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ERV English Bible 80 Old Testament PDF
ERV English Bible 80 Old Testament PDF
Genesis
the beginning of the world its own kind of seeds. And God saw that this
was good.
The First Day—Light 13There was evening, and then there was
People Become Evil not judge people forever, because they will all die
a 32:28 Israel This name might mean “he fights for c 33:17 Succoth A town east of the Jordan River. This
God,” “he fights with God,” or “God fights.” name means “temporary shelters.”
b 32:30 Peniel A name that means “the face of God.” d 33:20 El A Hebrew name for God.
29 GENESIS 35:15
give you any gifta you want if you will only these people treat our sister like a prostitute?
allow me to marry Dinah. I will give you any- They were wrong to do that to our sister!”
thing you ask, but let me marry her.”
13Jacob’s sons decided to lie to Shechem Jacob in Bethel
and his father because Shechem had done
such a bad thing to their sister Dinah. 14The
brothers said to them, “We cannot allow our
35 1God said to Jacob, “Go to the town of
Bethel.b That is where I appeared to
you when you were running away from your
sister to marry you because you are not yet brother Esau. Live there and make an altar*
circumcised.* That would bring us shame. to honor me as El,c the God who appeared
15But we will allow you to marry her if you do to you.”
this one thing: Every man in your town must 2So Jacob told his family and all the other
be circumcised like us. 16Then your men can people with him, “Destroy all these foreign
marry our women, and our men can marry gods that you have. Make yourselves pure.
your women. Then we will become one peo- Put on clean clothes. 3We will leave here and
ple. 17If you refuse to be circumcised, we will go to Bethel. There I will build an altar to the
take Dinah away.” God who has always helped me during times
18This agreement made Hamor and of trouble. He has been with me wherever I
Shechem very happy. 19Shechem was very have gone.”
happy to do what Dinah’s brothers asked. 4So the people gave Jacob all the foreign
Shechem was the most honored man in gods they had, and they gave him all the rings
his family. 20Hamor and Shechem went to they were wearing in their ears. He buried
the meeting place of their city. They spoke to everything under an oak tree near the town
the men of the city and said, 21“These people called Shechem.
want to be friends with us. We want to let 5Then Jacob and his sons left that place.
them live in our land and be at peace with us. The people in the surrounding cities wanted
We have enough land for all of us. We are free to follow and kill them, but God filled them
to marry their women, and we are happy to with such great fear that they did not go after
give them our women to marry. 22But there them. 6So Jacob and his people went to Luz,
is one thing that all our men must agree to which is now called Bethel. It is in the land
do. All our men must agree to be circumcised of Canaan.* 7Jacob built an altar there. He
like they are. 23If we do this, we will become named the place “El Bethel.”d Jacob chose
rich from all their cattle and other animals. this name because that is the place where
We should make this agreement with them God first appeared to him when he was run-
so that they will stay here with us.” 24All the ning from his brother.
men who heard this in the meeting place 8Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died there.
agreed with Hamor and Shechem. And every They buried her under the oak tree at Bethel.
man was circumcised at that time. They named that place Allon Bacuth.e
25Three days later the men who were cir-
cumcised were still sore. Two of Jacob’s sons, Jacob’s New Name
Simeon and Levi, knew that the men would 9When Jacob came back from Paddan Aram,
be weak at this time. So they went to the city God appeared to him again. God blessed Jacob
and killed all the men there. 26Dinah’s broth- 10and said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but I
ers, Simeon and Levi, killed Hamor and his will change that name. You will no longer be
son Shechem. Then they took Dinah out of called Jacob. Your new name will be Israel.f”
Shechem’s house and left. 27Jacob’s sons went So God named him Israel.
to the city and stole everything that was there 11God said to him, “I am God All-Powerful,g
because of what Shechem had done to their and I give you this blessing: Have many chil-
sister. 28So the brothers took all their animals, dren and grow into a great nation. Other
all their donkeys, and everything else in the nations and other kings will come out of you.
city and in the fields. 29The brothers took 12I gave Abraham and Isaac some special land.
everything those people owned. They even Now I give the land to you and to all your
took their wives and children. people who will live after you.” 13Then God
30But Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You left that place. 14‑15Jacob set up a memorial
have caused me a lot of trouble. All the people stone* there. He made the rock holy* by pour-
in this place will hate me. All the Canaan- ing wine and oil on it. This was a special place
ites and the Perizzites will turn against me.
There are only a few of us. If the people in b 35:1 Bethel A town in Israel. This name means
this place gather together to fight against us, “God’s house.”
I will be destroyed. And all our people will be c 35:1 El A Hebrew name for God.
d 35:7 El Bethel A name that means “the God of
destroyed with me.”
31But the brothers said, “Should we let Bethel.”
e 35:8 Allon Bacuth This name means “the oak tree
of sadness.”
f 35:10 Israel This name might mean “he fights for
a 34:12 gift Or “dowry.” Here, the money a man paid God,” “he fights with God,” or “God fights.”
for a wife. g 35:11 God All-Powerful Literally, “El Shaddai.”
GENESIS 35:16 30
because God spoke to Jacob there, and Jacob Esau moved away from his brother Jacob. He
named the place Bethel. took his wives, sons, daughters, all his slaves,
cattle and other animals, and everything else
Rachel Dies Giving Birth that he had gotten in Canaan and moved to
16Jacob and his group left Bethel. Before the hill country of Seir.d (Esau is also named
they came to Ephrath, Rachel began giving Edom.)
birth to her baby. 17She was having a lot of 9Esau is the father of the people of Edom.*
trouble with this birth. She was in great pain. These are the names of Esau’s family living in
When her nurse saw this, she said, “Don’t be the hill country of Seir:
afraid, Rachel. You are giving birth to another 10Esau and Adah’s son was Eliphaz. Esau
son.” and Basemath’s son was Reuel.
18Rachel died while giving birth to the son. 11Eliphaz had five sons: Teman, Omar,
Before dying, she named the boy Benoni.a But Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. 12Eliphaz also had
Jacob called him Benjamin.b a slave woman* named Timna. Timna and
19Rachel was buried on the road to Eph- Eliphaz had a son named Amalek.
rath (that is, Bethlehem). 20Jacob put a spe- 13Reuel had four sons: Nahath, Zerah,
cial rock on Rachel’s grave to honor her. That Shammah, and Mizzah.
special rock is still there today. 21Then Israel* These were Esau’s grandsons from his wife
continued his journey. He camped just south Basemath.
of Eder tower.c 14Esau’s third wife was Oholibamah, the
22Israel stayed there for a short time. While daughter of Anah. (Anah was the son of
he was there, Reuben slept with Israel’s slave Zibeon.) Esau and Oholibamah’s children
woman* Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. were Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
15These are the family groups that came
The Family of Israel from Esau:
Jacob had twelve sons. Esau’s first son was Eliphaz. From Eliphaz
23Jacob and Leah’s sons were his firstborn* came Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, 16Korah,
son Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Gatam, and Amalek.
and Zebulun. All these family groups came from Esau’s
24Jacob and Rachel’s sons were Joseph and wife Adah.
Benjamin. 17Esau’s son Reuel was the father of these
25Bilhah was Rachel’s maid. Jacob and Bil- families: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and
hah’s sons were Dan and Naphtali. Mizzah.
26Zilpah was Leah’s maid. Jacob and Zil- All these families came from Esau’s wife
pah’s sons were Gad and Asher. Basemath.
These are Jacob’s sons who were born in 18Esau’s wife Oholibamah, daughter of
Paddan Aram. Anah, gave birth to Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
27Jacob went to his father Isaac at Mamre These three men were the leaders of their
in Kiriath Arba (Hebron). This is where Abra- families. 19They were all sons of Esau and
ham and Isaac had lived. 28Isaac lived 180 leaders of the family groups of Edom.e
years. 29Then Isaac became weak and died 20Seir, a Horite man, lived in Edom before
and went to be with his people. He had lived Esau. These are the sons of Seir: Lotan, Sho-
a long and full life. His sons Esau and Jacob bal, Zibeon, Anah, 21Dishon, Ezer, and Dis-
buried him. han. These sons were all Horite family leaders
from Seir in Edom.
Esau’s Family 22Lotan was the father of Hori and Heman.f
Joseph in Prison
Lord helped Joseph become a successful man. 21The Lord was with Joseph and continued
Joseph lived in the house of his master, Poti- to show his kindness to him, so the com-
phar the Egyptian. mander of the prison guards began to like
3Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph Joseph. 22The commander of the guards put
and that the Lord helped Joseph be success- Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph
ful in everything he did. 4So Potiphar was was their leader, but he still did the same work
very happy with Joseph. He allowed Joseph to they did. 23The commander of the guards
work for him and to help him rule the house. trusted Joseph with everything that was in the
Joseph was the ruler over everything Potiphar prison. This happened because the Lord was
owned. 5After Joseph was made the ruler over with Joseph. He helped Joseph be successful
the house, the Lord blessed the house and in everything he did.
everything that Potiphar owned. The Lord
also blessed everything that grew in Potiphar’s Joseph Explains Two Dreams
fields. The Lord did this because of Joseph.
6So Potiphar allowed Joseph to take respon-
sibility for everything in the house. Potiphar
40 1Later, two of Pharaoh’s servants did
something wrong to Pharaoh. These
servants were the baker and the man who
didn’t have to worry about anything except served wine to Pharaoh. 2Pharaoh became
deciding what to eat. angry with his baker and wine server, 3so he
put them in the same prison as Joseph. Poti-
Joseph Refuses Potiphar’s Wife phar, the commander of Pharaoh’s guards,
Joseph was a very handsome, good-looking was in charge of this prison. 4The commander
man. 7After some time, the wife of Joseph’s put the two prisoners under Joseph’s care.
master began to pay special attention to him. The two men continued to stay in prison for
One day she said to him, “Sleep with me.” some time. 5One night both of the prisoners
8But Joseph refused. He said, “My master had a dream. The baker and the wine server
trusts me with everything in his house. He each had his own dream, and each dream had
has given me responsibility for everything its own meaning. 6Joseph went to them the
here. 9My master has made me almost equal next morning and saw that the two men were
to him in his house. I cannot sleep with his worried. 7He asked them, “Why do you look
wife! That is wrong! It is a sin against God.” so worried today?”
10The woman talked with Joseph every day, 8The two men answered, “We both had
dreams last night, but we don’t understand
a 38:29 Perez This name is like the word meaning what we dreamed. There is no one to explain
“to break out.” the dreams to us.”
b 38:30 Zerah This name is like the word meaning Joseph said to them, “God is the only one
“bright.” who can understand and explain dreams. So I
c 39:1 traders Literally, “Ishmaelites.” beg you, tell me your dreams.”
GENESIS 40:9 34
The Wine Server’s Dream 6Then he saw seven more heads of grain
9So the wine server told Joseph his dream. sprouting, but they were thin and scorched
The server said, “I dreamed I saw a vine. by the hot wind. 7The thin heads of grain ate
10On the vine there were three branches. I the seven good heads of grain. Then Pharaoh
watched the branches grow flowers and then woke up again and realized it was only a
become grapes. 11I was holding Pharaoh’s dream. 8The next morning Pharaoh was wor-
cup, so I took the grapes and squeezed the ried about these dreams, so he sent for all the
juice into the cup. Then I gave the cup to magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh
Pharaoh.” told these men the dreams, but none of them
12Then Joseph said, “I will explain the could explain the dreams.
dream to you. The three branches mean
three days. 13Before the end of three days, The Servant Tells Pharaoh About Joseph
Pharaoh will forgive you and allow you to 9Then the wine servant remembered Joseph
go back to your work. You will do the same and said to Pharaoh, “I remember something
work for Pharaoh as you did before. 14But that happened to me. 10You were angry with
when you are free, remember me. Be good the baker and me, and you put us in prison.
to me and help me. Tell Pharaoh about me so 11Then one night he and I had a dream. Each
that I can get out of this prison. 15I was kid- dream had a different meaning. 12There was a
napped and taken from the land of my people, young Hebrew man in prison with us. He was
the Hebrews. I have done nothing wrong! I a servant of the commander of the guards. We
should not be in prison.” told him our dreams, and he explained them
to us. He told us the meaning of each dream,
The Baker’s Dream 13and what he said came true. He said I would
16The baker saw that the other servant’s be free and have my old job back, and it hap-
dream was good, so he said to Joseph, “I also pened. He also said the baker would die, and
had a dream. I dreamed there were three bas- it happened!”
kets of bread on my head. 17In the top bas-
ket there were all kinds of baked food for the Joseph Is Called to Explain the Dreams
king, but birds were eating this food.” 14So Pharaoh called Joseph from the prison.
18Joseph answered, “I will tell you what the The guards quickly got Joseph out of prison.
dream means. The three baskets mean three Joseph shaved, put on some clean clothes,
days. 19Before the end of three days, the king and went to see Pharaoh. 15Pharaoh said to
will take you out of this prison and cut off Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can explain
your head! He will hang your body on a pole, it for me. I heard that you can explain dreams
and the birds will eat it.” when someone tells you about them.”
16Joseph answered, “I cannot! But God can
Joseph Is Forgotten explain the dream for you, Pharaoh.”
20Three days later it was Pharaoh’s birth- 17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my
day. He gave a party for all his servants. At dream I was standing by the Nile River. 18Seven
the party Pharaoh allowed the wine server cows came up out of the river and stood there
and the baker to leave the prison. 21He freed eating the grass. They were healthy, good-
the wine server and gave him his job back, looking cows. 19Then I saw seven more cows
and once again the wine server put a cup come up out of the river after them, but these
of wine in Pharaoh’s hand. 22But Pharaoh cows were thin and looked sick. They were
hanged the baker, and everything happened the worst cows I had ever seen anywhere
the way Joseph said it would. 23But the wine in Egypt! 20The thin, sick cows ate the first
server did not remember to help Joseph. He healthy cows, 21but they still looked thin and
said nothing about him to Pharaoh. The wine sick. You couldn’t even tell they had eaten the
server forgot about Joseph. healthy cows. They looked as thin and sick as
they did in the beginning. Then I woke up.
Pharaoh’s Dreams 22“In my next dream I saw seven heads
41
2In
1Two years later Pharaoh dreamed
that he was standing by the Nile River.
the dream, seven cows came out of the
of grain growing on one plant. They were
healthy and full of grain. 23And then seven
more heads of grain grew after them, but
river and stood there eating grass. They were they were thin and scorched by the hot wind.
healthy, good-looking cows. 3Then seven 24Then the thin heads of grain ate the seven
more cows came out of the river and stood on good heads of grain.
the bank of the river by the healthy cows. But “I told these dreams to my magicians. But
these cows were thin and looked sick. 4The no one could explain the dreams to me. What
seven sick cows ate the seven healthy cows. do they mean?”
Then Pharaoh woke up.
5Pharaoh went back to sleep and began Joseph Explains the Dream
dreaming again. This time he dreamed that 25Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Both of
he saw seven heads of grain growing on one these dreams have the same meaning. God
plant. They were healthy and full of grain. is telling you what will happen soon. 26The
35 GENESIS 42:4
seven good cows and the seven good heads of also gave Joseph a wife named Asenath. She
grain are seven good years. 27And the seven was the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the
thin, sick-looking cows and the seven thin city of On. So Joseph became the governor
heads of grain mean that there will be seven over the whole country of Egypt.
years of hunger in this area. These seven bad 46Joseph was 30 years old when he began
years will come after the seven good years. serving the king of Egypt. He traveled
28God has shown you what will happen soon. throughout the country of Egypt. 47During
He will make these things happen just as I told the seven good years, the crops in Egypt grew
you. 29For seven years there will be plenty of very well. 48Joseph saved the food in Egypt
food in Egypt. 30But then there will be seven during those seven years and stored the food
years of hunger. The people will forget how in the cities. In every city he stored grain that
much food there had been in Egypt before. grew in the fields around the city. 49Joseph
This famine* will ruin the country. 31It will be stored so much grain that it was like the sands
so bad that people will forget what it was like of the sea. He stored so much grain that it
to have plenty of food. could not be measured.
32“Pharaoh, you had two dreams about the 50Joseph’s wife, Asenath, was the daugh-
same thing. That means God wanted to show ter of Potiphera, the priest in the city of On.
you that he really will make this happen, Before the first year of hunger came, Joseph
and he will make it happen soon! 33So, Pha- and Asenath had two sons. 51Joseph named
raoh, you should choose a wise, intelligent the first son Manasseh.c He was given this
man and put him in charge of Egypt. 34Then name because Joseph said, “God made me
you should choose other men to collect food forget all my hard work and everything back
from the people. During the seven good home in my father’s house.” 52Joseph named
years, the people must give them one-fifth of the second son Ephraim.d Joseph gave him
all the food they grow. 35In this way these this name because he said, “I had great
men will collect all the food during the seven troubles, but God has made me successful in
good years and store it in the cities until it everything.”
is needed. Pharaoh, this food will be under
your control. 36Then during the seven years The Famine Begins
of hunger, there will be food for the country 53For seven years people had all the food
of Egypt. And Egypt will not be destroyed by they needed, but those years ended. 54Then
the famine.” the seven years of hunger began, just as
37This seemed like a very good idea to Joseph had said. No food grew anywhere in
Pharaoh, and all his officials agreed. 38Then any of the countries in that area. But in Egypt
Pharaoh told them, “I don’t think we can people had plenty to eat because Joseph had
find anyone better than Joseph to take this stored the grain. 55The famine* began, and
job! God’s Spirit is in him, making him very the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh
wise!” said to the Egyptian people, “Go ask Joseph
39So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “God showed what to do.”
these things to you, so you must be the wisest 56There was famine everywhere, so Joseph
man. 40I will put you in charge of my country, gave the people grain from the warehouses.
and the people will obey all your commands. He sold the stored grain to the people of
I will be the only one more powerful than Egypt. The famine was bad in Egypt, 57but the
you.” famine was bad everywhere. So people from
41Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I now make you the countries around Egypt had to come to
governor over all of Egypt.” 42Then Pharaoh Joseph in Egypt to buy grain.
gave his special ring to Joseph. The royal seal
was on this ring. Pharaoh also gave Joseph a The Dreams Come True
fine linen robe and put a gold chain around
his neck. 43Then he told Joseph to ride in his
second chariot. Pharaoh’s officials said, “Let
42 1During the famine* in Canaan,* Jacob
learned that there was grain in Egypt.
So he said to his sons, “Why are you sitting
him be the governor over the whole land of here doing nothing? 2I have heard that there
Egypt!”a is grain for sale in Egypt. Go there and buy
44Then Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, grain for us so that we will live and not die!”
the king over everyone in Egypt, but no one 3So ten of Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt
else in Egypt can lift a hand or move a foot to buy grain. 4Jacob did not send Benjamin.
unless you say he can.” 45Then Pharaoh gave (Benjamin was Joseph’s only full brother.e)
Joseph another name, Zaphenath Paneah.b He
Hebrew words meaning “a person who explains
secret things.”
a 41:43 Or “Then Pharaoh had Joseph ride in the c 41:51 Manasseh This is like the Hebrew word
chariot of his second‑in‑command, and they said, meaning “to forget.”
‘Bow before Joseph.’ In this way Joseph became the d 41:52 Ephraim This name is like the Hebrew word
governor over all of Egypt.” meaning “twice fruitful.”
b 41:45 Zaphenath Paneah This Egyptian name e 42:4 full brother Literally, “brother.” Joseph and
probably means “sustainer of life,” but it is like Benjamin had the same mother.
GENESIS 42:5 36
Jacob was afraid that something bad might 22Then Reuben said to them, “I told you
happen to Benjamin. not to do anything bad to that boy, but you
5The famine was very bad in Canaan, so refused to listen to me. Now we are being
there were many people from Canaan who punished for his death.”
went to Egypt to buy grain. Among them 23‑24Joseph was using an interpreter to
were the sons of Israel.* talk to his brothers, so the brothers did not
6Joseph was the governor of Egypt at the know that he understood their language. He
time. He was the one who checked the sale heard and understood everything they said,
of grain to people who came to Egypt to buy and that made him want to cry. So he turned
it. Joseph’s brothers came to him and bowed away and left the room. When he came back,
before him. 7Joseph saw his brothers and he took one of the brothers, Simeon, and tied
recognized them, but he acted like he didn’t him up while the others watched. 25Joseph
know them. He was rude when he spoke to told the servants to fill the bags with grain.
them. He said, “Where do you come from?” The brothers had given Joseph the money for
The brothers answered, “We have come the grain, but he didn’t keep the money. He
from the land of Canaan to buy food.” put the money in their bags of grain. Then
8Joseph recognized his brothers, but they he gave them what they would need for their
did not know who he was. 9Then Joseph trip back home.
remembered the dreams that he had dreamed 26So the brothers put the grain on their
about his brothers. donkeys and left. 27That night the brothers
Joseph said to his brothers, “You have not stopped at a place to spend the night. One of
come to buy food! You are spies. You came to the brothers opened his sack to get some grain
learn where we are weak.” for his donkey. And there in the sack, he saw
10But the brothers said to him, “No, sir, we his money! 28He said to the other brothers,
come as your servants. We have come only to “Look! Here is the money I paid for the grain.
buy food. 11We are all brothers—we all have Someone put the money back in my sack.”
the same father. We are honest men. We have The brothers were very afraid. They said to
come only to buy food.” one another, “What is God doing to us?”
12Then Joseph said to them, “No, you have
come to spy on us!” The Brothers Report to Jacob
13And the brothers said, “No, sir, we come 29The brothers went back to their father
as servants from Canaan. We are all brothers, Jacob in the land of Canaan.* They told him
sons of the same father. There were twelve about everything that had happened. 30They
brothers in our family. Our youngest brother said, “The governor of that country spoke
is still at home with our father, and the other rudely to us. He thought that we were spies!
brother died a long time ago.” 31We told him, ‘We are honest men, not
14But Joseph said to them, “No! I can see spies. 32There are twelve of us brothers, all
that I am right. You are spies. 15But I will let from the same father. But one of our brothers
you prove that you are telling the truth. In is no longer living, and the youngest is still at
the name of Pharaoh, I swear that I will not home with our father in Canaan.’
let you go until your youngest brother comes 33“Then the governor of that country said to
here. 16One of you must go back to get your us, ‘Here is a way to prove that you are honest
youngest brother while the rest of you stay men: Leave one of your brothers here with
here in prison. Then we can prove whether me. Take your grain back to your families.
you are telling the truth or not. If you are not 34Bring your youngest brother to me. Then
telling the truth, then by Pharaoh, I swear I will know if you are honest men or if you
that you are spies!” 17Then Joseph put them were sent from an army to destroy us. If you
all in prison for three days. are telling the truth, I will give your brother
back to you. I will give him to you, and you
The Troubles Begin will be free to buy grain in our country.’”
18After three days Joseph said to them, “I 35Then the brothers started taking the grain
am a God-fearing man. Do this, and I will let out of their sacks, and every brother found his
19
you live. If you are honest men, one of your bag of money in his sack of grain. When the
brothers can stay here in prison, and the oth- brothers and their father saw the money, they
ers can go and carry grain back to your peo- were afraid.
ple. 20But then you must bring your youngest 36Jacob said to them, “Do you want me
brother back here to me. Then I will know to lose all of my children? Joseph is gone.
that you are telling the truth, and you will not Simeon is gone, and now you want to take
have to die.” Benjamin away too!”
The brothers agreed to this. 21They said 37But Reuben said to his father, “Father,
to each other, “We are being punished for you may kill my two sons if I don’t bring Ben-
the bad thing we did to our younger brother jamin back to you. Trust me. I will bring him
Joseph. We saw the trouble he was in. He back to you.”
begged us to save him, but we refused to lis- 38But Jacob said, “I will not let Benjamin go
ten. So now we are in trouble.” with you. His brother is dead, and he is the
37 GENESIS 43:33
only son left from my wife Rachel. It would will eat with me at noon today.” 17The ser-
kill me if anything happened to him during vant did as he was told. He brought the men
the trip to Egypt. You would send me to the into Joseph’s house.
gravea a very sad, old man.” 18The brothers were afraid when they were
taken to Joseph’s house and said, “We have
Jacob Lets Benjamin Go to Egypt been brought here because of the money that
a 47:29 put your hand … make a promise This was a b 47:31 Then Israel … on the bed Or “Then Israel
sign of a very important promise that Jacob trusted bowed down at the head of his bed” or “Then Israel
Joseph to keep. worshiped on the head of the staff.”
GENESIS 48:17 42
And I pray that he will bless these boys. 6 I will not join their secret meetings.
Now they will have my name and the I will not take part in their evil plans.
name of our ancestors, Abraham and They have killed people out of anger
Isaac. and crippled animals for fun.
I pray that they will grow to become 7 Their anger is so strong that it is a curse.
great families and nations on earth.” They are too cruel when they are angry.
They will not get their own land in the
17Joseph saw that his father put his right land of Jacob.
hand on Ephraim’s head. This didn’t make They will be spread throughout Israel.
Joseph happy. Joseph took his father’s hand
because he wanted to move it from Ephraim’s Judah
head and put it on Manasseh’s head. 18Joseph 8“Judah, your brothers will praise you.
said to his father, “You have your right hand You will defeat your enemies.
on the wrong boy. Manasseh is the firstborn. Your brothers will bow down to you.
Put your right hand on him.” 9 Judah is like a young lion.
19But his father refused and said, “I know, My son, you are like a lion standing
son. I know. Manasseh is the firstborn. He over the animal it killed.
will be great and will be the father of many Like a lion, Judah lies down to rest,
people. But his younger brother will be and no one is brave enough to disturb
greater than he is. And the younger brother’s him.
family will be much larger.” 10 Men from Judah’s family will be kings.
20So Israel blessed them that day. He said, The sign that his family rules
will not leave his family before the real
“The Israelites will use your names king comes.a
whenever they bless someone. Then many people will obey and serve
They will say, ‘May God make you him.
like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” 11 He ties his donkeys to the best
grapevines.
In this way Israel made Ephraim greater He washes his clothes in the best wine.
than Manasseh. 12 His eyes are red from drinking wine.
21Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, my His teeth are white from drinking milk.b
time to die is almost here, but God will still
be with you. He will lead you back to the Zebulun
land of your ancestors. 22I have given you 13“Zebulun will live near the sea.
one portion more than I gave to your broth- His seacoast will be a safe place for
ers. I gave you the land that I won from the ships.
Amorites. I used my sword and bow to take His land will continue as far as the city
that land.” of Sidon.
21“Naphtali
Naphtali
is like a deer running free,
50 1When Israel died, Joseph was very
sad. He hugged his father and cried
over him and kissed him. 2Joseph com-
and his words are beautiful. manded his servants to prepare his father’s
body. (These servants were doctors.) The doc-
Joseph tors prepared Jacob’s body to be buried. They
22“Joseph is like a wild donkey, prepared the body in the special way of the
like a young donkey by a spring, Egyptians. 3When the Egyptians prepared the
like colts grazing in a pasture.b body in this special way, they waited 40 days
23 People attacked him before they buried the body. Then the Egyp-
and made life hard for him. tians had a special time of sadness for Jacob.
Men with arrows became his enemies. This time was 70 days.
24 But he won the fight with his mighty bow 4After the time of sadness was finished,
and his skillful arms. Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s officers and said,
He gets power from the Mighty One of “Please tell this to Pharaoh: 5‘When my father
Jacob, from the Shepherd, the Rock of was near death, I made a promise to him. I
Israel, promised that I would bury him in a cave in
25 the God of your father who helps you. the land of Canaan.* This is the cave that he
prepared for himself. So please let me go and
“May God All-Powerful bless you bury my father. Then I will come back here
and give you blessings from the sky to you.’”
above and from the deep below. 6Pharaoh answered, “Keep your promise.
May he give you blessings from breast and Go and bury your father.”
womb. 7So Joseph went to bury his father. All of
26 My parents had many good things happen Pharaoh’s officials, personal advisors, and all
to them. the older leaders of Egypt went with Joseph.
And I, your father, was blessed even 8All the people in Joseph’s family, his broth-
more. ers, and all the people in his father’s family
Your brothers left you with nothing. went with him. Only the children and the
But now I pile all my blessings on you, animals stayed in the land of Goshen. 9So
as high as a mountain. there was a large crowd of people with him.
There was even a group of soldiers riding in
Benjamin chariots and some on horses.
27“Benjamin is like a hungry wolf. 10They went to Goren Atad,c east of the
In the morning he kills and eats. Jordan River. There they had a long funeral
In the evening he shares what is left.” service for Israel, which continued for seven
days. 11When the people who lived in Canaan
28These are the twelve families of Israel. saw the funeral service at Goren Atad, they
And this is what their father said to them. said, “This is a time of great sorrow for those
He gave each son a blessing that was right for Egyptians.” So now that place across the Jor-
him. 29Then Israel gave them a command. He dan River is named Abel Mizraim.d
said, “When I die, I want to be with my peo- 12So Jacob’s sons did what their father told
ple. I want to be buried with my ancestors* them. 13They carried his body to Canaan
and buried it in the cave at Machpelah. This
was the cave near Mamre in the field that
a 49:19 A group of robbers will attack The Hebrew
Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite.
words for “group of robbers” and “attack” sound like
Abraham bought that cave to use as a burial
the name Gad.
b 49:22 Or “Joseph is very successful. Joseph is like c 50:10 Goren Atad Or “Atad’s threshing floor.”
a vine covered with fruit, like a vine growing by a d 50:11 Abel Mizraim This means “Egyptian time of
spring, like a vine growing along a fence.” sadness.”
GENESIS 50:14 44
place. 14After Joseph buried his father, he and something bad to me. But really, God was
everyone in the group with him went back planning good things. God’s plan was to use
to Egypt. me to save the lives of many people. And that
is what happened. 21So don’t be afraid. I will
The Brothers Are Still Afraid of Joseph take care of you and your children.” And so
15After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers were Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and
worried. They were afraid that Joseph would this made them feel better.
still be mad at them for what they had done 22Joseph continued to live in Egypt with
years before. They said, “Maybe Joseph still his father’s family. He died when he was
hates us for what we did.” 16So the brothers 110 years old. 23During Joseph’s life Ephraim
sent this message to Joseph: had children and grandchildren. And his son
Manasseh had a son named Makir. Joseph
“Before your father died, he told us lived to see Makir’s children.
to give you a message. 17He said, ‘Tell
Joseph that I beg him to please forgive The Death of Joseph
his brothers for the bad things they did 24When Joseph was near death, he said to
to him.’ So now Joseph, we beg you, his brothers, “My time to die is almost here.
please forgive us for the bad things we But I know that God will take care of you and
did to you. We are the servants of God, lead you out of this country. God will lead you
the God of your father.” to the land he promised to give Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob.”
That message made Joseph very sad, and he 25Then Joseph asked his people to make a
cried. 18His brothers went to him and bowed promise. Joseph said, “Promise me that you
down in front of him. They said, “We will be will carry my bones with you when God leads
your servants.” you out of Egypt.”
19Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t be 26Joseph died in Egypt when he was 110
afraid. I am not God! I have no right to pun- years old. Doctors prepared his body for burial
ish you. 20It is true that you planned to do and put the body in a coffin in Egypt.
Exodus
Jacob’s Family in Egypt over the people. These masters forced the
a 5:3 Hebrews Or “Israelites.” Also in verses 10, 14, b 6:12 I am a very bad speaker Or “I sound like a
15, 19. foreigner.” Literally, “I have uncircumcised lips.”
49 EXODUS 7:23
13But the Lord talked with Moses and and they will learn that I am the Lord. Then I
Aaron and commanded them to go and talk will lead my people out of their country.”
to the Israelites and to Pharaoh, the king of 6Moses and Aaron did what the Lord told
Egypt. God commanded them to lead the Isra- them. 7Moses was 80 years old at the time,
elites out of the land of Egypt. and Aaron was 83.
21
people:
1Then God said to Moses, “These are
the other laws that you will give to the
must be killed.
18“Two men might argue and one might hit
the other with a rock or with his fist. If the
2“If you buy a Hebrewb slave, then that man who was hurt is not killed, the man who
slave will serve for only six years. After six hurt him should not be killed. 19If the man
years, he will be free, and he will have to was hurt and must stay in bed for some time,
pay nothing. 3If he is not married when he the man who hurt him must support him.
becomes your slave, when he becomes free, The man who hurt him must pay for the loss
he will leave without a wife. But if the man of his time. He must support him until he is
is married when he becomes your slave, then completely healed.
he will keep his wife at the time he is made 20“Sometimes people beat their slaves. If
free. 4If the slave is not married, the master the slave dies after being beaten, the killer
can give him a wife. If that wife gives birth must be punished. 21But if the slave gets
to sons or daughters, she and her children up after a few days, then the master will
will belong to the master. After the slave is not be punished.e That is because someone
finished with his years of service, he will be paid their money for the slave, and the slave
made free. belongs to them.
5“But if the slave decides that he wants to 22“Two men might be fighting and hurt
stay with the master, he must say, ‘I love my a pregnant woman. This might make the
master. I love my wife and my children. I will
not become free—I will stay.’ 6If this happens, c 21:6 before God Or “before the judges.”
d 21:14 altar It was one of the special places an
innocent person could run to for safety. See “altar”
a 20:25 iron tool Literally, “sword.” in the Word List.
b 21:2 Hebrew Or “Israelite.” e 21:21 punished Or “punished for murder.”
EXODUS 21:23 62
woman give birth to her baby before its time.
If the woman was not hurt badly,a the man
who hurt her must pay a fine. The woman’s
22 1“How should you punish a man who
steals a bull or a sheep? If the man
kills the animal or sells it, then he cannot give
husband will decide how much the man must it back. So he must pay five bulls for the one
pay. The judges will help the man decide how he stole. Or he must pay four sheep for the
much the fine will be. 23But if the woman was one he stole. He must pay for stealing. 2‑4If
hurt badly, then the man who hurt her must he owns nothing, then he will be sold as a
be punished. The punishment must fit the slave. But if the man still has the animal and
crime. You must trade one life for another life. you find it, that man must give the owner two
24You must trade an eye for an eye, a tooth for animals for every animal he stole. It doesn’t
a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, matter if the animal was a bull, a donkey, or
25a burn for a burn, a bruise for a bruise, a a sheep.
cut for a cut. “If a thief is killed while trying to break
26“If a man hits a slave in the eye, and the into a house at night, then no one will be
slave is blinded in that eye, then the slave will guilty for killing him. But if this happens dur-
be allowed to go free. His eye is the payment ing the day, the one who killed him will be
for his freedom. This is the same for a man or guilty of murder.
a woman slave. 27If a master hits his slave in 5“A man might let his animal loose to graze
the mouth, and the slave loses a tooth, then in his field or vineyard.* If the animal wan-
the slave will be allowed to go free. The slave’s ders into another person’s field or vineyard,
tooth is payment for the slave’s freedom. This then the owner must pay. The payment must
is the same for a man or a woman slave. come from the best of his crop.c
28“If a man’s bull kills a man or woman, 6“A man might start a fire to burn thorn-
then you should use stones and kill that bull. bushes on his field. But if the fire grows and
You should not eat the bull. The owner of burns his neighbor’s crops or the grain grow-
the bull is not guilty. 29But if the bull had ing on the neighbor’s field, the man who
hurt people in the past, and if the owner started the fire must pay for what he burned.
was warned, then the owner is guilty. That 7“Someone might give some money or tools
is because he did not keep the bull tied or to a neighbor for safekeeping. What should
locked in its place. So if the bull is allowed to you do if someone steals those things from
be free and kills someone, the owner is guilty. the neighbor’s house? If you find the one who
You should kill the bull with stones and also stole them, then that thief must pay twice as
kill the owner. 30But the family of the dead much as the things are worth. 8If you don’t
man may accept money. If they accept money, find the thief, then the owner of the house
the man who owned the bull should not be must go before the judgesd who will decide if
killed. But he must pay as much money as the that person is guilty.
judge decides. 9“What should you do if two men disagree
31“This same law must be followed if the about a bull or a donkey or sheep or clothing
bull kills someone’s son or daughter. 32But if or something that is lost? One man says, ‘This
the bull kills a slave, the owner of the ani- is mine,’ and the other says, ‘No, it is mine.’
mal must pay the master 30 pieces of silver.b Both men should go before the judges who
And the bull must also be killed with stones. will decide who is guilty. The one who was
This law will be the same for men and women wrong must pay the other man twice as much
slaves. as the thing is worth.
33“A man might take a cover off a well or 10“A man might ask his neighbor to take
dig a hole and not cover it. If another man’s care of an animal for a short time. It might be
animal comes and falls into that hole, the a donkey, a bull, or a sheep. But what should
man who owns the hole is guilty. 34The man you do if that animal is hurt or dies or some-
who owns the hole must pay for the animal. one takes the animal while no one is looking?
But after he pays for the animal, he will be 11That neighbor must explain that he did not
allowed to keep the body of that animal. steal the animal. If this is true, the neighbor
35“If one man’s bull kills another man’s will promise to the Lord that he did not steal
bull, they should sell the bull that is alive. it. The owner of the animal must accept this
Both men will get half of the money that promise. The neighbor does not have to pay
comes from selling the bull, and both men the owner for the animal. 12But if the neigh-
will also get half of the bull that was killed. bor stole the animal, then he must pay the
36But if a man’s bull has hurt other animals owner for the animal. 13If wild animals killed
in the past, that owner is responsible for his the animal, then the neighbor should bring
bull. If his bull kills another bull, he is guilty the body as proof. The neighbor will not have
because he allowed the bull to be free. That
man must pay bull for bull. He must trade his c 22:5 Or “A man might start a fire in his field or
bull for the bull that was killed. vineyard. If he lets the fire spread and it burns his
neighbor’s field or vineyard, he must use his best
a 21:22 hurt badly Or “killed.” crops to pay his neighbor for his loss.”
b 21:32 30 pieces of silver The price for a new slave. d 22:8 judges Or “God.” Also in verse 9.
63 EXODUS 23:15
to pay the owner for the animal that was
killed.
14“If a man borrows an animal from his
23 1“Don’t tell lies against other people.
If you are a witness in court, don’t
agree to help a bad person tell lies.
neighbor, and the animal is hurt or dies, then 2“Don’t do something just because every-
the neighbor must pay the owner for the ani- one else is doing it. If a group of people are
mal. The neighbor is responsible, because doing wrong, don’t join them. You must not
the owner was not there himself. 15But if the let them persuade you to do wrong things—
owner was there, then the neighbor does not you must do what is right and fair.
have to pay. Or if the neighbor was paying 3“In court, don’t treat a person in a special
money to use the animal for work, he will way simply because that person is poor.
not have to pay if the animal dies or is hurt. 4“If you see a lost bull or donkey, then
The money he paid to use the animal will be you must return it to its owner—even if the
enough payment. owner is your enemy.
16“If a man has sexual relations with a vir- 5“If you see an animal that cannot walk
gin who he is not engaged to,a then he must because it has too much to carry, you must
pay her father the full amount necessary to stop and help that animal. You must help
marry her. 17If the father refuses to allow his that animal even if it belongs to one of your
daughter to marry him, then the man must enemies.
still pay the full amount for her. 6“In court, don’t let anyone take advan-
18“You must not allow any woman to do tage of a person simply because that person
evil magic. If she does magic, you must not is poor.
let her live. 7“Be very careful if you say that someone is
19“You must not allow anyone to have sex- guilty of something. Don’t make false charges
ual relations with an animal. If this happens, against a person. Never allow innocent people
that person must be killed. to be killed as punishment for something they
20“Whoever makes a sacrifice* to a false did not do. Whoever kills an innocent person
god should be destroyed. The Lord is the only is evil, and I will not treat a guilty person as
one you should make sacrifices to. innocent.
21“Remember, in the past you were for- 8“If someone tries to pay you to agree with
eigners in the land of Egypt. So you should them when they are wrong, don’t accept
not cheat or hurt anyone who is a foreigner that payment. A payment like that can blind
in your land. judges so that they cannot see the truth. It can
22“You must never do anything bad to make good people tell lies.
women whose husbands are dead or to 9“You must never do wrong things to a for-
orphans. 23If you do anything wrong to these eigner. Remember, you know what it is like to
widows or orphans, I will know it. I will hear be a foreigner because at one time you were
about their suffering. 24And I will be very foreigners in the land of Egypt.
angry. I will kill you with a sword. Then your
wives will become widows, and your children The Special Festivals
will become orphans. 10“Plant seeds, harvest your crops, and
25“If you loan money to any of my people, work the ground for six years. 11But the sev-
that is, the poor among you, don’t be like a enth year must be a special time of rest for the
moneylender and charge them interest. 26You land. Don’t plant anything in your fields. If
might take their cloak to make sure they pay any crops grow there, allow the poor to have
the money back, but you must give that cloak it. And allow the wild animals to eat the food
back to them before sunset. 27That cloak might that is left. You should do the same with your
be their only protection against the cold when vineyards* and with your fields of olive trees.
they lie down to sleep. If they call to me for 12“Work for six days, but on the seventh
help, I will listen because I am kind. day, rest! This will allow your slaves and other
28“You must not curse God or the leaders workers a time to rest and relax. And your
of your people. bulls and donkeys will also have a time of
29“At harvest time you should give me the rest.
first grain and the first juice from your fruit. 13“Be sure that you obey all these laws.
Don’t wait until late in the year. Don’t worship false gods. You should not even
“Give me your firstborn* sons. 30Also, give speak their names!
me your firstborn cattle and sheep. Let the 14“You will have three special festivals each
firstborn stay with its mother for seven days. year. You must come to my special place to
Then on the eighth day, give him to me. worship me during these festivals. 15The first
31“You are my special people. So don’t festival is the Festival of Unleavened Bread.*
eat the meat from something that was killed This is as I commanded you. During this time
by wild animals. Let the dogs eat that dead you will eat bread that is made without yeast.
animal. This will continue for seven days. You will do
this during the month of Abib,* because this is
a 22:16 a virgin … engaged to Literally, “a virgin who the time when you came out of Egypt. Every-
is not engaged.” one must bring a sacrifice to me at that time.
EXODUS 23:16 64
16“The second festival will be the Festival battle and run away. 28I will send the hornete
of Harvest.* This festival will be during the in front of you. He will force your enemies
early summer when you begin harvesting the to leave. The Hivites, Canaanites, and Hit-
first crops that you planted in your fields. tites will leave your country. 29But I will not
“The third festival will be the Festival of force all of them out of your land quickly. I
Shelters.* This will be in the fall, when you will not do this in only one year. The land will
finish gathering the rest of the crops from be empty if I force the people out too fast.
your fields. Then all the wild animals would increase and
17“So three times each year all the men will control the land. And they would be much
come to the special place to be with the Lord trouble for you. 30So I will force them out of
God. your land very slowly. I will do this as you
18“When you kill an animal and offer its grow and eventually take the land to be your
blood as a sacrifice,* you must not include own.
anything that has yeast in it. And when you 31“I will give you all the land from the
burn the fat from my sacrifice, don’t let any of Red Sea to the Euphrates River. The western
it remain until morning. border will be the Philistine Sea,f and the
19“When you gather your crops at harvest eastern border will be the Arabian Desert. I
time, you should bring the first of everything will let you defeat the people living there and
you harvest to the housea of the Lord your force them all to leave.
God. 32“You must not make any agreements with
“You must not eat the meat from a young any of those people or their gods. 33Don’t let
goat that is boiled in its mother’s milk.” them stay in your country. If you let them
stay, they will be like a trap to you—they will
God Will Help Israel Take Their Land cause you to sin against me. And you will
20“I am sending an angel before you to pro- begin worshiping their gods.”
tect you along the way and to lead you to the
place that I have prepared for you. 21Obey the God and Israel Make Their Agreement
angel and follow him. Be careful in his pres-
ence, and don’t rebel against him. The angel
will not forgive the wrong things you do to
24 1God told Moses, “You, Aaron, Nadab,
Abihu, and the 70 elders* of Israel
must come up the mountain and worship
him. He has my powerb in him. 22If you lis- me from a distance. 2Then Moses will come
ten to what he says and do everything I tell close to the Lord by himself. The other men
you, then I will be an enemy to all of your must not come close to the Lord, and the rest
enemies. I will be against everyone who is of the people must not even come up the
against you. mountain.”
23“My angel will lead you through the 3Moses told the people all the rules and
land. He will lead you against many different commands from the Lord. Then all the peo-
people—the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, ple said, “We will obey all the commands that
Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites. But I will the Lord has spoken.”
defeat all of them. 4So Moses wrote down all the commands
24“Don’t worship their gods. Don’t ever of the Lord. The next morning he got up and
bow down to those gods. You must never live built an altar* near the bottom of the moun-
the way those people live. You must destroy tain. And he set up twelve stones—one for
their idols.* And you must break the stones each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 5Then
that help them remember their gods.c 25You Moses sent young men of Israel to offer sacri-
must serve the Lord your God. If you do fices.* These men offered bulls to the Lord as
this, I will bless you with plenty of bread and burnt offerings* and fellowship offerings.*
water. I will take away all sickness from you. 6Moses saved the blood from these ani-
26Your women will all be able to have babies. mals. He put half of the blood in bowls, and
None of their babies will die at birth. And I he poured the other half of the blood on the
will allow you to live long lives. altar.g
27“When you fight against your enemies, I 7Moses read the scroll with the special
will send my great power before you.d I will agreement* written on it. He read the agree-
help you defeat all your enemies. The people ment so that all the people could hear him.
who are against you will become confused in And the people said, “We have heard the laws
that the Lord has given us. And we agree to
obey them.”
a 23:19 house The “Holy Tent” where the people 8Then Moses held the bowls full of the
went to meet with God. See Ex. 25:8, 9.
b 23:21 my power Literally, “my name.” e 23:28 hornet A stinging insect like a large wasp or
c 23:24 stones … gods Or “memorials.” Here, these bee. Here, it might mean “God’s angel” or “his great
were stone markers that people used in worshiping power.”
their gods. f 23:31 Philistine Sea That is, the Mediterranean Sea.
d 23:27 When you fight … you Or “News of my g 24:6 The blood was used to seal the agreement
power will go before you, and your enemies will be between God and the people. It was poured on the
frightened.” altar to show that God shared in the agreement.
65 EXODUS 25:30
blood from the sacrifices. He threw that blood The Box of the Agreement
on the people. He said, “This blood shows 10“Use acacia wood and build a special box.
that the Lord has made a special agreement This Holy Box* must be 21⁄2 cubitsb long, 11⁄2
with you. The laws God gave you explain the cubitsc wide, and 11⁄2 cubits high. 11Use pure
agreement.” gold to cover the Box inside and out. Put gold
9Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and trim around the edges of the Box. 12Make
the 70 elders of Israel went up the mountain. four gold rings for carrying the Box. Put the
10On the mountain, these men saw the God gold rings on the four corners, two rings on
of Israel. He was standing on something that each side. 13Then make poles for carrying the
looked like blue sapphires, as clear as the sky! Box. These poles should be made from acacia
11All the leaders of Israel saw God, but God wood and covered with gold. 14Put the poles
did not destroy them.a They all ate and drank through the rings on the corners of the Box.
together. Use these poles to carry the Box. 15These
poles should always stay in the rings of the
Moses Goes to Get God’s Law Box. Don’t take the poles out.
12The Lord said to Moses, “Come to me 16“I will give you the Agreement.* Put it
on the mountain. I have written my teachings into this Box. 17Then make a lid, the mercy-
and laws on two stone tablets. These teach- cover.* Make it from pure gold. Make it 21⁄2
ings and laws are for the people. I will give cubits long and 11⁄2 cubits wide. 18“Then
these stone tablets to you.” make two Cherub angels* and put them on
13So Moses and his helper, Joshua, went each end of the mercy-cover. Hammer gold to
up the mountain of God. 14Moses said to the make these angels. 19Put one angel on one end
elders,* “Wait here for us until we come back of the mercy-cover, and put the other angel
to you. While I am gone, Aaron and Hur will on the other end. Join the angels together
rule over you. Go to them if anyone has a with the mercy-cover to make one piece.
problem.” 20The wings of these angels should spread up
toward the sky. The angels should cover the
Moses Meets With God Box with their wings and should face each
15Then Moses went up the mountain, and other, looking toward the mercy-cover.
the cloud covered the mountain. 16The Glory 21“I will give you the Agreement.* Put it in
of the Lord* came down on Mount Sinai. The the Box, and put the mercy-cover on the Box.
cloud covered the mountain for six days. On 22When I meet with you, I will speak from
the seventh day, the Lord spoke to Moses between the Cherub angels on the mercy-
from the cloud. 17The Israelites could see the cover that is on the Box of the Agreement.*
Glory of the Lord. It was like a fire burning From that place, I will give all my commands
on top of the mountain. to the Israelites.
18Then Moses went higher up the moun-
tain into the cloud. He was on the mountain The Table
for 40 days and 40 nights. 23“Make a table from acacia wood. The
table must be 2 cubitsd long, 1 cubite wide,
Gifts for the Holy Things and 11⁄2 cubits high. 24Cover the table with
27
5
1“Use acacia wood and build an altar.*
The altar should be square. It must be
cubitsb long, 5 cubits wide, and 3 cubitsc
cubits wide. The wall of curtains around the
courtyard should be 5 cubits high. The cur-
tains must be made from fine linen. The bases
high. 2Make a horn for each of the four cor- under the posts must be bronze. 19All the
ners of the altar. Join each horn to its corner tools, tent pegs, and other things used in the
so that everything is one piece. Then cover Holy Tent must be made from bronze. And all
the altar with bronze.* the pegs for the curtains around the courtyard
3“Use bronze to make all the tools and must be made from bronze.
dishes that will be used on the altar. Make
pots, shovels, bowls, forks, and pans. These Oil for the Lamp
will be used for cleaning ashes from the altar. 20“Command the Israelites to bring their
4Make a grating for the altar. This grating will best olive oil for the lamp that must be lit
be shaped like a net. And make a bronze ring each evening. 21This lamp is in the first room
at each of the four corners of the grating. 5Put of the Meeting Tent,* outside the curtain for
the grating under the ledge at the bottom of the room where the Agreement* is. Aaron and
the altar. The grating will go halfway up into his sons will make sure this lamp is burning
the altar from below. before the Lord every day from evening until
6“Use acacia wood to make poles for the morning. The Israelites and their descendants
altar, and cover them with bronze. 7Put the must obey this law forever.
poles through the rings on both sides of the
altar. Use these poles for carrying the altar. Clothes for the Priests
8Make the altar like an empty box with the
sides made from boards. Make the altar just
as I showed you on the mountain.
28 1“Tellyour brother Aaron and his
sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and
Ithamar, to come to you from the Israelites.
These men will serve me as priests.
The Courtyard Around the Holy Tent 2“Make special clothes for your brother
9“Make a courtyard for the Holy Tent.* Aaron. These clothes will give him honor
The south side should have a wall of cur- and respect. 3I have given special wisdom to
tains 100 cubitsd long. These curtains must some of the skilled men. Tell them to make
be made from fine linen.* 10Use 20 posts and the clothes for Aaron. These clothes will
20 bronze* bases under the posts. The hooks show that he serves me in a special way.
Then he can serve me as a priest. 4These
a 26:33 under the gold rings The 50 gold rings that e 27:10 curtain rods These were either rods that
joined together the two parts of the Holy Tent. See joined the posts together or grommets (rings) sewn
Ex. 26:6. into the curtains.
b 27:1 5 cubits 8' 6" (2.6 m). Also in verse 18. f 27:12 50 cubits 85' 5/16" (25.92 m). Also in verse 18.
c 27:1 3 cubits 5' 1 3/16" (1.55 m). g 27:14 15 cubits 25' 6 1/16" (7.77 m).
d 27:9 100 cubits 170' 5/8" (51.83 m). Also in verse 18. h 27:16 20 cubits 34' 1/8" (10.37 m).
EXODUS 28:5 68
are the clothes the men should make: the 22“Make chains of pure gold for the judg-
judgment pouch,* the ephod,* a blue robe, ment pouch. These chains must be braided
a white woven robe, a turban,* and a cloth like a rope. 23Make two gold rings and put
belt. They must make these special clothes for them on two corners of the judgment pouch.
your brother Aaron and his sons. Then Aaron 24Put the two golden chains through the two
and his sons can serve me as priests. 5Tell the rings at the corners of the judgment pouch.
men to use gold thread, fine linen,* and blue, 25Fasten the other ends of the gold chains
purple, and red yarn. to the two settings. This will fasten them to
the two shoulder pieces of the ephod on the
The Ephod and the Cloth Belt front. 26Make two more gold rings and put
6“Use gold thread, fine linen,* and blue, them on the other two corners of the judg-
purple, and red yarn to make the ephod.* This ment pouch. This will be on the inside edge
must be the work of a very skilled person. 7At of the judgment pouch next to the ephod.
each shoulder of the ephod, there should be a 27Make two more gold rings and put them
shoulder piece. These shoulder pieces should on the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the
be tied to the two corners of the ephod. front of the ephod. Put the gold rings above
8“The men will very carefully weave a the cloth belt of the ephod. 28Use blue ribbon
cloth belt for the ephod. This belt must be to tie the rings of the judgment pouch to the
made the same way as the ephod—use gold rings of the ephod. In this way the judgment
threads, fine linen, and blue, purple, and red pouch will rest close to the cloth belt and will
yarn. be held against the ephod.
9“Take two onyx* stones. Write the names 29“When Aaron enters the Holy Place,* he
of the twelve sons of Israel* on these jew- must wear the judgment pouch. In this way
els. 10Write six names on one jewel and six he will wear the names of the twelve sons
names on the other jewel. Write the names of Israel over his heart. And the Lord will
in order, from the oldest son to the young- always be reminded of them. 30Put the Urim*
est. 11Cut the names of the sons of Israel into and Thummim* inside the judgment pouch.
these stones. Do this the way a worker makes They will be over Aaron’s heart when he goes
a seal.* Put the jewels in gold settings. 12Then before the Lord. So Aaron will always carry
put these two jewels on the shoulder pieces with him a way of judging for the Israelites
of the ephod. Aaron will wear this special when he is before the Lord.
coat when he stands before the Lord. And
the two stones with the names of the sons Other Clothes for the Priests
of Israel will be on the ephod. These jewels 31“Make a blue robe for the ephod.* 32Make
will cause the Lord to remember the Israel- a hole in the center for the head. And sew a
ites. 13Use fine gold to hold the stones on the piece of cloth around the edge of this hole.
ephod. 14Twist chains of pure gold together This cloth will be like a collar that keeps the
like a rope. Make two of these gold chains and hole from tearing. 33Use blue, purple, and red
fasten them to the gold settings. yarn to make cloth pomegranates.* Hang these
pomegranates around the bottom edge of the
The Judgment Pouch robe, and hang gold bells between the pome-
15“Make the judgment pouch* for the high granates. 34So around the bottom edge of the
priest. Skilled workers should make this robe there should be bells and pomegranates.
pouch just as they made the ephod.* They There should be a bell following each pome-
must use gold threads, fine linen,* and blue, granate. 35Aaron will wear this robe when he
purple, and red yarn. 16The judgment pouch serves as a priest. The bells will ring as Aaron
should be folded double to make a square goes into the Holy Place* to stand before the
pocket. It should be 1 spana long and 1 span Lord, and the bells will ring as he leaves the
wide. 17Put four rows of beautiful jewels on Holy Place. This way Aaron will not die.
the judgment pouch. The first row of jew- 36“Make a strip of pure gold and carve
els should have a ruby, a topaz, and a beryl. these words into the gold like the writing on
18The second row should have a turquoise, a seal*: holy to the lord.b 37Fasten the gold
a sapphire, and an emerald. 19The third row strip to a blue ribbon. Tie the blue ribbon
should have a jacinth, an agate, and an ame- around the turban.* The gold strip should be
thyst. 20The fourth row should have a chryso- on the front of the turban. 38Aaron will wear
lite, an onyx, and a jasper. Set all these jewels this on his head. In this way he will remove
in gold. 21There will be twelve jewels on the the guilt if anything is wrong with the gifts
judgment pouch—one jewel for each of the
sons of Israel.* Write the name of one of the
sons of Israel on each of the stones. Cut these b 28:36 holy to the lord These words were written
names into each stone like a worker makes on everything that was used in the Temple. This
a seal.* showed that these things belonged to the Lord and
that they could be used only for special purposes.
a 28:16 1 span The distance from the tip of the Dishes with this label could be used only by the
thumb to the tip of the little finger, about 9" (23 cm). priests in a holy place.
69 EXODUS 29:28
that the Israelitesa give to God. Aaron will 12Then take some of the bull’s blood and go to
always wear this on his head so that the Lord the altar.* Use your finger to put some blood
will accept the gifts of the people. on the horns of the altar.* Pour out all the
39“Use fine linen to make the white woven blood that is left at the bottom of the altar.
robe and the turban. The cloth belt should 13Then take all the fat from inside the bull,
have designs sewn into it. 40Also make coats, the fatty part of the liver, both kidneys, and
belts, and cloth caps for Aaron’s sons. This the fat around them. Burn this fat on the altar.
will give them honor and respect. 41Put the 14Then take the bull’s meat, his skin, and his
clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons. other parts and go outside your camp and
Then pour the special oil on them to make burn them. This bull is an offering to take
them priests. This will make them holy,* and away the sins of the priests.
they will serve me as priests. 15“Then tell Aaron and his sons to put their
42“Use linen* to make underclothes for the hands on the head of one of the rams. 16Kill
priests. These underclothes will cover them that ram and save the blood. Throw the blood
from the waist to the thighs. 43Aaron and his against the altar on all four sides. 17Then cut
sons must wear these clothes whenever they the ram into several pieces. Wash all the parts
enter the Meeting Tent.* They must wear from inside the ram and the legs. Put these
these clothes when they come near to the things with the head and the other pieces
altar* to serve as priests in the Holy Place. of the ram. 18Then burn everything on the
If they don’t wear these clothes, they will altar. It is a burnt offering* to the Lord. It is a
be guilty of wrong and will have to die. All sweet-smelling gift to the Lord.
this should be a law that continues forever for 19“Tell Aaron and his sons to put their
Aaron and all his family after him. hands on the other ram. 20Kill that ram and
save some of its blood. Put that blood on the
The Ceremony for Appointing the Priests right ear lobes of Aaron and his sons. Also put
a 34:26 house The “Holy Tent” where the people b 35:22 pins Or “hooks.” These were like safety pins
went to meet with God. See Ex. 25:8, 9. and were used like buttons to fasten their robes.
EXODUS 35:30 76
freely, because they wanted to. These gifts the other group. 11Then they used blue cloth
were used to make everything the Lord had to make loops along the edge of the end cur-
commanded Moses and the people to make. tain of one group. And they did the same on
the end curtain in the other group. 12There
Bezalel and Oholiab were 50 loops on the end curtain in one
30Then Moses said to the Israelites, “Look, group and 50 loops on the end curtain in the
the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, from other group. The loops were opposite each
the tribe of Judah. (Uri was the son of Hur.) other. 13Then they made 50 gold rings to join
31The Lord filled Bezalel with the Spirit the two curtains together. So the Holy Tent
of God—he gave Bezalel special skill and was joined together into one piece.
knowledge to do all kinds of things. 32He 14Then the workers made another tent
can design and make things with gold, silver, to cover the Holy Tent. They used goat hair
and bronze.* 33He can cut and set stones and to make eleven curtains. 15All the curtains
jewels. He can work with wood and make all were the same size—30 cubitsc long and 4
kinds of things. 34The Lord has given Beza- cubits wide. 16The workers joined five cur-
lel and Oholiab special skills to teach other tains together into one group and six curtains
people. (Oholiab was the son of Ahisamach together into another group. 17They put 50
from the tribe of Dan.) 35The Lord has given loops along the edge of the end curtain of one
both of these men special skills to do all kinds group. And they did the same on the end cur-
of work. They are able to do the work of car- tain of the other group. 18The workers made
penters and metalworkers. They can weave 50 bronze* rings to join the two groups of
cloth with designs in it from the blue, purple, curtains together to form one tent. 19Then
and red yarn and fine linen.* And they are they made two more coverings for the Holy
able to weave things with wool. Tent. One covering was made from ram skins
Leviticus
Voluntary Sacrifices and Offerings 14“If you offer a bird as a burnt offering to
13 1The Lord
2“Someone
said to Moses and Aaron,
might have a swelling on
their skin, or it may be a rash or a bright
is deeper than the skin, and the hair on it
has become white, the priest must announce
that the person is unclean. The spot is lep-
spot. If the sore looks like the disease of lep- rosy that has broken out from inside the boil.
rosy,* the person must be brought to Aaron 21But if the priest looks at the spot, and there
the priest or to one of his sons, the priests. are no white hairs in it, and the spot is not
3The priest must look at the sore on the per- deeper than the skin but is faded, the priest
son’s skin. If the hair in the sore has become must separate the person for seven days. 22If
white, and if the sore seems deeper than the the spot spreads on the skin, the priest must
person’s skin, it is leprosy. When the priest announce that the person is unclean; it is an
has finished looking at the person, he must infection. 23But if the bright spot stays in its
announce that the person is unclean.* place and does not spread, it is only the scar
4“Sometimes there is a white spot on a from the old boil. The priest must announce
person’s skin that does not seem deeper that the person is clean.
than the skin. If that is true, the priest must 24‑25“Someone might get a burn on the
separate that person from other people for skin. If the raw skin becomes a white spot or
seven days. 5On the seventh day the priest a white spot with red streaks in it, the priest
must look at the person again. If the priest must look at it. If that white spot seems to be
sees that the sore has not changed and has deeper than the skin, and the hair at that spot
not spread on the skin, he must separate the has become white, it is leprosy that has bro-
person for seven more days. 6Seven days later ken out in the burn. The priest must announce
the priest must look at the person again. If the that the person is unclean. 26But if the priest
sore has faded and has not spread on the skin, looks at the spot, and there is no white hair
the priest must announce that the person is in the bright spot, and the spot is not deeper
clean.* The sore is only a rash. After washing than the skin but is faded, the priest must
the clothes, that person will be clean again. separate the person for seven days. 27On the
7“But if the rash spreads over the skin after seventh day, the priest must look at the per-
the person has shown himself to the priest to son again. If the spot has spread on the skin,
be made clean again, that person must come the priest must announce that the person is
again to the priest. 8The priest must look, and unclean. It is leprosy. 28But if the bright spot
if the rash has spread, he must announce that has not spread on the skin but has faded, it
the person is unclean. The disease is leprosy. is only a scar from the burn. The priest must
9“Whoever has leprosy must be brought to announce that the person is clean.
the priest. 10He must look at that person. If 29“Someone might get an infection on the
there is a white swelling on the skin, if the scalpa or beard. 30A priest must look at the
hair has become white, and if the skin looks infection. If the infection seems to be deeper
raw in the swelling, 11it is leprosy that has than the skin, and if the hair around it is thin
been there for a long time. The priest must and yellow, the priest must announce that the
announce that the person is unclean. He does person is unclean. It is a serious skin disease.b
not have to wait until after a period of separa- 31If the disease does not seem deeper than
tion, because he already knows that the per- the skin, but there is no dark hair in it, the
son is unclean. priest must separate that person for seven
12“Sometimes a skin disease* will spread all days. 32On the seventh day, the priest must
over a person’s body, covering the skin from look at it again. If the disease has not spread,
head to foot. The priest must look at that and there are no yellow hairs growing in it,
person’s whole body. 13If the priest sees that and the disease does not seem deeper than
the skin disease covers the whole body and the skin, 33the person must shave. But the
that it has turned all the skin white, the priest diseased area should not be shaved. The
must announce that the person is clean. 14But priest must separate that person for seven
if the skin is raw, that person is not clean. more days. 34On the seventh day, the priest
15When the priest sees the raw skin, he must must look at it again. If the disease has not
announce that the person is unclean. The raw spread, and it does not seem deeper than
skin is not clean. It is leprosy. the skin, the priest must announce that the
16“If the raw skin changes and becomes person is clean. After washing those clothes,
white, the person must come to the priest. that person will be clean. 35But if the dis-
17The priest must look at the person. If the ease spreads on the skin after the person has
skin has become white, the person who had
the infection is clean, and the priest must a 13:29 scalp The skin on a person’s head. Also in
announce this. verse 42.
18“Someone might get a boil on their b 13:30 serious skin disease This could be leprosy, or
skin that heals over. 19Then that boil might it could be another kind of contagious skin disease.
91 LEVITICUS 14:13
become clean, 36then the priest must look at come back to that piece of leather or cloth. If
the person again. If the disease has spread, that happens, the mildew is spreading, and
the priest does not need to look for yellow the object must be burned. 58But if the mil-
hair. The person is unclean. 37But if the priest dew did not come back after washing, that
thinks that the disease has stopped, and black piece of leather or cloth is clean, whether the
hair is growing in it, the disease has healed. cloth was woven or knitted.”
The person is clean, and the priest must 59These are the rules for mildew on pieces
announce this. of leather or cloth, whether the cloth is
38“If anyone has white spots on the skin, woven or knitted.
39a priest must look at them. If the spots on
that person’s skin are dull white, the disease Rules for Those With Skin Diseases
is only a harmless rash. That person is clean.
40“A man might begin to lose the hair on
his head. It is only baldness, so he is clean.
14 1The Lord said to Moses, 2“These are
the rules for people who have had a
skin disease* and have been made well. These
41A man might lose hair from the sides of his rules are for making them clean.*
head. He is clean. It is only another kind of “A priest must look at those who had the
baldness. 42But if there is a red and white skin disease. 3The priest must go to them out-
infection on his scalp, it is a skin disease. side the camp and look to see if the skin dis-
43A priest must look at him. If the swelling of ease is healed. 4If they are healthy, the priest
the infection is red and white and looks like will tell them to do these things: They must
the leprosy on other parts of his body, 44then bring two clean birds that are still alive, a
he has leprosy on his scalp. The person is piece of cedar wood, a piece of red cloth, and
unclean. The priest must announce that he a hyssop* plant. 5Then the priest must order
is unclean. one bird to be killed in a clay bowl over run-
45“People with leprosy must warn other ning water. 6He must take the other bird that
people. They must shout, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ is still alive and the piece of cedar wood, the
They must tear their clothes at the seams. piece of red cloth, and the hyssop plant and
They must let their hair grow wild,a and they dip them in the blood of the bird that was
must cover their mouth. 46They are unclean killed over the running water. 7He must sprin-
the whole time that they have the infection. kle the blood seven times on those who had
They are unclean and must live outside the the skin disease. Then he must announce that
camp. they are clean. After that the priest must go to
47‑48“Some clothing might have mildew* an open field and let the living bird go free.
on it. The cloth could be linen* or wool, 8“The people going through this purifica-
woven or knitted. Or the mildew might be tion ceremony must wash their clothes, shave
on a piece of leather or on something made off all their hair, and wash with water. Then
from leather. 49If the mildew is green or red, they will be clean. They may then go into the
it must be shown to the priest. 50The priest camp, but they must stay outside their tent
must look at it and put it in a separate place for seven days. 9On the seventh day, they
for seven days. 51‑52On the seventh day, he must shave off all their hair. They must shave
must look at it again. It doesn’t matter if the their head, their beard, and their eyebrows—
mildew is on leather or cloth or if the cloth is yes, all their hair. Then they must wash their
woven or knitted. And it doesn’t matter what clothes and bathe their bodies in water. Then
the leather was used for. If the mildew has they will be clean.
spread, the object is unclean because of the 10“On the eighth day, anyone who had a
infection. The priest must burn it. skin disease must take two male lambs that
53“If the priest sees that the mildew did not have nothing wrong with them and a one-
spread on the object, it must be washed. It year-old female lamb that has nothing wrong
doesn’t matter if it is leather or cloth, or if the with it. They must also take 24 cupsb of fine
cloth is knitted or woven, it must be washed. flour mixed with oil for a grain offering and
54He must order the people to wash it. Then 2⁄3 of a pintc of olive oil. 11The priest must
he must separate the clothing for seven more bring that person and those sacrifices* before
days. 55After that time, the priest must look the Lord at the entrance of the Meeting
at it again. If the mildew still looks the same, Tent.* (This must be the same priest who
the object is unclean. It doesn’t matter if the announced that the person is clean.) 12The
infection has not spread; you must burn that priest will take one of the lambs and the oil
cloth or piece of leather. as a guilt offering. He will lift them in front
56“But if the priest looks at that piece of of the Lord to show they were presented
leather or cloth, and the mildew has faded, he to God. 13Then the priest will kill the male
must tear the infected spot out of the piece of lamb in the holy* place where they kill the
leather or cloth. It doesn’t matter if the cloth sin offering* and the burnt offering.* Like the
is woven or knitted. 57But the mildew might b 14:10 24 cups Literally, “3/10,” probably meaning
3/10 of an ephah (6.6 l).
a 13:45 They must tear … wild This also showed that c 14:10 2/3 of a pint Literally, “1 log” (.3 l). Also in
a person was very sad about something. verse 21.
LEVITICUS 14:14 92
sin offering, the guilt offering belongs to the the oil on the tip of the right ear of the person
priest. It is very holy. to be made clean. The priest will put some of
14“The priest will take some of the blood the oil on the thumb of the right hand and on
of the guilt offering. He will put some of this the big toe of the person’s right foot. 29He will
blood on the tip of the right ear of the person put the oil that is left in his palm on the head
to be made clean. The priest will put some of the person to be made clean. In this way he
of this blood on the thumb of the right hand will make that person pure before the Lord.
and on the big toe of the right foot of that per- 30“Then the priest must offer one of the
son. 15The priest will also take some of the oil doves or young pigeons. (He must offer
and pour it into his own left palm. 16Then the whichever the person can afford.) 31He must
priest will dip the finger of his right hand into offer one of these birds as a sin offering and
the oil that is in his left palm. He will use his the other bird as a burnt offering. He must
finger to sprinkle some of the oil seven times offer the birds with the grain offering. In this
before the Lord. 17Then he will put some of way the priest will make that person pure
the oil that is in his palm on the person to be before the Lord, and that person will become
made clean. He will put that oil on the same clean.”
places he put the blood of the guilt offering. 32These are the rules for making people
The priest will put some of the oil on the tip clean after they become well from a skin dis-
of the person’s right ear, on the thumb of the ease. These are the rules for those who can-
right hand, and on the big toe of the person’s not afford the regular sacrifices for becoming
right foot. 18He will put the oil that is left in clean.
his palm on the head of the person to be made
clean. In this way he will make that person Rules for Mildew in a House
pure* before the Lord. 33The Lord also said to Moses and Aaron,
19“Then the priest must offer the sin offer- 34“I am giving the land of Canaan* to your
ing to make that person pure. After that he people. Your people will enter that land. At
will kill the animal for the burnt offering. that time I might cause mildew* to grow in
20He will then offer up the burnt offering and someone’s house. 35The person who owns
the grain offering on the altar.* In this way the that house must come and tell the priest, ‘I
priest will make that person pure, and that see something like mildew in my house.’
person will become clean. 36“Then the priest must order the people
21“A poor person might not be able to to take everything out of the house before he
afford all these offerings. So that poor person goes in to look at the mildew. Then the priest
can use one male lamb as a guilt offering. It will not have to say everything in the house is
will be presented to God so that the priest unclean.* After the people have taken every-
can make that person pure. The poor person thing out of the house, the priest will go in to
must take 8 cupsa of fine flour mixed with look at the house. 37He will look at the mil-
oil. This flour will be used for a grain offer- dew. If the mildew on the walls of the house
ing. The poor person must also take 2⁄3 of a has holes that are a green or red color, and if
pint of olive oil 22and two doves or two young the mildew goes into the wall’s surface, 38he
pigeons. Even poor people can afford these must go out of the house and lock the house
things. One bird will be a sin offering, and for seven days.
the other will be a burnt offering. 39“On the seventh day the priest must come
23“On the eighth day, that person will bring back and check the house. If the mildew has
these things to the priest at the entrance spread on the walls of the house, 40then he
of the Meeting Tent. These things will be must order the people to tear out the stones
offered before the Lord so that the person can with the mildew on them and throw them
become clean. 24The priest will take the lamb away. They must put these stones at a spe-
for the guilt offering and the oil, and he will cial unclean place outside the city. 41Then
lift them up to show they were offered before the priest must have the entire house scraped
the Lord. 25Then he will kill the lamb of the inside. The people must throw away the plas-
guilt offering, take some of its blood, and put ter that was scraped off the walls. They must
it on the tip of the right ear of the person to put that plaster at a special unclean place out-
be made clean. The priest will put some of side the city. 42Then new stones must be put
this blood on the thumb of the right hand and in the walls, and the walls must be covered
on the big toe of the right foot of this person. with new plaster.
26He will also pour some of this oil into his 43“Maybe someone took away the old
own left palm. 27He will use the finger of his stones and plaster and put in new stones and
right hand to sprinkle some of the oil that is plaster. And maybe mildew again appears
in his left palm seven times before the Lord. in that house. 44Then the priest must come
28Then he will put some of the oil that is in in and check the house. If the infection
his palm on the same places he put the blood has spread in the house, it is a disease that
from the guilt offering. He will put some of spreads quickly to other places. So the house
is unclean. 45The house must be torn down.
a 14:21 8 cups Literally, “1/10 of an ephah” (2.2 l). All the stones, plaster, and pieces of wood
93 LEVITICUS 15:32
must be taken to the special unclean place he must take for himself two doves or two
outside the city. 46Anyone who goes into that young pigeons and come before the Lord at
house will be unclean until evening. 47Any- the entrance of the Meeting Tent.* He will
one who eats in that house or lies down in give the two birds to the priest. 15The priest
there must wash their clothes. will offer the birds, one for a sin offering,* and
48“After new stones and plaster are put in a the other for a burnt offering.* In this way
house, the priest must check the house. If the the priest will make that man pure* before
mildew has not spread through the house, the the Lord.
priest will announce that the house is clean,* 16“If a man has a flow of semen, he must
because the mildew is gone. bathe his whole body in water. He will be
49“Then, to make the house clean, the priest unclean until evening. 17If the semen is on
must take two birds, a piece of cedar wood, a any clothing or leather, that clothing or leather
piece of red cloth, and a hyssop* plant. 50He must be washed with water. It will be unclean
will kill one bird in a clay bowl over running until evening. 18If a woman has sexual rela-
water. 51Then he will take the cedar wood, tions with a man, and he has a flow of semen,
the hyssop, the piece of red cloth, and the liv- both the man and the woman must bathe in
ing bird and dip them in the blood of the bird water. They will be unclean until evening.
that was killed over running water. Then he 19“If a woman has a discharge from her
will sprinkle that blood on the house seven monthly time of bleeding, she will be unclean
times. 52In this way he will use these things for seven days. Anyone who touches her will
to make the house clean. 53He will go to an be unclean until evening. 20Everything she
open field outside the city and let the living lies on during her monthly time of bleeding
bird go free. In this way the priest will make will be unclean. And everything she sits on
the house pure.* The house will be clean.” during that time will be unclean. 21Whoever
54These are the rules for any infection of touches her bed must wash their clothes and
leprosy,* 55for mildew on pieces of cloth or in bathe in water. They will be unclean until
a house. 56These are the rules for swellings, evening. 22Whoever touches anything she
rashes, or bright spots on the skin. 57These has sat on must wash their clothes and bathe
rules teach when something is clean and in water. They will be unclean until evening.
when something is unclean. These are the 23It doesn’t matter if they touched the wom-
rules about these kinds of disease. an’s bed or if they touched something she sat
on, they will be unclean until evening.
Rules for Discharges From the Body 24“If a man has sexual relations with a
25 1The
Lord spoke to Moses at Mount
Sinai. He said, 2“Tell the Israelites:
When you enter the land that I am giving to
them and you will live safely in your country.
19And the land will produce good crops for
a 27:22 family’s property In ancient Israel, land gave Moses at Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
was given by God to the family, not the individual.
Usually it could not be sold, only leased for up to c27:28 special kind of gift This usually means things
50 years. taken in war. These things (gifts) belonged only to
b 27:25 gerahs 1/50 of an ounce (.6 g). the Lord, so they could not be used for anything else.
Numbers
Moses Counts the Israelites 10 from the descendants of Joseph:
1 1The
Lord spoke to Moses in the Meeting
Tent.* This was in the Sinai Desert. It was
on the first day of the second month of the
from the tribe of Ephraim—Elishama son
of Ammihud;
from the tribe of Manasseh—Gamaliel
second year after the Israelites left Egypt. He son of Pedahzur;
said to Moses, 2“Count all the Israelites. List 11 from the tribe of Benjamin—Abidan son
the name of each man with his family and his of Gideoni;
family group. 3You and Aaron must count the 12 from the tribe of Dan—Ahiezer son of
men of Israel who are 20 years old or older. Ammishaddai;
(These are all the men who are able to serve 13 from the tribe of Asher—Pagiel son of
in the army of Israel.) List them by their divi- Ocran;
sions. 4One man from each tribe will help 14 from the tribe of Gad—Eliasaph son of
you. This man will be the leader of his tribe. Deueld;
5These are the names of the men who will 15 from the tribe of Naphtali—Ahira son of
stand with you and help you: Enan.”
from the tribe of Reuben—Elizur son of 16All these men were the leaders of their
Shedeur; families. The people also chose them to be
6 from the tribe of Simeon—Shelumiel son leaders of their tribes. 17Moses and Aaron
of Zurishaddai; took the men who had been chosen to be
7 from the tribe of Judah—Nahshon son of leaders 18and called all the Israelites together
Amminadab; on the first day of the second month. Then
8 from the tribe of Issachar—Nethanel son the people were listed by their families and
of Zuar;
9 from the tribe of Zebulun—Eliab son of
Helon; d 1:14 Deuel Or “Reuel.”
107 NUMBERS 2:3
their family groups. All the men who were men counted from the tribe of Benjamin was
20 years old or older were listed. 19Moses 35,400.
did exactly what the Lord commanded—he 38The tribe of Dan was counted. The names
counted the people while they were in the of all the men who were 20 years old or older
Sinai desert. and able to serve in the army were listed.
20The tribe of Reuben was counted. (Reu- They were listed with their families and fam-
ben was the firstborn* son of Israel.) The ily groups. 39The total number of men counted
names of all the men who were 20 years old from the tribe of Dan was 62,700.
or older and able to serve in the army were 40The tribe of Asher was counted. The
listed. They were listed with their families names of all the men who were 20 years old
and family groups. 21The total number of or older and able to serve in the army were
men counted from the tribe of Reuben was listed. They were listed with their families
46,500. and family groups. 41The total number of men
22The tribe of Simeon was counted. The counted from the tribe of Asher was 41,500.
names of all the men who were 20 years old 42The tribe of Naphtali was counted. The
or older and able to serve in the army were names of all the men who were 20 years old
listed. They were listed with their families or older and able to serve in the army were
and family groups. 23The total number of listed. They were listed by name with their
men counted from the tribe of Simeon was families and family groups. 43The total num-
59,300. ber of men counted from the tribe of Naphtali
24The tribe of Gad was counted. The names was 53,400.
of all the men who were 20 years old or older 44Moses, Aaron, and the twelve leaders of
and able to serve in the army were listed. Israel counted these men. (There was one
They were listed with their families and fam- leader from each tribe.) 45They counted every
ily groups. 25The total number of men counted man who was 20 years old or older and able
from the tribe of Gad was 45,650. to serve in the army. Each man was listed
26The tribe of Judah was counted. The with his family. 46The total number of men
names of all the men who were 20 years old counted was 603,550 men.
or older and able to serve in the army were 47The families from the tribe of Levi were
listed. They were listed with their families not counted with the other Israelites. 48The
and family groups. 27The total number of men Lord had told Moses: 49“Don’t count the men
counted from the tribe of Judah was 74,600. from the tribe of Levi or include them with
28The tribe of Issachar was counted. The the other Israelites. 50Tell the Levites that
names of all the men who were 20 years old they are responsible for the Tent of the Agree-
or older and able to serve in the army were ment.* They must take care of that tent and
listed. They were listed with their families everything that is with it. They must carry
and family groups. 29The total number of the Holy Tent and everything in it. They must
men counted from the tribe of Issachar was make their camp around it and take care of it.
54,400. 51Whenever the Holy Tent is moved, the Lev-
30The tribe of Zebulun was counted. The ites must do it. Whenever the Holy Tent is set
names of all the men who were 20 years old up, the Levites must do it. They are the men
or older and able to serve in the army were who will take care of the Holy Tent. Anyone
listed. They were listed with their families else who tries to take care of the tent must be
and family groups. 31The total number of killed. 52The Israelites will make their camps
men counted from the tribe of Zebulun was in separate divisions. Everyone must camp
57,400. near their family flag. 53The Levites will set
32The tribe of Ephraim was counted. up their tents so that they surround the Tent
(Ephraim was Joseph’s son.) The names of all of the Agreement. Then they will serve as
the men who were 20 years old or older and guards to keep people from doing anything to
able to serve in the army were listed. They the Tent that will make the Lord angry. This
were listed with their families and family will protect their people.”
groups. 33The total number of men counted 54The Lord had given these command-
from the tribe of Ephraim was 40,500. ments to Moses. So the Israelites did every-
34The tribe of Manasseh was counted. thing he commanded.
(Manasseh was also Joseph’s son.) The names
of all the men who were 20 years old or older The Camp Arrangement
and able to serve in the army were listed.
They were listed with their families and fam-
ily groups. 35The total number of men counted
2 1The Lord said to Moses
2“The Israelites should make
and Aaron:
their camps
around the Meeting Tent.* Each division will
from the tribe of Manasseh was 32,200. have its own special flag, and everyone will
36The tribe of Benjamin was counted. The camp near their group’s flag.
names of all the men who were 20 years old 3“The flag of the camp of Judah will be on
or older and able to serve in the army were the east side, where the sun rises. The people
listed. They were listed with their families of Judah will camp near its flag. The leader
and family groups. 37The total number of of the people of Judah is Nahshon son of
NUMBERS 2:4 108
Amminadab. 4There are 74,600 men in his 29“The tribe of Naphtali will also camp
division. next to the tribe of Dan. The leader of the
5“The tribe of Issachar will camp next to tribe of Naphtali is Ahira son of Enan. 30There
the tribe of Judah. The leader of the tribe of are 53,400 men in this division.
Issachar is Nethanel son of Zuar. 6There are 31“There are 157,600 men in Dan’s camp.
54,400 men in his division. They will be the last to move when the peo-
7“The tribe of Zebulun will also camp next ple travel from place to place. Each group will
to the tribe of Judah. The leader of the tribe have its own flag.”
of Zebulun is Eliab son of Helon. 8There are 32So these were the Israelites. They were
57,400 men in his division. counted by families. The total number of
9“There is a total of 186,400 men in Israelite men in the camps, counted by divi-
Judah’s camp. All these men are divided into sions, is 603,550. 33Moses obeyed the Lord
their different tribes. Judah will be the first and did not count the Levites with the other
group to move when the people travel from Israelites.
one place to another. 34So the Israelites did everything the Lord
10“The flag of Reuben’s camp will be south told Moses. Each group camped under its
of the Holy Tent.* Each group will camp near own flag. And everyone stayed with their
its flag. The leader of the tribe of Reuben is own family and family group.
Elizur son of Shedeur. 11There are 46,500
men in this division. Aaron’s Family, the Priests
12“The tribe of Simeon will camp next to
the tribe of Reuben. The leader of the tribe
of Simeon is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.
3 1This is the family history of Aaron and
Moses at the time the Lord talked to
Moses on Mount Sinai.
