2001 Translation – An American English Bible
With Old Testament based on the Greek Septuagint
This Bible isn’t authorized by, nor does it represent the views of any religious group. Its content is the work of more than fifty online contributors, and the dedicated efforts a few translators and editors who have spent more than fifteen-thousand hours (to date) in creating this enormous work, and whose only interest is in helping others to understand what the Bible truly says. Therefore, as a product of the public domain, this English Bible, its Notes, and its Commentaries that are original to this work may be copied, used, and distributed as you may wish. No memberships, sales, or donations are being sought here. However, we welcome suggestions, recommendations, and translating assistance.
You will find the 2001 Translation – An American English Bible is very easy to read, but it reads differently from other Bibles because many of the words are far more accurately translated.
Foreword
We understand that there are two different types of Bible readers, those who have already reached their conclusions and are searching for scriptures to prove their case and cause, and those who just want to know what the Bible actually says. This Bible is being translated for the sake of those who believe that they still have something to learn… as do we. We aren’t trying to start some new religion or promote someone’s established doctrines; we are just searching for the truth and trying to find out what Bible writers actually wrote.
Our Own Style
Let us start by apologizing to grammarians who will object to this Bible’s flagrant violation of established old rules for written English. English is a living language where the rules of speech are constantly changing. Yet, some prefer to try to define proper English by ancient rules and standards. This isn’t the way English works, just look at its history.
As an editor of the Oxford Collegiate Dictionary once explained it to us, proper English is always the language as it is currently spoken, written, and pronounced by the majority of the people. So, this translation of the Bible has been written in the commonly spoken vernacular of our time, which doesn’t follow the written rules of fifty or one hundred years ago. That isn’t a radical departure for the Bible, since the early disciples of Jesus wrote their words in the ‘common’ Aramaic (and Greek) of their day, and they spoke it with a Galilean accent (see Matthew 26:73).
You will find the style we are using unique, for it can’t be found in standard English stylebooks. Rather, we have designed it to better reflect the style of the Bible, which is a collection of songs, poetry, narrations, historical accounts, and prophecies. So, you will find frequent use of contractions and dangling prepositions throughout, just as they are used in everyday American English.
Please recognize that there are no rules to English writing style as many believe, there are just guidelines which change each year and every day. So, we are breaking no rules of English grammar by using our own unique writing style.
As the result, you will also find punctuation marks (especially quotation marks) deliberately limited so they don’t distract from the reading. We know that this is unusual, but one of the problems with translating the Bible is that there are often quotes within quotes, and even quotes within quotes within quotes, resulting in large amounts of distracting and confusing strings of quotation marks and sub quotes. So, we have replaced all quotation marks with sub quotes (they are cleaner). Then, where there is a quotation within a quotation, we put in italics; and where there is a quotation within a quotation within a quotation, we revert to standard font. Yes it is different, but we hope you’ll find it easier to read.
This doesn’t mean that this Bible takes flagrant liberties with the meanings of the original words. It doesn’t. If you don’t like some of the words chosen herein, after a thorough examination you may find this translation provides a more accurate understanding of many of the original meanings.
Understand that our goal is to produce a Bible that is easy and pleasing to read, while conveying a very accurate meaning. For this reason, you will often find redundant words and expressions either minimized or deleted to reduce unnecessary clutter. Also, where words or phrases would be unclear to most readers, we try to choose other words or phrases to better clarify the meaning in American English; and to show that the word or phrase has been changed, we usually show the new word or phrase in brackets. This may seem unusual to some, but it is necessary to convey accurate thoughts while maintaining honesty in translating. So, words in brackets [ ] should be read as part of a sentence, because they have been added or changed to clarify the meanings in the American-English language. However, you may not choose to pronounce the word {Look!}, which is a common but often distracting Hebrew exclamation that we usually put in brackets { }.
You will notice that the paragraph and sentence structures have also been modernized to comply with today’s editing rules, or modified to make reading easier. This isn’t a violation of license, because the Christian Bible writers wrote with no punctuation marks, spaces, or paragraph breaks. So, punctuation, word spacing, sentence breaks, paragraph breaks, paragraph numbers, and verse numbers were all approximated and added later, and there appear to have been many errors when this was done. These errors include putting paragraph and chapter breaks in the middle of sentences or thoughts (see 1 Timothy 3:1 as an example). Also, some of the ancient sentences can go on for paragraphs, making them difficult to read, so we have tried to break them into smaller sentences.
Another unique feature of this Bible is that in portions that were originally written in a poetic style (such as the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, etc.), we have tried to maintain the original richness of the texts by translating them poetically wherever possible. This has required some rearrangement, as well as additions and deletions of extraneous words, but you will find that we have faithfully maintained the meanings of the texts.
We realize that most readers will dislike this poetic style, as God and Jesus originally spoke it, because most people who use the Bible today employ it just to prove some doctrine or point. However, that isn’t the reason why the Bible was provided for us; it was written in the beautiful language of God and Jesus to be read, enjoyed, and to teach us.
You will also find certain verses just missing in this Bible. The reason for this is that many verses have been added to the Bible over the centuries. How do we know this? They don’t appear in ancient Bible texts. So, where there is some question, suspect verses haven’t been included in this translation… sorry if they were your favorites.
Major Word Changes
Although we are sure that all translators have recognized the need to clarify the meanings of some old, familiar Bible words, but haven’t done so fearing rejection of their versions by people who prefer familiarity to a proper understanding, we are less worried about that here. For that reason, many familiar Bible words (such as spirit, soul, Devil, Satan, angel, cross, and many others) are translated closer to their meanings in the attached pages. In fact, where words are closely associated with religious dogma, every attempt has been made to select synonyms in order to provide the reader an unbiased look at what was really said.
We have also included the English rendering of the Divine Name Jehovah wherever the common Jewish substitution ‘the Lord’ was made when referring to the Divine Father. The reason for this change is to help readers understand which Lord appears to be implied by the verses. However, we have not used it as frequently as in some other Bibles, because we have determined that the Name did not really appear in the original texts as many times as it is thought to have. For an explanation, see the linked document “Jehovah.”
Unfortunately, the name Jehovah (which was used by almost all religions and Bible translations prior to the 20th Century) has fallen into disrepute in recent years, because one modern religious group has included it as part of their name. And as the result, many think that because we’ve used God’s Name, this Bible is a product of their religion... it isn’t.
Although the Divine Name was probably pronounced Ya-h’wĕh in Hebrew (rather than Jehovah), remember that the names of Jesus (Yĕh-sous) and his disciples such as Peter, James, and John (Petro, Ya-ka-bu, and Yo-han-oi) are also commonly mispronounced in English, as are almost all Bible names and terms. So, we have followed the rule of using the common English mispronunciation here, because it is familiar.
Another word (which is usually thought of as a name) that we have changed, and which many will likely object to, is the title Christ. This wasn’t part of Jesus’ name; it refers to what he was. Christ is a Greek word that was simply transliterated into English. So, you will find the Greek word Christos (pronounced krees-toss – which implies anointed, judged, or decided) translated into its closest actual English meaning, ‘the Anointed One,’ herein.
The same is true of the terms Devil and Satan. These aren’t proper names; they are just titles that were used to describe the Evil One. And the Greek word aggelos, which is commonly rendered as ‘angel’ in other translations, just means ‘messenger,’ so it is translated that way here. Whether it is a human messenger or one sent from God, should be decided by the reader, not by some translator (see Acts 12:15 for an example). To see the reasons why we have chosen to use a particular word, see the Notes at the end of this Bible.
A Different Reason for Reading the Bible
All Bible translators have their detractors. In fact, many in past centuries have been killed for their efforts, so we expect criticism and opposition. However, all of that and the years of effort that we have put into this work will be worth the price if we can promote more Bible reading; and that is the primary goal of this translation (not just quotation of verses). So, if you are just planning to see how some of your favorite verses read herein (to see if you agree with and like the wording), you may be disappointed. The verses haven’t been translated on a standalone basis for quotations (as in other translations), but to properly convey the thoughts of complete sentences and paragraphs.
Our hope is that this translation will help all who read it to pass beyond the barriers of tradition, dogma, and doctrine, by providing some flavor of the true meanings of words and thoughts as they were originally spoken by Jesus or written by his disciples, or the patriarchs, or the Prophets. We also hope that the ease of reading in our common language can make sitting down and studying the word of God something that you will make time to do. Honestly, reading (and thinking about) even the longest of Bible books usually just takes a small amount of time. We know, because we are doing it daily.
Different Source for the OT Text
By the way, in the portion of this Bible that we have dubbed the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (Old Testament), you will notice that many names of people and places are spelled quite differently than you may be accustomed to. This is because we are using the Greek Septuagint as its source. We believe that the Greek spelling more accurately reflects the names and their actual pronunciations, because the Greek alphabet (unlike ancient Hebrew) has vowels. And you will notice that we have spelled the most commonly-recognized names the way that they are found in Bibles based on the Hebrew text, so that readers who are familiar with the common English spelling will know who and which place is being spoken of.
We have also chosen the Septuagint as the source for the OT text because available copies are older than the current Hebrew texts; they reflect the Bible as it was used and read by First-Century Christians; it reads more like the most ancient available texts found among the Dead Sea Scrolls; and it simply makes more sense.
Our Qualifications
We have received numerous letters from readers demanding more information about the qualifications and religious affiliations of those who have worked on and contributed to the creation of The 2001 Translation - An American English Bible. An honest answer is that there have been numerous contributors (more than 50) since we started this project in the late 1990s, and we have never asked their qualifications or religious backgrounds. Rather, we have allowed the veracity of their work to speak on their behalf.
For those who put more trust in claims of education and degrees, let me point out that we see many people who have the highest qualifications saying ignorant things about the Bible in the media. Also, despite the prestigious backgrounds of many other Bible translators, we still find hundreds of obvious mistakes and even forgeries in their work. Why, if it weren’t for all the mistakes and mistranslations in other Bibles, we would never have started on this enormous project; we would have simply directed you to that Bible.
Realize that our goal here is faithful accuracy in the translating the meanings of the texts. So we urge those who question our qualifications to send us the results of their research where they can prove what we have written to be wrong (E-mail address shown below).
Although most people have already reached their own conclusions about the teachings and promises of the Bible, we have tried not to allow such pre-formed conclusions to influence our translating. For, to be a good bible translator requires that you start out with an open mind, so you don’t translate the Bible to say what you believe (as all Bible translators have done in the past). And although we who have worked on this massive project thought that we truly started out with an open mind, after translating and editing the entire Bible, we find ourselves even less dogmatic and sure than we were in the beginning, because the Bible raises more questions than it answers… so we urge you to keep an open mind too.
Sorry, but because it is new, this probably isn’t your favorite Bible translation. However, because of its accuracy and easy reading, we hope that it soon will be.
You will likely have many questions about our word choices, and you will find most answers by looking at the same scriptures (or surrounding verses) on our website at http://www.2001translation.com. You will find written commentaries there, and you will also find changes and the latest updates to this Bible at that site.
Jim Wheeler, editor
editor@2001translation.com
The Ancient Scriptures of Israel
From the Greek Septuagint text as was used by First Century Christians
Genesis
Chapter 1
1 In the beginning The God created the heavens and the earth. 2 But the earth was unsightly and unfinished, darkness covered its depths, and God’s Breath moved over its waters. 3 Then God spoke, saying, ‘May there be light,’ and light came to be. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then God created a division between the light and the darkness. 5 He called the light day and the darkness night. So came the evening and morning of day one.
6 And God spoke, saying, ‘May there be space between all the water, and a dividing of the waters and the waters,’ and that’s what happened. 7 God made the space and [He] divided the waters that were under the space from the waters that were over the space. 8 And God called that space the sky. And God saw that this was good. So came the evening and morning of day two.
9 Then God said, ‘May the waters under the sky be brought together in one place so the land can be seen,’ and that’s what happened. 10 God called the dry land earth and the collected waters the seas, and God saw that this was good.
11 Then God spoke, saying, ‘May the land sprout with pastures of grasses that bear seeds [each] of its own kind and appearance. And may there be fruit trees that bear fruit with its seeds, [each] of its own kind.’ And that’s what happened. 12 The ground sprouted with pastures of grass that [each] bore seeds of its own kind and appearance, and the fruit trees bore fruit with their seeds, [each] of its own kind, upon the earth. And God saw that this was good. 13 So came the evening and morning of day three.
14 Then God spoke, saying, ‘May there be lights in the heavenly space to illuminate the earth and to make the division between day and night. And may they serve as signs for the seasons, days, and years. 15 May they also serve as lights for the space in heaven and on the earth, and that’s what happened. 16 God made the two huge lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light and stars to rule the night. 17 And God assigned them space in the heavens to shine upon the earth, 18 to dominate over the day and night, and to make the division between light and darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So came the evening and morning of day four.
20 And God spoke, saying, ‘Let the water give birth to living, slithering animals, as well as to winged creatures to fly above the earth in the space of the skies.’ And that’s what happened. 21 So God created the great sea creatures and the lives of all the slithering animals that come from the water, according to their types, and all feathered flying creatures, according to their types, and God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blest them, saying, ‘Reproduce and multiply in the water until you fill the seas. And let the winged creatures multiply on the earth.’ 23 So came the evening and morning of day five.
24 And God spoke, saying, ‘Let the land give birth to living animals, each of its own kind… four-footed animals, slithering animals, and wild animals of the earth, each of its own kind.’ And that’s what happened. 25 Then God made the wild animals of the earth, each of its own kind… the herding animals, each of its own kind; and all the earth’s slithering animals, each of its own kind. And God saw that they were good.
26 Then God spoke, saying, ‘Let’s make man like us and in our image. Then [we will] appoint him to be over the sea creatures, the winged creatures of the skies, the herding animals of the ground, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground.’
27 So, God made man. He made him in the image of God. He made them both – the male and the female – 28 and God blest them, saying, ‘Reproduce and multiply… fill the earth and control it. Rule over the sea creatures, the winged creatures of the skies, all the herding animals of the ground, all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground, and the whole earth.’
29 Then God said, ‘Look, I’ve given you all the seed-bearing plants upon the entire earth for [you to] plant, as well as all the seed-bearing trees for [you to] plant as your food. 30 And [I’ve given] greenish-yellow plants as food to all the earth’s wild animals… all the winged creatures of the sky, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground and have the breath of life.’ And that’s what happened.
31 Then God viewed everything He made, and {Look!} it was very good. So came the evening and morning of day six.
Chapter 2
1 So God finished the earth and sky, and all the arranging of them. 2 God completed his work of making these things on the sixth day. And on the seventh day, He stopped making them. 3 Then God blest the seventh day and made it holy, because He had finished all the work that He started out to do.
4 This was the book of the origins of the earth and the sky – when they became – in the day that God made the earth and sky; 5 when all the greenish-yellow plants on it began on the earth, and all the grasses of the fields sprung up.
[Until that time] it had never rained on the earth and there were no men to cultivate it, 6 for springs poured from the ground and watered the entire surface of the earth.
7 Then God formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed the breath of life against his face, and He became a living creature.
8 And thereafter, God planted a Paradise on the east side of Edem, where He put the man who He had formed. 9 And it was there that God caused every tree that was attractive to look at and good for food to spring from the ground. [He also] put the Tree of Life in the middle of the Paradise, as well as the tree of the Knowledge Good and Evil.
10 A river flowed from Edem to water the Paradise, for from there [came the] head [waters] of four [rivers]. 11 The name of the [first river] is Phison. It circles the entire land of Evilat, where there is gold 12 (and the gold from that land is good). There is also coal and ornamental stone. 13 The name of the second river is Geon. It runs around the land of the Blacks. 14 The third river is the Tigris, which flows over toward the Assyrians; and the fourth river is the Euphrates.
15 Then Jehovah God took the man that He had formed and put him in the Paradise of Delights, so He could cultivate and care for it. 16 And Jehovah God gave these instructions to Adam: ‘You are free to eat from all the trees of Paradise, 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad. Because, on whatever day you eat from it, your life will end and you will die.’
18 And Jehovah God said: ‘It isn’t good for the man to be alone. Let’s make a helper for him.’
19 Well, after God made all the wild animals of the plains and all the winged creatures of the skies (from the earth), He brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living animal was what its name became. 20 So, Adam named all the cattle, all the winged creatures of the sky, and all the wild animals of the plains. Yet, a suitable helper that was like Adam couldn’t be found.
21 God then put Adam into a trance, and while he was sleeping, took one of his ribs and filled the place where it was with flesh. 22 So, God built the rib that He took from Adam into a woman and brought her to Adam. 23 And Adam said, ‘This is now bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh. She will be called woman, because she was taken from man. 24 And because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and bond with his wife; and the two will become one flesh.’
Chapter 3
1 Now, both of them (the man and the woman) were naked and unashamed.
2 And the snake was the wiliest animal that Jehovah had made on the earth. Then the snake asked the woman, ‘Why did God tell you that you shouldn’t eat from all the trees of Paradise?’
3 And the woman replied to the snake, ‘We can eat the fruit from the trees of Paradise, but God said that we shouldn’t eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of Paradise – that we shouldn’t even touch it – or we will die.’
4 Then the snake told the woman, ‘You won’t stop living and die, 5 for God knows that on whatever day you eat from it your eyes will be opened wide and you will be like gods knowing good and evil.’
6 Well, the woman saw that the tree was good for food, it was a pleasant sight to her eyes, and it was a beautiful thing to think about. So, after picking its fruit, she ate it. Then she gave some to her husband (who was with her), and they ate it [together]. 7 And thereafter, the eyes of both of them were opened wide and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made skirts to go around themselves.
8 Then they heard the voice of Jehovah God, as He walked around in Paradise that afternoon; so Adam and his wife hid from the face of Jehovah God, among the trees of Paradise.
9 And Jehovah God called to Adam, saying, ‘Where are you Adam?’
10 And [Adam] replied to God: ‘I heard Your voice as You were walking through Paradise, but I was afraid because of my nakedness, so I hid myself.’
11 Then God asked him: ‘If you haven’t eaten from the only tree that I commanded you not to eat from, then, who told you that you were naked?’
12 And Adam replied: ‘That woman You gave me as a companion… she gave me some [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.’
13 Then Jehovah God asked the woman: ‘Why did you do this?’
And the woman replied: ‘The snake deceived me, so I ate it.’
14 Then Jehovah God said to the snake: ‘Because you did this, you [alone] are doomed to punishment among all the cattle and wild animals of the earth. You will travel on your chest and belly, and you will eat from the ground all the days of your life. 15 I will create hatred between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will watch for your head and you will watch for his heel.’
16 Then He said to the woman: ‘I will make your sorrow and groaning [much] worse. For, you will give birth to children and groan, and your husband will turn away from you and he will become your master.’
17 Then He said to Adam: ‘Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from (and from which you went ahead and ate), the work that you will do on the earth is cursed. You will groan as you eat from it all the days of your life. 18 Briars and thistles will grow for you, and your food will be plants in the fields. 19 You will eat your bread through the sweat on your face until you return to the ground from which you were taken… you were taken from the ground and that’s where you will return!’
20 And thereafter, Adam called his wife’s name Life, because she was the mother of all [human] life.
21 Then Jehovah God made leather clothing for Adam and his wife, and dressed them. 22 And God said, ‘Look, Adam has become one of us now in knowing good and evil! So, to prevent him from reaching his hand out to take and eat from the Tree of Life and seeking life for the ages…’ 23 Then Jehovah God put Adam outside the Paradise of Delights to work the ground that he was taken from. 24 He threw Adam out and made him live next to the Paradise of Delights. Then He stationed the [heavenly] cherubs with their flaming, spinning swords to keep watch over the Tree of Life.
Chapter 4
1 Adam had [sexual relations] with his wife, so she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. And she said, ‘I have gained a man through God.’ 2 Then she again gave birth to his brother, Abel. Well, Able [grew up to be] a herder of sheep, while Cain worked the ground.
3 After many days, Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground as a sacrifice to Jehovah, 4 while Abel brought the first-born of his sheep and of his belongings. And God looked favorably upon Abel and his gifts, 5 but He didn’t pay attention to Cain and to his sacrifices, so Cain was very sad and his face [reflected] this. 6 Then Jehovah God asked Cain: ‘Why are you so sad and why is your face so long? 7 Stop being so offended and take your stand for an end to sins, because, [Abel] will submit to you and you will [rule] over him!’
8 But thereafter, Cain said to his brother Abel: ‘Let’s go into the fields.’ Then, while they were in their fields, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
9 And when Jehovah God asked Cain, ‘Where is your brother?’ he replied, ‘I don’t know… am I my brother’s bodyguard?’
10 Then Jehovah asked, ‘What have you done? I hear the blood of your brother calling to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed by the earth, which has opened her mouth to [drink] the blood of your brother from your hand. 12 So, when you work the ground it will [no longer] give you its strength and you will groan and shake on the earth.’
13 Then Cain told Jehovah God, ‘My crime is too great for me to [ever] be forgiven. 14 And Cain said to Jehovah God, ‘If you [drive me away] into the land today – away from Your face today where I will be hidden from You and where I must groan and tremble on the land – then anyone who finds me will kill me!’
15 And Jehovah God replied, ‘That isn’t so, for whoever kills Cain will pay seven penalties.’ Then Jehovah God put a mark on Cain, so that nobody who found him would kill him. 16 Thereafter, Cain left the presence of God and lived in Nod, which borders Edem.
17 Next, Cain [had sex] with his wife and she became pregnant, giving birth to Enoch. [Then Cain] built a city, which he named after his son, Enoch. 18 Enoch fathered GaiDad; GaiDad fathered MalaleEl; MalaleEl fathered MethuSelah; MethuSelah fathered Lamech. 19 Lamech married two wives; the first was Ada and the second was Sella. 20 Then Ada gave birth to Jobel, who was the ancestor of those who lived in tents and herded cattle. 21 And he had a brother named Jubal who invented the lute and the harp. 22 Sella also gave birth to Thobel, who worked iron and brass. And he had a sister, NoEma.
23 Then Lamech told his wives (Ada and Sella), ‘Listen to me [my] wives! Remember this: I have killed a man, and that has wounded me. [It was] a young person, and that hurts me; 24 because, if the vengeance [for killing] Cain was seven punishments, mine will be seven times that.’
25 Adam [again had sex with] his wife Eue and she became pregnant, giving birth to a son who she named Seth. For she said: ‘God has [provided me with] another son to replace Abel, who was killed by Cain.’
26 Then Seth had a son who he named Enosh. He’s the one who hoped to [start] calling on the Name of The Lord God.
Chapter 5
1 This was the book of the early [days] of man, when God made Adam, forming him in [His] image. 2 He made both the male and the female and blest them. And in the day that He made them, He called his name Adam.
3 Adam was two hundred and thirty years old when he fathered a son – who was just like him and looked like him – that he named Seth. 4 Then after fathering Seth, Adam lived on for seven hundred years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 5 So, Adam was nine hundred and thirty years old when he died.
6 Now, Seth was two hundred and five years old when he fathered Enos. 7 And after fathering Enos, he lived on for seven hundred and seven years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 8 So, Seth was nine hundred and twelve years old when he died.
9 Enos was a hundred and ninety years old when he fathered Cainen. 10 Then after fathering Cainen, he lived on for another seven hundred and fifteen years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 11 So, Enos was nine hundred and five years old when he died.
12 Cainen was a hundred and seventy years old when he fathered MaleLeal. 13 Then after fathering MaleLeal, he lived on for some seven hundred and forty years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 14 So, Cainen was nine hundred and ten years old when he died.
15 Now, MaleLeal was a hundred and sixty five years old when he fathered Jared. 16 And after fathering Jared, he lived on for seven hundred and thirty years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 17 So, MaleLeal was eight hundred and ninety-five years old when he died.
18 Jared was a hundred and sixty-two years old when he fathered Enoch. 19 Then after fathering Enoch, he lived on for another eight hundred years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 20 So, Jared was nine hundred and sixty-two years old when he died.
21 Enoch was a hundred and sixty-five years old when he fathered MethuSelah. 22 After fathering MethuSelah, God found Enoch righteous; and he lived on for some two hundred years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 23 Then (when Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years old), 24 because he pleased God, God transported him and he disappeared.
25 MethuSelah was a hundred and eighty-seven years old when he fathered Lamech. 26 Then, after fathering Lamech, he lived on for another seven hundred and eighty-two years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 27 So MethuSelah was nine hundred and sixty-nine years old when he died.
28 Lamech was a hundred and eighty-eight years old when he fathered a son 29 who he named Noah. And he said: ‘He will stop us from doing the things we do, from working with our hands, and from [living on] the ground (which Jehovah has cursed). 30 Then, after fathering Noah, he lived on for some five hundred and sixty-five years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 31 So, Lamech was seven hundred and fifty-three years old when he died.
32 Then, when Noah was five hundred years old, he had fathered three sons; Shem, Ham, and JaPheth.
Chapter 6
1 Now, as the population of men grew on the earth and they fathered daughters, 2 the sons of God noticed that the daughters of men were beautiful; so they took all whom they chose to be their wives.
3 Then Jehovah God said: ‘I won’t allow My Breath to stay with these men through the the age, for they are fleshly. So their [lives] will only last one hundred and twenty [more] years.’
4 Well, there were giants on the earth in those days; for the sons of God were [having sex] with the daughters of mankind, fathering for themselves [children] who were giants and the famous men of that age.
5 Now, Jehovah God saw that all the badness men were doing on the earth was increasing, and that the entire motivation of their hearts was always twisted toward evil. 6 So God became angry over the fact that He had created man on the earth, and He started thinking it over. 7 And God said: ‘I will wipe these men that I made off the face of the earth – from men, to cattle, and winged creatures of the sky – for I have reconsidered the fact that I made them.’
8 However, Noah found mercy in the eyes of God Jehovah.
9 This is the account of Noah’s generation:
Noah was a righteous man… perfect [when compared to] that generation. Noah pleased God well, 10 and he fathered three sons; Shem, Ham, and JaPheth.
11 As God saw it, the land had become unclean and the earth was filled with unrighteousness. 12 So when Jehovah God looked at the earth, all He saw was corruption, because all flesh had become dirty in the things they were doing. 13 Then Jehovah God told Noah: ‘A season is now before me [that will lead to the end of] all men, because the earth is filled with their unrighteousness. Look! I’m going to destroy both them and the ground! 14 So, make a chest of square timbers for yourself and [divide the] chest into stalls. Then cover both the inside and outside of it with tar.
15 ‘This is how you should build the chest: [Make it] five hundred feet long, eighty feet wide, and fifty feet tall. 16 Then cover it and leave about twenty-inches of headroom. Also, put a door in the side of the chest and make a bottom floor, a second floor, and a third floor inside. 17 And thereafter, {Look!} I’m going to bring a downpour of water onto the ground to destroy all flesh under the sky that has the breath of life; and whatever is on the ground will end. 18 Thn I will initiate a Sacred Agreement between you and Me.’
19 ‘[I want you to] bring all [types of] cattle, slithering animals, and wild animals – all [types of] flesh – into the chest, by pairs of males and females. Then bring in food for them and yourselves. 20 They should all eat with you, both the males and females… all types of winged creatures, all types of cattle, and all types of slithering animals that crawl along the ground. 21 Gather all types of food for yourselves, so you all will have something eat.’
22 And Noah did everything that Jehovah God told him to do.
Chapter 7
1 Then Jehovah God said to Noah: ‘Now, you and your family must go into the chest, because I have found [just] you to be righteous among this generation. 2 Take the clean cattle in with you by sevens (males and females), and bring in pairs of unclean cattle (males and females). 3 And [do the same with] the winged creatures of the sky… bring in the clean by sevens (males and females), and [just] pairs of all the unclean winged creatures (males and females), so their seed will remain on the earth. 4 For, in just seven days I will bring rain on the earth [that will last for] forty days and forty nights, and I will blot out every creature that I’ve made from the face of the entire earth!’
5 So Noah did everything that Jehovah God commanded him.
6 Noah was six hundred years old when the Downpour of water started on the earth. 7 Then Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives, went into the chest with him (because of the Downpour of water). 8 And the clean winged creatures, the unclean winged creatures, the clean cattle, the unclean cattle, as well as all the things that crawl on the earth, 9 came to Noah and entered the chest in pairs of males and females, just as God had commanded Noah. 10 Then after seven days, the water from the Downpour came to the earth.
11 It was in the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the twenty-seventh day of the second month, that all the springs under the ground broke open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. 12 Then it rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights. 13 And it started on the very day that Noah, his wife, Shem, Ham, JaPheth (the sons of Noah and his wife), and their three wives went into the chest with him.
14 Also, all the wild animals (each of its kind), all the cattle (each of its kind), all the slithering animals that move on the earth (each of its kind), 15 and all the winged creatures (each of its kind) went inside the chest to Noah, in pairs of males and females… everything that had the breath of life. 16 Males and females of all flesh went inside, just as God commanded Noah; then Jehovah God closed the chest from the outside.
17 Thereafter, the Downpour continued on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and the water got so deep that it lifted the chest high above the ground. 18 The water dominated and totally covered the earth, and the chest was carried along on top of the water. 19 Why, the water dominated and covered even the tallest mountains that were under the whole sky… 20 it covered the highest mountains by at least twenty-five feet.
21 So, every moving thing on the earth died… all the men, winged creatures, cattle, wild animals, and all the slithering animals that moved across the ground. 22 Everything that lived on land and had the breath of life, died. 23 God blotted out all His creatures on the face of the earth… men, animals, winged creatures, and slithering animals. He blotted them off the earth. And the only ones left were Noah and those who were with him in the chest. 24 Altogether, the water covered the earth for a hundred and fifty days.
Chapter 8
1 But God didn’t forget Noah, or any of the wild animals, cattle, winged creatures, or crawling, slithering animals that were inside the chest. So God sent a wind to the earth that stopped the water… 2 the springs that were under the ground closed and the floodgates of the sky and the rain from the skies were held back. 3 Then the water level started to drop, flowing off the ground. And after a hundred and fifty days, the flood was pretty well over, and the chest came to rest on Mount Ararat on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh month. 4 Well, the water levels kept dropping through the tenth month, 5 and on the first day of the tenth month, they could see the mountaintops.
6 Then after forty days, Noah opened the window that he had made in the chest, 7 and he sent out a raven, which left and didn’t return until the water had dried off the ground. 8 And after that, he sent out a dove, to see if the earth was still flooded. 9 But the dove couldn’t find a place to rest its feet, because the water was still covering all the ground, and it returned to the chest. So [Noah] stuck out his hand and took [the dove], and brought it to him, back into the chest.
10 So he waited another week, and then he sent the dove out from the chest again. 11 Then that evening, the dove returned to him with a stem and leaf from an olive tree in its beak. That’s when Noah knew [for sure] that the water had left the ground. 12 But he waited another week, and then he released the dove once more. However, this time it didn’t return at all.
13 In the six hundred and first year of Noah’s life, on the first day of the first month, the water had poured off the earth. So Noah opened the roof that he had made for the chest, and he could see that the water had left the ground. 14 And by the twenty-second day of the second month, the ground was dry.
15 Then Jehovah God spoke to Noah and said, 16 ‘Come out of the chest… you, your wife, your sons, their wives who are with you, 17 and all the wild animals that are with you. Bring out all flesh that is with you – the winged creatures, the cattle, and the slithering animals that move on the ground – then reproduce and multiply on the earth.’
18 So Noah, his wife, his sons, and his son’s wives who were with him, came out. 19 And all the wild animals, all the cattle, all the winged creatures, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground (according to their kinds) came out of the chest.
20 Then Noah built an altar to Jehovah, and he took some of the clean animals as well as some from among all the clean winged creatures, and offered them whole… burning them on the altar. 21 And as Jehovah noticed the sweet smell, He thought about it and said, ‘I will never curse the ground again for the bad things that men do. Because, the imagination of men is totally bent toward doing bad things from the time they are young. So, I will never again [destroy] all living flesh as I have just done. 22 And for all the days of the earth, planting and harvesting, heat and cold, spring and summer, day and night, will never be brought to an end.’
Chapter 9
1 Thereafter, God blest Noah and his sons, and told them, ‘Reproduce and multiply… fill the earth and rule over it. 2 All the wild animals of the earth, the winged creatures in the sky, and everything that moves on the earth – including the creatures in the sea – will dread and fear you. And I have put you in charge over all of them.
3 ‘All living and slithering animals can serve as meat for you. I have given them all to you as though they were green vegetation. 4 But you must not eat flesh with its blood of life. 5 Otherwise, I will require your blood at the hand of all the wild animals. I will also require a man’s life at the hands of his brothers. 6 For, whoever spills the blood of men will also have their blood spilled, because I made man in the image of God. 7 So, reproduce and multiply… fill the earth and rule over it!’
8 Then God spoke to Noah and his sons (who were with him) and said, 9 ‘Look; I am establishing an Agreement between you and Me, [as well as] with your seed [that comes] after you, 10 and with everything that lives (the winged creatures, the [domesticated] animals, and all the wild animals of the earth)… with all that are with you and came out of the chest. 11 This is the Agreement that I’m making with you and with all flesh: Never again will a downpour of water kill all flesh, and never again will a water downpour destroy the whole earth.’
12 Then Jehovah God told Noah: ‘This is the sign that I have set [as a reminder] of the Agreement of the Ages of Generations, between you and Me, and every living creature that is with you: 13 I have put My bow in the clouds. This will serve as the sign of the Agreement between the earth and Me. 14 So, whenever I gather clouds over the earth, My bow will be seen in the clouds. 15 And this will remind Me of My Agreement between you and Me, and with every living creature and all flesh; that never again will there be a downpour of water which will blot out all flesh. 16 My bow will be in the clouds, and when I see it I will remember the Agreement of the Ages between the earth and Me, and with every living creature among all flesh that is on the earth.’
17 Then God told Noah: ‘This is the sign of the Agreement that I have made between all flesh that is on the earth and Myself.’
18 Now, the sons of Noah (who came out of the chest) were [named] Shem, Ham, and JaPheth (Ham was the father of CanaAn). 19 And it was from these three sons of Noah that men came to be scattered over all the earth.
20 Well, Noah took up farming and he planted grapes. 21 [Then, one day], Noah was drinking some wine, while he was naked in his house, and he got drunk. 22 Meanwhile, Ham (CanaAn’s father) saw his father’s nakedness, and he went outside and told his brothers about it. 23 So, Shem and JaPheth grabbed a robe, put it over their backs, and walked backward to cover their father’s naked body. And because they were looking away, they didn’t see their father’s nakedness.
24 Well, after Noah recovered from the wine, he realized what his [grand]son had done to him. 25 So he said: ‘The servant CanaAn is cursed, and he will be a slave to his brothers.’ 26 Then he added, ‘May Jehovah, the God of Ham and JaPheth, be praised. But CanaAn will be a servant in their homes. 27 May God make room for JaPheth and allow him to live in the houses of Shem, and may CanaAn become his houseboy.’
28 Well after the Downpour, Noah lived on for another three hundred and fifty years. 29 So he lived for nine hundred and fifty years, and then he died.
Chapter 10
1 Now, these are the generations of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and JaPheth. And these are the sons that were born to them after the Downpour:
2 JaPheth’s sons were Gamer, Magog [the Scythians], Madoi [the Medes], Jovan, EliSa, Thobel [of Tubal], Mosoch [of Meshech], and Thiras [Islands of the Aegean Sea].
3 Gamer’s sons were AsChanaz [Germans], Riphath [of Northwestern Asia Minor], and Thorgama [the Armenians].
4 Jovan’s sons were EliShah [of Tyre], Tarshish [of Spain], Cetian [Of Cypress], and Rhodes [of Rhodes]… 5 [they settled the] islands, which lands were divided by tribe and nation among the ethnics, each according to his own language.
6 Ham’s sons were Cush [blacks], Mesrain [Egyptian tribes], Phud [Libyans], and CanaAn [Palestine].
7 The sons of Cush were Saba [Ethiopians], Evila [of the Arabian Peninsula], Sabatha [of Southern Arabia], Rhegma, and Sabathaca [East Africans].
The sons of Rhegma were Saba [of thirteen Arabian Tribes], and Dadan [part of Arabia].
8 Cush fathered Nimrod, who became a giant on the earth. 9 He was a gigantic hunter before Jehovah God, and that’s why people speak of Nimrod as ‘the gigantic hunter before Jehovah.’ 10 His kingdom started with Babylon, and then to Orech, Archad, and ChalanNe, which were all in the land of Shinar. 11 Then outside that land [he went to] Assyria and built Nineveh, the cities of RehobOth, Chalach, 12 and Dase (between Nineveh, and Chalach), which is the great city.
13 Mesrain fathered the Lydim [Lydians], the MaphTuhim [Egyptians], the AnaMim [Libyans], the Lehabim [people of Lower Egypt], 14 the Pathrusim [people of Upper Egypt], the Casluhim [Cretans] (from whom the Philistines descended), and the GaphThoriim [also from the area of Crete].
15 CanaAn’s first-born son was Sidon. Then there were the Hittites, 16 the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, 17 the Evites, the Arukites, the Sinites, the Asenites, 18 the Aradians, the Samarians, and the Amathites. But the CanaAnites were scattered, 19 so their territory ran from Sidon to Gerar (near Gaza), to Sodom and GomorRah, to Adama, and Seboim, as far as Dasa.
20 These were the descendents of Ham by tribe, country, language, and nation.
21 Shem (who was the ancestor of all the sons of Heber and the brother of [Noah’s] eldest son JaPheth) also had children born to him. 22 Shem’s sons were Elam, Assur, Arphaxad, Lud, Aram, and Cainan.
23 Aram’s sons were Uz, Ul, Gater, and Mosoch.
24 Arphaxad fathered Cainan, and he fathered Sala, who fathered Heber. 25 Heber had two sons, the first was named Phaled (because the earth became divided in his day), and his brother’s name was Jektan.
26 Jektan fathered ElModad, Saleth, SarMoth, Jarach, 27 OdorRha, AiBel, Decla, 28 Eval, AbimaEl, Saba, 29 Uphir, Evila, and Jobab. These were all the sons of Jektan. 30 Their territory ran from Masse all the way to Saphera, which is a mountain in the east.
31 So, those were the sons of Shem by tribe, language, country, and nation. 32 And these were the tribes of the sons of Noah by generations and nations. From them came the people of the islands and nations that were scattered around the earth after the Downpour.
Chapter 11
1 [At the time], the whole earth shared the same lips, because they all spoke the same language. 2 And as they migrated from the east, they found a flat area of land in Shinar, and they started living there. 3 Then one man said to his neighbor, ‘Come on, let’s make some bricks and bake them in an oven.’ So, bricks became their stone, and tar served as their mortar.
4 Then they said, ‘Come on; let’s build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches into the sky. And let’s create a name for ourselves, before we end up being scattered all over the face of the earth.’
5 Then the Lord came down to see this city and its tower, which the sons of men had built. 6 And Jehovah said, ‘Look; they are all the same race and they share the same lips, and now they’ve started doing this. [Before long], they will be able to accomplish anything they set out to do. 7 So, let’s go down there and change their language so none of them will be able to understand the voice of his neighbor.’
8 And Jehovah scattered them from there over the entire face of the earth, so they stopped building the city and its tower. 9 That is why [the city] is named Confusion (Babylon), because, that’s where Jehovah confused all the languages of the earth and scattered them from there over all the face of the earth.
10 These are the generations of Shem:
Shem was a hundred years old when he became father to Arphaxad, which was in the second year after the Downpour. 11 And after Shem became father to Arphaxad, he lived five hundred more years (fathering other sons and daughters), and then he died. 12 Arphaxad was a hundred and thirty-five years old when became father to Cainan. 13 And after Arphaxad became the father to Cainan, he lived four hundred years more (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. Cainan was a hundred and thirty years old when he became father to Sala. And after he became father to Sala, he lived three hundred and thirty years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.
14 Sala was a hundred and thirty years old when he became father to Heber. 15 And after he became father to Heber, he lived three hundred and thirty years more (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. 16 Heber was a hundred and thirty-four years old when he became father to Phaleg. 17 And after he became father to Phaleg, he lived two hundred and seventy years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. 18 Phaleg was a hundred and thirty years old when he became father to Ragau. 19 After he became father to Ragau, he lived two hundred and nine years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. 20 Ragau was a hundred and thirty-two years old when he became father to Seruch. 21 After he became father to Seruch, he lived two hundred and seven years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.
22 Seruch was a hundred and thirty years old when he became father to Nahor. 23 And after he became father to Nahor, he lived two hundred years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. 24 Nahor was a hundred and seventy-nine years old when he became father to Terah. 25 And after he became father to Terah, he lived a hundred and twenty-five years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died. 26 Terah was seventy years old when he became father to Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
27 These are the generations of Terah:
Terah became father to Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran became father to Lot. 28 Haran died in the presence of Terah his father, in the land where he was born, the country of the Chaldeans.
29 Both Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarah, and Nahor’s wife was named Malcha. She was the daughter of Haran (the father of Malcha and Jescha).
30 Now, Sara was sterile, so she didn’t have any children.
31 Then Terah took Abram (his son), along with Abram’s wife Sarah (his daughter-in-law), his grandson Lot (the son of Haran), and carried them from the land of the Chaldeans toward the land of CanaAn. But when they got to Haran, they took up living there. 32 So, Terah lived there in the land of Haran for two hundred and five years, and then he died.
Chapter 12
1 Then Jehovah said to Abram, ‘Leave this land, your family, and your father’s home, and go to a land that I’m going to show you, 2 because I’m going to make a great nation of you. I will praise you, make your name famous, and you will be blest. 3 I will bless those who praise you and curse those who curse you. All nations will be blest because of you.’
4 So, Abram did just as Jehovah told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran, 5 taking along his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, all the many things that they owned, and all the souls that they had accumulated in Haran, as they traveled to the land of CanaAn. 6 Abram traveled down through the land as far as a place called Shechem, where there was a tall tree. And at the time, the CanaAnites were living in the land.
7 Then Jehovah appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your seed.’
So Abram built an altar there to Jehovah, who had appeared to him.
8 Then he moved on from there to a mountain that was east of BethEl, and he pitched his tent there in BethEl, which was close to the sea and east of AgGai. There he built an altar to Jehovah and started calling on the Name of the Lord. 9 Then Abram left from there and camped in the desert.
10 Well, there came a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to stay, because the famine had virtually devastated the land. 11 And as Abram was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sara, ‘You’re a beautiful woman, 12 [and I’m afraid] that; when the Egyptians see you they will say, [Look at] his wife, and they will kill me; but they will allow you to live. 13 So, tell people that you’re my sister. That way, things will go well for me because of you, and my life will be safe because of you.’
14 And so it happened that; When Abram entered Egypt and the Egyptians saw how beautiful his wife was, 15 one of Pharaoh’s princes praised her to Pharaoh and brought her into Pharaoh’s [Palace]. 16 And because of her, Pharaoh treated Abram very well. So, he accumulated sheep, calves, burros, as well as male and female servants, mules, and camels.
17 However, God cursed Pharaoh and his house with some very serious and difficult problems, because of Sara (Abram’s wife). 18 So, Pharaoh called Abram and asked, ‘What have you done to me? You didn’t tell me that she’s your wife. 19 Why did you tell us that she was your sister? Look, I’ve already taken her as my wife. Now, there’s your wife standing before you… she’s yours, so take her and leave quickly!’
20 Then Pharaoh gave his men instructions about Abram, to accompany him and his wife on their way, along with all the things that they had.
Chapter 13
1 So, Abram left Egypt along with his wife, Lot, and everything that he had, and they traveled into the desert. 2 And by now, Abram was very rich in cattle, silver, and gold. 3 So he returned to the place where he had come from (in the desert near BethEl, between BethEl and AgGai, where he had pitched his tent previously), 4 to the place where he had earlier built the altar, 5 when Abram had called on the Name of the Lord.
6 Lot (who left with Abram) also had sheep, oxen, and tents, 7 and the land just wasn’t big enough for both of them to live together, because of all their many possessions. 8 And since there wasn’t enough land to share, there were problems between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle, the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle, and with the CanaAnites and Pherezites who lived in that land. So, Abram said to Lot: ‘There shouldn’t be problems between you and me, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, because we are brothers. 9 Look; the whole land lies before you, so leave me and choose your own way. And if you go to the left, I will go to the right; or if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.’
10 So, Lot surveyed all the country around the Jordan and noticed that it had plenty of water (this was before God overthrew Sodom and GomorRah). It looked like the Paradise of Jehovah and like the land of Egypt up to Zogora. 11 So, Lot chose all the country around the Jordan for himself and he traveled to the east, as the brothers parted ways.
Now, as Abram lived in the land of CanaAn, 12 Lot [chose] to live in a city among neighbors, and he took up living in Sodom. 13 However, the men of Sodom were evil and they were sinning before God.
14 So, God said to Abram (after Lot had separated from him), ‘Look around from this place where you’re standing… look to the north, to the south, to the east, and to the sea. 15 I will give all this land that you see before you, to you and your seed through the ages. 16 And I will make your seed like the dust of the ground. Why, if anyone is able to count all the dust of the earth, he should be able to count your seed. 17 Get up and walk across the land… across its length and its width. I’m giving all it to you and your seed through the ages!’
18 Then Abram packed up his tent and took up living by the big tree of MamRe (in Hebron), and he built an altar there to Jehovah.
Chapter 14
1 It was during the reign of AmarPhal (the king of ShinaAr) and AriOch (the king of ElLasar), that ChodolLogomor 2 (the king of Elam) and Thargal (the king of the Gentiles) went to war against BalLa (the king of Sodom), Barsa (the king of GomorRah), Shinar (the king of Adama), Symobor (the king of Seboim), and Segor (the king of Balac). 3 So, they all agreed to meet together at the Salt Valley (which is now the Dead Sea). 4 They had been vassals to ChodolLogomor for some twelve years, but in the thirteenth year, they revolted.
5 So in the fourteenth year, ChodolLogomor and his allies attacked, cutting the giants in AstarOth and Carnain to pieces, along with the strong nations that were their allies, the Ommeans in the city Saue, 6 the ChorRheans in the mountains of Seir, all the way to the turpentine trees of Pharan (in the desert). 7 And on their return, they stopped at the Well of Judgment (Cades), where they cut all the princes of Amalec and the Amorites to pieces who were living in AsasonThamar.
8 And then the kings of Sodom, GomorRah, Adama, Seboim, and Balac (Segor) went out and set up battle lines against them in the Salt Valley 9 – against ChodolLogomor (king of Elam), Thargal (king of the Gentiles), AmarPhal (king of ShinaAr), and AriOch (the king of ElLasar) – the four against five.
10 Now, there were slime pits in the Salt Valley, and the kings of Sodom and GomorRah fled and fell into them. And all the rest retreated into the mountains. 11 So they took all the horses and food in Sodom and GomorRah, then left. 12 However, they also took Abram’s nephew Lot (who lived in Sodom), along with all his possessions.
13 Then one of those who had been rescued came and told Abram (the Hebrew) [what had happened], while he was living by the large tree of MamRe. ([MamRe] was an Amorite, the brother of Eschol and Aunan, who were allies of Abram). 14 And when Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he gathered three hundred and eighteen of his personal home-born servants, and pursued them all the way to Dan. 15 Then he and his servants caught up with them at night and attacked them, and they pursued them all the way to Choba, which is to the left of Damascus. 16 Finally, he recovered all the horses of Sodom, his nephew Lot, all of his possessions, the women, and all the rest of the people.
17 And after he returned from the slaughter of ChodolLogomor and the kings that were with him, the king of Sodom went out to the valley of Saby (the Plain of the King) to meet him.
18 Then MelchiZedek (the king of Salem) brought him loaves [of bread] and wine. He was the Priest of the Most High God, 19 and he praised Abram, saying, ‘May Abram of the Most High God who made the heavens and the earth be blest. 20 And may the Most High God who delivered your enemies into your hands be praised.’
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Let me take all the men… you can keep the horses for yourself.’
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I swear by Jehovah the Most High God who made the heavens and the earth, 23 that I won’t take anything from you – from a piece of string to a shoe lace – so you can’t say, I made Abram rich. 24 [I will take] nothing other that what the young men have eaten, and the share that belongs to the men that went with me… Eschol, Aunan, and MamRe… they will each take a portion.’
Chapter 15
1 After that, Jehovah sent word to Abram in a vision, saying: ‘Don’t be afraid, Abram, for I am your shield, and You will have a huge reward.’ 2 Then, Abram said, ‘Almighty Jehovah; What can You give me, since I’m about to die without a son? EliEzer of Damascus, the son of my home-born female slave Masek, is my heir.’ 3 And Abram continued, ‘I’m so very sad, because You haven’t given me a seed. So, my home-born servant will be my heir.’
4 And immediately Jehovah said to him: ‘He won’t be your heir… the one who comes from you will be your heir.’
5 Then He took him outside and said, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars… that is, if you can come up with an accurate count.’ And He said, ‘This is how your seed will be.’
6 So Abram believed God, and that was counted to him as righteousness.
7 Then [God] said to him: ‘I am the God that brought you out of the land of the Chaldeans to give you this land as an inheritance.’
8 And [Abram] said: ‘My Lord and Master, how can I know [for sure] that I will inherit it?’
9 And He replied: ‘Collect for Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old nanny goat, a three-year-old billy goat, a dove, and a pigeon.’
10 So, he brought all three of [the animals] to Him, cut them in half, and set them opposite each other. However, he didn’t cut the winged creatures in half. 11 Then birds started landing on the bodies, even upon the cut-up parts. And Abram sat down next to them.
12 It was about sunset that Abram fell into a trance and {Look!} he had an ominous premonition. 13 Then Abram was told, ‘You must know this for a fact; Your seed will have to live as aliens in a foreign land where they will be slaves who are treated badly and humbled for four hundred years. 14 Then I will judge the nation that they are to serve, and following that, [your seed] will return here with many possessions. 15 However, you will return to your fathers in peace, well fed, at a ripe old age. 16 Then they will return here after four generations; because, even to this point, the sins of the Amorites haven’t reached their climax.’
17 And as the sun was setting, {look!} there was a flame that looked like a smoking furnace and like lamp fires that moved between the divided pieces [of the animals]. 18 This was the day when Jehovah made a Sacred Agreement with Abram. He said, ‘I will give this land – from the [Nile] River of Egypt to the great Euphrates River – to your seed, 19 as well as the Kenites, the Kenezites, the Kedmoneans, the Hittites, the Pherezites, the Raphaim, 20 the Amorites, the CanaAnites, the Evites, the Gergesites and the Jebusites.’
Chapter 16
1 Sara, Abram’s wife, hadn’t given him any children. However, she had an Egyptian handmaid whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sara said to Abram: ‘Look; Jehovah has kept me from getting pregnant, so [sleep with] my maid so I can have my children through her.’
Well, Abram accepted Sara’s advice. 3 So Sara (Abram’s wife) took Hagar her Egyptian handmaid (after Abram had lived in the land of CanaAn for ten years) and gave her to her husband Abram, to be his woman. 4 Then [Abram] went in to [sleep with] Hagar, and she became pregnant. And when she realized that she was going to have a child, she started being disrespectful to her mistress.
5 So Sara said to Abram: ‘I’ve really been hurt by you, for I gave you my handmaid [to sleep with], and when I saw that she was pregnant, she treated me disrespectfully. May Jehovah judge between me and you!’
6 Then Abram told Sarah, ‘Look, your handmaid is yours! Treat her any way that seems right to you!’
So, Sara started treating [Hagar] badly, and she ran away.
7 Then a messenger from Jehovah found [Hagar] by a spring of water in the desert (the spring on the way to Sur). 8 And Jehovah’s messenger said to her, ‘Hagar, Sarah’s maid; Where are you coming from and where are you going?’
And she replied, ‘I’m running away from my mistress, Sara.’
9 Then Jehovah’s messenger said: ‘Return to your mistress and obey her.’ 10 And the messenger of Jehovah told her: ‘I will make your seed grow, and there will be so many that they can’t be counted.’
11 And the messenger of Jehovah said to her: ‘Look; You are pregnant with a child. You will give birth to a son, and you should name him IshMaEl, because Jehovah has noticed how you have been humiliated. 12 He will be a wild man, for his fists [will be lifted] against everyone, and everyone [will lift] their fists against him. However, he will live in the midst of all his brothers.
13 Then she called upon the Name of the Lord God who was speaking to her, saying, ‘You are the God who watches over me,’ adding, ‘because I openly saw the One who appeared to me.’ 14 [And from that point on], she called the well, ‘the Well of Him Who I Openly Saw.’ Look; it [still can be found] between Cades and Barad!
15 So, Hagar bore a son to Abram; and Abram named the son that Hagar bore to him IshMaEl. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore IshMaEl to Abram.
Chapter 17
1 Then, when Abram was ninety-nine years old, Jehovah appeared to him [again] and said: ‘I am your God. So be pleasing to Me and don’t do anything that you can be blamed for, 2 and I will establish a Sacred Agreement between you and Me; and I will also give you great prosperity!’
3 At that, Abram fell with his face [to the ground]. Then God spoke to him [again], saying, 4 ‘Look; I am making My Sacred Agreement with you. You will become the father of many nations. And your name will no longer be called Abram… it will be Abraham, 5 for I have made you the father of many nations. 6 I will make you grow tremendously; I will make nations come from you; and kings will descend from you.
7 ‘I will also extend my Sacred Agreement between you and Me to the seed that comes from you, through [all] its generations. It is a Sacred Agreement through the ages that [I] will be your God and the God of the seed that comes from you. 8 Also, I will give the land where you are [now] living as an alien, to you and to your seed. This includes the entire land of CanaAn. It will become yours through the ages, and I will be a God to them.’
9 Then God told Abraham: ‘You must fully keep my Sacred Agreement… both you and your seed that descends from you, through all their generations.
10 ‘This is the Sacred Agreement between you and your seed through all its generations, and Me: All of your males must be circumcised… 11 the foreskin of your flesh must be circumcised. This will be the sign of the Sacred Agreement between you and Me. 12 All of your male children must be circumcised by you when they are eight-days old, throughout all your generations. [This includes all the] servants who are born in your house, those who are bought with money, and it includes the sons of aliens who are not your seed.
13 ‘Those who are born in your house and those who are bought with money must surely be circumcised. And My Sacred Agreement will be there in their flesh as [a sign of the] Sacred Agreement through the ages. 14 As for the uncircumcised males who aren’t circumcised in the flesh of their foreskin on the eighth day; such individuals must be totally destroyed from among their families for breaking My Sacred Agreement!’
15 Then God told Abraham: ‘Your wife Sara will no longer be called Sara… Sarah will be her name. 16 For I will bless her and give you a son from her. I will also bless him… nations and kings of nations will come from him.’
17 With that, Abraham fell to his face and laughed, asking in his heart, ‘Will a hundred-year-old [man] father a child? And will Sarah (who is ninety years old) give birth to it?’
18 Then Abraham said to God, ‘Accept IshMaEl to [stand] before You.’
19 But God told Abraham: ‘Look; Your wife Sarah will give birth to your son, and you should name him Isaac. I will make my Sacred Agreement [with you] firm through him… a Sacred Agreement through the ages, that I will be his God and [the God] of his seed that descends from him.
20 ‘As for IshMaEl; {Look!} I have heard you and I have blest him. I will make him grow and multiply tremendously, so he will become the father of twelve nations, and I will make them a great people. 21 However, My Sacred Agreement will be established with Isaac, who Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.’
22 Well at that, God stopped talking to him, and He left Abraham.
23 Then Abraham took his son IshMaEl, all of his home-born servants, all those who he had bought with money, and all the males in Abraham’s house, and circumcised their foreskins on that very day, just as God told him. 24 So, Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And his son IshMaEl was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
26 Both Abraham and his son IshMaEl were circumcised that very day, 27 along with all the men of his house… those who were born there and those from foreigners who were bought with money.
Chapter 18
1 God [next] appeared to [Abraham] by the big tree at MamRe, as he was sitting at the entrance to his tent, around noon. 2 He looked up and saw three men before him. And when he noticed them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed all the way to the ground.
3 Then he said, ‘Lord, if I have indeed found favor in your sight, don’t pass your servant by. 4 ‘[I will have] water brought and [my servants] will wash your feet; so rest here under the tree. 5 I will bring some bread for you to eat, and then you can continue your journey. But, [please stop] so your servant can refresh you.’
6 And the Lord replied, ‘Do just as you have said.’
So, Abraham ran back to Sarah (who was in the tent) and said to her, ‘Hurry… knead three scoops of fine flour and make [some bread].’
7 Then Abraham ran to the pens, where he took a young calf (a nice, tender one) and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it. 8 Next, he got some butter, some milk, and the calf that he had prepared, and set it all out before them. And they ate as he stood near them under the tree.
9 Then the Lord asked, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’
And [Abraham] answered, ‘Look, she’s there in the tent!’
10 So the Lord said, ‘I will return this way and come to see you during this season [next year], and your wife Sarah will have a son.’
Well, Sarah overheard this as she stood behind him at the entrance of the tent. 11 Of course, Abraham and Sarah were old, and since Sarah was [well beyond the age of child bearing], she laughed inside herself, saying, 12 ‘This hasn’t happened to me [before], and now my lord is [too] old.’
13 And at that, the Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why is Sarah laughing inside herself and asking, Will I give birth? I’m already old. 14 Is there anything that is impossible for Jehovah? I will return to you [next year] in this season and Sarah will have a son!’
15 However, Sarah denied it, saying, ‘I didn’t laugh.’ But she said this because she was afraid.
And the Lord replied, ‘Oh, but you did laugh.’
16 Then the men got up and headed toward Sodom and GomorRah, and Abraham traveled along with them to assist in their journey.
17 And, the Lord asked, ‘Shall I hide the things that I’m about to do from my servant Abraham? 18 For, Abraham will become a great and highly populated nation, and all the nations of the earth be blest through him. 19 Because, I know that he will order his sons and the house that is to come from him to keep the ways of Jehovah – to be righteous and just – so that Jehovah can bring all the things to Abraham that He promised to him.’
20 Then the Lord said, ‘The cries that I’m hearing about Sodom and GomorRah keep growing, and their sins are very bad. 21 So, I’m going down to see if they are as bad as the cries that I’m hearing say. And if not, at least I will know [for sure].’
22 Then the men departed for Sodom, but Abraham was still there in the Lord’s presence. 23 So Abraham went up to him and asked, ‘Are you going to destroy the righteous along with the wicked, treating the righteous as though they were wicked? 24 Why, if there are fifty righteous [people] in the city, will you destroy them? Wouldn’t you spare the whole place if there were fifty righteous [people] there? 25 You would never do such a thing as to destroy the righteous with the wicked, and treat the righteous as though they were wicked… no way! Won’t you – the judge of the whole earth – do what’s right?’
26 And the Lord said, ‘If there are fifty righteous [people] in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole city – and the whole place – for their sakes’
27 Then Abraham continued, ‘My Lord; Here I am speaking to you, and all I am is dirt and ashes. 28 However, what if there weren’t fifty righteous [people] and there were only forty-five. Would you destroy the whole city because of the lack of five?’
And the Lord said, ‘I won’t destroy it if I can find forty-five there.’
29 However, [Abraham] just kept talking to him and said, ‘What if there were only forty? 30 Would you not destroy it for the sake of the forty?’ And he went on, ‘Lord, please don’t hold it against me if I continue to speak, but, what if there were thirty?’
And the Lord replied, ‘I won’t destroy it for the sake of thirty.’
31 So he said, ‘Since I am allowed to speak to [my] Lord; What if you can only find twenty?’
And he said, ‘I won’t destroy it if I can only find twenty.’
32 Finally, he said, ‘Lord; Would you hold it against me if I just say one more thing? What if you were to find just ten [righteous people]?’
And he replied, ‘I won’t destroy it for the sake of ten.’
33 Then the Lord stopped speaking to Abraham and left, and Abraham returned to his [home].
Chapter 19
1 That evening, the two messengers [of God] arrived at Sodom and they found Lot sitting by the [city] gate. And when Lot saw them, he got up [and went] to meet them, bowing low with his face to the ground. And he said, 2 ‘Look here, my lords; come to the house of your servant and rest from your journey. [Then you can] wash your feet and get up early in the morning to continue on your way.’
However, they said, ‘No, we will just sleep in the street.’
3 But [Lot] kept insisting, so they went with him to his house. Then he baked yeast-free bread and made a feast for them, which they ate.
4 [Well, that evening], before they went to bed, the men of the city of Sodom encircled the house… all of them, both the young and the old. 5 Then they shouted for Lot and asked him, ‘Where are the men that came to your home this evening? Send them out to us so we can [have sex] with them!’
6 So, Lot went out on his porch, shut the door behind him, 7 and said: ‘Absolutely not, brothers! Don’t do this wicked thing! 8 I have two daughters who have never [had sex] with a man. I will bring them out to you and you can do whatever you want with them. However, don’t do these men any harm! Why, it was to avoid such a thing that they came under the shelter of my roof!’
9 But they replied, ‘Get out of the way! You came to live among us, and are you now our judge? Why, we’re going to harm you more than we will them!’
10 Then they pushed up against Lot and were ready to break down the door. But the [messengers] reached out and grabbed Lot, dragged him back inside the house, and shut the door. 11 And thereafter, they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both the large and the small. And they finally got tired of trying to find the door.
12 Then the [messengers] said to Lot: ‘If you have any sons, daughters, sons in law, or any friends in the city, take them out of this place, 13 because we’re going to destroy it! A great cry has been raised against [this city] to Jehovah, and [He] has sent us to destroy it.’
14 So Lot went [back] outside and spoke to his [future] sons-in-law who [were engaged to] his daughters, and said: ‘Get up and leave this place, because Jehovah is about to destroy the city!’
However, to his [future] sons-in-law it seemed as though he was joking.
15 Then the next morning, the messengers started to hurry Lot along, saying: ‘Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters and go, so you won’t be destroyed with the sins of this city!’
16 However, they were unsure. So the messengers grabbed his hand, the hand of his wife, and the hands of his two daughters… and that’s how Jehovah saved them.
17 Then, once they were outside [the city], the [messengers] told them: ‘Now, do whatever you must to save your own lives. Don’t turn around and look back at the things that are behind you… and don’t stay anywhere in the countryside around here. Run to the mountains, so you won’t be [destroyed] with them!’
18 But Lot said: ‘I beg you, Lord; Your servant has been shown such mercy and you have shown such righteousness in the things you’ve done for me to save my life. 19 However, I won’t be able to make it to the mountains, because the [destruction] will likely catch up with me and kill me. 20 Look, there’s a nearby city… a small one that I can escape to, where I can be spared. Isn’t this just a little thing? If you [allow] this, you will save my life.’
21 And [the messenger] told him: ‘Look; I will respect your wishes about this matter. I won’t destroy the city that you are talking about. 22 But hurry and escape to that [city], because I won’t be able to do anything until you get there.’
And from then on, he called that city Segor (small).
23 Well, the sun was already up when Lot reached Segor. 24 Then Jehovah poured fire and sulfur from the sky upon Sodom and GomorRah. 25 He destroyed those cities and all the countryside around them… all those who lived in the cities and [even] the plants that grew from the ground. 26 However, [Lot’s] wife looked back and she became an upright block of salt.
27 That morning, Abraham got up early to go to the place where he had stood before Jehovah. 28 But when he looked toward Sodom, GomorRah, and the surrounding country, he saw flames and smoke (like a furnace) coming from the land.
29 So, this is how it all happened. For when God destroyed all the cities around there, He remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the midst of the destruction, when the Lord overthrew those cities where Lot was living.
30 [Then later], Lot and his daughters left Segor and went to live in the mountains, because he was afraid to live in Segor. So He and his daughters lived in a cave. 31 [It was there that] the eldest [daughter] said to the younger: ‘Our father is old, and no one in the land will come to us here where we’re living. 32 So, let’s get our father drunk with wine and sleep with him, so we can have the seed of our father.’
33 Then that night, they brought their father some wine to drink, and the eldest went in and laid down with him. However, he didn’t know when he went to sleep or when he got up.
34 The next day, the eldest said to the younger, ‘Look; I slept with our father last night. So, let’s get him to drink some wine tonight, then you go in and sleep with him, so we can raise a seed from our father.’
35 So [once again], they got their father to drink wine at night; then the younger went in and slept with her father, and he didn’t know when he went to sleep or when he got up.
36 As the result, the two daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 And the eldest bore a son she called Moab, saying, ‘He’s of my father.’ ([Moab] is the father of the Moabites to this day).
38 And the younger bore a son who she named AmMon, saying, ‘The son of my family.’ ([AmMon] is the father of the AmMonites to this day).
Chapter 20
1 Thereafter, Abraham moved to the southern part of the country and took up living between Cades and Sur, staying for a while in GeraRa. 2 And [there], Abraham said concerning Sarah his wife, ‘She’s my sister.’ He didn’t want to tell them ‘She’s my wife,’ for fear that the time would come when men of that city would kill him because of her.
So AbiMelech (the king of GeraRa) sent for Sarah and took her [to be his wife]. 3 But God came to AbiMelech at night in a dream and told him: ‘Look; You’re going to die because of this woman you’ve taken, because she [already has] a husband!’
4 Well, AbiMelech hadn’t touched her [yet], so he replied: ‘Lord, would you destroy a righteous nation that has sinned in ignorance? 5 Didn’t he tell me, She’s my sister? And didn’t she tell me, He’s my brother? I’ve done this with righteous hands and with a pure heart.’
6 Then God replied to him in his [dream]: ‘Yes, I know that you did this with a pure heart. That’s why I’ve spared you and [kept you from] sinning against Me. And that’s why I kept you from touching her. 7 So, return the man’s wife now, because he’s a Prophet. Then he will pray for you and you will keep on living. However, if you don’t return her, you and all that are yours will die.’
8 So early the next morning, AbiMelech got up and called all his servants in, then he told them everything that was said, and they were frightened. 9 And thereafter, AbiMelech called Abraham in and asked: ‘What have you done to us? [What type of bad] have you seen in me that you should do such a thing? Have we sinned against you in some way so that you would draw my whole kingdom and me into such a great sin? Why, you’ve done something to me that no one should ever do! 10 And AbiMelech added, ‘What [bad] have you seen in me that you would do such a thing?’
11 Then Abraham replied: ‘[My thinking was] that; This surely couldn’t be a place where they worship God, so they will kill me for my wife. 12 [And in fact], she really is my sister by my father (but not by my mother), who I took as my wife. 13 And when God took me from my father’s house, I told her, I have a righteous thing that I want you to do for me; Wherever we go, tell [people] that I’m your brother.’
14 Thereafter, AbiMelech returned his wife Sarah, along with a thousand silver coins, as well as sheep, cattle, and male and female servants. 15 Then AbiMelech said to Abraham, ‘Look, my whole land lies before you, so go wherever you wish.’
16 Then he told Sarah, ‘Look, I’ve given your brother a thousand silver coins. These are yours as the price of your face, and for all the women who are with you. Always tell the whole truth.’
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed AbiMelech. [He also healed AbiMelech’s] wife and concubines, and they gave birth to children 18 (because Jehovah had closed all the wombs in AbiMelech’s house due to Abraham’s wife Sarah).
Chapter 21
1 Then Jehovah visited Sarah and did as [He had promised] her. 2 She became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the exact time that Jehovah specified. 3 And Abraham named the son that was born to him (through Sarah), Isaac. 4 Then on the eighth day, Abraham circumcised Isaac, just as God had instructed him.
5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born. 6 And Sarah said, ‘Jehovah has created laughter for me, because, everyone who hears [about this] will rejoice with me.’ 7 Then she added: ‘Who could tell Abraham that I’m nursing a child, because I’ve given birth in my old age?’
8 Thereafter, the child grew, and on the day that he was weaned, Abraham prepared a great feast. 9 However, Sarah noticed Hagar’s son (the one who was born to Abraham through the Egyptian [woman]) playfully making fun of their son Isaac. 10 So she told Abraham: ‘Throw this slave woman and her son out, because I won’t have the son of this slave receive an inheritance with my son, Isaac.’
11 Those words about his son were very difficult for Abraham, 12 but God said to Abraham, ‘Don’t allow this thing about your son and the slave woman to become too difficult for you. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because Isaac will be the one who is called your seed. 13 What’s more, I will make a great nation of this slave woman’s son, because he’s also your seed.’
14 So the next morning, Abraham got up, gave Hagar some loaves [of bread] and a skin of water, put her son on her shoulders, and sent her away. Then she left there and wandered in the desert near the Well of the Oath. 15 However, [before long] the skin of water was empty. So she threw her child under a fir tree, 16 then left him and sat some distance across from him (a bow-shot away), and said, ‘I can’t just watch my child die.’ So she sat there across from him as her child bawled and cried.
17 Well, God heard the voice of the child from the place where He was, and a messenger from God called from the sky to Hagar, and asked, ‘Why are you concerned, Hagar? Don’t worry, for God has heard the child’s voice from where He is. 18 Get up and take the child by his hand, because I’m going to make a great nation of him. 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a life [sustaining] well of water, so she went and filled the skin with water and gave the child a drink.
20 God was with that child, so he grew up living in the desert and he became an archer. 21 And as he was living there in the desert, his mother found a wife for him in Pharan, Egypt.
22 The time came when AbiMelech, OchoZath (his trusted friend), and Pichol (the head of his army) [came to] Abraham and said, ‘God is with you [and has blest] everything you do. 23 So, swear to me by God that you won’t harm me, my seed, or my name; because you should deal with me in the same righteous way that I’ve dealt with you in this land that you’re living in.’
24 And Abraham said, ‘I swear.’
25 Then Abraham complained to AbiMelech about some water wells that his servants had taken from him. 26 And AbiMelech replied, ‘I don’t know who did this thing to you, nor did you tell me about it. Today is the first time I’ve heard about it.’
27 And thereafter, Abraham took some cattle and sheep and gave them to AbiMelech, and they made a treaty. 28 Then Abraham set aside seven female lambs. 29 And AbiMelech asked him, ‘Why have you set those seven female lambs aside?’
30 And Abraham replied: ‘I’m giving my seven female lambs to you as testimony to the fact that I dug this well.’ 31 And he named that place ‘The Well of the Oath,’ because that’s where they swore their oath 32 and it’s where they made their treaty. So AbiMelech, his trusted friend OchoZath, and Pichol (the head of his army) got up and returned [home] to the land of the Philistines.
33 Then Abraham planted a field at The Well of the Oath, and started calling on the Name of the God of the ages, Jehovah. 34 And he stayed there in the land of the Philistines for many days.
Chapter 22
1 After that, it so happened that God tested Abraham. He called to him, saying; ‘Abraham… Abraham!’
And [Abraham] replied, ‘Look! It’s me!’
2 Then [God] said, ‘Take your beloved son – this one you love, Isaac – then go to the highlands and offer him there on one of the mountains that I’ll tell you about, as a burnt offering. 3 So Abraham got up in the morning, saddled his burro, and [prepared to] take two servants and his son Isaac with him. Then, after splitting some wood for the offering, he got up and traveled toward the place that God had told him about.
4 It was on the third day that Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham told his servants, ‘Stay here with the burro. For my son and I will go over there, and after we bow low [before God], we will return to you.’
6 So, Abraham took the wood for the offering and laid it on his son Isaac’s [shoulders]; and the two went off together, as he carried both the fire and the knife in his own hands. 7
Then Isaac called to his father Abraham: ‘Father.’
And he replied, ‘What is it, son?’
And [Isaac] continued: ‘Look; [we have the] the fire and the wood, but where is the sheep for the offering?’
8 Then Abraham said, ‘God will provide His own sheep for the offering, son.’
So they both traveled on, and they 9 finally arrived at the place that God had told [Abraham] about. Then Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood on it, tied his son Isaac’s feet together, and laid him on the wood on top of the altar. 10 And it was when Abraham reached over to take the knife to kill his son 11 that a messenger of Jehovah called to him from the sky, and said, ‘Abraham… Abraham!’
And he said, ‘Look, it’s me!’
12 Then [the messenger] said: ‘Don’t lay a hand on the child and don’t do anything to him, because now I know that you fear God. Why, you haven’t even spared your loved son for My sake.’
13 And when Abraham looked up, he saw {Look!} a male goat that was caught by its horns in a Sabec bush. So Abraham went over and grabbed the male goat, [then he] offered it as a whole burnt offering instead of his son Isaac.
14 Abraham thereafter named that place, ‘Jehovah Was Seen.’ [He did that] so people today would say, ‘This is the mountain where Jehovah was seen.’
15 Then a messenger of Jehovah called Abraham a second time from the sky, and he said, 16 ‘This is what Jehovah said: I have sworn [an oath] by Myself, that; because you’ve done this thing – because you haven’t spared your loved son for Me – 17 when it comes to blessings, I will bless you, and when it comes to multiplying, I will multiply your seed as the stars in the sky and as the sands on the sea shore. Your seed will inherit the cities of their enemies, 18 and all the nations of the earth will be blest by your seed, because you’ve listened to My voice.’
19 And thereafter, Abraham returned to his servants, and they got up and traveled together to the Well of the Oath. Then Abraham lived there at the Well of the Oath.
20 Later on, Abraham received the report: ‘Look! Melcha has given birth to sons by your brother Nahor! 21 Uz is the first-born, [then there is] Baux his brother, CamuEl (the father of the Syrians), Chazad, 22 Azav, Phaldes, JelDaph, and BathuEl (BathuEl was Rebecca’s father). 23 MecCha bore these eight sons to Abraham’s brother Nahor. 24 In addition, his concubine (named RheUma) also gave birth to TaBec, TaAm, Tochos, and Mocha.’
Chapter 23
1 Well, Sarah lived a hundred and twenty-seven years, 2 and then Sarah died in the city of Arboc (Hebron in the land of CanaAn), which is located in a valley. So, Abraham went to Sarah to mourn for her. 3 And as Abraham stood before his dead [wife], he spoke to the sons of Chet, saying, 4 ‘I’m just a visitor and a stranger among you, so, [please] allow me to buy a burying-place among [your people], and then I will bury my dead away from [my place].’
5 And the sons of Chet replied to Abraham, saying, ‘No Sir! 6 Listen; You may live among us, but you’re [really] a king from God; so bury your dead in our best tombs! None of us will ever withhold our tombs to keep you from burying your dead here!’
7 Then Abraham arose and bowed low before the people of the land (the sons of Chet). 8 And Abraham said to them, ‘If you approve of me burying my dead out of my sight, then listen to what I have to say and [please] speak on my behalf to Ephron, the son SaAr. 9 [I want] him to give me the double cave that he owns, which is located in his field. I will [be happy to pay] whatever it’s worth [to buy] a burial-place among you.’
10 Now, Ephron happened to be sitting there in the midst of the children of Chet, and [he] answered Abraham (speaking where he could be heard by all the sons of Chet and all who were entering the city), saying, 11 ‘Pay attention to me, my lord; Here before all my countrymen [I say], Bury your dead!’
12 And at that, Abraham bowed low before the people of the land, 13 and he told Ephron (before the people of the land): ‘Since you’re on my side, listen to me; Accept the price of the field from me and I’ll bury my dead there.’
14 However, Ephron answered Abraham, saying, 15 ‘No, my lord! I’ve heard that the land [is worth] four hundred silver coins, but what value is that between you and me? No, just bury your dead.’
16 And although Abraham listened to Ephron, he still paid [him] the money, just as he had said before the sons of Chet – four hundred silver coins that had been approved by merchants.
17 And the double cave that was in the field of Ephron opposite MamRe (both the field and the cave that was in it, as well as every tree in the field and everything that was within its borders) was sold 18 to Abraham as his possession, there in front of the sons of Chet and everyone [who was] entering the city.
19 So, Abraham buried his wife Sarah inside the field’s double cave, which is opposite MamRe (Hebron in the land of CanaAn). 20 For the field and its cave were sold to Abraham as his burying place by the sons of Chet.
Chapter 24
1 By then Abraham was very old, and Jehovah had blest Abraham in everything. 2 So Abraham said to his servant (the elder of his house, who was in charge of all his possessions), ‘Put your hand under my thigh, 3 because I want you to swear by Jehovah the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you won’t take a wife for my son Isaac from the daughters of the CanaAnites, these [people] among whom I am living. 4 Rather, I want you to go to my country – to the place where I was born and to my people – to find a wife for my son Isaac.’
5 And his servant replied, ‘But if the woman isn’t happy and willing to return with me to this land, then should I carry your son back to the land that you came from?’
6 And Abraham said to him, ‘Make sure that you don’t carry my son back there. 7 Jehovah – the God of heaven and the God of earth, who took me out of my father’s house and out of the land where I was born, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, I will give this land to you and to your seed, will send His messenger ahead of you, and you must take a wife for my son from there. 8 And if the woman isn’t willing to come with you into this land, you will be free from this oath. Just don’t carry my son there again.’
9 So, the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham, and swore this to him. 10 Then the servant took ten camels from his master’s herd, and [some of] his master’s valuables, and traveled through MesoPotamia to the city of Nahor.
11 And toward evening, he rested his camels outside the city, by the well where the young women went to draw water. 12 And he [prayed], ‘O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham; Bless what I’m doing today, and be merciful with my master Abraham. 13 {Look!} Here I am standing by the well where the daughters of those who live in this city come to draw water. 14 And may it be that, whichever virgin to whom I say, Bring down the water jar so that I can have a drink, and she replies, Take a drink, and I will also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they are satisfied, [I will believe that] this is the one who You’ve prepared for Your servant Isaac. And it [will be by this sign] that I’ll know whether You’ve been merciful to my master Abraham.’
15 And before he was even done speaking in his mind, {Look!} Rebecca, the daughter of BathuEl (who was the son of Melcha, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother) came there carrying a water jug on her shoulders. 16 This virgin was very beautiful, and she was in fact a virgin… no man ever had sexual relations with her. She went down to the well, filled her water jug, and [walked back] up.
17 Then [Abraham’s] servant ran to meet her, and said, ‘Give me a little water to drink from your pitcher.’
18 And she said, ‘Have a drink, Sir.’ So she quickly removed the pitcher [from her head] and allowed him to drink until he was finished. 19 Then she said, ‘I’ll also draw water for your camels, until they all have enough to drink.’ 20 And she quickly emptied the water jug into the trough, and then ran to the well to draw, until she had drawn enough water for all the camels.
21 And the man really paid attention to her, but he didn’t say anything, because he wanted to know whether Jehovah was blessing this or not. 22 And after all the camels were finished drinking, he gave her [two] gold earrings (each weighing about an eighth of an ounce), and he [put] two bracelets on her hands (they weighed about the same as ten gold coins), 23 and he asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you… tell me! And is there room for us to lodge with your father?’
24 And she replied, ‘I’m the daughter of BathuEl, who is the son of Melcha and whose father was Nahor.’ 25 And she added, ‘We have straw, a lot of fodder, and a place for [you to] rest.’
26 Then the man (who was very happy) bowed low to Jehovah 27 and said, ‘May Jehovah the God of my master Abraham be praised, [because He] hasn’t allowed His righteousness or His truth to fail my master. Jehovah has led me right to the house of my lord’s brother!’
28 Well, the young maiden ran and reported what he said to the household of her mother.
29 Now, Rebecca had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran out to meet the man, all the way to the well. 30 And when he saw the earrings and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard what his sister Rebecca said about what the man had told her, he went to the man, as he was standing at the well with his camels, 31 and said to him, ‘Come on in, you who are blest by Jehovah; Why are you standing outside? I’ve prepared the house and I also made a place for your camels!’
32 So the man went into the house, and [Laban] unloaded the camels, gave them straw and fodder, got water to wash the feet [of Abraham’s servant], as well as the feet of the men who were with him; 33 then he set loaves of bread before them to eat. However, [Abraham’s servant] said, ‘I’m not going to eat until I’ve told you why I’ve come.’
And [Laban] said, ‘Go ahead and speak.’
34 And he said, ‘I’m a servant of Abraham; 35 and Jehovah has greatly blest my master. He is highly respected and has been given sheep, cattle, silver, gold, male and female servants, camels, and burros. 36 And Sarah, my master’s wife, bore one son to my master after he had grown old; and he gave [this son] everything he has.
37 ‘Now, my master made me swear [an oath], saying, You must not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the CanaAnites… these [people] among whom I am living. 38 But you should go to the house of my father and to my tribe, and take a wife for my son from there.
39 ‘Then I asked my master, What if the woman is unhappy about coming along?
40 ‘And he replied, Jehovah God, who has found me to be acceptable in His presence, will send His messenger along with you, and your journey will be blest. You should take a wife for my son from my tribe and from the house of my father. 41 Then you will be free from the curse [of your oath]. Because, when you get to my tribe, and if they won’t give her to you, then you will be freed from your oath.
42 ‘So, today I came to this well, and I [prayed]: Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham; If you would bless this journey that I’m now on, 43 {Look!} I will stand by this well where the daughters of the people of this city come to draw water. And whichever young woman to whom I will say, Give me a little water to drink out of your pitcher, 44 and she replies, Take a drink, and I will also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they are satisfied; this is the wife that Jehovah has prepared for His servant Isaac. And that’s how I will know that You have been merciful to my master Abraham.
45 ‘And before I had even finished speaking in my mind, Rebecca arrived with her pitcher on her shoulders. And [after] she went down to the well and drew water, I said to her, Give me a drink; 46 then she quickly took the pitcher from her head, and said, Take a drink, and I will also give your camels [something to] drink. So I drank, and she watered the camels.
47 ‘Then I asked her, Whose daughter are you… tell me! And she replied, I’m the daughter of BathuEl, who is the son of Melcha and whose father was Nahor. So I put the earrings on her, and the bracelets on her hands.
48 ‘All of this made me so happy that I bowed low and praised Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who has truly blest me in such a way that I might take the daughter of my master’s own brother for his son. 49 Tell me whether you will be merciful and just with my lord, so I will know which way to turn.’
50 And at this, Laban and BathuEl answered, saying, ‘This thing has come from Jehovah, so we won’t be able to answer you either in a bad or a good way. 51 Look! There’s Rebecca standing before you. Take her and go. Let her be the wife of your master’s son, just as Jehovah has said.’
52 And when Abraham’s servant heard these words, he bowed to the ground to Jehovah. 53 Then he brought out jewelry of silver and gold, as well as clothing, and gave it to Rebecca. He also gave gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 And afterward, both he and the men who were with him ate and drank; then they went to sleep.
Well, when he got up in the morning, he said to them, ‘Now allow me to leave, so I can return to my master.’
55 And her brothers and mother said, ‘Let the virgin stay here with us for about ten more days, and then she can go.’
56 But he replied to them, ‘Don’t hold me back, because Jehovah has blest my journey. Send me away, so I can return to my master!’
57 And they said, ‘Let’s call the girl and ask [what she wants to do]. 58 So they called Rebecca and asked, ‘Will you go with this man?’
And she replied, ‘I’ll go.’
59 So they [agreed to] send their sister Rebecca and all her possessions along with Abraham’s servant and his attendants. 60 Then they [gave] Rebecca a blessing, saying to her, ‘You are our sister; now become ten thousands of thousands, and may your seed own the cities of their enemies.’
61 Thereafter, Rebecca and her female attendants mounted the camels and went along with the man. And the servant, on having received Rebecca, departed.
62 Now, Isaac had traveled through the desert toward the Well of the Vision, and he lived in the southern portion of that land. 63 And toward evening, Isaac went out into the plains to meditate. And when he looked up, he saw camels coming.
64 Also, Rebecca looked up and saw Isaac. So she quickly dismounted the camel 65 and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man who is walking across the plains to meet us?’
And the servant said, ‘This is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself.
66 Thereafter, the servant told Isaac everything that he had done. 67 And Isaac went to the house of his mother and took Rebecca, so she became his wife… and he loved her… and Isaac was given comfort for [the death of] Sarah his mother.
Chapter 25
1 Then Abraham married again, and his wife’s name was ChetTura. 2 She bore to him Zombran, Jezan, Madal, Midian, Jesboc, and SoYe.
3 Jezan fathered Saba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were the Assyrians, the Latusians, and the Laomim.
4 The sons of Midian were Gephar, Aphir, Enoch, AbeIda, and ElDaga.
These were all the sons of ChetTura. 5 However, Abraham gave all of his possessions to his son Isaac 6 (he [just] gave gifts to the sons of his concubines). Then (while he was still living) he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward, to an eastern country.
7 Abraham lived to be a hundred and seventy-five years old. 8 But Abraham [eventually found himself in] failing health and he died at a ripe old age… an old man whose days were full. Then he was [buried] with his family.
9 Isaac and IshMaEl, his sons, buried him in the double cave that was in the field of Ephron (the son of SaAr the Chettite), which is across from MamRe. 10 [So they buried] Abraham and his wife Sarah in the field, inside the cave that Abraham bought from the sons of Chet.
11 And after Abraham died, God blest his son Isaac. Then Isaac lived by the Well of the Vision.
12 These are the generations of IshMaEl the son of Abraham, who Hagar the Egyptian handmaid of Sarah bore to Abraham, 13 and these are the names of IshMaEl’s sons by each of their generations: The firstborn of IshMaEl was NabaiOth, then Kedar, NabDeEl, MasSam, 14 MasMa, Duma, MasSe, 15 ChodDan, ThaEman, Jetur, Naphes, and Kedma. 16 Those are IshMaEl’s sons, whose names are on their tents and dwellings… twelve princes of their nations.
17 And this is how long IshMaEl lived: a hundred and thirty-seven years. Then [his health started to] fail and he died and was [buried with] his family.
18 [IshMaEl] lived [in the area] between Evilat and Sur, [which runs from the land] opposite Egypt, all the way to Assyria. He lived there among all of his family.
19 And these are the generations of Isaac, the son of Abraham: 20 Abraham fathered Isaac. And when Isaac was forty years old, he took Rebecca (the daughter of BathuEl, the Syrian of Syrian MesoPotamia, the sister of Laban the Syrian) as his wife.
21 Then Isaac prayed to Jehovah about his wife Rebecca, because she was sterile, and Jehovah heard him; so then his wife (Rebecca) got pregnant. 22 And [then one day], the babies that were inside her jumped. And she asked, ‘If this happened to me, then why did it happen?’
So, she went to ask Jehovah, 23 and Jehovah told her: ‘There are two nations in your womb, and two races will be separated from your belly. One race will become greater than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.’
24 Finally, when it came time for her to deliver, she [found that] she had twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red and covered with hair all over his skin; and she named him Esau. 26 And after this, his brother was born while holding onto the heel of Esau with his hand. She named him Jacob. (Isaac was sixty years old when Rebecca bore them).
27 These boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter who lived in the country, while Jacob was a simple man who lived in a house. 28 And although Isaac loved Esau (because he enjoyed venison), Rebecca loved Jacob.
29 Then [one day], Jacob had cooked up some stew. And when Esau came in from the plains tired and weak, 30 he said to Jacob, ‘Let me have a taste of that red stew, because I’m weak.’ (That’s when he started to be called Edom [or Red]).
31 And Jacob replied to Esau, ‘Then sell me your right [to be the firstborn]… right now!’
32 And Esau said, ‘Look, I’m about to die! What good does this right [of the firstborn] mean to me?’
33 And Jacob said to him, ‘Swear to me right now!’ And he swore to him.
So, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, 34 then Jacob gave Esau bread and some lentil stew. He ate it and drank, and then he got up and left. And that’s how Esau [showed little regard for] his birthright.
Chapter 26
1 There came a famine in the land, which was greater than past famines in the time of Abraham. So Isaac went to GeraRa to [see] AbiMelech, the king of the Philistines. 2 And there the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Don’t go to Egypt, but live in the land that I’m going to tell you about. 3 Stay in this land and I will be with you and bless you, because I’m going to give all this land to you and to your seed. And I will fulfill the oath that I swore to your father Abraham, 4 for I will increase your seed as the stars in the sky; I will give all of this land to your seed; and all the nations of the earth will be blest by your seed, 5 because Abraham your father listened to My voice and did what I said… He obeyed My Commandments, rules, and Laws.’
6 So Isaac started living in GeraRa. 7 And when the men there asked him about Rebecca his wife, he told them, ‘She’s my sister;’ because he was afraid to say, ‘She’s my wife,’ so the men there wouldn’t kill him for Rebecca (because she was very pretty).
8 Well, he had lived there a long time, when AbiMelech (the king of GeraRa) leaned over to look out his window, and saw Isaac playing with Rebecca his wife. 9 So, AbiMelech called Isaac and asked him, ‘Is she your wife? [And if so, then] why did you say she’s your sister?’
And Isaac replied, ‘Well, I said this so that I wouldn’t be killed on account of her.’
10 And AbiMelech said, ‘Why would you do such a thing to us? Before long, one of my relatives would have had [sex] with your wife, and you would have brought a sin upon us in our ignorance!’
11 So, AbiMelech gave a command to all his people, saying, ‘Any man who touches this man or his wife will die!’
12 Then Isaac planted grain in the land, and that year the barley produced a hundred times [more than what he had planted]. So, Jehovah had blest him.
13 This man was highly regarded and he continued to prosper, so he became very wealthy. 14 He owned many sheep, cattle, and many tillable lands, and the Philistines [started to] envy him. 15 So the Philistines stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in his father’s time, and filled them with dirt.
16 Then AbiMelech told Isaac: ‘[I want you to] leave us, because you’ve become much greater than us.’
17 So Isaac left there, stopping to rest in the valley of GeraRa, where [he decided to] live.
18 And once more, Isaac dug the [same type of] wells that his father Abraham’s servants had dug, which the Philistines stopped up after his father Abraham’s death. And he gave them each names, using the names that his father had used.
19 And when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley of GeraRa, they found a live well of water. 20 However, the shepherds of GeraRa argued with Isaac’s shepherds, claiming that the water was theirs. So they named the well Injury, because [they claimed] injury over this matter.
21 As the result, he left that place and dug another well, and they started claiming [that it was theirs too]. So he named it Hatred. 22 And he left that place and dug another well, which no one else claimed to be theirs; so he named it Space, saying, ‘Because Jehovah has made space for us, and He has made us prosper on the earth.’
23 Then he traveled to the Well of the Oath. 24 And Jehovah appeared to him [there] that night and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! And because of your father Abraham, I will bless you, and your seed will increase.’
25 So he built an altar there, and named it Jehovah. Then he pitched his tent, and Isaac’s servants dug a well there in the valley of GeraRa.
26 Later, AbiMelech came to him from [the City of] GeraRa, with his trusted friend OchoZath, and with Phichol, the commander of his army. 27 And Isaac asked them, ‘Why have you come to me here; since you hated me and sent me away from you?’
28 And they replied, ‘We have surely seen that Jehovah is with you. So we said, May there be an oath between us and you… and we [wish to] make a treaty with you; 29 that you won’t do any wrong to us, and we won’t hate you. And because we have treated you well by sending you away peacefully, you are now blest by Jehovah.’
30 So [Isaac] prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. 31 And when they got up the next morning, they each swore [an oath] to his neighbor. Then Isaac sent them away, and they left him in safety.
32 However, that very same day, Isaac’s servants came and [gave him news about] the well that they had dug. They said, ‘We’ve found water!’ 33 So, he named it and the city, Oath. This is why that city is called the Well of Oath to this day.
34 Then, when Esau was forty years old, he married Judith, the daughter of BeOch the Chettite, and BasEmath (the daughter of Helon the Chettite). 35 And they made life very difficult for Isaac and Rebecca.
Chapter 27
1 Well, when Isaac got old, his eyes became so dim that he couldn’t see. Then he called Esau, his eldest son, and said to him, ‘Son!’
And [Esau] replied, ‘Look, here I am!’
2 And [Isaac] said, ‘{Look!} I’m old and I don’t know when I will die. 3 So, go get your weapons, both your bow and your quiver, and go into the plains and get me some venison. 4 Then prepare the meat for me, just the way I like it, and bring it to me so I can eat it. Then I’ll bless you with my [whole] soul before I die.’
5 However, Rebecca overheard Isaac speaking to his son Esau. And after Esau went out to the plains to get some venison for his father, 6 Rebecca told her younger son Jacob: ‘{Look!} I overheard your father speaking to your brother Esau. And he told him, 7 Bring me venison and prepare the meat so I can eat it and bless you in front of Jehovah before I die.
8 ‘Now, listen my son and do what I tell you! 9 Go out to the animals and bring two young goats to me ([make sure they’re] tender and good), and I’ll prepare the meat for your father the way he likes it. 10 Then you must take it to your father so he can eat it, and he will bless you [instead], before he dies.’
11 But Jacob said to his mother Rebecca: ‘My brother Esau is covered with hair, while [my body] is smooth. 12 So if my father should [reach out] and feel me, it will look to him as though I’m doing a bad thing, and that would bring a curse on me, not a blessing!’
13 However, his mother said to him: ‘May I receive your curse, son. Just listen to what I’ve told you to do, and bring [the young goats] to me.’
14 So he went out and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared the meat just the way his father liked it. 15 Then Rebecca took some of her eldest son Esau’s finest clothes that she had there in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 And she covered his arms and the bare parts of his neck with the skins of the young goats. 17 Then she put the meat and the bread that she had prepared into the hands of her son Jacob, 18 and he brought it to his father.
Then he said, ‘Father.’
And [Jacob] replied, ‘Look, it’s me! Who are you, son?’
19 And Jacob said to his father, ‘It’s me, Esau your first-born! I’ve done what you told me, so get up and sit [here] to eat my venison… then you can bless me with your [whole] soul.’
20 But Isaac asked his son, ‘What did you find so quickly?’
And he replied, ‘It’s what Jehovah your God set before me.’
21 Then Isaac told Jacob, ‘Come close to me so I can feel you son, [too see] whether you are my son Esau!’
22 And Jacob drew close to his father, and Isaac felt him and said, ‘Your voice is that of Jacob, but your hands are the hands of Esau.’
23 So he didn’t recognize him, because his hands were hairy like the hands of his brother Esau. Thus [Isaac] blest [Jacob]. 24 Then [Isaac] asked, ‘Are you my son Esau?’
And [Jacob] replied, ‘It’s me.’
25 And he said, ‘Bring your venison over here and I’ll eat it son, so I can bless you with my [whole] soul.’
Then he brought [the food] to him and he ate it, along with some wine, which he drank. 26 And Isaac (his father) said to him, ‘Come close and kiss me, son.’
27 So [Jacob] went over and kissed him; and [Isaac] then sniffed the odor of his clothes, and blest him, saying, ‘{Look!} This is the odor of my son. It has the smell of a wonderful field that has been blest by Jehovah. 28 So, may God give you the dew of the skies, the fatness of the land, and plenty of grain and wine. 29 May the nations serve you and may princes bow before you. May you be the lord over your brother, and your father’s sons will show you respect. May anyone who curses you be cursed, and may all who bless you be blest.’
30 Well, after Isaac had blest his son Jacob – immediately after Jacob had left the presence of Isaac his father – his brother Esau returned from his hunt. 31 He had also prepared some meat and brought it to his father, and he said, ‘Get up father. Sit up and eat some of your son’s venison, so you can bless me with your [whole] soul.’
32 But his father Isaac asked, ‘Who are you?’
And he said, ‘I’m your first-born son, Esau.’
33 Well, Isaac was shocked, and asked, ‘Then who was it that [just] got the venison and brought it to me? Why, I ate it all before you got here, and I blest him… so he will be blest!’
34 And when Esau heard what his father Isaac said, he shouted loudly and bitterly, ‘I beg you; Bless me too, father!’
35 And [Isaac] told him, ‘Your brother slyly took your blessing.’
36 Then [Esau] said, ‘He is well named Jacob, because {Look!} this is the second time has he taken what was mine. He took my right as the firstborn, and now he has taken my blessing!’
And again, Esau asked his father, ‘Don’t you have a blessing left for me father?’
37 And Isaac replied to Esau, ‘If I’ve already made him your lord, and all of your brothers his servants, and I empowered him with wine and grain; what can I give you, son?’
38 But Esau asked his father, ‘Don’t you have just one blessing father? I beg you father, bless me too!’
Well, this really bothered Isaac, because Esau was shouting and crying. 39 So (his father) Isaac answered and said, ‘Look; Your home will be in the fatness of the ground and in the dew of the skies above. 40 You will indeed live by your sword and you will serve your brother. However, the time will come when you will loosen and break his yoke from your neck.’
41 Well, Esau was very angry with Jacob over the blessing that his father had given him. So Esau thought and said: ‘May the days of mourning my father come quickly, so I can kill my brother Jacob!’
42 Then these words of Esau (her eldest son) were reported to Rebecca; so she sent for her younger son Jacob, and said to him, ‘{Look!} Your brother Esau has threatened to kill you! 43 So now listen to me, my son; Get up and quickly leave for MesoPotamia… go to my brother Laban in Haran 44 and live with him until all of your brother’s anger 45 and rage against you is over and he forgets what you’ve done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back. For, I don’t want to be saddened over both of you in the same day.’
46 Then Rebecca said [to Isaac], ‘I’m so tired of my life because of the daughters of the sons of Chet. And if Jacob were [also] to take a wife from the daughters of this land, then where would I live?’
Chapter 28
1 So then Isaac called for Jacob… he blest him and told him: ‘You must not take a wife from among the daughters of the CanaAnites. 2 Get up and go quickly to MesoPotamia, to the house of my father-in-law BathuEl, and find yourself a wife among the daughters of your mother’s brother Laban. 3 May my God bless you, prosper you, and make you increase; for you will become a gathering of nations. 4 And may He give the blessing of my father Abraham to you and to your seed that comes after you, to inherit the land that you are staying in, which God gave to Abraham.’
5 So then, Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to [stay with] Laban, the son of BethuEl the Syrian, who was the brother of Rebecca (the mother of Jacob and Esau), in MesoPotamia.
6 Now, Esau knew that Isaac had blest Jacob, and that after he blest him, he sent him away to MesoPotamia of Syria, to find a wife there. [And he also knew that Jacob] was told not to take a wife from the daughters of the CanaAnites… 7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and went to MesoPotamia of Syria. 8 So Esau also recognized that his father Isaac viewed the daughters of CanaAn as evil, 9 thus he went to see IshMaEl (the son of Abraham) and took MaEleth (IshMaEl’s daughter and NabeOth’s sister) to be a wife (in addition to his other wives).
10 So Jacob left the Well of the Oath, and traveled to Haran. 11 Then, when he reached a certain place, he decided to sleep there, since the sun had gone down. So he chose a stone and placed it under his head, then he layed down to sleep in that place, 12 and [he started to] dream.
Well, {Look!} [in the dream] there was a stairway fastened to the ground, and its top reached into heaven. And the messengers of God were ascending and descending it. 13 Then Jehovah stood on it and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. Don’t be afraid, for I will give the ground that you’re lying on to you and to your seed. 14 And your seed will be like the sand on the ground… it will spread from the sea to the north, to the south, and to the east. And through you and your seed all the tribes of the earth be blest. 15 And look; I am with you! [I will] always keep you safe wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I’ve done everything that I said I will do for you.’
16 And when Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, ‘Jehovah is here and I didn’t realize it.’ 17 That frightened him, and he said, ‘What a fearful place! This is nothing other than the house of God and the gate to heaven!’
18 And after Jacob got up in the morning, he took the stone on which he had laid his head and he set it up as a pillar, then he poured oil over it. 19 And he named that place the House of God (BethEl). But before that, the city had been called UlamLuz.
20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If Jehovah God will be with me and guard me throughout this journey, and give me bread to eat and clothes to wear, 21 and bring me back safely to the house of my father, then Jehovah will be my God. 22 And this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be a House of God to me. And [I agree that] I will give a tenth of everything You give me as a tithe to You.’
Chapter 29
1 So Jacob [resumed his journey] eastward toward the land of Laban, the son of BathuEl the Syrian, and the brother of Rebecca (the mother of Jacob and Esau).
2 [Finally], [Jacob] saw {Look!} a well in the plain; and there were three flocks of sheep resting there. [This was] the well where they watered the flocks; and there was a large stone covering it. 3 For when all the flocks had gathered there, they had to roll the stone away from the mouth of the well to water the flocks, then push the stone back over the mouth of the well again.
4 So Jacob asked, ‘Brothers, where are you from?’
And they replied, ‘We’re from Haran.’
5 Then he asked, ‘Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?’
And they answered, ‘We do!’
6 And he asked, ‘Is he well?’
Then they replied, ‘He is well. Look, his daughter Rachel [is coming] with his sheep!’
7 And Jacob said, ‘It’s still mid-day… it isn’t time for the flocks to be gathered yet. So water the flocks, then take them out to graze.’
8 But they said, ‘We can’t, until all the shepherds get here. They will roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and then we will water the flocks.’
9 Then, while he was still speaking to them, {Look!} Laban’s daughter Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, because she was in charge of feeding them. 10 And when Jacob saw Rachel (the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother), and the sheep of his mother’s brother Laban, Jacob went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered Laban’s sheep.
11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and shouted loudly, as he [started to] cry… 12 for he explained to Rachel that he was a close relative of her father, and that he was the son of Rebecca. So she ran and told her father what he said. 13 And when Laban heard the name of Jacob (his sister’s son), he ran to meet him and hugged and kissed him, then brought him into his house.
So then, [Jacob] told Laban everything [that had happened]. 14 And Laban said, ‘You are my own flesh and bones!’ So [Jacob] stayed with [Laban] for a full month.
15 Then Laban said to Jacob: ‘Surely you aren’t going to serve me for nothing; why, you’re my brother! Tell me how I can reward you.’
16 Now, Laban had two daughters. The name of the eldest was Leah, and the younger was called Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was beautiful and had a very pretty face. 18 And because Jacob loved Rachel, he replied: ‘I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.’
19 And Laban said to him: ‘It’s better for me to give her to you than to some other man. So, come and live with me.’
20 Well, Jacob served [Laban] seven years for Rachel. But to him it was like just a few days, because he loved her so much. 21 Then Jacob told Laban: ‘Give me my wife so I can [have her], because I’ve served my time.’
22 And Laban brought all the men together and prepared a wedding banquet. 23 Then that evening, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob went inside with her. 24 Laban also gave his servant Zelpha to his daughter Leah, to be her handmaid.
25 Well, it was [the next] morning before [Jacob realized] that it was Leah. So Jacob [went to] Laban and asked, ‘What have you done to me? Didn’t I serve you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?’
26 And Laban answered: ‘In our country, it isn’t proper to give the younger before the eldest. 27 Serve me for seven [more years] and I’ll give her to you also, in return for your labor of seven more years.’
28 So, that’s what Jacob did… he served for seven [more years]. Then Laban also gave his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 And Laban gave his servant BalLa to be his daughter’s handmaid.
30 Thereafter, [Jacob] went inside to Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah… that’s why [he was willing] to serve him for seven more years.
31 And when Jehovah God saw that Leah wasn’t attractive [to Jacob], he opened her womb. However, Rachel was sterile. 32 So Leah got pregnant and bore a son to Jacob, who she named Reuben. She said, ‘[This is] because Jehovah has seen my humiliation and given me a son. Now my husband will love me.’
33 Then she got pregnant again and bore a second son to Jacob. [This time] she said, ‘Because Jehovah has heard that I’m hated, He has also given me this one.’ So she named him Simeon.
34 Then she got pregnant a third time and bore a son, and said, ‘Now my husband will stay with me, because I’ve born three sons to him.’ So she named him Levi.
35 Thereafter she got pregnant again and bore a son. And she said, ‘I give thanks to Jehovah once more.’ So she named him Judah. And after that, she didn’t have any more children.
Chapter 30
1 Well, when Rachel realized that she wasn’t bearing children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, for if you don’t, I’ll die!’
2 This made Jacob very angry with Rachel, so he asked: ‘Am I in the position of God who has deprived you of the fruit of your womb?’
3 Then Rachel told Jacob, ‘Look; Here’s my handmaid BalLa. [Sleep] with her, and she will give birth [to children] on my knees… I will have children by her.’
4 So she gave him BalLa her maid to be his wife, and Jacob went in [and slept with] her. 5 So BalLa, Rachel’s maid, got pregnant and bore a son to Jacob. 6 Then Rachel said, ‘God has given me justice and listened to my voice, for He has given me a son.’ So she named him Dan.
7 Then BalLa, Rachel’s maid, got pregnant again and bore a second son to Jacob. 8 And Rachel said, ‘God has helped me… I fought with my sister and won.’ So she named him NaphTali.
9 Well, when Leah saw that she was no longer bearing children, she took Zelpha her maid and gave her to Jacob as a wife, and he went in to [sleep with] her. 10 So Zelpha, Leah’s maid, got pregnant and bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, ‘[I’m] happy.’ So she named him Gad.
12 Then Zelpha, Leah’s maid, got pregnant again and bore Jacob a second son. 13 This time Leah said, ‘I am blest, because the women will call me blest.’ So she named him Asher.
14 Well, when it came time to harvest the barley, Reuben went out to the field and found some mandrake apples [growing] there, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to her sister, ‘Give me some of your son’s mandrakes!’
15 And Leah replied, ‘Isn’t it enough that you’ve taken my husband… would you also take my son’s mandrakes?’
And Rachel said, ‘No; [I’ll] allow you to [sleep] with [Jacob] tonight for your son’s mandrakes.’
16 Then that evening, when Jacob came in from the field, Leah went out to meet him, and said: ‘You will [sleep] with me tonight, because I’ve hired you for my son’s mandrakes.’
So he slept with her that night, 17 and God listened to Leah, and she got pregnant and bore a fifth son to Jacob. 18 And Leah said, ‘God has rewarded me for giving my maid to my husband.’ So she named him IsSachar (which means, Reward).
19 Then Leah got pregnant again, and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 20 And Leah said, ‘God has given me a fine gift this time. My husband will choose me, because I’ve given him six sons.’ So she named him ZebuLon.
21 And after that, she gave birth to a daughter who she named Dinah.
22 Then God remembered Rachel… He heard her and opened her womb. 23 So she got pregnant and bore Jacob a son. And Rachel said, ‘Jehovah has removed my disgrace.’ 24 So she named him Joseph, saying, ‘May God give me another son.’
25 Well after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, ‘[Allow] me to leave so I can return to my country and my home. 26 Free my wives and children that I served you for, so I can leave. Because, you are aware of the service that I’ve given you.’
27 And Laban replied: ‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, it’s a good sign for me, because Jehovah has blest me by your coming here. 28 Now, tell me how much I owe you, and I’ll pay it.’
29 And Jacob said, ‘You know how many ways I’ve served you and how many of your cattle I’ve [taken care of]. 30 You didn’t have many before I got here, and now there are many! So Jehovah God has blest you since I came. Now, when can I set up my own house?’
31 Then Laban asked, ‘What should I give you?’
And Jacob replied: ‘Don’t give me anything, just do this one thing for me: I will watch over your flocks and tend to them, 32 and as your sheep pass by each day, set aside the grey sheep and the speckled and spotted goats… let them be my reward! 33 So, tomorrow my righteousness will answer for me, because this will be my reward from you. But you can steal any goats that aren’t spotted or speckled, and any sheep that aren’t grey.’
34 And Laban agreed, saying, ‘May it be as you’ve said.’
35 However, that same day [Laban craftily] separated the spotted and speckled billy goats and nanny goats, and all the grey sheep from those that were white, and he gave them to his sons. 36 Then he sent [them away] on a three-day journey from Jacob, while he was tending the cattle that were left behind.
37 So then; Jacob gathered green rods from storax, walnut, and sycamore trees, and alternately peeled them [to create the look of] white and green stripes, which gave a [spotted] appearance to the rods. 38 Then he laid the rods he had peeled at the bottom of the watering troughs, so that when the cattle came to drink, they would see the rods and become pregnant there in front of the rods. 39 And the cattle did get pregnant at the rods, and they gave birth to [young with] speckles, streaks, and ash-colored spots.
40 And thereafter, Jacob would separate the lambs and set aside the speckled goats and the [spotted, streaked, and striped] lambs for himself. And he wouldn’t allow them to mingle with Laban’s sheep.
41 So, when the cattle became pregnant and gave birth, Jacob [continued] to put the rods in the troughs before the cattle, so they would get pregnant in front of the rods. 42 And whenever the cattle gave birth, [he gave] the unmarked ones to Laban, but the marked ones were his. 43 And [before long], he became very rich with many cattle, oxen, [male] and female servants, camels, and burros.
Chapter 31
1 Then Jacob overheard Laban’s sons saying, ‘Jacob has taken everything that belongs to our father and all our father’s property… all his glory!’ 2 And {Look!} Jacob realized that Laban [wasn’t happy to see him anymore].
3 Then Jehovah said to Jacob: ‘Return to your family and to your father’s land, and I will be with you.’
4 So, Jacob sent for Leah and Rachel, [who were] out in the plains with the flocks, 5 and said to them: ‘I see that your father isn’t [happy when he sees me], but the God of my father is with me. 6 You know that I’ve served your father with all my might, 7 but your father deceived me and changed what he owed me to [just] ten lambs… yet God didn’t allow him to [do me wrong]. 8 For if he said, The speckled will be your reward, then all the cattle would give birth to speckled. And if he would have said, The white will be your reward, then all the cattle would have born white. 9 So God has taken all these cattle from your father and given them to me.
10 ‘It was while the cattle were pregnant with their young that, while I was sleeping, {Look!} I saw billy goats and rams jumping on the nanny goats and sheep. And they were all speckled, striped, and spotted with ash-colored spots. 11 Then a messenger from God called me in the dream, saying, Jacob! And I said, What is it? 12 And he said, Look up and see the billy goats and rams jumping on the nanny goats and sheep, and they are all speckled, striped, and spotted with ash-colored spots.
‘Now, I have seen all things that Laban did to you, 13 for I am the God that appeared to you at BethEl where you poured oil on a pillar to Me, and [where you] vowed an oath to Me. So now, get up and leave this land. Return to the land of your birth, and I will be with you.’
14 Then Rachel and Leah asked, ‘What about our inheritance in the house of our father? 15 Does he now consider us strangers? Why, he sold us and then used our money! 16 So, all the wealth and glory that God has taken from our father belongs to our children and to us. Therefore, do whatever God told you to do!’
17 Then Jacob got up and mounted his wives and children upon camels, 18 along with all the possessions and provisions he had obtained in MesoPotamia, and all [the servants and animals] that belonged to him, to return to his father Isaac in the land of CanaAn. 19 And while Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s idols. 20 So Jacob didn’t let Laban the Syrian know that he was running away; 21 and he and all that belonged to him left and crossed the river, traveling to Mount Gilead.
22 It wasn’t until three days later that Laban the Syrian was told that Jacob had gone. 23 But then he gathered his brothers and chased after them, catching up with them after seven days at Mount Gilead. 24 However, God came to Laban the Syrian in his sleep that night and said to him, ‘Be very careful not to say anything bad about Jacob.’
25 So when Laban caught up with Jacob (for Jacob had pitched his tent on the mountain), Laban stationed his brothers on the mountain, 26 and he asked Jacob: ‘What have you done… why did you run away secretly, steal from me, and use swords to take my daughters as captives? 27 If you had told me first, I would have happily sent you away with singing, tambourines, and harps. 28 Didn’t you think that I was worthy to hug my children and my daughters before you did such a foolish thing?
29 ‘And now; although I have enough power in my hands to harm you, the God of your father spoke to me yesterday and said, Be very careful that you never say anything bad about Jacob. 30 So go your way, because you really wanted to return to the house of your father. However, why have you stolen my gods?’
31 And Jacob replied to Laban, ‘[I did this] because I was afraid that you would take your daughters and all my possessions from me!’ 32 Then Jacob added, ‘And whoever you find that has [stolen] your gods won’t [be allowed to] live in the presence of our family. Look around for anything I might have that’s yours and take it!’
[Well, Laban did this], but he couldn’t find anything. Yet, Jacob didn’t realize that his wife Rachel had stolen [the idols].
33 Laban went in and searched Leah’s room, then Jacob’s room, then the room of the two female servants, and he found nothing. And finally he entered Rachael’s room, 34 but Rachel had taken the idols and hidden them among the camel’s packs, and she was sitting on them. 35 Then she told her father, ‘Don’t be impudent, sir! I can’t get up and stand before you, because it isn’t my way and it isn’t customary for women!’
Well, Laban searched throughout the [camp] and he couldn’t find the idols. 36 And all [of this] made Jacob very angry, so he argued with Laban, asking him: ‘What wrong have I done to you and what is my sin that caused you to chase after me 37 and then search all the furniture in my home? What have you found [that is part of] the furniture of your house? Lay it out here between your relatives and mine, and let them decide!
38 ‘Why, I’ve been with you for twenty years, and your sheep and nanny goats haven’t failed to give birth, nor did I eat any of the rams of your cattle; 39 all that I took was the wild animals that I didn’t bring to you. Why, I myself [paid] for anything that was stolen during the day or during the night, 40 yet I was dried out with heat of the day, and [chilled] by frost in the night, so I seldom ever slept.
41 ‘During these twenty years that I stayed in your house, I served you for fourteen years for your two daughters, and [then I spent the next] six years among your sheep… just to have you falsely set my wages as ten lambs! 42 Why, if it weren’t for the God of my father Abraham and for [your] fear of Isaac’s [God], you would have sent me away empty-handed! Yet, God saw how I was humiliated and how hard I’ve worked, and He [was scolding you for that] last night!’
43 Then Laban replied: ‘These are my daughters and my sons; the cattle are mine; and everything you see belongs to me and my daughters! However, what should I do to them today, or to their children? 44 Come; let’s conclude a treaty between you and me that will serve as a witness between us. Look, nobody else is here, so {Look!} God is the witness between you and me.’
45 Then Jacob found a [large] stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob told his family, ‘Gather some stones.’ So they brought stones and made a pile, then they [shared bread] on top of the pile.
And thereafter, Laban said: ‘This [pile of stones] is the witnesses between you and me today.’ 47 And Laban called it The [Stone] Pile of Testimony, while Jacob referred to it as The Witness [Stone] Pile.
48 And Laban said to Jacob: ‘Look at this pile and pillar that I’ve erected between you and me… this Witness [Stone] Pile and this [Stone] Pile of Testimony. We will call them the [Stone] Pile Witnesses.’
49 And [Laban] spoke this vision: ‘May God keep an eye on you and me, because we are about to leave each other. 50 If you humble my daughters by taking wives in addition to them, you will see that someone is with us who is watching. For, God is the witness between you and me.’
51 Then Laban continued, ‘Look! This pile of stones and this pillar are witnesses 52 that I won’t come to you, and you won’t come to me, beyond this pillar to do anything bad. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor judge between us!’
Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac, 54 and he offered a sacrifice on the mountain. He called his family together and they ate and drank, then they went to sleep on the mountain. 55 And when Laban got up in the morning, he kissed his daughters and [their] sons and blest them, and then Laban turned around and went back home.
Chapter 32
1 Jacob also left on his journey. Then he looked up and saw the camp of the army of God, and a messenger of God [coming to] meet him. 2 And when Jacob saw them, he said: ‘Why, this [place] is the campground of God!’ So he named that place The Campgrounds.
3 Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir in the country of Edom. 4 And he told them to say this to Esau (his lord): ‘This is what your servant Jacob has said: I have visited with Laban and stayed there until now. 5 And [during this time], oxen, burros, sheep, and male and female servants were born to me. Now, I’ve sent [messengers] to tell you, my lord Esau, to help your servant find kindness in your eyes.’
6 Then the messengers returned to Jacob and said: ‘We reached your brother Esau, and {Look!} he’s coming to meet you with four hundred men!’
7 Well, Jacob was terrified and very upset by this. So he divided the people that were with him, as well as the cattle, camels, and sheep, into two camps. 8 And Jacob said, ‘If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the other camp will survive.’
9 And Jacob [prayed], ‘God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, O Lord; You’re the One who told me, Return quickly to the land where you were born, and I will treat you well. 10 So, may there be enough of all the justice and truth that You have brought about through Your servant. Because, with this walking stick of mine, I crossed the Jordan [River], and now I [have been divided into] two camps. 11 Save me from the hands of my brother – from the hands of Esau – because I’m afraid of him, since [he may be] happy to come and strike me down [along with] the mothers and the children. 12 But you said: I will treat you well and make your seed as the sands of the sea… so many that they can’t be counted.’
13 Well, he slept there that night, [then he selected] the gifts to be carried to his brother Esau. 14 [There were] two hundred nanny goats, twenty billy goats, two hundred sheep, twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels and their foals, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty burros, and ten colts. 16 Then he gave them to his servants and told them: ‘Go ahead of me and put a space between each of the animal herds.’
17 Then he told the first group: ‘If you meet my brother Esau, and he asks, Who do you [work for], where are you going, and whose animals are [being herded] in front of you? 18 you should say, [We work for] your servant Jacob. He has sent these as gifts to my lord Esau… and {Look!} he’s [traveling] behind us.’
19 And the same instructions that he gave to the first [group], he gave to the second and the third… to everyone who traveled ahead of him (following the herds), he said, ‘This what you should tell Esau when you find him, 20 say, Look! Your servant Jacob is following us.’
[For, Jacob said]: ‘I want to [sooth Esau’s feelings] with the gifts that [are being carried] ahead of me; then I can look him in the face and hope that he will accept me.’
21 So the presents went out ahead of him, as he spent the night in the camp.
22 Then during the night, he got up and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and [crossed the river] at the ford of Jaboch… 23 he took them and all his possessions, and crossed through the raging river.
24 It was there that, while Jacob was all by himself, a man came and wrestled with him until the next morning. 25 [And when the man] saw that he wasn’t going to win, he touched the upper part of Jacob’s thigh, and his thigh became numb during the wrestling match. 26 And [the man] told [Jacob]: ‘Let me go, because the sun is coming up!’
But [Jacob] said: ‘I’m not going to let you go until you give me a blessing!’
27 So [the man] asked: ‘What’s your name?’
And he answered: ‘Jacob.’
28 And [the man] told him: ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob. Rather, Israel will be your name, and you’ll be mighty among men, because you’ve won with God.’
29 Then Jacob said: ‘Tell me your name.’
And he said: ‘Why do you [have to] ask my name?’
Then he blest him there. 30 And Jacob named that place, the Face of God, because he said: ‘I’ve seen God face to face and survived.’
31 Well, the sun had risen on him when he passed the face of God, and [God] stopped him by his thigh. 32 And this is why the children of Israel, even to this day, will never eat that part of meat that was numbed (the upper part of the thigh), because [God’s messenger] touched that part of the thigh on Jacob.
Chapter 33
1 Well, when Jacob looked up, he saw {Look!} his brother Esau coming with four hundred men. So Jacob divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two female servants. 2 Then he put the two female servants and their children out in front, followed by Leah and her children, then Rachel, and [finally, himself] at the rear. 3 But then he walked ahead of them all and bowed to the ground seven times, as he got closer to his brother.
4 However, Esau ran up to meet him, hugged him, fell around his neck, and kissed him. Then they both cried.
5 And when Esau noticed the women and children, he asked, ‘What [relation] are they to you?’
And Jacob replied: ‘These are the children that God has so mercifully blest your servant with.’
6 Then the female servants and their children came up and bowed low, 7 followed by Leah and her children, who also came up and bowed low. And then Rachel [arrived] and bowed low with Joseph.
8 So [Esau] asked: ‘Then, what did all those groups that I met have to do with you?’
And [Jacob] replied: ‘This was done so that your servant might find favor in your eyes, my lord.’
9 Then Esau said: ‘But I [already own] a lot, my brother. Keep what is yours!’
10 And Jacob said: ‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, take the gifts from my hands, for seeing your face is like seeing the face of God… if you are happy with me, 11 take the blessings that I’ve brought to you, because God has been merciful to me, and I have everything.’
And he kept insisting, so [Esau] took them, 12 then he said, ‘Now, let’s head back.’
13 But [Jacob] said: ‘My lord; You know that the children are frail, and the flocks and herds that I’ve brought also have [many] young ones; so if I drive them hard today, all the cattle will die. 14 Therefore, my lord; go on ahead of your servant. I will take it easy along the way, so [I will have] enough strength [to make the long journey] ahead of me, and so the children will have enough strength. Then I will travel until I come to my lord at Seir.’
15 And Esau said: ‘Then I’ll leave some of the people that I brought with me.’
And [Jacob] asked: ‘Why? It’s enough that I’ve found your favor, my lord!’
16 So, Esau returned to Seir that day, 17 and Jacob returned to the tents that he had set up to live in, and he built stalls for his cattle. So he named that place, The Stalls.
18 Finally, Jacob got to Salem, a city of Shechem in the land of CanaAn, after traveling from MesoPotamia of Syria. He went to [the city gate] there 19 and bought the field where he had pitched his tent, from Hamor (the father of Shechem) for a hundred lambs. 20 And there he set up an altar, where he called upon Israel’s God.
Chapter 34
1 Well, Dinah, the daughter that Leah bore to Jacob, went to see the daughters of the local people. 2 And Shechem, the son of EmMor the Evite and the ruler of the land, noticed her. Then he humiliated her by taking her and [having sex] with her.
3 Yet, he was bound to the life of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter… he loved the girl and spoke kindly to her. 4 So Shechem told his father EmMor: ‘Get this young woman for me, to be my wife.’
5 Well, when Jacob heard that EmMor’s son had violated his daughter Dinah, he sent for his sons who were with his cattle in the fields. And Jacob didn’t say a word until they got there.
6 Then EmMor, Shechem’s father, went over to talk to Jacob, 7 just as Jacob’s sons were returning from the fields. And when they heard [what had happened], they were very upset. It really hurt them, because he had made a joke of Israel by [having sex] with Jacob’s daughter… it just shouldn’t have happened.
8 But EmMor spoke to them and said, ‘My son Shechem has decided in his heart to marry your daughter; so give her to him to be his wife, 9 and marry among us. Give us your daughters, and take our daughters for your sons, 10 and live among us! Look, there’s plenty of room for you, so live here in this land… trade [with us] and prosper here.’
11 Then Shechem said to [Dinah’s] father and brothers: ‘I will do whatever is necessary to find your favor, and we will give whatever you ask. 12 Raise the bride price several times, and I will pay whatever you say. Just give me this young woman to be my wife.’
13 However, Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father EmMor cunningly, because he had violated their sister Dinah. 14 So Dinah’s brothers (Simeon and Levi) said to them, ‘We won’t be able to give our sister to someone who isn’t circumcised, because that would dishonor us. 15 The only way we can do what you say and live among you, is if you will become as we are… all your males have to be circumcised. 16 Then we will give our daughters to you and take your daughters as our wives, and live with you as one race. 17 But if you refuse to listen and won’t get circumcised, we will take our [sister] and leave.’
18 Well, what they said was agreeable to EmMor and his son Shechem. 19 And the young man didn’t delay when it came to doing this thing, because he was really attached to Jacob’s daughter. Why, he was the most honorable person in his father’s house.
20 So EmMor and his son Shechem walked to the city gate and told the men there, 21 ‘These are peaceable people, so let them live with us in our land and trade in it. Look, there’s a lot of land before them, so we will take their daughters to be our wives, and we will give them our daughters. 22 The only thing that they require to live among us as one people, is that all our males have to be circumcised as they are circumcised. 23 And then, won’t their cattle, their herds, and their possessions be ours? So, let’s do what they say and they will live among us!’
24 Well, everyone who was there at the city gate listened to EmMor and his son Shechem, and the foreskins of all the males were circumcised. 25 But on the third day, while they were all aching in pain, Jacob’s two sons (Dinah’s brothers) Simeon and Levi each took his sword, crept into the city, and killed every male. 26 They killed EmMor and his son Shechem with their swords, and then they took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left.
27 And when Jacob’s [other] sons came upon those who were wounded, they ravaged the city where Dinah (their sister) had been violated… 28 they took all the sheep, oxen, burros, and everything in the city, as well as everything that was in their fields. 29 Then they took all the people as captives, as well as all their provisions and their wives, and they looted whatever was left in their city and in their homes.
30 Well afterward, Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: ‘You have made me an evil and hated [person] among the people who live in this land… both among the CanaAnites and the Pherezites. Why, there are only a few of us, so they will band against me and cut me to pieces… destroying both me and my house!’
31 And they replied, ‘Not so! Would [you rather] they treated our sister as a whore?’
Chapter 35
1 Then God told Jacob: ‘Get up and go up to the place [you named] BethEl, and live there. Then build an altar to the God that appeared to you there, when you were running from your brother Esau.’
2 So Jacob told his family and everyone that lived with him: ‘Get rid of the strange gods that you have, then wash yourselves, change your clothes, 3 and get ready; because, we’re going up to BethEl, where [we’re] going to build an altar to the God who listened to me, was with me, and preserved me throughout my journey during the difficult time [that I had to endure].’
4 Then they gave Jacob all the strange gods that they owned, as well as the earrings in their ears. Then Jacob buried [these things] under a turpentine tree at SeciMa, where they’ve remained destroyed down to this day. 5 Then Israel left SeciMa, and the cities around them had the fear of God in them, so they didn’t chase after the children of Israel.
6 Finally, Jacob and all the people that were with him arrived at Luza in the land of CanaAn, which [he had earlier named] BethEl. 7 It was there that he had built an altar and named the place BethEl, because that’s where God appeared to him when he was running from his brother Esau.
8 Well thereafter, Rebecca’s nurse Deborah died, and she was buried under an oak tree in BethEl that Jacob named The Oak of Mourning.
9 God had appeared again to Jacob at Luza, while he was on his way back from MesoPotamia of Syria. And that’s when God blest him, 10 for God said to him: ‘You will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel will be your name.’ So He called him Israel.
11 Then God said to him: ‘I am your God. So now, prosper and grow, because nations and groups of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your loins. 12 I have given this land to you that I gave to Abraham and Isaac; and eventually I will give this land to the seed that will descend from you.’
13 Then God left him, there in the place where He spoke to him. 14 And Jacob set up a [stone] pillar in that place where God spoke to him, and he offered a drink upon it and poured oil over it. 15 That’s when Jacob named this place where God had spoken to him, BethEl.
16 [Well, after Deborah died], Jacob left BethEl and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Gader. And as they were getting close to ChabRatha, on their way to EphRatha, Rachel had birth pains and then went into hard labor. 17 And it was while she was in hard labor that the midwife told her, ‘Don’t worry, you’re going to have this son!’
18 Then, as she was giving up her life (she was dying), she named him Son of My Pain, but his father named him BenJamin ([Son of the Right Hand]).
19 So Rachel died and was buried along the road to EphRatha (BethLehem). 20 And Jacob set up a pillar on her tomb, [which is called] The Pillar of Rachel’s Tomb to this day.
21 It was while Israel was living in this land that Reuben went and [had sex] with BalLa, his father Jacob’s concubine. And when Israel heard about this, it really upset him.
22 Now, there were twelve sons of Jacob. 23 The sons of Leah were Jacob’s first-born Reuben, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, IsSachar, and ZebuLon. 24 The sons of Rachel were Joseph and BenJamin. 25 The sons of BalLa (Rachel’s handmaid) were Dan and NaphTali. 26 And the sons of Zelpha (Leah’s handmaid) were Gad and Asher. [Most of] these sons were born to Jacob in MesoPotamia of Syria.
27 Then Jacob returned to his father Isaac in MamRe, to a city of the plains [called] Hebron (in the land of CanaAn), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28 Altogether, Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. 29 Then Isaac stopped breathing and he died, and he was placed beside his family [after living] a long and full life. And his sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.
Chapter 36
1 And these are the generations of Esau (or Edom). 2 Esau took these [women] as wives from the daughters of the CanaAnites: There was Ada, the daughter of AiLom the Chettite, OliBema, the daughter of Ana [who was] the son of Sebegon the Evite, 3 and BasEmath, the daughter of IshMaEl and the sister of NabaiOth.
4 Ada bore EliPhas to him, BasEmath bore RaguEl, 5 And OliBema bore Jeus, Jeglom, and Core. These were Esau’s sons that were born to him in the land of CanaAn.
6 Then Esau took his wives, sons, and daughters; everyone in his house, as well as all his possessions, all his cattle; everything that he had and absolutely everything that he had acquired in the land of CanaAn; and he left the land of CanaAn [to get away from] his brother Jacob. 7 This is because they had both acquired so much that they could no longer live close to each other, and the land where they were staying couldn’t hold them, because they owned so much. 8 So Esau [went to live] at Mount Seir (Esau is Edom).
9 These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites, when [he lived at] Mount Seir. 10 And these are the names of Esau’s [grand]sons through EliPhas (Ada’s son), and RaguEl (BasEmath’s son).
11 The [grand]sons of Ada through EliPhas were ThaEman, Omar, Sophar, Gothom, and Kenez. 12 Also, Thamna (EliPhas’ concubine) bore Amalec to him.
13 The [grand]sons of BasEmath through RaguEl were NachOth, Zare, Some, and Moze.
14 These are the sons of Esau’s wife OliBema (the daughter of Ana, who was the son of Sebegon): She bore Jeus, Jeglom, and Core to Esau.
15 These are the chiefs of EliPhas, the first-born of Esau: Chief ThaEman, Chief Omar, Chief Sophar, Chief Kenez, 16 Chief Core, Chief Gothom, and Chief Amalec. They are the chiefs of [the family of] EliPhas (the sons of Ada), in the land of Edom.
17 And these are the chiefs of RaguEl, the son of Esau: Chief NachOth, Chief Zare, Chief Some, and Chief Moze. They are the chiefs of [the family of] RaguEl (the sons of BasEmath) in the land of Edom.
18 And these are the chiefs of OliBema (the daughter of Ana), Esau’s wife: Chief Jeus, Chief Jeglom, and Chief Core.
19 These were the sons of Esau. They are [all] chiefs, and they are [all] the sons of Edom.
20 These are the sons of Seir the Chorrhite who lived in the land: Lotan, Sobal, Sebegon, Ana, 21 Deson, Asar, and Rison. And these are the chiefs of the son of Seir the Chorrhite, in the land of Edom: 22 The sons of Lotan (and Lotan’s sister, Thamna) were Chorrhi and Haeman. 23 The sons of Sobal were Golam, ManaChath, Gaebel, Sophar, and Omar. 24 The sons of Sebegon were Aie, and Ana (this is the same Ana who found Jamin in the wilderness when he was tending his father Sebegon’s animals).
25 Ana’s children were Deson (his son) and OliBem (his daughter).
26 Deson’s sons were Amada, Asban, Ithran, and Charrhan. 27 Asar’s sons were BalaAm, Zucam, and Jucam. 28 Rison’s sons were Hos, and Aran.
29 These are the chiefs of the Chorrites: Chief Lotan, Chief Sobal, Chief Sebegon, Chief Ana, 30 Chief Deson, Chief Asar, and Chief Rison. They are the chiefs of the Chorrites in their own principalities in the land of Edom.
31 These are the kings that reigned in Edom before [the time of] the kings of Israel: 32 Balac (the son of Beor) reigned in Edom, and his [capital] city was DenNaba. 33 After Balac died, Jobab (the son of Zara from BosorRha) reigned in his stead. 34 After Jobab died, Asom (from the land of the ThaEmanites) reigned in his stead. 35 After Asom died, Adad (the son of Barad, who cut off Midian in the plain of Moab) reigned in his stead. And his [capital] city was GetThaim.
36 After Adad died, Samada of MasSecca reigned in his stead. 37 After Samada died, Saul of RhoObOth by the River reigned in his stead. 38 After Saul died, BalLenon (the son of Achobor) reigned in his stead. 39 After BalLenon died, Arad (the son of Barad) reigned in his stead. The name of his [capital] city was Phogor; and the name of his wife was MeteBeel (the daughter of MatraIth, who was the son of MaiZoOb).
40 These are the names of the tribal chiefs of Esau in their areas, countries, and nations: Chief Thamna, Chief Gola, Chief Jether, 41 Chief OliBema, Chief Helas, Chief Phinon, 42 Chief Kenez, Chief ThaEman, Chief Mazar, 43 Chief MagediEl, and Chief Zaphoin. They are the chiefs of Edom in the areas where they live and in the land that they own. And this is Esau, the father of [all] Edom.
44 However, Jacob lived in the land where his father stayed, the land of CanaAn.
Chapter 37
1 And these are the generations of Jacob.
2 Joseph was seventeen years old, and [he was out] feeding his father’s sheep with his brothers (because he was so young), who were the sons of his father’s wives BalLa and Zelpha. And it was because of Joseph that they were speaking of their father Israel in an evil way, 3 since Jacob loved Joseph more than the rest of his sons (he was the son of his old age), and he had made him a multi-colored coat.
4 Now, his brothers could see that his father loved him more than them, so they hated him and never spoke to him in a peaceful way. 5 Then Joseph had a dream, and he told his brothers about it. 6 He said, ‘Listen to what I dreamed about: 7 I saw you bundling stalks of grain in the middle of the field, when my bundle stood straight up and your bundles turned around and bowed low to mine.’
8 Then his brothers asked, ‘So, are you going to rule over us, and are you going to be our master?’ And they hated him even more because of his dreams and the things he said.
9 Then [Joseph] dreamed another dream, and he told his father and brothers about it, saying, ‘{Look!} I had another dream in which the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me.’
10 But his father scolded him and asked, ‘What kind of a dream is that? Do you think that your mother, brothers, and I will come and bow to the ground before you?’
11 Anyhow, although his brothers were jealous of him, his father paid attention to what he said.
12 Then his brothers went to Shechem to feed their father’s sheep. 13 And Israel asked Joseph, ‘Are your brothers feeding the flocks at Shechem? I want to send you to them.’
And he replied, ‘Look, here I am.’
14 And Israel said, ‘Go see if your brothers and the sheep are doing well, then come back and report to me.’ So, he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, to Shechem.
15 Then a man found him wandering in the field there and asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’
16 And he said, ‘I’m looking for my brothers. Tell me; where are they feeding [their flocks]?’
17 And the man said, ‘They’ve left here. I heard them say, Let’s go to Dothaim.’
So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothaim.
18 However, they spotted him in the distance before he got there, and they met together and wickedly started talking about killing him. 19 They were saying to each other, ‘Look, here comes the dreamer! 20 Come on, let’s kill him and then throw his [body] into a deep crevice. And we can say, An evil wild animal ate him. Then we will see what his dreams amount to.’
21 But when Reuben heard this, he saved [Joseph] from them by saying, ‘Let’s not kill him.’ 22 Then [he suggested], ‘Don’t shed [his] blood; let’s throw him into one of these deep crevices in the desert… but don’t lay a hand on him.’ ([Rubin] said this, so that he could save [Joseph] from them, and then return him to his father).
23 And so, when Joseph reached his brothers, they took off the multi-colored coat that Joseph was wearing, 24 then they took him and threw him into a deep crevice… [fortunately], the crevice was empty and didn’t have any water. 25 Then they sat down to eat some bread. And when they looked up, they noticed {Look!} an IshMaElite caravan that was coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded down with spices, resin, and myrrh that they were carrying to Egypt.
26 So Judah said to his brothers: ‘What profit would it bring us if we kill our brother and cover up [the murder]? 27 Let’s sell him to these IshMaElites. We don’t want to lay a hand on him, because he’s our brother and our own flesh.’ And his brothers listened.
28 Then, as the merchants of Midian were traveling through, [his brothers] pulled Joseph out of the crevice and sold him to the IshMaElites for twenty gold coins, and [the IshMaElites] took Joseph down to Egypt.
29 Well, when Reuben returned to the crevice and saw that Joseph wasn’t there, he started ripping his clothes. 30 Then he went to his brothers and said, ‘The boy isn’t [there]. So, where do I have to go?’
31 Then they took Joseph’s coat, killed a young goat, and dipped the coat in its blood. 32 And they took the multi-colored coat and brought it to their father, saying, ‘We found this… do you recognize it as your son’s coat or not?’
Well, he recognized it and said, ‘It is my son’s coat! An evil wild animal has eaten him… a wild animal has carried off Joseph!’
33 Then Jacob tore his clothes and covered the lower part of his body with sackcloth, and he mourned for his son a long time. 34 All of his sons and daughters went there to comfort him, but he didn’t want to be comforted. He said, ‘I will go to my grave mourning my son.’ And his father kept crying over him.
35 Well, when they got to Egypt, the Midianites sold Joseph to Petephres, Pharaoh’s eunuch and the captain of his guard.
Chapter 38
1 After Judah left his brothers, [he had traveled] some distance when he [ran into] a man from OdolLam, whose name was Iras. 2 And it was there that Judah found the daughter of a CanaAnite man named Sava. He [married] her, [slept] with her, 3 and she got pregnant. Then she gave birth to a son who she named Er. 4 Then she got pregnant and gave birth to another son, who she named Aunan. 5 And she gave birth to a [third] son and named him Selom. She was living in Chasbi when she gave birth to them.
6 Then Judah took a woman named Tamar to be the wife of his first-born, Er. 7 But, Er was wicked before Jehovah, so God killed him. 8 Then Judah told Aunan, ‘Go and [have sex] with your brother’s wife; and since you’re her brother-in-law, marry her so [she can] raise a seed for your brother.’
9 However, Aunan knew that the seed wouldn’t be [counted as] his. So, when he [had sex with] his brother’s wife, he spilled [his semen] on the ground, so his brother’s wife wouldn’t [get pregnant]. 10 And his doing this appeared evil to God, so He also killed him.
11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, ‘Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Selom grows up… for fear that he will die like his brothers.’ So, Tamar left and stayed in her father’s home.
12 And after several years, Judah’s wife Sava died. So, while Judah was looking for comfort, he went to see his sheep shearers at Thamna, along with his Shepherd, Iras the OdolLamite.
13 And when his daughter-in-law Tamar was told, ‘{Look!} Your father-in-law is going up to Thamna to shear his sheep,’ 14 she took off her widow’s clothes, put on a veil and made up her face. Then she sat at the gate of [the town of] AiNan, by the road that leads to Thamna. She did this because [Judah’s son] Selom had already grown up, and [Judah] hadn’t given [Tamar] to be his son’s wife.
15 Well when Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, because she had her face covered (and he didn’t recognize her). 16 So he stopped and said to her (not knowing that she was his daughter-in-law), ‘Let me [have sex with] you.’
And she asked, ‘What will you give me to [have sex] with me?’
17 And he said, ‘I’ll send you a young goat from my flock.’
And she told him, ‘Then you have to provide some assurance that you’ll send it.’
18 Then he asked, ‘What kind of assurance can I give you?’
And she said, ‘Give me your ring, your bracelet, and the walking stick you’re holding.’
So he gave them to her, [had sex with] her, and she got pregnant by him. 19 Then she got up and left; and she took off her veil and put her widow’s clothes back on.
20 Well, Judah sent the young goat with his shepherd the OdolLamite, to get back the things that he had left with the woman, but he couldn’t find her. 21 So he asked the local men, ‘Where’s that prostitute who used to sit by the road [here at] AiNan?’
And they replied, ‘There was no prostitute here.’
22 So he returned to Judah and said, ‘I couldn’t find her, and the local men say there wasn’t any prostitute there.’
23 And Judah told him, ‘Then let her have [those things]. I sent the young goat and you couldn’t find her, so, let’s not leave ourselves open to ridicule.’
24 Well after three months, Judah was told, ‘Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the whore… and now look; she’s pregnant by her whoring!’
So Judah said, ‘Then drag her out and have her burned!’
25 And as they were dragging her out, she called for her father-in-law, and said: ‘I’m pregnant by the man who owns these things… just whose ring, bracelet, and walking stick are these?’
26 Well, Judah recognized them and said, ‘Tamar is innocent… but not me, because I didn’t give her to my son Selom.’ And that was the last time [Judah had sex] with her.
27 While she was in labor, she had twins in her womb. 28 And as they were being born, one pushed his hand out. So, the midwife took hold of the hand and tied some scarlet [thread around it], and said, ‘This is the firstborn.’
29 But then he drew his hand back and his brother came out immediately thereafter. And she asked, ‘Why have you broken the barrier between you?’ So she named him Phares.
30 It was then that his brother (around whose hand the scarlet thread was tied) was born. And she named him Zara.
Chapter 39
1 Well, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And there he was purchased from the IshMaElites who carried him there, by an Egyptian named Petephres, [who was] Pharaoh’s eunuch and captain of the guard.
2 However, Jehovah was with Joseph and He blest him. So [Joseph] lived in the house of his Egyptian master, 3 who recognized that Jehovah was with him and that Jehovah blest everything he did. 4 So Joseph was treated kindly by him, and [Joseph did everything he could to] please his master well. And soon Joseph was put in charge of his [master’s] house… he was appointed to be in charge of everything that [his master] owned. 5 And because he put Joseph in charge of his house and over everything that he owned, Jehovah blest the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Jehovah blest everything that he had in his house and in his field, 6 because he had entrusted everything he had into Joseph’s hands. So he didn’t even know what belonged to him, other than the bread he ate.
Well, Joseph was extremely attractive… he had an excellent body and a very handsome face. 7 And so, after he had been [put in charge of the house], his master’s wife eyed Joseph, and said, ‘[Have sex] me.’
8 But he wouldn’t. He told his master’s wife, ‘Why, it’s because of me that my master doesn’t even know what’s going on in his own house! He has put everything that he owns into my hands, 9 and nobody in this house is over me, nor has anything been withheld from me, except you. Why, you’re his wife! So, how could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’
10 Still, she pleaded with Joseph every day. But he wouldn’t listen to her requests to sleep [and have sex] with her.
11 Then one day, Joseph entered the house to do his work, and found that none of the household staff was there. 12 That’s when she grabbed him by his clothes, and said, ‘[Have sex] with me.’ But he left his clothes there in her hands and ran out of the house.
13 Then, when she saw that he left his clothes in her hands and ran away, 14 she called [the family] and said: ‘You see; He has brought in a Hebrew slave to make fun of us! Why, he came in and said, [Have sex] me, but I screamed. 15 And when he heard me scream, he left his clothes here and ran out, leaving the house.’
16 So she kept the clothes beside her until [her husband] returned home. 17 And she said to him, ‘This Hebrew servant that you brought to us came here to make fun of me, and said to me, I’m going to [have sex] you. 18 But after he heard me scream, he left his clothes with me and ran away, leaving the house.’
19 Well, after his master heard everything his wife said, he told her, ‘Then he did it to me!’
20 He was very angry, so his master took Joseph and had him thrown in prison… into the place where the king’s prisoners were kept.
21 Well, Jehovah was with Joseph and He was very merciful to him. So He helped him find favor in the eyes of the prison’s warden. 22 And the warden put Joseph in charge of the prison and all the prisoners who were there. He was put in charge of everything they did, 23 so the warden was unaware of what was going on there, because everything was in Joseph’s hands. And Jehovah continued to bless everything he was doing.
Chapter 40
1 It was some time after this, that the king’s chief cupbearer and his chief baker had wronged their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 Well, Pharaoh was furious with his two eunuchs (his chief cupbearer and his chief baker), 3 so he had them locked up in prison… in the same place where Joseph was kept. 4 Then the prison warden left them with Joseph, who stood guard over them.
And after they had spent some time in the prison, 5 they both had a dream one night. Each man had his own dream and each dream had its own interpretation.
6 Well, the next morning, Joseph went in and saw them, and they were quite disturbed. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s eunuchs who were there in the prison with him, ‘Why are you so sad today?’
8 And they replied, ‘We have [both] seen [visions] in our dreams, and nobody knows what they mean.’
Then Joseph said, ‘Doesn’t the interpretation of [dreams come] through God? Tell [me what you saw].’
9 And the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said: ‘In my dream [I saw] a vine 10 that had three stems which budded and put out blossoms; then [it formed] clusters of grapes that ripened. 11 And after that, [I found] Pharaoh’s cup in my hands. So I took the grapes and squeezed them into the cup, and gave the cup to Pharaoh.’
12 And Joseph said to him, ‘This is what [the dream] means: The three stems are three days. 13 So in three days, Pharaoh will remember what you did and he will give you back your position as chief cupbearer. Then you will [once again] put Pharaoh’s cup in his hands, in the same high position that you once had as his cupbearer.’
14 [Then he continued], ‘Now, remember me when things are going well for you… be merciful to me and mention me to Pharaoh, so I can be released from this dungeon. 15 You see; I was stolen from the land of the Hebrews. And although I’ve done nothing wrong here, I was thrown into this hole.’
16 Well, when the chief baker saw that he had given the right interpretation, he said to Joseph, ‘I also had a dream. I remember looking up, and I found three baskets of bakery on my head. 17 In the top basket there were all the kinds of things that Pharaoh enjoys. But birds in the sky came and ate them out of the basket that was on my head.’
18 Then Joseph told him, ‘This is what it means: The three baskets are three days. 19 So in three days, Pharaoh will cut your head off and hang you on a tree. There the birds of the sky will eat your flesh.’
20 Well, three days later it was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he held a banquet for all his servants. It was then that he remembered the offices that the cupbearer and the baker held among his servants. 21 So he restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he again put Pharaoh’s cup in his hands. 22 But he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph foretold. 23 However, the chief cupbearer soon forgot about Joseph.
Chapter 41
1 It was a full two years later that Pharaoh also had a dream. He dreamed that he was standing next to a river. 2 Then {Look!} he saw seven fat and good-looking cows come up out of the water to feed at the river’s edge. 3 And seven more cows, which were skinny and ugly, came up out of the river to feed along its banks. 4 Then the seven skinny, ugly cows ate the seven fat and good-looking cows… and that’s when Pharaoh woke up.
5 Then he had another dream. {Look!} There were seven large and good-looking [heads] of grain that grew on a single stalk. 6 And {Look!} they were followed by [a stalk] with seven thin and windblown [heads] that grew up alongside them. 7 Then the [stalk] with the seven thin and windblown [heads] ate the ones with the seven large, good-looking [heads]… and that’s when Pharaoh woke up… and it was just a dream.
8 It was now morning, and his soul was bothered [by the dreams]. So he sent for all the [dream] interpreters of Egypt and all the wise men. Then Pharaoh told them of his dreams, but no one could tell Pharaoh what they meant. 9 And that’s when Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer told him: ‘I just remembered something that I’m to blame for. 10 [You were once] quite angry with your servants and you had us imprisoned in the house of the captain of the guard… both me and the chief baker. 11 Then we had a dream in the same night, both him and me, but we each had our own dream. 12 And there was a young man with us there, a Hebrew servant of the captain of the guard. And we each told him [our dreams], and he interpreted [them] to us. 13 And everything that he said would happen, happened… I was restored to my office and [the baker] was hanged.’
14 So Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they took him from the prison, shaved him, and changed his clothes; then he went in to Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh told Joseph, ‘I’ve had a vision that no one can interpret; and I’ve heard it said that you have listened to dreams and could interpret them.’
16 But Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘Without God, [I couldn’t] give a safe answer to Pharaoh.’
17 Then Pharaoh told Joseph: ‘In my dream I was standing by the bank of the river. 18 And out of the river came seven fat and good-looking cows that fed along the river’s edge. 19 Then {Look!} seven more cows came up out of the river that were evil, skinny, and ugly… the likes of which I’ve never seen worse in the entire land of Egypt. 20 And the seven skinny, ugly cows ate the seven fat and good-looking cows. 21 They swallowed them down, but I couldn’t see that they had gone into their stomachs, because they still looked as ugly as they did before.
‘And after I woke up, I went to sleep again. 22 Then I saw what looked like seven large and good-looking [heads] of grain growing from a single stalk. 23 Then [I saw] seven more [heads] that were thin and windblown, coming up next to them. 24 And the seven thin and wind-blown [heads] ate the seven large, good-looking [heads]… I told all this to the [dream] interpreters, but none of them could explain it to me.’
25 Then Joseph told Pharaoh: ‘Both of your dreams are the same, for God has shown Pharaoh what He’s going to do.
26 ‘The seven good-looking cows mean seven years, and the seven good-looking [grain heads] mean seven years. So Pharaoh’s dreams are both the same. 27 Also, the seven skinny cattle that came up after them mean seven years, and the seven thin and windblown [heads] mean seven years… that is, there will be seven years of famine.
28 ‘Now [remember]; I told Pharaoh that God intends to show you what He is going to do. 29 So {Look!}, seven years are coming when there will be a great abundance throughout the land of Egypt. 30 But they will then be followed by seven years of famine, which will be so bad that the abundance Egypt once had will be forgotten, and famine will consume the land. 31 The abundance in the land will be gone because of the famine that will follow, since it’s going to be a very bad one. 32 And the fact that Pharaoh saw the dream twice, proves that the things I’m telling you (which will come from God) are true, for God will cause it to happen quickly.
33 ‘So, search for a wise and discerning man, and put him in charge over the land of Egypt. 34 Also, Pharaoh should appoint local governors over the land who must collect a fifth of all the produce in the land of Egypt during the seven abundant years. 35 Gather all the food that will come during these seven good years, and have all the grain gathered into the hands of Pharaoh, but store the food in each city. 36 This stored food will [protect] the land during the seven years of famine that are coming upon the land of Egypt, so [the country] won’t be totally destroyed by the famine.’
37 Well, what [Joseph] said appeared good to Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 So [he] asked his servants, ‘Where will we find such a man as this… someone who has the Breath of God in him?’
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has shown all these things to you; is there a man who is wiser or more discerning than you? 40 I’ll appoint you to be over my house, and all my people must do whatever you say. Just I will be greater than you on the throne.’
41 Then Pharaoh told Joseph: ‘{Look!} Today I’m putting you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.’ 42 So Pharaoh took the ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, put a robe of fine linen on him, and a gold necklace around his neck.
43 Next, he put [Joseph] on his second-best chariot, and a herald walked in front of him to proclaim that he had been appointed over all the land of Egypt.’
44 And Pharaoh said to Joseph: ‘I am Pharaoh; but nobody will lift his hand anywhere in the land of Egypt without [your instructions].’
45 Then Pharaoh renamed Joseph, Psonthom Phanech, and he gave him Aseneth (the daughter of Petephres, the priest of the City of the Sun) to be his wife.
46 Well, Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
Then Joseph left the presence of Pharaoh and traveled throughout the entire the land of Egypt. 47 And the land did produce well during the seven years of abundance… by the handfuls. 48 So during those seven years, he gathered the food (because there was so much of it in the land of Egypt) and he stored the food in the cities. He took the food that grew in the fields around each city and stored it there. 49 Why, the grain that Joseph put in storage was like the sands of the sea, because there was so much that it couldn’t be calculated.
50 Now, Joseph had two sons born to him before the seven years of famine came, that Aseneth (the daughter of Petephres, the priest of The City of the Sun) gave birth to. 51 And Joseph named his firstborn ManasSeh, for he said, ‘God has made me forget all my hard work, and even the house of my father.’
52 Then he named his second son EphraIm, for he said, ‘God has caused me to grow in the land where I was humiliated.’
53 Well, the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt passed, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was a famine in the entire earth, there was plenty [in Egypt]. 55 So, as the people of Egypt got hungry, they called to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to [them]: ‘Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.’
56 The famine soon covered the entire land, so Joseph opened all the granaries and sold it to the Egyptians. 57 And all the countries came to Egypt to buy [food] from Joseph, because the famine was [everywhere].
Chapter 42
1 Now, Jacob had noticed that they were selling [grain] in Egypt. So he said to his sons, ‘Why aren’t you doing something? 2 Look; I’ve heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go there and buy us a little food, so we don’t starve to death.’
3 Then Joseph’s ten brothers went down to Egypt to purchase grain. 4 But Joseph’s brother BenJamin wasn’t sent along with his brothers, for [the reason Jacob gave] was: ‘So he doesn’t get sick.’
5 Thus, the Sons of Israel went there to buy [grain] along with many others who traveled there, because the famine had affected the entire land of CanaAn.
6 Now, Joseph was the ruler of the land, and it was he who sold [food] to all the people in the land. So, Joseph’s brothers then came and bowed to the ground before him. 7 And when Joseph saw his brothers, though he recognized them, he hid himself in front of them and spoke harshly to them, asking: ‘Where did you come from?
And they replied: ‘[We came from] the land of CanaAn, to buy food.’
8 Well, although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him. 9 Then Joseph remembered his dreams and the things that he saw. And he said to them: ‘You are spies! You’ve come here to spy in our land!’
10 But they said: ‘No Sir; we’re just your servants who have come to buy food! 11 We’re all the sons of one man. We are peace loving… your servants aren’t spies!’
12 And he said to them: ‘No, you’ve come to spy [in our] land!’
13 And they replied: ‘Your servants are twelve brothers from the land of CanaAn. Why, the youngest [of us] is with our father right now, but the other one is no more.’
14 Then Joseph argued, ‘It’s just as I said; you’re spies! 15 Here is how it will be proven: By the health of Pharaoh, you aren’t going to leave until your younger brother comes here. 16 One of you can go get your brother, but the rest of you will stay in prison until what you said can be [proven]… whether you’re telling the truth or not. And if not, then by the health of Pharaoh, you really are spies!’
17 So he had them all locked in prison for three days. 18 And on the third day, he said: ‘Do this and you will live, because I fear God: 19 If you really are peace loving, I’ll allow just one of your brothers to be held in prison. So now, go and carry the grain you’ve bought [to your home]. 20 Then, bring your younger brother to me, and I will believe what you said. But if you don’t, you will die.’
And that’s what they did.
21 Well, each one was saying his brother: ‘Yes, we are to blame when it comes to our brother. We didn’t pay attention to the anguish that he was going through. And when he looked to us, we didn’t listen to him. That’s why this bad thing is happening to us!’
22 Then Reuben said: ‘Didn’t I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn’t listen to me! Now look, his blood is [being avenged]!’
23 However they didn’t realize that Joseph was standing there before them, because an interpreter stood between them.
24 Well at that, Joseph left them and started crying. Then he returned and spoke to them, and took Simeon and had him bound before their eyes.
25 And thereafter, Joseph gave orders to fill their [sacks] with grain, to return the money to each one’s sack… and then give them permission to leave. And that’s what happened… 26 the grain was loaded on their burros, and they left.
27 Well, when they stopped somewhere to rest, one of them opened his sack to feed the burros, and he saw his bundle of money lying in the top of his sack. 28 So he said to his brothers: ‘They’ve returned my money. Look, its here in my sack!’
Well, they were all dumbfounded and felt sick at heart. And they asked each other: ‘What has God has done to us?’
29 And when they got back to their father Jacob (in the land of CanaAn), they told him everything that had happened to them, saying: 30 ‘This man who is the lord of the land spoke harshly to us and had us put in prison as spies. 31 But we told him, We are peaceful men… we aren’t spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, the sons of our father. One [of us] is no more, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of CanaAn.
33 ‘However, this man (the lord of the land) said to us, Here’s how I will know that you are peaceful: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take the grain you bought and return to your family. 34 Then bring your younger brother to me, and I will know that you aren’t spies, but men of peace. Thereafter I will return your brother and you can trade in this land.
35 ‘But as we were emptying our sacks, each man found his bundle of money in his sack.’ Then they [showed] their father their bundles of money, and they were all frightened.
36 So their father Jacob said to them: ‘You have made me very sad, for Joseph is no more, and neither is Simeon. So, are you now going to take BenJamin? All these [bad] things have come upon me.’
37 Then Reuben said to his father, ‘You can kill my two sons if I don’t bring him back to you. Give him to me, and I’ll bring him back!’
38 But [Jacob] said: ‘I won’t allow my son to go with you, because his brother is already dead, and he’s the only one left. What if something happens to him on the way? Then you will bring sorrow upon me in my old age that will take me to my grave.’
Chapter 43
1 However, the famine continued in the land. 2 And so, when they had finished eating the grain that they’d brought from Egypt, their father told them: ‘Go there to buy us a little food again.’
3 But Judah said to him, ‘That man who’s the lord of the country absolutely warned us, You won’t see my face again unless you have your younger brother with you. 4 So, if you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go and buy you food. 5 But if you won’t send our brother with us, we won’t go.’
6 And Israel asked, ‘Why did you do so much harm to me by telling the man that you had a brother?’
7 And they replied, ‘The man asked a lot of questions about our family. He asked, Is your father still alive? and, Do you have you a brother? And all we did was answer his questions! How could we know that he would tell us to bring our brother?’
8 Then Judah said to his father Israel, ‘Send the boy with me and we’ll go, so we don’t all [starve] to death! 9 I’ll be responsible for him, and you can hold me to blame if anything happens to him. If I don’t return him and stand him before you, I will be guilty before you through the age. 10 Why, if we hadn’t waited, we would already have returned there a second time!’
11 And their father Israel said to them: ‘If that’s the case, do this; Take along the fruit of the earth in your sacks. Carry gifts of gum, honey, frankincense, oil of myrrh, turpentine, and walnuts to the man. 12 Also, carry twice as much money – in addition to the money that was put back in your sacks – just in case that was a mistake. 13 Then take your brother along and go down to the man. 14 May my God allow you to find favor in the eyes of that man, so he sends you home with your other brother and BenJamin. For I have been saddened, and I’m sad now.’
15 So the men loaded up their gifts and took twice as much money, as well as BenJamin, and headed down to Egypt. And there they stood before Joseph.
16 Well, when Joseph saw them and his brother BenJamin (who was born to the same mother), he told his house manager: ‘Bring the men into [my] house, then butcher some animals and prepare them, because these men are to eat bread with me at noon.’
17 So the man did as Joseph said, and brought them into Joseph’s house.
18 Well, when they realized that they had been taken to the house of Joseph, they said: ‘We’ve been brought here because of the money that was returned to our sacks the first time. [This is being done] so witnesses can be called and we can be charged [with a crime]. Then they will confiscate our burros and take us as slaves!’
19 So they went up to the man who was in charge of Joseph’s house and talked to him out on the porch. 20 They said, ‘We are begging you, sir… we just came the first time to buy food. 21 But when we were unloading and opened our sacks, [we found] this money in each sack. We have the full amount of money in our hands [and we wish] to return it. 22 And we’ve brought more money along to buy food with… we don’t know who put the money in our sacks!’
23 And he replied: ‘May God be merciful with you. Don’t be afraid; your God and the God of your ancestors put the treasures in your sacks. Why, I have enough of your good money!’
Then he brought Simeon out to them; 24 he brought water to wash their feet; and he provided fodder for their burros.
25 And after that, they started preparing their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they heard that he was going to eat there. 26 So when Joseph came home, they brought him the gifts that they had carried into the house. And then they bowed with their faces to the ground. 27 And he asked them: ‘How are you? Is your father, the old man that you spoke of, well? Is he still living?’
28 And they replied, ‘Our father, your servant, is well. And yes, he’s still alive.’
And he said: ‘May that man of God be blest!’
Then they bowed and showed him respect.
29 Thereafter, Joseph looked up and saw his brother BenJamin (who was born to the same mother) and asked: ‘Is this the younger brother that you said you would bring to me?’ And he said, ‘May God have mercy on you, my son.’
30 Well, Joseph’s emotions overcame him, because he missed his brother so much, and he wanted to cry. So he went into his inner room and cried there. 31 But he washed his face and regained his composure, then he came out and said: ‘Bring on the bread!’
32 So they set out bread for Joseph, for his servants, and for the Egyptians who were eating with him, but not for [his brothers], because the Egyptians considered it dishonorable to eat bread with Hebrews. 33 So they sat there in front of him, in the order of their ages, from the first-born to the youngest. And the brothers looked with at each other in amazement.
34 Then Joseph gave them their portions to eat by themselves. However, BenJamin received five times as much as the rest. They also drank with him until each one was full.
Chapter 44
1 Thereafter, Joseph gave instructions to his house manager, saying: ‘Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put the money of each one in the top of his sack. 2 Also, put my silver cup in the sack that belongs to the youngest, as well as the price of his grain.’ And he did exactly as Joseph said. 3 Then the next morning, the men and their burros were sent away.
4 Well, after they left the city (but they hadn’t traveled too far), Joseph told his house manager: ‘Get up and chase after those men; and when you catch up with them, ask, Why have you returned evil for good? 5 Why have you stolen my silver cup? Isn’t this the [cup] that our lord drinks from? It’s also the one that he uses to foretell the future; so you’ve done an evil thing!’
6 Well, he caught up with them and said what [Joseph] told him to say. 7 And they replied, ‘Why is our lord saying such things? Your servants wouldn’t do anything like that. 8 If we returned the money to you that we found in our sacks all the way from the land of CanaAn, why would we steal silver or gold from the house of your lord? 9 Whichever of your servants that you find with the cup, let him die, and then we will be our lord’s slaves!’
10 And [Joseph’s house manager] said, ‘May it be just as you’ve said. However, just the one who is found with the cup will be my slave, but the rest of you can go free.’
11 And each man quickly took down his sack and put in on the ground. Then they each opened their sacks, 12 and he started his search starting with the eldest until he came to the youngest, when he found the cup in BenJamin’s sack. 13 Well, they all started ripping their clothes. Then each man put his sack back on his burro, and they returned to the city.
14 So Judah and his brothers went to see Joseph while he was [still at home]. Then they fell to the ground before him, 15 and Joseph asked, ‘What have you done? Didn’t you realize that a man like me can see the future?’
16 And Judah replied, ‘What can we say to you, our lord? What can we say that will justify us? God has uncovered the unrighteousness of your servants. Look; We are now our lord’s slaves… both us and the one who was found with your cup!’
17 So Joseph said: ‘I wouldn’t do a thing like that… just the man who was found with my cup will be my slave. [The rest of you] may return home safely to your father.’
18 Then Judah came up to him and said: ‘I beg you, sir; Allow your servant to say something to you, and don’t get angry, because you are next to Pharaoh. 19 Sir, you once asked your servants whether we have a father or a brother. 20 And we replied, Yes, Lord, we have a father who is an old man, and he has a young son in his old age. [The boy’s] brother is dead, so he’s the only one left who came from his mother, and his father loves him.
21 ‘Then you said to your servants: Bring him down to me, and I will take care of him. 22 And we said to our lord: The child can’t leave his father; because, if he leaves his father, [his father] will die. 23 But you told your servants: Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you won’t see my face again. 24 And so, when we went up to your servant our father, we told him what our lord said.
25 ‘And when our father said, Return and buy a little food for us, 26 we said, We can’t return, unless our younger brother goes with us. We can go there, but we won’t be able to see the man unless we bring our younger brother along! 27 And your servant (our father) said to us: You know that my wife gave birth to two [sons] for me. 28 Now, one [of the two] is gone from me. You told me that wild animals ate him, and I haven’t seen him since. 29 So, if you take this one away from me also and something should happen to him along the road, the sorrow will bring me to the grave in my old age.
30 ‘So, if I should return to your servant (our father) and the boy doesn’t return with us (remember that his life depends on this [boy’s] life), 31 well, when he sees that the boy isn’t with us, he will die. And then your servants [will be responsible for] bringing your servant (our elderly father) to his grave in his sorrow. 32 For I (your servant) took the boy from his father, and said: If I don’t return him to you and stand him before you, I will be guilty to my father through the age.
33 ‘Now, may I stay here as your slave instead of the boy. I will work in my lord’s house, but let the boy [return home] with his brothers. 34 For, how could I return to my father without the boy and cause evil things to happen to him?’
Chapter 45
1 However, Joseph couldn’t restrain himself when they were all standing there with him, so he said, ‘Everyone is dismissed.’ So nobody [was there guarding] Joseph when he told his brothers who he was. 2 And as he spoke, he was crying.
Well, all the Egyptians heard about this, and it was reported to the house of Pharaoh. 3 For Joseph said to his brothers: ‘I’m Joseph! Is my father still alive?’
However, his brothers couldn’t answer him, because they were in shock!
4 Then Joseph told his brothers, ‘Come closer to me,’ and they all came up to him. And he said, ‘I’m your brother Joseph who you sold into Egypt! 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t feel guilty that you sold me here, because [it was] God who sent me ahead of you so you could live. 6 For this [is just] the second year of the famine on the earth, and there are still five years to come when there will be no plowing or mowing. 7 It was God that sent me ahead you so there to be some of you left on the earth, and in order to feed the remaining ones of your crowd.
8 ‘You didn’t send me here, God did! And he has made me like a father to Pharaoh… the master of his whole house and the ruler of the entire land of Egypt. 9 So, hurry and return to my father, and tell him that this is what your son Joseph has said: God has made me the lord of the entire land of Egypt. So, come here to me, and don’t delay! 10 You will live in the land of Gesem in Arabia, where you will be close me… you, your sons, your grandsons, your sheep, your cattle, and everything that’s yours. 11 And I will feed you there; because the famine is going to last for five more years. Then nothing you own will be lost… not your sons or any of your possessions!
12 ‘Look at me and see! And [you], my brother BenJamin; use your eyes [and recognize] that it’s my mouth that’s speaking to you! 13 So, report to my father about all the glory that I have in Egypt, and about everything that you’ve seen. Then hurry and bring my father down here.’
14 [Well, after that], he fell on his brother BenJamin’s neck and cried, and BenJamin cried on his neck. 15 Then he kissed all his brothers and cried over them, and his brothers [were finally able to] speak to him.
16 Well, the report of this was carried to the house of Pharaoh, for he was told: ‘Joseph’s brothers have come.’ And this made Pharaoh and his household very happy.
17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: ‘Tell your brothers to [get] wagons and return to the land of CanaAn 18 to get their father and all their possessions, and come to me. I will give them all the good things of Egypt, and they will eat from the [best] of our land.
19 ‘Now, you give them these instructions: They are to take wagons from the land of Egypt to get their wives, their children, and your father, and come here. 20 [Tell them] not to worry about their property, because all the good things of Egypt will be theirs.’
21 Well, that’s what the children of Israel did. Joseph gave them wagons, just as Pharaoh the king said, and he gave them the things they would need for the journey. 22 He also gave each of them two suits of clothes, but he gave BenJamin five suits of clothes, plus three hundred gold coins. 23 And he sent the same gifts to his father, plus ten burros that carried a sampling of all the good things of Egypt, and ten mules that carried [provisions] for their journey.
24 So he dismissed his brothers and they left. But before they left, he told them: ‘Don’t leave angry.’
25 Then they left Egypt and returned to the land of CanaAn and to their father Jacob. 26 There they reported everything to him, saying, ‘Your son Joseph is ALIVE, and he’s now the ruler of the entire land of Egypt!’
Well, this was so amazing to Jacob that he didn’t believe them. 27 But they told him everything that Joseph said, no matter what it was that he said to them. Then he noticed the chariots that Joseph had sent to pick him up, and that’s when the spirit of their father Jacob was restored. 28 And Israel said, ‘If my son Joseph is still alive, that’s wonderful! I want to go see him before I die!’
Chapter 46
1 So Israel left with everything he had. And when he got to the Well of the Oath, he offered a sacrifice to the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision that night. He said: ‘Jacob! Jacob!’
And he asked, ‘What is it?’
3 And [God] said to him, ‘I am the God of your ancestors. Don’t be afraid to go down to Egypt, because I will make a great nation of you there. 4 I will also go down to Egypt with you, and I will bring you back. For Joseph will lay his hands over your eyes.’
5 Then Jacob left the Well of the Oath, and Israel’s sons carried their father, their baggage, and their wives on the wagons that Joseph sent to them. 6 They also brought along the goods and property that they had obtained in the land of CanaAn, and they went to the land of Egypt – Jacob and all his descendants; 7 his sons, his grandsons, his daughters, and his granddaughters – he brought all of his seed to Egypt.
8 These are the names of the grandsons of Israel that went to Egypt with their father Jacob: The sons of Jacob’s first-born, Reuben, were 9 Enoch, PhalLus, Asron, and Charmi. 10 The sons of Simeon were JemuEl, Jamin, Aod, Achin, SaAr, and Saul (the son of a CanaAnite woman). 11 The sons of Levi were Gerson, Cath, and MeraRi. 12 The sons of Judah were Er, Aunan, Selom, Phares, Zara, and Er, but Aunan died in the land of CanaAn. 13 Phares’ sons were Esron and JemuEl. The sons of IsSachar were Thola, Phua, Asum, and Sambran. 14 The sons of ZebuLun were, Sered, AlLon, and AchoEl.
15 These were the sons that Leah gave birth to (for Jacob) in MesoPotamia of Syria, and those of Dina his daughter. All together, the sons and daughters numbered thirty-three.
16 The sons of Gad were Saphon, Angis, Sannis, ThasoBan, Aedis, AroEdis, and AreElis. 17 The sons of Asher were Jemna, JesSua, Jeul, Baria, and their sister, Sarah. Baria’s sons were Chobor, and MelchiEl.
18 These were the sons that Zelpha (who Laban gave to his daughter Leah) had given birth to for Jacob, sixteen people.
19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel were Joseph and BenJamin. 20 And the sons that were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt through Aseneth (the daughter of Petephres, the priest of The City of the Sun) were ManasSeh, and EphraIm. And the son that was born to ManasSeh by his Syrian concubine was MachIr. Then MachIr fathered GalaAd.
EphraIm’s sons were SutalaAm and TaAm. SutalaAm’s son was Edom.
21 The sons of BenJamin were Bala, Bochor, and Asbel. Bala’s sons were Gera, Noeman, Anchis, Ros, and Mamphim. Then Gera fathered Arad.
22 These were the sons that Rachel gave birth to for Jacob. All together, there were eighteen people.
NaphTali’s sons were AsiEl, Goni, IsSaar, and SolLem. 23 These were the sons that BalLa (who Laban gave to his daughter Rachel) gave birth to for Jacob. All [together], there were seven people.
24 So, all the descendants of Jacob that came with him to Egypt (other than his wives and his sons) totaled sixty-six. 25 And the sons of Joseph who were born in the land of Egypt totaled nine. So all the people of the house of Jacob who were with Joseph in Egypt totaled seventy-five.
26 Now, [Jacob] had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph, to [tell him to] meet him at the City of Heroes in the land of Ramses. 27 So Joseph got his chariots ready and went to meet his father Israel at the City of Heroes. And when he got there, [Joseph] fell on [Jacob’s] neck and cried profusely.
28 Then Israel said to Joseph: ‘Now that I’ve seen your face I can die happily, because you’re still alive!’
29 And Joseph told his brothers: ‘I will go to Pharaoh and tell him, My brothers and my father’s household, who came from the land of CanaAn, have arrived. 30 These men are shepherds and cattlemen, and they’ve brought along their cattle, herds, and all their property. 31 So if Pharaoh calls you and asks, What is you occupation? 32 you must answer, Your servants have been shepherds since our youth… both we and our fathers. [You must say this] so you can live in the land of Gesem in Arabia, because, the Egyptians dislike shepherds.’
Chapter 47
1 So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: ‘My father and brothers have arrived from the land of CanaAn with their cattle, oxen, and all their possessions. And {Look!} they are now in the land of Gesem.’
2 Then he took five of his brothers and brought them before Pharaoh. 3 And when Pharaoh asked them, ‘What is your occupation?’ they replied, ‘Your servants (both we and our father) are shepherds.’
4 Then they said to Pharaoh: ‘We have come to stay in [your] land, because there is no pasture for your servant’s flocks, due to the famine in the land of CanaAn. So, now we are living in the land of Gesem.’
And Pharaoh told Joseph: ‘Let them live in the land of Gesem. And if you know any among them who are capable, put them in charge of my cattle also.’
So that’s how Jacob and his sons came to Egypt (to Joseph). And when Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) heard about that, 5 he told Joseph: ‘[Now that] your father and brothers have come to you, 6 {Look!} the whole land of Egypt is before you. Choose the best land for your father and brothers to settle in!’
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blest Pharaoh. 8 Then Pharaoh asked Jacob, ‘How old are you?’
9 And Jacob replied to Pharaoh: ‘The years of my life that I’ve lived are a hundred and thirty. But these years have been too few and too troubled. I haven’t reached the age that my ancestors [achieved], back in the days when they lived.’
10 And Jacob [again] blest Pharaoh, and left.
11 So, just as Pharaoh commanded, Joseph gave his father and brothers a tract of land as their possession, and settled them there in the land of Egypt. It was prime ground in the land of Ramses. 12 Then Joseph provided grain for his father, brothers, and his father’s entire household.
13 However, there was no grain [growing on] the land, because the famine was terrible. So in the land of Egypt and in the land of CanaAn, people were weak from the famine. 14 As the result, Joseph collected all the money that there was in the land of Egypt and the land of CanaAn for the grain that they were buying. And Joseph took all the money to the house of Pharaoh. 15 And soon there was no more money in the land of Egypt or in the land of CanaAn. So all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, ‘Give us bread! Do you want us to die here before you? Why, all our money is gone!’
16 And Joseph replied to them: ‘If all your money is gone, then bring me your cattle, and I’ll give you bread in exchange for them.’
17 So they brought their cattle to Joseph, and he gave them bread in exchange for their horses, sheep, oxen, and burros. And Joseph kept them alive with bread that year, in exchange for their cattle.
18 Well, that year passed, and they came to him the second year and said: ‘Must we be consumed before you, our lord? For our money has failed, and we’ve brought all our possessions and our cattle to you, our lord; now we don’t have anything left, other than our bodies and our land. 19 And so that we won’t die before you, and so that our land isn’t devastated; buy our land and us for bread. Then we and our land will be Pharaoh’s servants. Give us seeds to grow, so we can live and not die, and so our land won’t be devastated!’
20 As the result, Joseph bought all the land of the Egyptians for Pharaoh… they sold it all to Pharaoh, because the famine was so bad. So, the entire land became Pharaoh’s, 21 and the people became his servants from one end of Egypt to the other… 22 that is, except the land of the priests. Joseph didn’t buy that, because Pharaoh gave [grain] as gifts to the priests. So they ate what Pharaoh gave them, and they didn’t have to sell their land.
23 Then Joseph told all the Egyptians: ‘{Look!} I have purchased both you and your land today for Pharaoh. So take the seeds and plant the land. 24 And when it produces, you must give a fifth of its produce to Pharaoh. You can keep the rest for yourselves, as seeds for planting and as food for you and for all that are in your homes.’
25 And they said: ‘You have saved us! We have found favor before you, our lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants!’
26 So, Joseph passed a law that we still have today; a fifth part [of the produce of the land of Egypt] was to be [given to] Pharaoh. The only exception was the land of the priests… that wasn’t Pharaoh’s.
27 Well, Israel lived in the land of Gesem in Egypt, and they owned an allotment there, so the [family] grew rapidly and profusely.
28 Thereafter, Jacob survived seventeen more years in the land of Egypt, until he reached a hundred and forty-seven years old. 29 And as the time for Israel to die neared, he called his son Joseph, and said to him: ‘If I’ve found favor before you, put your hand under my thigh and [swear] to me mercifully and truthfully that you won’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but that I will sleep with my ancestors. [Swear that] you will carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their tomb.’
And he said, ‘I will do what you’ve asked.’
31 But [Jacob] said, ‘Swear to me!’ And he swore to him. Then Israel bowed, as he leaned on his cane.
Chapter 48
1 Well, sometime after that, the report came to Joseph: ‘{Look!} Your father is ill!’ So he took his two sons, ManasSeh and EphraIm, and went to [see] Jacob.
2 And when Jacob was told, ‘{Look!} Your son Joseph has come to see you,’ Israel straightened himself up and sat on his bed. 3 And [he] said to Joseph: ‘My God appeared to me in Luza in the land of CanaAn and blest me. 4 And he said to me, {Look!} I will make you grow and increase, and I will make many nations come from you. I will also give this land to you and to your seed that comes after you, as an inheritance through the ages.
5 ‘Now, your two sons, EphraIm and ManasSeh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came here, are my [sons], the same as Reuben and Simeon are my [sons]. 6 And any children that you have from this point on will share in the names of their brothers. Because, [the lands that they will] inherit will be named after them.
7 ‘And as for me; After I left MesoPotamia of Syria, your mother Rachel died in the land of CanaAn during the evening, near the ChabRatha racetrack, as we were coming to EphRatha (or BethLehem). So I buried her along the road at the racetrack of BethLehem.’
8 And when Israel noticed Joseph’s sons, he asked: ‘Who are they?’
9 And Joseph replied to his father, ‘They’re the sons that God has given me here.’
And Jacob said, ‘Bring them here so I can bless them.’
10 Now, Israel’s eyes were weak due to his age, so he couldn’t see. But he drew them close, and hugged and kissed them. 11 Then Israel said to Joseph: ‘{Look!} I haven’t been deprived of seeing your face, and now {Look!} God has also shown me your seed.’
12 Then Joseph brought them out from [between] his [father’s] knees, and they bowed to [Israel] with their faces to the ground.
13 And Joseph took his two sons, EphraIm at his right hand (but on the left of Israel), and ManasSeh at his left hand (but on the right of Israel), and brought them near to him again. 14 However, Israel stuck out his right hand and laid it on EphraIm’s head (he was younger), and put his left hand on ManasSeh’s head, with his arms crossed. 15 Then he blest them and said: ‘The God who found my fathers Abraham and Isaac pleasing; the God who fed me from my youth until now; 16 the messenger who protects me from all that is evil; bless these boys, and may they be called by my name and the name of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow to a vast number on the earth.’
17 Well, when Joseph noticed that his father had put his right hand on EphraIm’s head, that seemed wrong to him. So Joseph took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from EphraIm’s head to ManasSeh’s head. 18 And Joseph said: ‘[Wait], father! This is the first-born; lay your right-hand on his head!’
19 But he wouldn’t. He said, ‘I know, son, I know. [Your eldest son] will be a [tribe of] people, and he will be important. However, his younger brother will be greater, and his seed will become many nations.’
20 So he blest them that day, saying, ‘Israel will be blest by you.’ Then he added, ‘May God make you like EphraIm and ManasSeh… and he put EphraIm before ManasSeh.’
21 And Israel said to Joseph: ‘Look, I’m dying! God will be with you and He will return you to the land of your fathers. 22 I leave you Sicima, a better portion than your brothers, which I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.’
Chapter 49
1 Then Jacob called his sons and said to them, 2 ‘Gather here so I can tell you what will happen to you in later years. Gather and listen to me, sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel! Listen to your father!
3 ‘Reuben; You’re my firstborn and my strength. You’re the first of my children, but you’re hard to endure, [pig headed], 4 and as unruly as water; so bring an end to your violence! Why, you climbed up on your father’s bed and dirtied the couch that you climbed on.
5 ‘Simeon and Levi; You are brothers who are good at the injustices that separated you. 6 May my soul not pay attention to the things you say, and may my feelings never have any part in your conspiracies. For you have killed men in anger, and in your passion you’ve cut off the feet of bulls. 7 May your anger be cursed, because it was willful and cruel. So I will separate you in [the land of] Jacob and scatter you in Israel.
8 ‘Judah; Your brothers have spoken well you, so your hands will stay on the backs of your enemies, and your father’s sons will bow to you, 9 for Judah is a lion’s cub. My son; you’ve grown from the tender plant [that you once were], and now you’re a young lion. So, who will upset you? 10 There will be a ruler from Judah and a prince from his loins until the thing that is awaiting him arrives… because nations are expecting him. 11 [He will] tie his foal to a vine and his burro’s foal to a branch. He will wash his robe in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes will bring more cheer than wine, and his teeth [will be] whiter than milk.
13 ‘ZebuLun will live on the coast, near a shipping port that reaches to Sidon.
14 ‘IsSachar has desired the best thing; to rest among the [other] inheritances. 15 And [when he finds] the resting place good and the land fertile, he will put his shoulders to work and became a farmer.
16 ‘Dan will judge his people as a single tribe in Israel. 17 So, let Dan be a snake on the road that blocks the path and bites at the hooves of horses, causing riders to fall, 18 while he awaits the salvation of Jehovah.
19 ‘A group of plunderers will plunder Gad. However, he will also follow and plunder them.
20 ‘Asher will have plenty of bread, and he will provide delicious things to princes.
21 ‘NaphTali is a spreading vine [that will bear] beautiful fruit.
22 ‘Joseph is a son that has grown… [yes], my dearly-loved son has grown. Turn to me, my youngest son… 23 the one that evil men have spoken against, plotted against, and who archers [have tried to shoot]. 24 But their bows and arrows were quickly destroyed, and the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob weakened the muscles in their arms, for he’s the one that brought the strength of God to his father Israel.
25 ‘My God has helped you and blest you with the blessings that come from skies above. They are the blessings of the earth that owns everything, because they are the blessings of the breasts and the womb. 26 They are the blessings of your father and mother, which last longer than the blessings of the eternal mountains and hills. These [blessings] will be on the head of Joseph and upon the heads of the brothers over whom he took the lead.
27 ‘BenJamin is a hungry wolf that eats throughout the morning and provides food in the evening.’
28 All these are the twelve sons of Jacob, and that’s what their father said to them. He blest them… he blest each of them by the blessings they would receive. 29 Then he said to them, ‘I’m going to my people, so bury me with my ancestors in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Chettite. 30 It’s the double cave across from MamRe in the land of CanaAn. Abraham bought the cave as a tomb from Ephron the Chettite. 31 Then they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah there, as well as Isaac, and his wives Rebecca and Leah, 32 there in that part of the field where the cave of the sons of Chet is located.’
33 Then Jacob stopped giving instructions to his sons, and he lifted his feet on the bed and died, and was buried with his people.
Chapter 50
1 Well at that, Joseph fell over his father’s face, cried over him, and kissed him. 2 Then Joseph told his servants (the embalmers) to [handle] his father’s body, and the embalmers mummified Israel. 3 The process took forty days, because that’s how long it takes to mummify someone. And Egypt mourned over him for seventy days.
4 Then, when the days of mourning were finished, Joseph spoke to the Pharaoh’s princes and asked, ‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, talk to Pharaoh for me, and say, 5 ‘My father made me swear, saying, I want you to bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of CanaAn. So I wish to go there and bury my father, and then I’ll be back.’
6 And Pharaoh said to Joseph: ‘Go and bury your father, just as he made you to swear.’
7 So Joseph went up [to the land of CanaAn] to bury his father, and all of Pharaoh’s servants, all the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt traveled with him, 8 as well as the households of Joseph and his brothers, and the household of his father and his relatives. However, they left the sheep and oxen behind in the land of Gesem. 9 The entourage also included chariots and horsemen, and a large crowd of others.
10 And after they arrived at the threshing-floor of Atad (which is beyond the Jordan), they wailed for him with a very deep grief, and they mourned for his father there for seven days.
11 Well, when the people of the land of CanaAn saw the mourning at the floor of Atad, they said: ‘This is a huge mourning to the Egyptians.’ So after that, they named the place The Mourning of Egypt Beyond the Jordan.
12 Yes, that’s what his sons did for him. 13 His sons carried him up into the land of CanaAn and buried him in the double cave that Abraham bought as his own burying place from Ephron the Chettite, opposite MamRe. 14 Then Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt, along with all those who had come with him to bury his father.
15 It was after Joseph’s brothers realized that their father was dead that they said: ‘Let’s be aware [of the fact] that Joseph may decide to get even with us and pay us back at any time, for all the evil things that we did to him.’
16 So they went to Joseph and said: ‘Before his death, your father made us swear. He instructed us 17 to tell Joseph this: Forgive us for the bad things we’ve done and for our sins, because we’ve really done an evil thing to you. Now, forgive the injustice of the servants of the God of your father.’
Well, Joseph started to weep while they were talking to him. 18 Then they came up to him and said, ‘We are your servants.’
19 And Joseph said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I [belong to] God. 20 You met and talked about doing evil things to me, but God made what you said about me [turn out] for the good. And that’s why things happened as they have today; so that many people might be fed.’
21 Then he said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid; I’ll take care of you and your families.’ And he consoled them and spoke kindly to them.
22 Well, Joseph continued to live in Egypt, along with his brothers and his father’s family, and he lived a hundred and ten years. 23 Joseph [lived to] see EphraIm’s children through the third generation, and the sons of MachIr (ManasSeh’s son) were born at his side.
24 Then Joseph told his [family]: ‘I’m dying. But God will surely come to you and take you from this land into the land that God swore to our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 Then Joseph made the Sons of Israel swear, saying: ‘When God comes to you, you must carry my bones back with you.’
26 So Joseph died at a hundred and ten years old, and they prepared his body and put him in a [sarcophagus] in Egypt.
Exodus
Chapter 1
1 These are the names of the Sons of Israel that came to Egypt with their father Jacob and their families: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, 3 IsSachar, ZebuLun, BenJamin, 4 Dan, NaphTali, Gad, and Asher. 5 Then [there was] Joseph [who lived] in Egypt, so, altogether there were seventy-five of these people who [descended] from Jacob.
6 [In time], Joseph, his brothers, and that entire generation died. 7 But the children of Israel grew and multiplied into a large and strong [nation], and the land helped them to grow.
8 Then a new king became the ruler over Egypt who didn’t know Joseph. 9 And he said to his nation: ‘{Look!} The children of Israel have [grown tremendously] and they’re now more powerful than we are. 10 So, let’s be smooth in the way we deal with them, because, if they continue to grow and then we find ourselves at war, they could side with our enemies. And after they beat us in war, they will leave our land!’
11 So he appointed [governors] over them, whose [job] was to make them do hard labor; and they built fortified cities for Pharaoh, including Pithom, Ramses, and On (the City of the Sun). 12 But the more they held [the Israelites] down, the faster they grew.
Well, they multiplied so much and grew so strong that the Egyptians hated the children of Israel. 13 So the Egyptians became tyrants over Israel 14 and made their life unbearable by forcing them to work hard making bricks from clay and working in the fields… whatever needed to be done. And they were dealt with violently.
15 Then the king of Egypt told the midwives who [served] the Hebrews (one was ZipPorah and the other was Phua), 16 ‘When you serve as midwives to the Hebrew women and they’re about to give birth, kill [the baby] if it’s a boy, but leave it alone if it’s a girl.’
17 However, the midwives feared God and wouldn’t do what the king of Egypt told them… they allowed the male [babies] to live. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and asked them, ‘Why haven’t you [killed] the male [babies]?’
19 And the midwives answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘Hebrew women aren’t like the women of Egypt, because they give birth before the midwives arrive, so they [already] have their children!’
20 And [as the result], God dealt kindly with the midwives, while the [Israelites] continued to multiply and grow very strong. 21 And these midwives who feared God were able to start families.
22 Then Pharaoh told all his people: ‘Whenever a male is born to the Hebrews, you must throw it into the river, but let the females live.’
Chapter 2
1 Now, there was a certain man of the tribe of Levi who married one of the daughters of [his tribe]. 2 Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a male child. And when she saw how beautiful the child was, they hid him for three months. 3 But when they could no longer hide him, his mother got a box for him and coated it with tar, put the child inside, and set it in the mud by the river, 4 while his sister watched in the distance to see what would happen to him.
5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe. And as her handmaids were walking along by the river, they saw the box lying in the mud, so she sent a handmaid out to pick it up. 6 And when she opened it, she found the baby inside the box, crying. Well Pharaoh’s daughter felt sorry for it and said, ‘This is a Hebrew child.’
7 Then [the baby’s] sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter: ‘Would you like me to call a Hebrew [woman] to nurse the child for you?’
8 And Pharaoh’s daughter replied, ‘Go!’
So the young woman went and called [her] mother.
9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to [the mother]: ‘Take care of this child and nurse it for me, and I’ll pay you.’
So, the woman took the child and nursed it. 10 And after the boy had grown, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. [Pharaoh’s daughter] named him Moses, because she said, ‘I took him from the water.’
11 In time, after Moses had grown, he went to see his brothers, the sons of Israel. And as he was observing how bad things were, he noticed an Egyptian beating one of his Hebrew brothers of the children of Israel. 12 So he looked around and didn’t see anyone, then he bludgeoned the Egyptian and hid [his body] in the sand.
13 And on the next day, he noticed two Hebrew men fighting, and he asked the bully, ‘Why are you beating your neighbor?’
14 And he replied, ‘Who appointed you our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me like you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’
Well, Moses was stunned, and he thought, ‘If [he knows], then others will know.’ 15 And when Pharaoh found out about it, he tried to have Moses put to death. So Moses left [the house of] Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. And upon arriving in the land of Midian, he sat down next to a well.
16 Now, the Priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they were feeding their father Jethro’s sheep nearby. And when they came [to the well] to fill their jugs to water the flock, 17 some shepherds arrived and [started to] chase them away. So, Moses stood up and protected them, and then he drew water for them and watered their sheep.
18 And after that, they returned to their home in RaguEl. And their father asked them, ‘Why have you returned so quickly today?’
19 And they replied, ‘An Egyptian protected us from the shepherds, then he drew water for us and watered our sheep.’
20 So [Jethro] asked his daughters: ‘Where is he… why did you leave the man? Call him here and we’ll [provide a meal for him].’
21 Well [after that], Moses developed a good relationship with the man, and [Jethro] gave his daughter ZipPorah to be Moses’ wife. 22 Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a son who Moses named Gersam, for he said, ‘I’m a visitor in a strange land.’
23 After some time, the king of Egypt died. But the children of Israel kept groaning and crying because of their hard work. And the cries over their labor ascended to God. 24 [He] heard their groaning and God remembered the Sacred Agreement He had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 So, then He [started paying attention] to the children of Israel, and He made Himself known to them.
Chapter 3
1 Well, Moses had been tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro (the Priest of Midian), and he led the sheep into the desert to the dry mountain (Horeb). 2 And there, Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him in a flame that was burning in a bush. He saw the flames in the bush, but [the bush] wasn’t really burning. 3 And Moses said, ‘I’m going to get closer, so I can see this great sight, and see why the bush isn’t being burned!’
4 And when the Lord saw him coming closer to look, Jehovah called him from the bush. He said, ‘Moses! Moses!’
And [Moses] asked, ‘What is it?’
5 And He said, ‘Don’t come any closer. Take your sandals off, because you’re standing on holy ground.’
6 Then He said, ‘I am the God of your ancestors; the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’
Well at that, Moses turned his face away, because he was afraid to look at God.
7 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘I’ve seen the hardships that My people are enduring in Egypt, and I’ve heard their cries about their task-masters, so I know what they’re going through. 8 Now, I’ve come down here to free them from the Egyptians and to take them out of that land, to a land that is good and has plenty of room… a land that flows with milk and honey. It’s the place where the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Pherezites, Gergesites, Evites, and Jebusites [live]. 9 For, {Look!} the shouting of the children of Israel has now reached Me, and I’ve seen the suffering that the Egyptians are causing them. 10 So now, come; because I’m going to send you to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and you’re going to bring My people (the children of Israel) out of the land of Egypt.’
11 But Moses asked God: ‘Just who am I that I should go to Pharaoh the king of Egypt and bring the children of Israel out the land?’
12 And God replied, ‘I will be with you! This [place] is the sign that I’m sending you. So when you bring My people out of Egypt, you must serve God on this mountain.’
13 Then Moses said to God: ‘Look, I’ll go to the children of Israel and tell them, The God of our ancestors has sent me to you, but they’re going to ask, What is His name? So, what should I tell them?’
14 And God told Moses, ‘I am He Who [Proves] to Be! Just tell the children of Israel that He Who [Proves] to Be has sent you.’
15 Then God said to Moses, ‘Say to the Sons of Israel: Jehovah the God of our ancestors – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – has sent me to you. That’s My Name through the ages and it’s how I should be remembered from generation to generation.
16 ‘So, go and gather the elders of the children of Israel, then tell them that Jehovah, the God of your ancestors, has appeared to you. He’s the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. [And tell them that] He said, I have looked [down] and [seen] all the bad things that are happening to you in Egypt. 17 And say, I will take you away from this Egyptian oppression into the land of the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Pherezites, Gergesites, Evites, and Jebusites… a land that is flowing with milk and honey. 18 Then they will listen to what you have to say.
‘And then you and the elders of Israel must go to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and tell him: The God of the Hebrews has called us, so we’re going on a three-day journey into the desert to offer a sacrifice to our God.
19 ‘However I know that Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) won’t let you go [unless he sees] a mighty hand [of power], 20 so I will raise My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I [wish to show] them… and then he will allow you to leave.
21 ‘I will also make [My] people look good in the eyes of the Egyptians, so that when you escape, you won’t leave empty handed. 22 Women will ask their neighbors and landlords for clothing, and for gold and silver [jewelry], then you will put them on your sons and your daughters, and you will plunder the Egyptians.’
Chapter 4
1 And Moses asked: ‘But, what if they don’t listen to me and do what I tell them to do? Or, what if they say, God hasn’t appeared to you… what should I say then?’
2 And Jehovah asked him: ‘What do you have in your hand?’
He replied: ‘My walking stick.’
3 Then [God] said: ‘Throw it on the ground.’
Well, when he threw it on the ground it became a snake, and Moses ran from it.
4 And Jehovah told Moses: ‘Now, reach out and grab it by the tail.’
So [Moses] reached out and grabbed it by the tail, 5 and it became a walking stick in his hand again. [And God continued]: ‘That’s why they will believe you when you say that the God of your ancestors has appeared to you… the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob.’
6 Then Jehovah told him: ‘Now, put your hand inside [your robe and touch] your chest.’ So he reached inside and touched his chest; and when he brought his hand out it was [as white] as snow. 7 And [God] said, ‘Now, put your hand back in and touch your chest once more.’ So he reached in and touched his chest, and when he brought it out, its color returned to the regular color of his flesh.
8 [And God said], ‘So, if the first sign doesn’t make them listen and believe you, the second sign will. 9 And if they still won’t listen to you or believe you after these two signs, then draw some water from the river and pour it on the dry ground, and the river water will turn into blood.’
10 Then Moses said to Jehovah: ‘I beg you Lord; I’ve never been good at this in the past, and I’m still no good at it since You started talking to your servant… I’m a poor speaker and I talk slowly!’
11 And Jehovah asked Moses: ‘Who gave man his mouth, and who made both those who can hear and the deaf, and those who can see and the blind? Isn’t it I… God? 12 Now, go on and I will open your mouth and tell you what to say!’
13 But Moses said: ‘I beg you Lord, send someone who is more capable!’
14 Well, this made Jehovah very angry with Moses, so He said: ‘Look; isn’t Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he will speak for you. Look! He’s coming to meet you, and when he sees you, he will jump for joy. 15 Then you must talk to him and put My words in his mouth, and I will open both of your mouths and tell you what to do. 16 Then he can speak to the people for you. He will be your mouth and you will be the things of God to him. 17 So, take this walking stick that turned into a snake in your hands and work miracles with it!’
18 And thereafter, Moses returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said: ‘I‘m going to return to my brothers in Egypt, to see if any are still living.’
And Jethro said to Moses, ‘Go in health.’
Well after some time, the king of Egypt died. 19 And Jehovah said to Moses (while he was still) in Midian: ‘Go! Leave for Egypt, because those who wanted to kill you are now dead.’
20 So Moses took his wife and children, mounted them on his animals, and returned to Egypt. Moses also carried along his walking stick [with which he had received power] from God.
21 And Jehovah said to Moses: ‘When you return to Egypt, look at all the miracles that I’ve given you [the power to perform]. You must do these before Pharaoh. However, I will make him hard hearted and he will refuse to send the people away. 22 Then you must tell Pharaoh, This is what Jehovah has said: Israel is My firstborn; 23 and I’ve told you to send My people away so they can serve Me. So if you won’t send them away, {Look!} I will kill your firstborn!’
24 Well, [during their journey], a messenger of Jehovah met them along the way at an inn and wanted to kill [his son]. 25 But ZipPorah grabbed a [sharp] stone and cut off her son’s foreskin, and she fell at his feet and said, ‘The blood of my son’s circumcision is flowing!’ 26 So he left, because she said, ‘The blood of my son’s circumcision is flowing.’
27 Then Jehovah told Aaron: ‘Go into the desert to meet Moses.’ So he went and met him at the Mountain of God, and they kissed each other. 28 Then Moses told Aaron everything that Jehovah had said, why he was being sent, and of all the things that he was told to do.
29 So Moses and Aaron went and gathered the elders of the children of Israel. 30 And Aaron told them everything that God had told Moses, and he performed the miracles before the people. 31 And the people believed and were happy, because God was visiting the children of Israel and He had seen how they were being oppressed. Then the people bowed to their faces before [God].
Chapter 5
1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, ‘This is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, said: Send My people away, so they can hold a feast to Me in the desert.’
2 And Pharaoh asked, ‘Just who is this Jehovah so that I should have to pay any attention to what He has to say, and that I should send the children of Israel away? I don’t know Jehovah, and I’m not letting Israel go!’
3 Then [Moses and Aaron] said, ‘The God of the Hebrews has called us to Him. So we’re going on a three-day journey into the desert to [offer] sacrifices to our God Jehovah, for we’re afraid that [something might happen to us] and we might die or be murdered.’
4 But the king of Egypt told them: ‘Why are you, Moses and Aaron, trying to keep people from doing their work? Now, go back and do your jobs!’
5 For Pharaoh said, ‘{Look!} There are a huge number of these people, so we can’t allow them to slack off from doing their work!’
6 As the result, Pharaoh gave orders to those who were in charge, to tell their supervisors: 7 ‘Don’t give the people any straw for brick-making as you did yesterday and three days ago. Let them gather and carry the straw for themselves, 8 but maintain the quota for the daily brick making that they are required to perform… don’t let up on them, because they’re lazy! Why, they came demanding that we allow them to [go out and] make a sacrifice to their God. 9 So, make the men’s work much harder, and then they will pay attention to that, instead of to idle chatter!’
10 Well, the taskmasters and the supervisors acted quickly, and they told the people, ‘This is what Pharaoh says: I’m not going to give you straw anymore. 11 Go get it yourselves! Take it from wherever you can find it… but you must still make the same number of [bricks]!’
12 So the people were scattered all over the land of Egypt as they gathered stubble for straw. 13 And the taskmasters kept pushing them, saying, ‘You aren’t meeting the quotas that you had when [we provided] the straw.’
14 But then, the supervisors who were assigned over the children of Israel by Pharaoh’s governors were whipped, and they were asked: ‘Why aren’t you meeting your brick-making quotas as you did yesterday and three days ago?’
15 And the children of Israel’s supervisors went to see Pharaoh, and asked: ‘Why are you treating your servants this way? 16 You don’t give us any straw, but you tell us to make bricks anyhow. Look, your servants have been whipped! Are you going to allow your people to be injured?’
17 And he said to them: ‘You’re lazy and you’re slackers, for you said: Let us go and offer sacrifices to our God. 18 So, go and work instead, because you won’t be given any straw. However, you must meet the same quota of bricks!’
19 Well, the children of Israel’s supervisors realized that they were in a tight situation (since they were told that they couldn’t fail to deliver the daily quota of bricks). 20 And when they saw Moses and Aaron coming to meet them (as they were leaving Pharaoh), 21 they said, ‘May God look on you and judge you, because you’ve made us so hated by Pharaoh and his servants that you’ve put the sword into their hands with which they can kill us!’
22 Then Moses turned to Jehovah, and said, ‘I beg You, O Lord; Why have You caused trouble for these people, and why did You send me? 23 For, from the time that I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your Name, he has oppressed these people; yet You haven’t taken Your people away.’
Chapter 6
1 And Jehovah replied to Moses: ‘Now you’re going to see what I will do to Pharaoh, for he will indeed send them away… with a strong hand and a hard pitch he’ll THROW them out of his land!’
2 And God said to Moses: ‘I am Jehovah… 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I was their God. However, I didn’t show them My Name Jehovah 4 when I established My Sacred Agreement with them [and promised] to give them the land of the CanaAnites… the land where they were visitors and living as strangers.
5 ‘Now, I’ve heard the groans of the children of Israel over the oppressive way that the Egyptians are keeping them in slavery. And I’ve remembered the Sacred Agreement [that I made] with you. 6 So, go and tell the children of Israel that I am Jehovah, and I will lead them out of the tyranny of the Egyptians and free them from slavery. I will pay their ransom with a hard pitch and a great judgment! 7 I will take them to be My people, and I will be their God. And then they will know that I am Jehovah their God who freed them from the tyranny of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring them into the land that I reached out to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… I will give it to them as their inheritance, for I am Jehovah.’
9 And that’s what Moses thereafter told the Sons of Israel. However, they wouldn’t listen to Moses, because of their fear and their difficult work. 10 So Jehovah told Moses, 11 ‘Go and tell Pharaoh the king of Egypt to send the children of Israel out of his land.’
12 And Moses replied to Jehovah, saying, ‘Look, the children of Israel didn’t listen to me, so how will I get Pharaoh to listen to me? Besides, I’m not a good speaker.’ 13 So Jehovah spoke to [both] Moses and Aaron, and told them to order Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) to send the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
14 These were the family heads of each of the houses of [Israel]: The sons of Reuben (Israel’s firstborn) were Enoch, Phallus, Asron, and Charmi. They were Reuben’s children.
15 The sons of Simeon were JemuEl, Jamin, Aod, JaChin, Saar, and Saul (the son of a Phoenician woman). These were Simeon’s children.
16 The sons of Levi (and the family heads) were Gedson, CaAth, and MeraRi. And Levi lived to be a hundred and thirty-seven years old.
17 Now, Gedson’s sons (and the family heads) were Lobeni and Semei.
CaAth’s sons were 18 Ambram, IsSaar, Chebron, and Ozie. And CaAth lived to be a hundred and thirty-three years old.
19 The sons of MeraRi (and the family heads) were MoOli, and Omusi.
20 Now, Ambram married his cousin JochaBed (the daughter of his father’s brother), and she gave birth to Aaron, Moses, and Miriam (their sister). Ambram [died] when he was a hundred and thirty-two years old.
21 The sons of IsSaar were KorAh, Naphec, and Zechri. 22 And the sons of OziEl were MisaEl, EliSaphan, and Segri.
23 Then Aaron married ElisaBeth, the daughter of AminAdab and the sister of NaAsson, and she gave birth to Nadab, AbiUd, EliEzer, and IthaMar.
24 KorAh’s sons were Asir, ElKana, and AbiAsar. These were KorAh’s children.
25 Aaron’s son EliEzer married one of the daughters of PhutiEl, and she gave birth to Phineas. These are the heads of the family of the Levites, by their generations.
26 And this is Aaron and Moses, who were told by God to use their powers to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
27 So this is what they said to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, before Aaron and Moses brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, 28 in the day that Jehovah spoke to Moses.
29 Jehovah told Moses: ‘I am Jehovah! Speak to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and tell him whatever I say to you.’
30 And Moses replied to Jehovah: ‘Look, I’m not a good speaker, so how will Pharaoh listen to me?’
Chapter 7
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Look! I’ve made you a god to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron is your Prophet. 2 So tell Pharaoh everything that I’ve told you to say through your brother Aaron… tell him that he must send the children of Israel out of his land! 3 However, I will make Pharaoh hardhearted. Then I will bring many signs and wonders to the land of Egypt, 4 but Pharaoh will still refuse to listen to you. So I will lay My hand upon Egypt and bring My people, the children of Israel, out of their land by My power and with a great vengeance. 5 Then all the Egyptians will know that I am Jehovah, and that I reached out My hand toward Egypt and brought the children of Israel out of their midst.’
6 So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.
7 Moses was eighty years old, and his brother Aaron was eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.
8 Then Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron, 9 ‘If Pharaoh says you must give him a sign or a miracle, then tell your brother Aaron to throw his walking stick on the ground in front of Pharaoh and his servants, and it will become a snake.’
10 So when Moses and Aaron went in [and stood] before Pharaoh and his servants, they did just as the Lord had instructed them. Aaron threw his walking stick before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a snake. 11 However, Pharaoh brought in all the Egyptian wise men, witches, and soothsayers, and they used their magic to do the same thing… 12 they each threw down their walking sticks and they became snakes. But then, Aaron’s walking stick swallowed down their walking sticks.
13 Well, Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he refused to listen to what Jehovah had instructed them to say. 14 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Now Pharaoh’s heart has become hard and he won’t let the people go. 15 So approach Pharaoh when he goes down to the river tomorrow morning and meet him there on its bank. Then take [Aaron’s] walking stick that turned into a snake 16 and tell [Pharaoh] that Jehovah the God of the Hebrews has sent you to him, and that He says: Send My people away so they can serve Me in the desert! Look, you haven’t listened to Me so far, 17 but this is how I’m going to let you know that I am Jehovah!’
‘[Then tell him]: Look; I’m going to slap the water with this walking stick in my hand, and the river water will change into blood. 18 Then all the fish in the river will die and it will stink, and the Egyptians won’t be able to drink water from the river.’
19 And Jehovah continued, ‘Then tell your brother Aaron to take his walking stick and hold his arms out over all the water in Egypt (over their rivers, canals, ponds, and any standing water) and they will turn into blood. This blood will be throughout the entire land of Egypt… even in their pottery and wooden jars!’
20 So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. [Aaron] held out the walking stick and slapped the river right there in front of Pharaoh and his servants, and changed all the river water into blood. 21 Then all the fish in the river died and the river had a foul odor, so the Egyptians couldn’t drink water from it. And there was blood throughout the entire land of Egypt.
22 However, the Egyptian soothsayers used their magic to do the same thing, so the heart of Pharaoh became hard and he wouldn’t listen to them… which is just what Jehovah said [would happen]. 23 Then Pharaoh turned around and went back into his palace without looking at anything.
24 Well, the Egyptians had to dig [pits] around the river to find drinking water, because they couldn’t drink the river water. 25 And Jehovah’s conquest of the river lasted for seven days.
Chapter 8
1 Then the Lord told Moses: ‘Now go to Pharaoh [again] and tell him that this is what Jehovah has said: Send My people away so they can serve Me. 2 And if you don’t send them away, {Look!} I will fill your land with frogs… 3 the river will teem with frogs, and they’ll get into your houses, into your bedrooms, and onto your beds. [They will be] in the homes of your citizens, in the homes of your servants, on your dough, and on your ovens. 4 They will also climb on you, your servants, and your people.’
5 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Tell your brother Aaron to hold his arms out with his walking stick in his hand over the rivers, canals, and pools, to bring up the frogs.’
6 So Aaron held his arms out over the waters of Egypt and brought up the frogs; and the frogs that he brought up covered the land of Egypt.
7 Well, the Egyptian soothsayers used their magic and they too brought frogs upon the land of Egypt.
8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, ‘Pray to Jehovah for me and ask Him take the frogs away from my people and me. Then I will send [the children of Israel] away to offer sacrifices to Jehovah.’
9 And Moses said to Pharaoh, ‘Tell me; when I should pray for the frogs to disappear from you, your servants, and your people; [for, that’s when they will be gone] from you, your people, and your houses. However, they will remain in the river.’
10 And [Pharaoh] replied: ‘Tomorrow morning.’
Then [Moses] said, ‘It will be just as you’ve said… and then you will know that there is no [God] other than Jehovah. 11 The frogs will be removed from you, your houses, your villages, your servants, and your people. However, they will remain in the river.’ 12 And at that, Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh.
Then Moses called to Jehovah and asked Him to remove the frogs, as Pharaoh had asked. 13 And Jehovah did what Moses asked, and the frogs died in the houses, villages, and fields. 14 So, they gathered them in piles, which caused the whole land to stink.
15 Well, when Pharaoh saw that there was some relief, his heart became hard again, and he didn’t listen to the things they told him that Jehovah had said. 16 So Jehovah told Moses: ‘Now tell Aaron to take his walking stick in his hand and to hit the dirt on the ground, then fleas will cover the men and animals throughout the entire land of Egypt.’
17 So Aaron stuck out the walking stick and hit the dirt on the ground, and fleas covered the men and animals… there were fleas on the ground everywhere!
18 Well, the soothsayers tried to use their magic to do the same thing and bring out the fleas, but they were unable to do so. However, the fleas covered both men and animals, 19 so the soothsayers said to Pharaoh: ‘This is the finger of God!’
But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he wouldn’t listen to them and do as Jehovah said. 20 So Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he’s going to go down to the water. Then you must tell him that this is what Jehovah has said: Send My people away, so they can serve Me in the desert. 21 And if you won’t let My people go, {Look!} I’m going to send stable flies to you, your servants, your citizens, and into your homes. The houses of the Egyptians will be filled with stable flies, wherever they live in the land. 22 [But this time], I will create a marvelous difference in the land of Gesem, where My people are living… there’ll be no stable flies there. Then you will know that I am Jehovah, the God of all the earth, 23 when I create a difference between My people and yours! This is going to happen in your land tomorrow!’
24 Well, the stable flies came in huge numbers and they got into the houses of Pharaoh, his servants, and everyone in the land of Egypt… the land was virtually destroyed by stable flies! 25 So Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron [again] and said, ‘Now, go and offer a sacrifice to Jehovah your God in this land.’
26 But Moses said: ‘We can’t do that, because the things we will sacrifice to Jehovah our God are considered disgusting to the Egyptians. So if we sacrifice such things in front of the Egyptians, they will stone us. 27 Rather, let us travel three-days into the desert, and we will offer our sacrifices to Jehovah our God there, as our Lord has told us.’
28 Then Pharaoh said, ‘Go and sacrifice to your God in the desert; but don’t go too far; and pray to Jehovah for me!’
29 And Moses said, ‘Now I will leave you and pray to God, so that the stable flies will leave your servants and your citizens tomorrow. But Pharaoh; Don’t deceive me again and refuse to send the people away to sacrifice to Jehovah.’
30 Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to God. 31 And Jehovah did just as Moses said… He removed all the stable flies from Pharaoh, his servants, and his citizens. 32 However, Pharaoh’s heart became hard once again and he wouldn’t send the people away.
Chapter 9
1 So Jehovah told Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him that this is what Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews says: Send My people away so they can serve Me. 2 And if you don’t send My people away and if you prevent them from going, 3 {Look!} the Lord will touch the cattle in the fields – the horses, burros, camels, bulls, and sheep – and many will die! 4 I will also show a marvelous difference between [the way I will treat] the cattle of the Egyptians and the cattle of the children of Israel. None of those that belong to the children of Israel will die.’
5 Then God told him when this would happen. He said, ‘I will bring it on the land tomorrow.’
6 And the next day, cattle belonging to all the Egyptians died, but none of the children of Israel’s cattle died. 7 And when Pharaoh saw that none of the cattle that belonged to the children of Israel died (not one), Pharaoh’s heart became even harder, so he refused to let the people go.
8 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘Moses should take handfuls of furnace ashes and throw them into the sky before Pharaoh and his servants, 9 and let it blow like dust over the entire land of Egypt. Then the men and animals throughout Egypt will break out with blisters.’
10 So Moses carried furnace ashes before Pharaoh and threw them into the sky, and they caused blisters to break out on both men and animals.
11 Well, the soothsayers were no longer able to stand before Moses, because they were also covered with blisters, just like everyone else in the land of Egypt. 12 But Jehovah just made Pharaoh’s heart harder, so he wouldn’t listen to them and do what Jehovah told him to do.
13 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh, then tell him that this is what Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, has said: Send My people away so they can serve Me. 14 For, I’ve been sending all My plagues into your heart and into the hearts of your servants and your people, so you will know that there isn’t anyone else like Me in the entire earth. 15 And now I’m going to raise My hand to strike you and kill your people, wiping them off of the earth. 16 Why, the very reason that you’ve been allowed to live is so that I might display My strength through you, and so that My Name might be advertised throughout the whole earth!
17 ‘You’ve taken great pains to keep My people and to not let them go… haven't you? 18 Look! At this same time tomorrow, I will cause a hailstorm that will be the worst that Egypt has ever seen since the time it was created. 19 So, hurry and gather your cattle, as well as everything else that you have in the fields… all the men and cattle that you can find in the fields. For if they don’t go inside a house, the hail will hit them and they will die!’
20 So those servants of Pharaoh who were afraid of what Jehovah said, brought their cattle into their homes. 21 And those who didn’t pay any attention to what Jehovah said, left their cattle in the fields.
22 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Raise your hands to the sky, and there will be a hailstorm throughout the entire land of Egypt… on the men, the cattle, and on all the plants that are growing on the ground.’
23 So Moses raised his hands to the sky, and Jehovah sent hail, thunder, and lightning that rolled around on the ground. And this hail from Jehovah rained throughout the entire land of Egypt. 24 There was hail and there was lightning mixed with hail… it was the greatest hailstorm to hit Egypt in the [history of] the nation! 25 The hail landed all over the land of Egypt – on the men, the animals, and the grass in the fields – and it broke all the trees in the fields. 26 But in the land of Gesem where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.
27 So Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said: ‘I’ve sinned this time. Jehovah is righteous, and my people and I are wicked. 28 Pray to Jehovah for me and have Him stop the thunder, lightning, and the hail, then I will send you away and you won’t have to [live here] anymore.’
29 And Moses said to him: ‘After I leave the city, I will raise my hands to Jehovah, and the thunder, lightning, hail, and rain will stop… and then you will know that the earth belongs to Jehovah. 30 However, I know that you and your servants don’t fear Jehovah yet.’
31 Well, [Egypt’s] flax and barley was all destroyed, because the barley was fully-grown and the flax had seeds. 32 However, the wheat and rye hadn’t been damaged, because they came up later.
33 So then, Moses left Pharaoh and [walked] out of the city. And when he raised his hands to Jehovah, the thundering stopped, and the rain and hail stopped falling.
34 But when Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thundering had stopped, he continued to sin. He hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants. 35 And it was because of this hard heart that Pharaoh refused to send the children of Israel away, as Jehovah had instructed Moses.
Chapter 10
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, ‘Go to Pharaoh [again], because I’ve hardened the hearts of him and his servants, so I could bring these signs upon them. 2 [I did this] so you could tell your children and your children’s children of the many ways that I’ve mocked the Egyptians, and of the wonders that I’ve brought upon them, so they will know that I am Jehovah.’
3 Then Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh and said to him, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of the Hebrews says: How much longer will you refuse to respect Me? Send My people away, so they can serve Me. 4 But if you won’t send My people away, {Look!} at this same time tomorrow I will bring a huge amount of locusts to all your borders. 5 They will cover the entire land, and you won’t be able to see the ground. They will eat everything that the hail has left you, and chew up every tree that you have growing in the land. 6 Your houses, the houses of your servants, and all the houses in all the land of Egypt will be filled with them. It will be something that neither your fathers nor their ancestors have ever seen from their time until today.’
Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh. 7 And Pharaoh’s servants said to him, ‘How much longer are you going to allow them to be a snare to us? Send those people away so they can serve their God! Don’t you realize that Egypt is [being] destroyed?’
8 So they went and brought Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh, and he said to them: ‘You may go and serve Jehovah your God… but, just who will be going with you?’
9 And Moses replied, ‘We will be taking the young and the old, along with our sons, daughters, sheep, and bulls, because this is a feast of Jehovah.’
10 Then [Pharaoh] said to them, ‘May Jehovah be with you. But if I send you away, must I also [send away] all that you own? You have an evil [plan], 11 so [I’m] not going to [allow that]! I’ll just allow the men to go and serve God, because that’s all you really wanted… now throw them out from before the presence of Pharaoh!’
12 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Now raise your hands over the land of Egypt and let the locusts come to the land. They will eat every plant on the ground and all the fruit that wasn’t damaged by the hail on the trees!’
13 So Moses lifted his walking stick to the sky, and Jehovah sent a south wind [that blew] all day and all night long. Then the next morning, the south wind brought the locusts 14 and sent them throughout the land of Egypt. And there they sat in huge numbers throughout all the borders of Egypt. Never had such locusts been seen before or since! 15 They covered the entire ground and destroyed the land. They ate all the plants off the ground and any fruit in the trees that hadn’t been damaged by the hail… nothing green was left on the trees or in the fields anywhere in the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron, and said: ‘I have sinned before Jehovah your God and against you. 17 [Please] pardon my sin one more time and pray to Jehovah your God, for Him take away this death!’
18 So Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to God, 19 then Jehovah sent a strong wind from the sea that blew in the opposite direction, which picked up the locusts and threw them into the Red Sea, so there wasn’t a single locust left anywhere in the land of Egypt. 20 But Jehovah continued to harden Pharaoh’s heart, so he didn’t send the children of Israel away.
21 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘Lift your hands toward the sky and bring darkness to the land of Egypt… a darkness that can be felt.’
22 So Moses raised his hands to the sky, and it stormed throughout the land of Egypt for three days and the sky became totally black. 23 And for three days, nobody could see anyone else, so no one got out of bed. However, all the children of Israel had light where they were.
24 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron, and said: ‘Go serve your God Jehovah, but leave your sheep, your bulls, and your belongings.’
25 However, Moses said: ‘No; You must allow us the burnt offerings and sacrifices that we’re going to offer to Jehovah our God… 26 so our cattle will be going with us! We won’t leave a hoof behind, because we’re going to take them to serve Jehovah our God, and we won’t know how we’re going to serve Him until we get there.’
27 But Jehovah kept hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and he wouldn’t let them go. 28 So Pharaoh said, ‘Get away from me, and be careful not to see my face again! Because the next time you appear before me, you’re going to die!’
29 And Moses replied: ‘That’s what you’ve said, so I won’t appear in your presence again!’
Chapter 11
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘I’m going to bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt, and then he will send you away with everything… in fact, he’ll drive you out! 2 Now, go to the people secretly and tell them to ask their neighbors for clothing, as well as for silver and gold jewelry.’
3 So Jehovah caused his people to be looked on favorably by the Egyptians, and they were willing to lend things to them, because the Egyptians considered Moses a great man… even greater than Pharaoh and his servants.
4 Then Moses told [the children of Israel], ‘This is what Jehovah said: About midnight I will be going throughout Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne to the firstborn of the female slave who sits by the mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. 6 Then a cry will [be heard] throughout the land of Egypt such as has never been heard before and will never be repeated. 7 However, among the children of Israel, not even a dog will snarl at a man or an animal. That’s when you will see how great the difference is, that Jehovah will make between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 [The Egyptians] will then be your servants. They will come to [you] and bow, saying, Leave… you and all the people that you’re in charge of. And that’s when [you will] leave.’
9 Now, Moses had left Pharaoh [feeling very] angry. And as Jehovah told Moses, ‘Pharaoh isn’t going to listen to you, so I can show great signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.’ 10 And Moses and Aaron brought about all these signs and wonders in the land of Egypt and before Pharaoh. But Jehovah kept hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and he wouldn’t listen and send the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
Chapter 12
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron there in the land of Egypt, and said, 2 ‘This will be your first month. It is to be the first one [in your] year. 3 So, tell the whole gathering of the children of Israel that on the tenth day of this month, each man should select a lamb for his household (depending on the size of his family). 4 And if there are just a few in his house – too few [to eat a whole] lamb – they may go to [the home of] a nearby neighbor. And to figure out how many people that will be, they should each calculate how much lamb they will eat.
5 ‘So, choose a perfect male yearling lamb from [your herd] of lambs and kids, 6 and keep it nearby until the fourteenth day of this month. Then the whole gathering of the children of Israel must slaughter [their lambs] toward the evening. 7 And they must gather the blood and put it on the top and both sides of the doorframes of the houses where they will be eating [the lamb]. 8 Then that night, they must roast the flesh over a fire and eat it with fermentation-free bread and bitter herbs.
9 ‘Now, you must not eat it raw or boiled in water, just roasted over a fire with the head, feet, and extremities. 10 Nothing should be left over until morning, and you shouldn’t break any of its bones. Any leftovers must be burned in the fire.
11 ‘And this is how you must eat it: With your thighs covered for work, your sandals on your feet, and your walking sticks in your hands. Then you must eat it quickly, for it is Jehovah’s Passover. 12 Because, I will go throughout the land of Egypt that night and strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt (both men and animals), and I will bring My vengeance upon all the gods of Egypt, for I am Jehovah.
13 ‘Now, this blood will be the sign that you’re in the house, so I will see the blood and protect you. That way, you won’t be a part of the plague of destruction when I strike the land of Egypt.
14 ‘You must always remember this day and keep it as a feast to Jehovah through all your generations. [Observance of] this feast will be the law through the ages.
15 ‘Now, you will eat fermentation-free bread for seven days. And starting on the first day, you must remove all fermentation from your homes. And if someone eats fermentation between the first and seventh days, that person must be destroyed in Israel.
16 ‘The first day will be called holy, and the seventh day will be your holy day. You aren’t to do any hired work then. The only work that you may do will be for the things that you require.
17 ‘And you must keep this commandment, because this is the day that I will use My great power to bring you out of the land of Egypt, and you will make this day a law through the ages for every generation.
18 ‘You must eat fermentation-free bread from the evening of the fourteenth-day of the first month, until the evening of the twenty-first day. 19 Fermentation must not be found in your homes during those seven days, and whoever eats anything with fermentation [in it] will have his life cut off from the gathering of Israel, and he will be self-condemned in the land. This applies to the native residents of the land, as well as to their neighbors (converts). 20 Nobody should eat anything that has fermentation; only fermentation-free bread may be eaten in any of your homes.’
21 Then Moses called all the elders of the children of Israel and told them, ‘Go find yourselves a lamb (according to your family needs) and slaughter the Passover. 22 Then [cut] a bunch of hyssop branches and dip them into some of the blood next to the door, and touch it to the upper part and both sides of the door frame… this blood, which is by the door. Then no one should go outside the door of his house until morning, 23 for Jehovah will pass over you [as He] strikes the Egyptians… He will see the blood on the doorframes and Jehovah will pass over that door. He won’t allow the destroyer to enter your homes to strike you.
24 ‘Now, keep this as a Law for yourselves and for your descendants through the age. 25 And if you should enter the land that Jehovah promises to give you, you must keep on doing this. 26 Then, if your sons should ever ask, Why are we doing this? 27 You should tell them, The Passover is a sacrifice to Jehovah, for when He protected the homes of the children of Israel in Egypt and He struck the Egyptians, but [passed over] our homes.’
28 Well, the people bowed to their faces, then the children of Israel went and did exactly as Jehovah had instructed Moses and Aaron.
29 It was midnight when Jehovah struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… from the firstborn of Pharaoh who was sitting on the throne, to the firstborn of the female slave who was sitting in a dungeon, to the firstborn of all the cattle. 30 So Pharaoh woke up that night (as did his servants and all the Egyptians) and there was a lot of screaming throughout the entire land of Egypt, for someone had died in every home.
31 As the result, Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron that night and told them: ‘Get up and leave us, both you and the children of Israel! Go and serve your God Jehovah as you’ve asked, 32 and take your sheep and bulls along with you. But please bless me… I beg you!’
33 Then the Egyptians urged them to leave their land quickly, because they were saying, ‘We’re all going to die!’
34 So the children of Israel took the dough that had no fermentation and wrapped it in cloth, then put it on their shoulders. 35 And following Moses’ instructions, they asked the Egyptians for clothing and for items of silver and gold. 36 And Jehovah caused the Egyptians to view them favorably, so they [gave these things] to them… they plundered the Egyptians.
37 Then the children of Israel left [the city of] Ramses [and traveled] to SocChoth… six hundred thousand men on foot with everything they owned, 38 along with a huge number of others who left with them, along with their sheep, bulls, and many cattle.
39 Then they baked the dough that they had brought from Egypt into fermentation-free loaves (there was still no fermentation in the dough), because the Egyptians wouldn’t allow them to stay, and they had [virtually] thrown them out; so they didn’t have time to make provisions for their journey.
40 Now, although it had been four hundred and thirty years that the children of Israel had stayed in the land of Egypt and in the land of CanaAn, 41 the whole army of Jehovah left the land of Egypt that night. 42 It was [the night] when they kept watching for Jehovah to bring them out of the land of Egypt, so all the children of Israel throughout all their generations must keep this same night as a night of watch to Jehovah.
43 Then Jehovah told Moses and Aaron: ‘This is the Law regarding the Passover: No stranger may eat it, 44 and any slave or servant that you buy must be circumcised before he can eat it. 45 Visitors and people you hire can’t eat it. 46 It must be eaten in one house, because you can’t carry the flesh outside the house… and no bones should be broken. 47 The entire gathering of the children of Israel must do this.
48 And if a convert comes and wants to keep the Passover to Jehovah, you must circumcise all their males before they can come and offer the sacrifice; and then they will be treated as residents in the land. However, no one who is uncircumcised may eat it. 49 So there will be just one Law, and it will apply to both the native residents and to those who come to be converts among you.’
50 Then the children of Israel did exactly as Jehovah had instructed Moses and Aaron. 51 And so, that was the day when Jehovah brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with all their forces.
Chapter 13
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: 2 ‘All the first-fathered and firstborn that open any womb among the children of Israel, whether of men or animals, are to be set aside as holy to Me, for they are Mine.’
3 And Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day! [It’s the one] when you were brought out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery; for Jehovah brought you out of there with His strong hand. So, fermentation must not be eaten [now]!
4 ‘And it was on this day of new grain that you left, 5 so when Jehovah your God brings you into the land of the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Evites, Jebusites, Gergesites, and Pherezites, which He swore to your ancestors that He would give you – a land that flows with milk and honey – you must perform this same service during this month. 6 Six days you will eat fermentation-free bread, and the seventh day will be a feast day to Jehovah. 7 So for seven days you will eat fermentation-free bread. Nothing with fermentation may be seen among you, nor may you have fermentation inside all your borders. 8 And you will tell your sons on this day: This is how Jehovah dealt with me as I was leaving Egypt.
9 ‘So, let it remain as a sign on your hand and as something to remember before your eyes, that Jehovah’s Law may always stay on your [lips], because Jehovah God brought you out of Egypt with His strong hand. 10 So, each year at this time and season, you must observe this Law.
11 ‘And when Jehovah your God brings you into the land of the CanaAnites, which He swore to your ancestors that he would give you, 12 you must set aside every male that opens a womb to Jehovah. This includes those among your flocks and herds of cattle… as many as you have. [All the] males must be [set aside as] holy to Jehovah.
13 ‘However, when it comes to burros, you must offer a sheep instead… you can’t exchange it, you must buy it back [from Jehovah], and you must buy back every firstborn son.
14 ‘And if your son should ever ask you, Why are you doing this? You must tell him, Jehovah brought us out of Egypt and out of the house of slavery with His strong hand. 15 And when Pharaoh’s heart became hard and [he refused] to send us away, [God] slaughtered all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the men and the animals. That’s why we offer every male that opens a womb to Jehovah, and that’s why we buy back all of our firstborn sons.
16 ‘So, may this be a sign on your hand and something that is always fixed in front of your eyes, because Jehovah brought you out of Egypt with His strong hand.’
17 Well, after Pharaoh sent the people away, God didn’t lead them toward the land of the Philistines (although it wasn’t far away), because God said, ‘[This is to keep] the people from having a change of heart when they see war, and from returning to Egypt.’ 18 So God led them around the desert toward the Red Sea
It was the fifth generation of the children of Israel that left the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took Joseph’s bones along, because [Joseph] had made the children of Israel swear, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, so you must carry my bones back with you.’
20 So the children of Israel left SocChoth and went to camp at Othom, which is near the desert. 21 God led them there using a tall column of clouds during the day (to show them the way) and a tall column of fire during the night. 22 The column of clouds was there all day, every day, and the column of fire was always there in front of the people at night.
Chapter 14
1 Then Jehovah said to Moses, 2 ‘Tell the children of Israel to turn around and set up camp in front of the village of Magdol… between it and the sea, across from Beel-SepPhon. Camp there in front of them, next to the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say to his people, The children of Israel are just wandering in the land, and now they are boxed in!
4 ‘Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. And Pharaoh and his whole army will bring glory to Me, and all the Egyptians will know that I am Jehovah.’
And that’s what happened. 5 A report was carried to the king of the Egyptians that the people had run away. And this changed the hearts of Pharaoh and his servants against the [children of Israel], and they started asking, ‘What have we have done by allowing the children of Israel to go, rather than to have them serving us?’
6 So Pharaoh prepared his chariots and took all his people with him. 7 They took along six hundred of their best chariots, the entire Egyptian cavalry, and all his generals.
8 But it was because Jehovah had hardened the hearts of Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) and his servants that he chased after the children of Israel. And the children of Israel allowed them the upper hand. 9 Because, when the Egyptians chased them, they found them camped there by the sea.
Well, there was all of Pharaoh’s cavalry, his chariots, his horsemen, and his army at the village near Beel-SepPhon. 10 And as Pharaoh approached, the children of Israel could see the Egyptians [marching] behind them, and they were terrified and started calling out to Jehovah.
11 Then they asked Moses, ‘Aren’t there enough graves in the land of Egypt so that you had to bring us out here to kill us in the desert? What have you done to us by taking us out of Egypt? 12 Wasn’t it enough that we told you in Egypt to leave us alone, so we could serve the Egyptians? Why, it’s better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die here in this desert!’
13 But Moses said to the people, ‘Don’t be afraid; Stand here and watch the salvation that comes from Jehovah and the things He will do for us on this day. Why, you see all those Egyptians today, but you won’t see them again in this age, 14 because Jehovah is going to fight for you, so you will be at peace!’
15 Then Jehovah asked Moses, ‘Why are they shouting to Me? Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to go on! 16 Raise your walking stick and lift your hands over the sea, and split it. Then [lead] the children of Israel across on dry land through the midst of the sea.
17 ‘Then {Look!}, I will harden the hearts of Pharaoh and all the Egyptians, and they will follow you, so Pharaoh, his army, his chariots, and his horses will glorify Me; 18 and all the Egyptians will know that I am Jehovah when I’m glorified by Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horses.’
19 It was then that the messenger of God who traveled in front of the camp of the children of Israel left and went to its rear. So the column of clouds moved and stayed behind them, 20 between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. And as it was standing there, it started to get dark, and the night became very black, so they couldn’t come any closer all night long.
21 Then Moses lifted his arms over the sea, and Jehovah pushed the sea back with a strong south wind [that blew] all night long. This dried the seabed and divided the water. 22 So the children of Israel walked into the middle of the sea on dry land, and a wall of water stood there on their right and on their left.
23 But then the Egyptians went in after them and chased them… all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen went through the middle of the sea. 24 And it was during the morning watch that Jehovah looked at the Egyptians through the columns of fire and clouds, and [He created] trouble in their camp. 25 The wheels on their chariots sank to their axels, so they were hard to pull. And the Egyptians said, ‘Let’s run from the face of Israel, because Jehovah is fighting for them against the Egyptians!’
26 Then Jehovah told Moses; ‘Now, stretch your arms out over the sea and let the water fall back in its place… let it cover the Egyptian chariots and their riders.’
27 So Moses stretched his arms out over the sea, and the water returned to its place around daybreak. The Egyptians tried to run from the water, but Jehovah just kept shaking them back into the middle of the sea. 28 So the water returned and covered the chariots and their riders, along with the whole army of Pharaoh that followed them into the sea; and there were no survivors.
29 Yet, the children of Israel had crossed through the middle of the sea on dry land, while the water stood like walls on their right and on their left. 30 So Jehovah saved Israel that day from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead by the seashore. 31 And Israel saw Jehovah’s mighty hand in the things He did to the Egyptians, and they started to fear Jehovah and trust in God and in His servant Moses.
Chapter 15
1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to God:
‘Let’s sing to Jehovah, for He has been glorified.
He’s thrown the horses and riders into the sea.
2 He’s been our helper and protector,
And He has brought us salvation.
This is my God and I’ll praise Him.
He’s the God of my fathers and I’ll hold Him high.
3 Jehovah brings an end to all war,
[Yes, Jehovah] is His Name.
4 Into the sea He threw
The chariots of Pharaoh and his army;
The Red Sea swallowed the best mounted generals,
5 Then He covered them up with the sea,
And they sank to its bottom like stones.
6 The strength of Your right hand, O God,
Has been made [ever so] glorious.
And Your right hand, O God,
Has broken [all of] Your enemies.
7 In Your glory You have broken our enemies to pieces.
You sent [upon them] Your rage,
And it ate them up just like stubble.
8 By the spirit of Your rage the waters had parted…
The water became solid like a wall.
And the waves became solid in the midst of the sea.
9 The enemy said, ‘I’ll chase and overtake them…
I’ll divide the plunder and make myself happy.
I will destroy with my sword,
And I’ll dominate with my hand.
10 But then You sent out Your wind,
And the sea covered them over…
They sank like lead amid mighty waters.
11 Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?
Yes, who else is there like You?
For, in holiness You are glorified,
And we marvel at all of Your glories.
12 You raised Your right hand and brought wonders,
For the earth swallowed them down.
13 But You righteously guided the people You purchased,
By Your strength You called them to Your holy place of rest.
14 The nations heard this and were angry…
Pangs of birth grabbed hold of Philistines.
15 The princes of Edom and Moab,
And all their chiefs have now fled.
They all had started to tremble,
And all in CanaAn have melted away.
16 May they tremble in fear of the strength of Your arm,
And may they become just like stones, O Lord,
Until Your people pass them by… Until the people You’ve purchased pass them by.
17 Take us and plant us in the mountains we’ll inherit…
In the home You’ve prepared [for us], O Lord…
In the place of safety You’ve prepared with Your hands,
18 For, Jehovah reigns through the age,
And on through the ages of the ages.
19 Pharaoh’s horse sank in the sea,
Along with his chariots and horsemen.
Then Jehovah covered them over with water,
But the children of Israel walked on dry land,
Through the midst of the sea.’
20 Then the Prophetess Miriam (Aaron’s sister) picked up her tambourine, and all the other women went to get their tambourines, and they all started dancing. 21 Miriam led them, saying, ‘Let’s sing to Jehovah, for He has been glorified. The horses and riders have been thrown in the sea…’
22 And thereafter, Moses led the children of Israel away from the Red Sea and brought them into the desert of Sur. And after three days in the desert, they couldn’t find any water to drink; 23 and when they got to MerRha, they couldn’t drink the water there, because it was bitter. So [Moses] named that place Bitterness.
24 Well, then the people started complaining about Moses. They were asking, ‘What are we going to drink?’
25 So Moses called to Jehovah, and Jehovah showed him a tree, which [Moses] threw into the water and the water became sweet… and this is the place where [God] gave him His Laws and decisions, and where He showed His approval. 26 For [God] said: ‘If you will listen to the voice of Jehovah your God, do things that please Him, obey His Commandments, and keep all His Laws, I won’t bring any of the [plagues] upon you that I brought on the Egyptians. For I am Jehovah; the God who makes you well.’
27 And when they arrived at AiLim, they found twelve springs of water and seventy branching palm trees, so they camped there by the water.
Chapter 16
1 Then they left AiLim, and the entire gathering of the children of Israel traveled to the Sin Desert, which is between AiLim and Sinai. And on the fifteenth day of the second month from their leaving the land of Egypt, 2 the entire gathering of the children of Israel started complaining about Moses and Aaron. 3 They told them, ‘We would rather have died [with those who were] struck by Jehovah in the land of Egypt, back when we could sit by the stew pots and eat all the bread we wanted! Now you’ve brought us out into this desert to starve us all to death!’
4 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Look! I will rain bread on you from the sky. Then the people will go out and gather their allotment for each day, so I can test them to see whether they will follow My Law or not. 5 For on the sixth day, they will gather whatever they can, and it will be double what they gathered on the previous days.’
6 So Moses and Aaron spoke to the entire gathering of the children of Israel, saying, ‘This evening you will know that it was Jehovah who brought you out of the land of Egypt; 7 for in the morning you will see the glory of Jehovah. Because, He has heard you complaining against Him… and what are we that you keep complaining about us?’
8 Then Moses said, ‘This evening Jehovah will give you meat to eat, and in the morning He will provide enough bread to satisfy you, because Jehovah has heard all the complaints that you have against us… and what are we? You aren’t complaining against us, but against God!’
9 And Moses said to Aaron, ‘Tell the entire gathering of the children of Israel: Go up close to God, because He has heard you complaining.’
10 Then, after Aaron spoke to them, they turned toward the desert, and the glory of Jehovah appeared in a cloud. 11 And at that, Jehovah spoke to Moses, and said, 12 ‘I’ve heard the children of Israel’s complaints. So, tell them: This evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will have enough bread to satisfy you… and then you will know that I am Jehovah your God.’
13 Well, that evening a [huge flock] of quail flew in and covered the camp. 14 And the next morning, after the dew around about the camp had dried, {Look!} there on the surface of the desert (lying there like frost), were small things that looked like white coriander seeds. 15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they asked each other, ‘What is this? ([Man nah?])’ because they didn’t know what it was.
And Moses told them, 16 ‘This is the bread that Jehovah has given you to eat… it’s what Jehovah has approved. Each man should gather a third of a bushel for each person in his family. Go gather it along with those who are living with you.’
17 And that’s what the children of Israel did. Some gathered more and others gathered less, 18 yet those who gathered the full third of a bushel didn’t have any leftovers, and those who gathered less never went hungry. So they all gathered just what their households needed.
19 However, Moses told them: ‘Nobody should save any for the next morning.’
20 But many wouldn’t listen to Moses, and they kept it until the next morning. However, by then it had worms and it smelled… and this irritated Moses. 21 So each morning, every man would collect all he needed, and everything melted after the sun went down. 22 Then on the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as they needed... two-thirds of a bushel per person. So all the chiefs of their gathering went and reported it to Moses. 23 And Moses asked, ‘Didn’t Jehovah tell us that tomorrow is the Sabbath… a holy [day of] rest to Jehovah? So, bake all that you can bake, and boil all that you can boil, so that the leftovers can be stored for tomorrow!’
24 As the result, they stored the leftovers until the next morning, just as Moses told them, and it didn’t stink and there weren’t any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, ‘That’s what you must eat today, because today is a Sabbath to Jehovah… so you won’t find any in the fields. 26 You must collect it for six days, but the seventh day is a Sabbath, so there won’t be any then.’
27 Yet, on the seventh day, some of the people still went out to collect it, but they couldn’t find any. 28 So Jehovah asked Moses, ‘How long are you going to fail to listen to My commands and [obey] My laws? 29 Look; I’ve given you this day as the Sabbath, and I gave you enough bread to last for two days on the sixth day. So sit there in your homes and don’t allow anyone to leave his place on the seventh day!’
30 And thereafter, the people kept the Sabbath on the seventh day.
31 Well, the children of Israel called this [food] manna. It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like crackers and honey.
32 Then Moses said, ‘This is what Jehovah commanded: We are to collect a third of a bushel of manna and set it aside, so that future generations can see the bread that you ate in the desert after Jehovah led you from the land of Egypt.’ 33 And he told Aaron: ‘Take a gold pot and fill it with a full third-of-a-bushel of manna, then store it away for God and keep it for future generations.’
34 And just as Jehovah told Moses, Aaron stored it away as a testimony.
35 So the children of Israel ate manna for forty years. They ate manna until they got to the land of Phoenicia. 36 Now, a homer (a third of a bushel) was a tenth of three bath measures.
Chapter 17
1 Then the entire gathering of the children of Israel left the desert of Sin, following the order of their camps, and Jehovah told them to camp in RaphiDin. However, there was no water for the people to drink, 2 so they started shouting at Moses and saying, ‘Give us water to drink!’
And Moses asked them, ‘Why are you shouting at me, and why are you asking Jehovah to prove Himself?
3 Well, the people were very thirsty there, and they complained again to Moses, saying, ‘What’s the point? Did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill our children, our cattle, and us with thirst?’
4 Then Moses called to Jehovah, and said, ‘What should I do with these people? Why, before long they’ll stone me!’
5 And Jehovah replied to Moses, ‘Go before the people and bring along some of their elders. Then take the walking stick that you slapped the [Nile] river with into your hand, and go 6 to the rock in the dry place (Horeb). And look! I’ll be standing there before you! [Then you must] hit the rock, and water will pour from it, and the people will [have something to] drink.’
So, Moses went before the Sons of Israel. 7 And he named that place Proof and Shouting, because of all the shouting of the children of Israel, and because they wanted Jehovah to prove Himself when they asked, ‘Is Jehovah among us or not?’
8 Then the Amalechites came to fight against Israel in RaphiDin. 9 And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose your best men and form battle lines against the Amalechites tomorrow, and {Look!} I will be standing on top of the hill with the walking stick of God in my hands.’
10 So, Joshua did just as Moses told him. He went out and formed his army in battle lines against the Amalechites; then Moses, Aaron, and Or went up to the top of the hill. 11 And whenever Moses raised his arms, Israel would be superior, but when he let them down, the Amalechites were more successful. 12 However, Moses’ arms soon got tired, so they found a rock and had him sit on top of it, then Aaron and Or supported his arms on either side, and they held them there until the sun set.
13 So, Joshua drove the Amalechites and all their people away by slaughtering them with swords. 14 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘Write this in a book so it will be remembered: Tell Joshua that I’m going to totally blot out all memory of the Amalechites from under the heavens.’
15 Then Moses then built an altar to Jehovah there and named it My Refuge, 16 because Jehovah was secretly waging war against all generations of the Amalechites.
Chapter 18
1 Well, Jethro (the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law) heard of all that Jehovah had done for his people Israel by bringing them out of Egypt. 2 So Jethro [went to him], along with Moses’ wife ZipPorah (since [Moses] had sent her 3 and her two sons away). [One of his sons] was named Gersam, because, as [Moses] said: ‘I was a visitor in a strange land,’ 4 and [the other was named] EliEzer, because, as [Moses] said: ‘The God of my fathers is my helper and He rescued me from the hand of Pharaoh.’
5 Jethro took them to Moses in the desert… to his camp on the Mountain of God. 6 And when Moses was told, ‘Look! Your father-in-law Jethro is coming and he’s bringing your wife and two sons with him,’ 7 Moses went out to meet them. Then [Moses] bowed before his father-in-law and kissed him, and they hugged each other; then he led them into his tent, 8 where Moses told his father-in-law everything that Jehovah had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, of all the things that had happened to them along the way, and of how Jehovah had rescued them from the hands of Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
9 Well, Jethro was amazed at all the good things that Jehovah had done for them by rescuing them. 10 And Jethro said, ‘Praise Jehovah, because He rescued them from the hands of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. 11 Now I now know that Jehovah is higher than all [other] gods, and that’s why [the children of Israel] were attacked.’
12 Then Jethro presented whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for God, and Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat bread before God along with Moses’ father-in-law.
13 Well, the next morning, Moses sat down to [serve as] judge for the people, and they [kept coming to] Moses all day long. 14 And when Jethro noticed all that [Moses was doing], he asked, ‘Why are you sitting there all by yourself as the people come to you from morning until night?’
15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, ‘Well, the people are coming to me to receive God’s decisions. 16 Because, whenever they have a disagreement, they come to me and I judge each [case]. I teach them the Laws of God and [I judge by] His Laws.’
17 However, Moses’ father-in-law told him, ‘You aren’t handling this thing right, 18 for this will just wear you down, and your people will get tired of it too. You won’t be able to keep doing this all by yourself. 19 So, listen to me; I’m going to tell you what to do, and God will be with you.
‘You can be [the one] who [leads] the people in matters that pertain to God, and you can take their problems before God. 20 You should also [teach] them God’s [ways] and His Laws, and show them how to act and the things that they should be doing. 21 But, keep an eye out among the people for capable, righteous men who fear God… righteous men who hate pride. Then appoint as chiefs over thousands, chiefs over hundreds, chiefs over fifties, and chiefs over tens. 22 Then let them spend all their time judging. And whenever a problem is too great, then they should bring it to you. Let them help you free up your [time] by judging the smaller cases. 23 And if you do that, God will strengthen you, you will [have time to take care of more important matters], and these people will [return to their tents] more peacefully.’
24 Well, Moses paid attention to his father-in-law’s suggestion and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men throughout all of Israel and made them chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens. 26 Then they judged the people, and whenever a matter was too weighty, they brought it to Moses, while they judged the lighter matters.
27 Then Moses [said goodbye] to his father-in-law, and [Jethro] returned to his own land.
Chapter 19
1 It was on the same day (in the third month after the children of Israel left the land of Egypt) that they arrived in the Sinai desert. 2 They had left RaphiDin and traveled through the desert to Sinai; and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses climbed the Mountain of God, and God called to him on the mountain, saying, ‘You must tell this to the house of Jacob, and report [My words] to the children of Israel: 4 You have seen all that I’ve done to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you as on the wings of eagles and brought you close to Me. 5 Now, if you will listen to what I tell you and keep My Sacred Agreement, you will be a special people to Me that will be higher than all other nations. And because the whole earth is Mine, 6 you will become a holy nation and My Royal Priesthood.
‘Now, [go] and tell this to the children of Israel!’
7 So Moses went back and called the people’s elders, and laid out what God said and how He said it. 8 And all the people answered unanimously, saying, ‘We will listen to and obey everything that God has said!’ And Moses reported their words to God.
9 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘{Look!} I’m going to come to you in a column of clouds, so the people can hear Me speaking to you. Then they will believe you through the age.’ And Moses reported what Jehovah said back to the people.
10 Then Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Go down and give solemn instructions to the people. They must be cleansed both today and tomorrow, and they must wash their clothes. 11 Make sure they are ready by the third day, because on the third day the Lord will descend to Mount Sinai before all the people. 12 And make sure that they keep themselves some distance from the mountain. Tell them: Be careful not to step on any part of the mountain, or to touch any part of it. For, anyone who touches the mountain will surely die. 13 No hand should touch it, and anyone who does must be pelted with rocks or shot through with arrows… whether it’s a man or animal, [he or she] will not live… they can only climb the mountain after the voices, trumpeting, and clouds are gone.’
14 So Moses went down the mountain to the people. He then cleansed them and [had them] wash their clothes. 15 And he told them, ‘Get ready… and for the next three days, no [man] should even get close to a woman!’
16 So, as the morning of the third day dawned, there were voices; there was lightning; there was a dark cloud on Sinai; and there was trumpeting that was so loud the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood there close to the camp.
18 Then the whole mountain started to smoke, because God had descended upon it in fire. And the smoke kept rising as though it was a furnace, and the people were all in awe.
19 Well, the trumpeting got even louder as Moses spoke. Then God answered him with a voice… 20 Jehovah came down to the top of Mount Sinai and He called Moses, [telling him to come] to the top of the mountain! So, Moses went up, 21 then God told Moses: ‘Go down and warn the people [again], for fear that that they might come closer to see God, which will cause many of them to [die]. 22 And make sure that any Priests who come close to Jehovah God have cleansed themselves, so He doesn’t [have to] destroy some of them!’
23 Then Moses said to God, ‘The people won’t be able to approach Mount Sinai, because You warned us, saying, Set boundaries around the mountain and make it holy.’
24 Then the Lord told him: ‘Now, go down [the mountain] and bring Aaron back with you. But don’t allow the Priests or the people to force their way up to God, for fear that Jehovah will destroy them.’
25 So Moses went [back] down to the people and reminded them [again].
Chapter 20
1 Then Jehovah said all of this:
2 ‘I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 3 So you must have no gods other than Me.
4 ‘You must not make images for yourselves of anything in the skies above, on the earth below, or of things that live in the water under the earth. 5 You must not bow before them or serve them, for I Jehovah your God am a zealous God, and I bring the sins of the ancestors upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me. 6 But I am merciful to the thousands who love Me and keep My Commandments.
7 ‘You must not misuse the Name of your God Jehovah, for Jehovah your God will not forgive those who misuse His Name.
8 ‘Keep the Sabbath day and make it holy. 9 You may work and get everything done in six days, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of your God Jehovah, and you must do no work… not you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, your ox, your burro, any of your cattle, or any strangers that are visiting among you. 11 Because, Jehovah made the sky, the ground, the seas and everything in them, then He rested on the seventh day. So Jehovah blest the seventh day and made it holy.
12 ‘Honor your father and mother, as Jehovah your God commanded you, so that things may go well for you and that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you.
13 ‘You must not commit adultery.
14 ‘You must not steal.
15 ‘You must not commit murder.
16 ‘You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 ‘You must not desire your neighbor’s wife, his house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his burro, any other animal, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.’
18 Well, [during this time] the people were paying attention to all the thunder and lightning, the sounds of the trumpets, and the smoke on the mountain, and everyone was afraid and backed far away. 19 So they told Moses, ‘You talk to us… don’t let God talk to us, because we’re afraid that we might die!’
20 And Moses said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, because God didn’t come here to test you or to make you afraid of Him so you won’t sin.’ 21 However, the people just backed away.
Then Moses went into the darkness where God was. 22 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘This is what you must say to the house of Jacob, and what you will report to the children of Israel: You have seen Me speak to you from the sky, 23 so, don’t make gods of silver or gold for yourselves. 24 You must make an Altar to Me from the dirt wherever I record My name. And you must sacrifice your whole burnt offerings upon it, as well as your peace offerings and your sheep and calves. Then I will come to you and bless you.
25 ‘Now, if you build a stone Altar to Me, don’t use cut stones; because, if you use tools on them, they will become unclean. 26 Nor should you build any steps to My Altar, so the naked [parts of your bodies] can be seen from there.’
Chapter 21
1 ‘Now, these are the Laws that you are to show to them:
2 ‘If you buy a Hebrew slave, he may only serve you for six years, and in the seventh year he must be set free without cost. 3 If he comes alone, he must leave alone; but if his wife comes with him, then his wife must also leave with him. 4 However, if his master gives him a wife and she gives birth to sons or daughters, she and her children belong to the master, so [the slave] will leave alone. 5 But if the slave should say, I love my master, my wife, and my children, so I don’t want to leave free, 6 his master should bring him to the judgment-seat of God and take him up to the door, where he will use an awl to punch [a hole through] his [slave’s] ear against the doorframe. [This signifies] that he will serve [his master] through the age.
7 ‘And if anyone sells his daughter as a house slave, she isn’t to leave [her master] as other female slaves leave. 8 If she hasn’t been pleasing to her master after she has been involved with him, he may only set her free… he can’t sell her to some foreigner after he has messed with her. 9 But if he has engaged her to his son, he must treat her as a daughter. 10 However, if he takes someone for himself, he must never deprive her of her clothing, her needs, or her companionship with him. 11 If he refuses to do these three things for her, she must be set free at no cost.
12 ‘If any man hits another and kills him, he must absolutely be put to death. 13 But if it happens by accident, or if God [allows the situation that causes the death], I will provide a place where the killer can run to. 14 However, if someone who lies in wait and plans to murder his neighbor runs to the refuge, you must take him [far] from My Altar and put him to death.
15 ‘Whoever beats his father or mother must be put to death, 16 and whoever calls his father or mother bad names must die.
17 ‘If someone overpowers and kidnaps one of the children of Israel and sells him, or if he’s caught with him, [the kidnapper] must die.
18 ‘If two men are shouting at each other and one hits the other with a rock or his fist, and he doesn’t die but is laid up in bed, 19 the man who hit him will be cleared if the other can get up and walk (even with the aid of a cane), as long as he pays for the lost time and the cost of his healing.
20 ‘If a man hits his male or female slave with a cane and the person dies as the result, he must be punished. 21 However, if the slave continues to live a few days after that, the master shouldn’t be punished, because it’s his own loss.
22 ‘If two men are fighting and [one] hits a pregnant woman, and her child is born deformed as the result, he must be forced to pay whatever amount the woman’s husband demands of him. 23 But if the child is born perfectly formed [but injured], he must pay: life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burning for burning, wound for wound, whipping for whipping.
26 ‘If someone should hit his male or female slave in the eye and put it out, that slave should be set free because of the eye injury. 27 And if he [breaks or knocks out] the tooth of his male or female slave, that slave should be set free because of the tooth.
28 ‘If a bull gores a man or woman and he or she dies, the bull must be stoned to death and its flesh can’t be eaten… however, the bull’s owner will be [free of guilt]. 29 But if the bull has been known to gore before and the owner was told and hasn’t done anything about it, and then it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and its owner must also die. 30 However, if a ransom is demanded instead, he must pay whatever they ask for his life.
31 ‘If a bull gores someone’s son or daughter, it must be handled according to the law that was given. 32 But if the bull gores a male or female slave, their master must be paid thirty double-silver coins, and the bull must be stoned.
33 ‘If anyone digs an open pit or a hole in rock and then fails to cover it, and an ox or a burro falls into it, 34 the owner of the pit must pay a compensation to [the animal’s] owner, but the dead [animal] will be his.
35 ‘And if a man’s bull should gore his neighbor’s bull and kill it, they must sell the living bull and divide the money, then divide up the dead bull. 36 However, if the bull has been known to gore in the past and his owner knew of this and didn’t do anything about it, he must pay for the bull, and the dead one won’t be his.’
