horon, and the third toward the border-
rescue you, because they are useless. 22For the sake of his land overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the desert.
great name the LORD will not reject his people, because 19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land
the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise
far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” 20 So all Israel
failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares,
is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and mattocks, axes and sickles k sharpened. 21 The price was
serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what two thirds of a shekel l for sharpening plowshares and
great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in mattocks, and a third of a shekel m for sharpening forks
doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” and axes and for repointing goads.
22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul
Samuel Rebukes Saul
and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only
13Saul
Saul was õthirtyÕ years old when he became king,
d
Saul and his son Jonathan had them.
and he reigned over Israel õforty-Õ two years.
e
2 chose three thousand men from Israel; two
f Jonathan Attacks the Philistines
thousand were with him at Micmash and in the hill 23 Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to
country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan
14
1
the pass at Micmash. One day Jonathan son of
at Gibeah in Benjamin. The rest of the men he sent back Saul said to the young man bearing his armor,
to their homes. “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the oth-
3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, er side.” But he did not tell his father.
and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul had the 2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a
trumpet blown throughout the land and said, “Let the pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six
Hebrews hear!” 4 So all Israel heard the news: “Saul has hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was
attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel has be- wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother
come a stench to the Philistines.” And the people were Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’s priest
summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.
5 The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three 4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to
a 11 Also called Gideon b 11 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew Bedan c 11 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts
and Syriac Samson d 1 A few late manuscripts of the Septuagint; Hebrew does not have thirty. e 1 See the round number in Acts
13:21; Hebrew does not have forty-. f 1,2 Or and when he had reigned over Israel two years, 2he g 5 Some Septuagint manuscripts and
Syriac; Hebrew thirty thousand h 9 Traditionally peace offerings i 15 Hebrew; Septuagint Gilgal and went his way; the rest of the
people went after Saul to meet the army, and they went out of Gilgal j 16 Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts Geba, a
variant of Gibeah k 20 Septuagint; Hebrew plowshares l 21 Hebrew pim; that is, about 1/4 ounce (about 8 grams) m 21 That is,
about 1/8 ounce (about 4 grams)
091Sa-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:38 AM Page 155
ward Geba. the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be any man
6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.”
go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. 29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the
Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hin- country. See how my eyes brightened f when I tasted a
der the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” little of this honey. 30 How much better it would have
7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder
said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter
8 Jonathan said, “Come, then; we will cross over to- of the Philistines have been even greater?”
31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the
ward the men and let them see us. 9 If they say to us,
‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, they were ex-
are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to hausted. 32 They pounced on the plunder and, taking
us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that sheep, cattle and calves, they butchered them on the
the LORD has given them into our hands.” ground and ate them, together with the blood. 33 Then
11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philis- someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning
tine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews against the LORD by eating meat that has blood in it.”
are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” 12 The “You have broken faith,” he said. “Roll a large stone
men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor- over here at once.” 34 Then he said, “Go out among the
bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.” men and tell them, ‘Each of you bring me your cattle and
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up af- sheep, and slaughter them here and eat them. Do not sin
ter me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” against the LORD by eating meat with blood still in it.’ ”
13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, So everyone brought his ox that night and slaugh-
with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines tered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it
fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and was the first time he had done this.
36 Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by
killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his
armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave
about half an acre. a one of them alive.”
“Do whatever seems best to you,” they replied.
Israel Routs the Philistines But the priest said, “Let us inquire of God here.”
15 Then panic struck the whole army—those in the 37 So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down after the Philis-
camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding tines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God
parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by did not answer him that day.
God. b 38 Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are
16 Saul’s lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has
army melting away in all directions. 17 Then Saul said to been committed today. 39 As surely as the LORD who res-
the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see cues Israel lives, even if it lies with my son Jonathan, he
who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and must die.” But not one of the men said a word.
his armor-bearer who were not there. 40 Saul then said to all the Israelites, “You stand over
18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (At that there; I and Jonathan my son will stand over here.”
time it was with the Israelites.) c 19 While Saul was talking “Do what seems best to you,” the men replied.
to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp in- 41 Then Saul prayed to the LORD, the God of Israel,
creased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Give me the right answer.” g And Jonathan and Saul
“Withdraw your hand.” were taken by lot, and the men were cleared. 42 Saul
20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to said, “Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son.”
the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, And Jonathan was taken.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you
striking each other with their swords. 21 Those Hebrews
who had previously been with the Philistines and had have done.”
gone up with them to their camp went over to the Isra- So Jonathan told him, “I merely tasted a little honey
elites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the with the end of my staff. And now must I die?”
44 Saul said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so se-
Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim
heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined verely, if you do not die, Jonathan.”
45 But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—
the battle in hot pursuit. 23 So the LORD rescued Israel
that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven. he who has brought about this great deliverance in Isra-
el? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his
Jonathan Eats Honey head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with
24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, be-
God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was
cause Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, not put to death.
“Cursed be any man who eats food before evening 46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and
comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” they withdrew to their own land.
So none of the troops tasted food. 47 After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought
25 The entire army d entered the woods, and there was against their enemies on every side: Moab, the Am-
honey on the ground. 26 When they went into the woods, monites, Edom, the kings h of Zobah, and the Philis-
they saw the honey oozing out, yet no one put his hand tines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on
to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27 But Jona- them. i 48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalek-
than had not heard that his father had bound the people ites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had
with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that plundered them.
a 14 Hebrew half a yoke; a “yoke” was the land plowed by a yoke of oxen in one day. b 15 Or a terrible panic c 18 Hebrew; Septuagint
“Bring the ephod.” (At that time he wore the ephod before the Israelites.) d 25 Or Now all the people of the land e 27 Or his strength was
renewed f 29 Or my strength was renewed g 41 Hebrew; Septuagint “Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in
me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault, respond with Thummim.” h 47 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea
Scrolls and Septuagint king i 47 Hebrew; Septuagint he was victorious
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of Saul’s army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and
uncle. 51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were
sacrifices
sons of Abiel.
52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave To obey is better than sacrifice,
man, he took him into his service. and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
The LORD Rejects Saul as King and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
15 Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the L sent to
anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen
now to the message from the L ORD 2
. This is what the
ORD
he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated
LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid
what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they of the people and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you,
came up from Egypt. 3 Now go, attack the Amalekites forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may
and totally destroy a everything that belongs to them.
worship the LORD.”
Do not spare them; put to death men and women, chil- 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with
dren and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and don-
keys.’ ” you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the
4 So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!”
27 As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the
Telaim—two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten
thousand men from Judah. 5 Saul went to the city of hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “The
Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. 6 Then he said LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and
to the Kenites, “Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better
do not destroy you along with them; for you showed than you. 29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or
kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should
Egypt.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. change his mind.”
30 Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me
7 Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from
Havilah to Shur, to the east of Egypt. 8 He took Agag king before the elders of my people and before Israel; come
of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally de- back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your
stroyed with the sword. 9 But Saul and the army spared God.” 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul wor-
Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat shiped the LORD.
32 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Am-
calves b and lambs—everything that was good. These
they were unwilling to destroy completely, but every- alekites.”
thing that was despised and weak they totally de- Agag came to him confidently, c thinking, “Surely the
stroyed. bitterness of death is past.”
10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 “I am 33 But Samuel said,
grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has “As your sword has made women childless,
turned away from me and has not carried out my in- so will your mother be childless among women.”
structions.” Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to
the LORD all that night. And Samuel put Agag to death before the LORD at Gilgal.
12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to 34 Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to
meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. his home in Gibeah of Saul. 35 Until the day Samuel
There he has set up a monument in his own honor and died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel
has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.” mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had
13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD made Saul king over Israel.
bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”
14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of Samuel Anoints David
sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I
hear?”
15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from
16 The L ORD said to Samuel, “How long will you
mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king
over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I
the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen
cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally one of his sons to be king.”
2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? Saul will hear
destroyed the rest.”
16 “Stop!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what about it and kill me.”
the LORD said to me last night.” The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I
“Tell me,” Saul replied. have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the
17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to
your own eyes, did you not become the head of the anoint for me the one I indicate.”
4 Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at
tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel.
18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and com- Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they
pletely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?”
make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ 5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacri-
19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce fice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the
on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?” sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his
20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought,
a3 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also in verses 8,
9, 15, 18, 20 and 21. b 9 Or the grown bulls; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. c 32 Or him trembling, yet
091Sa-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:38 AM Page 157
LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not
looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul?
the heart.” Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects;
front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our
chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass subjects and serve us.” 10 Then the Philistine said, “This
by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us
one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, fight each other.” 11 On hearing the Philistine’s words,
but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named
these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you
have?” Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he eight sons, and in Saul’s time he was old and well ad-
is tending the sheep.” vanced in years. 13 Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down a Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second,
until he arrives.” Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. 14 David was the
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David
with a fine appearance and handsome features. went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep
Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the at Bethlehem.
16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every
one.”
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in morning and evening and took his stand.
17 Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah f
the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the
Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your
then went to Ramah. brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these
ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. g See how
David in Saul’s Service your brothers are and bring back some assurance h
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Isra-
and an evil b spirit from the LORD tormented him. el in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”
15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit 20 Early in the morning David left the flock with a
from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed.
his servants here to search for someone who can play He reached the camp as the army was going out to its
the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the
comes upon you, and you will feel better.” Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each oth-
17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who er. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies,
plays well and bring him to me.” ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. 23 As he
18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion
Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his
is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 When the Israelites
fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him.” saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.
19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, 25 Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see
“Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 So how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy
Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who
and a young goat and sent them with his son David to kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage
Saul. and will exempt his father’s family from taxes in Israel.”
21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul 26 David asked the men standing near him, “What
liked him very much, and David became one of his ar- will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and re-
mor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, moves this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircum-
“Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased cised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the
with him.” living God?”
23 Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, 27 They repeated to him what they had been saying
David would take his harp and play. Then relief would and told him, “This is what will be done for the man
come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit who kills him.”
28 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him
would leave him.
speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him
David and Goliath and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with
17 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war
and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched
camp at Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.
whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I
know how conceited you are and how wicked your
heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the 29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even
Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the speak?” 30 He then turned away to someone else and
Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Is- brought up the same matter, and the men answered
raelites another, with the valley between them. him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and re-
4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, ported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.
came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet c 32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on ac-
tall. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a count of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight
coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand him.”
shekels d; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against
a 11 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew not gather around b 14 Or injurious; also in verses 15, 16 and 23 c 4 Hebrew was six cubits
and a span (about 3 meters) d 5 That is, about 125 pounds (about 57 kilograms) e 7 That is, about 15 pounds (about 7 kilograms)
f 17 That is, probably about 3/5 bushel (about 22 liters) g 18 Hebrew thousand h 18 Or some token; or some pledge of spoils
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keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came tine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with
and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, David still holding the Philistine’s head.
struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it 58 “Whose son are you, young man?” Saul asked him.
turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of
36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this Bethlehem.”
uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, be-
cause he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The
Saul’s Jealousy of David
LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and
the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of 18 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jona-
than became one in spirit with David, and he
2
loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David
this Philistine.”
Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” with him and did not let him return to his father’s
38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a house. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David be-
coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. cause he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the
39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his
walking around, because he was not used to them. tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
5 Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so suc-
“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am
not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took cessfully b that Saul gave him a high rank in the army.
This pleased all the people, and Saul’s officers as well.
his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the 6 When the men were returning home after David
stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag
had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all
and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philis-
the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and
tine. dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and
41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in
lutes. 7 As they danced, they sang:
front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked
David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and “Saul has slain his thousands,
handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, and David his tens of thousands.”
“Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the 8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They
Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he have credited David with tens of thousands,” he
said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds of the air and thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can
the beasts of the field!” he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me
kept a jealous eye on David.
with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against 10 The next day an evil c spirit from God came force-
you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the ar- fully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while
mies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had
LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself,
and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.
the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was
of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is with David but had left Saul. 13 So he sent David away
a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that from him and gave him command over a thousand
it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. 14 In
battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our everything he did he had great success, d because the
hands.” LORD was with him. 15 When Saul saw how successful e he
48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David
was, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah
ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reach- loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.
ing into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and 17 Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Me-
struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank rab. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me
into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.” For Saul said
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a
to himself, “I will not raise a hand against him. Let the
sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck Philistines do that!”
down the Philistine and killed him. 18 But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my
51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the
family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be-
Philistine’s sword and drew it from the scabbard. After come the king’s son-in-law?” 19 So f when the time came
he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she
When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.
they turned and ran. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah 20 Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with Da-
surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philis- vid, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased.
tines to the entrance of Gath a and to the gates of Ekron. 21 “I will give her to him,” he thought, “so that she may be
Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines
Gath and Ekron. 53 When the Israelites returned from may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “Now you
chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp. have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.”
54 David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jeru- 22 Then Saul ordered his attendants: “Speak to David
salem, and he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own privately and say, ‘Look, the king is pleased with you,
tent. and his attendants all like you; now become his son-in-
55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Phi- law.’ ”
listine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, “Ab- 23 They repeated these words to David. But David
ner, whose son is that young man?” said, “Do you think it is a small matter to become the
Abner replied, “As surely as you live, O king, I don’t king’s son-in-law? I’m only a poor man and little
know.” known.”
a 52 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew a valley b5 Or wisely c 10 Or injurious d 14 Or he was very wise e 15 Or wise
f 19 Or However,
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went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to
done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and account.” 17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath
a 30 Or David acted more wisely b9 Or injurious c 13 Hebrew teraphim; also in verse 16
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done?” Jonathan asked his father. 33 But Saul hurled his “ ‘Saul has slain his thousands,
spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his fa- and David his tens of thousands’?”
ther intended to kill David. 12 David took these words to heart and was very
34 Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on
much afraid of Achish king of Gath. 13 So he pretended to
that second day of the month he did not eat, because he be insane in their presence; and while he was in their
was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David. hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the
35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for
doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 14 Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is
36 and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I
insane! Why bring him to me? 15 Am I so short of mad-
shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. men that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on
37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s ar-
like this in front of me? Must this man come into my
row had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the house?”
arrow beyond you?” 38 Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go
quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and David at Adullam and Mizpah
returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing of all
this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan
gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them
22 David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adul-
lam. When his brothers and his father’s house-
hold heard about it, they went down to him there. All 2
kissed each other and wept together—but David wept said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and
the most. mother come and stay with you until I learn what God
42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have will do for me?” 4 So he left them with the king of Moab,
sworn friendship with each other in the name of the and they stayed with him as long as David was in the
LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, stronghold.
and between your descendants and my descendants 5 But the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in
forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David left
the town. and went to the forest of Hereth.
a 25 Septuagint; Hebrew wall. Jonathan arose b5 Or from us in the past few days since c5 Or bodies
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and attack these Philistines?” and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying
The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were clos-
and save Keilah.” ing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a mes-
3 But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are senger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly! The Philis-
afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against tines are raiding the land.” 28 Then Saul broke off his
the Philistine forces!” pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That
4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth. b 29 And
LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going David went up from there and lived in the strongholds
to give the Philistines into your hand.” 5 So David and his of En Gedi.
a 23 Or me at Nacon b 28 Sela Hammahlekoth means rock of parting.
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2 Samuel
David Hears of Saul’s Death may you have neither dew nor rain,
nor fields that yield offerings õof grainÕ.
1 After the death of Saul, David returned from defeat-
ing the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days.
2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp, with
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
the shield of Saul—no longer rubbed with oil.
22 From the blood of the slain,
his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he
came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor. from the flesh of the mighty,
3 “Where have you come from?” David asked him. the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
He answered, “I have escaped from the Israelite the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied.
camp.” 23 “Sauland Jonathan—
4 “What happened?” David asked. “Tell me.”
in life they were loved and gracious,
He said, “The men fled from the battle. Many of and in death they were not parted.
them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are They were swifter than eagles,
dead.” they were stronger than lions.
5 Then David said to the young man who brought
24 “O
daughters of Israel,
him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son
Jonathan are dead?” weep for Saul,
6 “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” the young who clothed you in scarlet and finery,
man said, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, who adorned your garments with ornaments of
with the chariots and riders almost upon him. 7 When gold.
he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and 25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle!
I said, ‘What can I do?’ Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
8 “He asked me, ‘Who are you?’
26 I
grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
“ ‘An Amalekite,’ I answered. you were very dear to me.
9 “Then he said to me, ‘Stand over me and kill me! I
Your love for me was wonderful,
am in the throes of death, but I’m still alive.’ more wonderful than that of women.
10 “So I stood over him and killed him, because I
27 “How the mighty have fallen!
knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And
I took the crown that was on his head and the band on The weapons of war have perished!”
his arm and have brought them here to my lord.” David Anointed King Over Judah
11 Then David and all the men with him took hold of
their clothes and tore them. 12 They mourned and wept
and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, 2asked.In“Shall
the course of time, David inquired of the L .
ORD
I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he
and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, be-
cause they had fallen by the sword. The LORD said, “Go up.”
13 David said to the young man who brought him the David asked, “Where shall I go?”
report, “Where are you from?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahino-
“I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite,” he an-
swered. am of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel.
3 David also took the men who were with him, each with
14 David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift
your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns.
4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they
15 Then David called one of his men and said, “Go,
strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. anointed David king over the house of Judah.
16 For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh
own head. Your own mouth testified against you when Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the
you said, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’ ” men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, “The LORD bless
you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by
David’s Lament for Saul and Jonathan burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness
17 David took up this lament concerning Saul and his and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor
son Jonathan, 18 and ordered that the men of Judah be because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and
taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of
Jashar): Judah has anointed me king over them.”
19 “Yourglory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. War Between the Houses of David and Saul
How the mighty have fallen! 8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of
20 “Tell it not in Gath, Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and
proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, brought him over to Mahanaim. 9 He made him king
lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, over Gilead, Ashuri a and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. Benjamin and all Israel.
10 Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when
21 “O mountains of Gilboa, he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years.
a9 Or Asher
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one side of the pool and one group on the other side. the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
14 Then Abner said to Joab, “Let’s have some of the 5 and the sixth, Ithream the son of David’s wife
pursuit of their brothers; or spoken, the men would have given up the pursuit of their brothers by morning c 29 Or morning; or ravine; the
meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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fled to Gittaim and have lived there as aliens to this day. along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons,
4 (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in and they built a palace for David. 12 And David knew
both feet. He was five years old when the news about that the LORD had established him as king over Israel
Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people
him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and Israel.
became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.) 13 After he left Hebron, David took more concubines
5 Now Recab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters
Beerothite, set out for the house of Ish-Bosheth, and were born to him. 14 These are the names of the children
they arrived there in the heat of the day while he was born to him there: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solo-
taking his noonday rest. 6 They went into the inner part mon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Elia-
of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed da and Eliphelet.
a 29 The Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy. b8 Or use scaling hooks c8 Or are
hated by David d 9 Or the Millo
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in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of the hold, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him
LORD, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but cir- and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished him-
cle around behind them and attack them in front of the self today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his
balsam trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
21 David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who
marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly,
because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of chose me rather than your father or anyone from his
you to strike the Philistine army.” 25 So David did as the house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s peo-
LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philis- ple Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will be-
tines all the way from Gibeon b to Gezer. come even more undignified than this, and I will be hu-
miliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you
The Ark Brought to Jerusalem spoke of, I will be held in honor.”
6out David again brought together out of Israel chosen 23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to
2
men, thirty thousand in all. He and all his men set the day of her death.
from Baalah of Judah to bring up from there the ark
c
of God, which is called by the Name, d the name of the God’s Promise to David
LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cheru-
bim that are on the ark. 3 They set the ark of God on a 7him,After the king was settled in his palace and the L
had given him rest from all his enemies around
2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living
ORD
Hebrew Baale Judah, a variant of Baalah of Judah d 2 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate do not have the Name. e 3,4 Dead Sea Scrolls
and some Septuagint manuscripts; Masoretic Text cart 4and they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was
on the hill f 5 See Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and 1 Chronicles 13:8; Masoretic Text celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of
instruments made of pine. g 8 Perez Uzzah means outbreak against Uzzah. h 17 Traditionally peace offerings; also in verse 18
i 11 Traditionally judges
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8fromInandthethesubdued
course of time, David defeated the Philistines
them, and he took Metheg Ammah
control of the Philistines.
from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.
6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of
Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.
2 David also defeated the Moabites. He made them David said, “Mephibosheth!”
lie down on the ground and measured them off with a “Your servant,” he replied.
length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will sure-
death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the ly show you kindness for the sake of your father Jona-
Moabites became subject to David and brought tribute. than. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to
a 16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts you b 23 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 17:21; Hebrew
wonders for your land and before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt, from the nations and their gods. c 4 Septuagint (see also
Dead Sea Scrolls and 1 Chron. 18:4); Masoretic Text captured seventeen hundred of his charioteers d 8 See some Septuagint manuscripts
(see also 1 Chron. 18:8); Hebrew Betah. e 9 Hebrew Toi, a variant of Tou; also in verse 10 f 10 A variant of Hadoram g 12 Some
Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac (see also 1 Chron. 18:11); most Hebrew manuscripts Aram h 13 A few Hebrew manuscripts,
Septuagint and Syriac (see also 1 Chron. 18:12); most Hebrew manuscripts Aram (that is, Arameans) i 18 Or were priests
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10
2
In the course of time, the king of the Ammonites
died, and his son Hanun succeeded him as king.
David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of
a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and
David sent someone to find out about her. The man
said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and
Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 Then David sent messen-
David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Ha- gers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.
nun concerning his father. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then d
When David’s men came to the land of the Ammon- she went back home. 5 The woman conceived and sent
ites, 3 the Ammonite nobles said to Hanun their lord, word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”
“Do you think David is honoring your father by sending 6 So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah
men to you to express sympathy? Hasn’t David sent the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. 7 When Uriah
them to you to explore the city and spy it out and over- came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the
throw it?” 4 So Hanun seized David’s men, shaved off soldiers were and how the war was going. 8 Then David
half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments in the said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your
middle at the buttocks, and sent them away. feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king
5 When David was told about this, he sent messen- was sent after him. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to
gers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go
The king said, “Stay at Jericho till your beards have down to his house.
grown, and then come back.” 10 When David was told, “Uriah did not go home,” he
6 When the Ammonites realized that they had be- asked him, “Haven’t you just come from a distance?
come a stench in David’s nostrils, they hired twenty Why didn’t you go home?”
thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth Rehob and 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah
Zobah, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s
men, and also twelve thousand men from Tob. men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to
7 On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As
army of fighting men. 8 The Ammonites came out and surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”
drew up in battle formation at the entrance to their city 12 Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day,
gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained
men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 At David’s invita-
open country. tion, he ate and drank with him, and David made him
9 Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his
and behind him; so he selected some of the best troops in mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home.
Israel and deployed them against the Arameans. 10He put 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and
the rest of the men under the command of Abishai his sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah in the
brother and deployed them against the Ammonites. front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw
11 Joab said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then from him so he will be struck down and die.”
you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are 16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uri-
too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. 12Be ah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders
strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities were. 17 When the men of the city came out and fought
of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight.” against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell;
13 Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.
fight the Arameans, and they fled before him. 14 When 18 Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19 He in-
the Ammonites saw that the Arameans were fleeing, structed the messenger: “When you have finished giving
they fled before Abishai and went inside the city. So the king this account of the battle, 20 the king’s anger
Joab returned from fighting the Ammonites and came may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so
to Jerusalem. close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would
15 After the Arameans saw that they had been routed shoot arrows from the wall? 21 Who killed Abimelech
by Israel, they regrouped. 16 Hadadezer had Arameans son of Jerub-Besheth e? Didn’t a woman throw an upper
a 11 Septuagint; Hebrew my b 16 That is, the Euphrates c 18 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 19:18); Hebrew
horsemen d 4 Or with her. When she purified herself from her uncleanness, e 21 Also known as Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon)
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the LORD. c 30 Or of Milcom (that is, Molech) d 30 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) e 31 The meaning of the Hebrew
for this clause is uncertain.
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22 Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or She said, “I am indeed a widow; my husband is
bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sis- dead. 6 I your servant had two sons. They got into a fight
ter Tamar. with each other in the field, and no one was there to
separate them. One struck the other and killed him.
Absalom Kills Amnon 7 Now the whole clan has risen up against your servant;
23 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers they say, ‘Hand over the one who struck his brother
were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invit- down, so that we may put him to death for the life of his
ed all the king’s sons to come there. 24 Absalom went to brother whom he killed; then we will get rid of the heir
the king and said, “Your servant has had shearers come. as well.’ They would put out the only burning coal I
Will the king and his officials please join me?” have left, leaving my husband neither name nor de-
25 “No, my son,” the king replied. “All of us should scendant on the face of the earth.”
not go; we would only be a burden to you.” Although 8 The king said to the woman, “Go home, and I will
Absalom urged him, he still refused to go, but gave him issue an order in your behalf.”
his blessing. 9 But the woman from Tekoa said to him, “My lord
26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother the king, let the blame rest on me and on my father’s
Amnon come with us.” family, and let the king and his throne be without guilt.”
The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?” 10 The king replied, “If anyone says anything to you,
27 But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon bring him to me, and he will not bother you again.”
and the rest of the king’s sons. 11 She said, “Then let the king invoke the LORD his
28 Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is God to prevent the avenger of blood from adding to the
in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, destruction, so that my son will not be destroyed.”
‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. “As surely as the LORD lives,” he said, “not one hair of
Have not I given you this order? Be strong and brave.” your son’s head will fall to the ground.”
a 18 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. b 19 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
c 34 Septuagint; Hebrew does not have this sentence. d 39 Dead Sea Scrolls and some Septuagint manuscripts; Masoretic Text But õthe
spirit ofÕ David the king e 4 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts spoke
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from me the answer to what I am going to ask you.” down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand,
“Let my lord the king speak,” the woman said. take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in
19 The king asked, “Isn’t the hand of Joab with you in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king
all this?” asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men
The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord of Israel.
the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from 7 At the end of four b years, Absalom said to the king,
anything my lord the king says. Yes, it was your servant “Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the
Joab who instructed me to do this and who put all these LORD. 8 While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram,
words into the mouth of your servant. 20 Your servant I made this vow: ‘If the LORD takes me back to Jerusalem,
Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord I will worship the LORD in Hebron. c’ ”
has wisdom like that of an angel of God—he knows ev- 9 The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went to
ing the king’s face. 29 Then Absalom sent for Joab in or- ing him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the
der to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to palace. 17 So the king set out, with all the people follow-
him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come. ing him, and they halted at a place some distance away.
30 Then he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next 18 All his men marched past him, along with all the Ker-
to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.” ethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites
So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. who had accompanied him from Gath marched before
31 Then Joab did go to Absalom’s house and he said to the king.
him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you
32 Absalom said to Joab, “Look, I sent word to you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absa-
and said, ‘Come here so I can send you to the king to lom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.
ask, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better 20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you
for me if I were still there!” ’ Now then, I want to see the wander about with us, when I do not know where I am
a 26That is, about 5 pounds (about 2.3 kilograms) b 7 Some Septuagint manuscripts, Syriac and Josephus; Hebrew forty c8 Some
Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew does not have in Hebron.
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back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, he will should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go
bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place over and cut off his head.”
10 But the king said, “What do you and I have in com-
again. 26 But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then
I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to mon, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the
him.” LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do
27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Aren’t you a you do this?’ ”
11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My
seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahim-
aaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar. You and Abiathar son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life.
take your two sons with you. 28 I will wait at the fords in How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him
the desert until word comes from you to inform me.” alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It
29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Je- may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me
rusalem and stayed there. with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”
30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, 13 So David and his men continued along the road
weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him,
barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and
too and were weeping as they went up. 31 Now David showering him with dirt. 14 The king and all the people
had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And
with Absalom.” So David prayed, “O LORD, turn Ahitho- there he refreshed himself.
phel’s counsel into foolishness.” The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel
32 When David arrived at the summit, where people
15 Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel
used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to
meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
16 Then Hushai the Arkite, David’s friend, went to Absa-
said to him, “If you go with me, you will be a burden to
me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I lom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the
will be your servant, O king; I was your father’s servant king!”
17 Absalom asked Hushai, “Is this the love you show
in the past, but now I will be your servant,’ then you
can help me by frustrating Ahithophel’s advice. 35 Won’t your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”
18 Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by
the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell
them anything you hear in the king’s palace. 36 Their the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—
two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of his I will be, and I will remain with him. 19 Furthermore,
Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as
anything you hear.” I served your father, so I will serve you.”
20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice.
37 So David’s friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as
Absalom was entering the city. What should we do?”
21 Ahithophel answered, “Lie with your father’s con-
David and Ziba cubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all
Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in
16 When David had gone a short distance beyond the
summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibo-
sheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys
your father’s nostrils, and the hands of everyone with
you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for
saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father’s concu-
hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a bines in the sight of all Israel.
skin of wine. 23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was
2 The king asked Ziba, “Why have you brought like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both
these?” David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.
Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s
household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the
men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who be-
17 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would b choose
twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pur-
suit of David. 2 I would c attack him while he is weary
come exhausted in the desert.” and weak. I would c strike him with terror, and then all
3 The king then asked, “Where is your master’s the people with him will flee. I would c strike down only
grandson?” the king 3 and bring all the people back to you. The
Ziba said to him, “He is staying in Jerusalem, be- death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all
cause he thinks, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me the people will be unharmed.” 4 This plan seemed good
back my grandfather’s kingdom.’ ” to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.
4 Then the king said to Ziba, “All that belonged to 5 But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Ar-
Mephibosheth is now yours.” kite, so we can hear what he has to say.” 6 When Hushai
a 24 Or Abiathar went up b1 Or Let me c2 Or will
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ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us
until not even a piece of it can be found.” die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of
14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The ad- us. g It would be better now for you to give us support
vice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahitho- from the city.”
4 The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best
phel.” For the LORD had determined to frustrate the
good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on to you.”
Absalom. So the king stood beside the gate while all the men
15 Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands.
5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gen-
“Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Isra-
el to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so tle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all
and so. 16 Now send a message immediately and tell Da- the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Ab-
vid, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; salom to each of the commanders.
6 The army marched into the field to fight Israel, and
cross over without fail, or the king and all the people
with him will be swallowed up.’ ” the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 There
17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A the army of Israel was defeated by David’s men, and the
servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men.
8 The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and
go and tell King David, for they could not risk being
seen entering the city. 18 But a young man saw them and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword.
9 Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He
told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went
to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the
courtyard, and they climbed down into it. 19 His wife thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head got
took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while
well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything the mule he was riding kept on going.
10 When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just
about it.
20 When Absalom’s men came to the woman at the saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.”
house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” 11 Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What!
The woman answered them, “They crossed over the You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground
brook.” b The men searched but found no one, so they right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shek-
returned to Jerusalem. els h of silver and a warrior’s belt.”
21 After the men had gone, the two climbed out of the 12 But the man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels i
well and went to inform King David. They said to him, were weighed out into my hands, I would not lift my
“Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has ad- hand against the king’s son. In our hearing the king
vised such and such against you.” 22 So David and all the commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the
people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By day- young man Absalom for my sake. j’ 13 And if I had put
break, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan. my life in jeopardy k—and nothing is hidden from the
23 When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not king—you would have kept your distance from me.”
been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for 14 Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.”
his house in his hometown. He put his house in order So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them
and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the
his father’s tomb. oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded
24 David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed Absalom, struck him and killed him.
the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Absalom had ap- 16 Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops
pointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. 17 They
was the son of a man named Jether, c an Israelite d who took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and
a 9 Or When some of the men fall at the first attack b 20 Or “They passed by the sheep pen toward the water.” c 25 Hebrew Ithra, a
variant of Jether d 25 Hebrew and some Septuagint manuscripts; other Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 2:17) Ishmaelite or
Jezreelite e 25 Hebrew Abigal, a variant of Abigail f 28 Most Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew lentils, and roasted grain
g 3 Two Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts care; for now there are ten thousand
like us h 11 That is, about 4 ounces (about 115 grams) i 12 That is, about 25 pounds (about 11 kilograms) j 12 A few Hebrew
manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts may be translated Absalom, whoever you may be. k 13 Or
Otherwise, if I had acted treacherously toward him
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than in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish, at Zela in Benja- the voice of the Most High resounded.
15 He shot arrows and scattered õthe enemiesÕ,
min, and did everything the king commanded. After
that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land. bolts of lightning and routed them.
16 The valleys of the sea were exposed
Wars Against the Philistines and the foundations of the earth laid bare
15 Once again there was a battle between the Philis- at the rebuke of the LORD,
tines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight at the blast of breath from his nostrils.
a 24 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Kings 4:6 and 5:14); Hebrew Adoram b 8 Two Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint
manuscripts and Syriac (see also 1 Samuel 18:19); most Hebrew and Septuagint manuscripts Michal c 16 That is, about 7 1/2 pounds
(about 3.5 kilograms) d 19 Or son of Jair the weaver e 19 Hebrew and Septuagint; 1 Chron. 20:5 son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of
Goliath f 3 Horn here symbolizes strength. g 6 Hebrew Sheol h 8 Hebrew; Vulgate and Syriac (see also Psalm 18:7) mountains
i 11 Many Hebrew manuscripts (see also Psalm 18:10); most Hebrew manuscripts appeared j 12 Septuagint and Vulgate (see also Psalm
variant of Hacmonite (see 1 Chron. 11:11) h 8 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 11:11); Hebrew and other Septuagint
manuscripts Three; it was Adino the Eznite who killed eight hundred men i 9 See 1 Chron. 11:13; Hebrew gathered there.
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manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 11:29) Sibbecai c 29 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate (see also 1 Chron. 11:30); most Hebrew
manuscripts Heleb d 30 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 11:32) Hurai e 33 Some Septuagint manuscripts
(see also 1 Chron. 11:34); Hebrew does not have son of. f 33 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 11:35) Sacar
g 36 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Chron. 11:38); Hebrew Haggadi h 2 Septuagint (see also verse 4 and 1 Chron. 21:2);
Hebrew Joab the army commander i 13 Septuagint (see also 1 Chron. 21:12); Hebrew seven
102Sa-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:39 AM Page 182
ward him, he went out and bowed down before the king paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God
with his face to the ground. burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen
his servant?” and paid fifty shekels a of silver for them. 25 David built
“To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings
can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the and fellowship offerings. b Then the LORD answered
people may be stopped.” prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel
22 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take was stopped.
a 24 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds (about 0.6 kilogram) b 25 Traditionally peace offerings
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1 Kings
Adonijah Sets Himself Up as King the prophet is here.” So he went before the king and
bowed with his face to the ground.
1 When King David was old and well advanced in
years, he could not keep warm even when they put
covers over him. 2 So his servants said to him, “Let us
24 Nathan said, “Have you, my lord the king, declared
that Adonijah shall be king after you, and that he will sit
look for a young virgin to attend the king and take care on your throne? 25 Today he has gone down and sacri-
of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king ficed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and
may keep warm.” sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, the command-
3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beauti- ers of the army and Abiathar the priest. Right now they
ful girl and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought are eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live
her to the king. 4 The girl was very beautiful; she took King Adonijah!’ 26 But me your servant, and Zadok the
care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no priest, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and your servant
intimate relations with her. Solomon he did not invite. 27 Is this something my lord
5 Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put the king has done without letting his servants know
himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after
chariots and horses a ready, with fifty men to run ahead him?”
of him. 6 (His father had never interfered with him by David Makes Solomon King
asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also 28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So she
very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
7 Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and
29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the LORD
with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their sup- lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will
port. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD,
Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei b and David’s spe- the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after
cial guard did not join Adonijah. me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
9 Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened
31 Then Bathsheba bowed low with her face to the
calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invit- ground and, kneeling before the king, said, “May my
ed all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Ju- lord King David live forever!”
dah who were royal officials, 10 but he did not invite Na- 32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan
than the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they
brother Solomon. came before the king, 33 he said to them: “Take your
11 Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother,
lord’s servants with you and set Solomon my son on my
“Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There have
has become king without our lord David’s knowing it? Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him
12 Now then, let me advise you how you can save your
king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live
own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in to King Solomon!’ 35 Then you are to go up with him, and
King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, did you he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my
not swear to me your servant: “Surely Solomon your place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Ju-
son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my dah.”
throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14 While 36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king,
you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so
confirm what you have said.” declare it. 37 As the LORD was with my lord the king, so
15 So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his
may he be with Solomon to make his throne even
room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending greater than the throne of my lord King David!”
him. 16 Bathsheba bowed low and knelt before the king. 38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah
“What is it you want?” the king asked. son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went
17 She said to him, “My lord, you yourself swore to
down and put Solomon on King David’s mule and es-
me your servant by the LORD your God: ‘Solomon your corted him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took the horn of
son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then
18 But now Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord
they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted,
the king, do not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed great “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up
numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and has after him, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly, so that
invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest and Joab the ground shook with the sound.
the commander of the army, but he has not invited Sol- 41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him
omon your servant. 20 My lord the king, the eyes of all Is- heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing
rael are on you, to learn from you who will sit on the the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, “What’s the
throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise, as meaning of all the noise in the city?”
soon as my lord the king is laid to rest with his fathers, I 42 Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar
and my son Solomon will be treated as criminals.” the priest arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in. A worthy
22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan man like you must be bringing good news.”
the prophet arrived. 23 And they told the king, “Nathan 43 “Not at all!” Jonathan answered. “Our lord King
priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed,
at Gihon. From there they have gone up cheering, and and the kingdom has gone to my brother; for it has
the city resounds with it. That’s the noise you hear. come to him from the LORD. 16 Now I have one request to
46 Moreover, Solomon has taken his seat on the royal make of you. Do not refuse me.”
throne. 47 Also, the royal officials have come to congrat- “You may make it,” she said.
ulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make 17 So he continued, “Please ask King Solomon—he
Solomon’s name more famous than yours and his will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunam-
throne greater than yours!’ And the king bowed in wor- mite as my wife.”
18 “Very well,” Bathsheba replied, “I will speak to the
ship on his bed 48 and said, ‘Praise be to the LORD, the
God of Israel, who has allowed my eyes to see a succes- king for you.”
19 When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to
sor on my throne today.’ ”
49 At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dis- him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed
persed. 50 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and down to her and sat down on his throne. He had a
took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then Solomon was throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down
told, “Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging at his right hand.
20 “I have one small request to make of you,” she
to the horns of the altar. He says, ‘Let King Solomon
swear to me today that he will not put his servant to said. “Do not refuse me.”
death with the sword.’ ” The king replied, “Make it, my mother; I will not re-
52 Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be a wor- fuse you.”
21 So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given
thy man, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground;
but if evil is found in him, he will die.” 53 Then King Sol- in marriage to your brother Adonijah.”
22 King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you
omon sent men, and they brought him down from the
altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Sol- request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You
omon, and Solomon said, “Go to your home.” might as well request the kingdom for him—after all,
he is my older brother—yes, for him and for Abiathar
David’s Charge to Solomon the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!”
2 When
2
the time drew near for David to die, he gave a
charge to Solomon his son.
“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said.
23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God
deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not
pay with his life for this request! 24 And now, as surely as
“So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD lives—he who has established me securely on
the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep the throne of my father David and has founded a dynas-
his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, ty for me as he promised—Adonijah shall be put to
as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper death today!” 25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah
in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he
may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants died.
watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before 26 To Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go back to
me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will
have a man on the throne of Israel.’ not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of
5 “Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared
did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Isra- all my father’s hardships.” 27 So Solomon removed Abia-
el’s armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. thar from the priesthood of the LORD, fulfilling the word
He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if the LORD had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli.
28 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired
in battle, and with that blood stained the belt around his
waist and the sandals on his feet. 6 Deal with him ac- with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the
cording to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar.
29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of
down to the grave a in peace.
7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead the LORD and was beside the altar. Then Solomon or-
and let them be among those who eat at your table. They dered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down!”
30 So Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to
stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
8 “And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’ ”
Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down But he answered, “No, I will die here.”
bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When Benaiah reported to the king, “This is how Joab an-
he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him swered me.”
31 Then the king commanded Benaiah, “Do as he
by the LORD: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’
9 But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man says. Strike him down and bury him, and so clear me
of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his and my father’s house of the guilt of the innocent blood
gray head down to the grave in blood.” that Joab shed. 32 The LORD will repay him for the blood
10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried he shed, because without the knowledge of my father
in the City of David. 11 He had reigned forty years over Is- David he attacked two men and killed them with the
rael—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusa- sword. Both of them—Abner son of Ner, commander of
lem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of
and his rule was firmly established. Judah’s army—were better men and more upright than
he. 33 May the guilt of their blood rest on the head of
Solomon’s Throne Established Joab and his descendants forever. But on David and his
13 Now Adonijah, the son of Haggith, went to Bath- descendants, his house and his throne, may there be
sheba, Solomon’s mother. Bathsheba asked him, “Do the LORD’s peace forever.”
you come peacefully?” 34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and struck
you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the
leave to go anywhere else, you can be sure you will die’? night and took my son from my side while I your servant
At that time you said to me, ‘What you say is good. I will was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead
obey.’ 43 Why then did you not keep your oath to the son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse
LORD and obey the command I gave you?” my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him
44 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t the son
heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the I had borne.”
LORD will repay you for your wrongdoing. 45 But King 22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my
Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will re- son; the dead one is yours.”
main secure before the LORD forever.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is
46 Then the king gave the order to Benaiah son of Je- yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before
hoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down and the king.
killed him. 23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and
The kingdom was now firmly established in Solo- your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is
mon’s hands. dead and mine is alive.’ ”
24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order:
3the Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of
Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to
City of David until he finished building his palace
“Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half
to the other.”
26 The woman whose son was alive was filled with
and the temple of the LORD, and the wall around Jerusa- compassion for her son and said to the king, “Please,
lem. 2 The people, however, were still sacrificing at the my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!”
high places, because a temple had not yet been built But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him.
for the Name of the LORD. 3 Solomon showed his love for
Cut him in two!”
the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his fa- 27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby
ther David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned
to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”
incense on the high places. 28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had giv-
4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that
was the most important high place, and Solomon of- en, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he
fered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibe- had wisdom from God to administer justice.
on the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a Solomon’s Officials and Governors
dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to
4 SowereKinghis Solomon
2
ruled over all Israel. And these
give you.” chief officials:
6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kind-
ness to your servant, my father David, because he was Azariah son of Zadok—the priest;
3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha—secretaries;
faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You
have continued this great kindness to him and have Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud—recorder;
4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada—commander in chief;
given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant Zadok and Abiathar—priests;
5 Azariah son of Nathan—in charge of the district
king in place of my father David. But I am only a little
child and do not know how to carry out my duties. officers;
8 Your servant is here among the people you have cho- Zabud son of Nathan—a priest and personal advis-
sen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. er to the king;
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your 6 Ahishar—in charge of the palace;
people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For Adoniram son of Abda—in charge of forced labor.
who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 7 Solomon also had twelve district governors over all
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for
Israel, who supplied provisions for the king and the roy-
this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for
al household. Each one had to provide supplies for one
this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have
month in the year. 8 These are their names:
asked for the death of your enemies but for discern-
ment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have Ben-Hur—in the hill country of Ephraim;
a 34 Or buried in his tomb b 15 Traditionally peace offerings
111Ki-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:40 AM Page 186
a 11 Or in the heights of Dor b 21 That is, the Euphrates; also in verse 24 c 22 That is, probably about 185 bushels (about 6.6 kiloliters)
d 22 That is, probably about 375 bushels (about 13.2 kiloliters) e 26 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 2 Chron. 9:25); Hebrew forty
f 26 Or charioteers g 11 That is, probably about 125,000 bushels (about 4,400 kiloliters) h 11 Septuagint (see also 2 Chron. 2:10);
Hebrew twenty cors i 11 That is, about 115,000 gallons (about 440 kiloliters) j 16 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts (see also
2 Chron. 2:2, 18) thirty-six hundred k 18 That is, Byblos l 1 Hebrew; Septuagint four hundred and fortieth m 2 That is, about 90
feet (about 27 meters) long and 30 feet (about 9 meters) wide and 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) high
111Ki-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 10:40 AM Page 187
quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other dressed stone and one course of trimmed cedar beams.
37 The foundation of the temple of the LORD was
iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being
built. laid in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv. 38 In the
8 The entrance to the lowest f floor was on the south eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month,
side of the temple; a stairway led up to the middle level the temple was finished in all its details according to
and from there to the third. 9 So he built the temple and its specifications. He had spent seven years build-
completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks. ing it.
10 And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The
Solomon Builds His Palace
height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to
the temple by beams of cedar.
11 The word of the LORD came to Solomon: 12 “As for 7PalaceItpletetook Solomon thirteen years, however, to com-
2
the construction of his palace. He built the
of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long,
this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees,
carry out my regulations and keep all my commands fifty wide and thirty high, i with four rows of cedar col-
and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I umns supporting trimmed cedar beams. 3 It was roofed
gave to David your father. 13 And I will live among the Is- with cedar above the beams that rested on the col-
raelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” umns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row. 4 Its windows
14 So Solomon built the temple and completed it. were placed high in sets of three, facing each other. 5 All
15 He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling the doorways had rectangular frames; they were in the
front part in sets of three, facing each other. j
them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and 6 He made a colonnade fifty cubits long and thirty
covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. 16 He
wide. k In front of it was a portico, and in front of that
partitioned off twenty cubits a at the rear of the temple
were pillars and an overhanging roof.
with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within 7 He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he
the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.
17 The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits g was to judge, and he covered it with cedar from floor to
ceiling. l 8 And the palace in which he was to live, set far-
long. 18 The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with ther back, was similar in design. Solomon also made a
gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he
stone was to be seen. had married.
19 He prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple
9 All these structures, from the outside to the great
to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. 20 The in- courtyard and from foundation to eaves, were made of
ner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and blocks of high-grade stone cut to size and trimmed with
twenty high. h He overlaid the inside with pure gold, a saw on their inner and outer faces. 10 The foundations
and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. 21 Solomon cov- were laid with large stones of good quality, some mea-
ered the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he ex- suring ten cubits m and some eight. n 11 Above were high-
tended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctu- grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams. 12 The great
ary, which was overlaid with gold. 22 So he overlaid the courtyard was surrounded by a wall of three courses of
whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the dressed stone and one course of trimmed cedar beams,
altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary. as was the inner courtyard of the temple of the LORD
23 In the inner sanctuary he made a pair of cherubim
with its portico.
of olive wood, each ten cubits b high. 24 One wing of the
first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five The Temple’s Furnishings
cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. 25 The sec- 13 King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, o
ond cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cher- 14 whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphta-
ubim were identical in size and shape. 26 The height of li and whose father was a man of Tyre and a craftsman
each cherub was ten cubits. 27 He placed the cherubim in bronze. Huram was highly skilled and experienced
inside the innermost room of the temple, with their in all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon
wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one and did all the work assigned to him.
wall, while the wing of the other touched the other wall, 15 He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits
and their wings touched each other in the middle of the high and twelve cubits around, p by line. 16 He also made
room. 28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold. two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pil-
29 On the walls all around the temple, in both the in- lars; each capital was five cubits q high. 17 A network of
ner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees interwoven chains festooned the capitals on top of the
and open flowers. 30 He also covered the floors of both pillars, seven for each capital. 18 He made pomegranates
the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold. in two rows r encircling each network to decorate the
a 3,16 That is, about 30 feet (about 9 meters) b 3,23 That is, about 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) c 6 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3
meters); also in verses 10 and 24 d 6 That is, about 9 feet (about 2.7 meters) e 6 That is, about 10 1/2 feet (about 3.1 meters)
f 8 Septuagint; Hebrew middle g 17 That is, about 60 feet (about 18 meters) h 20 That is, about 30 feet (about 9 meters) long, wide
and high i 2 That is, about 150 feet (about 46 meters) long, 75 feet (about 23 meters) wide and 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) high
j 5 The meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain. k 6 That is, about 75 feet (about 23 meters) long and 45 feet (about 13.5
meters) wide l 7 Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew floor m 10 That is, about 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) n 10 That is, about 12 feet (about
3.6 meters) o 13 Hebrew Hiram, a variant of Huram; also in verses 40 and 45 p 15 That is, about 27 feet (about 8.1 meters) high and
18 feet (about 5.4 meters) around q 16 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters); also in verse 23 r 18 Two Hebrew manuscripts and
Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts made the pillars, and there were two rows
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a 18 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts pomegranates b 19 That is, about 6 feet (about 1.8 meters); also in
verse 38 c 21 Jakin probably means he establishes. d 21 Boaz probably means in him is strength. e 23 That is, about 15 feet (about
4.5 meters) f 23 That is, about 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) g 26 That is, about 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) h 26 That is, probably
about 11,500 gallons (about 44 kiloliters); the Septuagint does not have this sentence. i 27 That is, about 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) long
and wide and about 4 1/2 feet (about 1.3 meters) high j 31 That is, about 1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter) k 31 That is, about 2 1/4 feet
(about 0.7 meter); also in verse 32 l 35 That is, about 3/4 foot (about 0.2 meter) m 38 That is, about 230 gallons (about 880 liters)
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ond time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 The City of David to the palace Solomon had built for her, he
LORD said to him: constructed the supporting terraces.
25 Three times a year Solomon sacrificed burnt offer-
“I have heard the prayer and plea you have ings and fellowship offerings j on the altar he had built
made before me; I have consecrated this temple, for the LORD, burning incense before the LORD along
which you have built, by putting my Name there with them, and so fulfilled the temple obligations.
forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. 26 King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Geber,
4 “As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of
which is near Elath in Edom, on the shore of the Red
heart and uprightness, as David your father did, Sea. k 27 And Hiram sent his men—sailors who knew the
and do all I command and observe my decrees sea—to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s men. 28 They
and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Is- sailed to Ophir and brought back 420 talents l of gold,
rael forever, as I promised David your father when which they delivered to King Solomon.
I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man on the
throne of Israel.’ The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
10
6 “But if you c or your sons turn away from me When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of
and do not observe the commands and decrees I Solomon and his relation to the name of the L , ORD
have given you c and go off to serve other gods and 2
she came to test him with hard questions. Arriving at
worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carry-
a 63 Traditionally peace offerings; also in verse 64 b 65 Or from the entrance to c 6 The Hebrew is plural. d 13 Cabul sounds like the
Hebrew for good-for-nothing. e 14 That is, about 4 1/2 tons (about 4 metric tons) f 15 Or the Millo; also in verse 24 g 18 The
Hebrew may also be read Tamar. h 19 Or charioteers i 21 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons
to the LORD, often by totally destroying them. j 25 Traditionally peace offerings k 26 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds
l 28 That is, about 16 tons (about 14.5 metric tons)
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swered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand
king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all horses, h which he kept in the chariot cities and also
the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, with him in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as com-
5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the at- mon in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as
tending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 28 Solomon’s horses
burnt offerings he made at a the temple of the LORD, she were imported from Egypt i and from Kue j—the royal
was overwhelmed. merchants purchased them from Kue. 29 They imported
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels k of silver,
country about your achievements and your wisdom is and a horse for a hundred and fifty. l They also exported
true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told Solomon’s Wives
me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the re-
port I heard. 8 How happy your men must be! How hap-
py your officials, who continually stand before you and 11 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign wom-
en besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Am-
monites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were 2
hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God,
from nations about which the LORD had told the Israel-
who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne
ites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they
of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he
will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Neverthe-
has made you king, to maintain justice and righteous-
less, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven
ness.”
10 And she gave the king 120 talents b of gold, large hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concu-
bines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew
quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his
were so many spices brought in as those the queen of heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the
Sheba gave to King Solomon. heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashto-
11 (Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir; and from
reth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech m the de-
there they brought great cargoes of almugwood c and testable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in
precious stones. 12 The king used the almugwood to the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD com-
make supports for the temple of the LORD and for the pletely, as David his father had done.
royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musi- 7 On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high
cians. So much almugwood has never been imported or place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for
seen since that day.) Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. 8 He did
13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she de-
the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense
sired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of and offered sacrifices to their gods.
his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her 9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his
retinue to her own country. heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel,
Solomon’s Splendor who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had for-
14 The weight of the gold that Solomon received bidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not
yearly was 666 talents, d 15 not including the revenues keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solo-
from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian mon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept
kings and the governors of the land. my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded
16 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from
hammered gold; six hundred bekas e of gold went into you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12 Neverthe-
each shield. 17 He also made three hundred small less, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it
during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your
shields of hammered gold, with three minas f of gold in
son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him,
each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the For-
but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my ser-
est of Lebanon.
18 Then the king made a great throne inlaid with ivo- vant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have cho-
sen.”
ry and overlaid with fine gold. 19 The throne had six
steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of Solomon’s Adversaries
the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each 14 Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an ad-
of them. 20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at ei- versary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of
ther end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been Edom. 15 Earlier when David was fighting with Edom,
made for any other kingdom. 21 All King Solomon’s gob- Joab the commander of the army, who had gone up to
lets were gold, and all the household articles in the Pal- bury the dead, had struck down all the men in Edom.
ace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing 16 Joab and all the Israelites stayed there for six months,
was made of silver, because silver was considered of lit- until they had destroyed all the men in Edom. 17 But Ha-
tle value in Solomon’s days. 22 The king had a fleet of dad, still only a boy, fled to Egypt with some Edomite of-
trading ships g at sea along with the ships of Hiram. ficials who had served his father. 18 They set out from
Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver Midian and went to Paran. Then taking men from Paran
and ivory, and apes and baboons. with them, they went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of
23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided
than all the other kings of the earth. 24 The whole world him with food.
sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God 19 Pharaoh was so pleased with Hadad that he gave
had put in his heart. 25 Year after year, everyone who him a sister of his own wife, Queen Tahpenes, in mar-
a 5 Or the ascent by which he went up to b 10 That is, about 4 1/2 tons (about 4 metric tons) c 11 Probably a variant of algumwood;
also in verse 12 d 14 That is, about 25 tons (about 23 metric tons) e 16 That is, about 7 1/2 pounds (about 3.5 kilograms) f 17 That
is, about 3 3/4 pounds (about 1.7 kilograms) g 22 Hebrew of ships of Tarshish h 26 Or charioteers i 28 Or possibly Muzur, a region
in Cilicia; also in verse 29 j 28 Probably Cilicia k 29 That is, about 15 pounds (about 7 kilograms) l 29 That is, about 3 3/4 pounds
(about 1.7 kilograms) m 5 Hebrew Milcom; also in verse 33
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Jeroboam Rebels Against Solomon then come back to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who
26 Also, Jeroboam son of Nebat rebelled against the
had served his father Solomon during his lifetime.
king. He was one of Solomon’s officials, an Ephraimite “How would you advise me to answer these people?”
from Zeredah, and his mother was a widow named Ze- he asked.
ruah. 7 They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these
27 Here is the account of how he rebelled against the
people and serve them and give them a favorable an-
king: Solomon had built the supporting terraces b and swer, they will always be your servants.”
had filled in the gap in the wall of the city of David his 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave
father. 28 Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and him and consulted the young men who had grown up
when Solomon saw how well the young man did his with him and were serving him. 9 He asked them, “What
work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of is your advice? How should we answer these people
the house of Joseph. who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put
29 About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusa-
on us’?”
lem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the 10 The young men who had grown up with him re-
way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone plied, “Tell these people who have said to you, ‘Your fa-
out in the country, 30 and Ahijah took hold of the new ther put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke light-
cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. er’—tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my
31 Then he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for your- father’s waist. 11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I
self, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with
‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ ”
12 Three days later Jeroboam and all the people re-
hand and give you ten tribes. 32 But for the sake of my
servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have turned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back
chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one to me in three days.” 13 The king answered the people
tribe. 33 I will do this because they have c forsaken me harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders,
14 he followed the advice of the young men and said,
and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians,
Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Molech the god “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even
of the Ammonites, and have not walked in my ways, heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will
nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my statutes scourge you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen
and laws as David, Solomon’s father, did. to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD,
34 “ ‘But I will not take the whole kingdom out of to fulfill the word the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son
Solomon’s hand; I have made him ruler all the days of of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.
16 When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to
his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose
them, they answered the king:
and who observed my commands and statutes. 35 I will
take the kingdom from his son’s hands and give you “What share do we have in David,
ten tribes. 36 I will give one tribe to his son so that Da- what part in Jesse’s son?
vid my servant may always have a lamp before me in To your tents, O Israel!
Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name. Look after your own house, O David!”
37 However, as for you, I will take you, and you will rule
So the Israelites went home. 17 But as for the Israelites
over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Is- who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still
rael. 38 If you do whatever I command you and walk in ruled over them.
my ways and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my 18 King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, e who was in
statutes and commands, as David my servant did, I charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to
will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into
as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has
39 I will humble David’s descendants because of this,
been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
but not forever.’ ” 20 When all the Israelites heard that Jeroboam had
40 Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and
to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Sol- made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah re-
omon’s death. mained loyal to the house of David.
a 24 Hebrew destroyed them b 27 Or the Millo c 33 Hebrew; Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac because he has d2 Or he remained in
e 18 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also 1 Kings 4:6 and 5:14); Hebrew Adoram
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the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored and became bury me in the grave where the man of God is buried;
as it was before. lay my bones beside his bones. 32 For the message he
7 The king said to the man of God, “Come home with declared by the word of the LORD against the altar in
me and have something to eat, and I will give you a Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in
gift.” the towns of Samaria will certainly come true.”
8 But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you 33 Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil
were to give me half your possessions, I would not go ways, but once more appointed priests for the high
a 25 Hebrew Penuel, a variant of Peniel
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did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the bellion he carried out, are they not written in the book
kings of Israel? 32 There was war between Asa and Baa- of the annals of the kings of Israel?
sha king of Israel throughout their reigns.
Omri King of Israel
Baasha King of Israel 21 Then the people of Israel were split into two fac-
33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha son of tions; half supported Tibni son of Ginath for king, and
Ahijah became king of all Israel in Tirzah, and he the other half supported Omri. 22 But Omri’s followers
reigned twenty-four years. 34 He did evil in the eyes of proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So
the LORD, walking in the ways of Jeroboam and in his Tibni died and Omri became king.
sin, which he had caused Israel to commit. 23 In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri
voked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger by their the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and fi-
worthless idols. nally stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “What do
27 As for the other events of Omri’s reign, what he did you have against me, man of God? Did you come to re-
and the things he achieved, are they not written in the mind me of my sin and kill my son?”
19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him
book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 28 Omri rested
with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And Ahab from her arms, carried him to the upper room where
his son succeeded him as king. he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20 Then he
cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have you
Ahab Becomes King of Israel brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab with, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched
son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in himself out on the boy three times and cried to the
Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. 30 Ahab son of LORD, “O LORD my God, let this boy’s life return to him!”
Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of 22 The LORD heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life re-
those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to turned to him, and he lived. 23 Elijah picked up the child
commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also and carried him down from the room into the house. He
married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidoni- gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is
ans, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set alive!”
up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that
Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD
more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger from your mouth is the truth.”
than did all the kings of Israel before him. Elijah and Obadiah
34 In Ahab’s time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He
ing and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground,
and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?”
from the brook. 8 “Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is
had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to
LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon death? 10 As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is
and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent
place to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zare- someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or
phath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them
there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, swear they could not find you. 11 But now you tell me to
“Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ 12 I don’t know
a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you when I leave
bring me, please, a piece of bread.” you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he
12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the LORD
“I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar since my youth. 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I
and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the LORD? I
hid a hundred of the LORD’s prophets in two caves, fifty
take home and make a meal for myself and my son,
in each, and supplied them with food and water. 14 And
that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is
here.’ He will kill me!”
as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for 15 Elijah said, “As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I
me from what you have and bring it to me, and then serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”
make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is
what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour Elijah on Mount Carmel
will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry un- 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and
til the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’ ” Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When he saw Elijah, he said
15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”
there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman 18 “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied.
and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up “But you and your father’s family have. You have aban-
a1 Or Tishbite, of the settlers
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prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” And he went up and looked.
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and as- “There is nothing there,” he said.
sembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
before the people and said, “How long will you waver 44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as
between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”
but if Baal is God, follow him.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your
But the people said nothing. chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’ ”
22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the
LORD’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fif- wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to
ty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one Jezreel. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and,
for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all
on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the oth- the way to Jezreel.
er bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Elijah Flees to Horeb
24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call
on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—
he is God.” 19 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done
and how he had killed all the prophets with the
2
sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say,
Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by
the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of
you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the one of them.”
3 Elijah was afraid b and ran for his life. When he
fire.” 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it.
Then they called on the name of Baal from morning came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,
4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert.
till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there
was no response; no one answered. And they danced He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed
around the altar they had made. that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said.
27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout loud- “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then
er!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up
must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was
a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water.
slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was
He ate and drank and then lay down again.
their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and
passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying
touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey
until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no
is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank.
response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and
forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of
me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the
God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.
LORD, which was in ruins. 31 Elijah took twelve stones,
one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to The LORD Appears to Elijah
whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are
name shall be Israel.” 32 With the stones he built an altar you doing here, Elijah?”
in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD
large enough to hold two seahs a of seed. 33 He arranged God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your cov-
the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the enant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets
wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now
water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” they are trying to kill me too.”
34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain
“Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to
third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and pass by.”
even filled the trench. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped
apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the
forward and prayed: “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an
and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Is- earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
rael and that I am your servant and have done all these 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not
things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face
God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here,
sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also Elijah?”
licked up the water in the trench. 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your cov-
and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” enant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets
40 Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now
of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, they are trying to kill me too.”
and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley 15 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came,
and slaughtered there. and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there,
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of
there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Sha-
a 32 That is, probably about 13 quarts (about 15 liters) b3 Or Elijah saw
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and announced, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you pick up his word. “Yes, your brother Ben-Hadad!” they
see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, said.
and then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” “Go and get him,” the king said. When Ben-Hadad
14 “But who will do this?” asked Ahab. came out, Ahab had him come up into his chariot.
The prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: 34 “I will return the cities my father took from your fa-
‘The young officers of the provincial commanders will ther,” Ben-Hadad offered. “You may set up your own
do it.’ ” market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.”
“And who will start the battle?” he asked. õAhab said,Õ “On the basis of a treaty I will set you
The prophet answered, “You will.” free.” So he made a treaty with him, and let him go.
a 12 Or in Succoth; also in verse 16
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me, please.” So the man struck him and wounded him. bite: 18 “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules
38 Then the prophet went and stood by the road waiting in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he
for the king. He disguised himself with his headband has gone to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, ‘This is
down over his eyes. 39 As the king passed by, the proph- what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and
et called out to him, “Your servant went into the thick of seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the
the battle, and someone came to me with a captive and LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s
said, ‘Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ”
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my
for his life, or you must pay a talent a of silver.’ 40 While
your servant was busy here and there, the man disap- enemy!”
peared.” “I have found you,” he answered, “because you have
“That is your sentence,” the king of Israel said. “You sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. 21 ‘I am
have pronounced it yourself.” going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your de-
41 Then the prophet quickly removed the headband scendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Isra-
from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as el—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of
one of the prophets. 42 He said to the king, “This is what Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahi-
the LORD says: ‘You have set free a man I had deter- jah, because you have provoked me to anger and have
mined should die. b Therefore it is your life for his life, caused Israel to sin.’
23 “And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: ‘Dogs
your people for his people.’ ” 43 Sullen and angry, the
king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria. will devour Jezebel by the wall of c Jezreel.’
24 “Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in
Naboth’s Vineyard the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who
die in the country.”