13There are 59,300 men in this division. 2Aaron had four sons. Nadab was the first-
14“The tribe of Gad will also camp next to born* son. Then there were Abihu, Eleazar,
the tribe of Reuben. The leader of the tribe and Ithamar. 3These sons were the chosenb
of Gad is Eliasaph son of Deuel.a 15There are priests. They were given the special work of
45,650 men in this division. serving the Lord as priests. 4But Nadab and
16“There is a total of 151,450 men in all the Abihu died while serving the Lord. They used
divisions in Reuben’s camp. His camp will be fire that the Lord did not allow when they
the second group to move when the people made an offering to him. So Nadab and Abihu
travel from place to place. died there, in the Sinai desert. They had no
17“When the people travel, Levi’s camp will sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar took their place
move next. The Meeting Tent will be with and served the Lord as priests. This happened
them between the other camps. The people while their father Aaron was still alive.
will make their camps in the same order that
they move. Levites—the Priests’ Helpers
18“The flag of the camp of Ephraim will be 5The Lord said to Moses, 6“Bring all the
on the west side. The division of Ephraim will men from the tribe of Levi. Bring them
camp there. The leader of the tribe of Ephraim to Aaron the priest. These men will be his
is Elishama son of Ammihud. 19There are helpers. 7The Levites will help him when he
40,500 men in this division. serves at the Meeting Tent.* And they will
20“The tribe of Manasseh will camp next help all the Israelites when they come to wor-
to Ephraim’s family. The leader of the tribe ship at the Holy Tent.* 8The Israelites should
of Manasseh is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. protect everything in the Meeting Tent; it is
21There are 32,200 men in this division. their duty. But the Levites will serve the Isra-
22“The tribe of Benjamin will also camp elites by caring for these things. This will be
next to Ephraim’s family. The leader of the their way of serving at the Holy Tent.
tribe of Benjamin is Abidan son of Gideoni. 9“Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons.
23There are 35,400 men in this division. The Levites were chosen from all the Israel-
24“There is a total of 108,100 men in ites to help Aaron and his sons.
Ephraim’s camp. They will be the third fam- 10“Appoint Aaron and his sons to be priests.
ily to move when the people travel from one They must do their duty and serve as priests.
place to another. Anyone else who tries to come near the holy
25“The flag of Dan’s camp will be on the thingsc must be killed.”
north side. The tribes of Dan will camp there. 11The Lord also said to Moses, 12‑13“I
The leader of the tribe of Dan is Ahiezer son destroyed all the firstborn* in Egypt. At that
of Ammishaddai. 26There are 62,700 men in time I chose all the firstborn from every fam-
this division. ily in Israel to be mine in a special way. That
27“The people from the tribe of Asher will included all the firstborn men and animals.
camp next to the tribe of Dan. The leader
of the tribe of Asher is Pagiel son of Ocran. b 3:3 chosen Or “anointed.” See “anoint” in the Word
28There are 41,500 men in this division.
List.
c 3:10 tries … holy things Or “tries to serve as a
a 2:14 Deuel Or “Reuel.” priest.”
109 NUMBERS 3:51
But now I am choosing the Levites to take 6200 men and boys who were one month
their place. Now they will be my special ser- old or older in the Mahli family group. 35The
vants. I, the Lord, give this command!” leader of the Merari family group was Zuriel
14The Lord again said to Moses in the Sinai son of Abihail. This family group was given
desert, 15“Count all the families and family the area to the north of the Holy Tent. This
groups in the tribe of Levi. Count every man is the area where they camped. 36The people
or boy who is one month old or older.” 16So from the Merari family were given the job of
Moses obeyed the Lord. He counted them caring for the frames of the Holy Tent. They
all. cared for all the braces, posts, bases, and
17Levi had three sons. Their names were everything that was used with the frames of
Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 18Each son was the Holy Tent. 37They also cared for all the
the leader of several family groups. posts in the courtyard around the Holy Tent.
The Gershon family groups were Libni and This included all the bases, tent pegs, and
Shimei. ropes.
19The Kohath family groups were Amram, 38Moses, Aaron, and his sons camped east
Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. of the Holy Tent, in front of the Meeting Tent.
20The Merari family groups were Mahli and They were given the work of caring for the
Mushi. Holy Place. They did this for all the Israelites.
These are the families that belonged to Anyone else who came near the Holy Place
Levi’s family group. was to be killed.
21The families of Libni and Shimei belonged 39The Lord commanded Moses and Aaron
to the family of Gershon. They were the Ger- to count all the men and boys one month old
shonite family groups. 22There were 7500 or older in Levi’s family group. The total num-
men and boys over one month old in these ber was 22,000.
two family groups. 23The Gershonite family
groups were told to camp in the west. They Levites Take the Place of the Firstborn
made their camp behind the Holy Tent. 24The 40The Lord said to Moses, “Count all the
leader of the family groups of the Gershonites firstborn* men and boys in Israel who are at
was Eliasaph son of Lael. 25In the Meeting least one month old. Write their names on a
Tent, the Gershonites had the job of taking list. 41I will take the Levites instead of all the
care of the Holy Tent, the outer tent, and the firstborn men and boys of Israel. I will also
covering. They also took care of the curtain take the animals from the Levites instead of
at the entrance of the Meeting Tent. 26They taking all the firstborn animals from the other
cared for the curtain in the courtyard. And people in Israel.”
they cared for the curtain at the entrance of 42So Moses did what the Lord commanded.
the courtyard. This courtyard was around the He counted all the firstborn children of the
Holy Tent and the altar.* And they cared for Israelites. 43He listed all the firstborn men
the ropes and for everything that was used and boys who were one month old or older.
with the curtains. There were 22,273 names on that list.
27The families of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, 44The Lord also said to Moses, 45“I, the
and Uzziel belonged to the family of Kohath. Lord, give this command: ‘Take the Levites
They were the Kohathite family groups. 28In instead of all the firstborn men from the other
this family group there were 8300a men and families of Israel. And I will take the animals
boys a month old or over. The Kohathites of the Levites instead of the animals of the
were given the job of taking care of the things other people. The Levites are mine. 46There
in the Holy Place.* 29The Kohathite fam- are 22,000 Levites, but there are 22,273 first-
ily groups were given the area to the south born sons from the other families. This leaves
of the Holy Tent. This was the area where 273 more firstborn sons than Levites. 47Using
they camped. 30The leader of the Kohathite the official measure,* collect five shekelsb of
family groups was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. silver for each of the 273 people. (The shekel
31Their job was to take care of the Holy Box,* by the official measure weighs 20 gerahs.c)
the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the Collect that silver from the Israelites. 48Give
dishes of the Holy Place. They also cared for the silver to Aaron and his sons as payment
the curtain and all the things that were used for the 273 Israelites.’”
with the curtain. 49There were not enough Levites to take
32The leader over the leaders of the Levites the place of all the men from the other
was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest. Eleazar family groups, so Moses gathered the money
was in charge of everyone who took care of for them. 50Moses collected the silver from
the holy* things. the firstborn men of the Israelites. He col-
33‑34The family groups of Mahli and Mushi lected 1365 shekelsd of silver, using the offi-
belonged to the Merari family. There were cial measure. 51Moses obeyed the Lord’s
a 3:28 8300 Some copies of the ancient Greek ver‑ b 3:47 five shekels 2 ounces (57.5 g).
sion have “8300.” The Hebrew copies have “8600.” c 3:47 gerahs 1/50 of an ounce (.6 g).
See Num. 3:22, 28, 34, 39. d 3:50 1365 shekels 35 pounds (15.7 kg).
NUMBERS 4:1 110
command and gave the silver to Aaron and daily offering,a and the anointing* oil.”
his sons. 17The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 18“Be
careful! Don’t let these Kohathite men be
The Jobs of the Kohath Family destroyed. 19You must do these things so that
a 5:21 You will … die Literally, “Your loins will fall and
your belly will swell.”
b 5:27 All … against her Literally, “She will be like a c 6:6 someone who is dying Or “a dead person.”
curse among the people.” d 6:7 when they die Or “that have died.”
113 NUMBERS 7:83
15 a basket of bread made without yeast— should be used only for worshiping the Lord.
bread made with fine flour mixed with 2Then the leaders of Israel gave offerings to
oil and wafers* with oil spread on top; the Lord. These men were the heads of their
and the grain offerings and drink offerings families and leaders of their tribes. These
that are a part of these gifts. were the same men who were in charge of
counting the people. 3These leaders brought
16“The priest will give these things to the gifts to the Lord. They brought six covered
Lord, and then the priest will make the sin wagons and twelve oxen for pulling the wag-
offering and the burnt offering. 17He will give ons. (One ox was given by each leader. Each
the basket of bread without yeast to the Lord. leader joined with another leader to give one
Then he will kill the ram as a fellowship offer- wagon.) The leaders gave these things to the
ing to the Lord. He will give it to the Lord with Lord at the Holy Tent.
the grain offering and the drink offering. 4The Lord said to Moses, 5“Accept these
18“The Nazirites must go to the entrance of gifts from the leaders. These gifts can be used
the Meeting Tent. There they must shave off in the work of the Meeting Tent.* Give them
their hair that they grew for the Lord. That to the Levites to help them do their work.”
hair will be put in the fire that is burning 6So Moses accepted the wagons and the
under the sacrifice of the fellowship offering. oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7He gave
19“After the Nazirites have cut off their two wagons and four oxen to the men in
hair, the priest will give them a boiled shoul- Gershon’s group. They needed the wagons
der from the ram and a large and a small and the oxen for their work. 8Then Moses
cake from the basket. Both of these cakes are gave four wagons and eight oxen to the men
made without yeast. 20Then the priest will lift in Merari’s group. They needed the wagons
these things up to show they were presented and oxen for their work. Ithamar son of Aaron
before the Lord. These things are holy* and the priest was responsible for the work of all
belong to the priest. Also, the breast and the these men. 9Moses did not give any oxen or
thigh from the ram are lifted before the Lord. wagons to the men in Kohath’s group, because
These things also belong to the priest. After their job was to carry the holy things on their
that the Nazirite can drink wine. shoulders.
21“These are the rules for someone who 10Moses anointed the altar. That same day
decides to make the Nazirite vow. They must the leaders brought their offerings for dedi-
give all these gifts to the Lord. But they might cating the altar. They gave their offerings to
be able to give much more to the Lord. If they the Lord at the altar. 11The Lord told Moses,
promise to do more, they must keep their “Each day one leader must bring his gift for
promise. But they must give at least all the dedicating the altar.”
things listed in these rules for the Nazirite 12‑83 c Each of the twelve leaders brought
promise.” these gifts:
Each leader brought one silver plate that
The Priests’ Blessings weighed 31⁄4 pounds.d Each leader brought
22TheLord said to Moses, 23“Tell Aaron one silver bowl that weighed 13⁄4 pounds.e
and his sons that this is the way they should Both of these gifts were weighed by the offi-
bless the Israelites. They should say: cial measure.* The bowl and the plate were
each filled with fine flour mixed with oil. This
24 May the Lord bless you and keep you. was to be used as a grain offering. Each leader
25 May the Lord smile down on youa also brought a large gold spoon that weighed
and show you his kindness. about 4 ounces.f The spoon was filled with
26 May the Lord answer your prayersb incense.*
and give you peace.” Each leader also brought 1 young bull, 1
ram, and 1 male lamb a year old. These ani-
27Then the Lord said, “In that way Aaron mals were for a burnt offering.* Each leader
and his sons will use my name to give a bless- also brought 1 male goat to be used as a sin
ing to the Israelites, and I will bless them.” offering.* Each leader brought 2 cattle, 5
rams, 5 male goats, and 5 male lambs a year
Dedicating the Holy Tent old. All of them were sacrificed for a fellow-
a 14:18 But the lord … bad things Or “The Lord b 15:4 8 cups Literally, “1/10 of an ephah” (2.2 l).
credits the guilt of the fathers to their children and c 15:4 1 quart Literally, “1/4 hin” (.8 l).
grandchildren, to the third and fourth generation.” d 15:6 16 cups Literally, “2/10 of an ephah” (4.4 l).
121 NUMBERS 16:3
11⁄4 quartsa of olive oil. 7And you must pre- offering. 28The priest will make the one who
pare 11⁄4 quarts of wine as a drink offering. Its sinned pure and that person will be forgiven.
smell will please the Lord. 29This law is for everyone who makes a mis-
8“You might prepare a young bull as a burnt take and sins. The same law is for the people
offering, a sacrifice, a fellowship offering, or born in the family of Israel and for the for-
to keep a special promise to the Lord. 9At eigners living among you.
that time you must also bring a grain offering 30“If someone sins and knows they are
with the bull. That grain offering should be doing wrong, they are rebelling against the
24 cupsb of fine flour mixed with 2 quartsc Lord. They must be separated from their peo-
of olive oil. 10Also bring 2 quarts of wine as a ple. The same law applies to citizens of Israel
drink offering as a sweet-smelling gift to the and to foreigners living among you. 31They
Lord. 11Each bull or ram, or lamb or young thought the Lord’s word was not important,
goat that you give to the Lord must be pre- so they broke his commands. That is why they
pared in this way. 12Do this for every one of must be separated from their people—they
these animals that you give. must bear the responsibility for their guilt.”
13“This is the way every citizen of Israel
must give gifts to please the Lord. 14Foreign- A Man Works on the Day of Rest
ers will live among you. If they give gifts to 32While the Israelites were in the desert,
please the Lord, they must offer them the some of them saw a man gathering firewood
same way you do. 15The same rules will be on the Sabbath* day. 33The people who saw
for everyone—the Israelites and the foreign- him gathering the wood brought him to
ers living among you. This law will continue Moses, Aaron, and the whole community
forever. You and the people living among of Israel. 34They guarded the man carefully
you will be the same before the Lord. 16This because they did not know how they should
means that you must follow the same laws punish him.
and the same rules. These laws and rules are 35Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man
for you Israelites and for the other people must die. All the people must throw stones at
who are living among you.” him outside the camp.” 36So the people took
17The Lord said to Moses, 18“Tell the Isra- him outside the camp and killed him with
elites this: I am taking you to another land. stones. They did this just as the Lord com-
19When you eat the food that grows in that manded Moses.
land, you must give part of that food as an
offering to the Lord. 20You will gather grain A Way to Remember God’s Commands
and grind it into flour to make dough for bread. 37The Lord said to Moses, 38“Speak to the
You must give the first of that dough as a gift Israelites. Tell them this: Tie several pieces
to the Lord. It will be like the grain offering of thread together and tie them in the cor-
that comes from the threshing* floor. 21This ner of your clothes. Put a piece of blue thread
rule will continue forever, you must give the in each one of these tassels. You must wear
first of that dough as a gift to the Lord. these things now and forever. 39You will be
22“As you try to obey all the commands able to look at these tassels and remember all
that the Lord gave Moses, you might fail and the commands that the Lord has given you.
make a mistake. 23God gave you those com- Then you will obey the commands. You will
mands through Moses, and they have been in not do wrong by forgetting about the com-
effect from the day they were given through- mands and doing the things that your own
out the generations until today. 24If you made bodies and eyes want. 40You will remember
this mistake where everyone could see it, the to obey all my commands. Then you will be
whole community must offer a young bull as a God’s special people. 41I am the Lord your
burnt offering, as a sweet-smelling gift to the God. I am the one who brought you out of
Lord. You must also offer the grain offering Egypt. I did this to be your God. I am the Lord
and the drink offering with the bull. And you your God.”
must also give a male goat as a sin offering.*
25“So the priest will make the whole com- Some Leaders Turn Against Moses
munity of Israel pure,* and they will be for-
given for the mistake they made. Since they
made the mistake, they must bring a gift and
16 1Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On
turned against Moses. (Korah was the
son of Izhar. Izhar was the son of Kohath,
a sin offering to the Lord. 26Then the whole and Kohath was the son of Levi. Dathan and
community of Israel and any foreigners among Abiram were brothers, the sons of Eliab. And
them will be forgiven for the mistake. On was the son of Peleth. Dathan, Abiram,
27“But if only one person makes a mistake and On were descendants of Reuben.) 2These
and sins, that person must bring a female goat four men gathered 250 other men from Israel
that is one year old. That goat will be the sin together and came against Moses. They were
leaders who had been chosen by the people.
a 15:6 1 1/4 quarts Literally, “1/3 hin” (1 l). All the people knew them. 3They came as a
b 15:9 24 cups Literally, “3/10 of an ephah” (6.6 l). group to speak against Moses and Aaron and
c 15:9 2 quarts Literally, “1/2 hin” (1.6 l). said, “You have gone too far—you are wrong!
NUMBERS 16:4 122
All the Israelites are holy—the Lord still 20The Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
lives among them. You are making yourselves 21“Move away from these men! I want to
more important than the rest of the Lord’s destroy them now!”
people.” 22But Moses and Aaron bowed to the
4When Moses heard this, he bowed his ground and cried out, “God, you know what
face to the ground to show he was not being people are thinking.b Please don’t be angry
proud. 5Then Moses said to Korah and all his with all these people. Only one man really
followers, “Tomorrow morning the Lord will sinned.”
show who belongs to him. He will show who 23Then the Lord said to Moses, 24“Tell the
is holy, and he will bring that man near to people to move away from the tents of Korah,
him. He will choose him and bring that man Dathan, and Abiram.”
near to him. 6So Korah, you and all your fol- 25Moses stood and went to Dathan and
lowers should do this: 7Tomorrow put fire and Abiram. All the elders* of Israel followed him.
incense* in some special pans. Then bring 26Moses warned the people, “Move away
those pans before the Lord. He will choose from the tents of these evil men. Don’t touch
the man who is holy. You Levites have gone anything that belongs to them! If you do, you
too far—you are wrong!” will be destroyed because of their sins.”
8Moses also said to Korah, “You Levites, lis- 27So the men moved away from the tents of
ten to me. 9You should be happy that the God Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Dathan and Abi-
of Israel chose you and made you special. You ram went to their tents. They stood outside
are different from the rest of the Israelites. of their tents with their wives, children, and
The Lord brought you near to him to do the little babies.
special work in the Lord’s Holy Tent* to help 28Then Moses said, “I will show you proof
the Israelites worship him. Isn’t that enough? that the Lord sent me to do all the things I
10He brought you Levites near to him to help told you. I will show you that all these things
the priests, but now you are trying to become were not my own idea. 29These men will die,
priests also. 11You and your followers have but if they die in a normal way—the way peo-
joined together and turned against the Lord! ple always die—then that will show that the
Did Aaron do anything wrong? No, so why Lord did not really send me. 30But if the Lord
are you complaining against Aaron?” causes them to die in a different way, then
12Then Moses called Dathan and Abiram, you will know that these men have sinned
the sons of Eliab. But the two men said, against the Lord. This is the proof: The earth
“We will not come! 13You have brought us will open and swallow them. They will go
out of a land filled with many good things.a down to their grave still alive. And everything
You brought us to the desert to kill us. And that belongs to these men will go down with
now you want to show that you have even them.”
more power over us. 14Why should we fol- 31When Moses finished saying these things,
low you? You did not bring us into the new the ground under the men opened. 32It was as
land filled with many good things. You did not if the earth opened its mouth and swallowed
give us the land God promised. You did not them. All of Korah’s men, their families, and
give us the fields or the vineyards.* Will you everything they owned went down into the
make these men your slaves? No! We will not earth. 33They went down into their grave
come.” alive. Everything they owned went with
15So Moses became very angry. He said them. Then the earth closed over them. They
to the Lord, “I never did anything wrong were finished—gone from the camp!
to these people. I never took anything from 34The Israelites heard the cries of the men
them—not even a donkey! Don’t accept their being destroyed. So they all ran in different
gifts!” directions and said, “The earth will swallow
16Then Moses said to Korah, “You and all us too!”
your followers will stand before the Lord 35Then a fire came from the Lord and
tomorrow. Aaron will also be there with you destroyed the 250 men who were offering
and your followers. 17Each of you must bring the incense.
a pan, put incense in it, and present it to the 36The Lord said to Moses, 37‑38“Tell Eleazar
Lord. There will be 250 pans for the leaders son of Aaron the priest to get all the incense
and one pan for you and one pan for Aaron.” pans from the fire. Tell him to scatter the
18So each man got a pan and put burning coals and ashes. These men sinned against
incense in it. Then they stood at the entrance me, and their sin cost them their lives. But
of the Meeting Tent.* Moses and Aaron also the incense pans are still holy.* The pans
stood there. 19Korah also gathered all the peo- became holy when people gave them to the
ple together at the entrance of the Meeting Lord. Hammer the pans into flat sheets. Use
Tent. Then the Glory of the Lord* appeared the metal sheets to cover the altar.* This will
to everyone there. be a warning to all the Israelites.”
a 16:13 land … things Literally, “land flowing with b 16:22 God, … thinking Literally, “God, the God of
milk and honey.” the spirits of all people.”
123 NUMBERS 18:7
39So Eleazar the priest gathered together all 6So Moses spoke to the Israelites. Each of
the bronze* pans that the men had brought. the leaders gave him a walking stick. There
These men were all burned up, but the pans were twelve walking sticks. There was one
were still there. Then Eleazar told some men stick from each leader of each tribe. One of
to hammer the pans into flat metal. Then he the walking sticks belonged to Aaron. 7Moses
put the metal sheets on the altar. 40He did this put the walking sticks before the Lord in the
the way the Lord commanded him through Tent of the Agreement.*
Moses. This was a sign to help the Israelites 8The next day Moses entered the Tent.
remember that only someone from the fam- He saw that Aaron’s walking stick, the stick
ily of Aaron should burn incense before the from the family of Levi, was the one that had
Lord. Any other person who burns incense grown new leaves. That walking stick had
before the Lord will die like Korah and his even grown branches and made almonds.
followers. 9So Moses brought out all the sticks from the
Lord’s place. He showed the walking sticks
Aaron Saves the People to the Israelites. They all looked at the sticks,
41The next day all the Israelites complained and each man took his own stick back.
against Moses and Aaron. They said, “You 10Then the Lord said to Moses, “Put
killed the Lord’s people.” Aaron’s walking stick back in front of the
42Moses and Aaron were standing at the Box that holds the Agreement.a This will be
entrance of the Meeting Tent.* The people a warning for these people who are always
gathered together at that place to complain turning against me. This will stop their com-
against Moses and Aaron. But when they plaining against me so that I will not destroy
looked toward the Meeting Tent, the cloud them.” 11So Moses did what the Lord com-
covered it and the Glory of the Lord* appeared manded him.
there. 43Then Moses and Aaron went to the 12The Israelites said to Moses, “We know
front of the Meeting Tent. that we will die! We are lost! We will all be
44The Lord said to Moses, 45“Move away destroyed! 13Anyone who even comes near
from these people so that I can destroy them the Lord’s holy place will die. Is it true that
now.” So Moses and Aaron bowed with their we will all die?”
faces to the ground.
46Then Moses said to Aaron, “Get your The Work of the Priests and Levites
bronze* pan and some fire from the altar.*
Then put incense* in it. Hurry to the people
and do the things that will make them pure.*
18 1The Lord said to Aaron, “You, your
sons, and all the people in your father’s
family must bear the responsibility for any
The Lord is angry with them. The trouble has wrong that is done against the holy place or
already started.” against the priests. 2To prevent that from hap-
47‑48So Aaron got the incense and the fire, pening, you must bring the rest of the men
and he ran to the middle of the people. But from the tribe of Levi to join you. These Lev-
the sickness had already started among them. ites will help you and your sons do your work
So Aaron stood between the dead and those in the Tent of the Agreement.* 3These Levites
who were still alive. He did what Moses said will be under your control. They will do all
to remove their sin, and the sickness stopped the work that needs to be done in the Tent.
there. 49But 14,700 people died from that But they must not go near the things in the
sickness—and that is not counting the people Holy Place* or the altar.* If they do, they will
who died because of Korah. 50So the terrible die—and you also will die. 4They will join you
sickness was stopped, and Aaron went back to and work with you. They will be responsible
Moses at the entrance of the Meeting Tent. for caring for the Meeting Tent.* All the work
that must be done in the Tent will be done by
God Proves Aaron Is the High Priest them. No one else may come near the place
a 19:17 fresh water Literally, “living water.” This b 20:13 Meribah This name means “argument” or
means fresh, flowing water. “rebellion.”
NUMBERS 20:16 126
our ancestors* went down into Egypt, and them prisoners. 2Then the Israelites made a
we lived there for many years. The people of special promise to the Lord: “Please help us
Egypt were cruel to us. 16But we asked the defeat these people. If you do this, we will
Lord for help, and he heard us and sent an give their cities to you. We will totally destroy
angel to help us. The Lord has brought us out them.”
of Egypt. 3The Lord listened to the Israelites and
“Now we are here at Kadesh, where your helped them defeat the Canaanites. They
land begins. 17Please let us travel through completely destroyed the Canaanites and their
your country. We will not travel through any cities. So that place was named Hormah.a
fields or vineyards.* We will not drink water
from any of your wells. We will travel only The Bronze Snake
along King’s Road. We will not leave that 4The Israelites left Mount Hor and traveled
road to the right or to the left. We will stay on the road that goes to the Red Sea. They
on the road until we have traveled through did this to go around the country of Edom.
your country.” But the people became impatient. 5They
18But the king of Edom answered, “You began complaining against God and Moses.
may not travel through our land. If you try The people said, “Why did you bring us out of
to travel through our land, we will come and Egypt? We will die here in the desert! There
fight you with swords.” is no bread and no water! And we hate this
19The Israelites answered, “We will travel terrible food!”
along the main road. If our animals drink any 6So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among
of your water, we will pay you for it. We only the people. The snakes bit the people, and
want to walk through your country. We don’t many of the Israelites died. 7The people came
want to take it for ourselves.” to Moses and said, “We know that we sinned
20But again the king of Edom answered, when we spoke against the Lord and against
“We will not allow you to come through our you. Pray to the Lord. Ask him to take away
country.” these snakes.” So Moses prayed for them.
Then the king of Edom gathered a large and 8The Lord said to Moses, “Make a bronze*
powerful army and went out to fight against snake and put it on a pole. If anyone is bit-
the Israelites. 21The king of Edom refused to ten by a snake, that person should look at the
let the Israelites travel through his country, bronze snake on the pole. Then that person
so the Israelites turned around and went will not die.” 9So Moses obeyed the Lord. He
another way. made a bronze snake and put it on a pole.
Then when a snake bit anyone, that person
Aaron Dies looked at the bronze snake on the pole and
22All the Israelites traveled from Kadesh to lived.
Mount Hor. 23Mount Hor was near the border
of Edom. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, The Trip to Moab
24“It is time for Aaron to die and go to be with 10The Israelites left that place and camped
his ancestors.* Aaron will not enter the land at Oboth. 11Then they left Oboth and camped
that I promised to the Israelites. Moses, I say at Iye Abarim in the desert east of Moab.
this to you because both you and Aaron did 12They left that place and camped in Zered
not fully obey the command I gave you at the Valley. 13Then they moved and camped across
waters of Meribah. from the Arnon River in the desert. This river
25“Now, bring Aaron and his son Eleazar up started at the Ammonite border. The valley
to Mount Hor. 26Take Aaron’s special clothes was the border between Moab and the Amor-
from him and put these clothes on his son ites. 14That is why these words are written in
Eleazar. Aaron will die there on the mountain. the Book of the Wars of the Lord:
And he will go to be with his ancestors.”
27Moses obeyed the Lord’s command. “… and Waheb in Suphah, and the Val-
Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar went up on Mount leys of the Arnon, 15and the hills by the
Hor. All the Israelites watched them go. valleys that lead to the town of Ar. These
28Moses removed Aaron’s special clothes and places are at the border of Moab.”
put them on Aaron’s son Eleazar. Then Aaron
died there on top of the mountain. Moses and 16The Israelites left that place and traveled
Eleazar came back down the mountain. 29All to Beer.b This was the place with the well
the Israelites learned that Aaron was dead. So where the Lord said to Moses, “Bring the
everyone in Israel mourned* for 30 days. people together here, and I will give them
water.” 17Then the Israelites sang this song:
War With the Canaanites
21 1The
Canaanite king of Arad lived in
the Negev.* He heard that the Israel-
ites were coming on the road to Atharim, so
a 21:3 Hormah This name means “completely
destroyed” or “a gift given totally to God.” See Lev.
the king went out and attacked the Israelites. 27:28‑29.
Arad captured some of the people and made b 21:16 Beer This Hebrew name means “well.”
127 NUMBERS 22:11
“Well, flow with water! town and the small towns that were around
Sing about it! it. They forced the Amorites who were living
18 Great men dug this well. there to leave.
Important leaders dug this well. 33Then the Israelites traveled on the road
They dug this well with their staffs and toward Bashan. King Og of Bashan got his
walking sticks. army and marched out to meet the Israelites.
It is a gift in the desert.”a He fought against them at Edrei.
34But the Lord said to Moses, “Don’t be
19The people traveled from Mattanah to afraid of that king. I will allow you to defeat
Nahaliel. Then they traveled from Nahaliel to him. You will take his whole army and all his
Bamoth. 20They traveled from Bamoth to the land. Do the same to him as you did to Sihon,
Valley of Moab. In this place the top of the the Amorite king who lived in Heshbon.”
Pisgah Mountain looks over the desert. 35So the Israelites defeated Og and his
army. They killed him, his sons, and all his
Sihon and Og army. Then the Israelites took all his land.
21The Israelites sent some men to King
Sihon of the Amorites. The men said to the Balaam and the King of Moab
king, 22“Allow us to travel through your coun-
try. We will not go through any field or vine-
yard.* We will not drink water from any of
22 1Then the Israelites traveled to the
Jordan Valley in Moab. They camped
near the Jordan River across from Jericho.
your wells. We will travel only along King’s 2‑3Balak son of Zippor saw everything the
Road. We will stay on that road until we have Israelites had done to the Amorites. The king
traveled through your country.” of Moab was very frightened of the Israelites
23But King Sihon would not allow the Isra- because there were so many of them. He was
elites to travel through his country. He gath- very afraid.
ered together his army and marched out to the 4The king of Moab said to the leaders of
desert to fight against the Israelites. The king’s Midian, “This large group of people will
army fought against the Israelites at Jahaz. destroy everything around us, the way an ox
24But the Israelites defeated the king and eats all the grass in a field.”
took his land from the Arnon River to the Jab- Balak son of Zippor was the king of Moab
bok River. The Israelites took the land as far at this time. 5He sent some men to Balaam
as the Ammonite border. They stopped at that son of Beor. Balaam was at Pethor, near the
border because it was strongly defended by the Euphrates River. This was where Balaam’s
Ammonites. 25Israel took all the Amorite cities people lived.b This was Balak’s message: “A
and began living in them. They even defeated new nation of people has come out of Egypt.
the city of Heshbon and all the small towns There are so many people that they cover
around it. 26Heshbon was the city where all the land. They have camped next to me.
Sihon, the Amorite king, lived. In the past 6Come and help me. These people are too
Sihon had fought with the king of Moab. Sihon powerful for me. I know that you have great
had taken the land as far as the Arnon River. power. If you bless people, good things happen
27That is why the singers sing this song: to them. And if you curse people, bad things
happen to them. So come and curse these
“Go in and rebuild Heshbon! people. Maybe then I will be able to defeat
Make Sihon’s city strong. them and force them to leave my country.”
28 A fire began in Heshbon. 7The leaders of Moab and Midian left. They
That fire began in Sihon’s city. went to talk to Balaam. They carried with
The fire destroyed Ar in Moab. them money to pay him for his service.c Then
It burned the hills above Arnon River. they told him what Balak had said.
29 It is bad for you, Moab. 8Balaam said to them, “Stay here for the
You lost Chemosh’s* people. night. I will talk to the Lord and tell you the
His sons ran away. answer he gives me.” So the leaders of Moab
His daughters were taken prisoners by stayed there with Balaam that night.
Sihon, king of the Amorites. 9God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are
30 But we defeated those Amorites. these men with you?”
We destroyed their towns from Heshbon 10Balaam said to God, “The king of Moab,
to Dibon, from Nashim to Nophah, Balak son of Zippor, sent them to give me a
near Medeba.” message. 11This is the message: A new nation
31So the Israelites made their camp in the b 22:5 This … lived Or “This was the land of the
land of the Amorites. Ammonites.”
c 22:7 for his service Or “for the things he needed to
32Moses sent some men to look at the town
make curses.” In ancient times, when people asked
of Jazer. Then the Israelites captured that bad things to happen to other people, they often
wrote the curses on special bowls and used them in
a 21:18 gift in the desert In Hebrew this is the name ceremonies. They did this to try to force these bad
“Mattanah.” things to happen. See Deut. 18:10.
NUMBERS 22:12 128
of people has come out of Egypt. There are 26Later, the Lord’s angel stood at another
so many people that they cover the land. So place where the road became narrow. There
come and curse these people. Then maybe I was no place where the donkey could go
will be able to fight them and force them to around him. It could not turn to the left or to
leave my land.” the right. 27The donkey saw the Lord’s angel.
12But God said to Balaam, “Don’t go with So the donkey lay down with Balaam sitting
them. You must not curse those people. They on top of it. Balaam was very angry at the
are my people.” donkey. So he hit it with his walking stick.
13The next morning Balaam got up and said 28Then the Lord caused the donkey to
to leaders from Balak, “Go back to your own speak. The donkey said to Balaam, “Why are
country. The Lord will not let me go with you angry at me? What have I done to you?
you.” You have hit me three times!”
14So the leaders of Moab went back to 29Balaam answered the donkey, “You have
Balak and told him this. They said, “Balaam made me look foolish. If I had a sword in my
refused to come with us.” hand, I would kill you right now!”
15So Balak sent other leaders to Balaam. 30But the donkey said to Balaam, “Look, I
This time he sent many more than the first am your donkey. You have ridden me for so
time. And these leaders were much more many years. And you know that I have never
important than the first ones he sent. 16They done this to you before!”
went to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak “That is true,” Balaam said.
son of Zippor says to you: Please don’t let any- 31Then the Lord allowed Balaam to see the
thing stop you from coming. 17I will pay you angel. The Lord’s angel was standing in the
very much,a and I will do whatever you ask. road, holding a sword in his hand. Balaam
Come and curse these people for me.” bowed low to the ground.
18Balaam gave Balak’s officials his answer. 32Then the Lord’s angel asked Balaam,
He said, “I must obey the Lord my God. I “Why did you hit your donkey three times?
cannot do anything, great or small, against his I am the one who came to stop you. But just
command. Even if King Balak gives me his in time,c 33your donkey saw me and turned
beautiful home filled with silver and gold, I away from me. That happened three times. If
will not do anything against the Lord’s com- the donkey had not turned away, I probably
mand. 19But you can stay here tonight like would have killed you already. And I would
the other men did, and during the night I will have let your donkey live.”
learn what the Lord wants to tell me.” 34Then Balaam said to the Lord’s angel, “I
20That night, God came to Balaam. God have sinned. I did not know that you were
said, “These men have come again to ask you standing in the road. If I am doing wrong, I
to go with them. So you can go with them. will go back home.”
But do only what I tell you to do.” 35Then the Lord’s angel said to Balaam,
“No, you can go with these men. But be care-
Balaam and His Donkey ful. Speak only the words that I will tell you
21The next morning, Balaam got up, put to say.” So Balaam went with the leaders that
a saddle on his donkey, and went with the Balak had sent.
Moabite leaders. 22Balaam was riding on his 36Balak heard that Balaam was coming. So
donkey. Two of his servants were with him. Balak went out to meet him at the Moabite
While Balaam was traveling, God became townd near the Arnon River. This was at the
angry. So the Lord’s angel stood in the road northern border of his country. 37When Balak
in front of Balaam to stopb him. saw Balaam, he said to him, “I asked you
23When Balaam’s donkey saw the Lord’s before to come. I told you it was very impor-
angel standing in the road with a sword in tant. Why didn’t you come to me? Did you
his hand, the donkey turned from the road think I might not be able to pay you?”
and went into the field. Balaam could not see 38Balaam answered, “Well, I am here now.
the angel, so he was very angry at the donkey. I came, but I might not be able to do what you
He hit the donkey and forced it to go back on asked. I can only say the words that the Lord
the road. God tells me to say.”
24Later, the Lord’s angel stood at a place 39Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath
where the road became narrow. This was Huzoth. 40Balak killed some cattle and some
between two vineyards.* There were walls sheep as his sacrifice. He gave some of the
on both sides of the road. 25Again the donkey meat to Balaam and some to the leaders who
saw the Lord’s angel. So the donkey walked were with him.
very close to one wall. This crushed Balaam’s 41The next morning Balak took Balaam to
foot against the wall. So Balaam hit his don- the town of Bamoth Baal. From there they
key again. could see part of the Israelite camp.
c 22:32 But just in time Or “You should not be going
a 22:17 I will pay you very much Or “I will honor you this way,” or “You are not doing right.” The Hebrew
very much.” text here is hard to understand.
b 22:22 stop Or “oppose” or “accuse.” Also in verse 32. d 22:36 Moabite town Or possibly, “Ar Moab.”
129 NUMBERS 23:30
Balaam’s First Message 16So
the Lord came to Balaam and told
Amram was from the Kohath family group. Joshua Is the New Leader
59Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She 12Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up on
was also from the tribe of Levi. She was born one of mountains in the desert east of the Jor-
in Egypt. Amram and Jochebed had two sons, dan River. There you will see the land that I
Aaron and Moses. They also had a daughter, am giving to the Israelites. 13After you have
Miriam. seen this land, you will die like your brother
60Aaron was the father of Nadab, Abihu, Aaron. 14Remember when the people became
NUMBERS 27:15 134
angry at the water in the Desert of Zin. Both Offer it just as the morning offering. Also give
you and Aaron refused to obey my command. the drink offering that goes with it. This will
You did not honor me and show the people be a sweet-smelling gift to the Lord.
that I am holy.*” (This was at the water of
Meribaha near Kadesh in the Desert of Zin.) Sabbath Offerings
15Moses said to the Lord, 16“Lord, you are 9“On the Sabbath,* you must give 2 lambs
the God who knows what people are think- that are one year old. There must be nothing
ing. I pray that you will choose a leader for wrong with them. You must also give a grain
these people.b 17I pray that you will choose offering of 16 cupsg of fine flour mixed with
a leader who will lead them out of this land olive oil, and a drink offering. 10This is a spe-
and bring them into the new land. Then cial offering for the day of rest. This offering
your people will not be like sheep without a is in addition to the regular daily offering and
shepherd.” drink offering.
18So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua son of
Nun is very wise.c You will place your hand Monthly Meetings
on him and make him the new leader. 19Tell 11“On the first day of each month you will
him to stand before Eleazar the priest and all offer a special burnt offering* to the Lord.
the people. Then make him the new leader. This offering will be 2 male bulls, 1 ram, and
20“Show the people that you are making 7 lambs that are one year old. There must be
him leader,d then all the people will obey nothing wrong with them. 12With each bull,
him. 21If Joshua needs to make a decision, he you must give a grain offering of 24 cupsh
will go to Eleazar the priest. Eleazar will use of fine flour mixed with olive oil. And with
the Urim* to learn the Lord’s answer. Then the ram, you must give a grain offering of 16
Joshua and all the Israelites will do the things cups of fine flour mixed with olive oil. 13Also
God says. If he says, ‘go to war,’ they will go give a grain offering of 8 cups of fine flour
to war. And if he says, ‘go home,’ they will mixed with olive oil with each lamb. This will
go home.” be a sweet-smelling gift to the Lord. 14The
22Moses obeyed the Lord. Moses told drink offering will be 2 quartsi of wine with
Joshua to stand before Eleazar the priest and each bull, 11⁄4 quarts j of wine with the ram,
all the Israelites. 23Then Moses put his hands and 1 quart of wine with each lamb. That is
on him to show that he was the new leader. the burnt offering that must be offered each
He did this just as the Lord told him to. month of the year. 15In addition to the regular
daily burnt offering and drink offering, you
Daily Offerings must also give 1 male goat to the Lord. That
Passover
offerings and sacrifices to me at the right 16“The Lord’s Passover will be on the
time as sweet-smelling gifts. 3These are gifts 14th day of the first month. 17The Festival of
that they must give to the Lord. Every day Unleavened Bread* begins on the 15th day of
they must give 2 lambs that are one year old. that month. This festival lasts for seven days.
There must be nothing wrong with them. The only bread you can eat is bread made
4Offer one of the lambs in the morning and without yeast. 18You must have a special
the other lamb just before dark. 5Also give a meeting on the first day of this festival. You
grain offering of 8 cupse of fine flour mixed will not do any work on that day. 19You will
with 1 quartf of olive oil.” 6(They started give burnt offerings* to the Lord. The burnt
giving the daily offerings at Mount Sinai as offerings will be 2 bulls, 1 ram, and 7 lambs
sweet-smelling gifts to the Lord.) 7“The peo- that are one year old. There must be nothing
ple must also give the drink offerings that go wrong with them. 20‑21You must also give a
with the gifts. They must give 1 quart of wine grain offering of 24 cups of fine flour mixed
with every lamb. Pour that drink offering {on with olive oil with each bull, and 16 cups of
the altar} in the Holy Place. This is a gift to the fine flour mixed with oil with the ram, and
Lord. 8Offer the second lamb just before dark. 8 cups of fine flour mixed with oil for each
a 27:14 water of Meribah Or “water of rebellion.” lamb. 22You must also give a male goat as a
b 27:16 lord, … these people Literally, “May the sin offering* to make you pure.* 23You must
Lord, the God of the spirits of all people, appoint a give these offerings in addition to the morn-
man for this community.” ing burnt offerings that you give every day.
c 27:18 Joshua … is very wise Literally, “Take Joshua 24“In the same way, each day for seven
son of Nun. He is a man with a spirit in him.” This days, you must give the gifts to the Lord and
might mean that Joshua was very wise, or it might
mean that God’s Spirit was with him. g 28:9 16 cups Literally, “2/10 of an ephah” (4.4 l).
d 27:20 Show … leader Literally, “Give him some of Also in verses 12, 20‑21, 28.
your glory.” h 28:12 24 cups Literally, “3/10 of an ephah” (6.6 l).
e 28:5 8 cups Literally, “1/10 of an ephah” (2.2 l). Also Also in verses 20‑21, 28.
in verses 13, 20‑21, 29. i 28:14 2 quarts Literally, “1/2 hin” (1.6 l).
f28:5 1 quart Literally, “1/4 hin” (.8 l). Also in verse 14. j 28:14 1 1/4 quarts Literally, “1/3 hin” (1 l).
135 NUMBERS 29:28
the drink offerings that go with them. The must offer 1 bull, 1 ram, and 7 lambs that are
smell of these offerings will please the Lord. one year old. There must be nothing wrong
The offerings will be food for the people. You with them. 9You must also offer 24 cups of
must give these offerings in addition to the fine flour mixed with olive oil with the bull,
burnt offerings that you give every day. 16 cups with the ram, 10and 8 cups with each
25“Then, on the seventh day of this festival, of the 7 lambs. 11You will also offer 1 male
you will have another special meeting. You goat as a sin offering.* This will be in addi-
will not do any work on that day. tion to the sin offering for the Day of Atone-
ment.* This will also be in addition to the
Festival of Harvest daily sacrifice and its grain offerings and drink
26“The first day of the Festival of Harvest* is offerings.
the day you bring the first of your new crops
and give them as a grain offering to the Lord. Festival of Shelters
At that time you must also call a special meet- 12“There will be a special meeting on the
ing. You must not do any work on that day. 15th day of the seventh month.f You must not
27You must offer a burnt offering* as a sweet- do any work on that day. You must celebrate
smelling gift to the Lord. You must offer 2 a special festival for the Lord for seven days.
bulls, 1 ram, and 7 lambs that are one year 13You will offer burnt offerings* as sweet-
old. There must be nothing wrong with them. smelling gifts to the Lord. You will offer 13
28You must also give 24 cups of fine flour bulls, 2 rams, and 14 lambs that are one year
mixed with oil with each bull, and 16 cups old. There must be nothing wrong with them.
with each ram, 29and 8 cups with each lamb. 14You must also offer 24 cups of fine flour
30You must also sacrifice a male goat to make mixed with oil with each of the 13 bulls, 16
you pure.* 31You must give these offerings in cups with each of the 2 rams, 15and 8 cups
addition to the daily burnt offerings and the with each of the 14 lambs. 16You must also
grain offering you give with them. Be sure offer 1 male goat. This must be in addition to
there is nothing wrong with the animals or the daily sacrifice and its grain offerings and
the drink offerings that you give with them. drink offerings.
17“On the second day of this festival, you
Festival of Trumpets must offer 12 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 lambs
28
from the tribe of Asher—Ahihud son of
Shelomi;
from the tribe of Naphtali—Pedahel son
I am giving you that land to be your very own. of Ammihud.”
These will be its borders: 3On the south, you
will get part of the Zin desert near Edom. Your 29The Lord chose these men to divide the
southern border will start at the south end of land of Canaan among the Israelites.
the Dead Sea. 4It will cross south of Scorpion
Pass. It will go through the Zin desert to The Levites’ Towns
Kadesh Barnea, and then to Hazar Addar and
then it will pass through Azmon. 5From Azmon
the border will go to the River of Egypt,b and
35 1The Lord spoke to Moses. This was
in the Jordan Valley in Moab, near the
Jordan River, across from Jericho. He said,
it will end at the Mediterranean Sea. 6Your 2“Tell the Israelites that they should give
western border will be the Mediterranean some of the cities in their part of the land to
Sea. 7Your northern border will begin at the the Levites. The Israelites should give these
Mediterranean Sea and go to Mount Hor. cities and the pastures around them to the
8From Mount Hor it will go to Lebo Hamath, Levites. 3The Levites will be able to live in
and then to Zedad. 9Then that border will go them. And all the cattle and other animals
to Ziphron and it will end at Hazar Enan. So that belong to the Levites will be able to eat
that will be your northern border. 10Your east- from the pastures around these cities. 4{How
ern border will begin at Enan and it will go to much of your land should you give to the Lev-
Shepham. 11From Shepham the border will go ites?} From the walls of the cities, go out 1500
east of Ain to Riblah. The border will continue feetd—all of that land will belong to the Lev-
along the hills by Lake Galilee.c 12Then the ites. 5Measure off an area around the city for
border will continue along the Jordan River. It the Levites. Start at the northeast corner and
will end at the Dead Sea. These are the bor- measure 3000 feete to the south. Then from
ders around your country.” this corner, measure 3000 feet to the west.
13So Moses gave this command to the Isra- From there measure 3000 feet to the north
elites, “That is the land that you will get. You and from that corner, 3000 feet to the east.
will throw lots* to divide the land among the The city will be in the center of this area. 6Six
nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh. of those cities will be cities of safety. If a per-
14The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the son accidentally kills someone, that person
tribe of Manasseh have already taken their can run to those towns for safety. In addition
land. 15These two and a half tribes took the to those six cities, you will also give 42 more
land near Jericho—they took the land east of cities to the Levites. 7So you will give a total
the Jordan River.” of 48 cities to the Levites. You will also give
16Then the Lord spoke to Moses. He said, them the land around those cities. 8The large
17“These are the men who will help you tribes of Israel will get large pieces of land.
divide the land: Eleazar the priest, Joshua The small tribes of Israel will get small pieces
son of Nun, 18and the leaders of all the tribes. of land. So the large tribes will give more cit-
There will be one leader from each tribe. ies and the small tribes will give fewer cities
These men will divide the land. 19These are to the Levites.”
the names of the leaders: 9Then the Lord said to Moses, 10“Tell the
people this: You will cross the Jordan River
from the tribe of Judah—Caleb son of
Jephunneh; d 35:4 1500 feet Literally, “1000 cubits” (444 m). The
people probably let their sheep and cattle use this
a 33:55 needle A thin barb or thorn from a plant. land.
b 34:5 River of Egypt That is, the stream called “Wadi e 35:5 3000 feet Literally, “2000 cubits” (1037 m).
El‑Arish.” The Levites probably used this land for gardens and
c 34:11 Lake Galilee Literally, “Kinnereth Lake.” vineyards.
141 NUMBERS 36:13
and go into the land of Canaan.* 11You must be put to death if there is only one witness.
choose towns to be cities of safety. If someone 31“A murderer must be put to death. Don’t
accidentally kills another person, that per- take money to change the punishment. That
son can run to one of those towns for safety. murderer must be killed.
12That person will be safe from anyone from 32“If a person killed someone and then ran
the dead man’s family who wants to punish to one of the cities of safety, don’t take money
the killer until that person is judged in court. to let that person go home. That person must
13There will be six cities of safety. 14Three stay in that city until the high priest dies.
of them will be east of the Jordan River and 33“Don’t let your land be polluted with
three of them will be in the land of Canaan, innocent blood. If a person murders someone,
west of the Jordan River. 15These cities will the only payment for that crime is that the
be places of safety for citizens of Israel and for murderer must be killed! There is no other
foreigners and travelers. Any of these people payment that will free the land from that
will be able to run to one of these cities if they crime. 34I am the Lord. I will be living in your
accidentally kill someone. country with the Israelites, so don’t make it
16“If you use an iron weapona to kill some- unclean* with the blood of innocent people.”
one, you are a murderer, and you must die.
17If you use a rock large enough to kill some- The Land of Zelophehad’s Daughters
one and you kill another person, you are a
murderer, and you must die. 18If you use a
piece of wood large enough to kill someone
36 1Manasseh was Joseph’s son. Makir
was Manasseh’s son. Gilead was
Makir’s son. The leaders of Gilead’s family
and you kill another person, you are a mur- went to talk to Moses and the leaders of
derer, and you must die. 19A member of the tribes of Israel. 2They said, “Sir, the Lord
dead person’s familyb can chase you and kill commanded us to get our land by throwing
you. lots.* And sir, the Lord commanded that the
20‑21“You might hit someone with your land of Zelophehad our brother be given to
hand or push someone or throw something at his daughters. 3Maybe a man from one of the
them and kill them. If you did that from hate, other tribes will marry one of Zelophehad’s
you are a murderer, and you must be killed. A daughters. Will that land leave our fam-
member of the dead person’s family can chase ily? Will the people of that other tribe get
you and kill you. the land? Will we lose the land that we got
22“You might accidentally kill someone, by throwing lots? 4People might sell their
maybe by pushing or by accidentally hitting land, but in the Jubilee* year, all the land is
them with a tool or weapon. 23Perhaps you returned to the tribe that really owns it. At
threw a rock that was large enough to kill, but that time who will get the land that belongs
it hit someone you didn’t see and killed them. to Zelophehad’s daughters? Will our tribe lose
You didn’t plan to kill anyone. You didn’t hate that land forever?”
the person you killed—it was only an acci- 5Moses gave this command from the Lord
dent. 24If that happens, the community must to the Israelites: “These men from the tribe
decide what to do. The court must decide if of Joseph are right. 6This is the Lord’s com-
a member of the dead person’s family can kill mand to Zelophehad’s daughters: If you want
you. 25If the community decides to protect to marry someone, you must marry someone
you from the dead person’s family, the com- from your own tribe. 7In this way land will
munity must take you back to your city of not be passed from tribe to tribe among the
safety. You must stay there until the official Israelites. Each Israelite will keep the land
high priestc dies. that belonged to their own ancestors.* 8And
26‑27“You must never go outside the lim- if a woman gets her father’s land, she must
its of your city of safety. If you do and if a marry someone from her own tribe. That way
member of the dead person’s family catches everyone will keep the land that belonged to
you and kills you, that family member will his ancestors. 9So the land must not be passed
not be guilty of murder. 28Whoever acciden- from tribe to tribe among the Israelites. Each
tally killed someone must stay in their city of Israelite will keep the land that belonged to
safety until the high priest dies. After the high their own ancestors.”
priest dies, that person can go back to their 10So Zelophehad’s daughters obeyed the
own land. 29These rules will be the law for- Lord’s command to Moses. 11Zelophehad’s
ever in all the towns of your people. daughters—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah,
30“A killer should be put to death as a mur- and Noah—married their cousins on their
derer only if there are witnesses. No one can father’s side of the family. 12Their husbands
were from Manasseh’s family groups, so their
a 35:16 iron weapon This shows that the murderer
land remained within their father’s family
chose a weapon he knew could kill the other group and tribe.
person. 13So these are the laws and commands that
b 35:19 member of the dead person’s family Literally,
“the blood avenger.” Also in verses 20‑21, 24, 26‑27. the Lord gave to Moses in the Jordan Val-
c 35:25 official high priest Literally, “the high priest ley in Moab by the Jordan River, across from
who was anointed with the holy oil.” Jericho.
142
Deuteronomy
Moses Talks to the Israelites your leaders. In this way I gave you leaders
a 1:28 giants Literally, “Anakites,” descendants of b 2:1 Seir Another name for Edom.
Anak, a family famous for tall and powerful fighting c 2:9 descendants of Lot Lot’s sons were Moab and
men. See Num. 13:33. Ammon. See Gen. 19:30‑38.
DEUTERONOMY 2:20 144
They are descendants of Lot, and I have given the Arnon Valley and Gilead. No city was too
that land to them.’” strong for us. 37But you did not go near the
20(That country is also known as the Land land that belongs to the people of Ammon.
of Rephaim. The Rephaites lived there in the You did not go near the shores of the Jabbok
past. The people of Ammon called them the River or the cities of the hill country. You did
Zamzummites. 21There were many Rephaites, not go near any place that the Lord our God
and they were very strong and tall like the would not let us have.
Anakites. But the Lord helped the Ammo-
nites destroy them. The Ammonites took that Fighting the People of Bashan
land and live there now. 22God did the same
thing for Esau’s people. In the past the Horites
lived in Seir.a But Esau’s people destroyed the
3 1“We turned and went on the road to
Bashan. King Og of Bashan and all his
men came out to fight against us at Edrei.
Horites, and Esau’s descendants still live there 2The Lord said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid of Og.
today. 23God did the same thing for some peo- I have decided to give him to you. I will give
ple from Crete. The Avvites lived in the towns you all his men and his land. You will defeat
around Gaza, but the Cretans destroyed them, him just as you defeated Sihon, the Amorite
took the land, and live there now.) king who ruled in Heshbon.’
3“So the Lord our God let us defeat King Og
Fighting the Amorites of Bashan. We destroyed him and all his men.
24“The Lord told me, ‘Get ready to go Not one of them was left. 4Then we took all
across Arnon Valley. I will let you defeat Sihon the cities that belonged to Og at that time. We
the Amorite, the king of Heshbon. I will let took all the cities from Og’s people—60 cities
you take his country. So fight against him and in the area of Argob, Og’s kingdom in Bashan.
take his land. 25Today I will make all people 5All these cities were very strong. They had
everywhere afraid of you. They will hear the high walls, gates, and strong bars on the
news about you, and they will be afraid and gates. There were also many towns that did
shake with fear.’ not have walls. 6We destroyed them just as
26“While we were in the desert of Kede- we destroyed the cities of King Sihon of Hesh-
moth, I sent messengers to King Sihon of bon. We completely destroyed every city and
Heshbon. The messengers offered peace to all the people in them, even the women and
Sihon. They said, 27‘Let us go through your the babies. 7But we kept all the cattle and the
land. We will stay on the road. We will not valuable things from the cities for ourselves.
turn off the road to the right or to the left. 8“In that way we took the land from the
28We will pay you in silver for any food we two Amorite kings. We took that land on
eat or any water we drink. We only want the east side of the Jordan River, from Arnon
to march through your country. 29Let us go Valley to Mount Hermon. 9(The people from
through your land until we go across the Sidon call Mount Hermon, Sirion, but the
Jordan River into the land that the Lord our Amorites called it Senir.) 10We took all the
God is giving us. Other people have let us go cities in the high plain and all of Gilead. We
through their land—the people of Esau living took all of Bashan, all the way to Salecah and
in Seir and the Moabites living in Ar.’ Edrei. Salecah and Edrei were cities of Og’s
30“But King Sihon of Heshbon would not kingdom of Bashan.”
let us pass through his country. The Lord 11(Og was the king of Bashan. He was one
your God had made him very stubborn. The of the few Rephaites still alive. His bed was
Lord did this so that he could let you defeat made from iron, and it was over 13 feet long
King Sihon. And today we know that really and 6 feet wide.b The bed is still in the city of
happened. Rabbah, where the Ammonites live.)
31“The Lord said to me, ‘I am giving King
Sihon and his country to you. Now, go take The Land East of the Jordan River
his land!’ 12“So we took that land to be ours. I gave
32“Then King Sihon and all his people came part of this land to the tribes of Reuben and
out to fight against us at Jahaz. 33But the Lord Gad. I gave them the land from Aroer in the
our God gave him to us. We defeated King Arnon Valley to the hill country of Gilead
Sihon, his sons, and all his people. 34We cap- with the cities in it. They got half of the hill
tured all the cities that belonged to King Sihon country of Gilead. 13I gave the other half of
at that time. We completely destroyed the Gilead and the whole area of Bashan to half
people in every city—the men, women, and the tribe of Manasseh.”
children. We did not leave anyone alive! 35We (Bashan was Og’s kingdom. Part of Bashan
took only the cattle and the valuable things was called Argob. It was also called the Land
from those cities. 36We defeated the town of of Rephaim. 14Jair, from the tribe of Manasseh,
Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Valley and took the whole area of Argob. That area went
the other town in the middle of that valley.
The Lord let us defeat all the cities between b 3:11 13 feet long and 6 feet wide Literally, “9 cubits
long and 4 cubits wide, following the measure of a
a 2:22 Seir The hill country of Edom. man’s cubit.”
145 DEUTERONOMY 4:18
all the way to the border of the Geshurites 29“So
we stayed in the valley across from
and the Maacathites. It was named for Jair, Beth Peor.
and even today people call Bashan the Towns
of Jair.) Moses’ Warning to Obey God’s Laws
15“I gave Gilead to Makir. 16And to the tribe
of Reuben and the tribe of Gad, I gave the land
that begins at Gilead and goes from the Arnon
4 1“Now, Israel, listen to the laws and to the
commands that I teach you. Obey them
and you will live. Then you can go in and take
Valley to the Jabbok River. The middle of the the land that the Lord, the God of your ances-
valley is one border. The Jabbok River is the tors,* is giving you. 2You must not add to what
border for the Ammonites. 17The Jordan River I command you. And you must not take any-
near the desert is their western border. Lake thing away. You must obey the commands of
Galileea is north of this area and the Dead the Lord your God that I have given you.
Seab is to the south. It is at the bottom of the 3“You have seen what the Lord did at Baal
cliffs of Pisgah, which are to the east. Peor. The Lord your God destroyed all your
18“At that time I gave those tribes this com- people who followed the false god Baal* at
mand: ‘The Lord your God has given you the that place. 4But all of you who stayed with the
land on this side of the Jordan River to live in. Lord your God are alive today.
But now your fighting men must take their 5“I taught you the laws and rules that the
weapons and lead the other Israelite tribes Lord my God commanded me. I did this so
across the river. 19Your wives, your little chil- you could obey them in the land you are ready
dren, and your cattle (I know you have many to enter and take for your own. 6Obey these
cattle) will stay here in the cities I have given laws carefully. This will show the people of
you. 20But you must help your Israelite rela- the other nations that you are wise and sen-
tives until they take the land that the Lord is sible. They will hear about these laws and say,
giving them on the other side of the Jordan ‘Truly, the people of this great nation are wise
River. Help them until the Lord gives them and sensible.’
peace there, just as he did for you here. Then 7“The Lord our God is near when we ask
you may come back to this land that I have him to help us. No other nation has a god like
given you.’ that! 8And no other nation is great enough to
21“Then I told Joshua, ‘You have seen all have laws and rules as good as the teachings
that the Lord your God has done to these two I give you today. 9But you must be careful! Be
kings. The Lord will do the same thing to all sure that as long as you live you never forget
the kingdoms you will enter. 22Don’t fear the what you have seen. You must teach these
kings of these lands, because the Lord your things to your children and grandchildren.
God will fight for you.’ 10Remember the day you stood before the
Lord your God at Mount Horeb.* The Lord
Moses Not Allowed in Canaan said to me, ‘Gather the people together to
23“Then I begged the Lord to do something listen to what I have to say. Then they will
special for me. I said, 24‘Lord God, I am your learn to respect me as long as they live on
servant. I know that you have shown me only earth. And they will teach these things to
a small part of the wonderful and powerful their children.’ 11You came near and stood at
things you will do. There is no god in heaven the bottom of the mountain. The mountain
or earth that can do the great and powerful burned with fire that reached up to the sky.
things you have done. 25Please let me go There were thick black clouds and darkness.
across the Jordan River and see the good land 12Then the Lord spoke to you from the fire.
on the other side. Let me see the beautiful hill You heard the sound of someone speaking,
country and Lebanon.’ but you did not see any form. There was only
26“But the Lord was angry with me a voice. 13The Lord told you about his agree-
because of you and refused to listen to me. ment,* which he commanded you to obey.
The Lord said to me, ‘That’s enough! Don’t He told you about the Ten Commandments,
say another word about this. 27Go up to the which he wrote on two stone tablets. 14At
top of Mount Pisgah. Look to the west, to the that time the Lord also commanded me to
north, to the south, and to the east. You may teach you the other laws and rules that you
see these things with your eyes, but you can must follow in the land you are going to take
never go across the Jordan River. 28You must and live in.
give instructions to Joshua. Encourage him. 15“On the day the Lord spoke to you
Make him strong, because Joshua must lead from the fire at Mount Horeb, you did not
the people across the Jordan River. You can see him—there was no shape for God. 16So
see the land, but Joshua will lead them into be careful! Don’t sin and destroy yourselves
that land. He will help them take the land and by making false gods or statues in the shape
live in it.’ of any living thing. Don’t make an idol* that
looks like a man or a woman, 17or like an ani-
a 3:17 Lake Galilee Literally, “Kinnereth Lake.” mal on the earth, or like a bird that flies in the
b 3:17 Dead Sea Literally, “Arabah Sea.” Also called sky. 18And don’t make an idol that looks like
the “Salt Sea.” anything that crawls on the ground or like a
DEUTERONOMY 4:19 146
fish in the sea. 19And be careful when you alive. Has that ever happened to anyone else?
look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, No! 34Has any other god ever tried to go and
and the stars—all the many things in the sky. take a people for himself from inside another
Be careful that you are not tempted to wor- nation? No! But you yourselves have seen
ship and serve them. The Lord your God lets everything that the Lord your God did for
the other people in the world do this. 20But you. He showed you his power and strength.
the Lord brought you out of Egypt and made You saw the troubles that tested the people.
you his own special people. It was as if the You saw miracles and wonders. You saw war
Lord reached into a hot furnacea and pulled and the terrible things that happened. 35The
you out. And now you are his people. Lord showed you all this so that you would
21“The Lord was angry with me because of know that he is God. There is no other god
you. He swore that I could not go across the like him. 36The Lord let you hear his voice
Jordan River into the good land that the Lord from heaven so that he could teach you a les-
your God is giving you. 22So I must die here in son. On earth he let you see his great fire, and
this land. I cannot go across the Jordan River, he spoke to you from it.
but you will soon go across it and take that 37“The Lord loved your ancestors.* That
good land and live there. 23You must be care- is why he chose you, their descendants. And
ful not to forget the agreement that the Lord that is why the Lord brought you out of Egypt.
your God made with you. You must obey the He was with you and brought you out with
Lord’s command. Don’t make any idols in his great power. 38When you moved forward,
any form, 24because the Lord your God hates the Lord forced out nations that were greater
for his people to worship other gods. And he and more powerful than you. And the Lord
can be like a fire that destroys! led you into their land. He gave you their land
25“You will live in the country a long time. to live in, as he is still doing today.
You will have children and grandchildren 39“So today you must remember and accept
there. You will grow old there. And then you that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven
will ruin your lives—you will make all kinds above and on the earth below. There is no
of idols! When you do that, you will make other god! 40And you must obey his laws and
God very angry! 26So I am warning you now. commands that I give you today. Then every-
Heaven and earth are my witnesses! If you do thing will go well with you and your children
this evil thing, you will quickly be destroyed! who live after you. And you will live a long
You are crossing the Jordan River now to time in the land the Lord your God is giving
take that land. But if you make any idols, you you—it will be yours forever.”
will not live there very long. No, you will be
destroyed completely! 27The Lord will scat- Moses Chooses the Cities of Safety
ter you among the nations. And only a few 41Then Moses chose three cities on the
of you will be left alive to go to the countries east side of the Jordan River. 42Any person
where the Lord will send you. 28There you who killed someone by accident and not out
will serve gods made by men—things made of of hate could run away to one of these three
wood and stone that cannot see or hear or eat cities and not be put to death. 43The three cit-
or smell! 29But there in these other lands you ies that Moses chose were Bezer in the high
will look for the Lord your God. And if you plains for the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gil-
look for him with all your heart and soul, you ead for the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan
will find him. 30When you are in trouble— for the tribe of Manasseh.
when all these things happen to you—then
you will come back to the Lord your God and Introduction to the Law of Moses
obey him. 31The Lord your God is a merciful 44Moses gave God’s law to the Israelites.
God! He will not leave you there or destroy 45Moses gave these teachings, laws, and rules
you completely. He will not forget the agree- to the people after they came out of Egypt.
ment that he made with your ancestors. 46He gave them these laws while they were
on the east side of the Jordan River, in the
Think About the Great Things God Did valley across from Beth Peor. They were in
32“Has anything this great ever happened the land of Sihon, the Amorite king who lived
before? Never! Look at the past. Think about at Heshbon. Moses and the Israelites had
everything that happened before you were defeated Sihon when they came out of Egypt.
born. Go all the way back to the time when 47They took Sihon’s land to keep. They also
God made people on the earth. Look at every- took the land of King Og of Bashan. These two
thing that has happened anywhere in the Amorite kings lived on the east side of the
world. Has anyone ever heard about anything Jordan River. 48This land goes from Aroer on
as great as this? No! 33You people heard God the edge of the Arnon Valley all the way to
speaking to you from a fire, and you are still Mount Sirion,b that is, Mount Hermon. 49This
land also included the whole Jordan Valley on
a 4:20 furnace Literally, “iron furnace.” That is, an the east side of the Jordan River. To the south,
oven hot enough to soften iron so that it can be
hammered into something useful. b 4:48 Sirion Or “Siyon.”
147 DEUTERONOMY 5:32
this land reached to the Dead Sea.a To the 16“You must honor your father and
east, it reached to the foot of Mount Pisgah. your mother. The Lord your God has
commanded you to do this. If you follow
The Ten Commandments this command, you will live a long time,
Always Love and Obey God Teach Your Children the Things God Did
6 1“These are the commands, the laws, and
the rules that the Lord your God told me
to teach you. Obey these laws in the land that
20“In the future, your children might ask
you, ‘The Lord our God gave you teachings,
laws, and rules. What do they mean?’ 21Then
you are entering to live in. 2You and your you will say to them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s
descendants must respect the Lord your God slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out
as long as you live. You must obey all his laws of Egypt with his great power. 22The Lord
and commands that I give you. If you do this, did great and amazing things. We saw him do
you will have a long life in that new land. these things to the Egyptian people, to Pha-
3Israelites, listen carefully and obey these raoh, and to the people in Pharaoh’s house.
laws. Then everything will be fine with you. 23And the Lord brought us out of Egypt so that
You will have many children, and you will get he could give us the land that he promised
the land filled with many good thingsa—just our ancestors.* 24The Lord commanded us to
as the Lord, the God of your ancestors,* follow all these teachings. We must respect
promised. the Lord our God. Then he will always keep
4“Listen, people of Israel! The Lord is our us alive and doing well, as we are today. 25If
God. The Lord is one. 5You must love the we carefully obey the whole law, exactly as
Lord your God with all your heart, with all the Lord our God told us to, he will say that
your soul, and with all your strength. 6Always we have done a very good thing.’c
remember these commands that I give you
today. 7Be sure to teach them to your chil- Israel, God’s Special People
dren. Talk about these commands when you
sit in your house and when you walk on the
road. Talk about them when you lie down and
7 1“The Lord your God will lead you into
the land that you are entering to take for
your own. He will force out many nations
when you get up. 8Tie them on your hands for you—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amori-
and wear them on your foreheads to help you tes, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and
remember my teachings. 9Write them on the Jebusites—seven nations greater and more
doorposts of your houses and on your gates. powerful than you. 2The Lord your God will
10“The Lord your God made a promise to put these nations under your power. And
your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. you will defeat them. You must destroy them
He promised to give you this land, and he will completely. Don’t make an agreement with
give it to you. He will give you great and rich them or show them mercy. 3Don’t marry any
cities that you did not build. 11He will give of them, and don’t let your sons or daughters
you houses full of good things that you did not marry any of the people from those other
put there. He will give you wells that you did nations. 4If you do, they will turn your chil-
not dig. He will give you vineyards* and olive dren away from following me. Then your
trees that you did not plant, and you will have children will serve other gods, and the Lord
plenty to eat. will be very angry with you. He will quickly
12“But be careful! Don’t forget the Lord. destroy you!
You were slaves in Egypt, but he brought
you out of the land of Egypt. 13Respect the Destroy False Gods
Lord your God and serve only him. You must 5“This is what you must do to those nations:
use only his name to make promises. 14You You must smash their altars* and break their
must not follow other gods. You must not fol- memorial stones* into pieces. Cut down their
low the gods of the people who live around Asherah poles* and burn their statues. 6Do this
you. 15The Lord your God is always with you, because you are the Lord’s own people. From
and he hates for his people to worship other all the people on earth, the Lord your God
gods!b So if you follow those other gods, the chose you to be his special people—people
Lord will become very angry with you. He who belong only to him. 7Why did the Lord
will destroy you from the face of the earth. love and choose you? It was not because you
16“You must not test the Lord your God are such a large nation. You had the fewest
like you tested him at Massah. 17You must be of all people! 8But the Lord brought you out
sure to obey the commands of the Lord your of Egypt with great power and made you free
God. You must follow all the teachings and from slavery. He freed you from the control of
laws he has given you. 18You must do what is Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord did this
a 6:3 land … things Literally, “land flowing with milk
and honey.” c 6:25 Or “The Lord our God will credit us with righ‑
b 6:15 he … gods Or “The Lord your God is El teousness (goodness) if we carefully obey the whole
Kanah—the Jealous God.” law, exactly as he commanded us.”
149 DEUTERONOMY 8:15
because he loves you and he wanted to keep they ever lived. No one will be able to stop
the promise he made to your ancestors.* you. You will destroy them all!
9“So remember that the Lord your God 25“You must throw the statues of their gods
is the only God, and you can trust him! He into the fire and burn them. You must not
keeps his agreement.* He shows his love and want to keep the silver or the gold that is on
kindness to all people who love him and obey those statues for yourselves. It will be like a
his commands. He continues to show his trap to you—it will ruin your life. The Lord
love and kindness through a thousand gen- your God hates those idols.* 26You must not
erations, 10but the Lord punishes people who bring any of those disgusting idols into your
hate him. He will destroy them. He will not homes, or you will be destroyed just as they
be slow to punish those who hate him. 11So will be. You must treat them as the disgusting
you must be careful to obey the commands, things they are! They are to be destroyed.
laws, and rules that I give you today.
12“If you listen to these laws, and if you are Remember the Lord
careful to obey them, the Lord your God will
keep his agreement of love with you. He prom-
ised this to your ancestors. 13He will love you
8 1“You must obey all the commands that
I give you today, because then you will
live and grow to become a great nation. You
and bless you. He will make your nation grow. will get the land that the Lord promised to
He will bless your children. He will bless your your ancestors.* 2And you must remember
fields with good crops and will give you grain, the entire trip that the Lord your God has
new wine, and oil. He will bless your cows led you through these 40 years in the desert.
with calves and your sheep with lambs. You He was testing you. He wanted to make you
will have all these blessings in the land that humble. He wanted to know what is in your
he promised your ancestors to give you. heart. He wanted to know if you would obey
14“You will be blessed more than all peo- his commands. 3He humbled you and let you
ple. Every husband and wife will be able to be hungry. Then he fed you with manna*—
have children. Your cows will be able to have something you did not know about before.
calves. 15The Lord will take away all sickness It was something your ancestors had never
from you and he will not let you catch any seen. Why did the Lord do this? Because he
of the terrible diseases that you had in Egypt. wanted you to know that it is not just bread
But he will make your enemies catch those that keeps people alive. People’s lives depend
diseases. 16You must destroy all the people the on what the Lord says. 4These past 40 years,
Lord your God helps you defeat. Don’t feel your clothes did not wear out, and your feet
sorry for them, and don’t worship their gods! did not swell. 5You must remember that the
They will trap you—they will ruin your life. Lord your God teaches and corrects you as a
father teaches and corrects his son.
The Lord Promises to Help His People 6“You must obey the commands of the Lord
17“Don’t say in your heart, ‘These nations your God. Follow him and respect him. 7The
are stronger than we are. How can we force Lord your God is bringing you into a good
them out?’ 18You must not be afraid of them. land—a land with rivers and pools of water.
You must remember what the Lord your God Water flows out of the ground in the valleys
did to Pharaoh and to all the people of Egypt. and hills. 8It is a land with wheat and barley,
19You saw the great troubles he gave them and grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates.* It is
the amazing things he did. You saw the Lord a land with olive oil and honey. 9There you
use his great power and strength to bring you will have plenty of food and everything you
out of Egypt. The Lord your God will use that need. It is a land where the rocks are iron.
same power against all the people you fear. You can dig copper out of the hills. 10You will
20“The Lord your God will send the horneta have all you want to eat. Then you will praise
against them. He will do this until he destroys the Lord your God for the good land he has
all the people who escaped and tried to hide. given you.
21Don’t be afraid of them, because the Lord
your God is with you. He is a great and awe- Don’t Forget What the Lord Did
some God. 22The Lord your God will force 11“Becareful. Don’t forget the Lord your
those nations to leave your country little by God! Be careful to obey the commands, laws,
little. You will not destroy them all at once. and rules that I give you today. 12Then you
If you did, the wild animals would grow to be will have plenty to eat, and you will build
too many for you. 23But the Lord your God good houses and live in them. 13Your cattle,
will let you defeat those nations. He will con- sheep, and goats will grow large. You will get
fuse them in battle, until they are destroyed. plenty of gold and silver. You will have plenty
24The Lord will help you defeat their kings. of everything. 14When that happens, you must
You will kill them, and the world will forget be careful not to become proud. You must not
forget the Lord your God. You were slaves in
a 7:20 hornet A stinging insect like a large wasp or Egypt, but he made you free and brought you
bee. Here, it might mean God’s angel or his great out of that land. 15He led you through that
power. great and terrible desert where there were
DEUTERONOMY 8:16 150
poisonous snakes and scorpions. The ground any food or drink any water. 10The Lord gave
was dry, and there was no water anywhere. me the two stone tablets. He wrote his com-
But he gave you water out of a solid rock. 16In mands on the stones with his finger. He wrote
the desert he fed you manna*—something everything he said to you from the fire when
your ancestors* had never seen. He tested you you were gathered together at the mountain.
to make you humble so that everything would 11“So at the end of 40 days and 40 nights,
go well for you in the end. 17Don’t ever say the Lord gave me two stone tablets—the
to yourself, ‘I got all this wealth by my own stones of the agreement. 12Then the Lord
power and ability.’ 18Remember the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and quickly go down from
your God is the one who gives you power here. The people you brought out of Egypt
to do these things. He does this because he have ruined themselves. They stopped obey-
wants to keep the agreement* that he made ing my commands so quickly. They melted
with your ancestors—as he is doing today! gold and made an idol* for themselves.’
19“Don’t ever forget the Lord your God. 13“The Lord also said to me, ‘I have watched
Don’t ever follow other gods or worship and these people. They are very stubborn! 14Let
serve them. If you do that, I warn you today: me destroy these people completely, so no
You will surely be destroyed! 20The Lord is one will even remember their names. Then
destroying other nations for you. But if you I will make another nation from you that is
stop listening to the Lord your God, you will stronger and greater than these people.’
be destroyed just like them!
The Golden Calf
The Lord Will Be With Israel 15“Then I turned and came down from the
a 11:9 land … things Literally, “land flowing with b 12:6 one-tenth … animals Or “tithes.” Also in verse
milk and honey.” 11.
153 DEUTERONOMY 13:6
You will remember that the Lord your God who are unclean. 23But be especially careful
blessed you and gave you these good things. not to eat the blood, because the life is in the
8“You must not continue to worship the blood. You must not eat meat that still has its
way we have been worshiping. Until now life in it. 24Don’t eat the blood. Pour it out like
each of us has been worshiping God any way water onto the ground. 25So don’t eat blood.
we wanted. 9This is because we have not yet You must do what the Lord says is right, and
entered the peaceful land that the Lord your good things will happen to you and to your
God is giving you. 10But you will go across the descendants.
Jordan River and live in that land. The Lord 26“If you decide to give something special
is giving that land to you. And he will give to God, you must go to the special place that
you rest from all your enemies. You will be the Lord your God will choose. And if you
safe. 11Then the Lord your God will choose make a special promise, you must go to that
a place that will be the home for his name. place to give that gift to God. 27You must offer
You must bring everything I command you to your burnt offerings in that place. Offer the
that place. Bring your burnt offerings, your meat and the blood of your burnt offerings
sacrifices, one-tenth of your crops and ani- on the altar of the Lord your God. For your
mals, your special gifts, and any gifts that you other sacrifices, you must pour the blood on
promised to give to the Lord. 12Come to that the altar of the Lord your God. Then you may
place with all your people—your children, all eat the meat. 28Carefully obey all the com-
your servants, and the Levites* living in your mands that I give you. When you do what is
towns. (These Levites will not have a share good and right—what pleases the Lord your
of the land for their own.) Enjoy yourselves God—then everything will go well for you
together there with the Lord your God. 13Be and for your descendants forever.
sure you don’t offer your burnt offerings in 29“You are going to take your land from
just any place you see. 14The Lord will choose other people. The Lord your God will destroy
his special place among your tribes. Offer these people for you. You will force them out
your burnt offerings and do everything else I of that land, and then you will live there.
told you only in that place. 30But be careful that you don’t fall into the
15“Whenever you want to eat meat, you same trap they did! Don’t go to their false
can enjoy that blessing from the Lord your gods for help. Don’t say to yourself, ‘They
God wherever you live. You can butcher the worshiped these gods, so I will worship them
animal just as you do gazelles* and deer, and too.’ 31Don’t do that to the Lord your God!
anyone, clean* or unclean,* can eat it. 16But These people do all kinds of bad things that
you must not eat the blood. You must pour the Lord hates. They even burn their chil-
the blood on the ground like water. dren as sacrifices to their gods!
17“There are some things you must not eat 32“You must be careful to do everything I
in the places where you live. These things are command you. Don’t add anything to what I
the part of your grain that belongs to God, the tell you, and don’t take anything away.
part of your new wine and oil that belongs to
God, the first animals born in your herd or Don’t Serve Other Gods
flock, any gift that you promised to God, any
special gifts you want to give, or any other
gifts for God. 18You must eat these offerings
13 1“A prophet or someone who explains
dreams might come to you and tell you
that they will show you a sign or a miracle.
only in his presence at the special place that 2And the sign or miracle they told you about
the Lord your God will choose. You must go might come true. Then they might ask you to
there and eat together with your sons, your follow other gods (gods you don’t know) and
daughters, all your servants, and the Levites say to you, ‘Let’s serve these gods!’ 3Don’t
living in your towns. Enjoy yourselves there listen to them, because the Lord your God
with the Lord your God. Enjoy what you have is testing you. He wants to know if you love
worked for. 19But be sure that you always him with all your heart and all your soul. 4You
share these meals with the Levites. Do this as must follow the Lord your God. Respect him.
long as you live in your land. Obey his commands and do what he tells you.
20‑21“The Lord your God promised to Serve the Lord your God, and never leave
make your country larger. When he does him. 5Also, you must kill that prophet or per-
this, you might live too far from the place son who explains dreams, because they told
the Lord your God chooses to be the home you to turn against the Lord your God. And it
for his name. If it is too far, and you are was the Lord your God who brought you out
hungry for meat, you may eat any meat you of the land of Egypt, where you were slaves.
have. You may kill any animal from the herd They tried to pull you away from the life he
or flock that he has given you. Do this the commanded you to live, so you must kill them
way I have commanded you. You may eat to remove this evil from your people.
this meat there where you live any time you 6“Someone close to you might secretly per-
want. 22You may eat this meat the same as suade you to worship other gods. It might be
you would eat gazelle or deer meat. Anyone your own brother, your son, your daughter,
can do this—people who are clean and people the wife you love, or your closest friend. They
DEUTERONOMY 13:7 154
might say, ‘Let’s go and serve other gods.’ wild goats, antelopes, and mountain sheep.
(These are gods that you and your ancestors* 6You may eat any animal that has hooves
never knew. 7They are the gods of the people divided into two parts and that chews the
who live in the other lands around you, some cud.* 7But don’t eat camels, rabbits, or rock
near and some far away.) 8You must not agree badgers. These animals chew the cud, but
with them. Don’t listen to them or feel sorry they don’t have split hooves. So these animals
for them. Don’t let them go free or protect are not a clean* food for you. 8And you must
them. 9‑10No, you must kill them with stones. not eat pigs. Their hooves are divided, but
You be the first one to pick up stones and they don’t chew the cud. So pigs are not a
throw at them. Then everyone must throw clean food for you. Don’t eat any meat from
stones to kill them, because they tried to pull pigs. Don’t even touch a pig’s dead body.
you away from the Lord your God. And it was 9“You may eat any kind of fish that has fins
the Lord who brought you out of the land of and scales. 10But don’t eat anything living in
Egypt, where you were slaves. 11Then all the the water that does not have fins and scales.
Israelites will hear about it and be afraid. And It is not a clean food for you.
they will not do those evil things any more. 11“You may eat any clean bird. 12But don’t
12“The Lord your God has given you cities eat any of these birds: eagles, vultures, buz-
to live in. Sometimes you might hear some zards, 13red kites, falcons, any kind of kite,
bad news about one of these cities. You might 14any kind of raven, 15horned owls, screech
hear that 13some troublemakers from your owls, sea gulls, any kind of hawk, 16little
own nation are persuading the people of their owls, great owls, white owls, 17desert owls,
city to do bad things. They might say to the ospreys, cormorants, 18storks, any kind of
people of their city, ‘Let’s go and serve other heron, hoopoes or bats.
gods.’ (These gods would be gods that you 19“All insects with wings are unclean,* so
never knew before.) 14If you hear this kind of don’t eat them. 20But you may eat any clean
news, you must do all you can to learn if it is bird.
true. If you learn that it is true, if you prove 21“Don’t eat any animal that has died by
that such a terrible thing really did happen, itself. You may give the dead animal to the
15then you must kill all the people of that city foreigner in your town, and he can eat it. Or
and their animals too. You must destroy that you may sell the dead animal to a foreigner.
city completely. 16You must gather up every- But you yourselves must not eat the dead
thing of value and take it to the center of the animal, because you belong to the Lord your
city. Burn the whole city and everything in it God. You are his special people.
as a burnt offering to the Lord your God. You “Don’t cook a baby goat in its mother’s
must turn that city into an empty pile of rocks milk.
forever, and that city must never be rebuilt.