Chapter 22
1 ‘If someone steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay back five calves for a calf, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 And if a thief should be caught inside a fence and is beaten and dies as the result, no one will be found guilty [of killing him]. 3 However, if someone [kills a thief] the next day, he is guilty and should be [put to death].
‘If a thief has nothing left [of what he stole], he can be sold [as a slave] to repay what he has stolen. 4 But if the thing he stole is still around and can be found alive in his possession (as with an ox or a sheep), he must pay back twice as much.
5 ‘And if anyone [has allowed his cattle] to strip his field or vineyard, and then sends his animals to graze in someone else’s field, he must make [pay his neighbor back] from the produce of his own field. But if the animals strip [his neighbor’s] entire field, he must pay with the best of his field and the best of his vineyard.
6 ‘Now, if [someone sets a] fire (even if he thinks it has gone out) and it burns a threshing floor or a field of grain, the one who sets the fire must pay a compensation.
7 ‘And if anyone gives his neighbor money or other [valuables] to keep, and they are stolen from the man’s house, the thief must repay double if he’s caught. 8 But if the thief isn’t caught, the owner of the house must stand before God and swear that he hasn’t done anything wrong to whatever his neighbor left with him. 9 Then every accusation, whether it involves a calf, a burro, a sheep, some clothing (or whatever)… every claim of loss must be taken before God. And anyone that is found guilty by God must repay his neighbor with twice as much.
10 ‘And if anyone leaves a calf, a sheep, or any other animal with his neighbor and it is wounded or it dies – and no one knows for sure how it happened – 11 each must swear an oath to God that he isn’t guilty in any way. Then his master should find him innocent and he won’t have to pay any compensation. 12 However, if it was stolen from him, he must repay the owner. 13 And if someone stole any other type of animal, [he must] return the animal to its owner, and he won’t have to pay a compensation.
14 ‘If anyone borrows [an animal] from his neighbor and it is then wounded, or dies, or is stolen while its owner is away, he must be compensated for it. 15 But if the owner is there, he doesn’t have to pay compensation. And if it is something that he rented, [the owner] must be paid back in lieu of his rent.
16 ‘If anyone deceives a virgin that he isn’t engaged to and [has sex] with her, he must take her as his wife. 17 But if her father refuses and won’t consent to giving her as his wife, he must pay her father the amount of dowry that is required for a virgin.
18 ‘You shouldn’t spare the lives of witches.
19 ‘Anyone who [has sex] with an animal must be put to death.
20 ‘Anyone who offers sacrifices to a god other than Jehovah must be put to death.
21 ‘You must not harm strangers or oppress them, because you were once strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 ‘You must not do anything to harm widows or orphans. 23 For if you do treat them badly, they should call out to Me and I will hear them… 24 and that will make Me very angry. Then you will be killed with a sword, so your wife will become a widow and your children will become orphans.
25 If you lend money to one of your poor brothers who lives nearby, you shouldn’t be hard on him and you shouldn’t charge him interest. 26 And if you take your neighbor’s clothes as security, you must make sure that he gets them back before sunset, 27 because they are all that cover his nakedness; so, where can he sleep? And if he calls out to Me, I will listen, because I am merciful.
28 ‘You should never speak badly of God, or say bad things about the rulers of your people.
29 ‘You must never hold back the first fruitage of your threshing floor [or of your wine] press.
‘You must give your first-born sons to Me, 30 as well as those of your calves, sheep, and burros. They may stay under their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day, you must offer them to Me.
31 ‘You must be a holy [people] to Me; therefore, you may not eat the flesh of wild animals… you should throw it to the dogs.’
Chapter 23
1 ‘You should not accept false testimony, nor should you allow someone who is crooked to provide false testimony.
2 ‘You must not join a mob to do bad things, nor should you agree with the majority when they are wrong.
3 ‘If a man is found guilty, you must not [free him from his responsibilities] just because he’s poor, 4 nor should you [find any man guilty] because he’s poor.
5 ‘If you find your enemy’s ox or burro wandering loose, you must catch it and return it to him. 6 And if you see your enemy’s burro collapsed under its load, you shouldn’t just pass it by. You should help him to get it back on its feet.
7 ‘Never do anything that’s unfair. You shouldn’t kill the innocent along with the guilty, or accept a bribe to find a guilty person innocent. 8 You shouldn’t accept gifts [when judging], because gifts blind the eyes of those who can see and twist the words of justice.
9 ‘You should never mistreat a stranger, because you know how they feel, since you were once strangers in the land of Egypt.
10 ‘You can plant your field and harvest it for six years. 11 However, every seven years you must leave it alone and allow it to rest, so the poor of your nation can [find] food there, and the wild animals can eat whatever is left. And that’s what you must do to your vineyard and to your olive grove as well.
12 ‘You should work for six days, but the seventh day is a day of rest, so your burro, ox, and the sons of your female slaves and strangers can be refreshed.
13 ‘Obey everything that I have commanded you, and don’t even mention the names of other gods or speak of them in any way.
14 ‘You must hold a feast to Me three times a year. 15 Make sure to observe the Feast of Fermentation-Free Bread. You must eat fermentation-free bread for seven days (as I told you before) during the time of the month of new grain, because that’s when you came out of Egypt… and don’t come to Me empty-handed!
16 ‘You must observe a feast when you harvest the first-fruits of your work, no matter what you have planted in your field. And [you must observe] a feast at the end of the year when you harvest the crops in your field. 17 So, all your males must appear before Jehovah your God three times each year.
18 ‘And when I drive the other nations out of your midst and widen your borders, you must never offer fermented bread with the blood sacrifices that you offer to Me, nor should the fat of My feast be allowed to stay until the next morning.
19 ‘You must bring all the first fruitage of your fields to the House of your God Jehovah.
‘You must never boil a lamb in its mother’s milk.
20 ‘{Look!} I’m going to send My messenger to you, to keep you headed in the right direction, and he will lead you into the land that I have prepared for you. 21 Be sure to listen to him… obey him! He won’t give in to you, because he carries My Name.
22 ‘If you listen to what I tell you, do everything that I tell you to do, and keep My Sacred Agreement, you will be a special people to Me above all other nations; for the whole earth is Mine. Then you will become a holy nation of Royal Priests.
‘Tell the children of Israel that if they will listen to what I say and do everything that I tell them, I will be an enemy to their enemies, and I will oppose anyone who is against them. 23 Then I will send My messenger to be their leader, and [he will] will bring them to [the land of] the Amorites, Chettites, Pherezites, CanaAnites, Gergesites, Evites, and Jebusites, and then I will destroy them. 24 But they must not worship or serve the gods [of those people], nor should they do any of the things that they are doing. Rather, they must all be destroyed and their [sacred] columns must be pulled down.
25 ‘If you serve Jehovah your God, I will bless your bread, your wine, and your water; and I will keep you from getting sick. 26 There won’t be anyone in your land who is impotent or infertile, and you will live a full life. 27 I will send terror ahead you, all the nations in the land you’re entering will be amazed by you, and I will make all your enemies run from you. 28 I will send hornets ahead of you, and you will drive the Amorites, Evites, CanaAnites, and the Chettites away from you. 29 I won’t throw them out the first year, so the fields don’t grow wild and allow wild animals to multiply there. 30 But before long, I will start throwing them out ahead of you, until you grow and inherit the land. 31 Then I will set your borders from the Red Sea to the [Mediterranean], and from the desert to the great Euphrates River.
‘I will hand over those who are living in the land and drive them away from you, 32 so you are to make no treaties with them or their gods. 33 And they won’t be allowed to live in your land, for fear that they might cause you to sin against Me. Because, if you serve their gods, that [would be a serious] offense for you.’
Chapter 24
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘I want you, Aaron, Nadab, AbiUd, and seventy of Israel’s elders to come to Me and bow before [Me] from a distance. 2 And thereafter, I want you to come close to Me by yourself… none of the others should come any closer!’
3 So, Moses went and told the people about everything God had said and about His Laws. And the people unanimously answered all together, ‘We will do and obey everything that Jehovah has said!’
4 Then Moses [sat down] and wrote everything that Jehovah said. And early the next morning, he built an Altar at the base of the mountain using twelve stones [to represent] the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men from the children of Israel to offer up whole burnt offerings and to sacrifice young calves as a peace offering to God. 6 Then Moses took half of the blood and poured it into bowls, and he poured the other half on the Altar.
7 Thereafter, [Moses] took the scroll of the Sacred Agreement [that he wrote] and read it to the people. And they [again] said, ‘We will do and pay attention to everything that Jehovah has said.’
8 Then Moses took the blood [from the bowls] and sprinkled it on the people, and he said: ‘{Look!} This is the blood of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah has made with you over the things that you’ve [agreed to].’
9 And thereafter, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, AbiUd, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up [the mountain], 10 where they saw the place where the God of Israel was standing; and under His feet [they saw] what looked like slabs of cut sapphires that were as pure as the sky. 11 So all the chosen ones of Israel stood there in the presence of God… none were missing, and none of them ate or drank anything.
12 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘[I want you to] come [back] up the mountain to Me and stay here, for I will give you the tablets of stone containing the Law and Commandments that I have written.’
13 So [the next day], Moses got up and took his assistant Joshua to climb the mountain of God with him. 14 And they told the elders, ‘Rest here until we return. Look! Aaron and Or will be here with you; so if there are any [cases] that have to be tried, let them handle it.’
15 Then Moses and Joshua climbed the mountain, which was shrouded in a cloud. 16 And the glory of God came down on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. Then Jehovah called Moses from the midst of the cloud on the seventh day.
17 Well, to the Children of Israel, the glory of Jehovah looked like a fire that was burning on top of the mountain.
18 Then Moses entered the cloud and climbed the mountain, where he stayed for forty days and forty nights.
Chapter 25
1 And there Jehovah told Moses: 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and [ask for] the first fruits of everything that their hearts are willing to give… then you must [collect] it. 3 These are the offerings that you are to ask for: gold, silver, and brass; 4 as well as blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], fine-spun linen, goats’ hair, 5 rams’ skins that are dyed red and blue, and durable wood. 6 [You will also ask for] lamp oil, fragrances for anointing oil, ingredients for incense, 7 as well as rubies and other [precious] stones that will fit into a breastplate, and a full-length robe.
8 ‘You must also make a Sacred Place for Me, where I can appear among you. 9 Everything you make for Me must follow the patterns that I will show you on the Mountain. There will be a pattern for the Sacred Place and patterns for all of its furnishings. And that’s how you are to make them.
10 ‘You must also build the Chest of Proofs. [Build it] from durable wood fifty inches wide, thirty inches deep, and thirty inches tall. 11 Cover it with pure gold both inside and out, and put twisted gold wreaths around it. 12 You must create four gold rings for it, and mount two rings on each side. 13 Then make [two] staves of durable wood, cover them with gold, 14 and put the staves into the rings on the sides of the Chest, to carry it. 15 These staves should always be left in the rings on the Chest.
16 ‘Then you must put the Proofs that I will give you inside the Chest.
17 ‘You must also make the Propitiatory. It is to be a lid of pure gold, fifty inches long and thirty inches wide. 18 And you will carve two cherubs from gold and mount them on the Propitiatory. 19 A cherub will be mounted on this side of the Propitiatory, and a cherub will be mounted on its other side, so there will be cherubs on either end. 20 The cherubs will face each other with their heads bowed toward the Propitiatory. And they must have wings that are outstretched over them [extending forward] over the Propitiatory. 21 Then the Propitiatory must be put on top of the Chest, which will contain the Proofs that I will give you.
22 ‘This is where I will make My presence known to you. I will speak to you from above the Propitiatory, between the two cherubs on the Chest of Proofs, and talk to you and instruct you concerning everything that has to do with the children of Israel.
23 ‘You are also to make a table of pure gold that is forty inches long, twenty inches wide, and thirty inches tall. 24 It must have gold wreaths going around it and a six-inch crown under it 25 that has a twisted wreath circling it.
26 ‘You must also make four gold rings and fasten them to the four feet under the crown. 27 These rings will be the supports for staves that will be used to carry the table. 28 The staves should be made of durable wood and covered with pure gold, for carrying the table.
29 ‘You should also make dishes, incense burners, bowls, and cups (for drink offerings) of pure gold. 30 They will always be set before Me on the table of Show Bread.
31 ‘You must also shape a lampstand from pure gold. The whole thing – it’s stem, branches, sockets, knobs, and lilies – will be a single piece. 32 It is to have six branches that come from its sides… three branches for lamps on one side and three branches for lamps on the other side. 33 [Each branch] that comes from the lampstand should be topped with an almond-shaped socket [to hold the lamps], which is to be mounted above a knob and a lily. 34 Each will have four sockets that are shaped like almonds, and the knobs and flowers on each branch should be the same. 35 There will be a knob under two branches and a knob under four branches that come from it, so that six branches come from the lampstand, and each will have four bowls shaped like almonds. 36 The knobs and the branches must be a single piece that is carved from a block of pure gold. 37 So, there must be seven lamps that all shine from the same side.
38 ‘And you will make funnels and serving plates of pure gold. 39 They should each be made with a measurement of pure gold, 40 using the pattern that I will show you on the mountain.’
Chapter 26
1 ‘Then you must make the Tent with ten curtains of fine-spun linen, blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet [cloth], with a pattern of cherubs woven into them. 2 The curtains on [each side must run] forty-seven feet, and each curtain must be six and three-quarters feet tall. All the curtains should be the same size. 3 Five of the curtains must be joined to each other, and the other five must be closely connected to each other.
4 ‘You must put blue loops on one side of each curtain and [loops] on the other side to [tie them] together. 5 There should be fifty loops [on one side] and fifty loops at the same locations on the other side to connect them. 6 Then you must make fifty gold rings to hold the curtains together and make it a single Tent.
7 ‘You must make a roof for the Tent using eleven sections of [goat hair cloth]. 8 Each should be fifty feet long, six and three-quarters feet wide, and all eleven [cloths] should be the same size. 9 Then connect [the cloths in strips of] fives, and attach the sixth [cloth] and fold it over the front of the Tent. 10 Then make fifty loops on the side of the [cloth] and fifty loops on the edge of the second one, where they will be joined.
11 ‘Then make fifty brass rings and use them to connect the loops, and tie the [cloths] together to form a single piece.
12 ‘Next, connect the [eleventh cloth] to the roof of the Tent at its centerfold, and allow half of it to hang down. And any extra [cloth] should hang over the sides of the Tent. 13 Twenty inches of [cloth] should hang over each side of the Tent to cover it. 14 Then make another covering from rams’ skins that have been dyed red and blue, and put it over the [Tent] roof.
15 ‘Then you must make tent posts from durable wood. 16 Each post should be seven and three-quarters feet long and two and a half feet thick. 17 All the posts should have two joints for connections. 18 You should make twenty posts for the north side, 19 and forty silver sockets should be made to connect them, with a [base] socket for each of the posts. 20 Then make twenty posts for the south side of the Tent, 21 and forty silver sockets to connect each end of the posts. 22 And for the side of the Tent that faces west, 23 you must make six posts plus two corner posts for its backside. 24 They must all be the same and join at the same spots on each end, so all the corners are equal. 25 So, [for the backside] there are eight posts, which need sixteen silver sockets, one for each end of each post.
26 ‘And you must make rafters of durable wood. Make five for the posts on one side of the Tent, 27 five for the posts on the other side of the Tent, five for the posts in the rear, and one for the side of the Tent that faces the sea. 28 This center rafter should run between the posts lengthwise from end to end. 29 The posts should be covered with gold and fitted with gold rings to hold the rafters, and all the rafters must be covered with gold. 30 Then you must assemble the Tent according to the pattern that I will show you on the mountain.
31 ‘Thereafter, you must make a veil of spun blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen that will have cherubs woven into it. 32 And you must mount it on four posts of durable wood that are overlaid with gold, with gold covering each of their caps and silver sockets for the base of each. 33 Then mount the veil on the posts and carry it inside, as a veil for the Chest of Proofs. This veil will form the separation between the Holy Place and the Holiest of Holies. 34 Use the veil as a screen for the Chest of Proofs in the Holiest of Holies.
35 ‘Next, put a table outside the veil and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side of the Tent. Then put the table on the north side of the Tent.
36 ‘Then make a veil as a door for the Tent out of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and embroidered fine-spun linen. 37 You must make five posts for the veil that are capped at the top and covered with gold, with brass sockets for the base of each.
Chapter 27
1 ‘Then you must make an Altar of durable wood that will be square, eight and a quarter feet long, eight and a quarter feet wide, and five feet high. 2 You must create horns for each of the four corners. They will be made of a single piece and overlaid with brass. 3 You must make a rim for the Altar, and a covering, and cups, and meat hooks, a fire pan, and all its utensils from brass. 4 You must also make a brass meshed grating with four brass rings, one for each of its four sides. 5 Mount the rings under the grating and center it in the middle of the Altar.
6 ‘You must also make Altar staves from durable wood that are to be overlaid with brass. 7 Then put the staves into the rings on each side of the Altar, to carry it. 8 [The Altar] will be hollow and made from wood in a way that you will be shown [to you] on the mountain.
9 ‘You must also make a courtyard for the Tent. On the south side, its curtains should be made of fine-spun linen and they will will run a hundred and sixty-seven feet long. 10 They will require twenty posts and twenty brass sockets, as well as silver rings and clasps. 11 The curtains on the north side will also run a hundred and sixty-seven feet long, with twenty posts, twenty brass sockets, as well as the rings and the clasps for the posts. However, their sockets must be overlaid with silver. 12 The curtains on the western side of the [courtyard] must run eighty-four feet with ten posts and ten sockets. 13 And the width of the [courtyard] on the south side should have curtains that run eighty-four feet, with ten posts and ten sockets.
14 ‘There must be a twenty-five foot [awning] on one side of the [courtyard entrance], which is to be [supported by] three posts and three sockets. 15 And on the other side, there must be an [awning] that runs twenty-five feet, with three posts and three sockets.
16 ‘The courtyard entrance must be a thirty-three-foot-high veil of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun embroidered linen. It should have four posts and four sockets. 17 All the courtyard posts are to be overlaid with silver, with silver caps and brass sockets.
18 ‘So, the length of the courtyard will be a hundred and sixty-three feet, its width should be eighty-two feet, and its height must be eight feet… all of fine spun linen mounted on sockets of brass. 19 And all the furnishings, instruments, and pins for the courtyard are [to be made of] brass.
20 ‘Now, give instructions to the children of Israel, and have them bring you pure, refined olive oil that has been beaten for burning in a lamp, so the lamps may be kept burning continually 21 inside the Tent of Proofs and outside the veil that hides the Chest of the Sacred Agreement. Aaron and his sons must keep them burning all night long before Jehovah. This is the rule that must be followed throughout all generations of the children of Israel.’
Chapter 28
1 ‘Now, I want you to choose your brother Aaron and his sons Nadab, AbiUd, EliEzer, and IthaMar, who are all children of Israel, to be My servants. 2 You must make holy clothing for your brother Aaron, to honor and glorify [him]. 3 So, talk to all the wise and understanding [people] that I have filled with the spirit of wisdom and comprehension, and have them make holy clothing for Aaron to wear in the Holy Place, where he will serve as a Priest to Me. 4 These are the clothes that they must make: a breastplate, a shoulder piece, a full-length robe, a fringed tunic, a turban, and a waistband. These are to be holy garments for Aaron and his sons to serve Me as Priests.
5 ‘They must take gold and fine-spun linen with blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet [cloth], and 6 embroider the shoulder pieces. 7 Both shoulder pieces must be joined together and fastened on each side. 8 They should be woven as a single piece of pure gold with blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen.
9 ‘Then you must take two large emeralds and engrave the names of Israel’s sons on them, 10 with six names on the first stone and the other six names on the second stone, in the order their births. 11 It must be done artistically by a stone engraver, in raised letters like a seal, for each of the names of the children of Israel. 12 Then mount these two stones on the shoulder pieces. They are to be memorial stones of the children of Israel, and Aaron will wear the names of the children of Israel before Jehovah on his shoulders in memory of them.
13 ‘Then you must make [two] small circles of pure gold, 14 and two fringes of variegated flowers and wreaths of pure gold, then mount the wreathed fringes on the small circles and fasten them to the front of the shoulder pieces.
15 ‘Then you must make the Expression of Judgment. It is to be embroidered; and to keep the theme of the rest of the sacred clothing, you should make it of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen. 16 Make it square, nine inches long and nine inches wide, and doubled. 17 Then four columns of stones should be woven into it. The first column will have a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald. 18 The second column will have a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a jasper. 19 The third column will have a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. 20 And the fourth column will have a peridot, a beryl, and an onyx. All should be mounted in gold settings with gold clasps. Make sure they’re assembled in that order. 21 Then each stone must be engraved like a seal with the names of the twelve children of Israel in their order. 22 The Expression of Judgment must also have woven fringed chains of pure gold.
23 ‘Aaron will wear the Expression of Judgment with the names of the children of Israel on his chest as a memorial before God whenever he enters the Holy Place. 24 The Expression of Judgment must be fringed and have wreaths on either side.
25 ‘You must place a small circle on the upper-front shoulders on each side of the sacred vest. 26 You are to put the Revelation and the Truth on the Expression of Judgment, and Aaron will wear it on his chest whenever he enters the Holy Place before Jehovah. So, he will always carry the judgments of the children of Israel on his chest before Jehovah.
27 And you are to make a full-length blue tunic. 28 It will have a fringed front opening and it will be woven as a single piece, so it can’t be torn. 29 And under the fringes below the robe, there are to be pomegranate flowers made of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen, with gold pomegranates of the same shape, and bells between them. 30 There should be a bell beside each gold pomegranate, and a pattern of flowers in the fringes of the robe that encircle it.
31 ‘And whenever Aaron is serving and entering or leaving the Holy Place of Jehovah, he must speak loudly so he doesn’t die.
32 ‘You are also to make a plate of pure gold that is engraved with the sign, Jehovah is Holy, 33 and put this on the spun blue cloth on the front of the turban, 34 so it will always be on Aaron’s forehead to carry away sins. Then all the children of Israel will have their gifts made holy and acceptable to Jehovah on their behalf. 35 All the fringes on his clothes must be made of fine linen, and you will make a head covering and a waist sash of fine embroidered linen.
36 ‘You must also make tunics and sashes for Aaron’s sons, as well as turbans so they may be honored and glorified. 37 Then you must dress your brother Aaron and his sons, and anoint them… empower them and make them holy, so they can serve Me as Priests.
38 ‘And make linen shorts (to cover the naked parts of their bodies) that run from their waists to their thighs. 39 Then Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Holy Place of Proofs and when they serve at the Altar of the Holy Place, so they won’t bring sin upon themselves and die. This is the rule for him and his seed through the ages.’
Chapter 29
1 ‘These are the things that you must do to them to make [Aaron and his sons] holy, so they can serve Me as Priests: Take one young calf from the herd and two perfect rams. 2 Then make some fermentation-free bread with the finest wheat flour that has been kneaded with oil, and some fermentation-free round cakes with oil poured over them. 3 Then put them into a basket to be offered along with the young calf and the two rams.
4 ‘Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and wash them with water. 5 Get the [sacred] garments and dress your brother Aaron with the full-length robe, the chest covering, and the Expression (of Judgment), and tie the Expression to the chest covering. 6 Then put the turban on his head and mount the plate of Holiness on the turban, 7 and take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it over his head. 8 After that, bring his sons and dress them… 9 wrap them with sashes and put on their turbans to create a Priesthood for Me through the ages.
‘Then you must empower Aaron and his sons. 10 Bring the calf to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands upon the calf’s head before Jehovah. 11 And then you must slaughter the calf before Jehovah, there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 12 Then take the calf’s blood and wipe it on the horns of the Altar with your finger, and pour the rest of the blood out at the base of the Altar. 13 Then take all its belly fat, its liver, and its kidneys, along with any fat that’s on them, and [burn] them on the Altar. 14 However, the calf’s flesh, skin, and manure must be burned outside the camp as an [offering] for sins.
15 ‘Then, take one of the rams, and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head 16 and slaughter it. Collect the blood and pour it on and around the Altar, 17 then cut the ram into several pieces and wash the insides and the feet with water, and set the pieces and the head aside. 18 Then you must put the whole ram on the Altar as a burnt offering and a sweet-smelling delight to Jehovah. It will be like incense to Jehovah.
19 ‘Then take the second ram, and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head; 20 you must slaughter it and collect the blood, and touch a little of the blood to the tip of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe on his right foot. [Then touch some of it to] the tips of his sons’ right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the big toes of their right feet. 21 Then take some of the blood from the Altar and [mix it with] anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his clothes, and on his sons and on his sons’ clothing. This will purify him and his clothing, and his sons and their clothing. Then pour the rest of the blood out around the Altar.
22 ‘Then [set aside] all of the ram’s fat, including the belly fat, the liver, the kidneys and any fat on them, and the right shoulder, to complete [the ceremony]. 23 And take one of the round cakes [that had been covered] with oil and one loaf from the basket of fermentation-free bread, and set them before Jehovah; 24 then give the rest to Aaron and his sons. But the [loaf and the round cake] must be offered separately to Jehovah; 25 take them from the hands of the Priests and put them on the Altar, then burn them as offerings of sweet-smelling delights to Jehovah.
26 ‘Then you must remove the ram’s breast at the end of ceremony for Aaron, to be offered before Jehovah. And [the rest] must be shared with you. 27 You must cut up the breast and the shoulder that was removed from the last lamb and give it to Aaron and his sons. 28 This will be a requirement for the children of Israel and for Aaron and his sons through the ages. This is to be a separate and special offering to Jehovah from the children of Israel, as one of their peace offerings.
29 ‘The clothing that Aaron wears inside the Sacred Place must be passed on to his [future generations, after he dies]. Then his sons will be anointed in them and empowered when they wear them. 30 The Priests among his descendants that succeed him and enter the Tent of Proofs to serve in the Most Holy will wear them for seven days.
31 ‘You must boil the flesh of the last lamb in the Holy Place. 32 Then Aaron and his sons will eat the ram’s flesh with the loaves [of bread] in the basket, next to the Tent of Proofs. 33 They will eat the offerings that were used to make them holy and to empower them. They can’t be eaten by anyone else, because they are holy. 34 And if the sacrificed flesh of the final sacrificial lamb and the bread should be left until the next morning, it must all be burned, not eaten, because it is something holy.
35 ‘You must always do this for Aaron and his sons, just as I’ve told you. The empowerment will take seven days. 36 You must sacrifice the calf for the sin offering on the cleaning day, and then you will clean the Altar where you will sacrifice the last lamb, and anoint it to make it holy. 37 The Altar must be cleaned and made holy for all seven days, because the Altar is very holy, and anyone who touches it must also be holy.
38 ‘These are the sacrifices that you must offer on the Altar: Two perfect yearling lambs must be offered each day, 39 one in the morning and the other in the evening. 40 And each lamb should be offered up with three quarts of fine flour that have been mixed with a quart of [olive] oil, along with a quart of wine as a drink offering. 41 You must offer the same things with the second lamb [that is sacrificed] in the evening (which includes the drink offering), as a sweet-smelling delight to Jehovah. 42 This sacrifice is to be offered before Jehovah by all your generations through the ages at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. That’s where I will be made known to you and where I will speak to you from now on. 43 This is where I will instruct the children of Israel, and where I will be treated as holy in My glory.
44 ‘I will make the Tent of Proofs and its Altar holy, and I will make Aaron and his sons holy, so they can serve Me as Priests. 45 And here the children of Israel will call to Me, and I will be their God. 46 Then they will know that I am Jehovah, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so they can call on Me and I can be their God.’
Chapter 30
1 ‘You must also make an incense Altar from durable wood. 2 It should be square, twenty inches long, twenty inches wide, and forty inches tall; and it should have horns that are made from a single piece [of wood]. 3 Its grating, all its sides, and its horns should be covered with pure gold. It should have wreathed edges of gold all around, 4 and under the wreathes you must put two rings of pure gold on each side, to serve as supports for the staves that you will use to carry it. 5 The staves should be made from durable wood and covered with gold.
6 ‘Then place [the incense Altar] in front of the veil that [hides] the Chest of Proofs, where I will make My presence known to you. 7 Aaron must burn a fine compound of incense on [this Altar] each morning after he puts out the lamps. 8 And when Aaron lights the lamps in the evening, he must burn incense on it again. So, incense will be offered continuously before Jehovah throughout your generations. 9 You must not offer a different type of incense on it, set any fires on it, offer any sacrifices on it, or pour drink offerings on it. 10 And at the same time each year, Aaron must offer the reconciliation for their generations on its horns with the blood of purification, because it is very holy to Jehovah.’
11 Then The Lord told Moses: 12 ‘I want you to take a census of the children of Israel, and each [person] must pay Jehovah a ransom for his life, so no one will be destroyed when they are visited. 13 This is what everyone who is surveyed must give: half a double-silver coin (or twenty copper coins), which is to be used for the Holy Place as an offering to Jehovah. 14 Everyone twenty years old and up who answers to the census must pay this offering to Jehovah. 15 The rich won’t pay any more, and the poor won’t pay any less than the half double-silver coin that they must offer to reconcile their lives with Jehovah. 16 Then you must take the money that the children of Israel donate and use it for the services at the Tent of Proofs. The children of Israel must always remember to do this, in order to reconcile their lives [with Jehovah].’
17 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, and said: 18 ‘You must make a brass bowl with a brass base, for washing. It must be put between the Tent of Proofs and the Altar, and you must fill it with water. 19 Then Aaron and his sons must use the water to wash their hands and feet. 20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Proofs, they must wash themselves with the water, so they won’t die. And they must do [the same] whenever they go to the Altar for services or to burn sacrifices to Jehovah. 21 In addition, they must wash their hands and feet in the water whenever they enter the Tent of Proofs, so they won’t die. This is the rule for him and his descendants through the ages.’
22 Then Jehovah told Moses: 23 ‘You must also gather these sweet-smelling items for the Holy Place: sixteen pounds of choice myrrh flowers, eight pounds of sweet-smelling cinnamon, eight pounds of sweet-smelling calamus, 24 sixteen pounds of cassia, and a gallon of olive oil. 25 This must then be professionally formulated to make a perfumed holy-anointing oil that is to be used for sacred purposes. 26 Then you must use it to anoint the Tent of Proofs; the Chest inside the Tent of Proofs 27 and all of its furnishings; the lampstand and its furnishings; the Altar of incense; 28 the Altar of whole burnt-offerings and all its furnishings; the table and all its furnishings; and the wash basin. 29 You must cleanse them and make them extremely holy, and then everyone who touches them will become holy. 30 Then you must anoint Aaron and his sons and cleanse them, so they can serve Me as Priests.
31 ‘Then say to the children of Israel: This will be your holy anointing oil throughout your generations. 32 It should never be poured on a man’s skin, and no one should make any of this for themselves using the same formula, because it is holy, and it should be holy to you. 33 And if anyone makes anything like it and gives it to a stranger, he must be destroyed from among his people.’
34 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Also, gather these sweet smelling substances: sweet myrrh oil, snail shells, sweet galbanum, and transparent frankincense. They are to be combined in equal measures 35 in a professional way to make perfumed incense that will be pure and holy. 36 It must be beaten into a fine powder and put in front of the Proofs inside the Tent of Proofs, where I will make My presence known to you. It will be most-holy incense to you, 37 so you shouldn’t make any for yourselves by this formula, because it is something holy to Jehovah. 38 Whoever makes anything like it (so they can smell it) must be destroyed from His people.
Chapter 31
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: 2 ‘{Look!} I have called on BeSeleEl (the son of Urias and the grandson of Or of the tribe of Judah) 3 and I have filled him with the Breath of God, and of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, to be creative in all fields of expertise. 4 [He understands] carpentry, how to work with gold, silver, and brass; [how to work with] blue thread, purple yarn, and spun scarlet material; 5 stone working; wood crafting… how to do everything. 6 So, I have chosen him, as well as EliAb (the son of AchiSamach of the tribe of Dan) and anyone else into whose heart I have put talent, to make everything that I’ve talked to you about. 7 [This includes] the Tent of Proofs; the Chest of the Sacred Agreement and the Propitiatory that sits on it; all the furnishings of the Tent; 8 the Altars; the table and its furnishings; 9 the pure lampstand and its furnishings; the wash bowl and its base; 10 Aaron’s official garments and the garments of his sons to serve Me as Priests; 11 the anointing oil; and the incense for the Holy Place. They will make these things just the way I’ve told you.’
12 And Jehovah said to Moses, 13 ‘Also, tell the children of Israel to pay attention and keep My Sabbaths, because they are the sign between us through the generations that they know I am Jehovah who makes them holy. 14 So they must keep the Sabbaths, because this is a holy thing to Jehovah for them, and anyone who dishonors them must be put to death… anyone who works on [that day] must have his life destroyed in the midst of his people. 15 They may work for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath… a holy [day of] rest to Jehovah, and anyone who works on the seventh day must be put to death. 16 The children of Israel must keep the Sabbaths and obey them throughout their generations. 17 This is to be an Agreement through the ages between the children of Israel and Me. It is their sign to Me through the ages. Because, Jehovah made the earth and sky in six days, then on the seventh day He stopped and rested.’
18 And after He finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two Tablets of Proof, which were made of stone and written by the finger of God.
Chapter 32
1 [After a long time had passed] and the people saw that Moses hadn’t returned from the Mountain, they went to Aaron and demanded: ‘[We want you to] make gods for us to lead us. Because, we don’t know what has become of this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt.’
2 So Aaron told them, ‘I want you to take all the gold earrings that your wives and daughters wear in their ears, and bring them to me.’
3 Then everyone took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took them from their hands, [had] them melted, and then had the gold carved into a calf, and he said: ‘O Israel, this is your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’
5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar in front of it and he proclaimed, ‘Tomorrow [we will hold] a feast to Jehovah.’
6 So, early the next morning, he got up and offered whole burnt sacrifices and a peace offering. Then the people sat down to eat and drink, and [afterward] they got up to play.
7 Well, Jehovah told Moses, ‘Hurry and descend [the mountain], because the people you brought out of the land of Egypt have sinned! 8 How quickly they have left the ways that you’ve shown them. Now they’ve made themselves a calf to worship, and they’ve even offered sacrifices to it, saying, 9 O Israel, this is your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
10 ‘Now leave Me! I’m very angry with them, so I will reject them and make a great nation of you!’
11 But Moses started begging Jehovah. He said: ‘O Jehovah, why are you so angry with the people who You brought out of the land of Egypt with Your mighty arm and with so much power? 12 Don’t allow the Egyptians to say, He wickedly took them away to kill them in the Mountains and wipe them off the earth. Hold back Your rage and have mercy on the sins of Your people. 13 Remember Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the [oath] You made to them when You swore by Your Name, saying, I will cause your seed to increase so much that [they will be] like the stars in the sky. And [remember Your promise] to give all of this land to them, and that it will be theirs through the age.’
14 And that’s how Jehovah was moved to [keep them] as His people.
15 Then Moses turned and went down the Mountain, carrying the two Tablets of Proof in his hands. They were tablets of stone that were written on both sides 16 and were the work and writing of God.
17 And when Joshua heard the voices of people shouting, he said to Moses, ‘That’s the sound of a war in the camp!’
18 But [Moses] replied, ‘It isn’t the sound of people going to battle or the sound of defeat. What I hear is the sound of a lot of [partying].’
19 And when he got close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing, and Moses became so angry that he threw the two tablets from his hands and broke them to pieces at the base of the Mountain. 20 Then he took the calf they made, had it melted and ground into dust, and then he put it in the water and made the children of Israel drink it. 21 And he asked Aaron, ‘What have these people done to you? Why have you made them [guilty of] such a great sin?’
22 And Aaron replied, ‘Don’t be angry, lord. For you know how troublesome these people are. 23 Why, they told me: [We want you to] make gods for us to lead us. Because, we don’t know what has become of this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt. 24 So I said: If anyone has gold ornaments, take them off. Then they gave them to me and I threw them into the fire, and out came this calf!’
25 Well, Moses realized that the people were divided, and Aaron was responsible. [And he knew that] this would make their enemies very happy. 26 So Moses went to the entrance of the camp and shouted, ‘Who is on Jehovah’s side? [May those who are], come here to me!’
Well, all the sons of Levi came to him, 27 and he told them, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel said: Everyone must [tie on] his sword and go through the camp from gate to gate, and each of you should kill [his rebellious] brothers and neighbors, starting with those that are the closest to you.’
28 So, the sons of Levi did just as Moses told them, and three thousand men fell that day. 29 Then Moses told them, ‘You are to be praised, because you’ve all lifted your hands to Jehovah [and struck down] your own sons and brothers1’
30 Then the next morning, Moses spoke to the people and said, ‘You have committed a great sin! So now I must go up to God and pay for your sins!’
31 Then Moses returned to Jehovah and said, ‘I’ve [come to] beg You, O Jehovah, because these people are guilty of a great sin by making a god of gold. 32 So now, [please] forgive their sins. But if You choose not to, then also erase my name from the book You’ve written.’
33 But Jehovah told Moses, ‘I’m going to erase [the names] of all those who have sinned against Me from My book. 34 Now go! [Go] and lead these people to the place that I told you about when I said, {Look!} My messenger will travel before you. However, I’m going to visit them and [punish] them for their sins.’
35 Then Jehovah struck the people for having Aaron make the calf.
Chapter 33
1 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘Go on! You and the people that you brought out of the land of Egypt should leave and go to the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, when I said, I will give it to your seed. 2 I will send My messenger before you, and he will throw out the Amorites, Chettites, Pherezites, Gergesites, Evites, Jebusites, and CanaAnites. 3 And I will bring you into a land that flows with milk and honey. However, I won’t be going with you, for fear that I will destroy you along the way, because you’re such a stubborn people!’
4 Well, when the people heard this bad news, they went into mourning and wore mourning clothes. 5 But Jehovah told the children of Israel, ‘You’re stubborn people! Now, pay attention so I don’t send another plague and destroy you. Take off your [mourning] clothes and its trappings, and let Me show you what I will do to you.’
6 So the Sons of Israel took off all their [mourning] gear there at the dry mountain (Horeb). 7 Then Moses carried the Tent outside the camp (they called it the Tent of Proofs) and [had it] assembled some distance away. And everyone who [wanted an answer from Jehovah] would go to the Tent outside the camp. 8 Then, whenever Moses would enter or leave the Tent, everyone would stand and watch at its entrance, to see what would happen. 9 For when Moses entered the Tent, a column of clouds descended and stayed at the Tent’s entrance while [God] was talking to Moses. 10 And as they all saw the column of clouds standing there by the entrance to the Tent, everyone stood there praying. 11 Meanwhile, Jehovah would speak to Moses face to face, as though they were two friends. Then [Moses] would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua (the son of Naweh), who was a young man, didn’t leave the Tent.
12 Thereafter, Moses said to Jehovah: ‘{Look!} You told me to lead these people on, but You haven’t shown me where You want me to go! Now, You’ve told me that You know me better than all the rest, and that You like me. 13 So if I’ve found favor in Your eyes, show Yourself to me so I can see You. Then I will know that I’ve found favor in Your eyes, and I can be sure that this great nation is Your people.’
14 And [God] replied, ‘I will pass before you to satisfy you.’
15 Then [Moses] said, ‘But if You aren’t going to [travel] with us, don’t make me go either! 16 For, how would anyone know for sure that these people and I have found favor with You, unless You go with us? Then both Your people and I will be glorified above all the nations of the earth.’
17 And Jehovah told Moses, ‘I will do this thing that you’ve asked, because you’ve found My favor and I’ve put you above all others.’
18 Then [Moses] said, ‘Then show Yourself to me!’
19 And [God] said, ‘I will pass before you with My glory, and I will call out My Name Jehovah in front of you. I will be merciful to those for whom I feel mercy, and I will have pity on those for whom I feel pity.’
20 Then [God] told [Moses], ‘You won’t be able to see My face, because no man can see My face and live.’ 21 And Jehovah said, ‘{Look!} Stand on the rock by Me, 22 and as My glory is passing by, I will put you into a hole in that rock and cover you with My hand as I pass. 23 Then I will remove My hand so you can see My back… but you won’t see My face.’
Chapter 34
1 And Jehovah said to Moses: ‘You need to cut two tablets of stone like the first ones, and climb the mountain to Me, then I will write the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 So, be ready to climb Mount Sinai in the morning, and then stand there [and wait] for Me on top of the Mountain. 3 Don’t let anyone go up with you, or even to be seen on the Mountain. And don’t allow any sheep or bulls to graze near the Mountain.’
4 So [Moses] cut two stone tablets just like the first, and he got up early and climbed Mount Sinai, just as the Lord told him, carrying the two stone tablets. 5 Then the Lord descended in a cloud and stood close to him as He called the Name Jehovah. 6 And the Lord passed before his face while He was saying, ‘Jehovah, the God of mercy, pity, patience, concern, and truth; 7 who brings justice and mercy to thousands, and removes wrong-doing, unrighteousness, and sins, but won’t acquit the guilty; who [punishes] the sins of ancestors on their children, and on their children’s children to the third and fourth generations.’
8 Then Moses quickly bowed to the earth and prayed, 9 ‘If You care for me, may my Lord go with us, because these people are stubborn. Then You will remove our sins and our failings, and we will be Yours.’
10 Thereafter, Jehovah said to Moses: ‘{Look!} I am establishing a Sacred Agreement with you in the presence of all your people. I will do wonderful things that have never been done before anywhere on earth or in any nation. Everyone among you will see that the deeds I will do for you are wonderful. 11 But make sure that you do everything that I’ve told you. Then {Look!} I will throw the Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Chettites, Evites, Gergesites, and Jebusites out from before you.
12 ‘Be careful not to make any agreements with people who live in the land that you are entering, for fear that they will become stones to stumble you. 13 You must destroy their altars and smash their [sacred] columns, cut off their water, and burn the images of their gods. 14 You must not worship other gods, because Jehovah (which is a zealous Name) is a zealous God.
15 ‘Never make pacts with people who live in this land and then commit adultery their gods, or sacrifice to their gods, or have them call you to eat at their feasts. 16 You shouldn’t take their daughters [as wives] for your sons, nor should you give your daughters to their sons, so your sons and daughters don’t become adulterers with their gods.
17 ‘You aren’t to mold [images of] gods for yourselves.
18 ‘You must keep the Feast of Fermentation-Free Bread and eat fermentation-free bread for seven days, just as I‘ve told you, in the month and season of new grain, because that’s when you came out of Egypt.
19 ‘All the males are Mine… everything that opens the womb, including every first-born ox and sheep. 20 And you must pay a ransom for the first-born of a burro with a sheep or with money. You must also pay a ransom for your first-born sons… don’t come to Me empty-handed!
21 ‘You can work for six days, but you must rest on the seventh day, whether during seed-time or harvest.
22 ‘And you must observe the Feast of Weeks for Me at the beginning of the wheat harvest and at the harvest in the middle of the year. 23 Every male must appear before Jehovah the God of Israel three times each year. 24 For, after I’ve driven the nations away from before you and enlarged your borders, no one will want your land, as long as you go up to appear before Jehovah your God three times each year.
25 ‘You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with fermentation, nor should the Passover sacrifices remain until the next morning.
26 ‘The first fruits of your land must be taken to the House of your God Jehovah.
‘You must not boil a lamb in its mother’s milk.’
27 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Write all of these words down, because they are the words of My Sacred Agreement with you and with Israel.’
28 Well, Moses was there with Jehovah for forty days and forty nights, and during that time, he didn’t eat any bread or drink any water. Then he wrote the words of the Sacred Agreement (the Ten Commandments) on the tablets.
29 So, when Moses came down the Mountain, he had the two tablets in his hands. But as he was coming down, he didn’t realize that his face was radiating, due to his conversation with God. 30 And when Aaron and all the elders of Israel saw Moses’ face radiating, they were afraid to come any closer. 31 Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the heads of the gathering turned toward him, and he started speaking to them.
32 And later, all the children of Israel came to him, and he told them all the Commandments that Jehovah had given him on Mount Sinai (Horeb). 33 And when he finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 Then, whenever Moses went in to speak to Jehovah, he would take off the veil until he [came back outside] to tell the children of Israel what Jehovah told him. 35 [Of course], it was because the children of Israel could see Moses’ face radiating that he wore the veil over it when he went in to speak to Jehovah.
Chapter 35
1 Then Moses assembled the entire gathering of the children of Israel and said: ‘These are the commandments that Jehovah has told you to obey: 2 You can work for six days, but the seventh day is for resting. It is a holy Sabbath and a rest for Jehovah. Anyone who does work on [that day] must die. 3 You must not light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath day, for I am Jehovah.’
4 Then Moses told the gathering of the children of Israel, ‘This is what Jehovah has instructed you to do: 5 Take up [a collection] as an offering to Jehovah. Everyone whose heart moves him to do so, must bring as first-fruits to Jehovah, gold, silver, brass, 6 blue [thread], purple [yarn], double-spun scarlet [cloth], fine-spun linen, goats’ hair, 7 rams’ skins that have been dyed red or blue, durable wood, 8 and rubies and gemstones that can be engraved for the [Priest’s] shoulder-piece and full-length robes.
9 ‘Then, any man among you who is wise at heart may come and create the things that Jehovah has commanded, such as: 10 the Tent, the cords, the coverings, the rings, the rafters, the posts, 11 the Chest of Proofs and its staves, the Propitiatory, the veil, 12 the curtains for the courtyard and their posts, 13 the [gemstone engraving], 14 the incense, the anointing oil, 15 the table and all its furnishings, 16 the lampstand (for lighting) and all its furnishings, 17 the Altar and all its furnishings, 18 and the holy garments of Priesthood for Aaron and the clothing that he must use in his services, 19 as well as the Priestly garments for Aaron’s sons.
20 And after the gathering of the children of Israel [had finished listening to] Moses, all who felt moved to do so, brought whatever they thought would be appropriate as an offering. 21 And they donated as offerings to Jehovah everything that was needed for the Tent of Proofs and all its services, and all the clothing for the Holy Place. 22 Then any man who felt moved to do so, brought items from their wives, such as [gold] clasps, earrings, finger rings, necklaces, bracelets, and all sorts of gold items. 23 So, many of them brought their gold jewelry to Jehovah, as well as fine linen and ram’s skins that were dyed blue or red.
24 And everyone who brought offerings also brought items of silver and brass to Jehovah. Also, anyone who had durable wood or the tools to work it, brought that. 25 And all the women who were skilled at spinning brought blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine linen. 26 Also, all the women who were moved to do so and were wise, spun the goats’ hair.
27 Then the [tribal] rulers brought emeralds and gemstones for the settings in the shoulder pieces and the Expression [of Judgment]. 28 They also brought the materials for the anointing oil and things to make the incense.
29 So, every man and woman that was moved to do so, came to do all the work that Jehovah assigned to them through Moses, which the children of Israel donated as offerings to Jehovah. 30 And Moses told them, ‘{Look!} God has specifically called BeSeleEl (of Urias and Or) of the tribe of Judah, 31 and filled him with a godly spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, to be creative in all fields of expertise. 32 He is skilled in all sorts of crafts, such as working gold, silver, and brass, 33 setting gemstones, and woodcarving… he does everything [well]. 34 Both he and EliAb (of AchiSamach of the tribe of Dan) have been granted such understanding. 35 They have been filled with wisdom, understanding, and the needed comprehension to know how to do all the work that must be done for the Tent, as well as how to weave and embroider using scarlet [cloth] and fine linen, and how to fashion all the unique embroidered items.’
Chapter 36
1 So, BeSeleEl, EliAb, and all those who were wise and knowledgeable, were given the wisdom, knowledge, and necessary [skills] to do everything that had to be done for the holy offices, in the way that Jehovah had instructed. 2 Then Moses called BeSeleEl, EliAb, and all the wise who had received the needed skills from God, as well as everyone who was willing to come and donate their work, to get the job done. 3 And Moses gave them everything that the children of Israel brought to build the Holy Place. So they continued to receive the gifts each morning, 4 and wise people with many different skills kept showing up to work at the Holy Place.
5 Then one of them said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing in too many of the things that Jehovah told them to bring!’ 6 So, Moses sent a proclamation throughout the camp, saying, ‘No more men or women should come to work or to bring offerings to the Holy Place.’ So, they had to prevent the people from bringing any more. 7 Why, they had enough material to make all the furnishings, with more left over.
8 Skilled craftsmen made the robes for the Holy Place that would belong to Aaron the Priest, just as the Lord had instructed Moses. 9 They made the vests of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen. 10 Then each of the sections was connected with gold thread that was interwoven with blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen, so they were all woven together.
11 Then, both sides of the shoulder pieces were connected by weaving each of the parts together. 12 They were made of the same material as the rest (gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen), just as the Lord had told Moses.
13 Then they mounted two emeralds that had the names of the children of Israel engraved on them into carved gold clasps, 14 and connected them to the shoulder pieces of the vest. This was done in memory of the children of Israel, as Jehovah had instructed Moses.
15 Then they embroidered the Expression of Judgment the same way as they did the vest (of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen). 16 They made the Expression of Judgment square and doubled, seven inches long and seven inches wide, doubled [over]. 17 And woven into it were four columns of gemstones in rows. In the first column there was a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald. 18 In the second column there was a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a jasper. 19 In the third column there was a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. 20 And in the fourth column there was a peridot, a beryl, and an onyx. They were all mounted in gold settings and fastened with gold. 21 And each of the twelve stones was engraved like a seal with the names of the children of Israel, in the order of each of the twelve tribes.
22 Thereafter, they mounted twisted wreaths of pure gold on the Expression of Judgment. 23 Then they made two small circles of gold and two gold rings. 24 They put the two gold rings on the [top] corners of the Expression, 25 and then they mounted the gold wreaths over the rings. There were also gold fasteners for each ring, and a wreath was mounted to each fastener. 26 They were mounted on the two small circles at the front of each side of the vest, near the shoulders.
27 Then they made two gold rings and mounted them on the two projections along the top of the Expression, on the backside facing the vest. 28 And they made two more gold rings and mounted them on both shoulders of the vest, in front of and above the vest’s connectors. 29 And the Expression was then fastened to the vest by its rings and the rings on the vest, and then it was sewed to the woven material on the vest with blue [thread], so the Expression couldn’t come loose, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.
30 Then they made the tunic of spun blue [thread], which was to be worn under the vest. 31 It was tightly woven, so it wouldn’t tear, and it opened in the front, with fringes around the opening. 32 At the bottom of the tunic [they put a decorative fringe] of pomegranate flowers that were made from blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen. 33 It also had gold bells. They put the bells all the way around the tunic, between the pomegranates 34 (a gold bell then a pomegranate), all along the border, to be part of the service, just as the Lord commanded Moses.
35 Then they made the [rest of the] outfits of fine woven linen for Aaron and his sons. 36 The head coverings and the turbans were made of fine linen, the shorts were made of fine-twisted linen, 37 and their sashes were made of fine linen with blue [thread], purple [yarn], and spun-scarlet [cloth] embroidered into them, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.
38 Then they made the gold plate (for forgiveness in the Holy Place) of pure gold. 39 It was engraved in raised lettering, with the words ‘Jehovah is Holy.’ 40 They mounted it on top of the turban with a blue background, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.
Chapter 37
1 Then they made ten curtains for the Tent. 2 [The curtains] ran forty-seven feet [per side] and were six and three-quarters feet high. 3 They also made the veil of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen with cherubs woven into it. 4 Then they assembled four posts of durable wood that were overlaid with gold and had gold caps and a silver socket for each one. 5 Then they made the veil for the entry to the Tent of Proofs of blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen, with cherubs woven into it, 6 as well as its five posts, the rings, the gilded caps, the gold clasps, and the five brass sockets.
7 Then they made the courtyard. The curtains on the south side were made of fine-twisted linen, and it was a hundred and sixty-seven feet long, 8 with twenty posts and twenty sockets. 9 The north side also ran a hundred and sixty-seven feet, the same as the south side, and it had twenty posts and twenty sockets. 10 The curtains on the west side ran eighty-four feet, and they had ten sockets and posts. 11 And on the east side, the curtains ran eighty-four feet, with [awnings] that were twenty-five feet long on one side, 12 with three posts and three sockets, 13 and twenty-five feet long, with three posts and three sockets, on the other side of the courtyard entrance. 14 All the curtains were made of fine-twisted linen. 15 The sockets for the posts were made of brass, all the posts were overlaid with silver, their hooks were made of silver, and their caps were overlaid with silver.
16 The veil at the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-twisted linen. It was thirty-three feet long and stood eight feet high, like the other curtains in the courtyard. 17 It had four posts with silver overlaid caps, four brass sockets, and silver hooks. 18 All the courtyard pins were made of brass overlaid with silver.
19 Thus, the Tent of Proofs was assembled exactly as Moses was told, so that public services could be conducted by the Levites, through Aaron’s (the High Priest’s) son IthaMar.
20 And BeSeleEl (the son of Urias of the tribe of Judah) did just as the Lord commanded Moses, with EliAb (the son of AchiSamach of the tribe of Dan) who was in charge of the weaving, needlework, and embroidering with the scarlet material and fine linen.
Chapter 38
1 Then BeSeleEl made the Chest. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold both inside and out, 3 and he made four gold rings, mounting two on one side and two on the other 4 for the staves (so the Chest could be carried with them). 5 Then he made the Propitiatory of pure gold, to cover the Chest, 6 and the two gold cherubs – 7 one cherub on each end of the Propitiatory – 8 which covered the Propitiatory with their wings. 9 Then he made the table of pure gold, 10 which had four rings, two of which were mounted on either side, so it could be lifted and carried on staves. 11 He also made the staves for the Chest and the table, and covered them with gold. 12 Then he made the furnishings for the table – the dishes, censers, cups, and bowls (for drink-offerings) – of gold.
13 Then he made the lampstand of solid gold. 14 It had three branches on each side 15 and blossoms coming from its branches – three on each side – which were the same. 16 The sockets where the lamps were mounted were at the ends [of each branch] above the knobs. Then there was the seventh socket that rose straight from the middle of the lampstand, and the whole thing was made of solid gold. 17 [He also made] seven gold lamps, plus gold snuffers and gold funnels.
18 He overlaid the [Tent’s] posts and made gold rings for them. [Then he] gilded the rafters and the posts for the veil with gold, and he made the hooks 19 and the Tent rings of gold. [He also made] the rings for the courtyard and for drawing the veil, out of brass.
20 He poured silver caps for the Tent posts, and [he made] brass caps for the entryways to the Tent and the courtyard. Then he made silver hooks for the posts, and he overlaid [the posts] with silver. 21 He made pins for the Tent and the courtyard of brass.
22 He made the brass Altar from the brass censers that once belonged to the group of men who joined in the rebellion under KorAh. 23 He made the Altar, its grate, its base, its bowls, and the brass flesh-hooks. 24 He made an appendage for the Altar under the middle of the grate, to which he fastened four brass rings at each corner, so the Altar could be carried with them.
25 He also made the holy anointing oil and mixed the incense like a [professional] perfumer. 26 He made the brass basin and base from the mirrors of the women who were fasting at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs on the day it was assembled. 27 He made the basin so that Moses, and Aaron and his sons, could wash their hands and feet whenever they entered the Tent of Proofs, or whenever they went to serve at the Altar, as Jehovah had instructed Moses.
Chapter 39
1 All the gold that was offered and used to make the holy things weighed more than twenty-six hundred pounds. 2 And the silver that was collected from the men among the gathering who were counted [in the census] weighed more than nine thousand five hundred pounds, plus a thousand, seven hundred and seventy-five silver coins. 3 Six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men who were twenty years and older replied to the census. 4 And their thousand, five-hundred pounds of silver was used to cast one hundred [post] caps for the Tent and for the veil, 5 and a hundred caps at ninety-five pounds each. 6 Then he took the thousand, seven hundred and seventy-five silver coins and made hooks, caps, and silver coverings for the posts.
7 More than three tons of brass was offered, from which 8 they made the bases for the entry to the Tent of Proofs 9 and the surrounding courtyard, as well as pins for the Tent and the courtyard, 10 the brass appendage on the Altar and all its furnishings, and all the instruments that were used in the Tent of Proofs.
11 So, the children of Israel did everything as Jehovah had instructed Moses. 12 And the rest of the contributed gold was used to make furnishings that would be used in service to Jehovah. 13 The blue [thread], the purple [yarn], and the scarlet [material] that was left over, was used to make [more] garments for Aaron to wear in his service at the Holy Place. 14 They also brought garments to Moses for use in the Tent, as well as [things] for its furnishings, bases, rafters, and posts, 15 and for the Chest of the Sacred Agreement and its carriers, and for the Altar and its furnishings.
16 They made the anointing oil, the incense, the holy lampstand 17 and its lamps (that held oil for the light), 18 the table for showbread and all its furnishings, 19 Aaron’s garments for use in the Holy Place, the garments for his sons in their Priestly duties, 20 the curtains for the courtyard, all the posts, the veils for the entry to the Tent and the courtyard, 21 all the furnishings and tools for the Tent, the ram skins that were dyed red and blue, coverings for other things, the pins, and everything that was needed to work in the Tent of Proofs. 22 Whatever Jehovah told Moses, the children of Israel did to complete the furnishings. 23 And when Moses looked at all the work and saw that they had done everything and made everything the way that Jehovah had told him, he blest them.
Chapter 40
1 Then Jehovah told Moses: 2 ‘On the first day of the first month (the New Moon), you must assemble the Tent of Proofs 3 and put the Chest of Proofs inside it, behind the veil. 4 Then carry in the table and lay [the bread] on it. Then bring in the lampstand and mount the lamps on it. 5 Then carry in the gold incense Altar and burn incense in front of the Chest. Then hang the veil in the entryway of the Tent of Proofs. 6 Then put the Altar of burnt offerings next to the entry to the Tent of Proofs, and set up the rest of the Tent. Make everything in and around it holy. 7 – – – 8 – – – 9 Take the anointing oil and anoint the Tent and everything in it, to cleanse it, so that it and all its furnishings will be holy. 10 Also, anoint the Altar of burnt offerings and all of its furnishings. Make it clean and the Altar will be most holy. 11 – – –
12 ‘Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and wash them with water. 13 Then dress Aaron in the holy garments and anoint him and make him holy, so he can serve as a Priest to Me. 14 Then bring in his sons, dress them in their garb, 15 and anoint them as you did their father, so they can serve Me as Priests. 16 This anointing of the Priesthood [must be done] through the ages.’ And Moses did everything that Jehovah told him.
17 So it was, that during the first month, a year after they left Egypt (during the New Moon), that the Tent was set up. 18 Moses set up the Tent, put on the caps, set the rafters in place, and set up the posts. 19 Then he stretched the curtains over the Tent and installed the veil from the top of the Tent, as Jehovah had commanded. 20 Then he took the Proofs and put them inside the Chest; he mounted the Chest on the staves 21 and carried it into the Tent; then he put up the veil to conceal the Chest of Proofs, just as the Lord had commanded.
22 Then he carried the table into the Tent of Proofs and placed in on the north side, just outside the veil. 23 And he brought in the showbread [and set it] before Jehovah, just as the Lord had instructed him. 24 Next, he brought the lampstand into the Tent of Proofs and placed it on the south side of the Tent, 25 and he mounted its lamps in front of Jehovah, just as the Lord had commanded. 26 Then he brought the gold incense Altar into the Tent of Proofs and put it in front of the veil, 27 and he burned the [sacred] incense on it, just as the Lord had commanded. 28 – – – 29 Then he put the Altar for the burnt offerings next to the entry to the Tent. 30 – – – 31 – – – 32 – – – 33 And he set up the courtyard all around the Tent and the Altar. Yes, Moses did all these things.
34 Then a cloud covered the Tent of Proofs and it was filled with the glory of Jehovah. 35 Not even Moses could enter the Tent of Proofs, because of the cloud that covered it and the glory of Jehovah that was inside the Tent.
36 And whenever the cloud would rise above the Tent, the children of Israel would pack their bags and [get ready to leave]. 37 But if the cloud stayed in place, they didn’t get ready to leave until the day that the cloud arose again. 38 For the cloud covered the Tent during the day, and fire covered it at night, and all Israel could [see this] as they traveled.
Leviticus
Chapter 1
1 And Jehovah called Moses again and spoke to him in the Tent of Proofs. He said, 2 ‘Talk to the children of Israel and tell them this: Any of you that bring an ox as a gift to the Lord; bring one that will be acceptable to Jehovah. 4 Then put your hand on the head of the offering [to show that] it’s something you wish to do, in order to be forgiven by [God]. 5 Then they must slaughter the calf before Jehovah, and Aaron’s sons (the Priests) must collect the blood and pour it around the Altar at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.
6 ‘The meat of the offering should be butchered and divided into quarters. 7 And the sons of Aaron (the Priests) must light a fire on the Altar and pile wood on the fire. 8 Then the Priests must put the head and the fat over the fire in the Altar; 9 they must wash the [animal’s] entrails and feet in water, and the Priests must put the rest of it on the Altar as a burnt-offering sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
10 ‘However, if [the person] is offering a sheep as a gift to Jehovah (or a lamb or a kid) for a whole-burnt offering, it must be a perfect male. 11 He must put his hand on its head and they must kill it next to the Altar toward the north, before Jehovah. Then the sons of Aaron (the Priests) must pour its blood on and around the Altar. 12 They must quarter it, and put its head and its fat over the burning wood on the Altar. 13 Then they must wash its entrails and feet with water and the Priest must put the rest on the Altar as a burnt-offering sacrifice… as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
14 ‘But if [the person] is offering a bird as a gift to Jehovah, it must be a dove or a pigeon. 15 The Priest must bring it to the Altar, wring off its head, and sprinkle its blood at the base of the Altar. 16 And before placing it on the Altar, he must remove the crop and the feathers, and throw them by the ashes, to the east of the Altar. 17 He should then break off its wings, but not cut it up. And the Priest must put the burnt-offering sacrifice on the Altar over the burning wood as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.
Chapter 2
1 ‘And if a person brings fine flour as a gift to sacrifice to Jehovah, he must pour oil on it and put frankincense on it before offering it as a sacrifice. 2 He must carry it to the Priests (the sons of Aaron) and take a handful of the fine flour with the oil and the frankincense, and then a Priest must put it on the Altar as a sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah. 3 The rest of the sacrifice must be [given to] Aaron and his sons as their holy portion from the sacrifices to Jehovah.
4 ‘And if he brings [bread] that has been baked in an oven as a gift to sacrifice to Jehovah, it should be fermentation free and kneaded with oil into fermentation-free cakes. 5 And if the gift of fermentation-free fine flour is brought in a pan, 6 it must be broken into pieces and then oil must be poured over it as a sacrifice to Jehovah.
7 ‘However, if the gift of fine flour with oil that is to be offered as a sacrifice to Jehovah [consists of whole loaves] which were baked in an oven, 8 they must be brought to the Priest, 9 and the Priest must take it to the Altar and offer a portion of it as a burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah. 10 The rest of the sacrifice must be [given to] Aaron and his sons as their holy portion from the burnt offerings of Jehovah.
11 ‘You must not have fermentation in any sacrifices that are brought to Jehovah, and no honey will be brought as a gift to Jehovah. 12 Such things may be brought to Jehovah as though they were fruit, but they must not be offered on the Altar as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.
13 ‘All gifts of sacrifices must be seasoned with salt. Don’t leave the salt of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement out of your sacrifices. No matter what type of gift it is, it must be offered to Jehovah your God with salt.
14 ‘And when you offer the first fruit as a sacrifice to Jehovah (the new grain), it should be ground and roasted, then brought as a sacrifice. 15 Pour oil and frankincense on it, because it is a sacrifice. 16 Then the Priest must offer a portion of the grain with oil and all the frankincense as a burnt offering to Jehovah.
Chapter 3
1 ‘If the gift to Jehovah is to be a peace offering and it is selected from among the cattle, it can be a male or a female, but it must be perfect to bring it before Jehovah. 2 The [the person] must put his hands on the head of the gift and slaughter it before Jehovah next to the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour the blood on and around the Altar of burnt offerings.
3 For peace offerings, [these portions] should be offered as a burnt-sacrifice to Jehovah: the belly and all the fat in and around it, 4 the kidneys and the fat on them, [the fat] on the thighs, and the membrane around the liver and kidneys. 5 The Priests (the sons of Aaron) must offer them on the Altar of burnt offerings over the burning wood on the Altar as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
6 ‘And if the peace-offering gift to Jehovah is a sheep, it may be either a male or a female, but it must be perfect. 7 If the gift is a lamb, he must bring it before Jehovah, 8 put his hands on the head of his offering, and slaughter it by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour its blood on and around the Altar. 9 The peace offering is then to be burned to Jehovah. He can take the healthy, fat hind parts and loins with him, but all the fat that is in and around the belly, 10 the kidneys and the fat around them, the fat around the thighs, and the membrane around the liver and kidneys 11 must be offered on the Altar by the Priest as a sweet odor and burnt offering to Jehovah.
12 ‘And if his offering is a goat, he must bring it before Jehovah, 13 put his hands on its head, and slaughter it before Jehovah next to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour the blood on and around the Altar. 14 And the parts of the burnt offering [that will be offered] to Jehovah must be the fat in and around the belly, 15 both kidneys and all the fat on them, [the fat] on the thighs, and the membrane around the liver and kidneys. 16 Then the Priest must offer it on the Altar as a burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
‘All the fat is Jehovah’s. 17 This is the rule through the ages of your generations wherever you may live: You must eat no fat and no blood.’
Chapter 4
1 Then Jehovah told Moses, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them this: If a person sins against Jehovah in any of the Commandments that Jehovah says you must not do… but he does them unintentionally, 3 or if the anointed Priest sins and that causes the people to sin, then he must bring [an offering] for his sin. [He must bring] a perfect calf from his herd to Jehovah, for his sin. 4 He must bring the calf before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, put his hand on its head, and they must slaughter it in Jehovah’s presence.
5 ‘And when the anointed Priest who has been made perfect receives the calf’s blood, he must carry it into the Tent of Proofs. 6 Then the Priest must dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it at the base of the Holy Veil before Jehovah seven times. 7 And he must put some of the calf’s blood on the horns of the incense Altar that is before Jehovah (inside the Tent of Proofs) and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar, by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.
8 ‘[Then he must take] all the fat from the calf of the sin offering – the inner fat, the outer fat, 9 the kidneys and the fat on them, [the fat on] the thighs, and the membrane around the liver and kidneys – and remove them. 10 Then the Priest must offer it on the Altar of burnt offerings. 11 As for the calf’s skin, flesh, head, extremities, belly, and dung; 12 it must all be carried outside the camp into the clean place where they pour the ashes, and it must be totally burned among the wood ashes that are poured out there.
13 ‘Now, if the whole gathering of Israel unknowingly commits a sin and it goes unnoticed by them (if they should do something that is forbidden, shouldn’t be done, and is a sin against any of the commandments of Jehovah), 14 but they later realize what they have done; the gathering should bring a perfect calf from the herd as a sin offering to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs. 15 Then [all] the elders of the gathering must lay their hands on the calf’s head and slaughter it before Jehovah. 16 And the anointed Priest must bring the calf’s blood into the Tent of Proofs. 17 He must then dip his finger in some of the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the veil of the Holy Place, there before Jehovah.
18 ‘The Priest must also put some of the blood on the horns of the incense Altar, which is standing before Jehovah, inside the Tent of Proofs. Then he must pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings, which is by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 19 He must cut off all its fat, and offer it on the Altar, 20 dealing with it in the same way as he does the calf of the sin offering. That’s how the Priests will pay for their sins, and then their mistakes will be forgiven. 21 Thereafter, they must take the rest of the calf outside the camp and burn it in the same way as the other calf. This is the sin offering for the [entire] gathering.
22 ‘And if one of the leaders should unknowingly break one of the commandments of Jehovah his God (something he shouldn’t have done in sin and error), 23 and then he realizes that he has sinned, the gift he must offer is a perfect male kid goat. 24 He must put his hand on the head of the kid, and they must kill it where they kill the whole-burnt offerings before Jehovah, as a sin offering. 25 Then the Priest must put some of the blood of the sin offering on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings with his finger, and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar. 26 Then he must offer all its fat on the Altar as the sacrifice of the peace offering. [This is how] the Priest must pay for his sin, so it can be forgiven.
27 ‘And if a person among the people of the land should sin unknowingly against any of the Commandments of Jehovah by doing something that shouldn’t be done, 28 and then he realizes that he has sinned, he must bring a perfect female kid goat for the sin that he has committed. 29 Then he must put his hand on the head of his sin offering and they should slaughter the kid of the sin offering where they slaughter the whole-burnt offerings. 30 And the Priest must take some its blood on his finger and wipe it on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings. Then he must pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar. 31 Thereafter, he must remove all the fat and offer it as a sacrifice of a peace offering. The Priest must offer it on the Altar as a sweet odor to Jehovah. [This is how] the Priest must pay for his sin, so it can be forgiven.
32 ‘But if he offers a lamb for his sin offering, it should be a perfect female. 33 He must put his hand on the head of the sin offering, and they must kill it where they kill the whole-burnt offerings. 34 Then the Priest must take some of the blood of the sin offering on his finger and wipe it on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings, and he must pour the rest of the blood around the base of the Altar. 35 Then he must cut off all its fat, the same as he would for the lamb of the peace-offering sacrifice, and the Priest must put it on the Altar as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah. [This is how] the Priest must pay for his sin, so it can be forgiven.
Chapter 5
1 ‘And if a person sins by witnessing, seeing, or knowing of someone who has sworn an oath [of vengeance] against another and doesn’t report it, he is guilty of sin. 2 And whoever touches anything that is dirty, such as the filth of animals, or dead things [such as] a dead unclean animal, or [the rotting] body of cattle, 3 or whoever touches any kind of filth from a man that would make him unclean – even if he doesn’t realize it, but comes to know about it later – he has sinned. 4 Or if some unrighteous person has decided to use his lips to swear an oath to do evil or good – even if he doesn’t realize it, but comes to know of it [later] – he has sinned by doing this. 5 He must admit that he has sinned 6 and [pay for] his sin against [Jehovah by offering] a female lamb from his flock or a goat kid as a sin offering, which the Priest must [offer] in payment for his sin. Then he will be forgiven.
7 ‘And if he can’t afford a sheep, he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to Jehovah. One [must serve] as a sin offering, and the other as a burnt offering. 8 He must carry them to the Priest, and the Priest must [sacrifice] the sin offering first. He must pinch off the head at the neck, but not cut up the body. 9 Then he must sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on the side of the Altar, and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar, because this is a sin offering. 10 Then the second [bird] must be a whole burnt offering for the Priest, to pay for the sins he has committed.
11 ‘And if he can’t afford a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, then the gift that he should bring for his sin offering must be a quart of fine flour. He shouldn’t put frankincense or oil on it, because it is a sin offering. 12 He must carry it to the Priest and he must take a handful of it and lay a portion of it on the Altar as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah, and as a sin offering. 13 So, the Priest must offer payment for the way he has sinned in these matters, and he will be forgiven. And whatever is left of the flour offering must belong to the Priest.’
14 And Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 15 ‘The person who is truly unaware and unknowingly sins against any of the holy things of Jehovah must carry something to Jehovah for his error. [It must be] a perfect ram from his flock (or its value in the type of silver coins that are accepted in the Holy Place) [to pay] for his mistake. 16 He must pay for his sin against any of the holy things, and add a fifth more to it. He must give it to the Priest and the Priest must cover his sin with the ram of his error, and he will be forgiven.
17 ‘And if any person sins and does something that isn’t right and which is against any of Jehovah’s Commandments; even if he doesn’t realize it, he is guilty of a sin. 18 So he must bring a perfect ram from his flock (or its value in silver) to the Priest for his mistake, and the Priest will [use it] to pay for the sin that he committed in ignorance, and he will be forgiven. 19 However, he has truly been found guilty of sinning before Jehovah.’
Chapter 6
1 – 6
7 And Jehovah told Moses, 8 ‘Give Aaron and his sons these instructions… 9 This is the law concerning whole-burnt offerings: whole-burnt offerings are to be left burning on the Altar all night long. The fire of the Altar must be kept burning and not be put out. 10 Then the Priest must put on the linen tunic and the linen underwear, and carry everything that has been thoroughly burned and consumed by the fire – the whole-burnt offering – from the Altar, and throw [the ashes] nearby. 11 Thereafter, he must take off that robe, put on another robe, and carry the burned [ashes] to a clean place outside the camp.
12 ‘The fire on the Altar must be kept burning all the time, and never be put out. The Priests must stoke it with wood each morning, so whole-burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings can be piled on it. 13 The fire must always be kept burning on the Altar and it must never be extinguished.
14 ‘This is the law concerning the sacrifices that the sons of Aaron must bring to the Altar before Jehovah: 15 [The Priest] must scoop a handful of the fine flour of the sacrifice that was offered, along with its oil and all the frankincense, and put it on the Altar as a burnt offering and a sweet-smelling odor for Jehovah to remember. 16 Then Aaron and his sons can eat all that remains. However, it must be eaten without in the courtyard of the Tent of Proofs… 17 it must not be baked with fermentaion. I am giving a portion of Jehovah’s burnt offering to them. It is very holy, as are the offerings for sin and the offerings for errors. 18 All the male Priests must eat it. This is to be the rule for burnt offerings to Jehovah throughout your generations and through the ages. For, whoever touches them will be made holy.’
19 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 20 ‘This is the gift that Aaron and his sons must offer to Jehovah on the day when you anoint him: A quart of fine flour must be sacrificed, half of it in the morning and the other half in the evening. 21 It must be kneaded with oil into rolls [and cooked] in a pan, and then offered [on the Altar] in pieces as a sweet odor to Jehovah. 22 The anointed Priest (one of [Aaron’s] sons who is serving in his place) will offer it, and it must all be burned. This is to be a rule through the ages… 23 all the sacrifices for the Priests must be totally burned and never be eaten.’
24 Then Jehovah told Moses, 25 ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them, This is the law of the sin offerings: The sin offerings must be slaughtered before Jehovah in the same place as the whole burnt offerings, for they are very holy. 26 The Priest that offers it must also eat it in a holy place in the courtyard of the Tent of Proofs. 27 Everyone who touches its flesh will be holy, and everyone whose clothes have been sprinkled with its blood must be washed in the Holy Place. 28 Then, any of the clay pots that held [the sacrifice] must be broken. And if it was put in a brass pot, it must be scoured and washed in water. 29 Then all the male Priests must eat it as something that is very holy to Jehovah. 30 However, none of the sin offerings whose blood is carried into the Tent of Proofs to pay for sins in the Holy Place must be eaten. They must be burned with fire.
31 – 40
Chapter 7
1 ‘This is the law of the peace-offering sacrifice that [the Priests] are to bring to Jehovah: 2 If it is being offered as a sacrifice of praise, they must bring loaves of fine flour that are made with oil, or as fermentation-free cakes that have had oil poured over them, or fine flour that has been kneaded with oil. 3 Then they must offer their gifts with fermentation-free bread as the peace offering of praise. 4 And [each person] must bring one gift as a separate offering to Jehovah for the Priest who pours the blood of the peace offering. 5 The flesh of the peace-offering sacrifice of praise must be his, and it must be eaten on the day that it is offered… it can’t be left over until the next morning.
6 ‘However, if it is brought as a vow that is offered willingly, it can be eaten both on the day that the sacrifice is offered and on the next day. 7 But the flesh of the sacrifice can’t be left over until the third day… it must be consumed in a fire. 8 And if someone does eat the flesh on the third day, his offering won’t be accepted or taken into account, because it is polluted; and whoever eats it will be found guilty of sin.
9 ‘Any flesh that has touched something unclean must not be eaten. It must be consumed in a fire.
‘Only [people] who are clean can eat the flesh [of an offering]. 10 Any person who eats the flesh of the peace-offering sacrifice to Jehovah and is unclean, must not be allowed to live among His people.
11 ‘And whoever touches anything unclean, whether it is the unclean things of a man, of a four-footed animal, or anything that is disgustingly unclean, then eats the flesh of a peace-offering sacrifice that has been offered to Jehovah, must not be allowed to live among His people.’
12 Then Jehovah told Moses, 13 ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say: You must not eat the fat of bulls, sheep, or goats. 14 However, you can use the fat of these animals if they have died of natural causes, or if they have been killed by [wild] animals… just don’t eat it. 15 Whoever eats the fat of animals that they have brought as burnt offerings to Jehovah must not be allowed to live among His people.
16 ‘You may not eat any blood of birds or animals wherever you may live. 17 Any person who eats blood must not be allowed to live among His people.’
18 Then Jehovah told Moses, 19 ‘You must also tell the children of Israel this: Whoever brings a peace-offering sacrifice as a gift to Jehovah 20 must carry the fat that is on the breast and the liver in his hands. He must bring them and offer them as a gift before Jehovah. 21 Then the Priest must offer the fat on the Altar, and the [animal’s] breast must be [given to] Aaron and his sons, 22 as well as a choice piece from the right shoulder of the peace-offering sacrifice.
23 ‘Whichever son of Aaron that offers the blood and fat of the peace offering must be given the right shoulder as his portion. 24 For I have taken the breast which is waved and the shoulder portion from the children of Israel’s peace-offering sacrifices and given them to Aaron (the Priest) and to his sons. This is the rule through the ages for the children of Israel.’
25 These were [the instructions that were given] about how Aaron and his sons were to be anointed, and [regarding their responsibilities toward] the burnt offerings to Jehovah, back when He brought them up to serve as Priests to Jehovah. 26 It’s what Jehovah commanded on the day He chose them from among the sons of Israel, as a law through all their generations and through the ages.
27 These were the laws of the whole-burnt offerings, of the sacrifices, of the sin offerings, of the offering for mistakes, of the sacrifice of the last lamb, and of the sacrifices as peace offerings. 28 [Jehovah gave these] commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, back when He gave the commandments to the children of Israel on how to offer their gifts to Jehovah, while they were [camping] in the Sinai Desert.
Chapter 8
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses, and said, 2 ‘Take Aaron and his sons, along with their robes, the anointing oil, a calf for a sin offering, two rams, and a basket of fermentation-free bread, 3 then assemble the whole gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.
4 So Moses did just as Jehovah told him. He assembled the gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 5 and Moses told them, ‘This is what Jehovah has commanded us to do.’ 6 Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water. 7 Next, he put the robe on him, wrapped him with the sash, put on the tunic, and then the Expression of Judgment. 8 He wrapped [his tunic] so the Expression of Judgment would fit, then he clasped it tight and put on the Expression of Judgment; and he put the Revelation and the Truth on top of that.
9 Next, he put the turban on [Aaron’s] head and mounted the gold plate (this most holy thing) on the front of the turban, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
10 Then Moses took the anointing oil 11 and sprinkled it on the Altar seven times, to anoint the Altar and make it holy, along with everything on it, including its base and the basin. He made them holy, and he anointed the Tent and all its furniture, and made them holy.
12 Then Moses poured anointing oil on Aaron’s head to anoint him and make him holy. 13 And Moses brought up Aaron’s sons, put on their robes and wrapped on their sashes, then put on their turbans, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
14 Next, Moses brought over the calf for the sin offering. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the sin-offering calf, 15 and Moses slaughtered it. Then he took some of the blood and put it around the horns of the Altar with his finger, to purify it. Then he poured the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar, to make it holy, so that it could be used to pay for sins. 16 And Moses took all the inner fat, plus the liver and kidneys and the fat around them, and he offered it on the Altar. 17 Then he burned the rest of the calf (its skin, flesh, and dung) in a fire outside the camp, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
18 Next, Moses brought over the ram for the whole-burnt offering. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head, and Moses slaughtered the ram, and he poured the blood around the Altar. 19 Then he divided the ram by each of its limbs, and Moses offered up the head, the limbs, and the fat, after washing the feet and belly with water. 20 So Moses offered the whole ram on the Altar as a burnt offering, and it was burned as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
21 Then Moses brought over the second ram, the last ram, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head, and he slaughtered it. 22 And Moses took its blood and put some on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 23 Then Moses brought in Aaron’s sons and put the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; and Moses poured the rest of the blood around the Altar.
24 Then he took the fat, the rump, the belly fat, the liver and kidneys and the fat that’s on them, as well as its right shoulder; 25 and from the basket of consecration that was before Jehovah, he took one fermentation-free loaf, one loaf made with oil, and one cake (along with the fat and the right shoulder), 26 and put them all in the hands of Aaron and his sons, who waved them before Jehovah. 27 Then Moses took it from their hands and put it on the Altar as the whole-burnt offering of the last lamb, and it was burned as an offering to Jehovah, providing a sweet-smelling odor to Him. 28 Then Moses took the last lamb’s breast and set it aside before Jehovah, and this was given to Moses as his portion, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
29 Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the Altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. 30 So he made Aaron and his garments, and his sons and their garments, holy.
31 Then Moses told Aaron and his sons, ‘Now, boil the flesh in the Holy Place inside the Tent of Proofs, and eat it there along with the loaves in the last basket, just as Jehovah told me when He said, Aaron and his sons must eat this. 32 Then you must burn whatever is left of the flesh and loaves in a fire. 33 Thereafter, you must stay inside the entrance to the Tent of Proofs until the end of seven days. For in seven days He will complete you, 34 the same as He did on the day that Jehovah commanded me to do this to pay for your sins. 35 So, you must remain inside the entrance to the Tent of Proofs for seven days and nights. You must obey this rule of Jehovah so you won’t die… for that is what Jehovah God commanded me.’
36 So, Aaron and his sons followed the instructions that Jehovah gave as commandments to Moses.
Chapter 9
1 It was on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons out before Israel’s elders. 2 And Moses said to Aaron, ‘Now, select a perfect young calf from the herd as a sin offering, and a ram to be a whole-burnt offering, then offer them before Jehovah. 3 And tell the elders of Israel: Take one goat kid to be a sin offering, and take a young calf and a perfect yearling lamb as whole-burnt offerings, 4 and a calf and a ram as peace offerings to Jehovah, along with fine flour that is mixed with oil, because Jehovah is going to appear among you today.’
5 So, just as Moses commanded, they brought [the animals] to the Tent of Proofs, and the entire gathering came and stood before Jehovah. 6 Then Moses said, ‘This is what Jehovah told us to do… and then the glory of Jehovah will appear among you.’
7 And Moses told Aaron, ‘Come to the Altar. Offer your sin offering and your whole-burnt offering to pay for the sins of you and your family… then offer gifts for the people, to pay for their sins, just as Jehovah commanded.’
8 So Aaron went to the Altar and slaughtered the calf as his sin offering. 9 Then Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in it and put some on the horns of the Altar; and thereafter, he poured the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar. 10 Next, he offered the fat, the kidneys, and the liver on the Altar as a sin offering, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses. 11 Then the flesh and hide were burned in a fire outside the camp.
12 Next, he slaughtered the whole-burnt offering, and Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, which he poured all around the Altar. 13 Then they brought the whole-burnt offering (which they had cut in pieces), and he laid the head on the Altar. 14 Then he washed the belly and feet with water, and put them on the Altar.
15 After that, he brought up the gifts for the people. He took the goat, which was the people’s sin offering, and then he slaughtered it and washed it as before. 16 Next, he brought the whole-burnt offering, and offered it in the proper way; 17 he carried the sacrifice in his hands and laid it on the Altar, next to the whole-burnt offering that had been offered up in the morning.
18 Then he slaughtered the calf and the ram as peace-offering sacrifices for the people, and Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, which he poured all around the Altar. 19 Then he put the calf’s fat, as well as the hindquarters of the ram, the fat on its belly, its kidneys and the fat on them, the membrane around the liver, 20 as well as the fat on the breasts, and offered it on the Altar. 21 Then Aaron set aside the breast and right shoulder as a choicest offering before Jehovah, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
22 Then, after he offered the sin offering, the whole-burnt offerings, and the peace offerings, Aaron raised his arms over the people and blest them; and he came back down. 23 Then both Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Proofs. And when they came out, they blest all the people.
It was then that Jehovah’s glory appeared to all the people… 24 fire came from Jehovah that consumed the offerings on the Altar (both the whole-burnt offerings and their fat); and when all the people saw this, they were stunned and fell to their faces.
Chapter 10
1 Then two of Aaron’s sons (Nadab and AbiUd) took their censers, put incense and fire in them, and offered it before Jehovah in a way that is quite different from what they had been commanded. 2 And at that, fire came from Jehovah and consumed them, so they died there before Jehovah.
3 Then Moses told Aaron: ‘Jehovah told us, I must be made holy by those approach Me, and I must be glorified before the whole congregation!’
Well, Aaron was badly shaken by this.
4 Then Moses called MisaDae and EliSaphan ([two of] the sons of Aaron’s uncle OziEl) and said to them, ‘Come here and take your brothers away from [their position] before the Holy Place [and carry their bodies] outside the camp!’
5 So they came and took them (while they were still wearing their [Priestly] outfits) outside the camp, just as Moses said. 6 Then Moses said to Aaron, EliEzer, IthaMar, and his remaining sons: ‘Don’t uncover your heads or tear your clothes, unless you want to die and bring [God’s] anger down on the entire congregation! For then your brothers and the entire house of Israel would mourn this burning, which came from Jehovah. 7 Nor should you leave the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, or you will die; because Jehovah’s anointing oil is on you.’ And they did just as Moses told them.
8 Then Jehovah spoke to Aaron, and said, 9 ‘You and your sons must not drink any wine or liquor before you enter the Tent of Proofs or before you approach the Altar, so you don’t die. This is [to be] a law through the ages [for all your] generations. 10 Because, [you must be able to] recognize the difference between what is sacred and what is profane, and between what is clean and what is unclean. 11 And [you must] teach the children of Israel all the laws that [Jehovah gave] them through Moses.’
12 Then Moses told Aaron, EliEzer, IthaMar, and Aaron’s surviving sons: ‘Now, take the remaining sacrifices among the burnt offerings for Jehovah and eat [them with] fermentation-free bread close to the Altar, because that is a very holy [place]. 13 Eating the burnt offerings to Jehovah in the Holy Place will be the law for you and your sons, because this is what I have commanded… 14 that you, your sons, and your families must eat the breast that has been set aside [for you] and the choicest shoulder in the Holy Place. This is the rule for you and your sons concerning the peace-offering sacrifices [that are offered by] the children of Israel. 15 They must bring the choicest shoulder and [they must] separate the breast from the burnt offerings of fat, as a separate division before Jehovah. This is to be the rule for you, your sons, and your daughters through the ages, just as Jehovah commanded Moses.’
16 Well, when Moses started looking for the goat of the sin offering, [he found that] it had already been burned in the fire. So Moses became very angry with EliEzer, IthaMar, and Aaron’s remaining sons, and said, 17 ‘Why didn’t you eat the sin offering here in the Holy Place? It is a very holy [thing that Jehovah] has given you to eat before Him, so you can remove and pay for the sins of the entire gathering. 18 Why, its blood wasn’t even brought into the Holy Place… and Jehovah commanded you to eat [the sacrifice] here before Him!’
19 So Aaron asked Moses: ‘If they bring their sin offerings and whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah today, and [we were to] eat the sin offerings that are brought today (despite what we have done), would that be pleasing to Jehovah?’
20 And when Moses heard this, he was pleased.
Chapter 11
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and told them, 2 ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say, These are the animals that you may eat among all the animals on the earth: 3 You may eat any animal with a split hoof or that has a split between its two claws and chews the cud. 4 However, you may not eat those that just chew the cud or those that just have split hoofs or a split between the claws, [such as] the camel, because it chews the cud, but it doesn’t have a split hoof. So, this is something that is unclean to you. 5 [This includes] the rabbit, because it chews the cud, but it doesn’t have a split foot, so it is unclean to you; 6 as is the hare, because it neither chews the cud nor has it a split foot, so it is unclean to you. 7 [This is also true of] pigs, because they have split hoofs and claws on each hoof, but they don’t chew the cud, so they are unclean to you. 8 You must not eat their flesh or touch their dead bodies, because they are unclean to you.
9 ‘These are the things that you can eat [which live] in the water: You may eat anything that has fins and scales [that lives in] the water, whether in the seas or in the streams. 10 However, anything that lives in the water but doesn’t have fins or scales, whether in the seas or in the streams – anything that lives in the water or comes out of the water – is disgusting, and you are to consider it disgusting. 11 You must not eat their flesh and you must hate their dead bodies. 12 So, you should consider anything that lives in the water and doesn’t have fins or scales disgusting.
13 ‘These are the things that you should hate among the flying creatures… they must not be eaten, but are to be considered disgusting: eagles, ospreys, sea eagles, 14 vultures, kites, and the like; 15 also, ostriches, owls, seagulls, and the like; 16 also, ravens and the like; hawks and the like; 17 also, night ravens, cormorants, storks, 18 ibis, pelicans, swans, 19 herons, sandpipers, and the like; hoopoes, and bats.
20 ‘Also, all [flying] four-footed creatures that crawl are [to be considered] disgusting by you. 21 However, you can eat crawling winged creatures that move on four feet but have legs above their feet and jump around on the ground. 22 These include migratory locusts and the like, tree locusts and the like, crickets and the like, and grasshoppers and the like. 23 However, any [other thing] that crawls and flies is to be considered disgusting by you; 24 and if you touch their dead bodies you are dirty and will remain unclean until the evening. 25 Anyone who touches their dead bodies must wash his clothes and then be [considered] unclean until the evening.
26 ‘Any dead bodies of animals that have split hooves and claws but don’t chew the cud will be unclean to you, and everyone who touches them will be unclean until evening. 27 Also, any wild animals that walk on four paws are unclean to you, and anyone that touches their dead bodies will be unclean until evening. 28 If they touch the dead bodies, they must wash their clothes and be [considered] unclean until the evening. All of these are unclean to you.
29 ‘These crawling [animals are also] unclean to you among the slithering creatures: weasels, mice, crocodiles, 30 ferrets, chameleons, geckos, newts, and sand lizards. 31 Among all the crawling animals on the earth, these are unclean to you, and anyone who touches their dead bodies will be unclean until evening.
32 ‘And if one of the dead bodies of these unclean [things] should fall on a wooden container, or on clothing, or on leather, or on a sack, or on anything that is used for work, [the item] should be dipped in water and be unclean until evening… then it will be clean. 33 Also, if one of these [animals] should fall into a clay pot or bowl, whatever is inside it will be unclean, and it must be broken. 34 Any edible food that the water was poured on, or any beverage that was in such a vessel, will be unclean. 35 Everything that their dead bodies fall on will be unclean. Ovens and tables must be broken down, because they are unclean, and they are unclean for you. 36 Springs, pools, and moving water will be clean, but anyone who touches dead bodies will be unclean.
37 ‘If one of these dead bodies should fall on seeds that have been planted, the [seeds] are clean. 38 However, if water has been poured on the seeds and then one of their dead bodies fall on it, it is unclean to you.
39 ‘If one of the cattle that the Law allows you to eat should die; whoever touches the body will be unclean until evening. 40 Whoever eats such a body must wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. And whoever carries their bodies must wash their clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until evening.
41 ‘All slithering animals that crawl on the ground should be [considered] disgusting by you and never be eaten. 42 Any slithering creature that crawls along the ground on its belly must not be eaten; you should consider it disgusting. 43 You shouldn’t dirty your lives with any slithering creature that crawls on the earth. If you don’t allow them to pollute you, they won’t make you unclean. 44 For I am Jehovah your God, and you will be made holy and you will stay holy, because I, Jehovah your God, am holy. So, you must not dirty your lives with any of the slithering, crawling things of the earth. 45 For I am Jehovah who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. So you must be holy, because I Jehovah am holy.’
46 These are the laws concerning animals, birds, all creatures that live and move in the water, and all creatures that crawl on the ground, 47 [so you might understand] the difference between what is clean and unclean, and between those that give birth alive that can be eaten, and those that shouldn’t be eaten.
Chapter 12
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘You must speak to the children of Israel and tell them: Whenever a woman gets pregnant and gives birth to a male child, she must be [considered] unclean for seven days, just as she is [considered] unclean during her monthly [menstrual] periods. 3 Then on the eighth day, she will circumcise [her son’s] foreskin flesh. 4 And for [the following] thirty-three days she must continue as in [a state] of an unclean blood [flow], so she should touch nothing holy and [she] must not enter the Holy Place until the full period of her purification is fulfilled. 5 But if she gives birth to a female child, she must be considered unclean for fourteen days, then for the following sixty-six days she will remain [as in a state] of an unclean blood flow.
6 ‘When her period of purification for [giving birth to] a son or daughter is completed, she must bring a perfect yearling lamb to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs as a whole-burnt offering, and bring a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering. 7 Then he must present it before Jehovah and offer it to pay for her sins and her flow of blood. This law applies to her, whether she gives birth to a male or a female. 8 However, if she can’t afford a lamb, then she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons; one [to be sacrificed] as a whole-burnt offering, and the other as a sin offering. The Priest will use these to pay for her sins and to purify her.’
Chapter 13
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said, 2 ‘If anyone should [develop] a bright clear spot on his skin which looks like the plague of leprosy, he must be brought to Aaron (the Priest) or to one of his sons (the Priests), 3 and the Priest should examine the spot. If the hair in the spot has turned white and the spot is under the skin, it is leprosy, so the Priest who looked at it must pronounce him unclean. 4 But if the spot on the skin is clear and white, and it doesn’t appear to be deep below the skin, and the hair hasn’t turned white (but is dark), then the Priest must quarantine him for seven days.
5 ‘On the seventh day, the Priest should then look to see if the spot is still there. [If it is] and if the spot hasn’t spread, the Priest should quarantine him for seven more days. 6 Then on the seventh day, the Priest should examine him a second time to see if the spot has started to darken. If it has, and if it isn’t spreading on his skin, the Priest will pronounce him clean, for it is just a mark. Then the person must wash his clothes and [he will] be [considered] clean.
7 ‘However, if the bright spot changes and spreads in the skin after the Priest has looked at him and called him clean, then he must return to the Priest again, 8 and the Priest must reexamine him. And if he finds that the mark has spread inside the skin, the Priest must pronounce him unclean, for it is leprosy.
9 ‘If a man [thinks he] has the plague of leprosy, he must go to the Priest 10 and the Priest should examine him. And if [he finds] a white spot under the skin where all the hair has turned white, and there are signs of good flesh in the sore, 11 this is leprosy that has matured in the skin. Then the Priest must pronounce him unclean and quarantine him, because he is unclean.
12 ‘But if the leprosy becomes very visible and it covers all the person’s skin wherever the Priest looks, from his head to his feet, 13 and this is what the Priest finds, {Look!} the Priest must pronounce him clean of the plague, because, once everything has turned white, he is clean. 14 But if new flesh starts to appear again, he must be pronounced unclean. 15 For if the Priest finds sound flesh, this sound flesh proves that he is unclean and that he has [active] leprosy. 16 Then if the sound flesh changes back to white again, he must return to the Priest 17 and the Priest must examine him. If he sees that the plague has all turned white, then the Priest will pronounce him clean, for he is clean.
18 ‘And if [someone] should develop a sore in his skin that heals, 19 then it turns white, or lighter, or very red, it should be examined by the Priest. 20 And if, when the Priest looks at it, he finds that it is growing under the skin and that the hair has turned white, the Priest must pronounce him unclean, because leprosy has broken out in the sore. 21 But if the Priest finds that there is no white hair, and that it isn’t growing under the skin, but that it has a dark color, then the Priest must quarantine him for seven days. 22 Then if he finds that it is spreading over the skin, the Priest must pronounce him unclean, for a plague of leprosy has broken out in the sore. 23 However, if the bright spot stays the same and doesn’t spread, it is just a scar, and the Priest must pronounce him clean.
24 ‘But if the skin becomes inflamed and bright red, then appears to heal, but develops splotches that are bright, clear, and white, mixed with red or very white, 25 the Priest should examine him. If he finds the hair turning white and that the bright color is under the skin, leprosy has broken out. 26 But if he sees that there isn’t any white hair in the inflammation and it isn’t growing under the skin, but is dark, then the Priest must quarantine him for seven days.
27 ‘Then on the seventh day, the Priest should examine him to see if the spot has spread in the skin. [If it has], the Priest will pronounce him unclean, for the plague of leprosy that has broken out in the sore. 28 But if the bright spot doesn’t move and doesn’t spread in the skin, but gets darker, it’s [just] the inflammation of a scar and the Priest will pronounce him clean.
29 ‘And if a man or woman [thinks they have] developed the plague of leprosy on the head or in the beard, 30 the Priest must examine it. If he finds that it is growing under the skin and that the hair has turned thin and yellow, then the Priest will pronounce the person unclean, for the skin is dead and it is leprosy of the head or of the beard. 31 However, if the Priest finds dead skin, but he doesn’t see it growing under the skin and there is no yellowish hair, the Priest must quarantine the person for seven days. 32 Then on the seventh day, the Priest must examine the person again. And if the dead skin hasn’t spread, and there is no yellowish hair on it, and there doesn’t appear to be a hollow spot under the skin, 33 the skin must be shaved everywhere except where the dead skin is, and the person should be quarantined a second time, for seven more days. 34 Then on the seventh day, the Priest must look to see if the dead skin has spread to the area that was shaved. [If it hasn’t], and if there doesn’t appear to be a hollow spot under the skin, the Priest will pronounce him clean, and he must wash his clothes and be clean.
35 ‘However, if the dead skin does spread after he has been purified, 36 then the Priest must examine it and affirm that the dead skin has spread, and even if he finds no yellow hair, the person is unclean. 37 But if the dead skin doesn’t spread and dark hair grows from it, the dead skin has healed and he is clean, so the Priest must pronounce him clean.
38 ‘Now, if a man or woman develops bright white spots on his/her skin, 39 the Priest should look at it. And, if he just finds bright white spots on the skin, it is psoriasis and he/she is clean. 40 And [the same is true] when someone starts losing his hair; he is just balding and he is clean. 41 If he loses hair in the front, he has forehead baldness and is clean. 42 But if there should develop white or red blotches in the baldness on [the top of] his head or on his forehead, it is leprosy. 43 The Priest must examine him, and if he finds white spots or an inflammation in the bald places on top or in the front that look like leprosy, 44 he is [to be considered] a leper. The Priest must absolutely pronounce him unclean, because of the plague on his head.
45 ‘Those who are lepers must wear unbelted clothing; they must cover their heads and their mouths, and they are to call out, Unclean! 46 They are always to be unclean, as long as they have the plague on them. They are to separate themselves and travel outside the camp.
47 ‘And if leprosy is found in any wool or linen clothing, 48 or in anything that has been woven with wool or linen thread, or in any leather or things that have been made with skin; 49 or if you find a greenish or reddish coloring in the skin or in the clothing, or in the weaving, or in anything made of skin, it is a plague of leprosy, and you must show it to the Priest. 50 Then the Priest must examine it and quarantine it for seven days.
51 ‘Then on the seventh day, the Priest must examine it again, and if he finds that the plague has spread in the clothing, weaving, leather, or in whatever may be made from skin, it is confirmed as leprosy and it is unclean. 52 Then the clothing, or the wool or linen weaving, or the thing made of skin in which there is the confirmed plague of leprosy must be burned in a fire.
53 ‘However, if the Priest sees that the plague hasn’t spread in the clothing, weaving, or things made of skin, 54 he must instruct someone to wash the thing that held the plague, and the Priest will quarantine it a second time for seven days. 55 Then, if the Priest sees that the plague hasn’t changed its appearance in the clothing or woven things after it has been washed, even if it hasn’t spread, it is unclean and it must be burned in a fire. 56 But if the Priest sees that the spot has turned dark after it was washed, he must cut it out of the clothing, weaving, or skin. 57 However, if it still looks the same in the clothing, weaving, or skin, it is an active plague of leprosy and it must be burned in a fire. 58 But if the clothing, weaving, or thing made from skin washes clean, the plague has been removed. It must then be rewashed, and will be clean.’
59 These are the laws concerning the plague of leprosy on wool or linen clothing, weaving, and leather goods, to [show whether to] pronounce them clean or unclean.
Chapter 14
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘This is the law about lepers: On the day that [a leper] has been cured, a Priest must be brought to him, 3 and the Priest must go outside the camp to look and see if the plague of leprosy has been removed from the leper. 4 Then the Priest will give directions to the cleansed person to obtain two live, clean birds, some cedar wood, some spun scarlet, and some hyssop; 5 and following the Priest’s directions, he must kill one of the birds in a clay pot over some running water. 6 Then [the Priest] must take the living bird, the cedar wood, the spun scarlet and the hyssop, and he must dip them and the living bird into the blood of the bird that was killed, over the running water. 7 Then he must [use them to] sprinkle [some of the blood on] the person who was cured of leprosy seven times, and he will be clean. Then he must set the living bird [free], to go into the fields.
8 ‘Then the man who was cured must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, and he will be clean and can return to the camp… but he can’t enter his house for seven days.
9 ‘On the seventh day, he must shave off all the hair from his head, beard, eyebrows, and everything else, then wash his clothes and his body in water, in order to be clean.
10 ‘Then on the eighth day, he must take two perfect yearling lambs and one perfect yearling ewe, plus a [small amount] of fine flour that has been kneaded with oil as a sacrifice, and one small cup of oil. 11 And the Priest who did the cleansing must present the man who is being purified, along with these [offerings], before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 12 Then the Priest must take the lamb and present it as a compensation offering, along with the cup of oil, and set them aside as a special offering before Jehovah. 13 Then they must slaughter the lamb in the Holy Place where they slaughter the whole-burnt offerings and sin offerings, because a compensation offering (like a sin offering) is very holy, and it belongs to the Priest.
14 ‘Then the Priest must take the blood of the compensation offering and put some of it on the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe on the right foot of the person being cleansed.
15 ‘Then the Priest must take the cup of oil and pour it over his own left hand, 16 then dip the finger of his right hand in some of the oil in his left hand, and sprinkle it before Jehovah with his finger seven times. 17 And the Priest must put the remaining oil (which is on his hand) on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who is being cleansed, where the [blood of the] compensation offering [was put]. 18 Any oil that is left over on the hand of the Priest should then be put on the head of the cleansed person, and the Priest must [use it to] pay for his sins before Jehovah.
19 ‘Next, the Priest must sacrifice the sin offering as a payment to Jehovah for the sins of the person who is being purified, and then the Priest must slaughter the whole-burnt offering. 20 The Priest must offer the whole-burnt offering sacrifice on the Altar before Jehovah to pay for [the person’s] sins, so he can be cleansed.
21 ‘However, if [the person] is poor and can’t afford much; then he must bring a lamb as a separate offering to pay for his sins and to soothe his [relationship with God], plus a [small amount] of fine flour mixed with oil for a sacrifice, a cup of oil, 22 and two turtledoves or two young pigeons… whichever he can afford. One will serve as the sin offering, and the other as the whole-burnt offering. 23 These must be brought to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs before Jehovah on the eighth day, so he can be purified. 24 Then the Priest must take the lamb of the compensation offering and the cup of oil, and set them before Jehovah. 25 Then he must slaughter the lamb, and the Priest must take its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who is being purified.
26 ‘Next, the Priest must pour the oil over his own left hand, 27 and sprinkle some of the oil that is on his left hand with the finger of his right hand before Jehovah, seven times. 28 Then the Priest must put some of the oil that is on his hand on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who is being cleansed, and over the blood of the compensation offering. 29 Any oil that is left on the hand of the Priest must then be put on the head of the one who is being purified, and the Priest must pay for his sins before Jehovah.
30 ‘Next, he must offer the turtledoves or young pigeons (whichever he can afford); 31 one for a sin offering, and the other for a whole-burnt offering. The Priest must use these to smooth the relationship of the person being purified with Jehovah.’
32 This is the law for the person who has the plague of leprosy and who can’t afford the offerings for his purification.
33 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said: 34 ‘When you enter the land of the CanaAnites, which I am giving you to own, I will [allow] the plague of leprosy to [exist] in the houses of the land that you will own. 35 [When it is found], the owner of the house must report it to the Priest and say, I have seen what looks like a plague in [my] house. 36 Then the Priest must have the furniture removed from the house before he enters it to look at [what was described as] the plague, so none of the furniture in the house will become unclean. Thereafter, the Priest can go in and examine the house.
37 ‘When he looks at [what is called] the plague on the walls of the house, and if he sees green or red pits that run beneath the surface of the walls, 38 the Priest must walk outside the house, [close] its door, and quarantine it for seven days. 39 And if the Priest returns to look at the house on the seventh day and finds that the plague has spread in the walls, 40 then the Priest must order the [infected] stones to be taken away and thrown into an unclean place. 41 Then the entire house must be scraped down and the dust must be poured in an unclean place outside the city, 42 and scraped stones must be used [to replace the removed] stones, and the [whole house] must be replastered.
43 ‘However, if the plague returns and breaks out in the house after they have taken away the stones and scraped and replastered the walls, 44 then the Priest must go in and see if the plague has [truly re-grown] in the house. [If so], it is a confirmed leprosy in the house, [and the house] is unclean. 45 So they must tear down the house – all its timbers and its stones – and carry everything outside the city to an unclean place. 46 And anyone who enters that house at any time during its demolition must be [considered] unclean until the evening. 47 And anyone who sleeps in the house or eats there must wash his clothes and be [considered] unclean until the evening.
48 ‘But if the Priest goes in and sees that the plague hasn’t spread in the house at all after it has been re-plastered, the Priest must declare the house clean, because the plague has been cured. 49 Then to purify the house, he must take two clean, living birds, some cedar wood, some spun scarlet, and some hyssop, 50 and he must slaughter one of the birds in a clay pot over running water. 51 Then he must take the cedar wood, the spun scarlet, the hyssop, and the living bird, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over running water, and use them to sprinkle the house [with the blood] seven times. 52 The house will then be purified with the blood of the bird, the running water, the living bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and with the spun scarlet. 53 Then he must let the living bird go to leave the city for the fields, in order to create a good relationship with [God] for the house, and to make it clean.’
54 This is the law about all plagues of leprosy and dead skin, 55 as well as the leprosy of clothing, houses, 56 sores, clear spots, and shiny ones, 57 to show what is unclean and what to do when it is cured. This is the law on leprosy.
Chapter 15
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: Whenever a man has gonorrhea in the male [member] of his body, his discharge is unclean. 3 This is the law concerning the uncleanness caused by gonorrhea in a body, and this describes the uncleanness that is caused by the discharge that is affecting his body, as long as it keeps coming from his body, and how his body is unclean due to the discharge.
4 ‘Any bed or seat that the person (with the discharge) sits on, is unclean. 5 So, anyone who touches the bed must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening. 6 Also, anyone who sits on the seat where the person with the discharge sat, must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.
7 ‘Anyone who touches the skin of the man with the discharge must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening. 8 And if the man who has the discharge should spit on someone that is clean, [the clean person] must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.
9 ‘Any saddle that the man with the discharge has mounted must be unclean until evening, 10 and anyone who touches anything that has been under him will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks him up with his hands must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening. 11 And whoever the man with the discharge touches, if he hasn’t washed his hands in water, must wash his clothes and take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.
12 ‘Any clay pot that the person with the discharge happens to touch must be broken, but any wooden bowl can be washed in water, and it will be clean.
13 ‘However, if [the man] should be cured of the discharge, he must wait for seven days before he can be called clean, then he must wash his clothes and take a bath, and he will be clean. 14 Then on the eighth day, he must obtain two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, and give them to the Priest. 15 And the Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering. Thereby the Priest will pay for his sins before Jehovah for the discharge.
16 ‘Any man who ejaculates semen must wash his whole body and be unclean until evening. 17 And every piece of clothing, or any skin on which there is semen must be washed with water and be unclean until evening. 18 And when any woman goes to bed with a man and receives his semen, they must both bathe in water and be unclean until evening.
19 ‘And during the week that a woman is experiencing menstruation, she must separate herself, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. 20 Also, everything that she lies on or sits on during [her period of] separation will be unclean. 21 And whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and he will be unclean until evening. 22 And anyone who touches any pot that she sits on must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. 23 And when someone touches her while she’s lying in bed or sitting on a chair, he will be unclean until evening.
24 ‘And if anyone lies with her and gets her uncleanness on him, he will be unclean for seven days; and any bed that he lies on will be unclean.
25 ‘And if a woman has a blood flow for a long time – not just during her period of separation, but if her blood continues to flow after that – as long as it continues the unclean flow, she must separate herself and be unclean. 26 And any bed that she lies on during the outpour must be treated like the bed of her separation, and any chair that she sits on will be unclean, as it is during her period of separation. 27 Anyone who touches it will be unclean, and he must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.
28 ‘However, after the [unusual] blood flow stops, she must wait seven days, and thereafter she will be considered clean. 29 Then on the eighth day, she must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 30 and the Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering. Thus the Priest must pay for her sins before Jehovah for her unclean flow.
31 ‘So, you must make the children of Israel aware of what makes them unclean, so they don’t die for polluting My Tent while they are unclean. 32 These are the laws concerning men who have gonorrhea, and concerning ejaculation (so no one is polluted by it), 33 and for women to be separated during their menstruation; and how males and females are to deal with ejaculated sperm, and what to do with a man who lies with a woman during [her period of] separation.’
Chapter 16
1 And Jehovah spoke to Moses (after Aaron’s two sons died for bringing unauthorized fire before Jehovah) 2 and said, ‘Tell your brother Aaron not to come before the propitiatory on the Chest of the Proofs behind the veil in the Holy Place at just any time, so he doesn’t die; for I will appear in a mist over the propitiatory.
3 This is how Aaron may enter the Holy Place: [He must do so] with a calf of the herd as a sin offering, and with a ram as a whole-burnt offering. 4 He must wear the perfect linen tunic and the linen underwear to cover his flesh; he must wrap himself with the linen sash, put on the linen turban (for these are holy garments), and he must bathe his entire body in water before he puts them on.
5 ‘Then he must take two kids goats for a sin offering, and one lamb for a whole-burnt offering on behalf of the gathering of the children of Israel. 6 Aaron must also bring a calf for his own sin offering, to cover his sins and [the sins] of his house. 7 Then he must take the two goats and stand them before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 8 Then Aaron must cast lots over the two goats… one [will be] for Jehovah, and the other [will be] the scapegoat.
9 ‘Then Aaron must bring up the goat which the lot [showed was Jehovah’s], and offer it as a sin offering. 10 And the goat that was chosen by lot as the scapegoat must be presented alive before Jehovah, to [cleanse] it, so it can be sent away as a scapegoat and released into the desert.
11 ‘Then Aaron must bring up the calf for his own sins and slaughter it as a sin offering, to cleanse himself and his house.
12 ‘Then he must take his censer and fill it with coals from the fire on the Altar before Jehovah, fill his hands with fine mixed incense, and bring it inside the veil. 13 Then he must put the incense on the [coals] there before Jehovah, and the incense smoke must cover the propitiatory over the tablets inside the [Chest of] Proofs, so he doesn’t die. 14 Then he must take the calf’s blood and sprinkle it eastward toward the propitiatory with his finger. He must sprinkle the blood toward the Propitiatory with his finger seven times.
15 ‘Then he must kill the goat for the people’s sin offering before Jehovah, and he must bring its blood inside the veil, and do the same thing that he did with the blood of the calf, sprinkling its blood on and before the Propitiatory. 16 So, he must [cleanse] the Holy Place for the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and for their errors and all their sins. He must do these things in the Tent of Proofs that was established there among them, amidst all their uncleanness.
17 ‘No one else may be inside the Tent of Proofs when he enters the Holy Place to cover sins – from the time that he enters until the time he leaves – as he pays for his own sins, those of his house, and those of the whole gathering of the children of Israel.
18 ‘Afterward, he must go outside to the Altar that is before Jehovah, and put the blood of the calf and the goat all around the horns of the Altar, to pay for sins. 19 Then he must sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and he must cleanse it and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
20 ‘After Aaron finishes cleansing the Holy Place, the Tent of Proofs, and the Altar, he must hold a cleansing for the Priests. He must bring up the living goat, 21 lay his hands on its head, and he must speak of all the errors of the children of Israel, all their unrighteousness, and all their sins. He must lay them on the head of the living goat, then a man must lead it away into the desert. 22 [By doing this], Aaron will be sending all their unrighteousness away into the desert on the head of the goat.
23 ‘Thereafter, Aaron must enter the Tent of Proofs and remove the linen garments that he put on as he entered the Most Holy, and leave them there. 24 Then he must take a bath in water inside the Holy Place, put on his [regular] clothes, and then go outside and offer one whole-burnt offering for himself and one for the people. Thereby, he will pay for his own sins, as well as those of his house, those of the Priests, and those of the people. 25 Then he must offer the fat on the Altar as a sin offering.
26 ‘After the goat is led out of the camp and released [into the desert], the person [who led it out] must wash his clothes and bathe in water before he can enter the camp.
27 ‘As for the calf and goat for the sin offering whose blood was carried in to pay for sins in the Holy Place; they must be carried outside the camp and burned in a fire… everything, including their skin, flesh, and dung. 28 Then the person that burns them must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and thereafter he can enter the camp.
29 ‘This is a rule for you through the ages: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must humble yourselves; and you, as well as the aliens and strangers that live among you, must do no work. 30 For on that day [the High Priest] must [offer the sacrifices to] pay for your sins and cleanse you from all your errors before Jehovah, and then they will be purged from you. 31 This must be a most holy Sabbath for you – a time of rest – and you must humble yourselves… this is to be a rule through the ages.
32 ‘The Priest that they [choose to] anoint must [offer the sacrifices] to pay for the sins. Then this one that they have chosen to make perfect and to serve in the Priestly office after his father, must wear the linen robe and the holy garments. 33 He’s the [only] one who may [enter] the Most Holy inside the Tent of Proofs to pay for sins. He must cleanse the Altar and the Priests, and [offer sacrifices to] pay for the sins of the entire gathering. 34 This must be your rule through the ages… that [he must offer sacrifices] for the children of Israel to pay for all their sins. It must be done once each year, just as Jehovah commanded Moses.’
Chapter 17
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to Aaron, his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and tell them, This is what Jehovah has commanded 3 of all men among the children of Israel, including the aliens that live among you: If you slaughter a calf, sheep, or goat [as a sacrifice] – whether inside or outside the camp – 4 [you must] bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs as a sweet smelling whole-burnt offering or as a peace-offering sacrifice to Jehovah, for it to be to be acceptable. If you slaughter it outside and don’t bring it to the entry at the front of the Tent of Proofs as a gift to Jehovah, you will be held guilty of shedding the blood, and you must be cut off from your people.
5 ‘All [cattle] that the children of Israel might slaughter in the fields as a sacrifice to Jehovah must be brought to the entrance to the Tent of Proofs and to the Priest, who must sacrifice it as a peace offering to Jehovah. 6 Then the Priest must pour its blood on and around the Altar before Jehovah and offer the fat as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.
7 ‘Do not waste [your time] by offering sacrifices in [spiritual] adultery. This is the rule for you through the ages and for all your generations.
8 ‘And you must tell them: Should any man of the children of Israel, or the sons of converts that are living among you offer a whole-burnt offering as a sacrifice 9 and fail to bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and sacrifice it to Jehovah, he must be destroyed from among his people.
10 ‘And if any man of the children of Israel or alien that is living among you eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats the blood and make him an enemy among his people. 11 For blood is the life of its flesh, and I have given it to you [for use] on the Altar to pay for your sins… its blood will pay for the sins of your life. 12 That is why I have told the children of Israel that none of you should eat blood, nor should aliens that live among you eat blood.
13 ‘And if any man of the children of Israel, or any alien that is living among you, catch an edible animal while hunting, whether it’s a wild animal or a bird, you must pour out its blood and cover it with dirt, 14 because the blood of all flesh is its life. So I have told the children of Israel: You must not eat the blood of any flesh, because the blood is the life of all flesh, and every person who eats it must be destroyed.
15 ‘And a person who eats anything that has died on its own or has been [killed] by animals – whether [that person] is a native or an alien – must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and he must be unclean until the evening… then he will be clean. 16 But if he doesn’t wash his clothes or bathe his body in water, then he must continue to carry his sin.’
Chapter 18
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them [this]: I am Jehovah your God. 3 So you must not do things that were done in Egypt where you [used to] live, or follow the ways of the [people in] the land of CanaAn where I am taking you… don’t do these [things] and don’t follow their rules! 4 You must obey and follow My decisions and keep My rules, for I am Jehovah your God. 5 So, follow all My rules and all My decisions! Follow them in such a way [that you learn to] live by them; for I am Jehovah your God!
6 ‘No man may approach a close relative and uncover his/her nakedness, for I am Jehovah. 7 Don’t uncover your father’s naked [body], or your mother’s naked [body… she’s your mother, so don’t [undress] her! 8 Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your stepmother, because [that is like uncovering] your father’s naked [body].
9 ‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of your sister, whether by your father or by your mother, or whether [she is] born at home or somewhere else. 10 Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your grandchildren, because that is your own nakedness. 11 You must not uncover the naked [body] of the daughter of your father’s wife, for she is your stepsister by your father, so don’t uncover her nakedness.
12 ‘You must not uncover the naked body of your father’s sister, because she’s your father’s closest relative. 13 Nor may you uncover the naked [body] of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s closest relative. 14 You must not uncover the naked [body] of your father’s brother, nor may you [have sex] with his wife, because she’s also related to you.
15 ‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of your daughter-in-law, because she’s your son’s wife, so don’t undress her. 16 Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your brother’s wife, because that is also your brother’s nakedness.
17 ‘You must not [uncover] the naked body of a woman and her daughter, and you may not take and uncover the naked [bodies] of her grandchildren. That would be disrespectful, because they are also related to you. 18 Nor should you marry your wife’s sister while she’s still alive, because uncovering her sister’s nakedness would be offensive to her.
19 ‘You must not [have sex] with a woman and uncover her naked body while she’s [sleeping elsewhere] during her [menstrual period]. 20 And you must not [have sex] with your neighbor’s wife and dirty yourself with her.
21 ‘You must not give of your sperm in service to a ruler, and you must not profane My Holy Name, for I am Jehovah.
22 ‘You must not go to bed with a man as [you would] with a woman, because that’s disgusting. 23 Nor may you lie down and have sex with any animal, for that would pollute you. Nor should any woman offer herself before any animal to have sex with it, because that would be disgusting.
24 ‘Don’t dirty yourselves with any of these things, because these are the things that dirty the nations that I’m driving out from before you… 25 it’s what is polluting their land, and it’s the reason why I am paying them back for their sins! Why, the land is offended by the people who live there!
26 ‘You must keep all My Laws and all My rules. And neither the native peoples nor the aliens who come to live among you may do any of these disgusting things. 27 Because, these are the disgusting things that the people who lived there before you did, and it polluted the land. 28 So, don’t offend the land by polluting it, as did the people who I am driving away. 29 Any person who does any of these disgusting things must be destroyed from among your people.
30 ‘So, you must keep My rules! You may not do any of the disgusting things that have been done [in the land] before you get there, and you must not pollute yourselves by doing [any of these things], for I am Jehovah your God.’
Chapter 19
1 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 2 ‘Speak to the gathering of the children of Israel and tell them: You must be holy, for I Jehovah your God am holy!
3 ‘Everyone must fear his father and his mother, and you must keep My Sabbaths, for I am Jehovah your God.
4 ‘You must not become an idol worshiper, nor may you mold [statues] as gods for yourselves, for I am Jehovah your God.
5 ‘If you bring a peace-offering sacrifice to Jehovah, it must be offered willingly. 6 It may be eaten on the day after you sacrifice it, but if any of it should be left over until the third day, it must be totally burned in a fire. 7 If any of it is eaten on the third day, the sacrifice will be considered unfit and it will not be accepted. 8 Also, the person who eats it will be [guilty] of sin, because he has misused the holy things of Jehovah, so he must be destroyed from among his people.
9 ‘When you harvest your land, you must not completely harvest everything, nor may you pick up anything that falls on [the ground]. 10 And when you pick the grapes in your vineyard, you must not gather them all, but you must leave some for the poor and for strangers, for I am Jehovah your God.
11 ‘You must not steal, you must not lie, and you must not provide false testimony as an informer against your neighbor.
12 ‘You must not swear a false oath in My Name, nor may you misuse the Holy Name of your God, for I am Jehovah your God.
13 ‘You must not do any harm to your neighbor… you must not rob him; and the wages of a hired hand must not be withheld until the [next] morning.
14 ‘You must not make fun of the deaf, nor should you set a trap for the blind, for you must fear Jehovah your God. I am Jehovah your God.
15 ‘You must never judge unrighteously. You must not mistreat poor people, nor may you show [special] respect to those who are powerful… you must be just when you judge your neighbors.
16 ‘You must not march in treachery against your nation, and you must not [go to battle to shed] the blood of your neighbors, for I am Jehovah your God.
17 ‘You must not hate your brothers in your hearts, and you must correct your neighbors [when they are wrong], so you aren’t found guilty of sin because of them. 18 You must not raise your hands in vengeance, and you must not be angry with the sons of your people… you must love your neighbors as you [love] yourselves, for I am Jehovah, 19 and you must obey My Laws!
‘You must not allow your cattle to breed with other types [of cattle]; you must not plant a vineyard with different types of seeds; and you must not wear woven pieces of clothing that are made of different [materials].
20 ‘If anyone goes to bed and has sex with a woman who is the household servant of another man, and she hasn’t been bought or set free by the man’s overseer, they must [both] be punished, but not killed, because she wasn’t free. 21 Then, for his sin, he must bring a ram as an offering for his error to Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 22 There the Priest must use the ram he is offering to pay Jehovah for the sin that he committed, and his sin must be forgiven.
23 ‘And when you enter the land that Jehovah your God is giving you and plant any fruit trees, you must first purge away the filth [of the land], so its fruit must be unclean to you, and it must not be eaten for three years. 24 But in the fourth year, all the fruit will be holy and worthy of praise to Jehovah. 25 Then in the fifth year, you must eat the fruit, for that’s when it will produce a great abundance. I am Jehovah your God.
26 ‘Don’t hold feasts in the mountains, and you must not have anyone search for omens in the flight of birds.
27 ‘You must not have the hair on your head cut short, and you must not [cut] your beard. 28 Nor may you make cuts on your bodies over [someone who dies], and you must not tattoo your bodies, for I am Jehovah your God.
29 ‘You must not allow your daughters to become dirty by making them prostitutes, so the land doesn’t become filled with prostitution and sin.
30 ‘You must keep My Sabbaths and fear My Holy Place, for I am Jehovah.
31 ‘You must not associate with or pollute yourselves with those who speak by [the demons], nor have anything to do with witches, for I am Jehovah your God.
32 ‘You must rise before a grey-headed person; [you must] value the faces of elderly men; and you must fear your God, for I am Jehovah your God.
33 ‘And if a stranger should come to [live among] you in your land, you must not make his life difficult. 34 You must treat strangers as natives, and you must love them as yourselves, for you were once strangers in the land of Egypt. I am Jehovah your God.
35 ‘You must not be unrighteous in judgments, in measurements, or in [your] weights and scales. 36 You must all have honest weights, scales, and liquid measures, for I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 37 You must obey and follow all My Laws and rules, for I am Jehovah your God.’
Chapter 20
1 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 2 ‘You must also tell the children of Israel: If any of the children of Israel or any of Israel’s converts offer their [children] to Moloch, they must be put to death… the [people] in the land must stone him with rocks. 3 I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because he has given his [child] to Moloch and defiled My Holy Place, and he has dirtied the name of My holy people.
4 ‘And if anyone in the land should in any way choose to overlook what that person did by giving his [child] to Moloch, and fail to put him to death, 5 then I will turn My face against that man and his family, and destroy them and everyone who agrees with him, so he doesn’t go to the rulers and lead the people into [spiritual] adultery.
6 ‘And I will turn My face against any person who commits [spiritual] adultery by becoming a follower of someone who predicts the future by means of [demon possession], or [a follower] of witches. I will destroy [such a person] from among his people. 7 For, you must be holy as I Jehovah your God am holy. 8 You must obey My rules and follow them, for I am Jehovah who makes you holy.
9 ‘Any man who is found guilty of saying bad things about his father or mother must absolutely be put to death for the bad things that he says about them.
10 ‘When any man commits adultery with the wife of another, or when anyone commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both (the adulterer and the adulteress) must absolutely be put to death.
11 ‘And if anyone is found guilty of lying down with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness, so both must absolutely die.
12 ‘And if anyone is found guilty of lying down with his daughter-in-law, both must absolutely be put to death for their lack of respect.
13 ‘And when anyone is found guilty of lying with a male as though he were a woman, they have both done something disgusting, so they must absolutely die.
14 ‘It is also a sin when someone takes both a woman and her mother. They must all be burned in a fire for their badness, so there won’t be any sin among you.
15 ‘Any man that [has sex with] an animal must absolutely be put to death… along with the animal. 16 And if any woman is found guilty of [having sex with] an animal, you must absolutely kill both the woman and the animal.
17 ‘If anyone undresses his sister (by his father or his mother) so they can look at each other’s nakedness, it is disgusting. They must both be destroyed before the other children in their family, for they have sinned by [looking at] each other’s naked bodies.
18 ‘And whenever a man lies down with a woman who is sleeping apart during [her menstrual period] and uncovers her naked body, he has uncovered the source of her blood flow and seen her blood, so they must both be destroyed from among their generation.
19 ‘You must not undress your father’s sister or your mother’s sister and look at the naked body of a close relative, for both will be guilty of sin. 20 Whoever [has sex] with a close relative has also uncovered the naked body of his [other] close relative, and they must [both] die childless. 21 And whoever [has sex] with his brother’s wife has done something that is unclean, for he has uncovered his brother’s naked body, so they must [both] die childless.
22 ‘If you obey and follow all My rules and decisions, you won’t offend the land where I am taking you to live. 23 You must not [adopt] the customs of the nations that I am driving out before you, because I have hated them for the things they are doing. 24 I have told you that you will inherit their land, and I am giving you this land that flows with milk and honey to be your own. For, I am Jehovah your God who is separating you from all those nations.
25 ‘You must pay attention to the differences between the clean and unclean cattle, and the clean and unclean birds. You must not dirty yourselves with [unclean] cattle or birds, or with any of the things that slither on the earth, for I have separated you from such uncleanness. 26 You must be holy to Me, because I Jehovah your God am holy, and I have set you apart from all other nations as Mine.
27 ‘And if a man or woman is found guilty of telling the future by means of a [demon], or is a witch, he or she must absolutely be put to death. You must stone him or her with rocks.’
Chapter 21
1 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the Priests among the sons of Aaron and tell them that they must not [show themselves to be mourning] over the dead before the nation. 2 They may [mourn] for a close relative, such as a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, 3 or for a loved virgin sister that isn’t married… they may [show that they mourn] over them, 4 but they may not show that they are mourning before their people by appearing unclean. 5 They must not shave their heads bald on top, nor may they shave their beards or cut gashes in their flesh over the dead. 6 They must be holy to their God, and they may not profane the Name of their God, because they offer the sacrifices to Jehovah as gifts to their God, so they must be holy.
7 ‘They must not marry a woman who is a whore, one who has been violated, or a divorced woman, because these [men] are holy to their God Jehovah. 8 They must remain holy, because they offer the gifts to their God Jehovah. They must be holy, for I Jehovah (who makes them holy) am holy.
9 ‘And if the daughter of a man who is a Priest dirties herself by having immoral sex, she dirties the name of her father, so she must be burned in a fire.
10 ‘And the Priest who is the chief one among his brothers – the one who has been anointed by having oil poured over his head and who has been made perfect to wear the [Priestly] garments – must not take the turban off his head, and he must never tear his clothes, 11 nor may he go close to any dead body. He may not profane himself even [on behalf of] his own father or mother. 12 He may not leave the Holy Place and he must not make the Holy Place of his God unclean, because he wears God’s holy anointing oil. I am Jehovah.
13 ‘He may only take a wife who is a virgin and from his own tribe… 14 not a widow, a divorcee, someone who has been violated, or a whore. He may only take a virgin from his own people as a wife. 15 For, he must not profane his seed among his people. I am Jehovah who makes him holy.’
16 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 17 ‘Tell Aaron this: Through the generations, no man of your tribe who is physically imperfect may be used to offer the gifts to his God. 18 No one may be used that is blind, lame, has a disfigured nose, deformed ears, 19 a crippled hand or foot, 20 is a hunchback, has cataracts, has lost his eyelashes, has open sores, has a birthmark, or has lost a testicle.
21 ‘None of Aaron the Priest’s seed that are physically imperfect may be used to offer sacrifices to your God… because of his imperfection, he must not go in to offer the gifts of God, 22 for these gifts to God are very holy. He may eat the holy things, 23 but he must not approach the veil or get close to the Altar, because of his handicap. He must not dishonor the Holy Place of his God, for I am Jehovah who makes them holy.’
24 This is what Moses told Aaron and his sons, and all the children of Israel.
Chapter 22
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, and warn them to be careful with the holy things of the children of Israel, so they don’t profane My Holy Name in anything that they offer to Me in a holy way, for I am Jehovah. 3 Tell them that throughout their generations, any of their seed that comes to Me to offer the holy things – whatever the children of Israel may offer to Jehovah – and do so while they are unclean… that person will be cut off from Me, for I am Jehovah your God.
4 ‘And if any man who is the seed of Aaron the Priest should have leprosy or a running sexual discharge, he may not eat the holy things until he becomes clean. And any of them that touch something unclean from a dead body, or who has ejaculated sperm, 5 or who has touched an unclean slithering thing which has defiled him, or who touches an unclean man… 6 that soul will be unclean until evening; so he must not eat of the holy things until he bathes his body in water 7 after the sun goes down… then he will be clean and can eat all the holy things, for they are his food.
8 ‘They must not eat anything that dies on its own or that has been killed by wild animals, so they aren’t polluted by them, for I am Jehovah. 9 They must keep My rules so they don’t fall into sin in these matters and die due to their making themselves dirty, for I am Jehovah God who makes them holy.
10 ‘And no stranger may eat the holy things, including those who travel with the Priests or those who are hired by them. 11 But if a Priest purchases a [slave] with money, or if [a person] is born in his house, they may eat the [holy] bread.
12 ‘However, if the daughter of a Priest should marry a stranger, she may not eat the offerings from the Holy Place. 13 But if the Priest’s daughter is widowed or divorced and has no children, and she returns to her father’s house as when she was young, she may eat her father’s bread; but no stranger may do so.
14 ‘If a man [who isn’t worthy] should eat holy things in ignorance, he must return as much with a fifth more added, and give the holy things to the Priest.
15 ‘They must not profane the holy things of the children of Israel that are offered to Jehovah 16 and thereby bring the sin of error upon themselves when they eat their holy things, for I am Jehovah who makes them holy.’
17 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 18 ‘Speak to Aaron, his sons, and to the entire gathering of Israel, and tell them; Any man among the children of Israel, and any alien that lives among them in Israel, who wishes to offer gifts as a confession, as they may choose – whatever they may bring to Jehovah as a whole-burnt offering – 19 must be offered willingly… and it must be a perfect male from the herd, or a sheep, or a goat. 20 They must not bring anything to Jehovah that isn’t perfect, for it won’t be accepted.
21 ‘Whenever a man brings something to Jehovah from the herd, or a sheep, as a peace offering, or to fulfill a promise, or as a free-will offering; it must be perfect to be accepted… it shouldn’t have any flaws. 22 They may not offer anything to Jehovah that is blind, lame, has its tongue cut out, has warts, or a running sore, or a scar… nor may you offer any of these as burnt offerings on the Altar.
23 ‘If a calf or a sheep is missing an ear or has lost its tail, you can slaughter it for yourself, but it is unacceptable [as an offering] for your vows. 24 This is [also true] of one that has been castrated or has had its testicles crushed… you must not offer it to Jehovah, nor may you sacrifice it on your land.
25 ‘And you may not offer any of these gifts to your God at the hand of a stranger, because that would corrupt [the gift] and make it imperfect, so [such things] are not acceptable for you.’
26 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 27 ‘Calves, sheep, and goats must suckle their mothers for seven days from the time they are born, and after the eighth day, they can be accepted as burnt-offering sacrifices to Jehovah… 28 and you must not sacrifice a cow or an ewe and its young on the same day.
29 ‘If you vow to offer a sacrifice to Jehovah out of sheer joy, you must offer it willingly. 30 It must be eaten on that same day and not left over until the next morning, for I am Jehovah.
31 ‘You must keep My Commandments and obey them. 32 And you must not profane the Name of the Holy One, for I must be made holy in the midst of the children of Israel. I am Jehovah that makes you holy and 33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God… I am Jehovah!’
Chapter 23
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: The feasts of Jehovah that you are going to call Holy Assemblies are My feasts. 3 You may work for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath, a [day of] rest and a Holy Assembly to Jehovah. You must not work on that day, for it is a Sabbath to [Jehovah… this covers] everything that you do.
4 ‘Here are the feasts to Jehovah… the Holy Assemblies that you are to [observe] in each of their seasons:
5 ‘On the fourteenth day of the first month, between the evenings, is Jehovah’s Passover. 6 Then the fifteenth day of that month is the Feast of Fermentation-free bread to [Jehovah]. So, you must eat fermentation-free bread for seven days. 7 The first [of these] days must be a Holy Assembly for you, and you must not work for anyone on that day. 8 And you must offer whole-burnt offerings to [Jehovah during those] seven days. Then the seventh day will be [another] Holy Assembly for you, [during which] you must not work for anyone.’
9 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 10 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: When you enter the land that I will give you and you start reaping its harvests, you must bring a bundle of [cut stalks] from the first fruitage of your harvest to the Priest, 11 and he must hold them up and wave the bundle before [Jehovah, for Him to] accept it from you. This must be done on the morning of the first day.
12 ‘And on that same day, you must offer a perfect yearling lamb as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah. 13 Then, along with this offering of meat, you [must offer] two measurements of fine flour mixed with oil as a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a quart of wine as a drink offering to Jehovah. 14 You may not eat any new bread or roasted grain until this day when you offer the sacrifices to your God. This is a Law through the ages and throughout your generations for as long as you live.
15 ‘Then you must count the days, starting from the day after the Sabbath when you offered the bundle of grain that was waved before Jehovah. And after seven full weeks, 16 on the morning following the last week (or after fifty days), you must bring a food offering to Jehovah. 17 You must also bring two loaves [of bread] from your homes that are made from two measurements of fine flour baked with fermentation as an offering of your first fruitage to Jehovah.
18 ‘And with the bread, you must bring seven healthy yearling lambs, a calf from your herd, and two perfect male kid goats as whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah. These food and drink offerings are to be sacrificed as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
19 ‘One of the kid goats must be sacrificed as a sin offering, and the two yearling lambs are to be offered with the first-fruit bread as a peace offering. 20 The Priest must set them aside with the first-fruitage loaves as an offering before Jehovah. They will be holy to Jehovah, but they will belong to the Priest who brings them.
21 ‘You must designate this as an assembly day, and it must be holy to you, so you may not work for anyone on that day. This is a rule through all your generations, wherever you may live.
22 ‘And when you harvest your land, you must not reap everything in your field, nor may you gather anything that falls during the harvest. You must leave it for the poor and for strangers, for I am Jehovah your God.’
23 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 24 ‘Also, the tenth day of the seventh month is to be the Day of Atonement ([when you pay for your sins]). It [is also] to be a holy [day of] assembly for you. You must be very humble [on that day] and present a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah. 25 You must not do any work on that day, for it is a day when you pay for your sins before Jehovah your God. 26 – 27 – 28 –
29 ‘Any person who doesn’t show humility on that day must be cut off from among his people. 30 And any person who works on that day should have his life destroyed from among his people. 31 You must not do any sort of work. This is a law through the ages, throughout all your generations, wherever you may live.
32 ‘The ninth day of the month, from evening to evening, is [also] to be a holy Sabbath for you, and you must humble yourselves and keep your Sabbaths.’
33 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 34 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them; On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and the next seven days, is to be the Feast of Tents to Jehovah. 35 The first day must be a Holy Assembly [during which] you may not work for anyone. 36 You must offer whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah for seven days, and the eighth day will [also] be a Holy Assembly to you, [during which] you must offer whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah. This is [to be] a free day, so you must not work for anyone.
37 ‘These are the feasts to Jehovah, which you are to call Holy Assemblies, [and during which] you are to offer burnt offerings to Jehovah… whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings, each on its day. 38 This is in addition to the Sabbaths to Jehovah, and to your gifts, and to all your vows, and to all the free offerings that you will give to Jehovah.
39 ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have completely harvested all the fruit of the ground, you must hold a feast to Jehovah for seven days… and both the first day and the eighth day will be rest days. 40 On the first day you must bring a large amount of fruit from your trees, some palm-tree branches, some thick tree branches, willow branches, and branches from water willows, as a rejoicing to Jehovah your God… [do this] for seven days each year.
41 ‘This is to be the law through the ages for all your generations… you must observe this in the seventh month. 42 You must live in tents for seven days… all the native people of Israel must live in tents, 43 so your descendants can see that I made the children of Israel live in tents when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. For I am Jehovah your God.’
44 So, this is how Moses explained Jehovah’s feasts to the children of Israel.
Chapter 24
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Talk to the children of Israel and tell them to bring pure, beaten olive oil [for use in] the lamp, so it may always be kept burning 3 outside the veil of the Tent of Proofs. Aaron and his sons must keep it burning before Jehovah continuously from evening until morning. This is a law through the ages for all your generations. 4 The lamps on the pure lampstand must be kept burning before Jehovah until morning.
5 ‘Then you must take fine flour and make twelve loaves [of bread] from it, and each loaf should be [made with] two measurements. 6 Then place them in two rows, six loaves in each row, on the pure table before Jehovah, 7 and pour frankincense and salt over each row. Remember to set these things and the loaves before Jehovah 8 on each Sabbath. They must continue to be set before Jehovah by the children of Israel as a sacred agreement through the ages. 9 This will be for Aaron and his sons, and they must eat it there in the Holy Place, for this is their own very holy portion of the offerings that are made to Jehovah, as [part of] the Law of the ages.’
10 Well, it so happened that there was this son of an Israelite woman (whose father was an Egyptian) [that lived] among the children of Israel, and he got into a fight in the camp [with a man] whose mother and father were both Israelites. 11 Then [during the fight], the son of the Israelite woman used God’s Name while cursing… so they brought him to Moses (his mother’s name was SalomIth, and she was the daughter of Dabri of the tribe of Dan). 12 Thereafter, they locked him up and held him for judgment by Jehovah.
13 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 14 ‘Take the man that did the cursing outside the camp, and everyone who heard it must lay their hands on his head, and then the whole gathering must stone him. 15 Speak to the sons of Israel and tell them, Whoever curses God is guilty of sin, 16 and whoever [curses] using the Name Jehovah must absolutely be put to death, whether he is a native or an alien. The entire gathering of Israel must stone him with rocks, and he must die for [swearing by] the Name of the Lord.
17 ‘Also, whenever a man strikes another man and kills him, he must absolutely be put to death. 18 And whenever a man strikes [someone’s] animal and it dies, he must give a life for the life. 19 And whoever harms his neighbor must have the same thing done to him… 20 bruise for bruise, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever damage he does to a man must be done to him. 21 And if a man strikes a man and kills him, he must be put to death. 22 This one judgment must be the same for both natives and aliens, for I am Jehovah your God.’
23 Well, after Moses told this to the children of Israel, they took the man that had done the cursing outside the camp and stoned him with rocks… the children of Israel did just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
Chapter 25
1 Jehovah spoke to Moses [while he was] on Mount Sinai and told him, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving to you, the ground must [be allowed] to rest during its Sabbaths to Jehovah. 3 You may plant your fields, prune your vines, and gather their fruitage for six years, 4 but the seventh year will be a Sabbath during which the land should rest. During this Sabbath to Jehovah, you may not plant your fields, prune your vines, 5 or gather anything that starts to grow of its own in your fields. Nor may you completely gather the sacred grapes, for it is to be a year of rest for the ground. 6 For, during the Sabbaths on the land, [there will be enough] food for you, your male and female servants, those who work for you, and for any aliens that live among you. 7 And as for your cattle and the wild animals that live on your land; they may eat anything that they wish.
8 ‘Then you must keep track and [count off] seven Sabbaths of years (seven times seven years) to make seven weeks of years, or forty-nine years. 9 Then in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month (on the Day of Atonement), you must sound a trumpet and send out a proclamation throughout the entire land with trumpeting. 10 For that year (the fiftieth year) is holy, and you must proclaim a Release on the land and upon all that live on it. For it is to be a year of setting free. It’s a Signal to you that each person may return to his home and family.
11 ‘The fiftieth year must be a Signal of Release among you. You may not plant, nor may you harvest any of the produce that grows from the ground on its own, or gather any of its sacred fruit. 12 For it is to be the Signal of Release, and it must be holy to you, so you must eat the [stored] crops that you have taken from the fields.
13 ‘In the year of the Release Signal, everyone must [be allowed] to return home. 14 And if you sell [your land] to a neighbor, or if you should buy your neighbor’s [land], it should not be [held permanently]. 15 So, count the number of years after each Release [Year] when you purchase [land] from your neighbor, then [figure out] how many years [you may own it] and how much you will likely harvest from it… 16 the more years, the higher the [land’s] value. And when there are few years, there is less value, for there will be fewer crops, so [the price] should be [set lower]. 17 No man should oppress his neighbor, for you must fear your God Jehovah. I am Jehovah your God.
18 ‘You must keep all My Laws and all My decisions and obey them. For if you follow and obey them, you will live in the land in safety, 19 the ground will provide abundant yields, you will have plenty to eat, and you will live there in security.
20 ‘Now, if you should ask, What will we eat during the seventh year, if we don’t plant anything or pick our fruit? 21 I will send My blessings in the sixth year, and the land will [have] produced abundant crops during [the previous] three years. 22 Then you will start planting again in the eighth year, and eat from your stored crops until the ninth year… until its crop comes in, you will eat from the stored crops.
23 ‘No land can be sold permanently, for all the land is Mine, and you are just aliens and travelers before Me. 24 So, any land that you [buy] must also be allowed to be repurchased. 25 Therefore, if your brother who lives near you is poor and has to sell [you] some of his land, and his relative should come to assist him, he must be allowed to buy back the land that his brother has sold. 26 Or if he has no such relative, and he starts to prosper and finds enough money to buy back [the land] himself, 27 he must calculate how many years the land has been sold, and pay the person who he sold it to a fair amount, and then it should be returned. 28 But if he hasn’t prospered enough to buy back the property, the one who bought it will own the land through the sixth year before the year of Release; then it should be returned, and its owner may go back to his land. 29 – 30 – 31 – 32 – 33 – 34 –
35 ‘And if your brother who lives among you becomes poor and needs to [borrow money] from you; you must help him as you would an alien or a traveler, and allow your brother to keep living among you. 36 You must not charge him interest or [tell him] to pay you more, for you must fear your God. I am Jehovah… and you must [help] your brother to keep living among you. 37 You must not lend your money to him with interest, and you must not lend him any food and expect him to pay you back with more. 38 For I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of CanaAn… and to be your God.
39 ‘And if your brother should become so bad off that he sells himself to you, he must not serve you and work as your slave. 40 You must treat him like a hired person or as a traveler, and he will only work for you until the Year of Release. 41 Then during the Release, he and his children will leave as a family, and they will hurry back to their family possession, 42 because they are My servants who I brought out of the land of Egypt. So they can’t be sold as slaves, 43 nor may you force them into hard labor, for you must fear Jehovah your God.
44 ‘If you choose to purchase male and female slaves, buy them from the nations that that live around you. 45 You may also buy the sons of the travelers that live among you. You may buy them and their relatives… all that live in your land may become your possession 46 and may be left as an inheritance to your children after you, and be your [family] possession through the ages. However, you must never oppress your brothers of the children of Israel by forcing them to do hard labor.
47 ‘And if an alien or a traveler who lives among you should become rich, and your brother who is in need is sold to the alien or traveler that lives among you, or to an [Israelite] convert; 48 after he has been sold, one of his brothers should buy him back. 49 An uncle, a cousin, or another close relative from his tribe must be allowed to buy him… or if he gets wealthy, he may buy himself back.
50 ‘The person who buys him must calculate how many years there are from the time he sold himself until the Year of Release, and pay the amount that would be paid to a hired person during that number of years. 51 And if anyone has [enough money] to pay [the wages] for all those years, he must pay the ransom. 52 And if there is just a short time until the Year of Release, then he will pay the ransom [for that short period]. 53 [And the person who buys him] must treat him as hired help through the years… you must not force him into hard labor!
54 ‘And if he can’t pay his own fair ransom, he and his children must be set free in the Year of Release. 55 For the children of Israel are My servants… they are My attendants who I brought out of the land of Egypt.
Chapter 26
1 ‘You must not mold [gods] for yourselves or carve them with your hands. Nor may you set up stone pillars in your land to worship, for I am Jehovah your God. 2 You must keep My Sabbaths and respect My Holy Places, for I am Jehovah.
3 ‘If you follow My rules and keep My Commandments and obey them, 4 I will give you rain in its season, the ground will produce its fruitage, and the trees of your fields will bear fruit. 5 Then your threshing time will run through your fruit-picking time, and your fruit-picking time will run into your [planting] time. You will eat all the bread you want, and you will live on your land in safety, for there will be no wars in your land… 6 I will bring peace to your land, so you can go to sleep and not fear anyone. I will also destroy all the bad animals in your land, 7 and you will chase your enemies and they will be slaughtered before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase tens of thousands. Then your enemies will be cut down before you with swords.
9 ‘I will watch over you, make you grow and multiply, and keep My Sacred Agreement with you. 10 Then you may eat that which is old and very old, or throw out the old to make way for the new.
11 ‘I will pitch My Tent among you, and in My heart there will be no hatred of you. 12 So I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. 13 I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt where you were slaves. It was I who broke the shackles of your [slavery] and paraded you away before [everyone]!
14 ‘However, if you choose not to listen to Me and obey My rules… 15 if you disobey them and your lives come to hate My decisions… if you don’t keep all My Commandments and if you break My Sacred Agreement, 16 these are the things that I must do to you:
‘I will bring uprisings among you and make you uncomfortable. You will develop rashes, skin discoloring, fever, loss of eyesight, and your lives will be shortened. When you plant seeds, it won’t do any good, because your enemies will eat them. 17 For, if I set My face against you, you will fall before your enemies. Those who hate you will chase you, and you will run… even when no one is behind you!
18 ‘And if you still refuse to listen to Me, then I must discipline you seven times more for your sins, 19 because I must break down your haughtiness and pride. I will turn your sky into iron and your ground into brass. 20 All your hard work will be wasted, for the seeds in your ground won’t produce, and the trees in your fields won’t bear fruit.
21 ‘And after that, if you continue to walk a crooked path and you aren’t willing to obey Me, I will bring seven plagues upon you for your sins. 22 I will send wild animals into the land, and they will eat you and kill your cattle. You will decrease in numbers, and your [land] will become empty.
23 ‘And if that doesn’t straighten you out and you continue to walk a crooked path with Me, 24 then My Breath will become crooked and I will walk a crooked path among you, causing Me to strike you seven times for your sins. 25 For, I will bring swords against you to avenge the Sacred Agreement. You will run to your cities for safety, but I will send death to you, and you will be handed over to your enemies. 26 I will bring a famine of bread among you, so it will take ten women to bake your loaves in just one oven. Then they will weigh out portions of bread for you to eat, but you will still be hungry.
27 ‘And if you still don’t obey Me, but continue to walk a crooked path with Me, 28 then I will walk among you with an angry mind, and I must discipline you seven times as much for your sins, 29 so you will have to eat the flesh of your sons and daughters. 30 I will wipe away your stone columns, and totally destroy the wooden [images] that you’ll make with your hands. Then I will lay your dead bodies on the remains of your idols, and My soul will hate you.
31 ‘I will destroy your cities, empty your holy places, and [never again] smell the odor of your sacrifices. 32 Then I will empty your land, and your enemies who live there will be amazed; 33 and I will scatter you among the nations… you will be attacked with swords and destroyed, and your land and your cities will be emptied!
34 ‘But the ground will enjoy its Sabbaths during all the time that it is empty… 35 while you are living in the land of your enemies! Yes, that’s when the land will enjoy its Sabbaths… during all the time that it’s empty! For, it will keep the Sabbaths that weren’t kept when you lived there.
36 ‘And in your hearts, I will put all that you have left into bondage, there in the land of your enemies, so that even the sound of shaking leaves will chase you, and you will run as though you’re running from a war, and fall when no one is chasing you. 37 Brothers won’t have any regard for their brothers, as in war. And although no one will be chasing you, you won’t be able [to be saved from] your enemies. 38 You will die among the ethnics, and the country of your enemies will swallow you up. 39 Then those who remain will perish because of their sins and the sins of their fathers… they will just waste away in the land of their enemies.
40 ‘However, if they confess their sins and the sins of their fathers, and [admit] that they have sinned and neglected Me, and that they have walked a crooked path before Me, 41 and [admit that] this is the reason why I walked among them with a crooked mind and destroyed them, [and sent them] into the land of their enemies… yes, when their uncircumcised hearts become ashamed, and they repent of their sins, 42 then I will remember the Sacred Agreement that I made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 43 I will also remember their land, and that land will still be waiting for them. For by then, the land will have enjoyed her Sabbaths, during the time they had deserted it.
‘However, they must acknowledge their sins, because they neglected My decisions and they hated My Laws in their [hearts]. 44 But despite this, I didn’t fail to [keep an eye] on them while they were in the land of their enemies, nor did I hate them and void the Sacred Agreement that I made with them, for I am Jehovah their God.
45 ‘Then I will remember the Sacred Agreement [that I made with them] when I brought them out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery before that nation, to be their God. For I am Jehovah.
46 ‘These are My decisions, My rules, and the Law that Jehovah Himself gave to the children of Israel from Mount Sinai, by the hand of Moses.’
Chapter 27
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them; Whenever someone wishes to make a vow to offer the value of a life to Jehovah, 3 the value of a male between twenty and sixty years old must be fifty double-silver coins by the standards of the Holy Place. 4 The value of a female must be thirty double-silver coins; 5 the value for a male child between five and twenty years old must be twenty double-silver coins, and ten double-silver coins for a female.
6 ‘As for a child between one month and five years old; the value for a male must be five double-silver coins, and for a female, three double-silver coins. 7 And for those who are over sixty, the value must be fifteen double-silver coins for a male and ten double-silver coins for a female. 8 And if a person is too poor to pay these values, he must go before the Priest, and the Priest will value him at whatever the man says he can afford in his vow; and this is [the price] that the Priest must set for him.
9 ‘And when cattle are offered as gifts to Jehovah by anyone, they become holy. 10 So, the [person] may not trade a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good one. And if someone does decide to make a trade, it must be with an equal… and both will be holy.
11 ‘And if [someone brings] an unclean animal (which must never be offered as a gift to Jehovah), he must bring the animal to the Priest, 12 and the Priest must determine whether it is valuable or not, and whatever value the Priest sets is what must be paid for it. 13 And if he wishes to buy it back, he must pay a fifth more than that amount.
14 ‘And if a man chooses to set aside his house as holy to Jehovah, the Priest must determine whether it is valuable or not, and whatever value the Priest sets is what must be paid. 15 And if he wishes to buy it back, he must pay a fifth more for it than the valuation.
16 ‘And if a man should choose to designate a portion of a field that he owns as holy to Jehovah, then it must be valued by whatever is planted there. It will be worth fifty double-silver coins per two hundred and fifty quarts of barley. 17 And if he [sets aside] his field as holy on the Year of Release, that’s how much it should be valued. 18 But if he donates his field sometime after the Release, the Priest must figure its value to the next Year of Release, and deduct the appropriate amount from the full valuation. 19 But if the one who made the field holy wishes to buy it back [before the Year of Release], he must add a fifth more to its value and it will be his.
20 ‘And if he doesn’t buy back the field, it may be sold to someone else, and he can’t buy it back later. 21 However, after the Release, the field will be holy to Jehovah and subdivided, for the Priest will then own it.
22 ‘And if a man should set aside a field to Jehovah that he has bought and which isn’t a family possession, 23 the Priest must calculate its value to the Year of Release, and that’s how much he must pay that day as holy to Jehovah. 24 Then in the Year of Release, the land must be restored to the man who sold it and [really] owned the land.
25 ‘All the values must be determined by using the holy weights. A double-silver coin is worth twenty copper coins.
26 ‘All the firstborn cattle are Jehovah’s, so no man can [set them aside] as holy… whether it’s a calf or a sheep, it is Jehovah’s.
27 ‘If [a man] chooses to buy back an unclean animal, he must add a fifth more to its valuation. But if he doesn’t buy it back, it may be sold at its stated value.
28 ‘Anything a man has that he chooses to curse before Jehovah, whether it’s a man, an animal, or a field that he owns; it may never be sold or taken back. Everything that is cursed for destruction becomes very holy to Jehovah. 29 And whoever is cursed among men must not be ransomed, but must surely be put to death.
30 ‘Anything in the land that is to be offered, whether it is seeds or the fruit of trees, is Jehovah’s… it is holy to Jehovah. 31 And if any man should ever wish to buy back his offering, he must add a fifth more to its [value], and it will be his.
32 ‘And a tenth of everything, including bulls, sheep, and anything else that is taxable, will be holy to Jehovah. 33 So, you may not exchange anything good for anything bad, or anything bad for something good. If you should make an exchange, it must be an equivalent, and since it is holy, it cannot be repurchased.’
34 These are the commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses for the sons of Israel on Mount Sinai.
Numbers
Chapter 1
1 On the first day of the second month, two years after their departure from the land of Egypt, Jehovah spoke to Moses inside the Tent of Proofs [while they were still] in the desert at Sinai, and He said, 2 ‘Take a census of the entire gathering of Israel by families and lines of descent. [Record] the names of all the males 3 who are twenty years old and older… all that serve as the army of Israel. You and Aaron should count them and calculate their strength. 4 And the rulers of each tribe (the paternal heads of the families) should go with you.
5 ‘These are the names of the men who should help you: For the tribe of Reuben, EliSur the son of SediUr. 6 For the [tribe of] Symeon, SalamiEl the son of SuriSadai. 7 [For the tribe] of Judah, NaAsson the son of AminAdab. 8 [For the tribe] of IsSachar, NathaniEl the son of Sogar. 9 [For the tribe] of ZebuLon, EliAb the son of ChaElon. 10 [For the tribes] of Joseph, EliSama the son of EmiUd for EphraIm, and GamaliEl the son of PhadaSur for ManasSeh.11 [For the tribe] of BenJamin, AbiDan the son of GadeOni. 12 [For the tribe] of Dan, AchiEzer the son of AmiSadai. 13 [For the tribe] of Asher, PhagaiEl the son of Echran. 14 [For the tribe] of Gad, EliSaph the son of RaguEl. 15 [For the tribe] of NaphTali, AchiRe the son of AiNan.’
16 These were the most famous men among the gathering. They were the heads of the tribes by their families, and the leaders of the thousands in Israel. 17 So Moses and Aaron gathered these men who were called by name. 18 Then they assembled the entire gathering that day, and registered the [men] by tribes and family lines, recording the names and numbers of all who were twenty [years old] and older, 19 as Jehovah had commanded Moses there in the desert of Sinai.
20 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Reuben (the first-born of Israel), the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 21 was forty-six thousand, four hundred.
22 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Symeon, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 23 was fifty-nine thousand, three hundred.
24 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Judah, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 25 was seventy-four thousand, six hundred.
26 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of IsSachar, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 27 was fifty-four thousand, four hundred.
28 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of ZebuLon, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 29 was fifty-seven thousand, four hundred.
30 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Joseph, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 31 was forty thousand five hundred from the tribe of EphraIm, 32 and for ManasSeh, 33 it was thirty-two thousand, two hundred.
34 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of BenJamin, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 35 was thirty-five thousand, four hundred.
36 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Gad, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 37 was forty-five thousand, six hundred and fifty.
38 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Dan, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 39 was sixty-two thousand, seven hundred.
40 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Asher, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 41 was forty-one thousand, five hundred.
42 Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of NaphTali, the number of males twenty years old and up who were counted as the strength of Israel, 43 was fifty-three thousand, four hundred.
44 This was the census that Moses, Aaron, and the twelve rulers of Israel conducted… a man from each tribe. 45 They counted all the males twenty years old and up among the children of Israel who could [serve in battle], 46 [and there was a total of] six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty. 47 However, those of the Tribe of Levi weren’t counted, 48 for Jehovah had told Moses, 49 ‘You must not gather the tribe of Levi and count them among the children of Israel. 50 Rather, put the Levites in charge of the Tent of Proofs, its furnishings, and everything in it. They must serve there and camp around the Tent. 51 And whenever the Tent is moved, the Levites must take it down and [be in charge of] setting it up again. Anyone else who goes near it must die.
52 ‘The [rest of] the children of Israel must camp in the order and grouping of their own armies. 53 But the Levites must camp around and in front of the Tent of Proofs, so there may be no sins among the children of Israel. For, the Levites must protect the Tent of Proofs.’
54 And the children of Israel did everything that Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron.
Chapter 2
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 2 ‘Have the children of Israel camp [facing each other] in a circle around the Tent of Proofs. Everyone must stay together under the emblems for their paternal houses.
3 ‘The first in the camp, starting on the east side, shall be the [Tribe] of Judah with their armies. Their leader is NaShon the son of AmmiNadab, 4 and there are seventy-four thousand, six hundred in his army.
5 ‘The Tribe of IsSachar, whose leader is NathanEl the son of Zuar, should camp next to them. 6 There are fifty-four thousand, four hundred in his army.
7 ‘The tribe of ZebuLon, whose leader is EliAb the son of Helon, should camp next to them. 8 There are fifty-seven thousand, four hundred in his army.
9 ‘All together, there are one hundred and eighty-six thousand, four hundred under the army of Judah. They and their armies must be the first to move.
10 ‘This is the order for the camp of Reuben, whose army [will camp] toward the south: The leader of the children of Reuben is EliZur the son of ShedeUr, 11 and there are forty-six thousand, five hundred in his army.
12 ‘The Tribe of Simeon, whose leader is ShelumiEl the son of ZuriShadDai, should camp next to them. 13 There are fifty-nine thousand, three hundred in his army.
14 ‘The tribe of Gad, whose leader is EliAsaph the son of DeuEl, will camp next to them, 15 and there are forty-five thousand, six hundred and fifty in his army.
16 ‘All together, there are a hundred and fifty-one thousand, four hundred and fifty under the army of Reuben. They and their armies will follow second.
17 ‘Then following them should be the Tent of Proofs, surrounded by the Levites who will travel between the armies. In whatever order they camp, that’s the order that they should follow in their march, each group following in the order of their divisions.
18 ‘The Tribe of EphraIm and their armies must camp on the west side. Their leader is EliShama the son of AmmiHud, 19 and there are forty thousand, five hundred in his army.
20 ‘The tribe of ManasSeh should camp next to them. Their leader is GamaliEl the son of PedahZur, 21 and there are thirty-two thousand, two hundred in his army.
22 ‘The tribe of BenJamin should camp next to them. Their leader is AbiDan the son of Gideoni, 23 and there are thirty-five thousand, four hundred in his army.
24 ‘All together, there are one hundred eight thousand, one hundred in the army of EphraIm. They and their armies should follow third.
25 ‘The Tribe of Dan and their armies should camp on the north side. Their leader is AhiEzer the son of AmmiShadDai, 26 and there are sixty-two thousand, seven hundred in his army.
27 ‘The tribe of Asher should camp next to them. Their leader is PagiEl the son of Ocran, 28 and there are forty-one thousand, five hundred in his army.
29 ‘The tribe of NaphTali should camp next to them. Their leader is AhiRa the son of Enan, 30 and there are fifty-three thousand four hundred in his army.
31 ‘All together, there are a hundred and fifty-seven thousand, six hundred in the armies of Dan, and they must be last in the marching order.’
32 This is how the children of Israel were counted (by family lines), and altogether there were six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty in their army. 33 However, the Levites weren’t counted among them, just as Jehovah instructed Moses.
34 And the children of Israel did everything that Jehovah told Moses. They each camped in their [specified] locations, and they marched in order by family lines.
Chapter 3
1 These are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day in that Jehovah spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai.
2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab was the firstborn, and then there were AbiUd, EliEzer, and IthaMar. 3 They were the anointed Priests who were made perfect for the Priesthood. 4 However, Nadab and AbiUd died before Jehovah when they offered [incense] to Him in an unauthorized way, while they were in the Sinai Desert. And because they had no children, just EliEzer and IthaMar served as Priests with their father Aaron.
5 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and told him, 6 ‘Bring the tribe of Levi up in front of Aaron the Priest, for they are to all serve him. 7 They must follow his instructions and then give the instructions to of the children of Israel, there in front of the Tent of Proofs… and they must work at the Tent. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings at the Tent of Proofs, and to instruct the children of Israel about things having to do with the Tent. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons the Priests, for they have been given to Me as a gift from among the children of Israel.
10 ‘Appoint Aaron and his sons to be in charge of the Tent of Proofs. Then they must give instructions concerning the Priesthood, everything that belongs to the Altar, and everything inside the veil. And anyone else who touches these things must die.’
11 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 12 ‘Look, I have chosen the Levites from among the children of Israel [to take the place] of [the rest of] the [firstborn] males that are among the children of Israel. [The Levites] are their ransom, and they are Mine. 13 For, all the firstborn have been Mine since the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. I chose all the firstborn in Israel as holy to Myself – both the men and the animals – and they are Mine, for I am Jehovah.’
14 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses in the Sinai Desert and said, 15 ‘Take a census of the sons of Levi by family lines and divisions… count every male from a month old and up.’
16 So, Moses and Aaron counted them following Jehovah’s instructions.
17 The sons of Levi were Gedson, CaAth, and MeraRi. 18 Gedson’s sons (and family lines) were Lobeni and Semei. 19 CaAth’s sons (and family lines) were AmRam, IsSaAr, Hebron, and OziEl. 20 MeraRi’s sons (and family lines) were MoOli and Musi. These were the families of the Levites by family lines.
21 The Gedson family lines were those of Lobeni and Semei. 22 And the number of males [in that line], which were a month old and older, was seven thousand five hundred. 23 The sons of Gedson were to camp behind the Tent on its west side. 24 The ruler of the family of Gedson was EliSaph, the son of DaEl. 25 The instructions that were given to the sons of Gedson concerning the Tent of Proofs, was to care for the tent itself, the veil that covers the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 26 the curtains for the courtyard, the veil to the courtyard (which is around the Tent), and the like.
27 There were [four] divisions that were counted [in the family line] of CaAth. They were AmRam, IsSaAr, Hebron, and OziEl. 28 There were eight thousand six hundred males a month old and older, and they were given these instructions regarding the holy things: 29 The families of the sons of CaAth were to camp next to the Tent, along its south side. 30 The ruler of the family line and divisions of CaAth was EliSaphan, the son of OziEl. 31 They were told that they were to be in charge of the Chest, the Table, the Sacred Lamp, the Altars, and all the furnishings in the Holy Place that were used in holy service inside the veil, and all their parts.
32 The head over the chiefs of the Levites was EliEzer, the son of Aaron the Priest. He was appointed to give all the instructions regarding the holy things.
33 The family lines of MeraRi were those of MoOli and Musi. 34 All the males a month old and older among this line, were counted at six thousand and fifty. 35 The head of the family line and divisions of MeraRi was SuriEl, the son of AbiChail. They were to camp next to the Tent, along its north side. 36 The sons of MeraRi were told that they were to be in charge of the Tent’s caps, rafters, posts, sockets, all their fittings and pieces, 37 the posts for the courtyard, and their bases, pins, and ropes.
38 Moses, Aaron, and his sons were to camp in front of the Tent of Proofs on its east side. They were to take care of the Holy Place and give instructions about it to the children of Israel. And anyone who touched it was to die.
39 All the Levites who Moses and Aaron counted, which were a month old and older (by family lines), following Jehovah’s instructions, were twenty-two thousand.
40 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, ‘Now count all the firstborn males among the children of Israel who are a month old and older, and take their names. 41 Then take the Levites for Me in place of all the firstborn of the sons of Israel. Also, take all the Levites’ cattle in place of the first-born of the cattle of the children of Israel, for I am Jehovah.’
42 So Moses counted all the firstborn of the children of Israel, just as Jehovah commanded him. 43 And all the male firstborn a month old and older that were counted by name were twenty-two thousand, two hundred and seventy-three.
44 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 45 ‘Now take the Levites in place of all the first-born of the sons of Israel, and the Levite’s cattle in place of their cattle, and they must be Mine, for I am Jehovah. 46 And the ransom [that must be paid] for all the firstborn of the sons of Israel that exceed the number of Levites (the two hundred and seventy-three) 47 [must be paid for] with five silver-coins per person. They must be paid for using the holy double-silver coins at twenty copper coins per silver coin. 48 Then give the money to Aaron and his sons as the ransom for those who exceed their number.’
49 So, Moses took the silver as the ransom for those that exceeded the number who were bought by the Levites. 50 The amount of holy silver coins that he took from the firstborn of the sons of Israel was one thousand, three hundred and sixty-five. 51 Then Moses gave the ransom for these extra ones to Aaron and his sons, according to the instructions that Jehovah gave to Moses.
Chapter 4
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 2 ‘Take a census of the children of CaAth (separate from the sons of Levi) by family lines. 3 Count those from twenty-five to fifty years old who work and serve in the Tent of Proofs. 4 For these are the very holy things that the sons of CaAth must do at the Tent of Proofs: 5 Whenever the camp is about to move, Aaron and his sons must enter and take down the [inner] veil, and use it to cover the Chest of Proofs. 6 Then they must cover it with a blue skin and put a blue [cloth] over that. Then they must put the staves through [the rings on the Chest].
7 ‘They must also put a purple cloth over the table that holds the showbread, along with its dishes, censers, cups, pitchers for drink offerings, and the loaves (which must always be left on the table). 8 Then they must cover it with a scarlet cloth, and cover that with a blue skin, and mount [the table] on staves.
9 ‘Then they must cover the Sacred Lamp that provides the light, along with its lanterns, snuffers, funnels, and all the oil jars, with a blue cloth, 10 and put it and all its utensils inside a blue skin bag, and mount it on staves. 11 Also, the golden [incense] altar must be wrapped in blue cloth, then covered with blue skins and mounted on staves.
12 ‘Then they must take all the rest of the things that are used in the services in the Holy Place, and put them in a blue cloth [bag], then cover them with blue skins, and mount them on staves.
13 ‘Then they must cover the Altar with purple cloth, 14 along with all the utensils that are used with it (the fire pans, flesh-hooks, cups, covering, and all its utensils), then wrap it in all a blue covering of skins, and mount it on the staves.
‘They must also cover the basin and its base with blue cloth, wrap it in blue skins, and mount it on staves.
15 ‘Aaron and his sons must finish covering the holy things and all the holy utensils before the camp can move. Thereafter, the sons of CaAth must bear all [the Tent’s] furnishings, but they must not [actually] touch the holy things, or else they will die. These [are the things] that just the sons of CaAth are to carry from the Tent of Proofs.
16 ‘EliEzer, the son of Aaron (the Priest) is to be the overseer. He is to give instructions concerning the oil for the lamp, the incense, the daily food offerings, and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the whole Tent, everything that’s in it, and everything that’s done there.’
17 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 18 ‘You must prevent the family of CaAth (the tribe among the Levites) from being destroyed. 19 This is what you must do for them so they can live and not die: Whenever they approach the Holy of Holies, Aaron and his sons must take the lead. Then they are the ones who must mount the [sacred items] to be carried on the staves. 20 That way, [the family of CaAth] won’t [be tempted to] rush in to look at the holy things and die.
21 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 22 ‘Now take a census of the children of Gedson by family lines. 23 Count all those between the ages of twenty-five and fifty years old who go in to serve and work in the Tent of Proofs; 24 because the public service of the family of Gedson is to serve and to carry. 25 They must carry and attend to the skins of the Tent, the Tent of Proofs itself, its veil, the blue covering that goes over its top, the cover for the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 26 all the curtains for the courtyard, the mountings, and all the other utensils of service.
27 The sons of Gedson must take their direction from Aaron and his sons in everything that they do in their assignments and jobs. You must count them by names and [show them] all the things they must carry. 28 This is the job of the sons of Gedson in the Tent of Proofs, and IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest, is to give them their instructions.
29 ‘Also, take a census of the sons of MeraRi by family lines. 30 Count all those between the ages of twenty-five and fifty years old who go in to serve and work in the Tent of Proofs. 31 These are the things you are to tell them, and that they must carry as their job at the Tent of Proofs: They must carry the Tent’s caps, rafters, poles, and sockets, as well as the sockets and poles for the veil and the curtain at the entrance to the Tent. 32 They must also carry the poles for the surrounding courtyard and for the veil at the entrance to the courtyard, along with their sockets, pins, ropes, furnishings, and things for service.
‘Count them by name, and show what each of them is to carry. 33 This is the assignment for the family of the sons of MeraRi. It is their job at the Tent of Proofs, under the direction of IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest.’
34 So Moses, Aaron, and the rulers of Israel took a census of the sons of CaAth by family lines, 35 [and counted] all those between the ages of twenty-five and fifty years old who go in to serve and work in the Tent of Proofs. 36 And their number by family lines came to two thousand, seven hundred and fifty. 37 This is how many there were of the family of CaAth that served in the Tent of Proofs, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.
38 Then they counted the sons of Gedson by family lines who were 39 between twenty-five and fifty years old that go in to serve at the Tent of Proofs. 40 And their number by family lines came to two thousand, six hundred and thirty. 41 This is how many there were of the family of Gedson that served in the Tent of Proofs, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.
42 Then they counted the sons of MeraRi by family lines who were 43 between twenty-five and fifty years old that go in to serve at the Tent of Proofs. 44 And their number by family lines came to three thousand, two hundred. 45 This is how many there were of the family of MeraRi, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.
46 So, Moses, Aaron, and the rulers of Israel counted all these Levites by family lines 47 who were between twenty-five and fifty years old, and who serve, work at, and carry the things for the Tent of Proofs. 48 All together, there were eight thousand five hundred and eighty who were counted. 49 Then after they were counted (following the words of Jehovah through Moses), they appointed each man his job, and they reviewed his duties and discussed what he was to carry.
Chapter 5
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Give these instructions to the children of Israel: Tell them to drive everyone out of the camp that has leprosy, those with gonorrhea, and anyone who has made himself unclean [with a dead] person, 3 whether they are males or females. Drive them out of the camp, so they can’t dirty the place where I live among them.’
4 And that’s what the children of Israel did; they drove them out of the camp, just as Jehovah told Moses.
5 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 6 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them that any man or woman who has committed any of the sins that are common to man, or has in any way overstepped [My] Commandments and erred, 7 must confess the sin he committed and make restitution for his sin. He [must pay] the price and add a fifth more to it, and restore [everything] to the person he has sinned against.
8 ‘Now, if a man doesn’t owe anything to anyone for his sin, the sin-offering must be paid to Jehovah. A ram must be [be given to] the Priest as payment for his sins, and as the price to cover his sins.
9 ‘And when it comes to the first fruitage of all the holy things among the children of Israel; everything that they offer to Jehovah must be [given to] the Priest for himself. 10 All the holy things that men [offer] or choose to donate must be given to the Priest, and it will be his as a gift.’
11 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 12 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: Whenever a wife rebels against [her husband] and tries to dominate and rule over him, 13 and then someone goes to bed with her and has sex with her behind her husband’s back; if she hides her filth and there is no proof of it (and [the other man] doesn’t take her), 14 and [her husband] thereafter develops a jealous spirit and suspects that she has dirtied herself – or if he has developed a jealous spirit and she hasn’t dirtied herself – 15 then he must bring his wife to the Priest, along with the gift of a quart of barley meal. He must not pour any oil or frankincense on the barley meal, because it is a sacrifice of jealousy… it is a sacrifice to be remembered and to recall sins to mind.
16 ‘Then the Priest must take [the woman] to stand before Jehovah. 17 The Priest must pour clean running water into a clay pot, then take some of the dirt that is on the floor of the Tent of Proofs and throw it into the water. 18 Then the Priest must stand the woman before Jehovah, uncover her head, and place the sacrifice that is to be remembered (the sacrifice of jealousy) into her hands.
‘Next, the Priest must take the water which brings a curse into his hands. 19 And the Priest must make the woman swear [in reply to the words], If you aren’t guilty and no one has laid down with you, and if you haven’t sinned and dirtied yourself, and you have [been respectful] to your husband; [then say that you are] free from this water that brings the curse. 20 But if you have sinned and dirtied your marriage, and [allowed] someone to lie with you other than your husband… 21 then the Priest must make the woman swear [to accept] the oaths of this curse.
‘The Priest must say to her: May Jehovah bring a curse upon you by the oath [you have sworn] in the midst of your people. May Jehovah cause your [sexual parts] to rot away and your belly to swell. 22 May this water that brings the curse enter your womb to cause your belly to swell and your [sexual parts] to rot away.
‘And the woman must say, May it happen; may it happen.
23 ‘Thereafter, the Priest must write these curses on a scroll, then rinse them away with the water that brings the curse; 24 for he must make the woman drink the water that brings the curse.
25 ‘Next, the Priest must take the sacrifice of jealousy from the woman’s hands and carry it to the Altar to present it before Jehovah. 26 Then the Priest must take a handful of the sacrificial [grain] and offer it on the Altar as a reminder, and he must make the woman drink the water.
27 ‘And this is what will happen: If she has dirtied herself and her husband hasn’t been able to [prove] it, the water that brings the curse will enter her and cause her belly to swell and her [sexual parts] to rot away; and thereafter, the woman must be cursed among her people. 28 But if the woman hasn’t dirtied herself and has remained chaste, she must be declared free of guilt and thereafter give birth to a [child].
29 ‘This is the law of jealousy [that covers the cases of where] a married woman sins and dirties herself, 30 or where a man develops a jealous spirit and becomes jealous of his wife. He should take his wife before Jehovah, and the Priest must make her follow this law. 31 And whereas the man will be cleared from his sin, the woman must be responsible for hers.
Chapter 6
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them that whenever a man or woman wishes to make a great vow to set himself aside as holy to Jehovah, 3 he may not eat or drink anything made from grapes, such as wine, brandy, fresh grapes, raisins, or vinegar that is made from wine or other alcoholic products 4 during the period of his vow. Nor may he eat anything that comes from the vine, such as wine made from grape seeds or skins 5 during the whole period that he is set aside. Nor may a razor be used to cut the person’s hair until the period of the vow to Jehovah is completed. For the person must be holy and cherish the long hair of his head 6 for as long as his vow to Jehovah lasts, and he must not go near any dead bodies… 7 not even to [the corpse] of his father, mother, brother, or sister. They must not dirty themselves with dead bodies, because the vow of God is on them and on their heads, 8 and they must remain holy to Jehovah during the entire period of their vow.
9 ‘And if anyone should suddenly die near him, the head of that person will immediately be considered dirty and it must be cleansed. The person must shave his head on the seventh day, 10 then bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of meeting on the eighth day. 11 The Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering, to pay for the sin [of being close to] a dead body. Then the person’s head will [once again] become holy on that day, 12 and he will [again] be made perfect to Jehovah during the rest of [the period of] the vow. Then he must bring a yearling lamb as an offering for the error; and because the vow on his head was polluted, the full period of [the vow] must be [restarted].
13 ‘It is also the law for the person who has made such a vow, that on the day that his vow is finished, the person must bring gifts to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs. 14 The gifts that he must bring to Jehovah are: one perfect yearling male lamb as a whole-burnt offering; one perfect yearling female lamb as a sin offering; one perfect male sheep as a peace offering; 15 a basket of fermentation-free bread made with fine flour kneaded with oil; fermentation-free cakes that have been anointed with oil; a food offering and a drink offering.
16 ‘The Priest must bring them before Jehovah and [sacrifice] the sin offering and the whole-burnt offering. 17 Then he must sacrifice the male sheep as a peace offering to Jehovah, along with the basket of fermentation-free bread, followed by the food offering and the drink offering. 18 Then the one who made the vow must shave his head that was made holy, there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, and put the hair on the fire while it is burning the peace-offering sacrifice.
19 ‘Then, after the person has shaved off his holy hair, the Priest must take the larger of the ram’s shoulders, along with one fermentation-free loaf and one fermentation-free cake from the basket, and lay them in the person’s hands. 20 Then the Priest must present them as an offering before Jehovah, and this holy portion will then belong to the Priest, along with the breast and shoulder of the wave offering. Then the person who made the oath must drink some wine.
21 ‘This is the law for any person who makes a vow to Jehovah: [He must give all] his gifts that were promised to Jehovah, along with anything else that he may be able to afford, which is [in addition] to the things that are [required by] the strong vow of setting oneself aside as holy [to Jehovah].’
22 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 23 ‘Speak to Aaron and to his sons and tell them to bless the sons of Israel who have My Name with these words: 24 May Jehovah bless you and watch over you. 25 May Jehovah’s face shine upon you, and may He have mercy on you. 26 May [Jehovah keep His eyes] on you and bring you peace.’
Chapter 7
1 So the day came when Moses finished setting up the Tent. Then he anointed it and made it and all its furnishings, as well as the Altar and all its furnishings, holy… he made them perfect by anointing them.
2 Then the leaders of Israel (the twelve heads of their family lines and leaders of their tribes… those who took the lead in the census) 3 brought gifts before Jehovah. There were six covered wagons pulled by twelve bulls (two per [wagon]) that were contributed by the leaders, which were brought to the Tent.
4 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 5 ‘Take [these things] and use them for service at the two cherubs that are above the Propitiatory, which cover the Chest of Proofs. And give the [wagons] to the Levites… [distribute] them among the groups by their assigned jobs.’
6 So Moses took the wagons and bulls, and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two wagons and four bulls to the sons of Gedson for their jobs, 8 and four wagons and eight bulls to the sons of MeraRi for their assignments under IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest. 9 However, he didn’t give any to the sons of CaAth, because the sacred things that they had to carry were to be borne on their shoulders. 10 [Israel’s] leaders brought these things to the Altar for the dedication of the Altar on the day that it was to be anointed.
11 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘One leader must also bring a gift each day for the dedication of the Altar.’
12 So on the first day, NaAsson (the son of AminAdab), the leader of the tribe of Judah, 13 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty holy silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 14 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 15 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 16 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 17 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of NaAsson, the son of AminAdab.
18 On the second day, NathaniEl (the son of Sogar), the leader of the tribe of IsSachar, brought 19 his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty holy silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 20 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 21 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 22 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 23 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of NathaniEl, the son of Sogar.
24 On the third day, EliAb the son of ChaElon), the leader of the tribe of ZebuLon, brought 25 his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty holy silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 26 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 27 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 28 one goat kid (for a sin offering) 29 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of EliAb, the son of ChaElon.
30 On the fourth day, EliSur (the son of SediUr), the leader of the tribe of Reuben, brought 31 his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty holy silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 32 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 33 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 34 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 35 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of EliSur, the son of SediUr.
36 On the fifth day, SalamiEl (the son of SuriSadai) the leader of the tribe of Symeon, brought 37 his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty holy silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 38 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 39 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 40 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 41 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of SalamiEl, the son of SuriSadai.
42 On the sixth day, EliSaph (the son of RaguEl), the leader of the tribe of Gad, brought 43 his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 44 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 45 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 46 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 47 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of EliSaph, the son of RaguEl.
48 On the seventh day, EliSama (the son of EmiUd), the leader of the tribe of EphraIm, 49 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 50 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 51 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 52 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 53 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of EliSama, the son of EmiUd.
54 On the eighth day, GamaliEl (the son of PhadasSur), the leader of the tribe of ManasSeh, 55 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 56 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 57 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 58 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 59 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of GamaliEl, the son of PhadasSur.
60 On the ninth day, AbiDan (the son of GadeOni), the leader of the tribe of BenJamin, 61 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 62 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 63 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 64 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 65 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of AbiDan, the son of GadeOni.
66 On the tenth day, AchiEzer (the son of AmiSadai), the leader of the tribe of Dan, 67 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 68 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 69 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 70 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 71 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of AchiEzer, the son of AmiSadai.
72 On the eleventh day, PhageEl (the son of Echran), the leader of the tribe of Asher, 73 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 74 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 75 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 76 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 77 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of PhageEl, the son of Echran.
78 On the twelfth day, AchiRe (the son of AiNan), the leader of the tribe of NaphTali, 79 brought his gift. [It included] one silver platter that weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and a silver bowl that weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering. 80 [There was also] a golden censer filled with ten silver coins worth of incense, 81 as well as one calf from the herd, one ram, and one yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering), 82 one goat kid (for a sin offering), 83 and two heifers, five rams, five billy goats, and five yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice. These were the gifts of AchiRe, the son of AiNan.
84 These [were the gifts] from the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the period when the Altar was being anointed. There were twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve golden censers. 85 Each platter weighed the same as a hundred and thirty silver coins, and each bowl weighed the same as seventy holy silver coins. So all together, their combined weight was two thousand, four hundred holy silver coins. 86 The twelve golden censers were each filled with incense, and the gold weighed the same as a hundred and twenty silver coins.
87 The number of cattle for the whole burnt offerings amounted to twelve calves, twelve rams, and twelve yearling male lambs (plus food offerings and drink offerings); there were twelve kid goats for the sin offerings; 88 and the number of cattle that were sacrificed for the peace offering included twenty-four heifers, sixty rams, sixty yearling billy goats, and sixty perfect yearling female lambs, which were all offered for the dedication of the Altar.
Then, after that, [Moses] made [Aaron] perfect by anointing him. 89 And from that point on, whenever Moses went into the Tent of Proofs to speak to God, he would hear the voice of Jehovah speaking to him from between the two cherubs that were above the Propitiatory, which covers the Chest of Proofs.
Chapter 8
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to Aaron and tell him that when he assembles the [sacred] lamp, the seven lanterns must be arranged to illuminate the area across from the lamp.’
3 And that’s what Aaron did. He [assembled and] lit the lamps to illuminate the area directly across from the lamp, just as Jehovah had instructed Moses.
4 The Sacred Lamp’s base and stem were of solid gold, as were its lilies. They were made following the pattern that Jehovah had shown to Moses.
5 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 6 ‘Take the Levites out from among the children of Israel and purify them. 7 This is how should you perform their purification: Have them rinse themselves in clean water, shave all the hair from their bodies, then wash their clothes… and make sure that they are clean.
8 ‘Then they must bring two yearling calves from the herd, along with a food offering and some fine flour mixed with oil. 9 Then assemble the entire gathering of the sons of Israel and bring the Levites up before them at the Tent of Proofs. 10 Stand them there in front of Jehovah, and have the sons of Israel lay their hands on the Levites.
11 ‘Next, Aaron must set the Levites aside as a gift to Jehovah from the children of Israel, and they must be made ready to perform Jehovah’s work. 12 Then have the Levites lay their hands on the heads of the calves, and you should sacrifice one as a sin offering, and the other as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah, to pay for their sins.
13 ‘Then stand the Levites in front of Jehovah (and before Aaron and his sons), and give them to Jehovah as a gift… 14 separate the Levites from among the sons of Israel as Mine!
15 ‘Thereafter, the Levites must go to the Tent where they are to work, and you must purify them and present them there before Jehovah, 16 for they will have been given to Me as a gift from the children of Israel. I have taken them as Mine in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel that open a womb. 17 For, all the firstborn among the children of Israel (both the men and the animals) became Mine on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… that’s when I made them holy to Myself. 18 But now I am taking the Levites instead of the first-born of the children of Israel, 19 and I am presenting them as a gift to Aaron and his sons, to serve the children of Israel at the Tent of Proofs. And there they must make the payments for the sins of the children of Israel, so none of the sons of Israel will have to go near the holy things.’
20 Then Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of Israel did everything that Jehovah commanded Moses concerning the Levites. 21 The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a gift before Jehovah, and [sacrificed] the payments for their sins to purify them. 22 Thereafter, the Levites entered the Tent to serve before Aaron and his sons, just as Jehovah had instructed Moses.
23 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 24 ‘This is the rule for the Levites: Those who are twenty-five years old and older must enter to serve at the Tent of Proofs. 25 But when they reach fifty years old, they may no longer serve or work there. 26 They may supervise their brothers who serve in the Tent of Proofs, but they may not work there anymore. Give the Levites these instructions.’
Chapter 9
1 It was in the first month of the second year after they had left the land of Egypt, that Jehovah spoke to Moses there in the Sinai Desert and said, 2 ‘Tell the children of Israel to keep the Passover at the proper time. 3 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month, you must keep it and obey its laws and instructions.’
4 So Moses ordered the children of Israel to sacrifice the Passover 5 on the fourteenth day of the first month, there in the Sinai Desert. And the children of Israel did just as Jehovah told Moses.
6 However, there were some men who were unclean due to [touching] a dead body, and they were unable to keep the Passover on that day. So, they went before Moses and Aaron 7 and said, ‘We are unclean because we touched the dead body of a man. So, will we not to be allowed to offer our gifts to Jehovah at this time, along with the rest of the children of Israel?’
8 Then Moses said, ‘Stay here and I will listen to whatever instructions Jehovah gives us about this.’
9 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 10 ‘Tell the sons of Israel that whenever a man among you or your descendants has become unclean because of touching a dead body, or is far away on a journey, he must still keep the Passover to Jehovah, 11 but he must do it on the evening of the fourteenth day of the second month. [The Passover sacrifice] must be offered then, and eaten with fermentation-free bread and bitter herbs. 12 They must not leave any of it over until the next day, nor may they break any of its bones. They must offer the sacrifice just as they would on the Passover. 13 But if anyone is clean and is not away on a trip, he must be sure to keep the Passover. Any person who doesn’t offer the gift to Jehovah at the proper time is guilty, and must be cut off from his people!
14 ‘And if an alien should come into your land and wish to observe the Passover to Jehovah, he must do so according to the laws and instructions concerning the Passover. So there is just one law [concerning this], and it applies to both natives and aliens.’
15 Well, from the time that the Tent was [first] pitched, a cloud covered the Tent of Proofs all day long, and what looked like fire covered the Tent from evening until morning. 16 And that’s how it always was… a cloud cover by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 17 And whenever the cloud left the Tent, the children of Israel were to leave that place; and whenever the cloud just stayed there, the children of Israel camped. 18 So, the children of Israel camped by the commands of Jehovah, and they moved by the commands of Jehovah… as long as the cloud covered the Tent, the children of Israel were to camp. 19 And even if the cloud stayed over the Tent for a long time, the children of Israel were to follow God’s instructions and not move. 20 For, whenever the cloud covered the Tent for a number of days, they were to camp, following the words of Jehovah, and they were to stay camped there by the commands of Jehovah. 21 But whenever the cloud moved up from over the Tent, they were to move, whether it was day or night. 22 If the cloud covered the Tent for a full month, the children of Israel had to camp and were not to leave, 23 for they were only to move by the commands of Jehovah. And this is what they did. They followed the instructions and commands that Jehovah gave through Moses.
Chapter 10
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Make two silver trumpets for yourselves to call assemblies and to move the camp. Make them of hammered [brass]. 3 With one [type of] sound, the whole gathering must come to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs, 4 and with another, just the rulers and leaders must come to you.
5 ‘You must sound an alarm for the camp to move, starting with those in the east; 6 when you sound a second alarm, the camps to the south must move; with the sound of the third alarm, those camps pitched in the west must move; and with the fourth alarm, those that are camping in the north must move… and they must sound an alarm as they leave.
7 ‘Blow the horn to sound assembly, but not as an alarm. 8 The Priests (the sons of Aaron) must blow the trumpets. This is to be the rule for you through all your generations and through the ages.
9 ‘And if you must go to war against your enemies that will oppose to you in your land, you must also blow the trumpets as a reminder to Jehovah, and then you will be saved from your enemies.
10 ‘And on days when you are joyful, or during your feasts, or during your New Moons, and when you sacrifice whole burnt offerings and peace offerings, you must blow the trumpets. 11 This must be done as a reminder to you before your God, for I am Jehovah your God.’
12 And thereafter, the children of Israel packed their bags in the Sinai Desert, and the cloud came to rest in the Pharan Desert. 13 And following the instructions of Jehovah through Moses, the first group started their march.
14 The first to leave were the children of Judah with their army, headed by NaAsson, the son of AminAdab. 15 They [were followed by] the sons of IsSachar under NathaniEl, the son of Sogar. 16 Then came the army of the tribe of the sons of ZebuLon, under EliAb, the son of ChaElon.
17 Then the Tent was taken down, and the sons of Gedson started out, followed by the sons of MeraRi, who carried the Tent.
18 Then came the camp of Reuben and their army that was led by EliSur, the son of SediUr. 19 They were followed by the army of the tribe of the sons of Symeon, under SalamiEl, the son of SuriSadai. 20 Next came the army of the children from the tribe of Gad, under EliSaph, the son of RaguEl.
21 Then the sons of CaAth came forward bearing the holy things, because the Tent was to be set up before they arrived.
22 Next, the camp of EphraIm set out with their army under EliSama, the son of SemiUd. 23 They were followed by the armies of the tribe of the sons of ManasSeh, under GamaliEl, the son of PhadasSur. 24 Then came the army of the tribe of the children of BenJamin, under AbiDan, the son of GadeOni. 25 Next in the order of the camp came the sons of Dan and their army, under AchiEzer, the son of AmiSadai. 26 Then came the army of the tribe of the sons of Asher, under PhageEl, the son of Echran. 27 They were followed by the army of the tribe of the sons of NaphTali, under AchiRe, the son of AiNan.
28 These are the armies of the children of Israel, and it’s the way that they started their march.
29 And Moses said to his father-in-law Jethro (the son of RaguEl the Midianite), ‘We are traveling to the place about which Jehovah said, I’m going to give this to you. So, come with us and we will treat you well, because Jehovah has promised good things for Israel.’
30 But [Jethro] replied, ‘No, I won’t go. I’m going to return to my family and my land.’
31 However, [Moses insisted] saying, ‘Don’t leave us! Why, you’ve been with us all through the desert, and you should be considered an elder among us. 32 For if you go with us; when Jehovah does good things for us, we will do good things for you.’
33 Then they left the Mountain of Jehovah and traveled for three days. And the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement was carried ahead of them for all three days as a comfort to them. 34 And the cloud hung over them by day, starting from when they left the camp.
35 Then, when the Chest was brought forward, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Jehovah! Let Your enemies be scattered and may all who hate You run in terror!’
36 And when they reached its resting place, he said, ‘Turn [Your face] again, O Jehovah, to the thousands and tens of thousands in Israel!’
Chapter 11
1 Then the people started murmuring sinful things against Jehovah, and He heard them. This made Him very angry, and a fire that came from Jehovah started burning among them, which consumed part of the camp, 2 so the people called for Moses. And after he prayed to Jehovah, the fire went out. 3 Thereafter, they called that place ‘The Burning,’ because that was where a fire from Jehovah had burned among them.
4 It was the [ethnics] who were mixed among them that started [complaining]. They (and some of the children of Israel) sat down and started crying and saying, ‘Who is going to give us meat to eat? 5 We remember all the fish that we used to eat in Egypt, as well as the cucumbers, melons, leeks, garlic, and onions. 6 But now our lives have become [empty], because all we can see is manna!’
7 The manna looked like coriander seeds, and it appeared [on the ground] like frost. 8 The people went into the fields and collected it, then they ground it in a mill or pounded it in a mortar. Thereafter, they baked it in a pan and made cakes from it. It tasted like sweet crackers that had been mixed with oil. 9 And during the night, when the dew was settling on the camp, the manna came down upon it.
10 Well, Moses heard them sitting in front of their [tents] in family groups, crying. This made Jehovah very angry, and Moses viewed these actions as evil. 11 So Moses asked Jehovah, ‘Why have You done this to your servant, and why haven’t I found favor in Your eyes, so that You should lay the burden of these people on me? 12 Am I the one who carried and gave birth to all these people, so that You should tell me, Take them into your arms as a nursing mother would take her new-born baby, and carry them into the land that You promised to their fathers? 13 Where can I find meat to feed all these people? For, here they are crying before me and saying, Give us meat to eat. 14 I can’t carry all these people by myself; they’re just too heavy for me. 15 If You’re going to do this to me, then just kill me (if I’ve found Your favor), so I don’t have to [endure] this pain!’
16 Then Jehovah told Moses, ‘Gather seventy men from among the elders of Israel to Me. [Make sure that] you know they are the elders and scribes among the people, then bring them to the Tent of Proofs and have them stand there with you. 17 Then I will come down and speak with you there; for I will take [some] of [My] Breath that is on you and put it on them, and they will have to share the burden of the people with you… you won’t have to handle it by yourself.
18 ‘Then go to the people and tell them, ‘Now purify yourselves, because tomorrow you’re going to eat meat. Yes, you who have bawled before Jehovah and asked, Who will give us meat to eat? and said, Things were good for us [back in Egypt]!
‘So, Jehovah will provide meat, and you must eat the meat. 19 You aren’t going to eat it for one day, or two, or five, or ten, or twenty days. 20 You’re going to eat it for a full month… until it comes out your noses! You’re going to be sick of it, because you disobeyed Jehovah who is here among you. You bawled before Him and asked, Why did we ever leave Egypt?’
21 Then Moses asked, ‘Why, there are six hundred thousand soldiers among us, and are You telling me to give them enough meat to eat for a whole month? 22 Must we slaughter all the sheep and cattle for them… and will even that be enough? Or must we catch all the fish in the sea for them, and would that be enough?’
23 Then Jehovah said to Moses: ‘Isn’t the hand of Jehovah big enough? By now you should know whether My words will come true!’
24 So Moses went out and told the people what Jehovah said. Then he gathered seventy men from among the people’s elders and stood them around the Tent. 25 Then Jehovah came down in a cloud to speak to [Moses], and He took some of the Breath that was in him and put it into the seventy elders. And when [God’s] Breath came to rest upon them, they started prophesying… and then they stopped.
26 However, two of these men were still back in the camp at the time; one was ElDad, and the other was MoDad. They were part of the group that [Moses] had chosen, but they hadn’t made it to the Tent. Yet, [God’s] Breath also came to rest upon them, and they started prophesying in the camp. 27 So a young man ran and told Moses. He said: ‘ElDad and MoDad are prophesying in the camp!’
28 Well, JoShua (the son of NaWeh) who was Moses’ assistant and chosen successor, said, ‘Lord Moses; Make them stop!’
29 But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for me? I wish that all of Jehovah’s people were Prophets when He puts His Breath on them.’
30 And with that, Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Then Jehovah blew His Breath, and [flocks of] quail blew over the sea and into the camp. They covered the ground several feet deep for a day’s journey all around the camp. 32 So the people went out all that day, all night, and all the next day to gather quail. Why, even those who gathered the least gathered hundreds. And then, all around the camp they [sat down to feast].
33 Well, they were still picking the meat that was stuck between their teeth when Jehovah showed how angry He was with the people, for He then struck them with a great plague. 34 And thereafter, that place was called the Graves of Greed, because there is where they buried all the greedy people.
35 Then the people moved away from the Graves of Greed [and went to] to AsherOth, where they [set up camp].
Chapter 12
1 Then Miriam and Aaron started condemning Moses because of the Ethiopian woman who he had taken as his wife. 2 They asked, ‘Is Moses the only one that Jehovah has spoken to? Hasn’t He also spoken to us?’ And Jehovah heard them say this.
3 Now, Moses was the humblest man on the earth, 4 so Jehovah immediately spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and said. ‘All three of you, come to the Tent of Proofs!’
5 So the three of them went to the Tent of Proofs, and Jehovah descended in a column of clouds. He stood there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs and called Aaron and Miriam, and they stepped forward. 6 Then He said to them, ‘Listen to Me; If either of you are Prophets of Jehovah, I will make things known to you in a vision and speak to you as you sleep. 7 However, that isn’t the way [that I speak] to My servant Moses who has faithfully [served] in My House. 8 I’m not hidden to him, but I appear and speak to him mouth to mouth. Why, he has seen the glory of Jehovah, so why aren’t you afraid to speak against My servant Moses?’
9 Well, Jehovah was very angry with them; and then as He left, 10 the cloud disappeared from the Tent, and {Look!} Miriam had leprosy that was [as white] as snow!
Well, when Aaron saw that Miriam had leprosy, 11 he said to Moses, ‘I beg you my lord; don’t hold this sin against us, because we did this in ignorance! 12 Don’t allow her to be one of the [walking] dead – like a miscarriage from her mother’s womb – and half of her flesh to be eaten away.’
13 Then Moses called to Jehovah and said, ‘Oh God, I beg You; Heal her!’
14 And Jehovah replied to Moses, ‘If her father had just spit in her face, wouldn’t she have been shamed for seven days? Therefore, she may not enter the camp for seven days; but then she may return.’
15 So, Miriam was driven away from the camp for seven days, and the people didn’t beak camp until Miriam was cleansed.
Chapter 13
1 After that, the people left AsherOth and camped in the Pharan Desert. 2 There Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 3 ‘Send some men as spies into the land of the CanaAnites that I am giving to the sons of Israel. Choose men who are leaders from each of the tribes and family lines.’
4 So, following Jehovah’s instructions, Moses chose leaders from the sons of Israel and sent them out from the Desert of Pharan. 5 From the tribe of Reuben [he sent] SamuEl, the son of ZachUr. 6 From the tribe of Symeon [he sent] Saphat, the son of Suri. 7 From the tribe of Judah [he sent] Caleb, the son of JePhonNe. 8 From the tribe of IsSachar [he sent] IlaAl, the son of Joseph. 9 From the tribe of EphraIm [he sent] Ause, the son of NaWeh. 10 From the tribe of BenJamin [he sent] Phalti, the son of Raphu. 11 From the tribe of ZebuLon [he sent] GudiEl, the son of Sudi. 12 From the tribe of Joseph’s son ManasSeh [he sent] GadDi, the son of Susi. 13 From the tribe of Dan [he sent] AmiEl, the son of Gamali. 14 From the tribe of Asher [he sent] Sathur, the son of MichaEl. 15 From the tribe of NaphTali [he sent] Nabi, the son of Sabi. 16 And from the tribe of Gad [he sent] GudiEl, the son of MacChi. 17 These are the men who Moses sent as spies into the land. However, Moses called Ause (the son of NaWeh) JoShua.
18 As Moses sent them to spy in the land of CanaAn, he told them, ‘Travel through this desert, then climb the mountain and 19 peer into the land to see what it looks like, and watch the people who live there to [determine] whether they are strong or weak, many or few. 20 Then notice whether the land they live on is good or bad, what cities there are, and whether they have walls or not. 21 Also, pay attention to the land and see whether it is rich or poor, and if there are trees. Then venture in and take some of the fruitage of the land.’
Well, it was springtime, and the grapes were ready to be harvested, 22 as they went and surveyed the land from the Sin Desert [all the way] to RhoOb (on the way to AiMath). 23 They traveled through the desert and got as far as Hebron, where they found AchiMan, SesSi, and ThelAmi, the descendants of Enach. (Hebron had been built seven years before Tanin of Egypt.)
24 Well, when they got to the valley where the grapes were grown; after surveying it, they cut down a cluster of grapes and carried it on staves. They also picked some pomegranates and figs. 25 Then they called that place The Valley of the Cluster, because of the cluster of [grapes] that the children of Israel cut down there.
26 Then after forty days, they returned from their survey of the land 27 and they went before Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of Israel [who were] in the desert at Pharan Cades. Then they spoke to the whole gathering and showed them the fruit from the land, 28 and they gave this report: ‘We went into the land where you sent us, and found a land that is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of the fruit from there. 29 However, the nation that lives there is aggressive, and they have large, strong, walled cities.
‘We also saw the children of Enach there, 30 and the Amalechites live in the land toward the south, while the Hittites, Evites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country, and the CanaAnites live between the Sea and the Jordan River.’
31 Then Caleb stopped them from speaking before Moses, and said, ‘No, we must surely go there and inherit [that land], because we can beat them.’
32 But the [the other] men disagreed and said, ‘We must not go there, because there’s no way we can beat a nation like that; for they’re much stronger than we are!’
33 Then they really terrified the children of Israel when they said, ‘The land that we walked through and surveyed swallows up the people who live there. And all the people that we saw there were huge! 34 We saw giants who [were so large] that we looked like grasshoppers in comparison.’
Chapter 14
1 Well at that, the whole gathering started wailing and crying, which went on throughout the night. 2 Then all the children of Israel started grumbling about Moses and Aaron, and they came to them and said, 3 ‘We would rather have died in the land of Egypt than in this desert! Why is Jehovah bringing us to this land just to be killed in war, and our wives and children to serve as prey? It would be better for us to return to Egypt!’
4 Then they started saying to each other, ‘Let’s appoint [someone else] as our ruler, and return to Egypt!’
5 At this, Moses and Aaron just fell to their faces before the entire gathering of the children of Israel. 6 But JoShua (the son of NaWeh) and Caleb (the son of JePhonNe), who were among those that spied in the land, started ripping their clothes. 7 Then they addressed the gathering of the children of Israel and said, ‘The land that we surveyed is really very good! 8 And if Jehovah has chosen us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us – a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 So, don’t leave Jehovah, and don’t be afraid of the people in that land, because they are just meat for us. Their time has ended, for Jehovah is with us. So don’t be afraid!’
10 Then all the people started throwing rocks at them. [And suddenly] the glory of Jehovah appeared in the cloud over the Tent of Proofs before all the children of Israel. 11 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘How much longer will these people continue to anger Me, and how much longer will they refuse to believe Me after all the signs I’ve given them? 12 I will strike them and put them to death… I will destroy them and make a great nation of you and of your father’s house; one that will be much greater than this!’
13 But Moses replied, ‘Then Egypt would hear of it! Why, You used Your power to bring these people out from among them. 14 Also, the people who live in this land have heard that You are their Lord, that You are with these people, and that You, O Jehovah, have been seen face to face! Why, Your cloud rests upon them, and You lead them each day in a column of clouds and by a column of fire all night long. 15 So, if You were to destroy this whole nation, then all the nations that have heard of Your Name will say, 16 Because Jehovah couldn’t bring His people into the land that He swore to give them, He has [killed] them in the desert!
17 ‘So, O Lord, show Your power; and may the things You said prove to be true: 18 Jehovah is patient, merciful, and true. He removes mistakes, errors, and sins. He will never acquit the guilty, but will bring the sins of fathers on their children for three or four generations. 19 Forgive these people for their sins by Your great mercy, and show them the same favor [that You’ve shown] them [since You led them out of] Egypt!’
20 Then Jehovah replied to Moses: ‘I will be [patient] with them as you’ve asked. 21 For as I live, and as My Name is living, the glory of Jehovah must fill the whole earth. 22 Because, all men have seen My glory through all the signs that I gave in Egypt and in the desert. But this is the tenth time that [Israel] has tested Me and refused to listen to My voice. 23 So, they will not see the land that I promised to their fathers. Rather, I will give it to their children who are with Me here… those who are inexperienced and don’t yet know good from bad. I’m going to give the land to them, but those who angered Me will never see it. 24 However, My servant Caleb [will see it], because he had a different spirit and he followed Me. I will bring him into the land that he traveled through, and his seed will inherit it. 25 But the Amalechites and CanaAnites will [continue to] live in the valley. So tomorrow [you must] turn around and return to the desert by way of the Red Sea.’
26 Then Jehovah spoke to both Moses and Aaron and said, 27 ‘How much longer will this gathering remain wicked? I’ve heard the grumbling against Me coming from [all] the children of Israel… and all their complaints about you. 28 So, tell them that Jehovah says, As I live; Whatever I’ve heard you say is exactly what I’m going to do to you. 29 Your bodies will fall in this desert, and all those who were reviewed and counted from twenty years old and up – all who grumbled against Me – 30 will never enter the land that I stretched out My hand to give you, except for Caleb (the son of JePhonNe), and JoShua (the son of NaWeh).
31 ‘Then I will bring your little ones (who you said would serve as prey) into the land, and they will inherit the land that you rejected, 32 while your bodies will fall in this desert. 33 So your sons must be fed in this desert for forty years, and they must carry the weight of your infidelity, while your bodies rot in the desert. 34 For each day that was spent spying in that land – forty days – you must bear your sins a day for a year – for forty years – and you will get to know My rage. 35 For I Jehovah have spoken, and that’s what I will do to this evil gathering that has stood together against Me. You will be totally destroyed and die here in this desert!’
36 Then all the men who Moses sent to spy in the land and who then returned and grumbled before the group and said evil things about the land 37 were struck with a plague from Jehovah and died. 38 So, among the men who served as spies in the land, only JoShua (the son of NaWeh) and Caleb (the son of JePhonNe) survived.
39 So then, Moses explained all these things to the children of Israel, and the people became very depressed.
40 Then early the next morning, [Moses] stepped up to the top of a hill and said, ‘{Look!} Now those of us who are left are going to travel to the place where Jehovah told us to go, because we have sinned.’
41 And Moses asked, ‘Why didn’t you obey the words of Jehovah and prosper? 42 Now you can’t [enter the land], because Jehovah isn’t with you; otherwise you will [be cut down] before your enemies. 43 For the Amalechites and the CanaAnites stand there before you, and you will be cut down with swords, because you disobeyed Jehovah and turned aside. So, Jehovah will not be among you.’
44 Well, they went up to the top of the mountain and tried to force their way [into the land] anyhow, but the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement and Moses never left the camp. 45 So the Amalechites and the CanaAnites that lived on the mountain attacked them, drove them away, and destroyed them all the way to [Mount] Herman; and they [had to] return to the camp.
Chapter 15
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: When you enter the land that I will give you (and the place where you will live) 3 and offer whole burnt offerings to Jehovah, or offerings to fulfill a vow, or free-will offerings, or feast sacrifices from the herd or flock as a sweet odor to Jehovah, 4 the person who offers the gift must also bring a food offering of a quart of flour mixed with oil, 5 and a quart [of wine] as a drink offering with each lamb that you sacrifice as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
6 ‘And when you offer a ram as a whole-burnt offering or sacrifice, you should prepare a food offering of two quarts of fine flour mixed with oil, 7 and two quarts of wine as a drink offering, as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
8 ‘And if you offer a sacrifice from the herd as a whole-burnt offering, or a sacrifice to fulfill a vow, or as a peace offering to Jehovah, 9 then along with the calf, add a food offering of three quarts of fine flour mixed with oil, 10 and three quarts of wine as a drink offering, as a sweet odor to Jehovah.
11 ‘You must do this for each calf, ram, lamb, sheep, or goat kid that you offer. 12 And you must do the same thing for each one, no matter how many you may offer. 13 All the natives in the country must do this whenever they offer sacrifices as a sweet odor to Jehovah… 14 whether the person is an alien in your land or someone who was born among you, they must offer [the same] sacrifices as a sweet odor to [Jehovah… everyone among the gathering must offer sacrifices to Jehovah! 15 There must be just one law for you and for the aliens who live among you. It is a law through the ages and throughout your generations that the aliens must act as you do before Jehovah. 16 Both you and the aliens who live among you must follow the same laws and regulations!’
17 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 18 ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and tell them: When you enter the land where I am taking you 19 and you start eating bread from the land, you must set aside a special wave-offering to Jehovah from the first fruitage of your dough. 20 You must set aside and offer your bread as a wave offering in the same way that you offer grain – 21 as the first fruitage of your dough – and give it to Jehovah as a wave offering throughout your generations.
22 ‘Now, if you should fail to follow all these commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses, 23 and which Moses has been telling you since the day that Jehovah selected you, and on through your generations, 24 and if an error is committed by mistake and without the knowledge of the gathering, then the whole gathering must offer a perfect calf from the herd as a whole-burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah, along with food and drink offerings (according to the rules), and one goat kid as a sin offering. 25 Then the Priest must make payment for the sins of the entire gathering of the children of Israel, and they will be forgiven, because it was a mistake, and they have brought their gift as a burnt-offering to Jehovah for their error and involuntary sin. 26 If it is a mistake, all must be forgiven, whether they are from the children of Israel or from the aliens that are living among you.
27 ‘And if a person sins by mistake, he must bring a yearling nanny goat as a sin offering. 28 Then the Priest must [sacrifice it] to pay for the sin that was committed in error. 29 This same law applies to the natives of the children of Israel and to the aliens who live among them… whoever commits an error unwittingly.
30 ‘And whenever any person – a native or an alien – does anything so presumptuous as to anger God, he must be cut off from among his people. 31 For when he disregards the Word of Jehovah and breaks His Laws, that person must be found guilty of sin and destroyed.’
32 Well, it was while the children of Israel were in the desert that they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath. 33 And those who found him doing this brought him before Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of Israel. 34 Then he was placed in custody, because they didn’t know what to do with him. 35 But thereafter, Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, ‘The man must absolutely be put to death by the entire gathering. Stone him with rocks!’
36 So the entire gathering dragged him outside the camp and stoned him with rocks, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
37 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 38 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them that they must wear fringes on the bottoms of their clothing throughout all their generations. These fringes are to be made of blue lace. 39 Then, whenever they look at these fringes, they must think of all the Commandments of Jehovah and remember to obey them, instead of turning back and following the immoral things of their imaginations. 40 They must remember and obey all My Commandments, and be holy before Me, 41 for I am Jehovah, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt to be their God… I am Jehovah your God!’
Chapter 16
1 And KorAh (the son of IsaAr, of CaAth, of Levi), Dathan, AbiRam (the sons of EliAb), and Aun (the son of Phaleth of Reuben) started talking 2 in rebellion against Moses, along with two hundred and fifty men from the sons of Israel who were chiefs of the assembly, chosen advisors, and men of fame. 3 They came up against Moses and Aaron, and said, ‘That’s enough of you! Why, the whole gathering of Israel is holy, and Jehovah is among them; so why have you set yourselves up over the gathering of Jehovah?’
4 Well when Moses heard this, he fell to his face. 5 Then he spoke to KorAh and his group and said, ‘God has visited us, and He knows who are His, who are holy, who are set aside to Him, who He has chosen, and who He has purchased for Himself. 6 So do this: KorAh and his entire group should take their censors 7 and put fire and incense in them to stand before Jehovah tomorrow. Then we will let Jehovah choose who will be holy. And may this settle the matter, you sons of Levi.’
8 Then Moses addressed KorAh, saying, ‘Listen to me, you sons of Levi. 9 Is it unimportant to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the gathering of Israel and brought you close to Him to serve His people in His Tent, 10 so that you and all your brothers (the sons of Levi) also want to become the Priests? 11 Why, you and your group have gathered against God! Just who is Aaron that you should be complaining against him?’
12 Then Moses sent for Dathan and AbiRam (the sons of EliAb), and they replied; ‘We aren’t coming. 13 Doesn’t it matter to you that you brought us to a land flowing with milk and honey, [then you decided] to kill us here in the desert? And now do you want to rule over us too? 14 Why, if you’re our leader, then why didn’t you bring us into the land that’s flowing with milk and honey, and give us our inheritance of land and vineyards? Couldn’t you have just blinded the eyes of the men [in that land]? No! We aren’t coming!’
15 Well, this upset Moses, and he said to Jehovah, ‘Don’t accept their sacrifices, because I haven’t taken anything that they want away from them, nor have I harmed any of them.’
16 Then Moses told KorAh, ‘Be sure that your whole group is holy, then get them ready to stand before Jehovah with Aaron tomorrow. 17 Each man must bring his censer, then you must each put incense in them and carry the censers before Jehovah… two hundred and fifty censers in all. Then you and Aaron must also bring your censers.’
18 So, each man brought his censer, put fire and incense in them, then they stood beside Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 19 There KorAh and his group stood defiantly as the glory of Jehovah appeared to the whole gathering.
20 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 21 ‘Stand away from the entire gathering [of Israel], for I am getting ready to consume them all!’
22 Well, they fell to their faces, and begged, ‘Oh God; the God of all the spirits and flesh; If just one man has sinned, must You bring Your rage against the whole gathering?’
23 And Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 24 ‘Then tell the gathering to get away from KorAh and his group!’
25 So Moses got up and walked over to Dathan and AbiRam, and all the elders of Israel went with him. 26 Then he spoke to the gathering and said, ‘Get away from the tents of these stubborn men, and don’t touch anything that belongs to them. Otherwise, you’ll be consumed along with them for their sins!’
27 So, everyone got away from their tents, and KorAh, Dathan, and AbiRam went over and stood at the entrances to their tents, along with their wives, their children, and all their belongings.
28 Then Moses said, ‘Now you will know that; when Jehovah sent me to do these things, it wasn’t on my own. 29 If these men just die a natural death, and if what happens to them is the same as what happens to all men, then Jehovah hasn’t sent me. 30 But if Jehovah brings a miracle and the earth opens her mouth and swallows them, their homes, their tents, and everything that belongs to them, and they go down into their graves alive, then you must know that these men have angered Jehovah!’
31 And just as he finished saying those words, the ground rumbled beneath them. 32 Then the ground opened and swallowed them, their homes, all the men that were with KorAh, and all their cattle… 33 they and all that they had went down into their graves alive. Then the ground covered them, and they perished there in the midst of the gathering.
34 Well at that, all the Israelites who were standing nearby fled from the noise, shouting: ‘[Run], so the earth doesn’t swallow us too!’
35 Then fire came from Jehovah and it consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense.
36 Thereafter, Jehovah spoke to 37 EliEzer (the son of Aaron the Priest) through Moses, and said, ‘Now, pick up the bronze censers from where the men were burned, then melt them down, because they are holy, 38 [and use them as a sign against] those sinners and against their lives. Beat [the metal] into plates to cover the Altar, for these [censors] were brought before Jehovah as holy, so they must be used as a sign to the children of Israel!’
39 So, EliEzer (the son of Aaron the Priest) took the bronze censers that the men who had been burned had carried, and he formed them into a covering for the Altar. 40 This was to serve as a reminder to the children of Israel that no one other than the seed of Aaron might come close to offer incense before Jehovah, so what happened to KorAh and those who conspired with him doesn’t happen to them. [And he did just] as Jehovah told him through Moses.
41 Well, the next day, the people started grumbling against Moses and Aaron again, and they shouted, ‘You’ve killed the people of Jehovah!’ 42 Then a mob gathered against Moses and Aaron, and they foolishly ran into the Tent of Proofs. And at that, the cloud covered it and the glory of Jehovah appeared!
43 Then Moses and Aaron entered through the front of the Tent of Proofs, 44 and Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 45 ‘Get away from the whole gathering [of the children of Israel], because I am consuming them!’
And immediately they fell to their faces, 46 and Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take a censer, put some fire from the Altar and some incense in it, and quickly carry it into the camp to pay for their sins. Because, Jehovah’s rage has come upon us and He is already destroying the people!’
47 So Aaron took it (just as Moses told him), and ran around throughout the gathering, because a plague had already started among them, and he used the incense to pay for the sins of the people. 48 Then he stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.
49 All together, fourteen thousand, seven hundred died from the plague… in addition to those who died because of KorAh. 50 And when Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, the plague ended.
Chapter 17
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Tell the children of Israel to have their leaders each bring a walking stick with them, one for each of the family lines – twelve walking sticks – and have them each write his name on his walking stick. 3 Then write Aaron’s name on the walking stick of Levi. Each tribe should provide these sticks for [the heads] of their family lines. 4 Then you must put all of them inside the Tent of Proofs, before the Chest of Proofs, where I [meet with] you. 5 And whoever owns the walking stick that blooms is the man that I have chosen. This will bring an end to all the children of Israel’s grumbling to Me about you.’
6 So Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and each of their leaders gave him a walking stick, one for each of the heads of their family lines – twelve walking sticks – and Aaron’s walking stick was placed among them. 7 Then Moses laid the walking sticks before Jehovah inside the Tent of Proofs.
8 Well, the next morning, when Moses and Aaron entered the Tent of Proofs, they saw that the walking stick of Aaron (from the tribe of Levi) had blossomed, putting out buds, blooms, and almonds! 9 Then Moses carried all the walking sticks that were before Jehovah out before the sons of Israel for them to see, and each [of the leaders] took his walking stick.
10 And Jehovah told Moses, ‘Now, place Aaron’s walking stick among the Proofs and keep it as a sign for these disobedient children. Then tell them to stop grumbling to Me, so they don’t die!’
11 And that’s what Moses and Aaron did… they did just as Jehovah commanded Moses.
12 Then [the leaders] of the children of Israel spoke to Moses and asked, ‘Now, are we going to be cut off, destroyed, and consumed? 13 Why, everyone who touches the Tent of Jehovah dies, so are we now going to be totally destroyed?’
Chapter 18
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Aaron and told him, ‘You, your sons, and your [tribe] will be guilty of any sins against the holy things, and you and your sons [are responsible for] your Priesthood. 2 So now, take your brothers from the tribe of Levi (the family line of your father), accept them as yours, and have them serve you and your sons before the Tent of Proofs. 3 They must obey you and follow your instructions regarding everything having to do with the Tent. However, they must not go near the holy furnishings or the Altar, so that they – and you – don’t die.
4 ‘They must be joined to you and follow your instructions regarding the Tent of Proofs and all the services at the Tent. But no one else may even approach you. 5 You alone are to give instructions when it comes to the holy things and the Altar, and there must be no more anger [about this] among the children of Israel. 6 For I have taken your brothers the Levites out from among the children of Israel as a gift to Me, to serve at the Tent of Proofs.
7 ‘Now, you and your descendants must maintain your assigned positions as Priests, serving at the Altar and inside the veil, doing the things that are required. You must serve in the position of your Priesthood, and any [non-authorized] person who comes close to it must die!’
8 Then Jehovah told Aaron: ‘Look, I have given you all the instructions regarding the first fruitage of everything that is to be made perfect for Me by the children of Israel. This is an honor for you and your descendants, and it is a law through the ages 9 that all the perfected holy things from among the burnt offerings, gifts, sacrifices, all the error and sin offerings – whatever holy things that they bring to Me – will belong to you and to your sons. 10 And these things must be considered holy to you, so all the males (you and your sons) must eat them in this very holy place.
11 ‘And I am giving all the first fruitage among the gifts – the wave-offerings of the children of Israel – to you and to your sons and daughters. It is a law through the ages that all those in your homes who are clean may eat them. 12 All the first offerings of oil, wine, grain, and whatever else they may offer to Jehovah, is yours. 13 All the first fruitage of the land – whatever is offered to Jehovah – must belong to you, and anyone in your home who is clean may eat them.
14 ‘Anything that the children of Israel choose to dedicate must also be yours. 15 Whatever they bring to Jehovah, whether man or animal – everything that opens a womb – must be yours. However, the first-born of men and the first-born of unclean animals must be paid for. 16 The value of anything a month old and upwards is five silver coins (twenty copper coins per holy silver coin). 17 However, you must not pay for the first-born calves, sheep, and goats, because they are holy. You must pour their blood on the Altar, and offer the fat as a burnt offering and a sweet odor to Jehovah. 18 But their flesh is yours, as is the breast and the right shoulder of the wave-offerings. 19 All the special offerings of holy things – whatever the children of Israel offer as special to Jehovah – I have given to you, your sons, and your daughters who live with you. This is a rule through the ages. It is a Sacred Agreement of salt through the ages between Me, you, and your seed that descends from you.’
20 Then Jehovah told Aaron: ‘You aren’t going to receive an inheritance in that land, nor may you own any part of it, for I am your portion and your inheritance in the midst of the children of Israel. 21 Look! I have given the sons of Levi all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance for the services they perform at the Tent of Proofs.
22 ‘Now, the children of Israel must not go near the Tent of Proofs, or they will [be found] guilty and die. 23 Just the Levites may work and serve at the Tent of Proofs, and they must be responsible for their mistakes. This is to be a law through the ages and throughout all your generations. They must not receive an inheritance among the children of Israel, 24 because I have given the Levites the tithes of the children of Israel as their inheritance… everything that is offered to Jehovah. That is why I am telling them that they are to receive no inheritance among the children of Israel.’
25 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 26 ‘Speak to the Levites and tell them that when they receive the tithes from the children of Israel that I am giving them as their inheritance, they must set aside a tenth of the tithe as a wave offering to Jehovah. 27 These wave offerings must be treated as grain offerings from the [threshing] floor and as offerings from a wine press. 28 They must set this portion aside from all tithe offerings to Jehovah and everything else that they receive from the children of Israel, and give My offerings to Aaron the Priest. 29 This includes a portion of all gifts that are given as offerings to Jehovah and all the first fruitage.
30 ‘Tell them that whenever they offer the first fruitage, the Levites must think of it as produce from a threshing floor or from a wine press. 31 They and their families may eat it anywhere, because this is their reward for serving at the Tent of Proofs. 32 They won’t sin by doing this, as long as they [set aside] a portion of the first-fruitage and they don’t dirty the holy things of the children of Israel. Otherwise, they will be put to death.’
Chapter 19
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, 2 ‘This is a commandment of the Law that Jehovah has given you: Speak to the sons of Israel and tell them to bring you a perfect unspotted red heifer that has never worn a yoke, 3 then give her to EliEzer the Priest. Have them take her to a clean place outside the camp and slaughter it there before him.
4 ‘Then EliEzer must take some of her blood and sprinkle it in front of the Tent of Proofs seven times. 5 And thereafter, they must burn it to ashes before him, making sure that her skin, flesh, blood, and dung are totally consumed. 6 And the Priest must take some cedar wood, some hyssop, and some scarlet-colored wool, and throw it into the [fire] that is burning the heifer. 7 Then the Priest must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and go into the camp and remain unclean until the evening. 8 Also, whoever burns [the heifer] must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until evening.
9 ‘Then a clean man must gather up the heifer’s ashes and lay them aside in a clean place outside the camp, to be kept for the gathering of the children of Israel to make a water to sprinkle for purification. 10 And the man that gathers up the heifer’s ashes must wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. This is a law for the children of Israel and for the aliens that join with them throughout the ages.
11 ‘Whoever touches a human corpse must be unclean for seven days. 12 He must then be purified both on the third day and on the seventh day, and then he will be clean. But if he isn’t purged on the third and seventh days, he won’t be clean. 13 Also, anyone who touches the carcass of a man who has died and doesn’t get purified, will dirty the Tent of Jehovah, so that person must be cut off from Israel, because; if the cleansing water isn’t sprinkled on him, he is unclean and will remain unclean.
14 ‘This is also the law: Whenever a man dies inside a house, anyone who enters that house and everything in the house must be unclean for seven days. 15 All jars that are open and don’t have lids that are tightly sealed must be unclean. 16 Also, anyone who touches a man that was murdered, or a cadaver, or a human bone, or a tomb, must be unclean for seven days.
17 ‘They must take the burnt ashes of purification and pour them into a jar with running water to make the [water of] purification. 18 Then a clean man must take [a branch] of hyssop and dip it into the water, and sprinkle the house, the furniture, and all the people who are there that may have touched the human bone, or the murdered man, or the cadaver, or the tomb. 19 The clean man must sprinkle it on the unclean people on the third and seventh days. Then on the seventh day, he must purify himself, wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until evening.
20 ‘Any man who has become unclean and chooses not to purify himself must be cut off from among the gathering, because he has dirtied the holy things of Jehovah… if the cleansing water hasn’t been sprinkled on him, he remains unclean.
21 ‘And it is the law through the ages that whoever sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes; and whoever even touches the water must be unclean until evening. 22 Also, everything that an unclean man touches must be unclean, and anyone who touches [that thing] must be unclean until evening.’
Chapter 20
1 It was during the first month that the people (the whole gathering of the children of Israel) traveled to the Sin Desert, and they stayed in Cades… and it was there that Miriam died and was buried.
2 However, there was no water in that place, so all the people came to Moses and Aaron, 3 and they started shouting at Moses, saying, ‘We would rather have died when our brothers were destroyed before Jehovah! 4 Why have you brought the gathering of Jehovah into this desert… to kill us along with our cattle? 5 Just what kind of a place is this? You brought us out of Egypt to bring us into this evil place where we can’t plant crops, or figs, or vines, or pomegranates, and there’s no water here to drink!’
6 Then Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and stood before the people, and [they both] fell to their faces. Then the glory of Jehovah appeared to them, 7 and [God] spoke to Moses, saying, 8 ‘Call an assembly, then take your walking stick, and you and your brother Aaron must call out to the rock that stands before them, and it will give you its water. You must bring the water out of the rock for them and give it to the gathering and their cattle to drink.’
9 So Moses took his walking stick that was there before Jehovah, just as Jehovah had commanded him, 10 and Moses and Aaron assembled the gathering in front of the rock. Then he said to them, ‘Listen to me, you rebels; Must we bring water for you out of this rock?’
11 Then Moses raised his hand and hit the rock with his rod twice, and water came gushing out; so the gathering and their cattle drank.
12 Then Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you didn’t believe Me enough to mention Me before the children of Israel, you won’t be allowed to lead this gathering into the land that I have given them. 13 This is the Water of Rebellion, because it’s where the children of Israel spoke rebelliously before Jehovah; yet I remained holy among them.’
14 Then Moses sent messengers from Cades to the king of Edom, and said, ‘Thus is what your brother Israel is saying: You know all the hard times we’ve seen, 15 and how our fathers went down to Egypt and of the many [years] that we spent there, and how the Egyptians oppressed us and our fathers. 16 Well, when we called out to Jehovah, He heard our voice and sent His messenger who brought us out of Egypt.
‘And now we are in the city of Cades, at the edge of your land, 17 and we wish to pass through your land. We won’t walk through your fields or through your vineyards, nor will we drink water from your cisterns. We will travel along the King’s Highway, and we won’t turn right or left until we have past your borders.’
18 But the Edomites replied, ‘You may not pass through [our land], for if you do, we will go to war against you!’
19 Then the children of Israel said, ‘Then we will go around the mountain, and if our cattle and we drink any of your water, we will pay you for it. It shouldn’t bother you if we travel around the mountain.’
20 But [the Edomites] replied, ‘You may not pass through [our land]!’
Then the Edomites came out to meet them with a huge, well-armed army, 21 and they refused to allow Israel to cross their borders; so Israel turned and went another way… 22 the whole gathering left Cades and traveled to Mount Or.
23 It was while they were at Mount Or (on the border of the land of Edom) that Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said: 24 ‘Aaron is now going to be laid [to rest] with his people… and you may not enter the land that I have given to the children of Israel, because you angered Me at the Water of Rebellion! 25 So, take Aaron and his son EliEzer up Mount Or before the whole gathering, 26 then remove Aaron’s [official] garments and put them on EliEzer. And thereafter, Aaron will die and be added to [his people].’
27 So Moses did just as Jehovah commanded him. He took them up Mont Or before the whole gathering, 28 he removed Aaron’s clothes and put them on his son EliEzer, and then Aaron died on top of the mountain.
Well, when Moses and EliEzer walked down the mountain, 29 the gathering realized that Aaron was dead. Then the whole house of Israel wept for Aaron for thirty days.
Chapter 21
1 And Arad, the CanaAnite king who lived near the desert, heard that Israel had traveled through Atharin, so he went to war against Israel and carried some of their [people] off as captives. 2 Then Israel swore a vow to Jehovah, saying, ‘If You will hand them over to us, we will dedicate them and their cities to You.’
3 So Jehovah heard what [the people of] Israel said, and gave the CanaAnites into their hands. They [destroyed] them and their cities, and they started calling that place the Cursed.
4 Thereafter, they left Mount Or and traveled toward the Red Sea, circling the land of Edom. And somewhere along the way, the people lost their courage. 5 Then they started speaking against God and Moses, saying, ‘Why have you brought us out of Egypt… to kill us here in the desert? [We have] no bread or water, and we have come to hate the worthless bread.’
6 So, Jehovah sent poisonous snakes among them that bit [many] people, and quite a few of the children of Israel died. 7 And then the people went to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against Jehovah and against you. Please pray to Jehovah and [ask] Him to take these snakes away from us!’
8 So Moses prayed to Jehovah for the people, and Jehovah told Moses, ‘Make a snake and raise it as a sign. Then, whenever a snake bites someone, they can look at [this sign] and they will live.’
9 As the result, Moses made a brass snake and put it on a sign, so whenever a snake bit a person, he could look at the bronze snake and survive.
10 Then the children of Israel left that place and started camping in ObOth. 11 And from ObOth they moved to AchalGai, which is on the eastern edge of the desert across from Moab. 12 From there they traveled on and camped in the Valley of Zared. 13 Then they left [Zared] and camped on the other side of Arnon, in the desert that runs along the border of the Amorites (Arnon is the border between Moab and the Amorites). 14 And that’s why it was written about ZoOb (in the book of the Wars of Jehovah) that, ‘The dry river beds of Arnon were set on fire, 15 and Moab’s [Capital] Er [was built] along the river beds at their border.’
16 It was there that they came to a well, and Jehovah said, ‘I have given this well to Moses; so gather the people and I will give them water to drink.’
17 Then Israel started singing this song at the well:
18 ‘Their leaders dug it;
The kings of their nation and their kingdom;
They in their kingship sank it in rock;
It was the well to ManthaNain.
19 And from ManthaNain to NaAliEl,
And from NaAliEl to BamOth,
Then from BamOth to Janen;
And from the plains of Moab,
And the quarry that faces the desert.’
20 Then Moses sent ambassadors to Seon (the king of the Amorites) with words of peace. They [said to him], 21 ‘We [wish to] pass through your land. We will travel along the road; we won’t step into your fields or vineyards; 22 and we won’t drink water from your wells. We will just travel along the King’s Highway until we pass your borders.’
23 But Seon wouldn’t allow Israel to cross his borders. Rather, he gathered all his people and set up battle lines against Israel from the desert [all the way] to JasSa. 24 However, Israel beat them and slaughtered [many of their people with] swords; then they owned all the land from Arnon to JaBoc, as far as the children of AmMan (for JaZer borders the [land of] the children of AmMan).
25 Israel captured all the Amorite cities in the [district of] Hesh-Eboneh and they started living in them. 26 For Hesh-Eboneh was the city of Seon (the king of the Amorites), and he had previously fought against the king of Moab and captured all the land from AroEr to Arnon. 27 That’s why there was a saying among those who speak of such dark things:
‘Come to Hesh-Eboneh to build,
And prepare the city for Seon.
28 For a fire came out of Hesh-Eboneh;
A flame from the City of Seon,
And it has burned and consumed,
As far as the pillars of Arnon in Moab.
29 Woe to you O Moab;
You people of Chamosh, for you’ve lost.
Your sons that survived have been sold;
Your daughters are captives of Seon,
Who is the Amorite king.
30 Their seed has perished from Hesh-Eboneh to DaEbon,
And their women caused a fire that’s burning in Moab.’
31 It was while Israel was living in the cities of the Amorites 32 that Moses sent spies to JaZer. Then he captured it and its [surrounding] villages, and drove out the Amorites who lived there. 33 And after their return, they [marched] up the road that leads to Bashan and Og (Bashan’s king), and his army came from EdraIn to meet them.
34 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Don’t be afraid of him, for I am putting him, his people, and his land into your hands. Now, do to him as you did to Seon the king of the Amorites who lived in Hesh-Eboneh.’
35 So, they attacked and destroyed [Og], his sons, and all his people. None of them were taken alive, so [Israel] inherited their land.
Chapter 22
1 Then the children of Israel left that place and camped on the west side of Moab, by the Jordan River near Jericho. 2 And when Balak (SepPhor’s son) saw what the Israelites did to the Amorites, 3 [he] and the people of Moab became very concerned and upset, because there were many Israelites. 4 So, the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, ‘This gathering is going lick up everything around us like a calf would swallow down the greens in a field!’
Well, Balak (the son of SepPhor) was the king of Moab at the time. 5 So he sent ambassadors to call BalaAm the son of Beor, who was at Phathura (which is alongside a river in the land of his people). [And he told them] to say, ‘Look, these people who have come from Egypt are covering the land… and now they are camping close to me! 6 So, come and curse these people for me, because they are stronger than we are. Then we will be able to attack them and drive them out of the land. Because, I know that whoever you bless will be blest, and whoever you curse will be cursed.’
7 So the elders of Moab and Midian left, carrying their charms in their hands, and they went to BalaAm and told him everything that Balak had said. 8 Then he told them: ‘Spend the night here and I will tell you whatever the Lord says to me.’
So the leaders of Moab then spent the night with BalaAm. 9 And God came to BalaAm [during the night] and asked him, ‘Who are these men that are with you?’
10 And BalaAm replied, ‘Balak (the son of SepPhor and the king of Moab) sent them to Me. For he said, 11 Look; These people have come from Egypt, and they [literally] cover the land. And now they are camping close to me. So, come and curse them for me, then I can cut them down and drive them out of the land.’
12 And God told BalaAm: ‘You must not go with them, nor should you curse these people, because they are blest.’
13 So, when BalaAm got up the next morning, he told Balak’s [ambassadors]: ‘Hurry and return to your lord, because God won’t allow me to go with you.’
14 Then the Moabites got up and returned to Balak, and said, ‘BalaAm won’t come with us.’
15 Well, Balak then sent some [of his] rulers who were even more respected than the last ones. 16 They went to BalaAm and said, ‘This is what Balak the son of SepPhor says: I beg you; Please hurry and come to me, 17 for I will honor you with great [gifts], and I will do anything you ask. So, come and curse these people for me!’
18 But BalaAm answered Balak’s leaders in these words: ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I still wouldn’t be able to violate the words of God Jehovah and do anything good or anything bad, for I know [this is wrong]. 19 But spend [another] night here, and I will see what the Lord says.’
20 Then God came to BalaAm during the night and told him, ‘When these men who came to call you [awaken], go with them. But just do the things that I tell you to do.’
21 Well, when BalaAm got up in the morning, he saddled his burro and went with the leaders of Moab. 22 But God became very angry and sent His messenger to stop him. So, as he was riding along on his burro, accompanied by two of his servants; 23 when the burro saw the messenger of God standing in her way with a sword in his hand, she turned aside and went into the field. Well, BalaAm started hitting the [animal] with a stick to make her [behave].
24 Then Jehovah’s messenger went and stood in the Avenue of Vines, which had a fence on both sides. 25 And when the burro saw God’s messenger, she pushed up against the wall, squeezing BalaAm’s foot, and he started hitting her again.
26 Then Jehovah’s messenger went ahead and stood in a narrow place where it was impossible to turn either right or left. 27 And when the burro saw the messenger of God, she just sat down under BalaAm.
Well, BalaAm was furious, and he again started beating the burro with his stick. 28 But God opened the burro’s mouth, and she asked BalaAm, ‘Just what have I done to you that you’ve started beating me a third time?’
29 And BalaAm told the burro, ‘You’re making a fool of me. Why, if I had had a sword in my hand I would have killed you!’
30 Then the burro told BalaAm: ‘I’m the burro that you’ve ridden since you were young; have I ever disobeyed you?’
And [BalaAm] replied, ‘No.’
31 And at that, God opened BalaAm’s eyes so he could see the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way with his sword in his hand. So he prostrated himself and bowed to his face.
32 Then God’s messenger asked him, ‘Why did you beat your burro this third time? Look; I came and stood in front of you three times, because the way that you’re heading is wrong! And when this burro saw me, she turned away from me three times. 33 Why, if she hadn’t turned away, I would have killed you and left her alive!’
34 Well at that, BalaAm said to Jehovah’s messenger, ‘I have sinned! I didn’t realize that you were standing in our way. So, if it displeases you for me to go on, I will turn back.’
35 Then Jehovah’s messenger told BalaAm: ‘Go on with these men! However, make sure that whatever I tell you is what you will tell them!’
So, BalaAm traveled on with Balak’s rulers.
36 Well, when Balak heard that BalaAm had arrived [in his land], he traveled to a city at the border of Arnon (which is on the edge of Moab) to meet him. 37 Then Balak asked BalaAm: ‘Didn’t I send for you? So, why didn’t you come to me? May I not be allowed to honor you?’
38 And BalaAm replied, ‘Look, I’m here now. But let me [warn] you; whatever God tells me is what I must say.’
39 So, BalaAm traveled with Balak until they reached the Cities of Streets. 40 There Balak offered sheep and calves [to God], then he called for BalaAm and the leaders who were with him. 41 And since it was morning, Balak took BalaAm to the sacred column of Baal, and introduced him to some of the people there.
Chapter 23
1 Then BalaAm said to Balak, ‘Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven calves and seven rams for me.’
2 So Balak just did as BalaAm told him, and he offered up a calf and a ram on each altar. 3 Then he said to Balak: ‘Stand here by your sacrifices, and I will go to see if God will appear and meet with me. Then I will tell you whatever He says.’
And Balak stood by his sacrifices 4 while BalaAm went to enquire of God… he went straight ahead and God appeared to him. Then BalaAm said, ‘I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered a calf and a ram on each altar.’
5 Then God said, ‘Return to Balak and tell him this… ’ then He put the words into BalaAm’s mouth.
6 So, BalaAm returned to [Balak], who was standing next to his whole-burnt offerings with all the leaders of Moab. Then the Breath of God came over BalaAm 7 and he spoke this prophecy:
‘Balak the king of Moab sent for Me…
In Mesopotamia… the mountains in the east.
He said, Come, curse Jacob for me…
Come call a curse on Israel for me.
8 But, how can I curse someone who the Lord will not curse,
Or dedicate those who God won’t destroy?
9 For I see them on the tops of the Mountains;
I see and observe them in the hills.
And {Look!} these people must live alone;
They must not be considered as one of the nations.
10 For, who’s counted the seed of Jacob exactly,
And who may number the families of Israel?
May my life die among the lives of the righteous,
And my seed be as their seed.’
11 Then Balak said to BalaAm, ‘What have you done to me? I called you to curse my enemies; but look… you have greatly blessed them!’
12 And BalaAm replied to Balak, ‘Shouldn’t I say whatever the Lord puts into my mouth?’
13 And Balak said, ‘Then come with me to another place where you won’t see these people… you’ll only see part of them. Then curse them for me there.’
14 So, he took him to a high place in a field, to the top of some quarried blocks, where he built seven altars and offered a calf and a ram on each altar. 15 Then BalaAm said to Balak, ‘Now stand next to your sacrifices, while I will go [and speak to] God.’
16 And God met with BalaAm and said, ‘Return to Balak and tell him this… ’ Then He put the words into his mouth.
17 So he returned to Balak, who was standing next to his whole-burnt sacrifice, along with all the leaders of Moab. And Balak asked, ‘What did Jehovah say?’
18 And [BalaAm] spoke this prophecy:
‘Stand up and listen, O Balak,
Listen to the proofs, O son of SepPhor.
19 God doesn’t waver like men,
Nor may He be threatened as sons of men.
Must he say something and then not do it;
Must he speak and not keep His word?
20 Look, I’ve been instructed to bless them,
So I’ll bless and not turn back.
21 There must be no trouble in Jacob,
Nor may sorrow be seen within Israel;
For Jehovah their God is with them,
And the glory of kings is among them.
22 It was God who brought them from Egypt
And His glory is as a rhinoceros.
23 For there’s no sooth-saying in Jacob,
And there are no enchanters in Israel.
So in time, Jacob and Israel will be told
The things that God will then do.
24 {Look!} These people will become like cubs of a lion,
And they will grow into lions.
They won’t lie down ‘til they’ve eaten their prey,
And drunk the blood of those whom they’ve killed.’
25 Then Balak said to BalaAm, ‘If you can’t curse the people for me, then don’t bless them!’
26 And BalaAm replied, ‘Didn’t I tell you that I must say whatever God tells me?’
27 And Balak said, ‘Then come, and I will take you to another place that is more pleasing to God, and you can curse them for me there.’
28 So Balak took BalaAm to the top of Phogor, which runs into the desert. 29 And BalaAm said to Balak, ‘Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven calves and seven rams for me.’
30 And Balak did just as BalaAm told him. Then he offered a calf and a ram on each altar.
Chapter 24
1 It was then that BalaAm finally realized that it pleased God to bless Israel, so he didn’t follow his usual custom of looking for omens. Rather, he just turned his face toward the desert. 2 Then as BalaAm looked and saw Israel camped by their tribes, God’s Breath came over him, 3 and he spoke this prophecy:
‘BalaAm, son of Beor; this man who truly does see…
4 Who hears the prophecies of the [great] Mighty One…
His eyes were opened and he saw a vision of God…
While he slept, his eyes were then opened.
5 How good are the places where you live, O Jacob,
And your tents, O Israel.
6 Like shady groves and gardens by a river;
Like tents pitched by God and cedars by water.
7 ‘For a man will come from your seed,
Who will rule many nations.
His kingdom must be raised high and then grow.
8 For out of Egypt God brought him.
He has the glory of the rhinoceros.
He will consume the nations who hate him,
He must drain them of all their marrow,
And shoot his enemies through with his arrows.
9 He will lie down and rest like a lion,
And as a young lion, who will wake him?
So those who bless him are blest,
And those who curse him are cursed.’
10 Well, this made Balak very angry with BalaAm; so he clapped his hands and said to him, ‘I called you to curse my enemy, but look; You’ve blessed him for the third time! 11 Now, hurry and go back home. For though I said that I would honor you, now the Lord has deprived you of your glory!’
12 And BalaAm replied to Balak, ‘Didn’t I tell the messengers who you sent to Me 13 that if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I wouldn’t oppose the Lord and do either good or bad by myself, but that I would say whatever God tells me to say? 14 So now, {Look!} I will go back to my home. But [first], come here and I’ll tell you what these people will do to your people in the last days.’ 15 Then he spoke this prophecy:
‘BalaAm the son of Beor says this…
The man who truly sees tells you this:
16 I heard the prophecies of God,
Knowledge from the Most High I received.
I saw a vision of God in my sleep,
And it opened my eyes.
17 I’ll point to him, but not now;
I’ll bless him, though he’s not near.
A star must arise from Jacob,
And from Israel a man must then spring.
He will crush the leaders of Moab,
And all sons of Seth he will plunder.
18 For his courage he’ll receive Edom,
And inherit his enemy Esau.
19 [This man] will come out of Jacob,
And destroy all escaping from the cities.’
20 Then he noticed the Amalechites and spoke this prophecy:
‘Amalech is the first among nations,
But their seed will [also soon] die.’
21 Then he noticed the Kenites, and he spoke this prophecy:
‘Though the place where you live is very strong,
You should build your nest on a rock.
22 And even if Beor provides you good hiding,
The Assyrians will take you as captives.’
23 Then he noticed Og, and he spoke this prophecy:
’Oh, oh; Who will survive when God does such things?
24 For ships will come from Cypriot shores,
Who’ll defeat Assyria and Eber;
They’ll be destroyed all together.’
25 Then BalaAm got up and left for his [land], and Balak went back home.
Chapter 25
1 Well, it was while Israel was camped at SatTin that [many of] the people made themselves dirty by engaging in immoral sex with the daughters of Moab. 2 Then they started worshiping their idols, offering sacrifices to them, and eating their sacrifices. 3 So, Israel had become totally devoted to Beel Phegor, which made Jehovah very angry with them.
4 And as the result, Jehovah told Moses: ‘Take all the leaders, then lay them out in the sunlight before Jehovah to make examples of them, so His anger will turn away from Israel!’
5 And Moses told the tribes of Israel: ‘You must each kill any of your friends who have devoted themselves to Beel Phegor.’
6 And just then, an Israelite man came and led his brother over to [have sex with] a Midianite woman… and he did this right in front of Moses and the whole gathering of the children of Israel, who had been weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs! 7 And when Phineas (the son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) saw it, he stood up in the midst of the gathering, took a spear in his hand, 8 and followed the Israelite man right into his bedroom. Then he ran the spear through the Israelite man, and through the woman’s womb. And with that, the plague [that had come] on the children of Israel stopped. 9 However, by then, twenty-four thousand had died.
10 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 11 ‘Phineas (the son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) has brought an end to My rage against the children of Israel. And although I was very zealous, I didn’t consume them all in My zeal. 12 So, tell him that I am making a sacred agreement of peace 13 with him and with the seed that descends from him. They will be Priests through the ages due to his zeal for his God, and because he paid for the sins of the children of Israel.’
14 Now, the name of the Israelite man who was killed with the Midianite woman was Zambri. He was the son of Salmon and a leader of one of the lines of the tribe of Symeon. 15 The name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Chasbi. She was the daughter of Sur, who was a leader of the nation of OmMoth and a chief among the people of Midian.
16 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, ‘Tell the children of Israel 17 that the Midianites are to be considered their enemies, so they must be treated as a plague and killed! 18 For, the treachery that they used to trap you (as in the case of Phogor and Chasbi, a daughter of a leader of Midian, who was killed on the day of the plague) has proven that they are your enemies!’
Chapter 26
1 Well, after the plague, Jehovah spoke to Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) and said, 2 ‘Take a census of the gathering of the children of Israel. Count all those who are twenty years old and upwards that serve as soldiers for Israel, by family lines.’
3 So, it was there at ArabOth of Moab, near the Jordan and Jericho, that Moses and EliEzer the Priest [took the census] 4 and counted all [the soldiers] who were twenty years old and older, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses. And these are the [family lines] of Israel that came out of Egypt:
5 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. His descendants were Enoch and his family, PhalLu and his family of PhalLuites, 6 Asron and his family of Asronites, and Charmi and his family. 7 So, the [army of] the descendants of Reuben was numbered at forty-three thousand, seven hundred and thirty.
8 The descendants of PhalLu were EliAb 9 and his sons, NamuEl, Dathan, and AbiRam. [Dathan and AbiRam] were the famous men among the gathering who joined KorAh in opposing Moses and Aaron, and rebelling against Jehovah. 10 Then the ground opened its mouth and swallowed them along with KorAh; and their followers perished when fire destroyed all two hundred and fifty as a sign [from God]. 11 However, KorAh’s sons weren’t killed.
12 The descendants of Symeon were NamuEl and his family of NamuElites, JaMin and his family of JaMinites, JaChin and his family of JaChinites, 13 Zara and his family of Zaraites, and Saul and his family of Saulites. 14 So, the [army of] the descendants of Symeon was numbered at twenty-two thousand, two hundred.
15 The descendants of Judah were Er and AuNan (who both died in the land of CanaAn), 16 Selom and his family of Selomites, Phares and his family of Pharesites, and Zara and his family of Zaraites. 17 Phares’ sons were Asron and his family of Asronites, and JaMun and his family of JaMunites. 18 So, the [army of] the descendants of Judah was numbered at seventy-six thousand, five hundred.
19 The descendants of IsSachar and their family lines were Thola and his family of Tholaites, Phua and his family of Phuaites, 20 JaSub and his family of JaSubites, and SamRam and his family of SamRamites. 21 So, the [army of] the descendants of IsSachar was numbered at sixty-four thousand, four hundred.
22 The descendants of ZebuLon and their family lines were Sared and his family of Saredites, AlLon and his family of AlLonites, and AlLel and his family of AlLelites. 23 So, the [army of] the descendants of ZebuLon was numbered at sixty thousand, five hundred.
24 The descendants of Gad and their family lines were Saphon and his family of Saphonites, Angi and his family of Angites, Suni and his family of Sunites, 25 Azeni and his families of Azenites and Addites, 26 AroAdi and his family of AroAdites, and AriEl and his family of AriElites. 27 So, the [army of] the descendants of Gad was numbered at forty-four thousand, five hundred.
28 The descendants of Asher and their family lines were JaMin and his family of JaMinites, JoShua and his family of JoShuites, BarJa and his family of BarJaites, 29 Chober and his family of Choberites, and MelchiEl and his family of MelchiElites. 30 (Asher’s daughter’s name was Sara). 31 So, the [army of] the descendants of Asher was numbered at forty-three thousand, four hundred.
32 Joseph had two sons, ManasSeh and EphraIm, and each had his own family line.
33 The descendants of ManasSeh and their family lines were Machir and his family of Machirites. Machir’s son was GalaAd, and he was the father of the GalaAdites. 34 The descendants of GalaAd were AchiEzer and his family of AchiEzerites, Cheleg and his family of Chelegites, 35 EsriEl and his family of EsriElites, Sychem and his family of Sychemites, 36 SymaEr and his family of SymaErites, Opher and his family of Opherites. 37 Opher’s son SalpaAd had no sons, just daughters. His daughter’s names were SalpaAd, Mala, Nua, Egla, Melcha, and Thersa. 38 So, the [army of] the descendants of ManasSeh was numbered at fifty-two thousand, seven hundred.
39 The descendants of EphraIm were SuthaLa and his family of SuthaLanites and Tanach and his family of Tanachites. 40 SuthaLa was the father of Eden and his family of Edenites. 41 So, the [army of] the descendants of EphraIm was numbered at thirty-two thousand, five hundred.
These were the families of the children of Joseph and their family lines.
42 The descendants of BenJamin and their family lines were Bale and his family of Balites, Asuber and his family of Asuberites, JaChiran and his family of JaChiranites, 43 and Sophan and his family of Sophanites. 44 Bale’s sons were Adar and NoEman. Adar started his family of Adarites and NoEman started his family of NoEmanites. 45 So, the [army of] the descendants of BenJamin and their family lines was numbered at thirty-five thousand, five hundred.
46 The descendants of Dan were SaMei and his family of SaMeites. So, the [army of] the descendants of Dan 47 through SaMei and his family line was numbered at sixty-four thousand, four hundred.
48 The descendants of NaphTali and their family lines were AsiEl and his family of AsiElites, Gaun and his family of Gaunites, 49 Jeser and his family of Jeserites, and SelLem and his family of SelLemites. 50 So, the [army of] the descendants of NaphTali was numbered at forty thousand, three hundred.
51 So all together, there were six hundred-and-one thousand, seven hundred and thirty, who were counted among [the army] of the children of Israel,
52 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 53 ‘This is how the land must be divided: The inheritances should be allotted by [family] names, 54 and the larger groups should be given larger inheritances, while the smaller groups should be given smaller inheritances. So, use this census to divide the inheritances. 55 The land must be divided by these names and assigned by lottery, and each of the family lines and tribes must be given an assignment [of land]. 56 Then divide [the land] into smaller and larger portions.
57 Now, the descendants of Levi and their family lines were Gedson and his family of Gedsonites, CaAth and his family of CaAthites, MeraRi and his family of MeraRites, 58 and Lobi and his families of Lobenites, Hebronites, Coreites, and Musites.
CaAth’s son was AmRam. 59 His wife’s name was JoChabed, and she was the daughter of Levi. She gave birth to these [grandsons] of Levi while she was in Egypt: AmRam, Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.
60 Aaron’s sons were Nadab, AbiUd, EliEzer, and IthaMar, 61 but Nadab and AbiUd died when they offered unauthorized fire to Jehovah while they were in the Sinai Desert. 62 There were twenty-three thousand males among [Aaron’s family line] who were a month old and older. However, they weren’t counted among the children of Israel, because they were to receive no inheritance among them.
63 This was the census that was conducted by Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) in ArabOth of Moab, near the Jordan River and Jericho. 64 However, none among them had been counted in the [earlier] census of the children of Israel that was taken by Moses and Aaron in the Sinai Desert, 65 for Jehovah told them that they were going to die in the desert, and none were left except Caleb (the son of JePhonNe) and JoShua (the son of NaWeh).
Chapter 27
1 The daughters of SalpaAd (who was the son of Opher, grandson of GalaAd, and great-grandson of Machir – and whose daughter’s names were MaAla, Nua, Egla, Melcha, and Thersa) of the tribe of ManasSeh (which is one of the sons of Joseph) came 2 and stood before Moses, EliEzer the Priest, all the leaders, and the whole gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then they said: 3 ‘Our father died in the desert, but he wasn’t among those in the gathering who rebelled against Jehovah by joining with KorAh. Rather, he died for his own sin… and he had no sons. [Please] don’t allow the name of our father to be blotted out from among his people just because he had no sons. Give us an inheritance among our father’s brothers!’