21 Some time later there was an incident involving a
vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The
vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king
25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold him-
self to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jeze-
of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your bel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going
vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before
my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard Israel.)
27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes,
or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.”
3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and
give you the inheritance of my fathers.” went around meekly.
28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tish-
4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Na-
both the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the in- bite: 29 “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled him-
heritance of my fathers.” He lay on his bed sulking and self before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will
refused to eat. not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his
5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are house in the days of his son.”
you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?” Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
6 He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jez-
reelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give
you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not
22 For three years there was no war between Aram
and Israel. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat king
of Judah went down to see the king of Israel. 3 The king
give you my vineyard.’ ” of Israel had said to his officials, “Don’t you know that
7 Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king
Ramoth Gilead belongs to us and yet we are doing
over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the nothing to retake it from the king of Aram?”
vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” 4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal
fight against Ramoth Gilead?”
on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “I am as
lived in Naboth’s city with him. 9 In those letters she you are, my people as your people, my horses as your
wrote: horses.” 5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel,
“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a “First seek the counsel of the LORD.”
6 So the king of Israel brought together the proph-
prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two
scoundrels opposite him and have them testify ets—about four hundred men—and asked them, “Shall
that he has cursed both God and the king. Then I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?”
take him out and stone him to death.” “Go,” they answered, “for the Lord will give it into
the king’s hand.”
11 So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city 7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not a prophet of
did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to the LORD here whom we can inquire of?”
them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a 8 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is
prominent place among the people. 13 Then two scoun- still one man through whom we can inquire of the
drels came and sat opposite him and brought charges LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies any-
against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has thing good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son
cursed both God and the king.” So they took him out- of Imlah.”
a 39 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) b 42 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to
the LORD, often by totally destroying them. c 23 Most Hebrew manuscripts; a few Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate and Syriac (see also
2 Kings 9:26) the plot of ground at
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slapped Micaiah in the face. “Which way did the spirit go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail—they were
from a the LORD go when he went from me to speak to wrecked at Ezion Geber. 49 At that time Ahaziah son of
you?” he asked. Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my men sail with your
25 Micaiah replied, “You will find out on the day you men,” but Jehoshaphat refused.
go to hide in an inner room.” 50 Then Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was
26 The king of Israel then ordered, “Take Micaiah and buried with them in the city of David his father. And Je-
send him back to Amon the ruler of the city and to Joash horam his son succeeded him.
the king’s son 27 and say, ‘This is what the king says: Put
this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread Ahaziah King of Israel
51 Ahaziah son of Ahab became king of Israel in Sa-
and water until I return safely.’ ”
28 Micaiah declared, “If you ever return safely, the maria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of
LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years. 52 He did
“Mark my words, all you people!” evil in the eyes of the LORD, because he walked in the
ways of his father and mother and in the ways of Jerobo-
Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead am son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 53 He served
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah and worshiped Baal and provoked the LORD, the God of
went up to Ramoth Gilead. 30 The king of Israel said to Israel, to anger, just as his father had done.
2 Kings
The LORD’s Judgment on Ahaziah him as king in the second year of Jehoram son of Je-
hoshaphat king of Judah. 18 As for all the other events of
1 After Ahab’s death, Moab rebelled against Israel.
2 Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his
upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent
Ahaziah’s reign, and what he did, are they not written in
the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?
messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Ze-
bub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this in-
Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
jury.”
3 But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, 2wayWhen the L was about to take Elijah up to heav-
ORD
en in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their
2
from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the
“Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samar-
ia and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as
Ekron?’ 4 Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to
not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly Bethel.
3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to
die!’ ” So Elijah went.
5 When the messengers returned to the king, he Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to
asked them, “Why have you come back?” take your master from you today?”
6 “A man came to meet us,” they replied. “And he said “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.”
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD
to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him,
“This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no has sent me to Jericho.”
God in Israel that you are sending men to consult Baal- And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as
Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not leave you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to
the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!” ’ ”
7 The king asked them, “What kind of man was it Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is
who came to meet you and told you this?” going to take your master from you today?”
8 They replied, “He was a man with a garment of hair “Yes, I know,” he replied, “but do not speak of it.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has
and with a leather belt around his waist.”
The king said, “That was Elijah the Tishbite.” sent me to the Jordan.”
9 Then he sent to Elijah a captain with his company And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as
of fifty men. The captain went up to Elijah, who was sit- you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them
ting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, walked on.
7 Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and
the king says, ‘Come down!’ ”
10 Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and
may fire come down from heaven and consume you Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak,
and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and con- rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divid-
sumed the captain and his men. ed to the right and to the left, and the two of them
11 At this the king sent to Elijah another captain with crossed over on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell
his fifty men. The captain said to him, “Man of God, this
is what the king says, ‘Come down at once!’ ” me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
12 “If I am a man of God,” Elijah replied, “may fire “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Eli-
come down from heaven and consume you and your sha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if
fifty men!” Then the fire of God fell from heaven and
consumed him and his fifty men. you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—
13 So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. otherwise not.”
11 As they were walking along and talking together,
This third captain went up and fell on his knees before
Elijah. “Man of God,” he begged, “please have respect suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared
for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your ser- and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to
vants! 14 See, fire has fallen from heaven and consumed heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out,
the first two captains and all their men. But now have “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Is-
respect for my life!” rael!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of
15 The angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with his own clothes and tore them apart.
him; do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went 13 He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah
down with him to the king. and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
16 He told the king, “This is what the LORD says: Is it 14 Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and
because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the
you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it di-
god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will nev- vided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
er leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!” 15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who
17 So he died, according to the word of the LORD that Eli- were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on
jah had spoken. Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the
Because Ahaziah had no son, Joram a succeeded ground before him. 16 “Look,” they said, “we your ser-
a 17 Hebrew Jehoram, a variant of Joram
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Moab?” for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside
11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil
LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”
him?” 5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind
An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she
of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her
of Elijah. b” son, “Bring me another one.”
12 Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the LORD is with But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil
him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the stopped flowing.
king of Edom went down to him. 7 She went and told the man of God, and he said,
a1 Hebrew Jehoram, a variant of Joram; also in verse 6 b 11 That is, he was Elijah’s personal servant.
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a 1 The Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy; also in verses 3, 6, 7, 11 and 27. b5 That
is, about 750 pounds (about 340 kilograms) c 5 That is, about 150 pounds (about 70 kilograms)
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cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it
13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My fa- there, and made the iron float. 7 “Lift it out,” he said.
ther, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, Then the man reached out his hand and took it.
would you not have done it? How much more, then, Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he 8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After
went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven
times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my
was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. camp in such and such a place.”
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be-
15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to
the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I ware of passing that place, because the Arameans are
know that there is no God in all the world except in Isra- going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the
el. Please accept now a gift from your servant.” place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Eli-
16 The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, sha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in
such places.
whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his
though Naaman urged him, he refused.
17 “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me
which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his offi-
carry, for your servant will never again make burnt of- cers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the
ferings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD. king of Israel the very words you speak in your bed-
18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one
room.”
thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I
bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there can send men and capture him.” The report came back:
also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots
the LORD forgive your servant for this.” and a strong force there. They went by night and sur-
19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said.
rounded the city.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, 20 Gehazi, 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and
the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, went out early the next morning, an army with horses
“My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord,
not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as what shall we do?” the servant asked.
the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those
from him.” who are with us are more than those who are with
21 So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman
them.”
saw him running toward him, he got down from the 17 And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he
chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked. may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and
22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My
he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of
master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the com- fire all around Elisha.
pany of the prophets have just come to me from the hill 18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha
country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent a of silver prayed to the LORD, “Strike these people with blind-
and two sets of clothing.’ ” ness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had
23 “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He
asked.
urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two 19 Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is
talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man
gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
ahead of Gehazi. 24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he 20 After they entered the city, Elisha said, “LORD, open
took the things from the servants and put them away in the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the LORD
the house. He sent the men away and they left. 25 Then opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were,
he went in and stood before his master Elisha. inside Samaria.
“Where have you been, Gehazi?” Elisha asked. 21 When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,
“Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi an- “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”
swered. 22 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill
26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you men you have captured with your own sword or bow?
when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is Set food and water before them so that they may eat
this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive and drink and then go back to their master.” 23 So he
groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and prepared a great feast for them, and after they had fin-
maidservants? 27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and ished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they
to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from returned to their master. So the bands from Aram
Elisha’s presence and he was leprous, as white as snow. stopped raiding Israel’s territory.
a 22 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms)
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siege lasted so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty and told them, “We went into the Aramean camp and
shekels a of silver, and a quarter of a cab b of seed pods c not a man was there—not a sound of anyone—only
for five shekels. d tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents left just as
26 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a they were.” 11 The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it
woman cried to him, “Help me, my lord the king!” was reported within the palace.
27 The king replied, “If the LORD does not help you, 12 The king got up in the night and said to his officers,
where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? “I will tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They
From the winepress?” 28 Then he asked her, “What’s the know we are starving; so they have left the camp to hide
matter?” in the countryside, thinking, ‘They will surely come out,
She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up and then we will take them alive and get into the city.’ ”
your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we’ll 13 One of his officers answered, “Have some men
eat my son.’ 29 So we cooked my son and ate him. The take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their
next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son so we may eat plight will be like that of all the Israelites left here—yes,
him,’ but she had hidden him.” they will only be like all these Israelites who are
30 When the king heard the woman’s words, he tore
doomed. So let us send them to find out what hap-
his robes. As he went along the wall, the people looked, pened.”
and there, underneath, he had sackcloth on his body. 14 So they selected two chariots with their horses,
31 He said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely,
and the king sent them after the Aramean army. He
if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his commanded the drivers, “Go and find out what has
shoulders today!” happened.” 15 They followed them as far as the Jordan,
32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders
and they found the whole road strewn with the clothing
were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger and equipment the Arameans had thrown away in their
ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, headlong flight. So the messengers returned and re-
“Don’t you see how this murderer is sending someone ported to the king. 16 Then the people went out and
to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, plundered the camp of the Arameans. So a seah of flour
shut the door and hold it shut against him. Is not the sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a
sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” shekel, as the LORD had said.
33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger
17 Now the king had put the officer on whose arm he
came down to him. And õthe kingÕ said, “This disaster is leaned in charge of the gate, and the people trampled
from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any lon- him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God
ger?” had foretold when the king came down to his house.
Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD. This is what
7 the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah e of
flour will sell for a shekel f and two seahs g of barley for a
18 It happened as the man of God had said to the king:
Libnah revolted at the same time. Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
23 As for the other events of Jehoram’s reign, and all 14 So Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi,
he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had
the kings of Judah? 24 Jehoram rested with his fathers been defending Ramoth Gilead against Hazael king of
and was buried with them in the City of David. And Aram, 15 but King Joram d had returned to Jezreel to re-
Ahaziah his son succeeded him as king. cover from the wounds the Arameans had inflicted on
him in the battle with Hazael king of Aram.) Jehu said,
Ahaziah King of Judah “If this is the way you feel, don’t let anyone slip out of
25 In the twelfth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Is- the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.” 16 Then he got
rael, Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah began to into his chariot and rode to Jezreel, because Joram was
reign. 26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he be- resting there and Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down
came king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His to see him.
mother’s name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri 17 When the lookout standing on the tower in Jezreel
king of Israel. 27 He walked in the ways of the house of saw Jehu’s troops approaching, he called out, “I see
Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as the house of some troops coming.”
a 10 The Hebrew may also be read Go and say, ‘You will certainly not recover,’ for. b 21 Hebrew Joram, a variant of Jehoram; also in verses
23 and 24 c 29 Hebrew Ramah, a variant of Ramoth d 15 Hebrew Jehoram, a variant of Joram; also in verses 17 and 21–24
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Jehu replied, “What do you have to do with peace? not resist him, how can we?”
5 So the palace administrator, the city governor, the
Fall in behind me.”
20 The lookout reported, “He has reached them, but elders and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: “We
he isn’t coming back either. The driving is like that of are your servants and we will do anything you say. We
Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman.” will not appoint anyone as king; you do whatever you
21 “Hitch up my chariot,” Joram ordered. And when it think best.”
6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying, “If
was hitched up, Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of
Judah rode out, each in his own chariot, to meet Jehu. you are on my side and will obey me, take the heads of
They met him at the plot of ground that had belonged to your master’s sons and come to me in Jezreel by this
Naboth the Jezreelite. 22 When Joram saw Jehu he asked, time tomorrow.”
“Have you come in peace, Jehu?” Now the royal princes, seventy of them, were with
“How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as the leading men of the city, who were rearing them.
7 When the letter arrived, these men took the princes
all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel
abound?” and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their
23 Joram turned about and fled, calling out to Ahazi- heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel.
8 When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, “They have
ah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!”
24 Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between brought the heads of the princes.”
the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart and he Then Jehu ordered, “Put them in two piles at the en-
slumped down in his chariot. 25 Jehu said to Bidkar, his trance of the city gate until morning.”
9 The next morning Jehu went out. He stood before
chariot officer, “Pick him up and throw him on the field
that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite. Remember how all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who
you and I were riding together in chariots behind Ahab conspired against my master and killed him, but who
his father when the LORD made this prophecy about killed all these? 10 Know then, that not a word the LORD
him: 26 ‘Yesterday I saw the blood of Naboth and the has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The LORD
blood of his sons, declares the LORD, and I will surely has done what he promised through his servant Elijah.”
11 So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the
make you pay for it on this plot of ground, declares the
house of Ahab, as well as all his chief men, his close
LORD.’ a Now then, pick him up and throw him on that
friends and his priests, leaving him no survivor.
plot, in accordance with the word of the LORD.” 12 Jehu then set out and went toward Samaria. At
27 When Ahaziah king of Judah saw what had hap-
Beth Eked of the Shepherds, 13 he met some relatives of
pened, he fled up the road to Beth Haggan. b Jehu Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?”
chased him, shouting, “Kill him too!” They wounded They said, “We are relatives of Ahaziah, and we have
him in his chariot on the way up to Gur near Ibleam, but come down to greet the families of the king and of the
he escaped to Megiddo and died there. 28 His servants queen mother.”
took him by chariot to Jerusalem and buried him with 14 “Take them alive!” he ordered. So they took them
his fathers in his tomb in the City of David. 29 (In the alive and slaughtered them by the well of Beth Eked—
eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab, Ahaziah had be- forty-two men. He left no survivor.
come king of Judah.) 15 After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab son of
Jezebel Killed Recab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted
30 Then Jehu went to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard him and said, “Are you in accord with me, as I am with
about it, she painted her eyes, arranged her hair and you?”
looked out of a window. 31 As Jehu entered the gate, she “I am,” Jehonadab answered.
asked, “Have you come in peace, Zimri, you murderer of “If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he did,
and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. 16 Jehu said,
your master?” c
32 He looked up at the window and called out, “Who “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD.” Then he
had him ride along in his chariot.
is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked 17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he killed all who were
down at him. 33 “Throw her down!” Jehu said. So they left there of Ahab’s family; he destroyed them, according
threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the to the word of the LORD spoken to Elijah.
wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot.
34 Jehu went in and ate and drank. “Take care of that Ministers of Baal Killed
cursed woman,” he said, “and bury her, for she was a 18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and
king’s daughter.” 35 But when they went out to bury her, said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve
they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her him much. 19 Now summon all the prophets of Baal, all
hands. 36 They went back and told Jehu, who said, “This his ministers and all his priests. See that no one is miss-
is the word of the LORD that he spoke through his ser- ing, because I am going to hold a great sacrifice for
vant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezre- Baal. Anyone who fails to come will no longer live.” But
el dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh. d 37 Jezebel’s body will Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the min-
be like refuse on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so isters of Baal.
that no one will be able to say, ‘This is Jezebel.’ ” 20 Jehu said, “Call an assembly in honor of Baal.” So
a 26 See 1 Kings 21:19. b 27 Or fled by way of the garden house c 31 Or “Did Zimri have peace, who murdered his master?” d 36 See
1 Kings 21:23. e 1 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate of the city
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a2 Hebrew Joram, a variant of Jehoram b 8 Or approaches the precincts c 15 Or out from the precincts d 21 Hebrew Jehoash, a
variant of Joash e 1 Hebrew Jehoash, a variant of Joash; also in verses 2, 4, 6, 7 and 18
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for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see
bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver him and wept over him. “My father! My father!” he
for the temple of the LORD; 14 it was paid to the work- cried. “The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
15 Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he
men, who used it to repair the temple. 15 They did not re-
quire an accounting from those to whom they gave the did so. 16 “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the
money to pay the workers, because they acted with king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his
complete honesty. 16 The money from the guilt offerings hands on the king’s hands.
17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it.
and sin offerings was not brought into the temple of the
LORD; it belonged to the priests. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The LORD’s arrow of
17 About this time Hazael king of Aram went up and victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha de-
attacked Gath and captured it. Then he turned to attack clared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at
Jerusalem. 18 But Joash king of Judah took all the sacred Aphek.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took
objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jeho-
ram and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—and the gifts he them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it
himself had dedicated and all the gold found in the three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry
treasuries of the temple of the LORD and of the royal pal- with him and said, “You should have struck the ground
ace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram, who then five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram
withdrew from Jerusalem. and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it
19 As for the other events of the reign of Joash, and all only three times.”
20 Elisha died and was buried.
he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of
the kings of Judah? 20 His officials conspired against him Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every
and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road down to spring. 21 Once while some Israelites were burying a
Silla. 21 The officials who murdered him were Jozabad man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they
son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer. He died threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the
and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and
And Amaziah his son succeeded him as king. stood up on his feet.
22 Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout
Jehoahaz King of Israel the reign of Jehoahaz. 23 But the LORD was gracious to
13 In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah
king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of
Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. He 2
them and had compassion and showed concern for
them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy
did evil in the eyes of the LORD by following the sins of them or banish them from his presence.
Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to 24 Hazael king of Aram died, and Ben-Hadad his son
commit, and he did not turn away from them. 3 So the succeeded him as king. 25 Then Jehoash son of Jehoa-
LORD’s anger burned against Israel, and for a long time haz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the
he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz.
and Ben-Hadad his son. Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered
4 Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the
the Israelite towns.
LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of
Aram was oppressing Israel. 5 The LORD provided a deliv- Amaziah King of Judah
14 In the second year of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz
erer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of c
Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah
had before. 6 But they did not turn away from the sins of 2
began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he
the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine
commit; they continued in them. Also, the Asherah years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin; she was from
pole a remained standing in Samaria. Jerusalem. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the
a 6 That is, a symbol of the goddess Asherah; here and elsewhere in 2 Kings b9 Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash; also in verses 12–14
and 25 c 1 Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash; also in verses 13, 23 and 27
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children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for did, and his military achievements, including how he
his own sins.” a recovered for Israel both Damascus and Hamath, which
7 He was the one who defeated ten thousand Edom- had belonged to Yaudi, f are they not written in the book
ites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle, call- of the annals of the kings of Israel? 29 Jeroboam rested
ing it Joktheel, the name it has to this day. with his fathers, the kings of Israel. And Zechariah his
8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of son succeeded him as king.
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, with the chal-
lenge: “Come, meet me face to face.” Azariah King of Judah
9 But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of
Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in 15 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Is-
rael, Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began
2
to reign. He was sixteen years old when he became
Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’
Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His
the thistle underfoot. 10 You have indeed defeated Edom mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem.
3 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his
and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but
stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own father Amaziah had done. 4 The high places, however,
downfall and that of Judah also?” were not removed; the people continued to offer sacri-
11 Amaziah, however, would not listen, so Jehoash fices and burn incense there.
5 The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy g until the
king of Israel attacked. He and Amaziah king of Judah
faced each other at Beth Shemesh in Judah. 12 Judah was day he died, and he lived in a separate house. h Jotham
routed by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 13 Jeho- the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed
ash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the the people of the land.
6 As for the other events of Azariah’s reign, and all he
son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Then
Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the
Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate— kings of Judah? 7 Azariah rested with his fathers and was
a section about six hundred feet long. b 14 He took all the buried near them in the City of David. And Jotham his
gold and silver and all the articles found in the temple of son succeeded him as king.
the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. He Zechariah King of Israel
also took hostages and returned to Samaria. 8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah,
15 As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash,
Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Sa-
what he did and his achievements, including his war maria, and he reigned six months. 9 He did evil in the
against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in eyes of the LORD, as his fathers had done. He did not
the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 16 Jehoash turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat,
rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with which he had caused Israel to commit.
the kings of Israel. And Jeroboam his son succeeded 10 Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechari-
him as king. ah. He attacked him in front of the people, i assassinat-
17 Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen
ed him and succeeded him as king. 11 The other events
years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of of Zechariah’s reign are written in the book of the annals
Israel. 18 As for the other events of Amaziah’s reign, are of the kings of Israel. 12 So the word of the LORD spoken
they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of to Jehu was fulfilled: “Your descendants will sit on the
Judah? throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” j
19 They conspired against him in Jerusalem, and he
fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish Shallum King of Israel
and killed him there. 20 He was brought back by horse 13 Shallum son of Jabesh became king in the thirty-
and was buried in Jerusalem with his fathers, in the City ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigned in Sa-
of David. maria one month. 14 Then Menahem son of Gadi went
21 Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, c who from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of
was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded
father Amaziah. 22 He was the one who rebuilt Elath and him as king.
restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his fa- 15 The other events of Shallum’s reign, and the con-
thers. spiracy he led, are written in the book of the annals of
the kings of Israel.
Jeroboam II King of Israel 16 At that time Menahem, starting out from Tirzah,
23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Joash king
attacked Tiphsah and everyone in the city and its vicin-
of Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel be- ity, because they refused to open their gates. He sacked
came king in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women.
24 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn
away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Menahem King of Israel
which he had caused Israel to commit. 25 He was the 17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah,
one who restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo d Menahem son of Gadi became king of Israel, and he
a 6 Deut. 24:16 b 13 Hebrew four hundred cubits (about 180 meters) c 21 Also called Uzziah d 25 Or from the entrance to
e 25 That is, the Dead Sea f 28 Or Judah g 5 The Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily
leprosy. h 5 Or in a house where he was relieved of responsibility i 10 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts in Ibleam
j 12 2 Kings 10:30
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Pekahiah King of Israel Aram by driving out the men of Judah. Edomites then
23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahi- moved into Elath and have lived there to this day.
7 Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king
ah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria,
and he reigned two years. 24 Pekahiah did evil in the of Assyria, “I am your servant and vassal. Come up and
eyes of the LORD. He did not turn away from the sins of save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the
Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to king of Israel, who are attacking me.” 8 And Ahaz took
the silver and gold found in the temple of the LORD and
commit. 25 One of his chief officers, Pekah son of Rema-
in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to
liah, conspired against him. Taking fifty men of Gilead the king of Assyria. 9 The king of Assyria complied by at-
with him, he assassinated Pekahiah, along with Argob tacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its in-
and Arieh, in the citadel of the royal palace at Samaria. habitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.
So Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. 10 Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tig-
26 The other events of Pekahiah’s reign, and all he
lath-Pileser king of Assyria. He saw an altar in Damascus
did, are written in the book of the annals of the kings of and sent to Uriah the priest a sketch of the altar, with
Israel. detailed plans for its construction. 11 So Uriah the priest
Pekah King of Israel built an altar in accordance with all the plans that King
27 In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah,
Ahaz had sent from Damascus and finished it before
King Ahaz returned. 12 When the king came back from
Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel in Samar- Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and pre-
ia, and he reigned twenty years. 28 He did evil in the eyes sented offerings e on it. 13 He offered up his burnt offer-
of the LORD. He did not turn away from the sins of Jero- ing and grain offering, poured out his drink offering,
boam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to com- and sprinkled the blood of his fellowship offerings f on
mit. the altar. 14 The bronze altar that stood before the LORD
29 In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser
he brought from the front of the temple—from be-
king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, tween the new altar and the temple of the LORD—and
Janoah, Kedesh and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, put it on the north side of the new altar.
including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the 15 King Ahaz then gave these orders to Uriah the
people to Assyria. 30 Then Hoshea son of Elah conspired priest: “On the large new altar, offer the morning burnt
against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and assas- offering and the evening grain offering, the king’s burnt
sinated him, and then succeeded him as king in the offering and his grain offering, and the burnt offering of
twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah. all the people of the land, and their grain offering and
31 As for the other events of Pekah’s reign, and all he their drink offering. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of
did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the
kings of Israel? bronze altar for seeking guidance.” 16 And Uriah the
priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.
Jotham King of Judah 17 King Ahaz took away the side panels and removed
32 In the second year of Pekah son of Remaliah king the basins from the movable stands. He removed the
of Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah began to Sea from the bronze bulls that supported it and set it on
reign. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he became a stone base. 18 He took away the Sabbath canopy g that
king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His had been built at the temple and removed the royal en-
mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 34 He tryway outside the temple of the LORD, in deference to
did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his fa- the king of Assyria.
19 As for the other events of the reign of Ahaz, and
ther Uzziah had done. 35 The high places, however, were
not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices what he did, are they not written in the book of the an-
and burn incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate nals of the kings of Judah? 20 Ahaz rested with his fathers
of the temple of the LORD. and was buried with them in the City of David. And
36 As for the other events of Jotham’s reign, and what Hezekiah his son succeeded him as king.
he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of Hoshea Last King of Israel
the kings of Judah? 37 (In those days the LORD began to
send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah
against Judah.) 38 Jotham rested with his fathers and
17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea
son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and
he reigned nine years. 2 He did evil in the eyes of the
was buried with them in the City of David, the city of his LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.
father. And Ahaz his son succeeded him as king. 3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up to attack Ho-
a 19 Also called Tiglath-Pileser b 19 That is, about 37 tons (about 34 metric tons) c 20 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds (about 0.6
kilogram) d 3 Or even made his son pass through e 12 Or and went up f 13 Traditionally peace offerings g 18 Or the dais of his
throne (see Septuagint)
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a4 Or to Sais, to the; So is possibly an abbreviation for Osorkon. b 12 Exodus 20:4, 5 c 17 Or They made their sons and daughters pass
through d 2 Hebrew Abi, a variant of Abijah e 4 Or He called it f 4 Nehushtan sounds like the Hebrew for bronze and snake and
unclean thing.
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not obeyed the LORD their God, but had violated his Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me.
covenant—all that Moses the servant of the LORD com- Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig
manded. They neither listened to the commands nor tree and drink water from his own cistern, 32 until I
carried them out. come and take you to a land like your own, a land of
13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a
Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not
cities of Judah and captured them. 14 So Hezekiah king of death!
Judah sent this message to the king of Assyria at La- “Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you
chish: “I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ 33 Has the god of
will pay whatever you demand of me.” The king of As- any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the
syria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hun- king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and
dred talents a of silver and thirty talents b of gold. 15 So Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Iv-
Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the vah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? 35 Who
temple of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal of all the gods of these countries has been able to save
palace. his land from me? How then can the LORD deliver Jeru-
16 At this time Hezekiah king of Judah stripped off salem from my hand?”
the gold with which he had covered the doors and 36 But the people remained silent and said nothing in
doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and gave it to the reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not an-
king of Assyria. swer him.”
37 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administra-
Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem tor, Shebna the secretary and Joah son of Asaph the re-
17 The king of Assyria sent his supreme commander,
corder went to Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and
his chief officer and his field commander with a large told him what the field commander had said.
army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem.
They came up to Jerusalem and stopped at the aque- Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold
duct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman’s
Field. 18 They called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hil-
kiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary,
19 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his
clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the
ORD 2
temple of the L . He sent Eliakim the palace admin-
and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them. istrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests,
19 The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of
Amoz. 3 They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This
“ ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as
says: On what are you basing this confidence of when children come to the point of birth and there is no
yours? 20 You say you have strategy and military strength to deliver them. 4 It may be that the LORD your
strength—but you speak only empty words. On God will hear all the words of the field commander,
whom are you depending, that you rebel against whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridi-
me? 21 Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that cule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the
splintered reed of a staff, which pierces a man’s words the LORD your God has heard. Therefore pray for
hand and wounds him if he leans on it! Such is the remnant that still survives.”
Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. 5 When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, 6 Isa-
22 And if you say to me, “We are depending on the
iah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the
LORD our God”—isn’t he the one whose high LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—
places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Ju- those words with which the underlings of the king of
dah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Listen! I am going to put
altar in Jerusalem”? such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report,
23 “ ‘Come now, make a bargain with my master,
he will return to his own country, and there I will have
the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand him cut down with the sword.’ ”
horses—if you can put riders on them! 24 How can 8 When the field commander heard that the king of
you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the
officials, even though you are depending on Egypt king fighting against Libnah.
for chariots and horsemen c? 25 Furthermore, have I 9 Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah,
come to attack and destroy this place without the Cushite d king õof EgyptÕ, was marching out to fight
word from the LORD? The LORD himself told me to against him. So he again sent messengers to Hezekiah
march against this country and destroy it.’ ” with this word: 10 “Say to Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not
a 14That is, about 11 tons (about 10 metric tons) b 14 That is, about 1 ton (about 1 metric ton) c 24 Or charioteers d9 That is,
from the upper Nile region
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the choicest of its pines. the LORD, 3 “Remember, O LORD, how I have walked be-
I have reached its remotest parts, fore you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and
the finest of its forests. have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah
24 I have dug wells in foreign lands wept bitterly.
and drunk the water there. 4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of
With the soles of my feet the LORD came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the
I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” leader of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of
25 “
your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and
‘Have you not heard? seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from
Long ago I ordained it. now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. 6 I will add
In days of old I planned it; fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this
now I have brought it to pass, city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend
that you have turned fortified cities this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant Da-
into piles of stone. vid.’ ”
26 Their people, drained of power,
7 Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They
are dismayed and put to shame. did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.
They are like plants in the field, 8 Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign
like tender green shoots, that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the
like grass sprouting on the roof,
temple of the LORD on the third day from now?”
scorched before it grows up. 9 Isaiah answered, “This is the LORD’s sign to you that
27 “ ‘But I know where you stay the LORD will do what he has promised: Shall the shad-
and when you come and go ow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?”
and how you rage against me. 10 “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward
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Josiah Renews the Covenant The men of the city said, “It marks the tomb of the
man of God who came from Judah and pronounced
23
the L
Then the king called together all the elders of Ju-
2
dah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of
with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusa-
ORD
against the altar of Bethel the very things you have
done to it.”
18 “Leave it alone,” he said. “Don’t let anyone disturb
lem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from
the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the his bones.” So they spared his bones and those of the
words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been prophet who had come from Samaria.
19 Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and
found in the temple of the LORD. 3 The king stood by the
pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of
LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, reg- Israel had built in the towns of Samaria that had pro-
ulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, voked the LORD to anger. 20 Josiah slaughtered all the
thus confirming the words of the covenant written in priests of those high places on the altars and burned
this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to human bones on them. Then he went back to Jerusa-
the covenant. lem.
4 The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests 21 The king gave this order to all the people: “Cele-
next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the brate the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written
temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal and in this Book of the Covenant.” 22 Not since the days of
Asherah and all the starry hosts. He burned them out- the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of
side Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, had any such
took the ashes to Bethel. 5 He did away with the pagan Passover been observed. 23 But in the eighteenth year of
priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the LORD in
on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those Jerusalem.
around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, 24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and
to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the oth-
the starry hosts. 6 He took the Asherah pole from the er detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This
temple of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusa- he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in
lem and burned it there. He ground it to powder and the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the
scattered the dust over the graves of the common peo- temple of the LORD. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah
ple. 7 He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he
a 17 Or by everything they have done b8 Or high places c 10 Or to make his son or daughter pass through d 13 Hebrew Milcom
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anger. 27 So the LORD said, “I will remove Judah also from Babylon advanced on Jerusalem and laid siege to it,
my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusa- 11 and Nebuchadnezzar himself came up to the city
lem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I while his officers were besieging it. 12 Jehoiachin king of
said, ‘There shall my Name be.’ a” Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his of-
28 As for the other events of Josiah’s reign, and all he ficials all surrendered to him.
did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the In the eighth year of the reign of the king of Babylon,
kings of Judah? he took Jehoiachin prisoner. 13 As the LORD had de-
29 While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt clared, Nebuchadnezzar removed all the treasures from
went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyr- the temple of the LORD and from the royal palace, and
ia. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but took away all the gold articles that Solomon king of Isra-
Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. 30 Josiah’s el had made for the temple of the LORD. 14 He carried
servants brought his body in a chariot from Megiddo to into exile all Jerusalem: all the officers and fighting
Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb. And the men, and all the craftsmen and artisans—a total of ten
people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left.
anointed him and made him king in place of his father. 15 Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Bab-
ylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s
Jehoahaz King of Judah mother, his wives, his officials and the leading men of
31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he be-
the land. 16 The king of Babylon also deported to Bab-
came king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. ylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men,
His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; strong and fit for war, and a thousand craftsmen and
she was from Libnah. 32 He did evil in the eyes of the artisans. 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king
LORD, just as his fathers had done. 33 Pharaoh Neco put in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.
him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath b so that
he might not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Ju- Zedekiah King of Judah
18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he be-
dah a levy of a hundred talents c of silver and a talent d of
gold. 34 Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king came king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.
in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah;
name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried she was from Libnah. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the
him off to Egypt, and there he died. 35 Jehoiakim paid LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. 20 It was because of
Pharaoh Neco the silver and gold he demanded. In or- the LORD’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem
der to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his pres-
and gold from the people of the land according to their ence.
assessments. The Fall of Jerusalem
Jehoiakim King of Judah Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he be-
came king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.
His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah;
25 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the
tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his
she was from Rumah. 37 And he did evil in the eyes of the whole army. He encamped outside the city and built
LORD, just as his fathers had done. siege works all around it. 2 The city was kept under siege
until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 3 By the ninth
24 During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king
of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim be-
came his vassal for three years. But then he changed his
day of the õfourthÕ f month the famine in the city had
become so severe that there was no food for the people
mind and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. 2 The LORD to eat. 4 Then the city wall was broken through, and the
sent Babylonian, e Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite whole army fled at night through the gate between the
raiders against him. He sent them to destroy Judah, in two walls near the king’s garden, though the Babylo-
accordance with the word of the LORD proclaimed by nians g were surrounding the city. They fled toward the
his servants the prophets. 3 Surely these things hap- Arabah, h 5 but the Babylonian i army pursued the king
pened to Judah according to the LORD’s command, in and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his sol-
order to remove them from his presence because of the diers were separated from him and scattered, 6 and he
sins of Manasseh and all he had done, 4 including the was captured. He was taken to the king of Babylon at
shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusa- Riblah, where sentence was pronounced on him. 7 They
lem with innocent blood, and the LORD was not willing killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they
to forgive. put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and
5 As for the other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, and all took him to Babylon.
8 On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nine-
he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of
the kings of Judah? 6 Jehoiakim rested with his fathers. teenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebu-
And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king. zaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of
7 The king of Egypt did not march out from his own the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 9 He set fire to
country again, because the king of Babylon had taken the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the
all his territory, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he
River. burned down. 10 The whole Babylonian army, under the
commander of the imperial guard, broke down the
Jehoiachin King of Judah walls around Jerusalem. 11 Nebuzaradan the command-
8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became er of the guard carried into exile the people who re-
a 27 1 Kings 8:29 b 33 Hebrew; Septuagint (see also 2 Chron. 36:3) Neco at Riblah in Hamath removed him c 33 That is, about 3 3/4
tons (about 3.4 metric tons) d 33 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) e 2 Or Chaldean f 3 See Jer. 52:6. g 4 Or
Chaldeans; also in verses 13, 25 and 26 h 4 Or the Jordan Valley i 5 Or Chaldean; also in verses 10 and 24
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them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 21 There at Riblah, rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. 30 Day by
in the land of Hamath, the king had them executed. day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as
So Judah went into captivity, away from her land. long as he lived.
a 17 Hebrew eighteen cubits (about 8.1 meters) b 17 Hebrew three cubits (about 1.3 meters) c 27 Also called Amel-Marduk
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1 Chronicles
Historical Records From Adam to Abraham 25 Eber,Peleg, Reu,
26 Serug,Nahor, Terah
To Noah’s Sons 27 and Abram (that is, Abraham).
1 Adam,
2
Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,
3
Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. The Family of Abraham
28 The sons of Abraham:
4 The sons of Noah: a Isaac and Ishmael.
Shem, Ham and Japheth.
Descendants of Hagar
The Japhethites 29 These
5 The were their descendants:
sons b of Japheth:
Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbe-
Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech
and Tiras. el, Mibsam, 30 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad,
6 The sons of Gomer: Tema, 31 Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. These
Ashkenaz, Riphath c and Togarmah. were the sons of Ishmael.
7 The sons of Javan:
Descendants of Keturah
Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim and the Rodanim. 32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine:
The Hamites Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and
8 The sons of Ham: Shuah.
Cush, Mizraim, d Put and Canaan. The sons of Jokshan:
9 The sons of Cush: Sheba and Dedan.
33 The sons of Midian:
Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah and Sabteca.
The sons of Raamah: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah.
Sheba and Dedan. All these were descendants of Keturah.
10 Cush was the father e of
Descendants of Sarah
Nimrod, who grew to be a mighty warrior on 34 Abraham was the father of Isaac.
earth. The sons of Isaac:
11 Mizraim was the father of
Esau and Israel.
the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites,
12 Pathrusites, Casluhites (from whom the Phi- Esau’s Sons
listines came) and Caphtorites. 35 The sons of Esau:
13 Canaan was the father of
Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.
Sidon his firstborn, f and of the Hittites, 14 Jebu- 36 The sons of Eliphaz:
sites, Amorites, Girgashites, 15 Hivites, Arkites, Teman, Omar, Zepho, k Gatam and Kenaz;
Sinites, 16 Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites. by Timna: Amalek. l
37 The sons of Reuel:
The Semites
17 The sons of Shem: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.
Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram. The People of Seir in Edom
The sons of Aram g: 38 The sons of Seir:
Uz, Hul, Gether and Meshech. Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer and
18 Arphaxad was the father of Shelah,
Dishan.
and Shelah the father of Eber. 39 The sons of Lotan:
19 Two sons were born to Eber:
Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.
One was named Peleg, h because in his time the 40 The sons of Shobal:
earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan. Alvan, m Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam.
20 Joktan was the father of
The sons of Zibeon:
Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21 Ha- Aiah and Anah.
doram, Uzal, Diklah, 22 Obal, i Abimael, Sheba, 41 The son of Anah:
23 Ophir, Havilah and Jobab. All these were sons
Dishon.
of Joktan.
The sons of Dishon:
24 Shem, Arphaxad, j Shelah, Hemdan, n Eshban, Ithran and Keran.
a4 Septuagint; Hebrew does not have The sons of Noah: b 5 Sons may mean descendants or successors or nations; also in verses 6–10, 17
and 20. c 6 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate (see also Septuagint and Gen. 10:3); most Hebrew manuscripts Diphath d 8 That
is, Egypt; also in verse 11 e 10 Father may mean ancestor or predecessor or founder; also in verses 11, 13, 18 and 20. f 13 Or of the
Sidonians, the foremost g 17 One Hebrew manuscript and some Septuagint manuscripts (see also Gen. 10:23); most Hebrew
manuscripts do not have this line. h 19 Peleg means division. i 22 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Gen. 10:28); most
Hebrew manuscripts Ebal j 24 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts Arphaxad, Cainan (see also note at Gen. 11:10) k 36 Many
Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also Gen. 36:11); most Hebrew manuscripts Zephi l 36 Some
Septuagint manuscripts (see also Gen. 36:12); Hebrew Gatam, Kenaz, Timna and Amalek m 40 Many Hebrew manuscripts and some
Septuagint manuscripts (see also Gen. 36:23); most Hebrew manuscripts Alian n 41 Many Hebrew manuscripts and some Septuagint
manuscripts (see also Gen. 36:26); most Hebrew manuscripts Hamran
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variant of Dishan c 43 Or before an Israelite king reigned over them d 48 Possibly the Euphrates e 50 Many Hebrew manuscripts,
some Septuagint manuscripts, Vulgate and Syriac (see also Gen. 36:39); most Hebrew manuscripts Pai f 6 Many Hebrew manuscripts,
some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also 1 Kings 4:31); most Hebrew manuscripts Dara g 7 Achar means trouble; Achar is
called Achan in Joshua. h 7 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally
destroying them. i 9 Hebrew Kelubai, a variant of Caleb j 11 Septuagint (see also Ruth 4:21); Hebrew Salma k 23 Or captured the
settlements of Jair l 24 Father may mean civic leader or military leader; also in verses 42, 45, 49–52 and possibly elsewhere. m 25 Or
Oren and Ozem, by
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and his son Mareshah, a who was the father of Ahaziah his son,
Hebron. Joash his son,
43 The sons of Hebron: 12 Amaziah his son,
ran, Moza and Gazez. Haran was the father of Josiah his son.
Gazez. 15 The sons of Josiah:
47 The sons of Jahdai: Johanan the firstborn,
Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah and Sha- Jehoiakim the second son,
aph. Zedekiah the third,
48 Caleb’s concubine Maacah was the mother of She- Shallum the fourth.
ber and Tirhanah. 49 She also gave birth to Sha- 16 The successors of Jehoiakim:
aph the father of Madmannah and to Sheva the Jehoiachin h his son,
father of Macbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter and Zedekiah.
was Acsah. 50 These were the descendants of Ca-
The Royal Line After the Exile
leb. 17 The descendants of Jehoiachin the captive:
The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shealtiel his son, 18 Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenaz-
Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim, 51 Salma the zar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah.
father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of 19 The sons of Pedaiah:
Beth Gader. Zerubbabel and Shimei.
52 The descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath Je-
The sons of Zerubbabel:
arim were: Meshullam and Hananiah.
Haroeh, half the Manahathites, 53 and the clans Shelomith was their sister.
of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shu- 20 There were also five others:
mathites and Mishraites. From these descended Hashubah, Ohel, Berekiah, Hasadiah and Ju-
the Zorathites and Eshtaolites. shab-Hesed.
54 The descendants of Salma: 21 The descendants of Hananiah:
Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, and the sons of Repha-
Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites, 55 and iah, of Arnan, of Obadiah and of Shecaniah.
the clans of scribes b who lived at Jabez: the Ti- 22 The descendants of Shecaniah:
rathites, Shimeathites and Sucathites. These are Shemaiah and his sons:
the Kenites who came from Hammath, the fa- Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat—six
ther of the house of Recab. c in all.
23 The sons of Neariah:
The Sons of David Elioenai, Hizkiah and Azrikam—three in all.
3 These
bron:
were the sons of David born to him in He-
4Reaiah
2 the
third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter The descendants of Judah:
of Talmai king of Geshur; Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal.
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; 2 son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and
3 the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; Jahath the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These
and the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah. were the clans of the Zorathites.
4 These six were born to David in Hebron, where 3 These were the sons i of Etam:
he reigned seven years and six months. Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash. Their sister was
David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, 5 and named Hazzelelponi. 4 Penuel was the father of
these were the children born to him there: Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.
Shammua, d Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of
These four were by Bathsheba e daughter of Am- Ephrathah and father j of Bethlehem.
miel. 6 There were also Ibhar, Elishua, f Eliphe- 5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah
let, 7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada and Naarah.
a 42 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. b 55 Or of the Sopherites c 55 Or father of Beth Recab d 5 Hebrew
Shimea, a variant of Shammua e 5 One Hebrew manuscript and Vulgate (see also Septuagint and 2 Samuel 11:3); most Hebrew
manuscripts Bathshua f 6 Two Hebrew manuscripts (see also 2 Samuel 5:15 and 1 Chron. 14:5); most Hebrew manuscripts Elishama
g 11 Hebrew Joram, a variant of Jehoram h 16 Hebrew Jeconiah, a variant of Jehoiachin; also in verse 17 i 3 Some Septuagint
manuscripts (see also Vulgate); Hebrew father j 4 Father may mean civic leader or military leader; also in verses 12, 14, 17, 18 and
possibly elsewhere.
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Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, 8 and Koz, who was the im. These were their towns until the reign of David.
father of Anub and Hazzobebah and of the 32 Their surrounding villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon,
clans of Aharhel son of Harum. Token and Ashan—five towns— 33 and all the villages
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His around these towns as far as Baalath. e These were their
settlements. And they kept a genealogical record.
mother had named him Jabez, a saying, “I gave birth to
him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, 34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah,
that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let 35 Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah,
your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that the son of Asiel, 36 also Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshoha-
I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. iah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 and Ziza
11 Kelub,
son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah,
Shuhah’s brother, was the father of Mehir, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah.
who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton was the
father of Beth Rapha, Paseah and Tehinnah the 38 The men listed above by name were leaders of
father of Ir Nahash. b These were the men of Re- their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39 and they
cah. went to the outskirts of Gedor to the east of the valley in
13 The
search of pasture for their flocks. 40 They found rich,
sons of Kenaz: good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and
Othniel and Seraiah. quiet. Some Hamites had lived there formerly.
The sons of Othniel: 41 The men whose names were listed came in the
Hathath and Meonothai. c 14 Meonothai was the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the
father of Ophrah. Hamites in their dwellings and also the Meunites who
Seraiah was the father of Joab, were there and completely destroyed f them, as is evi-
the father of Ge Harashim. d It was called this dent to this day. Then they settled in their place, be-
because its people were craftsmen. cause there was pasture for their flocks. 42 And five hun-
15 The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh:
dred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah,
Iru, Elah and Naam. Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, invaded the hill
The son of Elah: country of Seir. 43 They killed the remaining Amalekites
Kenaz. who had escaped, and they have lived there to this day.
16 The sons of Jehallelel:
Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel. Reuben
17 The sons of Ezrah:
Jether, Mered, Epher and Jalon. One of Mered’s
wives gave birth to Miriam, Shammai and Ish-
5 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the
firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage
bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Jo-
bah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 (His Judean wife seph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the gene-
gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber alogical record in accordance with his birthright, 2 and
the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a rul-
Zanoah.) These were the children of Pharaoh’s er came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to
daughter Bithiah, whom Mered had married. Joseph)— 3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel:
19 The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.
the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa 4 The descendants of Joel:
the Maacathite. Shemaiah his son, Gog his son,
20 The sons of Shimon: Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son,
Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan and Tilon. Reaiah his son, Baal his son,
The descendants of Ishi: 6 and Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-Pileser g king
Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth. of Assyria took into exile. Beerah was a leader of
21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah: the Reubenites.
Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Ma- 7 Their relatives by clans, listed according to their
reshah and the clans of the linen workers at genealogical records:
Beth Ashbea, 22 Jokim, the men of Cozeba, and Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, 8 and Bela son of Azaz,
Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Ja- the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled
shubi Lehem. (These records are from ancient in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon.
times.) 23 They were the potters who lived at Ne- 9 To the east they occupied the land up to the
taim and Gederah; they stayed there and edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates
worked for the king. River, because their livestock had increased in
Gilead.
Simeon 10 During Saul’s reign they waged war against
24 The descendants of Simeon: the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands;
Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah and Shaul; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites
25 Shallum was Shaul’s son, Mibsam his son and throughout the entire region east of Gilead.
Mishma his son.
26 The descendants of Mishma: Gad
Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son and Shimei 11 The Gadites lived next to them in Bashan, as far as
his son. Salecah:
27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his 12 Joel
was the chief, Shapham the second, then
brothers did not have many children; so their entire Janai and Shaphat, in Bashan.
a 9 Jabez sounds like the Hebrew for pain. b 12 Or of the city of Nahash c 13 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate; Hebrew does
not have and Meonothai. d 14 Ge Harashim means valley of craftsmen. e 33 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also Joshua 19:8);
Hebrew Baal f 41 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying
them. g 6 Hebrew Tilgath-Pilneser, a variant of Tiglath-Pileser; also in verse 26
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6TheTheGershon,
2
sons of Levi:
Kohath and Merari.
sons of Kohath:
and Asaiah his son.
The Temple Musicians
31 These are the men David put in charge of the mu-
Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
3 The children of Amram: sic in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest
Aaron, Moses and Miriam. there. 32 They ministered with music before the taberna-
The sons of Aaron: cle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the temple
Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. of the LORD in Jerusalem. They performed their duties
4 Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, according to the regulations laid down for them.
33 Here are the men who served, together with their
Phinehas the father of Abishua,
5 Abishua the father of Bukki, sons:
Bukki the father of Uzzi, From the Kohathites:
6 Uzzi the father of Zerahiah, Heman, the musician,
Zerahiah the father of Meraioth, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
7 Meraioth the father of Amariah, 34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,
Amariah the father of Ahitub, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
8 Ahitub the father of Zadok, 35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah,
Zadok the father of Ahimaaz, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
9 Ahimaaz the father of Azariah, 36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel,
Azariah the father of Johanan, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
10 Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir,
a 16Hebrew Gershom, a variant of Gershon; also in verses 17, 20, 43, 62 and 71 b 26 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac;
most Hebrew manuscripts Ahimoth 26and Elkanah. The sons of Elkanah: c 27 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also 1 Samuel 1:19,20
and 1 Chron. 6:33,34); Hebrew does not have and Samuel his son. d 28 Some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also 1 Samuel 8:2
and 1 Chron. 6:33); Hebrew does not have Joel.
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the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli, they received Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok and Re-
the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, hob, together with their pasturelands;
76 and from the tribe of Naphtali
the son of Levi.
they received Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon and
48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.
duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron 77 The
and his descendants were the ones who presented offer- Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the
ings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of following:
incense in connection with all that was done in the From the tribe of Zebulun
Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accor- they received Jokneam, Kartah, f Rimmono and
dance with all that Moses the servant of God had com- Tabor, together with their pasturelands;
78 from the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan east of
manded.
Jericho
50 These were the descendants of Aaron: they received Bezer in the desert, Jahzah, 79 Ked-
Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, emoth and Mephaath, together with their pas-
Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, turelands;
Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 80 and from the tribe of Gad
52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, they received Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim,
Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son 81 Heshbon and Jazer, together with their pas-
and Ahimaaz his son. turelands.
54 These were the locations of their settlements al-
Issachar
lotted as their territory (they were assigned to the de-
scendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan,
because the first lot was for them):
7TheTheTola,sons
2
sons of Issachar:
Puah, Jashub and Shimron—four in all.
of Tola:
55 They were given Hebron in Judah with its sur-
Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam and Sam-
rounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and vil- uel—heads of their families. During the reign of
lages around the city were given to Caleb son of David, the descendants of Tola listed as fighting
Jephunneh. men in their genealogy numbered 22,600.
57 So the descendants of Aaron were given He- 3 The son of Uzzi:
bron (a city of refuge), and Libnah, b Jattir, Eshte- Izrahiah.
moa, 58 Hilen, Debir, 59 Ashan, Juttah c and Beth The sons of Izrahiah:
Shemesh, together with their pasturelands. 60 And Michael, Obadiah, Joel and Isshiah. All five of
from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibe- them were chiefs. 4 According to their family ge-
on, d Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth, together with nealogy, they had 36,000 men ready for battle,
their pasturelands. for they had many wives and children.
These towns, which were distributed among the 5 The relatives who were fighting men belonging to
Kohathite clans, were thirteen in all. all the clans of Issachar, as listed in their geneal-
61 The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten
ogy, were 87,000 in all.
towns from the clans of half the tribe of Manasseh.
62 The descendants of Gershon, clan by clan, were al- Benjamin
lotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher 6 Three sons of Benjamin:
and Naphtali, and from the part of the tribe of Manas- Bela, Beker and Jediael.
seh that is in Bashan. 7 The sons of Bela:
63 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were al- Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth and Iri, heads of
lotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and families—five in all. Their genealogical record
Zebulun. listed 22,034 fighting men.
64 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and 8 The sons of Beker:
their pasturelands. 65 From the tribes of Judah, Simeon Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jere-
and Benjamin they allotted the previously named moth, Abijah, Anathoth and Alemeth. All these
towns. were the sons of Beker. 9 Their genealogical rec-
a 40 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, one Septuagint manuscript and Syriac Maaseiah b 57 See Joshua 21:13;
Hebrew given the cities of refuge: Hebron, Libnah. c 59 Syriac (see also Septuagint and Joshua 21:16); Hebrew does not have Juttah.
d 60 See Joshua 21:17; Hebrew does not have Gibeon. e 67 See Joshua 21:21; Hebrew given the cities of refuge: Shechem, Gezer.
f 77 See Septuagint and Joshua 21:34; Hebrew does not have Jokneam, Kartah.
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 225
shish and Ahishahar. 11 All these sons of Jediael tham and of their sister Shua.
were heads of families. There were 17,200 fight- 33 The sons of Japhlet:
son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.
of Meshillemith, the son of Immer. 39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul,
13 The priests, who were heads of families, num- and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua,
bered 1,760. They were able men, responsible Abinadab and Esh-Baal. a
for ministering in the house of God. 40 The son of Jonathan:
14 Of the Levites: Merib-Baal, b who was the father of Micah.
Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, 41 The sons of Micah:
the son of Hashabiah, a Merarite; 15 Bakbakkar, Pithon, Melech, Tahrea and Ahaz. e
Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah son of Mica, the 42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah f was the fa-
son of Zicri, the son of Asaph; 16 Obadiah son of ther of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zim-
Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; ri was the father of Moza. 43 Moza was the father
a 33,39Also known as Ish-Bosheth b 34,40 Also known as Mephibosheth c 19 That is, the temple; also in verses 21 and 23
d 35Father may mean civic leader or military leader. e 41 Vulgate and Syriac (see also Septuagint and 1 Chron. 8:35); Hebrew does not
have and Ahaz. f 42 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (see also 1 Chron. 8:36); most Hebrew manuscripts Jarah, Jarah
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 227
a8 Or the Millo b 11 Possibly a variant of Jashob-Baal c 11 Or Thirty; some Septuagint manuscripts Three (see also 2 Samuel 23:8)
d 23 Hebrew five cubits (about 2.3 meters)
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 228
3 Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah whom had remained loyal to Saul’s house until
the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azma- then;
30 men of Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their
veth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite, 4 and Ishma-
iah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the Thirty, own clans—20,800;
31 men of half the tribe of Manasseh, designated by
who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel,
Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite, 5 Eluzai, Jeri- name to come and make David king—18,000;
32 men of Issachar, who understood the times and
moth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Ha-
ruphite; 6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer and Ja- knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all
shobeam the Korahites; 7 and Joelah and Zebadiah their relatives under their command;
33 men of Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared
the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in
for battle with every type of weapon, to help
David with undivided loyalty—50,000;
the desert. They were brave warriors, ready for battle 34 men of Naphtali—1,000 officers, together with
and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces
37,000 men carrying shields and spears;
were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as ga- 35 men of Dan, ready for battle—28,600;
zelles in the mountains. 36 men of Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for
9 Ezer was the chief,
Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, battle—40,000;
37 and from east of the Jordan, men of Reuben, Gad
10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with ev-
12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, ery type of weapon—120,000.
13 Jeremiah the tenth and Macbannai the eleventh. 38 All these were fighting men who volunteered to
14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully deter-
was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thou- mined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of
sand. 15 It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king.
39 The men spent three days there with David, eating
month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they
put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions
and to the west. for them. 40 Also, their neighbors from as far away as Is-
16 Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also sachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on
came to David in his stronghold. 17 David went out to donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful
meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle
peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
a 22 Or a great and mighty army
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in the name of the LORD. 3 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a let them say among the nations, “The LORD
cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man reigns!”
and woman. 32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
4 He appointed some of the Levites to minister before let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, 33 Then the trees of the forest will sing,
and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel: 5 Asaph was they will sing for joy before the LORD,
the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, for he comes to judge the earth.
Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jei-
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
el. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to
sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the his love endures forever.
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God our Savior;
priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the
ark of the covenant of God. gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
David’s Psalm of Thanks that we may glory in your praise.”
7 That day David first committed to Asaph and his 36 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD: from everlasting to everlasting.
8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.”
make known among the nations what he has
37 David left Asaph and his associates before the ark
done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; of the covenant of the LORD to minister there regularly,
tell of all his wonderful acts. according to each day’s requirements. 38 He also left
10 Glory in his holy name; Obed-Edom and his sixty-eight associates to minister
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. with them. Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and also Ho-
11 Look to the LORD and his strength; sah, were gatekeepers.
seek his face always. 39 David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests
12 Remember the wonders he has done,
before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, Gibeon 40 to present burnt offerings to the LORD on the
13 O descendants of Israel his servant,
altar of burnt offering regularly, morning and evening,
O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones. in accordance with everything written in the Law of the
14 He is the LORD our God; LORD, which he had given Israel. 41 With them were He-
his judgments are in all the earth. man and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and
15 He remembers b his covenant forever, designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, “for his
the word he commanded, for a thousand love endures forever.” 42 Heman and Jeduthun were re-
generations, sponsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cym-
16 the covenant he made with Abraham, bals and for the playing of the other instruments for sa-
the oath he swore to Isaac. cred song. The sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the
17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, gate.
to Israel as an everlasting covenant: 43 Then all the people left, each for his own home,
18 “To you I will give the land of Canaan and David returned home to bless his family.
a1 Traditionally peace offerings; also in verse 2 b 15 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also Psalm 105:8); Hebrew Remember
c 18–20 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint and Vulgate (see also Psalm 105:12); most Hebrew manuscripts inherit, / 19though you are but
few in number, / few indeed, and strangers in it.” / 20They d 29 Or LORD with the splendor of
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 231
to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God. ing to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
3 He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for
the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more Gershonites
7 Belonging to the Gershonites:
bronze than could be weighed. 4 He also provided more
cedar logs than could be counted, for the Sidonians and Ladan and Shimei.
8 The sons of Ladan:
Tyrians had brought large numbers of them to David.
5 David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexpe- Jehiel the first, Zetham and Joel—three in all.
9 The sons of Shimei:
rienced, and the house to be built for the LORD should
be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the Shelomoth, Haziel and Haran—three in all.
sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make prepara- These were the heads of the families of Ladan.
10 And the sons of Shimei:
tions for it.” So David made extensive preparations be-
fore his death. Jahath, Ziza, f Jeush and Beriah.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him These were the sons of Shimei—four in all.
to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David 11 Jahath was the first and Ziza the second, but Je-
said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a ush and Beriah did not have many sons; so they
house for the Name of the LORD my God. 8But this word of were counted as one family with one assign-
the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and ment.
a 25 That is, about 15 pounds (about 7 kilograms) b 26 Traditionally peace offerings c 9 Solomon sounds like and may be derived
from the Hebrew for peace. d 14 That is, about 3,750 tons (about 3,450 metric tons) e 14 That is, about 37,500 tons (about 34,500
metric tons) f 10 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint and Vulgate (see also verse 11); most Hebrew manuscripts Zina
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 234
Shubael was the first. corded their names in the presence of the king and of
17 The descendants of Eliezer: the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abia-
Rehabiah was the first. thar and the heads of families of the priests and of the
Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Reha- Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then
biah were very numerous. one from Ithamar.
18 The sons of Izhar: 7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib,
Shelomith was the first. the second to Jedaiah,
19 The sons of Hebron: 8 the third to Harim,
Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the the fourth to Seorim,
third and Jekameam the fourth. 9 the fifth to Malkijah,
20 The sons of Uzziel:
the sixth to Mijamin,
Micah the first and Isshiah the second. 10 the seventh to Hakkoz,
lies—the heads of families as they were registered under the twentieth to Jehezkel,
17 the twenty-first to Jakin,
their names and counted individually, that is, the work-
ers twenty years old or more who served in the temple the twenty-second to Gamul,
18 the twenty-third to Delaiah
of the LORD. 25 For David had said, “Since the LORD, the
God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.
come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, 26 the Levites no 19 This was their appointed order of ministering
longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles when they entered the temple of the LORD, according to
used in its service.” 27 According to the last instructions the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather
of David, the Levites were counted from those twenty Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded
years old or more. him.
28 The duty of the Levites was to help Aaron’s descen-
dants in the service of the temple of the LORD: to be in The Rest of the Levites
charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purifica- 20 As for the rest of the descendants of Levi:
tion of all sacred things and the performance of other from the sons of Amram: Shubael;
duties at the house of God. 29 They were in charge of the from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah.
21 As for Rehabiah, from his sons:
bread set out on the table, the flour for the grain offer-
ings, the unleavened wafers, the baking and the mix- Isshiah was the first.
22 From the Izharites: Shelomoth;
ing, and all measurements of quantity and size. 30 They
were also to stand every morning to thank and praise from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath.
23 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the first, a Amariah the
the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening 31 and
whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD second, Jahaziel the third and Jekameam the
on Sabbaths and at New Moon festivals and at appoint- fourth.
24 The son of Uzziel: Micah;
ed feasts. They were to serve before the LORD regularly in
the proper number and in the way prescribed for them. from the sons of Micah: Shamir.
32 And so the Levites carried out their responsibili- 25 The brother of Micah: Isshiah;
ties for the Tent of Meeting, for the Holy Place and, un- from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah.
26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.
der their brothers the descendants of Aaron, for the ser-
vice of the temple of the LORD. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.
27 The sons of Merari:
The Divisions of Priests from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur and Ibri.
6 All these men were under the supervision of their Jehohanan the sixth
and Eliehoenai the seventh.
fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with 4 Obed-Edom also had sons:
cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house
Shemaiah the firstborn,
of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the
Jehozabad the second,
supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all
Joah the third,
of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD—they
Sacar the fourth,
numbered 288. 8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as
Nethanel the fifth,
student, cast lots for their duties. 5 Ammiel the sixth,
9 The first lot, which was for Asaph, fell to Issachar the seventh
Joseph, and Peullethai the eighth.
his sons and relatives, c 12 d (For God had blessed Obed-Edom.)
the second to Gedaliah, 6 His son Shemaiah also had sons, who were leaders
he and his relatives and sons, 12
10 the third to Zaccur, in their father’s family because they were very
capable men. 7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni,
his sons and relatives, 12
11 the fourth to Izri, e Rephael, Obed and Elzabad; his relatives Elihu
and Semakiah were also able men. 8 All these
his sons and relatives, 12
12 the fifth to Nethaniah, were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and
their sons and their relatives were capable men
his sons and relatives, 12
13 the sixth to Bukkiah, with the strength to do the work—descendants
of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.
his sons and relatives, 12 9 Meshelemiah had sons and relatives, who were
14 the seventh to Jesarelah, f
able men—18 in all.
his sons and relatives, 12
15 the eighth to Jeshaiah, 10 Hosah the Merarite had sons: Shimri the first (al-
his sons and relatives, 12 though he was not the firstborn, his father had
16 the ninth to Mattaniah, appointed him the first), 11 Hilkiah the second,
his sons and relatives, 12 Tabaliah the third and Zechariah the fourth.
17 the tenth to Shimei, The sons and relatives of Hosah were 13 in all.
his sons and relatives, 12 12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their
18 the eleventh to Azarel, g chief men, had duties for ministering in the temple of
his sons and relatives, 12 the LORD, just as their relatives had. 13 Lots were cast for
19 the twelfth to Hashabiah, each gate, according to their families, young and old
his sons and relatives, 12 alike.
20 the thirteenth to Shubael, 14 The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. h Then
his sons and relatives, 12 lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor,
21 the fourteenth to Mattithiah, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. 15 The lot for
his sons and relatives, 12 the South Gate fell to Obed-Edom, and the lot for the
a3 One Hebrew manuscript and some Septuagint manuscripts (see also verse 17); most Hebrew manuscripts do not have Shimei.
b 5 Hebrew exalt the horn c 9 See Septuagint; Hebrew does not have his sons and relatives. d 9 See the total in verse 7; Hebrew does
not have twelve. e 11 A variant of Zeri f 14 A variant of Asarelah g 18 A variant of Uzziel h 14 A variant of Meshelemiah
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 236
Guard was alongside of guard: 17 There were six Le- Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief
vites a day on the east, four a day on the north, four a and there were 24,000 men in his division. 6 This
day on the south and two at a time at the storehouse. was the Benaiah who was a mighty man among
18 As for the court to the west, there were four at the the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammiz-
road and two at the court itself. abad was in charge of his division.