17Everything in that city must be given to Giving One-Tenth
God to be destroyed. So you must not keep 22“Every year you must be sure to save
any of the things for yourselves. If you follow one-tenth of all the crops that grow in your
this command, the Lord will stop being so fields. 23Then you must go to the place the
angry with you. He will be kind to you. He Lord chooses to be the home for his name.
will feel sorry for you. He will let your nation You will go there to be with the Lord your
grow larger, like he promised your ancestors. God. At that place you will eat the tenth of
18This will happen if you listen to the Lord your crops—one-tenth of your grain, your
your God—if you obey all his commands that new wine, your oil, and the first animals born
I give you today. You must do what the Lord in your herds and flocks. In this way you will
your God says is right. always remember to respect the Lord your
God. 24But that place might be too far for you
Israel, God’s Special People to travel to. Maybe you will not be able to
32
2
1“Skies, listen and I will speak.
Earth, hear the words of my mouth.
My teachings will come like the rain,
15“But Jeshurunc became fat and kicked like
a bull.
like a mist falling to the ground, (Yes, you people were fed well and
like a gentle rain on the soft grass, became full and fat.)
like rain on the green plants. They left the God who made them!
3 Praise Goda as I speak the Lord’s name! They ran away from the Rock* who
saved them.
4“The Lord is the Rock,* 16 They made him jealous by worshiping
and his work is perfect! other gods.
Yes, all his ways are right! They made him angry with those
God is true and faithful. disgusting idols.*
He is good and honest. 17 They offered sacrifices to demons, to false
5 And you are not really his children. gods.
You are completely unfaithful to him. b 32:8 angels The ancient Greek version and some
You are crooked liars. Hebrew copies at Qumran have “sons of El (God).”
The standard Hebrew text has “sons (people) of
Israel.”
a 32:3 Praise God Or “Give honor to God” or “Speak c 32:15 Jeshurun Another name for Israel. It means
of the greatness of God.” “good” or “honest.”
DEUTERONOMY 32:18 170
These were new gods they had not sells them like slaves.
known before, 31 The ‘rock’ of our enemies is not strong
gods their ancestors* never knew. like our Rock.
18 You people left the Rock who made you; Even our enemies know that.
you forgot the God who gave you life. 32 Their vines and fields will be destroyed
like Sodom* and Gomorrah.*
19“The Lord saw this and became upset. Their grapes are like bitter poison.
His sons and daughters made him angry! 33 Their wine is like the poison of deadly
20 So he said, snakes.
‘I will turn away from them,
then let’s see what happens! 34“The Lord says,
They are a rebellious people. ‘I am saving that punishment.
They are like children who will not learn I have it locked up in my storehouse!
their lessons. 35 I will punish them for the bad things they
21 They made me jealous with demons that did.
aren’t gods. But I am saving that punishment for
They made me angry at these worthless when they slip and do bad things.
idols. Their time of trouble is near.
So I will use people who are not a real Their punishment will come quickly.’
nation to make them jealous.
I will use a foolisha nation to make 36“The Lord will judge his people.
them angry. They are his servants, and he will show
22 My anger will burn like a fire, them mercy.
burning down to the deepest grave,* He will see that their power is gone.
burning the earth and all it produces, He will see that they are all helpless—
burning deep down below the the slaves and free people too.
mountains. 37 Then the Lord will say,
‘Where are the false gods?
23“‘I will bring troubles to the Israelites. Where is the “rock” that you ran to for
I will shoot all my arrows at them. protection?
24 They will become thin from hunger. 38 Those false gods ate the fat of your
Terrible diseases will destroy them. sacrifices.
I will send wild animals against them. And they drank the wine of your
Poisonous snakes and lizards will bite offerings.
them. So let them get up and help you!
25 In the streets, soldiers will kill them. Let them protect you!
In their houses, terrible things will
happen. 39“‘Now, see that I, and only I, am God!
Soldiers will kill young men and women. There is no other God!
They will kill babies and old people. I put people to death,
and I let people live.
26“‘I thought about destroying the Israelites I can hurt people,
so that people would forget them and I can make them well.
completely! No one can save another person from my
27 But I know what their enemies would say. power!
The enemy would not understand. 40 I raise my hand toward heaven and make
They would brag and say, this promise.
“The Lord did not destroy Israel. As surely as I live forever,
We won by our own power!’ these things will happen!
41 I swear,
28“They are foolish. I will sharpen my flashing sword.
They don’t understand. I will use it to punish my enemies.
29 If they were wise, I will give them the punishment they
they would understand; deserve.
they would know what would happen to 42 My enemies will be killed and taken as
them. prisoners.
30 Can one person chase away 1000 men? My arrows will be covered with their
Can two men cause 10,000 men to run blood.
away? My sword will cut off the heads of their
It will happen only if the Lord soldiers.’
gives them to their enemy.
This will happen only if their Rock* 43“The whole world should be happy for
God’s people!
a32:21 foolish This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word God punishes people who kill his
meaning “foolish” is like the word meaning “worthless.” servants.
171 DEUTERONOMY 33:16
He gives his enemies the punishment Judah’s Blessing
they deserve. 7Moses said this about Judah:
And he makes his land and people pure.*”
“Lord, listen to the leader from Judah
Moses Teaches the People His Song when he calls for help.
44Moses and Joshua son of Nun came and Bring him to his people.
sang all the words of this song for the Isra- Make him strong, and help him defeat his
elites to hear. 45When Moses finished giving enemies!”
these teachings to the people, 46he said to
them, “You must be sure to pay attention to Levi’s Blessing
all the commands I tell you today. And you 8Moses said this about Levi:
must tell your children to obey completely the
commands in this Law. 47Don’t think these “Levi is your true follower.
teachings are not important. They are your He keeps the Urim* and Thummim.*
life! Through these teachings you will live a At Massah you tested the people of Levi.
long time in the land across the Jordan River At the waters of Meribah,d you challenged
that you are ready to take.” them.
9 They were more loyal to you, Lord, than
Moses on Mount Nebo to their own families.
48TheLord spoke to Moses that same day. They ignored their fathers and mothers.
He said, 49“Go to the Abarim Mountains. They did not recognize their brothers.
Go up on Mount Nebo in the land of Moab They did not pay attention to their
across from the city of Jericho. Then you can children.
look at the land of Canaan* that I am giving But they obeyed your commands.
to the Israelites to live in. 50You will die on They kept your agreement.*
that mountain. You will go to be with your 10 They will teach your rules to Jacob* and
people, the same as your brother Aaron died your Law to Israel.*
on Mount Hor. 51This is because you both They will burn incense* before you.
sinned against me. You were at the waters of They will offer burnt offerings* on your
Meribah near Kadesh, in the desert of Zin. altar.*
There, in front of the Israelites, you did not
honor me and show that I am holy.* 52So now 11“Lord, bless everything Levi has.
you may see the land that I am giving to the Accept what he does.
Israelites. But you cannot go into that land.” Destroy those who attack him!
Defeat his enemies so that they will
Moses Blesses the People never attack again.”
33 1This
is the blessing that Moses, the
man of God, gave the Israelites before
he died: 12Moses
Benjamin’s Blessing
said this about Benjamin:
2“The Lord came from Sinai, “The Lord loves Benjamin.
like a light shining at dawn over Seir, Benjamin will live safely near him.
like a light shining from Mount Paran.* He protects him all the time,
He came with 10,000 holy ones.a and the Lord will live in his land.”e
God’s mighty soldiers were by his side.b
3 Yes, the Lord loves his people. Joseph’s Blessing
All his holy people are in his hand. 13Moses said this about Joseph:
They sit at his feet and learn his
teachings! “May the Lord bless Joseph’s land
4 Moses gave us the law. with rain from the skies above
These teachings are for Jacob’s people. and water from the ground below.
5 At that time the Israelites 14 Let the sun give them good fruit.
and their leaders met together, Let each month bring its best fruit.
and the Lord became Jeshurun’sc king! 15 Let the hills and ancient mountains
produce their best fruit.
Reuben’s Blessing 16 Let the earth give its best to Joseph.
6“Let Reuben live, and not die! He was separated from his brothers.
But let there be only a few people in his
tribe!”
d 33:8 Massah … Meribah See Num. 20:1‑13 for
the story.
a 33:2 holy one Here, this probably means an angel. e 33:12 And the Lord will live in his land Liter‑
b 33:2 He came … side Or “He came from 10,000 ally, “And he will dwell between his shoulders.”
holy angels where his troops were by his right side.” This probably means the Lord’s Temple will be in
c 33:5 Jeshurun Another name for the people of Jerusalem, at the border between Benjamin and
Israel. It means “good” or “honest.” Also in verse 26. Judah’s land.
DEUTERONOMY 33:17 172
So may the Lord in the burning bush His power continues forever!
give his best to Joseph. He is protecting you.
17 Joseph is like a powerful bull. He will force your enemies to leave your
His two sons are like bull’s horns. land.
They will attack other people He will say, ‘Destroy the enemy!’
and push them to the ends of the earth! 28 So Israel will live in safety.
Yes, Manasseh has thousands of people, Jacob’s well belongs to them.
and Ephraim has ten thousands.” They will get a land of grain and wine.
And that land will get plenty of rain.
Zebulun and Issachar’s Blessing 29 Israel, you are blessed.
18Moses said this about Zebulun: No other nation is like you.
The Lord saved you.
“Zebulun, be happy when you go out. He is like a strong shield protecting you.
Issachar, be happy in your tents at home. He is like a powerful sword.
19 They will call the people to their Your enemies will be afraid of you,
mountain. and you will put your foot on their
There they will offer good sacrifices. backs!b”
They will take riches from the sea
and treasures from the shore.” Moses Dies
20Moses
Gad’s Blessing
said this about Gad:
34 1Moses climbed Mount Nebo. Moses
went from the Jordan Valley in Moab
to the top of Mount Pisgah. This was across
the Jordan River from Jericho. The Lord
“Praise God who gave Gad more land! showed Moses all the land from Gilead to
Gad is like a lion, who lies down and Dan. 2The Lord showed him all the land
waits. of Naphtali, Ephraim, and Manasseh. He
Then he attacks and tears the animal in showed him all the land of Judah as far as the
pieces. Mediterranean Sea. 3The Lord showed Moses
21 He chose the best part for himself. the Negev* and the valley that goes from Zoar
He took the king’s share. to Jericho, the city of palm trees. 4The Lord
The leaders of the people come to him. said to Moses, “This is the land I promised
He did what the Lord says is good. to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I said to them,
He did what is right for the Israelites.” ‘I will give this land to your descendants. I
have let you see the land, but you cannot go
Dan’s Blessing there.’”
22Moses said this about Dan: 5Then Moses, the Lord’s servant, died
there in the land of Moab. The Lord had told
“Dan is a lion’s cub that jumps out from Moses this would happen. 6The Lord buried
Bashan.” Moses in Moab. This was in the valley across
from Beth Peor. But even today no one knows
Naphtali’s Blessing exactly where Moses’ grave is. 7Moses was
23Moses said this about Naphtali: 120 years old when he died. He was as strong
as ever, and his eyes were still good. 8The
“Naphtali, you will get all you want. Israelites cried for Moses for 30 days. They
The Lord will really bless you. stayed in the Jordan Valley in Moab until the
You will get the land by Lake Galilee.” time of sadness was finished.
Joshua
God Chooses Joshua to Lead Israel land. 15The Lord gave you a place to rest, and
a 9:23 house of God This might mean the “family of b 10:2 royal city A strong, well‑protected city that
God” (Israel), “the Holy Tent,” or “the Temple.” controlled smaller towns nearby.
181 JOSHUA 11:4
happened again. That was the day the Lord Lachish. They defeated it on the second day.
obeyed a man. The Lord really was fighting The Israelites killed everyone in the city, just
for Israel! as they had done in Libnah. 33King Horam of
15After this, Joshua and his army went back Gezer came to help Lachish, but Joshua also
to the camp at Gilgal. 16But during the fight, defeated him and his army. No one was left
the five kings ran away. They hid in a cave alive.
near Makkedah, 17but someone found them 34Then Joshua and all the Israelites trav-
hiding in that cave. Joshua learned about this. eled from Lachish to Eglon. They camped
18He said, “Cover the entrance to the cave around Eglon and attacked it. 35That day they
with large rocks. Put some men there to guard captured the city and killed everyone in the
the cave. 19But don’t stay there yourselves. city. This was the same thing they had done
Continue chasing the enemy and attacking to Lachish.
them from behind. Don’t let the enemy get 36Then Joshua and all the Israelites traveled
back to their cities. The Lord your God has from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. 37They
given you the victory over them.” captured the city and all the small towns near
20So Joshua and the Israelites killed the Hebron. The Israelites killed everyone in the
enemy. But some of them were able to go to city, just as they did to Eglon. No one was left
their cities that had tall walls around them alive there. They destroyed the city and killed
and hide. These men were not killed. 21After all the people in it as an offering to the Lord.
the fighting, Joshua’s men came back to him 38Then Joshua and all the Israelites went
at Makkedah. Not one of the people in that back to Debir and attacked it. 39They cap-
country was brave enough to say anything tured the city, its king, and all the towns near
against the Israelites. Debir. They killed everyone in the city, just as
22Joshua said, “Move the rocks that are cov- they had done to Libnah and its king. No one
ering the entrance to the cave. Bring the five was left alive there. They destroyed the city
kings to me.” 23So Joshua’s men brought the and killed all the people in it as an offering
five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jeru- to the Lord.
salem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. 40So Joshua defeated all the kings of the cit-
24When they brought the five kings to Joshua, ies of the hill country, the Negev,* the west-
he called all his men to come to that place. He ern foothills, and the eastern foothills. The
said to the officers of his army, “Come here! Lord, the God of Israel, had told Joshua to kill
Put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So all the people, so Joshua did not leave anyone
the officers of Joshua’s army came close and alive in those places.
put their feet on the necks of the kings. 41Joshua captured all the cities from Kadesh
25Then Joshua said to his men, “Be strong Barnea to Gaza. He captured all the cities
and brave! Don’t be afraid. I will show you from Goshena to Gibeon. 42Joshua captured
what the Lord will do to all the enemies you all these cities and their kings in one series
will fight in the future.” of battles. He did this because the Lord, the
26Then Joshua killed the five kings and God of Israel, was fighting for Israel. 43Then
hanged their bodies on five trees. He left Joshua and all the Israelites returned to their
them hanging in the trees until evening. 27At camp at Gilgal.
sunset Joshua told his men to take the bodies
down from the trees. So they threw the bod- Defeating the Northern Cities
ies into the cave where the kings had been
hiding and covered the entrance of the cave
with large rocks. Their bodies are still in that
11 1King Jabin of Hazor heard about
everything that had happened. So he
decided to call together the armies of several
cave today. kings. He sent a message to King Jobab of
28That day Joshua defeated Makkedah. He Madon to the king of Shimron, to the king
killed the king and the people in that city. No of Acshaph, 2and to the kings of the north in
one was left alive. Joshua did the same thing the hill country and in the desert. Jabin sent
to the king of Makkedah that he had done to the message to the kings of the Kinnereth,b
the king of Jericho. the Negev,* and the western foothills. He also
sent the message to the king of Naphoth Dor
Taking the Southern Cities in the west. 3Jabin sent the message to the
29Then Joshua and all the Israelites trav- kings of the Canaanites in the east and in the
eled from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked west. He sent the message to the Amorites,
that city. 30The Lord allowed the Israelites Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites living in
to defeat that city and its king. They killed the hill country. He also sent the message to
everyone in the city. No one was left alive. the Hivites living below Mount Hermon near
And they did the same thing to that king as Mizpah. 4So the armies of all these kings came
they had done to the king of Jericho. together. There were many fighting men and
31Then Joshua and all the Israelites left many horses and chariots.* It was a very large
Libnah and went to Lachish. Joshua and his
army camped around that city and attacked it. a 10:41 Goshen The northeastern part of Egypt.
32The Lord allowed them to defeat the city of b 11:2 Kinnereth The area near the Sea of Galilee.
JOSHUA 11:5 182
army—it looked as if there were as many men no Anakites left living in the land of Israel.
as grains of sand on the seashore. The only Anakites who were left alive were in
5All these kings met together at the small Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. 23Joshua took con-
river of Merom. They joined their armies trol of the whole land of Israel as the Lord
together into one camp and made plans for had told Moses long ago. The Lord gave that
the battle against Israel. land to Israel as he promised. And Joshua
6Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be divided the land among the tribes of Israel.
afraid of that army, because I will allow you to Finally, the fighting ended and there was
defeat them. By this time tomorrow, you will peace in the land.
have killed them all. You will cut the legs of
the horses and burn all their chariots.” Kings Defeated by Israel
7So Joshua and his whole army surprised
the enemy and attacked them at the river of
Merom. 8The Lord allowed Israel to defeat
12 1The Israelites had taken control of the
land east of the Jordan River. They had
all the land from Arnon Ravine to Mount Her-
them. The army of Israel defeated them and mon and all the land along the eastern side of
chased them to Greater Sidon, Misrephoth the Jordan Valley. These are all the kings the
Maim, and the Valley of Mizpah in the east. Israelites defeated to take this land:
The army of Israel fought until none of the 2They defeated King Sihon of the Amorites
enemy was left alive. 9Joshua did what the living in the city of Heshbon. He ruled the
Lord said to do; he cut the legs of their horses land from Aroer at the Arnon Ravine to the
and burned their chariots. Jabbok River. His land started in the center
10Then Joshua went back and captured the of that ravine. This was their border with the
city of Hazor and killed its king. (Hazor was the Ammonites. Sihon ruled over half of the land
leader of all the kingdoms that fought against of Gilead. 3He also ruled over the eastern side
Israel.) 11The army of Israel killed everyone of the Jordan Valley from Lake Galilee to the
in that city and completely destroyed all the Dead Sea (Salt Sea). And he ruled from Beth
people. There was nothing left alive. Then Jeshimoth to the south to the hills of Pisgah.
they burned the city. 4They also defeated King Og of Bashan. Og
12Joshua captured all these cities and killed was from the Rephaites. He ruled the land in
all their kings. He completely destroyed Ashtaroth and Edrei. 5Og ruled over Mount
everything in these cities—just as Moses, Hermon, Salecah, and all the area of Bashan.
the Lord’s servant, had commanded. 13But His land ended where the people of Geshur
the army of Israel did not burn any cities that and Maacah lived. Og also ruled half of the
were built on hills. The only city built on a land of Gilead. This land ended at the land of
hill that they burned was Hazor. This is the King Sihon of Heshbon.
city Joshua burned. 14The Israelites kept for 6The Lord’s servant Moses and the Israel-
themselves all the things and all the animals ites defeated all these kings. And Moses gave
they found in the cities. But they killed all the that land to the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of
people there. They left no one alive. 15Long Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Moses
ago the Lord commanded his servant Moses gave them this land to be their own.
to do this. Then Moses commanded Joshua to 7These are the kings of the land west of the
do this. So Joshua obeyed God. He did every- Jordan River who were defeated by Joshua
thing that the Lord had commanded Moses. and the Israelites. This land was in the area
16So Joshua defeated all the people in that west of Baal Gad in the Lebanon Valley as far
whole area. He had control over the hill as Mount Halak that rises toward Seir. Joshua
country, the Negev, all the area of Goshen, divided it among the tribes. 8This included
the western foothills, the Jordan Valley, and the hill country, the western foothills, the
the mountains of Israel and all the hills near Jordan Valley, the eastern mountains, the
them. 17Joshua had control of all the land from desert, and the Negev.* This was where the
Mount Halak near Seir to Baal Gad in the Val- Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites,
ley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He Hivites, and Jebusites had lived. These are
captured all the kings in that land and killed the kings the Israelites defeated: 9the king of
them. 18Joshua fought against them for many Jericho, the king of Ai near Bethel, 10the king
years. 19Only one city in all the land made of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, 11the king
a peace agreement with Israel. That was the of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, 12the king of
Hivite city of Gibeon. All the other cities were Eglon, the king of Gezer, 13the king of Debir,
defeated in war. 20The Lord made those peo- the king of Geder, 14the king of Hormah, the
ple feel brave enough to fight against Israel. king of Arad, 15the king of Libnah, the king of
This was so that Israel could destroy them Adullam, 16the king of Makkedah, the king of
completely without mercy just as the Lord Bethel, 17the king of Tappuah, the king of Hep-
had commanded Moses to do. her, 18the king of Aphek, the king of Sharon,
21The Anakites* lived in the hill country in 19the king of Madon, the king of Hazor, 20the
the area of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and Judah. king of Shimron Meron, the king of Acshaph,
Joshua fought them and completely destroyed 21the king of Taanach, the king of Megiddo,
all the people and their towns. 22There were 22the king of Kedesh, the king of Jokneam
183 JOSHUA 13:33
in Carmel, 23the king of Dor at Mount Dor, Lord, the God of Israel. That is what the Lord
the king of Goyim in Gilgal, 24and the king promised them.
of Tirzah. 15Moses had given each family group from
The total number of kings was 31. the tribe of Reuben some land. This is the
land they received: 16It was the land from
Land Not Yet Taken Aroer near the Arnon Ravine to the town of
Judges
Judah Fights the Canaanites fell from my table. Now God has paid me back
a 10:4 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys This showed b 10:12 Midianites This is from the ancient Greek
that these men were important leaders, possibly the version. The standard Hebrew text has “The
mayors of the 30 towns in Gilead. Maonites.”
JUDGES 11:10 206
the Lord helps me win, I will be your new borders. So Sihon gathered all of his
leader.” people and made a camp at Jahaz. Then
10The elders from Gilead said to Jephthah, the Amorites fought with the Israelites.
“The Lord is listening to everything we are 21But the Lord, the God of Israel, helped
saying. And we promise to do everything you the Israelites defeat Sihon and his army.
tell us to do.” So the land of the Amorites became the
11So Jephthah went with the elders from property of the Israelites. 22The Israelites
Gilead, and the people made him their leader got all the land of the Amorites from the
and commander. Jephthah repeated all of Arnon River to the Jabbok River. The
his words in front of the Lord at the city of land also went from the desert to the
Mizpah. Jordan River.
23“It was the Lord, the God of Israel,
Jephthah Warns the King of Ammon who forced the Amorites to leave their
12Jephthah sent messengers to the king of land. And he gave the land to the Isra-
the Ammonites with this message: “What is elites. Do you think you can make the
the problem between the Ammonites and the Israelites leave this land? 24Surely you
Israelites? Why have you come to fight in our can live in the land that your god Che-
land?” mosh* has given to you. So we will live
13The king of the Ammonites said to the in the land that the Lord our God has
messengers of Jephthah, “We are fighting given to us. 25Are you any better than
Israel because the Israelites took our land Balak son of Zipporb? He was the king
when they came up from Egypt. They took of the land of Moab. Did he argue with
our land from the Arnon River to the Jabbok the Israelites? Did he actually fight with
River to the Jordan River. Now, tell the Israel- the Israelites? 26The Israelites have lived
ites to give our land back to us without fight- in the city of Heshbon and the towns
ing for it.” around it for 300 years. They have lived
14So the messengers of Jephthah took this in the city of Aroer and the towns around
message back to Jephthah.a Then Jephthah it for 300 years. They have lived in all
sent the messengers to the king of the Ammo- the cities along the side of the Arnon
nites again. 15They took this message: River for 300 years. Why have you not
tried to take these cities in all that time?
“This is what Jephthah says: Israel 27The Israelites have not sinned against
did not take the land of the Moabites or you. But you are doing a very bad thing
the land of the Ammonites. 16When the against them. May the Lord, the true
Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, Judge, decide whether the Israelites or
they went into the desert. They went to the Ammonites are right.”
the Red Sea. Then they went to Kadesh.
17The Israelites sent messengers to the 28The king of the Ammonites refused to lis-
king of Edom. The messengers asked for ten to this message from Jephthah.
a favor. They said, ‘Let the Israelites cross
through your land.’ But the king of Edom Jephthah’s Promise
didn’t let us go through his land. We also 29Then the Spirit of the Lord came on
sent the same message to the king of Jephthah, and he passed through the area of
Moab. But the king of Moab would not Gilead and Manasseh. He went through the
let us go through his land either. So the city of Mizpah in Gilead on his way to the
Israelites stayed at Kadesh. land of the Ammonites.
18“Then the Israelites went through 30Jephthah made a promise to the Lord.
the desert and around the edges of the He said, “If you will let me defeat the Ammo-
land of Edom and the land of Moab. nites, 31I will give you the first thing that
They traveled east of the land of Moab. comes out of my house when I come back
They made their camp on the other side from the victory. I will give it to the Lord as a
of the Arnon River. They did not cross burnt offering.*”
the border of the land of Moab. (The 32Then Jephthah went to the land of the
Arnon River was the border of the land Ammonites. He fought the Ammonites, and
of Moab.) the Lord helped him defeat them. 33He
19“Then the Israelites sent messengers defeated them from the city of Aroer to the
to King Sihon of the Amorites. Sihon was city of Minnith. Jephthah captured 20 cities.
the king of the city of Heshbon. The mes- Then he fought the Ammonites to the city of
sengers asked Sihon, ‘Let the Israelites Abel Keramim. The Israelites defeated them.
pass through your land. We want to go to It was a very great defeat for the Ammonites.
our land.’ 20But King Sihon of the Amori- 34Jephthah went back to Mizpah. He went
tes would not let the Israelites cross his to his house, and his daughter came out to
a 11:14 So the messengers … Jephthah This is from b 11:25 Balak son of Zippor See Num. 22‑24 for his
the ancient Greek version. story.
207 JUDGES 13:5
meet him. She was playing a tambourine would ask him, “Are you from Ephraim?” If
and dancing. She was his only daughter, and he said, “No,” 6they would say, “Say the word
Jephthah loved her very much. He did not ‘Shibboleth.’” The men of Ephraim could not
have any other sons or daughters. 35When say that word correctly. They pronounced the
Jephthah saw that his daughter was the first word “Sibboleth.” So if the man said, “Sib-
thing to come out of his house, he tore his boleth,” then the men of Gilead knew he was
clothes to show his sadness. Then he said, from Ephraim. So they would kill him at the
“Oh, my daughter! You have ruined me! You crossing place. They killed 42,000 men from
have made me very sad! I made a promise to Ephraim.
the Lord, and I cannot change it!” 7Jephthah was a judge for the Israelites for
36Then his daughter said to Jephthah, six years. Then Jephthah from Gilead died
“Father, you have made a promise to the and was buried in his town in Gilead.
Lord, so keep your promise. Do what you
said you would do. After all, the Lord did help Ibzan, the Judge
you defeat your enemies, the Ammonites.” 8After Jephthah, a man named Ibzan was
37Then Jephthah’s daughter said to her a judge for the Israelites. Ibzan was from the
father, “But do this one thing for me first. city of Bethlehem. 9Ibzan had 30 sons and 30
Let me be alone for two months. Let me go daughters. He told his 30 daughters to marry
to the mountains. I will not marry and have men who were not his relatives. And he
children, so let me and my friends go and cry found 30 women who were not his relatives,
together.” and his sons married these women. Ibzan
38Jephthah said, “Go.” He sent her away was a judge for the Israelites for seven years.
for two months. Jephthah’s daughter and her 10Then Ibzan died and was buried in the city
friends stayed in the mountains. They cried of Bethlehem.
for her because she would not marry and
have children. Elon, the Judge
39At the end of two months, Jephthah’s 11After Ibzan, a man named Elon was a
daughter returned to her father, and Jephthah judge for the Israelites. Elon was from the
did what he promised to the Lord. His daugh- tribe of Zebulun. He was a judge for the Isra-
ter never had sexual relations with anyone. elites for ten years. 12Then Elon from the
So this became a custom in Israel. 40Every tribe of Zebulun died and was buried in the
year the young women of Israel would go out city of Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.
for four days to remember the daughter of
Jephthah from Gilead and to cry for her. Abdon, the Judge
13After Elon died, a man named Abdon son
Jephthah and Ephraim of Hillel was a judge for the Israelites. Abdon
Ruth
Famine in Judah hugged her and stayed.
1 Samuel
Elkanah’s Family Worships at Shiloh Peninnah Upsets Hannah
1 1There was a man named Elkanah from
the Zuph family who lived in Ramah in
the hill country of Ephraim. Elkanah was
6Peninnah always upset Hannah and
made her feel bad because the Lord had not
made her able to have children. 7This hap-
the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son pened every year when their family went to
of Tohu, the son of Zuph from the tribe of the Lord’s house at Shiloh. Peninnah would
Ephraim. upset Hannah so much that she would begin
2Elkanah had two wives. One wife was to cry and would not eat anything. One year
named Hannah and the other wife was named when this happened, 8her husband Elkanah
Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Han- said to her, “Hannah, why are you crying?
nah did not. Why won’t you eat? Why are you so sad? You
3Every year Elkanah left his town of Ramah have me. Isn’t that better than having even
and went up to Shiloh. He worshiped the Lord ten sons?”
All-Powerful at Shiloh and offered sacrifices*
to the Lord there. Shiloh was where Eli’s sons, Hannah’s Prayer
Hophni and Phinehas, served as priests of the 9After
eating and drinking, Hannah quietly
Lord. 4Whenever Elkanah offered his sacri- got up and went to pray to the Lord.f Eli the
fices, he always gave one share of the food to priest was sitting on a chair near the door of
his wife Peninnah and a share of the food to the Lord’s Holy Building.g 10Hannah was so
each of Peninnah’s children. 5Elkanah always sad that she cried the whole time she was
gave an equal sharee of the food to Hannah. praying to the Lord. 11She made a special
He did this because he loved her very much, promise to God and said, “Lord All-Powerful,
even though the Lord had not let Hannah you can see how sad I am. Remember me.
have any children. f 1:9 went to pray to the Lord This is from the
ancient Greek version.
g 1:9 Holy Building This could mean the Holy Tent at
Shiloh where people went to worship the Lord or a
e 1:5 equal share Or “double share.” larger area where they put the Holy Tent.
221 1 SAMUEL 2:8
Don’t forget me. If you will give me a son, 25They went before the Lord. Elkanah
I will give him to you. He will be yours his killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he
whole life, and as a Nazirite,* he will not usually did.e Then Hannah gave the boy to
drink wine or strong drink,a and no one will Eli. 26She said to him, “Pardon me, sir. I am
ever cut his hair.” the same woman who stood near you praying
12Hannah prayed to the Lord a long time. to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the
Eli was watching her mouth while she was truth. 27I prayed for this child, and the Lord
praying. 13Hannah was praying in her heart. answered my prayer. He gave me this child.
Her lips were moving, but since she did not 28And now I give this child to the Lord. He
say the words out loud, Eli thought she was will servef the Lord all his life.”
drunk. 14He said to her, “You have had too Then Hannah left the boy thereg and wor-
much to drink. It is time to put away the shiped the Lord.
wine.”
15Hannah answered, “Sir, I have not drunk Hannah Gives Thanks
any wine or beer. I am deeply troubled, and
I was telling the Lord about all my problems.
16Don’t think I am a bad woman. I have been
2 1Hannah said,
5
The Holy Box Troubles the Philistines
1The Philistines carried God’s Holy Box,*
from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2They carried
6 1The Philistines kept the Holy Box* in
their land for seven months. 2The Philis-
tines called their priests and magicians and
said, “What must we do with the Lord’s Box?
a 4:18 20 years This is found in the ancient Greek
Tell us how to send the Box back home.”
version and Josephus. The standard Hebrew text 3The priests and magicians answered, “If
has “40 years.”
b 4:21 Ichabod This name means “No glory.” The you send back the Holy Box of the God of
Greek has “Ouai Barchaboth.”
c 4:21 that is … taken away This is not in the ancient d 5:6 He also sent … afraid This is from the ancient
Greek version. Greek version.
225 1 SAMUEL 7:5
Israel, don’t send it away empty. You must Some Levites* took down the Lord’s Holy
offer gifts to the God of Israel. Then you will Box and the bag that had the golden models.
be healed. You must do this so that God will The Levites put the Lord’s Box and the bag
stop punishing you.”a that was with it on the large rock.
4The Philistines asked, “What kind of gifts The people of Beth Shemesh cut up the
should we send for Israel’s God to forgive wagon and killed the cows. That day, they
us?” sacrificed the cows as burnt offerings to the
The priests and magicians answered, “There Lord.
are five Philistine leaders, one leader for each 16The five Philistine rulers watched the
city. All of you and your leaders had the same people of Beth Shemesh do this and then
problems. So you must make five gold models went back to Ekron that same day.
to look like five tumors. And you must make 17In this way the Philistines sent golden
five gold models to look like five mice. 5So models of tumors as gifts for their sins to the
make models of the tumors and models of the Lord. They sent one golden model of a tumor
mice that are ruining the country. Give these for each of the Philistine towns of Ashdod,
gold models to the God of Israel as payment. Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. 18The Phi-
Then maybe the God of Israel will stop pun- listines also sent golden models of mice. The
ishing you, your gods, and your land. 6Don’t number of these golden mice was the same
be stubborn like Pharaoh and the Egyptians. number as the towns that belonged to the
God punished the Egyptians. That is why the five Philistine rulers. These towns had walls
Egyptians let the Israelites leave Egypt. around them, and each town had villages
7“You must build a new wagon and get two around it.
cows that just had calves. These must be cows The people of Beth Shemesh put the Lord’s
that have never worked in the fields. Tie the Holy Box on a rock. That rock is still in the
cows to the wagon so that they can pull it. field of Joshua from Beth Shemesh. 19But
Then take the calves back home and put them there were no priestsc there, and the men
in their pen. Don’t let them follow their moth- of Beth Shemesh looked at the Lord’s Holy
ers.b 8Put the Lord’s Holy Box on the wagon. Box. So the Lord killed 70 men from Beth
You must put the golden models in the bag Shemesh. The people of Beth Shemesh cried
beside the Box. They are your gifts for God to because the Lord punished them so severely.
forgive your sins. Send the wagon straight on 20They said, “Where is a priest who can care
its way. 9Watch the wagon. If the wagon goes for the Holy Box? Where should the Box go
toward Beth Shemesh in Israel’s own land, from here?”
the Lord has given us this great sickness. But 21There was a priest at Kiriath Jearim. The
if the cows don’t go straight to Beth Shem- people of Beth Shemesh sent messengers to
esh, we will know it was not their God who the people of Kiriath Jearim. The messengers
brought this sickness to us. It was just one of said, “The Philistines have brought back the
those things that sometimes happen.” Lord’s Holy Box. Come down and take it to
10The Philistines did what the priests and your city.”
magicians said. They found two cows that had
just had calves and tied the cows to the wagon
and put the calves in their pens at home.
7 1The men of Kiriath Jearim came and
took the Lord’s Holy Box up the hill to
the house of Abinadab the priest. They per-
11Then the Philistines put the Lord’s Holy formed a special ceremony to prepare Abi-
Box on the wagon along with the bag with nadab’s son, Eleazar, to guard the Lord’s Holy
the golden models of the tumors and mice. Box. 2The Box stayed there at Kiriath Jearim
12The cows went straight to Beth Shemesh. for a long time.
The cows stayed on the road, mooing all the
way. They did not turn right or left. The Phi- The Lord Saves the Israelites
listine rulers followed the cows as far as the Twenty years passed while the Holy Box
city limits of Beth Shemesh. was in Kiriath Jearim, and the Israelites
13The people of Beth Shemesh were began to follow the Lord again. 3Samuel told
harvesting their wheat in the valley. They the Israelites, “If you are really coming back
looked up and saw the Holy Box. They were to the Lord with all your heart, you must
very happy to see it again. They ran to get throw away your foreign gods and your idols*
it. 14‑15The wagon came to the field that of Ashtoreth.* You must give yourselves fully
belonged to Joshua of Beth Shemesh and to the Lord and serve only him. Then he will
stopped there near a large rock. save you from the Philistines.”
4So the Israelites threw away their statues
a 6:3 You must do … punishing you This is found in of Baal* and Ashtoreth. The Israelites served
the ancient Greek version and a Hebrew scroll from only the Lord.
Qumran. The standard Hebrew text has “Then you 5Samuel said, “All Israel must meet at Miz-
will know why God did not stop punishing you.”
b 6:7 Don’t let … mothers The Philistines thought pah. I will pray to the Lord for you.”
if the cows did not try to find their calves it would
prove that God was leading them and that he had c 6:19 no priests Only priests were allowed to carry
accepted their gifts. the Box of the Agreement.
1 SAMUEL 7:6 226
6The Israelites met together at Mizpah. their decisions in court. They cheated people
They got water and poured it out before the in court. 4So all the elders* of Israel met
Lord. In this way they began a time of fasting. together and went to Ramah to meet with
They did not eat any food that day, and they Samuel. 5The elders said to Samuel, “You’re
confessed their sins. They said, “We have old, and your sons don’t live right. They are
sinned against the Lord.” So Samuel served not like you. Now, give us a king to rule us
as a judge* of Israel at Mizpah. like all the other nations.”
7When the Philistines heard that the Isra- 6So the elders asked for a king to lead them.
elites were meeting at Mizpah, they went to Samuel thought this was a bad idea, so he
fight them. The Israelites were frightened prayed to the Lord. 7The Lord told Samuel,
when they heard the Philistines were coming “Do what the people tell you. They have not
8and said to Samuel, “Don’t stop praying to rejected you. They have rejected me. They
the Lord our God for us. Ask the Lord to save don’t want me to be their king. 8They are
us from the Philistines.” doing the same thing they have always done.
9Samuel took a baby lamb and offered it I took them out of Egypt, but they left me and
as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He served other gods. They are doing the same to
prayed to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord you. 9So listen to the people and do what they
answered his prayer. 10The Philistines came say. But give them a warning. Tell the people
closer and closer to fight the Israelites while what a king will do to them. Tell them how a
Samuel offered the sacrifice. But then, the king rules people.”
Lord caused a loud clap of thunder to hit 10Those people asked for a king. So Samuel
near the Philistines. The thunder scared the told them everything the Lord said. 11Samuel
Philistines, and they became confused, so the said, “If you have a king ruling over you, this
Israelites defeated them in battle. 11The men is what he will do: He will take away your
of Israel ran out of Mizpah and chased the sons and force them to serve him. He will
Philistines all the way to Beth Car. They killed force them to be soldiers—they must fight
Philistine soldiers all along the way. from his chariots* and become horse soldiers
in his army. Your sons will become guards
Peace Comes to Israel running in front of the king’s chariot.
12After this Samuel set up a special stone to 12“A king will force your sons to become
help people remember what God did. Samuel soldiers. He will choose which of your sons
put the stone between Mizpah and Shena and will be officers over 1000 men and which
named the stone “Stone of Help.”b Samuel will be officers over 50 men.
said, “The Lord helped us all the way to this “A king will force some of your sons to
place.” plow his fields and gather his harvest. He will
13The Philistines were defeated and did not force some of your sons to make weapons for
enter the land of Israel again. The Lord was war and to make things for his chariots.
against the Philistines during the rest of Sam- 13“A king will take your daughters and
uel’s life. 14The Philistines had taken some force some of them to make perfume for him
cities from Israel, but the Israelites won them and some to cook and bake for him.
back. They recovered those cities throughout 14“A king will take your best fields, vine-
the Philistine area, from Ekron to Gath. yards,* and olive groves. He will take them
There was also peace between Israel and from you and give them to his officers. 15He
the Amorites. will take one-tenth of your grain and grapes,
15Samuel led Israel all his life. 16He went and he will give them to his officers and
from place to place judging the Israelites. servants.
Every year he traveled around the country. 16“A king will take your men and women
He went to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah and servants. He will take your best cattlec and
he judged the Israelites in all these places. your donkeys. He will use them all for his
17But Samuel always went back to his home own work. 17He will take one-tenth of your
in Ramah. There he built an altar to the Lord flocks.
and judged Israel. “And you yourselves will become slaves of
this king. 18When that time comes, you will
Israel Asks for a King cry because of the king you chose. But the
a 17:33 You’re not even a soldier Or “You are only a b 17:42 healthy The Hebrew word means “red,”
boy!” The Hebrew word for “boy” often means “ser‑ “ruddy,” or “red‑haired.”
vant” or “the helper who carries a soldier’s weapons.” c 17:42 boy Or “teenager” or “soldier’s helper.”
237 1 SAMUEL 18:28
56King Saul said, “Find out who his father 1000 soldiers. This put David out among the
is.” men even more as they went into battle and
57When David came back after killing Goli- returned. 14The Lord was with David, so he
ath, Abner brought him to Saul. David was was successful in everything. 15Saul saw how
still holding the Philistine’s head. successful David was and became even more
58Saul asked him, “Young man, who is your afraid of him. 16But all the people in Israel and
father?” Judah loved David because he was out among
David answered, “I am the son of your ser- them and led them into battle.
vant Jesse, from Bethlehem.”
Saul Wants His Daughter to Marry David
David and Jonathan Become Friends 17One day, Saul said to David, “Here is my
the messengers back to see David. Saul told for God.” But here, this also means that the Spirit of
God took control of the people, causing them to
these men, “Bring David to me. Bring him sing and dance. Also in verse 23.
lying on his bed if you must, even if it kills b 20:3 he will tell David This is from the ancient
him.” Greek version. The standard Hebrew text here has
16The messengers went to David’s house. “he will be upset.”
239 1 SAMUEL 20:40
as surely as you and the Lord are alive, I am no danger. 22But if there is trouble, I will say
very close to death.” to the boy, ‘The arrows are farther away. Go
4Jonathan said to David, “I will do anything get them.’ If I say that, you must leave. The
you want me to do.” Lord is sending you away. 23Remember this
5Then David said, “Look, tomorrow is the agreement between you and me. The Lord is
New Moon* celebration. I am supposed to our witness forever.”
eat with the king, but let me hide in the field 24Then David hid in the field.
until the evening. 6If your father notices I am
gone, tell him, ‘David wanted to go home to Saul’s Attitude at the Celebration
Bethlehem. His family is having its own feast The time for the New Moon* celebration
for this monthly sacrifice. David asked me to came, and the king sat down to eat. 25He sat
let him run down to Bethlehem and join his next to the wall where he usually sat, and
family.’ 7If your father says, ‘Fine,’ then I am Jonathan sat across from him. Abner sat next
safe. But if your father becomes angry, you to Saul, but David’s place was empty. 26That
will know that he wants to hurt me. 8Jona- day Saul said nothing. He thought, “Maybe
than, be kind to me. I am your servant. You something happened to David so that he is
have made an agreement with me before the not clean.*”
Lord. If I am guilty, you may kill me yourself, 27On the next day, the second day of the
but don’t take me to your father.” month, David’s place was empty again. Then
9Jonathan answered, “No, never! If I learn Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why didn’t
that my father plans to hurt you, I will warn Jesse’s son come to the New Moon celebra-
you.” tion yesterday or today?”
10David said, “Who will warn me if your 28Jonathan answered, “David asked me to
father says bad things to you?” let him go to Bethlehem. 29He said, ‘Let me
11Then Jonathan said, “Come, let’s go out go. Our family is having a sacrifice* in Beth-
into the field.” So Jonathan and David went lehem. My brother ordered me to be there.
together into the field. Now if I am your friend, please let me go and
12Jonathan said to David, “I make this see my brothers.’ That is why David has not
promise before the Lord, the God of Israel. I come to the king’s table.”
promise that I will learn how my father feels 30Saul was very angry with Jonathan and
about you. I will learn if he feels good about said to him, “You son of a twisted, rebellious
you or not. Then, in three days, I will send woman! I know that you have chosen to sup-
a message to you in the field. 13If my father port that son of Jesse—it will bring shame to
wants to hurt you, I will let you know. I will you and to your mother. 31As long as Jesse’s
let you leave in safety. May the Lord punish son lives, you will never be king and have a
me if I don’t do this. May the Lord be with kingdom. Now, bring David to me! He is a
you as he has been with my father. 14‑15As dead man.”
long as I live, show me the same kindness 32Jonathan asked his father, “Why should
the Lord does. And if I die, never stop show- David be killed? What did he do wrong?”
ing this kindness to my family. Be faithful to 33But Saul threw his spear at Jonathan
us, even when the Lord destroys all your and tried to kill him. So Jonathan knew that
enemiesa from the earth.” 16So Jonathan his father wanted very much to kill David.
made this agreement with David and his 34Jonathan became angry and left the table.
family, and he asked the Lord to hold them He was so upset and angry with his father
responsible for keeping it.b that he refused to eat any food on the second
17Jonathan loved David as himself, and day of the festival. He was angry because Saul
because of this love, he asked David to repeat humiliated him and because Saul wanted to
this agreement for himself. kill David.
18Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is
the New Moon celebration. Your seat will David and Jonathan Say Goodbye
be empty, so my father will see that you are 35The next morning Jonathan went out to
gone. 19On the third day go to the same place the field to meet David as they had agreed.
you hid when this trouble began. Wait by that Jonathan brought a little boy with him. 36He
hill. 20On the third day I will go to that hill said to the boy, “Run. Go find the arrows I
and shoot three arrows as if I am shooting at shoot.” The boy began to run, and Jonathan
a target. 21Then I will tell the boy to go find shot the arrows over his head. 37The boy ran
the arrows. If everything is fine, I will tell the to the place where the arrows fell, but Jona-
boy, ‘You went too far! The arrows are closer than called, “The arrows are farther away.”
to me. Come back and get them.’ If I say that, 38Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go get them.
you can come out of hiding. I promise, as Don’t just stand there.” The boy picked up the
surely as the Lord lives, you are safe. There is arrows and brought them back to his master.
39The boy knew nothing about what went on.
a 20:14‑15 enemies Or “descendants.” Only Jonathan and David knew. 40Jonathan
b 20:14‑16 The Hebrew text here is unclear, and gave his bow and arrows to the boy and told
several different translations are possible. him to go back to town.
1 SAMUEL 20:41 240
41When the boy left, David came out from 9The priest answered, “The only sword
his hiding place on the other side of the hill. here is the sword of Goliath the Philistine.
David gave a formal greeting by bowing to the It is the sword you took from him when you
ground three times to show his respect for killed him in the Valley of Elah. That sword is
Jonathan. But then David and Jonathan kissed behind the ephod,* wrapped in a cloth. You
each other and cried together. It was a very may take it if you want to.”
sad goodbye, especially for David. David said, “Goliath’s sword—there’s not
42Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in another one like it. Give it to me.”
peace. We have taken an oath* in the Lord’s
name to be friends forever. We have asked David Runs Away to the Enemy at Gath
the Lord to be a witness between us and our 10That day David ran away from Saul and
descendants forever.” went to King Achish of Gath. 11Achish’s offi-
cers said, “Isn’t this David, the king of the
David Goes to See Ahimelech the Priest land of Israel? He is the one the Israelites sing
a 27:10 Judah, Jerahmeel, Kenizzites All these places b 28:7 Endor A town around the mountain from
belonged to Israel. David made Achish think he had Shunem, where the Philistines were camped. Saul
fought against his own people, the Israelites. had to go around them to get to Endor.
1 SAMUEL 28:13 246
13The king said to the woman, “Don’t be he has been with me for a long time. I found
afraid! What do you see?” nothing wrong in David since the time he left
The woman said, “I see a spirit coming up Saul and came to me.”
out of the ground.a” 4But the Philistine captains were angry
14Saul asked, “What does he look like?” with Achish. They said, “Send him back. Let
The woman answered, “He looks like an him go back to the city you gave him, but he
old man wearing a special robe.” can’t go into battle with us. As long as he is
Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he here, we have an enemy in our own camp.
bowed down. His face touched the ground. He would make his king happy by killing our
15Samuel said to Saul, “Why did you bother men. 5Isn’t David the one the Israelites sing
me? Why did you bring me up?” about? They dance and sing this song:
Saul answered, “I am in trouble! The Philis-
tines have come to fight me, and God has left ‘Saul has killed thousands of enemies,
me. God won’t answer me anymore. He won’t but David has killed tens of thousands.’”
use prophets or dreams to answer me, so I
called you. I want you to tell me what to do.” 6So Achish called David and said, “As surely
16Samuel said, “The Lord left you and is as the Lord lives, you are loyal to me. I would
now your enemy, so why are you asking me be pleased to have you serve in my army. I
for advice? 17The Lord used me to tell you haven’t found anything wrong with you since
what he would do, and now he is doing what the day you came to me. The Philistine rulers
he said he would do. He is tearing the king- also think you are a good man.b 7Go back in
dom out of your hands and giving it to your peace. Don’t do anything against the Philis-
neighbor, David. 18The reason this is hap- tine rulers.”
pening is because you did not obey the Lord 8David asked, “What have I done wrong?
and destroy the Amalekites. 19The Lord will Have you found anything wrong with me since
let the Philistines defeat you and the army of the day I came to you? So why won’t you let me
Israel today. Tomorrow, you and your sons go to fight the enemies of my lord the king?”
will be here with me.” 9Achish answered, “I believe that you are
20Saul quickly fell to the ground and lay a good man. You are like an angel from God.
stretched out there. Saul was afraid because But the Philistine captains still say, ‘David
of what Samuel said. Saul was also very weak can’t go with us into battle.’ 10Early in the
because he had not eaten any food all that day morning, you and your men should go back
and night. to the city I gave you. Don’t pay attention to
21The woman came over to Saul and saw the bad things the captains say about you. You
how afraid he was. She said, “Look, I am your are a good man, but you must leave as soon as
servant. I have obeyed you. I risked my life there is enough light in the morning.”
and did what you told me to do. 22Please, 11So David and his men got up early in the
listen to me. You need to eat. Let me get morning and went back to the country of the
you some food. Then you will have enough Philistines, and the Philistines went up to
strength to go on your way.” Jezreel.
23But Saul refused. He said, “I won’t eat.”
Saul’s officers joined the woman and begged The Amalekites Attack Ziklag
him to eat. Finally, Saul listened to them. He
got up from the ground and sat on the bed.
24The woman had a calf that she had been
30 1As soon as David and his men arrived
at Ziklag on the third day, they saw
that the Amalekites had attacked Ziklag. The
fattening. She quickly killed the calf. She took Amalekites invaded the Negev area, attacked
some flour and pressed it with her hands. Ziklag, and burned the city. 2They took all the
Then she baked some bread without yeast. women in Ziklag, both young and old, as pris-
25The woman put the food before Saul and oners. They didn’t kill anyone; they only took
his officers and they ate. Then they got up and them as prisoners.
left during the night. 3When David and his men came to Ziklag,
they found the city burning. Their wives,
David Can’t Come With Us sons, and daughters were all gone. The Ama-
2 Samuel
David Learns About Saul’s Death cried because Saul and his son Jonathan were
1 Kings
Adonijah Wants to Be King him, ‘My lord and king, you promised me that
the right decisions. 12So I will give you what Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;
you asked for. I will make you wise and intel- 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha,
ligent. I will make you wiser than anyone had the job of writing notes about what
who ever lived or ever will live. 13And I will happened in the courts;
also give you what you did not ask for. You Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud wrote notes
will have riches and honor all your life. There about the history of the people;
will be no other king in the world as great as
you. 14And I will give you a long life if you a 3:28 the wisdom of God Or “very great wisdom.”
1 KINGS 4:4 276
4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the 21Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from
commander of the army; the Euphrates River to the land of the Philis-
Zadok and Abiathar were priests; tines. His kingdom went as far as the border
5 Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of of Egypt. These countries sent gifts to Solo-
the district governors; mon, and they obeyed him all of his life.a
Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and an 22‑23This is the amount of food that Solo-
advisor to King Solomon; mon needed each day for himself and for
6 Ahishar was responsible for everything in everyone who ate at his table: 150 bushelsb
the king’s palace; of fine flour, 300 bushelsc of flour, 10 cattle
Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of that were fed grain, 20 cattle that were raised
the slaves. in the fields, 100 sheep, wild animals such as
deer, gazelles, roebucks,d and game birds.
7Israel was divided into twelve districts. 24Solomon ruled over all the countries west
Solomon chose governors to rule over each of the Euphrates River, from Tiphsah to Gaza.
district. These governors were ordered to And Solomon had peace along all the bor-
gather food from their districts and give it to ders of his kingdom. 25During Solomon’s life
the king and his family. Each of the twelve everyone in Judah and Israel, all the way from
governors was responsible for giving food to Dan to Beersheba, lived in peace and security.
the king one month each year. 8These are the The people were at peace sitting under their
names of the twelve governors: own fig trees and grapevines.
26Solomon had places to keep 4000e
Ben Hur was governor of the hill country horses for his chariots* and he had 12,000
of Ephraim. horse soldiers. 27And each month one of the
9 Ben Deker was governor of Makaz, twelve district governors gave King Solomon
Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon everything he needed for all the people who
Bethhanan. ate at the king’s table. 28The district gover-
10 Ben Hesed was governor of Arubboth, nors also gave the king enough straw and
Socoh, and Hepher. barley for the chariot horses and the riding
11 Ben Abinadab was governor of Naphoth horses. Everyone brought this grain to the
Dor. He was married to Taphath, necessary places.
daughter of Solomon.
12 Baana son of Ahilud was governor of Solomon’s Wisdom
Taanach and Megiddo and all of Beth 29God made Solomon very wise. Solomon
Shean next to Zarethan. This was could understand more than you can imag-
below Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel ine. 30He was wiser than anyone in the Eastf
Meholah across from Jokmeam. or in Egypt. 31He was wiser than anyone on
13 Ben Geber was governor of Ramoth earth, even Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons
Gilead. He was governor of all the of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. King
towns and villages of Jair son of Solomon became famous in all the surround-
Manasseh in Gilead. He was also ing countries. 32By the end of his life, he had
governor of the district of Argob in writteng 3000 proverbs* and 1005 songs.
Bashan. In this area there were 60 33Solomon also knew very much about
cities with big walls around them. nature. He taught about many different kinds
These cities also had bronze bars on the of plants—everything from the great cedar
gates. trees of Lebanon to the little vines that grow
14 Ahinadab son of Iddo was governor of out of the walls. He also taught about ani-
Mahanaim. mals, birds, and snakes.h 34People from every
15 Ahimaaz was governor of Naphtali. He nation came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.
was married to Basemath the daughter Kings all over the world sent their people to
of Solomon. listen to him.
16 Baana son of Hushai was governor of
Asher and Aloth.
17 a 4:21 sent gifts … life This showed that these coun‑
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah was governor
tries had made peace agreements with Solomon
of Issachar. because of his great power.
18 Shimei son of Ela was governor of b 4:22‑23 150 bushels Literally, “30 cors” (6600 l).
Benjamin. c 4:22‑23 300 bushels Literally, “60 cors” (13,200 l).
19 Geber son of Uri was governor of Gilead. d 4:22‑23 deer, gazelles, roebucks Different kinds
There had been two kings in this area, of wild deer.
King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og e 4:26 4000 This is found in some copies of the
of Bashan, but Solomon appointed only ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text
one governor for that district. has 40,000, but see 2 Chron. 9:25.
f 4:30 East The area between the Tigris and Euphra‑
tes rivers as far east as the Persian Gulf.
20In Judah and Israel there were as many g 4:32 written Literally, “spoken.”
people as sand on the seashore. The people h 4:33 snakes Literally, “creeping things.” These can
were happy and had plenty to eat and drink. be anything: insects, lizards, snakes, or fish.
277 1 KINGS 6:13
Solomon and Hiram supervise the workers. 17King Solomon com-
a 8:65 festival The Festival of Shelters. See verse 2. c 9:13 Cabul This name is like the Hebrew word
b 8:65 Then … 14 days This is not in the ancient meaning “worthless.”
Greek version. d 9:14 9000 pounds Literally, “120 talents” (4140 kg).
283 1 KINGS 10:21
King Solomon also built whatever he wanted pleased to make you king of Israel. Because
in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and all the places he of the Lord’s unending love for Israel, he
ruled. has made you king to rule with justice and
20There were people left in the land who fairness.”
were not Israelites. There were Amorites, Hit- 10Then the Queen of Sheba gave King Solo-
tites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 21The mon 41⁄2 tonsc of gold, a great many spices,
Israelites had not been able to destroy them, and valuable stones. She gave him more spices
but Solomon forced them to work for him as than anyone has ever brought into Israel.
slaves. They are still slaves today. 22Solomon 11Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir.
did not force any Israelites to be his slaves. They also brought jewels and a special kind
The Israelites were soldiers, government offi- of wood.d 12Solomon used this special wood
cials, officers, captains, and chariot command- to build supports in the Temple and the pal-
ers and drivers. 23There were 550 supervisors ace as well as harps and lyres* for the singers.
over Solomon’s projects. They supervised the That was the last time such a large shipment
men who did the work. of that kind of wood was brought to Israel.
24Pharaoh’s daughter moved from the City There hasn’t been any seen around here since
of David* to the palace that Solomon had built then.e
for her. Then he built the Millo. 13King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba
25Three times each year Solomon offered everything she asked for. He gave her more
burned sacrifices and fellowship offerings* on than she brought to give him. Then the Queen
the altar* that he built for the Lord. King Solo- of Sheba and her servants left and went back
mon also burned incense before the Lord and to their own country.
supplied what was needed for the Temple.
26King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Solomon’s Great Wealth
Geber. This town is near Elath on the shore 14Every year King Solomon received almost
of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27King 25 tonsf of gold. 15In addition to the gold
Hiram had some skilled sailors who knew the brought in by the traveling merchants* and
sea well. He sent them to serve in Solomon’s traders, all the kings of Arabia and the gover-
navy and work with Solomon’s men. 28Solo- nors of the land also brought gold and silver
mon’s ships went to Ophir and brought back to Solomon.
about 16 tonsa of gold for him. 16King Solomon made 200 large shields
of hammered gold. Each shield contained
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon about 15 poundsg of gold. 17He also made
a 11:28 free man Or “a nobleman,” someone who c 11:43 died Literally, “slept with his ancestors.”
could be called to war to protect his people. d 12:1‑3 to his city … Ephraim This is from the
b 11:37 Israel That is, the northern ten tribes. ancient Greek version.
1 KINGS 12:16 286
people wanted. The Lord caused this to hap- the Israelites started going to the cities of Dan
pen. He did this in order to keep the promise and Betheld to worship the calves.
he made to Jeroboam son of Nebat when he 31Jeroboam also built temples at the high
sent the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh to speak places* and chose priests from among the
to him. different tribes of Israel. (He did not choose
16The Israelites saw that the new king priests only from the tribe of Levi.) 32Then
refused to listen to them, so they said to him, King Jeroboam started a new festival that was
“We are not part of David’s family are we? like the festivale in Judah, but it was on the
We don’t get any of Jesse’s land, do we? So, 15th day of the eighth month. At this time the
people of Israel, let’s go home and let David’s king offered sacrifices on the altar at Bethel.
son rule his own people!” So the Israelites He and the priests he chose offered the sac-
went home. 17But Rehoboam still ruled over rifices to the calves that he had set up at the
the Israelites who lived in the cities of Judah. high places he had made. 33So King Jeroboam
18A man named Adoniram was one of chose his own time for a festival for the Isra-
the men who directed the workers. King elites, the 15th day of the eighth month. And
Rehoboam sent Adoniram to talk to the during that time he offered sacrifices and
people, but the Israelites threw stones at burned incense* on the altar he had built at
him until he died. King Rehoboam ran to his Bethel.
chariot* and escaped to Jerusalem. 19So Israel
rebelled against the family of David, and this God Speaks Against Bethel
is how things are even today.
20When all the Israelites heard that
Jeroboam had come back, they called him to
13 1The Lord commanded a man of God*
from Judah to go to the city of Bethel.
King Jeroboam was standing at the altar offer-
a meeting and made him king over all Israel. ing incense when the man of God arrived.
The tribe of Judah was the only tribe that con- 2The Lord had commanded the man of God
tinued to follow the family of David. to speak against the altar. He said,
21Rehoboam went back to Jerusalem and “Altar, the Lord says to you: ‘David’s fam-
gathered together an army of 180,000 men ily will have a son. His name will be Josiah.
from the families of Judah and the tribe of Ben- The priests of the high places are now burn-
jamin. Rehoboam wanted to go fight against ing incense on you, but Josiah will offer the
the Israelites and take back his kingdom. priests on you and burn human bones on you,
22But the Lord spoke to a man of God* named so you can never be used again!’”
Shemaiah. He said, 23“Talk to Rehoboam, the 3The man of God gave proof to the people
son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to men that this would happen. He said, “This is the
of Judah and Benjamin. 24Say to them, ‘The proof that the Lord told me about. He said,
Lord says that you must not go to war against ‘This altar will break apart, and the ashes on
your brothers. Everyone, go home! I made all it will fall onto the ground.’”
this happen.’” So all the men in Rehoboam’s 4When King Jeroboam heard the message
army obeyed the Lord and went home. from the man of God about the altar in Bethel,
25Jeroboam rebuilt the city of Shechem, in he took his hand off the altar and pointed at
the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. the man. He said, “Arrest that man!” But
Later he went to the city of Penuela and when the king said this, his arm became para-
rebuilt it. lyzed. He could not move it. 5Then the altar
26‑27Jeroboam said to himself, “If the people broke into pieces, and all its ashes fell onto
keep going to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the ground. This proved that what the man
the Lord’s Temple, someday they will want to of God had said came from God. 6Then King
be ruled by their old masters. They will want Jeroboam said to the man of God, “Please
to be ruled by King Rehoboam of Judah. And pray to the Lord your God for me. Ask him
then they will kill me.” 28So the king asked to heal my arm.”
his advisors what to do. They gave him their So the man of God prayed to the Lord, and
advice, and King Jeroboam made two golden the king’s arm was healed, as it was before.
calves. He said to the people, “You don’t 7Then the king said to the man of God,
have to go to Jerusalem to worship anymore. “Please come home with me. Come and eat
Israel, these are the gods that brought you out with me. I will give you a gift.”
of Egypt.”b 29King Jeroboam put one golden 8But the man of God said to the king, “I
calf in Bethel and the other one in the city of will not go home with you, even if you give
Dan.c 30What a terrible sin this was, because me half of your kingdom! I will not eat or
drink anything in this place. 9The Lord com-
manded me not to eat or drink anything here.
a 12:25 Penuel Or “Peniel.”
b 12:28 Israel … out of Egypt This is exactly the
He also commanded me not to go back the
same thing that Aaron said at the time he made the
same way I came.” 10So he took a different
golden calf in the desert. See Ex. 32:4. d 12:30 and Bethel This is from the ancient Greek
c 12:29 Bethel, Dan Bethel was a city in the southern version.
part of Israel, near Judah. Dan was in the northern e 12:32 the festival Probably the Festival of Shelters.
part of Israel. See “Festival of Shelters” in the Word List.
287 1 KINGS 14:12
road home. He did not go back the same way sorry for you.” 31So the old prophet buried
he came to Bethel. the body. Then he said to his sons, “When I
11There was an old prophet* living in die, bury me in this same grave. Put my bones
Bethel. His sons came and told him what next to his. 32What the Lord spoke through
the man of God did in Bethel and what he him will certainly come true. The Lord used
said to King Jeroboam. 12The old prophet him to speak against the altar at Bethel and
said, “Which way did he go when he left?” against the high places* in the other towns
So the sons showed their father which road in Samaria.”
the man of God from Judah had taken. 13The 33King Jeroboam did not change. He con-
old prophet told his sons to saddle his donkey. tinued doing evil. He continued to choose
They put the saddle on the donkey, and the people from different tribes to serve as
prophet left. priestsa at the high places. Whoever wanted
14The old prophet went after the man of to be a priest was allowed to be one. 34This is
God. He found him sitting under an oak tree the sin that caused the ruin and destruction
and asked him, “Are you the man of God who of his kingdom.
just came from Judah?”
The man of God answered, “Yes, I am.” Jeroboam’s Son Dies
15So the old prophet said, “Please come
home and eat with me.”
16But the man of God said, “I cannot go
14 1At that time Jeroboam’s son Abijah
became very sick. 2Jeroboam said to
his wife, “Go to Shiloh and see the prophet
home with you. I cannot eat or drink anything Ahijah. He is the one who said that I would
in this place. 17The Lord said to me, ‘You become king of Israel. Dress yourself so that
must not eat or drink anything in that place, people will not know that you are my wife.
and you must go back on a different road.’” 3Give the prophet ten loaves of bread, some
18The old prophet lied to him and said, cakes, and a jar of honey. Then ask him what
“But I am a prophet like you. And an angel will happen to our son, and he will tell you.”
from the Lord came to me and told me to 4So the king’s wife did what he said. She
bring you home and give you something to went to the home of Ahijah the prophet in
eat and drink.” Shiloh. Ahijah was very old and had become
19So the man of God went to the old blind. 5But the Lord said to him, “Jeroboam’s
prophet’s house and ate and drank with him. wife is coming to ask you about her son. He
20While they were sitting at the table, the is sick.” Then the Lord told Ahijah what he
Lord spoke to the old prophet, 21and the old should say.
prophet spoke to the man of God from Judah. Jeroboam’s wife came to Ahijah’s house.
He said, “The Lord said that you did not obey She was trying not to let people know who she
him! You did not do what he commanded. was. 6Ahijah heard her coming to the door.
22The Lord commanded you not to eat or So he said, “Come in, Jeroboam’s wife. Why
drink anything in this place, but you came are you trying to make people think you are
back here and ate and drank. So your body someone else? I have some bad news for you.
will not be buried in your family grave.” 7Go back and tell Jeroboam that this is what
23The man of God finished eating and the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jeroboam,
drinking. Then the old prophet saddled the I chose you from among all the Israelites. I
man’s donkey for him and the man left. 24On made you the ruler of my people. 8David’s
the way home, a lion attacked and killed the family was ruling the kingdom of Israel, but
man of God. His body was lying on the road I took the kingdom away from them and gave
while the lion stood next to it. The donkey it to you. But you are not like my servant
stood nearby. 25Some people came walking David. He always obeyed my commands and
by and saw the body and the lion standing followed me with his whole heart. He did
by it. They went into the city where the old only what I accepted. 9But you have sinned
prophet lived and told people what they had worse than anyone who ruled before you. You
seen on the road. stopped following me and made other gods
26The old prophet heard the story and said, for yourself. You made those statues to make
“This is the man of God who did not obey the me angry. 10So Jeroboam, I will bring troubles
Lord’s command, so the Lord sent a lion to to your family. I will kill all the men in your
kill him, just as he said he would.” 27Then the family. I will destroy your family completely,
prophet told his sons to saddle his donkey, and like fire burning up dung. 11Anyone from
they did so. 28The old prophet went to find your family who dies in the city will be eaten
the body lying on the road. The donkey and by dogs. And anyone from your family who
the lion were still standing near it. The lion dies in the fields will be eaten by birds. The
had not eaten the body or hurt the donkey. Lord has spoken.’”
29The old prophet put the body on his don- 12Then Ahijah said, “Now, go home. Your
key and carried it back to the city to cry for him son will die as soon as your enter the city.
and bury him. 30The old prophet buried the
man in his own family grave. The old prophet a 13:33 people … priests The Law taught that only
cried for him and said, “Oh, my brother, I am people from the tribe of Levi could become priests.
1 KINGS 14:13 288
13All Israel will cry for him. They will bury took the gold shields that David had taken from
him, but he is the only one from Jeroboam’s the officers of King Hadadezer of Aram and put
family who will be buried. This is because on the walls of Jerusalem.e 27King Rehoboam
he is the only one in Jeroboam’s family who made more shields to put in their places, but
pleased the Lord, the God of Israel. 14Soon, they were made from bronze. He gave them to
the Lord will put a new king over Israel who the guards on duty at the palace gates. 28Every
will destroy Jeroboam’s family. 15Then the time the king went to the Lord’s Temple, the
Lord will punish Israel. The Israelites will guards took out the shields and went with him.
be so full of fear that they will shake like After they were finished, they put the shields
tall grass in the water. He will pull Israel up back on the wall in the guardroom.
from this good land that he gave their ances- 29The rest of what King Rehoboam did is
tors. He will scatter them to the other side written in the book, The History of the Kings
of the Euphrates River. The Lord will do this of Judah. 30Rehoboam and Jeroboam were
because the people made him angry when always fighting against each other.
they built sacred poles.a 16Jeroboam sinned, 31Rehoboam diedf and was buried with
and then he made the Israelites sin. So the his ancestors in the City of David.* (His
Lord will let the Israelites be defeated.” mother was Naamah. She was an Ammonite.)
17Jeroboam’s wife went back to Tirzah. As Rehoboam’s son Abijah became the next king
soon as she stepped into the house, the boy after him.
died. 18All the people of Israel buried him and
cried for him. This happened just as the Lord Abijah, King of Judah
said it would through his servant, the prophet
Ahijah.
19The rest of what King Jeroboam did is
15 1Abijah became the new king of Judah
during the 18th year that Jeroboam
son of Nebat ruled Israel. 2Abijah ruled in
written in the book, The History of the Kings Jerusalem for three years. His mother’s name
of Israel. It includes the wars he fought and was Maacah. She was Absalom’s daughter.
the way he ruled. 20Jeroboam ruled as king 3He did all the same sins that his father
for 22 years. Then he died and was buried before him had done. Abijah was not faithful
with his ancestors.b His son Nadab became to the Lord his God. In this way he was not
the new king after him. like his grandfather, David. 4But for David’s
sake, the Lord gave Abijah a kingdom in Jeru-
Rehoboam, King of Judah salem and allowed him to have a son. He also
21Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, was 41 years kept Jerusalem safe. 5David had always done
old when he became king of Judah. Rehoboam what the Lord said was right. He had always
ruled 17 years in Jerusalem, the city the Lord obeyed his commands. The only time David
chose for his own. He chose this city from all did not obey him was when he sinned against
the other tribes of Israel. Rehoboam’s mother Uriah the Hittite.
was Naamah. She was an Ammonite. 6Rehoboam and Jeroboam were always
22The people of Judah also sinned and did fighting against each other.g 7The rest of what
what that the Lord said was wrong. They Abijah did is written in the book, The History
made the Lord angry. They were worse than of the Kings of Judah.
their fathers who lived before them. 23They There was war between Abijah and
built high places, memorial stones, and Jeroboam during the whole time that Abijah
sacred poles.c They built them on every high was king. 8When Abijah died, he was buried
hill and under every green tree. 24There were in the City of David.* Abijah’s son Asa became
also men who served other gods by selling the new king after him.
their bodies for sex.d So the people of Judah
were worse than the people who had lived in Asa, King of Judah
the land before them. And the Lord took the 9During Jeroboam’s 20th year as king over
land away from those people to give it to the Israel, Asa became king of Judah. 10He ruled
Israelites. in Jerusalem for 41 years. His grandmother’s
25In the fifth year that Rehoboam was king, name was Maacah, and she was the daughter
King Shishak of Egypt came to attack Jerusa- of Absalom.
lem. 26He took the treasures from the Lord’s 11Asa did what the Lord said is right, as
Temple and from the king’s palace. He even his ancestor* David did. 12During Asa’s time
there were men who served other gods by
a 14:15 sacred poles People used these things to selling their bodies for sex. Asa forced them
worship false gods. to leave the country. He took away the idols*
b 14:20 died … ancestors Literally, “slept with his that his ancestors had made. 13King Asa also
ancestors.”
c 14:23 high places, memorial stones, and sacred e 14:26 He even took … Jerusalem This is from the
poles People used these things to worship false ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text
gods. has “He even took the gold shields that Solomon
d 14:24 men … for sex Sexual sins like this were a had made.”
part of the way people worshiped the Canaanite f 14:31 died Literally, “slept with his ancestors.”
gods. g 15:6 This is not in the ancient Greek version.
289 1 KINGS 16:12
took away the right of his mother Maacah to Baasha, King of Israel
be queen mother. He did this because she had 29When Baasha became the new king, he
set up one of those awful poles to honor the killed everyone in Jeroboam’s family. He left
goddess Asherah. Asa cut down that Asherah no one in Jeroboam’s family alive. This hap-
pole* and smashed it into small pieces and pened just as the Lord said it would when
burned the pieces in the Kidron Valley. 14Asa he spoke through his servant Ahijah at Shi-
did not destroy the high places,* even though loh. 30This happened because King Jeroboam
he was faithful to the Lord all his life. 15Asa had committed many sins and had caused the
and his father had given some special gifts to Israelites to sin. This made the Lord, the God
God. Asa put these gifts of gold, silver, and of Israel, very angry.
other things into the Temple. 31The other things that Nadab did are writ-
16The whole time that King Asa was king of ten in the book, The History of the Kings of
Judah, he fought a war against King Baasha of Israel. 32All during the time that Baasha ruled
Israel. 17Once Baasha attacked Judah and then over Israel, he was fighting wars against King
built up the city of Ramah to keep Asa from Asa of Judah.
leaving Judah on any kind of military cam- 33Ahijah’s son Baasha became king of Israel
paign. 18So Asa took gold and silver from the during the third year that Asa ruled over
treasuries of the Lord’s Temple and the king’s Judah. Baasha ruled in Tirzah for 24 years,
palace. He gave it to his officials and sent them 34but he did what the Lord said was wrong.
to King Ben-Hadad of Aram. Ben-Hadad was He did the same sins that Jeroboam had done
the son of Tabrimmon. Tabrimmon was the that caused the Israelites to sin.
son of Hezion. Damascus was Ben-Hadad’s
capital city. 19Asa sent this message: “My
father and your father had a peace agreement.
16 1Then the Lord spoke against King
Baasha through the prophet, Jehu son
of Hanani. He said, 2“I made you an important
Now I want to make a peace agreement with prince over my people Israel. But you have
you. I am sending you this gift of gold and sil- done the same things Jeroboam did. You have
ver. Please break your treaty with King Baasha caused my people Israel to sin. Their sins have
of Israel and make him leave us alone.” made me angry. 3So Baasha, I will destroy you
20King Ben-Hadad made the agreement with and your family, just as I did Jeroboam son of
King Asa and sent his army to fight against the Nebat and his family. 4Dogs will eat the bod-
Israelite towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maa- ies of those in your family who die in the city.
cah, the towns near Lake Galilee, and the area And wild birds will eat the bodies of those
of Naphtali. 21When Baasha heard about these who die out in the fields.”
attacks, he stopped building up Ramah and 5The rest of the story about Baasha and the
went back to Tirzah. 22Then King Asa gave an great things he did are written in the book,
order to all the men in Judah. Everyone had to The History of the Kings of Israel. 6Baasha
help. They had to go to Ramah and carry out died and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah
all the stone and wood that Baasha was using became the new king after him.
to build up the city. They carried the material 7That book also has the story of the time the
to Geba in Benjamin and to Mizpah and used Lord gave the message to Jehu the prophet
it to strengthen those two cities. about Baasha and his family. Baasha did many
23All the other things about Asa—the great things the Lord said were wrong, just as
things he did and the cities he built—are Jeroboam and his family had done. This and
written in the book, The History of the Kings the fact that Baasha had killed everyone in
of Judah. When Asa became old, his feet Jeroboam’s family made the Lord very angry.
became infected. 24He died and was buried
in the City of David,* his ancestor. Then Asa’s Elah, King of Israel
son Jehoshaphat became the new king after 8Elah son of Baasha became king during the
him. 26th year that Asa was the king of Judah. He
ruled in Tirzah for two years.
Nadab, King of Israel 9Zimri was one of King Elah’s officers. Zimri
25During Asa’s second year as king of commanded half of Elah’s chariots,* but Zimri
Judah, Jeroboam’s son Nadab became king of plotted against Elah. King Elah was in Tirzah,
Israel. Nadab ruled over Israel for two years. drinking and getting drunk at Arza’s home.
26He did what the Lord said was wrong. He Arza was the man in charge of the palace at
sinned just as his father Jeroboam did when Tirzah. 10Zimri went into the house and killed
he caused the Israelites to sin. King Elah. Then Zimri became the new king
27Baasha was the son of Ahijah. They were of Israel after Elah. This was during the 27th
from the tribe of Issachar. Baasha made a plan year that Asa was king in Judah.
to kill King Nadab. Nadab and all Israel were
fighting against the Philistine town of Gibbe- Zimri, King of Israel
thon. And that is where Baasha killed Nadab. 11After Zimri became the new king, he
28This happened during Asa’s third year as killed all of Baasha’s family and friends. He did
king of Judah. So Baasha became the next not let any male in Baasha’s family live. 12So
king of Israel. Zimri destroyed Baasha’s family just as the
1 KINGS 16:13 290
Lord said he would when he spoke against Judah. Ahab ruled Israel from the town of
Baasha through the prophet Jehu. 13This hap- Samaria for 22 years. 30He did what the Lord
pened because of all the sins of Baasha and his said was wrong. Ahab was worse than all
son, Elah. They sinned and they caused the the kings who were before him. 31It was not
Israelites to sin. They worshiped worthless enough for Ahab to commit the same sins that
idols,* and this made the Lord angry. Jeroboam, son of Nebat, had done. Ahab also
14The rest of what that Elah did is written in married Jezebel, daughter of King Ethbaal of
the book, The History of the Kings of Israel. Sidon. Then Ahab began to serve and wor-
15Zimri became king of Israel during the ship Baal.* 32He built a temple and an altar
27th year that Asa was king of Judah. Zimri in Samaria for worshiping Baal. 33He also set
ruled in Tirzah only seven days. This is what up a sacred pole.b Ahab did more to make the
happened: The army of Israel was at Gib- Lord, the God of Israel, angry than all the
bethon, which was under Philistine control. other kings who were before him.
16Omri was the commander of the army of 34During Ahab’s time, Hiel from Bethel
Israel. The men in the camp heard that Zimri rebuilt the town of Jericho. When Hiel started
had made secret plans against the king and work on the city, his oldest son Abiram died.
killed him. So in the camp all the soldiers And when Hiel built the gates of the city, his
made Omri the new king. 17Then Omri and youngest son Segub died. This happened just
all the soldiers of Israel left Gibbethon and as the Lord said it would happen when he
went to Tirzah. They surrounded the city and spoke through Joshua son of Nun.c
attacked it. 18When Zimri saw the city had
been captured, he ran to the palace fortress, Elijah and the Time Without Rain
but the soldiers burned it down with him still
in it. 19So Zimri died because he sinned and
did what the Lord said was wrong, just as
17 1Elijah was a prophet from the town
of Tishbe in Gilead. He said to King
Ahab, “I serve the Lord, the God of Israel. By
Jeroboam did when he caused the Israelites his power, I promise that no dew or rain will
to sin. fall for the next few years. The rain will fall
20The story about Zimri’s secret plans and only when I command it to fall.”
the other things that he did are written in the 2Then the Lord said to Elijah, 3“Leave this
book, The History of the Kings of Israel. place and go east. Hide near Kerith Ravine,
east of the Jordan River. 4You can get your
Omri, King of Israel water from that stream, and I have com-
21Then the Israelites were divided. Half of manded ravens to bring food to you there.”
the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath 5So Elijah did what the Lord told him to do.
and wanted to make him king. The other half He went to live near Kerith Ravine, east of
of the people followed Omri. 22But Omri’s the Jordan River. 6Ravens brought Elijah food
followers were stronger than the followers every morning and every evening, and he
of Tibni son of Ginath. Tibni died, and Omri drank water from the stream.
became king. 7There was no rain, so after a while the
23Omri became king of Israel during Asa’s stream became dry. 8Then the Lord said to
31st year as the king of Judah. Omri ruled over Elijah, 9“Go to Zarephath in Sidon and stay
Israel for 12 years. Six of those years he ruled there. There is a widow there that I com-
from Tirzah. 24Then Omri bought the hill of manded to take care of you.”
Samaria from Shemer for about 150 poundsa 10So Elijah went to Zarephath. He went to
of silver. Omri built a city on that hill. He the town gate and saw a woman there gather-
named the city Samaria after the name of its ing wood for a fire. She was a widow. Elijah
owner, Shemer. said to her, “Would you bring me a small cup
25Omri did what the Lord said was wrong. of water to drink?” 11As she was going to get
He was worse than all the kings who were the water, Elijah said, “Bring me a piece of
before him. 26He committed all the sins that bread too, please.”
Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed when 12The woman answered, “I promise you,
he caused the Israelites to sin. They wor- before the Lord your God, that I have noth-
shiped worthless idols, and this made the ing but a handful of flour in a jar and a little
Lord, the God of Israel, very angry. bit of olive oil in a jug. I came here to gather
27The rest of the story about Omri and the a few pieces of wood for a fire to cook our last
great things he did are written in the book, meal. My son and I will eat it and then die
The History of the Kings of Israel. 28Omri from hunger.”
died and was buried in Samaria. His son Ahab 13Elijah said to the woman, “Don’t worry.
became the new king after him. Go home and cook your food as you said. But
first make a small piece of bread from the
Ahab, King of Israel flour that you have and bring it to me. Then
29Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel b 16:33 sacred pole People used these to worship
during the 38th year that Asa was king of false gods.
c 16:34 This happened … Joshua son of Nun See
a 16:24 150 pounds Literally, “2 talents” (69 kg). Josh. 6:26.
291 1 KINGS 18:25
cook some for yourself and your son. 14The 9Obadiah said, “If I tell Ahab that I know
Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘That jar of flour where you are, he will kill me! I have done
will never be empty and the jug will always nothing wrong to you. Why do you want
have oil in it. This will continue until the day me to die? 10As surely as the Lord your God
the Lord sends rain to the land.’” lives, the king has been looking for you every-
15So the woman went home and did what where. He has sent people to every country
Elijah told her to do. And Elijah, the woman, to find you. He even made the rulers of those
and her son had enough food for a long time. countries swear that you were not there.
16The jar of flour and the jug of oil were never 11Now you want me to go and tell him that
empty. This happened just as the Lord said you are here! 12If I go tell King Ahab that you
through Elijah. are here, the Lord might carry you away.
17Some time later the woman’s son became Then when King Ahab comes here and can-
sick. He became worse and worse until he not find you, he will kill me! I have followed
stopped breathing. 18Then the woman said to the Lord since I was a boy. 13You heard what
Elijah, “You are a man of God.* Can you help I did. When Jezebel was killing the Lord’s
me? Or did you come here only to remind me prophets, I hid 100 of them in caves. I put
of my sins and to make my son die?” 50 prophets in one cave and 50 prophets in
19Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” another cave. I brought them food and water.
He took the boy from her and carried him 14Now you want me to go and tell the king
upstairs. He laid him on the bed in the room that you are here. The king will kill me!”
where he was staying. 20Then Elijah prayed, 15Elijah answered, “I serve the Lord All-
“Lord my God, this widow is letting me stay Powerful. As surely as he lives, I promise that
in her house. Will you do this bad thing to her? I will stand before the king today.”
Will you cause her son to die?” 21Then Elijah 16So Obadiah went to King Ahab and told
lay on top of the boy three times. He prayed, him where Elijah was. King Ahab went to
“Lord my God, let this boy live again!” meet Elijah.
22The Lord answered Elijah’s prayer. The 17When Ahab saw Elijah he said, “Is that
boy began breathing again and was alive. really you, the troublemaker of Israel?”