4 So, Moses brought their case before Jehovah.
5 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 6 ‘The daughters of SalpaAd are right. You should assign them an inheritance among their father’s brothers as their father’s inheritance. 7 So, speak to the children of Israel and tell them: 8 If a man dies without any sons, you must give his inheritance to his daughters. 9 If he has no daughters, you must give his inheritance to his brother. 10 However, if he has no brothers, you must give his inheritance to his father’s brother. 11 And if his father has no brothers, you must give the inheritance to the nearest relative in his tribe.’
These were the laws concerning the inheritance of possessions among the children of Israel that Jehovah gave to Moses.
12 Then Jehovah told Moses: ‘Go to the Mountain in the country beyond the Jordan (Mount Nabau) and gaze upon the land CanaAn, which I am giving to the sons of Israel. 13 Then you will be added to your people, just as your brother Aaron was added to them on Mount Or. 14 This is because you failed in My commandments while [you were] in the desert of Sin, when the whole gathering opposed Me and refused to consider Me holy, and you failed to [speak of] Me as holy when you brought the water out [of the rock] before them… the Water of Complaint at Cades in the Sin Desert.’
15 Then Moses said to Jehovah: 16 ‘May Jehovah, the God of all that is breath and all that is flesh, provide a man who will watch over this gathering. 17 Don’t leave the gathering of Jehovah as sheep without a shepherd, but [assign someone] to travel before them as their leader, who will lead them in and lead them out.’
18 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘Choose and lay your hands on JoShua, the son of NaWeh, for he’s a man who has [God’s] Breath upon him. 19 Then take him before EliEzer the Priest and give him all his instructions before the entire gathering, 20 and put all of your glory on him so that the children of Israel will listen to him. 21 Then he must stand alongside EliEzer the Priest, and whenever they come before Jehovah to ask for the judgments of the Revelation, they must do whatever he says… they must follow his instructions and the entire gathering of the children of Israel must unite behind him!’
22 So Moses did just as Jehovah commanded him… he took JoShua and stood him before EliEzer the Priest and the entire gathering. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and gave him his appointment, just as Jehovah ordered Moses.
Chapter 28
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to be sure to offer their gifts and presents to Me… the burnt offerings that provide a sweet-smelling odor during My feasts. 3 Tell them that two perfect yearling lambs must be brought each day through the ages as whole-burnt offerings. 4 They must offer one lamb in the morning and the second in the evening.
5 ‘They must also offer three quarts of fine flour mixed with a quart of oil as a food offering. 6 This whole-burnt offering is to be sacrificed through the ages as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, just as it was offered on Mount Sinai. 7 [They must also bring] a drink offering – a quart for each lamb – and pour it out in the holy place as an offering to Jehovah.
8 ‘As for the second lamb, the one that is to be [sacrificed] in the evening; it should also be presented along with a food offering and a drink offering, as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.
9 ‘And on each Sabbath day, they must offer two perfect yearling lambs with two quarts of fine flour mixed with oil as a food offering, plus a drink offering. 10 So, a whole-burnt offering [must be sacrificed] on each Sabbath day, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and drink offerings.
11 ‘And on each New Moon they must bring a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah, consisting of two calves from the herd, one ram, seven perfect yearling lambs, 12 plus three quarts of fine flour mixed with oil per calf, two quarts of fine flour mixed with oil per ram, 13 and a quart of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb, as food offerings and as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah. 14 Their drink offerings must be a half gallon for each calf, a third of a gallon for each ram, and a quart of wine for each lamb. These whole-burnt offerings must be brought each month of the year. 15 Also, one goat kid must be brought to Jehovah as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and drink offerings.
16 ‘Then on the fourteenth day of the first month [they must celebrate] the Passover to Jehovah. 17 And on the fifteenth day of the month, there is to be a feast during which they must eat fermentation-free bread for seven days. 18 That first day will be a holy day of rest, so they must not do any physical labor. 19 Thereafter, these whole-burnt offerings must be sacrificed to Jehovah: two calves from the herd, one ram, seven yearling lambs (which must all be perfect), 20 a food offering of fine flour mixed with oil (three quarts per calf, two quarts per ram, 21 and a pint for each of the seven lambs), 22 plus a goat kid as a sin offering (to pay for their sins). 23 This is in addition to the whole-burnt offering that must be brought each morning as a continuous whole-burnt sacrifice 24 seven days a week, as a gift and a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, along with a drink offering. 25 Then the following seventh day must be a holy day of rest, during which they must do no hard labor.
26 ‘Also, the day when the new grain is offered to Jehovah must be a holy day of rest, during which they may do no hard labor. 27 And these whole-burnt offerings must be brought as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah: two calves from the herd, one ram, and seven perfect lambs, 28 along with food offerings of fine flour mixed with oil, three quarts per calf, two quarts per ram, 29 and a pint for each lamb (which is to be offered separately for each of the seven lambs). A goat kid must also be brought 30 as a sin offering, to pay for your sins, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and 31 the food offerings that you bring to Me. They must all be perfect and each must have its drink offering.’
Chapter 29
1 ‘And first day of the seventh month must be a holy day of rest for you, during which you may do no manual labor, for that’s when the trumpets are to be blown. 2 Then you must offer these whole burnt offerings as a sweet odor to Jehovah: one calf from the herd, one ram, and seven perfect yearling lambs. 3 As food offerings, you must bring fine flour mixed with oil, three quarts per calf, two quarts per ram, 4 and a quart for each of the seven lambs. 5 You must also bring a goat kid as a sin offering, to pay for your sins. 6 This is in addition to the whole-burnt offerings for the New Moon Festival and their food and drink offerings, and the regular whole-burnt offerings, with their food and drink offerings (according to their laws), which must be offered as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.
7 ‘And the tenth of that month must also be a holy day of rest for you… you may do no work, for you must examine your lives. 8 Then you must bring these whole-burnt offerings as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah: one calf from the herd, one ram, and seven yearling lambs, each of which must be to perfect. 9 Their food offerings must be fine flour mixed with oil, three quarts for the calf, two quarts per ram, 10 and a quart for each of the seven lambs. 11 You must also bring a goat kid as a sin offering, to pay for your sins. All of this is in addition to the other sin offerings, and the regular whole-burnt offerings, along with their food and drink offerings (according to their laws), which must be offered as a sweet odor and as a burnt sacrifice to Jehovah.
12 ‘And the fifteenth day of the seventh month must also be a holy day of rest during which you must do no hard labor, for you are to hold a feast to Jehovah for the next seven days. 13 And you must bring these whole-burnt offerings as a sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah: On the first day you must bring thirteen calves from the herd, two rams, and fourteen yearling lambs, which must all be perfect. 14 The food offerings must be fine flour mixed with oil, three quarts for each of the thirteen calves, two quarts for each of the two rams, 15 and a quart for each of the fourteen lambs. 16 Also, one goat kid must be offered as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
17 ‘Then on the second day, bring twelve calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect yearling lambs. 18 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 19 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
20 ‘On the third day, bring eleven calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect yearling lambs. 21 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 22 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
23 ‘On the fourth day, bring ten calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect yearling lambs. 24 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 25 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
26 ‘On the fifth day, bring nine calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect yearling lambs. 27 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 28 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
29 ‘On the sixth day, bring eight calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect yearling lambs. 30 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 31 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
32 ‘On the seventh day, bring seven calves, two rams, and fourteen perfect, yearling lambs. 33 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 34 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
35 ‘Then the eighth day is the one when [slaves] are to be set free, so no manual labor may be done then. 36 And you must bring one calf, one ram, and seven perfect yearling lambs as whole-burnt-offering sacrifices to Jehovah. 37 The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 38 And one goat kid must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.
39 ‘These are the things that you must offer to Jehovah during your feasts, in addition to those that you offer in your vows as free-will offerings, and as your whole burnt offerings, food offerings, drink offerings, and your peace offerings.’
Chapter 30
1 So Moses spoke to the children of Israel and told them everything that Jehovah had commanded.
2 Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel and said, ‘This is what Jehovah has commanded: 3 Whenever a man makes a vow to Jehovah, or swears an oath, or accepts a responsibility, he must not break his word… he must do whatever he says!
4 ‘And the same is true of a woman. She must do whatever she vows to Jehovah. If she says that she will do something while she is young and still living in her father’s house, and her father hears her say it – as long as he doesn’t disagree with her making [such a vow] – then all her vows must be fulfilled, 5 and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life. 6 However, if her father forbids [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agrees to) on the same day that he hears it, then she isn’t bound to it, and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because it was forbidden by her father.
7 ‘And if she is married and speaks a vow to accept an obligation on her life, 8 and her husband hears it – as long as he doesn’t disagree with her making it – then all her vows must be fulfilled and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life. 9 However, if her husband forbids [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agrees to) on the same day that he hears it, then she isn’t bound to it and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because it was forbidden by her husband.
10 ‘Also, whatever a widow or divorced woman vows to do with her life must be done. 11 And if she made the vow when she was still [living] with her husband, 12 and her husband heard it and didn’t object, then all her vows must be fulfilled and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life. 13 However, if her husband cancelled [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agreed to) on the same day that he hears it, then she isn’t bound to it and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because her husband forbade it.
14 ‘So, any vow [that a married woman] makes that will affect her life must be heard by her husband, and he must either agree to it or disallow it. 15 And if he chooses to say nothing, then she is bound to it, and he must agree to any obligations that she has accepted, because he didn’t disagree on the day that he heard it. 16 But if her husband should – for any reason – choose to cancel a vow after that, he is guilty of a sin.’
17 These were the laws that Jehovah gave to Moses regarding a man and his wife, and regarding a father and his young daughter who is still living in his home.
Chapter 31
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘I want you to avenge the wrongs that the Midianites have committed against the children of Israel. And after that, you will be added to your people.’
3 So, Moses spoke to the people and said, ‘Arm yourselves, then stand before Jehovah in battle lines and [prepare yourselves] to bring Jehovah’s vengeance upon Midian… 4 select a thousand from each of the tribes of the children of Israel to go to war.’
5 So they counted off the thousand from each tribe of Israel – twelve thousand – and armed them for war. 6 Then Moses sent them off, along with Phineas (the son of EliEzer the Priest and the grandson of Aaron), carrying the holy instruments and the signal trumpets.
7 Then they arranged themselves in battle lines against Midian just as Jehovah had commanded Moses, and they destroyed them. 8 Thereafter, they killed the five kings of Midian (Evi, Rocon, Sur, Ur, and Roboc)… and they even killed BalaAm (the son of Beor) along with the rest, with a sword. 9 Then they took the women of Midian as captives, along with their food, cattle, and all their possessions, and they destroyed their army. 10 Next, they burned all their cities, villages, and homes with fire… 11 they plundered everything, including the people and their animals, 12 and carried off all the captives, spoils, and plunder for Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and the children of Israel, to their camp at ArabOth in Moab, which is near the Jordan River and Jericho.
13 Then Moses, EliEzer (the Priest), and all the leaders of the gathering went to the camp to meet them. 14 Well, Moses was furious with the captains of the army (the leaders of thousands and of hundreds) who had returned from the battle, 15 and he asked them, ‘Why have you kept these women alive? 16 They were the ones [who listened to] BalaAm and misled the children of Israel by inciting their revolt and by teaching them to despise the word of Jehovah at Phogor; and that’s why Jehovah sent a plague on the gathering!
17 ‘Now, kill all the men, destroy all their food, and kill all the women who you know aren’t virgins. 18 You may spare any women who you suspect are virgins. 19 Then all who have killed or touched dead bodies must stay out of our camp for seven days, and thereafter, you and those who you have captured must be purified on the third day and on the seventh day. 20 Then you must purify all your clothes, all you leather utensils, all your goatskin items, and all your wooden bowls.’
21 Then EliEzer (the Priest) told the men from the army who had just returned from battle, ‘This is what the Law that Jehovah gave to Moses says: 22 The items of gold, silver, brass, iron, lead, and tin 23 must be passed through fire to be cleansed. And whatever can’t be passed through a fire must be sprinkled with the purifying water to be made clean. 24 And on the seventh day, you must be cleansed and wash your clothes. Only then may you enter our camp.’
25 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 26 ‘I want you and EliEzer the Priest to take an inventory of the captured people and animals, 27 then divide them among the soldiers who went out to battle, and with the rest of gathering. 28 And as a tribute to Jehovah from the warriors that went out to battle, take one out of every five hundred of the people, oxen, sheep, and burros, and 29 give them to EliEzer the Priest as the first fruits of Jehovah. 30 Then from among those things that are given to the children of Israel, you should take one out of fifty of the people, oxen, sheep, and burros, and give them to the Levites who teach at the Tent of Jehovah.’
31 So, Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) did as Jehovah commanded Moses. 32 And the plunder that the soldiers took included six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep, 33 seventy-two thousand oxen, 34 and sixty-one thousand burros. 35 There were also thirty-two thousand women who were virgins. 36 Half of all this was given to the soldiers who went to war. And of the three hundred-thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, they gave 37 six hundred and seventy-five sheep as a tribute to Jehovah. 38 And of their thirty-six thousand oxen, they gave seventy-two as a tribute to Jehovah; 39 of their thirty thousand five hundred burros, they gave sixty-one as a tribute to Jehovah; 40 and of the sixteen thousand people, they gave thirty-two of them as a tribute to Jehovah.
41 Then Moses presented all the tributes as a wave offering to Jehovah God, [and it was given] to EliEzer the Priest (just as Jehovah had commanded Moses) 42 from the half that belonged to the children of Israel who Moses had separated as the men of war. 43 So, three hundred-thirty-seven thousand, five hundred sheep were given to the gathering as their half, 44 plus thirty-six thousand oxen, 45 thirty thousand, five hundred burros, 46 and sixteen thousand people. 47 And from their half, Moses took a fiftieth of the people and cattle, and gave them to the Levites who teach at the Tent of Jehovah, as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
48 Then all those who had been appointed as officers over the army (the captains of thousands and of hundreds) approached Moses and said, 49 ‘Your servants have counted the men of war among us, and none have been lost. 50 And those of us who found things that were made of gold, such as armlets, chains, rings, bracelets, and hair clasps, have brought them as our gift to Jehovah, to pay for our sins.’
51 So, Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) took all the gold items from them, 52 and [they found that] the gold the captains of thousands and of hundreds offered to Jehovah was worth sixteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty silver coins. 53 But the soldiers kept their plunder for themselves. 54 Then Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) took all the gold items that the captains of thousands and hundreds contributed, and placed them in the Tent of Proofs, as a reminder to the children of Israel, there in front of Jehovah.
Chapter 32
1 Now, the [tribes] of Reuben and Gad both had huge herds of cattle, and when they saw that the area of JaZer and GalaAd had good grazing land, 2 they went to Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and to the leaders of the gathering, and said to them, 3 ‘The area of AtarOth, DaEbon, JaZer, Namra, Hesh-Eboneh, ElAle, Sebama, Nabau, and BaeAn, 4 which Jehovah has delivered into the hands of the children of Israel, is pasture land, and we (your servants) have many cattle. 5 So if it pleases you, may your servants be given this land as our inheritance. Don’t make us cross the Jordan River.’
6 But Moses asked, ‘Then, when your brothers go to war, are you just going to sit here? 7 Why are you twisting the minds of the children of Israel by encouraging them not to cross into the land that Jehovah is giving them? 8 Isn’t this the same thing that your fathers did when I sent them from Cades Barne to spy in the land? 9 For, after they went into the Valley of Grape Clusters as spies, they twisted the hearts of the children of Israel, so that they didn’t want to enter the land that Jehovah gave them. 10 And this made Jehovah very angry, so He swore and said, 11 All these men who were twenty years old and older when they left Egypt, and who knew the difference between good and evil, will not see the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have chosen not to follow Me. 12 The only exceptions are Caleb (the son of JePhonNe) and JoShua (the son of NaWeh), for they followed Me closely.
13 ‘And because Jehovah was so angry with Israel, He made them wander in the desert for forty years, until the whole generation that did this evil thing before Him was gone. 14 Now {Look!} you’re following in the footsteps of your fathers and you have allied yourselves as sinful people to make Jehovah even angrier against Israel, 15 because you want to turn away from Him and stay in the desert again. And in doing this, you are sinning against this whole gathering!’
16 But they came to him and said, ‘If we can build pens for our cattle here and have these cities as our possession, 17 we will arm ourselves and march ahead of the children of Israel to lead them to their land. However, we will leave our possessions inside walled cities (because of the people who live in this land), 18 and we won’t return to our homes until the children of Israel have each been given their own inheritance and are settled in the land. 19 We won’t take any of the land on the other side of the Jordan as our inheritance, because we will take our full inheritance on its east side.’
20 So Moses said to them, ‘If you do everything you’re saying… if you arm yourselves and march in battle before Jehovah, 21 and you cross the Jordan and stay there until our enemies are destroyed 22 and the land is settled before you return home, you will be free of guilt before Jehovah, and this land can be yours. 23 But if you don’t do that, you will sin against Jehovah and you will see the results of your sin when bad things happen to you. 24 Now, build the cities to store your things and the pens for your cattle, and do as you’ve proposed.’
25 Then the [tribes] of Reuben and Gad replied, ‘Your servants will do as our lord commands. 26 We will leave all our possessions, our wives, and our cattle in the cities of GalaAd. 27 And after that, we will march ahead [of Israel], all armed and ready for battle before Jehovah, as you said.’
28 Then Moses gave these instructions to EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), and all the heads of the families and tribes of Israel. 29 He said, ‘If the sons of Reuben and Gad cross the Jordan armed and ready for war before Jehovah and help conquer the land before you, then you must give them the land of GalaAd as theirs. 30 But if they don’t cross [the Jordan] all armed and ready for war, then must you make them bring their possessions, wives, and cattle into the land of CanaAn, where they will receive their inheritance among you.’
31 And the sons of Reuben and Gad answered, ‘We will do whatever Jehovah tells his servants. 32 We will arm ourselves and march into the land of CanaAn before Jehovah, and you must give us our inheritance on this side of the Jordan.’
33 So Moses gave the sons of Gad, the sons of Reuben, and half of the tribe of ManasSeh (one of the sons of Joseph) the land of the Amorite king (Seon), the land of the king of Bashan (Og), and all its cities and borders, and the cities and land around them.
34 Then the sons of Gad built and fortified DaEbon, AtarOth, AroEr, 35 Sophar, and JaZer, and they 36 built and fortified NamRam, and BaethAran, where they made pens for their sheep.
37 The sons of Reuben built Hesh-Eboneh, ElAle, KariathAm, 38 and BeelMeon, which they surrounded with walls, and [the town of] Sebama. Then they named each of the cities after themselves.
39 Also, the family of Machir (of the tribe of ManasSeh) went to GalaAd and captured it, destroying all the Amorites who lived there. 40 So Moses gave GalaAd to Machir, and they started living there.
41 And JaIr (of the tribe of ManasSeh) captured many villages, which he called the villages of JaIr.
42 Then NabOth went and captured the villages of CaAth, and renamed them after himself (NabOth).
Chapter 33
1 And these are the places where the children of Israel and their army stayed (under the direction of Moses and Aaron) after they left the land of Egypt. 2 For, following the instructions of Jehovah, Moses wrote down the places that they moved to and where they stayed. So, here are the stages of their journey:
3 They left Ramses on the fifteenth day of the first month. Then after the Passover, the children of Israel proudly walked away from the Egyptians, 4 since the Egyptians were burying all the dead that Jehovah had struck down – all the firstborn in the land of Egypt – and He also brought vengeance on their gods.
5 The children of Israel left Ramses and camped in SocChoth, 6 then they left SocChoth and camped in BuThan, near the desert. 7 They left BuThan and camped at the mouth of the IrOth, which is across from Beel SepPhon and opposite MagDol. 8 Then, it was when they left IrOth that they crossed through the middle of the sea and into the desert. Thereafter, they traveled through the desert for three days and camped in PicriAe. 9 When they left PicriAe they went to AiLim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped next to the water. 10 When they left AiLim, they camped next to the Red Sea. 11 And when they left the Red Sea, they camped in the Sin Desert.
12 After they left the Sin Desert, they camped in Raphaca. 13 And when they left Raphaca, they camped in AiLus. 14 When they left AiLus, they camped in RaphiDin (where there was no water for the people to drink). 15 Then they left RaphiDin and camped in the Sinai Desert.
16 When they left the Sinai Desert, they camped at the Graves of Greed. 17 Then they left the Graves of Greed and camped in AsherOth, 18 and after AsherOth, they camped in RathAma.
19 When they left RathAma, they camped in Remmon Phares. 20 And when they left Remmon Phares, they camped in Lebona. 21 After leaving Lebona, they camped in Ressan. 22 Then they left Ressan and camped in MakelLath. 23 After MakelLath, they camped in Saphar. 24 When they left Saphar, they camped in CharaDath. 25 Then they left CharaDath and camped in MakelOth. 26 And they left MakelOth, and camped in KataAth. 27 Then they left KataAth and camped in TarAth. 28 After leaving TarAth, they camped in MathecCa. 29 Then they left MathecCa and camped in Selmona. 30 After Selmona, they camped in MasurUth. 31 And from MasurUth they went to BanaYa. 32 And after leaving BanaYa, they camped at Mount GadGad.
33 After leaving Mount GadGad, they camped in EteBatha. 34 When they left EteBatha, they camped in Ebrona. 35 After Ebrona, they camped in Gesion Gaber. 36 Then they left Gesion Gaber and camped in the Sin Desert. Thereafter, they left the Sin Desert and camped in the Pharan Desert at Cades. 37 And when they left Cades, they camped at Mount Or, near the land of Edom.
38 It was there at Mount Or that Aaron the Priest climbed the mountain, following Jehovah’s instructions, and died there on the first day of the fifth month, forty years after they left the land of Egypt. 39 Aaron was a hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Or.
40 And after Arad (who was the CanaAnite king) heard that the children of Israel were in the land, 41 they left Mount Or and camped in Selmona. 42 From Selmona they went to Phino, 43 and after leaving Phino, they camped in ObOth.
44 When they left ObOth, they camped in Gai at the border of Moab. 45 Then they left Gai and camped in DaEbon Gad. 46 When they left DaEbon Gad, they camped in Gelmon Deblathaim. 47 After leaving Gelmon Deblathaim, they camped on the Mountains of Abarim, which border Nabau. 48 Then, when they left the Mountains of Abarim, they camped on the west side [of the land] of Moab, by the Jordan River near Jericho. 49 So they stayed camped there by the Jordan from AiSimOth to Belsa, west of Moab.
50 And it was there that Jehovah spoke to Moses (west of Moab by the Jordan River, close to Jericho) and said, 51 ‘Now tell the children of Israel that they are to cross the Jordan into the land of CanaAn, 52 and they must destroy everyone who lives in that land. They must tear down their altars, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their [sacred] columns. 53 All the inhabitants of the land must be destroyed so they can live there; for I have given this land as their inheritance.
54 ‘The land that each tribe inherits must be divided in a lottery. And the more people there are in each tribe, the larger their inheritance must be; and the smaller the tribe, the smaller its inheritance… the inheritance must be divided by their tribes and families.
55 ‘Now, if you don’t destroy the people who live in that land; those who are left will eventually become thorns in your eyes and darts in your sides. They will always be your enemies in this land, 56 and the things that I had planned to do to them I’ll do to you.’
Chapter 34
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 2 ‘Tell the children of Israel that when they enter the land of CanaAn, which they are going to inherit, 3 their southern border will run southward from the Sin Desert along the borders of Edom, then east to the [Dead] Sea. 4 Then the border will run from the south to the base of AcraBin and on to EnNac, then south to Cades Barne. It will run to the village of Arad and on past Asemona. 5 Then it will run from Asemona to the [Nile] River, and end at the sea.
6 ‘The western border will run along the [Mediterranean] Sea.
7 ‘They will have to measure their northern border themselves, but it will run from the [Mediterranean] Sea along the edge of the mountains. 8 They will have to measure from the mountains at the entrance to Emath, to where they end along the border of Saradac. 9 Then the border must go on to Dephrona and end at ArseNain. So, that is their border to the north.
10 ‘The eastern border will run from ArseNain to SepPhamar, 11 then over to the springs east of Bela, and down along the east side of the Sea [of Galilee]. 12 From there, it will run down the Jordan River and end at the [Dead] Sea. This will be their land and their borders.’
13 Then Moses gave the children of Israel these instructions. He said: ‘This is the land that you’re going to inherit by lottery, as Jehovah commanded it to be given to the nine tribes and the half tribe of ManasSeh, 14 because the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh have received their inheritances. 15 The inheritance that these two-and-a-half tribes have received is on the other side of the Jordan, southeast of Jericho.’
16 And Jehovah told Moses, 17 ‘These are the men who will divide the inheritances of land: EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), 18 and one ruler from each of the tribes. 19 From the tribe of Judah, Caleb (the son of JePhonNe). 20 From the tribe of Symeon, SalamiEl (the son of SemiUd). 21 From the tribe of BenJamin, ElDad (the son of Chaslon). 22 From the tribe of Dan, BacChir (the son of Egli). 23 From the sons of Joseph, the leader of the tribe of ManasSeh should be AniEl (the son of Suphi). 24 And from the tribe of EphraIm, the leader must be CamuEl (the son of SabaThan). 25 From the tribe of ZebuLon, EliSaphan (the son of Pharnac). 26 From the tribe of IsSachar, PhaltiEl (the son of Oza). 27 From the tribe of Asher, AchiOr (the son of Selemi). 28 And from the tribe of NaphTali, PhadaEl (the son of JamiUd).’
29 These were the ones that Jehovah command to do the distributing to the children of Israel in the land of CanaAn.
Chapter 35
1 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses by the Jordan River near Jericho (west of Moab) and said, 2 ‘Now, give orders to the children of Israel and tell them that they must allot cities for the Levites to live in and own. They must provide them suburbs around their cities 3 to live in, which have pens for their cattle and all their animals. 4 These suburbs that they are to give to the Levites must run out and around their city walls for three thousand feet. 5 So, they must measure out three thousand feet on the east side, three thousand feet on the on the south side, three thousand feet on the on the west side, and three thousand feet on the north side, and their cities must be in the center.
6 ‘They must also give the Levites six refuge cities, which will become havens for those who kill someone [accidentally]. And in addition, they must provide them forty-two more cities. 7 So all together, they must give the Levites forty-eight cities, in addition to the suburbs. 8 [As to the size and location] of these cities that the children of Israel are to give them; those who have much must give much, and those who have less may give less. But all must give some of the cities that they are going to inherit to the Levites.’
9 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 10 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them that when they cross the Jordan into the land of CanaAn, 11 they must assign refuge cities where those who kill someone accidentally may run to. 12 These cities must be havens of refuge from those who would avenge the blood [of the one who was killed]. And the killer may not be executed before he stands trial in a court.
13 ‘There must be six of these cities that you set aside as places of refuge; 14 three on the east side of the Jordan, and three in the land of CanaAn. 15 They must serve as places of refuge for the children of Israel, for aliens, and for those who are just visiting in your land. These cities must be places of refuge for everyone to run to who has killed a man unintentionally.
16 ‘However, if [such a man] hits [and kills a person] with something that is made of iron, the man should die… for he is a murderer, and all murderers must be put to death. 17 And if he throws a rock in an attempt to kill him and he dies, he’s a murderer, and the murderer must be put to death. 18 And if he hits him with a wooden instrument that he’s holding in his hands and kills him, he’s a murderer… all murderers must be put to death. 19 Those who would avenge the blood [of the one who was killed] must execute the murderer… when they catch him, they must kill him!
20 ‘If someone is angry and stabs another, or throws something at him from ambush, 21 or if he beats him in anger and the man dies, the one who struck him must be put to death, for he is a murderer. The blood avenger must absolutely kill the murderer when he finds him.
22 ‘However, if someone is accidentally stabbed (where no anger is involved), or something hits him (other than from ambush), 23 or he is accidentally hit with a rock and he dies when no enemy was looking to harm him; 24 then the court must use these rules to judge between the one who did the striking and the blood avenger. 25 And [if he is found innocent], the gathering must save the slayer from the blood avenger and allow him to stay in the refuge city that he ran to, and he must live there until the High Priest (who was anointed with the holy oil) dies.
26 ‘But if the person who did the killing should ever leave the city that he ran to for refuge, 27 and the blood avenger should find him outside the refuge-city limits, and the blood-avenger kills him, he has done no wrong. 28 Because, the man should have stayed in the refuge city until the High Priest died. For, only after the death of the High Priest may the slayer return to his homeland.
29 ‘These are the rules of judgment that are to be used throughout all your generations and wherever you live. 30 You must execute [a man] as a murderer whenever there is enough evidence. But one piece of evidence against a person isn’t enough to have him put to death.
31 ‘Also, you may not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who has been condemned to death… he must absolutely be put to death. 32 And you may not accept a ransom to keep a man from having to stay in a refuge city and live there until the death of the High Priest.
33 ‘So, you must not pollute the land you live in with murder, because blood pollutes the land, and the only way that the land may be purged of shed blood is with the blood of the one who shed it. 34 You must not dirty the land where you are living and where I am living among you, for I am Jehovah, and I live in the midst of the children of Israel.’
Chapter 36
1 Then the heads of the tribe of the sons of GalaAd (the son of Machir and the grandson of ManasSeh of the tribe of the sons of Joseph) spoke before Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and the heads of the houses and families of the children of Israel. 2 They said, ‘Jehovah commanded our lord to assign the land that the children of Israel will inherit by lottery. Then Jehovah told our lord to give our brother SalpaAd’s inheritance to his daughters. 3 But if they marry into one of the other tribes of Israel, their inheritance must be taken away from that which belongs to our fathers, and they must inherit from the tribe that they marry into… so we won’t lose part of our inheritance. 4 For, during [the year of] Releasing of the children of Israel, their inheritance would be considered as among the tribe into which the women marry, and not returned from our family’s tribe.’
5 So, following Jehovah’s instructions, Moses told the children of Israel, ‘In accordance with [the request of] the tribe of the children of Joseph, 6 this is what Jehovah has said concerning the daughters of SalpaAd: They may marry wherever they please, but they may only marry among their father’s tribe, 7 so the inherited [lands] of the children of Israel aren’t moved from tribe to tribe. For, the inherited lands of the children of Israel must remain in each family’s tribe. 8 And whenever a daughter is heir to a property among the tribes of the children Israel, she must marry someone in her father’s tribe, so that the sons of Israel may each inherit property in his father’s tribe. 9 For, the inheritance must not be passed from one tribe to another. Rather, the children of Israel must each hold onto their own inheritances.’
10 So, the daughters of SalpaAd did just as Jehovah commanded Moses. 11 Thersa, Egla, Melcha, Nua, and MalaA (SalpaAd’s daughters) married their cousins, 12 who were from the tribe of ManasSeh (of the sons of Joseph), and their inheritance remained part their father’s family tribe.
13 These are the commandments, laws, and decisions that Jehovah gave to Moses west of Moab, by the Jordan River, near Jericho.
Deuteronomy
Chapter 1
1 These are the things that Moses said to all the Israelites when they were on the west side of the desert at the Jordan, near the Red Sea (between Pharan-Tophol, Lobon, Aulon, and the gold works), 2 eleven day’s journey from Horeb and Mount Seir, near Kadesh Barne.
3 It was the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year that Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and [he recounted] all the instructions that Jehovah had given Him concerning them. 4 This was after he had cut down Seon, the king of the Amorites (who lived in Hesh-Eboneh), as well as Og and the king of Bashan (who lived in AstarOth and Edrain) 5 in the land of Moab. Moses said this about [God’s] Law:
6 ‘It was while we were at Mount Horeb that Jehovah your God spoke to us and said, You have lived on this mountain long enough. 7 Now, turn away… leave and go to the mountains of the Amorites and to those who live near the Araba; to the mountains and valleys south of the land of the CanaAnites, from the [Mediterranean] Sea to Lebanon, and as far as the great Euphrates River. 8 {Look!} God has given you all the land that’s before you; so go there and inherit the land that I swore to your ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) that I would give to them and their seed.
9 ‘As I told you before, I was unable to lead you all by myself, 10 for Jehovah your God has made you grow. Look! There are now so many of you… like the stars in the sky in numbers! 11 For, Jehovah the God of your ancestors has made you grow a thousand-times more, and He blest you and He spoke to you. 12 So, how could I handle all the work, burdens, and complaints by myself? 13 Therefore, [I told you to] select some wise, understanding, and sensible men from your tribes who I would make your leaders. 14 Then you answered me and said, What you have told us to do is a good thing.
15 ‘So I took your wise, understanding, and sensible men and assigned them to be the rulers of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, to serve as your officers and judges. 16 And at the time, I told your judges to hear cases between you brothers, and to judge honestly, whether it is [a dispute] between a man and His brother, or with converts who are living among you. 17 And they were not to favor one over the other when it comes to judgment. Rather, they were to judge both the rich and the poor in the same way. Nor were they to fear anyone, because the judgment is God’s. 18 And whenever a case was too hard for them, they were to bring it to me and I would hear it.
19 ‘Then we left the Dry Place (Horeb) and traveled through that great and terrible desert; and (as Jehovah our God instructed us) you saw all the land from the mountains of the Amorites to Kadesh Barne. 20 Then, when we reached the mountains of the Amorites, I told you: 21 {Look!} Jehovah your God has given you all the land that lies before you. So, go there and inherit it. And as Jehovah the God of your ancestors said to you, don’t be afraid!
22 ‘But you all came to me and said, Let’s send men ahead of us into the land and have them bring back a report about which way we should travel and which of the cities we should enter.
23 ‘Well, that sounded good to me, so I chose twelve men, one man from each tribe, 24 and they went to the mountain and traveled as far as the valley of the [grape] clusters and surveyed it. 25 Then they took some of the fruit of the land and brought it back to you, and they said, The land that Jehovah our God is giving us is good!
26 ‘However, you refused to enter it and you rebelled against the words of our God Jehovah. 27 Then you went back to your tents and started complaining, saying, Jehovah hates us, because he has brought us out of the land of Egypt just to put us into the hands of the Amorites who will destroy us! 28 Why would we want to go there?
‘Then your brothers grabbed at your heart strings when they said, It’s a big country and they have many more people who are stronger than we are. And their cities are huge, with walls that are as high as the sky. And we saw the sons of the giants there!
29 ‘But I told you, Don’t be afraid and don’t fear them, 30 because Jehovah your God is traveling before you and He will fight them with you… and He will win, just as He did for you in the land of Egypt! 31 Why, you’ve seen this happen [many times] while you were in this desert on the way to the mountains of the Amorites… Jehovah your God has carried you as dearly as any man could nurse his child during all your travels coming to this place.
32 ‘But you didn’t believe Jehovah your God, 33 who travels before you and chooses where you will stay… who guides you with a fire each night and shows you the way to go with a cloud each day.
34 ‘And when Jehovah heard the things you were saying, He became very angry. So He swore and said, 35 None of these men will see the good land that I swore to give to their ancestors, 36 except Caleb (the son of JephonNe)… he will see it and I will give this land that he traveled to, to him and his sons, because he did what Jehovah said.
37 ‘Then Jehovah became angry with me because of you. For he told me, You won’t enter the land either. 38 Rather, JoShua (the son of NaWeh) who stands at your side will enter [the land]. So you must give him [your] strength, because he will help Israel to inherit it. 39 But only the young children who haven’t yet come to know good from evil will enter [the land with him]. I’m going to give it to them and they will inherit it!
40 ‘Then you turned and marched back into the desert, along the banks of the Red Sea.
41 ’But later you said, We have sinned against Jehovah our God. And now we will go there and fight, just as Jehovah our God commanded us. So everyone grabbed his weapons of war and assembled to go back to the mountain.
42 ‘But Jehovah said to me, Tell them not to go and fight, because I’m not with them. Their enemies will destroy them!
43 ‘So I told you, but you wouldn’t listen to me! You disobeyed Jehovah’s Commandments and you forced your way up the mountain. 44 Then the Amorites who lived there came out to meet you and chased you like bees all the way from [Mount] Seir to [Mount] Herman. 45 And then you sat down and bawled before our God Jehovah, but He wouldn’t listen to you or pay any attention to you. 46 So, you spent a long time living in Kadesh.’
Chapter 2
1 ‘Then we turned left and [traveled] through the desert, following the Red Sea, just as Jehovah told me, and we circled Mount Seir for many days. 2 And finally, Jehovah said to me: 3 You have circled this Mountain long enough; now turn and head north. 4 Tell the people that you’re going to cross the borders of your brothers, the children of Esau who live in Seir, and that will really make them fear you. 5 But don’t fight against [the children of Esau], because I won’t give you enough of their land to stand on. For, I have given Mount Seir to the children of Esau as their inheritance. 6 You may buy food from them with money and eat it, and you will have to pay for any water that you drink.
7 ‘Yet, Jehovah our God has blest you in everything that you’ve done. Just think of how you went through that great and terrible desert. {Look!} During those forty years under Jehovah your God, you haven’t lacked anything!
8 ‘Then we passed by our brothers, the children of Esau who lived in Seir, walking through the Araba, from AiLon to Gesion Gaber, and we turned and walked through the desert of Moab. 9 It was then that Jehovah said to me, Don’t argue with the Moabites and don’t war against them, for I won’t give you their land as an inheritance, since I have given AroEr to the children of Lot as their inheritance. 10 The Ommin, a nation that was as large and powerful as the Enakim, used to live there. 11 They are also called the Raphain, as were the Enakim, but the Moabites call them the Ommin. 12 The ChorRhites also lived in Seir before the sons of Esau destroyed them and wiped them out; and then they took possession of the land, as Israel will take possession of the land that Jehovah is giving them as an inheritance.
13 ‘Then I told them to leave and cross the Valley of Zaret. 14 And we spent the next thirty-eight years traveling between Kadesh Barne and the Zaret Valley, until the whole generation of the men of war had died (as Jehovah God swore to them). 15 For, it was the hand of Jehovah that destroyed them from among the camp, until they were all gone.
16 ‘It was after all the men of war had died 17 that Jehovah spoke to me and said, 18 Now cross the borders of Moab and go on to AroEr today. 19 But don’t go near the children of Amman… don’t argue with them or war with them, for I won’t give you the children of Amman’s land as an inheritance, because I’ve given it to the children of Lot as their inheritance. 20 It is also called the land of Raphain, because the Raphain (who the AmMonites call the Zochommin) also used to live there. 21 They were once a great nation. They had more people and they were mightier than you are (as were the Enakim). But Jehovah destroyed them and [the AmMonites] inherited the land, where they live to this day, 22 [in the same way that] the children of Esau who live in Seir destroyed the ChorRhites and inherited their land, where they live to this day, 23 and the Evites (who lived between AsedOth and Gaza) were conquered by the Cappadocians, they came from Cappadocia to destroy them and live in their property.
24 ‘Now, get up and cross the Arnon Valley, for {Look!} I have given Seon (the Amorite king of Hesh-Eboneh) and his land into your hands. War with him and inherit his land today. 25 Start putting fear and terror into the faces of all the nations under heaven, for they will be disturbed whenever they hear your name, and they will become very sad when you’re heading toward them.
26 ‘Then I sent ambassadors (from the KedamOth Desert) to Seon the king of Hesh-Eboneh, with words of peace, saying, 27 I wish to pass through your land. I will just travel along the road and I won’t turn to the right or to the left. 28 We will pay for any food that we eat with money, and we will pay for any water that we drink. We will pass through on foot, 29 as we did with the sons of Esau who lived in Seir, and with the Moabites who lived in AroEr, until we reach the Jordan and the land that Jehovah our God is giving us.
30 ‘But Seon (the king of Hesh-Eboneh) wouldn’t allow us to pass through his land, because Jehovah our God hardened his spirit and gave him a stubborn heart, so he would be delivered into our hands that day.
31 ‘Jehovah said to me, Look! I’m putting Seon (the Amorite king of Hesh-Eboneh) and his land into your hands. Now inherit his land!
32 ‘Then Seon (the king of Hesh-Eboneh) came out with all his people to fight against us at JasSa. 33 But our God Jehovah handed him over to us and we cut them all down (him, his sons, and all of his people). 34 Then we took over all of his cities, and we destroyed each city in succession, along with their wives and children… we left no one alive. 35 However, we took their cattle and looted the cities. 36 And all the way from AroEr (which lies at the edge of the brook of Arnon, and its city in the valley) to Mount Gilead, there was not a town that escaped us. Jehovah our God gave them all into our hands. 37 However, following Jehovah’s instructions, we didn’t go near the children of Amman or even close to its border at the Jaboc Brook and their cities in the mountains.’
Chapter 3
1 ‘Then we turned and traveled toward Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out to fight us with all his people at Edraim. 2 And Jehovah said to me, Don’t be afraid of him, because I’m giving him, all his people, and all of his land into your hands. So, do to him as you did to Seon, the king of the Amorites who lived in Hesh-Eboneh.
3 ‘And Jehovah our God did give him into our hands, as well as all of his people. We cut them down until none of his seed was left, 4 and then we captured all of his cities. For at that time, there were sixty cities all around the country of Argob that belonged to King Og. 5 They were all strong cities with high walls, high gates, and strong locks. [We also captured] many Pherezite cities, 6 and we destroyed everything, as we had done to Seon the king of Hesh-Eboneh. We destroyed each city in its order, as well as all the women and children. 7 However, we took all the cattle and looted the cities.
8 ‘At that time, we also captured land that belonged to two Amorite kings who [lived on] the other side of the Jordan, which land ran from the brook of Arnon to Hermon. 9 (The Phoenicians call Hermon, SaniOr, but the Amorites called it SanIr.) 10 We captured all the cities of Misor, all of Gilead, all of Bashan as far as Elcha and Edraim, which were cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
11 ‘Og, the king of Bashan was the last of the Raphain. {Look!} His bed (which was found in the capital city of the children of Ammon) was made of iron, and {Look!} it was thirteen feet long and six feet wide!
12 ‘So at that time, we inherited all the land from AroEr (along the border of the Arnon), plus half of Mount Gilead, which cities I gave to Reuben and Gad. 13 Then I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Og’s kingdom of Bashan to the half-tribe of ManasSeh, which includes all the country around Argob (which [used to be] the land of the Raphain).
14 ‘Then JaIr (the son of ManasSeh) took all the country around Argob, as far as the borders of GarGasi and MachAthi, and he named them after himself – Bashan, ThavOth, and JaIr – which is what they are still called today. 15 Then I gave Gilead to MachIr, 16 and I gave the land below Gilead – from the middle of the brook of Arnon, which borders the children of Amman, all the way to Jaboc – to Reuben and Gad. 17 So, the Araba and the Jordan are the boundaries of MachanAreth, running east from the Sea of [Galilee] to the [Dead] Sea below AsedOth Phasga.
18 ‘And at that time, I told [the men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh] that Jehovah their God had given them this land by lottery, and that all the mighty [men] should then arm themselves and march ahead of their brothers, the children of Israel. 19 However, they are to leave their wives, children, and cattle (I know that they have many cattle) in the cities that I have given them, 20 until Jehovah our God provides their brothers a haven (as He has given them) and they inherit the land that Jehovah is giving them on the other side of Jordan… when each one has his own inheritance.
21 ‘That’s when I told JoShua: You have seen everything that Jehovah our God did to these two kings, and that’s what He’s going to do to all the kingdoms that you are crossing over to there. 22 So, you must not be afraid of them, because Jehovah our God will fight for you.
23 ‘Then I went to Jehovah and asked, 24 Lord God; You have just begun to show Your strength, Your power, Your mighty hand and mighty arm to Your servants. For, what God is there in heaven or on earth that can do as You have done by Your might? 25 So, [please] allow me to cross into this good land and see what’s beyond the Jordan… its wonderful mountains and the borders of Lebanon.
26 ‘But Jehovah replied, Because you didn’t show respect or listen to Me, don’t ask Me about this anymore. 27 Now, climb to the top of the rocks and look west, north, south, and east… look with your eyes, because you may not cross the Jordan! 28 Then speak to JoShua… give him strength and encourage him, because he’s going to lead these people, and it is he who will give them their inheritance in the land that you’ve seen.
29 ‘Well thereafter, we camped in the valley near the house of Phogor.’
Chapter 4
1 ‘And now, O Israel; Listen to the rules and decisions – everything that I’m going to teach you today – so that you can live, grow, and inherit the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving you. 2 And don’t add anything to or take anything away from these Commandments that I’m giving you… obey the Commandments of Jehovah our God and do everything that I’m commanding you today!
3 ‘Why, you’ve seen everything that Jehovah our God did to the men [who started worshiping] Beel Phegor. Jehovah destroyed them all from among you… 4 and it’s only because you stayed close to your God that you’re all still alive today!
5 ‘{Look} I’ve shown you the rules and decisions, just as Jehovah gave them to me, so you may follow them in the land that you’re traveling to and which you will inherit. 6 Obey them and do them, because this is what will brand you as a wise and understanding people to the nations. For when they hear all these rules they will say, Look; They’re a great nation of wise and understanding people!
7 ‘Why, what other nation is so great that they have a God as close to them as Jehovah our God is [to us], so that we may call to Him about everything? 8 And what other nation has rules and decisions that are as righteous as all these laws that I’m setting before you today?
9 ‘Keep an eye on yourselves and carefully guard your hearts. Don’t forget any of the things that you’ve seen, and keep them in your hearts throughout your lives! You must teach your sons and your grandsons 10 the things that happened when you gathered before Jehovah our God at Horeb… when Jehovah said to me, Gather the people to Me and have them listen to My words, so they can learn to fear Me for as long as they live in the land, and then teach this to their sons.
11 ‘Why, you went and stood at the base of the mountain as it burned with fire all the way to heaven… and there was darkness, blackness, and wind. 12 Then Jehovah spoke to you from the midst of the fire with a voice and words that you heard… and although you saw no shape, you heard the voice. 13 Then He proclaimed His Sacred Agreement with you, and He commanded you to keep the Ten Commandments that He wrote on the two tablets of stone.
14 ‘And then Jehovah commanded me to teach you His rules and decisions, so you should obey them in the land that you’re going to inherit. 15 Now, keep them in your hearts, for you’ve never seen another day like the one when Jehovah spoke to you on Mount Horeb from the midst of the fire!
16 ‘So, don’t sin by carving images of any kind – not in the shape of males or females, 17 of any animals on the ground, of any winged creatures that fly in the sky, 18 of any slithering animals that crawl on the ground, of any creatures that live in the waters under the ground, 19 or look up in the sky and see the sun, moon, stars, or any of the other heavenly bodies that Jehovah your God provided to all the nations under heaven – and then go off and worship and serve them. 20 For God took you and led you out of the land of Egypt – out of its iron furnace – to be His people and His inheritance today.
21 ‘Then Jehovah God became angry with me over things that you said, and He swore that I wouldn’t cross the Jordan and enter the land that He’s giving to you as an inheritance. 22 So I will die in this land and I won’t [be allowed to] cross the Jordan; but you will cross it and inherit that good land.
23 ‘Now, pay attention to yourselves and don’t forget the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah our God made with you. Don’t sin and carve images of any of the things that Jehovah your God told you not to do. 24 For Jehovah your God is zealous, and He can be a consuming fire.
25 ‘Then, after you have fathered sons then grown old and had grandchildren; if you sin and carve images of things and start acting wickedly toward Jehovah your God and anger Him; 26 I swear before heaven and earth that you will be destroyed from the land that you’re going to inherit across the Jordan… you won’t live to get any older and you’ll be cut off! 27 Then Jehovah will scatter you among all the nations and you will become the minority among all the [people] wherever Jehovah sends you. 28 And there you will serve other gods that men make with their hands from wood and stones… gods that can’t see, hear, eat, or smell.
29 ‘But if you search for Jehovah your God there, you’ll find Him. For, whenever you are oppressed and you search for Him with all your hearts and souls, [you will find Him]… 30 and that’s what will happen to you in the last days. Then you must turn to Jehovah your God and listen to His voice, 31 because Jehovah your God is also a God of pity, so He won’t forget the Sacred Agreement that He promised to your ancestors, and He won’t leave you or destroy you.
32 ‘Ask from one end of the sky to the other; Since the time when God created man on the earth, has anyone has ever heard of such a great thing happening… 33 has any nation has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst fire, as you’ve heard it and experienced it? 34 What [other] nation has God elevated and taken as His own with trials, signs, wonders, and war (with His mighty hand and mighty arm)… with all these great things that we saw Jehovah our God do in Egypt? 35 So, you should know that Jehovah your God is The God, and that there is none other than Him! 36 For, it was His voice that you heard from heaven that was teaching you when He showed you His great fire and when you heard His words from the midst of the fire!
37 ‘It was only because He loved your ancestors that He chose you (because you’re their seed) and drew you to Him; and with His great strength He brought you out of Egypt. 38 Then He destroyed nations that were much greater and stronger than you are – right in front of you – to bring you here today and give you their land as your inheritance.
39 ‘So, recognize all of this and consider it in your hearts. For, Jehovah your God is the God of heaven above and the earth below, and there are no others! 40 And if you keep His Commandments and rules – all that I’m giving you today – it will go well for you and your descendants, and you may live on the land that Jehovah your God is giving you for a long time… for ages.’
41 Then Moses set aside three towns on the east side of the Jordan 42 as refuge cities where men who have unintentionally killed a neighbor (someone who they never hated) can run to and live. 43 [They were] Bosor in the plains of Reuben, RamOth in Gilead (Gad’s land), and GauLon in Bashan (ManasSeh’s land).
44 These were the laws that Moses laid out before the children of Israel… 45 they are the testimonies, rules, and decisions that Moses told the sons of Israel after they left Egypt, 46 while they were on the other side of Jordan in the valley near the house of Phogor in the land of Seon (the king of the Amorites who lived in Hesh-Eboneh), who Moses and the sons of Israel destroyed.
47 So they inherited this land… the land of Og (the king of Bashan) and of the two Amorite kings, east of the Jordan 48 from AroEr (which borders on the Arnon Brook) to Mount Seon (or Hermon)… 49 the entire Araba from the Jordan east, down to [Mount Pisgah].
Chapter 5
1 Then Moses called all of Israel and said to them, ‘Listen to the rules and decisions… all that I’m going to tell you today! Learn them and obey them, O Israel. 2 For, Jehovah your God made a Sacred Agreement with you at the Dry Place (Horeb). 3 He didn’t make it with your ancestors, but with you… you who are all here and living today! 4 Jehovah spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire. 5 And I stood between Jehovah and you at that time, and reported the words of Jehovah to you, because you were afraid of the fire and you didn’t want to get close to the mountain. And [there He] said:
6 ‘I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 7 So, you must have no gods other than Me.
8 ‘You must not make images for yourselves of anything in the skies above, on the earth below, or of things that live in the water beneath the ground. 9 You must not bow before them or serve them, for I, Jehovah your God, am a zealous God, and I bring the sins of the ancestors upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me. 10 But I am merciful to the thousands who love Me and keep My Commandments.
11 ‘You must not misuse the Name of your God Jehovah, for your God Jehovah will not forgive those who misuse His Name.
12 ‘Keep the Sabbath day and make it holy, as Jehovah your God commanded you. 13 You may work and get everything done in six days, 14 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of your God Jehovah, and you must do no work… not you, your sons or daughters, your male or female servants, your oxen, your burros, any of your cattle, or any converts that are visiting among you. Both you and your servants must rest. 15 For, remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, then Jehovah your God brought you out of there with His strong hand and mighty arm. So, Jehovah has instructed you to keep the Sabbath and to make it holy.
16 ‘Honor your father and mother, as Jehovah your God commanded you, so that things may go well for you and that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you.
17 ‘You must not commit murder.
18 ‘You must not commit adultery.
19 ‘You must not steal.
20 ‘You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
21 ‘You must not desire your neighbor’s wife, his house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his burro, any other animal, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
22 ‘These are the words that Jehovah spoke to the gathering with a loud voice at the mountain, from the midst of the fire, darkness, blackness, and storms… and He didn’t add any more. He wrote them on two tablets of stone, and then He gave them to me.
23 ‘And when you heard the voice from the midst of the fire (for the mountain was burning with fire when all of you came there, including all the heads of your tribes and your elders), 24 you said, {Look!} Jehovah our God has shown us His glory and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire today. We have seen that when God speaks to men we can still live. 25 And now we’re [afraid] that we will die, because this great fire will burn us up and kill us if we listen to the voice of Jehovah our God anymore. 26 For, what flesh has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking from a fire as we have, and still lived? 27 So, we want you to go closer and listen to everything that Jehovah our God wishes say, then tell us whatever Jehovah our God says to you and we will all do it!
28 ‘And when Jehovah heard what you said to me, He replied: I have heard all the things that these people have said to you, and everything that they’ve said is good. 29 O how I wish that they had the type of heart in them that would cause them to fear Me and keep My commands, so things would always go well for them and their descendants through the ages!
30 ‘Now, go and tell them to return to their homes. 31 Then you can stand here with Me and I will give you all the Commandments, rules, and decisions… and then you must teach it to them, and they must obey them all when they reach the land that I’m giving them as their inheritance. 32 They must pay attention and do as Jehovah their God commands them. They must not turn to the right or to the left, 33 but they must follow the path that Jehovah their God will tell them to walk, so He may provide them rest and things may go well with them; and so that they may live even longer upon the land that they’re going to inherit.’
Chapter 6
1 ‘These are all the Commandments, rules, and decisions that Jehovah our God gave us and taught you to obey in the land that you will inherit. 2 So, fear Jehovah your God and follow all the rules and Commandments that I’m giving to you, to your sons, and to your grandsons, for as long as you all may live!
3 ‘Now listen, O Israel, and obey them, so that things may go well for you, and your [families] will grow, just as Jehovah the God of your ancestors promised that He would do for you when He gives you a land flowing with milk and honey. Yes, these were the rules and decisions that Jehovah gave as Commandments to the children of Israel while they were in the desert, after they left the land of Egypt. 4 [He said], Listen, O Israel; Jehovah our God is [the only] Lord, 5 and you must love Him with your whole mind, with your whole life force, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am commanding you today must stay in your hearts and in your lives. 7 Then you must teach them to your children… speak of them while you’re sitting [with them] at home, while you’re walking along, before you go to bed, and when you get up. 8 You must tie them to your hands as a sign and keep them before your eyes. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates!
10 ‘And when Jehovah your God brings you into the land that He promised to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – that He would give you great and beautiful cities that you won’t build, 11 houses that are full of all sorts of good things that you won’t put there, wells dug in rock that you won’t dig, vineyards and olive groves that you won’t plant, and where you will eat and be filled – 12 you must be careful not to forget Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 13 So, you must fear Jehovah your God and serve only Him! You must stick to Him and swear by His Name.
14 ‘Don’t follow other gods, such as the gods of the nations around you, 15 for Jehovah your God (who is among you) is a zealous God. Otherwise, Jehovah your God will be very angry with you and destroy you from the face of the earth.
16 ‘You must not test Jehovah your God as you tested Him in the [desert]. 17 You must absolutely keep all the Commandments, decisions, and rules that He gave you. 18 And you must do everything that is pleasing and good before Jehovah, so that things may go well for you, and so that you may enter and inherit the good land that Jehovah promised to your ancestors, 19 where He promised to chase away all your enemies before you.
20 ‘Then if your son should ever ask you, What are the words, rules, and decisions that Jehovah our God has given us? 21 You must tell him, We were once slaves to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt; then Jehovah brought us out of there with His strong hand and mighty arm. 22 For, Jehovah performed signs and great miracles for us there in Egypt, before Pharaoh and His house. 23 Then He brought us out of there to give us this land, which He promised our ancestors that He would give us. 24 Then Jehovah taught us to obey all His rules and to fear our God, so things will go well for us through the ages of our lives, down to today. 25 For, Jehovah our God will be merciful to us if we pay attention and obey all these Commandments that He has given us.’
Chapter 7
1 ‘And when Jehovah your God brings you in and gives you the land where you are going, [He] will remove great nations before you – the Hittites, Gergesites, Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites – seven nations that are larger and stronger than you are. 2 Jehovah your God will give them into your hands and you must cut them down… destroy them! You must not make any treaties with them or feel pity for them, 3 nor may you marry among them. You may not give your daughters to their sons, nor may you take their daughters for your sons. 4 For they will draw your sons away to serve other gods, and Jehovah will be very angry with you and will soon destroy you.
5 ‘This is what you should do to them: Destroy their altars and break down their [sacred] columns, then cut down their sacred poles and burn the carved images of their gods with fire; 6 for you are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and He chose you to be His people over all the other nations on the face of the earth!
7 ‘But Jehovah didn’t prefer and choose you because there are more of you than there are in other nations, for you are smaller than the rest. 8 Rather, He chose you because He loves you, and because He wants to keep the promise that He made to your ancestors. So, He brought you out of the house of slavery – out of the hand of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt – with His strong hand. 9 Therefore, you should know that Jehovah your God is a faithful God who keeps His Sacred Agreements, and that He is merciful to those who love Him and keep His Commandments through thousands of generations. 10 Yet, He pays back those who hate Him to their faces by destroying them… He doesn’t cut any slack for those who hate Him.
11 ‘So you must keep His Commandments, rules, and these decisions that I am giving you today. 12 And after you hear them (if you decide to do them), Jehovah your God will keep His Sacred Agreement with you and show the mercy to you that He promised to your ancestors. 13 He will love you, bless you, and make you grow; and He will bless the children who come from you, as well as the fruitage of your [fields] – your grain, wine, oil, herds of oxen, and flocks of sheep – in the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to you. 14 You will be blest beyond all other nations, and neither you nor your cattle will be impotent or sterile. 15 Jehovah your God will also take away all illnesses… He won’t bring any of the terrible diseases that you saw in Egypt upon you, but He will bring them upon all those who hate you.
16 ‘Also, you may eat all that you loot from the nations that Jehovah your God is giving you. For you must not spare them, nor may you serve their gods, because that would be a sin!
17 Now, if you start thinking that some nation is stronger than you are, and you wonder how you can destroy them, 18 just remember all that Jehovah your God did to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians. 19 For you have seen the great signs, wonders, and the strong hand and mighty arm that Jehovah your God used to bring you out of there, and that’s what He will do to all the nations… they will [shake in] fear when they see you! 20 Jehovah your God will send hornets against them until any who are left and hiding from you are destroyed. 21 Yet, none of you will even be wounded, because Jehovah your God who is among you, is a great and powerful God.
22 ‘However, Jehovah your God will destroy these nations a little at a time… you won’t be able to destroy them quickly, otherwise the land would become desert again and there would be too many wild animals in your fields. 23 Yet, Jehovah your God will give them all into your hands, so you must [keep on] destroying them until they are all gone. 24 For, He will deliver their kings into your hands and you will wipe away their names… no one will be able to stand before you until you’ve destroyed them all!
25 ‘Then you must burn the carved images of their gods in fires. You must not loot their [images] of silver or gold, for that would offend Jehovah your God… because these things are disgusting to Him! 26 So, don’t bring their disgusting things into your homes… hate them and consider them as cursed, because they really are cursed!’
Chapter 8
1 ‘You must be careful to obey all the Commandments that I’m giving you today, so you can live and grow, then enter and inherit the land that Jehovah your God promised to your ancestors. 2 Don’t forget how Jehovah your God led you through the desert where He tested and tried you in order to show what’s in your hearts… whether you would keep His Commandments or not. 3 For, He tested you and corrected you with hunger, and then He fed you with manna (which was something that your ancestors had never heard of) to show you that men don’t just need bread to live, they also require all the words that come from the mouth of God. 4 Also, your clothes didn’t wear out, nor did your shoes; and yet your feet never grew hard during these past forty years.
5 ‘So, in your hearts you must know that Jehovah your God is disciplining you in the same way that any man should discipline his son. 6 Therefore, you must keep His Commandments, follow His paths, and fear Him. 7 For Jehovah your God will bring you into a large and good land where there are flowing rivers and deep springs that run through the plains and through the mountains. 8 It’s a land where there is wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates – a land of olive oil and honey – 9 where no one will go hungry. Nobody will be [poor] there, because it’s a land where stones are made of iron, and copper is mined in the mountains.
10 ‘Then, when you have eaten and are filled, you must praise Jehovah your God in the good land that He’s giving you. 11 Pay attention to yourselves and don’t forget Jehovah your God or forget His Commandments, decisions, and rules, which I’m giving you today. 12 So, after you’ve eaten and are full, and have built good houses and are living in them, 13 and your herds of oxen and sheep have increased, and you’ve become wealthy and have many possessions; 14 don’t become proud in your in hearts and forget Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery, 15 then through that great and terrible desert where there are scorpions, biting snakes, and drought. For, when there was no water, He brought you a fountain of water out of flinty rock. 16 Then He fed you with manna in the desert, which was something that you and your ancestors had never heard of. He did all of this to [discipline] you, so He could do good things for you in the future.
17 ‘So you must never say in your hearts; I’ve gained all this wealth with my own hands and by my own power. 18 But you must remember that Jehovah your God is the One who gives you the power to gain your wealth… and this is due to the Sacred Agreement that He swore to your ancestors.
19 ‘And if you ever forget Jehovah your God and choose to follow, worship, and serve other gods, then I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that you will be destroyed! 20 For, just as Jehovah is destroying the nations before you, that’s how you will be destroyed if you fail to listen to the voice of your God!’
Chapter 9
1 ‘Listen [to me], O Israel; Today you’re going to cross the Jordan and you will inherit nations that are greater and stronger than you are, and large cities with walls that reach into the sky. 2 The people are great, numerous, and tall… such as the sons of Enac, who you are familiar with and of whom you’ve heard it said, Who can stand before the children of Enac? 3 But I want you to know today, that your God Jehovah will go ahead of you. For He is a consuming fire and He will destroy them… He will move them back before you and destroy them quickly, just as He promised.
4 ‘Now, after Jehovah your God has destroyed all these nations before you, don’t say in your hearts, Jehovah brought me here to inherit this good land because I’m so righteous. 5 For, it isn’t because of your righteousness or due to the holiness in your hearts that you’re inheriting their land. Rather, it’s because these nation are so wicked that Jehovah will destroy them; and [He’s doing it] so that He may fulfill the Sacred Agreement that He swore to our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
6 ‘No, it isn’t because of your righteousness that Jehovah your God is giving you this good land as an inheritance, for you are a [rebellious] people. 7 Don’t forget how much you angered Jehovah your God in the desert, starting from the day that you left Egypt until you arrived here, because you have continued to disobey Him!
8 ‘[Remember how] you made Jehovah so angry in the dry place (Horeb) that He wanted to destroy you? 9 Why, when I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with you, I was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights, during which I had nothing to eat or drink. 10 Then Jehovah gave me the two stone tablets that had been written on by the finger of God… all the words that Jehovah said to you on the day that you gathered at the mountain were written on them!
11 ‘It was at the end of those forty days and nights that Jehovah gave me the two stone tablets that contained the Sacred Agreement. 12 Then He said to me, Now get up and hurry down the mountain, because the people you brought out of the land of Egypt have sinned! They’ve already left the Commandments that I told them and they’ve made an image for themselves against Me!
13 ‘Then Jehovah said to me, As I told you before, I have seen these people and {Look!} they are rebellious. 14 Now, may I destroy them – blot out their names from under the sky – and make a great and strong nation out of you… [a nation] that is even greater than [they are].
15 ‘So, as the mountain burned with fire into the skies, I turned and went down the mountain carrying the two tablets of Proofs, one in each hand. 16 And when I saw that you had sinned against Jehovah your God and made yourselves an idol – something that Jehovah had commanded you not to do – 17 I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands and broke them there before you. 18 Then I prayed, begging Jehovah, for forty more days and nights. I didn’t eat or drink anything then either, because of all your sins and the evil things that you did before Jehovah God to anger Him. 19 And I was really frightened, because He was so angry with you that He wanted to destroy you! However, Jehovah listened to me one more time.
20 ‘He was also so angry with Aaron that He wanted to destroy him, but I also prayed for Aaron. 21 Then, because of your sin, I took the calf and burned it in a fire… I beat it down and ground it into dust and threw the dust into the brook that runs down the mountain!
22 ‘You also angered Jehovah at the Burning, at the Temptation, and at the Graves of Greed. 23 And when Jehovah sent you from Kadesh Barne and said, Now go and inherit the land that I am Giving you, you disobeyed Jehovah your God… you didn’t believe Him and your wouldn’t do what He said. 24 Why, you’ve been disobedient to everything that Jehovah has said since the day that you came to know Him!
25 ‘So, I prayed to Jehovah for forty days and forty nights… that’s how long I prayed to Jehovah, begging Him not to destroy you! 26 I prayed this to God: O Lord, King of gods; Don’t destroy Your people… Your inheritance who You purchased and brought out of the land of Egypt with Your great power, strong hand, and mighty arm. 27 Remember Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to whom You swore by Your [Name]. Don’t look at the hard hearts of these people and at their lack of respect and their sins. 28 Otherwise, those who live in the land that You took us from will say, It’s just because Jehovah couldn’t bring them into the land He promised to them that He didn’t care for them and carried them away from here to kill them in the desert. 29 Why, these are Your people! They belong to You! For You brought them out of the land of Egypt with Your great strength, Your mighty hand, and Your mighty arm!’
Chapter 10
1 ‘Then Jehovah said to me, Cut two stone tablets for yourself, like the first ones, then come up to Me on the mountain. Also, make a wooden chest for yourself. 2 Then you must write the same words as were on the first tablets upon these tablets, and then put them into the chest.
3 ‘So I made a chest from boards of durable wood, and I cut stone tablets that were like the first ones, then I climbed the mountain with the two tablets in my hands. 4 And there He wrote the Ten Commandments on the tablets, the same as He did on the first ones (which Jehovah spoke to you about from the midst of the fire on the mountain), and He gave them to me. 5 Then I turned and came down the mountain, and I put the tablets into the chest that I had made, just as Jehovah had commanded me.
6 ‘Well, the children of Israel left BeerOth (of the sons of JakIm) and traveled to MisadAi, where Aaron died and was buried. Then his son EliEzer replaced him as the Priest.
7 ‘From there we left for GadGad, and from GadGad [we went] to EteBatha, which is a land where there is a lot of running water. 8 It was there that Jehovah assigned the tribe of Levi to carry the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement and to stand before Jehovah to serve and praise His Name to this day. 9 And from that point on, the Levites were to have no part in the inheritance of their brothers, because (as He told them), Jehovah is their inheritance.
10 ‘Well, I stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. And Jehovah listened to me and decided not to destroy you. 11 And He told me, Now lead these people… let them enter and inherit the land that I promised their ancestors that I would give to them.
12 ‘And now, O Israel, what does Jehovah your God require of you other than that you fear Him, walk in His paths, love Him, and serve Him with all your hearts and souls? 13 So, obey the Commandments of your God Jehovah and follow all His rules that I’m telling you today, so things may go well for you. 14 Look into the sky and into the heaven of heavens, for they, the earth, and all things that are in them belong to Jehovah your God.
15 ‘It is Jehovah who chose your ancestors and their seed (which includes you) over all the other nations, to be loved by Him. 16 So, circumcise the hardness from your hearts and don’t be [rebellious], 17 for Jehovah your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He’s the great, strong, and terrifying God who doesn’t [show special] favor to anyone or accept bribes. 18 He brings justice to converts, orphans, and widows, for He loves converts and provides them with food and clothing. 19 So you must love the converts also, for you were once [aliens] in the land of Egypt.
20 ‘You must fear Jehovah your God… serve Him, stick to Him, and swear by His Name! 21 He’s the One who you have to brag about, because He’s your God, and it’s He who did all these great and glorious things that you’ve seen while He’s been among you. 22 Why, there were only seventy people (your ancestors) who went down to Egypt, but Jehovah your God has now made you like the stars in the sky in numbers!’
Chapter 11
1 ‘So you must love your God Jehovah and follow His assignments, rules, Commandments, and decisions throughout your lives.
2 ‘Now, recognize that I’m not [addressing] your children here today… those who don’t know and haven’t seen the discipline of your God Jehovah, or His wonderful works, strong hand, mighty arm, 3 miracles, and the wonders that He performed before Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) and on his whole land, 4 or what He did to the Egyptian army and their chariots and cavalry when He made the waters of the Red Sea cover them and destroy them as they were chasing after us, 5 or all the things that He did for us in the desert as we were coming here, 6 or the things that he did to Dathan and AbiRam (the sons of EliAb and grandsons of Reuben) when the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them, their families, their tents, and all their belongings there in the midst of all Israel. 7 Rather, [I’m addressing you]; for it was your eyes that have seen all these mighty deeds that Jehovah performed among us.
8 ‘So, as I’ve told you before, you must keep all His Commandments so you can live, grow, and inherit the land across the Jordan 9 that’s flowing with milk and honey, and then live a long time on the land that Jehovah promised your ancestors that He would give to them and to their seed. 10 For the land that you’re going to inherit isn’t like the land of Egypt that you left, where you plant the seeds and then water them under your feet as in an herb garden. 11 Rather, the land that you’re going to inherit is a land of mountains and plains, so it will drink its water from the skies. 12 It’s a land that Jehovah your God will keep an eye on and watch over throughout the whole year.
13 Now, if you will listen to all the Commandments that I’m telling you today and love and serve Jehovah your God with your whole heart and soul, 14 He will bring the rains to your land (early rains and late rains in their seasons); you will have a full harvest of grain, wine, and oil; 15 and He will put food in the fields for your cattle. But after you’re full and satisfied, 16 be careful not to allow your hearts to become proud and cause you to sin by worshiping and serving other gods. 17 For, if Jehovah becomes angry with you, He will bind up the skies and there won’t be any rain, the earth won’t produce its fruit, and you will soon be destroyed from the good land that Jehovah is giving you.
18 ‘Keep these words in your hearts and souls… tie them on your hands as a sign, and keep them in front of your eyes, 19 then teach them to your children… talk to your children about them while you’re sitting at home, while you’re walking along, before you go to sleep, and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children will last a long time in the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to them for as long as the skies cover the earth.
22 ‘Now, if you listen to all these Commandments that I’m telling you today, and you love Jehovah your God, walk in all His ways, and stick close to Him, 23 He will drive out all these nations that are before you and you will inherit nations that are greater and stronger than you are. 24 And everywhere that the soles of your feet touch the ground will become yours, from the desert to the borders of Lebanon, and from the great River Euphrates to the [Mediterranean] Sea… these will all be your borders. 25 Then no one will be able to stand against you, and your God Jehovah will put the fear and dread of you over all the land that you walk on, just as He promised.
26 ‘Look, I’m putting a blessing and a curse on you today. 27 The blessing will come if you listen to all the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving you today. 28 And the curse will come if you don’t listen to the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving you today and you stray from the path that I’m setting out, and then start serving other gods who you don’t know.
29 ‘Now, after our God Jehovah has brought you into the land that you’re going to inherit, you must put the blessings on Mount GiriZim and the curses on Mount Ebal. 30 {Look!} These [mountains] are on the other side of the Jordan, to the west in the land of CanaAn, near GolGol and the big oak tree.
31 ‘So, as you cross the Jordan to enter the land that Jehovah our God is giving you to live in and inherit throughout your lives, 32 pay attention and obey all His rules and decisions… all that I’m setting before you today.’
Chapter 12
1 ‘Now, these are the rules and decisions that you must be sure to follow in the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving you as your inheritance, and during the entire time that you will live in the land: 2 You must destroy all the places where they serve their gods, whether they’re on high mountains, on hills, or under the trees. 3 You must destroy their altars, break their [sacred] columns into pieces, then cut down their sacred poles and burn the carved images of their gods with fire… you must wipe their names out of that land!
4 ‘However, you must never do that to [the Name of] your God, 5 for your God Jehovah will choose one of your cities to have His Name put there, and that’s where He’ll call for you; then you must go there to search for Him. 6 And that’s where you’ll carry your whole burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your first fruitage, your vow offerings, your freewill offerings, your thanksgiving offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 Then you must eat [the sacrifices] there before Jehovah your God, as you rejoice over all the things that Jehovah your God has touched and blest you and your families with.
8 ‘At that time, you won’t be doing the same things that we are doing here today, where every man does whatever he wishes. 9 For until now, you haven’t arrived at the resting place and the inheritance that Jehovah our God is giving you. 10 But you will soon cross the Jordan to live in the land that Jehovah our God is taking as an inheritance for you. And soon He will provide you rest from all your enemies round about you, and you will live in security.
11 ‘So there will be a place which Jehovah your God will choose to be called by His Name. And it’s there that you must bring all the things that I’m telling you to bring today… your whole burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the first fruitage of your hands, and any gifts that you choose to offer as a freewill vow to Jehovah your God. 12 And it’s there that you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites who live outside your [city] gates (because they won’t have their own inheritance among you) must rejoice before Jehovah your God. 13 So, pay attention to yourselves and make sure that you don’t offer your whole burnt offerings in just any place that you may see fit to choose… 14 just in the place that Jehovah your God will choose from among one of your tribes. That’s [the only place] where you may offer your whole burnt offerings, and that’s where you must do all the things that I’m telling you today.
15 ‘Now, you may kill and eat all the flesh you desire that has the blessings of your God Jehovah (such as male and female deer) in any city. And both the clean and the unclean may eat it there. 16 But you may not eat its blood… you must pour it out on the ground like water. 17 And in your own cities, you may not eat any tithes of grain, wine, oil, the firstborn of your herd or flock, anything that you’ve offered as a vow, or offerings of thanks, or the first fruitage of your hands. 18 You, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the strangers who are staying inside your [city] gates must eat such things before Jehovah your God in the place that He will choose for Himself; and it’s there that you must rejoice before Jehovah your God with whatever you’re bringing to Him. 19 Also, be sure that you never abandon the Levites for as long as you live on the earth!
20 ‘Now, when Jehovah your God enlarges your borders, as He told you He would do, and you desire to eat flesh; you may eat all the flesh that your soul desires. 21 And if the place that Jehovah your God chooses for Himself (where His Name will be called) is far away from you; you may kill any [animals] from your herd or flock that God has given you (just as I’ve told you), and you may eat as much of it as you want in your own cities. 22 And those among you may eat male and female deer, whether you are clean or unclean. 23 Just make sure that you don’t eat any of its blood, because its blood is its life, and the life can’t be eaten with the flesh. 24 You must not eat it; you must pour it out out on the ground like water. 25 You mustn’t eat it if you want things to go well for you and your descendants. Always do what is good and pleasing before Jehovah your God!
26 ‘But whenever you have holy things, you must take them and your vow offerings to the place where Jehovah your God will choose to put His Name. 27 It is there that you must sacrifice the flesh of your whole burnt offerings… on the Altar of your God Jehovah. The blood of your sacrifices must be poured out at the foot of the Altar of your God Jehovah, and then you may eat the flesh.
28 ‘Be careful! Listen to and obey all the Commandments that I’m telling you, and then things will go well for you and your descendants through the ages… that is, if you do whatever is pleasing and good before Jehovah your God.
29 ‘Now, after Jehovah your God destroys the nations where you are going and you inherit their land and start living there, 30 be careful not to become like them (after they’ve been destroyed) and start asking, How did those nations worship their gods? I think I’ll start doing the same thing! 31 No, don’t do this to your God, because the things they sacrifice to their gods are disgusting to Jehovah, and He hates those who offer their sons and daughters to their gods in fires.
32 ‘So, obey every word that I’m commanding you today, and don’t add anything to it or take anything away from it!’
Chapter 13
1 ‘And if a prophet or someone who [has visions] in dreams should arise among you and foretell a sign or miracle, 2 and the sign or miracle that he foretells comes true… and then he comes to you and says, Let’s go and serve other gods, 3 don’t listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer, because Jehovah your God may be testing you to find out whether you love your God with your whole heart and soul.
4 ‘You must follow Jehovah your God and fear Him! You must listen to His voice and trust in just Him! 5 Then that prophet or dreamer of dreams must be put to death for what he said in trying to make you turn from your God Jehovah (He who brought you out of the land of Egypt and who purchased you from slavery), and for trying to lead you away from the direction that Jehovah your God has commanded you to walk. So, you must remove any evil that is among you.
6 ‘Why, even if your own brother (by your father or mother), your son or daughter, your loved wife, or a friend who you love as your own life should come to you and say, Let’s go and serve gods that our ancestors didn’t know… 7 or the gods of the nations that live around us… or even those at the ends of the earth, 8 you must not agree with them or listen to them.
‘Then your eyes shouldn’t spare them and you mustn’t feel sorry for them or try to protect them in any way. 9 You must report them and you must be among the first to kill them… before all the other people become involved. 10 Then they must stone him/her with rocks until the person dies, because he/she has tried to draw you away from Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear of it and become afraid to do such evil things among you.
12 ‘And if you should hear people in one of the cities (which Jehovah God is giving you to live in) 13 say that evil men have caused all the inhabitants of a land to fall away, by saying, Let’s go and worship other gods, 14 you must ask about it and see if this is true. And {Look!} if it is true and this disgusting thing has really happened among you, 15 you must destroy all those who live in that land with swords; then you must pronounce the land and everything in it as cursed. 16 You most take all its valuable things into the streets and burn the city and its loot with fire before Jehovah your God, and it must remain uninhabited through the ages, never to be rebuilt. 17 Don’t allow any of their cursed things to stick to your hands, so that Jehovah’s rage may turn away and He may show you mercy.
‘He will care for you and cause you to grow, just as He swore to your ancestors, 18 if you will listen to the voice of your God Jehovah, keep His Commandments that I’m telling you today, and do everything that’s good and pleasing before Jehovah your God.’
Chapter 14
1 ‘You are the children of your God Jehovah, so you must not shave your heads whenever someone dies.
2 ‘You are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and He has chosen you as His alone from among all the nations on the face of the earth. 3 So, you must not eat anything that is disgusting. 4 These are the animals that you may eat:
· From the herd, calves;
· From the flocks, lambs;
· From the goats, kids;
· 5 Male and female deer;
· Antelope;
· Wild goats;
· Wild sheep.
6 You may eat all animals that have split hooves and chew the cud.
7 ‘You may not eat these animals: Those that chew the cud but don’t have split hoofs, such as camels, hares, and rabbits, because they chew the cud but they don’t have split hooves, so they are unclean.
8 And the same is true of pigs. They have split hooves, but they don’t chew the cud. So you must consider them unclean, and you may not eat their flesh or touch their dead bodies.
9 ‘You may eat anything that lives in the water and has fins and scales. 10 Anything that doesn’t have fins and scales must be considered unclean and may not be eaten.
11 ‘You may eat all clean flying creatures. 12 However, these are the ones that you may not eat:
· Eagles
· Vultures
· Ospreys
· 13 Falcons
· Kites and the like, 14 –––
· 15 Terns
· Owls
· Seagulls
· 16 Herons
· Swans
· Storks
· 17 Cormorants
· Hawks and the like
· Hoopoes
· Ravens
· 18 Pelicans
· Diving birds
· Red bills
· Bats.
19 ‘You may not eat winged creatures that slither (insects), for they are unclean.
20 You may eat any sort of clean winged creature, 21 but you may not eat anything that dies on its own. You may give it to people who are visiting in your cities and they can eat it, or you may sell it to strangers, but you are a holy people to Jehovah your God.
‘You must not boil a lamb in its mother’s milk.
22 ‘You must bring a tenth of all the grain and fruit of your fields as a tithe each year, 23 and you must eat it in that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called. That’s where you must bring your tithes of grain, wine, oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.
‘So, learn to always fear Jehovah your God!
24 ‘Now, if the journey to that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called is too far for you, and you are unable to take [your offerings] there because of the distance, Jehovah will bless you 25 if you sell them for money and take the money to the place that Jehovah will choose. 26 And there you may use the money to buy whatever your soul desires (oxen, sheep, wine, liquor… anything that your soul desires). Then you must eat it there before Jehovah your God, and you and your family must rejoice 27 along with the Levites who live in your cities, because they will not have shared in your inheritance and will have nothing to bring.
28 ‘You may store the tithes in your cities, but every three years you must bring them all. 29 Then you must invite all the Levites, and all the strangers, orphans, and widows in your cities (those who don’t have anything to bring) to come with you, and they may eat until they are full. Then Jehovah your God will bless you in everything that you do.’
Chapter 15
1 ‘Every seven years you must cancel debts, 2 and these are the rules: You must cancel any debts that your neighbors owe you personally, and you must not ask to have them paid back, because this is a cancellation [of debts] to Jehovah your God. 3 You may ask strangers to pay whatever they owe you, but not your brothers… you must cancel their debts. 4 That way, there won’t be any poor people among you and Jehovah your God will surely bless you in the land that He’s giving you as your inheritance.
5 ‘Now, if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and obey all these Commandments that I’m giving you today, 6 Jehovah your God will bless you (as He told you), and then you will lend [money] to many nations. However, you must never borrow from them, nor may you rule over them… but they won’t rule over you either.
7 ‘If you find a poor man among your brothers in your city in that land which Jehovah your God is giving you, you must not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted with your brother who is in need… 8 you must reach out to him and lend him as much as he needs!
9 ‘Now, be careful not to secretly say in your hearts, The seventh year (the year of cancellation) is getting close, then allow your eyes to look wickedly at your brother who is in need and not lend him anything. For, he will call out to Jehovah about you, and you will be guilty of a serious sin. 10 So you must be sure to lend Him as much as he needs and not hold a grudge in your hearts. For, because of your good deeds, Jehovah your God will bless everything you do and everything you touch.
11 ‘There will always be poor people in your land, and that’s why I’m telling you to do this. You must reach out to your poor brothers, and to anyone who is having a hard time in your land.
12 ‘And if your brother (a Hebrew man or woman) should be sold to you, he may serve you for six years, but in the seventh year you must set him free. 13 And when you set him free, don’t send him away empty-handed! 14 You must give him provisions from your flock, your grain, and your wine… as Jehovah your God has blest you, that’s how you must treat him.
15 ‘Don’t forget that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah your God bought you out of there; that’s why I’m telling you to do this!
16 ‘However, if [the slave] should tell you that he doesn’t want to leave you, because he loves you and your family; and if you approve of this, 17 you must take an awl and punch a hole through his ear against the door. Then he will be your servant for ages… and female servants should be dealt with in the same way.
18 ‘[None of] this will create a hardship on you, because the people will serve you for six years as hired hands, and Jehovah your God will bless you in everything you do.
19 ‘Now, when it comes to the firstborn among your oxen and sheep; you must offer the males as holy to Jehovah your God. You may not work a firstborn calf, and you may not shear a firstborn sheep. 20 You and your household must eat them before Jehovah each year in the place that Jehovah your God will choose. 21 However; if it’s lame, blind, or deformed, you must not sacrifice it to Jehovah your God. 22 Both the clean and unclean among you may eat it in your cities, as you would a male or female deer. 23 But you must not eat its blood… you must pour it out on the ground like water!’
Chapter 16
1 ‘You must celebrate the month of New Grain and sacrifice the Passover to Jehovah your God, because that’s the month when you left Egypt during the night. 2 You must sacrifice your Passover sheep and oxen in that place where Jehovah your God will select to have His Name called. 3 And you may not eat bread made with fermentation for seven days. You may only eat fermentation-free bread, which is the bread of persecution, because you left Egypt in a hurry. So, remember the day when you left the land of Egypt for as long as you may live.
4 ‘Fermentation must not be seen anywhere inside your borders for seven days, and none of the flesh that you sacrifice in the evening may be left over until the next morning. 5 Nor are you allowed to sacrifice the Passover in any of the cities that Jehovah your God is giving you. 6 The Passover may not be sacrificed anywhere other than in the place that Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called, in the evening just after sunset… which is the time that you left Egypt. 7 Then you must boil or roast it, and then eat it in the place that Jehovah your God will choose; and don’t return home until the next morning! 8 You must eat fermentation-free bread for six days, and then the seventh day is to be a holiday and a feast to Jehovah your God, during which you may not do any work other that which is common to everyone.
9 ‘Then start counting off seven weeks from the time that you first start cutting the grain with a sickle, 10 and you must celebrate the Festival of Weeks to Jehovah your God with as much strength and with as many things as Jehovah your God has given you. 11 You must rejoice before Jehovah your God with your sons and daughters, male and female servants, the Levites, strangers, orphans, and the widows who live among you in that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called. 12 For, you must remember the [time] when you were slaves in the land of Egypt, then you must do all these things and obey these Commandments.
13 ‘You must also celebrate the Festival of Temporary Dwellings for seven days, after you’ve stored your grain and made your wine. 14 Then you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites, the strangers, the orphans, and the widows in your cities should rejoice. 15 You must hold a feast to Jehovah your God for seven days in the place that Jehovah your God will choose for Himself. And you must rejoice over all the harvest that Jehovah your God has blest you with and for all the things that you’ve accomplished.
16 ‘All your males must appear before Jehovah your God three times each year in the place that Jehovah will choose, for:
· The Festival of Fermentation-free Bread
· The Festival of Weeks
· The Festival of Temporary Dwellings.
And don’t appear before Jehovah your God empty handed! 17 Each one must bring whatever he can, as Jehovah your God has blest him.
18 ‘You must appoint judges and officials in the cities that Jehovah your God is giving to each of your tribes, and they must judge the people righteously. 19 They must not be unfair, show anyone special favor, or accept gifts; because gifts blind the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the righteous. 20 You must always work at being just, so you may live and inherit the land that Jehovah your God is giving you.
21 ‘You must never erect poles or plant any trees for yourselves near the Altar of your God, 22 nor may you erect sacred columns for yourselves, for Jehovah your God hates such things!’
Chapter 17
1 ‘You must not sacrifice a calf or a sheep to Jehovah your God that is scarred or deformed in any way, for that would be disgusting to Jehovah your God.
2 ‘And if a man or a woman should ever be found among you (in any of the cities that Jehovah your God is giving you) who chooses to do what is evil before Jehovah and sins against His Sacred Agreement 3 by going and serving other gods, or by worshiping the sun, moon, or any of the stars in the sky (something that He has commanded you not to do), 4 and someone tells you about it; you must ask about it and investigate to see if this disgusting thing has really happened in Israel. 5 [And if so], you must bring that man or woman outside [the city] and stone him/her to death with rocks.
6 ‘The person must be put to death if there are two or three witnesses to testify against him. But no one should be put to death on the testimony of just one witness. 7 And then, those who testified against him must be the first to put him/her to death… before the rest of the people [throw their rocks]. So, you must remove the evil person from among yourselves.
8 ‘Now, whenever a matter is too difficult for you to judge in your cities (as between blood and blood, cause and cause, stroke and stroke, and contradiction and contradiction), 9 you must take the matter to the Levite Priests who will then be at the place which Jehovah your God will choose, and have them try the case. They must perform their own investigation and report their findings to you. 10 Then you must do whatever they have decided in the place that Jehovah your God will choose. You must be sure to do whatever the Law tells you to do.
11 ‘You must always follow the Law and abide by any judgments that they hand down! Don’t vary to the right or left from any decisions that they reach. 12 For, any man who acts so haughtily that he won’t listen to the Priests who stand and serve in the Name of your God Jehovah, or to a presiding judge, must be put to death. You must remove that evil person from Israel; 13 then everyone will hear about it and be afraid to show so little respect in the future!
14 ‘And when you enter the land that Jehovah your God is giving you (after you’ve inherited it and lived there), and you decide that you want a king to rule over you (like the other nations around you), 15 he must be chosen by Jehovah God. Kings may only be selected from among your brothers, so don’t empower yourselves to select a king who isn’t a brother.
16 ‘[And no king should] accumulate horses for himself, nor may he send [My] people back to Egypt. He may [decide to] do this if he starts collecting horses for himself, but Jehovah has told you not to go back there again! 17 Nor may he start accumulating many wives for himself, for they will change his heart… and he shouldn’t collect a lot of silver and gold for himself.
18 ‘And when [these kingships] are established and they start to rule, they must each write their own copy of these Laws in a scroll, with the help of the Levite Priests. 19 Then they must keep it and read from it all the days of their lives, so they will learn to fear Jehovah their God and keep and observe all these Commandments and rules. 20 Then they won’t consider themselves more important than their brothers in their hearts, nor will they swerve to the right or to the left of the Commandments. And then they and their sons will reign a long time in their land among the children of Israel.’
Chapter 18
1 ‘None of the Priests, including the whole tribe of Levi, will have any inheritance in Israel, because the burnt offerings of Jehovah are their inheritance and what they will eat. 2 They will have no inheritance among their brothers, because Jehovah is their portion, just as He told them.
3 ‘The Priests will get the things that the people offer as sacrifices, such as [a portion of] the calves and sheep (the shoulder, cheeks, and belly), 4 and the first-fruitage of your grain, your wine, your oil, and the fleece from your sheep. 5 This is because Jehovah has chosen them from among all your tribes to stand before Jehovah your God, to serve and praise His Name, and [to serve] His sons, the children of Israel.
6 ‘Now, if a Levite is living in one of the cities of the children of Israel (and he can live wherever he chooses), 7 he must serve the Name of His God Jehovah. And all His brothers (the Levites who stand and offer [the sacrifices] to Jehovah your God) 8 must be given their share… in addition to any property they inherit and choose to sell.
9 ‘And once you’ve entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving you, you must not learn [any of] the disgusting things that those nations are doing, such as:
· 10 Offering your sons or daughters in fire
· Using occult powers to tell the future
· Looking for omens
· 11 Serving as witches
· Speaking incantations
· Consulting spirits to tell the future
· Looking for signs
· Asking [questions of] the dead.
12 For through the ages, those who have done such things have been disgusting to Jehovah your God. And if you do such disgusting things, Jehovah will destroy you from before His face… 13 you must be perfect before Jehovah your God!
14 ‘Now, all those nations whose land you will inherit have listened to these omens and [followed these] occult practices, but Jehovah your God doesn’t allow you to do that.
15 ‘Then Jehovah your God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers, and you must listen to him, 16 as when you received all that you desired from Jehovah your God in the dry place (Horeb) after the whole gathering said, We don’t want to listen to the voice of your God Jehovah again or see His great fire, so we won’t die. 17 For, Jehovah said to me, What they have said is good, 18 so I will raise a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in his mouth and he will tell them whatever I command him. 19 Then I will bring vengeance upon anyone who doesn’t listen to what that Prophet says in My name. 20 But, any prophet who uses My Name in an irreverent way by saying things that I didn’t tell him to say, or who speaks in the name of other gods, must die!
21 ‘And if you ever wonder in your hearts which words Jehovah didn’t say; 22 [remember that] anything a prophet says in the Name of the Lord that doesn’t come true, is something that Jehovah didn’t say. So, that prophet has spoken wickedly and he must die!’
Chapter 19
1 ‘And when Jehovah your God has destroyed the nations that He’s giving you, along with their lands, cities, and houses that you will inherit and live in, 2 you must set aside three cities in the midst of the land that Jehovah your God is giving you. 3 Perform a survey and divide the borders of your land into three parts, [then assign central cities as] refuges for those who have [unintentionally] killed someone.
4 ‘And this is the rule: Those who are guilty of manslaughter (anyone who has accidentally struck his neighbor – someone who he has never disliked) may run to [these cities] and stay. 5 For example; Say, someone goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his ax head flies off its handle and hits his neighbor, killing him. He must flee to one of these cities and live there, 6 so that the angry blood avenger doesn’t chase him down and kill him (although he hasn’t been sentenced to death, because he hasn’t hated his [neighbor] in the past). And that’s what will happen if [the refuge cities] are too far away… 7 and that’s why I’m telling you to set aside these three cities.
8 ‘And if Jehovah enlarges your borders (as He promised your ancestors), and if He gives you all the land that He said He would give you, 9 you must obey all these Commandments that I’m giving you today. [You must] love Jehovah your God and always walk in His ways. And you must choose three cities within these borders, 10 so that the blood of those who are innocent won’t be spilled in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that none of you will have bloodguilt.
11 ‘However, if someone truly hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, then sneaks up and kills him, and he thereafter flees to one of these cities, 12 the local elders must hand him over to the blood avengers, who must kill him. 13 Don’t feel sorry for him, because you must purge the innocent blood from Israel, so that things may go well for you.
14 ‘Don’t move your neighbor’s property markers that were set by your ancestors as their inheritance… those which will been assigned to you in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as your inheritance.
15 ‘The testimony of a single witness may not be used to blame a man for any sins that he may commit. It requires two or three witnesses to prove anything.
16 ‘Now, if someone brings a charge against a person [that can’t be proven], 17 both people in the controversy must stand before Jehovah and before the Priests or judges in those days. 18 Then the judges must seriously investigate the matter to see if he has brought a false charge against his brother. 19 And if he has, you must do the same wicked thing that he wanted to do to his brother, to him. You must remove the evil from among yourselves, 20 so the rest will hear about it and be afraid to do such an evil thing among you. 21 Don’t forgive him; It must be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot!’
Chapter 20
1 ‘And when you go to war against your enemies and find that they have a larger army and more horsemen than you do; don’t be afraid of them, for Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt is with you! 2 And before you go to fight, the Priests must come and speak to the people, and tell them: 3 Listen, O Israel! Today you’re going to fight against your enemies. So be courageous! Don’t be afraid, don’t get confused, and don’t retreat, 4 because Jehovah your God is with you and He will fight against your enemies and save you!
5 ‘Then the scribes must speak to the people and say, If any man has built a new house and hasn’t dedicated it yet, let him go home; otherwise he might die in the war and someone else would then dedicate it. 6 And any man who has planted a vineyard and not yet [enjoyed its wine] may go home; otherwise he might die in the battle and then someone else would get to enjoy it. 7 And if any man is engaged [to marry] and has not yet taken [the woman] as his wife, he should go home; otherwise he might die in the battle and then someone else would have her.
8 ‘And the scribes should also speak to the people and tell them, If there is any man who isn’t [brave] and is afraid, he should go home, so his fear doesn’t discourage his brothers.
9 ‘And after the scribes have finished speaking to the people, they must appoint generals over the army to lead them.
10 ‘Now, whenever you approach a city, before you go to battle against them, you must call out to them peacefully. 11 And if they answer you peacefully and open [their gates] to you, all the people who are found there must become your subjects and serve you. 12 But if they don’t listen to you and they choose to fight a war against you, then you must [lay siege on the city] 13 until Jehovah your God gives it into your hands. Then you must kill all the men there with swords. 14 You may spare the women, their possessions, all the cattle, and anything else that is in the city… you may loot it and take whatever you wish, and you may also eat whatever your enemies have, because Jehovah your God has given it to you.
15 ‘Now, that’s what you must do to the distant cities, not to the cities of these nations that Jehovah your God is giving you and where you will inherit their land. 16 You must not leave anything alive there! 17 You must curse the Hittites, Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, Jebusites, and Gergesites, just as Jehovah your God commanded you, 18 so they don’t teach you to do all the disgusting things that they are doing before their gods and cause you to sin before Jehovah your God.
19 ‘And whenever you lay siege to a city and you don’t succeed in capturing it right away; don’t cut down and destroy its [fruit] trees. Rather, [pick the fruit] and eat it… for the trees in the fields aren’t men that must be cut down to capture [the city]. 20 However, you must cut down and destroy any trees that you know aren’t fruit bearing. Then you must build a mound against the [walls] of the city that has chosen a war with you, until it is captured.’
Chapter 21
1 ‘And if anyone is found murdered with a knife, and [his body is] left in a field in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you to inherit, and no one knows who did it, 2 your elders and judges must go there and measure the distances from the slain man to the cities round about. 3 And from whichever city is nearest to him, the elders of that city must choose a heifer from the herd that has never worn a yoke or been worked, 4 then lead it into a valley that has never been tilled or planted, and slaughter the heifer there. 5 Then the Levite Priests must go there (because they’re the ones who Jehovah has chosen to represent Him and to praise His Name), and whatever they decide must stand.
6 ‘Then all the elders of that city who went out to the murdered man must wash their hands over the head of the heifer that was slaughtered in the valley 7 and say, Our hands didn’t shed this blood and our eyes didn’t witness it. 8 Be merciful to Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, O Lord, so that Your people Israel aren’t held responsible for this innocent blood. And by doing this, the blood will have been paid for by them. 9 For, you must remove all innocent blood from among yourselves if you wish to do what is good and pleasing before Jehovah your God.
10 ‘And when you’re going to war against your enemies and Jehovah your God allows you to conquer them and carry away loot, 11 and if you then notice a woman with a pretty face among the captives who you want to take as your wife; 12 when you bring her home you must shave her head, cut her nails, 13 and remove the clothes she was wearing when she was captured. Thereafter, she must be allowed to mourn for her father and mother in your home for a month. Only after that may you may have sex with her, live with her, and take her as your wife. 14 Then if you aren’t happy with her, you must send her away free. She can’t be sold, nor may you mistreat her, because you’ve dishonored her.
15 And if a man has two wives and he loves one and doesn’t care as much for the other, and both have given birth, and the son of the one he cares for less is the firstborn; 16 when he divides his property among his sons as their inheritance, he may not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves more. 17 He must recognize the rights of the firstborn and give him twice as much of the things he owns, because he’s the first of his children, and he owns that birthright.
18 ‘Now, if any man has a son who is disobedient, likes to argue, and refuses to obey his father and mother or listen when they correct him, 19 they must take him before the elders at their city gate 20 and tell them, This is our disobedient son. He won’t listen to us and he has become a drunk and a partier. 21 Then the men of the city must stone him to death with rocks; for you must remove those who are evil from among yourselves, and then the rest will hear about it and fear.
22 And if someone sins and is sentenced to death, and you choose to execute him by hanging him on a tree, 23 don’t allow his body to remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it on that same day, because through the ages, anyone who is hanged on a tree is cursed before God, and you must not [allow it to] dirty the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as your inheritance.’
Chapter 22
1 ‘Whenever you see your brother’s calf or sheep wandering loose in the road, don’t ignore it; you must lead it back to your brother and give it to him. 2 However, if your brother doesn’t live near you and you don’t know [who owns the animal], you must take it home with you and keep it until your brother comes searching for it, then give it back to him. 3 That’s what you must do for his burro, his clothing, or anything else that your brother has lost… don’t overlook anything. 4 And if you see your brother’s burro or ox fallen on the road, don’t pass it by; be sure to help him to get it back on its feet.
5 ‘A woman should never wear men’s clothing, nor should a man wear women’s clothing. For through the ages, such a thing has been considered disgusting by Jehovah your God.
6 ‘And if you should find a bird’s nest in the road, or in a tree, or on the ground, where the bird is brooding eggs or chicks, you must not take the nest with its young. 7 You may take the [eggs], but you must let the mother go, so things may go well for you and so you may live a long time.
8 ‘When you build a new house, you must erect a parapet around [the roof] to keep anyone from falling from it, so you don’t bring the guilt of someone’s blood upon your house.
9 ‘You must not plant different types of seeds in your vineyard, for the [plants] could [cross-pollinate] and make your vineyard unholy.
10 ‘You must not hitch an ox and a burro together to [pull] the same plow.
11 ‘You must not wear clothing made of both linen and wool.
12 ‘You must put fringes on all four sides of your clothing, no matter how you may be dressed.
13 ‘If any man should take a wife who he comes to dislike after he has lived with her, 14 and then he starts saying bad things about her and calling her bad names, saying, When I took this woman and had sex with her, she didn’t prove to be a virgin; 15 then her father and mother must bring the girl’s proof of virginity to the elders at the city gate, 16 and the girl’s father should tell the elders, I gave my daughter to be this man’s wife, 17 and now he no longer cares for her and he’s saying that he found no indication of my daughter’s virginity. But here’s the proof… and he must unfold the sheet with her [blood] before the city’s elders. 18 And [if that happens], the elders of that city must take the man and discipline him, 19 then fine him a hundred small silver coins and give it to the girl’s father for slandering the name of a virgin of Israel. Then she must continue to be his wife and he may never divorce her.
20 ‘However, if what he says proves to be true and no proof of the girl’s virginity can be found, 21 they must take her in front of her father’s house and stone her to death with rocks, because she dishonored the children of Israel and the house of her father by her immorality. So, you must remove the evil person from among yourselves.
22 ‘Also, if [you find] a man having sex with another man’s wife, you must kill both the man and the woman. You must remove those who are wicked from Israel.
23 ‘And if a young woman is already engaged to a man, and another man in the city has sex with her, 24 you must bring them both outside the city gate and stone them to death with rocks; her because she didn’t scream, and him because he dishonored the wife of his neighbor. So, you must remove the evil ones from among yourselves.
25 ‘However, if a man catches an engaged woman out in a field and rapes her, you must put just the man who did this to death, 26 for the woman hasn’t committed a sin that she should be killed for. Something like this is just as serious as when one man murders another, 27 because he found and [raped] an engaged woman who screamed, but no one was around to help her.
28 ‘And if any man should assault a young virgin who isn’t engaged, and this can be proven, 29 the man who assaulted her must pay her father fifty silver coins, then he must marry her and never be allowed to divorce her, because he dishonored her.
30 ‘And no man may lay his father bare by having sex with his father’s wife.’
Chapter 23
1 ‘No man who has been castrated or whose sexual parts have been damaged, 2 or any son of a whore may enter the gathering of Jehovah.
3 ‘Ammonites and Moabites may not enter the gathering of Jehovah… not through the tenth generation or through the ages, 4 because they didn’t meet you and bring you bread and water as you were coming from Egypt, and because they hired BalaAm the son of Beor of MesoPotamia to curse you. 5 For, Jehovah your God didn’t listen to BalaAm and He changed the curses into blessings, because He loved you. 6 So, you must not speak to them in peace or for profit for as long as you live, and through the ages.
7 ‘You must not hate Edomites, because they’re your brothers; and you must not hate Egyptians, because you were once strangers in their land. 8 So, their third-generation sons may enter the gathering of Jehovah.
9 ‘Now, when you go out to fight with your enemies, you must refrain from doing anything wicked.
10 ‘And if any man is unclean because of a release [of semen] during the night, he must leave the camp (or not return to it); 11 then in the evening he must wash his body in water and return to the camp after sundown. 12 So, you must set aside a place outside the camp where he may go.
13 ‘And [each of] you must carry a spade in your belts, so that when you need to relieve yourselves somewhere [outside the camp], you may use it to dig [a hole] in the ground and then cover your excrement. 14 [You must do this] because Jehovah your God walks in your camp to save you and to give your enemies [into your hands], so your camp must be holy and nothing disgusting may be seen, so He doesn’t turn away from you.
15 ‘You must not return a slave to his master after he has run away and come to serve you. 16 He must live with you and among you, and you must not mistreat him, as long as he pleases you.
17 ‘There may be no whores among the daughters of Israel; nor may there be any [men] among the sons of Israel who are sexually immoral.
‘There may be no idol worshipers among the daughters of Israel; nor may there be any who [worship idols] among the sons of Israel.
18 ‘You may not bring the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the House of your God Jehovah to pay for any vow, because both of them are disgusting to Jehovah.
19 ‘You must not charge your brother interest for borrowing silver, meat, or anything else that you may lend him. 20 You may charge interest on loans to strangers, but not to your brothers, so Jehovah your God will bless what you do in the entire land that you are entering and will inherit.
21 ‘Whenever you swear an oath to Jehovah your God, you must be quick about paying it, for Jehovah your God requires that you do so. Otherwise, this would be a sin against you. 22 Now, if you are unwilling to offer anything, that isn’t a sin. 23 But whatever you vow to offer as a gift to Jehovah God must be [paid] as promised.’
Chapter 24
1 ‘If you’re walking through a neighbor’s wheat field, you may pick the heads with your hands… but you may not use a sickle in his field. 2 Also, if you enter a neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat all the grapes you want, but you may not carry any away in a container.
3 ‘If you take a wife, and after living with her, you find that you no longer love her because of some disgusting thing that she may have done, you may write out a divorce certificate and put it into her hands, then send her away from your home. 4 And if she chooses to remarry after she leaves her first husband 5 (due to the fact that her first husband didn’t care for here and divorced her and sent her away), and this [second] husband should die, 6 the former husband may not remarry her after she has had sex with the other man, because that is a disgusting thing before Jehovah your God. You must not dirty the land that Jehovah your God is giving you to inherit.
7 ‘And whenever a man has recently married, he must not go to war, nor may anyone require him to do so. He must live free in his house for one year, as a joy to the wife that he has taken.
8 ‘You may not take anyone’s millstone as collateral for a loan, because anyone who does that is requiring a life as a promise.
9 ‘Any man who is caught kidnapping and selling one of his brothers of the children of Israel, must die. You must remove that evil one from among yourselves.
10 ‘Pay special attention when it comes to the plague of leprosy… you must be very careful to obey all the laws that the Levite Priests give you, and to do as I have instructed you. 11 For, remember all that Jehovah your God did to Miriam while you were traveling from Egypt.
12 ‘If your neighbor owes you a debt (no matter what kind), you may not enter his house to collect it. 13 You must stand outside, and the man who owes you the debt should bring it out to you. 14 However, if the man is too poor [to pay it], you may not go to sleep while you’re holding the thing he pledged [as collateral]. 15 You must return it before sunset, so he can sleep in his clothes… then he will praise you, and Jehovah your God will be merciful to you.
16 ‘You must not be unfair and withhold the wages of those who are poor and needy among your brothers, or of strangers who are living in your cities. 17 You must pay them their wages on the same day. Don’t allow the sun to set before [paying them], because they are poor and they need it. For if you do, they will call out to Jehovah about you, and it will be a sin for you.
18 ‘Fathers shouldn’t be put to death for their children, nor may sons be put to death for their fathers. Each person must be put to death for his own sins.
19 ‘You must not be unjust to strangers, orphans, or widows; and you must never take a widow’s clothing as collateral. 20 For, remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah your God bought you from there. So, do what I’m telling you!
21 ‘And when you’re harvesting the grain in your field and you realize that you’ve missed some, you must not return to get it. For these must be left for the strangers, orphans, and widows, so Jehovah your God will bless you in everything that you do.
22 ‘And when you pick your olives, you must not go back and pick them all; some must be left for the strangers, orphans, and widows. Don’t forget that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, so I’m commanding you to do this.
23 And whenever you pick the grapes in your vineyard, you must not glean everything… you must leave some for the strangers, orphans, and widows. 24 Don’t forget that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, so I’m commanding you to do this.’
Chapter 25
1 ‘Whenever there’s a dispute between two men, they should carry it to the judges and allow them to decide who’s right and who’s guilty. 2 And if the guilty one is sentenced to be beaten with a whip, he must be held down in front of the judges and they must have him whipped there before them for his sin. 3 They must have him lashed forty times, and no more; for if you whip your brother more than that, he will be disgraced.
4 ‘You must not muzzle the ox that [is used to] thresh the grain.
5 ‘If brothers should live together and one of them dies without producing a seed, his wife may not marry someone who isn’t related to her husband. Her husband’s brother must go and take her as his wife and live with her. 6 Then any children that she gives birth to will carry her deceased husband’s name, so his name won’t be blotted out of Israel.
7 ‘Now, if the man isn’t willing to take his brother’s wife, she should go to the elders at the [city] gate and say, My husband’s brother has refused to keep my husband’s name alive in Israel. 8 Then the city elders should call him and make him stand before them and tell them why he refuses to take her. 9 Then his brother’s wife must come up before the elders and remove one shoe from his foot, then spit in his face and say, This is how they treat the man who won’t build his brother’s house in Israel. 10 And from then on, everyone in Israel must call him, The house of the man who had his shoe removed.
11 And if a man gets into a fight with a brother, and then one of their wives should come and try to stop the other man from beating her husband by grabbing him by the testicles, 12 you must cut her hand off. Don’t allow your eyes [to feel sorry for] her.
13 ‘You must not carry oversized and undersized weights in your bag, 14 nor may you keep oversized and undersized units of measure in your house. 15 You must have accurate weights and units of measure, so you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as your inheritance. 16 For through the ages, everyone who has done such unrighteous things has been disgusting to Jehovah your God.
17 ‘Don’t forget what the Amalechites did to you as you were traveling from the land of Egypt. 18 For, they got in your way and harassed those who were worn out at your rear, leaving you hungry and tired, and they didn’t fear God. 19 And so, when Jehovah your God finally provides you rest from your enemies in the land that He’s giving you to inherit, you must wipe the name of the Amalechites out from under the sky… don’t forget!
Chapter 26
1 ‘Once you’ve entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as your inheritance, and you each have received your own inheritance and started living there, 2 you must collect the first fruitage [from the harvest] in the land He’s giving you, and put it into a basket. Then carry it to the place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called. 3 And when you get to the Priest (whoever it may be then), you must say to him, I’m testifying today before Jehovah My God that I’ve come to this land, which Jehovah swore to our ancestors that He would give to us.
4 ‘Then the Priest must take the basket from your hands and set it before the Altar of your God Jehovah, 5 and he must answer you and say before Jehovah, A small group of my ancestors (who came from Syria) went down to Egypt and stayed there, where they grew into a large number and a mighty nation. 6 But the Egyptians made life difficult for us, humiliated us, and put us to work at hard labor. 7 Then we called out to Jehovah our God and He heard us. And when He saw our humiliation, our hardships, and how hard we were working, 8 He brought us out of Egypt with His great strength, strong hand, and mighty arm, with great miracles, signs, and wonders. 9 Then He brought us into this place and gave us this land… a land flowing with milk and honey! 10 And now {Look!} I’m bringing the first fruits of the land that You gave us, O Lord, from the land that flows with milk and honey.
‘Then leave [the basket there] before Jehovah your God and bow low before Him, 11 as you rejoice over all the good things that Jehovah your God has given to you, your family, and the Levites and strangers that live among you.
12 ‘And in the third year, after you’ve brought all the tithes of your harvest, you must bring a second tithe for the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, and they may eat it and enjoy themselves in your cities.
13 ‘Then you must come before Jehovah your God and say, I’ve collected a full measure of the holy things from my home and given them to the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, just as You commanded. I didn’t sin against Your Commandments and I didn’t forget them, 14 nor did I eat any of it during a difficult time, or use it for an unclean purpose, or offer it to the dead. I’ve listened to the voice of our God Jehovah, and I’ve done just as You commanded me. 15 Now, look down from your Holy House in heaven and bless Your people Israel and the land flowing with milk and honey that You swore to our ancestors that You would give us.
16 ‘On this day, Jehovah your God is instructing you to keep all of His rules and decisions… and you must obey them and follow them with your whole heart and soul! 17 For, today you’ve chosen Him to be your God, and [you’ve agreed] to walk in all His ways, follow His rules and decisions, and listen to His voice. 18 And today, Jehovah has chosen you to be His people exclusively – as He promised in His Commandments – 19 to be above all other nations. He has made you famous, glorious, and something to brag about… a holy people to Jehovah your God, just as He promised.’
Chapter 27
1 Then Moses addressed the elders of Israel and said, ‘Keep all these Commandments that I’m giving you today. 2 And after you’ve crossed the Jordan and entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving you, you must erect [two] huge stone [monuments] and cover them with plaster. 3 Then write all the words of this Law on them as soon as you’ve crossed the Jordan into the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving you… the land that’s flowing with milk and honey, which Jehovah the God of your ancestors promised to you.
4 ‘After you’ve crossed the Jordan, erect these stones with the Commandments that I’m giving you today upon Mount Ebal, then coat them with plaster. 5 Also, build an altar there to Jehovah your God from rocks that haven’t been cut with an iron tool. 6 Use whole stones and build an altar to Jehovah your God, then place whole burnt offerings to Jehovah your God upon it… 7 you must sacrifice peace offerings, which you must eat until you’re full, and rejoice before Jehovah your God.
8 ‘Make sure that the Law is clearly inscribed on the [monuments].’
9 Then Moses addressed the Levite Priests of Israel and said, ‘Be quiet and listen, O Israel, because today you’re becoming the people of your God Jehovah. 10 So, listen to His voice and obey all His Commandments and rules… all those that I’m [giving] you today.’
11 And on that same day, Moses addressed the people and said, 12 ‘After you’ve crossed the Jordan, these [tribes] must assemble on Mount GiriZim [to pronounce the blessings]: Levi, Judah, IsSachar, and those of Joseph and BenJamin. 13 And these [tribes] must assemble on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, ZebuLon, Dan, and NaphTali. 14 And from there the Levites must shout to all Israel:
15 Any man who carves an idol or any other disgusting thing, or has one that has been manufactured, and puts it in a secret place, is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
16 Any man who shows disrespect to his father or mother is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
17 Any man who removes his neighbor’s property markers is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
18 Any man who misleads a blind person is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
19 Any man who is unfair to a stranger, orphan, or widow is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
20 Any man who uncovers his father’s [naked body] by having sex with his father’s wife is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
21 Any man who has sex with an animal is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
22 Any man who has sex with [his sister] is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
23 Any man who has sex with his daughter-in-law is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
Any man who has sex with his wife’s sister is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
24 Any man who secretly [murders] his neighbor is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
25 Any man who is paid to kill an innocent man is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.
26 Any man who doesn’t observe and obey all the words of this Law is cursed! And all the people must answer and say, May it be.’
Chapter 28
1 ‘Now, if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and follow and obey all these Commandments that I’m giving you today, Jehovah your God will lift you higher than all the other nations of the earth, 2 and these blessings will search for you and find you. For if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah:
· 3 Your fields and your cities will be blest.
· 4 The offspring that comes from your body, the fruit of your land, your herds of oxen, and your flocks of sheep will be blest.
· 5 Your barns and your storage bins will be blest.
· 6 You will be blest when you leave and blest when you return.
· 7 Jehovah will give your enemies [into your hands], and those who oppose you will fall before you. And if they come against you from one direction, they’ll run from you in seven directions.
· 8 Jehovah will put His blessings on your barns and on everything that you do in the land that He’s giving you.
· 9 Jehovah will raise you as a holy people to Himself, just as He promised your ancestors that He would do if you would listen to His voice and walk in all of His ways. 10 Then all the nations of the earth will see that you are called by the Name Jehovah, and they will stand in awe of you.
· 11 Jehovah your God will bring [many children] from your bodies, many young from your cattle, and much fruit from your land… the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to you.
· 12 Jehovah will open His treasures in the skies and bring rain to your land in [the proper] seasons, and He’ll bless everything that you do.
· You will lend to many nations and not borrow, and you’ll rule over many nations and not be ruled. 13 For Jehovah your God will make you the head not the tail, and He’ll put you on top. You’ll never be on the bottom if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah, and if you obey all the things that I’m telling you today.
· 14 You must not swerve to the right or to the left from any of the Commandments that I’m giving you today, or follow and serve other gods.
15 ‘However, if you don’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and obey all His Commandments that I’m giving you today, these curses will come and catch up with you:
· 16 You will be cursed in your cities and in your fields.
· 17 Your barns and your storage sheds will be cursed.
· 18 [The children] who come from your bodies, the fruit from your land, your herds of oxen, and your flocks of sheep will be cursed.
· 19 You will be cursed when you leave and when you return.
· 20 Jehovah will send shortages and famines [among you], and everything you do will be consumed until He has totally destroyed you. If you leave Him and start doing evil things, you will be quickly exterminated.
· 21 Jehovah will bring plagues among you until you’ve all been wiped from the land that you’re going to inherit.
· 22 Jehovah will strike you with dysentery, fever, chills, inflammations, sores, and paleness… they will chase you down and destroy you.
· 23 He will turn the sky above you into brass and the ground beneath you into iron.
· 24 Jehovah your God will turn the rain that falls from the skies into dust, until it destroys you and quickly consumes you.
· 25 Jehovah will hand you over to your enemies and they will slaughter you. You will attack them from one direction, but you’ll run from them in seven other directions; then you’ll be scattered throughout all the kingdoms of the earth.
· 26 Your dead will become food for the flying creatures in the sky and the animals on the ground, and nothing will scare them away.
· 27 Jehovah will strike your bottoms with the sores of Egypt, and the scabs will itch and never heal.
· 28 Jehovah will strike you with mental illnesses, blindness, and anxiety, 29 so you’ll grope around in the daytime like the blind grope around in their darkness.
· Nothing you do will prosper; you’ll be treated unfairly and you’ll be looted continuously, then no one will come to your aid.
· 30 You’ll take wives for yourselves, but other men will have them.
· You’ll build houses and not live in them.
· You’ll plant vineyards and not gather their grapes.
· 31 Your calves will be butchered before you, but you won’t eat any of the [meat].
· Your burros will be taken from you and never be returned.
· Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and no one will get them back for you.
· 32 Your sons and daughters will be given to other nations; then you’ll search for them as your eyes are wasting away and your hands are growing feeble.
· 33 A nation that you’re unfamiliar with will eat the produce of your land, and all your hard work will be crushed and done away with… 34 you will be amazed by the things that you’ll see!
· 35 Jehovah will strike you with bad sores on you knees and legs that won’t heal… from the soles of your feet to the tops of your heads.
· 36 Jehovah will drive you and the leaders who you’ll set over yourselves away, and you’ll be sent to a nation that neither you nor your ancestors have ever known. And there you’ll serve gods made of wood and stone; 37 and there [the all things that happened to you] will be used as amazing examples and illustrations among all the nations where Jehovah your God will send you.
· 38 You’ll plant many seeds in your fields but harvest little, because the locust will eat it.
· 39 You’ll plant vineyards and cultivate them, but you won’t drink the wine or enjoy any of it for yourselves, because worms will eat them.
· 40 You’ll plant olive trees all around your land, but you won’t have any oil to anoint yourselves, because your trees will drop their fruit.
· 41 Sons and daughters will be born to you but they’ll never be yours, because they’ll be carried away as captives.
· 42 All the trees and produce of your land will be consumed by blight.
· 43 The strangers who live among you will be lifted high, while you will be dragged down; 44 then they will lend to you and you won’t be able to lend to them, for they’ll be the heads and you’ll be the tails.
45 ‘All of these curses will come upon you and chase you down until they’ve consumed and destroyed you if you don’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep the Commandments and rules that He has given you. 46 They will serve as signs and wonders among you and among your seed through the ages, 47 if you fail to serve Jehovah your God happily and with a [cheerful] heart, because of all the many [good] things that you will have received.
48 ‘Then you must serve the enemies that Jehovah will send against you. You’ll be hungry, thirsty, naked, in need of everything, and you’ll have to wear an iron yoke on your necks until they’ve destroyed you.
49 ‘Jehovah will bring a nation against you from the ends of the earth; they will come like a fast-flying eagle, and you won’t understand their language. 50 They’ll be a fearsome people who won’t respect old people or pity the young. 51 They’ll eat the young of your cattle and the fruit of your land, and they won’t leave any grain, wine, oil, herds of oxen, or flocks of sheep for you, until they’ve destroyed you 52 and totally crushed your cities. For, even your highest and strongest walls will be destroyed, and all your land and all the cities that He has given to you [will be theirs].
53 ‘Then you will eat the fruit of your bodies… the flesh of all the sons and daughters that He has given you. For your enemy will bring a great time of stress and difficulty upon you. 54 Then, even those who are kind and gentle among you will look at their brothers, their loved wives, and any children that may be left, in an evil way, 55 and they won’t offer them any of the flesh of their children to eat, for they would have nothing left for themselves. That’s how your enemies will pressure you and make life difficult for you in all of your cities.
56 ‘And even the tender, gentle women among you – those who have never searched the ground for delicacies – will look at their loved husbands, sons, and daughters in an evil way. 57 For, they will eat the newborn that come from between their legs secretly because of their [hunger]. That’s how your enemies will make life difficult for you in your cities.
58 ‘So, if you won’t listen to and obey all the words of the Law that have been written in this scroll and fear the glorious and wonderful Name of your God Jehovah, 59 He will bring these horrible plagues and unending illnesses upon you and your seed. 60 He will bring all the pain of Egypt that you were so afraid of, and make it stick to you. 61 And Jehovah will even bring sicknesses and plagues that haven’t been written about in the scroll of this Law, until He has destroyed you. 62 Then, although you were once as many as the stars of the sky, there won’t be many left, because you didn’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah.
63 ‘And as Jehovah once rejoiced over you, did good things for you, and made you grow, He will then rejoice over destroying you and in quickly removing you from the land you’re going to inherit. 64 Then Jehovah your God will scatter you among all the nations – from one end of the earth to the other – and you must serve other gods there, which are made of wood and stone, and that neither you nor your ancestors have ever heard of.
65 ‘In addition, [in the places where you will be] among those nations, He won’t give you a quiet [place to live], nor will the soles of your feet have any rest. For there Jehovah will give you weak hearts, failing eyes, and wasted lives. 66 You won’t know [what each day will bring], and you’ll be afraid both night and day, for nothing in your lives will be sure. 67 In the morning you’ll say, I wish it were evening! And in the evening you’ll say, I wish it were morning! Because, you’ll have fear in your hearts and you’ll be afraid of the things you can see. 68 Then Jehovah will take you back to Egypt in ships – back to the place that He said you should never see again – where you’ll be offered for sale to your enemies as slaves… but nobody will [want to] buy you!’
Chapter 29
1 These are the words of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, which were added to the Sacred Agreement that He made with them at the dry place (Horeb).
2 Moses called all the sons of Israel and said to them: ‘You have seen all the things that Jehovah did to Pharaoh, his servants, and to his entire land of Egypt. 3 Yes, you’ve seen the great signs and wonders with your eyes. 4 Yet down to this day, Jehovah God hasn’t given you the heart to understand, the eyes to see, or the ears to hear. 5 Still, He led you through the desert for forty years and your clothes didn’t wear out, nor did your sandals wear off your feet. 6 And you didn’t eat bread, or drink wine or liquor, so you would know that He is Jehovah your God.
7 ‘Then, when we got to this place, Seon (the king of Hesh-Eboneh) and Og (the king of Bashan) came to meet us in war, 8 and we cut them down and took their lands, which I gave to Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of ManasSeh, as their inheritance. 9 So now, pay attention to all the words of this Sacred Agreement and understand all the things that you must do.
10 ‘Here you stand before Jehovah your God today… the heads of your tribes, your elders, your judges, your officers – every man of Israel – 11 as well as your wives, children, and the converts who live in your camp (from the wood cutters to those who draw the water). 12 And now you’re going to enter the Sacred Agreement of your God Jehovah and swear as many oaths as Jehovah your God asks of you today, 13 so He may appoint you to be His people and He will be your God, as He told you, and as He swore to your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
14 ‘Now, this Sacred Agreement and these oaths aren’t just for you. 15 They apply to everyone who is here before Jehovah your God today, and to anyone who isn’t here with you today. 16 For, you know how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we came through the midst of [several] nations, 17 and you saw their disgusting things and their idols of wood, stone, silver, and gold there. 18 So, if the heart of any man, woman, family, or tribe isn’t with Jehovah your God, then go and serve the gods of these nations, so there may be no root that is filled with gall and bitterness among you.
19 ‘And if there’s anyone who listens to these words and their curses, and who then chooses to flatter himself by saying in his heart, Good things will happen to me even if I keep on walking in the error of my heart, [he should leave]; or else those who are free from guilt may be destroyed along with the sinners; 20 for God won’t pardon him. Rather, Jehovah’s rage and zeal will blaze against that man and all the curses of this Sacred Agreement that are written in this scroll will come upon him, and Jehovah will blot his name out from under the sky.
21 ‘Jehovah will also hold the children of Israel responsible for all their evil [and bring] all the curses of the Sacred Agreement that are written in this book of Law upon them. 22 Then future generations – your descendants who come after you and strangers who come from far away lands – will see the plagues on your land and the diseases that Jehovah has sent here. 23 For, there will be brimstone and burning salt, and the entire land won’t be able to be cultivated, nor will anything green grow there. It will become like [the cities of] Sodom, GomorRah, Adama, and SeboIm, which Jehovah destroyed in His rage and anger.
24 ‘Then all the nations will ask, Why has Jehovah done this to His land? What made Him so fierce and angry? 25 And others will answer, It’s because they broke the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, the God of their ancestors. For, this is what He warned their ancestors He would do to them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. 26 But they went and served other gods, and He didn’t approve. 27 So, Jehovah became very angry at that land and brought all the curses that are written in the scroll of this Law upon it. 28 Then in His rage, anger, and indignation, He removed them from their land and threw them into other lands, as is now true.
29 ‘The things that are done in secret [are known by Jehovah] our God, and He reveals them. So, the responsibility of we and our children is to obey all the words of this Law through the ages.’
Chapter 30
1 ‘And when all these things happen to you, you must recall to mind the blessings and the curses that I’ve set before you today, wherever [you may be] among all the nations where Jehovah will have scattered you. 2 Then you must return to Jehovah your God and listen to His voice, and [obey] everything that I’m telling you today with all your hearts and souls, 3 and Jehovah will heal you from your sins, have pity on you, and gather you back from all the nations where He scattered you.
4 ‘It won’t matter whether you’re dispersed from one end of the sky to the other; Jehovah will gather you from there and take you 5 back to the land that your ancestors inherited, and you will inherit it again. Then He will do good things for you and cause you to grow greater than your ancestors. 6 And Jehovah will purge your hearts and the hearts of your seed, and you must all love Jehovah your God with your whole hearts and souls, so you may live.
7 ‘Then Jehovah your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hated and persecuted you, 8 if you’ll return and listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep all His Commands that I’m telling you today. 9 Then Jehovah your God will bless everything you do, the offspring of your bodies and of your cattle, and the crops in your fields. And Jehovah your God will be happy over you once again… but [this time] in a good way, as He was happy with your ancestors. 10 [This will all happen] if you’ll just listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep His Commandments, rules, and decisions that are written in the scroll of this Law, and if you’ll return to Jehovah your God with all your hearts and souls.
11 ‘For, these Commandments that I’m giving you today aren’t a burden, nor are they far away from you. 12 They aren’t in the sky above, so you’d have to say, Who will go up into the sky and take them for us, so we can hear them and obey them? 13 Nor are they beyond the Sea, so you’d have to say, Who will cross the Sea and take them for us so we can hear them and obey them? 14 These words are near to you… in your mouths, in your hearts, and in your hands!
15 ‘Look, I’m setting life and death, good and evil, before you today. 16 If you’ll listen to the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving you today – to love Jehovah your God, to walk in His ways, and to follow all His rules and decisions – then you’ll live and grow in numbers, and Jehovah your God will bless you throughout the land where you’re going and which you’ll inherit. 17 But if you have a change of heart and choose not to listen, and then go to worship and serve other gods… 18 I’m warning you today that you’ll be destroyed and you won’t live long on the land that you’re crossing the Jordan to inherit!
19 ‘I call the land and the sky as witnesses against you today, that I’ve set life and death, the blessings and the curses, before you. So, choose life so that you and your seed may live! 20 Love Jehovah your God! Listen to His voice and stick to Him, for He’s your life, and [He’s] the length of the number of days that you will live in the land which Jehovah promised to your ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) that He would give to you.’
Chapter 31
1 Well, after Moses finished telling the children of Israel all these things, 2 he said, ‘I’m a hundred and twenty years old today, and I won’t be able to [represent] you anymore, for Jehovah has told me that I may not cross the Jordan. 3 So, Jehovah your God will walk before you. He will destroy the nations before you and you will inherit them. And Jehovah has said that JoShua will now lead you.
4 ‘Then Jehovah your God will do the same things to them that He did to Seon and Og, the two Amorite kings, and to their land on [this side] of the Jordan, when He destroyed them. 5 For, Jehovah has given them to you, and you must do what I’ve told you to do, to them. 6 So, be courageous and strong! Don’t be afraid or act like cowards, and don’t let them scare you, for Jehovah your God is marching with you and among you, and He won’t forsake you or leave you.’
7 Then Moses called JoShua and said to Him before all Israel, ‘Be courageous and strong, for you must walk ahead of these people into the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give them, and then you must give it to them as their inheritance. 8 Jehovah will be going with you, and He won’t forsake you or abandon you; so don’t be afraid or have any fear.’
9 Then Moses wrote the words of this Law in a scroll and gave it to the Priests (those sons of Levi who bear the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement), and to the elders of the sons of Israel. 10 And then Moses told them this: ‘After seven years, during the Year of Release and on the Feast of Temporary Structures, 11 when all Israel assembles before Jehovah your God in the place that Jehovah will choose, you must read this Law where all Israel can hear it. 12 The whole assembly – the men, the women, the children, and any converts who are living in your cities – must all hear it, so that they may learn to fear Jehovah your God, and to obey all the words of this Law. 13 Even the sons who haven’t [been born yet] must hear it and learn to fear Jehovah your God for as long as they live in the land that you’re crossing the Jordan to inherit.’
14 Then Jehovah said to Moses: ‘Look; The day of your death has arrived! Call JoShua and go stand at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs and I will speak to him.’
So, Moses and JoShua went to the Tent of Proofs and stood at the entrance. 15 Then Jehovah descended in a cloud and stood next to the entrance in a column of clouds. 16 And Jehovah said to Moses, ‘{Look!} [It’s time] for you to sleep with your ancestors. But, from among these people [some] will arise who will commit adultery with the strange gods of the land they’re entering. They will leave Me and break the Sacred Agreement that I made with them. 17 And when that happens, I will be very angry with them and I’ll leave them… I’ll turn My face away from them and they will be devoured. But after many bad things and plagues have come upon them, they will [finally] say, These bad things have happened to us because Jehovah our God isn’t with us. 18 But I’ll just look away, because of all the wicked and evil things they’ve done, and because they’ve turned to other gods.
19 ‘Now, write the words of this song and teach it to the children of Israel… have them learn to sing it, so this song may testify about Me to the faces of the children of Israel. 20 For, I’m bringing them into the good land that I swore to their ancestors that I’d give them… a land flowing with milk and honey. But after they’ve eaten and are full and satisfied, they will turn and follow other gods and serve them… they will break My Sacred Agreement and anger Me. 21 And it’s this song that will stand up to witness against them, because they won’t forget it, nor will their seed ever forget it. For, I’ve known how wicked they are and of the wicked things they’ll do long before I brought them to this good land that I promised to their ancestors.’
22 So, Moses wrote the song that day to teach it to the children of Israel. 23 Then he spoke to JoShua and said, ‘Be courageous and strong, because you’re now going to lead the sons of Israel into the land that Jehovah promised them, and He’ll be with you.’
24 It was then that Moses finished writing all the words of this Law… all the way to the end. 25 Then he gave these instructions to the Levites who bear the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, saying 26 ‘Take this scroll of the Law and put it inside the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of your God Jehovah, so it will [always] be there among you as proof.
27 ‘Oh, I know how irritating and rebellious you can be, for throughout my life with you – down to this day – you’ve been provoking God by the way you act. So, how do you expect to be any different after my death?
28 ‘Now, gather all the heads of your tribes, as well as your elders, judges, and officers, so I may speak all these words in their ears, as I call the land and the sky as witnesses against them. 29 For, I know that after my death you’ll become very sinful and turn from the ways that I’ve commanded you. Then bad things will eventually happen to you because of making Jehovah God angry by all the evil things that you’ll do.’
Then Moses spoke the words of this song, [and taught it] to the whole gathering:
Chapter 32
1 ‘Listen O heaven and I’ll speak:
May the land hear the words from my mouth.
2 May the things that I say be looked for like rain;
May my words fall like the dew…
Like a shower on the plants and snow on the grass.
3 ‘For, I’ve called on the Name of the Lord,
And I’ve told of the greatness of our God.
4 His works are true and all His ways just.
Yes God is faithful… He isn’t unrighteous,
For Jehovah is holy and just.
5 ‘Against Him they have all sinned,
For they are children with spots;
A pushy and perverted generation.
6 Is this how you pay back Jehovah?
‘Are these people all foolish and stupid?
Didn’t He become your own Father,
Didn’t He purchase you back?
Didn’t He form you and make you?
7 ‘Remember the days of long ago;
Think of the years of past ages;
Ask your fathers and they will remind you,
And your elders and they’ll tell you.
8 ‘When the Most High divided the nations;
When the sons of Adam He moved apart,
He set the borders of the nations,
By the numbers of the messengers of God.
9 ‘His people (Jacob) was the portion of Jehovah;
Israel was His own inheritance.
10 He kept them alive on dry land;
And in the desert [He sated] their thirst.
‘He led them around and He taught them,
And kept them as the apple of His eye.
11 ‘He takes them to Himself as an eagle,
Who keeps watch on his brood and yearns for his young.
He spreads his wings and carries them on his back.
12 ‘It was Jehovah alone who led them,
When no other gods did they have.
13 He raised them on the strength of the land;
He fed them with the fruitage of the fields.
So, out of rocks they sucked honey,
And [they sucked] oil out of boulders.
14 ‘With the butter of cows and the milk of the sheep;
With the fat of lambs, and rams, calves, and kids;
With the fat of kidneys and wheat,
They drank their wine…the blood of the grape.
15 So, Jacob ate and was filled.
‘Then this loved one kicked and grew fat;
He became both thick and broad.
Then he turned from the God who had made him,
And he left the God who had saved him.
16 ‘They made Me enraged with strange gods;
And with disgusting things made Me mad.
17 They sacrificed to demons that they didn’t know,
And not to the God [of all] gods.
‘They turned to things fresh and new;
[Things] their ancestors never knew.
18 You’ve left the God who gave you birth;
You’ve forgotten the God who feeds you.
19 ‘When Jehovah saw this He was zealous;
He was enraged by His sons and His daughters.
20 And said, From them I’ll turn My face;
I’ll show what will happen in the last days.
For they’re a perverted generation;
They are sons with no faith.
21 ‘They’ve angered Me and made Me jealous,
With gods that simply are not.
They’ve irritated Me with their idols.
So I’ll make them angry and jealous,
Over those who are not [yet] a nation…
I’ll enrage them with a nation that doesn’t understand.
22 ‘For a fire has been started by My rage,
Which will burn to the grave down below.
It’ll devour all the land and its fruitage,
And will burn to the bottom of the mountains.
23 ‘I will gather evil things upon them…
With all My weapons I’ll fight against them.
24 They’ll be consumed with hunger and eaten by birds…
Their destruction will never be repaired.
I’ll send against them the teeth of wild beasts…
The rage of those that crawl on the ground.
25 ‘Their children will be taken without swords,
And in their bedrooms there’ll be terror.
Young men will be destroyed with the virgins,
Along with the newborn and those who’ve grown old.
26 For I said: Them I will scatter;
I’ll cause their memory to be erased among men.
27 ‘Were it not for their enemies’ rage,
They would have lived a long time.
But their enemies have combined to attack them.
And yet, may their enemies not say,
It was by my own mighty arm.
For, Jehovah has done all these things.
28 ‘It’s a nation that has lost its direction,
And there’s no understanding among them.
29 They have no sense, so they don’t understand.
Let them hold to these things, for the time will [soon] come.
30 ‘O how can one man chase a thousand,
Or two men route tens of thousands,
If it weren’t God who had sold them,
And if Jehovah hadn’t handed them over?
31 ‘Yet, their gods aren’t like our God,
And our enemies don’t understand.
32 For, theirs is the vine of Sodom,
And the branch of their vine is GomorRah.
‘All their grapes are like gall,
And all their clusters are bitter.
33 Their wine is the anger of snakes,
And the deadly rage of the asps.
34 {‘Look!} Aren’t these the things that I stored?
Aren’t they sealed with My treasures?
35 I will repay in the day of My vengeance,
When their feet stumble in that day,
And their destruction is very near,
And all My decisions have reached them.
36 ‘For, Jehovah will judge all His people;
He’ll take comfort [in the fall of] His servants.
For, He saw they were weak and had failed,
So, in a hostile invasion they’ll become feeble.
37 ‘Then Jehovah asked: Where are those gods that they trusted?
38 Where’s the sacrificial fat that you ate,
And the wine of your offerings that you drank?
Let them arise and now help you…
Let them become your protectors!
39 ‘Look! I AM… there are no gods other than Me!
I kill and I can make it alive;
I can strike it down and then heal it.
For, none can take it out of My hands!
40 ‘I’ll lift My hand to heaven and I’ll swear;
Yes, by My right hand I will say:
I live through the ages!
41 ‘Then I will take hold of My sword,
And make it sharp as lightning in My hand.
To justice I’ll grab hold and judge My enemies…
I’ll repay all of those who hate Me.
42 ‘On blood I’ll make My weapons drunk,
And My sword will devour much flesh…
With the blood of the wounded and captured,
And the heads of the enemies that ruled them.
43 ‘Rejoice with Him, O you heavens,
And may all God’s messengers bow low before Him.
Rejoice with His people, you nations,
And may all sons of God in Him become strong.
‘For, He will avenge the blood of His sons,
And bring vengeance and justice on His enemies.
He’ll bring their reward to all those who hate Him,
When He purges His people from the land.’
44 This is the song that Moses wrote that day, and then he taught it to the children of Israel.
And thereafter, Moses and JoShua (the son of NaWeh) [stood up] and [read] all the words of this Law where the people could hear it. 45 And when they finished, 46 [Moses] added, ‘Pay attention with your whole hearts to these words that I [read] to you today, and command your sons to follow and obey all the words of this Law. 47 These must not be just words to you… they’re your life! For, these words will allow you to live a long time in the land that you’re crossing the Jordan to inherit.’
48 Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, 49 ‘Now, go to the Abarim Mountains and climb Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab near Jericho, and look at the land of CanaAn that I’m giving to the sons of Israel. 50 Then you will die on that mountain and be added to your people, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Or and was added to his people. 51 This is because you disobeyed [Me before] the children of Israel at the Water of Rebellion, at Kadesh in the Sin desert, when you failed to [speak of] Me in a holy way among the sons of Israel. 52 However, [I want you to] see the land before you, which you won’t be able to enter.’
Chapter 33
1 Then Moses, the man of God, gave this blessing to the children of Israel before he died. 2 He said:
‘Jehovah came from Mount Sinai;
He appeared to us at Mount Seir;
He quickly moved to Mount Pharan,
With ten thousand Holy Ones at His right hand,
And [all] His messengers were with him.
3 ‘He has spared His people;
His holy ones are in His hands.
From below they got His words…
4 The Law that Moses gave as an inheritance,
To the assembly of Jacob.
5 ‘For, He is the [most] beloved leader,
Among the leaders of the people,
Who are gathered among Israel’s tribes.
6 ‘May Reuben live and never die out,
And may he grow into a crowd.’
7 And this is the blessing of Judah:
‘O Jehovah; listen to the voice of Judah,
And pay attention to [all of] his people.
Although he will fight with his hands,
With his enemies, You give him help.’
8 And for Levi he said:
‘Give Levi the signs and the truth,
Of a man who is holy.
For, they tested him in the Temptation,
And they spoke against him at the Water of Rebellion.
9 ‘It is he who must tell his father and mother,
[Sorry], I can’t [come and] see you.
He knows not his brothers, and won’t know his sons.
He has kept Your words and Your Sacred Agreement.
10 ‘[Levi] will proclaim your rules among Jacob,
And all your Laws among Israel.
They’ll always burn incense on Your Altar
Even in the time of Your rage.
11 ‘O Jehovah; Please bless his strength,
And accept the things that he offers.
Break all the enemies that come against him,
And don’t allow those who hate him to stand.’
12 And to BenJamin he said:
‘Jehovah’s loved one will live in safety.
For, God’s shadow will always be with him,
And between [God’s] shoulders he will rest.’
13 And to Joseph he said:
‘His land is the blessing of Jehovah…
Of seasons, sky, dew, and deep wells…
14 Of the fruitage of the changes in the sun and the seasons,
And the produce of [each of] the months.
15 ‘[It runs] from the tops of ancient mountains,
To the tops of the hills of the ages,
16 And [it produces] full crops in their seasons.
‘May the things that please him come on his head;
On the crown of he who was glorified
Above all of His brothers.
17 His beauty is like a first-born bull,
But his horns are like a rhinoceros.
‘He’ll use them to thrust out at nations,
To the ends of the earth.
For, his are the ten thousands of EphraIm,
And the thousands of ManasSeh.’
18 And to ZebuLon he said:
‘Rejoice ZebuLon, and you too,
Those in the tents of IsSachar.
For, you will go 19 and destroy many nations.
‘You will call and gather many men,
And offer righteous sacrifices there.
For, you’ll be provided by the wealth of the Sea,
And the stores of those who live by the sea.’
20 And to Gad he said:
‘Praise Him who’s given more to Gad.
For, he will rest like a lion,
That has crushed many arms and [conquered many] rulers.
21 ‘He’ll see that his is the first fruitage of the land,
Where leaders will gather with the chiefs of the people.
For, [he does what Jehovah proclaims to be] righteous,
And to Israel he will bring justice.’
22 And to Dan he said:
‘Dan is the cub of a lion,
And he will leap out of Bashan.’
23 And to NaphTali he said:
‘NaphTali is filled with many good things,
So may he be filled with blessings from God.
He will inherit the west and the south.’
24 And to Asher he said:
‘Asher is blest with many children,
And he’ll be approved by his brothers.
With oil he’ll wash his feet,
25 And his sandals will be like iron and brass.
‘He’ll be strong for as long as he lives,
26 For, his helper is none other than the God that he loves;
He who rides through the heavens…
The Magnificent One of the cosmos.
27 ‘[And as long as you stay under] God’s rule,
He will [be there to] protect you.
He’ll drive your enemies away,
With the strength of His arms.
He’ll drive them away through the ages,
Saying to them, Be destroyed.’
28 ‘So, Israel will live by themselves,
In safety within Jacob’s land,
With grain, and wine, and the clouds in the sky,
And with plenty of dew.
29 ‘You’re blest, O Israel, for who else is like you…
You who’ve been saved by Jehovah your helper.
‘He’ll hold His shield over you,
And you will boast of His sword.
Then you will walk on the necks,
Of the enemies who dared to lie before you.’
Chapter 34
1 Finally, Moses went from ArabOth in Moab, to the Nabau Mountains, and climbed to the top of Mount Pisgah (near Jericho). And there Jehovah showed him Mount Gilead [in the land] of Dan, the land of NaphTali, 2 the lands of EphraIm and ManasSeh, and the land of Judah, all the way to the Sea; 3 as well as the desert, the country around Jericho, and the land between the City of Palm Trees and Segor. 4 Then Jehovah said to Moses, ‘This is the land that I swore that I would give to the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And now that you’ve seen it, you may not go there.’
5 Then Moses, the servant of Jehovah, died there in the land of Moab, as Jehovah said. 6 They buried him in Gai, near the house of Phogor; but no one has seen his tomb to this day.
7 When he died, Moses was a hundred and twenty years old, yet his eyes were still sharp and he still had all his natural functions.
8 Thereafter, the children of Israel cried for Moses (in ArabOth of Moab, at the Jordan near Jericho) for thirty days, for that’s the [maximum traditional] period of mourning.
9 Then JoShua (the son of NaWeh) became filled with the spirit of knowledge, for Moses had laid his hands upon him. So, the children of Israel listened to him as they did when Jehovah was commanding Moses. 10 But there was never again a Prophet in Israel like Moses, who Jehovah knew face to face; 11 who Jehovah sent to perform all the signs and wonders to Egypt – to Pharaoh, his servants, and his entire land – 12 and who displayed before all Israel the other great wonders and the powers that he had.
Joshua
Chapter 1
1 After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Moses’ servant JoShua (the son of NaWeh) and said, 2 ‘My servant Moses is dead, so now I want you and all these people to get up and cross the Jordan [River] into the land that I’m giving them. 3 For I’m giving you every place that you step as yours, just as I told Moses, 4 from the desert and the borders of Lebanon, to the great River Euphrates, and to the Sea… your borders will run to the sunset.
5 ‘No man will stand against you during all the days of your life; and as I was with Moses, that’s how I’ll be with you… I won’t fail you or leave you. 6 So be strong and act like a man, for you must divide the land that I swore to give to your ancestors, among these people. 7 Be strong, behave like a man, pay attention, and obey, just as My servant Moses told you… and don’t deviate to the right or to the left, so you may prove wise in everything you do.
8 ‘And don’t allow the Law that is written on the scroll to leave your mouth… you must think about it day and night, so you’ll know how to do everything that’s written in it. Then you’ll be blessed, you’ll succeed, and you’ll be wise. 9 Look; I’m commanding you to be strong and courageous! Don’t be a coward or fearful, for Jehovah your God will be with you no matter where you may go.’
10 Then JoShua gave this commandment to the people’s scribes: 11 ‘Go throughout the camp and tell the people to prepare their provisions; for in three days we will cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving you.’
12 Then to [the tribes of] Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh, JoShua said: 13 ‘Remember what Moses, the servant of Jehovah, told you. He said, Jehovah your God has allowed you to rest by giving you this land. 14 So now; settle your wives, children, and cattle here in the land that He has given you, then all who are strong and willing to fight must arm themselves to cross [the Jordan] before their brothers. 15 [You must do this] until Jehovah your God has allowed your brothers to rest as He has [allowed] you [to rest], when they have inherited the land that Jehovah your God is giving them. Then you may each return to the inheritance that Moses gave you east of the Jordan.
16 And they answered JoShua and said, ‘We will do everything that you’ve commanded and we’ll go wherever you may send us. 17 And just as we listened to Moses, we will listen to you… but may Jehovah our God be with you as He was with Moses. 18 And whoever chooses to disobey you, or doesn’t listen to and obey whatever you tell him to do, must die. However, you must be strong and courageous!’
Chapter 2
1 Then JoShua (the son of NaWeh) sent two young men from SatTin as spies in the land, saying, ‘Go there and look at the land… and [specifically] at Jericho.’
So the two young men went and entered Jericho and stayed at the house of a prostitute named RaHab. 2 However, [someone] reported this to the king of Jericho, saying, ‘Men of the sons of Israel have come here as spies!’
3 Then the king of Jericho sent for RaHab and said, ‘Bring out the men who entered your house this evening, for they have come to spy in our land.’
4 But the woman had hidden the two men, and she told [the king’s] messengers, ‘The men came here, 5 but before the [city] gate was closed this evening, they left, and I don’t know where they went; so you’d better chase after them to see if you can catch them’ 6 (however, she had taken them up on the [roof] and hidden them under some hay that she spread [over them] there).
7 So the [king’s] men left and traveled toward the fords in the Jordan, and the [city] gate was closed again.
8 Then, after the men who were chasing them had left, and before the spies had fallen asleep, she went up to them on the roof of her house 9 and said, ‘I know that Jehovah has given you this land, for we’re all afraid [of you]. 10 We’ve heard how your God Jehovah dried up the Red Sea before you when you left the land of Egypt, and of the things He did to the two Amorite kings across the Jordan… to Seon and Og whom you destroyed. 11 And when we heard this, our hearts were stunned and we were barely able to breathe because of you, for Jehovah your God is truly the God of the heavens above and the earth below. 12 So now; Swear to me by Jehovah God, that since I’ve been merciful with you, you’ll be merciful to the house of my father, 13 and that you’ll allow the house of my father – my mother, my brothers, everyone in my home, everything that we own, and me – to be saved from death.’
14 And the men replied, ‘[We will offer] our lives for yours, even to death.’
And she said, ‘When Jehovah gives this city to you, you must be merciful and true to me!’ 15 Then she lowered them down through her window 16 and told them to head toward the hill country and to hide there for three days before returning, for fear that they would run into the men who were chasing them.
17 And the [spies] said, ‘We promise to do what you asked. 18 Look; we’re going to [destroy] the city, so you must give us a sign. Tie this scarlet cord in the window that you let us down from, then bring everyone – your father, mother, brothers, and your father’s entire family – into your house. 19 And if anyone leaves the door of your house, they will be guilty and no part of our promise. But we will be responsible for all those who are found inside your house. 20 However, if anyone harms us or betrays us, the promise is broken.’
21 And she said, ‘May it be as you said.’
Then she sent them away 22 and they headed toward the hill country, where they remained for three days. And although the people who were chasing them searched all the roads, they couldn’t find them.
23 Thereafter, the two young men left the mountains and returned to JoShua (the son of NaWeh), and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 And they said, ‘Jehovah has put the entire land under our power, because everyone who lives there is shaking because of us.’
Chapter 3
1 Well, JoShua got up early the next morning and left SatTin. And when they reached the Jordan, they stayed there [until it was time to] cross. 2 And [for the next] three days, the scribes went through the entire camp 3 telling the people that; when they saw the Levite Priests bearing Jehovah God’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement, they should follow along, 4 but at a distance of as much as three thousand feet… they weren’t to get near it. So they were to understand that things weren’t the same as they had been before.
5 Then JoShua told the people: ‘Make yourselves holy, because tomorrow Jehovah will perform a miracle among you.’
6 And JoShua said to the Priests: ‘Now, pick up Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement and lead the people!’
So the Priests picked it up and walked ahead of the people.
7 Then Jehovah said to JoShua: ‘Today I’m going to start [raising your prestige] before all the children of Israel, so they will know that I’m with you just as I was with Moses. 8 So now, tell the Priests who are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement that as soon as they get to the edge of the water, it will part; and they are to stand there in the middle of the Jordan.’
9 Then JoShua told the children of Israel: ‘Come here and listen to the words of our God Jehovah. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will destroy the CanaAnites, Hittites, Pherezites, Evites, Amorites, Gergesites, and the Jebusites ahead of you. 11 Watch the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of the Lord of the whole earth, as it crosses into the Jordan. 12 Then choose twelve men, one from each of the tribes, 13 and they will [be witnesses] that when the feet of the Priests who are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement stop in the waters of the Jordan, the water will [flow away], and that which is pouring down from above will stop.’
14 So the people packed up their tents to cross over the Jordan, and the Priests carried the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement ahead of them. 15 And when the feet of the Priests who were carrying the Chest entered the Jordan, the water parted (although it was the time of the harvest, and the river was at flood stage). 16 And the waters that flowed down from above stopped in a solid wall all the way to the region of Kiriath JaIrim, while the water that flowed down to the Salt Sea dried up, and there the people stood opposite Jericho. 17 Then the Priests who were carrying the Chest stood there on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, as all the children of Israel passed through on dry land… as they all crossed the Jordan.
Chapter 4
1 Well, after everyone had crossed the Jordan, Jehovah spoke to JoShua and said, 2 ‘Now select one man from each tribe 3 and tell them to go to the middle of the Jordan and choose twelve appropriate rocks, then carry them back to the place where you will camp for the night.’
4 So JoShua selected twelve important men from among the children of Israel, one from each tribe, 5 and told them: ‘Now walk in front of me and in the presence of Jehovah to the middle of the Jordan. Then each of you pick up a rock from there and carry it on your shoulders, one [rock] for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, 6 for these will serve as a sign to future [generations]. So when your sons ask you, What do these rocks mean to us? 7 you can explain to them; The Jordan River dried up in front of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of the Lord of the whole earth as it passed through, and these rocks will serve as reminders of that to the children of Israel through the ages.’
8 And that’s what the children of Israel did… just as Jehovah commanded JoShua, they picked up twelve rocks from the midst of the Jordan (after the children of Israel had finished the crossing) and carried them into their camp and laid them there. 9 Then JoShua placed twelve rocks [on the bottom] of the Jordan itself, at the place where the feet of the Priests who carried the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah stood, and they are still there to this day.
10 Well, the Priests who were carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement kept standing there in the Jordan until JoShua had finished all that Jehovah had commanded him to do, and until everyone had crossed. 11 Then, after all the people had had crossed; they carried Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement and the rocks [to the other side].
12 Also, the sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh led the way for the children of Israel, as Moses had commanded them… 13 forty thousand armed men crossed before Jehovah to war with the city of Jericho.
14 So on that day, Jehovah raised JoShua’s prestige [in the eyes of] all the people of Israel, and they started fearing him as they did Moses.
15 Then Jehovah spoke to JoShua and said: 16 ‘Now tell the Priests who are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement to come up out of the Jordan!’
17 So JoShua told the Priests to come up out of the Jordan; 18 and as soon as the Priests who were carrying the Chest stepped out of the Jordan and set their feet on land, the water quickly returned to its place and overflowed its banks as before.
19 It was on the tenth day of the first month that the children of Israel crossed the Jordan, and they camped at GilGal, east of Jericho. 20 It was there at GilGal that JoShua set up those twelve rocks that they took from the Jordan. 21 And he said, ‘When your sons ask you what these rocks are, 22 tell them that Israel walked on them as they crossed the Jordan on dry land, 23 back when our God Jehovah dried up the Jordan’s waters before them until they had all crossed, the same as He did at the Red Sea when He dried up its water until we had all crossed. 24 [They are here] so that all the nations of the earth might know that Jehovah is powerful and mighty, and so that you will worship Jehovah our God in everything you do.’
Chapter 5
1 And when the kings of the Amorites (on the [west] side of the Jordan) and the kings of Phoenicia heard that Jehovah God had dried up the Jordan River in front of the children of Israel as they crossed it, their hearts dropped, they were terrified, and they were beside themselves because of the children of Israel.
2 It was about this time that Jehovah said to JoShua, ‘Make some knives of sharp stones, then sit down and circumcise the children of Israel again.’
3 So JoShua made some sharp knives of stone and circumcised the children of Israel at the place [which came to] be known as ‘the Hill of Foreskins.’ 4 And by doing this, JoShua cleansed all the children of Israel who were born along the way, and all those who came out of Egypt that were uncircumcised… 5 he circumcised all those who had wandered in the desert of MabDaris for forty-two years. 6 [This didn’t include] most of the fighting men that left the land of Egypt who were uncircumcised, for they had disobeyed the commandments of God, so He decided that they wouldn’t see the land that He swore to give to their ancestors… a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So in their place, He raised their sons, who JoShua circumcised, because those who had been born along the way hadn’t been circumcised. 8 And after they were circumcised, they stayed there in the camp and rested until they were healed.
9 Then Jehovah said to JoShua (the son of NaWeh), ‘On this day I have removed the shame of Egypt from you.’ So He named that place GilGal (the Wheel).
10 It was on the fourteenth day of the month, in the evening, in a field to the west of Jericho on the [west] side of the Jordan, that the children of Israel then celebrated the Passover. 11 There they ate yeast-free new grain from the land, 12 and after they had eaten the grain, the manna stopped coming. So the children of Israel no longer had manna, and they ate the fruitage of the land of the Phoenicians all that year.
13 And when JoShua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. So he went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us, or are you on the side of our enemies?’
14 And he replied, ‘I have come as the general of the army of Jehovah!’
15 Then JoShua fell with his face to the ground and said, ‘Lord, what would you command your servant to do?’
16 And the captain of Jehovah’s army said to JoShua: ‘Take off your shoes, because the place where you are standing is holy!’
Chapter 6
1 Now, Jericho was all closed up and ready for a siege, so nobody could enter or leave. 2 And the Lord said to JoShua: ‘{Look!} I’m giving Jericho to you, along with its king and all its mighty men. 3 So, station your army around the city, 4 and whenever they hear the trumpets blowing, all the people must shout. 5 For it is this shouting that will bring down the walls of the city; then everyone must rush straight into the city.’
6 So JoShua (the son of NaWeh) went to the Priests and said, 7 ‘Give sacred trumpets to seven Priests, and have them blow [the trumpets] loudly as they walk before Jehovah… and they must be followed by the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah.
8 ‘Then tell the people to walk in a circle around the city with the men all armed and ready for war before Jehovah. 9 The army is to walk ahead of the Priests, who must keep blowing the trumpets, and they are to be followed by the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah.’
10 And JoShua told the people, ‘Don’t shout or say a word until [God] Himself tells you it’s time… and then you must shout. 11 For the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of God must first make the circle and then be immediately returned to the camp and left there.’
12 Then the next day, JoShua got up in the morning and the Priests picked up the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah. 13 And the seven Priests who had the seven trumpets walked before Jehovah, followed by the men of war, the rest of the group, and then the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, as the Priests blew the trumpets. 14 The group circled the city closely six times, then they returned to the camp, and they did this for six days.
15 Then on the seventh day, they all arose early and circled the city seven times that day. 16 And on the seventh round, the Priests blew their trumpets, and JoShua told the children of Israel: ‘Now shout, for Jehovah has given you the city! 17 You must dedicate it and everything that is in it to Jehovah of Armies, except for the prostitute RaHab and the things in her house. 18 Stay free from the cursed things there, for fear that you might be tempted to take some and bring a curse upon the camp of the children of Israel, which would cause us [all] to be destroyed! 19 For all the gold, silver, brass, and iron is holy to Jehovah, so it must be carried to the treasury of Jehovah!’
20 So the Priests blew their trumpets, and when the people heard it, they all started shouting together as loudly as they could. Then all the walls around the city fell, and the people rushed into the city. 21 And JoShua dedicated it and everything in it (the men and women, both young and old, as well as the cattle and burros) to destruction by the edge of the sword.
22 Then JoShua said to the two young men who had served as spies, ‘Now go to the house of the woman, and bring her and all that she has out of it.’
23 So the two young men went to her house and brought out the prostitute RaHab, along with her father, mother, brothers, all her relatives, and everything she had, and set her up outside the camp of Israel. 24 Then the city was burned, along with everything in it, except for the gold, silver, brass, and iron, which they carried into the treasury of Jehovah.
25 But JoShua allowed RaHab the prostitute and all the house of her father to live. And she still lives in Israel today, because she hid the spies that JoShua sent to Jericho.
26 And that day, JoShua made everyone swear before Jehovah that any man who rebuilds that city will be cursed… the one who lays its foundation will lose his firstborn, and the one who rebuilds it gates will lose his youngest son. And that’s what Hozan of BethEl did; he laid the foundation [with the body of] AbiRom his firstborn, and set up its gates [with the body of] his youngest surviving son.
27 Well, Jehovah was with JoShua, so His Name became [known] throughout the land.
Chapter 7
1 However, the children of Israel committed a serious sin by taking some of the things that were cursed. It was Achar (the son of Charmi, the son of Zambri and grandson of Zara) of the tribe of Judah who took the cursed things, which made Jehovah very angry with the children of Israel.
2 Thereafter, JoShua sent men as spies to Gai (which is close to BethEl). 3 And when they returned, they told him, ‘We won’t need the whole army; all we will have to send is two or three thousand men to take the city, because not many of our enemy is there.’
4 So they sent about three thousand men, but they had to retreat from the men of Gai, 5 because the [people there] killed thirty-six men as they chased them from their [city] gate… they were destroyed as they were running down the steep hill. This upset the [Israelites] and caused their hearts to become like water.
6 Well, at this, JoShua started ripping his clothes; then he and the elders of Israel threw dust on their heads and fell with their faces to the ground before Jehovah [and lay there] until evening. 7 And JoShua prayed, ‘Lord; Why have You caused Your servant to bring these people across the Jordan, just to allow the Amorites to destroy us? We would have been better off staying on the other side of the Jordan and settling there. 8 So what should I say, now that Israel has [been forced to] to flee from before our enemy? 9 Why, when the CanaAnites and all the other inhabitants of the land hear about this, then they will surround us and destroy us from the land… and what will You do for Your great Name?’
10 And the Lord said to JoShua: ‘Why have you fallen to your face? Get up! 11 The people have sinned and broken the Sacred Agreement that I made with them by stealing things that are cursed and hiding them among their possessions. 12 And as the result, the children of Israel won’t be able to stand before their enemies… they’ll have to run from them, for they’ve become cursed. And I won’t be with you anymore, unless you remove the cursed things from among you!
13 ‘So now, get up and make the people holy. Tell them to make themselves holy, and then say, Jehovah the God of Israel says that you have cursed things among you, and you won’t be able to stand before your enemies until you’ve removed these cursed things. 14 So, all the tribes must gather tomorrow morning, then Jehovah will indicate to us, which tribe, which family line, which household, and which man [is guilty]. 15 And whoever He points to will be burned with fire for breaking the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and making all Israel [appear] wicked.’
16 So JoShua got up early [the next morning] and assembled the people by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was indicated. 17 Then all their families [were set aside], and the family of the Zaraites was indicated. 18 Then all their men were set aside, and Achar (the son of Zambri and grandson of Zara) was indicated.
19 So JoShua said to Achar, ‘Give glory to Jehovah the God of Israel today and confess. Tell me what you’ve done… and don’t [try to] hide it from me!’
20 Then Achar answered JoShua and said, ‘Yes, I’ve sinned against Jehovah the God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 I noticed an embroidered shawl, two hundred silver coins, and a piece of gold among the loot that I wanted, so I took them and hid them in my tent [under the shawl].’
22 So JoShua sent messengers who ran to his tent in the camp, and they found those things hidden under the shawl. 23 Then they brought them to JoShua and the elders of Israel and laid them before Jehovah.
24 Then JoShua took Achar (the son of Zara), his sons, daughters, calves, burros, sheep, tent, all his belongings, and all the people who lived with him, and brought them to the valley of Achar at Emec. 25 And JoShua said to Achar, ‘You’ve destroyed us, so today Jehovah is going to destroy you!’
Then all Israel stoned him with rocks. 26 And it was after they covered him with a huge pile of rocks that Jehovah’s rage ended. This is why that place is called The Valley of Achar (the Troublemaker) to this day.
Chapter 8
1 Then Jehovah said to JoShua, ‘Don’t be afraid or tremble, but now you must take all the men of war and return to Gai. For look; I’ve given the king of Gai and his land into your hands! 2 You must do to Gai as you did to Jericho and its king; however, [this time] you may take their cattle. So, go and set up an ambush behind the city.’
3 Then JoShua got the men of war ready to go to Gai. He chose thirty-thousand mighty men and sent them there at night, 4 and he gave them these orders: ‘Wait in ambush behind the city. Don’t go too far from the city, and everyone must be ready. 5 Then I will take [a group] up to the city; and when the people of Gai come out to meet us, we will turn and run from them, 6 and they will chase after us and leave the city, for they will think that we are running from them as we did before. 7 Then those who are lying in ambush must get up and enter the city. 8 You must do exactly as I’ve commanded you!’
9 So JoShua sent them, and they waited in ambush to the west of Gai, between BethEl and Gai.
10 Well, early the next morning, JoShua got up and counted the people. Then he and the elders went up to face the people of Gai 11 with all the remaining men of war coming from the east side of the city, 12 as those who were hiding in ambush were to the west of the city. 13 –– 14 And when the king of Gai saw them, he and all his people rushed out to meet them head on, not realizing that an ambush had formed behind the city. 15 Then JoShua and Israel turned and retreated from them, 16 and they chased the children of Israel for some distance, 17 which left no one in Gai… they had left the city open as everyone was out chasing after Israel.
18 Then Jehovah said to JoShua, ‘Now, raise the spear that’s in your hand toward the city, for I’ve given it into your hands. And those who are hiding must quickly get up and enter [the city].’
19 So JoShua raised his spear toward the city. And when they saw him raise his spear, those who were hiding in ambush got up quickly, entered the city and captured it, then set it on fire.
20 And when the inhabitants of Gai turned around to look behind them, they saw the smoke from the city rising high into the sky, and they [realized] that they had nowhere to run. 21 So, when JoShua and all Israel saw that the city had been taken and its smoke was rising into the sky, they turned and started cutting down the men of Gai. 22 Then the rest of the men came from the city to attack them from their rear, and they cut down everyone until there was no one left… not a survivor or an escapee. 23 Then they captured the king of Gai and brought him to JoShua.
24 Well, after the children of Israel had finished killing everyone in Gai in the fields and on the descent from its mountain where they had chased them, JoShua returned to Gai and cut it down with swords. 25 So, twelve thousand inhabitants of Gai fell and were destroyed that day (both men and women). 26 –– 27 Then (other than the things that were in the city) the children of Israel took all the rest as loot for themselves, following the command that Jehovah gave JoShua.
28 And thereafter, JoShua completely burned the city and turned it into an uninhabitable pile of rubble, which is what it has remained through the ages down to this day. 29 Then he hung the king of Gai [from a tree] and left [his body] there until the evening. But after the sun went down, JoShua gave the instructions to take his body down, and they threw it into a pit and piled a heap of rocks over it, [which can still be seen] to this day.
30 Then JoShua built an altar to Jehovah (the God of Israel) on Mount Ebal, 31 just as Moses (Jehovah’s servant) had commanded the children of Israel, and as it is written in the Law of Moses. It was an altar made of stones that hadn’t been cut or touched by iron. And there he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and a peace offering to Jehovah. 32 Then JoShua wrote a copy of the Law of Moses on those stones before the children of Israel.
33 Thereafter, all Israel (including their elders, judges, and scribes) filed past the Chest on either side. Then the Levite Priests carried the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, as the aliens and the natives were divided into two groups. One half was stationed near Mount GiriZim, and the other half near Mount Ebal, just as Moses (Jehovah’s servant) had commanded, to receive the first blessing of the people. 34 Then afterwards, JoShua read all the words of the Law – all the blessings and curses that were written in the Law of Moses. 35 There wasn’t a word which Moses told JoShua that wasn’t read within the hearing of the entire assembly of the children of Israel… the men, women, children, and the aliens who had joined themselves to Israel.
Chapter 9
1 And when the kings of the Amorites on the [west] side of the Jordan (all those in the mountain country, in the plains, by the [Mediterranean] Sea, and near the borders of Lebanon), and the Hittites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, Amorites, Gergesites, and the Jebusites heard of it, 2 they all got together to war against JoShua and Israel.
3 However, when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Jehovah did to Jericho and Gai, 4 they craftily decided [on a plan to save themselves]. They put old sacks over their shoulders, carried old torn and patched bottles of wine, 5 tore off the upper parts of their old shoes and sandals and put them on their feet, dressed in old clothes, and took along bread that was dry, moldy, and rotting. 6 Then they went to JoShua at the camp of Israel at GilGal, and said, ‘We’ve come from a faraway land, [and we want you to] make a treaty with us.’
7 But [JoShua] asked the Gibeonites, ‘How can I sign a treaty with you if you live near us?’
8 And they told JoShua, ‘We’re your servants.’
Then JoShua asked, ‘So, who are you and where have you come from?
9 And they replied, ‘Your servants have come from a far away country in the Name of Jehovah your God. For we have heard of His Name and of all that He did in Egypt, 10 as well as of what He did to the kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, and of what He did to Seon, the king of the Amorites, and to Og, the king of Bashan, who lived in AstarOth and in EdraIn. 11 And when our elders and the people who live in our land heard of this, they spoke to us and said, Take along enough provisions for the trip and travel to meet with them and tell them that we’re their servants; and then make a treaty with them. 12 Why, look at our bread! On the day that we started our journey to come here, they were hot. But now they’re dry and moldy. 13 And look at these wine skins! When we filled them they were new, but now they’re torn… and our clothes and shoes are worn out because of the long journey!’
14 So the leaders [of Israel] shared their provisions with them, and then they failed to ask Jehovah’s direction. 15 As the result, JoShua concluded a peace treaty with them and agreed to allow them to live… which the leaders of the gathering also swore to.
16 Well, it was three days after they made the treaty [with the Gibeonites] that [the Israelites] found out they were [actually] close neighbors and that they lived among them. 17 So, the children of Israel traveled to the cities of Gibeon, KePhira, Berot, and the cities of JaRim, 18 but they didn’t fight against them, because all the leaders had sworn an oath before Jehovah the God of Israel. And this caused the whole gathering to start grumbling against their leaders. 19 However, the leaders spoke to the gathering and said, ‘We have sworn [an oath] to them by Jehovah the God of Israel, so now we can’t touch them! 20 But we’ll do this: We will let them live and we’ll protect them, so [God] won’t be angry with us for [breaking] the oath that we swore to them. 21 Then they must serve as woodcutters and water bearers to the entire gathering, as our leaders told them.’
22 And thereafter, JoShua called the [Gibeonites] together and asked them, ‘Why did you deceive me? Why did you say that you live far away from us, when you are actually the fellow countrymen of the rest of the people who live here? 23 Now you are cursed, and you will always serve as slaves, woodcutters, and water drawers for me and for my God!’
24 And they replied to JoShua, ‘We were told that Jehovah your God ordered his servant Moses to [take] this land and to destroy us, and all who live here. And it was because we feared for our lives that we did this thing! 25 And now look; We’re in your power! You may do to us whatever pleases you and seems good to you.’
26 And that’s what they did. JoShua saved them from the hands of the children of Israel, for they were not allowed to kill them. 27 Then JoShua made them woodcutters and water bearers to the whole gathering and for the Altar of God; so the inhabitants of Gibeon will serve as our woodcutters and water bearers for the Altar of God, even in that [future] place that will be chosen by Jehovah.
Chapter 10
1 And when Lord Bezek (the king of Jerusalem) heard that JoShua had taken Gai and had destroyed it as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had gone over to JoShua and Israel, 2 this frightened him, for he knew that Gibeon was a large city. In fact, it was one of [the land’s] primary cities, and [it was known] for its mighty men. 3 So Lord Bezek sent [messages] to Elam (the king of Hebron), Phidon (the king of JeriMuth), JephTha (the king of LachIsh), and Dabin (the king of OdolLam), saying, 4 ‘Come and help us! Let’s conquer Gibeon, because the Gibeonites have gone over to JoShua and the children of Israel.’
5 So the five kings of the Jebusites came to [the aid of] the king of Jerusalem, which included the kings of Hebron, JeriMuth, LachIsh, and OdolLam, then they and all their people camped around Gibeon and besieged it. 6 So the Gibeonites sent [a message] to JoShua at his camp at GilGal, which said: ‘Hurry and send your servants to help us! Save us from the Amorite kings of the hill country, for they have all united against us!’
7 And at that, JoShua collected the best of his army [and marched them] from GilGal. 8 And Jehovah said to JoShua, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I’m giving them into your hands. There won’t be any of them left to stand before you!’
9 And because JoShua had marched all night from GilGal, he caught them by surprise. 10 Then Jehovah struck them with terror before the children of Israel… he destroyed them with a great slaughter there at Gibeon, and chased them all the way to the road to Oronin, and to Azeca and Makeda. 11 And as they were fleeing the children of Israel at the descent from Oronin, Jehovah threw hailstones from the sky at them all the way to Azeca, and more died from the hailstones than were killed in battle by the children of Israel.
12 Then JoShua spoke to Jehovah that day, as He was giving the Amorites into the [hands] of Israel. While they were destroying [their enemies] at Gibeon, JoShua said, ‘May the sun stand still over Gibeon and may the moon [stand still] over the valley of AiLon!’
13 Then the sun and the moon stood still as God brought vengeance on their enemies… the sun stood still in the midst of the sky and it didn’t move for a whole day! 14 There hasn’t been a day like it before or since, for God listened to a man and He fought on the side of Israel. 15 ––
16 Well, the five kings ran away and hid themselves in a cave at MakEda. 17 Then JoShua was told, ‘The five kings have been found hiding in the cave at MakEda.’ 18 So JoShua said: ‘Roll stones to cover the mouth of the cave, and then appoint men to guard them. 19 But don’t just stop there; keep chasing your enemies and attacking them from the rear. Don’t allow them to enter their cities, for Jehovah our God has given them into our hands!’
20 And although JoShua and Israel wiped most of them out, those who escaped took refuge in the fortified cities.
21 Thereafter, all the people returned safely to JoShua at MakEda, and none of the children of Israel grumbled against him after that.
22 Then JoShua said: ‘Now open the cave and bring out those five kings!’
23 So they brought the five kings out of the cave – the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of JeriMuth, the king of LachIsh, and the king of OdolLam. 24 And when they brought them to JoShua, he called together all Israel and said to the chiefs of the army that went with him: ‘Come here and put your feet on their necks.’
So they came and put their feet on the necks [of the kings], 25 and JoShua said, ‘Now, don’t be afraid or act cowardly… be courageous and strong! For this is what Jehovah will do to all the enemies who you will fight against.’
26 Then JoShua killed them and hung their bodies on five trees, where they stayed until the evening.
27 It was about sunset when JoShua commanded them to be taken down from the trees, and their [bodies] were thrown into the cave where they had run for refuge. Then stones were rolled over the cave, and they are still there today.
28 On that day, they also took MakEda and killed its inhabitants with swords… they destroyed every living thing that was there. None were left or had escaped, and then they did same thing to the king of MakEda as they had done to the king of Jericho.
29 Well, after MakEda, JoShua and all Israel left and besieged Lebna, 30 and Jehovah gave it into their hands. They captured it and its king, and they killed the inhabitants with swords… they killed everything that breathed there, and no one survived or escaped. Then they also did to its king as they had done to the king of Jericho.
31 Thereafter, JoShua and Israel left Lebna and went on to LachIsh, where they camped around the city and besieged it. 32 And Jehovah handed LachIsh over to Israel, capturing it on the second day, and then they put all the inhabitants to death with swords and destroyed [the city], as they had done to Lebna.
33 Well, Elam (the king of Gazer) had gone to help LachIsh, so JoShua cut him and his people down with swords until there were none left, and none had escaped.
34 And from LachIsh, JoShua and all Israel went to OdolLam, besieged it, and took it. 35 Jehovah gave it into the hands of Israel on that same day, and they killed the inhabitants and every breathing thing there with swords, as they had done at LachIsh.
36 Thereafter, JoShua and all Israel went on to Hebron and camped around it. 37 Then they cut down it and all the living creatures that were in it with swords… no one was left alive. Then they destroyed the [city] and everything in it, as they had done to OdolLam.
38 After that, JoShua and Israel returned to Dabir and camped around it. 39 Then they took it, its king, and its villages, and cut them down with swords… they destroyed everything that breathed there. No one was left alive there, and as they had done to Hebron and her king, that’s what they did to Dabir and its king.
40 Then JoShua attacked all the hill country, the Negev, the plain country, AsedOth, and all their kings… they didn’t spare any of them. They destroyed everything that had the breath of life, just as Jehovah the God of Israel had commanded, 41 from Cades Barne to the Gaza, and all of Goshen as far as Gibeon. 42 JoShua struck down all their kings once and for all and [captured] their land, because Jehovah the God of Israel was fighting on their side.
Chapter 11
1 And when Jabis (the king of Asor) heard about this, he sent for Jobab (the king of Maron), the kings of SymoOn and Aziph, 2 the kings around Sidon, those in the hill country, those in the Araba across from KenerOth, those in the plains, those in Phenaed-Dor, 3 the CanaAnites along the eastern border, the Amorites along the borders, the Hittites, the Pherezites, the mountain Jebusites, the Evites, and all those living near Mount Hermon in the land of MasSyma. 4 And when all those kings and their armies came together, they were like the sands on the seashore in numbers, with multitudes of horses and chariots. 5 All the kings were there in person, and they camped at the waters of Maron to prepare for war with Israel.
6 Then Jehovah said to JoShua, ‘Don’t be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this same time I will make them retreat before Israel. Then you must hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.’
7 So JoShua and all the men of war made a surprise attack on them at the waters of Maron, and they also attacked them in the hill country, 8 and Jehovah gave them into Israel’s hands. They struck them down and chased them all the way to Sidon, MasEron, and eastward to the plains of MasSoch… they kept destroying until there no one was left. 9 Then JoShua did as Jehovah commanded; he hamstrung the horses and burned their chariots in a fire.
10 Next, JoShua went back and took Asor and her king (back then, Asor was the capital city of those kingdoms), 11 and they killed everything that breathed with swords… they destroyed them all and there was no living thing left there. Then they burned Asor with fire.
12 Thereafter, JoShua conquered all the cities that belonged to those kings, and killed everyone with swords. He left no survivors, just as Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had commanded. 13 However, they didn’t burn all the walled cities, just Asor.
14 This time, the children of Israel looted the cities and killed all the men with swords, leaving no breathing survivors. 15 For, this is what Jehovah had commanded His servant Moses to do, and it’s what Moses commanded JoShua to do, so JoShua did everything that Moses commanded.
16 Next, JoShua took all the hill country, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the plain country, all the [country] to the west, the mountains of Israel, the low country near the mountains 17 from Mount ChelCha to Seir (all the way to BalaGad), and the plains to the borders of Lebanon near Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and destroyed everyone. 18 This war that JoShua waged with those kings went on for quite some time, 19 and there was no city that Israel warred against which they failed to conquer. 20 For Jehovah hardened all the hearts [of the people in those cities] when they went to war against Israel, so that they might be destroyed without mercy, just as Jehovah told Moses.
21 Then JoShua went and destroyed the Enakim out of the hill country, from Hebron, to Dabir, to AnabOth, and all the races in the land of Israel, including those in the mountains of Judea and their cities… JoShua destroyed them all, 22 for the children of Israel left no one. And among the Enakim, the only survivors were in found in Gaza, Gath, and AselDo.
23 Thereafter, JoShua took all their land, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses, and [divided] it among Israel by their tribes as their inheritance. And then the war ended.
Chapter 12
1 These are the kings in that land who the children of Israel killed and whose land they inherited [on the east side] of the Jordan, which ran from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, and all the land of the Araba in the east:
· 2 Seon, the king of the Amorites. He lived in Hesh-EbonEh and ruled [over the area] from Arnon (which is on the side of the valley) and half of Gilead as far as Jaboc, to the borders of the children of AmMon, 3 and the Araba up to the Sea of [Galilee], down to the [Dead] Sea, then along the road to AsimOth, from ThaEman to AsedOth Phasga.
· 4 Og, the king of Bashan. He lived in AstarOth near EdraIn, which was [inhabited by] giants. 5 He ruled over all the land of Bashan from Mount Hermon and SecChai to the borders of GerGesi, Machi, and half of Gilead, up to the borders of Seon, the king of Hesh-EbonEh. 6 They were the ones who Moses (the servant of Jehovah) and the children of Israel struck down, and whose [land] Moses gave as an inheritance to Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh.
7 These are the kings of the Amorites who JoShua and the children of Israel killed [on the west side of] the Jordan along the [Mediterranean] Sea, from the plains of Lebanon to Mount ChelCha and along the road to Seir (which JoShua gave to the tribes of Israel as their inheritance), 8 to the mountains and plains and in the Araba and AsedOth, and to the desert and Negev… the [land] of the Hittites, Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites:
· 9 The king of Jericho
· The king of Gai (near BethEl)
· 10 The king of Jerusalem
· The king of Hebron
· 11 The king of JeriMuth
· The king of LachIsh
· 12 The king of Elam
· The king of Gazer
· 13 The king of Dabir
· The king of Gader
· 14 The king of Hermath
· The king of Ader
· 15 The king of Lebna
· The king of OdolLam
· 16 The king of ElAth
· 17 The king of Taphu
· The king of Opher
· 18 The king of Ophec and Aroc
· 19 The king of Asom
· 20 The king of SymoOn
· The king of MambRoth
· The king of Aziph
· 21 The king of Cades
· The king of ZachAc
· 22 The king of MaredOth
· The king of Jecom and Carmel
· 23 The king of OdolLam (under PhenNealdor, the king of Gei of Galilee)
· 24 And the king of Thersa – twenty-nine kings all together.
Chapter 13
1 By then, JoShua had grown very old, so Jehovah said to him, ‘You’re getting very old and there’s still a lot of land to [divide as] inheritances, 2 for all of this is still left:
· The borders of the Philistines, Gesirites, and CanaAnites, 3 from the desert across from Egypt to the borders of AcCaron (the CanaAnites are thought to have had five principalities among the Philistines). They are the inhabitants of Gaza, including Azotus, Ascalon, Geth and AcCaron
· The Evites 4 from ThaEman through the land of CanaAn to the Gaza
· The Sidonians from Aphec to the borders of the Amorites
· 5 The Philistine land of Galiath from the border of Lebanon east of Gilgal at Mount Hermon and the road to Emath
· 6 All those who inhabit the hill country from Lebanon to MaserEth-Memphomaim,
and all the Sidonians.
‘I’m going to destroy them all before Israel, so divide them up as inheritances among Israel, as I told you. 7 Divide this land by lottery among the nine tribes and the half tribe of ManasSeh. 8 Its boundaries run from the Jordan westward to the [Mediterranean] Sea.’
Now, Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had already given the two tribes of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh their inheritance in the east, across the Jordan, 9 from AroEr (at the brook of Arnon) and the city in the middle of the valley, and all of Misor to MaEdAban, 10 plus all the cities of Seon (the king of the Amorites) who reigned from Hesh-EbonEh to the borders of the children of AmMon, 11 as well as the region of Gilead, the borders of the Gesirites and Machatites, all around Mount Hermon, the land of Bashan to Acha, 12 and the entire kingdom of Og in the region of Bashan (he reigned in AstarOth and in EdraIn near the giants before Moses struck down him down and destroyed him). 13 But the children of Israel didn’t destroy the Gesirites, Machatites, and CanaAnites, so the king of the Gesiri and the Machatites still live among the children of Israel to this day.
14 However, no inheritance was given to the tribe of Levi, for Jehovah the God of Israel is their inheritance, as He told them.
Here is how Moses divided the land among the children of Israel at ArabOth Moab on the other side of the Jordan near Jericho:
15 To the tribe of Ruben and their families he gave all of this: 16 Their borders run from AroEr across from the Brook of Arnon (which includes the city in the valley of Arnon and all of Misor) 17 to Hesh-EbonEh. So, there were all the cities in Misor, DaEbon, BaEmonBaal, BethMeElBoth, 18 Bashan, BakedMoth, MaEphaAd, 19 Kiriath JaIrim, Sebama, Serada, Sion (on Mount Enab), 20 BaethPhogor, AsedOth, Phasga, BaethThasinOth, 21 all the cities of Misor, and all the kingdom of Seon (the king of the Amorites who Moses struck down, along with the leaders of Midian, Evi, Roboc, Sur, Ur, Robe - who was the leader of the looters in Sion), all the inhabitants of Sion, 22 and BalaAm the son of Beor (the prophet that they also killed in the battle). 23 The [western] border of Ruben starts at the Jordan. So those are the boundaries and inheritance of the children of Ruben, which were divided among their families, as well as their cities and villages.
24 He gave this inheritance to the sons of Gad and their families: 25 Their borders run from Jazer (and they include all the cities of Gilead and half the land of the children of AmMon) to the Araba near Arad. 26 Then from Hesh-EbonEh to ArabOth through MasSepha, Botanim, and MaAn, to the borders of DaEbon, 27 EnAdom, OtharGai, BaenThanabra, SocCotha, and Saphan, and the rest of the kingdom of Sean (the king of Hesh-EbonEh) to the Jordan, then up to the Sea of Galilee on the east side of the Jordan. 28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad and their cities, which was divided among their families. They had to [stick together when facing] their enemies, because their cities and villages were distributed by families.
29 He gave this inheritance to half the tribe of ManasSeh and their families: 30 Their borders run from MaAn, through the kingdom of Bashan, and the entire kingdom of Og (the king of Bashan), all the villages of JaIr that are in the region of Bashan (some sixty cities), 31 half of Gilead, and AstarOth and EdraIn (the royal cities of Og in the land of Bashan). That is what Moses gave to the sons of Machir (the son of ManasSeh) and their families, which comprised the half tribe of ManasSeh. 32 They’re the ones who urged Moses to take all the land east of the Jordan at ArabOth Moab.
Chapter 14
1 And these were the children of Israel who received their inheritance in the land of CanaAn – those to whom EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), and the family heads of the tribes of the children of Israel gave an inheritance:
2 The nine-and-a-half tribes received their inheritances in a lottery, just as Jehovah commanded JoShua, 3 but the Levites received no inheritance among them, 4 other that their (own) cities and suburbs, where their cattle were kept separate from the rest of the cattle. 5 So the children of Israel did just as Jehovah commanded Moses, and they divided up the land.
6 Then (one of) the sons of Judah (Caleb, the son of JePhoNe the Kenite) went to JoShua at GilGal and said to him: ‘You know what Jehovah said to Moses (the man of God) about me at Cades Barne. 7 For, I was forty years old when Moses (the servant of God) sent me from Cades Barne to spy in this land, and I returned to him and gave him an answer that pleased him. 8 However, although my brothers who went with me preferred to listen to the people, I kept following my God Jehovah. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, The land where you went will become the inheritance of you and your children through the ages, because you made sure that you followed our God Jehovah.
10 ‘So Jehovah has kept me alive until now, and this is the forty-fifth year since [the time when Jehovah] said that to Moses, and [during which] Israel [lived] in the desert. And today {Look!} I’m eighty-five years old, 11 yet I’m still as strong as when Jehovah sent me; in fact, I’m still strong enough to fight as a soldier! 12 And now I ask of you for this mountain [to fulfill Jehovah’s promise], which you heard that day. And although the Enakim are here in large fortified cities; if Jehovah is with me, I’ll destroy them just as Jehovah has instructed me.’
13 So, JoShua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb (the son of JePhoNe and the grandson of Kenez) as his inheritance. 14 And since then, Hebron has been the inheritance of Caleb, because he followed the commandments of Jehovah, the God of Israel. 15 The name of that city used to be Argob when it belonged to the Enakim, but after the war it was renamed Hebron.
Chapter 15
1 The border of the tribe of Judah (which land was divided among their families) runs south from Idumea and the Sin Desert, as far as Cades 2 in the south. It runs from part of the Dead Sea into the high country, 3 then it goes toward the base of Mount Acrabin, around Sena, then south to Cades Barne, over to AsOron, up to Sarada, then along the road west of Cades, 4 out to Selmona toward the valley of Egypt, and it ends at the Sea. These are their southern borders.
5 Their borders on the east run from the Dead Sea and up the Jordan. Their borders in the north run from the Sea over to part of the Jordan. 6 They run from BethLehem in the north to BethAraba, along the stone [wall] of BaeOn and the borders of the sons of Ruben. 7 The border continues through a fourth part of the Valley of Achor and goes down toward GilGal to the approach to AdamMin (on the south side of the valley), and terminates at the water [that flows from] the Spring of the Sun, and to the Spring of Rogel. 8 Then it runs southward to the valley of EnNom behind Jebus (which is now Jerusalem), and ends at the top of the mountain facing the seaward side of the valley of EnNom, with the land of the Raphain in the north.
9 Then the border runs from the top of the mountain to the spring water of NaphTho, and on to Mount Ephron along the [road] that leads to Baal (which is now the city of JaRim). 10 Then it runs from Baal to the sea across Mount AsSar, which is behind the city of JaRim to the north (Chaslon), and down to the City of the Sun, and from there it heads south. 11 This border terminates behind AcCaron (to the north), then it runs on to SocChoth and southward to Lebna, then over to the Sea. The [Mediterranean] Sea is their [western] border. 12 These are the borders of the [land that was distributed among] the families of the children of Judah.
13 And to Caleb (the son of JePhoNe), JoShua set aside a [special] portion in the midst of the children of Judah, as God had commanded JoShua. He gave him the city of Arboc and the metropolis of Enac, which is now called Hebron. 14 So, Caleb (the son of JePhoNe) destroyed the three sons of Enac (Susi, Tholami, and Achima) from there, 15 then he [attacked] Dabir, which used to be called The City of Letters.
16 Then Caleb swore: ‘To whoever takes, conquers, and destroys the City of Letters, I will give my daughter Ascha as his wife.’
17 And it was GothoniEl (the son of Chenez, Caleb’s brother) who took [the city], so he gave him Ascha his daughter as his wife. 18 And as she was leaving [her father], she said to [Chenez], ‘I’m going to ask my father for a field.’ Then she got off her burro and started crying.
And Caleb asked her, ‘What’s wrong?’
19 Then she said, ‘Give me a blessing, because you’re sending me into the land of Negev. Give me BotThanis.’
So he gave her both upper and lower GonaEthla.
20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah. 21 And their cities within the borders of Edom by the desert are BaeSeleEl, Ara, Asor, 22 Icam, Regma, AruEl, 23 Cades, AsoriOnain, MaEnam, 24 BalmaEnan and its suburbs, 25 the cities of AseRon (which are now called Asor), 26 Sen, Salmaa, Molada, 27 Seri, BaePhalath, 28 CholaseOla, BeerSabee (and their villages and towns), 29 Bala, Bacoc, Asom, 30 ElBoudad, BethEl, Herma, 31 Sekelac, Macharim, SethenNac, 32 Labos, Sale, and EroMoth – twenty-nine cities and their villages.
33 In the plain country [the cities are] AstaOl, Raa, AsSa, 34 Ramen, Tano, IluthOth, MaeAni, 35 JerMuth, OdolLam, Membra, SaoCho, Jazeca, 36 SacArim, Gadera and its villages – fourteen cities and their villages. 37 Also, SenNa, Adasan, MagadalGad, 38 Dalad, Maspha, JachareEl, 39 BasedOth, IdeaDalea, 40 Chabra, Maches, MaAchos, 41 GedDor, BagadiEl, Noman, MacheDan – sixteen cities and their villages. 42 Also, Lebna, Ithac, Anoch, 43 Jana, Nasib, 44 KeIlam, AkiEzi, Kezib, BethEsar, AiLom – ten cities and their villages. 45 Also, AcCaron and her villages and towns, 46 AcCaron-Gemna, and all the cities near AsedOth and their villages, 47 AsiedOth and her villages and towns, Gaza and its villages and towns, which run to the river of Egypt and along the [Mediterranean] Sea.
48 In the hill country [the cities are] Samir, Jether, Socha, 49 Renna, The City of Letters (Dabir), 50 Anon, Es, Man, AiSam, 51 Goshen, Chalu, ChanNa, Gelom – eleven cities and their villages. 52 Also, AiRem, Remna, Soma, 53 JemaIn, BaethAchu, Phacua, 54 Euma, the city Arboc (Hebron), and SoraIth – nine cities and their villages. 55 Also, Maor, Carmel, Ozib, Itan, 56 JariEl, Aricam, Zacanaim, 57 Gabaa, and ThamNatha – nine cities and their villages. 58 Also, AiLua, BethSur, GedDon, 59 MagarOth, BethAnam, and Thecum – six cities and their villages. 60 Also, Theco, Ephratha (BethLehem), Phagor, AiTan, Culon, Tatam, Thobes, Carem, Galem, Thether, and ManoCho – eleven cities and their villages. 61 Also, Kariath-Baal (JaIrim) and Sotheba – two cities and their villages. 62 Also, BadDargeis, TharabaAm, AiNon, AiOchioza, NaphLazon, Sadon, and Ancades – seven cities and their villages.
63 And the Jebusites lived in Jerusalem, because the children of Judah couldn’t destroy them – and they still live there today.
Chapter 16
1 The borders of the children of Joseph run from the Jordan past Jericho on the east, and from Jericho to the hill country, to the desert, then up to BethEl Luza. 2 And from BethEl they proceed on to the borders of AchaTarOthi, 3 then they go across toward the sea along the borders of ApTalim, and up to the borders of Lower BethOron, then on to the sea. 4 [And that’s where] the sons of Joseph (EphraIm and ManasSeh) claimed their inheritance.
5 The borders of the children of EphraIm that were divided among their families as their inheritance run eastward to AtarOth and Eroc, then on to Upper BethOron and Gazara. 6 It runs from the sea to IcasMon north of Therma, then east to Thenasa and Selles, and on to Janoca, 7 Macho, and AtarOth (which are their villages), then toward Jericho, ending at the Jordan. 8 From there it runs to Tapho, to ChelCana, and back to the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of EphraIm and their families.
9 Many of the cities and their villages that were given to the sons of EphraIm were in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of ManasSeh. 10 And EphraIm failed to destroy the CanaAnites who lived in Gazer, so the CanaAnites lived in EphraIm until Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) went there and took it, and then burned it with fire. Then Pharaoh gave the CanaAnites, Pherezites, and those who live in Gaza to his daughter as her dowry.
Chapter 17
1 Now, these are the borders of the tribe of the children of ManasSeh (Joseph’s firstborn): Machir was the firstborn of ManasSeh and the father of Gilead, who [took] the land of Gilead and Bashan. 2 And the other sons of ManasSeh were also given land, which was divided among their families… the sons of Jezi, the sons of Kelez, the sons of JeziEl, the sons of Shechem, the sons of Symarim, and the sons of Opher (the family heads).
3 And SalpaAd (the son of Opher) had no sons, just daughters, and these are their names: SalpaAd, MaAla, Nua, Egla, Melcha, and Thersa. 4 So they went before JoShua, EliEzer the Priest, and the rulers and said, ‘God commanded Moses to give us an inheritance in the midst of our family.’
So at the command of Jehovah, they were given an inheritance among their uncles. 5 And their lottery claimed for them [the land] from AnasSa to the plain of Labec in the land of Gilead [west of] the Jordan. 6 And because these daughters of the sons of ManasSeh inherited land inside Gilead, the rest of it was assigned to the other sons of ManasSeh. 7 Thus the borders of the sons of ManasSeh start at DelAnath (close to the sons of Anath) and proceed to the edge of JaMin and JasSib, to the spring of ThaphThoth. 8 It all belongs to ManasSeh, but ThaphEth on its border belongs to the sons of EphraIm. 9 Then the borders go down to the valley of CarAna, and southward past the valley of JariEl (where there’s a pine tree that belongs to EphraIm near the city of ManasSeh). Then its borders run northward to the brook and over to the sea. 10 The land to the south belongs to EphraIm, and ManasSeh runs along its border from the seacoast, then northward along the border of Aseb, and eastward up to [the land of] IsSachar. 11 And in the land of IsSachar, ManasSeh will own Asher, BethSan and their villages, the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, and a third of MaphEta and its villages.
12 However, the sons of ManasSeh weren’t able to destroy those cities, and the CanaAnites started living there. 13 And when the children of Israel were strong enough, they made the CanaAnites their subjects, but they didn’t destroy them.
14 Then the sons of Joseph went to JoShua [and complained], ‘Why did you just give us just one inheritance and one border? For, God has blessed us and made us a large group of people.’
15 But JoShua replied, ‘If you have a lot of people and the hills of EphraIm are too small for you, then go up to the forest and clear more land for yourselves.’
16 And they said, ‘We don’t like the hills of EphraIm, and the CanaAnites are living there in BethSan and its villages, and in the JezreEl Valley, and they have many horsemen and iron [weapons].’
17 Then JoShua told the sons of Joseph, ‘If you have many people and you are very strong, you may claim more inheritance. 18 Now, if you need wood, there is [plenty of] wood there. Clear it and the land will be yours. Then destroy the CanaAnites, for even if they have good horsemen, you’re stronger than they are.’
Chapter 18
1 Well, the entire gathering of the children of Israel assembled at Shiloh, and there they pitched the Tent of Proofs (since that land had been conquered by them), 2 and the sons of Israel who hadn’t received their inheritance (seven tribes) stayed there.
3 Then JoShua said to the sons of Israel, ‘How much longer are you going to hold back from inheriting the land that Jehovah our God has given you? 4 Appoint three men from each tribe and have them travel throughout the land, and then come and describe it, so it can be properly divided.’
5 And thereafter, they came to him and he [arranged for them to] to divide into seven sections.
And he said: ‘Judah’s borders to the south will stand, as will [the land of] the sons of Joseph to the north. 6 But, now you must divide the [rest of] land into seven parts, and then bring the descriptions here to me and I will parcel them out in a lottery before Jehovah our God. 7 However, the sons of Levi won’t receive a share among you, for the Priesthood of Jehovah is their portion. Also, Gad, Ruben, and the half tribe of ManasSeh have already received their inheritance east of the Jordan, which was given to them by Moses, the servant of Jehovah.’
8 Then, as the men got up to leave, JoShua gave these orders to those who were to explore the land: ‘Go and explore the land, then come to me and I will divide it in a lottery here before Jehovah in Shiloh.’
9 So they went and explored the land. And after examining it, they divided it into seven parts by cities, and [drew a map] which they brought back to JoShua. 10 And JoShua threw lots for them before Jehovah there at Shiloh.
11 It was the tribe of BenJamin and their families that came first, and the borders they received were between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. 12 Their borders to the east go up the Jordan behind Jericho, northward to the mountains in the west and to BethOn of MabDara. 13 It runs around the south side of Luz (BethEl), and down to MaAtarob-Orech into the hill country that is south of Lower BethOron. 14 Then it proceeds to the part that faces the sea south of the mountain in front of BethOron, and ends at Kariath-Baal (Kiriath JaIrim), a city of the children of Judah. This is their boundary on the west.
15 On the south side, it runs from the border of Kiriath-Baal across to Gasin, and to the Spring of NaphTho. 16 Then it runs in front of the forest of SonNam (which is east of Emec-RaphaIn) in the north, and comes down to the EnNa Valley behind Jebusai, then it runs south to the Spring of Rogel 17 and over to the Spring of BethSamys. 18 From there it goes in front of GalilOth by way of AiThamin, then down to the stone of BaeOn (of the sons of Ruben), where it passes behind the north side of BethAraba to the sea in the north. 19 These borders end at the creek of the Dead Sea and north along the Jordan (which is their southern border), 20 and the Jordan is their boundary on the east. This is the inheritance of the children of BenJamin and their families, and these are their borders.
21 The cities of the children of BenJamin and their families are Jericho, BethAgaeo, the AmeCasis, 22 BethAbara, Sara, BesAna, 23 AiEin, Phara, EphRatha, 24 CarApha, Cephira, Moni, and GabaA (twelve cities and their villages), 25 Gibeon, Rama, BeerOtha, 26 MasSema, Miron, Amoke, 27 Phira, Caphan, Nacan, Selecan, ThareEla, 28 Jebus (Jerusalem), and GabaOth JaIrim (thirteen cities and their villages). This is the inheritance of the sons of BenJamin and their families.
Chapter 19
1 The second lot fell to the children of Symeon, so their inheritance is in the midst of the land of the children of Judah. 2 They were given BeerSabee, SamaA, Caladam, 3 Arsola, Bola, Jason, 4 ErThula, Bula, Herma, 5 SikElac, BethMachereb, SarSusin, 6 BathAroth – thirteen cities and their villages. 7 Also, EremMon, Thalcha, Jether, and Asan – four cities and their villages. 8 Their cities run from Balec and the road to Bameth southward. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Symeon and their families. 9 It is part of the lot of Judah, because Judah’s portion was very large, so the inheritance of the children of Symeon is in the midst of theirs.
10 The third lot fell to ZebuLon and their families. So the boundaries of their inheritance run from EsedekGola 11 to the sea and Magelda, and reaches to BethAraba in the valley across from JekMan. 12 Then it goes back to SedDuc and heads east to BethSamys along the border of ChaShilohThaith, and passes on to DabirOth, then goes up to PhangAi. 13 From there it goes back eastward to GeBere and the city of CataSem, and on to RemMonaA-MatharaOza. 14 Then it goes north to AmOth and ends at GaEphaEl, 15 CataNath, NabaAl, SymoOn, Jericho, and BethMan. 16 This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of ZebuLon and their families.
17 The fourth lot fell to IsSachar. 18 So their borders include Jazel, ChasalOth, Sunam, 19 Agin, Siona, ReErOth, 20 AnaChereth, Dabiron, Kison, Rebes, 21 RemMas, Jeon, TomMan, AiMarec, and BerSaphes. 22 They border on GaethBor, Salim, and BethSamys in the west, and then run to the Jordan. 23 This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of IsSachar and their families.
24 The fifth lot fell to Asher and their families. 25 Their borders include ExelEketh, Aleph, BethOk, KeAph, 26 EliMelech, AmiEl, and MaAsa. Their border runs west from Carmel and on to Zion and LabaNath. 27 Then it runs west from BethEgeneth to where it joins ZebuLon (EkGai and PhthaeEl), then northward to SaphthaeBethMe and InaEl, then it goes on to ChobaMasomEl, 28 ElBon, RaHab, EmeMaon, CanThan, and Sidon. 29 From there, it turns back and runs to Rama, to the Spring of MasPhasSat and the border of Tyre, then it returns to JaSiph and ends at the sea (Apoleb, EchoZob, 30 ArchOb, Aphec, and RaAu). 31 This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher and their families.
32 The sixth lot fell to NaphTali. 33 And their borders include MoOlam, Mola, BesemiIn, Arme, Naboc, JephThamai (as far as Dodam), and end at the Jordan. 34 Then it runs west at AthAbor and goes on to Jacana. It borders on ZebuLon in the south, Asher in the west, and the Jordan in the east. 35 Theirs include the walled cities of the Tyrians – Tyre, OmaThadakEth, KenerEth, 36 ArmaIth, AreAl, Asor, 37 Cades, AsSari and the well of Asor, 38 Keroe, MegalaArim, BeatThame, and BethSamus. 39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of NaphTali.
40 The seventh lot fell to Dan. 41 Their borders include SarAth, Asa, the cities of SamMaus, 42 Salamin, AmMon, SilAtha, 43 Elon, ThamNatha, AcCaron, 44 AlCatha, BegEthon, GebeElan, 45 Azor, BanaeBacat, and GethRemmon. 46 Then west of HierAcon, the border is near Joppa. 47 This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the children of Dan and their families. However, the children of Dan didn’t drive out the Amorites. So they harassed them in their mountains constantly and wouldn’t allow them to come down into the valley. And they forcibly took a portion of their land.
48 Then the sons of Dan went and fought against LachIsh and took it. They cut [the people] down with swords and started living there, and they renamed the city LasenDan. However, the Amorites continued to live in Edom and in SalamIn, but the EphraImites held them down and forced them to pay a tribute.
49 So the children of Israel proceeded to take possession of the land inside their borders, and they gave an inheritance to JoShua (the son of NaWeh) among them. 50 Following the command of God, they gave him the city that he asked for, ThamnaSarach in the hills of EphraIm. So he built the city and lived there.
51 These are the divisions that EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), and the family heads of the tribes of Israel assigned in a lottery before Jehovah at Shiloh, at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. And thereafter, they each went out to take possession of their lands.
Chapter 20
1 Then Jehovah spoke to JoShua and said, 2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to assign the refuge cities that I spoke to you about through Moses. 3 They are to be havens for those who have accidentally killed another man… cities to run to, so the person who has killed another won’t be put to death by the blood avenger until he has been given a trial before the gathering.’
4 So JoShua set aside Cades in the hills of NaphTali in Galilee, Shechem in the hills of EphraIm, and the city of Arboc (Hebron) in the hills of Judah. 5 And across the Jordan, he set aside Bosor in the desert plain of the tribe of Ruben, AremOth in Gilead of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in the country of Bashan of the tribe of ManasSeh.
6 These were the cities that were selected for the sons of Israel and the aliens who lived among them, where those who unintentionally killed another could run to, so they wouldn’t be put to death by the blood avenger before they stood trial in front of the gathering.
Chapter 21
1 Then the heads of the families of the sons of Levi came to EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), and the heads of families of the tribes of Israel 2 at Shiloh in the land of CanaAn, and said, ‘[Remember that Jehovah] gave the commandment through Moses that we should be given cities to live in, along with their surrounding countrysides (for our cattle).’
3 So, following the commands of Jehovah, the children of Israel gave the Levites cities and their surrounding countryside as their inheritance.
4 The first lot fell to the children of CaAth, so the sons of Aaron the Priest (the Levites) received thirteen cities from the tribes of Judah, Symeon, and BenJamin, which were divided among their families in a lottery. 5 And then the remaining sons of CaAth were given ten cities from the tribes of EphraIm, Dan, and the half tribe of ManasSeh.
6 The sons of Gedson received thirteen cities, which were divided [among their families] by lottery from the tribes of IsSachar, Asher, NaphTali, and the half tribe of ManasSeh in Bashan.
7 The sons of MeraRi received twelve cities, which were divided among their families by lottery, from the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and ZebuLon.
8 The children of Israel also gave the Levites the land around their cities, as Jehovah had commanded Moses, which were divided in a lottery.
9 These are the cities that the tribes of the children of Judah, Symeon, and part of the tribe of the children of BenJamin assigned 10 to the sons of Aaron (the family of CaAth of the sons of Levi), for whom the first lot fell:
· 11 Kiriath-Arboc and the metropolis of the sons of Enac (Hebron) in the Mountain country of Judah and the surrounding suburbs. 12 However, JoShua gave the city itself and its villages to the sons of Caleb (the son of JePhoNe) as his [family’s] possession. 13 He also assigned Hebron and its suburbs as a refuge city for unintentional murderers.
· Lemna and its suburbs
· 14 AiLom and its suburbs
· Tema and its suburbs
· 15 GelLa and its suburbs
· Dabir and its suburbs
· 16 Asa and its suburbs
· Tany and its suburbs
· BethSamus and its suburbs – nine cities from these two tribes.
17 And from the tribe of BenJamin, they were given:
· Gibeon and its suburbs
· GathEth and its suburbs
· 18 AnathOth and its suburbs
· Gamala and its suburbs – four cities.
19 So all together, the sons of Aaron (the Priests) were given these thirteen cities.
20 And the remaining families of the sons of CaAth (the Priests and Levites) were given 21 these cities from the tribe of EphraIm:
· Shechem and its suburbs (which was also a refuge city)
· Gazara and its appendages and suburbs
· KibZaim and its suburbs
· 22 BethOron and its suburbs – four cities.
23 And from the tribe of Dan [they were given]:
· Helcothaim and its suburbs
· GethEdan and its suburbs
· 24 AiLon and its suburbs
· GethEremMon and its suburbs – four cities.
25 And from the half tribe of ManasSeh [they were given]:
· Tanach and its suburbs
· JeBatha and its suburbs – two cities.
26 So in all, ten cities and their suburbs were assigned to the remaining families of the sons of CaAth.
27 And JoShua gave the sons of Gedson (the Levites) these cities from the other half-tribe of ManasSeh:
· Golan in the country of Bashan and its suburbs, which was also a refuge city
· Bosora and its suburbs – two cities.
28 And from the tribe of IsSachar [they were given]:
· Kison and its suburbs
· DebBa and its suburbs
· 29 RemMath and its suburbs
· The Well of Letters and its suburbs – four cities.
30 And from the tribe of Asher [they were given]:
· BaselLa and its suburbs
· DabBon and its suburbs
· 31 Chelcat and its suburbs
· RaHab and its suburbs – four cities.
32 And from the tribe of NaphTali [they were given]:
· Cades in Galilee and its suburbs, which was a refuge city
· NemMath and its suburbs
· ThemMon and its suburbs – three cities.
33 All together, the families of Gedson received thirteen cities.
34 The remaining families of the sons of MeraRi (the Levites) received these cities from the tribe of ZebuLon:
· MaAn and its suburbs
· Cades and its suburbs
· 35 SelLa and its suburbs – three cities.
36 Then on the other side of the Jordan near Jericho, they received these cities from the tribe of Ruben:
· Bosor in the Miso Desert and its suburbs, which was a refuge city
· Jazer and its suburbs
· DecMon and its suburbs
· Mapha and its suburbs – four cities.
37 Then from the tribe of Gad [they received]:
· RamOth in Gilead and its suburbs, which was a refuge city
· Camin and its suburbs
· Esbon and its suburbs
· Jazer and its suburbs – four cities.
38 So all together, the families of the sons of MeraRi of the tribe of Levi received twelve cities and their outlying land. 39 And the Levites received forty-eight cities 40 and all their surrounding land and suburbs.
Then JoShua stopped dividing the land and setting their borders, and the children of Israel gave JoShua his portion, because this is what Jehovah had commanded them. They gave him the city that he asked for, ThamnaSarach in the hills of EphraIm. Then JoShua built the city and lived there.
Thereafter, JoShua took stone knives and circumcised the children of Israel who were born along the way in the desert, and had [them recuperate] at ThamnaSarach.
41 So Jehovah gave Israel all the land that He had promised to their ancestors; so they inherited it and lived there. 42 He also gave them a time of peace, as He had promised their ancestors; for none of their enemies could stand against them – He gave them all into their hands. 43 And all the good things that Jehovah promised the children of Israel happened.
Chapter 22
1 Then JoShua called the sons of Ruben, the sons of Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh together 2 and said to them, ‘You’ve heard all that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) commanded you, and you’ve paid attention to everything I said to you about his instructions. 3 You haven’t deserted your brothers during all this time and you’ve followed the commandments of your God Jehovah. 4 So, now that our God Jehovah has given our brothers [a place] where they can rest (as He promised), you can go back to your land and your homes that Moses gave you on the other side the Jordan. 5 However, be careful to obey the Commandments and the Law that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) gave you… love Jehovah our God, walk in all His paths, keep His commandments, stick with Him, and serve Him with your whole mind and life.’
6 Then JoShua blessed them and dismissed them, and they returned to their homes.
7 Moses had given a portion of the land of Bashan to half of the tribe of ManasSeh, and JoShua gave the other half a portion with their brothers on the west side of the Jordan. And when JoShua sent them home, he blessed them 8 with much wealth, for he divided the loot they had taken from their enemies and their brothers, which included large amounts of cattle, silver, gold, iron, and clothing.
9 So, the sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh left the children of Israel in Shiloh (in the land of CanaAn) and headed toward Gilead and the land they inherited at the command of Jehovah through Moses.
10 And when they got to Gilead near the Jordan (in the land of CanaAn), they built a huge altar there by the Jordan. 11 But when the [other] children of Israel heard about it, they said, ‘Look! The sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh have built an altar at the border of the land of CanaAn – at Gilead next to the Jordan – directly across from [the rest] of the children of Israel.’ 12 So then, they all gathered at Shiloh to go and fight against them.
13 And thereafter, the children of Israel sent Phineas (the son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) to the sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh into the land of Gilead, 14 along with ten of the chiefs – one chief of each household of the rest of the tribes of Israel, who are generals over thousands in Israel. 15 And when they got to the sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh in the land of Gilead, they said, 16 ‘This is what the whole gathering of Jehovah wants to know: What is this sin that you’ve committed before the God of Israel by building yourselves an altar? Did you do this so you can turn away from Him? 17 Was the sin at Phogor – from which we have yet to be cleansed – that insignificant to you, despite the fact that it brought a plague among the entire gathering of Jehovah? 18 And now you’ve revolted against Jehovah, so tomorrow you will know the wrath of all Israel!
19 ‘Why, if your land is too small for you, cross over [the Jordan] into the land that Jehovah [gave us] and where the Tent of Jehovah stays and receive an inheritance among us. Don’t turn away from God by building an altar apart from the Altar of Jehovah! 20 For look; didn’t Achar (the son of Zara) sin by taking things that were cursed and bring the wrath [of God] on the whole gathering of Israel? And [remember]; he died for his sin!’
21 However, the sons of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh replied to the generals of the thousands of Israel: 22 ‘God – our God – is Jehovah. And God Himself knows, and Israel knows, that if we have broken away from Jehovah and turned aside, He won’t save us today. 23 But we didn’t build ourselves an altar to turn away from Him or to sacrifice whole burnt offerings or peace offerings on it (those things that Jehovah requires). 24 Rather, we have done this as precaution. We did it for fear that in the future, your sons might ask our sons what they have to do with Jehovah, the God of Israel.
25 ‘Now that Jehovah has set a boundary between you and us (the Jordan), we don’t want your sons to alienate our sons and keep them from worshiping Jehovah. 26 So we gave orders to build this altar not for burnt offerings or for meat offerings, 27 but as a witness between you and us and between our children, that we do serve Jehovah, and that we will sacrifice our burnt offerings, meat offerings, and peace offerings to Him. Then your sons won’t be able to say to our sons that we don’t [belong to] Jehovah.
28 ‘Therefore, to prevent them from ever saying such a thing to us or our descendants, [we want them to] see our representation of the altar of Jehovah. It wasn’t built for the sake of burnt offerings or meat offerings, but as a witness between you and us and between our sons. 29 Far be it from us to turn away from Jehovah today or to turn away from Him and build an altar for burnt offerings or peace offerings separate from the Altar of Jehovah that stands before His Tent.’
30 And when Phineas the Priest (and all the chiefs of the gathering of Israel who were with him) heard what the children of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh said, they were pleased. 31 Then Phineas the Priest said, ‘Today we know that Jehovah is with us, because you aren’t guilty of a serious sin against Jehovah and you have saved the children of Israel from the hand of Jehovah.’
32 So Phineas (the Priest) and the leaders left the children of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh at Gilead and returned to the land of CanaAn, then they reported what was said to the children of Israel, 33 and they were pleased. And then they spoke to the children of Israel and praised them [for their zeal], and told them not to go to war against the children of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh, or to destroy their land… and that’s what they did.
34 Thereafter, JoShua named the altar of the children of Ruben, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh, and said, ‘It is their testimony that Jehovah is their God.’
Chapter 23
1 Jehovah had allowed Israel to rest from all their enemies [who lived] around them for a considerable time, until JoShua was old and up in years. 2 Then JoShua called all the children of Israel together – their elders, leaders, judges, and their officers – and said to them, ‘I’m old and up in years, 3 and you’ve seen all that Jehovah our God has done to these nations around us and how your God fought for you. 4 Now look; I’ve given all these remaining nations to your tribes in a lottery. And although I’ve destroyed some of them, our borders run [from this side] of the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, 5 and Jehovah our God will destroy them before us until they’re all gone. For, He will send wild animals against them until He has destroyed them and their kings, then you will inherit their land, just as Jehovah our God has promised.
6 ‘However, you must be sure to observe and do all the things that are written in the book of the Law of Moses… don’t stray to the right or to the left! 7 And don’t associate with the remaining nations, nor should the names of their gods be mentioned among you… don’t serve them or bow before them! 8 Rather, you must stick to Jehovah our God, just as you have been doing until now. 9 Then Jehovah will destroy them – even the great and strong nations – from among you, for no one has been able to stand against us so far. 10 Why, each one among you has been able to chase a thousand, for Jehovah our God fought for you as He had promised. 11 So, be sure to love Jehovah our God.
12 ‘But if you turn away from Him and start associating with these nations that are still left, then marry among them and get mixed up with them (and them with you), 13 realize that Jehovah won’t destroy them. Rather, they will become snares and stumbling blocks – nails in your heels, and darts in your eyes – until they’ve wiped you out of this good land that Jehovah your God has given you.
14 ‘And now, I’m getting ready to die, as does everyone else on this earth. But know in your hearts and souls that not a single word has failed of all the things that Jehovah our God has [promised] about us. 15 And after all the good things that Jehovah God will bring upon you are done, remember that He will also do bad things until He wipes you out of this good land that He has given you, 16 if you break the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah our God and go and serve other gods and bow before them.’
Chapter 24
1 So JoShua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shiloh and summoned their elders, officers, and judges, then stood them before God. 2 And JoShua spoke to all the people and said, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel said: Your ancestors (such as Tara, the father of Abraham and Nahor) once stayed beyond the river and served other gods. 3 But I took Abraham (your ancestor) from the other side of the river and guided him throughout this entire land. Then I made his seed grow… 4 I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac [I gave] Jacob and Esau. Then I gave Mount Seir to Esau as his inheritance, as Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt, where they became a great and mighty nation.
‘Then the Egyptians started oppressing them, 5 so I struck down Egypt with the miracles that I sent among them. 6 And afterwards, I brought your fathers out of Egypt. And as they entered the Red Sea, the Egyptians chased them into the Sea with their chariots and horses. 7 Then, when they called out to Jehovah, I put a cloud and darkness between [them and] the Egyptians, and brought the Sea down upon [the Egyptians] and covered them.
‘Why, your eyes have seen all that Jehovah did in the land of Egypt, and of how you spent a long time in the desert. 8 And now He has brought us into the land of the Amorites who lived across the Jordan, and Jehovah has given them into our hands… you have inherited their land and destroyed them!
9 ‘[Do you remember when] Balak, the king of Moab (the son of SepPhor) went to war against Israel, and how he called BalaAm to curse us? 10 Yet, Jehovah your God wouldn’t destroy you; He blessed us and saved us from their hands, then He handed them over to us.
11 ‘Thereafter, you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho, where the people of Jericho fought against us – as did the Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, Jebusites, Hittites, and the Gergesites – and Jehovah gave them all into our hands. 12 You didn’t chase them with swords or bows; He sent hornets ahead of you and drove them away… the twelve kings of the Amorites!
13 ‘Now He has given you a land that you didn’t clear and cities that you didn’t build, where you’ve now settled and where you are eating from vineyards and olive groves that you didn’t plant. 14 So, fear Jehovah and serve Him righteously and justly… get rid of all the strange gods that our ancestors served across the river and in Egypt, and serve Jehovah!
15 ‘However, if you don’t wish to serve Jehovah, then choose who you will serve today… whether it’s the gods of your ancestors that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you’re now living. But as for me and my household, we will serve Jehovah, because He alone is holy!’
16 And the people answered, ‘We won’t leave Jehovah and serve other gods. 17 Why, our God Jehovah is God! For, it was He who brought our ancestors and us out of Egypt, and who protected us all along the way that we walked, and from all the nations that we passed. 18 And it was Jehovah who threw out the Amorites and all the other nations that lived in this land. Yes, we will serve Jehovah, for He is our God!’
19 Then JoShua said to the people, ‘You won’t really be able to serve Jehovah, because He is holy. And because He’s zealous, He won’t forgive your sins and your errors. 20 So when you leave Jehovah to serve other gods, He will come against you, oppress you, and consume you, because He has done good things for you.’
21 Then the people replied, ‘No! We will serve Jehovah!’
22 And JoShua said, ‘Then you are witnesses against yourselves that you’ve chosen to serve Jehovah. 23 So now, get rid of all the strange gods that you have, and set your hearts right with Jehovah, the God of Israel.’
24 And the people replied, ‘We will serve Jehovah and listen to His voice!’
25 So JoShua made a Sacred Agreement with them that day, and gave them laws and rules before the Tent of the God of Israel, there in Shiloh. 26 And then he wrote those words in the book of the Laws of God.
And JoShua took a large block of stone and erected it under the oak tree before Jehovah. 27 Then he told the people, ‘Look, this stone will serve as a witness among you, for it has heard all the words that you’ve said before Jehovah. And because He has spoken to you today, this stone will serve as a witness against you in the last days when you deal treacherously with my God Jehovah.’
28 Then JoShua dismissed the people and they each returned to their homes.
29 Thereafter, JoShua (the son of NaWeh), the servant of Jehovah, died at the age of a hundred and ten, 30 and they buried him in the land that he had inherited in Thamna Sarach, in the hills of EphraIm north of Mount Gilead. They put his [body] in a tomb, along with the stone knives that he had used to circumcise the children of Israel at GilGal, after Jehovah brought them out of Egypt… and they are still there today.
31 Well, Israel served Jehovah for as long as JoShua and the elders of JoShua’s era (who knew all that Jehovah had done for Israel) were still alive. 32 And thereafter, the children of Israel brought the bones of Joseph ([which they had carried from] Egypt) and buried them in Sicima, in the tract of land that Jacob bought from the Amorites in Sicima for a hundred ewes, and which was given to Joseph as his property.
33 Shortly thereafter, EliEzer (Aaron’s son) the High Priest also died and was buried in GabaA in the hills of EphraIm (which had been given to his son Phineas). And on that day, the children of Israel took the Chest of God and carried it among the people. Then Phineas was appointed as [High] Priest in place of his father EliEzer (after his death and burial at GabaA).
Thereafter, the children of Israel each left and returned to their own cities and homes, and they started worshiping Astarte, AstarOth, and the gods of the nations around them. So, Jehovah handed them over to Eglom, the king of Moab, who ruled over them for the next eighteen years.
Judges
Chapter 1
1 After the death of JoShua, the children of Israel asked Jehovah, ‘Who will lead us in battle against the CanaAnites now?’
2 And Jehovah replied, ‘The Judeans must take the lead, for I have delivered this land into their hands.’
3 Then the Judeans said to their brothers [of the tribe of] Symeon, ‘Come join us, and we will go to war with the CanaAnites… we’ll all go together.’
So the Symeonites joined with the Judeans, 4 and Jehovah delivered the CanaAnites and Pherezites into their hands. It was at Bezek that they cut down ten thousand men. 5 For they caught up with the lord of Bezek at [the city of] Bezek and fought against him, cutting down the CanaAnites and the Pherezites. 6 But the lord of Bezek escaped, so they chased after him, and when they caught him they cut off his thumbs and big toes.
7 And the lord of Bezek said, ‘Seventy kings whose thumbs and big toes were cut off gathered under my table. So, God has repaid me for the things that I did to them.’
Then they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died; 8 for the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem and captured it, and then they cut down [all who lived there] with swords and burned the city with fire. 9 And afterward, the children of Judah went down to fight with the CanaAnites who lived in the hill country, in the south, and in the plains. 10 And then they went against the CanaAnites who lived in Hebron (formerly Kiriath Arbo-Sepher), and [the people of] Hebron came out to fight. So they cut down Sessi, Achiman, and Tholmi – the children of Enac.
11 And from there they went to [war against] the inhabitants of Dabir (formerly Kiriath-Sepher, or, The City of Letters). 12 And Caleb said, ‘I’ll give my daughter Ascha to be the wife of whoever is the first to take and destroy The City of Letters.’ 13 And it was GothoniEl (the youngest son of Kenez, Caleb’s brother) who captured it, so Caleb gave GothniEl his daughter Ascha, to be his wife.
14 And when he came to claim her, GothoniEl urged her to ask her father for a plot of land. So as she was sitting on her burro, she started complaining and crying, saying, ‘You’re sending me away into the land in the south!’
And Caleb asked her, ‘What do you want?’
15 And Ascha replied, ‘I beg you to give me a blessing. For, since you’re sending me into a land in the south, you must provide me watered [land] as my ransom.’
And Caleb gave her what her heart desired as a ransom… the upper and lower [springs].
16 Then the children of Jethro the Kenite (who was Moses’ father-in-law) left the City of Palm Trees with the children of Judah and traveled to the desert south of Judah, to the edge of Arad, and took up living with the people there.
17 Thereafter, the Judeans went with their brothers the Symeonites, and they cut down and killed all the CanaAnites who lived in Sepheth, then they renamed the city AnaThema. 18 However, the Judeans didn’t inherit anything in the borders of Gaza, AshCalon, AcCaron, Azotus, or any of the lands around them. 19 But Jehovah was with the Judeans, and they inherited all the hill country; yet they weren’t able to destroy the inhabitants in the valley, because the Rechabites kept them from doing so.
20 Then they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses told them, and he inherited the three cities of the children of Enac.
21 Nor did the children of BenJamin take Jerusalem from the Jebusites as their inheritance, so the Jebusites still live among the children of BenJamin in Jerusalem to this day.
22 The sons of Joseph went up against BethEl and Jehovah was with them. 23 They camped there and [sent spies] to the city (which was then called Luza). 24 And when the spies noticed a man leaving the city, they captured him and said, ‘Show us a way into the city and we will show you mercy.’
25 So he showed them how to get into the city, and they cut down everyone in the city with swords, but they set the man and his family free. 26 Then he went to the land of ChetTin and built a city there, which he named Luza… and that is what it is still called today.
27 However, ManasSeh failed in his drive against BethSan (in Scythia) and its towns and suburbs, Thanac and its towns, Dor and its suburbs and towns, Balak and its suburbs and towns, MegidDo and its suburbs and towns, JeblaAm and its suburbs and towns, and the CanaAnites started living in this land. 28 But after Israel became strong enough, they made the CanaAnites pay a tribute, however they failed to drive them out.
29 Nor did EphraIm drive out the CanaAnites that lived in Gazer. So the CanaAnites lived in their midst and they were forced to pay a tribute [to EphraIm].
30 And ZebuLon failed to drive out the inhabitants of Kedron and Domana, so the CanaAnites lived in the midst of them and paid them a tribute.
31 And Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of AcCho (who paid them a tribute), or those of Dor, Sidon, DalAph, AsChazi, ChebDa, Nai, or Ereo. 32 So Asher lived in the midst of the CanaAnites, because they couldn’t drive them out.
33 And NaphTali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of BethSamus or BethAnach, so NaphTali lived in the midst of the CanaAnites who inhabited the land, but the inhabitants of BethSamus and BethEneth paid them a tribute.
34 Also, the Amorites drove the children of Dan into the mountains and prevented them from moving down into the valley. 35 They also took up living in Shell Mountain, where there are bears and foxes (in MyrSinon and ThalaBin). Yet, the house of Joseph [made life difficult] for the Amorites and they made them pay a tribute. 36 So the Amorite border ran from AcraBin into the hill country.
Chapter 2
1 Well, a messenger of Jehovah had traveled from GilGal to The Place of Tears at BethEl, to address the house of Israel. And he told them, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: I brought you out of Egypt and into the land that I promised to your ancestors. And I said that I would never break the Agreement that I made with you. 2 However, I told you not to make any agreements with [people] who live in this land, and you were not to worship their gods. Rather, [I told you to] destroy their carved images and to pull down their altars. However, you haven’t listened to My voice, and you’ve done [bad] things. 3 Now, as I told you, I won’t drive them out from in front of you. So, they will harass you and their gods will oppress you.’
4 Well, after the messenger of Jehovah said all of this to the children of Israel, the people started shouting and crying, 5 and that’s why they named it The Place of Tears. Then they offered sacrifices to Jehovah there, 6 and thereafter JoShua dismissed the people and they each returned to the lands that they were given as their inheritances.
7 So, the people served Jehovah [faithfully] for as long as JoShua and all the elders (who knew of the great things that Jehovah had done in Israel) were still alive. 8 But then JoShua (the son of NaWeh), the servant of Jehovah, died at a hundred and ten years old, 9 and they buried him along the border of his inheritance, in Thamna-Thares in the hills of EphraIm, on the north side of Mount GaAs. 10 And then the rest of that generation was laid to rest with their ancestors, and another generation came along that didn’t know Jehovah or of the things that He had done in Israel. 11 So the children of Israel started doing evil things before Jehovah, and they started serving Baal Im. 12 They left Jehovah (the God of their ancestors) who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and started following and worshiping other gods – the gods of the nations roundabout them – 13 and this made Jehovah very angry… they left Him and started serving Baal and the stars!
14 And because Jehovah was very angry at Israel, He handed them over to looters who plundered them… He sold them into the hands of their enemies [who lived] around them and they were no longer able to stand against their enemies, 15 for the hand of Jehovah was against them. He caused bad things to happen, as He promised, and they [underwent some very hard times].
16 Then Jehovah appointed Judges to save them from the hands of those who were looting them, but they wouldn’t even listen to the Judges. 17 They just continued in their immoral relations with other gods by worshiping them, and they quickly turned from the way that their ancestors had walked, refusing to listen to the words of Jehovah.
18 Now, because Jehovah had appointed their Judges, He blest the Judges and continued to save [Israel] from the hands of their enemies during the entire period of the Judges, for Jehovah was moved by all their groaning about those who were attacking and looting them. 19 Yet, whenever a Judge died, they would go right back to being corrupt – even worse than their ancestors – in worshiping and serving other gods, and they stubbornly refused to abandon their evil ways, 20 which made Jehovah very angry with Israel. So He told them: ‘Because this nation has broken the Sacred Agreement that I made with their ancestors and refused to listen to My voice, 21 I will no longer drive away a single man from the nations among them, which were allowed to stay in the land by JoShua, the son of NaWeh. 22 [I will do this] to prove whether Israel will choose to follow and walk in My ways, as did their ancestors.’
23 So, Jehovah just left those nations (that JoShua didn’t conquer) alone, and He didn’t drive them away.
Chapter 3
1 These are the nations that Jehovah left [in the land] to test those in Israel (those who didn’t know about the wars in CanaAn, 2 because that generation of Israel hadn’t fought in the wars): 3 the five kingdoms of the Philistines and all the CanaAnites, Sidonians, and Evites who lived south of Lebanon from Mount Hermon to LaboEmath. 4 He used them to test Israel and to find out whether they would obey the commands that He had given their ancestors through Moses.
5 So, the children of Israel lived in the midst of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites, 6 and they married their daughters, gave their daughters to their sons, and they started serving the gods [of these nations]. 7 [Of course], this was evil in the eyes of Jehovah, for they had forgotten Jehovah their God and were serving Baal Im and the sacred poles. 8 As the result, Jehovah was very angry at Israel and He sold them into the hand of Chusar Sathaim, the king of Syrian-MesoPotamia, and the children of Israel served him for eight years.
9 It was then that the children of Israel started calling to Jehovah; so Jehovah appointed a savior for Israel who delivered them… GothoniEl (the son of Kenez), the younger brother of Caleb. 10 Jehovah poured out His Breath upon him, and he served as Israel’s Judge. And when he went to war against Chusar Sathaim, Jehovah gave the king of Syrian-MesoPotamia into his hands, and he was conquered. 11 And thereafter, the land was quiet for forty years, until GothoniEl (the son of Kenez) died.
12 However, the children of Israel kept doing evil things before Jehovah, so because of their evil ways, He allowed Eglom (the king of Moab) to grow stronger, and then come against Israel. 13 First he brought together all the children of AmMon and Amalec, and then he went and cut down Israel, capturing The City of Palm Trees. 14 So, the children of Israel served Eglom (the king of Moab) for the next eighteen years.
15 And again the children of Israel called to Jehovah and He provided them a savior, Aod (the son of Gera and grandson of JeMeni), who was just as strong with his left hand as he was with his right. And when the children of Israel sent him to carry gifts to Eglom, 16 Aod made a two-edged dagger that was eight-inches long, which he hid on his right thigh under his robe. 17 Then he went and carried the presents to Eglom, who was a very fat man.
18 And after he had presented all his gifts, he sent those who had carried the gifts away 19 (after they had returned from the quarries at GilGal), for he said, ‘I have a secret message for you O king!’ Then Eglom told him not to say anything until after he’d sent all those who were waiting on him away.
20 Then later, Aod went in to see Eglom as he was sitting in his upper summer chamber all by himself. And Aod said, ‘I have a message for you from God, O king.’ And as Eglom got up from his throne, 21 Aod reached in with his left hand and grabbed the dagger from his right thigh, then he plunged it into [Eglom’s] belly… 22 he drove it in so far that the handle went in and the fat closed over it, and he left the whole dagger inside his belly. 23 Then Aod walked out on the porch, passing the guards on the way, closed and locked the chamber doors, 24 and left.
Well, when Eglom’s servants came and saw that the doors to the upper chamber were locked, they said, ‘Doesn’t he usually [lie undressed] in the summer chamber?’ 25 Then they waited so long that they became embarrassed, for they saw that no one had opened the doors to the upper chamber, so then they got the keys and opened them… and that’s when they found their lord lying dead on the ground.
26 Meanwhile, Aod escaped during the confusion, and nobody paid any attention to him. So he passed the quarries and escaped to Setir Otha.
27 And when Aod got back to the land of Israel, he blew his horn in the hills of EphraIm, and the children of Israel came down from the mountains to him. Then he stood before them 28 and said, ‘Now follow me, for Jehovah God has given our enemies the Moabites into our hands.’
So they followed him and they captured the fords that cross the Jordan near the land of Moab, and they wouldn’t allow anyone to cross. 29 Then they cut down Moab that day, killing about ten thousand virile, mighty men, and no one escaped. 30 So, Moab was put into the hands of Israel, and the land rested for the next eighty years… and Aod judged them until he died.
31 After him, Jehovah appointed SamEgar (the son of Dinach). He’s the one who cut down six hundred Philistines with an ox plough. And he too delivered Israel.
Chapter 4
1 And again, after Aod died, the children of Israel went back to doing evil things against Jehovah. 2 So Jehovah sold them into the hands of JaBin (the king of CanaAn) who ruled from Asor. The leader of his army was SiSara, and he lived in ArisOth-of-the-Gentiles. 3 Then the children of Israel started calling to [Jehovah again], because [SiSara] had nine hundred iron chariots, which [he used to] oppress Israel for twenty years.
4 DeborAh (the wife of LapidOth) was a Prophetess, and she was the Judge of Israel at the time. 5 For she would sit under [what came to be known as] ‘The Palm Tree of DeborAh’ (which was located between Rama and BethEl in the hills of EphraIm), and the children of Israel would go to her for judgment.
6 Then DeborAh sent for BaRak (the son of AbineEm) who was in Cades of NaphTali, and she asked him, ‘Hasn’t Jehovah the God of Israel given you any instructions? Take ten thousand men from among the sons of NaphTali and ZebuLon, and go to Mount Tabor. 7 There I will send SiSara (JaBin’s general) against you with his army and chariots at the Kison wadi, and I will give them into your hands.’
8 And BaRak replied, ‘If you’ll go with me, I will go. But if you won’t go, I’m not going; because I’m not sure which day Jehovah will bless me [by sending] His messengers.’
9 And she said, ‘Then I’ll go with you, but understand this: You won’t be honored by this expedition, for Jehovah will give SiSara into the hands of a woman.’
So DeborAh left Cades and went with BaRak… 10 for he had called [for help from] ZebuLon and NaphTali there at Cades, and ten thousand men showed up, and they all left with DeborAh.
11 Now, Heber (the Kenite) had moved away from the sons of Jobab (Moses’ father-in-law) at Cana, and pitched his tent beside the Oak-of-the-Envious, which is near KaDesh. 12 And when SiSara was told that BaRak (the son of AbineEm) had left for Mount Tabor, 13 he called for all his iron chariots (all nine hundred of them) and for all the people [who lived between] ArisOth-of-the-Gentiles and the Kison wadi.
14 Then DeborAh told BaRak, ‘Now [get ready], for this is the day when Jehovah will give SiSara into your hands… because Jehovah will go ahead of you!’
So, BaRak descended Mount Tabor with ten thousand men, 15 and Jehovah created problems for SiSara, his chariots, and his army; and BaRak cut them down with swords. Then SiSara jumped from his chariot and ran.
16 Well, BaRak pursued the chariots and SiSara’s army [all the way] to ArisOth-of-the-Gentiles and cut them all down, leaving no survivors. 17 Meanwhile, SiSara had run toward the tent of JaEl, the wife of Heber the Kenite (because [Heber] was his friend, and there was peace between JaBin the king of Asor and Heber’s family). 18 So JaEl went out to meet SiSara, and said to him, ‘Hide here my lord… come here to me and don’t be afraid.’
So he turned to her and entered her tent, and then she covered him with a mantle. 19 And SiSara said to her, ‘I’m very thirsty… please give me a little water to drink.’
So he opened a jar of milk, gave it to him to drink, and covered him again. 20 Then SiSara said to her, ‘Now stand by the entrance to the tent, and if anyone comes and asks if you’ve seen me, tell him no.’
21 However, JaEl (the wife of Heber) took a tent pin and a hammer, then crept up to him and drove the pin through his temple… driving it all the way into the ground. Well, he passed out, everything went dark, and he died.
22 And when JaEl saw that BaRak was pursuing SiSara, she went out to meet him and said, ‘Come here and I’ll show you the man you’re looking for.’ Then he entered [her tent] and saw SiSara dead with the pin through his temple.
23 So God drove JaBin (the king of CanaAn) away from before the children of Israel that day, 24 and they kept attacking JaBin until they had destroyed him.
Chapter 5
1 And on that day, DeborAh and BaRak (the son of AbineEm) sang this song:
2 ‘Israel was shown what to do,
And the people were made willing… HalleluJah!
3 Hear O you kings and listen you rulers,
For this I will sing… Yes, I’ll sing a song to Jehovah…
A psalm to Jehovah, Israel’s God.
4 O Jehovah; You went up to Seir…
You went to the land of Edom;
The earth quaked and the sky dripped with dew,
And from the clouds dropped the rain.
5 Mountains shook before the face of the Lord;
O God; Sinai [trembled] before the face of Jehovah (God of Israel),
6 In the days of SamEgar, son of Anath,
And in the days of JaEl.
For [Israel] had strayed from their way,
And followed paths that were crooked.
7 In Israel there were no more mighty men;
They failed ‘til DeborAh arose… a mother in Israel she was.
8 Then new gods they did choose;
And when the cities of their rulers went to fight;
There wasn’t a shield or a spear to be seen,
Among forty thousand in Israel.
9 My heart yearned for Israel to be ordered,
(Among those who still praised Jehovah)
10 To have someone mount a burro at noon,
And sit upon the seat of judgment,
For the sake of those who travel the roads,
To sit and be judged along the way.
Now, proclaim 11 that you’ve been saved from those who disturbed us;
And may those who go to draw water,
Tell the righteous things that You’ve done, O Jehovah.
And may Your righteous deeds keep growing in Israel;
May the people of Jehovah return to their cities.
12 Awaken… wake up O DeborAh!
Awaken and sing us a song.
And get up O BaRak, lead your captives,
Into captivity (you son of AbineEm).
13 A small group of the strong people of Jehovah went with him;
They were the mighty that came from among us.
14 EphraIm rooted them out in Amalec,
And behind them was BenJamin among your people.
The people of Machir also came with me,
In order to search out the enemy.
And from ZebuLon came those who wrote down the record,
With the pen of a scribe.
15 For, the leaders of IsSachar were with DeborAh and BaRak.
She sent BaRak on foot to the valleys of Ruben.
And although their hearts were trembling,
16 They then sat between pens of sheep,
Hearing the bleating of Ruben’s flocks,
As each man searched through his heart.
17 But Gilead stayed in their tents,
On the other side of the Jordan,
And Dan remained in their ships.
Asher sat down by their seashores,
And they tented at their ports,
18 While the people of ZebuLon [laid] their lives [on the line],
And NaphTali marched on the hills in their lands.
19 The kings of CanaAn formed for battle free of charge,
And fought in ThanaAch at the water of MegidDo,
20 While the stars from heaven formed for the battle,
In their path to fight against SiSara.
21 Then the Kison wadi swept them away…
The ancient brook Kison (my mighty soul);
[Is what] trampled them down.
22 For, the hoofs of their horse got entangled,
And his mighty men ran away.
23 May you be cursed, O Meroz,
For, the messenger of Jehovah has cursed all who live there,
Because they didn’t [fight] for Jehovah,
And [they didn’t come] to the aid of His mighty.
24 Bless JaEl, the wife of Heber the Kenite;
May she be praised above tent-dwelling women.
25 For, he asked for water and she gave him milk…
In a dish she brought butter to a leader.
26 Then she leaned with a nail in her left hand,
And hit it with the hammer in her right hand.
She cut down SiSara with a nail through his head…
She cut down him with a nail through his temples.
27 He fell and rolled between her feet… and just lay there;
He bowed and fell where he bowed, lying dead.
28 Sisera’s mother looked down through her window;
She looked out of the peephole and asked,
Why was his chariot shamed?
Why did the wheels of his chariots stop?
29 And thus replied her wise ladies;
And she answered herself when she said:
30 Won’t they find him dividing the loot?
Surely he’s dividing dyed clothes with his men.
For SiSara are the spoils of many dyed clothes;
Now embroidered dyed clothes are the spoils for his neck.
31 May all your enemies perish thus, O Jehovah;
But may those who love You be just as strong,
As the voyages of the sun.’
32 And the land rested [for the next] forty years.
Chapter 6
1 However, the children of Israel kept doing evil things in the eyes of Jehovah, so He put them under the hand of the Midianites for seven years. 2 And they proved to be so strong against Israel that the Israelites took up living in mountain caves, in [animal] dens, and in holes in the rocks. 3 And whenever the children of Israel would plant anything, the Midianites, Amalechites, and the sons of the east would get together 4 and [fight] against them and destroy their crops. And in Gaza they stole all the [cattle], leaving nothing to support life in the land of Israel. 5 They just moved in with their livestock, camels, and tents like locusts, as the land of Israel was being destroyed.
6 So, Israel was mostly impoverished because of Midian, 7 and the children of Israel started calling to Jehovah over Midian.
8 Then Jehovah sent a Prophet to the children of Israel, who told them, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: I’m the One who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and it was I who brought you out of the house of slavery. 9 I saved you from the hands of the Egyptians and from those who are now persecuting you, and I threw them out and gave you their land. 10 I also told you that I am Jehovah your God, so you are not to be afraid of the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live; but you just wouldn’t listen to Me!’
11 Then a messenger of Jehovah came and sat down under the fir tree at EphRatha (BethLehem) in the land of JoAs (the father of EsDri), as [EsDri’s] son Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine press (so the Midianites wouldn’t notice [what he was doing]). 12 It was there that Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him and said, ‘Jehovah is with you, you mighty [man].’
13 And Gideon said to him, ‘Be patient with me, my lord; If Jehovah is with us, then why are all these bad things happening to us… and where are all His miracles that our ancestors have told us about, such as when He brought them out of Egypt? For, now he has rejected us and given us into the hands of the Midianites.’
14 Then the messenger of Jehovah turned to him and said, ‘Go and use your strength to save Israel from the hands of Midian. For look, I am sending you!’
15 But Gideon replied, ‘Be patient with me my lord; How can I save Israel? For look, there are thousands in [the tribe of] ManasSeh, yet they are weak… and I’m the least prominent one in my father’s house.’
16 And the messenger of Jehovah said to him, ‘Jehovah will be with you and you must cut down everyone in Midian.’
17 And Gideon said, ‘If I’ve found mercy in your eyes and you’re going to do all these things that you told me today, 18 don’t leave here until I return with an offering and lay it before you.’
And he replied, ‘I’ll stay here until you return.’
19 So, Gideon went back and prepared a kid goat and a quart of fine fermentation-free flour. He put the [cooked] meat in a basket, poured its gravy into a jar, and carried it to [the messenger, who was still sitting] under the fir tree.
20 And the messenger of God said to him, ‘Now take the meat and the fermentation-free cakes and put them on that rock, then pour the gravy over it.’ And that’s what he did.
21 Then the messenger of Jehovah stuck out the walking stick that was in his hand and touched the meat and fermentation-free bread, and fire came out of the rock and consumed it all. Then the messenger of Jehovah vanished from his sight.
22 It was then that Gideon realized it was a messenger of Jehovah, and he said, ‘Ah… ah… Jehovah my God! I’ve seen the messenger of Jehovah face to face!’
23 And Jehovah replied, ‘May you have peace. Now, don’t be afraid, for you’re not going to die.’
24 And so Gideon built an altar to Jehovah there and called it ‘The Peace of Jehovah.’ And it’s still there today in EphRatha, [at the home of his] father, EsDri.
25 Then that night, Jehovah said to him, ‘Now take the young calf that your father has, the second one that is seven-years old, and then destroy your father’s altar to Baal and his sacred poles. 26 For, you must build an altar to Jehovah your God on the top of this hill and get things ready; then take the calf and sacrifice it as a whole burnt offering, using the wood from the sacred poles that you cut down.’
27 So, Gideon took ten of his servants and did as Jehovah said. But, because he was afraid of the house of his father and the men of the city, he did it at night.
28 Then, when the men of the city woke up early the next morning and saw that the altar of Baal and the nearby sacred poles had been demolished, and the calf that Gideon had offered on the altar (which he had built), 29 they each started asking their neighbors, ‘Who did this?’
Then they asked around and found out that Gideon (the son of JoAs) had done it. 30 And the men of the city went and told [the family of] JoAs to bring out this son, and let them kill him for destroying the altar of Baal and the nearby sacred poles. 31 But Gideon said to the men who had come for him, ‘Are you now pleading for Baal, and are you going to save him? May all those who plead for him be killed this morning! Why, if he’s a god, let him plead for himself because someone has torn down his altar!’
32 And that day [they started calling him] JeroBaal. For he said, ‘Let Baal plead, because his altar has been torn down.’
33 Well, all the Midianites, Amalechites, and sons of the east had gathered and camped in the JezreEl Valley. 34 So, the Breath of Jehovah came upon Gideon and he blew his [battle] horn, and AbiEzer came to his aid. 35 Then Gideon sent messengers throughout ManasSeh, Asher, ZebuLon, and NaphTali, and he went out to meet with them.
36 Then Gideon said to God, ‘If You’re going to use me to save Israel, as You said; 37 look, I’ve put some wool fleece on the threshing floor. And if only the fleece is covered with dew and the ground all around it is dry [in the morning], I will know that You’re going to use me to save Israel, as You said.’
38 Well, when he got up early the next morning, he wrung out the fleece, and a full bowl of water poured from it.
39 But Gideon said to God, ‘Please don’t be angry, but please allow me to ask for just one more thing. To make sure, now let the fleece be dry, while dew is all over the ground.’
40 And that’s what God did that night. There was dew all over the ground, but the fleece was dry.
Chapter 7
1 So JeroBaal (Gideon) rose early and his army camped at the Spring of Arad, with the camp of Midian to the north… it ran from BabaAh ThamorAi into the valley. 2 And the Lord said to Gideon, ‘There are too many people with you, so I won’t deliver Midian into their hands. For then Israel would boast before Me and claim that they had saved themselves! 3 So now, say this to the people: All who are nervous or afraid may now leave Mount Gilead.’
And of the twenty-two thousand who came with him, ten thousand remained.
4 Then Jehovah said to Gideon, ‘There are still too many people, so lead them all down to the water, and I will reduce their numbers for you. Then, whichever ones I select and say, This one must go with you, you must take. And those that I tell you not to take must not go with you… make sure that they don’t come along!’
5 So, Gideon led the people down to the water, and Jehovah said to Gideon, ‘Now, I want you to set all those who lap the water like a dog aside from those who get down on their knees to drink.’
6 And three hundred men lapped water with their hands to their mouths, while all the rest got down on their knees to drink. 7 And Jehovah said to Gideon, ‘Now I’m going to save you and give Midian into your hands with these three hundred men who lapped the water. All the rest may return home.’
8 So, they gathered provisions from the rest of the people and took their trumpets, and he sent them back to their tents. Then he armed the three hundred and got them ready, for the army of Midian was just below them in the valley.
9 And that night, Jehovah said to him, ‘Now get up and go down into the camp, for I have given it into your hands. 10 But if you’re afraid, I want you and your servant Phara to go down into their camp 11 and listen to what they’re saying, then you won’t be afraid anymore.’
So, he went down to the edge of where the companies of fifty men were camped, along with his servant Phara, 12 for Midian, Amalec, and all the children of the east were scattered throughout the valley like locusts. And they had so many camels that they were like the sands on the seashore.
13 Then Gideon overheard a man telling his comrade of a dream he had, saying, ‘{Look} I had a dream, and in it I saw a cake of barley bread roll into [our] camp, and when it reached a tent, it knocked it down. And when it fell, [the tent] turned upside down.’
14 And his comrade replied, ‘This was none other than the sword of Gideon, the son of JoAs, an Israelite man; for God has given Midian and our entire army into his hands.’
15 So, when Gideon heard the story of the dream and its interpretation, he thanked Jehovah. Then he returned to the camp of Israel and said, ‘Now get up, for Jehovah has given the camp of Midian into our hands.’
16 Then he divided his three hundred men into three companies, and gave them all trumpets, torches, and empty pitchers. Thereafter, he had them put the torches inside the pitchers, 17 and said, ‘Now watch me, and do what I do! For, I’m going down to the edge of their army; 18 then I’ll blow my horn, and at the same time you must start blowing your trumpets all around their camp and shouting, For Jehovah and Gideon!’
19 Then Gideon and his company [crept] down to the edge of their army (toward the start of the middle watch), and he aroused the guards by blowing his horn and breaking the pitcher that was in his hands. 20 Then all three companies blew their trumpets and broke their pitchers, and they held the torches in their left hands as they blew their trumpets with their right hands and shouted, ‘A sword for Jehovah and Gideon!’
21 Well, they each just stood there around the camp as the army sounded an alarm and everyone started running about. 22 And when the three hundred blew their trumpets, Jehovah caused the entire army to start attacking each other with swords. 23 Then [the remaining] army retreated as far as BethSeEd, TagaraGatha, and from AbelMeula to TaBath, and the men of Israel (from NaphTali, Asher, and everyone in ManasSeh) came to help, and chased after Midian.
24 Then Gideon sent messengers throughout the mountains of EphraIm, saying, ‘Come down to meet Midian, and take (control of) all the water and the Jordan as far as BethEra.’
So, all the men of EphraIm started shouting, and they captured all the water along the Jordan up to BethEra. 25 And they also captured the leaders of Midian (Oreb and Zeb). Then they killed Oreb in Sur-Oreb, and they killed Zeb in JakephZeph. Then they chased Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeb to Gideon from across the Jordan.
Chapter 8
1 Then the men of EphraIm asked Gideon, ‘What are you doing? Why didn’t you didn’t call us when you went to fight against Midian?’ And they were very angry with him.
2 But he replied, ‘What have I done in comparison to you? For, aren’t the leftovers of EphraIm better than the full harvest of AbiEzer? 3 Why, Jehovah delivered the leaders of Midian (Oreb and Zeb) into your hands, and what did I do to compare with that?’
Well when he said that, they calmed down.
4 Then Gideon went to the Jordan and crossed it by himself, for his three hundred men (who were very hungry) lagged behind. 5 And he went to SocChoth and asked the men there, ‘Please give me some bread to feed these people who are following me, because they’re starting to get weak. For look, we’re in pursuit of Zebee and Salmana, the kings of Midian.’
6 But the leaders of SocChoth said, ‘Have you already captured Zebee and Salmana so that we should now feed your army?’
7 And Gideon said, ‘Okay then, but when Jehovah gives Zebee and Salmana into my hands, [I’m going to return] and tear your flesh with thorns in the BarKenim Desert.’
From there he went up to Peniel and made the same request of them, but they answered as the men of Succoth had. 9 So Gideon told them, ‘When I return with peace, I’m going to tear down this fortification.’
10 Well, Zebee and Salmana were in CarCar with their army, but there were only about fifteen thousand left of their army of mercenaries remaining, for a hundred and twenty thousand of their soldiers had already been killed. 11 Then Gideon traveled past the people who lived in tents east of NabAi and JegEbal, and he cut down and captured their army. 12 But Zebee and Salmana fled, so he chased after them and caught the two kings of Midian, and he routed [the rest] of their army.
13 Then, after Gideon (the son of JoAs) returned from the battle, 14 he took a young man prisoner who lived in SocChoth and questioned him, and he had him write down the names of the leaders and elders of SocChoth… all seventy-seven men. 15 Then Gideon went to the leaders of SocChoth and said, ‘See; here are Zebee and Salmana about whom you so rudely asked, Are Zebee and Salmana now in your hands, so that we should give your hungry men bread?’
16 Then he took the elders of that city [and dragged them through] the thorns of the BarKenim Desert, tearing them to pieces.. 17 And from there he went and tore down the fortification of PhanuEl and killed all the men in that city.
18 Then he asked Zebee and Salmana, ‘Who were those men that you killed in Tabor?’
And they replied, ‘Why, they looked like you… like the sons of a king.’
19 And Gideon said, ‘They were my brothers… the sons of my mother. So, as Jehovah lives, if you had left them alive I wouldn’t have to kill you.’ 20 And he said to Jether (his firstborn), ‘Take them out and kill them,’
But the young man wouldn’t draw his sword, because he was young and afraid. 21 Then Zebee and Salmana said, ‘If you’re a man, then why don’t you kill us?’ So, Gideon got up and killed Zebee and Salmana, and he took the round ornaments that were hung around the necks of their camels.
22 Then the men of Israel [came to him] and said to Gideon, ‘My lord; become our ruler… you, your sons, and your son’s sons, for you’ve saved us from the hands of Midian.’
23 But Gideon replied, ‘I’m not going to rule over you, nor will my sons, for Jehovah must be your ruler.’ 24 And Gideon added, ‘All I ask from you is one thing: I want each man to give me an earring from his loot.’ For, because they were IshMaElites, he knew they would have golden earrings.
25 And they said, ‘Sure, we’ll give them to you.’
33 However, after Gideon died, the children of Israel turned back and had immoral relations with Baal Im, and they agreed that Baal would be their god. 34 So, the children of Israel forgot Jehovah their God who had saved them from the hands of all those around them that were oppressing them. 35 And they did not deal mercifully with the house of JeroBaal (Gideon), despite all the good things that he had done for Israel.
Chapter 9
1 Thereafter, AbiMelech (the son of JeroBaal [or Gideon]) went to see his mother’s brothers in Sychem and he spoke to them and all his relatives in his grandfather’s house. He said, 2 ‘Please speak to all the men of Sychem and ask, Which is better for you; to have seventy men (all the sons of JeroBaal) rule over you, or just one man? And remember that I’m your flesh and [blood].’