19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who 7 The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the
were descendants of Korah and Merari. brother of Joab; his son Zebadiah was his succes-
sor. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The Treasurers and Other Officials 8 The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander
20 Their fellow Levites were a in charge of the treasur-
Shamhuth the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in
ies of the house of God and the treasuries for the dedi- his division.
cated things. 9 The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ik-
21 The descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites
kesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his di-
through Ladan and who were heads of families belong- vision.
ing to Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, 22 the sons of 10 The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the
Jehieli, Zetham and his brother Joel. They were in Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in
charge of the treasuries of the temple of the LORD. his division.
23 From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites 11 The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the
and the Uzzielites: Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in
24 Shubael, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, his division.
12 The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer the Ana-
was the officer in charge of the treasuries. 25 His
relatives through Eliezer: Rehabiah his son, Je- thothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in
shaiah his son, Joram his son, Zicri his son and his division.
13 The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Ne-
Shelomith his son. 26 Shelomith and his relatives
were in charge of all the treasuries for the things tophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in
dedicated by King David, by the heads of fami- his division.
14 The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah
lies who were the commanders of thousands
and commanders of hundreds, and by the other the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000
army commanders. 27 Some of the plunder taken men in his division.
15 The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the
in battle they dedicated for the repair of the
temple of the LORD. 28 And everything dedicated Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There
by Samuel the seer and by Saul son of Kish, Ab- were 24,000 men in his division.
ner son of Ner and Joab son of Zeruiah, and all Officers of the Tribes
the other dedicated things were in the care of 16 The officers over the tribes of Israel:
Shelomith and his relatives.
29 From the Izharites: Kenaniah and his sons were over the Reubenites: Eliezer son of Zicri;
assigned duties away from the temple, as offi- over the Simeonites: Shephatiah son of Maacah;
17 over Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel;
cials and judges over Israel.
30 From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his rela- over Aaron: Zadok;
18 over Judah: Elihu, a brother of David;
tives—seventeen hundred able men—were re-
sponsible in Israel west of the Jordan for all the over Issachar: Omri son of Michael;
19 over Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah;
work of the LORD and for the king’s service. 31 As
for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief ac- over Naphtali: Jerimoth son of Azriel;
20 over the Ephraimites: Hoshea son of Azaziah;
cording to the genealogical records of their fam-
ilies. In the fortieth year of David’s reign a over half the tribe of Manasseh: Joel son of Peda-
search was made in the records, and capable iah;
21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead: Iddo son
men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer
in Gilead. 32 Jeriah had twenty-seven hundred of Zechariah;
relatives, who were able men and heads of fam- over Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner;
22 over Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham.
ilies, and King David put them in charge of the
Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of These were the officers over the tribes of Israel.
Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God 23 David did not take the number of the men twenty
and for the affairs of the king. years old or less, because the LORD had promised to
Army Divisions make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. 24 Joab
son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not fin-
27 This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families,
commanders of thousands and commanders of
hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all
ish. Wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering,
and the number was not entered in the book b of the
annals of King David.
that concerned the army divisions that were on duty
month by month throughout the year. Each division The King’s Overseers
consisted of 24,000 men. 25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal
storehouses.
2 In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the store-
Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men houses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the vil-
in his division. 3 He was a descendant of Perez and lages and the watchtowers.
chief of all the army officers for the first month. 26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers
4 In charge of the division for the second month was who farmed the land.
a 20 Septuagint; Hebrew As for the Levites, Ahijah was b 24 Septuagint; Hebrew number
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 237
king, the commanders of thousands and commanders courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or dis-
of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the prop- couraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He
erty and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, to- will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the
gether with the palace officials, the mighty men and all service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 21 The divi-
sions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work
the brave warriors.
2 King David rose to his feet and said: “Listen to me, on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in
any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and
my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to
all the people will obey your every command.”
build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the cov-
enant of the LORD, for the footstool of our God, and I Gifts for Building the Temple
made plans to build it. 3 But God said to me, ‘You are
not to build a house for my Name, because you are a
warrior and have shed blood.’
29 Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My
son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is
young and inexperienced. The task is great, because
4 “Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from my
this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD
whole family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Ju- God. 2 With all my resources I have provided for the
dah as leader, and from the house of Judah he chose my temple of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the
family, and from my father’s sons he was pleased to silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood
make me king over all Israel. 5 Of all my sons—and the for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, tur-
LORD has given me many—he has chosen my son Solo- quoise, a stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine
mon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD stone and marble—all of these in large quantities. 3 Be-
over Israel. 6 He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the sides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now
one who will build my house and my courts, for I have give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the
chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 7 I will temple of my God, over and above everything I have
establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in car- provided for this holy temple: 4 three thousand talents b
rying out my commands and laws, as is being done at of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents c of
this time.’ refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the
8 “So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of buildings, 5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for
the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is
God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?”
your God, that you may possess this good land and pass 6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the
it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever. tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and
9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of
of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devo- the king’s work gave willingly. 7 They gave toward the
tion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches ev- work on the temple of God five thousand talents d and
ery heart and understands every motive behind the ten thousand darics e of gold, ten thousand talents f of
thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if silver, eighteen thousand talents g of bronze and a hun-
you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider dred thousand talents h of iron. 8 Any who had precious
now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the
sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.” LORD in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 The peo-
a2 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b 4 That is, about 110 tons (about 100 metric tons) c 4 That is, about 260
tons (about 240 metric tons) d 7 That is, about 190 tons (about 170 metric tons) e 7 That is, about 185 pounds (about 84 kilograms)
f7 That is, about 375 tons (about 345 metric tons) g 7 That is, about 675 tons (about 610 metric tons) h 7 That is, about 3,750 tons
(about 3,450 metric tons)
131Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 238
David’s Prayer LORD your God.” So they all praised the LORD, the God of
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the
their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before
the LORD and the king.
whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, O LORD, Solomon Acknowledged as King
21 The next day they made sacrifices to the LORD and
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abun-
for everything in heaven and earth is yours. dance for all Israel. 22 They ate and drank with great joy
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; in the presence of the LORD that day.
you are exalted as head over all. Then they acknowledged Solomon son of David as
12 Wealth and honor come from you; king a second time, anointing him before the LORD to be
you are the ruler of all things. ruler and Zadok to be priest. 23 So Solomon sat on the
In your hands are strength and power throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David.
to exalt and give strength to all. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him. 24 All the officers
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons,
and praise your glorious name. pledged their submission to King Solomon.
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we 25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all
should be able to give as generously as this? Everything Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no
comes from you, and we have given you only what king over Israel ever had before.
comes from your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in The Death of David
your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth 26 David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. 27 He
are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as
for all this abundance that we have provided for build- ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thir-
ing you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from ty-three in Jerusalem. 28 He died at a good old age, hav-
your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my ing enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solo-
God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integ- mon succeeded him as king.
29 As for the events of King David’s reign, from be-
rity. All these things have I given willingly and with hon-
est intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly ginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel
your people who are here have given to you. 18 O LORD, the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet and the rec-
God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this ords of Gad the seer, 30 together with the details of his
desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep reign and power, and the circumstances that surround-
their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon ed him and Israel and the kingdoms of all the other
the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, lands.
142Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 239
2 Chronicles
Solomon Asks for Wisdom 2 He conscripted seventy thousand men as carriers and
eighty thousand as stonecutters in the hills and thirty-
1 Solomon son of David established himself firmly
over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him
and made him exceedingly great.
six hundred as foremen over them.
3 Solomon sent this message to Hiram f king of Tyre:
2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel—to the com-
“Send me cedar logs as you did for my father
manders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, David when you sent him cedar to build a palace
to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of to live in. 4 Now I am about to build a temple for the
families— 3 and Solomon and the whole assembly went Name of the LORD my God and to dedicate it to
to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s Tent of Meeting him for burning fragrant incense before him, for
was there, which Moses the LORD’s servant had made in setting out the consecrated bread regularly, and
the desert. 4 Now David had brought up the ark of God for making burnt offerings every morning and
from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, evening and on Sabbaths and New Moons and at
because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem. 5 But the appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is a
the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, lasting ordinance for Israel.
had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of 5 “The temple I am going to build will be great,
the LORD; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him because our God is greater than all other gods.
there. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since
LORD in the Tent of Meeting and offered a thousand the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot
burnt offerings on it. contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to
him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before
him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” him?
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great 7 “Send me, therefore, a man skilled to work in
kindness to David my father and have made me king in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple,
his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art
David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem with
people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. my skilled craftsmen, whom my father David pro-
10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this vided.
people, for who is able to govern this great people of 8 “Send me also cedar, pine and algum g logs
yours?” from Lebanon, for I know that your men are
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s de- skilled in cutting timber there. My men will work
sire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, with yours 9 to provide me with plenty of lumber,
nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have because the temple I build must be large and mag-
not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge nificent. 10 I will give your servants, the woodsmen
to govern my people over whom I have made you king, who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors h of
12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley,
And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such twenty thousand baths i of wine and twenty thou-
as no king who was before you ever had and none after sand baths of olive oil.”
you will have.” 11 Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon:
13 Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high
place at Gibeon, from before the Tent of Meeting. And “Because the LORD loves his people, he has
he reigned over Israel. made you their king.”
14 Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had
12 And Hiram added:
fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand
horses, a which he kept in the chariot cities and also “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who
with him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold made heaven and earth! He has given King David a
as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plenti- wise son, endowed with intelligence and discern-
ful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 16 Solomon’s ment, who will build a temple for the LORD and a
horses were imported from Egypt b and from Kue c—the palace for himself.
13 “I am sending you Huram-Abi, a man of great
royal merchants purchased them from Kue. 17 They im-
ported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels d of skill, 14 whose mother was from Dan and whose fa-
silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. e They also ther was from Tyre. He is trained to work in gold
exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, and
Arameans. with purple and blue and crimson yarn and fine
linen. He is experienced in all kinds of engraving
Preparations for Building the Temple and can execute any design given to him. He will
3L Then
L
ORD
ORD
Solomon began to build the temple of the
in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the
had appeared to his father David. It was on the
things to be used for the burnt offerings were rinsed,
but the Sea was to be used by the priests for washing.
7 He made ten gold lampstands according to the
threshing floor of Araunah a the Jebusite, the place pro- specifications for them and placed them in the temple,
vided by David. 2 He began building on the second day five on the south side and five on the north.
of the second month in the fourth year of his reign. 8 He made ten tables and placed them in the temple,
3 The foundation Solomon laid for building the tem-
five on the south side and five on the north. He also
ple of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits made a hundred gold sprinkling bowls.
wide b (using the cubit of the old standard). 4 The porti- 9 He made the courtyard of the priests, and the large
co at the front of the temple was twenty cubits c long court and the doors for the court, and overlaid the
across the width of the building and twenty cubits d doors with bronze. 10 He placed the Sea on the south
high. side, at the southeast corner.
He overlaid the inside with pure gold. 5 He paneled 11 He also made the pots and shovels and sprinkling
the main hall with pine and covered it with fine gold bowls.
and decorated it with palm tree and chain designs. 6 He So Huram finished the work he had undertaken for
adorned the temple with precious stones. And the gold King Solomon in the temple of God:
he used was gold of Parvaim. 7 He overlaid the ceiling
beams, doorframes, walls and doors of the temple with 12 the two pillars;
gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls. the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars;
8 He built the Most Holy Place, its length corre- the two sets of network decorating the two bowl-
sponding to the width of the temple—twenty cubits shaped capitals on top of the pillars;
long and twenty cubits wide. He overlaid the inside 13 the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of
with six hundred talents e of fine gold. 9 The gold nails network (two rows of pomegranates for each
weighed fifty shekels. f He also overlaid the upper parts network, decorating the bowl-shaped capitals
with gold. on top of the pillars);
10 In the Most Holy Place he made a pair of sculp- 14 the stands with their basins;
tured cherubim and overlaid them with gold. 11 The total 15 the Sea and the twelve bulls under it;
wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing 16 the pots, shovels, meat forks and all related arti-
of the first cherub was five cubits g long and touched cles.
the temple wall, while its other wing, also five cubits
long, touched the wing of the other cherub. 12 Similarly All the objects that Huram-Abi made for King Solo-
one wing of the second cherub was five cubits long and mon for the temple of the LORD were of polished
touched the other temple wall, and its other wing, also bronze. 17 The king had them cast in clay molds in the
five cubits long, touched the wing of the first cherub. plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan. s
13 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. 18 All these things that Solomon made amounted to so
They stood on their feet, facing the main hall. h much that the weight of the bronze was not deter-
14 He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson mined.
yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it. 19 Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in
15 In the front of the temple he made two pillars, God’s temple:
which õtogetherÕ were thirty-five cubits i long, each with
the golden altar;
a capital on top measuring five cubits. 16 He made inter-
the tables on which was the bread of the Presence;
woven chains j and put them on top of the pillars. He 20 the
also made a hundred pomegranates and attached them lampstands of pure gold with their lamps, to
to the chains. 17 He erected the pillars in the front of the burn in front of the inner sanctuary as pre-
temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one scribed;
21 the gold floral work and lamps and tongs (they
to the south he named Jakin k and the one to the north
Boaz. l were solid gold);
22 the pure gold wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls,
The Temple’s Furnishings dishes and censers; and the gold doors of the
meters) high n 2 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters) o 2 That is, about 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) p 3 That is, about 1 1/2
feet (about 0.5 meter) q 5 That is, about 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) r 5 That is, about 17,500 gallons (about 66 kiloliters)
s 17 Hebrew Zeredatha, a variant of Zarethan
142Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 241
8Solomon
2
At the end of twenty years, during which Solomon
built the temple of the L and his own palace,
ORD
rebuilt the villages that Hiram had given
a
and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the
greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far ex-
ceeded the report I heard. 7 How happy your men must
him, and settled Israelites in them. 3 Solomon then be! How happy your officials, who continually stand be-
went to Hamath Zobah and captured it. 4 He also built fore you and hear your wisdom! 8 Praise be to the LORD
up Tadmor in the desert and all the store cities he had your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on
built in Hamath. 5 He rebuilt Upper Beth Horon and his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Be-
Lower Beth Horon as fortified cities, with walls and with cause of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to
gates and bars, 6 as well as Baalath and all his store cities, uphold them forever, he has made you king over them,
and all the cities for his chariots and for his horses b— to maintain justice and righteousness.”
whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon 9 Then she gave the king 120 talents e of gold, large
and throughout all the territory he ruled. quantities of spices, and precious stones. There had
7 All the people left from the Hittites, Amorites, Periz-
never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba
zites, Hivites and Jebusites (these peoples were not Isra- gave to King Solomon.
elites), 8 that is, their descendants remaining in the land, 10 (The men of Hiram and the men of Solomon
whom the Israelites had not destroyed—these Solomon brought gold from Ophir; they also brought algumwood f
conscripted for his slave labor force, as it is to this day. and precious stones. 11 The king used the algumwood to
9 But Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites for his
make steps for the temple of the LORD and for the royal
work; they were his fighting men, commanders of his palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians.
captains, and commanders of his chariots and chario- Nothing like them had ever been seen in Judah.)
teers. 10 They were also King Solomon’s chief officials— 12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she de-
two hundred and fifty officials supervising the men. sired and asked for; he gave her more than she had
11 Solomon brought Pharaoh’s daughter up from the
brought to him. Then she left and returned with her ret-
City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he inue to her own country.
said, “My wife must not live in the palace of David king
of Israel, because the places the ark of the LORD has en- Solomon’s Splendor
tered are holy.” 13 The weight of the gold that Solomon received
12 On the altar of the LORD that he had built in front of yearly was 666 talents, g 14 not including the revenues
the portico, Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the brought in by merchants and traders. Also all the kings
LORD, 13 according to the daily requirement for offerings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought gold
commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the and silver to Solomon.
three annual feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the 15 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of
Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. 14 In keeping hammered gold; six hundred bekas h of hammered gold
with the ordinance of his father David, he appointed the went into each shield. 16 He also made three hundred
divisions of the priests for their duties, and the Levites to small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred
lead the praise and to assist the priests according to each bekas i of gold in each shield. The king put them in the
day’s requirement. He also appointed the gatekeepers by Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
divisions for the various gates, because this was what 17 Then the king made a great throne inlaid with ivo-
David the man of God had ordered. 15 They did not devi- ry and overlaid with pure gold. 18 The throne had six
ate from the king’s commands to the priests or to the Le- steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. On
vites in any matter, including that of the treasuries. both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion stand-
16 All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day
ing beside each of them. 19 Twelve lions stood on the six
the foundation of the temple of the LORD was laid until steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had
its completion. So the temple of the LORD was finished. ever been made for any other kingdom. 20 All King Solo-
17 Then Solomon went to Ezion Geber and Elath on
mon’s goblets were gold, and all the household articles
the coast of Edom. 18 And Hiram sent him ships com- in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold.
manded by his own officers, men who knew the sea. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was consid-
These, with Solomon’s men, sailed to Ophir and ered of little value in Solomon’s day. 21 The king had a
brought back four hundred and fifty talents c of gold, fleet of trading ships j manned by Hiram’s k men. Once
which they delivered to King Solomon. every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon ivory, and apes and baboons.
22 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom
country about your achievements and your wisdom is from all other countries.
a2 Hebrew Huram, a variant of Hiram; also in verse 18 b 6,25 Or charioteers c 18 That is, about 17 tons (about 16 metric tons)
d4 Or the ascent by which he went up to e 9 That is, about 4 1/2 tons (about 4 metric tons) f 10 Probably a variant of almugwood
g 13 That is, about 25 tons (about 23 metric tons) h 15 That is, about 7 1/2 pounds (about 3.5 kilograms) i 16 That is, about 3 3/4
pounds (about 1.7 kilograms) j 21 Hebrew of ships that could go to Tarshish k 21 Hebrew Huram, a variant of Hiram l 26 That is,
the Euphrates m 28 Or possibly Muzur, a region in Cilicia
142Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 244
monially clean table and light the lamps on the gold Judah. The Cushites fled, 13 and Asa and his army pur-
a2 Most Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also 2 Chron. 11:20 and 1 Kings 15:2); Hebrew Micaiah b 2 Or granddaughter
c3 That is, symbols of the goddess Asherah; here and elsewhere in 2 Chronicles d 9 Hebrew with an army of a thousand thousands or
with an army of thousands upon thousands
142Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 246
these villages, since there was much booty there. 15 They commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel.
also attacked the camps of the herdsmen and carried off They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim b and all the
droves of sheep and goats and camels. Then they re- store cities of Naphtali. 5 When Baasha heard this, he
turned to Jerusalem. stopped building Ramah and abandoned his work.
6 Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they
Asa’s Reform carried away from Ramah the stones and timber Baasha
15 The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.
2
He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen
to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The L is ORD
had been using. With them he built up Geba and Miz-
pah.
7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of
with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king
will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will for- of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the
sake you. 3 For a long time Israel was without the true king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Were not
God, without a priest to teach and without the law. 4 But the Cushites c and Libyans a mighty army with great
in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Isra- numbers of chariots and horsemen d? Yet when you re-
el, and sought him, and he was found by them. 5 In lied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand.
those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the in- 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to
habitants of the lands were in great turmoil. 6 One na- strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to
tion was being crushed by another and one city by an- him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on
other, because God was troubling them with every kind you will be at war.”
of distress. 7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, 10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was
for your work will be rewarded.” so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time
8 When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of
Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.
Azariah son of a Oded the prophet, he took courage. He 11 The events of Asa’s reign, from beginning to end,
removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Ju- are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
dah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured 12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted
in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was se-
that was in front of the portico of the LORD’s temple. vere, even in his illness he did not seek help from the
9 Then he assembled all Judah and Benjamin and
LORD, but only from the physicians. 13 Then in the forty-
the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who first year of his reign Asa died and rested with his fa-
had settled among them, for large numbers had come thers. 14 They buried him in the tomb that he had cut
over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a
God was with him. bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes,
10 They assembled at Jerusalem in the third month
and they made a huge fire in his honor.
of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. 11 At that time they
sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred head of cattle and Jehoshaphat King of Judah
seven thousand sheep and goats from the plunder they
had brought back. 12 They entered into a covenant to
seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their
17 Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and
2
strengthened himself against Israel. He stationed
troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garri-
heart and soul. 13 All who would not seek the LORD, the sons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his fa-
God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or ther Asa had captured.
3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his ear-
great, man or woman. 14 They took an oath to the LORD
with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trum- ly years he walked in the ways his father David had fol-
pets and horns. 15 All Judah rejoiced about the oath be- lowed. He did not consult the Baals 4 but sought the
cause they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God of his father and followed his commands rather
God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD than the practices of Israel. 5 The LORD established the
gave them rest on every side. kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts
16 King Asa also deposed his grandmother Maacah to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.
6 His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; further-
from her position as queen mother, because she had
made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut the pole down, more, he removed the high places and the Asherah
broke it up and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 17 Al- poles from Judah.
7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials
though he did not remove the high places from Israel,
Asa’s heart was fully committed õto the LORDÕ all his life. Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah
18 He brought into the temple of God the silver and gold to teach in the towns of Judah. 8 With them were certain
and the articles that he and his father had dedicated. Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, She-
19 There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of miramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Ad-
Asa’s reign. onijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 They
taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of
Asa’s Last Years the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns
matter concerning the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ish- koa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen
mael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the
any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his
serve as officials before you. Act with courage, and may prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting
the LORD be with those who do well.” the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the
LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his d holiness
Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
20 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with
some of the Meunites came to make war on Je-
hoshaphat.
a “Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever.”
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast 22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set am-
army is coming against you from Edom, b from the oth- bushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and
er side of the Sea. c It is already in Hazazon Tamar” (that Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were
is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire defeated. 23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up
of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihi-
people of Judah came together to seek help from the late them. After they finished slaughtering the men
LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
seek him. 24 When the men of Judah came to the place that
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Ju-
overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army,
dah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one
of the new courtyard 6 and said: had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to
“O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God carry off their plunder, and they found among them a
who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of great amount of equipment and clothing e and also arti-
the nations. Power and might are in your hand, cles of value—more than they could take away. There
and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Ber-
you not drive out the inhabitants of this land be-
fore your people Israel and give it forever to the acah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is
descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have called the Valley of Beracah f to this day.
27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah
lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your
Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the
whether the sword of judgment, or plague or fam- LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their ene-
ine, we will stand in your presence before this mies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple
temple that bears your Name and will cry out to of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets.
29 The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the
you in our distress, and you will hear us and
save us.’ countries when they heard how the LORD had fought
10 “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Je-
and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not al- hoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest
low Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; on every side.
so they turned away from them and did not de- The End of Jehoshaphat’s Reign
stroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by 31 So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-
coming to drive us out of the possession you gave five years old when he became king of Judah, and he
us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will you not reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s
judge them? For we have no power to face this vast name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 32 He walked in
army that is attacking us. We do not know what to the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them;
do, but our eyes are upon you.” he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. 33 The high
a1 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew Ammonites b 2 One Hebrew manuscript; most Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate
Aram c 2 That is, the Dead Sea d 21 Or him with the splendor of e 25 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate; most Hebrew
manuscripts corpses f 26 Beracah means praise.
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a 23 Probably in the spring b 26 A variant of Jozabad c 26 A variant of Shomer d 1 Hebrew Jehoaddan, a variant of Jehoaddin
e4 Deut. 24:16 f 6 That is, about 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons); also in verse 9 g 17 Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash; also in
verses 18, 21, 23 and 25 h 23 Hebrew Jehoahaz, a variant of Ahaziah i 23 Hebrew four hundred cubits (about 180 meters) j 1 Also
called Azariah k 5 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac; other Hebrew manuscripts vision
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them in a field for burial that belonged to the kings, for son of Jehohanan, Berekiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehiz-
people said, “He had leprosy.” And Jotham his son suc- kiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—con-
ceeded him as king. fronted those who were arriving from the war. 13 “You
must not bring those prisoners here,” they said, “or we
Jotham King of Judah will be guilty before the LORD. Do you intend to add to
a house where he was relieved of responsibilities c 5 That is, about 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons) d 5 That is, probably about
62,000 bushels (about 2,200 kiloliters)
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Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah; yourselves to the LORD. Come and bring sacrifices and
from the Merarites, thank offerings to the temple of the LORD.” So the as-
Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel; sembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all
from the Gershonites, whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.
Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah; 32 The number of burnt offerings the assembly
13 from the descendants of Elizaphan, brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams and two
a 16 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint and Vulgate (see also 2 Kings 16:7); most Hebrew manuscripts kings b 19 That is, Judah, as
frequently in 2 Chronicles c 20 Hebrew Tilgath-Pilneser, a variant of Tiglath-Pileser d 24 Or and cut them up
142Ch-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:01 AM Page 254
a4 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac king b5 Or the Millo c 22 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate He gave them rest
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them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah
took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joa-
him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. 12 In haz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the LORD his
his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and God.
humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 9 They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him
13 And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by the money that had been brought into the temple of
his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him God, which the Levites who were the doorkeepers had
back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh collected from the people of Manasseh, Ephraim and
knew that the LORD is God. the entire remnant of Israel and from all the people of
14 Afterward he rebuilt the outer wall of the City of Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
David, west of the Gihon spring in the valley, as far as 10 Then they entrusted it to the men appointed to su-
the entrance of the Fish Gate and encircling the hill of pervise the work on the LORD’s temple. These men paid
Ophel; he also made it much higher. He stationed mili- the workers who repaired and restored the temple.
tary commanders in all the fortified cities in Judah. 11 They also gave money to the carpenters and builders
15 He got rid of the foreign gods and removed the im- to purchase dressed stone, and timber for joists and
age from the temple of the LORD, as well as all the altars beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had al-
he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem; and he lowed to fall into ruin.
threw them out of the city. 16 Then he restored the altar 12 The men did the work faithfully. Over them to di-
of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship offerings b and rect them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended
thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the LORD, from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended
the God of Israel. 17 The people, however, continued to from Kohath. The Levites—all who were skilled in play-
a 6 Or He made his sons pass through b 16 Traditionally peace offerings c 18 That is, Judah, as frequently in 2 Chronicles d 19 One
Hebrew manuscript and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts of Hozai
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a2 Hebrew Joahaz, a variant of Jehoahaz; also in verse 4 b 3 That is, about 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons) c 3 That is, about 75
pounds (about 34 kilograms) d 7 Or palace e 9 One Hebrew manuscript, some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also 2 Kings
24:8); most Hebrew manuscripts eight f 10 Hebrew brother, that is, relative (see 2 Kings 24:17) g 17 Or Chaldeans
15Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:02 AM Page 259
Ezra
Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return 8 of Zattu 945
9 of Zaccai 760
1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to ful-
fill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the
LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a
10 of Bani
11 of Bebai
642
623
proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in 12 of Azgad 1,222
writing: 13 of Adonikam 666
14 of Bigvai 2,056
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 15 of Adin 454
“ ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all 16 of Ater (through Hezekiah) 98
the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed 17 of Bezai 323
me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 18 of Jorah 112
3 Anyone of his people among you—may his God
19 of Hashum 223
be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Ju- 20 of Gibbar 95
dah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of
Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And the peo- 21 the men of Bethlehem 123
ple of any place where survivors may now be living 22 of Netophah 56
are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods 23 of Anathoth 128
and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the 24 of Azmaveth 42
temple of God in Jerusalem.’ ” 25 of Kiriath Jearim, c Kephirah and
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and Beeroth 743
26 of Ramah and Geba 621
the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had 27 of Micmash 122
moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the 28 of Bethel and Ai 223
LORD in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them 29 of Nebo 52
with articles of silver and gold, with goods and live- 30 of Magbish 156
stock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the free- 31 of the other Elam 1,254
will offerings. 7 Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the 32 of Harim
articles belonging to the temple of the LORD, which 320
33 of Lod, Hadid and Ono 725
Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and 34 of Jericho
had placed in the temple of his god. a 8 Cyrus king of 345
35 of Senaah 3,630
Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer,
who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Ju- 36 The priests:
dah.
9 This was the inventory: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the
family of Jeshua) 973
gold dishes 30 37 of Immer 1,052
silver dishes 1,000 38 of Pashhur 1,247
silver pans b 29 39 of Harim 1,017
10 gold bowls 30 40 The Levites:
matching silver bowls 410
other articles 1,000 the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel
11 In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. (through the line of Hodaviah) 74
Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles 41 The singers:
came up from Babylon to Jerusalem.
the descendants of Asaph 128
The List of the Exiles Who Returned 42 The gatekeepers of the temple:
2chadnezzar
Now these are the people of the province who came
up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebu-
king of Babylon had taken captive to Bab-
the descendants of
Shallum, Ater, Talmon,
ylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his Akkub, Hatita and Shobai 139
own town, 2 in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehe- 43 The temple servants:
miah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar,
Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah): the descendants of
Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
The list of the men of the people of Israel: 44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,
3 the descendants of Parosh 2,172 45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,
4 of Shephatiah 372 46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,
5 of Arah 775 47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,
6 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of 48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,
Jeshua and Joab) 2,812 49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,
7 of Elam 1,254 50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephussim,
a7 Or gods b9 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. c 25 See Septuagint (see also Neh. 7:29); Hebrew Kiriath Arim.
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260 E ZR A 2:51
51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur, ferings to the LORD, though the foundation of the LORD’s
52 Bazluth,Mehida, Harsha, temple had not yet been laid.
53 Barkos,Sisera, Temah,
54 Neziah and Hatipha Rebuilding the Temple
7 Then they gave money to the masons and carpen-
55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: ters, and gave food and drink and oil to the people of Si-
the descendants of don and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs by sea
Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda, from Lebanon to Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus king of
56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel, Persia.
57 Shephatiah, Hattil, 8 In the second month of the second year after their
they could not find them and so were excluded “He is good;
from the priesthood as unclean. 63 The governor his love to Israel endures forever.”
ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the
food until there was a priest ministering with the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD
Urim and Thummim. was laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites
64 The whole company numbered 42,360, 65 be- and family heads, who had seen the former temple,
sides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this tem-
and they also had 200 men and women singers. ple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No
66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 67 435 camels one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy
and 6,720 donkeys. from the sound of weeping, because the people made
so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
68 When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jeru-
salem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill of- Opposition to the Rebuilding
ferings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its
site. 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury
for this work 61,000 drachmas a of gold, 5,000 minas b of
4 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard
that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD,
the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the
silver and 100 priestly garments. heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build be-
70 The priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeep- cause, like you, we seek your God and have been sacri-
ers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, ficing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of As-
along with some of the other people, and the rest of the syria, who brought us here.”
Israelites settled in their towns. 3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of
they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with the re- lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and
quired number of burnt offerings prescribed for each Jerusalem.
day. 5 After that, they presented the regular burnt offer- 7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bish-
ings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all lam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates
the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as those wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Ar-
brought as freewill offerings to the LORD. 6 On the first amaic script and in the Aramaic language. f, g
day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt of- 8 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the
a 69 That is, about 1,100 pounds (about 500 kilograms) b 69 That is, about 3 tons (about 2.9 metric tons) c 9 Hebrew Yehudah,
probably a variant of Hodaviah d 4 Or and troubled them as they built e 6 Hebrew Ahasuerus, a variant of Xerxes’ Persian name
f 7 Or written in Aramaic and translated g 7 The text of Ezra 4:8–-6:18 is in Aramaic.
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E ZR A 6:3 261
secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God
the king as follows: were with them, helping them.
3 At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates,
9 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai
and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them
the secretary, together with the rest of their associ- and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple
ates—the judges and officials over the men from and restore this structure?” 4 They also asked, “What are
Tripolis, Persia, a Erech and Babylon, the Elamites the names of the men constructing this building?” c
of Susa, 10 and the other people whom the great 5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of
and honorable Ashurbanipal b deported and set- the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report
tled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans- could go to Darius and his written reply be received.
Euphrates. 6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of
11 (This is a copy of the letter they sent him.) Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associ-
ates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Dari-
To King Artaxerxes, us. 7 The report they sent him read as follows:
From your servants, the men of Trans-Euphrates: To King Darius:
12 The king should know that the Jews who came
Cordial greetings.
up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are 8 The king should know that we went to the dis-
rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They
are restoring the walls and repairing the founda- trict of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The
tions. people are building it with large stones and placing
13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this the timbers in the walls. The work is being carried
on with diligence and is making rapid progress
city is built and its walls are restored, no more
under their direction.
taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal 9 We questioned the elders and asked them,
revenues will suffer. 14 Now since we are under ob- “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and
ligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to restore this structure?” 10 We also asked them their
see the king dishonored, we are sending this mes- names, so that we could write down the names of
sage to inform the king, 15 so that a search may be their leaders for your information.
made in the archives of your predecessors. In 11 This is the answer they gave us:
these records you will find that this city is a rebel-
lious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a “We are the servants of the God of heaven and
place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was
this city was destroyed. 16 We inform the king that if built many years ago, one that a great king of Isra-
this city is built and its walls are restored, you will el built and finished. 12 But because our fathers an-
be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates. gered the God of heaven, he handed them over to
Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon,
17 The king sent this reply: who destroyed this temple and deported the peo-
ple to Babylon.
To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the 13 “However, in the first year of Cyrus king of
secretary and the rest of their associates living in Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this
Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates: house of God. 14 He even removed from the tem-
Greetings. ple d of Babylon the gold and silver articles of the
house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken
18 The letter you sent us has been read and from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to the
translated in my presence. 19 I issued an order and temple d in Babylon.
a search was made, and it was found that this city “Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named
has a long history of revolt against kings and has Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor,
been a place of rebellion and sedition. 20 Jerusalem 15 and he told him, ‘Take these articles and go and
has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And re-
Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and duty were build the house of God on its site.’ 16 So this Shesh-
paid to them. 21 Now issue an order to these men to bazzar came and laid the foundations of the house
stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it
I so order. 22 Be careful not to neglect this matter. has been under construction but is not yet fin-
Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the ished.”
royal interests? 17 Now if it pleases the king, let a search be made
23 As
soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes in the royal archives of Babylon to see if King Cyrus
was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and did in fact issue a decree to rebuild this house of
their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his de-
Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. cision in this matter.
Tattenai’s Letter to Darius ince of Media, and this was written on it:
262 E ZR A 6:4
Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order
sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. 22 For seven days they
ninety feet a high and ninety feet wide, 4 with three celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, be-
courses of large stones and one of timbers. The cause the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the
costs are to be paid by the royal treasury. 5 Also, the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in
gold and silver articles of the house of God, which the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusa-
lem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to
Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to
be deposited in the house of God. 7ah, After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes
king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azari-
2
the son of Hilkiah, the son of Shallum, the son of
6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphra-
Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3 the son of Amariah, the son
tes, and Shethar-Bozenai and you, their fellow offi- of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4 the son of Zerahiah,
cials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 the son of Abishua,
not interfere with the work on this temple of God. the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron
Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders the chief priest— 6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He
rebuild this house of God on its site. was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which
8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do
the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had
for these elders of the Jews in the construction of granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the
this house of God: LORD his God was on him. 7 Some of the Israelites, in-
The expenses of these men are to be fully paid cluding priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple
out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year
Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. of King Artaxerxes.
9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male 8 Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the
lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, seventh year of the king. 9 He had begun his journey
and wheat, salt, wine and oil, as requested by the from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he
priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month,
without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra
pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the had devoted himself to the study and observance of the
well-being of the king and his sons. Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in
11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone changes Israel.
this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house
and he is to be lifted up and impaled on it. And for King Artaxerxes’ Letter to Ezra
11 This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had giv-
this crime his house is to be made a pile of rubble.
12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell en to Ezra the priest and teacher, a man learned in mat-
there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a ters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD
hand to change this decree or to destroy this tem- for Israel:
ple in Jerusalem. 12 b Artaxerxes, king of kings,
I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out
with diligence. To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God
of heaven:
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent,
Greetings.
13 Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my
Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-
Bozenai and their associates carried it out with dili- kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish
gence. 14 So the elders of the Jews continued to build to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. 14 You are sent
and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet by the king and his seven advisers to inquire about
and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of
building the temple according to the command of the your God, which is in your hand. 15 Moreover, you
God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Arta- are to take with you the silver and gold that the
xerxes, kings of Persia. 15 The temple was completed on king and his advisers have freely given to the God
the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 togeth-
reign of King Darius. er with all the silver and gold you may obtain from
16 Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill of-
and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of ferings of the people and priests for the temple of
the house of God with joy. 17 For the dedication of this their God in Jerusalem. 17 With this money be sure
house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hun- to buy bulls, rams and male lambs, together with
dred rams, four hundred male lambs and, as a sin offer- their grain offerings and drink offerings, and sacri-
ing for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the fice them on the altar of the temple of your God in
tribes of Israel. 18 And they installed the priests in their Jerusalem.
18 You and your brother Jews may then do what-
divisions and the Levites in their groups for the service
of God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in the ever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold,
Book of Moses. in accordance with the will of your God. 19 Deliver
to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to
The Passover you for worship in the temple of your God. 20 And
19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles anything else needed for the temple of your God
celebrated the Passover. 20 The priests and Levites had that you may have occasion to supply, you may
purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. provide from the royal treasury.
The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the ex- 21 Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers
iles, for their brothers the priests and for themselves. of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence what-
21 So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, ever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God
together with all who had separated themselves from of heaven, may ask of you— 22 up to a hundred tal-
a3 Aramaic sixty cubits (about 27 meters) b 12 The text of Ezra 7:12–26 is in Aramaic.
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E ZR A 9:1 263
ents a of silver, a hundred cors b of wheat, a hun- Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elna-
dred baths c of wine, a hundred baths c of olive oil, than, who were men of learning, 17 and I sent them to
and salt without limit. 23 Whatever the God of heav- Iddo, the leader in Casiphia. I told them what to say to
en has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for Iddo and his kinsmen, the temple servants in Casiphia,
the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there so that they might bring attendants to us for the house
be wrath against the realm of the king and of his of our God. 18 Because the gracious hand of our God was
sons? 24 You are also to know that you have no au- on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from
thority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel,
the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 men; 19 and
servants or other workers at this house of God. Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descen-
25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom dants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 men.
of your God, which you possess, appoint magis- 20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body
trates and judges to administer justice to all the that David and the officials had established to assist the
people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the Levites. All were registered by name.
laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so
not know them. 26 Whoever does not obey the law that we might humble ourselves before our God and
of your God and the law of the king must surely be ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with
punished by death, banishment, confiscation of all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for
property, or imprisonment. soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on
27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious
has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but
house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way 28 and who his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we
has extended his good favor to me before the king and fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he an-
his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Be- swered our prayer.
24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, to-
cause the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took
courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up gether with Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their
with me. brothers, 25 and I weighed out to them the offering of
silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advis-
List of the Family Heads Returning With Ezra ers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated
for the house of our God. 26 I weighed out to them 650
8ing These are the family heads and those registered
with them who came up with me from Babylon dur-
the reign of King Artaxerxes:
talents f of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, a
100 talents a of gold, 27 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000
2 of
darics, g and two fine articles of polished bronze, as pre-
the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; cious as gold.
of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; 28 I said to them, “You as well as these articles are
of the descendants of David, Hattush 3 of the de- consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a free-
scendants of Shecaniah; will offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the
of the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with
him were registered 150 men; chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before
4 of the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai the leading priests and the Levites and the family heads
son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men; of Israel.” 30 Then the priests and Levites received the
5 of the descendants of Zattu, d Shecaniah son of Ja- silver and gold and sacred articles that had been
haziel, and with him 300 men; weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jeru-
6 of the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan, salem.
and with him 50 men; 31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out
7 of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athali- from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of
ah, and with him 70 men; our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies
8 of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son and bandits along the way. 32 So we arrived in Jerusa-
of Michael, and with him 80 men; lem, where we rested three days.
9 of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, 33 On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we
and with him 218 men; weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred articles
10 of the descendants of Bani, e Shelomith son of Jos- into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest. El-
iphiah, and with him 160 men; eazar son of Phinehas was with him, and so were the Le-
11 of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Be- vites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui.
bai, and with him 28 men; 34 Everything was accounted for by number and weight,
12 of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hak- and the entire weight was recorded at that time.
katan, and with him 110 men; 35 Then the exiles who had returned from captivity
13 of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve
whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shema- bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven male
iah, and with them 60 men; lambs and, as a sin offering, twelve male goats. All this
14 of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, was a burnt offering to the LORD. 36 They also delivered
and with them 70 men. the king’s orders to the royal satraps and to the gover-
nors of Trans-Euphrates, who then gave assistance to
The Return to Jerusalem the people and to the house of God.
15 I assembled them at the canal that flows toward
Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I Ezra’s Prayer About Intermarriage
checked among the people and the priests, I found no
Levites there. 16 So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shema-
iah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and
9priests
After these things had been done, the leaders came
to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the
and the Levites, have not kept themselves sepa-
a 22,26 That is, about 3 3/4 tons (about 3.4 metric tons) b 22 That is, probably about 600 bushels (about 22 kiloliters) c 22 That is,
probably about 600 gallons (about 2.2 kiloliters) d 5 Some Septuagint manuscripts (also 1 Esdras 8:32); Hebrew does not have Zattu.
e 10 Some Septuagint manuscripts (also 1 Esdras 8:36); Hebrew does not have Bani. f 26 That is, about 25 tons (about 22 metric tons)
g 27 That is, about 19 pounds (about 8.5 kilograms)
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264 E ZR A 9:2
rate from the neighboring peoples with their detest- away all these women and their children, in accordance
able practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the
Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians commands of our God. Let it be done according to the
and Amorites. 2 They have taken some of their daugh- Law. 4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will sup-
ters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have port you, so take courage and do it.”
mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. 5 So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and Le-
And the leaders and officials have led the way in this vites and all Israel under oath to do what had been sug-
unfaithfulness.” gested. And they took the oath. 6 Then Ezra withdrew
3 When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled from before the house of God and went to the room of
hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no
4 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God food and drank no water, because he continued to
of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithful- mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.
ness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the eve- 7 A proclamation was then issued throughout Judah
ning sacrifice. and Jerusalem for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusa-
5 Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-
lem. 8 Anyone who failed to appear within three days
abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on would forfeit all his property, in accordance with the
my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my decision of the officials and elders, and would himself
God 6 and prayed: be expelled from the assembly of the exiles.
“O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to 9 Within the three days, all the men of Judah and
lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twen-
are higher than our heads and our guilt has tieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting
reached to the heavens. 7 From the days of our in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed
forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Be- by the occasion and because of the rain. 10 Then Ezra the
cause of our sins, we and our kings and our priests priest stood up and said to them, “You have been un-
have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to faithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Is-
pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign rael’s guilt. 11 Now make confession to the LORD, the God
kings, as it is today. of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from
8 “But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our
the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.”
God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant 12 The whole assembly responded with a loud voice:
and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so “You are right! We must do as you say. 13 But there are
our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot
our bondage. 9 Though we are slaves, our God has stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care
not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this
kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has thing. 14 Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then
granted us new life to rebuild the house of our let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign
God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall woman come at a set time, along with the elders and
of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. judges of each town, until the fierce anger of our God in
10 “But now, O our God, what can we say after
this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan son
this? For we have disregarded the commands of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Me-
11 you gave through your servants the prophets
shullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this.
when you said: ‘The land you are entering to pos- 16 So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest
sess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peo- selected men who were family heads, one from each
ples. By their detestable practices they have filled it family division, and all of them designated by name. On
with their impurity from one end to the other. the first day of the tenth month they sat down to inves-
12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in mar-
tigate the cases, 17 and by the first day of the first month
riage to their sons or take their daughters for your they finished dealing with all the men who had married
sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them foreign women.
at any time, that you may be strong and eat the
good things of the land and leave it to your chil- Those Guilty of Intermarriage
dren as an everlasting inheritance.’ 18 Among the descendants of the priests, the follow-
13 “What has happened to us is a result of our ing had married foreign women:
evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God,
you have punished us less than our sins have de- From the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak,
served and have given us a remnant like this. and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and
14 Shall we again break your commands and inter- Gedaliah. 19 (They all gave their hands in pledge
marry with the peoples who commit such detest- to put away their wives, and for their guilt they
able practices? Would you not be angry enough each presented a ram from the flock as a guilt
with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or offering.)
20 From the descendants of Immer:
survivor? 15 O LORD, God of Israel, you are righ-
teous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we Hanani and Zebadiah.
21 From the descendants of Harim:
are before you in our guilt, though because of it
not one of us can stand in your presence.” Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah.
22 From the descendants of Pashhur:
The People’s Confession of Sin Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad
E ZR A 10:44 265
25 And among the other Israelites: 31 From the descendants of Harim:
Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,
From the descendants of Parosh: 32 Benjamin, Malluch and Shemariah.
Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, 33 From the descendants of Hashum:
Malkijah and Benaiah. Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai,
26 From the descendants of Elam:
Manasseh and Shimei.
Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth 34 From the descendants of Bani:
and Elijah. Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Kelu-
27 From the descendants of Zattu: hi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah,
Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad Mattenai and Jaasu.
and Aziza. 38 From the descendants of Binnui: a
28 From the descendants of Bebai: Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Mac-
Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai. nadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah,
29 From the descendants of Bani: Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah and Joseph.
43 From the descendants of Nebo:
Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and
Jeremoth. Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel
30 From the descendants of Pahath-Moab: and Benaiah.
Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, 44 All these had married foreign women, and some
Bezalel, Binnui and Manasseh. of them had children by these wives. b
a 37,38 See Septuagint (also 1 Esdras 9:34); Hebrew Jaasu 38and Bani and Binnui, b 44 Or and they sent them away with their children
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Nehemiah
Nehemiah’s Prayer 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him,
asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when
1 In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I
The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:
will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I
set a time.
was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, 7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have
came from Judah with some other men, and I ques- letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they
tioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah?
the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s
3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the
are back in the province are in great trouble and dis- gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall
grace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the
gates have been burned with fire.” gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king grant-
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. ed my requests. 9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Eu-
For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before phrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had
the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Am-
“O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome
monite official heard about this, they were very much
God, who keeps his covenant of love with those
disturbed that someone had come to promote the wel-
who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your
ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the fare of the Israelites.
prayer your servant is praying before you day and Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls
night for your servants, the people of Israel. I con- 11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three
fess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my days 12 I set out during the night with a few men. I had
father’s house, have committed against you. 7 We not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do
have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except
obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave the one I was riding on.
your servant Moses. 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your ser-
the Jackal a Well and the Dung Gate, examining the
vant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and
scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I
to me and obey my commands, then even if your moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s
exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to
gather them from there and bring them to the get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examin-
place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ ing the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered
10 “They are your servants and your people,
through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know
whom you redeemed by your great strength and where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I
your mighty hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be atten- had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or
tive to the prayer of this your servant and to the officials or any others who would be doing the work.
prayer of your servants who delight in revering 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in:
your name. Give your servant success today by Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned
granting him favor in the presence of this man.” with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and
I was cupbearer to the king. we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them
about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what
Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem the king had said to me.
2the InArtaxerxes,
the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King
when wine was brought for him, I took
wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began
this good work.
19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Am-
his presence before; 2 so the king asked me, “Why does monite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it,
your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are do-
nothing but sadness of heart.” ing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”
I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May 20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven
the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding,
when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any
and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” claim or historic right to it.”
4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I an- Builders of the Wall
swered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your ser-
vant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the
city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can
3andEliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to
work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it
set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of
rebuild it.” the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the
a 13 Or Serpent or Fig
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countrymen under Binnui g son of Henadad, ruler of strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so
the other half-district of Keilah. 19 Next to him, Ezer son much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”
of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, 11 Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see
from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the us, we will be right there among them and will kill them
angle. 20 Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously re- and put an end to the work.”
paired another section, from the angle to the entrance 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told
of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 Next to him, us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will at-
Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired tack us.”
another section, from the entrance of Eliashib’s house to 13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind
the end of it. the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places,
22 The repairs next to him were made by the priests posting them by families, with their swords, spears and
from the surrounding region. 23 Beyond them, Benja- bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to
min and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people,
and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is
Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. 24 Next to him, great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your
Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
a5 Or their Lord or the governor b 6 Or Old c 8 Or They left out part of d 13 Hebrew a thousand cubits (about 450 meters)
e 15 Hebrew Shelah, a variant of Shiloah, that is, Siloam f 16 Hebrew; Septuagint, some Vulgate manuscripts and Syriac tomb
g 18 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint and verse 24); most Hebrew manuscripts Bavvai h 5 Or have provoked
you to anger before
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manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac I d 2 Or in Kephirim e 6 Hebrew Gashmu, a variant of
Geshem
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7 After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the 43 The Levites:
doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and
the Levites were appointed. 2 I put in charge of Jerusa- the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel
lem my brother Hanani, along with a Hananiah the through the line of Hodaviah) 74
commander of the citadel, because he was a man of in- 44 The singers:
tegrity and feared God more than most men do. 3 I said
to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened the descendants of Asaph 148
until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on 45 The gatekeepers:
duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also ap-
point residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their the descendants of
posts and some near their own houses.” Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and
Shobai 138
The List of the Exiles Who Returned 46 The
4 Now the city was large and spacious, but there were temple servants:
few people in it, and the houses had not yet been re- the descendants of
built. 5 So my God put it into my heart to assemble the Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
nobles, the officials and the common people for regis- 47 Keros, Sia, Padon,
tration by families. I found the genealogical record of 48 Lebana, Hagaba, Shalmai,
those who had been the first to return. This is what I 49 Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,
found written there: 50 Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda,
51 Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah,
6 These are the people of the province who came
52 Besai, Meunim, Nephussim,
up from the captivity of the exiles whom Nebu- 53 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
chadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive 54 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,
(they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his 55 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,
own town, 7 in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, 56 Neziah and Hatipha
Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Morde-
cai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baa- 57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:
nah):
the descendants of
The list of the men of Israel: Sotai, Sophereth, Perida,
8 the 58 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,
descendants of Parosh 2,172
9 of 59 Shephatiah, Hattil,
Shephatiah 372
10 of Arah 652 Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Amon
11 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of 60 The temple servants and the descendants
Jeshua and Joab) 2,818 of the servants of Solomon 392
12 of Elam 1,254
13 of Zattu 61 The following came up from the towns of Tel
845
14 of Zaccai 760 Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but
15 of Binnui 648 they could not show that their families were de-
16 of Bebai 628 scended from Israel:
17 of Azgad 2,322 62 thedescendants of
18 of Adonikam 667
19 of Bigvai
Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda 642
2,067
20 of Adin 63 And from among the priests:
655
21 of Ater (through Hezekiah) 98
22 of Hashum
the descendants of
328 Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who
23 of Bezai 324
24 of Hariph had married a daughter of Barzillai the
112 Gileadite and was called by that name).
25 of Gibeon 95 64 These searched for their family records, but
26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah 188 they could not find them and so were excluded
27 of Anathoth 128 from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor,
28 of Beth Azmaveth 42 therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most
a2 Or Hanani, that is,
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sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea. i 10 You
prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, sent miraculous signs and wonders against Phar-
for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” aoh, against all his officials and all the people of his
11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians
for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve.” treated them. You made a name for yourself,
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to which remains to this day. 11 You divided the sea
send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, before them, so that they passed through it on dry
a 68 Some Hebrew manuscripts (see also Ezra 2:66); most Hebrew manuscripts do not have this verse. b 70 That is, about 19 pounds
(about 8.5 kilograms) c 71 That is, about 375 pounds (about 170 kilograms); also in verse 72 d 71 That is, about 1 1/3 tons (about 1.2
metric tons) e 72 That is, about 1 1/4 tons (about 1.1 metric tons) f 8 Or God, translating it g 15 See Lev. 23:37–40. h 5 Or God
for ever and ever i 9 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds
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with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they became arrogant and disobeyed your com-
they were to take. mands. They sinned against your ordinances, by
13 “You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubborn-
them from heaven. You gave them regulations and ly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-
laws that are just and right, and decrees and com- necked and refused to listen. 30 For many years you
mands that are good. 14 You made known to them were patient with them. By your Spirit you ad-
your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, de- monished them through your prophets. Yet they
crees and laws through your servant Moses. 15 In paid no attention, so you handed them over to the
their hunger you gave them bread from heaven neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy
and in their thirst you brought them water from you did not put an end to them or abandon them,
the rock; you told them to go in and take posses- for you are a gracious and merciful God.
32 “Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty
sion of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand
to give them. and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of
16 “But they, our forefathers, became arrogant love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in
and stiff-necked, and did not obey your com- your eyes—the hardship that has come upon us,
mands. 17 They refused to listen and failed to re- upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and
member the miracles you performed among prophets, upon our fathers and all your people,
from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.
them. They became stiff-necked and in their re- 33 In all that has happened to us, you have been
bellion appointed a leader in order to return to just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong.
their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fa-
and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding thers did not follow your law; they did not pay at-
in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even tention to your commands or the warnings you
when they cast for themselves an image of a calf gave them. 35 Even while they were in their king-
and said, ‘This is your god, who brought you up dom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the
out of Egypt,’ or when they committed awful blas- spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did
phemies. not serve you or turn from their evil ways.
19 “Because of your great compassion you did 36 “But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the
not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its
of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, fruit and the other good things it produces. 37 Be-
nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way cause of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the
they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to in- kings you have placed over us. They rule over our
struct them. You did not withhold your manna bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in
from their mouths, and you gave them water for great distress.
their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them
in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes The Agreement of the People
38 “In view of all this, we are making a binding agree-
did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.
22 “You gave them kingdoms and nations, allot- ment, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites
ting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”
over the country of Sihon a king of Heshbon and
the country of Og king of Bashan. 23 You made their
sons as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you
10 Nehemiah
Those who sealed it were:
a 22 One Hebrew manuscript and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts Sihon, that is, the country of the
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12Seraiah,
These were the priests and Levites who returned
with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua:
Jeremiah, Ezra,
singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusa-
lem. 30 When the priests and Levites had purified them-
selves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates
2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, and the wall.
3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 31 I had the leaders of Judah go up on top e of the
4 Iddo, Ginnethon, a Abijah, wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One
5 Mijamin, b Moadiah, Bilgah, was to proceed on top f of the wall to the right, toward
6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, the Dung Gate. 32 Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah
7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah and Jedaiah. followed them, 33 along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam,
These were the leaders of the priests and their associ- 34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35 as well as
ates in the days of Jeshua. some priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of
8 The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebi- Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah,
ah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,
associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. 36 and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gila-
9 Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite lai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani—with musical
them in the services. instruments õprescribed byÕ David the man of God. Ezra
10 Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the fa- the scribe led the procession. 37 At the Fountain Gate
ther of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, 11 Joiada they continued directly up the steps of the City of David
the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jad- on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of
dua. David to the Water Gate on the east.
12 In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the 38 The second choir proceeded in the opposite direc-
priestly families: tion. I followed them on top g of the wall, together with
of Seraiah’s family, Meraiah; half the people—past the Tower of the Ovens to the
of Jeremiah’s, Hananiah; Broad Wall, 39 over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah h
13 of Ezra’s, Meshullam; Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tow-
of Amariah’s, Jehohanan; er of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate
14 of Malluch’s, Jonathan; of the Guard they stopped.
of Shecaniah’s, c Joseph; 40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their
15 of Harim’s, Adna; places in the house of God; so did I, together with half
of Meremoth’s, d Helkai; the officials, 41 as well as the priests—Eliakim, Maase-
16 of Iddo’s, Zechariah; iah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hana-
of Ginnethon’s, Meshullam; niah with their trumpets— 42 and also Maaseiah, She-
17 of Abijah’s, Zicri; maiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and
of Miniamin’s and of Moadiah’s, Piltai; Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah.
18 of Bilgah’s, Shammua; 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing
of Shemaiah’s, Jehonathan; because God had given them great joy. The women and
19 of Joiarib’s, Mattenai; children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusa-
of Jedaiah’s, Uzzi; lem could be heard far away.
20 of Sallu’s, Kallai; 44 At that time men were appointed to be in charge of
of Amok’s, Eber; the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and
21 of Hilkiah’s, Hashabiah; tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to
of Jedaiah’s, Nethanel. bring into the storerooms the portions required by the
22 The family heads of the Levites in the days of Elia- Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was
shib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua, as well as those of the pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. 45 They
priests, were recorded in the reign of Darius the Per- performed the service of their God and the service of
sian. 23 The family heads among the descendants of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers,
Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were re- according to the commands of David and his son Solo-
corded in the book of the annals. 24 And the leaders of mon. 46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph,
the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of there had been directors for the singers and for the
Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 So in the
a4 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate (see also Neh. 12:16); most Hebrew manuscripts Ginnethoi b 5 A variant of Miniamin
c 14Very many Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac (see also Neh. 12:3); most Hebrew manuscripts Shebaniah’s
d 15Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also Neh. 12:3); Hebrew Meraioth’s e 31 Or go alongside f 31 Or proceed alongside g 38 Or
them alongside h 39 Or Old
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Esther
Queen Vashti Deposed royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia
and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is
1 This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, a
the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching
from India to Cush b: 2 At that time King Xerxes reigned
never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let
the king give her royal position to someone else who is
from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, 3 and in the better than she. 20 Then when the king’s edict is pro-
third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his no- claimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women
bles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Me- will respect their husbands, from the least to the great-
dia, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were est.”
present. 21 The king and his nobles were pleased with this ad-
4 For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of vice, so the king did as Memucan proposed. 22 He sent
his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province
5 When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, in its own script and to each people in its own language,
lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s proclaiming in each people’s tongue that every man
palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest, should be ruler over his own household.
who were in the citadel of Susa. 6 The garden had hang-
ings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of Esther Made Queen
white linen and purple material to silver rings on mar-
ble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a 2whatLater when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided,
he remembered Vashti and what she had done and
2
he had decreed about her. Then the king’s per-
mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl
and other costly stones. 7 Wine was served in goblets of sonal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for
gold, each one different from the other, and the royal beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king ap-
wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. point commissioners in every province of his realm to
8 By the king’s command each guest was allowed to bring all these beautiful girls into the harem at the cita-
drink in his own way, for the king instructed all the wine del of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai,
stewards to serve each man what he wished. the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and
9 Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in let beauty treatments be given to them. 4 Then let the
the royal palace of King Xerxes. girl who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.”
10 On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it.
5 Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the
spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs
who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son
Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas— 11 to bring before him of Shimei, the son of Kish, 6 who had been carried into
Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to dis- exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab-
play her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was ylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin c king
lovely to look at. 12 But when the attendants delivered of Judah. 7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah,
the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. whom he had brought up because she had neither fa-
Then the king became furious and burned with anger. ther nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Es-
13 Since it was customary for the king to consult ex- ther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had
perts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the taken her as his own daughter when her father and
wise men who understood the times 14 and were closest mother died.
8 When the king’s order and edict had been pro-
to the king—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish,
Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven nobles of claimed, many girls were brought to the citadel of Susa
Persia and Media who had special access to the king and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken
and were highest in the kingdom. to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had
15 “According to law, what must be done to Queen charge of the harem. 9 The girl pleased him and won his
Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty
King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.” treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven
16 Then Memucan replied in the presence of the king maids selected from the king’s palace and moved her
and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not and her maids into the best place in the harem.
only against the king but also against all the nobles and 10 Esther had not revealed her nationality and family
the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. 17 For the background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to
queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, do so. 11 Every day he walked back and forth near the
and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and
Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before what was happening to her.
him, but she would not come.’ 18 This very day the Per- 12 Before a girl’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes,
sian and Median women of the nobility who have heard she had to complete twelve months of beauty treat-
about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s ments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of
nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disre- myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. 13 And this
spect and discord. is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted
19 “Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a was given her to take with her from the harem to the
a1 Hebrew Ahasuerus, a variant of Xerxes’ Persian name; here and throughout Esther b1 That is, the upper Nile region c6 Hebrew
Jeconiah, a variant of Jehoiachin
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the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, sug- royal secretaries were summoned. They wrote out in
gested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw the script of each province and in the language of each
her. 16 She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal resi- people all Haman’s orders to the king’s satraps, the gov-
dence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the ernors of the various provinces and the nobles of the
seventh year of his reign. various peoples. These were written in the name of
17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to King Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring. 13 Dis-
any of the other women, and she won his favor and ap- patches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces
proval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the
royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a
Vashti. 18 And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the
banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of
a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every
gifts with royal liberality. province and made known to the people of every na-
tionality so they would be ready for that day.
Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy 15 Spurred on by the king’s command, the couriers
19 When the virgins were assembled a second time,
went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of
Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 But Esther had Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the
kept secret her family background and nationality just city of Susa was bewildered.
as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to fol-
low Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help
was bringing her up.
21 During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s
gate, Bigthana a and Teresh, two of the king’s officers
4wentWhen Mordecai learned of all that had been done,
he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and
out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But 2
who guarded the doorway, became angry and con- he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one
spired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. 3 In every
found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in province to which the edict and order of the king came,
turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting,
23 And when the report was investigated and found to be weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 When Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told
true, the two officials were hanged on a gallows. b All
this was recorded in the book of the annals in the pres- her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent
ence of the king. clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he
would not accept them. 5 Then Esther summoned Ha-
Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews thach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her,
3ing After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son
of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giv-
him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other
and ordered him to find out what was troubling Morde-
cai and why.
6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open
nobles. 2 All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai
down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had com- told him everything that had happened to him, includ-
manded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not ing the exact amount of money Haman had promised to
kneel down or pay him honor. pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the
3 Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked
Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for
Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to
4 Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to com- show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to
ply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether urge her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy
Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told and plead with him for her people.
them he was a Jew. 9 Hathach went back and reported to Esther what
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to
down or pay him honor, he was enraged. 6 Yet having Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the
learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who
idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for approaches the king in the inner court without being
a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to
throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. death. The only exception to this is for the king to ex-
7 In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first tend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thir-
month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, ty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”
the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and 12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai,
month. And the lot fell on c the twelfth month, the 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because
month of Adar. you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will
8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and
people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are dif- but you and your father’s family will perish. And who
ferent from those of all other people and who do not knows but that you have come to royal position for
obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to such a time as this?”
a 21Hebrew Bigthan, a variant of Bigthana b 23 Or were hung (or impaled) on poles; similarly elsewhere in Esther c7 Septuagint;
Hebrew does not have And the lot fell on. d9 That is, about 375 tons (about 345 metric tons)
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6be brought
That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered
the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to
2
in and read to him. It was found recorded
the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to
beg Queen Esther for his life.
8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to
there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch
two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, where Esther was reclining.
who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen
3 “What honor and recognition has Mordecai re- while she is with me in the house?”
ceived for this?” the king asked. As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they cov-
“Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants an- ered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs
swered. attending the king, said, “A gallows seventy-five feet a
a 14,9 Hebrew fifty cubits (about 23 meters) b4 Or quiet, but the compensation our adversary offers cannot be compared with the loss the
king would suffer
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Job
Prologue struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on
them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has
1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was
Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared
God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three
escaped to tell you!”
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his
daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. and naked I will depart. c
He was the greatest man among all the people of the The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
East. may the name of the LORD be praised.”