23Elijah carried the boy downstairs, gave him 18Elijah answered, “I have not made trouble
to his mother, and said, “Look, your son is for Israel. You and your father’s family caused
alive!” all the problems when you stopped obeying
24The woman answered, “Now I know that the Lord’s commands and began follow-
you really are a man from God. I know that ing the false gods. 19Now tell all the people
the Lord really speaks through you!” of Israel to meet me at Mount Carmel. Also
bring the 450 prophets of Baal* and the 400
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal prophets of the goddess Asherah* that Queen
2 Kings
A Message for Ahaziah messengers from Samaria. Go meet those
The Prophets Ask for Elijah Moab Breaks Away From Israel
15When the group of prophets at Jericho saw 4Mesha was the king of Moab. He owned
Elisha, they said, “Elijah’s spirit is now on Eli- many sheep. He gave the wool of 100,000
sha!” They came to meet Elisha. They bowed lambs and 100,000 rams to the king of Israel.
very low to the ground before him. 16They 5But when Ahab died, the king of Moab broke
said, “Look, we have 50 good men. Please let away from the rule of the king of Israel.
them go and look for your master. Maybe the 6Then King Joram went out of Samaria
Lord’s Spirit has taken Elijah up and dropped and gathered together all the men of Israel.
him on some mountain or in some valley.” 7Joram sent messengers to Jehoshaphat, the
But Elisha answered, “No, don’t send men king of Judah. Joram said, “The king of Moab
to look for Elijah!” has broken away from my rule. Will you go
17The group of prophets begged Elisha until with me to fight against Moab?”
he was embarrassed. Then Elisha said, “Send Jehoshaphat said, “Yes, I will go with you.
the men to look for Elijah.” We will join together as one army. My people
The group of prophets sent the 50 men to will be like your people, and my horses will
look for Elijah. They looked three days, but be like your horses.”
they could not find him. 18So the men went to
Jericho where Elisha was staying and told him. The Three Kings Ask Elisha for Advice
Elisha said to them, “I told you not to go.” 8Jehoshaphat asked Joram, “Which way
should we go?”
Elisha Makes the Water Good Joram answered, “We should go through
19The men of the city said to Elisha, “Sir, the Desert of Edom.”
you can see this city is in a nice place, but 9So the king of Israel went with the king
the water is bad. That is why the land cannot of Judah and the king of Edom. They trav-
grow crops.” eled around for seven days. There was not
20Elisha said, “Bring me a new bowl and enough water for the army or for their ani-
put salt in it.” mals. 10Finally the king of Israel said, “Oh, I
They brought the bowl to Elisha. 21Then he think the Lord really brought us three kings
went out to the place where the water began together only to let the Moabites defeat us!”
flowing from the ground. Elisha threw the salt 11But Jehoshaphat said, “Surely one of the
into the water and said, “The Lord said, ‘I Lord’s prophets is here. Let’s ask the prophet
am making this water pure! From now on this what the Lord says we should do.”
water will not cause any more death or keep One of the servants of the king of Israel
the land from growing crops.’” said, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. Elisha
22The water became pure and is still good was Elijah’s servant.a”
today. It happened just as Elisha had said. 12Jehoshaphat said, “The Lord’s word is
with Elisha.”
Some Boys Make Fun of Elisha So the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, and the
23Elisha went from that city to Bethel. He king of Edom went down to see Elisha.
was walking up the hill to the city, and some 13Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What do
boys were coming down out of the city. They you want from me? Go to the prophets of your
began making fun of him. They said, “Go father and mother.”
away, you bald-headed man! Go away, you The king of Israel said to Elisha, “No, we
bald-headed man!” have come to see you because the Lord called
24Elisha looked back and saw them. He us three kings together to let the Moabites
asked the Lord to cause bad things to hap- defeat us.”
pen to them. Then two bears came out of the 14Elisha said, “I respect King Jehoshaphat
forest and attacked the boys. There were 42 of Judah, and I serve the Lord All-Power-
boys ripped apart by the bears. ful. As surely as he lives, I came here only
25Elisha left Bethel and went to Mount Car- because of Jehoshaphat. I tell you the truth, if
mel and from there he went back to Samaria. he were not here, I would not pay any atten-
tion to you. I would ignore you completely.
Joram Becomes King of Israel
3 1Joram son of Ahab became king over
Israel at Samaria. He began to rule during
a 3:11 Elisha was Elijah’s servant Literally, “Elisha
poured water over Elijah’s hands.”
2 KINGS 3:15 300
15But now bring me someone who plays the 2Elisha answered, “How can I help you?
harp.” Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
When the person played the harp, the The woman said, “I don’t have anything in
Lord’s powera came on Elisha. 16Then Elisha the house except a jar of olive oil.”
said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Dig holes in 3Then Elisha said, “Go and borrow bowls
the valley.’ 17Yes, this is what the Lord says: from all your neighbors. They must be empty.
‘You will not see wind or rain, but that valley Borrow plenty of bowls. 4Then go to your
will be filled with water. Then you and your house and close the doors. Only you and your
cattle and other animals will have water to sons will be in the house. Then pour the oil
drink.’ 18This is an easy thing for the Lord to into all the bowls. Fill them, and put them in
do. He will also help you defeat the Moabites. a separate place.”
19You will attack every strong city and every 5So the woman left Elisha, went into her
good city. You will cut down every good tree. house, and shut the door. Only she and her
You will stop up all the springs of water. You sons were in the house. Her sons brought the
will ruin every good field with stones.” bowls to her and she poured oil. 6She filled
20In the morning, at the time for the morn- many bowls. Finally, she said to her son,
ing sacrifice, water began flowing from the “Bring me another bowl.”
direction of Edom and filled the valley. But all the bowls were full. One of the sons
21The Moabites heard that the kings had said to her, “There aren’t any more bowls.”
come up to fight against them. So they gath- Then the oil in the jar was finished!
ered together all the men old enough to 7When she told the man of God* what had
wear armor* and waited at the border. 22The happened, Elisha said to her, “Go, sell the oil
Moabites got up early that morning. The ris- and pay your debt. You and your sons can live
ing sun was shining on the water in the val- on the money that is left.”
ley, and it looked like blood to the Moabites.
23They said, “Look at the blood! The kings A Woman in Shunem Gives Elisha a Room
must have fought against each other. They 8One day Elisha went to Shunem, where
must have destroyed each other. Let’s go take an important woman lived. She asked Elisha
the valuable things from the dead bodies!” to stop and eat at her house. So every time
24The Moabites came to the Israelite camp, Elisha went through that place, he stopped
but the Israelites came out and attacked the there to eat.
Moabite army. The Moabites ran away from 9The woman said to her husband, “Look, I
the Israelites. The Israelites followed them can see that Elisha is a holy man of God. He
into Moab to fight them. 25The Israelites passes by our house all the time. 10Please, let’s
destroyed the cities. They threw their stonesb make a little room on the roofd for him. Let’s
at every good field in Moab. They stopped up put a bed in this room and a table, a chair,
all the springs of water and cut down all the and a lampstand. Then when he comes to our
good trees. The Israelites fought all the way house, he can have this room for himself.”
to Kir Hareseth. The soldiers surrounded Kir 11One day Elisha came to the woman’s
Hareseth and attacked it too. house. He went to this room and rested there.
26The king of Moab saw that the battle was 12Elisha said to his servant Gehazi, “Call this
too strong for him, so he took 700 men with Shunammite woman.”
swords to break through to the king of Edom. The servant called the Shunammite woman,
But they were not able to do it. 27Then the and she stood in front of Elisha. 13Elisha told
king of Moab took his oldest son, who would his servant, “Now say to her, ‘Look, you have
become the next king after him. On the wall done your best to take care of us. What can
around the city, the king of Moab offered his we do for you? Do you want us to speak to the
son as a burnt offering. This upset the Israel- king for you, or to the captain of the army?’”
ites very much. So the Israelites left the king She answered, “I am fine living here among
of Moab and went back to their own land. my own people.”
14Elisha said to Gehazi, “What can we do
A Prophet’s Widow Asks Elisha for Help for her?”
1 Chronicles
Family History From Adam to Noah 6The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz,
3 1Some
sons:
of David’s sons were born in the
town of Hebron. This is a list of David’s
diah, and Jushab Hesed.
21Hananiah’s son was Pelatiah. His son was
Jeshaiah.d His son was Rephaiah. His son was
David’s first son was Amnon. Amnon’s Arnan. His son was Obadiah. His son was
mother was Ahinoam. She was from the town Shecaniah.e
of Jezreel. 22This is a list of Shecaniah’s descendants:
The second son was Daniel. His mother Shemaiah. Shemaiah had six sons: Shemaiah,
was Abigail from Carmel in Judah. Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat.
2The third son was Absalom. His mother 23Neariah had three sons. They were Elio-
was Maacah, daughter of Talmai. Talmai was enai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam.
the king of Geshur. 24Elioenai had seven sons. They were
The fourth son was Adonijah. His mother Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan,
was Haggith. Delaiah, and Anani.
3The fifth son was Shephatiah. His mother
was Abital. Other Family Groups of Judah
The sixth son was Ithream. His mother
was Eglah, David’s wife. 4These six sons were
born to David in Hebron.
4 1Thisis a list of Judah’s sons: They were
Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
2Shobal’s son was Reaiah. Reaiah was Jaha-
David ruled as king in Hebron for seven th’s father. Jahath was the father of Ahumai
years and six months. He ruled as king in and Lahad. The Zorathites are descendants of
Jerusalem 33 years. Ahumai and Lahad.
5These are the children born to David in 3Etam’s sons were Jezreel, Ishma, and
Jerusalem: Idbash. And they had a sister named
There were four sons from Bathsheba,b Hazzelelponi.
the daughter of Ammiel. They were Shimea, 4Penuel was Gedor’s father, and Ezer was
Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. 6‑8There were Hushah’s father.
nine other sons. They were Ibhar, Elishua, These were Hur’s sons. Hur was Eph-
Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, rathah’s first son, and Ephrathah was the
Eliada, and Eliphelet. 9They were all David’s founderf of Bethlehem.
sons. Their sister was named Tamar. David 5Tekoa’s father was Ashhur. Ashhur had two
also had other sons by his slave women.* wives. Their names were Helah and Naarah.
6Naarah had Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and
Kings of Judah After David’s Time Haahashtari. These were the sons Naarah had
10Solomon’s son was Rehoboam. Rehoboam’s with Ashhur. 7The sons of Helah were Zereth,
son was Abijah. Abijah’s son was Asa. Asa’s Zohar, Ethnan, and Koz. 8Koz was the father
son was Jehoshaphat. 11Jehoshaphat’s son was
Jehoram. Jehoram’s son was Ahaziah. Ahazi- c 3:16 This can be interpreted in two ways: “This
ah’s son was Joash. 12Joash’s son was Ama- Zedekiah was the son of Jehoiakim and the brother
ziah. Amaziah’s son was Azariah. Azariah’s of Jehoiachin” or “This Zedekiah is the son of Jehoi‑
achin and the grandson of Jehoiakim.”
a 2:50 founder Literally, “father.” The person who d 3:21 Jeshaiah Or “Isaiah.”
started the city. e 3:21 The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.
b 3:5 Bathsheba The standard Hebrew text has f 4:4 founder Literally, “father.” The person who
“Bathshua.” started the city. Also in verse 14.
1 CHRONICLES 4:9 328
of Anub and Hazzobebah. Koz also was the Simeon’s Children
father of the tribes of Aharhel. Aharhel was 24Simeon’s sons were Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib,
Harum’s son. Zerah, and Shaul. 25Shaul’s son was Shallum.
9Jabez was a very good man, who was bet- Shallum’s son was Mibsam. Mibsam’s son was
ter than his brothers. His mother said, “I have Mishma.
named him Jabeza because I was in much pain 26Mishma’s son was Hammuel. Hammuel’s
when I had him.” 10Jabez prayed to the God son was Zaccur. Zaccur’s son was Shimei.
of Israel and said, “I pray that you would bless 27Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters,
me and give me more land! Be near me and but Shimei’s brothers did not have many chil-
don’t let anyone hurt me! Then I will not have dren. Shimei’s brothers did not have large
any pain.” God gave Jabez what he asked for. families. Their families were not as large as
11Kelub was Shuhah’s brother. Kelub was the other tribes in Judah.
Mehir’s father. Mehir was Eshton’s father. 28Shimei’s descendants lived in Beersheba,
12Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Pas- Moladah, Hazar Shual, 29Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,
eah, and Tehinnah. Tehinnah was the father 30Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31Beth Mar-
of Ir Nahash.b These men were from Recah. caboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri, and Shaaraim.
13The sons of Kenaz were Othniel and They lived in these towns until David became
Seraiah. Othniel’s sons were Hathath and king. 32The five villages near these towns
Meonothai. 14Meonothai was Ophrah’s father. were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token, and Ashan.
And Seraiah was Joab’s father. Joab was 33There were also other villages as far away
the founder of the Ge Harashim.c The people as Baalath. This is where they lived. And they
used that name because they were skilled also wrote the history about their family.
workers. 34‑38This is the list of men who were lead-
15Caleb was Jephunneh’s son. Caleb’s sons ers of their tribes: They were Meshobab, Jam-
were Iru, Elah, and Naam. Elah’s son was lech, Joshah (Amaziah’s son), Joel, Jehu son
Kenaz. of Joshibiah, Joshibiah son of Seraiah, Seraiah
16Jehallelel’s sons were Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, son of Asiel, Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah,
and Asarel. Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, and Ziza
17‑18Ezrah’s sons were Jether, Mered, Epher, (Shiphi’s son). Shiphi was Allon’s son, and
and Jalon. Mered was the father of Miriam, Allon was Jedaiah’s son. Jedaiah was Shimri’s
Shammai, and Ishbah. Ishbah was the father son, and Shimri was Shemaiah’s son.
of Eshtemoa. Mered had a wife from Egypt. These men’s families grew to be very large.
She had Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. Jered was 39They went to the area outside the town of
Gedor’s father. Heber was Soco’s father. And Gedor to the east side of the valley. They went
Jekuthiel was Zanoah’s father. These were the to that place to look for fields for their sheep
sons of Bithiah. Bithiah was Pharaoh’s daugh- and cattle. 40They found good fields with
ter. She was Mered’s wife from Egypt. plenty of grass. They found plenty of good land
19Mered’s wife was Naham’s sister. Mered’s there. The land was peaceful and quiet. Ham’s
wife was from Judah.d The sons of Mered’s descendants lived there in the past. 41This
wife were the father of Keilah and Eshtemoa. happened during the time that Hezekiah was
Keilah was from the Garmites. And Eshtemoa king of Judah. These men came to Gedor and
was from the Maacathites. 20Shimon’s sons fought against the Hamites. They destroyed
were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. the tents of the Hamites. They also fought
Ishi’s sons were Zoheth and Ben Zoheth. against the Meunites who lived there. These
21‑22Shelah was Judah’s son. Shelah’s sons men destroyed all the Meunites. There are no
were Er, Laadah, Jokim, the men from Cozeba, Meunites in this place even today. So these
Joash, and Saraph. Er was the father of Lecah. men began to live there. They lived there
Laadah was the father of Mareshah and the because the land had grass for their sheep.
tribes of linen* workers at Beth Ashbea. Joash 42Five hundred people from the tribe of
and Saraph married Moabite women. Then Simeon went to the hill country of Seir. Ishi’s
they went back to Bethlehem.e The writings sons led these men. The sons were Pelatiah,
about this family are very old. 23These sons of Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel. The Simeon-
Shelah were workers who made things from ite men fought against the people living in
clay. They lived in Netaim and Gederah and that place. 43There were only a few Amale-
worked for the king. kites still living, and these Simeonites killed
them. Since that time until now, the Sime-
a 4:9 Jabez This name is like the Hebrew word onites have lived in Seir.
meaning “pain.”
b 4:12 Tehinnah … Ir Nahash Or “Tehinnah was the Reuben’s Descendants
founder of the city of Nahash.” Ir means “city.”
c 4:14 Ge Harashim This name also means “Valley of
the Skilled Workers.”
d 4:19 Mered’s wife … was from Judah This is from
5 1‑3Reuben was Israel’s first son. Reuben
should have received the special privi-
leges of the oldest son. But he had sexual
the ancient Greek version. relations with his father’s wife. So those
e 4:21‑22 married … Bethlehem Or “They ruled in privileges were given to Joseph’s sons. In the
Moab and Jashubi Lehem.” family history, Reuben’s name is not listed as
329 1 CHRONICLES 6:14
the first son. Judah became stronger than his and arrows. 19They started a war against the
brothers, so the leaders came from his family. Hagrites and the people of Jetur, Naphish,
But Joseph’s family got the other privileges and Nodab. 20The men from the tribes of
that belong to the oldest son. Reuben’s sons Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad prayed to God
were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. during the war. They asked God to help them
4These are the names of Joel’s descendants: because they trusted him, so God helped
Shemaiah was Joel’s son. Gog was Shemaiah’s them. He allowed them to defeat the Hagrites
son. Shimei was Gog’s son. 5Micah was Shi- and those who were with the Hagrites.
mei’s son. Reaiah was Micah’s son. Baal was 21They took the animals that belonged to the
Reaiah’s son. 6Beerah was Baal’s son. King Hagrites. They took 50,000 camels, 250,000
Tiglath Pileser of Assyria forced Beerah to sheep, 2000 donkeys, and 100,000 people.
leave his home. So Beerah became the king’s 22Many Hagrites were killed because God
prisoner. Beerah was a leader of the tribe of helped the people of Reuben win the war.
Reuben. Then the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and
7Joel’s brothers and all his tribes are listed Gad settled in the land of the Hagrites. They
just as they are written in the family histories: lived there until the time when the Israelites
Jeiel was the first son, then Zechariah, 8and were taken into captivity.
Bela. Bela was Azaz’s son. Azaz was Shema’s 23Half the tribe of Manasseh lived in the
son. Shema was Joel’s son. They lived in the area of Bashan all the way to Baal Hermon,
area of Aroer all the way to Nebo and Baal Senir, and Mount Hermon. They became a
Meon. 9Bela’s people lived to the east as far very large group of people.
as the edge of the desert, near the Euphrates 24These were the family leaders from half
River. They lived there because they had many the tribe of Manasseh: Epher, Ishi, Eliel,
cattle in the land of Gilead. 10When Saul was Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They
king, Bela’s people fought a war against the were all strong, brave, and famous men, and
Hagrites. They defeated the Hagrites. Bela’s they were leaders in their families. 25But they
people lived in the tents that had belonged sinned against the God who their ancestors*
to the Hagrites. They lived in those tents and worshiped. They began worshiping the false
traveled throughout the area east of Gilead. gods of the people living there—and those
were the people God destroyed.
Gad’s Descendants 26The God of Israel made King Pul of
11The people of Gad lived across the river Assyria want to go to war. He was also called
from Reuben, in the area of Bashan. They Tiglath Pileser. He fought against the tribes of
spread all the way to the town of Salecah. Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad. He forced them
12Joel was the first leader in Bashan. Shapham to leave their homes and made them prison-
was the second leader. Then Janai became the ers. Pul took them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and
leader.a 13The seven brothers in their fami- near the Gozan River. Those tribes from Israel
lies were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, have lived in those places since that time
Jacan, Zia, and Eber. 14They were the descen- until today.
dants of Abihail. Abihail was Huri’s son. Huri
was Jaroah’s son. Jaroah was Gilead’s son. Levi’s Descendants
Gilead was Michael’s son. Michael was Jesh-
ishai’s son. Jeshishai was Jahdo’s son. Jahdo
was Buz’s son. 15Ahi was Abdiel’s son. Abdiel
6 1Levi’s
Merari.
sons were Gershon, Kohath, and
2Kohath’s sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron,
was Guni’s son. Ahi was the leader of their and Uzziel.
family. 3Amram’s children were Aaron, Moses,
16The people in the tribe of Gad lived in and Miriam.
the area of Gilead. They lived in the area of Aaron’s sons were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar,
Bashan, in the small towns around Bashan, and Ithamar. 4Eleazar was Phinehas’ father.
and in all the pastures in the area of Sharon Phinehas was Abishua’s father. 5Abishua was
all the way to the borders. Bukki’s father. Bukki was Uzzi’s father. 6Uzzi
17During the time of Jotham and Jeroboam, was Zerahiah’s father. Zerahiah was Meraioth’s
all these people’s names were written in the father. 7Meraioth was Amariah’s father. Ama-
family history of Gad. Jotham was the king of riah was Ahitub’s father. 8Ahitub was Zadok’s
Judah and Jeroboam was the king of Israel. father. Zadok was Ahimaaz’s father. 9Ahimaaz
was Azariah’s father. Azariah was Johanan’s
Some Soldiers Skilled in War father. 10Johanan was Azariah’s father. (Aza-
18From half the tribe of Manasseh and riah is the one who served as priest in the
from the tribes of Reuben and Gad there Temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem.)
were 44,760 brave men ready for war. They 11Azariah was Amariah’s father. Amariah was
were skilled in war. They carried shields and Ahitub’s father. 12Ahitub was Zadok’s father.
swords. And they were also good with bows Zadok was Shallum’s father. 13Shallum was
Hilkiah’s father. Hilkiah was Azariah’s father.
a 5:12 Then Janai became the leader Or “Then there 14Azariah was Seraiah’s father. Seraiah was
was Janai, and then Shaphat was in Bashan.” Jehozadak’s father.
1 CHRONICLES 6:15 330
15Jehozadak was forced to leave his home Korah’s son; 38Korah was Izhar’s son; Izhar
when the Lord sent the people of Judah and was Kohath’s son; Kohath was Levi’s son; Levi
Jerusalem away. Through Nebuchadnezzar was Israel’s* son.
the Lord caused them all to be made prisoners 39Heman’s relative was Asaph. Asaph served
in another country. by Heman’s right side. Asaph was Berekiah’s
son. Berekiah’s was Shimea’s son. 40Shimea
Other Descendants of Levi was Michael’s son. Michael was Baaseiah’s
16Levi’s sons were Gershon, Kohath, and son. Baaseiah was Malkijah’s son. 41Malkijah
Merari. was Ethni’s son. Ethni was Zerah’s son. Zerah
17The names of Gershon’s sons were Libni was Adaiah’s son. 42Adaiah was Ethan’s son.
and Shimei. Ethan was Zimmah’s son. Zimmah was Shi-
18Kohath’s sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, mei’s son. 43Shimei was Jahath’s son. Jahath
and Uzziel. was Gershon’s son. Gershon was Levi’s son.
19Merari’s sons were Mahli and Mushi. 44Merari’s descendants were the relatives
This is a list of the families in the tribe of of Heman and Asaph. They were the sing-
Levi. They are listed with their fathers’ names ing group on Heman’s left side. Ethan was
first: Kishi’s son. Kishi was Abdi’s son. Abdi was
20These were Gershon’s descendants: Malluch’s son. 45Malluch was Hashabiah’s
Libni was Gershon’s son. Jahath was Libni’s son. Hashabiah was Amaziah’s son. Amaziah
son. Zimmah was Jahath’s son. 21Joah was was Hilkiah’s son. 46Hilkiah was Amzi’s son.
Zimmah’s son. Iddo was Joah’s son. Zerah was Amzi was Bani’s son. Bani was Shemer’s son.
Iddo’s son. Jeatherai was Zerah’s son. 47Shemer was Mahli’s son. Mahli was Mushi’s
22These were Kohath’s descendants: Ammi- son. Mushi was Merari’s son. Merari was
nadab was Kohath’s son. Korah was Ammi- Levi’s son.
nadab’s son. Assir was Korah’s son. 23Elkanah 48Heman and Asaph’s brothers were from
was Assir’s son. Ebiasaph was Elkanah’s son. the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi was also
Assir was Ebiasaph’s son. 24Tahath was Assir’s called Levites.* The Levites were chosen to
son. Uriel was Tahath’s son. Uzziah was Uri- do the work in the Holy Tent. The Holy Tent
el’s son. Shaul was Uzziah’s son. was God’s house. 49But only Aaron’s descen-
25Elkanah’s sons were Amasai and Ahim- dants were permitted to burn incense* on the
oth. 26Zophai was Elkanah’s son. Nahath was altar* of burnt offering* and on the altar of
Zophai’s son. 27Eliab was Nahath’s son. Jero- incense. Aaron’s descendants did all the work
ham was Eliab’s son. Elkanah was Jeroham’s in the Most Holy Place* in God’s house. They
son. Samuel was Elkanah’s son. 28Samuel’s also did the ceremonies to make the Israelites
sons were his oldest son Joel, and Abijah. pure.* They followed all the rules and laws
29These are Merari’s sons: Mahli was that Moses, God’s servant, commanded.
Merari’s son, Libni was Mahli’s son, Shimei
was Libni’s son, and Uzzah was Shimei’s Aaron’s Descendants
son. 30Shimea was Uzzah’s son. Haggiah was 50These were Aaron’s sons: Eleazar was
Shimea’s son. Asaiah was Haggiah’s son. Aaron’s son. Phinehas was Eleazar’s son.
Abishua was Phinehas’ son. 51Bukki was
The Temple Musicians Abishua’s son. Uzzi was Bukki’s son. Zerahiah
31These are the men David chose to take was Uzzi’s son. 52Meraioth was Zerahiah’s
care of the music at the tent of the Lord’s son. Amaraiah was Meraioth’s son. Ahitub
house after the Box of the Agreement* was was Amariah’s son. 53Zadok was Ahitub’s son.
put there. 32These men served by singing at Ahimaaz was Zadok’s son.
the Holy Tent.* The Holy Tent is also called
the Meeting Tent. These men served until Homes for the Levite Families
Solomon built the Lord’s Temple* in Jerusa- 54These are the places where Aaron’s
lem. They served by following the rules given descendants lived. They lived in their camps
to them for their work. in the land that was given to them. The Kohath
33These are the names of the men and their families got the first share of the land that
sons who served with music: was given to the Levites.* 55They were given
The descendants from the Kohath fam- the town of Hebron and the fields around it.
ily were Heman the singer who was Joel’s This was in the area of Judah. 56But the fields
son; Joel was Samuel’s son; 34Samuel was farther from town and the villages near the
Elkanah’s son; Elkanah was Jeroham’s son; town of Hebron were given to Caleb son of
Jeroham was Eliel’s son; Eliel was Toah’s son; Jephunneh. 57The descendants of Aaron were
35Toah was Zuph’s son; Zuph was Elkanah’s given the city of Hebron. Hebron was a city
son; Elkanah was Mahath’s son; Mahath was of safety.a They were also given the cities
Amasai’s son; 36Amasai was Elkanah’s son; a 6:57 city of safety A special city where an Israelite
Elkanah was Joel’s son; Joel was Azariah’s could run to in order to escape the angry relatives
son; Azariah was Zephaniah’s son; 37Zepha- of a person who was accidentally killed by that
niah was Tahath’s son; Tahath was Assir’s Israelite. See Num. 35:6‑34 and Josh. 20:1‑9. Also
son; Assir was Ebiasaph’s son; Ebiasaph was in verse 67.
331 1 CHRONICLES 7:16
of Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58Hilen, Debir, River, east of the city of Jericho. These Merari
59Ashan, Juttah, and Beth Shemesh. They families also got the fields near those towns.
got all the cities and the fields around them. 80‑81And the Merari families got the towns
60From the tribe of Benjamin they got the cit- of Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, Heshbon,
ies of Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth. and Jazer from the tribe of Gad. They also got
They got all the cities and the fields around the fields near those towns.
them.
Thirteen cities were given to the Kohath Issachar’s Descendants
families.
61The rest of Kohath’s descendants got ten
towns from half the tribe of Manasseh.
7 1Issachar had four sons. Their names were
Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.
2Tola’s sons were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel,
62The tribes that were the descendants Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel. They were all
of Gershon got 13 cities. They got the cities leaders of their families. Those men and their
from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, descendants were strong soldiers. Their fami-
and the part of Manasseh living in the area lies grew. By the time David was king, there
of Bashan. were 22,600 men ready for war.
63The tribes that were the descendants of 3Uzzi’s son was Izrahiah. Izrahiah’s sons
Merari got 12 cities. They got the cities from were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All
the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. They five of them were leaders of their families.
got them by throwing lots.* 4Their family history shows they had 36,000
64So the Israelites gave those towns and soldiers ready for war. They had a large family
fields to the Levites. 65All those cities came because they had many wives and children.
from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Ben- 5The family history shows there were
jamin. They decided which Levite family got 87,000 strong soldiers in all the tribes of
which city by throwing lots. Issachar.
66The tribe of Ephraim gave some of the
Kohath families some towns. Those towns Benjamin’s Descendants
were chosen by throwing lots. 67They were 6Benjamin had three sons. Their names
given the city of Shechem. Shechem is a city were Bela, Beker, and Jediael.
of safety. They were also given the towns of 7Bela had five sons. Their names were
Gezer, 68Jokmeam, Beth Horon, 69Aijalon, Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri. They
and Gath Rimmon. They also got fields with were leaders of their families. Their family
those towns. Those towns were in the hill history shows they had 22,034 soldiers.
country of Ephraim. 70And from half the tribe 8Beker’s sons were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer,
of Manasseh, the Israelites gave the towns Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth,
of Aner and Bileam to the Kohath families. and Alemeth. They all were Beker’s children.
The Kohath families also got fields with those 9Their family history shows who the family
towns. leaders were. And it also shows they had
20,200 soldiers.
Other Levite Families Get Homes 10Jediael’s son was Bilhan. Bilhan’s sons
71The Gershon families got the towns of were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah,
Golan in the area of Bashan and Ashtaroth Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 11All of Jedi-
from half the tribe of Manasseh. They also got ael’s sons were leaders of their families. They
the fields near those towns. had 17,200 soldiers ready for war.
72‑73The Gershon families also got the 12The Shuppites and Huppites were the
towns of Kedesh, Daberath, Ramoth, and descendants of Ir. Hushim was the son of
Gannim from the tribe of Issachar. They also Aher.
got the fields near those towns.
74‑75The Gershon families also got the Naphtali’s Descendants
towns of Mashal, Abdon, Hukok, and Rehob 13Naphtali’ssons were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer,
from the tribe of Asher. They also got the and Shallum.
fields near those towns. And these are the descendants of Bilhah.a
76The Gershon families also got the towns
of Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiria- Manasseh’s Descendants
thaim from the tribe of Naphtali. They also 14These are Manasseh’s descendants:
got the fields near those towns. Manasseh’s Aramean slave woman* had a
77The rest of the Levites,* from the Merari son named Asriel. She also bore Makir, the
families, got the towns of Jokneam, Kar- father of Gilead. 15Makir married a woman
tah, Rimmono, and Tabor from the tribe of from the Huppites and Shuppites. Makir’s
Zebulun. They also got the fields near those sister was named Maacah. The name of
towns. the second was Zelophehad, who had only
78‑79The Merari families also got the towns daughters. 16Makir’s wife Maacah had a son.
of Bezer in the desert, Jahzah, Kedemoth, and
Mephaath from the tribe of Reuben. The tribe a 7:13 Bilhah Jacob’s slave woman and the mother
of Reuben lived on the east side of the Jordan of Dan and Naphtali. See Gen. 30:4‑8.
1 CHRONICLES 7:17 332
She named this son Peresh. His brother was 34Shomer’s sons were Ahi, Rohgah, Jehub-
named Sheresh. The sons of Sheresh were bah,c and Aram.
Ulam and Rakem. 35Shomer’s brother was Helem. Helem’s
17Ulam’s son was Bedan. sons were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.
These were the descendants of Gilead. Gil- 36Zophah’s sons were Suah, Harnepher,
ead was Makir’s son. Makir was Manasseh’s Shual, Beri, Imrah, 37Bezer, Hod, Shamma,
son. 18Makir’s sister Hammoleketha had Ish- Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
hod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 38Jether’s sons were Jephunneh, Pispah,
19Shemida’s sons were Ahian, Shechem, and Ara.
Likhi, and Aniam. 39Ulla’s sons were Arah, Hanniel, and
Rizia.
Ephraim’s Descendants 40All these men were descendants of
20These were the names of Ephraim’s Asher. They were leaders of their families.
descendants. Ephraim’s son was Shuthelah. They were the best men. They were soldiers
Shuthelah’s son was Bered. Bered’s son was and great leaders. Their family history shows
Tahath. 21Tahath’s son was Eleadah. Eleadah’s 26,000 soldiers ready for war.
son was Tahath. Tahath’s son was Zabad.
Zabad’s son was Shuthelah. The Family History of King Saul
Some men who grew up in the city of Gath
killed Ezer and Elead. This happened because
Ezer and Elead went there to steal cattle and
8 1Benjamin was Bela’s father. Bela was
Benjamin’s first son. Ashbel was Benja-
min’s second son. Aharah was Benjamin’s
sheep from those men in Gath. 22Ephraim third son. 2Nohah was Benjamin’s fourth son.
was the father of Ezer and Elead. He cried And Rapha was Benjamin’s fifth son.
for many days because Ezer and Elead were 3‑5Bela’s sons were Addar, Gera, Abihud,
dead. Ephraim’s family came to comfort him. Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan,
23Then Ephraim had sexual relations with his and Huram.
wife. She became pregnant and had a son. 6‑7These were the descendants of Ehud.
Ephraim named this new son Beriahb because They were leaders of their families in Geba.
something bad had happened to his family. They were forced to leave their homes and
24Ephraim’s daughter was Sheerah. Sheerah move to Manahath. Ehud’s descendants were
built Lower Beth Horon and Upper Beth Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera. Gera forced them
Horon and Lower Uzzen Sheerah and Upper to leave their homes. He was the father of
Uzzen Sheerah. Uzza and Ahihud.
25Rephah was Ephraim’s son. Resheph 8Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and
was Rephah’s son. Telah was Resheph’s son. Baara in Moab. After he did this he had some
Tahan was Telah’s son. 26Ladan was Tahan’s children with another wife. 9‑10Shaharaim
son. Ammihud was Ladan’s son. Elishama had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia,
was Ammihud’s son. 27Nun was Elishama’s and Mirmah with his wife Hodesh. They
son. Joshua was Nun’s son. were leaders of their families. 11Shaharaim
28These are the cities and lands where and Hushim had two sons named Abitub and
Ephraim’s descendants lived: Bethel and the Elpaal.
villages near it, Naaran to the east, Gezer and 12‑13Elpaal’s sons were Eber, Misham,
the villages near it on the west, and Shechem Shemed, Beriah, and Shema. Shemed built
and the villages near it all the way to Ayyah the towns of Ono and Lod and the small
and the villages near it. 29Along the borders towns around Lod. Beriah and Shema were
of Manasseh’s land were the towns of Beth the leaders of the families living in Aijalon.
Shan, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, and the They forced the people who lived in Gath to
small towns near them. The descendants of leave.
Joseph lived in these towns. Joseph was the 14Beriah’s sons were Shashak and Jere-
son of Israel.* moth, 15Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16Michael, Ish-
pah, and Joha. 17Elpaal’s sons were Zebadiah,
Asher’s Descendants Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18Ishmerai, Izliah,
30Asher’s sons were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Jobab.
and Beriah. Their sister was named Serah. 19Shimei’s sons were Jakim, Zicri, Zabdi,
31Beriah’s sons were Heber and Malkiel. 20Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21Adaiah, Beraiah,
Malkiel was Birzaith’s father. and Shimrath.
32Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer, 22Shashak’s sons were Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,
Hotham, and of their sister Shua. 23Abdon, Zicri, Hanan, 24Hananiah, Elam,
33Japhlet’s sons were Pasach, Bimhal, and Anthothijah, 25Iphdeiah, and Penuel.
Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s children. 26Jeroham’s sons were Shamsherai, Sheha-
riah, Athaliah, 27Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zicri.
28All these men were leaders of their fami-
a 7:18 Hammoleketh Or “the woman who ruled” or
“queen.” lies. They were listed in their family histories
b 7:23 Beriah This is like the Hebrew word meaning
“bad” or “trouble.” c 7:34 Jehubbah Or “Hubbah.”
333 1 CHRONICLES 9:25
as leaders. They lived in Jerusalem. was Micri’s son. And Meshullam was Shepha-
29Jeiel was Gibeon’s father. He and his tiah’s son. Shephatiah was Reuel’s son. Reuel
wife, Maacah, lived in the town of Gibeon. was Ibnijah’s son. 9The family history of Ben-
30His oldest son was Abdon. Other sons were jamin shows there were 956 of them living
Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 31Gedor, Ahio, in Jerusalem. All these men were leaders in
Zeker, {and Mikloth}. 32Mikloth was the father their families.
of Shimeah. These sons also lived near their 10These are the priests who lived in Jeru-
relatives in Jerusalem. salem: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jakin, and 11Aza-
33Ner was Kish’s father. Kish was Saul’s riah. Azariah was Hilkiah’s son. Hilkiah was
father, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Meshullam’s son. Meshullam was Zadok’s
Malki Shua, Abinadab, and Esh Baal. son. Zadok was Meraioth’s son. Meraioth
34Jonathan’s son was Merib Baal. Merib was Ahitub’s son. Ahitub was the important
Baal was Micah’s father. official responsible for God’s Temple. 12Also
35Micah’s sons were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, there was Jeroham’s son, Adaiah. Jeroham
and Ahaz. was Pashhur’s son. Pashhur was Malkijah’s
36Ahaz was Jehoaddah’s father. Jehoad- son. And there was Adiel’s son, Maasai. Adiel
dah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, was Jahzerah’s son. Jahzerah was Meshul-
and Zimri. Zimri was Moza’s father. 37Moza lam’s son. Meshullam was Meshillemith’s
was Binea’s father. Raphah was Binea’s son. son. Meshillemith was Immer’s son.
Eleasah was Raphah’s son. And Azel was 13There were 1760 priests. They were lead-
Eleasah’s son. ers of their families. They were responsible
38Azel had six sons. Their names were for the work of serving in God’s Temple.
Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Oba- 14These are the people from the tribe of
diah, and Hanan. All these sons were Azel’s Levi who lived in Jerusalem: Hasshub’s son,
children. Shemaiah. Hasshub was Azrikam’s son. Azri-
39Azel’s brother was Eshek. Eshek had kam was Hashabiah’s son. Hashabiah was a
some sons. These were Eshek’s sons: Ulam descendant of Merari. 15Also living in Jerusa-
was Azel’s oldest son. Jeush was Eshek’s lem were Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mat-
second son. Eliphelet was Eshek’s third son. taniah. Mattaniah was Mica’s son. Mica was
40Ulam’s sons were strong soldiers who were Zicri’s son. Zicri was Asaph’s son. 16Obadiah
very good with bows and arrows. They had was Shemaiah’s son. Shemaiah was Galal’s
many sons and grandsons. In all, there were son. Galal was Jeduthun’s son. Berekiah was
150 sons and grandsons. Asa’s son. Asa was Elkanah’s son. Berekiah
All these men were descendants of lived in the small towns near the people of
Benjamin. Netophah.
Jaasiel son of Abner, leader of the tribe of a 27:24 Joab … did not finish God stopped him. See
Benjamin; 1 Chron. 21:1‑30.
349 1 CHRONICLES 29:2
come to Jerusalem. David called all the lead- they kept the holy things used in the Temple.
ers of the tribes, the commanders of the army 13David told Solomon about the groups of
groups serving the king, the captains, the gen- the priests and Levites.* He told Solomon
erals, the officials taking care of the property about all the work of serving in the Lord’s
and animals that belonged to the king and his Temple and about all the things to be used
sons, the king’s important officials, the pow- in the Temple service. 14David told Solomon
erful heroes, and all the brave soldiers. how much gold and silver should be used to
2King David stood up and said, “Listen to make all the things to be used in the Temple.
me, my brothers and my people. In my heart I 15There were plans for gold lamps and lamp-
wanted to build a place to keep the Box of the stands, and there were plans for silver lamps
Lord’s Agreement.* I wanted to build a place and lampstands. David told Solomon how
that would be God’s footstool.a And I made much gold or silver to use for each lampstand
the plans for building that house for God. and its lamps. The different lampstands were
3But God said to me, ‘No David, you must not to be used where needed. 16David told him
build a house for my name. You must not do how much gold should be used for each table
that because you are a soldier, and you have for the holy bread.* He told how much silver
killed many men.’ should be used for the silver tables. 17He told
4“The Lord, the God of Israel, chose the how much pure gold should be used to make
tribe of Judah to lead the twelve tribes of the forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers. He
Israel. Then from that tribe, the Lord chose told him how much gold should be used to
my father’s family. And from that family, God make each gold dish and how much silver
chose me to be the king of Israel forever. God should be used to make each silver dish. 18He
wanted to make me king of Israel. 5The Lord told him how much pure gold should be used
has given me many sons. And from all those for the altar of incense.* David also gave Solo-
sons, he chose Solomon to be the new king mon the plans for {God’s} chariot—the mercy-
of Israel. But really, Israel is the Lord’s king- cover with the Cherub angels* spreading their
dom. 6The Lord said to me, ‘David, your son wings over the Box of the Lord’s Agreement.
Solomon will build my Temple* and the area The Cherub angels were made of gold.
around it, because I have chosen Solomon to 19David said, “All these plans were writ-
be my son, and I will be his father.b 7Solo- ten with the Lord guiding me. He helped me
mon is obeying my laws and commands now. understand everything in the plans.”
If he continues to obey my laws, I will make 20David also said to his son Solomon, “Be
Solomon’s kingdom strong forever.’” strong and brave and finish this work. Don’t
8David said, “Now, in front of all Israel and be afraid, because the Lord God, my God, is
God, I tell you these things: Be careful to obey with you. He will help you until all the work
all the commands of the Lord your God. Then is finished. He will not leave you. You will
you can keep this good land and pass it on to build the Lord’s Temple. 21The groups of
your descendants forever. the priests and Levites are ready for all the
9“And you, my son Solomon, know the God work on God’s Temple. Every skilled worker
of your father. Serve God with a pure heart. Be is ready to help you with all the work. The
happy to serve him, because the Lord knows officials and all the people will obey every
what is in everyone’s heart. He knows what command you give.”
you are thinking. If you go to him for help,
you will get an answer. But if you turn away Gifts for Building the Temple
from him, he will leave you forever. 10Solo-
mon, you must understand that the Lord
has chosen you to build his holy* place—the
29 1King David said to all the Israelites
who were gathered together, “God
chose my son Solomon. Solomon is young
Temple. Be strong and finish the job.” and does not know all that he needs to do
11Then David gave his son Solomon the this work. But the work is very important.
plans for building the Temple. They included This house isn’t for people; this house is for
plans for the porch around the Temple, its the Lord God. 2I have done my best to make
buildings, its storerooms, its upper rooms, its plans to build my God’s Temple.* I have given
inside rooms, and the room for the mercy- gold for the things made of gold. I have given
cover.* 12David had made plans for all parts of silver for the things made of silver. I have
the Temple. He gave them to Solomon. David given bronze for the things made of bronze.
gave him all the plans for the courtyard around I have given iron for the things made of iron.
the Lord’s Temple and for all the rooms I have given wood for the things made of
around it. He gave him the plans for the Tem- wood. I have also given onyx* stones for the
ple storerooms and for the storerooms where settings,c mosaic tiles,d all kinds of valuable
a 28:2 footstool Usually this was a small stool in
stones in many different colors, and white
front of a chair, but here, it means the Temple. It is as
marble stones. I have given many of these
if God were the king sitting in his chair and resting
his feet on the building David wanted to build. c 29:2 settings The frames in which stones are
b 28:6 I will be his father This showed that God was mounted.
making Solomon the king. See Ps. 2:7. d 29:2 mosaic tiles Literally, “stones set in mortar.”
1 CHRONICLES 29:3 350
things for the building of the Lord’s Temple. We are only giving back to you things
3I am making a special gift of gold and silver that came from you.
things for my God’s Temple. I am doing this 15 We are only strangers traveling through
because I really want the Temple of my God to this world like our ancestors.*
be built. I am giving all these things to build Our time on earth is like a passing
this holy* Temple. 4I have given 110 tonsa of shadow,
pure gold from Ophir. I have given 263 tonsb and we cannot stop it.
of pure silver. The silver is for covering the 16 Lord our God, we gathered all these
walls of the buildings in the Temple. 5I have things to build your Temple.*
given gold and silver for all the things made of We build it to honor your name.
gold and silver. I have given gold and silver so But all these things have come from you.
that skilled men can make all different kinds Everything belongs to you.
of things for the Temple. Now, how many of 17 My God, I know that you test people,
you Israelites are ready to give yourselves to and that you are happy when people do
the Lord today?” what is right.
6The family leaders, the leaders of the I gladly give you all these things
tribes of Israel, the generals, the captains, and with a pure, honest heart.
the officials responsible for the king’s work, I see your people gathered here,
were all ready and gave their valuable things. and I see that they are happy about
7These are the things they gave for God’s giving these things to you.
house: 190 tonsc of gold; 375 tonsd of silver; 18 Lord, you are the God of our ancestors,
675 tonse of bronze; and 3750 tonsf of iron. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.*
8People who had valuable stones gave them Please help your people plan the right
to the Lord’s Temple. Jehiel took care of the things.
valuable stones. He was from the Gershon Help them be loyal and true to you.
family. 9The people were very happy because 19 And help my son Solomon be true to you.
their leaders were happy to give so much. Help him always obey your commands,
The leaders were happy to give freely from laws, and rules.
good hearts. King David was also very happy. Help Solomon do these things.
And help him build this Temple that I
David’s Beautiful Prayer have planned.”
10Then David praised the Lord in front of
all the people who were gathered together. 20Then David said to all the group of people
David said, gathered together, “Now give praise to the
Lord your God.” So all the people gave praise
“Lord, the God of Israel, our Father, to the Lord God, the God their ancestors
may you be praised forever and ever! worshiped. They bowed to the ground to give
11 Greatness, power, glory, victory, and honor to the Lord and to the king.
honor belong to you,
because everything in heaven and on Solomon Becomes King
earth belongs to you! 21Thenext day the people made sacrifices*
The kingdom belongs to you, Lord! to the Lord. They offered burnt offerings* to
You are the head, the Ruler over him. They offered 1000 bulls, 1000 rams,
everything. 1000 lambs, and the drink offerings that
12 Riches and honor come from you. go with them. They offered many sacrifices
You rule everything. for all the Israelites. 22That day the people
You have the power and strength in your were very happy as they ate and drank there
hand! together with the Lord.
And in your hand is the power to make And they made David’s son Solomon king
anyone great and powerful! the second time.g They anointed* Solomon
13 Now, our God, we thank you, to be king, and they anointed Zadok to be
and we praise your glorious name! priest. They did this in the place where the
14 All these things didn’t come from me and Lord was.
my people. 23Then Solomon sat on the Lord’s throne
All these things come from you. as king. Solomon took his father’s place. He
was very successful. All the Israelites obeyed
a 29:4 110 tons Literally, “3000 talents” (103,500 kg). him. 24All the leaders, soldiers, and all of
b 29:4 263 tons Literally, “7000 talents” (241,500 kg). King David’s sons accepted Solomon as king
c 29:7 190 tons Literally, “5000 talents and 10,000 and obeyed him. 25The Lord made Solomon
darics” (172.59 metric tons). very great. All the Israelites knew that the
d 29:7 375 tons Literally, “10,000 talents” (345 metric
tons).
e 29:7 675 tons Literally, “18,000 talents” (621 metric g 29:22 And they made … time Solomon was cho‑
tons). sen to be king the first time when his half‑brother
f 29:7 3750 tons Literally, “100,000 talents” (3450 Adonijah tried to make himself king. See 1 Kings
metric tons). 1:5‑39.
351 2 CHRONICLES 2:4
Lord was making him great. He gave Solomon long life and had many riches and honors. His
the honor that a king should have. No king in son Solomon became the new king after him.
Israel before Solomon had such honor. 29The things that King David did, from
beginning to end, are in the books written
David’s Death by Samuel the seer,* Nathan the prophet,*
26‑27David son of Jesse was king over all and Gad the seer. 30Those writings tell all
Israel for 40 years. He was king in the city about what David did as king of Israel. They
of Hebron for seven years. Then he was king tell about David’s power and what happened
in the city of Jerusalem for 33 years. 28David to him and to Israel and to all the kingdoms
died when he was old. He had lived a good, around them.
2 Chronicles
Solomon Asks for Wisdom much wealth and honor.”
b 15:19 35th year of Asa’s rule About the year 880 b.c.
a 14:9 Ethiopia Or “Cush.” c 16:1 36th year as king About the year 879 b.c.
2 CHRONICLES 16:3 362
Asa took gold and silver from the treasuries Jehoshaphat, King of Judah
of the Lord’s Temple and the king’s palace.
He gave it to his officials and sent them to
King Ben-Hadad of Aram. Ben-Hadad was the
17 1Asa’s son Jehoshaphat became the
new king after him. Jehoshaphat
made Judah strong so that they could fight
son of Tabrimmon. Tabrimmon was the son against Israel. 2He put groups of soldiers in
of Hezion. Damascus was Ben-Hadad’s capi- all the towns of Judah that were made into
tal city. 3Asa sent this message, “My father fortresses.* He built fortresses in Judah and
and your father had a peace agreement. Now in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa
I want to make a peace agreement with you. had captured.
I am sending you this gift of gold and silver. 3The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because
Please break your treaty with King Baasha of in his young life he did the good things his
Israel and make him leave us alone.” ancestor* David did. Jehoshaphat did not fol-
4King Ben-Hadad made that agreement low the Baal* idols.* 4He looked for the God
with King Asa and sent his army to fight his ancestors followed. He followed God’s
against the Israelite towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel commands and did not live the same way the
Maim, and the storage cities in the area of Israelites lived. 5The Lord made Jehoshaphat
Naphtali. 5When Baasha heard about these a strong king over Judah. All the people of
attacks, he stopped building up Ramah and Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat. So he had
went back to Tirzah. He stopped all the work much wealth and honor. 6His heart found
he was doing. 6Then King Asa gave an order pleasure in the ways of the Lord. He removed
for all the men in Judah, with no exceptions. the high places* and the Asherah poles* from
They had to go to Ramah and carry out all the country of Judah.
the stone and wood that Baasha was using to 7During the third year of Jehoshaphat’s
build up the city. They carried the material to rule,d he sent his leaders to teach in the
Geba in Benjamin and to Mizpah and used it towns of Judah. These leaders were Ben
to strengthen those two cities. Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and
7At that time Hanani the seer* came to Micaiah. 8Jehoshaphat also sent Levites with
King Asa of Judah and said to him, “Asa, you these leaders. These Levites were Shemaiah,
depended on the king of Aram to help you Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth,
and not the Lord your God. You should have Jehonathan, Adonijah, and Tobijah. He also
depended on the Lord. But, because you did sent the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9These
not depend on the Lord for help, the king of leaders, Levites, and priests taught the people
Aram’s army escaped from you. 8The Ethio- in Judah. They had the Book of the Law of the
pians and the Libyans had a very large and Lord with them. They went through all the
powerful army. They had many chariots* and towns of Judah and taught the people.
chariot drivers. But Asa, you depended on the 10The nations near Judah were afraid of
Lord to help you defeat that large powerful the Lord, so they did not start a war against
army, and the Lord let you defeat them. 9The Jehoshaphat. 11Some of the Philistines brought
eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the gifts to Jehoshaphat. They also brought silver
earth for people who are faithful to him so to him because they knew he was a very
that he can make them strong. Asa, you did a powerful king. Some Arabian people brought
foolish thing. So from now on you will have flocks to Jehoshaphat. They brought 7700
wars.” rams and 7700 goats to him.
10Asa was angry with Hanani because of 12Jehoshaphat became more and more pow-
what he said. He was so mad that he put erful. He built fortresses and storage towns in
Hanani in prison. He was also very rough and the country of Judah. 13He kept many supplies
cruel to some of the people then. in the storage towns. And Jehoshaphat kept
11Everything Asa did, from the beginning trained soldiers in Jerusalem. 14These soldiers
to the end, is written in the book, The History were listed in their tribes. This is the list of
of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 12Asa’s feet these soldiers in Jerusalem:
became infected in his 39th year as king.a From the tribe of Judah, these were the
Even though the infection was very serious, generals: Adnah was the general of 300,000
Asa did not go to the Lord for help. He went soldiers. 15Jehohanan was the general of
to the doctors instead. 13Asa died in the 41st 280,000 soldiers. 16Amasiah was the general
year as kingb and rested with his ancestors.* of 200,000 soldiers. Amasiah was Zicri’s son.
14The people buried Asa in his own tomb that Amasiah was happy to give himself to serve
he made for himself in the City of David.* the Lord.
They laid him in a bed that was filled with 17From the tribe of Benjamin these were
spices and different kinds of mixed perfumes, the generals: Eliada had 200,000 soldiers
and they burned a large fire for him.c who used bows, arrows, and shields. Eliada
a 16:12 39th year as king About the year 875 b.c. was a very brave soldier. 18Jehozabad had
b 16:13 41st year as king About the year 873 b.c.
c 16:14 This probably means the people burned
spices in honor of Asa, but it could also mean they d 17:7 third year of Jehoshaphat’s rule About the
burned his body. year 871 b.c.
363 2 CHRONICLES 18:29
180,000 men ready for war. 19All these sol- 14Micaiah went and stood before King
diers served King Jehoshaphat. The king also Ahab. The king asked him, “Micaiah, should
had other men in the fortresses in all the we go and attack the Arameans at Ramoth
country of Judah. Gilead or not?”
Micaiah answered, “Yes, go and be suc-
Micaiah Warns King Ahab cessful! You will take the city.”
a 31:2 Lord’s house Or “Lord’s Camp,” that is, the b 31:12 tithes One‑tenth of a person’s crops or
courtyard of the Temple in Jerusalem. animals.
375 2 CHRONICLES 32:21
Lord’s Temple for daily service to do the Lord our God with us! Our God will help us.
things they were responsible to do. Each He will fight our battles!” So King Hezekiah of
group of Levites had their own responsibil- Judah encouraged the people and made them
ity. 17The priests were given their part of the feel stronger.
collection. This was done by families, in the 9King Sennacherib of Assyria and all his
way they were listed in the family histories. army were camped near the town of Lachish
The Levites who were 20 years old and older so that they could defeat it. Then Sennacherib
were given their part of the collection, accord- sent his officers to King Hezekiah of Judah and
ing to their groups and responsibilities. 18The to all the people of Judah in Jerusalem. His
Levites’ babies, wives, sons, and daughters officers had a message for Hezekiah and all
also got part of the collection. This was done the people in Jerusalem. 10They said, “King
for all the Levites who were listed in the fam- Sennacherib of Assyria says this: ‘What do you
ily histories. This was because the Levites trust in that makes you stay under attack in
were faithful to always keep themselves holy Jerusalem? 11Hezekiah is fooling you. You are
and ready for service. being tricked into staying in Jerusalem so that
19Some of Aaron’s descendants, the priests, you will die from hunger and thirst. Hezekiah
lived in the towns or on farms near the towns says to you, “The Lord our God will save us
where the Levites were living. Men were cho- from the king of Assyria.” 12Hezekiah himself
sen by name in each of these towns to give took away the Lord’s high places* and altars.*
part of the collection to these descendants of He told you people of Judah and Jerusalem
Aaron. All the males and those named in the that you must worship and burn incense* on
family histories of the Levites got part of the only one altar. 13Of course, you know what
collection. my ancestors* and I have done to all the
20So King Hezekiah did those good things peoples in other countries. The gods of the
in all Judah. He did what was good and right other countries could not save their people.
and faithful before the Lord his God. 21He had Those gods could not stop me from destroying
success in every work he began—the service their people. 14My ancestors destroyed those
of God’s Temple and in obeying the law and countries. There is no god that can stop me
commands, and in following his God. Heze- from destroying his people. So you think your
kiah did all these things with all his heart. god can save you from me? 15Don’t let Heze-
kiah fool you or trick you. Don’t believe him
The King of Assyria Troubles Hezekiah because no god of any nation or kingdom has
3355
for
1Manasseh was twelve years old when
he became king of Judah. He was king
years in Jerusalem. 2Manasseh did
went to the west of Gihon Spring in Kidron
a 33:14 Ophel The upper part of the City of David, b 34:6 ruins near all these towns The Hebrew text
just south of the Temple area. here is hard to understand.
2 CHRONICLES 34:15 378
Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law message to King Josiah.
of the Lord that was given through Moses. 29Then King Josiah called for all the elders
15Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I of Judah and Jerusalem to come and meet
found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s with him. 30The king went up to the Lord’s
house.a” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. Temple. All the people from Judah, the people
16Shaphan brought the book to King Josiah. living in Jerusalem, the priests, the Levites,
Shaphan reported to the king, “Your servants and all the people, both important and not
are doing everything you told them to do. important, were with Josiah. He read to them
17They got the money that was in the Lord’s all the words in the Book of the Agreement.
Temple and are paying the supervisors and That book was found in the Lord’s Temple.
the workers.” 18Then Shaphan said to King 31Then the king stood up in his place. He
Josiah, “Hilkiah the priest gave a book to me.” made an agreement with the Lord. He agreed
Then Shaphan read from the book in front of to follow the Lord and to obey the Lord’s
the king. 19When King Josiah heard the words commands, laws, and rules. He agreed to
of the law being read, he tore his clothes.b obey with all his heart and soul the words of
20Then the king gave a command to Hilkiah, the agreement* written in this book. 32Then
Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Josiah made all the people in Jerusalem and
Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the ser- Benjamin promise to accept the agreement.
vant. 21The king said, “Go, ask the Lord for The people of Jerusalem obeyed the agree-
me, and for the people who are left in Israel ment of God, the God their ancestors obeyed.
and in Judah. Ask about the words in the book 33The Israelites had idols from many different
that was found. The Lord is very angry with countries, but Josiah destroyed all the terrible
us because our ancestors* did not obey the idols.* He made all the people in Israel serve
Lord’s word. They did not do everything this the Lord their God. And as long as Josiah was
book says to do.” alive, the people continued to serve the Lord,
22Hilkiah and the king’s servantsc went to the God of their ancestors.
Huldah the prophetess.* Huldah was Shallum’s
wife. Shallum was Tokhath’s son. Tokhath Josiah Celebrates Passover
was Hasrah’s son. Shallum took care of the
king’s clothes. Huldah lived in the newer part
of Jerusalem. Hilkiah and the king’s servants
35 1King Josiah celebrated the Passover*
to the Lord in Jerusalem. The Pass-
over lamb was killed on the 14th day of the
told Huldah what had happened. 23Huldah first month. 2Josiah chose the priests to do
said to them, “This is what the Lord, the their duties. He encouraged the priests while
God of Israel, says: Tell King Josiah: 24This is they were serving in the Lord’s Temple.* 3He
what the Lord says, ‘I will bring trouble to spoke to the Levites who taught the Israel-
this place and to the people living here. I will ites and who were made holy* for service to
bring all the terrible things that are written the Lord. He said to the Levites, “Put the
in the book that was read in front of the king Holy Box* in the Temple that Solomon built.
of Judah. 25I will do this because the people Solomon was David’s son. David was king of
left me and burned incense* to other gods. Israel. Don’t carry the Holy Box from place
They made me angry because of all the bad to place on your shoulders again. Now serve
things they have done. So I will pour out my the Lord your God and his people, the Israel-
anger on this place. Like a hot burning fire, ites. 4Make yourselves ready for service in the
my anger will not be put out!’ Temple by your tribes. Do the jobs that King
26“But tell this to King Josiah of Judah. He David and his son King Solomon gave you to
sent you to ask the Lord: This is what the do. 5Stand in the Holy Place* with a group of
Lord, the God of Israel, says about the words Levites. Do this for each different tribe of the
you heard a little while ago: 27‘Josiah, you people so that you can help them. 6Kill the
repented and you humbled yourself. You tore Passover lambs and make yourselves holy to
your clothes, and you cried before me. So the Lord. Get ready to help your fellow Israel-
because your heart was tender, 28I will take ites. Do everything the Lord commanded us
you to be with your ancestors.d You will go in the laws he gave to Moses.”
to your grave in peace. You will not have to 7Josiah gave the Israelites 30,000 sheep
see any of the trouble that I will bring on this and goats to kill for the Passover sacrifices.*
place and on the people living here.’” Hilkiah He also gave 3000 cattle to the people. All
and the king’s servants brought back this these animals were from King Josiah’s own
animals. 8Josiah’s officials also freely gave
a 34:15 Lord’s house Another name for the Temple animals and things to the people, to the
in Jerusalem. priests, and Levites to use for the Passover.
b 34:19 tore his clothes A way of showing that a per‑
Hilkiah the high priest, Zechariah, and Jehiel
son was upset. Josiah was upset because his people were the officials in charge of the Temple.
had not obeyed the Lord’s laws. Also in verse 27.
c 34:22 the king’s servants Literally, “those … of the They gave the priests 2600 lambs and goats
king.” and 300 bulls for Passover sacrifices. 9Also
d 34:28 take you to be with your ancestors This Conaniah with Shemaiah and Nethanel, his
means that Josiah would die. brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel and Jozabad
379 2 CHRONICLES 36:10
gave 500 sheep and goats and 500 bulls for away, I am wounded badly!”
Passover sacrifices to the Levites. These men 24So the servants took Josiah out of his
were leaders of the Levites. chariot* and put him in another chariot he
10When everything was ready for the Pass- had brought with him to the battle. Then they
over service to begin, the priests and Levites took Josiah to Jerusalem. He died there and
went to their places. This is what the king was buried in the tombs where his ancestors*
commanded. 11The Passover lambs were were buried. All the people of Judah and Jeru-
killed. Then the Levites skinned the animals salem were very sad because Josiah was dead.
and gave the blood to the priests. The priests 25Jeremiah wrote and sang some funeral songs
sprinkled the blood on the altar.* 12Then they for Josiah. And the men and women singers
gave the animals to be used for burnt offer- still sing these sad songs today. It became
ings to the different tribes. This was done so something the people of Israel always do—
that the burnt offerings could be offered the they sing a sad song for Josiah. These songs
way the Law of Moses taught. 13The Levites are written in the book, Funeral Songs.
roasted the Passover sacrifices over the fire 26‑27Everything else Josiah did while he
in the way they were commanded. And they was king, from beginning to the end of his
boiled the holy offerings in pots, kettles, and rule, is written in the book, The History of
pans. Then they quickly gave the meat to the the Kings of Israel and Judah. The book tells
people. 14After this was finished, the Levites about his loyalty to the Lord and how he
got meat for themselves and for the priests obeyed the Lord’s law.
who were descendants of Aaron. These
priests were kept very busy, working until Jehoahaz, King of Judah
it got dark. They worked hard burning the
burnt offerings and the fat of the sacrifices.
15The Levite singers from Asaph’s family got
36 1The people of Judah chose Jehoa-
haz to be the new king in Jerusalem.
Jehoahaz was Josiah’s son. 2He was 23 years
in the places that King David had chosen for old when he became king of Judah. He was
them to stand. They were Asaph, Heman, and king in Jerusalem for three months. 3Then
Jeduthun the king’s prophet. The gatekeepers King Neco from Egypt made Jehoahaz a pris-
at each gate did not have to leave their places oner. Neco made the people of Judah pay 33⁄4
because their brother Levites made every- tonsa of silver and 75 poundsb of gold for a
thing ready for them for the Passover. fine. 4Neco chose Jehoahaz’s brother to be the
16So everything was done that day for the new king of Judah and Jerusalem. Jehoahaz’s
worship of the Lord as King Josiah com- brother’s name was Eliakim. Then Neco gave
manded. The Passover was celebrated and the Eliakim a new name. He named him Jehoia-
burnt offerings* were offered on the Lord’s kim. But Neco took Jehoahaz to Egypt.
altar. 17The Israelites who were there cele-
brated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Jehoiakim, King of Judah
Bread* for seven days. 18Passover hadn’t been 5Jehoiakim was 25 years old when he
celebrated like this since the time of Samuel became the new king of Judah. He was king
the prophet! None of the kings of Israel had in Jerusalem for eleven years. Jehoiakim
ever celebrated a Passover like this. King didn’t do what the Lord wanted him to do.
Josiah, the priests, the Levites, and the people He sinned against the Lord his God.
of Judah and Israel who were there with all 6King Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon
the people in Jerusalem celebrated the Pass- attacked Judah. He made Jehoiakim a prisoner
over in a very special way. 19They celebrated and put bronze chains on him. Then Nebu-
this Passover in Josiah’s 18th year as king. chadnezzar took King Jehoiakim to Babylon.
7Nebuchadnezzar took some of the things
The Death of Josiah from the Lord’s Temple.* He carried them
20Josiah did all these good things for the to Babylon and put them in his own house.
Temple.* Later, King Neco of Egypt led an army 8Everything else Jehoiakim did, the terrible
to fight against the town of Carchemish on the sins he did, and everything he was guilty of
Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to fight doing, are written in the book, The History of
against Neco. 21But Neco sent messengers to the Kings of Israel and Judah. Jehoiakim’s son
Josiah. They said, “King Josiah, this war is not Jehoiachin became the new king in his place.
your problem. I didn’t come to fight against
you. I came to fight my enemies. God told me Jehoiachin, King of Judah
to hurry. He is on my side, so don’t bother 9Jehoiachinwas 18 years old when he
me. If you fight against me, God will destroy became king of Judah. He was king in Jeru-
you!” 22But Josiah did not go away. He put on salem for three months and ten days. He
different clothes to hide who he was and went didn’t do what the Lord wanted him to do.
to fight the battle. Josiah refused to listen to He sinned against the Lord. 10In the spring,
the warning Neco had received from God and King Nebuchadnezzar sent some servants
went to fight on the plain of Megiddo. 23Then
King Josiah was shot by arrows while he was a 36:3 3 3/4 tons Literally, “100 talents” (3450 kg).
in the battle. He told his servants, “Take me b 36:3 75 pounds Literally, “1 talent” (34.5 kg).
2 CHRONICLES 36:11 380
to get Jehoiachin. They brought Jehoiachin killed the young men even when they were
and some valuable treasures from the Lord’s in the Temple. He didn’t have mercy on the
Temple* to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar chose people of Judah and Jerusalem. The king of
Zedekiah to be the new king of Judah and Babylon killed young and old people. He
Jerusalem. Zedekiah was one of Jehoiachin’s killed men and women. He killed sick and
relatives. healthy people. God permitted Nebuchad-
nezzar to punish the people of Judah and
Zedekiah, King of Judah Jerusalem. 18Nebuchadnezzar carried all the
11Zedekiah was 21 years old when he things in God’s Temple away to Babylon. He
became king of Judah. He was king in Jeru- took all the valuable things from the Temple,
salem for eleven years. 12Zedekiah didn’t do from the king, and from the king’s officials.
what the Lord wanted him to do. He sinned 19Nebuchadnezzar and his army burned the
against the Lord. Jeremiah the prophet spoke Temple. They broke down Jerusalem’s wall
messages from the Lord. But Zedekiah didn’t and burned all the houses that belonged
humble himself and obey what Jeremiah to the king and his officials. They took or
said. destroyed every valuable thing in Jerusalem.
20Nebuchadnezzar took the people who were
Jerusalem Is Destroyed still alive back to Babylon and forced them to
13Zedekiah turned against King Nebuchad- be slaves. They stayed in Babylon as slaves
nezzar. In the past Nebuchadnezzar forced until the Persian kingdom defeated the king-
Zedekiah to make a promise to be faithful to dom of Babylon. 21And so what the Lord told
him. Zedekiah used God’s name and prom- the people of Israel through the prophet Jer-
ised to be faithful to Nebuchadnezzar. But emiah really happened. He had said through
Zedekiah was stubborn and would not change Jeremiah: “This place will be an empty waste-
his life. He refused to obey the Lord, the God land for 70 years.b This will happen to make
of Israel. 14Also, all the leaders of the priests up for the Sabbath restsc that the people had
and the leaders of the people of Judah sinned not kept.”
worse and became more unfaithful to the 22During the first year that Cyrusd was king
Lord. They followed the evil example of the of Persia, the Lord caused Cyrus to make a
other nations. They ruined the Temple* that special announcement. He did this so that
the Lord had made holy in Jerusalem. 15The what the Lord promised through Jeremiah
Lord, the God of their ancestors,* sent proph- the prophet would really happen. Cyrus sent
ets again and again to warn his people. He messengers to every place in his kingdom.
did this because he felt sorry for them and for They carried this message:
his Temple. He didn’t want to destroy them
or his Temple. 16But they made fun of God’s 23“This is what King Cyrus of Per-
prophets and refused to listen to them. They sia says: The Lord, the God of heaven,
hated God’s messages. Finally, God could not made me king over the whole earth. He
hold his anger any longer. He became angry gave me the responsibility of building a
with his people and there was nothing that Temple for him in Jerusalem. Now, all of
could be done to stop it. 17So God brought you who are his people are free to go to
the king of Babylon to attack the people of Jerusalem. And may the Lord your God
Judah and Jerusalem.a The king of Babylon be with you.”
Ezra
Cyrus Helps the Prisoners Return made from gold and silver. Sheshbazzar
Cyrus ordered that it be read throughout his The List of the Prisoners Who Returned
kingdom. This was done so that what the
Lord had told Jeremiahb years before would
now happen. This was the announcement:
2 1These are the people of the province
who returned from captivity. King Nebu-
chadnezzar of Babylon had taken these
people as prisoners to Babylon. They now
2“From King Cyrus of Persia: returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to
The Lord, the God of heaven, gave all their own town. 2These are the people who
the kingdoms on earth to me. And he returned with Zerubbabelc: Jeshua, Nehe-
chose me to build a temple for him at miah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan,
Jerusalem in the country of Judah. 3The Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is
Lord is the God of Israel, the God who is the list of names and numbers of men from
in Jerusalem. If any of God’s people are Israel who returned:
living among you, I pray God will bless
them. You must let them go to Jerusa- 3 the descendants of Parosh 2172
lem in the country of Judah. You must 4 the descendants of Shephatiah 372
let them go build the Lord’s Temple.* 5 the descendants of Arah 775
4And so in any place where there might 6 the descendants of Pahath Moab of
be survivors* of Israel, the men in that the family of Jeshua and Joab 2812
place must support these survivors. Give 7 the descendants of Elam 1254
them silver, gold, animals, and other 8 the descendants of Zattu 945
things. Give them gifts for God’s Temple 9 the descendants of Zaccai 760
in Jerusalem.” 10 the descendants of Bani 642
11 the descendants of Bebai 623
5So the family leaders from the tribes of 12 the descendants of Azgad 1222
Judah and Benjamin prepared to go up to 13 the descendants of Adonikam 666
Jerusalem. They were going to Jerusalem to 14 the descendants of Bigvai 2056
build the Lord’s Temple. Also everyone who 15 the descendants of Adin 454
God had encouraged prepared to go to Jeru- 16 the descendants of Ater through
salem. 6All their neighbors gave them many the family of Hezekiah 98
gifts. They gave them silver, gold, animals, 17 the descendants of Bezai 323
and other expensive things. Their neighbors 18 the descendants of Jorah 112
freely gave them all those things. 7Also, King 19 the descendants of Hashum 223
Cyrus brought out the things that belonged 20 the descendants of Gibbar 95
in the Lord’s Temple that Nebuchadnezzar 21 from the town of Bethlehem 123
had taken away from Jerusalem. He had put 22 from the town of Netophah 56
them in his temple where he kept his false 23 from the town of Anathoth 128
gods. 8King Cyrus of Persia told Mithredath, 24 from the town of Azmaveth 42
the man who keeps his money, to bring those 25 from the towns of Kiriath Jearim,
things out. So Mithredath brought them out Kephirah, and Beeroth 743
to Sheshbazzar,* the leader of Judah. 26 from the towns of Ramah and Geba 621
9This is what Mithredath brought out 27 from the town of Micmash 122
of the Lord’s Temple: 30 gold dishes, 1000 28 from the towns of Bethel and Ai 223
silver dishes, 29 knives and pans, 1030 gold 29 from the town of Nebo 52
bowls, 410 silver bowls similar to the gold 30 from the town of Magbish 156
bowls, and 1000 other dishes. 31 from the other town named Elam 1254
11All together, there were 5400 things 32 from the town of Harim 320
a 1:1 first year That is, 538 b.c. c 2:2 Zerubbabel Possibly Sheshbazzar, the leader
b 1:1 what the Lord had told Jeremiah See Jer. mentioned in 1:8, 11. See “Sheshbazzar” in the Word
25:12‑14. List.
EZRA 2:33 382
33 from the towns of Lod, Hadid, and Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai (If a man
Ono 725 married a daughter of Barzillai from
34 from the town of Jericho 345 Gilead, he was counted as a descendant
35 from the town of Senaah 3630 of Barzillai.)
36These are the priests: 62These people searched for their fam-
ily histories, but they could not find them.
the descendants of Jedaiah through Their names were not included in the list of
the family of Jeshua 973 priests. They could not prove that their ances-
37 the descendants of Immer 1052 tors* were priests, so they could not serve as
38 the descendants of Pashhur 1247 priests. 63The governor ordered them not
39 the descendants of Harim 1017 to eat any of the holy food until there was a
priest who could use the Urim* and Thum-
40These are the people from the tribe of Levi: mim* to ask God what to do.
64‑65All together, there were 42,360 peo-
the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel ple in the group who came back. This is not
through the family of Hodaviah 74 counting their 7337 men and women slaves.
They also had 200 men and women singers
41These are the singers: with them. 66‑67They had 736 horses, 245
mules, 435 camels, and 6720 donkeys.
the descendants of Asaph 128 68When the group arrived at the place in
Jerusalem where the Lord’s Temple had been,
42These are the descendants of the Temple* the family leaders gave their gifts for building
gatekeepers: this house of God again. They wanted to build
it in this same place. 69They gave as much
the descendants of Shallum, Ater, as they were able. These are the things they
Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai 139 gave for building the Temple: 1100 poundsa
of gold, about 4 tonsb of silver, and 100 coats
43These are the descendants of the special that priests wear.
Temple servants: 70So the priests, Levites, and some of the
other people moved to Jerusalem and the area
Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth, around it. This group included the Temple
44 Keros, Siaha, Padon, singers, gatekeepers, and the Temple ser-
45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub, vants. The other Israelites settled in their
46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan, own hometowns.
47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,
48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam, Rebuilding the Altar
49
50
51
Uzza, Paseah, Besai,
Asnah, Meunim, Nephussim,
Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
3 1So by the seventh month,c the Israelites
had moved back to their own hometowns.
At that time all the people met together in
52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha, Jerusalem. They were all united as one peo-
53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah, ple. 2Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and the
54 Neziah, and Hatipha. priests with him, along with Zerubbabel son
of Shealtiel, and the people with him, built
55These are the descendants of Solomon’s the altar of the God of Israel. They built the
servants: altar of the God of Israel so that they could
offer sacrifices on it. They built it just as it
Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda, says in the Law of Moses. Moses was God’s
56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel, special servant.
57 Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth Hazzebaim, 3They were afraid of the other people liv-
and Ami, ing near them, but that didn’t stop them.
58 the Temple servants and descendants They built the altar on its old foundation and
of Solomon’s servants 392 offered burnt offerings* on it to the Lord. They
offered sacrifices in the morning and in the
59Some people came to Jerusalem from the evening. 4Then they celebrated the Festival of
towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Shelters* just as the Law of Moses said. They
Addon, and Immer. But these people could offered the right number of burnt offerings
not prove that their families were from the for each day of the festival. 5After that, they
family of Israel: began offering the continual burnt offerings
each day and the offerings for the New Moon*
60 the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, a 2:69 1100 pounds Literally, “61,000 drachmas”
and Nekoda 652 (about 526 kg).
b 2:69 4 tons Literally, “5000 minas” (3450 kg).
61From the family of priests there were c 3:1 seventh month That is, September‑October,
descendants of 538 b.c.
383 EZRA 4:11
and all the other festivals that were com- came to Zerubbabel and to the family leaders
manded by the Lord. The people also began and said, “Let us help you build. We are the
giving any other gifts they wanted to give to same as you, we ask your God for help. We
the Lord. 6So on the first day of the seventh have offered sacrifices to your God since the
month, these Israelites again began offering time King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us
sacrifices to the Lord. This was done, even here.”
though the Temple* had not been rebuilt. 3But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other
family leaders of Israel answered, “No, you
Rebuilding the Temple people cannot help us build a temple for our
7Then those who had come back from God. Only we can build the Temple* for the
captivity gave money to the stonecutters and Lord. He is the God of Israel. This is what
carpenters. They also gave food, wine, and King Cyrus of Persia commanded us to do.”
olive oil. They used these things to pay the 4So the enemies began to discourage
people of Tyre and Sidon to bring cedar logs them and tried to frighten them in order to
from Lebanon. They wanted to bring the logs stop them from building the Temple. 5These
in ships to the seacoast town of Joppa as they enemies hired government officials to work
did for the first Temple.* King Cyrus of Persia against the people of Judah. The officials con-
gave permission for them to do this. stantly did things to stop the Jews’ plans to
8So in the second montha of the second build the Temple. This continued the whole
year after they came to the Temple in Jeru- time that Cyrus was the king until Darius
salem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua became the king of Persia.
son of Jozadak began the work. Their broth- 6These enemies even wrote letters to the
ers, the priests, Levites, and everyone who king of Persia trying to stop the Jews. They
came back to Jerusalem from captivity began wrote a letter the year that Xerxesc became
working with them. They chose Levites who the king of Persia.
were 20 years old and older to be the leaders
in the building of the Lord’s Temple. 9These Enemies Against Rebuilding Jerusalem
were the men who supervised the work of 7Later, when Artaxerxes* became the new
building the Lord’s Temple: Jeshua and his king of Persia, some of these men wrote
sons, Kadmiel and his sons (the descendants another letter complaining about the Jews.
of Judah), the sons of Henadad and their The men who wrote the letter were Bishlam,
brothers, the Levites. 10The builders fin- Mithredath, Tabeel, and the other people in
ished laying the foundation for the Lord’s their group. The letter was written in Ara-
Temple. When the foundation was finished, maic* and translated.d
the priests put on their special clothing. Then 8 e Then Rehum the commanding officer
they got their trumpets, and the sons of Asaph and Shimshai the secretary wrote a letter
got their cymbals. They all took their places to against the people of Jerusalem. They wrote
praise the Lord. This was done the way King the letter to Artaxerxes the king. This is what
David of Israel had ordered in the past. 11They they wrote:
sang the response songs,b Songs of Praise and
Praise the Lord Because He is Good. His 9From Rehum the commanding officer
Faithful Love Will Last Forever. Then all the and Shimshai the secretary, and from
people cheered—they gave a loud shout and the judges and important officials over
praised the Lord because the foundation of the men from Tripolis, Persia, Erech,
the Lord’s Temple had been laid. and Babylon, and from the Elamites from
12But many of the older priests, Levites, Susa, 10and from the other people who
and family leaders, who could remember see- the great and powerful Ashurbanipal
ing the first Temple, began to cry aloud. They moved to the city of Samaria and other
cried while the others there shouted for joy. places in the country west of the Euphra-
13The sound could be heard far away. All of tes River.
them made so much noise that no one could
tell the difference between the shouts of joy 11This is the copy of the letter sent to King
and the crying. Artaxerxes:
Enemies Against Rebuilding the Temple From your servants living in the area
Nehemiah
Nehemiah’s Prayer God who keeps his agreement of love
a 1:11 wine servant A very important job. This to the priests. And Zaccur son of a man
official was always close to the king and tasted named Imri built the wall next to the men
the king’s wine to make sure no one was trying to of Jericho.
poison the king. 3The sons of a man named Hassenaah built
b 2:1 20th year That is, 443 b.c. the Fish Gate. They set the beams in place.
NEHEMIAH 3:4 392
They put doors on the building. Then they repaired the wall all the way to the steps that
put the locks and bolts on the doors. go down from the City of David.*
4Meremoth son of Uriah repaired the next 16Nehemiah son of Azbuk repaired the next
section of the wall. (Uriah was the son of section. This Nehemiah was the governor of
Hakkoz.) half the district of Beth Zur. He made repairs
Meshullam son of Berekiah repaired the up to a place that is across from the tombs of
next section of the wall. (Berekiah was the David. And he worked as far as the man-made
son of Meshezabel.) pool and the House of Heroes.
Zadok son of Baana repaired the next sec- 17The men from the tribe of Levi repaired
tion of the wall. the next section. They worked under Rehum
5The men from Tekoa repaired the next son of Bani. Hashabiah repaired the next sec-
section of the wall, but the leaders from tion. Hashabiah was governor of half the dis-
Tekoa refused to work for Nehemiah their trict of Keilah. He made repairs for his own
governor. district.
6Joiada and Meshullam fixed the Old Gate. 18Their brothers repaired the next section.
Joiada is the son of Paseah and Meshullam is They worked under Binnui son of Henadad.
the son of Besodeiah. They set the beams in Binnui was the governor of the other half of
place. They put the doors on the hinges. Then the district of Keilah.
they put the locks and bolts on the doors. 19Ezer son of Jeshua repaired the next sec-
7The men from Gibeon and Mizpah fixed tion. Ezer was governor of Mizpah. He repaired
the next section of the wall. Melatiah from the section of wall from the room for weapons
Gibeon and Jadon from Meronoth did the to the corner of the wall. 20Baruch son of Zab-
work. Gibeon and Meronoth are places that bai repaired the next section. Baruch worked
are controlled by the governors of the area very hard and repaired the section of wall
west of the Euphrates River. from the corner to the entrance to the house
8Uzziel son of Harhaiah repaired the next of Eliashib the high priest. 21Meremoth son
section of the wall. Uzziel was a goldsmith.* of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next
Hananiah was one of the perfume makers. section of wall from the entrance to Eliashib’s
These men built and repaired Jerusalem as far house to the end of that house. 22The next
as the Broad Wall. section of walls was repaired by the priests
9Rephaiah son of Hur repaired the next sec- who lived in that area.b
tion of the wall. Rephaiah was the governor of 23Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the wall
half of Jerusalem. in front of their own house. And Azariah son
10Jedaiah son of Harumaph repaired the of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, repaired the
next section of the wall. Jedaiah repaired wall next to his house.
the wall next to his own house. Hattush son 24Binnui son of Henadad repaired the sec-
of Hashabneiah repaired the next section. tion of wall from Azariah’s house to the bend
11Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of in the wall and then to the corner.
Pahath-Moab repaired the next section. They 25Palal son of Uzai worked across from the
also repaired Oven Tower. bend in the wall near the tower. This is the
12Shallum son of Hallohesh repaired the tower at the king’s upper house. That is near
next section of the wall. His daughters helped the courtyard of the king’s guard. Pedaiah son
him. Shallum was the governor of the other of Parosh worked next to Palal.
half of Jerusalem. 26The Temple* servants lived on Ophel
13The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun Hill. They repaired the next section all the
and the people who live in the town of Zanoah. way to the east side of the Water Gate and the
They built the Valley Gate. They put the doors tower near it.
on their hinges. Then they put the locks and 27The men from Tekoa repaired the rest of
bolts on the doors. They also repaired 500 that section from the big tower all the way to
yardsa of the wall. They worked on the wall the Ophel wall.
all the way to the Gate of Ash Piles. 28The priests repaired the section over the
14Malkijah son of Recab repaired the Gate Horse Gate. Each priest repaired the wall in
of Ash Piles. Malkijah was the governor of the front of his own house. 29Zadok son of Immer
district of Beth Hakkerem. He repaired the repaired the section in front of his house.
gate. He put the doors on the hinges. Then he Shemaiah son of Shecaniah repaired the next
put the locks and bolts on the doors. section. Shemaiah was the guard of the East
15Shallun son of Col-Hozeh repaired the Gate.
Fountain Gate. Shallun was the governor of 30Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun
the district of Mizpah. He repaired the gate son of Zalaph repaired the rest of that section
and put a roof over it. He put the doors on the of wall. (Hanun was Zalaph’s sixth son.)
hinges. Then he put the locks and bolts on the Meshullam son of Berekiah repaired the
doors. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of section in front of his house. 31Malkijah
Siloam that is next to the King’s Garden. He repaired the next section of wall all the way
a 3:13 500 yards Literally, “1000 cubits” (444 m). b 3:22 that area Or possibly, “the Jordan Valley.”
393 NEHEMIAH 5:6
to the houses of the Temple servants and the the holes in the wall. I put families together,
merchants.* That is across from the Inspec- with their swords, spears, and bows. 14After
tion Gate. Malkijah repaired the section all looking over everything, I stood up and spoke
the way to the room over the corner of the to the important families, the officials, and
wall. Malkijah was a goldsmith. 32The gold- the rest of the people. I said, “Don’t be afraid
smiths and the merchants repaired the sec- of our enemies. Remember the Lord, who is
tion of wall between the room over the cor- great and powerful! You must fight for your
ner to the Sheep Gate. brothers, your sons, and your daughters! You
must fight for your wives and your homes!”