3 So, his uncles spoke about him to all the men of Sychem and told them about all the things he said. And this moved their hearts [to follow] AbiMelech, for they said that he was their brother. 4 Then they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the [temple] of Baal Berith, which AbiMelech used to hire some vain and cowardly men to be his followers. 5 So, he went to the house of his father in EphRatha and killed all of his brothers (JeroBaal’s legitimate sons) on a rock, except JoAtham the youngest (because he ran away and hid).
6 And then all the men of Sicima and the house of BethMaAlo got together, and they appointed AbiMelech to be their king (at the Oak of Sedition in Sicima).
7 But when JoAtham heard about this, he went and stood on top of Mount Girizim and shouted to them: ‘Listen to me, you men of Sicima, for God is listening too. 8 The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they asked the olive tree to reign over them. 9 But the olive replied, Must I now give up my oil that men use to glorify God to be promoted over the [the rest of the] trees?
10 ‘Then they said to the fig tree, Come rule over us. 11 But the fig tree replied, Must I leave all my sweetness and good fruit to be promoted over the [the rest of the] trees?
12 ‘Then they said to the [grape] vine, Come rule over us. 13 And the vine replied, Must I leave my wine that brings happiness to God and men just to be promoted over the [the rest of the] trees?
14 ‘And finally, all the trees said to the brier bush, Come rule over us. 15 And the brier bush replied, If you will really anoint me to be your king, then [all of you] must come and stand under my shadow. And if you refuse to do this, I will send out fire to burn down the cedars of Lebanon.
16 ‘Now, [judge for yourselves whether] what you’ve done is the right thing when you made AbiMelech your king. Have you been fair with JeroBaal and his house, and have you given him the reward he deserves? 17 Why, my father fought for you and put his life in jeopardy when he saved you from the hands of Midian. 18 But today you’ve risen against the house of my father and murdered his sons – seventy men – on a stone. And you’ve made AbiMelech, the son of his slave [woman] the king over the men of Sicima, just because he’s your brother.
19 ‘Now, if you think that you’ve dealt faithfully and righteously with JeroBaal and his house, then rejoice with AbiMelech, and may he rejoice over you. 20 But if not, may fire come from AbiMelech to devour the men of Sicima and the house of BethMaAlo… and may fire come from the men of Sicima and the house of BethMaAlo to devour AbiMelech.’
21 Then JoAtham ran away and lived at BaeEr, to get way from his brother AbiMelech.
22 Well, AbiMelech reigned over Israel for three years. 23 But God created a bad relationship between AbiMelech and the men of Sicima. So, the men of Sicima started dealing treacherously with the house of AbiMelech – 24 [which is what he was due], because of the bad things he did to the seventy sons of JeroBaal. [For God] laid the blood of his brothers upon AbiMelech who had murdered them, and on the men of Sicima, because they had empowered him to kill his brothers.
25 So, the men of Sicima made trouble for [AbiMelech] by sending robbers to the mountaintops, where they robbed everyone that passed that way, and it was reported to King AbiMelech.
26 Well, GaAl (a son of JoBel) and his brothers moved to Sicima. And because the men of Sicima trusted him, 27 they all went into the field and gathered grapes, had a good time squashing them, and they brought the grapes into the house of their god, where they ate, drank, and cursed AbiMelech.
28 Then GaAl (the son of JoBel) said, ‘Just who is AbiMelech… just who is this son of Sychem that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of JeroBaal, and isn’t Zebul his steward the son of EmMor? So, why should we serve him? 29 I wish that these people would [start serving] me, then I would remove AbiMelech… I would say to him, Gather your army and come here.’
30 However, Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard what GaAl (the son of JoBel) said, and it made him very angry. 31 So, he sent messengers to AbiMelech secretly, who said, ‘Look! GaAl (the son of JoBel) and his brothers have come to Sychem and they [are stirring up] the city against you. 32 So, come here tonight with your army and wait in the fields. 33 And at sunrise, advance toward the city; then he and his people will come out to confront you, and you can do whatever you wish to him… if you’re strong enough.’
34 Well, AbiMelech and his army marched by night and formed an ambush against Sychem with four companies. 35 And when GaAl (the son of JoBel) went out and stood by the city gate, AbiMelech and his army attacked. 36 And when GaAl saw the people, he said to Zebul, ‘Look, there are people coming down from the tops of the mountains.’
And Zebul replied, ‘You’re just seeing the shadows on the mountains as men.’
37 But GaAl kept talking. He said, ‘Look, there are people coming from the west, near the middle of the land, and another group is coming down the road from Helon-MaOnenim.’
38 And Zebul said to him, ‘Just what were you thinking when you said, Who is AbiMelech that we should serve him? Why, aren’t these the same people that you don’t care for? So now, get ready and form your battle lines.’
39 Then GaAl gathered the men of Sychem and set up battle lines to fight AbiMelech. 40 So AbiMelech attacked and killed many people… all the way up to the city gate, and GaAl ran away. 41 Then AbiMelech returned to Arema, and Zebul drove GaAl and his brothers out of Sychem.
42 Well the next day, the people [of Sychem unlocked the gates] and went out into their fields, and someone told AbiMelech. 43 So, he gathered his army and divided them into three companies, then he formed an ambush in the fields. And when he saw the people leaving the city, he attacked and cut them down. 44 Then AbiMelech and his generals rushed up and attacked the city gate, as the other two companies were attacking the people in the fields. 45 And AbiMelech fought against the city all that day and captured it. Then he killed the people, [burned] the city, and poured salt over its land.
46 Well, when all the men in Sychem’s citadel heard what happened, they all gathered in the Temple of God Berith. 47 And when AbiMelech heard that all the men in the citadel had gathered in one place, 48 he took his army up Mount Selmon, took an axe, cut off a tree branch, and laid it on his shoulders, then he said to his troops, ‘Now, do what I’m doing as quickly as you can.’
49 So, they each cut a branch off a tree and they followed AbiMelech, then they laid them against the temple and set them on fire, burning it and killing all the people in the citadel of Sicima (about a thousand men and women).
50 Then AbiMelech left the temple of God Berith and attacked Thebes, and captured it. 51 It also had a citadel in the middle of the city, and all the people ran there and locked the door, then they climbed to the top of the citadel.
52 Well, AbiMelech attacked the citadel and laid siege to it, and when he got near the door, he set it on fire. 53 But as he was doing this, a woman dropped a piece of a millstone on his head, fracturing his skull. 54 So, he quickly called to the young man who was his armor bearer and said, ‘Draw your sword and kill me, because I don’t want anyone to say that I was killed by a woman.’ And the young man ran him through with a sword, and he died.
55 Then, when the men of Israel saw that AbiMelech was dead, they just went back home.
56 And that’s how God paid AbiMelech back for all the bad things he did against his father, and for murdering his seventy brothers. 57 And that’s also how he paid back the men of Sychem. God brought their guilt on their heads, and the curse of JoAtham (the son of JeroBaal) came true.
Chapter 10
1 After AbiMelech [died], Thola (the son of Phua) arose to save Israel. He was from the family of IsSachar and he lived in SamIr in the mountains of EphraIm. 2 He judged Israel for twenty-three years, and then he died and was buried in SamIr.
3 And after him, there was JaIr of Gilead, and he judged Israel for twenty-two years. 4 He had thirty-two sons, they had thirty-two burros, and they ruled over thirty-two cities in the area of Gilead. So they still call those cities JaIr’s Towns today. 5 And when JaIr died, he was buried in RhamNon.
6 Then the children of Israel once again started doing evil things in the eyes of Jehovah, 11 but Jehovah said to the children of Israel: ‘Haven’t I delivered you from the oppression of Egypt, the Amorites, the children of AmMon, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalechites, and the Midianites… when you called to Me, didn’t I save you from them? 13 But you still left Me and served other gods, so I won’t be saving you anymore. 14 Go and call to the gods that you’ve chosen for yourselves, and let them save you whenever you’re in trouble.’
15 And the children of Israel said, ‘We have sinned, so do to us whatever You find good in Your eyes, but just save us today!’ 16 Then they removed all their other gods and started serving just Jehovah again. However, He was hurt by all the trouble that Israel was causing.
17 Well, the children of AmMon had gone and camped in Gilead, and then the children of Israel got together and camped on the hill above it. 18 And the leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, ‘Who will lead the battle against the children of AmMon? That person will be the head over everyone who lives in Gilead.’
Chapter 11
1 JephThah, the Gileadite, was a mighty man, who was the son of Gilead by a whore. 2 However, Gilead’s wife had also given birth to sons, and when they grew up, they drove JephThah out of the house, saying, ‘You aren’t going to receive an inheritance in the house of our father, because you’re the son of [his] mistress.’ 3 So JephThah left his brothers and went to live in the land of Tob. And there a lot of worthless men started following JephThah and traveling with him.
4 Well, when the children of AmMon prepared to fight against Israel, 5 the elders at Gilead sent [messengers] to call JephThah from the land of Tob, 6 saying, ‘Come and lead us in our fight against the sons of AmMon.’
7 But JephThah replied, ‘Aren’t you the ones who disliked me, drove me out of my father’s house, and banished me? So, how have you [the nerve] to call for me now?’
8 And the elders of Gilead said, ‘Well, we’ve now turned to you, and we’re asking you to lead us in battle against the sons of AmMon. Then you can be the head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.’
9 So JephThah told the elders of Gilead. ‘Okay, if you bring me back to fight against the children of AmMon and Jehovah hands them over to me; then I must be your leader.’
10 And the elders of Gilead replied, ‘Jehovah is our witness that we will do just as you said.’
11 So JephThah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him the head [of their army and their] ruler. Then JephThah prayed to Jehovah about this at MasSepha. 12 And thereafter, he sent messengers to the king of the children of AmMon to ask, ‘What have I done to you, that you’ve come to fight against me and my land?
13 And the king of the AmMonites told JephThah’s messengers, ‘Because Israel took away all our land from Arnon, to Jaboc, to the Jordan, when they came from Egypt. Now, return it peacefully and we’ll leave.’
14 Then JephThah sent messengers to the king of AmMon again, 15 to tell him: ‘JephThah says that Israel didn’t just take the land of Moab or the land of the children of AmMon. 16 For when we left Egypt, Israel traveled through the desert along the Red Sea until we got to Cades. 17 And there Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom and asked if we could pass through their land, but the king of Edom wouldn’t allow us to do that… and Israel asked the same thing of the king of Moab, and he wouldn’t allow us [to cross his land]; so we stayed in Cades. 18 And thereafter, we traveled through the desert and went around the lands of Edom and Moab. And when we got to the east side of Moab, we camped in the country on the other side of Arnon, and never crossed the borders of Moab (for Arnon is their border).
19 ‘Then Israel sent messengers to Seon (the king of the Amorites and the king of Esbon) to say: Please allow us cross your land to get to our land. 20 But Seon didn’t trust Israel to pass through his land, so he gathered all his people to the camp at Jasa and set up battle lines against Israel. 21 However, Jehovah the God of Israel gave Seon and all his people into the hands of Israel, and they them cut him down and inherited all the land of the Amorites who lived there, 22 from Arnon to Jaboc, and from the desert to the Jordan.’
23 ‘So, now that Jehovah the God of Israel has removed the Amorites [and given their land to] His people Israel, are you going to take it back? 24 Why not accept the land that your god Chamosh has given you as your inheritance, and allow us to inherit all the land that our God Jehovah has taken from you?
25 ‘Are you any better than Balac (the son of SepPhor), the king of Moab? For, didn’t he fight with Israel and make war 26 when Israel lived in and around EshEbone, and in the land of AroEr, and in all the cities around the Jordan for three hundred years? And just what [land] did you recover then? 27 So now, I haven’t sinned against you, but you’re doing me wrong by preparing to war against me. May Jehovah our Judge serve as the judge between the children of Israel and the children of AmMon today!’
28 However, the king of the children of AmMon refused to listen to the words that JephThah sent to him. 29 And Jehovah’s Breath settled upon JephThah, so he went up to Gilead (in ManasSeh), passed by its watchtower (as well as the children of AmMon), and went to the other side of the city. 30 Then JephThah made a vow to Jehovah. He said, ‘If you’ll give the children of AmMon into my hands, 31 then whoever is the first to come out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in peace after [conquering] the children of AmMon, must be Jehovah’s… I will offer him as a whole burnt offering.’
32 Then JephThah advanced to meet the sons of AmMon in battle, and Jehovah gave them into his hands. 33 He cut them down all the way from AroEr to Arnon… twenty of their cities as far as Ebel Charmim. It was a huge destruction and the children of AmMon were conquered before the children of Israel.
34 Then, when JephThah returned to his home in MasSepha, he saw his daughter coming out to meet him, dancing and shaking a tambourine. Well, she was his only child… for he didn’t have any other sons or daughters. 35 And when he saw her, he ripped his clothes and shouted, ‘Oh no, my daughter! You’ve ruined me! Oh, I’m so sad, because I made a promise about you to Jehovah, and now I can’t change it.’
36 And she said: ‘Father, do to me whatever you’ve promised to Jehovah, for He has given you vengeance on our enemies, the children of AmMon.’ 37 Then she said, ‘Father, I know that you must do this thing, but let me have two months as my friends and I travel through the mountains to wail over my virginity.’
38 And he said, ‘Then go.’ So he allowed her to leave for two months as she and her friends went into the mountains and cried over the fact that she was to remain a virgin.
39 Well after two months, she returned to her father and he kept his vow concerning her, and she never [had sex with] a man. 40 And it became a rule that the daughters of Israel were to go and cry over the daughter of JephThah (the Gileadite) for four days each year.
Chapter 12
1 Then the men of EphraIm got together and traveled north to JephThah, and they said, ‘Why did you go over to fight with the children of AmMon and not call for us to go with you? Why, we’re going to burn your house down with you in it!’
2 And JephThah told them, ‘My people and I were too busy fighting the children of AmMon. And when I called for you, you didn’t come to save me from their hands. 3 So, when I saw that you weren’t any help, I put my life in my own hands and attacked the sons of AmMon, and Jehovah gave them to me. So now, just why are you coming against me today?’
4 Then JephThah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against EphraIm, and the men of Gilead cut them down. Then those who escaped said, ‘[Don’t forget that your town] of Gilead is in the midst of EphraIm and ManasSeh!’ 5 So Gilead took the fords of the Jordan before the EphraImites could get there, and when they tried to cross [to get back home], the men of Gilead would ask, ‘Are you an EphraImite?’ And when they said ‘No,’ 6 they told them to say ‘Stachys’ (for the EphraImites couldn’t pronounce it properly). Then they killed them there at the fords of the Jordan, and forty thousand men of EphraIm died that day.
7 Well, JephThah (the Gileadite) judged Israel for six years, and then he died and was buried in his city of Gilead. 8 Thereafter, Aba IsSan of BethLehem judged Israel. 9 He had thirty sons and thirty daughters (who he sent away), and he brought in thirty [wives] for his sons from [outside the land]. He judged Israel for seven years, 10 then Aba IsSan died and was buried in BethLehem.
11 And after him, AiLom of ZebuLon judged Israel for ten years. 12 Then AiLom died and was buried in [the town of] AiLom in the land of ZebuLon.
13 After him, AbDon (the son of ElLel the Pharathonite) judged Israel. 14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode upon seventy young burros, and he judged Israel for eight years. 15 Then AbDon (the son of ElLel the Pharathonite) died, and he was buried in Pharathon, in the land of EphraIm on Mount Amalec.
Chapter 13
1 Then the children of Israel started sinning against Jehovah again, so He handed them over to the Philistines for forty years.
2 And there was a man [from the town of] SaraAh named ManoEh, who was of the family of Dan, and he had a wife who hadn’t given birth to any children. 3 Then a messenger of Jehovah appeared to her and said, ‘I see that you have never given birth to a son. 4 Now, be very careful and don’t drink any wine or liquor, or eat anything that’s unclean, 5 for {Look!} you are pregnant and will give birth to a son [upon whom] an iron [razor] may not [be used] on his head. This child will be dedicated to God (a Nazarite) from the time he’s born and he will start to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.’
6 Then the woman went inside and told her husband, saying, ‘A man of God came to me who looked very impressive… like one of God’s messengers. So I didn’t ask him where he came from and he didn’t tell me his name. 7 But he said to me, {Look!} You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son [upon whom] an iron [razor] may not [be used] on his head. This child will be dedicated to God (a Nazarite) from the day he’s born until the day that he dies.’
8 So ManoEh prayed to Jehovah and said: ‘I beg You, O Jehovah my Lord, concerning the man of God that you sent. Let him come to us once again and teach us what to do to this child that’s about to be born.’
9 And Jehovah heard the voice of ManoEh and sent His messenger to the woman again as she was sitting in a field… but ManoEh (her husband) wasn’t with her. 10 Then she ran home and told her husband, saying, ‘Look! The man who came the other day has appeared to me again!’
11 So ManoEh got up and followed his wife; and when they got to the man, ManoEh asked, ‘Are you the man who spoke to my wife?’
And the messenger replied, ‘I am.’
12 And ManoEh said, ‘Now may [your] words come to pass. But tell us how we must raise the child and how we must deal with him.’
13 And the messenger of Jehovah said to ManoEh: ‘The woman will be aware of all the things that I spoke to her about; 14 she must eat nothing that comes from the vine that produces wine, nor drink wine or strong drink, and she may not eat anything that is unclean… she must follow all of these [instructions] that I gave her.’
15 And ManoEh said to the messenger of Jehovah, ‘Please stay for a while and let us prepare a meal of young goat for you.’
16 And the messenger of Jehovah said to ManoEh, ‘If you want me to stay, I won’t eat your bread. But if you wish to sacrifice a whole burnt offering to Jehovah, you should do it.’
Now, ManoEh didn’t realize that he was a messenger of Jehovah, 17 so he said, ‘Tell us your name, so that when your words come true, we may praise you.’
18 And the messenger of Jehovah replied, ‘Why do you ask my name? It’s just too wonderful.’
19 So then, ManoEh took a kid goat and its meat offering, and offered it to Jehovah on a rock. And the messenger did something unusual as ManoEh and his wife looked on. 20 For the flames of the altar flew up into the sky, and the messenger of Jehovah went up in the flames. And when ManoEh and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground.
21 Well, the messenger never appeared to ManoEh and his wife again.
But MonoEh then realized that it was a messenger of Jehovah. 22 So ManoEh said to his wife, ‘Now we’re going to die, because we’ve seen God!’
23 But his wife said to him, ‘If Jehovah wanted to kill us, He wouldn’t have accepted our whole burnt offering and food offering, nor would He have shown us or caused us to hear all these things.’
24 Thereafter, the woman gave birth to a son who she named Sampson, and Jehovah blest him as he grew. 25 For, the Breath of Jehovah went with him into the camp of Dan and between SaraAh and EsthaOl.
Chapter 14
1 Then Sampson went down to ThamNatha and noticed a woman in ThamNatha who was a daughter of the Philistines. 2 So he went and told his father and mother, ‘I have seen a woman in ThamNatha (a daughter of the Philistines); take her for me to be my wife!’
3 And his parents asked, ‘Aren’t there any daughters among our brothers, or any women among all our people? Why do you want to take a wife from among the uncircumcised Philistines?’
And Sampson replied, ‘Take her, because she really appeals to me.’
4 Well, what his father and mother didn’t realize, is that this [action] came from Jehovah, for He wanted to bring His vengeance upon the Philistines, who were ruling over Israel at the time.
5 So Sampson took his father and mother down to ThamNatha, and when he got to the vineyard there, a young lion roared and ran out to meet him. 6 Well, the Breath of Jehovah came over him in a powerful way, and he crushed the lion as though it were a kid goat, leaving nothing in his hands. But he didn’t tell his father and mother what he had done. 7 Then they went and spoke to the woman who Sampson found so attractive.
8 And sometime later, when he returned to take her [as his wife], he went to look at the carcass of the lion and noticed that a swarm of bees had taken up living in its mouth; 9 so he took the honey and went on. He ate some of it, and then went and offered it to his father and mother, and they ate it, because he didn’t tell them that he had gotten the honey out of the mouth of a lion.
10 Well, his father then went [to take] the woman; and Sampson held a wedding banquet there for seven days, which was customary for young men to do at the time, 11 and they invited thirty guests who stayed there with him. 12 Then Sampson said to them, ‘Let me tell you a riddle, and if you can answer it correctly during the next seven days of the banquet, I will give [each of you] a wrap and a new set of clothes. 13 But if you can’t answer it, you must each give me a wrap and a new set of clothes.’
‘And they replied, ‘Okay; tell us your riddle.’
14 Then he told it to them, saying, ‘The eater came for the meat, but sweetness came out of the strong one.’
Well, they tried to solve the riddle for three days, but were unable to figure it out. 15 Then on the fourth day, they went to Sampson’s wife and said, ‘We want you to fool your husband. Have him tell you the riddle, or we will burn your father’s house down with you in it. For, surely you didn’t invite us here just to [rob] us.’
16 So, Sampson’s wife went to him crying, and said ‘You don’t care for me… you don’t love me, because you haven’t told me the answer to the riddle that you posed to the sons of my people!’
And Sampson asked her, ‘Why, if I haven’t given the answer to my own father and mother, so why should I tell it to you?’
17 Well, she just kept on crying in front of him throughout their banquet; so on the seventh day he gave her the answer, because she kept bothering him, and then she told it to the [guests]. 18 And before sunrise on the seventh day, the [guests] (who were from the city) came to him and answered, ‘What is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than a lion?’
Then Sampson said to them, ‘If you hadn’t been plowing with my heifer, you would never have figured out my riddle!’
19 Then the Breath of Jehovah came over him and he went down into the city and destroyed thirty men, took their clothes, and gave them to those who answered the riddle. And Sampson was so angry that he just went back to the house of his father, 20 so Sampson’s wife lived with his best man, who was one of his friends.
Chapter 15
1 Well, it was after some time (during the wheat harvest) that Sampson visited his wife, bringing along a kid goat. And he said, ‘I want to go in to my wife… into her bedroom.’
2 But her father spoke to him and said, ‘I said that you must surely hate her, so I gave her to one of your friends. And isn’t her sister better than her? Let her become yours instead!’
3 And Sampson said, ‘Well, I finally I have a good reason to harm the Philistines, and no one can blame me now.’ 4 So Sampson trapped three hundred foxes; then he paired the foxes and tied each pair’s tails together, then he tied torches to their tails, 5 lit them, and released the foxes into the Philistine’s grain fields; so everything was burned, from the threshing floors to the fields of grain, and even the vineyards and olive groves.
6 And when the Philistines asked, ‘Who did this?’ They were told, ‘It was Sampson, the son-in-law of the ThamNite, because we gave [Sampson’s] wife to one of his friends.’
So, the Philistines went and burned the house of Sampson’s father-in-law with his wife inside it.
7 Then Sampson went to them and said, ‘Because you did this to her, I’m going to get even… and only then will I be satisfied!’
8 So he cut off all their legs to their thighs, and then he went down and lived in a cave in the Rock of Etam.
9 Well then the Philistines went into Judah and set up camps all around Lechi. 10 And when the men of Judah asked why they were getting ready to attack, the Philistines answered, ‘We’ve come here to capture Sampson and to deal with him in the same way that he dealt with us!’
11 So, three thousand men of Judah went down to the hole in the Rock of Etam and said to Sampson, ‘Don’t you know that the Philistines rule this country? What have you done to us?’
And Sampson replied, ‘I’ve just treated them the way they treated me.’
12 And they said, ‘Well, we’ve come here to take you and give you into the hands of the Philistines.’
Then Sampson told them, ‘Swear to me that you won’t do anything bad to me yourselves.’
13 And they promised, ‘No, we’ll just tie you up and hand you over to them… we won’t kill you.’
Then they tied him up with two new ropes and led him from the [cave].
16 Then Sampson sang:
‘With the jaw of a burro I destroyed them;
A thousand men I cut down,
With the jaw of a burro.’
18 Well, he was extremely thirsty, so he called to Jehovah and said, ‘Since it has pleased You to use Your servant’s hands to bring about this great deliverance, must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?’
19 Then God broke open a hole in the ground [near] the jaw, and water poured out. So he drank it, his spirit was renewed, and he regained his strength. Then he named that spring ‘The Well of the Calling,’ which is still in Lechi today.
20 So [Sampson] Judged Israel for twenty years during the period of Philistine [domination].
Chapter 16
1 Well, Sampson went to Gaza, and there he saw a prostitute and went inside with her. 2 And when this was reported to the Gazites (when they were told that Sampson was there), they surrounded [the house] and quietly waited for him all night long inside the city gate. [Their plan] was to wait until he left at dawn, then [catch him] and kill him.
3 Well, Sampson slept until midnight, then he got up and went to the city gate, [but it was locked]. So he pulled its two posts [out of the ground], lifted them and the locked gate, and laid them on his shoulders, then he climbed to the top of the mountain in front of Hebron and laid them there.
4 Well after that, he fell in love with a woman from AlsOrech named DeliLa (gr. DeliDa). 6 And the leaders of the Philistines came up to her and said: ‘Beguile him and find out where he gets all his great strength… what the source of his strength is, so we can take him, bind him up, and humble him. Then we will give you eleven hundred silver coins.’
6 So DeliLah said to Sampson: ‘Please tell me where you get all your strength… is there any way that you could be tied up, captured, and imprisoned?’
7 And Sampson replied, ‘Yes; if I were tied up with seven ropes that have been soaked in water, then I would be as weak as any ordinary man.’
8 So the leaders of the Philistines brought her seven wet ropes and she used them to tie him up 9 (as their men hid in her bedroom). Then she shouted, ‘The Philistines are here, Sampson!’ And he broke the ropes as though they were burnt threads, for no one knew how strong he was.
10 And then DeliLah said to Sampson, ‘Why, you’ve misled me and lied to me! Now, tell me how you can really be held.’
11 And he said to her, ‘I would have to tied up with new ropes, not with ropes that have been used for work. And then I would be as weak as any other man.’
12 So, DeliLah took new ropes and tied him up. Then the men who were waiting in her bedroom ran out as she shouted, ‘The Philistines are here Sampson!’ But he broke them off his arms like thread.
13 And again, DeliLah said to Sampson: ‘Look, you’ve deceived me and lied to me. Now, please tell me how you can be held.’
And he said to her, ‘If the seven locks on my head were woven together into a net and fastened to the wall with a nail, then I would be as weak as any other man.’
14 So after he fell asleep, DeliLah took the seven locks on his head and wove them with a net, and nailed them to the wall. Then she shouted, ‘The Philistines are here, Sampson!’ And when he woke up, he just jerked the nail that held the net out of the wall.
15 And DeliLah asked Sampson, ‘How can you say that you love me when your heart doesn’t belong to me? Why, this is the third time you’ve deceived me, for you haven’t told me where you get all your strength.’
16 Well, she kept nagging him and complaining all night long, until he was exasperated to the point of dying 17 So he told her all the things that were in his heart, saying, ‘A razor must never touch my head, for I have been a person dedicated to God since [I came from] my mother’s belly. So, if [my hair] should be shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any man.’
18 And DeliLah realized that what he said came from his heart, so she sent for the Philistine rulers, saying, ‘Come here one more time, for he has told me what’s in his heart.’ And all the Philistine rulers came there and put the silver into her hands.
19 Then DeliLah allowed Sampson to fall asleep on her knees, and she [motioned to] a man who cut the seven locks off his head, and his strength left him. 20 So when DeliLah shouted ‘The Philistines are here, Sampson!’ he woke up thinking, ‘I’ll just shake myself free and leave, as before.’ But he didn’t know that Jehovah had left him. 21 So the Philistines captured him, put his eyes out, bound him in brass fetters, and took him down to Gaza and threw him in prison. 22 But while he was there, his hair started to grow again, and soon it became as long as it was before.
23 Well, the leaders of the Philistines got together to offer a big sacrifice to their god Dagon… and to celebrate what they claimed their god had done by giving their enemy Sampson into their hands. 24 And when the people saw him, they started singing praises to their god, saying, ‘You’ve given our enemy who destroyed our land and who killed many of our people into our hands!’ 25 And after everyone had been worked into a joyful frenzy, they said, ‘Now, bring Sampson from the prison and let him [act the fool] before us.’
So they sent for Sampson, and he was brought from the prison to stand as a fool before them. Then they led him by the hand and stood him between the [temple] columns. 26 And Sampson said to the young man who held his hand, ‘Please let me feel the columns that support the building, so I can steady myself on them.’
27 Well, the building was filled with men and women, including all the leaders of the Philistines, and almost three thousand people were on the roof (they had come to watch as they made fun of Sampson).
28 Then Sampson called to Jehovah and said, ‘O Jehovah my Lord; please remember me and give me strength just one last time, O God, so I can make the Philistines pay for the loss of my eyes.’
29 Then he braced his hands against the two columns that supported the building and pushed – one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Sampson said, ‘And let my wife die with the Philistines!’ Then he bent over and shoved, and the temple collapsed, killing the leaders and all the people in it. And in his death, Sampson killed more than all he had killed during the rest of his lifetime.
31 Well thereafter, his brothers and the rest of his father’s house went there and recovered his body, and they buried it between SaraAh and EsthaOl, in the tomb of his father ManoEh. So, he Judged Israel for twenty years.
Chapter 17
1 Then there was a man from the mountains of EphraIm named MichaYas. 2 And he said to his mother, ‘Do you remember those eleven hundred silver coins that you once had, and which you cursed me for taking? Well, here they are, for I did in fact take them.’
And his mother said, ‘May Jehovah bless you, my son.’
3 So he returned her eleven hundred silver coins, and his mother said, ‘I had dedicated this money to the Lord and set it aside for [you] my son, to make a molded and carved image… so it’s yours.’
4 However, he gave the money back to his mother. Then his mother took two hundred of the silver coins and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to mold a carved image for the house of MichaYas. 5 So the house of MicaYas became the temple to this god. Then [MicaYas] made a sacred vest and a sign of worship, and he anointed one of his sons to be his priest. 6 For back in those days, there was no king in Israel and everyone did whatever was right in his own eyes.
7 Well, there was a young man from BethLehem (in Judea) who was a Levite, and he happened to be passing by 8 (he had left BethLehem in Judea to move to whatever place he might find). And when he got to the hills of EphraIm and the house of MicaYas, his journey ended. 9 For MicaYas asked him, ‘Where have you come from?’
And he replied, ‘I’m a Levite from BethLehem Judea, and I’m traveling to any place that I may find.’
10 And MicaYas said to him, ‘Then live with me and be a father and a priest to me, and I will give you ten silver coins per year, a change of clothing, and provide your room-and-board.’
11 So the Levite lived there with MicaYas and became like one of his sons. 12 For, he anointed the Levite as his priest and he lived inside MicaYas’ home. 13 And MicaYas said, ‘Now I know that Jehovah will treat me well, because a Levite has become my priest.’
Chapter 18
1 Well, there was no king over Israel back then, and the tribe of Dan was looking for its own land to inherit, because they hadn’t received an inheritance among the tribes of the children of Israel. 2 So, the sons of Dan selected five mighty men from among their families, and sent them to spy in the land around SaraAh and EsthaOl, and to search for a land [that they could inherit].
Well, when they reached the hills of EphraIm and the house of MicaYas, they spent the night there, 3 for they had recognized the voice of the young Levite man. So they stopped and asked him questions such as, ‘Who brought you here… what do you do here… and, do you like it here?’
4 And he replied, ‘MicaYas took me in and hired me to be his priest.’
5 And they told him, ‘Then, please use your powers to ask God whether the direction we are headed will be blest.’
6 And the priest said to them, ‘Go your way in peace, for the direction you’re heading is the direction of Jehovah.’
7 So the men traveled on, and when they got to LaIsa, they saw that the people there lived peacefully and leisurely (like the Sidonians). For there was no crime or violence in the land or any robbery, because they were a long way from the Sidonians, and they were quite isolated. 8 So the five men returned to their brothers at SaraAh and EsthaOl and they said, ‘Why are you just sitting here?’ 9 And they said, ‘Get up and let’s attack them, for we’ve seen their land and found it to be very good! Don’t be so silent… don’t restrain yourselves from going there and inheriting their land! 10 For we have found a land where people are living in security and where the land is large enough… and God has given it into your hand… it’s a place where the ground produces everything we need!’
11 And thereafter, the families of Dan sent six hundred armed troops to SaraAh and EsthaOl, 12 and they went and camped in Kiriath JaIrim in Judah. So, that’s why that place is still called the Camp of Dan to this day. Look, it’s behind Kiriath JaIrim. 13 So they marched to the mountains of EphraIm, and when they reached the house of MicaYas, 14 the five men (who had come as spies in the land of LaIsa) told their brothers: ‘You know this: There’s a sacred breast piece, a sign of worship, and a molded and carved image in this place. Now, let’s think about what we should do.’
15 So they stopped there and entered the house of the young Levite man (the house of MicaYas), and they asked him how things were going, 16 as the six hundred armed men of the sons of Dan were standing outside, near the gate.
17 Well, the five men who had come as spies in the land went inside the house of MicaYas where the priest was standing, 18 and took the image, the breast piece, and the sign of worship. And when the priest asked them what they were doing, 19 they said, ‘Put your hand over your mouth and be quiet! We want you to come with us and to be a father and a priest to us. For, which is better… for you to be the priest of the house of one man, or to be the priest of a whole tribe and house of a family of Israel?’
20 Well, this sounded good to the heart of the priest, so he took the sacred breast piece, the sign of worship, and the molded and carved image, and he went along with the men.
21 Now, [the army] had brought all their children, property, and baggage with them. 22 And when they were some distance from MicaYas’ house, MicaYas and his neighbors (who saw them in his house) caught up with them and started shouting at them. 23 Then the children of Dan turned and faced MicaYas, and asked, ‘What’s the matter with you? Why are you shouting at us?’
24 And MicaYas replied, ‘Because you’ve taken the image that I made and my priest. So, what have you left me… why do you think I’m shouting at you?’
25 And the children of Dan said, ‘Stop shouting or you’ll make us angry and our men will kill you and your entire household.’
26 Then the children of Dan traveled on, for MicaYas realized that they were more powerful that he was, so he just went back home; 27 and they carried off the things that MicaYas had made and his priest (who was with them).
Then they went to LaIsh, where people had been living peacefully and securely, and they attacked them with their broadswords, and they burned the city in a fire. 28 No one came to their aid, because the city was far from Sidon and there was no communication, for it was located in a valley near the house of ReHob. Then [the children of Dan] rebuilt the city and lived there, 29 and they renamed it ‘the City of Dan’ (after their ancestor, the son of Israel), although it used to be called LaIsh. 30 And there the children of Dan set up the carved image for themselves.
Then JoNathan (the son of Gerson and grandson of ManasSeh) and his sons became the priests of the tribe of Dan until the time when the nation was captured and carried away [into captivity]. 31 And the carved image that MicaYas made was there for as long as the house of God was in Shiloh, since back then there was no king in Israel.
Chapter 19
1 Now, there was a Levite who was staying in the hills of EphraIm, and he took a concubine for himself who was from BethLehem of Judea. 2 However, his concubine got angry and left him, and went back home to her father in BethLehem. Then after four months, 3 her man went there to plead with her to come back to him, bringing along his servant and a pair of burros. Well, she let him into her father’s house, and she and her father met with him, for she was very happy to see him.
4 Then his father-in-law (the father of the young woman), urged him to stay there for three days; so they ate, drank, and stayed together there. 5 Then on the fourth day, when they got up early in the morning to leave, the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, ‘Have a bite to eat before you go.’ 6 So the two of them sat down together and ate and drank.
Then the girl’s father said to her husband, ‘Stick around; spend another night, and enjoy yourself!’ 7 And when the man got up to leave, his father-in-law wouldn’t allow him to go, so he stayed and spent another night there.
8 Then, when he got up early the next morning (the fifth day) and got ready to leave, the girl’s father said, ‘Stop acting like a soldier… stay here and build your strength until later in the day.’ So, the two [sat down to] eat.
9 And when the man, his concubine, and his servant got ready to go, his father-in-law said to him, ‘Look, it’s almost evening… spend the night and lets enjoy ourselves, then you can leave early in the morning and start your trip back home.’ 10 But he wouldn’t spend another night there, so he got up and left. Then he saddled his burros and set off with his concubine.
11 Well, they got as far as Jebus (Jerusalem) and it was getting late, so the servant said to his master, ‘Please, let’s stop here in this Jebusite city and spend the night.’
12 But his master replied, ‘We don’t want to stay in a city of foreigners, for there are no children of Israel there. 13 We’ll just continue on and spend the night in BabaAh or in Rama.’ 14 So they traveled on and arrived at BabaAh (in the tribe of BenJamin) later that night.
15 Well when they got to BabaAh, they had to stay in the street, because no one invited them in to spend the night in their home. 16 But then, an old man came in from working in the fields, who was from the mountains of EphraIm, but he was staying in BabaAh among the sons of BenJamin. 17 And when he saw the travelers sitting in the street, the old man asked them, ‘Where are you going and where did you come from?’
18 And [the Levite] replied, ‘We’re coming from BethLehem of Judea, and we’re heading toward the side of Mount EphraIm. I live there, and I’ve gotten this far from BethLehem in my journey home, but no one has invited us into his house. 19 We have enough straw and food for our burros, and enough bread and wine for me, my mistress, and my servant, and we really don’t need anything.’ 20 So he brought them into his house, provided a place for their burros, washed their feet, 21 then fed them and gave them something to drink.
22 Well, as they were sitting there enjoying themselves, some men from the city (sons of criminals) surrounded the house and banged on the door. Then they told the old man who owned the house, ‘Send out the man who came into your house so we can [have sex] with him.’
23 But [the old man] went outside and said to them, ‘No brothers; please don’t do him any harm, for he’s a guest in my home! Don’t do such a terrible thing! 24 Look, here’s my daughter, who’s a virgin, and here’s the man’s concubine. I’ll bring them out to you and you can treat them however you wish… but don’t mistreat this man!’
25 However, the men wouldn’t listen to him, so he grabbed the concubine and brought her outside to them, and they raped and abused her all night long, releasing her in the morning. 26 Then the woman came and fell at the door of the house where her man [had hidden] himself. 27 And when her man got up and opened the door to continue his journey, he found her lying by the door with her hands on the threshold. 28 And he said to her, ‘Get up, let’s go!’ But she didn’t answer, because she was dead.
So he lifted [her body] on his burro and returned home. 29 And [when he got home], he took his sword and cut his concubine’s body into twelve parts, then he sent them to [all the tribes] of Israel. 30 And everyone who saw it said, ‘We’ve never seen such a day, nor has anyone seen such a day since the children of Israel left the land of Egypt. So, let’s get together and discuss this matter.’
Chapter 20
1 Then the whole gathering of the children of Israel (from Dan to BerSabeEh) came to a meeting before Jehovah at MasSepha in the land of Gilead. 2 They all stood there before Jehovah as an assembly of the people of God, along with four hundred thousand sword carrying soldiers, 3 and the children of BenJamin had heard that everyone had gone there. Then, when everyone was there, they asked, ‘Tell us; Where did this terrible thing happen?’
4 And the Levite (the husband of the woman who was killed) said, ‘My concubine and I had gone into BabaAh of BenJamin to spend the night. 5 Then the men there came against me and surrounded the house at night, and they wanted to kill me. But they abused and raped my concubine instead, until she was dead. 6 So, I picked her up and cut her into pieces, then I sent them to all the inheritances of the children of Israel; for these men have done a lewd and disgusting thing in Israel! 7 And look, all you children of Israel; Think about what happened and then discuss it among yourselves.’
8 Well, all the people agreed and said, ‘None of us will return to our tents or houses 9 until this thing that was done in BabaAh [is settled]. Let’s have a lottery to choose who will go to fight against that city… 10 we’ll choose ten men from among every hundred of all the tribes of Israel (a hundred out of every thousand and a thousand out of every ten thousand), then we will gather enough provisions and send them to BabaAh of BenJamin to pay them back for the disgusting things they’ve done in Israel.’
11 So, all the men of Israel agreed, and they prepared to march on the city. 12 Then they sent messengers throughout the whole tribe of BenJamin to say: ‘What is this wicked thing that has been done among you? 13 Now, surrender the sons of criminals that are in BabaAh, and we will execute them to purge their wickedness from Israel.’
But the children of BenJamin refused to listen to the voices of their brothers, the children of Israel, 14 and [men from] all their cities gathered at BabaAh to fight against the rest of Israel. 15 The children of BenJamin sent twenty-three thousand soldiers, along with seven hundred of the best men from BabaAh, all of whom were capable of fighting with both hands… 16 they could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
17 Now, the army of Israel (other than those of BenJamin) numbered four hundred thousand men of war. 18 But [before they went to battle], they went to BethEl to ask God, ‘Who must lead us in the fight against the children of BenJamin?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Judah must go first and serve as your leader.’
19 Then the next morning, the children of Israel went and camped around BabaAh, 20 and the battle began. 21 Well, the sons of BenJamin came out from BabaAh in an attack and cut down twenty-two thousand men of Israel. 22 So the men of Israel sent for reinforcements and got ready to fight in the same place where they had fought on the previous day. 23 [But first], they went and spent the day crying before Jehovah, and in the evening they asked Him, ‘Should we go to fight against our brothers the children of BenJamin again?’
And Jehovah said, ‘Go and fight them.’
24 So the children of Israel advanced against the children of BenJamin on the second day. 25 And the children of BenJamin came out of BabaAh to meet them and killed eighteen thousand more of their soldiers. 26 Then all the children of Israel (the people and their troops) went to BethEl and sat there crying before Jehovah, and they fasted all that day until the evening. Then they offered whole burnt offerings and perfect sacrifices to Jehovah.
27 Well, back then, the [Sacred Chest] of Jehovah God was there [in BethEl]. 28 And Phineas (the son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron) would go and stand before it whenever the children of Israel wanted to ask Jehovah for anything. So, again they asked: ‘Must we go again to fight with our brothers, the sons of BenJamin?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘If you go there in the morning, I will give them into your hands.’
29 Then the children of Israel [went back] and encircled BabaAh, [but this time] they set up an ambush. 30 So when the children of Israel went to fight the children of BenJamin on the third day, they prepared for an attack against BabaAh as they had done before. 31 And after the children of BenJamin came out to meet them and started cutting them down between the roads that lead to BethEl and BabaAh (after they had killed about thirty men), everyone had been drawn outside the city. 32 For the children of BenJamin said, ‘They’re falling before us as they did before.’
But then the children of Israel said; ‘Now let’s retreat and we’ll draw them out of the city and into the roads.’ And that’s what they did. And that’s when all the men who were hiding 33 got up out and engaged them at Baal Thamar, and Israel’s reinforcements also came from MaraAgabe. 34 So, ten thousand of Israel’s best men attacked BabaAh. And although [BenJamin’s] troops fought back fiercely, they didn’t know that they were doomed.
35 So, Jehovah allowed the children of Israel to cut down BenJamin that day. And all together, the children of Israel destroyed twenty-five thousand of BenJamin’s soldiers. 36 For, when they realized that the children of BenJamin were losing, the men of Israel turned back and attacked, because they trusted in the ambush that they had prepared against BabaAh. 37 [The plan was that] when they pulled back, those who were hiding were to get up and attack BabaAh and cut [everyone in] the city down with swords.
38 Well, the children of Israel had arranged for a battle signal from those who had been hiding. For when they captured the city, they were to send up a smoke signal. 39 And when the children of Israel saw that they had taken BabaAh, that’s when they turned and attacked. For by then, the children of BenJamin had started killing the wounded among the men of Israel (about thirty of them), and they were saying, ‘Surely they’re going to fall again as they did in the first [two] battles.’
40 But then the [smoke] signal started to arise, and it kept growing into a huge column of smoke rising into the sky. And when the men of BenJamin looked behind them, they saw that the city was being destroyed. 41 So when the men of Israel turned back and attacked, the men of BenJamin started running, because they saw that something bad had happened. 42 Then they retreated all the way into the desert before of the children of Israel, but they were soon overtaken, and even people from the [surrounding] cities came to fight them… 43 they chased the men of BenJamin from Nua almost to BabaAh in the east. 44 And eighteen thousand mighty men of BenJamin fell there.
45 Well, the rest [of BenJamin’s army] then turned and ran through the desert to the rock of RemMon, where the children of Israel picked off five thousand of them; and then they chased the remaining ones as far as GeDan, where they cut down two thousand men. 46 So, BenJamin lost twenty-five thousand of their finest soldiers, 47 and the rest (six hundred of them) turned and ran through the desert to the rock of RemMon, where they hid out for four months.
48 Meanwhile, the children of Israel returned to the territory of BenJamin and cut down [everyone] in their cities (around MethLa), including their cattle, and they burned all the cities and everything they found there in a fire.
Chapter 21
1 Now, the children of Israel all swore there in MasSephath, not to give their daughters as wives to the BenJaminites. 2 And they had all gone to BethEl and sat there before God until the evening, calling to Him and crying. 3 For they asked, ‘Why, O Jehovah the God of Israel, should one tribe of Israel now be missing?’
4 Then the next morning, the people got up early and built an altar there, and sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings. 5 Then the children of Israel started asking, ‘Who among the tribes of Israel hasn’t come here to meet with the gathering of Jehovah?’ (For they had all sworn an oath that those who didn’t come to Jehovah at MasSephath would be put to death). 6 However, the children of Israel grieved for their brothers of [the tribe of] BenJamin, for they said, ‘Today, one tribe has been cut off from Israel. 7 But, what must we do to provide wives for those [among BenJamin] who are still alive, since we’ve all sworn by Jehovah not to give them our daughters as wives?’
8 Then they asked, ‘Are there any among the tribes of Israel who failed to come to Jehovah at MasSephath?’ And they found that no one had come there from JabIsh in Gilead 9 (for they had counted all the people and found that there wasn’t a single man from [JabIsh]). 10 So, the gathering sent twelve thousand of their mightiest men there, and told them, ‘Take your swords and kill everyone who lives in JabIsh Gilead. 11 Kill every man and every woman who has [had sex] with a man, but don’t kill the virgins.’ And that’s what they did. 12 And among the inhabitants of JabIsh Gilead they found four hundred young virgins who had never [had sex] with a man, and they brought them to Shiloh in the land of CanaAn.
13 Then the entire gathering agreed to send [ambassadors] to speak to the remaining children of BenJamin at the Rock of RemMon, and they invited them to make peace. 14 So, [the tribe of] BenJamin returned to the children of Israel that day, and they gave them the women who they hadn’t killed among the daughters of JabIsh Gilead, and they were satisfied. 15 The reason why the people made this concession to Benjamin, was because Jehovah had allowed this breakup among the tribes of Israel.
16 Then the elders of the gathering asked, ‘What must we do to provide other wives for those of BenJamin who are still alive, since all their women have been destroyed?’ 17 And they said, ‘The BenJaminites who escaped must be allowed an inheritance, so a tribe won’t be destroyed from Israel. 18 Yet, we can’t give them our daughters as wives, because we swore among the gathering that anyone who gives a wife to BenJamin will be cursed.’
19 Then they said, ‘Look, there’s a feast of Jehovah that’s held each year in Shiloh’ (which is north of BethEl and east of the road between BethEl and Sychem, south of Lebona). 20 And they told the children of BenJamin this: ‘You may go and hide in the vineyards there, 21 and then watch. And when you see any of the daughters of the people in Shiloh come out to dance, you should each run from the vineyards and grab a wife and take her into the land of BenJamin. 22 Then, when their fathers or brothers come to argue the matter with you, you can reply, You must give them to us freely, for we haven’t taken them from you in battle. Rather, we’ve taken them to keep you from sinning against the oath that you made.’
23 And that’s what the children of BenJamin did. They went and took wives from among the dancers and brought them back to their inherited land, where they rebuilt the cities and lived in them.
24 Thereafter, all the children of Israel went back home to their own tribes, families, and inheritances. 25 For in those days (since there was no king in Israel), every man did whatever he thought was right.
Ruth
Chapter 1
1 Back in those days, during the time of the Judges, there was a famine in the land. So, a man from BethLehem in Judea traveled into the fields of Moab with his wife and two sons. 2 The man’s name was EliMelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and his two sons were named Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites.
And after they came there from BethLehem of Judah, 3 EliMelech (Naomi’s husband) died, leaving just her and her two sons. 4 Then the sons married Moabite women, one named Orpah, and the other named Ruth (gr. Routh), and after she had lived there for about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Chilion (the sons of her and her husband) also died.
6 So, she got up and told her two daughters-in-law that she was going to return to her own country, because she heard [from someone] there in the land of Moab, that Jehovah had returned to His people and was again providing loaves of bread to eat. 7 So, [she got ready] to leave the place where she was staying, and then both of her daughters-in-law met with her, because they wanted to go with her to the land of Judah.
8 But Naomi said to her daughters-in-law: ‘Please go back home to your mothers, and may Jehovah be as merciful with you as you’ve been with my dead ones. Thank you for meeting with me. 9 May Jehovah give you each rest in the house of a husband.’
Then she kissed them and they both started to cry, 10 and they said to her, ‘We want to return with you to your people.’
11 But Naomi said, ‘No, please my daughters! Why do you want to go with me? Do you think that I still have sons in my belly that I can give you as husbands? 12 Please go home, my daughters! Go, because I’ve grown too old to have a husband. And I’ve asked myself, Is it possible for me to marry again and to give birth to sons? 13 And should you wait for them and not marry again until they’ve grown into men? No, my daughters, for I’ve become very bitter since the hand of Jehovah has been against me.’
14 Then they started to cry again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and returned to her family. But Ruth kept following her, and Naomi said, 15 ‘Look Ruth, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods. So, please turn back and catch up with your sister-in-law.’
16 And Ruth replied, ‘Don’t force me to leave you and go back, for wherever you go I will go, and wherever you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die is where I will die, and that’s were I’ll be buried. May Jehovah [curse] me and add more to it if anything other than death will separate me from you.’
18 Well, when Naomi saw that she was so determined to go with her, she stopped trying to discourage her. 19 So they both traveled on together until they arrived at BethLehem. And when they arrived, the whole city of BethLehem cheered for them, and they asked, ‘Is this Naomi?’
20 And she replied, ‘Please don’t call me Naomi; call me the Bitter One, for [God] has made me very bitter. 21 Because, after I left [this land], Jehovah has sent me back with nothing. So, why call me Naomi, because Jehovah has humbled me, and [God] has persecuted me.’
22 So, Naomi returned from the country of Moab with Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, and they arrived in BethLehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Chapter 2
1 Now, there was a man that Naomi knew who was [very well to do], and he was a relative of her husband, EliMelech. His name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth (the Moabite) had asked Naomi, ‘If he approves of me, should I go into his field to glean grain?’
And Naomi replied, ‘Go my daughter.’
3 So, she went into the field and followed behind the rest of those who were harvesting. And it so happened that the portion of the field she was in was being harvested by some of Boaz’s other relatives. 4 And {Look!} when Boaz came from the city (of BethLehem), he said to those who were harvesting there, ‘May Jehovah be with you.’
And they replied, ‘May Jehovah bless you.’
5 Then Boaz asked his servant who was supervising those who were doing the harvesting, ‘Whose young woman is that?’
6 And the supervisor replied, ‘She’s a servant; the Moabite woman who just came here from the country of the Moabites along with Naomi.’
7 Then she [came up] and asked him, ‘May I please collect grain here? I’ll just follow behind the rest who are harvesting.’
Well, she had been working all day long, from morning until evening, and she hadn’t stopped to rest at all. 8 And Boaz said, ‘Hasn’t anyone told you, my daughter… you don’t have go into anyone’s field to glean; catch up with the rest of the young women [who are my relatives]. 9 Look around the field and see where they are, and work along with them. See, I’ve instructed my servants not to bother you, and when you get thirsty, you may go and drink from the water in the jugs that belong to my servants.’
10 Then she bowed low before him with her face to the ground, and asked him, ‘What have I done to find such favor in your eyes that you should treat me so well, for I’m a stranger?’
11 And Boaz answered, ‘All the things you’ve been doing for your mother-in-law since the death of her son and your husband have been reported to me. For, I’ve heard how you’ve left your father, mother, and country, and came to an unfamiliar land just the day before yesterday. 12 May Jehovah repay your good deeds, and may the God of Israel who you’ve come to serve shelter you under His wings.’
13 Then she said, ‘I [hope] that I find your favor, my master, and [that I’m worthy] of the comfort you’ve given me. For, your words have touched the heart of your slave girl. Look, I’m your servant!’
14 Then Boaz said to her, ‘Why, it’s almost suppertime. Here, take some of my bread; and here’s some vinegar to dip it in.’
15 Then Ruth sat down next to the rest of the harvesters, and Boaz gave her a large amount of toasted grain, which she ate. And when she had enough, she left.
16 Then, when she got up [the next day] to collect grain, Boaz had instructed his servants to allow her to harvest from the midst of the grain and to set aside a portion of the field just for her, and not to give her any trouble.
17 So, she worked all day, and when she beat out the grain, she found that she had collected a heaping bushel full. 18 Then she carried it into the city, and when her mother-in-law saw how much she had collected and how much had been given to her, she asked, ‘Where did you go today, and where did you get this? May the one who recognized you be blest!’
19 And Ruth told her mother-in-law where she did [the gleaning] and said, ‘The name of the man who allowed me to do this today is Boaz.’
20 And Naomi said, ‘Praise Jehovah, for He hasn’t forgotten to be merciful [to the widows] of those who have died.’ Then she added, ‘This man is a close relative to you. He’s one of us… one of our closest relatives!’
21 And Ruth said to her mother-in-law, ‘He also told me to [work alongside] his servants until I’ve finished harvesting all that I need!’
22 And Naomi told Ruth, ‘My daughter, it’s good for you to work alongside his servants, for you might not be able to meet his relatives in another field.’
23 So, Ruth worked along with the young women of Boaz’s family until both the barley harvest and the wheat harvest was completed.
Chapter 3
1 And while she was staying there with her mother-in-law, Naomi said to her, ‘My daughter, how can I give you some rest and allow good things to happen to you? 2 Now, Boaz is a close relative of ours. He’s the one whose young women you worked with, and tonight he’ll be threshing barley in his barn. 3 So, why don’t you take a bath, [rub your body] with [fragrant] oils and dress up, then go to his barn. But don’t show yourself to him until after he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Then, after you see that he has fallen asleep, go and uncover his feet and lie down there at his feet and go to sleep. Then he will tell you what to do.’
5 And Ruth said, ‘I’ll do whatever you say.’
6 So, she went down to the barn and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed. 7 [She saw] Boaz eating and drinking until his heart was quite satisfied, and then he went to sleep in the hay. So Ruth crept up quietly and uncovered his feet, then lay down to go to sleep. 8 However, this woke Boaz. And when he saw the woman sleeping at his feet, 9 he asked, ‘Who are you?’
9 And she replied, ‘I’m Ruth, you servant girl. So, wrap me in your blanket, for you are my relative.’
10 And Boaz replied, ‘May you be blessed by Jehovah God for your goodness and mercy, my daughter, because you chose the last over the first. You could have looked for a younger man, whether rich or poor. 11 But daughter, don’t be afraid, for I’ll do whatever you ask. Why, my whole tribe knows what a capable woman you are. 12 However, there’s a closer relative than me. 13 So, spend the rest of the night here, and in the morning, we’ll find out if he will do right by you as your closest relative. Now, as Jehovah is living, you may go to sleep until the morning.’
14 So, [Ruth] went back to sleep at his feet and stayed there until morning. And when she awoke, while [it was still too dark] to be seen, Boaz said, ‘Don’t tell anyone that a woman spent the night in my barn.’
15 Then he said to her, ‘Now, bring me the apron that you wore.’ So, she held it out, and he poured six quarts of barley into it for her. Then she returned to the city.
16 And when she got back, her mother-in-law asked, ‘What happened, my daughter?’
And she told her everything that the man had done, and said, ‘And he gave me six quarts of barley. 17 Then he told me, Go and carry this to your mother-in-law.’
18 And [Naomi] said, ‘Now, let’s just sit here, my daughter, and let’s see how this thing works out. Because the man won’t be satisfied until he has finished everything that has to be done.’
Chapter 4
1 Then Boaz went to the [city] gate and sat down there, and {Look!} before long he saw the man who he had spoken [to Ruth] about, and he asked him to come and sit in a secluded spot. 2 Then he found ten of the city’s elders and asked them to come and sit with them. So they all sat down.
3 Then Boaz said to the relative, ‘This matter is regarding the portion of the field that used to belong to our brother EliMelech and which he passed on to Naomi. Now, she’s just returned from the land of Moab. 4 So, I said to myself, I will whisper in your ear and urge you to purchase it before others in the city do so, or before the elders claim it, for you are [EliMelech’s] closest living relative. However, if you aren’t interested in buying it, tell me so, for I’m next in line as his relative.’
And he replied, ‘Well, I will [claim it] as his next of kin!’
5 And Boaz said, ‘Then, on the day that you buy the field from Naomi, you must also take the Moabite woman Ruth, for she was the wife of [the heir] who died, so you must keep his name alive to get his inheritance.’
6 But the relative said, ‘Then I won’t be able to accept the responsibility of being the closest relative, because I’m afraid that I would ruin the rights of my own inheritors; so you may claim the right.’
7 Now, the custom in Israel at the time, when it came to establishing matters that have to do with inheritances and such, was that the man who [was giving up his right] would untied his sandal and give it to the one who would be the acting next-of-kin, to prove that he was being given the right of inheritance. For, this is how they testified in Israel back then.
8 So, the relative said to Boaz, ‘Now you can buy it yourself, for you have the right of inheritance.’ Then he untied his sandal and gave it to Boaz.
9 And Boaz said to the elders and everyone else who was there, ‘You people are all witnesses today that I’ve acquired the right to buy everything that belonged to EliMelech, Chilion, and Mahlon, from Naomi. 10 And this includes Ruth, the Moabite woman. So, I have also acquired the wife of Mahlon to be my wife. And I will raise a [son] in the name of the one who died, so his inheritance won’t be lost. For, I’m his brother, and you and all the people at this gate are my witnesses.’
11 And the elders agreed, saying, ‘We are witnesses. And may Jehovah make the wife who is entering your home like Rachael and Leah, the ones who built the house of Israel. May they succeed in doing that in a powerful way in EphRatha, and in [bringing forth] a name in BethLehem. 12 And may your house become like the house of Perez, who Thamar bore to Judah. In that way, may this woman give birth to the seed of your children.’
13 So, Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he [slept with] her and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. 14 And she said to Naomi, ‘May Jehovah be praised, because He didn’t rest until He provided a son for you today. May he speak your name in Israel, 15 and may he restore life and nourishment to your grey hair, for your daughter-in-law has given birth to a good child who is better than seven sons.’
16 So, Naomi took the boy and held him to her breasts, and she became his wet nurse. 17 Then she called the neighbors in, and named him, saying, ‘Naomi has given birth to as son.’ So, she called him Obed. He was the grandfather of Jesse and the great-grandfather of David.
18 Now, these are the descendants of Perez:
· Perez fathered Hezron,
· 19 Hezron fathered Aram,
· Aram fathered AminAdab,
· 20 AminAdab fathered Nahshon,
· Nahshon fathered Salman,
· 21 Salmon fathered Boaz,
· Boaz fathered Obed,
· 22 Obed fathered Jesse,
· Jesse fathered David.
1 Samuel
Chapter 1
1 There was man from RamAh of Zophim in the Hills of EphraIm, whose name was ElKanah. He was the son of JerHam, grandson of EliHu, great-grandson of ToHu, and the great-great grandson of Zuph, who were also from the hills of EphraIm. 2 He had two wives, the first was named HanNah, and the second was PeninNah. Now, PeninNah had [given birth to] children, but HanNah had no children.
3 Well, each day [ElKanah] would leave his city and go up to Shiloh to bow and offer sacrifices to Jehovah of armies, along with Eli and two of his sons, Hophni and Phineas, who were Priests of Jehovah. 4 And one day, when ElKanah was offering sacrifices, he gave his wife PeninNah and her sons and daughters their inheritances, 5 but he only gave HanNah a single portion, because she didn’t have any children. However, ElKanah loved HanNah more than he loved PeninNah, yet Jehovah had kept her womb locked, 6 for He hadn’t given her a child to love and to remove her sorrow, so she became depressed, and she believed that Jehovah wouldn’t allow her to have a baby.
7 And each year she would go up to the House of Jehovah, and cry and fast there. 8 Then her husband ElKanah asked her, ‘HanNah, why are you always crying; why won’t you eat; and why is your heart [so sad]? Why, I [love you more] than ten children.’
9 And after she had gone without anything to eat or drink at Shiloh, HanNah stood up before Eli (who was the High Priest at the time), 10 and because her life was in such pain, she prayed and cried there before Jehovah. 11 Then she made a vow, saying, ‘O Jehovah of armies; if You will look at me, You will see how Your slave woman has been disgraced. Please remember me and don’t forget that I’m your servant. Remember me and don’t forget me; and if You’ll give me a son, I will stand him before You and dedicate him to You throughout his entire life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’
12 As she was praying there before Jehovah, the Priest Eli was watching her mouth, 13 and he recognized that she was speaking from her heart. However, he could see her lips moving, but he couldn’t hear her saying anything, so he figured that she was probably drunk. 14 And he said to her, ‘How long have you been drinking? Why don’t you get rid of your wine!’
15 But HanNah said, ‘No my lord, I’m just a woman who has had hard times. I haven’t had any wine or liquor to drink, and I’m not drunk. Rather, I’m pouring out my soul before Jehovah. 16 Please don’t consider your servant a delinquent daughter, for my worries and depression have grown into a mountain.’
17 And Eli answered, ‘Then go in peace, for the God of Israel will give you all that you’ve asked from Him!’
18 And she said, ‘Then your servant has found favor in your eyes.’ So, she went back to her husband and started eating and drinking again, and her face wasn’t sad anymore.
19 Then, when they got up early the next morning, they bowed before Jehovah and went back home. And after ElKanah returned home to RamAh, he [had sex] with his wife HanNah, and Jehovah remembered her and she got pregnant.
20 Well, when the time came, HanNah gave birth to a son who she named SamuEl, for as she said, ‘I asked the Almighty God for him.’
21 And when ElKanah left his house to go up and offer the required sacrifices at Shiloh and to pay his vows, 22 HanNah didn’t go there with him, for she said, ‘I will wait until the boy is weaned before I bring him before Jehovah, then he can spend the rest of the age there.’
23 And ElKanah said, ‘You do whatever you see is best. But after he’s weaned, may [Jehovah hold you responsible] for the things you’ve said.’
So, the woman nursed her son until the time he was weaned, 24 then they took him up to Shiloh along with a three-year-old calf, a quart of fine flour, and a skin flask of wine. There they entered the house of Jehovah in Shiloh, and took the boy inside with them 25 and stood him before Jehovah. Then, after they slaughtered the calf, HanNah brought the child to Eli 26 and said, ‘My Lord, may you live a long life. I’m the woman who stood before you while praying to Jehovah, and here’s my son. 27 This is the boy that I prayed for, and Jehovah gave me what I asked of Him, so may he now serve Jehovah all the days of his life. [We are presenting him to you here] to be used by the Lord.’
Chapter 2
1 And HanNah prayed and sang:
‘Now my [faith] is firm, O God;
For my heart [belongs to Jehovah];
My horn has been raised by my God;
And against my enemies my mouth’s opened wide.
‘I thank You for my salvation,
For, Your salvation has made me so happy.
2 There’s no one as holy as Jehovah;
There’s no one who is as righteous as our God… none are holier than You.
3 ‘We should never boast
Or allow haughty words to come from our mouths,
For, Jehovah is a God of [great] knowledge,
And a God who plans all that He does.
4 ‘He has weakened the bows of the mighty;
He’s given power to those who are weak.
5 ‘Those full of bread now have less,
And those who are hungry have neglected the land.
Yet the sterile have given birth to seven,
While the one with many children has grown weak.
6 ‘For, Jehovah kills and gives birth to the living;
He takes them to the grave and leads them back out.
7 It’s Jehovah who makes the poor and the rich; Yes, He humbles and raises.
8 ‘He resurrects the needy from the ground,
And He raises the poor from the dirt,
To seat them with the mighty of the people,
Where a throne of glory they’ll inherit.
9 ‘He repaid the little vow of the one that was vowing;
And He’s blest the years of the righteous.
For man can do nothing in his own strength,
10 And it’s Jehovah who weakens our enemies… yes Jehovah is holy.
‘May the intelligent not boast of their smartness,
And may the mighty not brag of their strength,
Nor the rich of their wealth.
But let them boast now in this:
Let he who is bragging now see,
And know that it comes from Jehovah;
May they observe the ways that He judges,
And see His justice in the midst of the land.
‘For, Jehovah has ascended into heaven,
And there in the sky He has thundered.
He will [find] and judge all the wicked,
And to the ends of the earth [He’ll search] for the righteous.
‘It is He who gives strength to kings,
And it’s He who’ll raise the horn of His anointed.’
11 She then left him there before Jehovah and went back home to their house in RamAh. And there the boy served Jehovah before Eli the Priest.
Now, Eli’s Sons were very wicked, 12 because they didn’t [really believe in Jehovah]. 13 And these Priests felt that all the sacrifices the people brought belonged to them, so whenever there was boiled meat in the kettle, they would reach in with the three-pronged hook and take it. 14 They would drop the meat hook down into the large kettle and grab whatever they could. So, rather than allowing [the people to eat their portion of the sacrifice], the Priests took whatever they wanted. And that’s how they treated the people of Israel who came to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to Jehovah.
15 And when the servants of the Priests were burning the [sacrificial] fat on the Altar, one of them would say to the one who was doing the sacrificing, ‘Give me the roasted meat for the Priests, because we don’t want any of that boiled meat in the kettle.’
16 ‘But if the one who was doing the sacrificing said, ‘Allow me to burn the fat first, because that’s what’s required,’ they would say, ‘No! If you don’t give it to me, I’ll take it myself.’
17 And that’s how the young men were sinning before Jehovah in such a great way, and how they made the His sacrifices worthless.’
18 So, SamuEl served there in the presence of Jehovah as a boy, wearing a sacred chest piece of linen. 19 He wore little doubled robes that his mother had made for him, for she carried them to him when she returned with her husband to offer the sacrifices that were required back then.
20 And Eli praised ElKanah and his wife, saying, ‘Jehovah has taken the seed of this woman as a loan, for the way that she has acted toward the Lord.’ And then they went back home.
21 Well, Jehovah visited HanNah once more, and she got pregnant again. So, she gave birth to three more sons and two daughters. But the boy SamuEl was given the responsibility of serving in the presence of Jehovah.
22 Now, Eli was very old, and he knew all that his sons were doing to the people of Israel, for they were even sleeping with the women who stood around near the Tent of Proofs. 23 And he asked them, ‘Why are you doing all these bad things that the people of Jehovah are talking about? 24 No, my sons, no! The things I’m hearing aren’t good! I don’t want to listen to the things that I’m hearing, for you’re here to serve the people of God. 25 Why, if you’re sinning against the people, they will go and pray to Jehovah about it. And if you’re the one who is sinning against Jehovah, who will pray for you?’
But they wouldn’t listen to their father, because Jehovah preferred to destroy them.
26 However, the boy SamuEl went on to become great, for he was in good standing with both Jehovah and with men.
27 Then a man from God came to Eli and said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: I revealed Myself to the house of your fathers in the land of Egypt who were servants in the house of Pharaoh. 28 And I chose the house of your father from all the tribes of Israel to serve Me as Priests to come up to My Altar, burn incense, and wear My sacred chest piece. I also gave the house of your father all the sacrifices that were burned on the fire as their food. 29 So, why have you looked at My incense and My sacrifices in disgust? And why have you treated your sons better than Me by allowing them to bless themselves with the first fruitage of all the sacrifices that Israel brings before Me?
30 ‘Now, because of this, says Jehovah, the God of Israel, Your house and the house of your father will fall before Me through the age. Then those who glorify Me will be glorified, and those who treat Me with contempt will be disgraced.
31 ‘Look! The days are coming when I will destroy your seed… the sons of the house of your father. 32 Then you will see how well things will be done in Israel. But never again will there be a man who will grow old in your house. 33 For, I will destroy every man among you that serves at My Altar. I will make their eyes fail and cause their lives to flow out of them, and then men will cut your family down with swords.
34 ‘This is the sign that I will give to your two sons, Hophni and Phineas, in the day that they’re both going to die: 35 I will appoint Myself a [High] Priest who is trustworthy, and I will do for him whatever things are in My heart and soul. Then I’ll build his house into one that I can trust, and he will be My anointed for the rest of his life. 36 And then anyone who is left in your house will have to come and bow before him bearing a silver coin and a loaf of bread and say, Allow me to be one of your Priests, so I may eat some of the food.’
Chapter 3
1 Well, the boy SamuEl served as an official of Jehovah under Eli the [High] Priest. And back then, the word of Jehovah was highly esteemed, because the [Priests] weren’t being given visions of what to do. 2 Then one day, Eli went to sleep inside [the Tent of God], and because his eyes had grown weak and he was [almost] blind, 3 the [sacred] lampstand of God had been left burning.
Well, SamuEl also lied down in the Holy Place of Jehovah near the Chest of Proofs. 4 Then the Lord called SamuEl… He said, ‘SamuEl!’
And SamuEl replied, ‘Here I am.’ 5 Then he ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am… you called me.’
And Eli replied, ‘I didn’t call you, go back to sleep!’ So he went back to his bed.
6 And then the Lord called him again, saying, ‘SamuEl.’
And he went over to Eli again and said, ‘Look, here I am, for you called me.’
And Eli said, ‘I didn’t call you child, go back to sleep!’
7 Well, SamuEl didn’t realize that it was God speaking, and that the words of Jehovah were about to be revealed to him. 8 So when the Lord called SamuEl a third time, he got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Look, here I am. For, you did call me!’
Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy, 9 and he told SamuEl, ‘Go back to sleep child, but if you hear Him calling again, you should say, Speak to me O Lord, because Your servant is listening.’
Then SamuEl went back to his bed, 10 and Jehovah came and called as He had done before. He said, ‘SamuEl… SamuEl.’
And SamuEl replied, ‘Speak, because Your servant is listening!’
11 And the Lord said to SamuEl, ‘Look! People think that My words have been extinguished in Israel, but now everyone will hear the sound [of My voice] in both ears. 12 For, the day has come when I will bring all the things that I said against the house of Eli, and I will finish them off. 13 Because, I told him that I would punish him and his house through the ages for the unrighteousness of his sons; because he knows the evil things they are doing against God and he hasn’t punished them. 14 So, I swore an oath to the house of Eli that they would pay through the ages for the sins that they committed while offering up the incense and the sacrifices.’
15 Then SamuEl went back to bed [and lay there] until morning. And when he got up early in the morning and opened the entrance to the House of Jehovah, he was afraid to tell Eli what he saw.
16 But Eli called, ‘SamuEl… SamuEl… child!’
And he replied, ‘Here I am!’
17 Then [Eli] said, ‘Tell me every word that you were told… don’t try to hide it from me! May God [punish you] if you don’t tell me every word that was spoken into your ears!’
18 So, SamuEl reported everything that was said to him… he didn’t try to hide a single word. And Eli said, ‘Jehovah is good, and He will do everything that He says He will do.’
19 Well SamuEl became great, because Jehovah was with him, and there wasn’t a word he was told that failed to come true in the land. 20 And all Israel from Dan to BeerSheba came to know that SamuEl was a faithful Prophet of Jehovah.
21 So, Jehovah started to show Himself at Shiloh again, for He was revealing Himself to SamuEl, and Jehovah was speaking to him there. Then SamuEl became the trusted Prophet of Jehovah throughout Israel, from one end of the land to the other.
But Eli was very old, and his sons kept doing things that were wicked before Jehovah.
Chapter 4
1 Thereafter, the things that SamuEl said [were spread] throughout Israel.
Then the Philistines got together to go to war against Israel, and Israel went out to meet them in battle. They were camped at EbenEzer, and the Philistines had camped in Aphek. 2 Then the Philistines attacked, and the battle went badly for Israel, for they lost four thousand men. 3 And when they returned to camp, the people asked, ‘Why has Jehovah allowed us to lose against the Philistines today? Perhaps we should take Jehovah’s Chest of Proofs from Shiloh and carry it in our midst [in battle], for it will protect us from the hands of our enemies!’
4 So they sent people to Shiloh to get the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement [to summon the power] of the cherubs [on its cover], and both sons of Eli (Hophni and Phineas) traveled with the [sacred] Chest of God. 5 Then, when the Chest was brought into the camp, the Israelites let out a shout that resounded throughout the land. 6 And when the Philistines heard it, they started asking each other, ‘Why are they shouting in the camp of the Hebrews?’
Well, they concluded that the Chest of Jehovah had been brought into the camp, 7 and this frightened them, so they said, ‘They’ve brought their gods into their camp. 8 Woe to us! Please save us, O Lord Shmeron, as you’ve done for the past three days. Oh, woe to us, for who will rescue us from the hand of their mighty gods? Why, they’re the gods that brought the calamity on Egypt and [to those] in the desert. 9 May we be strong and act as men, O Philistines, so we won’t have to serve the Hebrews, but they will have to serve us. Let’s act like men when we go to battle against them!’
10 So, the Philistines attacked, and the men of Israel started falling before them… they chased them all the way back to their tents. It was a huge defeat and thirty thousand of their soldiers were lost. 11 Also, the Chest of God was captured, and both sons of Eli (Hophni and Phineas) were killed.
12 Now, there was a man of the tribe of BenJamin who came from the battle; and when he got back to Shiloh that day, his clothes were torn, and it looked as though the earth had fallen on his head. 13 And when he got there, he saw Eli sitting on his chair [atop] the gate facing the road.
Now, his heart was broken over the loss of the Chest of God, and when he got there, he yelled out his report to the whole city. 14 And when Eli heard him yelling, he asked, ‘Who’s doing all that shouting?’ Then the man went in and reported to Eli.
15 Now, Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were dim and he couldn’t [hear well]. 16 So he asked the Priests around him, ‘What is he saying?’
And when the man came inside, 16 he said, ‘I just came from the camp, and we all had to run from the battle today.’
Then Eli asked, ‘And then what happened, my [son]?’
17 And [the man] replied, ‘All the men of Israel turned and ran from the Philistines. It was a huge loss for our people… then both your sons were killed and the Chest of God was captured!’
18 And when he heard [the news] about the Chest of God, Eli fell backward out of his chair [from the top of] the gate and landed on the ground. This broke his back and he died, because he was old and fat. But he had judged Israel for forty years.
19 Then, when his daughter-in-law (Phineas’ wife – who was pregnant) heard the message that the Chest of God had been captured and that both her husband and her father-in-law had died, she started crying and went into labor… 20 and then she started to die. But the women around her said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for you’ve given birth to a son.’ However, she didn’t answer, because she didn’t understand them.
21 Then she named the boy IchaBod (Where’s the Glory?) after the [Sacred] Chest of God, her father-in-law, and her husband. 22 For she said, ‘The glory of Israel is gone, because they’ve taken the Chest of God.’
Chapter 5
1 Then the Philistines took the Chest of God from EbenEzer and carried it to AshDod, 2 where they put it in the Temple of Dagon, next to his [image]. 3 But when the people of AshDod got up early the next morning and entered the Temple, {Look!} they found Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground before the Chest of God. So, they lifted Dagon up and set him back in place.
Well, Jehovah’s hand continued to be heavy against the people of AshDod and the surrounding country, for He tormented them and struck them [with boils] on their backsides.
4 Then, when they got up the next morning, {Look!} they found that Dagon had once again fallen on his face before the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement, but this time his head had fallen off and both hands had broken off at their wrists, and were lying by the [front] door. So, all that was left of him was his torso. 5 And this is the reason why the Priests of Dagon will no longer cross the threshold of Dagon’s Temple in AshDod.
6 Well, Jehovah continued to oppress and torment the people of AshDod, and He struck them [with boils] on their backsides throughout all its borders. 7 And when the men of AshDod realized what was happening, they said, ‘Don’t leave the Chest of the God of Israel with us, because that’s [what is making Him angry] with us and our God Dagon.’
8 So, the Philistines sent officials throughout the land asking, ‘What should we do with the Chest of the God of Israel?’
And the people of Gath said, ‘Send it to us!’
So, they sent the Chest of the God of Israel to Gath. 9 And as they were moving it there, Jehovah created a tremendous problem for them, for He struck all the men of the city (both the small and the great) [with boils] on their backsides.
10 Then they sent the Chest of God on to Ekron, but when it got there, the people started shouting, ‘Why are you bringing the Chest of the God of Israel to us? Are you trying to kill us all?’
11 Well, they called all the Philistine governors together and they decided, ‘Let’s send the Chest of the God of Israel back to where it belongs, so it doesn’t kill us and all our people.’
12 But then confusion set in, and throughout the city people started dying just as the Chest of the God of Israel was being brought there. And both the living and the dying were struck [with boils] on their backsides, and cries from the city reached into the heavens.
Chapter 6
1 Well, the Chest of Jehovah just laid there in a Philistine field for seven months, and soon their land became overrun with mice. 2 So the Philistines called a meeting of their priests, clairvoyants, and witches, and they asked, ‘What should we do with the Chest of Jehovah? Tell us how we can go about returning it to where it belongs!’
3 And they replied, ‘If you return the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah the God of Israel, return it empty. For, by doing this you will really upset them, but the thing will be settled. [Their God] will no longer [oppress you] and everyone will be healed [from the plague].’
4 But [the leaders] asked, ‘Then, what should we do in return for all the torment that it caused?’
And they replied, 5 ‘Each of the five Philistine governors should send along a gold [model of their] buttocks, because the fault was theirs… both the rulers and the people. Also, send along a representation of five gold mice, the type that are overrunning the land; and [don’t forget to] give glory to Jehovah if you wish Him to [stop being angry] with you, your gods, and your land.
6 ‘Why do you keep allowing Him to oppress your hearts the way that He oppressed the hearts of Egypt and its Pharaoh? For, it was only after He mocked them that [His people] were finally set free. 7 So now, take a new wagon and two first-born oxen that have given birth to their first calves, and hook them to a yoke. Then hitch the oxen to the wagon and lock their calves inside the Temple. 8 Next, take the Chest of Jehovah and put it on the wagon, then replace the things in the Chest with the gold representations of your torment and send it on. 9 Then, as you travel along the road to their border and get to BethShemesh, watch to see if He does the same evil things to them. And if not, we’ll know that it wasn’t His hand that touched us, but it was just a coincidence.’
10 And that’s what the Philistines did. They took two first-born oxen and hitched them to the wagon, and locked their calves inside the Temple. 11 Then they put the Chest of Jehovah on the wagon and placed the gold mice and the images of their buttocks inside the chest, 12 and they removed the [sacred] things that were in there and sent it along the road to BethShemesh… they [didn’t stop] and they didn’t turn right or left. And the Philistine governors followed behind, until they reached the borders of BethShemesh.
13 Well at the time, the people of BethShemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley. And when they saw the Chest of Jehovah, they started cheering and ran to meet it.
14 Then they took the wagon into the field of Joshua (which was near BethShemesh), up to a huge rock, where they split the wood of the wagon and sacrificed the oxen as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah. 15 The Levites then took the Chest of Jehovah and removed the items of gold that were in it, and placed them on the large rock. Then the men of BethShemesh sacrificed the whole burnt offerings (along with other sacrifices) to Jehovah.
16 And when the five Philistine governors saw this, they returned to Ekron that same day.
17 Now, these are the gold buttocks that the Philistines sent to remove the torment of Jehovah: There was one from AshDod, one from Gaza, one from AshKelon, one from Gath, and one from Ekron. 18 And each of the well-fortified Philistine cities sent gold mice, one from each of the five governors… they were also removed from the Chest of Jehovah and placed on the large rock. [You can still find that rock] in the field of JoShua near BethShemesh today.
19 But then Jehovah struck the men of BethShemesh, because they had [been examining] the Chest of Jehovah. He struck down seventy of their [leaders] and fifty thousand of their people, and they went into mourning, because Jehovah had struck so many people with such a great calamity. 20 And the men of BethShemesh asked, ‘Who can stand in the presence of this holy God Jehovah, and who can we send to carry this Chest? 21 So they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath JaIrim saying, The Philistines have returned the Chest of Jehovah, so come here and take it.’
Chapter 7
1 Then the men of Kiriath JaIrim went and took the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement and carried it to the House of AminAdab on the hill, and EliEzer and his son were [purified] there, so they could serve as guardians of the Chest. 2 But the ‘day’ that the Chest was to be kept in Kiriath JaIrim became many days… in fact, it stayed there for twenty years!
Meanwhile, the whole house of Israel started [turning to Jehovah]. 3 So, SamuEl spoke to the house of Israel and said, ‘If you wish to return to Jehovah with your whole hearts, you must remove the gods of the foreigners that live among you and their sacred poles, and prepare your hearts for Jehovah and serve Him alone. Then He will rescue you from the hands of the Philistines!’
4 So, the sons of Israel [got rid of their images of] Baal Im and their sacred poles of AstarOth, and they started serving just Jehovah.
5 Then SamuEl said, ‘All of Israel must gather at Mizpah, and I will pray to Jehovah for you there.’
6 So, all the people went to Mizpah, where they drew water and poured it out on the ground before Jehovah, and they fasted throughout the whole day. For, they said, ‘We have sinned against Jehovah.’ Then SamuEl prayed in behalf of the sons of Israel there at Mizpah.
7 Now, when the Philistines heard that all the sons of Israel had gone to Mizpah, the Philistine governors gathered their armies to attack Israel. And when the Israelites heard of this, they were frightened, [because they were scared] of the Philistines. 8 So they went to SamuEl and said, ‘Don’t remain silent! Call out to Jehovah your God so He will save us from the hands of the Philistines!’
9 Then SamuEl took a newborn lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to Jehovah before all the people, and he called to Jehovah on behalf of Israel, and Jehovah listened.
10 Well, just as SamuEl was offering up the sacrifice, the Philistines attacked. And then the voice of Jehovah spoke like thunder to the Philistines, which confused them, so they retreated. 11 So the men of Israel came out of Mizpah and they pursued the Philistines, cutting them down to just outside of BethCar.
12 And thereafter, SamuEl took a [block of] stone and erected it between Mizpah and the old city, which he named EbenEzer, which means, ‘The Rock of the Helper.’ For, he said, ‘This is where Jehovah helped us.’
13 So, Jehovah humbled the Philistines that day, and they didn’t enter the borders of Israel again, for the hand of Jehovah was against the Philistines during the entire lifetime of SamuEl. 14 And the Philistines had to give back all the cities that they had taken from the sons of Israel, from Ekron to Gath. So, the borders of Israel were free of the Philistines, and there was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Well, SamuEl served as the mediator between Israel [and God] for the rest of his life. 16 And each year he would make the circuit between BethEl, GilGal, and MizPah, where he would speak to God on behalf of Israel. 17 Then he would return to his home in RamAh, where he served as the mediator for Israel and where he built an Altar to Jehovah.
Chapter 8
1 And when SamuEl grew old, he appointed his sons as judges in Israel. 2 The firstborn was JoEl, and the second was AbiJah. They each served as judges in BeerSheba, 3 but they weren’t like [SamuEl], because they accepted contributions and took bribes, so they didn’t [always] make righteous decisions.
4 Well, the men of Israel got together and went to SamuEl at RamAh 5 and said, ‘Look, you’re getting old and your sons aren’t doing things the way you do. So, appoint a king to settle matters between us, as the rest of the nations have.’
6 But SamuEl viewed this as something wicked when they said, ‘Appoint a king to settle matters between us,’ so he prayed to Jehovah. 7 And Jehovah replied, ‘Listen to the voice of the people and do whatever they’re asking. For, they aren’t treating you with contempt, 8 they’re just doing the same things they’ve been doing to Me from the day that I led them out of Egypt until now. And as they’ve abandoned Me to serve other gods, that’s how they’re treating you now. 9 So, do whatever they ask. However, explain what will happen when you appoint a king to rule over them.’
10 So, SamuEl told them everything that Jehovah said about kings. 11 He told them, ‘These are the things that you can expect from the kings who will rule over you: They will take your sons and mount them on chariots, or appoint them as cavalry to ride in front of their chariots. 12 Then they will appoint commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and [your sons] will have to plow and harvest their fields and pick their grapes, before they’re sent to war on chariots.
13 ‘They will also take your daughters to serve as perfume makers, cooks, and bakers, 14 and they will take the best food from your fields, vineyards, and olive groves to feed their servants. 15 Then they will claim a tenth of your grain and grapes for their eunuchs and servants, 16 and they will take the best of your male and female slaves, and your burros… they will take a tenth of everything you own! 17 They will take a tenth of your flocks, and you will be their servants. 18 And the day will come when you’ll call out to the king that you chose for yourselves, and he won’t pay any attention to Jehovah.’
19 Well, the people didn’t want to listen to what SamuEl was saying, so they told him, ‘We want you to appoint a king over us 20 just like all the other nations have… someone who can settle matters between us, lead us, and wage our wars.’
21 And after SamuEl heard what the people said, he spoke to them before Jehovah and said, 22 ‘Jehovah told me to listen to whatever you have to say and to appoint a king over you. Now, each of you should return to your cities.’
Chapter 9
1 Well, there was a man from the sons of BenJamin named Kish (the son of ZerOr, the grandson of BechOrath, and the great-grandson of AphiAh, of BenJamin), and he was very strong. 2 He had a son named Saul who was very tall and handsome… none among the sons of Israel were taller, for he stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the land.
3 Well, Saul’s father Kish had lost two burros, so he said to Saul: ‘Take one of the servants with you and go look for my burros.’ 4 So he traveled through the hills of EphraIm and through the land of ShaliSha [searching for them], but he couldn’t find them.
5 And when they got to Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was traveling with him, ‘Come on, let’s just go back to my father [and tell him that we couldn’t find] the burros, because he’s probably worried about us.’
6 But his servant said, ‘Look, there’s a man of God in this city. He’s an honorable man, and whatever he says will happen. So, let’s go to him and ask which way we should travel.’
7 And Saul replied, ‘Okay, let’s go there; but what do we have with us that we can offer to the man of God, since even the loaves of bread that we were carrying are gone?’
8 And the servant said, ‘Look, I’ve been carrying a coin in my hand. We can give it to the man of God, and then he’ll show us the way.’
9 Well in Israel back then, whenever someone wanted to ask something of God, they would say, ‘Let’s go ask the Seer,’ because the people used to call the Prophets Seers. 10 So Saul said to his servant: ‘What you’ve suggested is a good idea. Come on, let’s go there.’ And they went to the city where the man of God lived.
11 Well, as they were going up to the city, they noticed some young women who were coming out to draw water, and they asked them: ‘Is the Seer here?’
12 And they answered, ‘Yes, he is. Look, he’s just ahead of you. But hurry, because he’s going to the house of worship to offer sacrifices for the people. 13 As you enter the city, you’ll find him getting ready to go there for a meal, for the people won’t start their meal before he blesses the sacrifice. But after he does that, the people will [sit down to] eat. So go on, because this may be the only day you can find him!’
14 Well, they entered the city, and as they were traveling toward its center, they saw SamuEl coming to meet them, since he was on his way to the place of worship. 15 However, Jehovah had opened the ears of SamuEl [the previous day] and told him, 16 ‘At this time tomorrow, I will send a man from the land of BenJamin to you. You must anoint him to be the ruler over My people Israel, and he will save My people from the hands of the Philistines, for I’ve watched their humiliation [long enough], and I’ve heard them calling to Me.’
17 So when SamuEl noticed Saul, Jehovah said to him, ‘Look, this is the man that I was talking to you about. He will rule My people.’
18 Well, as Saul walked up to SamuEl there in the center of the city, he asked, ‘Tell me; where does the Seer live?’
19 And SamuEl replied, ‘I am he. Come with me to the place of worship and eat with me today. Then in the morning, I’ll show you everything that’s in your heart, 20 and I’ll also tell you where the burros are that you’ve been looking for over the past three days. Don’t let your heart be concerned about them, because they’ve been found. For, what is more beautiful among the things of Israel than you and the house of your father?’
21 Then Saul answered, ‘I’m just a man of the sons of BenJamin, one of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the least of all the families of BenJamin. So, why have you spoken to me like that?’
22 Then SamuEl took Saul and his servant along with him to the place where they would eat, and he called for them to sit at the head of the table before the thirty men who were there. 23 And he told the cook, ‘Give him the portion [of the meat] that I gave you and asked you to set aside.’
24 Well, the cook brought out a whole hindquarter and placed it before Saul. And SamuEl said, ‘Look, we have placed what is left before you. Eat it, for this is proof that you’ve been placed over the people… pull off a piece!’
So, Saul ate with SamuEl that day, 25 and when he returned to the city from the place of worship, the [people] spread some carpets on the roof for Saul, and he went to bed.
26 Then at dawn, SamuEl called up to the roof for Saul, and said, ‘Get up, for I’m going to send you on!’
So, Saul got up and went outside to meet SamuEl. 27 And as they were walking from the city into the fields, SamuEl said to Saul, ‘Tell the young man to walk in front of us. Then you stop here, and you’ll hear the Word of God!’
Chapter 10
1 Then SamuEl took a flask of oil and poured it over [Saul’s] head, and kissed him and said: ‘Jehovah is anointing you to be the ruler over His inheritance. 2 Then, just as soon as I leave you today, you will find two men near the tomb of Rachel on Mount BenJamin, who will be jumping up and down; for they will tell you that they’ve found the burros you are searching for. However, your father has already stopped worrying about the burros and now he’s worried about you and asking, What should I do about my son?
3 ‘But when you get there, you must travel on until you reach the oak tree at Tabor, where you’ll find three men going up to [worship] God at BethEl. One will be carrying three goat kids, the second will be carrying three containers of bread, and the third will have a skin of wine. 4 They will all wish you peace and offer you two loaves of their first-fruit bread… go ahead and accept them, 5 then travel on to the hill of God where there’s a Philistine fort. And when you enter the city, you’ll meet a group of Prophets who will be dancing as they leave the place of worship to the music of a harp, a tambourine, pipes, and a harp, and they will be prophesying. 6 Then the Breath of Jehovah will come over you and you should prophesy with them, for you will become another man. 7 And when you see these signs happening to you, do everything that you’re moved to do, because God is with you.’
8 ‘Thereafter, I want you to come and meet me at GilGal, where I’ll give you [animals] to sacrifice as whole burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then you must stay with me for seven days as I teach you what to do.’
9 Well, just as he turned his shoulder to leave SamuEl, God changed [SamuEl’s] heart, and then all the signs started coming true that day. 10 And when he finally reached the hill and saw the group of Prophets dancing directly opposite him, God’s Breath came over him and he started prophesying in their midst.
11 So, all the things that he was told would happen to him came true during those three days, and there he was in the midst of the Prophets prophesying, as the people were asking each other, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Has Saul become one of the Prophets?’
12 And then one of them asked, ‘So, who is his father?’
Well, because of this, a saying was created, ‘Might Saul be one of the Prophets?’
13 And after he had finished prophesying, he went back down the hill. 14 Then his uncle asked [Saul’s] servant, ‘Where have you been?’
And he replied, ‘We’ve been looking for the burros, and when we couldn’t find them we went to see SamuEl.’
15 Then the uncle went to Saul and asked, ‘Tell me, what did SamuEl say to you?’
16 And Saul replied, ‘He told me where to find the burros.’ (However, he didn’t say anything about what SamuEl told him about becoming the king.)
17 Then SamuEl summoned all the people of Jehovah and told them to assemble at MizPah. 18 And there he told the sons of Israel, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: I led Israel out of Egypt and I rescued them from the hand of its Pharaoh and from the hands of all the kingdoms that oppressed them. 19 Yet, today you’re treating the God who saved you from all of this badness and oppression with contempt!
‘Now, you’ve all said that you want me to appoint a king over you. So, that’s why you’re all standing here before Jehovah today by tribes, states, and families.’
20 Then SamuEl led each of the tribes of Israel [past Jehovah], and the tribe of BenJamin was chosen. Then he led the tribe of BenJamin [past Jehovah] and the family of Matri was chosen. 21 Then they drew lots, and Saul (the son of Kish) was chosen. But when they went to look for him, he couldn’t be found.
22 So SamuEl asked Jehovah: ‘Is the man still here?’
And Jehovah replied: ‘Look, he’s hiding in the tool shed.’
23 Then [SamuEl] ran there and 24 brought him back, and stood him in the midst of the people.
Well, [he was easy to see] because he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. 24 Then SamuEl said to the people, ‘Do you see who Jehovah Himself has chosen? There isn’t another man like him among you!’
Well, all the people recognized this and they shouted, ‘Long live the king!’
25 Thereafter, SamuEl explained all the rules of kingship to the people, and then he wrote everything in a scroll and set it before Jehovah.
So, he sent the people away and they each returned home. 26 And when Saul got home to GibeAh, many powerful men whose hearts had been touched by Jehovah were there to meet with him. 27 But the worst of them asked, ‘Just who is he that he should be appointed our savior?’
Well, they said a lot of bad things about him and they didn’t bring him any gifts. However, Saul just kept silent.
Chapter 11
1 Thereafter, NaHash the Ammonite [went to attack] JabIsh Gilead, and the people of the city said, ‘Make peace with us and we’ll become your servants.’
2 But NaHash replied, ‘I’ll make an agreement with you if I can gouge out all your right eyes, for I detest Israel!’
3 And the men of JabIsh said, ‘Give us seven days and we’ll send messengers throughout Israel. Then if no one comes to save us, we’ll just surrender to you.’
4 So, they sent messengers to Saul at GibeAh who told the people there what NaHash had said. Then the people there started wailing and crying. 5 And when Saul returned from the fields behind the town with his oxen, he asked, ‘Why are all the people crying?’ And they gave him the message that came from the people of JabIsh.
6 Well, the Breath of Jehovah came over Saul when he heard what they said, and he was outraged. 7 So he took his two oxen and cut them up, then he sent [the pieces] throughout all Israel via messengers who said, ‘Whoever refuses to follow Saul and SamuEl will be treated like my oxen.’
Then Jehovah caused a change of heart to come over the people [of Israel], and they started shouting together as one person. 8 And when [Saul] counted his forces in the house of worship at AbEzek, he found that there were three hundred thousand in the army of Israel, and thirty thousand more from the tribe of Judah. 9 So he said to the messengers who came there, ‘Tell the men of JabIsh Gilead this: Tomorrow, by the time the sun warms [the ground], you will be saved.’
So, the messengers returned to their city and reported what he said to the people of JabIsh, and they were jubilant. 10 Then the men of JabIsh told NaHash the Ammonite, ‘We will come out of the city tomorrow, and then you may treat us any way you wish.’
11 Well, very early the next morning, Saul divided his army into three companies and they attacked the Ammonite camp… and they kept slaughtering them until the day got hot. By then [the Ammonites] were all scattered and not even two men were still together.
12 Then the people went to SamuEl and said, ‘Who was it that said Saul shouldn’t be our king? Hand them over and we’ll kill them.’
13 But Saul said, ‘No; none of them are going to die today, because this is the day that Jehovah has brought salvation to Israel.’
14 Then SamuEl spoke to the people and said, ‘Come on! Let’s go to GilGal and we’ll establish the kingdom there.’
15 So, everyone went to GilGal, and SamuEl anointed Saul as king there before Jehovah. Then he offered sacrifices before Jehovah, and Saul and all the people of Israel were very happy.
Chapter 12
1 Then SamuEl spoke to all the men of Israel and said, ‘Look, I’ve listened to everything you’ve asked for and I’ve given you a king to rule over you. 2 So, now you can see that you have a king who is leading you. And as for me, I’ve grown old and I’m ready to retire (although my sons are still among you). For, I’ve been your leader since I was very young. 3 And look, here I am! So, answer before Jehovah and His anointed one: Whose calf or burro have I taken? Whom have I tyrannized or pressured? And from whose hand have I taken a bribe or even a sandal? Tell me what I’ve taken and I’ll return it to you!’
4 And they replied to SamuEl, ‘You haven’t wronged us or tyrannized us, nor have you taken anything from us… not a single thing.’
5 Then SamuEl said to the people, ‘So Jehovah is my witness among you today, as is His anointed one, that you haven’t found anything in my hands that I’ve taken from you.’
And they replied, ‘It’s a fact.’
6 And SamuEl said, ‘Then Jehovah, the One who prepared Moses and Aaron and who led our ancestors out of Egypt, is my witness. 7 So now, come here and I will judge you before Jehovah, and I’ll tell you of the righteous things that Jehovah has done for you and your ancestors.
8 ‘After Jacob and his sons moved to Egypt, the Egyptians made them slaves. So, our ancestors called to Jehovah and He sent Moses and Aaron. They led our ancestors out of Egypt and settled them here. 9 But [our ancestors soon] forgot Jehovah their God, so He gave them into the hands of Sisera (the commander-in-chief of JabIsh, the king of Hazor), then into the hands of the Philistines, then into the hands of Moab, and they had to go to war with [each of] them. 10 But when they called to Jehovah and admitted that they had sinned by abandoning Him to serve Baal Im and the sacred poles and they asked Him to rescue them, 11 Jehovah sent JeruBaal, then Barak, then JephThah, and finally SamuEl. So, He has continued to save you from the hands of the enemies that live all around you, and you’ve started to feel safe.
12 ‘Then, when you saw NaHash (the king of the sons of Ammon) coming against you, you said, We want a king to rule over us… yet our God Jehovah is your king.
13 ‘So now, look… here’s the king that I got for you and whom you chose. Yet, Jehovah was the One who appointed him as your king, 14 so you must serve Him and listen to His voice. Don’t argue with Jehovah… 7 both you and the king who rules over you must follow Jehovah your God! 15 But if you ever stop listening to the voice of Jehovah and you start arguing with Him, His hand will come against you and against your king.
16 ‘Now, stand and behold the great thing that Jehovah is going to do before your eyes today! 17 Since this is the time of the wheat harvest, I will call upon Jehovah and He will send thunder and rain. And then you will see and know the bad thing that you did before Jehovah when you asked for a king.’
18 So SamuEl called to Jehovah and He sent thunder and rain that day. Well, this made the people afraid of SamuEl and Jehovah. 19 And the people begged SamuEl, ‘Pray to Jehovah your God on behalf of your servants, so we don’t die for this great sin of asking for a king!’
20 But SamuEl told them, ‘Don’t be afraid of any of the bad things you’ve done. Rather, be in fear of ever turning away from Jehovah! You must keep serving Jehovah with your whole hearts! 21 Never turn aside to the things which amount to nothing, which can get you nothing, and which can rescue you from nothing, because they are nothing! 22 Never allow Jehovah to be pushed away from His people, because His Name is great, and He chose you to be His people.
23 ‘Now as for me; may I not sin against Jehovah by ceasing to pray that you will live good and straight lives. 24 Fear Jehovah and truly serve Him with your whole hearts, for you see what He has done among you! 25 But if you ever start doing bad things and become evil and start sinning, your king will be numbered among your dead.’
Chapter 13
1 This all happened during the first year of Saul’s reign. And after the second year, 2 he selected three thousand men from Israel, two thousand of whom stayed with him in MichMash (in the hills of BethEl), and the other thousand were with his son JoNathan in GibeAh of BenJamin. He sent everyone else back home.
3 Well, JoNathan had attacked the Philistine [leader] Nasib (who lived in the hills), and the rest of the Philistines came to hear of it. So, Saul sent trumpeters throughout the land 4 who told all Israel about how they had killed Nasib the Philistine, and how [the Philistines] were planning to get even with Israel. As the result, the people of Israel gathered to Saul at GilGal, 5 as the Philistines prepared for war against them. Then they came with thirty thousand chariots, six thousand mounted horsemen, and foot soldiers that were numbered as the sands of the sea; and they camped at BethAven just south of MichMash.
6 Well, when the Israelites saw what they were facing, they were afraid to fight, so they went and hid in caves, in animal dens, behind rocks, in quarries, and in sink holes. 7 Many ran away and crossed the Jordan into the lands of Gad and Gilead, abandoning Saul at GilGal. 8 Then (after Saul’s people had deserted him) Saul called for SamuEl, but SamuEl didn’t come to GilGal immediately. 9 And after seven days, Saul said, ‘Bring us some [animals] and I’ll sacrifice a whole burnt offering and a peace offering myself.’ So he [personally] offered the sacrifices.
10 Well, it was shortly after he did this that SamuEl finally arrived. And when Saul came to meet him and to give him his blessing, 11 SamuEl asked, ‘What have you done?’
And Saul replied, ‘I did this because I saw that my men had left me, and you didn’t come when you said you would. After all, the Philistines are camped [just outside] of MichMash. 12 So I [thought to myself], Now the Philistines are going to attack me at GilGal, and I haven’t been able to beg Jehovah for help. So, I just took charge and sacrificed the whole burnt offerings myself.’
13 But SamuEl told Saul, ‘You’ve done a foolish thing by not obeying the instructions that I gave you from Jehovah, for He had meant for your kingdom to last through the ages. 14 But now the kingdom [of your family line] will not stand, and Jehovah will search for another man – one who [pleases] His heart – and He will appoint him to be the ruler over His people, because you didn’t do as Jehovah said.’
15 Then SamuEl got up and left GilGal, and traveled into the hills of BenJamin.
So, Saul counted to see how many people he still had left, and he only found about six hundred men. 16 And as the result, he, his son JoNathan, and his remaining army stayed inside [the walls of] GibeAh of BenJamin, while the Philistines were camped in MichMash.
17 Then the Philistines planned their attack and they stationed one division along the road that leads from Ophrah to the land of ShuAl, 18 a second along the road to BethHoron, and a third along the road from GibeAh to The City of ZeboIm in the desert.
19 Now, back then there were no ironworks anywhere in the land of Israel, for the Philistines had kept them from [learning this trade], because they didn’t want the Israelites to make broadswords or spear [tips]. 20 So the Israelites had to go to the land of the Philistines to forge their own pruning hooks, tools, axes, and sickles. 21 And whenever such things were needed for the harvesting, the [Philistines] charged the same price (three small silver coins) for a pruning hook, an axe, or a sickle. 22 As the result, none of Saul’s soldiers had any spears or broadswords. The only ones among them belonged to Saul and his son JoNathan.
23 The Philistines had also placed a contingent of guards just outside MichMash.
Chapter 14
1 And that day, JoNathan (Saul’s son) said to the servant who was carrying his weapons, ‘Come with me! Let’s go around to the other side of the Philistine garrison’ (but he didn’t tell his father what he was doing).
2 Meanwhile, Saul had moved to the peak of a hill in MagAdon, and he was camping there under a pomegranate tree. Then, some of his [remaining] six hundred (or so) men came there to meet with him, 3 and AhiJah (the son AhiTub, the brother of Ichabod, who was the son of Phinehas and the grandson of Eli) the Priest of Jehovah in Shiloh, came carrying the sacred chest piece of the Priest. However, no one knew that JoNathan had left.
4 Now, JoNathan had crossed through the middle of the river on his way to the Philistine camp, at a ford where there were jagged rocks on both sides (on one side it was called Bozez, and on the other side it was called Seneh), 5 along the road that leads from MichMash in the north, to Geba in the south. 6 Then JoNathan said to the servant who was carrying his weapons, ‘Come on, let’s go to the town of MesSab [and attack] the uncircumcised who are camped there, for, perhaps Jehovah will give them [into our hands]. After all, doesn’t [Jehovah give victory] over many to just a few?’
7 And the man who was carrying his weapons replied, ‘You do whatever your heart moves you to do. Look, I’m with you. For, whatever is in your heart is in my heart also.’
8 And JoNathan said, ‘Then we’ll go up there [and stand in front of them]. 9 And if they say to us, Wait there, we’ll just stay away and we won’t go any closer. 10 But if they tell us to come forward, that will be our sign… we’ll know that Jehovah has given them into our hands, so we’ll attack.’
11 Then they walked up to the Philistine camp at MesSab, and a Philistine guard shouted, ‘Look! Here come some Hebrews who have crawled out of the burrows they’ve been hiding in.’
12 So the men of MesSab called to JoNathan and the man who was carrying his weapons, and said: ‘Come on up here to us and we’ll show you a few things.’
Then JoNathan said to the man who was carrying his weapons, ‘Now follow me, for Jehovah has given them into the hands of Israel!’
13 And JoNathan crawled up the hill on his hands and feet, with the man carrying his weapons close behind. 14 Then JoNathan and [his attendant] attacked, killing twenty men using arrows, slings, and rocks that they’d found in the field. 15 And this caused quite a change in attitude among the [Philistines] in and around MesSab, for they had caught the men they destroyed off guard. And everyone was very disturbed over what [Jehovah had done among them].
16 Well, Saul’s watchmen in GibeAh of BenJamin noticed that there was a lot of confusion on both sides of the enemy camp. 17 And Saul said to the people who were meeting with him: ‘Take a head count and see who has left us.’
So, they took a head count and found that JoNathan and the man carrying his weapons were missing. 18 Then Saul said to AhiJah, ‘Bring the sacred chest piece!’ (It was inside the Chest of God that day, before Israel).
19 And as Saul was speaking to the Priest, he noticed that the sound in the Philistine camp kept getting louder and louder. So he said to the Priest, ‘Put your hands together [and pray].’ 20 Then Saul went and gathered his troops and they joined the battle.
Well, confusion reigned in the Philistine camp and the men started attacking each other with swords. 21 Then [Saul’s] men (who had [been hiding] for the previous two days) got up and joined the battle with Saul and JoNathan. 22 And when the Israelites who had run to the hills of EphraIm heard that the Philistines were retreating, they all came and joined in the battle, and Jehovah gave victory to Israel that day.
Well, the battle raged through BethAven, and by then, about ten thousand men had joined Saul. 23 And from there the war continued to be fought in many cities and into the hills of EphraIm.
24 Then Saul did something very foolish; he placed a curse on the people when he said, ‘Any man who eats before the evening is cursed, because I want my enemies punished!’ As the result, none of his men had anything to eat.
Well, his people had gathered in a grove of trees, 25 and nearby (at the edge of a field), there were some beehives. 26 And when some of his people went up to them, they found that they were full of honey; but no one would taste any, because of the oath that [Saul] had made before Jehovah.
27 However, JoNathan didn’t know about the oath his father had spoken in front of people, so he stuck his walking stick into a hive, snagged some honeycomb, and ate it. Then, when he looked up, 28 one of the men said, ‘Your father swore an oath before the people that anyone who eats anything today is cursed.’
Well, the people were famished, 29 and JoNathan realized this, so he said, ‘My father is still cleaning out the land; and look, I’ve already eaten a little of this honey. 30 Why, if our people [could have eaten] what they took from their enemies today, they would have killed more Philistines!’
31 Well, they had destroyed many Philistines at MichMash, and the people were extremely tired. 32 So in [the evening], they went and divided up [the Philistine’s] flocks and herds. Then they slaughtered many calves and started eating the [raw] meat with its blood. 33 And when the report was brought to Saul that the people were sinning against Jehovah by eating the blood, Saul said, ‘You have sinned! Now roll a large rock over here.’
34 Then Saul sent orders for his men to each bring a calf and a sheep, and they were to slaughter them there on the rock and eat them. For he said: ‘You must not sin against Jehovah by eating blood!’
So, everyone brought [the animals] that night and slaughtered them there. 35 Then Saul built an altar to Jehovah 36 and he said, ‘Now, let’s go after the Philistines tonight and keep cutting them to pieces until the morning dawns… don’t leave a single man!’
And they replied, ‘We’ll do whatever you say!’
Then [Saul] called the Priest and said, ‘Bring [the Chest] of our God here.’ 37 And Saul asked God, ‘Shall I attack the Philistines, and will you give them into the hands of Israel?’ But [God] wouldn’t answer him, 38 so Saul said, ‘Then bring [all the men of] Israel here and stand them in front of me, because I want everyone to know if someone has been [guilty of sin] today! 39 Why, as Jehovah (the One who saves Israel) lives; if someone were to even tell me that it was my son JoNathan, he would die.’
But nobody said anything.
40 Then he spoke before all the men of Israel, and said, ‘You are part of this, and my son JoNathan and I [are part] of it.
And the people replied to Saul, ‘Then do whatever you must!’
41 And Saul said, ‘O Jehovah, God of Israel, give us a sign.’
Then lots were thrown, and Saul and JoNathan were chosen, so the people were excused. 42 And Saul said, ‘Now throw the lots between me and my son JoNathan, and whoever Jehovah chooses must die!’
So, they threw the lots between him and JoNathan, and JoNathan was chosen. 43 And Saul asked JoNathan, ‘Tell me, what did you do?’
And JoNathan replied ‘I took a little honey on the tip of my walking stick and tasted it. So look, I must die!’
44 Then Saul said, ‘May God [kill] me again and again rather than to allow JoNathan to die today.’
45 Then Saul spoke to the people and said, ‘Shall I now kill the one who brought deliverance to Israel? As Jehovah lives, not a hair of his head should fall to the ground over the mercy that God has performed for Israel today.’
Then the people prayed on behalf of JoNathan, and he wasn’t put to death.
46 So, Saul didn’t chase after the Philistines that day… everyone just went back home.
47 Now, after Saul was chosen by lottery to rule over Israel, he waged war with his enemies all around the land… the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the king of Zobah, and the Philistines. And wherever he went, he was saved. 48 He acted decisively and struck down the Amalechites and anyone else who tried to walk on Israel.
49 Saul’s sons were JoNathan, IshVi, and MelchiShua. He also had two daughters, Merob and Michal. 50 Saul’s wife’s name was AhinoAm, and she was the daughter of AhimaAz.
The commander-in-chief of Saul’s army was AbNer (the son of Ner), who was related to Saul. 51 Kish was Saul’s father, and AbNer’s father Ner was the son of AbiEl. 52 He was a strong fighter against the Philistines throughout the life of Saul.
And whenever Saul found a valiant or a very strong man, he was recruited to serve Saul.
Chapter 15
1 Thereafter, SamuEl said to Saul: ‘It was Jehovah who sent me to anoint you as king over His people Israel, so now, listen to what He has to say! 2 This is what Jehovah of armies says to you: Now I shall punish Amalech for what they did to Israel when they were coming from Egypt. 3 So, go and cut down the Amalechites… destroy them… burn them and everything that belongs to them. Kill the men, the women, the children, the babies, the cows, the sheep, the camels, and the burros!’
4 So, Saul gave these instructions to his people, and then he counted his troops at GilGal (there were two hundred thousand, plus ten thousand from Judah). 5 And thereafter, Saul marched toward the cities of the Amalechites and he camped along a creek. 6 Then he gave this warning to the Kenites: ‘Get away from the Amalechites, or I’ll destroy you along with them. For, you showed mercy to the sons of Israel when they were coming out of Egypt.’
So the Kenites got away from Amalech, 7 and then Saul attacked Amalech all the way from HaviLah to Shur (which is across from Egypt), 8 and he captured the Amalechite king AgAg, and he had all the people killed with swords. 9 However, Saul and his men [didn’t destroy] their flocks, their herds, their food, their vineyards, or any of their good things; they only destroyed the things that were worthless.
10 So Jehovah said to SamuEl, ‘I have changed My mind about having Saul rule as king, because he has turned away from Me and he doesn’t listen to what I say.’
11 Well, this saddened SamuEl, and he kept calling to Jehovah all night long. 12 Then, when he got up the next morning and went to meet with Israel, he was told that Saul had left for Carmel. So he raised his arm and turned his chariot, then he headed for GilGal.
13 And when SamuEl reached Saul, he said to him, ‘Saul, you were blest by Jehovah and I’ve told you everything that He said to me. 14 So, why is it that I can hear the sound of herds of sheep and cows?’
15 And Saul replied, ‘My men took them from the Amalechites. We only took the best of the herds, and we’re going to use them as sacrifices to your God Jehovah… we destroyed all the rest.’
16 And SamuEl said to Saul, ‘Listen and I’ll tell you what Jehovah said to me last night!’
And [Saul] said, ‘Speak!’
17 Then SamuEl said, ‘Weren’t you just a nobody before you became the chief of Israel? And wasn’t it Jehovah who anointed you to be the king of Israel? 18 Then Jehovah sent you here and He told you to go and destroy the Amalechites for sinning against Him… He told you to war against them until you destroyed them all! 19 Yet, you didn’t pay attention to what He said, for you took a lot of loot and you acted wickedly before Jehovah.’
20 And Saul replied, ‘Well, I did this because I was listening to the people. I [personally] followed Jehovah’s instructions; and although I took the Amalechite king captive, I killed all his people. 21 It was my men who took their flocks, herds, good things, and food… but they took it in order to sacrifice it before Jehovah our God in GilGal.’
22 And SamuEl asked, ‘Does Jehovah prefer whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, or does He want you to listen to what He says? Look! Obeying is better than sacrificing, and paying attention is better than the fat of rams! 23 Now, this sin is an omen of the grief and misery that’s going to come upon you. Because of the contempt you’ve shown for the words of Jehovah, Jehovah is going to treat you with contempt, and you’ll no longer be the king of Israel.’
24 Then Saul said to SamuEl, ‘I have sinned by violating the instructions that you gave me from Jehovah. But I was afraid of the people, so I did whatever they asked. 25 Now, please take away my sin and reinstate me [as king], and I’ll prostrate myself before your God Jehovah!’
26 But SamuEl replied, ‘I won’t reinstate you, because you’ve treated the words of Jehovah with contempt. And now Jehovah is going to treat you with contempt by removing you as king over Israel.’
27 Then, as SamuEl turned to go, Saul grabbed [the fringe] on his robe and ripped it. 28 And SamuEl said to him, ‘That’s how Jehovah has torn your kingship over Israel from your hands today, and He’s going to give it to your neighbor; someone who’s better than you. 29 Then Israel is going to be divided in two! The Holy One of Israel isn’t going to change His mind or be dissuaded, because He isn’t like a man who changes his mind.’
30 And again, Saul said, ‘I have sinned! Please glorify me before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back to me and I’ll prostrate myself before your God Jehovah!’
31 But SamuEl just walked around Saul, and then he bowed before Jehovah. 32 And he said, ‘Bring the king of Amalech to me.’
Well, when they brought him in, he was trembling. And AgAg asked, ‘Is this how I will meet my bitter end?’
33 And SamuEl replied, ‘As you have used your sword to make orphans and widows, your mother is going to be childless.’ Then SamuEl killed AgAg there in the presence of Jehovah in GilGal.
34 Well, from there, SamuEl went to RamAh, and the saying was started, ‘Whatever is captured will be split.’
So, Saul returned home to his house in GibeAh, 35 and SamuEl never went to see Saul again until the day he died. Yet, he mourned over Saul, for Jehovah was unhappy that He had appointed Saul as king over Israel.
Chapter 16
1 Then Jehovah asked SamuEl, ‘How long are you going to mourn for Saul? Don’t I treat him with contempt, and am I not removing his rulership from Israel? Now, fill your horn with oil and come, because I’m sending you to Jesse in BethLehem… for I have found My king among his sons.’
2 And SamuEl asked, ‘How can I go there… won’t Saul hear about it and kill me?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Take along a brown heifer cow and say, I’m going to offer a sacrifice to Jehovah. 3 Then call Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice. I’ll tell you what to do then… anoint whoever I make known to you.’
4 So, SamuEl did everything that Jehovah said… he went to BethLehem. But the city elders were startled when they saw him, and they asked, ‘Is your mission here peaceful?’
5 And he replied, ‘Peace! I’ve come to sacrifice to Jehovah. So make yourselves holy, then come and recline with me [and share in] the sacrifice!’
Then he went [to the house of] Jesse and made him and his sons holy, and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 And when they got there, he said to [Jesse’s eldest son] EliAb, ‘What stands before [me] is Jehovah’s anointed.’
7 Then Jehovah said to SamuEl, ‘Don’t pay any attention to what [a man] looks like, nor treat his size with contempt, for God doesn’t look at what a man appears to be on the surface… He sees what’s in the heart.’
8 So Jesse called AminAdab to stand before SamuEl. And [SamuEl] said, ‘This isn’t the one that Jehovah has chosen.’
9 Then Jesse brought ShamMah forward. But [SamuEl] said, ‘Nor has Jehovah chosen this one.’
10 Well, Jesse sent seven of his sons to stand before SamuEl, and he said to Jesse, ‘Jehovah hasn’t chosen any of these.’ 11 Then SamuEl asked, ‘Are these all the boys you have?’
And Jesse said, ‘Well, there’s still the youngest, but {Look!} he’s out tending my flock.’
And SamuEl said to Jesse, ‘Then send someone to get him, for we aren’t going to rest [tonight] until he gets here!’ 12 So they sent for [David] and brought him there.
[Now, David] had a ruddy complexion, beautiful eyes, and he was very handsome. Then Jehovah said to SamuEl, ‘Get up and anoint him, for he’s the one!’
13 So, SamuEl took his horn full of oil and anointed him there in the midst of his brothers, and the Breath of Jehovah came to be upon David from that day forward. Then SamuEl got up and returned to RamAh.
14 Well, the Breath of Jehovah then left Saul, and Jehovah brought a ferocious smothering spirit over him. 15 So, even Saul’s servants were saying, ‘Look! For, a fact, there’s a ferocious spirit from Jehovah that’s smothering you! 16 Please, O lord, allow your servants to speak before you, and allow us to search for a man who will play his harp for you. Then, whenever the ferocious Breath of God comes over you, he can play his harp and make you feel better.’
17 So Saul said to his servants: ‘Then go search for a man who’s a skilled musician and bring him to me!’
18 And one of his servants said: ‘Look, I’ve seen the son of the BethLehemite Jesse, who knows how to play. He’s very alert, he’s a warrior, he’s good with words, he’s handsome, and Jehovah is with him.’
19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse, who said: ‘Send your son David to me, the one who shepherds your sheep.’
20 Then Jesse loaded his burro to carry a bushel of bread, a skin of wine, and a kid goat, and he gave it to David to carry to Saul. 21 And when David reached Saul and stood before him, Saul came to love him, and then he appointed David to be in charge of his weapons. 22 So he sent a message to Jesse asking, ‘Please allow David to stay with me, because he has found my favor.’
23 Then, whenever the ferocious Breath of God would come over Saul, David would take his harp and play it, which made Saul feel better, for then the ferocious Breath of God would leave him.
Chapter 17
1 Thereafter, the Philistines again gathered for war with their forces, and they set up camp near Socoh in Judea (between Socoh and AzeKah in EphesDamMin). 2 So, Saul summoned the men of Israel and they set up their camp in the Valley of Pines, across from the Philistines. 3 For, the Philistines took up positions on one mountain, and Israel took up positions on the other, with the valley between them.
4 Then a mighty man came out from the Philistine camp who was known as GoliAth from Gath. He was more than seven feet tall, 5 he wore a bronze helmet, an iron and brass chain-link chest covering that weighed more than a hundred-and-fifty pounds, 6 brass leg coverings, and he carried a shield between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of the spear that he carried looked like a weaving support, and its iron tip weighed eighteen pounds.
So, out he came in all his armor and weapons, 8 and he stood and yelled to the battle lines of Israel: ‘Why have you come to fight against us? Am I not a Philistine, and aren’t you the Hebrews of Saul? Choose [your best] man and have him come down to fight me. 9 And if he can beat me and kill me, then we’ll be your servants. But if I beat and kill him, you’ll be our servants and you’ll serve us.’
10 Then the Philistine shouted, ‘Look! Here I am mocking the battle lines of Israel today… send out a man and we’ll fight for both sides!’
11 Well, Saul and all Israel heard what the Philistine said, which startled and frightened them.
12 Then Jesse (an Ephrathite from BethLehem, who was very old) sent David to Saul, 13 for three of Jesse’s oldest sons (EliAb, AminAdab, and ShamMah) had gone to fight along with Saul in the war. 14 And because David was the youngest, these three older ones were sent.
15 Now, David had left Saul and returned to tend his father’s sheep in BethLehem. 16 And by the time he was ready to leave for the battle, the Philistine lines had been facing Israel for some forty days.
17 Jesse had told his son David, ‘Take a bushel of toasted grain and ten loaves of bread to your brothers who are in the camp [of Saul]. 18 Also, carry along ten rounds of cheese for your brothers and their generals. Check to see if they’re all well and how they’re getting along.’
19 Well, it was early in the morning, and Saul and all the men of Israel were already down in the Valley of Pines ready to fight the Philistines 20 by the time that David got up [to go]. He left his sheep [in a safe place], and following Jesse’s instructions, he set out with the things he was carrying. But when he got to the battle lines, the war had already begun… 21 the war cries had gone up and both Israel and the Philistines were confronting each other.
22 So, David handed over the things he brought to the provisions officer, and then he ran down toward the battle to see how his brothers were doing. 23 And as he was speaking to them, {Look!} a man walked out [between the lines]… it was GoliAth the Philistine from Gath. Then he stood in front of the Philistine lines and shouted the words that David heard.
24 Well, all the men of Israel retreated before him, because they were afraid of him. 25 Then one of the Israelite soldiers said [to David], ‘Did you see that man who just stepped forward? He stepped out to make fun of Israel. And if any man can beat him, the king promises to make him very rich, he will give him his daughter, and the house of his father [will never be taxed] in Israel.’
26 So David said to the men who were standing near him, ‘Then, who will cut down that Philistine and remove his scorn from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine who berates the battle lines of the living God?’
27 And the men replied to him, ‘Why don’t you go and strike him down?’
28 Well, his older brother EliAb overheard him talking to the men, and he was furious with David. He shouted: ‘Why did you come down here, and why did you leave the sheep alone in the desert? I know that it’s your pride and the evil in your heart that made you come down here to the battle!’
29 And David asked, ‘What have I done now? Did I say something wrong?’ 30 Then he turned to the soldiers he had been speaking to and said the same thing, and they repeated their words. 31 And when they heard David’s reply, they went and told Saul.
32 So, David went to Saul and said, ‘My lord; don’t allow that man to upset you, for your servant will go out to fight this Philistine.’
33 And Saul said to David, ‘There’s no way that you can go to fight against the Philistine, because you’re just a boy, and he has been a mighty warrior since he was young.’
34 But David told Saul: ‘Why, your servant was tending his father’s flock when both a lion and a bear came to grab sheep from the herd. 35 Yet I ran after each one and pulled the sheep from their mouths. Then, when they turned against me, I grabbed each of them by the throat and beat them to death! 36 So now, if a lion and a bear can’t beat your servant, how can this uncircumcised Philistine who berates the battle lines of the living God do so?’
37 And David said, ‘It is Jehovah who rescued me from [the mouth] of the lion and the bear, so He will rescue me from the hands of this uncircumcised Philistine.’
Then Saul said to David, ‘Well then, go… and may Jehovah be with you!’
38 So, Saul clothed David in his armor… he put the brass helmet on his head, and put on his chest covering, 39 then David tied on his sword, but he could barely walk in the [armor], because he had never done this before. So David said to Saul, ‘There’s no way that I can wear this, because I’ve never used [such things] before.’ And they took everything off.
40 Then he picked up his walking stick and went out and found five smooth rocks in the stream bed, and put them into his shepherd’s pouch. And with just his sling in his hand, he went out to meet the Philistine man.
41 Then the Philistine walked out to meet David carrying his shield in front of him and his spear in his hand. 42 And when the Philistine (GoliAth) saw David, he was disgusted, because he was just a boy with a ruddy complexion and pretty eyes. 43 So he shouted at David, ‘Am I a dog that you’re coming to me with sticks and stones?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 Then the Philistine said to David, ‘Come here so I can feed your flesh to the flying creatures in the sky and the wild animals of the ground!’
45 And David said to the Philistine, ‘You’re coming to me with a broadsword, a spear, and a shield; but I’m coming to you in the Name of Jehovah the God of armies… the God of the army of Israel who you’re making fun of today. 46 May Jehovah give you into my hands, for I will kill you, then cut off your head and leave your body in the Philistine camp [where it will be eaten by] the flying creatures in the sky and the wild animals of the ground. Then they will know that the whole earth belongs to the God of Israel, 47 and these called ones will know that Jehovah doesn’t need their swords or spears to save them, for He’s the God of war, and He will save them from you!’
48 Then the Philistine approached to meet David, and David ran right up to the Philistine battle lines, 49 reached into his pouch and grabbed a rock and slung it, hitting the Philistine in his forehead, penetrating his head, and he fell with his face to the ground. 50 Then David stood over the Philistine with a sword, struck him with it and killed him… and it wasn’t David’s sword. 51 David just ran up and stood over him, then he grabbed [GoliAth’s] broadsword out of its sheath, and killed him, cutting off his head.
Well, when the Philistines saw that their mighty one had been killed, they all ran away. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah shouted and chased the Philistines all the way to Gath and the city gate of Ekron, and they kept on killing the Philistines there on the roads to the gates of Gath and Ekron. 53 Then, after the men of Israel finally stopped chasing the Philistines, they went back and looted their camps.
54 So, David took the head of the Philistine and his weapons, and brought them to Jerusalem, where he put them in his tent.
55 Now, when Saul first saw David going out to meet the Philistine, he had asked AbNer (his general), ‘Whose son is this young man, AbNer?’
And AbNer replied, ‘May you live a long life, my lord the king, but I don’t know.’
56 Then the king told him, ‘Then find out who he is.’
57 Well, after David returned from killing the Philistine, AbNer invited him in and took him before Saul (as he was still carrying the head of the Philistine in his hand). 58 Then Saul asked him, ‘Whose son are you, young man?’
And David replied, ‘I’m the son of your servant Jesse from BethLehem.’
Chapter 18
1 Well, as Saul was speaking, [the heart of his son] JoNathan became bound to David… he loved him as much as his own life. 2 So, Saul took him back that day, and he wouldn’t allow him to return to the house of his father. 3 And JoNathan made an agreement with David, because he loved him as much as his own life. 4 So, JoNathan took off the [royal] robes he wore and put them on David, as well as his uniform, his broadsword, his bow, and his belt.
5 Thereafter, David went wherever Saul would send him, and Saul put him in charge of his entire army.
Well, all the people were very pleased with David, as were Saul’s servants. 6 Then one day, when David was returning to the city from a war with the Philistines, the people came from all the cities of Israel to meet Saul, joyfully singing and dancing with tambourines and cymbals. 7 And the women were out in front singing and playing: ‘Saul has cut down thousands, And David his ten thousands.’
8 Well this made Saul very angry, for he considered this [treasonous]. He said, ‘They gave David ten thousands and they only gave me thousands! So, what’s left for him now other than my kingdom?’ 9 As the result, Saul was suspicious of David from that day on.
10 Then the next day, the ferocious Breath of God came over Saul, and he started prophesying there in his house. So, David picked up [his har[] and played it throughout the whole day.
Well, Saul’s wooden spear was [nearby], 11 and he picked it up and shouted, ‘I’m going to pin David to the wall!’ And David had to run from him twice.
12 Well, Saul came to fear David, for he realized that Jehovah was with him, so he finally had to leave Saul’s [house]. 13 And after he left, Saul demoted him to the commander over a thousand men. But he still [marched in victories] before the people, 14 for David was capable in everything he did, and Jehovah was with him. 15 And Saul recognized this, so he was always cautious when dealing with [David].
16 Well, all of Israel and Judah came to love David, because he was always [marching in victory] before them. 17 Then Saul said to David, ‘Look, I’ll give you my older daughter Merab as your wife, so you can be a powerful son to me. And then you can [lead] the battles of Jehovah!’
Well, what Saul [was thinking] was: ‘That way I won’t have to kill him, I’ll let the Philistines do it for me.’
18 But David replied to Saul, ‘Who am I, and how important is the life of my father in Israel, that I should be an in-law of the king?’
19 Then Saul eventually gave his daughter Merab (who he had promised to David) to AdriEl the Meholathite as his wife. 20 However, Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when this was reported to Saul, he was very pleased, 21 for he [thought]: ‘Then I’ll give her to him, because she’ll always be a trap to him, and she’ll drive him into the hands of the Philistines.’
So, Saul said to David, ‘I want you to form a marriage alliance with me today.’ 22 And Saul gave orders to his servants, saying, ‘Talk to David in private and say to him, Look, the king wants you, and all his servants love you, so form a marriage alliance with the king!’
23 Well, as Saul’s servants were speaking to David about these things, David asked, ‘Do you really think it’s right for me to form a marriage alliance with the king? Why, I’m just a commoner and I’m unworthy of such honor.’
24 So Saul’s servants went back and reported everything that David said. 25 And Saul told them, ‘Say this to David: Well, the king is asking a dowry for her, and all he wants is the foreskins of a hundred Philistines as vengeance against his enemies.’ However, Saul had come up with a plan to put David into the hands of the Philistines, 26 and that’s why he told his servants to say these things to him.
But what they told him sounded good to David, so he decided to form a marriage alliance with the king. And when the time came, 27 David gathered his men and went out to fight the Philistines… and he brought back the foreskins of two hundred of their men and carried them to the king.
28 Well, when Saul saw this, he knew for sure that Jehovah was with David, and his daughter Michal and all Israel loved him. 29 So, Saul came to fear David throughout the rest of his life.
30 Now, the rulers of the Philistines also came to realize that David was the most important of Saul’s servants, and that he was highly regarded by the people.
Chapter 19
1 Then Saul spoke to his son JoNathan and his servants about murdering David. 2 But JoNathan was very fond of David, so he reported it to him. He said, ‘Saul is looking to kill you, so be on guard tomorrow morning, and find someplace to hide! 3 Then I’ll go into the field with my father when he goes looking for you, and I’ll stand there and talk to him about you, and I’ll report back to you whatever he says.’
4 So, JoNathan did speak to his father about David, pointing out his good qualities. He said: ‘The king shouldn’t sin against his servant David, because he hasn’t sinned against you, and he has always done the right thing. 5 Why, he put his life on the line when he struck down the Philistine, and Jehovah brought a great salvation that day… then all Israel saw it and rejoiced. So, why do you want to sin against the blood of an innocent man and kill David when he hasn’t really been charged with anything?’
6 Well, Saul [was moved by] what JoNathan had to say, and he swore an oath, saying, ‘As Jehovah lives, he shall [live]!’
7 Then JoNathan called for David and told him everything. And he brought David back to Saul, and everything was as it used to be.
8 Well, there was another war, and David was put in charge of the battle against the Philistines. Then he soundly defeated them and they ran from him. 9 But then the ferocious Breath of Jehovah came upon Saul as he was sitting his house (with a spear in his hand), and David was there playing his [harp]. 10 Well, Saul again threw the spear at David, and this time it stuck into the wall. So he left Saul, because he had barely escaped with his life that night.
11 Thereafter, Saul sent guards to David’s house to keep an eye on him, for he planned to execute him the next morning. But [David’s] wife Michal warned him, ‘You’d better do something tonight if you value your life, for they’re planning to execute you in the morning.’
12 Then Michal let David down through a window, and he escaped and ran away. 13 So she took a statue and put it in his bed, put some goat hair over its head, and covered it with a nightgown. 14 Then, when Saul’s guards came to take David, she told them he was sick.
15 But the guards said, ‘Well, he’ll have to get out of bed, because we’re taking him to be executed.’ 16 Then the guards went to his [bedroom] and found the statue with the goat hair on its head.
17 So, Saul then asked Michal, ‘Why did you try to deceive me? Why did you protect my enemy and help him get away?’
And Michal replied, ‘He told me to protect him or else he’d kill me.’
18 Well, David got away safely and he went to SamuEl at RamAh, and there he reported everything that Saul tried to do to him. Then SamuEl and David went and stayed at NaiOth. 19 And it was reported to Saul, ‘Look, David is in NaiOth of RamAh.’
20 So, Saul sent [guards] to take David, but when they saw a troop of Prophets who were prophesying with SamuEl taking the lead, God’s Breath came over the [troops] and they started prophesying.
21 Well, when Saul heard about this, he sent more troops, and they started prophesying too. Then Saul sent troops a third time, and they started prophesying. 22 So, Saul was furious, and he went to RamAh himself. And when he got to the threshing floor there, he asked the Prophets, ‘Where are SamuEl and David?’
And they replied, ‘Look, they’re in NaiOth.’
23 So [Saul] traveled on to NaiOth, but then the Breath of God came over him and he started prophesying just as he was entering the city… 24 he took off all his clothes and started prophesying in front of SamuEl, and he went around naked all that day and night. And [once again], the people were asking, ‘Is Saul also one of the Prophets?’
Chapter 20
1 Then David fled the city of NaiOth and he went to see JoNathan. And he asked, ‘What have I done? What’s my offence? How have I sinned against your father so that he’s searching for my life so vigorously?’
2 And JoNathan replied, ‘That isn’t what’s happening; he isn’t going to kill you. Look, there’s no way that my father would do anything, whether it’s great or small, without telling me. And why would my father hide such a thing from me? It just isn’t so.
3 But David told JoNathan, ‘Your father knows that I’ve found favor in your eyes, so he told the others, Don’t tell JoNathan, because he cares for him. But as Jehovah lives and as you live, I tell you that the only thing certain between your father and me is death.’
4 Then JoNathan said to David, ‘So, what do you want… what can I do for you?’
5 And David told him, ‘Look, tomorrow is the New Moon [Festival] and I’m supposed to come here to eat with the king. But I want you to send me away. I’ll go out into the fields and hide there sometime after noon. 6 And when your father notices that I’m missing, I want you to say to him, David asked me to excuse him, because he had to return to his city of BethLehem to offer a sacrifice for the Festival on behalf of his whole tribe. 7 And if he says, Fine, then your servant is at peace with him. But if he gives you a harsh reply, that will indicate he has evil plans for me.
8 ‘Now, you’ve shown great mercy to your servant, for you’ve made an agreement between you and me before Jehovah. And if you think your servant has done anything wrong, then condemn me to death and take me to your father.’
9 But JoNathan replied, ‘That won’t happen. Do you think that if I find that my father has evil plans for you, I won’t tell you?
10 And David said to JoNathan, ‘Then who will you send to tell me if your father answers harshly?’
11 And JoNathan replied, ‘Come, let’s walk out into the fields.’ And they both walked outside [the city].
12 Then JoNathan said to David, ‘Jehovah the God of Israel knows that I’ll question my father at least two or three times. And if things look good for you, I’m not going to send you to [live in] the fields. 13 For, may God [curse] me and add to it if I’ll allow anything bad to happen to you. [However, if the message is bad], I’ll tell you and send you away in peace. Then Jehovah will have to watch over you as He once did my father.
14 ‘Now, you’ve met with me while I’m alive, and after I die (by the mercy of Jehovah), 15 [please] be merciful to my house through the age. And when Jehovah destroys the enemies of David from the face of the earth, 16 may the name of JoNathan always remain in the house of David, even if Jehovah should allow me to die at the hands of your enemies.’
17 Then JoNathan swore an oath to David because of his love for him… for he loved him as much as his own life. 18 He said, ‘Tomorrow is the New Moon, and everyone will look for you [to come and sit] in your chair, [but you must go and hide in the fields]. 19 Then after three days, look around, then come to this place and sit behind that boulder. 20 And then I’ll come here and shoot three arrows at a target. 21 And when I send my servant to look for them, if I say to him, Here they are in front of you, come pick them up,’ you may come back, because everything is peaceful. As Jehovah lives, let’s do it this way, so there’s no miscommunication. 22 But if I tell the young man, The arrows are way beyond you, I’ll be sending you away to Jehovah!
23 ‘Now concerning these things that you and I have agreed to; may Jehovah serve as the witness between you and me through the age.’
24 Then David went and hid in the fields. And when the New Moon [Festival] started, the king arrived to eat at his table. And as always, he sat in his chair by the wall. 25 Now, JoNathan and AbNer were already seated there next to Saul, and everyone looked over to where David usually sat. 26 However, Saul didn’t say anything that day, for he thought is was just a coincidence. He thought that David had likely become unclean and he had gone to cleanse himself that day. 27 But on the next day (the second day of the month), Saul looked at the place where David sat, and he asked his son JoNathan, ‘Why isn’t the son of Jesse here? This is the second day that he hasn’t been at the table!’
28 And JoNathan replied, ‘He asked to be excused so he could go to his city of BethLehem. 29 He asked me to send him there so he could offer a sacrifice for his whole tribe. Now, since you’ve put me in charge of my brothers, and if it pleases you, let me go to check on my brother and find out why he hasn’t come to the table of the king.’
30 Well, Saul was furious with JoNathan and said to him, ‘You son of a divorced woman; don’t you know that when you call the son of Jesse [your brother] it shames you, and it shames the nakedness of your mother? 31 For, as long as the son of Jesse is alive on this earth, my kingdom will never be yours. Now, go and catch that young man, for he’s the son of death!’
32 But JoNathan asked his father Saul, ‘Why must he die? What did he do?’
33 Then Saul grabbed his spear and shoved it toward JoNathan in an attempt to kill him, so JoNathan knew that his father planned to put David to death. 34 As the result, he jumped up from the table in a rage, and he wouldn’t eat anything for the rest of that day, for he was devastated by the fact that his father wanted to finish off David.
35 Well, the next morning, JoNathan went out into the field with his servant to meet with David as he said he would, 36 and he told his servant to run and search for the arrows after he shot them. 37 Well, he shot way over [the target], and when his servant got to the place where he shot them, JoNathan yelled, ‘They’re way out beyond that.’ 38 And he added, ‘Hurry, don’t just stand there!’
Well, JoNathan’s servant finally retrieved all the arrows that his master had shot, 39 and he wasn’t aware of what was actually happening. But JoNathan and David both understood the meaning of this. 40 Then JoNathan handed his weapons to his servant and told him to take them back to the city. 41 And as he was leaving, David stood up from [inside] a box and fell with his face to the ground, bowing before him three times. Then he kissed his friend and they both cried over this end to David’s greatness.
42 Then JoNathan said to David, ‘Go in peace! And as we both swore an oath in the Name of the Lord; Jehovah is the witness between you and me, and between my seed and your seed through the ages.’
Then David got up and left, and JoNathan returned to the city.
Chapter 21
1 From there, David went to AhiMelech the Priest at Nob, and he was surprised to see David. So he asked him, ‘Why did you come alone… why didn’t anyone come with you?’
2 And David replied, ‘The king sent me today, and he told me not to tell anyone why I came. For, I’ve been instructed to tell you and your servants to go to the place called PhalanNi AlomNi.
3 ‘Now, if you can find five loaves of bread, please give them to me.’
4 And the Priest said, ‘I don’t have any regular bread, just the holy loaves that the servants have set aside for their women to eat.
5 And David said, ‘Yes, those that have been set aside for the women will do, for we’ve been traveling for three days, and my servants and I are clean. And although the reason for my journey is secular, it will be made made pure by my weapons.’
6 So, the Priest removed the loaves from the presence of Jehovah and gave it to them, because there was no other bread nearby, and [David] took them.
7 Now on that day, there was a certain servant of Saul [who had come to worship] before Jehovah. He was called Doyo the Edomite. And at the time, he was out feeding Saul’s mules.
8 Then David said to AhiMelech: ‘See if you can find a spear or a broadsword, because I don’t have my weapons. Hurry, because this is a matter of the king.’
9 And the Priest said, ‘Look, here’s the broadsword of the Philistine GoliAth who you cut down in the Ela Valley. I have it wrapped in a cape behind his chest covering. Take it, because there isn’t anything else like it here.’
And David said, ‘No, there’s nothing else like it. [Please] give it to me!’
10 So he went and got it, then he gave it to David, and David continued running from Saul.
Then when he reached AchIsh the king of Gath, AkIsh’s servants asked, ‘Isn’t this David, the king of the land? 11 Isn’t he the one about whom the dancing women sang, Saul cut down his thousands and David his ten thousands?
12 Well, David took those words to heart, and he was afraid to appear before AchIsh. 13 So, he started [putting on an act] in front of them. He crawled around on his hands [and knees], laid on the floor at the [city] gate, and allowed spit to run down his beard.
14 So, AchIsh said to his servants, ‘Look, you can see that the man is having convulsions! Why have you brought him to me? 15 Do you want to bring someone who is possessed to me? Should I invite him into my house?’
Chapter 22
1 Therefore, David got away safely and he went to the cave of OdolLam. And when his brothers and the rest of his family heard about it, they went to him there.
2 Well thereafter, men who were poor, the debtors, and those with a lot of problems starting coming to him, and he became their leader. 7 Altogether, there were about four hundred men.
3 Then David moved from there to MizPah in Moab, and he asked the king of Moab: ‘Please allow my mother and father to stay with you until I know what my God has planned for me.’
4 Well, he had appealed to the king of Moab personally, and the king allowed them to live with him in his citadel.
5 Then the Prophet Gad told David, 6 ‘Don’t settle there in the citadel; go back to the land of Judah.’ So, David went and settled in the city of Hareth.
6 Well, Saul heard where David and his men were. So, he stood on the hill (the one by the plowed fields at RamAh) with his spear in his hand and all his servants around him, 7 and he said to his servants, ‘Listen, you sons of BenJamin! Should I really give fields and vineyards to the son of Jesse? Why, then he would appoint all of you to be his lieutenants and generals, 8 because you’re all against me. For, which of you bothered to tell me that my own son had made an agreement with the son of Jesse? And which of you told me that my son has turned my servants into my enemies today?’
9 Well, Doyo the Edomite (the one who was in charge of Saul’s mules) said, ‘I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob to visit the Priest AhiMelech (the son of AhiTub). 10 He went there to inquire of God, and the Priest gave him food and the broadsword of the Philistine GoliAth.’
11 So, the king sent for the Priest AhiMelech (the son of AhiTub) and his brothers, who were also Priests (they lived in Nob). And they all came to the king. 12 Then Saul said, ‘Listen up, O son of AhiTub, for it’s me your lord speaking!’
13 Then Saul asked him, ‘Why did you go against me and agree to give the son of Jesse bread and a broadsword, and speak to God on his account… this man who has been my enemy to this day?’
14 And AhiMelech replied, ‘Why, who of all your servants is as trustworthy as David? He’s the son-in-law of the king, he’s in charge of your army, and he’s a man of honor in your house. 15 So, why are you asking me why I went to God for him? Now, please don’t accuse your servant and the entire house of my father of the things you’re saying, for your servant just didn’t know of any of these matters, whether small or great.’
16 And King Saul said, ‘You’re going to die AhiMelech; you and the entire house of your father!’ 17 Then he told his guards who were standing there, ‘Take them out and kill the Priests of Jehovah, because they’ve sided with David. They knew where he had run and they didn’t tell me!’
However, the [guards] weren’t willing to lift a hand against the Priests of Jehovah. 18 So, he said to Doyo, ‘Then you [kill] the Priests.’
And Doyo the Edomite slaughtered the Priests of Jehovah that day… eighty-five men who wore the sacred vests. 19 Then [Saul] attacked the city of the Priests (Nob) and killed all the men, women, children, babies, oxen, sheep, and burros with broadswords. 20 However, one of AhiMelech’s sons survived (his name was AbiAthar), and he ran to find David.
21 Now, when AbiAthar told David that Saul had executed all the Priests of Jehovah, David said, ‘I knew that this would happen when I saw Doyo the Edomite… 22 I knew that he would report [seeing me] to Saul, so I’m to blame for the deaths of the house and family of your father. 23 Now, you stay here with me! Don’t be afraid, because when I’m watching out for my life, I’ll also be watching out for yours… I’m going to be your protector.’
Chapter 23
1 Then this report came to David: ‘{Look!} The Philistines have attacked KeiLah and they’re destroying all the barns.’
2 So David asked Jehovah: ‘Shall I go and fight these Philistines?’
And Jehovah replied: ‘Go fight the Philistines, and you’ll save KeiLah!’
3 Then the men who were there with David said, ‘Look, we’re already afraid and we’re still here in Judea, so how can we go [to help] KeiLah? Do we want to add ourselves to the Philistine’s spoils of war?’
4 So, David went and asked Jehovah again, and Jehovah replied, ‘Go go down to KeiLah, for I’m giving the Philistines into your hands!’
5 Then David went to KeiLah with his men, and they fought the Philistines and routed them. It was a great victory, and they took the Philistine’s cattle and saved the people in KeiLah. 6 Then after the [Philistine] retreated, AbiAthar (the son of AhiMelech) went to David at KeiLah, carrying his sacred vest in his hands.
7 Now, when Saul heard that David had gone to KeiLah, he said, ‘Now God has sold him into my hands, for he’s locked into a city of doors and bars.’ 8 So, Saul told his people to go and attack David and his band of men there at KeiLah.
9 Well, David realized that Saul would soon hear [that he was there in KeiLah], and that he would plan to do something evil. So David said to AbiAthar the Priest: ‘Bring the sacred vest!’ 10 Then David prayed, ‘O Jehovah, God of Israel; please hear Your servant, for Saul is planning to attack me in KeiLah. Why, he’ll destroy the whole city because of me. 11 So, should we lock it up? For Saul will surely come here, now that he has heard that your servant is here, O Lord, the God of Israel. Please tell your servant what to do.’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Lock it up!’
12 And David asked: ‘Then, will the people of KeiLah hand me and my men over to Saul?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Yes they will, to save themselves.’
13 So David took his men (about eight hundred of them) and left KeiLah, and went someplace else. And when Saul heard that David had left KeiLah, he spared that city.
14 Then from there, David traveled to the desert, where he lived in narrow passes, and he settled in the Ziph Desert.
Well, Saul kept searching for him for quite a long time, but Jehovah kept him out of Saul’s hands.
15 Now, David knew that Saul would keep on looking for him, so he stayed in New City in the Ziph Desert. 16 And then Saul’s son JoNathan came to David in New City, which strengthened his faith in Jehovah. 17 For, [JoNathan] told him, ‘Don’t be afraid, because my father Saul will never find you. Then you will become the ruler over Israel and I’ll be your second in command… and my father knows that.’
18 And they [once again] made an agreement there in the presence of Jehovah.
Well, David stayed in New City, but JoNathan returned home. 19 Then people from the Ziph Desert went to Saul [in GibeAh] and said, ‘Look, David is hiding among us in New City, down in the narrows next to the hill of HachiLah, just to the right of JeshiMon. 20 So now, every desire of the life of the king is here among us. Come down to us, for everything has now been revealed before the king.’
21 And Saul replied, ‘May Jehovah bless you for coming to me. 22 Now, quickly go back and see if he’s still there and that he hasn’t tricked you. 23 Search all the places where he can hide and then come back and tell me, and I’ll be ready to go there with you. For, if he’s somewhere in that land, I’ll send thousands of soldiers from Judah to search for him!’
24 Then the Ziphites left the presence of Saul.
Well, David and his men were in the MaOn Desert at the time, which is to the west and right of JeshiMon. 25 And when Saul took his men to search for David, this was reported to David, and he retreated to the [mountain called] ‘The Rock,’ in the MaOn Desert. But Saul heard about it and followed David into the desert.
26 Well, Saul had camped his men on one side of the mountain, and David had camped his men on the other side. But, although David was trying to hide from Saul, Saul had camped his men close to David so he could catch him.
27 Then a messenger came to Saul saying, ‘Hurry and come, because the Philistines are attacking our land.’
28 So Saul had to break off his chase of David, and go back to fight the Philistines. And that’s why that mountain is now called ‘Slippery Rock.’
29 Well, from there David went and settled in the EnGedi Narrows.
Chapter 24
1 Then, after Saul returned from driving away the Philistines, he heard that David was in the EnGedi Desert. 2 So he selected three thousand of the best soldiers in all Israel and went to look for David along the edge of the Trap of the Hinds. 3 And when their march was blocked by herds and flocks along the road, Saul stopped and entered a cave to review his plans… and it so happened that this was the same cave where David and his men were hiding.
4 So David’s men said to him: ‘Look! This is the day that Jehovah spoke to you about when He said, I will give your enemy into your hands and you may deal with him in any way you wish.’
Well, David crept up to Saul [while he was sleeping] and quietly cut the fringe off his robe. 5 But afterward, David’s heart was bothered by the fact that he had done this. 6 And he said to his men, ‘Jehovah certainly didn’t mean for me to do such a thing to my lord. I should never have raised a hand against him, because he truly is the anointed of Jehovah.’ 7 And after David said this, he persuaded his men not to kill Saul.
Then, when Saul woke up and left the cave, 8 David got up and followed him outside. And David shouted after Saul, ‘O my Lord! O king!’
8 And when Saul looked back, David bowed to him with his face to the ground, 9 and he said to Saul, ‘Why do you believe people when they say that David wants to kill you? 10 For look! Today you’ve seen with your own eyes how Jehovah gave you into my hands, and I didn’t want to kill you… I spared you. I said, I won’t lift a hand against my lord, because he’s the anointed of Jehovah.
11 ‘Why look, my father; I’m holding the fringe of your robe in my hand. [I got so close] that I could remove it, and yet I didn’t kill you. So you should know that I don’t wish you any evil, nor am I disrespectful or rebellious. I haven’t sinned against you, but you’re still determined to take my life! 12 So, may Jehovah judge between you and me, and may He find me righteous when it comes to you, because He knows that I wouldn’t lift a hand against you. 13 For as the [song] goes: Sin comes from the elder’s lawless ways, But I’ve not raised a hand against you.
14 ‘So who are you chasing O king of Israel? And who are you pursuing… after someone who has died, or after a flea? 15 May Jehovah be the judge! And may He serve as judge between me and you. Yes, may Jehovah look down and judge my case, and may He save me from your hands.’
16 Well, after David said this to Saul, Saul asked, ‘Is that the voice of my child David?’
Then he broke into tears, 17 and he said to David, ‘You’re a better man than I, because you repaid the bad things I’ve done to you with good things. 18 Then you [took the time to] tell me about these good things, and of how Jehovah gave me into your hands, but you didn’t kill me. 19 For, what other man, if he were to find his enemy vulnerable, would be good enough to send him away? So, may Jehovah repay the goodness that you’ve shown today.
20 ‘And now I know that you’re going to become the king and that you’ll rule over the kingdom of Israel. 21 So, [please] swear an oath to me by Jehovah, that you won’t destroy me or my seed, and that you’ll never remove my name from the house of my father.’
22 So, David swore by an oath to Saul, and then Saul went back home.
Thereafter, David and his men went up into the narrows of MesSara.
Chapter 25
1 Well shortly thereafter, SamuEl died, and all Israel came to mourn him, and they entombed him inside his house in RamAh.
Then David traveled to the MaOn Desert. 2 And a great man was there who had helped to build Carmel. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats; and at the time he was shearing his flock at Carmel. 3 This man’s name was NaBal, and his wife’s name was AbiGail. Now, the wife was not only smart, she was also very pretty; however, her husband [had the reputation for being] hardheaded and dishonest.
4 Well, while David was there in the desert, he heard that NaBal the Carmelite was out shearing his flock. 5 So David sent ten of his servants to NaBal at Carmel, and he told them to say: ‘May you have peace, 6 and may you and yours live a long and healthy life. Look, I’ve heard that your shepherds are shearing your sheep. 7 And when we saw them out in the desert, we didn’t bother them or take [any of your sheep] as you were leading them to Carmel. 8 Just ask your servants and they’ll tell you. Now, if we (your servants) have found favor in your eyes (and we hope that we’ve come on a good day), we’re asking you to give whatever you can to your servants and to your son David.’
9 So David’s servants went to NaBal and said all of that in the name of David. 10 But NaBal jumped to his feet and asked, ‘And just who is David? Who does this son of Jesse think he is? Why, today he has many servants, and they’ve all run away from their masters. 11 So, shall I take my bread, my wine, and my sacrifices with which I must pay those who are shearing my sheep and give them to others, when I don’t know who they are or where they’ve come from?’
12 And with that, he sent the servants of David on their way. And when they got back, they told David what he said.
13 Then David told his men to tie on their swords, and David tied on his sword. And four hundred of them followed David, while the other two hundred stayed behind to watch their things.
14 Then one of NaBal’s servants brought a message to his wife AbiGail, saying, ‘Look, David sent messengers from [his camp] in the desert to bless our master, but he sent them away. 15 Now, [David’s] men were very good to us, for they didn’t get in our way, and they didn’t mistreat us when we were out in the fields. 16 In fact, they protected us both day and night while we were watching over the flocks. 17 So, think about what you should do, because our master has brought evil down upon his house… he’s being unreasonable, and there’s no way we can talk him out of it!’
18 Then AbiGail ran and took two hundred loaves of bread, two large jugs of wine, five roasted sheep, five bushels of toasted grain, ten bushels of raisins, and two hundred clusters of dried figs, and put them on burros. 19 And she said to her servants, ‘Take these on ahead and I’ll follow behind.’ (But she didn’t say anything to her husband).
20 Then she mounted her burro and traveled alongside the mountain until she reached David and his men, and they came to greet her. 21 Well at the time, David was saying, ‘Perhaps I was foolish when I guarded all of NaBal’s things in the desert and I didn’t try to take anything. For, now he has repaid my good deeds with evil. 22 So, may God [curse] David and add to it if I leave anyone who belongs to NaBal [alive] that can urinate against a wall by [tomorrow] morning.’
23 Well, when AbiGail saw David, she got down off her burro and fell to her face before him, bowing low. And she said, 24 ‘O my lord, hold me to blame. Please allow your female servant to speak to you, and hear what I have to say. 25 Please, my master, don’t set your heart against this despicable man NaBal, for his name means foolishness, and he truly is foolish!
‘I didn’t see the servants that you sent to my master. 26 But, O my lord; as Jehovah lives and as you live, may Jehovah keep you from shedding the blood of the innocent, for in so doing you may save your own life. And may your enemies who are trying to do bad things become as NaBal.
27 ‘Now, please accept these blessings that I’ve brought to my lord, and distribute them among your servants. 28 Then forgive your female servant, and may Jehovah make the house of my master one that can be trusted. May Jehovah fight your wars and may He never find you guilty of anything evil. 29 And if any man chases you and tries to kill you, may Jehovah God save the life of my master, and may the lives of your enemies be thrown down as with a sling. 30 And may Jehovah do all the good things for you that He said He would do and make you the leader over Israel.
31 ‘So, please don’t offend your heart by doing this terrible thing to my master, and don’t shed innocent blood without a reason. Please save my master from himself, and then Jehovah will do good things for you… and don’t overlook your female servant or fail to treat her kindly.’
32 Then David said to AbiGail, ‘Praise Jehovah the God of Israel who sent you to me today. 33 And may the way that you’ve handled this matter today be praised, for you’ve kept me from shedding blood and you’ve saved me from myself. 34 As Jehovah the God of Israel lives, you’ve kept me from doing something bad to you. And if you hadn’t hurried and come to meet me here, none in the house of NaBal who can urinate against a wall would have lived to see the light of dawn.’
35 Then David accepted all the things that she brought, and he said her, ‘Now return to your house in peace, for I’ve listened to what you’ve said and I respect the person that you are.’
36 Well, when AbiGail got back home to NaBal, he was holding a banquet in his house that was fit for a king; and he was quite happy, because he’d had too much to drink. So AbiGail didn’t tell him what she’d done until the next morning.
37 Then in the morning (after NaBal had sobered up from the wine), she told him everything that had happened. And his heart just died inside him and it became [as heavy as] a rock. 38 And after ten days, Jehovah struck NaBal and he died.
39 Well, when David heard that NaBal had died, he said, ‘May Jehovah be praised, for He judged the case of my being scorned by NaBal, and He brought NaBal’s evil down upon his own head. Yet, He kept His servant from doing anything bad.’
Then David sent for AbiGail, because he was talking about taking her as his wife. 40 So his servants went to AbiGail at Carmel and spoke to her, saying, ‘David sent us, because he wishes to take you as his wife.’
41 Well, she bowed with her face to the ground and said, ‘Look, your female servant… a girl to wash the feet of my master’s servants.’
42 Then AbiGail quickly mounted her burro, and she brought along five of her young women (who followed behind). And she went with David’s servants and became his wife.
43 Now, David was also married to AhinoAm of JezreEl, 44 and [he had been married to] Michal (Saul’s daughter); however Saul then gave her to Phalti (the son of LaIsh) from GalLim.
Chapter 26
1 Well, the Ziphites went up to see Saul again, and told him, ‘Look, David is hiding among us on HachiLah Hill, in front of JesSemon.’
2 So, Saul again went into the Ziph Desert with three thousand of Israel’s best men to look for David. 3 And Saul set up camp along the road to HachiLah Hill, in front of JesSemon, as David was camped in the desert. And when he saw that Saul had come to the desert again looking for him, 4 he sent spies who found out where and how prepared he was. 5 And then David personally went to the place where Saul was and found him sleeping near his commander-in-chief AbNer (the son of Ner)… Saul was asleep in his royal chariot, and his men were camped around him.
6 Then David asked AhiMelech the Hittite and AbiShai (the son of ZeruiAh and the brother of JoAb), ‘Who will come with me into the camp of Saul?’
And AbiShai said, ‘I’ll go with you.’
7 So, David and AbiShai went down into the camp that night and walked among [Saul’s] Men. Well, {Look!} there was Saul sound asleep in his royal chariot and his was spear stuck into the ground next to his head… as AbNer and his men were asleep all around him. 8 So, AbiShai said to David, ‘Jehovah has given your enemy into your hands today, so I’m going to run him through with his spear… I’ll only do it once, because I won’t have to do it a second time.’
9 But David said, ‘No, don’t kill him; for who can lift a hand against the anointed of Jehovah and not be guilty?’ 10 And he added, ‘As Jehovah lives, it is up to the Lord to strike him and kill him, or for him to die in battle and to be [buried] with his ancestors. 11 For, Jehovah hasn’t instructed me to raise a hand against His anointed. So, we’ll just take the spear that’s next to his head, and his canteen of water, and leave.’
12 Then David picked up [Saul’s] spear and canteen, and they left… and no one saw them or knew that they had been there, for no one woke up. All were sleeping tightly, because Jehovah had put them to sleep.
13 Then David walked through the camp and up the mountain, leaving some distance between them. 14 And David called to [Saul’s] men and to AbNer (the son of Ner) saying, ‘AbNer… will you answer?’
And AbNer answered ‘Who’s calling me?’
15 And David said, ‘Aren’t you a man? For, who else is like you in Israel? So, why weren’t you guarding your lord the king? Why, a man came there to destroy your lord the king tonight, 16 so what you’ve done is not a good thing! As Jehovah lives, you are sons of death for not guarding your lord the king… the anointed of Jehovah. Now look! Where is the king’s spear… and where’s his canteen of water… these things that he kept by his head?’
17 Well, Saul recognized the voice of David and said, ‘Is that the voice of my child David?’
And David replied, ‘It’s my voice O lord… your servant, O king!’ 18 And he asked, ‘So, why is my lord chasing his servant? How have I sinned and what is the charge against me?
19 ‘And now listen, O my lord the king, to the words of his servant: If it’s God that’s sending you against me, then may you smell your sacrifice. But if it’s the sons of men, may they be cursed before Jehovah. Because, they’ve driven me away from the inheritance I received from Jehovah, saying, Go and serve other gods! 20 Now, may my blood not be spilled on the ground away from the face of Jehovah, for the king of Israel is searching for a flea the way he hunts for long-eared owls in the mountains.’
21 And Saul said, ‘I have sinned. Come back to me, my child David, for I won’t do anything bad to you anymore, now that you’ve shown me how much you value my life. I’ve acted foolishly and ignorantly.’
22 And David replied, ‘Look! Here’s the king’s spear; send one of your servants to take it. 23 For, Jehovah will repay each one for his righteousness and faithfulness, as Jehovah saved you from my hands today, since I didn’t wish to raise a hand against the anointed of Jehovah. 24 And look… as I have valued your life today, may my life be considered more valuable before my lord. May he shelter me and rescue me from all my problems.’
25 And Saul said to David, ‘You are blest, my child David; for whatever you do will succeed, and you can do whatever you wish.’
So, David went his way, and Saul returned home.
Chapter 27
1 And David said in his heart, ‘I’d better run to the land of the Philistines where I’ll be safe, for things don’t look too good for me here. Saul will keep searching for me in Israel, and by tomorrow I could be handed over to him.’
2 So David got up and left, taking his six hundred men with him, and he went to see AchIsh (the son of MaOch), the king of Gath. 3 Then David, his men, and both his wives (AhinoAm the JezreElite, and AbiGail the wife of NaBal the Carmelite) sat down to meet with AchIsh in his house in Gath. 4 And when Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he stopped searching for him.
5 So David said to AchIsh: ‘If your servant has found favor in your eyes, please give me a place in one of your rural cities, and I’ll settle there; for why should you settle your servant in a city to rule next to you?’
6 Then AchIsh gave him Ziklag, which still belongs to the Judean kings to this day.
7 Well, David had stayed there in the land of the Philistines for four months, 8 when he and his men attacked the Geshurites, the Gezrites, and the Amalechites… for they inhabited the land all the way from Shurand to the land of Egypt. 9 He attacked the entire land and didn’t leave a man or woman alive, but he took their flocks, herds, burros, camels, and clothing, then he returned to AchIsh.
10 Well, AchIsh asked David, ‘Who did you attack today?’
And David replied, ‘The [land] south of Judea, from JerahMeEl south to the [land of the] Kenezites. 11 And I didn’t bring anyone back alive to Gath, so no one can say, Look at what David did!’
And that’s the way David handled matters for as long as he stayed in the land of the Philistines. 12 And AchIsh trusted David, for he said, ‘It’s a shame that he’s being treated this way by his people in Israel, but he can serve me here through the age.’
Chapter 28
1 Well, the Philistines started gathering their troops to go to war against Israel, and AchIsh said to David: ‘Now, I know that you and your men who are staying with me will join us in this war.’
2 And David replied, ‘This may show you [the faithfulness] of your servant.’
And AchIsh said to David, ‘Then I’ll appoint you as the chief of my royal guards during this period.’
3 Well, SamuEl had already died, and Israel had mourned him at his tomb in his city of RamAh; and Saul had [killed off] all those who search for omens and those who call to [the dead] in the land.
4 Then the Philistines went and camped at Shunem, and Saul gathered the army of Israel and camped in Gilboa. 5 Well, when Saul looked at the camp of the Philistines, it frightened him and he became weak at heart. 6 Then he started asking [the direction of Jehovah], but Jehovah wouldn’t answer him in his dreams, give him signs, or answer through the Prophets. 7 So he said to his servants, ‘Search for a woman who can tell the future, and I’ll go ask her!’
And his servants told him, ‘Look, there’s a woman who can tell the future in EnDor.’
8 So, Saul disguised himself [by wearing] different clothes, and he covered his face, then he took two men with him and they went to see the woman at night. And he said to her, ‘Use your powers for me and lead me to the one that I want to speak to!’
9 And the woman replied, ‘Look! Now you know as much as Saul did… he who killed off all those in the land who ask of the [dead] and who look for omens. So, have you come here to trap and kill me?’
10 And Saul swore an oath to her by God, saying, ‘As Jehovah lives, I won’t treat you unjustly in this matter.’
11 So the woman asked Saul, ‘Then, who should I bring up for you?’
And Saul replied, ‘Bring SamuEl to me!’
12 Well, when the woman saw SamuEl, she screamed. Then she said to Saul, ‘Why have you misled me? Why, you are Saul!’
13 And the king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid! Who did you see?’
And she said, ‘I see Judges rising from the ground.’
14 Then he asked her, ‘What else do you see?’
And she replied, ‘A very old man coming up [from the ground] wearing a doubled robe.’
Well, Saul knew that it was SamuEl, so he fell with his face to the ground and bowed low before him. 15 And SamuEl said, ‘Why are you bothering me and why did you bring me up?’
And Saul said, ‘I’m in a lot of trouble, for the Philistines have come to war against me, and God has left me. He doesn’t listen to me anymore, nor does He answer the Prophets or reply to me in dreams… all I want to know is what I should do.’
16 And SamuEl replied, ‘Then why are you asking me, if Jehovah has left you and taken up with your neighbor? 17 For, Jehovah has just done the things to you that I told you He would do. He will rip your kingdom from your hands and give it to your neighbor David, 18 because you didn’t listen to His voice when He was showing His rage on the Amalechites. 19 So, Jehovah will give Israel into the hands of the Philistines, and by tomorrow you and your sons will be with me, while the camp of Israel will be handed over to the Philistines.’
20 Well at that, Saul dropped to the ground shaking, because he was so afraid of what SamuEl had said… he was already weak in the knees, because he hadn’t eaten all that day or night.
21 Then the woman came up to Saul, and when she saw that he was shaking, she said, ‘Now look at me and listen to your female servant, for I’ve put my life in your hands. I trust what you said. 22 So now, do what I say, because I’m going to give you a little food to eat so you can regain your strength, and you should leave now.’
23 But he wouldn’t listen, because he didn’t want anything to eat. However, both his assistants and the woman kept insisting, so he got up off of the ground and sat in a chair. 24 Then the woman went out and butchered a calf that was by her house, and took some flour and made some fermentation-free bread, 25 and brought it before Saul and his servants, and they ate… then they returned home that night.
Chapter 29
1 Then the Philistines marched all their troops to Aphek, and Israel set up camp at EnDor in JezreEl, 2 as the Philistine governors were coming by the hundreds and thousands.
Well, David and his men showed up last with AchIsh. 3 And the Philistine governors asked, ‘Who did they come with?’
And AkIsh replied, ‘That’s David, the servant of Saul, the king of Israel. This is the second year he’s been staying with me, and I’ve found no fault with him to this point.’
4 Well, the Philistine governors were outraged, and they said to him, ‘Return this man to the people that you put him over; don’t allow him to come with us to the battle, for he could be a traitor in our camp. After all, how do we know that he won’t reconcile with his lord, and then our men will pay with their heads. 5 For, isn’t this the same David of whom the dancers sang Saul killed his thousands and David his ten thousands?’
6 So, AchIsh called David and said to him, ‘As Jehovah lives, I know that you’re a good and honest man, and that’s why I invited you with me to the camp. For, I haven’t found anything evil in you since you came to me. But the governors don’t trust you; 7 so return to [your city] in peace, and don’t allow yourself to be seen doing anything wrong in the eyes of the Philistine governors.’
8 And David said, ‘But what have I done… what have you found wrong with your servant? Why won’t you let me fight against the enemies of my lord the king?’
9 And AchIsh answered, ‘I know that you’re a good man… like a messenger from God. But the Philistine governors are saying He shouldn’t come with us to the battle. 10 So, you and your men should get up early in the morning and return to the city that I gave you!’
11 Well, David and his men did get up early and they went back to guard the land of the Philistines, as the Philistines started their war against Israel.
Chapter 30
1 And as David and his men were returning to Ziklag (after three days [of travel]), the Amalechites came from the south and attacked Ziklag… they captured it and burned it. 2 However, they didn’t kill any of the young men or any of the women; they just led them away as captives. 3 Then, when David and his men got back to the city and found it burned, and that their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken away as captives, 4 David and his men cried and wailed until they were just too weak to cry anymore.
5 Well, both of David’s wives (AhinoAm the JezreElite, and AbiGail, the wife of NaBal the Carmelite) had been captured, 6 which hurt David so much that his men said they should stone him, because he was so grieved over the people, and for each of his sons and daughters. However, his God Jehovah then gave him strength, 7 and he said to the Priest AbiAthar (the son of AhiMelech), ‘Bring the sacred vest to me.’
So, AbiAthar came to David carrying the vest, 8 and David asked Jehovah, ‘Should I chase after them?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Chase after them; for if you chase them, you’ll catch up with them and rescue [your people].’
9 So, David went after them with all of his six hundred-men, and when they reached the Bosor Wadi, two hundred of them were left behind [to guard their things], 10 leaving him with about four hundred men. So, he went on with the four hundred, leaving the two hundred on the other side of the Bosor Wadi.
11 Then [his men] found an Egyptian man [lying] in a field, and they took him to David, then they gave him some food and water. 12 They gave him part of a dried cluster of figs and two portions of raisins, which revived him, for he had gone without anything to eat or drink for more that three days. 13 And David asked him, ‘What are you doing here, and where did you come from?’
And the Egyptian replied, ‘I’m the servant of an Amalechite man. And my master left me here because I was sick… and I’ve been here for three days. 14 We had made an attack south of the Cherethites on parts of Judea, to the south of Caleb, and we burned the city of Ziklag.’
15 And David asked him, ‘Can you lead me to your troops?’
And he said, ‘Yes… if you’ll swear by God that you won’t kill me or return me to my master, I’ll lead you to them.’
16 So he led them, and by the time they caught up with them, everyone was scattered throughout the land, and they were eating, drinking, and celebrating over the great quantity of loot that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.
17 Well, David kept on slaughtering them from morning to evening, and then into the next day. He didn’t leave a man, and all that escaped was just four hundred boys who fled on camels. 18 Then David took back everything that the Amalechites had captured, and he rescued both of his wives. 19 No one had been killed, from the small to the great, and all the sons, daughters, and loot that they had taken was returned.
20 Then David took all their flocks, herds, and the loot, which was thereafter referred to as ‘the spoils of David.’
21 Well, when they got back to the two hundred men that David had left behind at the Bosor Wadi, they came to greet David and all the people who were returning with him. And David went up to them and wished them peace. 22 However, all the wicked men and troublemakers among the warriors who went with David said, ‘They didn’t go with us, so why should we divide any of the loot we recovered with them? Let them just find their wives and children, and [be happy with that]!’
23 However, David said, ‘You must not mistreat the brothers of this confederation. For, it was Jehovah who guarded us and gave the enemy to us, and it was He who saved the troops that came with us. 24 So, watch your words, because these men are in no way inferior, and they’ll receive their share of the war for staying here and watching our equipment… they will be given the same share as everyone else.’
25 And from that day on, that was the rule in Israel.
26 Well, when David got back to Ziklag, he sent [a portion of] the spoils to the elders of Judah, and he gave some to his neighbors, saying, ‘Look, here’s a blessing from the spoils of the enemies of Jehovah.’
27 [He also sent some of the spoils to the people in] BethEl, Southern RamOth, JatTir, 28 AroEr, SiphMoth, EshTemoa, 29 RachAl, and to those in the JerahMeElite cities, the Kenite cities, 30 the people in Hormah, and BeerAshan, and Athach, 31 and to those in Hebron… David and his men carried it to each of those places.
Chapter 31
1 Well, in the war between the Philistines and Israel, the Israelites were routed by the Philistines, and they were slaughtered all the way to Mount Gilboa. 2 Then the Philistines caught up with Saul and his sons, and they were able to cut down JoNathan, AbinAdab, and MelchiShua (Saul’s sons), 3 but the battle got bogged down when they were fighting Saul. Then the bowmen shot at Saul and wounded him in the spleen. 4 And Saul said to his weapons bearer, ‘Unsheathe your broadsword and run me through with it, so one of these uncircumcised men doesn’t kill me and then make fun of me!’
But the man carrying his weapons was afraid and he didn’t want to do it, so Saul took his broadsword and fell on it. 5 And when the man carrying his weapons saw that Saul was dead, he fell on his sword and died also.
6 So, Saul, all three of his sons, his weapons bearer, and all his men died that same day. 7 And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the Jordan Valley saw that Saul and his sons were dead, they all ran away… they just left their cities and ran, and then the Philistines took [their cities] and lived there.
8 Well, it was when the Philistines came to strip the dead that they found Saul and his three sons dead on Mount Gilboa. 9 Then they cut off [Saul’s] head, took his weapons, and sent them all around the land of the Philistines to announce the good news to their idols and their people. 10 They also presented his weapons [to the goddess] Astarte, and they nailed [Saul’s] body to a wall in BethSham.
11 Well, when the people in JabIsh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their mighty men went that night and recovered the bodies of Saul and his son JoNathan from the wall in BethSham, and brought them back to JabIsh, where they were burned [in a funeral pyre]. 13 Then they took their bones and placed them in a tomb in the plowed field of JabIsh, and they fasted for seven days.
2 Samuel
Chapter 1
1 After Saul died and after David had returned from his battle with the Amalechites, David spent a couple of days in ZikLag. 2 And on the third day, a man arrived from the camp of the army of Saul. His clothes were all torn and his face was covered with dirt. And when he reached David, he fell to the ground and bowed before him, 3 then David asked, ‘Where have you come from?’
And he said, ‘I’ve struggled to make it here from the camp of Israel.’
4 Then David asked, ‘What message are you bringing? Tell me!’
And he said, ‘Our army has fled the field of battle, and many have been injured and many more have been killed. Why, Saul and his son JoNathan have both been killed.’
5 Then David asked, ‘How do you know that both Saul and JoNathan are dead?’
6 And the young man said, ‘I happened to be on Mount Gilboa when I saw Saul leaning on his spear. Then the chariots and cavalry started coming toward him, so I went over to his side. 7 Well, when he looked behind him and saw me, he to called to me, and I replied, Look, here I am. 8 And he asked, Who are you? And I said, I’m an Amalechite. 9 And he said to me, Stand over me and kill me, because an awful darkness is coming over me! 10 So, I stood over him and put him to death, because I knew that he couldn’t survive his wound. Then I took the [turban] from his head and the armlet from his biceps, and I’ve brought them here to you, my lord.’
11 Well, David started grabbing his clothes and ripping them; and all of his men started ripping their clothes, 12 beating on their chests, and crying. Well, they fasted for the rest that day over Saul, his son JoNathan, the people of Judah, and the people of Israel who were cut down with broadswords.
13 Then David asked the man who brought him the message, ‘Where are you from?’
And he replied, ‘I’m the son of an Amalechite man who is living in your land.’
14 And David asked him, ‘So, why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand and kill the anointed one of Jehovah?’ 15 Then David called one of his servants and said, ‘Come here and kill him!’ So, he struck the man and he died. 16 For David said to him, ‘Your blood is on your own head, because your own mouth spoke against you when you said I have killed the anointed one of Jehovah.’
17 Then David went into mourning over Saul and his son JoNathan. 18 And to teach the sons of Judah he sang:
‘It’s written in the scroll of the righteous:
19 ‘Erect a stele, O Israel,
For those who have died in your hills;
For the mighty who’ve fallen.
20 Don’t announce it in Gath;
Or announce it as good news in AshKelon’s streets,
So the daughters of Philistia aren’t happy;
So the daughters of uncircumcised do not rejoice.
21 May dew not fall on Gilboa;
May it not rain upon you,
There in the fields of the first fruits;
For the shield of the mighty was treated with contempt,
Saul’s shield was not anointed with oil.
22 From the blood of the slain;
From the fat of the mighty;
But JoNathan’s bow did not return empty;
The broadsword of Saul did not return baren.
23 For Saul and JoNathan, those who were loved…
The beautiful ones were not parted;
They were handsome in life…
And they’re together in death.
They were swifter than eagles;
They conquered more than do lions.
24 So, Daughters of Israel, cry over Saul,
For he dressed you in scarlet and jewels… he dressed you in clothing and jewelry of gold.
25 Now the mighty have fallen in battle;
O JoNathan; You were killed in the mountains.
26 I ache for you, O my brother
For, to me you were a beautiful man.
Your wonderous affection for me,
Was greater than the love of a woman.
27 But now the mighty have fallen,
And their weapons of war are destroyed.’
Chapter 2
1 After that, David asked Jehovah, ‘Should I return to one of the cities of Judah now?’
And Jehovah answered, ‘Go!’
Then David asked where he should go, and Jehovah answered, ‘To Hebron.’
2 So, David moved to Hebron with his wives (AhinoAm the JezreElite, and AbiGail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite) 3 and his men; and each man [obtained] his own house. Then they all started living there in and around Hebron.
4 Thereafter, the men of Judea came and anointed David to rule over the house of Judah.
Then they reported to David that the men of JabIsh Gilead had put Saul’s [body] in a tomb. 5 So, David sent messengers to the leaders of JabIsh of Gilead, who said to them, ‘You are blest by Jehovah for showing such mercy to your lord Saul, the anointed of God, by building a tomb for him and his son JoNathan. 6 Now, may Jehovah give you mercy and truth, and I will treat you in the same [kind] way that you’ve treated [Saul and JoNathan]. 7 So, prepare yourselves and make yourselves strong, for now that your lord Saul has died, I’ve been anointed to rule over the house of Judah and to become your king!’
8 However, AbNer (the son of Ner), Saul’s commander-in-chief, took Saul’s son IshBosheth from his camp to ManaEm, 9 and set him up as the ruler over Gilead, Thasiri, JezreEl, EphraIm, BenJamin, and all the rest of Israel.
10 Well, when IshBosheth became the king over Israel, he was forty-years old; and he reigned there for two years. However, the house of Judah followed David as their ruler. 11 And David reigned in Hebron for seven years and six months.
12 Then AbNer (the son of Ner) and the servants of IshBosheth came from ManaEm to Gibeon, 13 and JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) and David’s servants came from Hebron and met with them at the spring of Gibeon. Then they all sat down together at the spring, with each group sitting on opposite sides of the spring. 14 And AbNer said to JoAb, ‘Have your servants get up and play in front of us.’
And JoAb said, ‘Get up!’
15 So, twelve of IshBosheth’s servants (BenJaminites) stood up, and then twelve of David’s men stood up, 16 and they all grabbed each other by the head and jabbed each other in the side with their swords, and they all fell together. So from then on, that place was known in Gibeon as ‘The Place of the Plotters.’
17 As the result, a battle started that day, which was hard fought; and AbNer and the men of Israel lost to the servants of David.
18 Now, ZeruJah had three sons who were there; JoAb, AbiShai, and AshaEl… and AshaEl was very light on his feet… like a deer in the field. 19 Well, he chased AbNer without slowing or swerving. 20 And when AbNer looked back and saw him, he shouted, ‘Is that AshaEl in person?’
And he replied, ‘It’s me!’
21 And AbNer shouted, ‘Then turn aside and take the armor from one of your servants [and put it on].’ However, AshaEl didn’t want to slow down, because he was hot on the heels of AbNer. 22 Then AbNer said to AsaheEl, ‘You’d better turn back or I’ll have to kill you, and then; how will I ever show my face to JoAb again? 23 What are you doing? Go back to your brother JoAb!’
However, he wasn’t willing to leave. Then AbNer threw his spear and hit him in the stomach, going completely through him, and he fell and died there under [AbNer]. Well, everyone went to the place where he fell and stood there looking [at the body].
24 Now, JoAb and AbiShai also kept chasing AbNer until sunset, and they had gotten as far as the hill of AmManin in front of Gai, on the road between Gibeon and the desert. 25 Then the sons of BenJamin got together to catch up with AbNer, and they had reached the top of one of the hills. 26 So, AbNer called to JoAb saying, ‘Do you really think that you’ll win with your broadsword, or don’t you know that it will lead to a bitter end? Tell your people to stop chasing their brothers!’
27 And JoAb said, ‘As Jehovah lives; it’s a good thing that you said this, otherwise our people would have been chasing each other all night long!’
28 So, JoAb blew his trumpet, and all his people withdrew and stopped chasing after Israel, and the war ended.
29 Then AbNer and his men left at sunset and marched through the night. They crossed the Jordan and returned all the way to their camp, 30 and JoAb stopped chasing AbNer. Then he gathered all his men to find out how many of David’s servants had been lost, and found that he had only lost nineteen, plus AshaEl. 31 However David’s men had killed three hundred and sixty of the sons of BenJamin under AbNer.
32 Then they picked up AshaEl’s [body] and put it in the tomb in BethLehem where his father was buried. And JoAb and his men marched through the entire night, reaching Hebron at dawn.
Chapter 3
1 Well, the war between the house of David and the house of Saul lasted a long time, and the house of David kept getting stronger, but the house of Saul kept getting weaker.
2 In the meantime, David had sons born to him in Hebron. His first-born was AmNon through AhinoAm the JezreElite; 3 the second was DaluYa through AbiGail the Carmelite; the third was AbSalom through MaAcha the daughter of Tholmi, king of Gesir; 4 the fourth was Ornia through PhegGith; the fifth was Sabatia through AbiTal; 5 and the sixth was JetheraAm through AiGla. These were all David’s wives and all his sons who were born in Hebron.
6 Well, a war started between the house of Saul and the house of David when AbNer was [acting as] the king of Israel. 7 And Saul used to have a concubine named ResPha (the daughter of Jal). Then Saul’s son IshBosheth went to AbNer and asked, ‘Why are you [sleeping] with my father’s concubine?’
8 Now, this made AbNer furious with IshBosheth, and AbNer said, ‘Do you dare to speak to me like a dog after the mercy I’ve shown to the house of your father Saul, and to his family and friends? Why, I never went over to the side of the house of David, so why are you coming to me and complaining that I’ve been unjust in regard to some woman today? 9 As Jehovah swore by an oath to David, may God curse AbNer and add to it if I don’t do the same thing. 10 I will remove the kingship from the house of Saul and elevate the throne of David over all of Israel and Judah, from Dan to BeerSheba.’
11 Well, IshBosheth didn’t say anything more, because he was so afraid.
12 Then AbNer sent messengers to David right away (he was in ThaiLam at the time), who told him, ‘Make a treaty with me, because I’m on your side now, and I’m going to give the whole house of Israel to you.’
13 And David replied, ‘Good! I will make an agreement with you; however, there’s just one thing that I want to ask of you… I don’t want to see your face unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal with you when you come.’
14 And David sent messengers to Saul’s son IshBosheth, who said, ‘Give me back my wife Michal, who I paid for with the foreskins of a hundred Philistines.’
15 So, IshBosheth sent and had her taken from her husband PhaltiEl (the son of SelLe). 16 And her husband followed her back to BarAkim, but AbNer warned him to go back, so he returned to his home.
17 Then AbNer spoke to the elders of Israel and said, ‘For a long time now, you’ve been looking for David to rule over you. 18 And this is the time for you to act, for Jehovah has said concerning David, I will deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines and all their other enemies at the hands of David!’
19 So, AbNer went and spoke to the people of the tribe of BenJamin (before he went to speak to David in Hebron), and everyone was pleased, both in the house of BenJamin and in all Israel. 20 So then, AbNer came with twenty of his men to see David in Hebron, and David prepared a banquet for them. 21 Then AbNer said to David, ‘I will go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, and I will conclude an agreement with you, that you may rule over whomever you wish.’
And then David sent AbNer away in peace.
22 Shortly thereafter, JoAb returned to David with his army after a battle, and they were carrying many spoils of war. However, by this time AbNer was no longer there with David in Hebron, since he’d been sent away in peace. 23 But when JoAb and his men heard that AbNer (the son of Ner) had come to David and that he’d been sent away in peace, 24 JoAb went to the king and asked, ‘What have you done? {Look!} AbNer came here… and you sent him away in peace? 25 Don’t you know that AbNer just came here to deceive you? All he came for is to find out what you’re doing!’
26 Well, after JoAb left David, he sent messengers to AbNer (who was at the well of SeiRam), asking him to return… but David didn’t know about this. 27 And when AbNer returned to Hebron, JoAb called to him as he reached the city gate, saying that he wanted to speak to him.
Well, it was a trap; he stabbed him in the stomach and killed him… he did this to [avenge] the blood of his brother AshaEl.
28 Then, when David heard about it, he said, ‘My kingdom and I are innocent before Jehovah through the ages over the blood of AbNer, the son of Ner. 29 May the guilt rest upon JoAb and upon the house of his father; may the house of JoAb always suffer from gonorrhea and leprosy; may they walk on crutches; may they starve; and may they be cut down in battle. 30 For JoAb and his brother AbiShai only looked for AbNer because he killed their brother AshaEl at the battle of Gibeon.’
31 Then David said to JoAb and all his men, ‘Now rip your clothes, wrap yourselves in sackcloth, and mourn for AbNer.’
After that, David followed AbNer’s casket in his funeral procession, 32 and they buried him in a tomb in Hebron, where David screamed and cried, as did all the people. 33 And the king went in mourning over AbNer, and said, ‘Should AbNer have died like Nabal? 34 Oh, your hands weren’t tied, your feet weren’t in shackles, and you weren’t led away like Nabal; rather, you were cut down in the presence of an unrighteous son.’
Then all the people gathered to weep for him. 35 And David invited them all to eat loaves of bread in a funeral meal that day. And David swore an oath, saying, ‘May God curse me and add more to it if I eat anything before the sun sets today.’
36 So, all the people were pleased by the things that the king had done before them. 37 And all Israel got to know that the king had nothing to do with killing AbNer (the son of Ner).
38 And the king said to his servants, ‘Don’t you know that a great leader has fallen in Israel today? 39 Why, I feel like one of his close relatives and as someone who has stood in the presence of a king. But these men, these sons of ZeruJah, are hard for me to bear. May Jehovah repay the one who did this wicked thing with the evil that he deserves.’
Chapter 4
1 And when Saul’s son IshBosheth heard that AbNer (the son of Ner) had been killed in Hebron, he and all the men in Israel became weak [in the knees].
2 Now, there were two men who were leaders of the confederation of IshBosheth; one was BaAna and the other was Rechab. They were both sons of RimMon the BeerOthite of the tribe of BenJamin (for BeerOth was considered part of the tribe of BenJamin). 3 And these BeerOthites fled to GetThaim, where [their families] live to this day.
4 Also, Saul’s son JoNathan had a five-year-old son who was lame. For, when the message came from JezreEl about [the death] of Saul and JoNathan, his nurse picked him up and ran away, but she dropped him, which damaged his legs. His name was MephiBosheth.
5 Well, as they were leaving, the sons of RimMon the BeerOthite (Rechab and BaAna) went to the house of IshBosheth in the heat of the day, during his noontime nap. 6 And at the time, the doorman was out sifting wheat, so they slipped in without being noticed. 7 And there was IshBosheth in his bedroom asleep in his bed, so they struck him, killed him, and cut off his head. Then they took the head and traveled west all that day and night… 8 they brought IshBosheth’s head to David in Hebron and said to the king, ‘Look, here’s the head of Saul’s son IshBosheth… your enemy who would have killed you. Jehovah has given him to our lord the king in punishment of the enemies of his seed. For, Saul and his seed have been your enemies to this day.’
9 But David told Rechab and his brother BaAna, ‘As Jehovah (the One who has protected my life) lives; 10 The man who reported to me that Saul had died thought he was bringing me good news, but I had him taken away and killed in ZikLag, despite what he thought. 11 And now, you wicked people have killed a righteous man while he was in his house asleep in bed. So, I will require his blood from you, and I will wipe you off this earth!’
12 And at that, David gave orders to his servants, and they killed them both… they cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies near the spring in Hebron. Then they took the head of IshBosheth and placed it in the tomb of AbNer (the son of Ner) in Hebron.
Chapter 5
1 Thereafter, all the tribes of Israel to came to David in Hebron, and they said to him: ‘Look, we’re your own flesh and bones. 2 And although Saul used to be our king, you were the one who led the people of Israel to and from our [battles], so you will be the leader over Israel.’
3 Then all the elders of Israel came [and met with] the king in Hebron, and King David made a treaty with them there in Hebron, in the presence of Jehovah. Then they anointed David to be the king over all Israel.
4 David was thirty years old when he started his rule, and he reigned for forty years. 5 He reigned over [the tribe of] Judah in Hebron for seven-and-a-half years, and he reigned over all Israel and Judah from Jerusalem for thirty-three years.
6 So, David and all his men then [marched on] Jerusalem, where the Jebusites were living at the time. And the [Jebusites] said to him, ‘You’re not going to enter here, for the blind and the lame will oppose you! For even they are saying, David will never enter [this city].’
7 However, David took the citadel on Zion, and he made it his own city. 8 Then he told his men, ‘Everyone who cuts down a Jebusite should also use his dagger on the lame, the blind, and on anyone else who hates the life of David. And because of this, people will say, The blind and the lame will never enter the house of Jehovah.’
9 Well, David took up living there in the citadel, and the place became known as the City of David. And thereafter, he built a city around his tower and palace. 10 And from then on, David kept getting greater, because Jehovah the Almighty was with him.
11 Then Hiram (the king of Tyre) sent messengers to David, along with much wood from his cedar trees and some stoneworkers, and they built a palace for David.
12 Now, David knew that it was Jehovah who had made him king over Israel, and it was He who was blessing [David’s] kingdom, because of His people Israel.
13 Well, after David moved from Hebron to Jerusalem, he took more wives and concubines, so he had even more sons and daughters. 14 These are the names of the children that were born to him in Jerusalem: SamMous, Sobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 EbeAr, EliSoue, Naphek, JePhies, 16 EliSama, EliDae, EliPhalath, Samae, JessiBath, YalaMaAn, YeBaAr, TheaEsous, EliPhalar, Naged, Naphek, JaNathan, LeAsamus, BaalImath, and EliPhaAth.
17 Then, when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed to be the king over Israel, they went looking for him. And when David heard about this, he returned to his citadel, 18 as the Philistines formed for an attack in the Valley of the Titans. 19 So, David went to Jehovah and asked, ‘Should I fight the Philistines, and will You give them into my hands?’
And Jehovah replied, ‘Go, for I will save you and give the Philistines into your hands!’
20 So, David attacked them from the mountain passes and breached their lines, defeating the Philistines. And David said, ‘Jehovah cut through my enemies the Philistines like He cuts through water. So, because of this, we will name this place the High Breaches.’
21 Well, the [Philistines] had left behind all [the images of] their gods, so David and his men took them and carried them along with them. 22 And then the Philistines came again and met to fight in the Valley of the Titans. 23 So, David asked of Jehovah, and Jehovah replied, ‘Don’t confront them, go around them to the other side of the Forest of Tears, and I will give them into your hands. 24 Then, when you hear the sound of them marching from the Forest of Tears, you must attack, and I will lead you in your battle with the Philistines.’
25 So, David did just as Jehovah told him, and he cut down the Philistines from Gibeon to the land of GeZer.
Chapter 6
1 Thereafter, David gathered all the young men of Israel (there were about seventy thousand of them). 2 Then he and all his men (along with rulers from Judah) went on an expedition to bring back the Chest of God that was used to call on the Name of Jehovah of armies… the one that has the [covering of] cherubs on it. 3 So, they went to the house of AminiDab (the one on the hill), and picked up the Chest of Jehovah and put it on a new wagon. And the sons of AminiDab led the wagon that carried the Chest.
4 Now, as AminiDab’s sons were leading the wagon along, 5 David and his men were dancing in front of Jehovah and playing musical instruments… they were playing appropriate lively tunes on lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and pipes. 6 And when they arrived at the threshing-floor of NaChon, the oxen [carrying the chest] bolted and Oza stuck out his hand and grabbed the Chest of God to steady it. 7 Well, this enraged Jehovah, so God struck Oza and he died there next to the Chest of Jehovah… in front of God.
8 Well, David was very depressed over Jehovah cutting down Oza. So, he called that place ‘the Cutting Down of Oza,’ which is what it is still called today.
9 Now, David became afraid of Jehovah that day, for he asked, ‘Then how can I bring the Chest of God with me?’ 10 So he decided not to bring the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah into his city. Rather, he turned and carried it to the house of ObedEdom, the GitTite, 11 and the Chest of Jehovah was kept there for three months. But as the result, Jehovah blest the household of ObedEdom and everything that he owned.
12 Well, when it was reported to King David that the house of ObedEdom and all his things were being blest because of the Chest of God, David went and took the Chest of Jehovah from there, and he [had it brought] into the city of David in a joyful [parade]. 13 For, as the Chest of Jehovah was being transported, it was led by seven companies of dancers, along with a calf and lambs that were being brought for a sacrifice, and David [led the way] playing music that was appropriate in the presence of Jehovah.
14 Well, David wore a fine robe for the occasion. 15 And David and the whole house of Israel danced in front of the Chest of Jehovah, shouting, and blowing trumpets. 16 And as the Chest reached the city of David, Michal (Saul’s daughter) looked out her window and saw King David dancing and playing music before Jehovah, and in her heart she was disgusted.
17 Well, they brought the Chest of Jehovah and put it in its place, in the middle of the Tent that David had made for it, then David sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings before Jehovah. 18 And after he did this, David blest the people in the name of Jehovah of armies, 19 and he distributed bread, grilled meat, and pancakes among all the people of Israel from Dan to BeerSheba, both the men and the women. Then everyone went back home, 20 and David returned to bless his own house.
Well, when he got there, Michal (the daughter of Saul) came out to meet David, and she started shouting at him. She asked, ‘So, how was the king of Israel glorified today as he danced naked in front of the daughters of his servants? For you exposed yourself while you were dancing!’
21 And David replied, ‘When I’m in the presence of Jehovah, I’m going to dance. May Jehovah, who chose me over your father and his house, be praised for allowing me to take the lead over His people Israel. So, I will play and dance in His presence, 22 and I will be uncovered again in front of the girls (who you said I dishonored myself in front of), so I can be useless in your eyes.’
23 As the result], Michal (the daughter of Saul) remained childless until the day she died.
Chapter 7
1 Well, after Jehovah had conquered all [of David’s] enemies around him, the king was sitting in his palace, 2 and he said to the Prophet Nathan, ‘Look, here I am living in a palace of cedar, while the Chest of God is sitting in a tent.’
3 And Nathan said to the king, ‘Then do whatever your heart moves you to do, because Jehovah is with you!’
4 But that night, the word of Jehovah came to Nathan, which said, 5 ‘Go and speak to My servant David, and tell him that this is what Jehovah says: You are not to build a house for Me to live in, 6 because I haven’t stayed in a house from the time that I led the sons of Israel out of Egypt until now. Rather, I’ve been moving about in a tent 7 in all the places where Israel has traveled.
‘Now, as you speak to him, ask: Have I spoken to any tribe of Israel that I’ve assigned over My people and asked them why they wouldn’t build me a house of Cedars? 8 Then tell my servant David that Jehovah the almighty says: I took you out of the sheep pens to be the leader over My people Israel, 9 and wherever you went I’ve been with you. I’ve destroyed all your enemies and I’ve made your name famous among all the great men of the earth.
10 ‘And I will establish a place for my people Israel… I will plant it, they will camp there by themselves, and they won’t have to worry anymore. For the sons of unrighteousness won’t humble them as they did in ancient times, 11 back when I put judges over my people Israel. It is then that I will allow you to rest from all your enemies, and I will instruct you to build a House for Jehovah.
12 ‘[It will be] after your days are finished and you’ve gone to sleep with your ancestors, that I will raise up your seed after you – someone who has come from within you – and I will prepare his kingdom. 13 Then He will build Me a House to My Name, and I will make his throne stand through the ages… I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. 14 Then if he acts unrighteously, I will discipline him with the type of switch that men use, and spank him the same way that the sons of men do. 15 But I will never remove My mercy from him in the same way that I’ve removed My mercy from others. 16 Rather, his house and his kingdom will stand before Me through the ages, and his throne will last through the ages.’
17 So, Nathan told David all the words that he heard in the vision. 18 Then King David went in and sat before Jehovah and asked, ‘Just who am I, O my Lord Jehovah, and what is my house that You’re showing such love for me? 19 Why, I was once very small before you, O my Lord Jehovah, yet You spoke about my house long ahead of time. So, what laws are you giving me, O my Lord, 20 and what should David say before You?
‘Now, You know Your servant, O my Lord Jehovah, 21 and You’ve treated Your servant as Your heart has directed. 22 You have brought about all these great things to let your servant know that he should glorify You, O my Lord Jehovah, for there is no one else like You, and we’ve heard of no God other than You.
23 ‘And what are Your people Israel? For no other nation on the earth is guided by God. Yet, You have purchased a people to establish Your Name and to show Your greatness and grandeur. For You drove nations out from in front of the people You purchased out of Egypt, and made them live in tents. 24 And You have set aside Israel to be Your people through the ages… and You, O Lord, have become their God.
25 ‘And now, O my Lord Jehovah; may the things that You said about Your servant and his house prove true through the ages, just as You said. 26 And may Your Name 27 Jehovah – the Almighty God over Israel – be glorified through the ages. For, You have uncovered the ears of your servant and told me that I shall build a House for You. This is why Your servant’s heart has been moved to pray this prayer to You.
28 ‘And now, O my Lord; You are God! So, the words that You said about the good things that You would do for Your servant will come true! 29 Therefore, start blessing the house of Your servant that will stand before You through the ages. For You, O my Lord Jehovah, have spoken, and You’ve promised to bless the house of your servant through the ages.’
Chapter 8
1 Thereafter, David attacked the Philistines and routed them, and he took back everything that [Israel] had lost to them. 2 Then David attacked Moab and divided their army into two lines as they lay on the ground. Half were to be killed and the rest were taken as captives. Then the Moabites became David’s servants and they were required to pay him a tribute.
3 Next, David attacked AdraAzar (the son of RaAb, the king of Souba) as he was marching toward the Euphrates River. 4 There David captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand of his cavalry, and twenty thousand of his foot soldiers. Then David had all the chariots destroyed, except for a hundred that he kept for himself.
5 And when the Syrians came from Damascus to help AdraAzar (the king of Souba), David cut down twenty-two thousand of their men. 6 Then David sent a detachment to Syria, where they garrisoned near Damascus, and the Syrians had to pay a tribute to David also. So, Jehovah was with David wherever he went.
7 David took the gold armlets that the children of AdraAzar wore and brought them to Jerusalem, but these were eventually taken by SusAkim (the king of Egypt) when he attacked Jerusalem during the reign of RehoBoam, the son of Solomon.
8 Then David went to AdraAzar’s principal cities and brought back huge amounts of brass, which was used by Solomon to create [the Temple’s] sacred Brass Sea, its columns, its bathing tubs, and all its utensils.
9 And when the king of Hamath heard that David had conquered the armies of AdraAzar, 10 he sent his son JedDuram to King David to ask for peace. He also congratulated David for beating AdraAzar, because AdraAzar was his enemy. And he brought along items of silver, gold, and brass, 11 which King David dedicated to Jehovah, as he had done with all the silver and gold that he had taken from the cities that he’d conquered… 12 from Idumea, Moab, the sons of AmMon, the Philistines, the Amalechites, and from the spoils of AdraAzar (the son of RaAb, the king of Suba).
13 Well, David became quite famous; and on his return, he attacked the Idumeans at GebElem, killing eighteen thousand. 14 Then he put detachments throughout all of Idumea, and the Idumeans became the king’s servants.
Well, no matter where he went, Jehovah was with David, 15 and he remained the ruler over all Israel, for he was fair and just with all his people. 16 [At the time], JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) was in charge of his army, JoSaphat (the son of AchiAd) was in charge of the records, 17 Zadok (the son of AhiTub) and AhiMelech (the son of AbiAthar) were the Priests, Sasa was the Scribe, 18 BenaiJah (the son of JodAi) was David’s personal advisor, and the Chelethites, Phelethites, and David’s sons were the chiefs of his palace.
Chapter 9
1 And David asked, ‘Is there still anyone left from the house of Saul that I should be showing [kindness] to because of JoNathan?’
2 Well at the time, there was still a servant from the house of Saul named Ziba, so they called him to David. And the king asked, ‘Are you Ziba?’
And he replied, ‘I am your servant.’
3 And the king asked, ‘Is there anyone left from the house of Saul upon whom I should be showing the mercy of God?’
And Ziba said: ‘There is still one of JoNathan’s sons… one whose feet have been damaged.’
4 And the king asked, ‘Where is he?’
And Ziba replied, ‘Look! In the house of MachIr, the son of AmiEl of LodaBar.’
5 So, King David sent for him and brought him from of the house of MachIr. 6 And when MephiBosheth (the son of JoNathan and grandson of Saul) came to King David, he fell to his face and bowed before him. Then David said, ‘MephiBosheth!’
And he replied, ‘Look… your servant!’
7 Then David said, ‘Don’t be afraid, because [the reason why I called you] is to show you mercy because of JoNathan your father. I’m going to give you back all the fields of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’
8 And MephiBosheth bowed again and said, ‘Who am I your servant, to find your favor? For I’m no better that a dying dog.’
9 Then the king called for Ziba (Saul’s servant) and told him, ‘I’m giving everything that belonged to Saul and his house to the son of your master. 10 So you, your sons, and your servants will work his land for him, and you are to bring the son of your lord loaves of bread to eat. Also, MephiBosheth (the son of your lord) will always eat at my table.’
Now, Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 And he said to the king, ‘Whatever my lord the king asks, his servant will do.’
And from then on, MephiBosheth ate at the table of David as though he was one of the king’s sons.
12 Now, MephiBosheth had a small son named Micha, and the whole of house of Ziba were MephiBosheth’s servants, 13 and they lived in Jerusalem and always ate at the table of the king. However, he was lame in both of his feet since birth.
Chapter 10
1 Well, the king of the sons of AmMon died, and his son became the new king. 2 Then David said: ‘I’ll do something nice for AnNon, the son of NaAs, because his father was so kind to me.’ So, David sent his servants to the land of the sons of AmMon to comfort him over his father.
3 However, the governors of the sons of AmMon went to their lord and asked, ‘Is David really sending you comforters to glorify your father, or has he really sent them as spies to look at [our fortifications]?’ 4 So then, AnNon took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their uniforms to their hips, and sent them away.
5 Well, when this was reported to David, he sent men to meet them, because they had been so extremely dishonored. And the king told them to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back.
6 And when the sons of AmMon saw how David had been disgraced, they hired and sent twenty thousand Syrians from BaithRaAm, Souba, and RoOb, a thousand infantrymen from the king of Amalech, and twelve thousand men from IshTob. 7 And when David heard about this, he sent JoAb and all his best soldiers there.
8 Well, the sons of AmMon gathered for war at the city gate, leaving the Syrians from Souba, RoOb, and [the men of] IshTob and MaAcha alone in the field. 9 And when JoAb saw what he was facing, with armies on either side, he took the younger men of Israel and deployed opposite the Syrians, 10 then he put the rest of his army into the hands of his brother AbiShai, and they deployed opposite the sons of AmMon. 11 And he said, ‘If Syria starts to beat me, you come to help me; but if the sons of AmMon start to beat you, I’ll come to help you. 12 However, we must act like men, for if we are strong for our people and the cities of our God, then Jehovah will do what He sees is best!’
13 Then, when JoAb and his men attacked the Syrians, they fled before him. 14 And when the sons of AmMon saw the Syrians running, they turned and ran from AbiShai, back into their city. So, JoAb left the land of AmMon and returned to Jerusalem.
15 Well, after the Syrians found that they had lost before Israel, they gathered to the same place again. 16 Then AdraAzar sent for more Syrians from the other side of the Chalamak River, and they came to AiLam. And Sobak, the general of AdraAzar’s army, was put in charge of them. 17 Now, when this was reported to David, he gathered the whole army Israel, crossed the Jordan, and marched on AiLam. Then the Syrians set up battle lines against David, and the battle began, 18 but the Syrians again fled from the Israelites. Then David destroyed seven hundred of their chariots and forty thousand of their cavalry. He also killed the general over their army, Sobak. 19 And when the servants of AdraAzar saw that they had lost to Israel, they surrendered and became their servants. And from that time on, the Syrians were afraid to come to the aid of the sons of AmMon.
Chapter 11
1 Now, when the time of year came around when the kings [traditionally] went out to battle, David sent JoAb, his servants, and the entire army of Israel, and they destroyed the sons of AmMon. Then they laid siege against RabBah, however David stayed home in Jerusalem
2 Then one evening, David got up from his bed and walked up to the roof of the king’s palace. And from there he saw a very pretty woman who was bathing on her roof. 3 Then David asked about the woman, saying, ‘Isn’t this BathSheba, the daughter of EliAb and the wife of UriJah the Hittite?’
4 So, David sent messengers who brought her to him. Then he went in to her and went to bed with her, and thereafter she went back home. However, she had just been cleansed from her monthly period, 5 so when she sent a message to David telling him that she was pregnant, David said, ‘It’s my baby.’
6 As the result, David sent [a message] to JoAb, saying, ‘Send UriJah the Hittite to me.’ And JoAb sent UriJah to him.
7 Well, when UriJah arrived, David first asked how JoAb was doing, how the army was doing, and then how the war was going. 8 And David said to UriJah, ‘Now you can go back home and wash your feet!’
So, UriJah left the king’s palace, and the king had a gift sent to him. 9 However, UriJah just bedded down next to the door to the king’s palace, along with his lord’s servants, and he didn’t go home. 10 Well, when David was told that UriJah hadn’t gone home, he went and asked UriJah, ‘Didn’t you just come a long way? Why don’t you go home?’
11 And UriJah replied, ‘Why, the [sacred] Chest and the armies of Judah and Israel are all staying in tents. For my lord JoAb and his men are camped out in fields, so how can I go to my house to eat, drink, and go to bed with my wife? As you are living, how could I do such a thing?’
12 Then David said, ‘Okay, then stay here for the rest of the day, and tomorrow I will send for you.’
So, UriJah stayed in Jerusalem for the rest of that day; and the next day, 13 David called for him. Well, he fed him and gave him so much to drink that he got him drunk. Yet, that evening, he again went to bed with the servants of his lord, and he didn’t go back to his house. 14 So the next morning, David wrote a letter to JoAb, and he had UriJah deliver it. 15 It said, ‘Send UriJah into the toughest part of the fighting – right up to the city gate – and then leave him there, so he will be cut down and killed.’
16 And when JoAb attacked the city, he put UriJah in a place where he knew that the hardest fighting would be done. 17 Then, when the men of the city came to fight with JoAb, many of David’s men died along with UriJah the Hittite. 18 And thereafter, JoAb sent a report to David with all the details of the battle… and to give the king a message. 19 He told the messenger, ‘Now, when you’re describing the battle to the king, 20 if the king gets angry and asks you, Why did you go up to the city to fight them? Didn’t you know that they would shoot down on you from the walls? 21 For, who struck AbiMelek, the son of JeroBaal and grandson of Ner? Didn’t a woman drop a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, killing him there in ThamAsi? Why did you attack the wall? You must answer, Well, your servant UriJah the Hittite also died.’
22 So, JoAb’s messenger went to the king in Jerusalem and told David everything that JoAb said about the war. Well, David was furious with JoAb, and said to the messenger, ‘Why did he lead [the men] right up to the city to fight? Didn’t he know that they would attack you from the wall? For, who struck AbiMelek, the son of JeroBaal? Didn’t a woman toss a piece of millstone from the wall and kill him in ThamAsi? Why did you attack the wall?’
23 And the messenger said to David, ‘Well, the men attacked us… they came out into the field to meet us, so we fought them there at the city gate. 24 But they were shooting at us from the walls, and many of the king’s servants were killed… including your subject, UriJah the Hittite.’
25 And David said to the messenger, ‘Tell this to JoAb: Don’t feel bad about it, because the sword cuts two ways. Now, intensify the battle against the city, tear it down, and establish a garrison there.’
26 Well, when the wife of UriJah heard that her husband had been killed, she was deeply saddened. 27 Then, after her period of mourning, David sent for her and had her brought to his palace. So he married her and she gave birth to his son.
Well, this whole thing appeared wicked in the eyes of Jehovah.
Chapter 12
1 So, Jehovah sent the Prophet Nathan to David… he went in and said to him, ‘There were two men who lived in the same city, one was rich, and the other was poor. 2 Now, the rich man had huge flocks and herds, 3 but the only thing that the poor man owned was a small female lamb that he had bought. But he protected it and fed it, and it grew up with his children. It ate the same bread, drank from his cup, and slept inside his robe, for it was just like a daughter to him. 4 Well, someone who was just traveling along stopped in to see the rich man, and he didn’t want to take anything from his own flocks or herds to prepare [a meal] for the stranger, so he took the lamb that belonged to the poor man and cooked it for the person who was coming to visit.’
5 Well, David was outraged about this man and said, ‘As Jehovah lives, this man deserves to die! 6 [But first] he should have to repay for the lamb with seven of his own, because of what he did when he [killed] it.’
7 And Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man who did this. And this is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: I’m the One who anointed you to be king over Israel, and I’m the One who saved you from the hands of Saul. 8 It was I who gave you the house of your lord and brought his wives to your chest. And I’m the One who gave you the house of Israel and Judah… and if you had remained faithful, I would have given you even more!9 So, why have you treated the word of Jehovah as worthless by doing this wicked thing in His eyes? For, you cut down UriJah the Hittite with the broadsword and took his wife as yours, because, when the sons of AmMon killed him, you really killed him. 10 So, now the broadsword will not leave your house through the ages, because you treated Me with contempt by taking the wife of UriJah the Hittite as your wife.
11 ‘This is what Jehovah says: Look, I will cause evil things to awaken in your own house, and I will take your wives from before you and give them to your neighbor, and he will go to bed with them in the daylight… 12 you did it secretly, but I will do this in the daylight and before all Israel.’
13 Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against Jehovah.’
And Nathan said to David, ‘Well, Jehovah has forgiven your sin, so you’re not going to die. 14 However, in doing such an unrighteous thing, you even made the enemies of Jehovah angry; so the son that will be born to you will die.’
15 Then Nathan left David’s palace, and Jehovah caused the child that was born to the wife of UriJah by David to be sickly and weak. 16 So, David [prayed to] God about the boy, and he fasted and slept on the ground. 17 And when the elders of his house went to lift him off the ground, he wouldn’t get up and he wouldn’t eat with them.
18 Well after seven days, the boy died. And then David’s servants were afraid to tell him, for they said, ‘Look, we spoke to him about the boy while he was still alive, but he wouldn’t listen to us. So, how can we now tell [David] that he died, because he’ll do bad things to us.’
19 However, David noticed that his servants were whispering, and he suspected that the boy had died. So he asked his servants, ‘Has the boy died?’
And they said, ‘He has.’
20 Then David got up from the ground, took a bath, rubbed himself with oil, and changed his clothes. And then he went to the [Tent] of God and bowed before Him, and when he got back home, he asked for some bread to eat, which they brought to him, and he ate it. 21 Then his servants asked, ‘Why have you acted this way because of the boy? For while he was still alive, you fasted, cried, and wouldn’t sleep. But after he died, you got up and ate and drank something.’
22 And David replied, ‘I fasted and cried while the boy was still living, because I hoped that Jehovah would show mercy on me and allow the boy to live. 23 But now that he has died, why should I fast? I won’t be able to go see him again or carry him to me, because I can’t bring him back.’
24 Then David went to comfort his wife BathSheba.
Well, he went to bed with her again, and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son who she named Solomon… and Jehovah loved him. 25 So He sent Nathan the Prophet, who renamed him JediDiJah, following Jehovah’s instructions.
26 Then JoAb went to war with RabBath of the sons of AmMon, and he subdued that kingdom’s capital city. 27 So, he sent messengers to David, and said, ‘I have fought against RabBath and subdued the City of Waters. 28 Now, gather your men and come to our camp so you can be the first to take it. I don’t want to be the first to take the city, for I don’t wish to have it called by my name.’
29 As the result, David gathered his men, went to RabBath, and conquered it. 30 And he took the crown of MolChom their king from his head (which was made of gold and precious gems) and had it placed on his own head. They also looted the city and brought back a tremendous amount of goods. 31 Then he took the [city’s] people away and put them to work as carpenters, farm laborers, iron smelters, blacksmiths, and brick makers. And that’s what he did in all the cities of the sons of AmMon.
Then David and his men returned to Jerusalem.
Chapter 13
1 Now, AbSalom (one of David’s sons) had a very pretty sister named Tamar, and AmNon (another son of David) was in love with her. 2 In fact, he was so smitten with her that he was sick. Tamar (his sister) was a virgin, and AmNon would have done anything to have her.
3 Well, AmNon had a friend named JoNadab (the son of SamaA, David’s brother). And JoNadab was a very wise man. 4 Then JoNadab asked AmNon, ‘Why are you so puny every morning, O son of the king… tell me what’s wrong.’
And AmNon, told him, ‘It’s Tamar, my brother AbSalom’s sister… I love her.’
5 And JoNadab said to him, ‘Go to bed and act like you’re sick. And when your father comes to see you, tell him, ‘Send my sister Tamar to prepare my food before me and feed me, so I can see her, and eat from her hands.’
6 So, AmNon went to bed and pretended to be sick. And when the king came to see him, AmNon said, ‘Send my sister Tamar to me, and have her bake a couple of biscuits, and I’ll eat them from her hands’
7 Then David sent for Tamar at her house, saying, ‘Go to the house of your brother AmNon and prepare some food for him.’
8 So, Tamar went to the house of her brother AmNon and found him in bed. Then she took some dough and mixed it, made biscuits there in front of him, and fried them, 9 and then she took the frying pan and laid them before him, but he wouldn’t eat them.
And AmNon said, ‘Send all the men away from me.’ So they sent all the men away.
10 Then AmNon said to Tamar, ‘Carry the food into my bedroom and I’ll eat it from your hands there.’
Well, Tamar took the biscuits she had made and carried them in to her brother AmNon’s bedroom. 11 And when she brought them to him, he grabbed her and said, ‘Now come to bed with me, my sister!’
12 And she said to him, ‘No, my brother, don’t rape me, for such things aren’t done in Israel. Don’t be so foolish! 13 For, how could I ever handle the scandal? And you’ll be considered one of the fools in Israel. So, speak to the king, because he’ll let you [marry me]!’
14 But AmNon wouldn’t listen to her. So he overpowered her, went to bed with her, and raped her.
15 Well, [after he was finished], AmNon started to hate her. In fact, his hatred was greater than the love he once had for her. And he told her, ‘Now, get up and go!’
16 And she said, ‘No, O brother! For sending me away like this is even worse than the terrible thing that you just did to me.’
However, AmNon wouldn’t listen. 17 So he called his head servant in and said to him: ‘Take her away from me, then throw her outside and lock the door!’
18 Well, all she was wearing at the time was a long-sleeved slip, for that’s what the virgin daughters of the king wore under their clothes. But the servant led her outside, and then he locked the door behind her.
19 So, Tamar took ashes and put them on her head, and she ripped the slip she was wearing, then she put her hands on her head and ran away screaming.
20 Later, her brother AbSalom asked her, ‘Has your brother AmNon been with you? If so, my sister, don’t say anything, because he’s your brother! Don’t put it into your heart to say anything about this.’
So thereafter, Tamar lived as a widow in the house of her brother AbSalom.
21 Now, when King David heard what happened, he was furious. But he wasn’t angry with his son AmNon, because he was his firstborn. 22 Nor did he say anything bad or good to AbSalom about AmNon. However, AbSalom detested AmNon, because he raped his sister Tamar.
23 Well, exactly two years later, they were all shearing sheep for AbSalom in BelAsor (near the land of EphraIm), because AbSalom had called for all the sons of the king. 24 He went to the king and said, ‘Look, your servant has to go and do some shearing, so may the king bring along his servants [to help].’
25 But the king said to AbSalom, ‘No my son, we shouldn’t all go, for we’d just be a burden on you.’ So he refused, because he really didn’t want to go, but he blest him.
26 Then AbSalom asked, ‘Then, why not just send my brother AmNon with us?’
And the king asked, ‘Why should he go with you?’
27 But AbSalom kept insisting, so he sent AmNon and all his other sons along.
Well, AbSalom prepared a banquet that was fit for a king. 28 Then he told his servants, ‘When AmNon starts feeling the wine, I’m going to tell you to strike AmNon and kill him. Don’t be afraid, because I’m the one who’s 29 telling you to do this. So, be strong and act like men!’
29 As the result, AbSalom’s servants did just as they were told, and then all the sons of the king got up on their mules and fled.
30 Well, as they were on their way back, a report was sent to David that AbSalom had killed all the king’s sons, not sparing even one. 31 So, the king ripped his clothes and fell to the ground, and all his servants who were standing with him ripped their clothes.
32 But then JoNadab (the son of ShimeAh, David’s brother) said, ‘Don’t tell our lord that all his sons were killed, for it was just AmNon. He died alone at the instructions of AbSalom, for this is the same day that he raped his sister Tamar. 33 And now, may my lord the king not think in his heart that all his sons have died, for it was just AmNon.’
34 Then [David’s] watchman looked and saw many people coming along the road, down the side of the mountain. So he went and reported to the king, saying, ‘I see men coming down the mountain along the road to OrOnen.’
35 And JoNadab said to the king, ‘Look, it’s your sons! They’re coming back, just as your servant said they would.’
36 And just as he finished speaking, {Look!} the king’s sons came in shouting and crying. And the king and all his servants cried and bawled with them.
37 Well, AbSalom had run away and he went to Tholmi (the son of EmiUd, the king of GedSur) in the land of HamAchad. And King David mourned over his son for a long time. 38 But AbSalom spent three years in GedSur, 39 and by then the [wrath] of the king had abated and he was no longer chasing AbSalom, for he was no longer grieving over the death of AmNon.
Chapter 14
1 Now, JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) knew that the king [still loved] AbSalom. 2 So he sent for a woman in Thecoe who was very wise, and he said to her, ‘I want you to dress in mourning clothes [and pretend] to be in mourning. Don’t rub yourself with oil, for I want you to appear to be a woman who has been mourning over her dead for many days,’
3 So, she went to the king and said the words that JoAb told her to say. 4 This ThecoEthite woman went in to the king, fell with her face to the ground, bowed before him, and said, ‘Save me, oh king! Save me!’
5 And the king asked her, ‘What’s wrong?’
And she said, ‘I’m now a widow, because my husband just died, 6 and your servant has two sons. Well, they started arguing while they were out in the fields, and there was no one to break it up. Then the one hit the other and killed him. 7 Now, {Look} the whole family is against your servant, because they’re telling me to hand over my son so they can kill him for murdering his brother. But if they do that, they’ll be taking away my only heir and extinguish the little spark [of hope] that I have left of leaving my husband a name and property on the face of the earth.’
8 And the king said to the woman, ‘Don’t worry; just go back home and I’ll handle this matter for you.’
9 And the ThecoEthite woman said to the king, ‘O my lord the king, may this lawlessness be on me and on the house of my father, not on the king and his throne.’
10 And the king said, ‘Who was the one that spoke to you? Bring [your son] to me, and don’t let anyone touch him!’
11 And the woman said, ‘May Jehovah your God remind the king not to allow them to take away my son, so our family line [may continue].’
And he said, ‘As Jehovah lives, not a hair of your son’s head will fall on the ground.’
12 And woman asked, ‘May your servant say one more thing to her lord the king?’
And he said, ‘Speak!’
13 And the woman said, ‘Why have you made such a decision for the people of God? For when you say such things, you’re finding yourself guilty, because the king hasn’t allowed the one he banished to return to him. 14 Why, each of us is dying the death, and like water that’s being poured on the ground, we’re not brought together [again]. Why, only God [has the right to] take a life, and only He has the means to drive someone away if He wishes.
15 ‘Now, as to the thing that I came to speak to my lord the king about; the people told your servant to speak to you, to see what you will do for your servant. 16 They said that you would rescue your servant from the hands of the man who is trying to take away my son and my inheritance from God. 17 And they told me that the words of my lord the king would be as good as a sacrifice. For my lord the king is like a messenger from God, in that you listen to both the good and the bad. So, may Jehovah your God be with you.’
18 Then the king said to the woman: ‘I want to ask you something… and I want you to tell me the truth!’
And the woman said, ‘Please speak, my lord the king!’
19 And the king said, ‘Did JoAb put you up to this?’
And the woman replied, ‘As you are living, O my lord the king; doesn’t the king ever change his mind after he has made a decision? Yes, JoAb is the one who put me up to this, and he put the words in my mouth. 20 But your servant JoAb just did this to bring the matter to a head. For my lord the king is as wise as the wisdom of a messenger from God, in that he knows everything on earth.’
21 And the king said to JoAb: ‘Look, I’m going to do what you’re asking. So, go and bring back the young man AbSalom!’
22 Then JoAb fell with his face to the ground and bowed; and then he praised the king, saying, ‘Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, O my lord the king, for you have handled this matter for your servant.’
23 So, JoAb got up and went to GedSur, and brought AbSalom back to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, ‘Let him go back home, but I don’t want to see his face!’
As the result, AbSalom returned to his house, but he couldn’t see the face of the king.
25 Now, there wasn’t a man in all Israel who was more admired than AbSalom. For, from the sole of his feet to the top of his head, there wasn’t a blemish; 26 and when it came to cutting his hair, it took so long that it became bothersome. Why, whenever he cut it and set it aside, it weighed as much as two royal coins!
27 Now, AbSalom had three sons and one daughter, whose name was Themar. She was a pretty woman, and she married Solomon’s son RehoBoam, to whom she gave birth to AbiA.
28 Well, AbSalom stayed in Jerusalem for two years, and he never saw the face of the king. 29 So he sent for JoAb, because he wanted to send him to the king. However, JoAb wouldn’t come to him. Then he sent for him a second time, but he just didn’t want to come. 30 So, AbSalom said to his servants, ‘You know that field of JoAb’s next to mine where he’s growing barley? Go and burn it!’
Then the servants of AbSalom went and burned JoAb’s field, and his servants went to him ripping their clothes, and said, ‘The servants of AbSalom have burned your portion of the field!’
31 So, JoAb got up and went to the house of AbSalom, and asked him, ‘Why did your servants burn my field?’
32 And AbSalom replied, ‘Look, I called for you and asked you to come here, because I wanted to send you to the king and ask, Why did you bring me from GedSur? Things were good for me there. And look, I haven’t seen the face of the king! Now, if I’m unrighteous, then just kill me.’
33 So, JoAb went to the king and spoke to him, then he called for AbSalom and he went in to the king, bowed before him, and fell with his face to the ground before him. Then the king kissed AbSalom.
Chapter 15
1 Well, thereafter, AbSalom obtained some chariots and horsemen, and he recruited fifty men to run in front of him. 2 Then he would get up early each morning and station himself along the street by the city gate. And whenever he saw someone who was coming to try a case before the king, he would call to him and ask, ‘What city are you coming from?’ And if he replied, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,’ 3 he would say, ‘Look, you have a good case, but no one from the king will listen to it. 4 So, why doesn’t he appoint me as the judge of the land and let me handle the disputes and cases, for I will give you justice.’
5 And whenever some man would come and bow before him, he would reach out and grab him, then kiss him. 6 Well, AbSalom was doing this to everyone from Israel who came to the king for a judgment, and he was winning the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 Then, at the end of forty years, AbSalom went to his father and said, ‘I’m going to Hebron to pay something that I vowed to Jehovah. 8 For, while I was in GedSur Syria, I vowed to Jehovah that if He would return me to Jerusalem, I would be His servant.’
9 And the king said to him, ‘Go in peace.’
So he got up and went to Hebron.
10 Now, AbSalom had sent spies among all the tribes of Israel, who were told, ‘When you hear the sound of trumpets blowing, you must shout: AbSalom is now reigning as king in Hebron.’
11 So, AbSalom left Jerusalem along with two hundred men, who really didn’t suspect anything. 12 Then, while he was offering his sacrifices, AbSalom sent and called for AhiThophel the Gelamonite (David’s advisor) from his city of Gola. And there he formed a strong confederation, and many people started following AbSalom.
13 Well, when the report came to David that the hearts of the men of Israel had turned toward AbSalom, 14 David said to all his servants in Jerusalem, ‘Let’s get up and run from here, because nothing can save us from AbSalom! Hurry, let’s go, so he doesn’t overtake us and do bad things to us, then destroy the city with swords.’
15 And the king’s servants replied, ‘We’ll do whatever our lord the king says, because {Look!} we are your servants.’
16 So, the king and his whole house just walked away, but he left ten of his concubines behind to guard the house. 17 Then the king and all his servants traveled on foot to a house that was very far away.
18 Well, while the king and his servants were on the way to the desert, they [met up with some] Chelethites and Phelethites who were waiting on the Mount of Olives. So, along with all the people who came with [David], there were now six hundred great men and warriors from the Chelethites, Phelethites, and Gethites, because six hundred men had walked from Gath to join the king.
19 So, the king asked ItTai (the Gethite): ‘Why are you traveling with us? Go back and live with the [new] king! Why, you are foreigners and you’ve left your homes… 20 you’ve just joined me, so are you [now planning to] travel with us… are you moving away from your homes?’
And he replied, ‘I will go wherever you are going.’
[But David said], ‘Go back, and take your brothers with you, for Jehovah will bring you kindness and truth!
21 But ItTai replied to the king, ‘As Jehovah lives, and as my lord the king lives, no matter what happens to my lord… whether he lives or dies, I will be your servant.’
22 And the king said, ‘Then come with me!’ And ItTai the Gethite and all his servants (a huge number of them) traveled with the king.
23 Well, throughout the land, people were crying and wailing. Then the king and all his people crossed the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi and traveled toward the edge of the desert. 24 {Look!} Then they saw Zadok and all the Levites carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah from the [Tent of God]. Well, they set the Chest of God down, and AbiAthar came to him as all the people came from the city [of Jerusalem].
25 Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Take the Chest of God back to the city. For, if I should find favor in the eyes of Jehovah and He returns me, then He will show it to me in all His glory. 26 But if He should say that He doesn’t want me, then look… here I am! May He do to me whatever is good in His eyes.’
27 And the king told Zadok the Priest, ‘Look! You, your son AhiMaAz, your other two sons, and JoNathan (the son of AbiAthar) should just return to the city in peace. 28 For I’m going to live like a soldier in the desert, and I’ll wait there for you to send word to me.’
29 So, Zadok and AbiAthar returned the Chest of God to Jerusalem, and it stayed there.
30 Then David climbed the Mount of Olives barefoot and with his head covered, and he was crying. And all the people came with him with their heads covered and crying.
31 Well, when David was told that AhiThophel had joined the confederation with AbSalom, he said, ‘O Jehovah my God; Confuse the counsel of AhiThophel!’
32 Then, when David got to Ros, he bowed there before God. And {Look} coming to meet him was HushAi, David’s best friend, ripping his clothes and piling dirt on his head. 33 And David said to him, ‘If you come with me, you’ll just be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city, I want you to say to AbSalom, Your brothers left me to follow your father. So I’m your servant now, O king; please allow me to live. For, although I was once your father’s servant, I’m yours now.
‘And if you’ll do this for me, you will confuse the counsel of AhiThophel.
35 ‘Look, there are the Priests Zadok and AbiAthar. Go with them and report everything that you hear from the [palace] of the king to them. 36 And there are their two sons, AhiMaAz (Zadok’s son) and JoNathan (AbiAthar’s son). Use them to send back every word that you hear.’
37 So, HushAi (David’s best friend) returned to the city, and then AbSalom entered Jerusalem.
Chapter 16
1 Well, after David had traveled a short distance from Ros, {Look!} Ziba (MephiBosheth’s servant) came to meet him with a pair of saddled burros, two hundred loaves of bread, a bushel of raisins, a hundred clusters of dried fruit, and a skin flask of wine. 2 And the king asked Ziba, ‘What’s this for?’
And Ziba said, ‘The animals are for the house of the king to ride; 3 the bread and the dried fruit are for your servants to eat; and the wine is for those who get weak [as they travel] in the desert.’
3 Then the king asked, ‘And where is your lord’s son?’
And Ziba replied, ‘{Look!} He’s sitting in Jerusalem, for he said, Today the kingdom of Israel will return to the house of my father.’
4 Then the king said, ‘{Look!} I am giving you everything that is MephiBosheth’s.’
And as he bowed, Ziba said, ‘May I find favor in your eyes, O my lord the king.’
5 Well, when King David got to BaUrim, {Look!} there came a man who was related to the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei (the son of Gera)… he came there cursing 6 and throwing stones at David and all his servants.
Well, all the people (and all the mighty ones) were walking on either side of the king. 7 And Shimei shouted, as he was cursing, ‘Get out of here you murderer; you criminal; 8 for Jehovah has brought all the blood of the house of Saul on you for taking his place as the ruler. And now He has given the kingdom into the hand of your son AbSalom. So, you’ve received some of your own badness, because you’re a murderer!’
9 And AbiShai (the son of ZeruJah) said to the king, ‘Why does my lord the king put up with the cursing of this dead dog? Allow me to go over and remove his head.’
10 And the king said to AbiShai, ‘What difference does it make to me and to you sons of ZeruJah? Leave him alone and let him curse, because Jehovah told him to curse David. So there’s no reason to ask him why he’s doing this.’
11 And David said to AbiShai and his servants, ‘Why, my son who came from my own belly wants to kill me, so let the son of the BenJaminite curse, because Jehovah told him to do it. 12 Now, may Jehovah look at my humiliation and provide good things for me in place of his curses today.’
13 So David and all his men just kept traveling along, as Shimei ran alongside them next to the mountain, cursing, and throwing stones and dirt. 14 And finally the king and all his people got tired and stopped to rest.
15 Well, AbSalom, AhiThophel, and all his men of Israel got back to Jerusalem. 16 Then HushAi (David’s best friend) went to see to AbSalom and said, ‘Long live the king!’
17 But AbSalom asked HushAi, ‘Is this the way you treat your friend? Why didn’t you go along with your buddy?’
18 And HushAi said, ‘First; I’ll follow whoever Jehovah and His people (the men of Israel) have chosen. I will stick with him and stay with him. 19 And second; who will I be serving? Won’t I be serving his son? So, just as I served your father, that’s how I will serve you.’
20 Then AbSalom [turned] to AhiThophel and said; ‘Now, perhaps we should be discussing what we should do next.’
21 And AhiThophel said this to AbSalom, ‘Your father left some concubines behind to guard his house. So, why don’t you go to bed with them, so that all Israel will hear how you disgraced your father; for that will strengthen your hand with the people.’
22 So they pitched a tent on the roof, where AbSalom took his father’s concubines to bed with him before all Israel.
23 Back then, AbSalom sought the counsel of AhiThophel on how he should go about asking things of God, for AhiThophel had given council to David, and then to AbSalom.
Chapter 17
1 Well, AhiThophel said to AbSalom: ‘I’ll choose twelve thousand men and go after David tonight, 2 because, when I get there he’ll be tired and weak. We’ll catch him unaware and startle him, then his people will flee, and I can kill the king when he’s alone. 3 Thereafter, I’ll bring all his people back to you the way a bride is brought to her husband. For after [we’ve taken] the life of the man you’re searching for, all the people will be at peace.’
4 Well, this sounded like a good idea to AbSalom and all the elders of Israel, 5 but AbSalom said: ‘Call HushAi the Arachite, for I want to hear what he has to say about this,’
6 So, HushAi came to AbSalom, and AbSalom told him about the plan. Then he asked, ‘Do you think we should do what he suggested? If not, speak up!’
7 And HushAi said to AbSalom, ‘This counsel that AhiThophel has given you isn’t a good idea this time. 8 For, you know your father and his men; they’re very brave and strong, and they’re as angry as a bear that has lost its cub in a field, or a wild boar that has been cornered. And your father is a warrior, so he would never sleep with his family. 9 Look, he’s hiding in the hills or somewhere else. So, when the attack begins, he’ll hear it and say, AbSalom’s people are attacking.
10 ‘Remember that this mighty man who has the heart of a lion will just melt away once he knows that he’s finished, for all Israel knows how mighty your father and his men are. 11 So, this is what I advise: Gather all [the men of] Israel from Dan to BeerSheba, [and create an army] as large as the sands of the sea… and you should lead them. 12 And when you catch up with him – no matter where he may be – you must camp around him. Then, [attack him] just as the dew is settling on the ground, and don’t leave him or any of his men alive. 13 Or if you should find him in a city, you must bring all Israel against that city, tear it down, and throw each of its stones into a riverbed.’
14 Well, AbSalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The counsel of HushAi the Arachite is better than the counsel of AhiThophel.’ (However, it was Jehovah who caused the good counsel of AhiThophel to lose out, so He could bring bad things to AbSalom).
15 Then HushAi (the Arachite) went to Zadok and AbiAthar (the Priests), and told them of the advice that AhiThophel gave AbSalom and the elders of Israel. 16 And he said, ‘Now send a message to David quickly, so the king and his people aren’t caught!’
17 Well, JoNathan and AhiMaAz had stopped at Rogel Springs. And a young female servant came to them there and gave them the message, so they went to report it to King David. However, they didn’t want to be seen entering the city. 18 And then a young man noticed them and sent a report to AbSalom. So the two ran to the house of a man [they knew] in BaUrim and hid in a cistern in his courtyard. 19 But then a woman came and took the cover off the cistern to allow the desert [winds] to cool the water. However, she didn’t notice them. 20 And when AbSalom’s men came to the house and saw the woman, they asked her, ‘Where are AhiMaAz and JoNathan?’ And she told them, ‘They went for a little water.’
Well, they looked around, but couldn’t find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. 21 Then after they left, [AhiMaAz and JoNathan] climbed out of the cistern and went to give the report to King David. They said to him, ‘Quickly… get up and cross the river, for AhiThophel has [planned a trap] for you!’
22 So, David and his people got up and crossed the Jordan before daylight, so no one was aware that they [had gone].
23 In the meantime, when AhiThophel realized that his counsel had been rejected, he saddled his burro and went back to his home; then he discharged his staff and hung himself. And they buried him in the tomb of his father.
24 Well, David had traveled all the way to ManaIm. But then AbSalom and all his men crossed the Jordan [in pursuit].
25 Now, AbSalom had put Amasa in charge of his army (in place of JoAb). Amasa was the son of Jether, an Israelite from JezreEl. 26 And he went to see AbiGail, the daughter of Jesse and the sister of ZeruJah, who was the mother of JoAb. Meanwhile, AbSalom and the army of Israel had camped in the land of Gilead.
27 Well, when David entered ManaIm, WesBi (the son of NaAs from RabBath, an AmMonite) and MachIr (the son of AmiEl from LodaBar), and BarZilLai (the Gileadite from RogelLim) 28 brought ten cots and blankets, ten pots, some plates, and some wheat, barley, flour, toasted grain, beans, lentils, 29 honey, butter, mutton, and cheese, and they gave it to David and his people to eat. For they said, ‘They are starving, thirsty, and weak from traveling through the desert.’
Chapter 18
1 Then David counted his men to see how many were with him, and he assigned generals and officers over them. 2 Then he sent them out [to battle]… a third under the direction of JoAb, a third under the direction of AbiShai (the son of ZeruJah, JoAb’s brother), and a third under the direction of ItTai the Gethite. And David said to the people, ‘Now, I’ll be leading you.’
3 But they said, ‘You can’t come, for if [AbSalom’s people] kill half of us, losing you would be like losing ten thousand men. So, it’s best for you stay in the city to direct us.’
4 And the king said, ‘I’ll do whatever you wish.’
So, the king stood at the city gate as his army passed by in companies and divisions. 5 And the king gave orders to JoAb, AbiShai, and ItTai, saying, ‘Spare the young man AbSalom for me!’ And all the people heard what the king said to them about AbSalom.
6 Well, they marched to a forest that was directly opposite [the army of] Israel, and the battle started there in the Woods of EphraIm. 7 But the army of Israel didn’t fare well against the followers of David, for they lost twenty thousand of their men. 8 However, the war raged on throughout the land. And the thick forest killed as many men as were killed with swords that day.
9 Then David’s men caught up with AbSalom, who was riding his mule. And as the mule took off into a dense thicket, his head got caught in the branches of an oak tree, and he hung there between the sky and the ground, because the mule took off and left him hanging there.
10 Well, a man saw what had happened and he told JoAb, ‘I’ve found AbSalom; he’s hanging in an oak tree.’
11 And JoAb said, ‘You saw this and you didn’t cut him to the ground? I would have given you ten large silver coins if you had.’
12 But the man told JoAb, ‘If you had given me a thousand large silver coins I wouldn’t have done that, for I would never raise a hand against a son of the king. Why, we all heard the king tell you (AbiShai, and ItTai) to guard the young man AbSalom for him. 13 So, it would be wrong to kill him! For then the king would surely hear about it, and you and I would thereafter be on opposite sides.’
14 But JoAb said, ‘Well, that’s what’s going to happen, for I’m not going to put up with this!’
So, JoAb took three arrows and shot them into the chest of AbSalom as he was still alive, hanging there in the midst of the oak tree. 15 Then, ten of his young men took JoAb’s weapons and stabbed AbSalom [to make sure] he was dead. 16 And JoAb blew his battle horn to call his people back from their pursuit of Israel, because he wanted to spare them.
17 Thereafter, JoAb took AbSalom’s body and threw it into a deep gulley in the forest, and he formed a huge pile of rocks over it as a monument, while the whole army of Israel was retreating to their tents.
18 Well, while AbSalom was still alive, he had built a monument for himself in the Valley of the Kings, for he said, ‘I have no sons to remind people of my name.’ So, he named the monument after himself, calling it ‘The Hand of AbSalom,’ which is still there today.
19 Thereafter, AhiMaAz (the son of Zadok) said, ‘Run and bring the good news to the king that Jehovah has passed judgment on his enemies.’
20 But JoAb told him, ‘Don’t bring it as good news today; save that for another day, for it isn’t good news that a son of the king has died.’ 21 And JoAb said (to HushAi), ‘Just go to the king and tell him what you’ve seen!’
So, HushAi bowed before JoAb and left.
22 Then AhiMaAz (the son of Zadok) said to JoAb: ‘Let me run after HushAi!’
And JoAb said, ‘Why do you want to do this, my son? Come along, for there’s no good news that will be of any benefit to you if you go there.’
23 And AhiMaAz said, ‘But what if I run?’
And JoAb said, ‘Okay, then run!’ So, AhiMaAz ran along the road to KeChar, and he passed HushAi.
24 Well, David was sitting between the two city gates, as the watchman was on the roof of the gate, next to the wall. And he looked out and saw a man running toward them. 25 So he yelled and reported it to the king. And the king asked, ‘Is he is alone? Is he bringing good news?’
Then, as he was approaching, 26 the watchman saw another man running. And he yelled out, ‘Look, there’s another man running by himself!’
And the king said, ‘Surely he’s bringing good news!’
27 And the watchman said, ‘I see that the man running ahead is AhiMaAz, the son of Zadok; so he must be coming with good news.’
28 Then AhiMaAz yelled to the king, ‘Peace!’ as he bowed to the ground before the king. And he said, ‘Praise your God Jehovah, for he has closed the mouths of those who have raised their hands against my lord the king.’
29 And the king asked, ‘Do we now have peace with the young man AbSalom?’
And AhiMaAz said, ‘I saw a large happy crowd standing around the king’s servant JoAb, so I came here. But I’m not sure exactly what happened there.’
30 And the king said, ‘Step aside and stand over there!’ So, he stepped aside and stood nearby.
31 Then HushAi came and said to the king, ‘I have good news to announce to my lord the king, for today Jehovah has passed judgment upon all those who opposed you!’
32 And the king asked HushAi, ‘And how is the young man AbSalom?’
Then he replied: ‘The young man has fared the same as all the enemies of my lord the king, and as all who have done evil things against him.’
33 Well, the king was very upset, so he went up into the room above the gate and wept. He cried, ‘O my son AbSalom! O my son! O my son AbSalom! Why couldn’t I have died instead of you, AbSalom? O my son! O my son!’
Chapter 19
1 Then a message was sent to JoAb that the king was crying and mourning over AbSalom 2 rather than celebrating a victory, and that his people had gone into mourning, because they heard that the king was [disturbed over the death of] his son. 3 And the people had just melted away into the city like men who were running from a battle.
4 Well, the king refused to show his face, for he kept crying and sobbing, ‘O my son AbSalom! AbSalom! O my son!’
5 Finally, JoAb went into the king’s house, and said, ‘You’ve disgraced all your servants who fought to save you today, as well as your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines, 6 because you’re indicating that you love the ones who hated you, and that you hate those who love you. Why, you’re giving the impression that your leaders and your servants are nothing, and that if AbSalom were alive today and all the rest of us were dead, it would be a better thing in your eyes.
7 ‘Now get up… go out and talk to your servants! Tell them how you really feel! For I swear by Jehovah, that unless you go out there today, there won’t be a man standing with you tonight. Realize that the evil you’re doing here is worse that all the evil things that have happened to you since you were young.’
8 So, the king then got up and sat at the gate. And all the people started shouting, ‘Look, the king is sitting at the gate.’ And all the people gathered to him there.
Now, the army of Israel had all run back to their tents, 9 and all the tribes of Israel were arguing with each other, saying, ‘King David rescued us from all our enemies, and he saved us from the hands of the Philistines. But he fled from the land and his kingdom, because he was running from AbSalom. 10 However, AbSalom, who we anointed to be [our king], has died in the battle. So, why don’t we just quietly return to the king?’
And then all Israel returned to the king.
11 Thereafter, King David sent for Zadok and AbiAthar (the Priests) and said, ‘Speak to the elders of Judah and ask them why they’re the last to welcome the king back to his palace.’
Well, these words of the king were spread throughout all Israel. 12 For he said, ‘My brothers; you are my own flesh and bones, so why are you the last to welcome the king back to his palace? 13 Are you going to say to Amasa, You are our flesh and bones? No! May God curse me and add more to it if the one in charge of my armies is anyone other than JoAb.’
14 Well, this turned the hearts of all the men of Judah, and they sent a message to the king saying, ‘You and all your servants should return!’
15 So, the king traveled toward the Jordan, and all the men of Judah came to GilGal to welcome the king and to accompany him across [the river].
16 Then Shimei (the son of Gera, the son of the BenJaminite from BaUrim) hurried with the men of Judea to meet King David, 17 and he brought along a thousand men from BenJamin, as well as Ziba (the servant of the house of Saul) and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They all went straight to the king at the Jordan 18 to officially welcome him as he crossed the ford (in order to satisfy his family, and to do the right thing in his eyes).
Then Shimei (the son of Gera) fell to his face before the king at the Jordan, 19 and he said, ‘Please, my lord; forgive the lawless way that your servant acted when the king left Jerusalem… please put it out of your heart, 20 for your servant knows that he has sinned! Now look; here I’ve come before all Israel and the house of Joseph today, to welcome back my lord the king.’
21 But AbiShai (the son of ZeruJah) asked, ‘Shouldn’t Shemei be put to death for cursing the anointed of Jehovah?’
22 And David said, ‘Why are you sons of ZeruJah always coming to me with plots? Today no man of Israel will be put to death, because I still don’t know whether I’m the ruler.’
23 Then the king said to Shimei, ‘You won’t die,’ and he swore an oath to him.
24 And thereafter, MephiBosheth (the son of JoNathan and grandson of Saul) came to welcome the king. However, he hadn’t washed his feet, cut his nails, or trimmed his mustache, and his clothes hadn’t been washed since the day he left to ask the king for peace. 25 So, when he came from Jerusalem to greet him, the king asked, ‘Why didn’t you come along with me, MephiBosheth?’
26 And MephiBosheth answered, ‘O my lord, O king; it was because my servant had misled me. For, when your servant told him to saddle my burro and help me mount it (because your servant is lame) to go with the king, 27 he didn’t do it. However, my lord the king is as a messenger of God; so, do whatever is good in your eyes! 28 For when there was no one else left of the house of my father (other than those who deserved death from my lord the king), you allowed your servant to eat at your table. So, what reason would I have to speak out against the king?’
29 And the king said to him, ‘Why are you still talking? You must now give your field to Ziba!’
30 And MephiBosheth said, ‘Yes, may he take everything, now that my lord the king is returning in peace to his palace.’
31 Then BarZilLai (the Gileadite) came to the king at the Jordan from RogelLim, to accompany him on his way back home. 32 Now, BarZilLai was a very old man (eighty years old), but he had fed the king while he was living in ManaIm, because he was very wealthy. 33 So the king said to BarZilLai, ‘Now come to Jerusalem with me, and I will care for you in your old age.’
34 But BarZilLai said to the king: ‘How many years do you think I have left, so that I should travel with the king to Jerusalem? 35 Why, I’m eighty years old today, so how can I appreciate what you’re doing? Can I still enjoy the taste of the food and drink that you will offer me? Or can I still enjoy the voices of men and women singing? So, why should I burden my lord the king? 36 Your servant will just travel with the king for a short way to the Jordan. Then, what reward or payment can you give me? 37 Let your servant stay here to die in my city, and be buried with my father and mother. But look, your servant’s son CamaAm will cross [the Jordan] with my lord the king… please do for him whatever you find good in your eyes.’
38 And the king said, ‘Then let CamaAm cross over with me, and I will do what is good in my eyes for him… whatever you ask of me, I will do for you.’
39 Well, as all the people were crossing the Jordan, the king also prepared to cross, so he kissed BarZilLai and blest him, and then he returned to his people. 40 And as the king was crossing over toward GilGal, CamaAm crossed [the river] with him, along with all the people of Judah and half the people of Israel.
41 Then the men of Israel came to the king and asked, ‘Why did you allow our brothers of Judah to steal you and help the king, his household, and his army to cross the Jordan?’
42 And the men of Judah shouted, ‘because the king is our close relative. So, why are you so irritated about this? Has the king given us food, or gifts, or brought us a tribute?’
43 And the men of Israel replied, ‘We have ten [tribes] that serve the king, and we’re the firstborn. So, how do you have [a greater claim] to David? We came here [to welcome him back] before you did, so why did you insult us by not allowing us to be the first to escort the king?’
But men of Judah shouted down the men of Israel.
Chapter 20
1 Well, there was a man who was referred to as the Son of a Lawbreaker. His name was SabeE, and he was the son of BoChori, a BenJaminite. He then blew his horn and shouted, ‘David [doesn’t have any respect] for us, nor does the son of Jesse have an inheritance for us. So men of Israel; let’s return to our tents!’
2 And then all the men of Israel who were following David turned and started following the son of BoChori. However, the men of Judah stuck by their king [and followed him] from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
3 Then, when David arrived at his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines who he had left to guard the house, and had them put under guard. He took care of them, but he never went to bed with them again. So, they lived in custody as widows until the day they died.
4 Well, the king then said to Amasa (the one who had served as the commander-in-chief of AbSalom’s army): ‘Call the army of Judah to assemble here in three days… and then come back here!’
5 So, Amasa went and called [the army of] Judah, but he stayed away longer than David told him to, 6 because David had told Amasa, ‘Now we’re going to do something worse to the son of BoChori than we did to AbSalom. Get my servants and chase after him before he finds a fortified city and gives us a black eye.’
7 Then JoAb’s men (the Cherethites, the Phelethites, and all the mightiest warriors) went after him… they left Jerusalem to chase down the son of BoChori. 8 Well, when they reached Great Stone in Gibeon, they found Amasa standing there before them. And JoAb, who was dressed in full uniform and carrying a sword in its sheath, drew his sword 9 and said to Amasa: ‘Are you in good health, O brother?’
Then he grabbed Amasa’s beard with his right hand as if to kiss him 10 (for Amasa didn’t notice the sword in JoAb’s other hand), and JoAb stuck the sword into his belly, pouring his guts out on the ground. Then he stabbed him a second time, killing him. And with that, JoAb and his brother AbiShai were ready to go after the son of BoChori. 11 So, one of JoAb’s servants stood up next to him and shouted to Amasa’s army, ‘Who is on JoAb’s side and who is for David? Let him follow JoAb!’
12 Well, Amasa was lying there dead in the middle of the road covered in blood, and one of his men carried his body from the road into a field and covered it with a cape, so people would stop coming by to look at it. 13 And after he took the body out of the road, all the men of Israel went with JoAb to hunt down the son of BoChori.
14 Well, [the son of BoChori] had traveled throughout all the tribes of Israel on his way to Abel BethMacha. 15 Then they came and attacked him at Abel BethMacha, building a ramp around the city wall, because they planned to tear the wall down. 16 But a wise woman yelled from the wall, ‘Listen! Listen! Tell JoAb to come here, because I want to speak to him!’
17 So he got up close to her, and the woman asked, ‘Are you JoAb?’
And he said, ‘I am.’
And she said, ‘Listen to what your servant has to say!’
And JoAb said, ‘I’m listening.’
18 And she said, ‘There’s a saying that goes, Ask in Abel; for if the plans of the trusted ones fail in Dan, they should ask in Abel. 19 Now, I’m one of the peaceful ones who is in support of Israel, but you’re planning to destroy a city… and a mother-city of Israel at that. So, why would you sink the inheritance of Jehovah?’
20 And JoAb replied, ‘Be kind and friendly with me or I’ll not only sink it, I’ll totally destroy it! 21 For, isn’t this the place where a man from the hills of EphraIm called the son of BoChori is staying… he who lifted his hand against King David? Hand him over to me personally, and I’ll leave your city.’
And the woman said to JoAb, ‘Look! I’ll toss his head to you over the wall.’
22 So, the woman went to her people and told everyone in the city of her wise plan, and they cut off the head of the son of BoChori and tossed it to JoAb. Then he blew his horn and all his men returned to their tents, and JoAb returned to the king in Jerusalem
23 Well thereafter, JoAb was put in charge over all the armies of Israel… BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) was over the Cherethites and the Phelethites, 24 AdoniRam was in charge of the tributes, JoSaphat (the son of AchiLuth) kept the records, 25 Susa was the scribe, Zadok and AbiAthar were the Priests, 26 and Iras (the son of JaRin) was David’s personal Priest.
Chapter 21
1 Well, there were three consecutive years of famine in the days of David, so he asked Jehovah, and Jehovah said: ‘This has happened because the house of Saul is guilty of shedding [innocent] blood when he killed the Gibeonites.’
2 So the king called the Gibeonites, and he said: ‘Why, the Gibeonites aren’t [really] Israelites; they’re just what is left of the Amorites. However, although the sons of Israel had sworn an oath to them, Saul attacked them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah.’
3 Then David asked the Gibeonites, ‘What must I do for you… what must I do to [pay for our sins], and to get you to bless the inheritance of Jehovah?’
4 And the Gibeonites replied, ‘The problem can’t be paid for with silver or gold by Saul and his house; and there’s no one left for us to put to death in all Israel.’
5 And [David] said, ‘Then what can I do for you?’
And they told the king, ‘[Saul] would have finished us off, because he chased us, tried to trick us, and he attempted to wipe us out. As the result, we’ve decided to remove [any trace] of him so that his ways won’t last in the borders of Israel. 6 Therefore, give us seven of his descendants and we will hang them in the sun before Jehovah in Saul’s town of Gibeon.’
And the king said, ‘I will give them to you.’
7 However, the king spared MephiBosheth (the son of JoNathan and the grandson of Saul), because of the oath that Jehovah had made between them… between David and JoNathan (Saul’s son). 8 So, the king took the two sons of ResPha (the daughter of AiAh, Saul’s concubine) who gave birth to ErMoni and MephiBosheth, and the five sons of Michol (Saul’s daughter), who she bore to EsdriEl (the son of BarZilLai the Moulathite). 9 Then he handed them over to the Gibeonites, and they hung them on the mountain in the sun before Jehovah. And there they fell – all seven of them together.
Well, this happened at the beginning of the barley harvest. 10 So, ResPha (the daughter of AiAh) took sackcloth and made a bed for herself on a rock, [which she slept on] from the beginning of the barley harvest until water dripped from God in the sky. And she wouldn’t allow the flying creatures of the sky to rest there during the day, or wild animals to rest there during the night.
11 Then all the things that ResPha (the daughter of AiAh) Saul’s concubine was doing were reported to David. 12 And David sent and had the bones of Saul and his son JoNathan taken from the sons of JabIsh Gilead (which they stole from the city square of BethSan, where the Philistines put them after they killed Saul at Gilboa). 13 Then they gathered the bones of the men who were hung in the sun, 14 and they carried all the bones (of Saul, JoNathan, and the men who were hung in the sun) to the land of BenJamin, where they were buried on the side of a hill, in the tomb of Kish, Saul’s father. And they did exactly as the king told them, so God started paying attention to the land again.
15 Well, there was still a state of war between the Philistines and Israel, so David took his men and went to fight the Philistines. However, David started feeling poorly.
16 Now, Jesbi (who was a descendant of Rapha) had a brass spear that weighed as much as three hundred large silver coins, and he was wearing heavy armor; and he decided to attack David. 17 However, AbiShai (the son of ZeruJah) came to his aid and struck down the Philistine, and killed him.
Then the men of David swore an oath to him saying, ‘You will never come with us in battle again, so that the lamp of Israel won’t be extinguished.’