4 His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their
homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with
LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is
Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns
the earth and going back and forth in it.” evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you in-
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered cited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”
my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is 4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all
blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns he has for his own life. 5 But stretch out your hand and
evil.” strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you
9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. to your face.”
10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his 6 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in
household and everything he has? You have blessed the your hands; but you must spare his life.”
work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD
spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his
and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of
you to your face.” broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat
12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, every- among the ashes.
thing he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to
not lay a finger.” your integrity? Curse God and die!”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish d woman.
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feast- Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
ing and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plow-
ing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sa- Job’s Three Friends
11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite,
beans attacked and carried them off. They put the ser-
vants to the sword, and I am the only one who has Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard
escaped to tell you!” about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger out from their homes and met together by agreement to
came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When
burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recog-
only one who has escaped to tell you!” nize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they
came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven
parties and swept down on your camels and carried nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw
them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am how great his suffering was.
the only one who has escaped to tell you!” Job Speaks
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger
came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting
and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when
3 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day
2
of his birth. He said:
suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and 3 “May the day of my birth perish,
a 6,1
Hebrew the sons of God b6 Satan means accuser. c 21 Or will return there d 10 The Hebrew word rendered foolish denotes
moral deficiency.
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may blackness overwhelm its light. at the blast of his anger they perish.
6 That night—may thick darkness seize it; 10 The lions may roar and growl,
may it not be included among the days of the yet the teeth of the great lions are broken.
year 11 The lion perishes for lack of prey,
nor be entered in any of the months. and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
7 May that night be barren;
12 “A word was secretly brought to me,
may no shout of joy be heard in it. my ears caught a whisper of it.
8 May those who curse days b curse that day,
13 Amid disquieting dreams in the night,
those who are ready to rouse Leviathan. when deep sleep falls on men,
9 May its morning stars become dark;
14 fear and trembling seized me
may it wait for daylight in vain and made all my bones shake.
and not see the first rays of dawn, 15 A spirit glided past my face,
10 for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me
and the hair on my body stood on end.
to hide trouble from my eyes. 16 It stopped,
11 “Why did I not perish at birth, but I could not tell what it was.
and die as I came from the womb? A form stood before my eyes,
12 Why were there knees to receive me and I heard a hushed voice:
17 ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God?
and breasts that I might be nursed?
13 For now I would be lying down in peace; Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
18 If God places no trust in his servants,
I would be asleep and at rest
14 with kings and counselors of the earth, if he charges his angels with error,
19 how much more those who live in houses of clay,
who built for themselves places now lying in ruins,
15 with rulers who had gold, whose foundations are in the dust,
who filled their houses with silver. who are crushed more readily than a moth!
16 Or why was I not hidden in the ground like a 20 Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces;
whose way is hidden, nor does trouble sprout from the ground.
whom God has hedged in? 7 Yet man is born to trouble
24 For sighing comes to me instead of food; as surely as sparks fly upward.
my groans pour out like water. 8 “But if it were I, I would appeal to God;
25 What I feared has come upon me;
I would lay my cause before him.
what I dreaded has happened to me. 9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
26 I have no peace, no quietness;
miracles that cannot be counted.
I have no rest, but only turmoil.” 10 He bestows rain on the earth;
4“IfThen
2
Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
Job
6“If only my anguish could be weighed
Then Job replied: 7Like
“Does not man have hard service on earth?
2
Are not his days like those of a hired man?
a slave longing for the evening shadows,
2 or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages,
3 soI have been allotted months of futility,
and all my misery be placed on the scales!
3 It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— and nights of misery have been assigned to me.
4 When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’
no wonder my words have been impetuous.
4 The arrows of the Almighty are in me, The night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
5 My body is clothed with worms and scabs,
my spirit drinks in their poison;
God’s terrors are marshaled against me. my skin is broken and festering.
5 Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass,
6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
or an ox bellow when it has fodder? and they come to an end without hope.
6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt,
7 Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;
or is there flavor in the white of an egg a? my eyes will never see happiness again.
7 I refuse to touch it;
8 The eye that now sees me will see me no longer;
such food makes me ill. you will look for me, but I will be no more.
8 “Oh, 9 As a cloud vanishes and is gone,
that I might have my request,
that God would grant what I hope for, so he who goes down to the grave c does not
9 that God would be willing to crush me, return.
10 He will never come to his house again;
to let loose his hand and cut me off!
10 Then I would still have this consolation— his place will know him no more.
my joy in unrelenting pain— 11 “Therefore I will not keep silent;
that I had not denied the words of the Holy One. I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
11 “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
What prospects, that I should be patient? 12 Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep,
12 Do I have the strength of stone? that you put me under guard?
Is my flesh bronze? 13 When I think my bed will comfort me
13 Do I have any power to help myself, and my couch will ease my complaint,
now that success has been driven from me? 14 even then you frighten me with dreams
14 “A
and terrify me with visions,
despairing man should have the devotion of his 15 so that I prefer strangling and death,
friends, rather than this body of mine.
even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 16 I despise my life; I would not live forever.
15 But my brothers are as undependable as
Let me alone; my days have no meaning.
intermittent streams,
as the streams that overflow 17 “What is man that you make so much of him,
16 when darkened by thawing ice that you give him so much attention,
and swollen with melting snow, 18 that you examine him every morning
17 but that cease to flow in the dry season, and test him every moment?
and in the heat vanish from their channels. 19 Will you never look away from me,
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; or let me alone even for an instant?
they go up into the wasteland and perish. 20 If I have sinned, what have I done to you,
19 The caravans of Tema look for water, O watcher of men?
the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope. Why have you made me your target?
20 They are distressed, because they had been Have I become a burden to you? d
confident; 21 Why do you not pardon my offenses
a6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. b 29 Or my righteousness still stands c 9 Hebrew Sheol d 20 A few
manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition and Septuagint; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text I have
become a burden to myself.
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8“How
2
Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
even now he will rouse himself on your behalf I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
17 He would crush me with a storm
and restore you to your rightful place.
7 Your beginnings will seem humble, and multiply my wounds for no reason.
18 He would not let me regain my breath
so prosperous will your future be.
8 “Ask
but would overwhelm me with misery.
the former generations 19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!
and find out what their fathers learned, And if it is a matter of justice, who will summon
9 for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, him c ?
and our days on earth are but a shadow. 20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn
10 Will they not instruct you and tell you?
me;
Will they not bring forth words from their if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
understanding?
11 Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? 21 “Although I am blameless,
Can reeds thrive without water? I have no concern for myself;
12 While still growing and uncut, I despise my own life.
they wither more quickly than grass. 22 It is all the same; that is why I say,
13 Such is the destiny of all who forget God; ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’
so perishes the hope of the godless. 23 When a scourge brings sudden death,
14 What he trusts in is fragile a; he mocks the despair of the innocent.
what he relies on is a spider’s web. 24 When a land falls into the hands of the wicked,
15 He leans on his web, but it gives way; he blindfolds its judges.
he clings to it, but it does not hold. If it is not he, then who is it?
16 He is like a well-watered plant in the sunshine,
25 “My days are swifter than a runner;
spreading its shoots over the garden;
17 it entwines its roots around a pile of rocks they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
26 They skim past like boats of papyrus,
and looks for a place among the stones.
18 But when it is torn from its spot, like eagles swooping down on their prey.
27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
that place disowns it and says, ‘I never saw you.’
19 Surely its life withers away, I will change my expression, and smile,’
28 I still dread all my sufferings,
and b from the soil other plants grow.
for I know you will not hold me innocent.
20 “Surely God does not reject a blameless man 29 Since I am already found guilty,
or strengthen the hands of evildoers. why should I struggle in vain?
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter 30 Even if I washed myself with soap d
and your lips with shouts of joy. and my hands with washing soda,
22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, 31 you would plunge me into a slime pit
and the tents of the wicked will be no more.” so that even my clothes would detest me.
Job 32 “He is not a man like me that I might answer him,
that we might confront each other in court.
9“Indeed, I know that this is true.
2
Then Job replied:
33 Ifonly there were someone to arbitrate between us,
to lay his hand upon us both,
34 someone to remove God’s rod from me,
But how can a mortal be righteous before God?
3 Though one wished to dispute with him, so that his terror would frighten me no more.
he could not answer him one time out of a 35 Then I would speak up without fear of him,
a 14 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b 19 Or Surely all the joy it has / is that c 19 See Septuagint; Hebrew me.
d 30 Or snow
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Turn away from me so I can have a moment’s joy and those who provoke God are secure—
21 before I go to the place of no return, those who carry their god in their hands. e
to the land of gloom and deep shadow, b 7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
22 to the land of deepest night,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
of deep shadow and disorder, 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
where even the light is like darkness.” or let the fish of the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
Zophar
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
11“AreThen
2
Zophar the Naamathite replied:
7 “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? both deceived and deceiver are his.
17 He leads counselors away stripped
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? and makes fools of judges.
18 He takes off the shackles put on by kings
They are deeper than the depths of the grave c—
what can you know? and ties a loincloth f around their waist.
19 He leads priests away stripped
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
and overthrows men long established.
and wider than the sea. 20 He silences the lips of trusted advisers
10 “If he comes along and confines you in prison and takes away the discernment of elders.
and convenes a court, who can oppose him? 21 He pours contempt on nobles
a 15Or and aware of b 21 Or and the shadow of death; also in verse 22 c 8 Hebrew than Sheol d 12 Or wild donkey can be born
tame e 6 Or secure / in what God’s hand brings them f 18 Or shackles of kings / and ties a belt
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waste. No one!
25 They grope in darkness with no light; 5 Man’s days are determined;
he makes them stagger like drunkards. you have decreed the number of his months
and have set limits he cannot exceed.
13What“My eyes have seen all this, 6 So look away from him and let him alone,
my ears have heard and understood it. till he has put in his time like a hired man.
2 you know, I also know; 7 “At least there is hope for a tree:
I am not inferior to you. If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty and its new shoots will not fail.
and to argue my case with God. 8 Its roots may grow old in the ground
4 You, however, smear me with lies;
and its stump die in the soil,
you are worthless physicians, all of you! 9 yet at the scent of water it will bud
5 If only you would be altogether silent!
and put forth shoots like a plant.
For you, that would be wisdom. 10 But man dies and is laid low;
6 Hear now my argument;
he breathes his last and is no more.
listen to the plea of my lips. 11 As water disappears from the sea
7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
or a riverbed becomes parched and dry,
Will you speak deceitfully for him? 12 so man lies down and does not rise;
8 Will you show him partiality?
till the heavens are no more, men will not awake
Will you argue the case for God? or be roused from their sleep.
9 Would it turn out well if he examined you?
13 “If only you would hide me in the grave c
Could you deceive him as you might deceive
men? and conceal me till your anger has passed!
10 He would surely rebuke you If only you would set me a time
if you secretly showed partiality. and then remember me!
11 Would not his splendor terrify you? 14 If a man dies, will he live again?
Would not the dread of him fall on you? All the days of my hard service
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; I will wait for my renewal d to come.
15 You will call and I will answer you;
your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 “Keep
you will long for the creature your hands have
silent and let me speak; made.
then let come to me what may. 16 Surely then you will count my steps
14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy but not keep track of my sin.
and take my life in my hands? 17 My offenses will be sealed up in a bag;
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
you will cover over my sin.
I will surely a defend my ways to his face.
16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, 18 “But as a mountain erodes and crumbles
for no godless man would dare come before him! and as a rock is moved from its place,
17 Listen carefully to my words; 19 as water wears away stones
let your ears take in what I say. and torrents wash away the soil,
18 Now that I have prepared my case, so you destroy man’s hope.
20 You overpower him once for all, and he is gone;
I know I will be vindicated.
19 Can anyone bring charges against me? you change his countenance and send him away.
21 If his sons are honored, he does not know it;
If so, I will be silent and die.
20 “Only
if they are brought low, he does not see it.
grant me these two things, O God, 22 He feels but the pain of his own body
and then I will not hide from you: and mourns only for himself.”
21 Withdraw your hand far from me,
and stop frightening me with your terrors. Eliphaz
15“Would
22 Then summon me and I will answer, Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
or let me speak, and you reply.
23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed? 2 a wise man answer with empty notions
Show me my offense and my sin. or fill his belly with the hot east wind?
24 Why do you hide your face 3 Would he argue with useless words,
and consider me your enemy? with speeches that have no value?
25 Will you torment a windblown leaf? 4 But you even undermine piety
Will you chase after dry chaff? and hinder devotion to God.
26 For you write down bitter things against me 5 Your sin prompts your mouth;
and make me inherit the sins of my youth. you adopt the tongue of the crafty.
27 You fasten my feet in shackles; 6 Your own mouth condemns you, not mine;
you keep close watch on all my paths your own lips testify against you.
by putting marks on the soles of my feet. 7 “Are you the first man ever born?
28 “So man wastes away like something rotten, Were you brought forth before the hills?
like a garment eaten by moths. 8 Do you listen in on God’s council?
a 15 Or He will surely slay me; I have no hope — / yet I will b3 Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew me c 13 Hebrew Sheol
d 14 Or release
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or one born of woman, that he could be righteous? and gnashes his teeth at me;
15 IfGod places no trust in his holy ones, my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes.
if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, 10 Men open their mouths to jeer at me;
16 how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, they strike my cheek in scorn
who drinks up evil like water! and unite together against me.
11 God has turned me over to evil men
17 “Listen to me and I will explain to you; and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked.
let me tell you what I have seen, 12 All was well with me, but he shattered me;
18 what wise men have declared, he seized me by the neck and crushed me.
hiding nothing received from their fathers He has made me his target;
19 (to whom alone the land was given
13 his archers surround me.
when no alien passed among them): Without pity, he pierces my kidneys
20 All his days the wicked man suffers torment,
and spills my gall on the ground.
the ruthless through all the years stored up for 14 Again and again he bursts upon me;
him. he rushes at me like a warrior.
21 Terrifying sounds fill his ears;
15 “Ihave sewed sackcloth over my skin
when all seems well, marauders attack him.
22 He despairs of escaping the darkness; and buried my brow in the dust.
16 My face is red with weeping,
he is marked for the sword.
23 He wanders about—food for vultures a; deep shadows ring my eyes;
17 yet my hands have been free of violence
he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
24 Distress and anguish fill him with terror; and my prayer is pure.
they overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack, 18 “O earth, do not cover my blood;
25 because he shakes his fist at God
may my cry never be laid to rest!
and vaunts himself against the Almighty, 19 Even now my witness is in heaven;
26 defiantly charging against him
my advocate is on high.
with a thick, strong shield. 20 My intercessor is my friend b
27 “Though his face is covered with fat as my eyes pour out tears to God;
21 on behalf of a man he pleads with God
and his waist bulges with flesh,
28 he will inhabit ruined towns as a man pleads for his friend.
and houses where no one lives, 22 “Onlya few years will pass
houses crumbling to rubble. before I go on the journey of no return.
29 He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not
endure,
nor will his possessions spread over the land.
17 1 My spirit is broken,
my days are cut short,
the grave awaits me.
30 He will not escape the darkness; 2 Surely mockers surround me;
a flame will wither his shoots, my eyes must dwell on their hostility.
and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away.
31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is 3 “Give me, O God, the pledge you demand.
worthless, Who else will put up security for me?
4 You have closed their minds to understanding;
for he will get nothing in return.
32 Before his time he will be paid in full, therefore you will not let them triumph.
5 If a man denounces his friends for reward,
and his branches will not flourish.
33 He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, the eyes of his children will fail.
like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. 6 “God has made me a byword to everyone,
34 For the company of the godless will be barren,
a man in whose face people spit.
and fire will consume the tents of those who love 7 My eyes have grown dim with grief;
bribes. my whole frame is but a shadow.
35 They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; 8 Upright men are appalled at this;
their womb fashions deceit.” the innocent are aroused against the ungodly.
9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways,
Job
and those with clean hands will grow stronger.
16“I have
2
Then Job replied:
and to the worm, ‘My mother’ or ‘My sister,’ he has shrouded my paths in darkness.
15 where then is my hope? 9 He has stripped me of my honor
Who can see any hope for me? and removed the crown from my head.
16 Will it go down to the gates of death a? 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone;
Will we descend together into the dust?” he uproots my hope like a tree.
11 His anger burns against me;
Bildad he counts me among his enemies.
18“When
2
Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
my grave g 26 Or And after I awake, / though this õbodyÕ has been destroyed, / then h 26 Or / apart from i 28 Many Hebrew
manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts me j 29 Or / that you may come to know the Almighty
k 4 Or Adam
18Jb-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:04 AM Page 288
carefully to my words;
33 The soil in the valley is sweet to him;
all men follow after him,
let this be the consolation you give me. and a countless throng goes g before him.
3 Bear with me while I speak, 34 “So how can you console me with your nonsense?
and after I have spoken, mock on. Nothing is left of your answers but falsehood!”
4 “Is my complaint directed to man? Eliphaz
Why should I not be impatient?
5 Look at me and be astonished;
clap your hand over your mouth.
22“CanThen
2
Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
and 18 may be taken as exclamations and 19 and 20 as declarations. e 24 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
f 30 Or man is reserved for the day of calamity, / that he is brought forth to g 33 Or / as a countless throng went
18Jb-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:04 AM Page 289
Hebrew for this word is uncertain. d 17 Or them, their morning is like the shadow of death e 17 Or of the shadow of death
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27“AsAnd
18 “Yet they are foam on the surface of the water; Job continued his discourse:
their portion of the land is cursed,
so that no one goes to the vineyards. 2 surely as God lives, who has denied me justice,
19 As heat and drought snatch away the melted snow, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness
so the grave a snatches away those who have of soul,
sinned. 3 as long as I have life within me,
20 The womb forgets them, the breath of God in my nostrils,
the worm feasts on them; 4 my lips will not speak wickedness,
evil men are no longer remembered and my tongue will utter no deceit.
but are broken like a tree. 5 I will never admit you are in the right;
21 They prey on the barren and childless woman, till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
and to the widow show no kindness. 6 I will maintain my righteousness and never let go
22 But God drags away the mighty by his power; of it;
though they become established, they have no my conscience will not reproach me as long as
assurance of life. I live.
23 He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
7 “May my enemies be like the wicked,
but his eyes are on their ways. my adversaries like the unjust!
24 For a little while they are exalted, and then they are
8 For what hope has the godless when he is cut off,
gone; when God takes away his life?
they are brought low and gathered up like all 9 Does God listen to his cry
others; when distress comes upon him?
they are cut off like heads of grain. 10 Will he find delight in the Almighty?
25 “If this is not so, who can prove me false Will he call upon God at all times?
and reduce my words to nothing?” 11 “I will teach you about the power of God;
Bildad the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal.
12 You have all seen this yourselves.
25“Dominion and awe belong to God;
2
Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
13 “Here
Why then this meaningless talk?
is the fate God allots to the wicked,
he establishes order in the heights of heaven. the heritage a ruthless man receives from the
3 Can his forces be numbered? Almighty:
Upon whom does his light not rise? 14 However many his children, their fate is the sword;
4 How then can a man be righteous before God?
his offspring will never have enough to eat.
How can one born of woman be pure? 15 The plague will bury those who survive him,
5 If even the moon is not bright
and their widows will not weep for them.
and the stars are not pure in his eyes, 16 Though he heaps up silver like dust
6 how much less man, who is but a maggot—
and clothes like piles of clay,
a son of man, who is only a worm!” 17 what he lays up the righteous will wear,
26“HowThenyouJobhavereplied:
2 helped the powerless!
like a hut made by a watchman.
19 He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more;
when he opens his eyes, all is gone.
How you have saved the arm that is feeble! 20 Terrors overtake him like a flood;
3 Whatadvice you have offered to one without
a tempest snatches him away in the night.
wisdom! 21 The east wind carries him off, and he is gone;
And what great insight you have displayed!
4 Who has helped you utter these words? it sweeps him out of his place.
22 It hurls itself against him without mercy
And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?
as he flees headlong from its power.
5 “The dead are in deep anguish, 23 It claps its hands in derision
those beneath the waters and all that live in them. and hisses him out of his place.
6 Death a is naked before God;
Destruction b lies uncovered.
7 He spreads out the northern õskiesÕ over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
28Iron“There
2
is a mine for silver
and a place where gold is refined.
is taken from the earth,
8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds, and copper is smelted from ore.
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. 3 Man puts an end to the darkness;
9 He covers the face of the full moon, he searches the farthest recesses
spreading his clouds over it. for ore in the blackest darkness.
10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters 4 Far from where people dwell he cuts a shaft,
for a boundary between light and darkness. in places forgotten by the foot of man;
11 The pillars of the heavens quake, far from men he dangles and sways.
aghast at his rebuke. 5 The earth, from which food comes,
12 By his power he churned up the sea; is transformed below as by fire;
by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. 6 sapphires c come from its rocks,
13 By his breath the skies became fair; and its dust contains nuggets of gold.
his hand pierced the gliding serpent. 7 No bird of prey knows that hidden path,
14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; no falcon’s eye has seen it.
how faint the whisper we hear of him! 8 Proud beasts do not set foot on it,
Who then can understand the thunder of his and no lion prowls there.
power?” 9 Man’s hand assaults the flinty rock
and brings hidden things to light. I took up the case of the stranger.
17 I broke the fangs of the wicked
12 “But where can wisdom be found? and snatched the victims from their teeth.
Where does understanding dwell?
13 Man does not comprehend its worth; 18 “I
thought, ‘I will die in my own house,
it cannot be found in the land of the living. my days as numerous as the grains of sand.
14 The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; 19 My roots will reach to the water,
the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ and the dew will lie all night on my branches.
15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold, 20 My glory will remain fresh in me,
nor can its price be weighed in silver. the bow ever new in my hand.’
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,
21 “Men listened to me expectantly,
with precious onyx or sapphires. waiting in silence for my counsel.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,
22 After I had spoken, they spoke no more;
nor can it be had for jewels of gold. my words fell gently on their ears.
18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention;
23 They waited for me as for showers
the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. and drank in my words as the spring rain.
19 The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it;
24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
it cannot be bought with pure gold. the light of my face was precious to them. c
20 “Where 25 I chose the way for them and sat as their chief;
then does wisdom come from?
Where does understanding dwell? I dwelt as a king among his troops;
21 Itis hidden from the eyes of every living thing, I was like one who comforts mourners.
concealed even from the birds of the air.
22 Destruction b and Death say,
‘Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.’
23 God understands the way to it
30whose
“But now they mock me,
men younger than I,
fathers I would have disdained
and he alone knows where it dwells, to put with my sheep dogs.
24 for he views the ends of the earth 2 Of what use was the strength of their hands to me,
and sees everything under the heavens. since their vigor had gone from them?
25 When he established the force of the wind 3 Haggard from want and hunger,
and measured out the waters, they roamed d the parched land
26 when he made a decree for the rain in desolate wastelands at night.
4 In the brush they gathered salt herbs,
and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; and their food e was the root of the broom tree.
5 They were banished from their fellow men,
he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to man, shouted at as if they were thieves.
6 They were forced to live in the dry stream beds,
‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
and to shun evil is understanding.’ ” among the rocks and in holes in the ground.
7 They brayed among the bushes
and huddled in the undergrowth.
29“HowJobI continued
2
his discourse:
and my flute to the sound of wailing. ‘Who has not had his fill of Job’s meat?’—
32 but no stranger had to spend the night in the street,
for my door was always open to the traveler—
31For“Inotwhat
2
made a covenant with my eyes
to look lustfully at a girl.
is man’s lot from God above,
33 if I have concealed my sin as men do, b
by hiding my guilt in my heart
34 because I so feared the crowd
his heritage from the Almighty on high?
3 Is
it not ruin for the wicked, and so dreaded the contempt of the clans
disaster for those who do wrong? that I kept silent and would not go outside
4 Does he not see my ways 35 (“Oh, that I had someone to hear me!
and count my every step? I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer
5 “If I have walked in falsehood me;
or my foot has hurried after deceit— let my accuser put his indictment in writing.
36 Surely I would wear it on my shoulder,
6 let God weigh me in honest scales
and he will know that I am blameless— I would put it on like a crown.
37 I would give him an account of my every step;
7 if my steps have turned from the path,
if my heart has been led by my eyes, like a prince I would approach him.)—
or if my hands have been defiled, 38 “ifmy land cries out against me
8 then may others eat what I have sown, and all its furrows are wet with tears,
and may my crops be uprooted. 39 ifI have devoured its yield without payment
9 “If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or broken the spirit of its tenants,
40 then let briers come up instead of wheat
or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door,
10 then and weeds instead of barley.”
may my wife grind another man’s grain,
and may other men sleep with her. The words of Job are ended.
11 For that would have been shameful,
a sin to be judged. Elihu
12 It is a fire that burns to Destruction a;
it would have uprooted my harvest. 32 So these three men stopped answering Job, be-
2
cause he was righteous in his own eyes. But Elihu
son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became
13 “If
I have denied justice to my menservants and very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than
maidservants God. 3 He was also angry with the three friends, because
when they had a grievance against me, they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had con-
14 what will I do when God confronts me?
demned him. c 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking
What will I answer when called to account? to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he
15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his an-
Did not the same one form us both within our ger was aroused.
mothers? 6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:
a 12 Hebrew Abaddon b 33 Or as Adam did c3 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God
d8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18
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nor will I flatter any man; that the light of life may shine on him.
22 for if I were skilled in flattery, 31 “Pay attention, Job, and listen to me;
my Maker would soon take me away. be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;
33I am“But
2
now, Job, listen to my words;
pay attention to everything I say.
about to open my mouth;
speak up, for I want you to be cleared.
33 But if not, then listen to me;
be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”
my words are on the tip of my tongue.
3 My words come from an upright heart;
my lips sincerely speak what I know.
4 The Spirit of God has made me;
34“HearThenmyElihu
2
said:
for they are all the work of his hands? because of the arrogance of the wicked.
20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; 13 Indeed, God does not listen to their empty plea;
the people are shaken and they pass away; the Almighty pays no attention to it.
the mighty are removed without human hand. 14 How much less, then, will he listen
21 “His
when you say that you do not see him,
eyes are on the ways of men; that your case is before him
he sees their every step. and you must wait for him,
22 There is no dark place, no deep shadow, 15 and further, that his anger never punishes
where evildoers can hide. and he does not take the least notice of
23 God has no need to examine men further,
wickedness. e
that they should come before him for judgment. 16 So Job opens his mouth with empty talk;
24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
without knowledge he multiplies words.”
and sets up others in their place.
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,
he overthrows them in the night and they are
crushed.
36“BearElihuwithcontinued:
2 me a little longer and I will show you
26 He punishes them for their wickedness
that there is more to be said in God’s behalf.
where everyone can see them, 3I get my knowledge from afar;
27 because they turned from following him
I will ascribe justice to my Maker.
and had no regard for any of his ways. 4 Be assured that my words are not false;
28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him,
one perfect in knowledge is with you.
so that he heard the cry of the needy. 5 “God
29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? is mighty, but does not despise men;
If he hides his face, who can see him? he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.
6 He does not keep the wicked alive
Yet he is over man and nation alike,
30 to keep a godless man from ruling, but gives the afflicted their rights.
7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous;
from laying snares for the people.
he enthrones them with kings
31 “Suppose a man says to God, and exalts them forever.
‘I am guilty but will offend no more. 8 But if men are bound in chains,
32 Teach me what I cannot see; held fast by cords of affliction,
if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’ 9 he tells them what they have done—
33 Should God then reward you on your terms,
that they have sinned arrogantly.
when you refuse to repent? 10 He makes them listen to correction
You must decide, not I; and commands them to repent of their evil.
so tell me what you know. 11 If they obey and serve him,
34 “Men of understanding declare, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
wise men who hear me say to me, and their years in contentment.
12 But if they do not listen,
35 ‘Jobspeaks without knowledge;
his words lack insight.’ they will perish by the sword f
36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost and die without knowledge.
for answering like a wicked man! 13 “The godless in heart harbor resentment;
37 To his sin he adds rebellion;
even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.
scornfully he claps his hands among us 14 They die in their youth,
and multiplies his words against God.” among male prostitutes of the shrines.
15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
35“DoThen
2
Elihu said:
37Listen!
2
“At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
Listen to the roar of his voice,
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 7 while the morning stars sang together
3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and all the angels h shouted for joy?
and sends it to the ends of the earth. 8 “Who
4 After that comes the sound of his roar; shut up the sea behind doors
he thunders with his majestic voice. when it burst forth from the womb,
9 when I made the clouds its garment
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back. and wrapped it in thick darkness,
10 when I fixed limits for it
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding. and set its doors and bars in place,
11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ here is where your proud waves halt’?
7 So that all men he has made may know his work, 12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning,
he stops every man from his labor. e or shown the dawn its place,
8 The animals take cover; 13 that it might take the earth by the edges
they remain in their dens. and shake the wicked out of it?
9 The tempest comes out from its chamber, 14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;
the cold from the driving winds. its features stand out like those of a garment.
10 The breath of God produces ice, 15 The wicked are denied their light,
and the broad waters become frozen. and their upraised arm is broken.
11 He loads the clouds with moisture;
16 “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
he scatters his lightning through them.
12 At his direction they swirl around or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 Have the gates of death been shown to you?
over the face of the whole earth Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death i ?
to do whatever he commands them. 18 Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the
13 He brings the clouds to punish men,
earth?
or to water his earth f and show his love. Tell me, if you know all this.
14 “Listento this, Job; 19 “What is the way to the abode of light?
stop and consider God’s wonders.
15 Do And where does darkness reside?
you know how God controls the clouds 20 Can you take them to their places?
and makes his lightning flash?
16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised, Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
21 Surely you know, for you were already born!
those wonders of him who is perfect in
You have lived so many years!
knowledge?
17 You who swelter in your clothes 22 “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow
when the land lies hushed under the south wind, or seen the storehouses of the hail,
18 can you join him in spreading out the skies, 23 which I reserve for times of trouble,
hard as a mirror of cast bronze? for days of war and battle?
a 20 The meaning of the Hebrew for verses 18–20 is uncertain. b 27 Or distill from the mist as rain c 31 Or nourishes d 33 Or
announces his coming— / the One zealous against evil e 7 Or / he fills all men with fear by his power f 13 Or to favor them g 24 Or
for he does not have regard for any who think they are wise. h 7 Hebrew the sons of God i 17 Or gates of deep shadows
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34 “Can you raise your voice to the clouds he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
25 At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, ‘Aha!’
and cover yourself with a flood of water?
35 Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? He catches the scent of battle from afar,
Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’? the shout of commanders and the battle cry.
36 Who endowed the heart e with wisdom 26 “Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom
or gave understanding to the mind e? and spread his wings toward the south?
37 Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? 27 Does the eagle soar at your command
Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens and build his nest on high?
38 when the dust becomes hard 28 He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night;
and the clods of earth stick together? a rocky crag is his stronghold.
39 “Do 29 From there he seeks out his food;
you hunt the prey for the lioness
and satisfy the hunger of the lions his eyes detect it from afar.
40 when 30 His young ones feast on blood,
they crouch in their dens
or lie in wait in a thicket? and where the slain are, there is he.”
41 Who provides food for the raven
when its young cry out to God
and wander about for lack of food? 40“WillThetheLone said
2
ORD to Job:
or trap him and pierce his nose? he is king over all that are proud.”
Job
41Canor“Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook
d
2
tie down his tongue with a rope?
you put a cord through his nose
42“I know
Then Job replied to the L
2
:
or his head with fishing spears? but now my eyes have seen you.
8 If you lay a hand on him, 6 Therefore I despise myself
you will remember the struggle and never do it and repent in dust and ashes.”
again!
9 Any hope of subduing him is false; Epilogue
7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to
the mere sight of him is overpowering.
10 No one is fierce enough to rouse him. Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two
Who then is able to stand against me? friends, because you have not spoken of me what is
11 Who has a claim against me that I must pay? right, as my servant Job has. 8 So now take seven bulls
Everything under heaven belongs to me. and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a
12 “I
burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for
will not fail to speak of his limbs, you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you ac-
his strength and his graceful form. cording to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is
13 Who can strip off his outer coat?
right, as my servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite,
Who would approach him with a bridle? Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what
14 Who dares open the doors of his mouth,
the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.
ringed about with his fearsome teeth? 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made
15 His back has e rows of shields
him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as
tightly sealed together; he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and every-
16 each is so close to the next
one who had known him before came and ate with him
that no air can pass between. in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all
17 They are joined fast to one another;
the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each
they cling together and cannot be parted. one gave him a piece of silver f and a gold ring.
18 His snorting throws out flashes of light; 12 The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more
his eyes are like the rays of dawn. than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six
19 Firebrands stream from his mouth;
thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thou-
sparks of fire shoot out. sand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three
20 Smoke pours from his nostrils daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the
as from a boiling pot over a fire of reeds. second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 No-
21 His breath sets coals ablaze, where in all the land were there found women as beau-
and flames dart from his mouth. tiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an
22 Strength resides in his neck; inheritance along with their brothers.
dismay goes before him. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he
23 The folds of his flesh are tightly joined; saw his children and their children to the fourth gener-
they are firm and immovable. ation. 17 And so he died, old and full of years.
a 15 Possibly the hippopotamus or the elephant b 17 Possibly trunk c 24 Or by a water hole d 1 Possibly the crocodile e 15 Or
His pride is his f 11 Hebrew him a kesitah; a kesitah was a unit of money of unknown weight and value.
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Psalms
BOOK I Psalm 3
Psalms 1–41 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1O LORD, how many are my foes!
Psalm 1
How many rise up against me!
1 Blessed is the man 2 Many are saying of me,
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked “God will not deliver him.” Selah g
or stand in the way of sinners 3 But
or sit in the seat of mockers. you are a shield around me, O LORD;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, you bestow glory on me and lift h up my head.
4 To the LORD I cry aloud,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
which yields its fruit in season 5I lie down and sleep;
and whose leaf does not wither. I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Whatever he does prospers. 6I will not fear the tens of thousands
4 Not so the wicked! drawn up against me on every side.
They are like chaff 7 Arise,O LORD!
that the wind blows away. Deliver me, O my God!
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. break the teeth of the wicked.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, 8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
but the way of the wicked will perish. May your blessing be on your people. Selah
Psalm 2 Psalm 4
1 Why do the nations conspire a For the director of music. With stringed instruments.
and the peoples plot in vain? A psalm of David.
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
1 Answerme when I call to you,
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD O my righteous God.
and against his Anointed One. b Give me relief from my distress;
3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
“and throw off their fetters.” 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; shame i ?
the Lord scoffs at them. How long will you love delusions and seek false
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger gods j ? Selah
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my King c the LORD will hear when I call to him.
on Zion, my holy hill.” 4 Inyour anger do not sin;
7I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent. Selah
He said to me, “You are my Son d; 5 Offer right sacrifices
today I have become your Father. e and trust in the LORD.
8 Ask of me,
6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession. Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
7 You have filled my heart with greater joy
9 You will rule them with an iron scepter f;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” than when their grain and new wine abound.
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; for you alone, O LORD,
be warned, you rulers of the earth. make me dwell in safety.
11 Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 5
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment. 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. consider my sighing.
a1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage b 2 Or anointed one c 6 Or king d 7 Or son; also in verse 12 e 7 Or have begotten you f 9 Or will
break them with a rod of iron g 2 A word of uncertain meaning, occurring frequently in the Psalms; possibly a musical term h 3 Or
LORD, / my Glorious One, who lifts i 2 Or you dishonor my Glorious One j 2 Or seek lies
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For the director of music. With stringed instruments. his violence comes down on his own head.
According to sheminith. a A psalm of David. 17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his
1O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger righteousness
or discipline me in your wrath. and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most
2 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; High.
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in anguish. Psalm 8
How long, O LORD, how long? For the director of music. According to gittith. a A psalm
4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; of David.
save me because of your unfailing love. 1O LORD, our Lord,
5 No one remembers you when he is dead. how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Who praises you from the grave b?
6I
You have set your glory
am worn out from groaning; above the heavens.
all night long I flood my bed with weeping 2 From the lips of children and infants
and drench my couch with tears. you have ordained praise f
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
because of your enemies,
they fail because of all my foes. to silence the foe and the avenger.
8 Away from me, all you who do evil, 3 When I consider your heavens,
for the LORD has heard my weeping. the work of your fingers,
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the moon and the stars,
the LORD accepts my prayer. which you have set in place,
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
they will turn back in sudden disgrace. the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly
Psalm 7 beings g
A shiggaion c of David, which he sang to the LORD and crowned him with glory and honor.
concerning Cush, a Benjamite. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
1O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; you put everything under his feet:
save and deliver me from all who pursue me, 7 all flocks and herds,
a Title:
Probably a musical term b 5 Hebrew Sheol c Title: Probably a literary or musical term d 10 Or sovereign e 12 Or If a man
does not repent, / God f 2 Or strength g 5 Or than God
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alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm. b 16 Or Meditation; possibly a musical notation c 17 Hebrew Sheol
d 3 Or what is the Righteous One doing e 5 Or The LORD, the Righteous One, examines the wicked, /
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morally deficient. d Title: Probably a literary or musical term e 3 Or As for the pagan priests who are in the land / and the nobles in
whom all delight, I said: f 10 Hebrew Sheol g 10 Or your faithful one h 11 Or You will make
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their sons have plenty, and have kept myself from sin.
and they store up wealth for their children. 24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my
15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face; righteousness,
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your according to the cleanness of my hands in his
likeness. sight.
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
Psalm 18 to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. 26 tothe pure you show yourself pure,
He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from 27 You save the humble
the hand of Saul. He said: but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
1I love you, O LORD, my strength.
my God turns my darkness into light.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 29 With your help I can advance against a troop d;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. with my God I can scale a wall.
He is my shield and the horn a of my salvation, 30 As for God, his way is perfect;
my stronghold.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
and I am saved from my enemies.
for all who take refuge in him.
4 The cords of death entangled me; 31 For who is God besides the LORD?
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. And who is the Rock except our God?
5 The cords of the grave b coiled around me; 32 It is God who arms me with strength
the snares of death confronted me. and makes my way perfect.
6 In my distress I called to the LORD; 33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
I cried to my God for help. he enables me to stand on the heights.
From his temple he heard my voice; 34 He trains my hands for battle;
my cry came before him, into his ears. my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and your right hand sustains me;
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
you stoop down to make me great.
they trembled because he was angry. 36 You broaden the path beneath me,
8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
so that my ankles do not turn.
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it. 37 Ipursued my enemies and overtook them;
9 He parted the heavens and came down; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
dark clouds were under his feet. 38 Icrushed them so that they could not rise;
10 He mounted the cherubim and flew; they fell beneath my feet.
he soared on the wings of the wind. 39 You armed me with strength for battle;
a2 Horn here symbolizes strength. b 5 Hebrew Sheol c 13 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (see also 2 Samuel 22:14); most
Hebrew manuscripts resounded, / amid hailstones and bolts of lightning d 29 Or can run through a barricade
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in keeping them there is great reward. when you aim at them with drawn bow.
12 Who can discern his errors? 13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
Forgive my hidden faults. we will sing and praise your might.
a3 Or They have no speech, there are no words; / no sound is heard from them b4 Septuagint, Jerome and Syriac; Hebrew line
c9 Or save! / O King, answer
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Why are you so far from saving me, will remember and turn to the LORD,
so far from the words of my groaning? and all the families of the nations
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet
and he rules over the nations.
you are enthroned as the Holy One;
29 Allthe rich of the earth will feast and worship;
you are the praise of Israel. a
4 Inyou our fathers put their trust; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
they trusted and you delivered them. those who cannot keep themselves alive.
5 They cried to you and were saved; 30 Posterity will serve him;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed. future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
6 But I am a worm and not a man, to a people yet unborn—
scorned by men and despised by the people. for he has done it.
7 Allwho see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads: Psalm 23
8 “He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him. A psalm of David.
Let him deliver him, 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
since he delights in him.” 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
9 Yetyou brought me out of the womb; he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
you made me trust in you
even at my mother’s breast. He guides me in paths of righteousness
10 From birth I was cast upon you; for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me, through the valley of the shadow of death, f
for trouble is near I will fear no evil,
and there is no one to help. for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
12 Many bulls surround me; they comfort me.
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring 5 You prepare a table before me
lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me. in the presence of my enemies.
14 I am poured out like water, You anoint my head with oil;
and all my bones are out of joint. my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me. all the days of my life,
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; forever.
you lay me b in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me; Psalm 24
a band of evil men has encircled me, Of David. A psalm.
they have pierced c my hands and my feet. 1 The
17 I can count all my bones; earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
people stare and gloat over me. the world, and all who live in it;
2 forhe founded it upon the seas
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing. and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs. who does not lift up his soul to an idol
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; or swear by what is false. g
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
save d me from the horns of the wild oxen.
and vindication from God his Savior.
22 Iwill declare your name to my brothers; 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
in the congregation I will praise you. who seek your face, O God of Jacob. h Selah
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! be lifted up, you ancient doors,
24 For he has not despised or disdained that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
but has listened to his cry for help. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great lift them up, you ancient doors,
assembly; that the King of glory may come in.
a 3 Or Yet you are holy, / enthroned on the praises of Israel b 15 Or / I am laid c 16 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac;
most Hebrew manuscripts / like the lion, d 21 Or / you have heard e 25 Hebrew him f 4 Or through the darkest valley g 4 Or
swear falsely h 6 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob
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nor let my enemies triumph over me. the place where your glory dwells.
3 No one whose hope is in you
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
will ever be put to shame, my life with bloodthirsty men,
but they will be put to shame 10 inwhose hands are wicked schemes,
who are treacherous without excuse. whose right hands are full of bribes.
4 Show 11 But I lead a blameless life;
me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths; redeem me and be merciful to me.
5 guide me in your truth and teach me, 12 My feet stand on level ground;
for you are God my Savior, in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
Psalm 27
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth Of David.
and my rebellious ways; 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
according to your love remember me, whom shall I fear?
for you are good, O LORD. The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
8 Good and upright is the LORD; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right to devour my flesh, b
and teaches them his way. when my enemies and my foes attack me,
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD, my heart will not fear;
forgive my iniquity, though it is great. though war break out against me,
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? even then will I be confident.
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. 4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
this is what I seek:
and his descendants will inherit the land. that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
all the days of my life,
he makes his covenant known to them. to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
and to seek him in his temple.
for only he will release my feet from the snare. 5 For in the day of trouble
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks c
9 Bemerciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
and strips the forests bare. my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” my soul and my body with grief.
10 The LORD sits d enthroned over the flood; 10 My life is consumed by anguish
Yet you heard my cry for mercy let all the people of the world revere him.
when I called to you for help. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
23 Love
he commanded, and it stood firm.
the LORD, all his saints! 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
The LORD preserves the faithful, he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
but the proud he pays back in full. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
24 Be strong and take heart,
the purposes of his heart through all
all you who hope in the LORD. generations.
Psalm 32 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
Of David. A maskil. b 13 From heaven the LORD looks down
1 Blessed is he and sees all mankind;
whose transgressions are forgiven, 14 from his dwelling place he watches
whose sins are covered. all who live on earth—
2 Blessed is the man 15 he who forms the hearts of all,
whose sin the LORD does not count against him who considers everything they do.
and in whose spirit is no deceit. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
his praise will always be on my lips. and without cause dug a pit for me,
2 My soul will boast in the LORD; 8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—
let the afflicted hear and rejoice. may the net they hid entangle them,
3 Glorify the LORD with me; may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
let us exalt his name together. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
4I
and delight in his salvation.
sought the LORD, and he answered me; 10 My whole being will exclaim,
he delivered me from all my fears. “Who is like you, O LORD?
5 Those who look to him are radiant; You rescue the poor from those too strong for
their faces are never covered with shame. them,
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who 11 Ruthless witnesses come forward;
fear him, they question me on things I know nothing
and he delivers them. about.
12 They repay me evil for good
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; and leave my soul forlorn.
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, and humbled myself with fasting.
for those who fear him lack nothing. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
14 I went about mourning
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. as though for my friend or brother.
11 Come, my children, listen to me; I bowed my head in grief
I will teach you the fear of the LORD. as though weeping for my mother.
12 Whoever of you loves life 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
and desires to see many good days, attackers gathered against me when I was
13 keep your tongue from evil unaware.
and your lips from speaking lies. They slandered me without ceasing.
14 Turn from evil and do good; 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked c;
seek peace and pursue it. they gnashed their teeth at me.
17 O Lord, how long will you look on?
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous Rescue my life from their ravages,
and his ears are attentive to their cry; my precious life from these lions.
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
to cut off the memory of them from the earth. among throngs of people I will praise you.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; 19 Let not those gloat over me
he delivers them from all their troubles. who are my enemies without cause;
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted let not those who hate me without reason
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. maliciously wink the eye.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles, 20 They do not speak peaceably,
but the LORD delivers him from them all; but devise false accusations
20 he protects all his bones, against those who live quietly in the land.
not one of them will be broken. 21 They gape at me and say, “Aha! Aha!
21 Evil
With our own eyes we have seen it.”
will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent.
22 The LORD redeems his servants; Do not be far from me, O Lord.
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in 23 Awake, and rise to my defense!
him. Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my
Psalm 35 God;
do not let them gloat over me.
Of David. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we
1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; wanted!”
fight against those who fight against me. or say, “We have swallowed him up.”
2 Take up shield and buckler;
26 May all who gloat over my distress
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin b be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
against those who pursue me.
be clothed with shame and disgrace.
Say to my soul, 27 May those who delight in my vindication
“I am your salvation.”
shout for joy and gladness;
4 May those who seek my life may they always say, “The LORD be exalted,
be disgraced and put to shame; who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
may those who plot my ruin 28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness
be turned back in dismay. and of your praises all day long.
a This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. b3 Or and block the way
c 16 Septuagint; Hebrew may mean ungodly circle of mockers.
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5 Your
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies. 20 But the wicked will perish:
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, The LORD’s enemies will be like the beauty of the
your justice like the great deep. fields,
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. they will vanish—vanish like smoke.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love! 21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
Both high and low among men but the righteous give generously;
find b refuge in the shadow of your wings. 22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
but those he curses will be cut off.
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; 23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way,
in your light we see light. he makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
10 Continue your love to those who know you, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, 25 Iwas young and now I am old,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen— or their children begging bread.
thrown down, not able to rise! 26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.
Psalm 37 c 27 Turn from evil and do good;
Of David. then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
1 Do not fret because of evil men
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither, They will be protected forever,
like green plants they will soon die away. but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;
29 therighteous will inherit the land
3 Trustin the LORD and do good;
and dwell in it forever.
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD 30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and he will give you the desires of your heart. and his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
his feet do not slip.
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the 32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
dawn, seeking their very lives;
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power
7 Be or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways, 34 Waitfor the LORD
when they carry out their wicked schemes. and keep his way.
8 Refrain He will exalt you to inherit the land;
from anger and turn from wrath;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For evil men will be cut off, 35 Ihave seen a wicked and ruthless man
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
land. 36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
not even saying anything good, I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
my anguish increased. I do not conceal your love and your truth
3 My heart grew hot within me, from the great assembly.
and as I meditated, the fire burned; 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
then I spoke with my tongue: may your love and your truth always protect me.
a4 Or to falsehood b 6 Hebrew; Septuagint but a body you have prepared for me (see also Symmachus and Theodotion) c6 Or opened
d7 Or come / with the scroll written for me
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10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; Why have you rejected me?
raise me up, that I may repay them. Why must I go about mourning,
11 Iknow that you are pleased with me, oppressed by the enemy?
3 Send forth your light and your truth,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity you uphold me let them guide me;
and set me in your presence forever. let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
4 Then will I go to the altar of God,
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. to God, my joy and my delight.
Amen and Amen. I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
BOOK II
Why so disturbed within me?
Psalms 42–72 Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
Psalm 42 a my Savior and my God.
For the director of music. A maskil b of the Sons of Korah.
Psalm 44
1 Asthe deer pants for streams of water,
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. b
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 1 Wehave heard with our ears, O God;
When can I go and meet with God? our fathers have told us
3 My tears have been my food what you did in their days,
a In
many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 and 43 constitute one psalm. b Title: Probably a literary or musical term c 5,6 A few Hebrew
manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts praise him for his saving help. / 6O my God, my
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you no longer go out with our armies. at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of
10 You made us retreat before the enemy, Ophir.
and our adversaries have plundered us. 10 Listen,
11 You gave us up to be devoured like sheep O daughter, consider and give ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
and have scattered us among the nations. 11 The
12 You sold your people for a pittance, king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
gaining nothing from their sale. 12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, c
13 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, men of wealth will seek your favor.
the scorn and derision of those around us. 13 All
14 You glorious is the princess within õher chamberÕ;
have made us a byword among the nations;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
the peoples shake their heads at us. 14 In
15 My disgrace is before me all day long, embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her
and my face is covered with shame
16 at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, and are brought to you.
15 They are led in with joy and gladness;
because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge.
they enter the palace of the king.
17 Allthis happened to us, 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
though we had not forgotten you
you will make them princes throughout the land.
or been false to your covenant. 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all
18 Our hearts had not turned back;
generations;
our feet had not strayed from your path.
19 But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals therefore the nations will praise you for ever and
ever.
and covered us over with deep darkness.
20 Ifwe had forgotten the name of our God Psalm 46
or spread out our hands to a foreign god, For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According
21 would not God have discovered it, to alamoth. d A song.
since he knows the secrets of the heart?
22 Yet for your sake we face death all day long; 1 God is our refuge and strength,
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give
23 Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? way
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
24 Why do you hide your face 3 though its waters roar and foam
and forget our misery and oppression? and the mountains quake with their surging.
25 We are brought down to the dust; Selah
our bodies cling to the ground. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of
26 Rise up and help us; God,
redeem us because of your unfailing love. the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
Psalm 45 God will help her at break of day.
For the director of music. To õthe tune ofÕ “Lilies.” Of the 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
Sons of Korah. A maskil. b A wedding song. he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme 7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
as I recite my verses for the king; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
2 You are the most excellent of men the desolations he has brought on the earth.
and your lips have been anointed with grace, 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
a 4 Septuagint, Aquila and Syriac; Hebrew King, O God; / command b Title: Probably a literary or musical term c 12 Or A Tyrian robe is
among the gifts d Title: Probably a musical term
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11 The
he will be our guide even to the end.
LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 49
Psalm 47 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. 1 Hear this, all you peoples;
1 Clap
listen, all who live in this world,
your hands, all you nations; 2 both low and high,
shout to God with cries of joy. rich and poor alike:
2 How awesome is the LORD Most High,
3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the great King over all the earth! the utterance from my heart will give
3 He subdued nations under us,
understanding.
peoples under our feet. 4 I will turn my ear to a proverb;
4 He chose our inheritance for us,
with the harp I will expound my riddle:
the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, when wicked deceivers surround me—
the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 those who trust in their wealth
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
and boast of their great riches?
sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 No man can redeem the life of another
7 For God is the King of all the earth; or give to God a ransom for him—
8 the ransom for a life is costly,
sing to him a psalm b of praise.
8 God reigns over the nations; no payment is ever enough—
9 that he should live on forever
God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble and not see decay.
as the people of the God of Abraham, 10 Forall can see that wise men die;
for the kings c of the earth belong to God; the foolish and the senseless alike perish
he is greatly exalted. and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses f forever,
Psalm 48 their dwellings for endless generations,
A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. though they had g named lands after themselves.
1 Great 12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure;
is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain. he is h like the beasts that perish.
2 Itis beautiful in its loftiness, 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
the joy of the whole earth. and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Like the utmost heights of Zaphon d is Mount Zion, Selah
the e city of the Great King. 14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, i
3 God is in her citadels;
and death will feed on them.
he has shown himself to be her fortress. The upright will rule over them in the morning;
4 When the kings joined forces, their forms will decay in the grave, i
when they advanced together, far from their princely mansions.
15 But God will redeem my life j from the grave;
5 theysaw õherÕ and were astounded;
they fled in terror. he will surely take me to himself. Selah
6 Trembling seized them there, 16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
pain like that of a woman in labor. when the splendor of his house increases;
7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish 17 forhe will take nothing with him when he dies,
shattered by an east wind. his splendor will not descend with him.
18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—
8 As we have heard,
so have we seen and men praise you when you prosper—
19 he will join the generation of his fathers,
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God: who will never see the light õof lifeÕ.
God makes her secure forever. Selah 20 A man who has riches without understanding
9 Within your temple, O God, is like the beasts that perish.
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God, Psalm 50
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; A psalm of Asaph.
your right hand is filled with righteousness. 1 The
11 Mount Zion rejoices, Mighty One, God, the LORD,
the villages of Judah are glad speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it
because of your judgments.
sets.
12 Walk about Zion, go around her, 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
a9 Or chariots b 7 Or a maskil (probably a literary or musical term) c 9 Or shields d 2 Zaphon can refer to a sacred mountain or
the direction north. e 2 Or earth, / Mount Zion, on the northern side / of the f 11 Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew In their thoughts their
houses will remain g 11 Or / for they have h 12 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac read verse 12 the same as verse 20. i 14 Hebrew
Sheol; also in verse 15 j 15 Or soul
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and justified when you judge. in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
a 21Or thought the ‘I AM’ was b 23 Or and to him who considers his way / I will show c 6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is
uncertain. d 6 Or you desired . . . ; / you taught e 17 Or My sacrifice, O God, is f Title: Probably a literary or musical term
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but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah they spew out swords from their lips,
7 My and they say, “Who can hear us?”
heart is steadfast, O God, 8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them;
my heart is steadfast; you scoff at all those nations.
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul! 9O my Strength, I watch for you;
Awake, harp and lyre! you, O God, are my fortress, 10 my loving God.
I will awaken the dawn.
God will go before me
9I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
I will sing of you among the peoples. 11 But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, f
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; or my people will forget.
your faithfulness reaches to the skies. In your might make them wander about,
11 Be and bring them down.
exalted, O God, above the heavens; 12 For the sins of their mouths,
let your glory be over all the earth. for the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride.
Psalm 58 For the curses and lies they utter,
For the director of music. õTo the tune ofÕ “Do Not Destroy.” 13 consume them in wrath,
Of David. A miktam. d consume them till they are no more.
1 Do Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
you rulers indeed speak justly?
that God rules over Jacob. Selah
Do you judge uprightly among men?
2 No, in your heart you devise injustice, 14 They return at evening,
and your hands mete out violence on the earth. snarling like dogs,
3 Even from birth the wicked go astray; and prowl about the city.
from the womb they are wayward and speak lies. 15 They wander about for food
a8 Or / put my tears in your wineskin b13 Or my soul c 13 Or the land of the living d Title: Probably a literary or musical term
e9 The meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain. f 11 Or sovereign
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his years for many generations. your right hand upholds me.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; 9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name 10 They will be given over to the sword
and fulfill my vows day after day. and become food for jackals.
a Title: Probably a literary or musical term b Title: That is, Arameans of Northwest Mesopotamia c Title: That is, Arameans of central
Syria d 7 Or / God Most High is my salvation and my honor
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and take refuge in him; and kept our feet from slipping.
10 For you, O God, tested us;
let all the upright in heart praise him!
you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison
Psalm 65
and laid burdens on our backs.
For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song. 12 You let men ride over our heads;
is God in his holy dwelling. the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations.
6 God sets the lonely in families, b Humbled, may it bring bars of silver.
he leads forth the prisoners with singing; Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31 Envoys will come from Egypt;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Cush h will submit herself to God.
7 When you went out before your people, O God,
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
when you marched through the wasteland, Selah
8 the earth shook, sing praise to the Lord, Selah
33 tohim who rides the ancient skies above,
the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai, who thunders with mighty voice.
34 Proclaim the power of God,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 You gave abundant showers, O God; whose majesty is over Israel,
you refreshed your weary inheritance. whose power is in the skies.
10 Your people settled in it, 35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the God of Israel gives power and strength to his
the poor. people.
11 The Lord announced the word, Praise be to God!
and great was the company of those who
proclaimed it: Psalm 69
12 “Kings and armies flee in haste;
For the director of music. To õthe tune ofÕ “Lilies.” Of David.
in the camps men divide the plunder.
13 Even while you sleep among the campfires, c 1 Save me, O God,
the wings of õmyÕ dove are sheathed with silver, for the waters have come up to my neck.
2I sink in the miry depths,
its feathers with shining gold.”
14 When the Almighty d scattered the kings in the land, where there is no foothold.
it was like snow fallen on Zalmon. I have come into the deep waters;
15 The
the floods engulf me.
mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; 3 I am worn out calling for help;
rugged are the mountains of Bashan. my throat is parched.
16 Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, My eyes fail,
at the mountain where God chooses to reign, looking for my God.
where the LORD himself will dwell forever? 4 Those who hate me without reason
17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands
outnumber the hairs of my head;
and thousands of thousands; many are my enemies without cause,
the Lord õhas comeÕ from Sinai into his sanctuary. those who seek to destroy me.
18 When you ascended on high,
I am forced to restore
you led captives in your train; what I did not steal.
you received gifts from men,
even from e the rebellious— 5 You know my folly, O God;
that you, f O LORD God, might dwell there. my guilt is not hidden from you.
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, 6 May those who hope in you
who daily bears our burdens. Selah not be disgraced because of me,
a 4 Or / prepare the way for him who rides through the deserts b 6 Or the desolate in a homeland c 13 Or saddlebags d 14 Hebrew
Shaddai e 18 Or gifts for men, / even f 18 Or they g 28 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac; most Hebrew
manuscripts Your God has summoned power for you h 31 That is, the upper Nile region
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you established the sun and moon. both horse and chariot lie still.
17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; 7 You alone are to be feared.
you made both summer and winter. Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, and the land feared and was quiet—
O LORD, 9 when you, O God, rose up to judge,
how foolish people have reviled your name. to save all the afflicted of the land. Selah
19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild
10 Surely your wrath against men brings you praise,
beasts; and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. b
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people
forever. 11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
a Title:
Probably a literary or musical term b 10 Or Surely the wrath of men brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm
yourself
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My heart mused and my spirit inquired: in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea and led them through;
7 “Willthe Lord reject forever? he made the water stand firm like a wall.
Will he never show his favor again? 14 He guided them with the cloud by day
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? and with light from the fire all night.
Has his promise failed for all time? 15 He split the rocks in the desert
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
and gave them water as abundant as the seas;
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah 16 he brought streams out of a rocky crag
10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: and made water flow down like rivers.
the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 17 But they continued to sin against him,
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 18 They willfully put God to the test
12 I will meditate on all your works
by demanding the food they craved.
and consider all your mighty deeds. 19 They spoke against God, saying,
13 Your ways, O God, are holy. “Can God spread a table in the desert?
20 When he struck the rock, water gushed out,
What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles; and streams flowed abundantly.
you display your power among the peoples. But can he also give us food?
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, Can he supply meat for his people?”
21 When the LORD heard them, he was very angry;
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
his fire broke out against Jacob,
16 The waters saw you, O God, and his wrath rose against Israel,
the waters saw you and writhed; 22 for they did not believe in God
the very depths were convulsed. or trust in his deliverance.
17 The clouds poured down water, 23 Yet he gave a command to the skies above
the skies resounded with thunder; and opened the doors of the heavens;
your arrows flashed back and forth. 24 he rained down manna for the people to eat,
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
he gave them the grain of heaven.
your lightning lit up the world; 25 Men ate the bread of angels;
the earth trembled and quaked. he sent them all the food they could eat.
19 Your path led through the sea, 26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens
your way through the mighty waters, and led forth the south wind by his power.
though your footprints were not seen. 27 He rained meat down on them like dust,
20 You led your people like a flock flying birds like sand on the seashore.
28 He made them come down inside their camp,
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
all around their tents.
29 They ate till they had more than enough,
Psalm 78
for he had given them what they craved.
A maskil a of Asaph. 30 But before they turned from the food they craved,
and the creatures of the field feed on it. maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
14 Return to us, O God Almighty! 4 Rescue the weak and needy;
Look down from heaven and see! deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Watch over this vine, 5 “They know nothing, they understand nothing.
15 the root your right hand has planted, They walk about in darkness;
the son c you have raised up for yourself. all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
16 Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; 6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
at your rebuke your people perish. you are all sons of the Most High.’
17 Letyour hand rest on the man at your right hand, 7 But you will die like mere men;
the son of man you have raised up for yourself. you will fall like every other ruler.”
18 Then we will not turn away from you;
8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
revive us, and we will call on your name.
for all the nations are your inheritance.
19 Restore us, O LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine upon us, Psalm 83
that we may be saved.
A song. A psalm of Asaph.
Psalm 81 1O God, do not keep silent;
For the director of music. According to gittith. d Of Asaph. be not quiet, O God, be not still.
2 See how your enemies are astir,
1 Sing for joy to God our strength; how your foes rear their heads.
shout aloud to the God of Jacob! 3 With cunning they conspire against your people;
2 Begin the music, strike the tambourine, they plot against those you cherish.
play the melodious harp and lyre. 4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation,
3 Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
and when the moon is full, on the day of our 5 With one mind they plot together;
Feast; they form an alliance against you—
4 this is a decree for Israel, 6 thetents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
an ordinance of the God of Jacob. of Moab and the Hagrites,
5 He established it as a statute for Joseph 7 Gebal, g Ammon and Amalek,
when he went out against Egypt, Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
where we heard a language we did not 8 Even Assyria has joined them
understand. e to lend strength to the descendants of Lot. Selah
6 He says, “I removed the burden from their 9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
shoulders; as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
their hands were set free from the basket. 10 who perished at Endor
7 In your distress you called and I rescued you, and became like refuse on the ground.
I answered you out of a thundercloud; 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession
8 “Hear, O my people, and I will warn you—
if you would but listen to me, O Israel! of the pasturelands of God.”
9 You shall have no foreign god among you; 13 Make them like tumbleweed, O my God,
you shall not bow down to an alien god. like chaff before the wind.
10 I am the LORD your God, 14 As fire consumes the forest
who brought you up out of Egypt. or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
a 11Probably the Mediterranean b 11 That is, the Euphrates c 15 Or branch d Title: Probably a musical term e5 Or / and we
heard a voice we had not known f2 The Hebrew is plural. g 7 That is, Byblos
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1 You God,
showed favor to your land, O LORD;
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
grant your strength to your servant
and covered all their sins. Selah
3 You set aside all your wrath and save the son of your maidservant. e
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
and turned from your fierce anger.
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
4 Restore us again, O God our Savior, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted
and put away your displeasure toward us. me.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all Psalm 87
generations?
6 Will you not revive us again, Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.
that your people may rejoice in you? 1 He has set his foundation on the holy mountain;
7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, 2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion
and grant us your salvation. more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
a Title: Probably a musical term b6 Or blessings c9 Or sovereign d 13 Hebrew Sheol e 16 Or save your faithful son
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concerning those who acknowledge me: / ‘This d Title: Possibly a tune, “The Suffering of Affliction” e Title: Probably a literary or
musical term f 3 Hebrew Sheol g 11 Hebrew Abaddon h 17 Horn here symbolizes strong one. i 18 Or sovereign j 24 Horn
here symbolizes strength.
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Psalm 93 Psalm 95
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; 1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
the LORD is robed in majesty let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
and is armed with strength. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
The world is firmly established; and extol him with music and song.
it cannot be moved. 3 For
2 Your throne was established long ago; the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
you are from all eternity. 4 Inhis hand are the depths of the earth,
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
the seas have lifted up their voice; 5 The sea is his, for he made it,
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. and his hands formed the dry land.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
the LORD on high is mighty. 7 for he is our God
5 Your statutes stand firm; and we are the people of his pasture,
holiness adorns your house the flock under his care.
for endless days, O LORD. Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at
Psalm 94 Meribah, b
1O LORD, the God who avenges, as you did that day at Massah c in the desert,
O God who avenges, shine forth. 9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
a 10 Horn here symbolizes strength. b8 Meribah means quarreling. c8 Massah means testing.