Sanballat and Tobiah 15Then our enemies heard that we knew
Esther
Queen Vashti Disobeys the King understood the laws. They were very close to
Mordecai Is Honored
hall. The king was sitting on his throne in
the hall, facing the place where people enter
the throne room. 2When the king saw Queen
6 1That same night, the king could not
sleep. So he told a servant to bring the
history book and read it to him. (The Book of
Esther standing in the court, he was very History of the Kings lists everything that hap-
pleased. He held out to her the gold scepter* pens during a king’s rule.) 2The servant read
that was in his hand. So Esther went in to the book to the king. He read about the evil
the room and went near the king. Then she plan to kill King Xerxes. That was when Mor-
touched the end of the king’s gold scepter. decai had learned about Bigthana and Teresh.
3Then the king asked, “What is bothering These two men were the king’s officers who
you Queen Esther? What do you want to ask guarded the doorway. They had planned to
me? I will give you anything you ask for, even kill the king, but Mordecai learned about the
half my kingdom.” plan and told someone about it.
4Esther said, “I have prepared a party for 3Then the king asked, “What honor and
you and Haman. Will you and Haman please good things have been given to Mordecai for
come to the party today?” this?”
5Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly The servants answered the king, “Nothing
so that we may do what Esther asks.” has been done for Mordecai.”
So the king and Haman went to the party 4Haman had just entered the outer area of
Esther had prepared for them. 6While they the king’s palace. He had come to ask the king
were drinking wine, the king asked her again, to hang Mordecai on the hanging post Haman
“Now Esther, what do you want to ask for? had commanded to be built. The king said,
Ask for anything, I will give it to you. So what “Who just came into the courtyard?” 5The
is it you want? I will give you anything you king’s servants said, “Haman is standing in
want, up to half my kingdom.” the courtyard.”
7Esther answered, “This is what I want to So the king said, “Bring him in.”
ask for: 8If the king is pleased with me and 6When Haman came in, the king asked him
thinks it good to give me what I ask for, let a question. He said, “Haman, what should be
the king and Haman come tomorrow. I will done for a man the king wants to honor?”
prepare another party for them. Then I will Haman thought to himself, “Who is there
tell what I really want.” that the king would want to honor more than
me? I’m sure that the king is talking about
Haman’s Anger at Mordecai honoring me.”
9Haman left the king’s palace that day very 7So Haman answered the king, “Do this for
happy and in a good mood. But when he saw the man the king loves to honor: 8Have the
Mordecai at the king’s gate, he became very servants bring a special robe the king himself
angry. Haman was very mad at him because has worn and a horse the king himself has rid-
Mordecai didn’t show any respect when den. Have the servants put the king’s special
Haman walked by. Mordecai was not afraid mark on the horse’s head. 9Then put one of
of Haman, and this made Haman mad. 10But the king’s most important leaders in charge
Haman controlled his anger and went home. of the robe and the horse, and let the leader
Then Haman called together his friends and put the robe on the man the king wants to
his wife, Zeresh. 11Haman started bragging honor. Then let him lead him on the horse
about how rich he was. He was bragging to through the city streets. As he leads him, let
his friends about his many sons, and about him announce, ‘This is done for the man the
all the ways the king had honored him. And king wants to honor!’”
he was bragging about how the king had pro- 10“Go quickly,” the king commanded Haman.
moted him higher than all the other leaders. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you
12“And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the have suggested for Mordecai the Jew. He is sit-
only one Queen Esther invited to be with the ting near the king’s gate. Do everything that
king at the party she gave. And the Queen you suggested.”
also has invited me to be with the king again 11So Haman got the robe and the horse.
tomorrow. 13But all these things don’t really Then he put the robe on Mordecai and led him
make me happy. I’m not really happy as long on horseback through the city streets. Haman
as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s announced ahead of Mordecai, “This is done
gate.” for the man the king wants to honor!”
14Then Haman’s wife Zeresh and all his
friends had a suggestion. They said, “Tell a 5:14 75 feet Literally, “50 cubits” (22 m).
ESTHER 6:12 408
12After that Mordecai went back to the post he had built for Mordecai. Then the king
king’s gate, but Haman hurried home with stopped being angry.
his head covered because he was embar-
rassed and ashamed. 13Then Haman told his The King’s Order to Help the Jews
wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that
had happened to him. His wife and the men
who gave him advice said, “If Mordecai is a
8 1That same day King Xerxes gave Queen
Esther everything that belonged to
Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Esther told
Jew, you cannot win. You have already started the king that Mordecai was her cousin. Then
to fall. Surely you will be ruined!” Mordecai came to see the king. 2The king had
14While they were still talking to Haman, gotten his ring back from Haman. The king
the king’s eunuchs* came to Haman’s house. took the ring off his finger and gave it to Mor-
They made Haman hurry to the party that decai. Then Esther put Mordecai in charge of
Esther had prepared. everything that belonged to Haman.
3Then Esther spoke to the king again. She
Haman Is Hanged fell at the king’s feet and began crying. She
a 7:8 killed Haman Literally, “covered Haman’s face.” The Jews in every city have the right
b 7:9 75 feet Literally, “50 cubits” (22 m). to gather together to protect themselves.
409 ESTHER 9:24
They have the right to ruin, kill, and Aridai, and Vaizatha. 10These men were the
completely destroy any army from any ten sons of Haman. Haman son of Hamme-
group who might attack them and their datha was the enemy of the Jews. The Jews
women and children. And the Jews have killed all the men, but they didn’t take any-
the right to take and destroy the property thing that belonged to them.
of their enemies. 11That day the king heard how many men
had been killed in the capital city of Susa. 12So
12The day set for the Jews to do this was the king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have
the 13th day of the twelfth month, the month killed 500 men in Susa, including Haman’s
of Adar. They were permitted to do this in all ten sons. Now, what do you want done in the
King Xerxes’ provinces. 13A copy of the let- other provinces of the king? Tell me, and I
ter with the king’s command was to be sent will have it done. Ask, and I will do it.”
out. It became a law in every province. They 13Esther said, “If it pleases the king, please
announced it to all the people of every nation let the Jews in Susa do the same thing again
living in the kingdom. They did this so that tomorrow. Also, hang the bodies of Haman’s
the Jews would be ready for that special day. ten sons on posts.”
They would be allowed to pay their enemies 14So the king gave the command that it
back. 14The messengers hurried out, riding should be done. So the law was given in Susa,
on the king’s horses. The king commanded and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. 15The
them to hurry. And the command was also Jews in Susa met together on the 14th day
put in the capital city of Susa. of the month of Adar. They killed 300 men
15Mordecai left the king. He was wearing in Susa, but they didn’t take the things that
special clothes from the king. His clothes belonged to them.
were blue and white, and he had on a large 16At the same time, the Jews living in the
gold crown. He also had a purple robe made other provinces also met together. They met
of the best linen.* There was a special cel- together so that they would be strong enough
ebration in Susa. The people were very happy. to protect themselves. And so they got rid of
16It was an especially happy day for the Jews, their enemies. They killed 75,000 of their
a day of great joy and happiness. enemies. But the Jews didn’t take anything
17Wherever the king’s command went in that belonged to them. 17This happened on
every province and every city, there was joy the 13th day of the month Adar. On the 14th
and gladness among the Jews. They were hav- day the Jews rested and made that day a
ing parties and celebrating. Many of the com- happy day of feasting.
mon people from other groups became Jews.
They did this because they were very afraid The Festival of Purim
of the Jews. 18The Jews in Susa had met together on
the 13th and 14th days of the month of Adar.
Victory for the Jews And then on the 15th day they rested. So they
Job
Job, the Good Man them. 7The Lord said to Satan, “Where have
Satan Bothers Job Again 3“I wish the day I was born would be lost
11
He sends rain all over the earth
and waters the fields.
He raises up the humble
6 2“I
1Then Job answered:
4
by.
I have suffered night after night.
When I lie down, I think,
8 1Then
2“How
Bildad from Shuah answered:
9
2“Of
1Then Job answered:
course, I know that this is true. a 9:9 Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades Names of well‑
But how can a human being win an known constellations (groups of stars) in the night
argument with God? sky.
b 9:9 planets … sky Literally, “Rooms of the South”
3 Anyone who chose to argue with him or “Rooms of Teman.” This might be the planets or
could not answer one question in a the twelve constellations of the Zodiac. North of the
thousand! equator, these seem to move across the southern
4 God is so wise and powerful that sky.
JOB 9:23 416
23 Is it God who laughs when a disaster kills 8 Your hands made me
innocent people? and shaped my body.
24 Is it God who keeps the leaders from But now they are closing around me
seeing when an evil person takes and squeezing me to death!
control? 9 Remember, you molded me like clay.
If it is not God, then who is it? Will you turn me into clay again?
10 You poured me out like milk.
25“My days are passing faster than a runner. You spun me around and squeezed me
They are flying by without any joy. like someone making cheese.
26 They go by as quickly as papyrus* boats, 11 You put me together with bones and
as fast as an eagle swooping down on its muscles,
prey. and then you clothed me with skin and
flesh.
27“I could say, ‘I will not complain. 12 You gave me life and were very kind to
I will forget my pain and put a smile on me.
my face.’ You cared for me and watched over my
28 But the suffering still frightens me. spirit.
I know that God will not see me as 13 But this is what you hid in your heart.
innocent. Now I know what you were planning
29 I will be found guilty, for me.
so why should I even think about it? 14 If I sinned, you would be watching me
30 Even if I scrubbed my hands with soap so that you could punish me for doing
and washed myself whiter than snow, wrong.
31 God would still push me into the slime 15 If I sin, I am guilty
pit,a and should be cursed.
and even my clothes would hate to But even when I am innocent,
touch me. I cannot lift up my head.
32 God is not a human like me, so I cannot I am so ashamed
argue with him. because of all the troubles I have.
I cannot take him to court. 16 If I have any success and feel proud,
33 I wish there were someone who could you hunt me down like a lion
listen to both sides,b and show your power over me.
someone to judge both of us in a fair 17 You bring witness after witness
way. to prove that I am wrong.
34 I wish someone could take away the Again and again you show your anger
threat of God’s punishment. as you send army after army against me.
Then he would not frighten me 18 So why did you let me be born?
anymore. I wish I had died before anyone saw me.
35 Then I could say what I want without 19 I wish I had never lived.
being afraid of him. I wish they had carried me from my
But I cannot do that now. mother’s womb straight to the grave.
20 My life is almost finished.
5
Do you have human eyes?
Do you see things the way people do?
Is your life as short as ours?
11 1Then Zophar from Naamah answered
Job and said,
Is your life as short as a man’s life? 2“This flood of words should be answered!
6 You look for my wrong Does all this talking make Job right?
and search for my sin. 3 Do you think we don’t have
7 You know I am innocent, an answer for you?
but no one can save me from your Do you think no one will warn you
power! when you laugh at God?
4 You say to God,
‘My arguments are right,
a 9:31 slime pit The grave, a place where bodies rot. and you can see I am pure.’
b 9:33 someone … sides Literally, “a mediator” or “an 5 I wish God would answer you
umpire.” and tell you that you are wrong.
417 JOB 12:25
6 He could tell you the secret of wisdom. those who do.
He would tell you that every story has They hit a man when he is down.
two sides. 6 But robbers’ tents are not bothered.
You can be sure of this: Those who make God angry live in
God is not punishing you as much as he peace,
should. even though God has them in his
power.
7“Do you think you really understand God?
Do you completely understand God 7“But ask the animals,
All-Powerful? and they will teach you.
8 That knowledge is higher than the Or ask the birds of the air,
heavens and they will tell you.
and deeper than the place of death. 8 Or speak to the earth,
So what can you do? and it will teach you.
How can you learn it all? Or let the fish in the sea
9 It is greater than the earth tell you their wisdom.
and bigger than the seas. 9 Everyone knows the Lord made these
things.
10“If God decides to arrest you and take you 10 Every animal that lives and everyone who
to court, breathes—
no one could stop him. they are all under God’s power.
11 God knows who is worthless. 11 But just as the tongue tastes food,
When he sees evil, he remembers it. the ears test the words they hear.
12 A wild donkey cannot give birth to a man, 12 People say, ‘Wisdom is to be found in
and a stupid person will never become those who are old.
wise. Long life brings understanding.’
13 Prepare your heart to serve only God. 13 But wisdom and power belong to God.
Lift your arms and pray to him. Good advice and understanding are his.
14 Put away the sin that you still hold on to. 14 Anything God tears down cannot be
Don’t keep evil in your tent. rebuilt.
15 If you will do that, you could look to God Anyone he puts in prison cannot be set
without shame. free.
You can stand strong and not be afraid. 15 If he holds back the rain, the earth will
16 Then you can forget your troubles, dry up.
like water that has already passed by. If he lets the rain loose, it will flood the
17 Your life will be brighter than the land.
sunshine at noon. 16 God is strong and always wins.
Life’s darkest hours will shine like the He controls those who fool others and
morning sun. those who are fooled.
18 You will feel safe because there is hope. 17 He strips advisors of their wisdom
God will protect you and give you rest. and makes leaders act like fools.
19 You will lie down without fear of anyone. 18 He strips kings of their authority
Many people will come to you for help. and makes them slaves.
20 Evil people might look for help, 19 He strips priests of their power
but they will not escape their troubles. and removes those who feel so secure
Their hope leads only to death.” in their position.
20 He makes trusted advisors be silent.
Job Answers His Friends He takes away the wisdom of the older
12
2“I’m
1Then Job answered them:
23
Then call to me, and I will answer you.
Or let me speak, and you answer me.
How many sins have I committed?
I understand all these things. What wrongs have I done?
2 I know as much as you do. Show me where I went wrong or how I
I am as smart as you are. sinned.
3 But I don’t want to argue with you. 24 God, why do you avoid me
I want to speak to God All-Powerful. and treat me like your enemy?
I want to argue with God about my 25 Are you trying to scare me?
troubles. I am only a leaf blowing in the wind.
4 But you men try to cover up your You are attacking a piece of straw!
ignorance with lies. 26 You have a list of terrible charges against
You are like worthless doctors who me.
cannot heal anyone. Are you making me suffer for the sins I
5 I wish you would just be quiet. did when I was young?
That would be the wisest thing you 27 You have put chains on my feet.
could do. You watch every step I take.
You see every move I make.
6“Now, listen to my argument. 28 So I am becoming weaker and weaker,
Listen to what I have to say. like a piece of wood rotting away,
7 Will you speak lies for God? like a piece of cloth eaten by moths.
Do you really believe your lies are what
8
God wants you to say?
Are you trying to defend God against me?
You are not being fair.
14 2
1“We are all human beings.b
Our life is short and full of trouble.
Our life is like a flower.
You are choosing God’s side simply It grows quickly and then dies away.
because he is God. Our life is like a shadow that is here for a
9 If God checked you very closely, short time and then is gone.
would he see that you are right? 3 God, do you need to keep an eye on
Do you really think you can fool God something so small?
the same as you fool people? Why bother to bring charges against
10 You know that God would criticize you me?
if you chose someone’s side simply
because they were important. 4“No one can make something clean from
11 God’s majesty frightens you. something so dirty.
You are afraid of him. 5 The length of our life has been decided.
12 The wise sayings you quote are worthless. You alone know how long that is.
Your arguments are as weak as clay. You have set the limits for us and
nothing can change them.
13“Be quiet and let me talk! 6 So stop watching us; leave us alone,
I accept whatever happens to me. and let us enjoy this hard life until we
14 I will put myself in danger have put in our time.
and take my life in my own hands.
15 I will continue to trust God even if he 7“There is always hope for a tree.
kills me.a If it is cut down, it can grow again.
But I will defend myself to his face. It will keep sending out new branches.
16 And if he lets me live, it will be because I 8 Its roots might grow old in the ground
had the confidence to speak. and its stump die in the dirt,
No guilty person would dare meet God 9 but with water, it will grow again.
face to face. It will grow branches like a new plant.
17 Listen carefully to what I say. 10 But when a man dies,
Let me explain. he becomes weak and sick, and then he
18 I am ready now to defend myself. is gone!
I will carefully present my arguments. 11 Like a lake that goes dry
I know I will be shown to be right. or a river that loses its source,
19 If anyone can prove I am wrong, 12 so people lose their lives,
I will shut up and wait to die. never to live again.
The skies will all pass away
20“God, just give me two things, before they rise from death.
and then I will not hide from you: The skies will all disappear before
21 Stop punishing me, anyone wakes up from that sleep!
and don’t frighten me with your terrors.
a 14:14 I would … release Or “I would wait my whole b 15:14 They Literally, “a man born of woman.”
tour of duty for my replacement to come.” c 15:15 angels Literally, “holy ones.”
JOB 15:26 420
26 like a soldier with a thick, strong shield Yes, he took me by the neck
who runs at his enemy to strike him in and broke me into pieces.
the neck. He has made me his target.
27 He might be rich and fat, 13 With his archers* all around me,
28 but his town will be ruined; he shoots arrows into my kidneys.
his home will be destroyed; He shows no mercy
his house will be empty. and spills my galla on the ground.
29 He will not be rich for long. 14 Again and again he attacks me.
His wealth will not last. He runs at me like a soldier in battle.
His crops will not grow large.
30 He will not escape the darkness. 15“I am very sad,
He will be like a tree whose leaves die so I wear this sackcloth.*
from disease I sit here in dust and ashes,
and are blown away by the wind. feeling defeated.
31 That evil man should not fool himself by 16 My face is red from crying.
trusting in worthless things, There are dark rings around my eyes.
because he will keep nothing. 17 I was never cruel to anyone,
32 He will die before his time, and my prayers are pure.
like a tree whose top branches have
already begun to die. 18“Earth, don’t hide the wrong things that
33 He will be like a vine that loses its grapes were done to me.b
before they ripen. Don’t let my begging for fairness be
He will be like an olive tree that loses stopped.
its buds. 19 Even now there is someone in heaven
34 That is because people without God have who will speak for me.
nothing. There is someone above who will testify
Those who take bribes will have their for me.
homes destroyed by fire. 20 My friend speaks for me,
35 They are always thinking of ways to do while my eyes pour out tears to God.
evil and cause trouble. 21 He speaks to God for me,
They are always planning how they like someonec presenting an argument
might cheat others.” for a friend.
Job Answers Eliphaz 22“In only a few years I will go to that place
16
2“I
1Then Job answered:
18 1Then
Bildad Answers Job
Bildad from Shuah answered: 192“How
1Then Job answered:
15
My relatives have left me.
My friends have forgotten me.
My servant girls and visitors in my home
202“You
1Then Zophar from Naamah answered:
21
2“Listen
1Then Job answered:
to what I say.
21
All-Powerful.
When their life is finished and they are
dead,
Let this be your way of comforting me. they will not care about the family they
3 Be patient while I speak. leave behind.
Then after I have finished speaking, you
may make fun of me. 22“No one can teach God anything he
doesn’t already know.
4“My complaint is not against people. God judges even those in high places.
There is a good reason why I am not 23 One person dies after living a full and
patient. successful life,
5 Look at me and be shocked. a life completely safe and comfortable,
Put your hand over your mouth, and 24 with a body that was well fed
stare at me in shock! and bones that were still strong.
25 But another person dies after a hard life
a 20:17 rivers … cream A figure meaning a plentiful
supply of rich food. The word translated “cream”
that has made them bitter,
could mean butter, curds, or yogurt. never having enjoyed anything good.
b 20:24 bronze arrow Literally, “bronze bow.” Or 26 In the end, both of these people will lie
“powerful bow,” possibly a bow made of sinew, together in the dirt.
wood and horn. The worms will cover them both.
JOB 21:27 424
27“But I know what you are thinking, 13 But you might say, ‘What does God know?
and I know you want to hurt me. Can he see through the dark clouds to
28 You might say: ‘Show me a good man’s judge us?
house. 14 Thick clouds hide us from his eyes,
Now, show me where evil people live.’a so he cannot see us as he walks around
the edge of the sky.’
29“Surely you have talked with travelers.
Surely you will accept their stories. 15“Job, you are walking on the old path
30 Evil people are spared when disaster that evil people walked on long ago.
comes. 16 They were destroyed before it was their
They survive when God shows his time to die.
anger. They were washed away by the flood.
31 No one criticizes them to their faces for 17 They told God, ‘Leave us alone!’
how they lived. and said, ‘God All-Powerful cannot do
No one punishes them for the evil they anything to us!’
have done. 18 And it was God who filled their houses
32 When they are carried to the grave, with good things.
they will have someone to watch over No, I would never follow the advice of
the place they are buried. evil people.
33 So even the soil in the valley will be 19 Those who do what is right are happy to
pleasant for them, see them destroyed.
and thousands of people will join their The innocent laugh at them and say,
funeral procession. 20 ‘Surely our enemies are destroyed!
Their wealth burned up in the fire!’
34“So your empty words are no comfort to
me. 21“Now, Job, give yourself to God and make
There is no truth at all in your peace with him.
answers!” Do this, and you will get many good
things.
Eliphaz Answers Job 22 Accept his teaching.
22
2“Does
1Then Eliphaz from Teman answered:
12“God
and why a flood of water covers you.
25
2“God
1Then Bildad from Shuah answered:
is the ruler.
13
With his wisdom he destroyed Rahab.*
His breath made the skies clear.
His hand destroyed the snake that tried
He makes people fear and respect him. to get away.f
He keeps peace in his kingdom above. 14 These are only a few of the amazing
3 No one can count his stars.a things God has done.
His sun rises on all people. We hear only a small whisper of God’s
4 How can anyone claim to be right before thundering power.”
God?
5
No human beingb can really be pure.
In God’s eyes even the moon is not pure
and bright;
27 2“God
1Job continued his answer:
26 1Then
2“Bildad,
Job answered:
28 1“There
silver
are mines where people get
29
2“I
1Job continued to speak:
8
and sat in the public meeting of the
elders.
When the young men saw me coming,
30 1But now men younger than I make
fun of me—
men whose fathers were too worthless
they stepped out of my way. to put with my sheep dogs.
And the old men stood up to show they 2 Their fathers are still too weak to be of
respected me. any use to me.
9 The leaders of the people stopped talking All their strength is gone.
and put their hands over their mouths. 3 They are starving with nothing to eat,
10 Even the most important leaders were so they chew on the dry, ruined land.
quiet, 4 They pull up salt plants in the desert
as if their tongues were stuck to the roof and eat the roots from the broom tree.
of their mouths. 5 They are forced away from other people,
11 All who heard me said good things about who shout at them as if they were
me. thieves.
Those who saw what I did praised me, 6 They must live in the dry riverbeds,
12 because I helped the poor when they hillside caves, and holes in the ground.
cried out. 7 They howl in the bushes
I helped the orphans who had no one to and huddle together under thornbushes.
care for them. 8 They are a bunch of worthless people
13 People who were dying asked God to without names,
bless me. who were forced to leave their country.
My help brought joy to widows in need.
14 Right living was my clothing. 9“Now their sons sing songs to make fun of
Fairness was my robe and turban.* me.
15 I was like eyes for the blind, My name has become a bad word to
like feet for the crippled. them.
16 I was like a father to the poor. 10 They hate me and stay far away from me,
I helped people I didn’t even know win except when they come to spit in my
their case in court. face!
17 I stopped evil people from abusing their 11 God has taken the string from my bow
power and made me weak,
and saved innocent people from them.b so they feel free to do whatever they
want to me.
a 29:6 I had plenty of the finest oils Literally, “Around
the anointed rock near me were streams of oil.” This c 29:20 Literally, “My glory is new with me and my
probably means Job had so much olive oil that bow in my hand renewed.” The words “glory” and
there were streams of oil running down the altar “bow” might both refer to a rainbow—the promise
from the part Job gave as a gift to God. of good weather after a storm. Or this might be
b 29:17 Literally, “I shattered the teeth of the understood as, “My soul feels new every day, my
crooked and snatched the victims from their teeth.” hand always strong enough to shoot a new bow.”
429 JOB 31:21
12 They attack me on my right side. How does God All-Powerful repay
They knock my feet out from under me. people from his home high in
They build ramps to attack and destroy heaven?a
me like a city. 3 He sends trouble to the wicked
13 They guard the road so that I cannot and disaster to those who do wrong.
escape. 4 God is the one who knows what I do
They succeed in destroying me, without and sees every step I take.
help from anyone.
14 They break a hole in the wall and come 5“I have not lied to anyone.
rushing through it, I never tried to cheat people.
and the crashing rocks fall on me. 6 If God would use accurate scales,b
15 I am shaking with fear. he would know that I am innocent.
They chased my honor away like dust in 7 If I ever stepped off the right path,
the wind. if my eyes led my heart to do evil,
My safety disappears like a cloud. or if my hands are dirty with sin,
8 then let others eat what I planted.
16“Now my life is almost gone, and soon I Let my crops be pulled up by the roots.
will die.
Days of suffering have grabbed me. 9“If I have desired another woman
17 All my bones ache at night. or waited at my neighbor’s door to sin
Pain never stops chewing on me. with his wife,
18 God grabbed the collar of my coat 10 then let my wife serve someone else,
and twisted my clothes out of shape. and let other men sleep with her.
19 He threw me into the mud, 11 To do such a thing would be shameful,
and I became like dust and ashes. a sin that must be punished.
12 Such sin is like a fire that burns until it
20“God, I cry out to you for help, destroys everything.
but you don’t answer. It would completely ruin my life’s work.
I stand up and pray,
but you don’t pay attention to me. 13“If I refused to be fair to my slaves
21 You have become cruel to me; when they had a complaint against me,
you use your power to hurt me. 14 then what will I do when I must face
22 You let the strong wind blow me away. God?
You throw me around in the storm. What will I say when he asks me to
23 I know you will lead me to my death, explain what I did?
to that place where all the living must 15 The one who made me in my mother’s
go. womb also made them.
God shaped us all inside our mothers.
24“Surely no one would attack a man who is
already ruined, 16“I have never refused to help the poor.
when he is hurt and crying for help. I always gave widows what they
25 God, you know that I cried for those who needed.
were in trouble. 17 I have never been selfish with my food.
You know that I mourned* for the poor. I shared what I had with orphans.
26 But when I hoped for good, trouble came 18 All my life I have been like a father to
instead. orphans
When I looked for light, darkness came. and have taken care of widows.
27 I constantly feel upset. 19 Whenever I found people suffering
And my suffering has only just begun. because they didn’t have clothes
28 I am always sad and depressed, without or saw a poor man with no coat,
any relief. 20 I always gave them something to wear.
I stand up in the public meeting and cry I used the wool from my own sheep to
for help, make them warm.
29 making sad sounds like the wild dogs, And they thanked me with all their
like the ostriches* in the desert. heart.
30 My skin is burned and peeling away. 21 I never threatened an orphan,
My body is hot with fever.
31 My harp is tuned to play songs of sorrow.
My flute makes sad sounds like a 31:1‑2 Or possibly, “I made an agreement with
someone crying. my eyes not to look with desire at the Virgin or the
sacred things that belong to God All‑Powerful.”
31 1“I made an agreement with my eyes Here, “the Virgin” refers to a goddess worshiped by
the Canaanites.
not to look at a young woman in a b 31:6 accurate scales Literally, “scales of righteous‑
way that would make me want her. ness.” As a wordplay, this could mean either “accu‑
2 What does God above have for us? rate scales” or “scales that show a person is good.”
JOB 31:22 430
even when I knew I had support in 40 If I ever did any of these bad things,
court.a let thorns and weeds grow in my fields
22 If I ever did that, may my arm be pulled instead of wheat and barley!”
from its socket
and fall from my shoulder! Job’s words are finished.
23 But I didn’t do any of these bad things.
I fear God’s punishment too much. Elihu Adds to the Argument
24“I
His majesty scares me.b
33
2
1“Now, Job, listen to me.
Listen carefully to what I say.
I am ready to speak.
angels is watching over them,
to speak for them and tell about the
good things they have done.
3 My heart is honest, so my words are 24 Maybe the angel will be kind and say to
sincere. God,
I will speak the truth about what I ‘Save this one from the place of death!
know. I have found a way to pay for his life.’
4 God’s Spirit made me. 25 Then that person’s body will become
My life comes from God All-Powerful. young and strong again.
5 Listen to me and answer if you can. He will be as he was when he was
Get your arguments ready to face me. young.
6 You and I are the same before God. 26 He will pray and God will answer.
He used clay to make us both. He will worship God and shout with joy.
7 Don’t be afraid of me. He will again stand as right before God.
I will not be hard on you. 27 He will tell everyone, ‘I sinned.
I changed good into bad,
8“But, Job, I heard what you said. but God didn’t give me the punishment
These were your very words: I deserved!
9 ‘I am pure and innocent; 28 God saved me from going down to the
I did nothing wrong; I am not guilty! place of death.
10 But God found an excuse to attack me. Now I can enjoy life again.’
He treats me like an enemy.
11 He put chains on my feet 29“God does all these things for people again
and watches everything I do.’ and again.
30 He wants them to be saved from death
12“But you are wrong about this, and I will so that they can enjoy life.
prove it to you.
God knows more than any of us.a 31“Job, pay attention and listen to me.
13 You are arguing with God! Be quiet and let me talk.
Why do you think he should explain 32 But if you have an answer, go ahead and
everything to you? speak.
14 But maybe God does explain what he Tell me your argument.
does I would be happy to know that you are
but speaks in ways that people don’t innocent!
understand. 33 But if you have nothing to say, then listen
15 He may speak in a dream, or in a vision* to me.
at night, Be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.”
when people are in a deep sleep lying in
16
their beds.
He may whisper something in their ear,
and they are frightened when they hear
34 2“Listen
1Then Elihu continued his speech:
36
2“Be
1Elihu continued talking and said,
37 1“The
me;
thunder and lightning frighten
13“An
and bring it to your threshing* place?
42
2“I
1Then Job answered the Lord:
Psalms
BOOK 1 (Psalms 1‑41) 2 Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings
e 1:1 Or “The one who does not follow the advice 4 But the wicked are not like that.
of the wicked or turn onto Sinners Road or stay at They are like chaff* that the wind blows
Scoffers’ House is blessed.” away.
439 PSALM 4:8
5 When the time for judgment comes, the 4 I will pray to the Lord,
wicked will be found guilty. and he will answer me from his holy
Sinners have no place among those who mountain. Selah
do what is right.a
6 The Lord shows his people how to live, 5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will
but the wicked have lost their way. wake up,
because the Lord covers and protects
6
He speaks to them in anger,
and it fills them with fear.
He says, “I have chosen this man to be
4 1
To the director*: With stringed instruments.
A song of David.*
God, you showed that I was innocent.
king, You gave me relief from all my troubles.
and he will rule on Zion,* my holy So listen to me now when I call to you for
mountain.” help.
Be kind to me and hear my prayer.
7 Let me tell you about the Lord’s
agreement*: 2 Men,g how long will you try to dishonor
He said to me, “Today I have become me?
your father,c Do you enjoy wasting your time
and you are my son. searching for new lies against me?
8 If you ask, I will give you the nations. Selah*
Everyone on earth will be yours.
9 You will rule over them with great power. 3 You can be sure that anyone who serves
You will scatter your enemies like the Lord faithfully is special to him.
broken pieces of pottery!” The Lord listens when I pray to him.
10 So, kings and rulers, be smart 4 Tremble with fear, and stop sinning.h
and learn this lesson. Think about this when you go to bed,
11 Serve the Lord with fear and trembling. and calm down. Selah
12 Show that you are loyal to his son,d 5 Give the right sacrifices* to the Lord,
or the Lord will be angry and destroy and put your trust in him!
you.
He is almost angry enough to do that now, 6 Many people say, “I wish I could enjoy
but those who go to him for protection the good life.
will be blessed. Lord, give us some of those blessings.”i
7 But you have made me happier than they
31
A song of David* written during the time he
was running from his son Absalom.
Lord, I have so many enemies. 8
will ever be with all their wine and
grain.
When I go to bed, I sleep in peace,
So many people have turned against me. because, Lord, you keep me safe.
2 They say to themselves, “God will not
rescue him!” Selah*
3 But you, Lord, protect me. e 3:7 Lord, get up The people said this when they
You bring me honor; lifted the Box of the Agreement and took it into
you give me hope. battle, showing that God was with them. See Num.
10:35‑36.
f 3:8 victory Or “salvation.”
a 1:5 Or “The wicked will not be allowed to sit as g 4:2 Men Literally, “Sons of man.” This may be a term
judges nor sinners in the meeting of good people.” of respect spoken to the leaders who were judging
b 2:2 his chosen king Or “his anointed one.” the writer of this psalm.
c 2:7 I have become your father Literally, “I fathered h 4:4 Or “Be angry, but don’t sin.” See Eph. 4:26,
you.” Originally, this probably meant God was which is based on the ancient Greek version.
“adopting” the king as his son. i 4:6 I wish … blessings Or “Who will show us good.
d 2:12 Show … his son Literally, “Kiss the son.” Lift up on us the light of your face, Lord.”
PSALM 5:1 440
51
To the director*: With flutes.a
A song of David.*
Lord, listen to me
4
Lord, how long until you heal me?e
Lord, come back and make me strong
again.
and understand what I am trying to say. Save me because you are so loyal and
2 My God and King, kind.
listen to my prayer. 5 If I am dead, I cannot sing about you.
3 Every morning, Lord, I lay my gifts before Those in the grave don’t praise you.
you
and look to you for help. 6 Lord, I am so weak.
And every morning you hear my prayers. I cried to you all night.
My pillow is soaked;
4 God, you don’t want evil people near you. my bed is dripping wet from my tears.
They cannot stay in your presence.b 7 My enemies have caused me such sorrow
5 Foolsc cannot come near you. that my eyes are worn out from crying.
You hate those who do evil.
6 You destroy those who tell lies. 8 Go away, you wicked people,
Lord, you hate those who make secret because the Lord has heard my cries.
plans to hurt others. 9 The Lord has heard my request for mercy.
The Lord has accepted my prayer.
7 But by your great mercy, I can enter your
house. 10 All my enemies will be filled with fear
I can worship in your holy Temple* with and shame.
fear and respect for you. They will be sorry when disgrace
8 Lord, show me your right way of living, suddenly comes upon them.
and make it easy for me to follow.
9
People are looking for my weaknesses,
so show me how you want me to live.
My enemies never tell the truth.
7 1
A songf of David* that he sang to the Lord
about Cush from the tribe of Benjamin.
Lord my God, I come to you for
They only want to destroy people. protection.
Their words come from mouths that are Save me from those who are chasing
like open graves. me.
They use their lying tongues to deceive 2 If you don’t help me, I will be torn apart
others.d like an animal caught by a lion.
10 Punish them, God! I will be carried away with no one to
Let them be caught in their own traps. save me.
They have turned against you,
so punish them for their many crimes. 3 Lord my God, I have done nothing wrong.
11 But let those who trust in you be happy 4 I have done nothing to hurt a friendg
forever. or to help his enemies.
Protect and strengthen those who love 5 If that is not the truth, then punish me.
your name. Let an enemy chase me, catch me, and
12 Lord, when you bless good people, kill me.
you surround them with your love, like Let him grind me into the dirt and put
a large shield that protects them. me in my grave. Selah*
61
To the director*: With stringed instruments,
on the sheminith.* A song of David.*
Lord, don’t punish me.
6 Lord, get uph and show your anger!
My enemy is angry, so stand and fight
against him.
Don’t correct me when you are so Get me the justice that you demand.
angry. 7 Gather the nations around you,
2 Lord, be kind to me. and take your place as judge.
I am sick and weak. 8 Lord, judge the people.
Heal me, Lord! Lord, judge me.
My bones are shaking. Prove that I am right and that I am
3 I am trembling all over. innocent.
e 6:3 Lord … heal me Literally, “As for you, Lord, how
long?”
a Psalm 5 For the flutes This might be the name of a f Psalm 7 song Literally, “shiggayon,” which may
tune instead of a type of instrument. mean a special kind of song, perhaps one that is sad
b 5:4 Or “You are not a God who likes evil people, or full of emotion.
and they don’t respect you.” g 7:4 friend Or “ally.”
c 5:5 Fools Here, this means people who do not h 7:6 Lord, get up The people said this when they
follow God and his wise teachings. lifted the Box of the Agreement and took it into
d 5:9 They use … others Or “They say nice things to battle, showing that God was with them. See Num.
others, but only to trap them.” 10:35‑36.
441 PSALM 9:12
9 Stop those who do evil. You put everything under their control.
Support those who do good. 7 People rule over the sheep and cattle and
God, you are fair. all the wild animals.
You know what people are thinking. 8 They rule over the birds in the sky
and the fish that swim in the sea.
10 God helps people who want to do right, 9 Lord our Lord, your name is the most
so he will protect me. wonderful name in all the earth!
11 God is a good judge.
He always condemns evil.
12‑13If the wicked will not change,
then God is ready to punish them.
9 1
c To the director*: Use the Alamoth of Ben.d
A song of David.*
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart.
He has prepared his deadly weapons. I will tell about the wonderful things
His sword is sharp. you have done.
His bow is strung, drawn back, and 2 You make me happy, so I will rejoice in
ready to shoot its flaming arrow. you.
God Most High, I praise your name.
14 The minds of the wicked are full of evil; 3 My enemies turned to run from you,
they are pregnant with wicked plans, but they fell and were destroyed.
which give birth to lies.
15 They dig a pit to trap others, 4 You listened to me from your throne like
but they are the ones who will fall into a good judge,
it. and you decided that I was right.
16 The trouble they cause will come back on 5 You told the nations how wrong they
them. were.
They plan harm for others, You destroyed those evil people.
but they are the ones who will be hurt. You erased their names from our
memory forever and ever.
17 I praise the Lord because he is good. 6 The enemy is finished!
I praise the name of the Lord Most High. You destroyed their cities.
There is nothing left to remind us of
81
To the director*: With the gittith.*
A song of David.*
Lord our Lord, your name is the most 7
them.
13
1
To the director*:
A song of David.*
How long will you forget me, Lord?
2 Only those who live pure lives, do what is
right,
and speak the truth from their hearts.
Will you forget me forever? 3 Such people don’t say bad things about
How long will you refuse to accept me?c others.
2 How long must I wonder if you have They don’t do things to hurt their
forgotten me? neighbors.
How long must I feel this sadness in my They don’t tell shameful things about
heart? those close to them.
How long will my enemy win against me? 4 They hate those who fail to please God
a 11:7 Those … him Literally, “They will see his face.”
and honor those who respect the Lord.
b 12:5 I will rescue … hurt them Or “I will rescue
poor, helpless people who were hurt and asked me d 15:1 Holy Tent The special tent where the people
for help.” of Israel worshiped God. Here, it is probably the
c 13:1 refuse to accept me Literally, “hide your face Temple on the “holy mountain” (see “Zion” in the
from me.” Word List) in Jerusalem.
PSALM 15:5 444
5
If they make a promise to their neighbor,
they do what they promised.a
If they loan money to someone,
17 1
A prayer of David.h
16
1
A miktam* of David.
21
1
To the director*:
A song of David.*
Lord, your strength makes the king happy. 5
Yes, they trusted you, and you saved
them.
They called to you for help and escaped
He is so happy when you give him their enemies.
victory. They trusted you and were not
2 And you gave him what he wanted. disappointed!
You gave him what he asked for. Selah* 6 But I feel like a worm, less than human!
People insult me and look down on me.
3 You gave the king such wonderful 7 Everyone who sees me makes fun of me.
blessings. They shake their heads and stick out
You put a golden crown on his head. their tongues at me.
4 He asked for life, and you gave it. 8 They say, “Call to the Lord for help.
You gave him life that goes on forever. Maybe he will save you.
5 You led him to victory that brought him If he likes you so much, surely he will
great glory. rescue you!”
You gave him honor and fame.
6 You have given him blessings that will last 9 God, the truth is, you are the one who
forever. brought me into this world.
You have given him the joy of being You made me feel safe while I was still
near you. at my mother’s breasts.
7 The king trusts in the Lord, 10 You have been my God since the day I
and the faithful love of God Most High was born.
will keep him from falling. I was thrown into your arms as I came
8 Lord, you will show all your enemies that from my mother’s womb.
you are strong.
Your power will defeat those who hate 11 So don’t leave me!
you. Trouble is near, and there is no one to
9 When you appear, help me.
you will burn them up like a blazing 12 My enemies have surrounded me like
furnace. angry bulls.
In your anger, Lord, you will completely They are like the powerful bulls of
destroy them; Bashan, and they are all around me.
they will be swallowed by flames of 13 Their mouths are opened wide,
fire.a like a lion roaring and tearing at its prey.
a 21:9 Or “You will make your king like a burning b Psalm 22 The Deer of Dawn This is probably the
oven when you come to help him, Lord. And in his name of the tune for this song, but it might refer to
anger, he will completely destroy them.” a music style or type of instrument.
PSALM 22:14 448
14 My strength is gone, 27 May those in faraway countries remember
like water poured out on the ground. the Lord
My bones have separated. and come back to him.
My courage is gone.a May those in distant lands worship him,
15 My mouthb is as dry as a piece of baked 28 because the Lord is the King.
pottery. He rules all nations.
My tongue is sticking to the roof of my 29 The people have eaten all they wanted
mouth. and bowed down to worship him.
You have left me dying in the dust. Yes, everyone will bow down to him—
16 The “dogs” are all around me— all who are on the way to the grave,
a packc of evil people has trapped me. unable to hold on to life.
They have pierced my hands and feet.d 30 Our descendants will serve him.
17 I can see each one of my bones. Those who are not yet born will be told
My enemies are looking at me; about him.
they just keep staring. 31 Each generation will tell their children
18 They divide my clothes among about the good things the Lord has
themselves, done.
and they throw lots* for what I am
19
wearing.
26
In front of all these worshipers I will do
all that I promised.
Poor people, come eat and be satisfied.f
24 1
A song of David.*
25
1
b A song of David.*
a 24:4 my name Literally, “my soul.” d 25:15 Only … troubles Literally, “For he will
b Psalm 25 In Hebrew, each verse in this psalm remove my feet from the net.”
begins with the next letter of the alphabet. e 26:8 house Or “Temple.” See “Temple” in the Word
c 25:1 I put … hands Literally, “I lift my soul to you.” List.
PSALM 26:11 450
11 But I am innocent, 14 Wait for the Lord’s help.
so be kind to me and save me. Be strong and brave,
12 I am safe from all danger and wait for the Lord’s help.
as I stand here praising you, Lord, in
the assembly of your people.
28 A song of David.*
27
1
A song of David.*
9
Kadesh Desertb trembles at the Lord’s
voice.
The Lord’s voice frightens the deer.c
31 1
To the director*:
A song of David.*
Lord, I come to you for protection.
He destroys the forests. Don’t let me be disappointed.
In his temple everyone shouts, “Glory to You always do what is right, so save me.
God!” 2 Listen to me.
Come quickly and save me.
10 The Lord ruled as king at the time of the Be my Rock,* my place of safety.
flood, Be my fortress* and protect me!
and he will rule as king forever. 3 Yes, you are my Rock and my protection.
11 May the Lord make his people strong. For the good of your name, lead me and
May the Lord bless his people with guide me.
peace. 4 Save me from the traps my enemy has set.
You are my place of safety.
30
1
A song of David for the dedication* of the
Temple.d
Lord, you lifted me out of my troubles.
5 Lord, you are the God we can trust.
I put my lifeg in your hands.
Save me!
You did not give my enemies a reason to 6 I hate those who worship false gods.
laugh, I trust only in the Lord.
so I will praise you. 7 Your kindness makes me so happy.
2 Lord my God, I prayed to you, You have seen my suffering.
and you healed me. You know about the troubles I have.
3 Lord, you lifted me out of the grave. 8 You will not let my enemies take me.
I was falling into the place of death, but You will free me from their traps.
you saved my life. 9 Lord, I have many troubles, so be kind to
me.
4 Praise the Lord, you who are loyal to him! I have cried until my eyes hurt.
Praise his holy namee! My throat and stomach are aching.
5 His anger lasts for a little while, 10 Because of my sin, my life is ending in
but then his kindness brings life. grief;
The night may be filled with tears, my years are passing away in sighs of
but in the morning we can sing for joy! pain.
My life is ending in weakness.
6 When I was safe and secure, My strength is draining away.
I thought nothing could hurt me. 11 My enemies despise me,
7 Yes, Lord, while you were kind to me, and even my neighbors have turned
I felt that nothing could defeat me.f away.
But when you turned away from me, When my friends see me in the street,
I was filled with fear. they turn the other way.
8 So, Lord, I turned and prayed to you. They are afraid to be around me.
I asked you to show me mercy. 12 People want to forget me like someone
9 I said, “What good is it if I die already dead,
and go down to the grave? thrown away like a broken dish.
The dead just lie in the dirt. 13 I hear them whispering about me.
They cannot praise you. They have turned against me and plan
They cannot tell anyone how faithful to kill me.
you are.
10 Lord, hear my prayer, and be kind to me. 14 Lord, I trust in you.
Lord, help me!” You are my God.
15 My life is in your hands.
a 29:6 Sirion Or “Mount Hermon.” Save me from those who are
b 29:8 Kadesh Desert A desert in Syria. This might persecuting me.
also mean “the holy desert.” 16 Please welcome and accept your servant.h
c 29:9 deer Or “oak trees.”
d Psalm 30 A song … Temple Or “A psalm. The song Be kind to me and save me.
for the dedication of the house. Dedicated to David.”
e 30:4 name Literally, “memory” or “memorial.” g 31:5 life Literally, “spirit.”
f 30:7 I felt … defeat me Literally, “You placed me on h 31:16 Please … servant Literally, “Let your face
the strong mountains.” shine on your servant.”
PSALM 31:17 452
17 Lord, I am praying to you. 6 That is why your loyal followers pray to
Don’t let me be disappointed. you while there is still time.
The wicked are the ones who should be Then when trouble rises like a flood, it
disappointed. will not reach them.
Let them go to the grave in silence. 7 You are a hiding place for me.
18 Those evil people brag You protect me from my troubles.
and tell lies about those who do right. You surround me and protect me,
They are so proud now, so I sing about the way you saved me.
but their lying lips will be silent. Selah
8 The Lord says, “I will teach you
19 Lord, you have hidden away many and guide you in the way you should
wonderful things for your followers. live.
You have done so many good things for I will watch over you and be your guide.
those who trust in you. 9 Don’t be like a stupid horse or mule that
You have blessed them so that all the will not come to you
world can see. unless you put a bit in its mouth and
20 Others make plans to hurt them. pull it with reins.”
They say such bad things about them.
But you hide your people in your shelter 10 Many pains will come to the wicked,
and protect them. but the Lord’s faithful love will
21 Praise the Lord, because he showed me surround those who trust in him.
how wonderful his faithful love is 11 Good people, rejoice and be very happy in
when the city was surrounded by the Lord.
enemies. All you who want to do right, rejoice!
22 I was afraid and said, “I am in a place
where he cannot see me.”
But I prayed to you, and you heard my
loud cries for help.
33 1Rejoice in the Lord, good people!
It is only right for good people to
praise him.
2 Play the lyre* and praise the Lord.
23 Love the Lord, all of you who are his Play the ten-stringed harp for him.
loyal followers. 3 Sing a new songb to him.
The Lord protects those who are loyal Play it well and sing it loud!
to him. 4 The Lord’s word is true,
But he punishes those who brag about and he is faithful in everything he does.
their own power. 5 He loves goodness and justice.
He gives them all the punishment they The Lord’s faithful love fills the earth.
deserve. 6 The Lord spoke the command, and the
24 Be strong and brave, all of you who are world was made.
waiting for the Lord’s help. The breath from his mouth created
everything in the heavens.
32
1
A maskil* of David.
It is a great blessing
7
8
He gathered together the water of the sea.
He put the ocean in its place.
Everyone on earth should fear and respect
when people are forgiven for the the Lord.
wrongs they have done, All the people in the world should fear
when their sins are erased.a him,
2 It is a great blessing 9 because when he speaks, things happen.
when the Lord says they are not guilty, And if he says, “Stop!”—then it stops.c
when they don’t try to hide their sins. 10 The Lord can ruin every decision the
nations make.
3 Lord, I prayed to you again and again, He can spoil all their plans.
but I did not talk about my sins. 11 But the Lord’s decisions are good forever.
So I only became weaker and more His plans are good for generation after
miserable. generation.
4 Every day you made life harder for me. 12 Great blessings belong to those who have
I became like a dry land in the hot the Lord as their God!
summertime. Selah* He chose them to be his own special
people.
5 But then I decided to confess my sins to
the Lord. b 33:3 new song Whenever God did a new and
I stopped hiding my guilt and told you wonderful thing for his people, they would write a
about my sins. new song about it.
And you forgave them all! Selah c 33:9 And if … stops Or “He gives the command,
and it stands!” The word “stand” can mean “stand
a 32:1 erased Or “covered over” or “atoned.” forever” or “stop.”
453 PSALM 35:10
13 The Lord looked down from heaven 12 Do you want to enjoy life?
and saw all the people. Do you want to have many happy days?
14 From his high throne he looked down 13 Then avoid saying anything hurtful,
at all the people living on earth. and never let a lie come out of your
15 He created every person’s mind, mouth.
and he knows what each one is doing. 14 Stop doing anything evil, and do good.
16 A king is not saved by the power of his Look for peace, and do all you can to
army. help people live peacefully.
A soldier does not survive by his own 15 The Lord watches over those who do
great strength. what is right,
17 Horses don’t really bring victory in war. and he hears their prayers.
Their strength cannot help you escape. 16 But the Lord is against those who do evil,
18 The Lord watches over his followers, so they are forgotten soon after they die.
those who wait for him to show his
faithful love. 17 Pray to the Lord, and he will hear you.
19 He saves them from death. He will save you from all your troubles.
He gives them strength when they are 18 The Lord is close to those who have
hungry. suffered disappointment.
20 So we will wait for the Lord. He saves those who are discouraged.
He helps us and protects us. 19 Good people might have many problems,
21 He makes us happy. but the Lord will take them all away.
We trust his holy name. 20 He will protect them completely.
22 Lord, we worship you, Not one of their bones will be broken.
so show your great love for us. 21 But troubles will kill the wicked.
The enemies of those who live right will
3
Humble people, listen and be happy,
while I brag about the Lord.
Praise the Lord with me.
35 1
A song of David.*
37
1
a A song of David.*
38
1
A song of David* for the day of
remembrance.b
Lord, don’t criticize me when you are
22 Come quickly and help me.
My Lord, you are the one who saves
me.
angry.
2
Don’t discipline me in anger.
You have hurt me.
You punished me and hurt me deeply.
39 1
To the director,* Jeduthun.d
A song of David.*
I said, “I will be careful about what I say.
3 You punished me severely, so my whole I will not let my tongue cause me to sin.
body is sore. I will keep my mouth closede when I
I sinned, and now all my bones hurt. am around wicked people.”
4 My guilt is like a heavy burden.
I am sinking beneath its weight. 2 So I didn’t say anything.
5 I did a foolish thing, I didn’t even say anything good,
and now I have infected sores that stink. but I became even more upset.
6 I am bent and bowed down. 3 I was very angry,
I am depressed all day long. and the more I thought about it, the
7 I am burning with fever, angrier I became.
and my whole body hurts. So I said something.
8 I hurt so much I cannot feel anything.
My pounding heart makes me scream! 4 Lord, tell me, what will happen to me
9 My Lord, you heard my groaning. now?
You can hear my sighs. Tell me, how long will I live?
10 My heart is pounding. Let me know how short my life really is.
My strength is gone, and I am going 5 You gave me only a short life.
blind.c Compared to you, my whole life is
11 Because of my sickness, nothing.
my friends and neighbors will not visit The life of every human is like a cloud
me; that quickly disappears. Selah*
my family will not come near me.
12 My enemies say bad things about me. 6 Our life is like an image in a mirror.f
They are spreading lies and rumors. We rush through life collecting things,
They talk about me all the time. but we don’t know who will get them
13 But I am like a deaf man and cannot hear. after we die.
I am like someone who cannot speak.
14 I am like those who cannot hear what 7 So, Lord, what hope do I have?
people are saying about them. You are my hope!
I cannot answer to prove my enemies 8 Save me from the bad things I did.
wrong. Don’t let me be treated like a fool.
15 Lord, you must defend me. 9 I will not open my mouth.
Lord my God, you must speak for me.
d Psalm 39 Jeduthun Or “and to Jeduthun,” one of
a 37:38 forced to leave the land Or “destroyed.” Liter‑ the three main temple musicians. See 1 Chron. 9:16;
ally, “cut off.” 16:38‑42.
b Psalm 38 for … remembrance The ancient Greek e 39:1 will keep … closed Literally, “guard my mouth
version has “for the Sabbath.” with a muzzle.”
c 38:10 I am going blind Or “My eyes have lost their f 39:6 Our life … mirror Or “This life is not real—it
sparkle.” Literally, “Even the light of my eyes is no is only a shadow” or “People wander around in the
longer with me.” dark—not knowing what will happen.”
457 PSALM 41:2
I will not say anything. 7 So I said, “Here I am,
You did what should have been done. ready to do what was written about me
10 But please stop punishing me. in the book.
You will destroy me if you do not stop. 8 My God, I am happy to do whatever you
11 You punish people for doing wrong to want.
teach them the right way to live. I never stop thinking about your
As a moth destroys cloth, you destroy teachings.”
what people love. 9 I told the good news of victoryi to the
Yes, our lives are like a small cloud that people in the great assembly.
quickly disappears. Selah And, Lord, you know that I will never
stop telling that good news.
12 Lord, hear my prayer! 10 I told about the good things you did.
Listen to the words I cry to you. I did not hide these things in my heart.
Look at my tears. I spoke of how you can be trusted to save
I am only a traveler passing through this us.
life with you. I did not hide your love and loyalty from
Like all my ancestors, I will live here those in the great assembly.
only a short time.a 11 Lord, do not hide your mercy from me.
13 Leave me aloneb and let me be happy Let your love and loyalty always protect
before I am dead and gone. me.
40
1 I
To the director*:
A song of David.*
calledc
to the Lord, and he heard me.
12 Troubles have surrounded me.
They are too many to count!
My sins have caught me,
He heard my cries. and I cannot escape them.
2 He lifted me out of the grave.d They are more than the hairs on my head.
He lifted me from that muddy place.e I have lost my courage.
He picked me up, put me on solid ground, 13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
and kept my feet from slipping. Lord, hurry and help me!
3 He put a new songf in my mouth, 14 People are trying to kill me.
a song of praise to our God. Please disappoint them.
Many will see what he did and worship Humiliate them completely!
him. They wanted to hurt me.
They will put their trust in the Lord. Make them run away in shame!
4 Great blessings belong to those who trust 15 May those who make fun of me
in the Lord, be too embarrassed to speak!
for those who do not turn to demons 16 But may those who come to you be happy
and false godsg for help. and rejoice.
5 Lord my God, you have done many May those who love being saved by
amazing things! you always be able to say, “Praise the
You have made great plans for us—too Lord!”j
many to list.
I could talk on and on about them, 17 My Lord, I am only a poor, helpless man,
because there are too many to count. but please pay attention to me.
You are my helper, the one who can save
6 Lord, you made me understand this:h me.
You don’t really want sacrifices* and My God, don’t be too late.
grain offerings.
You don’t want burnt offerings* and sin
offerings.* 41 1
To the director*:
A song of David.*
Those who help the poor succeed will get
a 39:12 I live … time Literally, “I am a settler.”
many blessings.k
b 39:13 Leave me alone Or “Stop looking at me.”
c 40:1 called Or “waited patiently.”
When trouble comes, the Lord will save
d 40:2 grave Literally, “pit of destruction.” That is, them.
2 The Lord will protect them and save their
“Sheol,” the place of death.
e 40:2 muddy place In many ancient stories, Sheol, lives.
the place of death, is a dark place with mud all He will bless them in this land.
around, like a grave. He will not let their enemies harm
f 40:3 new song Whenever God did a new and them.
wonderful thing for his people, they would write a
new song about it.
g 40:4 demons and false gods Or “proud and decep‑ i 40:9 victory Or “goodness” or “righteousness.”
tive people.” j 40:16 Praise the Lord Literally, “The Lord is great”
h 40:6 you made … this Literally, “you have dug my or “May the Lord be magnified.”
ears.” The ancient Greek version has “you prepared k 41:1 Or “Those who teach the poor will be very
a body for me.” fortunate.”
PSALM 41:3 458
3 When they are sick in bed, In my sadness I say, “I will remember you
the Lord will give them strength and from here on this small hill,b
make them well! where Mount Hermon and the Jordan
River meet.”
4 I say, “Lord, be kind to me. 7 I hear the roar of the water coming from
I sinned against you, but forgive me and deep within the earth.
make me well.” It shouts to the water below as it
5 My enemies say bad things about me. tumbles down the waterfall.
They ask, “When will he die and be God, your waves come one after another,
forgotten?” crashing all around and over me.c
6 If they come to see me,
they don’t say what they are really 8 By day the Lord shows his faithful love,
thinking. and at night I have a song for him—a
They come to gather a little gossip prayer for the God of my life.d
and then go to spread their rumors. 9 I say to God, my Rock,*
7 Those who hate me whisper about me. “Why have you forgotten me?
They think the worst about me. Why must I suffer this sadness that my
8 They say, “He did something wrong. enemies have brought me?”
That is why he is sick. 10 Their constant insults are killing me.
He will never get well.” They never stop asking, “Where is your
9 My best friend, the one I trusted, God?”
the one who ate with me—even he has
turned against me. 11 Why am I so sad?
10 Lord, please be kind to me. Why am I so upset?
Let me get up, and I will pay them back. I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help!
11 Don’t let my enemy defeat me. You will again be able to praise him,
Then I will know that you care for me. your God, the one who will save you.”
12 I was innocent and you supported me.
13
You let me stand and serve you forever.
42
1
To the director*:
A maskil* from the Korah family.
Like a deer drinking from a stream, 4
to lead me to your holy mountain, to
your home.
I want to go to God’s altar,
I reach out to you, my God.a to the God who makes me so very happy.
2 My soul thirsts for the living God. God, my God, I want to play my harp
When can I go to meet with him? and sing praises to you!
3 Instead of food, I have only tears day and
night, 5 Why am I so sad?
as my enemies laugh at me and say, Why am I so upset?
“Where is your God?” I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help!
You will again have a chance to praise
4 My heart breaks as I remember the him,
pleasant times in the past, your God, the one who will save you.”
when I walked with the crowds as I led
them up to God’s Temple.*
I remember the happy songs of praise
as they celebrated the festival.
44 1
To the director*:
A maskil* from the Korah family.
God, we have heard about you.
Our fathers* told us what you did in
5‑6Why am I so sad? their lifetime.
Why am I so upset? They told us what you did long ago.
I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help! 2 With your great power you took this land
You will again be able to praise him, from other people,
your God, the one who will save you.” and you gave it to us.
b 42:5‑6 small hill Or “Mount Mizar.”
c42:7 God, your waves … over me These word pic‑
tures describe the psalmist’s feelings about the many
a 42:1 Or “As a deer stretches out to drink water troubles the Lord has allowed him to experience.”
from a stream, so my soul thirsts for you, God.” d 42:8 the God of my life Or “my living God.”
459 PSALM 45:9
You crushed those foreigners 24 Why are you hiding from us?
and forced them to leave this land. Have you forgotten our pain and
3 It was not our fathers’ swords that took troubles?
the land. 25 We have been pushed down into the dirt.
It was not their strong arms that We are lying face down in the dust.a
brought them victory. 26 Get up and help us!
It was your power. Rescue us because of your faithful love.
It was because you accepted them and
4
smiled down on them.
God, you are my king.
Give the command and lead Jacob’s*
45 To the director*: To the tune
“Shoshanim.”b A maskil* from the Korah
family. A love song.
people to victory. 1 Beautiful thoughts fill my mind
5 We need your help to push our enemies as I speak these lines for the king.
back. These words come from my tongue
Only in your name can we trample as from the pen of a skilled writer.
those who attacked us.
6 I don’t put my trust in my bow. 2 You are more handsome than anyone,
My sword cannot save me. and you say such pleasant things.
7 You are the one who saved us from our So God will always bless you.
enemies. 3 Put on your sword, mighty warrior,
You are the one who put our enemies to so impressive in your splendid uniform.
shame. 4 Go out in your greatness to win the
8 We have praised you all day long, victory for what is true and right.
and we will praise your name forever. Let us see the amazing things you can
Selah* do with your powerful right arm.c
5 Your sharp arrows will go deep into the
9 But you left us and put us to shame. hearts of your enemies,
You did not go with us into battle. who will fall to the ground in front of
10 You let our enemies push us back. you.
You let them take our wealth. 6 God,d your throne will last forever.
11 You gave us away like sheep to be killed Your justice is a sign of your power to
and eaten. rule.
You scattered us among the nations. 7 You love what is right and hate what is
12 You sold your people for nothing. evil.
You did not even argue over the price. So God, your God, chose you to be king
13 You made us a joke to our neighbors. and made you happier than any of your
They laugh and make fun of us. friends.e
14 You made us one of the stories that people 8 From your clothes comes the wonderful
love to tell. smell of myrrh,* aloes,* and cassia.*
People all over the world laugh at us In palaces decorated with ivory,
and shake their heads. you enjoy the music of stringed
15 All I can think about is my shame. instruments.
Just look at my face, and you will see it. 9 Here are ladies of honor, daughters of
16 All I can hear are the jokes and insults of kings.
my enemies, Your bridef stands at your right side,
as I watch them take their revenge. wearing a gown decorated with the
17 We have not forgotten you. finest gold.
But you do all those things to us.
We did not break the agreement* you
gave us.
18 We did not turn away from you.
a 44:25 This shows that the people were being
We did not stop following you.
19 But you crushed us in this home of treated like slaves who must bow down to their
masters.
jackals.* b Psalm 45 To the tune Shoshanim Or “On the
You left us in this place as dark as death. Shoshanim.”
20 Did we forget the name of our God? c 45:4 right arm This pictures God as a warrior‑
Did we pray to foreign gods? king. The right arm is a symbol of his power and
21 If we did, then God knows it, authority.
because he knows our deepest secrets. d 45:6 God This might be a song to God as king. Or
22 All day long we died for you. here, the writer might be using the word “God” as a
We are like sheep being led away to be title for the king.
e 45:7 chose … friends Literally, “poured the oil
killed. of rejoicing on you over your friends.” This refers
23 Lord, wake up! to the special oil kept in the Temple and used in
Why are you sleeping? dedications.
Get up! Don’t ignore us forever! f 45:9 bride Or “queen.”
PSALM 45:10 460
10 My lady,a listen to me. He breaks the soldiers’ bows, shatters
Listen carefully and understand me. their spears, and burns their shields.d
Forget your people and your father’s
family, 10 God says, “Stop fighting and know that I
11 so that the king will be pleased with am God!
your beauty. I am the one who defeats the nations;
He will be your new husband,b I am the one who controls the world.”
so you must honor him.
12 People from Tyre will bring you gifts. 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us.
Their richest people will try to win your The God of Jacob is our place of safety.
friendship. Selah
13
14
The princess is so beautiful in her gown,
like a pearl set in gold.
Clothed in beauty, she is led to the king,
47 1
To the director*:
A song from the Korah family.
Everyone, clap your hands.
followed by her bridesmaids. Shout with joy to God!
15 Filled with joy and excitement, 2 The Lord Most High is awesome.
they enter into the king’s palace. He is the great King over all the earth.
3 He helped us defeat other nations.
16 Your sons will be kings like their He put those people under our control.
ancestors.* 4 He chose our land for us.
You will make them rulers throughout He chose that wonderful land for Jacob,*
the land. the one he loved. Selah*
17 You will be famous for generations.
People will praise you forever and ever. 5 The Lord God goes up to his throne
at the sound of the trumpet and horn.
46
1
To the director*: A song from the Korah
family. Use the alamoth.c A song.
God is our protection and source of
6
7
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
God is the King of the whole world.
strength. Sing songs of praise!e
He is always ready to help us in times of 8 God sits on his holy throne;
trouble. he rules all the nations.
2 So we are not afraid when the earth 9 The leaders of the nations have come
quakes together
and the mountains fall into the sea. with the people of the God of
3 We are not afraid when the seas become Abraham.*
rough and dark All the rulers of the world belong to God.
and the mountains tremble. Selah* He is over them all!
4 There is a river whose streams bring
happiness to God’s city,
to the holy city of God Most High.
48 1
A song of praise from the Korah family.
49
1
To the director*:
A song from the Korah family.
Listen to this, all you nations.
18 A wealthy man might tell himself how
well he has done in life.
And other people might praise him.
Pay attention, all you people on earth. 19 But the time will come for him to die
2 Everyone, rich and poor, listen to me. and go to his ancestors.
3 I have some very wise words for you. And he will never again see the light of
My thoughts will give you day.
understanding. 20 Wealthy people don’t seem to understand
4 I listened to these sayings. that they will die like the animals.
And now, with my harp, I will sing and
5
make the hidden meaning clear.
8 But I am like a green olive tree growing in 4 Look, my God will help me.
God’s Temple.* My Lord will support me.
I will trust God’s faithful love forever 5 He will punish the people who turned
and ever. against me.
9 God, I praise you forever for what you God, be faithful to me and destroy
have done. them.
I will speak your named before your
followers because it is so good! 6 Lord, I will give freewill offerings to you.
I will praise your good name.
53
1
To the director*: Use the mahalath.e
A maskil* of David.
Only fools think there is no God.
7 You saved me from all my troubles.
I saw my enemies defeated.
a 55:15 I wish … alive Literally, “I wish they would go b 56:2 There are … count Or “There are many attack‑
down into Sheol alive.” See Num. 16:31‑33. ing me from above.”
465 PSALM 59:14
4 My life is in danger. punishment they deserve.
My enemies are all around me. They will feel like soldiers walking
They are like man-eating lions, through the blood of their enemies!c
with teeth like spears or arrows 11 Then people will say, “Good people really
and tongues like sharp swords. are rewarded.
Yes, there is a God judging the world!”d
5 God, rise above the heavens!
6
Let all the world see your glory.*
My enemies set a trap for my feet
to bring me down.
59 To the director*: To the tune “Don’t
Destroy.” A miktam* of David written
when Saul sent people to watch David’s house to
They dug a deep pit to catch me, try to kill him.
but they fell into it. Selah 1 God, save me from my enemies.
Protect me from those who stand
7 God, I am ready, heart and soul, against me.
to sing songs of praise. 2 Save me from those who do wrong.
8 Wake up, my soul! Save me from those murderers.
Harps and lyres,* wake up, and let’s 3 Look, powerful men are waiting for me.
wake the dawn! Lord, they are waiting to kill me,
9 My Lord, I will praise you before all even though I did not sin or commit
people. a crime.
I will sing praises about you to every 4 I have done nothing wrong, but they are
nation. rushing to attack me.
10 Your faithful love is higher than the Come and see for yourself!
highest clouds in the sky! 5 You are the Lord God All-Powerful, the
11 Rise above the heavens, God. God of Israel*!
Let all the world see your glory.* Get up and punish them.
Don’t show any mercy to those traitors.
58
1
To the director*: To the tune “Don’t
Destroy.” A miktam* of David.
You judges are not being fair in your 6 Those evil men are like dogs
Selah*
63
1
A song of David* written when he was in
the desert of Judah.
God, you are my God. 9
Then everyone who sees them
will shake their heads in amazement.
People will see what God has done.
I am searching so hard to find you. They will tell other people about him.
Body and soul, I thirst for you Then everyone will learn more about God.
in this dry and weary land without They will learn to fear and respect him.
water. 10 Good people are happy to serve the Lord.
2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple.a They depend on him to protect them.
I have seen your strength and glory.* All those who want to do right will praise
3 Your faithful love is better than life, him!
so my lips praise you.
4
5
By my life, I will praise you.
In your name, I lift my hands in prayer.
When I sit down to satisfy my hunger,
65 To the director*:
A praise song of David.*
1 God in Zion,* we praise you
my joyful lips hunger to praise you! and give you what we promised.
6 I remember you while lying on my bed. 2 Anyone can come to you,
I think about you in the middle of the and you will listen to their prayers.
night. 3 When our sins become too heavy for us,
7 That is because you are the one who you wipe them away.
helps me. 4 Oh, how wonderful it is to be the people
It makes me happy to be under your you chose
protection! to come and stay in your Temple.*
8 I stay close to you, And we are so happy to have the
and you hold me with your powerful wonderful things
arm. that are in your Temple, your holy
palace.
9 Those who are trying to kill me will be 5 God, you answer our prayers and do what
destroyed. is right.
They will go down to their graves. You do amazing things to save us.
10 They will be killed with swords. People all over the world know they can
Wild dogs will eat their dead bodies. trust in you,
11 But the king will be happy with his God, even those who live across the sea.
and those who promised to obey him 6 You made the mountains.
will praise him when he defeats those We see your power all around us.
liars. 7 You can calm the roughest seas
or the nations raging around us.
64
1
To the director*:
A song of David.*
God, listen to my complaint.
8 People all around the world are amazed at
the wonderful things you do.
You make all people, east and west, sing
Save me from the terrible threats of my with joy.
enemies! 9 You take care of the land.
2 Protect me from the secret plans of the You water it and make it fertile.
wicked. Your streams are always filled with water.
Hide me from that gang of evil people. That’s how you make the crops grow.
3 They sharpen their tongues to use like 10 You pour rain on the plowed fields;
swords. you soak the fields with water.
You make the ground soft with rain,
a 63:2 your Temple Or “your holiness.” and you make the young plants grow.
PSALM 65:11 468
11 You start the new year with a good 16 All you people who worship God,
harvest. come and I will tell you what he has
You end the year with many crops.a done for me.
12 The desert and hills are covered with 17‑18I cried out to him for help,
grass. and I praised him.
13 The pastures are covered with sheep. If I had been hiding sin in my heart,
The valleys are filled with grain. the Lord would not have listened to me.
Everything is singing and shouting for joy. 19 But God did listen to me;
he heard my prayer.
66
1
To the director*:
A song of praise.
Everything on earth, shout with joy to
20 Praise God!
He did not turn away from me—he
listened to my prayer.
God! He continues to show his love to me!
2 Praise his glorious name!
3
Honor him with songs of praise!
Tell God, “Your works are wonderful!
Your great power makes your enemies
67 1
To the director*: With instruments.
A song of praise.
God, show mercy to us and bless us.
bow down in fear before you. Please accept us! Selah*
4 Let the whole world worship you.
Let everyone sing praises to your 2 Let everyone on earth learn about you.
name.” Selah* Let every nation see how you save
people.
5 Look at what God has done! 3 May people praise you, God!
These things amaze us. May all people praise you.
6 He changed the sea to dry land,b 4 May all nations rejoice and be happy
and his people went across the waterc because you judge people fairly.
on foot. You rule over every nation.
So let’s celebrate because of what he has 5 May the people praise you, God!
done! May all people praise you.
7 He rules the world with his great power. 6 God, our God, bless us.
He watches people everywhere. Let our land give us a great harvest.
No one can rebel against him. Selah 7 May God bless us,
and may all people on earth fear and
8 People, praise our God. respect him.
Sing loud songs of praise to him.
9 He continues to give us life,
and he keeps us from falling.
10 God, you have tested us, as people test
68 1
To the director*:
A praise song of David.*
God, get up and scatter your enemies!
silver with fire. May all your enemies run from you.
11 You let us be trapped. 2 May your enemies be scattered
You put heavy burdens on us. like smoke blown away by the wind.
12 You let our enemies run over us. May your enemies be destroyed
We went through fire and water, like wax melting in a fire.
but you brought us to a safe place. 3 But let good people be happy.
13‑14So I bring sacrifices* to your Temple.* Let them gather before God and enjoy
When I was in trouble, I asked for help themselves together.
and made promises to you. 4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name!
Now I am giving you what I promised. Prepare the way for the one who rides
15 I bring my best sheep as burnt on the clouds.
offerings.* His name is Yah.d
I offer the smoke from them up to you. Worship before him with joy.
I give you sacrifices of bulls and goats. 5 God, who lives in his holy palace, is a
Selah father to orphans,
and he takes care of widows.
6 God provides homes for those who are
lonely.
a 65:11 In ancient Israel there were two calendars. He frees people from prison and makes
The calendar for religious festivals began in the them happy.
spring, at the barley harvest. The other calendar But those who turn against him will live
started in the fall, when they gathered other crops. in the desert.
b 66:6 changed the sea to dry land This was with
Moses at the Red Sea. See Ex. 14.
c 66:6 water Literally, “river.” Although this word is
not used for the Jordan River elsewhere, some think d 68:4 Yah This is a Hebrew name for God. It is like
this line may refer to the later crossing there. See the Hebrew name usually translated “Lord.” Also in
Josh. 3:14‑17. verse 18.
469 PSALM 69:4
7 God, you led your people out of Egypt. 24 God, everyone can see your victory
You marched across the desert. Selah* parade—
8 The ground shook and rain poured from the victory march of my God and King
the sky into his holy place!d
when God, the God of Israel,* came to 25 Singers come marching in front, followed
Sinai. by the musicians;
9 God, you sent the rain they are surrounded by young girls
to make a tired, old land strong again. playing tambourines.
10 Your peoplea came back to live there, 26 Praise God in the meeting place.e
and you provided good things for the Praise the Lord, people of Israel*!
poor. 27 There is the smallest tribe, Benjamin,
11 My Lord gave the command, leading them.
and many people went to tell the good And there comes a large group of
news: leaders from Judah.
12“The armies of powerful kings ran away! Following them are the leaders of
At home, the women divide the things Zebulun and Naphtali.
brought from the battle.
13 Those who stayed home will share in the 28 God, show us your power!
wealth— Show us the power you used for us in
metal doves with wings covered in the past.
silver and feathers sparkling with 29 Kings will bring their wealth to you,
gold.” to your Temple* in Jerusalem.
30 Punish the people in Egypt.
14 God All-Powerful scattered the kings They are like cattle in the marshes, like
like snow falling on Mount Zalmon. bulls among the calves.
15 Mount Bashan is a great mountain with You humiliated them.
many high peaks. You scattered them in war.
16 But, Bashan, why are you jealous of Now let them come crawling to you,
Mount Zion*? bringing their pieces of silver.
That is where God has chosen to live. 31 Messengers from Egypt will come bearing
The Lord will live there forever. gifts.
17 With his millions of chariots* Ethiopia will offer God their tribute.*
the Lord came from Sinai into the holy 32 Kings on earth, sing to God!
place. Sing songs of praise to our Lord! Selah
18 You went up to your high place,
leading a parade of captives. 33 Sing to him who rides his chariot through
You received gifts from people,b the ancient skies.
even those who turned against you. Listen to his powerful voice!
The Lord God went up there to live. 34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!
19 Praise the Lord! He rules over Israel.
Every day he helps us with the loads we His power fills the skies.
must carry. 35 God, you are awesome in your Temple!
He is the God who saves us. Selah The God of Israel is the one who gives
strength and power to his people.
20 He is our God, the God who saves us. Praise God!
My Lord God saves us from death.
21 God will smash the heads of his enemies.
He will punish those who fight against
him.c
69 1
To the director*: To the tune “The Lilies.”
A song of David.*
God, save me from all my troubles!
22 My Lord said, “If they run up to Bashan The rising water has reached my neck.
or down to the depths of the sea, 2 I have nothing to stand on.
I will bring them back. I am sinking down, down into the mud.
23 So you will march through pools of their I am in deep water,
blood, and the waves are about to cover me.
and there will be plenty left for your 3 I am getting weak from calling for help.
dogs.” My throat is sore.
I have waited and looked for your help
until my eyes are hurting.
4 I have more enemies than the hairs on
a 68:10 people Or “animals” or “living things.”
b 68:18 received gifts from people Or “took people
my head.
as gifts.” Or “gave gifts to people,” as in the ancient
They hate me for no reason.
Syriac and Aramaic versions and in Eph. 4:8. d 68:24 of my God … holy place Or “led by my holy
c 68:21 Literally, “God will smash the heads of his God and King!”
enemies. He will smash the hairy skull walking in e 68:26 in the meeting place Or “with the trumpets
guilt.” that announce the assembly!”
PSALM 69:5 470
They try hard to destroy me. Don’t let anyone live there.
My enemies tell lies about me. 26 They try to hurt people you have already
They say I stole from them punished.
and they demand that I pay for things I They tell everyone about the suffering
did not steal. you gave them.
5 God, you know my faults. 27 Punish them for the bad things they have
I cannot hide my sins from you. done.
6 My Lord God All-Powerful, don’t let me Don’t show them how good you can be.
embarrass your followers. 28 Erase their names from the book of life.
God of Israel,* don’t let me bring Don’t let their names appear on the list
disgrace to those who worship you. of those who do what is right.
7 My face is covered with shame. 29 I am sad and hurting.
I carry this shame for you. God, lift me up and save me!
8 My own brothers treat me like a stranger. 30 I will praise God’s name in song.
They act as if I came from a foreign I will honor him by giving him thanks.
land. 31 The Lord will be happier with this
9 My strong devotion to your Temple* is than with the offering of an ox or a full-
destroying me. grown bull as a sacrifice.*
Those who insult you are also insulting 32 Poor people, you came to worship God.
me. You will be happy to know these things.
10 When I spend time crying and fasting,* 33 The Lord listens to poor, helpless people.
they make fun of me. He does not turn away from those who
11 When I wear sackcloth* to show my are in prison.
sorrow, 34 Praise him, heaven and earth!
they tell jokes about me. Sea and everything in it, praise him!
12 They talk about me in public places. 35 God will save Zion.*
The beer drinkers make up songs about He will rebuild the cities of Judah.
me. The people will settle there again and
13 As for me, Lord, this is my prayer to you: own the land.
Please accept me! 36 The descendants of his servants will get
God, I want you to answer me with love. that land.
I know I can trust you to save me. Those who love his name will live
14 Pull me from the mud, there.
and don’t let me sink down deeper.
15
Save me from those who hate me.
Save me from this deep water.
Don’t let the waves drown me.
701
To the director*:
A song of David* to help people remember.
Please, God, rescue me!
Don’t let the deep sea swallow me Lord, hurry and help me!
or the grave close its mouth on me. 2 People are trying to kill me.
16 Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Please disappoint them.
your faithful love. Humiliate them!
Out of your great kindness turn to me They want to hurt me.
and help me! Make them run away in shame.
17 Don’t turn away from your servant. 3 May those who make fun of me
I am in trouble, so hurry and help me! be too embarrassed to speak.
18 Come save my soul. 4 But may those who come to you be happy
Rescue me from my enemies. and rejoice.
19 You know the shame I have suffered. May those who love being saved by you
You know all my enemies. always be able to say, “Praise God!”a
You saw how they humiliated me.
20 I feel the pain of their insults. 5 I am only a poor, helpless man.
The shame makes me feel like dying! God, please hurry to me.
I wanted some sympathy, You are my helper, the one who can save
but there was none. me.
I waited for someone to comfort me, Lord, don’t be too late!
but no one came.
21
22
They gave me poison, not food.
They gave me vinegar, not wine.
Their tables are covered with food.
71 1Lord, I depend on you for
protection.
Don’t let me be disappointed.
Let their fellowship meals destroy them. 2 You always do what is right, so come and
23 Let them go blind and their backs become save me.
weak. Listen to me and save me.
24 Show them how angry you are.
Let them feel what your anger can do. a 70:4 Praise God Literally, “God is great” or “May
25 Make their homes empty. God be magnified.”
471 PSALM 72:14
3 Be my Rock,* my place of safety. I will play songs on my lyre* for the
Be my fortress,* and protect me! Holy One of Israel.*
You are my Rock and my protection. 23 I will shout for joy,
4 My God, save me from wicked people. singing songs of praise to you for saving
Save me from cruel, evil people. me.
5 Lord God, you are my hope. 24 My tongue will sing about your goodness
I have trusted you since I was a young all the time,
boy. because those who wanted to kill me
6 I depended on you even before I was have been defeated and disgraced.
born.
I relied on you even in my mother’s
womb.
I have always prayed to you.a
721
To Solomon.b
73
1
Asaph’s song of praise.
6
Their soldiers attacked the doors,
like workmen chopping down trees.
Using axes and hatchets,
75 1
To the director*: To the tune “Don’t
Destroy.” One of Asaph’s songs of praise.
We praise you, God!
they smashed the carved panels inside. We praise you because youd are near to
7 They burned down your Holy Place. us.
It was built to honor your name, We tell about the amazing things you
but they pulled it down to the ground. have done.
8 The enemy decided to crush us
completely. 2 God says, “I have chosen a time for
They burned every holy placea in the judgment,
country. and I will judge fairly.
9 We do not see any of our signs.b 3 The earth and all its people may shake,
There are no more prophets. but I am the one who keeps it steady.
And no one knows how long this will Selah*
last.
10 God, how much longer will the enemy 4“To those who are proud I say, ‘Stop your
make fun of us? boasting.’
Will you let them insult your name I warn the wicked, ‘Don’t brag about
forever? how strong you are.
11 Why won’t you help us? 5 Don’t be so sure that you will win.
Use your power to defeat our enemies! Don’t boast that victory is yours!’”
12 God, you have been our King for a long
time. 6 There is no power on earth
You have saved us many times on this that can make a person important.e
earth. 7 God is the judge.
13 With your great power you split open the He decides who will be important.
sea He lifts one person up and brings
and broke the heads of the sea monster. another down.
14 Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathanc 8 The Lord has a cup in his hand.
and left his body for animals to eat. It is filled with the poisoned wine of his
15 You make the springs and rivers flow, anger.
and you make the rivers dry up. He will pour out this wine,
16 You control the day and the night. and the wicked will drink it to the last
You made the sun and the moon. drop.
17 You set the limits for everything on earth. 9 I will always tell people how great God is.
And you created summer and winter. I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.*
18 Lord, remember, the enemy insulted you! 10 Hef will take away any power the wicked
Those foolish people hate your name! have
19 Don’t give us like a helpless dove to those and give it to those who are good.
wild animals.
20
Never forget your poor, suffering people.
Remember the agreement you gave us,
because violence fills every dark place
76 To the director*: With instruments.
One of Asaph’s songs of praise.
1 People in Judah* know God.
in this land. People in Israel* respect his name.
2 His Temple* is in Salem.g
a 74:8 holy place Or “El meeting place.” This means His house is on Mount Zion.*
3 There he shattered the arrows,
every place where people went to meet with God.
b 74:9 signs These were probably signal fires that shields, swords, and other weapons of
people burned as a way of passing messages from war. Selah*
one town to the next. In war, this was a way people
showed other towns that the enemy had not yet
destroyed their own town. d 75:1 you Literally, “your name.”
c 74:13‑14 sea monster … Leviathan These were e 75:6 Literally, “Not from the east or the west and
creatures from ancient stories. People believed that not from the desert mountains.”
they kept the world from being a safe, orderly place. f 75:10 He Or “I.”
So this verse means that God controls every part of g 76:2 Salem Another name for Jerusalem. This
the world and everything in it. name means “Peace.”
PSALM 76:4 474
4 God, you are glorious coming back 9 Has God forgotten what mercy is?
from the hills where you defeated your Has his compassion changed to anger?”
enemies. Selah*
5 They thought they were strong, but now
they lie dead in the fields. 10 Then I said to myself, “What bothers me
Their bodies are stripped of all they most is the thought
owned. that God Most High has lost his power.”