18 But the war with the Philistines still raged in Gath. Then SeboCha (the Astatothite) conquered the descendants of the giants. 19 However, there was still war with the Philistines in Gob. Then EleAnan (the son of AriOrgim the BethLehemite) killed GoliAth the GitTite, whose spear was as large as a weaving loom.
20 But war still raged in Gath. And there was a man from Madon who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot (for a total of twenty-four) who was the son of Rapha. 21 He came and shouted insults at Israel, but JoNathan (the son of ShimeAh, David’s bother) cut him down. 22 All four of them were descendants of the giants in Gath from the house of Rapha, and David and his servants cut them all down.
Chapter 22
1 Well, after Jehovah had rescued David from the hands of Saul and all his enemies, he sang this song to Jehovah:
2 ‘Jehovah is my rock and my fortress;
He’s the One who comes to my rescue.
3 My God is a guard before me,
So, upon Him I will lean.
4 He is my defender,
And the trumpet of my salvation…
My shield and my refuge from the unrighteous.
Because You will save me, You deserve all the praise;
So I’ll call on the Lord and be saved.
5 For, death-dealing conflicts surrounded me,
And dry streams of lawlessness upset me.
6 For fear of dying was all around me,
And I awaited the harshness of death.
7 But in my pain I called on Jehovah,
Yes, then I yelled to my God.
And from His great Temple He Heard me…
My voice and my cries reached His ears.
8 Then the ground started to tremble,
And the sky was disturbed by His rage.
9 Because He was outraged smoke then ascended,
The fire from His mouth then consumed,
And even the coals burned away.
10 He leaned on the sky and it fell,
And darkness was under His feet.
11 He mounted a cherub upon its spread wings,
And He could be seen on the wings of the winds.
12 He put darkness around Him to be hidden,
And His tent was the darkness of waters.
Then He thickened the clouds of the air.
13 But the brightness before Him kindled fire.
14 He thundered from out of the sky;
Jehovah shouted from up above.
15 Then He grabbed His arrows and shot them;
He flashed with lightning and they were frightened.
16 Then the things in the sea were exposed;
The foundations of man’s habitation;
They were accusations from Jehovah…
The breath of the spirit of His rage.
17 So He sent from above and He took me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from the strength of my enemies…
From the ones above me who hated me.
19 He anticipated the problems that I’d face,
And Jehovah became my stabilization.
20 Then He made room and He saved me,
And it was He who chose to do well by me.
21 For Jehovah has repaid my righteousness;
He pays me back for the cleanness of my hands.
22 For I paid attention to the ways of Jehovah…
I wasn’t impious to my God.
23 For I kept all His decisions before me,
And His Laws have never left me.
24 So I’ll stand before Him unblemished,
And from lawlessness I’ll stay away.
25 ----
26 For with the holy You will always be holy,
And with men who are perfect You’ll be perfect,
27 With the elected You’ll be elected,
And with the crooked You’ll be crooked.
28 For the poor You will preserve,
But the eyes of the proud You will humble.
29 My lamp You will light, O Jehovah…
My Lord gives me light in the darkness.
30 For in You I will run lightly armed,
And by my God I’ll pass over walls.
31 Yes, flawless are the ways of the Almighty…
And the sayings of Jehovah are refined.
He’s the defender of all who obey Him,
32 Yes, who is as strong as Jehovah?
And who but our God can create?
33 For He’s the One that is mighty.
He strengthens me with all His great power;
He removes the flaws of my ways.
34 He sets my feet firm like a stag,
And in the heights He then stands me.
35 He teaches my hands to do battle,
And makes my arm break brass bows.
36 He gives me a shield to protect me,
Because I obeyed, You made me strong.
37 He enlarges my footsteps beneath me,
And my trembling knees He [makes firm].
38 So, I will pursue and I will remove them,
And I won’t return ‘til they’re gone.
39 I will crush them and they won’t arise,
For they’ll fall [to the ground] ‘neath my feet.
40 You’ll strengthen me for great battles,
And bend those who rise from beneath me.
41 All my enemies You’ve given to me,
And broken the backs of those hating me.
42 They yelled, but no help came from Jehovah,
For to them He never would listen.
43 So I ground them like dust on the ground,
And made them fine like the mud in the streets.
44 For You will save me when men come to fight,
And You will guard me as the head over nations.
So, a people I don’t know came to serve me,
45 Then He listened and did as I asked.
46 The sons of lying foreigners will all reel,
And they will stumble in their confinement.
47 As Jehovah lives, may my Guardian be praised…
May my God who guards me be raised high.
48 For Jehovah is strong and brings vengeance,
And He corrects the people who serve me.
49 He leads me away from my enemies,
And lifts me high above those who would fight me.
From unrighteous men You will save me,
50 And for this I’ll praise You to the nations.
O Jehovah; I’ll strum tunes to Your Name.
51 For the salvation of His king is quite awesome,
As is the mercy He’s shown His anointed…
To David and his seed through the ages.’
Chapter 23
1 And these were the last words of David.
David (the son of Jesse) was a trustworthy man who Jehovah elevated to the position of the anointed of the God of Jacob. He also wrote many of the beautiful psalms of Israel.
2 ‘The Breath of Jehovah spoke by me,
And His words were there on my tongue.
3 Yes, it was Israel’s God (He who guards us),
Who once gave this parable to me:
‘I asked of a man: How can I teach you to fear the anointed?
4 For God brings light in the morning,
As the sun rises into the day,
And then its brightness passes by.
‘It is He who also brings rain,
Which causes tender shoots to sprout from the ground.
5 It is He who made my house strong,
And made it firm through the ages,
With a sacred agreement He concluded with me.
‘He has always guarded and saved me,
So I’ll serve Jehovah and not break His Laws.
6 ‘It’s as though a thorn-bush stood against all;
They weren’t taken from me [by human] hands.
7 And the men who worked hard among them
Turning iron and wood into spears,
Were themselves burned in fire… they were burned in their shame.’
8 These are the names of the three mighty ones of David:
JeBosthe the CanaAnite, who was the greatest of the three. He [was also known as] AdiNon the Asonite, for it was he who unsheathed his broadsword and killed eight hundred men in one battle.
9 EliYanan (AdiNin’s nephew), who was with David in SeiRa when he berated the Philistines as they gathered for war against him. It was then that this man of Israel went right up to them 10 and kept killing Philistines until his hand got tired, so he tied his sword to his hand [and kept fighting]. Jehovah gave him a great victory that day, and the only reason why the people had to return to [the field] was just to strip the dead.
11 SamaiJa (the son of Asa the Arachite) – for when the Philistines went to Theria and people there were picking lentils in a field, they all ran from the Philistines. 12 But he stood there like a stone monument in the middle of the field and protected it, cutting down the Philistines in a great victory.
13 Now, it was these three (from among the thirty of the leaders) who went to David when he was at Kason in the cave of OdolLam, as the Philistines camped [against him] in the Valley of RephaIm. 14 Also, when David was in the citadel and the Philistines were in BethLehem, 15 and David [got thirsty] and asked, ‘Who will go to the well that’s at the city gate in BethLehem to get me some water to drink?’ (although all the Philistines were assembled in BethLehem)… 16 it was these same three mighty ones who tore up the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well that was in BethLehem, and brought it to David. However, he wouldn’t drink it, but offered it to Jehovah instead. 17 For he said, ‘Please be kind to me, O Jehovah, for offering this. Yes, how could I drink it after these men risked their blood and their lives to bring it to me?’
So, he didn’t drink it. However, these three mighty ones did these things.
18 Now, AbiShai (the brother of JoAb and the son of ZeruJah) was over the three. And because he had killed three hundred men, he was also considered to be with the three. 19 He was never part of the group, but he was the most highly regarded, so he was put in charge over them.
20 Then there was BenaiJah, the son of JehoiAda. He also did many marvelous things. For at KabeseEl he struck down the two sons of AriEl the Moabite. And it was he who went and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. 21 It was also he who cut down a remarkable Egyptian man that carried a wooden spear, which was as big as a ladder. He went right up to him with a rod, grabbed the wooden spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his spear. 22 Yes, these are things that BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) did, and that’s why he was also considered among the mighty ones. 23 So, he was considered one of the three, but he was never part of their group, and he was given more honor, for David appointed him [leader over his guards].
And these are the names of the mighty ones of King David:
· 24 AshaEl, 25 the brother of JoAb (who was also one of the thirty).
· ElAnan (his uncle, the son of Dudi of BethLehem)
· 25 Samai the Arudite
· EliKa the Arodite
· 26 Seles the KelOthite
· Iras (the son of EkKas the Thekoite)
· 27 AbiEzer the AnathOthite (from the sons of the Asothites)
· 28 ElLon the Awi-ite
· MoOr the NetoPhathite
· 29 Ethi (the son of Riba of GabeOth, a BenJaminite)
· 30 BenaiJah the Pharathenite
· Uri from NachaLiga
· 31 GadabiEl (the son of the ArabOthite)
· AzMoth the BarSamite
· 32 EliAsou the Salabonite, and his sons, Jaban and JoNathan
· 33 SamNan the Arodite
· Acian (the son of Arai the SaraUrite)
· 34 AlipPhaleth (the son the Asbitite and grandson of MaAchathi)
· EliAb (the son of AhiThophel the Gelonite)
· 35 AsarAi the Carmelite
· PharAi the Erchite
· 36 GaAl (the son of Nathan, from the armies of the Gileadites)
· 37 ElYe the Ammanite
· GelorAi the BerOthite, who was the arms bearer for JoAb (the son of ZeruJah)
· 38 Iras the Jethirite
· Gareb the Ethenite
· 39 UriJah the Hittite.
In all, they numbered thirty-seven [mighty men].
Chapter 24
1 Well, the anger of Jehovah started to burn in Israel, for David was moved to say, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah!’
2 So, the king said to JoAb (who was in charge of the army). ‘Go throughout all the tribes of Israel and Judah, from Dan to BeerSheba, and count the people, so I will know how many there are.’
3 But JoAb said to the king, ‘May Jehovah your God add to your people, and may you find that they have grown to be a hundred times greater. However, my Lord the king, why would you want to do you such a thing?’
4 But the king refused to listen to JoAb and to those who were in charge of his army, so JoAb and his men left the presence of the king and went to take a census of the people of Israel. 5 They crossed the Jordan and camped to the right of AroEr in the ravine of Gad and EliEzer. 6 Then they went to Gilead and into the land of ThaBason (AdasSai). And from there they traveled to DaniDan and UDan, and they camped around Sidon. 7 Next, they traveled to MapSar of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites and CanaAnites, and then they went to the south of Judah, into BeerSheba. 8 So, they traveled throughout the entire land.
Finally, at the end of nine months and twenty days, they returned to Jerusalem, 9 and JoAb gave the numbers of the people to the king. There were eight-hundred-thousand men in the armies of Israel who were carrying the broadsword, plus five-hundred-thousand warriors from Judah.
10 Well, after he had the census performed, David [was ashamed] of what he had done, and he said to Jehovah: ‘I have really sinned by doing this thing. And now, O Lord, please overlook this lawlessness on the part of your servant, for I was very foolish.’
11 But when David got up the next morning, [he found that] the word of Jehovah had come to the Prophet Gad, the Seer, who was told, 12 ‘Go and speak to David. Tell him that this is what Jehovah has said: I am giving you your choice of three [penalties]. You must choose the one you prefer, and I will bring it against you!’
13 So, Gad went to David and told him: ‘Choose for yourself what is going to come upon you; three years of famine in our land, three months when your enemies will chase you and you will run from them, or three days of death in your land. Now, give me a reply for the One who sent me.’
14 And David said to Gad: ‘Those are all tough choices, but of the three, I choose to put myself into the hands of Jehovah, because He is very compassionate. He will never allow me to fall into the hands of [my enemies].’
15 So David chose the death.
Now, it was the season of the wheat harvest when Jehovah sent death throughout Israel, from the morning until dinnertime, and devastation started among the people, killing seventy thousand men from Dan to BeerSheba. 16 Then the messenger of God turned his hand toward Jerusalem… to destroy it. However, [Jehovah then forgave] the evil that was done, and He said to the messenger who was destroying the people, ‘That’s enough!’
Well at the time, the messenger of Jehovah was at the threshing-floor of Orna the Jebusite. 17 And David said to Jehovah (when he saw the messenger striking the people), ‘Look… it it I who did the wrong! I’m the shepherd who sinned, and these are just the sheep… what have they done? May Your hand come against me and the house of my father instead!’
18 Then Gad came to David that day and said to him, ‘Now go and erect an Altar to Jehovah at the threshing-floor of Orna the Jebusite.’
19 So, following the instructions of the Prophet Gad, he did what Jehovah told him to do. 20 And when Orna saw the king and his servants coming toward him, he bowed before the king with his face to the ground. 21 And Orna asked, ‘Why is my lord the king coming to his servant?’
And David replied, ‘To buy your threshing-floor from you, in order to build an Altar to Jehovah, so that He will stop destroying the people.’
22 And Orna said to David, ‘Then take it and offer it to Jehovah, my lord the king, and do whatever is good in your eyes. Look, here are some oxen to sacrifice as whole burnt-offerings… and use the wooden [ox-cart] and it wheels to burn [the sacrifice]!’
23 So, Orna offered it all to the king. And he said, ‘May Jehovah your God bless you.’
24 But the king said to Orna, ‘No, I want to purchase it from you for a price, because I won’t offer a whole burnt-offering to Jehovah my God free of charge.’
So, David bought the threshing floor and the oxen, paying for it with fifty large silver coins. 25 And there he built an Altar to Jehovah, where he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then [later on], Solomon added to the size of the Altar, because it was small at first. But [Jehovah’s favor] returned to the land, and He ended the devastation that He was bringing upon Israel.
1 Kings
Chapter 1
1 Now, King David had grown very old, and even when they wrapped him in [heavy] clothes he couldn’t get warm. 2 So his servants said, ‘Have them search for a young virgin girl for the king, to wait on him, treat him well, and lie with him… that will keep him warm.’
3 So they searched for a pretty young woman throughout the borders of Israel; and they found AbiSag the Somanite, and they brought her to the king. 4 Now, the young woman was extremely beautiful, and she treated the king very well and served him, but he never [had sex] with her.
5 Well, AdoniJah (the son of [David’s wife] AgGith) tried to elevate himself, saying, ‘I will be the king.’ And he prepared himself [by collecting] chariots and horses, and having fifty men run ahead of him. 6 And [David] never discouraged him or asked, ‘Why are you doing this?’
Now, AdoniJah was a very handsome man (his mother had given birth to him after AbSalom). 7 Then he met with JoAb (the son of ZeruJah ) and AbiAthar the Priest, and they became his supporters. 8 However, neither the Priest Sadoc, nor BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda), nor the Prophet Nathan, nor Semei, nor Resi, nor any of David’s mighty men, supported AdoniJah.
9 Then AdoniJah went to the Rock of ZoeLethi (near RogEl) to sacrifice sheep, calves, and lambs. And he called all his brothers, the king’s servants, and all the adult men of Judah; 10 but he didn’t invite the Prophet Nathan, BanaYas, any of the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.
11 So, Nathan spoke to BathSheba (Solomon’s mother) and asked, ‘Have you heard that AgGith’s son AdoniJah has started ruling, but our lord David doesn’t know about it yet? 12 So, I beg you to allow me to give you some council that will save your life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Hurry and go to King David, then say to him, O my lord the king; Didn’t you swear to me (your handmaid) that my son Solomon would reign after you and sit on your throne? And if so, then why is AdoniJah reigning?
14 ‘Then, while you’re still speaking there with the king, I’ll come in after you and confirm what you’re saying.’
15 So, BathSheba went before the king in his chamber.
Now, the king was very old, and AbiSag (the Somanite) was there serving him. 16 Then BathSheba bowed low before the king; and the king asked, ‘What do you want?’
17 And she replied, ‘My lord, didn’t you swear to your handmaid by Jehovah your God, saying, Your son Solomon will reign after me and sit on my throne? 18 But look! AdoniJah has started to rule, and you, my lord the king, don’t even know about it! 19 Why, he has already sacrificed many calves, lambs, and sheep, and he has invited all of the king’s sons, AbiAthar the Priest, and JoAb the commander-in-chief of your army. However, he didn’t invite your servant Solomon. 20 So now, my lord the king, all Israel is watching and waiting for you to tell them who will sit on your throne after you. 21 And as it presently stands, after my lord the king goes to sleep with his fathers, my son Solomon and I will be [in great jeopardy].’
22 And {Look!}, while she was still talking to the king, the Prophet Nathan arrived, which was reported to the king with the words, 23 ‘Look, the Prophet Nathan is here.’
So, he came into the king’s presence and bowed to him with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, ‘My lord; O king; Did you say that AdoniJah will reign after you and sit on your throne? 25 For, today he has gone to sacrifice many calves, lambs, and sheep, and he has invited all your sons, the chiefs of the army, and AbiAthar the priest. Why, look! They’re eating and drinking before him now, and saying, Long live King AdoniJah! 26 But he didn’t invite me (your servant), or the Priest Sadoc, or BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda), or your servant Solomon. 27 Has this matter been authorized by my lord the king, and have you failed to tell your servant who will succeed you on the throne?’
28 Then King David said, ‘Call BathSheba back in.’
So, she came in and stood before the king. 29 Then the king swore [an oath to her] saying, ‘As Jehovah lives (who saved my life from all danger), 30 and as I swore to you by Jehovah the God of Israel, saying, Your son Solomon will reign after me and sit on my throne after me, I’m saying the same thing today.’
31 Then BathSheba bowed low with her face to the ground, and said, ‘May my lord King David live through the ages.’
32 Next, King David said, ‘Call Sadoc the Priest, Nathan the Prophet, and BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) to me.’
So, they came in and stood before the king, 33 and the king said to them: ‘Take my servants with you, and mount my son Solomon on my personal mule, then take him to Gion. 34 There Sadoc the Priest and Nathan the Prophet should anoint him to be the king over Israel. Then blow the trumpets and shout, May King Solomon live! 35 For, he will sit on my throne and be the ruler in place of me… I’m giving the order that he will now be the leader over Israel and Judah!’
36 And BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) answered the king and said, ‘May it be! May Jehovah, the God of my lord the king, make it so. 37 And as Jehovah was with my lord the king, let him be with Solomon; and may He raise his throne even higher than the throne of my lord King David.’
38 So, Sadoc the Priest, Nathan the Prophet, BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda), and the Cherethites and Phelethites went and mounted Solomon on King David’s mule, and led him away to Gion. 39 Then Sadoc took the horn of oil from the Sacred Tent, anointed Solomon with it, and blew the trumpets, as all the people started shouting, ‘[Long] live King Solomon!’ 40 And so many people came to him dancing and singing in their joy, that the ground shook with the sound of their voices.
41 Well, when AdoniJah and all his guests heard the commotion, they stopped eating. And when JoAb heard the trumpets blowing, he asked, ‘Why is the whole city in such an uproar?’
42 Then, while he was still speaking {Look!}, JoNathan (the son of AbiAthar the Priest) came in. And AdoniJah said, ‘Come on in! Since you’re such a mighty man, you must be bringing good news!’
43 And JoNathan replied, ‘It’s true! For, our lord King David has made Solomon the king! 44 He sent Sadoc the Priest, Nathan the Prophet, BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda), and the Cherethites and Phelethites, and they mounted him on the king’s mule, 45 then they anointed him in Gion. So, the sounds that you’re hearing from the city are the sounds of rejoicing! 46 For, Solomon is now seated on the throne of the kingdom, 47 and the king’s servants are going in to praise our lord King David, saying, May God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and his throne greater than your throne.
‘And now the king is bowing before [God] from his bed. 48 For the king is saying: May Jehovah the God of Israel be praised, because today He has appointed one of my seed to sit on my throne while my eyes can still see it!’
49 Well, all the guests of AdoniJah were shocked, and then they just left.
50 Now, AdoniJah was afraid because of Solomon, so he got up and went outside, and then he grabbed hold of the horns on the altar. 51 And when it was reported to Solomon that AdoniJah was afraid of him and that he was holding the horns of the altar and saying, ‘Let Solomon swear to me today that he won’t kill his servant with his sword,’ 52 Solomon said, ‘If he’s a valiant man, not a single hair will fall to the ground; but if he’s evil, he will die.’ 53 So, King Solomon sent and had him brought back from the altar. Then [AdoniJah] bowed low before King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, ‘Go back home.’
Chapter 2
1 Well, the time for David’s death drew near, and he spoke to his son Solomon and said, ‘I’m going the way of all the earth. 2 But you be strong and show that you’re a man. 3 Follow the instructions of Jehovah your God, walk in His ways, and follow the Commandments, rules, and decisions that are written about in the Law of Moses, so you’ll understand what you should do in all the things that I’ve told you. 4 Then Jehovah will prove the thing that He promised: If your children will pay attention to the way that they should walk before Me in truth and with all their hearts, there will never fail to be a man who sits on the throne of Israel.
5 ‘Now, you know all the things that JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) did to me and to the two generals of the army of Israel… to AbNer (the son of Ner), and to Amasa (the son of JeTher)… he murdered them and shed their blood as in war, although we were at peace… he wrapped his waist and the sandals on his feet in innocent blood. 6 So, deal with him as your wisdom directs, and don’t allow him to take his grey hair to his grave in peace.
7 ‘But I want you to deal kindly with the sons of BarZelli the Gileadite… they should eat at your table, because they came to my aid when I had to run from your brother AbSalom.
8 ‘And {Look!} there is Semei (the son of Gera – a BenJaminite of BaUrim) who is still among us. Yet, he brought a great curse on me when he came down to the Jordan to meet me as I was returning to Jerusalem. Then I swore to him by Jehovah that I wouldn’t use the sword to put him to death. 9 However, he isn’t free of guilt. Now, you’re a wise man, and you know what you must do to him… you must take his grey hair to the grave covered in blood.’
10 So, David went to sleep with his ancestors, and he was buried in the city of David. 11 David had reigned over Israel for forty years… seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
12 So, Solomon sat upon the throne of his father David, and his kingdom became very great.
13 Then AdoniJah (the son of AgGith) went to see BathSheba (the mother of Solomon) and bowed before her. And she asked: ‘Have you come in peace?’
And he replied, ‘Yes, in peace. 14 I have some business with you.’
And she said, ‘Then speak.’
15 And he said, ‘You know that the kingdom was mine, because all Israel turned to me as their king. But the kingdom was taken from me and it became my brother’s, because it was given to him by Jehovah. 16 Now, I just want to ask one thing of you… and don’t ignore me.’
Then BathSheba said, ‘Keep talking.’
17 And he said to her, ‘I beg you to speak to King Solomon, because he won’t ignore you. Ask him to give me AbiSag the Somanite as a wife.’
18 And BathSheba said, ‘Well, I’ll speak to the king for you.’
19 So, BathSheba went to King Solomon to speak to him about AdoniJah. And the king rose to meet her, kissed her, then sat down on his throne, and he had a throne placed there for the mother of the king, so she sat down at his right hand. 20 And she said to him, ‘I would like to make one little request… and please don’t ignore me.’
And the king said, ‘Ask, my mother, and I won’t ignore you.’
21 And she said, ‘Please, give AbiSag the Somanite to your brother AdoniJah as his wife.’
22 Well, King Solomon asked: ‘Why are you asking me to give AbiSag to AdoniJah? You could ask me to give him the kingdom also, because he’s my elder brother… and his friends are the Priest AbiAthar and my commander-in-chief, JoAb (the son of ZeruJah ).’
23 And then King Solomon swore an oath by Jehovah. He said, ‘May God curse me and add to it if AdoniJah hasn’t spoken these words against his own life. 24 And now, as Jehovah lives – He who established me, set me on the throne of my father David, and made me a house, as Jehovah said – today AdoniJah will be put to death!’
25 So King Solomon sent out BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) to kill him, and AdoniJah died that day.
26 Then the king said to AbiAthar the Priest, ‘Now, go back to your farm in AnathOth quickly, because you also deserve death today. However, I’m not going to kill you, because you carried Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement before my father, and because you also shared in all the sufferings of my father.’
27 So, Solomon removed AbiAthar as the Priest of Jehovah, to fulfill the words that Jehovah spoke concerning the house of Heli in Salem.
28 Well, the news of this reached JoAb (the son of ZeruJah), and because he had supported AdoniJah (not Solomon), he ran to the Tent of Jehovah and grabbed hold of the horns on the altar. 29 And when Solomon was told, ‘JoAb has fled to the Tent of Jehovah, and look, he’s hanging onto the horns of the altar,’ he sent [a message] to JoAb, asking, ‘What’s wrong with you? Why have you fled to the altar?’
And JoAb replied, ‘Because I was afraid of you, I fled to Jehovah for refuge.’
Then Solomon sent BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda), telling him, ‘Go and kill him, and then bury him.’
30 Well, when BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) reached JoAb at the Tent of Jehovah, he said to him, ‘The king commands you to come out of there!’
And JoAb said, ‘I’m not coming out, for I’d rather die here!’
And BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) returned to the king and told him what JoAb said. 31 So the king told him: ‘Then go and do what he told you to do… kill him, then bury him! That way, you’ll remove the blood that he shed for no reason from me and from the house of my father. 32 For, Jehovah has brought the blood of his unrighteousness upon his own head, because he attacked two men who were more righteous and better than himself, killing them with his sword. Yet, my father David was unaware that he would kill AbNer (the son of Ner), the commander-in-chief of Israel, and AmesSa (the son of Jether), the commander-in-chief of Judah. 33 And now their blood is on his head and on the head of his seed through the ages. But upon David, his seed, his house, and his throne, may there be peace from Jehovah through the ages.
34 So BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) went back and killed him, and then he buried him in his house in the desert.
35 Thereafter, the king appointed BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) to be the commander-in-chief of his army, and his kingship became firm in Jerusalem. And as for Sadoc the Priest; the king appointed him the High Priest in place of AbiAthar.
So, Solomon (the son of David) reigned over Israel and Judah from Jerusalem, and Jehovah gave Solomon as much wisdom, understanding, and greatness of heart as there is sand at the seashore. For, the wisdom of Solomon was greater than that of all the ancient peoples, and it was far greater than the wise men of Egypt.
36 Then the king called Semei and said to him: ‘You may build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there… but don’t leave it, 37 because I want you to know that on the day you cross the Valley of Cedars (Kidron), you’re going to die, and your blood will be on your own head.’
38 And Semei said to the king: ‘What you’ve said is good, O my lord the king, and that’s what your servant will do.’ Then the king made him swear an oath to this.
So, Semei lived in Jerusalem for three years. 39 But after the three years, two of Semei’s slaves ran away (to Anchus, the son of MaAcha, the king of Geth). And when Semei was told that his slaves were in Geth, 40 he saddled his burros and went to Anchus in Geth to bring his slaves back. 41 But when Solomon was told that Semei had left Jerusalem and gone to Geth to bring back his slaves, 42 the king sent for Semei and said to him, ‘Didn’t you swear by Jehovah, and didn’t I warn you that if you left Jerusalem, whether to the right or the left, that you will surely die? 43 So, why haven’t you kept your oath to Jehovah and followed the instructions that I gave you?’
44 Then the king told Semei, ‘In your heart you know of all the bad things you’ve done, and of the bad things that you did to my father David. So now, Jehovah is bringing your badness down upon your own head… 45 and King Solomon will be blest, and the throne of David will be established before Jehovah through the ages.’
46 Then Solomon commanded BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) to take him out and kill him.
Chapter 3
1 Well, under Solomon the kingdom was united.
Then Solomon contracted a marriage with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He took the daughter of Pharaoh and brought her to the city of David. However, before that, he completed the building of his palace, the Temple of Jehovah, and the wall around Jerusalem.
2 Now, before the Temple was built, the people were burning incense [to Jehovah] in the high places. 3 And since Solomon loved Jehovah (and following the orders of his father David), he also offered his sacrifices and burnt incense there.
4 Well, Solomon got up and went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, because that was the highest place. And he sacrificed a thousand whole burnt offerings upon the altar there; 5 and then Jehovah appeared to Solomon while he was sleeping that night. And Jehovah said, ‘Solomon; Ask for anything you might wish for yourself.’
6 And Solomon said, ‘You’ve shown great mercy to your servant David, my father, and he walked with You in truth, justice, and a pure heart. Then You guarded him and showed him great mercy by allowing his son to sit on his throne, which has happened today. 7 And now, O Jehovah my God; You have appointed Your servant in place of my father David, yet I’m just a boy who doesn’t even know when to enter and when to leave. 8 But, Your servant [now rules] in the midst of this mighty [nation] whom You have chosen, and which is so large it can’t be counted. 9 So, give your servant a heart to listen and to make [wise] decisions for Your people in justice, and to recognize the difference between what is good and what is bad. For, who can bear the weight of such judgment?
10 And this thing that Solomon asked for was pleasing to Jehovah, 11 so He replied: ‘Because you have asked this thing from Me, and you didn’t ask for a long life, or for wealth, or for the lives of your enemies – and all you asked for yourself is the understanding to judge righteously – 12 {Look!} I have done what you asked. {Look!} I’m giving you an intelligent and wise heart… there has never been anyone before you, nor will there ever be anyone who will rise up after you that will be like you. 13 And then, even what you didn’t ask for I’ve given you… including wealth and glory, for there has never been a king like you. 14 And if you do things My way, and obey My Commandments and instructions, as did your father David, then I will also grant you a long life.’
15 Well, when Solomon woke up, he remembered the dream. Then he got up and returned to Jerusalem, and there he went and stood before the Altar, which was in front of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah in Zion. Then he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings, and he held a great banquet for himself and for all his servants.
16 Thereafter, two women who were prostitutes came and stood before the king for a [judgment]. 17 And one of the women said, ‘Hear me, my lord! This woman and I both live in the same house, and we both gave birth to [babies] there. 18 For, it was three days after I gave birth that this woman also gave birth in the same place, and no one else was around… there was just the two of us in the house. 19 Well, this woman’s son died during the night when she rolled over on him, 20 so she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my arms, and put him to her breast. Then she took her son that died and laid him at my breast. 21 And when I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I saw the one that had died; but I studied him and realized that this wasn’t my son that I had given birth to.’
22 Well, the other woman shouted, ‘That isn’t true! My son is the one that’s living, and yours is the son that’s dead.’
23 Then the king said to them: ‘You’re saying that the living son is yours, and the dead one is hers. And she says that’s not true; hers is the living son and yours is the one that’s dead.’ 24 So the king said: ‘Bring me a sword!’ And they brought him a sword. 25 Then he said: ‘Cut this living, nursing child in half, and give half to this one, and the other half to that one!’
26 Well, the real mother of the living son spoke to the king, because she was disturbed to the womb about what was going to happen to her son. So she said: ‘Hear me, O lord! Give the child to her… don’t kill it!’
But the other [woman] said, ‘May it be neither mine nor hers… cut it in half!’
27 Then the king said, ‘I’m giving the child to the woman who said, Give it to her, don’t kill it, because she’s his mother.’
28 Well, all Israel soon came to hear of this decision of the king, and they feared when they were in his presence, for they knew that the intelligence of God was in him, and that justice would prevail.
Chapter 4
1 When King Solomon was reigning in Israel, 2 these are the men who were with him and who were in charge:
· AzariJah (the son of Zadok the Priest);
· 3 EliAm and AhiJah (the sons of Saba) were his scribes;
· JehoShaphat (the son AchiLud) was the recorder;
· 4 BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) was the commander-in-chief of the army;
· Zadok and AbiAthar were the Priests;
· 5 AzariJah (the son of Nathan) directed his staff;
· ZaboUth (the son of Nathan) was the king’s right-hand man;
· 6 AciSar was his manager;
· EliAb (the son of Saph) was over the family;
· AdoniRam (the son of Aphdon) was in charge of the tributes.
7 So, Solomon assigned twelve men over all Israel to handle matters for him and his house.
8 Then there were others who were assigned to [bring the things that Solomon required] for just one month each year, and these are their names:
· The son of Or had the mountains of EphraIm;
· 9 The son of Dakar had MachEmas, Salabin, BethSamus AiLon, and BethAnan;
· 10 The son of Esdi had ArabOth, SochOth, and all the land of Opher;
· 11 The son of AminAdab (who was married to Solomon’s daughter) had all of NephthaDor and TephAth;
· 12 BaAna (the son of AchiLouth) had IthAnak, MagidDo, and the whole house of San near Sesathan and below Esrae, from BethSan to SebelMaula, to MaEber and Lucam;
· 13 The son of Gaber from Gilead was over a piece of measured land around EreGaba (which is in Bashan) that included sixty great walled cities that were [protected by] brass bars;
· 14 AchiNadab (the son of SadDo) had MaAnaim;
· 15 AchimaAs (who was married to Solomon’s daughter BasEmath) was over [the land of] NaphTali;
· 16 BaAnah (the son HushAi) was in charge of BaalOth and [the land of] Asher;
· 17 JehoShaphat (the son ParuAh) had [the land of] IsSachar;
· 18 Shemei (the son of ElAh) had [the land of] BenJamin;
· 19 Gaber (the son Adai) had the land of Gilead, [the land of] Seon (the king of Heshbon), [the land of] Og (the king of Bashan), and [the land of] Naseb (in the land of Judah).
20 Now, Judah and Israel had grown so large that [their people] were as the sands of the sea in number, and they all ate, drank, and rejoiced, 21 for Solomon was the ruler in all their kingdoms from the river in the land of the Philistines to the borders of Egypt. They also brought Solomon many gifts, and they served him throughout all the days of his life.
22 Now, these are the things that Solomon required at his table each day:
· Two hundred bushels of fine flour,
· Four hundred bushels of beaten flour,
· 23 Ten choice calves,
· Twenty grass-fed oxen,
· A hundred sheep,
· And well-fed male and female antelope.
24 Solomon was also the ruler of all the land on the [east] side of the [Jordan], and there was peace throughout the whole country. 25 [So, during all the days of Solomon, the people] in Judah and Israel (from Dan to BeerSheba) harvested their own grapevines and [lived] under their own fig trees.
26 Now, Solomon had forty thousand breeding horses (for his chariots) and twelve thousand horsemen. 27 And those who he put in charge brought the things that were required to the king’s table (each one in his own month)… they did just as they were told and didn’t change a word. 28 They brought barley and straw for the horses, and they took the chariots wherever the king needed them or arranged for them to be.
29 Well, Jehovah gave intelligence and great wisdom to Solomon, and it kept growing in his heart like the sands of the sea. 30 So, Solomon’s intelligence grew greater than that of all the men of ancient times, and of all the intelligent ones of Egypt. 31 His understanding was greater than all men; he was wiser than GaitThan the Zarite, and AiNan, ChalKal, and Darda (the sons of Mal).
32 Solomon spoke three thousand parables and [wrote] five thousand songs. 33 He spoke about the cedars of Lebanon, of the hyssop, and of [plants that grow] through walls. He spoke about cattle, flying creatures, things that crawl, and about things that live in water…34 and people everywhere would come to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Kings from all over the earth, when they heard of his wisdom, would bring him gifts.
Chapter 5
1 Then Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent his servants to anoint Solomon in place of his father David, because Hiram loved David for as long as he lived.
2 And Solomon sent [a message] to Hiram, saying, 3 ‘You know that my father David was unable to build a [Temple] to the Name of Jehovah my God, because of fighting the wars that were going on around him, and until Jehovah put his enemies under the soles of his feet. 4 And now Jehovah my God has provided rest for me all around [my land], for there are no more plotters or wicked people near me. 5 So, now I’m talking about building a [Temple] to the Name of Jehovah my God, for as He told my father David, Your son who I will put on your throne after you will build the [Temple] to My Name.
6 ‘Now, have your men cut some timber for me from the trees in Lebanon, and I’ll pay whatever you ask for their wages. And {Look!} I’ll also send my servants to go with your servants. After all, no one understands timber cutting better than the Sidonians.’
7 And when Hiram received Solomon’s message, he was overjoyed and said, ‘May the God who gave David an intelligent son to rule over this great people be praised today.’
8 So he sent [a message] to Solomon replying: ‘I’ve heard of everything that you asked of me, and I will send all the pine and cedar lumber that you requested. 9 My servants will cut them in Lebanon, carry them to the sea, and haul them on barges to wherever you tell me. I’ll drop them off, and you can carry them on from there. All I ask in return is that you send some loaves of bread for my house.’
10 So, Hiram gave Solomon all the cedars and pines that he wanted. 11 And Solomon sent Hiram one hundred-and-thirty thousand bushels of wheat, and a hundred-and-twenty thousand gallons of beaten olive oil for his house in return. In fact, he sent that amount to Hiram every year.
12 Well, Jehovah gave Solomon the wisdom he had asked for, and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, for they had made a treaty between them. 13 And the king sent (as a tribute from all Israel) thirty thousand men. 14 He would send ten thousand of them to Lebanon each month in rotation, and they would spend a month in Lebanon, then two months at home. And AdoniRam was in charge of this tribute.
15 Now, Solomon had seventy thousand laborers and eighty thousand stonecutters [working] in the mountains. 16 And (in addition to those who Solomon placed in charge of his construction project) he had three thousand six hundred supervisors on the job. 17 Then the king instructed them to set in place huge valuable stone blocks as the foundations for the building. 18 And the sons of Solomon and Hiram then laid them in place, while they cut the blocks and the timbers, which took three years.
Chapter 6
1 Well, it was in the four hundred and fortieth year after the sons Israel left Egypt (in the fourth year and second month of Solomon’s reign over Israel) that the foundation of the Temple of Jehovah was laid. 2 It was seventy feet long, thirty-five feet wide, and forty-feet tall. 3 It had a columned front entryway that was as tall as the Temple, and it was seventeen-feet wide. Then he went on to complete its construction.
4 There was also a hidden window in the Temple that leaned inward, 5 and there was an eve along the top of the wall 6 that ran all the way around the building to the entryway. There were also [three stories] of rooms inside the Temple. The room at the top was about eight-feet wide, the one in middle was about ten-feet wide, and the one at the bottom was about eleven-feet wide.
7 Solomon also built a walkway around the outside of the temple that wasn’t joined to its walls. The Temple was built with rough-chiseled stone, and the sound of hammers, axes, and other metal tools wasn’t heard during its construction. 8 There was a vestibule that stood under a protrusion on the right side of the building, and there was a winding stairway in the middle, that led to the third story.
9 After the [exterior] was built, Solomon had the [interior walls] covered with cedar [panels]. 10 He also built the interior chamber in the middle of the Temple, which stood nine-feet high, and it was covered in cedar [panels].
11 Then Jehovah sent word to Solomon, saying, 12 ‘Regarding this [Temple] that you’re building; if you follow My instructions and decisions, and obey all My Commandments, what I said to your father David will prove true… 13 I will camp in the midst of the sons Israel, and I won’t abandon My people Israel.’
14 So then, Solomon went on to finish the Temple. 15 He paneled all its interior walls, floors, and beams with cedar. It was vaulted with timbers on the inside, and the walls were ribbed with pine. 16 So inside, the measurement from the floor to the ceiling beams was thirty-six feet. And inside the entryway, he built the Holy of Holies. 17 For, the front of the Temple rose seventy-five feet high at the entrance.
18 Now, the interior cedar panels were all carved with decorations of gourds and spread leaves, and none of the stonework could be seen from the inside. 19 Inside the entryway, in the center of the Temple, a place was made to hold the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah. 20 It was thirty-five feet long, thirty-five feet wide, and thirty-five feet tall, and it was totally enclosed and covered in gold.
21 He also made an Altar in front of the entrance and covered it with gold. 22 In fact, by the time of its completion, the whole building was covered with gold. 23 He also made two wooden cherubs of cypress that he placed on either side of the entrance. They each stood eighteen-feet high, 24 each of their wings were nine-feet long, and the distance from wing-tip to wing-tip was eighteen feet. 25 Both of the cherubs were the same size. 26 He also had two eighteen-foot cherubs built that were placed in the innermost part of the Temple. 27 They too had spread wings that touched each other and ran to the walls on either side of the building’s interior. 28 Then the cherubs were covered in gold, 29 and the walls around the Temple were engraved with cherubs and palms… both the innermost and outermost portions. 30 And he even covered the floors of the whole building with gold… both the innermost portions and the outer portions.
31 The front entrance was made of juniper wood, and there were five doorways. 32 Two doors were made of pines that were carved with cherubs and palms. There were also some panels that could be removed to enlarge the entrance. And everything was covered with gold, including the engraved cherubs and palms.
33 The Temple vestibule had juniper doorposts and four columns. 34 Both of the doors were made of pine, and they were hinged into a bi-fold configuration. 35 They also had panels that were carved with cherubs and palm leaves, and then they were entirely covered in gold.
36 Next, [Solomon] built the inner courtyard. It had three rows of uncut stones, and it was surrounded by cedar posts. 37 Then he had a veil made for the courtyard that separated it from the columned porch, which stood in front of the Temple.
38 So, in the eleventh year, in the month of Baal (the eighth month), the Temple was finally completed per [Solomon’s] instructions and design.
Chapter 7
1 Then during the next thirteen years, Solomon built his own palace, 2 which [he called] ‘The House of the Forest of Lebanon.’ It was a hundred-and-seventy feet long, eighty-five feet wide, fifty-feet tall, and it had four rows of cedar columns that ran up to cedar rafters. 3 The whole building was decorated with latticework on the upper parts of the columns, and there were forty-five columns per row. 4 There were three windows on each of three sides, 5 and they and the three doorways were all arched.
6 It also had a columned front porch that was eighty-five feet long and fifty-feet wide, that was joined to a covering, which was supported by columns and thick beams on the front side. 7 This was where his throne was located that he judged from, and there was a columned porch over his judgment seat. 8 Then there was a courtyard in front of the place where he sat, which could be expanded whenever there was a need to do so.
He also built a house for the daughter of Pharaoh, whom he had taken as his wife, which looked like his columned porch. 9 All of this was constructed of valuable stones, which had been chiseled at intervals on the inside, and ran from the foundation to the moldings, and to the large courtyard on the outside.
10 The foundation that he laid was also made of large, valuable stones, each of which measured seventeen feet by fourteen feet, 11 and the roof was made of valuable stones and cedar beams.
12 The large courtyard was circled by three rows of uncut stones and a row of carved cedar posts.
Well, after Solomon completed his palace, 13 he sent and called for Hiram out of Tyre, 14 who was the son of a widow from the tribe of NaphTali, and whose father was a Tyranian man. For, he was gifted when it came to working brass (and at other crafts), and he was filled with knowledge on how to do all sorts of metalwork. He was brought to King Solomon, because he was able to do everything that needed to be done.
15 He then smelted and cast two columns for the Temple porch that were each thirty-feet tall and twenty-four feet in circumference. They were grooved to a depth of four fingers, 16 and he molded two brass capitals for the tops of the columns that were each eight-feet tall. 17 Then he made brass decorations for each capital 18 that consisted of rows of hanging pomegranates, 19 and the top of each column was shaped like a lily.
Then he finished off the columns for the porch with a ridge that ran between the capitals. It was six-and-a-half feet wide, 20 and it was covered with two hundred rows of pomegranates. 21 He then erected these columns at the columned porch of the Temple, and he named one column JaKin, and the other Boaz. 22 Thereafter, he covered [the rest of] the columns with [copper] lilies. And with that, he finished his work on the columns.
23 Next, he cast the [Sacred] Sea. It was round and seventeen-feet wide from rim to rim. It was eight-feet high and about fifty-feet in circumference. 24 The base beneath it was seventeen-feet wide, and it was made of two rows of supports that were cast in a foundry furnace. 25 The Sea itself was supported by twelve metal oxen, three of which faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The Sea was supported on top of them, 26 and of course, all their posteriors faced inward. The middle of the Sea was shaped like a palm, but its rim was like that of a cup, with lily buds around the top. It had a capacity of about eleven hundred gallons.
27 Then [Hiram] made ten brass carts. They were each eight-feet long, six-and-a-half feet wide, and twenty-inches tall. 28 The carts were made of panels that were joined into frames. 29 And the panels [were carved with] lions, oxen, and cherubs. In fact, lions, oxen, and cherubs covered all parts of the carts, including the bases. 30 Each of the carts had four brass wheels, and all their fastenings were made of brass. Then, coming from the base were four supports that held washtubs, which were twenty-inches long. 31 [The tub supports] were round (two-and-a-half feet wide at the top), and they were covered with carvings. However, the four supports were rectangular, not round.
32 The brass wheels were mounted at the base of the supports, and the wheels each had spokes, standing two-and-a-half feet tall. 33 In fact, they looked like chariot wheels. Then all the spokes were joined to cast axels.
34 There were supports that stuck out at the corners of each of the cart’s bases as handles, 35 which were mounted along the top of each base. They were ten-inches around and stood high for handholds. 36 All the connecting parts [were carved] with cherubs, lions, and palms that were standing next to each other, on the front, on the inside, and all around. 37 He made all ten carts exactly alike and to the same dimensions.
38 Then he made the ten brass washtubs. They each held two hundred-and-thirty gallons [of water], and they were eight-feet long. Then each of the washtubs was mounted on the carts. 39 Five were placed on the Temple’s right side, and the other five on its left side. Then the [Sacred] Sea was placed to the right of the Temple, on its southeast corner.
40 Next, Hiram made the cooking pots, the tongs, and the bowls. 41 And soon he had completed making all the things for King Solomon at the Temple of Jehovah – the two columns; the twisted decorations that were put on the capitals of the two columns; the carvings for the tops of the columns; 42 and the pomegranates (four hundred of which were used as decorations). Two rows of [the pomegranates] were put on each column, and the rest were used as decorations 43 for the carts, the metal washtubs that were mounted on them and their axels, rims, and spokes, as well as for 44 the Sea and its twelve oxen that supported it, 45 and for the cooking pots, tongs, and bowls. He [personally] made all these things for King Solomon and for the Temple of Jehovah.
All together, he [decorated] forty-eight columns for the palace of the king and for the Temple of Jehovah. And everything that Hiram made for the king was entirely of brass. 46 He did all his casting near the Jordan River, underground, in a place that was located between SucCoth and ZarEthan. 47 Solomon already had all the materials stored away, since he had received so much brass.
48 Then Solomon went on to make the rest of the items for the Temple of Jehovah… the golden Altar, the gold table for the showbread, 49 the solid-gold lamp stands that were placed at the entrance (five on the right side and five on the left side), with their gold bowls, lamps, and oil funnels; 50 plus the gold thresholds, fasteners, bowls, saucers, and incense pans. And the doorway to the innermost part of the Temple (the Holy of Holies) and the doors to the entrance of the Temple itself were made of gold. 51 So, Solomon finally finished his ‘house’ for Jehovah. And he carried in all the holy things of David his father, as well as all his own holy things, including silver, gold, and other things for the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah.
Chapter 8
1 Then King Solomon held a meeting with all the elders of Israel there on [Mount] Zion, to talk about bringing the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah out of the city of David (which was on Mount Zion). 2 This was in the month of Athanim (the seventh month), and because it was a holiday, all the elders of Israel were already there.
3 Then the Priests picked up the Chest 4 from the Tent of Proofs, along with all the holy items that were there, 5 and the king and all Israel stood before the Chest and sacrificed multitudes of oxen and sheep.
6 Then the Priests carried the Chest and put it into its place near the entrance of the Temple… in the Holy of Holies, under the wings of the cherubs 7 (for the cherubs had open, spread wings that covered the Chest and the other holy things that were on its cover). 8 And the only parts that stuck out of the Holy [of Holies] were the sacred staves, but even they couldn’t be seen from outside [the Temple]. 9 Of course, there was nothing in the Chest except the two stone tablets of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with the sons of Israel after they left the land of Egypt, and which were put there by Moses at the Dry Place (Horeb).
10 And then, as the Priests were coming out of the Holy Place, a mist filled the whole building. 11 So the Priests were unable to stand and officiate before the mist, because the glory of Jehovah filled the whole Temple.
12 Then Solomon said: ‘Jehovah, You spoke of camping in dimness. 13 And now I’ve built a [Temple] to Your Name, and prepared a Holy Place for You. So, this is Your chair and a place for You to camp through the ages.’
14 Then he turned around, and all Israel started praising the king, for the whole gathering of Israel was standing there. 15 And [the king] said, ‘Praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, who spoke with His mouth about my father David, and who filled his hands, saying, From the day that I led My people Israel out of Egypt, I have never chosen a city [for Myself] in one of the chiefdoms of Israel, where a [Temple] would be built to My Name. 16 But now I’ve chosen Jerusalem as a place to put My Name, and I’ve chosen David to lead My people Israel. 17 And that’s why the heart of my father David was moved to build a [Temple] to the Name of Jehovah, the God of Israel.
18 ‘Then, Jehovah said to my father David: Because your heart was moved to build a [Temple] to My Name, you’ve done a good thing, because it came from your heart! 19 However, you may not personally build the [Temple]… it will be built by a son who comes from you. He will build the [Temple] to My Name.’
20 ‘So, Jehovah caused these things that He said to happen. I replaced my father David and sat down on the throne of Israel, just as Jehovah said, and now I’ve built the [Temple] to the Name of Jehovah the God of Israel. 21 And I’ve created a place for the Chest that contains the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with our ancestors, when He led them out of the land of Egypt.’
22 Then Solomon stood before the Altar of Jehovah, there in front of the whole gathering of Israel, and he raised his arms toward heaven 23 and said, ‘O Jehovah, God of Israel; there are no gods in heaven above or on the earth below that are like You. For, You have kept Your Agreement and shown mercy to Your servant… the one who has walked before You with his whole heart, Your servant David, my father. 24 You spoke to him with Your mouth, and with Your hands You’ve fulfilled what [You promised to him] today. 25 And now, O Jehovah, God of Israel; keep [the promise] that You made with my father David when You said, There will always be a man who sits before Me on the throne of Israel for as long as your children keep following Me, as you have followed Me.’
26 ‘So now, O Jehovah, God of Israel; may the words that You said to my father David prove to be true. 27 But will You really live on the earth with men, when the heavens of the heavens can’t contain You? How can this [Temple] that I built to Your Name expect to do so?
28 ‘Please listen to my prayer, O Jehovah, God of Israel… hear the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today! 29 May Your eyes watch over this [Temple] both day and night, for it’s the place where You said that You would put Your Name.
‘From Your home in the heavens, please listen to the prayers that Your servants will pray in this place both day and night, 30 and provide the things that Your servant and all Your people Israel will ask for when they pray here… answer them and provide! 31 And if they should sin against their neighbors and take an oath to curse them, and then come and openly declare such a thing before Your Altar in this [Temple], 32 may You listen from the heavens and act… judge Your people Israel! Declare the lawless one lawlessness, and bring his [evil] ways upon his own head, but give justice to the righteous… treat the righteous with righteousness!
33 ‘And when Your people Israel sin against You, may they fail before their enemies until they return and acknowledge Your Name, and then pray and beg before You in this [Temple]. 34 Then please listen to them from the heavens and forgive the sins of Your people Israel, and return them to this land that You gave to their ancestors.
35 ‘And when You hold back the sky and don’t allow rain to fall because of their sins against You, and then they come to pray in this place and acknowledge Your Name and turn away from their sins after You’ve humbled them; 36 please listen from the heavens and forgive the sins of Your servants… Your people Israel. Show them a better way to act, and then provide rain for this land that You’ve given Your people as their inheritance.
37 ‘And if there should be a famine, a plague, a fire, an infestation of locusts, or a blight [on the crops]; or if an enemy should come against one of our cities (no matter what the event or misery), may all the prayers and supplications of every man be heard, so that You will come to know the pain in their hearts. 38 And whenever a man spreads out his arms in this 39 home that has been prepared for You, may You hear him from the heavens, forgive him, and act. Give each man what he deserves by the way he acts, for only You know what’s in their hearts. You alone know what’s in the hearts of all the sons of men. 40 So, they should fear You all the days of their lives that they spend on this land that You’ve given to our ancestors.
41 ‘And as for the aliens who are not from Your people; 42 when they come to this place that has been prepared as Your home to pray, 43 please listen to them from heaven and do everything that they ask, so all the people on the earth will know Your Name and come to fear You… just as Your people Israel should know that Your Name has been called upon this [Temple] that I built.
44 ‘And if Your people go to war against their enemies, following Your directions, and if they pray in the Name of the Lord in this city that You’ve chosen and in this [Temple] that I’ve built to Your Name, 45 then please listen to their prayers and supplications from heaven, and bring them justice.
46 ‘And when they sin against You (for there is no man who doesn’t sin) and You hand them over to their enemies who take them away as captives into a land that is nearby or far away; 47 and if, in the land where they are, they turn back and start begging for Your [help], saying, We have sinned; We have done wrong; We have acted lawlessly; 48 and they turn back to You with all their hearts and souls, there in the land of their enemies who took them there, and pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their ancestors, and to the city that You’ve chosen, and to the [Temple] that I built to Your Name; 49 then please listen from heaven and from the home that has been prepared for You. 50 Forgive the wrongs that they did when they sinned against You, and the wicked ways in which they disregarded You, and give compassion to the ones who took them as captives, so they will have pity for them. 51 For, they are Your people and Your inheritance. You led them out of the land of Egypt… from the midst of that iron-foundry furnace.
52 ‘May Your eyes and Your ears [always] be open to the cries of Your servants and to the pleas of Your people Israel. Please listen to them, no matter what they call to You for, 53 because You have drawn them and set them apart for Yourself as an inheritance from among all the peoples of the earth, and You spoke to them through Your servant Moses when You led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah.’
Then Solomon spoke concerning the Temple, after he had completed its construction. ‘When He made the sun in the sky, Jehovah said: I will live in a dimly-lit place, so build a new [Temple] for Me to dwell in… and may it be a beautiful place for your sakes. {Look!} Isn’t that what’s written as a song in the scroll?’
54 And after Solomon finished his prayer and his requests to Jehovah, he stood up before the Altar of Jehovah (because he had been kneeling before it), then he raised his arms toward heaven 55 and he blest the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying, 56 ‘Praise Jehovah, for He has brought rest to His people Israel today, just as He promised (among all the many things that He said). For, not a word of the many things He said through His servants has failed to come true.
57 ‘May Jehovah our God be with us, as He has been with our ancestors. May He not abandon us or turn from us. 58 May He move our hearts toward Him, so we will follow in all His ways, and keep the Commandments and orders that He gave to our ancestors. 59 And may the things that I’ve begged for, here before Jehovah our God, come true today. May they be heard by Jehovah our God day and night, and may He always do the right thing for His servant and for His people Israel, day in and day out, 60 so that all the people on the earth will come to know that Jehovah is God, and that there is no other. 61 And may our hearts become perfect to Jehovah our God, and may we follow His orders and keep His Commandments in sacredness, as we are doing today.’
62 Then the king and all the sons of Israel offered sacrifices before Jehovah. 63 King Solomon offered twenty-two thousand oxen and a hundred-and-twenty thousand sheep as a peace offering to Jehovah. Then the king inaugurated the [Temple] of Jehovah before all the sons of Israel.
64 And on that holy day, the king stood in the middle of the courtyard (in front of the Temple of Jehovah) and prepared whole burnt offerings as sacrifices, and he offered the fat of the peace offerings there, because the brass Altar that was before Jehovah was just too small, so it couldn’t handle all the whole burnt-offerings, gift offerings, and peace-offering sacrifices.
65 Then Solomon held a holiday feast that day, and all Israel attended. It was a huge gathering, for people had come from as far as Hamath and the [Nile] River to stand before Jehovah God at the [Temple] that [Solomon] had built. They ate, drank, and rejoiced before Jehovah God for seven days. 66 And on the eighth day, [Solomon] sent the people away, and they offered ages of blessings to the king as they left. So, they all returned to their [homes] rejoicing over all the good things that Jehovah had done for His servant David and for His people Israel.
Chapter 9
1 Well, after Solomon had finished building the Temple of Jehovah, his own palace, and all the other things that he wanted to do, 2 Jehovah appeared to him a second time (as He had appeared in Gibeon). 3 And [God] said to him, ‘I heard what you said in your prayer, and of the things you asked and begged Me for, and I’ve done everything that you asked for in your prayer… I’ve made this [Temple] (which you built to [honor] My Name) holy through the ages, and I will [always] watch over it and keep it in My heart. 4 And if you will continue to follow Me uprightly and with sacredness in your heart, as did your father David, and do everything that I told him by following My orders and Commandments, 5 I will elevate the throne of your kingdom over Israel through the ages, as I promised your father. For I told him, There will always be a man [who is descended from you] to lead Israel.
6 ‘However, if you or your descendants turn away from Me and fail to keep My Commandments and orders that Moses put before you, and then go and serve other gods and bow before them, 7 I will remove Israel from the land that I’ve given to them, and I will turn My face away from this [Temple] that I’ve made holy to My Name. Then Israel will become extinct and a topic of discussion among all the people. 8 And everyone who passes by this lofty [Temple] will be amazed and whistle, asking, Why did Jehovah do such a thing to this land and to this [Temple]? 9 And they will be told, Because they abandoned their God – the God of their ancestors, Jehovah – who led them out of the house of slavery in Egypt. Then they took hold of alien gods, and bowed before them and served them. This is why Jehovah brought all these bad things upon them.’
10 Well, this happened some twenty years after Solomon built the two houses – the [Temple] of Jehovah and the [palace] of the king.
11 Hiram, the king of Tyre, had helped Solomon by providing the cedar and pine boards, [some of] the gold, and everything else [that Solomon asked for]. So, King Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.
12 Well, when Hiram traveled from Tyre to Galilee to look at the cities that Solomon had given him, he wasn’t pleased with them. 13 So, he asked, ‘What kind of cities have you given your brother?’ And from then on, he just referred to them as ‘the borders.’
14 Now, Hiram had sent Solomon four-and-a-half tons of gold 15 that he had plundered, to build the Temple of Jehovah, the king’s palace, the wall around Jerusalem (to fortify the city of David), as well as the cities of MegidDo and GeZer.
16 It was Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) who first took GeZer. He burned it and killed all the CanaAnites who lived in the city, and then he gave it to Solomon as a dowry for his daughter, when she married Solomon.
17 Then Solomon rebuilt GeZer, 18 as well as Lower BethHoron, BaalAth, and Tadmor (which is in the desert). 19 He also built many other fortified cities, as well as forts for his chariots and cavalry, and he had many other construction projects in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout all the land that he ruled.
20 However, the Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, CanaAnites, Hivites, Jebusites, and Gergesites (all those who weren’t sons of Israel) 21 and their children remained in the land, because the sons of Israel weren’t able to wipe them out. So, Solomon has made them pay a tribute down to this day. 22 And many of these non-Israelites served Solomon as soldiers and as lieutenants over his chariots and cavalry. 23 Many were also put in charge over Solomon’s construction projects (some five hundred-and-fifty of them) and they were over the people who were doing the work.
24 Now, the daughter of Pharaoh left the city of David and she went to live in the house that Solomon had built for her. Then he built MilLo.
25 Well, three times each year, Solomon sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings on the Altar that he’d built to Jehovah. He also burned incense on it, there before Jehovah, until he finished the Temple.
26 Then King Solomon built a ship in GeBer (which is next to the seaport of ElAth on the border of Edom). 27 And Hiram sent some of his servants who were mariners and knew the sea, to do the rowing… in order to help the servants of Solomon. 28 Then they [attacked] SopheRam and brought back gold to King Solomon – some sixteen tons of it.
Chapter 10
1 Well, the Queen of Sheba had heard of Solomon’s fame and of the Name Jehovah, so she came to test him with problems.
2 When she came to Jerusalem, she brought a very large contingent [of servants], as well as camels that were carrying spices, a huge amount of gold, and many valuable gems. So, she went to King Solomon and spoke to him about all the things that were in her heart. 3 Then Solomon answered all her questions… he didn’t overlook a thing, but explained everything to her. 4 And when the Queen of Sheba saw how knowledgeable Solomon was, the palace that he had built, 5 all the food that he had, the way his servants were assigned, the jobs that his officials were given, how they were dressed, as well as his wine servers, and the whole burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah, she was beside herself.
6 Then she said to King Solomon, ‘Everything that I’ve heard about you in my land and about your knowledge is true. 7 I came here because I didn’t believe the things that I was being told; but now I find that it’s all beyond what was reported in my land. 8 Why, your wives and servants are blest to be able to stand before you all the time and listen to your wisdom. 9 And Jehovah your God, who chose you and put you on the throne of Israel, must love Israel and [plan to] watch over it through the ages, to set you as king over them and righteously hear and judge their cases.’
10 Then she gave Solomon a ton-and-a-half of gold, a huge amount of spices, and many precious gems. Never before had anyone brought so many spices as those that the Queen of Sheba brought to King Solomon.
11 Then Hiram sent a ship carrying gold from Ophir, as well as cut lumber and valuable stones. 12 The king used the timber as supports for the Temple of Jehovah and the king’s palace, as well as for stringed instruments and lutes for the musicians. Never before had such wood been seen in the land (or anywhere else, for that matter).
13 Then King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba everything she asked for and desired… in addition to all the other gifts that King Solomon gave her. So, she returned to her land with all her servants.
14 And the weight of the gold that came to Solomon that year was thirty-two tons, 15 which didn’t include the tributes that the people or the merchants brought, or that which was brought by kings on the other side of the Jordan, or from the governors of the land.
16 Then King Solomon had three hundred spears made from hammered gold, each of which was made from six hundred gold coins. 17 And he had three hundred small shields made of hammered gold, each of which was made from three large gold coins. Then the king had them mounted in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 Thereafter, the king had a huge throne made from ivory that was covered with pure gold, 19 and there were six stairs up to the throne. On the upper part of the throne there were calves on the backside. There were also handrails on each side, with [carved] lions standing beside them, 20 twelve on both sides next to the stairs. There was never anything like it in the kingdom before.
21 Then all the [dishes, cups, and bowls] that were used by Solomon were completely made of gold, as were the bathtubs and vases in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Nothing there was made of silver, because it was too common in the days of Solomon.
22 Solomon also owned a ship that sailed the sea from Tharsis, along with the ships of Hiram. And once every three years, the ship brought gold, silver, and cut gems for the king. 23 So, Solomon became greater than all the other kings of the earth in both wealth and in intelligence; 24 and all the kings of the earth came to Solomon to hear the wisdom that Jehovah had put into his heart. 25 And each one brought gifts of silver, gold, clothing, balsam, spices, horses, and mules each year.
26 Solomon also obtained chariots and horsemen. He had a thousand, four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he kept in forts throughout the land and with himself in Jerusalem.
27 The king’s silver was as common as stones in Jerusalem, and his cedars were as common as trees in the plains.
28 Solomon bought his horses from Egypt and Kue, where the king’s merchants took items to barter. 29 He also bought chariots from Egypt, for which he paid six-hundred silver coins each, and a hundred-and-fifty silver coins for each horse. Then he sold them to the kings of the Hittites and Syria, but they had to come to him in order to pick them up.
Chapter 11
1 King Solomon very fond of women, so he took several foreigners as wives, such as the daughter of Pharaoh, as well as Moabites, Ammonites, Idumeans, Sidonians, and Hittites… 2 which Jehovah had forbidden the sons of Israel to do. He told them, ‘You must not [marry] them, and they must not come to you, for they will turn your hearts [toward serving] their idols.’
However, Solomon [was a slave] to love, 3 so before long he had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, and these foreign wives changed his heart. 4 Soon Solomon’s wives turned his heart to worshiping other gods, so his heart was no longer perfect toward Jehovah his God, as was the heart of his father David. 5 For, Solomon started serving Astarte (the god of the Sidonians), and Malcolm (the disgusting thing of the Ammonites). 6 So, Solomon started doing evil things before Jehovah, and he was no longer a follower of Jehovah, as was David his father.
7 Then Solomon built a high place to Camus, the idol of Moab, and to Malcolm, the idol of the sons of Ammon, on the mountain across from Jerusalem. 8 And all his foreign wives were doing the same thing… burning incense and sacrificing to their idols. 9 And of course, this made Jehovah very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned from Jehovah the God of Israel, who had appeared before him twice 10 after he had been plainly told not to serve other gods, and to be careful to do everything that Jehovah God told him.
11 So, Jehovah said to Solomon: ‘Because you’ve done these things, and you haven’t followed My Commandments or instructions that I gave you, I will take your kingdom out of your hand, rip it up, and give it to your servant. 12 However, I won’t do this during your lifetime [out of respect for] David your father. Rather, I will take it from the hands of your son. 13 I won’t take the whole kingdom; I’ll leave your son as chief over part of it, because of David My servant, and because of Jerusalem, the city that I’ve chosen.’
14 So Jehovah sent an enemy against Solomon, Ader the Idumean (from the kingdom of Idumea). 15 For, when David wiped out Edom, and his General JoAb went to bury the dead, he also cut down the men of Idumea. 16 Then JoAb stayed in Idumea for the next six months. And although JoAb had destroyed all the men there, 17 Ader (who was just a small boy then) got away, along with many of his father’s servants, and they went to Egypt. 18 And when the men of Midian attacked Pharan, the [people there] also joined with him when he went to Pharaoh (the king of Egypt).
19 Now, when Ader went to Pharaoh, he was given a house, food, and some land, because he was well liked by Pharaoh. He also gave him his sister-in-law as a wife (the sister of Thekemina the elder), 20 and she gave birth to GaneBath, who [Queen] Thekemina raised in her house as one of the sons of Pharaoh.
21 Now, when Ader got word in Egypt that David had gone to sleep with his ancestors, and that JoAb (the commander of the army) had been killed, Ader said to Pharaoh: ‘Allow me to return to my country.’
22 And Pharaoh asked him, ‘What have I failed to give you, so that you now wish to return to your country?’
And Ader replied, ‘Not one thing! But now, please send me away.’
23 Jehovah had also raised another enemy against [Solomon]; Rezon (the son of EliAdah), who had run away from his master HadadEzer, the king of Zobah. 24 He then gathered an army and became the ruler of a confederation that captured Damascus, where he settled and started ruling, 25 and where he remained an enemy to Israel during all the days of Solomon.
Now, this is the bad thing that Ader did against Israel: He started ruling in the land of Edom.
26 Then one of Solomon’s servants, JeroBoam (the son of Nabat the Ephrathite from SariRa), whose mother was widowed, 27 rebelled against King Solomon. This was after King Solomon had built the Akra and 28 after he had completed the outer barrier around the city of his father David.
28 Now, JeroBoam was a mighty man, and when Solomon noticed that this young man was someone who could get things done, he put him in charge of the tributes from the house of Joseph. 29 But one day, as JeroBoam was coming from Jerusalem, he met the Prophet AhiJah the Selonite, who stopped him along the road to talk to him.
Well, AhiJah was wearing a new cape, and they were alone there in the plain. 30 Then AhiJah took off the cape that he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 And he said to JeroBoam, ‘Take ten of these pieces for yourself, because this is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: {Look!} I’m tearing the kingdom out of the hands of Solomon and giving you ten of its [tribes]. 32 However, two of the [tribes] will remain his, because of My servant David, and on account of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel.
33 ‘[I’m doing this] because [Solomon] has abandoned Me and is now making offerings to Astarte, the disgusting thing of the Sidonians, to Camus, the idol of Moab, and to their king, the loathsome thing of the sons of Ammon. He is no longer walking in My ways or doing the right things before Me as did his father David. 34 I’m not going to remove the kingdom from him entirely, but I will oppose him all the days of his life. It was only because of My servant David that I chose him. 35 But now I’m going to take the kingdom from the hands of his son and give ten of the [tribes] to you. 36 I will give his son two [tribes], so that a descendant of My servant David will always stand before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I’ve chosen to put My Name.
37 ‘Now, you may take and rule over whatever your soul desires, and you’ll be the king over Israel. 38 And if you’ll watch over all that I’m putting you in charge of, walk in My ways, always do the right things before Me and follow My orders and Commandments (as My servant David did), then I will build you a house that is as sure as the one that I built for David. 39 I’m giving you Israel, and I will mistreat the seed of David because of these things… but not during the lifetime of JeroBoam.’
40 Thereafter, Solomon looked for ways to kill JeroBoam, but he got up and ran away to Egypt, to SusAkim the king of Egypt, and he stayed there until Solomon died.
41 Now, the rest of the words of Solomon – all the many things [he said] and did, and all his wisdom – {Look!} have been written about in the scroll of the sayings of Solomon. 42 So, Solomon reigned over all Israel from Jerusalem for forty years, 43 and then he went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David his father. 44 So, his son RehoBoam started reigning in his place.
Chapter 12
1 Well, King RehoBoam went to Shechem, because all Israel had gone there to coronate him, 2 and JeroBoam (the son of Nabat) heard about it. However he was still in Egypt, where he had settled after having to run from Solomon. 3 But the people of Israel called for him and JeroBoam came to them. For, the people had spoken to King RehoBoam, and said: 4 ‘Your father oppressed us and kept our necks in a yolk. So now, lighten the load of our service to you. For, your father was a hard taskmaster and he kept us under a heavy load… and then we will serve you!’
5 And he replied, ‘Give me three days [to think about it]!’ So, they left.
6 Then King RehoBoam went to the elders who used to stand before his father Solomon (while he was still living), and said, ‘Give me your advice. Tell me; what should I say to the people?’
7 And they told him, ‘If you wish to serve [as king] to these people today, do as they ask and they will always be your servants.’
8 However, he chose not to listen to the advice that the elders had given him, and he took the advice of some young men who he was raised with, and who he had selected as his advisors. 9 For when he asked them, ‘What do you advise me to say to these people who came to me and told me to lighten the neck-yolk that my father put on them,’ 10 the young men that had been brought up with him said, ‘Tell those people who said that your father had put a heavy yoke on them and that you should lighten it, My thinnest part is thicker than the hips of my father. 11 And although my father saddled you to a heavy yoke, I will add more weight to it. And although my father disciplined you with whips, I will discipline you with scorpions.’
12 So, when all Israel came before King RehoBoam on the third day (for the king of Israel told them, ‘Return to me on the third day’), 13 the king spoke harshly to them and chose not to follow the advice that the elders had given him. 14 Rather, he said what his young men told him to say: ‘My father oppressed you with a neck yolk, and I will add to it. And my father disciplined you with whips, so I will discipline you with scorpions.’
15 Well, the king just wouldn’t listen to the people, because Jehovah had moved his heart so that what He had said through the Prophet AhiJah the Selonite concerning JeroBoam (the son of Nabat) would come true.
16 Now, all Israel knew that the king wasn’t listening to them. So they replied to him: ‘What do we owe David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. O Israel, run to you tents… now! Let the house of David do its own grazing!’
And with that, all Israel returned to their tents, 17 and RehoBoam only ruled over the sons of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 18 For, when the king sent AdoniRam to collect the tribute, all Israel stoned him to death… and King RehoBoam had to get on his chariot and flee to Jerusalem. 19 So from that day on, Israel annulled its allegiance to the house of David.
20 And when [the people of] Israel heard that JeroBoam had returned from Egypt, they called him to come to a meeting and gave him the rulership over Israel. And after that, they never again followed the house of David… only the tribes of Judah and BenJamin did so.
21 Well, after RehoBoam got back to Jerusalem, he held a meeting with the gathering of Judah and the tribe of BenJamin – a hundred-and-twenty thousand young warriors – to discuss going to war against the house of Israel, in order to return them to the kingdom of RehoBoam, the son of Solomon. 22 However, Jehovah sent word through His servant ShemaiJah, who was told, 23 ‘Speak to RehoBoam (the son of Solomon) the king of Judah, and to the house of Judah, BenJamin, and the rest of the people, and tell them that 24 this is what Jehovah says: You must not go to war against your brothers, the sons of Israel. Return to your homes, because I have caused this to happen.’
So, they paid attention to words of Jehovah, because they didn’t want to oppose what He said.
25 Thereafter, JeroBoam built Shechem in the hills of EphraIm and ruled from there, and then he built PenuEl. 26 Then JeroBoam said in his heart, ‘{Look!} I will [not] return the kingdom to the house of David. 27 And if these people go to offer sacrifices in the [Temple] of Jehovah in Jerusalem, they will soon turn their hearts toward Jehovah and to RehoBoam, the king of Judah. Then they’ll kill me.’
28 So the king held a meeting, and he had two gold heifers made. Then he said to the people: ‘I don’t want you going up to Jerusalem anymore. Look, here are your gods that led you out of the land of Egypt, O Israel!’
29 So, he put one [of the idols] in BethEl, and the other in Dan. 30 And because of this sin, the people started worshiping the one that he put in Dan, and they no longer went to the Temple of Jehovah.
31 Then the king had temples made on hilltops, and he appointed priests from among all the people (who weren’t of the sons of Levi). 32 JeroBoam also turned the fifteenth day of the eighth month into a holiday (the same as in the land of Judah). Then he went to BethEl… he went up to the altar that he made there to sacrifice heifers; and there in BethEl, he assigned the priests of the high places that he had made.
33 It was on the fifteenth day of the eighth month (which was the holiday that he created in his own heart for the sons of Israel) that he went up to the altar that he made and offered sacrifices there.
Chapter 13
1 And {Look!} a man of God came to BethEl from Judah, with a message from Jehovah. He got up on the sacrificial altar there 2 and called out the words of Jehovah. He said: ‘O altar; O altar; this is what Jehovah has said: {Look!} A son has been born in the house of David, JosiJah is his name, and he will sacrifice the priests of the high places upon you – those who are offering sacrifices upon you – and he will burn their bones upon you.’
3 Then he performed a miracle; he said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: {Look!} The altar has been ripped, and all the fat that was put on it is being spilled!’ 4 And when King JeroBoam heard what the man of God said upon the altar in BethEl, he reached toward the altar and shouted, ‘Seize him!’ But as he said that, the hand that he stuck out withered, and he wasn’t able to draw it back. 5 Then the altar miraculously cracked and spilled all the fat that had been placed there, just as the man of God told them that Jehovah had said.
6 Then King JeroBoam said to the man of God: ‘Go before the face of Jehovah your God and beg Him to return my hand to me!’
So the man of God [spoke to] the face of Jehovah, and the king’s hand returned to him and became as it was before. 7 Then the king said to the man of God: ‘Come with me to my palace and dine with me, and I’ll give you a gift.’
8 But the man of God said to the king, ‘Even if you were to give me half of everything that’s [in] your palace, I wouldn’t go with you. Nor would I eat food or drink water in this place. 9 For, this is what Jehovah told me: Don’t eat bread, don’t drink water, and don’t return by the same way you came.’
10 Then he left BethEl and turned toward home by another route.
11 Well, there was a prophet who lived in BethEl who was an older man. And when his sons came to him and told him everything that the man of God had done that day in BethEl, and of the words that he had spoken to the king, the face of their father changed. 12 And he asked them, ‘Which way did he go?’
So, his sons pointed out the way that the man of God was traveling toward Judah, 13 and he said to his sons, ‘Saddle my burro for me!’
14 So they saddled his burro and he mounted it, then he went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak tree. And he asked, ‘Are you the man of God who came from Judah?’
And he replied, ‘I am.’
15 And [the prophet] said, ‘Come with me and have something to eat.’
16 But [the man of God] replied, ‘There’s no way that I can come with you; nor may I eat bread or drink water in this place. 17 For, Jehovah told me, You must not eat any bread or drink any water there; and you must not return by the same way you came.’
18 However he replied, ‘But I’m a prophet like you, and a messenger [of God] told me these words from Jehovah… he said, Take him back to your house and give him some food and water!’ (However, he was lying).
19 So, [the man of God] went back with him and he ate bread and drank water there in [the prophet’s] house. 20 But as they were sitting down at the table, the word of Jehovah came to the prophet who did the inviting, 21 so he said to the man of God who had come from Judah, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Because you disobeyed the instructions of Jehovah and you didn’t do as you were commanded by Jehovah your God 22 (by returning to eat bread and drink water in this place where He told you not to eat any bread or drink any water), there’s no way that your body will be buried with your ancestors.’
23 And that’s what happened. For, after he ate bread, drank water, and saddled his burro for the return, 24 he was found along the road, killed by a lion. His body was just lying there in the road with the burro standing next to it, and there was the lion nearby. 25 Well, when some men came along the road and found the body starting to decay, they pushed it off the road, and the lion returned to it.
Then they went back and reported the matter in the city where the elderly prophet lived. 26 And when the prophet heard what had happened to the man of God along the road, he said, ‘This is what happens to those who rebel against the word of Jehovah. For, it was Jehovah who sent the lion… it attacked him and killed him, just as Jehovah foretold.’
27 Then he spoke to his sons and said, ‘Saddle my burro for me!’
So they saddled it, 28 and he went and found the body that had been tossed alongside the road… and the burro… and there was the lion standing by the body. However, the lion hadn’t eaten the body of the man of God, nor had it attacked his burro. 29 So the prophet picked up the body, placed it on his burro, and carried it back to his city to bury him. 30 Then he put the body in his own tomb, and [the people] beat their chests over him, saying, ‘Woe, O brother!’
31 And after beating their chests over him, the prophet said to his sons, ‘When I die, I want you to bury me in this tomb where we’ve put this man of God. Put me next to his bones, so that my bones will be preserved along with his bones. 32 For, Jehovah used him to speak against the altar in BethEl, and against the temples on the hilltops in Samaria.’
33 However, what [the man of God] had said to JeroBoam didn’t turn him from his evil ways. For, he went and appointed any man who wanted the position to be a priest in the high places, and the posts were filled by anyone he chose. 34 This was the sin that brought the house of JeroBoam ruin and extinction from the face of the earth.
Chapter 14
1 Well, after some time, AbiJah (JeroBoam’s son) became ill. 2 So, JeroBoam said to his wife: ‘Get up and make yourself up so people won’t recognize you as my wife, then go to Shiloh and look for AhiJah the Prophet, because he’s the one who first spoke to me about ruling over these people. 3 Carry along some bread for this man of God, and some small cakes for his children, as well as some raisins and a jar of honey. Go to him and have him tell you what will happen to our child.’
4 So, the wife of JeroBoam did as he said. She got up and went to Shiloh, and then she went to the house of AhiJah.
Now, the man was too old to see well, for because of his old age [he had developed cataracts]. 5 But Jehovah said to AhiJah, ‘Look, the wife of JeroBoam is coming to you to ask about her son, because he’s very ill, and this is what you should say to her…’
6 So, when she got there (although she couldn’t be recognized), AhiJah heard the sound of her feet coming up his entryway, and he said, ‘Come on in, you wife of JeroBoam. Why are coming as a stranger?’
Then he said, ‘I have a harsh message for you. 7 Return to JeroBoam and tell him that this is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: I’m the one who elevated you from the midst of your people and appointed you over the people of Israel. 8 I tore the crown from the house of David and gave it to you. Yet, you haven’t become like My servant David, who kept My Commandments and followed after me with his whole heart, doing what was right in My eyes. 9 Rather, you’ve acted wickedly in everything that’s before you, and you’ve gone and made other gods and molded images to anger Me… you pushed Me aside!
10 ‘And because of this, {Look!} I’m bringing evil against the house of JeroBoam. I will destroy all those of JeroBoam who urinate against a wall… those who are now in Israel and those who are yet to come… they will be treated like manure! 11 Those of JeroBoam who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and the flying creatures of the sky will eat those who die in the fields.
‘This is what Jehovah said. 12 So now, get up and go back home! And as your feet are entering your city, your child will die. 13 Then [his body] will be put in a tomb and all Israel will mourn for him. For, he’s the only one of JeroBoam’s [children] who will be put in a tomb, because he’s the only one in the house of JeroBoam who [would have] said something good about Jehovah, the God of Israel.
14 ‘And today – in fact, NOW – Jehovah will raise a king for Himself over Israel who will cut down the house of JeroBoam. 15 For, Jehovah will strike Israel as someone stirs a reed in the water. He will pluck Israel from the good land that He gave their ancestors and toss them to the other side of the river, because of all the sacred poles they erected to anger Jehovah.’
16 And that’s how Jehovah showed His [dis]favor to Israel because of the sins of JeroBoam. For, he had not only sinned, he’d also led Israel into sin.
17 So, JeroBoam’s wife got up and returned to SariRa, and as she stepped onto the threshold of her house, her child died. 18 Then they buried [his body] in a tomb and all Israel mourned for him, just as Jehovah said they would through His servant AhiJah the Prophet.
19 Now, all the other things that JeroBoam did (the wars he fought and the things he said during his reign) are written about in the words of the scroll of the lives of the kings of Israel.
20 JeroBoam reigned for twenty-two years, then he went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son NaDab started ruling in his place.
21 At the time, RehoBoam (the son of Solomon) was reigning over Judah. He was forty-one years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem (the city where Jehovah chose to put His Name for all the tribes of Israel) for seven years. His mother’s name was NaAma, and she was an Ammonite.
22 During this time, Judah was also acting wickedly before Jehovah, and they were making Him jealous by all the things they were doing, as did their ancestors when they sinned. 23 The [people] were building high places [of worship] for themselves, and erecting monuments and sacred poles on every high hill and under every shade tree. 24 They got together throughout the land and started doing all the disgusting things that the nations, which Jehovah had removed from before the sons of Israel, had been doing.
25 So, in the fifth year of the reign of RehoBoam, the king of Egypt came against Jerusalem 26 and took all the treasures of the Temple of Jehovah, and all the treasures of the king’s palace. He took the gold spears (which David took from the children of AdraZar, the king of Suba) and carried them [from] Jerusalem. He took everything! He even took the gold shields that Solomon had made, and carried them all to Egypt.
27 Then King RehoBoam had some shields made of brass to replace [the gold shields], and they were set in place by the captains of his bodyguards (those who guarded the king’s palace). 28 And one day, while the king was in the Temple of Jehovah, the bodyguards took them down and mounted them in their own barracks.
29 All the rest of the things that RehoBoam said and did are written about in the scroll of the words and days of the kings of Judah. 30 And during the entire time, there was war between RehoBoam and JeroBoam. 31 Then RehoBoam went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb of his fathers, in the city of David. Then his son AbiJah started ruling in place of him.
Chapter 15
1 And in the eighteenth year of the reign of JeroBoam (the son NaBat), AbiJah (the son of RehoBoam) started ruling over Judah. 2 He reigned in Jerusalem for just three years. His mother’s name was MaAcha, and she was the daughter of AbSalom. 3 However, he followed in the sins that his father had committed before him, and his heart wasn’t perfect toward Jehovah his God, as was the heart of his grandfather David. 4 But because of David, Jehovah God gave him the right to establish his line as [the future kings] in Jerusalem. 5 This is because David did the right thing before Jehovah and didn’t turn away from all that he was told to do during his lifetime 6 (except in the matter of UriJah the Hittite). 7 And the rest of the things that AbiJah said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah.
Now, there was always a state of war between AbiJah and JeroBoam. 8 But then AbiJah went to sleep with his ancestors in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of JeroBoam, and he was buried in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David.
After him, his son Asa started ruling as king over Judah. 9 That was in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of JeroBoam, the king of Israel. 10 He then reigned in Jerusalem for forty-one years. The name of his mother Ana, and she was also a daughter of AbSalom.
11 Now, Asa did what was right before Jehovah, as did his ancestor David. 12 For he removed all the mystic rites from the land, and drove out all the bad practices that his fathers had established. 13 He also removed his mother Ana, after she held a meeting in her field of sacred poles, because she was trying to seize power. So, Asa cut off her retreat and burned [her followers] in a fire next to the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi. 14 And, although he failed to remove the high places of worship, the heart of Asa was perfect toward Jehovah all the days of his life. 15 For, Asa returned the huge columns of silver and gold to the Temple of Jehovah, as well as its silver and gold utensils.
16 And there was war between Asa and BaAsha (the king of Israel) for as long as they both lived. 17 BaAsha had attacked Judah and built Rama there to cut off Asa, the king of Judah. 18 But then Asa took all the silver and gold that he found in the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah and in the treasuries of the palace of the king, and entrusted them to his servants. Then King Asa had the treasures sent to BenHader, who was the son of TaberEma, the king of Syria, who lived in Damascus. 19 He said, ‘May there be a treaty between you and me, and between your father and my father. {Look!} I’ve sent you gifts of silver and gold. So now, come and end your treaty with BaAsha, the king of Israel, and drive him away from me!’
20 Well, BenHader sent his officials and an army to King Asa, and they attacked Ain in Dan, AbelMa and the house of MaAcah, and all of ChenNereth into the land of NaphTali. 21 And when BaAsha heard of it, he stopped building Rama and returned to TirZah.
22 Then King Asa gave instructions to the army of Judah to make sure to tear down each and every stone of Rama, and all its building timbers. Then King Asa had it all taken to the hills of BenJamin, where he built a high fortification and a lookout post.
23 All the rest of the words and deeds of Asa and his kingdom, and of the cities that he built {Look!} are written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. However, in his old age he developed pain in his feet, 24 and then Asa went to sleep with his ancestors and was buried in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David. Then his son JehoShaphat started ruling in place of him.
25 Now, NaDab (the son of JeroBoam) had started ruling in Israel in the second year of Asa (the king of Judah). He only reigned in Israel for two years, 26 for he also acted wickedly before Jehovah and he followed in the steps of his father, committing the same sins and leading Israel into sin. 27 Then BaAsha (the son of AhiJah) laid siege against him [because of what he had done to] the house of BelaAn (the son of AhiJah), and he cut him down at the Philistine city of GabAthon… for Nabat and [the army of] Israel were then besieging GabAthon. 28 So, BaAsha killed him in the third year of the reign of Asa (the son of AbiJah) the king of Judah, and then BaAsha became the ruler [of Israel].
29 Well, during BaAsha’s reign, he killed the entire house of JeroBoam. He didn’t leave anyone alive, but killed them all, just as Jehovah had said through His servant AhiJah the Selonite 30 (because of the sins of JeroBoam in leading Israel into sin, and provoking the anger of Jehovah, the God of Israel). 31 All the rest of the things that NaDab said and did {Look!} are written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel.
32 Well, there was war between Asa and BaAsha (the king of Israel) for as long as they both lived. 33 It was in the third year of the reign of Asa (the king of Judah) that BaAsha (the son of AhiJah) started ruling over Israel from TirZah. Then he reigned for twenty-four years, and he also acted wickedly before Jehovah, for he followed in the footsteps of JeroBoam (the son Nabat) by sinning and leading Israel into sin.
Chapter 16
1 Then Jehovah sent word to BaAsha by Jehu (the son of AnaNi), saying, 2 ‘Because I have raised you over the land and given you the lead over My people Israel, but you have chosen to follow in way of JeroBoam and led My people Israel into sin and provoked Me to anger with their foolishness, 3 {Look!} I’m arousing enemies against BaAsha and his house. So, I’m going to do to your house as I did to the house of JeroBoam (the son of Nabat)… 4 for when [the family] of BaAsha die in the city, dogs will eat them; and when they die in the fields, they will be eaten by the flying creatures of the sky.’
5 Well, the rest of the things that BaAsha said and did, and the areas of his conquests {Look!} have been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel. 6 Then BaAsha went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in TirZah, and his son ElAh started reigning after him. 7 For, Jehovah had sent a proclamation against BaAsha and his house through Jehu (the son AnaNi), because of all the bad things he did before Jehovah. The things he was doing made Jehovah very angry, so BaAsha’s house would become like the house of JeroBoam, who he had slaughtered.
8 Well, in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of Asa (the king of Judah), after ElAh (BaAsa’s son) had been ruling over Israel for two years in TirZah, 9 ElAh’s servants got together with Zimri (the captain of half his cavalry) and plotted a takeover. And it was while he was in TirZah drinking and getting drunk in the house of Osa (the Mayor of TirZah), 10 that Zimri went in and stabbed him to death, and then he became the ruler [of Israel].
11 Then after he took over, he killed the entire house of BaAsha… he didn’t leave anyone who could urinate against a wall alive, including his friends and relatives. 12 So, Zimri wiped out the whole house of BaAsha, just as Jehovah had foretold through the Prophet Jehu. 13 He did this because of all the sins of BaAsha and his son ElAh, who had made Jehovah the God of Israel angry by leading Israel into sin with all his foolishness.
14 The rest of the things that ElAh said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel.
15 Well, Zimri only ruled in TirZah for seven days. For at the time, the army of Israel was camped at the Philistine city of GabAthon. 16 And when the people in the camp heard how Zimri had rebelled and killed their king, they appointed Omri (the head of the army Israel) to be the king that day, there in the camp.
17 So, Omri ascended to the throne, and all Israel met with him at GabAthon, then they went and besieged TirZah.
18 Now, when Zimri realized that his city was lost, he went inside the king’s palace and set it on fire, burning it down around him, killing him. 19 This happened because of all the sins that Zimri had committed. For, he also acted wickedly before Jehovah, and followed in the ways of JeroBoam (the son of Nabat), committing the same sins and leading Israel into sin.
20 The rest of the story of Zimri and of the people who supported him {Look!} has been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel.
21 Thereafter, there was a split in the people of Israel, for half of them started following TibNi (the son of GoNath), and they wanted him to be their king, but the other half followed Omri. 22 However, the people who followed Omri won out over the followers of TibNi. Then TibNi died, leaving his brother JoRam.
So, Omri was the only remaining ruler, 23 and this happened in the thirty-first year of the reign of king Asa. Omri reigned over Israel for twelve years, six of which were from TirZah. 24 Then he acquired Mount SemerOn from Semer (who owned the mountain) for a hundred-and-fifty pounds of silver. And there he built [his city], which he named Semer, after the man who had owned SemerOn.
25 Well, Omri also acted wickedly before Jehovah. In fact, he was worse than all those who came before him. 26 He followed in the ways of JeroBoam (the son of Nabat), and committed all his sins by leading Israel into foolishness and sin, which made Jehovah the God of Israel very angry.
27 The rest of the things that Omri said and did, and the areas of his rulership {Look!} have been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel. 28 Then Omri went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria. So his son Ahab started ruling after him.
Now, in the eleventh year of the reign of Omri, 28 JehoShaphat (the son of Asa) started ruling when he was thirty-five years old, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. 29 And it was during the second year of the reign of JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) that Ahab (the son of Omri) started his rule. He reigned over Israel from Samaria for twenty-two years. 30 And he also acted wickedly before Jehovah… even wickeder than all who had gone before him. 31 For, the sins of JeroBoam (the son of Nabat) weren’t bad enough for him.
Then he took a wife, JezeBel (the daughter of JetheBaal, the king of the Sidonians), and he went and started serving Baal, bowing before him. 32 He also erected an altar to Baal in the disgusting temple that he had built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab also set up fields of sacred poles, doing everything he could to anger Jehovah the God of Israel, and to bring his own destruction. 33 He was worse than all the kings of Israel who came before him.
34 And it was during his reign that AchiEl the BethElite rebuilt Jericho, with the loss of his first-born son AbiRon, for laying its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son Segub, for erecting its gates, just as Jehovah had said through JoShua (the son of NaWeh).
Chapter 17
1 Then the Prophet EliJah (the Tishbite from Tishbon of Gilead) went to Ahab and said: ‘As Jehovah the Almighty God – the God of Israel before whom I stand – lives, there won’t be any dew or rain in the land for years unless I call for it.’
2 And then Jehovah told EliJah: 3 ‘Leave here and head east! Hide near the HorRath Wadi, where it empties into the Jordan. 4 You will drink your water from the wadi, and I’ll send crows to feed you there!’
5 So EliJah did what Jehovah said; he settled by the HorRath Wadi near the Jordan, 6 and crows brought him bread loaves in the morning and meat in the afternoon. Also, he drank water from the wadi. 7 However, before long, the wadi dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 8 So then, Jehovah told EliJah: 9 ‘Get up and go to the Sidonian [city of] SarEpta. {Look!} I’ve instructed a widow woman there to feed you.’
10 So, he got up and went to SarEpta, and as he neared the city gate, {Look!} he saw a widow woman collecting wood. Then EliJah called out to her and said, ‘Take a little water from your jar and give me something to drink!’
11 However, she just started carrying [her wood] inside. Then EliJah shouted after her, ‘Hand me a little bit of your bread to eat!”
12 And the woman said, ‘As Jehovah your God lives; what good is a cake that is baked in hot ashes? All I have is just a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a pitcher. And look! Here I’ve collected two sticks, so I can go home and cook it for my children and myself… then we can eat it and die.’
13 But EliJah said, ‘Don’t get discouraged; just go on ahead and do what you said you’re going to do, but bake a small loaf and bring it to me first. Then afterward, you and your children may eat. 14 For, this is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: The jar of flour will not fail, nor will the pitcher of olive oil, until the day comes which Jehovah has appointed for rain to fall upon the ground.’
15 So, the woman went and did as EliJah told her… she fed him first, and then she and her children ate. 16 And the jar of flour never became empty, nor did her pitcher of olive oil ever run low, just as Jehovah had told her through EliJah.
17 But then the son of the lady of the house became ill, and he kept getting worse until he finally stopped breathing. 18 And she asked EliJah, ‘What have I done to you, O man of God, that you should be reminded of all my sins and kill my son?’
19 And EliJah said to the woman, ‘Bring your son to me.’
So she picked him up and held him to her breast, then carried him to [EliJah’s] bed in an upstairs room and laid him there. 20 Then EliJah yelled out and said, ‘O Jehovah; You’ve seen how this widow has treated me, so why have You brought evil to kill her son?’
21 Then he breathed into the boy’s [mouth] three times, and he called to Jehovah saying: ‘O my God; give the boy’s life back to him.’
22 And that’s what happened. Suddenly the boy shouted! 23 Then he led him downstairs and gave him to his mother. And EliJah said, ‘See, your son is alive!’
24 And the woman said to EliJah, ‘Now I know that you’re a man of God, and that the words of Jehovah that come from your mouth are true.’
Chapter 18
1 After three years, Jehovah came to EliJah and said, ‘Go and speak to Ahab, for I’m going to allow rain to fall on the land again!’
2 So, EliJah went to appear before Ahab. But by then there was a severe famine in Samaria.
3 However, Ahab called for AbDiu (his man in charge), who was extremely afraid of Jehovah. 4 For, when JezeBel had many of the Prophets of Jehovah killed, he gathered a hundred of them and hid them in two caves in groups of fifties; then he sent them food and water.
5 Anyhow, Ahab said to AbDiu, ‘Come, let’s travel throughout the land and search all the streams and springs to see if we can find a pasture with water to keep all the horses and mules alive, for they will die in their stalls!’
6 Then they parted company along the road, with Ahab going one way and AbDiu going the other way.
7 Well, AbDiu was by himself when EliJah reached him. And AbDiu ran and fell to his face and said, ‘Are you my master EliJah?
8 And EliJah said, ‘I am; so go tell your master that EliJah is here!’
9 Then AbDiu asked, ‘What has your servant done that you would hand me over to Ahab, for he would kill me! As Jehovah your God lives, there isn’t a nation or kingdom where my master hasn’t searched for you. 10 And when they said you weren’t there, he burned the kingdom and its cities when he couldn’t find you. 11 So, now you just want me to go and tell my master that EliJah is here? 12 What if, after I leave you, Jehovah sends a wind that picks you up and carries you into an unknown land? Then, if I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you here, he’ll kill me!
‘Now, your servant has feared Jehovah since his youth. 13 And perhaps you haven’t been told, my master, what I did when JezeBel killed the Prophets of Jehovah… I took a hundred of them and hid them in caves in groups of fifties. Then I fed them with bread loaves and water. 14 But now you tell me to just go and tell my master, {Look!} EliJah is here? He’ll kill me!’
15 And EliJah said, ‘As the Almighty Jehovah who stands before me lives, I’m going to appear before him today.’
16 So, AbDiu went to find Ahab, and reported to him. Then Ahab ran to meet with EliJah. 17 And when Ahab saw EliJah, he asked, ‘Are you finally going to [stop bothering] Israel?’
18 And EliJah said, ‘No, I’m not going to [stop bothering] Israel, for you and the house of your fathers have left Jehovah your God, and started following Baal Im. 19 So now, gather all Israel to Mount Carmel, and bring all the Prophets of Baal – all four hundred and fifty of them – and the Prophets of the sacred poles – all four hundred of them who eat at the table of JezeBel!’
20 So, Ahab sent throughout all Israel to call the Prophets to Mount Carmel.
21 Then EliJah stood up in front of everyone and said, ‘How much longer are you going to be lame on both of your hams? If Jehovah is God, then follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!’
Well, no one said a word.
22 Then EliJah said, ‘I’m the only Prophet of Jehovah who is left. But here are four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and four hundred prophets of the sacred poles. 23 So now, have them bring two oxen to us, then let them chose which one they want and cut it up and put it on the altar. Put some wood there, but don’t light the fire. Then I’ll do the same thing to the other ox, and I won’t light the fire. 24 Then you can call to the names of your gods, and I will call upon the Name of Jehovah my God. And whichever one lights the fire truly is God.’
Well, all the people said, ‘What you’ve said is very good!’
25 Then EliJah said to the prophets of shame: ‘Now, choose the calf you want and get it ready, because there are many of you. Then call on the name of your god to light the fire!’
26 So, they took the calf and readied it for offering, and then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, ‘Listen to us, O Baal! Hear us!’ But there was no reply, because no one heard anything. Then they started running around the altar that they’d made.
27 Well, by noon EliJah (the Tishbite) had started making fun of them. He said, ‘Keep shouting! Maybe he’s thinking about it… maybe he’s off handling some business… or maybe he’s sleeping and hasn’t gotten up yet.’
28 Well, they kept shouting and cutting themselves with knives and spears (which was their custom), until they were all running with blood; 29 they kept [acting like] prophets until midday. But after their sacrifice had stayed there until noon without any reply, 30 EliJah said to the people, ‘Now come here to me!’ And all the people came to him.
Then he rebuilt an old altar that had been knocked down. 31 EliJah took twelve stones (which represented the tribes of Israel), just as Jehovah had told him, in this place where Jehovah had once told [Jacob], ‘Israel will be your Name.’ 32 For, these were the stones that [Jacob had] erected in the Name of Jehovah, and it’s the altar of Jehovah (that had been destroyed), which he rebuilt.
Then he built a moat around it that was deep enough to hold two sacks of seeds, and he put wood on the altar that he made. 33 Then he cut up the whole burnt offering and put it on the wood… he piled it all on the altar, and said: ‘Now bring four jars of water and pour them over the offering and the wood!’
34 Then he told them to do it a second time, and they did it again. And he said, ‘Now do it a third time!’ And they did it a third time. 35 And then he filled the moat around the altar with water. 36 And he yelled into the sky and said, ‘O Jehovah, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel; hear me today and send fire, so all these people will know that You are Jehovah the God of Israel, that I’m Your servant, and that the things I’m doing are Your works! 37 Hear me, O Jehovah; send fire so these people will know that You are Jehovah God, and so that the hearts of these people will turn back to You!’
38 Then Jehovah sent fire that fell from the sky, and it consumed the whole burnt offering, the wood, the water in the moat, the stones… and even the dirt around [the altar] was licked up by the fire. 39 Then all the people fell to their faces and said, ‘Truly, Jehovah is God… The God!’
40 And EliJah said to the people, ‘Now, seize all the prophets of Baal… don’t let any of them escape!’ So they grabbed them, and EliJah took them down to the Kishon Wadi and killed them all there.
41 Then Ahab headed back [home] to eat and drink; and EliJah ascended Mount Carmel, where he bowed to the ground with his face between his knees. 42 Then he said to his servant, ‘Climb the mountain and look toward the sea!’
43 So his servant climbed the mountain and looked toward the sea, and he said, ‘I don’t see anything.’
And EliJah said, ‘Then, turn around seven times!’
44 So the servant turned around seven times, and on the seventh time he said, ‘{Look!} A cloud that’s as small as the sole of a man’s foot arose from the water in the sea. And it said, Go to Ahab and say, Get your chariot ready and hurry away, so the rain doesn’t overtake you.’
45 Well, suddenly the sky got dark with clouds, the wind started to blow, and a tremendous rainstorm started. However, as Ahab returned to JezreEl crying, 46 the hand of Jehovah came over EliJah, so he wrapped up his waist, then he ran to JezreEl ahead of Ahab.
Chapter 19
1 Then Ahab told his wife JezeBel (the one who had the Prophets killed with a sword) about everything that EliJah did, 2 and JezeBel sent [a message] to EliJah. She said, ‘May the gods curse me and add to it if by this time tomorrow your life won’t be the same as the lives [of those Prophets I had killed].’
3 Well, this frightened EliJah, so he got up and ran for his life. And when he got to BeerSheba, he left his servant there 4 and traveled along the desert road for a day’s journey, and then [he spent the night] under a broom bush. That’s when he prayed for his life to end. He said, ‘It’s now fitting for You to take my life from me, O Jehovah, for I’m no better than my ancestors!’ 5 And thereafter, he bedded down and slept there under the plant.
Then {Look!} someone touched him and said, ‘Now get up and eat!’ 6 And he looked around and saw a loaf of oat bread that had been baked in ashes lying by his head, and a jar of water. So EliJah got up and ate and drank, then he went back to sleep.
7 But the messenger of Jehovah returned a second time and touched him, and said, ‘Get up and eat! You’ll need this for your long journey.’
8 Then he got up and ate and drank again, and he gained enough strength from the food to last the whole trip of forty days and forty nights to the Dry Mountain (Horeb). 9 And when he got there, he went into a cave to rest. But then {Look!} Jehovah sent word to him. He asked, ‘Why are you here, EliJah?’
10 And EliJah replied, ‘Because of my zeal… because I’m zealous for Jehovah the Almighty. Yet, the sons of Israel have abandoned You… they’ve cut down Your Altars, and they’ve killed Your Prophets with swords… and now I’m the only one left and they’re looking [to kill] me!’
11 Then he was told, ‘Go outside and stand on the mountain before Jehovah, and {Look!} Jehovah will pass by you in a strong wind that will split the mountain and break its rocks.’
[So, he went outside and stood] before Jehovah, and wind blew… but it wasn’t wind, it was Jehovah. Then after the wind blew, the ground also shook… but it wasn’t an earthquake, it was Jehovah. 12 And after the earth shook, there was a fire… but it wasn’t fire, it was Jehovah. And after the fire, there was a sound that came from a soft breeze, which was Jehovah.
13 Then after EliJah heard this, he covered his face with his sheepskin and went back inside the cave. And {Look!} a voice again asked, ‘Why are you here, EliJah?’
14 And EliJah again replied, ‘Because of my zeal… because I’m zealous for Jehovah the Almighty. Yet, the sons of Israel have abandoned Your Sacred Agreement with them… they’ve demolished Your Altars, and they’ve killed Your Prophets with swords… and now I’m the only one left and they’re looking [to kill] me!’
15 Then Jehovah said to him, ‘Now, go on with your journey until you reach the desert road to Damascus, and then anoint HazaEl as the king of Syria. 16 Also, anoint Jehu (the son of NamesSi) as the king over Israel, and anoint EliSha (the son of Saphat from AbelMaoOla) to replace you as [My] Prophet. 17 Then, whoever is saved from the broadsword of HazaEl, will be killed by Jehu, and anyone who is saved from the broadsword of Jehu will be killed by EliSha.
18 ‘Now, there are still seven thousand men in Israel who haven’t bent their knees to Baal, and none of their mouths have spoken reverently of him.’
19 So thereafter, he went and found EliSha (the son of Saphat), who at the time was leading twelve teams of oxen that were pulling a plough. Then he went up to him and placed his sheepskin over him, 20 and EliSha left his oxen and ran after EliJah. And he said: ‘Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, then I’ll follow you.’
But [EliJah] said to him, ‘Come on, for I’ve already done that for you!’
21 So, he went back and took the teams of oxen and sacrificed them, cooked them with the wood [of their yokes], and gave [the meat] to his people, which they ate. Then he got up and ran after EliJah, and started serving him.
Chapter 20
1 Then BenHader (the king of Syria) gathered his whole army and went to lay siege against Samaria, and thirty-two [vassal] kings came with him with all their horses and chariots… they all came against Samaria to wage war against it. 2 So he sent messengers into the city of Ahab (the king of Israel), who told him, ‘This is what BenHader says: 3 Your silver and your gold are all mine. Also, your wives, children, and your good things are all mine.’
4 And the king of Israel replied, ‘Just as you have said, O my master, O king; I and all that is mine are yours.’
5 Then BenHader sent his messengers again, and said: ‘I sent you the message telling you that you are to give your silver, gold, wives, and children to me. 6 So at this hour tomorrow, I will send my servants to you, and then they will search your palace and the homes of your servants and take anything that their eyes desire… whatever they put in their hands they will take.’
7 So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, ‘I want you to know of all the evil that this man wants to do. For, although I’ve offered him all my silver, gold, wives, sons, and daughters, he’s now asking for [everything else].’
8 Well, the elders and all the people said, ‘Don’t listen to him; and don’t worry!’
9 So, he replied to the messengers of BenHader: ‘Tell your master that I will give him all that he asked for at first, but I won’t be able to do this thing that he’s asking.’
And his people carried that message back. 10 But BenHader said this: ‘May the gods curse me and add to it if the dirt of the foxes of Samaria and all its people is even good enough for the feet of my soldiers.’
11 Then the king of Israel replied, ‘That’s enough! May the hunchback not boast as though he were able to stand erect!’
12 Well, by the time this message reached [BenHader], he and all the other kings had been drinking inside his tent. And he said to his servants: ‘Then build a siege mound.’ And they erected a siege mound around the city.
13 Then {Look!} a Prophet came to Ahab (the king of Israel) and said, ‘This is what Jehovah says: Have you seen how large an army they have? Look! Today I’m giving them all into your hands, and then you will know that I am Jehovah!’
14 And Ahab asked, ‘Who will accomplish this?’
And he was told, ‘This is what Jehovah said: It will happen at the hands of the young princes of this region.’
And Ahab asked, ‘Then, who will join them in this war?’
And he was told, ‘You will!’
15 So Ahab counted the sons of the rulers of his realm and found out that there were two hundred-and-thirty of them. Then he counted his troops and found that there were seven thousand of them… all mighty men. 16 So he attacked at noon.
Well at the time, BenHader and the other kings (thirty-two of them) who were his allies, were in SucCoth, and they were all drunk. 17 Then, in the first wave, [Ahab] sent the young princes to attack.
Well, when BenHader (the king of Syria) received word that men were coming from Samaria, 18 he said: ‘Whether they’re coming in peace or for war, capture them alive…
19 But the young princes came toward the city with the army following them, 20 and each one cut down the soldier who faced him. Then they did it again… each one cut down the soldier who came against him. So the Syrians turned and ran, and the Israelites chased after them. But BenHader (the king of Syria) grabbed a cavalryman’s horse and got away.
21 And after [the battle], the king of Israel went and took all their horses and chariots, which was a great calamity for Syria.
22 Then the Prophet went to the king of Israel and said: ‘Now, strengthen your forces and consider what you must do, for BenHader (the king of Syria) will attack you again this year!’
23 Well, the servants of the king of Syria went to him and said, ‘The God of Israel is a God of mountains, not a God of valleys, and that’s why they beat us. However, if we go to war with them in the straight plains, we can overpower them. 24 So, this is what you should do: Send all the kings home and appoint governors to replace them. 25 Then we will replace the men who were killed, get more horses, build more chariots, and we’ll go back and fight them in the plains and overpower them.’
So the king listened to them and went along with their proposal. 26 And near the end of the year, BenHader gathered an army in Syria and marched them toward Apheka, to war against Israel. 27 And the sons of Israel gathered for war and went to meet them. Then, like two flocks of goats, Israel stood opposite them on the right, and Syria literally filled the land on the other side.
28 Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Because Syria says that Jehovah the God of Israel is a God of the mountains, not a God of the valleys, I’m going to give this huge army into your hands. Then you will know that I am Jehovah.’
29 Well, they just sat there camped against each other for seven days. And on the seventh day, the war started, and Israel cut down the Syrians… a hundred-thousand foot soldiers in one day. 30 And all the rest retreated to the city of Apheka. Then the walls crumbled, killing twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men, and BenHader ran away and hid in a bedroom in the inner part of a house. 31 And he said to his servants: ‘I know that the kings of Israel are merciful. So, dress yourselves in sackcloth and wrap your heads with ropes, then go to the king of Israel and see if he will allow us to live.’
32 So, they wrapped sackcloth around their loins, and wrapped ropes around their heads, and went to the king of Israel and said, ‘Your servant BenHader says, Please allow me to keep my life’
And [the king] asked, ‘Is my brother still alive?’
33 Then the men quickly got together and discussed what to say, and they replied, ‘Yes, BenHader your brother [is still alive].
And he said, ‘Well then, go get him.’
So, BenHader was brought [to the king] on a chariot. 34 And he said, ‘I’m giving all the cities that my father took from your father back to you, and you may name the streets that my father built in Damascus after yourself, as my father did in Samaria.’
And [the king said], ‘If you’ll sign a treaty with me, I’ll send you home.’
So, they signed a treaty, and he was allowed to return home.
35 Then a man who was one of the sons of the Prophets said to his neighbor (by [the inspiration] of Jehovah), ‘Strike me!’
But his neighbor wouldn’t knock him down, 36 so he said to him: ‘Because you didn’t listen to the voice of Jehovah, {look!} after you leave me, a lion will strike you down!’ And after he left him, he found that a lion had indeed killed him.
37 Then he went and found another man and said, ‘Strike me!’ But this man struck him and wounded him. 38 Then the Prophet went to see the king of Israel, but on the way, he wrapped gauze around his eyes. 39 And when he got to the king, he yelled to the king and said, ‘Your servant was in the army and went to war. Then {Look!} someone brought me a prisoner and told me to guard him. And if he got away, either my life would be required for his life, or I’d have to pay sixty-pounds of silver. 40 Well, when I turned around the man was gone!’
And the king of Israel said to him: ‘{Look!} You were responsible for what you did, so you’ll have to pay.’
41 Then the man removed the gauze from over his eyes, and the king recognized him as one of the Prophets. 42 Then the Prophet said to him, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Because you allowed a man who escaped from you to live, your life will be required for his life, and your people for his people.’
43 Well, the king of Israel left dumbfounded and shaking, and he went back home to Samaria.
Chapter 21
1 Then there came the matter of the vineyard of NabOth the JezreElite. His vineyard was located near the threshing floor of Ahab (the king of Samaria). 2 And Ahab had spoken to NabOth and asked him to trade vinyards with him, because it was close to his palace, and he wanted it as a vegetable garden. He said, ‘I’ll give you another very-good vineyard for it; or if you prefer, we can discuss terms and I’ll buy if from you, because I need it for a vegetable garden.’
3 But NabOth replied: ‘No, I could never give it to you, because this is the inheritance that my God gave to my ancestors.’
4 Well, this matter bothered Ahab so much that he just went to bed, covered his face, and refused to eat. 5 So his wife JezeBel went to him and asked, ‘Why is your spirit so disturbed, and why are you refusing to eat?’
6 And he said, ‘I spoke to NabOth (the JezreElite) and asked him to sell me his vineyard… I offered to trade him another good one for it, but he said that he doesn’t want to give me the inheritance of his ancestors.’
7 Then his wife JezeBel said, ‘Aren’t you the king of Israel? Get up and eat, then start acting like yourself. I’ll give you the vineyard of NabOth the JezreElite!’
8 So, she wrote a letter and [forged] Ahab’s name to it, put his seal on it, and then sent it to the elders and free men who lived near NabOth. 9 In it, she wrote, ‘Declare a fast, and put NabOth in charge of the people!’
10 Then she assigned two sons of convicted criminals to work with him, who were to accuse him of blaspheming God and the king, and then take him out to be stoned to death. 11 And that’s what happened. The men who lived in his city (the elders and free men to whom JezeBel sent the letter) 12 called for a fast, and they appointed NabOth to be in charge. 13 Then the two men who were sons of convicts and who sat right across from him, accused him of blaspheming God and the king, and they led him out of the city to be stoned to death. 14 And thereafter, they sent a message to JezeBel that said, ‘NabOth has been stoned and now he’s dead.’
15 Then, when JezeBel got the message, she said to Ahab, ‘Now, get up and take the vineyard that NabOth (the JezreElite) refused to sell you, because NabOth is dead!’
16 So, when Ahab heard that NabOth had died, he went and claimed the field as his own inheritance.
17 Then Jehovah spoke to EliJah (the Tishbite) and said, ‘Get up and go to Samaria to meet with Ahab (the king of Israel). 18 {Look!} You’ll find him in the vineyard of NabOth, where he has gone to claim it as his own inheritance. 19 Speak to him and tell him that Jehovah has said: Because you had to murder someone to inherit this field, everywhere that the pigs and dogs licked the blood of NabOth, they will lick your blood. Why, prostitutes will bathe in your blood!’
20 So, EliJah went to Ahab, and Ahab said to him, ‘O my enemy, I see that you’ve found me!’
21 And EliJah replied, ‘Yes, I’ve found you, because you’ve acted foolishly and sold yourself into wickedness before Jehovah. So, this is what He said: {Look!} I’m bringing all sorts of bad things upon you. I will destroy Ahab and burn away everything that comes after him… all those who urinate against a wall and all those who serve him that are still left in Israel. 22 Then I’ll make your house like that of JeroBoam, the son of Nabat, and as that of BaAsha’s son AhiJah, because of the ways that you have provoked Me to anger and led Israel into sin.’
23 Then he told JezeBel, ‘Jehovah said this: Dogs will eat her [body] around the walls of JezreEl. 24 Then those of [the house of] Ahab who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the fields will be eaten by the flying creatures of the sky. 25 This is because Ahab acted so foolishly when he sold himself into wicked deeds before Jehovah through the perversions of his wife JezeBel. 26 Why, his actions have been disgusting! He has worshiped the disgusting thing of the Amorites who Jehovah drove away from before the sons of Israel.’
27 Well, after all these things were said, Ahab became very repentant before Jehovah… he started crying and ripping his clothes, then he tied sackcloth around his body and fasted. And he kept wearing the sackcloth from the day that NabOth the JezreElite was killed.
28 Then Jehovah spoke to EliJah the Tishbite and said, 29 ‘I see that Ahab is repentant, so I’m not going to bring the evil during his lifetime. However, I will bring it upon his son and his house.’
Chapter 22
1 Thereafter, for the next three years, there was no more war between Israel and Syria. 2 So in the third year, JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) came to visit the king of Israel. 3 Well, [at the time], the king of Israel had mentioned to his servants that RamOth Gilead belonged to them, and that they had neglected to take it back from Syria. 4 Then the king of Israel asked JehoShaphat, ‘Will you join us in our war for RamOth Gilead?’
5 And JehoShaphat said, ‘You and I, and your people and mine, are the same race; so my horses are your horses. But, why don’t you ask [Jehovah about this] today? You should definitely ask Him!’
6 So, the king of Israel gathered all the prophets (about four hundred of them), and the king asked them, ‘Should I go to war against RamOth Gilead, or should I wait?’
And their reply was, ‘Go, and the Lord will give it into the hands of the king!’
7 Then JehoShaphat asked the king of Israel, ‘Don’t you have any Prophets of Jehovah? We should use them to ask Jehovah about this matter.’
8 And the king of Israel said to JehoShaphat, ‘There’s still one man of Jehovah who we can ask, but I detest him, because he never tells me good things, just bad things. His name is MicaiJah (the son of JemBlaAh).’
So, JehoShaphat the king of Judah said, ‘Let him speak.’
9 Then the king of Israel called his primary eunuch and told him: ‘Quickly, bring MicaiJah (the son of JemBlaAh).’
10 And the king of Israel and JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) each sat down on their thrones, then all the prophets came and prophesied before them. 11 Well, ZedekiJah (the son of HanaAn) made himself some horns of iron, and he said, ‘This is what the Lord says, With these you will gore the Syrians until you finish them off!’
12 And all the prophets agreed, saying, ‘Go to war for RamOth Gilead and you’ll be blest, for he will hand the king of Syria over to you.’
13 Well, the messenger (the one who went to call MicaiJah) finally found him and said, ‘{Look!} All the prophets are telling the king good things, so you do the same thing!’
14 Well, MicaiJah replied, ‘As Jehovah lives, whatever He tells me is what I’ll say.’
15 But he went to the king, and the king asked, ‘Should I go to war for RamOth Gilead, or should I wait?’ And MicaiJah told him, ‘Go, and Jehovah will bless the hands of the king!’
16 But the king asked him, ‘How often do I have to make you promise to speak the truth to me in the Name of the Lord?’
17 And MicaiJah replied, ‘Well, [what I said] isn’t true, for I saw all Israel scattered in the mountains like a flock with no shepherd. Then the Lord asked, Isn’t Jehovah the God of these people? Then let them return to their homes in peace!’
18 Well then, the king of Israel turned to JehoShaphat and said, ‘Didn’t I tell you that this one would only prophecy bad things?’
19 And MicaiJah said, ‘That isn’t so! For, all I do is listen to the words of Jehovah… and isn’t that what I’ve done? I saw Jehovah the God of Israel sitting on His throne, and the whole army of the heavens standing around Him… on His right and on His left. 20 Then Jehovah asked, Who will fool Ahab the king of Israel and make him go to war for RamOth Gilead? And one said this, and the other said that, 21 but then a spirit came and stood before Jehovah and said, I will deceive him!
22 ‘So Jehovah asked him: How will you do that?
‘And he replied, I’ll go and become a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.
‘And God said, You will surely deceive him. Go on and do it!
23 ‘So now, {Look!} Jehovah has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets, for Jehovah has foretold bad things for you.’
24 And at that, ZedekiJah (the son HanaAn) came up to MicaiJah and hit him in the mouth, and asked, ‘So, what kind of spirit has Jehovah prophesied for you?’
25 And MicaiJah said, ‘{Look!} You’ll know when you run to hide in the inner chamber of a storeroom!’
26 Then the king of Israel said, ‘Take MicaiJah to AmMon (the mayor of the city) and to JehoAsh my son, 27 and have him kept under guard. Don’t give him anything to eat but bread and water until I return in peace!’
28 And MicaiJah said, ‘You won’t return in peace, for Jehovah told me: Listen all you people! 29 The king of Israel [will go to war], and JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) will go with him.’
30 Then the king of Israel said to JehoShaphat (the king of Judah), ‘Let me disguise myself in the battle… why don’t you put on my clothes?’
So, the king of Israel put on [JehoShaphat’s] clothes, and they went to battle.
31 Then the king of Syria told the thirty-two men that were in charge of his chariots: ‘Don’t attack the foot soldiers or the generals… catch the king of Israel by himself.’
32 So, when those who were in charge of the chariots saw the king of Judah [wearing the king of Israel’s clothes], they shouted, ‘That looks like the king of Israel!’
Then they circled him and prepared to attack him, but JehoShaphat shouted, 33 and those in charge realized that it wasn’t the king of Israel, so they left him.
34 Then a skilled bowman saw the king of Israel and shot him in the chest between his lungs. So he said to his chariot driver, ‘Turn around and take me away from the battle, because I’ve been hit.’
35 Well, this turned the tide of the battle that day, and the king sat in his chariot across from the battle for the rest of the day, as blood poured all over the chariot. Then he died that evening.
Then, when the blood started running from the chariot toward the enemy camp, 36 a messenger went throughout Israel’s camp after sundown shouting, ‘Everyone go back to his city and land, 37 because the king is dead!’
So everyone returned to Samaria, and they buried the king in a tomb in Samaria. 38 But as they were washing the blood off the chariot in the Spring of Samaria, pigs and dogs licked his blood, and prostitutes bathed in the bloody water, just as Jehovah had said.
39 Now {Look!}, the rest of the things that Ahab said and did, and [the story] of the house of ivory that he built, and of all the cities he built have been written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Israel.
40 So, Ahab slept with his ancestors, and his son AhaziJah started ruling after him.
41 Well, JehoShaphat (the son of Asa) had started reigning over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab, the king of Israel. 42 He was thirty-five years old when he started ruling, and he ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azuba, and she was the daughter of SalAi. 43 He had followed in the path of his father Asa unswervingly, doing what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah. However, he never tore down the high places where the people burned incense and offered sacrifices. 44 But he made peace with the king of Israel.
45 The rest of the things that JehoShaphat said, and the area of his rulership, have been written about in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 46 But everything that was started or neglected during the reign of his father was removed from the land by Asa.
47 At the time, there was no king reigning in Idumea. 48 Then King JehoShaphat had a Tharsis-style ship made, to go to Ophir for gold. But it never got there, because it was wrecked at GeBer. 49 Then king AhaziJah of Israel said to JehoShaphat: ‘I’ll send my servants in a ship for your servants.’ 50 However, JehoShaphat didn’t want to do that.
51 Then JehoShaphat went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David his ancestor. And after that, his son JehoRam started to rule.
52 Well, AhaziJah (Ahab’s son) started ruling Israel from Samaria in the seventeenth year of the reign of JehoShaphat, the king of Judah, but he ruled for just two years. 53 This is because he acted wickedly before Jehovah and followed in the steps of his father Ahab, his mother JezeBel, and the house of the son of Nabat, who led Israel into sin… 54 and because he served Baal Im, bowing before him. So, this angered Jehovah, the God of Israel.
2 Kings
Chapter 1
1 –
2 AhaziJah fell through the latticework on the roof of [his house] in Samaria and was badly injured. So he called messengers and told them, ‘Go and ask Baal, the Fly God of Ekron, if I’m going to live through this.’ So, they went to ask him.
3 Then a messenger of Jehovah spoke to EliJah (the Tishbite) and said, ‘Get up and meet the messengers of AhaziJah, the king of Samaria, and ask them, Is it because there’s no God in Israel that you’re so anxiously going to see Baal, the Fly God of Ekron… you know that isn’t true! 4 So, [tell them to return to AhaziJah] because Jehovah says, You’re never going to get out of that bed you’re in… you’re going to die!’
So EliJah went and told them, 5 and the messengers returned to [the king]. Then he asked them, ‘Why did you come back?’
6 And they said, ‘Well, a man came to meet us, and he told us to return to the king who sent us and tell him that Jehovah says: Are you so anxiously going to see Baal, the Fly God of Ekron because there’s no God in Israel? There’s no need to do that, because you won’t be getting out of the bed you’re lying in, for you’re going to die.’
7 So, after they reported what EliJah said, the king asked, ‘What did the man look like who came to meet you and said those things?’
8 And they said, ‘He had a lot of hair, and he wore a large leather belt around his waist.’
And [the king] said, ‘Ah, it’s EliJah the Tishbite!’
9 So, he sent a contingent of fifty men to get EliJah, and when they found him, he was sitting at the very top of a mountain. Then the lieutenant in charge of the fifty men said to him, ‘O man of God; The king has called for you, so come down from there!’
10 But EliJah replied to the leader of the group, ‘If I am a man of God, I can bring fire from the sky to consume you and your fifty men.’
Then fire came from the sky and destroyed him and all fifty of his men.
11 So, the king sent another contingent of fifty men. And when they got [to EliJah], the lieutenant over the group said, ‘O man of God; The king says that you should come down from there… right now!’
12 But EliJah answered, ‘If I am a man of God, fire will come from the sky and consume you and your fifty men.’
And then fire came from the sky and destroyed him and his fifty men.
13 So, the king sent a third contingent of fifty men, but when they got to him, the lieutenant over the fifty bent down on his knees before EliJah and begged him, saying, ‘O man of God; Please value my life and the lives of your servants, these fifty men who are standing before you. 14 For {Look!} fire came from the sky and destroyed the two previous groups of fifty men and their leaders. But please value the lives of your servants who are standing before you!’
15 Then the messenger of Jehovah spoke to EliJah and said, ‘Get down and go with him, and don’t be afraid of them.’
So, EliJah climbed down and went with them to the king. 16 Then he told the king, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Why did you send messengers to get a reply from Baal, the Fly God of Ekron? That won’t be necessary, because you won’t be getting out of the bed that you’re in, for you’re going to die!’
17 And then he died, just as Jehovah said through EliJah.
18 Well, all the rest of the many things that AhaziJah said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel.
Chapter 2
1 Then there came the time when Jehovah was to take EliJah into the sky in a great shaking; so EliJah and EliSha left GilGal together. 2 And EliJah said to EliSha, ‘Wait here, because Jehovah is sending me on to BethEl.’
And EliSha asked, ‘As Jehovah lives and as you live, should I just I abandon you?’ So, they traveled on to BethEl together.
3 Then the Sons of the Prophets came to EliSha in BethEl and said to him, ‘Do you know that Jehovah is going to take your master and lift him over your head today?’
And he replied, ‘Yes, I know… but don’t talk about it!’
4, 5, –
6 Then EliJah told him, ‘Now, wait here, because Jehovah is sending me to the Jordan River.’
And EliSha [again] said, ‘As Jehovah lives and as you live, am I to abandon you?’ So, they both traveled on.
7 Meanwhile, fifty of the Sons of the Prophets were standing opposite them, some distance away, as both men walked up to the Jordan. 8 Then EliJah took off his sheepskin cape, folded it, struck the water with it, and [the river] parted before them. So they crossed it on dry land, 9 and as they were crossing, EliJah said to EliSha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I’m taken from you.’
And EliSha said, ‘Please bestow a double portion of your [power from God’s] Breath upon me.’
10 And EliJah told him, ‘That’s a difficult request. But if you see me being taken up from you, you’ll receive it. However, if you don’t, it just won’t happen.’
11 Then, as they were crossing the river, walking along and talking, {Look!} a chariot of fire and horses of fire rode between them and took EliJah into the sky with great shaking.
12 Well, as EliSha was watching this, he yelled out, ‘O father, O father… the chariot of Israel and his horseman!’
And before he passed from sight, [EliSha] grabbed [EliJah’s] robe and it ripped into two pieces. 13 Then he held up EliJah’s sheepskin cape that had fallen on top of him, and he turned and crossed to the other bank.
14 Well, then he took the sheepskin of EliJah that had fallen upon him and struck the water with it… but it didn’t part. And he cried out, ‘Where is the God of EliJah now?’ Then he struck the water again, and it ripped apart on both sides. So, EliSha crossed the river.
15 And when the Sons of the Prophets who had come from Jericho saw him standing across from them, they said, ‘The Breath of EliJah now rests upon EliSha,’ and they came to meet with him, and bowed to the ground before him.
16 Then they said to him, ‘{Look!} We have fifty men [who are filled with God’s] power. Allow us to send them to search for your master; for the Breath of Jehovah may have tossed him into the Jordan, or onto one of the mountains or hills!’
And EliSha said, ‘No, don’t send them.’
17 But they kept insisting until he was embarrassed, so he said, ‘Okay, then send them!’
So, they sent fifty men who searched for him for three days, but they couldn’t find him. 18 And when they returned to where he was staying in Jericho, EliSha said, ‘Didn’t I tell you not to go?’
19 After that, the men of the city came to EliSha and said, ‘{Look!} As you can see, O master; this city is in a good location. However, the water is bad and nothing wants to grow here.’
20 And EliSha said, ‘Okay, then bring me a new water jar filled with salt.’
So they went and brought it to him. 21 And EliSha went to the place where they got their water and threw the salt in, and said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: I have made the water good, so now it will cause no more death or destruction.’
22 Well, the water there has remained good to this day, just as EliSha said.
23 After that, he left [Jericho] and traveled toward BethEl. But on the way, some young boys who were following him from the city started making fun of him by shouting. ‘Go into the sky, bald man… go into the sky!’
24 And when he saw this, he turned around and cursed them in the name of Jehovah. Then {Look!} two bears came out of the woods and tore all forty of the children to pieces.
25 Well, he traveled from there to Mount Carmel, and then on to Samaria.
Chapter 3
1 Well, JehoRam (the son of Ahab) started reigning in Israel in eighteenth year of JehoShaphat, the king of Judah, and he reigned for twelve years. 2 He also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, but not as badly as his father or mother. 3 For, he removed the columns of Baal that his father had erected, but he still hung onto and practiced the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat), who led Israel into sin
4 Now, King Mesha of Moab was a shepherd, and he had once sent a hundred-thousand lambs and a hundred-thousand wooly rams to the king of Israel, as a good-will gesture. 5 Then after Ahab died, the king of Moab ended his alliance with the king of Israel. 6 So, King JehoRam went from Samaria to do a census [of the army] of Israel, 7 and he also sent a message to JehoShaphat, the king of Judah, saying, ‘The king of Moab has annulled his alliance with me. Will you join me in a war against Moab?’
And he replied, ‘I will, for you and I are very much alike, and our people and my people [are related]; so my horses are your horses! 8 Which road do you want me to take?
And JehoRam replied, ‘[Join me] on the road to the desert of Edom.’
9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom [got together] and went on a circular march that lasted seven days, and they finally ran out of water… they didn’t have enough for their animals or their troops. 10 Then the king of Israel said, ‘Oh, did Jehovah call three kings and send them here just to hand them over to Moab?’
11 And JehoShaphat asked, ‘Didn’t you bring along a Prophet of Jehovah? We should be asking him!’
And one of the servants of the king of Israel said, ‘We can go to EliSha (the son of ShaPhat), who used to wash the hands of EliJah.’
12 And JehoShaphat asked, ‘Are the words of Jehovah in him?’
Well, the king of Israel, the king of Judah (JehoShaphat), and the king of Edom went to see him. 13 And EliSha asked the king of Israel, ‘Why have you come here… why don’t you go to the prophets of your father and mother?’
But the king of Israel asked him, ‘Has Jehovah called us three kings just to hand us over to Moab?’
14 And EliSha said, ‘As Jehovah the God of armies (before whom I stand) lives; if it were not for the fact that JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) is welcome here, I would never have bothered to see you. 15 But now, bring me my harp.’
Well, as he strummed his harp, the hand of Jehovah came over him 16 and he said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Dig cistern after cistern in the wadi, 17 and although the wind will blow it won’t rain. However, the wadi will become filled with water for you, your men, and your animals.
18 ‘And because this is no light matter in the eyes of Jehovah, I will give Moab into your hands. 19 Then you must destroy all their fortified cities, cut down all their good trees, stop up all their wells and springs, and cover their land with rocks.’
20 Well, the next morning, just after they had offered sacrifices, {Look!} there was water running down the road to Edom, and it covered the land.
21 Now, when the Moabites heard that the three kings were coming to war against them, people started yelling all over the land and strapping on their [swords]; then they all gathered for war along their borders. 22 And when they got up early the next morning and the sun rose over the water, as they looked across the water it appeared fiery red… like blood! 23 And they said, ‘That’s blood from a battle! Why, the kings have fought among themselves, and now they’re the spoils of Moab!’
24 So they advanced toward the camp of Israel, and then Israel came and attacked the Moabites… and they ran from before them. Then they entered the land and destroyed Moab, 25 demolishing all the cities.
Thereafter, each man picked up rocks and threw them over the good land, covering the ground with rocks, and they stopped up all the springs and wells. They also cut down all the good trees and broke the walls of the cities into rocks. Then they surrounded the cities and pelted them with the rocks.
26 Well, when the king of Moab realized that all was lost, he took seven hundred of his best men and tried to cut through the [lines of] the king of Edom, but he was unsuccessful. 27 Then he [went back] and took his firstborn son (the one who was to be his successor) and sacrificed him as a whole burnt offering on his [city] wall. And since he had offered his repentance to Israel in a great way, they left his land and returned home.
Chapter 4
1 Then a wife of one of the Sons of the Prophets called for EliSha and said, ‘My husband (your servant) has died. Now, you know that your servant was [a man] who feared Jehovah. But the moneylender just came to take my two sons away to be his slaves.’
2 And EliSha asked, ‘Tell me; what can I do for you? Is there anything that you own with which [you can pay for their release]?
And she replied, ‘I don’t have a single thing in my house, other than some olive oil that’s used for anointing.’
3 And he said, ‘Go around to your neighbors and see how many empty jars you can get from them. 4 Then go home and lock yourself and your sons inside, and fill each of the jars with [the olive oil], one at a time.’
5 So, she went home and did what he told her. She gathered her sons and locked the doors, and then she started filling the jars. 6 And as she filled them, she would say to her sons, ‘Now bring me another jar!’ However, they finally told her, ‘There are no more jars’… and at that point, the flow of olive oil ended.
7 Then she went and reported what had happened to EliSha, the man of God; and EliSha said, ‘Now go and sell the olive oil, and that will pay your interest. Then you and your sons can use whatever you don’t sell.’
8 Well, one day EliSha was passing Soman, and there was a wealthy woman there who insisted that he come in for a meal. And thereafter, whenever he was passing by, he would stop there to eat. 9 Then the woman said to her husband, ‘{Look!} I know that this is a holy man of God who is always stopping here. 10 So, why don’t we make him a small room upstairs? We can put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lampstand there, and whenever he comes to visit, he can spend the night here.’
11 Well, one day (when he was in the area), he stopped by, went to his upstairs room, and then went to bed. 12 Then he told his servant GeHazi, ‘Call the Somanite woman and ask to speak to her. Tell her, {Look!} You have shocked us with [the good thing you’ve done for us]. So, what can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you with the king or his generals?’
13 And she replied, ‘No, I live among friends and I have a happy life.’
14 Then he asked GeHazi, ‘So, what do you think we can do for her?’
And GeHazi replied, ‘Well, she has no son, and her husband is very old.’
15 So, EliSha said, ‘Call her!’ And he called her, and she came and stood by the door. 16 Then he said to her, ‘At this time next year, at about the same hour, you’ll be holding a living son.’
But she said, ‘Oh no, my lord; you shouldn’t disappoint your female servant like this!’
17 However, the woman did get pregnant and give birth to a living son on the same day and hour the following year, just as EliSha had told her.
18 Well, the boy grew, and then one day he went to his father (out where they were doing the harvesting) 19 and he said: ‘Oh, my head! My head hurts!’
Well, the father told his servant, ‘Carry him to his mother.’
20 So he carried him to his mother, and she put him to sleep on her knees. But about noon, he died. 21 So, she carried him upstairs and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and then she locked the door and went to call her husband. 22 She told him, ‘Send one of the servants with me, and a burro, because I’m going to run and find the man of God and bring him back.’
23 And he asked, ‘Why do you have to go to him today? It’s not a New Moon or a Sabbath.’
And she just said, ‘Peace!’ 24 Then she saddled her burro and told her servant, ‘You lead… Go! Don’t wait for me to mount the burro… as I said; Go! Search throughout Mount Carmel and find the man of God!’
25 Then she went and reached the man of God on the mountain. And when EliSha saw her coming, he said to GeHazi (his servant), ‘Isn’t that the Somanite woman? 26 Run to meet her and say, ‘May you, your husband, and the boy have peace!’
And she said, ‘Peace!’ 27 Then she went up to EliSha on the mountain, and grabbed hold of his feet… but GeHazi approached to push her away. However, EliSha said, ‘Leave her alone, because there’s a lot of pain in her life. I don’t know what it is, because Jehovah has concealed it from me.’
28 Then she said, ‘I didn’t ask for a son from my lord, and I told you not to mislead me...’
29 Then EliSha said to GeHazi, ‘Wrap your loins and take my walking stick and go!’ If you see any man along the way, don’t stop to bless him… or if a man should bless you, don’t answer him. Go and place my walking stick against the face of the boy.’
30 Then the boy’s mother said to EliSha, ‘As Jehovah lives and as your body is living, are we going to leave you behind?’ So, EliSha got up and went after her, 31 but GeHazi went on ahead.
Well, [when he got there] he placed the walking stick against the boy’s face, but there was no sound and he couldn’t hear anything. So he went back to EliSha and said, ‘The boy didn’t get up!’
32 Then EliSha went into the house and {Look!} found the dead boy lying on his bed. 33 So, he went inside and locked the door after him, and prayed to Jehovah. 34 Then he got down on the boy, mouth-to-mouth, eye-to-eye, and hand-to-hand, and he just lay there warming the boy’s flesh.
35 Well, then he got up and walked all around the house, and he went back upstairs and leaned against the boy seven times… and then the boy opened his eyes. 36 So EliSha yelled out to GeHazi, ‘Call the Somanite woman!’
Well, he called her and she went upstairs; and EliSha said, ‘Here’s your son back!’
37 So she went in, fell upon EliSha’s feet, and bowed to the ground before him. Then she took her son [back downstairs].
38 Well after that, EliSha traveled to GilGal, because there was a famine in the land. There the Sons of the Prophets sat down before him, and EliSha told his servant, ‘Go to the large cooking pot and boil up some stew for the Sons of the Prophets.’
39 So, he went out into the field to collect some vegetables, and there he found a vine growing that had some wild gourds; so he picked enough to fill his coat, and he threw them into the stew pot (but they didn’t know anything about it); 40 then he poured out the stew for the men to eat. Well, when they started eating it, they started yelling, ‘O man of God, there’s poison in this.’ And they weren’t able to eat it.
41 However, EliSha said, ‘Just take some flour and put it in the pot.’ And then he told GeHazi to pour some for them to eat. Well, there wasn’t anything wrong with the food in the pot after that.
42 Then a man from BethSarisa came along carrying the first fruits of his harvest for the man of God… twenty barley loaves, and [several] clusters of dried figs. And he said, ‘Give this to these people and let them eat it.’
43 And [EliSha] said to his servant, ‘Why should I feed those things to just a hundred men? Give it to the [rest] of the people [of the city] and let them eat it, for Jehovah has said, They will eat it and have leftovers!’
44 And after everyone ate, there were leftovers, just as Jehovah had said.
Chapter 5
1 There was a man named NaAman who was the commander-in-chief of the army of Syria. He was highly valued by his lord and everyone admired him. Why, Jehovah had even used him to save Syria, for he was a very strong and mighty man. However, he had contracted leprosy.
2 Well, the Syrians had gone into Israel lightly armed, and they captured a young girl there, who was given to NaAman’s wife as a servant. 3 And she suggested to her lady, ‘My master should go to see the Prophet of God who is in Samaria, for he would cure him of his leprosy.’
4 Well, [NaAman’s wife] went to him while he was [with the king] and told him what she heard the girl from the land of Israel say. 5 And the king of Syria said to NaAman, ‘Then go there, and I’ll send along a letter for the king of Israel.’
So he went [to Samaria] and brought along seven hundred pounds of silver, six thousand gold coins, ten suits of clothes, 6 and the letter to the king of Israel. The letter said, ‘When you receive this letter, {Look!} I will have sent my servant NaAman to you. Cure him of his leprosy.’
7 Well, when the king of Israel read the letter, he ripped his clothes and said, ‘Am I God who can bring death to one and life to another, so that he would send me a man to be cured of his leprosy? How do I know that this isn’t just an excuse to attack me?’
8 Well, when EliSha heard about the king of Israel ripping his clothes, he sent [a message] to the king that said, ‘Why did you tear your clothes? Allow NaAman to come to me, so he will know that there’s a Prophet in Israel!’
9 And thereafter, NaAman came to him in a horse-drawn chariot, and he stood there in front of the door of EliSha’s house. 10 Then EliSha sent a messenger outside to him who said, ‘Go and bathe yourself in the Jordan River seven times, and your flesh will be cleansed.’
11 Well, NaAman was outraged! He said, ‘Why, they told me that he would come out and stand before me, then call on the Name of his God, and put his hand on the leprosy and cure it! 12 Aren’t the Abana and Phaphar Rivers of Damascus superior to the Jordan and all the waters of Israel? If I want to be cleansed, I can go bathe in them!’ So he left in a huff.
13 But his servant spoke to him and gave him some great advice. He said, ‘Shouldn’t you do what the Prophet said? All he told you to do was to bathe and be cleansed!’
14 So then, NaAman went down to the Jordan and dipped himself in the water seven times, just as EliSha said… and he was cleansed! In fact, his skin became like that of a young boy. 15 So, he returned to EliSha with his entire contingent of guards, and stood before him and said, ‘{Look!} Now I know for sure that there’s no other God in all the earth… just in Israel! So now, take these blessings from your servant!’
16 But EliSha said, ‘As [Jehovah, the God] that I stand before lives; how could I accept such a thing?’
Well, he kept insisting, but EliSha kept resisting. 17 Then NaAman said, ‘Well if not, then at least let your servant give you this team of mules, and you can give me some of your red earth in return; then I’ll quit insisting. However, your servant won’t present whole burnt offerings or sacrifices to any gods other than to Jehovah alone, because of what this God has done. 18 But, may Jehovah deal kindly with your servant when I have to enter the temple of RemMan with my master. Because when he goes there, he has to hold onto my hand when he kneels before RemMan, so I must bend down also… may Jehovah deal kindly with your servant in this matter.’
19 And EliSha told NaAman, ‘Go in peace.’
So, he left and headed toward the land of HavRatha. 20 But GeHazi (EliSha’s servant) said, ‘{Look!} NaAman was saved, yet my master wouldn’t accept any of the things he brought. As Jehovah lives, I’m going to run after him and accept anything that he’s willing to give!’
21 So, GeHazi ran after NaAman, and when NaAman saw him running behind, he stopped his chariot and waited for him. Then [when GeHazi caught up], he said, ‘Peace! 22 My master has sent me and he told me to say, {Look!} Two young men just came to me from the hills of EphraIm… from the Sons of the Prophets. So, please let me have seventy-pounds of silver and two suits of clothes to give to them.’
23 And NaAman said, ‘Take a hundred-and-forty pounds of silver!’
So, he took the silver in two pouches, and two suits of clothes, and handed them to his servants. Then they carried the things on ahead of him. 24 And when they got to a dark place, he took it all and carried it home, and then he sent them on.
25 Well, when he went to see his master, EliSha said to him, ‘Where did you come from GeHazi?’
And GeHazi replied, ‘Oh, your servant was just traveling here and there.’
26 And EliSha said to him, ‘Wasn’t my heart traveling with you when the man stopped his chariot to wait for you? And now you’ve taken the silver and the clothing to buy gardens, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, oxen, and male and female servants; but the leprosy of NaAman will stick to you and your seed through the ages.’
And as he was leaving, his face became as white as snow with leprosy.
Chapter 6
1 Later, the Sons of the Prophets went to EliSha and said, 2 ‘Look, this place near you (where we’re living) is getting too small for us. 2 So, we’re going to the Jordan, and each man is going to carry a board, so we can build ourselves a place there.’
And EliSha said, ‘Then go!’
3 But one of them said, ‘We want you to come with us.’ And he agreed to go.
4 So, he traveled with them, and when they got to the Jordan, they started cutting trees. 5 Then, {Look!} when one of them was setting a rafter in place, an iron tool fell off it and into the river. And he yelled, ‘O Lord!’ But it was gone.
6 Well, the man of God came to him and asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ And he showed him the place.
Then EliSha picked up a piece of wood and threw it into the spot, and the iron tool floated to the surface. 7 And he said, ‘Now, pick it up yourself.’ So he reached out and grabbed the tool.
8 Well at the time, the king of Syria was at war with Israel. So he consulted with his servants and selected a certain concealed place to set up his camp. 9 Then EliSha sent [a message] to the king of Israel, saying, ‘Be careful not to get to close to (such and such) a place, because the Syrians are hiding there.’
10 Then the king of Israel went to the place that EliSha had warned him about, and he was spotted watching the place, not once but twice! 11 And when word of this reached the king of Syria, he was very upset. So he called his servants and said to them, ‘Is anyone going to tell me who betrayed me to the king of Israel?’
12 Well, all his servants said: ‘No one, our lord, O king; for it is EliSha the Prophet of Israel who tells the king of Israel the things that you say in your closet and in your bedroom.’
13 And he said, ‘Then go find him and capture him!’
Well, they soon reported back to the king, saying, ‘{Look!} He’s in Dothan.’
14 So, he sent horses and a chariot there at night, along with many soldiers who surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant who had been assigned to EliSha got up early in the morning and went outside, {Look!} he saw the army surrounding the city with all their horses and chariots. So he went back inside and said, ‘O master, what should we do?’
16 But EliSha said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for there are many more with us than there are with them.’ 17 Then EliSha prayed and said, ‘O Jehovah, open wide the eyes of this servant.’
So, Jehovah opened his eyes wide, and he saw {Look!} that the mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire that were surrounding EliSha.
18 Well, when they came to get him, EliSha prayed to Jehovah, saying, ‘Now strike this nation so they can’t see!’ And suddenly they were all struck [mentally] blind, just as EliSha had asked. 19 Then EliSha shouted at them, ‘This is the wrong city… you took the wrong road! Follow me and I’ll lead you to the man you’re looking for.’
So he led them to Samaria, 20 and when they got there, EliSha prayed, ‘O Jehovah, now open their eyes and let them see!’ And Jehovah opened the eyes [of their minds] wide, and they realized that {Look!} they were in the midst of Samaria.
21 Well, when the king of Israel saw them, he asked EliSha, ‘Shall I cut them down, O father?’
22 And he said, ‘No, for unless you’ve captured and beaten them with your swords and bows, you shouldn’t cut them down. Rather, set some food and water before them, so they can eat and drink, then just let them return to their lord.’
23 As the result, he placed a great feast before them, then they ate and drank, and he sent them back to their lord.
Well, the Syrians kept sending their armies into the land of Israel. 24 Then one day, BenAder (the king of Syria) gathered all his troops and laid siege to Samaria, 25 and this created a great famine in the city. {Look!} At the time, a burro’s head was worth fifty silver coins, and a pint of dove droppings was worth five silver coins.
26 Then one day, when the king of Israel was walking along the city wall, a woman yelled to him, ‘Save us, O lord our king!’
27 And he replied, ‘Where can I save you from… the threshing floor or the wine vat? Only Jehovah can save you!’ 28 Then the king asked her, ‘What’s wrong with you?’
And she replied, ‘A woman came and told me, Give me your son so we can eat him today and tomorrow! 29 Then I gave her my son, and we boiled him and ate him. Then the next day, I told her to give me her son to eat, but she hid him.’
30 Well, when the king of Israel heard what the woman said, he ripped his clothes. Then he traveled around the wall and noticed that the people were wearing sackcloth underwear. 31 And he prayed, ‘Curse me, O God, and add to it if I leave EliSha’s head on his [shoulders] today.’
32 Well at the time, EliSha was at his home and all the elders were sitting around him. So, the king sent a man to EliSha; but before the messenger got there, he said to the elders, ‘Do you know that the king has sent a murderer to cut off my head today? Now, when he gets here, lock the door and don’t let him in, for the feet of his lord will be following close behind.’
33 And while he was still speaking to them, {Look!} the messenger arrived and said, ‘{Look!} All this evil has come from Jehovah, so is there a reason to wait on Jehovah any longer?’
Chapter 7
1 Then EliSha said, ‘Listen to the word of Jehovah, for this is what He said: At this same time tomorrow, a scoop of fine flour will sell for a copper coin, and two scoops of barley will sell for a copper coin inside the gates of Samaria.’
2 But the official proclaimer (to whom the king would give his hand and lean on) [sent a reply] to EliSha, saying, ‘{Look!} Will Jehovah make it pour from the sky? It will never happen!’
And EliSha said, ‘Look! You will see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.’
3 Well, there were four men who had leprosy that were standing outside the city gate. And one said to the other, ‘Why are we just waiting here to die? 4 If we go into the city, they have a famine there and we’ll just starve to death. However, if we go into the camp of Syria, they could kill us… but they might also allow us to live.’
5 So, they got up during the night and snuck into the camp of the Syrians. But when they reached the camp, {Look!} no one was there. 6 This is because Jehovah had created the sounds of horses, chariots, and a huge army, so all the people in the camp thought that the king of Israel had hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to come and attack them. 7 So, they all got up and just ran away in the darkness, abandoning their tents, their horses, and their burros, as they ran for their lives.
8 Then the lepers entered the camp, went inside one of the tents, and they ate and drank what was there, then they took some silver, gold, and clothing. So, they went into another tent and took what was there, and they hid everything. 9 And one said to the other, ‘Let’s do the right thing today, because this is good news! We could just say nothing and wait until morning as we take more things, but let’s go now and announce what has happened to the house of the king!’
10 So they went up to the city gate and yelled, ‘We went into the Syrian camp because {Look!} we couldn’t hear anything, and no one is there! All we could find is their horses and burros still tied, and their tents. Everything has been left just as it was.’
11 Then the gatekeepers ran and announced this to the house of the king. 12 And the king got out of bed and said to his servants, ‘Let me tell you what the Syrians are doing: They know that we’re starving, so they left their camp and they’re hiding in the fields. They think that we’ll leave the city, then they can rush us and attack us, and they can just walk into the city.’
13 But one of his servants said, ‘Well, let’s go and take five of the horses that they’ve left behind, and then we’ll send some of the sick and dying out there… and we can watch to see what happens.’
14 And after doing that, the king of Israel sent out two men on horses to look for the king of Syria, saying, ‘Go search for him!’
15 Well, they went as far as the Jordan and {Look!} all they found was clothing and other things that the Syrians had dropped as they fled. Then the messengers returned and reported this to the king, 16 and the people went out and tore the camp of Syria to shreds.
17 –
18 So, just as EliSha had told the king; at the same time on the following day, two scoops of barley actually sold for a copper coin, and a scoop of fine flour sold for a copper coin inside the gates of Samaria. 19 And the official proclaimer who had said to EliSha, ‘{Look!} Will Jehovah make it pour from the sky? It will never happen,’ and to whom EliSha said, ‘{Look!} You’ll see it with your eyes, but you won’t eat any of it’… 20 well, that’s what happened, for the king had put him in charge of opening the city gate, and the people trampled him to death as they rushed out.
Chapter 8
1 Then EliSha went and spoke to the woman whose son he had brought back to life. He told her, ‘Get up and take everyone in your house to wherever you wish to go, for Jehovah has called for a famine on the land… and it will last for seven years.’
2 So, the woman got up and did as EliSha told her. She took everyone in her home and went to live in the land of the Philistines for seven years. 3 Then at the end of seven years, the woman left the land of the Philistines and returned to her city. And thereafter, she went to complain to the king about the [loss] of her house and fields.
4 Well at the time, the king was speaking to GeHazi (the servant of EliSha, the man of God), and he had just said, ‘Describe to me all the great things that EliSha did.’ 5 And as he was describing how EliSha had brought the woman’s dead son back to life after he died, the woman arrived to complain to the king about the [loss] of her house and fields. And GeHazi said, ‘O my lord the king; Here’s the woman whose son EliSha brought back to life!’
6 So the king asked the woman, and she told him what had happened. Then the king told one of his eunuchs, ‘Return everything to her, including all the crops that have grown in her fields from the time she left the land until now.’
7 Thereafter, EliSha went to see BenAder (the king of Syria) in Damascus, who was very ill. And when they announced to him, ‘The man of God is here,’ 8 the king said to HazaEl, ‘Bring along a gift and go meet with the man of God. Tell him to go before Jehovah quickly and ask if I will survive this illness.’
9 So, HazaEl went to meet with him, and he brought along gifts of many fine things from Damascus that were carried on forty camels. Then he went in and stood in the presence of EliSha, and said, ‘Your son, BenAder (the king of Syria), has sent me to you to ask, Will I survive this illness?’
10 And EliSha said to him, ‘Go and tell him that he will live… however, Jehovah has shown me that he will die.’
11 Then [HazaEl] brought the gifts in and set them before [EliSha], but he just let them sit there and rot, in order to shame him. And then the man of God started crying. 12 So, HazaEl asked, ‘Why is my master crying?’
And [EliSha] replied, ‘Because I can see the many bad things that you’re going to do to the sons of Israel. For, you will burn all their fortresses, you will kill their best men with broadswords, you will destroy their little children, and you will cut open their pregnant women.’
13 And HazaEl asked, ‘Do you think of your servant as a dead dog, that I would do such a thing?’
And EliSha said, ‘Jehovah has shown me that you will reign over Syria.’
14 Then he left EliSha and returned to his master. And [the king] asked, ‘What did EliSha tell you?’
And he replied, ‘He told me that you will live.’
15 Well, the next day he took a cloth and dipped it in water, then he put it over his face, and he died. So, HazaEl started reigning in place of him.
16 It was in the fifth year of the reign of JehoRam (the son of Ahab, the king of Israel) that JehoRam (the son of JehoShaphat, the king of Judah) started to reign over Judah. 17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for eight years. 18 However, he followed in the ways of the kings of Israel and the house of Ahab, because Ahab’s daughter was his wife. So, he acted very wickedly before Jehovah. 19 But Jehovah didn’t want [to harm] Judah because of His promise to His servant David (that He would allow him and his descendants to be the lamplight throughout their lives).
20 Then the Edomites rebelled against Judah and set up their own king. 21 So, JehoRam took his chariots and went to ZaIr to attack Edom. However, they surrounded JehoRam and his generals, and his people all ran back to their tents. 22 As the result, Edom hasn’t been ruled by Judah to this day. And then LibNah broke away from the rule [of Judah].
23 The rest of the things that JehoRam said and did have been written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah. 24 And when JehoRam went to sleep with his ancestors, they buried him in the tomb of his ancestors in the city of David (his ancestor), and his son AhaziJah started ruling in place of him.
25 It was in the twelfth of JehoRam (the son of Ahab, the king of Israel) that AhaziJah (the son of JehoRam) started to rule. 26 He was twenty-two years old when he began his reign, and he only reigned in Jerusalem for one year. His mother’s name was AthaliJah, and she was the daughter Omri, the king of Israel, who was related to the house of Ahab. 27 So, he also followed in the ways of the house of Ahab and acted wickedly before Jehovah.
28 Now, he joined King JehoRam (the son of Ahab) in a war against HazaEl (the king of Syria) and the Philistines at RamOth Gilead, and the Syrians wounded JehoRam there. 29 So he went to JezreEl to have his wounds (that he received in the war with HazaEl at RamOth) treated medically, and AhaziJah (the son of JehoRam, the king of Judah) went to see this son of Ahab in JezreEl, because he was very ill.
Chapter 9
1 Then the Prophet EliSha called one of the Sons of the Prophets and said to him, ‘Wrap your loins and take this flask of oil to RamOth Gilead. 2 Then go to see Jehu, the son of JehoShaphat (the son of NaMesSi), and you must elevate him over his brothers. 3 Take him into the bin of a storage shed and pour this flask of oil on his head, and tell him that Jehovah said: I have anointed you to be the king over Israel. Then open the door and run! Don’t wait!’
4 So, the young Prophet went to RamOth Gilead, 5 and when he went in, {Look!} all the other army generals were there. And he said to Jehu, ‘May I have a word with you, commander?’
And Jehu asked, ‘Which of us do you wish to speak to?’
And he replied, ‘To you, general.’
6 So, [Jehu] got up and they both went outside. Then [the Prophet] poured the oil over his head and said, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: I have anointed you to be the king over the people of Jehovah… over Israel. 7 Now, you must wipe the house of your lord Ahab away from before My face and avenge the blood of My servants the Prophets and the blood of all the servants of [Jehovah who were killed] by JezeBel. 8 Kill all of them in Israel who can urinate against a wall, including their slaves and freemen. 9 Then I’ll give the house of Ahab to the house of JeroBoam (the son NaBat), as I gave [the kingship] to the house of BaAsha the son of AhiJah… including their slaves and freemen. 10 And then JezeBel will be eaten by dogs in JezreEl, for no one will bury her.’
Then he opened the door and ran away.
11 Thereafter, Jehu went to speak to the servants of his lord, and they said to him, ‘Peace! Why have you come to us in such a rage?’
And he said to them, ‘You know the man and the way he thinks.’
12 And they said, ‘It would be wrong if you don’t tell us what has happened.’
And Jehu said to them, ‘So-and-so spoke to me and told me that Jehovah said: I have anointed you to be the king over Israel.’
13 Well when they heard that, they each took off their [official] robes and laid them under him on the steps [to the throne]. Then they got the trumpeters and had them blow the horns and proclaim, ‘Jehu now reigns!’
14 Then Jehu (the son of JehoShaphat and grandson of NaMesSi) gathered his forces to go against King JehoRam. Meanwhile, the army of Israel was protecting JehoRam from HazaEl (the king of Syria). 15 Well, when King JehoRam returned to JezreEl for treatment of the wounds that he had received during his war with the Syrians, Jehu said [to his men], ‘If you’re with me, don’t let anyone leave the city to carry a report to JezreEl.’ 16 And Jehu got up and rode to JezreEl.
Meanwhile, JehoRam (the king of Israel) was being attended to in JezreEl, because he’d been shot by bowmen in RamAmin (in the land of RamOth) during his campaign against HazaEl, the king of Syria… for he was a very powerful, mighty man. And at the time, AhaziJah (the king of Judah) had gone there to visit JehoRam.
17 Well, when the watchman climbed to the top of the lookout tower in JezreEl and saw the cloud of dust of Jehu’s chariot, he shouted, ‘I see a cloud of dust!’
And JehoRam said, ‘Send out a horseman to see if he’s coming in peace!’
18 So they sent out a horseman to meet him, and he said, ‘The king wants to know if you’re coming in peace.’
And Jehu replied, ‘What does he know about peace? Now, follow behind me!’
Well, when the watchman reported that the messenger wasn’t coming back, 19 he sent out a second horseman who went up to Jehu and said, ‘The king wants to know if you’re coming in peace!’
And Jehu again said, ‘What does he know about peace? Get behind me and follow!’
20 Well, when the watchman reported that this messenger wasn’t returning either, he sent out a third horseman to ask if he was coming in peace. And Jehu said to him, ‘What does he know about peace? Get behind me and follow along!’
So, the watchman reported back, ‘This messenger isn’t returning either, and I can tell by the frenzied way he’s riding that the [man who is coming] is General Jehu, the son of NaMesSi.’
21 Well, JehoRam said, ‘Team up my chariots!’ So they teamed up the chariots and they (JehoRam, the king of Israel, and AhaziJah, the king of Judah) rode out to meet him in their chariots. And when they got to Jehu, he just happened to be in the portion of the field [that used to belong to] NabOth the JezreElite. 22 Then the king shouted, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’
And Jehu replied, ‘What do you know of peace? Isn’t [our land] still under the spell of your mother JezeBel?’
23 Well at that, JehoRam wheeled his chariot to flee, and he shouted to AhaziJah, ‘There’s treachery here, AhaziJah!’
24 Then Jehu took his bow and shot JehoRam in the middle of his chest, hitting him in the heart, and he fell to his knees. 25 And Jehu said to BadEkar (his aid), ‘Take his body and throw it into the field of NabOth the JezreElite. For we both remember, back when we rode for his father Ahab, how Jehovah told him, Look! Wasn’t it just yesterday that I saw the blood of NabOth and his sons? 26 And then Jehovah said, I will pay him back [for his sins] in this very field. So now, throw his body into this field, just as Jehovah said!’
27 Well, when AhaziJah (the king of Judah) saw what was happening, he rode off along the road to BethAgan. But Jehu chased after him shouting, ‘Him too!’ And he shot him as his chariot was headed up to Mount Gai (at JeblaAm), but he kept on riding to MegidDo, where he finally died.
28 Then his servants put his body in the chariot and carried it back to Jerusalem, where he was buried in his tomb in the city of David. 29 So, in the eleventh year of the reign of JehoRam (the king of Israel), AhaziJah took over the reign of Judah.
30 Then Jehu rode back to JezreEl. And when JezeBel heard [he was coming], she made up her face and decorated her head, and then looked down from her window. 31 And when Jehu entered the city, she said, ‘Have you, like Omri who also murdered his lord, come in peace?’
32 And when he looked up and saw her at her window he asked, ‘Who are you? Come down here to me!’
Then two of her eunuchs bent over to look out the window, 33 and Jehu shouted to them, ‘Throw her over!’
So, they threw her out, and her blood splattered all over the wall and the horses, and then the horses trampled her body.
34 Thereafter, Jehu entered [the palace] where he ate and drank, and then he said, ‘Now, go find the body of this cursed woman and bury it, because she’s the daughter of a king.’
35 But when they went to bury her, all they could find was her skull, the soles of her feet, and the palms of her hands. 36 And when they returned to tell him, he said, ‘This is what Jehovah had said through EliJah the Tishbite… Dogs will eat the flesh of JezeBel in JezreEl, 37 and her rotting flesh will become manure on the ground in JezreEl, so no one can say, There lies JezeBel.’
Chapter 10
1 Now, Ahab had seventy sons who lived in Samaria. So, Jehu wrote a letter and sent it to the governors, elders, and the women who’d raised Ahab’s sons in Samaria. It said, 2 ‘I know that the sons of your lord are living among you with their chariots, horses, weapons, and fortified cities. So, when you receive this letter, 3 I want you to search among the sons of your lord for a good, upright man, and put him on the throne of his father. Then I will go to war against his sons.’
4 Well, this frightened them all, for they said: ‘{Look!} The two kings weren’t able to stand against him, so how can we oppose him?’
5 So they sent the family heads, the city mayors, the elders, and those who’d raised Ahab’s sons to Jehu, and they said, ‘We’re your servants and we’ll do whatever you say. However, we won’t choose a man to rule. So, you do whatever you find good in your eyes.’
6 Then he sent them a second letter that said, ‘If you’re with me and will do whatever I say, then bring the heads 7 of the sons of your lord to me here in JezreEl at this hour tomorrow… all seventy of them!’
Well, they were all big men, because the people of the cities provided food for them. 7 But when the people received this letter, they killed all seventy of them, put their heads in baskets, and sent them to Jehu in JezreEl. 8 And when the messenger arrived saying, ‘They’ve brought the heads of the sons of the king,’ he told him to place the heads in two piles by the city gate and leave them there until the next morning.’
9 Then the next morning, he went out and stood at the city gatehouse and said to the people, ‘{Look!} You’ve proven yourselves righteous, for although I plotted against my lord and killed him… who killed all of them? 10 {Look!} Now everything that Jehovah said through EliJah concerning what would happen to the house of Ahab has come true. For, it was Jehovah who did everything that He said He would do through His servant EliJah.’
11 And thereafter, Jehu struck down everyone who was left of the house of Ahab in JezreEl, as well as all his mighty men, advisors, and priests… he wiped out every trace of him.
12 Then he went to Samaria. And as he was traveling along the road near BethAkad-of-the-Shepherds, 13 Jehu met up with the brothers of AhaziJah (the king of Judah). And when he asked, ‘Who are you?’ they replied, ‘We’re the brothers of AhaziJah, and we’ve come in peace to visit the sons of the king, and the sons of the woman who is in charge.’
14 Well when they said that, he shouted ‘Seize them!’ And he had all forty-two of them executed at BethAkad… he didn’t leave one of them alive.
15 And from there he went and found JoNadab (the son of ReChab), who was on his way to meet him. Then Jehu blest him and asked him, ‘Is your heart with my heart, as my heart is with yours?’
And JoNadab replied, ‘It is.’
And Jehu said, ‘Well if it is, then give me your hand!’
So, he stuck out his hand and lifted him into the chariot 16 and said, ‘Come with me and see my zeal for Jehovah of Armies!’
And from there they rode in the chariot 17 to Samaria, where they killed all who were left of Ahab in Samaria… he wiped them all out, just as Jehovah had said through EliJah.
18 Then Jehu gathered all the people and said to them, ‘Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him in a great way. 19 So, find all the prophets of Baal and all his servants and priests, and send them to me! Don’t overlook a man, because we’re going to offer a great sacrifice to Baal. And anyone who doesn’t show up will be killed.’
Well, this was a trick on Jehu’s part, so he could destroy all the servants of Baal.
20 Then Jehu told them: ‘Prepare the sacrifices for Baal.’ And the message went out. 21 For, Jehu sent a message throughout all Israel that said, ‘Now all the servants, priests, and prophets of Baal must come. No one may be left behind, for we’re going to offer a great sacrifice to Baal, and anyone who misses it won’t be allowed to live!’
So, all the servants of Baal (including his priests and prophets) came, and everyone was there in the temple of Baal… it was filled to capacity and people were jammed together head-to-head. 22 Then Jehu told the person who was over the temple wardrobe to bring out the official robes for all the servants of Baal to wear, and he brought them out. 23 So, Jehu went in with JoNadab (the son of ReChab) and said to the servants of Baal, ‘Now, look around and make sure that there are no servants of Jehovah, for we just want the servants of Baal here!’
24 Well, everyone went inside to offer the sacrifices and whole burnt offerings, and Jehu ordered eighty men to stand outside. Then he told them, ‘Don’t leave anyone alive here, for if you do, I’ll demand your lives for theirs.’
25 Then, as he completed the offerings, Jehu said to the guards and soldiers, ‘Now kill them… don’t let a man get away!’
So, they killed them with swords and threw their bodies outside. And thereafter, the soldiers and guards went throughout the city of the temple of Baal, 26 and dragged out the images of Baal and burned them. 27 Then they tore down the temple of Baal and turned it into a public toilet, which is what it’s still used for today.
28 So, Jehu removed Baal from Israel, 29 but he still followed in the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin, for he worshiped the golden heifers in BethEl and in Dan. 30 Yet, Jehovah said to Jehu: ‘Because of the many good things that you did that were righteous in My eyes, and the things that you did to the house of Ahab, which was what My heart desired, your sons will sit on the throne of Israel through the fourth generation.’
31 However, Jehu didn’t follow the Law of Jehovah (the God of Israel) with his whole heart. And because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat), 32 Jehovah started cutting Israel down. For HazaEl attacked the borders of Israel 33 from the Jordan to the sunrise – all the land of Gilead of the sons of Gad, and of Reuben, and of ManasSeh – from AroEr to the Arnon Wadi, and from Gilead to Bashan.
34 All the rest of the things that Jehu said and did, and the area of his rulership and alliances {Look!} have been written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel. 35 Then Jehu went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria; and his son JehoAhaz became king after him. 36 So, Jehu reigned over Israel from Samaria for twenty-eight years.
Chapter 11
1 Well, when AhaziJah’s mother (AthaliJah) heard that her son was dead, she had all the [heirs to the throne] killed. 2 But JehoSheba (the daughter of King JehoRam and the sister of AhaziJah) took her nephew JoAsh and hid him away while the other sons of the king were being killed. She hid him and his nurse in a storage closet for beds, so AthaliJah couldn’t find him and kill him. 3 Then she kept him hidden in the Temple of Jehovah for six years.
So, AthaliJah ruled over the land. 4 But after seven years, JehoiAda (the Priest) took the commanders who were in charge of patrolmen and couriers, and brought them into the Temple of Jehovah. Then he had them make an agreement with Jehovah and bound them with an oath in the presence of Jehovah, and that’s when JehoiAda showed the son of the king to them.
5 Then he told them, ‘This is what you’re going to have to do: 6 On the Sabbath, a third of you must take control of the city gates, a third must take control of the gate that leads to the road, and a third must take control of the gate to the king’s guardhouse. Then everyone must [protect our king]. 7 Two of you must go to the Temple of Jehovah on the Sabbath to guard the king, 8 and all of you must gather there and kill anyone who comes [to attack] him. He must be protected wherever he goes.’
9 Well, the commanders did just as JehoiAda instructed them. On the Sabbath, each one took his men; and as the people were coming and going, they went inside to JehoiAda the Priest. 10 Then the Priest gave the commanders the spears and shields of King David that were kept in the Temple of Jehovah, 11 and they formed a contingent of armed bodyguards who stayed at the extension of the Temple, which was to the right of the Altar, and they formed a protective circle around the king.
12 Then they took the son of the king outside, placed the royal turban on him, gave him [the royal scepter], poured the anointing oil [over his head], and crowned him king. And thereafter, everyone clapped their hands and shouted, ‘Long live the king!’
13 Well, when AthaliJah heard the sound of people running, she went to the Temple of Jehovah, and that’s when she saw the king standing at the columns and ruling. All the singers and trumpeters were there by the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing horns.
14 Well, AthaliJah started ripping her clothes and shouting ‘Conspiracy! Conspiracy!’ 15 And that’s when JehoiAda (the Priest) told the commanders and their lieutenants, ‘Take her outside and kill her with your swords, because she shouldn’t die inside the Temple of Jehovah.’
16 So, they grabbed her and dragged her along the road that leads to the stables next to the king’s palace, and killed her there. 17 Then JehoiAda proclaimed an agreement between Jehovah, the king, and his people, that they would be the people of Jehovah.
18 Thereafter, all the people of the land gathered at the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed its images and altars into fine pieces, and they killed Mathan (the priest of Baal) in front of the altars.
Then the Priest appointed men as overseers in the Temple of Jehovah. 19 And he took the military commanders and their troops of patrolmen and couriers, along with all the people in the land, and led the king from the Temple of Jehovah, through the gate of the royal bodyguards, and into the palace of the kings. Then they seated him on the throne, 20 and all the people of the land rejoiced. And thereafter, the city was very tranquil.
Chapter 12
1 Well, JoAsh was just a seven-year-old boy when he started his reign, 2 which was during the seventh year of the reign of Jehu, and he ruled in Jerusalem for forty years. His mother’s name was SabiAh and she was from BeerSheba.
3 JoAsh did what was upright before Jehovah throughout his entire life, for he had been well trained by JehoiAda the Priest. 4 However, he still allowed the people to offer sacrifices and burn incense in the high places.
5 Now, JoAsh told the Priests that they could keep any money or sell anything of value that was brought to the Temple of Jehovah, 6 but he told them that they (in return) would have to make any repairs that were needed to the Temple. 7 Well, by the twenty-third year to King JoAsh, the Priests hadn’t made any repairs on the Temple. 8 So he called JehoiAda and all the other Priests, and asked them why they hadn’t made the repairs. Then he told them, ‘Well, from now on, you may not keep any money from the things you sell. Rather, you must use the money to repair the Temple.’
9 As the result, the Priests no longer took money from the people, other than what [they were willing to contribute] just for the upkeep of the Temple. 10 So, JehoiAda the Priest built a chest and bored a hole in the top, and he placed it by the Altar of the Temple of Jehovah. Then Priests were assigned to stand next to the doors to guard all the money that was brought to Jehovah’s Temple.
11 Well after a while, quite a bit of money had accumulated in the chest at the Temple of Jehovah, so the Scribe and the High Priest went to the king, then they closed the doors and counted the money, 12 and they gave the money for the repairs into the hands of those who were in charge of the workers at the Temple of Jehovah – the woodcutters, carpenters, construction workers, fabricators, quarry workers, and stonemasons – so they could make the necessary repairs. 13 And they spent whatever was needed to complete the project. 14 However, they weren’t authorized to spend it for doors, items of silver or gold, nails, bowls, or trumpets, 15 because those who were doing the work were going to contribute such things.
Well, all the repairs were finally made to the Temple of Jehovah, and no one had to account for it. 16 They just paid out whatever was required, and those who were doing the work were trusted [to do the right thing]. 17 And thereafter, any money that was brought to the Temple as a sin offering or a trespass offering, once again, became the property of the Priests.
18 Then HazaEl (the king of Syria) went to war against Gath, and he was the first to capture it. And next, he turned his attention to Jerusalem. 19 So, JoAsh (the king of Judah) gathered all the holy things of his ancestors (JehoShaphat, JehoRam, and AhaziJah) as well as his own holy things and all the gold in the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and sent it to HazaEl, the king of Syria, so he would leave Jerusalem alone.
20 Well, all the rest of the things that JoAsh said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah.
21 Then the servants of JoAsh rebelled against him and attacked him in a house called MalLo in GaAla. 22 JeZichar (the son of JemuAth) and JeZebUth (his son through Somer) cut him down and killed him. Then he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son AmaziJah started ruling after him.
Chapter 13
1 In the twenty-third year of JoAsh (the son of AhaziJah, the king of Judah), JehoAhaz (Jehu’s son) started reigning in Samaria, and he ruled there for seventeen years. 2 However, he acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, because he [actively promoted] the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat), who led Israel into sin… and he kept on doing it. 3 So, this provoked Jehovah’s rage against Israel, and he gave them into the hands of HazaEl (the king of Syria) and his son BenAder, throughout his entire reign.
4 However, JehoAhaz went before the face of [Jehovah to beg for help], and Jehovah listened to him, because He saw how badly the king of Syria was oppressing the people of Israel. 5 So, Jehovah freed Israel from bondage to Syria, and the sons of Israel could [once again] sit in their tents in peace, as they used to. 6 However, they continued in the sins of the house of JeroBoam, and they once again set up sacred poles in Samaria.
7 Now, JehoAhaz wasn’t left with much of an army. All he had was fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand infantry, because the king of Syria had considered them as dust to be trampled on.
8 All the rest of the things that JehoAhaz said and did, and the area of his rulership, are written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel.
9 Then JehoAhaz went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria, and his son JehoAsh started ruling instead of him. 10 This happened in the thirty-seventh year of the reign of JehoAsh, the king of Judah, and JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz) ruled Israel from Samaria for sixteen years. 11 He also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, and he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin.
12 All the rest of the things that JehoAsh said and did, and the stories of his conquests with AmaziJah (the king of Judah) have been written about in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel. 13 Then JehoAsh went to sleep with his ancestors, and JeroBoam succeeded him on the throne. So, they buried him in a tomb in Samaria with the sons of Israel.
14 Well, EliSha got very sick and was about to die, and JehoAsh (the king of Israel) went to see him and cried in his face, saying, ‘O father, O father… the chariot of Israel and his horseman.’
15 Then EliSha said to him, ‘Go get your bow and some arrows.’ So, he got his bow and some arrows, 16 and EliSha told him, ‘Now lift the bow!’ So, JehoAsh raised his bow. Then EliSha placed his hands on the hands of the king 17 and said, ‘Now, open the window that faces east!’ And he opened it. Then EliSha said, ‘Now shoot!’ And he shot. Then EliSha said, ‘This is the arrow of the salvation of Jehovah and the arrow of deliverance from Syria. For, you will keep attacking Syria at Aphek until you’ve won!’
18 And then EliSha told him, ‘Now, pick up the bow again!’ And he picked it up. Then he told the king of Israel, ‘Now, shoot into the ground!’ So, the king shot three arrows into the ground, and then he stopped, 19 which made the man of God very upset and angry, for he said, ‘If you would have struck the ground five or six times, you would have attacked Syria and finished them off. But now you’ll have to beat them three times!’
20 Then EliSha died, and they buried him in a tomb.
Well, in the following year, the land was invaded by armed bands of Moabites. 21 And it was during a funeral procession that {Look!} the people saw one of these armed bands of Moabites coming, so they simply threw the body of the man into the tomb of EliSha. And when it touched EliSha’s bones, he came back to life and stood up on his feet!
22 Thereafter, HazaEl kept squeezing Israel throughout the reign of JehoAhaz. 23 But Jehovah showed mercy on them, pitied them, and watched over them, because of the Sacred Agreement He had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He didn’t allow them to be destroyed or torn from before His face.
24 Then HazaEl (the king of Syria) died, and his son BenAder started reigning instead of him. 25 And that’s when JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz) took back the cities from the hands of BenAder, the son of HazaEl, who had taken it from the hands of his father JehoAhaz in the war. But JehoAsh had to attack him three times to return the cities to Israel.
Chapter 14
1 It was in the second year of JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz, the king of Israel) that AmaziJah (the son of JehoAsh the king of Judah) started his reign. 2 At the time, he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was JoAdeEn, and she was from Jerusalem.
3 AmaziJah was an upright man in the eyes of Jehovah, but he wasn’t as righteous as his ancestor David. 4 He did all the things that his father JehoAsh did, but he never removed the high places where the people offered sacrifices and burned incense.
5 Well, after he’d become strong in his kingdom, he had all those servants who murdered his father executed; 6 but he didn’t have their sons killed. [He did] this, because the Law that Jehovah gave to Moses said, ‘Fathers shouldn’t be put to death [for the sins] of their sons, and the sons shouldn’t be put to death [for the sins] of their fathers. Rather, each one should die for his own sins.’
7 Then he attacked the Edomites at GeMela, killing ten thousand. And he captured The Rock in the war, which he renamed JokTheEl (and that’s what it’s still called today).
8 Then AmaziJah sent messengers to JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz and grandson of Jehu the king of Israel) saying, ‘Come here and meet me face-to-face!’
9 And JehoAsh (the king of Israel) replied to AmaziJah (the king of Judah), ‘A thorn bush in Lebanon sent a message to one of the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Give your daughter to my son as his wife! [As the result], the wild animals in the fields of Lebanon went and trampled the thorn bush.
10 ‘Now, you’ve beaten the Idumeans, and that has encouraged your heart. So, sit back in your palace and revel in your glory. But if you’re planning to do evil, you will fall… and Judah will fall with you.’
11 Well, AmaziJah refused to listen, so JehoAsh (the king of Israel) went and faced the king of Judah at BethSamus in Judea. 12 But Judah lost the battle to Israel, and all their soldiers ran back to their tents. 13 Then JehoAsh (the king of Israel) captured AmaziJah (the son of JehoAsh and grandson of AhaziJah) the king of Judah, and he marched into Jerusalem and tore down almost seven hundred feet of its wall, from the gate of EphraIm all the way to the corner. 14 Then he carried away all the gold and silver utensils that he found in the Temple of Jehovah, everything in the kings’ treasury and palace, and all the sons of [AmaziJah’s] allies; carrying them all back to Samaria.
15 Well, the rest of the things that JehoAsh said and did, and his area of rule and the wars that he fought with AmaziJah (the king of Judah), have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel. 16 Then JehoAsh went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son JeroBoam started reigning after him.
17 Well, AmaziJah (the king of Judah) survived the death of JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz the king of Israel) by fifteen years. 18 And all the rest of the things that AmaziJah said and did have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah. 19 For, conspirators plotted a rebellion against him in Jerusalem, so he fled to LachIsh, but they chased him down and killed him there in LachIsh. 20 Then they put his body on a horse and buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in Jerusalem, the city of David.
21 After the death of AmaziJah, all the people of Judah chose his son AzariJah to be their king, but he was only sixteen-years-old at the time. 22 It was just after he had built ElAth that [AmaziJah] was returned to Judah and went to sleep with his ancestors.
23 Well, JeroBoam, the son of JehoAsh reigned over Israel in Samaria for forty-one years, starting in the fifteenth year of AmaziJah (the son of JehoAsh, the king of Judah), 24 and he acted wickedly before Jehovah, because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin. 25 However, he moved the boundary of Israel from the entrance of HaMath to the sea of ArabAh, just as Jehovah the God of Israel said would happen through His servant Jonah the Prophet, the son of Amathi, from Gath Hepher. 26 But Jehovah saw the bitter humiliation of Israel in that there was little unity, they were being abandoned, and no one would help them, so their size was dwindling. 27 As the result, Jehovah didn’t say anything about wiping their seed out from under the skies, but He used JeroBoam (the son of JehoAsh) to save them.
28 Well, the rest of the things that JeroBoam said and did, and of his conquests and wars, and of how he returned Damascus and HaMath to Judah in Israel, have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel. 29 Then JeroBoam went to sleep with his ancestors, the kings of Israel, and his son ZechariJah started ruling in place of him.
Chapter 15
1 It was in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of JeroBoam (the king of Israel) that AzariJah (the son of AmaziJah, the king of Judah) started his reign. 2 He was sixteen years old at the time, and he reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. His mother’s name was JeCheliJah, and she was from Jerusalem. 3 And like his father (AmaziJah), AzariJah did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah. 4 However, he too failed to remove the high places where the people sacrificed and burned incense. 5 So, Jehovah touched the king and gave him leprosy until the day he died, and he had to live in his own house. As the result, JoTham (the king’s son) was put in charge of the palace family and staff, and he served as the judge of the people of the land.
6 All the rest of the things that AzariJah said and did have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah. 7 Then AzariJah went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb him with his ancestors in the city of David. So his son JoTham started to rule in place of him.
8 And it was in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of AzariJah (the king of Judah) that ZechariJah (the son of JeroBoam, the king of Israel) started his reign in Samaria, which only lasted six months. 9 He was very wicked in the eyes of Jehovah and did all the things that his ancestors had done… he practiced all the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin. 10 And then ShalLum (the son of JaBis through KeblaAm) had him murdered, and he became the king.
11 All the rest of the things that ZechariJah said and did have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah. 12 And as Jehovah told Jehu when He said that his sons would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation; it came to be so.
13 So, ShalLum (the son of JaBis) started his reign in the thirty-ninth year of the reign of AzariJah (the king of Judah), but he only ruled in Samaria for a month, 14 because that’s when MenaHem (the son of GadDi, from TharSila) marched on Samaria and killed him.
15 All the rest of the words of ShalLum and the story of his plot {Look!} have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel.
16 Then MenaHem attacked TiphSah and its surrounding cities, and killed everyone there, because they wouldn’t open their gates to him… he killed them all and ripped open all the pregnant women.
17 So, in the thirty-ninth year of the reign of AzariJah (the king of Judah), MenaHem (the son of GadDi) became the king of Israel in Samaria, and he ruled for ten years. 18 He too acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin.
19 It was during his reign that Pul, the king of Assyria, came against the land. Then MenaHem gave him three-and-a-half-tons of silver to satisfy him. 20 So, MenaHem sent the silver from Israel, and he had it delivered by mighty men who each carried fifty large silver coins to Assyria. And as the result, the king of Assyria didn’t post garrisons in the land.
21 Well, the rest of the things that MenaHem said and did {Look!} have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel. 22 Then MenaHem went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son PekahJah started ruling place of him.
23 So, it was in the fiftieth year of AzariJah (the king of Judah) that PekahJah (the son of MenaHem) started his rule over Israel from Samaria, but he only reigned for two years, 24 because he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah by not removing the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin. 25 So, his royal proclaimer, PekAh (the son of RomeliJah), attacked PekahJah right in front of the royal palace with the help of ArGob, AriJa, and fifty Gileadites. And after they killed him, PekAh became the king.
26 Well, the rest of the things that PekahJah said and did {Look!} have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel.
27 So, it was in the fifty-second year of the reign of AzariJah the king of Judah, that PekAh (the son of RomeliJah) started his reign over Israel from Samaria, which lasted twenty years. 28 But he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah by not removing the sins of JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) who led Israel into sin.
29 Now, it was during the reign of PekAh (the king of Israel) that Tiglath Pileser (the king of Assyria) captured Ain, Abel-BethMaAcha, AniOch, Kenez, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and the whole land of NaphTali, and then he resettled all the people in Assyria.
30 Then HosheA (the son of ElAh) rebelled against PekAh (the son of RomeliJah), and he attacked him and killed him. So in the twentieth year of the reign of JoTham (the son of AzariJah), HosheA began his rule.
31 All the rest of the things that PekAh said and did {Look!} have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Israel.
32 It was in the second year of the reign of PekAh (the son of RomeliJah the king of Israel) that JoTham (the son of AzariJah) became the king of Judah. 33 He was twenty-five years old at the time, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. The name of his mother was JeroUsa, and she was the daughter of Zadok. 34 He did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah, as did his father AzariJah; 35 however, he didn’t remove the high places where the people offered sacrifices and burned incense. But he was the one who rebuilt the upper gate to the Temple of Jehovah.
36 All the rest of the things that JoTham said and did have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah.
37 It was back in those days that Jehovah started sending RasSon (the king of Syria) and PekAh (the son of RomeliJah) against Judah.
38 Then JoTham went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb along with his ancestors in the city of David (his ancestor). And thereafter, his son Ahaz started ruling in place of him.
Chapter 16
1 In the seventeenth year of PekAh (the son of RomeliJah), Ahaz (the son of JoTham) became the king of Judah. 2 He was twenty years old at the time, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. However, he didn’t do what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah his God and trust in Him, as did his ancestor David. 3 Rather, he followed in the path of the kings of Israel by offering up his own son in fire, in the same disgusting way as the nations that God had driven away from the sons of Israel. 4 He also offered sacrifices and burned incense in the high places, on the hills, and under every tree in the woods.
5 Then RaAson (the king of Syria) and PekAh (the son of RomeliJah, the king of Israel) came against Jerusalem to war against Ahaz, but they weren’t successful. 6 So, RaAson (the king of Syria) went to ElAth and drove all the Judeans out of the city, and then the Idumeans moved into ElAth and they still live there today.
7 Thereafter, Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath Pileser (the king of Assyria), saying, ‘I am your servant and your son. Please come and save me from the kings of Syria and Israel who have come to fight me!’
8 Then Ahaz took all the silver and gold that he found in the treasuries of the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. 9 So the king of Assyria listened to him and attacked Damascus. He captured it, killed King RaAsson, and then he repopulated the city.
10 Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet with Tiglath Pileser (the king of Assyria), and when he saw the altar in Damascus, he examined its dimensions and its construction, and he sent a representation of the altar to UriJah the Priest. 11 So UriJah built a similar Altar, following the instructions that were sent to him from Damascus by King Ahaz. 12 And when the king saw the Altar, he climbed up on it, then he burned incense, and sacrificed whole burnt offerings (plus his own offerings and a drink offering), and he poured the blood of the peace offerings on the Altar 13 (which was made of brass and which was placed before Jehovah).
14 He had the Altar moved forward and placed in front of the Temple of Jehovah, between the Temple and the [old] Altar, and he displayed it next to [the old] Altar, on its north side. 15 And thereafter, he gave instructions to UriJah the Priest, saying, ‘I want a great sacrifice offered on this Altar early tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening. I will bring my whole burnt offerings and other sacrifices, and then the people should bring their sacrifices and drink offerings. So, you are to offer the blood of the whole burnt offerings and other sacrifices, pouring them out over the brass Altar for me in the morning.’
16 Well, UriJah the Priest did exactly as King Ahaz told him.
17 Then King Ahaz had the bases for the washbasins and the Sacred Sea (the oxen) disassembled, and the brass Sea was lowered onto a new base that was made of stone. 18 He also built a foundation for a royal throne inside the Temple of Jehovah, 19 near the entrance of the king, and he rebuilt the Temple of Jehovah in the presence of the king of Assyria.
19 All the rest of the things that Ahaz said and did have been written in the scroll that tells of the days of the kings of Judah. 20 Then Ahaz went to sleep with his ancestors, and he was buried in a tomb in the city of David. And thereafter, his son HezekiJah began ruling in place of him.
Chapter 17
1 It was in twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz (the king of Judah) that HosheA (the son of ElAh) started reigning over Israel from Samaria, and he ruled there for nine years. 2 But he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah… however, he wasn’t as bad as the kings who came before him.
3 Then Shalmaneser (the king of Assyria) came against him and made HosheA his vassal, forcing him to send many gifts. 4 However, the king of Assyria became [very unhappy] with HosheA, because he had sent messengers to Segor (the king of Egypt) and he didn’t send any gifts to the king of Assyria that year. So, the king of Assyria had him tied him up and thrown into prison. 5 Then the king of Assyria marched through Israel and laid siege to Samaria for three years. 6 (This happened in the ninth year of HosheA’s reign.) And then the king of Assyria captured Samaria and moved all the people of Israel into Assyria – to the Alae, Abor, and along the Gozan Rivers, and into the mountains of the Medes.
7 This all happened because the sons of Israel had sinned against Jehovah their God who had brought them out of the land of Egypt and from under the hand of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and they started fearing other gods. 8 They had also started following in the ways of the nations that Jehovah removed from in front of them… and their kings were doing the same things.
9 There were so many things that the sons of Israel did to cover over the words of Jehovah, and so as not to do anything that their God had said; for they [built altars] for themselves in high places near all their cities… from their guard towers to their walled cities. 10 They also erected stone monuments and groves of sacred poles on every high hill and under every tree in the woods. 11 On the high places they burned incense in the same ways that the nations who Jehovah moved far away from them did. And they formed alliances, and carved images to provoke Jehovah to rage. 12 Then they served the very idols that Jehovah had warned them against!
13 However, Jehovah sent warnings to Israel and Judah through all His Prophets (all of whom were Seers) who told them, ‘Turn from your wicked ways and obey My Commandments, My instructions, and all the Laws that I gave to your ancestors, which I sent to you by the hands of My servants the Prophets!’ 4 But they just wouldn’t listen to Him, and they made themselves even more stubborn than the stubbornness of their ancestors. 15 He warned them time and again, but they just wouldn’t do what He said. They did foolish, silly things, and followed in the paths of the nations around them… the very ones that Jehovah had warned them against when He said, ‘Don’t do these things.’
16 They abandoned the Commandments of Jehovah their God, and they made for themselves two heifers of cast metal, and the groves of sacred poles. Then they bowed to all the powerful things in the sky and started serving Baal. 17 They also offered their sons and daughters in fires; they went to fortunetellers to learn the future; and they sold themselves into wickedness in the eyes of Jehovah, provoking Him to anger. 18 As the result, He became so enraged with Israel that He removed them from before His face, and He didn’t leave any of them behind, other than the tribe of Judah. 19 But even Judah didn’t follow the Commandments of Jehovah their God, for they followed in the ways of Israel and did the same bad things… pushing Jehovah away!
20 So, Jehovah became enraged with all the seed of Israel and He just shook them off, handing them over to be ripped to pieces, and throwing them away from His face. 21 For Israel had rebelled against the house of David and made JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) their king, and JeroBoam removed Israel from the way of following Jehovah and led them into a great sin. 22 And from then on, the sons of Israel followed along in all the sins that JeroBoam committed, and they never changed their ways until Jehovah removed them from before His face… just as He said He would do, through all His servants the Prophets.
23 So, Israel was resettled in the land of Assyria, where they still live today. 24 Then the king of Assyria took all the people from HoUtha (near Babylon), AiA, HaMath, and SePharaIm, and settled them in the cities of Samaria, in place of the sons of Israel. And they inherited Samaria and started living in its cities.
25 Well, from the very beginning, these [new] people wouldn’t fear Jehovah either, so He sent lions among them to kill them. 26 Then they went to the king of Assyria and told him, ‘The nations that you resettled and relocated in the cities of Samaria just don’t understand the God of that land, so He has sent lions against them that are killing them off, because of the lack of their understanding of this God.’
27 Then the king of Assyria said, ‘Take some of the Israelites back to the land and let them start living there once again, so they can enlighten the people there [on how to please] the God of the land.’
28 So they brought one of the Priests from Samaria and returned him to BethEl, so he could teach the people there to fear Jehovah.
29 Well, all the nations [that were resettled in the land] were taking their gods and putting them in the temples on the high places (which were built by the Samaritans) and in the cities where they lived. 30 Then the men who were [relocated from] Babylon built SucCoth and BenOth; the men from Cuth built NerGal; the men from HaMath built AsiMath; 31 and the Hivites built EblaZer and Tartak.
Well, the Sepharvaim were still burning their sons in fires to their gods AdraMelek and AneMelek. 32 And although they had started fearing Jehovah, they kept the images of their gods in the temples that they built on the high places in Samaria, near the cities where each nation lived. And although they feared Jehovah, they still appointed priests to serve at the temples of the high places. 33 And although they feared Jehovah, they still served the gods of the countries they came from, 34 and they’re still following that same form of worship today. So, although they feared Jehovah, they didn’t follow the instructions, Laws, and Commandments that He gave to the sons of Jacob, to whom He gave the name Israel.
35 For when Jehovah made a Sacred Agreement [with Israel], He told them: ‘Don’t fear other gods! Don’t bow to them, serve them, or offer sacrifices to them. 36 You may only serve Jehovah, the God who led you out of the land of Egypt with His great strength and outstretched arm. You must fear, bow before, and sacrifice to just Him, 37 and you must follow His decisions, rules, Laws, and Commandments that He wrote down for you. You must obey these things for as long as you live, and never serve other gods. 38 You must not forget the Sacred Agreement that He made with you, and you should not fear other gods. 39 You should fear only Jehovah your God, for He alone will rescue you from all your enemies, 40 so don’t pay any attention to what [the other nations] are doing.’
41 Well, those nations feared Jehovah, but they also served things that they carved for themselves… as did their sons and grandsons, and which they’re still doing today.
Chapter 18
1 It was in the third year of the reign of HosheA (the son of ElAh, the king of Israel) that HezekiJah (the son of Ahaz the king of Judah) started his reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he started to rule, and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abou, and she was the daughter of ZachariJah.
3 HezekiJah did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah (every bit as much as did his ancestor David), 4 for he removed the high places of worship and all the monuments. He also destroyed the groves of sacred poles and the brass snake that Moses had made, because back in those days, the people of Israel were burning incense to it, so he called it the Consumer.
5 He placed his hope in Jehovah the God of Israel, and there were none like him among the kings of Judah… those who lived before him or who came after him. 6 He stuck to Jehovah, he never stopped following Him, and he obeyed all the Commandments that Moses [wrote]. 7 So, Jehovah was with him in everything that he did. He was wise and he annulled Judah’s allegiance to the king of Assyria, and refused to serve him. 8 Then he attacked the Philistines in Gaza and throughout its borders, from their guard towers to their walled cities.
9 Well, it was in the fourth year of the reign of King HezekiJah (the seventh year of HoSheA, the son of ElAh, the king of Israel), when Shalmaneser (the king of Assyria) came against Samaria and laid siege to it. 10 It took him three years, but in the sixth year of HezekiJah and in the ninth year of HoSheA (the king of Israel), he conquered Samaria. 11 And then he resettled all the people of Israel to Assyria (along the Alae, Abor, ande Gozan Rivers, and in the mountains of the Medes), 12 [which happened] because they wouldn’t listen to the voice of Jehovah their God. For they had violated the Sacred Agreement that He made through His servant Moses, and they just refused to listen and do as they were told.
13 Then in the fourteenth year of King HezekiJah, SenNacherIb (the king of Assyria) came against the walled cities of Judah and captured them. 14 So, HezekiJah (the king of Judah) sent messengers to the king of Assyria, who was at LachIsh at the time, saying, ‘I have sinned! Please turn away from me! Whatever you tell me to do, I will do!’
Then HezekiJah (the king of Judah) sent a tribute to the king of Assyria, consisting of ten-tons of silver and a ton of gold… 15 he sent him all the silver that he could find in the Temple of Jehovah and in the treasuries of the king’s palace. 16 He even cut off the Temple doors and supports, which he had covered with gold, and gave them to the king of Assyria. 17 But the king of Assyria sent Tharthan, Raphis, and Rapsakes from LachIsh to King HezekiJah at Jerusalem with a huge army. And when they got to Jerusalem, they stood outside (by the aqueduct to the upper pool, along the road to the field where [women] washed clothes), 18 and they yelled for HezekiJah.
Well, EliAkim (the son of HelkiJah), HezekiJah’s right-hand man, SomNas the Scribe, and JehoAsh (the son of ShaPhat) the record-keeper, came out. 19 And Rapsakes said, ‘You tell HezekiJah that the great king of Assyria says: What is this thing that you’re putting your trust in? 20 For, with your lips you’ve spoken of your power to go to war; so who is it that you were trusting in when you annulled your allegiance to me? 21 {Look!} Are you leaning on that broken stalk of reeds called Egypt? Who would [be foolish enough] to lean on them, for they would puncture your hand and go right through it. Why, that’s what Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) does to all those who rely on him.
22 ‘Or if you should say to me that you’re relying on your God Jehovah; aren’t you the one who removed His high places of worship and His altars, and who told the people of Judah and Jerusalem to bow before the Altar in Jerusalem?
23 ‘Now, come and ally yourself with my master the king of Assyria, and I’ll give you two thousand horses that you can use to mount yourself and your cavalrymen on. 24 But if you turn your back on even the lowliest of my lord’s servants, you’ll have to trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen.
25 ‘Do you really think that we came here to destroy this place without [the blessings of Jehovah]? Why, it was Jehovah who told me to attack this land and destroy it!’
26 Then EliAkim (the son of HelkiJah), SomNas, and JehoAsh said to RapSakes: ‘Please speak to your servants in Syrian, because we can understand that. Don’t speak to us in the Judean language, because all the people who are on the walls can hear what you’re saying.’
27 And RapSakes replied, ‘Do you think that my lord sent me here just to speak to you and to your lord? I’m here to speak to the men who are sitting on the wall… those who will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine along with you.’
28 Then RapSakes stood and shouted as loud as he could in the Judean language, ‘Listen to the words of the great king of Assyria! 29 The king says, Don’t trust in HezekiJah, because there’s no way that he’s going to save you from my hands! 30 And don’t listen to HezekiJah when he tells you to put your hope in Jehovah and that He will rescue you and never give you into the hands of the king of Assyria.
31 ‘Don’t listen to HezekiJah, because this is what the king of Assyria [has promised]: Praise me and come out to me, and you’ll all drink [wine] from your own grapevines, eat figs from your own trees, and drink water from your own wells. 32 Because, I’ll come and take you to a land that’s like yours… it’s a land of grain, wine, bread, and vineyards… it’s a land of olive oil and honey, where you can live and not have to be killed.
‘So, don’t listen to HezekiJah, because he’s fooling you when he says that Jehovah will rescue you. 33 Why, which of the [other] gods of the nations have saved [their people] from the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of HaMath and ArPhad? Where are the gods of SepharVaim, Ana, and Aba? They didn’t rescue Samaria from my hands! 35 Which of the gods of any land have saved their countries from my hand? So, how can Jehovah rescue Jerusalem from my hand?’
36 Then everything got very quiet and no one said a word in reply, because the king had commanded that no one should give an answer.
37 Then EliAkim (the son of HelkiJah), the king’s right-hand man, SomNas the scribe, and JehoAsh (the son of ShaPhat) the recorder, returned to HezekiJah and started ripping their clothes as they told him what RapSakes said.
Chapter 19
1 And as King HezekiJah listened, he ripped off his clothes and dressed himself in sackcloth, and then he went to the Temple of Jehovah. 2 He also had his right-hand-man EliAkim, SomNas the scribe, and the elders among the Priests put on sackcloth, and he sent them to see the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amos). 3 And he told them to say, ‘HezekiJah [wants us to tell you that] today is a day of oppression, scolding, and rage, because the sons now have birth pangs, but they don’t have the power to give birth. 4 So, if Jehovah your God heard all the things that RapSakes (who was sent by his lord the king of Assyria) said to berate the living God and blaspheme Him – if He heard what was said – then pray to your God on behalf of the few of us who are left [in Judea].’
5 So, the servants of King HezekiJah went to IsaiJah, 6 and IsaiJah told them, ‘Tell your lord that this is what Jehovah has said: Don’t be afraid of the words that you heard and the blasphemies of the servants of the king of Assyria. 7 {Look!} I will send [My] Breath, and he will hear a message and return to his land. Then I will cut him down with a sword in his own land.’
8 Well, when RapSakes returned, he found that the king of Assyria had left LachIsh and was off waging war against LobNa, 9 because he heard that Tharaka (the king of the Ethiopians) had told him that he would do battle with him. But when he returned, he sent messengers to HezekiJah that said, 10 ‘Don’t allow the God that you rely on to encourage you. [Don’t believe Him] if He says that Jerusalem won’t be given into the hands of the king of Assyria, 11 {Look!} for you’ve heard all the things that the king of Assyria has done, and of all the lands he destroyed. So, how can you be rescued? 12 Have any of the gods of the nations that have been destroyed by me or my ancestors been able to rescue them… in places such as Gozan, Harran, Raphis, the sons of Edem, or the people of ThaEsthen? 13 Where are the kings of HaMath and Arphad? Where is the king of the SepharVaim, or of Ana and Aba?’
14 Well, HezekiJah took the letter from the hands of the messengers and read it, and then he went to the Temple of Jehovah and unrolled it before Jehovah. 15 And he prayed, ‘O Jehovah, God of Israel, the One who rests on cherubs; You alone are the God of all the kingdoms of the earth, and the One who made the heavens and the earth. 16 O Jehovah, turn your ear to me and hear! O Jehovah, open your eyes and Look… [read] the words that SenNacherIb sent to berate the living God. 17 For it was You, O Jehovah, who allowed the kings of Assyria to destroy the nations, 18 and You have thrown their gods into the fire. Because, they aren’t gods; they’re just things that men made with their hands from wood and stone, and which will be destroyed.
19 ‘Now, O Jehovah our God; please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that You – Jehovah – are the only [true] God.’
20 Then IsaiJah (the son of Amos) sent a message to HezekiJah that said, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel and of armies has said: I have heard what you said to Me in prayer concerning SenNacherIb (the king of Assyria). 21 And Jehovah went on to speak these words against him: The daughters of Jerusalem will shake their heads at you… you who would treat the virgin daughters of Zion with contempt and sneer at them. 22 For, who have you berated, and who have you blasphemed… against whom have you raised your voice and put yourself higher in your own eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel… 23 you sent your messengers and berated Jehovah!
‘Then you said, With all my chariots I have ridden to the tops of mountains along the borders of Lebanon, and I have cut down their great cedars (their best ones), then I rode among the forests of Carmel. 24 There I cooled myself and drank from alien waters, and then with the sole of my foot I destroyed all the moats around the city walls. 25 I have reshaped and moved things; and in my pride, I have resettled the combative peoples of fortified cities. 26 By my own hand I made the people who live there weak, for they were shocked and disgraced, and became like grass in the field… like green hay or young shoots that grow on roofs and are easily trampled by the people who stand there.
27 ‘I have known it whenever you sat down or gone anywhere, and I know of your rage against Me. 28 And it’s on account of your rage against Me that the things you’ve been doing have reached My ears. So, now I’m going to put My hooks in your nostrils and My bit between your lips, and I’m going to turn you around and send you back by the same way you came!
29 [Then he told the messengers], ‘This will be your sign: This year you must eat the things that grow on their own and everything that grows next year also. But in the third year, you will sow seeds and harvest, and plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 30 And [Jehovah] will add those who were taken away to those who have been preserved of the house of Judah – like roots beneath the ground – and they too will produce fruitage. 31 For, a remnant will come from Jerusalem and a rescuer will come from Mount Zion. And it is the zeal of Jehovah of armies, which will accomplish this… 32 isn’t that the truth?
‘Now, this is what Jehovah says to the king of Assyria: He won’t enter this city, says Jehovah, he won’t even shoot an arrow there, so no one will have to lift a shield. And he won’t pour dirt to build a mound around the city. 33 For, the way he came is the way he’ll return. He won’t enter this city, says Jehovah. 34 For, I will put a shield around this city and save her, because of Myself and because of David My servant.’
35 And that’s what happened. For during the night, a messenger of Jehovah came and destroyed the camp of Assyria, killing a hundred-and-eighty-five-thousand men. So, when [the people of Jerusalem] got up the next morning, {Look!} all [they found] was dead bodies.
36 Then SenNacherIb (the king of Assyria) returned to his home in Nineveh. 37 And one day, while he was bowing in the temple of his god MeserAk, his sons AdraMelek and SarAsar killed him with swords, and ran off to the land of Ararat. Then his son AsorDan started ruling in place of him.
Chapter 20
1 Well, HezekiJah [developed an infection] and was sick to the point of dying. So, the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amos) went to see him and said, ‘Jehovah says that you should [settle your affairs], because you’re not going to live… you’re going to die!’
2 And at that, HezekiJah turned his face to the wall and made a vow to Jehovah, saying, 3 ‘O Jehovah, remember that I walked before You in truth and with a heart that’s full of good; for I did what was right in Your eyes.’ Then he broke down and cried.
4 Well at the time, IsaiJah was walking out through the courtyard, and these words of Jehovah came to him. 5 ‘Return to HezekiJah (the one who is leading My people) and say: I’ve heard your prayer and I’ve seen your tears. So {Look!}, I will heal you on the third day, and then you must go to the Temple of Jehovah. 6 For, I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will also bring you and this city out from under the hand of the king of Assyria… for Myself and because of My servant David.’
7 Then He said, ‘Have them take a cluster of dried figs and wrap it around the sore, and you’ll be healed!’
8 And HezekiJah asked IsaiJah, ‘What’s the sign that Jehovah will heal me, and that I will go to the Temple on the third day?’
9 And IsaiJah said, ‘This is the sign that Jehovah will do the things He said: The shadow on your stairway will go up ten stairs, then go back down ten stairs.’
10 Then HezekiJah said, ‘It’s nothing unusual for a shadow to go up ten stairs, but it never goes back down ten stairs!’
11 And the Prophet IsaiJah called out to Jehovah, and then the shadow went back down ten stairs.
12 Well at the time, Maradak Baladan (the son of Baladan the king of Babylon) had sent letters and gifts to HezekiJah, because he heard that he was sick. 13 Well, this made HezekiJah very happy, so he showed [the messengers] everything in his palace. He showed them all his good things… his spices, silver, gold, perfumes, oils, weapons, and everything that he had in his treasury. There wasn’t anything in his house that he failed to show them.
14 Then the Prophet IsaiJah came to HezekiJah and asked, ‘Who were those men, and why did they come to you?’
And HezekiJah replied, ‘They came from far away… all the way from Babylon!’
15 And IsaiJah asked, ‘What did they see in your palace?’
And he said, ‘They saw everything that’s here. I showed them everything in my house and in my treasury.’
16 And IsaiJah said, ‘Listen to the words of Jehovah! 17 Look; the days are coming, says Jehovah, when all the things in your palace, and all the treasures that your ancestors have stored away until now will be taken to Babylon… there won’t be a thing Jehovah spoke about that will be left. 18 Also, the sons that you sire and those who descend from you will be taken as eunuchs to serve in the palace of the king of Babylon.’
19 Then HezekiJah said to IsaiJah, ‘The words of Jehovah are good. But may there be peace during my lifetime!’
20 Well, the rest of the things that HezekiJah said and did, and the area of his rulership, and of the wells he dug, and of the aqueduct that he built to bring water into the city {Look!} have been written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 21 Then HezekiJah went to sleep with his ancestors, and he was buried in a tomb in the city of David. And after him, his son ManasSeh took over his rule.
Chapter 21
1 ManasSeh was just twelve years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from Jerusalem for fifty-five years. His mother’s name was OpSiba.
2 ManasSeh acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, for he returned to the disgusting practices of the nations that Jehovah had removed from before the sons of Israel. 3 He went and rebuilt the high places of worship that his father HezekiJah had torn down, he rebuilt the altar to Baal, and he built groves of sacred poles like those of Ahab the king of Israel. He also worshiped before the powerful objects in the sky and served them.
4 Then he built an altar inside the Temple of Jehovah, because, as he had said, ‘I will have my name remembered in Jerusalem.’
5 And he built an altar to all the powerful things in the sky in two of the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah. 6 He also sacrificed two of his own sons in fire, and he brought many fortunetellers, diviners, and seers into the land where he established sacred precincts for them. Well, all of this was very wicked in the eyes of Jehovah, which made Him very angry.
7 Then he put carvings of the sacred poles inside the Temple… in the very place where Jehovah had said to David and his son Solomon, ‘This is the house in Jerusalem that I chose out of all the rest of the tribes of Israel as the place to put My Name though the ages. 8 And I will never shake the feet of Israel from off this land that I gave to their ancestors, as long as they do everything that I told them to do, and follow the Commandments that I gave them through My servant Moses.’
9 However, they just wouldn’t listen, and ManasSeh misled them into doing things that were even wickeder in the eyes of Jehovah than what the nations did, whom Jehovah had removed from before the sons of Israel.
10 So, Jehovah spoke to them through His servants the Prophets, and said, 11 ‘I’m not going to allow ManasSeh the king of Judah to continue doing these disgusting things, which are even worse that what the Amorites used to do before him. For, he has led Judah into sin with their idols, 12 and this cannot continue!’
Then Jehovah (the God of Israel) said this: ‘{Look!} I’m going to bring so much evil upon Jerusalem and Judah that everyone will hear about it with both of their ears. 13 I’m going to stretch the measuring line out over Jerusalem as I did over Samaria, and bring all the weight of the house of Ahab down upon it. I will wipe away Jerusalem like someone wipes out an alabaster jar… I’ll wipe it clean and turn it over on its face. 14 Then I’ll wipe away every trace of My inheritance and hand them over to their enemies, who will ravage and plunder them. 15 Why, they’ve done many wicked things in My eyes and they’ve been provoking Me to anger from the time I led their ancestors out of Egypt to this day.’
16 Also, ManasSeh shed the blood of many innocent [people], so much so, that it filled Jerusalem mouth to mouth… and this was in addition to all the rest of his sins and the ways he led Judah into sin by acting wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah.
17 And the rest of the things that ManasSeh said and did (and of his sins) are written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 18 Then ManasSeh went to sleep his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the garden of his house (the Garden of Oza). And thereafter, his son Amon started ruling in his place.
19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for just two years. His mother’s name was MesolLam (she was the daughter of Arus from JeTeba). 20 And like his father ManasSeh, he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, 21 because he did everything that his father did. He served and bowed before the same idols that his father served, 22 and he abandoned Jehovah the God of his ancestors. He certainly didn’t walk in the paths of Jehovah.
23 However, Amon’s servants plotted a coup against him, and they murdered the king in his palace. 24 Then the people of the land took those who had plotted against King Amon and had them killed, and they appointed Amon’s son JosiAh to rule in his place.
25 Well, the rest of the things that Amon said and did {Look!} have been written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 26 And they buried him in his tomb in the Garden of Oza. So then, JosiAh began his reign.
Chapter 22
1 JosiAh was only eight years old when he started his reign, and he ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was JediYa, and she was the daughter of EdeJa of BasorOth.
2 JosiAh did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah, and he followed in the paths of his ancestor David. He didn’t swerve to the right or to the left.
3 Well, it was during the eighth month of the eighteenth year of King JosiAh’s reign that the king sent for SaPhan (the son of EselJah and grandson of MesolLam) who was the scribe in the Temple of Jehovah. And he told him, 4 ‘Go to HelkiJah the great High Priest, and have him set aside the money from the treasury which the people have been bringing to the Temple, 5 and have him give it to the men who are assigned to work on the Temple of Jehovah!’
So, they gave the money to the men who were working on the Temple of Jehovah, and they used it to repair its walls. 6 It was given to the craftsmen, laborers, and stonemasons, and it was used to buy wood and stones to fortify its walls. 7 No one required an accounting; they just trusted everyone to do the right thing.
8 Then HelkiJah (the High Priest) went to SaPhan the scribe and reported: ‘We’ve found a scroll of the Law in the Temple of Jehovah!’
So, HelkiJah gave the scroll to SaPhan and he read it, 9 then he carried it to King JosiAh. And when he went before the king, the king said, ‘Set aside more of the silver in the Temple of Jehovah and give it to your servants who are appointed to do the repairs on the Temple.’
10 Then SaPhan (the scribe) said to the king, ‘HelkiJah the Priest gave me this scroll;’ and he read it to the king. 11 And when the king heard the Law that was written on the scroll, he started ripping his clothes. 12 Then the king gave instructions to HelkiJah the Priest, AchiKan (the son of SaPhan), AchObor (the son of MichaJah), SaPhan the scribe, and to AsaJah (the king’s personal representative), telling them: 13 ‘Go and search for Jehovah for my sake and for all my people in the land of Judah, because of the things that this scroll you found says. Why, the anger of Jehovah is surely blazing against us, because we haven’t been paying attention to any of the instructions, or to any of the things that were written about us in this scroll.’
14 So, HelkiJah the Priest, AchiCam, AchObor, SaPhan, and AsiAh, went to the Prophetess HuldAh (the wife of SelLem, who was the son of Thekou and grandson of Aras the keeper of the robes), who lived in Masena near Jerusalem, and they spoke to her. 15 And she told them, ‘Jehovah the God of Israel says you should speak to the man who sent you to me 16 and tell him that Jehovah says this: {Look!} I’m bringing bad things against this place and upon those who live here… everything that’s written in the scroll that the king of Judah read. 17 For, they have abandoned Me and are offering incense to other gods, and they’re making Me angry with the things they’ve made with their hands. So, My rage is blazing against this place, and it won’t be extinguished.
18 ‘And tell the king of Judah (the one who sent you to inquire of Jehovah) that these are the words of Jehovah the God of Israel, which you’ve heard. 19 But, because you are tenderhearted and you felt ashamed when you heard the things I said about this place and those who live here (that they deserve to be cursed and extinguished), and you ripped your clothes and cried before Me, I’ve heard you. 20 So, none of this will happen to you. For {Look!}, I will add you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in your tomb in peace, so you won’t have to see with your eyes all the bad things that I will bring against this place.’
And with that, they returned to the king and told him what was said.
Chapter 23
1 Then the king sent for all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem and had them brought to him. 2 And the king went to the Temple of Jehovah with the men of Judah and Jerusalem, the Priests and the Prophets, and all the people (the small and the great), and he read all the words of the scroll of the Sacred Agreement that had been found there. 3 Then the king stood by the column and proposed an agreement with Jehovah; that they would return to Jehovah and obey His Commandments, proclamations, and Laws with all their hearts and souls, and that they would restore His Sacred Agreement that was written in the scroll. Then he had all the people who were there, ratify his agreement.
4 Next, the king had the High Priest HelkiJah (as well as all the other lesser priests and those who guarded the doors) go into the Temple of Jehovah and carry out all the objects for Baal worship, as well as things for the groves of sacred poles, and for the worship of the things in the sky. Then he burned them outside Jerusalem in the Cedar (Kidron) Valley and had the ashes carried off to BethEl. 5 And following that, he had all the idolatrous priests (those who had been appointed by the kings of Judah) who burned incense in the high places around the cities of Judah and Jerusalem, or who burned incense to Baal, or to the sun and moon, or to MazurOth and all the mighty things in the sky, [killed and] incinerated. 6 He also had the carvings of the groves of sacred poles carried out of the Temple of Jehovah and outside of Jerusalem to the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi, and he had them burned there and ground to dust, which was then scattered among the tombs in graveyards.
7 Then he had the rooms in the Temple of Jehovah where male prostitutes were kept, and where women wove robes for the worship of the sacred poles, demolished. 8 And he took all the priests from the cities of Judah up to the high places where the priests burned incense (all the way from GabaA to BeerSheba) and defiled them. He also demolished The Temple of the Gates that was near the entrance to the Gate of JoShua (the man who was in charge of the gate), which was to the left of the main city gate.
9 Then [the king] forbade the priests of the high places to ever be allowed to approach the Altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem, or to share in eating the fermentation-free bread among their brothers.
10 Next, he defiled Topheth, which is the place [of worship] in the ravine of the sons of Hinnom where people took their sons and daughters and burned them in a fire to [the image of] Moloch. 11 And he incinerated the horses that the kings of Judah had offered to the sun, which were kept inside the Temple compound near the Temple entrance, in the treasury room of Nathan (the king’s eunuch). He also burned the Chariot of the Sun, 12 the altars that were on the roof of the upper room of Ahaz (that had been built by the kings of Judah), and he demolished the altars that ManasSeh had made in two of the Temple courtyards, and threw their dust into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi.
13 Then the king had the temples that were built across from Jerusalem (on the right side of Mount MosOath) that King Solomon had built to Astarte (the disgusting thing of the Sidonians), and to Chemosh (the disgusting thing of Moab), and to Moloch (the disgusting thing of the sons of Ammon) defiled. 14 He broke up all the monuments and destroyed the groves of sacred poles, and then he had the areas where they used to be located covered with dead men’s bones.
15 Then he went to the high altar in BethEl that JeroBoam (the son of NaBat) had built to lead Israel into sin, and had it torn down, its stones crushed into fine dust, and its grove of sacred poles incinerated.
16 But before he did that, JosiAh noticed the tombs of the people who were buried there in the city, and he had the bones taken from the tombs and burned them on the altar to defile it. So, the [prophecy] of Jehovah, which the man of God spoke on the holiday that JeroBoam called for when he built the altar, was fulfilled. For at that time, the man of God looked toward the graveyard and said, 17 ‘What is this high rock that I see?’ And then the men of the city [heard] the man of God (who had come from Judah) foretell that this would happen to the altar of BethEl. 18 And they said, ‘Leave him alone, and may no man ever move his bones!’ So, his bones were placed with the bones of the Prophets of Samaria.
19 Then [the king] went throughout the cities of Samaria and had all the temples on the high places that the kings of Israel had built to provoke Jehovah to anger, torn down. JosiAh removed them all, along with all the things that were built for worship in BethEl. 20 And he sacrificed all the priests of the high places on their own altars, and then he incinerated their bones upon them.
After that, he returned to Jerusalem 21 and he told all the people, ‘Now you must observe the Passover of Jehovah our God, just as it is written in the scroll of this Sacred Agreement.’ 22 For, the Passover hadn’t been celebrated since the time of the Judges… not during the time of any of the kings of Judah!
23 So, it was in the eighteenth year of King JosiAh that the Passover to Jehovah was once again celebrated in Jerusalem.
24 Then King JosiAh had all the witches, fortunetellers, objects for providing omens, idols, and all the other disgusting things and practices that were taking place in the land of Judah and Jerusalem removed, so the words of the Law that were written in the scroll, which was found by HelkiJah the Priest in the Temple of Jehovah, could be followed once again.
25 Never before was there any king like him who had turned toward Jehovah and to the Law of Moses with his whole heart, strength, and inner person. And after him, no one like him ever arose again.
26 However, none of this turned Jehovah from His rage and great anger against Judah, because of the things that ManasSeh had done. 27 For Jehovah had said, ‘Yes, I will indeed remove Judah from before My face as I removed Israel. I’ll throw this city that I chose (Jerusalem) away, as well as the Temple where I said I will put My Name.’
28 Well, the rest of the things that JosiAh said and did have been written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 29 For back then, Pharaoh Necho (the king of Egypt) attacked the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River, and JosiAh fought against him. So, when Necho saw him at MegidDo, he killed him. 30 Then his servants brought his dead body back from MegidDo to Jerusalem, and they buried him in his tomb in the city of David. And thereafter, the people of the land anointed JehoAhaz (JosiAh’s son), and he started reigning in place of his father.
31 JehoAhaz was twenty-three years old when he started his reign, and he only ruled in Jerusalem for three months. The name of his mother was AmiTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiJah of Lobna. 32 For, he followed in the paths of his ancestors and acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah. 33 Then Pharaoh Necho moved against him at DebLatha (in the land of HaMath) and removed him from [the throne] of Jerusalem. And thereafter, he fined the land four-tons of silver and four-tons of gold, 34 and he put EliAkim (another son of JosiAh) on [the throne] of Judah, in place of his father, and he changed his name to JehoiAkim.
Well, JehoAhaz was carried into Egypt, where he finally died. 35 Then JehoiAkim collected taxes from all the people of his land (which was assessed by how much they owned) to do what Pharaoh said, and he sent all the silver and gold to Pharaoh Necho.
36 JehoiAkim was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother’s name was JelDaph, and she was the daughter PhadaEl of RoUma. 37 He also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah and did all the things that his ancestors had done.
Chapter 24
1 It was during the time of JehoiAkim that NebuChadnezzar became the king of Babylon, and JehoiAkim became his vassal for three years… but then he annulled his allegiance. 2 So during that time, Jehovah sent armed bands of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites against him and the land of Judah, and they were finally overrun, just as Jehovah had foretold through His servants the Prophets. 3 This happened because of the rage of Jehovah against Judah and His purpose to remove them from in front of Him, due to the sins of ManasSeh and all the [bad] things he did. 4 For he had [killed] many innocent [people] and he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and refused to repent.
5 Now, the rest of the things that JehoiAkim said and did have been written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. 6 For, then he went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son JehoiAchin started ruling in place of him.
7 And during this time, the king of Egypt no longer came into his land, because the king of Babylon had claimed all the land from the Euphrates River to the [Nile]… everything that had belonged to the king of Egypt.
8 JehoiAchin was only eighteen years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from Jerusalem for just three months. The name of his mother was Nestha, and she was the daughter of ElLanathan of Jerusalem. 9 But JehoiAchin followed in the ways of his father and acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah.
10 Then the time came when NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) came to Jerusalem and laid siege all around the city [walls]. 11 Yes, NebuChadnezzar [himself] came to the city when his army attacked it. 12 Then JehoiAchin (the king of Judah) surrendered to the king of Babylon, along with his mother, servants, governors, and eunuchs, so the king of Babylon [took him captive] during the eighth year of his reign. 13 Then he went in and took all the treasures in the Temple of Jehovah, and all the treasures in the king’s palace. And he had all the gold things that Solomon (the king of Israel) had placed in the Temple of Jehovah cut off and removed, just as Jehovah said would happen.
14 Then he took all the governors and all the important people from Jerusalem and carried them into captivity (some ten thousand people), including all the contractors and their workers, so all that was left in the land was just poor people. 15 He carried off JehoiAchin, his mother, his wives, his eunuchs, and all the great people of the land. He took them all from Jerusalem and resettled them in Babylon. 16 He also carried off seven thousand of [Judah’s] greatest men, a thousand contractors and their craftsmen, and a thousand of the best soldiers, and took them to Babylon.
17 Then the king of Babylon appointed MatTaniJah (JehoiAchin’s son) to be [the king of Judah], and he renamed him ZedekiJah.
18 Well, ZedekiJah was twenty-one years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother’s name was AmiTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiJah. 19 And like his father JehoiAchin, he also acted wickedly before Jehovah, 20 so Jehovah’s rage continued against Jerusalem and Judah, until He threw them away from before His face.
Then ZedekiJah also annulled his allegiance to the king of Babylon.
Chapter 25
1 So, in the ninth year of his reign (on the tenth day of the tenth month) NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) came against Jerusalem with his whole army. Then he camped outside the city and built a siege wall around it. 2 So, the city was cut off until the eleventh year and ninth month of the reign of ZedekiJah. 3 And by then, famine raged throughout the city, for none of the people in the land had any bread. 4 Then its walls were breached, and all the soldiers slipped away during the night following a road that ran between the walls of the gate to the king’s garden.
Then the Chaldeans, who were all around the city, marched after them along the desert road. 5 Well, they caught up with the king in the desert near Jericho, and his men just deserted him. 6 So they captured the king and carried him off to the king of Babylon, who was in DebLatha, where he was put on trial. 7 Then the king of Babylon had ZedekiJah’s sons murdered before his eyes, and he was blinded and carried off to Babylon in chains.
8 Well, it was in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, in the nineteenth year of the reign of NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) that NabuZardan (the chief bodyguard of Babylon’s king) came to Jerusalem. 9 Then he burned the Temple of Jehovah, the king’s palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem… he burned everything, 10 and he had his soldiers tear down Jerusalem’s walls. 11 The only ones he left behind were those who had fallen in with the king of Babylon. And thereafter, NabuZardan (the chief guard) removed his troops, 12 leaving behind the poor of the land as vinedressers and farmers.
13 The Chaldeans also broke up the brass columns in the Temple of Jehovah, its basins, and the Sacred Sea, and carried all the brass back to Babylon. 14 They also took all the cooking pots, the shovels, the bowls, the incense pans, and everything else in the Temple that was made of brass, 15 as well as the gold and silver censers and bowls. 16 Well, with the two columns, the Sacred Sea, and the bases that Solomon had made for the Temple of Jehovah, no one could estimate the weight of all the brass that they took, 17 for each column stood thirty-feet tall, and the brass caps for each column stood five-feet tall. There was also the latticework, the brass pomegranates that were all around each cap, and then the hundred brass pomegranates that were all around the latticework on each column.
18 The chief bodyguard also took the High Priest SaraiJah and his son ZephaniJah (who was in charge of [Temple] collections). 19 In addition, he carried off the eunuch who supervised the warriors, five of the king’s advisors, the secretary of the army (who handled recruiting), and sixty other people who he found in the city. 20 Then NabuZardan (the chief guard) took them to the king of Babylon, who was in DebLatha, 21 who had them killed there in DebLatha (which was in the land of HaMath). And he resettled the people of Judah [away from] their own land.
22 Then NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) appointed GedaliJah (the son of AchiCam and grandson of SaPhan) to rule over all those who were still left in the land of Judah. 23 And when all the army generals and their men heard that the king of Babylon had put GedaliJah in charge, IsMaEl (the son of NathaniJah), JoAnan (the son of Kareth), SariJah (the son of ThanaMath the Netophathite), and JezoniJah (the son of the Mahathite) and their men went to GedaliJah in MizPah, 24 and he swore an oath to them and their men. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid when the Chaldeans leave; just settle in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and all will go well for you.’
25 Then in the seventh month, IsMaEl (the son of NathaniJah and grandson of EliSama), who was related to the kings, took ten men and murdered GedaliJah, along with all the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him in MizPah. 26 Then all the people (the small and the great) and the army generals got up and left for Egypt, because they were afraid of what the Chaldeans would do.
27 Well, it was in the thirty-seventh year of the resettlement of JehoiAchin (the king of Judah), on the seventh day of the twelfth month, 28 that EvilMerodach became the king of Babylon. And during the first year of his reign, he allowed JehoiAchin (the king of Judah) out of his prison. 28 Then he said good things about him and put him on a throne that was higher than those of all the other kings who were in Babylon. 29 He also gave him new clothes to wear and allowed him to eat [at his table] for the rest of his life. 30 He ate at all the feasts in the palace of the king, every day, throughout the rest of his life.
1 Chronicles
Chapter 1
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Cainan, MaHalaleEl, Jared, 3 Enoch, MethuSelah, Lamech 4 Noah.
Noah’s sons were Shem, Ham, and JaPheth.
5 JaPheth’s sons were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, EliSa, Tubal, Meshech, and Thiras.
6 Gomer’s sons were AshKenaz, RiPhath, and TogarMah.
7 Javan’s sons were EliSha, Tharsis, KitTim, and Rodanim.
8 Ham’s sons were Cush, MesraIm, Put, and CanaAn.
9 Cush’s sons were Saba, Havilah, SaBatha, Regma, and SebethAha.
Regma’s sons were Sheba and Dedan.
10 It was Cush who fathered Nimrod, who became a giant on the earth.
17 Shem’s descendants were Elam, Assur, ArphaxAd, 18 - 23, 24, ShelAh, 25 Eber, Peleg, Ragau, 26 Seruk, Nahor, and Terah. 27 Abraham’s sons were 28 Isaac and IshMaEl.
29 These are the genealogies: The firstborn of IshMaEl was NabayOth, then Kedar, NabDeEl, MabSam, 30 MasMa, Idouma, MasSe, Adad, ThaIman, 31 JetTur, Naphes, and Kedma. They were the sons of IshMaEl.
32 The sons of KeTurAh (Abraham’s concubine) were ZemBram, Jexan, Midian, Medan, Sobak, and Soe. The sons of Jexan were Dedan and Sheba. 33 The sons of Midian were GaiPhar, Opher, Enok, Avida, and ElLada. These were the sons of KeTurAh.
34 Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac’s sons were Jacob and Esau. 35 Esau’s sons were EliPhaz, RaguEl, JeuEl, Eglom, and KorAh. 36 The sons of EliPhaz were Teman, Omar, Sophar, Gotham, and Kenez; 37 and through Timna he had a son named Amalec. 38 The sons of Seir were Lotan, Sobal, Sebegon, Ana, Dishon, Osar, and Disan. 39 Lotan’s sons were ChorRi and Heman. Lotan also had a sister named Thamna.
40 Sobal’s sons were Golam, ManaHath, GaiBel, Sob, and Onam. Sebegon’s sons were Aia and Ana. 41 Ana’s son was Daison, and Daison’s sons were Emeron, Eseban, JethRan, and CharRan.
42 Osar’s sons were BalaAn, Zoukam, and Jokan.
Daisan’s son was Aran.
43 These are the kings who ruled in Edom before there were any kings in Israel: First there was Balak (the son of Beor), [who ruled from] DenNaba. 44 And then he died, and Jobab (the son of Zara) started reigning from Bozrah. 45 And after Jobab died, Asom (who was from the land of the Temanites) became the king. 46 Then after Asom died, Adad (the son of Barad) started to rule – he’s the one who captured Midian in the plains of Moab – and the name of his city was GetThaim.
47 Then Adad died, and Sebla from MasekKah became the king. 48 And after Sebla died, Saul from RobOth by the River became the king. 49 Then Saul died, and BelaEnNor (the son of AchObor) became the king. 50 And when BelaEnNor died, Adad (the son of Barad) started ruling after him. The name of his city was Phogor.
51 These were the Governors of Edom: Governor Thamna, Governor Golada, Governor Jether, 52 Governor EliBamah, Governor ElAs, Governor Phinon, 53 Governor Kenez, Governor Thaiman, Governor Mabsar, 54 Governor MagediEl, and Governor ZaphoIn. These were the Governors of Edom.
Chapter 2
1 These are the names of the sons and Lords of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, IsSachar, ZebuLun, 2 Dan, Joseph, BenJamin, NaphTali, Gad, and Asher.
3 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, and SelOm. All three were born to him through the daughter of Shua the CanaAnite. Er was his firstborn, but he proved to be wicked before Jehovah, so He killed him. 4 Then, through his daughter-in-law Tamar, he fathered Perez and Zerah. So, all five were the sons of Judah.
5 The sons of Perez were Esrom and JemouEl. 6 The sons of Zerah were Zambri, AiThan, Heman, KalChal, and Darad… five sons. 7 The son of Charmi was Achar, who brought trouble on Israel by breaking the agreement [with God] and was then destroyed. 8 The son of AiThan was AzariJah. 9 The sons of Esrom who were born to him through JeRameEl were Aram and ChelubAi. 10 Then Aram fathered AminAdab, and AminAdab fathered NahShon, who became the head of the house of Judah.
11 NahShon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, 12 Boaz fathered Obed, and Obed fathered Jesse. 13 Jesse’s sons were EliAb (his firstborn), AminAdab (the second), SamaAh (the third), 14 NathaniEl (the fourth), ZadDai (the fifth), 15 Asom (the sixth), and David (the seventh). 16 Their sisters were ZeruJah and AbiGail. The three sons of ZeruJah were AbiShai, JoAb, and AsahEl. 17 AbiGail gave birth to Amasa (whose father was JoThor the IshMaElite) 18 and Caleb (the son of Esrom). He then took AzoUba (the daughter of JeriOth) as his wife, and these are her sons: JaSar, SoUbab, and Orna. 19 Then AzoUba died and Caleb married Ephrath, who gave birth to Or. 20 Or then fathered Ouri, and Ouri fathered BeseleEl.
21 It was after this that Lord Esron [had sex with] the daughter of MachIr (who was the father of Gilead), then he married her when he was sixty-five years old, and she gave birth to Segub. 22 Then Segub fathered JaIr, who [ruled over] twenty-three cities in Gilead. 23 Then Gedsur and Aram took JaIr’s villages (including Kanath – some sixty villages all together), which belonged to the sons of MachIr, the father of Gilead.
24 It was after Esron died that Lord Caleb moved to EphRatha.
Esron’s wife was AbiJah, and she gave birth to AsChod, who became the father of Thekoe.
25 These are the sons of JeRameEl (Esron’s firstborn): His firstborn was Ram, then BaAna, and then Aran and his brother Asom. 26 But JeRameEl also had another wife whose name was Atara, and she was the mother of Ozom. 27 These were the sons of Ram: His firstborn was JeRameEl, then MaAs, JaMin, and Akor. 28 Ozom’s sons were SamAi and JaDae. The sons of Samai were Nadab and AbiSur. 29 Then AbiSur married AbiHail, and she gave birth to AchAbar and ModDi.
30 The sons of Nadab were Seled and Aphain. Then Lord Seled died without any children, 31 but [his brother] Aphain fathered IsEmiEl, who fathered Sosan, and Sosan fathered AadAi. 32 The sons AadAi were AchiSamas, JeTher, and JoNathan. Then Lord Jether died without having children. 33 But the sons of JoNathan were Phaled and Ozam. These were all descendants of JeRameEl.
34 Now, no sons were born to Sosan, just daughters. But Sosan was given an Egyptian slave named JochEl, 35 and he gave him his daughter as his wife, then she gave birth to Ethi. 36 Then Ethi fathered Nathan, Nathan fathered Zabed, 37 Zabed fathered AphamEl, AphamEl fathered Obed, 38 Obed fathered JeOu, JeOu fathered AzariJah, 39 AzariJah fathered Helles, Helles fathered EliaAsa, 40 EliaAsa fathered SosomAi, SosomAi fathered SaloUm, 41 SaloUm fathered JechemiJah, JechemiJah fathered EliSama, and EliSama fathered IshMaEl.
42 The firstborn son of Caleb (JeRameEl’s brother) was MariSha, 43 who fathered Ziph and Hebron. 43 Hebron’s sons were KorAh, Thaphous, Rekom, and SamaAh. 44 SamaAh fathered RaEm, and he fathered Jeklan. Jeklan then fathered SamAi, 45 and SamAi’s son was MaOn, who founded BethZur.
46 Caleb’s concubine GaiPha gave birth to ArRan, Mosa, and Gezoue. 47 The sons of Caleb’s concubine AdDai were Ragem, JoAtham, Sogar, Phalek, GaiPha, and SagaE. 48 And his sons through his concubine Mocha were Saber, Tharam, 49 and SagaE, who fathered MarMena, MachaMena, and GaiBaAh. Caleb also had a daughter named Ascha. 50 These were the descendants of Caleb.
The sons of Or were: EphRatha (his firstborn), Sobal (who founded Kiriath JaIrim), 51 and Arim (who founded BethGedor). 52 These are the sons of Sobal (the founder of Kiriath JaIrim, AraAh, AiSi, AmManith, 53 OumaSphae, and the city of JaIr): AiThalim, MiphiThim, EsamaThim, and EmaSaraim. They were the ones who fathered the SaraThaeans and the sons of EsthaAm.
54 Salma founded BethLehem, the Netophathites, AtarOth of the house of JoAb, half of the houses of Malathi and Esari, 55 the families of the scribes who live in JabIsh, the TharGathiIm, the SamathiIm, the Sochathim (the Kinaeans), those who come from Mesema, and he was the father of the house of Rechab.
Chapter 3
1 These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon, whose mother was AchinaAm the JezreElite. The second was DaniEl, the son of AbiGail the Carmelite. 2 The third was AbSalom, the son of Mocha, who was the daughter of Tholmai the king of GedsoUr. The fourth was AdoniJah, the son of HagGith. 3 The fifth was SaphatYa. 4 These sons were born to him in Hebron where he reigned for seven years and six months.
Then he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-three years, 5 and four sons were born to him there through BathSheba (the daughter of AmiEl). They were KamaAh, Sobab, Nathan, and Solomon. 6 Also, there were Ebar, EliSa, EliPhaleth, 7 NagAi and Naphek, EAphie, 8 EliSama, EliAda, and EliPhala… nine sons who were born David, 9 in addition to the sons of his concubines and their sister Tamar.
10 The descendants of Solomon were RehoBoam; then his son AbiJah; then his son Asa; then his son JehoShaphat; then his son 11 JehoRam; then his son AhaziJah; then his son JehoAsh; then his son 12 AmaziJah; then his son AzariJah; then his son JoTham; then his son 13 Ahaz; then his son HezekiJah; then his son ManasSeh; then his son 14 Amon; then his son JosiJah.
15 The sons of JosiJah were JoAnan (his firstborn); the second was JehoiAkim; the third was ZedekiJah; and the fourth was ShalLum. 16 The sons of JehoiAkim were JeconiJah and ZedekiJah. 17 Then the sons of JeconiJah were Asir, SalaphiEl, 18 MelchiRam, PhadiJah, Sanesar, JeKemYa, OsamAth, and NabadYas. 19 The sons of SalathiEl were ZerubBabel and Shimei. The sons of ZerubBabel were MosolLam, AnaniJah, and their sister SalomEth. 20 He also had five more sons, AsoUbe, Ool, BarachiJah, AsadiJah, and AsoBed. 21 The descendants of AnaniJah were PhaletTiJah; his son JesiJah; his son Raphal; his son Orna; his son AbdiJah; his son ShecheniJah; 22 and his son ShemaiJah. ShemaiJah had six sons, HatTush, Igal, BeriJah, NeaJah, and Shaphat. 23 NeaJah had three sons, EliOnai, HezekiJah, and EzriKam. 24 EliOnai had seven sons, OdolJa, EliAsEbon, PhadaJa, AkoUb, JoAnan, DalaiJa, and Anan.
Chapter 4
1 The sons of Judah were Perez, Esrom, Carmi, Or, Soubal, 2 and his son Rada. Soubal fathered Jeth, and Jeth fathered AchiMai and LaAd.
These are genealogies of SaraThi: 3 The sons of AiTam were JezreEl, Jesman, and IdBash. Their sister’s name was EselebBon. 4 PhanouEl was the father of Gedor, and Azer was the father of Osan. The firstborn son of Or was EphRatha, who was the founder of BethLehem. 5 And AsoUr (whose father was Thekoe) had two wives, Aoda and ThoAda. 6 Aoda gave birth to OchaJa, Ephal, Thaiman, and Aasther (those were all her sons), 7 and the sons of ThoAda were Serek, SaAr, and Ethnan.
8 Kos fathered Enob and Sabatha. They’re related to the brother of Rechab, the son of JaRin.
9 JaBez was the most honorable among all his brothers, and his mother named him JaBez because she said, ‘I have given birth in pain (heb. JaBez).’ 10 For it was JaBez who called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, please bless me, expand my borders, and may Your hand be with me… teach me Your wisdom so I don’t [make a fool] of myself.’
Well, God gave him everything that he asked for.
11 And Caleb (the father of AsCha) fathered MachIr, who became the father of AsSathon. 12 Then AsSathon fathered BathRaiAn, BesSee, and Thana, who was the founder of the city of NaAs and a relative of EselOm the Kenezite, who lived in Repha. 13 The sons of Kenez were GothoniEl, and SaraJa. GothoniEl’s sons were AthAth 14 and ManAthi (who fathered GoPhera). SaraJa fathered JoAb, who was the father of the HaraShim, who were craftsmen.
15 The descendants of Caleb (the son of JePhonNe) were Era, ElAh, and NoOm; and the son of ElAh was Kenez.
16 The sons of GeseEl were Ziph, Zepha, ThephJa, and EseraEl.
17 The sons of Esri were JeTher, Morad, Apher, and JaMon. JeTher was the father of MaRon, SemAi, and MaReth… who was the father of EsthaImon. 18 Then his wife AdiJa gave birth to JaRed, who was the father of Gedor and Aber, who was the father of Socho and ChetiEl, who was the father of Samon.
The son of BetThiAh (the daughter of Pharaoh who was married to Mored) 19 was IdouJah. His sons (through the sister of Nachem) were Keila, Garmi, and EsthaImon the Nochathite. 2 0 The sons of SemiOn were AmNon, Ana (through Phana), ThilOn (through Sei), ZoAth, and the sons through ZoAb.
21 The son of SelOm (Judah’s son) was Er. He became the father of Lechab and LaAda, who was the father of Marisa, all the descendants of the families of EphraDabak, the house of Esoba, 22 JoAkim, the men of ChozEba, JoAs, and Saphat (who lived in Moab, and returned [with Moabite wives named] AbeDerin and AthoUkiIm). 23 This [family] became the potters who live in AtaIm and Gadera, and since they were supporters of the king, they became very powerful in these cities.
24 The sons of Simeon were NamouEl, JaMin, JaRib, Zare, Saoul, 25 and Salem, whose son was MabaSam. His son was Masma; his son was 26 AmouEl; his son was SaboUd; his son was ZakChour; and his son was Shimei. 27 Shimei had sixteen sons and three daughters. And since there were so few daughters, their families didn’t grow as large in Judah as did those of their brothers.
28 The families [of Shimei] lived in BeerSheba, Sama, Molada, EserSouAl, 29 BalaAh, BoAsom, ThoUlad, 30 BathOuEl, Erma, ZikLag, 31 BethMariMoth, EmiSouseOsin, and BethBarouseOrim, where they lived until the reign of King David. 32 They also owned AiTan, En, RemMon, ThokKan, and AiSan (five cities), 33 as well as the land all around these cities all the way to Baal. They owned it all, and it was distributed among the families of 34 MosObab, Amalek, JosiJah, the sons of AmasiJah, 35 JoEl (the son of AsabiJah; the son of SaraJa; the son of AsiEl), 36 EliOnai, JakAba, JasouJah, AsaiJah, JediEl, IsMaEl, BenaiJah, 37 ZoUza (the son of SaphAi; the son of Alon; the son of JediJah; the son of Semri; the son of SamiJah).
38 These were the names of the rulers of their generations and the heads of their families (which grew in great numbers). 39 Their land ran from GeraRa to the east of Gai, because they needed a lot of pasture for all their animals. 40 This land had good pasture, and it was large enough for all their animals. It was also a peaceful, restful land… it was where the sons of Ham had lived previously. 41 But it was during the reign of HezekiJah (the king of Judah) that an edict was passed and they attacked the houses there (as well as the Minaeans who they found there), and they’ve been wiped out until this day. So, [the family of Judah] moved in and claimed the pastures for their animals.
42 Also, five hundred of the descendants of Simeon moved there, near Mount Seir. They were led by PhalaEttiJah, NoAdiJah, RaphiJah, and OziEl, who were the sons of Jessie. 43 They killed the rest of the Amalechites who lived there, and they still live in that land to this day.
Chapter 5
1 These are sons Reuben, the firstborn of Israel:
Although he was the firstborn, because he climbed onto the marriage-bed of his father, [his father] gave the blessing to his son Joseph (the son of Israel), so the rights of the firstborn aren’t traced through [Reuben’s] family line. 2 Also, since Judah was the most powerful among his brothers, a leader came from him, while the blessing [of the firstborn] went to Joseph.
3 The sons of Reuben (the firstborn of Israel) were Enoch, PalLu, AsRom, and Charmi. 4 The son of JoEl was Shimei, and his son was BenaiJah. Goug was [also] the son of Shimei, 5 and his son was Micha, whose son was Recha, whose son was JoEl, 6 whose son was Beel. Beel was relocated by Tiglath-Pileser (the king of Assyria), and he’s the leader of the Reubenites.
7 These are the genealogies of Beel’s brothers and countrymen who were also resettled [by Tiglath-Pileser]: The first was JoEl, then ZachariJah, 8 Balek, his son AzoUz, his son Sama, his son JoEl (who lived in AroEr, Nebo, and BelMasSon). 9 This family [was relocated] to the east and lived along the edge of the desert near the EuPhrates River. But back in the land of Gilead, they had owned many cattle. 10 And during the time of Saul, they were known to attack and kill travelers from their tents that were located to the east of Gilead.
11 The territory of the sons of Gad bordered theirs, which ran from the land of BaShan to Selca. 12 JoEl was his firstborn, then Sapham and JaNin (who was the scribe in BaShan). 13 The seven heads of their family lines were MichaEl, MosolLam, SebeE, JoReE, JoAchan, ZouE, and Heber. 14 They were the sons of AbiChiJah, who was the son of Ouri, who was the son of JaRoAh, who was the son of Gilead, who was the son of MichaEl, who was the son of JeSai, who was the son of JedDai, who was the son of ZabouCham, 15 who was the son of AbdiEl, who was the son of GoUni, the head of the house of those family lines. 16 They lived in the towns all around Gilead in the land of BaShan, and in places all the way to the end of Sharon. 17 However, they were relocated in the days of JoTham, the king of Judah, and JeroBoam, the king of Israel.
18 The sons of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh [had taken their land] with their army of trained swordsmen and bowmen… forty-four thousand, seven hundred and sixty men, who were fully prepared for battle. 19 They went to war with the Hagareans, Itoureans, NaphiSeans, and NadaBeans, 20 and beat them. The Hagareans were all given into their hands, along with their tents, because during the battle they called out to God – putting their hope in Him – and He listened to them. 21 So, they captured all their belongings… five thousand camels, two hundred-and-fifty thousand sheep, two thousand burros, and the lives of a hundred thousand men. 22 That many were killed, because God was fighting the war. So, they lived in their land until they were relocated.
23 The large half-tribe of ManasSeh lived in the land that ran from BaShan, to Baal Hermon, to Senir, to Mount Hermon, and into Lebanon.
24 Here are the heads of their family lines: Opher, Sei, EliEl, JeremiJah, OdouJah, and JediEl. They were all great, mighty, and famous men… the heads of their family lines. 25 However, they annulled their allegiance to the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land that God had removed from before them. 26 So, the God of Israel caused the spirit of Pul the king of Assyria (who was also known as Tiglath-Pileser) to become enraged with them, and he sent fifty thousand men and they relocated [the tribes of] Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh. He moved them to Chalak, Mabor, and along the Gozan River, where they still are today.
Chapter 6
1 The sons of Levi were Gedson, Kohath, and MeraRi.
2 Kohath’s sons were AmBram, IsSaAr, Hebron, and OziEl.
3 AmBram’s sons were Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.
Aaron’s sons were Nadab, AbiHu, EliEzer, and IthaMar. 4 EliEzer fathered Phinehas, Phinehas fathered AbiSou, 5 AbiSou fathered BokAi; BokAi fathered Ozi; 6 Ozi fathered ZariJah; ZariJah fathered MariOth; 7 MariOth fathered AmariJah; AmariJah fathered AhiTub; 8 AhiTub fathered Zadok; Zadok fathered AchimaAs; 9 AchimaAs fathered AzarYan; AzarYan fathered JoAnan; 10 JoAnan fathered AzariJah (who was the Priest in the Temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem); 11 AzariJah fathered AmariJah; AmariJah fathered AhiTub; 12 AhiTub fathered Zadok; Zadok fathered SelLum; 13 SelLum fathered HelkiJah; HelkiJah fathered AzariJah; 14 AzariJah fathered SaraiJah; SaraiJah fathered JoSadak; 15 and JoSadak was carried off when Judah and Jerusalem were relocated to Babylon by NebuChadnezzar.
16 The sons of Levi were Gedson, Kohath, and MeraRi. 17 The names of the sons of Gedson were Lobeni and Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath were AmBram, IsSaAr, Hebron, and OziEl. 19 And the sons of MeraRi were MoOli and OmoUsi.
These are the descendants of Levi by their families: 20 Gedson’s son was Lobeni; his son was Jeth; his son was SamMa; his son 21 was JoAb; his son was AdDo; his son was Zara; and his son was Jethri. 22 The sons of Kohath were AminAdab; his son Kor; his son Aser; his son 23 ElKana; his son AbiSaph; his son Aser; his son 24 ThaAth; his son OureEl; and his son OziJa.
25 The sons of ElKana were Amasi, AchimOth, 26 and SoUphi. [SoUphi’s] son was NaAth; his son 27 was EliAb; his son was JereAm; his son was ElKana; and his son was SamuEl.
28 These are the sons of SamuEl: his firstborn was JoEl and his second was AbiJah.
29 The sons of MeraRi were MoOli and Lobeni. His son was Shimei; his son was OziJah; his son 30 was SamaAh; his son was AgGiJah; and his son was AsaiJah
31 These are the ones who David put in charge of the chorus that sang at the Temple of Jehovah when the [Sacred] Chest was brought there. 32 They were also the ones who officiated at the Tent of Proofs until Solomon built the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem… and they each handled their own assigned duties. 33 These are the ones who served there, and their [assistants]: From the sons of Kohath there was Heman, who was the lead singer. He was the son of JoEl, who was the son of SamuEl, 34 who was the son of ElKana, who was the son of JerEbam, who was the son of EliEl, who was the son of Thou, 35 who was the son of Souph, who was the son of ElKana, who was the son of MaAth, who was the son of Amathi, 36 who was the son of ElKana, who was the son of JoEl, who was the son of AzariJa, who was the son of SaphAniJah, 37 who was the son of ThaAth, who was the son of Aser, who was the son of AbiAsaph, who was the son of KorAh, 38 who was the son of IsaAr, who was the son of Kohath, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Israel.
39 His assistant was Asaph (who stood on his right). He was the son of BarachiJah, who was the son of SamaAh, 40 the son of MichaEl, the son of BaAsiJah, the son of MelchiJah, 41 the son of Athani, the son of ZarAi, the son of AdAi, 42 the son of Ethan, the son of ZemMa, the son of Shimei, 43 the son of JeEth, the son of GerShon, the son of Levi.
44 The assistant of MeraRi (the one who stood on his left) was Ethan, who was the son of Kisa, the son of AbDi, the son of MaOch, 45 the son of AsEbi, 46 the son of AmasiJah, the son of HelkiJah, the son of AmasiJah, the son of Bani, the son of Semer, 47 the son of MoOli, the son of MoUsi, the son of MeraRi, the son of Levi.
48 And these were their brothers who were assigned responsibilities over the Tent and the Temple of God by Levite family lines: 49 There was Aaron and his sons who offered whole burnt offerings on the Altar and burned incense on the incense Altar, and worked inside the Holy of Holies to atone for [the sins] of Israel, just as God’s servant Moses instructed them.
50 These are the sons of Aaron: EliEzer, his son Phinehas, his son AbiSou, his son 51 BokKi, his son Ozi, his son ZaraiJah, his son 52 MariOth, his son AmariJah, his son AhiTub, his son 53 Zadok, and his son AchimaAs.
54 These are the places where the sons of Aaron who descended from Kohath lived by towns and borders, which were assigned by a lottery: 55 They were given towns in the land of Judah that surrounded Hebron. 56 However, the city itself and its fields were given to Caleb (the son of JePhonNe). 57 The sons of Aaron were also given the refuge cities of Hebron, Lobna and its outskirts, Selna and its outskirts, EsthaMo and its outskirts, 58 JeThar and its outskirts, Dabir and its outskirts, 59 Asan and its outskirts, and BasaMus and its outskirts. 60 Then in the tribe of Benjamin there was GabaE and its outskirts, GalemEth and its outskirts, and AnathOth and its outskirts. These thirteen cities were assigned to their families.
61 The rest of the family of KoHath were assigned ten cities in the half-tribe of ManasSeh by lottery, 62 and the descendants of Gedson were assigned thirteen cities in the tribes of IsSachar, Asher, NaphTali, and ManasSeh (in BaShan). 63 The descendants of MeraRi were assigned twelve cities (by lottery) in the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and ZebuLun. 64 In addition, the sons of Israel gave cities along their borders to the rest of the Levites. 65 They assigned them by lottery in the tribes of the sons of Judah, Simeon, and BenJamin.
66 The descendants of KoHath were given cities and refuge cities along the borders of EphraIm; 67 in and around Shechem; in the hills of EphraIm; in and around Gazer; 68 in and around JekmaAn; in and around BethOron; 69 in and around AiLon; and in and around GethRemmon.
70 The half-tribe of ManasSeh gave Anar and its outskirts, and JemblaAn and its outskirts, to the rest of the descendants of KoHath. 71 They also gave Golan in BaShan and its outskirts, and AstarOth and its outskirts, to the rest of the descendants of Gedson.
72 The tribe of IsSachar gave them Kadesh and its outskirts, Dabor and its outskirts, 73 RamOth and its surrounding towns, and AiNan and its outskirts.
74 The tribe of Asher gave them MaAsal and it outskirts, AbDon and its outskirts, 75 Akak and its outskirts, and RoOb and its outskirts.
76 The tribe of NaphTali gave them Kadesh in Galilee and its outskirts, HamOth and its outskirts, and Kiriath JaIrim and its outskirts.
77 The tribe of ZebuLun gave the remaining descendants of MeraRi: RemMon and its outskirts, and ThalLia and its outskirts.
78 On the other side of the Jordan, from Jericho to the east of the Jordan, the tribe of Reuben gave them Bosor (in the desert) and its outskirts, Jasa and its outskirts, 79 KadMoth and its outskirts, and MaEphla and its outskirts.
80 The tribe of Gad gave them RamOth Gilead and its outskirts, MaAnaim and its outskirts, 81 Heshbon and its outskirts, and JaZer and its outskirts.
Chapter 7
1 The four sons of IsSachar were Thola, Phua, JasoUb, and SomBran. 2 The sons of Thola were Ozi, RaphiJah, JeriEl, JaMai, JeBasam, and SamuEl, who were each rulers of their houses and family lines. Thola’s descendants were renowned for their greatness and strength through their generations. And during the time of David, their [army] was numbered at twenty-two thousand, six hundred.
3 The five son of Ozi were JezRaiJah, MichaEl, AbdiOu, JoEl, and JesiJah, who were all rulers. 4 Each generation, as well as their houses and families, were renowned warriors. For, [they were once] numbered at thirty-six thousand, because they had many wives and sons. 5 In fact, there were eighty-seven thousand mighty men listed in the genealogy of their family line.
6 The three sons of BenJamin were Bale, Bachir, and JaDiEl. 7 Bale’s five sons were AsEbon, Ozi, OziEl, JeriMoth, and Ouri, who were all the rulers of their houses and family lines. They were also mighty warriors, because in their genealogy there are twenty-two thousand and thirty-four listed.