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and consider the great love of the LORD. that he may cut off the memory of them from the
earth.
Psalm 108 16 For he never thought of doing a kindness,
A song. A psalm of David. but hounded to death the poor
1 My and the needy and the brokenhearted.
heart is steadfast, O God; 17 He loved to pronounce a curse—
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, may it e come on him;
harp and lyre!
he found no pleasure in blessing—
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; may it be f far from him.
18 He wore cursing as his garment;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; it entered into his body like water,
into his bones like oil.
your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 19 May it be like a cloak wrapped about him,
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
like a belt tied forever around him.
and let your glory be over all the earth. 20 May this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers,
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, to those who speak evil of me.
that those you love may be delivered. 21 But
7 God you, O Sovereign LORD,
has spoken from his sanctuary:
deal well with me for your name’s sake;
“In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
and measure off the Valley of Succoth. 22 For I am poor and needy,
8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
and my heart is wounded within me.
Ephraim is my helmet, 23 I fade away like an evening shadow;
Judah my scepter.
9 Moab is my washbasin, I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees give way from fasting;
upon Edom I toss my sandal;
my body is thin and gaunt.
over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers;
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city? when they see me, they shake their heads.
Who will lead me to Edom? 26 Help
11 Is me, O LORD my God;
it not you, O God, you who have rejected us
save me in accordance with your love.
and no longer go out with our armies? 27 Let
12 Give us aid against the enemy, them know that it is your hand,
that you, O LORD, have done it.
for the help of man is worthless. 28 They may curse, but you will bless;
13 With God we will gain the victory,
when they attack they will be put to shame,
and he will trample down our enemies.
but your servant will rejoice.
29 My accusers will be clothed with disgrace
Psalm 109
and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD;
1O God, whom I praise, in the great throng I will praise him.
do not remain silent, 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
2 for wicked and deceitful men to save his life from those who condemn him.
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues. Psalm 110
3 With words of hatred they surround me;
Of David. A psalm.
they attack me without cause.
4 In return for my friendship they accuse me, 1 TheLORD says to my Lord:
but I am a man of prayer. “Sit at my right hand
5 They repay me evil for good, until I make your enemies
and hatred for my friendship. a footstool for your feet.”
a 6 Or õThey say:Õ “Appoint (with quotation marks at the end of verse 19) b6 Or the Evil One c6 Or let Satan d 10 Septuagint;
Hebrew sought e 17 Or curse, / and it has f 17 Or blessing, / and it is
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5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
our God is full of compassion. in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; 13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
when I was in great need, he saved me. but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you. he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, resound in the tents of the righteous:
my feet from stumbling, “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living. the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
10 I believed; therefore c I said, 17 I will not die but live,
“I am greatly afflicted.” and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
11 And in my dismay I said, 18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
“All men are liars.” but he has not given me over to death.
12 How can I repay the LORD 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
for all his goodness to me? I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation 20 This is the gate of the LORD
and call on the name of the LORD. through which the righteous may enter.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
in the presence of all his people. you have become my salvation.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD 22 The stone the builders rejected
is the death of his saints. has become the capstone;
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; 23 the LORD has done this,
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant d ; and it is marvelous in our eyes.
you have freed me from my chains. 24 This is the day the LORD has made;
stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. d 37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most
manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way e 48 Or for
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3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, and her saints will ever sing for joy.
O Lord, who could stand? 17 “Here I will make a horn c grow for David
4 But with you there is forgiveness; and set up a lamp for my anointed one.
therefore you are feared. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
5I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, but the crown on his head will be resplendent.”
and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord Psalm 133
more than watchmen wait for the morning, A song of ascents. Of David.
more than watchmen wait for the morning. 1 How good and pleasant it is
7O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, when brothers live together in unity!
for with the LORD is unfailing love 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
and with him is full redemption. running down on the beard,
a6 That is, Kiriath Jearim b 6 Or heard of it in Ephrathah, / we found it in the fields of Jaar. (And no quotes around verses 7–9)
c 17 Horn here symbolizes strong one, that is, king.
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a1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verses 3 and 21 b 13 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds; also in verse 15
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no one is concerned for me. the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath;
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life. his days are like a fleeting shadow.
5 Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down;
5I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge, touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
6 Send forth lightning and scatter õthe enemiesÕ;
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Listen to my cry, shoot your arrows and rout them.
7 Reach down your hand from on high;
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me, deliver me and rescue me
for they are too strong for me. from the mighty waters,
7 Set me free from my prison, from the hands of foreigners
8 whose mouths are full of lies,
that I may praise your name.
whose right hands are deceitful.
Then the righteous will gather about me 9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
because of your goodness to me.
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
Psalm 143
who delivers his servant David from the deadly
A psalm of David. sword.
1O LORD, hear my prayer, 11 Deliver me and rescue me
listen to my cry for mercy; from the hands of foreigners
in your faithfulness and righteousness whose mouths are full of lies,
come to my relief. whose right hands are deceitful.
a5 Or Let the Righteous One b 7 Hebrew Sheol c Title: Probably a literary or musical term d 2 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic
Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, Aquila, Jerome and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text subdues my people
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21 My
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name 15 He sends his command to the earth;
for ever and ever. his word runs swiftly.
a 14 Or our chieftains will be firmly established b This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which (including verse 13b) begin with
the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. c 5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text On the glorious
splendor of your majesty / and on your wonderful works I will meditate d 13 One manuscript of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and
Syriac (see also Septuagint); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text do not have the last two lines of verse 13. e 1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah;
also in verse 10 f 1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 20
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a1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 14 b 14 Horn here symbolizes strong one, that is, king. c1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 9
d1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 6
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Proverbs
Prologue: Purpose and Theme 24 But since you rejected me when I called
and no one gave heed when I stretched out my
1 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
2
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
hand,
25 since you ignored all my advice
knowledge and discretion to the young— when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
and let the discerning get guidance— 28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
they will look for me but will not find me.
the sayings and riddles of the wise. 29 Since they hated knowledge
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, and did not choose to fear the LORD,
but fools a despise wisdom and discipline. 30 since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
Warning Against Enticement 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
9 They will be a garland to grace your head and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
2turning
2
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
your ear to wisdom
let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, and applying your heart to understanding,
let’s waylay some harmless soul; 3 and if you call out for insight
12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, b
and cry aloud for understanding,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 4 and if you look for it as for silver
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
and fill our houses with plunder; 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
14 throw in your lot with us,
and find the knowledge of God.
and we will share a common purse”— 6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
15 my son, do not go along with them,
and from his mouth come knowledge and
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin, understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; and protects the way of his faithful ones.
they waylay only themselves! 9 Then you will understand what is right and just
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; and fair—every good path.
it takes away the lives of those who get it. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom 11 Discretion will protect you,
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, and understanding will guard you.
she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
the head of the noisy streets c she cries out,
in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
22 “How long will you simple ones d love your simple to walk in dark ways,
ways? 14 who delight in doing wrong
How long will mockers delight in mockery and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
and fools hate knowledge? 15 whose paths are crooked
23 If you had responded to my rebuke,
and who are devious in their ways.
I would have poured out my heart to you
and made my thoughts known to you. 16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
a7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote one who is morally deficient.
b 12 Hebrew Sheol c 21 Hebrew; Septuagint / on the tops of the walls d 22 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs generally
a 17 Or covenant of her God b6 Or will direct your paths c 12 Hebrew; Septuagint / and he punishes d7 Or Whatever else you get
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Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
21 For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
and he examines all his paths. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; without his clothes being burned?
the cords of his sin hold him fast. 28 Can a man walk on hot coals
23 He will die for lack of discipline,
without his feet being scorched?
led astray by his own great folly. 29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
6ifMyyou son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, 30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals
if you have struck hands in pledge for another, to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
2 have been trapped by what you said, 31 Yetif he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
ensnared by the words of your mouth, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself, 32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: whoever does so destroys himself.
Go and humble yourself; 33 Blows and disgrace are his lot,
press your plea with your neighbor! and his shame will never be wiped away;
a 26 Or Consider the b5 Hebrew Sheol c 11 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar
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write them on the tablet of your heart. I open my lips to speak what is right.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” 7 My mouth speaks what is true,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words. none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
6 At the window of my house they are faultless to those who have knowledge.
I looked out through the lattice. 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
7I saw among the simple, knowledge rather than choice gold,
I noticed among the young men, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
a youth who lacked judgment. and nothing you desire can compare with her.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
walking along in the direction of her house I possess knowledge and discretion.
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
as the dark of night set in. I hate pride and arrogance,
10 Then out came a woman to meet him, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is loud and defiant, I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings reign
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares, and rulers make laws that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him and all nobles who rule on earth. e
17 I love those who love me,
and with a brazen face she said: and those who seek me find me.
14 “I 18 With me are riches and honor,
have fellowship offerings a at home;
today I fulfilled my vows. enduring wealth and prosperity.
15 So I came out to meet you; 19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
I looked for you and have found you! what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
16 I have covered my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. and making their treasuries full.
18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; 22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his
let’s enjoy ourselves with love! works, f, g
19 My husband is not at home; before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed h from eternity,
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money from the beginning, before the world began.
24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth,
and will not be home till full moon.”
when there were no springs abounding with
21 With persuasive words she led him astray; water;
she seduced him with her smooth talk. 25 before the mountains were settled in place,
22 All at once he followed her
before the hills, I was given birth,
like an ox going to the slaughter, 26 before he made the earth or its fields
like a deer b stepping into a noose c or any of the dust of the world.
23 till an arrow pierces his liver, 27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,
like a bird darting into a snare, when he marked out the horizon on the face of
little knowing it will cost him his life. the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
pay attention to what I say. 29 when he gave the sea its boundary
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways so the waters would not overstep his command,
or stray into her paths. and when he marked out the foundations of the
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
earth.
her slain are a mighty throng. 30 Then I was the craftsman at his side.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave, d I was filled with delight day after day,
leading down to the chambers of death. rejoicing always in his presence,
a 14 Traditionally peace offerings b 22 Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool c 22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is
uncertain. d 27 Hebrew Sheol e 16 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts and nobles—all righteous
rulers f 22 Or way; or dominion g 22 Or The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work; or The LORD brought me forth at the
beginning of his work h 23 Or fashioned
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21 heThedirects
4A sluggard does not plow in season; king’s heart is in the hand of the L ; ORD
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. it like a watercourse wherever he
5 The pleases.
purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out. 2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
6 Many but the LORD weighs the heart.
a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find? 3 To do what is right and just
7 The is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
8 When the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes. 5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
9 Who as surely as haste leads to poverty.
can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”? 6A fortune made by a lying tongue
10 Differing is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. b
weights and differing measures—
the LORD detests them both. 7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
11 Even for they refuse to do what is right.
a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious,
12 Ears but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
that hear and eyes that see—
the LORD has made them both. 9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
13 Do than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare. 10 The wicked man craves evil;
14 “It’s his neighbor gets no mercy from him.
no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer;
then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. 11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain
15 Gold wisdom;
there is, and rubies in abundance,
when a wise man is instructed, he gets
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
knowledge.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a 12 The Righteous One c takes note of the house of the
stranger;
wicked
hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward
and brings the wicked to ruin.
woman.
13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
he too will cry out and not be answered.
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
18 Make plans by seeking advice;
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great
if you wage war, obtain guidance.
wrath.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; 15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
so avoid a man who talks too much.
but terror to evildoers.
20 If a man curses his father or mother, 16 A man who strays from the path of understanding
his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
comes to rest in the company of the dead.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning 17 He who loves pleasure will become poor;
will not be blessed at the end.
whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” 18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
and the unfaithful for the upright.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, 19 Better to live in a desert
and dishonest scales do not please him.
than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
24 A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. 20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food
How then can anyone understand his own way?
and oil,
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something but a foolish man devours all he has.
rashly 21 He who pursues righteousness and love
and only later to consider his vows.
finds life, prosperity d and honor.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; 22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
and pulls down the stronghold in which they
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man a; trust.
it searches out his inmost being. 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; keeps himself from calamity.
through love his throne is made secure. 24 The proud and arrogant man—“Mocker” is his
29 The glory of young men is their strength, name;
gray hair the splendor of the old. he behaves with overweening pride.
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, 25 The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him,
and beatings purge the inmost being. because his hands refuse to work.
a 27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp b 6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for
those who seek death c 12 Or The righteous man d 21 Or righteousness
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24for Do
2
not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;
their hearts plot violence,
28 Do
after that, build your house.
not testify against your neighbor without cause,
or use your lips to deceive.
and their lips talk about making trouble. 29 Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me;
3 By wisdom a house is built, I’ll pay that man back for what he did.”
and through understanding it is established; 30 I
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
with rare and beautiful treasures. 31 thorns had come up everywhere,
5A wise man has great power, the ground was covered with weeds,
and a man of knowledge increases strength; and the stone wall was in ruins.
6 for waging war you need guidance, 32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and for victory many advisers. and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; a little folding of the hands to rest—
in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. 34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
8 He who plots evil and scarcity like an armed man. a
will be known as a schemer. More Proverbs of Solomon
9 The schemes of folly are sin,
10 If
and men detest a mocker.
you falter in times of trouble,
25 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by
the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
how small is your strength!
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
11 Rescue those being led away to death; 3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? 4 Remove the dross from the silver,
Does not he who guards your life know it? and out comes material for b the silversmith;
Will he not repay each person according to what 5 remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
he has done? and his throne will be established through
13 Eat righteousness.
honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. 6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; and do not claim a place among great men;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you, 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
and your hope will not be cut off. than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
a 7,8 Or nobleman / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8Do not go b 23 With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text of
silver dross
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28 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, 25 A greedy man stirs up dissension,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, 26 He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but a man of understanding and knowledge but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
maintains order. 27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
3A ruler b who oppresses the poor but he who closes his eyes to them receives many
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. curses.
a 20 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon b3 Or A poor man
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2 When
will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
30This man declared to Ithiel,
The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle b:
when the wicked rule, the people groan. to Ithiel and to Ucal: c
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, 2 “I am the most ignorant of men;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his I do not have a man’s understanding.
wealth. 3 I have not learned wisdom,
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of
5 Whoever flatters his neighbor his hands?
is spreading a net for his feet. Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, Who has established all the ends of the earth?
but a righteous one can sing and be glad. What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know!
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern. 5 “Every word of God is flawless;
8 Mockers stir up a city, he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
but wise men turn away anger.
or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, 7 “Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
do not refuse me before I die:
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
and seek to kill the upright. give me neither poverty nor riches,
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
but a wise man keeps himself under control.
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
12 If a ruler listens to lies, Or I may become poor and steal,
all his officials become wicked. and so dishonor the name of my God.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in 10 “Do not slander a servant to his master,
common: or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.
The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. 11 “There are those who curse their fathers
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, and do not bless their mothers;
his throne will always be secure. 12 those who are pure in their own eyes
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, and yet are not cleansed of their filth;
13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
whose glances are so disdainful;
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, 14 those whose teeth are swords
but the righteous will see their downfall. and whose jaws are set with knives
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; to devour the poor from the earth,
he will bring delight to your soul. the needy from among mankind.
15 “The leech has two daughters.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off
restraint; ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.
but blessed is he who keeps the law. “There are three things that are never satisfied,
19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; four that never say, ‘Enough!’:
16 the grave, d the barren womb,
though he understands, he will not respond.
land, which is never satisfied with water,
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’
There is more hope for a fool than for him. 17 “The eye that mocks a father,
21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, that scorns obedience to a mother,
he will bring grief a in the end. will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
22 An will be eaten by the vultures.
angry man stirs up dissension,
and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. 18 “There are three things that are too amazing
23 A for me,
man’s pride brings him low,
four that I do not understand:
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. 19 the way of an eagle in the sky,
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; the way of a snake on a rock,
he is put under oath and dare not testify. the way of a ship on the high seas,
25 Fear and the way of a man with a maiden.
of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. 20 “This is the way of an adulteress:
a 21 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. b 1 Or Jakeh of Massa c 1 Masoretic Text; with a different word division of
the Hebrew declared, “I am weary, O God; / I am weary, O God, and faint. d 16 Hebrew Sheol
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yet they make their home in the crags; bringing her food from afar.
27 locusts have no king, 15 She gets up while it is still dark;
yet they advance together in ranks; she provides food for her family
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
yet it is found in kings’ palaces.
29 “There
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
are three things that are stately in their 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
stride, her arms are strong for her tasks.
four that move with stately bearing: 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
30 a lion, mighty among beasts,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
who retreats before nothing; 19 In her hand she holds the distaff
31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
and a king with his army around him. b 20 She opens her arms to the poor
32 “Ifyou have played the fool and exalted yourself, and extends her hands to the needy.
or if you have planned evil, 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
clap your hand over your mouth! for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
33 For as churning the milk produces butter, 22 She makes coverings for her bed;
and as twisting the nose produces blood, she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
so stirring up anger produces strife.” 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the
Sayings of King Lemuel land.
31 The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle c his moth-
er taught him:
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
2 “O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows, d she can laugh at the days to come.
3 do 26 She speaks with wisdom,
not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings. and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
4 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel— and does not eat the bread of idleness.
not for kings to drink wine, 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
not for rulers to crave beer, her husband also, and he praises her:
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
29 “Many women do noble things,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. but you surpass them all.”
6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
wine to those who are in anguish;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty but a woman who fears the LORD is to be
praised.
and remember their misery no more. 31 Give her the reward she has earned,
8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
a 26 That is, the hyrax or rock badger b 31 Or king secure against revolt c 1 Or of Lemuel king of Massa, which d 2 Or / the answer
to my prayers e 10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
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Ecclesiastes
Everything Is Meaningless Pleasures Are Meaningless
1 The words of the Teacher, a son of David, king in Jeru-
salem: 2proved
I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you
with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also
2
to be meaningless. “Laughter,” I said, “is fool-
2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” ish. And what does pleasure accomplish?” 3 I tried
says the Teacher. cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my
“Utterly meaningless! mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see
Everything is meaningless.” what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven dur-
3 What does man gain from all his labor ing the few days of their lives.
4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself
at which he toils under the sun?
4 Generations and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and
come and generations go,
planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reser-
but the earth remains forever. voirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male
5 The sun rises and the sun sets,
and female slaves and had other slaves who were born
and hurries back to where it rises. in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than
6 The wind blows to the south
anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and
and turns to the north; gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.
round and round it goes, I acquired men and women singers, and a harem b as
ever returning on its course. well—the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became great-
7 All streams flow into the sea,
er by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this
yet the sea is never full. my wisdom stayed with me.
To the place the streams come from, 10 Idenied myself nothing my eyes desired;
there they return again. I refused my heart no pleasure.
8 All things are wearisome,
My heart took delight in all my work,
more than one can say. and this was the reward for all my labor.
The eye never has enough of seeing, 11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
nor the ear its fill of hearing. and what I had toiled to achieve,
9 What has been will be again,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the
what has been done will be done again; wind;
there is nothing new under the sun. nothing was gained under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one can say,
12 Words
there is no profit for the charmer.
from a wise man’s mouth are gracious,
12before
Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
the days of trouble come
a 10 Hebrew Sheol b 16 Or king is a child c5 Or know how life (or the spirit) / enters the body being formed
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before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, including every hidden thing,
or the wheel broken at the well, whether it is good or evil.
Song of Songs
Beloved
1 Solomon’s Song of Songs. 16 How handsome you are, my lover!
Oh, how charming!
Beloved a And our bed is verdant.
2 Lethim kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine. Lover
3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; 17 The beams of our house are cedars;
your name is like perfume poured out. our rafters are firs.
No wonder the maidens love you!
4 Take me away with you—let us hurry! Beloved d
2 I am a rose of Sharon,
e
Let the king bring me into his chambers.
a lily of the valleys.
Friends
We rejoice and delight in you b;
Lover
2 Like a lily among thorns
we will praise your love more than wine.
is my darling among the maidens.
Beloved
Beloved
How right they are to adore you! 3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
5 Dark am I, yet lovely, is my lover among the young men.
O daughters of Jerusalem, I delight to sit in his shade,
dark like the tents of Kedar, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
like the tent curtains of Solomon. c 4 He has taken me to the banquet hall,
6 Do not stare at me because I am dark, and his banner over me is love.
because I am darkened by the sun. 5 Strengthen me with raisins,
My mother’s sons were angry with me refresh me with apples,
and made me take care of the vineyards; for I am faint with love.
my own vineyard I have neglected. 6 His left arm is under my head,
7 Tell me, you whom I love, where you graze your and his right arm embraces me.
flock 7 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
and where you rest your sheep at midday. by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Why should I be like a veiled woman Do not arouse or awaken love
beside the flocks of your friends? until it so desires.
8 Listen! My lover!
Friends
8 Ifyou do not know, most beautiful of women, Look! Here he comes,
follow the tracks of the sheep leaping across the mountains,
and graze your young goats bounding over the hills.
9 My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag.
by the tents of the shepherds.
Look! There he stands behind our wall,
Lover gazing through the windows,
9I liken you, my darling, to a mare peering through the lattice.
10 My lover spoke and said to me,
harnessed to one of the chariots of Pharaoh.
10 Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, “Arise, my darling,
your neck with strings of jewels. my beautiful one, and come with me.
11 We will make you earrings of gold, 11 See! The winter is past;
captions Lover and Beloved respectively. The words of others are marked Friends. In some instances the divisions and their captions are
debatable. b 4 The Hebrew is masculine singular. c 5 Or Salma d 1 Or Lover e 1 Possibly a member of the crocus family
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3 AllII looked
night long on my bed
for the one my heart loves;
looked for him but did not find him.
with me from Lebanon, my bride,
come with me from Lebanon.
Descend from the crest of Amana,
2I will get up now and go about the city, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon,
through its streets and squares; from the lions’ dens
I will search for the one my heart loves. and the mountain haunts of the leopards.
So I looked for him but did not find him. 9 You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;
3 The watchmen found me you have stolen my heart
as they made their rounds in the city. with one glance of your eyes,
“Have you seen the one my heart loves?” with one jewel of your necklace.
4 Scarcely had I passed them 10 How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!
when I found the one my heart loves. How much more pleasing is your love than wine,
I held him and would not let him go and the fragrance of your perfume than any
till I had brought him to my mother’s house, spice!
to the room of the one who conceived me. 11 Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my
5 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you bride;
by the gazelles and by the does of the field: milk and honey are under your tongue.
Do not arouse or awaken love The fragrance of your garments is like that of
until it so desires. Lebanon.
12 You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride;
6 Who is this coming up from the desert
like a column of smoke, you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.
13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates
perfumed with myrrh and incense
made from all the spices of the merchant? with choice fruits,
7 Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, with henna and nard,
14 nard and saffron,
escorted by sixty warriors,
the noblest of Israel, calamus and cinnamon,
8 all of them wearing the sword, with every kind of incense tree,
all experienced in battle, with myrrh and aloes
each with his sword at his side, and all the finest spices.
15 You are d a garden fountain,
prepared for the terrors of the night.
9 King Solomon made for himself the carriage; a well of flowing water
he made it of wood from Lebanon. streaming down from Lebanon.
10 Its posts he made of silver,
Beloved
its base of gold. 16 Awake,north wind,
Its seat was upholstered with purple, and come, south wind!
its interior lovingly inlaid Blow on my garden,
by b the daughters of Jerusalem. that its fragrance may spread abroad.
11 Come out, you daughters of Zion,
Let my lover come into his garden
and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, and taste its choice fruits.
the crown with which his mother crowned him
on the day of his wedding, Lover
the day his heart rejoiced.
Lover 5I Ihave
have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.
eaten my honeycomb and my honey;
4 How beautiful you are, my darling!
Oh, how beautiful!
Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Friends
I have drunk my wine and my milk.
a 6 Or heart had gone out to him when he spoke b 14 Or lapis lazuli c 12 Or among the chariots of Amminadab; or among the chariots
of the people of the prince
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a 9 Septuagint, Aquila, Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew lips of sleepers b 11 Or henna bushes c 6 Or ardor d 6 Hebrew Sheol e 6 Or /
like the very flame of the LORD f 7 Or he g 11 That is, about 25 pounds (about 11.5 kilograms); also in verse 12 h 12 That is, about 5
pounds (about 2.3 kilograms)
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Isaiah
1tham,
The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isa-
iah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jo-
Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
A Rebellious Nation They have become a burden to me;
2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! I am weary of bearing them.
For the LORD has spoken: 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
“I reared children and brought them up, I will hide my eyes from you;
but they have rebelled against me. even if you offer many prayers,
3 The ox knows his master,
I will not listen.
the donkey his owner’s manger, Your hands are full of blood;
but Israel does not know, 16 wash and make yourselves clean.
my people do not understand.” Take your evil deeds
4 Ah, sinful nation, out of my sight!
a people loaded with guilt, Stop doing wrong,
17 learn to do right!
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption! Seek justice,
They have forsaken the LORD; encourage the oppressed. a
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel Defend the cause of the fatherless,
and turned their backs on him. plead the case of the widow.
5 Why 18 “Come now, let us reason together,”
should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion? says the LORD.
Your whole head is injured, “Though your sins are like scarlet,
your whole heart afflicted. they shall be as white as snow;
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head though they are red as crimson,
there is no soundness— they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
only wounds and welts
and open sores, you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with oil. you will be devoured by the sword.”
7 Your
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
country is desolate,
21 See how the faithful city
your cities burned with fire;
your fields are being stripped by foreigners has become a harlot!
right before you, She once was full of justice;
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. righteousness used to dwell in her—
8 The Daughter of Zion is left but now murderers!
like a shelter in a vineyard, 22 Your silver has become dross,
like a hut in a field of melons, your choice wine is diluted with water.
like a city under siege. 23 Your rulers are rebels,
9 Unless the LORD Almighty companions of thieves;
had left us some survivors, they all love bribes
we would have become like Sodom, and chase after gifts.
we would have been like Gomorrah. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
10 Hear
the widow’s case does not come before them.
the word of the LORD, 24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
you rulers of Sodom; the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
listen to the law of our God, “Ah, I will get relief from my foes
you people of Gomorrah! and avenge myself on my enemies.
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
25 I will turn my hand against you;
what are they to me?” says the LORD. I will thoroughly purge away your dross
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings, and remove all your impurities.
of rams and the fat of fattened animals; 26 I will restore your judges as in days of old,
I have no pleasure your counselors as at the beginning.
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me, Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
who has asked this of you,
the Faithful City.”
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! 27 Zion
will be redeemed with justice,
Your incense is detestable to me. her penitent ones with righteousness.
a 17 Or / rebuke the oppressor
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a 9,10Hebrew; Septuagint ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; / you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / 10This
people’s heart has become calloused; / they hardly hear with their ears, / and they have closed their eyes b 2 Or has set up camp in
c3 Shear-Jashub means a remnant will return.
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plunder, swift to the spoil; also in verse 3. g 9 Or Do your worst h 10 Hebrew Immanuel i 12 Or Do not call for a treaty / every time
these people call for a treaty j 2 Or land of darkness
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and has spurred their enemies on. this is not what he has in mind;
12 Arameans from the east and Philistines from the his purpose is to destroy,
west to put an end to many nations.
8 ‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he says.
have devoured Israel with open mouth.
9 ‘Has not Calno fared like Carchemish?
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, Is not Hamath like Arpad,
his hand is still upraised. and Samaria like Damascus?
13 But 10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols,
the people have not returned to him who struck
them, kingdoms whose images excelled those of
nor have they sought the LORD Almighty. Jerusalem and Samaria—
14 So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and 11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images
his hand is still upraised. so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations;
18 Surely
as men gather abandoned eggs,
wickedness burns like a fire; so I gathered all the countries;
it consumes briers and thorns, not one flapped a wing,
it sets the forest thickets ablaze, or opened its mouth to chirp.’ ”
so that it rolls upward in a column of
15 Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it,
smoke.
19 By the wrath of the LORD Almighty or the saw boast against him who uses it?
the land will be scorched As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up,
and the people will be fuel for the fire; or a club brandish him who is not wood!
16 Therefore, the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
no one will spare his brother.
20 On the right they will devour, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy
but still be hungry; warriors;
on the left they will eat, under his pomp a fire will be kindled
but not be satisfied. like a blazing flame.
17 The Light of Israel will become a fire,
Each will feed on the flesh of his own offspring b:
21 Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on their Holy One a flame;
Manasseh; in a single day it will burn and consume
together they will turn against Judah. his thorns and his briers.
18 The splendor of his forests and fertile fields
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, it will completely destroy,
his hand is still upraised. as when a sick man wastes away.
a6 Or Wonderful, Counselor b 20 Or arm c 13 Or / I subdued the mighty,
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praise you, O L .
ORD
I will make myself like the Most High.” to the envoys of that nation?
15 But you are brought down to the grave, “The LORD has established Zion,
to the depths of the pit. and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.”
16 Those who see you stare at you, A Prophecy Against Moab
they ponder your fate:
“Is this the man who shook the earth
and made kingdoms tremble,
15Ar Anin Moab
oracle concerning Moab:
is ruined,
17 the man who made the world a desert, destroyed in a night!
who overthrew its cities Kir in Moab is ruined,
and would not let his captives go home?” destroyed in a night!
2 Dibon goes up to its temple,
18 All the kings of the nations lie in state, to its high places to weep;
each in his own tomb. Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba.
19 But you are cast out of your tomb Every head is shaved
like a rejected branch; and every beard cut off.
you are covered with the slain, 3 In the streets they wear sackcloth;
with those pierced by the sword, on the roofs and in the public squares
those who descend to the stones of the pit. they all wail,
Like a corpse trampled underfoot, prostrate with weeping.
20 you will not join them in burial, 4 Heshbon and Elealeh cry out,
for you have destroyed your land their voices are heard all the way to Jahaz.
and killed your people. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out,
and their hearts are faint.
The offspring of the wicked
5 My heart cries out over Moab;
will never be mentioned again.
21 Preparea place to slaughter his sons her fugitives flee as far as Zoar,
for the sins of their forefathers; as far as Eglath Shelishiyah.
they are not to rise to inherit the land They go up the way to Luhith,
and cover the earth with their cities. weeping as they go;
on the road to Horonaim
22 “I will rise up against them,” they lament their destruction.
declares the LORD Almighty. 6 The waters of Nimrim are dried up
“I will cut off from Babylon her name and survivors, and the grass is withered;
her offspring and descendants,” the vegetation is gone
declares the LORD. and nothing green is left.
23 “I will turn her into a place for owls 7 So the wealth they have acquired and stored up
and into swampland; they carry away over the Ravine of the Poplars.
I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,” 8 Their outcry echoes along the border of Moab;
declares the LORD Almighty. their wailing reaches as far as Eglaim,
A Prophecy Against Assyria their lamentation as far as Beer Elim.
9 Dimon’s b waters are full of blood,
24 The LORD Almighty has sworn, but I will bring still more upon Dimon b—
“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, a lion upon the fugitives of Moab
and as I have purposed, so it will stand. and upon those who remain in the land.
25 I will crush the Assyrian in my land;
on my mountains I will trample him down.
His yoke will be taken from my people,
and his burden removed from their shoulders.”
16fromSend lambs as tribute
to the ruler of the land,
Sela, across the desert,
26 This
to the mount of the Daughter of Zion.
is the plan determined for the whole world; 2 Like fluttering birds
this is the hand stretched out over all nations. pushed from the nest,
27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can
so are the women of Moab
thwart him? at the fords of the Arnon.
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it
3 “Give
us counsel,
back?
render a decision.
A Prophecy Against the Philistines Make your shadow like night—
28 This oracle came in the year King Ahaz died: at high noon.
a 13 Or the north; Hebrew Zaphon b9 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate Dibon
23Is-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:08 AM Page 384
17“See,AnDamascus
oracle concerning Damascus:
a5 Hebrew tent b7 Or “raisin cakes,” a wordplay c8 That is, symbols of the goddess Asherah d1 Or of locusts e1 That is, the
upper Nile region
23Is-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:08 AM Page 385
7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Al- head or tail, palm branch or reed.
mighty 16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They
will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD
from a people tall and smooth-skinned, Almighty raises against them. 17 And the land of Judah
from a people feared far and wide, will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Ju-
an aggressive nation of strange speech, dah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the
whose land is divided by rivers— LORD Almighty is planning against them.
18 In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the lan-
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the
Name of the LORD Almighty. guage of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Al-
mighty. One of them will be called the City of Destruc-
A Prophecy About Egypt tion. b
19See,Antheoracle
L
ORD
concerning Egypt:
you now,
19 I will depose you from your office,
and you will be ousted from your position.
that you have all gone up on the roofs, 20 “In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim
2O town full of commotion, son of Hilkiah. 21 I will clothe him with your robe and
O city of tumult and revelry? fasten your sash around him and hand your authority
Your slain were not killed by the sword, over to him. He will be a father to those who live in Jeru-
nor did they die in battle. salem and to the house of Judah. 22 I will place on his
a8 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac; Masoretic Text A lion b 11 Dumah means silence or stillness, a wordplay on Edom.
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The floodgates of the heavens are opened, and lay them low;
the foundations of the earth shake. he will bring them down to the ground,
19 The earth is broken up, to the very dust.
the earth is split asunder, A Song of Praise
the earth is thoroughly shaken.
20 The earth reels like a drunkard,
it sways like a hut in the wind; 26 InJudah:
that day this song will be sung in the land of
25for inIOwillLperfect
ORD , you are my God;
exalt you and praise your name,
faithfulness
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
you have done marvelous things, 7 The path of the righteous is level;
things planned long ago. O upright One, you make the way of the righteous
2 You have made the city a heap of rubble, smooth.
the fortified town a ruin, 8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, c
the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more; we wait for you;
it will never be rebuilt. your name and renown
3 Therefore strong peoples will honor you;
are the desire of our hearts.
cities of ruthless nations will revere you. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
4 You have been a refuge for the poor,
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
a refuge for the needy in his distress, When your judgments come upon the earth,
a shelter from the storm the people of the world learn righteousness.
and a shade from the heat. 10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,
For the breath of the ruthless they do not learn righteousness;
is like a storm driving against a wall even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
5 and like the heat of the desert. and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
You silence the uproar of foreigners; 11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, but they do not see it.
so the song of the ruthless is stilled. Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare shame;
a feast of rich food for all peoples, let the fire reserved for your enemies consume
a banquet of aged wine— them.
the best of meats and the finest of wines. 12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
7 On this mountain he will destroy all that we have accomplished you have done for
the shroud that enfolds all peoples, us.
the sheet that covers all nations; 13 O LORD, our God, other lords besides you have ruled
8 he will swallow up death forever. over us,
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears but your name alone do we honor.
from all faces; 14 They are now dead, they live no more;
he will remove the disgrace of his people those departed spirits do not rise.
from all the earth. You punished them and brought them to ruin;
The LORD has spoken. you wiped out all memory of them.
a 22 Or released b 11 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. c8 Or judgments
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and cummin with a stick. to hide their plans from the LORD,
28 Grain must be ground to make bread; who do their work in darkness and think,
so one does not go on threshing it forever. “Who sees us? Who will know?”
Though he drives the wheels of his threshing cart 16 You turn things upside down,
for altar hearth sounds like the Hebrew for Ariel. e 13 Hebrew; Septuagint They worship me in vain; / their teachings are but rules taught
by men
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as he fights them in battle with the blows of his his mind is busy with evil:
arm. He practices ungodliness
33 Topheth has long been prepared; and spreads error concerning the LORD;
it has been made ready for the king. the hungry he leaves empty
Its fire pit has been made deep and wide, and from the thirsty he withholds water.
with an abundance of fire and wood; 7 The scoundrel’s methods are wicked,
the breath of the LORD, he makes up evil schemes
like a stream of burning sulfur, to destroy the poor with lies,
sets it ablaze. even when the plea of the needy is just.
8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt
and by noble deeds he stands.
31whoWoe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
trust in the multitude of their chariots
The Women of Jerusalem
9 You women who are so complacent,
and in the great strength of their horsemen, rise up and listen to me;
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, you daughters who feel secure,
or seek help from the LORD. hear what I have to say!
2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; 10 In little more than a year
he does not take back his words. you who feel secure will tremble;
He will rise up against the house of the wicked, the grape harvest will fail,
against those who help evildoers. and the harvest of fruit will not come.
3 But the Egyptians are men and not God;
11 Tremble, you complacent women;
their horses are flesh and not spirit. shudder, you daughters who feel secure!
When the LORD stretches out his hand, Strip off your clothes,
he who helps will stumble, put sackcloth around your waists.
he who is helped will fall; 12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,
both will perish together. for the fruitful vines
4 This is what the LORD says to me: 13 and for the land of my people,
at sight of the battle standard their commanders and the city is leveled completely,
will panic,” 20 how blessed you will be,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and and the sins of those who dwell there will be
knowledge; forgiven.
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. a Judgment Against the Nations
7 Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets;
the envoys of peace weep bitterly.
8 The highways are deserted,
34Let Come near, you nations, and listen;
pay attention, you peoples!
the earth hear, and all that is in it,
no travelers are on the roads. the world, and all that comes out of it!
2 The LORD is angry with all nations;
The treaty is broken,
its witnesses b are despised, his wrath is upon all their armies.
no one is respected. He will totally destroy d them,
9 The land mourns c and wastes away, he will give them over to slaughter.
3 Their slain will be thrown out,
Lebanon is ashamed and withers;
Sharon is like the Arabah, their dead bodies will send up a stench;
and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves. the mountains will be soaked with their blood.
4 All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved
10 “Now will I arise,” says the LORD. and the sky rolled up like a scroll;
“Now will I be exalted; all the starry host will fall
now will I be lifted up. like withered leaves from the vine,
11 You conceive chaff,
like shriveled figs from the fig tree.
you give birth to straw;
5 My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens;
your breath is a fire that consumes you.
12 The peoples will be burned as if to lime; see, it descends in judgment on Edom,
like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.” the people I have totally destroyed.
6 The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood,
13 You who are far away, hear what I have done; it is covered with fat—
you who are near, acknowledge my power! the blood of lambs and goats,
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified; fat from the kidneys of rams.
trembling grips the godless: For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah
“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? and a great slaughter in Edom.
Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” 7 And the wild oxen will fall with them,
15 He who walks righteously
the bull calves and the great bulls.
and speaks what is right, Their land will be drenched with blood,
who rejects gain from extortion and the dust will be soaked with fat.
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, 8 For
who stops his ears against plots of murder the LORD has a day of vengeance,
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil— a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause.
9 Edom’s streams will be turned into pitch,
16 this is the man who will dwell on the heights,
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. her dust into burning sulfur;
His bread will be supplied, her land will become blazing pitch!
10 It will not be quenched night and day;
and water will not fail him.
its smoke will rise forever.
17 Your eyes will see the king in his beauty From generation to generation it will lie desolate;
and view a land that stretches afar. no one will ever pass through it again.
18 Inyour thoughts you will ponder the former terror: 11 The desert owl e and screech owl e will possess it;
“Where is that chief officer? the great owl e and the raven will nest there.
Where is the one who took the revenue? God will stretch out over Edom
Where is the officer in charge of the towers?” the measuring line of chaos
19 You will see those arrogant people no more, and the plumb line of desolation.
a6 Or is a treasure from him b 8 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text / the cities c 9 Or dries up d 2 The Hebrew term refers to the
irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them; also in verse 5. e 11 The precise identification
of these birds is uncertain.
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she will hatch them, and care for her young “ ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria,
under the shadow of her wings; says: On what are you basing this confidence of
there also the falcons will gather, yours? 5 You say you have strategy and military
each with its mate. strength—but you speak only empty words. On
16 Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: whom are you depending, that you rebel against
me? 6 Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that
None of these will be missing, splintered reed of a staff, which pierces a man’s
not one will lack her mate. hand and wounds him if he leans on it! Such is
For it is his mouth that has given the order, Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him.
and his Spirit will gather them together. 7 And if you say to me, “We are depending on the
17 He allots their portions; LORD our God”—isn’t he the one whose high
his hand distributes them by measure. places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Ju-
They will possess it forever dah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this
and dwell there from generation to generation. altar”?
8 “ ‘Come now, make a bargain with my master,
Joy of the Redeemed the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand
35LikeThe desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
2
the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
horses—if you can put riders on them! 9 How then
can you repulse one officer of the least of my mas-
ter’s officials, even though you are depending on
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 10 Furthermore,
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, have I come to attack and destroy this land without
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; the LORD? The LORD himself told me to march
they will see the glory of the LORD, against this country and destroy it.’ ”
the splendor of our God. 11 Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to the field
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic,
steady the knees that give way; since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in
4 say to those with fearful hearts, the hearing of the people on the wall.”
12 But the commander replied, “Was it only to your
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come, master and you that my master sent me to say these
he will come with vengeance; things, and not to the men sitting on the wall—who,
with divine retribution like you, will have to eat their own filth and drink their
he will come to save you.” own urine?”
13 Then the commander stood and called out in He-
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened brew, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of As-
and the ears of the deaf unstopped. syria! 14 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, deceive you. He cannot deliver you! 15 Do not let Hezeki-
and the mute tongue shout for joy. ah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The
Water will gush forth in the wilderness LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given
and streams in the desert. into the hand of the king of Assyria.’
7 The burning sand will become a pool, 16 “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of
the thirsty ground bubbling springs. Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me.
In the haunts where jackals once lay, Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. tree and drink water from his own cistern, 17 until I
8 And
come and take you to a land like your own—a land of
a highway will be there; grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
it will be called the Way of Holiness. 18 “Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says,
The unclean will not journey on it; ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation
it will be for those who walk in that Way; ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of As-
wicked fools will not go about on it. a syria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad?
9 No lion will be there,
Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; Samaria from my hand? 20 Who of all the gods of these
they will not be found there. countries has been able to save his land from me? How
But only the redeemed will walk there, then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. 21 But the people remained silent and said nothing in
They will enter Zion with singing; reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not an-
everlasting joy will crown their heads. swer him.”
Gladness and joy will overtake them, 22 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administra-
and sorrow and sighing will flee away. tor, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the re-
a8 Or / the simple will not stray from it
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and his arm rules for him. Have you not heard?
See, his reward is with him, The LORD is the everlasting God,
and his recompense accompanies him. the Creator of the ends of the earth.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He will not grow tired or weary,
He gathers the lambs in his arms and his understanding no one can fathom.
and carries them close to his heart; 29 He gives strength to the weary
he gently leads those that have young. and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his and young men stumble and fall;
hand, 31 but those who hope in the LORD
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the will renew their strength.
heavens? They will soar on wings like eagles;
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, they will run and not grow weary,
or weighed the mountains on the scales they will walk and not be faint.
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who has understood the mind b of the LORD, The Helper of Israel
or instructed him as his counselor?
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
41Let“Be silent before me, you islands!
Let the nations renew their strength!
them come forward and speak;
Who was it that taught him knowledge let us meet together at the place of judgment.
or showed him the path of understanding? 2 “Who has stirred up one from the east,
15 Surelythe nations are like a drop in a bucket; calling him in righteousness to his service c?
they are regarded as dust on the scales; He hands nations over to him
he weighs the islands as though they were fine and subdues kings before him.
dust. He turns them to dust with his sword,
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
to windblown chaff with his bow.
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 3 He pursues them and moves on unscathed,
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
by a path his feet have not traveled before.
they are regarded by him as worthless 4 Who has done this and carried it through,
and less than nothing. calling forth the generations from the beginning?
18 To whom, then, will you compare God? I, the LORD—with the first of them
What image will you compare him to? and with the last—I am he.”
19 Asfor an idol, a craftsman casts it, 5 The islands have seen it and fear;
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold the ends of the earth tremble.
and fashions silver chains for it. They approach and come forward;
20 A man too poor to present such an offering 6 each helps the other
selects wood that will not rot. and says to his brother, “Be strong!”
He looks for a skilled craftsman 7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,
to set up an idol that will not topple. and he who smooths with the hammer
21 Do you not know? spurs on him who strikes the anvil.
Have you not heard? He says of the welding, “It is good.”
Has it not been told you from the beginning? He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
Have you not understood since the earth was 8 “But you, O Israel, my servant,
founded? Jacob, whom I have chosen,
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, you descendants of Abraham my friend,
and its people are like grasshoppers. 9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, from its farthest corners I called you.
and spreads them out like a tent to live in. I said, ‘You are my servant’;
23 He brings princes to naught I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
24 No sooner are they planted, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
a9 Or O Zion, bringer of good tidings, / go up on a high mountain. / O Jerusalem, bringer of good tidings b 13 Or Spirit; or spirit c2 Or
/ whom victory meets at every step
23Is-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:08 AM Page 398
and know their final outcome. let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.
Or declare to us the things to come, Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
23 tell us what the future holds, let them shout from the mountaintops.
so we may know that you are gods. 12 Let them give glory to the LORD
Do something, whether good or bad, and proclaim his praise in the islands.
so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. 13 The LORD will march out like a mighty man,
24 But you are less than nothing like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
and your works are utterly worthless; with a shout he will raise the battle cry
he who chooses you is detestable. and will triumph over his enemies.
25 “I have stirred up one from the north, and he 14 “For a long time I have kept silent,
comes— I have been quiet and held myself back.
one from the rising sun who calls on my name. But now, like a woman in childbirth,
He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, I cry out, I gasp and pant.
as if he were a potter treading the clay. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills
26 Who told of this from the beginning, so we could and dry up all their vegetation;
know, I will turn rivers into islands
or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’? and dry up the pools.
No one told of this, 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
no one foretold it, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
no one heard any words from you. I will turn the darkness into light before them
27 I was the first to tell Zion, ‘Look, here they are!’ and make the rough places smooth.
I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings. These are the things I will do;
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43heheButwho
now, this is what the L
who created you, O Jacob,
formed you, O Israel:
says— ORD do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I am making a way in the desert
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. and streams in the wasteland.
2 When you pass through the waters, 20 The wild animals honor me,
I will be with you; the jackals and the owls,
and when you pass through the rivers, because I provide water in the desert
they will not sweep over you. and streams in the wasteland,
When you walk through the fire, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
you will not be burned; 21 the people I formed for myself
the flames will not set you ablaze. that they may proclaim my praise.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
22 “Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel.
23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,
Cush a and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, nor honored me with your sacrifices.
and because I love you, I have not burdened you with grain offerings
I will give men in exchange for you, nor wearied you with demands for incense.
24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,
and people in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened me with your sins
I will bring your children from the east
and wearied me with your offenses.
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ 25 “I,even I, am he who blots out
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ your transgressions, for my own sake,
Bring my sons from afar and remembers your sins no more.
and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 26 Review the past for me,
7 everyone who is called by my name, let us argue the matter together;
whom I created for my glory, state the case for your innocence.
whom I formed and made.” 27 Your first father sinned;
44This“But
2
now listen, O Jacob, my servant,
Israel, whom I have chosen.
is what the L says—
ORD
he bows down to it and worships.
He prays to it and says,
“Save me; you are my god.”
he who made you, who formed you in the womb, 18 They know nothing, they understand nothing;
and who will help you: their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see,
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, and their minds closed so they cannot
Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. understand.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
19 No one stops to think,
and streams on the dry ground; no one has the knowledge or understanding to
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, say,
and my blessing on your descendants. “Half of it I used for fuel;
4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
I even baked bread over its coals,
like poplar trees by flowing streams. I roasted meat and I ate.
5 One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD’;
Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left?
another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ 20 He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him;
and will take the name Israel. he cannot save himself, or say,
The LORD, Not Idols “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
6 “This is what the LORD says— 21 “Remember these things, O Jacob,
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: for you are my servant, O Israel.
I am the first and I am the last; I have made you, you are my servant;
apart from me there is no God. O Israel, I will not forget you.
7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. 22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
Let him declare and lay out before me your sins like the morning mist.
what has happened since I established my ancient Return to me,
people, for I have redeemed you.”
and what is yet to come— 23 Sing
yes, let him foretell what will come. for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this;
8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. shout aloud, O earth beneath.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? Burst into song, you mountains,
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? you forests and all your trees,
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” for the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.
9 All who make idols are nothing,
and the things they treasure are worthless. Jerusalem to Be Inhabited
24 “Thisis what the LORD says—
Those who would speak up for them are blind;
they are ignorant, to their own shame. your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol,
I am the LORD,
which can profit him nothing? who has made all things,
11 He and his kind will be put to shame;
who alone stretched out the heavens,
craftsmen are nothing but men. who spread out the earth by myself,
Let them all come together and take their stand;
they will be brought down to terror and infamy. 25 who foils the signs of false prophets
12 The
and makes fools of diviners,
blacksmith takes a tool who overthrows the learning of the wise
and works with it in the coals; and turns it into nonsense,
he shapes an idol with hammers, 26 who carries out the words of his servants
he forges it with the might of his arm. and fulfills the predictions of his messengers,
He gets hungry and loses his strength;
he drinks no water and grows faint. who says of Jerusalem, ‘It shall be inhabited,’
13 The carpenter measures with a line of the towns of Judah, ‘They shall be built,’
and makes an outline with a marker; and of their ruins, ‘I will restore them,’
he roughs it out with chisels 27 who says to the watery deep, ‘Be dry,
of man in all his glory, and will accomplish all that I please;
that it may dwell in a shrine. he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,”
14 He cut down cedars, and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.” ’
or perhaps took a cypress or oak.
He let it grow among the trees of the forest,
or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.
15 It is man’s fuel for burning;
45to subdue
“This is what the L says to his anointed,
ORD
to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
nations before him
some of it he takes and warms himself, and to strip kings of their armor,
he kindles a fire and bakes bread. to open doors before him
But he also fashions a god and worships it; so that gates will not be shut:
he makes an idol and bows down to it. 2 I will go before you
a 28 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.
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the God of Israel, who summons you by name. with an everlasting salvation;
4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, you will never be put to shame or disgraced,
of Israel my chosen, to ages everlasting.
I summon you by name 18 For this is what the LORD says—
and bestow on you a title of honor,
he who created the heavens,
though you do not acknowledge me. he is God;
5 I am the LORD, and there is no other;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
apart from me there is no God. he founded it;
I will strengthen you, he did not create it to be empty,
though you have not acknowledged me, but formed it to be inhabited—
6 so that from the rising of the sun
he says:
to the place of its setting “I am the LORD,
men may know there is none besides me. and there is no other.
I am the LORD, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret,
7 I form the light and create darkness,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I bring prosperity and create disaster; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants,
I, the LORD, do all these things. ‘Seek me in vain.’
8 “You heavens above, rain down righteousness; I, the LORD, speak the truth;
let the clouds shower it down. I declare what is right.
Let the earth open wide, 20 “Gather together and come;
let salvation spring up, assemble, you fugitives from the nations.
let righteousness grow with it; Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood,
I, the LORD, have created it. who pray to gods that cannot save.
9 “Woe 21 Declare what is to be, present it—
to him who quarrels with his Maker,
to him who is but a potsherd among the let them take counsel together.
potsherds on the ground. Who foretold this long ago,
Does the clay say to the potter, who declared it from the distant past?
‘What are you making?’ Was it not I, the LORD?
Does your work say, And there is no God apart from me,
‘He has no hands’? a righteous God and a Savior;
10 Woe to him who says to his father, there is none but me.
‘What have you begotten?’ 22 “Turn to me and be saved,
or to his mother, all you ends of the earth;
‘What have you brought to birth?’ for I am God, and there is no other.
11 “This 23 By myself I have sworn,
is what the LORD says—
the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: my mouth has uttered in all integrity
Concerning things to come, a word that will not be revoked:
do you question me about my children, Before me every knee will bow;
or give me orders about the work of my hands? by me every tongue will swear.
12 It is I who made the earth 24 They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone
I will make all his ways straight. will be found righteous and will exult.
He will rebuild my city Gods of Babylon
and set my exiles free,
but not for a price or reward,
says the LORD Almighty.” 46TheBel bows down, Nebo stoops low;
their idols are borne by beasts of burden.
images that are carried about are burdensome,
d
a2 Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint; the meaning of the word in the Masoretic Text is uncertain. b 13 Hebrew him c 14 That is, the
upper Nile region d 1 Or are but beasts and cattle
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so as not to cut you off. I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.
10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver; Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand,
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. and my reward is with my God.”
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.
5 And now the LORD says—
How can I let myself be defamed? he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
I will not yield my glory to another. to bring Jacob back to him
Israel Freed and gather Israel to himself,
12 “Listen to me, O Jacob, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD
Israel, whom I have called: and my God has been my strength—
6 he says:
I am he;
I am the first and I am the last. “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
13 My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, to restore the tribes of Jacob
and my right hand spread out the heavens; and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
when I summon them, I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
they all stand up together. that you may bring my salvation to the ends of
the earth.”
14 “Come together, all of you, and listen: 7 This is what the LORD says—
Which of õthe idolsÕ has foretold these things?
The LORD’s chosen ally the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—
will carry out his purpose against Babylon; to him who was despised and abhorred by the
his arm will be against the Babylonians. a nation,
15 I, even I, have spoken; to the servant of rulers:
yes, I have called him. “Kings will see you and rise up,
I will bring him, princes will see and bow down,
and he will succeed in his mission. because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
16 “Come near me and listen to this:
Restoration of Israel
“From the first announcement I have not spoken in 8 This is what the LORD says:
secret;
at the time it happens, I am there.” “In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me, I will keep you and will make you
with his Spirit. to be a covenant for the people,
17 This is what the LORD says— to restore the land
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: and to reassign its desolate inheritances,
9 to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you, and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’
who directs you in the way you should go. “They will feed beside the roads
18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
and find pasture on every barren hill.
your peace would have been like a river, 10 They will neither hunger nor thirst,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea. nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon
19 Your descendants would have been like the sand,
them.
your children like its numberless grains; He who has compassion on them will guide them
their name would never be cut off and lead them beside springs of water.
nor destroyed from before me.” 11 I will turn all my mountains into roads,
20 Leave Babylon, and my highways will be raised up.
12 See, they will come from afar—
flee from the Babylonians!
Announce this with shouts of joy some from the north, some from the west,
and proclaim it. some from the region of Aswan. b”
Send it out to the ends of the earth; 13 Shout for joy, O heavens;
say, “The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob.” rejoice, O earth;
21 They did not thirst when he led them through the
burst into song, O mountains!
deserts; For the LORD comforts his people
he made water flow for them from the rock; and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
he split the rock
14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me,
and water gushed out.
the Lord has forgotten me.”
22 “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
The Servant of the LORD and have no compassion on the child she has
49Before
Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
I was born the L called me;
ORD
borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
from my birth he has made mention of my name. 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, your walls are ever before me.
a 14 Or Chaldeans; also in verse 20 b 12 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text Sinim
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50“Where
This is what the L says:
ORD
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. a memorial and a name
3 Give ear and come to me; better than sons and daughters;
hear me, that your soul may live. I will give them an everlasting name
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, that will not be cut off.
my faithful love promised to David. 6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, to serve him,
a leader and commander of the peoples. to love the name of the LORD,
5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and to worship him,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
you, and who hold fast to my covenant—
because of the LORD your God, 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
the Holy One of Israel, and give them joy in my house of prayer.
for he has endowed you with splendor.” Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; will be accepted on my altar;
call on him while he is near. for my house will be called
7 Let the wicked forsake his way a house of prayer for all nations.”
8 The Sovereign LORD declares—
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
him, “I will gather still others to them
and to our God, for he will freely pardon. besides those already gathered.”
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, God’s Accusation Against the Wicked
9 Come, all you beasts of the field,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD. come and devour, all you beasts of the forest!
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, 10 Israel’swatchmen are blind,
so are my ways higher than your ways they all lack knowledge;
and my thoughts than your thoughts. they are all mute dogs,
10 As the rain and the snow they cannot bark;
come down from heaven, they lie around and dream,
and do not return to it they love to sleep.
without watering the earth 11 They are dogs with mighty appetites;
and making it bud and flourish, they never have enough.
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for They are shepherds who lack understanding;
the eater, they all turn to their own way,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: each seeks his own gain.
It will not return to me empty, 12 “Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine!
but will accomplish what I desire Let us drink our fill of beer!
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. And tomorrow will be like today,
12 You will go out in joy or even far better.”
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
57devout
The righteous perish,
and no one ponders it in his heart;
men are taken away,
will clap their hands. and no one understands
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
that the righteous are taken away
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. to be spared from evil.
This will be for the LORD’s renown, 2 Those who walk uprightly
for an everlasting sign, enter into peace;
which will not be destroyed.” they find rest as they lie in death.
Salvation for Others 3 “But you—come here, you sons of a sorceress,
56“Maintain justice
This is what the LORD says: you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
4 Whom are you mocking?
At whom do you sneer
and do what is right, and stick out your tongue?
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7 Their feet rush into sin; and thick darkness is over the peoples,
they are swift to shed innocent blood. but the LORD rises upon you
Their thoughts are evil thoughts; and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8 The way of peace they do not know; and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
there is no justice in their paths. 4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you:
They have turned them into crooked roads; All assemble and come to you;
no one who walks in them will know peace. your sons come from afar,
9 So justice is far from us, and your daughters are carried on the arm.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness; your heart will throb and swell with joy;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall, to you the riches of the nations will come.
6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
feeling our way like men without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; young camels of Midian and Ephah.
among the strong, we are like the dead. And all from Sheba will come,
11 We all growl like bears; bearing gold and incense
we moan mournfully like doves. and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.
7 All Kedar’s flocks will be gathered to you,
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away. the rams of Nebaioth will serve you;
they will be accepted as offerings on my altar,
12 For our offenses are many in your sight, and I will adorn my glorious temple.
and our sins testify against us. 8 “Who
Our offenses are ever with us, are these that fly along like clouds,
and we acknowledge our iniquities: like doves to their nests?
9 Surely the islands look to me;
13 rebellion and treachery against the LORD,
turning our backs on our God, in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, b
fomenting oppression and revolt, bringing your sons from afar,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived. with their silver and gold,
14 So justice is driven back, to the honor of the LORD your God,
and righteousness stands at a distance; the Holy One of Israel,
truth has stumbled in the streets, for he has endowed you with splendor.
honesty cannot enter. 10 “Foreigners
15 Truth is nowhere to be found, will rebuild your walls,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. and their kings will serve you.
Though in anger I struck you,
The LORD looked and was displeased in favor I will show you compassion.
that there was no justice. 11 Your gates will always stand open,
16 He saw that there was no one, they will never be shut, day or night,
he was appalled that there was no one to so that men may bring you the wealth of the
intervene; nations—
so his own arm worked salvation for him, their kings led in triumphal procession.
a 19 Or When the enemy comes in like a flood, / the Spirit of the LORD will put him to flight b9 Or the trading ships
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a1 Hebrew; Septuagint the blind b4 Hephzibah means my delight is in her. c4 Beulah means married. d5 Or Builder
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and the angel of his presence saved them. and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
In his love and mercy he redeemed them; we all shrivel up like a leaf,
he lifted them up and carried them and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
all the days of old. 7 No one calls on your name
10 Yet they rebelled or strives to lay hold of you;
and grieved his Holy Spirit. for you have hidden your face from us
So he turned and became their enemy and made us waste away because of our sins.
and he himself fought against them. 8 Yet,O LORD, you are our Father.
11 Thenhis people recalled a the days of old, We are the clay, you are the potter;
the days of Moses and his people— we are all the work of your hand.
where is he who brought them through the sea, 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD;
with the shepherd of his flock? do not remember our sins forever.
Where is he who set Oh, look upon us, we pray,
a 11 Or But may he recall b 19 Or We are like those you have never ruled, / like those never called by your name
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is my throne,
ORD says:
a 17 Or gardens behind one of your temples, and b 18 The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain. c 19 Some Septuagint
manuscripts Put (Libyans); Hebrew Pul
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Jeremiah
words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the Israel Forsakes God
1TheThe
2
priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.
word of the L came to him in the thirteenth 2 claim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
ORD
The word of the L came to me: “Go and pro-
ORD 2
“I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. to eat its fruit and rich produce.
12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I But you came and defiled my land
am watching b to see that my word is fulfilled.” and made my inheritance detestable.
13 The word of the LORD came to me again: “What do 8 The priests did not ask,
a 5 Or chose b 12 The Hebrew for watching sounds like the Hebrew for almond tree. c 6 Or and the shadow of death d 10 That is,
Cyprus and western coastlands e 10 The home of Bedouin tribes in the Syro-Arabian desert f 11 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew
scribal tradition my
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Consider then and realize Even the worst of women can learn from your
how evil and bitter it is for you ways.
when you forsake the LORD your God 34 On your clothes men find
teous than unfaithful Judah. 12 Go, proclaim this mes- you swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’
sage toward the north: then the nations will be blessed by him
and in him they will glory.”
“ ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD,
3 This is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and
‘I will frown on you no longer,
for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD, to Jerusalem:
‘I will not be angry forever. “Break up your unplowed ground
13 Only acknowledge your guilt—
and do not sow among thorns.
you have rebelled against the LORD your God, 4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
you have scattered your favors to foreign gods circumcise your hearts,
under every spreading tree, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem,
and have not obeyed me,’ ” or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
declares the LORD. because of the evil you have done—
14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the LORD, “for I burn with no one to quench it.
am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town Disaster From the North
and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. 15 Then I 5 “Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and
will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will
say:
lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 In those
‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!’
days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the Cry aloud and say:
land,” declares the LORD, “men will no longer say, ‘The ‘Gather together!
ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It will never enter their Let us flee to the fortified cities!’
minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will 6 Raise the signal to go to Zion!
another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusa- Flee for safety without delay!
lem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather For I am bringing disaster from the north,
in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer even terrible destruction.”
will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.
18 In those days the house of Judah will join the house of 7A lion has come out of his lair;
Israel, and together they will come from a northern a destroyer of nations has set out.
land to the land I gave your forefathers as an inheri- He has left his place
tance. to lay waste your land.
19 “I myself said, Your towns will lie in ruins
without inhabitant.
“ ‘How gladly would I treat you like sons 8 So put on sackcloth,
and give you a desirable land, lament and wail,
the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ for the fierce anger of the LORD
I thought you would call me ‘Father’ has not turned away from us.
and not turn away from following me.
20 But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, 9 “Inthat day,” declares the LORD,
so you have been unfaithful to me, O house of “the king and the officials will lose heart,
Israel,” the priests will be horrified,
declares the LORD. and the prophets will be appalled.”
21 A 10 Then I said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, how completely
cry is heard on the barren heights,
the weeping and pleading of the people of you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying,
Israel, ‘You will have peace,’ when the sword is at our throats.”
11 At that time this people and Jerusalem will be told,
because they have perverted their ways
and have forgotten the LORD their God. “A scorching wind from the barren heights in the desert
blows toward my people, but not to winnow or cleanse;
22 “Return, faithless people; 12 a wind too strong for that comes from me. a Now I
I will cure you of backsliding.” pronounce my judgments against them.”
“Yes, we will come to you, 13 Look! He advances like the clouds,
for you are the LORD our God. his chariots come like a whirlwind,
23 Surely the õidolatrousÕ commotion on the hills
his horses are swifter than eagles.
and mountains is a deception; Woe to us! We are ruined!
surely in the LORD our God 14 O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be
is the salvation of Israel. saved.