They could not defend themselves.a
6 The God of Jacob* shouted at them, 11 Lord, I remember what you have done.
and their army of chariots* and horses I remember the amazing things you did
fell dead. long ago.
7 God, you are awesome! 12 I think about those things.
No one can stand against you when you I think about them all the time.
are angry. 13 God, all that you do is holy.*
8‑9You stood as judge and announced your No god is as great as you are.
decision. 14 You are the God who does amazing
You saved the humble people of the land. things.
From heaven you gave the decision, You showed the nations your great
and the whole earth was silent and power.
afraid. 15 By your power you saved your people,
10 Even human anger can bring you honor the descendants of Jacob* and Joseph.
when you use it to punish your Selah
enemies.b
16 God, the water saw you and became
11 People, you made promises to the Lord afraid.
your God. The deep water shook with fear.
Now give him what you promised. 17 The thick clouds dropped their water.
People everywhere fear and respect God, Thunder roared in the sky above.
and they will bring gifts to him. Your arrows of lightning flashed through
12 God defeats great leaders; the clouds.
all the kings on earth fear him. 18 There were loud claps of thunder.
Lightning lit up the world.
77
1
To the director,* Jeduthun.c
One of Asaph’s songs.
I cry out to God for help.
19
The earth shook and trembled.
You walked through the water and
crossed the deep sea,
I cry out to you, God; listen to me! but you left no footprints.
2 My Lord, in my time of trouble I came to 20 You led your people like sheep,
you. using Moses* and Aaron* to guide them.
I reached out for you all night long.
3
My soul refused to be comforted.
I thought about you, God,
and tried to tell you how I felt, but I
78 1
One of Asaph’s maskils.*
80
praise.
To the director*: To the tune “Lilies of
the Agreement.” One of Asaph’s songs of
18
19
Then we will never leave you.
Let us live, and we will worship you.
Lord God All-Powerful, accept us again.
1 Shepherd of Israel,* listen to us. Smile down on us and save us!
You lead your peoplea like sheep.
You sit on your throne above the Cherub
angels.*
Let us see you.
81 1
To the director*: On the gittith.*
One of Asaph’s songs.
Be happy and sing to God, our strength.
2 Shepherd of Israel, show your greatness Shout with joy to the God of Jacob.*
to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, 2 Begin the music.
and Manasseh. Play the tambourines.
Come and save your people. Play the pleasant harps and lyres.*
3 God, accept us again. 3 Blow the ram’s horn at the time of the
Smile down on us and save us! new moone
4 Lord God All-Powerful, when will you and at the time of the full moon,f when
listen to our prayers? our festival begins.
How long will you be angry with us? 4 This is the law for the people of Israel.*
5 Instead of bread and water, The God of Jacob gave the command.
you gave your people tears. 5 God made this agreement with Joseph’s
6 You made us the target of everyone’s people,
hatred. when he led them out of Egypt.
Our enemies make fun of us. In a language we didn’t understand, God
7 God All-Powerful, accept us again. said,
Smile down on us and save us! 6“I took the load from your shoulder.
I let you drop the worker’s basket.
8 When you brought us out of Egypt, 7 When you were in trouble, you called for
we were like your special vine. help, and I set you free.
You forced other nations to leave this I was hidden in the storm clouds, and I
land, answered you.
and you planted that vine here. I tested you by the water at Meribah.g”
9 You prepared the ground for it, Selah*
and it sent its roots down deep and
spread throughout the land. 8“My people, I am warning you.
10 It covered the mountains, Israel, listen to me!
and its leaves shaded even the giant 9 Don’t worship any of the false gods
cedar trees. that the foreigners worship.
11 Its branches spread to the 10 I, the Lord, am your God.
Mediterranean Sea, I brought you out of Egypt.
its shoots to the Euphrates River. Israel, open your mouth,
12 God, why did you pull down the walls and I will feed you.
that protect your vine?
Now everyone who passes by picks its 11“But my people did not listen to me.
grapes. Israel did not obey me.
13 Wild pigs come and ruin it. 12 So I let them go their own stubborn way
Wild animals eat the leaves. and do whatever they wanted.
14 God All-Powerful, come back. 13 If my people would listen to me and
Look down from heaven at your vine would live the way I want,
and protect it. 14 then I would defeat their enemies.
15 Look at the vine you planted with your I would punish those who cause them
own hands. trouble.
Look at the young plantb you raised. 15 Those who hate the Lord would shake
16 Our enemies have cut it down and with fear.
burned it up. They would be punished forever.
Show them how angry you are and
destroy them. 16 I would give the best wheat to my people.
I would give them the purest honey,
17 Reach out and help your chosen one.c until they were satisfied.”
Reach out to the peopled you raised up.
e 81:3 new moon The first day of the Hebrew month.
a 80:1 your people Literally, “Joseph,” the father of There were special meetings on these days when
Ephraim and Manasseh, whose names are often the people shared fellowship offerings as part of
used to mean all the tribes in northern Israel. their worship to God.
b 80:15 young plant Literally, “son.” f 81:3 full moon The middle of the Hebrew month.
c 80:17 chosen one Literally, “the man of your right Many of the special meetings and festivals started
hand.” at the time of a full moon.
d 80:17 people Literally, “son of man.” g 81:7 Meribah See Ex. 17:1‑7.
PSALM 82:1 478
82
1
One of Asaph’s songs of praise.
83
1
One of Asaph’s songs of praise.
85
1
To the director*:
A song of praise from the Korah family.
Lord, you have been so kind to your land.
6
help.
Lord, hear my prayer.
Listen to my cry for mercy.
You have brought success again to the 7 I am praying to you in my time of trouble.
people of Jacob.* I know you will answer me.
2 You have forgiven the bad things your 8 My Lord, there is no God like you.
people did. No one can do what you have done.
You have taken away the guilt of their 9 My Lord, you made everyone.
sins! Selah* I wish they all would come worship you
and honor your name.
3 You stopped being angry with them. 10 You are great and do amazing things.
Your terrible anger has gone away. You and you alone are God.
4 Our God and Savior, accept us again. 11 Lord, teach me your ways,
Don’t be angry with us anymore. and I will live and obey your truths.
5 Will you be angry with us forever? Help me make worshiping your name
Will your anger reach to our children the most important thing in my life.
and to their children? 12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my
6 Please, give us new life! heart.
Make your people happy to be yours. I will honor your name forever!
7 Lord, save us 13 You have such great love for me.
and show us your love. You save me from the place of death.
14 Proud people are attacking me, God.
8 I heard what the Lord God said. A gang of cruel men is trying to kill me.
He said there would be peace for his They don’t respect you.
people and his loyal followers. 15 My Lord, you are a kind and merciful
So they must not go back to their foolish God.
way of living. You are patient, loyal, and full of love.
9 He will soon save his faithful followers. 16 Show that you hear me and be kind to
His glory will again live in our land.c me.
10 God’s love will come together with his I am your servant, so give me strength.
faithful people. I am your slave, as my mother was, so
Goodness and peace will greet them save me!
with a kiss. 17 Lord, show me a sign that you care for
11 People on earth will be loyal to God, me.
and God in heaven will be good to My enemies will see it and be
them.d disappointed,
because you helped and comforted me.
87
a 84:9 the king, our protector Literally, “our shield.” A song of praise from the Korah family.
This line could also mean “God, our Shield, look!”
b 84:11 protector and glorious king Literally, “sun
1 The Lord built his city on the holy hills.
and shield.”
c 85:9 We … land Or “We will soon live with honor
2 He loves the gates of Zion* more than
in our land.” any other place in Israel.*
d 85:11 Literally, “Loyalty will sprout from the 3 Wonderful things are said about you, City
ground, and goodness will look down from the sky.” of God. Selah*
PSALM 87:4 480
4 God says, “Some of my people live in Early each morning I pray to you.
Egypta and Babylon. 14 Lord, why have you abandoned me?
Some of them were born in Philistia, Why do you refuse to listen to me?
Tyre, and even Ethiopia.” 15 I have been sick and weak since I was
5 But about Zion he says, young.
“I know each and every person born I have suffered your anger, and I am
there.” helpless.
It is the city built by God Most High. 16 Your anger covers me like a flood.
6 The Lord keeps a list of all his people, Your attacks are killing me.
and he knows where each of them was 17 They surround me on every side.
born. Selah I feel like a drowning man.
18 You caused my friends and loved ones to
7 At the festivals, people will dance and leave me.
sing, Now darkness is my closest friend.
“All good things come from Zion.”
14
Lord, come back to us.
Be kind to your servants.
Fill us with your love every morning.
92 1
A song of praise for the Sabbath.*
96
2
1Sing a new songb to the Lord!
Let the whole world sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord and praise his name!
7 People worship their idols.
They brag about their “gods.”
But they will be embarrassed.
Tell the good news every day about how And all their “gods” will bow down
he saves us! before the Lord.
3 Tell all the nations how wonderful he is! 8 Zion,* listen and be happy!
Tell people everywhere about the Cities of Judah,* be glad!
amazing things he does. Rejoice because the Lord’s decisions are
4 The Lord is great and worthy of praise. fair.
He is more awesome than any of the 9 Lord Most High, you really are the ruler
“gods.” of the earth.
5 All the “gods” in other nations are You are much better than the “gods.”
nothing but statues, 10 Hate evil, you who love the Lord.
but the Lord made the heavens. He protects his followers and saves
6 He lives in the presence of glory* and them from evil people.
honor. 11 Light and happiness shine on those who
His Temple* is a place of power and want to do right.
beauty. 12 Good people, be happy in the Lord!
7 Praise the Lord, all people of every Praise his holy name!
nation;
8
praise the Lord’s glory and power.
Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory!
Come, bring your offerings into his
98 1
A song of praise.
100
1
A song of thanks.
103
1
A song of David.*
Every part of me, praise his holy* name! a 103:21 armies This word can mean “armies,”
2 My soul, praise the Lord “angels,” or the “stars and planets.” This word is
and never forget how kind he is! part of the name translated “Lord All‑Powerful.” It
3 He forgives all our sins shows that God is in control of all the powers in the
and heals all our sicknesses. universe.
487 PSALM 104:34
108
1
A praise song of David.*
12
Let strangers get everything he worked
for.
Let no one be kind to him.
110 1
A praise song of David.*
22
brings honor to your name.
Save me because of your faithful love.
I am only a poor, helpless man.
111 d 1Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart
in the assembly of his good people.
I am so sad; my heart is broken. 2 The Lord does wonderful things,
23 I feel my life is over, fading like a shadow more than anyone could ask for.e
at day’s end. 3 He does glorious and wonderful things!
I feel like a bug that someone brushed There is no end to his goodness.
away. 4 He does amazing things so that we will
24 My knees are weak from fasting.* remember
I have lost weight and become thin. that the Lord is kind and merciful.
25 My enemies insult me. 5 He gives food to his followers.
They look at me and shake their heads. He remembers his agreement* forever.
26 Lord my God, help me!
Show your faithful love and save me! a 110:1 my lord That is, the king.
27 Then they will know that you did it. b 110:3 The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.
They will know that it was your power, Literally, “Your people will be freewill offerings on
Lord, that helped me. your day of power. In holy splendor from the womb
28 They curse me, but you can bless me. of dawn your dew of youth will be yours.”
They attacked me, so defeat them. c 110:7 lift his head and become strong Literally,
Then I, your servant, will be happy. “lift his head.” Here, the poet probably means two
29 Humiliate my enemies! things: “he will raise his head after drinking the
water,” and “he will become strong or important.”
Let them wear their shame like a coat. d Psalm 111 In Hebrew, each line of this psalm
30 I give thanks to the Lord. begins with the next letter in the alphabet.
I praise him in front of everyone. e 111:2 more … for Literally, “requested for all their
31 He stands by the helpless desires.”
493 PSALM 115:8
6 He has shown his people how powerful 4 The Lord is higher than all nations.
he is His glory* rises to the skies.
by giving them the land of other 5 There is no one like the Lord our God.
nations. He sits on his throne high in heaven.
7 Everything he does is good and fair. 6 He is so high above us
All his commands can be trusted. that he must look down to see the sky
8 His commands will continue forever. and the earth.
They must be done with truth and 7 He lifts the poor out of the dirt
honesty. and rescues beggars from the garbage
9 He rescued his people and made his dump.
agreement with them forever. 8 He puts them in important positions,
His name is awesome and holy. giving them a place among the leaders
10 Wisdom begins with fear and respect for of his people.
the Lord. 9 He gives children to the woman whose
Those who obey him are very wise. home is empty.
Praises will be sung to him forever. He makes her a happy mother.
116
2
1I love the Lord for hearing me,
for listening to my prayers.
Yes, he paid attention to me,
2
His faithful love will last forever!
Israel,* say it:
“His faithful love will last forever!”
so I will always call to him whenever I 3 Aaron’s family,b say it:
need help. “His faithful love will last forever!”
3 Death’s ropes were around me. 4 You people worshiping the Lord, say it:
The grave was closing in on me. “His faithful love will last forever!”
I was worried and afraid.
4 Then I called on the Lord’s name. 5 I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord
I said, “Lord, save me!” for help.
5 The Lord is good and merciful; The Lord answered and made me free.
our God is so kind. 6 The Lord is with me, so I will not be
6 The Lord takes care of helpless people. afraid.
I was without help, and he saved me. No one on earth can do anything to
7 My soul, relax! harm me.
The Lord is caring for you. 7 The Lord is my helper.
8 Lord, you saved my soul from death. I will see my enemies defeated.
You stopped my tears. 8 It is better to trust in the Lord
You kept me from falling. than to trust in people.
9 I will continue to serve the Lord in the 9 It is better to trust in the Lord
land of the living. than to trust in great leaders.
10 I continued believing even when I said, 10 Many enemies surrounded me,
“I am completely ruined!” but with the Lord’s power I defeated
11 Yes, even when I was upset and said, them.
“There is no one I can trust!” 11 They surrounded me again and again,
but I defeated them with the Lord’s
12 What can I give the Lord power.
for all that he has done for me? 12 They surrounded me like a swarm of
13 He saved me, bees,
so I will give him a drink offering, but they were quickly destroyed like a
and I will call on the Lord’s name. fast-burning bush.
I defeated them with the Lord’s power.
Tsadhe Shin
137Lord, you do what is right, 161Powerful leaders attack me for no reason,
and your decisions are fair. but the only thing I fear is your
138The rules you have given us are right. command.
499 PSALM 123:2
162Your word makes me happy,
like someone who has found a great
treasure.
121 1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
120
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
I was in trouble.
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem:
“May those who love you find peace.
I called to the Lord for help, 7 May there be peace within your walls.
and he answered me! May there be safety in your great
2 I said, “Lord, save me from liars, buildings.”
from those who say things that are not
true.” 8 For the good of my family and neighbors,
I pray that there will be peace here.
3 Liars, do you know what the Lord has for 9 For the good of the Temple* of the Lord
you? our God,
Do you know what you will get? I pray that good things will happen to
4 You will get a soldier’s sharp arrow and this city.
hot coals to punish you.
5 How I hate living here among these
people!
123 1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
124
1
A song of David* for going up to the
Temple.*
What would have happened to us if the
5
flowing water.
Then those who were sad when they
planted
Lord had not been on our side? will be happy when they gather the
Tell us about it, Israel.* harvest!
2 What would have happened to us if the 6 Those who cried as they carried the
Lord had not been on our side seedsb
when people attacked us? will be happy when they bring in the
3 They would have swallowed us alive crops!
when they became angry with us.
4 Their armies would have been
like a flood washing over us,
like a river drowning us.
127 1
A song from Solomon for going up to
the Temple.*
If it is not the Lord who builds a house,
5 Those proud people would have been the builders are wasting their time.
like water rising up to our mouth and If it is not the Lord who watches over the
drowning us. city,
the guards are wasting their time.
6 Praise the Lord!
He did not let our enemies tear us apart. 2 It is a waste of time to get up early and
stay up late,
7 We escaped like a bird from the net of a trying to make a living.
hunter. The Lord provides for those he loves,
The net broke, and we escaped! even while they are sleeping.
8 Our help came from the Lord,
the one who made heaven and earth! 3 Children are a giftc from the Lord, a
reward from a mother’s womb.
125
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
5
A young man’s sons are like the arrows in
a soldier’s hand.
The man who fills his quiver* with sons
Mount Zion.* will be very blessed.
They will never be shaken. He will never be defeated when he
They will continue forever. opposes his enemy at the city gates.d
2 Like the mountains that surround
Jerusalem,
the Lord surrounds and protects his
people now and forever.
128 1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
126
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
129
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
3
He made a promise to you, Lord,
an oath to the Mighty God of Jacob.*
He said, “I will not go into my house
Say it again, Israel.* or lie down on my bed.
2 All my life enemies have attacked me, 4 I will not sleep
but they have never defeated me. or let my eyes rest,
3 They beat me until I had deep cuts. 5 until I find a home for the Lord,
My back looked like a freshly plowed a tent for the Mighty God of Jacob!”
field.
4 But the Lord does what is right; 6 We heard about this in Ephrathah.a
he cut the ropes and set me free from We found the Box of the Agreement* at
those wicked people. Kiriath Jearim.b
5 May those who hate Zion* be put to 7 Now, let’s go to the Lord’s house.
shame. Let’s worship at his throne.c
May they be stopped and chased away. 8 Lord, get upd and go to your resting place;
6 They will be like grass on a flat roof go with the Box that shows your power.
that dies before it has time to grow. 9 May your priests be clothed in victory
7 The one who goes to harvest it and your loyal followers be filled with
will not find enough to cut and stack. joy.
8 May no one walking by those wicked 10 For the sake of your servant David,
people ever say, don’t reject your chosen king.e
“May the Lord bless you! We bless you 11 The Lord made a promise to David, an
in the name of the Lord.” oath* of loyalty to him:
“I will always put one of your
130
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
131
1
A song of David* for going up to the
Temple.*
Lord, I am not proud.
Tent, or the Temple. God is like a king sitting on
his throne and resting his feet on the place where
people worship him.
d 132:8 Lord, get up The people said this when they
I don’t pretend to be more important lifted the Box of the Agreement and took it into
than others. battle with them. This showed that God was with
I am not interested in doing great things them. See Num. 10:35‑36.
or trying to reach impossible goals. e 132:10 chosen king Literally, “anointed one.”
PSALM 132:17 502
17 This is where I will make David’s family He used them against Pharaoh* and his
strong. officials.
I will never let the lamp of my chosen 10 He defeated many nations
king stop burning. and killed powerful kings.
18 I will cover his enemies with shame, 11 He defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and on his head will be a shining Og, king of Bashan,
crown.” and all the kingdoms in Canaan.*
12 Then he gave their land to Israel, his
133
1
A song of David* for going up to the
Temple.*
Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is 13
people.
134
1
A song for going up to the Temple.*
3
in the courtyard of the Temple of our
God.
Praise the Lord, because he is good.
136 1Praise the Lord because he is
good.
His faithful love will last forever.
Praise his name, because it brings such 2 Praise the God of gods!
joy! His faithful love will last forever.
3 Praise the Lord of lords!
4 The Lord chose Jacob* to be his own. His faithful love will last forever.
Yes, he chose Israel* to be his own 4 Praise him who alone does wonderful
people. miracles*!
5 I know the Lord is great! His faithful love will last forever.
Our Lord is greater than all the gods! 5 Praise the one who used wisdom to make
6 The Lord does whatever he wants, the skies!
in heaven and on earth, in the seas and His faithful love will last forever.
the deep oceans. 6 He spread the land over the sea.
7 He brings the clouds from the other side His faithful love will last forever.
of the earth. 7 He made the great lights.
He sends the lightning and the rain, His faithful love will last forever.
and he opens the doors to release the 8 He made the sun to rule the day.
winds. His faithful love will last forever.
8 He destroyed the firstborn* males of the 9 He made the moon and stars to rule the
people in Egypt and their animals. night.
9 He did great wonders and miracles* in His faithful love will last forever.
Egypt. 10 He killed the firstborn* males in Egypt,
a 133:1 when … as one Or “when brothers live
both men and animals.
together in peace.”
His faithful love will last forever.
b 133:2 high priest’s Literally, “Aaron’s.”
11 He took Israel* out of Egypt.
c 133:3 gentle rain Or “mist” or “snow.” The Hebrew His faithful love will last forever.
can mean either “the oil is like the mist …” or 12 He used his powerful arms and strong
“Aaron’s beard is like the snow ….” hands.
503 PSALM 139:11
13
His faithful love will last forever.
He split the Red Sea into two parts.
His faithful love will last forever.
138 1
A song of David.*
2
Zion.*
We hung our harps nearby, there on the
willow trees.a
139 1
To the director*:
A praise song of David.*
Lord, you have tested me,
3 There in Babylon, those who captured us so you know all about me.
told us to sing. 2 You know when I sit down and when I
Our enemies told us to entertain them. get up.
They said, “Sing us one of your songs You know my thoughts from far away.
about Zion.” 3 You know where I go and where I lie
4 But we cannot sing the Lord’s songs down.
in a foreign country! You know everything I do.
5 Jerusalem, if I ever forget you, 4 Lord, you know what I want to say,
may I never play a song again. even before the words leave my mouth.
6 If I fail to remember you, 5 You are all around me—in front of me and
may I never sing again. behind me.
I will always remember Jerusalem I feel your hand on my shoulder.
as my greatest joy! 6 I am amazed at what you know;
it is too much for me to understand.
7 Lord, be sure to punish the Edomites for 7 Your Spirit is everywhere I go.
what they did I cannot escape your presence.
when Jerusalem was captured. 8 If I go up to heaven, you will be there.
They shouted, “Destroy its buildings! If I go down to the place of death, you
Pull them down to the ground!” will be there.
8 Babylon, you will be destroyed! 9 If I go east where the sun rises
Bless the one who pays you back for or go to live in the west beyond the sea,
what you did to us. 10 even there you will take my hand and
9 Bless the one who grabs your babies lead me.
and smashes them against a rock. Your strong right hand will protect me.
a 137:2 These instruments were used to praise God 11 Suppose I wanted to hide from you and
in the Temple in Jerusalem. Since it was destroyed, said,
the people had no reason to play the songs. “Surely the darkness will hide me.
PSALM 139:12 504
The day will change to night and cover 4 Lord, save me from the wicked!
me.” Protect me from these cruel people who
12 Even the darkness is not dark to you. plan to hurt me.
The night is as bright as the day. 5 These proud people are trying to trap
Darkness and light are the same. me.
13 You formed the way I think and feel.a They spread nets to catch me;
You put me together in my mother’s they set traps in my path. Selah
womb.
14 I praise you because you made me in such 6 Lord, you are my God.
a wonderful way. Lord, listen to my prayer.
I know how amazing that was! 7 My Lord God, you are the powerful one
who saves me.
15 You could see my bones grow as my body You protect my head in battle.
took shape, 8 Lord, don’t let the wicked have what they
hidden in my mother’s womb.b want.
16 You could see my body grow each passing Don’t let their plans succeed. Selah
day.c
You listed all my parts, and not one of 9 My enemies are planning trouble for me.
them was missing. Lord, make that trouble fall on them.
17 Your thoughts are beyond my 10 Pour burning coals on their heads.
understanding.d Throw them into the fire.
They cannot be measured! Throw them into pits they can never
18 If I could count them, they would be escape.
more than all the grains of sand. 11 Don’t let those cruel liars enjoy success
But when I finished, I would have just here.
begun.e Let disaster hunt them down.
12 I know the Lord will provide justice for
19 You murderers, get away from me! the poor
God, kill those wicked people— and will defend the helpless.
20 those who say bad things about you. 13 Those who do what is right will praise
Your enemies use your name falsely.f your name;
21 Lord, I hate those who hate you. those who are honest will live in your
I hate those who are against you. presence.
22 I hate them completely!
23
Your enemies are also my enemies.
God, examine me and know my mind.
Test me and know all my worries.
141 1
A praise song of David.*
140
1
To the director*:
A praise song of David.*
Lord, save me from people who are evil. 3
sacrifice.*
142
1
A maskil* of David written when he
was in the cave. A prayer.
I cry out to the Lord.
You are my God.
Let your good Spirit lead me over level
ground.
I beg the Lord to help me. 11 Lord, let me live
2 I tell him my problems; so that people will praise your name.
I tell him about my troubles. Show me how good you are
3 I am ready to give up. and save me from my trouble.
But you, Lord, know the path I am on, 12 Show me your love
and you know that my enemies have set and defeat my enemies.
a trap for me. Destroy those who are trying to kill me
because I am your servant.
4 I look around,
and I don’t see anyone I know.
I have no place to run.
There is no one to save me.
1441
A song of David.*
143
1
A praise song of David.*
145
1
A song of David.*
I will tell of your greatness, my God and 146 1Praise the Lord!
My soul, praise the Lord!
King. 2 I will praise the Lord all my life.
I will praise your name forever and ever. I will sing praises to him as long as I
2 I will praise you every day. live.
I will praise your name forever and 3 Don’t depend on your leaders for help.
ever. Don’t depend on people, because they
3 The Lord is great and deserves all our cannot save you.
praise! 4 People die and are buried.
No one can fully understand his Then all their plans to help are gone.
greatness! 5 It is a great blessing for people to have the
4 Each generation will praise you God of Jacob* to help them.
and tell the next generation about the They depend on the Lord their God.
great things you do. 6 He made heaven and earth.
5 Your majesty and glory* are wonderful. He made the sea and everything in it.
I will tell about your miracles.* He can be trusted to do what he says.
6 People will tell about the amazing things 7 He does what is right for those who have
you do. been hurt.
I will tell about the great things you do. He gives food to the hungry.
7 They will tell about the good things you The Lord frees people locked up in
do. prison.
They will sing about your goodness. 8 The Lord makes the blind see again.
8 The Lord is kind and merciful, The Lord helps those who are in trouble.
patient and full of love. The Lord loves those who do right.
9 The Lord is good to everyone. 9 The Lord protects strangers in our
He shows his mercy to everything he country.
made. He cares for widows and orphans,
10 Lord, all you have made will give thanks but he destroys the wicked.
to you. 10 The Lord will rule forever!
Your loyal followers will praise you. Zion,* your God will rule forever and
11 They will tell how great your kingdom is. ever!
They will tell how great you are.
12 So others will learn about the mighty Praise the Lord!
things you do,
about the glory of your kingdom—how a 145:13 The Lord … he does This is found in the
marvelous it is! ancient Greek and Syriac versions and a Hebrew
13 Your kingdom will never end, scroll from Qumran, but not in the standard Hebrew
and you will rule forever. text.
507 PSALM 149:9
147 1Praise
good.
the Lord because he is
9
They will put their kings in chains
and their leaders in chains of iron.
They will punish those nations as God
2 Praise him, all you angels! commanded.
Praise him, all his armya! This is an honor for all his followers.
3 Sun and moon, praise him!
Stars and lights in the sky, praise him! Praise the Lord!
4 Praise the Lord, highest heaven!
Waters above the sky, praise him!
b 149:1 new song Whenever God did a new and
a 148:2 his army This can mean “angels,” “stars and wonderful thing for his people, they would write a
planets,” or “soldiers in an army.” new song about it.
PSALM 150:1 508
Proverbs
Introduction to do something evil, and they cannot wait to
a 12:28 that is … forever Or “but there is a path that c 13:23 Or “The fields of the poor might produce
leads to death.” plenty of food, but the unjust often take it away.”
b 13:9 Or “The light of those who do right is happy; d 14:1 Or “Wisdom builds her house, but Foolishness
the lamp of the wicked goes out.” tears hers down with her own hands.”
PROVERBS 14:19 516
19Good people will defeat those who are 8The Lord hates the offerings of the wicked,
evil, and the wicked will be forced to show but he is happy to hear the prayers of those
respect to those who live right. who live right.
20The poor have no friends, not even their 9The Lord hates the way evil people live,
neighbors, but the rich have many friends. but he loves those who try to do good.
21It is wrong to say bad things about your 10Whoever stops living right will be pun-
neighbors. Be kind to the poor, and you will ished. Whoever hates to be corrected will be
be blessed. destroyed.
22Whoever works to do good will find love 11The Lord knows everything, even what
and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing happens in the place of death. So surely he
evil. knows what people are thinking.
23If you work hard, you will have plenty. 12Fools hate to be told they are wrong, so
If you do nothing but talk, you will not have they refuse to ask wise people for advice.
enough. 13If you are happy, your face shows it. If you
24A wise person’s reward is wealth, but a are sad, your spirit feels defeated.
fool’s reward is foolishness. 14Intelligent people want more knowledge,
25A witness who tells the truth saves lives, but fools only want more nonsense.
but one who tells lies hurts others. 15Life is always hard for the poor, but the
26People who respect the Lord will be right attitude can turn it into a party.
safe, and they will make their children feel 16It is better to be poor and respect the Lord
secure. than to be rich and have many troubles.
27Respect for the Lord gives true life and 17It is better to eat a little where there is
will save you from death’s trap. love than to eat a lot where there is hate.
28Kings of large nations have great honor. 18A quick temper causes fights, but patience
Rulers without a country have nothing. brings peace and calm.
29A patient person is very smart. A quick- 19For lazy people, life is a path overgrown
tempered person makes stupid mistakes. with thorns and thistles. For those who do
30Peace of mind makes the body healthy, what is right, it is a smooth highway.
but jealousy is like a cancer. 20Wise children make their parents happy.
31Whoever takes advantage of the poor Foolish children bring them shame.
insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to 21Doing foolish things makes a fool happy,
them honors him. but a wise person is careful to do what is
32The wicked will be defeated by their right.
evil, but good people are protected by their 22If you don’t ask for advice, your plans will
honesty.a fail. With many advisors, they will succeed.
33A wise person is always thinking wise 23People are happy when they give a good
thoughts, but a fool knows nothing about answer. And there is nothing better than the
wisdom. right word at the right time.
34Goodness makes a nation great, but sin is 24What wise people do leads to life here on
a shame to any people. earthb and stops them from going down to the
35Kings are pleased with intelligent offi- place of death.
cials, but they will punish shameful ones. 25The Lord destroys a proud man’s house
15
grow.
1A gentle answer makes anger dis-
appear, but a rough answer makes it
but protects a widow’s property.
26The Lord hates evil thoughts, but he is
pleased with kind words.
2Listening to wise people increases your 27Whoever takes money to do wrong invites
knowledge, but only nonsense comes from disaster. Refuse such gifts, and you will live.
the mouths of fools. 28Good people think before they answer,
3The Lord sees what happens everywhere. but the wicked do not, and what they say
He watches everyone, good and evil. causes trouble.
4Kind words are like a life-giving tree, but 29The Lord is far away from the wicked,
lying words will crush your spirit. but he always hears the prayers of those who
5Fools refuse to listen to their father’s do what is right.
advice, but those who accept discipline are 30A smilec makes people happy. Good news
smart. makes them feel better.
6Good people are rich in many ways, but 31To be counted among the wise, you must
those who are evil get nothing but trouble. learn to accept helpful criticism.
7Wise people say things that give you 32If you refuse to be corrected, you are only
new knowledge, but fools say nothing worth hurting yourself. Listen to criticism, and you
hearing. will gain understanding.
a 14:32 Or “The wicked will be crushed by their evil, b 15:24 here on earth Literally, “above,” that is,
and those who hope for their destruction are right “above the ground.”
to do so.” c 15:30 smile Literally, “a sparkle in the eyes.”
517 PROVERBS 17:13
33Wisdom teaches you to respect the Lord. 23Wise people always think before they
You must be humbled before you can be speak, so what they say is worth listening
honored. to.
a 16:6 remove your guilt Or “make atonement.” cubs than a fool who is busy doing foolish
The Hebrew word means “to cover,” or “to erase” a things.
13If you do wrong to those who were good
person’s sins.
b 16:12 Kings … wrong Or “It is disgusting when to you, you will have trouble the rest of your
kings do wrong,” life.
PROVERBS 17:14 518
14The start of an argument is like a small 11The rich think their wealth will protect
leak in a dam. Stop it before a big fight breaks them. They think it is a strong fortress.
out. 12A proud person will soon be ruined, but a
15The Lord hates these two things: pun- humble person will be honored.
ishing the innocent and letting the guilty go 13Let people finish speaking before you
free. try to answer them. That way you will not
16Money is wasted on fools. They cannot embarrass yourself and look foolish.
buy wisdom when they have no sense. 14A good attitude will support you when
17A friend loves you all the time, but a you are sick, but if you give up, nothing can
brother was born to help in times of trouble. help.b
18Only a fool would promise to pay for 15Wise people want to learn more, so they
someone else’s debts. listen closely to gain knowledge.
19A troublemaker loves to start argu- 16Gifts can open many doors and help you
ments. Anyone who likes to brag is asking for meet important people.
trouble. 17The first person to speak always seems
20Crooks will not profit from their crimes, right until someone comes and asks the right
and those who plan to cause trouble will be questions.
trapped when it comes. 18The best way to settle an argument
21A man who has a fool for a son will be between two powerful people may be to use
disappointed. A fool brings no joy to his lots.*
father. 19An insulted brother is harder to win back
22Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow than a city with strong walls. Arguments sep-
is a disease. arate people like the strong bars of a palace
23A wicked judge will accept a bribe, and gate.
that keeps justice from being done. 20Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as
24Intelligent people think about what needs pleasing as the food that fills your stomach.
to be done here and now. Fools are always 21The tongue can speak words that bring
dreaming about faraway places. life or death. Those who love to talk must be
25Foolish children upset their parents and ready to accept what it brings.
make them sad. 22If you find a wife, you have found some-
26It is wrong to punish an innocent person thing good. She shows that the Lord is happy
or attack leaders for doing what is right. with you.
27Intelligent people choose their words 23The poor are polite when they beg for
carefully. Those who know what they are help. The rich are rude with their answer.
doing remain calm.a 24Some friends are fun to be with,c but a
28Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing true friend can be better than a brother.
and appear to be smart.
—1— — 11 —
22Itis easy to steal from the poor, but don’t 12Listen to your teacher and learn all you
do it. And don’t take advantage of them in can.
court. 23The Lord is on their side. He sup-
ports the poor, and he will take from those — 12 —
who take from them. 13Always correct children when they need
it. If you spank them, it will not kill them.
—2— 14In fact, you might save their lives.
24Don’t be friends with people who become
angry easily. Don’t stay around quick-tem- — 13 —
pered people. 25If you do, you may learn to 15Myson, it makes me happy when you
be like them. Then you will have the same make a wise decision. 16It makes me feel good
problems they do. inside when you say the right things.
—3— — 14 —
26Don’t promise to pay someone else’s 17Never envy evil people, but always respect
debt. 27If you cannot pay, you will lose
every- the Lord. 18This will give you something to
thing you have. So why should you lose the hope for that will not disappoint you.
bed you sleep on?
— 15 —
—4— 19Solisten, my son, and be wise. Always be
28Never move an old property line that was careful to follow the right path. 20Don’t make
marked long ago by your ancestors.* friends with people who drink too much wine
and eat too much food. 21Those who eat and
—5— drink too much become poor. They sleep too
29Skilled workers will always serve kings. much and end up wearing rags.
They will never have to work for less impor-
tant people. — 16 —
22Listento your father. Without him, you
—6— would never have been born. Respect your
23 1When
you sit and eat with an impor-
tant person, remember who you are
with. 2Never eat too much, even if you are
mother, even when she is old. 23Truth, wis-
dom, learning, and understanding are worth
paying money for. They are worth far too
very hungry. 3Don’t eat too much of his fine much to ever sell. 24The father of a good per-
food. It might be a trick. son is very happy. A wise child brings him joy.
25Make both of your parents happy. Give your
—7— mother that same joy.
4Don’t ruin your health trying to get rich.
If you are smart, you will give it up. 5In the — 17 —
blink of an eye, money can disappear, as if it 26My son, listen closely to what I am saying.
grew wings and flew away like a bird. Let my life be your example. 27Prostitutes and
bad women are a trap. They are like a deep
—8— well that you cannot escape. 28A bad woman
6Don’t eat with selfish people. Control any waits for you like a thief, and she causes many
desire you have for their finest foods. 7They men to be unfaithful to their wives.
might tell you to eat and drink all you want,
but they don’t really mean it. They are the — 18 —
kind of people who are only thinking about 29‑30Who gets into fights and arguments?
Who gets hurt for no reason and has red,
bloodshot eyes? People who stay out too
a 22:20 I have … for you Or “I wrote this for you late drinking wine, staring into their strong
earlier.” drinks.
PROVERBS 23:31 522
31So be careful with wine. It is pretty and homes. 16Good people might fall again and
red as it sparkles in the cup. And it goes down again, but they always get up. It is the wicked
so smoothly when you drink it. 32But in the who are defeated by their troubles.
end, it will bite like a snake.
33Wine will cause you to see strange things — 28 —
and to say things that make no sense. 34When 17Don’t be happy when your enemy has
you lie down, you will think you are on a troubles. Don’t be glad when they fall. 18The
rough sea and feel like you are at the top Lord will see this, and he might be upset with
of the mast.* 35You will say, “They hit me, you and decide not to punish your enemy.
but I never felt it. They beat me, but I don’t
remember it. Now I can’t wake up. I need — 29 —
another drink.” 19Don’t let those who are evil upset you,
and don’t be jealous of them. 20They have no
— 19 — hope. Their light will burn out.
Ecclesiastes
1 1These are the words from the Teacher, a
son of David and king of Jerusalem.
2Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher
9All
Nothing Is New
things continue the way they have
been since the beginning. The same things
says that it is all a waste of time!b 3Do people will be done that have always been done.
really gain anything from all the hard work There is nothing new in this life.
they do in this lifec? 10Someone might say, “Look, this is new,”
but that thing has always been here. It was
Things Never Change here before we were.
4Peoplelive and people die, but the earth 11People don’t remember what happened
continues forever. 5The sun rises and the sun long ago. In the future, they will not remem-
goes down, and then it hurries to rise again in ber what is happening now. And later, other
the same place. people will not remember what the people
6The wind blows to the south, and the before them did.
wind blows to the north. The wind blows
around and around. Then it turns and blows Does Wisdom Bring Happiness?
back to the place it began. 12I,
the Teacher, was king over Israel in
7All rivers flow again and again to the same Jerusalem. 13I decided to study and to use
place. They all flow to the sea, but the sea my wisdom to learn about everything that is
never becomes full. done in this life. I learned that it is a very
8Words cannot fully explain things,d but hard thing that God has given us to do. 14I
people continue speaking.e Words come looked at everything done on earth, and I saw
again and again to our ears, but our ears don’t that it is all a waste of time. It is like trying
become full. And our eyes don’t become full to catch the wind.f 15If something is crooked,
of what we see. you cannot say it is straight. And if something
is missing, you cannot say it is there.
b 1:2 meaningless … a waste of time The Hebrew 16I said to myself, “I am very wise. I am
word means “vapor or breath” or “something that wiser than all the kings who ruled Jerusalem
is useless, meaningless, empty, wrong, or a waste before me. I know what wisdom and knowl-
of time.” edge really are.”
c 1:3 in this life Literally, “under the sun.” Also in
verses 9, 13.
d 1:8 Words cannot fully explain things Literally, “All f 1:14 trying to catch the wind Or “It is very trou‑
words are weak.” bling to the spirit.” The word for “troubling” can also
e 1:8 but people continue speaking The Hebrew mean “craving,” and the word for “spirit” can also
could also be translated, “People cannot speak.” mean “wind.” Also in verse 17.
ECCLESIASTES 1:17 528
17I decided to learn how wisdom and 14Wise people use their minds like eyes to see
knowledge are better than thinking foolish where they are going. But for fools, it is as if
thoughts. But I learned that trying to become they are walking in the dark.
wise is like trying to catch the wind. 18With I also saw that fools and wise people both
much wisdom comes frustration. The one end the same way. 15I thought to myself, “The
who gains more wisdom also gains more same thing that happens to a fool will also
sorrow. happen to me. So why have I tried so hard to
become wise?” I said to myself, “Being wise
Does “Having Fun” Bring Happiness? is also useless.” 16Whether people are wise
Serve God While You Are Young 8Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher
9So young people, enjoy yourselves while says that it is all a waste of time!e
you are young. Be happy. Do whatever your
heart leads you to do. Do whatever you want, Final Words of Advice
but remember that God will judge you for 9The
Teacher was very wise. He used his
everything you do. 10Don’t let your anger wisdom to teach the people. He very carefully
control you, and don’t let your body lead you studied and arrangedf many wise teachings.
to sin.b People do foolish things in the dawn 10The Teacher tried very hard to find the right
of life while they are young. words, and he wrote the teachings that are
true and dependable.
The Problems of Old Age 11Words from the wise are like sharp goads.*
Song of Songs
1 1Solomon’s Most Wonderful Song.
He Speaks to Her
8 You are such a beautiful woman. e 1:9 mare … stallions Female and male horses.
Surely you know what to do. Only male horses were used to pull chariots.
Go, follow the sheep. f 1:9 Literally, “To a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots I
compare you, my darling.”
a 1:3 name In Hebrew this word sounds like the g 1:10‑11 headband The meaning of this Hebrew
word “perfume.” word here is uncertain. It might be a headband with
b 1:5 Kedar and Salma Arabian tribes. For “Salma” decorations dangling at the cheeks.
the standard Hebrew text has “Solomon,” but com‑ h 1:16 fresh and pleasant Or “lush and green” like a
pare “Salma, Salmon” in Ruth 4:20‑21. fresh field of grass.
c 1:6 myself Literally, “my own vineyard.” i 2:1 rose … Sharon Or “a crocus on the plain.”
d 1:7 hired woman Or “a woman wearing a veil.” This j 2:1 lily A kind of flower. Here, it is probably a red
might mean a prostitute. flower.
SONG OF SONGS 2:2 536
He Speaks Our vineyard is now in bloom.
2 My darling, among other women,
you are like a lily among thorns! 16 My lover is mine,
and I am his!
She Speaks My lover feeds among the lilies,
3 My lover, among other men, 17 while the day breathes its last breath
you are an apple tree among the wild and the shadows run away.
trees in the forest! Turn, my lover,
be like a gazelle* or a young deer on the
She Speaks to the Women cleft mountains!f
I enjoy sitting in my lover’s shadow;
his fruit is so sweet to my taste. She Speaks
4
5
My lover took me to the wine house;
his intent toward me was love.
Strengthen me with raisinsa;
3 1At night on my bed,
I look for the man I love.
I looked for him,
refresh me with apples, because I am but I could not find him.
weak with love.b 2 I will get up now!
6 My lover’s left arm is under my head, I will go around the city.
and his right arm holds me. In the streets and squares,
I will look for the man I love.
7 Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the
gazelles* and wild deer, I looked for him,
don’t awaken love, but I could not find him.
don’t arouse love, until I am ready.c 3 The guards patrolling the city found me.
I asked them, “Have you seen the man I
She Speaks Again love?”
8 I hear my lover’s voice.
Here it comes, 4 I had just left the guards
jumping over the mountains, when I found the man I love!
skipping over the hills. I held him.
9 My lover is like a gazelle* I would not let him go,
or a young deer. while I took him to my mother’s house,
Look at him standing behind our wall, to the room of one who boreg me.
staring out the window,
looking through the lattice.d She Speaks to the Women
10 My lover speaks to me, 5 Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the
“Get up, my darling, my beautiful one. gazelles* and wild deer,
Let’s go away! don’t awaken love,
11 Look, winter is past, don’t arouse love, until I am ready.h
the rains have come and gone.
12 The flowers are blooming in the fields. The Women of Jerusalem Speak
It’s time to sing!e 6 Who is this woman
Listen, the doves have returned. coming from the deserti
13 Young figs are growing on the fig trees. {with this large group of people}?
Smell the vines in bloom. The dust rises behind them
Get up, my darling, my beautiful one. like clouds of smoke from burning
Let’s go away!” myrrh* and frankincense* and other
spices. j
He Speaks
14 My dove, 7 Look, Solomon’s traveling chair.k
hiding in the caves high on the cliff, There are 60 soldiers guarding it,
hidden here on the mountain, strong soldiers of Israel.
let me see you, 8 All of them are trained fighting men
let me hear your voice. with their swords at their side,
Your voice is so pleasant, ready for any danger of the night.
and you are so beautiful!
f 2:17 the cleft mountains Or “the mountains of
She Speaks to the Women Bether” or “the mountains of spice.”
15 Catch the foxes for us— g 3:4 bore Or “taught.” See 8:2.
h 3:5 until I am ready Literally, “until it desires.”
the little foxes that spoil the vineyard.* i 3:6 woman coming from the desert See 8:5.
a 2:5 raisins Or “raisin cakes.” j 3:6 spices Literally, “powders of the trader.” These
b 2:5 I am weak with love Or “I am lovesick.” were imported spices and incense.
c 2:7 until I am ready Literally, “until it desires.” k 3:7 traveling chair A kind of chair that the rich
d 2:9 lattice A wooden screen over a window. traveled in. These chairs were covered and had
e 2:12 sing Or “prune.” poles that slaves used to carry them. Also in verse 9.
537 SONG OF SONGS 5:2
9 King Solomon made a traveling chair for you excite me!
himself. You have stolen my heart
The wood came from Lebanon. with just one quick look from your eyes,
10 The poles were made from silver, with just one of the jewels from your
and the supports were made from gold. necklace.
The seat was covered with purple cloth. 10 Your love is so beautiful, my darling, my
It was inlaid with love by the women of bride!
Jerusalem. Your love is better than wine.
The smell of your perfume
11 Women of Zion, come out is better than any kind of spice!
and see King Solomon. 11 My bride, your lips drip honey.
See the crowna his mother put on him Honey and milk are under your tongue.
the day he was married, Your clothes smell as sweet as perfume.g
the day he was so happy! 12 My darling, my bride, {you are pure}
like a locked garden.
He Speaks to Her You are like a locked pool,
Isaiah
1 1This is the vision* of Isaiah son of Amoz.
God showed Isaiah what would happen
to Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah saw this during
and insulted the Holy One of Israel. They
turned away and treated him like a stranger.
5What good will it do to keep punishing
the time when Uzziah,* Jotham,* Ahaz,* and you? You will continue to rebel. Your whole
Hezekiah* were kings of Judah. head and heart are already sick and aching.g
6From the bottom of your feet to the top
God’s Case Against Israel of your head, every part of your body has
2Heaven and earth, listen! This is what the wounds, cuts, and open sores. You have not
Lord says: taken care of them. Your wounds have not
been cleaned and bandaged.
“I raised my children and helped them 7Your land is in ruins, and your cities are in
grow up, flames. Your enemies have taken your land,
but they have turned against me. and foreigners are taking what it produces. It
3 A bull knows its master, looks like some foreigners destroyed it.h
and a donkey knows where its owner
feeds it.
But Israel* does not know me.
My people do not understand.” children of evil parents.”
g 1:5 Your whole … aching Or “Every head and heart
4Oh, what a sinful nation! Their guilt is like is already sick and aching.”
h 1:7 It looks … destroyed it Or “It looks like the land
a heavy weight that they must carry. They are of the foreigners that was destroyed.” This might
evil, destructive children.f They left the Lord refer to civil war in Israel or to some time when
God destroyed foreign nations, such as Sodom and
f 1:4 They … children Or “They are destructive Gomorrah.
541 ISAIAH 2:4
Warnings for Jerusalem to cheat people, and they don’t speak up for
8The city of Jerusalema is now like an empty widows and orphans. They will not even lis-
shed left in a vineyard.* It is like an old straw ten to their cries for help.
hut abandoned in a field of cucumbers or like 24Because of this, the Lord God All-Powerful,
a city surrounded by enemies. 9If the Lord the Mighty One of Israel, says, “Look, I will get
All-Powerful had not allowed a few people relief from my enemies. You will not cause me
to live, we would have been destroyed com- any more trouble. 25People use lye to clean sil-
pletely like the cities of Sodom* and Gomor- ver. In the same way, I will clean away all your
rah.* And that almost happened! wrongs. I will remove all the impurities from
10You officers of Sodom, listen to the Lord’s you. 26I will bring back the kind of judges you
message. You people of Gomorrah,b listen to had in the beginning. Your counselors will be
God’s teaching. 11The Lord says, “Why do like those you had long ago. Then you will be
you continue giving me all these sacrifices*? called ‘The Good and Faithful City.’”
I have had enough of your sacrifices of rams 27God is good and does what is right, so he
and the fat from well-fed animals. I don’t will rescue Zion* and the people who come
want the blood of those bulls, sheep, and back to him. 28But all the criminals and sin-
goats. 12When you people come to meet with ners will be destroyed. Those who stopped
me, you trample everything in my yard. Who following the Lord will be removed.
told you to do this? 29In the future, you will be ashamed of the
13“Don’t keep bringing me those worth- oak trees and special gardensc you chose to
less sacrifices. I hate the incense* you give worship, 30because you will be like an oak
me. I cannot stand your festivals for the New tree whose leaves are dying. You will be like
Moon,* the Sabbath,* and other special meet- a garden dying without water. 31Powerful
ing days. I hate the evil you do during those people will be like small, dry pieces of wood,
holy* times together. 14I hate your monthly and what they did will be like the sparks that
meetings and councils. They have become start a fire. These people and their works will
like heavy weights to me, and I am tired of both burn up, and no one will be able to put
carrying them. out that fire.
15“When you raise your arms to pray to me,
I will refuse to look at you. You will say more God’s Message to Judah and Jerusalem
and more prayers, but I will refuse to listen
because your hands are covered with blood.
16“Wash yourselves and make yourselves
2 1Isaiah son of Amoz saw this message
about Judah and Jerusalem.
clean. Stop doing the evil things I see you do. 2 In the last days the mountain of the
Stop doing wrong. 17Learn to do good. Treat Lord’s Temple*
people fairly. Punish those who hurt others. will be the highest of all mountains.
Speak up for the widows and orphans. Argue It will be raised higher than the hills.
their cases for them in court.” There will be a steady stream of people
18“Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your from all nations going there.
sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be 3 People from many places will go there
removed and you will be as pure as wool that and say,
is as white as snow. “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the
19“If you listen to what I say, you will get Lord,
the good things from this land. 20But if you to the Temple of the God of Jacob.*
refuse to listen and rebel against me, your Then God will teach us his way of living,
enemies will destroy you.” and we will follow him.”
The Lord himself said this.
His teaching, the Lord’s message, will
Unfaithful Jerusalem begin in Jerusalem on Mount Zion*
21Look at Jerusalem. She was a faithful city. and will go out to all the world.
What made her become like a prostitute? In 4 Then God will act as judge to end
the past, Jerusalem was filled with justice, arguments between nations.
and goodness should live there now. Instead, He will decide what is right for people
there are murderers. from many lands.
22Once you were like pure silver, but now They will stop using their weapons for
you are like the impurities that people throw war.
away when the silver is purified. You are They will hammer their swords into
like good wine that has been weakened with plows
water. 23Your rulers are rebels and friends and use their spears to make tools for
of thieves. They demand bribes and accept harvesting.
money for doing wrong. They take money All fighting between nations will end.
a 1:8 city of Jerusalem Literally, “daughter Zion.” See They will never again train for war.
“Zion” in the Word List.
b 1:10 officers of Sodom … Gomorrah Here, this c 1:29 special gardens Gardens where people
refers to leaders and people from Judah. worshiped false gods.
ISAIAH 2:5 542
5Family of Jacob, let us follow the Lord. take away the army officers and important
6Family of Jacob, you have abandoned your officials. He will take away the skilled
people. This is clear because they have been counselors, the magicians, and those who try
filled with bad influences from the East,a and to tell the future.
now your people try to tell the future like the 4The Lord says, “I will put young boys in
Philistines.* They have completely accepted charge of you. They will be your leaders. 5The
those strange ideas. 7Jacob’s land has been people will turn against each other. Young
filled with silver and gold from other places. people will not respect those who are older.
There are many treasures there. His land has The common people will not respect impor-
been filled with horses and many chariots.* tant leaders.”
8His land is full of gods that the people bow 6At that time a man will grab one of his
down to worship. They made those idols* brothers from his own family and tell him,
themselves. 9The people have become worse “You have a coat,d so you will be our leader.
and worse. They have become very low, and You will be the leader over all these ruins.”
you leaders did nothing to lift them up!b 7But the brother will refuse and say, “I
10You should be afraid of the Lord! Go hide cannot help you. I don’t have enough food or
in the dirt and behind the rocks. Hide from clothes for my own family. You will not make
his glorious power! me your leader.”
11Proud people will stop being proud. They 8This will happen because Jerusalem has
will bow down to the ground with shame, stumbled, and Judah has fallen. They turned
and only the Lord will still stand high. against the Lord. They said and did things
12The Lord All-Powerful has a special day against him, right in front of his glorious
planned when he will punish the proud and eyes.
boastful people. They will be brought down. 9The look on their faces shows that they
13They might be like the tall cedar trees from are guilty. They are like the people of Sodom;
Lebanon* or the great oak trees from Bashan,* they don’t care who sees their sin. But it will
but they will be cut down. 14They might be be very bad for them. They will get what they
like the tall mountains and high hills 15or like deserve.
the tall towers and high walls, but they will 10Tell the good people who do what is right
be brought down. 16They might be like great that good things will happen to them. They
ships from Tarshish,c filled with such won- will receive a reward for what they do. 11But
derful cargo, but they will be brought down. it will be very bad for wicked people, because
17At that time those proud people will fall. they, too, will get what they deserve. They
They will bow low to the ground, and only will get what they did to others. 12Even chil-
the Lord will stand high. 18All the idols will dren will defeat my people, and women will
be gone. 19People will go into the holes in the rule over them.
ground and the cracks in the rocks because My people, your guides lead you the wrong
they fear the Lord and his great power as he way, and they destroy the path you should
stands to shake the earth. follow.
20At that time people will throw away their
idols they made from gold and silver. They God’s Decision About His People
made these statues to worship, but they will 13Look, the Lord is standing to judge his
throw them into holes in the ground where people. 14The Lord is ready to present his case
bats and moles live. 21They will go down into against the elders* and leaders of his people.
cracks in the rocks and boulders because they The Lord says, “You people have burned
are afraid of the Lord and his glorious power the vineyard,e and what you stole from the
as he stands to shake the earth. poor is still in your houses. 15What gives you
22Stop trusting other people to save you. the right to hurt my people? What gives you
Do not think too highly of them; they are the right to push the faces of the poor into the
only humans who have not stopped breath- dirt?” The Lord God All-Powerful said this.
ing yet. 16The Lord says, “The women in Zion*
a 9:4 as you … Midian See Judges 7:15–25. God Will Punish Assyria’s Pride
b 9:7 strong love The Hebrew word means strong
5The Lord says, “I will use Assyria* like a
feelings like love, hate, anger, zeal, or jealousy. stick. In my anger I will use Assyria to punish
c 9:8 Or “The Lord sent a command to Jacob and it Israel. 6I will send Assyria to fight against the
happened to Israel.” people who do evil. I am angry with them,
ISAIAH 10:7 548
and I will command Assyria to fight against 21Those who are left in Jacob’s family will
them. Assyria will defeat them and take their again follow the Powerful God.b
wealth. Israel will be like dirt for Assyria to 22Your people are as many as the sands of
walk on in the streets. the sea, but only a few of them will be left to
7“But Assyria does not understand that I come back to the Lord. They will return to
will use him. He does not think of himself God, but first, your country will be destroyed.
as my tool. He only wants to destroy other God has announced that he will destroy the
people. He plans to destroy many nations. land, and then justice will come into the
8Assyria says to himself, ‘All of my officers land; it will be like a river flowing full. 23The
are like kings! 9The city of Calno is no bet- Lord God All-Powerful really will destroy this
ter than the city of Carchemish. Arpad is land.
like Hamath, and Samaria is like Damascus. 24The Lord God All-Powerful says, “My
10I defeated those evil kingdoms and now I people living in Zion,* don’t be afraid of
control them. The idols* those people wor- Assyria*! Yes, he will beat you, and it will be
ship are better than the idols of Jerusalem and just as the time when Egypt beat you with a
Samaria. 11I defeated Samaria and her gods. I stick. 25But after a short time my anger will
will also defeat Jerusalem and the idols her stop. I will be satisfied that Assyria has pun-
people have made.’” ished you enough.”
12When the Lord finishes doing what he 26Then the Lord All-Powerful will beat
planned to Jerusalem and Mount Zion,* he Assyria with a whip, just as he defeated Mid-
will punish Assyria. The king of Assyria is ian at Raven Rock.c He will punish his ene-
very proud. His pride made him do many bad mies, as he did when he raised his stick over
things, so God will punish him. the sead and led his people from Egypt.
13The king of Assyria said, “I am very wise. 27He will take away the troubles Assyria
By my own wisdom and power I have done brought you—troubles that are like heavy
many great things. I have defeated many weights carried with a yoke* on your neck.
nations. I have taken their wealth and their But that yoke will be taken off your neck. The
people as slaves. I am a very powerful man. burden will be lifted from your shoulders.
14With my own hands I have taken the riches
of all these people—like someone taking eggs The Army of Assyria Invades Israel
from a bird’s nest. A bird often leaves its nest 28 eThe army of Assyria will enter near the
and eggs, and there is nothing to protect the “Ruins” (Aiath). The army will walk on the
nest. There is no bird to chirp and fight with “Threshing Floor” (Migron). It will keep its
its wings and beak, so anyone can come take food in the “Storehouse” (Micmash). 29The
the eggs. And there is no one to stop me from army will cross the river at the “Crossing”
taking all the people on earth.” (Maabarah) and sleep at Geba. Ramah will be
15An ax is not better than the one who afraid. The people at Gibeah of Saulf will run
cuts with it. A saw is not better than the one away.
who uses it. Is a stick stronger than the one 30Cry out, Bath Gallimg! Laishah, lis-
who picks it up? It can’t do anything to the ten! Anathoth, answer me! 31The people of
person who is using it to punish someone! Madmenah are running away. The people
16But Assyria doesn’t understand this. So the of Gebimh are hiding. 32This day the army
Lord All-Powerful will send a terrible dis- will stop at Nob and prepare to fight against
ease against him. He will lose his wealth and Mount Zion,* the hill of Jerusalem.
power like a sick man losing weight. Then 33Look, the Lord God All-Powerful will use
Assyria’s glory will be destroyed. It will be his great power and chop down that great
like a fire burning until everything is gone. tree. Their highest officials will be brought
17The Light of Israela will be like a fire. The down. Their most important leaders will
Holy One will be like a flame. He will be like be humbled. 34The Lord will cut down his
a fire that first begins to burn the weeds and
thorns 18and then spreads to burn up the tall
b 10:21 Powerful God See Isa. 9:6.
trees and vineyards.* Finally, everything will
c 10:26 Midian at Raven Rock Or “Midian at the Rock
be destroyed—even the people. Assyria will
of Oreb.” See Judges 7:25.
be like a rotting log. 19There will be a few d 10:26 he raised … sea See Ex. 14:1‑15:21.
trees left standing in the forest—so few that e 10:28‑32 Isaiah uses names with double mean‑
even a child could count them. ings to describe the different ways the Assyrian
20Then the people from Jacob’s* family who army would fight against Judah.
are left living in Israel will stop depending on f 10:29 Geba, Ramah … Gibeah of Saul Towns north
the one who beat them. They will learn to of Jerusalem.
g 10:30 Bath Gallim Gallim, a city south of Jerusa‑
depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.
lem. This name means “daughter of the waves,” and
might refer to birds that make loud noises by the
shore.
a 10:17 The Light of Israel This is a name for God, h 10:31 Gebim An unknown city. This name is like
like “The Holy One” in the next sentence. See “Israel” the Hebrew word for “pit” or “cistern,” a hole in the
in the Word List. ground for storing water.
549 ISAIAH 13:2
enemies as an ax is used to cut down the tall flying down to catch a small animal. Together,
trees in Lebanon.* they will take the riches from the people in
the East.d Ephraim and Judah will control
The King of Peace Is Coming Edom, Moab, and the people in Ammon.e
Ethiopia, Elam, Babylonia, Hamath, and other 2“Raise a flag on that mountaini where
faraway countries around the world. 12The nothing grows.
Lord will gather the people of Israel* and Call out to the men.
Judah who were forced to leave their country. Wave your arms to let them know
They were scattered to all the faraway places they should enter through the gates for
on earth. But the Lord will raise the flag as a important leaders.
sign for the other nations, and he will gather
his people together again. d 11:14 East This usually refers to the area around
13Then Ephraim* will not be jealous of
Babylon.
Judah, and Judah will have no enemies left. e 11:14 Edom, Moab, Ammon Three countries east
And Judah will not cause trouble for Ephraim. of Israel. They were Israel’s enemies for many years.
14But Ephraim and Judah will attack the Phi- f 11:15 the Lord … Egypt Or “the Lord will dry up
listines.* These two nations will be like birds the tongue of the Sea of Egypt.”
g 12:2 The Lord Yah … him Literally, “Yah, Yahweh is
my strength and praise. And he becomes my salva‑
a 11:1 small tree That is, a new king will come from tion.” This comes from the victory song of Moses in
the family of David. Ex. 15:2.
b 11:1 Jesse King David’s father. h 13:1 message Or “burden.”
c 11:8 cobra A very poisonous snake. i 13:2 mountain This probably means Babylon.
ISAIAH 13:3 550
3“I have separated these men from the enemy soldiers will not show any kindness or
people, mercy even to the babies and young children.
and I myself will command them. 19Babylon will be destroyed like the time God
I have gathered these proud, happy destroyed Sodom* and Gomorrah.*
soldiers of mine “Babylon is the most beautiful of all king-
to show how angry I am. doms. The Babyloniansb are very proud of
their city. 20But Babylon will not continue to
4“Listen to that loud noise in the be beautiful. People will not continue to live
mountains. there in the future. Arabs will not put their
It sounds like crowds of people. tents there. Shepherds will not bring their
People from many kingdoms are gathering sheep to let them eat there. 21The only ani-
together. mals living there will be wild animals from
The Lord All-Powerful is calling his the desert. People will not be living in their
army together. houses in Babylon. The houses will be full of
5 They are coming from a faraway land. owls and large birds. Wild goatsc will play in
They are coming from beyond the the houses. 22Wild dogs and wolves will howl
horizon. in the great and beautiful buildings. Babylon
The Lord will use this army as a weapon will be finished. The end is near, and it will
to show his anger. not be delayed.”
They will destroy the whole country.”
Israel Will Return Home
6TheLord’s special day is near. So cry
and be sad for yourselves. A time is coming
when the enemy will steal your wealth. God
14 1The
Lord will again show his love to
Jacob.* He will again choose the people
of Israel.* He will give them their land. Then
All-Powerful will make that happen.a 7People the non-Israelitesd will join the Israelites, and
will lose their courage. Fear will make them both will become one family—Jacob’s family.
weak. 8Everyone will be afraid. They will 2Those nations will bring the Israelites back
stare at each other with shock on their faces. to their land. The men and women from the
Fear will grip them like the pains of a woman other nations will become slaves to Israel. In
in childbirth. the past, those people forced the Israelites
to become their slaves. But in the future the
God’s Judgment Against Babylon Israelites will defeat those nations, and Israel
9Look,
the Lord’s special day is coming! It will then rule over them. 3In the past, you
will be a terrible day. God will be very angry. were slaves. People forced you to work hard.
He will destroy the country and wipe out the But the Lord will take away the hard work
sinful people who live there. 10The skies will you were forced to do.
be dark. The sun, the moon, and the stars will
not shine. A Song About the King of Babylon
11The Lord says, “I will cause bad things 4At
that time you will begin to sing this
to happen to the world. I will punish the evil song about the king of Babylon:
people for their sin. I will make proud peo-
ple lose their pride. I will stop the bragging The king was cruel when he ruled us,
of cruel people. 12There will be only a few but now his rule is finished.
people left. They will be as rare as pure gold. 5 The Lord breaks the scepter* of evil
13In my anger I will shake the sky, and the rulers;
earth will be moved from its place.” he takes away their power.
That will happen on the day the Lord All- 6 In anger, the king of Babylon beat the
Powerful shows his anger. 14Then the people people.
from Babylon will run away like wounded He never stopped beating them.
deer or sheep that have no shepherd. Every- He was an evil ruler who ruled in anger.
one will turn and run back to their own He never stopped hurting people.
country and people. 15Anyone caught by the 7 But now, the whole country rests and is
enemy will be killed with a sword. 16Every- quiet.
thing in their houses will be stolen. Their Now the people begin to celebrate.
wives will be raped, and their little children 8 You were an evil king,
will be beaten to death while they watch. and now you are finished.
17The Lord says, “Look, I will cause the Even the pine trees are happy.
armies of Media to attack Babylon. Noth- The cedar trees of Lebanon rejoice.
ing will stop them, even if someone offers
b 13:19 Babylonians Literally, “Chaldeans.”
them gold and silver. 18They will walk on the c 13:21 Wild goats The Hebrew word means “hairy,”
bows of the young soldiers of Babylon. The “goat,” or “goat‑demon.”
d 14:1 non-Israelites This usually means those who
a 13:6 A time … happen This is a wordplay in live in a country but are not yet citizens of that
Hebrew. The word meaning “stealing things in war” country. Here, it is the non‑Israelites who decided
sounds like the word meaning “God All‑Powerful.” to follow God.
551 ISAIAH 14:31
They say, “The king chopped us down, 21 Prepare to kill his children,
but now the king has fallen, because their father is guilty.
and he will never stand again.” His children will never take control of the
9 The place of death is excited that you are land.
coming. They will never fill the world with their
Sheol* is waking the spirits of all the cities.
leaders of the earth for you.
Sheol is making the kings stand up from 22The Lord All-Powerful said, “I will stand
their thrones to meet you. and fight against those people. I will destroy
10 They will make fun of you, saying, the famous city, Babylon. I will destroy all
“Now you are as dead as we are. the people there. I will destroy their chil-
Now you are just like us.” dren, their grandchildren, and their great-
11 Your pride has been sent down to Sheol. grandchildren.” The Lord himself said this.
The music from your harps announces 23“I will change Babylon. It will be a place
the coming of your proud spirit. for animals,b not people. It will be a swamp.
Maggots will be the bed you lie on, I will use the ‘broom of destruction’ to sweep
and other worms will cover your body Babylon away.” The Lord All-Powerful said
like a blanket. this.
12 You were like the morning star,
but you have fallen from the sky. God Will Also Punish Assyria
In the past, all the nations on earth 24TheLord All-Powerful made this prom-
bowed down before you, ise: “This will happen exactly as I meant for
but now you have been cut down. it to happen. It will happen just the way I
13 You always told yourself, planned. 25I will destroy the king of Assyria in
“I will go to the skies above. my country. I will walk on him on my moun-
I will put my throne above God’s stars. tains. He forced my people to be his slaves;
I will sit on Zaphon,a the holy* he put a yoke* on their necks. But that pole
mountain where the gods meet. will be taken off Judah’s neck, and that bur-
14 I will go up to the altar above the tops of den will be removed. 26This is what I plan to
the clouds. do for this land. I will use my power to punish
I will be like God Most High.” all those nations.”
27When the Lord makes a plan, no one
15 But that did not happen. can keep it from happening. When the Lord
You were brought down to the deep raises his arm to punish people, no one can
pit—Sheol, the place of death. stop him.
16 People will come to look at your dead
body. God’s Message to Philistia
They will think about you and say, 28Thismessagec was given the year King
“Is this the same man who caused great Ahaz diedd:
fear in all the kingdoms on earth, 29Country of Philistia, don’t be happy that
17 who destroyed cities and turned the the king who beat you is now dead. It is true
land into a desert, that his rule has ended, but his son will come
who captured people in war and would and rule. It will be like one snake giving birth
not let them go home?” to a more dangerous one. The new king will
18 The kings of other nations lie buried with be like a quick and dangerous snake to you.
honor, 30But even the poorest of my people will be
each king with his own grave. able to eat safely. And their children will be
19 But you were thrown out of your grave able to lie down and feel safe. But I will make
like a branch cut from a tree and your family die from hunger, and your enemy
thrown away. will kill anyone who survives.
You are like a dead man who fell in battle,
trampled under the feet of other 31 People near the city gates, cry!
soldiers. People in the city, cry out!
Now you look like any other dead man Everyone in Philistia,
wrapped in burial clothes. your courage will melt like hot wax.
20 Other kings have their own graves,
but you will not join them, Look to the north!
because you ruined your own country There is a cloud of dust.
and killed your own people. An army is coming,
So your wicked descendants will be and everyone in that army is strong.e
stopped. b 14:23 animals Literally, “porcupines.”
c 14:28 message Or “burden.” Also in 15:1.
d 14:28 year King Ahaz died About 727 b.c.
a 14:13 Zaphon This Hebrew word literally means e 14:31 everyone … strong Or “there are no strag‑
“north” or “hidden.” glers in that group.”
ISAIAH 14:32 552
32 But what will the messengers from that A few people living in Moab have escaped
nation report about us? the enemy,
They will say, “The Lord made Zion* but I will send lions to eat them.
strong,
and his poor people went there for
safety.” 16 1You people should send a gift to the
king of the land. You should send a
lamb from Sela, through the desert, to the
God’s Message to Moab mountain in the city of Jerusalem.f
God’s Message About Babylon 10My people, you will be like the grain
There is someone calling to me from 5The Lord chose a special day for there to
Seir,b be riots and confusion. People trampled on
“Guard, how much of the night is left? each other in the Valley of Vision. The city
How much longer will it be night?” walls were pulled down. People in the valley
shouted up at those on the mountain. 6Horse
12 The guard answered, soldiers from Elam took their bags of arrows
“Morning is coming, but then night will and rode into battle. Soldiers from Kir rattled
come again. their shields. 7Your favorite valley was filled
If you have something else to ask, with chariots.* Horse soldiers were stationed
then come backc later and ask.” in front of the city gates. 8Then the cover pro-
tecting Judahg was removed, and the people
God’s Message About Arabia turned to the weapons they kept at the Forest
13This is a message about Arabia: Palace.h
9‑11Then you noticed how many cracks
A caravan* from Dedan spent the night there were in the walls around the City of
near some trees in the Arabian Desert. David,* so you began collecting water from
14 They gave water to some thirsty travelers. the Lower Pool.i You counted the houses and
The people of Tema gave them food. used stones from them to repair the walls.
15 They were running from swords Then you built a pool between the double
that were ready to kill. walls j for storing water from the Old Pool.k
They were running from bows You did all this to protect yourselves, but
that were ready to shoot. you did not trust the God who made all these
They were running from a hard battle. things. You did not even notice the one who
made all these things so long ago. 12So the
16The Lord told me this would happen. Lord God All-Powerful told the people to cry
He said, “In one year, the way a hired helper and mourn* for their dead friends. He told
counts time, all Kedar’s* glory will be gone. them to shave their heads and wear mourn-
17Only a few of the archers,* the great sol- ing clothes. 13But look, everyone was happy.
diers of Kedar, will be left alive.” The Lord, The people rejoiced, saying,
the God of Israel, told me this.
“Kill the cattle and sheep, and let’s
God’s Message About Jerusalem celebrate.
A Song of Praise to God c 26:1 Or “We have a strong city that provides us
28 1Look at Samaria!
The drunks of Ephraim* are proud of
that city.
said, “Here is a resting place. This is the
peaceful place. Let the tired people come and
rest. This is the place of peace.”
It sits on a hill with a rich valley around But the people did not want to listen to him.
it. 13So the Lord’s message will be as meaning-
The Samarians think their city is a less as a foreign languagec:
beautiful crown of flowers.
But they are drunk with wine, “Saw lasaw saw lasaw.
and this “beautiful crown” is just a Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw.
dying plant. Ze’er sham ze’er sham.”
2 Look, the Lord has someone who is strong When the people try to walk, they will fall
and brave. backwards. They will be defeated, trapped,
He will come into the country like a and captured.
storm of hail and rain.
Like a powerful river of water flooding No One Escapes God’s Judgment
the country, 14Youleaders in Jerusalem should listen to
he will throw that crowna down to the the Lord’s message, but now you refuse to lis-
ground. ten to him. 15You have said, “We have made
3 The drunks of Ephraim are proud of their an agreement with death. We have a contract
beautiful crown, with death. So we will not be punished. Pun-
but that city will be trampled down. ishment will pass us without hurting us. We
4 That city sits on a hill with a rich valley will hide behind our tricks and lies.”
around it. 16Because of these things, the Lord God
But that beautiful crown of flowers is says, “I will put a rock—a cornerstone—in
just a dying plant. the ground in Zion.* This will be a very pre-
It will be like the first figs of summer. cious stone.d Everything will be built on this
As soon as someone sees a ripe one, very important rock. Anyone who trusts in
they pick it and eat it. that rock will not be disappointed.e
17“Workers use a string and weight to
5At that time the Lord All-Powerful will show their work is straight and true. I will
become the “Beautiful Crown.” He will be use justice as the string and goodness as the
the “Wonderful Crown of Flowers” for his weight when I lay that foundation. But your
people who are left. 6Then he will give wis- safe places were built on lies. So they will
dom to the judges who rule his people. He be destroyed and washed away when the
will give strength to the people who are in troubles come against you like hail storms
battles at the city gates. 7But now those lead- and floods. 18Your agreement with death will
ers are drunk. The priests and prophets are be erased. Your contract with Sheol* will not
all drunk with wine and beer. They stumble help you.
and fall down. The prophets are drunk when “Someone will come and punish you. He
they see their dreams. The judges are drunk will make you like the dirt he walks on. 19He
when they make their decisions. 8Every table will come and take you away. Your punish-
is covered with vomit. There is not a clean ment will be terrible. Your punishment will
place anywhere. come early in the morning, and it will con-
tinue late into the night.
God Wants to Help His People “Then you will understand this story: 20A
9{The
people say,} “Who does he think he man tried to sleep on a bed that was too
is trying to teach and explain his message short for him. He had a blanket that was
to? Does he think we are babies who were at not wide enough to cover him. {The bed
their mother’s breast only a very short time and blanket were useless, and so were your
ago? 10{He speaks to us as though we were agreements.}”
babies:} 21The Lord will fight as he did at Mount
Perazim. He will be angry as he was in Gibeon
“Saw lasaw saw lasaw
Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw command there. A rule here, a rule there. A lesson
Ze’er sham ze’er sham.”b here, a lesson there.” Also in verse 13.
c 28:13 foreign language Or “gibberish” or “baby talk.”
a 28:2 that crown That is, Samaria. d 28:16 very precious stone This also means a stone
b 28:10 Saw lasaw … ze’er sham This is probably a has been tested and shown that it has no cracks.
Hebrew song to teach little children how to write. e 28:16 Anyone … disappointed This is found in the
It sounds like baby talk or a foreign language, ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text
but it can also be translated, “A command here, a has “Whoever trusts will not panic.”
ISAIAH 28:22 562
Valley.a He will do what he must do. It will will also be like a dream to those armies. They
be what some stranger should do, but he will will not get what they want. It will be like
finish his work. Yes, this is a stranger’s job. a hungry man dreaming about food. When
22Now don’t complain about these things. If the man wakes up, he is still hungry. It will
you fight against them, you will only tighten be like a thirsty man dreaming about water.
the ropes around you. When the man wakes up, he is still thirsty.
The words I heard will not change. They The same thing is true about all the nations
came from the Lord All-Powerful, the ruler of fighting against Zion.* Those nations will not
all the earth, and these things will be done. get what they want.
Hezekiah’s Song
39 1Atthat time Merodach Baladan
son of Baladan was king of Babylon.
He sent some men with letters and a gift to
9This
is the letter from Hezekiah when he Hezekiah when he heard that Hezekiah had
became well: been sick. 2This made Hezekiah very happy,
so he showed them all the valuable things in
10 I thought I would live a full life. his storehouses. He showed them the silver,
But now, in the middle of my life, the the gold, the spices, and the expensive per-
time has come for me to die. fumes. He showed them the building where
11 So I said, “I will not see the Lord Yahb in he stored the weapons. He showed them
the land of the living again. everything in his treasuries and everything in
I will not see the people living on earth. his house and throughout his kingdom.
12 My home, my shepherd’s tent, is being 3Then Isaiah the prophet went to King
pulled down and taken from me. Hezekiah and asked him, “What did these
I am finished like the cloth someone men say? Where did they come from?”
rolls up and cuts from the loom.* Hezekiah said, “These men came all the
You ended my life in such a short time. way from Babylon just to see me.”
13 All night I cried as loud as a lion, 4So Isaiah asked him, “What did they see
but my hopes were crushed like a lion in your house?”
eating bones. Hezekiah said, “They saw everything in my
You finished my life in such a short time. palace. I showed them all my wealth.”
14 I cried like a bird 5Then Isaiah said this to Hezekiah, “Listen
and moaned like a dove. to this message from the Lord All-Powerful.
My eyes became tired, 6‘The time is coming when everything in
but I continued looking to the heavens. your house and everything your ancestors*
Lord, I am so depressed. have saved until today will be carried away to
Promise to help me.” Babylon. Nothing will be left!’ The Lord All-
15 What can I say? Powerful said this. 7The Babylonians will take
He told me what would happen, your own sons, and your sons will become
and he will make it happen. officersc in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
I have had these troubles in my soul, 8Then Hezekiah told Isaiah, “This message
so now I will be humble all my life. from the Lord is good.” (Hezekiah said this
16 Lord, use this hard time to make my spirit because he thought, “There will be real peace
live again. and security during my lifetime.”)
Help my spirit become strong and
healthy. Israel’s Punishment Will End
Help me become well!
Help me live again! 40 2
1Your God says,
“Comfort, comfort my people.
Speak kindly to Jerusalem and tell her,
17 Look, my troubles are gone! ‘Your time of service is finished.
I now have peace. You have paid the price for your sins.
You love me very much. I, the Lord, have punished you twice for
You did not let me rot in the grave. every sin you committed.’”
You took my sins
and threw them away. 3 Listen, there is someone shouting:
18 The dead cannot praise you. “Prepare a way in the desert for the Lord.
People in Sheol* cannot sing praises to Make a straight road there for our God.
you. 4 Every valley must be filled.
Those who have died and gone below are Every mountain and hill should be made
not trusting in your faithfulness. flat.
19 People who are alive, people like me, The crooked roads should be made
are the ones who will praise you. straight,
Fathers should tell their children about and the rough ground made smooth.
how faithful you are. 5 Then the Glory of the Lord* will be
42 1“Here is my servant,
the one I support.
He is the one I have chosen,
12
Sing from the top of your mountain.
Give glory to the Lord.
Praise him, all you people in faraway
and I am very pleased with him. lands!
I have filled him with my Spirit,* 13 The Lord will go out like a strong soldier.
and he will bring justice to the nations. Like a man going into battle, he will be
2 He will not cry out or shout full of excitement.
He will shout with a loud cry,
a 41:24 fool Literally, “horrible thing.” The Hebrew and he will defeat his enemies.
word usually describes idols and other wicked c 42:3 reed A plant that grows near water.
things that God hates. d 42:10 new song Whenever God did a new and
b 41:25 someone in the north This probably means wonderful thing for his people, they would write a
Cyrus, a king of Persia. He ruled about 550‑530 b.c. new song about it.
ISAIAH 42:14 574
God Is Very Patient They refused to listen to his teaching. 25So
14“For a long time I have said nothing. he poured out his anger on them and brought
I have controlled myself and kept quiet. wars against them. It was as if there were
But now I will cry out like a woman fires all around them, but they didn’t know
giving birth. what was happening. It was as if they were
My breathing is getting faster and burning, but they didn’t try to understand.
louder.
15 I will destroy the hills and mountains. God Is Always With His People
I will dry up all the plants that grow
there.
I will change rivers to dry land
43 1Jacob,* the Lord created you. Israel,*
he made you, and now he says, “Don’t
be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are
and dry up pools of water. mine. 2When you have troubles, I am with
16 Then I will lead the blind along a path you. When you cross rivers, you will not be
they never knew hurt. When you walk through fire, you will
to places where they have never been not be burned; the flames will not hurt you.
before. 3That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I,
I will change darkness into light for them. the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave
I will make the rough ground smooth. Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba
I will do these things for them; to make you mine. 4You are precious to me,
I will not abandon my people. and I have given you a special place of honor.
17 But some of them have left me. I love you. That’s why I am willing to trade
They say to their gold statues, ‘You are others, to give up whole nations, to save your
my gods.’ life.
They trust their false gods, 5“So don’t be afraid, because I am with you.
but they will be disappointed and I will gather your children and bring them to
shamed. you. I will gather them from the east and from
the west. 6I will tell the north: Give my peo-
Israel Refused to Listen to God ple to me. I will tell the south: Don’t keep my
18“Deaf people, listen to me! people in prison. Bring my sons and daugh-
Blind people, look and see! ters to me from the faraway places. 7Bring to
19 In all the world, no one is more blind me all the people who are mine—the people
than my servant.a who have my name. I made them for myself.
No one is more deaf than my I made them, and they are mine.
messenger. 8“Bring out the people who have eyes but
No one is more blind than my chosen are blind. Bring out the people who have
people, the servant of the Lord. ears but are deaf.c 9All people and all nations
20 My people see what they should do, should also be gathered together. Which of
but they do not obey me. their gods said this would happen? Which
They can hear with their ears, of their gods would tell what happened in
but they refuse to listen to me.” the beginning? They should bring their wit-
21 The Lord wants them to do what is right. nesses. The witnesses should speak the truth.
He wants them to honor his wonderful This will show they are right.”
teachings.b 10The Lord says, “You people are my wit-
22 But look at his people. nesses and the servant I chose. I chose you
Others have defeated them and have so that you would help people believe me. I
stolen from them. chose you so that you would understand that
The young men are afraid. ‘I Am He’—{I am the true God}. There was
They are locked in prisons. no God before me, and there will be no God
People have taken advantage of them, after me. 11I myself am the Lord, and there
and there is no one to protect them. is no other Savior. 12I am the one who spoke
Others take their money, to you, saved you, and told you those things.
and there is no one to say, “Give it It was not some stranger who was with you.
back!” You are my witnesses, and I am God.” (This is
what the Lord himself said.) 13“I have always
23If any of you listens to this message, you been God. When I do something, no one can
should listen to what was said before. 24Who change what I have done. And no one can
let people defeat Jacob*? Who let them take save people from my power.”
what belonged to Israel*? The Lord allowed 14The Lord, the Holy One of Israel, saves
them to do this. We sinned against him, so you, and he says, “I will send armies to Baby-
he let people take away our wealth. The peo- lon for you. Many people will be captured.
ple did not want to live the way he wanted. Those Chaldeans* will be taken away in
a 42:19 my servant Here, this probably means the their own boats. (They are so proud of those
people of Israel.
b 42:21 Or “The Lord will make his teachings very c 43:8 blind … deaf This probably means the Israel‑
wonderful. He will do this because he is good.” ites who would not believe God. See Isa. 6:9‑10.