8 The sons Bachir were ZemirAh, JoAs, EliEzer, EliOEnai, AmariJah, JeriMoth, AbiJah, AnathOth, and ElMemeth. 9 According to their genealogies, these were the rulers of their houses and family lines, among whom twenty-thousand two hundred are listed as mighty warriors.
10 The son of JadiEl was BalaAn, and his sons were JaOus, BenJamin, AOth, ChenaAnah, ZaiThan, Tharsi, and AchiSaAr. 11 All these sons of JadiEl were rulers of their families, and seventeen-thousand two hundred are listed as mighty warriors. 12 They include Saphin, Aphin, and the sons of RaOm… especially his son AEr.
13 The sons of NaphTali through BalaA were JasiEl, Goni, IsSaEr, and SalLour.
14 The sons of ManasSeh were AseriEl (who was born through ManasSeh’s Syrian concubine) and MachIr, who was the father of Gilead. 15 MachIr took wives [for Gilead] from among the Amphin and Mamphin, who were sisters. One was named MoOcha, and the second was SalpaAd. Now, SalpaAd only had daughters, 16 but MoOcha provided MachIr [a male heir] named Perez, and another who was named Soros. Then his sons were OuLam and Rokom; 17 and OuLam had a son named Badan. These were all the descendants of Gilead (the son of MachIr and grandson of ManasSeh).
18 [Gilead] also had sisters. The one named MalechEth gave birth to IsAdek, AbiEzer, and MaEla. 19 And the sons of Semira were JaAim, Shechem, Lachim, and AniAn.
20 The sons of EphraIm were SothAla, Barad, ThaAth, EliaAda, NomeE, 21 Zabed, and SothElE. Then he had two sons named Azer and EliaAd, who were killed by the men of Gath (the natives of the land) because they tried to take their cattle. 22 So, EphraIm (their father) mourned for them a very long time, and their brothers came to comfort him. 23 Then he [had sex with] his wife and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son he named BarAga (Son of Trouble), because of the bad things that had happened to his house 24 and to those who were left. Then he built Upper and Lower BethOron, Ozan, and SeEra.
25 [Thereafter, he had a son] named Raphe, who had sons named Saraph and ThaleEs. ThaleEs had a son named ThaEn, who had a son 26 named LaDan. His son was AmiOud; his son was EliSamAi; his son 27 was NoUm; and his son was JesOue. 28 They lived in and owned BethEl and its surrounding villages, the villages east of NoAran and to the west of Gazer, as well as Shechem and its villages, and all the villages up to Mount An.
29 The borders of the sons of ManasSeh included BethSaAn and its villages, ThaAnak and its villages, MegidDo and its villages, and Dor and its villages. These are the places where the descendants of Joseph through ManasSeh lived.
30 The sons of Asher were JemNa, SouYa, IsoWi, and BeriJah… and Sore was their sister.
31 The sons of BeriJah were Chaber and MelchiEl, who was the father of BerZaith. 32 Chaber was the father of Japhlet, Samer, Chotham, and their sister Sola. 33 Japhlet’s sons were Phasek, BamaEl, and Asith.
34 Samer’s sons were Achir, Rouga, Oba, and Aram.
35 The sons of his brother ([who was also known as] Bane Elam) were Sopha, Yamna, SelLes, and Amal. 36 The sons of Sopha were SoWeh, ArnaPhar, Souda, Barin, Imran, 37 Basar, JeOud, SemMa, Salisa, Jethran, and BeEra. 38 The sons of Jethran were Jephina, Phaspha, and Ara. 39 The sons of Oba were Orek, AniEl, and RasJa. 40 These were all descendants of Asher, and they were each rulers of their family lines. They were the best of their kind; strong, mighty men who were leaders and rulers, and whose line of descent can be traced through war records… all twenty-six thousand of them.
Chapter 8
1 BenJamin fathered Baleh (his firstborn), then AsBel (his second), Ara (his third), 2 Noa (his fourth), and Rapheh (his fifth). 3 The sons of Baleh were Adir, Gera, AbiHud, 4 AbiShua, NoAma, AchiJah, 5 Gera, SephoUfam, and OuRam.
6 These are the sons of Ehud, who were the family heads that lived in GabeE, but were relocated to ManaHath: 7 NaAman, AchiA, Gera, JeglaAm (who fathered Aza and AhiHud), 8 and SaArin, who fathered children in the plains of Moab after he sent his wives Osin and BaAda away. 9 Through his wife Ada he fathered JoBab, SebJa, Misa, MelCham, 10 JoAs, SekiJah, and Marma. These were his sons and the heads of their families. 11 But through Osin he fathered AbiTol and AlphaAl.
12 AlphaAl’s sons were Obed, MisaAl, SemMer (who built Ono, Lod, and their surrounding villages), 13 BeriJah, and Sama. These were the family heads of the people who lived in AiLam and who drove out the people who lived in Gath. 14 They were related to Sosel, JeriMoth, 15 ZabadJa, Ored, Eder, 16 MichaEl, JesPha, and Joda (who were the sons of BeriJah), 17 and to ZabadJa, MosoLam, Azaki, Abar, 18 IsAlmari, JezliAs, and JoBab (the sons of ElPhaAl), 19 and to JaKim, Zachri, Zabdi, 20 EliOnai, Salathi, EliEl, 21 AdaiJah, BaraiJah, and SamarAth (who were the sons of Shimei), 22 and to JesPhan, Obed, EleEl, 23 AbDon, Zechri, Anan, 24 AnaniJah, Ambri, AiLam, AnathOth, 25 JephadiJah, and PhanouEl (who were the sons of Sosek), 26 and to SamSari, SaAriJah, GotholiJa, 27 JarasiJah, EriJah, and Zechri (who were the sons of JeroHam).
28 These are the heads of their families and their generations… the chiefs who lived in Jerusalem.
29 The wife of JeEl, the founder of [the city of] Gibeon, was MaAcha. 30 His firstborn son was AbaDon, then SoUr, Kish, Baal, Ner, NaDab, 31 Gedour, ZakChour, 32 and MakelOth (who was the father of SamaiJah). They all lived near their families in Jerusalem.
33 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered JoNathan, MelchiShua, AminAdab, and AsaBal.
34 JoNathan’s son was MeriBaal, MeriBaal’s son was Michah, 35 and Michah’s sons were Phithon, MelAk, TharAk, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jada, and Jada fathered SalaiMath, AsMoth, and Zambri. Zambri fathered MaiSa, 37 and MaiSa fathered BaAna and RaphaiJah. His son was ElAsa, and his son was EsEl. 38 EsEl had six sons: EzriKam (his firstborn), IsMaEl, SaraiJah, AbdiA, Anan, and Asa… these were all the sons of EsEl.
39 And the sons of EsEl’s brother EshEck were Ulam (his firstborn), Jas (his second), and EliPhalet (his third). 40 These were the strong and mighty bowmen of AiLam who produced a hundred and fifty sons. And these were all the sons of BenJamin.
Chapter 9
1 Israel can trace its genealogy, because {Look!} it’s all written in the scroll of the kings of Israel. However, [the people of] Judah were among those who were resettled in Babylon, because they sinned by breaking their Sacred Agreement [with God]. 2 But in the land that they owned prior to that (in the cities of Israel), there were the Priests and Levites… and they were in charge of everything.
3 Now, in Jerusalem there were some Judeans, some sons of BenJamin, and some of the descendants of EphraIm and ManasSeh. 4 There was also UthAi, the son of SamMiHud, the son of Omri, the son of Buni, the son of Perez, the son of Judah. 5 Shiloh and his firstborn son AsaiJah and his family were also in Jerusalem, 6 as was JeEl (the son of Zara) and six hundred and ninety of that family line.
7 Among the descendants of BenJamin there was Salo, who was the son of MosolLam, the son of HodaviJah, the son of SanaAn and 8 Jebna, who was the son of JeroBoam and Elo.
There were also the sons of Ozi (who was the son of MachIr and MosolLam, the son of SaphatJa, the son of RagouEl, the son of JemNai) 9 and several generations of their relatives, numbering nine hundred and fifty-six in all. All the men were the heads of their family lines and houses.
10 Then there were the Priests, JehoiAda, JoArim, JaChin, 11 and AzariJah (who was the son of HelkiJah, the son of MosSolLam, the son of Zadok, the son of MaraiOth, the son of AhiTub), who was the leader in the Temple of God.
12 Then there was AdaJa (the son of JeroAm, the son of Phaschor, the son of MelchiJah and MaAsaJa, who was the son AdiEl, the son of EziRa, the son of MosolLam, the son of MaselMoth, the son of EmMer) 13 and their families. There were a thousand, seven hundred-and-sixty strong and mighty men who were the heads of their family lines and houses, who worked at and oversaw everything in the Temple of God.
14 Among the Levites there was SamaiJah (the son of Asob, the son of EzriKam, the son of AsabiJah) from the family line of MeraRi. 15 And there was BakBakar, Ares, GalaAl, MatthaniJah, the sons of Micha, the son of Zechri, the son of Asaph 16 and ObadiJah (the sons of SamiJah), the son of GalaAl, the son of IdiThoun and BarachiJah, the sons of Ossa, and the son of ElKana), who lived in the courtyards of the NetopPhathites.
17 Then there were the gatekeepers: Salom, AkoUm, Telmon, and AiMan, and their families. Salom was in charge 18 of everything to the eastern King’s Gate. The gatekeepers for the camps of the sons of Levi were 19 Salom (the son of KorAh, the son of AbiAsaph, the son of Sore) and his brothers of the paternal houses of the Korites. They were in charge of the work and administration of the watches for guarding the Sacred Tent. For, their ancestors were once in charge of the entire camp of Jehovah, and served as guards to its entrances. 20 Back then, PhineHas (the son of EliEzer) stood as their leader before Jehovah, 21 and ZachariJah (the son of MasaLami) was in charge of guarding the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 22 Altogether, those who were chosen as gatekeepers to stand at the entrances were numbered at two hundred and twelve. The records of their genealogies and properties were all counted and established by the trusted offices of David and the Seer SamuEl.
23 Now, it was their sons who were in charge of the doors and who kept watch at the Temple of Jehovah and the house of the Tent. 24 These gatekeepers were stationed as the four winds… in the east, west, north, and south. 25 And their brothers had to leave their homes in shifts every seven weeks and spend seven days there.
26 There were four mighty men who were in charge of the gatekeepers. They were Levites, and they were over everything, including the treasury of the Temple of God. For this reason, they lived close to the Temple. 27 Their watch responsibility was to use the keys both morning and evening to unlock and lock the Temple doors. 28 They were also responsible for the things that were used in the services. They had to count everything when it was taken out and when it was returned. 29 Also, some of them were over the equipment and holy things, such as the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the aromatics. 30 For, some of the Priests’ sons were perfumers [who mixed] the fragrant [oils and incense].
31 The Levite MatTathiJah was the firstborn of Salom the Korite. He was entrusted with the work that has to do with the sacrifices of the pan of the High Priest. 32 BenaiJah the KoHathite was selected from among his brothers to be in charge of the loaves of showbread, which had to be prepared for each Sabbath.
33 When it came to the singers, the heads of the Levite families were in charge at the central place of worship. They worked on a daily rotation basis, all day and all-night long, to get everything done. 34 So though the generations, the heads of the families of Levites lived in Jerusalem.
35 Now, the founder of Gibeon (JeEl) lived in the town of Gibeon. His wife’s name was MaAcha. 36 His firstborn son was AbaDon, then SoUr, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 GedoUr, and his brothers, ZakChour and MakelOth. 38 MakelOth fathered SamaAh, and he and his family lived together in Jerusalem. 39 And Ner fathered Kish, then Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered JoNathan, MelchiShua, AminAdab, and AsBal.
40 The son of JoNathan was MeriBaal, and MeriBaal fathered Micah. 41 The sons of Micah were PhiThon, MelchiEl, Tharach, 42 and Ahaz, who fathered JaDa. JaDa then fathered GalEmeth, AzMoth, and Zambri. Zambri fathered Masa, 43 and Masa fathered BaAna and RaphaIh, whose son was ElAsa, and his son was EsEl. 44 EsEl had six sons: EzriKam (his firstborn), then IshMaEl, SaraiJah, AbdJah, Anan, and Asa. These were the sons of EsEl.
Chapter 10
1 Well, the Philistines were fighting a war against Israel, and the army of Israel was being defeated, so they turned and ran from the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. 2 Then the Philistines started chasing Saul and his sons, and they caught and killed Saul’s sons JoNathan, AminAdab, and MelchiShua. 3 And thereafter they pressed on in the battle to reach Saul. Well, their archers found him and shot him, leaving him in great pain. 4 So, Saul said to the aid that was carrying his weapons, ‘Unsheathe your broadsword and stab me with it, so these uncircumcised don’t come here and make sport of me!’
But his aid didn’t want to do that, because he was afraid. So, Saul took his sword and fell on it. 5 And when the man who was carrying his weapons saw that Saul had killed himself, he too fell upon his sword and died. 6 So, Saul and his three sons all died that day, and that was the end of his house. 7 And when the men of Israel who had run into the valley heard that Saul and his sons had been killed, they all just fled back to their homes. So, the Philistines then came and lived among them.
8 Well, the day after the battle, when the Philistines came to loot the bodies, they found Saul and his sons dead on Mount Gilboa. 9 So, they stripped his body and carried his head and weapons with them, back into the land of the Philistines, where it was joyously paraded before the temples of their idols and their people. 10 Then they put his weapons in the temple of their god, and carried his head and put it into the temple of Dagon.
11 Well, when the men of JabIsh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul and his sons, and to Israel, 12 all their great warriors went and took the body of Saul and his sons, and brought them back to JabIsh. Then they took their bones and placed them in a tomb that was located under an oak tree in JabIsh, and they fasted for seven days.
13 So, Saul was killed because of the lawless ways in which he had acted against his God. He had gone against the instructions of Jehovah and he didn’t do what he was told. For, Saul had gone to a fortuneteller to speak to the Prophet SamuEl. 14 And because he didn’t ask Jehovah, he was killed and his kingdom was handed over to David, the son of Jesse.
Chapter 11
1 Then all the men of [the army of] Israel came to David in Hebron and said, ‘Look! We’re your flesh and bones. 2 And while Saul used to be our king, you were the one who led the armies of Israel, and your God Jehovah said to you, You will take care of My people Israel and you will be their leader.’
3 Then all the elders of Israel came to him in Hebron and made an agreement with King David before Jehovah, and they anointed him to be the king over Israel, just as Jehovah had said through the Prophet SamuEl. 4 Thereafter, King David and [the whole army of] Israel went to Jerusalem (which was then called Jebus). And the Jebusites who lived there said to David, 5 ‘You won’t come in here.’ But he was the first to capture the citadel on Zion, so it became known as ‘the city of David.’
6 Now, David had said: ‘Whoever is the first to beat the Jebusites will become my commander-in-chief and the general [over my army].’ And the first one to do this was JoAb (the son of ZeruJah), and he was appointed the commander-in-chief.
7 Thereafter, David stayed in the citadel, and he started calling it his city. 8 For, he had built a siege-wall around the entire city and captured it. 9 And from that point on, David kept becoming greater and more famous, for Jehovah the Almighty was with him.
10 These are the leaders and the mighty ones who were with David and who became great along with him when he ruled over all Israel, because they were the ones who made him king over Israel, just as Jehovah had said:
11 Counted among the mighty ones of David was JeseBaal (the son of AchaMani), who was the first of the thirty. This is because there was a time when he used his broadsword to kill three hundred men all by himself. 12 And with him was EliEzer (the son of DodAi the AchoChite). He was one [of David’s] three greatest men. 13 For, he was with David at PhasoDomin when the Philistines had gathered for war in a field full of barley. And when [the army] turned and ran from the Philistines, 14 he stood there alone in the middle of the field and saved them by killing [all of] the Philistines. For, Jehovah had used him to bring a great victory.
15 He was also one of the three (from among the thirty generals) who went to David when he was at The Rock at the Cave of OdolLam, right in the midst of the camp of the Philistines, there in the valley of the giants. 16 And when David was in the citadel and all the Philistines were in BethLehem, 17 and David asked, ‘Who will bring me a drink of water from the well at the entrance to BethLehem?’ 18 it was these three who attacked the Philistines, drew water from the well at the entrance to BethLehem, and brought it to David. But then David refused to drink it. Rather, he offered it to Jehovah and said, 19 ‘It was because of Your kindness to me, O God, that they have done this thing. So, shall I now drink the blood of these men… something for which [they risked] their lives? Why, they risked their lives to bring it to me, so I don’t want to drink it.’
Yes, it was these three mighty men who did these things.
20 There was also AbiShai, the brother of JoAb. He was one of those three generals. He unsheathed his broadsword and killed three hundred men all by himself. In fact, he was the most famous of the three… 21 he was the most honored, and he was the leader of the three.
22 And there was the mighty man BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda). There were so many things that he accomplished at KabasaEl. For, it was he who killed the two lion-like soldiers of Moab, and it was he who went down into a pit and killed the lion on the snowy day. 23 It was he who also killed the remarkable Egyptian man who stood more than seven-feet tall and carried a spear that was as large as a weaving loom. BenaiJah went and grabbed the spear from the Egyptian’s hands and killed him with it. 24 These are the types of things that BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) did. So, his name is listed along with the three mighty ones, 25 for he was considered the greatest among the thirty, but he wasn’t considered one of the three [generals], because David had put him in charge of his family.
26 Also among the powerful mighty ones were AsahEl (JoAb’s other brother), EliAnan (the son of DoDoe) the BethLehemite, 27 SamMoth the Arorite, Helles the Phelonite, 28 Ora (the son of EkKis) the Thekoite, AbiEzer the AnathOthite, 29 SoboChai the Asothite, Eli the Achonite, 30 MoorAi the Netophathite, Cholod (the son of NoOza) the Netophathite, 31 AiRi (the son of Rebie) from the hills of BenJamin, BenaiJah the Pharathonite, 32 Ouri from Nachali-GaAs, AbiEl the Arabethite, 33 Azbon the Baromite, EliAba the Salobonite, 34 BenAsam the Gizonite, JoNathan (the son of Sola) the Ararite, 35 Achim (the son of Achar) the Ararite, ElPhat (the son of ThuroPhar) 36 the Mechorathite, AhiJah the Phellonite, 37 EseRe the Charmadite, NaArai (the son of AzobAi), 38 JoEl (Nathan’s brother), MeBaal (the son of Agari), 39 SelLek the Ammonite, Nachor the BerOthite (who carried the weapons for JoAb, the son of ZeruJah), 40 Ira the Jethrite, Gareb the Jethrite, 41 UriJah the Hittite, Sabet (the son of AchaJa), 42 and Adina 43 (the son of SaIza) the head of the Reubenites. And with the thirty were 43 Anan (the son of MoOcha), JoSaphat the Mathnite, 44 OziJa the AstarOthite, SamMa and JeiEl (the sons of Hotham) the Ararites, 45 JediEl (the son of Sameri), JoZae and his brother (the ThosSaites), 46 EliEl the Maoite, JaRibi, JosiJa and his son ElLam, JethAma the Moabite, 47 DaliEl, Obed, and JessiEl the Mesobite.
Chapter 12
1 These are the men who came to David at ZikLag as part of his band, to [protect him from] Saul (the son of Kish). They are among the mighty ones who helped in his battles… 2 bowmen who could shoot with both their right and left hands. And they slung rocks and shot with their bows at the followers of the BenJaminite Saul. 3 There was AhiEzer (their leader), JoAsh (the son of Asma) the Gabathite, JoEl and JoPhalet (the sons of AsMoth), BarachiJah, Jehu the AnathOthite, 4 and SamaYas the Gibeonite… they were the mightiest among the thirty, and they were their leaders.
Then there was JeremiJah, JeziEl, JoAnan, JoZabath the Gederathite, 5 EliOzi, JarImoUth, BaalJah, SamariAi, SaphatiJah the Haruphite, 6 ElKana, JesiJah, OzriEl, JoZara, SoboKam, and the Korites 7 JoEla and ZabadJa (the sons of JeroHam), and the sons of Gedor.
8 These men came to David from the tribe of Gad when he was in the desert. They were strong mighty men who all stood in battle lines dressed for war carrying shields and spears with faces like lions. They also moved as quickly as light does on the mountains. 9 There was Azer (who was their leader), AbDiAh (who was second in command), EliAb (the third), 10 MasMana (the fourth), JeremiJah (the fifth), 11 Jethi (the sixth), EliAb (the seventh), 12 JoAnan (the eighth), EliAzer (the ninth), 13 JeremiJah (the tenth), and MachaBanai (the eleventh). 14 These were all from the tribe of Gad, and they were all generals over the army… some over hundreds and one over a thousand. 15 They all crossed the Jordan during the first month when it was at its highest level and drove away all the people who lived in the valleys from the east to the west.
16 Some also came from the tribes of BenJamin and Judah to help David. 17 And when David came to meet them, he said to them: ‘If you’ve come to me in peace, may we share the same heart. But if you’ve come to hand me over to my enemies, may the God of your fathers discipline you.’
18 Well, [God’s] Breath came over AmasAi (the leader of the thirty), and he said, ‘Go on, O David, you son of Jesse… you and all your people! Peace! Peace to you and peace to your helpers, for your God is also helping you.’
So, David welcomed them and appointed them as generals in his army.
19 Men from the tribe of ManasSeh had also joined with David when the Philistines attacked Saul. But David didn’t join with the Philistines, because the Philistine generals said, ‘He’ll just return to his lord Saul.’ 20 So, they sent him away, and David returned to ZikLag… and that’s when some from the tribe of ManasSeh joined him. There was EdNah, JoZabath, RodiEl, MichaEl, JosaBeth, Eliu, and Selathi, generals over thousands from ManasSeh. 21 They and their troops fought alongside David, and they were all strong, mighty men and leaders of their armies. 22 They came and fought for David each day like a great force from God.
23 And these are the names of the military generals who came to David in Hebron to fight Saul for his kingdom (according to the words of Jehovah). 24 From the tribe of Judah there were six-thousand, eight hundred men, all bearing shields and spears, and ready for battle. 25 From the tribe of Simeon there were seven-thousand, one hundred mighty men, who were ready for battle. 26 From the tribe of Levi there were four-thousand, six hundred. 27 And when JehoiAda (the head of the family line of Aaron) came to meet with him, he brought along three-thousand, seven hundred men.
28 Then there was Zadok, who was a strong and mighty young man. He brought along twenty-two leaders from his father's household.
29 And from the tribe of BenJamin (Saul’s tribe) there were three thousand men; yet most of them were guards in the house of Saul.
30 And from the tribe of EphraIm there were twenty-thousand, eight hundred strong, mighty, and famous men in their houses and family lines.
31 And from the half-tribe of ManasSeh there were eighteen thousand, all of whom had sworn to make David the king.
32 And from the tribe of IsSachar came two hundred men with their [armies], who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.
33 And from [the tribe of] ZebuLon came fifty thousand men all dressed for war and carrying their weapons to help David, but not with their whole hearts.
34 And from [the tribe of] NaphTali came a thousand leaders with thirty-seven thousand men carrying shields and spears.
35 And from [the tribe of] Dan came twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred men all ready for war.
36 And from [the tribe of] Asher came forty thousand, six hundred to help in the war.
37 And from the other side of the Jordan (from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh) came a hundred-and-twenty thousand, all carrying their weapons of war.
38 All these men were warriors that were dressed and ready for battle, but peaceful in heart. They came to Hebron to make David the king over all Israel. And all the rest of Israel was of the same heart when it came to making David their king. 39 Then they all stayed with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers were providing for them. 40 Those of IsSachar, ZebuLun, and NaphTali who lived nearby, loaded up their camels, burros, mules, and oxen and brought them huge quantities of food… flour, dried figs, raisins, wine, olive oil, veal, and lamb, because everyone in Israel was very happy.
Chapter 13
1 First David met with his generals, lieutenants, and all the leaders. 2 Then he went before the entire gathering of Israel and said, ‘If you approve, and if our God Jehovah blesses the effort, we should send [a letter] to all our brothers who are left throughout the land of Israel, and to the Priests and Levites in their cities, and invite them all to gather with us. 3 Then we will bring the [Sacred] Chest of our God to us here, for no one has gone before it since the days of Saul.’
4 Well, the entire congregation agreed to do this, because it seemed to be right in the eyes of the people. 5 So, David called all Israel together from the borders of Egypt to the land of Hamath, and David had the Chest of God transported out of the city of JaRim. 6 For, all Israel had traveled up to the city of David, which was in Judah, to lead [a procession before] the Chest of Jehovah God (the one with the cherubs sitting on top) that is used to call upon His Name.
7 Then they placed the Chest of God on a new wagon and carried it from the house of AminAdab. And Oza and his brothers walked ahead of the wagon, 8 as David and all Israel sang and danced before God with all their strength. There were singers, stringed instruments, woodwinds, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 But as they were carrying [the Chest] onto a threshing floor, Oza stuck out his hand to steady the Chest (because one of the oxen [pulling the wagon] had bolted), 10 and Jehovah became enraged with what Oza had done, so He struck him down, because he had touched the Chest; and he died there before God.
11 Well, David was so upset that Jehovah had cut Oza down, that he named that place ‘The Severance of Oza’, which is what it is still called today.
12 And from that day on, David became afraid of God, for he asked, ‘Then how can I carry the Chest of God to me?’ 13 So, David didn’t go back to carry the Chest of God to himself into the city of David. Rather, he left it in the house of ObedEdom the Gittite, 14 where it remained for three months. And during this time, God blessed ObedEdom and his entire household.
Chapter 14
1 Then Hiram (the king of Tyre) sent emissaries to David, along with cedar wood, tradesmen, and carpenters, to build a palace for him.
2 Now, David knew that Jehovah had prepared him to be the king over Israel, and that He would make his kingdom become more important because of His people Israel. 3 And after David moved to Jerusalem, he started taking more wives, and he had many more sons and daughters. 4 These are their names: Those who were born in Jerusalem were SamaAh, Sobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 IbaAr, EliSae, EliPalet, 6 NaGeth, NaPhag, JaPhie, 7 EliShama, BaalJada, and EliPhalet.
8 But when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed as king over all Israel, their [entire army] came looking for him, and David went out to meet them. 9 So, the Philistines assembled for battle in the Valley of the Giants. 10 But first David went before God and asked, ‘Should I go and fight the Philistines, and will You give them into my hands?’ And Jehovah replied, ‘Go, and I will give them into your hands!’ 11 So, he marched to Baal PharAsin and attacked them there.
And thereafter, David said, ‘God used my hand to cut through my enemies like cutting through water.’ And that’s why he named that place ‘The Severance of PharAsin.’
12 Well, the Philistines just ran away and left [the images] of their gods lying there, so David [told his men to] burn them in a fire. 13 Then he marched after the Philistines again and found them in the Valley of the Giants. 14 So, David asked God what he should do. But [this time] God replied, ‘Don’t go after them! Turn away and wait for them near the pear trees. 15 And when you hear the sound of rumbling from the tops of the pear trees, attack them, for [that’s the sound of] God going ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.’
16 So, David did exactly as God had told him. Then he kept attacking the Philistine camps from Gibeon to GeZer, 17 and the name of David became known throughout the land, for Jehovah had put the fear of him upon all the nations.
Chapter 15
1 Thereafter, he did quite a bit of building in the city of David. He prepared a place for the Chest of God, and he had a Tent built for it. 2 Then David said, ‘No one is to handle the Chest of God other than the Levites, because Jehovah has chosen them for that purpose… to carry it and to officiate before Him through the ages.
3 Then David gathered all Israel in Jerusalem to carry the Chest of Jehovah and put it into the place that he had built for it.
4 He also collected [groups] of the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. 5 OuriEl was the leader from the line of KoHath, and there were a hundred and twenty with him. 6 AsaiJa was the leader from the line of MeraRi, and there were two hundred and twenty with him. 7 JoEl was the leader of the line of GerShon, and there were a hundred and thirty with him. 8 Shemei was the leader of the line of EliSaphan, and there were two hundred with him. 9 EliEl was the leader of the line of Hebron, and there were eighty with him. 10 And AminAdab was the leader of the line of OziEl, and there were a hundred and twelve with him.
11 David then called the priests Zadok and AbiAthar, and the Levites, OuriEl, AsaiAn, JoEl, SamaYan, EliEl, and AminAdab, 12 and said to them, ‘You are the heads of the families of the Levites. Now purify yourselves and your brothers, so you can carry the Chest of the God of Israel to the place that I’ve prepared for it. 13 Because, the first time you tried to do this you weren’t ready, so God came among us and cut through us, because we didn’t ask Him what we should do.’
14 So, the Priests and the Levites purified themselves to carry the Chest of the God of Israel. 15 Then they went to carry it exactly as God had instructed them through Moses, and in the way that he wrote it should be done, using the staves to bear it.
16 Then David told the heads of the Levites: ‘Now, assign singers and musicians who play stringed instruments, woodwinds, and cymbals from among your brothers, to make loud and happy music.’
17 So, the Levites appointed Heman (the son of JoEl) from among his family, and Asaph (the son BarachiJah) from the line of MeraRi, and his [friend] Ethan (the son of KishaiJah). 18 Then they met with them and they appointed others who would be under them… ZachariJah, OziEl, SemiRamOth, JeiEl, EliOhel, EliAb, BenaiJah, MaAseJah, MatTathiJah, EliPhaliJah, MakeniJah, and ObedEdom. And they appointed JeiEl and OziAs to be in charge [of the Sacred Chest].
19 Then they appointed Heman, Asaph, and Ethan to be in charge of the singers. And in charge of the brass cymbals (to make sure that the music was loud) were 20 ZachariJah, OziEl, SemiRamOth, JeiEl, Oni, EliAb, MasaiJah, and BenaiJah. The heads of the stringed instruments and the many types of woodwinds (so the music would be loud enough) were AlamOth, 21 MatTathiJah, EliPhaliJah, MakeniJah, ObedEdom, JeiEl, and OziJah. 22 And ChoneniJah (the head of the Levites) was put in charge of all the music, because he could orchestrate everything.
23 Then BarachiJah and ElKana were assigned to [carry] the [front end of the Sacred] Chest – as 24 SobniAh, JoSaphat, NathaniEl, AmasiJah, ZachariJah, BaniJah, and EliEzer (the Priests) were assigned to blow the trumpets ahead of it – and ObedEdom and JeiJah were [to carry] it [from behind].
25 Of course, David, the governors of Israel, and his generals were to lead the joyful parade when they carried the Chest of God’s Sacred Agreement out of the house of ObedEdom. 26 And to be sure that God would empower them to carry the Chest of Jehovah, the [Priests] first sacrificed seven calves and seven rams.
27 Then David came dressed in fine linen, along with the Levites who would bear the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, the singers, and ChoneniJah (the head of the musicians). Then they wrapped David in a fine linen cape, 28 and all Israel walked ahead of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, cheering, blowing ram’s horns and trumpets, loudly beating on cymbals, and playing stringed instruments and harps.
29 Then, when the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah reached the city of David, Michal (the daughter of Saul) leaned over and looked from her window, and when she saw King David dancing and acting like a child, she inwardly felt contempt for him.
Chapter 16
1 So, they carried the Chest of God, and placed it in the middle of the tent that David had made for it. Then they offered whole burnt offerings and a salvation offering before God. 2 And when David completed these offerings, he blest the people in the name of Jehovah. 3 Then he gave every man and woman of Israel a freshly-baked loaf of bread and some honey bread.
4 Then he stood before the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and ordered the Levites to shout aloud and acknowledge and praise Jehovah, the God of Israel. 5 And Asaph, the orchestra conductor, and those under him (ZachariJah, JeiEl, SemiRamOth, MatTathiJah, EliAb, BenaiJah, ObedEdom, and JeiEl) conducted the stringed instruments and woodwinds, while Asaph had them beat on the cymbals, 6 and BenaiJah and OziEl (the Priests) blew the trumpets continuously before the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of God.
7 So, that was the day when David arranged for Asaph and his brothers to start praising Jehovah. 8 [For they shouted]:
‘Acknowledge Jehovah!
Call upon Him by His Name!
Tell the people of the things He has done!
9 Sing praises to him!
‘Describe all the wonders the Lord has performed;
10 Give praise to His Holy Name!
Make your hearts glad… seek His favor;
11 Seek Jehovah and be strong!
‘Always search for His face!
12 Remember the wonderful things He has done…
His miracles and the decisions that have come from His mouth,
13 O seed of Israel… His servants… you sons of Jacob… His elected.
14 ‘He is Jehovah our God! His judgments have filled the whole earth!
15 Remember His Sacred Agreement through the ages,
16 And the words that He instructed thousands of generations to follow,
Which He spoke to Abraham, and the oath that He gave to Isaac.
17 ‘Then He established His Sacred Agreement with Jacob through the ages,
And He gave His orders to Israel, 18 saying,
I will give the land of CanaAn as a piece of measured land to be your inheritance.
19 Yet at the time, there weren’t many of them, and [the nation] was dwindling.
‘But first they had to walk around;
20 And they passed from nation to nation and past the kingdoms of foreigners.
21 But He didn’t allow anyone to overpower them, and He disciplined their kings saying,
22 You may not touch My anointed, or act wickedly among My Prophets!
23 ‘May the whole earth sing to Jehovah!
Shout each day about the way that He saves!
24 Tell all the nations of His glory,
And all their people of His wonders!
25 ‘For, Jehovah is great and worthy of praise!
He is more to be feared that all other gods,
26 For the gods of the nations are just idols,
But Jehovah made the heavens!
27 ‘Stand before His face and praise His strength!
Brag about His Holy Place!
28 Give praise to Jehovah, all you families of the nations;
Praise Jehovah’s glory and strength!
29 ‘Glorify the Name of the Lord!
Bring gifts… carry them before His face,
Then bow low before Jehovah
In His courtyard so holy!
30 ‘Before His face be afraid, all you on the earth!
May the ground become firm before Him and may it not be shaken!
31 You heavens be glad and earth cry in joy!
May all the nations admit that Jehovah is their king!
32 ‘And may all seas, and the sun, and the trees in the fields,
And all else resonate before Him.
33 Why, even the forests of trees in the fields
Will be glad before the face of Jehovah,
For He is coming to judge the earth!
34 ‘Acknowledge that Jehovah is good,
For His mercy lasts through the ages.
Save us, O God; deliver us!
35 Gather and rescue us from the nations!
‘Praise His Holy Name… boast of the blessings that He brings!
36 Praise Jehovah Israel’s God
Through the ages and [beyond].’
Then all the people shouted, ‘Amen!’ And they started praising Jehovah.
37 So they left the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah there, and Asaph and his brothers served before the Chest continually, each day, 38 along with ObedEdom and his family; for ObedEdom (the son of IdiThoum) and Osa were the gatekeepers.
39 However, Zadok the Priest and his fellow Priests stayed before the Tent of Jehovah, which was located in Bala of Gibeon. 40 And there they offered whole burnt offerings on the Altar to Jehovah continually, morning and evening, just as it was written in the Law of Jehovah, as it was given to the sons of Israel by the hand of Moses, God’s servant.
41 Those who were with [the Priests] were Heman, IdiThoum, and all the rest who were chosen by name to praise Jehovah for His mercy through the ages. 42 There were also the trumpeters, the cymbal players, and all the rest of the musicians, who could play their instruments loudly in the songs [of praise] to God.
Then the sons of IdiThoum took their positions at the gates, all the people returned to their homes, 43 and David went back home to bless his family.
Chapter 17
1 Then one day, when David was in his palace, he said to the Prophet Nathan, ‘Look; here I am living in a palace of cedars, while the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah is sitting under a tent of leather skins.’
2 And Nathan said to David, ‘Then do whatever is in your heart, because God is with you!’
3 But that night, the word of Jehovah came to Nathan, saying, 4 ‘Go and tell My servant David that this is what Jehovah has said: You may not build a House for Me to stay in, 5 because I haven’t stayed in a House from the day that I started leading Israel until now. I’ve stayed in a tent protected by the covering. 6 In all the places that I’ve gone with Israel, did I ever ask any tribe of Israel or those who I put in charge of taking care of My people why they didn’t build Me a House of cedar?
7 ‘So, tell My servant David, that this is what Jehovah the Almighty had decreed: I’ve taken you out of the pastures where you followed the flocks, to lead My people Israel, 8 and I was with you wherever you went. I destroyed all your enemies from before you, and I’ve made your name one of the greatest on the earth.
9 ‘I’ve also made a place for My people Israel, and I’ve planted them there. And when they camp alone, they won’t have to be afraid anymore, for no unrighteous person will humble them as has happened in the past. 10 Why, from the days when I arranged for the Judges [to lead] My people Israel, I’ve humbled all their enemies so My [nation] would grow.
‘So now, a House will be built for Jehovah, 11 but that will happen after you’ve lived a full life and you go to sleep with your ancestors. Then I will raise a seed after you who will come from your belly, and I will prepare his kingdom. 12 He will build a House for Me, and I shall make his throne last through the ages. 13 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. And My mercy will never be removed from him, as I have removed it from those who preceded you. 14 I will entrust My House to him and his kingdom through the ages, and his name will be [remembered] through the ages.’
15 Well, Nathan then spoke those words and relayed everything in that vision to David. 16 Then King David went and sat before Jehovah and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God… what is [so good about] my house that You’ve loved me through the age? 17 And now it seems that this thing has become less important to You, O God, for You have spoken about this House that your servant [would build] for a long time. But then You looked upon me in a vision that was given to a man and raised me up high, O Jehovah God. 18 So now, how shall I proceed to glorify You? For, Your servant knows 19 that what You have done is whatever is in Your heart, and it is all greatness.
20 ‘O Jehovah; There’s none other like You, and there’s no god other than You… no one that we’ve ever heard of. 21 And there’s no nation like Your people Israel anywhere else on earth who have been guided by You, O God… a people who You’ve ransomed for Yourself. For, You’ve given Your people a great name, and driven others away from before those who You ransomed out of the nation of Egypt. 22 And You’ve appointed Israel as Your people exclusively through the ages. Then You, O Jehovah, have become their God.
23 ‘And now, O Jehovah; concerning what You’ve said to Your servant about this House… may the words that You said be trusted through the ages! 24 And may Your Name be trusted and magnified through the ages, O Jehovah the Almighty, the God of Israel. For, You are the God of Israel and of the house of David Your servant, who now stands before You. 25 O Jehovah; You are my God, and now You’ve opened the ears of Your servant about building this House. And it’s because of this that I saw the need to pray before Your face.
26 ‘And now, O Jehovah; You are Him… God! You’ve spoken about these good things to Your servant, 27 and You’ve started blessing the house of your servant. So, may it all stand that way before You through the ages. For You, O Jehovah, have blest, and You’ve promised Your blessings through the ages!’
Chapter 18
1 After that, David attacked the Philistines and routed them, capturing Gath and all its surrounding villages from them. 2 Then he attacked Moab and made them serve him and pay him tribute. 3 David also attacked AdraAzar, the king of SoUba, at Hamath, as he was marching toward the EuPhrates. 4 And there he captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand horses, and twenty thousand of their infantrymen. Then David had all the chariots destroyed, except for a hundred of them. 5 And when the Syrians came from Damascus to help AdraAzar, David attacked them and killed twenty-two thousand of their men, 6 and he left a garrison in Syria near Damascus. So, Syria became David’s servant and had to bring tributes to him.
Well, Jehovah watched over David, no matter where he went. 7 So David took the golden collars and other items of gold that were worn by the servants of AdraAzar, and had it all carried back to Jerusalem. 8 Then he went to MataBeth (which was one of AdraAzar’s capital cities) and he brought back a tremendous amount of brass, which Solomon later used to make the Sacred Sea, the brass columns, and many other sacred utensils.
9 Well, when Thoa the king of Hamath heard that David had beaten the army of AdraAzar (the king of SoUba), 10 he sent his son AdouRam to King David to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him on winning his war against AdraAzar and killing him, because Thoa had been at war with AdraAzar.
11 Then David took all the gold, silver, and brass items that he captured from the nations of Idumea, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalechites, and set them aside as holy to Jehovah. 12 For AbiShai (the son of ZeruJah) had attacked the Idumeans in the Salt Valley, where he killed eighteen thousand of their men. 13 Then he placed a garrison in the Valley, and the Idumeans also became David’s servants.
Well, Jehovah watched over David, no matter where he went, 14 so David reigned over all Israel, and he served as a righteous judge over his people.
15 At the time, JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) was the commanding general of his army, JoSaphat (the son of AchiLoud) was the recorder, 16 Zadok (the son of AhiTub) and AhiMelech (the son of AbiAthar) were the Priests, SoUsa was the scribe, 17 BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda) was in charge of the Cherethites and Phelethites, and David’s sons served as his second-in-command.
Chapter 19
1 In time, NaAs (the king of the sons of Ammon) died, and his son Anan became the king in his place. 2 So David said: ‘What kind thing can I do for Anan (the son of NaAs), because his father was very kind toward me?’ Then David sent messengers to comfort him after the death of his father.
3 Well, when the servants of David arrived in the land of the Ammonites and went to Anan to comfort him, the Ammonite governors said to [Anan]: ‘Isn’t David glorifying your father over you by sending these comforters? And isn’t he really sending them to see the city and to spy in our land?’
4 So, Anan grabbed the servants of David and shaved them, and then he cut off their uniforms halfway to the waist and sent them away.
5 Well, when the report of what was done to his men reached David, he sent people to meet them, because they had been very disgraced, and the king told them to stay in Jericho and not to return until their beards grew back.
6 Meanwhile, the sons of Ammon realized that they had disgraced David’s emissaries, so Anan and his men sent a shipment of thirty-five tons of silver to hire an army from MesoPotamia and from [King] MoOcha in Syria, along with chariots and cavalry. 7 They hired thirty-two thousand chariots, and King MoOcha brought his army, who camped next to MaiDaba. Also, the Ammonites gathered an army from their cities and they came to wage war [with Israel]. 8 So when David heard about this, he sent JoAb and his entire army to meet them.
9 Well, the sons of Ammon marched right up to the city gates, but the kings camped all by themselves out in the fields. 10 And when JoAb saw that they were ready to attack him from all sides, he took all the young men from the army and had them face the Syrians. 11 Then he put the rest of the army into the hands of his brother AbiShai, and they set up battle lines against the sons of Ammon. 12 And he told [his brother], ‘If the Syrians start to win, you come and help me, and if the Ammonites start to win, I’ll come to help you. 13 If we show that we’re [courageous], our people will be stronger; because these are the cities of our God, and Jehovah will do whatever is good in His eyes.’
14 So JoAb attacked the Syrians and they fled before him. 15 And when the Ammonites saw the Syrians retreating, they turned and ran from AbiShai (JoAb’s brother), and they ran into the city. Then JoAb went back to Jerusalem. 16 And when the Syrians saw that Israel had left the battle, they sent messengers to the Syrians who were camped on the other side of the river, and SoPha (the commander-in-chief of the army of AdraAzar) marched ahead of them.
17 Well when this was reported to David, he gathered the whole army of Israel, and they crossed the Jordan and set up battle lines against them. So, Syria deployed opposite David, and the battle began. 18 Then Syria again turned and ran from Israel, and David killed forty thousand of their infantry; he captured seven thousand of their chariots; and he killed SoPha (the commander-in-chief of their army).
19 Well, when the servants of AdraAzar saw that they had lost the battle to Israel, they signed a treaty with David and started serving him. And thereafter, the Syrians would never again come to help the sons of Ammon.
Chapter 20
1 It was during the course of that year, as the kings went to war, that JoAb led the entire army [of Israel] and they destroyed the cities of Ammon, then they went and besieged RabBah.
Now, David had stayed behind in Jerusalem as JoAb attacked RabBah and razed the city. 2 Then David [went there and] took the gold crown from the head of MolChom their king. It weighed sixty pounds and was also covered with precious stones, so David took it and wore it.
Then he looted the city and brought back a huge number of treasures. 3 He also captured the people and had them sawed in half with iron saws and with threshing machines. And that’s what David did to all the sons of Ammon. Thereafter, David returned to Jerusalem with his army.
4 However, there was still war in Gazer with the Philistines. And it was then that SoboChai cut down OuSathi the Saphite (who was from the family of giants) and dishonored him. 5 But the war with the Philistines continued, and ElLanan (the son of JaIr) killed Lachmi (the brother of GoliAth the Gittite) whose wooden spear was as large as a weaving loom.
6 They also had a huge man there with twenty-four fingers and toes (six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot), who was a descendant of the giants. 7 And when he came forward and slandered Israel, JoNathan (the son of David’s brother SamaAh) attacked him and killed him.
8 These men were all born to Rapha in Gath, and all four were giants, but they all fell by the hand of David and his servants.
Chapter 21
1 Well, the Slanderer came to Israel and [he] urged David to count his people. 2 So, King David said to JoAb and his generals, ‘Go and take a census of Israel from BeerSheba to Dan, then bring [the numbers] to me, so I’ll know how many men I have [in my army].’
3 And JoAb said, ‘May Jehovah multiply His people a hundred times. But the eyes of my lord the king can see all of his servants; so, why do you want to do this, my lord? Be careful that you don’t bring a sin upon Israel!’
4 However, the king just wouldn’t listen to JoAb. So, JoAb traveled throughout all Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem and gave the numbers of the people to David… there was a million, one-hundred-thousand men who could carry the sword. 5 [In addition], among the sons of Judah there was four-hundred-and-seventy thousand. 6 However, he didn’t count [the tribes of] Levi and BenJamin as being among [the tribe of Judah], because the king told JoAb not to include them.
7 Well, doing this was wicked [in the eyes of] God, so He struck Israel. 8 Then David said to God, ‘I [was guilty of] a great sin when I did this thing! So, please forgive the evil of Your servant, because I’ve done something very foolish.’
9 Then Jehovah spoke to Gad, David’s Seer, and said, 10 ‘Go speak to David and tell him that this is what Jehovah has said: I will give you a choice of three punishments. Choose which you prefer, and I’ll bring it upon you.’
11 So, Gad went to David and told him, ‘This is what Jehovah has said, Choose for yourself 12 from these three:
· Three years of famine
· Three months of destruction and fleeing from your enemies
· Three days of death in the land, when the messenger of Jehovah will go destroying among all the inheritance of Israel.
‘Now, give me an answer for the One who sent me… which do you choose?’
13 And David told Gad, ‘Those are three very tough choices, so I’ll leave it in the hands of Jehovah, because He is exceptionally compassionate. I don’t want to leave myself in the hands of men.’
14 So, Jehovah sent death throughout all Israel, and seventy thousand men died. 15 Then God sent His messenger to Jerusalem to wipe it out too, but as he was destroying it, Jehovah saw what was happening and felt sorry for the evil. So He said to the messenger who was doing the destroying, ‘That’s enough; stay your hand!’
And at the time, the messenger of Jehovah was standing at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 For, David looked up and saw the messenger of Jehovah standing there between the earth and the sky with an unsheathed broadsword in his hand that was stretched out over Jerusalem, and David fell to the ground. Then the elders put on sackcloth and covered their faces.
17 And David said to God, ‘Wasn’t it me who told them to count the people? I’m the one who sinned! I’m the one who told them to do this bad thing! And these sheep; what did they do, O Jehovah God? Bring Your hand and Your destruction against me and the house of my father, not against Your people, O Jehovah.’
18 Then the messenger of Jehovah told Gad, ‘Now, tell David to build an Altar to Jehovah at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.’
19 So David went and did what Gad had told him in the Name of Jehovah. 20 And when Ornan turned and saw the king and four of his sons coming, he hid himself.
Well, Ornan had been threshing wheat at the time. 21 So, David walked toward Ornan, and he came down off the threshing floor and bowed with his face to the ground before David. 22 Then David said, ‘Give me your threshing floor, because I want to build an Altar to Jehovah upon it. Tell me how much you want for it, because this will bring an end to the calamity that has been plaguing the people.’
23 And Ornan said to David, ‘Take it! And may my lord the king do whatever he thinks is best. Why look; here are some calves to sacrifice as whole burnt offerings, as well as some wood and grain. I give it all to you!’
24 And David said to Ornan, ‘No, I want to pay you whatever it’s worth, because there’s no way that I’ll take what’s yours for Jehovah and sacrifice a whole burnt offering for myself free of charge.’
25 So, David paid Ornan six hundred weighed gold coins for his place, 26 then he built an Altar to Jehovah there and sacrificed whole burnt offerings and a deliverance offering, as he yelled out to Jehovah.
Well, Jehovah listened to him from the heavens as he stood there by the fire and the whole burnt offerings on the Altar. 27 And Jehovah spoke to the messenger, and he put the broadsword back into its sheath. 28 Then David saw that Jehovah had listened to him there at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where he had offered the sacrifices.
29 At the time, the Tent of Jehovah that Moses had made was in the desert, as was the Altar for sacrificing whole burnt offerings… it was located in Thama in Gibeon. 30 But David wasn’t able to go there to seek the face of God, because he didn’t want to turn away too quickly from the broadsword that was being held by the messenger of Jehovah.
Chapter 22
1 And David said, ‘This is where the Temple of Jehovah our God [will be built], and this is the Altar for the whole burnt offerings of Israel.’
2 Then David said, ‘Gather all the foreigners in the land of Israel.’ And he assigned quarry workers to cut and work stones to build the Temple of Jehovah.
3 Then he prepared other things for the project, such as the nails, the doorways, the gates, and the hinges. He also collected a huge amount of brass… so much that its weight couldn’t even be calculated. 4 And there was an incalculable amount of cedar lumber, which the Sidonians and the people of Tyre had brought to David. 5 Then David said, ‘My son Solomon is still a young boy, but he will erect this great Temple to Jehovah and it will be famous for its glory throughout the whole earth… and I will prepare for it.’
So, David did prepare for it by [collecting] many things before he died. 6 Then he called his son Solomon and told him to build the Temple to Jehovah the God of Israel. 7 And David said to Solomon, ‘My child, it has been in my heart to build a [Temple] to the Name of Jehovah God. 8 But the word of Jehovah came to me that said, You’ve spilled a lot of blood and fought great wars, so you may not build a Temple to My Name because of all the blood that you’ve poured out onto the ground before Me. 9 But {Look!} a son has been born to you who is a man of peace, and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about. The name that has been given to him is Solomon, so I will give him peace and rest, and I will appoint him [king] over Israel when his time comes. 10 Then he will build a [Temple] to My Name. He will be My son, I’ll be a father to him, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom in Israel through the ages.
11 ‘Now, my son; May Jehovah be with you and bless you, for you will build a Temple to your God Jehovah, just as He said you would. 12 And may He give you wisdom, understanding, and make you strong over Israel, so that you will preserve and keep the Laws of Jehovah your God. 13 For, if you carefully obey the instructions and decisions that Jehovah gave to Israel through Moses, He will bless you. So, be a man and be strong! Don’t be weak or afraid!
14 ‘Now, {Look!} in my own poor way, I’ve made preparations for the Temple of Jehovah. I’ve collected hundreds of tons of gold, thousands of tons of silver, and so much brass that nobody can estimate its weight. I’ve also collected the wood and stones, and you must add to all of this.
15 ‘So, may Jehovah be with you, and may you finish [this project]. Bring together the huge number of craftsmen that will be needed… the stone workers, carpenters, and all the wise men 16 who know how to work gold, silver, brass, and iron. Stand up and act, and Jehovah will be with you!’
17 Then David instructed all the governors of Israel to assist his son Solomon, saying, 18 ‘Isn’t Jehovah with you, and hasn’t He provided you with peace all around? He has put everyone who lives here into your hands, and the entire land is now subject to Jehovah and His people. 19 So, search for Jehovah your God with all your hearts and souls. Then come and build a Holy Place to Jehovah your God, where you should place the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and all the rest of the holy things of God. You must build a Temple to the Name of Jehovah!’
Chapter 23
1 Well, after David had grown old and lived a full life, his son Solomon took his place as [the king] over Israel. 2 Then David brought all the rulers of Israel together, as well as the Priests and the Levites, 3 and he took a census of all the Levites who were more than thirty years old. And their head count showed there to be thirty-eight thousand men who qualified, 4 and of these, twenty-four thousand were [assigned] over the Temple of Jehovah, six thousand were [to be] scribes and judges, 5 four thousand were [to be] gatekeepers, and four thousand were anointed to praise Jehovah with the sacred musical instruments, which were made specifically for that purpose.
6 Then David divided them by family groups [and they worked] in daily rotations.
Now, the sons of Levi were GerShon, KoHath, and MeraRi.
7 In the family of GerShon, there was Edan and Shimei. 8 The three sons (and rulers of) of Edan were JeiEl, ZeThan, and JoEl. 9 And the three sons of Shimei were SalomIth, JeiEl, and Dan. They were the rulers of the families of LaAdan.
10 The four sons of Shimei were Jeth, Ziza, JoAs, and BeriJah. 11 Jeth was the firstborn, and Ziza was second. But JoAs and BeriJah didn’t have any sons, so the whole house and family received the same assignments.
12 The four sons of KoHath were AmBram, IsaAr, Hebron, and OziEl. 13 The sons of AmBram were Aaron and Moses. Then Aaron and his sons were set-aside to [serve in] the Holy of Holies, to burn incense before Jehovah, and to officiate and use the power of His Name through the ages.
14 Of course, Moses was the man of God, and his sons were assigned among the tribe of Levi. 15 Moses’ sons were Gersam and EliEzer. 16 Gersam’s son SoubaEl was the firstborn, 17 and EliEzer’s son RabiJah was the firstborn [of his line]. EliEzer didn’t have any other sons, but the family line of RabiJah became very large.
18 The son of IsaAr was SalomOth (the firstborn).
19 The sons of Hebron were JeriJa (the firstborn), AmadiJa (the second), JeziEl (the third), and JekemiJah (the fourth).
20 The sons of OziEl were Micha (the firstborn) and JesShiAh (the second).
21 The sons of MeraRi were MoOli and MoUsi. MoOli’s sons were EliEzer and Kis. 22 EliEzer died without any sons (just daughters), but the sons of Kis married them. 23 The three sons of MoUsi were MoOli, Eder, and JariMoth.
24 These were the names of the rulers over the descendants of Levi by houses and family lines who were more than twenty years old and served at the Temple of Jehovah.
25 Then David said, ‘Jehovah the God of Israel has provided rest for His people, and He has camped in Jerusalem through the ages. 26 So, the Levites won’t have to carry the Sacred Tent or any of its things anymore.’
27 And the last instructions that David [gave], was to count the sons of Levi who were twenty years old and older, 28 for he had appointed them to [assist the descendants] of Aaron as they served in the Temple of Jehovah. They were to be in charge of the courtyards, the place of worship, cleansing the holy things, and handling the maintenance of the Temple of God. 29 They were also to handle the mixing and measuring of the bread loaves, the fine flour for the sacrifice offerings, the fermentation-free bread, the fried cakes, and the place settings.
30 Each morning and evening they were to praise and acknowledge Jehovah. 31 They also prepared all the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the holidays (as they were instructed), and they always stood before Jehovah. 32 They stood guard by watches over the Tent of Proofs, over the Holy Place, and over their brothers the sons of Aaron, [whose job was to] officiate inside the Temple of Jehovah.
Chapter 24
1 These are the [Priestly] divisions of the sons of Aaron: Nadab, AbiHu, EliEzer, and IthaMar.
2 Now, Nadab and AbiHu died before their father, and they had no sons. So, the official Priests were Aaron’s sons EliEzer and IthaMar. 3 And David made a similar division. He appointed Zadok (who was a descendant of EliEzer) and AhiMelech (who was a descendant of IthaMar) as the heads over their houses and families for duties [in the Temple]. 4 But David found that among the descendant of EliEzer there were many more leaders and powerful men than there were among the descendants of IthaMar, so he appointed sixteen descendants of EliEzer as leaders of their houses and families, and he only appointed eight from the descendants of IthaMar.
5 Then he decided their assigned responsibilities in the Temple of God by lottery. 6 And SamaiJah, the son of NathaniEl (the scribe from the tribe of Levi) recorded the results for the king, the governors, the [High] Priest Zadok, AhiMelech (the son of AbiAthar), the heads of families, and for the family heads of the Priests and Levites.
A lottery was then performed for the families of EliEzer and IthaMar, 7 and the first group chosen was that of JoArim. JediJah was the second, 8 Charib was the third, SeOrim was the fourth, 9 MelciJah was the fifth, MeiAmin was the sixth, 10 Kos was the seventh, AbiJah was the eighth, 11 JeShua was the ninth, ShecheniJah was the tenth, 12 EliAbi was the eleventh, JaKim was the twelfth, 13 Opha was the thirteenth, JesBaal was the fourteenth, 14 BelGa was the fifteenth, EmMer was the sixteenth, 15 HezIr was the seventeenth, Aphese was the eighteenth, 16 PhetaiJah was the nineteenth, EzekiEl was the twentieth, 17 Achim was the twenty-first, GamoUl was the twenty-second, 18 DalaiJah was the twenty-third, and MaAsaih was the twenty-fourth.
19 So, this is the way their duties were assigned and the order in which they were to enter the Temple of Jehovah, as these responsibilities were set out by their ancestor Aaron, and which were given to him by Jehovah the God of Israel.
20 These are the names of the rest of Levi’s descendants: Among the descendants of AmBram there was SobaEl and his son JediJah. 21 From the descents of RaAbiJah there was his firstborn JesiJah. 22 From the descendants of IsaAri there was SalomOth and his son Jath. 23 From the descendants of JediOu there was AmadiJah, JaziEl, and JekmoAm. 24 From the descendants of OziEl there was Micha and his son Samer. 25 Micha’s brother was IsiJa, and his son was ZachariJah.
26 The sons of MeraRi were MoOli, MoUsi, and (though BonNi) OziJa. 27 So, OziJa was one of MeraRi’s sons, and his sons were IsoAm, SakChour, and Abai. 28 MoOli’s only son was EliEzer, 29 his son was Kish, and his grandson was JeRameEl. 30 The sons of MoUsi were MoOli, Eder, and JariMoth. These were the sons of the Levites by the houses of their families.
Chapter 25
1 King David also assigned some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and IdiThoum as heads of musical bands to praise [God] with woodwinds, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And these are the numbers of the musicians who were working in their bands: 2 The sons of Asaph were SakChour, Joseph, NathaniJah, and EraEl. These sons of Asaph worked under Asaph, who was a Prophet, and he reported directly to the king.
3 Under IdiThoum were his six sons, GodoliJah, SoUri, IseAs, Shimei, AsabiJah, and MatTathiJah. They all played the woodwinds to praise and acknowledge Jehovah.
4 Under Heman were his sons BoukiJah, MathaniJah, OziEl, SoubaEl, JeriMoth, AnaniJah, Anan, EliAtha, GodolLathi, RomethiEzer, JesBasaka, MalLithi, Otheri, and MeAzOth. 5 (These were all the sons of Heman.) They played music to the king about the Word of God with horns. 6 Now, God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters, and they all (including their father) sang in the Temple to the music of the cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds during the services, and they all reported directly to the king (along with Asaph, IdiThoum, and Heman).
7 In addition, many others in their families were taught to sing to Jehovah, so altogether there were two hundred and eighty-eight in the chorus. 8 Then they threw lots for themselves to choose the daily rotations of singers… from the unknown to the famous, and the novices to the experts.
9 And the first lot fell to Asaph (the son of Joseph, who was also called GedaliJah) and his sons. The second fell to EneiJa and twelve in his family. 10 The third fell to ZakChour and twelve in his family. 11 The fourth fell to JesRi and twelve in his family. 12 The fifth fell to NathaniJah and twelve in his family. 13 The sixth fell to BoUkiJah and twelve in his family. 14 The seventh fell to IshEriEl and twelve in his family. 15 The eighth fell to JosiJah and twelve in his family. 16 The ninth fell to MathaniJah and twelve in his family. 17 The tenth fell to SemeiJah and twelve in his family. 18 The eleventh fell to AsriEl and twelve in his family. 19 The twelfth fell to AsabiJah and twelve in his family. 20 The thirteenth fell to SoUbaEl and twelve in his family. 21 The fourteenth fell to MatTathiJah and twelve in his family. 22 The fifteenth fell to JeriMoth and twelve in his family. 23 The sixteenth fell to AnaniJah and twelve in his family. 24 The seventeenth fell to JesBasaKa and twelve in his family. 25 The eighteenth fell to AnaniJah and twelve in his family. 26 The nineteenth fell to MalLithi and twelve in his family. 27 The twentieth fell to EliAthah and twelve in his family. 28 The twenty- first fell to OthEri and twelve in his family. 29 The twenty-second fell to GodolLathi and twelve in his family. 30 The twenty-third fell to MeAzOth and twelve in his family. And the twenty-fourth fell to RoMetThiEzer and twelve in his family.
31 Their brothers from the sons of Aaron also threw lots for themselves before the king, including Zadok and AhiMelech, who were the heads of the families of the Priests and the Levites, as well as the family heads and the younger ones.
Chapter 26
1 These are the groups of the gatekeepers:
From the family of KorAh there was MoselLemiJa and his sons, who descended through Asaph. 2 Under MoselLemiJa there was ZachariJah (his firstborn), JadiEl (the second), ZabadiJa (the third), JethNouEl (the fourth), 3 JoLam (the fifth), JoNathan (the sixth), EliOnai (the seventh), and ObedEdom (the eighth).
4 ObedEdom’s sons were SamaiJah (the firstborn), JoZabath (the second), JoAth (the third), Sachar (the fourth), NathaniEl (the fifth), 5 AmiEl (the sixth), IsSachar (the seventh), and PhelAthi (the eighth) – for God had blessed him.
6 Then there was SamaiJah’s son RosAi, who was the firstborn of the house of his father (they were all mighty men). 7 SamaiJah’s sons were Othni, RaphaEl, Obed, ElZabath, and AchiOud (they were the most powerful). Then there was EliOu, SabachiJah, and IshBakom. 8 These were descendants of ObedEdom and their ancestor MoselLemiJa. They all became great in their positions (all sixty-two of them), 9 and eighteen of them became very powerful.
10 Then there was Osa (from the line of MeraRi), whose sons guarded the [Temple]. And although he wasn’t the firstborn, his father appointed him head of the second division of gate guards. 11 HelkiJah was second under him, then TabliJah (the third), and ZachariJah (the fourth). Altogether, there were thirteen of the sons and family of Osa. 12 And it was from among them that the heads of the divisions of gate guards descended. They were all rulers and important men who handled the daily rotations of their families as they served in the Temple of Jehovah.
13 Then they all (from the least to the most important) threw lots by houses and families at the gatehouse. 14 And the lot for the gates toward the east fell to SelemiJah and ZachariJah. Then MelchiJah threw the lots for the family of JoAs, and they received the north gate. 15 Then the second lot was thrown, and ObedEdom received the south gate, which was next to the collection boxes. 16 [The Family of] Osa received the west gate, and their job was to keep watch over the road leading up to the Temple.
17 Six Levites were assigned to guard the east gate each day, four were over the north gate, there were two shifts of two watching the south gate (by the collection boxes), 18 and there were four at the west gate, plus two shifts of two guards each watching the road.
19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the family of KorAh and MeraRi.
20 The Levites and their families who received the responsibility of being over the treasury in the Temple of Jehovah and watching over the holy things 21 were the family of LaDan (of the line of GerShon). JeiEl was the head of this family group, 22 and the sons of JeiEl were ZethOm and JoEl. They and their families were over the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah. 23 AmBram, IsaAr, Hebron, OziEl, 24 and SoUbaEl (the descendants of Moses through Gersam) were in charge of the treasury. 25 The sons of his brother EliEzer were RabiJah, JosiJah, JoRam, Zechri, and SalomOth. 26 It was SalomOth and his family who were over the treasures that were kept inside the Holy Place, which King David had set aside as holy after the army generals, lieutenants, and family heads brought them there. 27 They brought these things in from the cities they captured, and [David had them made holy] so that construction of the Temple of Jehovah God wouldn’t be delayed.
28 They were also in charge of all the holy things that had been dedicated by the Prophet SamuEl, by Saul (the son of Kish), by AbNer (the son of Ner), and by JoAb (the son of ZeruJah). All of these holy things were under the hands of SalomOth and his family.
29 ChoneniJa and his family (descendants of IsaAr) were assigned to work outside [the Temple] as scribes and judges over Israel.
30 AsabiJah and his family (descendants of Hebron) – all one thousand, seven hundred of them – were important people, for they watched over Israel on the other side of the Jordan, to their western boundary. They served as representatives of Jehovah and of the king.
31 JoriJah was the leader of the Hebronites and all the generations of their families. It was in the fortieth year of his kingdom that all the powerful men were counted at JaZer of Gilead. 32 And at the time, there were two thousand, seven hundred family heads; and (following Jehovah’s instructions) King David had put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh.
Chapter 27
1 Now, these are the sons of Israel by rank, who were the heads of their families and who served as generals or lieutenants in the army each month, every month of the year, as it was recorded by the scribes who officially served the king and wrote all his declarations:
In the first division there were twenty-four thousand. 2 And the person who was in charge of this division was IshBoaz (the son of ZabdiEl). His division included twenty-four thousand leaders 3 from the line of Perez, and he was in charge of all the officers of the army during the first month.
4 In charge of the division during the second month was DodAi (the son of Ehok), and under him was MakelLoth. His division also included twenty-four thousand leaders of the army.
5 The general in charge during the third month was BenaiJah (the son of JehoiAda, the High Priest). In his division there were twenty-four thousand. 6 BenaiJah was the greatest of [David’s] thirty men, and he was in charge of the thirty. The man who served under him was his son Zabad.
7 In charge during the fourth month was AsahEl, JoAb’s brother, and his son ZabadiJah. There was twenty-four thousand of his family in his division.
8 The general in charge during the fifth month was SamaOth the JezreElite, and there were twenty-four thousand in his division.
9 In charge during the sixth month was OdouJah (the son of EkKes) the Thekoite, and there were twenty-four thousand in his division.
10 The general in charge of the seventh month was HelLes of PalLu, from the tribe of EphraIm. There were twenty-four thousand in his division.
11 In charge during the eighth month was SoboChai the Ousathite of ZarAi. And in his division there were twenty-four thousand.
12 The man in charge during the ninth month was AbiEzer of AnathOth, from the tribe of BenJamin. There were twenty-four thousand in his division.
13 The man in charge during the tenth month was MeEra from NetoPhathi of ZarAi. And there were twenty-four thousand in his division.
14 The eleventh general for the eleventh month was BenaiJah from PharaThon, of the tribe of EphraIm. In his division there were twenty-four thousand.
15 In charge during the twelfth month was CholdiJah from NetoPhathi of GoThoniEl. And there were twenty-four thousand in his division.
16 These were the leaders of each of the tribes of Israel:
[In charge of the tribe of] Reuben was EliEzer (the son of Zechri)
[In charge of the tribe of] Simeon was SaphatiAs (the son of MaAcha)
17 [In charge of the tribe of] Levi was AsabiJah (the son of KamouEl)
[In charge of the line of] Aaron was Zadok
18 [In charge of the tribe of] Judah was EliJah (the brother of David)
[In charge of the tribe of] IsSachar was Ambri (the son of MichaEl)
19 [In charge of the tribe of] ZebuLun was SamaiJah (the son of AbDiou)
[In charge of the tribe of] NaphTali was JeriMoth (the son of OziEl)
20 [In charge of the tribe of] EphraIm was Ose (the son of OziOu)
[In charge of the tribe of] half-tribe of ManasSeh was JoEl (the son of PhadiJah)
21 [In charge of the tribe of] the half-tribe of ManasSeh in the land of Gilead was JaDai (the son of ZadiJah)
[In charge of the tribe of] BenJamin was JasiEl (the son of AbNer)
22 [In charge of the tribe of] Dan was AzariEl (the son of IroAb).
These were the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel.
23 Now, David never counted the men who were under twenty years old, because Jehovah said that He would cause Israel to grow like the stars in the sky. 24 But JoAb (the son of ZeruJah) did start to take a census of the people and he didn’t complete it, because this brought [God’s] anger against Israel. So, the number was never written in the scroll of the words of the days of King David.
25 The man who was in charge of the king’s storehouses was AsMoth (the son of OdiEl). And over the storehouses in the country, towns, estates, and fortresses was JoNathan (the son of OziOu).
26 The man in charge of farming was Ezrai (the son of CheloUb), 27 and the person who was in charge of the fields was Shimei of RaEl. The man in charge of the wineries in the fields was ZabDi (the son of SephNi). 28 And in charge of the olive groves and mulberry trees (in the plains) was BalLanan the Gedorite. The man who was over the olive storehouse was JoAs.
29 The man in charge of the cattle that grazed in Sharon was SatRai the Sharonite, and the man in charge of the cattle in the valleys was Sophat (the son of AdLi).
30 The man in charge of the camels was AbiJah the IshMaElite; the man in charge of the burros was JadiAh of MerAthon; 31 and over the sheep was JaZiz the Agarite.
These were the superintendents over the possessions of King David.
32 JoNathan (David’s uncle) was his advisor, because he was a very discerning man and a scribe. JeEl (the son of AchaMani) worked with the sons of the king. 33 AhiTophel was also one of the king’s councilors, and HushAi was his best friend. 34 And after AhiTophel came JehoiAda (the son of BenaiJah), then AbiAthar, and then JoAb (the king’s commander-in-chief).
Chapter 28
1 Then David called for an assembly of all the governors of Israel, the chief justices of the tribes, the king’s servants, the army generals and lieutenants, the treasury department, those in charge of the king’s property, his sons, his eunuchs, and the most important warriors who were in Jerusalem. 2 King David stood in the midst of the assembly and said, ‘Hear me, my brothers and my people; It came into my heart to build a House of rest for the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, and a station for the feet of our [God, Jehovah]. So I have prepared the things that will be needed for this shelter.
3 But God said, ‘You may not build a Temple to Me that carries My Name, because you’re a man of war and you’ve spilled [too much] blood.’
4 Yet, Jehovah the God of Israel chose me from all the house of my father to be the king over Israel through the age. He has given the kingship to Judah and to the house of my father. And from among his sons, He chose me, because He wanted me to be the king over Israel. 5 And from among all my sons (and Jehovah has given me many of them), He has chosen my son Solomon and seated him on the throne of His kingdom over Israel. 6 For God said to me, Your son Solomon will build My Temple and My courtyard. I have taken him to be My son, and I will be his Father. 7 I will establish his kingdom through the ages, as long as he faithfully obeys My Commandments and instructions as he is doing today.
8 ‘And now, before this entire assembly of Jehovah, and within the hearing of our God, I say [to Solomon]: Guard and seek all the Commandments of Jehovah our God, so that you will be the heir of a good land, which your sons can inherit with you through the ages.
9 ‘And now, Solomon my son; Know the God of your fathers! Serve Him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for Jehovah regularly checks the hearts and He knows every thought! If you search for Him you can find Him, but if you leave Him, He will leave you in the end.
10 ‘Now, {Look!} Jehovah has chosen you to build a House as His sanctuary, so be strong and act!’
11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the Temple, its surrounding buildings, its treasury, its upper rooms, the inner storehouses, and the room where [sacrifices are to be offered] for the forgiveness of sins. 12 He had the plans all laid out in his mind for how the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah were to be laid out, as well as all the places of worship, the storehouses around the Temple, the storehouses for the holy things, and the sleeping quarters. 13 He had the plans for the daily rotations of the Priests and Levites, the assignments of work at the Temple of Jehovah, the management of the storehouses, and for how the sacred things were to be handled.
14 Then he weighed out the gold and silver 15 for the lamp stands, and he contributed weighed money to make the lamps. 16 Thereafter, he did the same thing for the tables and place settings (because each of the tables was to be made of gold and silver), 17 the meat hooks, the drinking bowls, and the golden bowls. Also, the weight of the gold and silver wash basins was all specified.
18 [Then he gave] pure gold for the incense Altar, plainly showing him how much each one should weigh, and he showed him the plans for the chariot of the cherubs (the ones with open, spread wings that cover the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah).
19 David gave everything that was written by the hand of Jehovah to Solomon, to help him understand how to execute the plans. 20 Then David said to Solomon, ‘Be strong and act like a man! Don’t be afraid or terrified, because my God Jehovah is with you. He won’t push you away, and He will never abandon you until you finish all the work of building the Temple of Jehovah. Look! Here are the plans for the Temple, His Sanctuary, His treasury, the upper rooms, the inner storehouses, and the place where [sacrifices are offered] for forgiveness of sins in the Temple of Jehovah.
21 ‘And look! Here are the daily rotations for the Priests and Levites (for their service in the Temple of Jehovah), and the people who are [to be] with you. They are eager, wise, and skilled at all sorts of crafts, as are their supervisors; and they’re all ready to follow your instructions.’
Chapter 29
1 Then King David said to the assembly: ‘My son Solomon, who Jehovah has taken for Himself, is still young and inexperienced, but he has a great work to do. However, this isn’t going to be accomplished by a man, but by Jehovah God.
2 ‘Now, I’ve done everything in my power to prepare for the Temple of my God. [I’ve accumulated] all the gold for the things of gold, all the silver for the things of silver, all the brass for the things of brass, all the iron for the things of iron, all the wood for the things of wood, and all the stones for the things of stone. There is onyx, precious gems, all types of costly colored stones, and large amounts of white marble. 3 And yet, because I have favored myself by [preparing for] a Temple for my God, I’ve obtained even more gold and silver. And look… I’m also giving it to the Temple of my God! For, in addition to what I’ve prepared for the Holy Temple, 4 here is another ten-tons of gold from Ophir, and twenty-tons of pure silver with which to overlay the walls of the Temple, 5 and to make things of gold and silver… whatever the craftsmen can do with it! And if anyone else is eager to contribute gold to make things of gold, and silver to make things of silver, may he fill his hands for Jehovah today.’
6 Well, the heads of families, the governors of the sons of Israel, the generals, the lieutenants, and the king’s supervisors and managers were eager to contribute to building the Temple of Jehovah. 7 So, he collected thirty-tons of gold, ten-thousand gold coins, sixty-tons of silver, six hundred-tons of brass, and three-thousand tons of iron. 8 And they gave whatever stones they had to JeiEl the GerShonite to put into the storehouses for the Temple of Jehovah.
9 Well, all the people were very happy because they had shown such eagerness, for their hearts were filled with their zeal for Jehovah. And King David was extremely happy, 10 so he praised Jehovah before the assembly. He said: ‘O Jehovah, the God of Israel, our Father through the ages of ages; May You be praised. 11 For to You, O Jehovah, belongs the greatness, the power, the boasting, the victory, the recognition, and the strength, because You made everything in heaven and on earth.
‘You are our Lord, and all the kings of all the nations are frightened before Your face, 12 for from You comes all the wealth and glory. You’re the Ruler over everything, O Jehovah… You are above all others. And in Your hand there is strength and control; and in Your hand [is the power] to create all fame and mightiness.
13 ‘And now, O Jehovah, we acknowledge You and we praise the Name of which You boast. 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we have felt so very eager for You by [contributing] these things? For, everything is Yours, and all that we are doing is giving Your things to You. 15 We’re just visitors before You, as were our ancestors, because [our lives] are like shadows on the earth that just keep passing by.
16 ‘O Jehovah our God; all these things that I’ve prepared in order to build a Temple to Your Holy Name have come from Your own hands, because everything belongs to You. 17 And I know, O Jehovah, that You are the One who examines the heart and that You love justice. So, it is with a pure heart that I’ve felt eager to do all these things. And now I’ve also seen gladness and eagerness for You among Your people.
18 ‘O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel… the God of our fathers; keep this feeling in the minds and hearts of Your people through the ages, and make their hearts straight toward You! 19 Also, give my son Solomon a good heart, and make him obey Your Commandments, instructions, and orders, and to take the lead in finishing Your Temple.’
20 Then David said to the entire assembly, ‘Praise Jehovah our God!’
And everyone there praised Jehovah, the God of their ancestors, and bent their knees to bow low before Jehovah and the king.
21 Thereafter, David offered sacrifices to Jehovah. And on the next day, he sacrificed a thousand calves, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs as whole burnt offerings, as well as drink offerings; and [he offered] many more sacrifices on behalf of Israel. 22 So, they joyfully ate and drank there before Jehovah that day, and they held a second coronation for David’s son Solomon, anointing him as king before Jehovah, and ZaDok as the [High] Priest.
23 And thereafter, Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king in place of his father David, and everyone thought highly of him. For all Israel – 24 the governors, the mighty ones, and all the sons of his father King David – submitted to him. 25 And Jehovah made Solomon great before all Israel, giving him greater glory than any king that came before him.
26 Well, David (the son of Jesse) had ruled Israel for 27 forty years… seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 28 But when he was old, and after he had lived a long and good life filled with wealth and glory, [he died], and his son Solomon took his place.
29 The rest of the words of King David, from the beginning to the end, were written by the Seer SamuEl, by the Prophet Nathan, and by the Seer Gad… as well as the things about his kingship, the area of his rule, the events of those times, and the things that happened to him, to Israel, and to all the nations of the land.
2 Chronicles
Chapter 1
1 Well, Solomon (the son of David) grew stronger in his kingdom because his God Jehovah was with him and made him great.
2 Then Solomon spoke to all the generals, lieutenants, judges, governors of Israel, and family heads. 3 And thereafter, he and the entire assembly went to the high place in Gibeon where God’s Tent of the Proofs was located that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had made in the desert. 4 But at the time, the Chest of God wasn’t there, because David had it carried from the city of Kiriath JaIrim [and put it in] a tent that he had pitched for it in Jerusalem. 5 However, the bronze Altar that BeseleEl (the son of UriJah and grandson of Or) had made was still there in front of the Tent of Jehovah, and that’s why Solomon and the assembly went there.
6 Then Solomon offered a thousand whole burnt offerings as sacrifices to Jehovah there on the bronze Altar before the Tent of the Proofs. 7 And that night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, ‘Ask for whatever you wish and I will give it to you.’
8 And Solomon said to God, ‘You’ve been extremely kind to my father David, and You’ve made me the king in his place. 9 So, O my God Jehovah, may You prove true to Your Name in all the things that You [promised] to my father David. For, You have made me the king over a people that are as vast as the dust on the ground. 10 So give me wisdom and understanding for when these people come before me, because, who can judge so many people!’
11 And God said to Solomon, ‘Because this is the desire of your heart, and you didn’t ask for wealth, possessions, glory, the lives of your enemies, or for a long life, but for the wisdom and understanding to judge My people over whom I have appointed you king, 12 I give you the wisdom and understanding. However, I am also giving you wealth, possessions, and glory. I’m giving you more than any of the kings that came before you or any who will come after you.’
13 So Solomon left The Tent of Proofs in the place of worship in Gibeon, and returned to Jerusalem to begin his reign over Israel.
14 Then Solomon started collecting chariots and horsemen; and [in time] he had a thousand, four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, who he stationed in cities that [he built] to hold the chariots, and he kept many of the men with him in Jerusalem.
15 And thereafter, the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and the cedar wood in Judea was as common as mulberry trees in the plains.
16 Well, Solomon bought horses from Egypt, which he paid for with the [money] that the merchants made in their trading. 17 For, they would travel to Egypt and buy a chariot for six hundred silver coins, and a horse for a hundred-and-fifty silver coins, and then he would resell them to the kings of the Hittites and the Syrians.
Chapter 2
1 Then Solomon gave the word to start building the Temple to the Name of Jehovah and a House for His Kingdom. 2 So he brought together seventy-thousand laborers, eighty-thousand quarry workers (in the mountains), and three thousand, six hundred supervisors.
3 Then Solomon sent a message to King Hiram of Tyre, saying; ‘I know what you did for my father David by sending cedars to build a palace for himself. 4 But look, I (his son) am now building a Temple to the Name of my God Jehovah, as a Holy Place for Him. It’s a place to burn incense before Him through the ages and a place for Him to always stay, where we can sacrifice whole burnt offerings in the mornings, evenings, on the Sabbaths, during the New Moons, and on the Lord’s holidays. I’m doing this for Israel.
5 ‘Now, the Temple that I am to build will be great, because our God Jehovah is greater than all other gods. 6 Why, who is mighty enough to build a House for Him, since the sky and the heavens above can’t bear His glory? And who am I to build a Temple to Him? Why, [I’m not qualified] to burn incense before Him. 7 So, please send me a wise man who knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron; and with blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet cloth. [He must be able to take the lead] over those wise ones who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, when it comes to carving the things that have been prepared by my father David.
8 ‘Also, please send me cedar, juniper, and pine boards from Lebanon, because your servants know how to cut up the timber of Lebanon, and {Look!} your servants can direct my servants. 9 [I will send them to you] to bring back large quantities of timber for the great and glorious Temple that I am to build.
10 And look; I will send along gifts of grain as food for your servants who will cut the trees… a hundred-and-forty thousand bushels of wheat, a hundred-and-forty thousand bushels of barley, twenty-thousand jugs of wine, and twenty-thousand jugs of olive oil.’
11 So King Hiram of Tyre sent a letter to Solomon that said, ‘Jehovah must love His people to put such a king over them.’ 12 And he added, ‘Praise Jehovah the God of Israel who made the heavens and the earth, and who gave King David such a wise son who knows enough and understands enough to build a Temple to Him and a House for His Kingdom
13 ‘Now, I have sent a man to you who is wise and knowledgeable; my servant Hiram. Why, his mother is one of the daughters of Dan, although his father is from Tyre. And he knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood; and he knows how to weave blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and linen, and how to do carving. 14 He’s good at doing everything that you will assign him to do alongside your wise men and the wise men of your father, my lord David.
15 ‘And concerning the grain, barley, olive oil, and wine that my lord spoke of; let him send it to his servants 16 and we will cut all the trees of Lebanon that you need and send it on the sea to Joppa by barge. Then you can then carry it on to Jerusalem.’
17 So Solomon gathered all the foreign men in the land of Israel that had been counted by his father David, and he found that there were a hundred and fifty-three thousand, six hundred of them. 18 Then seventy thousand were put to work loading carriers, eighty thousand were put to work in the mountain quarries, and three thousand, six hundred were assigned as the supervisors.
Chapter 3
1 Then Solomon started construction on the Temple of Jehovah on Mount MoriAh in Jerusalem, where Jehovah had appeared to his father David on the threshing floor that he had [bought] from Ornan the Jebusite. 2 He started construction in the second month of the fourth year of his reign.
3 And when Solomon built the Temple of God, he made it a hundred feet long and thirty-three feet wide. 4 Then the columned porch that adjoined its full width along the front, was thirty-three feet wide and thirty-three feet high.
Inside, it was totally covered in pure gold. 5 It was a large building made of cedar wood that had been covered in pure gold and engraved with palms and chain work. 6 Valuable stones were then added to make the Temple more glorious. Using gold that he got from Pharaoh Aim, 7 he gilded the Temple’s walls, gatehouses, roofing, and doorways, and he carved cherubs on its walls.
8 Next, he made the Holy of Holies. Its width (running along the front of the Temple) was thirty-three feet, and it was thirty-three feet long. Then he had it covered with thirteen-tons of gold. 9 And the weight of each nail was the same as the weight of fifty gold coins. The upper rooms were also covered in gold.
10 Then inside the Temple, facing the Holy of Holies, he made two cherubs of durable wood that were covered with gold. 11 They both stood thirty-three feet tall, and their wings were each eight feet long, 12 touching the Temple walls on one side and touching each other [in the middle]. 13 Their [combined] wingspan was thirty-two feet, and they stood on their feet with their faces toward the [Holy].
14 Then he made the veil of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and linen that was woven into [the shape of] cherubs.
15 And in front of the Temple there were two columns that each stood fifty-feet tall, and their caps were each eight-feet tall. 16 Then he made a chain-work for the corners that was put on the column caps, and a hundred pomegranate figures were mounted over the chain-work. 17 These columns were located on each side of the [entrance to] the Temple, and he named the one on the right Success, and the one on the left Strength.
Chapter 4
1 Then he built a bronze Altar that was thirty-three feet long, thirty-three feet wide, and sixteen feet high. 2 And after that, he had the [Sacred] Sea cast. It was round and sixteen feet in diameter. It stood eight-feet high and it was fifty-feet around. 3 This bathing tub [was resting on metal] calves that were standing in a sixteen-foot circle beneath it. 4 There were twelve calves that were cast in two types… three looked north, three looked west, three looked south, and three looked east, with their backsides facing inward, and the Sea sat on top of them.
5 [The Sea] looked like a palm in the middle, and its rim was like the edge of a cup, with carved lily buds [all around]. And it had a capacity of twenty-thousand gallons.
6 And after he finished that, he made ten washbasins, five of which were put on the right and five on the left. They were used to wash and rinse those who sacrificed the whole burnt offerings. However, the Sea could only be used by the Priests for washing.
7 Then he made ten of the unique gold lampstands and put them in the Temple, five on the right, and five on the left. 8 And he made ten tables and put them in the Temple… five on the right and five on the left. And he made a hundred gold bowls.
9 Next, he made the Courtyard of the Priests. It was very large, and it had bronze doorways.
10 He located the [Sacred] Sea next to the corner of the Temple, on the right side to the east.
11 Then Hiram made the meat hooks, the censers, the grate for the Altar, and all the other items. For by then he had completed the rest of the work on the Temple of God for King Solomon. 12 He had made two columns with bases and caps. These caps had a meshwork that covered the tops. 13 And he made four hundred gold bells to cover the tops of the meshwork, and two kinds of pomegranates to cover the mesh on the bottom sides of the column caps.
14 Hiram made the ten wash tubs and their bases, 15 the Sacred Sea with the twelve calves beneath it, 16 the foot basins, ladles, cooking pots, meat hooks, and everything else. Then he brought it all to King Solomon at the Temple of Jehovah. It was all made of pure bronze 17 that he had cast for the king in a temporary structure, which he had built underground near the Jordan.
18 Solomon had a tremendous number of items made, because he had more than enough bronze. 19 He had everything made [that was needed] for the Temple of Jehovah, including the gold Altar, the tables, the place settings for the bread, 20 the unique lampstands and their lamps for lighting [the Temple], which were all made from pure gold. 21 And there were the tongs, lamps, bowls, and incense pans, which were also made of pure gold, 22 as were the Temple doors and the inner door to the Holy of Holies.
Chapter 5
1 After Solomon finished construction on the Temple of Jehovah, he carried in all the holy things of his father David (the things made of silver and gold) and put them into the Temple treasury. 2 And thereafter, he held an assembly in Jerusalem of all the elders of Israel, all the tribal heads, and all the family heads of the sons of Israel, as they brought the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah out of the city of David, which was on [Mount] Zion.
3 So, all Israel assembled with the king during the holiday of the seventh month, 4 including all the elders. Then the Levites picked up the Chest 5 and carried it to the Tent of Proofs, along with all the holy items, which the Priests and Levites were also carrying.
6 Then Solomon and the entire assembly of the God-fearing who had gathered there around the Chest, sacrificed so many calves and sheep that they couldn’t be counted.
7 So the Priests carried the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and placed it inside the Temple, inside the Holy of Holies, beneath the wings of the cherubs. 8 And there it sat beneath the spread wings of the cherubs who watched over the Chest, with its bearing poles lying across the top. 9 And the bearing poles could be seen sticking through the covering to the Holy of Holies, but they couldn’t be seen from outside [of the Temple]. Yet, they are still there to this day.
10 Nothing was in the Chest except the two tablets, which Moses had put there at The Dry Place (Horeb), when Jehovah made the [Agreement] with the sons of Israel after they left the land of Egypt.
11 Then the Priests came out of the Holy Place. At the time, all the Priests were viewed as holy, since the assignments and the daily rotations 12 had yet to be made among the Levites.
But then the musicians and singers from the families of Asaph, Heman, and IdiThoum (and those who were with them) dressed themselves in fine linen and stood in front of the Altar with their cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds, along with a hundred and twenty Priests who blew their trumpets. 13 And they played a loud symphony, which was accompanied by singing, to acknowledge and praise Jehovah. Then the voices, trumpets, cymbals, and the other musical instruments reached a crescendo, singing ‘Jehovah is good and His mercies will last through the ages.’
And at that, the glorious cloud of Jehovah started to fill the Temple. 14 So, the Priests were no longer able to stand there and serve before the face of the cloud, because the glory of Jehovah was filling the Temple of God.
Chapter 6
1 Then Solomon said, ‘Jehovah says that He camps in a dark place. 2 So I have built a House to Your Name as something holy to You… a place for You to camp through the ages.’
3 Then the king turned his head and blest the entire gathering of Israel as they were standing nearby. 4 And he said, ‘Praise Jehovah the God of Israel, who spoke to my father David with His mouth, and who filled his hands saying, 5 From the day that I led My people out of the land of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from among any of the tribes of Israel to build a [Temple] to My Name. Nor have I chosen a man to be a leader over My people Israel. 6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place for My Name, and I have chosen David to lead My people Israel.
7 ‘Then it came into the heart of my father David to build a Temple to the Name of Jehovah the God of Israel. 8 But Jehovah said to my father David, It’s a good thing that your heart has been moved to build a Temple to My Name. 9 However, you may not build it for Me. Your son who comes from your loins will build a Temple to My Name.
10 ‘Now, Jehovah has made the thing that He said come true, for I have taken the place of my father David, and I am sitting on the throne of Israel, just as Jehovah said. And now I’ve built a Temple to the Name of Jehovah the God of Israel. 11 I’ve also put the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, which He made with Israel, there.’
12 Then [he walked over] and stood against the Altar of Jehovah and raised his arms before the assembly of Israel. 13 For Solomon had made a bronze platform in the midst of the Temple courtyard that was eight-feet long, eight-feet wide, and five-feet high. So, he got up on it and fell to his knees before the whole assembly of Israel; then he raised his arms to the sky 14 and said: ‘Oh Jehovah, God of Israel, there is no other god like You in the heavens or on the earth who keeps his agreements and shows mercy, as You have shown to Your children who are now standing before You with their whole hearts. 15 You kept [the agreement] that You made with Your servant David (my father), which You promised with Your mouth, and with which You’ve filled Your hands to this day.
16 ‘And now, O Jehovah, God of Israel; keep [the promise] that you made with Your servant David (my father) when You said, There will never fail to be a man from you who sits before My face on the throne of Israel, as long as your sons are careful to always obey My Laws, as you have done before Me.’
17 ‘And now, O Jehovah, God of Israel; May the things that You said to Your servant David prove to be true; 18 that You will for a fact live as God upon the earth. But if the sky and the heavens of the heavens aren’t enough to hold You, then how can this House that I built do so?
19 ‘Please hear the prayers of Your servant, and listen to these things that I’m begging before You, O Jehovah God; please answer the prayers and petitions that Your servant has brought before You today. 20 May Your eyes watch over this Temple day and night… this place that You said would be called by Your Name. Hear the prayer that Your servant is praying in this place… 21 listen to whatever things that Your servant and Your people Israel pray for in this place. Listen from the place where You are staying in the heavens and be forgiving. 22 For, if a man should sin against his neighbor and [the neighbor] then comes before the Altar at this Temple to curse him, 23 listen to him from the heavens and act. Judge Your servants, and bring the bad ways of lawbreakers upon their own heads. Give justice to the just, and repay each one for his righteousness.
24 ‘And if Your people Israel should be devastated by their enemies for sinning against You, and then return and acknowledge Your Name and pray and beg before You in this Temple, 25 please listen from the heavens and forgive Your people Israel. Then return the land that You gave to them and their ancestors.
26 ‘And if You should hold back the skies so there is no rain, because of their sinning against You, and they come and pray and praise Your Name in this place, turning away from their sins because You have humbled them, 27 then listen to them from the heavens and forgive the sins of your servants and of your people Israel. Then show them the good ways to go, and bring rain upon Your land that you have given Your people as their inheritance.
28 ‘Or if a famine comes upon the land, or a killing plague, or a wind-blown blight, or jaundice, or locust, or grasshoppers; or if an enemy should attack their cities – whatever the calamity or misery – 29 please listen to the things that they beg and pray for. And if any man among all Your people Israel knows of a man who has an infection and has become disabled, and then he raises his arms to this Temple, 30 please listen to him from the Home that has been prepared for You – from the heavens – and forgive the man. Know his heart and give him the things he deserves. For, only You know the hearts of the sons of men. 31 May they all fear Your ways for as long as they live on the face of the land that You gave to their ancestors.
32 ‘And when foreigners who are not of Your people Israel come from far-away lands because of Your great Name, strong hand, and raised arm, and they come to pray in this place, 33 listen to them from Your Home in the heavens and do everything that they ask, so all the people of the earth will know Your Name and fear You, as do Your people Israel. And may they recognize that this Temple, which I built, bears Your Name.
34 ‘And if Your people go to war against their enemies – wherever You may send them – and they pray in the direction of this city that You chose, and toward this Temple that I’ve built to Your Name, 35 then listen from the heavens to the things that they beg and pray for, and bring them justice.
36 ‘And when they sin against You (for there isn’t a man who doesn’t sin) and You strike them and hand them over to their enemies, and they are carried away as captives to lands that are near or far away, 37 and they then turn their hearts to the land from which they were taken, and turn and beg to You in their captivity, saying, We have sinned! We have broken [Your] Laws! We were wrong! 38 and then they return to You with their whole hearts and inner selves, and to this land from which they were taken captive, and pray toward the land that You gave to them and their ancestors, and toward this city which You chose, and toward this Temple that I have built to Your Name; 39 listen to the things that they beg and pray for from Your home in the heavens, and bring them justice. Forgive Your people for their sins against You, O Jehovah. Open Your eyes and ears to the things that people beg for [in the direction of] this place!
41 ‘And now, O Jehovah our God; Awaken from Your rest when it comes to this Chest of Your strength, and to Your Priests, O Lord our God. May they wrap themselves in Your salvation, and may Your sons rejoice in good things!
42 O Jehovah our God; Don’t turn Your face away from Your anointed one. Remember the [goodness] of Your servant David!’
Chapter 7
1 Then, as Solomon was finishing his prayer, fire came down from the sky and consumed the whole burnt offerings and the sacrifices; and the glory of Jehovah filled the Temple. 2 So the Priests couldn’t enter the Temple at that time, because the glory of Jehovah filled the Temple.
3 Now, when all the sons of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of Jehovah in the Temple, they all fell to the stone pavement with their faces to the ground, bowing low and praising Jehovah, [saying], ‘He is good, and He is merciful through the ages.’
4 And then the king and all the people offered [more] sacrifices before Jehovah. 5 King Solomon offered twenty-two thousand calves and a hundred-and-twenty thousand sheep. And with that, he and all the people dedicated the Temple of God.
6 Meanwhile, the Priests were standing watch, and the Levites were playing songs that were written to Jehovah by King David on their [musical] instruments, [and singing] the songs they had written, which acknowledged before Jehovah His mercy through the ages. Then the Priests stood out in front and blew their trumpets, as the people stood there [listening].
7 Thereafter, Solomon made the middle of the courtyard of the Temple of Jehovah holy by sacrificing whole burnt offerings and the fat of salvation. However, the bronze Altar that Solomon had made wasn’t large enough to handle all the whole burnt offerings, gift offerings, and fat.
8 Well, Solomon observed the holiday for seven days, and all Israel stayed there with him; for it was a huge crowd that had come from as far away as the entrance to HaMath and the River of Egypt. 9 Then on the eighth day, he proclaimed a holiday recess to the Altar dedication, since they had already celebrated the holiday during the previous seven days. 10 So, on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people back to their homes, and they all left joyfully and with happy hearts over all the good things that Jehovah had done to David, Solomon, and His people Israel.
11 Now, Solomon had completed the Temple of Jehovah, his own palace, and everything else that he wanted to do for the Temple of Jehovah, and his house prospered. 12 Then Jehovah appeared to Solomon one night and said to him: ‘I’ve heard your prayers, and I’ve chosen this place for Myself as a Temple for sacrifices. 13 So, if I should stop up the sky and not allow it to rain, or if I should send locusts to eat all the trees, or if I should send a deadly plague among My people, 14 and then they become ashamed and once more have My Name called upon them, and they pray to Me and search for My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will listen to them from the heavens, forgive their sins, and heal their land; 15 for My eyes will be open and My ears will pay close attention to the prayers of these people.
16 ‘I have also chosen this Temple and made it holy to My Name through the ages, so it will remain in My eyes and in My heart each day. 17 And if you come before Me, as did your father David, and do everything that I tell you to do, following My instructions and Commandments, 18 I will elevate the throne of your kingdom, just as I promised your father David when I said, No [descendant] of yours will be removed from the leadership of Israel.
19 ‘However, if you should turn away and abandon My instructions and the Commandments that I’ve set before you, and go and serve other gods and bow before them, 20 I will remove all of you from the land that I’ve given to you, and I will turn My face away from this Temple that I’ve made holy to My Name, and make it an example that will be talked about among the nations. 21 Then people who pass by this Temple that I’ve made so important will be shocked and ask, Why did Jehovah do all this to this land and to this house? 22 And they will be told, Because they abandoned Jehovah, the God of their ancestors who led them out of the land of Egypt, and they started following other gods, bowing before them and serving them. That’s why God has brought all these bad things upon them.’
Chapter 8
1 It was some twenty years after Solomon finished building the Temple of Jehovah and his palace, 2 that he started developing the cities which Hiram had given him, and he settled the sons of Israel there. 3 He went to Zobah (in Hamath) and strengthened its defenses, 4 then he built Tadmor in the desert, and he built several other fortified cities in Hamath. 5 He also built both Upper and Lower BethOron, and he fortified them all with walls, bars, and gates; and that’s where he kept his chariots and cavalry. 6 Then Solomon did all the things he wanted to do in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout his kingdom.
7 Those who were left in the land that were descendants of the Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Hivites, and Jebusites (all those who weren’t Israelites) 8 and who hadn’t been destroyed by Israel, were forced by Solomon to pay a tribute (which they still pay to this day). 9 And Solomon didn’t appoint any Israelites as servants in his kingdom, for these were his warriors, governors, great men, and those who were in charge of his chariots and cavalry. 10 There were two hundred-and-fifty [of them] who were governors that King Solomon had appointed over the supervisors of public works among the people.
11 Then Solomon built a palace for the daughter of Pharaoh outside the city of David, where he sent her to live. For he said: ‘You may not live as the wife of the king of Israel inside the city of David, for it is holy due to the fact that the Chest of Jehovah is there.’
12 Solomon also sacrificed whole burnt offerings on the Altar that he built to Jehovah (in front of the Temple) 13 on each of the days that they calculated by the Commandments of Moses… on the Sabbaths, on the [New Moons], and on the three annual holidays (the Festival of fermentation-free Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tents).
14 Then, following the instructions of his father David; he set up the divisions of the Priests and assigned their duties. He assigned the watches for the Levites, and for when they were to direct the other priests (as he understood it was to be handled each day), as well as the shifts for the gatekeepers of each of the gates. He did just as David (the man of God) had instructed… 15 all the commandments of the king were followed when it came to the Priests, Levites, and everything that had to do with the [Temple] treasures.
16 Solomon continued to set everything in order from the day that the Temple foundation was laid, to the day that it was completed. 17 Then Solomon built EziOn and Geber in ElAth by the Sea (in the land of Idumea). 18 And Hiram sent some of his servants (who were able seamen) with boats to be used by Solomon’s servants, and they went to Ophir where they brought back fourteen-tons of gold to King Solomon.
Chapter 9
1 Well, when the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s reputation, she came to Jerusalem to test him with riddles. And when she came, it was with a very large contingent of [servants] and with camels that carried huge amounts of aromatics, gold, and gems. And when she spoke to Solomon, she talked about everything that concerned her; 2 then Solomon replied to everything that she asked, not missing a word.
3 Well, after the Queen of Sheba saw the Wisdom of Solomon, the Temple he had built, 4 the food on his tables, what his servants looked like, the stations and uniforms of his wine servers, and all the whole burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah, she was beside herself. 5 And she said to the king, ‘Everything that I heard in my own land about you and the wise things you say, are true! 6 However, I didn’t believe any of it until I came and saw it with my own eyes. And look, they didn’t tell me half the story, because I’ve [learned] so much from your wisdom! 7 Why, your men and your servants are blest to be able to always stand before you and listen to your wisdom. 8 May your God Jehovah be praised for choosing you and putting you on His throne as the king. Your God Jehovah must have a great love for Israel and [and must plan] for it to last through the ages, that He would put you as king over them as their righteous judge.’
9 Then she gave the king three-and-a-half tons of gold and a huge amount of aromatics and gems. And the aromatics that she gave him were without equal.
10 Then Solomon and Hiram’s servants brought gold to Solomon from Ophir, as well as pine lumber and precious gems. 11 The king used the wood to build the entryway stairs to the Temple of Jehovah, and to his palace, as well as harps and other stringed instruments for his musicians. And nothing like this had ever been seen before in the land of Judah.
12 Then King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba everything she desired and had asked for… which exceeded the [gifts] that she had brought to Solomon; and she returned to her land.
13 Well, the weight of the gold that was brought to Solomon that year was twenty tons. 14 And this was in addition to what his men had gained in their trading. For, all the kings of Arabia and all the governors of the land brought gold and silver to the king. 15 So Solomon had two hundred shields of pure gold hammered out, which were each made with six hundred gold coins, 16 and three hundred shields of three hundred gold coins each, which were then taken and hung in the king’s palace, in [the room he called] the Forest of Lebanon.
17 Then the king had a huge throne made for himself from ivory tusks that were covered with pure gold. 18 And he had six steps to the throne that were overlaid with gold. There was a drop-off on either side of the throne, 19 and there were twelve [carved] lions on either side of the throne that were positioned along the drop-off, on the six steps leading up to the king’s throne. Nothing like this was ever seen in any other kingdom.
20 Everything that King Solomon had was made of gold, and everything in his palace and in the forest of Lebanon was overlaid with gold. For, during the time of Solomon, silver wasn’t considered anything.
21 The king’s ships would sail to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram once every three years, and they would return to the king filled with gold, silver, ivory, and monkeys. 22 So Solomon became greater than all other kings in both wealth and wisdom, 23 and all the kings of the earth would come before Solomon to listen to the wisdom that God had put into his heart. 24 And when they came, they each brought gifts… items of gold and silver, clothes, balsam, spices, horses, and mules, which they did each year.
25 So Solomon soon had four thousand mares for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, who he stationed in the cities that he built for his chariots, as well as with him in Jerusalem. 26 He also ruled over all the kings, from the river and the land of the Philistines to the borders of Egypt.
27 During his reign, gold and silver in Jerusalem became as common as stones, and cedar wood was as common as sycamores in the plains. 28 Solomon also had horses delivered from Egypt and many other lands.
29 The rest of the things that Solomon said – from beginning to end – [Look!] were written by the Prophet Nathan, by AhiJah the Shilonite, and in the visions of the Seer JoEl, who saw things concerning JeroBoam (the son of Nabat).
30 So, Solomon reigned over all of Israel for forty years. 31 Then he went to sleep and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David (his father), and his son RehoBoam started ruling in his place.
Chapter 10
1 Well, RehoBoam went to Shechem, for there is where he was to receive his coronation as king over Israel. 2 And when JeroBoam (the son of Nabat) heard of it, he returned from Egypt where he had been living since he had to flee from King Solomon, 3 because the assembly of Israel had called for him. And when he got there, he and the entire assembly went to the king and said, 4 ‘Your father put a hard yoke on us. So now, free us from the hard service and the heavy yoke that your father put us under, and we will serve you.’
5 And [RehoBoam] replied: ‘Leave me for three days, and then return [for an answer].’ So the people left.
6 Well, King RehoBoam assembled all the older men who had served his father Solomon during his entire life, and asked, ‘How do you suggest that I answer the people?’
7 And they told him: ‘If you give a good reply to these people today and think well of them, they will serve you for as long as you live.’
8 However, he rejected this advice of the older men and listened to the advice of the younger men that he had grown up with, and who he had chosen as his councilors. 9 For when he asked them, ‘What do you suggest that I tell these people who came before me and asked me to remove the yoke that my father put on them?’ 10 the young men who had been raised with him replied, ‘When you speak to them say: Why, my little finger is greater than the loins of my father. 11 So, if my father disciplined you with a heavy load, I will add to the weight of your yoke. And if my father disciplined you with whips, I will discipline you with scorpions!’
12 So, when all the people and JeroBoam came before RehoBoam on the third day (for the king had said, ‘Return to me on the third day’), 13 the king gave them the hard answer, because he had rejected the council of the older men, and he told them what the younger men had suggested. He said, 14 ‘My father put you under a heavy yoke, so I will add to it. And my father disciplined you with whips, so I will discipline you with scorpions.’
15 The [reason why the] king had refused to listen to what the people said, was because God had caused the words that He said through AhiJah the Shilonite concerning JeroBoam (the son of Nabat) 16 and all Israel to be fulfilled, and kept him from listening to them.
17 Then the people said to the king, ‘What [do we owe] David and the inheritance of the sons of Jesse? Run to your Tents, O Israel! And you return to your own house, O David!’
So, all the men of Israel returned to their homes, and RehoBoam only ruled over those who lived in Judah. 18 For, when King RehoBoam sent AdoniRam to collect their taxes, they threw rocks at him and killed him… and King RehoBoam had to run to his chariot to flee back to [the safety of] Jerusalem. 19 So Israel annulled their allegiance to the house of David, which is still true today.
Chapter 11
1 Well, when RehoBoam returned to Jerusalem, he called an assembly of Judah and BenJamin – a hundred and eighty thousand young men – for the purpose of going to war. Then he went off to fight Israel, in order to bring them back under his rule. 2 But Jehovah told the Man of God ShemaiJah, 3 ‘Tell RehoBoam (the son of Solomon, the king Judah) and all Israel, Judah, and BenJamin, that Jehovah says you must not go and attack your brothers. Everyone must just go back home, because I have said this!’
4 As the result, they obeyed the words of Jehovah and they didn’t attack JeroBoam. 5 So RehoBoam [reigned] in Jerusalem and he built [many] fortified cities throughout Judah. 6 He also refortified BethLehem, AiTan, Thekoe, 7 BethSoura, SocChoth, OdolLam, 8 Gath, MariSan, Ziph, 9 AdoRaim, LachIsh, Azeka, 10 SaraA, AiLom, and Hebron (in Judah and in BenJamin). 11 He built strong walls around them and appointed governors over them, then he sent them provisions of food, olive oil, and wine, 12 and he armed each city with shields and spears. He made all the cities that he ruled in Judah and BenJamin very strong.
13 Then all the Priests and Levites who had been scattered throughout Israel left their homes and came to him. 14 They left their homes and all their possessions, and moved to Judah and unto Jerusalem, because JeroBoam and his sons drove them out, so they wouldn’t represent [Jehovah in his land]. 15 For, he had assigned his own priests for the high places, his idols, his foolish things, and the calves that he made. 16 He also drove everyone out of the tribes of Israel whose hearts belonged to Jehovah the God of Israel. And they all moved to Jerusalem, where they could sacrifice to Jehovah the God of their ancestors. 17 So the [influx of] all these people strengthened RehoBoam (the son of Solomon) and the kingdom of Judah, for he followed in the way of David and Solomon for three years.
18 RehoBoam had married MolLath (the daughter of David’s son JeriMoth and of AbiGail, the daughter of Jesse’s son EliAb), 19 and she gave birth to her sons JaOus, ShamarJa, and ZaAm. 20 Then he married MaAchah (AbSalom’s daughter), and she gave birth to AbiJah, JetThi, Zeza, and SalemOth.
21 Now, RehoBoam loved AbSalom’s daughter MaAcha more than his other wives and concubines (he had eighteen wives and thirty concubines, and he fathered twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters), 22 so he appointed MaAcha’s son AbiJah over his brothers to become king after him, 23 and he became very powerful throughout the fortified cities and borders of Judah and BenJamin. He also sent huge amounts of provisions to them, but he asked for many wives.
Chapter 12
1 Well, once RehoBoam was firmly established on his throne, he abandoned the Commandments of Jehovah, and all Israel followed along. 2 Then in the fifth year of the reign of RehoBoam, Shishak (the king of Egypt) attacked Jerusalem, because they had sinned against Jehovah. 3 He came with twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand cavalrymen, and innumerable soldiers from Egypt, Libya, SukKia, and Ethiopia, 4 and they captured all the fortified cities of Judah… then they came to Jerusalem.
5 Thereafter, the Prophet ShemaiJah went to RehoBoam and the governors of Judah who had fled to Jerusalem, and said to them, ‘Jehovah says, You have abandoned Me, so I will abandon you into the hands of Shishak.’
6 Well, the king and all the governors of Judah were ashamed, and they said, ‘Jehovah is just.’
7 And when Jehovah saw their shame, He sent word to ShemaiJah, saying, ‘They feel ashamed, so I won’t destroy them totally. I will give them some small consideration, and I won’t pour out all My rage upon Jerusalem. 8 They will become My servants and they’ll come to know what serving Me really means… and what it means to serve the kingdom of this land.’
9 Then Shishak (the king of Egypt) attacked Jerusalem and took all the treasures that were in the Temple of Jehovah, as well as all the treasures in the king’s palace, including the gold shields that Solomon had made 10 (which RehoBoam later replaced with brass shields). Then Shishak stationed his own guards in the king’s gatehouse, 11 so whenever the king went to the Temple of Jehovah, they would go along and watch him, and then return with him.
12 Well, because he felt ashamed, the anger of Jehovah turned away from him and he didn’t remain corrupt to the end. So things went well for Judah, 13 as RehoBoam continued reigning in Jerusalem, and he started to regain his power.
RehoBoam was forty-one-years-old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem (the city from among all the tribes of Israel where Jehovah chose to put His Name) for seventeen years. His mother’s name was NoOmMa (she was an Ammonite). 14 But he continued to act wickedly, because he could never straighten out his heart toward seeking Jehovah.
15 [Look!] All the words of RehoBoam (from beginning to end) and all the things he did were recorded by the Prophet ShemaiJah and by the Seer AdDo.
RehoBoam stayed in a state of war with JeroBoam throughout his life. 16 Then he died and was buried in a tomb with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son AbiJah became king after him.
Chapter 13
1 In the eighteenth year of the reign of JeroBoam, AbiJah started reigning over Judah, 2 and he reigned in Jerusalem for three years. His mother’s name was MaAcha, and she was the daughter of OuriEl from Gibeon.
[During the lifetime of] AbiJah, there was war between him and JeroBoam. 3 For, AbiJah brought together a huge force of four-hundred-thousand mighty warriors, and JeroBoam came against him with an even larger army of eight-hundred-thousand mighty warriors. 4 Then AbiJah stood on Mount SomorOn (in the mountains of EphraIm) and shouted: ‘Hear me, O JeroBoam and all Israel; 5 Don’t you know that Jehovah the God of Israel appointed King David to rule over Israel through the ages, and that He made a salt agreement with his sons? 6 And then JeroBoam, the son of Nabat and the servant of David’s son Solomon rebelled against his lord 7 and gathered a group of troublemakers and lawbreakers to come against Solomon’s son RehoBoam. And because RehoBoam was then young and timid at heart, he didn’t oppose him face-to-face.
8 ‘And now you dare to speak of resisting the kingdom of Jehovah and the hands of the sons of David, and you’ve gathered a huge army against us. But your gods are the gold calves that JeroBoam made for you. 9 Didn’t you drive out the Priests of Jehovah… the sons of Aaron and the Levites? And didn’t you choose your own priests from among the people of the land? So, just anyone who came and offered seven rams was made the priest of something that isn’t even a God! 10 But we have Jehovah as our God, and we haven’t abandoned Him! His Priests, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, still serve before Jehovah in their daily rotations and offer whole burnt offerings to Jehovah in the mornings and evenings. They also burn the [sacred] incense, lay the [sacred] bread loaves on the table, and serve before the sacred lampstand of pure gold, keeping the lamps burning to light the nights.
11 ‘We’re the ones who guard the watches of Jehovah the God of our ancestors, and you’re the ones who have abandoned Him. 12 So {Look!} Jehovah is leading us, and His Priests are blowing the signal trumpets that testify against you and the sons of Israel. You can’t fight against Jehovah the God of your ancestors, because what you’re doing won’t be blest!’
13 Well at the time, [part of] JeroBoam’s [army] was marching around Judah to ambush them from behind. So, while JeroBoam was there in the front, an ambush was forming behind Judah. Then, when the army of Judah looked around, 14 they found that they were being attacked from the front and from the rear. So they yelled to Jehovah and the Priests started blowing their trumpets. 15 And when the men of Judah started calling to Jehovah, He struck JeroBoam and Israel, there before AbiJah and Judah. 16 And then the sons of Israel turned and ran from Judah. So Jehovah saved them from their hands.
17 Then AbiJah and his men attacked, causing a great calamity for Israel, for they killed five-hundred-thousand of their mighty men. 18 So the sons of Israel were disgraced that day, and the sons of Judah became stronger, because they trusted in Jehovah the God of their ancestors.
19 Well, AbiJah pursued JeroBoam and captured the cities of BethEl and her surrounding towns, JeShanah and her surrounding towns, and Ephron and her surrounding towns. 20 So JeroBoam was no longer strong during the rest of AbiJah’s lifetime, because Jehovah struck him and ended him. 21 But AbiJah grew stronger and took fourteen wives for himself, fathering twenty sons and sixteen daughters.
22 All the rest of the things that AbiJah said and did are written in the scroll of the Prophet AdDo.
Chapter 14
1 Then AbiJah died and they buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son Asa started reigning after him.
During the life of Asa, all was quiet in the land of Judah for ten years, 2 and he did good things and was righteous before his God Jehovah. 3 He removed all the [pagan] altars and high places [of worship], he broke down their monuments, and he cut down their sacred poles. 4 Then he urged Judah to search for Jehovah, the God of their ancestors, and to obey His Laws and Commandments. 5 Throughout Judah he had all the altars and idols destroyed, and he brought peace to all the walled cities in the land. 6 So everything was peaceful, and there were no wars during that period, because Jehovah gave him rest.
7 Then [Asa] said to the people of Judah: ‘We should rebuild all our cities and give them walls, towers, gates, and bars. For, since we’ve been searching for our God Jehovah, He has been searching for us, and He’s provided us rest all around and blest us.’
8 Now at the time, Asa had three-hundred-thousand armed soldiers from the land of Judah who each carried shields and spears, and two-hundred-and-eighty-thousand bowmen with small shields, from the land of BenJamin. And they were all powerful warriors.
9 Then Zare the Ethiopian came against them with a million troops and three hundred chariots. 10 And when he reached MariSha, Asa came to meet him and attacked him in the ravine north of the city. 11 Then Asa called to Jehovah his God and said, ‘O Jehovah; It isn’t impossible for You to save with many or with few, so strengthen us, O Jehovah God, for we will trust in You. We’ve come against this huge army in Your Name, O Jehovah our God, so don’t allow any man to defeat You!’
12 Well, Jehovah cut down the Ethiopians before Judah, and they fled. 13 Then Asa and his men chased after them all the way to Gedor. And there the Ethiopians couldn’t find a place to hide, so they were cut down and defeated before Jehovah and his army, and they carried away much loot.
14 Now, because Jehovah was with them, the whole situation was reversed; for [Judah] attacked and destroyed all the towns around Gedor, and they ravaged all the [Ethiopian] cities, carrying away a huge amount of loot. 15 They even destroyed the tents and property of the shepherds, carrying away many sheep and camels; and then they returned to Jerusalem.
Chapter 15
1 Then the Breath of Jehovah came over AzariJah (the son of Oded), and he went to meet with Asa, all Judah, and [the tribe of] BenJamin. And he said, ‘Hear me Asa, and all Judah, and BenJamin! 2 As long as you’re with Him, Jehovah will be with you. And if you search for Him, you’ll find Him. However; If you abandon Him, He’ll abandon you.
3 ‘Now, Israel has been without the true God for a long time, and there has been no Priest who can explain things clearly, and no Law. 4 But since [the people] have returned to Jehovah the God of Israel, He will be found by them.
5 ‘There has been no peace for those who enter or leave [our cities, until now], but Jehovah has brought a change of state to all those who live everywhere. 6 For, nation used to fight against nation and city against city, because God shocked them by bringing all sorts of problems upon them. 7 But now you must be strong and not lose your grip, because you will reap the reward of your [good] deeds!’
8 Well, after he heard these words of the Prophet AzariJah, Asa was moved to drive all the disgusting things out of the land of Judah and BenJamin. He dedicated all the [idols] that JeroBoam had captured in the mountains of EphraIm [to destruction], [and he repaired] the Altar of Jehovah that was in front of His Temple. 9 Then he [called an] assembly of Judah, BenJamin, and those of the tribes of EphraIm, ManasSeh, and Simeon who were living among them (for many had moved there from Israel when they saw that Jehovah God was with him).
10 So they all came to Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa, 11 and he sacrificed part of the things they had captured to Jehovah that day… seven hundred calves and seven thousand sheep. 12 And they all agreed to search for Jehovah the God of their ancestors with their whole hearts and souls. 13 They also agreed that anyone who refused to search for Jehovah the God of Israel should die, whether they are young or old, male or female. 14 So everyone swore an oath to Jehovah in a loud voice, as the trumpets and horns were being blown. 15 And everyone in Judah was delighted to swear the oath with their whole souls… freely and of their own will. So they searched for Jehovah and they found Him; then He rested among them.
16 [Asa] then forced his mother MaAcha to stop worshiping before Astarte, and he cut down the idol, incinerated it, and had [its ashes] thrown into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi. 17 However, he failed to remove the high places of worship that were then located all around Judah and Israel. Yet, Asa’s heart remained [true] throughout the rest of his life. 18 He also recovered the holy things of his ancestor David and the holy things of the Temple of God… all the items of silver and gold.
19 And there was no more war through the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.
Chapter 16
1 It was during the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa that BaAsha (the king of Israel) attacked Judah, and he built Rama to keep [his people] from entering or leaving the land of Asa (the king of Judah). 2 Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasury in the Temple of Jehovah and the king’s palace, and sent it to BenAder, the king of Syria who lived in Damascus, saying: 3 ‘Let’s create a treaty between you and me, and between my father and your father. Look! I’m sending you gold and silver; so come and scatter BaAsha (the king of Israel), and drive him away from me!’
4 Well, King BenAder listened to Asa and he ordered his generals to attack the cities of Israel. So they attacked AiOn, Dan, AbelMain, and [cities] throughout the land of NaphTali. 5 And when BaAsha heard what was happening, he stopped building Rama and ended his projects. 6 Then King Asa gathered all Judah and they picked up the stones and timbers that BaAsha was using to build Rama, and used them to build GabaE and MasPha.
7 Thereafter, the Prophet HanaNi went to Asa (the king of Judah) and said to him: ‘Because you relied on the king of Syria and you didn’t put your trust in your God Jehovah, the army of Syria won’t remain under your control. 8 Don’t [you remember] how large and courageous the armies of the Ethiopians and Libyans were, and how vast their cavalry was? And when you relied on Jehovah, He gave them into your hands. 9 For the eyes of Jehovah search throughout the earth looking to strengthen any heart that is devoted to Him. But now I want you to know that you’re going to have to go to war.’
10 Well, Asa was furious with the Prophet and had him thrown in prison because he was so angry, and he had several people killed.
11 {Look!} The rest of the things that Asa said and did (from beginning to end) are written in the scroll of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 It was during the thirty-ninth year of Asa’s reign that he became seriously ill, for he was having problems with his feet. And rather than going to Jehovah for help, he went to the physicians. 13 So, Asa [died] and went to sleep with his ancestors, and his reign ended in its fortieth year. 14 Then they buried him in a tomb that he had dug for himself in the city of David. They placed [his body] on a bed that was covered with aromatics and expensive perfumes, and they held a great funeral for him.
Chapter 17
1 After that, [Asa’s] son JehoShaphat took his place as the king. And JehoShaphat fortified the [land] against Israel 2 by placing troops in all the walled cities of Judah. He also appointed governors over each city in Judah, and over all the cities of EphraIm that his father Asa had captured.
3 Now, Jehovah was with JehoShaphat, because he started out by following in the ways of his ancestor David. 4 He didn’t [worship] any of the idols… just Jehovah, the God of his father. He obeyed the commandments of his father and he didn’t follow in the ways of Israel. 5 So, Jehovah strengthened the kingdom under his hands, and all Judah sent him gifts. As the result, he became very rich and powerful.
6 He followed in the ways of [Jehovah faithfully], and he again removed all the high places of worship and all the sacred poles from the land of Judah. 7 Then, during the third year of his reign, he sent his governors, sons, and dignitaries (AbdiAn, ZachariJah, NathaniEl, and MichaiJah) to teach in the cities of Judah, 8 along with the Levites (ShemaiJah, NathaniJah, ZabDiJah, AsiEl, SemiRaMoth, JoNathan, AdoniJah, and TobiJah) and the Priests (EliSama and JoRam). 9 So they traveled throughout Judah with the book of the Law of Jehovah, going to each city and teaching [God’s Law] to the people. 10 As the result, Jehovah brought a change over all the surrounding kingdoms, because they no longer went to war against JehoShaphat.
11 Why, even the Philistines brought JehoShaphat gifts and things made of silver; and the people of Arabia brought him seven thousand, seven hundred male sheep, and seven thousand, seven hundred male goats. 12 So he kept growing in stature and importance, as he built houses and fortified cities throughout Judah, 13 and started several public-works projects.
He also kept a contingent of mighty warriors in Jerusalem, 14 and here are their numbers by houses and families:
19 These men were also the king’s governors, who were in charge of the fortified cities throughout Judah.
Chapter 18
1 Well, after JehoShaphat became very rich and famous, he decided to ally himself with the house of Ahab through marriage. 2 So after several years, he went to visit Ahab in Samaria with a large contingent of his people, and he sacrificed many calves and sheep on behalf of Ahab. Then, to show his love for him, he consented to go with him to [fight at] RaMoth Gilead. 3 For, Ahab (the king of Israel) had asked JehoShaphat (the king of Judah), ‘Will you go to RaMoth Gilead with me?’ And he replied, ‘You and your people are the same as [me and] my people, so we will join you in the war.’
4 However, JehoShaphat said to the king of Israel, ‘But first, let’s ask for [Jehovah’s direction]!’
5 So the king of Israel gathered all his prophets (some four hundred men) and asked them, ‘Should I attack RaMoth Gilead or should I wait?’
And they replied, ‘Go there, and God will hand them over to the king!’
6 But then JehoShaphat asked, ‘Aren’t there any Prophets of Jehovah who we can ask?’
7 And the king of Israel replied, ‘There’s one man who searches for answers from Jehovah, but I detest him, because he never prophesies anything good for me. All he ever tells me is bad things. He is MichaiJah, the son of JemBla.’
But JehoShaphat said, ‘The king shouldn’t talk that way!’
8 Then the king called one of his eunuchs and said, ‘Quickly! Go find MichaiJah (the son of JemBla) and bring him to me!’
9 Well at the time, the king of Israel and JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) were each sitting on their thrones in the broad area near the city gate of Samaria dressed in [their royal] robes, and all the prophets were there prophesying before them. 10 Then one of them (ZedekiJah, the son of CanaAn) made some iron horns for himself and said, ‘This is what the Lord says: You will gore the Syrians with these until you’ve wiped them out completely!’ 11 And all the rest of the prophets said the same thing. They said, ‘Go to RaMoth Gilead and you’ll succeed, for the Lord will give it into the hands of the king.’
12 Then, the messenger who had been sent to call MichaiJah said to him, ‘Look! All the prophets are saying good things to the king, so it would be a blessing if you would tell him good things too.’
13 And MichaiJah replied, ‘As Jehovah lives, I’ll say whatever God tells me to say.’
14 So MicaJah went before the king, and the king asked, ‘Should I attack RaMoth Gilead or should I wait?’
And he replied, ‘Go, and you will be blest, because it will be given into your hands!’
15 But the king said, ‘How often do I have ask you to swear to only tell me the truth in the Name of Jehovah?’
16 And MichaiJah said, ‘I see Israel being scattered in the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. For Jehovah said, They will be without a leader, so each one should return to his house in peace.’
17 Then the king of Israel said to JehoShaphat, ‘You see… didn’t I tell you that he wouldn’t prophecy anything good… just bad things?’
18 And MichaiJah said, ‘That isn’t so! [These are] the words of Jehovah! For, I saw Jehovah sitting on His Throne, and all the armies of the heavens were sitting beside Him on His right and on His left. 19 Then Jehovah asked: Who could I send to deceive Ahab the king of Israel, so that he attacks RaMoth Gilead and is defeated? Then one suggested this and another that, 20 but then a spirit stepped forward into the presence of Jehovah 2 and said, I can fool him! And when Jehovah asked how, 21 he said: I will go into the mouths of his prophets as a lying spirit. And [God] said: You will be able to fool him; so go there and do so!
22 ‘As the result {Look!}, Jehovah has put a lying spirit into the mouths of all these, your prophets. And it was Jehovah who spoke these bad things against you, [not me].’
23 Then ZedekiJah (the son of CanaAn) [came up] and hit MichaiJah in the jaw and shouted, ‘How has the Lord’s Breath passed from me to you, that you should feel so free to speak?’
24 And MichaiJah answered, ‘{Look!} You will know it in that day, when you must run from closet to closet to hide!’
25 Then the king of Israel gave the order: ‘Take MichaiJah and hand him over to Emer the city mayor, and to [my] son JoAsh the governor. 26 Tell them that the king wants this man thrown into prison and just fed moldy bread and water until we return in peace!’
27 And MichaiJah said, ‘Well, as Jehovah told me; you’re not going to return in peace… Listen all you people!’
28 So the king of Israel and JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) rode up to RaMoth Gilead. 29 And the king of Israel said to JehoShaphat: ‘I’m going to disguise myself when I go into battle, so I want you to wear my clothes!’ And the king of Israel disguised himself and rode into the battle.
30 Then the king of Syria told the generals who were standing near him (those who were in charge of his chariots): ‘Don’t attack the regular soldiers, just attack the king of Israel.’ 31 So when the generals in charge of the chariots saw JehoShaphat, they shouted: ‘That’s the king of Israel!’ And they surrounded him and prepared to attack. But JehoShaphat called out, and Jehovah saved him by turning them away from him. 32 For, when the generals in charge of the chariots saw that it wasn’t the king of Israel, they turned and left him.
33 Then a skilled archer pulled his bow tight and shot an arrow at the king of Israel, hitting him in the middle of his chest, between his lungs. And [the king] said to his chariot driver, ‘Turn around and take me away from the battle, because I’m in a lot of pain!’
34 So the king of Israel left the battle that day, and there he sat on his chariot, right across from the Syrian lines, until the evening. Then he died just as the sun was setting.
Chapter 19
1 Well, as JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) was returning to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 the Prophet Jehu (the son of AnaNi) came to meet him. And he said, ‘O King JehoShaphat; Why did you befriend and help a sinner who is hated by Jehovah? Now, because you did this, you’ve brought Jehovah’s anger upon yourself. 3 However, good things have been said about you, because you removed the sacred poles from the land of Judah, and you’ve straightened your heart to search for Jehovah.’
4 So thereafter, JehoShaphat continued to live in Jerusalem, and he once again went to all the people (from BeerSheba to the mountains of EphraIm) to turn them to Jehovah, the God of their ancestors. 5 He also assigned judges in all the walled cities of Judah, city by city. 6 And he told the judges: ‘Pay close attention to what you’re doing, because you aren’t judging for men. Rather, the decisions you make are for Jehovah, 7 so may the fear of God rest upon you! And be careful about how you act, for your God Jehovah isn’t unjust; He doesn’t pay any attention to what a man looks like, nor does He accept bribes!’
8 Then JehoShaphat brought the Levites, the Priests, and the patriarchs of Israel to Jerusalem to serve as judges for Jehovah, and to judge the people of Jerusalem. 9 And the instructions he gave to them were: ‘You must [judge] with the fear of Jehovah… in truth, and with a [pure] heart. 10 You must warn each man among your brothers who comes to you for justice from any of the cities, whether it’s a matter of blood, of order, of the Commandments, of the Law, or of the decisions [of God], that they must not sin against Jehovah. And so that He doesn’t become angry with you or your brothers, you must [remember this also] and not sin.
11 ‘{Look!} I’ve appointed AmariJah the Priest over you, because every decision is the word of Jehovah. Also, ZabdiJah (the son of IshMaEl) is in charge of the house of Judah when it comes to the decisions of the king. And the scribes and Levites are there [to help you]. So be strong and act; and then Jehovah will bless the good!’
Chapter 20
1 Then the sons of Moab, the sons of Ammon, and some of the Minaeans marched against JehoShaphat for war. 2 So his [messengers] spoke plainly to JehoShaphat and told him: ‘A huge army has come against you from the other side of the sea and from Syria. Look! They’re already in AsaSan-Thamar (EnGedi)!’
3 Well, this frightened JehoShaphat and he went to seek [Jehovah’s] guidance; then he proclaimed a fast in all Judah. 4 And thereafter, all Judah gathered to seek Jehovah’s help, coming from all the cities of the land. 5 Then JehoShaphat stood up before the entire assembly of Judah in Jerusalem, at the Temple of Jehovah (in front of the new courtyard), 6 and said: ‘O Jehovah, the God of my fathers; Aren’t You the God of all that’s above the sky, and don’t You dominate all the kingdoms of the nations? Don’t Your hands have the strength to dominate everything, and can anyone stand against You? 7 For, You are Jehovah… You’re the One who destroyed those who lived in this land from before your people Israel, and You gave the land to the seed of Abraham… he who loved you through the age. 8 And this is where they live and where they’ve built a Sanctuary to Your Name.
9 ‘Now, [the people have said]: Should any bad things come against us, such as war, judgments, plague, or famine, we will come and stand before You, and You will save us; for the battle Is Jehovah’s.
10 ‘And look! The sons of Ammon, Moab, and [people from] the mountains of Seir – those whose lands You refused to allow Your people to pass through as they returned from the land of Egypt, and from which they were driven away and couldn’t conquer – 11 and Look! They have now come here to drive us out the inheritance that You gave us!
12 ‘O Jehovah our God; Won’t You condemn them? Why, we aren’t strong enough to resist such a huge army, and we don’t know what to do to them. So, we’re all looking to You!’
13 Well, all Judah was standing there before Jehovah, including their wives and children. 14 Then the Breath of Jehovah came over OziEl (the son of ZachariJah, a descendant of BenaiJah, the son of EliEl, the son of MathaniJah the Levite of the sons of Asaph) as he stood there in the assembly. 15 And he said, ‘Listen all Judah, you who live in Jerusalem, and King JehoShaphat; for this is Jehovah’s reply to you: Don’t be afraid of that huge army, because this battle isn’t yours, it belongs to God! 16 You must march against them tomorrow. Look; they will be marching along the road to Asa, and you will find them camped beside the river in the JeriEl Desert. 17 However, don’t attack them, just stand there and watch; and then you’ll see that the deliverance of Jehovah is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t worry and don’t be frightened, for when you march to meet them tomorrow, Jehovah will be with you!’
18 Then JehoShaphat bowed to his face, and all Judah and the people of Jerusalem fell to their faces before Jehovah. 19 And the Levites (the sons of KoHath and KorAh) got up and started praising Jehovah the God of Israel, calling out loudly toward the heavens.
20 Well, they got up early the next morning and marched into the ThecoE Desert. And as they were marching, JehoShaphat got up and shouted: ‘Hear me, O Judah and those who live in Jerusalem! Trust in Jehovah and you’ll find His trust… trust in His Prophet and you’ll be blest!’
21 Then [he marched with] the people, and he sent the singers and [the Priests] who offer holy praise and acknowledgements, to march ahead of the army. And they were shouting, ‘Praise Jehovah and His mercy through the ages!’
22 Well, as they were shouting these praises and acknowledgements, Jehovah caused the sons of Ammon to turn against Moab and the people of the mountains of Seir who were marching against Judah, and they all turned and started running away. 23 Then the sons of Ammon and the Moabites attacked the people from the mountains of Seir, and they killed everyone who lived there… and then they started fighting among themselves until they were all destroyed.
24 So when Judah reached the ridge along the edge of the desert, they looked down on the whole army and found them all lying on the ground dead… none were left; 25 so JehoShaphat and his people went down and took all their possessions (there were many cattle, personal things, desirable things, and loot, and they took everything). Why, it took three days for them to pick up everything, because there was so much to be collected!
26 Then on the fourth day, they all assembled in the Canyon of Blessing (which is what they started calling it because Jehovah had blest them there), and it’s still called the Valley of Blessing to this day.
27 Then all the men of Judah marched back to Jerusalem joyfully, with JehoShaphat taking the lead. For, everyone was so happy over what Jehovah had done to their enemies. 28 And as they entered Jerusalem, they were playing stringed instruments, woodwinds, and trumpets, and they went to the Temple of Jehovah. 29 Then Jehovah brought a change of state upon all the kingdoms of the land, for when they heard that Jehovah was fighting against the enemies of Israel, 30 they allowed the kingdom of JehoShaphat to have peace and rest all around.
31 Well, JehoShaphat started his reign over Judah when he was thirty-five years old, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azuba, and she was the daughter of Sali. 32 He followed in the ways of his father Asa, and he never turned aside from doing what was upright before Jehovah. 33 But the high places of worship were still there, and the people never straightened out their hearts to Jehovah the God of their ancestors.
34 {Look!} The rest of the things that JehoShaphat said, from beginning to end, have been written by Jehu (the son of AnaNi), who wrote it all in the scroll of the kings of Israel.
35 But later on, JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) [displeased Jehovah] by working with AhaziJah (the king of Israel) to build boats in Ezion Geber that they could sail to Tarshish. 36 So EliEzer (the son of DodiJa, from MarIsis) prophesied against JehoShaphat, saying: 37 ‘Because you befriended AhaziJah, Jehovah has destroyed all your work and broken your boats to pieces.’
As the result, they never sailed to Tarshish.
Chapter 21
1 Then JehoShaphat went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David. And his son JehoRam started reigning in place of him.
2 Now, JehoRam had six brothers, AzariJah, JeiEl, ZachariJah, AzariJah, MichaEl, and SaphatiJah, all of whom were sons of JehoShaphat, the king of Judah. 3 And their father had given them many gifts of silver, gold, shields, and walled cities in Judah; however, he gave the kingdom to JehoRam, because he was the firstborn. 4 But after JehoRam became strong in his kingdom, he killed all his brothers and some of the governors of Israel with a sword.
5 JehoRam was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for eight years. 6 But he started acting like the kings of Israel and doing the same things as the house of Ahab, acting wickedly before Jehovah, because he married the daughter of Ahab. 7 However, Jehovah didn’t want to destroy the house of David due to the agreement that He had made with David, when He told him that He would give him and his sons [as] a lamp through all the days.
8 Then Edom rebelled against Judah and appointed a king to rule over them. 9 So JehoRam, his leaders, and cavalry went to Edom. But during the night, the generals in charge of his chariots found themselves surrounded, and they all retreated to their tents. 10 So Edom has continued their revolt against Judah down to this day. Then Lobna revolted and became free of [JehoRam’s] rule, because he had abandoned Jehovah the God of his ancestors… 11 he built the high places [of worship] in the cities of Judah, and led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray.
12 Then [JehoRam] received a letter from the Prophet EliJah that said, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of your ancestor David has said: Because you haven’t followed in the ways of your father JehoShaphat, or in the ways of Asa the king of Judah, 13 and have gone in the ways of the kings of Israel, and you’ve led the people of Judah and Jerusalem into [spiritual] immorality (as the house of Ahab is guilty of immorality), and because you murdered your brothers, the sons of your father who were all better than you, 14 {Look!} Jehovah is going to bring a great calamity upon you, your people, your sons, your wives, and everything you own… 15 then you’re going to become very sick and feel worse each day until your belly bursts.’
16 So Jehovah sent the Philistines, the Arabians, and the people from around Ethiopia against JehoRam, 17 and they attacked Judah and beat them. Then they carried off everything that they found in the king’s palace and in the houses of his sons and daughters. And the only son that survived was JehoAhaz (his youngest). 18 And thereafter, Jehovah struck him with a disease of the belly that couldn’t be cured, 19 and it got worse day after day for two years. Then his belly broke open from the disease and he died in agony.
Well, his people didn’t even hold a funeral for him, as they had done for his ancestors. 20 He was thirty-two years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for eight years. But when he died, he wasn’t highly regarded, so they buried him in a tomb in the city of David, but not among the kings.
Chapter 22
1 Then the people in Jerusalem chose his youngest son AhaziJah to be their king, because all of his older sons had been murdered by a band of Arabian and Alimozonian highwaymen. 2 So JehoRam’s son AhaziJah became the king of Judah and started his reign in Jerusalem when he was twenty-five years old. His mother’s name was AthaliJah, and she was the daughter of Omri.
3 AhaziJah also followed in the ways of the house of Ahab, because his mother was his counselor in sin. 4 So, like the house of Ahab, he acted wickedly before Jehovah, because [Ahab’s family] were his counselors after his father died, and they led him into destruction. 5 For, he listened to their council and joined Ahab’s son JehoRam (the king of Israel) in a war against HazaEl (the king of Syria) at RaMoth Gilead.
[In this war], A bowman shot JehoRam, 6 so he went to the hospital at JezreEl to be treated for the wound that he had received in his war against HazaEl (the king of Syria) at RaMoth. Then AhaziJah (the son of JehoRam, the king of Judah) went to see JehoRam (the son of Ahab) while he was recovering there in JezreEl. And that’s when (under God’s direction) the final event in the life of AhaziJah happened, 7 for he joined with JehoRam to fight against Jehu (the son of NimShi), the one who Jehovah had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.
8 Now, Jehu was punishing the house of Ahab when he found the governors of Judah along with some of AhaziJah’s relatives, and he killed them all. 9 Then Jehu told [his men] to search for AhaziJah, and they caught up with him at the hospital in Samaria. So they showed Jehu where he was, and then Jehu killed him. But they buried him in a tomb, for they said, ‘He’s the descendant of JehoShaphat, a man who searched for Jehovah with his whole heart.’
Thereafter, with the death of AhaziJah, there was no one left to rule his kingdom. 10 And when his mother AthaliJah learned that her son AhaziJah had been killed, she tried to have everyone in the royal house of Judah murdered. 11 But JosaBeth (the king’s daughter) stole his son JoAsh from the midst of the other sons of the king who were to be killed, and she hid him and fed him in a bed closet.
Now, JosaBeth was the daughter of King JehoRam, the sister of AhaziJah, and the wife of JehoiAda (the Priest). And she kept JoAsh with her, hidden from AthaliJah, so she wouldn’t have him murdered, 12 in the Temple of God, until he was six years old. And during that time, AthaliJah ruled the land.
Chapter 23
1 Well, after seven years, JehoiAda figured that the time had finally come. So he took several army lieutenants (AzariJah the son of JehoRam, IshMaEl the son of JoAnan, AzariJah the son of Obed, MaAseJah the son of AdiJa, and EliSaphan the son of ZachariJah) with him into the Temple of Jehovah. 2 Then they traveled around Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and all the family heads of Israel, and brought them to Jerusalem; 3 and this whole gathering of Judah made a sacred agreement with the king there at the Temple of God. For, [JehoiAda] showed the king’s son to them and said, ‘Look… this is the king’s son! So, may he now become the king, just as Jehovah said concerning the house of David!
4 ‘Now, this is what you must do: A third of you Priests and Levites should come here on the Sabbath and occupy all the [Temple] gates and entrances; 5 a third must surround the king’s palace; and a third must occupy the central gate. Then all the people must assemble in the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah… 6 but don’t allow anyone to go into the Temple who isn’t a Priest or Levite! Allow all the officiating Levites to enter, because they are holy, and all the rest should guard the watches of Jehovah. 7 Then each of the Levites should gather around the king with their weapons in their hands, and then kill anyone who dares to enter the Temple… and they must guard the king whenever he enters or leaves.’
8 So the Levites and all Judah did exactly as JehoiAda the Priest told them. Each of [the lieutenants] had his men in their stations from the time that the Sabbath started until its conclusion, and JehoiAda didn’t allow the Priests to rest after their daily rotations. 9 He gave the Priests and army lieutenants their orders; then he armed them with swords, large shields, and even the small shields that King David had placed in the Temple of God, 10 and he stationed them all (carrying their weapons), from the room on the right of the Temple to the room left of the Altar, and all around the king’s palace. 11 Then he brought out the king’s son and placed the crown and the proofs upon him, and the [High] Priest JehoiAda and his sons anointed him as the king and shouted, ‘Long live the king!’
12 Well, when AthaliJah heard the sounds of the people running and shouting, praising the king, she went to the Temple of Jehovah 13 and saw {Look!} the king standing at his station in the king’s entrance [to the Temple], and she heard the trumpets blowing. For there were all the governors standing around the king; the people of the land were joyfully shouting and blowing trumpets; there were the musicians playing their instruments; and the singers were singing praises.
Then AthaliJah tore her robe and shouted, ‘Attack them!’
14 But JehoiAda the Priest told the army lieutenants, ‘Throw her out of the Temple, then take her outside and kill her with your swords… don’t kill her inside the Temple of Jehovah!’
15 Well, they released her and she walked through the gate of the horsemen toward the king’s palace, and that’s where they killed her.
16 Then JehoiAda proclaimed an agreement between himself, the people, and the king, that they were all going to be Jehovah’s people. 17 Then all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it and its altars down, and they ground his idols into a fine dust. Then they put Mathan (the priest of Baal) to death before his altars.
18 Thereafter, [High] Priest JehoiAda commissioned the Priests and Levites to refurbish the Temple of Jehovah, and he reestablished the assignments and daily rotations of the Priests and Levites as they were set up by David for the Temple of Jehovah. Then he sacrificed whole burnt offerings to Jehovah in the way that was written in the Law of Moses, as they played the joyous songs that were written by David.
19 Thereafter, the gatekeepers were assigned at the gates of the Temple of Jehovah, to prevent anyone who was unclean in any way from entering. 20 And he gathered the family heads, the dignitaries, the people’s governors, and all the people of the land, and they conducted the king into Temple of Jehovah through the inner gate of the king’s palace, and sat him on the king’s throne. 21 And although all the people of the land were joyful, everything became silent as they put Queen AthaliJah to death with a sword.
Chapter 24
1 So, JoAsh was seven years old when began his reign, and he ruled from Jerusalem for forty years. His mother’s name was SabiJa, and she was from BeerSheba.
2 JoAsh did what was right before Jehovah for as long as the [High] Priest JehoiAda was alive.
3 Now, JehoiAda had married two wives who bore sons and daughters to him.
4 After that, it came into the heart of JoAsh to repair the Temple of Jehovah. 5 So he brought together all the Priests and Levites and said to them, ‘Go into all the cities of Judah and Israel each year and collect enough money to strengthen the Temple of Jehovah… go do it quickly!’
Well, the Levites didn’t do anything, 6 so King JoAsh called for JehoiAda their leader and asked, ‘Why haven’t you been overseeing the Levites, to make sure they are making the collections from Judah and Israel that were specified by Moses (the man of God) for the gathering of Israel at the Tent of Proofs? 7 Why, it is [Queen] AthaliJah who is to blame [for its condition], because it was her sons who wrecked the Temple of Jehovah, then they took all its holy things and dedicated them to Baal Im.’
8 ‘Then the king said: ‘Make a [collection] chest and place it just outside of the entrance to the Temple of Jehovah. 9 Then have them travel throughout Judah, Jerusalem, Israel, and into the desert, and tell [the people] to bring the amount that was specified by Moses (the servant of God) to Jehovah.’
10 Well thereafter, all the people and their governors came and brought [their tithes] until the [collection] chest was filled. 11 So, when the Levites carried the chest to the king’s accountants, they found that they had more than enough money [to complete the Temple project]. Then the king’s scribe and the High Priest’s accountant emptied the chest, and put it back in its place. They did this each day, and they gathered huge amounts of money, 12 which the king gave to the Priest JehoiAda and to those who were doing the work on the Temple of Jehovah, for they hired the stonecutters, carpenters, and metalworkers that were needed to repair Jehovah’s Temple.
13 So everyone did their jobs, and soon the project of rebuilding and refurbishing the Temple was completed. 14 Then after it was done, they carried the rest of the money to King JoAsh and JehoiAda, and they made things that were required for the services at the Temple, such as gold incense pans, and other items of silver and gold. Then whole burnt offerings were sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah throughout the life of JehoiAda.
15 Well, JehoiAda lived a very full life, which ended after a hundred-and-thirty years. 16 So they buried him in a tomb in the city of David… among the kings, because he had served Israel, God, and His Temple so well!
17 But after [High Priest] JehoiAda died, the governors of Judah came and bowed before the king, and the King [JoAsh] listened to them. 18 Then they abandoned the Temple of Jehovah the God of their ancestors, and started serving the Astartes and the idols… which has brought [God’s] anger upon Judah and Jerusalem down to this day. 19 So [God] sent His Prophets to turn them back to Jehovah, and they warned the people, but they just wouldn’t listen. 20 Then the Breath of God came over AzariJah the Priest (who was JehoiAda’s son), and he went before the people and told them, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Why are you overlooking My Commandments so the things you’re doing won’t be blest? You have abandoned Jehovah, so He will abandon you!’
21 Well, following the orders of King JoAsh, they attacked him and stoned him to death there in the courtyard of Jehovah’s Temple. 22 For, JoAsh had forgotten the mercy that JehoiAda (the father of [AzariJah]) had shown him, and had his son murdered.
And as [AzariJah] was dying, he said: ‘Look down upon this O Jehovah, and judge!’
23 Well, as that year came to its end, the armies of Syria came and attacked Judah and Jerusalem, and they killed all the rulers of the people, then they carried away loot and brought it to their king in Damascus. 24 For, although the army of Syria that came against them wasn’t very large, God gave [Judah] and their huge army into their hands, because they had abandoned Jehovah the God of their ancestors.
They also punished JoAsh, 25 leaving him sick and broken. Then his own servants turned against him (over the blood of the son of JehoiAda the Priest), and they killed him in own his bed. So he died, and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David, but not in the tomb of the kings.
26 Well, the men who attacked him were Sabed (the son of SamaAth the Ammonite), and JoZabed (the son of SomarOth the Moabite) 27 and his sons (all five of them joined in killing him).
{Look!} The rest of the things [that JoAsh] said are written in the scrolls of the kings. Then his son AmaziJah became the king in his place.
Chapter 25
1 AmaziJah was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he reigned from Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was JoAden, and she was from Jerusalem.
2 Now, he did what was upright before Jehovah, but not with his whole heart.
3 When he became the king, he killed his servants who had murdered his father (the king), 4 but he didn’t kill their sons, because of what was written in the Sacred Agreement of the Law of Jehovah, where Jehovah said, ‘Fathers should not be put to death for their children, and sons should not die for their fathers.’
5 Then AmaziJah gathered [the troops] of Judah and divided them under the generals and lieutenants, by the houses of their families, throughout all Judah and Jerusalem. He had counted all those who were twenty-years old and up, and found that there were three-hundred-thousand mighty warriors who carried a spear and shield. 6 But then he hired a hundred-thousand mighty, powerful warriors from Israel for three-tons of silver.
7 And thereafter, the man of God came to him and said, ‘O king; You should not march with the forces of Israel, because Jehovah isn’t with Israel or any of the descendants of EphraIm. 8 And if you should choose to build your army with them, Jehovah will make you run from your enemies. Because, Jehovah can either make you stronger or cause you to run.’
9 Then AmaziJah asked the man of God: ‘But what should I do about the three-tons of silver that I paid for the soldiers of Israel?’
And the man of God replied, ‘Jehovah can repay you with more than that.’
10 So AmaziJah sent the soldiers away who had come to him from EphraIm, which made them furious with Judah, and they went back to their homes in a rage.
11 Well, AmaziJah’s [army] did grow stronger, so he gathered his men and marched into the Salt Valley, where they attacked and killed ten thousand of the sons of Seir 12 and brought back ten thousand captives to Judah. Then they led them to a high cliff and tossed them all over, ripping them to shreds.
13 But after that, the soldiers who AmaziJah had sent away and who he didn’t allow to join him in the war, attacked all the cities of Judah from Samaria to BethOron, killing three thousand and carrying away a lot of loot.
14 And meanwhile, after AmaziJah attacked Idumea, he brought back some of the gods of the sons of Seir. Then he erected them for himself as gods, and he bowed and offered sacrifices to them. 15 So Jehovah became very angry with AmaziJah, and sent His Prophet, who asked him, ‘Why are you looking to gods who weren’t able to save their own people from your hands?’
16 And the king replied, ‘Have I appointed you as one of the king’s councilors? Be careful that I don’t have you whipped!’ So the Prophet didn’t tell him any more. He just said, ‘I know that He will oppose you and ruin you, because He [sent me to you], and you refused to listen to my advice.’
17 Then AmaziJah (the king of Judah) sent word to JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz and grandson of Jehu, the king of Israel), saying, ‘[Why don’t you] come and meet me face-to-face?’
18 And JehoAsh (the king of Israel) replied: ‘A thorn bush in Lebanon sent word to the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Give me your daughter to be my son’s wife. But then the wild animals of the fields of Lebanon went and trampled the thorn bush.
‘So, now you’re saying [to yourself], Why look! I have attacked Idumea, and your heavy heart has been lifted! But, [it would be better for] you to just go back home and sit in your palace.
19 ‘Why have you assembled [your army] to do evil… because you will fall, and Judah will fall with you!’
20 Well, AmaziJah just wouldn’t listen, because Jehovah planned to hand him over to JehoAsh, due to his trusting in the gods of the Idumeans. 21 So AmaziJah (the king of Judah) and JehoAsh (the king of Israel) marched against each other, and they faced off at BethSamus in Judah. 22 Then the battle began, and Judah had to run from Israel – everyone ran back to their tents – 23 and AmaziJah (the king of Judah, the son of JoAsh and grandson of JehoAhaz) was captured by JehoAsh (the king of Israel) at BethSamus. Then he was brought back to Jerusalem, where they tore down the city walls, from the gate of EphraIm to the corner gate… seven hundred and fifty feet of it. 24 Then [JehoAsh] took all the gold and silver, all the things that he found in the Temple of Jehovah, the things being cared for by ObedEdom, and all the treasures in the king’s palace. He also took away several of the sons of [AmaziJah’s] allies, and he returned to Samaria.
25 Well, AmaziJah (the son of JoAsh) the king of Judah thereafter survived the death of JehoAsh (the son of JehoAhaz) the king of Israel by fifteen years. 26 And {Look!} all the things that AmaziJah said, from beginning to end, are written in the scroll of the kings of Judah and Israel. 27 But after AmaziJah [rebelled] against Jehovah, there was an attempt to assassinate him, so he fled Jerusalem and went to LachIsh. And after he got to LachIsh, they found him and killed him there. 28 Then they mounted his body on horses and buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in the city of David.
Chapter 26
1 Then all the people of the land took UzziJah, who was just sixteen years old, and appointed him as king in place of his father AmaziJah. 2 He had been building ElAth, but he returned to Judah after the king went to sleep with his ancestors. 3 So UzziJah was only sixteen years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. His mother’s name was JecheliJah, and she was from Jerusalem.
4 [UzziJah] did what was upright before Jehovah, every bit as much as did his father AmaziJah. 5 He searched for Jehovah throughout the entire life of ZachariJah, who was the one that [showed him] the need to fear Jehovah. So, during that time he searched for Jehovah, and all his ways were blest. 6 Thus; when he went to war with the Philistines, he tore down the walls of Gath, JabNe, and AshDod, and he built cities around AshDod, right there in the midst of the Philistines. 7 For, Jehovah gave him power over the Philistines, the Arabians, those who lived on The Rock, and the Minaeans. 8 Why, the Minaeans even brought him gifts, and his name became famous beyond Egypt.
9 Then UzziJah built [battle] towers around Jerusalem at the gates and the corners [of the walls], and at the gates and the corners of the walls in the valley below, and he strengthened the [city walls]. 10 He also built forts in the desert and he dug many wells, because there were so many cattle in the plains of Shephela. In addition, he sent vinedressers into the mountainous areas and to Carmel, because he was fond of farming.
11 However, UzziJah [was also fond of] war, because he fought a lot of battles. The accounts of these were recorded by the Scribe JeiEl and Judge MasSiJah, from what they were told by AnaniJah, the king’s second-in-command.
12 There were two thousand, six hundred generals in his army 13 [who were over] three-hundred-and-seven thousand, five hundred men. They were always ready and prepared for war, to help the king against his opponents. 14 And UzziJah took good care of them by providing them with shields, spears, helmets, chest plates, bows, and stone slings. 15 He also had war machines made for them in Jerusalem by an engineer, which were used to attack the towers and corners of [city walls] (they were used to shoot arrows and to throw huge boulders). These machines were heard about throughout the earth, for he had such wonderful help… that is, until he grew strong.
16 However, after he became strong, his heart became very corrupt and he started sinning against his God Jehovah; for he went into the Temple of Jehovah to burn incense on the [sacred] Incense Altar. 17 Well, the [High] Priest AzariJah and eighty mighty Priests of Jehovah went in after him 18 and resisted King UzziJah, saying to him: ‘UzziJah, you aren’t allowed to burn incense to Jehovah! That may only be done by the Priests who have descended from Aaron and have been made holy to burn the incense. Leave this Holy Place, for you have left Jehovah! This glory will not be given to you by Jehovah God!’
19 Well, UzziJah was furious, for there he was with the incense pan in his hand, ready to burn incense inside the Holy Place. And as he was raging against the Priests, leprosy started to appear on his forehead, right there before the Priests in the Temple of Jehovah and in front of the Incense Altar. 20 So when AzariJah (the High Priest) and the other Priests turned to look at him, they saw the leprosy in his forehead, and they pushed him out of there. Why, even he was in a hurry to leave, because Jehovah was reproving him!
21 Well, King UzziJah had leprosy until the day he died, and he was kept in a home for lepers, cut off from the Temple of Jehovah. As the result, his son JoTham ruled over his kingdom and judged the people of the land.
22 {Look!} The rest of the things that UzziJah said, from beginning to end, were written by the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amoz). 23 Then UzziJah went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the graveyard of his ancestors, but not among the kings, because they said: ‘He’s a leper.’
Then his son JoTham became the king after him.
Chapter 27
1 JoTham was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. His mother’s name was JeroUsa, and she was the daughter of ZaDok.
2 [JoTham] did what was upright before Jehovah in the same way that his father UzziJah did (but he didn’t enter the Holy Place of Jehovah). Yet, despite this, the people still kept corrupting themselves.
3 [JoTham] built the tall gatehouse of Jehovah, and he did a lot of building along the wall of Ophel. He also built cities 4 in the mountains of Judah, as well as places to live in the forests, and forts.
5 He fought wars with the king of the sons of Ammon and conquered him. And thereafter, the sons of Ammon had to send him three tons of silver, three hundred tons of wheat, and three hundred tons of barley each year, which they did for the first three years. 6 So JoTham grew strong, because he faithfully served his God Jehovah.
7 {Look!} The rest of the things that JoTham said and did, and the stories of his wars, are written in the scroll of the kings of Judah and Israel. 8 Then JoTham went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David, and his son Ahaz started reigning in his place.
Chapter 28
1 Ahaz was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. 2 He didn’t do what was upright before Jehovah as did his ancestor David; rather, he went the way of the kings of Israel and made carved images, 3 offering sacrifices to them in the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom. He also [offered] his children in the fire, in the same disgusting way as the nations that Jehovah destroyed from in front of Israel had done. 4 And he burned incense on the high places, on roofs, and under every tree in the woods. 5 As the result, his God Jehovah handed him over to the king of Syria, who attacked him and carried off many prisoners that he took back to Damascus.
He also allowed the king of Israel to bring a great calamity upon him, 6 for PekAh (the son of RemaliJah, the king of Israel) killed a hundred-and-twenty thousand of his strong, might men (all on that same day); which happened because they had left Jehovah the God of their ancestors. 7 Then he executed Zechri (the great man of EphraIm), MaAsa (the king’s son), EzriKan (who was in charge of the king’s palace), and ElKana (the king’s right-hand man); 8 and he carried off three-hundred-thousand Israelite women and children, along with everything of value, to Samaria.
9 Now, there was a Prophet of Jehovah in Samaria whose name was Obed; and when the army of Israel was returning to Samaria, he went out to meet them and said, ‘{Look!} The reason why these people have been given into your hands is because Jehovah the God of your ancestors is angry with Judah. But you have killed them in anger, and [news of this] has reached into the heavens. 10 And now you’re saying that the sons of Judah and Jerusalem can be sold as male and female slaves. But {Look!} here I am among you to testify about this before your God Jehovah. 11 So now, listen to me! Return your brothers who you’ve taken as captives, because now the rage of Jehovah is upon you!’
12 Well, then the leaders of EphraIm (AzariJah the son of JoHanan, BarachiJah the son of MosolamOth, EzekiAs the son of SelLem, and AmasiJah the son of ElDai) said to those who were returning from the war: 13 ‘There’s no way that we will allow you to bring these captives to us, for that would bring a sin against Jehovah upon us. By talking this way, you’re trying to add to our sins and our ignorance. For, we’re already guilty of great sins, and the anger of Jehovah is already upon Israel.’
14 As the result, they released the captured warriors and laid all the loot they had taken before the rulers of the gathering. 15 Then those whose names were called out, took the captives and covered those who were naked with clothing from the loot, tied sandals on their feet, and gave them food to eat and something to clean themselves with. 16 And they mounted all those who were weak upon animals, and took them to Jericho and to The City of Palms, along with the rest of their brothers, and then they went back [home] to Samaria.
17 Later on, King Ahaz sent for the king of Assyria to help him, because the Idumeans had attacked Judah and carried off captives. 18 Then the Philistines attacked his cities in the plains and to the south of Judah, capturing BethSamus, everything in the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and the governors. Then they handed AiLon, GadEron, Sochor and its surrounding towns, Thamna and its surrounding towns, and Gamzo and its surrounding towns over to their king, and they started living there. 19 For, Jehovah was humbling Judah, because their king (Ahaz) had turned away from Him.
20 Then Tiglath-Pileser (the king of Assyria) came and helped him. 21 So Ahaz took the things in the Temple of Jehovah, the things in his palace, and the things that belonged to his governors, and gave it to the king of Assyria… not for his help, 22 but to keep them from attacking him.
Well, King Ahaz continued in his course of [rebellion] against Jehovah, for he then said: ‘I will [ask for help] from the gods of Damascus’ (who were beating him). 23 And he said, ‘Because the gods of the king of Syria are making them strong, I will offer sacrifices to them, and they will help me.’
Well, this became a trap to him and to all Israel.
24 Then Ahaz took everything out of the Temple of Jehovah, cut it all to pieces, and locked the Temple doors. And thereafter, he built altars in every city and corner of Jerusalem, 25 and he erected high places in all the cities of Judah to burn incense to foreign gods, which made Jehovah the God of their ancestors very angry.
26 {Look!} The rest of the things that he said and did are written in the scroll of the kings of Judah and Israel. 27 Then Ahaz went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David… but they didn’t bury him in the tombs of the kings of Israel.
Then his son HezekiJah became king in his place.
Chapter 29
1 HezekiJah was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was AbBa and she was the daughter of ZachariJah.
2 HezekiJah did what was upright before Jehovah, as his ancestor David had done. 3 And after his kingdom was established, in the first month, he reopened the doors to the Temple of Jehovah and had it repaired. 4 Then he brought back the Priests and Levites; he had them assemble on the east side [of the Temple] 5 and said to them: ‘O Levites, listen to me! Now purify yourselves, and then purify the Temple of Jehovah the God of your ancestors. Clear out everything from the Holy Place that’s unclean, 6 because our fathers have been [guilty of] rebellion and they’ve done evil things before our God Jehovah when they abandoned Him and turned their faces away from the Tent of Jehovah, showing Him the backs of their necks!
7 ‘Why, they locked the Temple doors; they extinguished the lamps; they stopped burning the incense; and they stopped sacrificing whole burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel. 8 That’s why Jehovah has been so angry with Judah and Jerusalem, and why He appointed them as something to be wondered at and to be destroyed by Syria… as you can see is happening with your own eyes. 9 Look! Your fathers have been attacked with swords; and your wives, sons, and daughters have been carried off as captives into a land that isn’t their own… and that’s where they are now!
10 ‘So because of these things, you must decide in your hearts to conclude a sacred agreement with Jehovah the God of Israel, for only then will He turn His anger and rage away from you! 11 Don’t give up, because Jehovah has selected you to stand before Him and to serve Him by officiating and burning the incense.’
12 Then all the Levites stood up. From the sons of KoHath there was MaAl (the son of Amasi) and JoEl (the son of AzariJah). From the sons of MeraRi there was Kish (the son of AbDi) and AzariJah (the son of JalLelEl). From the sons of Gershon there was JodaAd (the son of ZemMa) and JoAdam (the son of JoAcha). 13 From the sons of EliSaphan there was Zambri and JeiEl. From the sons of Asaph there was ZachariJah and MathananiJah. 14 From the sons of Heman there was JeiEl and Semei. From the sons of Idithoun there was SamaiJah and OziEl.
15 Then they gathered their brothers and purified themselves as the king had commanded them (and following the directions of Jehovah), so they could cleanse the Temple of Jehovah. 16 And thereafter, the Priests went inside and threw out everything that was unclean in the building and in the courtyards, and then the Levites took it all and threw it outside into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi. 17 Then on that first day of the month, they celebrated their first New Moon festival. 18 And on the eighth day of the month, they went to the Temple of Jehovah and purified it, which took eight days, so they finished the project on the sixteenth day of the month.
18 Then they went to see King HezekiJah and said, ‘We have purified all the things in the House of Jehovah, from the Altar for the whole burnt offerings and its utensils, to the table where the [sacred bread] is placed (along with its utensils), 19 and all the things that King Ahaz defiled during his defection. Everything has been prepared and purified, and look… everything is there in front of Jehovah’s Altar.’
20 Then King HezekiJah got up early the next morning and gathered all the city officials, and they went up to the Temple of Jehovah. 21 They brought along seven calves, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven winter-yearling goats as sin offerings for the kingdom… for the holy things and for Israel. Then he told the Priests (the sons of Aaron) to go up to the Altar of Jehovah, 22 and they sacrificed the calves; and then the Priests collected the blood and poured it on the Altar. Next, they sacrificed the rams and poured their blood on the Altar. Then they sacrificed the lambs and poured their blood on the Altar. 23 Finally, they brought the winter-yearling goats to be sacrificed as sin offerings before the king and the gathering. So everyone placed their hands on [the goats], 24 and the Priests sacrificed them, and then they poured their blood against the Altar to cover the sins of all Israel. For the king said, ‘We are sacrificing these whole burnt offerings and sin offerings [on behalf of] all Israel.’
25 Then the Levites stood in the Temple of Jehovah with their cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds (as King David had instructed them), and the king’s Seer Gad and the Prophet Nathan were also there, following the Commandments of Jehovah (because the order of things was in the hands of the Prophets). 26 So the Levites were standing there with the instruments of David, and the Priests had their trumpets; 27 and when HezekiJah told them to sacrifice the whole burnt offerings on the Altar, they started singing to Jehovah, accompanied by the trumpets and the instruments of David (the king of Israel). 28 Then the whole assembly bowed to the ground as the singers were singing and the trumpets were blowing, until all the whole burnt offerings were sacrificed.
29 Well, as they completed the offering, the king and all his guests bowed to the ground, 30 and King HezekiJah and his dignitaries told the Levites to praise Jehovah in the words of David and the Prophet Asaph. So they sang these praises joyfully, and then they fell to the ground and bowed low.
31 Then HezekiJah [told the people]: ‘Now that you’ve filled your hands for Jehovah, come forward and bring your sacrifices of praise to the Temple of Jehovah!’ And the people eagerly started bringing their sacrifices of praise to the Temple as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah… 32 the gathering offered seventy calves, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah. 33 They also set aside as holy some six hundred calves and three thousand sheep.
34 Well, because there were so few Priests, they were unable to cut up all the whole burnt offerings, so their brothers the Levites had to assist them until all the work was done and all the Priests were purified… for the Levites had been more eager to purify themselves than were the Priests. 35 But there were more than enough of the whole burnt offerings, fat for the sacred deliverance offerings, and drink offerings, so the work in the Temple of Jehovah had begun. 36 And HezekiJah and all the people were so joyful because God had prepared the people… and suddenly communication with Him was reestablished.
Chapter 30
1 Then HezekiJah sent letters to all Israel and Judah, as well as letters to EphraIm and ManasSeh, inviting them to come to the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem to observe the Passover to Jehovah the God of Israel. 2 Then the king and his governors laid plans for the entire assembly to come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover in the second month, 3 because they hadn’t been able to celebrate it at the correct time (since the Priests weren’t sufficiently purified and the people hadn’t gathered in Jerusalem).
4 Well, this all pleased the king and the [people] so much 5 that they decided to send a proclamation throughout Israel (from BeerSheba to Dan), inviting everyone there to come and observe the Passover to Jehovah the God of Israel in Jerusalem, because most of them hadn’t responded to the [first] letters. 6 So they sent runners with letters from the king and his governors into all Israel and Judah (following the king’s orders), saying, ‘Sons of Israel; Return to Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for He will return to those who have escaped and survived the hand of the king of Assyria. 7 Don’t be like your ancestors and your brothers who turned away from Jehovah the God of their fathers, for He handed them over for destruction, as you can see.
8 ‘Don’t stiffen your necks as your fathers did; give glory to Jehovah God! Come to the Holy Place that He made holy through the ages, and serve your God Jehovah, and then He will turn His rage and anger away from you. 9 For when you return to Jehovah, your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by those who have taken them captive, and He will return this land to you. Because, Jehovah our God is merciful and He feels pity, so He won’t turn His face from us if we return to Him.’
10 Well, the runners traveled from city to city throughout the mountains of EphraIm and ManasSeh and into ZebuLun; and everywhere people made fun of them and ridiculed them. 11 However, some of the men of Asher, ManasSeh, and ZebuLun did feel ashamed, and they came to Judah and into Jerusalem; 12 and the hand of God gave them a united heart to do as the king and his governors had ordered… to follow the instructions of Jehovah.
13 Then they all gathered in Jerusalem, and so many people attended to observe the celebration of the fermentation-free bread in that (the second) month, [turned into] a huge assembly. 14 And thereafter, everyone got up and demolished all the [pagan] altars in Jerusalem and they tore down all the altars on which they had burned incense to their lying idols, and threw them into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi. Then they sacrificed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month.
15 Well, the Priests and the Levites all felt ashamed, so they purified themselves and carried whole burnt offerings into the Temple of Jehovah. 16 Then each one took his station and handled his responsibilities, just as Moses (the man of God) had commanded, and the Priests received the [sacrificial] blood from the hands of the Levites, 17 because many of them had been purified. However, not all of the Levites who were to sacrifice the Passover had yet been purified to Jehovah, 18 because most of the people that had come from EphraIm, ManasSeh, IsSachar, and ZebuLun had not purified themselves. Yet, they ate the Passover, which was contrary to the Scriptures.
19 Then HezekiJah prayed for them, saying, ‘Jehovah, the good God; [Please] cover [the sins] of those of us who have straightened our hearts to search for You, the God of our ancestors, and who haven’t been purified as the Holy Things have been purified.’
20 Well, Jehovah listened to HezekiJah and healed the people. 21 Then all the sons of Israel who were found in Jerusalem celebrated the holiday of the fermentation-free bread for seven days with great joy, singing praises to Jehovah each day, as the Priests and Levites played their instruments to the Lord.
22 Then, at the conclusion of the holiday of the fermentation-free bread loaves (at the end of seven days of sacrificing for salvation and for praising Jehovah the God of their ancestors), HezekiJah spoke to the hearts of the Levites and to all who were searching for Jehovah with a pure heart. 23 And thereafter, the entire assembly agreed to observe it for another seven days… so they joyfully celebrated for seven more days!
24 Then HezekiJah dedicated a thousand calves and seven thousand sheep on behalf of those who had assembled from Judah, and the governors dedicated a thousand calves and ten thousand sheep on behalf of the people, and [they gave] many holy things to the Priests. 25 So everyone was happy – the Priests, the Levites, the whole assembly of Judah, and everyone else that was found in Jerusalem, including the foreigners who had come from the land of Israel and those who were living in Judah. 26 It was a joyful day in Jerusalem, for there hadn’t been one like it since the days of Solomon, the son of David, the king of Israel.
27 Then the Levite priests got up and blest the people… and the things they said were heard, because their prayers reached to the Sacred Home in the heavens.
Chapter 31
1 After that, all the Israelites in the cities of Judah broke down the monuments, they knocked down the sacred poles, and they tore down the high places [of worship] and the shrines throughout Judea, BenJamin, EphraIm, and ManasSeh, until they were all gone. Then all Israel returned to the land and cities of their inheritance.
2 And HezekiJah reestablished the different responsibilities and the daily rotations of the Priests and Levites for sacrificing the whole burnt offerings, for offering sacrifices of salvation, and for praising, acknowledging, and officiating at the gates and courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah. 3 He also set aside a portion of his own possessions as whole burnt offerings to be sacrificed early in the morning, at dusk, on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the holidays, as it was written in the Law of Jehovah.
4 Then they spoke to the people who lived in Jerusalem about giving their due portion to the Priests and Levites, so they could do more in their service at the Temple of Jehovah. 5 He also sent word to the many sons of Israel to bring in the first fruits of their grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and the offspring of their fields; and a huge number from Israel and Judah brought their tenth portion. 6 Also, those from the cities of Judah brought a tenth of their calves, sheep, and goats, which they [offered] as holy to their God Jehovah… they brought it all in and piled it in heaps upon heaps.
7 It was the third month when they started the heaped piles of [offerings], which they stopped doing in the seventh month. 8 And when HezekiJah and his governors came and saw all the heaps, they praised Jehovah and His people Israel. 9 Then HezekiJah asked the Priests and the Levites about the heaps, 10 and thereafter he spoke to AzariJah (the High Priest and the head of the house of Zadok) and said, ‘When the first-fruits were brought to the Temple of Jehovah, we ate and drank; but we left a huge amount behind, and this is because Jehovah has blest His people… for we still have a lot left over.’
11 Then HezekiJah told him to prepare a place for it in the Temple of Jehovah, which he did, 12 and they carried in all the remaining first fruits and tenth portions and stored them away. Then the Levite CononiJah was put in charge of it all, and his brother Shimei was assigned as his assistant, 13 as were JeiEl, OzaZiJah, NaEth, AsahEl, JeriMoth, JoZabad, EliEl, SamachiJah, MaAth, and BenaiJah and his sons. They were all assigned under CononiJah and his brother Shimei, by King HezekiJah and AzariJah (the head of the Temple of Jehovah).
14 JemNa, the Levite who was in charge of the east gate, was then put in charge of distributing the gifts, the first-fruits that were donated to Jehovah, and the holy things in the Holy of Holies 15 that were brought by the singers, and from BenJamin, JeShua, Shimei, AmariJah, and SechoniJah, and the things that the Priests had stored away. Then he divide it among the Priests by the size of their families (counting all males from three years and up) and their daily rotations, 16 regardless of their genealogy, and gave it to all those who served at the Temple of Jehovah by the number of days that they actually served in the arrangement of the daily rotations. 17 It was also distributed among the Levites (by houses and families) who were twenty-years-old and older, by their arrangement of daily rotations, 18 classifications, genealogies, and by the number of sons and daughters they had, because they were entrusted with purifying the Holy Place.
19 Among the sons of Aaron (those who served as the officiating Priests from each of the cities), all the men were given assignments as Priests, as were those who were considered Levites. 20 HezekiJah did this throughout all Judea, and everything he did was good and upright before his God Jehovah. 21 In all that he did – whether it was work at the Temple of Jehovah, or having to do with the Law or the instructions – he relied upon his God with his whole soul, and his ways were blest.
Chapter 32
1 Well after these things were said, these facts came to the attention of Sennacherib the king of Assyria. So he marched into Judah and camped around its walled cities, and talked about conquering them.
2 Now, when HezekiJah saw that Sennacherib had come, and that he intended to wage a war with Jerusalem, 3 he met with his councilors and generals, and discussed ways to stop up the springs and streams that were outside the city wall… and they vigorously assisted him. 4 So he recruited a large number of people and stopped up the waters of the springs, as well as the river that runs [in front] of the city. For they asked, ‘Should the king of Assyria find a lot of water and grow strong?’
5 Then HezekiJah strengthened himself by rebuilding all the walls that had been torn down and all the battle towers. In fact, he built a perimeter wall around the city wall. He also strengthened the citadel in the City of David, and he made many other preparations. 6 Then he declared Marshall Law, and he gathered all his military leaders in the square at the gate that leads into the valley, and he spoke to their hearts, saying, 7 ‘Be manly and strong! Don’t allow the king of Assyria to frighten of terrify you – or any of those nations that are marching with him – because there are more with us than there are with him. 8 For, while those who are with him have arms of flesh, we have our God Jehovah to save us and to fight our battles!’
Well, the words of HezekiJah the king of Judah inspired confidence in the people. 9 But then Sennacherib (the king of Assyria) sent his personal servants to Jerusalem (while he was marching on [the city of] LachIsh with his entire army). Then they spoke to HezekiJah and to all the Judeans who were gathered in Jerusalem, saying, 10 ‘This is what Sennacherib the king of the Assyrians has said: What are you people relying on that you’ve all [fled] to the stronghold of Jerusalem? 11 Has HezekiJah deceived you into thinking that he can save you from hunger, thirst, and death by telling you that your God Jehovah will save you from the hands of the king of Assyria?
12 ‘Isn’t this the HezekiJah who tore down His altars and high places of worship, and said to Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem, Now bow before this Altar, and here is where you should burn incense? 13 Why, don’t you know what my ancestors and I have done to similar people? None of the gods of any of the other nations of the earth was able to save their people from my hand! 14 Which of any of the gods of these nations that my ancestors and I destroyed were able to rescue their people from my hands? So, how can your God save you from my hands?
15 ‘Now, don’t allow HezekiJah to fool you and persuade you to do what he says… don’t trust him! For there’s no way that any god of any nation or kingdom can save his people from my hands; and there’s no way that your God will save you from my hands.’
16 Well, they continued speaking against Jehovah God and His servant HezekiJah. 17 And he even wrote a letter to berate Jehovah the God of Israel, and said concerning Him, ‘No other god of any nation on earth has rescued his people from my hand, so there’s no way that the God of HezekiJah will save his people from me!’
18 Then he yelled in the Jewish language at the people of Jerusalem who were manning the walls, and he told them to tear down the walls so he could take the city. 19 And he [again] spoke against the God of Jerusalem and against the gods of all the people of the earth (those that men made with their hands).
20 Well, King HezekiJah and the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) prayed about these things, calling into the heavens. 21 Then Jehovah sent a messenger, and he wiped out all the mighty warriors, all the rulers, and all the leaders in the camp of the king of Assyria, so he was forced to return to his own land in shame. And when he went to the temple of his god, those who came from his own belly overthrew him, [murdering] him with a broadsword.
22 So Jehovah saved HezekiJah and the people who were living in Jerusalem from the hands of Sennacherib the king of Assyria (as well as all who were with him), and He provided a period of rest throughout the land. 23 And thereafter, many people brought gifts to Jehovah in Jerusalem, and they brought presents to HezekiJah the king of Judah; for after that, he was highly respected by all the other nations.
24 Sometime later, HezekiJah became ill to the point of dying, and he prayed to Jehovah, and God heard him and gave him a sign. 25 However, HezekiJah didn’t repay [God] in the way that [God] had dealt with him; for he became proud in his heart, and this brought [God’s] anger upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But then God humbled the proud hearts of HezekiJah and those who lived in Jerusalem, and Jehovah’s anger didn’t come again during the days of HezekiJah.
27 So HezekiJah became very rich and very famous. He filled his treasuries with silver, gold, precious gems, aromatics, weapons, and all sorts of desirable things. 28 His cities had all types of produce, such as grain, wine, and olive oil; and his towns had stables for all sorts of animals and huge pens for the flocks [of sheep]. 29 Then he built cities for himself, and he came to own vast herds of sheep and oxen, for [Jehovah had blest] all his holdings.
30 Why, it was HezekiJah who blocked up the upper [spring] of Gihon and rerouted it to the south of the city of David, and all of HezekiJah’s projects prospered.
31 Well, it so happened that ambassadors were sent to him from the rulers of Babylon to ask about the miracle that had taken place in his land, and that’s when Jehovah left him (as a test), to find out the things that were in his heart.
32 {Look!} All of the rest of the things that HezekiJah said (and of his mercy) are written in the prophecy of IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) the Prophet, and in the scroll of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 Then HezekiJah went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb along the road up to the tombs of the sons of David. All the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem showed him great honor after he died.
Then his son ManasSeh started reigning in his place.
Chapter 33
1 ManasSeh was twelve-years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. 2 However, he acted wickedly before Jehovah and did the same disgusting things as the nations that Jehovah had destroyed before the sons of Israel. 3 He returned and rebuilt the high places [of worship] that his father HezekiJah had torn down; he erected columns to Baal Im; he erected sacred poles; and he bowed before and served all the armies of the heavens. 4 He even built altars inside the Temple of Jehovah, the place where Jehovah said, ‘[I will put] My Name in Jerusalem through the ages.’ 5 And he erected altars to all the armies of the heavens inside the Temple courtyards. 6 Then he [sacrificed] his children in the fire at GeHenna; he [personally] foretold the future; he administered potions and went to fortunetellers; and he did many other bad things before Jehovah to anger Him.
7 He also carved and molded images and placed them inside the very Temple of God where Jehovah had said to David and to his son Solomon, ‘I have chosen this House and Jerusalem from all the tribes of Israel, and I will put My Name here through the ages. 8 And I will not shake the foot of Israel from this land that I gave to their ancestors, as long as they’re careful to do all the things that I’ve instructed them, and they follow the Laws, orders, and decisions that they were given by the hand of Moses.’
9 So ManasSeh misled Judah and the people of Jerusalem into acting worse than all the nations who Jehovah had removed from before the sons of Israel. 10 And Jehovah spoke to ManasSeh and his people, but they just wouldn’t listen. 11 So Jehovah led the rulers of the army of the king of Assyria against them, and they captured ManasSeh and put him shackles, then led him off to Babylon. 12 And it was while he was in this terrible situation that he finally searched for the face of Jehovah his God, and he became very humble before the God of his ancestors. 13 He prayed to Him, and [God listened]… He heard his cries and returned him to Jerusalem [as king] over his kingdom, for ManasSeh had learned that Jehovah is God.
14 After that, he built a wall outside the city of David, from Gihon in the south, along the [Kidron] Wadi, and all the way around to the Fisherman’s Gate. He also had a huge number of weapons [made], and he assigned generals and troops to each of the walled cities of Judah.
15 Then he removed the foreign gods and carved images from the Temple of Jehovah, as well as all the altars that he had built on the mountain where the Temple of Jehovah was located (as well as in Jerusalem and outside the city); 16 and then he erected an Altar to Jehovah. Thereafter, he sacrificed a salvation offering and a praise offering, and he told Judah to serve Jehovah the God of Israel. 17 However, the people kept on offering sacrifices in the high places, which weren’t acceptable to their God Jehovah.
18 {Look!} The rest of the things that ManasSeh said, and of his prayer to God, and the [warnings from] the Seers who spoke to him in the Name of the Lord God of Israel, 19 and of how he prayed and God listened to him, and of all his sins and defections, and of the locations of the high places that he built, and of the sacred poles and the images he erected before he returned [to God], are written in the words of the Seers.
20 Then ManasSeh went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the garden [behind] his palace. And his son Amon started ruling in his place.
21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for two years. 22 Like his father ManasSeh, he acted wickedly before Jehovah, because he worshiped and sacrificed to all the idols that his father had made, 23 and he was never humbled before Jehovah, as his father ManasSeh was humbled; so he committed even worse sins than his father had. 24 But his servants attacked and killed him in his palace, and then the people of the land attacked those who had killed King Amon, and they appointed his son JosiJah as king in his place.
Chapter 34
1 JosiJah was eight years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. 2 He did what was upright before Jehovah and followed in the ways of his ancestor David… he didn’t deviate to the right or to the left.
3 It was in the eighth year of his reign (while he was still a boy) that he started searching for Jehovah, the God of his ancestor David. And in the twelfth year of his reign, he started cleansing Judah and Jerusalem of the high places [of worship], the sacred poles, the shrines, and the molded images. 4 He totally destroyed the things that were before his face… the altars and high places of Baal Im, as well as all those who were in charge of them. He cut down the sacred poles and carved images, and he had the molded images crushed to a fine powder, and then threw their dust on the tombs of those who had sacrificed to them. 5 He also incinerated the bones of the priests on their own altars, and cleaned up Judah and Jerusalem.
6 Then he did the same thing throughout the cities of ManasSeh, EphraIm, Simeon, and NaphTali, and all the places around them. 7 He tore down the altars and the sacred poles, and he cut the idols into fine pieces. Then he beat down all the high places throughout the land of Israel, and he returned to Jerusalem.
8 It was during the eighteenth year of his reign that he urged a cleansing of the land and of the Temple; so he sent Saphan (the son of EseliJa), MaAsa (the city mayor), and the City Recorder JoAh (the son of JoAhaz) to repair the Temple of his God Jehovah. 9 Then they went to the High Priest HelkiJah and gave him the money that had been collected by the Levites at the gates, which had been donated to the Temple by those from ManasSeh, EphraIm, the governors, and all the rest of Judah, BenJamin, Israel, and the people of Jerusalem. 10 They gave it to those who were in charge of doing the work in the Temple of Jehovah, to repair and fortify it; 11 and they in turn, gave it to the builders and contractors to buy blocks of cut stone and wooden beams for the roof, for all of that had been destroyed by the kings of Judah.
12 Now, the overseers who were in charge of the men that supervised the construction were Jeth and ObadiJah (Levites who were descendants of MeraRi), and ZachariJah and MosSalam (descendants of KoHath). However, all the Levites, including the musicians and singers, kept an eye on the project, 13 while the Levite scribes, gatekeepers, and judges watched over the laborers and their foremen.
14 It was while they were delivering the money that had been collected for the Temple of Jehovah that the High Priest HelkiJah found a scroll of the Law of Jehovah that [had been written] by the hand of Moses. 15 And HelkiJah said to Saphan (the scribe), ‘We’ve found the scroll of the Law in the Temple of Jehovah!’
Then HelkiJah gave the scroll to Saphan, 16 and he carried it to the king and said, ‘All your servants have been paid for doing their work. 17 They also melted down the silver that was found in the Temple of Jehovah and used it to pay the overseers and laborers.’
18 Then the Scribe Saphan gave the king the [good news]. He said: ‘This scroll was given to me by HelkiJah the Priest.’ And then he read it before the king.
19 Well, when the king heard the words of the Law, he started ripping his clothes. 20 Then he gave orders to HelkiJah, AchiKam (the son of Saphan), AbDon (the son MichaiJah), Saphan (the scribe), and his personal servant AsaiJah, saying, 21 ‘Go and ask Jehovah about the things that are written in this scroll we found, on behalf of myself and everyone who is left in Israel and Judah. For, Jehovah’s rage must surely be burning against us, because we’ve ignored what our ancestors told us about the words of Jehovah when they told us to do the things that are written in this scroll.’
22 So HelkiJah (and the others that the king had called) went to see the Prophetess HuldAh (the wife of SelLem, the son of ThekoE and grandson of Aras, the one who was in charge of guarding the Commandments). She lived in Jerusalem, in the second section. And they told her everything that had happened.
23 Then she told them, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: Tell the man who sent you to me 24 that Jehovah says [He is] calling down evil upon this place because of the things that are written in this scroll, which was read before the king of Judah. 25 For, they have abandoned Me and burned incense to foreign gods to make Me angry at things they made with their hands. So, My rage is burning against this place, and it won’t be extinguished.
26 ‘And tell this to the King of Judah who sent you to search for Jehovah… tell him that Jehovah the God of Israel says: 27 Because you felt shame in your heart over the words that you heard, and because you humbled yourself before Me when you heard what I said about this place and those who live here, and because you were humbled and ripped your clothes, then wept before Me, I have listened to you. And Jehovah said, 28 {Look!} I will count you among your ancestors and send you to your tomb in peace. So, your eyes won’t see any of the bad things that I will bring upon this place and upon those who live here.’
Thereafter, they brought the message back to the king, 29 and then the king gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem, 30 and they went to the Temple of Jehovah, along with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem (including the Priests and Levites)… all the people from the least to the greatest. Then he read all the words of the scroll of the Sacred Agreement that were found in the Temple of Jehovah.
31 Then the king stood on the podium and proposed a sacred agreement there before Jehovah… that they would obey His Commandments, testimonies, and orders with their entire hearts and souls, so as to observe the words of the Agreement that were written in the scroll. 32 Then he asked all in Jerusalem, Judah, and BenJamin to ratify this agreement with the Temple of Jehovah the God of their ancestors.
33 Thereafter, JosiJah removed all the disgusting things from the land that the sons of Israel had made, and he decreed that everyone in Jerusalem and Israel should serve Jehovah their God. And throughout his life, he didn’t turn aside from following Jehovah the God of his ancestors.
Chapter 35
1 Then JosiJah observed the Passover to his God Jehovah… he offered the Passover sacrifice on the fourteenth day of the first month.
2 He stationed the Priests at their watches, and granted them even more power to do their work at the Temple of Jehovah. 3 Then he urged the most prominent Levites in all Israel to dedicate themselves to serving Jehovah, and to return the Holy Chest [to its place] in the Temple… and that’s what they did. They put the Holy Chest into the Temple that was built by Solomon (the son of David) the king of Israel. Then the king said to them, ‘It isn’t your job to be carrying anything on your shoulders… you’re just to serve your God Jehovah and His people Israel!
4 ‘Now, prepare the houses of your families to handle your daily rotations according to the way it was written by David, the king of Israel, and by the hand of his son Solomon. 5 Then take your stations in the Temple by your houses and families, so you can [help] your brothers, the sons of the people. Select some from each house of the families of the Levites, 6 then sacrifice the Passover and prepare the holy things, so that your brothers may observe it as Jehovah instructed through the hand of Moses.’
7 Then JosiJah dedicated some thirty-thousand sheep, lambs, and goat kids for the Passover (on behalf of the sons of the people), as well as three thousand calves, which had all belonged to the king. 8 Then his governors dedicated [animals] on behalf of the people, and brought them to the Priests and Levites. However, HelkiJah, ZachariJah, and JeiEl (the Chief Priests at the Temple of God) also offered two thousand, six hundred sheep, lambs and goat kids, and three hundred calves for the Passover. 9 And ConaniJah, BenaiJah, SamaiJah, his brother NathaniEl, AsabiJah, JeiEl, and JoZabad (the heads of the Levites) dedicated five thousand sheep and five hundred calves on behalf of the Levites for the Passover.
10 Then everything was arranged. The Priests took their stations; the Levites handled their assignments as they were commanded by the king; 11 and they sacrificed the Passover… the Priests poured out the blood, and the Levites did the cutting and skinning, 12 as they prepared the whole burnt offerings. And then they delivered the portions to the sons of the people by houses and families, so they could bring them to Jehovah, as it is written in the book of Moses. This whole thing lasted into the morning. 13 Then, following the Law, they roasted the Passover on a fire, while the holy pieces were boiled in brass pots and kettles.
Everything went well, so they ran and [distributed the pieces] among the sons of the people.
14 Then the Priests prepared to sacrifice whole burnt offerings on behalf of themselves, and the fat was burned for themselves and their brothers (the sons of Aaron) until that night.
15 Then the singers and musicians (the sons of Asaph) took their stations… following the instructions of David, Asaph, Heman, and JediThun (the king’s Prophets), and the gatekeepers and their supervisors manned their gates, so they didn’t have to go anywhere to offer their holy things, because their brothers the Levites prepared it for them.
16 So, everything was set up for the service to Jehovah and to observe the Passover on that day. Then the whole burnt offerings were placed on the Altar of Jehovah, following the commands of King JosiJah. 17 And all the sons of Israel who were present for the Passover, celebrated the holiday of the fermentation-free bread for seven days. 18 There hadn’t been another day like it in Israel since the time of the Prophet SamuEl, because the kings of Israel hadn’t observed the Passover… but JosiJah did. And the Priests, Levites, all Judah and Israel, and everyone who lived in Jerusalem [was there before Jehovah].
19 This Passover was observed in the eighteenth year of the reign of JosiJah. However, the oracles, fortunetellers, family gods, idols, and beloved things were still common in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. So King JosiJah had them all burned, following the Law that was written in the scroll that the High Priest HelkiJah had found in the Temple of Jehovah. There was never anyone else like him who had turned to Jehovah with his whole heart, soul, and strength in following the Law of Moses; nor was there anyone like him thereafter.
However, even this didn’t turn away Jehovah’s great anger and rage, because of the many ways in which Judah and ManasSeh had provoked Jehovah. For Jehovah said, ‘I will for a fact remove Judah from before My face as I removed Israel; and I will push away Jerusalem (the city that I chose) and the Temple where I said that I would put My Name.’
20 Then Pharaoh Necho (the king of Egypt) attacked the king of Assyria at the EuPhrates River, and King JosiJah went to fight against him. 21 So [Necho] sent messengers to him, saying, ‘What have I done to you, O king of Judah? For, I haven’t come to wage war against you today; I’m fighting my battle here, because God told me to come here quickly. Be careful, because God is with me, and He can also ruin you.’
22 Well, JosiJah didn’t turn back… he got ready to wage war, and he refused to listen to the words of Necho (that came from mouth of God), so he marched into the plains of MegidDo. 23 Then a bowman shot King JosiJah, and he said to his servants, ‘Lead me away, because I’m in a lot of pain.’
24 So his servants took him out of his chariot and put him in a second chariot that was nearby, and took him to Jerusalem, where he died. Then he was buried in a tomb with his ancestors, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned him.
25 [The Prophet] JeremiJah also mourned over JosiJah, and he spoke a dirge to all the governors and rulers over JosiJah that is still spoken to this day, for they told Israel to say: ‘Look! It is written in the Lamentations.’
26 {Look!} The rest of the things that JosiJah said and hoped for concerning the Law of Jehovah – 27 all his words, from first to last – are written in the scroll of the kings of Israel and Judah.
Chapter 36
1 Then the people of the land took JehoAhaz (JosiJah’s son) and anointed him as king over Jerusalem, in place of his father.
2 JehoAhaz was twenty-three years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for three months. His mother’s name was AmiTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiJah of Lobena. He acted wickedly before Jehovah, as his ancestors had done. Then Pharaoh Necho had him imprisoned in DebLatha (in the land of HamAth), so he couldn’t serve as his vassal in Jerusalem. 3 And thereafter, he took him to Egypt and required [the people of Israel] to pay him thirty-tons of silver and sixty-pounds of gold.
4 Then Pharaoh Necho put JosiJah’s son EliAkim on the throne of Judah, and changed his name to JehoiAkim. But Pharaoh Necho took his brother JehoAhaz to Egypt, where he died. Then [JehoiAkim] paid the silver and gold to the Pharaoh, and a tax was imposed on the land by the word of Pharaoh. Each person was required to hand over his silver and gold (as they were able) to Pharaoh Necho.
5 JehoiAkim was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother’s name was ZechOra, and she was the daughter of NerYow from Rama. He also acted wickedly before Jehovah… every bit as bad as his ancestors did.
It was during his reign that NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) came to the land and made him his vassal king for three years. But he rebelled against him, and then Jehovah sent the Chaldeans (as well as bands of Syrian robbers, bands of Moabite robbers, the sons of Ammon, and [the people of] Samaria) against him. However, they left after Jehovah had sent a warning to them through His servants the Prophets.
Yet, Jehovah was still in a rage against Judah, because of the sins of ManasSeh and all the things he did, and because of all the innocent blood that JehoiAkim had spilled (he had filled Jerusalem with the blood of the innocent), so He planned to remove Judah from before His face. However, Jehovah didn’t want to destroy everyone.
6 Then NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) attacked [JehoiAkim] and took him off to Babylon in shackles, 7 along with many things from the Temple of Jehovah, which he put into his own temple in Babylon.
8 {Look!} The rest of the things that JehoiAkim said and did were written in the scroll of the words of the days of the kings of Judah. Then JehoiAkim went to sleep with his ancestors, and he was buried in a tomb at GanOza with his ancestors; so his son JehoiAchin started reigning in his place.
9 JehoiAchin was eighteen years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for three months and ten days, for he acted wickedly in the presence of Jehovah. 10 Then, toward the end of the year, king NebuChadnezzar carried him off to Babylon, along with many valuable things from the Temple of Jehovah, and his uncle ZedekiJah became king over Judah and Jerusalem.
11 ZedekiJah was twenty-one years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for seven years. 12 He also acted wickedly before his God Jehovah, and when the Prophet JeremiJah brought him word from the mouth of Jehovah, he wasn’t shamed. 13 Then he annulled his allegiance to King NebuChadnezzar, which he had sworn before God… he just stiffened his neck and [hardened] his heart, and he refused to return to Jehovah the God of Israel.
14 Thereafter, the honorable men of Judah, the Priests, and the people of the land just got worse. They traded goodness for the wickedness and disgusting things of the nations, and they defiled the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem. 15 So Jehovah, the God of their ancestors, sent messages through His Prophets. They got up early each morning and brought [warnings] to spare His people and His Holy Place. 16 But all [the people] did was sneer at His messengers, treat their words with contempt, and mock His Prophets, to the point where Jehovah was furious with His people and it was [obvious] that there was no cure.
17 So He brought the king of the Chaldeans against them, and their young men were slaughtered with broadswords. They didn’t spare His Holy Place or ZedekiJah, nor did they show mercy to the virgins. All the elders were captured and carried away, 18 and everything in the Temple of God (both large and small) – all its treasures – as well as all the treasures of the king and everyone of importance, was carried off to Babylon. 19 Then he burned the Temple of Jehovah, tore down the walls of Jerusalem, torched its palaces, and wiped away everything that was of any beauty.
20 Then he carried off everyone who was left to Babylon, where they served as slaves for him and his sons… until the Medes came along 21 and fulfilled the words of Jehovah through JeremiJah, and after the land had observed its Sabbaths. For, during the seventy years that the land lay desolate, it was observing its Sabbath.
22 It was in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, after the fulfillment of the words of Jehovah through the mouth of JeremiJah, that Jehovah awakened the spirit of Cyrus and commanded him to send a written proclamation throughout his kingdom, that said: 23 ‘Cyrus the king of Persia says, All the kingdoms of the earth have been given to me by Jehovah the God of heaven, and He told me to build a Temple to Him in Jerusalem in Judea. So, who of you are His people? His God Jehovah is now with him, so let him [now return to Jerusalem]!’
Ezra
Chapter 1
1 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Word of Jehovah came through the mouth of [the Prophet] JeremiJah to awaken the spirit of King Cyrus. 2 Then he sent a written proclamation throughout his kingdom that said, ‘This is what Cyrus the king of Persia has decreed: All the kingdoms of the earth have been given to me by Jehovah the God of heaven, and He told me to build a Temple to Him in Jerusalem of Judea. 3 So, who of you are His people? His God Jehovah is now with him; so let him [return to Jerusalem] and build a Temple for the God of Israel, for He is the God in Jerusalem. 4 So, all the Judeans should leave the places where they’ve been staying and take up a collection of silver and gold, as well as things from among their belongings and their cattle, [to rebuild] the Temple of God in Jerusalem.’
5 Then the family heads of Judah and BenJamin, and the Priests and Levites – everyone whose spirit God had awakened to go and build a Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem – got up and left. 6 And all those who were [living among] them filled their hands with silver, gold, belongings, cattle, and gifts, in addition to their own offerings. 7 Then King Cyrus brought out the things from the Temple of Jehovah that NebuChadNezzar had taken from Jerusalem and put in the temple of his god, 8 and he sent them by the hand of his Royal Treasurer MithraDates, who counted everything and gave it to SasaBasar, the ruler of Judah. 9 And this is what was sent:
· Thirty wine-chillers of gold
· Thirty wine-chillers of silver
· Twenty-nine sacrificial knives
· Thirty gold washbasins
· 10 Four hundred-and-ten double-silver items
· A thousand other items
· 11 And a total of five thousand-four hundred smaller things of silver and gold.
SasaBasar took it all from Babylon to Jerusalem for the resettlement.
Chapter 2
1 These are the ones who returned from Babylon to resettle Judah and Jerusalem, [whose families] had been relocated by NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon)… each returned to his own city. 2 Those who returned with ZerubBabel were JoShua, NehemiJah, SeraiJah, ReElaiJah, MardecAi, BilShan, MizPar, BigVai, Rehum, and BaAna.
In numbers, the people of Israel included 3 two thousand, one hundred-and-seventy-two from Parosh; 4 three hundred-and-seventy-two from ShephatiJah; 5 seven hundred-and-seventy-five from Arah; 6 two thousand, eight hundred-and-twelve from Pahath Moab (descendants of JoShua and JoAb); 7 a thousand, two hundred-and-fifty-four from Elam; 8 nine hundred-and-forty-five from ZatTu; 9 seven hundred-and-sixty from ZacCai; 10 six hundred-and-forty-two from Bani; 11 six hundred-and-twenty-three from BaeAi; 12 a thousand, two hundred-and-twenty from AzGad; 13 six hundred-and-sixty-six from AdoniKam; 14 two thousand, fifty-six from BigVai; 15 four hundred-and-fifty-four from Adin; 16 ninety-eight from Ater (descendants of HezekiJah); 17 three hundred-and-twenty-three from BezAi; 18 a hundred-and-twelve from JoRah; 19 two hundred-and-twenty-three from Hashum; 20 ninety-five from GibBar; 21 a hundred-and-twenty-three from BethLehem; 22 fifty-six from NetoPhah; 23 a hundred-and-twenty-eight from AnathOth; 24 forty-three from AzMaveth; 25 seven hundred-and-forty-three from Kiriath JaIrim, Chaphira, and BeerOth; 26 six hundred-and-twenty-one from Rama and GabaA; 27 a hundred-and-twenty-two men of MichMash; 28 two hundred-and-twenty-three men of BethEl; 29 fifty-two from Nebo; 30 a hundred-and-fifty-six from MagBish; 31 a thousand, two hundred-and-fifty-four from Elam; 32 three hundred-and-twenty from Harim; 33 seven hundred-and-twenty-five from Lod, Hadid, and Ono; 34 three hundred-and-forty-five from Jericho; 35 three thousand, six hundred-and-thirty from SenaAh; 36 nine hundred-and-seventy-three priests of the house of JoShua from JedaiJah; 37 a thousand, fifty-two from ImMer; 38 a thousand, two hundred-and-forty-seven from Pashur; 39 a thousand and seven from Harim.
40 There were seventy-four Levites who were descendants of JoShua and KadmiEl from HoDaviJah; 41 a hundred-and-twenty-eight singers from the family of Asaph; 42 a hundred-and-thirty-nine gatekeepers from of ShalLum, Ater, Telmon, AkKub, HatiTa, and ShobAi; 43 then there were the Nethinim from Siha, HaSupha, TabaOth, 44 Keros, SiaHa, Padon, 45 LebanAh, HagAbah, AkKub, 46 HagAb, ShalmAi, Hanan, 47 GidDel, Gahar, ReaJah, 48 Rezin, and twelve from Nekoda and GazZam; 49 and from Uzza, PaseAh, BesAi, 50 AsNah, Mehunim, Nephousim, 51 BakBuk, HakUpha, HarHur, 52 BazLuth, MehiDa, HarSha, 53 Barkos, Sisera, ThamAh, 54 NeziJah, HatiPha; 55 and descendants of the servants of Solomon from SotAi. From SopherEth there were: Peruda 56 of JaAlah, DarKon, GidDel, 57 ShephatiJah, HatTil, PocherEth, Zebaim, and Ami.
58 Altogether, there were three hundred-and-ninety-two Nethinim and descendants of the servants of Solomon.
59 Those who came from TelMelah, TelHarsa, Cherub, AdDan, and ImMer were unable to report on their houses and children… that is, if they even are Israelites.
60 There were six hundred-and-fifty-two from TobiJah and NekoDa.
61 And the information on the priests from HabaiJah, Koz, and BarZillAi who married women from BarZillAi (in Gilead) [used to] be in the records there, 62 but when they went looking for their genealogical records, they couldn’t find them, so they were suspended from the priesthood. 63 For, AtherSastha said to them: ‘You may not eat from the Holy of Holies until a Priest returns from the Lights and Perfections (Urim and Thumim?) to [tell us what to do].
64 Altogether, there were forty-two thousand, three hundred-and-sixty who returned, 65 plus seven thousand, three hundred-and-thirty-seven male and female servants, and two hundred male and female singers. 66 They brought back seven hundred-and-thirty-six horses, two hundred-and-forty-five mules, 67 four hundred-and-thirty-five camels, and six thousand, seven hundred-and-twenty burros.
68 The family heads who went to the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem that were willing and able to contribute to its reconstruction, contributed 69 sixty-one thousand gold coins and five thousand silver coins, plus a hundred outfits for the Priests, which they gave to the treasury. 70 However, the Priests, Levites, [dedicated] people, singers, gatekeepers, and Nethinim went and lived in their own cities, as did all Israel.
Chapter 3
1 Well it was the seventh month, and the sons of Israel were in their cities, but then the people were brought together into Jerusalem as one man. 2 And JoShua (the son of JoZadak), his brothers the priests, and ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) and his brothers, got up and built an Altar to the God of Israel, on which to offer whole burnt offerings (as it was written in the Law of Moses, the man of God). 3 They prepared the Altar in a [special] place, because they were afraid of the people in the land, and they brought the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah from morning until evening.
4 Thereafter, they observed the holiday of the Tents, following the written instructions, and offered whole burnt offerings each day for the number of days that they understood were required. 5 And thereafter, they continued the sacrifice of the whole burnt offerings during the New Moons and on all the holy celebrations of Jehovah… as well as the bringing of free-will offerings to the Lord.
6 It was on the first day of the seventh month that they started sacrificing the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah, but the foundation for His Temple hadn’t been laid yet. 7 So they paid the quarry workers and the laborers, and offered food, drink, and olive oil to the Sidonians and the people of Tyre, to get them to transport cedar wood from Lebanon across the sea to Joppa, as it had been decreed by Cyrus, the king of Persia.
8 Then, when they came to the Temple of Jehovah God in Jerusalem in the second year and the second month, ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl), JoShua (the son of JoZadek), the rest of their brothers among the Priests and Levites, as well as everyone else who had left their captivity and come to Jerusalem, assigned the Levites who were twenty-years and older to ensure the success of those who were doing the work on the Temple of Jehovah. 9 So JoShua and his sons, and his brother KadmiEl and his sons (who were all Judeans) were put in charge of those who were doing the work at the Temple of God, along with the sons of HenAdad and their brothers the Levites.
10 And when they laid the foundation to the Temple of Jehovah, the Priests put on their robes and got their trumpets, and the Levites (the descendants of Asaph) picked up their cymbals to praise Jehovah with [the songs] of David the king of Israel. 11 Then they praised and acknowledged before Jehovah that He is good, and that His mercy would be upon Israel through the ages. And all the people were shouting and praising Jehovah together, as the groundwork for the Temple of Jehovah was started. 12 And while many of the Priests, Levites, family heads, and elders stood watching the groundwork for the Temple being done before their eyes, they wept at the great sound, and many started shouting happily, making the sound even louder. 13 And soon it became difficult to distinguish the difference between the sound of people shouting in joy and the sounds of the weeping. For the sounds of the cheering and weeping could be heard for [miles].
Chapter 4
1 Well, when the people who opposed Judah and BenJamin heard that those who had returned were building a Temple to Jehovah the God of Israel, 2 they approached ZerubBabel and the family heads and said to them, ‘You should allow us to build the Temple with you, so we can also ask [for things] from your God; for we’ve been offering sacrifices to Him since the time of EsarHaddon the king of Assyria, who brought us here.’
3 But ZerubBabel, JoShua, and the rest of the family heads of Israel replied, ‘It isn’t up to us to decide if you can help us build a Temple to Jehovah the God of Israel, because we were told to do it by Cyrus the king of Persia.’
4 Well thereafter, the people of the land did whatever they could to weaken the people of Judah and to impede the construction project. 5 And they hired representatives against them to go to Cyrus (the king of Persia) and to the kingdom of Darius (the king of the [Medes]) to get the proclamation revoked. 6 Then, at the beginning of the reign of AhasuErus (Xerxes), they wrote a letter against the people who were living in Judah and Jerusalem. 7 And it was in the days of [his son] ArthaSastha (ArtaXerxes) that MithraDates, TabeEl, and his fellow servants wrote to ArthaSastha (the king of Persia). It was written in Syrian, so his tax collector had to translate it.
8 Then Lord Rehum wrote a letter against Jerusalem (through his scribe ShimShai) to King ArthaSastha, saying, 9 ‘This is what our lord, Judge Rehum, the scribe ShimShai, the rest of our fellow servants (the Dinaites, ApharSathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Sousanchites, Dehavites, Elamites) 10 and all the other nations who were resettled in the cities of Samaria and across the river by the great and esteemed Asnapper (AshurBanipal) have to say…’ 11 Then they wrote this to King ArthaSastha: ‘From your servants on the other side of the river; 12 We wish to inform the king that the Judeans you sent among us have come to Jerusalem (an apostate and wicked city), where they’ve raised a foundation and they’re getting ready to build the walls. 13 We want the king to know that if that city should be rebuilt and its walls erected, they will stop paying their tolls and taxes, and treat the king wickedly! 14 Now, we don’t want to see such indecent treatment of the king, so we’ve sent [this letter] to let the king know what is happening.
15 ‘Now, you should examine the records of your ancestors; for then you will know that [Jerusalem] is an apostate city that treats kings badly, and that they’ve been escaping and rebelling through the ages… and that’s why the city was destroyed. 16 So, we want the king to know that the city should not be rebuilt and its walls [should not be] made ready.
17 ‘From us on the other side of the river, to the king. From Lord Rehum, ShimShai the scribe, and the rest of their fellow servants who live in Samaria and across the river. We wish you Peace.’
18 [Then the king replied], ‘I just called the tax collector before me that you sent to us, 19 and I’ve issued a decree. After examining [the records], this is what I found: That city has for a fact rebelled against the kings through the ages, and all sorts of uprisings and defections have happened there, 20 for they used to have strong kings who ruled over Jerusalem all the way to the other side of the river, [and they] used to collect their own taxes and tolls.
21 ‘So now, pass a decree that those men should stop their work, so that city will never be rebuilt again! 22 I appreciate the way you followed the decree, and you weren’t wrong [to write me], so that the power of the kings won’t be lost to evil deeds.’
23 Then King ArthaSastha’s tax collector read [the letter] in the presence of Lord Rehum, the scribe ShimShai, and his fellow servants, and they quickly went to Jerusalem [and throughout] Judah with their army and cavalry, and forced them to stop the work. 24 So, construction on the Temple of God in Jerusalem stopped, and it remained unfinished until the second year of the reign of Darius the king of Persia.
Chapter 5
1 Then the Prophets HagGai and ZechariJah (the son of IdDo) [each] spoke prophecies about the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the Name of the God of Israel, 2 and ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) and JoShua (the son of JoZadek) stood up and started building the Temple of God in Jerusalem once again, and the Prophets of God came to help them.
3 Then TatNai (the vassal king on the other side of the river) and ShetharBozNai and their fellow servants came to them and asked, ‘By whose decree are you building this Temple; where did you get the money; 4 and what are the names of the men who are rebuilding this city?’
5 Well, the eyes of God had seen the captivity of Judah, and He didn’t make them stop working on the Temple until the decree was carried to Darius by his tax collector. 6 Then this letter of explanation was sent to King Darius by TatNai (the vassal king from the other side of the river), ShetharBozNai, and their fellow servants (who were ApharSachaeans that lived on the other side of the river):
7 ‘To Darius the king;
‘May you have peace in everything.
8 ‘Let it be known to the king that we went into Judea, to the Temple of the great God, and found it being rebuilt with the best of stone, and with timbers being inserted into the walls; and we found the workmanship to be well done and proceeding well under them. 9 So we asked the elders there, by whose decree this Temple was being built, who was providing the money for the construction, 10 and what their names were, so we could send [this information] on to you. 11 And this was their reply.
‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we’re rebuilding the Temple that was built here many years ago by a great king of Israel, and who prepared it for them. 12 But when our ancestors made the God of heaven angry, He handed them over to NebuChadNezzar the Chaldean king of Babylon, so this Temple was allowed to rest, and the people were resettled in Babylon.
13 ‘But in the first year of Cyrus (the king [who conquered] the Babylonians), he issued a decree to rebuild this Temple of God, 14 and to return the items of gold and silver to the Temple of God that NebuChadNezzar had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and carried to his own temple in Babylon.
15 ‘So, King Cyrus had these things taken from the temple in Babylon, and he gave them to SheshBazzar his royal treasurer, and told him to go and return it all to the Temple of God in Jerusalem, so it could be rebuilt in the place where it once stood. 16 Then SheshBazzar went to Jerusalem and laid the Temple foundation, which has been under construction since that time, but it isn’t finished yet.
17 ‘Now, if the king approves, send someone to the treasury in the king’s temple in Babylon to see if King Cyrus issued such a decree to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem. And when the king finds out, may he send a reply to us.’
Chapter 6
1 Then, after examining the library at the treasury in Babylon, King Darius issued a decree. 2 For in the city of AchMetha, in the palace of the Medes, he found a scroll with a record that was written in the first year of King Cyrus, where he rendered a decree concerning the Temple of God in Jerusalem. 3 It said, ‘Allow a Temple to be built where they will offer sacrifices! Let them set in place the foundations. [The building] must be a hundred feet high, and a hundred feet wide. 4 It should be made with three layers of fortified stones and a layer of fortified lumber. And it is granted that the expense [of this construction] will be paid for by the palace of the king.
5 ‘Also, the items of gold and silver that were taken from the Temple of God by NebuChadNezzar, should be taken from his temple and returned to the one in Jerusalem… it should be taken from Babylon and transported to the Holy Place in Jerusalem, the Temple of God.’
6 So, [the king] told King TatNai, ShetharBozNai, and his fellow servants (the ApharSachites from the other side of the river) to leave that place, in order to allow the work on the Temple of God [to be completed], 7 and [not to bother] the elders and those who were directing the work of the Judeans, so they could rebuild [the Temple] where it used to be. 8 [He said]: ‘It is my decree through the elders of those Judeans, to build the Temple of God using tax money from the [vassal] kings on the other side of the river. The expenses must be carefully calculated and then paid to those men, so the work doesn’t stop.
9 ‘Also, where they are lacking enough male calves, rams, and lambs for their whole burnt offerings to the God of heaven; or of wheat, salt, wine, or olive oil… whatever the Priests in Jerusalem need must be given to them each day. There must be no arguing; whatever they ask for 10 should be provided, so a pleasant aroma may be offered to the God of heaven, and so that prayers may be offered on behalf of the king and his sons.
11 ‘This decree has come from me, and any man who challenges what I’ve said will have his house demolished and its boards placed upright; then he will be impaled on top of them, and everything in his house will be looted. 12 May the God who camps and puts His Name there wipe out any people and their kings who raise a hand against, or change, or hide the Temple of God in Jerusalem. For I Darius have rendered this decree after thoughtful consideration… may it be.’
13 Then TatNai (the vassal king) from the other side of the river, and ShetharBozNai and his fellow servants, did exactly as they were told, because of what King Darius said. 14 So the Judean elders kept on building, and they were blest, just as the Prophets HagGai and ZechariJah (the son of IdDo) foretold. They rebuilt and got everything ready, following the instructions of the God of Israel and by the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and ArthaSastha (ArtaXerxes), the kings of the Persians.
15 Well, they had finished the Temple by the third day of the month of Adar, which was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 16 So the sons of Israel, the Priests, the Levites, and all the rest who had returned in the resettlement, joyfully declared a holiday of rededication of the Temple of God. 17 And this is what they offered for the rededication: A hundred calves, a hundred rams, two hundred lambs, and four hundred winter-yearling goats as sin offerings for all Israel, which they did twelve times (for the number of the tribes of Israel). 18 They also reestablished the divisions of the Priests, and they distributed the duties at the Temple of God in Jerusalem among the Levites, just as it was written in the book of Moses.
19 Thereafter, those who had returned observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, 20 for by then, all the Priests had been purified and all the Levites were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover for those who had returned, and for their brothers the Priests. 21 Then all the sons of Israel (who had returned and separated themselves from the uncleanness of the nations, so they could ask things from Jehovah the God of Israel) ate the Passover. 22 And they also joyfully observed the holiday of Yeast-free Bread for seven days, because Jehovah made them happy.
Thereafter, even the king of Assyria assisted them by providing [workers] for the Temple of the God of Israel.
Chapter 7
1 It was during the reign of ArthaSastha (ArtaXerxes) the king of Persia, that Ezra (the son of SeraiJah, the son of AzariJah, the son of HilkiJah, 2 the son of ShalLum, the son of Zadok, the son of AhiTob, 3 the son of AmariJah, the son of AzariJah, the son of MeraiOth, 4 the son of ZerahiJah, the son of UzZi, the son of BukKi, 5 the son of AbiShua, the son of Phinehas, the son EliEzer, the son of Aaron the first Priest) returned from Babylon. 6 He was a scribe who was well versed in the Law that Jehovah the God of Israel gave to Moses. And because the hand of his God Jehovah was with him, the king gave him everything that he was looking for.
7 Then the sons of Israel, the Priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, 8 and the Nethinim returned to Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the reign of King ArthaSastha. 9 It was on the first day of the first month that he arranged for their return from Babylon, and it was on the first day of the fifth month that [Ezra] came to Jerusalem, because the good hand of his God was upon him.
10 Now, Ezra had prepared his heart to search the Law of Jehovah and to practice and teach all its regulations and decisions in Israel. 11 And King ArthaSastha gave a copy of the following edict to the Priest Ezra, who was the scribe of the scroll of the words of the Commandments of Jehovah… along with his orders to Israel.
[The decree said]: 12 ‘ArthaSastha (the king of kings) to the Priest Ezra, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven;
13 ‘May my reply to this matter be initiated, for I’ve sent a decree that tells everyone in my kingdom among the people of Israel (and their Priests and Levites) who wish to return to Jerusalem with you, may go there. 14 And here before the king and his seven advisors, we are sending you to oversee Judea and Jerusalem with the Law of their God, 15 and to carry to the Temple of Jehovah gold and silver that the king and his counselors are willing to donate to the God of Israel who camps in Jerusalem. 16 And all the silver and gold that you can find in Babylon may be offered, in addition to whatever the people may wish to offer to the Temple of God in Jerusalem.
17 ‘Now, for everyone who is willing to go, you must (by this edict) arrange for them to bring with them calves, rams, lambs, sacrifices, and drink offerings, to be offered at the Altar of your God that is in Jerusalem. 18 Also, carry along anything that you and your brothers see you [will need] in addition to the silver and gold. Do whatever pleases your God!
19 ‘Carry with you the items that were given to you for the services at the Temple of God, and bring them before your God in Jerusalem. 20 Also, carry along anything else that you see you will need for your God from the treasury in the king’s palace.
21 ‘I, King ArthaSastha, have also sent a decree regarding the treasuries that are on the other side of the river, so that whatever Ezra the Priest and scribe of the Law of the God of heaven asks of them, they must readily obey. 22 They must give you three-tons of silver, six hundred bushels of wheat, six hundred gallons of wine, six hundred gallons of olive oil, and salt (no amount was recorded). 23 Whatever is in the decree of the God of heaven must be given to the Temple of the God of heaven!
‘Be very careful, for any attempt against the Temple of the God of heaven at any time will bring [my] rage upon the king of that kingdom and upon his sons.
24 ‘And let it be made known that in regard to all the Priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and officials at the Temple of God; no one is authorized to impose any sort of tax or toll on them.
25 ‘And you, O Ezra; use the wisdom of God that has been placed in your hands to appoint scribes, as well as judges who know the Laws of your God, to judge all the people on the other side of the river and to teach them to those who don’t know them! 26 Then you must decide whether any person who doesn’t diligently obey the Laws of God and the laws of the king must be killed, exiled, taught, fined, or locked in prison.’
27 Praise Jehovah the God of our ancestors, who put it into the heart of the king to glorify the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem this way; 28 and that the eyes of the king, his advisors, and his leading men have looked so mercifully upon me; and that the good hand of my God Jehovah has strengthened me, so I could gather all the leaders of Israel to return with me!
Chapter 8
1 Now, these are the heads of families and the genealogies of those who came with me from the kingdom of ArthaSastha (ArtaXerxes), the king over Babylon.
2 From the descendants of Phinehas there was Gersom;
From the descendants of IthaMar there was DaniEl;
From the descendants of David there was HatTush;
3 From the descendants of ShechaniJah and the sons of PharOsh there was ZechariJah, and with him were a hundred-and-fifty who could trace their genealogies.
4 From the descendants of PahathMoab there was ElihoEnai (the son of ZerehiJah) and two hundred males with him;
5 From the descendants of ShechaniJah there was AziEl and three hundred males who came with him;
6 From the descendants of Adin there was Ebed (the son of JoNathan) and fifty males who came with him;
7 From the descendants of Elam there was IsaiJah (the son of AthaliJah) and seventy males who came with him;
8 From the descendants of ShephatiJah there was ZebadiJah (the son of MichaEl) and eighty males who came with him;
9 From the descendants of JoAb there was ObadiJah (the son of JehiEl) and two hundred-and-eighteen males that came with him;
10 From the descendants of ShelomIth there was JosephiJa and a hundred-and-sixty males that came with him;
11 From the descendants of BebAi there was ZechariJah (the son of BebAi) and twenty-eight males who came with him;
12 From the descendants of AzGad there was JoHanan (the son of HakKatan) and a hundred-and-ten males that came with him;
13 From the descendants of AdoniKam (the latter) there was EliPhelet, JeiEl, and ShemaiJah, and sixty males who came with them;
14 From the descendants of BigVai there was UthAi and ZaboUd, and seventy males who came with them.
15 I gathered them by the river that flows past Evi, where we camped for three days. But then I noticed that there were no Priests or Levites to be found among the people. 16 So I sent [a message] to EliEzer, AriEl, ShemaiJah, ElNathan, JaRib ElNatham, Nathan, ZechariJah, and MeshulLam (their leaders), and to JoiArib and ElNathan (their supervisors), 17 and told them to go see IdDo, the ruler of the area of CasiPhiJa. Then I told them to tell IdDo and their brothers the Nethinim (who were the treasurers of CasiPhiJa), to send us officials and singers for the Temple of our God. 18 And because the hand of our God was good to us, a very wise man from among the sons of MahLi (a descendant of Levi, the son of Israel) was sent to us, along with SherEbiJah and his sons and family (some eighteen people). 19 There were also HashAbiJah and JeShaiJah from the family line of MeraRi and their families and sons (some twenty people).
20 From the Nethinim, who David appointed in charge over the services for the Levites, there were two hundred-and-twenty who were all [chosen by] name.
21 Then I called for a fast there at the River Ahava, to humble ourselves before our God, and to seek a straight way from Him for ourselves, our children, and our possessions, 22 because I was ashamed to ask the king for troops and cavalry to protect us from our enemies along the way; for we had told the king: ‘The hand of our God is with all those who search for good things from Him, and His might and rage is upon all those who abandon Him.’
23 So, we fasted and looked to our God about this matter, and He listened to us. 24 Then I selected twelve of the leaders among the Priests, and ten from among their brothers of SherEbiJah and HashAbiJa, 25 and I assigned them [to guard] the silver, gold, and the items of the first-fruits that were dedicated to the Temple of our God by the king, his counselors, his governors, and by all the people of Israel. 26 I handed over to their charge twenty-five tons of silver, four-tons of items made of silver, three-tons of gold, and 27 a thousand gold bowls weighing twenty pounds each, plus many different items of shiny, high-quality brass that were as good as gold.
28 Then I said to them, ‘You are holy to Jehovah God, and these items of silver and gold are holy, for they are voluntary offerings to Jehovah, the God of our ancestors. 29 So, stay alert and watch over them until we can hand them over to the Chief Priests, the Levites, and the heads of the families in Jerusalem, for the places of worship in the Temple of Jehovah!’
30 Well, the Priests and Levites weighed the silver, gold, and other items before they carried them to Jerusalem and to the Temple of our God. 31 Then we got up and left the River Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, and headed toward Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, for He protected us from our enemies and other people along the way.
32 Well, when we got to Jerusalem, we just [rested up] for three days. 33 Then on the fourth day, we put the silver, gold, and other items for the Temple of our God into the hands of MeremOth (the son of UriJah) the High Priest, EliEzer (the son of Phinehas), JoZabad (the son of JoShua), and NoAdiJah (the son of BinNai the Levite). 34 Then they weighed and recorded everything once again.
35 All those who traveled with us to return from their captivity, brought whole burnt offerings to the God of Israel… twelve calves, one for each of the tribes of Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve winter-yearling goats for the sin offering. It was all to be sacrificed as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah.
36 Then, following the mandate that was given by the king and his administrators, the vassal kings on the other side of the river glorified the people and the Temple of God.
Chapter 9
1 After that, the leaders came to me and pointed out that we had not yet separated the people of Israel, as well as the Priests and Levites, from the peoples of the lands and the disgusting things of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Pherezites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Moserites, and Amorites. 2 For [many] had taken their daughters [as wives] for themselves and for their sons. So, the seed of what is holy had become mixed with the peoples of the lands… and even the governors and generals had become involved in this breach-of-contract.
3 Well when I heard about this, I ripped my clothes and underwear, and I was so furious that I ripped hair from my head and beard, then I had to sit down to calm myself. 4 And all who were there gathered around me, and they all started trembling because of what the God of Israel had said about a breach-of-contract in the resettlement [of our people].
So, I just sat there calming myself until [it came time for] the evening sacrifice. 5 Then I got up (after feeling so ashamed and ripping my clothes and underwear) and got down on my knees, and spread my arms toward my God Jehovah, 6 and said: ‘Lord, I’m ashamed… I’m too ashamed to stand up and face You, O my God, because we’re in over our heads with lawbreaking; and our errors are so bad that they reach into the heavens. 7 Why, from the time of our ancestors to this day, we’ve been guilty of great sins. And it’s because of our lawbreaking that our kings, our Priests, and we were handed over to the kings of the nations to be killed with swords and carried off into captivity… we were seized, and our faces have been shamed, to this day.
8 ‘Now, O Jehovah our God; You’ve been lenient with us and allowed us to return [to our land] in order to teach us to rely on Your Holy Place, to open our eyes, and to put a little life into our service [to You]. 9 And because we are Your servants and we haven’t abandoned our service to our God, the kings of Persia have been merciful to us and given life to us, so we could return to our deserted [homes], and rebuild the Temple of our God, and to fence off Judah and Jerusalem.
10 ‘So, what can we say to our God after this? For, we’ve abandoned the Commandments 11 that You gave us through the hands of Your servants the Prophets, when You said, The land that you’re returning to as its heirs is a land in motion. For, the people who inhabited the land have been removed from it because of the disgusting things and the filth that spilled from their mouths. 12 So, don’t give your daughters to them; don’t take their daughters for your sons; and don’t expect peace with them through the ages. Rather, grow stronger, eat from the good of the land, and divide it among your sons through the age!’
13 ‘Now, after all the things that have happened to us because of the wickedness we’ve done, and because of all our great errors, You (our God) have [overlooked] our lawless actions and delivered us. 14 Then we turned around and disregarded Your commandments by creating alliances with the people of these lands through marriages. So, please don’t become angry with us and destroy us, so that no one is left.
15 ‘O Jehovah, the God of Israel, You are righteous, for you’ve preserved us to this day. And look, here we stand before You in our errors… and no one can stand before You like this.’
Chapter 10
1 Then Ezra prayed, confessed, and cried as he was falling [on his face] before the Temple of God. And a vast gathering of men, women, and young people from Israel joined him, and everyone started weeping bitterly. 2 Then one of them (ShechaniJah the son of JehiEl, a descendant of ElAm) said to Ezra: ‘We’ve broken our contract with our God by [taking] wives from the people of this land. So now; because of this thing, there’s no hope of Israel having an agreement with God. 3 But what if we make an agreement with our God to [give away] all the wives and all those who were born to us, so we can follow the counsel of Jehovah, and so that those of us who are trembling before our God can follow His commandments? If so, may it be!
4 ‘Now get up, because this matter also affects you! We are with you, so be strong enough to do whatever you must do!’
5 So, Ezra got up and made all the leaders, Priests, Levites, and all Israel swear to do what had been proposed. 6 Then he left from [his place] in front of the Temple of God and went into the treasury of JoHanan (the son of EliAshib), and started living there, refusing to eat any food or drink any water, as he mourned over the breach-of-contract by those who had returned to resettle [the land].
7 Well, this was reported throughout Judah, Jerusalem, and wherever the people had resettled, then they [were all called and told to] gather in Jerusalem. 8 For the governors and elders [decreed] that anyone who didn’t come within three days would have everything he owned destroyed, and he would be cut off from the gathering of those who had returned in the resettlement. 9 So, all the men of Judah and BenJamin gathered in Jerusalem for the three days.
So, in the ninth month, and on the twentieth day of the month, all the people assembled and sat down in the square before the Temple of God… and they were all shaking because of the seriousness of this matter. 10 Then Ezra (the Priest) stood up and said to them: ‘You have added to the sins of Israel and broken our contract by settling here with foreign wives. 11 Now, praise Jehovah the God of our ancestors, and do what is pleasing before Him… separate yourselves from the people of this land and from your foreign wives!’
12 Then the entire assembly shouted loudly, ‘We will do just as you said!’
13 Well, the crowd was huge and it was winter, so no one could just be thrown out [of their homes]; and the job couldn’t be done in just a day or two, for that would make all the wrongs worse. 14 [So, it was agreed that] the governors would call an assembly in the cities, and everyone who had married foreign wives would come there at a prearranged time to meet with the city elders and judges, so that God’s anger and rage over this matter could be removed from them.
15 Now, with the help of JoNathan (the son AsahEl) and JaHaziJah (the son of TikVah), and their assistants MeshulLam and the Levite ShabbethAi, 16 everyone who had returned in the resettlement did this. 16 So, the Priest Ezra and each of the heads of the family lines returned on the first day of the tenth month for the inquiry, 17 and the process of questioning all the men who had settled in with foreign wives lasted until the first day of the first month.
18 Well, it was found that among the Priests, those who had married foreign wives were the sons of JoShua (the son of JoZadek) and his brother MaAseiJah, and EliEzer, JaRib, and GedaliJah. 19 So they each gave their hand in a pledge to bring in their wives, along with a sin offering of a ram from among their sheep, to cover their errors.
20 Then, from among the sons of ImMer there was HanaNi and ZebadiJah, 21 and from the sons of Harim there was MaAseiJah, EliJah, ShemaiJah, JehiEl, and UzziJah. 22 From the sons of Phasur there was EliWenai, MaAseiJah, IshMaEl, NathaniEl, JoZabad, and ElAsah. 23 Among the Levites, there was JoZabad, Shemei, KelaiJah (also known as Kelita), PethAhiJah, Judah, and EliEzer. 24 Among the singers, there was EliAshib, and from among the gatekeepers, there was ShalLum, TelEm, and Uri.
25 From Israel there were the sons of Parosh; RamiJah, JeziJah, MalchiJah, MiAmin, EliEzer, MalchiJah, and BenaiJah. 26 From the sons of ElAm there was MattaniJah, ZechariJah, JehiEl, Abdi, JeremOth, and EliJah. 27 From the sons of ZatTu there was EliWenai, EliAshib, MatTaniJah, JeremOth, Zabad, and AziZa. 28 From the sons of BebAi there was JehoHanan, HaNaniJah, ZabBai, and AthLai. 29 From the sons of Bani there was MeshulLam, MalLuch, AdaiJah, JaShub, SheAl, and RamOth. 30 From the sons of PahathMoab there was Adna, ChelAl, BenaiJah, MaAseiJah, MatthaniJah, BezaleEl, BinNui, and ManasSeh. 31 From the sons of Harim there was EliEzer, IshiJah, MalchiJah, ShemaiJah, and ShimeOn.
32 From BenJamin there was MalLuch and ShemariJah. 33 From the sons of Hashum there was MatTenai, MatTathAh, Zabad, EliPhelet, JeremAi, ManasSeh, and Shimei. 34 From the sons of Bani were MaAdai, AmRam, Wel, 35 BenaiJah, BedeiJah, ChelLah, 36 VaniJah, MeremOth, EliAshib, 37 MattaniJah, and MattenAi.
38 There were also the sons of Bani, Shimei, 39 ShelemiJah, Nathan, AdaiJah, 40 MachNadebAi, SharAi, ShashAi, 41 AzareEl, ShelemiJah, ShemariJah, 42 ShalLum, AmariJah, and Joseph. 43 From the sons of Nebo there was JeiEl, MatithiJah, Zabad, Zebina, JaDau, JoEl, and BenaiJah.
44 They all took foreign wives for themselves who each gave birth to sons.
Nehemiah
Chapter 1
1 These are the words of NehemiJah the son of HachaliJah.
It was in the twentieth year, during the month of Chislev, while I was in the city of Susa in Abira, 2 that Hanani (one of my brothers) and some men from Judah arrived. So I asked him about those who had survived and escaped the captivity, and about Jerusalem. 3 And he said to me, ‘Those who survived the captivity and are remaining in [Judah] are a joke and extremely wicked. And as for the walls of Jerusalem, they’re being knocked down, and its gates have been burned.’
4 Well, when I heard this I sat down and cried. Then I mourned for days, and I fasted and prayed to the God of heaven. 5 I said, ‘No, O Lord, God of heaven, the strong, great, and fearful One who has guarded the Sacred Agreement and who shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His Commandments; 6 may Your ears listen and Your eyes be open to hear the prayer of Your servant today – this day and night – on behalf of Your servants, the sons of Israel. I openly admit to the sins that the sons of Israel have committed against You, for even the house of my father and I have sinned, 7 because we left You and we haven’t obeyed the Commandments, decisions, and instructions that You gave to Your servant Moses.
8 ‘Please remember what You told Your servant Moses when You said: If you break our contract, I will spread you among the peoples. 9 But if you return to Me and start observing and obeying My Commandments, even if you are scattered to the tips of the skies, I will gather you and bring you back to the place where I’ve chosen to camp and where I’ve put My Name.’
10 ‘Now, they are Your children and Your people who You ransomed by Your great power and with the fortress of Your hand. 11 No, O Jehovah; allow Your ears to pay attention to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayers of Your children who want to fear Your Name. Bless the way of Your servant today, and make the [king] compassionate before this man, for I am [just] a wine server to the king.’
Chapter 2
1 Now, it was in the month (Nisan), in the twentieth year [of the reign] of King ArtaSatha (ArtaXerxes) that I was bringing him wine. Then I took it up and handed it to the king in private. 2 And the king asked me, ‘Why is your face looking so sad; are you unhappy? This appears to be nothing other than a [broken] heart.’
Well, I was frightened, 3 but I said to the king: ‘O king, may you live through the ages! Why shouldn’t my face be sad, because the city where the houses and tombs of my ancestors are, has been destroyed, and its gates have been burned with fire!’
4 Then the king asked me, ‘So, what are you looking for?’
Well, I prayed to Jehovah the God of heaven, 5 and then I said to the king: ‘If the king is moved to do a good thing, and if you’re pleased enough with your servant who stands before you to send him to Judah, the city of the tombs of my ancestors, I will rebuild it.’
6 Then the king (who was sitting next to his concubine) asked me, ‘How long will this take and when will you return?’
So the king [found my proposal] good and he sent me off. Then I [wrote a letter of] confirmation to him. It said:
7 ‘To the king;
If it pleases the king, give me letters to the vassal kings on the other side of the river to allow me safe passage to Judah. 8 And provide me a letter to Asaph, the king’s groundskeeper, to provide me wood for the roofs over the gates, the city walls, and the house where I will stay.’
Well, by the hand of God, the king provided this to me. 9 So, when I reached the vassal kings on the other side of the river, I gave them the letters from the king.
Now, the king had also sent his top general with me, and a contingent of cavalry. 10 And when SabBalLat the Horonite and TobiJah his Ammonite servant heard of it, this appeared bad to them. For they were very unhappy that someone had come to do good things for the sons of Israel.
11 Well, when I got to Jerusalem, I [rested] there for three days. 12 Then I got up during the night and took a few men with me. I didn’t have to report to anyone, because God had put it into my heart to do this for Jerusalem. And I didn’t bring along any animals, except the one I rode. 13 Then I traveled through the City Gate to the mouth of the Well of Dragons, and on through the Manure Gate. Then I studied the walls of Jerusalem that were being torn down, and the gates that had been burned in a fire.
14 Thereafter, I went by the Fountain Gate and up to the Pool of the King, to a place where I could pass [on horseback], 15 and I rode up the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi at night, studying the wall, until I reached the Valley Gate, and I turned around and went back.
16 Well, the guards didn’t know why I went there or what I was doing. And I didn’t report what I was doing to any of the Judeans, the Priests, the important ones, the generals, or any of the rest who had been doing the work until then. 17 But later I said to them, ‘Do you see this wicked condition that we’re in? Why, Jerusalem is a waste and its gates have been burned. Come on; let’s build a wall around Jerusalem so we’re no longer a joke.’
18 Then I explained to them how the hand of God had blest me, and of the things that the king had said to me, and I said, ‘Get up! Let’s build!’
Well at that, their hands were emboldened to do what was good. 19 But when SabBalLat the Horonite, his servant TobiJah the Ammonite, and the Arab Gesham heard about this, they laughed out loud and were disgusted with us. And they asked, ‘Just what do you think you’re doing? Have you chosen to turn away from the king?’
20 Then I spoke right back to them and said, ‘The God of heaven will bless us, because we (His servants) are pure, so we will get up and build! However, you may have no part in this, or in our legal rights; nor will you be remembered in Jerusalem.’
Chapter 3
1 Then the High Priest EliAshib and his fellow Priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate and made it holy. They set its doors in place and perfected [the walls] from the Tower of the Hundred to the Tower of HananeEl. 2 Then next to him, ZacCur (the son of Imri) and men from Jericho rebuilt [the adjoining portion of the wall]. 3 Then the sons of HasSenaAh rebuilt the Fish Gate – they roofed it and set its doors, bolts, and bars. 4 And from that point, MaremOth (the son of UriJah and grandson of Kos) took control [of rebuilding the wall]; then MeshulLam (the son of BarachiJah and grandson of MeShezaBeel) did the repairs, and Zadok (the son of BaAna) handled a section. 5 And then the Tekoites repaired the next section (but their strongest men refused to lift their necks in the service of their Lord).
6 From there, JehoiAda (the son of PaseAh) and MeshulLam (the son of BoSodeJah) repaired the Gate of JaSanah – they roofed it, and set its doors, bolts, and bars. 7 And next to them, MeLatiJah the Gibeonite, JaDon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and MizPah (who were ruled from the throne on the other side of the river) made the repairs. 8 And next to them, UzziEl (the son of HarhaiJah the refiner) made the repairs, and then HananiJah (the son of the perfumers) made the repairs and rebuilt Jerusalem all the way to the Broad Wall. 9 From there, RephaiJah (the son of Sur, the ruler of half the area around Jerusalem) made the repairs. 10 And next to him, JedaiJah (the son of HaruMaph) made the repairs all the way to his house. Then next to him, HatTush (the son of HashaBaniJah) made the repairs.
11 The second section [of the wall] was repaired by MelchiJah (the son of Harim) and Hashub (the son of PahathMoab), all the way to the Tower of Furnaces. 12 And next to them, ShalLum (the son of HaloHesh, the ruler of the other half of the area around Jerusalem) made the repairs with the help of his daughters. 13 Then Hanun repaired the Valley Gate with the help of the people of Zanoa… they built it and set its doors, bolts, and bars, as well as seventeen hundred feet of the wall to the Manure Gate.
14 The Manure Gate was repaired by MelchiJah (the son of Rechab, the ruler of the area around BethHakKarim) and his sons. They covered it and set its doors, bolts, and bars.
15 ShalLum (the son of ColHozeh, the ruler of part of MizPah) was in charge of the Gate of the Spring, and he rebuilt it, roofed it, and set its doors and bars, then he rebuilt the wall around the Pool of Siloam, the King’s Garden, and the stairway that leads down from the [Citadel] of David. 16 And next to him, NehemiJah (the son of AzaBuk, the ruler of half the area around BethSur) made repairs from the garden of the Tomb of David to the man-made pool and the House of the Mighty.
17 Next to him, the Levites under Rehum (the son of Bani) did the repairs, and then AsabiJah (the ruler of half the area around Keila) made the repairs around his [house] by himself. 18 And after him, his friend Benei (the son of HenAdad, the ruler of the other half of the area around Keila) made the repairs. 19 Then Ezer (the son of JoShua, the ruler of MizPah) made the repairs to the corner of a second wall opposite the arsenal all by himself. 20 After him, BarUch (the son of Zabai) made the repairs from the corner of the second wall up to the door of the house of EliAshib the High Priest. 21 And after him, MeramOth (the son of UriJah and grandson of HahChoz) rebuilt a measured section from the door of the house of EliAshib and all along that house (that was also being rebuilt).
22 And next to him, the Priests who were descendants of EkChechar repaired the wall. And after him, BenJamin and Hashub did the repairs by their houses. 23 Then AzariJah (the son of MaAseJah and grandson of AnaniJah) did the repairs next to his house. 24 Then BinNui (the son of HenAdad) repaired another measured section from the house of AzariJah to the corner, and around the bend. 25 Then Palal (the son of Uzai) did the repairs opposite the corner and to the tower that protrudes from the king’s palace and overlooks the prison courtyard.
Then PedaiJah (the son of Parosh) 26 and the Nethinim who lived in Ophel rebuilt the eastern Garden Watering Gate and the tower that protrudes from it. 27 Then the Tekoites repaired another measured section across from the Great Tower and up to the wall of Ophel. 28 And from there, the Priests repaired the portion of the Horse Gate that was across from their own houses. 29 Then Zadok (the son of ImMer) did the repairs across from his own house. And ShemaiJah (the son of ShechaniJah, who was in charge of the Eastern Gate) did the repairs. 30 Then HananiJah (the son of ShelemiJah) and Hanun (the sixth son of Zalaph) repaired another measured section.
Next, MeshulLam (the son of BarachiJah) made the repairs across from his treasury. 31 And from there, MelchiJah (the son of Sarefi) did the repairs up to the House of the Nethinim and the market that’s in front of the Gate of MiphKad, and then around the curve. 32 And [finally], the goldsmiths and venders repaired the section of wall that ascends back to the Sheep Gate.
Chapter 4
1 Well, when SabBalLat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he thought this was a bad thing, and he was extremely angry. He was also laughing out loud over the Judeans. 2 So he spoke before his people and the army of the Samaritans and said: ‘What do these men of Judah – these Judeans – think they’re doing? Do they think we’ll just leave them alone? Do they think that they can offer sacrifices? Do they think that they will be able to finish the job? Why, today they’re making their repairs with stones that they find in heaps of rubbish that should have been burned!’
3 Then TobiJah the Ammonite (who was standing next to him) said, ‘Why, even if they build, won’t a fox go there and demolish their wall of rocks?’
4 Listen, O our God, to the people who are sneering at us, and bring their scorn down upon their own heads! Make them do their sneering as captives in [a faraway] land. 5 Don’t cover over their lawlessness, and may their sins never be wiped away from Your face, because they made You angry in front of those who are doing the rebuilding.
6 Anyhow, we were rebuilding the wall, and it was joined all the way [around the city], but only half of it was finished. And the people were working with all their hearts to complete it.
7 But when SabBalLat, TobiJah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the AshDodites heard that the gaps in the walls of Jerusalem were being repaired, this appeared wrong to them, 8 and they all gathered to distract Jerusalem and to undo our work. 9 So, we prayed to our God and we posted guards [outside the walls] night and day. 10 Then [the people of] Judah said: ‘Our enemies have broken our strength, and there’s so much dust that we just can’t finish building the wall.’
11 And meanwhile, those who were oppressing us said, ‘They won’t know it, because they won’t see us when we come among them to murder them, and to cause them to stop the work.’
12 Well, the Judeans who lived among them came to us and reported what was said, and they warned us that our enemies were all around us. 13 So, I posted men in fortified trenches behind the wall, who were armed with broadswords, wooden spears, and bows. 14 And after looking it over, I got up and spoke to the leaders, generals, and the rest of the people, saying, ‘When you face them don’t be afraid; remember that our God is great and someone to be feared! So, get ready to fight in order to protect your relatives, sons, daughters, wives, and your homes!’
15 Then, when our enemies found out that we had learned about their plan and that God had blocked their schemes, we were all able to start rebuilding the walls again, and everyone went back to doing his job. 16 But from that day on, half did the work, while the other half stood armed and ready for battle with their lances, shields, bows, and armor. So, the rulers and the whole house of Judah 17 protected the ones who were building the wall. And those who carried things on their shoulders did their work with one hand, while they held arrows in the other. 18 And all the workers – every man – had his broadsword tied to his waist as he built.
Now, I kept the trumpeters next to me. 19 And I told the rulers, generals, and the rest of the people: ‘The work covers a vast area and we’re spread all along the walls, so each man is working some distance from his brother. 20 Thus; when you hear the trumpets being blown, everyone must gather here, and our God will fight a war for us.’
21 And that’s how we did it… with half of us [ready for battle] as we worked from sunrise until we could see the stars. 22 Then I told the people: ‘All those with children should sleep in the middle of Jerusalem, and we will keep guards posted all night. But during the day, everyone must work.’
So I stood there with my brothers and the younger men, flanked by guards, and no one took off his clothes or removed his sword, even when they went to get water.
Chapter 5
1 Then the people and their wives started complaining loudly about their brothers, the Judeans. 2 Some were saying, ‘With our many sons and daughters we have enough grain to eat and survive.’ 3 However, others were saying, ‘We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and houses to buy grain to eat.’ 4 And yet others were saying, ‘We had to borrow money to pay the king’s taxes on our fields, vineyards, and houses, and now our flesh belongs to our brothers… our sons are now their sons, and our daughters are now their daughters. 5 And look! They are tyrannizing our sons, and they’re using our daughters as servants… and even some of them are being tyrannized. But there’s nothing we can do [to help them], because our fields and vineyards now belong to the important ones.’
6 Well, when I heard the things they said in their outcries, I was deeply disturbed 7 and my heart moved me to do something. So I confronted the important ones and the rulers, and said to them: ‘Should a man be asking of his brothers what you are doing?’
Then I called for a great assembly against them, 8 where I said to them, ‘We have bought back our Judean brothers who were sold to the nations with our voluntary contributions. So, are you now reselling your brothers, or do you think they should be returned to us?’
Well, no one said a word. 9 Then I said, ‘What you’re doing here isn’t good, because it doesn’t reflect a fear of our God! Should we be giving our enemies from the nations even more reason to treat us with contempt?
10 ‘Well, my friends, brothers, and acquaintances have decided to repay you for their money and the grain; so let’s end these exacting accounting practices. 11 Return these people today, along with their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, then give them some money, grain, wine, and olive oil!’
12 And they replied, ‘We will give it back and ask no more of them. We’ll do as you say.’
Then I called the Priests forward and made them swear with an oath, to make them do what they said. 13 And I shook off my cape and said, ‘This is how God will shake off any man that doesn’t stand by his word on this matter. His house and everything he has worked for will be shaken off like this!’
And the entire assembly said, ‘May it be!’ Then they praised Jehovah, and the people did as they said.
14 Also, from that day on, they appointed me their ruler in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King ArtaSatha (ArtaXerxes)… twelve years. And during that period, my brothers and I (who governed) didn’t accept any [compensation]. 15 However, those who had been rulers before us had oppressed the people, taking the last of their bread and wine, charging a tax of forty silver coins, and their servants dominated over the people. Yet I didn’t do that, because of my fear before the face of Jehovah.
16 So, I worked on repairing the wall and didn’t acquire any land for myself; and all the servants and harvesters showed up to work. 17 Also, the Judeans and the rulers (a hundred and fifty men) who had returned to us from the nations around us, ate at my table. And each day they consumed a calf, six choice sheep, and a winter-yearling goat. 18 Also, I required huge quantities of wine to be delivered every ten days. Yet, I didn’t seek any compensation for my work, because these people were slaving so hard.
19 Please remember me O God for all the good that I’ve done for these people!
Chapter 6
1 Well, when SabBalLat, TobiJah, Gesham the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard that I was finishing the wall, they became quite dispirited. However, until then the doors hadn’t yet been set in the gates, 2 so SabBalLat and Gesham sent me [a letter] that said, ‘Come, and meet with us in one of the towns in the plains of Ono!’ (But they were just planning to [kill] me).
3 So, I sent messengers to them that said, ‘I have a tremendous amount of work to do, so I can’t stop right now, because that would bring the work to a halt. I’ll come after it’s finished.’
4 Then they sent me four other messages, and I kept giving them the same reply.
5 And after that, SabBalLat sent his servant a fifth time, and he opened the letter and read it to me. 6 This is what it said: ‘Geshem told me (and it’s being rumored among the nations) that you are planning to rebel, and that’s why you and the Judeans are building the wall… so you can become their king. 7 For you have appointed your own prophets to proclaim throughout Jerusalem that you’re now the king of Judea. So, come and tell the king that these words aren’t true… come and let’s discuss this matter!’
8 So, I sent a reply that said: ‘None of these things have happened, and you’re lying from the heart about this matter, 9 for all you’re trying to do is frighten us. You’re saying, If we worry them enough, we can stop the work so it won’t be completed. However, I’m now more determined than ever.’
10 And later, I went to the house of ShemaiJah (the son of DalaiJah and grandson of MeHetaBeel), and he seemed very concerned. He said, ‘We should all gather in the middle of the Temple of God and lock its doors, for they’re coming to murder you tonight.’
11 But I said, ‘What man should I run from? And who can make me run for my life to the Temple? 12 I’m not going to do that!’
But {Look!} then I realized that God hadn’t sent him. Rather, this prophesy was just part of a plot against me; for TobiJah and SabBalLat had hired him 13 to scare me into doing that in order to cause me to sin, and to give me a bad reputation so they could say bad things about me.
14 O my God, remember these things that TobiJah, SabBalLat, the prophet NoAdiJah, and the rest of the prophets have done to frighten me!
15 Well, we finished the wall on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul, after fifty-two days. 16 And when our enemies heard of it, they and all the nations around us became extremely fearful, because they realized that it was our God who had brought the work to a completion.
17 Now during this time, many important men of Judah had been sending messages to TobiJah, and he was sending messages back to them, 18 because many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him… since he was the son-in-law of ShechaniJah (the son of Arah), and his son JoHanan had married the daughter of MeshulLam (the son of BarachiJah). 19 So he had used these things to his advantage when he wrote to me, and the things I said were being reported back to him. As the result, the letters from TobiJah were just sent to frighten me.
Chapter 7
1 Well, after the walls were finished and the gate doors were set in place, we took a census of the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites.
2 Then we assigned a job to my brother Hanani and to HananiJah (the man in charge of the palace in Jerusalem), because they feared God and were more righteous than most others were. 3 I told them: ‘Don’t allow the city gates to be opened until sunrise each morning, and make sure that they are very careful to lock the gates [each night], as a safety precaution. Also, select guards from among the people of Jerusalem and assign them to posts near their homes.’
4 Now, the city was wide and spread out, and not many people lived there, because none of the houses had been rebuilt.
5 Then God inspired my heart and I collected all the important people, the rulers, and the common people into groups. And then I found a scroll that listed all the people who had first returned [to Jerusalem], and the 6 cities that they returned to in Judah after the captivity and the resettlement by King NebuChadnezzar of Babylon. 7 The men of Israel who returned with ZerubBabel, JoShua, NehemiJah, AzariJah, RaAmiJah, NaHamani, MordecAi, Balsan, MisPereth, BigVai, Nehum, BaAna, and Masphar were:
8 The descendants of Parosh – 2,172
9 The descendants of ShephatiJah – 372
10 The descendants of Arah – 652
11 The descendants of PahathMoab (including the sons of JeShua and JoAb) – 2,818
12 The descendants of ElAm – 1,254
13 The descendants of ZatTu – 845
14 The descendants of ZacCai – 760
15 The descendants of BinNui – 648
16 The descendants of BebAi – 628
17 The descendants of AzGad – 2,322
18 The descendants of AdoniKam – 667
19 The descendants of BigVai – 2,067
20 The descendants of Adin – 655
21 The descendants of Ater (from the line of HezekiJah) – 98
22 The descendants of Hashum – 328
23 The descendants of BezAi – 324
24 The descendants of Hariph – 112
The descendants of Asen – 223
25 The men of Gibeon – 95
26 The men of BethLehem and NetoPhah – 123
27 The men of AnathOth – 128
28 The men of BethAzmaVeth – 42
29 The men of Kiriath JaIrim, Chephirah, and BeerOth – 743
30 The men of Ramah and GabaA – 621
31 The men of MichMash – 122
32 The men of BethEl and Ai – 123
33 The men of Nebo – 152
34 The men of Elam – 1252
35 The men of Harim – 320
36 The men of Jericho – 345
37 The men of LodHadid and Ono – 721
38 The men of SenaAh – 3,930
39 The priests from the sons of JedaiJah and the house of JeShua – 973
40 The descendants of ImMer – 1,052
41 The descendants of Pashur – 1,247
42 The descendants of Harim – 1,017
43 The Levites from the sons of JeShua (the son of KadmiEl) and the sons of HodeVah – 74
44 The singers who were the descendants of Asaph – 148
45 The gatekeepers who were the descendants of ShalLum, Ater, Talmon, AkKub, HatiTa, and ShobAi – 138
46 The Nethinim who were the sons of HashUpha, TabBaOth, 47 Keros, Sia, Padon, 48 Lebana, HagaBa, ShalmAi, 49 Hanan, GidDel, Gahar, 50 ReaJah, Rezin, Nekoda, 51 GazZam, UzZa, and PhaseAh – 54.
52 From BesAi, there were the sons of MeUnim, NephiShesim, 53 BakBuk, HakuPha, Harhur, 54 Bazlith, Mehida, Harsha, 55 Barkow, Sisera, Tamah, 56 NeziJah, and Hatiph.
57 Among the servants of Solomon, there were the descendants of Sotai, SopherEth, Perida,
58 JaAla, Darkon, GidDel, 59 ShephatiJah, HatTil, PochEreth, and Zebaim (who were all Ammonites).
60 All together, the Nethinim and the servants of Solomon numbered three hundred and ninety-two.
61 Those that had come from TelMelah, TelHaresha, Cherub, AdDon, and ImMer weren’t able to say which houses and families they were from, or even if they were the seed of Israel.
62 From the descendants of DalaiJah, TobiJah, and NekoDa, there were six hundred and forty two.
63 Priests who were descended from HabaiJah, Koz, and BarzilLai (those who married the daughters of BarzilLai the Gileadite and took their family name) 64 searched for their family lines but couldn’t find them, so they were expelled from the Priesthood. 65 [King] ArtaSatha (ArtaXerxes) told them that they couldn’t eat from the Holy of Holies until a Priest could stand and provide some light on this.