24 From our youth shameful gods have consumed
How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?
the fruits of our fathers’ labor— 15 A voice is announcing from Dan,
their flocks and herds, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.
their sons and daughters. 16 “Tell this to the nations,
25 Let us lie down in our shame, proclaim it to Jerusalem:
and let our disgrace cover us. ‘A besieging army is coming from a distant land,
We have sinned against the LORD our God, raising a war cry against the cities of Judah.
both we and our fathers; 17 They surround her like men guarding a field,
from our youth till this day because she has rebelled against me,’ ”
we have not obeyed the LORD our God.” declares the LORD.
a 12 Or comes at my command
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6 This
or sweet calamus from a distant land?
is what the LORD Almighty says: Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;
“Cut down the trees your sacrifices do not please me.”
and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. 21 Therefore this is what the LORD says:
This city must be punished;
it is filled with oppression. “I will put obstacles before this people.
a 10 Hebrew uncircumcised
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7thereThis
L
is the word that came to Jeremiah from the
ORD 2
: “Stand at the gate of the L
proclaim this message:
’s house and
ORD
on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and
abandoned this generation that is under his wrath.
“ ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah The Valley of Slaughter
who come through these gates to worship the LORD. 30 “ ‘The people of Judah have done evil in my eyes,
3 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: declares the LORD. They have set up their detestable
Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you idols in the house that bears my Name and have defiled
live in this place. 4 Do not trust in deceptive words and it. 31 They have built the high places of Topheth in the
say, “This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters
LORD, the temple of the LORD!” 5 If you really change in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it
your ways and your actions and deal with each other enter my mind. 32 So beware, the days are coming, de-
justly, 6 if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or clares the LORD, when people will no longer call it To-
the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this pheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of
place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own Slaughter, for they will bury the dead in Topheth until
harm, 7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I there is no more room. 33 Then the carcasses of this peo-
gave your forefathers for ever and ever. 8 But look, you ple will become food for the birds of the air and the
are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten
9 “ ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and them away. 34 I will bring an end to the sounds of joy
perjury, a burn incense to Baal and follow other gods and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom
you have not known, 10 and then come and stand be- in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, for
fore me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, the land will become desolate.
“We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things?
11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den
of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares
8 “ ‘At that time, declares the LORD, the bones of the
kings and officials of Judah, the bones of the priests
and prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem
the LORD. will be removed from their graves. 2 They will be ex-
12 “ ‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made posed to the sun and the moon and all the stars of the
a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it be- heavens, which they have loved and served and which
a9 Or and swear by false gods
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The birds of the air have fled “Do not learn the ways of the nations
and the animals are gone. or be terrified by signs in the sky,
11 “I
though the nations are terrified by them.
will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, 3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless;
a haunt of jackals; they cut a tree out of the forest,
and I will lay waste the towns of Judah and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
so no one can live there.” 4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
12 What man is wise enough to understand this? Who they fasten it with hammer and nails
has been instructed by the LORD and can explain it? so it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch,
Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a
desert that no one can cross? their idols cannot speak;
13 The LORD said, “It is because they have forsaken they must be carried
my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed because they cannot walk.
me or followed my law. 14 Instead, they have followed Do not fear them;
the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the they can do no harm
Baals, as their fathers taught them.” 15 Therefore, this is nor can they do any good.”
what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “See, I 6 No one is like you, O LORD;
will make this people eat bitter food and drink poi- you are great,
soned water. 16 I will scatter them among nations that and your name is mighty in power.
neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will 7 Who should not revere you,
pursue them with the sword until I have destroyed O King of the nations?
them.” This is your due.
17 This is what the LORD Almighty says: Among all the wise men of the nations
and in all their kingdoms,
“Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come;
there is no one like you.
send for the most skillful of them. 8 They are all senseless and foolish;
18 Let them come quickly
they are taught by worthless wooden idols.
and wail over us 9 Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish
till our eyes overflow with tears
and gold from Uphaz.
and water streams from our eyelids.
19 The sound of wailing is heard from Zion: What the craftsman and goldsmith have made
‘How ruined we are! is then dressed in blue and purple—
How great is our shame! all made by skilled workers.
10 But the LORD is the true God;
We must leave our land
because our houses are in ruins.’ ” he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
20 Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; the nations cannot endure his wrath.
open your ears to the words of his mouth. 11 “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the
Teach your daughters how to wail;
teach one another a lament. heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and
21 Death has climbed in through our windows from under the heavens.’ ” b
and has entered our fortresses; 12 But God made the earth by his power;
it has cut off the children from the streets he founded the world by his wisdom
and the young men from the public squares. and stretched out the heavens by his
22 Say, “This is what the LORD declares: understanding.
13 When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
“ ‘The dead bodies of men will lie he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
like refuse on the open field, He sends lightning with the rain
like cut grain behind the reaper, and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
with no one to gather them.’ ” 14 Everyone is senseless and without knowledge;
23 This is what the LORD says: every goldsmith is shamed by his idols.
“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom His images are a fraud;
or the strong man boast of his strength they have no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, the objects of mockery;
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this: when their judgment comes, they will perish.
16 He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these,
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, for he is the Maker of all things,
justice and righteousness on earth, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance—
for in these I delight,” the LORD Almighty is his name.
declares the LORD. Coming Destruction
25 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I 17 Gather up your belongings to leave the land,
a 26 Or desert and who clip the hair by their foreheads b 11 The text of this verse is in Aramaic.
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rected, and put it around my waist. “Why has this happened to me?”—
3 Then the word of the LORD came to me a second it is because of your many sins
time: 4 “Take the belt you bought and are wearing that your skirts have been torn off
around your waist, and go now to Perath c and hide it and your body mistreated.
23 Can the Ethiopian d change his skin
there in a crevice in the rocks.” 5 So I went and hid it at
Perath, as the LORD told me. or the leopard its spots?
6 Many days later the LORD said to me, “Go now to Neither can you do good
who are accustomed to doing evil.
Perath and get the belt I told you to hide there.” 7 So I
went to Perath and dug up the belt and took it from the 24 “I will scatter you like chaff
place where I had hidden it, but now it was ruined and driven by the desert wind.
completely useless. 25 This is your lot,
8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 9 “This is the portion I have decreed for you,”
what the LORD says: ‘In the same way I will ruin the declares the LORD,
a5 Or If you put your trust in a land of safety b 5 Or the flooding of c4 Or possibly the Euphrates; also in verses 5–7 d 23 Hebrew
Cushite (probably a person from the upper Nile region)
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and my wound grievous and incurable? the LORD, “and they will catch them. After that I will
Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down
like a spring that fails? on every mountain and hill and from the crevices of the
rocks. 17 My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hid-
19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: den from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.
18 I will repay them double for their wickedness and
“If you repent, I will restore you
their sin, because they have defiled my land with the
that you may serve me; lifeless forms of their vile images and have filled my in-
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, heritance with their detestable idols.”
you will be my spokesman.
19 O LORD, my strength and my fortress,
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them. my refuge in time of distress,
20 I will make you a wall to this people, to you the nations will come
a fortified wall of bronze; from the ends of the earth and say,
they will fight against you “Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods,
but will not overcome you, worthless idols that did them no good.
20 Do men make their own gods?
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,” Yes, but they are not gods!”
declares the LORD. 21 “Therefore I will teach them—
21 “I will save you from the hands of the wicked this time I will teach them
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel.” my power and might.
a 14 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac (see also Jer. 17:4); most Hebrew manuscripts I will cause your enemies to bring
you / into
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is the man who gains riches by unjust means. of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” de-
When his life is half gone, they will desert him, clares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so
and in the end he will prove to be a fool. are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I
12 A announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted,
glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned
is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it
LORD, the hope of Israel,
the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I an-
all who forsake you will be put to shame.
nounce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and
Those who turn away from you will be written in the
planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not
dust
obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended
because they have forsaken the LORD,
to do for it.
the spring of living water. 11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and
14 Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the LORD says:
save me and I will be saved, Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a
for you are the one I praise. plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one
15 They keep saying to me, of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ 12 But
“Where is the word of the LORD? they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our
Let it now be fulfilled!” own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his
16 I have not run away from being your shepherd; evil heart.’ ”
you know I have not desired the day of despair. 13 Therefore this is what the LORD says:
What passes my lips is open before you.
17 Do not be a terror to me; “Inquire among the nations:
you are my refuge in the day of disaster. Who has ever heard anything like this?
a2 That is, symbols of the goddess Asherah b 2,3 Or hills / 3and the mountains of the land. / Your
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and on roads not built up. are watching, 11 and say to them, ‘This is what the LORD
16 Their land will be laid waste, Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just
an object of lasting scorn; as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired.
all who pass by will be appalled They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no
and will shake their heads. more room. 12 This is what I will do to this place and to
17 Like a wind from the east, those who live here, declares the LORD. I will make this
I will scatter them before their enemies; city like Topheth. 13 The houses in Jerusalem and those
I will show them my back and not my face of the kings of Judah will be defiled like this place, To-
in the day of their disaster.” pheth—all the houses where they burned incense on
18 They said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremi-
the roofs to all the starry hosts and poured out drink of-
ferings to other gods.’ ”
ah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be 14 Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the
lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from LORD had sent him to prophesy, and stood in the court
the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with our of the LORD’s temple and said to all the people, 15 “This is
tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.” what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen!
19 Listen to me, O LORD; I am going to bring on this city and the villages around
hear what my accusers are saying! it every disaster I pronounced against them, because
20 Should good be repaid with evil? they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my
Yet they have dug a pit for me. words.’ ”
Remember that I stood before you Jeremiah and Pashhur
and spoke in their behalf
to turn your wrath away from them.
21 So give their children over to famine; 20 When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the chief
officer in the temple of the LORD, heard Jeremiah
prophesying these things, 2 he had Jeremiah the proph-
hand them over to the power of the sword.
et beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of
Let their wives be made childless and widows;
Benjamin at the LORD’s temple. 3 The next day, when
let their men be put to death,
Pashhur released him from the stocks, Jeremiah said to
their young men slain by the sword in battle.
22 Let a cry be heard from their houses him, “The LORD’s name for you is not Pashhur, but Ma-
gor-Missabib. c 4 For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will
when you suddenly bring invaders against them, make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends;
for they have dug a pit to capture me with your own eyes you will see them fall by the sword
and have hidden snares for my feet. of their enemies. I will hand all Judah over to the king of
23 But you know, O LORD,
Babylon, who will carry them away to Babylon or put
all their plots to kill me. them to the sword. 5 I will hand over to their enemies all
Do not forgive their crimes the wealth of this city—all its products, all its valuables
or blot out their sins from your sight. and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. They will
Let them be overthrown before you; take it away as plunder and carry it off to Babylon. 6 And
deal with them in the time of your anger. you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into
exile to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you
19 This is what the L says: “Go and buy a clay jar
ORD
from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the
2
people and of the priests and go out to the Valley of
and all your friends to whom you have prophesied
lies.’ ”
Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Jeremiah’s Complaint
There proclaim the words I tell you, 3 and say, ‘Hear the 7O LORD, you deceived d me, and I was deceived d;
word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and people of Jerusa- you overpowered me and prevailed.
lem. This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, I am ridiculed all day long;
says: Listen! I am going to bring a disaster on this place everyone mocks me.
that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tin- 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out
gle. 4 For they have forsaken me and made this a place of proclaiming violence and destruction.
foreign gods; they have burned sacrifices in it to gods So the word of the LORD has brought me
that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah insult and reproach all day long.
ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood 9 But if I say, “I will not mention him
of the innocent. 5 They have built the high places of Baal or speak any more in his name,”
to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal— his word is in my heart like a fire,
something I did not command or mention, nor did it a fire shut up in my bones.
enter my mind. 6 So beware, the days are coming, de- I am weary of holding it in;
clares the LORD, when people will no longer call this indeed, I cannot.
place Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Val- 10 I hear many whispering,
ley of Slaughter. “Terror on every side!
7 “ ‘In this place I will ruin b the plans of Judah and Je- Report him! Let’s report him!”
a 14 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain. b 7 The Hebrew for ruin sounds like the Hebrew for jar (see verses
and the Babylonians b who are outside the wall besieg- and will ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such
ing you. And I will gather them inside this city. 5 I myself a thing to this great city?’ 9 And the answer will be: ‘Be-
will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a cause they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their
mighty arm in anger and fury and great wrath. 6 I will God and have worshiped and served other gods.’ ”
strike down those who live in this city—both men and 10 Do not weep for the dead õkingÕ or mourn his loss;
animals—and they will die of a terrible plague. 7 After rather, weep bitterly for him who is exiled,
that, declares the LORD, I will hand over Zedekiah king of because he will never return
Judah, his officials and the people in this city who sur- nor see his native land again.
vive the plague, sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar
11 Forthis is what the LORD says about Shallum c son of
king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their
lives. He will put them to the sword; he will show them Josiah, who succeeded his father as king of Judah but
no mercy or pity or compassion.’ has gone from this place: “He will never return. 12 He
8 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the will die in the place where they have led him captive; he
LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life will not see this land again.”
and the way of death. 9 Whoever stays in this city will die 13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by
by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out unrighteousness,
and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging his upper rooms by injustice,
you will live; he will escape with his life. 10 I have deter- making his countrymen work for nothing,
mined to do this city harm and not good, declares the not paying them for their labor.
LORD. It will be given into the hands of the king of Bab- 14 He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace
ylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’ with spacious upper rooms.’
11 “Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear So he makes large windows in it,
a 2 Hebrew Nebuchadrezzar, of which Nebuchadnezzar is a variant; here and often in Jeremiah and Ezekiel b4 Or Chaldeans; also in
verse 9 c 11 Also called Jehoahaz
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18 Thereforethis is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim and Israel will live in safety.
son of Josiah king of Judah: This is the name by which he will be called:
The LORD Our Righteousness.
“They will not mourn for him:
7 “So then, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’
They will not mourn for him: “when people will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD
‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ 8 but
19 He will have the burial of a donkey— they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought
dragged away and thrown the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north
outside the gates of Jerusalem.” and out of all the countries where he had banished
20 “Go
them.’ Then they will live in their own land.”
up to Lebanon and cry out,
let your voice be heard in Bashan, Lying Prophets
cry out from Abarim, 9 Concerning the prophets:
for all your allies are crushed.
21 I warned you when you felt secure, My heart is broken within me;
but you said, ‘I will not listen!’ all my bones tremble.
This has been your way from your youth; I am like a drunken man,
you have not obeyed me. like a man overcome by wine,
22 The wind will drive all your shepherds away, because of the LORD
and your allies will go into exile. and his holy words.
10 The land is full of adulterers;
Then you will be ashamed and disgraced
because of all your wickedness. because of the curse e the land lies parched f
23 You who live in ‘Lebanon, a’ and the pastures in the desert are withered.
who are nestled in cedar buildings, The õprophetsÕ follow an evil course
how you will groan when pangs come upon you, and use their power unjustly.
pain like that of a woman in labor! 11 “Both prophet and priest are godless;
24 “As
surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, even in my temple I find their wickedness,”
Jehoiachin b son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a sig- declares the LORD.
12 “Therefore their path will become slippery;
net ring on my right hand, I would still pull you off. 25 I
will hand you over to those who seek your life, those they will be banished to darkness
you fear—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to and there they will fall.
the Babylonians. c 26 I will hurl you and the mother who I will bring disaster on them
gave you birth into another country, where neither of in the year they are punished,”
you was born, and there you both will die. 27 You will declares the LORD.
never come back to the land you long to return to.” 13 “Among the prophets of Samaria
28 Isthis man Jehoiachin a despised, broken pot, I saw this repulsive thing:
an object no one wants? They prophesied by Baal
Why will he and his children be hurled out, and led my people Israel astray.
cast into a land they do not know? 14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem
29 O land, land, land, I have seen something horrible:
hear the word of the LORD! They commit adultery and live a lie.
30 This is what the LORD says: They strengthen the hands of evildoers,
“Record this man as if childless, so that no one turns from his wickedness.
a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, They are all like Sodom to me;
for none of his offspring will prosper, the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
none will sit on the throne of David 15 Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty says con-
or rule anymore in Judah.”
cerning the prophets:
The Righteous Branch
“I will make them eat bitter food
23 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and
scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the
ORD 2
L . Therefore this is what the L , the God of Israel,
ORD
and drink poisoned water,
because from the prophets of Jerusalem
ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”
says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because
you have scattered my flock and driven them away and 16 This is what the LORD Almighty says:
a 23 That is, the palace in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 7:2) b 24 Hebrew Coniah, a variant of Jehoiachin; also in verse 28 c 25 Or Chaldeans
d 5 Or up from David’s line e 10 Or because of these things f 10 Or land mourns
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a 33 Or burden (see Septuagint and Vulgate) b 33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate ‘You are the burden. (The Hebrew for oracle and
Chaldeans c 23 Or who clip the hair by their foreheads d 26 Sheshach is a cryptogram for Babylon. e 38 Some Hebrew manuscripts
and Septuagint (see also Jer. 46:16 and 50:16); most Hebrew manuscripts anger
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on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in dah. I said, “Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of
it, for in truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live.
these words in your hearing.” 13 Why will you and your people die by the sword, fam-
16 Then the officials and all the people said to the ine and plague with which the LORD has threatened any
priests and the prophets, “This man should not be sen- nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 14 Do not
tenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, ‘You
LORD our God.” will not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophe-
17 Some of the elders of the land stepped forward sying lies to you. 15 ‘I have not sent them,’ declares the
and said to the entire assembly of people, 18 “Micah of LORD. ‘They are prophesying lies in my name. Therefore,
Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of I will banish you and you will perish, both you and the
Judah. He told all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the prophets who prophesy to you.’ ”
16 Then I said to the priests and all these people,
LORD Almighty says:
“This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the proph-
“ ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, ets who say, ‘Very soon now the articles from the LORD’s
Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, house will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are
the temple hill a mound overgrown with prophesying lies to you. 17 Do not listen to them. Serve
thickets.’ a the king of Babylon, and you will live. Why should this
19 “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah city become a ruin? 18 If they are prophets and have the
put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the LORD and word of the LORD, let them plead with the LORD Al-
seek his favor? And did not the LORD relent, so that he mighty that the furnishings remaining in the house of
did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? the LORD and in the palace of the king of Judah and in Je-
We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!” rusalem not be taken to Babylon. 19 For this is what the
20 (Now Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath Jearim LORD Almighty says about the pillars, the Sea, the mov-
was another man who prophesied in the name of the able stands and the other furnishings that are left in
LORD; he prophesied the same things against this city this city, 20 which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did
and this land as Jeremiah did. 21 When King Jehoiakim not take away when he carried Jehoiachin c son of Jehoi-
and all his officers and officials heard his words, the akim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Bab-
king sought to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it ylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusa-
and fled in fear to Egypt. 22 King Jehoiakim, however, lem— 21 yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of
sent Elnathan son of Acbor to Egypt, along with some Israel, says about the things that are left in the house of
the LORD and in the palace of the king of Judah and in Je-
other men. 23 They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took
rusalem: 22 ‘They will be taken to Babylon and there
him to King Jehoiakim, who had him struck down with
they will remain until the day I come for them,’ declares
a sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the LORD. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them
the common people.) to this place.’ ”
24 Furthermore, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported
Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people The False Prophet Hananiah
to be put to death.
Judah to Serve Nebuchadnezzar 28 In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth
year, early in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah,
the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gib-
27 Early in the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king
b
eon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence
of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the of the priests and all the people: 2 “This is what the LORD
LORD 2
: This is what the L said to me: “Make a yoke
ORD
Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will break the yoke of
out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck. the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back
3 Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, to this place all the articles of the LORD’s house that
Tyre and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here
Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. 4 Give them a mes- and took to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place
sage for their masters and say, ‘This is what the LORD Al- Jehoiachin c son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the
mighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: other exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares
5 With my great power and outstretched arm I made the
the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Bab-
earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and ylon.’ ”
I give it to anyone I please. 6 Now I will hand all your 5 Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet
countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Hananiah before the priests and all the people who
Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to were standing in the house of the LORD. 6 He said,
him. 7 All nations will serve him and his son and his “Amen! May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the
grandson until the time for his land comes; then many words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of
nations and great kings will subjugate him. the LORD’s house and all the exiles back to this place
8 “ ‘ “If, however, any nation or kingdom will not
from Babylon. 7 Nevertheless, listen to what I have to
serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon or bow its neck say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people:
under his yoke, I will punish that nation with the sword, 8 From early times the prophets who preceded you and
famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I destroy it me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against
by his hand. 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your di- many countries and great kingdoms. 9 But the prophet
viners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly
your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true.”
of Babylon.’ 10 They prophesy lies to you that will only 10 Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the
serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, 11 and he said
you and you will perish. 11 But if any nation will bow its before all the people, “This is what the LORD says: ‘In the
neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve same way will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king
a 18Micah 3:12 b 1 A few Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Jer. 27:3, 12 and 28:1); most Hebrew manuscripts Jehoiakim (Most
Septuagint manuscripts do not have this verse.) c 20,4 Hebrew Jeconiah, a variant of Jehoiachin
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rusalem because of Pharaoh’s army, 12 Jeremiah started to a room under the treasury in the palace. He took
to leave the city to go to the territory of Benjamin to get some old rags and worn-out clothes from there and let
his share of the property among the people there. 13 But them down with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.
when he reached the Benjamin Gate, the captain of the 12 Ebed-Melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, “Put these
guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad
son of Hananiah, arrested him and said, “You are de- the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, 13 and they pulled him up
serting to the Babylonians!” with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jer-
14 “That’s not true!” Jeremiah said. “I am not desert- emiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.
a1 Hebrew Coniah, a variant of Jehoiachin b 5 Or Chaldeans; also in verses 8, 9, 13 and 14 c 10 Or Chaldean; also in verse 11
d1 Hebrew Jucal, a variant of Jehucal e 2 Or Chaldeans; also in verses 18, 19 and 23 f 7 Probably from the upper Nile region
g7 Or a eunuch
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miah: “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Je-
breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those rusalem. 9 Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial
who are seeking your life.” guard carried into exile to Babylon the people who re-
17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the mained in the city, along with those who had gone over
LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you sur- to him, and the rest of the people. 10 But Nebuzaradan
render to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life the commander of the guard left behind in the land of
will be spared and this city will not be burned down; Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing;
you and your family will live. 18 But if you will not surren- and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.
der to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be 11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given
handed over to the Babylonians and they will burn it these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan
down; you yourself will not escape from their hands.’ ” commander of the imperial guard: 12 “Take him and
19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever
Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the he asks.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the commander of the
Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will guard, Nebushazban a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a
mistreat me.” high official and all the other officers of the king of Bab-
20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. ylon 14 sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard
“Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go of the guard. They turned him over to Gedaliah son of
well with you, and your life will be spared. 21 But if you Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his
refuse to surrender, this is what the LORD has revealed to home. So he remained among his own people.
me: 22 All the women left in the palace of the king of Ju- 15 While Jeremiah had been confined in the court-
dah will be brought out to the officials of the king of yard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him:
Babylon. Those women will say to you: 16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, ‘This is what
“ ‘They misled you and overcame you— the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to
those trusted friends of yours. fulfill my words against this city through disaster, not
Your feet are sunk in the mud; prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your
your friends have deserted you.’ eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the
LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. 18 I
23 “All your wives and children will be brought out to
will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will es-
the Babylonians. You yourself will not escape from their cape with your life, because you trust in me, declares
hands but will be captured by the king of Babylon; and the LORD.’ ”
this city will a be burned down.”
24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let any- Jeremiah Freed
one know about this conversation, or you may die. 25 If
the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come
to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and
40 The word came to Jeremiah from the L after
Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard
had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah
ORD
what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem
will kill you,’ 26 then tell them, ‘I was pleading with the and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon.
2 When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah,
king not to send me back to Jonathan’s house to die
there.’ ” he said to him, “The LORD your God decreed this disas-
27 All the officials did come to Jeremiah and question ter for this place. 3 And now the LORD has brought it
him, and he told them everything the king had ordered about; he has done just as he said he would. All this
him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had happened because you people sinned against the LORD
heard his conversation with the king. and did not obey him. 4 But today I am freeing you from
28 And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if
guard until the day Jerusalem was captured. you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want
to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before
The Fall of Jerusalem you; go wherever you please.” 5 However, before Jeremi-
39 This is how Jerusalem was taken: In the ninth 1
ah turned to go, f Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Ged-
year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth aliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the
month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah,
against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to and live with him among the people, or go anywhere
it. 2 And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedeki- else you please.”
ah’s eleventh year, the city wall was broken through. Then the commander gave him provisions and a
3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and
present and let him go. 6 So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah
took seats in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Sam- son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among
gar, Nebo-Sarsekim b a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a the people who were left behind in the land.
high official and all the other officials of the king of
Babylon. 4 When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the sol- Gedaliah Assassinated
diers saw them, they fled; they left the city at night by 7 When all the army officers and their men who were
way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the still in the open country heard that the king of Babylon
two walls, and headed toward the Arabah. c had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor
5 But the Babylonian d army pursued them and over- over the land and had put him in charge of the men,
a 23 Or and you will cause this city to b 3 Or Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsekim c4 Or the Jordan Valley d5 Or Chaldean
e8 Or Chaldeans f 5 Or Jeremiah answered
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and their men. 9 Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of cers who were with him heard about all the crimes Ish-
Shaphan, took an oath to reassure them and their men. mael son of Nethaniah had committed, 12 they took all
“Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians, b” he said. their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah.
“Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, They caught up with him near the great pool in Gibeon.
13 When all the people Ishmael had with him saw Joha-
and it will go well with you. 10 I myself will stay at Mizpah
to represent you before the Babylonians who come to nan son of Kareah and the army officers who were with
us, but you are to harvest the wine, summer fruit and him, they were glad. 14 All the people Ishmael had taken
oil, and put them in your storage jars, and live in the captive at Mizpah turned and went over to Johanan son
towns you have taken over.” of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of
11 When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom and all his men escaped from Johanan and fled to the Ammon-
the other countries heard that the king of Babylon had ites.
left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah Flight to Egypt
son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as governor over 16 Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the army offi-
them, 12 they all came back to the land of Judah, to Ged-
cers who were with him led away all the survivors from
aliah at Mizpah, from all the countries where they had
Mizpah whom he had recovered from Ishmael son of
been scattered. And they harvested an abundance of
Nethaniah after he had assassinated Gedaliah son of
wine and summer fruit.
13 Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers Ahikam: the soldiers, women, children and court offi-
cials he had brought from Gibeon. 17 And they went on,
still in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah stopping at Geruth Kimham near Bethlehem on their
14 and said to him, “Don’t you know that Baalis king of
way to Egypt 18 to escape the Babylonians. d They were
the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to afraid of them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had
take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not be- killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Bab-
lieve them. ylon had appointed as governor over the land.
15 Then Johanan son of Kareah said privately to Ged-
aliah in Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of
Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take
42 Then all the army officers, including Johanan son
of Kareah and Jezaniah e son of Hoshaiah, and all
the people from the least to the greatest approached
your life and cause all the Jews who are gathered 2 Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our
around you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to petition and pray to the LORD your God for this entire
perish?” remnant. For as you now see, though we were once
16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of
many, now only a few are left. 3 Pray that the LORD your
Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying God will tell us where we should go and what we
about Ishmael is not true.” should do.”
41 In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah,
the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and
had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men
4 “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I
will certainly pray to the LORD your God as you have re-
quested; I will tell you everything the LORD says and will
to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. While they were keep nothing back from you.”
eating together there, 2 Ishmael son of Nethaniah and 5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true
the ten men who were with him got up and struck and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accor-
down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, dance with everything the LORD your God sends you to
with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Bab- tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will
ylon had appointed as governor over the land. 3 Ishma- obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so
el also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our
Mizpah, as well as the Babylonian c soldiers who were God.”
there. 7 Ten days later the word of the LORD came to Jeremi-
4 The day after Gedaliah’s assassination, before any-
ah. 8 So he called together Johanan son of Kareah and all
one knew about it, 5 eighty men who had shaved off the army officers who were with him and all the people
their beards, torn their clothes and cut themselves from the least to the greatest. 9 He said to them, “This is
came from Shechem, Shiloh and Samaria, bringing what the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me
grain offerings and incense with them to the house of to present your petition, says: 10 ‘If you stay in this land,
the LORD. 6 Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant
Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When he you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disas-
met them, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” ter I have inflicted on you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king
7 When they went into the city, Ishmael son of Nethani-
of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of
ah and the men who were with him slaughtered them him, declares the LORD, for I am with you and will save
and threw them into a cistern. 8 But ten of them said to you and deliver you from his hands. 12 I will show you
Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have wheat and barley, oil compassion so that he will have compassion on you
and honey, hidden in a field.” So he let them alone and and restore you to your land.’
did not kill them with the others. 9 Now the cistern 13 “However, if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’
where he threw all the bodies of the men he had killed and so disobey the LORD your God, 14 and if you say, ‘No,
along with Gedaliah was the one King Asa had made as we will go and live in Egypt, where we will not see war or
part of his defense against Baasha king of Israel. Ishma- hear the trumpet or be hungry for bread,’ 15 then hear
el son of Nethaniah filled it with the dead. the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. This is what
10 Ishmael made captives of all the rest of the people the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are de-
who were in Mizpah—the king’s daughters along with termined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there,
a 8 Hebrew Jezaniah, a variant of Jaazaniah b9 Or Chaldeans; also in verse 10 c3 Or Chaldean d 18 Or Chaldeans e1 Hebrew;
Septuagint (see also 43:2) Azariah
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6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the their cry will resound to the Red Sea. a
22 Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down,
Ammonites,”
declares the LORD. spreading its wings over Bozrah.
In that day the hearts of Edom’s warriors
A Message About Edom will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
7 Concerning Edom:
A Message About Damascus
This is what the LORD Almighty says: 23 Concerning Damascus:
“Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? “Hamath and Arpad are dismayed,
Has counsel perished from the prudent? for they have heard bad news.
Has their wisdom decayed? They are disheartened,
8 Turn and flee, hide in deep caves,
troubled like b the restless sea.
you who live in Dedan, 24 Damascus has become feeble,
for I will bring disaster on Esau she has turned to flee
at the time I punish him. and panic has gripped her;
9 If grape pickers came to you,
anguish and pain have seized her,
would they not leave a few grapes?
pain like that of a woman in labor.
If thieves came during the night, 25 Why has the city of renown not been abandoned,
would they not steal only as much as they
wanted? the town in which I delight?
26 Surely, her young men will fall in the streets;
10 But I will strip Esau bare;
I will uncover his hiding places, all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,”
so that he cannot conceal himself. declares the LORD Almighty.
27 “I will set fire to the walls of Damascus;
His children, relatives and neighbors will perish,
and he will be no more. it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.”
11 Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives.
A Message About Kedar and Hazor
Your widows too can trust in me.” 28 Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor,
12 This
is what the LORD says: “If those who do not which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked:
deserve to drink the cup must drink it, why should you This is what the LORD says:
go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, but must
drink it. 13 I swear by myself,” declares the LORD, “that “Arise, and attack Kedar
Bozrah will become a ruin and an object of horror, of re- and destroy the people of the East.
proach and of cursing; and all its towns will be in ruins 29 Their tents and their flocks will be taken;
forever.” their shelters will be carried off
14 I
have heard a message from the LORD: with all their goods and camels.
An envoy was sent to the nations to say, Men will shout to them,
“Assemble yourselves to attack it! ‘Terror on every side!’
Rise up for battle!” 30 “Flee
quickly away!
15 “Now I will make you small among the nations, Stay in deep caves, you who live in Hazor,”
despised among men. declares the LORD.
16 The terror you inspire “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has plotted
and the pride of your heart have deceived you, against you;
you who live in the clefts of the rocks, he has devised a plan against you.
who occupy the heights of the hill. 31 “Arise and attack a nation at ease,
Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, which lives in confidence,”
from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD,
declares the LORD. “a nation that has neither gates nor bars;
17 “Edom will become an object of horror;
its people live alone.
all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff 32 Their camels will become plunder,
because of all its wounds. and their large herds will be booty.
18 As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown,
I will scatter to the winds those who are in distant
along with their neighboring towns,” places c
says the LORD, and will bring disaster on them from every side,”
“so no one will live there; declares the LORD.
no man will dwell in it. 33 “Hazor will become a haunt of jackals,
19 “Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets a desolate place forever.
to a rich pastureland, No one will live there;
I will chase Edom from its land in an instant. no man will dwell in it.”
a 21 Hebrew Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds b 23 Hebrew on or by c 32 Or who clip the hair by their foreheads
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and brought out the weapons of his wrath, along with their neighboring towns,”
for the Sovereign LORD Almighty has work to do declares the LORD,
in the land of the Babylonians. “so no one will live there;
26 Come against her from afar. no man will dwell in it.
Break open her granaries; 41 “Look! An army is coming from the north;
pile her up like heaps of grain. a great nation and many kings
Completely destroy her are being stirred up from the ends of the earth.
and leave her no remnant. 42 They are armed with bows and spears;
27 Kill all her young bulls;
they are cruel and without mercy.
let them go down to the slaughter! They sound like the roaring sea
Woe to them! For their day has come, as they ride on their horses;
the time for them to be punished. they come like men in battle formation
28 Listen to the fugitives and refugees from Babylon
to attack you, O Daughter of Babylon.
declaring in Zion 43 The king of Babylon has heard reports about
how the LORD our God has taken vengeance, them,
vengeance for his temple. and his hands hang limp.
29 “Summon archers against Babylon, Anguish has gripped him,
all those who draw the bow. pain like that of a woman in labor.
44 Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets
Encamp all around her;
let no one escape. to a rich pastureland,
Repay her for her deeds; I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant.
do to her as she has done. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this?
For she has defied the LORD, Who is like me and who can challenge me?
the Holy One of Israel. And what shepherd can stand against me?”
45 Therefore, hear what the LORD has planned against
30 Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets;
all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,” Babylon,
declares the LORD. what he has purposed against the land of the
31 “See, I am against you, O arrogant one,” Babylonians:
The young of the flock will be dragged away;
declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
he will completely destroy their pasture because
“for your day has come,
of them.
the time for you to be punished. 46 At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will
32 The arrogant one will stumble and fall
tremble;
and no one will help her up; its cry will resound among the nations.
I will kindle a fire in her towns
that will consume all who are around her.”
33 This is what the LORD Almighty says: 51“See,ThisI willis what the L
ORD says:
Reinforce the guard, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand—
station the watchmen, to lay waste the land of Babylon
prepare an ambush! so that no one will live there.
The LORD will carry out his purpose, 30 Babylon’s warriors have stopped fighting;
his decree against the people of Babylon. they remain in their strongholds.
13 You who live by many waters Their strength is exhausted;
and are rich in treasures, they have become like women.
your end has come, Her dwellings are set on fire;
the time for you to be cut off. the bars of her gates are broken.
14 The LORD Almighty has sworn by himself: 31 One courier follows another
I will surely fill you with men, as with a swarm of and messenger follows messenger
locusts, to announce to the king of Babylon
and they will shout in triumph over you. that his entire city is captured,
32 the river crossings seized,
15 “He made the earth by his power;
the marshes set on fire,
he founded the world by his wisdom
and the soldiers terrified.”
and stretched out the heavens by his
understanding. 33 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel,
16 When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; says:
he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
“The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor
He sends lightning with the rain
at the time it is trampled;
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
the time to harvest her will soon come.”
17 “Every man is senseless and without knowledge; 34 “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured us,
every goldsmith is shamed by his idols.
he has thrown us into confusion,
His images are a fraud;
he has made us an empty jar.
they have no breath in them.
18 They are worthless, the objects of mockery; Like a serpent he has swallowed us
and filled his stomach with our delicacies,
when their judgment comes, they will perish.
19 He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, and then has spewed us out.
35 May the violence done to our flesh b be upon
for he is the Maker of all things,
Babylon,”
including the tribe of his inheritance—
say the inhabitants of Zion.
the LORD Almighty is his name.
“May our blood be on those who live in Babylonia,”
20 “You are my war club, says Jerusalem.
my weapon for battle— 36 Therefore, this is what the LORD says:
with you I shatter nations,
with you I destroy kingdoms, “See, I will defend your cause
21 with you I shatter horse and rider, and avenge you;
with you I shatter chariot and driver, I will dry up her sea
22 with you I shatter man and woman, and make her springs dry.
with you I shatter old man and youth, 37 Babylon will be a heap of ruins,
with you I shatter young man and maiden, a haunt of jackals,
23 with you I shatter shepherd and flock, an object of horror and scorn,
with you I shatter farmer and oxen, a place where no one lives.
with you I shatter governors and officials. 38 Her people all roar like young lions,
24 “Before your eyes I will repay Babylon and all who they growl like lion cubs.
39 But while they are aroused,
live in Babylonia a for all the wrong they have done in
I will set out a feast for them
Zion,” declares the LORD.
and make them drunk,
25 “Iam against you, O destroying mountain, so that they shout with laughter—
you who destroy the whole earth,” then sleep forever and not awake,”
declares the LORD. declares the LORD.
“I will stretch out my hand against you, 40 “I will bring them down
a 15Or populace b 21 That is, about 27 feet (about 8.1 meters) high and 18 feet (about 5.4 meters) in circumference c 22 That is,
about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters) d 31 Also called Amel-Marduk
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Lamentations
1 How
How deserted lies the city,
a 10 Theenemy laid hands
once so full of people! on all her treasures;
like a widow is she, she saw pagan nations
who once was great among the nations! enter her sanctuary—
She who was queen among the provinces those you had forbidden
has now become a slave. to enter your assembly.
2 Bitterly she weeps at night, 11 All
her people groan
tears are upon her cheeks. as they search for bread;
Among all her lovers they barter their treasures for food
there is none to comfort her. to keep themselves alive.
All her friends have betrayed her; “Look, O LORD, and consider,
they have become her enemies. for I am despised.”
3 After affliction and harsh labor, 12 “Isit nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Judah has gone into exile. Look around and see.
She dwells among the nations; Is any suffering like my suffering
she finds no resting place. that was inflicted on me,
All who pursue her have overtaken her that the LORD brought on me
in the midst of her distress. in the day of his fierce anger?
4 The roads to Zion mourn, 13 “From on high he sent fire,
for no one comes to her appointed feasts. sent it down into my bones.
All her gateways are desolate, He spread a net for my feet
her priests groan, and turned me back.
her maidens grieve, He made me desolate,
and she is in bitter anguish. faint all the day long.
5 Her foes have become her masters; 14 “Mysins have been bound into a yoke b;
her enemies are at ease. by his hands they were woven together.
The LORD has brought her grief
They have come upon my neck
because of her many sins.
and the Lord has sapped my strength.
Her children have gone into exile,
captive before the foe. He has handed me over
to those I cannot withstand.
6 All the splendor has departed 15 “The Lord has rejected
from the Daughter of Zion.
Her princes are like deer all the warriors in my midst;
that find no pasture; he has summoned an army against me
in weakness they have fled to c crush my young men.
before the pursuer. In his winepress the Lord has trampled
the Virgin Daughter of Judah.
7 In the days of her affliction and wandering 16 “This
is why I weep
Jerusalem remembers all the treasures
that were hers in days of old. and my eyes overflow with tears.
When her people fell into enemy hands, No one is near to comfort me,
there was no one to help her. no one to restore my spirit.
Her enemies looked at her My children are destitute
and laughed at her destruction. because the enemy has prevailed.”
8 Jerusalem 17 Zionstretches out her hands,
has sinned greatly
and so has become unclean. but there is no one to comfort her.
All who honored her despise her, The LORD has decreed for Jacob
for they have seen her nakedness; that his neighbors become his foes;
she herself groans Jerusalem has become
and turns away. an unclean thing among them.
9 Her 18 “The LORD is righteous,
filthiness clung to her skirts;
she did not consider her future. yet I rebelled against his command.
Her fall was astounding; Listen, all you peoples;
there was none to comfort her. look upon my suffering.
“Look, O LORD, on my affliction, My young men and maidens
for the enemy has triumphed.” have gone into exile.
a This chapter is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. b 14 Most Hebrew
manuscripts; Septuagint He kept watch over my sins c 15 Or has set a time for me / when he will
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his anger / has treated the Daughter of Zion with contempt c 3 Or / all the strength; or every king; horn here symbolizes strength.
d 17 Horn here symbolizes strength.
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with arrows from his quiver. so that no prayer can get through.
14 Ibecame the laughingstock of all my people; 45 You have made us scum and refuse
Ezekiel
The Living Creatures and the Glory of the LORD heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing
waters, like the voice of the Almighty, e like the tumult of
1 In the a thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the
fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar
River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of
an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
25 Then there came a voice from above the expanse
the exile of King Jehoiachin— 3 the word of the LORD like a throne of sapphire, f and high above on the throne
came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, b by the Kebar was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what
River in the land of the Babylonians. c There the hand of appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing met-
the LORD was upon him. al, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked
4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the
north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so
surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire was the radiance around him.
looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was what This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory
looked like four living creatures. In appearance their of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard
form was that of a man, 6 but each of them had four the voice of one speaking.
faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight; their feet
were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished Ezekiel’s Call
bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had
the hands of a man. All four of them had faces and 2cameHeandinto
said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet
2
I will speak to you.” As he spoke, the Spirit
me and raised me to my feet, and I heard
wings, 9 and their wings touched one another. Each one
went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved. him speaking to me.
10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had 3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Isra-
the face of a man, and on the right side each had the elites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against
face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against
had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. Their me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending
wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is
touching the wing of another creature on either side, what the Sovereign LORD says.’ 5 And whether they listen
and two wings covering its body. 12 Each one went or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they
straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And
go, without turning as they went. 13 The appearance of you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their
the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all
torches. Fire moved back and forth among the crea- around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be
tures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14 The afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they
creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. are a rebellious house. 7 You must speak my words to
15 As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are re-
the ground beside each creature with its four faces. bellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to
16 This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your
They sparkled like chrysolite, and all four looked alike. mouth and eat what I give you.”
9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to
Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a
wheel. 17 As they moved, they would go in any one of the me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On
four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not both sides of it were written words of lament and
turn about d as the creatures went. 18 Their rims were mourning and woe.
high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all
around.
19 When the living creatures moved, the wheels be-
3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before
you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of
Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the
side them moved; and when the living creatures rose scroll to eat.
from the ground, the wheels also rose. 20 Wherever the 3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am
spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and
rise along with them, because the spirit of the living it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
creatures was in the wheels. 21 When the creatures 4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the
moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, house of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are
they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from not being sent to a people of obscure speech and diffi-
the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because cult language, but to the house of Israel— 6 not to many
the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. peoples of obscure speech and difficult language,
22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had
was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But
awesome. 23 Under the expanse their wings were the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because
stretched out one toward the other, and each had two they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house
wings covering its body. 24 When the creatures moved, I of Israel is hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you
a1 Or õmyÕ b3 Or Ezekiel son of Buzi the priest c3 Or Chaldeans d 17 Or aside e 24 Hebrew Shaddai f 26 Or lapis lazuli
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wall between you and the city and turn your face to- LORD, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all
ward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. your vile images and detestable practices, I myself will
This will be a sign to the house of Israel. withdraw my favor; I will not look on you with pity or
4 “Then lie on your left side and put the sin of the spare you. 12 A third of your people will die of the plague
house of Israel upon yourself. b You are to bear their sin or perish by famine inside you; a third will fall by the
a 18 Or in; also in verses 19 and 20 b4 Or your side c 10 That is, about 8 ounces (about 0.2 kilogram) d 11 That is, about 2/3 quart
(about 0.6 liter) e 17 Or away in f7 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac You have
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6against
The word of the L ORD 2
came to me: “Son of man, set forth, the rod has budded, arrogance has blossomed!
your face against the mountains of Israel; prophesy 11 Violence has grown into c a rod to punish wickedness;
3
them and say: ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the none of the people will be left, none of that crowd—no
word of the Sovereign LORD. This is what the Sovereign wealth, nothing of value. 12 The time has come, the day
LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and has arrived. Let not the buyer rejoice nor the seller
valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I grieve, for wrath is upon the whole crowd. 13 The seller
will destroy your high places. 4 Your altars will be de- will not recover the land he has sold as long as both of
molished and your incense altars will be smashed; and them live, for the vision concerning the whole crowd
I will slay your people in front of your idols. 5 I will lay will not be reversed. Because of their sins, not one of
the dead bodies of the Israelites in front of their idols, them will preserve his life. 14 Though they blow the
and I will scatter your bones around your altars. 6 Wher- trumpet and get everything ready, no one will go into
ever you live, the towns will be laid waste and the high battle, for my wrath is upon the whole crowd.
places demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste 15 “Outside is the sword, inside are plague and fam-
and devastated, your idols smashed and ruined, your
ine; those in the country will die by the sword, and
incense altars broken down, and what you have made
wiped out. 7 Your people will fall slain among you, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.
16 All who survive and escape will be in the mountains,
you will know that I am the LORD.
8 “ ‘But I will spare some, for some of you will escape moaning like doves of the valleys, each because of his
the sword when you are scattered among the lands and sins. 17 Every hand will go limp, and every knee will be-
nations. 9 Then in the nations where they have been come as weak as water. 18 They will put on sackcloth and
carried captive, those who escape will remember me— be clothed with terror. Their faces will be covered with
how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, shame and their heads will be shaved. 19 They will throw
which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, their silver into the streets, and their gold will be an un-
which have lusted after their idols. They will loathe clean thing. Their silver and gold will not be able to save
themselves for the evil they have done and for all their them in the day of the LORD’s wrath. They will not satisfy
detestable practices. 10 And they will know that I am the their hunger or fill their stomachs with it, for it has
LORD; I did not threaten in vain to bring this calamity on made them stumble into sin. 20 They were proud of
them. their beautiful jewelry and used it to make their detest-
11 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Strike your able idols and vile images. Therefore I will turn these
hands together and stamp your feet and cry out “Alas!” into an unclean thing for them. 21 I will hand it all over as
because of all the wicked and detestable practices of plunder to foreigners and as loot to the wicked of the
the house of Israel, for they will fall by the sword, famine earth, and they will defile it. 22 I will turn my face away
and plague. 12 He that is far away will die of the plague, from them, and they will desecrate my treasured place;
and he that is near will fall by the sword, and he that robbers will enter it and desecrate it.
survives and is spared will die of famine. So will I spend 23 “Prepare chains, because the land is full of blood-
my wrath upon them. 13 And they will know that I am the shed and the city is full of violence. 24 I will bring the
LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols most wicked of the nations to take possession of their
around their altars, on every high hill and on all the houses; I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and
mountaintops, under every spreading tree and every their sanctuaries will be desecrated. 25 When terror
leafy oak—places where they offered fragrant incense to comes, they will seek peace, but there will be none.
all their idols. 14 And I will stretch out my hand against 26 Calamity upon calamity will come, and rumor upon
them and make the land a desolate waste from the rumor. They will try to get a vision from the prophet; the
desert to Diblah a—wherever they live. Then they will
teaching of the law by the priest will be lost, as will the
know that I am the LORD.’ ”
counsel of the elders. 27 The king will mourn, the prince
The End Has Come will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the peo-
ple of the land will tremble. I will deal with them ac-
7 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man,
this is what the Sovereign LORD says to the land of Is-
rael: The end! The end has come upon the four corners
cording to their conduct, and by their own standards I
will judge them. Then they will know that I am the
of the land. 3 The end is now upon you and I will unleash LORD.”
a 14 Most Hebrew manuscripts; a few Hebrew manuscripts Riblah b5 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts and
Syriac Disaster after c 11 Or The violent one has become
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 460
of Israel is doing here, things that will drive me far from and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of blood-
my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even shed and the city is full of injustice. They say, ‘The LORD
more detestable.” has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ 10 So I will
7 Then he brought me to the entrance to the court. I not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will
looked, and I saw a hole in the wall. 8 He said to me, bring down on their own heads what they have done.”
“Son of man, now dig into the wall.” So I dug into the 11 Then the man in linen with the writing kit at his
wall and saw a doorway there. side brought back word, saying, “I have done as you
9 And he said to me, “Go in and see the wicked and commanded.”
detestable things they are doing here.” 10 So I went in
and looked, and I saw portrayed all over the walls all
The Glory Departs From the Temple
kinds of crawling things and detestable animals and all
the idols of the house of Israel. 11 In front of them stood 10 I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sap-
phire above the expanse that was over the heads
b
2
of the cherubim. The L ORD said to the man clothed in
seventy elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah son
of Shaphan was standing among them. Each had a cen- linen, “Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim.
ser in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was ris- Fill your hands with burning coals from among the
ing. cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I
12 He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what watched, he went in.
3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side
the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark-
ness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, ‘The of the temple when the man went in, and a cloud filled
LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’ ” the inner court. 4 Then the glory of the LORD rose from
13 Again, he said, “You will see them doing things that above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the
are even more detestable.” temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was
14 Then he brought me to the entrance to the north full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. 5 The sound
gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away
there, mourning for Tammuz. 15 He said to me, “Do you as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty c when
see this, son of man? You will see things that are even he speaks.
6 When the LORD commanded the man in linen,
more detestable than this.”
16 He then brought me into the inner court of the “Take fire from among the wheels, from among the
house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the tem- cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel.
7 Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand to the
ple, between the portico and the altar, were about
twenty-five men. With their backs toward the temple of fire that was among them. He took up some of it and put
the LORD and their faces toward the east, they were it into the hands of the man in linen, who took it and
bowing down to the sun in the east. went out. 8 (Under the wings of the cherubim could be
17 He said to me, “Have you seen this, son of man? Is seen what looked like the hands of a man.)
9 I looked, and I saw beside the cherubim four
it a trivial matter for the house of Judah to do the detest-
able things they are doing here? Must they also fill the wheels, one beside each of the cherubim; the wheels
land with violence and continually provoke me to an- sparkled like chrysolite. 10 As for their appearance, the
ger? Look at them putting the branch to their nose! four of them looked alike; each was like a wheel inter-
18 Therefore I will deal with them in anger; I will not look secting a wheel. 11 As they moved, they would go in any
on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in one of the four directions the cherubim faced; the
my ears, I will not listen to them.” wheels did not turn about d as the cherubim went. The
cherubim went in whatever direction the head faced,
Idolaters Killed without turning as they went. 12 Their entire bodies, in-
9hand.”
Then I heard him call out in a loud voice, “Bring the
guards of the city here, each with a weapon in his
2
And I saw six men coming from the direction of
cluding their backs, their hands and their wings, were
completely full of eyes, as were their four wheels. 13 I
heard the wheels being called “the whirling wheels.”
the upper gate, which faces north, each with a deadly 14 Each of the cherubim had four faces: One face was
weapon in his hand. With them was a man clothed in that of a cherub, the second the face of a man, the third
linen who had a writing kit at his side. They came in the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
and stood beside the bronze altar. 15 Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the
3 Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from living creatures I had seen by the Kebar River. 16 When
above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the cherubim moved, the wheels beside them moved;
a2 Or saw a fiery figure b1 Or lapis lazuli c5 Hebrew El-Shaddai d 11 Or aside
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 461
God of Israel was above them. spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel
20 These were the living creatures I had seen beneath was above them. 23 The glory of the LORD went up from
the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that within the city and stopped above the mountain east of
they were cherubim. 21 Each had four faces and four it. 24 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the exiles
wings, and under their wings was what looked like the in Babylonia d in the vision given by the Spirit of God.
hands of a man. 22 Their faces had the same appearance Then the vision I had seen went up from me, 25 and I
as those I had seen by the Kebar River. Each one went told the exiles everything the LORD had shown me.
straight ahead.
The Exile Symbolized
Judgment on Israel’s Leaders
12 The word of the L came to me: “Son of man,
ORD 2
The bodies you have thrown there are the meat and this brought out my things packed for exile. Then in the
city is the pot, but I will drive you out of it. 8 You fear the evening I dug through the wall with my hands. I took my
sword, and the sword is what I will bring against you, belongings out at dusk, carrying them on my shoulders
declares the Sovereign LORD. 9 I will drive you out of the while they watched.
8 In the morning the word of the LORD came to me:
city and hand you over to foreigners and inflict punish-
9 “Son of man, did not that rebellious house of Israel ask
ment on you. 10 You will fall by the sword, and I will exe-
cute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you you, ‘What are you doing?’
10 “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD
will know that I am the LORD. 11 This city will not be a pot
for you, nor will you be the meat in it; I will execute says: This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and
judgment on you at the borders of Israel. 12 And you will the whole house of Israel who are there.’ 11 Say to them,
know that I am the LORD, for you have not followed my ‘I am a sign to you.’
decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the “As I have done, so it will be done to them. They will
standards of the nations around you.” go into exile as captives.
13 Now as I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah 12 “The prince among them will put his things on his
died. Then I fell facedown and cried out in a loud voice, shoulder at dusk and leave, and a hole will be dug in
“Ah, Sovereign LORD! Will you completely destroy the the wall for him to go through. He will cover his face so
remnant of Israel?” that he cannot see the land. 13 I will spread my net for
14 The word of the LORD came to me: 15 “Son of man, him, and he will be caught in my snare; I will bring him
your brothers—your brothers who are your blood rela- to Babylonia, the land of the Chaldeans, but he will not
tives b and the whole house of Israel—are those of see it, and there he will die. 14 I will scatter to the winds
whom the people of Jerusalem have said, ‘They are c far all those around him—his staff and all his troops—and
away from the LORD; this land was given to us as our I will pursue them with drawn sword.
15 “They will know that I am the LORD, when I dis-
possession.’
perse them among the nations and scatter them
Promised Return of Israel through the countries. 16 But I will spare a few of them
16 “Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD from the sword, famine and plague, so that in the na-
says: Although I sent them far away among the nations tions where they go they may acknowledge all their de-
and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little testable practices. Then they will know that I am the
while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries LORD.”
where they have gone.’ 17 The word of the LORD came to me: 18 “Son of man,
17 “Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD tremble as you eat your food, and shudder in fear as
says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you you drink your water. 19 Say to the people of the land:
back from the countries where you have been scat- ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says about those living
tered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’ in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: They will eat their
a 3 Or This is not the time to build houses. b 15 Or are in exile with you (see Septuagint and Syriac) c 15 Or those to whom the people
of Jerusalem have said, ‘Stay d 24 Or Chaldea
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foundation will be laid bare. When it b falls, you will be a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I
destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the LORD. stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply
15 So I will spend my wrath against the wall and against and send famine upon it and kill its men and their ani-
those who covered it with whitewash. I will say to you, mals, 14 even if these three men—Noah, Daniel c and
“The wall is gone and so are those who whitewashed it, Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by
16 those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.
and saw visions of peace for her when there was no 15 “Or if I send wild beasts through that country and
peace, declares the Sovereign LORD.” ’ they leave it childless and it becomes desolate so that no
a 3 Or wicked b 14 Or the city c 14 Or Danel; the Hebrew spelling may suggest a person other than the prophet Daniel; also in
verse 20.
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or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the cor-
would be desolate. ner of my garment over you and covered your naked-
17 “Or if I bring a sword against that country and say, ness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a
‘Let the sword pass throughout the land,’ and I kill its covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and
men and their animals, 18 as surely as I live, declares the you became mine.
9 “ ‘I bathed c you with water and washed the blood
Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they
could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone from you and put ointments on you. 10 I clothed you
would be saved. with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on
19 “Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with
my wrath upon it through bloodshed, killing its men costly garments. 11 I adorned you with jewelry: I put
and their animals, 20 as surely as I live, declares the Sov- bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your
ereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, neck, 12 and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your
they could save neither son nor daughter. They would ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 So you were
save only themselves by their righteousness. adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine
21 “For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: How linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your
much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became
my four dreadful judgments—sword and famine and very beautiful and rose to be a queen. 14 And your fame
wild beasts and plague—to kill its men and their ani- spread among the nations on account of your beauty,
because the splendor I had given you made your beau-
mals! 22 Yet there will be some survivors—sons and
ty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD.
daughters who will be brought out of it. They will come 15 “ ‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your
to you, and when you see their conduct and their ac- fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors
tions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster I have on anyone who passed by and your beauty became
brought upon Jerusalem—every disaster I have brought his. d 16 You took some of your garments to make gaudy
upon it. 23 You will be consoled when you see their con- high places, where you carried on your prostitution.
duct and their actions, for you will know that I have Such things should not happen, nor should they ever
done nothing in it without cause, declares the Sover- occur. 17 You also took the fine jewelry I gave you, the
eign LORD.” jewelry made of my gold and silver, and you made for
Jerusalem, A Useless Vine yourself male idols and engaged in prostitution with
them. 18 And you took your embroidered clothes to put
15 The word of the L 2
came to me: “Son of man,
ORD
on them, and you offered my oil and incense before
how is the wood of a vine better than that of a
3 them. 19 Also the food I provided for you—the fine flour,
branch on any of the trees in the forest? Is wood ever
olive oil and honey I gave you to eat—you offered as
taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make fragrant incense before them. That is what happened,
pegs from it to hang things on? 4 And after it is thrown on declares the Sovereign LORD.
the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars 20 “ ‘And you took your sons and daughters whom
the middle, is it then useful for anything? 5 If it was not you bore to me and sacrificed them as food to the idols.
useful for anything when it was whole, how much less Was your prostitution not enough? 21 You slaughtered
can it be made into something useful when the fire has my children and sacrificed them e to the idols. 22 In all
burned it and it is charred? your detestable practices and your prostitution you did
6 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As
not remember the days of your youth, when you were
I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of naked and bare, kicking about in your blood.
the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people liv- 23 “ ‘Woe! Woe to you, declares the Sovereign LORD.
ing in Jerusalem. 7 I will set my face against them. Al- In addition to all your other wickedness, 24 you built a
though they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet mound for yourself and made a lofty shrine in every
consume them. And when I set my face against them, public square. 25 At the head of every street you built
you will know that I am the LORD. 8 I will make the land your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, offering
desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares your body with increasing promiscuity to anyone who
the Sovereign LORD.” passed by. 26 You engaged in prostitution with the Egyp-
tians, your lustful neighbors, and provoked me to anger
An Allegory of Unfaithful Jerusalem with your increasing promiscuity. 27 So I stretched out
16 The word of the L ORD 2
came to me: “Son of man, my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave
confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices you over to the greed of your enemies, the daughters of
3and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign L says to Jerusa-
ORD the Philistines, who were shocked by your lewd con-
lem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Ca- duct. 28 You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians
naanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a too, because you were insatiable; and even after that,
Hittite. 4 On the day you were born your cord was not you still were not satisfied. 29 Then you increased your
cut, nor were you washed with water to make you promiscuity to include Babylonia, f a land of merchants,
clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in but even with this you were not satisfied.
cloths. 5 No one looked on you with pity or had com- 30 “ ‘How weak-willed you are, declares the Sover-
passion enough to do any of these things for you. Rath- eign LORD, when you do all these things, acting like a
er, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the brazen prostitute! 31 When you built your mounds at the
day you were born you were despised. head of every street and made your lofty shrines in ev-
6 “ ‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in ery public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because
your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you scorned payment.
you, “Live!” a 7 I made you grow like a plant of the field. 32 “ ‘You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your
You grew up and developed and became the most own husband! 33 Every prostitute receives a fee, but you
a 6 A few Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts “Live!” And as you lay there in your blood I said to you,
“Live!” b 7 Or became mature c 9 Or I had bathed d 15 Most Hebrew manuscripts; one Hebrew manuscript (see some Septuagint
manuscripts) by. Such a thing should not happen e 21 Or and made them pass through õthe fireÕ f 29 Or Chaldea
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 464
you poured out your wealth a and exposed your naked- with you as you deserve, because you have despised my
ness in your promiscuity with your lovers, and because oath by breaking the covenant. 60 Yet I will remember
of all your detestable idols, and because you gave them the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth,
your children’s blood, 37 therefore I am going to gather and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.
61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed
all your lovers, with whom you found pleasure, those
you loved as well as those you hated. I will gather them when you receive your sisters, both those who are older
against you from all around and will strip you in front of than you and those who are younger. I will give them to
them, and they will see all your nakedness. 38 I will sen- you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant
tence you to the punishment of women who commit with you. 62 So I will establish my covenant with you,
adultery and who shed blood; I will bring upon you the and you will know that I am the LORD. 63 Then, when I
blood vengeance of my wrath and jealous anger. 39 Then make atonement for you for all you have done, you will
I will hand you over to your lovers, and they will tear remember and be ashamed and never again open your
down your mounds and destroy your lofty shrines. mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sover-
They will strip you of your clothes and take your fine eign LORD.’ ”
jewelry and leave you naked and bare. 40 They will bring Two Eagles and a Vine
a mob against you, who will stone you and hack you to
17 The word of the L 2
came to me: “Son of man,
ORD
pieces with their swords. 41 They will burn down your set forth an allegory and tell the house of Israel a
houses and inflict punishment on you in the sight of 3
parable. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign L ORD
many women. I will put a stop to your prostitution, and says: A great eagle with powerful wings, long feathers
you will no longer pay your lovers. 42 Then my wrath and full plumage of varied colors came to Lebanon.
against you will subside and my jealous anger will turn Taking hold of the top of a cedar, 4 he broke off its top-
away from you; I will be calm and no longer angry. most shoot and carried it away to a land of merchants,
43 “ ‘Because you did not remember the days of your
where he planted it in a city of traders.
youth but enraged me with all these things, I will surely 5 “ ‘He took some of the seed of your land and put it
bring down on your head what you have done, declares in fertile soil. He planted it like a willow by abundant
the Sovereign LORD. Did you not add lewdness to all water, 6 and it sprouted and became a low, spreading
your other detestable practices? vine. Its branches turned toward him, but its roots re-
44 “ ‘Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this
mained under it. So it became a vine and produced
proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.” 45 You branches and put out leafy boughs.
are a true daughter of your mother, who despised her 7 “ ‘But there was another great eagle with powerful
husband and her children; and you are a true sister of wings and full plumage. The vine now sent out its roots
your sisters, who despised their husbands and their toward him from the plot where it was planted and
children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an stretched out its branches to him for water. 8 It had been
Amorite. 46 Your older sister was Samaria, who lived to planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would
the north of you with her daughters; and your younger produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid
sister, who lived to the south of you with her daughters, vine.’
was Sodom. 47 You not only walked in their ways and 9 “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways Will it thrive? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its
you soon became more depraved than they. 48 As surely fruit so that it withers? All its new growth will wither. It
as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, your sister Sodom will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up
and her daughters never did what you and your daugh- by the roots. 10 Even if it is transplanted, will it thrive?
ters have done. Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes
49 “ ‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She
it—wither away in the plot where it grew?’ ”
and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and uncon- 11 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 12 “Say to
cerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They this rebellious house, ‘Do you not know what these
were haughty and did detestable things before me. things mean?’ Say to them: ‘The king of Babylon went to
Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. 51 Sa- Jerusalem and carried off her king and her nobles,
maria did not commit half the sins you did. You have bringing them back with him to Babylon. 13 Then he
done more detestable things than they, and have made took a member of the royal family and made a treaty
your sisters seem righteous by all these things you have with him, putting him under oath. He also carried away
done. 52 Bear your disgrace, for you have furnished the leading men of the land, 14 so that the kingdom
some justification for your sisters. Because your sins would be brought low, unable to rise again, surviving
were more vile than theirs, they appear more righteous only by keeping his treaty. 15 But the king rebelled
than you. So then, be ashamed and bear your disgrace, against him by sending his envoys to Egypt to get
for you have made your sisters appear righteous. horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Will he who
53 “ ‘However, I will restore the fortunes of Sodom does such things escape? Will he break the treaty and yet
and her daughters and of Samaria and her daughters, escape?
and your fortunes along with them, 54 so that you may 16 “ ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, he
bear your disgrace and be ashamed of all you have shall die in Babylon, in the land of the king who put him
done in giving them comfort. 55 And your sisters, Sodom on the throne, whose oath he despised and whose trea-
with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, ty he broke. 17 Pharaoh with his mighty army and great
will return to what they were before; and you and your horde will be of no help to him in war, when ramps are
daughters will return to what you were before. 56 You built and siege works erected to destroy many lives.
would not even mention your sister Sodom in the day of 18 He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Be-
a 36 Or lust b 57 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate Aram
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10 “Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD.
does any of these other things b 11 (though the father has Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will
done none of them): not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the of-
fenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a
“He eats at the mountain shrines. new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I
He defiles his neighbor’s wife. take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the
12 He oppresses the poor and needy. Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
He commits robbery.