575 ISAIAH 44:13
boats.)a 15I am the Lord your Holy One. I 3“Iwill pour water for thirsty people, and
made Israel. I am your King.” streams will flow through the desert. I will
pour my Spirit* on your children, and I will
God Will Save His People Again blesse your family. 4They will sprout like grass
16The Lord is making roads through the in the spring and grow like trees by streams
sea. He is making a path for his people, of water.
even through rough waters. The Lord says, 5“One man will call himself, ‘I am the
17“Those who fight against me with their Lord’s.’ Another will use the name, ‘Jacob.’
chariots,* horses, and armies will be defeated. Another man will sign his name as ‘The
They will never rise again. They will be Lord’s Hand.’ And another will use the name,
destroyed. They will be put out like the flame ‘Israel.’”
in a lamp. 18So don’t remember what hap- 6The Lord is the king of Israel. The Lord
pened in earlier times. Don’t think about All-Powerful is the one who will set Israel
what happened a long time ago, 19because I free. And he says, “I am the only God. There
am doing something new! Now you will grow are no other gods. I am the Beginning and the
like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. End. 7There is no other God like me. If there
I will even make a road in the desert, and is, that god should speak now. Let him lay out
rivers will flow through that dry land. 20The everything he has done since the time I made
wild animals will thank me. The large animals these ancient people. Let him show me the
and birds will honor me when I put water in signs he gave long ago that prove he knew
the desert and make rivers flow through that what would happen in the future.
dry land. I will do this to give water to my 8“Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry. I am the
chosen people. 21I made them, and they will one who always told you what would happen.
sing songs of praise to me. You are my proof.f There is no other God; I
22“Jacob,* you did not pray to me. Israel,* am the only one. There is no other ‘Rock’*; I
you became tired of me. 23You have not know I am the only one.”
brought your sheep as sacrifices* to me. You
have not honored me with your sacrifices. False Gods Are Useless
I did not force you to give gifts to me like 9Some people make idols,* but they are
slaves. I did not force you to burn incense* worthless. They love their statues, which
until you became tired. 24So you did not use are useless. Those who serve as witnesses
your money to buy things to honor me. But for these statues cannot even see. They don’t
you did force me to be like your slave. You know enough to be ashamed.
sinned until the bad things you did made me 10Who made these false gods? Who covered
very tired. these useless statues? 11Workers made them,
25“I, I am the one who wipes away all your and the workers are only human. If they all
sins. I do this to please myself. I will not would come together before me, we could
remember your sins. 26But you should remem- discuss this. Then they would all be ashamed
ber me. Let’s meet together and decide what and afraid.
is right. Tell your story and prove that you are 12One worker uses his tools to heat iron
innocent. 27Your first father sinned, and your over hot coals. Then he uses his hammer to
lawyersb committed crimes against me. 28I beat the metal to shape it into a statue. He
will make your Temple* leaders unfit to serve uses his own powerful arms, but when he
there. I will destroy Jacob.c Bad things will gets hungry, he loses his strength. If he does
happen to Israel. not drink water, he becomes weak.
13Another worker uses his string lineg and
The Lord Is the Only God compassh to draw lines on the wood to show
know what they are doing.a They cannot save “I took you by your right hand
themselves, and they will not admit, “This to help you defeat nations,
statue I am holding is a lie!” to strip other kings of their power,
and to open city gates that will not be
The Lord, the True God, Helps Israel closed again.
21“Jacob,* remember these things! 2 I will go in front of you
Israel,* remember, you are my servant. and make the mountains flat.
I made you, and you are my servant. I will break the city gates of bronze
So, Israel, don’t forget me. and cut the iron bars on the gates.
22 Your sins were like a big cloud, 3 I will give you the wealth that is stored in
but I wiped them all away. secret places.
Your sins are gone, I will give you those hidden treasures.
like a cloud that disappeared into thin Then you will know that I am the Lord,
air. the God of Israel,* who calls you by
I rescued and protected you, name.
so come back to me.” 4 I do this for my servant, Jacob.*
I do it for my chosen people, Israel.
23 The skies are happy because the Lord did Cyrus, I am calling you by name.
great things. You don’t know me, but I know you.c
The earth is happy down to its deepest 5 I am the Lord, the only God.
parts. There is no other God except me.
The mountains sing with thanks to God. I put your clothes on you,d
And all the trees in the forest are happy. but still you don’t know me.
They sing because the Lord has saved 6 I am doing this so that everyone will
Jacob. know that I am the only God.
He has done great things for Israel. From the east to the west people will
24 The Lord made you what you are. know that I am the Lord
He did this while you were still in your and that there is no other God.
mother’s womb. 7 I made the light and the darkness.
The Lord says, “I, the Lord, made I bring peace, and I cause trouble.
everything. I, the Lord, do all these things.
I put the skies there myself. b 45:1 chosen king Literally, “the anointed one.”
I spread out the earth before me.” c 45:4 I know you Or “I will give you a title.”
d 45:5 I put … you This also means “I made you
a 44:20 They … doing Literally, “They eat ashes.” strong.”
577 ISAIAH 46:4
8“May the clouds in the skies above 17 But Israel will be saved by the Lord.
drop goodness on the earth like rain. That salvation will continue forever.
May the earth open Never again will Israel be shamed.
and let salvation grow. 18 The Lord is God.
And may victorya grow with it! He made the skies and the earth.
I, the Lord, created him.b He put the earth in its place.
He did not want the earth to be empty
God Controls His Creation when he made it.
9“Look at these people! They are arguing He created it to be lived on.
with the one who made them. Look at them “I am the Lord.
argue with me. They are like pieces of clay There is no other God.
from a broken pot. Clay does not say to the 19 I have spoken openly, not in secret.
one molding it, ‘Man, what are you doing?’ I did not hide my words in a dark and
Things that are made don’t have the power to secret place.
question the one who makes them. 10A father I did not tell the people of Jacob*
gives life to his children, and they cannot ask, to look for me in empty places.
‘Why are you giving me life?’ They cannot I am the Lord, and I speak the truth.
question their mother and ask, ‘Why are you I say only what is right.
giving birth to me?’”
11The Lord God is the Holy One of Israel.* The Lord Proves He Is the Only God
He created Israel, and he says, 20“Youpeople who escaped from other
nations, gather together before me. (These
“My children, you asked me to show you a people carry statues of false gods. They pray
sign. to useless gods, but they don’t know what
You told me to show you what I have they are doing. 21Tell them to come to me.
done.c Let them present their case and discuss these
12 I made the earth, things.)
and I created the people on it. “Who told you about this before it hap-
I used my own hands to make the skies. pened? Who told you this so long ago? I, the
And I command all the armies in the Lord, am the one who said these things. I
sky.d am the only God, the one who does what is
13 I was right to give power to Cyrus,e right. I am the one who saves, and there is no
and I will make his work easy. other! 22So all you people in faraway places,
He will rebuild my city, turn to me and be saved, because I am God,
and he will set my people free without and there is no other.
bribes or payment.” 23“When I make a promise, that promise is
The Lord All-Powerful said this. true. It will happen. And I swear by my own
power that everyone will bow before me and
14 The Lord says, “Egypt and Ethiopia are will take an oath* to obey me. 24They will say,
rich, ‘Goodness and strength come only from the
but, Israel, you will get those riches. Lord.’”
The tall people from Seba will be yours. And all who show their anger against him
They will walk behind you with chains will be humiliated. 25The Lord will help the
around their necks. people of Israel live rightf and praise their
They will bow down before you God.
and ask you to pray for them and say,
‘The true God really is with you, False Gods Are Useless
15
and there is no other God.’”
God Punishes Israel to Make Them Pure “I am the Lord your God.
6“You heard what I said would happen. I teach you for your own good.
And you can see it has all been done. I lead you in the way you should go.
Shouldn’t you tell this to others? 18 If you had obeyed me,
Now I will tell you about new things, then peace would have come to you
secrets you have not known before. like a full flowing river.
7 This is something that is happening now, Good things would have come to you
not long ago. again and again,
You have not heard about it before today. like the waves of the sea.
So you cannot say, ‘We already knew that.’ 19 If you had obeyed me,
8 But even in the past you didn’t listen. you would have had as many children as
You didn’t learn anything. there are grains of sand.
You never listen to what I say. And they would always have been mine
I have always known that you would turn and would never have been destroyed.”
against me.
You have rebelled against me from the 20 My people, leave Babylon!
time you were born. My people, run from the Chaldeans!
Tell the news with joy.
9“But I will be patient. Spread the news around the world.
I will do this for myself. Tell them, “The Lord rescued his servant
People will praise me for not becoming Jacob.”
angry and destroying you. 21 They never got thirsty as he led them
You will praise me for waiting. through the desert,
because he made water flow from a
10“Look, I will make you pure, rock.
but not in the way you make silver pure. He split the rock,
I will make you pure by giving you and water flowed out.
troubles.
11 I will do this for myself—for me! 22 But the Lord also said,
I will not let you treat me as if I am not “There is no peace for evil people.”
important.
b 48:14 friend Or “partner.” This probably means
a 48:2 holy city That is, Jerusalem. Cyrus, king of Persia. He ruled about 550‑530 b.c.
ISAIAH 49:1 580
God Calls His Special Servant There will be a special day when I will
people, but they rule over them and laugh at 2He was always close to the Lord. He grew
them, and they say bad things about me all up like a young plant, like a root growing in
the time.” dry ground. There was nothing special or
6The Lord says, “This happened so that my impressive about the way he looked, nothing
people will learn about me. My people will we could see that would cause us to like him.
know who I am. My people will know my 3People made fun of him, and even his friends
name, and they will know that I Am Hec is left him. He was a man who suffered a lot of
speaking to them.” pain and sickness. We treated him like some-
7How wonderful it is to see someone com- one of no importance, like someone people
ing over the hills to tell good news. How will not even look at but turn away from in
wonderful to hear him announce, “There is disgust.
peace! We have been saved!” and to hear him 4The fact is, it was our suffering he took
say to Zion, “Your God is the king!” on himself; he bore our pain. But we thought
that God was punishing him, that God was
8 The city guardsd are shouting. beating him for something he did. 5But he
They are all rejoicing together. was being punished for what we did. He was
They can all see the Lord returning to crushed because of our guilt. He took the
Zion. punishment we deserved, and this brought us
peace. We were healed because of his pain.
9 Ruins of Jerusalem, be happy again! 6We had all wandered away like sheep. We
Rejoice because the Lord had gone our own way. And yet the Lord put
comforted his people and set Jerusalem all our guilt on him.
free. 7He was treated badly, but he never pro-
10 The Lord showed his holy strength to all tested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led
the nations. away to be killed. He was like a sheep that
All the faraway countries saw how God makes no sound as its wool is being cut off.
saved his people. He never opened his mouth to defend him-
self. 8He was taken away by force and judged
11 So leave Babylon! unfairly. The people of his time did not even
Leave that place! notice that he was killed.h But he was put to
Priests, you carry the things that are used
in worship.
e 52:12 The Lord … behind you This shows that God
a 52:1 filthy foreigners Or “unclean men that have will protect his people. Compare Ex. 14:19, 20.
not been circumcised.” f 52:15 They will see … heard Or “Those who were
b 52:2 Daughter Zion Another name for Jerusalem. not told the message saw what happened. Those
c 52:6 I Am He This is like Yahweh, the Hebrew name who did not hear understood.”
for God. It shows that God lives forever, and that he g 53:1 Who … power Or “Upon whom was the arm
is always with his people. See Ex. 3:13‑17. of the Lord revealed?”
d 52:8 guards Men who stand on the city walls and h 53:8 The people … killed Or “There is no story
watch for messengers or trouble coming to the city. about his descendants, because he was taken from
Here, this probably means the prophets. the land of the living.”
ISAIAH 53:9 584
deatha for the sins of hisb people. 9He had 5 Your real husband is the one who made
done no wrong to anyone. He had never you.
even told a lie. But he was buried among the His name is the Lord All-Powerful.
wicked. His tomb was with the rich. The Holy One of Israel is your Protector,g
10But the Lord was pleased with this hum- and he is the God of all the earth!
ble servant who suffered such pain.c Even
after giving himself as an offering for sin, 6 You were like a woman whose husband
he will see his descendants and enjoy a long had left her.
life. He will succeed in doing what the Lord You were very sad in your spirit.
wanted. 11After his suffering he will see the You were like a woman who married
light,d and he will be satisfied with what he young,
experienced. and then her husband left her.
The Lord says, “My servant, who always But the Lord has called you back to him.
does what is right, will make his people
right with me; he will take away their sins. 7 God says, “I left you,
12For this reason I will treat him as one of but only for a short time.
my great people. I will give him the rewards But with all my love,
of one who wins in battle, and he will share I will bring you back to me again.
them with his powerful ones. I will do this 8 I became angry
because he gave his life for the people. He and turned away from you for a short
was considered a criminal, but the truth is, time.
he carried away the sins of many. Now he But I will comfort you with kindness
will stand before me and speak for those who forever.”
have sinned.” The Lord your Savior said this.
God Brings His People Home 9 God says, “Remember, in Noah’s time I
54 1Woman, be happy!
You have not had any children,
but you should be very happy.
punished the world with the flood.
But I made a promise to Noah that I
would never again destroy the world
with a flood.
The Lord says, In the same way, I promise that I will
“The woman who is alonee never again be angry with you and say
will have more children than the bad things to you.
woman with a husband.”
10“The mountains may disappear,
2 Make your tent bigger. and the hills may become dust,
Open your doors wide. but my faithful love will never leave you.
Don’t think small! I will make peace with you,
Make your tent large and strong, and it will never end.”
3 because you will grow in all directions. The Lord who loves you said this.
Your children will take over many nations
and live in the cities that were 11“You poor city!
destroyed. Enemies came against you like storms,
4 Don’t be afraid! and no one comforted you.
You will not be disappointed. But I will rebuild you.
People will not say bad things against you. I will use a beautiful mortar to lay the
You will not be embarrassed. stones of your walls.
When you were young, you felt shame. I will use sapphire stones when I lay the
But you will forget that shame now. foundation.
You will not remember the shame you felt 12 The stones on top of the wall will be
when you lost your husband.f made from rubies.
I will use shiny jewels for the gates.
a 53:8 put to death Or “punished.”
I will use precious stones to build the
b 53:8 his This is the reading in a Hebrew copy walls around you.
13 Your children will all be followers of God.
among the Dead Sea Scrolls. The standard Hebrew
text has “my.” And they will have real peace.
c 53:10 But the Lord … such pain Or “The Lord 14 You will be built on goodness.
decided to crush him. He decided that he must You will be safe from cruelty and fear.
suffer.” So you will have nothing to fear.
d 53:11 the light This is found in some Hebrew
scrolls from Qumran and the ancient Greek version. Baal. This means that the Lord is Jerusalem’s true
Light is often used as a symbol for life. God, not the false god Baal.
e 54:1 The woman … alone This Hebrew word is like g 54:5 Protector Or “Redeemer,” someone who cared
the word “destroyed.” This probably means “Jerusa‑ for and protected the family of a dead relative.
lem, the city that is destroyed.” Often this person bought back (redeemed) the poor
f 54:4 husband In Hebrew this word is like the name relatives from slavery, making them free again.
585 ISAIAH 56:4
Nothing will come to hurt you. 7 Evil people should stop living evil lives.
15 I will never send anyone to attack you. They should stop thinking bad thoughts.
And if any army tries to attack you, you They should come to the Lord again,
will defeat them. and he will comfort them.
They should come to our God
16“Look, I made the blacksmith.* He blows because he will freely forgive them.
on the fire to make it hotter. Then he takes
the hot iron and makes the kind of tool he People Cannot Understand God
wants to make. In the same way, I made the 8 The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like
‘Destroyer’ to destroy things. yours.
17“People will make weapons to fight Your ways are not like mine.
against you, but their weapons will not defeat 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the
you. Some people will say things against you, earth,
but anyone who speaks against you will be so my ways are higher than your ways,
proved wrong.” and my thoughts are higher than your
The Lord says, “That is what my servants thoughts.”
get! They get the good thingsa that come from This is what the Lord himself said.
me.
10“Rain and snow fall from the sky
God Gives “Food” That Really Satisfies and don’t return until they have
a 63:3 juice Or “strong drink” or “blood.” c 63:15 strong love The Hebrew word means strong
b 63:6 blood Or “strong drink” or “strength.” feelings like love, hate, anger, zeal, or jealousy.
ISAIAH 63:18 592
Come to us and help us! 11 Our ancestors* worshiped you in our holy
Our tribes belong to you. Temple.*
18 Your holy people had their land only a That wonderful Temple has now been
short time. burned.
Then our enemies trampled down your All our precious possessions have been
holy Temple.* destroyed.
19 Some people don’t follow you. 12 Will these things always keep you from
They don’t wear your name. helping?
And we have been like them Will you continue to say nothing?
for a very long time. Will you punish us forever?
Jeremiah
1 1These are the messages of Jeremiah, the
son of Hilkiah. Jeremiah belonged to the
family of priests who lived in the town of
You will destroy and overthrow.
You will build up and plant.”
2 1The
Lord’s message came to me: 2“Jer-
emiah, go and speak to the people of Jeru-
salem. Say to them:
Kittim.b
Send someone to the land of Kedar.*
Look very carefully.
See if anyone has ever done anything
“‘At the time you were a young nation, you like this.
were faithful to me. 11 Has any nation ever stopped worshiping
You followed me like a young bride. their old gods
You followed me through the desert, so that they could worship new gods?
through a land that had never been used No! And their gods are not really gods at
for farmland. all!
3 The people of Israel* were a holy gift to But my people stopped worshiping their
the Lord. glorious God
They were the first fruit to be gathered and started worshiping idols that are
by the Lord. worth nothing.
Any people who tried to hurt them were
judged guilty. 12“Skies,be shocked at what happened!
Bad things happened to those wicked Shake with great fear!”
people.’” This message is from the Lord.
This message is from the Lord. 13“My people have done two evil things.
They turned away from me,
4 Family of Jacob,* hear the Lord’s message. and they dug their own water cisterns.c
Tribes of Israel, listen. I am the source of living water;
those cisterns are broken and cannot
5 This is what the Lord says: hold water.
“Do you think that I was not fair to your
ancestors*? 14“Israel is not a slave, is he?
Is that why they turned away from me? He was not born a slave, was he?
Your ancestors worshiped worthless Then why did the enemy carry him away
idols,* as a captive?
and they became worthless themselves. 15 Like a lion the enemy has roared at Israel.
6 Your ancestors did not say, They have destroyed yourd land.
‘The Lord brought us out of Egypt. Your cities have been burned,
He led us through the desert, and no one is left in them.
through a dry and rocky land. 16 People from Memphis and Tahpanhese
He led us through a dark and dangerous have smashed the top of your head.
land. 17 This trouble is your own fault.
No one lives there; The Lord your God was leading you the
people don’t even travel through that right way,f
land. but you turned away from him.
But the Lord led us through that land.
So where is he now?’
a 2:8 spoke Or “prophesied.”
7“I brought you into a good land, b 2:10 Islands of Kittim The name means the Island
a land filled with many good things. of Cyprus. But the name was often used for the
I did this so that you could eat the fruit other islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean
and crops that grow there. Sea.
c 2:13 they dug … cisterns That is, they made false
But you only made my land ‘dirty.’
I gave that land to you, gods.
d 2:15 your Hebrew, “his,” referring to “Israel,” which
but you made it a bad place. here means his people, as in verse 16.
e 2:16 Memphis and Tahpanhes Two cities in Egypt.
8“The priests did not ask, f 2:17 was leading … way This is not in the ancient
‘Where is the Lord?’ Greek version.
597 JEREMIAH 2:37
18 People of Judah,* think about this: They don’t look to me for help.
How did it help you to go to Egypt and They have turned their backs to me.
drink from the Nile River? But when the people of Judah get into
How did it help you to go to Assyria and trouble, they say to me,
drink from the Euphrates River? ‘Come and save us!’
19 You have done wrong, 28 But where are the idols you made for
and that will only bring punishment to yourselves?
you. Let’s see if they come and save you
Trouble will come to you, when you are in trouble!
and it will teach you a lesson. People of Judah, you have as many idols
Think about it and understand how bad it as you have cities!
is to turn away from your God.
It is wrong not to fear and respect me.” 29“Why do you argue with me?
This message is from Lord God You have all turned against me.”
All-Powerful. This message is from the Lord.
20“Judah, long ago you broke free from me, 30“I punished you people of Judah,
like an ox that breaks its yoke and the but it did not help.
ropes that held it. You did not come back
You said to me, ‘I will not serve you!’ when you were punished.
On every high hill and under every green With your swords you killed the prophets
tree, who came to you.
you acted like a prostitute.a Like a dangerous lion, you killed the
21 Judah, I planted you like a special vine. prophets.”
You were all from good seed. 31 People of this generation, pay attention to
How did you turn into a different vine the Lord’s message!
that grows bad fruit?
22 Even if you wash yourself with lye, “Have I been like a desert to the people of
even if you use much soap, Israel?
I can still see your guilt.” Have I been like a dark and dangerous
This message is from the Lord God. land to them?
23“Judah, how can you say to me, My people say, ‘We are free to go our own
‘I am not guilty because I have not way.
worshiped the Baal idols’? We will not come back to you!’
Think about what you did in the valley. Why do they say these things?
Think about what you have done. 32 A young woman does not forget her
You are like a fast she-camel jewelry.
that runs from place to place. A bride does not forget to wear her
24 You are like a wild donkey that lives in wedding dress.
the desert. But my people have forgotten me too
At mating time, she sniffs the wind. many times to count.
No one can control her when she is in
heat. 33“Judah, you have become so good at
At mating time, every male that wants finding lovers.
her will get her. Even the worst women could learn
She is easy to find. some evil ways from you.
25 Judah, stop chasing after idols! 34 You have blood on your hands!
Stop wanting those other gods. It is the blood of poor, innocent people.
But you say, ‘It is no use! I cannot stop! You did not catch them breaking into your
I love those other gods. house.
I can’t stop chasing them.’ You killed them for no reason!
35 But still, you say, ‘I am innocent.
26“A thief is ashamed God is not angry with me.’
when people catch him stealing. So I will also judge you guilty of lying,
The people of Israel should be ashamed because you say,
too ‘I have done nothing wrong.’
and so should their kings and leaders, 36 You go from one place to another looking
priests and prophets. for help,
27 They say to pieces of wood, always changing your mind.
‘You are my father.’ But Egypt will also disappoint you,
They say to a rock, just as Assyria did.
‘You gave birth to me.’ 37 So you will eventually leave Egypt too,
All these people will be ashamed. and you will hide your face in shame.
You trusted these countries,
a 2:20 On every … prostitute This means the people but the Lord rejected them, so they
worshiped their false gods in these places. cannot help you win.
JEREMIAH 3:1 598
10
inside.
And finally, I am not able to hold it in.
I hear people whispering against me.
21 1This is the message that came to Jer-
emiah from the Lord. This was when
King Zedekiah of Judah sent Pashhurb son of
Everywhere, I hear things that frighten Malkijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maa-
me. seiah to Jeremiah. They brought a message for
Even my friends are speaking against Jeremiah. 2They said to Jeremiah, “Pray to the
me. Lord for us. Ask him what will happen. We
People are just waiting for me to make a want to know, because King Nebuchadnezzar
mistake. of Babylon is attacking us. Maybe the Lord
They are saying, will do great things for us, as he did in the
“Let us lie and say that he did something past. Maybe he will make Nebuchadnezzar
bad. stop attacking us and leave.”
Maybe we can trick Jeremiah. 3Then Jeremiah answered Pashhur and
Then we will have him. Zephaniah. He said, “Tell King Zedekiah,4‘This
We will finally be rid of him. is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: You
Then we will grab him and take our have weapons of war in your hands that you
revenge on him.” are using to defend yourselves from the Baby-
11 But the Lord is with me. lonians and their king. But I will make those
He is like a strong soldier. weapons worthless.
So those who are chasing me will fall. “‘The army from Babylon is outside the
They will not defeat me. wall all around the city. Soon I will bring
They will fail. that army into Jerusalem. 5I myself will
They will be disappointed. fight against you people of Judah. I will fight
They will be ashamed, against you with my own powerful hand. I am
and they will never forget that shame. very angry with you, so I will fight against you
with my own powerful arm. I will fight very
12 Lord All-Powerful, you test good people. hard against you and show how angry I am. 6I
You look deeply into a person’s mind. will kill everything living in Jerusalem, both
I told you my arguments against these people and animals. They will die from a ter-
people. rible disease that will spread all through the
So let me see you give them the city. 7After that happens,’” says the Lord, “‘I
punishment they deserve. will give King Zedekiah of Judah and all his
13 Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! officials to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
He saves the lives of the poor! And I will give to Nebuchadnezzar the people
He saves them from the wicked! who remain alive in Jerusalem—those who
did not die from the terrible disease and the
Jeremiah’s Sixth Complaint people who did not die in war or from hunger.
14 Curse the day that I was born! I will give them all to King Nebuchadnezzar.
Don’t bless the day my mother had me. The people of Judah will be captured by their
15 Curse the man who told my father the enemies who want to kill them. Nebuchad-
news that I was born. nezzar’s army will use their swords to kill the
“It’s a boy!” he said. people of Judah and Jerusalem. Nebuchadnez-
“You have a son.” zar will not show any mercy. He will not feel
He made my father very happy sorry for them.’
when he told him the news. 8“Also tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘This is
16 Let that man be like the cities the Lord what the Lord says: Understand that I will let
destroyed.a you choose to live or die. 9Anyone who stays
He had no pity on them. in Jerusalem will die in war or from hun-
Let him hear shouts of war in the ger or disease. But anyone who goes out of
morning; Jerusalem and surrenders to the Babylonians
let him hear battle cries at noontime, attacking you will live. Only those who leave
17 because he did not kill me the city will win anything in this war—their
while I was in my mother’s womb. lives! 10I have decided to make trouble for the
If he had killed me then, city of Jerusalem. I will not help this city!’”
my mother would have been my grave, This message is from the Lord. “‘I will give
and I would not have been born. the city of Jerusalem to the king of Babylon.
He will burn it with fire.’
a 20:16 cities the Lord destroyed That is, Sodom and b 21:1 Pashhur This is not the same Pashhur as the
Gomorrah. See Gen. 19. man in Jer. 20:1.
JEREMIAH 21:11 620
11“Say this to Judah’s royal family: 9This will be the answer to that question:
‘Listen to the message from the Lord. ‘God destroyed Jerusalem because the people
12 Family of David,* this is what the Lord of Judah stopped following the agreement
says: of the Lord their God. They worshiped and
You must judge people fairly every day. served other gods.’”
Protect the victims from the criminals.
If you don’t do that, Judgment Against King Jehoahaz
then I will become very angry. 10 Don’t cry for the king who has died.a
My anger will be like a fire Don’t cry for him.
that no one will be able to put out. But cry very hard for the king
This will happen because you who must leave this place.b
have done evil things.’ Cry for him because he will never return
13“Jerusalem, I am against you. or see his homeland again.
You sit on top of the mountain.
You sit like a queen over this valley. 11This is what the Lord says about
You people of Jerusalem say, Jehoahazc son of Josiah, who became king of
‘No one can attack us. Judah after his father Josiah died: “Jehoahaz
No one can come into our strong city.’ has gone away from Jerusalem. He will never
But listen to this message from the Lord: return. 12Jehoahaz will die in the place where
14 ‘You will get the punishment you deserve. the Egyptians have taken him, and he will not
I will start a fire in your forests see this land again.”
that will completely burn everything
around you.’” Judgment Against King Jehoiakim
13“It will be very bad for King Jehoiakim.
Judgment Against Evil Kings He is doing wrong so that he can build
a 37:12 the land of Benjamin Jeremiah was going b 37:13 Benjamin Gate of Jerusalem This gate led
to his hometown, Anathoth, which was in the land out of Jerusalem to the road which went north to
of Benjamin. the land of Benjamin.
639 JEREMIAH 38:27
of the king of Babylon. He will capture this 15Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you
city.’” an answer, you will probably kill me. And
4Then the royal officials who heard what even if I give you advice, you will not listen
Jeremiah was telling the people went to King to me.”
Zedekiah. They said to the king, “Jeremiah 16But King Zedekiah secretly swore an
should be put to death. He is discouraging the oath* to Jeremiah. Zedekiah said, “As surely
soldiers who are still in the city and everyone as the Lord lives, who gives us breath and
else by what he is saying. He is not looking for life, I will not kill you, Jeremiah. And I prom-
peace; he is just trying to cause trouble.” ise not to give you to the officials who want
5So King Zedekiah said to the officials, “Jer- to kill you.”
emiah is in your control. I cannot do anything 17Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah,
to stop you.” “The Lord God All-Powerful is the God of
6So the officials took Jeremiah and put Israel. This is what he says, ‘If you surrender
him into Malkijah’s cistern. Malkijah was the to the officials of the king of Babylon, your
king’s son. The cistern was in the Temple* life will be saved, and Jerusalem will not be
yard where the king’s guard stayed. They used burned down. And you and your family will
ropes to lower Jeremiah into the cistern. The live. 18But if you refuse to surrender, Jeru-
cistern didn’t have any water in it, only mud. salem will be given to the Babylonian army.
And Jeremiah sank down into the mud. They will burn Jerusalem down, and you will
7But a man named Ebed Melech heard that not escape from them.’”
the officials had put Jeremiah into the cistern. 19But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “But
Ebed Melech was from Ethiopia, and he was I am afraid of the men of Judah who have
a eunuch* in the king’s palace. King Zedekiah already gone over to the side of the Babylo-
was sitting at the Benjamin Gate, so Ebed nian army. I am afraid that the soldiers will
Melech left the king’s palace and went to talk give me to those men, and they will treat me
to the king at the gate. 8‑9Ebed Melech said, badly and hurt me.”
“My lord and king, these officials have done 20But Jeremiah answered, “The soldiers
evil. They have treated Jeremiah the prophet* will not give you to the men of Judah. King
badly. They have thrown him into a cistern Zedekiah, obey the Lord by doing what I tell
and left him there to die.”a you. Then things will go well for you, and your
10Then King Zedekiah gave a command to life will be saved. 21But if you refuse to sur-
Ebed Melech, the Ethiopian. This was the render to the army of Babylon, the Lord has
command: “Ebed Melech, take threeb men shown me what will happen. This is what he
from the palace with you, and go get Jeremiah has told me: 22All the women who are left in
out of the cistern before he dies.” the house of the king of Judah will be brought
11So Ebed Melech took the men with him. out. They will be brought to the important
But first he went to a room under the store- officials of the king of Babylon. Your women
room in the king’s palace. He took some old will make fun of you with a song. This is what
rags and worn-out clothes from that room. they will say:
Then he let the rags down with some ropes
to Jeremiah in the cistern. 12Ebed Melech, ‘Your friends were stronger than you,
the Ethiopian, said to Jeremiah, “Put these and they led you the wrong way.
old rags and worn-out clothes under your You trusted them,
arms. When we pull you out, these rags will but now your feet are stuck in the mud,
pad your underarms. Then the ropes will not and your friends have left you.’
hurt you.” So Jeremiah did as Ebed Melech
said. 13The men pulled Jeremiah up with the 23“All your wives and children will be
ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And brought out. They will be given to the Babylo-
Jeremiah stayed under guard in the Temple nian army. You yourself will not escape from
yard. the army of Babylon. You will be captured by
the king of Babylon, and Jerusalem will be
Zedekiah Asks Jeremiah Some Questions burned down.”
14Then King Zedekiah sent someone to 24Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Don’t
get Jeremiah the prophet.* He had Jeremiah tell anyone that I have been talking to you. If
brought to the third entrance to the Temple* you do, you might die. 25If the officials find out
of the Lord. Then the king said, “Jeremiah, that I talked to you, they will come to you and
I am going to ask you something. Don’t hide say, ‘Jeremiah, tell us what you said to King
anything from me, but tell me everything Zedekiah and what he said to you. Be honest
honestly.” with us, and tell us everything, or we will kill
you.’ 26If they say this to you, tell them, ‘I was
begging the king not to send me back to the
a 38:8‑9 left him there to die Literally, “he will starve cell in the dungeon* under Jonathan’s house.
to death because there is no more bread in the city.” If I were to go back there, I would die.’”
b 38:10 three This is found in one ancient Hebrew 27It happened that the royal officials of the
copy. Most Hebrew copies have “30.” king did come to Jeremiah to question him.
JEREMIAH 38:28 640
So Jeremiah told them everything the king officers of the army of Babylon sent for Jer-
had ordered him to say. Then they left Jere- emiah. 14They had Jeremiah taken out of the
miah alone. No one had heard what Jeremiah Temple* yard where he had been under the
and the king had talked about. guard of the king of Judah. They turned Jer-
28So Jeremiah stayed under guard in the emiah over to Gedaliaha son of Ahikam, the
Temple yard until the day Jerusalem was son of Shaphan. Gedaliah had orders to take
captured. Jeremiah back home. So Jeremiah was taken
home, and he stayed among his own people.
The Fall of Jerusalem
39 1This is how Jerusalem was captured:
During the tenth month of the ninth
year that Zedekiah was king of Judah, King
The Lord’s Message to Ebed Melech
15While the guards were watching Jer-
emiah in the Temple* yard, a message from
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon marched against the Lord came to him. This was the message:
Jerusalem with his whole army. He sur- 16“Jeremiah, go and tell Ebed Melechb the
rounded the city to defeat it. 2And on the Ethiopian this message: ‘This is what the Lord
ninth day of the fourth month in Zedekiah’s All-Powerful, the God of the people of Israel,
eleventh year, the wall of Jerusalem was bro- says: Very soon I will make my messages
ken through. 3Then all the royal officials of about this city of Jerusalem come true. My
the king of Babylon came into the city of Jeru- messages will come true through disaster, not
salem. They came in and sat down at the Mid- through something good. You will see every-
dle Gate. These are the names of the officials: thing come true with your own eyes. 17But I
Nergal-Sharezer, the governor of the district will save you on that day, Ebed Melech.’ This
of Samgar, a very high official; Nebo Sarsekim, is the message from the Lord. ‘You will not
another very high official; and various other be given to the people you are afraid of. 18I
important officials were there also. will save you, Ebed Melech. You will not die
4King Zedekiah of Judah saw the officials from a sword, but you will escape and live.
from Babylon, so he and the soldiers with That will happen because you have trusted in
him ran away. They left Jerusalem at night. me.’” This message is from the Lord.
They went out through the king’s garden and
out through the gate that was between the Jeremiah Is Set Free
two walls. Then they went toward the desert.
5The Babylonian army chased Zedekiah and
the soldiers with him. They caught up with
40 1The message from the Lord came to
Jeremiah after he was set free at the
city of Ramah. Nebuzaradan, the commander
Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They cap- of the king of Babylon’s special guards, found
tured Zedekiah and took him to King Nebu- Jeremiah in Ramah. Jeremiah was bound
chadnezzar of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was with chains. He was with all the captives*
at the town of Riblah in the land of Hamath. from Jerusalem and Judah. They were being
At that place, Nebuchadnezzar decided what taken away in captivity to Babylon. 2When
to do to Zedekiah. 6There at the town of commander Nebuzaradan found Jeremiah, he
Riblah, the king of Babylon killed Zedekiah’s spoke to him. He said, “Jeremiah, the Lord,
sons and he killed all the royal officials of your God, announced that this disaster would
Judah while Zedekiah watched. 7Then Nebu- come to this place. 3And now the Lord has
chadnezzar tore out Zedekiah’s eyes. He put done everything just as he said he would do.
bronze chains on Zedekiah and took him to This disaster happened because you people
Babylon. of Judah sinned against the Lord. You didn’t
8The army of Babylon set fire to the king’s obey the Lord. 4But now, Jeremiah, I will
palace and the houses of the people of Jerusa- set you free. I am taking the chains off your
lem. And they broke down the walls of Jeru- wrists. If you want to, come with me to Baby-
salem. 9Nebuzaradan was the commander lon, and I will take good care of you. But if
of the king of Babylon’s special guards. He you don’t want to come with me, then don’t
took all the people who had surrendered to come. Look, the whole country is open to
him and all the people still in Jerusalem and you. Go anywhere you want. 5Or go back to
made them captives.* He carried them away Gedaliahc son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan.
to Babylon. 10But commander Nebuzaradan The king of Babylon has chosen Gedaliah to
left behind some of the poor people of Judah be governor over the towns of Judah. Go and
who owned nothing. Nebuzaradan gave them live with Gedaliah among the people. Or you
vineyards* and farmland in Judah. can go anywhere you want.”
11Nebuchadnezzar also gave an order Then Nebuzaradan gave Jeremiah some food
about Jeremiah to commander Nebuzaradan: and a present and let him go. 6So Jeremiah
12“Find Jeremiah and take care of him. Don’t
a 39:14 Gedaliah Gedaliah was the man who
hurt him. Give him whatever he asks for.” Nebuchadnezzar appointed as his governor for the
13So Nebuzaradan, the commander of
land of Judah.
the king’s special guards, Nebushazban, a b 39:16 Ebed Melech See Jer. 38:7‑13.
chief officer in the army of Babylon, Nergal- c 40:5 Or … Gedaliah Or “Before Gedaliah goes
Sharezer, a high official, and all the other back, return to him ….”
641 JEREMIAH 41:11
went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. 16But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to
He stayed with Gedaliah among those who Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t kill Ishmael.
were left behind in the land of Judah. The things you are saying about Ishmael are
not true.”
The Short Rule of Gedaliah
7There were some soldiers from the army of
Judah, officers and their men, still out in the
41 1In the seventh month, Ishmael son
of Nethaniah (the son of Elishama)
came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael
open country when Jerusalem was destroyed. came with ten of his men. They came to the
They heard that the king of Babylon had put town of Mizpah. Ishmael was a member of
Gedaliah son of Ahikam in charge of those the king’s family. He had been one of the offi-
who were left in the land. Those who were cers of the king of Judah. Ishmael and his men
left were men, women, and children who ate a meal with Gedaliah. 2While they were
were very poor. They were not carried off to eating together, Ishmael and his ten men got
Babylon as captives.* 8So the soldiers came up and killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam with
to Gedaliah at Mizpah. They were Ishmael a sword. Gedaliah was the man the king of
son of Nethaniah, Johanan and his brother Babylon had chosen to be governor of Judah.
Jonathan, sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tan- 3Ishmael also killed all the men of Judah who
humeth, sons of Ephai from Netophah, and were with Gedaliah at the town of Mizpah.
Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, and the men He also killed the Babylonian soldiers who
who were with them. were there with Gedaliah.
9Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, 4‑5The day after Gedaliah was murdered,
made an oath* to make the soldiers and their 80 men came to Mizpah. They were bring-
men feel more secure. This is what he said: ing grain offerings and incense* to the Lord’s
“You soldiers, don’t be afraid to serve the Temple.* They had shaved off their beards,
Babylonian people. Settle down in the land torn their clothes, and cut themselves.a They
and serve the king of Babylon. If you do this, came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria.
things will go well for you. 10I myself will live None of these men knew that Gedaliah had
in Mizpah. I will speak for you before the been murdered. 6Ishmael left Mizpah and
Chaldeans* who come here. You leave that went to meet the 80 men. He criedb while
work to me. You should harvest the wine, he walked out to meet them. Ishmael met
the summer fruit, and the oil. Put what you them and said, “Come with me to meet with
harvest in your storage jars. Live in the towns Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” 7‑8As soon as they
that you control.” were in the city, Ishmael and the men with
11All the people of Judah who were in the him began to kill the 80 men and throw them
countries of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and all the into a deep cistern! But ten of the men said to
other countries heard that the king of Babylon Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have hidden some
had left some people of Judah in the land. And things in a field. We have wheat and barley
they heard that the king of Babylon had cho- and oil and honey.” So Ishmael stopped and
sen Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, didn’t kill them with the others. 9(Ishmael
to be governor over them. 12When the people threw the dead bodies into the cistern until
of Judah heard this news, they came back to it was full, and that cistern was very big! It
the land of Judah. They came back to Geda- had been built by a king of Judah named Asa.
liah at Mizpah from all the countries where King Asa had made the cistern so that during
they had been scattered. So they came back war there would be water in the city.c Asa
and gathered a large harvest of wine and sum- did this to protect his city from King Baasha
mer fruit. of Israel.)
13Johanan son of Kareah and all the officers 10Ishmael captured all the other people
of the army of Judah who were still in the in the town of Mizpah and started to cross
open country came to Gedaliah. Gedaliah was over to the country of the Ammonites. They
at the town of Mizpah. 14Johanan and the offi- included the king’s daughters, and all those
cers with him said to Gedaliah, “Do you know who were left there. Nebuzaradan, the
that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, wants commander of the king of Babylon’s special
to kill you? He has sent Ishmael son of Netha- guards, had chosen Gedaliah to watch over
niah to kill you.” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam those people.
didn’t believe them. 11Johanan son of Kareah and all the army
15Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke to officers who were with him heard about
Gedaliah in private at Mizpah. Johanan said to
Gedaliah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of a 41:4‑5 shaved … cut themselves The men did this
Nethaniah. No one will know anything about to show that they were sad about the destruction of
it. We should not let Ishmael kill you. That the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem.
b 41:6 He cried Ishmael was acting like he was sad
would cause all the people of Judah who are about the destruction of the Temple.
gathered around you to be scattered to dif- c 41:9 King Asa … city King Asa lived about 300
ferent countries again. And that would mean years before the time of Gedaliah. See 1 Kings 15:22
that the few survivors* of Judah would be for the story about Asa building defenses for
lost.” Mizpah.
JEREMIAH 41:12 642
all the evil things Ishmael had done. 12So least important to the most important. 9Then
Johanan and the army officers with him took Jeremiah said to them, “This is what the
their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Lord, the God of the people of Israel, says.
Nethaniah. They caught Ishmael near the big You sent me to him. I asked the Lord what
pool of water that is at the town of Gibeon. you wanted me to ask. This is what he says:
13When the captives that Ishmael had taken 10‘If you will stay in Judah, I will make you
saw Johanan and the army officers, they were strong—I will not destroy you. I will plant
very happy. 14Then all the captives who Ish- you, and I will not pull you up. I will do this
mael had taken from the town of Mizpah ran because I am sad about the terrible things that
to Johanan son of Kareah. 15But Ishmael and I made happen to you. 11Now you are afraid
eight of his men escaped from Johanan and of the king of Babylon. But don’t be afraid of
ran away to the Ammonites. him. Don’t be afraid of the king of Babylon,’
16So Johanan son of Kareah and all his army says the Lord, ‘because I am with you. I will
officers rescued the captives. Ishmael had save you. I will rescue you. He will not get his
murdered Gedaliah and then he had taken hands on you. 12I will be kind to you, and the
those people from Mizpah. Among the sur- king of Babylon will also treat you with mercy.
vivors were soldiers, women, children, and He will bring you back to your land.’ 13But
court officials. Johanan brought them back you might say, ‘We will not stay in Judah.’ If
from the town of Gibeon. you say that, you will disobey the Lord your
God. 14And you might say, ‘No, we will go and
The Escape to Egypt live in Egypt. We will not be bothered with
17‑18Johanan and the other army officers war there. We will not hear the trumpets of
were afraid of the Chaldeans.* The king of war, and in Egypt we will not be hungry.’ 15If
Babylon had chosen Gedaliah to be governor you say that, listen to this message from the
of Judah. But Ishmael murdered Gedaliah, Lord, you survivors from Judah. This is what
and Johanan was afraid that the Chaldeans the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the people
would be angry. So they decided to run of Israel, says: ‘If you decide to go and live in
away to Egypt. On the way to Egypt, they Egypt, this will happen: 16You are afraid of the
stayed at Geruth Kimham, near the town of sword of war, but it will defeat you there. And
Bethlehem. you are worried about hunger, but you will be
a 46:2 the fourth year … Jehoiakim This was about b 46:20 horsefly A large insect that often flies
605 b.c. around cows and horses and bites them.
JEREMIAH 46:21 646
northa to attack her. You must be punished for the bad things
21 The hired soldiers in Egypt’s army are like you did.
fat calves. So I will not let you escape your
They will all turn and run away. punishment.
They will not stand strong against the I will discipline you, but I will be fair.”
attack.
Their time of destruction is coming. A Message About the Philistine People
22
They will soon be punished.
Egypt is like a snake hissing
and trying to escape.
47 1This is the message from the Lord
that came to Jeremiah the prophet*
about the Philistines.* This message came
The enemy comes closer and closer, before Pharaoh attacked the city of Gaza.
and the Egyptian army is trying to
slither away. 2 This is what the Lord says:
The enemy will attack Egypt with axes, “Look, the enemy is gathering in the
like men cutting down trees.” northc like rising water.
They will come like a river spilling over
23 This is what the Lord says: its banks.
“They will chop down Egypt’s forest. They will cover the whole country like a
There are many trees in that forest, flood.
but they will all be cut down. They will cover the towns and the
There are more enemy soldiers than people living in them.
locusts.* Everyone in the country will cry for help.
There are so many soldiers that no one Everyone will cry out in pain.
can count them. 3 They will hear the sound of running
24 Egypt will be ashamed. horses,
The enemy from the north will defeat the noisy chariots,* the rumbling
her.” wheels.
Fathers will not be able to protect their
25The Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, children.
says, “Very soon I will punish Amon,b the god They will be too weak to help,
of Thebes, and I will punish Pharaoh, Egypt, 4 because the time has come
and her gods. I will punish the kings of Egypt, to destroy all the Philistines.
and I will punish the people who depend on The time has come to destroy
Pharaoh. 26I will let all of them be defeated Tyre and Sidon’s remaining helpers.
by their enemies—their enemies want to kill The Lord will destroy the Philistines,
them. I will give the people to King Nebu- the survivors from the Island of Crete.d
chadnezzar of Babylon and his servants. 5 The people from Gaza will be sad and
“Long ago, Egypt lived in peace. And after shave their heads.
all these times of trouble, Egypt will live in The people from Ashkelon will be
peace again.” This is what the Lord said. silenced.
Survivors from the valley, how long will
A Message for Northern Israel you cut yourselves?e
27“Jacob,* my servant, do not be afraid.
Do not be frightened, Israel. 6“Sword of the Lord, you have not stopped.
I will save you from those faraway places. How long will you keep fighting?
I will save your children from the Go back into your scabbardf!
countries where they are captives.* Stop! Be still!
Jacob will have peace and safety again, 7 But how can the sword of the Lord rest?
and no one will make him afraid.” The Lord gave it a command.
28 This is what the Lord says. He commanded it to attack
“Jacob, my servant, do not be afraid. the city of Ashkelon and the seacoast.”
I am with you.
I sent you away to many different places.
But I will not destroy you completely.
But I will destroy all those nations.
c 47:2 north The Babylonian army came from this
a 46:20 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries
direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to
north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.
attack Judah and Israel. d 47:4 Island of Crete Literally, “Island of Caphtor.”
b 46:25 Amon For many centuries Amon was Sometimes this means Crete, and sometimes it
the most important god of Egypt. At the time of means Cyprus. The Bible says the Philistines origi‑
this prophecy, he was not worshiped as much in nally came from Caphtor.
northern Egypt. But he was still the most important e 47:5 sad … cut yourselves The people did these
god in southern Egypt, especially around the old things to show their sadness.
Egyptian capital city of Thebes. f 47:6 scabbard A holder for a sword.
647 JEREMIAH 48:21
A Message About Moab He has not been taken into captivity.
38
Sword, destroy the treasures of Babylon.
Those treasures will be taken away.
Sword, strike the waters of Babylon.
51 1The Lord says,
“I will cause a powerful, destructive
wind to blow against Babylon and the
Those waters will be dried up. Babylonians.a
Babylon has many, many idols. 2 I will send foreigners to winnowb
These idols show that the people of Babylon,
Babylon are foolish. and they will take everything from the
So bad things will happen to them. city.
39 Babylon will never again be filled with Armies will surround the city,
people. and there will be terrible destruction.
Wild dogs, ostriches,* and other desert 3 The Babylonian soldiers will not get to
animals will live there. use their bows and arrows.
But no one will live there ever again. They will not even put on their armor.*
40 God completely destroyed Sodom* and Don’t feel sorry for the soldiers of
Gomorrah* Babylon.
and the towns around them. Destroy her army completely!
In the same way no one will live in 4 Babylon’s soldiers will be killed in the
Babylon, land of the Chaldeans.
and no one will ever go to live there. They will be badly wounded in the
streets of Babylon.”
41“Look! There are people coming from the
north. 5 The Lord All-Powerful
They come from a powerful nation. did not leave Israel and Judah alone, like
Many kings are coming together from all a widow.
around the world. No, they are guilty
42 Their armies have bows and spears. of leaving the Holy One of Israel.
The soldiers are cruel. They left him,
They have no mercy. but he has not left them.
The soldiers come riding on their horses;
the sound is as loud as the roaring sea. 6 Run away from Babylon.
They stand in their places, ready for Run to save your lives!
battle. Don’t stay and be killed because of
They are ready to attack you, city of Babylon’s sins!
Babylon. It is time for the Lord to punish the
43 The king of Babylon heard about those Babylonians for the bad things they
armies, have done.
and he is paralyzed with fear. Babylon will get the punishment that
He is overcome with fear and pain, she should have.
like a woman giving birth. 7 Babylon was like a golden cup in the
Lord’s hand.
44“Sometimes a lion will come Babylon made the whole world drunk.
from the thick bushes near the Jordan The nations drank Babylon’s wine,
River. so they went crazy.
It will walk into the fields 8 But Babylon will suddenly fall and be
where people have their animals. broken.
I will be like that lion; Cry for her!
I will chase Babylon from its land. Get medicine for her pain,
Who should I choose to do this? and maybe she can be healed.
There is no one like me.
There is no one who can challenge me.
No shepherd will come to chase me away.
I will chase away the Babylonians.” a 51:1 Babylonians Literally, “Leb Kammai.” In
45 Hebrew this was a secret way of writing “Chaldeans.”
Listen to what the Lord has planned b 51:2 winnow To separate grain from the hulls
to do to Babylon. around it. Farmers threw the grain with the hulls
Listen to what he has decided into the air. The wind blew the hulls away and left
to do to the Babylonians. the good grain.
JEREMIAH 51:9 654
9 We tried to heal Babylon, and those idols will be destroyed.
but she cannot be healed. 19 But God, who is Jacob’s* Portion, is not
So let us leave her, like those worthless statues.
and let each of us go to our own People didn’t make God;
country. God made his people.
God in heaven will decide Babylon’s He made everything.
punishment. His name is the Lord All-Powerful.
He will decide what will happen to
Babylon. 20 The Lord says, “Babylon, you are my club.
10 The Lord got even for us. I used you to smash nations.
Come, let’s tell about that in Zion.* I used you to destroy kingdoms.
Let’s tell what the Lord our God has done. 21 I used you to smash horse and rider.
I used you to smash chariot and driver.
11 Sharpen the arrows! 22 I used you to smash men and women.
Get your shields! I used you to smash men, old and
The Lord has stirred up the kings of the young.
Medes* I used you to smash young men and
because he wants to destroy Babylon. young women.
The army from Babylon destroyed his 23 I used you to smash shepherds and flocks.
Temple in Jerusalem, I used you to smash farmers and oxen.
so he will give them the punishment I used you to smash governors and
they deserve. important officials.
12 Lift up a flag against the walls of Babylon. 24 But I will repay Babylonia and all the
Bring more guards. Babylonians for all the evil things they
Put the watchmen in their places. did to Zion.
Get ready for a secret attack. I will pay them back so that you can see
The Lord will do what he has planned. it, Judah.”
He will do what he said he would do This is what the Lord said.
against the people of Babylon.
13 Babylon, you live near much water. 25 The Lord says,
You are rich with treasures, but your “Babylon, you are like a volcano
end as a nation has come. that destroys the whole country.
It is time for you to be destroyed. But I have turned against you,
14 The Lord All-Powerful used his name to and I will turn you into a burned-out
make this promise: mountain.
“Babylon, I will fill you with so many 26 People will not take stones from Babylon
enemy soldiers they will be like a to use as the foundation of a building.
cloud of locusts.* That is because they will not find any
They will win their war against you. stones big enough for cornerstones.
They will stand over you shouting their Your city will be a pile of broken rocks
victory cry.” forever.”
This is what the Lord said.
15 The Lord used his great power and made
the earth. 27“Lift up the war flag in the land!
He used his wisdom to build the world Blow the trumpet in all the nations!
and his understanding to stretch out the Prepare the nations for war against
skies. Babylon.
16 When he thunders, the waters in the Call these kingdoms to come fight against
skies roar. Babylon:
He sends clouds all over the earth. Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz.
He sends lightning with the rain. Choose a commander to lead the army
He brings out the wind from his against her.
storehouses. Send so many horses that they are like a
17 But people are so stupid. swarm of locusts.
They don’t understand what God has 28 Get the nations ready for battle against
done. her.
Skilled workers make statues of false gods. Get the kings of the Medes ready.
Those statues are only false gods. Get their governors and all their
They show how foolish those workers important officials ready.
are. Get all the countries they rule ready for
Those statues are not alive. battle against Babylon.
18 Those idols* are worthless. 29 The land shakes and moves like it is in
People made them, and they are pain.
nothing but a joke. It will shake when the Lord does what
Their time of judgment will come, he planned to Babylon.
655 JEREMIAH 51:49
The Lord’s plan is to make the land of I will give a party for them.
Babylon into an empty desert. I will make them drunk.
No one will live there. They will laugh and have a good time,
30 Babylon’s soldiers have stopped fighting. and then they will sleep forever.
They stay in their forts. They will never wake up.”
Their strength is gone.
They have become like frightened This is what the Lord said.
women. 40“Babylon will be like sheep, rams, and
Babylon’s houses are burning. goats waiting to be killed.
The bars of her gates are broken. I will lead them to the slaughter.
31 One messenger follows another.
Messenger follows messenger. 41“Sheshacha will be defeated.
They announce to the king of Babylon The best and proudest country
that his whole city has been captured. of the whole earth will be taken captive.
32 The places where people cross the rivers People from other nations will look at
have been captured. Babylon,
The swamplands are burning. and what they see will make them
All of Babylon’s soldiers are afraid.” afraid.
42 The sea will rise over Babylon.
33This is what the Lord All-Powerful, the Its roaring waves will cover her.
God of the people of Israel, says: 43 Babylon will be like a dry, desert land.
“Babylon is like a threshing* floor, Its cities will be empty ruins.
where people beat the grain at harvest No one will live in those cities.
time. No one will even travel through them.
And the time to beat Babylon is coming 44 I will punish the false god Bel in Babylon.
soon. I will make him vomit out the people he
swallowed.
34“King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon The wall around Babylon will fall,
destroyed us in the past. and other nations will stop coming to
In the past he hurt us. Babylon.
In the past he took our people away, 45 Come out of the city of Babylon, my
and we became like an empty jar. people.
He took the best we had. Run to save your lives.
He was like a giant monster that ate Run from the Lord’s great anger.
everything until it was full.
He took the best we had 46“Don’t be sad, my people.
and then threw us away. Rumors will spread, but don’t be afraid.
35 Babylon did terrible things to hurt us. One rumor comes this year.
Now I want those things to happen to Another rumor will come next year.
Babylon.” There will be rumors about terrible
fighting in the country.
The people living in Zion said, There will be rumors about rulers fighting
“The people of Babylon are guilty of killing against other rulers.
our people. 47 The time will surely come
Now they are being punished for the when I will punish the false gods of
bad things they did.” Babylon,
The city of Jerusalem said those things. and the whole land of Babylon will be put
36 So this is what the Lord says: to shame.
“I will defend you, Judah. There will be many dead people,
I will make sure that Babylon is lying in the streets of that city.
punished. 48 Then heaven and earth and all that is in
I will dry up Babylon’s sea. them
And I will make her water springs will shout with joy about Babylon.
become dry. They will shout because an army came
37 Babylon will become a pile of ruined from the north
buildings, and fought against Babylon.”
a place fit only for wild dogs. This is what the Lord said.
People will be shocked and shake their
heads at what is left there. 49“Babylon killed people from Israel.
It will be a place where no one lives. Babylon killed people from every place
on earth.
38“The people of Babylon are like roaring So Babylon must fall!
young lions.
They growl like baby lions. a 51:41 Sheshach Jeremiah used a special code to
39 They are acting like powerful lions. create this secret name for Babylon.
JEREMIAH 51:50 656
50 You people escaped the swords. the son of Mahseiah. Seraiah went to Babylon
You must hurry and leave Babylon. with King Zedekiah of Judah. This happened
Don’t wait! in the fourth year that Zedekiahb was king of
You are in a faraway land, Judah. At that time Jeremiah gave this mes-
but remember the Lord where you are sage to Seraiah, the officer. 60Jeremiah had
and remember Jerusalem.” written on a scroll* all the terrible things that
would happen to Babylon. He had written all
51“We people of Judah are ashamed. these things about Babylon.
We have been insulted, 61Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “Seraiah, go to
because strangers have gone into Babylon. Be sure to read this message so that
the holy places of the Lord’s Temple.” all the people can hear you. 62Then say, ‘Lord,
you have said that you will destroy this place,
52 The Lord says, “The time is coming, Babylon. You will destroy it so that no people
when I will punish the idols of Babylon. or animals will live in it. This place will be an
At that time wounded people will cry empty ruin forever.’ 63After you finish read-
with pain everywhere in that country. ing this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it
53 Babylon might grow until she touches the into the Euphrates River. 64Then say, ‘In the
sky. same way Babylon will sink. Babylon will rise
Babylon might make her forts strong, no more. It will sink because of the terrible
but I will send people to fight against things that I will make happen here.’”
that city. The words of Jeremiah end here.
And they will destroy her.”
This is what the Lord said. The Fall of Jerusalem
54“We can hear people crying in Babylon.
We hear the sound of people destroying
52 1Zedekiah was 21 years old when
he became king of Judah. He ruled
in Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother’s
things in the land of Babylon. name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah.c
55 The Lord will destroy Babylon very soon. Hamutal’s family was from the town of Lib-
He will stop the loud noises in that city. nah. 2Zedekiah did evil things, just as King
Enemies will come roaring in like ocean Jehoiakim had done. The Lord did not like
waves. Zedekiah doing those evil things. 3Terrible
People all around will hear that roar. things happened to the people of Jerusa-
56 The army will come and destroy Babylon. lem and Judah because the Lord was angry
Its soldiers will be captured, and their with them. Finally, he threw them out of his
bows will be broken, presence.
This will happen because Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Baby-
the Lord punishes people for the bad lon. 4So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s rule,
things they do. on the tenth day of the tenth month,d King
He gives them the full punishment Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon marched against
they deserve. Jerusalem with his whole army. The army of
57 I will make Babylon’s wise men Babylon set up their camp outside of Jerusa-
and important officials drunk. lem. Then they built ramps all around the city
I will make the governors, officers, walls so that they could get over the walls.
and soldiers drunk too. 5The city of Jerusalem was surrounded by
Then they will sleep forever. the army of Babylon until the eleventh year
They will never wake up.” that Zedekiahe was king. 6By the ninth day
This is what the King said. of the fourth month of that year, the hunger
His name is the Lord All-Powerful. in the city was very bad. There was no food
left for the people in the city to eat. 7On that
58 This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: day the army of Babylon broke into Jerusalem.
“Babylon’s thick, strong wall will be pulled The soldiers of Jerusalem ran away. They left
down. the city at night. They went through the gate
Her high gates will be burned. between the two walls. That gate was near
The people of Babylon will work hard, the king’s garden. Even though the army of
but it will not help. Babylon had surrounded the city, the soldiers
They will get very tired of Jerusalem still ran away toward the desert.
trying to save the city.
But they will only be fuel for the flames.”
b 51:59 the fourth year … Zedekiah That is,
Jeremiah Sends a Message to Babylon
59This
is the message that Jeremiah gave to 594‑593 b.c.
c 52:1 Jeremiah This is not the prophet Jeremiah,
the officer Seraiaha son of Neriah. Neriah was but a different man with the same name.
d 52:4 ninth year … tenth month That is, January of
a 51:59 Seraiah Seraiah was a brother of Baruch, 588 b.c.
Jeremiah’s secretary. e 52:5 the eleventh year … Zedekiah That is, 587 b.c.
657 JEREMIAH 52:31
8But the Babylonian army chased King were made of was so heavy it could not be
Zedekiah and caught him on the plains of weighed.
Jericho. All of Zedekiah’s soldiers ran away. 21Each of the bronze pillars was 31 feetd
9The army of Babylon captured King Zedekiah tall. Each pillar was almost 21 feete around.
and took him to the king of Babylon who was Each pillar was hollow. The wall of each pillar
at the city of Riblah, in the land of Hamath. was 3 inchesf thick. 22The bronze capital* on
At Riblah the king of Babylon announced his top of the first pillar was over 5 feetg tall. It
judgment on King Zedekiah. 10There at the was decorated with a net design and bronze
town of Riblah, the king of Babylon killed pomegranates* all around it. The other pillar
Zedekiah’s sons while Zedekiah watched. The had pomegranates too. It was like the first
king of Babylon also killed all the royal offi- pillar. 23There were 96 pomegranates on the
cials of Judah. 11Then the king of Babylon tore sides of the pillars. All together, there were
out Zedekiah’s eyes. He put bronze chains on 100 pomegranates above the net design that
him and took him to Babylon. In Babylon he went around the pillars.
put Zedekiah into prison. He stayed in prison 24The commander of the king’s special
until the day he died. guards took Seraiah the high priest and Zeph-
12Nebuzaradan was the commander of the aniah the next highest priest as prisoners. The
king of Babylon’s special guard. He was one three doorkeepers were also taken as prison-
of the king’s most important officials while at ers. 25The commander of the king’s special
Jerusalem. He came to Jerusalem on the tenth guards also took the officer in charge of the
day of the fifth month, in the 19th year that fighting men. He also took seven of the king’s
Nebuchadnezzara was king. 13Nebuzaradan advisors as prisoners. They were still there in
burned the Lord’s Temple,* the king’s palace, Jerusalem. He also took the scribe* who was
and every important building in Jerusalem, as in charge of putting people in the army. And
well as all the houses. 14All the Babylonian he took 60 of the ordinary people who were
soldiers that were with the commander broke there in the city. 26‑27Nebuzaradan, the com-
down the walls around Jerusalem. 15Com- mander, took all these officials and brought
mander Nebuzaradan took the people who them to the king of Babylon. The king of
were still in Jerusalemb and those who had Babylon was at the city of Riblah. Riblah is
surrendered earlier and made them captives. in the country of Hamath. There at the city
He took them and the skilled craftsmen who of Riblah, the king ordered all of them to be
were left in Jerusalem as captives to Babylon. killed.
16But Nebuzaradan left some of the poorest So the people of Judah were taken from
people behind in the land. He left them to their country. 28This is how many people
work in the vineyards* and the fields. Nebuchadnezzar carried into captivity:
17The Babylonian army broke up the
bronze columns of the Lord’s Temple. They In Nebuchadnezzar’s 7th yearh as king of
also broke up the stands and the bronze tankc Babylon, 3023 people were taken from
that were in the Lord’s Temple. They car- Judah.
ried all that bronze to Babylon. 18The army 29 In Nebuchadnezzar’s 18th yeari as king
of Babylon also took these things from the of Babylon, 832 people were taken from
Temple: pots, shovels, lamp snuffers,* large Jerusalem.
bowls, pans, and all the bronze things that 30 In Nebuchadnezzar’s 23rd year j as king,
were used in the Temple service. 19The com- Nebuzaradan took 745 people of Judah
mander of the king’s special guards took these into captivity. Nebuzaradan was the
things away: basins, firepans,* large bowls, commander of the king’s special guards.
pots, lampstands, pans, and bowls used for In all, 4600 people were taken captive.
drink offerings. He took everything that was
made of gold or silver. 20The two pillars, the Jehoiachin Is Set Free
Sea and the twelve bronze bulls under it, 31King
Jehoiachin of Judah was in prison
and the moveable stands were very heavy. in Babylon for 37 years. In the 37th year of
King Solomon had made those things for the his imprisonment,k King Evil Merodach of
Lord’s Temple. The bronze that those things Babylon was very kind to Jehoiachin. He let
Lamentations
Jerusalem Cries Over Her Destruction has gone away.
44
You chased us.
You killed us without mercy!
You wrapped yourself in a cloud
4 1See how the gold has grown dark,
how the pure gold has changed.
There are jewelsa scattered all around
so that no prayer could get through. at every street corner.
45 You made us like garbage and dirt 2 The people of Zion* were worth a lot.
to the other nations. They were worth their weight in gold.
46 All of our enemies But now the enemy treats them
speak angrily against us. like old clay jars.
47 We have been frightened. The enemy treats them
We have fallen into a pit. like clay jars made by a potter.
We have been badly hurt. 3 Even a wild dog feeds her babies.
We have been broken.” Even the jackal lets her pups suck at her
48 My eyes flow with streams of tears. breast.
I cry because of the destruction of my But the daughter of my peopleb is cruel.
people. She is like the ostrich* in the desert that
49 My eyes will flow without stopping. forgets its eggs in the sand.
I will keep on crying. 4 Babies are so thirsty
50 I will continue to cry their tongues stick to the roof of their
until you look down and see us, Lord! mouths.
I will continue to cry Young children ask for bread,
until you see us from heaven. but no one gives them any.
51 My eyes make me sad, when I see 5 Those who ate rich food
what happened to the young women in are now dying in the streets.
my city. Those who grew up wearing nice red
52 For no reason, my enemies hunted me clothes
like a bird. now pick through garbage piles.
53 They threw me alive into a pit 6 The sin of the daughter of my people
and then threw stones at me. was very great.
54 Water came up over my head. Their sin was greater than the sins
I said to myself, “I am finished.” of Sodom* and Gomorrah.*
55 Lord, I called your name Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed
from the bottom of the pit. suddenly.
56 You heard my voice. No human hand caused their
You didn’t close your ears. destruction.c
You didn’t refuse to rescue me. 7 Some of the men of Judah
57 You came to me on the day that I called were dedicated* to God in a special
out to you. way.
You said to me, “Don’t be afraid.” They were very pure.
58 You defended me They were whiter than snow,
and bought me back to life. and whiter than milk.
59 Lord, you have seen my trouble. Their bodies were red like coral
Now judge my case for me. and their beards like sapphire stones.
60 You have seen how my enemies 8 But now their faces are blacker than soot.
have hurt me. No one even recognizes them in the
You have seen all the evil plans streets.
that they made against me. Their skin is wrinkled over their bones.
61 You heard them insult me, Lord. Their skin is like wood.
You have heard all the evil plans that 9 It was better for those who were killed by
they made against me. the sword
62 The words and the thoughts of my than for those who died of hunger.
enemies Those starving people were sad and hurt.
are against me all the time— They died because they got no food
63 when they sit down and when they from the field.
stand up.
Look how they make fun of me! a 4:1 jewels The meaning of the Hebrew word here
64 Give them back what they deserve, Lord. is uncertain.
Pay them back for what they have b 4:3 daughter of my people Another name for
done. Jerusalem. Also in verse 6.
65 Make them stubborn c 4:6 No human hand … destruction The Hebrew
and then curse them. text here is hard to understand.
663 LAMENTATIONS 5:18
10 Then even nice women But remember, the cup of the Lord’s anger
cooked their own children. will come around to you too.
The children were food When you drink from that cup,
for their mothers. you will get drunk and strip off all your
This happened when my people clothes.
were destroyed. 22 Your punishment is complete, Zion.
11 The Lord used all of his anger. You will not go into captivity again.
He poured out all his anger. But the Lord will punish your sins,
He made a fire in Zion people of Edom.
that burned it down to the foundations. He will uncover your sins.
12 The kings of the earth could not believe
what had happened. A Prayer to the Lord
The people of the world could not believe
what had happened.
They could not believe
5 2
1Remember, Lord, what happened to us.
Look and see our shame.
Our land has been turned over to
that enemies would be able to come strangers.
through the city gates of Jerusalem. Our houses have been given to
13 This happened because the prophets foreigners.
of Jerusalem sinned. 3 We have become orphans.
This happened because the priests We have no father.
of Jerusalem did evil things. Our mothers have become like widows.
They were shedding the blood of good 4 We have to buy the water that we drink.
people We have to pay for the wood that we
in the city of Jerusalem. use.
14 The prophets and priests walked around 5 We are forced to wear a yoke* on our
like blind men in the streets. necks.
They had become dirty with blood. We get tired, and we have no rest.
No one could even touch their clothes 6 We made an agreement with Egypt.
because they were dirty. We also made an agreement with
15 People shouted, “Go away! Assyria* to get enough bread.
Go away! Don’t touch us.” 7 Our ancestors sinned against you, and
They wandered around and had no home. now they are dead.
People in other nations said, And we are suffering because of their
“We don’t want them to live with us.” sins.
16 The Lord himself destroyed them. 8 Slaves have become our rulers.
He didn’t look after them anymore. No one can save us from them.
He didn’t respect the priests. 9 We risk our lives to get food.
He was not friendly to the elders* of There are men in the desert with
Judah. swords.
17 We have worn out our eyes looking for 10 Our skin is hot like an oven.
help, We have a high fever because of our
but no help comes. hunger.
We kept on looking for a nation to save 11 The enemy raped the women of Zion.*
us. They raped the women in the cities of
We kept watch from our watchtower, Judah.
but no nation came to us. 12 The enemy hanged our princes.
18 Our enemies hunted us all the time. They didn’t honor our elders.
We could not even go out into the 13 The enemy made our young men
streets. grind grain at the mill.
Our end came near. Our time was up. Our young men stumbled
Our end came! under loads of wood.
19 The men who chased us 14 The elders no longer sit at the gates of the
were faster than eagles in the sky. city.
They chased us into the mountains. The young men no longer make music.
They hid in the desert to catch us. 15 We have no more joy in our hearts.
20 The king was very important to us. Our dancing has changed to crying for
He was like the breath we breathe, the dead.
but he was trapped by them. 16 The crown has fallen from our head.
The Lord himself chose the king, and we Things have gone bad for us because we
said this about the king, sinned.
“We will live in his shadow. 17 For this reason our hearts have become
He protects us from the nations.” sick,
21 Be happy, people of Edom. and our eyes cannot see clearly.
Be happy, you who live in the land of 18 Mount Zion is a wasteland.
Uz. Foxes run around on Mount Zion.
LAMENTATIONS 5:19 664
19 But you rule forever, Lord. 21 Bring us back to you, Lord.
Your kingly chair lasts forever and ever. We will gladly come back to you.
20 You seem to have forgotten us forever. Make our lives as they were before.
You seem to have left us alone for such 22 You were very angry with us.
a long time. Have you completely rejected us?
Ezekiel
Introduction there was something that looked like burning
1 1‑3I
am the priest, Ezekiel son of Buzzi. I
was in exile* by the Kebar Canal in Baby-
lonia when the skies opened up, and I saw
coals of fire. This fire was like small torches
that kept moving around among the living
beings. The fire glowed brightly and lightning
visions* of God. This was on the fifth day of flashed from it. 14The living beings ran back
the fourth month of the thirtieth year.a (This and forth—as fast as lightning.d
was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. 15‑16I was looking at the living beings when
The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. The I noticed four wheels that touched the ground.
power of the Lord came over him at that There was one wheel by each living being.
place.) All the wheels looked the same. The wheels
looked as if they were made from a clear, yel-
The Chariot of the Lord—God’s Throne low jewel. They looked like there was a wheel
4I was watching a big storm come in from inside a wheel. 17They could turn to move in
the north. It was a big cloud with a strong any direction. {But the living beings} did not
wind, and there was fire flashing from it. turn when they moved.e
Light was shining out all around it. It looked 18The rims of the wheels were tall and
like hot metalb glowing in a fire. 5Inside the frightening. There were eyes all over the rims
cloud, there were four living beings that of all four wheels.
looked like people. 6But each one of them had 19The wheels always moved with the liv-
four faces and four wings. 7Their legs were ing beings. If the living beings went up into
straight. Their feet looked like calves’ feet, the air, the wheels went with them. 20They
and they sparkled like polished brass. 8Under went wherever the spirit wanted them to go,
their wings were human arms. There were and the wheels went with them, because the
four living beings. Each living being had four power that moved the living being was in the
faces and four wings. 9The wings touched wheels. 21So if the living beings moved, the
each other. The living beings did not turn wheels moved. If the living beings stopped,
when they moved. They went in the direc- the wheels stopped. If the wheels went into
tion they were looking. the air, the living beings went with them,
10Each living being had four faces. In the because the spirit was in the wheels.
front they each had a man’s face. There was 22There was an amazing thing over the
a lion’s face on the right side and a bull’s face heads of the living beings. It was like a bowlf
on the left side. There was an eagle’s face turned upside down, and the bowl was clear
on the back. 11Their wings were spread out like crystal. 23Under this bowl, each living
over them. With two of the wings each living being had wings reaching out to the one next
being reached out to touch the one near it, to it. Two wings spread out one way and two
and with the other two wings it covered its wings spread out the other way, covering its
body. 12Each living being went in the direc- body.
tion it was looking. They went wherever the 24Then I heard the wings. Every time the
spiritc caused them to go, but they did not living beings moved, their wings made a very
turn when they moved. 13That is what the liv- loud noise like a lot of water rushing by. They
ing beings looked like. were loud like {the Lord} All-Powerful. They
Inside the area between the living beings, were as loud as an army or a crowd of people.
a 1:1‑3 fifth day … year If the year refers to Ezekiel’s d 1:14 Or “And there was something like lighting
age, this is the same as the fifth year of exile, that is, shooting back and forth among the living beings.”
July 31, 593 b.c. e 1:17 The wheels … moved Or “The wheels could
b 1:4 hot metal The Hebrew word might mean move in any four directions, but they did not turn
“melted copper,” “an alloy of gold and silver,” or when they moved.”
“amber.” Also in verse 27. f 1:22 bowl This Hebrew word is the same word
c 1:12 spirit Or “wind.” Also in verse 20. used in Gen. 1:6‑7 to describe the dome of the sky.
665 EZEKIEL 3:18
When the living beings stopped moving, they
put their wings down by their side.
25The living beings stopped moving and
3 1God said to me, “Son of man,c eat what
you see. Eat this scroll, and then go tell
these things to the family of Israel.”
lowered their wings. Then there was another 2So I opened my mouth and he put the
loud sound that came from above the bowl scroll into my mouth. 3Then God said, “Son
over their heads. 26There was something that of man, I am giving you this scroll. Swallow it!
looked like a throne on top of the bowl. It Let that scroll fill your body.”
was blue like sapphire. There was also some- So I ate the scroll. It was as sweet as honey
thing that looked like a man sitting on the in my mouth.
throne. 27I looked at him from his waist up. 4Then God said to me, “Son of man, go to
He looked like hot metal with fire all around the family of Israel. Speak my words to them.
him. I looked at him from his waist down. It 5I am not sending you to some foreigners you
looked like fire with a glow that was shining cannot understand. You don’t have to learn
all around him. 28The light shining around another language. I am sending you to the
him was like a rainbow in a cloud. It was the family of Israel. 6I am not sending you to many
Glory of the Lord.* As soon as I saw that, I different countries where people speak lan-
fell to the ground. I bowed with my face to guages you cannot understand. If you went to
the ground, and then I heard a voice speak- those people and spoke to them, they would
ing to me. listen to you. But you will not have to learn
those hard languages. 7No, I am sending you
The Lord Speaks to Ezekiel to the family of Israel. Only, these people have
7 1Then the
2He said,
word of the Lord came to me.
“Now, son of man, here is a
message from the Lord God. This message is
but they will not go out to fight because I will
show the whole crowd how angry I am. 15The
enemy with his sword is outside the city. Dis-
for the land of Israel: ease and hunger is inside the city. If some
people go out into the fields, enemy soldiers
“The end! will kill them. If they stay in the city, hunger
The end is coming. and disease will destroy them.
The whole country will be destroyed. 16“But some people will escape. The survi-
3 Your end is coming now! vors will run to the mountains, but they will
I will show how angry I am with you. not be happy. They will be sad for all their
I will punish you for the evil things you sins. They will cry and make sad noises like
did. doves. 17They will be too tired and sad to
I will make you pay for all the terrible raise their arms. Their legs will be like water.
things you did. 18They will wear sackcloth* and be covered
4 I will not show you any mercy with fear. You will see the shame on every
or feel sorry for you. face. They will shave their heads to show
I am punishing you their sadness. 19They will throw their silver
for the evil things you did. d 7:13 sold their property In ancient Israel property
did not belong to a person, it belonged to a family.
a 6:9 spirit Literally, “heart.” People might sell their property, but at the time of
b 6:13 places for worship Or “high places.” See “high Jubilee their family would get the land back. Here,
place” in the Word List. Ezekiel says the people will never get their property
c 6:14 Diblah Desert This is probably “Riblah Desert.” again.
669 EZEKIEL 8:16
idols* into the streets. They will treat their statue that makes God jealous is by that gate.
gold statues like dirty rags, because those 4But the Glory of the God of Israel was there.
things will not be able to save them when The Glory looked just like the vision I saw in
the Lord shows his anger. Those things were the valley {by the Kebar Canal}.
nothing but a trap that caused the people to 5God spoke to me. He said, “Son of man,d
fall. They will not give food to the people or look toward the north.” So I looked, and
put food in their bellies. there, north of the Altar Gate by the entrance,
20“They used their beautiful jewelry and was that statue that made God jealous.
made an idol. They were proud of that statue. 6Then God said to me, “Son of man, do you
They made their terrible statues. They made see what terrible things the people of Israel
those filthy things, so I will throw them away are doing? They built that thing here, right
like a dirty rag. 21I will let strangers take next to my Temple! And if you come with me,
them. Those strangers will make fun of them. you will see even more terrible things!”
They will kill some of the people and take oth- 7So I went to the entrance to the courtyard,
ers away as prisoners. 22I will turn my head and I saw a hole in the wall. 8God said to me,
away from them—I will not look at them. The “Son of man, make a hole in the wall.” So I
strangers will ruin my Temple—they will go made a hole in the wall, and there I saw a
into the secret parts of that holy building and door.
make it unfit for worship. 9Then God said to me, “Go in and look at
23“Make chains for the prisoners, because the terrible, evil things that the people are
many people will be punished for killing other doing here.” 10So I went in and looked. I saw
people. There will be violence every place in statues of all kinds of reptilese and animals
the city. 24I will bring evil people from other that you hate to think about. The statues were
nations, and they will get all the houses of the filthy idols* that the people of Israel wor-
the people of Israel. I will stop all you power- shiped. There were pictures of those animals
ful people from being so proud. Those people carved all around on every wall!
from other nations will get all your places of 11Then I noticed that Jaazaniah son of
worship. Shapham and the 70 elders* of Israel were
25“You will shake with fear. You will look there with the people worshiping in that
for peace, but there will be none. 26You will place. There they were, right at the front
hear one sad story after another. You will of the people, and each leader had his own
hear nothing but bad news. You will look incense dish in his hand. The smoke from the
for a prophet and ask him for a vision. The burning incense was rising into the air. 12Then
priests will have nothing to teach you, and God said to me, “Son of man, do you see what
the elders* will not have any good advice to the elders of Israel do in the dark? Each man
give you. 27Your king will be crying for the has a special room for his own false god. They
people who died. The leaders will wear sack- say to themselves, ‘The Lord cannot see us.
cloth. The common people will be very afraid, The Lord left this country.’” 13Then he said to
because I will pay them back for what they me, “If you come with me, you will see these
did. I will decide their punishment, and I will men doing even more terrible things!”
punish them. Then they will know that I am 14Then God led me to the entrance to the
the Lord.” Lord’s Temple. This gate was on the north
side. I saw women sitting there and crying.
Sinful Things Done at the Temple They were sad about the false god Tammuzf!
God’s Messengers Punish Jerusalem The Glory of the Lord Leaves the Temple
9 1Then God shouted to the leaders in
charge of punishing the city. Each leader
had his own destructive weapon in his hand.b
10 1Then I looked up at the bowle over
the heads of the Cherub angels. The
bowl looked clear blue like sapphire, and there
2Then I saw six men walking on the road from was something that looked like a throne over
the upper gate. This gate is on the north side. it. 2Then the one sitting on the throne said
Each man had his own deadly weapon in his to the man dressed in linen clothes,f “Step
hand. One of the men wore linen clothes.c He into the area between the wheelsg under the
wore a scribe’s pen and ink setd at his waist. Cherub angels. Take a handful of the burning
Those men went to the bronze altar in the coals from between the Cherub angels and go
Temple and stood there. 3Then the Glory of throw them over the city of Jerusalem.”
the God of Israel rose from above the Cherub The man walked past me. 3The Cherub
angels* where he had been. Then the Glory angels were standing in the area southh of the
went to the door of the Temple and stopped Temple as the man walked to them. The cloud
when he was over the threshold. Then he filled the inner courtyard. 4Then the Glory of
called to the man wearing the linen clothes the Lord rose up off the Cherub angels near
and the scribe’s pen and ink set. the threshold of the door of the Temple. Then
4Then the Lord (Glory) said to him, “Go the cloud filled the Temple, and the bright
through the city of Jerusalem. Put a mark on light from the Glory of the Lord filled the
the forehead of everyone who feels sad and whole courtyard. 5The noise from the wings
upset about all the terrible things people are of the Cherub angels could be heard all the
doing in this city.” way out into the outer courtyard. The sound
5‑6Then I heard God say to the other men, was very loud—like the thundering voice
“I want you to follow the first man. You must when God All-Powerful speaks.
kill all those who do not have the mark on 6God had given the man dressed in linen
their foreheads. It doesn’t matter if they are clothes a command. He had told him to go
elders,* young men or young women, chil- into the area between the wheels among the
dren or mothers—you must use your weapon Cherub angels and get some hot coals. So
and kill everyone who does not have the mark the man went there and stood by the wheel.
on their forehead. Don’t show any mercy. 7One of the Cherub angels reached out his
Don’t feel sorry for anyone. Start here at my hand and took some of the hot coals from the
Temple.” So they started with the elders in area between the Cherub angels. He poured
front of the Temple. the coals into the man’s hands, and the man
7He said to them, “Make this Temple left. 8(The Cherub angels had what looked
unclean*—fill this courtyard with dead bod- like human arms under their wings.)
ies! Now go!” So they went and killed the 9Then I noticed that there were four wheels.
people in the city. There was one wheel by each Cherub angel,
8I stayed there while the men went to and the wheels looked like a clear yellow
kill the people. I bowed with my face to the jewel. 10There were four wheels, and they all
ground and said, “Oh, Lord God, in showing looked the same. They looked like there was
your anger against Jerusalem, are you killing a wheel in a wheel. 11They could go in any
all the survivors in Israel?” direction when they moved, but {the Cherub
9He said, “The family of Israel and Judah angels} did not turn around when they
has committed many terrible sins! People are moved. They went in the direction that the
a 8:17 Look … god Or “Look at them putting that cut e 10:1 bowl This Hebrew word is the same word
branch in their noses.” used in Gen. 1:6‑7 to describe the dome of the sky.
b 9:1 Each … hand In Hebrew this is like Ezek. 8:11. f 10:2 linen clothes Priests usually wore these
c 9:2 linen clothes Priests usually wore these clothes. clothes.
d 9:2 scribe’s pen and ink set A scribe was a person g 10:2 area between the wheels The Hebrew word
who copied official documents and counted sup‑ can mean “chariot wheel,” “whirling (spinning)
plies and things. Scribes often carried a small board wheel,” or “tumbling weed.” See chapter 1 for
with dry ink in it and a pen. They could put water on Ezekiel’s full description. Also in verse 6.
the ink and then write with it. Also in verse 11. h 10:3 south Literally, “right.”
671 EZEKIEL 11:20
head was looking. They did not turn around must speak to the people for me. Son of man,
when they moved. 12There were eyes all over prophesy against the people.”
their bodies. There were eyes on their backs, 5Then the Spirit of the Lord came on me.
on their arms, on their wings, and on their He said to me, “Tell them that this is what the
wheels—on all four wheels! 13These wheels Lord said: House of Israel, you are planning
were what I heard called, “the area between big things. But I know what you are think-
the wheels.” ing. 6You have killed many people in this city.