66 All together, the entire group consisted of forty-two thousand, three hundred-and-sixty, 67 plus their male and female servants, who numbered seven thousand, three hundred-and-thirty-seven, and two hundred-and-forty-five male and female singers.
68 There were seven hundred-and-thirty-six horses, two hundred-and-forty-five mules, four hundred-and-thirty-five camels, 69 and six thousand, seven hundred-and-twenty burros.
70 [King] ArtaSatha gave the family heads a thousand large gold coins for the reconstruction (which was put into the treasury), plus fifty [gold] bowls, and five hundred-and-thirty robes for the Priests. 71 Then the family heads contributed two thousand more large gold coins for the work (which was put into the treasury), plus two thousand, three hundred large silver coins. 72 And the rest of the people contributed twenty thousand large gold coins, two thousand silver coins, and seventy-seven outfits for the Priests.
73 And thereafter, the Priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and singers each returned to the cities that their families came from, as did the Nethinim and all Israel.
Chapter 8
1 It was in the seventh month that the sons of Israel had all arrived back in their cities. Then the people gathered as a single man in the wide area in front of the Water Gate, and they asked the scribe Ezra to bring them the scroll of the Law of Moses that gave Jehovah’s instructions to Israel. 2 So, the Priest Ezra carried the Law before the gathering, and everyone (both men and women) wanted to hear what it said, there on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And Ezra read it to the men and women in front of the square before the Water Gate, from sunrise until about noon, as everyone paid close attention to what was written in the scroll of the Law.
4 Ezra was standing on a wooden podium that he had made for such public speaking, and MattithiJah, ShemaiJah, AnaiJah, UriJah, HilkiJah, and MaAseJah were standing on his right, while PedaiJah, MishaEl, MelchiJah, Hashum, HashBadana, ZechariJah, and MeshulLam were standing on his left. 5 Then Ezra opened the scroll before all the people, as he was standing above those who were gathered there, 6 and Ezra praised their great God Jehovah, and everyone said ‘May it be; may it be,’ as they raised their arms and bowed low before Jehovah with their faces to the ground.
7 Then JeShua, Bani, SherebiJah, Jamin, AkKub, ShabBethAi, HodiJah, MaAseJah, Kelita, AzariJah, JoZabad, Hanan, PelaiJah, and the Levites explained the Law to the people as they were all standing in their places. 8 And as he read from the scroll of the Law of God, Ezra taught and instructed them, giving them a higher knowledge of Jehovah, and the people understood.
9 Then NehemiJah (who was also known as AtarSatha), the scribe and Priest Ezra, and the Levites (who were explaining things to the people) spoke. And they said, ‘This is a holy day to our God Jehovah, so stop being sad and crying’ (because all the people were crying as they were listening to the words of the Law). 10 And he said, ‘Now, go and eat the fatness and drink the sweetness, and share what you have with those who have nothing, because this is a holy day to our God Jehovah. And don’t be shy before our God, because the joy of Jehovah is our strength!’
11 Then the Levites settled the people down, as they shouted, ‘Be quiet… and because this is a holy day, don’t be falling to the ground!’
12 Then all the people started eating, drinking, and sharing what they had, and they were all very joyful after learning the things they had been told.
13 Well on the second day, the governor gathered all the family heads, the people, the Priests, and the Levites before the scribe Ezra to listen to the [reading of] more of the words of the Law. 14 And that’s when they found it was written in the Law (which God gave to Moses) that the sons of Israel were to live in temporary dwellings during the holiday of the seventh month, and that they were to signify this by blowing trumpets throughout all their cities and in Jerusalem. 15 So Ezra said: ‘Go into the mountains and gather olive branches and the branches of cypress trees, myrtle trees, palm branches, and branches from bushes, as we were told in the writing, to make temporary dwellings for ourselves.’
16 So, all the people went out and gathered what they needed to make the temporary dwellings, and assembled them on their roofs, in their courtyards, in the courtyards of the Temple of God, in the square by the Water Gate, and in the square by the Gate of EphraIm. 17 Then everyone who had returned from captivity started living in the temporary dwellings, which the sons of Israel hadn’t done from the time of JoShua (the son of NaWeh) until that day, and everyone there was extremely happy.
18 Thereafter, he read from the scroll of the Law of God from the first day to the last, during each of the seven days of the holiday. But it ended on the eighth day, just as they were told.
Chapter 9
1 Well, it was on the twenty-fourth day of the month that the sons of Israel gathered to fast, wearing sackcloth and with ashes on their heads. 2 Then they separated the foreigners from among themselves, and they stood and openly confessed their sins and the lawbreaking of their ancestors.
3 Then they took their positions as the scroll of the Law of their God Jehovah was read for four days, and they spoke openly to Jehovah and bowed before the Lord their God through the fourth day. 4 And all the while, the Levites (JeShua, the sons of KadmiEl, and SecheniJah the son of SherebiJah and grandson of ChenAni) stood on the ascent and called out loudly to their God Jehovah.
5 Then the Levites (JeShua, KadmiEl, Bani, SherebiJah, HodiJah, SecheniJah, and PethahiJah) said to the people, ‘Stand up and praise Jehovah who has been our God through the ages and into the ages of ages! Praise His glorious Name and raise it high with blessings and praise!’
6 Then Ezra said, ‘You are the only Lord, for You made the sky and the heavens of the skies, and You put everything in its position… the earth and all that’s in it, the seas and all the things in them, and You gave life to everything. So, to You all the armies of the heavens must bow.
7 ‘O Jehovah God; You chose Abram and led him out of the [land] of the Chaldeans, then You changed his name to Abraham, 8 because You found his heart worthy before You. Then You concluded a Sacred Agreement with him, promising to give the land of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Jebusites, and Gergesites to his seed, and You did what You said You would do, because You are just.
9 ‘And when You saw how our ancestors were humiliated in Egypt, and heard their cries at the Red Sea, 10 You sent signs and miracles to the Pharaoh of Egypt on their behalf, and to all his servants and all the people of his land, because You knew how they dominated them. Then You made a name for Yourself [among] them that has lasted to this day, 11 because You ripped open the sea before them and threw those who were chasing them to the bottom of the sea like stones in turbulent waters. 12 Then You guided them with a column of clouds by day and a column of fire by night, to light their way as they followed it.
13 ‘And on Mount Sinai, You went down and spoke to them from the heavens and gave them Your righteous Commandments, Laws of truth, orders, and good [instructions], 14 where You told them of Your Holy Sabbath among the Commandments, orders, and Laws that You gave them by the hands of Your servant Moses. 15 Then You sent them bread from heaven as their provisions, and You brought water out of the rock to quench their thirst.
‘Then You spoke to them and told them to go in and inherit the land that You stretched out Your hand to give them, 16 but our ancestors were too proud. They stiffened their necks and refused to listen to Your Commandments… 17 they shook their heads and refused to listen, because they forgot the wonders that You had performed among them. And because they stiffened their necks, You [could have] appointed a leader to return them to their slavery in Egypt. But You, O God, are merciful, compassionate, lenient, and filled with patience when it comes to forgiving sins, so You didn’t abandon them.
18 ‘But then they molded a calf for themselves and said, These are the gods that led us out of Egypt, which made You very angry. 19 But in Your great compassion, You didn’t abandon them in the desert or remove the column of clouds that guided them on their way during the day, or the column of fire that lit their way during the night. 20 But Your good Breath made them understand, so You didn’t withhold Your manna from their mouths or the water that You gave them to quench their thirst.
21 ‘Then You fed them in the desert for forty years and they lacked for nothing, because their clothes didn’t become old, and their sandals didn’t wear out. 22 And You gave them kingdoms… You divided the people from among them, and they inherited the land of Seon the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og the king of Bashan. 23 And all the while, You multiplied their sons as the stars in the skies, and then You brought them into the land that You told their ancestors they would enter and inherit.
24 ‘And after their sons entered and inherited the land, You wiped out those who lived in the land before them. You gave the CanaAnites into their hands, both their kings and the people of the land, to do whatever they saw fit with them. 25 And they conquered cities with high walls and entered a fertile land, where they inherited houses that were furnished, and quarries, vineyards, olive groves, and plenty of things to eat. So they ate until they were full and fat, as they indulged in Your goodness. 26 But then they changed and rebelled against You… they threw away Your Laws and killed the Prophets who You sent as witnesses to them to turn them back to You, which made You extremely angry.
27 ‘So, You handed them over to those who oppressed them. And when they were oppressed, they called to You in their time of need, and You heard them from Your heavens. Then in Your great compassion, You saved them and delivered them from the ones who were oppressing them, 28 and allowed them to rest. But then they turned around and started acting wickedly before You again, so You abandoned them into the hands of their enemies, who started ruling over them.
‘Then they once again yelled out to You, and You once again listened from the heavens and rescued them, because of Your great compassion; 29 and You advised them to return to Your Law. However, they acted superior and wouldn’t listen to Your Commandments and judgments that bring life to a man, and they sinned. They turned their backs and refused to be persuaded… they stiffened their necks and just wouldn’t listen. 30 But You suffered along with them for many years, until Your patience finally ran out, then through Your Breath You warned them by the hands of Your Prophets, and You handed them over to the people of the land. 31 But in Your great compassion, you didn’t destroy them or abandon them. You were strong and merciful, and You felt pity.
32 And now, O our strong, great, fearsome, and mighty God who is merciful and guards His Sacred Agreement; don’t allow all the troubles that have found us, our kings, our rulers, our Priests, our Prophets, our fathers, or all Your people since the days of the kings of Assyria down to this day, to go unnoticed. 33 For You are just when it comes to all the things that have happened to us. You acted righteously, but we were led into sin. 34 For our kings, rulers, Priests, and our fathers didn’t obey Your Law, or pay attention to Your Commandments, or to the things that You testified to them. 35 Yet, they lived in Your kingdom, enjoyed the abundant goodness that You gave them, and they [inherited] the wide, beautiful land that You set before them. However, they wouldn’t serve You or turn from their wicked ways.
36 ‘But look… we are Your servants today in this land that You gave to our ancestors to eat its fruit and good things. Look… we are Your servants here! 37 Yet, the abundant fruitage of this land now belongs to the kings who were put over us because of our sins, as were our bodies and our cattle, to do whatever they pleased with them. So we are extremely oppressed, 38 and we’re entrusting these things [to You]. We have written it, and our rulers, Levites, and Priests have put their seal upon it.’
Chapter 10
1 Now, in charge of those who were setting the seal were NehemiJah (or ArthaSastha, the son of HachaliJah), ZidKiJah 2 (the son of AraiJah), AzariJah, JeremiJah, 3 Pashur, AmariJah, MelchiJah, 4 HatTush, ShebaniJah, Harim, MalLuch, 5 MeremOth, ObadiJah, 6 DaniEl, GinNethou, BarUch, 7 MeshulLam, AbiJah, MiJamin, 8 MaAziJah, Bilgai, and ShemaiJah (the Priests). 9 The Levites were JeShua (the son of AzaniJah), BinNui (of the sons of HenAdad), KadmiEl 10 and his brothers ShebaniJah, HodiJah, Kelita, PelaiJah, Hanan, 11 Micha, Rehob, HaShabiJah, 12 ZacCur, SherebiJah, ShebaniJah, and HodiJah 13 (the sons of BeniNi).
14 These rulers of the people [also agreed to the seal]: ParOsh, PahathMoab, ElAm, ZatThu, the sons of Bani, 15 Agad, BebAi, 16 AdoniJah, BigVai, Adin, 17 Ater, HezekiJah, AzZur, 18 HodiJah, Hashum, BezAi, 19 Hariph, AnathOth, NebAi, 20 MagPiAsh, MeshuLam, Hezir, 21 MeShezaBeel, Zadok, JadDua, 22 PelatiJah, Hanan, AnaiJah, 23 HoSheA, HananiJah, Hashub, 24 HalLohesh, PiLeha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, HashabNah, MaAseJah, 26 AhiJah, Hanan, Anan, 27 MalLuch, Harim, and BaAnah.
28 And all the rest of the people also [agreed to the seal]… the Priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Nethinim, and all the other people of the land who had dedicated themselves to the Law of God, plus their wives, sons, and daughters… everyone who could know and understand. 29 They all supported their brothers and swore bad things upon themselves and curses with an oath, that they would follow the Law of God that had been given at the hand of Moses (the servant of God), and guard and observe all the Commandments of our God Jehovah, and His judgments and orders. 30 [They also swore] not to give their daughters to the peoples of the land, or to take their daughters for their sons.
31 Then they agreed that they would not buy anything that the peoples of the land would bring to sell on the Sabbath or on other holy days, and that every seven years we would each go up and forgive all debts. 32 And we all agreed to pay a third of a large gold coin per year for services at the Temple of our God, 33 plus provide the show bread, the daily sacrifice offerings, the whole burnt offerings, and the sacrifices for the Sabbaths, the New Moons, and the holidays, and to provide the holy things for sin offerings for ourselves and for all Israel, and for repairs and upkeep of the Temple of our God.
34 Then we [held] a lottery to determine who would carry wood to the Temple for the Priests, Levites, and the people (by houses and families) during each season and by time of day each year, to be burned on the Altar of Jehovah our God, as it is written in the Law.
35 And [we agreed to] bring the first produce of our land and the first produce of the fruit from every tree to the Temple of Jehovah each year, 36 as well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle (as it is written in the Law)… the first-born of our oxen and our flocks. We agreed to bring them to the Temple of our God for the Priests who serve there in the Temple of our God, 37 as well as the first-fruits of our grain and other offerings (the fruit of every tree, and of our wine and olive oil), which will be delivered to the Priests and stored in the treasury in the Temple of our God.
We also agreed to pay a ten-percent tithe for the Levites… they were to receive a tenth in each city for their services. 38 In addition, the descendants of Aaron (the Priests) were to share in this tenth that was to be given to the Levites. Then, even the Levites were to offer a tenth from their tenth to the Temple of our God, which would be put into the Temple treasury.
39 The treasuries were to be used to store all that the sons of Israel and the Levites would bring to the Temple – the first fruits of the grain, wine, and olive oil – where it would be stored in holy containers for the Priests, servants, gatekeepers, and singers.
Then we all agreed that we would never abandon the Temple of our God.
Chapter 11
1 Well, the rulers had all settled in Jerusalem. But then the rest of the people threw lots to bring ten percent of them to the Holy City of Jerusalem, while the other ninety percent settled in other cities. 2 And the people praised all the men who were willing to settle in Jerusalem.
3 These are the rulers of the land who settled in Jerusalem and in the cities of Judah, all of whom brought their possessions to their cities… the Israelites, Priests, Levites, Nethinim, the descendants of the servants of Solomon, 4 and many other Judeans and BenJamites who settled in Jerusalem:
[The leader] of the sons of Judah was AthaliJah (the son UzziJah and grandson of ZechariJah, the son of SamariJah, the son of ShephatiJah, the son of MaHalaleEl). And [over] the sons of Perez, 5 there was MaAseJah (the son of BarUch, grandson of ColHozeh, the son of HazaiJah, the son of AdaiJah, the son of JoiArib, the son of ZechariJah, the son of Seloni).
6 Altogether, there were four hundred and twenty-eight mighty men who were descendants of Perez that settled in Jerusalem.
7 [The leader from] the tribe of BenJamin was SalLu (the son of MeshulLlam, grandson of JoEd, the son of PedaiJah, the son of KolaiJah, the son of MasSeJah, the son of IthiEl, the son of JesaiJah). 8 And under him were GabBai and SalLai, with nine hundred and twenty-eight men. 9 Also, JoEl (the son of Zichri) was their overseer.
Judah (the son of Asam) was second in charge of the city.
10 From the Priests there was JedaiJah (the son of JoiArib), JaChin, 11 and SeraiJah (the son of HilkiJah, grandson of MeshuLam, the son of Zadok, the son of MaraiOth, the son of AhiTub) who were in charge of the Temple of God. 12 And under them were eight hundred and twenty-two of their brothers who did the work. This included AdaiJah (the son of JeroHam, grandson of PelaliJah, the son of Amzi, the son of ZechariJah, the son of Pashur, 13 the son of MelchiJah), 13 and two hundred and forty-two of his brothers who were the rulers of families, including AmaShai (the son of AzareEl, grandson of SikiJah, the son of MeshilLemOth, the son of ImMer), 14 and his brothers, some one hundred and twenty-eight mighty men who were ready for battle. Their overseer was ZabdiEl, who was a descendant of a great line of warriors.
15 From the Levites there was ShemaiJah (the son of Hashub, grandson of AzriKam, the son of HashabiJah, the son of BunNi), 16 and ShabBethAi, and JoZabad, who were in charge of the work outside the Temple of God and were the rulers of the Levites. 17 There was also MattaniJah (the son of Micha, grandson of Zechri, the son of Asaph) who was in charge of the praises; Judah was in charge of the prayers, his brother BakBukiJah was second under him, and then there was AbDa (the son of ShamMua, grandson of Galal, the son of JeDuthun). 18 Altogether, there were two hundred and eighty-four Levites in the Holy City.
19 Over the gatekeepers were AkKub and Talmon. And under them there were a hundred and seventy-two of their brothers who guarded the gates.
20 All the rest of Israel and the Priests and Levites settled in the lands of their inheritance, in the other cities of Israel.
21 The Nethinim settled in Ophel, Ziha, and Gispa.
22 The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was UzZi (the son of Bani, grandson of SabiJah, the son of MatTaniJah, the son of Micha).
The singers who were descendants of Asaph also had to do their work before of the Temple of God, 23 and because they were commanded to do so by the king, each one had his daily assignment.
24 PethahJah (the son of MeShezaBeel) from the line of Zerah of the Tribe of Judah, reported directly to the king on matters pertaining to the people 25 and regarding their properties and land.
Some from the Tribe of Judah settled in Kiriath Arba and its suburbs, in Dibon and its suburbs, in and around Kabsel, 26 in JeShua, in MolAdah, in BethPhelet, 27 in HazarShual, in BeerSheba and its suburbs, 28 in ZikLag, in MabNe and its suburbs, 29 in RimMon, in ZeriAh, in JariMoth, 30 in ZaNoah, in and around AdulLam, in and around LachIsh, and in AzekAh and its suburbs. They also camped near BeerSheba in the Valley of Hinnom.
31 The Tribe of BenJamin settled in GebaA, in MichMash, in AiJa, in BethEl and its suburbs, 32 in AnathOth, in Nob, in AnaniJah, 33 in Hazor, in Ramah, in GitTaim, 34 in Hadid, in Zeboim, in NebalLat, 35 in Lod, and in OnoKareSeim. 36 Also, some of the Levites settled throughout Judah and BenJamin.
Chapter 12
1 These are the Priests and Levites who came here with ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) and JeShua: SaraiJah, JeremiJah, Ezra, 2 AmariJah, MalLuch, HatTush, 3 ShechaniJah, Rehum, MeremOth, 4 AdiJah, GinNetho, AbiJah, 5 MiAmin, MaAdiJah, Bilgah, 6 ShemaiJah, JoiArib, JedaiJah, 7 SalLu, Amok, HilkiJah, JedaiJah.
8 These are rulers of the Priests and their brothers in the days of JeShua and the Levites: JeShua, BinNui, KadmiEl, SherebiJah, JoiAda, MatTaniJah (who, along with his brothers, was over [the gifts] of confession), 9 BakBukiJah, UnNi, and their brothers, who handled the daily rotations.
10 JeShua fathered JoiAkim, JoiAkim fathered EliAshib, EliAshib fathered JoiAda, 11 JoiAda fathered JoNathan, and JoNathan fathered JadDua.
12 Now, during the days of JoiAkim, these were the Priests and the rulers of the families:
The leader of the family of SeraiJah was MeraiJah;
The leader of the family of JeremiJah was HananiJah;
13 The leader of the family of Ezra was MeshulLam;
The leader of the family of AmariJah was JehoHanan;
14 The leader of the family of Melicu was JoNathan;
The leader of the family of SecheniJah was Joseph;
15 The leader of the family of Ares was Adna;
The leader of the family of MaraYoth was HelkAi;
16 The leader of the family of IdDo was ZechariJah;
The leader of the family of GinNethon was MeshulLam;
17 The leader of the family of AbiJah was Zichri;
The leader of the families of MinJamin and MoadiJah was PiltAi;
18 The leader of the family of Bilgah was ShamMua;
The leader of the family of ShemaiJah was JehoNathan;
19 The leader of the family of JoiArib was MattenAi;
The leader of the family of JedaiJah was Uzzi;
20 The leader of the family of SalLai was KalLai;
The leader of the family of Amok was Eber;
21 The leader of the family of HilkiJah was HashaiJah;
The leader of the family of JedaiJah was NethaneEl.
22 The Levites in the days of EliAshib were JoiAda, Joa, JoHanan, and JadDua. They were the recorded heads of their families, and the Priests in the kingdom of Darius the Persian.
23 The sons of Levi who were the family heads were written in the scroll of the records of those days, up until the time of JoHanan (the son of EliAshib). 24 The rulers of the Levites were HashabiJah, SherebiJah, JeShua, and the sons and family of KadmiEl, who were in charge of the praising and acknowledging, that David (the man of God) had set up by daily rotations.
25 MattaniJah, BakBukiJah, ObadiJah, MeShulLam, Talmon, and AkKub were in charge of gathering and assigning the watches of the gatekeepers.
26 In the days of JoiAkim (the son of JeShua and grandson of JoZadak), and in the time of NehemiJah (the ruler) and Ezra (the Priest and scribe), 27 during the festival of dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they went searching for the Levites in the places where they lived, to bring them to Jerusalem so they could handle the holiday of rededication with happiness, praises, and music on their cymbals, reed instruments, and stringed instruments. 28 Then they gathered singers from around Jerusalem… from NetoPhalthi, 29 Beth GilGal, the fields of Geba, and from AzmaVeth (because the singers had built homes for themselves around Jerusalem). 30 Then the Priests cleansed themselves, as well as the Levites, the people, and the [city] gates and walls, 31 and thereafter they led the leaders of Judah up on top of the walls.
Then I stationed two large groups of [musicians and singers] on the walls, and they walked along toward the Manure Gate, 32 as HoshaiJah and half of the rulers of Judah walked behind them. 33 AzariJah, Ezra, and MeshulLam 34 represented Judah, and ShemaiJah and JeremiJah represented BenJamin. 35 Then some of the of the Priests blew their trumpets under [the leadership of] ZechariJah (the son of JoNathan, grandson of ShemaiJah, the son of MathaniJah, the son of MichaiJah, the son of ZacCur, the son of Asaph), 36 and with his family, ShemaiJah, AzaraEl, GilalAi, MaAi, NathaniEl, Judah, and Hanani, who played the songs of David (the man of God) on their instruments. And the scribe Ezra walked in front of them.
37 Then, when they reached the Gate of the Spring, they marched down the stairway of the City of David and back up along the wall over the house of David, walking eastward toward the Water Gate. 38 And as they were marching along [playing and singing their] songs of praise, the second group was marching to meet them, as I walked behind them. Half of the people were above the wall in the Furnace Tower and along the Broad Wall 39 above the Gate of EphraIm, and on the Gates of EiSiana, the Fish Gate, the Tower of HaNaneEl, and the Tower of MeAh, all the way to the Sheep Gate, and they stopped at the Prison Gate. 40 Then both groups stopped to offer their praises at the Temple of God, as half of the commanders and I stood there.
41 Then the Priests (EliAkim, MaAsiJah, MiniAmin, MichaiJah, ElioEnai, ZechariJah, and HananiJah) blew their trumpets, 42 as MaAseJah, ShemiJah, EliEzer, UzZi, JehoHanan, MelchiJah, AiLam, Ezer (and their Overseer JezRahJah) sang.
43 Then they offered many sacrifices that day and everyone was extremely happy, for God had made them, their wives, and their children very happy; and the sound of their joy could be heard a long distance from Jerusalem.
44 And that day, they ordered those who were over the treasures of the treasuries (the first fruits and the tithes) to gather the portions for the Priests and Levites from the cities and the fields. And everyone in Judah was happy for the Priests, Levites, and the guards 45 who kept watch for their God, and those in charge of the cleansing, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, doing so according to the commandments of David and of his son Solomon. 46 Because, it was in the days of David and Asaph that singers were first assigned to sing praises to God. 47 And during the days of ZerubBabel and NehemiJah, all the people contributed a portion for the singers and gatekeepers each day, which they handed over as holy to the Levites, who handed it over as holy to the sons of Aaron.
Chapter 13
1 That day, they read the scroll of Moses before the ears of the people, and it was then that they found it was written that Ammonites and Moabite were not to enter the gathering of God through the ages, 2 because they didn’t greet the sons of Israel with bread and water, but they had hired BalaAm to curse them. However, our God turned the curses into blessings. 3 Well, when they heard this read in the Law, they separated those who had been mixed among the Israelites.
4 Before that time, however, the Priest EliAshib was living in the treasury of the Temple of our God, as was TobiJah. 5 For, he had given him a large room there in the treasury that had been used to store the sacrifice offerings, frankincense, sacred utensils, tithe grain, wine, and olive oil, as was commanded, for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, as well as the first fruits for Priests.
6 Well, I wasn’t in Jerusalem when he did this, for it was the thirty-second year of the reign of ArtaSatha (ArtaXerxes) the ruler of Babylon, so I had gone to see the king, and after some time I asked the king for some things, 7 and then I returned to Jerusalem.
Well, when I saw the wicked thing that EliAshib had done for TobiJah by giving the treasury to him in the courtyard of the Temple of God, 8 this looked very wrong to me. So I took all of TobiJah’s things out of the treasury and threw them outside. 9 Then I gave the order and they cleansed the treasuries, and I returned the Temple of God’s sacred utensils, the sacrifice offerings, and the frankincense.
10 I also realized that the Levites hadn’t been given their portions, because the Levites, singers, and workmen had all returned to their own fields. 11 So, I had a heated exchange with those who were in charge, and I asked, ‘Why has the Temple of God been abandoned?’
Then I called everyone back and assigned them to their stations, 12 and all Judah brought their tithes of the wheat, wine, and olive oil into the treasuries, 13 and I entrusted it into the hands of the Priest ShelemiJah, the scribe Zadok, and PedaiJah (for the Levites) and Hanan (the son of ZacCur and grandson of MatTaniJah), because I thought they could be trusted, and I left it up to them to divide it among their brothers.
14 Remember me for this, O my God, and don’t forget my acts of mercy on behalf of the Temple of my God Jehovah and [the assignment of] His watches!
15 At that time, I also saw people of Judah treading their wine vats, collecting sheaves of grain and loading them on their burros, as well as wine, grapes, figs, and everything else, and carrying them into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I can testify to the fact that they sold them on that day! 16 Why, even people from Tyre were bringing in fish and all sorts of things, and sitting there offering them for sale to the sons of Judah in Jerusalem on the Sabbath. 17 So, I quarreled with the free men of Judah and asked, ‘Why are you doing this wicked thing? Why are you profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Isn’t this the same thing that your fathers did that caused God to bring all the evils upon this city and upon us? Now you’re adding to His anger upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!’
19 Well after I said that, they started locking the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, and I told them not to unlock them until after the Sabbath. Then I had some of my young men stand at the gates to make sure that no one carried loads on the Sabbath day, 20 and all the traders were forced to find lodging. Oh, some did business outside Jerusalem’s walls once or twice, 21 but I spoke to them and asked, ‘Why are you lodging so close to the city wall? If you do this a second time, I’m going to have to take action against you!’
Well from that time on, they no longer came on the Sabbath.
22 Then I had a talk with the Levites who were being cleansed and those who had come to guard the gates about keeping the Sabbath holy.
Remember me O God and protect me by Your great mercy!
23 Back then I saw Judeans who had settled with wives who were AshDodites, Ammonites, and Moabites, 24 and they were speaking the AshDod language… they weren’t learning Judean, but the language of these people and those people! 25 So, I quarreled with them and cursed them… I hit some of the men, pulled their hair, and made them swear by God not to give their daughters to their sons, and not to take their daughters for their sons or for themselves. 26 [And I said], ‘Isn’t this how Solomon the king of Israel sinned? Yet, among all the nations there wasn’t another king like him, because God loved him and God appointed him king over all Israel. Yet it was this that turned him aside… foreign wives! 27 So, should we allow you to do such wickedness and break your relationship with God by taking foreign wives?’
28 [I said this to] the sons of JoiAda and to EliAshib, who was the High Priest and a relative by marriage of SanBalLat... then I threw him out!
29 Remember them, O my God, because they opposed the right of inheritance of the Priesthood, and Your Sacred Agreement with the Priesthood and the Levites!
30 I cleansed them of all their connections with foreigners, then I established the daily rotations for the Priests and Levites, and every man had an assignment among the Priests, 31 whether it was to provide gifts of wood for the offerings by seasons and times, or for the first fruits.
Please remember me O our God, for the goodness that [I have shown]!
Esther
Chapter 1
1 It was in the days of ArtaXerxes, who ruled from the City of Susa over an area of twenty-seven regions all the way to India 2 – in the third year of his reign – that he held a [wedding] banquet for his friends, those from the rest of the nations, the Persians, the Medes, 3 those who were being honored, and those who were in charge of the governors. 4 And during the banqueting (which lasted one hundred and eighty days), he showed them all the riches of his kingdom and the glory of the things he had accomplished.
5 Now, when the days for celebrating his wedding were finished, the king held another banquet for foreigners who were living in the city that lasted six days. It was held inside the courtyard of the king’s palace. 6 The area was decorated with fine linen and cotton cloth that was stretched over bolts of fine linen and purple cloth, which was fastened with studs of gold and silver over marble columns that were topped with gold and silver. 7 The stone pavement was set with emeralds, mother of pearl, marble, and beds of transparent stone; and then everything was surrounded with bouquets of roses in vases of gold and silver, and small [onyx] cups sat in front of them that were worth some thirty thousand gold coins. They also had an abundance of the best wine; the type that was saved for the king.
8 The banquet wasn’t the type that was specified by their laws, but that’s the way the king wanted it, so he gave instructions to those in charge of the workers to handle it that way. 9 Also, Astin (the queen) was holding a banquet for the women of the kingdom in the same place where ArtaXerxes was holding his.
10 Well, it was on the seventh day, while the king was in a particularly happy mood, that he gave orders to H’Man, BizTha, Harbona, BigTha, AbagTha, Zethar, and Carcas (the king’s seven [most trusted] eunuchs) to bring the queen to him 11 so she could receive her coronation and be given a royal turban, and so he could display her beauty before all the princes and the foreigners (because she was very beautiful). 12 But Queen Astin refused to come with the eunuchs, which made the king very angry. 13 So, he said to his friends, ‘If this is how Astin has chosen to answer, then you deal with this matter according to the law, and judge her!’
14 Then Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan (the seven sub-rulers of the Persians and Medes who were closest to the king and who sat by him) stepped up 15 to tell the king what the laws required them to do to Queen Astin for not following the orders that the king had given to his eunuchs. 16 Memucan spoke and said to him and the other rulers, ‘Not only has Queen Astin dishonored the king, but she has dishonored all the king’s rulers and leaders.’
17 Then he described to them all the things that the queen had said and how she disobeyed the king. And he said, ‘She has disobeyed King ArtaXerxes! 18 And today all the wives of the sub-rulers and the rest of the heads of the Persians and Medes heard this pronouncement by the queen, so they may also dare to dishonor their husbands. 19 Now, if it seems good to the king, let him write out and sign a royal decree as law among the Medes and Persians not to treat her as queen, and that she may no longer sleep with the king. Then, may the king find a woman better than her.
20 ‘May this law then be announced throughout the entire kingdom, so all women will learn to respect their husbands, both the rich and the poor!’
21 Well, what he said pleased the king and his rulers, so the king did what Memucan proposed. 22 He sent a proclamation everywhere throughout his entire realm in their languages, to force wives to show respect for their husbands in their households.
Chapter 2
1 All of that ended the king’s rage, and he never again mentioned Astin, the thing that she said, or how he had condemned her. 2 So, the king’s servants [suggested], ‘Have them search for young women for the king who are both pure and beautiful to look at. 3 Send his judges everywhere throughout his kingdom and let them choose young women who are virgins and pretty, then take them to his harem in the City of Susa and hand them over to the king’s eunuch who is in charge of the women, to be cared for and given beauty treatments. 4 Then the woman who pleases the king will rule instead of Astin.’
Well, this pleased the king, so it was done.
5 Now, there was a man (a Judean) in the City of Susa whose name was MordecAi. He was the son of JaiRus, the grandson of SemeYas, and the great-grandson of KisaYus, from the tribe of BenJamin, and 6 he had been carried off as a captive from Jerusalem by NebuChadnezzar the king of Babylon. 7 He had a child that he raised, who was the daughter of his uncle (his father’s brother), and her name was Esther. For, after her parents died, he [agreed to] take [care of] the young woman, who was very pretty.
8 Well, after the king’s proclamation [was read], many young women were gathered to the City of Susa [to be seen by] by Gai (the harem keeper), and then Esther was led before him. 9 He found the young woman very pleasing and he liked her, so he hurried to give her the beauty treatments, her share [of good things], and seven young women from the royal palace were brought before her. Then he treated her and her handmaidens very well in the harem chamber. 10 However, Esther didn’t discuss her race or her fatherland with him, because MordecAi had told her not to mention it. 11 Then each day thereafter, MordecAi would walk by the women’s courtyard to see what was happening to Esther.
12 And at the end of twelve months, the time finally came for the young women to go in to the king, for that’s how long the beauty treatments were to last. They also underwent six months of treatments with fragrant oils.
13 Well, after six months of being bathed in myrrh oil, she was taken in to the king, along with anyone else who the king instructed to be brought from the harem chamber to the royal palace. 14 She was brought in to him that evening, and the next morning she ran to the secondary harem where the Eunuch Gai (the king’s harem keeper) was. And thereafter, she couldn’t go before the king unless she was called.
15 Eventually, Esther (the daughter of AbiHail, MordecAi’s uncle) again went in to the king and she carefully followed all the eunuch’s instructions. And thereafter, everyone who saw her liked Esther. 16 Then Esther went in to King ArtaXerxes in the tenth month (Tebeth) of the seventh year of his reign, 17 and he fell passionately in love with her, preferring her to all the other virgins. So, then he placed the royal turban of the queen upon her head, 18 and he held a banquet for all his friends and governors for seven days. And he made the wedding feast of Esther greater by [releasing all the prisoners] in his kingdom.
19 Now, MordecAi was in charge of matters in [the king’s] courtyard. 20 And following MordecAi’s instructions, Esther hadn’t spoken of her fatherland, and she was told to fear God and to obey His orders as she did when she lived in his home. So, Esther never changed her ways.
21 Well, MordecAi kept growing more important. 22 And then two of the king’s eunuchs (the chiefs of his bodyguards) became worried about the king and decided to kill ArtaXerxes, and MordecAi heard about the matter and warned Esther, then she told the king about the plot. 23 So, the king interrogated the eunuchs and had them hung. And the king had a record written in the royal library about the goodwill that MordecAi had shown, and that he was to be commended.
Chapter 3
1 After that, King ArtaXerxes honored H’Man (the son of Amadathes the AgAgite). He promoted him over all his friends and seated him in [the most prominent position]. 2 Then everyone in the courtyard had to bow before him, because the king said so. However, MordecAi refused to bow before him. 3 So, the people in the king’s courtyard asked MordecAi, ‘Why are you disobeying the orders of the king?’
4 Well, they spoke to him about this each day, but MordecAi just didn’t pay any attention to them. So, they pointed out to H’Man that he was disobeying the king’s orders; and they also told him that MordecAi was a Judean. 5 And when H’Man found out that he wasn’t bowing before him, he was furious. 6 So, that’s when he started making plans to remove all the Judeans from the kingdom of ArtaXerxes.
7 For thereafter, he called for a referendum (during the twelfth year of the reign of ArtaXerxes). Then he threw lots to determine the best month and day to destroy the race of MordecAi, and the lot fell for the fourteenth day of the month of Adar.
8 Then he went and spoke to King ArtaXerxes and said, ‘There’s a nation that is mixed among all the nations of your kingdom whose laws are different from the other nations, and they disregard the laws of the king, so it isn’t to the king’s advantage to keep them. 9 And if it seems good to the king, may he write a decree that they must be destroyed, then I will appropriate ten thousand gold coins from the king’s treasury to get it done.’
10 Well, the king removed his ring and handed it to H’Man, to seal the judgment that he wrote against the Judeans. 11 And the king said to H’Man, ‘As for the silver, you have it. And as for that nation, treat them any way you wish!’
12 Then, the king called in his scribes on the thirteenth day of the first month, and they wrote H’Man’s orders [and sent them to] all the military commanders and governors from India to Ethiopia… to a hundred and twenty-seven districts. He sent letters to all the rulers of the nations in their own languages in the name of King ArtaXerxes. 13 And then he sent couriers throughout the kingdom of ArtaXerxes [telling the people] to wipe out the race of the Judeans on the first day of the twelfth month (Adar), and to plunder all their possessions. 14 Then copies of the letters were put on display everywhere.
Well, the day was set and everything was being prepared and made ready… 15 even in Susa. Then the king and H’Man toasted each other, as the whole city was in an uproar.
Chapter 4
1 Well, when MordecAi recognized that this was the end, he ripped his clothes and put on sackcloth, then threw ashes [on his head]. And thereafter, he rushed to the city square, where he yelled as loud as he could, ‘A nation is being taken away that has wronged no one!’
2 Then he went and stood outside the palace gate, because he wasn’t allowed to enter the courtyard in sackcloth and ashes. 3 And everywhere that the letters were on display, there was crying, beating on chests, and great mourning among the Judeans, as they put on sackcloth and made beds for themselves in ashes.
4 Then the queen’s handmaidens and eunuchs came to her and told her about this, and she was very upset when she heard what had happened. So she sent a robe to MordecAi and told him to stop wearing his sackcloth, but he refused to do it. 5 Then Esther called Hatach (her personal eunuch) and sent him to MordecAi 6 so she could learn the details of the situation.
7 Well, MordecAi told him what had happened, and how H’Man got the king’s promise to receive ten thousand gold coins from his treasury so he could destroy the Judeans. 8 And then he gave him a copy of the decree that was on public display in Susa, which told how they were to be destroyed, and Hatach took it to Esther. He also told the eunuch to ask her to beg the king’s pardon and for her to be found worthy to remind him of her people. He said, ‘Tell him of how lowly you were once considered and of how I took you and raised you, because H’Man (the king’s second in command) has spoken about murdering us. Call upon Jehovah, and then speak to the king about us and rescue us from death!’
9 Then Hatach returned and told Esther everything [Modecai] said. 10 And Esther told Hatach to go to MordecAi and tell him, ‘Everyone in the kingdom knows that there’s no hope for any man or woman who goes into the king’s inner courtyard without being called. 11 Just the one to whom the king stretches out his scepter is safe, and I haven’t been called to see the king for some thirty days now.’
12 So, Hatach went and told MordecAi everything that Esther said, and MordecAi told him: 13 ‘Go and tell Esther not to be thinking that she’s the only Judean who will be saved. 14 If she wants to ignore us this time, the Judeans will get help from somewhere else. However, she and the house of her father will be destroyed. For, how does she know that the reason why she was made queen wasn’t for this very purpose?’
15 Then Esther sent a reply to MordecAi, saying, 16 ‘Well, gather all the Judeans in the City of Susa, and I want everyone to fast for me… don’t eat or drink for three nights and days! Also, my handmaidens and I will go without food before I go before the king, because I’ll be breaking the law. But if it’s necessary for me to die, I’ll do it!’
17 And thereafter, MordecAi did everything that Esther told him to do.
Chapter 5
1 Well, on the third day, Esther dressed in her royal clothes, and then she went and stood in the palace courtyard, inside the inner courtyard, which is right outside the king’s residence. And when the king went and sat on his royal throne (which was inside his palace but faced the front entryway) 2 and saw Esther the queen standing in his courtyard, he was pleased; so he stretched out the golden scepter that he held in his hand toward her, and Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 Then the king asked, ‘What do you want, Esther… what is your request? Ask for half of my kingdom and it’s yours.’
4 And Esther said, ‘Today is a special day for me, so if it seems good to the king, may both the king and H’Man attend a banquet that I will hold today!’
5 So, the king said to H’Man, ‘Hurry, let’s go and do what Esther asked!’
Then they both went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 And when they arrived, the king said to Esther, ‘Tell me what it is that’s so important to you, Queen Esther, and I’ll do whatever is worthwhile.
7 And she said, ‘My only request and petition 8 is that; if I’ve found the favor of the king, you and H’Man come again tomorrow for [another] banquet that I’ll hold for you, the same as today.’
9 Well, when H’Man left the king that day, he was very cheerful and happy. However, when he saw the Judean MordecAi standing in the courtyard, he was furious. 10 And when he got home, he called his wife ZoSara and his friends 11 and showed them all the wealth he had gained, of the glory that the king had had vested upon him, and of how the king had appointed him as the most important and given him the lead position in his kingdom. 12 Then H’Man said, ‘Why, the queen didn’t invite anyone to her banquet other than just the king and me, and she has invited me again tomorrow! 13 However, the thing that really bothered me was seeing that Judean MordecAi standing in the courtyard.’
14 Then his wife ZoSara said to him and his friends, ‘Cut down an eighty-five-foot-tall tree, then at dawn tomorrow morning, speak to the king about hanging MordecAi on it. So, when you attend the banquet with the king, you can do it joyfully!’
Well, this seemed to be a good idea, so H’Man prepared the tree.
Chapter 6
1 However, Jehovah removed sleep from the king that night, so he gave orders to his servant to bring in the memorandum letters and read them to him. 2 And that’s when he found the letter concerning MordecAi, which told of how he had reported that two of the king’s eunuchs were looking to get their hands on ArtaXerxes. 3 So the king asked: ‘What glory or favor was shown to MordecAi for doing this?’
And the king’s servants replied, ‘Why, nothing has been done for him.’
4 Well, it was at the same time that the king was asking about doing good things for MordecAi that {Look!} H’Man arrived in the courtyard, for he had come to speak to the king about hanging MordecAi on the pole that he had prepared.
So the king asked, ‘Who is in the courtyard?’
5 And the king’s servants replied, ‘Look, its H’Man standing in the courtyard.’
And the king said, ‘Call him in!’
6 Then the king asked H’Man, ‘Tell me, what [do you suggest] I do for a man that I wish to honor?’
And H’Man thought to himself, ‘Who does the king wish to honor other than me?’ 7 So he said to the king: ‘As for the man who the king wishes to honor; 8 the king’s servants should bring him the same fine linen that the king wears and the king’s horse. 9 Then have the king’s most honored friends put the royal robes upon the man who is loved by the king, mount him on the horse, and lead him around the city square proclaiming, This is how any man who is honored by the king is treated!’
10 And the king said to H’Man, ‘Well spoken! That’s what I want you to do for the Judean MordecAi, my courtyard attendant. Make sure that you do everything you said!’
11 Well, H’Man got the robe and the horse, then put the robe on MordecAi and mounted him on the horse, and led him around the city square proclaiming, ‘This is how any man who is honored by the king is treated!’
12 And after he brought MordecAi back to the courtyard, he went home very upset and with a worried mind; 13 and he described the things that had happened to him to his wife ZoSara and to his friends. Then his wife and friends said, ‘Since MordecAi is of the Judean race and you have started being humbled before him, you’re going to fall; and there’s no way to defend yourself against him, because the Living God is with him!’
14 Well, it was while they were still speaking that the eunuchs arrived to hurry H’Man along to the banquet that had been prepared by Esther.
Chapter 7
1 Then the king and H’Man went in to drink together with the queen on the second day of the banquet, 2 and the king asked Esther: ‘What would you like, Queen Esther? What is your request or petition? For, whatever you ask is yours… up to half of my kingdom!’
3 And she replied, ‘If I’ve found favor before the king, my request and petition is for him to grant life to my people; 4 for both my people and I have been sold for destruction, ravaging, and as male and female slaves (both our children and us); yet I failed to tell you this. However, the one who slandered us isn’t worthy to sit in the courtyard of the king.’
5 And the king asked, ‘Who has dared to do such a thing?’
6 Then Esther said, ‘A man; an enemy; H’Man… this wicked man!’
Well, H’Man became very upset before the king and queen. 7 Then the king got up and left the party, and walked out into the garden. So, H’Man appealed to the queen, because he saw that he was in a bad situation. 8 And when the king returned from the garden, he found H’Man fallen on the queen’s bed as he was begging her. And the king asked, ‘Are you attacking my wife here in my own house?’
Well, when H’Man heard that, he didn’t know what to say. 9 And then Harbonah (one of the king’s eunuchs) said to the king, ‘Look, there’s an eighty-five-foot-tall pole that H’Man prepared for MordecAi, the man who protected the king, and it has been place upright over at H’Man’s place!’
And the king said, ‘Then let him be impaled upon it!’
10 So, H’Man was hung on the pole that he had prepared for MordecAi, and then the king was no longer as angry.
Chapter 8
1 And that day, King ArtaXerxes presented everything that had belonged to the slanderer H’Man, to Esther. Then the king called MordecAi, because Esther explained how he was related to her, 2 and he gave MordecAi the ring that he had removed from H’Man. And then Esther placed MordecAi in charge of all the possessions of H’Man.
3 Thereafter, she went and spoke to the king, fell upon his feet, and begged him to undo the evils of H’Man and all that he had done against the Judeans.
4 Well, the king held out his gold scepter to Esther, so she rose to her feet, stood next to the king, 5 and said, ‘If it seems good to you, and if I’ve found your favor; have the letters that were sent out by H’Man, in which he wrote about destroying all the Judeans in your kingdom, recalled. 6 For, how could I watch my people being so mistreated? And how could I be saved when my fatherland is being destroyed?’
7 Then the king said to Esther, ‘Why, I’ve granted you everything that H’Man owned and I hung him on a pole for raising his hands against the Judeans; so what more are you asking? 8 You may write whatever seems good to you in my name, and then seal it with my ring. However, whenever the king gives an order and seals it with his ring, it may never be changed!’
9 Well, it was the twenty-third day of the first month (Nisan) of that same year, when the scribes were called, and [an edict] was written concerning the Judeans, which was sent to all those in authority, to those in charge of the governors from India to Ethiopia, and to a hundred-and-twenty-seven governors by districts in their own languages. 10 It was written in the name of the king, sealed with his ring, and sent out by couriers, 11 and it gave instructions on how his laws were to be executed in each city. They were instructed to assist [the Judeans] and to help them to deal with their opponents and enemies in any way that they requested.
12 Then on the first day, the proclamation [was read] throughout the entire kingdom of ArtaXerxes, and copies were put on public display for everyone throughout the kingdom to see,13 saying that the Judeans were to be allowed to prepare themselves for war against all their enemies on the thirteenth day of Adar (the twelfth month).
14 The king’s edict was then carried on horseback to be quickly delivered throughout the realm, and it was put on display in Susa.
15 Well, MordecAi was thereafter dressed in royal robes, and a gold crown was placed on his head over a purple turban. And when the people of Susa saw this, they rejoiced; 16 and the Judeans were very relieved and happy. 17 Then, in every place and city where the edict was displayed, there was rejoicing and toasting among the Judeans; and because of their fear of the Judeans, many people of the nations were circumcised and became converts to Judaism.
Chapter 9
1 Well, by the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (Adar), all the letters from the king had been distributed. 2 So on that day, all the enemies of the Judeans were destroyed, because everyone was afraid and no one opposed them. 3 Everyone, including the heads over the governors, the vassal kings, and the royal scribes, treated the Judeans with respect, because they were afraid of MordecAi, 4 since the king had ordered his name 5 to be proclaimed throughout the kingdom.
6 In the city of Susa alone, the Judeans killed about five hundred, 7 including PharShandatha, Daiphon, Aspatha, 8 Pharadatha, Barea, Sarbaka, 9 MarMasima, Ruphaeus, Arseus, ZabuThaeus, 10 the ten sons of H’Man, and the son of AmaDathes the Bougean (who were all enemies of the Judeans). However, they didn’t do any plundering that day.
11 Well, when the king heard how many had been destroyed in Susa, 12 he said to Esther, ‘The Judeans have destroyed five hundred men in the city; so, how do you suppose they were treated in other areas? Ask whatever you wish and it will be yours!’
13 And Esther said to the king, ‘Allow the Judeans to do the same thing tomorrow, and to hang [up] the ten sons of H’Man.’ 14 And he agreed to allow it to happen.
So, the Judeans in the city hung up the bodies of the sons of H’Man, 15 then they all gathered in Susa on the fourteenth day of Adar and killed three hundred more men; but again, they didn’t plunder them.
16 Also, the rest of the Judeans throughout the kingdom had gathered to protect themselves, and they finally got some rest from those warlike men, because they destroyed seventy thousand of them on the thirteenth of Adar… but they didn’t do any plundering either. 17 And thereafter, they rested on the fourteenth day of the month, proclaiming it a day of rest, joy, and gladness.
18 Now, the Judeans in the city of Susa also gathered for rest on the fourteenth day, then they celebrated on the fifteenth day with joy and gladness. 19 And because of this, all the Judeans who were scattered outside [of Judea] still celebrate the fourteenth day of Adar as a happy day, during which they each send food to their neighbors. 20 For MordecAi wrote [to suggest] this in a scroll that he sent to the all Judeans throughout the kingdom of ArtaXerxes, both near and far, 21 establishing the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar as good days of celebration, 22 because those were the days when the Judeans gained rest from their enemies. That was the month when their mourning was turned to joy and their grief was turned into good days. As the result, they were to celebrate those days happily with wedding feasts and by sending food to their friends and to the poor.
23 Well, the Judeans were happy when MordecAi wrote of 24 how H’Man (the son of Amadathes the Macedonian) had waged war against them by authoring a referendum to wipe them out, 25 and of how he had gone before the king to hang MordecAi [on a pole]. Then he told of how his attempt to do bad things to the Judeans resulted in his own hanging along with his children.
26 So, they call those days Purim, because those were the days [that H’Man] had chosen by throwing lots (which in their dialect are called Purim).
Well, because of the words in that letter, all the things that they had suffered and had happened to them, stopped. 27 And the Judeans adopted [Purim as a holiday] for them and their seed, and they agreed to observe it exactly as [MordecAi] suggested. It was to be a memorial from generation to generation in every city, family, and place. 28 These days were to be celebrated for all time, and were never to be forgotten through the generations.
29 Then Queen Esther (the daughter of AbiHail) and MordecAi the Judean wrote about all that they had done, in confirmation of the letter about Purim. 30 MordecAi and Esther attested to what they had done, of how they had fasted, and of the things that they said. 31 Then Esther established the matter through the ages by [having it written] as a memorial.
Chapter 10
1 Then the king wrote about this to everyone in his kingdom, both on land and at sea, 2 and he also wrote about his strength, valor, riches, and the glory of his kingdom. Look! It’s all written as a memorial in the scrolls of the Persians and Medes.
3 MordecAi was a relief to King ArtaXerxes, and he became great in the kingdom. He was also highly praised by the Judeans, because he fondly [watched out for] the welfare of their nation.
Job
Chapter 1
1 There was a certain man named Job who lived in the land of the AuSitidi. He was true, blameless, righteous, God fearing, and he distanced himself from all that was wicked. 2 Now, he had seven sons and three daughters. He also had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, and five hundred grazing female burros. In addition, he had a huge work force to serve him and many more to care for his land, 3 for the man had been born into a prosperous family from the sunrise in the east.
4 Well, his sons prepared banquets for each other, which were held once each day, and their three sisters were invited to eat and drink with them. 5 Then after all the banqueting was done, Job got up early in the morning to purify them. He offered sacrifices for each of them, plus a calf as a sin offering for their lives; for as Job said, ‘In case my sons thought something bad toward God.’ And that’s how Job always did things.
6 Then one day, {Look!} the messengers of God went to stand before Jehovah and the Opposer came along with them. 7 So Jehovah asked the Opposer, ‘Where have you come from?’
And the Opposer replied to Jehovah: ‘I’ve been on the earth walking around everywhere under the sky.’
8 Then Jehovah asked him, ‘Have you noticed and thought about My child Job? Why, there’s no one else like him on the earth, because he’s blameless, true, God fearing, and he distances himself from anything that is bad.’
9 And the Opposer stood before Jehovah and said: ‘Is Job really free to worship Jehovah? 10 Why, haven’t You protected him and everything in his household, and from everything on the outside around him that’s bad? You’ve blest everything he does, and You’ve provided huge herds of cattle for him throughout the land. 11 Now, send Your hand and touch everything he has, and he will surely rave against You to Your face!’
12 Then Jehovah said to the Opposer: ‘{Look!} I’m putting everything he has into your hands… just don’t touch him personally.’ So the Opposer left the presence of Jehovah.
13 Well, that same day, all of Job’s sons and daughters were drinking wine in the house of their older brother.
14 Then {Look!} a messenger came to Job and told him: ‘We were plowing with the teams of oxen and the female burros were grazing nearby, 15 when slavers came and took them all and killed all your servants with swords. I’m the only one who escaped, so I could bring this message to you.’
16 Well, while he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said to Job: ‘Lightning came from the sky and burned up all the sheep… and the shepherds were destroyed the same way. I’m the only one who escaped, so I came to report it to you.’
17 And while he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said to Job: ‘Three companies of cavalry attacked us, then they rounded up the camels and took them, and they killed all your servants with swords. I was the only one who escaped, so I’ve come to report this to you.’
18 Then while he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and told Job: ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking with their older brother 19 when a tornado came toward them from out of the desert and touched down on the four corners of his house and destroyed it, killing all your children. I’m the only one who escaped, and I came to report it to you.’
20 Well with that, Job got up and started ripping his clothes. Then he cut all the hair off his head, and he bowed all the way to the ground and said: 21 ‘I came out of my mother’s belly naked, and I will return there naked. Jehovah gave it and Jehovah took it away. So, as it seems good to Jehovah, that is what has come to pass. May the Name of the Lord be praised!’
22 Well, despite all these terrible things that happened to him, Job didn’t sin against Jehovah once, nor did he accuse God of foolishness.
Chapter 2
1 Then on another day, God’s messengers again came to stand before Jehovah, and the Opposer came among them once more to stand before the Lord. 2 And Jehovah asked the Opposer, ‘So, from what place have you come?’
And the Opposer again replied: ‘I’ve been on the earth walking around everywhere under the sky.’
3 So Jehovah asked him: ‘Have you been paying attention to my child Job; for there are none others like him on the earth. He’s not a wicked man; he’s true, blameless, God fearing… he stays away from anything that’s evil and he’s still innocent. Yet, you said [that he wouldn’t remain faithful] if everything he had was destroyed without a reason.’
4 Then the Opposer said to Jehovah: ‘Skin for skin… a man will give everything he has for his life. 5 It’s a fact that if You send Your hand to touch his flesh and bones, he will surely rave at You to Your face!’
6 And Jehovah replied to the Opposer: ‘{Look!} I’m giving him to you… just don’t take his life!’
7 So the Opposer left Jehovah and struck Job with terrible sores from his head to his feet. 8 As the result, he carried a broken piece of pottery to scrape the pus, and he sat in a pile of ashes.
9 Then his wife asked him, ‘How much longer are you going to endure this? Just speak a word to Jehovah and He will end it all!’
10 But he looked at her and said: ‘Why are you acting like such a foolish woman? Why, if we have looked for good things from the hand of Jehovah, shouldn’t we also endure the bad?’
11 Then, when three of his friends heard of all the bad things that had happened to him, they each came from their lands to see him. There was EliPhaz the Temanite (a king), Baldad the Shuhite (a sovereign ruler), and Zophar the Minaean (a king). Now, they all came to visit him for the purpose of comforting him, 12 but as they approached, they didn’t even recognize him. So they each started shouting, crying, ripping their clothes, and throwing dust in the air. 13 Then they sat down beside him for seven days and seven nights without speaking a word, for they recognized that this was an awful calamity, which was much worse than they had anticipated.
Chapter 3
1 Well, after this, Job opened his mouth and cursed his day, 2 saying: 3 ‘May the day I was born be destroyed, along with the night that they said, Look! It’s a boy! 4 May that night become darkened; may the Lord up above not seek it; may it not see the coming of dawn. 5 Rather, may it be taken by darkness, and by the shadow of death. May that day become dimmed; may that day now be cursed, 6 and its night carried away into darkness. May it not be a day of the year, nor may it be counted in one of the months. 7 May that night be one of grief, not happiness and joy; 8 and may the one who curses that day, also put a curse upon it. 8 May it be [swallowed by] a whale, 9 and may darkness cover the stars of that night, so they will no longer be seen… and may they never shine again. May the morning star not rise again, 10 for it did not close the womb of my mother, so my eyes wouldn’t see such misery.
11 ‘Why didn’t I die in her belly, instead of having been born? Why wasn’t I destroyed then and there? 12 Why did her knees come to meet me, and why did her breasts then nurse me?
13 ‘Now may I got to bed and become still. 14 May I sleep and find rest with the kings… the councilors of the earth who prance with their swords, 15 or with the rulers who had so much gold, and who filled their houses with silver.
16 ‘O that I might have been miscarried, within the womb of my mother, like babies who don’t see light of day, 17 and go where the rage and anger of the Godless, have all now been burned away… where the exhausted find rest for their bodies, 18 and where none of those of the ages, will hear voices of tax collectors again. 19 It’s where the small and the great both go… even the servant [along with] his master.
20 ‘Why have those who are bitter seen light, and why is life given to those who are grieved, 21 and long for death that won’t come; those who root for it as though it were treasure, 22 and would be overjoyed to attain it? 23 For, to such a man death becomes rest, when he has nowhere to go, when [our] God is against him.
24 ‘My grain has now become moaning, and I’m crying and shaking in fear, 25 for the things I once feared in my dreams have come true, and the things that I awed have now met me. 26 I’m not at peace, or still, or at rest, for what’s come to me is [His] rage.’
Chapter 4
1 Then EliPhaz the Temanite decided to speak. He said, 2 ‘Do you often complain of your problems? Who can stand such strong talk?
3 ‘Now, you’ve given good advice to many, and you’ve comforted the hands of the weak; 4 you’ve lifted the timid with words, and encouraged those feeble in the knees. 5 But now that misery has touched you, you tend to be in a hurry.
6 ‘Aren’t you afraid of your own foolish ways… of your hopes and the evil of your ways? 7 Can you think of the pure who’ve ever been destroyed, or of anyone true who’s been wiped away?
8 ‘You know; I’ve seen people who were plowing in unnatural places, then those doing the sowing reap grief for themselves. 9 For, by the order of Jehovah they will perish, and with the breath of His wrath they’ll be wiped away. 10 Then the strength of the lion and the lioness’ voice, and the prancing of beasts will be gone. 11 For the cub of a lion will die without prey, and their young won’t come to each other’s aid.
12 ‘Now, if the things you say are all true, and they all really happened, then none of these things would have come upon you. So, should my ears now believe, that He has done an the unusual thing?
13 ‘An echo in the night brings fear to all men… 14 it stuns me, makes me tremble, and makes my bones rattle.
15 ‘Why, a spirit once came and looked in my face, which made me shudder, my flesh [crawl], and my hair stood erect. 16 I stood up, for I knew not what I saw; but there it was in front of my eyes. Then I felt a breeze and I heard a voice say, 17 Why should a man be pure before God… for none of His servants are trusted by Him, and He thinks of His angels as crooked.
19 ‘Those who live in houses of clay, are made from the very same mortar, so He destroys them both just the same. 20 [They come] in the morning and are gone by the evening… if they can’t help themselves they will die. He breathes upon them and they wither, and they perish because they are unwise.
Chapter 5
1 ‘So call out, if any will listen, or if you see holy angels; 2 for even a fool will stop being angry, and a wanderer brings an end to his search.
3 ‘I’ve seen fools laying plans; then their homes were destroyed. 4 And though their sons were in a place that was safe, they were still crushed at the doors of lesser men, and no one came to their aid.
5 ‘Now, the hungry can eat the things of the harvest, but those who are armed can siphon their strength. 6 So the ground may only bring work, and misery may sprout on the mountains. 7 Yet a man is born to do work, as young vultures will fly to high places.
8 ‘Yet I’ll still beg to Jehovah, and I’ll call to the Almighty God, 9 who does great things that can’t be explained… innumerable, unusual, things of honor; 10 He who sends water to the earth, and rain to places under the sky. 11 For He lifts the humble up high, and those who are dying He raises.
12 ‘He alters the plans of the clever, so there’s no way they can do what is true. 13 He beats the intelligence of the wise, and amazes the plans of the crafty. 14 In daylight darkness can meet them, and at noon they may grope as at night. 15 For they may be killed in a war, and the weak may escape from the mighty; 16 so there’s hope for those without power, because unrighteous mouths may be closed.
17 ‘Blest is the man who’s disciplined by Jehovah… those who won’t ignore the Almighty! 18 For He brings pain and then He restores; He strikes and He heals with His hands. 19 Six times from problems He’ll save you, but in the seventh He’ll give you what’s bad. 20 During famine He’ll save you from death, and in war set you free from iron hands. 21 From the whip of the tongue He will hide you, so you won’t fear the evils that come.
22 ‘Then at the unrighteous and lawless you will laugh, and wild animals you’ll no longer fear. 23 With you the wild beasts will make peace, 24 and then you’ll know there is peace in your house, when at home in your tent you don’t sin. 25 And you’ll know that your seed will be many, and your children will be as weeds in a field.
26 ‘Yet, you’ll go to your grave like grain in its harvest… like heaps on the floor in the hour it’s collected. 27 {Look!} These are the things we’ve concluded, and these are the things we have heard. So, just you know it within you, and if you have done something wrong.’
Chapter 6
1 Then Job spoke. He said: 2 ‘If anyone would take a balance scale, and measure my anger against my grief, they’d find that they both balance out… 3 but they’re still heavier than the sands on the seashore. It seems you haven’t heard the things that I’m saying, 4 for my body has been pierced by arrows from the Lord; their rage is drinking my blood; and when I start to speak they come to sting me.
5 ‘Why do wild burros cry out, when they aren’t looking for grain? And why does an ox moo from his stable, when there is plenty of food? 6 Should bread be eaten without salt… and what taste is in words that are empty? 7 Yet, I’m unable to drive them out of my life, and I groan when I see my cereal grains, for they smell like a lion [to me].
8 ‘If He’d give me the things that I’ve asked for; if Jehovah would give me the things that I’ve hope for. 9 For from the start Jehovah has pierced me, and in the end it hasn’t been taken away! 10 So, may my city become my grave… for on walls I will jump; the one I will gladly accept.
11 ‘I’ve not lied about holy words of my God, so why have I the strength to remain… why have I the strength to live on? 12 Have I the strength of rocks, and are my body parts made out of brass?
13 ‘In Him have I not put my trust? Yet for me His help has been absent. 14 Has His mercy to me been forbidden, and have the visits of Jehovah overlooked me? 15 Why, even close friends won’t look upon me; like a stream that’s gone dry or a wave that’s passed by, they now all just walk past me. 16 Those who once showed me reverence, now fall on me like a bank of ice or snow, 17 that has melted away in the heat [of the day], and isn’t seen as what it once was. 18 That’s how I’ve been abandoned by all; I’m destroyed and I’ve become homeless.
19 ‘{Look!} The Temanite routes and Sabaean passes, can all be readily seen, 20 and they owe shame to those in the cities, and the things they relied upon there. 21 Without mercy you’ve all stood against me, as though you’re afraid of my sores. 22 What, if anything, have I asked of you, and what of your strength do I want? 23 Isn’t it to save me from my enemies, and to snatch me away from the hands of the mighty?
24 ‘Teach me and I’ll remain silent! And if I’ve strayed away, then show me! 25 Apparently you view the words of one who’s true, as though they were all quite foul. But I haven’t asked for your strength, 26 nor will your scolding make me stop speaking. I won’t endure the things that you say, 27 for you’ve come down on an orphan, and you’ve attacked one who’s a friend.
28 Now, as I look in your face I won’t tell a lie, 29 so just sit there and don’t be unrighteous. Gather with one who is just, 30 for nothing wrong has come from my tongue, and from my throat comes things you should ponder.
Chapter 7
1 ‘The purpose of man on the earth, surely isn’t just to be tried; but he lives his life as a hired daily worker, 2 and as a servant in awe of his master, who looks for the shade of his shadow, and stands there awaiting his wages. 3 Thus for months I have waited in vain, filled with the nights of grief I’ve been given. 4 For, when I go to bed I say, When will it be day? And when I get up I ask, When will it be night once again?
‘I am filled with grief from evening to morning, 5 and my body is rotting and filled up with worms. Like clods of earth I am melting away, as I’m scraping away all the pus. 6 My existence now weighs less than my words; it has perished in hopes unattained.
7 ‘Remember that my breath is my life, and that my eyes will no longer see good. 8 The eyes of those searching won’t see me, and though Your eyes are upon me I’m gone, 9 like a cloud that had drifted away in the sky.
10 ‘If a man goes down to his grave, he doesn’t come back again. There’s no way he’ll return to his house, nor will his home recognize him anymore. 11 But I won’t close up my mouth; I’ll keep speaking of my plight. I’ll keep baring my soul, and show the bitterness it holds.
12 ‘Am I the sea or the dragon that guards it? 13 I once said that my bed would bring comfort. But now all I have to offer myself, are my own words as I lie on my cot, 14 where you frighten me with my dreams, and with visions that strike me with terror.
15 ‘You’ll dismiss my breath from my life, and deliver my bones up to death. 16 But if I will patiently wait, I will live again in the ages. 17 So, leave me because my life is now empty! For, what is a man that you’d make him greater, or pay attention to the things that he thinks? 18 Why pay him a visit until [the next] morning, in order to judge him as he lay there resting?
19 ‘How much longer will [He] keep me alive, and refuse to let me go as I [lie here], swallowing my own spit in my grief? 20 If I have sinned, then what can I do, O One who knows the minds of all men? Why have You made me Your accuser, and why have I become Your burden? 21 Why not forget the laws that I’ve broken, and cleanse me from all of my sins? But now I’ll go into the ground, and no longer rise early again.’
Chapter 8
1 Then Baldad the Shuhite spoke. He said: 2 ‘How long will you use the breath from your mouth to speak in a talkative way? 3 Does Jehovah sin when He judges, or does the Maker of all harm the righteous? 4 So, if your sons sinned before Him, it’s for their lawlessness that He sent them away.
5 ‘Why, to seek Jehovah you arose early, and before the Almighty you have begged. 6 But if you were pure and if you were true, He would have listened to all your requests, and restored your position of justice. 7 For, if at first your men have been few, in the end they’ll be unnumbered.
8 ‘Ask the first generations, and trace the race of the fathers! 9 For, yesterday they were here yet they didn’t know, the shadow that would cover their existence on the ground. 10 Don’t they teach you, and don’t they tell you… don’t such sayings come from your heart?
11 ‘Can papyrus live without water? Can the bulrush live without drinking? 12 As long as the plant has its roots, and before it has ever been picked, if it cannot drink from the garden, does it not wither and dry? 13 So it is for those forgetting Jehovah; for there is no hope for the Godless. 14 His house will never be lived in again, and spiders will then spread their tents. 15 If no one comes to care for his house, it won’t be able to stand… it won’t remain lest someone comes to claim it.
16 ‘Why, whenever it’s wet under the sun, from what’s rotten shoots will then sprout. 17 So, on a pile of stones he goes to bed, and he lives amidst all the gravel. 18 Then if the place should swallow him down, it will also cover him over. Haven’t you seen such a thing? 19 That’s how the Godless are undone! And then out of the ground sprouts another.
20 ‘There’s no way that Jehovah would harm the good, for He never takes gifts from the ungodly. 21 But the mouths of the true He fills up with laughter, and then with their lips they do praise Him. 22 He’ll put all their enemies to shame, and the homes of the Godless will be gone.’
Chapter 9
1 Then Job spoke. He said: 2 ‘I know for a fact that what you’re saying is true, for how can man say he’s righteous before God? 3 So, if he should wish to argue, he’ll not prove God wrong with thousands of words. 4 For all His thoughts are truly wise… yes they’re strong and they’re great.
‘Who can approach Him in anger, and still have a hope to survive? 5 Do the mountains know who destroys them in rage? 6 Why, He shakes all that’s under the sky to its core, and then He shakes all its columns. 7 He just speaks to the sun and it doesn’t arise, and in the same way He can close up the stars.
8 ‘By Himself He can stretch out the sky, and He can walk on the sea like a floor. 9 It is He who made the Pleiades, as well as Hesperus and Arcturus, for He arranged the skies in the south. 10 He does great unfathomed and honorable things… extraordinary things unnumbered.
11 ‘If He passed over me I’d not see it… if He passed me by I’d not know it. 12 If He sends someone away, who thereafter returns? So who can ask Him, What have You done? 13 For, rage is truly beneath Him, as whales bow before Him under the sky.
14 ‘So, why then should He obey me, or why should He judge all my problems? 15 For, even if I prove to be righteous, He [has no reason to] hear me… yet I would still ask Him for His decisions. 16 Thus, if I should call He should not listen, nor should I trust that He’s heard my voice.
17 ‘Yet, He shouldn’t destroy me in darkness, when my bruises are received without cause. 18 He [no longer] allows me to breathe, and with bitterness He’s filled me. 19 But because He’s so mighty and strong, who against Him can stand?
20 ‘Though even if I were righteous, my mouth still says wicked things. And though I might [truly] be blameless, I’ll produce whatever is wrong. 21 And if I am ungodly, in my soul I don’t know it, and my life may be taken away.
22 ‘Therefore I said: The great and the mighty kill in anger, 23 and for the vile death is uncommon. And then they laugh at all of the righteous, 24 when they’re handed up to the Godless. Yes, He covers the eyes of judges, and if it isn’t He, then who?
25 ‘Oh that my life was as light as a sprinter… yet my days ran away without knowing. 26 Is there a hint of ships on the horizon, or of an eagle in search of its prey?
27 ‘Thus to you I will say: If I’d forget about speaking, and bow my head and just moan; 28 and if I just let my limbs shiver, you’d not find me free from blame. 29 But if I’m so godless, why haven’t I died? 30 Why, if I washed myself in the snow, and scrubbed all the dirt from my hands, 31 you would have still dipped me in filth, and been disgusted with whatever I wore.
32 ‘Yet you are just men like me, with whom I can be judged and compared. So we will all walk together, before the chair of His judgment… 33 before the lawyers and accusers, and the One who listens to both. 34 May He free me from the [whip], and may I not be twisted in fear. 35 I will speak and I won’t be afraid, for I’m unaware of what I’ve done wrong.
Chapter 10
1 ‘In my soul I’m so tired of moaning, so I’ll tell Him just how I feel. 2 I will say to Jehovah: Don’t say that I am ungodly, for why have You judged me that way? 3 Would You think it good if I’d sinned, or if I’d disavowed the works of Your hands? Why believe what the godless have said… 4 why look at things as do humans? When You look, do You see as men see; 5 is Your existence like that of a man; are Your years as those of just men?
6 ‘Why, You’ve searched for all my law breaking, and You’ve traced out all of my sins, 7 so You know that I’m not ungodly; but who can now save me from Your hands? 8 For, it was Your hands that made me and shaped me, then You turned around and You struck me. 9 O remember the day that You shaped me, then stand me erect on the ground.
10 ‘You extracted me as though You were milking, then I was curdled as though I were cheese. 11 You put me together with meat, skin, and bones, and then with nerves You entwined me. 12 In mercy You put life within me, then watched over and guarded my breath.
13 ‘Since You can do all these things in Yourself, You can do all… nothing’s impossible for You. 14 So, if I should sin then protect me… declare me to be free of law breaking. 15 Alas to be found as ungodly! Yet if I am righteous I can’t raise my head, for I have been so dishonored.
16 ‘I’ve been caught like a lion for slaughter, for You’ve turned around to destroy me. 17 You’ve brought discipline upon me once more, and dealt with me in great rage, by bringing these trials upon me.
18 ‘So then; why then did you lead me out of the belly… why didn’t I die so my eyes wouldn’t see, 19 as one who had never been born? Why wasn’t I just dismissed, and sent to the tomb as I came from the womb, 20 and why have I lived for so many years?
‘Now allow me to rest for a while 21 and go to the place where I won’t return… to a land that’s shrouded and dim; 22 a land that’s dark through the ages; where light is gone and human life isn’t seen.’
Chapter 11
1 Then Zophar the Minaean spoke saying: 2 ‘He who has so much to be saying, should also listen in turn; for is the one so well spoken, proclaiming himself to be just?
‘Those born of women who live just short lives, are blest 3 for they’ve less to say. 4 No one is comparing himself to you, so don’t claim that your deeds are all pure, and you stand before Him without blame.
5 ‘O that Jehovah would speak, and tell you what He has to say. 6 Should He tell you of His great wisdom, for He has double that of yours. Then you would know that what’s happened to you, has come for your sins against God. 7 Search for the ways of Jehovah, and you’ll find that the Almighty, has also prepared for your end.
8 ‘Heaven is high, so what will you do? And what do you know, for there are deeper things than the grave. 9 Is it longer than the span of the earth; is it wider than the width of the sea? 10 And if He’d destroy all that’s on earth, who could then ask what He’s done?
11 ‘For He knows the deeds of those who break laws, and He won’t overlook the things that are wrong. 12 Yet men keep swimming in words, and men born of women are like unthinking zebras.
13 ‘Now, if your heart is truly pure, and you can open your hands before Him, 14 and if He finds no laws have been broken, then stay a long way from injustice, and keep it out of your house! 15 For your face will then shine; your filth will be washed as by water that’s pure; and you will have nothing to fear. 16 You’ll forget your troubles as waves passing by, and you’ll have no reason for terror. 17 Your vows will be as stars in the morning, and at noon you’ll receive life. 18 You’ll have some hope if you will comply, and peace in place of anxiety and confusion. 19 You’ll be tranquil for none will then war against you, and many will turn and beg you for aid. 20 But from them salvation won’t come, for their only hope is destruction, and the eyes of the godless will melt.’
Chapter 12
1 Then Job spoke. He said: 2 ‘Have you and the men who are with you, reached the end of your wisdom? 3 Why, I too have a heart that’s like yours. 4 But it seems that a just righteous man, has been born just for taunting.
5 ‘There’s a time appointed when each man must fall, and for his house to be pillaged by crooks. But may the wicked on that not rely, for the innocent will [be given] support, 6 and they’ll be disciplined in the rage of Jehovah.
7 ‘You could ask the four-footed creatures, if they’d choose to give you an answer; or ask the birds in the sky, if they are able to give a report, 8 to explain the details of the earth, and describe the fish in the sea. 9 Who among all them doesn’t already know, it’s the hand of Jehovah that made them? 10 For, in His hands are the lives of all things, as well as the breath of each man.
11 ‘Men listen with their ears and examine each word, then inside their throats taste the meanings. 12 Wisdom is ancient and knowledge is old, 13 for all wisdom and power come from Him, and with Him there’s advice and understanding.
14 ‘If He tears down, who can rebuild it? If He locks a man up, who can unlock him? 15 If He should choose to hold back the rain, then the whole earth will go dry. And when He lets it go, He can destroy and wipe it away.
16 ‘In Him there’s both might and strength; in Him there is knowledge and understanding. 17 He carries advisors away as His captives, and He amazes the judges of the earth. 18 It’s He who puts kings on their thrones, and ties a sash ‘round their waists. 19 He sends off the priests to be captives, and wipes away all the mighty.
20 ‘He comprehends the lips of the honest, and understands the words of the elders. 21 Upon rulers He pours out dishonor, but those who are humble He heals. 22 He uncovers the darkness of deep things, and the shadow of death He leads into light.
23 ‘He destroys nations that stray, and cuts down those who mislead them. 24 He knows the hearts of the rulers of earth, and leads them in ways they don’t understand. 25 So, may they corrupt the darkness, not light; may they keep wandering as though they were drunk.
Chapter 13
1 ‘Look, I’ve seen such things with my eyes, and I’ve heard such things with my ears. 2 I know all the things that you know, and I have as much sense as do you. 3 Thus I will speak before God, and I’ll also scold if He will allow it.
4 ‘For, you are unrighteous doctors, and as healers you are very poor. 5 So, it would be a blessing if you’d just keep quiet, because that’s the [true] course of wisdom. 6 Now, listen to the things that I’ll tell you, and heed the judgments that come from my lips.
7 ‘Aren’t you speaking here before Jehovah… aren’t you being deceitful before Him, 8 and isn’t it time to back off? For your own judges you’ve now become!
9 ‘It would be good if He’d follow your tracks, so all that you do would be known, 10 and then He would offer you discipline, for each little thing that you’ve done; you’d wonder if He sees all your secrets.
11 ‘Then in His awesome power won’t He spin you, and won’t fear of Him overcome you? 12 For your prancing around will then become ashes, and your bodies will turn back to clay.
13 ‘So, be quiet as I pour out my rage, 14 as I take my flesh in my teeth, and I take my life in my hands. 15 For, even if the Almighty should lay His hands on me, I will still speak and complain before Him, 16 and this will bring my salvation, for before Him He’ll find no treacherous deeds.
17 ‘Listen to me; Hear my words! For I’ll shout them into your ears! 18 Look at me; yes see me! For I’m standing before you in judgment, and I know that I’ll be found righteous, 19 for the One who’s my judge is impartial.
‘Now I will be silent since I’ve reached the end. 20 I’ll allow you two things to finish me off, and then I’ll go hide from your presence. 21 Just keep your hands at a distance, and don’t give me reason to fear you.
22 ‘You can call out to me and I’ll listen to you; you can speak and I’ll give an answer. 23 Of how many sins am I guilty, and how many laws have I broken? Tell me just what they are!
24 ‘Why is it that you are hiding from me, and consider me as lesser than you? 25 Will you avoid me as leaves that are blown in the wind, or will you face me like grass in the air? 26 For about me you’ve written many bad things, and you’ve accused me of sins that are common to youth. 27 You’ve prevented my feet from walking, for you’ve examined all of my deeds, and to the roots of my feet you’ve now reached.
28 O I have now grown so old, for I look like a bag made of leather, and like a robe that’s been eaten by moths.
Chapter 14
1 ‘For a man who is born of woman, life is short and filled with much rage; 2 he drops off like a flower that has blossomed, and escapes like a shadow that’s gone.
3 ‘Haven’t You required an accounting of me? Haven’t I stood in judgment before You? 4 For who will be found clean of all filth? None!
5 ‘He lives but a day on the earth, and he counts off the months of his life, until he reaches the time he was given, and which he cannot pass by. 6 For, when You leave him he becomes still, so think well of the life of Your workman.
7 For a tree there’s still hope, for if it’s cut down, it may blossom once more. The sprouting of its shoots never fail, 8 though its roots may be old in the ground. Yet even rocks will grow old, and even stones melt away.
9 ‘When the trunk of a tree smells water, it blossoms and bears fruit as though new. 10 But when a man reaches his end, that will not be undone… when a man falls, he’s no longer.
11 ‘In time even seas will be gone, and rivers will be barren and dry. 12 So, when man goes to sleep he won’t rise again, until [the stars] are sewn together… they never awaken from sleep.
13 ‘O that in the grave You had guarded and hid me, ‘til all You anger has passed. Please order a time to be set for me, when You’ll mention my name once again. 14 Can a man live again after he dies, once the days of his life have all past? As for me, I will wait ‘til I live again; 15 when You’ll call me and then I will listen. O don’t undo the work of Your hands!
16 ‘You’ve counted all the things that I’ve done, and none of my sins have You overlooked. 17 So, take all the laws that I’ve broken, then seal them up in a bag, and mark off the ones that I didn’t mean to do.
18 ‘A mountain will fall into ruin, and a rock wears out where it stands. 19 In water stones become smooth, and floods wash the cliffs from the earth. That’s how You’ve destroyed the lengths of men’s lives… 20 You stab him through and he dies; You just turn Your face and he’s gone. 21 So, He won’t know how many come from him, and he’s unaware if they’re few, 22 because his flesh now just aches, and for his life he now mourns.’
Chapter 15
1 Then EliPhaz the Temanite spoke. He said: 2 ‘Am I answering a man who is wise… one with an understanding spirit, who’s had misery since he came from the womb; 3 who scolds with sayings that’ll never be true, and with words which will never bring profit?
4 ‘Haven’t you forgotten your fear, as you speak before God? 5 Why, you’re guilty for the things that come from your mouth, and you haven’t examined the words of the great. 6 So, may your own mouth now correct you, not I… for against you your lips testify.
7 ‘Were you the first man that was born… before the hills had been piled? 8 Did you hear how Jehovah arranged things? Did God then ask your advice, and was it from you that He gained all His wisdom?
9 ‘What do you know that we do not know, and what do you see that we’ve missed? 10 For we’re each much older than you, and our days are greater than those of your father.
11 ‘Why, for all of your sins you’ve been whipped just a little, which you’ve blown out of proportion. 12 Dare you see with your eyes or examine in your heart, how your rage has torn you from Jehovah, 13 since out of your mouth such things have now come?
14 ‘Which man do you know who’s without blame, of those who are born of a woman? 15 Yet He doesn’t trust even the holy… before Him the heavens aren’t pure. 16 Yet the filth of man can be very disgusting, for he sucks down unrighteousness as though it were drink.
17 ‘Now I will report; so listen! I will announce what I’ve seen… 18 the things that the wise men have told, which from their sons were not hidden.
19 ‘This land was given to your fathers alone, when there were no strangers among them. 20 And for the ungodly there’s just confusion, while years are added to the mighty. 21 He listens in fear although there is peace, and this is his own undoing. 22 So, may he not think he’ll return from the darkness, when he’s in the grip of a hand made of iron. 23 For the grain of vultures he’s now become, as he awaits the death of his body… the dark day that will whisk him away, 24 as distress and disaster suck him down, and he falls like a general in battle. 25 For, against Jehovah he has lifted his hands, and before the Lord he has stiffened his neck. 26 So, in his own insolence he has run, with his thickness [hiding] there behind his shield; 27 for his face is covered with fat, and his thighs have now become flabby.
28 ‘So, may he lodge in empty cities… in houses where no one now lives; where all that might have been found there, has now been carried away. 29 May he not be rich or keep what he owns; may he not cast a shadow on the ground, 30 nor may he flee from the darkness. May his bud soon wither away, and may his flower blow away in the wind. 31 May he not trust that he will survive, because soon he will have nothing. 32 His corruption will then be all pruned away, so his branch will not grow into a tree. 33 May he be gathered like unripened grapes, and fall like a blossom before it’s an olive.
34 ‘For the unrighteous the judgment is death, and for those taking bribes their homes will be burned. 35 That’s what comes from the womb, because all that’s born there is grief. Emptiness is what he will receive, and in his gut he must live with his lies.’
Chapter 16
1 Then Job spoke, saying, 2 ‘Things like this I’ve all heard before, and as comforters you are very poor. 3 What order is there to words that are windy, or why do you bother to answer? 4 Now I’ll also speak as you’ve done, as though my life has been traded for yours. 5 Then I’ll attack you with my words, and at you I’ll shake my head.
6 ‘O may my mouth be given the strength, and may the movement of my lips serve me well. 7 For, if I speak my sores will not ache, and if I say nothing could they hurt any less?
8 ‘Now that He’s made me worn out, you have latched on to this festering fool, 9 and I sit here as proof that any lie I have told, has been answered in front of my face.
10 ‘For, He who I deal with has thrown me down, and against me He’s been grinding His teeth. The arrows of marauders have struck me, 11 and sharp darts from His eyes have been shot in my knees… all together they’ve attacked me.
12 ‘He has handed me to the unrighteous… He has thrown me to the ungodly. 13 He has taken away my chance to make peace, and plucked hairs from my head to be an example.
14 ‘They’ve encircled me with all their lances, and thrown them into my kidneys; they did nothing at all to spare me, but poured my bile on the ground. 15 They’ve knocked me down time and again; they’ve attacked me and won. 16 Then to my skin they sewed sackcloth, and my strength they’ve driven into the ground.
17 ‘My belly now burns from my crying, and my eyelids are darkened with shadows. 18 Yet, nothing wrong have I done, and my hands are clean from the things that I’ve vowed. 19 O ground, don’t cover the blood of my flesh, and don’t make any room for my cries.
20 ‘Look; the heavens serve as my witness; high places will testify for me. 21 May the things that I beg for reach to Jehovah, and may the tears from my eyes drip before Him. 22 To God may such things serve as man’s proof… for the son of man and to his neighbor.
23 ‘Now the days of my life have been counted and reached, and from the way I have aged I’ll never return.
Chapter 17
1 ‘I’ve been destroyed and carried in the wind; I’ve begged to be buried but it hasn’t happened. 2 So in weariness I ask What have I done? Have I stolen things belonging to strangers, 3 for who has tied up my hands?
4 ‘You’ve hidden intelligence from their hearts, and for this You’ll not lift them up high. 5 For, You’ll announce to them all of their badness, and make the eyes of their sons melt away.
6 ‘But You’ve made me a joke among nations, and that’s why they’re all now laughing at me. 7 My eyes are now callused from their rage, and I’ve been attacked by them all.
8 ‘The righteous have wondered and asked, Why can’t the just beat the lawless? 9 O may the trustworthy maintain their [righteous] course, and may the hands of the clean take much courage. 10 However; may it all be established, for in you I don’t find any truth.
11 ‘My days are now spent in groaning, and the hope in my heart has been ripped away. 12 Night for me is now day, and the face of darkness is closer.
13 ‘Though I remain, the grave is my home, and I’ll make my bed where it’s dim. 14 For death has now become my father, and rottenness are my mother and sisters.
15 O, what hope is there now for me? Where will I ever find goodness? 16 With me will they go to the grave; will we be buried together in the ground?’
Chapter 18
1 Then Baldad the Shuhite spoke, saying, 2 ‘When are you going to stop? Stop for a while and let us speak also! 3 Why must we stay silent before you, like those who walk on four feet?
4 ‘Anger has gotten the better of you. So what if you should have to die! Will all life under heaven then end, and will mountains be wiped from foundations?
5 ‘For, the light of the irreverent will be extinguished, and their flame will be there no more. 6 The light in his home becomes darkness, and his lamp will then be put out.
7 ‘The least of men search for things they once owned, and over their own advice they then trip. 8 May his foot then step in a snare, and in a net may he be entangled.
9 ‘O may he fall into traps, and may the thirsty grow stronger against him. 10 For, the trip line is covered in the ground, and that which will grab and destroy him, is now hidden there on the roads.
11 ‘May grief surround and destroy him, 12 and may hunger encircle his feet. For him a great downfall has been prepared, 13 and the soles of his feet will be eaten away.
‘May his beautiful things be devoured by death, 14 and may the place where he’s healing be taken away. For, by a royal decree these things happened, 15 and may they camp ‘round his tent through the night.
16 ‘May his beautiful things be covered with sulfur, 16 and may his roots dry out underneath him. May what he reaps now fall upon him, 17 and the memory of his face be wiped from the earth.
18 ‘May he be pushed from the light into darkness, 19 and his family not remember his name. May his house be preserved under the sky, 20 but may others then live within it.
‘For, although he once lived in wonder, in the end he just sits here and moans. 21 This is the home of the unrighteous; it’s the place where they don’t know Jehovah.
Chapter 19
1 Then Job spoke, saying, 2 ‘How long are you going to weary my life, and demolish me with your words? All you know is what Jehovah has done, 3 and speak ill of me with no shame… you keep pressing against me.
4 ‘It’s a fact that I’ve been misled, and delusions are lodging within me. For I’m speaking words that should never be said… that mislead, and at the wrong time.
5 ‘So, you use me to look more important, and you attack me in scorn. 6 But know that Jehovah is the One who’s disturbed, and it’s He that built fortresses against me. 7 So look; I laugh at your scorn!
‘I will not speak, for if should I shout I’ll never see justice. 8 I’m stuck in a circle that I can’t pass through, and darkness now covers my face. 9 He has taken away all my glory, and He’s removed the crown from my head.
10 ‘He has pulled apart and strewn me; I was marked and cut down like a tree. 11 In His rage He has treated me badly, and acted as though I were His enemy. 12 For, His marauders have gathered and attacked me, and they’ve encircled me in an ambush.
13 ‘Now all my brothers have left me, preferring strangers to me; and my friends no longer feel pity, and pretend that they do not know me.
14 ‘All my dearest have forgotten my name. 15 Why, I’m a foreigner to all of my neighbors, and to the women who once served me. 16 I call my servant and he doesn’t obey, as with my mouth I keep begging. 17 I call out to even my wife, and call sweetly to the sons of my concubines. 18 Yet they don’t listen, they just stand there.
19 ‘Those who know me now hate me, and the ones I once loved stand against me. 20 For my skin and flesh are festered with sores, and my teeth have come loose from my bones.
21 ‘O show mercy… show mercy my friends, for the hand of Jehovah has touched me! 22 Why do you chase me as Jehovah has done, for aren’t you yet filled with my flesh?
23 ‘O that my words may be written in a scroll, and then be preserved though the ages. 24 With a pen of iron may they be written on lead, and may they be set in stone.
25 ‘For I know that He who made me weak, has walked ‘round the earth through the ages, 26 and it’s due to Him that my skin is so tired… because of Jehovah I’m totally worn out.
27 ‘All things I’m aware of and seen with my eyes, have happened to me not to others. 28 But what can I ask and what can I say… is the root of the problem in Him?
29 ‘O [please] bring me what is good, and then cover me over, for soon Your rage will come to the lawless, and then they’ll get their reward.’
Chapter 20
1 Then Zophar the Minaean spoke, saying, 2 ‘So far I’ve not chosen to disagree, with any of the things you are saying, for you don’t see things any different from me. 3 So I’ll heed your instructions that shame me, and note the spirit of your reply.
4 ‘Haven’t you known such things, since man was first put on earth… 5 that the happiness of the irreverent brings a downfall, and the joy of lawbreakers brings destruction? 6 For, even if his gifts should ascend to the sky, and his sacrifices should reach to the clouds; 7 when he thinks that all’s going well, that’s the time when he’ll perish.
‘Then those who know him will ask Where is he? 8 And as though he’s a dream, he’ll not be found. 9 From then on their eyes will overlook him, and no one will note where he was.
10 ‘Then, though his sons may have destroyed the weak, and his hands lit the fires of grief, 11 and though his bones held the vigor of youth, he’ll make his bed under the ground.
12 ‘For, evil is sweet in his mouth, and he hides it under his tongue. 13 He’ll never leave it or abandon it, but he’ll bring it up out of his throat.
14 ‘Then, to help himself he’ll be unable, for the poison of asps is inside his gut. 15 So, all the wealth that he’s unjustly gained, will be collected and vomited out, as an angel drags him from his home.
16 ‘Then may he endure the rage of the dragon, and may the tongue of the snake then destroy him. 17 May he never again see cows being milked, or pastures of butter and honey.
18 ‘Then his wealth will seem empty and vain, and for them he’ll lose all his taste; for then they’ll be tough and cannot be chewed, and he’ll find he can’t take them along.
19 ‘And though he crushed houses of the mighty, and he’s taken many homes by force, his things will no longer be his, 20 and the things he once owned will never be safe, for he cannot escape the things he desired.
21 ‘Then none of his food will be left, and because of this good things will not blossom. 22 And whenever things seem to be urgent, that’s when he’s cursed and problems arise.
23 ‘If then he can fill his own belly, God will send someone to succeed him. May He bring the rage of His anger, and upon him bring floods of grief.
24 ‘From hands of iron may he not be saved; may he be shot through with a brass bow. 25 May the arrows go clean through his body, and may fear then walk in his house.
26 ‘Then may he wait there in darkness, to be consumed by the fire of the ages; and may strangers bring evil to his house. 27 May heaven uncover all his lawless deeds, and may the earth then rise up against him.
28 ‘May his house be destroyed ‘til the end, and the day of [God’s] rage come upon him. 29 For, this is [God’s] wage for the irreverent; it’s the possession he’s given by He who is watching.’
Chapter 21
1 Then Job spoke, saying, 2 ‘Hear… O hear my words! I don’t need such comfort from you! 3 Help me… help me up and I will then speak, and you will no longer ridicule me!
4 Why am I accused by men, and why shouldn’t I also be angry? 5 You look at me in great wonder, as you put your hands to your jaws. 6 Though as I rush to remember, I hold onto the grief in my flesh.
7 ‘Why do the irreverent continue to live, and why do they grow so rich and old? 8 They plant whatever their souls might desire, and their children are there before their eyes. 9 Their houses continue to prosper, and none fear, for they don’t feel the whip of Jehovah.
10 ‘Their cows don’t give birth prematurely… all their pregnant are also protected, and none of them stumble and fall. 11 Their sheep remain through the ages, and their children play before them 12 with flutes to their mouths, as they enjoy sacred hymns played on harps.
13 ‘For as long as they live they have good things, then in the grave they lie down to rest. 14 And they say to Jehovah, Overlook me, for I don’t wish to know all Your ways.
15 ‘So, why should we continue to serve Him, for what benefit is there in that? 16 Because, He doesn’t inspect the hands of the godless, and they’re filled with things that are good.
17 ‘Yet, their lamps will soon be extinguished… their reward is to feel the pain of His rage. 18 They’ll become like straw that’s blown in the wind, and as clouds of dust in a storm.
19 ‘May his possessions and sons all be lost, and may he know that it’s God who repays him. 20 May he witness his slaughter with his own eyes, when Jehovah isn’t there to save him. 21 For, what joy will he have in his house, when all of his months have been numbered?
22 ‘Isn’t it Jehovah who teaches understanding, and who also gives people their insight… isn’t He the One who judges the wise? 23 Yet one will die doing what he wishes… enjoying pleasure and prosperity, 24 full and fat, and filled with much marrow. 25 Yet another ends a life filled with bitterness, not having tasted the things that are good. 26 Yet they both go to sleep in the ground, and with decay they’re covered together.
27 ‘So, I know what you’ll say as you’re pressuring me; 28 you’ll ask, Where’s the house where princes will live, and where are the tents that protect the irreverent? 29 Ask those who pass on the roads, and you’ll see that the signs are very clear, 30 for the day of destruction will enlighten the wicked, and in the day of His rage they’ll be taken away.
31 ‘So, who’ll report his ways to [God’s] face, and tell Him the things He has done? And who will then come to repay him, 32 after he’s lain awake upon heaps of rubble, then to his tomb is carried away? 33 For, in the gravel he’ll be covered, then all other men will come to see him, and a great number will then stand before him. 34 So, why waste your time giving comfort, as you do nothing to bring me some rest?’
Chapter 22
1 Then EliPhaz the Temanite spoke, saying: 2 ‘Doesn’t Jehovah teach wisdom and understanding? 3 So, why should He be concerned if what you’re doing is pure; or what good is it to Him if you make your ways simple? 4 Will He discipline you for the things that you say, or will He join with you in your judgment?
5 ‘Haven’t you done many bad things, and can your sins even be counted? 6 Haven’t you taken your brothers’ needs for no reason, and removed the clothes from the naked? 7 You’ve refused to give water for the thirsty to drink, and taken scraps of food from the famished.
8 ‘You’ve shown favor to the faces of some, while you’ve resettled the poor in the land. 9 You’ve sent widows away with nothing, and orphans you have treated badly. 10 So, the snares that you set have now caught you, and an extraordinary war has rushed in upon you.
11 ‘So, light for you is now darkness, and when you sleep you’re covered in dew. 12 For, He who lives does pay attention, and the insolent He humbles.
13 ‘You asked, What does the Mighty One know? and, Can He judge what happens in darkness? 14 Why, He’s concealed by the clouds and He can’t be seen, as He travels across the curve of the sky.
15 ‘It’s not yours to guard the road of ages, that was walked upon by the righteous, 16 who were taken away in untimely [deaths], like rivers overflowing their banks. 17 For even they [have had reason to] ask, What will God do to us… what will the Almighty bring?
18 ‘He’s the one who filled their houses with good things, but the ways of the Godless are far; 19 and when they see them the righteous do laugh, and the blameless will sneer at them. 20 For, the things that support them have vanished, and their clothes have been burned in fire.
21 ‘So, you must be strong if you wish to survive, and you’ll receive the fruitage of goodness. 22 Remove the things you’ve been saying from your mouth, then put His words in your heart… 23 turn back and be humble before God, and stay away from all your wrongdoing!
24 ‘Around yourself build a rock wall, as with the stones in the Wadi Sophir. 25 Then from your enemies the Almighty will save you, and He’ll purify you as though refining silver.
26 ‘So, confess [your sins] to Jehovah, and look up to the heavens with joy. 27 Make vows to Him and He’ll listen to you, and He’ll give you the strength to do as you’ve vowed. 28 He’ll restore you to a righteous condition, and all your ways will be bright again.
29 ‘For, the one who makes himself humble, will admit that he’s been too proud; and the one who is humbled He’ll save. 30 Those who are innocent He will rescue, but first you must clean up your hands!’
Chapter 23
1 Then Job spoke, saying, 2 ‘I know for a fact that my correction, is something that’s out of my hands. O His hand is so heavy, and how it has caused me to moan. 3 But who knows if I yet will be able to find Him, and come to the end of this matter.
4 ‘So, upon myself I’ll pass judgment, and with scolding words fill my mouth. 5 Then I may learn the cure (for He’ll tell me!), and then I’ll understand (for He’ll answer!).
6 ‘He’ll come to me with great strength, and I know He won’t do so timidly. 7 For, from Him truth and correction will come, then may He bring an end to my case. 8 Why, if I am the first that must go, and if I should no longer be, then how can I know how it has worked out?
9 ‘With His left hand He acts and I can’t hold Him back; and what He covers with His right I’ll never see. 10 He already knows all my ways, for He’s examined me as though I were gold.
11 So, I’ll walk in the paths as He sees them, and all of His ways I will keep. There’s no way that I’ll turn from His thoughts; 12 there’s no way that I’ll overlook them. For, I’ve kept His words close to my heart, and I’ve tucked away the things He has said. 13 But even if He’s found me guilty, there’s no one who can contradict Him.
14 ‘When there’s something He wants He just does it, so I think of Him when I am corrected. 15 For, serious are the things that come from His face, and I think of them and stand in terror.
16 ‘Yet, Jehovah has softened my heart; the Almighty has moved me to action. 17 For, I never suspected that darkness would come, and that before my face all would go dim.
Chapter 24
1 ‘Why has Jehovah overlooked our time; 2 why does He pass by the borders of the godless… those who seize both the shepherds and the sheep?
3 ‘Away from orphans they’ve taken the burros, and the cows that were the security of widows. 4 They’ve prevented the disabled from walking upright, so the gentle of the earth will all run and hide.
5 ‘They act like burros who wander in a field, and consider the bread of the young as delicious. 6 For they harvest in fields not their own, and reap before it is ripe.
‘The godless hire the disabled, in order to work in their vineyards, and then neither pay them nor feed them. 7 They leave many naked and without clothes, and take away what they need to survive.
8 ‘From the mists of the mountains they get wet, and then hide in the rocks for protection. 9 They grab orphans and take them away from the breast, and humble the ones who have fallen.
10 ‘They rest on the naked and mistreat them, and take scraps of food from the hungry. 11 They lie in wait in the alleys to do bad, and the ways justice they don’t know.
12 ‘In the cities they throw people out of their homes, and caused the lives of their children to moan. 13 So, why does the One who is watching, fail to do anything [at all] on this earth? For they do not pay Him any attention, and disregard all that is just… taking the easiest way. 14 But because He knows what they’re doing, He’ll hand them over to darkness, for night is the time of the thief.
15 ‘The eye of the adulterer watches for darkness, saying, They’ll never know that my eyes are watching. Then his face remains hidden, carving peepholes in homes in the darkness.
16 ‘During the day they lock themselves in, thus they never know light. 17 But they see the shadow of death in the morning, and they see the bad things that it brings.
18 ‘Though he sees his face in the water as good, may his portion on the earth forever be cursed, and may the things that he plants become dry and wither.
19 ‘They have grabbed the arms of the orphans, 20 so [please] keep their sins in Your mind. Like fog, may they soon pass away, and like the dew may they soon vanish.
‘Please repay him for the way he has acted… may the unjust be destroyed like rotting wood. 21 For he has mistreated barren women, and he hasn’t shown mercy to the helpless.
22 ‘He has beaten the disabled to the ground in his rage, and he knows that when he stands his life is unsafe. 23 So, may the ill not hope to be healed, for their sickness will just bring them death!
24 ‘Many have been harmed by his arrogance, so like a mallow may he wither in the heat… like an ear of grain that that falls on its own.
25 ‘If such things aren’t so then call me a liar, and don’t pay attention to the things that I’ve said.’
Chapter 25
1 Then Baldad the Shuhite said, 2 ‘What kind of insight and fear does he have… this one who makes it all sound so important? 3 Let’s not think we’ll be saved from the robbers, and that we’ll never be ambushed.
4 ‘For, how can a man say he’s righteous before God; how can any man born of woman, try to make himself clean? 5 For, He orders the moon and it doesn’t shine, and even stars are impure before Him. 6 But all of mankind is rotten, and the sons of men are just worms.’
Chapter 26
1 Then Job spoke, saying, 2 ‘Who is close to you… who do you turn to for aid? Isn’t it to those who are mighty… to those with great muscled arms? 3 To whom do you turn when you’re needing advice; isn’t it to those who are known to be wise? And after whom do you chose to follow; isn’t it those who have the most power? 4 Then, to whom are you speaking these words, and whose breath is now coming from you? 5 Will giants start acting like midwives, and go under the water for neighbors?
6 ‘Why, the grave lies naked before Him, and He’s wrapped in a robe of destruction. 7 He stretches the north wind upon nothing, and on nothing He’s hung the earth. 8 He takes water and binds it in clouds, yet the bottoms of the clouds do not rip. 9 With the front of His throne He supports it, and He spreads the clouds all around it.
10 ‘By His order the face of the sea is round, from where the light reaches to darkness. 11 The columns of heaven He has spread about, and they shake when they hear of His rage.
12 ‘By His strength He has settled the sea in its bed, and in His wisdom He’s filled it with whales. 13 The bolts from the skies stand in awe, and He’s ordered the death of the dragon that rebelled.
14 ‘Look! These are just a part of His ways… for He breathes a word and we listen! So, who knows when He will bring change… when He’ll bring the strength of His thunder.’
Chapter 27
1 Then Job continued on in his defense. 2 ‘As God lives (the One who has judged me… the Almighty who has made my life bitter); 3 as long as my breath is still in me, and the Breath of the Divine One remains in my nose, 4 my lips will not speak lawless things, nor will my life think of doing what is wrong. 5 For such things bring the sentence of death… yet I’ll make no claim of innocence.
6 ‘I’ll hold onto what’s right and never let go, for I know when I’m doing things that are wrong. 7 But may my enemies be undone like the Godless, and those who oppose me be destroyed like the lawless.
8 ‘What kind of hope have the Godless? Do they think they’ll be saved by Jehovah… 9 that to his prayers God will listen, or He’ll come when he is in need? 10 Can he stand before Him confidently, as one who can call and be heard?
11 ‘Now, I’ll tell you what Jehovah holds in His hand… I won’t lie about the Almighty’s things. 12 {Look!} When you pile uselessness upon uselessness you will know it… 13 it’s the reward the ungodly get from Jehovah, and what the mighty receive.
14 ‘Should the Almighty ever come to [aid] them, and should their sons become many? No! For their purpose is just to be slaughtered, and they’ll beg to be allowed to grow into men. 15 For, those who remain will die of the plague, and no one will show mercy to their widows.
16 ‘Should they gather silver as though it was dirt, and set aside gold as though it was mortar, 17 the righteous will [soon] own these things, and those who are true will control it.
18 ‘Then his house will belong to the moths, and to the web of the spiders, 19 for the rich man will sleep and he won’t rise again. And though his eyes are wide open, he will not be alive.
20 ‘Grief will pour like water upon him, and at night the darkness will overtake him. 21 A burning wind will snatch him away, and like chaff, he’ll be blown from his place.
22 ‘He’ll throw him away and no one save him; he’ll be thrown from His hands into exile. 23 Then at him, men will clap their hands, and whistle at him from their places.
Chapter 28
1 ‘There is a place where silver is mined, and a place where gold is refined. 2 Men take iron out of the ground, and copper is quarried like stone. 3 Thus He’s established darkness and precisely set its limits. For darkness is like stone and it brings the shadow of death.
4 ‘There’s a place where a stream flows into the dust, as righteous ways are forgotten by man. 5 But bread will sprout from under the ground, where it’s then roasted in a fire.
6 ‘There’s a place where sapphires are found, and where supplies of gold may be mined. 7 And there’s a road that even birds do not know, and is overlooked by the eyes of the vultures. 8 It hasn’t been trodden by the sons of the rich, nor has a lion ever walked there. 9 Yet, He’s stretched forth His hand on a place He’s dug out, and He’s overturned the roots of the mountains. 10 The banks of rivers He has torn up, and my eyes have seen such great wonders. 11 He’s uncovered the beds of the rivers, and He displays His power in the light. 12 But, where can wisdom be found, and where is the place of great learning? 13 For, no man really knows the way, and it can’t be found among men. 14 Says the abyss: You can’t find it within me! And says the sea: In me neither. 15 So, no one can make an investment in her, nor with silver can they buy her.
16 ‘She can’t be compared to all Ophir’s gold, nor to precious onyx or sapphires. 17 With gold and crystals she can’t be compared, and she can’t be bought with gold coins. 18 Rocks falling from above and glass won’t be mentioned, for wisdom is higher than all that’s within us. 19 To the topaz of Ethiopia she can’t be compared, nor may she be equaled by finest gold.
20 ‘When it comes to wisdom; where can she be found, and from what kind of place comes understanding? 21 She has escaped the notice of all men, and is hidden from the birds in the sky.
22 ‘Thus say the days of destruction and death: We have heard of her fame, 23 but God speaks well of her way, and knows where she can be found. 24 He looks down from the heavens inspecting all things, so He knows what’s happening on the earth.
25 ‘He has weighed all that He’s made; He’s measured the wind and the water. 26 When He made them He saw and counted it all, then He made a way for the rumble of [thunder]. 27 He looked at it all and described it; and He who prepared it tracked all its ways.
28 ‘And thereafter He said: {Look!} Wisdom is being like God, and higher knowledge is staying away from what’s evil.’
Chapter 29
1 Then Job continued his reply, 2 ‘O that He’d return me to that month again; to the days when God watched over me; when His lamp was lit over my head, 3 and by His light I traveled through darkness; 4 when I walked down the roads in importance, and when God watched over my house; 5 when I was exceedingly plump, and my children were all gathered around me; 6 when all that I did poured like butter, and mountainous things poured like milk; 7 when in the morning I walked into the city, and they’d put out a chair for me in the square. 8 It was a time when young men hid before me, and the old arose in respect. 9 Then stout men would all stop speaking, and place a finger over their mouths.
10 ‘Then all those who listened called me blest, and their tongues would stick in their throats; 11 they heard with their ears and then praised me, and when they saw me they stepped aside. 12 For, I’d rescued the poor from the hands of the mighty, and to orphans with no helpers I brought aid.
13 ‘O bless me again, those who are dying, and may mouths of widows praise me once more. 14 For, I used to dress to give justice, and put on a robe that was doubled; 15 I was the eye for the blind and the foot for the lame, 16 and a father to the disabled. When I didn’t know the right thing to do, it worked out well anyhow. 17 I broke the molars of unrighteous ones, and snatched their prey from their teeth.
18 ‘I said, I will grow old and round, like the trunk of a palm; I’ll have many more years yet to live, 19 for my roots have reached deep to the water, and dew settles in my harvest.
20 ‘My glory meant little to me back then, for I entrusted my bow to His hands. 21 Then men would pay attention to me, and stay silent as I offered them council. 22 When I was speaking they never spoke, for they were joyful whenever I talked… 23 as the ground enjoys rain when it’s thirsty, that’s how they listened to my words.
24 ‘At them I never laughed, and so they trusted my words, for the light of my face was always there. 25 I showed them the way and I was their prince, and I camped like a king among his army. Yet, I never forgot the need to give comfort, to all of those who were mourning.
Chapter 30
1 ‘But now I’m ridiculed by their least ones; and those whose fathers I viewed with contempt, now give me correction… yes, those I once thought unworthy, to serve as dogs to watch over my flocks.
2 ‘And what good is the strength of their hands to me, since they’ve been completely wiped out? 3 They’re in need, and hungry, with nothing… they’re miserable like those who flee from a battle, to hide in a place without water.
4 ‘They stand on the shore and pick seaweed, for plants from the sea are their grain. They have no honor and have nothing to offer; they’re looked on as worthless and lacking all good.
‘They’ve gnawed the roots of trees in their hunger, 5 but now they’ve risen against me like thieves… 6 those whose houses were once burrows, and who had to live among rocks.
7 ‘They’ll look for places to yell… those who have homes made of sticks. 8 They’re the sons of fools without honor, so their fame will be wiped from the earth.
9 ‘But now they play their harps about me, for I’m the topic of discussion. 10 They hate me and stay far away, and into my face they now spit. 11 For, He’s opened His quiver and shot me through, then led me from His presence with a bridle.
12 ‘So, the hands of their offspring have risen against me, and they stick out their legs and kick me. 13 They’ve wiped out my ways in their paths of destruction, and taken the clothes that I wore.
‘He has run me through with His spear, 14 and He’s judged me as He has wished. I’m befouled with grief, 15 for grief has returned. My hope has become like the wind, and my salvation has become like a cloud.
16 ‘Soon my life will be poured out, for I’ve had enough days of my grief. 17 Why, all night long my bones burn, and my nerves are all shattered. 18 Its power has grabbed onto my robe, and wrapped my clothes up to my butt.
19 ‘Now you treat me as though I were dirt, and think all I deserve is just ashes. 20 I’ve cried out to you but you do not hear… you just stand there and think of my plight.
21 ‘Altogether you’ve attacked me without mercy, and with your strong hands you have whipped me. 22 You’ve handed me over to grief, and taken away my salvation.
23 ‘I know that death will soon wipe me away, for the home of all mortals is the ground; 24 so should I think of killing myself, or allow someone else to do it for me?
25 ‘O I’ve cried over every disabled man, and I’ve moaned when I saw those in need. 26 But I’m waiting for good things to happen, and look for good days not bad.
27 ‘My belly is noisy and it rumbles, as though anticipating the days of my poorness. 28 I am moaning without any comfort, as I stand and cry out among the assembly.
29 Now I’ve become a brother to trapped demons, and to ostriches I’m now a companion. 30 My skin is now very dark, as my bones swelter in the heat. 31 So, though my harp is still played in mourning, my hymns are all about weeping for me.
Chapter 31
1 ‘I’ve made a vow with my eyes, that I’ll not pay attention to virgins… 2 for what’s been given is from God up above, and for what inheritance the Most High sees fit.
3 ‘Why, to the unjust comes woe and destruction, and he who breaks laws is all alone. 4 So, why won’t He consider my ways, and count the number of my footsteps? 5 For, I haven’t traveled with jokesters, and my feet haven’t hurried to do treachery.
6 ‘I can stand on a scale, and prove myself just in the balance, for Jehovah knows that I’ve done no wrong. 7 My foot hasn’t turned aside from His way (though my eyes often follow my heart), and my hands have never touched bribes. 8 Yet, what I have planted others now eat, for I no longer have roots in the ground.
9 ‘If my heart has followed the wife of another, and if I stood in wait at her doors, 10 may my wife then please other men, and may my babies thereafter be humbled. 11 For he who defiles another man’s wife, should receive unrestrained anger. 12 May fire burn in all of their parts, and may they be destroyed to their roots.
13 ‘If I treated my debts to my servants as worthless, and if my maids have ever had to beg me, 14 what could I say to [God] when He beats me… when He comes to visit what answer could I give? 15 For, weren’t they too born from a womb, and didn’t we all come from the belly?
16 ‘But the disabled who were needy never missed out, and the eyes of the widows weren’t wasted. 17 For, even when I ate my food all alone, didn’t I save some and share it with orphans? 18 Like a father, I fed them the food from my mouth, and I led them as from the womb of my mother.
19 ‘And if I hadn’t clothed the one who was naked, 20 or helped the disabled unless they would bless me, and taken the wool that came from my lambs, and used it to warm up their shoulders; 21 and if I had lifted no hands to help orphans, or those who relied on me to give aid, 22 may my shoulders be pulled from my collar bones, and my arms be broken at the elbows.
23 ‘It was the fear of Jehovah that caused me to act, for without His care I couldn’t have endured. 24 If I had trusted in gold for my strength, or in gems had put all my trust; 25 why, even if I knew that I’d receive wealth, and if I’d gotten my hands on great treasure, 26 would I see the sunshine starting to dim, and the moon as it’s starting to wane?
27 ‘Now, if my heart deceived me in private, and I fondly put my hand to my mouth, 28 then let this be considered the worst of law breaking, for I’ve lied to the Most High Jehovah.
29 ‘If I’ve been happy at the downfall of enemies, and said in my heart, Well done! 30 Then let my ears hear the curses I’m due, and may my people speak of my bad.
31 ‘For, I’ve never said to my female attendants, O that you’d give me some of your flesh! 32 Nor had I forgotten the need to be gracious, and my door was always open to lodge strangers.
33 ‘Unintentional sins I’ve never hidden, and I’ve never been swayed by a crowd. 34 I’ve not turned the disabled away from my door, or sent them away with empty stomachs.
35 ‘O, that I’d be given someone to listen… someone in awe of the hand of Jehovah! For, I’ve never sent anyone a bill, 36 nor would I read it while wearing a crown. 37 I just tore them all up and gave them all back, without getting what was due from my debtors.
38 ‘Perhaps the ground has a reason to moan, and maybe her furrows have a reason to weep. 39 Yet, if I took some of its strength, 40 and ate it alone without paying; or if the life of the land’s master is angry, and he’s bothered because I took some of his things, 41 may my wheat become stinging nettles, and my barley be turned into weeds.’
And with that, Job stopped speaking.
Chapter 32
1 After that, all got quiet, and Job’s three friends stopped contradicting him, for they recognized him to be righteous. 2 Then EliHu (the son of BarachiEl the Buzite, a descendant of Ram from Ausis) became very angry with Job for declaring himself righteous before God. 3 And he was indignant with Job’s three friends, because they couldn’t give Job a reply, and they found him to be a righteous man.
4 EliHu had been waiting to give an answer to Job, for the others were older in years. 5 And when no reply came from the mouths of these men, he was angry and became enraged.
6 So, EliHu (the son of BarachiEl the Buzite) then said: ‘Because I’m much younger in years, and you are much older than I, I’ve chosen not to speak until now, for the things that I know I feared to speak.
7 ‘I said, This isn’t the time to be speaking, for with their years they’ve gained much more wisdom. 8 Yet, although there’s a spirit in humans, the Breath of the Almighty does the teaching. 9 For, the wise don’t live long enough lives, so the old don’t always understand what is just.
10 ‘Now, I beg you all to listen to me, and I’ll tell you the things that I know. 11 Give ear to the things that I say, and I’ll speak to you free of charge.
12 ‘Examine my words and you’ll see; no one has given correction to Job. 13 Don’t say that you’ve found wisdom from God, 14 for who has allowed you to speak such words?’
15 Well, at that they all were afraid and refused to give a reply, because the words they were hearing had the sound of age… 16 and because he had waited and refused to speak until they stood with no answer.
17 So EliHu said: ‘Now I am ready to speak, for I have many things to say. 18 The wind from my chest I cannot hold back, 19 for it bubbles within me like young wine in a sack. It’s been tied up in me like a bellows of a forge, and it’s been awaiting the time to break out.
20 ‘So, now I will speak and give myself rest, for it has come time to open my lips. 21 I’m not embarrassed to speak before men, nor will I feel shame before humans. 22 For, if I show favor to people, by moths may I then be devoured.
Chapter 33
1 ‘Listen, O Job, to my words, and give ear to what I am saying! 2 Because, {Look!} now I have opened my mouth, and I’m using my tongue now to speak. 3 These words are pure and come from my heart, so what comes from my lips is all clean.
4 ‘It was the Breath of the Divine One that made me; it’s by the Breath of the Almighty that I‘m taught. 5 So, if you are able to give me an answer, then reply about all of these things! Wait! Stand here against me, and I’ll stand up to you!
6 ‘You were made of clay (as was I)… from the same dirt we were molded, 7 so, there’s no reason to twist against me in fear.
8 ‘Now, the things that I heard you say, and the things that I heard you speak, 9 are: I am pure and I have not sinned; I’m blameless and broken no laws. 10 Yet, though He has no reason to complain, He considers me His opponent. 11 He has put my feet in stocks made of wood, and watched all the things that I do.
‘So now; how can you say you are righteous, and that He’s paid no attention to you? 12 Why, He has lived through the ages, and He is above all [us] mortals. 13 Yet you ask, Why hasn’t He noted my righteousness, and why hasn’t He heard what I’ve said?
14 ‘Jehovah may speak once, or reply a second time. 15 He may send a dream or a vision in the night, bringing fear as a man sleeps in his bed. 16 He uncovers the things a man thinks, and the things that do scare him… then He uses such things to bring him fear… 17 to turn man away from his sins, and to rescue his body from downfall. 18 He is saving his life from death, and protecting him in times of war.
19 ‘When we are sick in our beds, and when our bones cannot move, that’s our discipline from Him. 20 So, when we’re offered grain we won’t take it, though what our lives need is food. 21 Our flesh will just lay there and fester, until our bones can finally be seen; 22 until death finally approaches, bringing an end to our lives in the grave.
23 ‘Though thousands of [God’s] messengers can come to bring death, there’s no way that one will pierce you through, if in your heart you’d change your purpose, and then turn to Jehovah again.
‘We should complain to men about ourselves, and speak of the laws we have broken; 24 and then God will support us, and not allow us to fall into death. He’ll make our bodies like new again, as someone who is plastering a wall, and refill our bones with their marrow. 25 Like a baby, he’ll make our flesh tender, and restore us again to the man we once were.
26 ‘If one makes a vow to Jehovah, and his vow is thereafter accepted, he will walk away with a face that is clean, and with a mouth speaking praises… for He is just with all men.
27 ‘So, each should blame himself and then say: What are the things that I’ve done? What have I done to be disciplined, and what are the sins I’ve committed? 28 O save my life from corruption, so I can live to see light once again!
29 ‘Look! This is how the Almighty deals with men, and the three things that He does. 30 For, He has saved my life from death, so that my life can praise Him in light.
31 ‘O Job; give me an ear and hear what I say… be quiet for I am now speaking! 32 But if there are words you can answer, then speak; for you should be given what’s just! 33 But if not, just hear me out… be quiet and I’ll tell you what’s wise!’
Chapter 34
1 Then EliHu continued, 2 ‘Hear me, O wise men… give an ear O you who have knowledge! 3 For the ear judges words as the mouth tastes it’s food, 4 so we should each be judged by ourselves, for we all know if we have been good.
5 ‘Now Job has said I am righteous; yet Jehovah has closed up my case. 6 And he lied about me when He judged me, so I shake my spear at His injustice.
7 ‘Job is a man who drinks [wine], and sneers as though it was water. 8 For, he has no sin and is never irreverent, and has nothing to do with the lawless, nor has he gone along with the godless.
9 ‘Now, perhaps you think it all wrong, for someone to watch over men, 10 Yet, all are watched by Jehovah, and He searches through all of our hearts.
‘Hear me! Before Jehovah may I not be irreverent, and may the Almighty not view me unjust! 11 For, He pays back to men all they deserve, and in his path each man will find Him.
12 ‘Can you imagine Jehovah being guilty of wrong, or the Almighty not being just? Isn’t it He who created the earth, 13 and didn’t He make all that’s under the sky?
14 ‘Now, if He would hold back His power, or if He would withdraw His Breath, 15 all life on earth would come to an end, and mortals would return to the place they were formed.
16 ‘Listen! What if He didn’t correct us? Give an ear to the sound of His words! 17 {Look!} He’s the One who hates all lawbreaking, and through the ages He’s righteous, so He’ll destroy all the wicked!
18 ‘It’s impertinent to say to a king, You have broken the law, or to say to a prince, You have acted ungodly. 19 Who may disrespect a person of honor, for the mighty aren’t appointed because [God] likes their faces.
20 ‘Nothing good will come when we cry out to men, for they’re unrighteous and won’t help those [in need]. 21 But He observes the things that they do, and their acts don’t escape His attention.
22 ‘There is no place for the lawless to hide, 23 for He tolerates men no more that He needs to. 24 Yet, all men are inspected by God, and He see the ones doing wrong.
‘He sees the things that cannot be seen, as well as things that are to be honored… extraordinary things unnumbered. 25 He knows all the things that we do, and He returns with them to humble us at night.
26 ‘He wipes away the ungodly, for they are visible to Him… 27 those who turn from God’s Laws, and who do not recognize His rules.
28 ‘The cries of the needy reach up to Him, and He hears the calls of the poor. 29 So, He’s the One who brings rest, thus who would dare to condemn Him?
‘If He hides His face who will see Him, whether it is a nation or just a man? 30 Why, He can appoint a hypocrite as king, if He finds the people unruly.
31 ‘Has anyone ever heard a mighty one say, I’ve been blest so I need no [aid]? 32 Or, unless you can show that you know of my sins, there is nothing more I must do?
33 ‘Will He pay for the things that you’ve thrown away? You give the answer… You tell me!
34 ‘Understanding hearts will reply to such things, and a wise man will listen to what I am saying. 35 But Job comprehends not the things that he said, and his words don’t reflect higher knowledge.
36 ‘So, learn, O Job; don’t reply as a fool… 37 don’t add any more to our sins, for we’re all considered law breakers, when we stand and speak to Jehovah.’
Chapter 35
1 Then EliHu continued, 2 ‘Why is justice so important to you? Who are you to say I am righteous; I don’t deserve vengeance from God? 3 Do you ask, Have I committed some sin? About this I’ll give you an answer, and tell it to these, your three friends.
4 ‘Look up to the sky and see… see how high the clouds are above you! 5 So, if you’ve sinned, then what will you do? 6 What can you accomplish if you’ve broken [God’s] laws?
7 ‘Why, if you are truly such a righteous man, what are the things you can give Him, and what will He accept from your hands? 8 Will He accept irreverence from men, or accept righteousness from sons of men?
9 ‘Many call out because they’ve been robbed… but they yell at the strong one who robbed them. 10 They don’t ask: Where is the God that made me… the One who’s in charge of night watches, 11 who made me different from the beasts of the earth, and different from the birds in the sky?
12 ‘Oh they can call out, but no one will listen, about the insolence of the wicked. 13 But there are no things that Jehovah doesn’t watch, because He is [God] the Almighty. 14 He sees all those who break laws, and you can beg Him to come and save you… that is, if you are able to praise Him right now!
15 ‘He doesn’t assign numbers to His anger, and He’s set no limits upon sins. 16 Yet, foolishly Job has opened his mouth, for in ignorance he’s weighed his words.’
Chapter 36
1 EliHu continued, saying, 2 ‘Be patient with me longer and I’ll teach you, for I have [much] more to say. 3 I’ve gained my knowledge from a land far away, and I’ve learned to do as I say. 4 So, I’ll speak of truth and of righteous things, and you’ll find that I’m not telling lies.
5 ‘Jehovah wouldn’t harm an honest man, who is mighty and has a brave heart. 6 And He won’t return life to the Godless, nor will He judge the poor unjustly. 7 He doesn’t look away from the righteous, for they’ll sit as kings upon thrones, and the victory seat they’ll be given, where they will be honored by men.
8 ‘The criminal who is shackled in handcuffs, in the cords of poverty will be wrapped. 9 Then He’ll speak of all the bad that he’s done, and of all his many transgressions.
10 ‘But [God] listens to what the righteous ones say, and warns them to turn from all badness. 11 And if they should listen and serve [Him], they’ll live very long lives, and spend many years with good things. So, when they come to the end of their days, they will have beautiful things.
12 ‘But the ungodly won’t be preserved, for they’re unwilling to see Jehovah; and though they’ve been told time and again, they’ll continue to refuse to listen.
13 ‘Although the hypocrite’s heart calls for rage, he won’t yell for He has him bound. 14 Their lives will end while they are still young, for [God’s] messengers will pierce them through. 15 Why, they’ve mistreated the weak and disabled, but He’ll deal justly with the meek.
16 ‘When an enemy uses his mouth to deceive, He opens an abyss underneath it, where their table of good things are thrown. 17 For, He won’t fail to bring justice to the righteous, 18 but on the impious He’ll bring His rage. Because, in godlessness they’ve willingly taken bribes, thus in justice they’ll receive the things they deserve.
19 So, don’t blind your minds when disabled ones beg, nor drag off those needing help in the night. 20 But you should go up and help them, so others can see your example. 21 Just be careful not to mistreat them, or take advantage of their poorness.
22 ‘{Look!} The strong use their strength to conquer, but who is this one that’s so mighty? 23 Who examines the things that he does, and who tells him when he’s done wrong? 24 Remember it’s the great things that we each do, which give us control over men. 25 And each man then can see in himself, how many mortals have been pierced through.
26 ‘{Look!} the Strong One is great and none of us know Him, for there’s no end to all of His years. 27 Why, He counts the numbers of each drop of rain, before they’re formed into clouds. 28 Then they flow past the things that grow old, and shadows of clouds cover unnumbered mortals.
‘He’s established a time for animal’s lives, and they understand the order. Yet you don’t bother to think of such things, nor does your heart understand your own body. 29 But, remember when you see clouds spreading apart, the same thing is true of the tent that’s your body.
30 ‘{Look!} He has stretched out the light above us, and the roots of the seas He has covered. 31 Then between them He judges the people, and He nourishes those who are strong. 32 He covers the light with His hands, and He tells the clouds what to do. 33 So, we can trust that He’ll speak to His friends, and provide them a haven from injustice.
Chapter 37
1 ‘So, this is why my heart was so bothered. They’re the things that have made my heart drop. 2 So, listen to my report on God’s rage, for what I say comes from His mouth! 3 He’s the sovereign of all places under heaven, and His light shines upon the wings of the earth. 4 A voice yells out to Him, and He thunders at the sound of His insults. But He must bargain with no one… with none who listen to His voice.
5 ‘The Strong One speaks and His voice is like thunder, of the untold great things He has done. 6 For He orders the snow and says Go to the ground! And in winter the rain follows His orders.
7 ‘He seals up the hands of all men, so they will know of their weakness.
8 ‘Wild animals live under His protection, and in their lairs they are tranquil.
9 ‘From the innermost bedrooms comes grief, and from places far away comes a chill.
10 ‘From the Breath of the Strong One comes ice, and water is steered wherever He chooses.
11 ‘If He covers a cloud it disappears, and then the light comes forth in its order. 12 The cyclones are then turned aside, by His rules for the ways they should work.
13 ‘Whether for instruction, or His land, or His mercy, it is He who orders such things for the earth. 14 So, pay attention to such things, O Job… stand in awe of the power of God! 15 For, we know that it all comes from God, who created the light from the darkness. 16 He can tell the difference between every cloud, as well as the great ways the wicked will fall.
17 ‘Now your clothes are all hot and sticky, yet from the south blows peace for this land.
18 ‘So, will you now join Him in making mountains, 11 or old things as you’d see in a jar? 19 Teach me what I should tell Him, and let’s end all of this banter. 20 For, is there a scribe with a scroll beside me, so that I should have to satisfy him?
21 ‘Why, the light is shining so plainly, illuminating all things that are old. It’s as though He has parted the clouds, 22 and they’re shining like gold in the north. Why, their honor and glory reflect the Almighty, 23 for nowhere else may we find such strength.
‘It is He alone who brings honest judgment, so, do you think He’s not listening to you? 24 Why, all men have reason to fear Him, including all those who think their hearts wise.’
Chapter 38
1 Then, after EliHu finished his speech, Jehovah spoke to Job from the clouds during a storm, saying, 2 ‘Who is it that’s hiding counsel from Me, and thinks he can cover the things in his heart? 3 Now, wrap up your loins and act like a man, for I’ll ask you, and then you answer Me!
4 ‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of earth? Tell me if you know and if you understand! 5 Who was it that laid out its measures… do you know? And who laid the string down upon it? 6 Upon what are its hooks supported, and who laid the slabs for its foundation?
7 ‘When I did this the stars all praised Me, and all My messengers roared in a cheer. 8 Then I closed up the seas with gates, when it was forced from its mother. 9 I established the clouds as its clothing, and fog to wrap it like a baby. 10 Thereafter, I established its limits, and I bolted their gates into place. 11 Then I said, This is as far as you come; you cannot go any farther, and your waves must now break within you.
12 ‘Did I use you to bring morning light, or to set the morning star in its place; 13 or to grab hold of the wings of the earth, and shake off all the ungodly?
14 ‘Have you picked up a piece of clay from the ground, and used it to create something living? And who brought powers of speech to the earth?
15 ‘Have you taken the light from the ungodly, or broken the arms of the proud? 16 Have you come to the springs of the sea, and have you walked in the tracks of the deep? 17 Why, you fear when death’s gates are opened, and you’re alarmed when grave keepers look at you.
18 ‘Have you been told about all under heaven? Then tell Me how great it all is! 19 Where is the land that light comes from, and from what kind of place comes the darkness? 20 If you could lead Me to their limits, that is, even if you even knew their paths, 21 then I would know that it’s so, for that would be the time when you were born, and you would have lived many years.
22 ‘Have you yet found the treasuries of snow? Have you seen where the hail is all stored? 23 Has the hour of enemies been determined for you, and the day for battle and war?
24 ‘Why, where does frost go when it leaves, and where under heaven goes the south wind? 25 Who prepares the storms when they blow, 26 and who holds back rain from the ground?
27 ‘Who made the deserts where no men can live, so the unwalked and uninhabited lands can be filled, and sprout with new shoots of green? 28 Who is the father of rain, and who gave birth to the dewdrops? 29 From whose womb does the ice come forth, and who gives birth to frost from the sky, 30 that then drops to become flowing water? Who has changed the face of the ungodly, and who has created their alarm?
31 ‘Have you seen what bonds the Pleiades constellation, and have you opened the barriers of Orion? 32 Have you opened MazurOth when it can be seen, or have you led Hesperus by its tail? 33 Do you know how the orbits of the heavens all work, or how things under the sky work together? 34 Can you call to a cloud and make it tremble, then obey you and pour out a storm? 35 Can you send for the lightning… will it ask What is it and obey you?
36 ‘Who gave women the wisdom to weave, and who gave them skill to embroider? 37 Who in his wisdom can count all the clouds… who leans upon the heavens and the earth? 38 Who poured out the powder that created the earth, and stuck it together as a block of stone?
39 ‘Will you hunt for lions as prey, and will you be filled with the lives of wild beasts? 40 Yet, they’re to be feared when they’re in their lairs, or when lying in wait in the woods.
41 ‘Who gives carrion to the crow for its young, as it calls to Jehovah while searching for grain?
Chapter 39
1 ‘Tell Me this, if you know: When do rock antelopes give birth; and have you seen the birth pangs of hinds? 2 Have you counted the months for them to give birth, and do you know the length of their birth pangs? 3 Do you know how their offspring are nourished without fear, and can you bring an end to their birth pains? 4 For, their young rip out and many are born, then walk away to never return.
5 ‘Who is it that set zebras free… who untied them from bondage? 6 It’s I who made his home in deserts and salt flats… it was I who made him a tent. 7 Why, he laughs at the complaints of those in the cities, and to tax collectors he pays no attention. 8 He views the mountains as his pastures, as he searches for green things to eat.
9 ‘Is the rhinoceros willing to serve you? Can you allow him to sleep in your stable? 10 Can you tie him with straps and put on a yoke, then use him to plow up your fields? 11 Can you trust him to do this because he’s so strong, and will he lighten the work that you do? 12 Then, can you trust him to carry packs of seeds, and haul them onto threshing-floors?
13 ‘Consider now ostriches’ wings… those whose feathers storks use for their nests. 14 Why, they lay their eggs on the ground, and incubate them there in the dust. 15 And if she forgets them they may be scattered, or wild animals of the fields may come and crush them. 16 So, she has hardened herself against her own young, that she may not be sad when all her work is wasted. 17 It was God who removed all her wisdom, and gave her little understanding. 18 But in time she’ll be raised high, and then ridicule the horse and its rider.
19 ‘Was it you who gave the horse all its strength, or who caused his neck [to tremble] in fear? 20 Are you the one who gave him full armor, and put the glory of daring in his breasts? 21 In the fields he grazes and prances, and in his strength he runs in the plains. 22 He laughs when he meets up with spears, and won’t turn from weapons of iron. 23 When he’s struck by arrows and swords, 24 he gets angry and tears up the ground. He’ll not quit ‘til the trumpet is blown, 25 and when it blows, he just says, Well done! Why, he can smell war from a distance, for he stands on two legs and whinnies.
26 ‘Was it you who gave hawks their looks of defiance, as they set their wings to fly toward the south? 27 Was it by your order that eagles fly high, or vultures to lodge in nests 28 hidden among rocks? 29 From there he searches for food, where his eyes then watch from a distance. 30 His young are befouled in blood, and he can find what has just died.’
31 Then Jehovah God said to Job: 32 ‘Have you chosen to correct the One who’s so able… can the one who teaches God give an answer?’
33 And Job replied to Jehovah: 34 ‘Then, why must I still go on begging, and for what am I being corrected and scolded? Why, the things that I’ve said are treated as nothing!
‘But, what reply can I give to such things? So, I’ll just cover my mouth with my hands… 35 I’ve spoken and I’ll say no more.’
Chapter 40
1 Then the Lord spoke to Job from out of the cloud, saying: 2 ‘Now, wrap up your loins and act like a man, then I will ask you and you answer Me! 3 Can you undo My decisions? Can you imagine that I’d treat you any other way… or that you would appear to be righteous?
4 ‘Is your arm as the arm of Jehovah, and does your voice (like His) speak in thunder? 5 Then lift yourself up and stand tall in your power; wrap glory and honor upon you! 6 Send His messengers here in your rage, and make the arrogant humble! 7 Wipe away all those who’re too proud; make the godless start rotting right now! 8 Hide them all under the ground, and fill their faces with dishonor! 9 Then I’ll agree that your right hand can save.
10 ‘Then lift yourself up in stature and might, and clothe yourself with honor and glory! 11 Then send [My] angels in anger, upon both the arrogant and humble… 12 extinguish those who are proud… yes, immediately cause the impious to rot! 13 Hide them inside the ground altogether, and fill their faces with dishonor! 14 For surely you know that your right hand can save!
15 ‘Behold indeed the beast standing by you, for the grass that it eats is the same as for oxen; 16 but notice the strength in his loins, for his power is in the navel of his belly.
17 ‘He sets his tail like a cypress, and his nerves are all closely joined. 18 His sides are like they were made out of brass, and his spine is like it was made from cast iron. 19 Yet this was the beginning of things shaped by [God]; it was made to be mocked by His angels.
20 ‘When he climbs upon a mountain that’s chiseled, he becomes a cause for great joy, to the four-footed beasts who in Tartarus live. 21 He sleeps under all kinds of trees… by papyrus, reeds, and flowering rushes. 22 He sits in the shadows of trees and their branches, along with birds [that are hidden]. 23 When it pours, in no way will he notice, for he trusts that it runs from the Jordan to his mouth.
24 ‘When he is on watch, can anyone take him? If you catch him in a snare, will you drill [a hole] through his nose?
Chapter 41
1 ‘Can you lead the dragon by a hook; can you put a halter ‘round his nose? 2 Will you put a hook though his nose as a clasp, and bore a hole in his lip? 3 Will he speak and beg you earnestly and softly; 4 will he make an agreement with you… will you take him as your servant through the ages? 5 Will you play with him like a bird… would you cage him like a sparrow for a child? 6 Wouldn’t you rather feed him to the nations… set him aside for Phoenician peoples?
7 ‘If all that floats were brought together, there’s no way they could carry his hide or his tail, nor can fishermen’s boats bear his head.
8 ‘Then upon him you’ll lay your hand, and you’ll remember the war in your body, that has now come to an end.
9 ‘Have you not seen him… yes you who are speaking, have you not wondered at this? 10 Are you not awed by what was prepared for by Me? Yes, who is the one that can oppose me? 11 O you can oppose me but I’ll still remain, since all under heaven is Mine!
12 ‘I won’t keep silent for his sake; and My power to show mercy is equal to him. 13 Who will uncover the front of his clothes, and enter the fold of his chest plate? 14 Who will open the gates of his face, for round about his teeth there is fear. 15 His insides are like shields made of brass, and his sinews are as emery stone. 16 Each of them cleave together, and wind in no way [can blow] through them, 17 for as a man and his brother are cleaved, they are held together and won’t be drawn apart.
18 ‘His sneezing brings about brightness, and his eyes are like the morning star. 19 From out of his mouth comes burning lamps, like the scattered grates of a fire. 20 From out of his nostrils comes the smoke of a furnace, burning with the fire from coals. 21 His life is much like live coals, and flames shoot from his mouth.
22 ‘In his neck there dwells power, and before him runs much destruction. 23 The flesh of his body cleaves tightly, and if it pours upon him he’s not shaken.
24 ’His heart is fixed like a stone… he stands as an anvil that cannot be shaped. 25 When he turns he brings fear to four-footed beasts… upon those that leap on the ground.
26 ‘If he meets with lances, nothing will happen, nor does he fear chest plates or spears. 27 For he views iron as just straw, and brass as wood that is rotten. 28 By bows of brass he can’t be pierced, and he views [stone] slingers as grass. 29 He thinks of hammers as stubble, and ridicules the quaking of those who carry fire.
30 ‘His bed is strewn with sharp points, and all the gold in the sea, under him are as 19 coals on the grates, and as just so much mud.
31 ‘He breaks from the abyss as though a brass cauldron; he thinks of the sea as his own ointment jar, 32 and the abyss of Tartarus as his captive. For, to him the abyss is just a promenade.
33 ‘There’s nothing on earth that’s quite like him, for he was made to be mocked by My angels. 34 He can see all lofty things, and he is the king of all things in the waters.’
Chapter 42
1 Then Job spoke to the Lord saying: 2 ‘I know that You can do everything, and there is no end to Your power, 3 so who can hide their ideas from You, and who holds back their words and thinks they are hidden? For, You’ve spoken to me of things I don’t know; things great and wonderful that I was unaware of.
4 ‘But hear O Jehovah, for I still have something to say! I’ll ask You, then You can teach me! 5 In the past, I’ve heard men talk about You, but now my own eyes have seen You, 6 and I consider myself as worthless; for before You I have melted away, and I think of myself as ashes and dirt.’
7 It was after Jehovah had said all these things to Job, that Jehovah said to EliPhaz the Temanite, ‘You and your two friends have sinned, for you haven’t spoken the truth, as did My attendant Job. 8 Now, go get seven calves and seven rams, and take them to My attendant Job, so he may offer them on your behalf. Then Job My attendant will make a vow on your behalf, for I don’t hold him to blame. On his account I would have destroyed you, for the things you’ve said about My attendant Job.’
9 So, EliPhaz the Temanite, Baldad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Minaean went and did as Jehovah had told them. Then He dismissed their sins against Job.
10 Thereafter, Jehovah blest Job. And he in turn made a vow for his friends, and he forgave them for all their sins.
Thereafter, Jehovah gave him double… twice as much as he had before. 11 And when all of his brothers and sisters heard of the good things that had happened, they all came to see him, and he had twice as many friends as he had at first. They all ate and drank along with him, and offered him much consolation. Yet, they wondered at all the things that had happened, and at all the things that Jehovah had done. Then each one gave to him a lamb, and an unmarked four-drachma gold coin.
12 So, Jehovah blessed Job’s ending, and he had more than he had before. He had ten thousand cows, four thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand oxen teams, and a thousand grazing mare burros. 13 Then to him were born seven more sons, as well as three more daughters. 14 He named the first one Day; he called the second one Casia; and the third he named Amalthaia’s Horn. 15 Among all the women who lived under heaven, none were prettier than the daughters of Job, and he gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
16 After his calamity, Job lived on a hundred and seventy more years, so he reached two hundred and forty. Then Job saw his sons, and the sons of his sons, through the fourth generation. 17 Thereafter, Job finally came to his end, an old man who’d lived a full life.
Psalms
NOTE: You will see that we have translated the Psalms in a poetic fashion, making minor changes to provide meaning and cadence. Why have we done this? Well, recognize that the book of Psalms was the Israelite songbook, so each Psalm originally had meaning and cadence, which we have tried to restore. This requires substituting with synonyms and adding or deleting extraneous words to allow for language differences, while attempting to maintain the integrity of the original meanings. And by so doing, it becomes easy to see where errors and changes may have crept in due to translating or scribal errors. For, some Psalms appear to have suffered obvious losses (see Psalm 11), while others are beautifully written and follow the rules of Hebrew songs and poetry precisely.
Psalm 1
NOTE: Why Psalm and not Psalms? Recognize that Psalms was the book of Israelite hymns, and each of the following Psalms is just a song (not songs) in that book. So, it is a book of Psalms (songs), but each Chapter is just a Psalm (or song).
1 Blest is the man who ignores the disrespectful, and not taken the position of sinners, or in the chair of the disgusting has he sat, 2 but who wants to do the will of Jehovah, and considers His Laws day and night. 3 For he’ll be like a tree placed near water. Each season He’ll bear fruit and his leaves will not drop, and he will prosper greatly.
4 But for the disrespectful this won’t be so; they’re like the dust that’s blown ‘cross the earth. 5 So, they won’t be raised in the Judgment, nor will sinners see the outcome of the righteous, 6 for Jehovah knows what the righteous have done, but the ways of the impious will perish.
Psalm 2
A Psalm of David
NOTE: Superscriptions such as the one above are notes to show who wrote the song, or who it was written for, or what inspired its writing, or the occasions on which it is to be sung, or how it is to be sung.
1 Why do the nations and why do the peoples, think about things that are worthless? 2 For the rulers of the land and their kings, are against Jehovah and His anointed. 3 They say: ‘We should tear off their bondage, and throw off all their yokes.’ 4 But He in the heavens is laughing… at them Jehovah is laughing.
5 Then in His anger He’ll speak, and in His rage He’ll disturb them, 6 saying: ‘I’ve placed My king on Mount Zion, as the ruler of My Holy Place. 7 For, he declares the orders of Jehovah, (saying) You are My son, and today I am your Father. 8 Just ask and I’ll give you the nations to own, as an inheritance to the ends of the earth. 9 With a rod of iron you’ll shepherd them, and break them as pots made of clay.
10 O kings of the earth pay attention, and those judging the earth should now learn! 11 Serve Jehovah in fear; all should tremble and praise Him.
12 Give ear to all these instructions, so to anger He’s not provoked, for you’ll perish away from the righteous, if you quickly kindle His rage. Yet, those who yield will be blest.
Psalm 3
A Psalm of David when he was running from his son AbSalom
1 O Jehovah; Why are so many against me, and why are so many attacking? 2 Many speak of my life, and they say that my God will not save me.
3 But you are my shield O Jehovah; my glory who lifts up my head. 4 For, with my voice I’ve called to Jehovah, and from His holy mountain He listened.
5 Then I went to bed and I slept, and God helped me when I awoke. 6 So, I won’t fear tens of thousands, who have me surrounded to attack me.
7 Stand up and act O Jehovah; deliver me please, O my God! You’ve cut down those with no reason to hate me, and You’ve broken the teeth of the sinners.
8 Salvation comes from Jehovah, and it’s He who blesses His people.
Psalm 4
To the music director; a Psalm of David.
1 When I called to my God in very hard times, He felt pity and listened to my prayer.
2 O sons of men; How long will you stay so hardhearted? Why do you love whatever is foolish, and always search for the lie?
3 You know of all the wonders, which God has performed for His clean one, for He listened to me when I called Him.
4 So, be angry with me but don’t sin… complain as you pray in your beds. 5 Offer a sacrifice that is righteous, and then put your hope in Jehovah.
6 Many have asked: ‘Who will show us such good things? Who’s shown us the light from God’s face?’
7 [O God]; You’ve put happiness into my heart… it has been filled with fruit, grain, and oil.
8 So I’ll sleep in peace in that place, for You O Jehovah have filled me with hope.
Psalm 5
To the music director; a Psalm of David to his heir.
1 Lend me an ear O Jehovah, and pay attention to the things I call out for… 2 hear my voice and the things that I beg! To Jehovah my King and my God I will pray.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning… as I pray, stand by me and watch me. 4 For, You aren’t a God who approves of lawbreaking, nor will the wicked ever travel with You.
5 O Jehovah; You won’t put up with lawbreakers, and before Your face the lawless won’t stand. 6 For, You will destroy all those who lie, and You hate men of blood and deceit.
7 Because of all Your great mercy, I will enter Your [Temple]. I’ll bow to Your Holy House, and I will always fear You.
8 O Jehovah; Because of my many enemies, lead me in ways that are righteous. Straighten out all of my paths, as they are seen before You.
9 There is no truth in their mouths, and foolishness is bound within their hearts. Their throats are like tombs lying open, and they’ve used their tongues to deceive. 10 So, bring Your judgment upon them O God, and cause their council to fail. For their irreverence send them away, because against You (Jehovah) they have rebelled.
11 Be glad, all those who put trust in You; may they cry out and loudly shout cheers! For, among them You’ll dwell in Your Tent, and those loving Your Name will boast about You.
You will bless the righteous O Lord; You have crowned us with the goodness of Your shield.
Psalm 6
To the music director: the eighth psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah; Don’t discipline me in Your rage, nor correct me in Your great anger. 2 Show mercy on me for I’m weak, O my God; my bones are shaking, so heal me O Lord.
3 The man that I am is greatly disturbed! Where are You, O my God; how long will You stay away? 4 Return to me… please save me! Deliver me please in Your mercy! 5 For the dead cannot [think of] You, and who can praise You from the grave?
6 I’m so tired of my moaning, for each night I soak my bed with my tears. 7 Because my eyes are disturbed, by all the rage that they see.
Because of my enemies I have grown old. 8 So, remove all of the lawless from me, and listen to the sound of my weeping, O God.
9 Jehovah has heard the things that I’ve begged for… my God listened in favor to my prayers. 10 May all who hate me be shamed and disturbed; may all my enemies soon be dishonored.
Psalm 7
A Psalm of David that he sang to Jehovah because of the things that were said by Cush [of the tribe] of BenJamin.
1 O Jehovah my God; All my trust I’ve put in You. Rescue me from those who pursue me, 2 so my life isn’t snatched away by a lion, when there’s no one to ransom or save me!
3 O Jehovah my God; If I have done many bad things, and if in my hands there’s injustice; 4 if I’ve repaid bad to those who’ve done good, may I fall to my enemies with nothing. 5 May my enemies chase me and catch me, and trample my life to the ground, where it will camp in the dust.
6 O Jehovah; Arise in Your rage… before Your enemies stand tall! Awaken O Jehovah my God, and give the order to attack! 7 Many peoples have [me] surrounded, so now’s the time to stand tall. 8 Judge all those people Jehovah, and find me innocent and righteous.
9 O God; Finish off the wickedness of sinners, and straighten out all of the righteous… check their hearts and their kidneys. 10 For, justice is the help I’ve received from my God, and He saves all those with straight hearts.
11 My God is just, forgiving, and strong… He’s not angry each day. 12 But don’t turn against Him for He’ll shine His sword, and His bow He’ll prepare and stretch tight. 13 That’s how He prepares the weapons of death… it’s how He prepares His flaming arrows.
14 See how the wicked ones slave in their sins, for in misery they were conceived. To lawlessness he’s given birth, 15 and though he has dug out a pit, he’ll fall into the cesspool he’s made; yes into the pit that he dug.
16 May his misery come down on his own head, and his unrighteousness fall down upon him. 17 But I will acknowledge the righteousness of God, and I’ll strum to His most holy Name.
Psalm 8
To the director over the wine vats; a Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah our Lord; How great is Your Name in all the earth. Your majesty has risen high above the skies. 2 From the mouths of infants and babies comes praises, for [our] enemies and avengers You’ve removed.
3 I see in the sky the works of Your fingers… the moon and the stars that You’ve founded. 4 So, what is man that You’d think of him, or a son of man that You’d visit?
5 A bit less than Your messengers You’ve made him, then crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You placed him over the works of Your hands, and put it all under his feet.
7 You put sheep and oxen together, and all the cattle that live in the plains. 8 [You put] flying things in the sky, and fish in the water treading paths through the seas.
9 O Jehovah our Lord; How wonderful is Your Name in all the earth.
Psalm 9
To director; A private Psalm of David to his son.
1 O Jehovah; I’ll praise You with my whole heart, and I’ll describe all Your wonders. 2 O Highest One; In You I’ll be glad and take joy, and I will strum to Your Name.
3 You’ve turned my enemies and made them retreat… before Your face they are weak and destroyed. 4 You’ve made my case and my cause; You sat on Your throne and righteously judged.
5 You scolded the nations and wiped the irreverent away; through the age and through ages of ages, You’ve wiped away all their names. 6 My enemy’s swords have ended and failed; memory of them and their cities, has now all been [erased].
7 Jehovah lives through the ages, and He’s ready to judge from His throne. 8 In justice He’ll judge man’s habitation; He’ll judge the people uprightly.
9 Jehovah is a refuge to the needy, and a helper in times of oppression. 10 Those who know You trust in Your Name; those searching for You are never abandoned.
11 Strum to Jehovah, those living in Zion; proclaim His deeds to the nations! 12 For, He remembers whose blood is required, and forgets not the cries of the needy.
13 Show mercy on me O Jehovah; raise me up from death’s gate, 14 so I can shout about how You deliver, and I can praise You before Zion’s gates.
15 In their corruption the nations are mired, and in their own snares their feet have been caught. 16 For Jehovah is known as He who brings justice, and sinners are snared by the deeds of their hands.
17 Please bring Your vengeance upon all the sinners. And O God; send those who hate You away to their graves. 18 But don’t forget the poor in the end, and may the patience of those in need never perish.
19 Arise O Jehovah, and may no man ever beat You! Stand the nations before You in judgment; 20 appoint over them one who makes laws, and of their mortality remind them.
Psalm 10
1 O Jehovah; Why have You stayed far away? Why have You left us, for we need You now!
2 Because of their wickedness and pride, the Godless have burned up the poor. And as they argue, the proud have been trapped, in the results of their slander.
3 Those who are sinners are blessing themselves, with all the things they desire… that’s how the unrighteous get praise.
4 The sinner provokes God to rage, because he won’t seek Jehovah; with him God never walks, 5 because his ways are disgusting. You do not give Your decisions to him, so among his enemies he rules. 6 For he said in his heart, I’ll never be shaken… through generations I’ll never see bad.
7 His mouth is filled with bitterness and cursing; toil, misery, and treachery comes from his tongue. 8 With the rich he lies waiting in ambush, to watch for and kill the innocent needy. 9 He lies and waits in concealment, like a lion that’s inside his lair. He lies in wait to capture the poor, in order to take them away, and put them under his power. 10 But such domination of the needy, is what will lead to his downfall. 11 For he’s said in his heart God’s forgotten… He’s turned his face and He’ll never see. 12 So rise up, Jehovah my God! Raise your hand high, and don’t forget those in need!
13 Why do the irreverent anger our God? Because they’ve said in their hearts, There won’t be an accounting. 14 But You can see the misery they bring; so recall Your rage, and then lead them into Your hands!
Why, the poor and the orphans have all been abandoned… their only helper is You. 15 Please break the arms of the wicked and sinners… when we search for them, may they not be found!
16 Jehovah is king through the age, and into the ages of ages. O you nations; from His land you’ll be wiped away, 17 for He’s heard the voices of those in need.
O Jehovah; You have heard with Your ears, the things that they say in their hearts. 18 Bring justice to the orphans and humble, so man has no reason to brag of his ways!
Psalm 11
For the director; A Psalm of David.
1 I have yielded to Jehovah.
2 How can you say to my soul, ‘Fly to the mountains like a sparrow?’ 3 {Look!} Sinners have stretched tight their bows, and prepared arrows for the quiver, to shoot straight at my heart in the moonlight.
4 Whatever You’ve built they’ve demolished, but where are the righteous and what did they do?
5 Jehovah is in His holy [Temple], yet His throne is high in the heavens. His eyes pay attention to those who’re in need, and to their sons needs His eyelids [are open].
6 About the righteous, Jehovah inquires, but those loving injustice He hates to the core.
7 Upon the unrighteous He’ll rain snares of fire… they’ll get sulfur and wind in their cup. 8 For Jehovah is just and the things that He loves, are justice and straightforward answers, which He can see with His face.
Psalm 12
To the director; the eighth Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah; Please save me, for the holy have all failed, and few among men tell the truth. 2 Each man to his neighbor speaks foolish things, and each from his heart speaks what’s wrong and deceitful.
3 May Jehovah destroy the lips of the lying, and the tongues that brag of great things… 4 those who say ‘We’ll make our tongues great, and ask with our lips, Who’s Jehovah?’
5 So, because of the misery of the poor, and the moaning of the needy, I’ll arise and bring safety to them; and to them I will openly speak.
6 Jehovah’s wise words are as pure as fine silver, for their wisdom is refined seven times in a fire.
O Jehovah; In Your heights You stand tall, yet the sons of men You still watch over. 7 So, please guard us and keep us, from this generation and age, 8 because the Godless have us encircled, and around us they walk everywhere.
Psalm 13
To director; A Psalm of David.
1 For how long O Jehovah, will You forget me… how long will You turn Your face from me… will it be clear to the end?
2 How much longer must my life endure grief, and plan for it both night and day in my heart… how long will my enemies be stronger than me?
3 Listen to me, O Jehovah! My God; Please look upon me! Brighten my eyes so I won’t sleep in death, 4 and so my enemies can’t say that they’ve won. For, those who oppress me will cheer if I fall.
5 I’ve put all my hope in Your mercy, and Your salvation brings joy to my heart. 6 So, I’ll sing to Jehovah who’s blest me, and I’ll strum to the Name of [my God] in the heights.
Psalm 14
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 There is no God, says the fool in his heart, and what they do is corrupt and disgusting… no one is doing things that are good!
2 From the heavens Jehovah looked down, to see if men’s sons were looking to God. 3 But all have turned and made themselves useless; none are doing good… no not one! Their throats are like tombs that are open, and the tongues in their throats are used to deceive. Under their lips is the poison of asps, and with bitterness their mouths are now filled. Their feet now rush to shed blood and destruction, and misery is in all of their ways. The road to peace they’ve never known… there’s no fear of Jehovah in their eyes.
4 Those who break laws don’t understand, for they devour my people as though they are bread. They haven’t called on Jehovah, 5 so now they’re afraid when there’s nothing to fear.
God is with the just generation, 6 but this one has disgraced the wise words of the poor, whose hope is still in Jehovah.
7 Who’ll bring salvation to Israel from Zion? It’s Jehovah who’ll return His captive people. Then Jacob will cry out in joy, and Israel will have reasons for gladness.
Psalm 15
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah; Who will You allow to visit Your tent; who may camp on Your Holy Mountain? 2 Just the flawless who pursue justice, and those who speak truth in their hearts… 3 those who speak no treachery with their tongues, nor do wrong to their neighbors. They haven’t looked down on those who live near them, 4 nor are they found with the wicked. For they praise those who are fearing Jehovah, and speak well of those who do what they promise. 5 They don’t lend money for interest, nor ask for bribes from the innocent. Such ones won’t be shaken through the age.
Psalm 16
An inscription on a monument by David.
1 Guard me O Jehovah, because in You I’ve put hope. 2 I’ve said to Jehovah ‘You are my Lord, and and beside You I have nothing good.’
3 The holy in His land are in awe of Jehovah, as are those who willingly serve Him. 4 Yet, there are those who give in to their weakness, and hurry to search for the bad things. With such I’ll not gather [to shed] blood, nor will I mention their names with my lips.
5 Jehovah is my inheritance, and the portion in my cup; for You’ve restored my inheritance to me. 6 Its borders have fallen across the best places, so my inheritance is the most choice.
7 I’ll praise Jehovah who makes me understand, and who corrects my kidneys at night. 8 I’ll look to Jehovah in all of my ways; He’s at my right hand so I won’t be shaken. 9 For this my heart will always be glad, and on my tongue there’ll always be praises.
Upon You my flesh camps in hope, 10 for You haven’t abandoned my life in the grave, nor allowed Your holy one to rot.
11 The ways of life You have shown me, and before Your face You’ve filled me with joy. So to my delight I’ll sit at your right hand in perfection.
Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Listen O Jehovah to my cries, and pay attention to the things that I ask. Listen to my prayer for my words are not spoken, with lips that try to deceive.
2 From Your presence may my judgment come forth, and may my eyes behold Your uprightness. 3 For, You’ve tried my heart in Your visits at night; You’ve [tried] me by fire but have found no injustice, which would prevent me from speaking [to You].
4 Concerning the hard ways of men; Your lips have been my protection. 5 So, form my footsteps into Your ways, so my feet will not stumble.
6 I called out to You and You heard me, O God; with Your ears You’ve listened to my words.
7 O You who [bring us] salvation; show the wonders of Your mercies, to those who put trust in Your right hand.
8 Guard me O [Jehovah, my God], as though I were the pupil of Your eye. Take me under the protection of Your wings, and provide a shelter for me.
9 Protect me from the face of the Godless; the ones bringing misery to me. For my enemies have me encircled, 10 while they are wrapped in their fat, and they speak with mouths filled with pride.
11 They’ve driven me out and have me surrounded; their eyes have plans to cut me to the ground. 12 I’ve been treated as a lion prepared for the hunt… as a cub that must now live in hiding.
13 Arise O Jehovah; cut them off and then trip them! With Your sword save my life from the godless. 14 Use Your hand, O Jehovah, to cut all my enemies down. Cut their bodies into pieces, and leave them there on the ground!
Please fill their bellies like pigs, with Your things that are hidden away, and feed what is left to their children. 15 Let Your righteous one appear, and may I be filled with Your glory.
Psalm 18
To the director; A Psalm of Jehovah’s servant David, which he sang to Jehovah on the day that God rescued him from his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
1 O Jehovah; With all of my strength I will love You, 2 for my Lord is real to me… He’s my refuge and Savior. My helper is God, so I’ll trust in Him… 3 He’s my defender and protector, and the horn of my salvation.
3 When it comes to praise I’ll call on Jehovah, and from my enemies I’ll be saved. 4 For, by the pangs of death I was surrounded, and beset by floods of lawbreakers. 5 I was filled with the fear of the place of the dead, as I expected all snares of death.
6 Then in my distress I called to my God. I shouted, and He heard me from His Home… my cries before Him entered His ears. 7 Then the ground shook and it trembled; the foundations of the mountains were disturbed, for my God shook them in rage.
8 The smoke of His anger and the fire coming from Him, ignited coals all around Him. 9 Then He leaned from the heavens and descended, and darkness was under His feet. 10 He arrived riding on cherubs, with their wings spread out on the winds.
11 For concealment He made everything dark; He was wrapped in His tent of dark fog. 12 The radiance of His presence was covered by clouds… by hail and [by bolts] of fire.
13 Jehovah thundered from the sky, and the Most High spoke with His voice. 14 He shot His arrows all around, and disturbed them with [skies] filled with lightning. 15 Then springs of water were opened, and foundations of houses were seen.
O Jehovah; This all came from Your scolding, and from the blast of the Spirit of Your rage.
16 Down from the heights He came… He took me and saved me from rushing waters. 17 So, from my mighty enemies He’ll save me… from those who detest me and are stronger than I.
18 They came on the day when I was mistreated, but Jehovah became my support. 19 Then He carried me to a great spacious land; and because I was desired He became my salvation.
20 Jehovah will reward my righteous ways… for my clean hands He’ll repay me, 21 because I have guarded the ways of the Lord… unlike the irreverent, I’ve not left my God.
22 All His decisions are here before me, and His Laws have never departed from me. 23 So, flawless I’ll stand here before Him, and I’ll guard against any Law breaking. 24 Then Jehovah will repay my righteous ways, and the cleanliness of my hands He’ll see with His eyes.
25 We must be holy to those who are holy, and innocent with those who are innocent. 26 Then with the chosen you’ll be selected, but you’ll be turned away if you’re crooked. 27 You people must save all the humble, and humble the eyes of the proud.
28 Light my lamp, O Jehovah my God; please light my way in the darkness. 29 For, by You I will be rescued, from the bands of marauders… by my God I’ll pass over the wall.
30 The ways of my God are flawless, and His words are all tried by fire… He’s the defender of all those who trust Him. 31 For, who is God but Jehovah? Is there any other God like our God?
32 He’s the God who wrapped me in power, and makes my ways to be flawless. 33 He’s readied my feet like those of a stag, and He’s put me up on high places. 34 He has taught my hands ways of war, and turned my arms into bows made of brass.
35 You’ve prepared a shield to protect me; You’ve taken me in Your right hand. You’ll make me stand again in the end, and with Your instructions You’ll teach me.
36 You’ve widened the path underneath me, and You’ve given me strength. 37 So, I’ll pursue my enemies and catch them, and I won’t return ‘til I’m done. 38 I’ll squeeze them until they’re unable to stand, and they’ll all fall at my feet.
39 You’ve wrapped me in the power of war; You’ve tied my enemies hand and foot. 40 You’ve shown me the backs of those who oppose me, and destroyed all those who detest me.
41 They shouted, but no one could save them; they called to Jehovah, but He didn’t listen. 42 So, I’ll grind them to powder and throw them away, like the dust in city squares that is blown in the wind.
43 You’ll rescue me from the disputes of the people, and place me as the head of [many] nations. Then peoples unknown will all come to serve me; 44 they’ll hear my voice and they will obey. And those foreigner’s sons who have lied, 45 will grow old and lame in [life’s] paths.
46 Jehovah lives… may [He] be praised! May [the Name] of the God who saves me be raised… 47 the God who handles my vengeance for me, and makes all the peoples submit. 48 From all my enemies He has saved me; those who oppose me and rise up against me.
You’ve lifted me above the unrighteous, and rushed to my aid in order to save me. 49 So, I’ll praise You before all the nations; O Jehovah I’ll strum to Your Name. 50 For, You’ve shown all the ways You can save the king… You’ve shown mercy upon Your anointed… to David and his seed through the ages.
Psalm 19
For the director; A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens describe the glory of God, and space tells of what He has made with His hands. 2 Day after day His words bubble up, and night after night there’s more knowledge.
3 For there’s neither speaking nor words, and you can’t hear the sounds of their voices. 4 But throughout the earth their knell has gone out, and their words reach the ends of man’s habitation, that He’s pitched His tent on the sun.
5 Like a groom coming out on his [wedding night], He shouts like the mighty in His journey. 6 He leaves from one end of the sky, then returns from the other side of heaven, and none can be hidden from His heat.
7 Jehovah’s Law changes lives and is perfect; God’s witness can be trusted, for it brings wisdom to even the young. 8 Jehovah’s rules are all straight, and they bring joy to the heart. The Commandments of Jehovah radiate, providing light for everyone’s eyes.
9 The fear of Jehovah is pure, for it lasts through the ages, and then through the ages of ages. The judgments of Jehovah are true, for they bring the very same justice. 10 It’s more desirable than gold or gems, and it’s sweeter than honey from its comb. 11 For, when His servants obey them, they will receive grand rewards.
12 But, who will notice his own sins? From my sins in private, please cleanse me. 13 Protect Your servant from foreign peoples, for if they can’t control me I’ll stay unblemished, and I can be cleansed of great sins. 14 The prophecies of good will flow from my mouth, and the thoughts of my heart will be of Jehovah, for You are always my helper.
Psalm 20
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 In times of trouble you should turn to Jehovah. Let the Name of Jacob’s God be your shield. 2 For, from His Holy Place He’ll send help… from Zion He’ll send you assistance.
3 May He remember all the sacrifices you’ve offered, and all of your fattened burnt offerings. 4 May God give you all the things in your heart, and fulfill whatever you have planned. 5 Then all will shout about their salvation, and praise the Name of our God… may Jehovah grant all that you ask.
6 Now, I have [seen] how Jehovah delivers, for He’s heard His anointed from His holy heavens. He takes control and saves with His right hand, 7 from those who attack with chariots and horses. For, when I called on the Name of [my] God, 8 they fell and were bound hand and foot. But we were resurrected and remade.
9 O Jehovah; please save the king, and pay close attention when we call upon You.
Psalm 21
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah: The king will gladly submit to Your power, and for Your salvation he calls out in joy. 2 You have given him all that his heart desires, and not deprived him of the things that he begged for. 3 Before he asked, You gave him great blessings, and placed a gemmed crown on his head. 4 When he asked for life, You gave him long days, into the ages of ages. 5 In Your saving power You’ve made great his glory, and placed gracious majesty upon him. 6 For, through the ages You’ve blessed him, and You’ve made [his heart] glad with the joy of Your face.
7 The king has put his hope in Jehovah, and he’ll never [lose faith in] the mercy from above. 8 So may all of Your enemies be found in Your hands, and may all those who hate You be found in Your right hand, 9 for You’ll throw them in an oven in Your Day. In Your rage You’ll disturb them, and then You’ll destroy them in fire. 10 You’ll destroy their fruit from the earth, and their seed from among sons of men.
11 For, their purpose toward You was just to do bad, and they argued over plans that were never fulfilled. 12 So, throw them away along with Your garbage, and prepare their faces for this. 13 May Your power be raised high O Jehovah, for we’ll sing and we’ll strum about Your mighty deeds.
Psalm 22
For the director; for help in the early morning. A Psalm of David.
1 O God, my God, please hear me! Why have I been abandoned by You? Do the words of my errors prevent my salvation? 2 For during the day I call out to You, but You don’t listen to me, O my God; and don’t think that I’m thoughtless at night.
3 But in Your Holy Place You do dwell, as the One who brings Israel blessings. 4 In You our fathers put hope and You saved them. 5 They called out to You in their hope, and they were never disgraced.
6 I’m [viewed] as a maggot, not a man; the scorn and contempt of my people. 7 For, those who see me make fun… they shake their heads and they say, 8 ‘He has put his trust in Jehovah, but if He wants him let Him save him!’
9 It was You who pulled me from [my mother’s] womb… You were my hope when I sucked at her breasts. 10 Upon You I was thrust from the womb; from the belly of my mother You’ve been my God. 11 So, don’t leave me now that trouble is near, for there’s no one else who can help me.
12 I’m surrounded by great herds of cattle, and many strong bulls are around me. 13 They’ve opened their mouths against me like lions… those who roar and drag off [as prey].
14 My bones have become like water, and my heart in my chest has melted like wax. 15 My strength has been dried like a clay pot, and my tongue is stuck to my throat, for; to the dust of death You have led me.
16 Many dogs now have me surrounded, and the wicked are gathering around me. They’re cutting into my hands and my feet; 17 they count all my bones as they watch me and think. 18 They’ve divided my garments among them, and thrown dice for the clothes that I wear.
19 But Your help is not far away, O Jehovah, for You’ll notice and come to my aid. 20 O rescue my life from the broadsword… [Your] only-fathered son from the hands of the dogs.
21 Deliver me from the mouth of the lion, and on the horns of rhinoceros may I not be disgraced. 22 Then I’ll describe Your fame to my brothers, and in the midst of the gathering I’ll praise You.
23 Praise Jehovah, all you who fear Him! Give Him glory, all you seed of Jacob; but fear Him too you seed of Israel! 24 For, He hasn’t looked on you with contempt, or loathed the prayers of the poor. And from me He has never turned His face, for when I called Him He always has listened.
25 So, before the great gathering I’ll offer praises, and make confessions before all. I’ll also pay all my vows, in the presence of those who fear Him. 26 Then the stomachs of those in need will be filled, and those seeking Jehovah will give praise from their hearts, through the age and through ages of ages.
27 Turn back and remember Jehovah, all you to the ends of the earth. All families of the nations bow down before Him, 28 for His is the Kingship and He’s the sole ruler of the nations. 29 All the mighty of the earth will then eat, if they will all bow before Him, as well as those going into the ground.
I will live for Him with all my being, 30 and my seed will always serve Him. They’ll proclaim Him to future generations, 31 and they’ll speak of His justice to people unborn.
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 Jehovah provides, so I need nothing more. 2 He has placed my camp in green pastures, and He feeds me near restful waters. 3 My life He has restored, and for the sake of His Name, He guides me in ways that are righteous. 4 So, should I travel through the valley of death’s shadow, nothing bad will I ever fear; for I know that You’ll always be with me, and Your scepter and staff will bring me comfort.
5 You’ve prepared before me a table, far away from those who oppress me. My head You’ve anointed with oil, and Your excellent cup makes me high. 6 Your mercies have pursued me all the days of my life, so I’ll stay in Your House for as long as I live.
Psalm 24
A Psalm of David [to be sung] on the Sabbath.
1 To Jehovah belongs the earth and its goodness… the arrangement and all who live in it. 2 It was He who founded the seas, and prepared the rivers upon it.
3 Who can ascend Jehovah’s mountain; who can stand in His Holy Place? 4 Just those with innocent hands, and those with hearts that are pure, who haven’t claimed what’s foolish for their souls, nor sworn treacherous things against neighbors. 5 Only these are blest by Jehovah, and get charity from their Savior, God.
6 This generation is seeking Jehovah; they’re seeking the face of Jacob’s God. 7 So, open the gates of your rulers… open the gates of the ages, so your Glorious King may now enter. 8 Who is this glorious King? It is Jehovah the Strong One; our Lord who is the great warrior. 9 Yes, open the gates of your rulers… open the gates of the ages, so your glorious King may now enter. 10 And who is this glorious King? It’s the God of armies, Jehovah. Yes, He is the glorious King.
Psalm 25
A Psalm of David.
1 I’ve lifted my life up to You, O Jehovah, 2 for You are my God to whom I’ve submitted. So, through the age may I not be disgraced, nor may my enemies make sport of me. 3 For, those clinging to You won’t be disgraced, but shame those who’ve rebelled for no reason.
4 O Jehovah; You have shown me Your ways, now teach me to walk in Your paths! 5 Guide me in ways of truth, and teach me that You are My Savior, my God, for I’ve waited on You all my days.
6 Remember Your compassions O Jehovah, for You’ve shown mercy through the ages. 7 Please forget the sins of my youth… don’t remember what I’ve done in my ignorance. But in Your great mercy, speak of me to Yourself, for You’re so kind, O Jehovah.
8 Jehovah is upright and kind, and He’ll uphold His Laws ‘gainst those who are sinning. 9 But He’ll guide the meek ones toward justice, and teach the gentle His ways. 10 For, merciful are the ways of Jehovah, and to those who are hearing His words He brings truth… to those who [honor] His Sacred Agreement. 11 Because of Your Name, O Jehovah, please cover my sins because they’re so great.
12 Who’s the man that fears Jehovah? He’ll give him laws in the path he has chosen. 13 Then his life will be lodged among good things, and his seed will inherit the land. 14 For, Jehovah is a fort for all those who fear Him, and with them He has made an Agreement.
15 My eyes always look to Jehovah, for He pulls the snares from under my feet. 16 O look upon me and have mercy, for I am a poor only child, 17 whose pain of heart keeps on growing; so lead me toward the things that I need! 18 Look upon my humiliation; see all that I’ve done and forgive all my sins!
19 See how my enemies keep growing in number, and how the unrighteous both hate and detest me. 20 O guard my life and save me; may I not be disgraced, for in You I have hoped.
21 The guileless and upright have stayed close to me, because I stuck with You, O Jehovah. 22 So, O Israel’s God; ransom us from all our afflictions.
Psalm 26
A Psalm of David.
1 Please judge me O God, for [before You] I’ve traveled innocently, and I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. 2 I will never weaken, so test and try me, my Lord; set my heart and my kidneys on fire.
3 Your mercies are ever in front of my eyes, and I’m well pleased with Your truth. 4 I’ve never sat in a high court of fools, and I don’t hang with those who break laws.
5 I’ve detested the gathering of those who are bad, and with the irreverent I’ll never sit. 6 So, in innocence I’ll wash my hands, and encircle Your Altar, O Jehovah.
7 Hear my voice singing praises of You, and talking about all Your wonders. 8 O Jehovah; I’ve loved the beauty of Your House; the place where You Tent in Your glory.
9 Don’t destroy my life with the Godless, nor with men of blood end my life… 10 those whose hands are filled with lawless deeds, and whose right hands are filled up with bribes.
11 Ransom me for I am not guilty! Please show mercy upon me! 12 For with my feet I walk a straight path, and I’ll praise You among the gathering, O Jehovah.
Psalm 27
A Psalm of David before his anointing.
1 Jehovah is my light and my savior, so whom should I ever fear? Jehovah is the defender of my life, so before whom should I ever be shy?
2 Those who attacked to bring evil, and wished to devour my flesh… those enemies of mine who oppress me, have all become weak and have fallen.
3 Should they against me encamp, and should they attack me in war, my hope is that my heart will not fear.
4 One thing have I asked of Jehovah, is to dwell in His House all my days. I wish to view the delights of Jehovah, and to visit His Holy House.
5 When evil arrives, He hides me in His Tent, and He is my shelter during bad days. He conceals me inside His Tent, and sets me upon a high rock.
6 Now, look how He’s lifted my head, high above all my enemies. So, I’ve encircled and sacrificed in His Tent; I have offered a sacrifice of praise, as I shouted aloud, sang praises, and strummed.
7 Listen O Lord to my voice as I cry. Show mercy upon me and hear me! 8 For my heart says to You, ‘I will search for Jehovah. My face has sought after You, and Your face, O God, I will seek.’
9 So don’t turn Your face from me, O my God… don’t turn from Your servant in anger, for You have become my great helper… do not curse me by staying away, and do not abandon or overlook me.
10 My father and mother have left me, but Jehovah has claimed me as His own. 11 So, give me Your Laws O Jehovah, and teach me to walk in Your ways. And because I have many enemies, guide me down roads that are straight. 12 Don’t hand me over to those who oppress me, for witnesses have opposed me and lied, and injustice has lied to herself.
13 I trust that I’ll see good things from God, while I’m still in the land of the living. 14 So, wait on Jehovah… act like a man. Wait on the Lord and make your heart strong!
Psalm 28
A Psalm of David.
1 I’ll call out to You, O Jehovah; my God, I won’t remain silent, so You will never be silent with me, and make me like those who enter the pit. 2 Listen O Lord to my voice as I beg, and I raise my arms toward Your Holy House.
3 Don’t draw me together with sinners, and don’t destroy me with the unjust. For, although they speak of peace to their neighbors, there is evil inside their hearts.
4 O Jehovah; Repay them for the things that they do, and for all of their wicked deeds. Return upon them the things they have done; give them a just compensation.
5 O Jehovah; They haven’t noticed the things You have done… all the works that You’ve done with Your hands. So, You will wipe them away, and never rebuild them again.
6 Praise Jehovah, for He’s heard my prayer! 7 He’s my helper and defender, and upon Him I have hoped in my heart. Because He’s helped me, my flesh has done well, so to Him I will sing praises.
8 Jehovah is the fort of His people; the defender and savior of His anointed. 9 So, bless Your inheritance and save Your people; tend and lift them through the ages.
Psalm 29
A Psalm of David for when the Tent was being transported.
1 O sons of God, bring your things to Jehovah… the offspring of rams offer to God. Offer to Jehovah glory and honor… 2 [speak] to the Lord of the glory of His Name, and bow before Him in His holy courtyard.
3 Upon the waters is the voice of Jehovah. For the glory of God brings thunder, and Jehovah is [over the rain]. 4 The voice of Jehovah is strong, and of His great majesty it speaks.
5 The voice of Jehovah breaks [down trees], even the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He thins out [the trees] like Lebanon’s calves; and as rhinoceros calves His loved ones are thinned.
7 The voice of Jehovah cuts through like [lightning]… 8 the voice of the Lord shakes the desert. Before Him trembles the Desert of Kadesh, 9 for the voice of our [God] fashioned the hinds.
He tears down all sacred poles, and to His House He carries those who give Him glory.
10 Jehovah brings calmness to the downpours, and seats His king through the ages.
11 Jehovah shows His strength for His people; Our Lord will bless them with peace.
Psalm 30
A Psalm for the dedication of David’s palace.
1 O Jehovah; I praise You for lifting me high, and not making my enemies glad. 2 For, I called out to You, O my God, and You brought healing to me.
3 O Jehovah; You saved my life from the grave… from those going down to the pit. 4 So all who are holy, play music to Him; remember and acknowledge His pureness.
5 For, while there’s wrath in His rage, there is life in His will. And while weeping may come in the evening, in the morning there’ll come great rejoicing.
6 In my prosperity I once said, ‘There’s no way I’ll be shaken through the ages. 7 For (O Jehovah); It’s because of Your will, that You gave me both beauty and power.’ Then from me You turned away, and I became very disturbed.
8 ‘O Jehovah,’ I cried out to You… my God I was beseeching. 9 ‘What value has my blood if I die, and I rot away under the ground? Will there be knowledge of You in the dust, and will dust serve as witness to Your truth?’
10 Jehovah then heard and showed mercy on me, and He was my helper [once more]. 11 So, where my [heart] once beat in fear, it has now returned to rejoicing.
12 For, You tore off my sackcloth and wrapped me in gladness, so I’ll strum to You in my glory. And O Jehovah my God; there’s no way that I’ll ever be angry [with You], but though the ages I’ll sing Your praises.
Psalm 31
To the director; A Psalm of David about his change of state.
1 In You, O Jehovah, I’ve placed my hope. May I not be disgraced through the age. Rescue me in Your justice, and take me away from this place. 2 Incline Your ear and listen to me… hurry and take me away!
Become to me a God of defense, and make Your House a refuge to save me. 3 For, You are my fort and my refuge; and for the sake of Your Name, You will lead me and feed me.
4 O lead me out of these hidden traps, for You’re my defender O Lord. 5 I’ve entrusted my breath to Your hands, and You’ve paid my ransom, O God of truth.
6 You’ve detested the foolish who waste their time, but I’ve put my hope in Jehovah. 7 So, I’ll shout in praise and be glad for Your mercy, since my humiliation You have seen. From the wants and needs of my life You have saved me. 8 You’ve delivered me from my enemies’ hands, and set my feet where there’s plenty of room.
9 Show mercy on me O Jehovah, for I am in great distress. My eyes are disturbed and enraged, as are my soul and my belly.
10 My life has wasted away in my grief, and my years have been spent in moaning. My strength has been weakened by poorness, and all of my bones are now aching.
11 I am scorned by all of my enemies, and even more so by all my neighbors. Those who know me now fear me, and the others outside have all run away.
12 I’m forgotten like one of the dead, and my heart is like a pot that’s been broken. 13 I’ve heard the complaints of those traveling about, as they’ve gathered against me. They’re meeting together to kill me, 14 but I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. I said to You, 15 ‘You are my God. Into You hands I’ve entrusted my lot.’
So, rescue me from my enemies’ hands, and from all those who chase me. 16 Please show Your face to your servant, and in You great mercy please save me!
17 O Jehovah; May I not meet with disgrace, for upon You I have called. May the disrespectful be shamed, and then be led to their graves. 18 May the lips of the deceitful be speechless, as well as of those who speak against the just, in contempt and in proud lawless ways.
19 How kind are Your ways O Jehovah, which are hidden to those who don’t fear You. For, in the sight of all sons of men, You’ve come to the aid of the faithful.
20 You’ll hide them in the concealment of Your face, from the disturbance of men [who are evil]. You’ll shelter them inside of Your Tent, away from their scolding tongues.
21 May Jehovah be praised for His mercy, because; He brought miracles to a city that was surrounded.
22 I said when I saw that things had [gone wrong], ‘He’s thrown me away from His eyes.’ But because of this, You listened to my voice, and heard what I said when I called You.
23 O love Jehovah, all His holy ones, for truth is required by our God. And He doesn’t forget to repay, all who have too much pride.
So, act like men and strengthen your hearts, all you who hope in Jehovah!
Psalm 32
A Psalm of David for understanding.
1 Blest are those who’re forgiven their lawbreaking, and those whose sins they’ve not covered over. 2 Blest is the man who God counts not a sinner, nor has He found treachery in his mouth.
3 I’ve become quiet as my bones have grown old; I no longer call out all day, 4 for Your hand has been against me both day and night, as I writhe in misery, pierced through by thorns.
5 I’ve admitted to You all my lawless deeds, and my sins I’ve not tried to hide. I said; ‘I’ll openly declare my lawlessness to Jehovah,’ and then You forgave my Godless heart.
6 For this the holy should pray at right times, so the downpour of water will never approach them: 7 ‘You are my refuge from the troubles around me; from those who surround me You’ve provided my ransom.’
8 [And He’ll reply], ‘I’ll bring understanding to you, teach you the ways you should go, and always keep My eyes upon you. 9 So, do not act like horses or mules, who don’t understand and have to be bridled, and whose jaws must be squeezed to [obey] you.’
10 Sinners must be whipped many times, but mercy surrounds those who put their hope in Jehovah. 11 So, you should take joy in Jehovah; shout in joy all you righteous… boast about Him from you hearts!
Psalm 33
A Psalm of David.
1 O righteous ones, rejoice in Jehovah, for to the upright comes His praises. 2 Play to Jehovah on your harps; strum to Him on your lutes with ten strings. 3 O sing to Him a new song. Play shouting loudly and cheering!
4 The words of Jehovah are righteous, so trust in the things that He does. 5 Charity and equity are loved by God, and the earth is filled with His mercy.
6 By the word of Jehovah were the skies formed, and the Breath from His mouth formed their powers. 7 They were pulled together as a leather water bag, and seawater He placed in the treasuries of the deep.
8 So fear Jehovah, those living on earth, for because of Him our habitation will shake. 9 Why, He just spoke and it came to be; He gave the order and all was created.
10 He wipes away the plans of the nations; He annuls the devices and designs of their kings. 11 But the Will of Jehovah will last through the ages; from generation to generation are the things in His heart.
12 Blest is the nation whose God is Jehovah; those He has chosen to be His inheritance.
13 From out of heaven Jehovah looks down, and He watches the things the sons of men do. 14 From the home that He has prepared, He watches those dwelling on earth. 15 He alone shaped their hearts, and He sees all they have done.
16 A king won’t be saved with a large army, nor will a giant be delivered by his strength. 17 It’s foolish to place your trust in a horse, for even with his power you may not be saved.
18 {Look!} The eyes of Jehovah are upon those who fear Him… those who put hope in His mercy. 19 Only He can rescue their lives from death, and feed them in times of great famine.
20 So, with our whole lives we must wait on Jehovah, for He’s our defender and helper. 21 Take joy in Him with your whole hearts, and in His Holy Name put your trust.
22 O bring Your mercy upon us Jehovah, for in You we have put all our hope.
Psalm 34
A Psalm of David of when his view of AbiMelech changed and he sent him away.
1 I’ll praise Jehovah throughout all time… His praises will stay in my mouth. 2 I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole life, so listen you meek and be glad. 3 Glorify Jehovah with me; we’ll praise His great Name all together.
4 I searched for Jehovah and He listened to me. He rescued me during my travels. 5 So, come to Him… be enlightened, and then your faces won’t ever be shamed.
6 A poor man called to God and He heard him, then He rescued him from his problems. 7 A messenger of God camped around him, and He saved the one who feared His Name.
8 Taste and see that our God is good! The man who trusts Him will always be blest! 9 Fear Jehovah, all you His holy, for those fearing Him will lack nothing. 10 Though the rich may go hungry and poor, those seeking God won’t lack what is good.
11 Come to me children and listen, and I’ll teach you the fear of Jehovah! 12 Who is the man that doesn’t want life, or to see days that are good? 13 Then remove from your tongue all that is evil, and take treachery away from your lips. 14 Turn away from the bad and do good! Search for peace and pursue it! 15 For the eyes of Jehovah are upon all the righteous, and His ears hear the things that they ask for. 16 But the face of Jehovah is against all the bad, and He’ll destroy their memory from the earth.
17 The righteous called out and God listened, then He rescued them from their problems. 18 For, Jehovah is near to those with broken hearts, and those humble in spirit He delivers.
19 The righteous will have many afflictions, but God will save them from all. 20 Jehovah watches over their bones, and not a single one will be broken.
21 In sadness the sinners will be brought to their deaths, and those hating the righteous He’ll offend. 22 But Jehovah will ransom the lives of His servants, and no way will He harm those who trust Him.
Psalm 35
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah; Please Judge the ones who are doing me wrong… wage war against those waging war! 2 Take up Your weapon and shield; arise and come to my aid, O God!
3 Swing Your sword at those who pursue me… say You’ll deliver my life! 4 May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse… may those wishing me bad retreat in disgrace.
5 May they become as dust in the wind… may God’s messenger squeeze them all dry. 6 May their road become slippery and dark, and may they be chased by an angel of God.
7 For no just reason at all, they’ve hidden the snares of their corruption against me, as they speak badly against my soul. 8 Let them be caught in a snare they don’t see… may the snare that they hunt with catch them, and may they fall into the traps they have set.
9 With my whole life I’ll praise Jehovah, and [shout] in praise of His salvation. 10 With all my bones I’ll say to Jehovah: ‘O Lord; Who can be likened to You? For You rescue the poor with a hand that’s more solid, than the hands that rip the needy to shreds… 11 those who sent witnesses to lie against me, and asked questions I didn’t understand. 12 They’ve repaid the good that I’ve done with evil, and left my life without sons. 13 Because of their trouble I’ve put on sackcloth, and humbled my life by fasting. Then the prayer in my [heart], was that I might soon be returned.
14 As neighbors and brothers they once were so pleasing, so in mourning and sadness I humbled myself. 15 But they were happy and gathered against me, and weren’t sad when they cut me with whips. 16 They tried me and then they made fun… against me they gnashed their teeth. 17 O Jehovah; How long will You allow this to happen? Restore my life from their evil deeds!
18 [You said], ‘My only child; I will save you from the lions! I’ll praise you to the whole assembly, and before those bad people I’ll exalt you!’
19 So, may those who hate me for no reason, not be allowed to rejoice… those who detest me without any charge… those who shun me with their eyes. 20 For, though to me they once spoke of peace, in anger and treachery they’ve plotted against me. 21 Then they opened their mouths wide against me and said, ‘Well done, well done… now we’ve seen it with our own eyes!’
22 You have witnessed it all, O Jehovah! So, don’t remain silent or leave me. 23 Awaken now O Jehovah… pay attention to my case! Take notice of my cause, O my God. 24 Judge me, O Jehovah, and show me Your justice… my God, don’t let them rejoice! 25 Don’t allow then to say of our lives in their hearts, ‘Well done; yes, it’s well done.’ Nor allow them to say, ‘We have swallowed him down.’
26 May those who’ve rejoiced at my harm feel ashamed, and those speaking against me be remorseful. 27 May those seeking justice shout in joy and be glad. May they say ‘Praise Jehovah, for bringing peace to His servant!’ 28 Then with my tongue I’ll speak of Your justice, and sing in Your praise all my days.
Psalm 36
To the director; to the servant of Jehovah, David.
1 About his sins the lawbreaker says: ‘There is no God to fear, as I see it.’ 2 So he acts treacherously, before [God], who’ll expose his hateful lawbreaking. 3 For, with his mouth he speaks lawlessness and deceit, and he doesn’t wish to know what is good. 4 He dreams of crime as he lies in his bed. He does nothing worthwhile, nor does he hate any evil.
5 O Jehovah who lives in the sky; Your mercy and truth arise to the clouds. 6 Your justice is like the mountain of God, and Your judgments an abyss that saves men and cattle. 7 O God; How many ways Your mercies are shown, for in the protection of Your wings, the sons of men put their hope. 8 They’ll be drunk on the fatness of Your House, and You’ll delight them with water from Your stream. 9 For, the spring of life comes from You, and from Your light we’ll see light. 10 So, extend Your mercy to all those who know You, and Your justice to those with straight hearts.
11 May the feet of the proud not attack me, nor may I be shaken by sinner’s hands. 12 May all who work at lawlessness fall, rejected and unable to stand.
Psalm 37
A Psalm of David.
1 Never be jealous of the wicked, or envious of those who break laws. 2 For, like grass they’ll quickly be dried, and they’ll wilt away like young shoots.
3 Hope in Jehovah and act kindly. Live off the ground and its riches will serve you. 4 Take joy in [Jehovah your God], and He will provide all that’s in your heart.
5 Hope in Jehovah and show Him your way, and He will be sure to act. 6 He’ll bring to light your righteous deeds, and the things you do will shine as at noon.
7 Put your trust in Jehovah… yes to Him you should pray. Don’t envy those who prosper from crime. 8 Stop being angry and abandon your rage. Don’t allow zeal to make you act bad. 9 For, those who are wicked will soon be destroyed, but those who wait on Jehovah, will inherit the earth.
10 In just a short time the sinner will be gone; you’ll look where he was and not find him. 11 But the meek will inherit the earth, and find great delight in the abundance of peace.
12 The sinner keeps an eye on the righteous, and grinds his teeth when he sees them. 13 But Jehovah is laughing at him, for He sees what will happen in His Day.
14 Sinners have drawn their broadswords, and stretched their bows very tight, to attack the poor and the needy, and to kill the ones with straight hearts. 15 But, may their swords strike their own hearts, and may their bows be broken in pieces. 16 For, a little is better to the righteous, than great wealth is to sinners.
17 The arms of sinners will be broken, but Jehovah will support all the just. 18 He knows the ways of those without flaws, and they will inherit through the ages. 19 They won’t be disgraced in hard times, and in days of famine they’ll be filled.
20 For the sinners will all be destroyed, along with the enemies of God. Then those who’ve promoted themselves into glory, will vanish away just like smoke.
21 The sinner borrows and doesn’t repay, but the righteous feel pity and contribute. 22 And those who bless him will inherit the earth, but destruction awaits all those who curse him.
23 Jehovah straightens the footsteps of man, and all should wish for His ways. 24 Then if he should fall he won’t break, for Jehovah is holding his hand.
25 I was once young and now I’ve grown old, and I’ve never seen the righteous abandoned, or their seed ever begging for bread. 26 Each day he shows mercy by lending to the righteous, thus his seed will always be blest.
27 So, turn away from evil… do good, and live through ages of ages! 28 For Jehovah is a lover of justice, and through the age He’ll not abandon the holy. The righteous will always be guarded, as those without law are driven away.
The seed of the Godless will be perish, 29 but the righteous will inherit the earth, and live upon it through ages of ages.
30 The mouths of the just will think and speak wisely… they’ll talk of equity and justice. 31 And because God’s Law is within their hearts, they will not stumble and fall.
32 The sinner thinks of the righteous, and then searches for ways to kill them. 33 But Jehovah won’t give them into his hands, nor judge them in condemnation.
34 Wait on Jehovah and follow His ways, and He’ll exalt you to inherit the land. Then you will see the sinners destroyed, 35 as they see you exaulted like Lebanon’s cedars. 36 [You’ll] go by and see he’s no longer… when you search in his place, he’ll be gone!
37 So, guard your honesty and innocence, for only the peaceable will then survive. 38 Those without law will all be destroyed, along with the remaining irreverent. 39 But Jehovah will save all the righteous; He’ll defend them in times of oppression. 40 Jehovah will help them and save them; from all of the sinners He’ll take them. Yes, He will deliver and save them, because in Him they’ve put their faith.
Psalm 38
A Psalm of David to be remembered on the Sabbath.
1 O Jehovah; Don’t discipline me in Your rage, nor in Your anger correct me. 2 For Your arrows have already struck me, and Your hand has been heavy upon me. 3 My flesh has not healed from the rage of Your face, and there is no peace in my bones for my sins. 4 All my bad deeds hang over my head… they oppress me and weigh me down.
5 The stripes of my foolishness fester and smell… 6 in misery and sadness I walk through the day. 7 With mockery my flanks have been filled, and there’s no healing in my flesh.
8 I’ve been humbled and afflicted with evil. I have roared from the moaning in my heart. 9 O Jehovah; Before You are all the things I desire, and my moaning to You can’t be hidden.
10 My heart is disturbed, for my strength is all gone, and even my eyes do not work. 11 My friends and my neighbors oppose me; they approach me but stand at a distance.
12 Those seeking my life and wishing for bad things, speak foolishness and plan deceit all day long. 13 But like the deaf, I pretend to not hear; and like the mute I won’t open my mouth. 14 I became like a man without hearing, and with nothing to say in reply. 15 For I’ve put my trust in You, O Jehovah… I’ve hoped that You would listen, my God. 16 I said: ‘May my enemies not rejoice at my fall, nor may my feet shake as they speak against me.
17 I’m ready for all of their whips… I’m prepared and ready to suffer. 18 I’m willing to admit all my lawless deeds, and I’m anxious over my sins.
19 But my enemies have camped all around me, and more who detest me for no reason. 20 They’re those who repaid my good things with bad, and lied when I was on trial.
21 Do not leave me, O Jehovah. Yes, my God, do not leave me! 22 Hear my pleas for help, O my God! O Jehovah, please bring me salvation!
Psalm 39
To the director; an ode of David to IdiThun.
1 I promised to guard all my ways, and not to sin with my tongue. I’ve put a lock on my mouth, whenever the sinners stand before Me.
2 I’ve been made mute, and humble, and quiet. When my pain was renewed, I spoke no good words. 3 For my heart became hot within me, burning away all my thoughts.
Then I spoke with my tongue and I said: 4 ‘O Jehovah, show me my limits, and the number of days I will live, so I come to know all the things that I lack. 5 {Look!} You’ve given me the days of a palm, yet I am nothing before You… and foolish in the ways of all men.’
6 When a man must travel he may carry an idol, for he puts trust in what’s foolish. And he carries his treasures along, but he knows not why he collects them.
7 So, how then can I endure, without the support of Jehovah? 8 O save me from my own lawless deeds, for the scorn of fools You’ve [heaped upon] me.
9 I was mute and would not open my mouth, for You are the One who made me. 10 So, please bring an end to Your whippings, for I have failed in the strength of Your hands.
11 You correct the lawless with the discipline of men, then like a spider his life wastes away… yes, this is the folly of men.
12 Hear my prayer O Jehovah! Give ear as I beg in my tears! Don’t stay mute for I’ve traveled with You, as did all of my fathers.
13 O refresh and spare me before I must leave… before I no longer exist.
Psalm 40
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 I endured and awaited Jehovah, and then He noticed and heard my prayers. 2 He led me from the misery of the pit, and from mud and slime He pulled me. Then He stood my feet on a rock, and straightened the way that I walked. 3 He put a new song in my mouth… a sacred hymn to our God.
Many know fear and then hope in Jehovah, 4 for he is blest who puts hope in God’s Name… not in folly or false frenzies does he walk.
5 There are so many things that You’ve done, O Jehovah. Your ways are wondrous O my God; and there are no others like You, so about Your ways I’ve reported and spoken, and they keep growing beyond number.
6 Sacrifices and offerings You never wanted, so You prepared a body for me. You did not seek whole burnt offerings, nor sacrifices [to cover their] sins.
7 Then I said: ‘Look I have come… in the scroll of the Psalms it was written about me. 8 I came to do Your will O my God, for Your Law lies deep in my [heart].’
9 ‘About Your righteous ways, I have spoken among the great assembly. Look, O Jehovah; You know that I’ll not hold back my lips, 10 nor hide Your righteousness in my heart, or Your truth or salvation… I did not hide Your mercy and truth, from before the whole congregation.
11 O Jehovah; Don’t keep Your compassions from me… may Your mercy and truth hold me fast, 12 for innumerable bad things surround me. Among my lawless deeds I’ve been captured, yet I was unable to see [them]. They’ve increased as the hairs on my head, and my heart has now left me.
13 Think well of me and save me O God… Jehovah, pay attention and help me! 14 May those who are seeking my life (those who wish to lift it away), together feel shame and disgrace.
May those who wish to do evil, feel shame and be forced to retreat. 15 Let them feel their shame right away… those saying of me ‘Well done, well done!’
16 O Jehovah; May all who seek You be glad and shout in joy… may all who love Your salvation, always shout aloud ‘Praise Jehovah!’
17 I am poor and in need, so remember me O my God. For, You’re my defender and helper… my God, don’t wait or delay!
Psalm 41
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 Blest is the one who pays attention, to those who are poor and in need, for in the evil day Jehovah will save them. 2 May Jehovah bless him and guard him, and keep him alive in the land, and not hand him over to his enemies. 3 May God help him in the bed of his grief, and turn his bed in his illness.
4 I said, ‘O Lord, show mercy on me. Heal my life for I’ve sinned against You.’ 5 Yet, my enemies said bad things about me. They asked, ‘When will he be dead and gone?’
6 The foolish once came to see me, and they spoke from their hearts. They also brought the lawless along, and then they went outside to talk. 7 All of my enemies then whispered, and came up with a plot against me. 8 Theirs was an illegal plan, for they said: ‘He may go to bed, but he will never get up.’ 9 And a man with whom I had peace, and on whom I always had relied… a man who had eaten my bread at my table, spoke against me with plans of deceit.
10 But You, O Jehovah, showed mercy on me. You lifted me up and repaid them. 11 By this I knew that you [loved] me, and against me my enemies will not rejoice.
12 Because of my innocence You helped me, and through the ages stood me strong before You. 13 Praise Jehovah, Israel’s God, through the age and into the ages of ages.
May it be, amen.
Psalm 42
To the director; the contemplation of the sons of KorAh.
1 As a stag longs for springs of water, that’s how my heart longs for You, O my God. 2 For, my life thirsts for the mighty living God, so when may I come and appear before You?
3 My tears have become my bread day and night; each day they ask me ‘Where’s your God?’ 4 I think of such things and then, I pour out my soul [before You].
I’ll go to the wonderful Tent; I’ll go to the House of my God. I’ll go shouting aloud and praising, as with the sounds of a day that is holy.
5 O man inside me; Why are you so dejected, and why do you disturb me so much? You must put hope in our God, then I’ll sing in praise of the ways He has saved me.
6 O my God; I’m so bothered inside, and this is why I’m so bothered: I remember You in the land of the Jordan, and from little Mount Herman.
7 At the sound of Your floods the deep abyss cries aloud, for Your crests and waves passed me over. 8 By day Jehovah instructs of His mercy, and I pray at night He will bring it; this God [who watches over] my life.
9 I will say to God, ‘You’re my shield. So why have You overlooked me? Why must I look so downcast, as I must squeeze past my enemies?’
10 They berate me as they break up my bones, and afflict me each day as they ask, ‘So now, where is your God?’
11 So, O man within me, why are you very dejected, and why do you so disturb me? Put all of your hope in our God. Then I will praise my salvation, as well as [the Name] of my God.
Psalm 43
A Psalm of David.
1 Judge me O God… try my case, among an unholy nation. From the unjust and deceitful please save me.
2 You’re the God of my fortification, so why have you thrust me away? Why must I be so downhearted, when by my enemies I’m being oppressed?
3 Send out Your light and Your truth to guide me, to Your Tent and to Your Holy Mountain. 4 Then I’ll go up to the Altar of God; to the God of my youth, who back then brought me joy.
5 Why have You rejected my life, and why are You upsetting me so? I’ll hope in God and sing praises to Him. Please save my life, O my God.
Psalm 44
To the director; a Contemplation of the sons of KorAh.
1 O God; With our ears we have heard it, for our fathers have announced them to us… the deeds that You did in their days long ago. 2 With Your hand You planted nations and destroyed them. You oppressed the people and then drove them out. 3 For they couldn’t inherit their land with their swords, nor could they be saved by their arms. Just with Your right hand and arm, and by the light of Your face… that is, if You liked them.
4 You are He, O my King and my God, who gave instructions for the saving of Jacob. 5 So, our enemies we will soon gore; and all those who rise up against us, we will treat with contempt in Your Name. 6 So, I won’t put trust in my bow, nor in my broadsword to save me, 7 for it’s He who saved us from those who oppressed us, and who disgraced the ones by whom we were hated. 8 Thus we’ll praise God every day, and through the ages Your Name we will bless.
9 But now You’ve pushed us away and disgraced us, and You, O God, will not lead our troops. 10 You forced us to run from our enemies, and given us as plunder to all those who hate us. 11 Like sheep, You gave us as food, and You scattered us among all the nations. 12 You treated Your people as worthless, and placed them as of no value. 13 You’ve made us the scorn of our neighbors, to be taunted and sneered at by all those around us. 14 You’ve made us a parable among all the nations; as those at whom the peoples shake their heads.
15 All day long my shame stands before me, and I’m covered with the shame of my face. 16 I hear the voice of berating and disrespect, from our enemies who have carried us off. 17 Yet, though all these things have happened to us, we’ve not forgotten You [O our God], nor have we broken our Agreement with You. 18 We’ve not left our hearts in the rear, nor turned from the paths of Your Ways.
19 You’ve humbled us here in this place of oppression, and covered us in the shadow of death. 20 Yet, if we’d forgotten the Name of our God, and turned into the hands of foreign gods, 21 then shouldn’t such things have been expected? For, He knows the secrets in our hearts.
22 Because of You we’re killed all day long, and considered as sheep for the slaughter. 23 So, wake up… why do You sleep, O Jehovah? Stand up; don’t push us away ‘til the end. 24 O why have You turned Your face, and forgotten our misery and affliction? 25 For, our lives have been humbled to dust, and our bellies have been forced to the ground. 26 So, arise O Jehovah and help us! Ransom us for the sake of Your Name!
Psalm 45
To the director: Regarding the changes. An ode of contemplation of the loved one by the sons of KorAh.
1 My heart has thrust out good words, and quickly I write my work for the king, for my tongue has become like a reed pen, as held in the hands of a scribe.
2 More beautiful than sons of men, is the favor that pours from your lips. 3 And for this may our God always be praised, into the ages of ages.
3 Strap your sword to your thigh in your beauty! 4 O mighty one; Stretch tight your bow in fineness! Bless us and rule us in truth… in gentleness as well as in justice. Guide us with your wonderous right hand.
5 Sharpen your arrows, O mighty one. For, the peoples beneath you must fall… all enemies in the heart of the king.
6 Your throne, O [great one], is through ages of ages, and your Kingdom is led with your scepter so straight.
7 For, you’ve loved righteousness and hated law breaking. And for this God anointed you with oil, and praised you above your fellow partakers.
8 Your clothes smell of myrrh, balsam, and fruit, that comes from palaces of ivory, 9 and the daughters of kings delight in your honor. Your queen stands at your right hand, in clothes embroidered with gold all around.
10 Hear O daughter and behold! Incline your ear and forget your own people… those in the house of your father. 11 For the king has desired your beauty, and he is your [sovereign] lord.
12 So, bow low before him you daughters of Tyre. And you who are rich, bring gifts for his favor.
13 [His queen] has all the glory, of the king of the daughter of Heshbon, for she’s wrapped in embroidered fringes of gold.
14 Then all the virgins who follow in her train (those closest to her) will be carried to you. 15 They will be carried in gladness and praising, and led to the king’s Holy Place.
16 In place of your fathers sons will be born, and over the earth you’ll appoint them as rulers.
17 From generation on to generation I’ll remember your Name. Because of this all people will praise you, throughout the age and into the age of the ages.
Psalm 46
To the director; by sons of KorAh regarding secret things
1 Our God is our refuge and powerful helper, against the many problems that beset us. 2 On account of this we will not be afraid, when the earth is disturbed, and the mountains fall into the seas.
3 By His force the waters have roared, and all the mountains were disturbed. 4 But the city of God was made glad, by the movements of the river.
The Most High has made His Tent the most holy. 5 God is in its midst and it will not be shaken. For, morning-by-morning God brings her His help.
6 Nations were disturbed… kingdoms tottered; the Most High shouted and the whole earth was shaken. 7 For Jehovah of armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our shield.
8 Come and see the works of our God… the miracles that He’s brought to the earth! 9 For He’ll take away wars to the ends of the earth, and then He’ll break all the bows… He’ll burn all the weapons and shields in a fire.
10 ‘Relax and know that I’m God. I’ll be raised high among the nations… I’ll be raised high in the earth.’
11 Jehovah of armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our shield.
Psalm 47
For the director; by the sons of KorAh
1 Clap your hands all you nations; with a joyful cry call out to God. 2 For Jehovah the Most High is to be feared… the great King over all of the earth.
3 He has caused all the peoples to yield; He’s put the nations under our feet. 4 As His inheritance He chose us, for He loves the beauty of Jacob.
5 To God ascended a shout; to Jehovah the sound of the trumpet was heard. 6 So, play your music to our God; strum [your harps] to our King.
7 God is King of all the earth, so to God play your instruments with expertise. 8 For God rules over all the nations, and He sits on His most holy throne.
9 The rulers of peoples will be assembled, under Abraham’s God; for it is only by God, that the strong of the earth been raised.
Psalm 48
A Psalm; an ode by the sons of KorAh for the second Sabbath.
1 O how great is Jehovah… may He be praised in the city… our God on His Holy Mountain. 2 Leap for joy all you on the earth, for the side of Mount Zion is to the north, in the city of the great king. 3 In her palaces God is well known, for it is He who comes to her aid.
4 Look! The kings of the earth have been gathered! They’ve all come to the very same place! 5 When they saw it they were amazed, but they were also shaken and disturbed. 6 For then they all started to tremble, as with the pains of a woman giving birth.
7 You’ll bring a violent storm, and break all the boats of Tarshish. 8 Just as we’ve heard we’ll also see, the city of Jehovah of armies. It is the city of our God; the one that God founded through the ages.
9 We’ve received Your mercy O God, as we stood among all Your people. 10 O God; May Your Name be praised to the ends of the earth, for Your right hand is filled with justice.
11 Be glad Mount Zion… shout in joy you daughters of Judea, because of the judgments of Jehovah. 12 Encircle Zion and grab her; describe all of her towers. 13 Keep all her armies within Your Heart, and make her palaces strong, so You may show them to future generations.
14 This is our God through the age, and into the ages of ages. For, into the age He will tend us.
Psalm 49
To the director; by the sons of KorAh.
1 Listen to this all you nations; give ear you who dwell in the land; 2 you earth-born and sons of men, both the rich and those who’re in need. 3 For my mouth will now speak of wisdom, and the thoughts of my heart about understanding. 4 I’ll incline my ear with a parable, and explain my riddle in a song.
5 Why do I fear the wicked day, when the lawless are at my heels and surround me… 6 those who enforce their own power, and brag of their wealth before all?
7 Shall a brother serve as a ransom for man? Why, he cannot pay God for even himself! 8 For, if he tries to ransom himself, through the age he’ll grow weary of trying. 9 Thus, may he live ‘till the end, so his body won’t see corruption.
10 When a wise man dies, with the fool and the mindless he passes away, and the wealth that he leaves is then passed on to strangers. 11 Thereafter his home is his tomb… it’s his tent from generation to generation. They may call their land after his name, 12 but none see the honor in that.
[This man] is then like the cattle, for like them he’s not thinking at all. 13 This is the snare in their path, for they take pleasure in the things that they speak of, 14 but then they go down to their graves just like sheep, and there they are tended by death.
The upright may rule in the morning, but there’ll be no help in their graves, where they and their glory are banished. 15 Only God will ransom my life, out of the hand of the grave, whenever He should choose to take me.
16 So, don’t be afraid when you see a rich man, or when his house is glorified. 17 For, when he dies he’ll take nothing along, and his glory goes down along with him. 18 But the man that he is and his life will be blest, if he honors you when you treat him well.
19 From generation to generation he’ll go down to his fathers, and through the ages he’ll never see light. 20 For a man of honor doesn’t know, that he resembles the unthinking cattle, and [his end] is very much like them.
Psalm 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Jehovah is the God of all gods, for He speaks and calls the sun from the east, where it crosses the earth to where it descends.
2 It’s from Zion that the glory of His beauty shines forth. 3 [From there] our God will soon be seen coming, and He’ll not be silent thereafter. For a fire will go before Him and burn, and a gale will blow all around Him. 4 He’ll call to the earth from the heavens above, and separate all of His people.
5 He’ll gather His holy ones to Him (those who sacrifice to His Sacred Agreement), 6 then He’ll announce His judgments ‘cross the skies, for God is always our judge. 7 He’ll say: ‘Hear Me O My people and I’ll speak… listen O Israel and I’ll testify, for I am God… I’m your God. 8 Over sacrifices I will not discipline you, for your whole burnt-offerings have always been there. 9 But I don’t want to take the calves from your homes, nor your flocks or winter yearlings. 10 For the beasts in the fields are all Mine, as are the cattle and oxen in the hills. 11 I know all the winged creatures of the sky, and the beauty of the fields come from Me.
12 ‘If I would get hungry I’d never tell you, for all things in man’s habitation are Mine. 13 Should I eat bull meat or drink the blood of male goats? 14 Why not sacrifice to God an offering of praise, and render your vows to the Most High? 15 Then you’ll call upon Me in the day of affliction, and I will [be there to] save you… and you will then speak of My glory.’
16 But to the sinner God asked: ‘Why do you take up My Laws, and speak with your mouth of My Sacred Agreement? 17 For you have hated all My instructions, and you’ve thrown all My words behind you! 18 Why, if you saw a thief you’d run with him, for with adulterers your lot has been cast. 19 Your mouth is filled with what’s bad, and your tongue is twisted in lies. 20 Against your own brother you sat and said bad things… you set snares for the son of your mother!
21 ‘Then, because I said nothing when you broke My Laws, you thought that I was like you. But I will soon discipline you… I’ll stand in your face for your sins! 22 So notice, all you who’ve forgotten your God, for the time will come when He’ll snatch you away, and no one will then come to save you. 23 So, though you may offer Me glory, with your sacrifices of praise, there’s no way that I’ll grant you salvation.’
Psalm 51
To the director; A Psalm of David when the Prophet Nathan came to him over his taking BathSheba the wife of UriJah.
1 Show mercy upon me O God, in Your abundant compassions. My violations of Your Law please wipe away; 2 wash all my law-breaking away, and cleanse me of all my sins. 3 For I know all the laws I have broken, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against You alone I have sinned, and it’s a wicked thing that I’ve done. So, Your words against me are righteous, and I should be humble when I’m being judged.
5 {Look!} In lawlessness I was conceived, and from my mother the strange food of sin I have craved.
6 {Look!} You’ve loved [exposing] the truth, about all things that are hidden, and the wisdom of what’s hidden You have shown me. 7 So, sprinkle me now with branches of hyssop, so I can then become cleansed; then wash me with the snow from above, so I can also be whitened.
8 Allow me to hear cheering and gladness, and my humbled bones will once more be cheerful. 9 Turn Your face away from my sins, and wipe my law breaking away.
10 O God; Create in me a heart that is clean, and renew me inside with a spirit that’s upright. 11 Don’t reel and turn Your face in disgust, nor remove [from me] Your Holy Breath.
12 Return to me the joy of salvation. Support me and give me Your Spirit to rule [well]. 13 Then I will teach the lawless Your ways, and turn the irreverent back to You.
14 O God my Savior; From the guilt of this blood please save me, 31 then my tongue will shout in praise of Your justice. 15 O Jehovah; Then to You I will open my lips, and with my mouth I will praise You.
16 If You wanted a sacrifice I’d give it, but You don’t think well of burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifice God wants is a spirit that’s broken, and He doesn’t overlook a heart that’s been humbled.
18 O Jehovah; In Your good will, do the best thing for Zion, and allow Jerusalem’s walls to be built. 19 Think well of sacrifices that are righteously offered, then they’ll bring burnt offerings to Your Altar.
Psalm 52
To the director; A Psalm of David’s contemplation, regarding the time when DoEg the Idumean went to Saul to tell him that David had gone to the house of AbiMelek.
1 O mighty one; Why do you boast of your evil, and your lawlessness throughout the whole day? 2 Unrighteousness thinks of your tongue, as treacherous as the strap for a razor. 3 For, you’ve preferred evil to goodness, and unrighteous things, to telling the truth. 4 You have loved words that will drown, as well as the tongue of deceit.
5 For this, our God will destroy you in the end. He’ll pluck you out of your tent, and [pull] your root from the land of the living. 6 Then you will see the fear of the righteous, and at you they will laugh and then say, 7 ‘Look at the man who chose not God as his helper, but rather hoped in his wealth, and in his foolishness felt strong.’
8 But in the House of my God, I’m like a tree with ripe olives. For through the eons I’ve hoped in His mercy; through the ages I’ve put hope in my God. 9 So, through the ages I’ll praise You, for You have finally brought results. And I will wait on Your Name, because You’ve provided for Your holy ones.
Psalm 53
To the director; A Psalm for the harp. A contemplation of David.
1 ‘There is no God’ says the fool in his heart. For in their lawbreaking they’re corrupt and disgusting… there is no one doing good!
2 God looks down from His place in the sky, and watches sons of men to see if they notice, or if any are searching for Him.
3 They’ve all turned away and are useless; no one does good… not one! 4 Don’t they know (those acting without law, those eating My people like bread) that they should call to Jehovah?
5 So, they are in fear when there’s nothing to fear. And God will scatter the bones, of those who try to please men. They live their lives in disgrace, for God treats them with contempt.
6 Who will be appointed from Zion, to become Israel’s savior? Only God will return the captives of His people, then Jacob will shout and Israel will be glad.
Psalm 54
To the director; one of the hymns of contemplation by David, regarding the time when the Ziphites said to Saul, ‘{Look!} Isn’t David hiding among us?’
1 O God; For the sake of Your Name please save me, and use Your power to judge me. 2 O God; Please hear my prayer, and listen to the words from my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen against me, and the strong who know not God seek my life.
4 But look! God came and He helped me; Jehovah has shielded my life! 5 To my enemies He’ll give back their badness, and use the truth to destroy them.
6 So, freely I’ll offer sacrifices to You, and I will praise Your good Name. 7 For, from great danger You have saved me, and my eyes have seen the fulfillment of my prayers.
Psalm 55
To the director; one of the hymns of contemplation of Asaph.
1 Give ear, O God, to my prayer; do not overlook the things that I beg for. 2 Please pay attention and listen!
I was worried in my meditations; at the voice of my enemy I was disturbed, 3 and by the oppression of sinners. For, in lawlessness they’ve turned against me, and in anger they’ve shown their rage.
4 My heart was pounding within me, and the fear of death came upon me… 5 I feared and shook, and was covered by darkness; 6 and I begged: ‘[Please] give me the wings of a dove, so I can spread them and go find some rest?’
7 {Look!} I was far off and driven to exile… I was forced to live in the desert, 8 as I waited for someone to save me, from my own fears and the storm. 9 O Jehovah, please sink them! Make them speak different tongues! For I have seen how lawless they are, and I’ve heard their disputes in the city.
10 Day and night He’ll encircle her walls, for lawlessness and misery dwell in her midst. 11 There’s always injustice in her squares, as well as treachery and loans with high interest.
12 Had I been slandered by an enemy, I would just have endured it. And if someone who hates me had spoken great words, I would have hidden from him. 13 But it’s you, O man, someone like me… a leader of mine and a Seer! 14 It was you who once sweetened our food, and we lived in one house altogether!
15 May death come to them all, and alive may they go into their graves. For wickedness travels among them, and it lives in their midst.
16 I cried out to God, and He heard me. 17 So, at morning, and noon, and at evening, I’ll tell Him the things that I want, and He’ll listen to the things that I ask for. 18 He will ransom my life for peace, from those who were once [on my side], but who now have attacked me. 19 God will listen and humiliate them (He who exists through the ages). There’ll be no one who can bargain with Him, for they have failed to fear God.
20 He stretched out His hand and repaid, all those who profaned His Sacred Agreement. 21 With the rage of His face He’ll cut them to bits, and then He will snatch out their hearts. Though His words may be soft as olive oil, He also can use them like arrows.
22 Upon Jehovah throw all your concerns, and He’ll nourish and take care of you. For, He won’t allow ages to pass, while the righteous are tossed all about.
23 But You, O God, will lead those men of blood and deception, into the well of corruption. There’s no way they will live even half of their days; for Jehovah I’m trusting in You.
Psalm 56
To the director; for the people, from the holy things of David, for an inscription on a monument, which [was written] when the Philistines held him at Gath.
1 Show mercy upon me, O God, for a man has trampled on me all day long, and oppressed me in a great war. 2 By my enemies I’ve been beaten all day; they’ve warred with me from the heights. 3 But I will not fear the day, for in You I’ll [put all my] trust. 4 I’ll praise God with my words all day long… I’ve put all my hope in [my] God, so I’ll not fear what flesh can do.
5 They’ve hated my words all day long, and just think of the bad they can do. 6 They run and hide and watch for my heel, as they patiently wait for my life. 7 Yet, by You they will not be saved, and You will destroy all their rage.
8 O God; My whole life I’ve given to You, and You’ve watched for my tears as You promised. 9 So, on the day that I call out, You’ll make my enemies retreat.
{Look!} I have known that you are my God, 10 so I will praise the council of God, and I will praise the words of Jehovah. 11 I have put all my hope in my God, so I will not fear what men can do.
12 Inside me, O God, are the vows that I’ve made to Your praise, 13 for from death You’ve saved my life. In my eyes I’ll keep my tears, so my feet will not stumble; and in the light of the living, I can then please Jehovah.
Psalm 57
To the director; ‘Do not Destroy,’ by David. For an inscription on a monument regarding the time he ran away from Saul [and hid in] a cave.
1 O God, show mercy upon me… please show mercy on me! For, to You I have given my life, and in the shadow of Your wings I’ll put hope, until this lawlessness has passed me by. 2 I will call to God the Most High; the One by whom I am blest.
3 From heaven He’s sent me protection; God heaped scorn on those walking upon me. God sent His mercy and truth, 4 and saved my life from the midst of young lions.
Whenever I went to bed, by the sons of men I was troubled. For their teeth are just like their weapons, and their arrows are like sharpened swords. 5 So, O God, may You be raised above heaven, and Your glory be above the whole earth.
6 They’ve set snares for my feet, and my soul they’ve brought to the ground. They’ve dug a cesspool in front of my face, but they are the ones who fell in it.
7 My heart is ready, O God, and I’ll sing and play in my glory. 8 So, awaken my glory and awaken my harp, when I arise at the dawning. 9 Then among the peoples I’ll praise You, O Lord, and among all the nations I’ll strum to [Your Name]. 10 For Your mercy has been lifted higher than the sky, and Your Truth is above all the clouds. 11 So, above the heavens may You be raised… may Your glory [shine] over the earth, O God.
Psalm 58
To the director; ‘Do Not Destroy,’ by David. An inscription on a monument.
1 In righteousness will you not speak… in justice won’t you judge sons of men? 2 From your hearts you bring lawlessness to the land, and your hands are wrapped in injustice!
3 Sinners are ever being born from the womb, and wander from the belly speaking lies. 4 Their rage is like that of snakes; they plug their ears as asps that can’t speak, 5 so they don’t hear the sounds of [snake] charmers. Yet, they deliver witches’ potions, 6 so God has broken the teeth in their mouths… their molars of lions He has shattered.
7 He treats them with contempt… as though water, and stretch tight His bow ‘til they’re conquered. 8 They’ll be removed like beeswax when it melts… fire will hit them and they’ll not see the sun. 9 He views their thorn-bushes as white-thorned shrubs, so He’ll swallow them down still alive in His rage.
10 All will rejoice when they see how they’re punished, for in the blood of sinners He’ll wash His hands. 11 Then each man will declare this the fruitage of justice; for there is a God who brings justice to the earth.’
Psalm 59
To the director; ‘Do Not Corrupt’ by David. An inscription on a monument about the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.
1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God; ransom me from those who attack me. 2 Save me from those without law; deliver me from men of blood.
3 {Look!} For my life they’ve been hunting… they’ve sent their mighty against me. And it’s not because I’ve been lawless, O Lord, nor is it due to my sins! 4 Although I have broken no laws, from them I’ve had to flee… awaken to meet me and see!
5 O God Jehovah of armies… O God of Israel take notice… come and visit the nations! Don’t pity those who are lawless… 6 may they return starved in the evening, and like dogs may they roam through the town.
7 They shout with their swords to their lips, as they ask: ‘Who is paying attention?’ 8 But You, O Jehovah should be laughing out loud, and treating the nations with contempt.
9 With all my might You’ll be my God, for You are my shield [and protector]. 10 The mercy of God goes before me, and He’ll show what I desire for my enemies.
11 Don’t kill them so Your Laws will not be forgotten, but scatter them with Your might. O my defender Jehovah; make them be led far away. 12 Because of the sins of their mouths, and the words on their lips, into captivity let them fall. May they be cursed for their pride and their lies. 13 In Your rage, please consume them, so they will no longer exist. Then they’ll know Jacob’s Master is God, to the ends of the earth.
14 When they return in the evening may they starve, and like dogs may they roam through the town. 15 May they be scattered to search for their food, and when they’re not filled let them grumble.
16 I’ll sing of all Your great power, and Your mercies I’ll praise every morning; for my shield You have become; You’re my refuge in my day of affliction.
17 You are my helper, so to You I will strum; yes to You, for You are my God. O God, You are my shield, and to me You have shown such great mercy.
Psalm 60
To the director; ‘The Changings.’ For an inscription on a monument by David, as a lesson about when he set the MesoPotamians of the Syrian [army] under Sobal, and when JoAb returned and cut down twelve thousand of Edom in the Ravine of Salts.
1 O God; You’ve demolished and thrust us away, but though You were mad You felt pity. 2 You have shaken the land and disturbed it, so now heal the cracks that resulted.
3 You have taught Your people hard lessons; You have watered us down with the wine of Your rage. 4 But You’ve given a signal to the ones fearing You, to flee from the face of the bow, 5 and You saved all those whom You love… O hear me and save me with Your hands!
6 From His Holy Place our God spoke, and He said: ‘I will shout and then divide Shechem… the valley of tents I’ll divide. 7 Gilead is Mine and ManasSeh is Mine; EphraIm is the fort of My head, and Judah is the place of My king. 8 And over Idumea He said: Moab is the kettle of My hope; I will stretch out My sandal, and then the Philistines will submit.’
9 To the citadel in the city who can bring me, and who can guide Me to Idumea? 10 O God; Wasn’t it You who thrust us away? O God; With our army won’t You travel?
11 O help us in our affliction, for the salvation of man is in vain. 12 Only by God do we have any might… He can treat with contempt all those who oppress us.
Psalm 61
To the director; one of the hymns of David. A Psalm.
1 Listen O God to the things that I beg… please pay attention to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I called out to You, when my heart was discouraged at the Rock; then You lifted me high and gave me direction.
3 Before my enemies You were my hope; You were my tower and strength. 4 So, I’ll go to Your Tent through the ages; I’ll seek shelter in the protection of Your wings. 5 For You, O God, have heard what I vowed, and an inheritance You’ll give, to those who are fearing Your Name.
6 Day after day, add life to the king, into generations of generations. 7 Yes, may he live before God through the age, and search for His truth and His mercy. 8 Thus through the ages I’ll sing to Your Name; and render my vows day by day.
Psalm 62
To the director; for IdiThoun. A Psalm by David.
1 Shouldn’t my life be given to God? In Him, should I not put trust, when it comes to salvation? 2 For, He is my God and my Savior. Because He is my shield, I’ll not fear greater armies.
3 How long will You pile so much upon man? For it’s like a wall that is leaning, or a fence with many gaps… and then You bring death to us all.
4 They’ve conspired to take all my honor, so from them I fled away. For, though they blest with their mouths, in their hearts they just cursed me.
5 But I have rendered my life to my God, and trusted in Him to endure. 6 He is my God and my Savior; He is my shield so I’ll never leave Him.
7 God’s my salvation and glory… He’s my hope, so in God I will trust. 8 You in the gathering should put hope in Him… He is you helper so pour out your hearts. 9 In the sons of men put no hope, for they are all like false weights, which are used to cheat you on scales… to mislead you and do you wrong. 10 And in what’s unrighteous don’t put your hope… don’t long for things you can steal; or if great wealth should stand before you, don’t let it enter your hearts.
11 God once spoke, and I heard Him say these two things: ‘Might comes from God… 12 from Jehovah comes mercy; and He pays back each one for the things that he does.’
Psalm 63
A Psalm by David about the time he spent in the desert of Idumea.
1 O God (my God); I arise early for You, because my soul thirsts for You. How often my flesh has longed for You, in lands that are barren, unwalked, and dry. 2 So, to Your Holy Place I have come, to behold Your power and glory; 3 for Your mercy is better than life, so my lips will [sing to Your Name].
4 With my whole life I will praise You, and Your Name I will lift with my hands. 5 With the fat of fatness may my life become filled, and with lips of joy may my mouth offer praise.
6 I’m thinking of You as I lie on my bed, in meditation of You as dawn’s breaking. 7 For, You are my helper so I’ll call out in joy, as I lie in the protection of Your wings.
8 To You my life will stick closely, and to Your right hand I’ll grab hold, 9 because they are seeking my life. So, to the depths of the ground may they go. 10 May they be given to the hands of the sword; the reward of the foxes may they receive.
11 But the king will find joy in [his] God, and swear an oath unto Him; for He has stopped up the mouths, of those who speak unrighteous things.
Psalm 64
To the director; A Psalm by David.
1 O God, hear my voice, for I’m begging to You. Of my enemies I am in fear, so, please come save my life! 2 From the conspiracy of the wicked give me shelter… from the crowd of all the unrighteous. 3 For they’ve sharpened their tongues just like broadswords, and in bitterness they’ve stretched tight their bows, 4 to shoot from hiding at the unblemished… they’ll shoot him and not fear.
5 They’ve determined for themselves something that’s evil; they’ve described to each other how to hide all their snares, and then they asked ‘Who will see them?’ 6 They’ve searched among the lawbreakers, but they have failed in their search, for not a man would come forward, who had any depth in his heart.
7 May God be praised, for the arrows of the inexperienced, are the things that brought them calamity. 8 Though they spoke in contempt with their tongues, and all who viewed them were bothered… 9 of the works of my God their men were afraid, once they saw that He [truly was with me].
10 May the upright find joy in Jehovah, and in Him put all their trust, for He blesses those with straight hearts.
Psalm 65
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 I’m sending this hymn from Zion, O God; from Jerusalem I’m sending this vow; 2 so please hear this prayer [that I offer], for before You all flesh must come.
3 By the words of the lawless we’re overpowered, yet for our irreverence You’ll still atone. 4 Blest are those whom You’ve chosen and claimed, for in Your courtyards they’ll camp. And there we’ll be filled with good things, from Your House and Holy Tent.
5 Your righteousness leaves us in awe, so hear us our Savior, O God! 6 You’re the hope of all to the ends of the earth, and the ones far away on the sea. It was You who made mighty mountains, 7 and it’s You who brings disturbance to the seas; O who can stand at the sound of their waves? 8 But that’s how nations will soon be disturbed, and those dwelling at the ends [of the earth] will know fear.
9 Your signs bless the exits of mornings and evenings; You’ve intoxicated the earth with Your visits. From the river of God You’ve enriched it; with the water You’ve prepared it is nourished.
10 You’ve sent [much water to the ground], to saturate the rows so they can produce. You’ve sent her drops to make it all grow, and there’s joy in watching it spring from the ground.
11 You graciously bless the crown of the year, when Your plains will be filled up with fatness. 12 The beautiful mountains will also be fat, and so will the deserts. Then wrapped [in green] the hills will become; 13 there’ll be wool on the rams and the sheep. In the valleys much grain will then grow, and they’ll cry out and sing to Your praise.
Psalm 66
To the director; a Psalm of awakening.
1 Shout to Jehovah, all you on the earth; 2 play [a song] to His Name! Shout in praise of His Glory! 3 Say to God ‘Your works must be feared. Within the magnitude of Your power, may all Your enemies lie. 4 May the whole earth bow down before You, and strum [a song] to Your [Name] in the heights.’
5 Come witness the works of our God! They’re more to be feared than all men’s decisions. 6 For, He changed the sea to dry land, then the rivers they crossed on their feet.
In Him all should find joy, 7 for He is the master in all His dominion. His eyes have been watching the nations for ages, so may those who enrage Him not set themselves high.
8 Praise our God O you nations… shouts of praise let everyone hear! 9 For He’s the One who gave my soul life, and allowed nothing to be thrown at my feet.
10 You have tried us O God, and like silver refined us. 11 You’ve led us into the snare, and upon our backs laid oppression. 12 Over our heads You assigned men; but through fire and water You led us to rest.
13 With whole burnt offerings I’ll go to Your House, and render to You all my vows… 14 those things that my lips have opened to say; those words my mouth said in my affliction.
15 Burnt offerings with marrow and incense I will offer… rams, oxen, and winter yearlings. 16 Come and listen and I will describe before you, all of my fear of my God, and the things He has done for my life.
17 To Him my mouth has cried out, and I’ve [praised His Name] with my tongue, saying: 18 ‘If You have found injustice in my heart, O Jehovah, don’t hear me.’ 19 And because of this He listened to me… He heard the voice of my prayers! 20 So may [our] God ever be praised, for not ignoring my prayer, and not taking His mercy away.
Psalm 67
To the director; A Psalm of David from among the hymns.
1 O God, feel pity and bless us; show mercy and shine Your face upon us.
2 Throughout the whole earth may Your ways be made known, and may all nations know of Your salvation. 3 O God, may all peoples recognize You; may everyone know of Your [fame].
4 O nations be glad and cry out, for He’ll judge the peoples in straightness… the nations of the earth He will guide.
5 May all the peoples know You, O God; may everyone know of Your [fame].
6 The earth has given her fruit, so please bless us… O God, our God. 7 May God give us His blessings, and may He be feared to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 68
To the director; a Psalm of David.
1 May God arise and His enemies scatter; may those who detest Him flee from His face. 2 Like smoke may they just blow away, and melt like beeswax in fire.
That’s how the sinners will all be destroyed, before the face of our God. 3 But the righteous have reason for gladness; may they shout in joy in His presence… let them be blest with gladness.
4 Sing to God! Strum to His Name! Open the way to the One riding west; Jehovah is His [great] Name! May all shout before Him in joy, and before His face may all be disturbed. 5 For He is a Father to orphans, and He provides justice for widows… such is our God in His Holy Place.
6 God settles common people in their homes, and frees the prisoners bound in shackles. He does the same for those who are bitter, and those who are dwelling in tombs.
7 O God; As You passed by Your people, and as You were crossing the desert, 8 the earth was shaken and skies dripped with water, before the face of the God of Sinai… before the face of the Israel’s God.
9 O God; From Your inheritance will You take the rain? For though there was little, You then restored it. 10 Why, by it You cause the the wild beasts to live, and for the poor You provide in Your kindness.
11 The Great God Jehovah will speak, and announce good news to the army. 12 For, He loves the king of the army, and in the beauty of his house they’ll divide spoils.
13 Although you may camp between ash heaps, you will sleep amidst doves with silver-plated wings, that have green and gold on their backs.
14 The Heavenly One gives orders to kings, and makes them like snow on Mount Selmon… 15 the mountain of God, the mountain of plenty, the fourth great mountain of provision. 16 O mountains; why would God choose to dwell upon you, for Jehovah camps at the extremes, 17 and the chariots of God number in the millions. Yet, from His Holy Place on Mount Sinai, the Lord still sends His provisions.
18 He stepped up into the highest place, and carried captivity as a captive; then he gave gifts to the men, and he camped among all who resisted. 19 So, praise Jehovah our God! Praise Jehovah each day! For You are the One who blest us, O God; yes, You are truly our Savior.
20 Our God is the God of salvation… from the brink of death He brings salvation! 21 But God will shatter His enemys’ heads… the tops of hairy heads of those walking in sin.
22 Jehovah spoke and He said: ‘I will return them from Bashan; I’ll return them from the depths of the sea. 23 Then your feet will be dipped in your enemy’s blood, and it will stain the tongues of your dogs.’
24 O God; From Your Holy Place Your travels are seen; the goings of my God the King. 25 Rulers have traveled before You, followed by women playing harps and tambourines. 26 May God be praised in the gathering, and on to Israel’s springs. 27 For there (in astonishment) young BenJamin rules, the princes of Judah and their governors, as well as ZebuLun and NaphTali.
28 Give orders, O God, to Your power; make stronger the things that You’re doing among us; 29 Then, to Your Holy Place in Jerusalem, the kings [of the earth] will carry You gifts. 30 Scold the wild beasts in the reeds, and the bulls that are scattered among heifers. Lock up the people who by silver are seduced, and scatter the nations… all those who want war.
31 Ambassadors are coming from Egypt, and Ethiopians in the front with their hands out to God. 32 O kingdoms of the earth; sing before God and play music; 33 strum to Jehovah who lives in the sky… in the heavens above in the east. Look; He will shout in a powerful voice! 34 So give glory to Israel’s God, for His majesty and power are up in the clouds.
35 God’s wonders are in His most Sacred Place; it’s where Israel’s God sends His power; it’s where He fortifies His people… praise God!
Psalm 69
To the director; for the changings. A Psalm of David.
1 Save me O God, for my soul [is drowning] in water. It’s deep and slimy and I have no support… 2 I’ve come to the depths of the sea, and the winds of a gale have now sunk me. 3 From crying out I am tired, and my throat is now very sore. My eyes also have failed me, but I have put trust in my God. 4 For my enemies number more than the hairs on my head… all those who detest me. My enemies are now very strong… those driving me out unjustly. And things that I took not by force, I’m now required to repay.
5 O God; You know all my foolishness and sins; from You they are never concealed. 6 So, may those who put trust in You, O God, never be ashamed over me. O Jehovah of armies; may they not be ashamed over me… all those who seek Israel’s God.
7 Because of You I am scorned, and my face has been covered in shame. 8 I’ve been driven away from my brothers… I’m a stranger to the sons of my mother. 9 Although zeal for Your House has consumed me, the scorn of blasphemers has fallen upon me. 10 My life is now wrapped up in fasting, and this gives them reason to laugh. 11 For, when I dressed up in sackcloth, I became like a parable among them.
12 Those sitting at the gates are pondering me, and even the drunks are singing about me. 13 But to You, O Jehovah, I’ll cry out in prayer… O God I’ll await the time that You’ve chosen, when in Your mercies You will heed me, and bring the truth of Your salvation.
14 O save me, for I’m stuck in this mud! Pull me from the waters of those who detest me! 15 May the gale not sink me in water, nor swallow me down in the mouth of its well. 16 Listen to me, O Jehovah, for Your mercies are all very kind. In Your compassion look down upon me! 17 Don’t turn Your face from Your servant; in my affliction quickly heed me. 18 To my soul give attention, and please pay my ransom… from my enemies save me!
19 You know of my scorn, my shame, and remorse. For, before You those hating me stand in their scorn. 20 Over the misery in my life, I thought others would grieve, but such didn’t exist or bring comfort. 21 As food they offered me bile, and vinegar they offered for my thirst. 22 But to them may their table be a snare; in repayment may it stand in their way. 23 May their eyes become dark and not see, and their backs be bent over double. 24 On them pour out Your anger and rage; may they be caught by Your rage. 25 May the houses they own become empty, and may no one live in their tents. 26 For they’ve chased the one that You struck, and to the pain of my wounds they have added. 27 For their lawless ways may they see lawless ways; may they not enter Your justice. 28 From the Scroll of the Living may their names be erased, and among the righteous may their names not be written.
29 I stand in Your presence, poor and in pain; O God, take hold of me please. 30 I’ll praise the Name of my God… with a song I will sing of His glory. 31 Then, God above will be pleased, with a calf that has hooves and is sprouting his horns. 32 Let all the poor people then see it, and let them also rejoice.
Inquire of God and your soul will then live, 33 for Jehovah hears all who’re in need, as well as those who’re in shackles. He’ll never treat you with contempt. 34 So, praise Him you heavens, you earth, and you sea, and all the things that might crawl there. 35 For Zion will be saved by our God; the cities of Judah will be rebuilt; and the people will inherit and live there. 36 The seed of Your servants will own it, and those loving Your Name will encamp there.
Psalm 70
To the director; A Psalm of David in remembrance of his being saved by Jehovah.
1 O God, please hear me and help me; O Jehovah, rush to my aid! 2 May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse; may those wishing to harm me retreat in disgrace. 3 May those saying of me ‘Well done, well done,’ turn back and then be ashamed. 4 May those who seek You be glad and rejoice, and those loving Your salvation all say ‘Praise Jehovah.’ 5 Please help me O God, for I am poor and in need… You’re my helper and Savior, so please do not delay!
Psalm 71
A Psalm of David that was sung by the sons of JoNadab who were the first to be carried off as captives.
1 Upon You O Jehovah I’ve hoped, so may I not be disgraced through the age. 2 In Your justice please save me and take me. Incline Your ear [to hear] and deliver! 3 Become to me a God of defense, and carry me to a fortified place. To me You’re real so please save me, for You are truly my refuge.
4 From the hands of sinners God saves me… from the lawless and those doing wrong. 5 O Jehovah, You’re my endurance… the One who I’ve trusted since I was young. 6 I have stayed with You from the womb; from the belly of my mother You’ve been my shelter, so to You I will always sing praises.
7 A miracle You’ve become to so many, and You are my helper and fortress. 8 So, may my mouth sing in praise of Your glory, and of Your majesty throughout the whole day. 9 Don’t toss me away when I have grown old; don’t abandon me when my strength has failed.
10 My enemies all met and against me they spoke; together those seeking my life laid their plots, 11 saying; ‘God has left him so let’s chase and catch him, for there’s no one left to come to his aid.’
12 O my God, don’t stay far away; my God pay attention and help me! 13 May those who slander my soul fail in shame. May those wishing me bad feel shame and remorse.
14 In You I will always put trust, and add to this that I’ll praise You. 15 My mouth will speak of Your justice all day, and Your salvation I’ll proclaim in writing.
16 I will walk in the might of the Lord. O Jehovah, I’ll speak of Your justice. 17 O God, from my youth You have taught me, and now I’ll speak of Your wonders.
18 When I am old, O my God, don’t leave me until I’ve spoken of Your arm, to all the coming generations. 19 I’ll tell of Your justice and might O my God, and of the magnificent things You have done. O God; Who can be likened to You?
20 You have shown me bad and affliction, and then You turned and gave back my life. Yes, from the abyss You brought me; from out of the ground You have led me.
21 With the abundance of Your greatness You blest me… You returned to offer me comfort. And then You led me from the abyss… You led me up from the ground.
22 O Jehovah; I’ll praise You among all the peoples; I will play songs to Your truth, O my God. O the Holy One of Israel; To You I’ll strum on my harp. 23 I’ll shout in praise as I strum before You, for You have ransomed my life. 24 With my tongue I’ll speak of Your justice, when those doing bad are shamed and remorseful.
Psalm 72
For Solomon; A Psalm of David.
1 O God; Give Your judgments to the king, and to the king’s son teach justice, 2 so Your people will be judged righteously, and the poor will be treated in fairness.
3 Let the mountains be lifted in peace to Your people, and may the hills too offer them justice. 4 May he judge the poor of the people; may he save the sons of the needy, and humble those who’d extort them.
5 As long as the sun may he live… for generations of generations like the moon. 6 May he pour down like rain upon fleece, as raindrops that fall to the ground.
7 May his days stand for justice and peace, until the moon is no more. 8 From sea to sea may he rule, and from rivers to the ends of man’s habitation.
9 Before him may the Ethiopians fall; may all his enemies lick the dust. 10 May Kings of Tharsis and the islands bring gifts; may kings of Saba and Arabia offer presents. 11 May the kings of the earth bow low before him… may all the nations serve before him, 12 because he’ll save the poor from the mighty, as well as the needy with no other helpers.
13 May he spare the poor and the needy; may he save the lives of those who have little. 14 From interest and injustice he’ll ransom their souls, and his name will be valued among them.
15 Long may he live, and may he be given Arabian gold. They should pray for him always, and praise his name every day. 16 May he [walk cross] the earth, and [stand on the tops of] great mountains. May his fruit be higher than Lebanon’s [trees], and his cities blossom as the grass of the earth. 17 May his name be praised through the ages; may his name endure [as long as] the sun. May the tribes of the earth praise his name; may all nations call him the blest one.
18 Praise Jehovah, Israel’s God, for it’s He alone who does wonders! 19 Praise His Name and glory through the ages, and through the ages of ages! May all the earth be filled with His glory… amen, amen, may it be.
20 Thus ended the hymns of David the son of Jesse.
Psalm 73
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 O how good is Israel’s God, to those who have hearts that are straight!
2 Once my feet were a little unsteady, and I slipped and fell in my tracks. 3 For I became jealous for things that are wrong, as I noticed the peace of the wicked. 4 For they have no fear of dying, nor is there proof that they’ve ever been whipped. 5 They never work hard as other men do, nor like them are they ever lashed.
6 Because of this they are proud to the end; in injustice and irreverence they wrap themselves. 7 Their injustice pours from their fatness, as they follow the ways of their hearts.
8 First they think, then they speak wicked things; in their pride they speak of injustice. 9 They set heaven against their own mouths, as their tongues go down under the ground.
10 Yet, through all of this my people will return, and then full days will they find. 11 But they ask ‘Doesn’t God really know? Isn’t this known up above? 12 Look! The sinners continue to prosper, and through the ages hold onto their wealth!’
13 My heart has justified things that are foolish… in innocent things I’ve washed my hands. 14 So I deserve whippings all through the day, and to be scolded each morning.’
15 I said: ‘This is the way and now I’ll describe it… Look! I’ve broken the contract with Your sons! 16 But I’ve reconsidered and now it’s a burden, 17 so I’ll go to God’s [Tent] to see what works out.
18 For all their deceits You’ve appointed them bad things… You’ve thrown them down from exalted positions. 19 How far they’ve come to destruction… because they are lawless they’re suddenly gone.
20 O Jehovah; While I was awake I dreamed of Your city, and saw how You’ll treat them with contempt. 21 Then my heart came on fire and my kidneys were changed. 22 For I was the one deserving contempt… an unthinking brute I’d become.
23 But, despite all I’ve done, You’ve never left me… You held me by my right hand. 24 You gave me correction and led me, then received me back in Your glory.
25 Now, what do I have in the heavens, and (other than You) what needs do I have on this earth? 26 O God, my heart and my flesh have both failed… now You are my portion and strength through the age.
27 {Look!} All those will perish who stay far from You… those unfaithful to You You’ll destroy. 28 But stay with me O my God, for it’s good for me to trust in Jehovah. At the gates and before the daughters of Zion, may I ever sing in Your praise.
Psalm 74
A Psalm of contemplation by Asaph.
1 O God; Why have You pushed us away to the end? Why are You mad at the sheep of Your pasture? 2 Remember the gathering You acquired at the start… the rod of Your inheritance and those You have ransomed, when You first camped on Mount Zion.
3 Turn Your hands to the ages of ruin, and what enemies have done to Your Holy Place. 4 For those who hate You now feel they can brag, for upon Your [Temple] they’ve placed their flags.
5 They do not know that this came from above, so they went to the woods and cut down the trees, 6 and with axes and chisels broken our gates, 7 then they burned Your [Tent] to the ground. They’ve profaned the Tent of Your Name, 8 and said in their hearts to their brothers: ‘Let’s drive God’s Holy Days from the land, 9 for we’ve not seen signs or a Prophet, and God knows us not anymore.’
10 How long, O God, will our enemies berate us, and promote opposition to Your Name through the age? 11 O why have You taken Your right hand away, and kept Your hand at Your chest?
12 But our God (our King) lives through the ages, and He brings salvation to our land. 13 You hold back the seas with Your power, and the heads of dragons You break on the water. 14 You fractured the head of the beast, and to Ethiopians gave him as food. 15 You tore open the rivers and springs, and dried up the creeks that always held water.
16 The days are all Yours and so are the nights; for it’s You who created the sun and the moon. 17 It’s You who set the boundaries of the earth, and it’s You who made summer and spring. 18 So, remember all of this, Your creation!
An enemy is berating Jehovah, and the foolish are provoking His Name. 19 Don’t leave the praise of Your Name to wild beasts, and don’t forget those in need, in the end.
20 Yes, they’ve overlooked Your Sacred Agreement, and the land has been darkened by homes of lawbreakers. 21 But don’t turn away from those humbled and disgraced, for the poor and needy still praise Your Name.
22 Stand up, O God, and judge Your great cause… remember those fools who ridicule You! 23 And do not forget the voice of Your servants, or the pride of all those who hate You, that ascends throughout the whole day.
Psalm 75
To the director; Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph.
1 I will praise You O God; of You I will speak and I’ll call on Your Name. I will describe all Your wonders, 2 and at the right time [You’ll] bring righteous judgment. 3 For the land has melted away, as have all who live on it, though You are the One who founded its columns.
4 I have spoken to all the unrighteous, and told them not to break laws. And to the sinners I said: ‘Don’t raise your [battle] horns high. 5 Do not raise your horns to the heights, or speak unrighteously of God. 6 For you cannot escape to the valleys, or into the deserts or mountains. 7 Because God is our judge, this one He humbles, and that one He raises high.’
8 A cup is in the hand of Jehovah, and it’s filled with wine that is pure. And though He waves it this way and that, the wine and its dregs never spill… and from it the sinners must soon drink their fill.
9 Through the age I’ll shout in praise to Jehovah; to the God of Jacob I’ll strum. 10 For the horns of the sinners He’ll shatter to pieces, and the horns of the righteous He’ll raise.
Psalm 76
To the director; One of the Psalms of Asaph. An ode about Assyria.
1 God is made known in Judah, and in Israel His Name is now great. 2 His home is in Zion, so His place now knows peace. 3 For here He has broke the bows, shields, and broadswords, and brought an [end] to the war.
4 From the mountain of ages You sent forth the light, 5 and You disturbed all those senseless of heart.
All the wealthy men went to sleep, and then found they had nothing in their hands. 6 The men riding horses slept also, and You laughed at them, O God of Jacob. 7 For You are to be feared and none can oppose You; so how much longer will Your rage last?
8 From out of heaven Your decisions were heard, as the land was still and in fear. 9 But You stood up in justice O God, to save the meek of the land. 10 So the thoughts inside men give You praise, and what’s left in their minds celebrate You.
11 Make a vow and pay it to Jehovah… all you living nearby, bring gifts to Him! 12 Fear Him, for He can take breath from rulers, so of Him all the kings are in terror.
Psalm 77
To the director; a Psalm of Asaph for IdiThun.
1 With my voice I called to Jehovah… I shouted to God [in hope] that He’d listen. 2 In the day of attack I begged to my God… my hands were before Him all through the night. I was never [contented], and my soul refused to take comfort, 3 for I remembered my God and was troubled. When I thought, my spirit grew faint, 4 and on closing my eyes I saw enemies, so I was disturbed and I could not speak.
5 Then I reasoned about days of old, and remembered the years of the ages. 6 In my heart I thought and discussed it at night, and then my breath became still. 7 Will God reject me through the ages? Will Jehovah like me no more? 8 Will I be cut from His mercy through the age? Through generations will He no longer reply? 9 Will God forget to show pity? In His anger will He forget His compassions?
10 Then I said ‘I will change… and then there’ll be a change in His right hand. 11 I’ll remember the works of Jehovah, and think of how all Your wonders began. 12 On the things You have done I’ll meditate… I’ll contemplate all Your works.’
13 O God; Your ways can be found in Your [Tent], for what God is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who does wonders… You make known Your power among all the people. 15 With Your arm You ransomed Your people… the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
16 O God; The waters beheld You; they saw You and their depths were in fear. 17 Rain and great thunder came from the clouds, and Your arrows shot far and near. 18 From the thunder of Your wheels there came lightning, which trembled and shook man’s habitation.
19 Your ways can be found in the seas, and Your roads are found in the rivers, so Your footsteps can never be known. 20 But You guided Your people like sheep, by the hands of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 78
A contemplation of Asaph.
1 O my people, pay attention to my law. Lean your ear to the words of my mouth. 2 For my mouth will now speak illustrations; I’ll speak in riddles from the start.
3 We’ve heard of it so many times, for to us our fathers spoke about them. 4 From their children they did not hide it, for they told it to each generation. [They spoke] in praise of Jehovah and His rule, and of all the wonders He’s done. 5 For He has provided a witness in Jacob, and a Law He has put within Israel. He gave orders to fathers to teach it to their sons, 6 so each generation would know, and the sons being born would pass it along, 7 so that all would put trust in God, and never forget the things He has done, or to inquire of all His Commandments, 8 so unlike their ancestors they’ll not be crooked. For they were a crooked and a bitter generation, which did not straighten their hearts… they had a spirit that God did not trust.
9 Sons of EphraIm stretched their bows and they shot, and saved in the day of the battle. 10 But they failed to keep their Agreement with God, and His Laws they wished not to follow. 11 They forgot all the good things He’s done, and all the wonders He’d shown them; 12 the wonders He showed to their fathers in Egypt, as well as in the Plain of Tanis, 13 when He tore open the sea and led them on through it, and stood up the waters as though in a bag. 14 Then He guided them with a cloud through the day, and by the light of a fire at night. 15 Then He split the rock in the desert, and from a deep abyss gave them something to drink. 16 For He brought water out of a stone, and a river thereafter flowed from it.
17 But then they turned and sinned against Him; they embittered the Most High at Horeb. 18 They put God to the test in their hearts, when they asked for food for their lives. 19 They spoke ill of God when they asked, ‘Can God set a table in the desert?’ 20 Yet, He struck the rock and from it flowed water; a stream poured across the whole land. So, how could they ask if He’d provide bread, or if He could prepare a table for His people? 21 Then Jehovah heard all of this, which made Him so very angry. So He lit a fire within Jacob, and brought His rage upon Israel. 22 For they failed to put trust in their God, and in His power to save them.
23 Then He gave orders to the clouds far above, and the doors of the heavens were opened. 24 And manna rained down for them to consume; the bread of heaven He gave them. 25 So, man ate the bread of angels, and He sent them enough to fill them. 26 Thereafter He sent the wind from the sky; by His power He brought the wind from the south, 27 and it rained meat upon them like dust; winged feathered creatures as the sands of the sea. 28 They fell in the midst of their camp, and around all their tents. 29 So they ate and became very full… He brought them all they desired. 30 They weren’t deprived of the things that they wanted, but while the food was still in their mouths, 31 the anger of God came upon them.
Then He brought death amid those who were faithful, and He held back the chosen of Israel; 32 for in all these things they had sinned, since they didn’t trust in His wonders. 33 So, they ended their days there in folly, and their years ended too soon. 34 Whenever He killed them they’d turn back and seek Him; they’d arise early to search for their God. 35 They would remember that God was their helper; it was the Most High God who paid their ransom. 36 And though with their mouths they told how they loved Him, with their tongues they also told lies. 37 With Him their hearts were not straight, nor did they trust His Agreement. 38 Yet, He felt pity and covered their sins; He did not destroy and show them His rage, or allow His anger to blaze. 39 He remembered that they were just flesh; like wind that blows and never returns.
40 They made Him bitter in the desert, and provoked Him to anger in a waterless land. 41 Then they turned and put God to the test; the Holy One of Israel they enraged. 42 They did not remember His hand on that day, when He used it to ransom them from their oppression. 43 Or how He brought the signs upon Egypt, and in the Plain of Tanis brought miracles; 44 of how He turned their rivers to blood, as well as their rain so they could not drink it. 45 Then He sent them the fleas that bit them, followed by frogs that brought them to ruin. 46 Thereafter He appointed the blight on their fruit, and sent them the misery of locusts. 47 He killed their grapevines with hail, and their sycamore trees with cold frost. 48 He brought down the hail on their cattle, and burned their possessions in fire.