He does not return what he took in pledge. A Lament for Israel’s Princes
He looks to the idols.
He does detestable things.
13 He lends at usury and takes excessive interest.
19 “Take up a lament concerning the princes of Isra-
2
el and say:
“ ‘What a lioness was your mother
Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done among the lions!
all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death She lay down among the young lions
and his blood will be on his own head. and reared her cubs.
a8 Or take interest; similarly in verses 13 and 17 b 10 Or things to a brother c 17 Septuagint (see also verse 8); Hebrew from the poor
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5“ ‘When she saw her hope unfulfilled, to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set
her expectation gone, their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So
she took another of her cubs I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my
and made him a strong lion. anger against them in Egypt. 9 But for the sake of my
6 He prowled among the lions, name I did what would keep it from being profaned in
for he was now a strong lion. the eyes of the nations they lived among and in whose
He learned to tear the prey sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites by bringing
and he devoured men. them out of Egypt. 10 Therefore I led them out of Egypt
7 He broke down a their strongholds and brought them into the desert. 11 I gave them my de-
and devastated their towns. crees and made known to them my laws, for the man
The land and all who were in it who obeys them will live by them. 12 Also I gave them my
were terrified by his roaring. Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that
8 Then the nations came against him, I the LORD made them holy.
13 “ ‘Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in
those from regions round about.
They spread their net for him, the desert. They did not follow my decrees but rejected
and he was trapped in their pit. my laws—although the man who obeys them will live by
9 With hooks they pulled him into a cage them—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I
and brought him to the king of Babylon. said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy
They put him in prison, them in the desert. 14 But for the sake of my name I did
so his roar was heard no longer what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of
on the mountains of Israel. the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
15 Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the desert
10 “ ‘Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard b that I would not bring them into the land I had given
planted by the water; them—a land flowing with milk and honey, most beau-
it was fruitful and full of branches tiful of all lands— 16 because they rejected my laws and
because of abundant water. did not follow my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths.
11 Its branches were strong,
For their hearts were devoted to their idols. 17 Yet I
fit for a ruler’s scepter. looked on them with pity and did not destroy them or
It towered high put an end to them in the desert. 18 I said to their chil-
above the thick foliage, dren in the desert, “Do not follow the statutes of your fa-
conspicuous for its height thers or keep their laws or defile yourselves with their
and for its many branches. idols. 19 I am the LORD your God; follow my decrees and
12 But it was uprooted in fury
be careful to keep my laws. 20 Keep my Sabbaths holy,
and thrown to the ground. that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know
The east wind made it shrivel, that I am the LORD your God.”
it was stripped of its fruit; 21 “ ‘But the children rebelled against me: They did
its strong branches withered not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my
and fire consumed them. laws—although the man who obeys them will live by
13 Now it is planted in the desert,
them—and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I
in a dry and thirsty land. would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger
14 Fire spread from one of its main c branches
against them in the desert. 22 But I withheld my hand,
and consumed its fruit. and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it
No strong branch is left on it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose
fit for a ruler’s scepter.’ sight I had brought them out. 23 Also with uplifted hand
This is a lament and is to be used as a lament.” I swore to them in the desert that I would disperse them
among the nations and scatter them through the coun-
Rebellious Israel tries, 24 because they had not obeyed my laws but had
21 The sult his idols, he will examine the liver. 22 Into his right
word of the L 2
came to me: “Son of man,
ORD
set your face against Jerusalem and preach against hand will come the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set
a 29 Bamah means high place. b 31 Or —making your sons pass through c 40 Or and the gifts of your firstfruits d 15 Septuagint;
the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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tive. just gain you have made and at the blood you have
25 “ ‘O profane and wicked prince of Israel, whose shed in your midst. 14 Will your courage endure or your
day has come, whose time of punishment has reached hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the LORD
its climax, 26 this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Take have spoken, and I will do it. 15 I will disperse you
off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: among the nations and scatter you through the coun-
The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be tries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness. 16 When
brought low. 27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! It will you have been defiled b in the eyes of the nations, you
not be restored until he comes to whom it rightfully be- will know that I am the LORD.’ ”
17 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 18 “Son of
longs; to him I will give it.’
28 “And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is man, the house of Israel has become dross to me; all of
what the Sovereign LORD says about the Ammonites them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a fur-
and their insults: nace. They are but the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is
what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Because you have all be-
“ ‘A sword, a sword, come dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. 20 As men
drawn for the slaughter, gather silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a furnace to
polished to consume melt it with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger
and to flash like lightning! and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you.
29 Despite false visions concerning you 21 I will gather you and I will blow on you with my fiery
and lying divinations about you, wrath, and you will be melted inside her. 22 As silver is
it will be laid on the necks melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her,
of the wicked who are to be slain, and you will know that I the LORD have poured out my
whose day has come, wrath upon you.’ ”
whose time of punishment has reached its 23 Again the word of the LORD came to me: 24 “Son of
climax. man, say to the land, ‘You are a land that has had no rain
30 Return the sword to its scabbard.
or showers c in the day of wrath.’ 25 There is a conspiracy
In the place where you were created, of her princes d within her like a roaring lion tearing its
in the land of your ancestry, prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious
I will judge you. things and make many widows within her. 26 Her priests
31 I will pour out my wrath upon you
do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they
and breathe out my fiery anger against you; do not distinguish between the holy and the common;
I will hand you over to brutal men, they teach that there is no difference between the un-
men skilled in destruction. clean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the
32 You will be fuel for the fire,
keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among
your blood will be shed in your land, them. 27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing
you will be remembered no more; their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make un-
for I the LORD have spoken.’ ” just gain. 28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds for
Jerusalem’s Sins them by false visions and lying divinations. They say,
‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’—when the LORD
22 The word of the L 2
came to me: “Son of man,
ORD
has not spoken. 29 The people of the land practice extor-
will you judge her? Will you judge this city of tion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and
bloodshed? Then confront her with all her detestable needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.
practices 3 and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD 30 “I looked for a man among them who would build
says: O city that brings on herself doom by shedding up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of
blood in her midst and defiles herself by making idols, the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found
4 you have become guilty because of the blood you have
none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and con-
shed and have become defiled by the idols you have sume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their
made. You have brought your days to a close, and the own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign
end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you LORD.”
an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to
all the countries. 5 Those who are near and those who Two Adulterous Sisters
are far away will mock you, O infamous city, full of tur-
23 The word of the L came to me: “Son of man,
ORD 2
moil. there were two women, daughters of the same
6 “ ‘See how each of the princes of Israel who are in 3
mother. They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging
you uses his power to shed blood. 7 In you they have in prostitution from their youth. In that land their
treated father and mother with contempt; in you they breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed.
have oppressed the alien and mistreated the fatherless 4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Ohol-
and the widow. 8 You have despised my holy things and ibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and
desecrated my Sabbaths. 9 In you are slanderous men daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusa-
bent on shedding blood; in you are those who eat at the lem.
mountain shrines and commit lewd acts. 10 In you are 5 “Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still
those who dishonor their fathers’ bed; in you are those mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—
a 12 Or usury and interest b 16 Or When I have allotted you your inheritance c 24 Septuagint; Hebrew has not been cleansed or rained
on d 25 Septuagint; Hebrew prophets
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about to hand you over to those you hate, to those you Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. 3 Tell
turned away from in disgust. 29 They will deal with you this rebellious house a parable and say to them: ‘This is
in hatred and take away everything you have worked what the Sovereign LORD says:
for. They will leave you naked and bare, and the shame
of your prostitution will be exposed. Your lewdness and “ ‘Put on the cooking pot; put it on
promiscuity 30 have brought this upon you, because you and pour water into it.
lusted after the nations and defiled yourself with their 4 Put into it the pieces of meat,
a 14 Or Babylonians b 15 Or Babylonia; also in verse 16 c 21 Syriac (see also verse 3); Hebrew caressed because of your young breasts
d 24 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. e 37 Or even made the children they bore to me pass through õthe fireÕ
f 42 Or drunkards
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its heavy deposit has not been removed, Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah has be-
not even by fire. come like all the other nations,” 9 therefore I will expose
the flank of Moab, beginning at its frontier towns—Beth
13 “ ‘Now your impurity is lewdness. Because I tried
Jeshimoth, Baal Meon and Kiriathaim—the glory of
to cleanse you but you would not be cleansed from that land. 10 I will give Moab along with the Ammonites
your impurity, you will not be clean again until my to the people of the East as a possession, so that the
wrath against you has subsided. Ammonites will not be remembered among the na-
14 “ ‘I the LORD have spoken. The time has come for tions; 11 and I will inflict punishment on Moab. Then
me to act. I will not hold back; I will not have pity, nor they will know that I am the LORD.’ ”
will I relent. You will be judged according to your con- A Prophecy Against Edom
duct and your actions, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ ” 12 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Because
Ezekiel’s Wife Dies Edom took revenge on the house of Judah and became
15 The
word of the LORD came to me: 16 “Son of man, very guilty by doing so, 13 therefore this is what the Sov-
with one blow I am about to take away from you the ereign LORD says: I will stretch out my hand against
delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed Edom and kill its men and their animals. I will lay it
any tears. 17 Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. waste, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the
Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your sword. 14 I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of
feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accor-
customary food õof mournersÕ.” dance with my anger and my wrath; they will know my
18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the vengeance, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ ”
evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I had A Prophecy Against Philistia
been commanded. 15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Because the
19 Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what
Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with
these things have to do with us?” malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought
20 So I said to them, “The word of the LORD came to
to destroy Judah, 16 therefore this is what the Sovereign
me: 21 Say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sover- LORD says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the
eign LORD says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary— Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy
the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of those remaining along the coast. 17 I will carry out great
your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath.
daughters you left behind will fall by the sword. 22 And Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I take
you will do as I have done. You will not cover the lower vengeance on them.’ ”
part of your face or eat the customary food õof mourn-
ersÕ. 23 You will keep your turbans on your heads and A Prophecy Against Tyre
your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep
but will waste away because of a your sins and groan
among yourselves. 24 Ezekiel will be a sign to you; you
26 In the eleventh year, on the first day of the month,
the word of the L ORD 2
came to me: “Son of man,
because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the
a 23 Or away in
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You were a power on the seas, coastlands were your customers; they paid you with
you and your citizens; ivory tusks and ebony.
16 “ ‘Aram h did business with you because of your
you put your terror
on all who lived there. many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple fab-
18 Now the coastlands tremble ric, embroidered work, fine linen, coral and rubies for
on the day of your fall; your merchandise.
17 “ ‘Judah and Israel traded with you; they ex-
the islands in the sea
are terrified at your collapse.’ changed wheat from Minnith and confections, i honey,
oil and balm for your wares.
19 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When I 18 “ ‘Damascus, because of your many products and
make you a desolate city, like cities no longer inhabited, great wealth of goods, did business with you in wine
and when I bring the ocean depths over you and its vast from Helbon and wool from Zahar.
waters cover you, 20 then I will bring you down with 19 “ ‘Danites and Greeks from Uzal bought your mer-
those who go down to the pit, to the people of long ago. chandise; they exchanged wrought iron, cassia and cal-
I will make you dwell in the earth below, as in ancient amus for your wares.
ruins, with those who go down to the pit, and you will 20 “ ‘Dedan traded in saddle blankets with you.
not return or take your place b in the land of the living. 21 “ ‘Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your
21 I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no customers; they did business with you in lambs, rams
more. You will be sought, but you will never again be and goats.
found, declares the Sovereign LORD.” 22 “ ‘The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded
a7 Hebrew Nebuchadrezzar, of which Nebuchadnezzar is a variant; here and often in Ezekiel and Jeremiah b 20 Septuagint; Hebrew
return, and I will give glory c 5 That is, Hermon d 6 Targum; the Masoretic Text has a different division of the consonants.
e6 Hebrew Kittim f 9 That is, Byblos g 15 Septuagint; Hebrew Dedan h 16 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts
and Syriac Edom i 17 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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You will fall on the open field ple of the covenant land will fall by the sword along
and not be gathered or picked up. with Egypt.
I will give you as food 6 “ ‘This is what the LORD says:
and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolate ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish
waste from Migdol to Aswan, as far as the border of will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it
Cush. b 11 No foot of man or animal will pass through it; is sure to come.
no one will live there for forty years. 12 I will make the 10 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
land of Egypt desolate among devastated lands, and
her cities will lie desolate forty years among ruined cit- “ ‘I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt
ies. And I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
and scatter them through the countries. 11 He and his army—the most ruthless of nations—
a7 Syriac (see also Septuagint and Vulgate); Hebrew and you caused their backs to stand b 10 That is, the upper Nile region c 14 Hebrew
to Pathros d 21 Horn here symbolizes strength. e 4 That is, the upper Nile region; also in verses 5 and 9 f 5 Hebrew Cub
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a 13 Hebrew Noph; also in verse 16 b 14 Hebrew waste Pathros c 14Hebrew No; also in verses 15 and 16 d 15 Hebrew Sin; also in
verse 16 e 17 Hebrew Awen (or On) f 17 Hebrew Pi Beseth g 15 Hebrew Sheol; also in verses 16 and 17
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A Prophecy Against Edom even the whole house of Israel. The towns will be in-
habited and the ruins rebuilt. 11 I will increase the num-
35 setThe your
word of the L came to me: “Son of man,
ORD 2
ber of men and animals upon you, and they will be
face against Mount Seir; prophesy fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on
3
against it and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign L ORD
you as in the past and will make you prosper more than
says: I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out
before. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 12 I will
my hand against you and make you a desolate waste. 4 I
cause people, my people Israel, to walk upon you. They
will turn your towns into ruins and you will be deso-
will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; you
late. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
5 “ ‘Because you harbored an ancient hostility and will never again deprive them of their children.
13 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because
delivered the Israelites over to the sword at the time of
people say to you, “You devour men and deprive your
their calamity, the time their punishment reached its cli-
nation of its children,” 14 therefore you will no longer
max, 6 therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign
LORD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue devour men or make your nation childless, declares the
you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will Sovereign LORD. 15 No longer will I make you hear the
pursue you. 7 I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste taunts of the nations, and no longer will you suffer the
and cut off from it all who come and go. 8 I will fill your scorn of the peoples or cause your nation to fall, de-
mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will clares the Sovereign LORD.’ ”
16 Again the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of
fall on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ra-
vines. 9 I will make you desolate forever; your towns will man, when the people of Israel were living in their own
not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the LORD. land, they defiled it by their conduct and their actions.
10 “ ‘Because you have said, “These two nations and Their conduct was like a woman’s monthly uncleanness
countries will be ours and we will take possession of in my sight. 18 So I poured out my wrath on them be-
them,” even though I the LORD was there, 11 therefore as cause they had shed blood in the land and because they
surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will treat had defiled it with their idols. 19 I dispersed them among
you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you the nations, and they were scattered through the coun-
showed in your hatred of them and I will make myself tries; I judged them according to their conduct and
known among them when I judge you. 12 Then you will their actions. 20 And wherever they went among the na-
know that I the LORD have heard all the contemptible tions they profaned my holy name, for it was said of
things you have said against the mountains of Israel. them, ‘These are the LORD’s people, and yet they had to
You said, “They have been laid waste and have been leave his land.’ 21 I had concern for my holy name,
given over to us to devour.” 13 You boasted against me which the house of Israel profaned among the nations
and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. where they had gone.
22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what
14 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: While the whole
earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 Because you the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house
rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel be- of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the
came desolate, that is how I will treat you. You will be sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among
desolate, O Mount Seir, you and all of Edom. Then they the nations where you have gone. 23 I will show the holi-
will know that I am the LORD.’ ” ness of my great name, which has been profaned
among the nations, the name you have profaned
A Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel among them. Then the nations will know that I am the
prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and against him 3 and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD
the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of d Meshech
tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your
them, but there was no breath in them. jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your
9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde
prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the with large and small shields, all of them brandishing
Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O their swords. 5 Persia, Cush e and Put will be with them,
breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may all with shields and helmets, 6 also Gomer with all its
live.’ ” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all
breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on its troops—the many nations with you.
their feet—a vast army. 7 “ ‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes
11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are gathered about you, and take command of them. 8 After
the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are many days you will be called to arms. In future years
dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 There- you will invade a land that has recovered from war,
fore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sover- whose people were gathered from many nations to the
a5 The Hebrew for this word can also mean wind or spirit (see verses 6–14). b 23 Many Hebrew manuscripts (see also Septuagint);
most Hebrew manuscripts all their dwelling places where they sinned c 2 Or the prince of Rosh, d 3 Or Gog, prince of Rosh, e 5 That
is, the upper Nile region
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 479
‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when land. Some will go throughout the land and, in addition
my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take to them, others will bury those that remain on the
notice of it? 15 You will come from your place in the far ground. At the end of the seven months they will begin
north, you and many nations with you, all of them rid- their search. 15 As they go through the land and one of
ing on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. 16 You will them sees a human bone, he will set up a marker beside
advance against my people Israel like a cloud that cov- it until the gravediggers have buried it in the Valley of
ers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you Hamon Gog. 16 (Also a town called Hamonah f will be
against my land, so that the nations may know me there.) And so they will cleanse the land.’
17 “Son of man, this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.
17 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Are you not Call out to every kind of bird and all the wild animals:
the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the ‘Assemble and come together from all around to the
prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for sacrifice I am preparing for you, the great sacrifice on
years that I would bring you against them. 18 This is the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and
what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the drink blood. 18 You will eat the flesh of mighty men and
land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they
the Sovereign LORD. 19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I de- were rams and lambs, goats and bulls—all of them fat-
clare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake tened animals from Bashan. 19 At the sacrifice I am pre-
in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea, the birds of the paring for you, you will eat fat till you are glutted and
air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves drink blood till you are drunk. 20 At my table you will eat
along the ground, and all the people on the face of the your fill of horses and riders, mighty men and soldiers of
earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will every kind,’ declares the Sovereign LORD.
21 “I will display my glory among the nations, and all
be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will
fall to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the
on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every hand I lay upon them. 22 From that day forward the
man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 I will execute house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God.
23 And the nations will know that the people of Israel
judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will
pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sul- went into exile for their sin, because they were unfaith-
ful to me. So I hid my face from them and handed them
fur on him and on his troops and on the many nations
over to their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. 24 I
with him. 23 And so I will show my greatness and my ho-
dealt with them according to their uncleanness and
liness, and I will make myself known in the sight of
their offenses, and I hid my face from them.
many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’ 25 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I
sured the area on all four sides. It had a wall around it, in the designated part of the temple area outside the
five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, sanctuary.
to separate the holy from the common. 22 “On the second day you are to offer a male goat
without defect for a sin offering, and the altar is to be
The Glory Returns to the Temple purified as it was purified with the bull. 23 When you
43 Then the man brought me to the gate facing east,
2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming
from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing wa-
have finished purifying it, you are to offer a young bull
and a ram from the flock, both without defect. 24 You are
to offer them before the LORD, and the priests are to
ters, and the land was radiant with his glory. 3 The vision sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt of-
I saw was like the vision I had seen when he c came to fering to the LORD.
destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the Ke- 25 “For seven days you are to provide a male goat dai-
bar River, and I fell facedown. 4 The glory of the LORD ly for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull
entered the temple through the gate facing east. 5 Then and a ram from the flock, both without defect. 26 For sev-
the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner en days they are to make atonement for the altar and
court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. cleanse it; thus they will dedicate it. 27 At the end of these
6 While the man was standing beside me, I heard
days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present
someone speaking to me from inside the temple. 7 He your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings j on the al-
said: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the tar. Then I will accept you, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live
among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel will The Prince, the Levites, the Priests
never again defile my holy name—neither they nor
their kings—by their prostitution d and the lifeless
idols e of their kings at their high places. 8 When they
44 Then the man brought me back to the outer gate
of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was
2
shut. The L said to me, “This gate is to remain shut.
ORD
placed their threshold next to my threshold and their It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is
doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall be- to remain shut because the LORD, the God of Israel, has
tween me and them, they defiled my holy name by entered through it. 3 The prince himself is the only one
their detestable practices. So I destroyed them in my who may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of
anger. 9 Now let them put away from me their prostitu- the LORD. He is to enter by way of the portico of the
tion and the lifeless idols of their kings, and I will live gateway and go out the same way.”
4 Then the man brought me by way of the north gate
among them forever.
10 “Son of man, describe the temple to the people of to the front of the temple. I looked and saw the glory of
Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them the LORD filling the temple of the LORD, and I fell face-
consider the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they down.
5 The LORD said to me, “Son of man, look carefully, lis-
have done, make known to them the design of the tem-
ple—its arrangement, its exits and entrances—its ten closely and give attention to everything I tell you
whole design and all its regulations f and laws. Write concerning all the regulations regarding the temple of
these down before them so that they may be faithful to the LORD. Give attention to the entrance of the temple
its design and follow all its regulations. and all the exits of the sanctuary. 6 Say to the rebellious
12 “This is the law of the temple: All the surrounding house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
area on top of the mountain will be most holy. Such is Enough of your detestable practices, O house of Israel!
7 In addition to all your other detestable practices, you
the law of the temple.
brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh
The Altar into my sanctuary, desecrating my temple while you of-
13 “These are the measurements of the altar in long fered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my cov-
cubits, that cubit being a cubit g and a handbreadth h: Its enant. 8 Instead of carrying out your duty in regard to my
gutter is a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of holy things, you put others in charge of my sanctuary.
one span i around the edge. And this is the height of the 9 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: No foreigner un-
altar: 14 From the gutter on the ground up to the lower circumcised in heart and flesh is to enter my sanctuary,
ledge it is two cubits high and a cubit wide, and from the not even the foreigners who live among the Israelites.
smaller ledge up to the larger ledge it is four cubits high 10 “ ‘The Levites who went far from me when Israel
and a cubit wide. 15 The altar hearth is four cubits high, went astray and who wandered from me after their
and four horns project upward from the hearth. 16 The idols must bear the consequences of their sin. 11 They
altar hearth is square, twelve cubits long and twelve cu- may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of
bits wide. 17 The upper ledge also is square, fourteen cu- the temple and serving in it; they may slaughter the
bits long and fourteen cubits wide, with a rim of half a burnt offerings and sacrifices for the people and stand
cubit and a gutter of a cubit all around. The steps of the before the people and serve them. 12 But because they
altar face east.” served them in the presence of their idols and made the
a 16 See Septuagint of verse 17; Hebrew rods; also in verses 18 and 19. b 17 Septuagint; Hebrew rods c 3 Some Hebrew manuscripts
and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts I d 7 Or their spiritual adultery; also in verse 9 e 7 Or the corpses; also in verse 9 f 11 Some
Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts regulations and its whole design g 13 The common cubit was about
1 1/2 feet (about 0.5 meter). h 13 That is, about 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) i 13 That is, about 9 inches (about 22 centimeters)
j 27 Traditionally peace offerings
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 483
for each ephah. at the side of the gate to the sacred rooms facing north,
25 “ ‘During the seven days of the Feast, which be- which belonged to the priests, and showed me a place at
gins in the seventh month on the fifteenth day, he is to the western end. 20 He said to me, “This is the place
make the same provision for sin offerings, burnt offer- where the priests will cook the guilt offering and the sin
ings, grain offerings and oil. offering and bake the grain offering, to avoid bringing
them into the outer court and consecrating the peo-
46 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The gate
of the inner court facing east is to be shut on the
six working days, but on the Sabbath day and on the
ple.”
21 He then brought me to the outer court and led me
day of the New Moon it is to be opened. 2 The prince is around to its four corners, and I saw in each corner an-
to enter from the outside through the portico of the other court. 22 In the four corners of the outer court
gateway and stand by the gatepost. The priests are to were enclosed d courts, forty cubits long and thirty cu-
sacrifice his burnt offering and his fellowship offer- bits wide; each of the courts in the four corners was the
ings. b He is to worship at the threshold of the gateway same size. 23 Around the inside of each of the four
and then go out, but the gate will not be shut until eve- courts was a ledge of stone, with places for fire built all
ning. 3 On the Sabbaths and New Moons the people of around under the ledge. 24 He said to me, “These are the
the land are to worship in the presence of the LORD at kitchens where those who minister at the temple will
the entrance to that gateway. 4 The burnt offering the cook the sacrifices of the people.”
prince brings to the LORD on the Sabbath day is to be six The River From the Temple
male lambs and a ram, all without defect. 5 The grain
offering given with the ram is to be an ephah, c and the
grain offering with the lambs is to be as much as he
47 The man brought me back to the entrance of the
temple, and I saw water coming out from under
the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the
pleases, along with a hin a of oil for each ephah. 6 On the temple faced east). The water was coming down from
day of the New Moon he is to offer a young bull, six under the south side of the temple, south of the altar.
lambs and a ram, all without defect. 7 He is to provide as 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led
a grain offering one ephah with the bull, one ephah me around the outside to the outer gate facing east,
with the ram, and with the lambs as much as he wants and the water was flowing from the south side.
to give, along with a hin of oil with each ephah. 8 When 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in
the prince enters, he is to go in through the portico of his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits e and then
the gateway, and he is to come out the same way. led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He mea-
9 “ ‘When the people of the land come before the
sured off another thousand cubits and led me through
LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the water that was knee-deep. He measured off another
north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and thousand and led me through water that was up to the
whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it
gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he was a river that I could not cross, because the water had
entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate. 10 The risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no
prince is to be among them, going in when they go in one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see
and going out when they go out. this?”
11 “ ‘At the festivals and the appointed feasts, the
Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When
grain offering is to be an ephah with a bull, an ephah I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each
with a ram, and with the lambs as much as one pleases, side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows to-
along with a hin of oil for each ephah. 12 When the ward the eastern region and goes down into the Ara-
prince provides a freewill offering to the LORD—wheth- bah, f where it enters the Sea. g When it empties into the
er a burnt offering or fellowship offerings—the gate fac- Sea, g the water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living
ing east is to be opened for him. He shall offer his burnt creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will
offering or his fellowship offerings as he does on the be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there
Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and after he has and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows
gone out, the gate will be shut. everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the
13 “ ‘Every day you are to provide a year-old lamb shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for
without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD; morning spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the
by morning you shall provide it. 14 You are also to pro- fish of the Great Sea. h 11 But the swamps and marshes
vide with it morning by morning a grain offering, con- will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit
sisting of a sixth of an ephah with a third of a hin of oil to trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river.
moisten the flour. The presenting of this grain offering Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every
to the LORD is a lasting ordinance. 15 So the lamb and the month they will bear, because the water from the sanc-
grain offering and the oil shall be provided morning by tuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and
morning for a regular burnt offering. their leaves for healing.”
16 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: If the
prince makes a gift from his inheritance to one of his
The Boundaries of the Land
13 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “These are
sons, it will also belong to his descendants; it is to be
their property by inheritance. 17 If, however, he makes a the boundaries by which you are to divide the land for
gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, the ser- an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel, with
vant may keep it until the year of freedom; then it will two portions for Joseph. 14 You are to divide it equally
revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs to his sons among them. Because I swore with uplifted hand to
give it to your forefathers, this land will become your
only; it is theirs. 18 The prince must not take any of the
inheritance.
inheritance of the people, driving them off their proper-
ty. He is to give his sons their inheritance out of his own 15 “This is to be the boundary of the land:
a 24,5That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4 liters) b2 Traditionally peace offerings; also in verse 12 c 5 That is, probably about
3/5 bushel (about 22 liters) d 22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. e 3 That is, about 1,500 feet (about 450
meters) f 8 Or the Jordan Valley g 8 That is, the Dead Sea h 10 That is, the Mediterranean; also in verses 15, 19 and 20
26Ez-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:16 AM Page 485
The Division of the Land city will lie in the center of the area that belongs to the
prince. The area belonging to the prince will lie be-
48 “These are the tribes, listed by name: At the
northern frontier, Dan will have one portion; it
will follow the Hethlon road to Lebo f Hamath; Hazar
tween the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin.
23 “As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one
Enan and the northern border of Damascus next to Ha- portion; it will extend from the east side to the west side.
24 “Simeon will have one portion; it will border the
math will be part of its border from the east side to the
west side. territory of Benjamin from east to west.
2 “Asher will have one portion; it will border the terri- 25 “Issachar will have one portion; it will border the
tory of Dan from east to west. territory of Simeon from east to west.
3 “Naphtali will have one portion; it will border the 26 “Zebulun will have one portion; it will border the
territory of Asher from east to west. territory of Issachar from east to west.
4 “Manasseh will have one portion; it will border the 27 “Gad will have one portion; it will border the terri-
territory of Naphtali from east to west. tory of Zebulun from east to west.
5 “Ephraim will have one portion; it will border the 28 “The southern boundary of Gad will run south
territory of Manasseh from east to west. from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, then
6 “Reuben will have one portion; it will border the along the Wadi õof EgyptÕ to the Great Sea. i
29 “This is the land you are to allot as an inheritance
territory of Ephraim from east to west.
7 “Judah will have one portion; it will border the ter- to the tribes of Israel, and these will be their portions,”
ritory of Reuben from east to west. declares the Sovereign LORD.
8 “Bordering the territory of Judah from east to west
The Gates of the City
will be the portion you are to present as a special gift. It 30 “These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on
will be 25,000 cubits g wide, and its length from east to
the north side, which is 4,500 cubits long, 31 the gates of
west will equal one of the tribal portions; the sanctuary
the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The
will be in the center of it.
9 “The special portion you are to offer to the LORD three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben,
the gate of Judah and the gate of Levi.
will be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits h wide. 32 “On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be
10 This will be the sacred portion for the priests. It will be
three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin
25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide
and the gate of Dan.
on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side 33 “On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits,
and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center of
will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issa-
it will be the sanctuary of the LORD. 11 This will be for the
char and the gate of Zebulun.
consecrated priests, the Zadokites, who were faithful in 34 “On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will
serving me and did not go astray as the Levites did
be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the
when the Israelites went astray. 12 It will be a special gift
gate of Naphtali.
to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most 35 “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.
holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.
13 “Alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites “And the name of the city from that time on will be:
will have an allotment 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 THE LORD IS THERE.”
a 15Or past the entrance to b 15,16 See Septuagint and Ezekiel 48:1; Hebrew road to go into Zedad, 16Hamath, Berothah c 17 Hebrew
Enon, a variant of Enan d 18 Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew Israel. You will measure to the eastern sea e 20 Or opposite the entrance to
f1 Or to the entrance to g 8 That is, about 7 miles (about 12 kilometers) h 9 That is, about 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) i 28 That is,
the Mediterranean
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Daniel
Daniel’s Training in Babylon 21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of
King Cyrus.
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Ju-
dah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jeru-
salem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoia-
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
kim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the
articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to 2notInhadthe second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar
dreams; his mind was troubled and he could
2
sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, en-
the temple of his god in Babylonia a and put in the trea-
sure house of his god. chanters, sorcerers and astrologers d to tell him what he
3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the
officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the roy- king, 3 he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles
al family and the nobility— 4 young men without any me and I want to know what it means. e”
4 Then the astrologers answered the king in Arama-
physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every
kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, ic, f “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream,
and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to and we will interpret it.”
5 The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I
teach them the language and literature of the Babylo-
nians. b 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my
and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into
for three years, and after that they were to enter the pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. 6 But
king’s service. if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive
6 Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hana- from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me
niah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them the dream and interpret it for me.”
7 Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his ser-
new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hana-
niah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, vants the dream, and we will interpret it.”
8 Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are
Abednego.
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what
royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for I have firmly decided: 9 If you do not tell me the dream,
permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God there is just one penalty for you. You have conspired to
had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situa-
Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my tion will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will
lord the king, who has assigned your c food and drink. know that you can interpret it for me.”
10 The astrologers answered the king, “There is not a
Why should he see you looking worse than the other
young men your age? The king would then have my man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king,
head because of you.” however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing
11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief offi- of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. 11 What the
cial had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king
Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give except the gods, and they do not live among men.”
12 This made the king so angry and furious that he
us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.
13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon.
13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to
men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in
accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his
and tested them for ten days. friends to put them to death.
14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard,
15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier
had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon,
and better nourished than any of the young men who
Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked
ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice
the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh
food and the wine they were to drink and gave them
decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.
vegetables instead. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time,
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and
so that he might interpret the dream for him.
understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained
And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all
the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azari-
kinds.
18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them ah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of
heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his
in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.
19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise
men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was re-
to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they en-
vealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the
tered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom
God of heaven 20 and said:
and understanding about which the king questioned
them, he found them ten times better than all the magi- “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
cians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. wisdom and power are his.
a 2 Hebrew Shinar b4 Or Chaldeans c 10 The Hebrew for your and you in this verse is plural. d2 Or Chaldeans; also in verses 4, 5
and 10 e 3 Or was f4 The text from here through chapter 7 is in Aramaic.
27Da-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:17 AM Page 487
and knowledge to the discerning. set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it
22 He reveals deep and hidden things; be left to another people. It will crush all those king-
he knows what lies in darkness, doms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure
and light dwells with him. forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock
23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a
You have given me wisdom and power, rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver
you have made known to me what we asked of you, and the gold to pieces.
you have made known to us the dream of the “The great God has shown the king what will take
king.” place in the future. The dream is true and the interpre-
tation is trustworthy.”
Daniel Interprets the Dream 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before
24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had
Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering
appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to
to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the
me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were
25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I able to reveal this mystery.”
have found a man among the exiles from Judah who 48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and
can tell the king what his dream means.” lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the
26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of
“Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and in- all its wise men. 49 Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king
terpret it?” appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego admin-
27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magi- istrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel
cian or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he himself remained at the royal court.
has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who re-
veals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar
The Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace
what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the
visions that passed through your mind as you lay on 3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, nine-
ty feet high and nine feet a wide, and set it up on the
plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then sum-
your bed are these:
29 “As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned moned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, trea-
to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed surers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial
you what is going to happen. 30 As for me, this mystery officials to come to the dedication of the image he had
has been revealed to me, not because I have greater set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers,
treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provin-
wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king,
cial officials assembled for the dedication of the image
may know the interpretation and that you may under-
that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood
stand what went through your mind.
31 “You looked, O king, and there before you stood a before it.
4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “This is what
large statue—an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men
in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of of every language: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of
pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of
thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron music, you must fall down and worship the image of
and partly of baked clay. 34 While you were watching, a gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever
rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the does not fall down and worship will immediately be
statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. thrown into a blazing furnace.”
35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the
7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the
gold were broken to pieces at the same time and be- horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all
came like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The the peoples, nations and men of every language fell
wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebu-
rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain chadnezzar had set up.
and filled the whole earth. 8 At this time some astrologers b came forward and
36 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it
denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnez-
to the king. 37 You, O king, are the king of kings. The God zar, “O king, live forever! 10 You have issued a decree,
of heaven has given you dominion and power and O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn,
might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed man- flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music
kind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and
Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them that whoever does not fall down and worship will be
all. You are that head of gold. thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some
39 “After you, another kingdom will rise, inferior to
Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province
yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who
over the whole earth. 40 Finally, there will be a fourth pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your
kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it 13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned
will crush and break all the others. 41 Just as you saw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were
that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to
partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,
will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of
saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of
and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of
and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the im-
a1 Aramaic sixty cubits high and six cubits wide (about 27 meters high and 2.7 meters wide) b8 Or Chaldeans
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4ToKingtheNebuchadnezzar,
peoples, nations and men of every lan-
dream applied to your enemies and its meaning
to your adversaries! 20 The tree you saw, which
grew large and strong, with its top touching the
guage, who live in all the world: sky, visible to the whole earth, 21 with beautiful
leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all,
May you prosper greatly!
giving shelter to the beasts of the field, and having
2 Itis my pleasure to tell you about the miracu- nesting places in its branches for the birds of the
lous signs and wonders that the Most High God air— 22 you, O king, are that tree! You have become
has performed for me. great and strong; your greatness has grown until it
3 How reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to
great are his signs,
distant parts of the earth.
how mighty his wonders! 23 “You, O king, saw a messenger, a holy one,
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down
his dominion endures from generation to
the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound
generation.
with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field,
4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be
a7 Or Chaldeans b 13 Or watchman; also in verses 17 and 23 c 16 Or years; also in verses 23, 25 and 32
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5While
2
King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thou-
sand of his nobles and drank wine with them.
Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave or-
the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the
Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
and sets over them anyone he wishes.
a2 Or ancestor; or predecessor; also in verses 11, 13 and 18 b7 Or Chaldeans; also in verse 11 c 10 Or queen mother
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neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in ried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he
the kingdom. called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant
30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylo- of the living God, has your God, whom you serve con-
nians, f was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the tinually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
kingdom, at the age of sixty-two. 21 Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22 My God
sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.
Daniel in the Den of Lions They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in
6torsItthroughout
pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule
2
the kingdom, with three administra-
over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps
his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you,
O king.”
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift
were made accountable to them so that the king might Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from
not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself the den, no wound was found on him, because he had
among the administrators and the satraps by his excep- trusted in his God.
tional qualities that the king planned to set him over 24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely
the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the li-
satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel ons’ den, along with their wives and children. And be-
in his conduct of government affairs, but they were un- fore they reached the floor of the den, the lions over-
able to do so. They could find no corruption in him, be- powered them and crushed all their bones.
cause he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor neg- 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations
ligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any and men of every language throughout the land:
basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has
something to do with the law of his God.” “May you prosper greatly!
6 So the administrators and the satraps went as a 26 “I
issue a decree that in every part of my king-
group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever! dom people must fear and reverence the God of
7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers
Daniel.
and governors have all agreed that the king should issue
an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays “For he is the living God
to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to and he endures forever;
you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, his kingdom will not be destroyed,
O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
cannot be altered—in accordance with the laws of the
Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So he performs signs and wonders
King Darius put the decree in writing. in the heavens and on the earth.
10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had He has rescued Daniel
been published, he went home to his upstairs room from the power of the lions.”
where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius
times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving and the reign of Cyrus g the Persian.
thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then
these men went as a group and found Daniel praying Daniel’s Dream of Four Beasts
and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and
spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not pub-
lish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone
7mindIniel the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Dan-
had a dream, and visions passed through his
as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the
who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, substance of his dream.
would be thrown into the lions’ den?” 2 Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and
The king answered, “The decree stands—in accor- there before me were the four winds of heaven churning
a 22 Or descendant; or successor b 25 Aramaic UPARSIN (that is, AND PARSIN) c 26 Mene can mean numbered or mina (a unit of
money). d 27 Tekel can mean weighed or shekel. e 28 Peres (the singular of Parsin) can mean divided or Persia or a half mina or a half
shekel. f 30 Or Chaldeans g 28 Or Darius, that is, the reign of Cyrus
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Daniel’s Prayer sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my re-
quest to the LORD my God for his holy hill— 21 while I
9kingdom—
In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by
b
was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the
descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian c
earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time
2
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, un- of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to
derstood from the Scriptures, according to the word of me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and
the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desola- understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an an-
tion of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned swer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you
to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message
petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. and understand the vision:
4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ d are decreed for your people and
“O Lord, the great and awesome God, who your holy city to finish e transgression, to put an end to
keeps his covenant of love with all who love him sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting
and obey his commands, 5 we have sinned and righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to
done wrong. We have been wicked and have re- anoint the most holy. f
belled; we have turned away from your com- 25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the
mands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your decree g to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anoint-
servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to ed One, h the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’
our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a
the people of the land. trench, but in times of trouble. 26After the sixty-two ‘sev-
7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are ens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have noth-
covered with shame—the men of Judah and peo- ing. i The people of the ruler who will come will destroy
ple of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood:
all the countries where you have scattered us be- War will continue until the end, and desolations have
cause of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 O LORD, we been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many
and our kings, our princes and our fathers are cov- for one ‘seven.’ j In the middle of the ‘seven’ j he will put an
ered with shame because we have sinned against end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing õof the templeÕ
you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, un-
even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we til the end that is decreed is poured out on him. k” l
a 19 Or because the end will be at the appointed time b 1 Hebrew Ahasuerus c 1 Or Chaldean d 24 Or ‘weeks’; also in verses 25 and
26 e 24 Or restrain f 24 Or Most Holy Place; or most holy One g 25 Or word h 25 Or an anointed one; also in verse 26 i 26 Or
off and will have no one; or off, but not for himself j 27 Or ‘week’ k 27 Or it l 27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon
the pinnacle of the abominable õtempleÕ, until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated õcityÕ
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11
him.)
your prince. 1 And in the first year of Darius the
Mede, I took my stand to support and protect
who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will in-
vade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he
will seize it through intrigue. 22 Then an overwhelming
The Kings of the South and the North army will be swept away before him; both it and a
2 “Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming
will appear in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and
richer than all the others. When he has gained power by with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the
his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and
of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king will appear, who will will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers
rule with great power and do as he pleases. 4 After he did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among
a1 Or true and burdensome b 16 Most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text; one manuscript of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and
Septuagint Then something that looked like a man’s hand c 6 Or offspring d 6 Or child (see Vulgate and Syriac) e 17 Or but she
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a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or cap- two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the
tured or plundered. 34 When they fall, they will receive a opposite bank. 6 One of them said to the man clothed in
little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long
35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be re- will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?”
7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the wa-
fined, purified and made spotless until the time of the
end, for it will still come at the appointed time. ters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand to-
ward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives
The King Who Exalts Himself forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a
36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and time. e When the power of the holy people has been fi-
magnify himself above every god and will say unheard- nally broken, all these things will be completed.”
of things against the God of gods. He will be successful 8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My
until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been lord, what will the outcome of all this be?”
determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the
for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by words are closed up and sealed until the time of the
women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt him- end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and re-
self above them all. 38 Instead of them, he will honor a fined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None
god of fortresses; a god unknown to his fathers he will of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise
honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and will understand.
costly gifts. 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with 11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished
the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those and the abomination that causes desolation is set up,
who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits
many people and will distribute the land at a price. b for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will 13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest,
engage him in battle, and the king of the North will and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive
storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a your allotted inheritance.”
a 30 Hebrew of Kittim b 39 Or land for a reward c 45 Or the sea and d3 Or who impart wisdom e7 Or a year, two years and half
a year
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Hosea
1Hezekiah,
The word of the L ORDthat came to Hosea son of Be-
eri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and
kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jero-
Then she will say,
‘I will go back to my husband as at first,
for then I was better off than now.’
boam son of Jehoash a king of Israel: 8 She has not acknowledged that I was the one
who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil,
Hosea’s Wife and Children who lavished on her the silver and gold—
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the
which they used for Baal.
LORD said to him, “Go, take to yourself an adulterous
9 “Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens,
wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is
guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD.” and my new wine when it is ready.
3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she I will take back my wool and my linen,
conceived and bore him a son. intended to cover her nakedness.
10 So now I will expose her lewdness
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, be-
cause I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the mas- before the eyes of her lovers;
sacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of no one will take her out of my hands.
11 I will stop all her celebrations:
Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley
of Jezreel.” her yearly festivals, her New Moons,
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daugh- her Sabbath days—all her appointed feasts.
12 I will ruin her vines and her fig trees,
ter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruha-
mah, b for I will no longer show love to the house of Isra- which she said were her pay from her lovers;
el, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love I will make them a thicket,
to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by and wild animals will devour them.
13 I will punish her for the days
bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by
the LORD their God.” she burned incense to the Baals;
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had she decked herself with rings and jewelry,
another son. 9 Then the LORD said, “Call him Lo-Ammi, c and went after her lovers,
for you are not my people, and I am not your God. but me she forgot,”
10 “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the sea- declares the LORD.
shore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the 14 “Therefore I am now going to allure her;
place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ I will lead her into the desert
they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ 11 The people and speak tenderly to her.
of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and 15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
they will appoint one leader and will come up out of and will make the Valley of Achor d a door of hope.
the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. There she will sing e as in the days of her youth,
trouble. e 15 Or respond f 16 Hebrew baal g 19 Or with; also in verse 20 h 19 Or with i 22 Jezreel means God plants.
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and the prophets stumble with you. I will discipline all of them.
3 I know all about Ephraim;
So I will destroy your mother—
6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Israel is not hidden from me.
Ephraim, you have now turned to prostitution;
“Because you have rejected knowledge, Israel is corrupt.
I also reject you as my priests;
4 “Their deeds do not permit them
because you have ignored the law of your God,
I also will ignore your children. to return to their God.
7 The more the priests increased, A spirit of prostitution is in their heart;
the more they sinned against me; they do not acknowledge the LORD.
5 Israel’s arrogance testifies against them;
they exchanged h their i Glory for something
disgraceful. the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin;
8 They feed on the sins of my people Judah also stumbles with them.
6 When they go with their flocks and herds
and relish their wickedness.
9 And it will be: Like people, like priests. to seek the LORD,
I will punish both of them for their ways they will not find him;
and repay them for their deeds. he has withdrawn himself from them.
7 They are unfaithful to the LORD;
10 “They will eat but not have enough; they give birth to illegitimate children.
they will engage in prostitution but not increase, Now their New Moon festivals
because they have deserted the LORD will devour them and their fields.
to give themselves 11 to prostitution,
to old wine and new, 8 “Sound the trumpet in Gibeah,
which take away the understanding 12 of my the horn in Ramah.
people. Raise the battle cry in Beth Aven j;
They consult a wooden idol lead on, O Benjamin.
a 23 Hebrew Lo-Ruhamah b 23 Hebrew Lo-Ammi c 2 That is, about 6 ounces (about 170 grams) d 2 That is, probably about 10
bushels (about 330 liters) e 3 Or wait for f 2 That is, to pronounce a curse upon g 3 Or dries up h 7 Syriac and an ancient
Hebrew scribal tradition; Masoretic Text I will exchange i 7 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition my j 15,8 Beth Aven
means house of wickedness (a name for Bethel, which means house of God).
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9ForDodoyou
not rejoice, O Israel;
not be jubilant like the other nations.
have been unfaithful to your God;
their root is withered,
they yield no fruit.
Even if they bear children,
you love the wages of a prostitute I will slay their cherished offspring.”
at every threshing floor. 17 My
2 Threshing floors and winepresses will not feed the God will reject them
people; because they have not obeyed him;
the new wine will fail them. they will be wanderers among the nations.
3 They will not remain in the LORD’s land;
Ephraim will return to Egypt
and eat unclean a food in Assyria.
10As Israel was a spreading vine;
he brought forth fruit for himself.
his fruit increased,
4 They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, he built more altars;
nor will their sacrifices please him. as his land prospered,
Such sacrifices will be to them like the bread of he adorned his sacred stones.
mourners; 2 Their heart is deceitful,
all who eat them will be unclean. and now they must bear their guilt.
This food will be for themselves; The LORD will demolish their altars
it will not come into the temple of the LORD. and destroy their sacred stones.
a3 That is, ceremonially unclean b8 Or The prophet is the watchman over Ephraim, / the people of my God
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11But“When Israel was a child, I loved him, 7 The merchant uses dishonest scales;
and out of Egypt I called my son. he loves to defraud.
2 the more I called Israel,
e 8 Ephraim boasts,
the further they went from me. f “I am very rich; I have become wealthy.
They sacrificed to the Baals With all my wealth they will not find in me
a 5 Beth Aven means house of wickedness (a name for Bethel, which means house of God). b 6 Or its counsel c 8 Hebrew aven, a
reference to Beth Aven (a derogatory name for Bethel) d 9 Or there a stand was taken e 2 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew they
f 2 Septuagint; Hebrew them g 9 Or come against any city h 2 Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively, he deceives).
28Ho-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:18 AM Page 500
2 Now they sin more and more; and return to the LORD.
they make idols for themselves from their silver, Say to him:
cleverly fashioned images, “Forgive all our sins
all of them the work of craftsmen. and receive us graciously,
It is said of these people, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. e
“They offer human sacrifice 3 Assyria cannot save us;
and kiss c the calf-idols.” we will not mount war-horses.
3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist, We will never again say ‘Our gods’
like the early dew that disappears, to what our own hands have made,
like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, for in you the fatherless find compassion.”
like smoke escaping through a window. 4 “I will heal their waywardness
4 “But I am the LORD your God, and love them freely,
õwho brought youÕ out of a Egypt. for my anger has turned away from them.
You shall acknowledge no God but me, 5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
no Savior except me. he will blossom like a lily.
5 I cared for you in the desert, Like a cedar of Lebanon
in the land of burning heat. he will send down his roots;
6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; 6 his young shoots will grow.
when they were satisfied, they became proud; His splendor will be like an olive tree,
then they forgot me. his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
7 So I will come upon them like a lion, 7 Men will dwell again in his shade.
like a leopard I will lurk by the path. He will flourish like the grain.
8 Like a bear robbed of her cubs, He will blossom like a vine,
I will attack them and rip them open. and his fame will be like the wine from
Like a lion I will devour them; Lebanon.
a wild animal will tear them apart. 8 O Ephraim, what more have I f to do with idols?
a 9,4 Or God / ever since you were in b 12 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia c2 Or “Men who sacrifice / kiss d 14 Hebrew Sheol
e2 Or offer our lips as sacrifices of bulls f 8 Or What more has Ephraim
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Joel
1 thuel.
The word of the L ORD that came to Joel son of Pe- are withheld from the house of your God.
14 Declare a holy fast;
call a sacred assembly.
An Invasion of Locusts Summon the elders
2 Hear this, you elders; and all who live in the land
listen, all who live in the land. to the house of the LORD your God,
Has anything like this ever happened in your days and cry out to the LORD.
or in the days of your forefathers? 15 Alas for that day!
3 Tell it to your children,
For the day of the LORD is near;
and let your children tell it to their children, it will come like destruction from the Almighty. e
and their children to the next generation. 16 Has
4 What the locust swarm has left not the food been cut off
the great locusts have eaten; before our very eyes—
what the great locusts have left joy and gladness
the young locusts have eaten; from the house of our God?
17 The seeds are shriveled
what the young locusts have left
other locusts a have eaten. beneath the clods. f
The storehouses are in ruins,
5 Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! the granaries have been broken down,
Wail, all you drinkers of wine; for the grain has dried up.
wail because of the new wine, 18 How the cattle moan!
for it has been snatched from your lips. The herds mill about
6 A nation has invaded my land,
because they have no pasture;
powerful and without number; even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
it has the teeth of a lion, 19 To
the fangs of a lioness. you, O LORD, I call,
7 It has laid waste my vines for fire has devoured the open pastures
and ruined my fig trees. and flames have burned up all the trees of the
It has stripped off their bark field.
20 Even the wild animals pant for you;
and thrown it away,
leaving their branches white. the streams of water have dried up
and fire has devoured the open pastures.
8 Mourn like a virgin b in sackcloth
grieving for the husband c of her youth. An Army of Locusts
9 Grain offerings and drink offerings
are cut off from the house of the LORD. 2LetBlow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy hill.
all who live in the land tremble,
The priests are in mourning,
those who minister before the LORD. for the day of the LORD is coming.
10 The fields are ruined, It is close at hand—
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
the ground is dried up d;
the grain is destroyed, a day of clouds and blackness.
the new wine is dried up, Like dawn spreading across the mountains
the oil fails. a large and mighty army comes,
11 Despair, you farmers, such as never was of old
wail, you vine growers; nor ever will be in ages to come.
grieve for the wheat and the barley, 3 Before them fire devours,
because the harvest of the field is destroyed. behind them a flame blazes.
12 The vine is dried up
Before them the land is like the garden of Eden,
and the fig tree is withered; behind them, a desert waste—
the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree— nothing escapes them.
all the trees of the field—are dried up. 4 They have the appearance of horses;
Surely the joy of mankind they gallop along like cavalry.
is withered away. 5 With a noise like that of chariots
Greeks, that you might send them far from their home- and the stars no longer shine.
land. 16 The LORD will roar from Zion
7 “See, I am going to rouse them out of the places to and thunder from Jerusalem;
which you sold them, and I will return on your own the earth and the sky will tremble.
heads what you have done. 8 I will sell your sons and But the LORD will be a refuge for his people,
daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell a stronghold for the people of Israel.
them to the Sabeans, a nation far away.” The LORD has Blessings for God’s People
spoken. 17 “Then you will know that I, the LORD your God,
9 Proclaim this among the nations: dwell in Zion, my holy hill.
Prepare for war! Jerusalem will be holy;
Rouse the warriors! never again will foreigners invade her.
Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. 18 “In
10 Beat your plowshares into swords that day the mountains will drip new wine,
and your pruning hooks into spears. and the hills will flow with milk;
Let the weakling say, all the ravines of Judah will run with water.
“I am strong!” A fountain will flow out of the LORD’s house
11 Come quickly, all you nations from every side, and will water the valley of acacias. a
19 But Egypt will be desolate,
and assemble there.
Edom a desert waste,
Bring down your warriors, O LORD! because of violence done to the people of Judah,
12 “Let the nations be roused; in whose land they shed innocent blood.
20 Judah will be inhabited forever
let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
and Jerusalem through all generations.
for there I will sit 21 Their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned,
to judge all the nations on every side.
13 Swing the sickle, I will pardon.”
for the harvest is ripe. The LORD dwells in Zion!
a 18 Or Valley of Shittim
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Amos
1earthquake,
The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—
what he saw concerning Israel two years before the
when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jerobo-
“For three sins of Ammon,
even for four, I will not turn back õmy wrathÕ.
Because he ripped open the pregnant women of
am son of Jehoash a was king of Israel. Gilead
2 He said: in order to extend his borders,
14 I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah
“The LORD roars from Zion
that will consume her fortresses
and thunders from Jerusalem;
amid war cries on the day of battle,
the pastures of the shepherds dry up, b
amid violent winds on a stormy day.
and the top of Carmel withers.” 15 Her king g will go into exile,
I will destroy the king who is in c the Valley of that will consume the fortresses of Kerioth. h
Aven d Moab will go down in great tumult
and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. amid war cries and the blast of the trumpet.
3 I will destroy her ruler
The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir,”
says the LORD. and kill all her officials with him,”
says the LORD.
6 This is what the LORD says:
4 This is what the LORD says:
“For three sins of Gaza,
even for four, I will not turn back õmy wrathÕ. “For three sins of Judah,
Because she took captive whole communities even for four, I will not turn back õmy wrathÕ.
and sold them to Edom, Because they have rejected the law of the LORD
7 I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza and have not kept his decrees,
that will consume her fortresses. because they have been led astray by false gods, i
8 I will destroy the king e of Ashdod the gods j their ancestors followed,
5 I will send fire upon Judah
and the one who holds the scepter in Ashkelon.
I will turn my hand against Ekron, that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem.”
till the last of the Philistines is dead,” Judgment on Israel
says the Sovereign LORD. 6 This is what the LORD says:
9 This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Israel,
“For three sins of Tyre, even for four, I will not turn back õmy wrathÕ.
even for four, I will not turn back õmy wrathÕ. They sell the righteous for silver,
Because she sold whole communities of captives to and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 They trample on the heads of the poor
Edom,
disregarding a treaty of brotherhood, as upon the dust of the ground
10 I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre and deny justice to the oppressed.
that will consume her fortresses.” Father and son use the same girl
11 This
and so profane my holy name.
is what the LORD says: 8 They lie down beside every altar
Septuagint) out, O mountain of oppression c 4 Or tithes on the third day d 6 Hebrew you cleanness of teeth e 11 Hebrew God
30Am-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:19 AM Page 506
You oppress the righteous and take bribes and bring near a reign of terror.
4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory
and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
13 Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such and lounge on your couches.
times, You dine on choice lambs
for the times are evil. and fattened calves.
5 You strum away on your harps like David
14 Seek good, not evil, and improvise on musical instruments.
a5 Or grief; or wickedness; Hebrew aven, a reference to Beth Aven (a derogatory name for Bethel) b 22 Traditionally peace offerings
c 26 Or lifted up Sakkuth your king / and Kaiwan your idols, / your star-gods; Septuagint lifted up the shrine of Molech / and the star of your
14 For
strength?”
the LORD God Almighty declares,
8 “AofThisbasket
is what the Sovereign L
2
showed me: a basket
ORD
ripe fruit. “What do you see, Amos?” he asked.
of ripe fruit,” I answered.
“I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Then the LORD said to me, “The time is ripe for my
Israel, people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
that will oppress you all the way 3 “In that day,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “the
from Lebo c Hamath to the valley of the Arabah.” songs in the temple will turn to wailing. e Many, many
bodies—flung everywhere! Silence!”
Locusts, Fire and a Plumb Line
4 Hearthis, you who trample the needy
7hadpreparing
This is what the Sovereign L showed me: He was
ORD
swarms of locusts after the king’s share
been harvested and just as the second crop was
and do away with the poor of the land,
5 saying,
coming up. 2 When they had stripped the land clean, I
cried out, “Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob sur- “When will the New Moon be over
vive? He is so small!” that we may sell grain,
3 So the LORD relented. and the Sabbath be ended
“This will not happen,” the LORD said. that we may market wheat?”—
4 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The skimping the measure,
Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried boosting the price
up the great deep and devoured the land. 5 Then I cried and cheating with dishonest scales,
6 buying the poor with silver
out, “Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob
survive? He is so small!” and the needy for a pair of sandals,
6 So the LORD relented. selling even the sweepings with the wheat.
“This will not happen either,” the Sovereign LORD 7 The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will
said. never forget anything they have done.
7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing 8 “Willnot the land tremble for this,
by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a and all who live in it mourn?
plumb line in his hand. 8 And the LORD asked me, “What The whole land will rise like the Nile;
do you see, Amos?” it will be stirred up and then sink
“A plumb line,” I replied. like the river of Egypt.
Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line
9 “In that day,” declares the Sovereign LORD,
among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
9 “The high places of Isaac will be destroyed “I will make the sun go down at noon
and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; and darken the earth in broad daylight.
10 I will turn your religious feasts into mourning
with my sword I will rise against the house of
Jeroboam.” and all your singing into weeping.
I will make all of you wear sackcloth
Amos and Amaziah and shave your heads.
10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message I will make that time like mourning for an only son
to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy and the end of it like a bitter day.
a 13 Lo Debar means nothing. b 13 Karnaim means horns; horn here symbolizes strength. c 14 Or from the entrance to
d 17 Hebrew an unclean e 3 Or “the temple singers will wail
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a 14 Or by Ashima; or by the idol b 14 Or power c 2 Hebrew to Sheol d 6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
e6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. f 7 That is, people from the upper Nile region g 7 That is, Crete
h 12 Hebrew; Septuagint so that the remnant of men / and all the nations that bear my name may seek õthe LordÕ i 14 Or will restore the
fortunes of my
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Obadiah
1 The vision of Obadiah. in the day of their destruction,
nor boast so much
This is what the Sovereign LORD says about Edom— in the day of their trouble.
13 You should not march through the gates of my
We have heard a message from the LORD:
An envoy was sent to the nations to say, people
“Rise, and let us go against her for battle”— in the day of their disaster,
nor look down on them in their calamity
2 “See, I will make you small among the nations; in the day of their disaster,
you will be utterly despised. nor seize their wealth
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you,
in the day of their disaster.
you who live in the clefts of the rocks a 14 You should not wait at the crossroads
and make your home on the heights, to cut down their fugitives,
you who say to yourself, nor hand over their survivors
‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ in the day of their trouble.
4 Though you soar like the eagle
15 “The day of the LORD is near
and make your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,” for all nations.
declares the LORD. As you have done, it will be done to you;
5 “If thieves came to you, your deeds will return upon your own head.
16 Just as you drank on my holy hill,
if robbers in the night—
Oh, what a disaster awaits you— so all the nations will drink continually;
would they not steal only as much as they they will drink and drink
wanted? and be as if they had never been.
17 But on Mount Zion will be deliverance;
If grape pickers came to you,
would they not leave a few grapes? it will be holy,
6 But how Esau will be ransacked, and the house of Jacob
his hidden treasures pillaged! will possess its inheritance.
7 All your allies will force you to the border; 18 The house of Jacob will be a fire
your friends will deceive and overpower you; and the house of Joseph a flame;
those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, b the house of Esau will be stubble,
but you will not detect it. and they will set it on fire and consume it.
8 “In
There will be no survivors
that day,” declares the LORD, from the house of Esau.”
“will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, The LORD has spoken.
men of understanding in the mountains of Esau?
9 Your warriors, O Teman, will be terrified, 19 People from the Negev will occupy
and everyone in Esau’s mountains the mountains of Esau,
will be cut down in the slaughter. and people from the foothills will possess
10 Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, the land of the Philistines.
you will be covered with shame; They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and
you will be destroyed forever. Samaria,
11 On the day you stood aloof and Benjamin will possess Gilead.
while strangers carried off his wealth 20 This company of Israelite exiles who are in Canaan
and foreigners entered his gates will possess õthe landÕ as far as Zarephath;
and cast lots for Jerusalem, the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad
you were like one of them. will possess the towns of the Negev.
12 You should not look down on your brother 21 Deliverers will go up on c Mount Zion
a3 Or of Sela b7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain. c 21 Or from
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Jonah
Jonah Flees From the LORD all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:
2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against
it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
4 I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for yet I will look again
Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a toward your holy temple.’
5 The engulfing waters threatened me, b
ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went
aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. the deep surrounded me;
4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to
break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out the earth beneath barred me in forever.
to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to But you brought my life up from the pit,
lighten the ship. O LORD my God.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down 7 “When my life was ebbing away,
and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and I remembered you, LORD,
said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! and my prayer rose to you,
Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.” to your holy temple.
7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us
8 “Thosewho cling to worthless idols
cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.”
They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for 9 But
I, with a song of thanksgiving,
making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where will sacrifice to you.
do you come from? What is your country? From what What I have vowed I will make good.
people are you?” Salvation comes from the LORD.”
9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD,
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited
the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.” Jonah onto dry land.
10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have
you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Jonah Goes to Nineveh
LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they
asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea
3to itThen the word of the L
2
ORD came to Jonah a second
time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim
the message I give you.”
calm down for us?” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to
12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he re- Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a
plied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started
fault that this great storm has come upon you.” into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nin-
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. eveh will be overturned.” 5 The Ninevites believed God.
But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than be- They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest
fore. 14 Then they cried to the LORD, “O LORD, please do to the least, put on sackcloth.
not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he
accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered
O LORD, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then
Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:
grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD,
and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows “By the decree of the king and his nobles:
to him. Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste
17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jo- anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let
nah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let ev-
nights. eryone call urgently on God. Let them give up
their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows?
Jonah’s Prayer God may yet relent and with compassion turn
2 God.
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the L
2
He said:
ORD his from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned
“In my distress I called to the LORD, from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not
and he answered me. bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
From the depths of the grave a I called for help,
and you listened to my cry. Jonah’s Anger at the LORD’s Compassion
4I saidBut
3 You hurled me into the deep, Jonah was greatly displeased and became an-
into the very heart of the seas, 2
gry. He prayed to the L , “O L , is this not what
ORD ORD
and the currents swirled about me; when I was still at home? That is why I was so
a2 Hebrew Sheol b5 Or waters were at my throat
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Micah
1kingsThe word of the LORDthat came to Micah of Moresh-
eth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah,
of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria
because disaster has come from the LORD,
even to the gate of Jerusalem.