14‑15Each Cherub angel had four faces. You have filled the streets with dead bodies.
The first was the face of a Cherub,a the sec- 7Now, the Lord God says this, ‘The dead bod-
ond was the face of a man, the third was a ies are the meat, and the city is the pot. But
lion’s face, and the fourth was an eagle’s face. he (Nebuchadnezzar) will come and take
(These Cherub angels were the living beings I you out of this safe pot. 8You are afraid of the
saw in the vision by the Kebar Canal.b) sword, but I am bringing the sword against
Then the Cherub angels rose into the air, you!’” This is what the Lord God said.
16and the wheels rose with them. When the 9He also said, “I will take you out of this
Cherub angels raised their wings and flew city and give you to strangers. I will punish
into the air, not even the wheels turned you. 10You will die by the sword. I will punish
around. 17If they flew into the air, the wheels you here in Israel, so you will know that I am
went with them. If they stood still, so did the the Lord. 11Yes, this place will be the cooking
wheels, because the spiritc of the living being pot, and you will be the meat cooking in it. I
was in them. will punish you here in Israel. 12Then you will
18Then the Glory of the Lord rose from the know that I am the Lord. It was my law that
threshold of the Temple, moved to the place you broke. You did not obey my commands.
over the Cherub angels, and stopped there. You decided to live like the nations around
19Then the Cherub angels raised their wings you.”
and flew into the air. I saw them leave. The 13As soon as I finished speaking for God,
wheels went with them. Then they stopped Pelatiah son of Benaiah died! I fell to the
at the East Gate of the Lord’s Temple. The ground. I bowed with my face touching the
Glory of the God of Israel was in the air above ground and said, “Oh, Lord God, you are
them. going to completely destroy all the survivors
20These were the living beings under the of Israel!”
Glory of the God of Israel in the vision at the
Kebar Canal, and now I realized they were Prophecies Against Survivors in Jerusalem
Cherub angels. 21Each living being had four 14But then the word of the Lord came to
faces, four wings, and something that looked me. He said, 15“Son of man, remember your
like human arms under their wings. 22The brothers, the family of Israel. They were
faces of the Cherub angels were the same forced to leave their country, but I will bring
as the four faces on the living beings in the them back.f But now, the people living in
vision by the Kebar Canal. They all looked Jerusalem are saying, ‘Stay far away from the
straight ahead in the direction they were Lord. This land was given to us—it is ours!’
going. 16“So tell them this: The Lord God says, ‘It
is true, I forced my people to go far away to
Prophecies Against the Leaders other nations. I did scatter them among many
against me. They have eyes to see what I have Shake With Fear
done for them, but they don’t see those things. 17Then the word of the Lord came to me.
They have ears to hear what I told them to do, He said, 18“Son of man, you must act as if you
but they don’t hear my commands, because are very frightened. You must shake when
they are a rebellious people. 3So, son of man, you eat your food. You must act worried and
pack your bags. Act like you are going to a afraid when you drink your water. 19You must
faraway country. Do this so that the people say this to the common people: ‘This is what
can see you. Maybe they will see you—but the Lord God says to the people living in Jeru-
they are a very rebellious people. salem and in the other parts of Israel. You will
4“During the day, take your bags outside be very worried while you eat your food. You
so that the people can see you. Then in the will be terrified while you drink your water,
evening, pretend you are going away. Act as if because everything in your country will be
you are a prisoner going to a faraway country. destroyed! This will happen because the peo-
5While the people are watching, make a hole ple living there are so violent. 20Many people
in the wall and go out through that hole in the live in your cities now, but those cities will be
wall. 6At night, put your bag on your shoulder ruined. Your whole country will be destroyed!
and leave. Cover your face so that you cannot Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
see where you are going. You must do these
things so that the people can see you, because Disaster Will Come
I am using you as an example to the family 21Then the word of the Lord came to me.
of Israel.” He said, 22“Son of man, why do people quote
7So I did as I was commanded. During the this saying about the land of Israel:
day, I took my bags and acted as if I were going
to a faraway country. That evening, I used my ‘Trouble will not come soon;
hands and made a hole in the wall. During the what is seen in visions will not come’?
night, I put my bag on my shoulder and left. I
did this so that all the people could see me. 23“Tell the people that the Lord God will
8The next morning, the word of the Lord end that saying. They will not say that about
came to me. He said, 9“Son of man, did the Israel anymore. Now they will quote this
rebellious people of Israel ask you what you saying:
were doing? 10Tell them that this is what the
Lord God said. This sad message is about the ‘Trouble will come soon;
leader of Jerusalem and all the people of Israel what is seen in visions will happen.’
who live there. 11Tell them, ‘I am an example
for all of you. What I have done will happen 24“There will not be any more false visions
to you.’ You will be forced to go to a faraway in Israel. There will not be any more magicians
a 11:23 hill east of Jerusalem This is the Mount of
telling things that don’t come true. 25That’s
Olives.
because I am the Lord, and whatever I com-
b 11:24 spirit Or “wind.” mand to happen will happen! I will not let the
c 12:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of say‑
ing “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of d 12:13 But he … is going The enemy will poke out
addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 3, 9, 18, 22, 27. his eyes and make him blind.
673 EZEKIEL 14:3
time stretch out. Those troubles are coming and a strong rain. The wind will blow hard,
soon—in your own lifetime. You rebellious and a tornado will come. Then the wall will
people, when I say something, I make it hap- fall down. 12When the wall falls down, the
pen.” This is what the Lord God said. people will ask the prophets, ‘What happened
26Then the word of the Lord came to me. to the plaster you put on the wall?’” 13The
He said, 27“Son of man, the people of Israel Lord God says, “I am angry and I will send
think that the visions I give you are for a time a storm against you. I am angry and I will
far in the future. They think you are talking send a strong rain. I am angry and I will make
about things that will happen many years hail fall from the sky and completely destroy
from now. 28So you must tell them this: ‘The you! 14You put plaster on the wall, but I will
Lord God says, I will not delay any longer. If I destroy the whole wall. I will pull it to the
say something will happen, it will happen!’” ground. The wall will fall on you, and then
This is what the Lord God said. you will know that I am the Lord. 15I will
finish showing my anger against the wall and
Warnings Against False Prophets those who put plaster on it. Then I will say,
19
Israel:
1The Lord said to me, “You must sing
this sad song about the leaders of
There was no king’s scepter.’
a 23:42 party The Hebrew word is like the word for d 24:7 blood … dirt The Law of Moses teaches that
a fellowship offering, a time when people came to whoever killed an animal for food must pour the
share a meal and enjoy themselves together with blood on the ground and cover it with dirt. This
the Lord. Here, it seems this time of worship turned showed that they were giving the life of that animal
into a wild party. See Deut 14:22‑29; 26:1‑15. back to God. See Lev. 17:1‑16 and Deut. 12:1‑25.
b 24:1 ninth year of exile This was Jan. 15, 588 b.c., If the blood was not covered with dirt, it was a
the date that Nebuchadnezzar began his attack on witness against the killer. See Gen. 4:10, Job 15:18,
Jerusalem. and Isa. 26:21.
c 24:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of say‑ e 24:10 Mix in the spices The meaning of this sen‑
ing “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of tence is uncertain.
addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 16, 25. f 24:11 stains Or “bronze.”
EZEKIEL 24:15 686
The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife to the people from the east. They will get your
15Then the word of the Lord came to me. land. Their armies will set up their camps in
He said, 16“Son of man, you love your wife your country. They will live among you and
very much, but I am going to take her away eat your fruit and drink your milk.
from you. Your wife will die suddenly, but you 5“‘I will make the city Rabbah a pasture for
must not show your sadness. You must not camels and the country of Ammon a sheep
cry loudly. You will cry and your tears will pen. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
fall, 17but you must mourn* quietly. Dress as 6This is what the Lord says: You were happy
you normally do; wear your turban* and san- that Jerusalem was destroyed. You clapped
dals; don’t cover your mustache, and don’t eat your hands and stamped your feet. You had
the food people normally eat when someone fun insulting the land of Israel, 7so I will pun-
dies.” ish you. You will be like the valuable things
18The next morning I told the people what soldiers take in war. You will lose your inheri-
God had said. That evening, my wife died. tance and die in faraway lands. I will destroy
The next morning I did what God com- your country! Then you will know that I am
manded. 19Then the people said to me, “Why the Lord.’”
are you doing this? What does it mean?”
20Then I said to them, “The word of the Prophecy Against Moab and Seir
Lord came to me. He told me 21to speak to 8Thisis what the Lord God says: “Moab
the family of Israel. The Lord God said, ‘Look, and Seirb say, ‘The family of Judah is just
I will destroy my holy place. You are proud of like any other nation.’ 9I will cut into Moab’s
that place and sing songs of praise about it. shoulder—I will take away the cities that
You love to see it. You really love that place. are on its borders—the glory of the land,
But I will destroy it, and your children that Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim.
you left behind will be killed in battle. 22But 10Then I will give these cities to the people
you will do the same things that I have done of the east. They will get your land. I will also
about my dead wife. You will not cover your let those people from the east destroy the
mustache or eat the food people normally eat Ammonites, and people will forget they were
when someone dies. 23You will wear your ever a nation. 11So I will punish Moab, and
turbans and your sandals. You will not show then they will know that I am the Lord.”
your sadness publicly or cry publicly, but you
will waste away with guilt and talk to each Prophecy Against Edom
other quietly about your grief. 24So Ezekiel is 12This is what the Lord God says: “The
an example for you. You will do all the same people of Edom turned against the family of
things he did. That time of punishment will Judah and tried to get even. The people of
come, and then you will know that I am the Edom are guilty.” 13So the Lord God says: “I
Lord.’” will punish Edom. I will destroy the people
25‑26The Lord said, “Son of man, I will and the animals in Edom. I will destroy the
take away the place that makes the people whole country of Edom, all the way from
feel safe—Jerusalem, that beautiful city that Teman to Dedan. The Edomites will be killed
makes them so happy. They really love that in battle. 14I will use my people Israel and get
place. They love to look at it. But I will take even against Edom. In this way the people of
it away from them, and I will also take their Israel will show my anger against Edom. Then
children. On that day one of the survivors will the people of Edom will know that I punished
come to you with the bad news about Jerusa- them.” This is what the Lord God said.
lem. 27That same day you will be able to talk
to the messenger. You will not be silent any- Prophecy Against the Philistines
more. This will be a sign to the people, and 15Thisis what the Lord God says: “The
they will know that I am the Lord.” Philistines* tried to get even. They were very
cruel. They let their anger burn inside them
Prophecy Against Ammon too long.” 16So the Lord God said, “I will pun-
a 25:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of say‑ b 25:8 Seir Or “Edom.”
ing “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of c 26:1 eleventh year of exile This was probably the
addressing Ezekiel. summer of 587 b.c. See 2 Kings 25:3.
687 EZEKIEL 27:3
of the Lord came to me. He said, 2“Son of will shake at the sound of your fall. That will
man,a Tyre said bad things about Jerusalem: happen when your people are hurt and killed.
‘Hurray! The city gate protecting the people is 16Then all the leaders of the countries by the
destroyed! The city gate is open for me. The sea will step down from their thrones and
city of Jerusalem is ruined, so I can get plenty show their sadness. They will take off their
of valuable things out of it!’” special robes and their beautiful clothes. Then
3So the Lord God says: “I am against you, they will put on their ‘clothes of shaking.’
Tyre! I will bring many nations to fight against They will sit on the ground and shake with
you. They will come again and again, like fear. They will be shocked at how quickly you
waves on the beach. were destroyed. 17They will sing this sad song
4“The enemy soldiers will destroy the walls about you:
of Tyre and pull down her towers. I will also
scrape the topsoil from her land. I will make “‘Tyre, you were a famous city.c
Tyre a bare rock. 5Tyre will become a place People came from across the sea to live
by the sea for spreading fishing nets. I have in you.d
spoken!” The Lord God says, “Tyre will be You were famous,
like the valuable things soldiers take in war. but now you are gone!
6Her daughters on the mainland will be killed You were strong on the sea,
in battle. Then they will know that I am the and so were the people who lived in
Lord.” you.
You made all who live on the mainland
Nebuchadnezzar Will Attack Tyre afraid of you.
7This is what the Lord God says: “I will 18 Now, on the day you fall,
bring an enemy from the north against Tyre. the countries along the coast will shake
That enemy is Nebuchadnezzar, the great with fear.
king of Babylon! He will bring a very large You started many colonies along the coast.
army. There will be horses, chariots,* horse Now those people will be afraid when
soldiers and many other soldiers. They will be you are gone!’”
from many different nations. 8Nebuchadnez-
zar will kill your daughters on the mainland. 19This is what the Lord God says: “Tyre,
He will build towers to attack your city. He you will become an old, empty city. No one
will build a dirt road around your city and will live there. I will cause the sea to flow
a dirt road leading up to the walls. 9He will over you. The great sea will cover you. 20I will
bring the logs to break down your walls. He send you down into that deep hole—to the
will use picks and break down your towers. place of death. You will join those who died
10There will be so many of his horses that the long ago. I will send you to the world below,
dust from them will cover you. Your walls will like all the other old, empty cities. You will be
shake at the noise of horse soldiers, wagons, with all the others who go down to the grave.
and chariots when the king of Babylon enters No one will live in you then. You will never
the city through your city gates. Yes, they will again be in the land of the living! 21Other
come into your city because its walls will be people will be afraid about what happened to
pulled down. 11The king of Babylon will come you. You will be finished. People will look for
riding through your city. His horses’ hoofsb you, but they will never find you again.” That
will come pounding over your streets. He is what the Lord God says.
will kill your people with swords. The strong
columns in your city will fall to the ground. Tyre, the Door to the Seas
12Nebuchadnezzar’s men will take away your
riches. They will take the things you wanted
to sell. They will break down your walls and
27 1The
word of the Lord came to me
again. He said, 2“Son of man,e sing this
sad song about Tyre. 3Say this about Tyre:
destroy your pleasant houses. They will throw
the wood and stones into the sea like garbage. “‘Tyre, you are the door to the seas.
13So I will stop the sound of your happy songs. You are the merchant* for many nations.
People will not hear your harps anymore. 14I You travel to many countries along the
will make you a bare rock. You will be a place coast.
by the sea for spreading fishing nets! You will This is what the Lord God says:
not be rebuilt, because I, the Lord, have spo- Tyre, you think that you are so beautiful.
ken!” This is what the Lord God said. You think you are perfectly beautiful!
Daniel
Daniel Taken to Babylon anything wrong with their bodies. He wanted
a 11:1 the first … Mede This was about 521 b.c. c 11:21 who … king’s family Or “who will not have
b 11:1 Michael See Dan. 10:13. the good qualities a king should have.”
723 DANIEL 12:1
become a ruler by being tricky. He will attack Some of them will be burned or taken pris-
the kingdom when the people feel safe. 22He oner. Some of them will have their homes
will defeat large and powerful armies. He will and things taken away. 34When those wise
even defeat the leader with the agreement. people are punished, they will receive some
23Many nations will make agreements with help, but many people who join them will be
that cruel and hated ruler, but he will lie and hypocrites.* 35Some of the wise people will
trick them. He will gain much power, but only stumble and make mistakes. But the perse-
a few people will support him. cution must come so that they can be made
24“When the richest countries feel safe, stronger and purer until the time of the end.
that cruel and hated ruler will attack them. Then, at the right time, that time of the end
He will attack at just the right time and will will come.
be successful where his ancestors* were not
successful. He will take things from the coun- The King Who Praises Himself
tries he defeated, and he will give them to his 36“The northern king will do whatever he
followers. He will plan to defeat and destroy wants. He will brag about himself. He will
strong cities. He will be successful—but only praise himself and think that he is even better
for a short time. than a god. He will say things that no one has
25“That very cruel and hated ruler will ever heard. He will say those things against
have a very large army. He will use that army the God of gods. He will be successful until
to show his strength and courage and attack all the evil things have happened. Then what
the southern king. The southern king will get God has planned to happen will happen.
a very large and powerful army and go to war. 37“That northern king will not care about
But the people who are against him will make the gods his ancestors* worshiped. He will
secret plans, and the southern king will be not care about the gods women worship. He
defeated. 26People who were supposed to be will not care about any god. Instead, he will
good friends of the southern king will try to praise himself and make himself more impor-
destroy him. His army will be defeated. Many tant than any god. 38The northern king will
of his soldiers will be killed in battle. 27Those not worship any god, but he will worship
two kings will want to make trouble. They power. Power and strength will be his god.
will sit around the table planning their lies, His ancestors didn’t love power as he does.
but it will not do either one of them any good He will honor the god of power with gold and
because God has set a time for their end to silver, expensive jewels, and gifts.
come. 39“That northern king will attack strong
28“The northern king will go back to his fortresses* with the help of this foreign god.
own country with much wealth. Then he He will give much honor to the foreign rulers
will decide to do bad things against the holy who join him. He will put many people under
agreement.a He will do the things he planned, their rule. He will make the rulers pay him for
and then he will go back to his own country. the land they rule over.
29“At the right time, the northern king will 40“At the time of the end, the southern
attack the southern king again. But this time king will fight a battle against the northern
he will not be successful as he was before. king. The northern king will attack him with
30Ships from Cyprus will come and fight chariots* and soldiers on horses and many large
against the northern king. He will see those ships. The northern king will rush through
ships coming and be afraid. Then he will turn the land like a flood. 41The northern king will
back and take out his anger on the holy agree- attack the Beautiful Land. He will defeat many
ment. He will turn back and help those who countries. But Edom, Moab, and the leaders of
stopped following the holy agreement. 31The Ammon will be saved from him. 42The north-
northern king will send his army to do ter- ern king will show his power in many coun-
rible things to the Temple* in Jerusalem. They tries. Egypt will also learn how powerful he is.
will stop the people from offering the daily 43He will get treasures of gold and silver and
sacrifice.* Then they will do something really all the riches of Egypt. The Libyans and Ethio-
terrible. They will set up that terrible thing pians will obey him. 44But that northern king
that causes destruction. will hear news from the east and the north
32“The northern king will use lies and that will make him afraid and angry. He will go
smooth talking to trick those who quit follow- to completely destroy many nations. 45He will
ing the holy agreement, so they will sin even set up his king’s tents between the sea and the
worse. But those who know God and obey beautiful holy mountain.b But finally, that bad
him will be strong. They will fight back. king will die. There will be no one to help him
33“Those wise teachers will help the other when his end comes.
people understand what is happening. But
even they will have to suffer persecution.
Some of them will be killed with swords.
12 1“Daniel, at that time the great prince
(angel) Michael will stand up. Michael
is in charge of your people. There will be a
a 11:28 holy agreement This probably means the b 11:45 holy mountain The mountain Jerusalem is
Jewish people. built on.
DANIEL 12:2 724
time of much trouble, the worst time since toward heaven. And I heard him make a
nations have been on earth. But Daniel, at promise using the name of God who lives
that time every one of your people whose forever. He said, “It will be for three and
name is found written in the book {of life} will one-half years.c The power of the holy people
be saved. 2There are many who are dead and will be broken, and then all these things will
buried.a Some of them will wake up and live finally come true.”
forever, but others will wake up to shame and 8I heard the answer, but I really didn’t
disgrace forever. 3The wise people will shine understand. So I asked, “Sir, what will hap-
as bright as the sky. Those who teach others pen after all this comes true?”
to live right will shine like stars forever and 9He answered, “Go on about your life Dan-
ever.b iel. The message is hidden. It will be a secret
4“But you, Daniel, keep this message a until the time of the end. 10Many people will
secret. You must close the book and keep this be made pure—they will make themselves
secret until the time of the end. Many people clean.* But evil people will continue to be
will go here and there looking for true knowl- evil. And those wicked people will not under-
edge, and the true knowledge will increase.” stand these things, but the wise people will
5Then I, Daniel, noticed two other men. understand them.
One man was standing on my side of the 11“The daily sacrifice* will be stopped.
river, and the other was standing on the other There will be 1290 days from that time until
side. 6The man who was dressed in linen* the time that the terrible thing that destroys is
was standing over the water in the river. One set up. 12The one who waits for and comes to
of the two men said to him, “How long will it the end of the 1335 days will be very happy.
be before these amazing things come true?” 13“As for you, Daniel, go and live your life
7The man dressed in linen and standing until the end. You will get your rest. At the
over the water lifted his right and left hands end you will rise from death and receive your
a 12:2 are dead and buried Literally, “sleep in the
share of the promise.”
dust.”
b 12:3 Or “The wise and successful teachers will
shine like the sun rays in the sky. Those who make
others innocent will shine like the stars forever.” In c 12:7 three and one-half years Literally, “a time,
Hebrew this is like Isa. 52:13 and Isa. 53:11. times, and half a time.”
Hosea
The Lord God’s Message Through Hosea at Jezreel Valley.e Then I will put an end to
14 1Israel,
you fell and sinned against
God. So come back to the Lord your
Good people will live by them.
Sinners will die by them.d
Joel
Locusts Will Destroy the Crops 11 Be sad, farmers!
Amos
Introduction 5“I will also break open the gates of
1 1This
is the message of Amos, one of the
shepherds from the city Tekoa. He saw
visions* about Israel during the time that
Damascusf and remove the one who sits
on the throne in the Valley of Aven.g I will
remove the symbol of power from Beth Eden,h
Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son and the Arameans will be defeated and taken
of Joash was king of Israel. This was two years back to Kir.i” This is what the Lord said.
before the earthquake.
Punishment for the Philistines
Punishment for Aram 6This
is what the Lord says: “I will defi-
2 Amos said, nitely punish the people of Gaza j for the
“The Lord will shout like a lion in Zion.* many crimes they did. They took an entire
His loud voice will roar from Jerusalem. nation of people and sent them as slaves to
The green pastures of the shepherds will Edom.* 7So I will start a fire at the wall of
turn brown and die. Gaza that will destroy the high towers in
Even Mount Carmelb will become dry.” Gaza. 8And I will destroy the one who sits
on the throne in Ashdod. I will destroy the
3This is what the Lord says: “I will defi- king who holds the scepter in Ashkelon. I will
nitely punish the people of Damascus for the punish the people of Ekron.k Then the Philis-
many crimes they did.c They crushed the tines who are still left alive will die.” This is
people of Gilead* with iron threshing* tools. what the Lord God said.
4So I will start a fire at Hazael’sd house that
will destroy the great palaces of Ben-Hadad.e
king of Aram (Syria). See 2 Kings 13:3.
b 1:2 Mount Carmel A mountain in northern Israel. f 1:5 Damascus The capital city of Aram (Syria).
The name means “God’s vineyard.” This shows that it g 1:5 the Valley of Aven A name that can mean “Rest‑
was a very fertile hill. ful Valley” or “Empty Valley of Misfortune.
c 1:3 for the many crimes they did Literally, “for three h 1:5 Beth Eden The royal city of Aram (Syria) on
crimes … and for four ….” This shows that these Mount Lebanon. This name means “House of Plea‑
people were very sinful—and it was time to punish sure” or “Paradise.”
them. Also in verses 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6. i 1:5 Kir Or “Kur,” an area controlled by the Assyrians.
d 1:4 Hazael Hazael was the king of Aram (Syria). He See Amos 9:7.
murdered Ben‑Hadad I so that he could become j 1:6 Gaza An important city of the Philistines.
king. See 2 Kings 8:7. k 1:8 Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron Important cities of
e 1:4 Ben-Hadad Ben‑Hadad II, the son of Hazael, the Philistines.
737 AMOS 3:2
Punishment for Phoenicia lies caused the people of Judah to stop follow-
9This is what the Lord says: “I will defi- ing God. 5So I will start a fire in Judah that
nitely punish the people of Tyrea for the many will destroy the high towers of Jerusalem.”
crimes they did. They took an entire nation
and sent them as slaves to Edom.* They did Punishment for Israel
not remember the agreement they had made 6This is what the Lord says: “I will defi-
with their brothers (Israel). 10So I will start a nitely punish Israel for the many crimes they
fire at the walls of Tyre that will destroy the have done. They sold honest people for a
high towers in Tyre.” little silver. They sold the poor for the price
of a pair of sandals.7They pushed their faces
Punishment for the Edomites into the ground and walked on them. They
11This is what the Lord says: “I will stopped listening to suffering people. Fathers
definitely punish the people of Edom* for and sons had sexual relations with the same
the many crimes they did. Edom chased woman. They ruined my holy name. 8They
his brother (Israel) with the sword. Edom took clothes from the poor, and then they sat
showed no mercy. Edom’s anger continued on those clothes while worshiping at their
forever—he kept tearing and tearing at Israel altars.* They loaned money to the poor, and
like a wild animal. 12So I will start a fire at then they took their clothes as a promise for
Temanb that will destroy the high towers of payment.i They made people pay fines and
Bozrah.c” used the money to buy wine for themselves
to drink in the temple of their god.
Punishment for the Ammonites 9“But it was I who destroyed the Amorites j
13This is what the Lord says: “I will defi- before them. They were as tall as cedar trees
nitely punish the Ammonitesd for the many and as strong as oaks, but I destroyed their
crimes they did. They killed the pregnant fruit above and their roots below.k
women in Gilead.* The Ammonites did this 10“I was the one who brought you from
so that they could take that land and make the land of Egypt. For 40 years I led you
their country larger. 14So I will start a fire at through the desert. I helped you take the
the wall of Rabbahe that will destroy the high Amorites’ land. 11I made some of your sons
towers of Rabbah. Troubles will come to them to be prophets* and some of your young men
like a whirlwindf into their country. 15Then to be Nazirites.* People of Israel, it is true.”
their kings and leaders will be captured. They This is what the Lord said. 12“But you made
will all be taken together.” This is what the the Nazirites drink wine. You told the proph-
Lord said. ets not to prophesy.* 13You are like a heavy
weight to me. I am bent low like a wagon
Punishment for Moab loaded with too much straw. 14No one will
4
Two people will not walk together
unless they have agreed to do so.
A lion will roar in the forest
4 1Listen to me, you cows of Bashanc on
Samaria’s mountain. You hurt the poor
and crush those in need. You tell your hus-
only if it catches its prey. bands,d “Bring us something to drink!”
A young lion roaring in his cave 2The Lord God made a promise. He prom-
means he has caught something to eat. ised by his holiness, that troubles will come
5 A bird doesn’t fly into a trap to you. People will use hooks and take you
unless there is food in it. away as prisoners. They will use fishhooks to
If a trap closes, take away your children. 3Your city will be
it will catch the bird. destroyed. The women will rush out through
6 If people hear the warning blast of a cracks in the wall and throw themselves onto
trumpet, the pile of dead bodies.e
they shake with fear. This is what the Lord says: 4“Go to Bethel
If trouble comes to a city, and sin. Go to Gilgalf and sin even more.
the Lord caused it to happen. Offer your sacrifices in the morning. Bring a
tenth of your crops for the three-day festival.
7When the Lord God decides to do some- 5And offer a thank offering made with yeast.
thing, he will first tell his servants, the Tell everyone about the freewill offerings.g
prophets.* 8When a lion roars, people are Israel, you love to do those things. So go and
frightened. When the Lord speaks, prophets do them.” This is what the Lord said.
prophesy.* 6“I didn’t give you any food to eat.h There
9‑10Go to the high towers in Ashdoda and was no food in any of your cities, but you
Egypt and announce this message: “Come didn’t come back to me.” This is what the
to the mountains of Samaria. There you will Lord said.
see great confusion, because the people don’t 7“I also stopped the rain, and it was three
know how to live right. They were cruel to months before harvest time. So no crops
other people. They took things from other grew. Then I let it rain on one city, but not
people and hid those things in their high on another. Rain fell on one part of the coun-
towers. Their treasuries are filled with things try, but on the other part of the country, the
they took in war.” land became very dry. 8So the people from
11So the Lord says, “An enemy will come two or three cities staggered to another city
to that land and take away your strength. to get water, but there was not enough water
He will take the things you hid in your high for everyone. Still you didn’t come to me for
towers.” help.” This is what the Lord said.
12The Lord says, 9“I made your crops die from heat and
disease. I destroyed your gardens and your
“A lion might attack a lamb, vineyards.* Locusts* ate your fig trees and
and a shepherd might try to save the olive trees. But you still didn’t come to me for
lamb. help.” This is what the Lord said.
But the shepherd will save 10“I sent diseases against you, as I did to
only a part of that lamb. Egypt. I killed your young men with swords.
He might pull two legs I took away your horses. I made your camp
or a part of an ear from the lion’s smell very bad from all the dead bodies, but
mouth. still you didn’t come back to me for help.”
In the same way, most of the people of This is what the Lord said.
Israel will not be saved.
Those who live in Samaria
will save only a corner from a bed, or a c 4:1 cows of Bashan This means the wealthy
piece of cloth from a couch.” women in Samaria. Bashan, an area east of the Jor‑
dan River, was famous for its big bulls and cows.
13This is what the Lord God All-Powerful d 4:1 your husbands Literally, “their masters.”
e 4:3 throw … dead bodies Or “You will be thrown
says: “Warn the family of Jacob* about these
away. People will take you to Mount Hermon.” The
things. 14Israel sinned, and I will punish Hebrew text here is hard to understand. It is not
them for their sins. And when I do, I will also clear if the women will be “thrown away” or if the
destroy the altars* at Bethel.b The horns of women will be “throwing something away.”
the altar* will be cut off and fall to the ground. f 4:4 Bethel … Gilgal Places of worship for the
15I will destroy the winter house with the people of Israel. God wanted the people of Israel
summer house. The houses of ivory will be and the people of Judah to worship him only in the
destroyed. Many houses will be destroyed.” Temple at Jerusalem.
g 4:4‑5 Offer your sacrifices … freewill offerings All
This is what the Lord said. these things were against the Law of Moses. The
leaders and false priests started these new festivals
a 3:9‑10 Ashdod An important city of the Philistines. and different ways of worshiping God.
b 3:14 Bethel A town in Israel. This name means h 4:6 I didn’t give you any food to eat Literally, “I gave
“God’s house.” you clean teeth.”
739 AMOS 5:16
destroyed you as I destroyed Sodom*
11“I and no one in Bethelh can stop it.
and Gomorrah.* And those cities were com- 7‑9You should go to the Lord for help.
pletely destroyed. You were like a burned He is the one who made the Pleiades
stick pulled from a fire, but still you didn’t and Orion.i
come back to me for help.” This is what the He changes darkness into the morning
Lord says. light.
12“So, Israel, this is what I will do to you. He changes the day into the dark night.
You people of Israel, prepare to meet your He calls for the waters of the sea and
God.” pours them out on the earth.
His name is Yahweh*!
13 He is the one who made the mountains. He keeps one strong city safe,
He created the wind.a and he lets another strong city be
He lets people know his thoughts. destroyed.”
He changes the darkness into dawn.
He walks over the mountains of the The Evil Things That the Israelites Did
earth. You change goodness to poison. j
His name is Yahweh,* Lord God You killed justice,
All-Powerful. and let it fall to the ground.
10 You hate those prophets, who go to public
A Sad Song for Israel places and speak against evil,
that will shake the whole land because “Hit the top of the columns,
of what they did. and shake them to the ground.
Everyone living there will cry for those Push them and they will fall
who died. on everyone’s head.
The land will be tossed around. As for those who survive,
The whole land will rise and fall like the I will kill them with a sword.
Nile River in Egypt.” None of them will run away.
None of them will escape.
9 The Lord also said, “At that time 2 If they dig deep into the ground,g
I will make the sun set at noon I will pull them from there.
and make the land dark on a clear day. If they go up into the skies,h
10 I will change your festivals into days of I will bring them down from there.
crying for the dead. 3 If they hide at the top of Mount Carmel,i
All your songs will be songs of sadness I will find them there and take them
for those who are dead. from that place.
I will put mourning* clothes on every If they try to hide from me at the bottom
body of the sea,
and baldness on every head.c I will command the snake, and it will
I will cause mourning everywhere, bite them.
like that for an only son who has died. 4 If they are captured and taken away by
It will be a very bitter end.” their enemies,
I will command the sword,
A Famine of God’s Word and it will kill them there.
11The Lord God says: Yes, I will watch over them,
but I will watch for ways to give them
“Look, the days are coming troubles,
when I will cause a famine* in the land. not for ways to do good things.”
The people will not be hungry for bread.
They will not be thirsty for water. Punishment Will Destroy the People
No, they will be hungry for words from 5 The Lord God All-Powerful will touch the
the Lord. land,
12 The people will wander around the and the land will melt.
country,
from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean
Sea, d 8:14 sin of Samaria The calf god in Samaria.
e 8:14 Dan One of Israel’s holy places was in this city.
f 8:14 Beersheba A town in Judah. This name means
a 8:5 We … smaller Literally, “We will make the “well of the oath (promise).”
ephah small and the shekel large.” g 9:2 ground Literally, “Sheol, the place of the dead.”
b 8:5 We … people Literally, “Cheat with lying h 9:2 skies Or “heaven.”
balances.” i 9:3 Mount Carmel A mountain in northern Israel.
c 8:10 baldness … head People shaved their heads This name means “God’s vineyard.” This shows that it
to show that they were very sad or upset. was a very fertile hill.
743 OBADIAH 5
Then all the people who live in the land 10“Sinners among my people say,
will cry for the dead. ‘Nothing bad will happen to us.’
The land will rise and fall like the Nile But all of them will be killed with
River in Egypt. swords.”
6 He built his upper rooms above the skies.
He put his skiesa over the earth. God Promises to Restore the Kingdom
He calls for the waters of the sea 11“David’s tente has fallen,
and pours them out as rain on the land. but at that time I will set it up again.
Yahweh* is his name. I will fix its holes and repair its ruined
parts.
The Lord Promises Destruction for Israel I will set it up as it was before.
7This is what the Lord says: 12 Then the people left alive in Edom,*
and all the people called by my name,
“Israel, you are like the Ethiopians to me. will look to me for help.”
I brought Israel out of the land of Egypt, This is what the Lord said,
the Philistines* from Caphtor,b and he will make it happen.
and the Arameans from Kir.c” 13 The Lord says, “A time of great blessing
is coming.
8 The Lord God is watching this sinful Workers will still be harvesting when it
kingdom. is time to plow the fields again.
The Lord said, They will still be trampling the grapes
“I will wipe Israel off the face of the earth, when it is time for a new crop.
but I will never completely destroy Sweet wine will drip from the mountains
Jacob’s* family. and pour from the hills.
9 I am giving the command 14 I will bring my people, Israel,
to scatter the people of Israel among all back from captivity.
nations. They will rebuild the ruined cities,
But it will be like someone sifting flour. and they will live in them.
A person shakes flour through a sifter.d They will plant vineyards*
The good flour falls through, but the bad and drink the wine they produce.
lumps are caught. They will plant gardens
and eat the crops they produce.
15 I will plant my people on their land,
a 9:6 skies Literally, “dome” or “vault.” and never again will they be pulled up
b 9:7 Caphtor An island west of Israel, probably out of the land that I gave them.”
Crete or Cyprus. This is what the Lord your God said.
c 9:7 Kir Where the Arameans came from and where
the Assyrians sent them in exile. There are several
places with this name.
d 9:9 sifter Something like a cup with a screen on its
bottom. A sifter is used for removing large lumps e 9:11 David’s tent This probably means the city of
from the good flour. Jerusalem or the country of Judah.
Obadiah
Edom Will Be Punished You live in those caves high on the cliff.
is the vision* of Obadiah. This is what
1This Your home is high in the hills.
the Lord God says about Edom:* So you say to yourself,
‘No one can bring me to the ground.’”
We heard a report from the Lord.
A messenger was sent to the nations. Edom Will Be Brought Low
He said, “Let’s go fight against Edom.” 4 This is what the Lord says:
“Even though you fly high like the eagle
The Lord Speaks to Edom and put your nest among the stars,
2“Edom,* I will make you the smallest I will bring you down from there.
nation. 5 You really will be ruined!
Everyone will hate you very much. Thieves will come to you.
3 Your pride has fooled you. Robbers will come in the night,
OBADIAH 6 744
and they will take all they want. and destroyed those who were trying to
When workers gather grapes in your escape.
vineyards, You should not have captured those who
they will leave a few grapes behind. escaped alive.
6 But the enemy will search hard for Esau’s 15 The Day of the Lord is coming soon
hidden treasures, to all the nations.
and they will find them all. And the evil you did to others
7 All those who are your friends will happen to you.
will force you out of the land. The same bad things
Those who were at peace with you will will fall down on your own head.
trick you, 16 You spillede blood on my holy mountain,f
and they will defeat you. so other nations will spill your blood.g
The soldiers who fought by your side You will be finished.
are planning a trap for you. It will be as if you never existed.
They say, ‘He doesn’t expect a thing!’” 17 But there will be survivors on Mount
Zion.
8 The Lord says, “On that day, They will be my special people.
I will destroy the wise people from The nation of Jacobh will take back
Edom.* what belongs to it.
I will destroy the intelligent people from 18 The family of Jacob will be like a fire.
the mountain of Esau.a The nation of Joseph will be like a
9 Teman,b your brave soldiers will be afraid. flame.
Everyone will be destroyed from the But the nation of Esaui will be like ashes.
mountain of Esau. The people of Judah will burn Edom,
Many people will be killed. and they will destroy it.
10 You will be covered with shame Then there will be no survivors
because you were very cruel to your in the nation of Esau.”
brother Jacob.* This will happen because
So you will be destroyed completely. the Lord said it would.
11 You joined the enemies of Israel. 19 Then people from the Negev*
Strangers carried Israel’s treasures away. will live on the mountain of Esau.
Foreigners entered Israel’s city gate. And people from the foothills
They threw lots* to decide what part of will take the Philistine lands.
Jerusalem they would get. They will live in the land of Ephraim and
And you were right there with them, Samaria.
waiting to get your share. Gilead will belong to Benjamin.
12 You should not have laughedc 20 People from Israel were forced to leave
at your brother’s trouble. their homes,
You should not have been happy but they will take back the land of
when they destroyed Judah. Canaan,* all the way to Zarephath.
You should not have braggedd People from Judah were forced to leave
at the time of their trouble. Jerusalem and live in Sepharad. j
13 You should not have entered the city gate But they will take back the cities of the
of my people Negev.
and laughed at their problems. 21 The winnersk will go up on Mount Zion
You should not have taken their treasures to rule the people who live on Esau’s
in the time of their trouble. mountain.
14 You should not have stood where the And the kingdom will belong to the
roads cross Lord.
Jonah
God Calls and Jonah Runs
1 1The Lord spoke to Jonaha son of Amit-
tai: 2“Ninevehb is a big city. I have
heard
about the many evil things the people are
“What terrible thing did you do against your
God?”
11The wind and the waves of the sea were
doing there. So go there and tell them to stop becoming stronger and stronger. So the men
doing such evil things.” said to Jonah, “What should we do to save
3But Jonah tried to run away from the Lord. ourselves? What should we do to you to make
He went to Joppac and found a boat that was the sea calm?”
going to the faraway city of Tarshish.* Jonah 12Jonah said to the men, “I know I did
paid money for the trip and went on the boat. wrong—that is why the storm came on the
He wanted to travel with the people on this sea. So throw me into the sea, and the sea will
boat to Tarshish and run away from the Lord. become calm.”
13Instead, the men tried to row the ship back
The Great Storm to the shore, but they couldn’t do it. The wind
4But the Lord brought a great storm on and the waves of the sea were too strong—and
the sea. The wind made the sea very rough. they were becoming stronger and stronger.
The storm was very strong, and the boat was
ready to break apart. 5The men wanted to Jonah’s Punishment
make the boat lighter to stop it from sinking, 14So the men cried to the Lord, “Lord,
so they began throwing the cargod into the please don’t say we are guilty of killing an
sea. The sailors were very afraid. Each man innocent man. Please don’t make us die for
began praying to his god. killing him. We know you are the Lord, and
Jonah had gone down into the boat to lie you will do whatever you want.”
down, and he went to sleep. 6The captain of 15So the men threw Jonah into the sea.
the boat saw Jonah and said, “Wake up! Why The storm stopped, and the sea became calm.
are you sleeping? Pray to your god! Maybe 16When the men saw this, they began to fear
your god will hear your prayer and save us!” and respect the Lord. They offered a sacri-
fice* and made special promises to the Lord.
What Caused This Storm? 17When Jonah fell into the sea, the Lord
7Then the men said to each other, “We chose a very big fish to swallow Jonah. He
should throw lots* to find out why this is hap- was in the stomach of the fish for three days
pening to us.” and three nights.
So the men threw lots. The lots showed
that the troubles came to them because of Jonah’s Prayer
Jonah. 8Then the men said to Jonah, “It is
your fault that this terrible thing is happening
to us. Tell us, what have you done? What is
2 1While
Jonah was in the stomach of the
fish, he prayed to the Lord his God. He
said,
your job? Where do you come from? What is
your country? Who are your people?” 2“I was in very bad trouble.
9Jonah said to them, “I am a Hebrew. I wor- I called to the Lord for help,
ship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made and he answered me.
the land and the sea.” I was deep in the grave.*
10Jonah told the men he was running away I cried to you, Lord,
from the Lord. The men became very afraid and you heard my voice.
when they learned this. They asked Jonah,
3“You threw me into the sea.
a 1:1 Jonah This is probably the same prophet Your powerful waves splashed over me.
mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25. I went down, down into the deep sea.
b 1:2 Nineveh The capital city of the country of The water was all around me.
Assyria. Assyria destroyed Israel in 722‑721 b.c. 4 Then I thought,
c 1:3 Joppa A town on the coast of Israel by the
Mediterranean Sea.
‘Now I must go where you cannot see me,’
d 1:5 cargo The Hebrew word can mean “dishes,” but I continued looking to your holy
“jars,” or “tools.” Here, this could mean all the jars and Temple* for help.
boxes the boat carried on its way to Tarshish or the
rigging and other heavy tools on the boat. 5“The seawater closed over me.
JONAH 2:6 746
The water covered my mouth, every person and every animal must be
and I could not breathe.a covered with a special cloth to show they
I went down, down into the deep sea. are sad. People must cry loudly to God.
Seaweed wrapped around my head. Everyone must change their life and stop
6 I was at the bottom of the sea, doing bad things. 9Who knows? Maybe
the place where the mountains begin. God will stop being angry and change his
I thought I was locked in this prison mind, and we will not be punished.
forever,
but the Lord my God took me out of my 10God saw what the people did. He saw
grave. that they stopped doing evil. So God changed
God, you gave me life again! his mind and did not do what he planned. He
did not punish the people.
7“My soul gave up all hope,
but then I remembered the Lord. God’s Mercy Makes Jonah Angry
I prayed to you,
and you heard my prayers in your holy
Temple.
4 1Jonah was not happy that God saved the
city. Jonah became angry. 2He complained
to the Lord and said, “I knew this would hap-
pen! I was in my own country, and you told
8“Some people worship useless idols,* me to come here. At that time I knew that
but those statues never help them.b you would forgive the people of this evil city,
9 I will give sacrifices to you, so I decided to run away to Tarshish.* I knew
and I will praise and thank you. that you are a kind God. I knew that you
I will make special promises to you, show mercy and don’t want to punish people.
and I will do what I promise.” I knew that you are kind, and if these people
Salvation only comes from the Lord! stopped sinning, you would change your plans
to destroy them. 3So now, Lord, just kill me.
10Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it It is better for me to die than to live.”
vomited Jonah out of its stomach onto the dry 4Then the Lord said, “Do you think it is
land. right for you to be angry {just because I did
not destroy those people}?”
God Calls and Jonah Obeys 5Jonah went out of the city to a place near
Micah
Samaria and Israel to Be Punished Micah’s Great Sadness
1 1During the time that Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah were kings of Judah, the word
of the Lord came to Micah. Micah was from
8 I will be very sad about what will happen.
I will go without sandals and clothes.
I will cry like a dog.f
Moresheth. He saw these visions about Sama- I will mourn* like a bird.g
ria and Jerusalem. 9 Samaria’sh wound cannot be healed.
Her disease has spread to Judah.
2 Listen, all you people! It has reached the city gate of my people;
Earth and everyone on it,a listen! it has spread all the way to Jerusalem.
The Lord God will come from his holy 10 Don’t tell it in Gath.i
temple. Don’t cry in Acco. j
The Lord will come as a witness* against Roll yourself in the dust at Beth Ophrah.k
you. 11 You people living in Shaphir,l
3 See, the Lord is coming out of his place. pass on your way, naked and ashamed.
He is coming down to walk on the high The people living in Zaananm will not
placesb of the earth. come out.
4 The mountains will melt under him The people in Beth Ezeln will cry
like wax before a fire. and take their support from you.
The valleys will split open 12 The people living in Marotho
and flow like water down a steep hill. wait for something good to happen,
5 This will happen because of Jacob’s* sin, even though trouble has come down from
because of the sins of the nationc of the Lord
Israel. and has reached the city gate of
Jerusalem.
Samaria, the Cause of Sin 13 You people living in Lachish,p
What caused Jacob to sin? get the horses ready for your chariots.*
It was Samaria. You are guilty of the same sins Israelq
Where is the high place in Judah? committed,
It is Jerusalem. and you brought those sins to
6 So I will change Samaria into a pile of Jerusalem.r
rocks in the field, 14 So you must give goodbye gifts
a place ready for planting grapes. to Moresheths in Gath.
I will push Samaria’s stones down into the
valley,
leaving nothing but the foundations. prostitute’s wages.”
f 1:8 dog Literally, “jackal,” a kind of wild dog.
7 All her idols* g 1:8 bird Literally, “ostrich,” a large bird.
will be broken into pieces. h 1:9 Samaria The capital city of the northern
Her prostitute’s wages (idols) kingdom of Israel.
will be burned in fire. i 1:10 Gath This is a wordplay. This name means
I will destroy all her statues of false gods, “tell.”
j 1:10 Acco This name means “cry.”
because Samaria got her riches by being
k 1:10 Beth Ophrah This name means “house of
unfaithful to me.d
dust.”
So those things will be taken by people l 1:11 Shaphir This name means “beautiful.”
who are not faithful to me.e m 1:11 Zaanan This name means “come out.”
n 1:11 Beth Ezel This name means “house of
a 1:2 everyone on it Literally, “its fullness.” support.”
b 1:3 high places Here, this might mean simply “hills,” o 1:12 Maroth This name means “bitter,” “angry,” or
or it might be the places for worshiping God or “sad.”
false gods. These places were often on the hills and p 1:13 Lachish This name is like the Hebrew word
mountains. meaning “horse.”
c 1:5 nation Literally, “house.” This might mean the q 1:13 Israel Here, probably the northern kingdom
royal family of that country. of Israel centered in Samaria.
d 1:7 her riches … me Literally, “her wages were a r 1:13 Jerusalem Literally, “Daughter Zion.” See
prostitute’s wages.” “Zion” in the Word List.
e 1:7 will be … to me Literally, “will return to s 1:14 Moresheth Micah’s hometown.
MICAH 1:15 748
The houses in Acziba will trick 7 But people of Jacob,*
the kings of Israel. I must say these things.
15 You people who live in Mareshah,b The Lord is losing his patience
I will bring someone against you who because of the bad things you did.
will take the things you own. If you lived right,
The Glory* of Israel I could say nice words to you.
will come into Adullam.c 8 But you attack my people like enemies.
16 So cut off your hair, make yourself bald,d You steal the clothes off the backs of
because you will cry for the children people walking by.
you love. They think they are safe,
Make yourself bald like an eaglee and but you are there to treat them like
show your sadness, prisoners of war.g
because your children will be taken 9 You have taken nice houses
away from you. away from the women of my people.
You have taken my wealth
The Evil Plans of People away from their small children forever.
The Lord’s Plans to Punish the People The Lord Will Bring His People Together
3 That is why the Lord says: 12 Yes, people of Jacob,*
“Look, I am planning trouble against this I will bring all of you together.
family. I will bring together all those in Israel*
You will not be able to save yourselves.f who are still living.
You will stop being proud, I will put them together
because bad times are coming. like sheep in the sheep pen,
4 Then people will sing songs about you. like a flock in its pasture.
They will sing this sad song: Then the place will be filled
‘We are ruined! with the noise of many people.
The Lord took away our land and gave 13 The “One Who Breaks Through Walls”
it to other people. will push through and walk to the front
Yes, he took my land away from me. of his people.
He has divided our fields {among our They will break through the gates and
enemies}. leave that city.
5 So we will not be able to measure They will leave with their king marching
the land before them—
and divide it among the Lord’s people.’” with the Lord at the front of his people.
Micah Is Asked Not to Prophesy The Leaders of Israel Are Guilty of Evil
6 The people say, “Don’t prophesy* to us.
Don’t say those bad things about us.
Nothing bad will happen to us.”
3 1Then I said, “Listen, leaders of Jacob*
and officers of the nationh of Israel*!
You should know what justice is.
2 But you hate good and love evil.
a 1:14 Aczib This name means “lie” or “trick.” You tear the skin off the people
b 1:15 Mareshah The name means “a person who and tear the flesh off their bones.
takes things.” 3 You are destroying my people.i
c 1:15 Adullam A cave that David hid in when he ran
away from Saul. See 1 Sam. 22:1.
d 1:16 cut … bald This showed that a person made g 2:8 They think … war Or “Returning from war, they
a special agreement with God or that a person was think they are safe.”
very sad. h 3:1 nation Literally, “house.” This might mean the
e 1:16 eagle Or “vulture.” See “vulture” in the Word royal family of that country.
List. i 3:3 You are destroying my people Literally, “{You}
f 2:3 save yourselves Literally, “take your necks off it.” who eat the flesh of my people.”
749 MICAH 4:7
You take their skin off them and break Temple Mount will be an empty hillb
their bones. overgrown with bushes.
You chop their bones up like meat to put
in the pot! The Law Will Come From Jerusalem
4 Then you will pray to the Lord,
but he will not answer you.
No, he will hide his face from you,
4 1In the last days the mountain of the
Lord’s Temple* will be on the highest
of all mountains.
because what you do is evil.” It will be raised higher than the hills.
There will be a steady stream of people
False Prophets going there.
5Somefalse prophets* are telling lies to 2 People from many nations will go there
the Lord’s people. This is what the Lord says and say,
about them: “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the
Lord,
“These prophets are led by their stomachs. to the Temple of the God of Jacob.*
They promise peace for those who give Then God will teach us his way of living,
them food, and we will follow him.”
but they promise war to those who do
not give them food. His teaching, the Lord’s message, will
begin in Jerusalem on Mount Zion*
6“This is why it is like night for you and will go out to all the world.
and you don’t have visions.* 3 Then God will act as judge to end
You cannot see what will happen in the arguments between people in many
future, places.
so it is like darkness to you. He will decide what is right for great
The sun has gone down on the prophets. nations far and near.
They cannot see what will happen in the They will stop using their weapons for
future, war.
so it is like darkness to them. They will hammer their swords into
7 The seers* are ashamed. plows
The fortunetellers* are embarrassed. and use their spears to make tools for
None of them will say anything, harvesting.
because God will not speak to them.” All fighting between nations will end.
They will never again train for war.
Micah Is an Honest Prophet of God 4 They will sit under their own
8 But the Lord’s Spirit has filled me grapevine and fig tree.
with power, goodness, and strength. No one will make them afraid.
So I can tell Jacob* about his crimes, That is because the Lord All-Powerful
and so I can tell Israel* about his sins! said it would happen like that.
The Leaders of Israel Are to Blame 5 All the people from other nations follow
9 Leaders of Jacob* and rulers of Israel, their own gods,
listen to me! but we will follow the Lord our God
You hate the right way of living! forever and ever!c
If something is straight,
then you make it crooked! The Kingdom to Be Brought Back
10 You build Zion* by murdering people.a 6 The Lord says,
You build Jerusalem by cheating people! “Jerusalem was hurt and crippled.
11 The judges in Jerusalem accept bribes She was thrown away.
to help them decide who wins in court. She was hurt and punished,
The priests in Jerusalem must be paid but I will bring her back to me.
before they will teach the people.
People must pay the prophets 7“The people of that ‘crippled’ city
before they will look into the future. will be the only ones left alive.
Then those leaders expect the Lord to They were forced to leave,
help them. but I will make them into a strong
They say, “The Lord lives here with us, nation.”
so nothing bad will happen to us.” The Lord will be their king.
He will rule from Mount Zion* forever.
12 Leaders, because of you, Zion will be b 3:12 empty hill Or “high place,” a term usually used
destroyed. for local shrines (places for worship) where people
It will become a plowed field. often worshiped idols.
Jerusalem will become a pile of rocks. c 4:5 Or “All the nations will walk in the name of
their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord
a 3:10 murdering people Literally, “bloodshed.” our God, forever and ever!”
MICAH 4:8 750
8 And you, Tower of Flocks,a The Messiah to Be Born in Bethlehem
your time will come. 2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Ophel, hill of Zion, are the smallest town in Judah.
you will again be the seat of Your family is almost too small to count,
government. but the “Ruler of Israel” will come from
Yes, the kingdom will be in Jerusalem you to rule for me.
like it was in the past. His beginningsd are from ancient times,
from long, long ago.
Why Must the Israelites Go to Babylon? 3 The Lorde will give up his people
9 Now, why are you crying so loudly? until the woman gives birth to her
Is your king gone? child, the promised king.
Have you lost your wise leader? Then the rest of his brothers
Is that why you are suffering like a will come back to the people of Israel.
woman in labor? 4 Then the Ruler of Israel will stand
10 Cry out, you people of Jerusalem,b and in the power of the Lord and
feel the pain, in the wonderful name of the Lord his
as if you were giving birth. God
You must go out of the city and care for his people.
and live in the fields. They will live in peace
You will go away to Babylon, because at that time his greatness will
but you will also be saved from that reach to the ends of the earth.f
place. 5 There will be peace.
The Lord will come and rescue you there. Yes, the Assyrian army will come into our
He will take you away from your country
enemies. and trample our large buildings.
But the Ruler of Israelg will choose
The Lord Will Destroy the Other Nations seven shepherds and eight leaders.h
11 Many nations have come to fight against 6 They will use their swords
you. and rule the Assyrians.
They say, “Look, there is Zion*! They will rule the land of Nimrodi
Let’s attack her!” with their swords in hand.
They will use their swords
12 They have their plans, to rule those people.
but they don’t know what the Lord is But then the Ruler of Israel will save us
planning. from the Assyrians
He brought them here when they come into our land and walk
for a special purpose. on our territory.
They will be crushed 7 But those from Jacob* who are still living
like grain on a threshing* floor. and scattered among the nations
will be like dew from the Lord that
Israel Will Defeat Its Enemies does not depend on anyone.
13“People of Jerusalem, get up and crush They will be like rain on the grass
them! that does not wait for anyone.
I will make you very strong. 8 Those from Jacob who are still living
It will be as if you have horns of iron are scattered among the nations.
and hooves of bronze. But they will be like a lion
You will beat many people into small among the animals in the forest.
pieces. They will be like a young lion
You will give their wealth to the Lord. among flocks of sheep.
You will give their treasure to the Lord If the lion passes through,
of all the earth.” he goes where he wants to go.
If he attacks an animal,
Nahum
1 1Thisbook is the vision* of Nahum from
Elkosh. This is the sad message about the
city of Nineveh.a
11 Someone from Nineveh is making evil
plans against the Lord.
That advisor is a worthless
troublemaker.
The Lord Is Angry at Nineveh 12 This is what the Lord said:
2 The Lord is a jealous God. “The people of Assyria are at full strength.
The Lord punishes the guilty, They have many soldiers,
and he is very angry. but they will all be cut down.
The Lord punishes his enemies, They will all be finished.
and he stays angry with them. My people, I made you suffer,
3 The Lord is patient, but I will make you suffer no more.
but he is also very powerful! 13 Now I will set you free from the power of
The Lord will punish the guilty; Assyria.
he will not let them go free. I will take the yoke* off your neck
He will use whirlwinds and storms to and tear away the chains holding you.”
show his power.
People walk on the dusty ground, 14 King of Assyria, the Lord gave this
but he walks on the clouds. command about you:
4 He will speak harshly to the sea, “You will not have any descendants to
and it will become dry. wear your name.
He will dry up all the rivers. I will destroy your carved idols*
The rich lands of Bashan and Carmel and metal statues that are in the temple
become dry and dead. of your gods.
The flowers in Lebanon fade away. I am preparing your grave,
5 The Lord will come, because your end is coming soon!b”
and the mountains will shake
and the hills will melt away. 15 Judah, look!
He will come, There, coming over the mountains, is a
and the earth will shake with fear. messenger bringing good news!
The earth and everyone on it He says there is peace.
will shake with fear. Judah, celebrate your special festivals
6 No one can stand against his great anger. and do what you promised.
No one can endure his terrible anger. Those worthless troublemakers will not
His anger will burn like fire. come through and attack you again.
The rocks will shatter when he comes. They have all been destroyed.
7 The Lord is good.
He is a safe place to go to in times of Nineveh Will Be Destroyed
8
trouble.
He takes care of those who trust him.
But he will completely destroy his
2 1An enemy is coming to attack you,
so guard the strong places of your city.
Watch the road.
enemies. Get ready for war.
He will wash them away like a flood Prepare for battle!
and chase them into the darkness. 2 Yes, the Lord changed Jacob’s* pride.
9 Why are you making plans against the He made it like Israel’s pride.
Lord? The enemy destroyed them
He will bring complete destruction, and ruined their grapevines.
so you will not cause trouble again.
10 You will be destroyed completely 3 The shields of his soldiers are red.
like thornbushes burning under a pot. Their uniforms are bright red.
You will be destroyed Their chariots* are shining like flames of
like dry weeds that burn quickly. fire
a 1:1 Nineveh The capital city of the country of b 1:14 because your end is coming soon Or “you are
Assyria. Assyria destroyed Israel in 722‑721 b.c. not important” or “you are so hated.”
NAHUM 2:4 754
and are lined up for battle. It is filled with plenty of people
Their horses are ready to go. that it hunted and killed.
4 The chariots race wildly through the 2 You can hear the sounds of whips
streets and the noise of wheels.
and rush back and forth through the You can hear horses galloping
square. and chariots* bouncing along!
They look like burning torches, 3 Soldiers on horses are attacking,
like lightning flashing from place to their swords are shining,
place! their spears are gleaming!
There are many dead people.
5 The enemy calls for his best soldiers. Dead bodies are piled up—too many
They stumble as they rush ahead. bodies to count.
They run to the wall People are tripping over the dead
and set up their shield over the bodies.
battering ram. 4 All this happened because of Nineveh.
6 But the gates by the rivers are open, Nineveh is like a prostitute who could
and the enemy comes flooding in and never get enough.
destroys the king’s palace. She wanted more and more.
7 The enemy takes away the queen, She sold herself to many nations,
and her slave girls moan sadly like and she used her magic to make them
doves. her slaves.
They beat their breasts to show their
sadness. 5 The Lord All-Powerful says,
“I am against you, Nineveh.
8 Nineveh is like a pool whose water I will pull your dressa up over your face.
is draining away. I will let the nations see your naked body.
People yell, “Stop! Stop running away!” The kingdoms will see your shame.
But it does not do any good. 6 I will throw dirty things on you
and treat you in a hateful way.
9 Take the silver! People will look at you and laugh.
Take the gold! 7 Everyone who sees you will be shocked.
There are many things to take. They will say, ‘Nineveh is destroyed.
There are many treasures. Who will cry for her?’
10 Now Nineveh is empty. I know I cannot find anyone
Everything is stolen. to comfort you, Nineveh.”
The city is ruined.
People have lost their courage, 8Nineveh, are you better than Thebesb
their hearts are melting with fear, on the Nile River? Thebes also had water all
their knees are knocking together, around her to protect herself from enemies.
their bodies are shaking, She used that water like a wall too. 9Ethio-
and their faces are pale from fear. pia and Egypt made Thebes strong. Libya and
the Sudan supported her, 10but Thebes was
11 Where is the lion’s cave (Nineveh) now? defeated. Her people were taken away as pris-
The male and female lions lived there. oners to a foreign country. Soldiers beat her
Their babies were not afraid. small children to death at every street corner.
12 The lion (king of Nineveh) killed people They threw lots* to see who got to keep the
to feed his cubs and lionesses. important people as slaves. They put chains
He filled his cave with men’s bodies. on all the important men of Thebes.
He filled his cave with women he had 11So, Nineveh, you will also fall like a
killed. drunk. You will try to hide. You will look
for a safe place away from the enemy. 12But
13 The Lord All-Powerful says, Nineveh, all your strong places will be like
“I am against you, Nineveh. fig trees. When new figs become ripe, people
I will burn your chariots come and shake the tree. The figs fall into
and kill your ‘young lions’ in battle. their mouths. They eat them, and the figs are
You will not hunt anyone on earth again. gone.
People will never again hear bad news 13Nineveh, your people are all like
from your messengers.” women—and the enemy soldiers are ready to
take them. The gates of your land are open
Bad News for Nineveh
3
a 3:5 pull your dress This is a wordplay in Hebrew.
1It will be very bad for that city of The Hebrew word also means “to destroy a country
murderers. and take its people away as prisoners to other
Nineveh is a city full of lies. nations.”
It is filled with things taken from other b 3:8 Thebes A great city in Egypt. It was destroyed
countries. in 663 b.c. by the Assyrian army.
755 HABAKKUK 1:15
wide for your enemies to come in. Fire has locusts that come and eat until everything
destroyed the wooden bars across the gates. is gone and then leave. 17And your govern-
14Get water and store it inside your city, ment officials are also like locusts that settle
because the enemy soldiers will surround on a stone wall on a cold day. But when the
your city. Make your defenses strong! Get clay sun comes up, the rocks become warm, and
to make more bricks and mix the mortar. Get the locusts all fly away. And no one knows
the molds for making bricks. 15You can do all where.
these things, but the fire will still destroy you 18King of Assyria, your shepherds fell
completely. And the sword will kill you. Your asleep. These powerful men are sleeping.
land will look like a swarm of grasshoppers And now your sheep have wandered away on
came and ate everything. the mountains. There is no one to bring them
Nineveh, you grew and grew. You became back. 19Nineveh, you have been hurt badly,
like a swarm of grasshoppers. You were like and nothing can heal your wound. Everyone
a swarm of locusts. 16You have many traders who hears the news of your destruction claps
who go places and buy things. They are as their hands. They are all happy, because they
many as the stars in the sky. They are like all felt the pain you caused again and again.
Habakkuk
Habakkuk Complains to God 10“The Babylonian soldiers will laugh at the
you, and you will be very afraid. 8You have 2 Lord, I have heard the news about you.
stolen things from many nations, so they will I am amazed, Lord, at the powerful
take much from you. You have killed many things you did in the past.
people and destroyed lands and cities. You Now I pray that you will do great things
have killed all the people there. in our time.
9“Look at you people! You get rich by cheat- Please make these things happen in our
ing people, and it hurts your own family! You own days.
build your houses high on the cliffs to protect But in your anger, remember to show
yourself from danger. 10You planned shameful mercy to us. Selah*
things, and that will bring shame to your own
family. You have done wrong, and it will cost 3 God is coming from Teman.*
you your life. 11The stones of the walls will The Holy One is coming from Mount
cry out against you. Even the wooden raftersb Paran.* Selah
in your own house will prove that you are
wrong. The Glory of the Lord* covers the
12“Look at them! They kill people to build heavens,
their city and do wicked things to make their and his praise fills the earth!
walled city strong. 13But the Lord All-Powerful c 2:15 Like an angry drunk … bodies The Hebrew
a 2:2 Write down … easy to read Or “Write the vision text here is hard to understand.
clearly on tablets so that the person who reads it d 3:1 Or “The prayer of Habakkuk on the Shiggayon.”
can run and tell other people.” The meaning of the Hebrew word “Shiggayon” is
b 2:11 rafters Boards that support the roof. not known.
757 ZEPHANIAH 1:3
4 Rays of light shine from his hand, a 12 In anger you walked on the earth
bright, shining light. and punished the nations.
There is such power hiding in that 13 You came to save your people
hand. and to lead your chosen kingc to victory.
5 The sickness went before him, You killed the leader in every evil family,
and the destroyer followed behind him.a from the least important person
6 The Lord stood and judged the earth. to the most important in the land.d Selah
He looked at the people of all the
nations, 14 You used Moses’ walking stick
and they shook with fear. to stop the enemy soldiers.
For many years the mountains stood Those soldiers came
strong, like a powerful storm to fight against us.
but those mountains fell to pieces. They thought they could defeat us easily,
Those old, old hills fell down. as robbing the poor in secret.
God has always been able to do that. 15 But you marched your horses
through the deep water, stirring up the
7 I saw that the cities of Cushan were in mud.
trouble 16 My whole body shook when I heard the
and that the houses of Midian trembled story.
with fear. My lips trembled.
8 Lord, were you angry at the rivers? I felt weak deep down in my bones
Were you angry at the streams? and stood there shaking.
Were you angry at the sea? But I will wait patiently for destruction to
Were you angry when you rode your come to those who attack us.
horses and chariots to victory?
Always Rejoice in the Lord
9 Even then you showed your rainbow. 17 Figs might not grow on the fig trees,
It was proof of your agreement with the and grapes might not grow on the vines.
families of the earth.b Selah Olives might not grow on the olive trees,
and food might not grow in the fields.
And the dry land split the rivers. There might not be any sheep in the pens
10 The mountains saw you and shook. or cattle in the barns.
The water flowed off the land. 18 But I will still be glad in the Lord
The water from the sea made a loud and rejoice in God my savior.
noise
as it lost its power over the land. 19 The Lord God gives me my strength.
11 The sun and the moon lost their He helps me run fast like a deer.
brightness. He leads me safely on the mountains.
They stopped shining when they saw
your bright flashes of lightning. To the music director. On my stringed
That lightning was like spears and instruments.
arrows shooting through the air.
a 3:5 This probably refers to the diseases and the c 3:13 chosen king Literally, “anointed one.”
Angel of Death that God sent against the Egyptians d 3:13 You killed … in the land Literally, “You struck
when God freed Israel from slavery. the head from the wicked house. From the founda‑
b 3:9 rainbow … earth See Gen. 9. tion to the neck they were laid bare.”
Zephaniah
1 1Thisis the message that the Lord gave
to Zephaniah. He received this message
during the time that Josiah son of Amon was
The Lord’s Day for Judging the People
2The
Lord says, “I will destroy everything
on earth.e 3I will destroy all the people and all
king of Judah. Zephaniah was the son of Cush, the animals. I will destroy the birds in the air
who was the son of Gedaliah. Gedaliah was
the son of Amariah, who was the son of e 1:2 earth Or “the land” or “the country.” Also in
Hezekiah. verse 18.
ZEPHANIAH 1:4 758
and the fish in the sea. I will destroy the evil of darkness—a black, cloudy, and stormy day.
people and everything that makes them sin. I 16It will be like wartime when people hear
will remove all people from the earth.” This horns and trumpets in the defense towers and
is what the Lord said. protected cities.
4“I will punish Judah and the people living 17The Lord said, “I will make life very hard
in Jerusalem. I will remove from this place the on the people. They will walk around like the
last signs of Baal* worship, the priests, and all blind who don’t know where they are going.
the people who 5go up on their roofs to wor- That will happen because they sinned against
ship the stars.a People will forget about those the Lord. Their blood will be spilled on the
false priests. Some people say they worship ground. Their dead bodies will lie like dung
me. They promised to worship me, but now on the ground. 18Their gold and silver will not
they worship the false god Milcom.* So I will help them! At that time the Lord will become
remove them from that place. 6Some people very upset and angry. The Lord will destroy
turned away from the Lord and stopped fol- the whole worlde! He will completely destroy
lowing me. They stopped asking the Lord for everyone on earth!”
help, so I will remove them from that place.”
7Be silent before the Lord God, because the God Asks People to Change Their Lives
Lord’s day for judging the people is coming
soon. The Lord has prepared his sacrifice, and
he has told his invited guests to get ready.b
2 1Shameless
2before you
people, change your lives
become like a dry and dying
flower. In the heat of day, a flower will wilt
8The Lord said, “On the Lord’s day of sac- and die. You will be like that when the Lord
rifice, I will punish the king’s sons and other shows his terrible anger. So change your lives
leaders. I will punish all the people wearing before the Lord shows his anger against you!
clothes from other countries. 9At that time I 3All you humble people, come to the Lord!
will punish all the people who jump over the Obey his laws. Learn to do good things. Learn
thresholdc and those who fill their master’s to be humble. Maybe then you will be safe
housed with lies and violence.” when the Lord shows his anger.
10The Lord also said, “At that time people
will be calling for help at Fish Gate in Jerusa- The Lord Will Punish Israel’s Neighbors
lem and mourning* in the new part of town. 4No one will be left in Gaza. Ashkelon will
They will hear the sound of destruction in be destroyed. By noon, the people will be
the hills around the city. 11You people living forced to leave Ashdod. Ekronf will be empty.g
in the lower part of town will cry, because 5You Cretansh living by the sea, this message
all the traders and rich merchants* will be from the Lord is about you. Canaan,* land
destroyed. of the Philistines, you will be destroyed—no
12“At that time I will take a lamp and search one will live there! 6Your land by the sea will
through Jerusalem. I will find all those who become empty fields for shepherds and their
are satisfied to live their own way. They say, sheep. 7Then the land will belong to the sur-
‘The Lord does nothing. He does not help, vivors* from Judah. The Lord their God will
and he does not hurt!’ I will find them, and remember the people from Judah and restore
I will punish them. 13Then others will take their fortunes. Then they will let their sheep
their wealth and destroy their houses. Those eat the grass in those fields. In the evenings
who built houses will not live in them, and they will lie down in the empty houses of
those who planted vineyards will not drink Ashkelon.
the wine from the grapes.” 8The Lord says, “I know what the people
14The Lord’s special day for judging is com- of Moab and Ammon did. They embarrassed
ing soon! It is near and coming fast. People my people. They took their land to make
will hear very sad sounds on the Lord’s spe- their own countries larger. 9So, as surely as
cial day of judgment. Even strong soldiers will I am alive, Moab and the people of Ammon
cry. 15The Lord will show his anger at that will be destroyed like Sodom* and Gomor-
time. It will be a time of terrible troubles rah.* I am the Lord All-Powerful, the God of
and a time of destruction. It will be a time Israel, and I promise those countries will be
a 1:5 stars Literally, “army of heaven.” This might
destroyed completely forever. Their land will
mean the stars and planets or the angels.
be overgrown with weeds. It will be like the
b 1:7 prepared … get ready Literally, “prepared his land covered with salt by the Dead Sea. The
sacrifice. He has made his called ones holy.” Here, survivors of my people will take that land and
this time of judgment is compared to a fellowship everything left in it.”
meal when priests offered a sacrifice to God and
had the guests get ready for this special meal with e 1:18 world Or “land” or “country.”
God. f 2:4 Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron Philistine cities.
c 1:9 people wearing … threshold This probably In Hebrew, Zephaniah is making wordplays on the
means the priests and people who worshiped names of these cities.
foreign gods, such as Dagon, or people who copied g 2:4 empty In Hebrew this word is like the word
their ways of worshiping. See 1 Sam. 5:5. meaning “Philistines.” Also in verse 6.
d 1:9 master’s house This means the temple where h 2:5 Cretans People from Crete. The Philistines
the people worshiped God or their false gods. came from that island.
759 ZEPHANIAH 3:20
10This will happen to the people of Moab how upset I am—and the whole country will
and Ammon because they were so proud be destroyed. 9Then I will change people
and cruel and humiliated the people of the from other nations so that they can speak
Lord All-Powerful. 11They will be afraid the language clearly and call out the name of
of the Lord, because he will destroy their the Lord. They will all worship me together,
gods. Then everyone in all the faraway lands shoulder to shoulder, as one people. 10People
will worship the Lord. 12People of Ethiopia, will come all the way from the other side of
this even means you! The Lord’s sword will the river in Ethiopia. My scattered people will
kill your people. 13Then the Lord will turn come to me. My worshipers will come and
north and punish Assyria. He will destroy bring their gifts to me.
Nineveh—that city will be like an empty, dry 11“Then, Jerusalem, you will no longer be
desert. 14Only sheep and wild animals will ashamed of the wrong things your people do
live in those ruins. Owls and crows will sit against me. That is because I will remove all
on the columns that are left standing. Their the bad people from Jerusalem. I will take
calls will be heard coming through the win- away all the proud people. There will not be
dows. Crows will sit on the doorsteps. Black any of them on my holy mountain.b 12I will let
birdsa will make their homes in those empty only meek and humble people stay in my city,
houses. 15Nineveh is so proud now. It is such and they will trust the Lord’s name. 13The
a happy city. The people think they are safe. survivors* of Israel will not do bad things
They think Nineveh is the greatest place in or tell lies. They will not try to trick people
the world, but it will be destroyed! It will be with lies. They will be like sheep that eat and
an empty place where only wild animals go lie down in peace—and no one will bother
to rest. People who pass by will whistle and them.”
shake their heads when they see how badly
the city was destroyed. A Happy Song
14 Jerusalem, sing and be happy!
The Future of Jerusalem Israel, shout for joy!
Haggai
It Is Time to Build the Temple Work Begins on the New Temple
1 1On the first day of the sixth month of
the second year that Darius was king of
Persia, Haggai received a message from the
12The Lord God had sent Haggai to speak
to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and to the high
priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak. So these men
Lord. This message was for Zerubbabel son of and all the people listened to the voice of the
Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jehozadak. Zerub- Lord their God and to the words of Haggai
babel was the governor of Judah and Joshua the prophet. And the people showed their
was the high priest. This is the message: fear and respect for the Lord their God.
2This is what the Lord All-Powerful said, 13Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger,
“The people say it is not yet the right time to delivered this message to the people: “The
build the Lord’s Temple.*” Lord says, ‘I am with you!’”
3Again Haggai received a message from 14Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel was the gov-
the Lord. Haggai spoke this message: 4“You ernor of Judah. Joshua son of Jehozadak was
people think the right time has come for you the high priest. The Lord made them and
to live in nice houses. You live in houses with the rest of the people excited about working
beautiful wooden paneling on the walls, but on the Temple* of their God, the Lord All-
the Lord’s house is still in ruins. 5Now the Powerful. 15So they began this work on the
Lord All-Powerful says, ‘Think about what is 24th day of the sixth month in the second
happening. 6You have planted many seeds, year Darius was the king.
but you have gathered only a few crops. You
have food to eat, but not enough to get full. The Lord Encourages the People
You have something to drink, but not enough
to get drunk. You have some clothes to wear,
but not enough to keep warm. You earn a
2 1On the 21st day of the seventh month,
this message from the Lord came to Hag-
gai: 2“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,
little money, but you don’t know where it the governor of Judah, and to Joshua son
all goes. It’s as though there is a hole in your of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the
pocket!’a” people. Say this: 3‘How many of you people
7The Lord All-Powerful said, “Think about look at this Temple* and try to compare it
what you are doing. 8Go up to the mountains, to the beautiful Temple that was destroyed?
get the wood, and build the Temple. Then I What do you think? Does this Temple seem
will be pleased with the Temple, and I will be like nothing when you compare it with the
honored.” This is what the Lord said. first Temple? 4But the Lord says, “Zerub-
9The Lord All-Powerful said, “You people babel, don’t be discouraged!” And the Lord
look for a big harvest, but when you go to says, “Joshua son of Jehozadak, you are the
gather the crop, there is only a little grain. So high priest. Don’t be discouraged! And all
you bring that grain home, and then I send a you people who live in the land, don’t be
wind that blows it all away. Why is this hap- discouraged! Continue this work, because
pening? Because my house is still in ruins I am with you.” This is what the Lord All-
while each of you runs home to take care of Powerful said.
your own house. 10That is why the sky holds 5“‘I made an agreement with you when you
back its dew and why the earth holds back left Egypt, and I have kept my promise. My
its crops. Spirit is with you, so don’t be afraid!’ 6This
11“I gave the command for the land and is what the Lord All-Powerful said, ‘In just a
the mountains to be dry. The grain, the new little while, I will once again shake things up.
wine, the olive oil, and everything the earth I will shake heaven and earth, and I will shake
produces will be ruined.b All the people and the sea and the dry land. 7I will shake up
all the animals will become weak.” the nations, and they will come to you with
wealth from every nation. And then I will
fill this Temple with glory.*’ That is what the
Lord All-Powerful said! 8‘All their silver really
a 1:6 You … pocket Or “The one who saves money is belongs to me! And all the gold is mine!’ This
putting it into a purse full of holes.” is what the Lord All-Powerful said. 9And the
b 1:11 dry … ruined The Hebrew word “dry” is like Lord All-Powerful said ‘This last Temple will
the Hebrew word “ruined.” be more beautiful than the first one, and I will
761 ZECHARIAH 1:9
bring peace to this place.’ Remember, this is to get 50 jars of wine from the wine vat, but
what the Lord All-Powerful said.” there were only 20. 17That was because I
punished you. I sent the diseases that killed
Today Begins a Time of Blessing your plants and the hail that destroyed the
10On the 24th day of the ninth month in things you made with your hands. I did this,
the second year Darius was king of Persia, but still you did not come to me.’ This is what
this message from the Lord came to Haggai the Lord said.
the prophet: 11“The Lord All-Powerful com- 18“{The Lord said,} ‘Today is the 24th day
mands you to ask the priests what the law of the ninth month. You have finished lay-
says about these things: 12‘Suppose a man ing the foundation of the Lord’s Temple. So
carries some meat in the fold of his clothes. notice what happens from this day forward:
This meat is part of a sacrifice, so it is holy.* 19Your seed for planting is still in the barn.
If his clothes touch some bread, cooked food, And look at the vines, the fig trees, and the
wine, oil, or some other food, will the thing pomegranate* and olive trees. They have not
the clothes touch become holy?’” yet produced any fruit. But beginning today, I
The priests answered, “No.” will bless you.’”
13Then Haggai said, “Whoever touches 20Another message from the Lord came to
a dead body will become unclean.* Now if Haggai on the 24th day of the month. This is
they touch anything else, will it also become the message: 21“Go to Zerubbabel, the gov-
unclean?” ernor of Judah and tell him that I will shake
The priests answered, “Yes, it will become heaven and earth. 22And I will overthrow
unclean.” many kings and kingdoms and destroy the
14Then Haggai said, “This is what the Lord power of the kingdoms of those other people.
God said: ‘This is also true for the people of I will destroy their chariots* and their rid-
this nation. They were not pure and holy ers. I will defeat their war horses and riders.
before me. So anything they did with their These armies are friends now, but they will
hands and anything they offered at the altar turn against each other and kill each other
became unclean. with swords.” 23This is what the Lord All-
15“‘Think about what has happened to you. Powerful said. “Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,
Think about how things were before you began my servant, I have chosen you. At that time I
working on the Lord’s Temple.* 16People will use you like a signet ring* to prove that I
wanted 20 measures of grain, but there were have done these things!”
only 10 measures in the pile. People wanted This is what the Lord All-Powerful said.
Zechariah
The Lord Wants His People to Return 5“Your ancestors are gone, and those
14 1Look,
the Lord has a special day of
judgment coming, when the riches
you have taken will be divided in your city.
king, the Lord All-Powerful. They will come
to celebrate the Festival of Shelters.* 17And if
people from any of the families on earth don’t
2I will bring all the nations together to fight go to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord
against Jerusalem. They will capture the city b 14:5 holy ones Here, this probably means angels.
c 14:8 water … Jerusalem Literally, “living water will
a 12:11 Hadad Rimmon Possibly a name for the flow from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem’s main water sup‑
Syrian fertility god. ply, the Gihon spring, did not flow continuously.
769 MALACHI 1:14
All-Powerful, no rain will fall on their land. And all the pots used in the Lord’s Temple
18If any of the families in Egypt don’t come to will be just as important as the bowls used
celebrate the Festival of Shelters, they will get at the altar. 21In fact, every dish in Jerusalem
that terrible disease that the Lord caused the and Judah will have the label, holy to the
enemy nations to get. 19That will be the pun- lord all-powerful. All the people offering
ishment for Egypt, and for any other nation sacrifices will come, take those dishes, and
that does not come to celebrate the Festival cook their special meals in them.
of Shelters. At that time there will not be any mer-
20At that time even the harnesses on the chants* buying and selling thingsb in the Tem-
horses will have the label, holy to the lord.a ple of the Lord All-Powerful.
a 14:20 hoLY To The Lord These words were written
on everything that was used in the Temple. This
showed that these things belonged to the Lord, and
that they could be used only for special purposes.
Dishes with this labels could be used only by the b 14:21 merchants … selling things Literally,
priests in a holy place. “Canaanites.”
Malachi
1 1This is a message from the Lord to Israel.
God used Malachi to tell this message to
the people.
“But you ask, ‘What makes that bread
unclean?’
“It is unclean because you show no respect
for my altar. 8You bring blind animals as sac-
God Loves Israel rifices,* and that is wrong. You bring sick
2The Lord said, “I love you people.” and crippled animals for sacrifices, and that
But you said, “What shows you love us?” is wrong. Try giving those sick animals as a
The Lord said, “Esau was Jacob’s brother, gift to your governor. Would he accept those
but I chosec Jacob. 3And I did not acceptd sick animals? No, he would not accept them.”
Esau. I destroyed his hill country.e His coun- This is what the Lord All-Powerful said.
try was destroyed, and now only wild dogsf 9“Now try asking God to be good to you.
live there.” But he will not listen to you, and it is all your
4The people of Edom might say, “We were fault.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful
destroyed, but we will go back and rebuild said.
our cities.” 10“I wish one of you would close the Tem-
But the Lord All-Powerful says, “If they ple* doors to stop the lighting of useless fires
rebuild their cities, I will destroy them on my altar. I am not pleased with you. I will
again.” That is why people say Edom is an evil not accept your gifts.” This is what the Lord
country—a nation the Lord hates forever. All-Powerful said.
5You people saw these things, and you said, 11“People all around the world respect my
“The Lord is great, even outside of Israel!” name. All around the world they bring good
gifts to me and burn good incense* as a gift
The People Don’t Respect God to me, because my name is important to all
6The Lord All-Powerful said, “Children of them.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful
honor their fathers. Servants honor their said.
masters. I am your Father, so why don’t you 12“But you people show that you don’t
honor me? I am your master, so why don’t respect my name. You say that the Lord’s
you respect me? You priests don’t respect my altar is unclean. And you don’t like the food
name. from that altar. 13You smell the food and
“But you say, ‘What have we done that refuse to eat it. You say it is bad. Then you
shows we don’t respect your name?’ bring sick, crippled, and hurt animals to me.
7“You bring unclean* bread to my altar. You try to give sick animals to me as sacri-
fices, but I will not accept them. 14Some
c 1:2 chose Or “loved.” people have good, male animals that they
d 1:3 did not accept Or “hated.” could give as sacrifices, but don’t. Some peo-
e 1:3 his hill country This means the country of ple bring good animals and promise to give
Edom. Edom was another name for Esau. those healthy animals to me. But then they
f 1:3 wild dogs Literally, “jackals.” secretly exchange those good animals and
MALACHI 2:1 770
give me sick animals instead. Bad things will 14You ask, “Why are our gifts not accepted?”
happen to those people. I am the Great King It is because the Lord saw the evil things you
and people all around the world respect me!” did—he is a witness* against you. He saw you
This is what the Lord All-Powerful said. cheat on your wife. You have been married
to her since you were young. She was your
Rules for Priests girlfriend. Then you made your vows* to each
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