13 You who live in Lachish, h
and Jerusalem. harness the team to the chariot.
2 Hear, You were the beginning of sin
O peoples, all of you,
to the Daughter of Zion,
listen, O earth and all who are in it,
for the transgressions of Israel
that the Sovereign LORD may witness against you,
were found in you.
the Lord from his holy temple. 14 Therefore you will give parting gifts
5They
Marshal your troops, O city of troops, let the hills hear what you have to say.
a
for a siege is laid against us. 2 Hear,O mountains, the LORD’s accusation;
will strike Israel’s ruler listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
on the cheek with a rod. For the LORD has a case against his people;
2 “But he is lodging a charge against Israel.
you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans b of Judah, 3 “My people, what have I done to you?
out of you will come for me How have I burdened you? Answer me.
one who will be ruler over Israel, 4I brought you up out of Egypt
whose origins c are from of old, and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
from ancient times. d” I sent Moses to lead you,
3 Therefore also Aaron and Miriam.
Israel will be abandoned 5 My people, remember
until the time when she who is in labor gives
what Balak king of Moab counseled
birth
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
and the rest of his brothers return
Remember õyour journeyÕ from Shittim to Gilgal,
to join the Israelites.
that you may know the righteous acts of the
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock LORD.”
in the strength of the LORD, 6 With what shall I come before the LORD
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
and bow down before the exalted God?
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 with calves a year old?
And he will be their peace. 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
and all the practices of Ahab’s house, and will be covered with shame,
and you have followed their traditions. she who said to me,
Therefore I will give you over to ruin “Where is the LORD your God?”
and your people to derision; My eyes will see her downfall;
you will bear the scorn of the nations. a” even now she will be trampled underfoot
like mire in the streets.
Israel’s Misery
11 The day for building your walls will come,
7 What misery is mine!
I am like one who gathers summer fruit
at the gleaning of the vineyard;
12 In
the day for extending your boundaries.
that day people will come to you
there is no cluster of grapes to eat, from Assyria and the cities of Egypt,
none of the early figs that I crave. even from Egypt to the Euphrates
2 The godly have been swept from the land; and from sea to sea
not one upright man remains. and from mountain to mountain.
13 The earth will become desolate because of its
All men lie in wait to shed blood;
each hunts his brother with a net. inhabitants,
3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; as the result of their deeds.
the ruler demands gifts, Prayer and Praise
the judge accepts bribes, 14 Shepherd your people with your staff,
the powerful dictate what they desire— the flock of your inheritance,
they all conspire together. which lives by itself in a forest,
4 The best of them is like a brier,
in fertile pasturelands. b
the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
The day of your watchmen has come, as in days long ago.
the day God visits you.
15 “As in the days when you came out of Egypt,
Now is the time of their confusion.
5 Do not trust a neighbor; I will show them my wonders.”
put no confidence in a friend. 16 Nations will see and be ashamed,
Even with her who lies in your embrace deprived of all their power.
be careful of your words. They will lay their hands on their mouths
6 For a son dishonors his father,
and their ears will become deaf.
a daughter rises up against her mother, 17 They will lick dust like a snake,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— like creatures that crawl on the ground.
a man’s enemies are the members of his own They will come trembling out of their dens;
household. they will turn in fear to the LORD our God
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, and will be afraid of you.
18 Who is a God like you,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
Israel Will Rise You do not stay angry forever
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! but delight to show mercy.
Though I have fallen, I will rise. 19 You will again have compassion on us;
Though I sit in darkness, you will tread our sins underfoot
the LORD will be my light. and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the
9 Because I have sinned against him, sea.
I will bear the LORD’s wrath, 20 You will be true to Jacob,
until he pleads my case and show mercy to Abraham,
and establishes my right. as you pledged on oath to our fathers
He will bring me out into the light; in days long ago.
Nahum
1 Ansionoracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vi-
of Nahum the Elkoshite.
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, O Judah,
and fulfill your vows.
The LORD’s Anger Against Nineveh No more will the wicked invade you;
2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; they will be completely destroyed.
the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. Nineveh to Fall
The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; 2 AnGuard
attacker advances against you, õNinevehÕ.
the fortress,
watch the road,
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, brace yourselves,
and clouds are the dust of his feet. marshal all your strength!
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; 2 The LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob
he makes all the rivers run dry. like the splendor of Israel,
Bashan and Carmel wither though destroyers have laid them waste
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. and have ruined their vines.
5 The mountains quake before him
3 The shields of his soldiers are red;
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence, the warriors are clad in scarlet.
the world and all who live in it. The metal on the chariots flashes
6 Who can withstand his indignation? on the day they are made ready;
Who can endure his fierce anger? the spears of pine are brandished. c
4 The chariots storm through the streets,
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him. rushing back and forth through the squares.
7 The
They look like flaming torches;
LORD is good, they dart about like lightning.
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him, 5 He summons his picked troops,
8 but with an overwhelming flood yet they stumble on their way.
he will make an end of õNinevehÕ; They dash to the city wall;
he will pursue his foes into darkness. the protective shield is put in place.
6 The river gates are thrown open
9 Whatever they plot against the LORD
he a will bring to an end; and the palace collapses.
7 It is decreed d that õthe cityÕ
trouble will not come a second time.
10 They will be entangled among thorns be exiled and carried away.
and drunk from their wine; Its slave girls moan like doves
they will be consumed like dry stubble. b and beat upon their breasts.
8 Nineveh is like a pool,
11 From you, õO Nineveh,Õ has one come forth
who plots evil against the LORD and its water is draining away.
and counsels wickedness. “Stop! Stop!” they cry,
but no one turns back.
12 This is what the LORD says: 9 Plunder the silver!
“Although they have allies and are numerous, Plunder the gold!
they will be cut off and pass away. The supply is endless,
Although I have afflicted you, õO Judah,Õ the wealth from all its treasures!
10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped!
I will afflict you no more.
13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck Hearts melt, knees give way,
and tear your shackles away.” bodies tremble, every face grows pale.
14 The 11 Where now is the lions’ den,
LORD has given a command concerning you,
õNinevehÕ: the place where they fed their young,
“You will have no descendants to bear your where the lion and lioness went,
name. and the cubs, with nothing to fear?
12 The lion killed enough for his cubs
I will destroy the carved images and cast idols
that are in the temple of your gods. and strangled the prey for his mate,
I will prepare your grave, filling his lairs with the kill
for you are vile.” and his dens with the prey.
15 Look, there on the mountains, 13 “I am against you,”
the feet of one who brings good news, declares the LORD Almighty.
a 9 Or What do you foes plot against the LORD? / He b 10 The meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain. c3 Hebrew;
Septuagint and Syriac / the horsemen rush to and fro d 7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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Habakkuk
1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received. he catches them in his net,
he gathers them up in his dragnet;
and so he rejoices and is glad.
Habakkuk’s Complaint 16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help, and burns incense to his dragnet,
but you do not listen? for by his net he lives in luxury
Or cry out to you, “Violence!” and enjoys the choicest food.
but you do not save? 17 Is he to keep on emptying his net,
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
destroying nations without mercy?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
2I Iwillwill stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts;
look to see what he will say to me,
and justice never prevails. and what answer I am to give to this complaint. c
The wicked hem in the righteous, The LORD’s Answer
so that justice is perverted. 2 Then the LORD replied:
The LORD’s Answer “Write down the revelation
5 “Look at the nations and watch— and make it plain on tablets
and be utterly amazed. so that a herald d may run with it.
For I am going to do something in your days 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
that you would not believe, it speaks of the end
even if you were told. and will not prove false.
6 I am raising up the Babylonians, a
Though it linger, wait for it;
that ruthless and impetuous people, it e will certainly come and will not delay.
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwelling places not their own. 4 “See,he is puffed up;
7 They are a feared and dreaded people;
his desires are not upright—
they are a law to themselves
but the righteous will live by his faith f—
and promote their own honor. 5 indeed, wine betrays him;
8 Their horses are swifter than leopards,
he is arrogant and never at rest.
fiercer than wolves at dusk.
Because he is as greedy as the grave g
Their cavalry gallops headlong;
their horsemen come from afar. and like death is never satisfied,
They fly like a vulture swooping to devour; he gathers to himself all the nations
9 they all come bent on violence. and takes captive all the peoples.
Their hordes b advance like a desert wind 6 “Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and
and gather prisoners like sand. scorn, saying,
10 They deride kings
and scoff at rulers. “ ‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods
They laugh at all fortified cities; and makes himself wealthy by extortion!
they build earthen ramps and capture them. How long must this go on?’
7 Will not your debtors h suddenly arise?
11 Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—
guilty men, whose own strength is their god.” Will they not wake up and make you tremble?
Then you will become their victim.
Habakkuk’s Second Complaint 8 Because you have plundered many nations,
12 O LORD, are you not from everlasting? the peoples who are left will plunder you.
My God, my Holy One, we will not die. For you have shed man’s blood;
O LORD, you have appointed them to execute you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone
judgment; in them.
O Rock, you have ordained them to punish. 9 “Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain
13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
to set his nest on high,
you cannot tolerate wrong. to escape the clutches of ruin!
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? 10 You have plotted the ruin of many peoples,
Why are you silent while the wicked shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.
swallow up those more righteous than 11 The stones of the wall will cry out,
themselves?
14 You have made men like fish in the sea, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.
like sea creatures that have no ruler. 12 “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed
15 The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, and establishes a town by crime!
a6 Or Chaldeans b 9 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. c 1 Or and what to answer when I am rebuked d2 Or
so that whoever reads it e 3 Or Though he linger, wait for him; / he f 4 Or faithfulness g 5 Hebrew Sheol h 7 Or creditors
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Now it is your turn! Drink and be exposed a! you called for many arrows. Selah
The cup from the LORD’s right hand is coming You split the earth with rivers;
around to you, 10 the mountains saw you and writhed.
and disgrace will cover your glory. Torrents of water swept by;
17 The violence you have done to Lebanon will the deep roared
overwhelm you, and lifted its waves on high.
and your destruction of animals will terrify you. 11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens
For you have shed man’s blood; at the glint of your flying arrows,
you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone at the lightning of your flashing spear.
in them. 12 In wrath you strode through the earth
18 “Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? and in anger you threshed the nations.
13 You came out to deliver your people,
Or an image that teaches lies?
For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; to save your anointed one.
he makes idols that cannot speak. You crushed the leader of the land of
19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ wickedness,
Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ you stripped him from head to foot. Selah
14 With his own spear you pierced his head
Can it give guidance?
It is covered with gold and silver; when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,
there is no breath in it. gloating as though about to devour
20 But the LORD is in his holy temple; the wretched who were in hiding.
15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
let all the earth be silent before him.”
churning the great waters.
Habakkuk’s Prayer 16 Iheard and my heart pounded,
3LA prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth. b
my lips quivered at the sound;
2 , I have heard of your fame;
ORD
decay crept into my bones,
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. and my legs trembled.
Renew them in our day, Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
in our time make them known; to come on the nation invading us.
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
in wrath remember mercy.
and there are no grapes on the vines,
3 God came from Teman, though the olive crop fails
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah c and the fields produce no food,
His glory covered the heavens though there are no sheep in the pen
and his praise filled the earth. and no cattle in the stalls,
4 His splendor was like the sunrise; 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
rays flashed from his hand, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
where his power was hidden. 19 The
5 Plague went before him; Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
pestilence followed his steps.
6 He stood, and shook the earth; he enables me to go on the heights.
he looked, and made the nations tremble. For the director of music. On my stringed
The ancient mountains crumbled instruments.
a 16Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, Aquila, Vulgate and Syriac (see also Septuagint) and stagger b1 Probably a literary or musical
term c 3 A word of uncertain meaning; possibly a musical term; also in verses 9 and 13
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Zephaniah
The Great Day of the LORD
1sonThe word of the L ORDthat came to Zephaniah son of
Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the
of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon
14 “The great day of the LORD is near—
near and coming quickly.
king of Judah: Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter,
Warning of Coming Destruction the shouting of the warrior there.
15 That day will be a day of wrath,
2 “I will sweep away everything a day of distress and anguish,
from the face of the earth,” a day of trouble and ruin,
declares the LORD. a day of darkness and gloom,
3 “I will sweep away both men and animals; a day of clouds and blackness,
I will sweep away the birds of the air 16 a day of trumpet and battle cry
and the fish of the sea.
against the fortified cities
The wicked will have only heaps of rubble a
and against the corner towers.
when I cut off man from the face of the earth,” 17 I will bring distress on the people
declares the LORD.
and they will walk like blind men,
Against Judah because they have sinned against the LORD.
4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah Their blood will be poured out like dust
and against all who live in Jerusalem. and their entrails like filth.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal,
the names of the pagan and the idolatrous will be able to save them
priests— on the day of the LORD’s wrath.
5 those who bow down on the roofs In the fire of his jealousy
to worship the starry host, the whole world will be consumed,
those who bow down and swear by the LORD for he will make a sudden end
and who also swear by Molech, b of all who live in the earth.”
6 those who turn back from following the LORD
and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.
7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD,
2before
Gather together, gather together,
2
O shameful nation,
the appointed time arrives
for the day of the LORD is near. and that day sweeps on like chaff,
The LORD has prepared a sacrifice;
before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you,
he has consecrated those he has invited.
8 On the day of the LORD’s sacrifice before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon
you.
I will punish the princes 3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
and the king’s sons
and all those clad you who do what he commands.
in foreign clothes. Seek righteousness, seek humility;
9 On that day I will punish perhaps you will be sheltered
all who avoid stepping on the threshold, c on the day of the LORD’s anger.
who fill the temple of their gods Against Philistia
with violence and deceit. 4 Gaza will be abandoned
10 “On that day,” declares the LORD, and Ashkelon left in ruins.
“a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, At midday Ashdod will be emptied
wailing from the New Quarter, and Ekron uprooted.
5 Woe to you who live by the sea,
and a loud crash from the hills.
11 Wail, you who live in the market district d; O Kerethite people;
all your merchants will be wiped out, the word of the LORD is against you,
all who trade with e silver will be ruined. O Canaan, land of the Philistines.
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
“I will destroy you,
and punish those who are complacent, and none will be left.”
who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, 6 The land by the sea, where the Kerethites f dwell,
either good or bad.’ will be a place for shepherds and sheep pens.
13 Their wealth will be plundered, 7 It will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah;
their houses demolished. there they will find pasture.
They will build houses In the evening they will lie down
but not live in them; in the houses of Ashkelon.
they will plant vineyards The LORD their God will care for them;
but not drink the wine. he will restore their fortunes. g
a3The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain. b 5 Hebrew Malcam, that is, Milcom c 9 See 1 Samuel 5:5. d 11 Or the
Mortar e 11 Or in f 6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. g 7 Or will bring back their captives
36Zp-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:22 AM Page 521
region d 18 Or “I will gather you who mourn for the appointed feasts; / your reproach is a burden to you e 20 Or I bring back your
captives
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Haggai
A Call to Build the House of the LORD ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Al-
mighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you
1 In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of
the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through
the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, gov-
came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you.
Do not fear.’
ernor of Judah, and to Joshua a son of Jehozadak, the 6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little
high priest: while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth,
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “These people the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and
say, ‘The time has not yet come for the LORD’s house to the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this
be built.’ ” house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is
3 Then the word of the LORD came through the mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty.
prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than
living in your paneled houses, while this house remains the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty.
a ruin?” ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give Almighty.”
careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much,
but have harvested little. You eat, but never have Blessings for a Defiled People
10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in
enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on
clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to
them in a purse with holes in it.” the prophet Haggai: 11 “This is what the LORD Almighty
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: 12 If a person car-
thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and ries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and
bring down timber and build the house, so that I may that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or
take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the LORD. 9 “You other food, does it become consecrated?’ ”
expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What The priests answered, “No.”
13 Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact
you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the
LORD Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a with a dead body touches one of these things, does it
ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. become defiled?”
10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.”
14 Then Haggai said, “ ‘So it is with this people and
their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought
on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new this nation in my sight,’ declares the LORD. ‘Whatever
wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.
15 “ ‘Now give careful thought to this from this day
men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands.”
on b —consider how things were before one stone was
12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Je- laid on another in the LORD’s temple. 16 When anyone
hozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only
people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty mea-
message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their sures, there were only twenty. 17 I struck all the work of
God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD. your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did
13 Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, gave this mes- not turn to me,’ declares the LORD. 18 ‘From this day on,
sage of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give
the LORD. 14 So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubba- careful thought to the day when the foundation of the
bel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of LORD’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: 19 Is there
Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the
of the whole remnant of the people. They came and be- fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not
gan to work on the house of the LORD Almighty, their borne fruit.
God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in “ ‘From this day on I will bless you.’ ”
the second year of King Darius.
Zerubbabel the LORD’s Signet Ring
The Promised Glory of the New House 20 The word of the LORD came to Haggai a second
Zechariah
A Call to Return to the LORD horns! 19 I asked the angel who was speaking to me,
“What are these?”
1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the
word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son
of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:
He answered me, “These are the horns that scat-
tered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.”
2 “The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. 20 Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. 21 I
3 Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Al- asked, “What are these coming to do?”
mighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, He answered, “These are the horns that scattered Ju-
‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. 4 Do dah so that no one could raise his head, but the crafts-
not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier proph- men have come to terrify them and throw down these
ets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against
‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But the land of Judah to scatter its people.”
they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares
the LORD. 5 Where are your forefathers now? And the
A Man With a Measuring Line
prophets, do they live forever? 6 But did not my words
and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the 2 Then I looked up—and there before me was a man
with a measuring line in his hand! 2 I asked, “Where
are you going?”
prophets, overtake your forefathers?
“Then they repented and said, ‘The LORD Almighty He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out
has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, how wide and how long it is.”
3 Then the angel who was speaking to me left, and
just as he determined to do.’ ”
another angel came to meet him 4 and said to him:
The Man Among the Myrtle Trees “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city
7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, without walls because of the great number of men and
the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the livestock in it. 5 And I myself will be a wall of fire around
word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’
Berekiah, the son of Iddo. 6 “Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,” de-
8 During the night I had a vision—and there before clares the LORD, “for I have scattered you to the four
me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing winds of heaven,” declares the LORD.
among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were 7 “Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daugh-
red, brown and white horses. ter of Babylon!” 8 For this is what the LORD Almighty
9 I asked, “What are these, my lord?” says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against
The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will the nations that have plundered you—for whoever
show you what they are.” touches you touches the apple of his eye— 9 I will sure-
10 Then the man standing among the myrtle trees ex- ly raise my hand against them so that their slaves will
plained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go plunder them. a Then you will know that the LORD Al-
throughout the earth.” mighty has sent me.
11 And they reported to the angel of the LORD, who 10 “Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am
was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have gone coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD.
throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day
and in peace.” and will become my people. I will live among you and
12 Then the angel of the LORD said, “LORD Almighty, you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to
how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the
from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still be-
with these seventy years?” 13 So the LORD spoke kind and fore the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused him-
comforting words to the angel who talked with me. self from his holy dwelling.”
14 Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Pro-
claim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I Clean Garments for the High Priest
3at hising
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest stand-
b
am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, 15 but I am very
angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a lit- before the angel of the L , and Satan standing
ORD c
2
right side to accuse him. The L
ORD said to Satan,
tle angry, but they added to the calamity.’
16 “Therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen
to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be re- Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick
built. And the measuring line will be stretched out over snatched from the fire?”
3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he
Jerusalem,’ declares the LORD Almighty.
17 “Proclaim further: This is what the LORD Almighty stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who
says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”
the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusa- Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your
lem.’ ” sin, and I will put rich garments on you.”
5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So
Four Horns and Four Craftsmen they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him,
18 Then I looked up—and there before me were four while the angel of the LORD stood by.
a 8,9 Or says after . . . eye: 9“I . . . plunder them.” b1 A variant of Jeshua; here and elsewhere in Zechariah c1 Satan means accuser.
38Zc-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:24 AM Page 524
eyes a on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscrip- basket sat a woman! 8 He said, “This is wickedness,” and
tion on it,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will remove he pushed her back into the basket and pushed the lead
the sin of this land in a single day. cover down over its mouth.
10 “ ‘In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to 9 Then I looked up—and there before me were two
sit under his vine and fig tree,’ declares the LORD Al- women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings
mighty.” like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket be-
tween heaven and earth.
The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees 10 “Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the an-
4HeThen
2
the angel who talked with me returned and
wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep.
asked me, “What do you see?”
gel who was speaking to me.
11 He replied, “To the country of Babylonia g to build a
house for it. When it is ready, the basket will be set there
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a in its place.”
bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven chan-
nels to the lights. 3 Also there are two olive trees by it, Four Chariots
one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
4 I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are 6tains—mountains
I looked up again—and there before me were four
chariots coming out from between two moun-
2
of bronze! The first chariot had red
these, my lord?”
5 He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” horses, the second black, 3 the third white, and the
“No, my lord,” I replied. fourth dappled—all of them powerful. 4 I asked the angel
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Ze- who was speaking to me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits h
rubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’
says the LORD Almighty. of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of
7 “What b are you, O mighty mountain? Before Ze- the Lord of the whole world. 6 The one with the black
rubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will horses is going toward the north country, the one with
bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God the white horses toward the west, i and the one with the
bless it!’ ” dappled horses toward the south.”
7 When the powerful horses went out, they were
8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 9 “The
hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this straining to go throughout the earth. And he said, “Go
temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will throughout the earth!” So they went throughout the
know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. earth.
8 Then he called to me, “Look, those going toward
10 “Who despises the day of small things? Men will
rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Ze- the north country have given my Spirit j rest in the land
rubbabel. of the north.”
“(These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range A Crown for Joshua
throughout the earth.)” 9 The word of the LORD came to me: 10 “Take õsilver
11 Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive
and goldÕ from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah,
trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” who have arrived from Babylon. Go the same day to the
12 Again I asked him, “What are these two olive
house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and
branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out gold- gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the
en oil?” high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak. 12 Tell him this is
13 He replied, “Do you not know what these are?”
what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose
“No, my lord,” I said. name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his
14 So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to c
place and build the temple of the LORD. 13 It is he who
serve the Lord of all the earth.” will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed
The Flying Scroll with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he
will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmo-
5 Iscroll!
2
looked again—and there before me was a flying
and 4.5 meters wide) e 6 Hebrew an ephah; also in verses 7–11 f 6 Or appearance g 11 Hebrew Shinar h 5 Or winds i 6 Or
horses after them j 8 Or spirit k 14 Syriac; Hebrew Helem l 14 Or and the gracious one, the
38Zc-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:24 AM Page 525
not the words the LORD proclaimed through the earlier 19 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “The fasts of the
prophets when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become
were at rest and prosperous, and the Negev and the joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah.
western foothills were settled?’ ” Therefore love truth and peace.”
8 And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: 20 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peo-
9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true ples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come,
justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and
10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the
the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’ LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples
11 “But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek
turned their backs and stopped up their ears. 12 They the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.”
made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days
the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent ten men from all languages and nations will take firm
by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us
Almighty was very angry. go with you, because we have heard that God is with
13 “ ‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they you.’ ”
called, I would not listen,’ says the LORD Almighty. 14 ‘I
scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations,
Judgment on Israel’s Enemies
where they were strangers. The land was left so desolate An Oracle
behind them that no one could come or go. This is how
they made the pleasant land desolate.’ ” 9 The word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach
and will rest upon Damascus—
for the eyes of men and all the tribes of Israel
The LORD Promises to Bless Jerusalem
are on the LORD— a
8jealous
Again the word of the L
2
This is what the L
Almighty came to me.
ORD
Almighty says: “I am very
ORD
for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”
2 and upon Hamath too, which borders on it,
and upon Tyre and Sidon, though they are very
3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and
skillful.
3 Tyre has built herself a stronghold;
dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the she has heaped up silver like dust,
City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty and gold like the dirt of the streets.
will be called the Holy Mountain.” 4 But the Lord will take away her possessions
4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again
and destroy her power on the sea,
men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of and she will be consumed by fire.
Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. 5 Ashkelon will see it and fear;
5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing
Gaza will writhe in agony,
there.” and Ekron too, for her hope will wither.
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem
Gaza will lose her king
marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, and Ashkelon will be deserted.
but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD 6 Foreigners will occupy Ashdod,
Almighty. and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my
7 I will take the blood from their mouths,
people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I the forbidden food from between their teeth.
will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my Those who are left will belong to our God
people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as and become leaders in Judah,
their God.” and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.
9 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “You who now
8 But I will defend my house
hear these words spoken by the prophets who were against marauding forces.
there when the foundation was laid for the house of the Never again will an oppressor overrun my people,
LORD Almighty, let your hands be strong so that the for now I am keeping watch.
temple may be built. 10 Before that time there were no
wages for man or beast. No one could go about his The Coming of Zion’s King
business safely because of his enemy, for I had turned 9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
every man against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the See, your king b comes to you,
past,” declares the LORD Almighty. righteous and having salvation,
12 “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, gentle and riding on a donkey,
the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheri- 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
tance to the remnant of this people. 13 As you have been and the war-horses from Jerusalem,
an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Is- and the battle bow will be broken.
rael, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not He will proclaim peace to the nations.
be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” His rule will extend from sea to sea
14 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Just as I had and from the River c to the ends of the earth. d
a1 Or Damascus. / For the eye of the LORD is on all mankind, / as well as on the tribes of Israel, b9 Or King c 10 That is, the Euphrates
d 10 Or the end of the land
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trampling the muddy streets in battle. but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of sil-
Because the LORD is with them, ver.
13 And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—
they will fight and overthrow the horsemen.
6 “I
the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took
will strengthen the house of Judah the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house
and save the house of Joseph. of the LORD to the potter.
I will restore them 14 Then I broke my second staff called Union, break-
because I have compassion on them. ing the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
They will be as though 15 Then the LORD said to me, “Take again the equip-
I had not rejected them, ment of a foolish shepherd. 16 For I am going to raise up
for I am the LORD their God a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost,
and I will answer them. or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the
7 The Ephraimites will become like mighty men,
healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tear-
and their hearts will be glad as with wine. ing off their hoofs.
Their children will see it and be joyful;
their hearts will rejoice in the LORD. 17 “Woe to the worthless shepherd,
8 I will signal for them who deserts the flock!
and gather them in. May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!
Surely I will redeem them; May his arm be completely withered,
they will be as numerous as before. his right eye totally blinded!”
a 15 Or bowl, / like b 4,5 Or ruler, all of them together. / 5They
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2 “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh
from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their
declares the LORD Almighty. “I will remove both the eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in
prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. 3 And their mouths. 13 On that day men will be stricken by the
if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother, to LORD with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of
whom he was born, will say to him, ‘You must die, be- another, and they will attack each other. 14 Judah too
cause you have told lies in the LORD’s name.’ When he will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding
prophesies, his own parents will stab him. nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and
4 “On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his silver and clothing. 15 A similar plague will strike the
prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet’s gar- horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the
ment of hair in order to deceive. 5 He will say, ‘I am not a animals in those camps.
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have
prophet. I am a farmer; the land has been my livelihood
since my youth. c’ 6 If someone asks him, ‘What are attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship
these wounds on your body d?’ he will answer, ‘The the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast
wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’ of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not
go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Al-
The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered mighty, they will have no rain. 18 If the Egyptian people
7 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The
against the man who is close to me!” LORD h will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the
a 10 Or the Spirit b 10 Or to c 5 Or farmer; a man sold me in my youth d 6 Or wounds between your hands e 5 Or 5My mountain
valley will be blocked and will extend to Azel. It will be blocked as it was blocked because of the earthquake f 8 That is, the Dead Sea
g8 That is, the Mediterranean h 18 Or part, then the LORD
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a 21 Or merchant
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Malachi
1 Malachi.
An oracle: The word of the L
a
ORD to Israel through honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a
curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I
have already cursed them, because you have not set
Jacob Loved, Esau Hated your heart to honor me.
2 “I
have loved you,” says the LORD. 3 “Because of you I will rebuke b your descendants c; I
“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’ will spread on your faces the offal from your festival
“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” the LORD says. “Yet I sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. 4 And you
have loved Jacob, 3 but Esau I have hated, and I have will know that I have sent you this admonition so that
turned his mountains into a wasteland and left his in- my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD Al-
heritance to the desert jackals.” mighty. 5 “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life
4 Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we
and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for rever-
will rebuild the ruins.” ence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.
But this is what the LORD Almighty says: “They may 6 True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false
build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wick- was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and
ed Land, a people always under the wrath of the LORD. uprightness, and turned many from sin.
5 You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the 7 “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowl-
LORD—even beyond the borders of Israel!’ edge, and from his mouth men should seek instruc-
Blemished Sacrifices tion—because he is the messenger of the LORD Al-
6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If mighty. 8 But you have turned from the way and by your
teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violat-
I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, ed the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty.
where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty. “It 9 “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated
is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. before all the people, because you have not followed
“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the
your name?’ law.”
7 “You place defiled food on my altar.
“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’ Judah Unfaithful
“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. 10 Have we not all one Father d? Did not one God cre-
8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not
ate us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers
wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased ani- by breaking faith with one another?
mals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your gover- 11 Judah has broken faith. A detestable thing has
nor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has
you?” says the LORD Almighty. desecrated the sanctuary the LORD loves, by marrying
9 “Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such
the daughter of a foreign god. 12 As for the man who
offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says does this, whoever he may be, may the LORD cut him off
the LORD Almighty. from the tents of Jacob e—even though he brings offer-
10 “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors,
ings to the LORD Almighty.
so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I 13 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD’s altar
am not pleased with you,” says the LORD Almighty, “and with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer
I will accept no offering from your hands. 11 My name pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with
will be great among the nations, from the rising to the pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, “Why?” It is be-
setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offer- cause the LORD is acting as the witness between you
ings will be brought to my name, because my name will and the wife of your youth, because you have broken
be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty. faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of
12 “But you profane it by saying of the Lord’s table, ‘It your marriage covenant.
is defiled,’ and of its food, ‘It is contemptible.’ 13 And you 15 Has not õthe LORDÕ made them one? In flesh and
say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuous- spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seek-
ly,” says the LORD Almighty. ing godly offspring. f So guard yourself in your spirit,
“When you bring injured, crippled or diseased ani- and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
mals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them 16 “I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I
from your hands?” says the LORD. 14 “Cursed is the cheat hate a man’s covering himself g with violence as well as
who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty.
give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break
Lord. For I am a great king,” says the LORD Almighty, faith.
“and my name is to be feared among the nations.
The Day of Judgment
Admonition for the Priests 17 You have wearied the LORD with your words.
3 “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the 13 “You have said harsh things against me,” says the
way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are LORD.
seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’
covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did
Almighty. we gain by carrying out his requirements and going
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? 15 But
can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildo-
fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and pu- ers prosper, and even those who challenge God es-
rifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them cape.’ ”
like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who 16 Then those who feared the LORD talked with each
will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of re-
of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, membrance was written in his presence concerning
as in days gone by, as in former years. those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
5 “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be 17 “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in
quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjur- the day when I make up my treasured possession. a I
ers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his
who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and de- son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the dis-
prive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the tinction between the righteous and the wicked, be-
LORD Almighty. tween those who serve God and those who do not.
Robbing God The Day of the LORD
4and“Surely
6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.
Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble,
forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says
have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to
you,” says the LORD Almighty. them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. you will go out and leap like calves released from the
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ stall. 3 Then you will trample down the wicked; they will
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I
whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. do these things,” says the LORD Almighty.
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there 4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the de-
may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the crees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the 5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that
floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn
that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will pre- the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the
vent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come
your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Al- and strike the land with a curse.”
THE
New Testament
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Matthew
The Genealogy of Jesus His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph,
but before they came together, she was found to be
1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of
David, the son of Abraham: with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her
husband was a righteous man and did not want to ex-
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, pose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce
Isaac the father of Jacob, her quietly.
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the
3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose
Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son
mother was Tamar, of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your
Perez the father of Hezron, wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy
Hezron the father of Ram, Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give
4 Ram the father of Amminadab,
him the name Jesus, c because he will save his people
Amminadab the father of Nahshon, from their sins.”
Nahshon the father of Salmon, 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was
through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child
Rahab, and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Im-
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was manuel” d—which means, “God with us.”
Ruth, 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of
Obed the father of Jesse, the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as
6 and Jesse the father of King David.
his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
had been Uriah’s wife, The Visit of the Magi
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
2Jerusalem
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during
the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to
2
e
and asked, “Where is the one who has been
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east f and
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, have come to worship him.”
Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and
9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,
all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all
Jotham the father of Ahaz, the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, asked them where the Christ g was to be born. 5 “In
10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the
Manasseh the father of Amon, prophet has written:
Amon the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah a and his 6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
12 Afterthe exile to Babylon: who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ h”
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He
Abiud the father of Eliakim, sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a care-
Eliakim the father of Azor, ful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report
14 Azor the father of Zadok, to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Eliud, way, and the star they had seen in the east i went ahead
15 Eliud the father of Eleazar, of them until it stopped over the place where the child
Eleazar the father of Matthan, was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped
Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called him. Then they opened their treasures and presented
Christ. him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to
17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to
Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ. b The Escape to Egypt
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord ap-
The Birth of Jesus Christ peared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there
a 11That is, Jehoiachin; also in verse 12 b 17 Or Messiah. “The Christ” (Greek) and “the Messiah” (Hebrew) both mean “the Anointed
One.” c 21 Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the LORD saves. d 23 Isaiah 7:14 e 1 Traditionally Wise Men f 2 Or star
when it rose g 4 Or Messiah h 6 Micah 5:2 i 9 Or seen when it rose
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John the Baptist Prepares the Way written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him
only.’ h”
3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in
the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is near.” 3 This is he who was spoken
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and at-
tended him.
of through the prophet Isaiah: Jesus Begins to Preach
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in pris-
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, on, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went
make straight paths for him.’ ” c and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he
area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was
said through the prophet Isaiah:
had a leather belt around his waist. His food was lo-
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
custs and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Je-
rusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jor- the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
dan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness
in the Jordan River.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Saddu- have seen a great light;
cees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to on those living in the land of the shadow of death
them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee a light has dawned.” i
from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent,
repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to your- for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
selves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that
out of these stones God can raise up children for Abra- The Calling of the First Disciples
ham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and ev- 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he
ery tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother
down and thrown into the fire. Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they
11 “I baptize you with d water for repentance. But after were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I
me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their
sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the nets and followed him.
Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers,
hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were
wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with un- in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their
quenchable fire.” nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the
boat and their father and followed him.
The Baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be Jesus Heals the Sick
baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their
“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom,
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us and healing every disease and sickness among the peo-
a 15 Hosea 11:1 b 18 Jer. 31:15 c3 Isaiah 40:3 d 11 Or in e4 Deut. 8:3 f6 Psalm 91:11,12 g7 Deut. 6:16 h 10 Deut. 6:13
i 16 Isaiah 9:1,2
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a 25 That is, the Ten Citiesb 21 Exodus 20:13 c 22 Some manuscripts brother without cause d 22 An Aramaic term of contempt
e 26 Greek kodrantes f 27 Exodus 20:14 g 31 Deut. 24:1 h 38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21 i 43 Lev. 19:18 j 44 Some
late manuscripts enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you
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you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I
what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was
be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the
secret, will reward you. grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is
thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you,
Prayer O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,
shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and
the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But
they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do
Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they
will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be Judging Others
7with“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the2
like them, for your Father knows what you need before
you ask him. same way you judge others, you will be judged, and
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your
hallowed be your name, own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me
10 your kingdom come,
take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is
your will be done a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the
on earth as it is in heaven. plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly
11 Give us today our daily bread.
to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
12 Forgive us our debts, 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your
as we also have forgiven our debtors. pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under
13 And lead us not into temptation,
their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
but deliver us from the evil one. a’
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will
heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For ev-
forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your eryone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to
sins. him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him
Fasting
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypo- a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If
crites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good
are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in
reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in ev-
and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to erything, do to others what you would have them do to
men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in se- The Narrow and Wide Gates
cret, will reward you. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the
Treasures in Heaven gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and
narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break
in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in A Tree and Its Fruit
heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in
thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your trea- sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious
sure is, there your heart will be also. wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do peo-
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are
ple pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad
eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
then the light within you is darkness, how great is that and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that
darkness! does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate
the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will
one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the
and Money. will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to
me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in
Do Not Worry your name, and in your name drive out demons and
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly,
what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the
body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds The Wise and Foolish Builders
of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man
a 13 Or from evil; some late manuscripts one, / for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. b 27 Or single cubit to
his height
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The Man With Leprosy man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or
Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and any-
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following in- one who does not take his cross and follow me is not
a1 Greek unclean b 8 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy. c 25 Greek Beezeboul
or Beelzeboul d 29 Greek an assarion e 36 Micah 7:6
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formed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that
a1 Greek in their towns b 5 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy. c 10 Mal. 3:1
d 23 Greek Hades e 6 Or something; also in verses 41 and 42 f 7 Hosea 6:6 g 21 Isaiah 42:1–4
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are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” d heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came
are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.
a 24 Greek Beezeboul or Beelzeboul; also in verse 27 b 41 Or something; also in verse 42 c 43 Greek unclean d 47 Some
manuscripts do not have verse 47. e 15 Isaiah 6:9,10
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Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the help me!” she said.
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s
water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the
wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, bread and toss it to their dogs.”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the
“Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great
caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you
doubt?” faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind healed from that very hour.
died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat wor- Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
shiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee.
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gen-
Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down.
nesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the
Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid
People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were
let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled
touched him were healed. made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And
Clean and Unclean they praised the God of Israel.
32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have
kingdom of heaven. him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the
name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better 31 When the other servants saw what had happened,
for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck they were greatly distressed and went and told their
and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. master everything that had happened.
7 “Woe to the world because of the things that cause 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wick-
people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the ed servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours
man through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had
foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In
better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be
have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of
fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and
throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of Divorce
hell.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these lit-
19 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he
left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to
2
the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed
tle ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always him, and he healed them there.
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They
see the face of my Father in heaven. a
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any
sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave and every reason?”
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the begin-
the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one
that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the ning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ h 5 and
truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and
the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same mother and be united to his wife, and the two will be-
way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of come one flesh’ i? 6 So they are no longer two, but one.
these little ones should be lost. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not
separate.”
A Brother Who Sins Against You 7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that
15 “If your brother sins against you, b go and show a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her
him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to away?”
8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your
you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not
listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every mat- wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this
ter may be established by the testimony of two or three way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who di-
witnesses.’ c 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the vorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and
church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, marries another woman commits adultery.”
10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation
treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word,
will be d bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on
earth will be d loosed in heaven. but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For some
19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree are eunuchs because they were born that way; others
about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my were made that way by men; and others have re-
Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come to- nounced marriage j because of the kingdom of heaven.
gether in my name, there am I with them.” The one who can accept this should accept it.”
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant The Little Children and Jesus
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him
21 Then
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how
many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the
against me? Up to seven times?” disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but
do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs
seventy-seven times. e
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on
them, he went on from there.
who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As
he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten The Rich Young Man
thousand talents f was brought to him. 25 Since he was 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher,
not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus
debt. replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to
26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be pa-
enter life, obey the commandments.”
tient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back every- 18 “Which ones?” the man inquired.
thing.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, can- Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit
celed the debt and let him go. adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of 19 honor your father and mother,’ k and ‘love your neigh-
his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. g bor as yourself.’ l”
He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What
what you owe me!’ he demanded. do I still lack?”
a 10 Some manuscripts heaven. 11The Son of Man came to save what was lost. b 15 Some manuscripts do not have against you.
c 16 Deut. 19:15 d 18 Or have been e 22 Or seventy times seven f 24 That is, millions of dollars g 28 That is, a few dollars
h4 Gen. 1:27 i 5 Gen. 2:24 j 12 Or have made themselves eunuchs k 19 Exodus 20:12–16; Deut. 5:16–20 l 19 Lev. 19:18
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astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is “We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my
impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant.
These places belong to those for whom they have been
follow you! What then will there be for us?” prepared by my Father.”
28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the re-
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indig-
newal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glo- nant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them togeth-
rious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on er and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. lord it over them, and their high officials exercise au-
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sis-
thority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever
ters or father or mother a or children or fields for my wants to become great among you must be your ser-
sake will receive a hundred times as much and will in- vant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your
herit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be
and many who are last will be first. served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard many.”
“ ‘From the lips of children and infants comes, what will he do to those tenants?”
41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,”
you have ordained praise’ c?”
they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other ten-
17 And he left them and went out of the city to Betha-
ants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest
ny, where he spent the night. time.”
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the
The Fig Tree Withers
18 Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to
Scriptures:
the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he “ ‘The stone the builders rejected
went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. has become the capstone d;
Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Im- the Lord has done this,
mediately the tree withered. and it is marvelous in our eyes’ e?
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed.
43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will
“How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith be taken away from you and given to a people who will
produce its fruit. 44 He who falls on this stone will be
and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to
broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be
the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go,
crushed.” f
throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Je-
believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
sus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them.
The Authority of Jesus Questioned 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was
teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people a prophet.
came to him. “By what authority are you doing these The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If
you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am do- 22 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:
2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who pre-
3
pared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his ser-
ing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come
from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” vants to those who had been invited to the banquet to
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we tell them to come, but they refused to come.
4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell
say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you be-
lieve him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men’—we are afraid of those who have been invited that I have prepared my
the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butch-
27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” ered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding
Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what author- banquet.’
5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to
ity I am doing these things.
his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his
The Parable of the Two Sons servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those
two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and murderers and burned their city.
8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding ban-
work today in the vineyard.’
29 “ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his quet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to
mind and went. come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the ban-
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said quet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into
the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did the streets and gathered all the people they could find,
not go. both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” with guests.
“The first,” they answered. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collec- noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding
tors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of clothes. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here
God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.
the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand
a 13 Isaiah 56:7 b 13 Jer. 7:11 c 16 Psalm 8:2 d 42 Or cornerstone e 42 Psalm 118:22,23 f 44 Some manuscripts do not have
verse 44.
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‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. but the righteous to eternal life.”
See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful The Plot Against Jesus
servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will
put you in charge of many things. Come and share your 26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things,
2
he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Pass-
over is two days away—and the Son of Man will be
master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ handed over to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people
he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have
gained two more.’ assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some
servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will sly way and kill him. 5 “But not during the Feast,” they
put you in charge of many things. Come and share your said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
master’s happiness!’ Jesus Anointed at Bethany
24 “Then the man who had received the one talent
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man
came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man,
harvesting where you have not sown and gathering known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with
where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she
and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant.
here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could
you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and have been sold at a high price and the money given to
gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you
should have put my money on deposit with the bankers,
so that when I returned I would have received it back bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing
with interest. to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but
28 “ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this
who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for buri-
given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever al. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is
does not have, even what he has will be taken from preached throughout the world, what she has done will
him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into also be told, in memory of her.”
the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.’
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Is-
The Sheep and the Goats cariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So
the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heaven- they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From
a 15 A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.
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ble with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the
said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one af- Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with
ter the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the el-
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand ders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a
into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest
will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings,
man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” d
him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and ar-
“Surely not I, Rabbi?” rested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions
Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.” a reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to
thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
“Take and eat; this is my body.” 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at
27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to
once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of an-
them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my gels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled
blood of the b covenant, which is poured out for many that say it must happen in this way?”
for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading
this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and
drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the
courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this
Mount of Olives. has all taken place that the writings of the prophets
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all and fled.
fall away on account of me, for it is written: Before the Sanhedrin
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caia-
“ ‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ c phas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and
the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Gali- distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He
lee.” entered and sat down with the guards to see the out-
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of come.
you, I never will.” 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were
34 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very
looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they
night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any,
three times.” though many false witnesses came forward.
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fel-
I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said low said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and re-
the same. build it in three days.’ ”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus,
Gethsemane “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called
that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus re-
Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go mained silent.
over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of The high priest said to him, “I charge you under
Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, e the
and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is over- Son of God.”
whelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here 64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all
and keep watch with me.” of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the
at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the
ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may clouds of heaven.”
this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He
will.” has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more wit-
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them nesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for 66 What do you think?”
one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
a 25 Or “You yourself have said it” b 28 Some manuscripts the new c 31 Zech. 13:7 d 50 Or “Friend, why have you come?” e 63 Or
Messiah; also in verse 68
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or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was out they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it
sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone.
that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
in a dream because of him.” 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the voice, he gave up his spirit.
crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn
a 10 See Zech. 11:12,13; Jer. 19:1–13; 32:6–9. b 35 A few late manuscripts lots that the word spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: “They
divided my garments among themselves and cast lots for my clothing” (Psalm 22:18) c 46 Some manuscripts Eli, Eli d 46 Psalm 22:1
40Mt-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 12:38 PM Page 552
a 54 Or a son b 19 Or into; see Acts 8:16; 19:5; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.
41Mk-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:27 AM Page 553
Mark
John the Baptist Prepares the Way you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy
One of God!”
1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the
Son of God. a 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”
26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out
2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with
who will prepare your way” b— authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they
3 “a voice of one calling in the desert,
obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, whole region of Galilee.
make straight paths for him.’ ” c
4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and Jesus Heals Many
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with
preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness
of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the peo- James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Si-
ple of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, mon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they
they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand
wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to
around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. wait on them.
7 And this was his message: “After me will come one 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Je-
more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am sus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole
not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many
with d water, but he will baptize you with the Holy who had various diseases. He also drove out many de-
Spirit.” mons, but he would not let the demons speak because
they knew who he was.
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Je-
and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was
coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn sus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary
open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions
11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they
whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the
13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why
Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attend- I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee,
ed him. preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
The Calling of the First Disciples A Man With Leprosy
14 After 40 A man with leprosy f came to him and begged him
John was put in prison, Jesus went into Gali-
lee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me
come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent clean.”
41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his
and believe the good news!”
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Si- hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be
mon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was
for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus cured.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:
said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18 At once
44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show
they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses
son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, prepar- commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to
ing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely,
left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer
and followed him. enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places.
Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath Jesus Heals a Paralytic
came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to
teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, be-
cause he taught them as one who had authority, not as
2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Caperna-
um, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So
many gathered that there was no room left, not even
the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their syna- outside the door, and he preached the word to them.
gogue who was possessed by an evil e spirit cried out, 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried
24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus
a1 Some manuscripts do not have the Son of God. b 2 Mal. 3:1 c 3 Isaiah 40:3 d 8 Or in e 23 Greek unclean; also in verses 26
and 27 f 40 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.
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that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?”
alone?” But they remained silent.
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply dis-
what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to tressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man,
them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his
easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees
to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you went out and began to plot with the Herodians how
may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to they might kill Jesus.
forgive sins . . .” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get Crowds Follow Jesus
up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a
mat and walked out in full view of them all. This
large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard
amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We
all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea,
have never seen anything like this!”
Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan
The Calling of Levi and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to
crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he keep the people from crowding him. 10 For he had
walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing
tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and forward to touch him. 11 Whenever the evil a spirits saw
Levi got up and followed him. him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to
many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him tell who he was.
and his disciples, for there were many who followed The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles
him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to
saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He ap-
they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax col- pointed twelve—designating them apostles b—that
lectors and ‘sinners’?” they might be with him and that he might send them
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the
out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out de-
healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not mons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to
come to call the righteous, but sinners.” whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee
Jesus Questioned About Fasting and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boa-
18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fast- nerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Phil-
ing. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that ip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Al-
John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are phaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas
fasting, but yours are not?” Iscariot, who betrayed him.
19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bride-
Jesus and Beelzebub
groom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long 20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd
as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even
when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they
that day they will fast. went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of
21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old
his mind.”
garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from
the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub c! By the
wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be 23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in para-
ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins.” bles: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is
Lord of the Sabbath divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grain-
house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot
fields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a
pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless
“Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sab- he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his
bath?” house. 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphe-
25 He answered, “Have you never read what David
mies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blas-
did when he and his companions were hungry and in phemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he
need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he en- is guilty of an eternal sin.”
tered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an
which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave evil spirit.”
some to his companions.”
27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing
Lord even of the Sabbath.” outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd
a 11 Greek unclean; also in verse 30 b 14 Some manuscripts do not have designating them apostles. c 22 Greek Beezeboul or
Beelzeboul
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under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its side. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the
stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be dis- pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permis-
closed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be sion, and the evil spirits came out and went into the
brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed
let him hear.” down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in
“With the measure you use, it will be measured to the town and countryside, and the people went out to
you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus,
more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion
taken from him.” of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind;
and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the
The Parable of the Growing Seed people what had happened to the demon-possessed
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people
like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who
grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.
soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your fam-
a 12 Isaiah 6:9,10 b1 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; other manuscripts Gergesenes c2 Greek unclean; also in verses 8 and 13
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done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had hap- arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He
pened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s
be freed from your suffering.” wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because
from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to
daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John,
any more?” he was greatly puzzled e; yet he liked to listen to him.
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday
ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When
James and John the brother of James. 38 When they the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she
came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you
39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her
and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to
they laughed at him. half my kingdom.”
24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father
and mother and the disciples who were with him, and ask for?”
went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.
and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the re-
girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood quest: “I want you to give me right now the head of John
up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At the Baptist on a platter.”
this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his
orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse
to give her something to eat. her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with or-
ders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded
A Prophet Without Honor John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a
6beganJesus left there and went to his hometown, accom-
2
panied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he
to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard
platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her
mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and
took his body and laid it in a tomb.
him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
“What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported
even does miracles! 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so
Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, b Judas many people were coming and going that they did not
and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with
took offense at him. me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
4 Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a sol-
a 20 That is, the Ten Cities b 3 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph c7 Greek unclean d 14 Some early manuscripts He was saying
e 20 Some early manuscripts he did many things
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come a long distance.” must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders,
4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must
place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke
5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began
“Seven,” they replied. to rebuke him.
6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples,
he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You
broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of
the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish men.”
as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disci- 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his
ples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satis- disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he
fied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thou- 35 For whoever wants to save his life c will lose it, but
sand men were present. And having sent them away, whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save
10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the
it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world,
region of Dalmanutha. yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in ex-
11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus.
change for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and
To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the
sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in
for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat
and crossed to the other side. 9 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who
are standing here will not taste death before they
see the kingdom of God come with power.”
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except
The Transfiguration
for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be care- 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with
ful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the him and led them up a high mountain, where they were
Pharisees and that of Herod.” all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It
clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in
is because we have no bread.” the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared be-
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why
fore them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be
see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for
have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to
don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for say, they were so frightened.)
the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did 7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a
you pick up?”
voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer
thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you
pick up?” saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen
until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They
The Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people from the dead” meant.
11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the
brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.
23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him out- law say that Elijah must come first?”
side the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first,
put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see any- and restores all things. Why then is it written that the
thing?” Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I
24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him
trees walking around.” everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
a 26 Some manuscripts Don’t go and tell anyone in the village b 29 Or Messiah. “The Christ” (Greek) and “the Messiah” (Hebrew) both
mean “the Anointed One.” c 35 The Greek word means either life or soul; also in verse 36.
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of God.” him.
26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
each other, “Who then can be saved?” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Im-
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is mediately he received his sight and followed Jesus
impossible, but not with God; all things are possible along the road.
with God.” The Triumphal Entry
28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to fol-
low you!”
29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who 11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Beth-
phage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus
2
sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the vil-
has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father
or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail lage ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find
to receive a hundred times as much in this present a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it
age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you do-
fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to ing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it
come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, back here shortly.’ ”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street,
and the last first.”
tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people
Jesus Again Predicts His Death standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that
32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and
leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to
while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many
Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen people spread their cloaks on the road, while others
to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who
the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and went ahead and those who followed shouted,
teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death “Hosanna! b”
and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock
him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” c
later he will rise.” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father
The Request of James and John David!”
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came “Hosanna in the highest!”
to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple.
whatever we ask.” He looked around at everything, but since it was al-
36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and
ready late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
the other at your left in your glory.” Jesus Clears the Temple
38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus
“Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he
baptism I am baptized with?” went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it,
39 “We can,” they answered.
he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one
and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard
40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant.
him say it.
These places belong to those for whom they have been 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple
prepared.” area and began driving out those who were buying and
41 When the ten heard about this, they became in- selling there. He overturned the tables of the money
dignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them to- changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and
gether and said, “You know that those who are regarded would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through
as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is
officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with it not written:
you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among
“ ‘My house will be called
you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be
a house of prayer for all nations’ d?
first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ e”
as a ransom for many.” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard
a 24 Some manuscripts is for those who trust in riches b 9 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of
praise; also in verse 10 c 9 Psalm 118:25,26 d 17 Isaiah 56:7 e 17 Jer. 7:11
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The Authority of Jesus Questioned tion, came to him with a question. 19 “Teacher,” they
27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies
and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry
was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the
the widow and have children for his brother. 20 Now
teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 “By
there were seven brothers. The first one married and
what authority are you doing these things?” they asked.
died without leaving any children. 21 The second one
“And who gave you authority to do this?”
29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It
me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing was the same with the third. 22 In fact, none of the seven
these things. 30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23 At
from men? Tell me!” the resurrection f whose wife will she be, since the seven
31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If were married to her?”
24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do
we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you
believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men’ . . .” (They not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When
feared the people, for everyone held that John really the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in
was a prophet.) marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 Now
33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of
Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to
am doing these things.” him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob’ g? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but
The Parable of the Tenants of the living. You are badly mistaken!”
Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a
away on a journey. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to good answer, he asked him, “Of all the command-
the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the ments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is
vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him and sent him
away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant to this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. h
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
them; they struck this man on the head and treated him
shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and that one they your soul and with all your mind and with all your
killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, strength.’ i 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as
others they killed. yourself.’ j There is no commandment greater than
6 “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are
sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
7 “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the right in saying that God is one and there is no other but
heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your un-
ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him, and threw him derstanding and with all your strength, and to love your
out of the vineyard. neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt
9 “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he
will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to
others. 10 Haven’t you read this scripture: said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
And from then on no one dared ask him any more
“ ‘The stone the builders rejected questions.
has become the capstone d;
11 theLord has done this, Whose Son Is the Christ?
and it is marvelous in our eyes’ e?” 35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he
12 Then asked, “How is it that the teachers of the law say that the
they looked for a way to arrest him because
Christ k is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by
they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But
the Holy Spirit, declared:
they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went
away. “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
a 19 Some early manuscripts he b 22 Some early manuscripts If you have c 25 Some manuscripts sins. 26But if you do not forgive,
neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins. d 10 Or cornerstone e 11 Psalm 118:22,23 f 23 Some manuscripts
resurrection, when men rise from the dead, g 26 Exodus 3:6 h 29 Or the Lord our God is one Lord i 30 Deut. 6:4,5 j 31 Lev. 19:18
k 35 Or Messiah
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truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until priests, elders and teachers of the law came together.
that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the court-
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the yard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and
Mount of Olives. warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is
put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many tes-
written: tified falsely against him, but their statements did not
“ ‘I will strike the shepherd, agree.
and the sheep will be scattered.’ b 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Gali- against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this
man-made temple and in three days will build another,
lee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” not made by man.’ ” 59 Yet even then their testimony did
30 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, not agree.
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and
tonight—before the rooster crows twice c you yourself
will disown me three times.” asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others
said the same. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the
Christ, e the Son of the Blessed One?”
Gethsemane 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming
said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Pe- on the clouds of heaven.”
ter, James and John along with him, and he began to be 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need
deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is over- any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the
whelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to blasphemy. What do you think?”
them. “Stay here and keep watch.” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and
some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck
prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the
36 “Abba, d Father,” he said, “everything is possible for
guards took him and beat him.
you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what
you will.” Peter Disowns Jesus
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the
sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw
Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
is willing, but the body is weak.” 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what
a 24 Some manuscripts the new b 27 Zech. 13:7 c 30 Some early manuscripts do not have twice. d 36 Aramaic for Father
e 61 Or Messiah
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Luke
Introduction days he has shown his favor and taken away my dis-
grace among the people.”
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the
things that have been fulfilled a among us, 2 just as
they were handed down to us by those who from the
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to
first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be
everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.
me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her
Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The
things you have been taught. Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and won-
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold dered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the an-
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a gel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found
priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to
division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descen- a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will
dant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regu- The Lord God will give him the throne of his father Da-
lations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because vid, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever;
Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in his kingdom will never end.”
years. 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and am a virgin?”
he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come
lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go upon you, and the power of the Most High will over-
into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And shadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called c
when the time for the burning of incense came, all the the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to
assembled worshipers were praying outside. have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, stand- barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible
ing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When with God.”
Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it
with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Eliza-
beth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town
name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and
many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zecha-
great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or riah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth
other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,
Holy Spirit even from birth. b 16 Many of the people of and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud
Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women,
will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so
Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached
make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to
this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in her will be accomplished!”
years.” Mary’s Song
19 The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the
46 And Mary said:
presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you
and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be si- “My soul glorifies the Lord
lent and not able to speak until the day this happens, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
because you did not believe my words, which will come 48 for he has been mindful
true at their proper time.” of the humble state of his servant.
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah From now on all generations will call me blessed,
and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They me—
realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept holy is his name.
making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
23 When his time of service was completed, he re- from generation to generation.
turned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. he has scattered those who are proud in their
25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these inmost thoughts.
a1 Or been surely believed b 15 Or from his mother’s womb c 35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy,
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even as he said to our fathers.” in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, be-
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three
cause he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He
went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be
months and then returned home. married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they
The Birth of John the Baptist were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him
in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there
she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives was no room for them in the inn.
heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and
they shared her joy. The Shepherds and the Angels
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields
child, and they were going to name him after his father nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An an-
Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He gel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the
is to be called John.” Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your rel- the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you
atives who has that name.” good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a you; he is Christ b the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you:
writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a
wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to
speak, praising God. 65 The neighbors were all filled appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea peo- 14 “Gloryto God in the highest,
ple were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who and on earth peace to men on whom his favor
heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this rests.”
child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into
Zechariah’s Song heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spir- Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which
it and prophesied: the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When
because he has come and has redeemed his they had seen him, they spread the word concerning
people. what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who
69 He has raised up a horn a of salvation for us
heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to
in the house of his servant David them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pon-
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
dered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glo-
71 salvation from our enemies rifying and praising God for all the things they had
and from the hand of all who hate us— heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
72 to show mercy to our fathers
also in verse 26. c 23 Exodus 13:2,12 d 24 Lev. 12:8 e 29 Or promised, / now dismiss
42Lk-NIVAward-2.qxd 3/3/01 11:29 AM Page 568
never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fast- they asked, “what should we do?”
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,”
ing and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very mo-
ment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should
child to all who were looking forward to the redemption
of Jerusalem. we do?”
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything re- He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse
quired by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all
to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and
became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the
grace of God was upon him. Christ. c 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with d
water. But one more powerful than I will come, the
The Boy Jesus at the Temple thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His
Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing
they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will
43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were re-
burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with
turning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusa- many other words John exhorted the people and
lem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in preached the good news to them.
their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they be- 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch be-
gan looking for him among their relatives and friends. cause of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other
45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusa-
evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all:
lem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in He locked John up in prison.
the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening
to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus
heard him was amazed at his understanding and his 21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus
answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were aston- was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was
ished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in
treated us like this? Your father and I have been anx- bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven:
iously searching for you.” “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked.
pleased.”
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when
50 But they did not understand what he was saying to
he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was
them. thought, of Joseph,
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and
was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,
these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom the son of Levi, the son of Melki,
and stature, and in favor with God and men. the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,
John the Baptist Prepares the Way the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
3HerodInsar—when
the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cae-
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,
tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of
the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,
the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,
the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abile- 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,
ne— 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caia- the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,
phas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,
the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jor- the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,
dan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgive- the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
ness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
Isaiah the prophet: the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,
“A voice of one calling in the desert, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
make straight paths for him. the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
5 Every valley shall be filled in, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,
every mountain and hill made low. the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
The crooked roads shall become straight, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,
the rough ways smooth. the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,
6 And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’ ” b the son of Salmon, e the son of Nahshon,
a 37 Or widow for eighty-four years b6 Isaiah 40:3–5 c 15 Or Messiah d 16 Or in e 32 Some early manuscripts Sala
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the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in
the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, your hometown what we have heard that you did in Ca-
37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, pernaum.’ ”
24 “I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is
the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,
the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh, accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the
the son of God. sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a
severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not
The Temptation of Jesus sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the
4for forty
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jor-
dan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where
days he was tempted by the devil. He ate noth-
2
region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with
leprosy g in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of
them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
ing during those days, and at the end of them he was 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when
hungry. they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the
this stone to become bread.” town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on
bread alone.’ b” his way.
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed
him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Gal-
said to him, “I will give you all their authority and
splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to ilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.
32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his mes-
anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be
yours.” sage had authority.
33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord
your God and serve him only.’ c” demon, an evil h spirit. He cried out at the top of his
9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand voice, 34 “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Naza-
on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of reth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you
God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is are—the Holy One of God!”
35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!”
written:
Then the demon threw the man down before them all
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you and came out without injuring him.
to guard you carefully; 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other,
11 they will lift you up in their hands, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he
so that you will not strike your foot against a gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” 37 And
stone.’ d” the news about him spread throughout the surrounding
12 Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your area.
God to the test.’ e” Jesus Heals Many
13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of
left him until an opportune time. Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She
got up at once and began to wait on them.
and news about him spread through the whole country- 40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to
side. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying
praised him. his hands on each one, he healed them. 41 Moreover, de-
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought
mons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the
up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the syna- Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow
gogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. i
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him.
42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The
Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: people were looking for him and when they came to
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving
because he has anointed me them. 43 But he said, “I must preach the good news of the
to preach good news to the poor. kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the why I was sent.” 44 And he kept on preaching in the syn-
prisoners agogues of Judea. j
and recovery of sight for the blind, The Calling of the First Disciples
to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” f
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the at-
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gen-
nesaret, k with the people crowding around him and
listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge
a 33 Some manuscripts Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni; other manuscripts vary widely. b 4 Deut. 8:3 c 8 Deut. 6:13
d 11 Psalm 91:11,12 e 12 Deut. 6:16 f 19 Isaiah 61:1,2 g 27 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not
necessarily leprosy. h 33 Greek unclean; also in verse 36 i 41 Or Messiah j 44 Or the land of the Jews; some manuscripts Galilee
k 1 That is, Sea of Galilee
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crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of David did when he and his companions were hungry?
4 He entered the house of God, and taking the conse-
their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely
places and prayed. crated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to
eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then
Jesus Heals a Paralytic Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sab-
17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teach- bath.”
ers of the law, who had come from every village of Gali- 6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue
lee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. and was teaching, and a man was there whose right
And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of
the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so
mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him be- they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the
fore Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and
because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and
lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the mid- stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood
dle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. there.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful
sins are forgiven.” on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began destroy it?”
thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the
blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, was completely restored. 11 But they were furious and
“Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? began to discuss with one another what they might do
23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to to Jesus.
say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that
the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive The Twelve Apostles
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountain-
sins . . .” He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up,
take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up side to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him
in front of them, took what he had been lying on and
went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated
gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother
“We have seen remarkable things today.” Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matt