49 Then He sent them the anger of His rage, by commissioning upon them wicked angels. 50 He opened the road of His anger, and spared not their lives from death. And even the lives of their cattle, were also consigned then to death. 51 He struck all the firstborn in Egypt; He brought misery upon tents of Ham. 52 Then He parted His people like sheep, and like flocks He led them into the desert. 53 They weren’t afraid so He led them, then He covered their enemies in the sea. 54 Next He brought them to His Holy Mountain; those He’d repurchased with His mighty right hand. 55 Before His face He drove away nations, and set aside an inheritance for them. Then He allowed them to set up their camps… the tents of Israel’s tribes.
56 But they tested and embittered God the Most High, and His [Laws] they would not keep. 57 They turned and annulled their [Agreement with Him], and like their fathers were like crooked bows. 58 In their hills they provoked Him to rage, and made Him jealous with things that they carved. 59 God heard what they’d done so He turned away, and treated Israel with contempt. 60 The Tent in Shiloh He pushed away; the Tent where He camped among men. 61 Then into captivity He delivered their strength… their beauty to their enemy’s hands. 62 He handed His people to broadswords… His inheritance He then overlooked. 63 Their young men were burned up in fires, and their virgins were never mourned. 64 Their Priests fell by the sword, and no one wept for their widows.
65 Then Jehovah awakened from sleep, as a Mighty One dizzy from wine. 66 He struck His enemies and made them retreat, and appointed them scorn through the ages. 67 But the tent of Joseph He rejected, and the tribe of EphraIm He didn’t choose. 68 He chose Judah’s tribe on Mount Zion, which was the place that He loved, 69 and there He built His Holy Place… He laid its foundation on the ground through the ages. 70 Then He chose David His servant, and took him away from his flocks. 71 From those giving birth he left to tend Jacob… God’s servant Israel (His inheritance). 72 So in innocence of heart he cared for them, and in the skill of his hands he led them.
Psalm 79
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 O God; To Your inheritance the nations have come, and in Jerusalem they defiled Your most holy House. Why, into a storehouse for fruit they have turned it!
2 So the decaying flesh of Your servants, is now food for birds in the sky… Your holy ones are now food, for animals that live on the ground.
3 In Jerusalem their blood has been poured out like water, and their bodies have been left unburied. 4 We’ve become an object of scorn to our neighbors; to be sneered at and taunted by those round about.
5 How long, O Jehovah, will [You let] this happen? Will You be angry forever? Will Your zeal keep burning like fire?
6 Pour out Your rage on the nations instead; on those who don’t know You and don’t bear Your Name. 7 For they have swallowed down Jacob, and turned his place into ruins.
8 Forget our past lawless deeds; send Your compassions, for we [need Your aid]! 9 Help us O God our Savior, for the sake of Your glorious Name!
O Jehovah; For the sake of Your Name [come and] save us, and cover over our sins, 10 so the nations may never have reason to ask, ‘So then, where is their God?’
To the nations before us make it known; bring vengeance for the blood of Your servants! 11 Bring an end to the moans of the shackled; by the might of Your arm protect them from slaughter!
12 O Lord; Repay our neighbors seven times, for scorning and speaking abusively of You. 13 But we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture. O God, through the age we’ll confess You… for generations and generations we’ll speak in Your praise.
Psalm 80
To the director; for the changings. A testimony of Asaph. A Psalm about the Assyrians.
1 Pay attention, O You who tends Israel; Please appear, O You who are guiding, the sheep of Joseph with cherubs! 2 Before EphraIm, and BenJamin, and ManasSeh awaken; and use Your great might to save us! 3 O God; Please return once again! Show Your face and then we’ll be saved. 4 O Jehovah, God of armies; how long will the prayers of Your servants bring rage?
5 The bread of tears You have fed us, and a measure of tears we’ve been given to drink. 6 You’ve given us reason to fight with our neighbors, and caused our enemies to sneer in disgust. 7 O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn back Your face and we will be saved!
8 You removed Your grapevine from Egypt, and drove nations away in order to plant her. 9 You opened the way before her, then You planted her roots, and covered them in the ground. 10 With mountains You provided her shade, and God's cedars covered her tendrils. 11 She stretched out her branches to the sea, and stretched her shoots toward the rivers. 12 So, why have You torn down her fences, and given her fruit to all who pass by? 13 By boars in the forest she’s being destroyed… You’re allowing pigs to feed upon her!
14 O God of armies, turn back… from heaven look down and visit this grapevine! 15 Make ready the one Your right hand has planted; these sons of men You made strong for Yourself. 16 She’s been set on fire and is now being dug up; by the reproach of Your face she’s being destroyed. 17 Extend You hand toward those who’re Your men… Your right hand to those sons of men, who You once had made strong. 18 Don’t allow this separation from You. Give us back life and we’ll call on Your Name. 19 O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn back Your face and we will be saved!
Psalm 81
To the director; for the wine vats. A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Shout in joy to our helper God; call out to the God of Jacob. 2 Sing and play on tambourines; make beautiful music on harps.
3 Blow trumpets on the New Moons! Yes, trumpet, for this is Your holy day, 4 because it is an order to Israel… it’s the decision of Jacob’s God. 5 It serves as a witness to [the family] of Joseph; a decision He made as they came out of Egypt, where they heard a [language] they didn’t understand. 6 He removed from their backs heavy taxes, where their hands were enslaved to carry food baskets.
7 You called upon Me, and from oppression I saved you. I heard you from where you hid from the storm, then I tested you at the water of dispute.
8 Listen to Me, O my people, for I will now testify. Listen O Israel and hear Me! 9 There cannot be any new god among you, nor may you bow to the gods of another. 10 For, I am Jehovah your God; the One who led you from Egypt. So, widen your mouth and I’ll fill it!
11 Yet, My people wouldn’t listen to My voice; Israel paid no attention to Me. 12 So I drove them away for the things they had done, and for the things in their hearts. 13 If only My people would have listened; if Israel had followed My ways, 14 by their enemies I wouldn’t have let them be humbled; against those who oppress them I’d have stretched out My hand.
15 Jehovah’s enemies have all lied before Him, and their time will come in that age. 16 But He fed [His people] on the fat of the wheat, and out of the rock he fed them with honey.
Psalm 82
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Our God has stood in the gathering of gods, and in the midst of the gods He judges. 2 So, how long will it be ‘til You judge the unrighteous; how long will You allow the sinners to exist?
3 Give justice to the orphans and poor! Make right decisions for the humble and needy! 4 Save the poor and the needy… rescue them from the hands of the sinners!
5 They did not know and didn’t perceive, in the dark places where they travel, that the earth soon will be shaken, to its very foundations.
6 I said ‘You are gods… of the Most High you’re sons! 7 But you will all die like men, and like their rulers you will all fall.’
8 O God; Appoint judges to judge the whole earth, for the nations are all Your inheritance.
Psalm 83
An ode. A Psalm of Asaph.
1 O God; To whom can You be compared? O God, don’t stay silent or quiet. 2 For {Look!} Your enemies have shouted their [battle] cries, and those who hate You have lifted their heads. 3 Against Your people they’ve made treacherous plans, and they’re meeting against Your holy ones. 4 They are saying ‘Come let’s destroy them, so they are no longer a nation… may the name of Israel be remembered no more!’
5 Against You they met and conspired, and then they reached an agreement… 6 those in the tents of Idumea, and the IshmaElites of Moab; those of Hagar, 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalec; along with the Philistines and the people of Tyre. 8 Even Assyria joined in, and to the sons of Lot they gave aid. 9 So, do to them as [You once did], to Midian, Sisera, and Jabin, at the Wadi Kishon. 10 For they were destroyed at EnDor, and became as manure on the ground.
11 Make their rulers like Oreb and Zeb, as well as ZebeE and Salmana… 12 those who once said, ‘We’ll inherit God’s Holy Place.’
13 Make them like a whirlwind O God… like stubble that’s blown in the wind… 14 like fire that burns up a forest… like flames that burn on the mountains. 15 Chase them away with Your storm; disturb them with Your great rage; 16 fill their faces with dishonor, then they will search for Your Name.
17 O Jehovah, make them ashamed; may they be disturbed through ages of ages. May they be made to feel shame, just before they are destroyed. 18 Make them know that Your Name is Jehovah, and that You alone are the Most High of earth.
Psalm 84
To the director; for the wine vats. By the sons of KorAh.
1 O Jehovah of armies; How much Your Tent should be loved; 2 for Jehovah’s courtyards I long, and my flesh shouts in joy about the living God. 3 It’s by Him that sparrows finds homes, and the dove finds a nest for her young.
O Jehovah of armies; [How I long for] Your Altar, for You are my King and my God. 4 Blest are those who stay in Your [House], for through the ages they’ll praise You.
5 Blest is the man who trusts in Your aid, for the Lord will bring joy to his heart. 6 And when he must enter the valley of tears, he is in line for a blessing, from He who gave him His Laws.
7 They may go from army to army, but in Zion they’ll find the God of all gods. 8 O Jehovah, God of armies; Please hear the things that I’m praying… 9 see me, our God and defender! Please see the face of Your anointed! 10 For, better is a day that’s spent in Your courtyards, than thousands [of days] spent elsewhere.
I’d rather be rejected in the House of my God, than to live among tents of the sinners. 11 For Jehovah is a lover of truth, and mercy comes from our Lord… God cares and He will give glory… to the innocent He will bring good things.
12 O Jehovah, God of armies; Blest is the man who puts trust in You.
Psalm 85
To the director; for the sons of KorAh.
1 O Jehovah; You have thought well of Your land, for You have returned the captives of Jacob… 2 The lawless deeds of Your people You’ve forgiven, and all of their sins You have covered. 3 You’ve allowed Your anger to rest… You’ve turned away from Your rage. 4 Now turn toward us, O God of salvation! Turn Your anger and rage!
5 Will Your anger against us last through the ages? From generation to generations will it extend? 6 O God; When You return You’ll make us alive, and Your people will then all be joyful.
7 O Jehovah, show us Your mercy, and bring Your salvation to us. 8 O Jehovah; I’ll hear whatever You say, for God will speak peace to His people… to those who truly are holy, and wish to return with their whole hearts. 9 For He is close to all those who fear Him… He saves, so in glory we will camp in our land.
10 Mercy and truth have now come together, and justice and peace have now kissed. 11 Truth has arisen throughout all the land, and justice is peeking from heaven. 12 Because Jehovah gives kindly, fruit will [grow] in our land once again. 13 Then from Him justice will flow, and in His footsteps we’ll follow.
Psalm 86
A prayer of David.
1 Incline Your ear to hear me Jehovah, for I am poor and in need. 2 Watch over my life because I am pure; O God, save Your servant who trusts You!
3 Show mercy on me O Jehovah, for to You I will call all day long. 4 Bring great joy to the life of Your servant, for to You I have lifted my soul. 5 You’re my provider, Jehovah… You’re merciful and patient to those calling on You. 6 Give ear to my prayer, O Jehovah, and heed my voice as I beg. 7 In the day of distress I called out to You, and to me You’ve paid close attention.
8 O Jehovah; Among all the gods there’s no other like You… there are none that can do what You do. 9 You’ll make all the nations come bow before You; and Lord, they’ll glorify Your Name. 10 For You are great and You perform wonders… You are the only [true] God.
11 Guide me, O Jehovah, in [all of] Your ways, and I will walk in Your truth. Let my heart rejoice, O God, for Your Name I will fear [through the age]. 12 O Jehovah my God, I will praise You; I’ll glorify Your Name with my heart through the age. 13 For Your mercy toward me has been great; You have rescued my life from the depths of the grave.
14 The lawless have risen against me, O God… they’ve ignored You and gathered to kill me. 15 But You are patient, Jehovah my God… You show mercy, pity, and You’re true. 16 So, look upon me… show mercy! Give Your might to Your child; bring salvation to the son of your slave girl! 17 Give me a sign that [You’re with] me, and let those who hate me see it in shame. For You, O Jehovah, have helped me, and You have provided me comfort.
Psalm 87
To the sons of KorAh; a Psalm of an ode.
1 Upon the Holy Mountain [His House] was established. 2 Zion’s gates are more loved by Jehovah, than all the other tents of Jacob. 3 Glorious things have been said about you, O holy city of God. 4 To Babylon and RaHab I will speak, as well as to others who know me. {Look!} I’ll speak to Philistines and peoples of Tyre, and to the Ethiopians I’ll say: 5 ‘A man will call Zion his mother, and a man who was born there founded her heights. 6 Jehovah described it in the writings of men, who told of the kings that were born there.’ 7 For all these reasons, rejoice, all those who are dwelling within you!
Psalm 88
For the director; an ode. A Psalm by the sons of KorAh to be played on the harp. The contemplation about Heman the Israelite.
1 O Jehovah, my Savior and God, during the night I’m calling to You. 2 My prayer is ascending to You, so please give ear to the things that I beg.
3 My soul is filled with all kinds of trouble, and my life is approaching the grave. 4 I’ve been counted among those in the pit; a man without cure I’ve become. 5 I’ve been set aside like one of the dead… like one who’s been killed and tossed in a tomb. I’m one of those that You don’t remember; from Your hand I’ve been taken and then thrown away.
6 They’ve put me into the lowest of pits, into a place that is dark… it’s like the shadow of death. 7 For Your anger has stayed upon me, and I’ve received all Your rage. 8 You’ve driven away all those who know me, and made me disgusting to them. From them I’ve been taken away, and no other place may I go.
9 My eyes are all sore from crying, as I call to You throughout the day. To You I have opened my arms; toward You they’re now opened wide.
10 Will You bring wonders to those who are dead? Will doctors then stand up and praise You? 11 Will those in the tomb speak of Your mercy, and will the destroyed [speak of] Your truth? 12 Can Your wonders be known in the darkness, and Your justice be known in a land that’s forgotten?
13 O Jehovah; I cried out to You in the morning, and You knew my prayer before it was said. 14 So, why O Jehovah, have You pushed me away? When will You turn Your face toward my life?
15 I’ve been poor and troubled since youth; I was humbled and left with nothing at all. 16 Upon me You’ve poured out Your rage, and sent frightful things to disturb me. 17 They surround me like water throughout the day; they’re gathered around me in a circle. 18 You’ve driven away all my friends who were dear, and to my misery, they no longer know me.
Psalm 89
A Psalm of contemplation by Ethan the Israelite.
1 Your mercies O Jehovah, last through the ages, so I’ll sing from generation to generation. I’ll report Your truth with my mouth, 2 for through the ages Your mercies will grow, and Your truth will rise to the heavens.
3 A sacred agreement I’ve made with My chosen; I’ve sworn an oath to My servant David, 4 that his seed I’ll prepare through [all] generations, and from generation to generation build his throne. 5 So the heavens will praise your wonders, O Lord, and your truth to the holy assembly. 6 For who in the clouds is equal to [you], and which of God’s sons are quite like you?
7 The council of the holy glorifies God; He’s great and fearful to all who surround Him. 8 Who is like You, O God of armies? You are mighty, O Jehovah, and surrounded in truth.
9 Of the might of the seas You’re the Master, for You can calm waves when they rise. 10 You’ve humbled and killed those who were proud, and chased away enemies with the might of Your arm.
11 Yours is the heavens and Yours is the earth; You’ve founded man’s home and all of its fullness. 12 The north and the west are Your creations, so Tabor and Herman will shout to Your Name.
13 You can dominate all with Your arm, so make Your hand strong and raise it high. 14 For justice and fairness come from Your throne; mercy and truth come from Your face.
15 Blest are the people who know cries of joy; O Jehovah, in the light of Your face they will go. 16 They’ll shout out in joy of Your Name every day, for in Your justice they are uplifted. 17 You are the power in which they can boast, and by Your goodness we raise our trumpets. 18 For, the One who helps us is Jehovah… the Holy One of Israel is our King.
19 In a vision You spoke to Your sons and You said, ‘I’ve given help through the great one I raised… he who I chose from among all My people. 20 I found David My servant, and anointed his head with My holy oil. 21 So with My hand I will aid him, and I’ll make him strong with My arm. 22 His enemies will take nothing from him, and the lawless will do him no harm. 23 His enemies I’ll cut down before him, and I’ll chase those who hate him away. 24 For, My truth and My mercy are with him, and he’ll raise his horn high in My Name.
25 ‘I’ll set his hand on the sea, and his right hand over the rivers. 26 He’ll call upon Me and say, Father, You are my God… You’re my Savior and shield. 27 Then I’ll appoint him my firstborn, and put him above the kings of the earth. 28 In mercy I’ll guard him through the age, and he can trust in the agreement I’ve made.
29 ‘I’ll establish his seed throughout the ages, and his throne as the days of the sky. 30 But if his sons should abandon My Law, and choose not to walk in My ways, 31 and if My rules they choose to profane, and My Commandments not choose to keep, 32 for their lawlessness I’ll bring them My rod, and whip them for all of their sins. 33 But in My mercy I won’t wipe them away, nor will I do wrong to My truth. 34 To My agreements I’ll always be true, and I won’t annul the things that I’ve said. 35 For, once that I’ve sworn by an oath, could My holiness lie before David?
36 ‘His seed will last through the ages, and his throne will stand as the sun… 37 like the moon that’s been prepared through the ages; a trustworthy witness in the sky.’
38 But now You’ve thrust him away in contempt; You’ve raised [your hand] against Your anointed. 39 You have wiped away the agreement You made, and defiled his havens throughout the land. 40 You’ve demolished all of his strongholds; You’ve turned his forts into something to fear. 41 Those walking the roads have taken what’s his, and he’s become the scorn of his neighbors. 42 You’ve raised the hands of those who oppress him, and made all of his enemies happy. 43 You’ve turned Your help from his broadsword, and refused to assist him in battle.44 You’ve desisted from making him clean, and ripped his throne to the ground. 45 You’ve shortened the days of his throne, and poured out shame upon him.
46 How long, O Jehovah, will You turn away? Will Your rage keep burning like fire? 47 Remember the facts of my situation, for in folly You created the sons of men. 48 Which man that lives will never see death? Can he save his own life from the grave? 49 Where is Your mercy, O ancient Jehovah? When You swore to David were You telling the truth? 50 Remember the scorn that Your servant endured, which came to my bosom from many [great] nations… 51 when Your enemies [laughed] O Jehovah, at one who is Your anointed.
52 Praise Jehovah into the age… amen, amen, may it be.
Psalm 90
A prayer of Moses, the man of God.
1 O Jehovah, You’ve been our refuge, from one generation to another. 2 Before the mountains and the earth took their shape… before there was a dwelling of man, through the ages You have existed. 3 So don’t turn from men in our wretched state, for it was You who once told us: ‘Return [to Me], O sons of men!’
4 Why, a thousand years in Your eyes, O Jehovah, are like yesterday when they are gone, and as a watch in the night. 5 The years [of man] are looked on in scorn; they pass by like sprouts in the morning. 6 For in the morning they blossom [and grow], and in the evening they dry up and fall.
7 We have failed in the face of Your rage, and we’ve been disturbed in Your anger. 8 For the Laws we have broken all stand before You, there in the brightness of Your face.
9 Why, all of our days have been failures, and we’ve even failed when it comes to Your rage. Our years are as brief as the time that it takes, for a spider to think [of catching its prey]. 10 Our days might last for seventy years, or if You command, until eighty. But they’re mostly spent in misery and toil, until we mellow and accept [Your] correction.
11 Who knows the power of Your rage? And because of the fear of Your anger, how can we number our days? 12 So, expose Your right hand to me, and send my heart all the wisdom, to accept Your correction.
13 How long, O Jehovah, until You return? Please send comfort to Your servants. 14 For in the morning, O Lord, we were filled with Your mercy, so we shouted in joy and were glad every day. 15 We were even thankful for the days we were humbled, after years of seeing the bad things.
16 So, look down upon Your servants (Your works), and send guidance to all of our sons. 17 Send us the light of Jehovah our God, and bless the works of our hands… yes, bless the works of our hands!
Psalm 91
A Psalm of Praise by David.
1 He who lives in the care of the Most High, and lodges in the God of heaven’s protection, 2 will say to the Lord ‘You’re my refuge and shield; You’re my God and in You I will trust.’
3 From the snares of the hunters He’ll save you, and rescue you from all your problems. 4 With the shadow of His back He will shield you, and under His wings you will hide, as in His truth He surrounds you. 5 You won’t be afraid of things in the night; of arrows that fly in the daytime; 6 of accidents or things that travel in darkness; nor of the demon at noon. 7 A thousand will fall at your side, and ten thousand restrained by your right hand. 8 You’ll see it all with your eyes and consider, for the fate of sinners you’ll see. 9 Yes You, O Jehovah, are the One that I trust.
If you make the Most High your refuge, 10 nothing bad will ever approach you, and the whip will never enter your tent. 11 For to His messengers He’ll give orders, to keep watch over all of your ways. 12 Upon their hands they will lift you, so a rock won’t stumble your foot. 13 You can step on an asp or a cobra, and trample upon fierce beasts or lions.
14 [For God says]: ‘Because he trusts in Me I will save him… I’ll be his shelter for he knows My Name. 15 He’ll cry out to Me and I’ll listen… during hard times I will be there. I will save and glorify him… 16 I’ll extend the days of his life, and show him how I can deliver.’
Psalm 92
A Psalm for the Sabbath Day.
1 It’s good to praise You Jehovah the Most High, and to strum to Your Name; 2 to [sing] of Your mercies each morning, and about Your truth every night, 3 as [I strum] on my lute of ten-strings… as [I play] a song on the harp.
4 O Jehovah; You make me glad with the things that You do, so I’ll shout in praise of the works of Your hands. 5 How great are Your deeds O Jehovah, and how deep are Your thoughts.
6 A foolish man will not know, and such things the senseless won’t comprehend: 7 Though the sinners keep rising like grass, and the lawless keep on increasing, they’ll be destroyed for ages of ages.
8 But You’re the Most High of ages, Jehovah! 9 Behold Your enemies O Lord! Look, they will perish… they’ll be dispersed; all those who work at doing what’s bad. 10 So, as a rhinoceros I’ll raise my horn high, and in my old age bring plenty of oil.
11 Upon my enemies my eyes have gazed (on those who are rising against me), and my ears still hear of the wicked. 12 But the righteous will bloom like a palm tree; they’ll grow like Lebanon’s cedars. 13 Yes, those who are planted in the House of Jehovah… those in the courtyard of our God will all blossom. 14 They will grow old and have plenty, and take much pleasure in proclaiming, 15 that Jehovah our God is righteous, and there is no injustice in Him.
Psalm 93
For the Sabbath Day, after being resettled in the land. A song of praise by David.
1 Jehovah reigns and brings beauty; He has wrapped Himself in great power. Man’s home He’s made steady and firm, 2 and your throne He’s prepared through the ages.
3 O Jehovah; You [created] the rivers; yes they [were created] by You. 4 And the sounds of many voices are captured by them; yes the sounds of waters will wear them away.
How wonderful are the tides of the sea, and the high places of Jehovah. 5 The things You tell are very trustworthy, and O Lord; Your [House] will last through the years.
Psalm 94
A Psalm of David for the fourth Sabbath.
1 Jehovah is a God who seeks vengeance, and this God seeking vengeance has spoken aloud. 2 Arise, O You who are judging the earth! Pay what is due to the proud!
3 O Jehovah; How much longer will sinners remain… how long will sinners be allowed to keep boasting? 4 For when they speak they do so unjustly, and all who break Laws keep on bragging.
5 They’ve mistreated Your people, O Jehovah; to Your inheritance they have done evil. 6 The widows and orphans they’ve killed, and they’ve murdered foreign sojourners. 7 They’ve said that Jehovah can’t see; so the God of Jacob will never know.
8 Look, you fools among [men]… you who’ve been foolish should stop and think! 9 Can’t the ear of the Planter also hear… can’t He who shaped the eye also think? 10 Won’t He who corrects all the nations, and who teaches knowledge to men, also provide him the discipline he needs?
11 Jehovah knows the ways that men think, and that the things we think of are all foolish. 12 But blest is the man who Jehovah corrects, and is taught the ways of God’s Law.
13 O grant him relief from His troubled days, and dig a pit for the sinners. 14 For, Jehovah won’t push His people aside… His inheritance He’ll never abandon.
15 O how long will it be, until justice returns with its judgments… until those straight of heart receive [what they’re due]? 16 Who will oppose the wicked for me… who will stand with me opposing the lawless? 17 If it weren’t for the help that Jehovah has given, my life would have traveled through the place of the dead.
18 When I said, ‘My feet are slipping, O Jehovah,’ You showed mercy and helped me! 19 And despite all the grief in my heart, You’ve brought comfort, showing love for my life.
20 Will the thrones of the lawless remain before You… those who turn order into trouble? 21 Will they keep hunting for the lives of the righteous, and the blood of the innocents keep on condemning?
22 But Jehovah has become a refuge to me… my God is my helper and hope. 23 He’ll give the lawless the things they deserve, and remove them from His sight, for their badness.
Psalm 95
A song of praise by David.
1 Come, shout praises to Jehovah… to God our Savior we should shout! 2 We should stand in His presence with praises, and to Him sing our psalms. 3 For God Jehovah is great… the greatest King of the earth, and His people He’ll never reject.
4 Why, the ends of the earth are in His hands, as are the peaks of the mountains. 5 His are the seas, for He made them, and His hands shaped the dry land. 6 So come and let’s bow to our faces before Him… because He’s our Creator let’s weep before Him. 7 He is our God, and we’re the sheep of His pasture… the sheep that He keeps in His hand.
8 If today you’d hear His voice, do not harden your hearts… do not be bitter as they were in that day, when they put Him to the test in the desert. 9 ‘For there I was tested and tried by your fathers, though they had seen all the things that I did. 10 Thus I came to loathe that generation, so they wandered [in the desert] forty years. In their hearts they knew not My ways, 11 so I swore this oath in My rage: They will not enter My rest.’
Psalm 96
1 Sing a new song to Jehovah! Sing to the Lord of the earth! 2 Sing to Jehovah… shout in praise of His Name! Proclaim the good news every day… the news of how He brings His salvation. 3 To all the nations tell of His glory, and speak of His wonders to the peoples.
4 Jehovah is great and worthy of praise; He’s more to be feared than all other gods. 5 For the gods of the nations are just demons, but it’s Jehovah who created the sky. 6 Before Him are beauty praiseworthy things; sacred and majestic is His Holy Place.
7 O families of nations carry [gifts] to Jehovah; bring to the Lord both glory and honor. 8 Bring glory to Jehovah for the sake of His Name; bring sacrifices to His holy courtyards, and before Jehovah bow low there.
9 May His face shake the whole earth! 10 Tell all the nations, ‘Jehovah is King! It is He who established man’s home, so it will never be shaken. For He will judge the peoples in justice!’
11 Be glad you heavens, and earth shout for joy! May the seas and all that’s in them be shaken. 12 Rejoice you fields and everything in them, and the trees in the forests should cry out in joy, 13 before the face of the Lord. For He’s coming to judge the whole earth; He’ll judge man’s habitation righteously… in His truth He will judge many peoples.
Psalm 97
A Psalm of David for when his [kingdom] was established.
1 Jehovah reigns… shout in joy, O you earth! Let all of the islands be glad!
2 He’s surrounded by darkness and clouds; justice and judgment are the success of His throne. 3 Flames shoot out from before Him, to burn His enemies in the fire.
4 The lightning that He sent was seen by [all men]. They saw it and it shook the whole earth. 5 Mountains melt like wax at His face, and from His face the ground [melts away].
6 The heavens speak of His justice, and His glory is seen by all peoples. 7 Those bowing to carved things were shamed, as were all those who brag of their idols. O you His messengers; Bow low before Him!
8 Zion is happy, and the daughters of Judea are shouting in joy, because of Your judgments, O Jehovah. 9 For, You’re the Most High of the whole earth; You’re exalted above all other gods.
10 O those of you who love Jehovah; [learn] to hate what is bad! For, Jehovah guards the lives of the holy… from the hands of sinners He protects them.
11 Light has risen upon those who are righteous, and those with straight hearts are rejoicing. 12 The righteous have reason for joy in Jehovah… they remember His holiness and speak in His praise.
Psalm 98
A Psalm of David.
1 Sing a new song to Jehovah, of the wonderful things He has done, for He brings salvation with His holy right arm.
2 Jehovah’s made known His salvation to nations, and to them He has shown His justice. 3 He’s remembered His mercy to Jacob, and His truth to the house of Israel. So, the ends of the earth have seen how He saves, and how our God can deliver!
4 Shout to God all the earth! Sing, cry out, and strum! 5 Play to Jehovah with harps! Along with harp sing psalms to Him! 6 With brass trumpets and the blowing of horns, shout before Jehovah our King!
7 May the seas and all that’s in them be shaken, as well as man’s habitation, and all the [peoples] who live there. 8 Rivers will be clapping their hands, and the mountains will cry out in joy at His face. 9 For He’s coming to judge the whole earth… man’s home and its peoples in fairness and justice.
Psalm 99
A Psalm of David.
1 Jehovah now reigns, so may all the peoples be angry. For He who is sitting on cherubs, will soon come to shake the whole earth.
2 Jehovah on Zion is great, and He is above all the peoples. 3 So, may they all praise His Name, for He is fearful and holy.
4 He loves a king who has honor, and you have prepared righteous judgments… yes you have brought justice to Jacob.
5 May our God Jehovah be exalted… because He is holy, all should bow at His feet.
6 Among His Priests number Moses and Aaron, and Samuel is one who called on His Name. They called on Jehovah and He listened to them, 7 then He spoke to them from a column of clouds. For, they had guarded His Proofs, and they obeyed the orders He gave.
8 O Jehovah our God… You heard them! O God You became their provider, and You punished them for the bad things they did. 9 So our God Jehovah should be raised high, and all should bow at His holy Mountain, for Jehovah our God is most holy.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise by David.
1 Shout to God all the earth! 2 Serve Jehovah in joy! Go into His presence with happy shouts! 3 Know that Jehovah’s our God!
We didn’t do it, He made us! We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 So, go to His gates with praises, and enter His courtyard with hymns. Go praising His Name and confessing, 5 for He provides mercy throughout the age, and His truth is from generation to generation.
Psalm 101
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah; I will sing of Your justice and mercy… 2 of Your perfect ways I will strum.
O how long until You return, for in my home there’s an innocent heart. 3 I’ve not set my eyes on things that are bad, and illegal things I have hated. 4 Toward things that are crooked my heart has not led me; I reject and don’t know men who are bad. 5 Those who privately speak ill of their friends, I have driven away. I won’t eat with those of proud eyes, or with those whose hearts can’t be sated. 6 For, my eyes are upon the trustworthy, and they are the ones with whom I will sit. They are the [men] who walk in pure ways; they are the ones who share in my rule. 7 For, no one with pride can live in my house, and before my eyes the unjust can’t stand.
8 In the morning I killed all the land’s sinners, and I destroyed all the lawless from Jehovah’s city.
Psalm 102
A prayer for the poor when they are discouraged and come before Jehovah to pour out their requests.
1 Please hear my prayer, O Jehovah, and to my cries as I come before You. 2 Don’t turn Your face in the day that I need You. Incline Your ear closer to me, and whenever I call [please] quickly respond. 3 For, my days have passed by like smoke, and my bones are parched like dry sticks. 4 I’ve been cut down like grass that is dry, and my heart forgets to eat bread. 5 My bones stick out from my flesh, and they’re [tired] of the sounds of my groaning. 6 Like a pelican I [travel] alone; I’ve become like the owl in its range. 7 Sleepless [I lie throughout the whole night], and I live like a sparrow alone on the roof. 8 My enemies berate me throughout the day, and those who once praised me swear oaths against me. 9 Ashes I’ve eaten as bread, and my drink has become my own tears.
10 Because of the anger and rage of Your face, You lifted me up then broke me down. 11 So, my days have declined like the shadows, and I have dried up like grass. 12 But you, O Lord, abide through the ages; from generation to generation You’re remembered. 13 So, please stand up and feel pity for Zion, since the time for its pity is due. 14 To Your servants her stones are so dear, and over her dust they feel sorrow.
15 Nations will fear Your Name, O Jehovah, and the kings of the earth [will speak] of Your glory. 16 For the Lord will build up Zion once more, where He will appear in His glory. 17 He looks down [and hears] the prayers of the humble, and has no contempt for the things they request. 18 Let this be written for each generation, so those born anew will all praise the Lord.
(NOTE: The following verses are applied to Jesus at Hebrews 1:10-12).
19 The Lord looks down from his home in the heights; he looks at the earth from the heavens, 20 to hear the moans of those who are shackled, and untie the sons of the condemned.
21 In Zion announce the Name of Jehovah, and you in Jerusalem shout in His praise! 22 For all the gatherings of people (as well as all of their kings), will then be serving the Lord. 23 In his strong way he’ll give me an answer, and tell me how few of my days yet remain. 24 Don’t lead me away after half of my days, for your years are from generation to generation.
25 In the beginning you founded the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. 26 Yet, they will pass by, while you will continue to live. Like clothes (an old robe) they’ll grow old. Then you’ll wrap them up and they will be changed. 27 But you are always the same, and your years will never [come to an] end. 28 But the sons of your servants will live in [your] camp, and through the ages their seed will remain.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 O praise Jehovah my soul; with all that is in me, praise His Most Holy Name! 2 Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all of His blessings. 3 For He covers the sins of all your law breaking, and He’s the One who cures all your ills. 4 He ransoms you from your life’s corruption, and then He crowns you with mercy. 5 He fills your desires with good things, and renews your youth like that of an eagle.
6 Jehovah’s the one who freely provides… He brings justice to those who’ve been wronged. 7 He revealed His ways to Moses… to the sons of Israel He showed His desires.
8 Jehovah feels pity and He shows mercy; He is forgiving and filled with compassion. 9 Until the end you won’t make Him angry, nor through the ages will He cherish wrath. 10 For our lawlessness deeds He hasn’t repaid us, nor for our sins has He held an accounting. 11 As high as the heavens are over the earth, Jehovah’s shown mercy to all those who fear Him. 12 As far as the distance from east to the west, He has set us apart from the laws that we break. 13 Just as a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah feels mercy toward all those who fear Him. 14 For, He remembers how we were formed, and He doesn’t forget that we are just dust. 15 Because; the days of a man are like grass, for he blossoms like a flower in a field, 16 then the wind blows by and he passes away, and his place is remembered no more. 17 Upon those fearing Him He shows ages of mercy, and His justice is upon the sons of their sons… 18 on all those who guard His Sacred Agreement, and on those who remember and obey His Commandments.
19 Jehovah has prepared His throne in the sky, and in His Kingdom He’s Master of all. 20 So, praise Jehovah, all You His angels, for He shows His might and His strength, to all those hearing His words. 21 Yes, praise Jehovah, all of His armies… all His servant who are doing His will. 22 Praise Jehovah, all you of His works… every place within in His dominion. Praise Jehovah, O my soul!
Psalm 104
A Psalm of David
1 O my soul, praise Jehovah; O Jehovah my God, You’ve made Yourself great and praiseworthy, and clothed Yourself in great beauty. 2 You wrap Yourself up in light like a robe, and stretch out the heavens like leather. 3 Its roof and upper rooms You’ve filled with water; You make the clouds Your chariots, then You ride on the wings of the winds.
4 He makes His messengers like the wind, and His servants like the flames of a fire. 5 The foundations of earth He laid and made stable, so through ages of ages they will not fail.
6 The depths [of the seas] are His wrap, and water [He piles up as snow] on the mountains. 7 But at Your reproach they will flee, and they’ll quake at the sound of Your thunder. 8 They’ll pour down the mountains and descend to the plains, to the place You established for them. 9 For, You’ve placed limits that they will not pass, so they may not cover the land. 10 You send them as springs to the valleys, and from the midst of the mountains pour rivers, 11 to water wild animals living in fields… wild donkeys that use it to sate their thirst.
12 Winged creatures in the skies nest between rocks, where they sound out their calls. 13 And from upper rooms He sends water to the mountains, then the earth is filled with the fruit of His works. 14 He makes the grass grow for cattle to eat, as well as young sprouts to bring bread from the ground. 15 [He gives] men wine to make their hearts merry; with olive oil He blesses their faces; and to support their hearts He gives men bread.
16 He has filled the plains with [many trees], and the cedars of Lebanon were His planting. 17 It’s there that sparrows build their nests, until herons take over their dwellings. 18 [He created] high mountains for wild goats to roam; He made rocks as the refuge for badgers. 19 He made the moon to show seasons, as well as the sun, which knows when to set.
20 You made the darkness of night, when wild animals in the woods roam about; 21 it’s when lion cubs roar and attack, seeking by God to find themselves food. 22 But when the sun rises they all get together, and return to their dens to lie down. 23 That’s when man arises to work, and continues his toil until dusk.
24 How great are Your works, O Jehovah; in Your great wisdom You made it all… You’ve filled the whole earth with creations. 25 You made vast lands and great seas, where slithering animals may live. There’s no way to count Your creatures great and small… 26 and` boats pass over even [other] wild beasts, which You created in fun. 27 Yet they all expect their nourishment from You, and to receive it at just the right time. 28 So, when You provide they receive it… You open Your hand and they’re filled with what’s good. 29 But if You turn Your face they’ll be upset, and if you take their breath they’ll expire, then back to the dust they will go. 30 But; if You send out Your Breath they’re created, and You renew the face of the land.
31 May the glory of Jehovah last through the ages. May He be glad for the things He has made. 32 He looks down on the earth, making it tremble, and touches the mountains, making them smoke. 33 So, with my whole life I’ll sing to Jehovah; as long as I live I’ll strum to my God. 34 May He find my verses delightful; may they make Jehovah’s heart glad. 35 May all the sinners expire from the earth, and all the lawless cease to exist.
Praise Jehovah O my soul!
Psalm 105
1 Praise Jehovah… call on His Name! Tell all the nations of the things He has done! 2 Sing to Him… yes strum! Describe all of His wonders! 3 Applaud to His most holy Name!
May the hearts of those seeking Jehovah be glad. 4 Seek Jehovah and grow strong! Always search for His face. 5 Don’t forget the wonders He’s done… the miracles and judgments that come from His mouth.
6 You seed of Abraham… His servants; you sons of Jacob… His chosen; 7 He is Jehovah our God; His decisions are [seen] throughout the whole earth.
8 He’s remembered His Agreement through ages… His promise through a thousand generations… 9 the Agreement He made with Abraham, and the oath that He spoke of to Isaac. 10 Then it was with Jacob that He set the rules, for Israel [to follow] through the ages, 11 saying; ‘To you I give CanaAn’s land… your inheritance is a measured piece of ground.’
12 [Back then] their numbers were few; not many were visiting [in the land]. 13 And they traveled from nation to nation… from one kingdom on to another. 14 But He didn’t allow any to harm them, for He sent warnings to their kings that said: 15 ‘Do not touch My anointed, and to My Prophets do no wrong.’
16 After that, He brought famine to their land, so they could not trust in their bread. 17 Then to a man named Joseph He sent them… a slave who’d been purchased [with money]. 18 For though he’d been humbled with shackles on his feet, and his soul had been pierced through with iron, 19 when the word was finally spoken, the omens of Jehovah made him pure. 20 Then the king sent word to untie him… a ruler of the peoples set him free. 21 And master of his house he then did appoint him; the ruler of all his possessions. 22 So he appointed rulers, as he saw fit, and he sought elders to make [him] much wiser.
23 Then Israel traveled down to Egypt… the land of Ham was visited by Jacob. 24 His people then grew great in numbers, and mightier than their enemies He made them. 25 [God] changed their hearts so they’d hate His people, and to deal treacherously with His servants. 26 Then He sent Moses and His servant Aaron… those He had chosen for Himself… 27 and He sent the [Egyptians] His signs… to the land of Ham He sent miracles.
28 He sent darkness and everything was dark, but they still rebelled against His words. 29 He changed their waters into blood, and killed off all of their fish. 30 Then frogs crawled onto the land, and into the closets of kings. 31 He spoke and stable flies came, followed by fleas throughout all their borders. 32 Their rain He turned into hail and fire, which burned throughout the whole land. 33 Then He struck their grapevines and figs… He broke every tree in their borders. 34 He spoke, bringing grasshoppers and locust… so many they couldn’t be counted. 35 They devoured all of the grass, and all the fruit in their land. 36 Then He struck all the firstborn throughout the land; the first-fruit of all they’d accomplished. 37 With silver and gold He led [Israel] away, and none in their tribes were then weak.
38 Egypt was happy to just see them leave, for they were overcome with great fear. 39 Then He opened and spread out a cloud to protect them, and He sent fire as their light through the night. 40 They asked Him for [meat] and then came the quail, and with the bread of heaven they were filled. 41 He tore open the rock and water flowed from it, and through the desert flowed rivers. 42 For, His Holy Word He had remembered… what He had spoken to Abraham His servant. 43 So He led out His people shouting in joy… those who He chose left there happy. 44 Then He gave them the lands of great nations, and they inherited the things they had worked for.
45 So, they should now guard His decisions, and always search for His Laws.
Psalm 106
1 Praise Jehovah for He’s our provider, and His mercies last through the ages. 2 Who will tell of His mighty deeds, and speak out loud in His praise?
3 Blest are those who are honest, and doing what’s righteous in each season. 4 O Jehovah, please don’t forget us, or the kindness You’ve shown to Your people. Visit us with Your salvation!
5 Your elected should find joy in seeing what is good, and Your nation should applaud the inheritance You’ve given. 6 But we and our fathers have sinned… we’ve broken [Your] Laws and done wrong! 7 Why, even our fathers in Egypt, did not understand all Your wonders, nor did they remember Your wonderous mercy; why they even rebelled while descending into the Red Sea. 8 Yet, He saved them because of His Name, and to make known His great power. 9 So He scolded the Sea and it dried up… He guided them through the abyss in the desert. 10 He saved them from those by whom they were hated… He ransomed them from their enemy’s hands. 11 Then those who oppressed them He covered with water, and not a single one then survived.
12 When they trusted His Word they were blest, 13 but they quickly forgot what He’d done, and they failed to await His instructions. 14 They wanted the things they desired, so they tested God in the desert. 15 So He gave them the things that they asked for, and sent them enough to fill up their souls. 16 But they provoked Moses to rage in the camp, as well as Aaron, [God’s] Holy One. 17 So He opened the earth and it swallowed down Dathan, and covered the gathering of AbiRon. 18 A fire then blazed in the midst of their group, and flames consumed all the sinners.
19 They made a calf there in that dry place, and they bowed down to that carving. 20 They changed [His] Glory to a calf that eats grass, 21 forgetting their God (He who had saved them), the One who did great things in Egypt, 22 with the wonders [He’d performed] in Ham’s land, and the awesome things at the Red Sea. 23 So He spoke and said He’d destroy them; but His chosen one Moses stood among them… those whom He would destroy. [Then Moses] faced Him to turn back His rage, so He would not wipe them away.
24 Then they looked with contempt on the desirable land, and didn’t trust in His word. 25 So in their tents they stood and grumbled, refusing to hear the voice of Jehovah. 26 Thus He lifted His hand up against them, to throw them down in the desert… 27 to send their seed off into nations, and scatter them to many places.
28 Then they [bowed to] Baal of Peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 They did all they could to provoke Him, and to bring more blows on themselves. 30 Yet, Phinehas stood and offered atonement, and abated [God’s plans of] devastation. 31 As the result, he was thought of as righteous, for generations and generations through the ages.
32 At the Water of Dispute they again made Him angry, and so evil was inflicted upon Moses. 33 It was there that they made his spirit bitter, and then he drew open his lips.
34 Thereafter they didn’t destroy all the nations, as Jehovah’d instructed… 35 they mixed with the nations and learned of their ways. 36 The idols [of nations] they served to offend Him, 37 and they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons… 38 innocent blood they poured out… the blood of their own sons and daughters. They sacrificed to the carvings of CanaAn, and polluted the land with murder and blood. 39 [So the land] was defiled by the things they had done, and they became practicing whores. 40 Thus Jehovah was enraged with His people… His inheritance He started to hate.
41 Then He gave them into their enemy’s hands… those who hated and ruled them. 42 He allowed their enemies to oppress them, and humbled them under their hands. 43 And though time and again He came to save them, they kept on making Him angry. All they did was talk back, so they were humbled for the bad things they did.
44 Yet when He saw how they were afflicted, He listened to the things that they begged for. 45 He remembered His Sacred Agreement, and in mercy turned to them once again… 46 before all those who took them as captives, He showed them His great compassion.
47 Deliver us O Jehovah our God, and assemble us back from the nations, so we once more can bless Your Holy Name, and boast aloud in Your praises! 48 Through ages of ages praise Jehovah, and may all peoples say ‘May it be.’
Psalm 107
Praise Jah!
1 Praise Jehovah because He provides; His mercy endures through the ages. 2 About Jehovah this was said, by those who He saved from their enemy’s hands. 3 From many places He gathered them back; from the north, south, east, and the sea. 4 They wandered the desert without water, and no town could they find as their home. 5 Their lives were failing from hunger and thirst, 6 so in great distress they called to Jehovah, and He rescued them from their condition. 7 He guided them in a straight path, to a city they could call their own home.
8 So, let them praise Jehovah for His mercy, and the wonders He brings to sons of men. 9 For He fills up lives that are empty, and those who are hungry He fills up with good things… 10 even those who sit in the shadow of death, and the poor who are shacked in irons.
11 Then they rebelled against the word of our God, and counsel from above they rejected. 12 So, they were humbled with trouble in their hearts; they were weakened and no one came to their aid. 13 Then in their affliction they called to Jehovah, and He saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the shadow of death, and He ripped open their bonds.
15 So, let them praise Jehovah for His mercy, and the wonders He brings upon sons of men. 16 He broke down the gates made of brass, and smashed the bars of iron into pieces. 17 From their lawless ways He removed them… because they were lawlessness they were humbled. 18 They could not eat their own food, and they were approaching death’s gates. 19 So in their affliction they cried out, and He delivered them from their distress… 20 He sent forth His word and it healed them, and saved them from their corruption. 21 May they praise Jehovah for His mercy, and the wonders He brings to sons of men. 22 They should offer to Him a sacrifice of praise, and joyfully shout of the things He has done!
23 The men who go to the sea in their boats, and work throughout many waters, 24 have beheld the works of Jehovah, and His wonders [in the waters of the] deep. 25 He spoke and established the winds and the gales, which raise [the water] creating high waves. 26 They reach to the sky and go down to the abyss, and then their evil lives melt away. 27 So [the sailors] are disturbed and they’re shaken; and their wisdom’s swallowed down as though they were drunk. 28 Then in their affliction they cry to Jehovah, and He leads them from their distress… 29 He gives orders to the gale, and it becomes just a breeze to quiet the waves. 30 Then when it’s stilled they are happy, and He guides them toward the harbor they seek.
31 So, let them praise Jehovah for His mercy, and the wonders He brings to sons of men. 32 Let them praise Him to gatherings of people, and before the seats of the elders. 33 For, into the desert He brought a river, and springs of water to a thirsty land. 34 Yet, the ground still brings forth bad fruit, because of the evils of those living there.
35 He turned a desert into lakes filled with water, and into dry ground [He put] springs. 36 There He settled those who were hungry, and gathered them to cities where they could live. 37 Then they planted vineyards and sowed fields, which brought the produce of fruit. 38 He blest them and they became many, and not few were their cattle. 39 But they were decreased and mistreated… afflicted with evil and grief. 40 Contempt was poured on their rulers, and He caused them to wander in places without roads.
41 But He’ll bring the needy from their poor condition, and treat their families like flocks. 42 Then all the upright will be joyful, but the mouths of the lawless will be blocked.
43 Who is wise and will do all these things, in order to see the mercies of Jehovah?
Psalm 108
A Psalm of David.
1 My heart is prepared, O my God… in my glory I’m prepared to sing and play! 2 Awaken my glory, my lute, and my harp, and I’ll be awakened at dawn.
3 O Jehovah; I’ll praise You among all the peoples; to You I’ll strum among all the nations. 4 For Your mercy is greater and higher than the sky, and Your truth reaches into the clouds.
5 May Your glory become higher than the sky, O God, and far above the whole earth, 6 so that Your loved ones are saved. O save with Your right hand… please hear me!
7 In Holiness our God has spoken and said, ‘[My Name] will now be raised high. I will subdivide Shechem, and lay out tents in its valley. 8 Gilead is Mine, ManasSeh is Mine, and EphraIm is the pillow for My head. 9 Judah’s My king, and Moab is the kettle of My hope for Idumea. I will [extend] my shoe [and step down], and then to Me Philistines will submit. 10 And the fortified cities… who can take from Me? Who can serve as My guide to Idumea?’
11 Isn’t it You, O God, who pushed us away? And will not You attack with Your armies? 12 Send us some help in our time of affliction, for the salvation of man has no value. 13 Only through God will we have any power; only He can treat our enemies with contempt.
Psalm 109
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 O God of my praise, don’t be silent, 2 for sinners and liars have spoken against me. They speak against me with tongues of deceit, 3 and with hateful words they surround me. 4 They war against me for no reason. Instead of love they send slander; yet to You I have prayed. 5 Instead of good they’ve brought bad, and shown hatred [in return for] my love.
6 Set him among all the sinners; put the Slanderer at his right hand. 7 When being judged may he leave as condemned, and may his prayers be viewed as just sins. 8 May his days become few, and may others take his position. 9 May his sons become orphans, and may his wife be a widow. 10 Let his sons wander and beg. May they be driven away from their homes. 11 May bankers search for all his possessions, and strangers plunder the things he has worked for. 12 Let there be no one to shield him; may no one pity his orphans. 13 May his children be completely wiped out, and his name be erased in one generation. 14 May Jehovah remember the sins of his father; may the sins of his mother not be erased. 15 May they always stand before You O Jehovah, and may his memory be gone from the land.
16 Because he forgot to show mercy; he pursued a man who is needy and poor, and sought to kill one who was broken in heart. 17 Since he loved curses, let him receive them; he offered no blessings, so may they stay far. 18 He wore his curses like a robe; they poured like water inside him, and became like oil in his bones. 19 So let him wear them as a robe, and like a belt that he wraps on his waist.
20 It’s Jehovah’s reward for those who have slandered, and those who speak evil of my soul. 21 O Lord Jehovah, please help me, for the sake of Your Name and Your mercy. 22 Rescue me for I’m poor and in need, and my heart is deeply disturbed. 23 I’ve been removed like a shadow that passes; I’ve been [eaten] away as by locusts. 24 My knees are weakened from fasting, and for lack of oil my flesh has been changed. 25 To them I’m someone to laugh at; they see me and just shake their heads.
26 Help me Jehovah my God; do so in Your great mercy! 27 Then let them know that it’s Your hand… that it’s You O Jehovah who did it! 28 On themselves may they bring their own curses, as You [my God] bring [me] blessings. May those who rise against me be shamed, but may Your servant be glad. 29 On those who are slandering bring shame, and wrap their shame around them like clothes. 30 Then I will offer to You praises… O Jehovah; With my mouth I’ll praise You to many. 31 [God] stands at the right of this one who’s in need, to save me from those pursuing my life.
Psalm 110
A Psalm of David.
1 Jehovah said to my Lord: ‘Sit down [here] at my right hand, ‘til I make your enemies a stool for your feet. 2 A strong scepter Jehovah will send you from Zion, and in the midst of your enemies you’ll rule. 3 In that mighty day you’ll be the sovereign, and in the brightness of your holy ones you’ll shine. For, since the time that you came from the womb, I made you to be the morning star.’
4 An oath was sworn by Jehovah, for which He will never repent. He said: ‘You are a Priest through the ages, as in the order of MelchiZedek, 5 and you’ll [sit at] at Jehovah’s right hand.’
In the day of his rage he will shatter the kings; 6 among the nations he’ll be the judge, then he’ll fill their [lands] up with corpses, and many heads on the earth he will break. 7 From the [Kidron] Wadi he will drink, and he will hold his head high.
Psalm 111
Praise Jah!
1 I’ll praise You Jehovah with my whole heart, for the instructions [that I’ll share with] the righteous.
2 The deeds of Jehovah are great, and He searches for those He desires. 3 Majestic and worthy are the things that He does, and His justice endures for ages of ages.
4 He’s made His wonders to not be forgotten, and Jehovah shows empathy and pity. 5 He nourishes all those who fear Him, and through ages remembers His Sacred Agreement.
6 His powerful deeds He’s announced to His people, for He’s given them the nations as their inheritance. 7 The works of His hands are just and true, and His Commandments can always be trusted.
8 Truth and uprightness are fixed, so they’ll last through ages of ages. 9 He’ll pay the ransom for His people, and through the ages He’ll give instructions, about His Holy Sacred Agreement, and of how His Name should be feared.
10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah; goodness and understanding come to those who observe this. His praises abide through the age, and on through the ages of ages.
Psalm 112
Praise Jah.
1 Blest is the man who fears Jehovah, and greatly desires His Commandments. 2 For his seed will grow strong on the earth, and generations of the just will be blest. 3 Glory and wealth will be in his house, and through ages of ages his righteous ways will endure.
4 From darkness he brings light to the upright; 5 and on the righteous he shows pity and mercy.
5 A kind man feels compassion and lends, and he manages his matters in justice. 6 So, through the age he will not be shaken, for the righteous are remembered through the ages.
7 Then, when he hears bad news he won’t be afraid, for he’s readied his heart to trust in Jehovah. 8 His heart is sure so he won’t be afraid, even in the face of those who oppose him.
9 He has contributed to those who’re in need, and through the age he has been just, so his horn will be raised high in glory. 10 Then the sinner will see this and he’ll become angry; he’ll grind his teeth and then just melt away… all that the sinner desired will be gone.
Psalm 113
Praise Jah.
1 Praise Jehovah, O you His servants; praise the Name of the Lord. 2 May the Name Jehovah be praised, right now and on through the age.
3 From the dawning of the sun until its descent, it praises the Name of the Lord. 4 For Jehovah is high above all the nations, since His glory exists in the heavens.
5 Who is like Jehovah our God; He who lives in high places? 6 He pays attention to those who are humble… those in heaven and those on the earth.
7 He raises the poor from the ground, and the needy from out of manure, 8 to set them down with the rulers… the rulers who are over His people.
9 He provides a home for barren women, as well as houses for mothers of many.
Psalm 114
Praise Jah.
1 After the exodus of Israel from Egypt (when the house of Jacob left barbaric peoples), 2 Judea became His Holy Place, and Israel is His power to accomplish.
3 The sea beheld this and them moved away; the Jordan turned around and flowed backward; 4 the mountains started leaping like rams, and the hills also acted like little lambs. What is it with you O sea; why did you turn back and run? And you O Jordan; why did you start to run backward? 6 O Mountains; Why are you leaping like rams? And hills; why are you acting like lambs?
7 In the presence of Jehovah the whole earth is shaken… yes in the presence of Jacob’s God. 8 For He turned rock into a water-filled lake… from stone He chiseled out springs. 9 But not for our sake, O Jehovah… not for us, but to glorify Your Name, and because of Your mercy and truth, 10 so the nations will not ask ‘Where’s their God?’
11 Our God lives in the heavens, and He does as He wants on the earth. 12 But the nations worship idols of silver and gold… things that were made by men’s hands. 13 Mouths they have but they cannot speak; eyes they have but they cannot see; 14 ears they have but they cannot hear; they also have noses but they cannot smell. 15 They have hands but they cannot hold; they also have feet but they cannot walk… nor can they speak with their throats. 16 Let those who made them be like them, as well as all who [bow down] before them.
17 The house of Israel hopes in Jehovah; He’s their defender and helper. 18 The house of Aaron hopes in Jehovah; He’s their defender and helper. 19 All those who are fearing Jehovah, are those who trust in the Lord, for He’s their defender and helper.
20 Jehovah remembered and blest us; the house of Israel He has blest, and the house of Aaron He has blest; 21 He has blest those fearing the Lord great and small.
22 May the Lord provide for you and your sons… 23 may you be blest by Jehovah… He who created the heavens and earth. 24 For the heavens belong to Jehovah, but to the sons of men He gave the earth.
25 The dead will not praise You Jehovah, nor will those going down to the grave. 26 It is we the living who offer You praise, both now and into the ages.
Psalm 115
Praise Jah.
1 I love [the fact] that Jehovah will listen, to the sounds of the things that I beg for. 2 For, He has leaned His ear down toward me, and I’ll call upon Him all my days.
3 By the pangs of death I’ve been encircled… dangers of the grave are now all around me, and I know affliction and grief. 4 So, I’ll call on the Name of the Lord: ‘Oh Jehovah, please save my life!’
5 Merciful and just is Jehovah, for our God is He who shows mercy. 6 He’s the One that guards infants; yes by this Lord I’ve been humbled and saved.
7 O my soul, return to your rest, for Jehovah has watched over you. 8 My life He has rescued from death; my eyes [He has saved] from [many] tears; and [He has kept] my feet from wrong steps.
9 Before Jehovah I wish to be pleasing, and to be found in the place of the living.
Psalm 116
Praise Jah.
1 I was proud and that’s why I spoke, but I was exceedingly humbled. 2 For, in my ecstasy I said, ‘All men are just liars.’
3 With what can I repay Jehovah, for all that He’s done for me? 4 I will accept His cup of salvation, and on the Name Jehovah I’ll call. 5 My vows to Jehovah I’ll render, there before all His people. 6 Yes, there before all His holy ones, I’ll show my regard for Jehovah.
7 O Jehovah, I am Your servant; the son of Your female slave. It is You who tore off my bonds, 8 so a sacrifice of praise I will offer, and on the Name Jehovah I’ll call.
9 I will pay my vows to Jehovah, before all of His people, 10 there in the courtyard of [His] House… there in Jerusalem’s midst.
Psalm 117
Praise Jah.
1 Praise Jehovah you nations! May He be praised by all you people, 2 for His mercy upon us is strong, and the truth of Jehovah lasts through the age.
Psalm 118
Praise Jah.
1 Praise Jehovah because He is good, and His mercy endures through the ages. 2 May the house of Israel say ‘He is good, and His mercy endures through the ages.’ 3 May the house of Aaron say ‘He is good, and His mercy endures through the ages.’ 4 May those fearing Jehovah say ‘He is good, and His mercy endures through the ages.’
5 In my affliction I called to Jehovah, and He answered my prayers in a great way. 6 Jehovah’s my helper so I will not fear, whatever things men can do. 7 For since Jehovah is my helper, my enemies will be inspected by me.
8 It is better to yield to Jehovah, than to give in to men. 9 It is better to hope in Jehovah, than to put trust in your rulers.
10 All the nations once had me surrounded, but in the Name of the Lord I pushed them away. 11 They had me encircled… I was surrounded, but in Jehovah’s Name I pushed them away. 12 As bees on a honeycomb I was covered, but they were burned away like a thorn-bush on fire… in the Name of the Lord I pushed them away.
13 I was stabbed through and fell flat on the ground, when Jehovah took hold of my [hand]. 14 Jehovah’s my strength and my song of praise… He has become my Savior. 15 He’s the voice of shouting in joy, and a Savior in the tents of the righteous.
Jehovah’s right hand has acted in power, 16 and by His right hand I was lifted… yes, Jehovah’s right hand has acted in power, 17 so I will not die, I will live, and I will describe the works of the Lord! 18 Jehovah has given me correction, and to death He did not hand me over. 19 The gates of justice opened before me, so I will walk through and confess to the Lord. 20 For this is the gate of Jehovah, and all the righteous pass through it.
21 Because You heard me I will confess… yes, because You are my Savior. 22 The stone that the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone… 23 it’s by Jehovah that this happened, and it’s a wonderful thing in our eyes.
24 This is the day that was made by the Lord, and for it we’ll cry out in joy: 25 ‘O Jehovah, please save us! O Lord, please bless our way! 26 Blest is he who comes in God’s Name… from Jehovah’s House we will praise you!’
27 Jehovah is God and He’s shining upon us, so gather for a great holiday… come with many sacrifices, to offer upon the horns of the Altar.
28 You are my God, so to You I’ll confess. You are my God, so I’ll hold You high. I’ll confess that You have listened to me, and that You are my Savior. 29 Because He is good I’ll confess to Jehovah, and His mercy endures through the ages.
Psalm 119
Praise Jah.
1 Those who are spotless are blest… those who follow the Law of Jehovah. 2 Those who search for His proofs are blest… those who seek Him with their whole hearts. 3 But those who keep breaking His Laws, have never followed His ways.
4 You have told them to keep Your Commandments. 5 O straighten my ways to follow Your Laws, 6 so in no way will I ever be shamed, by failing to keep Your Commandments.
7 To You I’ll confess with a pure heart, and I will learn of Your judgments and justice. 8 I’ll follow all of Your Laws, so do not leave me abandoned.
9 How can a young man keep his ways straight? By obeying Your Word with his whole heart. 10 And with all my heart I’ve inquired of You, so from Your Commandments don’t thrust me away.
11 Your prophecies I’ve hidden inside my heart, so I will not sin against You. 12 May You be praised O Jehovah; please teach me [all of] Your ways.
13 With my lips I’ll declare the decisions, that have come from Your mouth. 14 In the testimonies You’ve given I have delighted, and I’ve placed them high above wealth.
15 Upon Your Commandments I’ll meditate, and I’ll contemplate all of Your ways. 16 I’ll also think of Your Laws, and never forget the things You have said.
17 Bless and invigorate Your servant, and I will do as You’ve said. 18 Uncover my eyes and I’ll contemplate, the wonders of all Your Laws.
19 I’m just a visitor in this land, so do not hide Your Commandments. 20 My soul has longed for Your judgments… they’ve been my desire on every occasion.
21 You have reproached all the proud, and those who reject Your Commandments are cursed. 22 So, remove from me all the scorn and contempt, for into Your proofs I’ve inquired.
23 Against Your servant the rulers spoke ill, but Your servant has thought of Your righteous ways. 24 For Your testimonies are the things that I contemplate, and Your Laws are my advice.
25 My soul is stuck to the floor, but Your Word is giving me life. 26 My ways I’ve openly declared, and You have heard [all my prayers]. Teach me Your rules 27 and show Me Your Laws. Bring understanding to me, and on Your wonders I’ll meditate.
28 Due to indifference my soul was asleep, so make me firm in Your words. 29 Remove from me the ways of injustice, and mercifully [teach me] Your Laws.
30 The way of truth I have chosen, and Your decisions I haven’t forgotten. 31 I’ve stuck by all Your just ways, so O Lord, [please] don’t put me to shame.
32 In the way of Your Commandments I’ve run, from the time that You widened my heart. 33 So, establish for me the way of Your Laws, and I’ll always seek them, Jehovah.
34 Bring understanding to me, and Your Law I’ll search for and guard with my heart. 35 On the road of Your Commandments please guide me, for that is what I’ve always desired.
36 Lean my heart toward Your righteous ways, not toward the desire for great wealth. 37 Please give direction to my eyes, so I’ll never look at what’s foolish.
Make me alive in Your ways! 38 Give Your servant an omen to fear You! 39 Remove all the scorn and the things that I dread, because Your decisions are [just and] kind.
40 Your Commandments I’ve always desired, so make me alive in the ways of Your justice. 41 Bring to me Your mercy O Lord, and save me as You once promised. 42 Then I can answer those who berate me, for I’ve put my hope in Your words.
43 Don’t remove Your words of truth from my mouth, for I’ve put my hope in Your judgments. 44 I’ll guard Your Law through the ages, and into the age of ages.
45 Because I have searched Your Commandments, my life has become much greater. 46 I’ve spoken of Your ways before kings, and I was never ashamed.
47 Upon Your Commandments I’ve meditated, and them I’ve come to love dearly. 48 I’ve raised my hands to Your Commandments; I’ve loved and thought of Your rules.
49 Remember Your words to Your servant, which have raised my hopes high. 50 They comforted me in my humiliation, and Your omens brought back my life.
51 The proud have all been very unjust, but I’ve not turned from Your Laws. 52 Through the age I’ve remembered Your just decisions, and O Jehovah; they have brought me much comfort.
53 Because of the sinners I was depressed… those who’ve abandoned Your Laws. 54 Your rules are like chords of music to me; for wherever I go [they are with me].
55 During the night I think of Your Name; O Jehovah, I have followed Your Law. 56 All the [good] things that happened to me, have come because I searched for Your ways.
57 O Jehovah; You are the share I was given, and I’ve spoken of guarding Your Law. 58 With my whole heart I’ve begged to Your face, so show mercy on me as You promised.
59 Oh, I have argued Your ways, and I’ve turned my feet toward Your proofs. 60 I prepared myself and was never disturbed, to keep all of Your Commandments.
61 By the cords of sinners I’ve been twisted, but I’ve not forgotten Your Laws. 62 At midnight I awoke to make a confession, about Your decisions and justice.
63 I’m a partner to all those who fear You… those who keep Your commandments. 64 With Your mercy the whole earth is filled, and I’ve been taught by Your rules.
65 You’ve used Your servant to do many good things, according to Your word, O Jehovah. 66 Instruct me in the knowledge of good, for in Your Commandments I’ve trusted.
67 Before I was humbled I’d committed sins, and because of this I’ve guarded Your omens. 68 Benevolent You are O Jehovah, and in Your kindness You’ve taught me Your Laws.
69 The injustice of the proud has burdened me down, but with my whole heart I’ll seek Your Commandments. 70 Like [spoiled] milk their hearts have been curdled, but I have thought of Your Laws.
71 It’s good that You’ve made me humble, so I would learn of Your rules. 72 For the Laws that have come from Your mouth, are more valued to me, than coins of silver and gold.
73 It was Your hands that made me and shaped me, so bring understanding to me, and I will learn Your Commandments.
74 Those fearing You will rejoice when they see me, for in Your words I have raised hope. 75 O Jehovah; I’ve seen the justice of Your judgments, and with Your truth You’ve humbled me.
76 In Your mercy [please] comfort me, as in the omen [You gave] to Your servant. 77 Show Your compassions to me and I’ll live, for Your Law is all that I think of.
78 May the proud be ashamed of injustice against me, for they have acted in lawless ways; but on Your Commandments I’ll meditate.
79 Turn toward me, all those fearing You… those who’ve seen all Your proofs. 80 Make my heart [pure] in Your rules, so I will not be ashamed. 81 My soul longs for salvation, and in Your words I’ve raised my hope.
82 My eyes have failed when it comes to Your signs, so when will You bring me some comfort? 83 I’m like a leather bag in the frost, yet Your rules I haven’t forgotten.
84 How many are the days of Your servant? When will You bring judgment on those who pursue me? 85 Lawbreakers have thought and plotted against me, but not by Your Law, O Jehovah.
86 All Your Commandments are true, but unjustly they’ve chased me and I need Your help. 87 Soon they’d have wiped me away from the ground, yet I’ve never left Your Commandments. 88 In Your mercy strengthen my life, and I’ll guard the words that come from Your mouth.
89 Through the ages, O Jehovah, Your word abides in the heavens. 90 From generation to generation Your truth has always been there… You laid the foundation of the earth and it lasts. 91 It’s at Your choosing that each day comes to be… all things are under Your power.
92 Had I not thought of Your Law, I’d have been destroyed in humiliation. 93 May I not forget Your rules through the age, for they have given me life.
94 Because I am Yours, please save me! For, I’ve searched for all of Your rules. 95 Yet sinners have stayed to destroy me, because I’ve paid attention to Your ways.
96 When I thought that I saw the end, Your Commandments provided [more] room. 97 How I have loved Your Law, O Jehovah; through the whole day it stays on my mind.
98 Above my enemies You made me much wiser, and Your Commandments are mine through the age. 99 I have see more than all those who taught me, for Your instructions are the things I considered. 100 I see more than all of the elders, because I have searched Your Commandments.
101 I’ve restrained my feet from what’s bad, so I can guard all Your words. 102 From Your judgments I’ve not turned aside, for You have established my laws.
103 How sweet to my throat are the things that You say; they’re like honey inside my mouth. 104 From Your Commandments I’ve learned, and I’ve hated the ways of injustice.
105 Your Law is a lamp to my feet, and it’s a light to all of my paths. 106 I have stood and swore by an oath, to guard Your justice and judgments.
107 O Jehovah, I have been humbled, so enliven me as You promised. 108 Voluntary offerings that come from my mouth, bring me much pleasure, O Jehovah, so teach me all Your decisions.
109 My life is always in Your hands, O Jehovah, and Your Law I have not forgotten. 110 Although sinners set snares in my paths, from Your Commandments I’ve never strayed.
111 I’ve inherited Your proofs through the age, and they make my heart leap for joy. 112 I’ve inclined my heart to pay attention to Your rules, through the age in repayment [for Your goodness].
113 Those who break laws I’ve detested, for I have loved all Your Laws. 114 You are my helper and shield, and by Your words I’ve raised my hopes.
115 Turn away from me, O you wicked, for I’ll search the Commandments of God. 116 Take hold of me [as You said] in Your omen; invigorate me… do not bring shame to my hopes.
117 Help me and I will be saved, then I’ll always think of Your rules. 118 But those who turned from me in contempt, have broken Your rules with unrighteous thoughts. 119 The sinners in the land are breaking Your Laws, and because of this, I’ve loved all Your proofs.
120 In fear of You they nailed up my flesh; because of Your judgments they feared me. 121 I brought justice and judgment, so do not save those who have wronged me.
122 Keep an eye on Your servant for good; don’t allow the proud extort me. 123 My eyes are waiting upon Your salvation, and the sacred words of Your justice.
124 In Your mercy deal with Your servant, and teach me Your righteous ways. 125 Help me to know, for I am Your servant, and I will make known all Your proofs.
126 It’s time to act, O Jehovah, for they’ve wiped away all Your Laws. 127 On account of this I’ve loved Your Commandments, more so than topaz or gold.
128 For this, I’ve followed Your rules; I’ve detested the ways of the unrighteous. 129 Wondrous are the proofs You’ve provided, and for them I’ll search with my whole life.
130 Manifestations of Your words shed light, and bring understanding to the simple.
131 I have opened my mouth and I’ve sighed, because Your Commandments I’ve longed for. 132 Look upon me and [please] show mercy; show mercy to those who love Your Name.
133 Please straighten my steps toward the ways I should walk; by Your promise may the lawless not rule me. 134 Ransom me from the extortion of men, and I will keep Your Commandments.
135 Show Your face to Your servant, and teach me all of Your rules. 136 For, streams of water flow from my eyes, whenever I’ve broken Your Laws.
137 You are righteous Jehovah, and all Your decisions are straight. 138 You’ve told us [that we must be] just, and the things that You say are all very true.
139 For You I have wasted away in my zeal, but my enemies have forgotten Your words. 140 The signs that You sent are like a great fire; Your servant loves them in truth.
141 Because I’m young I’m treated with contempt, but Your rules I haven’t forgotten. 142 Your justice is righteous throughout the ages, and true are all of Your Laws.
143 Distress and afflictions have found me, but upon Your Commandments I still meditate. 144 Your proofs are just through the ages… help me understand them so I may continue to live.
145 I’ve cried out with my whole heart, ‘Hear me Jehovah and I’ll search for Your rules.’ 146 To You I called out ‘Please save me; and Your righteous ways I will follow.’
147 Sometime before midnight I called out [to You], and in Your words I have put hope. 148 Then as my eyes opened before dawn, I thought upon all of Your omens.
149 Hear my voice in Your mercy Jehovah. In Your justice make me alive. 150 Draw in the ones who lawlessly chase me, because they are far from Your Laws.
151 You are near O Jehovah, and all of Your ways are truthful. 152 From the beginning I’ve known of Your proofs, and that into ages You’ve made them.
153 See my humiliation and save me, for I’ve not forgotten Your Law. 154 Judge my case and [give justice]; for the sake of Your Word, make me alive.
155 O take me away, far from the sinners, for they haven’t searched for Your rules. 156 You are filled with compassion O Jehovah, so enliven me with Your righteous decisions.
157 Many are those who are driving me out… many are those who oppress me; yet I haven’t turned aside from Your proofs. 158 I’ve seen others who are lacking good sense… they’re wasting away for disobeying Your words.
159 Look, O Jehovah, I’ve loved Your Commandments! So in Your mercy make me alive. 160 Your words have been true from the start, and Your justice and judgments last through the ages.
161 Rulers have pursued me without a [legal] charge, and my heart was in dread of Your words. 162 But I’ll shout in praise of the omens You sent, as one who has found great plunder.
163 I’ve detested and abhorred all injustice, and Your Law I’ve always loved. 164 Seven times each day I have praised Your decisions, as well as all of Your justice.
165 Peace comes to those who love Your Law, and nothing can stand in their way. 166 O Jehovah; Your salvation I have expected, for Your Commandments I always have loved.
167 My soul has always guarded Your proofs; It has shown how much I truly love them. 168 I have kept Your words and Commandments… all my ways are before You, Jehovah.
169 O Jehovah; Please hear the things that I beg, and give me understanding as You showed in Your sign. 170 If I am worthy O Jehovah, please allow me now to approach You… please rescue me as You showed in Your signs.
171 From my lips I sang out a hymn, whenever You taught me Your rules. 172 With my tongue may I sing of Your signs, for all Your Commandments are righteous.
173 Send Your hand down to save me, for all Your Commandments I’ve adopted. 174 Your salvation is what I have longed for, Jehovah, and Your Law is all that I think of.
175 If You’ll allow me to live, I will [continue to] praise You, and then Your decisions will aid me. 176 As a sheep that would perish I’ve wandered alone, so please come and search for Your servant, because Your Commandments I’ve never forgotten.
Psalm 120
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 In my despair I called to Jehovah, and He listened to [my prayer]. 2 [I said]: ‘From the lips of the unrighteous please save me Jehovah, and from those with deceitful tongues.
3 ‘What can I give and what can I add, to those with tongues that are lying? 4 For all the arrows of the mighty, are now being sharpened in coals.
5 ‘Oh, I have traveled so far, and I’ve camped in [the Valley of] Cedars. 6 My soul has traveled to get far away, from all those who hate peace. 7 Though I spoke to them in a peaceable way, they waged war with me for no reason.’
Psalm 121
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 I’ve lifted my eyes toward the Mountain, from which comes all of my aid. 2 For, my help comes from Jehovah… He who made the heavens and earth. 3 In Him your feet will not stumble, for He who guards you doesn’t slumber; 4 He does not slumber or sleep… He who is Israel’s guard.
5 Jehovah’s your guard and He’s your protection; He’s always at your right hand. 6 So by day the sun will not strike you, nor will the moon during the night. 7 For, Jehovah will guard you from evil… the Lord watches over your soul. 8 Jehovah will guard your comings and goings, from now and into the ages.
Psalm 122
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 I’m overjoyed whenever they tell me, ‘To the house of Jehovah we’ll go, 2 where we’ll stand within Jerusalem’s gates.’
3 Jerusalem was built as a city, which we can all share together. 4 The tribes of Jehovah go up there, as is required by Israel’s Law. 5 For there sit the thrones from which come decisions… the thrones of the house of [King] David. 6 And there you can [pray] for Jerusalem’s peace, and prosperity for those loving you.
7 [Pray]: Let there be peace for your army, and prosperity for your fortified towers. 8 Because of my brothers and neighbors, I have asked for peace upon you… 9 I’ve come to the [House] of Jehovah our God, in order to ask good things for you.
Psalm 123
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 I have raised my eyes to He who lives in the heavens. 2 {Look!} As the eyes of a slave look to the hands of his master, and as the eyes of a handmaid look to the hands of her lady, our eyes look to Jehovah our God, until He takes pity on us.
3 Show mercy on us O Jehovah; show mercy on us, for we’ve been treated with contempt… 4 our lives have been filled with the scorn of the rich, and the contempt of those who are proud.
Psalm 124
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 Unless Jehovah was with us… 2 Say it Israel!
3 Unless Jehovah was with us, the men who attacked would have swallowed us down. 4 In their rage we’d be sunk in the water, and the wadis would have taken our lives… 5 their raging waters would have taken our lives.
6 Praise Jehovah for He has provided… He didn’t give us as game for their teeth. 7 Our lives have been rescued like sparrows, from the traps of a man who is hunting. For now their snares have been broken, and from them we have been rescued. 8 In the Name of the Lord we looked for our aid… He who made the heavens and earth.
Psalm 125
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 Those who put their trust in Jehovah, are like those [who live on] Mount Zion. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, will not be shaken through the age. 2 As she is surrounded by mountains, Jehovah has surrounded His people, both now and into the age.
3 Jehovah won’t allow the rod of the sinners, to [fall on the backs] of the righteous. They won’t be stretched out before them, and be mistreated by their hands.
4 O Jehovah, do good to the good, and for those who are having straight hearts. 5 But to those who are turning toward badness, along with the lawless remove them, O Lord.
Peace to Israel!
Psalm 126
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 When Jehovah returns the captives of Zion, it will bring us much comfort. 2 With joyful [cries] our mouths will be filled, and with our tongues we’ll shout cheers. Then those of the nations will say, ‘Jehovah has made Himself great, in the way that He’s dealing with them.’ 3 Yes, He has made Himself great, in the way that He’s dealing with us, for He has made us all joyful.
4 Jehovah, return all our captives, as You [return water] to the streams in the south. 5 Then those who are planting with tears, will harvest with cries that are joyful. 6 For the ones who were taken are gone, and those scattering their seeds do so with tears. But when they return we’ll be shouting in joy, as we carry our sheaves [of grain].
Psalm 127
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 If the house isn’t built by Jehovah, its builders have [worked hard] in vain. And if Jehovah’s not guarding the city, it’s in vain to stay awake and keep guard… 2 yes, though you rise early and go to bed late, it will all be in vain. O you who are eating bread of grief; when will He bring sleep to those whom He loves?
3 {Look!} The inheritance of Jehovah is sons; they are the wage and the fruit of the womb. 4 The sons born to you are like arrows, in the hands of the mighty. 5 So, the blest are those who’ve fill their [quivers] with [sons], for they will not be disgraced, when they address their enemies at their gates.
Psalm 128
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 Blest are those who fear Jehovah… those who walk in His ways. 2 For, from the works of your hands you will eat… you’ll be blest and things will go well. 3 Your wife will prosper like the grapevine, which grows on the walls of your house; and your sons will be like new-planted olives, as they sit at your table.
4 {Look!} The man who fears Jehovah is blest… 5 may He bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem’s good things, all the days of your life, 6 and may You behold the sons of your sons… may there be peace upon Israel!
Psalm 129
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 Many times they’ve waged war against me, since the time of my youth… Say it Israel!
2 Many times they’ve waged war against me, since the time of my youth, yet they were unable to beat me.
3 To my back the sinners conspired, and continued in their lawless ways. 4 But [Jehovah our God] is righteous, for He has chopped off the necks of the sinners.
5 Let them be shamed and forced to retreat… all those detesting Mount Zion. 6 Let them become like the grass on the roofs, after it’s pulled up and dried.
7 Why hasn’t the harvester filled up his hands, or collected the sheaves to his bosom? 8 Because, those who passed didn’t offer this blessing: ‘We bless you in the Name of the Lord.’
Psalm 130
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 To You I cried from the depths, O Jehovah: 2 ‘O Jehovah, please hear my voice! May Your ears hear the words of my prayers. 3 O Lord; If You look upon all our lawless deeds, who will then stand [before You], Jehovah? 4 But although You should be feared, You have covered our sins.
Because of Your Name I’ve waited for You… 5 O Jehovah; My soul has awaited Your word. 6 In the Lord my life has put hope, from the watch in the morning until late at night.
7 Let Israel put hope in Jehovah, for He provides mercy and [He pays our] ransom… 8 He’ll ransom Israel from their lawless ways.
Psalm 131
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 O Jehovah; My heart is not too exalted, nor are my eyes raised too high. I haven’t [spoken of] of great things, or of the wonders above me.
2 I will have sinned if I were not humble, but now my life has been raised, as one who was weaned by his mother. So please will You ransom my soul?
3 In Jehovah let Israel hope, both now and into the age.
Psalm 132
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 O Jehovah; Remember [King] David and all his gentle ways. 2 For, he swore an oath to Jehovah… to the God of Jacob he made a vow. (He said), 3 ‘Will I go into the tent of my house? Will I ascend to make a casket my bed? 4 Will I let my eyes fall asleep, and my eyelids slumber and rest in my home? 5 When will I find a place for Jehovah… a Temple for Jacob’s God?’
6 Look! We’ve heard that it was in EphRatha… and in the plains among the groves we found it. 7 So, we’ll go to His Tent and we’ll bow… in the place that is His footstool.
8 From Your rest, arise O Jehovah, and [come to] the Chest in Your Holy Place. 9 Then Your Priests will make themselves righteous, and Your holy ones will cry out in joy.
10 Because of David Your servant, from Your anointed don’t turn away. 11 For, You swore this oath to David in truth, and You will never annul it: ‘The fruit of your belly I’ll establish on your throne. 12 And if they guard My Sacred Agreement, and obey all the rules that I’ll teach them, through the ages, your sons will sit on your throne.’
13 For Jehovah has chosen [Mount] Zion; He chose it as His place to dwell. (He said): 14 ‘This is [where I’ll] rest for ages of ages; it’s what I’ve selected and where I will dwell.
15 ‘Her blest wild beasts I’ll bless, and her poor I’ll fill up with bread. 16 Her Priests I’ll clothe with salvation, and with cheers I’ll make her holy ones cheerful.
17 ‘Then David’s trumpet I’ll cause to be raised, and a lamp for My anointed I’ve prepared. 18 I will clothe his enemies in shame, but upon him I’ll make holiness blossom.’
Psalm 133
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 {Look!} How good and delightful it is, when brothers all live together. 2 It’s like perfumed oil that runs down the beard… upon Aaron’s beard then runs down his clothes. 3 It’s like the dew on [Mount] Hermon, that runs down to Mount Zion. For it’s there that Jehovah gave [meaning], to the blessing of life in the age.
Psalm 134
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh].
1 Praise Jehovah, all you His servants, those standing in the House of Jehovah… those who stand in the courtyards, of the House of our God through the night. 2 Raise your hands to His Holy Place, and then give praise to the Lord. 3 May Jehovah bless you from Zion, He who made the heavens and earth.
Psalm 135
Praise Jah.
1 Praise the Name of the Lord; Praise Him you servants of Jah… 2 you who stand in the House of Jehovah, and in the courtyards of the House of our God. 3 Praise Jehovah, because He is good. Play music to His good Name. 4 For He chose Jacob as His own… as a prized possession of Israel’s Lord
5 I know that Jehovah is great, and our Lord is above all other gods. 6 All that He wants He has done in the sky, as well as here on earth, and in the seas and their depths. 7 He leads the clouds from the ends of the earth. It’s He who made the lightning and rain, and He brings the wind from His storehouse.
8 He struck the firstborn of Egypt; all those from animals to men. 9 Signs and wonders He sent throughout Egypt… upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He’s the One who struck many nations, and killed many strong kings. 11 There was Seon the Amorite king, as well as Og, king of BaShan, and all the kingdoms of CanaAn. 12 Their land He gave for us to inherit… for His people Israel to own.
13 O Jehovah; Your Name [lasts] through the ages; from generation to generation it’s how You are known. 14 Jehovah will judge all His people, and then His people will bring Him great comfort.
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold… they are the works of men’s hands. 16 A mouth they have but they cannot speak; eyes they have but they cannot see; 17 ears they have but they cannot hear, nor have they breath in their mouths. 18 May those who made them be like them, as well as all those who serve them.
19 O house of Israel, praise Jehovah! O house of Aaron, praise Jehovah! 20 O house of Levi, praise Jehovah! All those fearing the Lord, praise Jehovah! 21 May Jehovah be praised in Zion… He who dwells in Jerusalem.
Psalm 136
Praise Jah.
1 Let’s confess to Jehovah because He is good, and His mercy is into the ages. 2 Let’s confess to the God of all gods, for His mercy is into the ages. 3 Let’s confess to the Lord of all lords, for His mercy is into the ages. 4 For He does things wondrous and great, and His mercy is into the ages.
5 It’s He who skillfully crafted the sky, and His mercy is into the ages. 6 Above the waters He made the ground solid, and His mercy is into the ages. 7 He alone made great lights [in the sky], and His mercy is into the ages. 8 He made the sun the ruler of day, and His mercy is into the ages. 9 The moon and the stars He made rulers of night, and His mercy is into the ages.
10 It was He who struck the firstborn of Egypt, and His mercy is into the ages; 11 then from their midst He led Israel out, for His mercy is into the ages; 12 with His strong hand and His arms raised high, for His mercy is into the ages. 13 Then He divided the Red Sea in half, for His mercy is into the ages; 14 and He led Israel [down] through its midst, for His mercy is into the ages. 15 He shook Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, for His mercy is into the ages.
16 It is He who led His people in the desert, for His mercy is into the ages. 17 There many great kings He struck down, for His mercy is into the ages… 18 yes many strong kings He then killed, for His mercy is into the ages… 19 such as Seon the Amorite king, for His mercy is into the ages… 20 as well as Og, king of Bashan, for His mercy is into the ages. 21 Then as our inheritance He gave us their land, for His mercy is into the ages… 22 an inheritance to Israel His servant, for His mercy is into the ages.
23 In our humiliation He didn’t forget us, for His mercy is into the ages; 24 and from the hands of our enemies [He paid our] ransom, for His mercy is into the ages. 25 Then nourishment for our flesh He provided, for His mercy is into the ages. 26 So, confess to God O you heavens, for His mercy is into the ages.
Psalm 137
A Psalm of David through Jeremiah.
1 At the rivers of Babylon we sat, and wept remembering Zion… 2 yes, we hung our instruments up on the willows in its midst. 3 For it was there that our captors had asked us, to sing them the words of our songs… yes those who took us away had asked: ‘From the odes of Zion, sing us a song.’
4 How can we sing the songs of Jehovah, within an alien land? 5 O Jerusalem; Should I ever forget you, may I also forget my right hand. 6 May my tongue stick to my throat, if I should fail to prefer and remember, Jerusalem, as I did in my joy long ago.
7 Remember the sons of Edom, O Jehovah, when it’s Jerusalem’s day… those who said ‘Make it empty… empty it to its very foundations!’
8 O daughters of miserable Babylon; blest is the One who repays you, with the same sort of payment you brought upon us… 9 yes, blest is the one who will grab hold of you, and dash your infants on the rocks!
Psalm 138
A Psalm for David, by HagGai and ZachariJah.
1 With my whole heart I thank You Jehovah, and before the messengers I will sing songs, for You have heard all the words from my mouth. 2 Toward Your Holy House I will bow, and I’ll give thanks to Your Name, because of Your mercy and truth… yes Your Holy Name that You’ve raised above all.
3 In whatever day that I call upon You, please quickly answer my prayer, and give my soul the strength to endure. 4 Let all the kings of the earth give You thanks, for they’ve heard all the words that come from Your mouth. 5 Then let them sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of Jehovah is great. 6 Although Jehovah is high, He still cares for the lowly, but those who are haughty He sees from afar.
7 Though I should walk through the midst of hard times, You will bring vigor to me. Against the rage of my enemies, You have stretched out Your hands, and with Your right hand You have saved me.
8 O Lord; On my behalf please repay them, for Your mercy, Jehovah, lasts through the ages. Please don’t overlook the works of Your hands!
Psalm 139
To the director; A Psalm.
1 O Jehovah, You’ve tried me and known me. 2 You know when I rise and when I sit down, and from afar You’ve known all my thoughts. 3 You’ve traced out my paths through bent grass, and looked out ahead of the way that I’ll go, 4 so You know that there’s no deceit in my tongue.
Look, O Jehovah; There’s nothing that You do not know… 5 the things that have past and the things that will be. You shaped me and then laid me in Your hand. 6 The knowledge of You brings wonder and strength… but there’s no way that I will ever attain it.
7 Where could I go [to hide] from Your Breath, and where could I flee from Your presence? 8 You’d be there if I [flew] into the sky, and You’d be at hand if I went to the grave. 9 If I could take wings [and fly to] the dawn, or should I camp at the ends of the seas, 10 Your hand would be there to guide me, and You’d hold me in Your right hand.
11 I said: ‘I’ll surely be trampled by darkness, and the night will shine on my despotic ways. 12 For darkness isn’t darkness to You; night is as day and darkness as light. 13 Why, You [have examined] my kidneys… it was You who took me from my mother’s womb! 14 So, I will offer You praise; for, of the wonders of Your works I’ve wondered in fear… and the man that I am knows how true that is.
15 Even my bones weren’t hidden from You, when You made me in secret… when I was conceived on the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me before I began, for the days of all men are written in Your scroll… on the day they are formed and no one’s among them.
17 How precious are Your thoughts, O my God, for from the beginning they’re exceedingly strong. 18 And if I could count them there’d be more than sand; yet when I awake You’re still with me.
19 Please kill the sinners O God… turn away all men of blood! 20 For, concerning their thoughts You have said, that they act like fools in Your cities.
21 O Jehovah; Don’t I detest those who hate You, and against Your enemies show zeal? 22 In perfect hatred I’ve learned to detest them, and they have become my enemies also.
23 So, try me, O God, and examine my heart… examine me and know all my paths. 24 See if lawlessness ways are within me, then guide me in the ways of the ages.
Psalm 140
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 Take me away, O Jehovah, from all men who are wicked… save me from the unrighteous… 2 those whose hearts are unrighteous all day, and who are ready for war! 3 For, like snakes they have sharpened their tongues, and the poison of asps is under their lips.
4 From the hands of sinners please guard me, Jehovah… from unrighteous men take me away… those who lay plans to stumble my feet. 5 For against me the proud have hidden their snares; lines they’ve extended to trip up my feet; and obstacles they’ve placed near the road.
6 I said to Jehovah, ‘You are my God; O Lord give ear to the voice of my prayers! 7 O my Lord and power of salvation; in the day of the battle, overshadow my head.’
8 O Jehovah; Don’t greant [the wicked] what they desire, for the sinners who are railing against me. And do not leave me, lest at any time, they should gain the upper hand. 9 Bring trouble to the heads of those who surround me, and cover over their lips. 10 Into coals of fire may they fall… throw them into great misery, and may they not stand up again! 11 May those who slander not prosper; may the unrighteous hunt them like prey, and search for [good] ways to harm them.
12 I know that Jehovah keeps watch on the poor, and defends the cause of the needy. 13 So, may the righteous sing praise to Your Name; may the upright will dwell in [the light] of Your face.
Psalm 141
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah, I’ve cried out to You. Hear and pay attention to my prayers as I call. 2 May my prayers rise before You like incense, and the raising my hands as an offering in the evening.
3 O Jehovah; Set a watch for my mouth, and a citadel door for my lips. 4 Don’t allow wicked words to enter my heart, or to make excuses for the deeds of the lawless. I’ll have nothing to do with the things they’ve [extorted], 5 so may the righteous correct me in mercy. May the oil of sinners never be used, as an anointment for my head, for my prayers are against the things that would please them.
6 It was near the Rock that their mighty were swallowed, so they found that My words were well spoken. 7 For the thick ground then ripped open, and their bones spewed into their graves.
8 In You, O Jehovah my Lord, my eyes have trusted in hope, that my life You won’t take away. 9 Keep me from the snares they’ve concocted… from the obstacles of those who are lawless.
10 May the sinners be caught inside their own nets, and remain alone 'til I’ve passed them by.
Psalm 142
A Psalm of contemplation by David about the time when he was in the cave praying.
1 With my voice I cried to Jehovah, and to Him I was begging. 2 I’ll pour out before Him the things that I need, and tell Him of how I’m oppressed.
3 You know that my breath has failed me, and they’ve hidden a snare on this road that I walk. 4 I looked to the right and observed, but I found no one there who knew me… there was nowhere to run, and about my life no one inquired.
5 So, I cried out to You, O Jehovah; I called out to You for You are my hope; You’re my share in the land of the living. 6 So, please hear the things that I beg, for I’ve been made very humble. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they’ve become stronger than me. 7 Lead my life from this prison, so I may keep praising Your Name. For the righteous will still be there waiting, until the time You return me.
Psalm 143
A Psalm of David about when his son was pursuing him.
1 Please hear my prayer O Jehovah. In Your truth hear the things that I beg for. Listen to me in Your justice, 2 and on Your servant do not pass judgment, for none of the living are righteous before You.
3 My enemy has chased me and humbled my soul; my life has been cut to the ground. Through the rest of the age he has placed me, in the darkness reserved for the dead.
4 The spirit within me was bothered, and my heart was very disturbed. 5 Then days of old I remembered; I thought of the things You have done; on the works of Your hands I meditated.
6 I opened my [arms] and spread them before You, for my life is now like a land with no water. 7 But quickly You heard me Jehovah, [before] I gave up my breath.
From me do not turn Your face, so I won’t be as those who go into the pit. 8 May I be heard again in the morning, for I have hoped in Your mercy.
O Jehovah; Please show me the way I should go, for to You I have lifted my soul. 9 From my enemies please save me O Lord, for I’ve taken refuge in You.
10 You are my God, so teach me to do as You wish. Your Breath is good and will guide me, in paths that are straight.
11 Because of Your Name, O Jehovah, You will allow me to live, and Your justice will lead me, away from this pain in my life.
12 Destroy my enemies in your mercy, and wipe out those who are trying to kill me, because I am Your servant.
Psalm 144
A Psalm of David to GoliAth.
1 Praise Jehovah my God, the One teaching my hands to fight battles, and the arts of war to my fingers. 2 He’s my mercy, my refuge, and shield. He’s my Savior and Defender, so in Him I have put all my hope, for He made my people obey me.
3 Jehovah; Just who is man that You’ve made Yourself known, or the son of man that him You’d consider? 4 For man is as nothing of value, and his days pass by like a shadow.
5 O Jehovah; Lean from Your heaven and come down, then touch the mountains and they’ll smoke. 6 Send out Your arrows and You will disturb them; flash lightning and You’ll drive them away.
7 Send down Your hand from the heights. Take me and save me from many waters… from the hands of the sons of strangers. 8 For, with their mouths they say foolish things, and their right hand’s a hand that’s unrighteous.
9 O God; To You I will sing a new song, and on a ten-stringed harp I will play. 10 For, You bring salvation to kings… from the sword You ransomed Your servant David.
11 From the hands of sons of strangers please save me. For, with their mouths they say foolish things, and their right hand’s a hand that’s unrighteous.
12 Whose sons are these; they’re like new-planted seeds, which feel secure in their youth. Their daughters are well dressed and brightly adorned… as sumptuously as you’d see in the Temple. 13 Their storerooms are filled to overflowing; their sheep are prolific and multiply in the streets, 14 and their oxen are both thick [and strong]. There are no ruined fences [in their land]; none of their streams are [befouled]; and no crying is heard in their city squares.
15 Declare them blest of whom such things are true, but blest are the people whose God is Jehovah.
Psalm 145
A praise of David.
1 I’ll raise You high, my God and my King. I’ll praise Your Name through the age, and into the age of the ages. 2 I’ll praise Your Name every day. I’ll praise Your Name through the age, and into the age of the ages.
3 Jehovah is great and very praiseworthy… there is no end to His greatness. 4 From generation to generation I’ll praise Your works, and I’ll report of Your power. 5 I’ll speak of Your majesty, holiness, and glory, and I will describe all Your wonders. 6 They’ll speak of the power of Your fearful acts, and they will describe all Your greatness.
7 The memory of the multitude of Your kindnesses will flow, and of Your justice they will shout. 8 Jehovah is lenient… full of kindness and mercy. 9 Jehovah is benevolent, showing compassion in all that He does.
10 May all Your works praise You Jehovah, and may all Your holy ones praise You. 11 They’ll tell of the glory of Your Kingdom, and speak of the realm of Your rule.
12 To the sons of men may Your rule be made known, and the glory of the majesty of Your Kingdom. 13 Your Kingdom is a kingdom of the ages, and your authority is from generation to generation.
Trustworthy is Jehovah in all that He says, and all of His works are holy. 14 Jehovah supports all those who have fallen, and He re-erects all those who’ve been broken.
15 To You the eyes of all look in hope, and You give them nourishment at the right time… 16 You just open Your hand, and all living things are then filled.
17 Jehovah is righteous in all of His ways, and all of His works are holy. 18 Jehovah is near to all those who call Him… all those calling on Him in truth.
19 He’ll do the will of those fearing Him; He’ll hear their prayers and then He will save them. 20 Jehovah is the guard of all those who love Him, but all the sinners He’ll destroy.
21 So my mouth will speak in praise of Jehovah, and may all flesh speak of His Holy Name. Praise Him throughout this age, and into the age of the ages!
Psalm 146
Praise Jah. A Psalm of Haggai and ZachariJah.
1 O my soul, praise Jehovah. 2 With my whole life I’ll praise the Lord… I’ll strum to my God for as long as I live.
3 Do not rely upon rulers… sons of men in whom there is no salvation. 4 For His breath goes out and he’s gone from his land, and in that day his thoughts pass away.
5 He who has the God of Jacob as his helper is blest… he who puts his hope in Jehovah his God… 6 the One who made the heavens and the earth, as well as the sea and everything in it. It is He who guards truth through the age, 7 bringing justice to those who’ve been wronged, and nourishing those who are hungry.
The Lord unties all those who are shackled, 8 and it’s He who gives wisdom to the blind. Jehovah restores all those broken down, and He loves all who are righteous.
9 The Lord guards foreigners, orphans, and widows, but the ways of sinners He destroys. 10 Jehovah will reign through the age. O Zion; For generations and generations He is your God.
Psalm 147
Praise Jah. A Psalm of Haggai and ZechariJah.
1 Praise Jehovah, for our God is good. May His praise be delightful! 2 Jehovah is rebuilding Jerusalem, and His scattered people He’ll reassemble.
3 It is He who heals broken hearts, and binds up those who are shattered. 4 He has counted all of the stars, and calls each one by its name.
5 Great is our Lord and great is His strength; there’s no way to count the things that He knows. 6 Jehovah takes care of those who are meek, but He humbles the sinners to the ground.
7 Take the lead in praising Jehovah! Strum to our God on the harp! 8 For it’s He who covered the sky with clouds, and it’s He who made the earth’s rain, to cause the grass to grow on the mountains, and shoots to sprout for men’s needs. 9 He provides cattle with the nourishment they need, as well as the young of the crows… to all that are calling upon Him.
10 He needs not the strength of a horse, nor has He use for the legs of a man. 11 Jehovah thinks well of those fearing Him, and those who put hope in His mercy.
12 Praise Jehovah, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For it’s He who strengthened the bars of your gates, and it’s He who allowed you to bless all your sons. 14 It’s He who brings peace to your borders, and to fill you, the fatness of wheat. 15 He sends His omens to the earth, and the things that He says happen quickly. 16 He sends His snow as though it was wool, and He strews the fog as though it were ashes. 17 He scatters His ice as though it was breadcrumbs, and who will stand in the presence of His chill? 18 But He’ll send His word and He’ll melt them; He’ll blow with His breath and water will flow.
19 It is He who gives omens to Jacob… His rules and decisions to Israel. 20 He’s done this for no other nation, nor has He shown them the things He’s decided.
Praise Him!
Psalm 148
Praise Jah. A Psalm of Haggai and ZechariJah.
1 From the heavens may all praise Jehovah… praise Him in the highest places. 2 All His messengers should praise Him; yes praise Him all you His armies! 3 Praise Him O sun and moon. Praise Him all the stars and the lights. 4 Praise Him O heavens of heavens, and the water that’s over the sky.
5 Praise the Name Jehovah, because He just spoke and they came to be. He gave the instructions and they were created… 6 He established them into the ages, and into the age of the ages. And since it was He who gave the order, they will not pass away.
7 Praise Jehovah from earth O you dragons, and all [those in] the abysses. 8 Fire, hail, and snow, and ice and wind blast; these things go by His word.
9 The mountains and hills, the trees bearing fruit, as well as all of the cedars; 10 all the wild animals and things that just slither, as well as winged creatures with feathers; 11 the kings of the earth and all of their people, the rulers and all of the judges; 12 young men and virgins, old men and kids; 13 let them praise the Name of the Lord! His Name alone is the highest, so hold Him higher than heaven and earth. 14 For He will raise the trumpets of His people, which will serve as a hymn to His holy ones… to Israel’s sons, a people who are dear.
Psalm 149
Praise Jah.
1 Sing a new song to Jehovah; in the gathering of the holy, sing His praises. 2 Of Him who made them let Israel rejoice, as well as all sons of Zion. Let them shout in joy for their King! 3 And praise His Name you [sacred] dancers… those who [dance] with tambourines, and strum to Him on their harps.
4 Jehovah finds pleasure in His people, and the meek He’ll lift up and save. 5 Then the holy will boast in their glory, and shout in joy from their beds.
6 There is praising of God in their throats, and double-edged swords in their hands, 7 for they’re coming to punish the nations, and to scold people for the bad things they’ve done.
8 They’ll tie up their kings and put them in irons, and put manacles of iron on their nobles. 9 They’re coming to execute His written judgments, and to give glory to His holy ones.
Psalm 150
Praise Jah.
1 In His Holy Place, praise our God… throughout the universe praise His power. 2 In all His dominions shout His praises; praise the expanse of His greatness. 3 Praise Him with the sounds of trumpets; praise Him with the lute and the harp. 4 Praise Him also with tambourines, [played] by the company of dancers. Praise Him with the strings of the lyre, and with the sounds of the woodwinds. 5 Praise Him with the clashing of cymbals, and along with the cymbals add shouts. 6 May all that breathe praise Jehovah!
Proverbs
NOTE: The Proverbs as poetry? We had never noticed the Proverbs written in poetic form in other Bibles, but after translating the first five Chapters, we recognized a natural cadence indicating that it was originally written this way. So, while few changes were required, we have decided to continue with this original format, which has required some slight alterations in the wording due to language differences, but we are making every attempt to preserve the true meanings.
Why is this important? Because following the rules of Hebrew poetry indicates the accuracy of the text we are using, and it tends to magnify possible errors, since they don’t fit into the poetry.
Why do these texts read so differently from what is found in other Bibles? Because they are based on the Greek Septuagint text, which comes from more ancient manuscripts than the available Hebrew texts. However, recognize that the meanings of many of the texts vary widely between Septuagint versions, Hebrew text versions, and from Bible to Bible. In fact, the authenticity of Chapters 24-29 is in doubt because they don't appear at all in some Bibles. So we suggest that whenever the meanings of texts seem unclear, or the following connected words don’t seem to match, that you check the reading of the verses in several other Bibles and you reject the wording of any that don’t appear to make any sense.
Chapter 1
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, who reigned in Israel.
2 To get to be wise and learn, you must understand intelligent words. 3 [You must see how] words can be shifted and turned, and used to unlock problems that puzzle. You need to understand true justice, and how to make straight judgments, 4 so all your decisions are guileless and wise, while you perceive and reflect like a child.
5 For those who will listen, the wise will get wiser, and receive intelligent guidance. 6 You’ll understand dark illustrations… the sayings of the wise and enigmas.
7 Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah; all who follow that rule, will be understanding and good, since reverence for God is the start of perception. But the disrespectful treat wisdom and learning with contempt.
8 Hear, O son, the laws of your father, and don’t reject the rules of your mother. 9 Then a crown of favor you’ll receive for your head, and a gold chain for your neck.
10 O son; Don’t let the disrespectful lead you astray, and don’t go along with their ways. 11 For they could offer you comforting words, saying, ‘Come with us and let us [shed] blood! For we’ll deal unfairly with those who are righteous, then hide their bodies in the ground. 12 Like the grave we’ll swallow them down still alive, and remove their memory from the earth. 13 Then all their valuable things we will take, and fill all our houses with loot. 14 So, come with us now and join in, and we’ll each get a big bag of money!’
15 Don’t ever follow their ways… turn your feet from their paths! 16 For their feet are running to do what is evil, and they’re quick about shedding much blood. 17 For, haven’t they wrongfully spread out their traps, as though they’re catching feathered creatures? 18 They’re murderers who make evil things treasures. 19 These are the ways of the unrighteousness, and in their lack of respect [for our God], they’re taking away their own lives.
20 But the praises of wisdom are sung in the streets, and celebrated in squares and open places. 21 She shouts aloud from the tops of the walls, and at the gates of the city she courageously says: 22 ‘As long as the honest have justice, they will never be shamed; but the insolence of fools who crave [what’s not theirs], and those who do not fear [God], are those who are lacking good sense, 23 and for discipline they’ll have an accounting.’
{Look!} I’m willing now to let go, of some of the sayings of my breath, and I’ll use my words in order to teach you.
24 I called, but you failed to obey; I explained it all, but you paid no attention. 25 For, you have annulled all my council, and you paid no attention to my scolding. 26 So, when you’re destroyed I will laugh, and I’ll shout in joy when you’re brought to ruin. 27 When troublesome times come upon you, and in a blast you’re quickly undone… whenever you’re oppressed and assaulted, 28 and you feel the need to cry out to me, I will not listen to you. For when evil men search they don’t find me, 29 because they’ve detested what’s wise, and didn’t prefer the fear of Jehovah. 30 They choose not to listen to my council, and sneer whenever I scold them. 31 So, they’ll have to eat their own fruitage, and be filled with their own disrespect. 32 And because they have wronged the simple, soon they will also be slaughtered.
Yes, after they’re tried they’ll be destroyed. 33 But those who listen will camp, in tranquility and hope, and without any fear of evil.
Chapter 2
1 O son; If you’ll listen to the things that I’m saying, you should take these things and hide them within you. 2 Your ears should obey these wise sayings, and devote your heart to understanding, then pass them along to your sons.
3 Now, if you call out for wisdom, and speak to be understood, 4 and if you search for perception, as for silver or treasure, 5 you’ll come to know the fear of Jehovah, and you’ll find the knowledge of God. 6 Because, wisdom comes from Jehovah, and knowledge and understanding are found in His presence.
7 For those who walk straight He has treasured salvation, and He’ll shield them in all of their ways. 8 He guards the ways of the right things they do, and protects all those who show Him respect. 9 [If you do all of this], you’ll know justice and judgment, and you’ll set yourself on a course to do good.
10 Now, if you decide to make wisdom your goal; if your soul finds it good to search for perception; 11 if you choose to pay attention to good council, and if you’ll watch out and do holy things, 12 from evil ways this will save you, and from [the wiles] of men who tell lies. 13 They’re the ones who’ve abandoned straight paths, and walk in the ways of darkness. 14 For, badness is what makes them happy, and on perverse things they rejoice. 15 All of their pathways are crooked, and all of their tracks are curved. 16 Away from straight paths such men will lead you… from righteous plans they’ll drive you away.
O son; don’t let bad council mislead you, 17 but [follow] the things you were taught while still young, and never forget God’s Sacred Agreement.
8 There are women who’ve put death near their houses, and the things that they do lead to the grave. 19 For, those who go close will never return, nor will they return to straight paths, for they’ve strayed from the road of long life.
20 But smooth are the roads that the righteous have found, for the meek will inherit the earth, and the honest will be those left behind. 21 Then the upright will camp in the land, and those who’ll remain are the holy. 22 But the ways of the disrespectful will be gone from the land, and those who break laws will be banished.
Chapter 3
1 O son; Never forget the laws [that I’ve spoken], and keep the things that I’ve said in your heart, 2 for this will add length to your life… you will live [many] years, and peace will also be added.
3 May charity and faith never fail you. If around your neck you will tie them, and write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 you will then find [God’s] favor.
Before Jehovah and men, always plan to do good things. 5 With your whole heart put trust in your God, and on your own wisdom never rely.
6 Keep sight of [wisdom] in all of your ways, so she cuts straight paths before you.
7 In your own skills never trust; fear God and turn from all that is bad, 8 then there’ll be healing for your body, and care will be shown to your bones.
9 Show honor to Jehovah… work hard at duing what’s good. Offer Him your righteousness as your first fruits, 10 then with grain your storerooms will be filled, and wine will gush from your vats.
11 O son; Never take lightly the instructions of Jehovah, or give up when you’re being disciplined, 12 for Jehovah loves those who He corrects, and whips all those who He welcomes as sons.
13 The man who finds wisdom is blest, as is the mortal with intelligent understanding. 14 For she’s a better trade than silver or gold… 15 she has more value than all that’s expensive, for nothing of value is worth more than she. 16 In her right hand is long life and existence, and in her left hand are wealth and glory. Out of her mouth comes forth justice, as well as mercy and law, which she wears on her tongue. 17 All of her ways are goodness, and all of her paths lead to peace. 18 She’s a tree of life to all who grab hold, and those leaning on her as they do on Jehovah, are those who will get away safely.
19 In wisdom God founded the earth, and with intelligence He readied the heavens. 20 In His perception abysses were torn, and from the clouds flowed the dew. 21 But son; Don’t let my council slip by you; pay attention and learn to gain insight, 22 so the man that you are will continue to live, and [God’s] favor will be tied round your neck. For, to your flesh this will bring a great healing, and comfort to all of your bones; 23 peace will follow in all of your ways, and your feet will never be stumbled.
24 When you sit down, it’ll be without fear; and when you lie down, your sleep will bring pleasure. 25 No terrible thing will you fear, nor will the disrespectful push you aside, 26 for Jehovah will watch all your ways, and make your feet straight so you will not stumble.
27 Do not avoid those who’re in need, when you have the help they require in your hands. 28 Don’t say, ‘Come back some other time… I’ll give you [what you need] tomorrow.’ Give good things that you have when you have them, so you’ll never see the birth of bad things.
29 Never plot to do bad to a friend, or those with whom you travel, or those who are trusting in you. 30 And don’t quarrel without any reason, so people don’t plan to get even.
31 Adopt not the evil of those you look down on, nor be jealous of the bad things they do. 32 Because lawbreakers are unclean to Jehovah, with them the righteous should never sit.
33 The houses of the disrespectful are cursed by Jehovah, but the homes of the righteous are blest. 34 Jehovah opposes those who are proud, and shows favor to those who are humble. 35 Those who are wise will inherit all glory, but the disrespectful glorify their dishonor.
Chapter 4
1 Hear, O children, the instructions of a father! Listen, so you can gain insight! 2 I’m going to give you a gift, so my instructions do not abandon!
3 I was once also the son of a father, one who was loved by his mother, 4 and by them both I was taught. [They said]: ‘Keep our words in your heart! Keep the Commandments… do not forget! 5 Acquire wisdom and search for understanding! Do not forget them, and don’t ignore the words from our mouths, nor turn aside from the things that we’re saying. 6 Stick with this way… don’t ever leave it. Love it with passion and you’ll be kept [safe].’
7 All things start out with wisdom… with all you acquire, gain wisdom! And among all the things you possess, make sure you acquire understanding! 8 Build her a fort and she’ll lift you high. Hold her in esteem so she can protect you, then she’ll place a crown on your head… 9 a luxurious crown that will shield you.
10 Hear, O son, and receive all my words, for they’ll multiply the years of your life, and many ways of life you will know. 11 I’m teaching you ways of wisdom… I’m piling upon you tracks that are straight, 12 so the ways that you go won’t hem you in, or ever be a block to your footsteps; thus when you must run you won’t tire.
13 Grab hold of all my instructions, and do not ever release them! Keep hold of them for yourself and your life!
14 Don’t follow in the ways of the disrespectful, and never be jealous of the ways of lawbreakers. 15 Don’t ever go to places where they camp… 16 alter your course and divert, because they won’t sleep unless they’ve done evil. Since they can’t sleep they don’t go to bed, 17 because they feed on the grain of irreverence, and on the wine of lawlessness they are drunk.
18 For the ways of the righteous are light, because they shine and give light until day! 19 But the ways of the irreverent are dark, and they don’t realize how often they stumble.
20 O son; Pay attention to the things that I’m saying, and listen to my words with your ears! 21 So that your wells may never fail you, keep them inside your heart, 22 because they give life to all those who find them, and they bring healing to the flesh.
23 With all the things that you guard, pay close attention to your heart, for that’s the source of your life. 24 From your mouth remove all that is crooked, and keep unrighteous lips far away. 25 Let your eyes always look straight ahead, and your eyelids nod in approval of the just. 26 Make straight tracks for your feet, and straighten out all of your ways. 27 Don’t turn aside to the right or the left… just turn your feet from all that is bad. For, God knows the ways that are right, but those who pervert them He puts on His left. He will make all your tracks straight, and lead you in ways that are peaceful.
Chapter 5
1 O son; Please pay attention to my wisdom, and lend your ears to my words, so you can come to a good understanding, 2 for to you I’ll entrust the perceptions of my lips.
Pay no attention to vile women! 3 For, the lips of a whore drip with honey, and it fattens the throat for a while; 4 but then you’ll find it more bitter than bile, and much sharper than a double-edged sword. 5 For, foolish are the feet of those dealing with her, because they lead to death and the grave, and her tracks aren’t easily understood. 6 Her ways are not those that lead to life, and the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.
7 Now, O son, please hear me! Do not ignore what I’m saying! 8 From her stay far away… don’t approach the doors of her house, 9 so you don’t pass your life onto others, and share your vigor with those lacking mercy. 10 Don’t fill up strangers with your strength… your power shouldn’t enter the house of a stranger. 11 For, you’ll feel sorry when your flesh falls away, 12 and you’ll say ‘How I hated to be told… O how discipline [bothered] my heart! 13 So, I didn’t hear the one who was giving correction… my ears didn’t hear the one who was teaching. 14 Little by little I fell into evil, there among the congregation.’
15 O son; Drink water from your own jars, and from the flow of your wells! 16 Let the waters of your springs overflow… carry your own water into the city squares! 17 Let it be yours and with strangers don’t share it… 18 let your spring be just yours, and find your joy in the wife of your youth… 19 your friendly hind and favored filly. Let her share conversation with you; hold her high and always keep her close, for the accommodations of this friendship will mean a great deal.
20 Don’t spend time with strange women, and never embrace one that’s not yours, 21 for the eyes of God watch the ways of a man, and they keep track of the things that he does. 22 Unlawful acts are a snare to all men, and your own sins are the chains that will bind you. 23 Those who haven’t learned this will come to their end, and then they will lose all that they own… in their own foolishness they will perish.
Chapter 6
1 O son; If you guarantee a loan for your friend, in the hands of the enemy you’ve put yourself. 2 Because a man’s lips are his own snares, and he’s captured by the words that come from his mouth.
3 O son; follow my instructions and you’ll save yourself; for on account of that friend, into evil hands you will fall. Don’t ever make yourself weak, because even your friend you’ll provoke… he for whom you guaranteed the loan! 4 So, don’t allow your eyes to sleep, 5 or your eyelids to slumber, before you escape like a doe from a noose, and as wild fowl from a snare.
6 O lazy one; You should be like the ant, and be zealous when you see what he does. Yes, you should become very much like him… but you should also be wiser! 7 For, he doesn’t own his own farm, and he has no one to urge him on, nor is he under a master. 8 But during the summer he gathers much food, as he prepares for a feast in the harvest.
9 O lazy one; How long must you just lay there… when will you awaken from your sleep? 10 You sit down for a while, to sleep for a while, and then you slumber for a while, with your hands and arms on your chest. 11 So poverty overtakes you like a mugger, and lack overtakes you like a runner.
12 A man (a fool and lawbreaker), will travel in ways that are bad. 13 He beckons with his eyes, makes signs with his feet, and teaches with the motions of his fingers. 14 He plans to do bad, since his heart is perverted, and someone like this brings disturbance to a city; 15 but because of this his death will come quickly. In irretrievable destruction he’ll be cut off, 16 because he rejoices over things that God hates. He’s destroyed because his life is unclean… 17 because his eyes are insulting… because he has an unrighteous tongue… because his hands have shed righteous blood… 18 because his heart conspires to do evil, and because he has feet that run to do bad.
19 By lying, an unrighteous witness lights fires, and between brothers he creates many lawsuits.
20 O son; guard the laws of your father, and don’t cast aside the rules of your mother! 21 Keep them fastened tight to your life… tie them around your neck with a cord! 22 Bring them along wherever you walk, and make sure they are always nearby. When you go to sleep let them guard you, and let them remind you when you arise. 23 For, the commands of the Law are a lamp and a light; they are a whole way of life; they are correction and instruction to guard you, 24 from any woman who is married, and the distractions that come from strange tongues.
25 O son; Don’t let the desire for beauty entice you. Don’t allow your own eyes to ever [trap] you. Don’t be caught [by the flutter] of her eyes, 26 for less than bread is the value of a whore, and a woman of men ensnares precious lives.
27 Can a man light a fire on his chest, without also burning his clothes? 28 Or can anyone walk on live coals, without it consuming his feet? 29 So, when you [have sex with] a woman that’s married, this is the same thing that happens, for none who touch her are found free of guilt.
30 It isn’t surprising when someone’s caught stealing, for a man will steal to fill a hungry soul. 31 But when he’s caught, seven times he’ll repay; and he gives all he owns to be saved. 32 But by the lack of good sense, an adulterer is reaping destruction… 33 he suffers both grief and dishonor, and his scorn is remembered through the age. 34 Because of the jealous rage of her husband, he won’t be spared in the day that he’s judged. 35 And because of the hatred of her husband, he won’t be able to bargain a ransom, nor will many gifts buy his freedom.
Chapter 7
1 O son; Keep my words and commandments. Hide them inside of yourself! 2 Have deep respect for Jehovah, and He will make you grow stronger. In addition to Him, fear no other! Keep my commands and you’ll live [a long] life. Like the pupil of your eye keep my words… 3 wrap them around all your fingers, and inscribe them in the depths of your heart. 4 Make wisdom become your own sister, and take intelligence as your friend, 5 so that, away from strange women she keeps you, as well as from those who are wicked; then good things will be said about you.
6 She leans from her window in the house on the square, 7 and whenever she views foolish offspring (a young man lacking good sense), 8 passing the corner near the paths to her house, 9 she speaks from the darkness of the evening, when all are at rest in the dimness of night. 10 She meets with him and she looks like a whore, and the young man’s heart starts to flutter. 11 She’s so enticing and carnal, but don’t stay your feet near her [door].
12 At times, she strays outside of her house, and sometimes she stands on the corner of the square. 13 Then she reaches out and she fondles, and with an impudent face she might say: 14 ‘A sacrifice of peace I must offer, and today I must render my vows; 15 so, that’s why I have met up with you. I noticed your face [as you were passing by], so I came over here just to find you.
16 ‘Now, while I was sewing I laid out my bed, which was spread with sheets [made in] Egypt. 17 I sprinkled my bed with saffron, and spread cinnamon around in my house. 18 Come and enjoy my friendship ‘til dawn… come, and we’ll wrap up in passion! 19 For my husband’s not around in the house; he has gone away on a journey. 20 He carried a bundle of silver in his hands, and after some days he’ll return.’
21 She leads him astray and acts like a friend, while tying around him a noose. By the words from her lips, she reels him in, 22 so then he follows along. He’s easily led like an ox to the slaughter; like a dog that’s led with a chain, or a stag that’s shot in the liver with a bow. 23 So he hurries like fowl to a snare, not seeing that he’s running for his life.
24 Now, hear and pay attention to the sayings of my mouth! 25 Don’t turn aside to her ways in your heart, and don’t be misled by her wiles. 26 How many she has stabbed and then thrown away, and innumerable are those whom she’s murdered. 27 Her house is the road to the grave, and it leads to the storerooms of death.
Chapter 8
1 You should shout aloud about wisdom, so intelligence will also obey you! 2 For, she is higher than all others, and she stands in the midst of all roads. 3 She’s the home of the mighty, and in their doorways she sings: 4 ‘I bring comfort to you, O men, and I sing aloud to your sons. 5 All you without guile should learn to be shrewd, and in their hearts the unlearned should put it.
6 ‘Listen to me, because I am speaking of serious things, and from my lips comes the truth. 7 My throat will contemplate truth, since those with lying lips I have hated. 8 Righteous are the sayings that come from my mouth; nothing in them is crooked or bad. 9 All those who discern should stand face to face, with those who are giving them knowledge.
10 ‘Go get instruction, not silver! Put knowledge above proven gold! 11 Wisdom is better than precious gems, and nothing esteemed is worth more than her.
12 ‘Wisdom encamps with counsel and knowledge, and I’ve been asked to reflect. 13 The fear of Jehovah detests all injustice, and insolence, pride, and ways of the evil… He hates the perversions of men who are bad.
14 ‘Council and safety are mine! Intelligence and strength are mine also! 15 For, by me kings start their reigns, and the mighty ones write about justice. 16 Mighty men become sovereigns by me… through me they rule the whole earth. 17 Those fond of me are those who are loved, and those who seek me find favor. 18 By me wealth and glory exist, as well as much land and justice.
19 ‘The blest will gather my fruit, before even gold and precious gems, for better than choice silver is the reward I provide. 20 I walk in the ways of the righteous, and I return in the pathways of reason. 21 I provide for all those who love me, and I fill their treasuries with good things.
22 ‘If I should proclaim what happens each day, I’ll also count the things of the ages. I was created by Jehovah as the head of His ways, and to perform all His works. 23 It was in the beginning (before this age) that He made me… before He decreed the making of earth. 24 It was before He made the abysses, and before the springs gushed with water. 25 It was before the mountains were seated, and before the hills that He generated me.
26 ‘Jehovah made regions and places to live, to the ends of habitation under heaven. 27 And when He was preparing the heavens, it was I who presented them to Him. Then, when He placed His throne on the winds, 28 and moved the clouds above with His strength; and when He made the springs under heaven, 29 and set limits to the waters of the seas (so they couldn’t pass by [their beds]), and when He made strong the foundations of earth, I was there standing beside Him.
30 ‘By Him all things worked together, and He found joy in them all. Each day that I stood there before Him, I too was happy all the time. 31 He was pleased when He finished man’s habitation, and with the sons of men He was pleased.
32 Now hear me O son; for blest are those who are guarding my ways! 33 Listen to wisdom and you will be wise… do not ever seal it up! Blest is the man who listens to me, and the man who guards all my ways… 34 he who’s awake at my entrance each day, and paying attention there at my doorposts! 35 For what I send out are the goings of life, and in them the will of the Lord is prepared.
36 But those who are sinning against me, show no respect for their lives, since all those who hate me are lovers of death.
Chapter 9
1 Wisdom has built a house for herself, and atop seven columns she has propped it. 2 She has slain the sacrifices required for her; she has mixed up wine in a jar; and she has readied her table. 3 Then she sends out her servants to call [all the guests], with a high proclamation that says: 4 ‘All you fools, turn here toward me!’
5 Then she says to those lacking good sense: ‘Come here and eat my bread; drink the wine that I’ve mixed for you! 6 Stop being foolish and become smarter, and then you will live a long time! When it comes to knowledge and understanding, [now’s the time to] get them straightened out!’
7 He who corrects men that are evil, upon himself brings dishonor. For, when he scolds the irreverent, he is really laughing at himself. 8 Never scold men that are evil, so they don’t start to detest you! Reprove a wise man and he’ll love you. 9 Give him some help and he will be wiser… explain things to someone who’s righteous, and he will proceed to gain more.
10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah, and the counsel of the holy gives understanding. Knowledge of the Law is good to consider, 11 for if you learn it you’ll live a long time… many years of life will be added to you.
12 O son; If you wish to be wise, you will be wise to yourself. But if bad you turn out to be, then upon yourself you’ll bring bad things.
13 A bold and foolish woman lacking food, is one with no knowledge of shame. 14 She sits at the door of her house on a chair, to make herself seen in the squares. 15 She calls out to those passing by on the street, and those going straight on their ways, saying, 16 ‘Whoever of you is the most foolish, turn aside and come here to me. I’ll arouse the stupid by saying, 17 You’ll touch secret bread loaves in pleasure, and steal sweet water to drink!’
18 What they don’t know is that earthly men, by her will all be destroyed… they’re perched on the edge of the grave.
Chapter 10
1 A wise son gladdens a father, but a son that is foolish distresses a mother.
2 Treasures never benefit the lawless, but they’ll rescue the righteousness from death.
3 Jehovah won’t leave the righteous go hungry, but the life of the impious He’ll overturn.
4 Poverty makes a man humble, but hands that work hard will enrich him.
A son who’s corrected will be wiser, and the foolish he’ll treat as his servant.
5 An intelligent son will be saved, from [working] in sweltering heat; but wind will destroy all the harvest, of a son who is a lawbreaker.
6 Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous, but He brings mourning to disrespectful mouths.
7 The righteous are remembered and commended, but the name of the irreverent will be gone.
8 A wise heart does as it’s told, but back-talking lips will be stumbled.
9 For those who comply, things will go easy, but resistance will not be forgotten.
10 The eye that winks at bad things, creates much distress for other men; but he that openly scolds, is truly the one making peace.
11 The mouths of the righteous are springs of life, but a mouth that curses leads to destruction.
12 Hatred is what causes fights, but those who won’t fight create friendships.
13 The one whose lips bring forth wisdom, is beating the heartless with a stick.
14 The wise hide their perceptions, but the mouth that speaks rashly approaches destruction.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The deeds of the righteous bring life, but the fruit of the irreverent brings sins.
17 The way of life is to follow instructions, for without instructions you will stray.
18 The lips of the righteous cover hatred, but those who shout insults are foolish.
19 A sin can’t be covered with many words, so it’s wise if your lips just say little.
20 A righteous tongue is like purified silver, but the heart of the irreverent is worthless.
21 The lips of the righteous have knowledge of high things, but fools die in their lack of understanding.
22 Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous; He enriches and creates no distress in their hearts.
23 The fool will laugh when he’s doing evil, but wisdom makes a man act smarter.
24 By destruction the impious are carried away, but the righteous will receive the things they desire.
25 A blast is coming to destroy the impious, but the righteous will turn and escape in the age.
26 As green grapes are bad for the teeth, and smoke is bad for the eyes, that’s how lawlessness is to those who’re affected.
27 The fear of Jehovah adds days to your life, but the years of the irreverent will be shortened.
28 Happiness stays with the righteous, but the hopes of the irreverent meet with destruction.
29 The fear of Jehovah is like a holy fort, but destruction comes to those who do evil.
30 The righteous will live through the ages, but the impious won’t live on the earth.
31 From the mouth of the righteous drips wisdom, but the tongue of the unrighteous brings ruin.
32 From the lips of the righteous drips caring, but from the mouth of the disrespectful comes rejection.
Chapter 11
1 [Market] scales that are rigged, are a disgusting thing to Jehovah; right weights are all He approves.
2 Where there are insults there’s also dishonor, but the mouths of the humble speak wisely.
3 The righteous leave no regrets when they die, but in ridicule the irreverent are destroyed.
4 The perfection of the righteous will guide them, but the Godless will be plundered by failure… in the day of [God’s] rage their possessions will fail, but the righteous will be rescued from death.
5 The righteousness of the pure makes their ways straight, but disrespect makes the unrighteous fail.
6 The righteousness of a good man will save him, but the thoughtlessness of lawbreakers leads to their capture.
7 When a righteous man comes to his end, his hope is never destroyed. But the bragging of those who don’t respect [God], will soon lead to destruction.
8 The righteous will be saved from a trap, then by the irreverent they’ll be replaced.
9 The mouths of the irreverent are snares to their comrades, but the understanding of the righteous brings blessings.
10 By the good of righteous men a city is born; and when the irreverent are destroyed, they should all leap for joy. 11 For, by the praises of the upright a city is raised, but the mouths of the impious cut it down.
12 A man with no sense sneers at his comrades, but an intelligent man leads them to rest.
13 A double-tongued man reveals plans, but the trustworthy keep matters hidden.
14 Those with no guidance will fall just like leaves, but salvation is found [by seeking] much counsel.
15 The wicked act badly among righteous men, and the sounds of their safety they hate.
16 A praiseworthy wife is her husband’s glory, but she who hates what is righteous, [is one who] brings him dishonor.
The lazy will be lacking in wealth, but those who work hard will be rich.
17 A merciful man will be a good person, but those without mercy bring ruin to themselves.
18 The impious will do whatever is wrong, but the seed of the righteous are their true wages.
19 A righteous son will gain life, but the irreverent will bring their own deaths.
20 Those with twisted ways are disgusting to Jehovah, but He approves of those who are perfect.
21 He who unrighteously lays hand on another, will never go unpunished for his evil; but he who sows justice is assured a reward.
22 As a gold ring in the snout of a pig, is a pretty wife with a mind that is evil.
23 The desire of the righteous is for things that are good, but the hopes of the disrespectful will perish.
24 There are those who’ll plant seeds and gather more, and there are those who will also gather less.
25 All the sincere will be blest, but a man inclined to rage is indecent.
26 The man who hoards grain may leave it to the nations, but the head of he who shares it will be blest.
27 He who plans to do good wants blessings, but those seeking evil are captured by the good.
28 He who trusts in his wealth will fall, but he who helps the righteous will endure.
29 He who doesn’t care for those in his home, will just inherit the wind… to the intelligent he’ll be just a slave and a fool.
30 A tree of life is the fruitage of justice, but unexpectedly the lives of the lawless will be lost.
31 If the righteous will be saved [by the skin of their teeth], what hope is there for the impious and sinners?
Chapter 12
1 Those who love to be taught will love understanding, but those hating correction are fools.
2 Those who find the favor of Jehovah, are those who’ve received what is best; but those who are lawless receive condemnation.
3 A man who breaks laws will never stand firm, while the righteous will not be uprooted.
4 A woman with courage is her husband’s crown, but a wife that is bad eats him away, like a worm that is boring through wood.
5 True judgments are the ways of the righteous, but treacherous are the ways of the impious.
6 The impious lie in wait to shed blood, but the mouth of the upright saves [lives].
7 When the irreverent are overturned they’ll disappear, while the homes of the righteous remain.
8 The mouths of the discerning are praised by all men, but those dull of heart are sneered at.
9 It’s best for the dishonored to be servants, than to be proud and go lacking bread.
10 A righteous man pities the lives of his cattle, but the compassions of the impious have no mercy.
11 He who works his ground will eat bread, but those pursuing vain things are lacking good sense.
There are those who drink wine as their pastime, but they leave their honor behind them.
12 The desires of the impious are evil, but the roots of those who show respect, will be strongly entrenched.
13 By the sins of his lips a sinner is snared, but from them the righteous flee far away.
14 From the fruits of his mouth a man’s life receives good things, and he’ll be repaid for the things his lips say.
15 The ways of fools are the ways that they’ve chosen, but the wise will listen to advice.
16 A fool bares his rage before all, but those with perception will hide their dishonor.
17 The righteous show trust by telling the truth, but an unrighteous witness will lie.
18 There are some who speak as though stabbing with swords, but the tongues of the wise bring healing.
19 Lips that are true will testify straight, but the unrighteous are quick [to tell lies].
20 Those planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts, but those proposing peace will be joyful.
21 Nothing unjust brings pleasure to the righteous, but the disrespectful [find pleasure] in evil.
22 Lying lips are disgusting to Jehovah, but He accepts the trustworthy.
23 A man with discernment is a throne of perception, but the hearts of fools meet with curses.
24 The hands of [God’s] chosen will easily win, while those who are lying are plundered.
25 Frightful words disturb hearts of men, but a message that’s good makes them joyful.
26 A friend is one who suggests what is right, but sinners promote evil and impious ways.
27 A deceitful man won’t get what he hopes for, but the pure [in heart] will be wealthy.
28 The ways of the righteous lead to life, while the ways of the resentful lead to death.
Chapter 13
1 A wise son will obey [the words of] his father, but a son who won’t listen will meet with destruction.
2 From the fruit of righteousness the good ones will eat, but the lives of the lawless will meet with destruction.
3 He who guards the things that he says, is watching out for his life. But he who lets his lips go, brings terror upon his own self.
4 Though idle men have their desires, it’s hardworking hands that get all things done.
5 The righteous hate untrue words, and since this brings shame to irreverent men, they should watch what they say.
6 Righteousness guards the ways of the guileless, but the disgusting ways of irreverence breeds sin.
7 There are those who seek wealth that get nothing, and those putting themselves low that are rich.
8 A man will ransom his life to be rich, but the poor don’t want such intimidation.
9 The righteous will always have light, while the light of the irreverent will be extinguished.
10 Those who practice evil will [shout] insults, but the wise will argue with only themselves.
11 Stolen things will soon lose their value, but things gathered righteously keep growing.
The righteous will feel pity and lend, 12 for a tree of life is the desire to do good things.
It’s better to give aid to a heart, than to just promise and give them [false] hopes.
13 Those hating to [obey] will be hated, but those who do as they’re told are rewarded.
Nothing good will happen for a son who deceives, but a servant who acts wisely will prosper.
14 [God’s] Law is a well of life to the wise, and those who don’t consider it will die in a snare.
15 Understanding what’s good brings [God’s] favor; knowing and considering [His] Law is what’s good; and the ways of those hating it end in destruction.
16 A wise man acts on the things he has learned, but the fool continues in his evil ways.
17 A king who’s too hasty will fall into trouble, but a wise councilor can save him.
18 Poverty and dishonor are removed by instruction, and those following correction will be praised.
19 The desires of the irreverent bring delight to their lives, but ignorance is what they accomplish.
20 He who travels with the wise will be wise, but he who travels with fools will be known [as a fool].
21 Sinners will do the things that are evil, but the righteous [will search] for things that are good.
22 A good man will inherit the sons of his sons, and the wealth of the impious is reserved for the righteous.
23 The righteous will spend many years in their wealth, but the unrighteous will suddenly perish.
24 He who doesn’t care, won’t spank [his son]; but he who loves, will carefully correct him.
25 The righteous will eat and fill up their lives, as the lives of the disrespectful go lacking.
Chapter 14
1 W ise women build up their homes, but the foolish tear theirs down with their own hands.
2 Those on straight paths fear Jehovah, but those with crooked ways [really] hate Him.
3 From the mouths of fools comes the [slap] of an insult, but the lips of the wise hold it back.
4 Where there are no cattle the stables are clean; but in one that is prospering, the strength of the ox is apparent.
5 A trustworthy witness won’t lie, but a lying witness will do other wrong things.
6 The bad who seek wisdom will not find it, but for the discerning it is easy.
7 All things are wrong that a foolish man says, but the lips of the wise are weapons of good sense.
8 From their wisdom the capable know where they’re headed, but the thoughtlessness of fools will mislead them.
9 The homes of the lawless [always] need cleaning, but the homes of the righteous are worthy.
10 In a sensitive man’s heart there’s much distress, but one who is happy isn’t bothered by insults.
11 The homes of the impious will be destroyed, but the tents of the reflecting will still stand.
12 There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end in the depths of the grave.
13 Those with bold heart are filled with their ways, but a good man is filled with his thoughts.
14 –
15 A gullible man believes every word, but the wise [take time] to consider.
16 In fear a wise man turns from what’s bad, but a fool gives in and breaks laws.
17 A man prone to rage will act without thinking, but the wise will endure many things.
18 A fool will share in doing what’s bad, but the capable keep their good senses.
19 The evil slip in among those who are good, and the irreverent watch the doors of the righteous.
20 Friends dislike friends who are poor, but friends of the rich are many.
21 He who dishonors the needy has sinned, but the one showing mercy to the poor will be blest.
22 Those who stray contrive evil schemes, but the good contrive mercy and truth.
Those doing bad have no mercy or trust, but those doing good are generous and trusting.
23 For those who are caring there’s more than enough, but the uncaring who seek pleasure will go lacking.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, and evil is the pastime of fools.
25 A trustworthy witness snatches lives from the bad, but a man who’s deceitful will lie.
26 In the fear of Jehovah, man’s strength is his hope, and he’ll leave an inheritance for his children.
27 The rules of Jehovah are like life-giving springs, for they lead men away from the snares that bring death.
28 The glory of a king is a prosperous nation, but a nation in want will brings him destruction.
29 An intelligent man will give freely, but a faint-hearted man will be foolish.
30 A practical man is a healer of hearts, but a sensitive man is a moth to the bones.
31 The man who’s extorting the needy, is one who provokes He who made him; but the men that He holds in high esteem, are those who show mercy to the poor.
32 For their evil the irreverent will be shunned, but the righteous are those viewed as holy.
33 In the heart of a good man rests wisdom, but in the heart of a fool it cannot be found.
34 Justice builds up a nation, but sinners make it diminish.
35 A councilor who is wise is [a joy to] the king, for by his versatility he’ll remove all dishonor.
Chapter 15
1 Anger will destroy the intelligent, for harsh words will make a man angry. But an answer that’s mild turns back rage.
2 The tongues of the wise bring forth knowledge, but the mouths of fools just speak evil.
3 The eyes of Jehovah see all, and He watches both the good and the bad.
4 A tree of life is the tongue that does healing, and the one who can hold it is filled with [God’s] Breath.
5 A fool sneers at the instructions of his father, but he who keeps his commandments is [wiser].
Where there’s much justice [the people] are strong; their irreverent will be rooted from the land and destroyed.
6 The homes of the righteous will last, but the fruits of the impious will be destroyed.
7 The lips of the wise are bound by good sense, but the hearts of fools can’t be trusted.
8 Sacrifices of the irreverent are disgusting to Jehovah, but He accepts the vows of those who walk straight.
9 The ways of the irreverent are disgusting to Jehovah, but He loves those who do what is righteous.
10 Those heeding the instructions of the guileless, are those who will follow straight paths; while those who are hating correction, will come to their end in disgrace.
11 The Lord warned about destruction and the grave, so why isn’t this in the hearts of all men?
12 The ignorant don’t love those who give correction, and they don’t wish to be with those who are wise.
13 A happy heart makes a face shine, but with a heart in distress the eyes will look downcast.
14 An upright heart will seek understanding, but an ignorant heart knows just evil.
15 Evil eyes enjoy seeing bad things, but the [eyes] of the good [search for] peace.
16 It’s better to have little and the fear of Jehovah, than to have great treasures and no fear [of Him].
17 It’s better to eat vegetables in a place where there’s love, than to dine on calves where there’s hatred.
18 A man of rage is ready to fight, but with an apology he can be soothed.
The lenient man prevents lawsuits, but the irreverent would rather create them.
19 The roads of the lazy lead toward the thorns, but the industrious are on a busy highway.
20 A father is happy with a son who is wise, but a son who’s foolish sneers at his mother.
21 The paths of the unthinking don’t make any sense, but the ways of the intelligent lead straight ahead.
22 From the hearts of advisors there’s much to be [learned], 23 but a man who is bad won’t [take their advice], nor will he learn anything useful, for what’s good to him is mundane.
24 The thoughts of the discerning lead to life, and they’ll turn a man back from the grave.
25 Jehovah will tear down the homes of the proud, but He supports the property of widows.
26 The ways of the unrighteous are disgusting to Jehovah, but He respects the requests of the pure.
27 The one taking bribes brings ruin on himself, but he who hates them will be saved.
Mercy and faith clear away sins, and the fear of Jehovah turns people from bad.
28 The hearts of the righteous think about faith, while the mouths of the irreverent speak of evil.
The ways of the righteous are acceptable to Jehovah, and by them even enemies become friends.
29 From the irreverent God will stay far away, but He hears the vows of the righteous.
It’s better to be fair and gain little, than to get much through injustice.
30 An eye that sees good brings joy to the heart, and good news puts fat on the bones.
31 He who listens to the corrections of life, will find himself lodging among wise ones.
32 Those rejecting instruction don’t care for themselves, but those heeding correction love life.
33 The fear of Jehovah is instruction and wisdom, and heeding it is the sum of all glory… and the humble will be led to this glory.
Chapter 16
1 May hearts of men consider what’s righteous, so God can set their feet on straight paths.
2 The deeds of the humble are apparent to God, but on a [dark] day the irreverent will be destroyed.
3, 4, –
5 To God proud hearts are unclean, and He will never forgive, the man who lays hold of another unjustly.
6 Goodness starts with doing what’s right… 7 it’s greater than offering sacrifices to God.
8 Those seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justice… those who righteously seek Him find peace.
9 The heart of a man sets his direction, but it’s Jehovah who sets the course for his feet.
10 Though a curse may be on the lips of a king, his mouth must not err in his judgments.
11 A scale that’s properly centered, is something that’s righteous with God, for His ways require honest weights.
12 The evil are disgusting to the king, for the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.
13 Righteous lips are acceptable to the king, and Jehovah loves all that is straight.
14 The rage of a king is a messenger of death, but a man who’s wise can appease him.
15 The sons of a king are the light of his life, and those he approves are like [afternoon] rain.
16 Sources of wisdom are better than gold, and intelligent sources are better than silver.
17 The road to life turns from what’s bad, so righteousness leads to long life.
Those willing to learn are counted as good, and those accepting correction will be wiser.
The one guarding his ways is protecting his life; for he who loves life will watch what [he says].
18 Insolence leads to destruction; evil thinking leads to a downfall.
19 It’s better to be meek and have little, than to share spoils with the haughty.
20 The discerning are inventers of good things, and those yielding to God are the most blest.
21 The vile may call to the wise and discerning, but those with sweet words are the ones they will hear.
22 Understanding is life to all those who seek it, but the instruction of fools is just bad.
23 From their own mouths, the hearts of the wise ones will learn; and from their own lips they’ll gain knowledge.
24 Good words are like combs filled with honey; their sweetness is healing to the soul.
25 There are ways that seem straight to a man, but they end on the road to the grave.
26 A man who works hard is working for himself, and this leads him away from destitution; but the [lazy] wear destitution on their mouths.
27 The foolish search for things that are bad, and upon their own lips they heap fire.
28 A man who is crooked spreads evil… with treachery he lights the fires of evil; and in this he drives friends apart.
29 A lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test, and leads them in ways that are bad. 30 His eyes are fixed as he plans to do wrong, and he confirms what’s bad with his lips. Such a man is a furnace of evil.
31 Old age is a crown of which to boast, when it’s found in ways that are righteous.
32 It’s better to be forgiving than strong, and intelligence is better than owning much land, but holding one’s temper is better than taking a city.
33 [What is bad] falls into unrighteous laps, but all that is good comes from [God].
Chapter 17
1 A scrap of food that’s eaten in peace, is better than a house filled with feasting and fights.
2 Over foolish masters smart slaves will win out, and they’ll divide what they take with their brothers.
3 As silver and gold are refined in a furnace, that’s how Jehovah tries hearts.
4 A bad man obeys the tongues of lawbreakers, and the unrighteous will heed lying lips.
5 He who ridicules the poor, is provoking the One who made him.
Those who rejoice at another’s destruction, will not themselves be forgiven, but those showing compassion will be shown mercy.
6 Grandchildren are the crowns of the aged, and in their children their fathers will boast.
The things [God] arranged can be trusted, but unbelievers won’t know how [He] did it.
7 Trustworthy lips aren’t enough for a fool, nor will lying lips please the righteous.
8 Instruction’s a good wage to all who would use it, for wherever it’s used they will prosper.
9 Those covering offenses are looking for love, but the unforgiving leave family and friends.
10 Intimidation breaks the hearts of the wise, but a fool who is whipped never learns.
11 Evil men search for ways to dispute, but a merciless angel Jehovah sends against them.
12 An intelligent man will be anxious [over right], but fools will argue about evil.
13 He who repays bad things for good, will never see evil removed from his house.
14 When a ruler backs up righteous words, it leads to few divisions and fights.
15 The righteous judge the unjust, as disgusting and unclean before God.
16 What value has wealth before fools, for those without heart will never be wise.
He who builds a tall house seeks its downfall, and the crooked will fall into evil.
17 Use your time to gain friends, for in times of distress they’ll be brothers… it’s for such favor that they have been born!
18 A foolish man claps and shakes hands, then [co-signs] a loan for a friend.
19 The one fond of sinning brings strife, and those with hard hearts won’t meet up with good.
20 A tongue that twists words leads to evil, and the heart of a fool brings grief to its owner.
21 A father isn’t happy with an ignorant son, but he who is smart brings joy to his mother.
22 A heart that is happy leads to good health, but the distress of a man dries out his bones.
23 The unrighteous seek gifts dropped into their laps, in order to pervert what is just.
24 Faces of the discerning look wise, but the eyes of fools look distant.
25 A foolish son angers his father, and brings grief to the [mother] that bore him.
26 It is wrong to penalize a man who is righteous, and unholy to plot against a just ruler.
27 He who holds back harsh words shows his insight, and a man who gives in shows his wisdom.
28 When an unthinking man asks a question, he’s often thought of as wise; and when a man refuses to argue, he’ll be thought of as smart.
Chapter 18
1 A man with excuses is rejected by his friends, and he’ll always be spoken of poorly.
2 The one lacking good sense has no use for wisdom, for by foolishness he wants to be led.
3 When they reach the depths of their evils, the irreverent simply don’t notice, that they are dishonored and scorned.
4 A word that touches the heart, is like very deep water… as a river and a spring of life it has flowed.
5 [Showing favor] to the impious isn’t good, and denying justice to the righteous is unholy.
6 The lips of the fool lead him to evil, and the boldness of his mouth calls him to death.
7 The mouth of a fool will destroy him, for his lips are snares to his life.
8 Fear comes easy to the lazy, and the lives of the unmanly will go hungry.
9 A man who won’t work for himself, is brother to the one who brings himself ruin.
10 In the Name Jehovah there is might… the righteous run toward it and they are uplifted.
11 The wealth of the rich is a fortified town, and its glory casts a long shadow.
12 Before his ruin a man’s heart is proud, and just before glory it is humbled.
13 When a man gives an answer before hearing a matter, this is foolish and it brings him much scorn.
14 A man can endure a [long] illness, but who can endure a worried spirit?
15 The hearts of the intelligent gain perception, and the ears of the wise search for insight.
16 A gift from a man brings him [friendship], and he will sit beside rulers.
17 The righteous examine themselves before speaking, for they know they’ll be reproved by those who disagree.
18 Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.
19 A brother who is helped by his brothers, is like a high city with fortified walls, and is stronger that a well-built castle.
20 From the fruits of his mouth a man fills his belly… from the fruits of his lips he’ll be filled.
21 Both life and death are in the handle of the tongue, and those who fail to restrain it, will [end up] eating its fruitage.
22 He who’s found a good wife, has done himself a great favor… joy from Jehovah he’s received.
He who divorces a good woman, is one who throws good things away, but one who keeps an adulteress, is a foolish and irreverent man.
23 Those in need make requests, but the rich respond very harshly.
24 A man should seek many friendships, for there are friends who’ll stick closer than brothers.
Chapter 19
1, 2, –
3 The foolishness of a man lays waste to his ways, but in his heart he’ll blame it on God.
4 Wealth will bring many friends, but friends will abandon the poor.
5 A lying witness will not go unpunished, and the one accusing falsely won’t escape.
6 Many seek the favor of the king, and all who bring gifts are his friends.
7 Those who hate a brother when he’s poor, will never be good at making friends.
Insight is good for those who will seek it, and an intelligent man will soon find it.
The evil are good at doing bad, and he who aggravates won’t be saved.
8 He [who learns] has love for himself, for those seeking intelligence will find good things.
9 A lying witness will not go unpunished, and he who kindles evil will perish by it.
10 Luxury is no advantage to the fool, and it’s wrong for a servant who’s been given power, to use it in ways that are haughty.
11 A merciful man is forgiving, and he triumphs over those who have erred.
12 Intimidation from a king is like the [roar] of a lion, but making him happy is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is a shame to his father, and impure are vows paid with the wage of a whore.
14 Fathers may leave homes and possessions to their sons, but a sensible wife comes from [God].
15 Dread holds back a cowardly man, and the lives of the idle go hungry.
16 Those keeping the Commandments are protecting their lives, but those hating their ways will soon perish.
17 God lends to those who show mercy to the poor, and He’ll repay them according to their gifts.
18 Correction builds confidence in a son, but you’ll not make his life better with insults.
19 An evil-minded man will often be punished, and if he [kills] he must pay with his life.
20 Hear, O son, the instruction of your father, so you’ll be wise to the last of your days.
21 There are many choices in the heart of a man, but counsel from Jehovah lasts through the ages.
22 Charity is the fruitage of a man, but it’s better to be righteous and poor, than to be rich and a liar.
23 Fearing Jehovah brings life to a man, but he who has no such fear, will lodge in places where knowledge isn’t found.
24 In folded arms the unrighteous hide their hands, so they can’t bring [good things] to their mouths.
25 When a foolish man is whipped for his mischief, the simple man will be shrewder; but an intelligent man will understand, and then he will make the corrections.
26 He who dishonors his father, and pushes his mother away, will be reviled and disgraced.
27 A son who disobeys the instructions of his father, will focus on the evil that he hears spoken.
28 He who [co-signs] a loan, is like a child that is foolish, for he is insulting the Law, and the mouths of the irreverent will swallow him down.
29 Whips are prepared for those with no restraint, and for the backs of the foolish.
Chapter 20
1 Wine and strong drink can make you drunk, and fools will get wrapped in such things.
2 The intimidation of a king is as a lion’s rage, and those who provoke him sin against their lives.
3 It’s glory for a man to turn from shouting insults, but a fool stays involved in such matters.
4 If you scold the lazy it won’t shame him… such a man will borrow grain in the harvest.
5 Instruction is deep water within a man’s heart, from which the intelligent will draw.
6 A respected man has much value, and a merciful man is very precious, but a faithful man is hard to find.
7 The one who’s unspotted in his justice, will leave a blessing for his children.
8 When a just king sits on a throne, he won’t abide evil in his presence.
9 Who can boast that he has a pure heart, and openly say that he’s clean from all sins?
10 An untrue weight, whether large or small, is something unclean to Jehovah. And both the weights and the one who made them, 11 will be bound hand and foot for what he has done.
A young man who’s [a friend] to the holy, will surely find his ways straight.
12 The ear can hear and the eye can see, and they’re both the works of Jehovah.
13 Do not love speaking bad about others, so that you won’t be lifted away; rather, open your eyes wide and be filled up with bread!
14 The [bartering one] says ‘It’s bad, it’s bad,’ but after he leaves he’ll brag about it.
15 There [are treasures] of gold and precious gems, but understanding lips have more value.
16 If you should offer all your clothes, as security for the loan of a stranger, may the stranger then claim them.
17 The bread of deceit may seem good to a man, but he’ll find his mouth filled with gravel.
18 Make plans with discussion and counsel, and then with guidance go to war.
19 Double-tongued is he who reveals a plan among others, for his lips shouldn’t speak of things not his own.
20 He who speaks badly to a father or mother, will have his torch extinguished thereafter, and the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.
21 Whenever a thing is easily gained, in the end it will not be valued.
22 Don’t say ‘I’ll get even with my enemy;’ just wait on Jehovah and He’ll give you help.
23 Two different weights are disgusting to Jehovah, and a balance that’s off isn’t good before Him.
24 The steps of a man are made straight by Jehovah, for how can a mortal know the right ways to go?
25 It’s a snare to devote something as holy too quickly, for after you vow you might change your mind.
26 A wise king [rejects] the disrespectful, and he’ll have them put on the wheel.
27 The spirit of men is the light of Jehovah, which He uses to see what’s inside them.
28 Mercy and truth safeguard a king, for they’ll bring justice to his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the glory of old men is their gray hair.
30 The bad will know bruises and broken [bones], and plagues will come to their bellies.
Chapter 21
1 The heart of a king is a wave [in the sea], when it is in the hand of our God. Wherever He wishes He nods, and that’s the way he will go.
2 All men think themselves righteous, but Jehovah is the One who weighs hearts.
3 Telling the truth and doing what’s right, is more pleasing to God than blood sacrifices.
4 A high-minded man is insolent and bold; the lamp of the impious is their sin.
5 The hard-working think about [gaining] more, but those who are hasty will end up with less.
6 He who seeks treasures by lying, is a man who’s pursuing in vain, for in the snare of death he’ll be caught.
7 The ruin of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest, for they prefer not to do righteous things.
8 To those who are crooked God sends crooked ways, for His works are always straight and pure.
9 It’s better to live on the corner of a roof, than to live in a house whitewashed with injustice, or to live in a house that’s unclean.
10 The disrespectful man prefers what is bad, so he’ll never see mercy from another.
11 When you discipline a man for his lack of restraint, you make the guileless more clever, and by his insight the wise man will learn.
12 Impious hearts are viewed by the righteous, who treat their evil ways as having no value.
13 The one who closes his ears to the weak, will call out and no one will listen.
14 A gift that is given in private, will soothe [a person who’s angry], but where there’s no gift the rage may remain.
15 It brings joy when the righteous get justice, but the evil make even what’s holy unclean.
16 A man who travels in righteous ways, will rest among the gatherings of the great ones.
17 A man who loves pleasure will have little, and those fond wine and oil will never be rich.
18 To the righteous the wicked are rubbish, and the same is true of those breaking laws.
19 It’s better to live in the desert, than with a wife who prefers to talk and fight, and one who is prone to be angry.
20 Treasure rests in the mouths of the wise, but it’s swallowed by those who are foolish.
21 Those who seek charity and justice, will also find glory and life.
22 The wise build around them a fortified city, but the forts of the disrespectful are destroyed.
23 He who keeps watch on his mouth and his tongue, is removing problems from his life.
24 A bold, self-willed, and presumptuous man, is one who’s considered a plague; for all men resent those without law.
25 Lazy desires are what kill a man, for his hands will resolve to do nothing.
26 A disrespectful man lusts for evil all day, but the righteous man will show mercy, and there is no end to his pity.
27 Sacrifices of those without reverence, are viewed as disgusting by Jehovah, for even what they bring isn’t according to Law.
28 A witness who lies deserves death, but a servant of [God] will watch what he says.
29 Irreverent men like to stand in the forefront, but their ways are understood by the upright.
30 There is no wisdom or courage, and no advice from the godless.
31 Though a horse is prepared for the day of the battle, [true] help comes from Jehovah.
Chapter 22
1 A good name is preferred over great wealth, and good favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor should meet with each other, for both were made by Jehovah.
3 When a clever man sees the bad being punished, he then makes corrections in himself; but this is lost on the fools who pass by.
4 The fear of Jehovah is the father of wisdom, as well as wealth, glory, and life.
5 Thistles and snares line ways of the crooked, but those guarding their lives are distanced from them.
6 Raise a child [in good] ways, and when he grows old he won’t leave them.
7 The rich have control of the poor; they are masters to those who borrow from them.
He who sows evil will harvest what’s bad; he’ll reap the calamity of the bad things he’s done.
8 God loves a man who cheerfully gives, and overlooks the foolish things he’s done.
9 He who shows mercy to the poor, will also be fed from the bread he contributes.
The giver of gifts buys victory and honor, but life is removed from those who withhold them.
10 If you throw mischief-makers out of the gathering, their unpleasantness also goes with them. For, all are dishonored when such sit among you.
11 Jehovah loves hearts that are holy; those with pure ways He accepts.
12 The eyes of Jehovah keep guard on good sense, and He treats lawbreakers like [garbage].
13 The lazy make many excuses; they say, ‘There’s a lion in the streets, and I will be killed in the square.’
14 The mouths of the lawless are cesspools, which those hated by Jehovah will fall into.
15 Foolishness delights the hearts of the young, but instruction and spankings will drive it far away.
16 The one extorting the needy, brings much evil to himself. For to the rich he will give it away.
17 Set your ears on the words of the wise, and listen to the things that I’m saying! Store them inside your heart so you’ll know! 18 For, because they are good, if you’ll put them into your heart, they’ll also bring joy to your lips.
19 Put your hope in Jehovah, and He will show you His ways. 20 Write them down for yourself three times, as instruction and [to gain] knowledge.
21 I’m teaching you words that are true, so listen and you will gain knowledge. Then you can reply with words that are true, when people ask things of you.
22 Don’t push away the needy and poor, and don’t dishonor the weak at your gates, 23 for it’s Jehovah who argues their cause, so you’ll save your life from reprisal.
24 Don’t befriend a man inclined to great rage, nor lodge with a man prone to anger, 25 so you don’t learn of his ways, and bring a noose to your life.
26 Don’t shame your face by securing a loan, for if you find that you can’t repay it, they’ll take the bed from under your back.
28 Don’t move the [land] markers of the ages, which have been placed by your fathers.
29 An observant man who is sharp in his ways, will also stand beside kings… he won’t stand beside the dull witted.
Chapter 23
1 If you are invited to dine with a ruler, pay close attention to all things around you. 2 And pay close attention to your hands… have them prepared at such [times]. And although you may be very hungry, 3 don’t be too fond of his food, for that will not save your life. 4 And should you find yourself in great need, don’t reach out to those who are rich. Use insight and stay at a distance. 5 For, though you keep watching they won’t appear, because they have the wings of an eagle, so they can [escape] to their homes.
6 Do not dine with an envious man, nor have desire for his food; 7 eat and drink as though swallowing a hair. And don’t bring him into your house for a meal, 8 for he will just vomit upon it, and lay waste to the good things you’ve prepared.
9 Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, so he doesn’t sneer at your wisdom.
10 Don’t move the boundaries of the ages, and never take the possessions of orphans; for Jehovah is the One who’s paid their ransom; 11 Yes He is strong and He’ll argue their case.
12 Open you hearts to great learning, and prepare your ears for sensible words!
13 You shouldn’t avoid correcting a child, for if you spank him he surely won’t die. 14 And if you give him a spanking, from death you’ll rescue his soul.
15 O son; If you teach your heart to be wise, you’ll also make my heart glad. 16 Then we’ll spend time sharing words from our lips… if [your words] prove to be straight.
17 Don’t let your heart be jealous of sinners… be in the fear of Jehovah all day! 18 For, if these things you should choose to obey, there will be others descending from you, and you’ll receive all the things that you hope for.
19 Hear me O son and be wise; straighten the thoughts in your heart! 20 Don’t be one who drinks too much wine, nor one who reclines with the meat in the markets! 21 For, drunks and whoremongers will be poor… the nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.
22 Hear me O son, for I am your father, and don’t disrespect your aged mother. 23 With all you gain [search for] truth! And these also do not reject: wisdom, instruction, and understanding!
24 A righteous father is one who provides, and a son who is wise brings joy to his life. 25 So, bring joy to your father and mother; may the one who bore you rejoice!
26 Lend me your heart and your eyes. O son, pay attention to my ways!
27 The house of a [whore] is a keg with a hole; it’s a well that is narrow and strange, 28 and [those who enter] will perish, for those breaking the Law are destroyed.
29 For whom are there problems and woes? For whom are there many disputes? For whom is there intrigue and rancor? Who is destroyed for no reason? Who’s the one with dark eyes? 30 Isn’t it those who linger with wine… those who prowl looking for parties? Don’t be a man who gets drunk on wine! Don’t hang out with [unrighteous] men, nor walk around [with the bad]! 31 If you search for [the contents of] cups, you’ll end up as bare as a pestle… 32 stretched out like one who’s been struck by a snake… as one poisoned by the bite of a horned viper.
33 When your eyes behold a strange woman, and your mouth starts to speak perverse things; 34 when you lie down it’ll be in the heart of the sea… as a sailor who’s covered by a swell. 35 (And you’ll say), ‘They beat me, but I felt no pain; they mocked me, but I didn’t know it. How long will it be ‘til it’s dawn, so I can do it once more?’
Chapter 24
1 O son; never be jealous of evil men, nor ever desire to be with them. 2 For, their hearts just think about lies, and misery is what their lips speak.
3 Wisdom has built a house for himself, and it was erected with skill. 4 Its storerooms are filled with good sense… things of value, goodness, and wealth.
5 It’s better to be wise than a strong [man], and smart than owning much land.
6 In [times of] war it’s good to seek guidance, for from the hearts of counselors comes aid.
7 Wisdom and insight are good, and they’re found within the gates of the wise.
8 The wise won’t turn from the Law of Jehovah, and they consider all things in their meetings. 9 But those who won’t learn meet with death, 9 for the fool will die in his sins.
10 With what’s unclean do not get involved, for when the evil day of affliction arrives, you will come to your end.
11 Rescue those being led to their deaths, and ransom those about to be slain! 12 Do not say ‘I don’t know them,’ for the Lord knows the hearts of all men; yes He put breath in them all, so He’s aware of all things, and He pays each one back for the things he has done.
13 O son; Eating honey from the comb is delightful, for it brings sweetness to your throat! 14 And that’s how wisdom should be in your life, for if you find it your death will be good, and you’ll never lose sight of your hope.
15 Don’t lead the irreverent to the pastures of the righteous, nor be deceived [when they feed you a meal]. 16 For though the righteous may fall seven times, they will stand up again, but the irreverent will be plagued for their evil.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and after his fall he can’t rise. 18 For, Jehovah will see this and He’ll not be pleased, and upon you He’ll bring His rage.
19 Do not rejoice over those who do bad, nor be jealous of sinners! 20 For the wicked won’t be left with descendants, and the torch of the irreverent will be extinguished.
21 Fear God, O son, as well as the king… never resist their persuasion! 22 For sudden destruction they both can bring, upon all those who show no respect… yes, who can know how either will punish?
23 I’m saying this to you and to the wise: ‘Feeling awe for a person you judge isn’t good.’ 24 For, he who calls the irreverent just, will be cursed among all the people, and detested among all the nations. 25 But he who reproves will appear to be better, and upon such a one will come praises. 26 For, lips will kiss righteous answers.
27 Prepare to leave the things you are doing, and make preparations for your fields; then come after me and we’ll work on your house!
28 Don’t be a witness who lies about others, nor should you open your lips very wide. 29 Don’t say: ‘I’ll do to him as he did to me… I’ll get even with he who who has wronged me!’
30 A foolish man is much like a farm, and one lacking good sense as a vineyard. 31 For if you just leave them alone, they will become overgrown; their stone fences will fail and soon be torn down.
32 I once decided to make a change; I planned to just [sit back] and learn. 33 Then I started to doze and fell fast asleep, with my hands folded over my chest. 34 Now, if you also choose to do this, poverty will soon overtake you, and lack will chase you down like a sprinter.
Chapter 25
1 These are the [proverbs] of Solomon that were recorded by friends of HezekiJah, the king of Judea.
2 The glory of God covers over a matter, but the glory of a king deems all things important.
3 Heaven is high and the earth is below, but [who can know] the heart of a king?
4 If you beat out unrefined silver, it will be totally [pure].
5 Slay the impious [surrounding] the king, and you’ll make his throne one of justice.
6 Do not be boastful in the presence of the king, nor in places where the mighty ones gather.
7 It’s better if [a king] says ‘Come stand before me,’ than to humble you in the presence of the mighty.
Tell the king only those things, which you have seen with your eyes.
8 Don’t be too quick to get into a fight, for you might wish you’d changed your mind in the end.
Whenever you’re scolded by a friend, 9 withdraw and don’t be angry with him. 10 For if your friend’s scolding leads to hatred and fights, it will be the same as his death. But favor and friendship are free, so pay attention to yourself, and give him no reason to scold you… act in a way to reconcile!
11 As a golden apple in a pendant of rubies, is the value of words that are wise. 12 As an earring of gold with a setting of ruby, such are wise words to ears that will hear.
13 As the falling of snow in the heat of the harvest, is the value of a messenger who is trusted, for he benefits the lives of all those he contacts.
14 As winds, clouds, and rain are apparent, so are the boasts of those claiming false gifts.
15 Success comes to kings who are patient, and an answer that’s mild will break bones.
16 When you find honey eat just what’s enough, lest you become filled and vomit it out.
17 Be sparing in the way you [visit] your friends, so they do not tire and come to detest you.
18 Like clubs, and swords, and pointed arrows, is a man who slanders a friend.
19 For their evil the lawless will be destroyed, in the bad day that’s [coming].
20 As vinegar on a [cut] brings [pain], so is a heart in distress to its body. Like a moth in [wool] clothes and a worm inside wood, that’s how distress [eats] at a man’s heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, then feed him, and if he’s thirsty, give him a drink! 22 By doing this you pile coals on his head, and Jehovah will repay the good things you’ve done.
23 As a wind from the north will bring clouds, an impudent tongue brings aggravation.
24 It’s better to live on the corner of a roof, than to live in a house with a wife who nags.
25 As cold water is enjoyed by a person who’s thirsty, so is good news that comes from afar.
26 As unbecoming as plugging a spring, and thereby wasting the water, is the fall of the righteous before the irreverent.
27 As eating too much honey isn’t good, honorable words can bring too much praise.
28 As a city without walls lies unprotected, so is the man who won’t listen to council.
Chapter 26
1 As snow in the summer and rain in the harvest, it’s wrong for a fool to be honored.
2 As sparrows and birds spread [their wings but don’t] fly, a [curse] for no reason won’t come to fruition.
3 As a whip to a horse and a spur to a burro, a rod comes to nations of the lawless.
4 Don’t answer a fool in his same foolish way, so you aren’t considered to be like him. 5 But give a reply showing how he is foolish, so he will not think himself wise.
6 He who sends a foolish message, heaps scorn upon his own ways.
7 Remove from fools their reasons [to speak], and take their proverbs from their mouths. 8 For, as one who ties a stone to a sling, is he who gives glory to fools.
9 As thorns will grow in the hands of a drunk, slavery grows in the hands of fools.
10 As storms may create much damage, the flesh of fools is destroyed, by the things that bring them pleasure.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool returns to the evil he’s done, and he commits the very same sins.
12 I’ve seen men who thought themselves wise, but they were no more than fools.
13 When the lazy is sent out [to work] he will say, ‘There are lions in the road and murderers in the square.’
14 The lazy one rolls in his bed, like a door that’s swinging on hinges.
15 When the lazy one hides his hands in [his robe], he’s unable to bring them up to his mouth.
16 The lazy one thinks himself wiser, when something he says appears to come true.
17 As one who grabs hold of the tail of a dog, is he who argues the case of a stranger.
18 As those [who cure others] also need healing, those [giving instructions] will stumble.
19 When a man is caught seeking friends [as his prey], he’ll claim that he was just pretending.
20 When there’s plenty of wood a fire will grow, but when there’s no reason to disagree, there is no cause for a battle. 21 But as a grate [filled with] coals and wood for a fire, a man who shouts insults is seeking a fight.
22 The words of those who are bad may sound soft, but they beat the insides of the bowels.
23 Silver that comes from treacherous acts, is like a fine pot that is cracked.
Comforting [words] will bring comfort, to a heart in distress.
24 An enemy who is crying will agree to whatever, as he makes evil plans in his heart.
25 When an enemy calls you with a loud voice, don’t pay him any attention, for in his heart are seven kinds of evil.
26 Treacherous are those who are hiding their hate, but their sins can be shown up in court.
27 He who’s digging a pit for his neighbor, will be the one who falls in it; and he who’s rolling a boulder, will roll it back on himself.
28 A lying tongue hates the truth, and an open mouth creates a commotion.
Chapter 27
1 Don’t boast about things that you’ll do tomorrow, for [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.
2 Let friends give you praise, not your own mouth… let strangers [do it], not your own lips.
3 Rocks and sand are heavy to bear, but the rage of a fool is greater than both.
4 Rage has no mercy and anger is sharp, but before zeal no one can stand.
5 It is better to offer correction, than to [speak] flattering words. 6 For, the wounds of a friend are more to be trusted, than an enemy’s kisses.
7 He who is full will laugh at honeycombs, but to he who is starving the bitter tastes sweet.
8 As a bird that flies from its nest, is a man who strays from his home.
9 Perfume, incense, and wine, will all make the heart happy, but things that go wrong will shatter a soul.
10 Don’t leave a friend or a friend of your father, and don’t do wrong to the house of your brother. For a friend who is near is better, than a brother who lives far away.
11 Become wise, my son, and make my heart glad… do not shout hateful words!
12 When the clever see evil they go and hide, but a fool passing by will be caught up in it.
13 Take the clothes from he who shouts insults, and he who lays waste to the goods of a stranger.
14 Shouting praises of a friend too early in the morning, is the same as one who shouts curses.
15 As a house leaking rain on winter days, a nagging wife drives a man from his home.
16 Wind from the north blows hard, so it’s fittingly called the north wind.
17 As iron is sharpened by iron, a man can sharpen the face of a friend.
18 The man who is planting a fig tree, is the one who will eat its fruit; and he who guards [the life of] his master, is one who’ll be held in high esteem.
19 As faces are unlike other faces, men’s hearts are also quite different.
20 As the grave and destruction never get filled, the eyes of a man are never satisfied. But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to Jehovah, as are the ignorant who don’t mind their tongues.
21 As gold and silver are refined in a fire, a man is refined by the corrections of others.
22 You can dishonor a fool with a whip in a crowd, but you can’t drive his foolishness away.
23 Know the condition of the lives of your flock, and keep your herd in your heart.
24 A man’s might and strength won’t last through the age, nor from generation to generation can he retain them.
25 If you tend the green that grows in the field, you will take its cuttings for food. You’ll gather the hay from the hills, 26 and then you’ll have wool for your clothes. So, hold the fields in high esteem, so you can own many lambs.
27 O son; The many proverbs that I’ve given, will all bring you a long life, and they’ll also bring life to your servants.
Chapter 28
1 The godless run when no one is chasing, but as secure as lions are the righteous.
2 From the sins of the irreverent come lawsuits, but a man who is clever can avoid them.
3 An energetic man who does ungodly things, can damage the poor like a bad storm.
4 Those leaving the Law will praise what is godless, but to those loving the Law it’s a wall.
5 The evil don’t understand the meaning of fairness, but those seeking Jehovah fully comprehend it.
6 It’s better to be poor and walking in truth, than to be rich and a liar.
7 A discerning son is keeping the Law, but one driven by lust dishonors his father.
8 Those who gain wealth by charging interest, will [pay it] to he who shows compassion for the poor.
9 [God] hates the prayers of the man, who turns his ears from hearing the Law.
10 He who leads the righteous toward bad, will also fall into corruption. The honest will claim all his good things, and he will not enter among them.
11 A rich man thinks himself wise, but an intelligent man will condemn him, even if he is needy.
12 When the righteous triumph there’s glory, but when the wicked succeed men will hide.
13 He who excuses his ungodly things, will never prosper in his ways. But he who admits and corrects will be loved.
14 Blest is the man who worships in awe, but those with hard hearts will fall into evil.
15 As a hungry lion or a wolf that is thirsty, is the one who rules a destitute nation.
16 A king who doesn’t tax is great at extortion, but those hating injustice will live a long time.
17 The man who stands good for a loan, is the same as a man accused of murder; for he will be sent into exile, and there he will find no safety.
18 He who travels right ways will be helped, but those on crooked roads will get tangled.
19 He who works his own land will eat bread, but the one seeking an easy life will be poor.
20 A trustworthy man will be praised over much, but the evil will not go unpunished.
21 Those without respect for the righteous are evil, and for a scrap of food I’d sell such a man.
22 Evil eyes are in a hurry to get rich, but they don’t know that poverty awaits them.
23 Those offering correction will be loved, more so than those with flattering tongues.
24 He who throws out his father and mother, assumes he’s not guilty of sin; but he’s truly a partner of those who [hate God].
25 The judgment of a man without faith is [damnation], but those yielding to Jehovah are shown care.
26 A fool will yield to a rash heart, but he who is wise will be saved.
27 Those giving to the poor will never be in want, but he who turns his eyes won’t find satisfaction.
28 When the godless rule the righteous will moan, but when they’re destroyed the righteous will prosper.
Chapter 29
1 It’s better to be a man accepting correction, than to be one who’s [too proud]. For upon him there will come sudden fire, from which there will be no healing.
2 When the righteous are honored the people rejoice, but when the irreverent rule people moan.
3 He who loves wisdom gladdens his father, but the one who loves whores destroys wealth.
4 A righteous king creates states, but the lawless tear them back down.
5 He who sets a snare for a friend, puts it around his own feet.
6 A snare is set for men who will sin, which brings joy and gladness to the righteous.
7 The righteous give justice to the poor, but the irreverent have no comprehension, so to the poor they’re poor judges.
8 Mischievous men will burn down a city, but the wise can turn back their rage.
9 A wise man will judge many nations, but the one paying no heed provokes them to rage, with his ridicule and lack of respect.
10 Partners in blood hate the holy and upright, and they keep seeking their lives.
11 A fool will show all his rage, but those who are wise hold it in.
12 A king who listens to unrighteous matters, makes the lawless ones joyful.
13 When a lender and debtor meet together, Jehovah observes their agreement.
14 When a king judges the poor in truth, he establishes good reports for his throne.
15 Spankings and scoldings give wisdom, but a child left on his own brings shame to his parents.
16 When the godless are many, there will also be many who sin. But when such ones finally fall, the righteous [will learn] to have fear.
17 Correct your son and he’ll bring you rest… he’ll be a decoration to your life.
18 For a lawbreaking nation there’s no one to save them, but those keeping the laws will be blest.
19 A stubborn servant cannot be corrected with words; even if he understands he will not obey.
20 Whenever you see a man hasty in his words, know that he shares the hope of a fool.
21 He who is raised in a life that is wasted, will be a servant to somebody else, and he’ll grieve for himself in the end.
22 A man who’s enraged seeks reasons to fight, and a man prone to anger digs for sins.
23 Insolence is what debases a man, but meekness brings glory from God.
24 He who shares with a thief, is one who hates his own life. And if he should hear public cursing, he would never report it.
25 Those who bring fear and shame will be tripped, but those who yield to God will be glad.
Disrespect is what stumbles a man, but he who yields to his Lord will be saved.
26 Many come to stand before leaders, but true justice comes from Jehovah.
27 To the wicked the righteous are disgusting, and to the lawless those walking straight ways [are fools].
Chapter 30
The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh.
1 Thus says this man to those trusting in God, ‘I’m through, 2 for I’m the most foolish of men, and the intelligence of man isn’t in me. 3 Yet God has taught me much wisdom, and the holiest knowledge I know.’
4 Who has ascended to heaven and returned? Who has gathered the winds to His chest? Who has bundled the waters in His robe? Who has laid hold of the ends of the earth? What is the Name He’s been given, and what names do you know that He’s given His children?
5 All words of God are truly pure, and He’s a shield to those who venerate Him. 6 Don’t add to His words for He’ll discipline you, then a liar you will become.
7 Two things I am asking of Him… O please don’t remove Your favor ‘til I die:
· 8 Take away my vain foolish words, and don’t give me poverty or wealth. Give me just the things that I need, so I can remain self-sufficient.
· 9 And don’t let me be in need so I’d steal, and profane the Name of my God.
10 Never return a [slave] to his master, so he won’t have reason to curse or destroy you.
11 A bad child is one who curses his father, and won’t speak in praise of his mother.
12 A bad child is one who judges himself, and refuses to clean up his ways.
13 A bad child is one that is [proud], and holds himself high in his eyelids.
14 A bad child has teeth that serve as swords, and molars that are like pruning knives, which he uses to consume the weak of the land, and remove those in need among men.
15 To the leech was [born] three dearly-loved daughters, but these three weren’t enough to fulfill her. So she had a fourth, since she couldn’t say ‘That’s enough!’ 16 For the desires of a woman and the grave are never filled, as the ground is never filled up with water. Neither fire nor water ever say ‘It’s enough!’
17 May the eyes of those who ridicule a father, and dishonor their mother in her old age, be removed by crows in ravines, and devoured by the young of vultures.
18 Three things I cannot comprehend, and there’s a fourth that I do not know: 19 the tracks of the flight of an eagle; the ways of a snake on a rock; the path of a ship as it travels the sea; and the ways of a man in his youth.
20 When an adulterous woman is still washing herself, she’ll claim that she’s done no wrong.
21 These three things shake the ground, and the fourth it’s unable to bear:
24 There are four lesser things on the earth, and these are wiser than the wise:
29 There are three things that continue to prosper, and a fourth that is best overlooked:
32 When you lose your joy and raise fists to fight, you are already dishonored.
33 If you do milking you will have butter; if you squeeze your nose it will bleed; and if you keep on talking there’ll be arguments and fights.
Chapter 31
The words of King LemuEl.
1 These words [that I’ve written] were spoken by God… through a king came an answer Divine.
He was once asked by his mother, 2 ‘What, O child, what should I tell you? Which saying of God should I speak to my firstborn? What, O child of my belly? What, O child of my vows?
3 ‘Don’t [waste] your money on women, nor your abilities or mind upon pleasure. Think it all over and follow [my] council, and [do not] drink [too much] wine!
4 ‘The mighty are easy to anger, so never offer them wine, 5 lest as they’re drinking they forget wisdom, for when they’re weak they’ll make wrong decisions. 6 Give liquor to those in distress; offer wine to those who are grieving, 7 so they can forget their poor condition, and remember their misery no more.
8 ‘O son; Open your mouth with the words of God, and offer fair judgment to all. 9 Open your mouth and righteously judge; stand up for the needy and weak!
10 ‘Who can find an industrious wife, for more than precious gems is her value. 11 Her husband’s heart should courageously guard her, for he’ll never be lacking good treasures.
12 ‘She uses her strength to help her man; she wastes not her life doing bad. 13 She works with her hands spinning linen and wool, 14 and acts like a ship that trades far away… that’s how she gathers her wealth.
15 ‘She gets up while it’s still night, along with her female attendants, to ready the food for her household. 16 She may see a farm and then buy it… from the fruits of her hands she gains [more] possessions.
17 ‘She wraps her waist to make it stronger, and readies her arms to do work. 18 She’s tasted and found work to be good, and her lamp burns throughout the night.
19 ‘She stretches [her arms] toward things advantageous, as she applies her hands to the spindle. 20 She opens her hands to the needy, and stretches her arms toward the poor.
21 ‘She thinks not of using her husband’s things, whenever he’s gone for a while, and all who are hers will have enough clothes.
22 ‘A double coat of goat’s hair, she has made for her husband; and from the bolt-ends of linen and purple, she also made one for herself. 23 So, her husband is admired when he sits at the gate, and meets with the aged of the land.
24 ‘She takes fine linen to make loincloths, for all [her] CanaAnite [slaves]. 25 She’s [proud] of her strength and her beauty, and is happy throughout her last days.
26 ‘She opens her mouth to speak wisdom and Law, and charity rests on her tongue. 27 Her pastimes are things that shelter her home, and the grain of laziness she doesn’t eat.
28 ‘She raises her children so they will grow rich, and her husband offers her praises. 29 Her many daughters will also be rich, by doing the things that she’s [taught them].
‘But you are still the first [in her eyes]… above all the rest she holds you.
30 ‘Beauty and allurement are false, so that isn’t what you should look for. Find a woman who is praised and discerning; one who is known for her fear of Jehovah. 31 Take from her the fruit of her lips, and her husband will be praised at the gates.’
Ecclesiastes
Chapter 1
1 These are the sayings of the great congregator, the son of David, the king of Israel in Jerusalem.
2 ‘All is foolishness and waste,’ said he, the great congregator. ‘Foolishness and waste… all that’s done is in vain. 3 What value is all a man gains from his trouble, for which he’s worked hard under the sun?’
4 A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth keeps standing through the age. 5 The sun keeps rising and setting, as it withdraws to it’s place. 6 The wind comes from the south, and it moves north in its circle, then it goes back and comes ‘round again.
7 All the streams flow to the sea, but the sea is never filled up. Then to the places from which they came, they all return and flow back again. 8 So a man can’t speak all his weary words, his eyes can’t be filled with all to be seen, and his ears can’t be filled with all to be heard.
9 What is this thing that [just] happened? The same thing will happen again! What is this thing being done? The same will be done in the future, for there’s nothing that’s new under the sun.
10 Who can speak out and say, ‘{Look!} Here is something that’s new!’ For the same thing has happened for ages, to those who have lived before us. 11 The first things that were done are forgotten, and things being done will not be remembered, by those who are born in the end.
12 The great congregator was king, over all of Israel in Jerusalem. 13 So, I set my heart to survey and inquire, about all that has happened under the sky. As a distraction from the bad God gave this, to the sons of men to lead them toward Him.
14 I’ve seen all that is done under the sun, and I find it to be a waste of [good] breath. 15 For, things that go wrong are never made right, and there’s too much that is wrong to be counted.
16 Once I spoke in my heart and I said, ‘Look how great I’ve become! For I’ve been given more wisdom, than all in Jerusalem who’ve come before me! So I set my heart to learn wisdom and knowledge, 17 and wisdom and knowledge my heart beheld, as well as higher learning and proverbs. This was the resolve of my spirit: 18 to gain an abundance of wisdom, along with an abundance of knowledge. But those who gain knowledge also gain pain.
Chapter 2
1 I said to my heart, ‘Well come now; I’ll [fill] you with joy and then you’ll know good!’ But even that was just folly.
2 To laughter I said, ‘You’re a burden!’ And to joy I asked, ‘What have you accomplished?’
3 So I thought in my heart: ‘I’ll drink wine for my flesh,’ but my heart then led me toward wisdom.
And then I decided to hold onto joy, until I could see what kind of good, 4 there was to be found among sons of men, that they can do in their short days of life. 4 And thereafter I went into action; I built many houses and planted some vineyards, 5 and I made myself gardens and parks, which were planted with trees of all sorts of fruit. 6 Around them I dug ponds and lakes, to water the groves filled with trees. 7 I acquired many slaves, both men and women, and many native servants were thereafter born.
I also acquired great herds and flocks… more than all in Jerusalem who’d lived before me. 8 I collected much silver and gold for myself… the possessions of kings and estates. I prepared for myself many singers (both men and women) and brought sons of men to amuse me. I had both men and women who just served me wine, 9 then I became great and grew in my wisdom (more that all who came before me in Jerusalem), and indeed my wisdom was established.
10 Whatever I asked for was close to my eyes, and I didn’t withhold any joy from my heart… so the efforts of my heart made me happy. Yet, this was the sum of my efforts. 11 For when I looked at all I’d accomplished, and at all the things that I’d made with my hands, and considered the effort that it all required, that’s when I saw that it was all folly. For, no matter what our spirits should resolve to do, it brings no advantage under the sun.
12 Thereafter I examined my wisdom, and saw it too was just folly. For, who under the sun will follow my counsel… which man will do [what I’ve said]? For, though the wise have eyes in their heads, the fools still travel in darkness. Yet, I knew that both them and I, will eventually all meet together. 15 So I said in my heart ‘The [death] of all fools, will soon also meet up with me. So, what value has all of my wisdom?’
And this too I said in my heart: ‘[Despite] all I’ve said about being a fool, even that is just folly; 16 for both wise and fools are forgotten, and all that [they’ve done] will not be remembered. So how are the wise better than fools?’
17 Then with my life I was disgusted; for all I’d done under the sun, would eventually end up as bad… it is all just foolish and wasted breath.
18 Thereafter I was also disgusted, with all I’d done under the sun. For, I’ll leave it all to the man who comes after, 19 and who knows if he’s wise or a fool? Who knows if he’ll care for the things I have made, or the things I’ve discerned under the sun? So, all of this is just folly. 20 Thus I turned to dismiss from my heart, all the results of my efforts, and all that I’d made under the sun.
21 There’s a man who works hard at gaining wisdom, as well as gaining knowledge and courage. But there’s also a man who has made no such effort, and he too will be given his portion… and this is a great wicked folly.
22 What happens to a man and to all of his efforts, and the resolve of his heart under the sun? 23 During all of his days there is pain, and the rage of things that are being torn down; thus during the night his heart doesn’t rest, so indeed this too is just folly.
24 Nothing worthwhile comes to a man, but eating, and drinking, and searching for good… and from the hand of God all this comes. 25 Why, who can eat and drink next to Him? 26 To those He finds good He gives wisdom, as well as knowledge and joy. But the one who’s sinning He rips away, to [later] be added and gathered, and then be given to those who are good, that stand before the face of [our] God. So, this is also just folly, and a waste of [good] breath.
Chapter 3
1 For all under heaven there’s a time and a season… 2 there’s a time to give birth and one to die; a time to plant and to harvest; 3 a time to kill and one to heal; a time to build and one to tear down; 4 a time to laugh and one to cry; a time to mourn and one to dance; 5 a time to throw stones and one to collect them; a time to hug and a time to push away; 6 a time to lose and a time to find; a time to keep and a time to throw away; 7 a time to sew and a time to rip out; a time to speak out and a time to stay silent; 8 a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. 9 So, what can your efforts accomplish?
10 I’ve seen the amusements that God has given, to the sons of men to distract them. 11 All things that God made are good in their time, and He’s put the ages into our hearts, so man doesn’t know all the things He has done, from ancient times to the present. 12 But I know that [for] them there’s nothing worthwhile, except joy and doing good in their lives. 13 So, when a man eats and drinks, and he finds his ways blest, this is a gift which comes from [our] God.
14 I know that all things which God does, are [made] to last through the age. To them no more should you add, and from them do not take away. For all the things that God’s done, are so we’d live before Him in fear. 15 Why, the things that will be, already are… all that will be, has already been, and God searches to see which we will pursue.
16 I also noticed that under the sun, there’s a place of judgment for the disrespectful, and a place [of judgment] for the righteous. 17 So in my heart I concluded, that both the irreverent and the just will be judged; since there is a season for it all, and for every action there is a right time.’
18 I said in my heart what sons of men say; that God will examine and show they’re just cattle. 19 Why, the outcome for man is the same as for his herds… as this one dies, so dies the other, since they all share the very same breath. So, how are men better than cattle? They aren’t! And it’s all just a joke! 20 Everything goes to the same place… it comes from the dust and returns to the dust. 21 Who knows if man’s breath will ascend, and the breath of cattle goes down to the ground?
22 So, I saw there’s [little] that is good, except for man’s joy with the things he has done… and this is all he’s been given. For, who will lead him to see, the things that will happen after [he’s gone]?
Chapter 4
1 I turned and beheld everything… all the extortions and other such things, which happen under the sun. I saw the power in the hands of extorters, and I saw the tears of the swindled… and that no one came to offer them comfort.
2 I praised all the things of those who have died, for more have died than now live. 3 And the best of these two is the one not yet born, who hasn’t yet seen all the evil, that’s being done under the sun. 4 I beheld all their efforts and acts of great courage, and the rivalries of men against their companions. Indeed it is all very foolish, and a huge waste of [good] breath.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6 But it’s better to enjoy a handful in peace, than to have double and be bothered, for this is also a waste of good breath.
7 I turned and saw foolishness under the sun; 8 for there are those who live all alone, and those who have no dependents. But though they have no brothers or sons, they deprive their lives of the good things. And indeed this too is just folly; it’s just a distraction from bad.
9 Two [people] are better than one, because efforts together return a good wage. 10 For, if one should stumble his partner will lift him. But woe to him who stumbles and falls, and has no partner to raise him.
11 When two share a bed they’ll be warm. But when there’s just one, how can he stay warm? 12 A person alone can be beaten by another, but two can stand up against him… and a three-corded rope isn’t easily broken.
13 It’s better to be a child who’s needy and wise, than an old king who is foolish, and no longer listens [to council]. 14 For, he comes from his prison to reign, and in his own kingdom has nothing.
15 I’ve seen all the things of the living… all those who are walking under the sun, and the young of the next generation, who will soon become their replacements. 16 There is no limit to all of the people, or to all of those who’ve come before them. Yet the last take no joy in [those who came before], so this too is foolish and a waste of good breath.
Chapter 5
1 Watch your feet as you enter God’s [Temple], whenever you go there to listen. Make sure that your sacrifices are better, than all the gifts of the fools, for they don’t know of the bad that will come. 2 So, don’t be too fast with your mouths, and don’t let your hearts act too quickly, when making [a vow] in the presence of God. For God is up in the heavens, and you are here on the earth; so let your words remain few… 3 for many [concerns] bring [bad] dreams, and the voices of fools have many words.
4 When you make a vow to [your] God, don’t waste any time to repay it, for He doesn’t want foolish vows. So, whatever you vow you should bring… 5 it’s best to not vow at all, than to vow and not pay it!
6 Don’t let your mouth lead your flesh into sin, and don’t say too much in the presence of God. [Do not say] stupid things, so the words that you say don’t anger God, and bring destruction on the works of your hands. 7 For there are many daydreams and follies… but fear to say many words, whenever you come before God.
8 If you see the needy extorted and robbed, by lawsuits and legal actions somewhere, don’t pay this too much attention. For, from above the High One keeps watch; He sees them all from [the heavens].
9 The abundance of the earth is for all, and even a king needs a field to be worked. 10 But for those who love silver there’s never enough, and with plenty comes even more offspring; and indeed, this too is just folly. 11 For, when there are many good things, there will also be many who eat it. So, what value [is plenty] to the one who receives it, for he’ll only see it with his eyes.
12 Sleep is always sweet to a slave, whether he has little or much; but the rich don’t get enough sleep.
13 I’ve seen much illness under the sun, and those hoarding wealth during such trouble, 14 though their wealth is soon to be lost. So it’s just a distraction from the bad.
When a man fathers a son, it’s with nothing that he enters [the world]. 15 From the womb of his mother he arrives naked, and when he goes, he leaves the same way… with nothing to show for his efforts, which he can carry off in his hands. 16 Indeed this is illness that’s evil, for as he arrived so he returns. Then, what advantage has he gained from his efforts, when they’re [all blown away] in the wind?
17 Man spends his days in darkness and mourning, and in anger, illness, and rage. 18 But {Look!} in the things we eat and drink I’ve seen goodness. I’ve also seen good that comes from man’s efforts, 19 in all he’s accomplished under the sun, in the portion of life that God has allowed him. 19 For those who gain wealth and possessions from God, are allowed to own them and eat them, so they reap the joy of their efforts, thus these are in fact gifts from God. 20 And though they’ll forget many days of their lives, God has amused them with the joy in their hearts.
Chapter 6
1 There is something bad that I have beheld, which is common to all men under the sun. 2 It’s when God gives him wealth, possessions, and glory, and he lacks for nothing he desires in his life, but God doesn’t allow him the time to [enjoy] it, for a man who’s a stranger [then gets] it. This is sickness and folly.
3 If a man should live a hundred years (no matter how long the days of his years), and his life isn’t filled up with goodness; before he’s even buried I would say: ‘It would be better for him if he’d been miscarried.’ 4 For in folly he came and in darkness he left, and in darkness his name will be covered. 5 Indeed, he never knew the sun, and none [being born] would know him from others. 6 And if he returned and lived a thousand years, and still never knew what is good, wouldn’t he go to the place that all go?
7 All a man does is just to fill his mouth, yet his soul is never fulfilled up. 8 Why, what advantage have the wise over fools, for only the poor know to put living first. 9 Yes, it’s better to just see it with your eyes, than to experience it in life, for all of that is also just folly, and a huge waste of good breath.
10 Whenever something new comes to be, it has already been named [in the past]. And though a man knows his own [strength], he’s unable to judge when someone is stronger. 11 There are so many things that make foolishness grow, 12 and what does this mean for a man? Who knows what is good for a man in his life, and how many of his days will be foolish? For, his life is much like a shadow, and who can report to a man, what under the sun will succeed him?
Chapter 7
1 A good name is better than oil, because the day that you die is really better, than the day of [your] birth. 2 It’s better to attend a funeral than a banquet, for that is the end of all men, and it’s good for all who are living, to take the good warnings into their hearts.
3 Indignant rage is better than laughter, for a face that is hurt makes the heart better.
4 The heart of the wise considers [his death], but the hearts of fools just think about fun.
5 It’s better to hear the scolding of the wise, than to hear songs of [praises] from fools.
6 As the [crackling] of tinder under the pot, is the sound of the laughter of fools, for this is also just folly.
7 Extortion will drive wise men crazy, for it destroys the good intentions of their hearts.
8 The way that a matter turns out, is better than when it was started.
It’s better [for a man] to be forgiving, than to have a high-minded spirit.
9 Don’t get angry too quickly, for rage rests in the bosoms of fools.
10 Don’t ask why past days were better, for asking such things isn’t wise.
11 Wisdom is an abundant allotment of good, to those who can still see the sun, 12 for in its shadow is wisdom, which is the same as the shadow of silver. The advantage of those who know wisdom, is that it brings life to all those who have it.
13 Behold the actions of God, for who is able to add, to whatever God Himself sends?
14 In the day of goodness enjoy a good life, but watch out, for bad days will come!
{Look!} Harmonious words God sent through this one, so man will be in need of nothing!
15 I’ve seen it all in the days of my folly; I’ve seen the righteous destroyed in injustice, and the irreverent continue in their evil.
16 Do not become overly righteous, nor too critical should you be, so you won’t be overwhelming [to others]. 17 Nor become extremely disrespectful, lest you become hard and die in your time.
18 It would be good to hang onto such things, and not to dirty your hands, for everything comes to those who fear God.
19 Wisdom has much greater power, than ten of the mighty in a city.
20 There is no man on earth who is righteous… who just does what’s good and is free from all sin.
21 Don’t keep all things that are said in your heart, and pay no attention if your servants should curse you. 22 For, against you they’ll say wicked things, and often they’ll hurt you at heart… just as you have often cursed others.
23 All these things I have tested as wisdom. For, though I said that I’d be discerning, it stayed too far from my grasp… 24 too far above and too deep below, so who is able to find it?
25 I’ve searched through my heart to understand; I’ve surveyed it and for wisdom I’ve searched; I have reasoned and know how the godless are foolish, and how they’re misled to go wrong.
26 I find her more bitter than death… the woman with snares and nets in her heart, and slavery is found her hands. Only those declared good before God, will be saved from her hands… but those who are sinning will be captured.
27 ‘Look; this is what I have found,’ says the great congregator. ‘I’ve counted and carefully searched, 28 seeking [an answer] with my whole soul, but I was unable to find one. Not a man in a thousand did I find to be [righteous], nor any at all among women! 29 But this is the one thing that I have found: God deals with the man who is upright, and searches for ways to reward him.’
Who knows who truly is wise, and who comprehends the meanings of proverbs?
Chapter 8
1 Wisdom makes a face brighter, but an impudent face is detested.
2 Watch the mouth of a king, because of the oath that God gave! 3 Don’t depart from his face in a hurry, and don’t go before him for wrong reasons, for he can do whatever he pleases. 4 And who will ask a king that is ruling, ‘Why did you make [that decision]?’
5 Those who keep the Commandments, are unaware of things that are bad; for the hearts of the wise know the time to decide.
6 There’s a time and a ruling for all, for the knowledge of man has a wide range. 7 Yet no one knows what will be, so who can tell him the future?
8 No man controls [his own] spirit, nor is he able to keep it in check, and none can avoid the day of their deaths. And none can avoid the day of the battle, nor can irreverence avoid what she’s due.
9 I have now seen it all, and I’ve given my heart to all that’s under sun; and all that a man is able to do, is to bring what is bad on himself. 10 I’ve seen the irreverent carried to tombs, from a place that is Holy, as they were praised in the city, for all the things they had done… and this too is just folly.
11 When no one opposes those who do evil, the hearts of men feel secure, and they are quick in turning toward bad. 12 Then those who sin are guilty of evil, which lasts through the rest of their lives.
I know that good things will come, to all those who fear God; so they should fear when they are before Him. 13 But good does not come to the godless, and they will not lengthen their days; they are just shadows [that pass], for they have no fear before God.
14 There is folly that’s done on the earth, of which the righteous are guilty… and the irreverent are guilty the same as the righteous… and this is all very foolish.
15 Though I offer up praises in joy, there’s nothing good that happens to man, anywhere under the sun, except eating and drinking and mirth… and that’s all there is to man’s efforts. It’s what he’s been given by God, as [his portion] under the sun. 16 So I turned my heart to learn wisdom, and to see the distractions being done on the earth. For, both day and night men sleep with [closed] eyes, so they’re unable to see everything. 17 For thereafter I also saw, the actions of God that men haven’t [seen], anywhere under the sun. And despite all the efforts man puts into searching, he’s been unable to find it. And indeed; though the wise always speak about knowledge, they too are unable to find it. I gave my heart [to learning] all of this, and it’s all that my heart beheld.
Chapter 9
1 The deeds of the righteous and wise, are in the hands of our God. Yet, with all their loves and dislikes, man does not comprehend it, 2 so there is foolishness within all men.
There are things that happen to the righteous, and things that happen to the godless, and to either can come good or bad. There are both the clean and the unclean; there are those who sacrifice [to God], and those who will offer Him nothing; and the same things [happen to] the good, as to those who are sinners… to those who’ll swear by an oath, and to those who fear to swear oaths. 3 In all of this there is evil, in all that’s done under the sun, for the same things happen to both.
Indeed; the sons of men’s hearts are filled up with evil, and madness throughout all their lives… and then they go to the grave. 4 But, for those who are living there is hope, since a dog that is living is greater, than a lion that has died. 5 For, the living know that they’ll die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their loves and dislikes are both gone, and their zeal has already perished. Then through the age they’ll have no involvement, in anything that’s done under the sun.
7 So, come eat your bread in joy, and drink to your heart with fine wines, and God will think well of your actions. 8 May the clothes that you wear always be white, and may there be plenty of oil for your head. 9 Share your life with the wife you have loved, all the days of your wasted life. For, under the sun this was all you were given, and the days of your life are a folly. This is all that your life really amounts to, for all of your efforts under the sun.
10 So, whatever your hands find to do, do with all of your power; for there’s no doing, thinking, wisdom, or knowledge, in the place of the dead where you’re going.
11 I turned and beheld that under the sun, the race isn’t won by those light of foot, nor is the battle won by the mighty. The wise aren’t always those who eat bread; the discerning aren’t always the rich; nor are those with knowledge shown favor. Yet, there’s a time and a meeting for all, 12 but no one knows when his time will come. As fish being caught in a net, and birds being trapped in a snare, the sons of man are ensnared, in a bad time that comes suddenly on them.
13 I’ve beheld all this wisdom under sun, and heavily it’s resting upon me.
14 If a city is small with just a few men, and a mighty king comes and surrounds it, and builds around it high siege mounds; 15 and if a man poor but wise can be found there, and his wisdom brings salvation to that city, all will forget that he was poor. 16 So I say: ‘Wisdom is better than power.’ But the wisdom of the poor is treated with contempt, and no one pays attention to his words. 17 Yet, the words of the wise with nothing to do, should be heeded above the foolish cries, of those who are given the power. 18 For, wisdom is better than weapons of war, yet the sins of one man [void] the goodness of many.
Chapter 10
1 As dead flies can spoil good-oil potions, a little wisdom overpowers the glory of folly.
2 The heart of the wise is at his right hand, but the heart of a fool is on his left. 3 So, whichever way a fool may choose to go, in his heart he will fail so he thinks it all it folly.
4 If the spirit of a ruler flares against you, do not turn from your place, for [patience] will heal all great sins.
5 There’s a wickedness I’ve seen under the sun; it’s when a ruler does something in haste, 6 or puts a fool in a lofty position, because this depresses the wealthy. 7 I’ve seen slaves riding on horses, and princes walking like slaves on the ground.
8 The one who is digging a cesspool, is the one who’ll fall in it; and he who moves a land marker, will be bitten by a snake.
9 He who quarries may be harmed by the rocks, and the one splitting logs is in danger.
10 If the axe is not sharpened you will work harder, so wisdom makes the way for success.
11 If a snake charmer whispers and his snake then still bites you, all of his charming is worthless.
12 Words from a wise mouth bring favor, but the lips of a fool will sink him. 13 For, from the start all his words are just foolish, and they end in wickedness and madness.
14 The fool often speaks many words, but he doesn’t know what will happen, or of the things that will be; so who will follow [behind him] to tell him?
15 The efforts of fools bring them trouble; they are those who don’t know when [to flee] to the city.
16 Woe to you, O great city, where your king is just a young [man], and his rulers eat their meals in the mornings. 17 Blest is the land whose king is born of free nobles, and whose rulers eat at right times. For what they eat makes them strong, so they will never be shamed.
18 By sloth and neglect a home [falls apart], and with hands that are idle [its roof] starts to leak.
19 Bread, wine, and oil are made to cause laughter, and to bring joy to the living… but they must be [paid for] with money.
20 Never curse a king in your mind, nor curse the rich in your bedrooms or closets, for your words will be carried by birds in the sky, and those with wings will report what you’ve said.
Chapter 11
1 Scatter your [seeds] on the water, and after some time you will find them. 2 Then [share] a portion with seven or eight, for you know not what bad may come to the land. 3 Thereafter the clouds may fill with rain, and bring a [flood] to the ground.
If a tree should fall toward the south, or if it should fall to the north, wherever it falls is where it stays. 4 So, be careful not to scatter your seeds in the wind, and he who looks to the clouds will not reap, 5 for they don’t show the way the wind blows.
As with bones in the womb of a mother, you don’t know the actions of God, or any of the things He will do. 6 So, start your planting in the morning, and don’t stay your hand ‘til the evening, for you never know what will grow here, or what will grow over there… or if the two will grow well together.
7 Daylight is sweet so it’s good for the eyes, to be able to see by the sun. 8 But though many years of a man should bring joy, he’ll also remember dark days (they’ll be many), and all that come are just folly.
9 Take joy, young man, in your youth; and may your heart do good in your youth. May your heart walk in ways that are pure, not in the ways that you see with your eyes… for know that this leads to God’s judgment.
10 Remove all rage from your heart, and wickedness from all your flesh, for the thoughtlessness of youth is just folly!
Chapter 12
1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, for bad days will come [all too soon], and the years will arrive when you’ll say, ‘I never wanted [to see] them!’ 2 [For it’s a time when] the sun becomes dark, and you’ll not see the light of the moon or the stars, or clouds returning after the rain. 3 It’s a day when the keepers of the house will start shaking… when powerful men become scattered, and women who grind become idle, for just a few then remain. Then women will stare from their windows at darkness, 4 and lock all their doors [in great fear], at the sounds of women who are grinding in the market.
Then the sound of a sparrow will wake you; and the daughters of song will be humbled. 5 From above they’ll look down and see, frightening things on the road. And at the time when almonds should blossom, the locusts will grow to be many, and capers will be scattered around, for man has gone to his home of the age. Then people will circle the market, beating their chests in mourning.
6 The cord that was silver then lies on the ground; the decoration of gold is now broken; the bucket at the well has been shattered, and the wheel has rolled into the pit. 7 Then that which is dust will return, to the ground from which it once came; and to the God who gave it, his breath will return.
8 ‘Oh how silly and foolish,’ says the great congregator. 9 Yet, to him there came much more wisdom, and he taught all his knowledge to man… he traced it all out and composed it as proverbs.
10 The great congregator searched for the words, and then he wrote them as right ways of truth; 11 as words of the wise and as ox goads, and as nails that have been hammered in tight. They’re agreeable things from a shepherd, 12 so carefully guard them my son!
Many scrolls have been written (yes, of them there’s no limit), and spending much time thinking about them, is just a weariness of flesh. 13 But listen, for this is the end of the matter: Fear God and keep His Commandments… this is all there is for a man! 14 All else leads to judgment by God, and it is found to be just bad or good.
Song of Solomon
Note: The Song of Solomon is usually some of the most difficult reading in the Bible, for it is a two-way conversation between a man and a woman separated by the unlikely distance of the private suite of the king and the place of shepherds in the fields. However, to clarify who is speaking, we have placed the woman’s words in Bold Type.
Chapter 1
1 The song of all songs by Solomon.
2 May you kiss me with kisses from your mouth, [for the feel] of your chest is better than wine. 3 And the smell of your scent is much better, than the odor of all the perfumes, which have been poured in your name. Because of this, young women have loved you. 4 They are the ones who drew me toward you, and toward the scent of your fragrance we ran.
However; the king has carried me off, into his private apartments. But I shout in joy and am glad over you, for I love your chest more than wine… and the love that I have is [pure].
5 O daughters of Jerusalem; I am pretty and tan, like tents in the Valley of Cedars, and as [King] Solomon’s leathers. 6 Don’t bother to look for I’m very dark, because [I’ve worked hard] in the sun. The sons of my mother quarreled with me, and made me work in a vineyard; I was a keeper of vineyards, which were never my own.
7 O tell me, you who are loved by my life; where indeed do you tend [your sheep]… where are you napping at noon? For, I wish to be wrapped all around you, among your companions of flocks. 8 If you aren’t sure, O fair one, follow at the heels of the flocks, and tend your kids near the shepherd’s tents.
9 As my horse from the chariots of Pharaoh, that’s how I [view] you my dear one. 10 Your cheeks are as pretty as doves, and your neck’s like the pendant 11 that I’ll make you, out of gold tinged with silver.
12 When the king came to lie down, the oil I was wearing gave off its smell. 13 But to me the man that I love, is like a bundle of balsam, and between my breasts he will stay. 14 But [my true] love is a cluster of cypress; he’s like the vineyards of EnGedi.
15 {Look!} You’re so pretty my dear one; your eyes are as those of a dove.
16 {Look!} You’re so handsome my dearly-loved man; and pretty [will be] our bed in the shade, 17 where the beams of our house [will be] made out of cedars, and the barns [will be made] out of cypress.
Chapter 2
1 I am a flower of the fields… a lily of the valley is what I am.
2 As a lily in the midst of thorn bushes, is my dear one among many daughters.
3 And as an apple among all the trees in the groves, is my beloved amidst other sons. To be in his shadow I’ve desired, and I’ve found his fruit to be sweet.
4 Bring me into the tavern, and therein order me love! 5 Fill me with perfumes and pile me with apples, for I’ve been pierced through with love. 6 His left hand is under my head, and he holds me close with his right hand.
7 O daughters of Jerusalem I want you to swear, by all the powers and strengths of the fields: Don’t arise and awaken your love, until [the time] that you want it.
8 Hear the voice of my beloved man. {Look!} He comes springing over the mountains, and leaping over the hills, 9 for my dearly loved man is like [a deer], or like a fawn among all the hinds!
{Look!} He’s standing outside of my window, peeking in through the shades. 10 The man that I love answers and tells me, ‘Get up and come here my dear one… O my fair one and my [sweet] dove; 11 for look, the winter has passed, and the rains have poured down then [passed]. 12 Flowers have appeared in the land, and the time for pruning has come. The voice of the dove is now heard in our land; 13 the fig tree is budding its fruit; and you can smell the blossoms of grapevines.
‘Get up and come here my dear one… my fair one! Yes, get up and come here my dove! 14 Come, my dove, to the protection of the rocks, which are piled in the place ‘round the wall. Let me see what you look like, and [once again] hear your voice; for I [love] the sound of your voice, and I [love to look at] your beauty. 15 Grab hold of the foxes destroying the vineyards, for our grapevines are now in full bloom!’
16 My dearly-loved man is for me, and for him I’m the one. He’ll be [outside] tending the lilies, 17 until a new day when the clouds will be gone. 2 O my dearly-loved man; Be like the buck, or like a fawn among hinds, and [stay nearby] in the mountains.
Chapter 3
1 During the nights on my bed, I searched for the one that I love with my life; I searched but I didn’t find him; I called to him but he didn’t reply. 2 So, I’ll get up and go through the city; I’ll search the markets and squares, for the one that I love with my life.
Well, I searched but I didn’t find him. 3 Then they found me… the ones keeping guard… those who walk ‘round in the city. [And I asked], ‘Have you seen the love of my life?’
4 It was shortly after I passed them, that I found the love of my life. I grabbed onto him and wouldn’t let go, and I took him to the house of my mother… to the bedroom of she who conceived me.
5 O daughters of Jerusalem, I want you to swear, by all the powers and strengths of the fields: Don’t arise and awaken your love, until [the time] that you want it.
6 Who is this woman ascending from the desert, like smoke arising from the incense, of myrrh, frankincense, and all the powders of perfumers?
7 Look, there is Solomon’s bed, with sixty mighty men standing ‘round it, from among all of Israel’s great ones… 8 all are brandishing broadswords, and all are trained in ways of war. Each wears his sword on his thigh, [to keep watch] through the nights.
9 King Solomon has made a carriage for himself, out of Lebanon’s trees. 10 He’s made columns of silver; his couch is made of pure gold; and the steps up to it are covered with purple… a gift of love from Jerusalem’s daughters.
11 Come and behold, O daughters of Zion; see Solomon and the crown he received from his mother, on the day he was married… the day when his heart was so merry!
Chapter 4
1 {Look!} You’re so pretty my dear one… see how pretty you are! Your eyes look like doves from outside your veil; your hair is as herds of Gilead’s goats; 2 your teeth [are as white] as freshly-sheared sheep, after they’ve come from the bath… all of whom have born twins, and there’s none that are childless among them.
3 Your lips are as scarlet thread, and the way that you talk is so pretty. Your cheeks, when they’re outside your veil, are as red as pomegranate skins. 4 Your neck is like the tower of David, the one that was built for protection; where a thousand shields hang within it, and all the arrows of the mighty. 5 And your breasts are like twin fawns, feeding among the lilies.
6 Until it comes a new day, and all the shadows are gone, I’ll go to the mountain of myrrh, and at the hill of frankincense stay.
7 Entirely fair is my dear one, and there is no defect in you. 8 Come from Lebanon O bride; from Lebanon come back to me. Come and go through the Archway of Trust, from the peaks of Shinar and Hermon… from the lairs of lions and the mountains of leopards.
9 You have captured my heart, O my sister and bride; you’ve captured my heart with your eyes, and with the garland of your neck. 10 How beautiful are your breasts, O my sister and bride. Your breasts are better than wine, and the scent of your clothes is above all perfumes.
11 Your lips are like honey dripped from the comb, for honey and milk are under your tongue, and like frankincense is the scent of your clothes. 12 But you’re locked in a garden, my sister and bride… like a well that’s been sealed up tight.
13 The messages you send are as pomegranate gardens… they’re like fruit from the trees… they’re as cypress mingled with nard… 14 cypress and nard, saffron and calamus, as well as cinnamon and Lebanese cedars, and aloes and the best of perfumes. 15 They’re like a spring of life in the garden, and a well of living water that gurgles from Lebanon.
16 Awaken, O you north wind, and [you must] come now, O south wind! Refresh my garden and let its scents flow!
Chapter 5
1 May my loved man go down to his garden, and may he eat the fruit from his trees!
I went to my garden, my sister, O bride, and gathered my harvest of spices and myrrh. I’ve eaten my bread with my honey, and I’ve drunk my milk and my wine.
Eat, O dear one and drink! Let’s both get drunk, O my loved one! 2 I [want to] sleep but my heart is so restless, for the voice of my loved one knocks on my door, saying: ‘Open to me, my sister and dear one… my dove, the one who’s so very perfect, for my head is covered with dew, and my curls [are wet] with the mist of the night. 3 My underclothes I’ve removed, and now should I put them back on? And I have washed off my feet, so must I run and get them dirty once more?’
4 Through the crack in [my door], my dearly-loved man stuck his hand, and [the touch of my skin] aroused him. 5 So, I got up and opened to him, as my hands were dripping with myrrh, and my fingers dripped with myrrh upon the handle of the lock. 6 Then I opened to my dearly-loved man, but the man that I love wasn’t there.
I yearned for his words with my life, so I searched but I couldn’t find him; I called to him but he couldn’t hear me. 7 Then they found me (the guards who walk ‘round the city). They struck me and hurt me, and took away my wrap… those who keep watch at the walls.
8 So, Jerusalem’s daughters I ask you to swear, by the powers and strengths of the fields: Please tell me if you find my dearly-loved man, for I’ve been pierced through by love!
9 But who is this man that you love among men, O you pretty one among women? Who is this man you so love, that you have bound us with such an oath?
10 My loved man has white skin and red cheeks; he is choice and one in a [million]. 11 His head is like gold from Kefaz, his curls are flowing like fir trees, and they are as black as a crow. 12 His eyes are like doves near deep pools of water; as though bathed in milk and sitting on water. 13 His mouth is like a bowl of spices, which is set out to give a fresh smell. His lips are also like lilies, dripping with full-bodied myrrh, 14 and his hands are just like spun gold, filled with the gems of Tharsis. His belly is a tablet of ivory, mounted on a gem of sapphire. 15 His legs are like columns of marble, resting on bases of gold. He looks like the finest of Lebanese cedars, 16 and his [voice] is desirable and sweet. This is the man that I love and my dear one, O you daughters of Jerusalem.
Chapter 6
1 O you pretty one among women; Where has he gone… where has he wandered, so we can go search on your behalf?
2 My loved man has gone to his garden, to gather bowls filled up with spices. He’s gone off to tend to his garden, and to collect [bouquets of] lilies.
3 To my dearly-loved man I belong, and my dearly-loved man is [just] mine… he who is tending among the lilies.
4 You’re so pretty, O dear one… as pleasing and beautiful as Jerusalem, but you’re also as disturbing as [men] who are ready for war. 5 Turn your eyes from before me, because they excite me so much. For, the hair on your head is as herds of goats, which from Gilead have just ascended. 6 Your teeth [are as white] as sheep that are sheared… those that just came from the bath. They’re all bearing twins, and none is childless among them. Your lips are like strings of scarlet, and the way that you talk is so pretty. 7 Your cheeks that show through your veil, are as red as pomegranate skins.
8 But there are now sixty queens! There are eighty concubines more, and young women of which there’s no number! 9 Yet, one of them is my perfect dove… she’s the only daughter of her mother… the favored one of she who gave birth. The daughters and queens call her blest, and the concubines all [sing] her praises. 10 ‘Who is she, this one that looks like the dawn, who’s as fair as the moon and as chosen as the sun, but as disturbing as men who are ready for war?’
11 I went to the grove of walnuts; I went down to see the fruits, that are near the stream in the valley, just to see if the grapevines had flowered, and to see the pomegranate blossoms. 12 But the man that I am didn’t know, that this would make me like AminAdab’s chariot.
13 Return, return, O Shulamite! Return, return, for I’m searching for you! How would you notice the Shulamite? She arrives like an army in the camps.
Chapter 7
1 How pretty are your feet in your sandals, O you daughter of Nabad. Your thighs are shaped like fine pendants… the works of the hands of a craftsman. 2 Your navel is like a shaped bowl, not lacking a mixture of wine. Your belly is like a [fine] mound of grain, that’s wrapped within [a field] of lilies. 3 Your breasts are like two young fawns… a pair of twins of the doe. 4 Your neck is like an ivory tower, and your eyes as the lakes at Heshbon… those by the Gates of Many Daughters. Your nose is like Lebanon’s Tower… the one overlooking Damascus. 5 Your head is like [Mount] Carmel, and the braids on your head are as purple cloth, in which the king wraps himself as you pass.
6 How beautiful and delicious you are, O love, in all the luxuries you possess. 7 In greatness you’re much like a palm tree, and your breasts are as clusters of grapes. 8 I said that I’d climb up that palm tree, and to its top I would cling. For, your breasts are like clusters of grapes on the vine, the scent of your nose is like apples, 9 and [the taste] of your [mouth] is as the best wine.
I’m going to my dearly-loved man straight away, for [I need him close] to my lips and my teeth. 10 I’ll turn to the man that I love, and he will then turn toward me.
11 Come, O man that I love; we’ll run to the fields and lodge in the towns! 12 We’ll arise early [and go to] the vineyards, to see if the grapevines have blossomed; to see if the flowers have bloomed, and to see if the pomegranates have flowered, for there I’ll give you my breasts.
13 The mandrakes have given their odor, and new and old fruit trees are at our doors. O man that I love, I’ve saved them for you.
Chapter 8
1 O man that I love, who would grant you, to be nursed at the breasts of my mother. If I found you outside I would kiss you, and none would treat me with any disrespect. 2 Yes, I will take you… I’ll bring you to the house of my mother, and into the bedroom where I was conceived. Then I’ll allow you to drink the spiced wine, which comes from my pomegranate nectar.
3 His left hand is under my head, and with his right hand he holds me.
4 O daughters of Jerusalem I want you to swear, by all the powers and strengths of the fields: Don’t arise and awaken your love, until [the time] that you want it.
5 Who is this ascending from the desert, and hanging on to the man that she loves?
From under apple trees I awoke you, and your mother was also there with you… she who through pain gave you birth.
6 Set me as a seal on your heart, and as a seal on your arm! For, as strong as death is [my] love for you, and [my] zeal is as hard as the place of the dead. Its sparks and the fire of [love’s] flames, 7 cannot be extinguished with water, nor can rivers engulf it. But if a man gave all he owned for his love, [most] men would think him [a fool].
8 ‘Our sister is [young] and still has no breasts, so what should we do for our sister, on the day she’s [engaged]? 9 If she should be like a wall, should we build parapets of silver upon her? But if she should be like a door, should we surround her with planks of cedar?’
10 I am a wall and my breasts are like towers; and I was in their eyes as one who’d found peace.
11 In Baal Harmon there once was a vineyard, which was owned by Solomon [the king]. Then he entrusted his vineyard, to others who would maintain it. And all men had to pay for its fruit, with a thousand pieces of silver. [He said:] 12 ‘My vineyard is mine there before me! So, to Solomon pay up your thousands, and two hundred more to those tending his fruit.’
13 O you who now sits in the gardens, my companions have noticed your voice, and the things that you caused me to hear. So, man that I love, you must run away; be like the doe or the fawn of the hinds, and [hide] in the mountain of spices!
Isaiah
NOTE: Is it poetry or isn’t it poetry? Since many of the Chapters of Isaiah were written in the Hebrew poetic style, you will recognize a deliberate cadence to the words. Why poetry? Because it provided memory aids so the thoughts could be readily recalled to mind. Then the message could thereafter be spread throughout the population via the most common medium of communication at the time, song.
Chapter 1
1 These are the visions that IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) saw during the reigns of UzziJah, JoTham, Ahaz, and HezekiJah, the kings of Judah, about things that were to come upon Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Hear, O heavens and [pay attention] O earth, for Jehovah spoke and He said: ‘I fathered sons and I raised them, but they have disregarded Me. 3 The ox knows its owner and the burro knows the stable of its master, but Israel doesn’t know Me and My people do not understand.’
4 Woe to you O sinful nation, for you’re a people who are filled up with sins. You’re an evil seed and sons that are lawless, for you have abandoned Jehovah, and provoked the Holy One of Israel to rage, so you’ve now been pushed to the rear!
5 Why be struck for [your] lawlessness? The whole head is in misery, and the whole heart is in great distress. 6 From head to foot nothing is healthy, for your wounds and contusions are inflamed and unhealed, since no one has dressed them or applied oil, nor have they come here to bind them. 7 Your land lies desolate and your cities have been burned, for the [land] before you has been devoured… it’s been destroyed by strangers, and wiped away by alien peoples.
8 The daughter of Zion will be abandoned, as though she were a shack in a vineyard… like a shed in a cucumber garden, and like a city under siege. 9 And unless Jehovah of Armies, should choose to leave us a seed, we will become like Sodom and GomorRah!
10 Hear the word of Jehovah, O you rulers of Sodom! O you people of GomorRah; Pay attention to the Law of our God! 11 ‘What good are sacrifices that you offer to Me?’ asks Jehovah. ‘I’m full of the whole burnt offerings of rams, as well as the fat of lambs, and I don’t want the blood of bulls or male goats, 12 nor do I want you appearing before Me! Who required such things from your hands? You won’t continue to tread in My courtyard!
13 ‘If you bring fine flour it’s in vain, and your incense is disgusting to Me. I can no longer endure your New Moons, nor your holidays or your Sabbaths. 14 With My whole being I’ve come to detest, your fasting, Sabbath keeping, New Moons, and holidays. With you I am filled [to the brim], and will no longer [overlook] all your sins. 15 So, I’ll turn My eyes when you hold out your hands, and no matter how often you pray I won’t hear it, because your hands are filled up with blood!
16 ‘Bathe yourselves and get clean! Remove the wickedness in your lives from My eyes! Stop being wicked and 17 learn to do good; insist on [judgments that are] righteous; rescue those who’ve been wronged; give decisions [in favor of] orphans, and do justice for all the widows… 18 and then you can come and plead before me,’ says Jehovah. ‘Then if your sins should be crimson red, [I’ll make them] to be white as snow. And even if they are like scarlet, I’ll make them as white as fine wool.
19 ‘If you will but listen to Me, and then find yourselves in great need, good things from the earth you will eat. 20 But if you don’t listen and are never in need, I’ll send a sword to consume you.’
[Jehovah actually] said these things.
21 How did the faithful City of Zion, become a whore so worthy of judgment? For there are murderers where justice once slept. 22 All your silver is tainted, and your merchants mix water in their wine. 23 Your rulers resist all persuasion, and they serve as partners to thieves. They’re lovers of bribes and of [gifts]; no one will stand up for orphans; and none pay attention to justice for widows!
24 ‘Because of this,’ says the Lord (Jehovah of Armies), ‘woe to you, Israel’s mighty, for My rage won’t cease against the contrary, and against My enemies I will bring judgment! 25 I will bring My hand against you, and purify you ‘til you’re clean! I’ll destroy all those resisting persuasion; I’ll remove all the lawless from among you; 26 and I will cut down the proud. Then I’ll give you judges like those in the past, and your counselors will be like those at the start, so you will be called The Righteous City… the trustworthy mother-city of Zion.
27 ‘Through justice and mercy she’ll be saved from [enslavement], 28 when the lawless and sinners are broken, and those leaving Jehovah are totally gone. 29 Then all will be ashamed of the idols they preferred, and of the [sacred] gardens they desired. 30 Or else they’ll become like pine trees shedding needles, and like parks without any water. 31 Their strength [will be weak] like the stubble of hemp, and the things that they do will be like the sparks, that incinerate the lawless and the sinners together, for no one will come to put out [their flames].
Chapter 2
1 These are the words that came to IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) regarding Judah and Jerusalem.
2 In the very last days, the Mountain of Jehovah will be seen, and the House of God will be over all mountains. It will be raised above all the hills, and all the nations will come there. 3 Many nations will go there and say, ‘Come, let’s climb the mountain of Jehovah, and go to the [Temple] of Jacob’s God. For, there He will show us His way, and that’s the way we will go.’
From out of Zion will come Law, and from Jerusalem, the Word of Jehovah. 4 He’ll judge in the midst of the nations, and He will correct many peoples. Then they’ll cut their swords into plow shears, and [they’ll shape] their spears into sickles; then nations won’t lift their swords against nations, nor will they learn war anymore.
5 Now, O house of Jacob; Come and let’s go to the light of Jehovah, 6 for He has forsaken His people (the house of Jacob). Because; Just as it was in the beginning, their [land] has become filled up with takers, and to them Philistine children have been born. 7 They’ve filled their [land] with silver and gold, and there’s no limit to all of their wealth.
They’ve filled the land up with horses, and the numbers of their chariots have no limits. 8 They have filled up their land, with the disgusting works of their hands; they bow before things that they made with their fingers… 9 then all the people bow down before them, and this brings disgrace to each man. So there’s no way that I will now spare them!
10 So, go to the rocks and hide in the ground, in fear of Jehovah and the glory of His might, for He will arise to devastate the land! 11 Because, the eyes of Jehovah are very high, but the eyes of men are very low; so men will soon become low, and Jehovah will be then be raised high in that day. 12 For the day of Jehovah of Armies, is coming upon the insulting and proud. And those who [think themselves] high and important, will then be brought [to the ground]. 13 Then every tall Lebanese cedar; every tall oak tree of Bashan; 14 every high mountain and every high hill; 15 every high tower and every high wall; 16 every boat in the sea, and the beauty of [all their sails]; 17 and every man will be small. The pride of men will [fall] in that day, and Jehovah alone will be high.
18 When He arises to wipe out the land, men will hide all [their idols], which they’ve made with their hands; 19 they’ll hide them in caves, in cracks between rocks, and in burrows that are under the ground, before the fear of Jehovah, and before the glory of His might. 20 Then men will toss all those disgusting things, that they’ve made with their hands (their worthless things made of silver and gold, which they made to bow down before), in front of the bats in their caves, and in the cracks between rocks, in fear of Jehovah and the glory of His might, when He arises to wipe-out the land.
Chapter 3
1 Stop being like men who must breathe through their noses, for [what real value] do they have? Look at the Lord, Jehovah of Armies, for He’ll remove the men and the women, who live in Jerusalem and Judah, along with the strength of [their] bread, as well as the strength of [their] water; 2 their giants, their strong, their soldiers, their judges; their prophets, their thinkers, their elders; 3 their generals and finest counselors; as well as their wisest of builders; and the most discerning of listeners.
4 Then Jehovah will appoint very young men, to be their rulers in order to mock them. 5 Then they’ll make the people act as though drunk; the men will all be belligerent, and [each will rise] against his own neighbor; young boys will attack those who are old, and those without honor will oppose the mighty. 6 Then men will grab hold of their brothers, and families will go to their fathers and say, ‘You have clothes, so you be our leader… you provide us with food!’
7 But in that day they’ll reply, ‘I will not be your leader, for there’s no bread or clothes in my house. So, over these men I won’t serve as ruler.’
8 Jerusalem has been forsaken and Judea’s debased! For, the tongues of their people now speak against [God], and they speak instead of things that are lawless… they refuse to make any changes. 9 Their glory has now been debased; their faces show no sign of shame; and they publicly announce and admit, to sins that are as those of Sodom. So, woe to their lives for they’ve taken wicked council! 10 They say: ‘Come let’s [lock] up the righteous, because they’re inconvenient to us.’ So, they’ll eat the fruits of their works.
11 Woe to all of the lawless, for the evil deeds being done by their hands, will soon be brought down upon them!
12 O my people; Those whom you owe are gleaning from you… those whom you owe now lord over you!
O my people; Those who say you are blest have misled you, and they’re [clouding] the roads for your feet. 13 So, now you are judged by Jehovah, and against His own people He now stands to judge. 14 For, Jehovah Himself is judge of the elders, as well as the rulers of His people.
‘And you [O elders and rulers]; Why have you set My vineyard on fire? Why are the poor [now slaves] in your homes? 15 Why are you wronging My people, and disgracing the face of the poor?’ asks the Lord, Jehovah of Armies!
16 This is what Jehovah has said: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are proud, and walk with their [noses] held high, then beckon with their eyes and walk tiny footsteps, dragging their underwear with their feet, 17 Jehovah will debase the daughters of Zion, and expose their condition in that day. 18 Jehovah will remove the glory of their clothes… their fringes, and crescents, 19 and the necklaces they wear; their facial ornaments and 20 [headdresses], as well as their armlets and bracelets; their wreaths, their rings, and right armbands; 21 their earrings, purple fringes, and purple decorations; 22 as well as the cloths for their homes… their coverings that you can see through; 23 fine linens interwoven with blue and scarlet cloth; linen interwoven with gold and blue threads, and the lightweight coverings for their couches. 24 And instead of pleasant odors there’ll be clouds of dust; instead of belts, they’ll tie ropes on their [waists]. And because of the things that they’ve done, instead of golden [combs] for their heads they’ll be bald; and instead of fine purple underclothes, they will have to wear sackcloth.
25 ‘Then the sons you love most will fall by the sword… your mighty will be cut down and disgraced. 26 You’ll mourn [the loss] of your [prized possessions], and you’ll be left behind all alone, beaten down to the ground.’
Chapter 4
1 In that day; Seven women will grab hold of a man and then say, ‘We’ll [buy] our own bread and wear our own clothes, but let us be called by your name, in order to remove all our scorn!’
2 In that day; The glory of the council of God, will shine upon the whole earth, in order to elevate and glorify, all in Israel who remain. 3 And the few in Jerusalem and Zion that are left, will then all be called holy… all those in Jerusalem [whose names] have been written, [within God’s scroll of] life. 4 For, Jehovah will wash away all the filth, from the sons and daughters of Zion. He’ll remove all the blood from Jerusalem’s midst, with the spirit of judgment and fire. 5 Then He’ll come and every place on Mount Zion, will be under the shadow of a cloud each day, and the light of a flaming, smoking fire each night, so their glory will be under [His] shelter. 6 It’ll be a shade of protection from the heat, and a shelter from rain and bad weather.
Chapter 5
1 I’ll now sing [a song] to the One that I love… a song of my loved One concerning His vineyard.
A vineyard belonged to One who was loved…
A horn of plenty in a bountiful land.
2 Around it I built a palisade and fence,
Then the choicest of grapevines I planted.
I built a tower in its midst,
And then I dug out a winepress.
I waited for it to grow grapes,
But all it produced was thorn bushes.
3 And now, you who dwell in Jerusalem… yes you men of Judea,
Now judge between My vineyard and Me!
4 What can I do for My vineyard,
That hasn’t been already done?
I waited for it to grow grapes,
But all it produced was thorn bushes.
5 So, I’ll tell you what I’ll do to My vineyard:
I’ll take down its gate and let be ravaged.
I’ll demolish its wall and let it be trampled.
6 I’ll abandon My vineyard and no longer prune it, nor will it ever be hoed.
It’ll return [to the way that it was]…
The uncultivated land of thorn bushes.
Then I’ll give an order to the clouds,
Not to provide it any more rain.
7 Now, the house of Israel is the vineyard,
Of Jehovah of Armies,
And the men of Judah are the loved ones He planted.
I waited for it to produce what was just,
But lawlessness was what it produced…
Not a tower of justice, just cries of distress.
8 So, woe to those who gather in houses,
And those in the fields roundabout them.
For, when all your neighbors are taken away,
Will you not live alone in the land,
9 When Jehovah of Armies hears of these things?
For, if there should be many houses,
There’ll also be great desolation,
And no one will live there again.
10 And though ten teams of oxen may work the land,
It’ll only produce one clay-pot full.
And though six large measures are planted,
Only three measures will grow.
11 Woe to those who rise early,
To spend their days chasing liquor,
And then stay up late drinking it,
For they will burn along with their wine.
12 They drink to [the sounds] of the harp and the lute,
Along with tambourines and pipes,
And fail to consider the works of Jehovah…
The works of His hands they fail to contemplate.
13 So, captives My people will become,
Because they’ve forgotten Jehovah.
Many will have died of hunger and thirst,
14 So the place of the dead has widened its soul,
And opened its mouth wide to devour.
The glorious will go down with both great and rich,
And all who hold them in high regard.
15 A people will then be cut down, and their men will all be dishonored,
Those who [walked proud] will be abased.
16 But the justice of Jehovah of Armies will be raised…
Because of His justice, our holy God will be glorified.
17 Then those ripping it apart will graze like bulls…
Those who desolate the land will eat all their lambs.
18 So, woe to those who draw sins as with ropes,
And lawlessness as a yoke on a bull…
19 Those saying, ‘Let Him come do whatever He wishes,
But do it quickly so we can all see it…
Let the will of the Holy One of Israel come to pass,
So we can all know what it is!’
20 Woe to those who call evil good,
And those who call good things evil;
Those who turn darkness into light, and light back into darkness;
Those who make bitterness sweet, and turn the sweet into bitter.
21 Woe to those who think themselves wise,
And think that they’ve gained much knowledge.
22 Woe to your strong ones and those drinking wine…
All the mighty and those who are mixing their liquor;
23 Those who give judgments for the irreverent,
Because they’ve been paid bribes…
Those who’ve taken justice from the righteous.
24 Because of this, they’ll be burned up like stubble;
Like coals of fire, leaping flames will consume them.
Their roots will then be like dust,
And their flowers will ascend like dust clouds.
For they rejected the Laws of Jehovah of Armies…
They’ve despised the Holy One of Israel’s words.
25 So, Jehovah of Armies is enraged with His people,
And He raised His hand and He struck them.
[By the smell] of rotting flesh the mountains were enraged,
For they became like manure in the roads.
Yet, even this did not [soften] His rage,
Or still the raising of His [mighty arm].
26 So, He’ll raise a sign to far away nations;
He’ll whistle to them from the ends of the earth,
And they’ll take quick notice and nimbly come.
27 They won’t get hungry or tired,
Nor will they slumber or sleep.
They’ll not untie their belts from their waists,
Nor will they loosen their sandals.
28 With their bows stretched very tight,
And with arrows that are sharp;
With the feet of their horses like solid rocks,
And as blasts from their chariot wheels,
29 They will advance as though lions,
That come with their cubs alongside them,
Then they’ll grab and yell like wild beasts;
They’ll throw them out and no one will save them.
30 Due to them He’ll also yell in that day,
Like the sounds of the roaring of seas.
Then they’ll look to the heavens above,
And [to the ground] underneath them,
And all they will see is hard darkness,
In their [time] of distress.
Chapter 6
1 It was during the year that King UzziJah died, that I saw Jehovah sitting on a high, lofty throne, and the [Temple] was filled with His glory. 2 Seraphim stood all around Him, each of whom had six wings that touched the wings of those next to them. Their first two wings covered their front sides; the second two wings covered their feet; and they flew with their third two wings. 3 And they were shouting to each other and saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!’
4 Well, the threshold of the [Temple shook] at the sound of their shouting, and the [Temple] became filled with smoke. 5 And I said, ‘O, I’m so unworthy and hurt by this, because I’m just an unclean man who lives among people with unclean lips. For, I have beheld the King – Jehovah of Armies – I’ve seen Him with my own eyes!’
6 Then one of the seraphim was sent to me, and in his hand he carried a [burning] coal that he took from the Altar with tongs. 7 Then he touched it to my mouth and said, ‘{Look!} This has touched your lips and it will remove all your lawless deeds and purge all your sins.’
8 Then I heard the voice of Jehovah ask, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go to these people?’
And I replied, ‘Look! Here I am, send me!’
9 Then He said: ‘Go and say to these people, When it comes to hearing you will hear, but you’ll be unable to comprehend. And when it comes to seeing you will see, but there’s no way that you will understand!
10 ‘For, the hearts of these people have become hardened, so their ears listen slow and their eyelids are closed; thus they won’t hear with their ears, nor will they see with their eyes, and their hearts just won’t comprehend, to make them turn back so I’d heal them.’
11 And I asked, ‘Until when, O Jehovah?’
And He said: ‘Until all the cities lie desolate, and no one lives there anymore; until no men are left in the houses, and the land is totally deserted. 12 Then God will distance Himself from men, as those who are left in the land multiply. 13 But only a tenth will remain, for they’ve been [cut down] like pine trees. However; Like an acorn that stays in its shell, the holy seed will remain in the stump.’
Chapter 7
1 It was in the days of Ahaz (the son of JoTham, the son of UzziJah) the king of Judah, that Rezin (the king of Aram) and Pekah (the son of RemaliJah) the king of Israel came to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but they were unable to conquer it. 2 So when the house of David was told that Aram had joined forces with EphraIm, they were shaken, and the lives of the people were shaken like a forest of trees in a windstorm.
3 Then Jehovah told IsaiJah, ‘You and your son JaSub (the one who you left behind) must now go to meet with [King] Ahaz, at the upper wash-women’s pool. 4 Tell him: Do nothing at all and don’t be afraid… don’t allow those two smoking firebrands, to make you feel weak [in your knees]. For, when I [send] the anger of My rage, you will once more be [saved].
5 ‘And as for the sons of Aram and RemaliJah; because they wickedly got together and said, 6 We will go to Judea together, to fight against them and make them our subjects, then set the son of TabeAl as their ruler, 7 this is what Jehovah of Armies has said: There’s no way that this plan will succeed… it just will not happen. 8 But the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. And in sixty-five years EphraIm’s kingdom, [will be destroyed] by these people. 9 For, the head of EphraIm is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of RemaliJah. But if you don’t have faith you won’t understand.’
10 Then Jehovah [sent a message to] to Ahaz, saying, 11 ‘Ask for a sign from Jehovah your God, either from the depths or the heights.’
12 And Ahaz replied, ‘There’s no way that I’ll ask, nor will I put Jehovah to the test!’
13 Then he said, ‘Listen O house of David! If it’s too small a thing for you to supply men for a war, then how can you fight a war for Jehovah? 14 Because of this, Jehovah Himself is going to give you a sign! Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to call his name EmManuEl. 15 He will eat butter and honey before he knows, whether he prefers to be wicked, or whether he chooses to do good. 16 For, before the boy knows good or evil, by resisting the wicked persuasions, he will choose to do what is good.
‘Then the land of two kings that you had once feared, will be totally abandoned! 17 And God will bring the king of Assyria, upon you, your people, and the house of your father… days that haven’t come since the time, that EphraIm was separated from Judah.
18 ‘In that day Jehovah will whistle, for the flies that cover the river of Egypt, and bees will come down from Assyria. 19 They will come and settle in the ravines; in burrows in the rocks and in caves; and in every hole and in trees. 20 In that that day; Jehovah will use Assyria’s king, to take a razor and shave all those drunks, on the other side of the river. He’ll shave their heads and the hair on their feet, and then he’ll cut off their beards.
21 ‘But in that day each man who remains, will have a cow and two sheep. 22 So there’ll be plenty of milk for those who are left, and [plenty of] butter and honey to eat. 23 Yet in that day; Where once grew thousands of grapevines, valued at thousands of silver coins; there will grow just thorn bushes, for cultivation will have ceased. 24 With bows and arrows they will [hunt] there, for the land will be wild and covered with thorns.
25 ‘And thereafter; All mountains that can be plowed will be plowed; there won’t be any more fear; and the uncultivated land of thorn bushes, will become a pasture for sheep, and a land to be trampled by oxen.’
Chapter 8
1 Then Jehovah said to me, ‘Go get a large new roll of papyrus, and write upon it with the pen of a man, about the swift plundering of loot… for now it is going to happen! 2 And appoint [these two] trustworthy men, to serve as My witnesses [to all]: UriJah the Priest, and ZechariJah the son of BarachiJah.’
3 Well, thereafter, I [had sex] with Prophetess, and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son. Then Jehovah said to me, ‘Call his name Quick Gloom-Swift Looting, 4 because, before the child knows how to call his father or mother, someone will carry the power of Damascus, and the spoils of Samaria to Assyria’s king.’
5 Then Jehovah spoke to me again and said, 6 ‘Because these people will not go, to the water of Siloam in peace, but prefer Rezin (RemaliJah’s son) as their king, {Look!} Jehovah is bringing against them, the waters of a huge and powerful river… the king of Assyria and his glory. 7 He will come to your valleys, and walk right up to your walls. 8 Then he’ll remove every man from Judea, who can raise his head or do anything at all. O EmManuEl; His camp will fill up your [land]!’
9 Know this, O nations, and then be nailed shut! Pay attention, all you to the ends of the earth; get ready and then be nailed shut! And if you once again should grow strong, you’ll be nailed shut once again. 10 And no matter whom you ask to get your ideas, Jehovah will wipe it away. And no matter what you say you will do, it won’t be accomplished for God is [against] you!
11 This is what Jehovah said: ‘These people resist [My] persuasion, about the ways they should go, for they say: 12 The things that You’re saying are too hard [to do]! Yet, whatever they say is too hard to do, is nothing to be feared or disturbing. 13 Just hold Jehovah of Armies as holy, and then He’ll be your fear… 14 yield to Him and your Holy Place He’ll become. Then upon no stone will you stumble, nor will any rock make you fall!
‘The houses of Jacob are [now] in the trap, of those lying in wait in Jerusalem’s hollows. 15 Many among them are weak, and they’re going to fall and be broken. For they will approach and carry off men, from those who once lived in safety!
16 ‘Then it’ll be easy to tell who were sealed, from those who chose not to [follow] the Law. 17 For one will say, I’ll wait on the God, from whom the house of Jacob turned their faces, and in Him I will put all my trust… 18 {Look} me and the children God gave me; for in the house of Israel they’ll serve, as miracles and signs by Jehovah of Armies… He who dwells on Mount Zion.
19 ‘And if at that time they should tell you, to go and seek those who give signs (from those who speak from the ground, or those who speak empty words from their guts), [you should ask]: Shouldn’t a nation inquire of their God?’
‘Why ask the dead about those [who are] living? 20 For He gave us the Law as our helper, so we wouldn’t say things like this, [or ask] about things that won’t help us!
21 ‘For this, a great famine is coming upon you. Then when you’re hungry and worried, and speak wickedly of fathers and kings, you will look to the sky up above you, 22 and down at the earth underneath you, and see darkness, distress, and hard times… and it’s a darkness that will last a long time.
Chapter 9
1 Drink this first and fast… act quickly, O lands of ZebuLun and NaphTali; you coasts and those on the Jordan’s other side, and you, O Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who were traveling in darkness, then saw a [very] bright light. Yes, light will then shine upon those, who live in the place of the shadow of death! 3 He will lead most people toward gladness, and they will be as happy before him, as those who take joy in a harvest, and like those dividing up loot; 4 since the yoke that they wore will be removed, as will the whip that [they felt] on their necks. For, He’ll destroy the [whip] of those using it, as in the day of Midian’s war. 5 And they’ll have to pay for each piece of clothes, that they through treachery have won, for the people will [demand] the return of their clothes… even if they had been scorched!
6 To us a child has been born, and a son was given to us, upon whose shoulders the kingship will come. And his name will be called, ‘the Messenger of the Great Understanding; the Wonderful Councilor and Mighty God; the Powerful One and Prince of Peace; and Father of the Age that is Coming.’ Then upon this prince I’ll bring peace and health. 7 His rule from David’s throne will be great, and there’ll be no end to his peace. His kingdom will be established on judgments and justice, both now and into the age, for the zeal of Jehovah of Armies will do this.
8 But to Israel and Jacob, Jehovah sent death. 9 And all the people of EphraIm (those with haughty and insolent hearts, who settled in Samaria) will know this. And then they will say: 10 ‘All the bricks have now fallen, so come and let us shape stones; then we’ll cut down some cedars and sycamore trees, and we’ll build for ourselves a great tower.’
11 But God will knock down all those, who are coming against Zion and Him. He’ll wipe all His enemies away… 12 the Syrians from the dawn of the sun, to the Greeks from the place where it sets… those devouring Israel with their whole mouths. And even this won’t end His rage, for His hand will still be held high.
13 Because His people refused to turn back, until [the day] they were struck (they didn’t seek Jehovah of Armies), 14 Jehovah removed the head and the tail… the great and the small from Israel in a day. 15 The heads are the elders and highly regarded, and the prophets teaching lawlessness are the tail.
16 There are those who say ‘These people are blest,’ but they just mislead them to swallow them down. 17 And because of these things, Jehovah won’t favor their young men, nor will He show mercy on their orphans or widows, because they’re all lawless and wicked, and every mouth is unrighteous. Yet, none of these things will turn back His rage, for His hand will still be raised high.
18 Then the lawlessness will be burned as in fire… they’ll be devoured like flames through dry grass… they’ll be burned like thickets in the woods, and devoured like things in the hills. 19 And because of the anger and rage of Jehovah, the entire land will be burned, and its people will be as those burned in a fire, for a man won’t show mercy on his brother.
20 Then he’ll look at his right hand in hunger, and he’ll eat his left [arm]. But eating the flesh of his arm will not fill him.
21 Then ManasSeh will eat EphraIm and EphraIm ManasSeh, and together they’ll come against Judah. Yet, none of these things will turn back His rage, for His hand will still be held high.
Chapter 10
1 Woe to those who write wicked [laws], for the reasons they are written are all wicked… 2 to turn equal [justice] from the poor, and to snatch away justice from the needy of My people. So, they’re ravaging widows and plundering orphans.
3 What will they do in the day of inspection? For, the difficult time will come from afar; then where will you run to for aid, and where will you leave all your wealth, 4 so you’re not forced to be slaves? For, you’ll fall under those who are being destroyed! Yet, even this won’t turn back His rage, for His hand will still be held high.
5 Woe to Assyria (the rod of My wrath)… those who hold My rage in their hands. 6 For, I’ll send My rage against that lawless nation, and give orders to My people to plunder and loot them, then trample their cities and turn them to dust.
7 But [they] aren’t thinking about this, and in their souls they will not consider. [For their king] will dismiss this from his mind, since they will destroy many nations. 8 Yet, if any should say to [Assyria’s king], ‘You alone are our ruler,’ 9 he’ll ask; ‘Have I not taken all the land above Babylon, and Calneh where the tower was built? Have I not taken Arabia, as well as Damascus and Samaria? 10 And in the same way that I’ve taken all these, I will conquer all other kingdoms!’
So shriek, O carvings in Jerusalem, 11 for as I did to Samaria, and to all her idols made by hand, I’ll do to Jerusalem and her idols!’
12 But after Jehovah completes all these things (that He’ll do to Jerusalem and Mount Zion), in His mind He’s determined to attack, Assyria’s king and the haughty glory of his eyes. 13 For he said: ‘I will act in a strong way. And in My wisdom and understanding, I will remove the boundaries of nations, and bring an end to their power. 14 I’ll shake the cities where they live, and grab all living there like a nest in My hands, and then I’ll deport the survivors. None will evade or contradict me; they’ll just open their mouths and chirp.’
15 Would the axe have any glory, without someone to swing it? Would the saw have any value, without someone to draw it; and can a wooden rod lift itself? 16 So, in place of your honor you’ll get dishonor, from Jehovah of Armies; and He’ll send you fire for your glory, then you’ll be consumed by the flames, 17 and this fire will then serve as Israel’s light.
He’ll make her holy by burning her in fire, and eat her like grass in the woods in that day. 18 Mountains, hills, and forests it will eat, and devour the life from the flesh. Then those who flee will be running from flames, 19 and there’ll be few left behind; in fact, a small child could write down their numbers.
20 In that day; Those who remain in Jerusalem, will no longer just go along… those of Jacob who are saved, will not yield to those who have wronged them. Rather; they will be yielding to God, and to the Holy One of Israel’s truth. 21 Then strength will return to those left of Jacob… those who’ve put trust in their God; 22 and the people of Israel will be, like the sands of the sea, from the small number of those that remained.
23 So, in justice this matter is being completed, for He who exacts is Jehovah. And Jehovah of Armies will act, throughout the habitation [of man]. 24 For this reason Jehovah of Armies has said, ‘Don’t fear the Assyrians O My people… all you who are dwelling in Zion. Though [Assyria] will strike you with a rod, and bring you distress as he [marches] toward Egypt, 25 in a short time My anger will end, and then My rage will be turned toward their plans.’
26 [At that time]; Jehovah the God of the Armies will rise up against them, and bring calamity upon them, as He did to Midian in the Place of Oppression. And His rage [will be expressed] by the sea, as they are traveling toward Egypt. 27 In that day; their yoke of fear He’ll remove from your backs, and that yoke will then be destroyed.
28 He’ll enter the City of AngAi; he will then pass by MegidDo, and lay down his weapons at MichMash. 29 He’ll [go through] the valley and enter AngAi; fear will grab hold of Rama, and the whole city of Saul will then flee. 30 At that time, O daughter of GalLim, your voice will sound just like snorting. Be careful [O you] at LachIsh, and AnathOth, be very careful, 31 for MadMenah and those in Gebim will be startled… 32 they should all join together to survive, as [Assyria] marches its way!
O daughter of Zion; Then you must gather in the mountains, and upon Jerusalem’s hills!
33 O Lord, Jehovah of Armies; See how Your strength puts the honored in disarray, and breaks the insolence of the haughty, in order to teach them the need to be humble! 34 For, the haughty will be cut down with swords, and Lebanon will fall along with the proud.
Chapter 11
1 From the root of Jesse a [shoot] will then sprout, and a flower will grow from his root. 2 The Breath of Jehovah will rest upon him… the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of strength and of purpose; the spirit of knowledge and reverence [for God]… 3 with the spirit of the fear of God he’ll be filled. He won’t judge men by their wealth, nor scold them for the things that they say, 4 but he’ll judge the case of the lowly, and [give justice to] the poor of the earth. He’ll strike the earth with the words from his mouth, and destroy the godless with the breath from his lips. 5 Justice will be tied ‘round his waist, and his sides will be girdled with truth.
6 Then the wolf and the lamb together will feed; the leopard will nap with the kid; bulls, calves, and lions together will graze, and they’ll be led by a small child. 7 The ox and the bear will graze by each other; together their young ones [will play], and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 On the burrows of asps a young child will play, and he’ll put his hands in the bed of young asps. 9 For, none will do any harm, and none will destroy on My holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah, as the seas are covered by water.
10 In that day; There’ll be the root of Jesse – the one who’ll arise to rule [all] the nations. In him the nations will hope, and upon him honor will rest. 11 In that day; God will show the zeal of His hands, on behalf of the few who still remain… the remnant from Assyria and Egypt, and from Babylon, Ethiopia, and Elam… those who come from the sunrise, and those who come from Arabia. 12 For He will raise a flag to the nations.
Then He will gather the Israelites, who were being destroyed, and He’ll collect the scattered of Judah, from the four [corners] of the earth. 13 He’ll remove the jealousy of EphraIm, and the enemies of Judea will all be destroyed. Then EphraIm will not be jealous of Judah, nor will Judah oppress them again. 14 But [at that time] they’ll all join together, and [attack] the Philistines in the west… they’ll plunder those from the sunrise and Edom. And though Moab will be the first to be conquered, sons of Ammon will be the first to submit.
15 Then Jehovah will [part] Egypt’s [Red] Sea, and He’ll lay His hand upon their [Nile] River… against its seven ravines He’ll send gales, so it can be walked on in sandals. 16 And this will serve as a path for My people… all those who are still left behind, and for those who’ve remained in Assyria. Then to Israel it will be like the day, when they [first] came out of Egypt.
Chapter 12
1 And in that day they will say, ‘O Jehovah I praise You, for though You were angry with us, Your rage has now turned away, and You’ve shown mercy upon us. 2 Look… my God and my Savior! I’ll do what He says and not be afraid, for Jehovah is my glory and praise, and He has become my salvation.’
3 Then water will be drawn from the springs of salvation, 4 and in that day you will say: ‘Sing in praise to Jehovah! Yell [in praise of] His Name! His honorable deeds announce to all nations! Mention that His Name has been raised! 5 Sing praises to the Name of the Lord, for all the great things that He’s done! Announce these things throughout the whole earth! 6 Shout aloud and be joyful, all who you are living in Zion, for the Holy One of Israel, has now been raised high in her midst!’
Chapter 13
1 This is the vision that IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) saw against Babylon.
2 On the crests of the mountains raise the flag, and before it shout aloud… do not fear!
Open up O you rulers… put your hands [to your mouths] and call out for aid, 3 for I’m in command and I’m giving the order, to giants who are coming to fill up My rage. Together they’re coming in joy and shouting insults.’
4 There’s a voice like the sound of many nations, that is [being heard from] the mountains. It’s like the sound of many kings, and an assembly of many peoples; for Jehovah of Armies has given the orders, to a nation of warriors with weapons, 5 and they’re coming from a land far away… from the extremities of the foundations of the sky. It’s the Lord and His warriors that are coming, to ruin the habitation of man.
6 Shriek, for the day of Jehovah is near, and destruction by God swiftly approaches! 7 Because of this, all hands will go limp, and the lives of every man will be fearful. 8 All their elders will be disturbed, and they will have pains like women giving birth. So, they’ll sympathize with each other, and among each other they’ll be in shock… their faces will be changed into flames! 9 For, {Look!} the day of Jehovah is coming. It’s a day of incurable rage… the anger to destroy man’s habitation, and to wipe away all the sinners. 10 Then the stars in the sky (including Orion), and the arrangement of the heavens will not shine. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon won’t give out its light.
11 I’ll give instructions to this evil world, and the sins of the irreverent I’ll destroy… I’ll destroy the insolence of the lawless, and I’ll abase the insolence of the proud. 12 Then those left behind will be rarer than gold… men will be rarer than Ophir’s [gold]. 13 For, the skies will then be enraged, and the foundations of the earth will be shaken, by the anger and rage of Jehovah of Armies, in that day when His wrath will arrive.
14 Then the remaining will flee as though they were deer, and like sheep they will stray. No way will a man return to his people, for men will flee from their homes. 15 Then, whoever is captured will be [killed], and those who’re collected will fall by the sword. 16 Before them their kids will be dashed to the ground; their homes will be ruined and their women all tainted.
17 {Look!} Against you I’m arousing the Medes… those who think nothing of your silver, and have no need of your gold! 18 They’ll break the bows of your young men, and show no mercy on your children… their eyes will spare none of your children.
19 Then Babylon (the capital of the king of Chaldea), will be wiped out by God like Sodom and GomorRah. 20 Through the age no one will live there… for generations no one will go there. Arabs won’t go there and shepherds won’t rest there. 21 But wild animals will indeed go there to rest, and fill all their houses with growling. It’ll be a home for demons who’ll dance there; 22 [scavenger birds] will then dwell there, and hedgehogs will build nests in their homes.
Chapter 14
1 This will all happen quickly… it will take little time, for the days will not drag on. But Jehovah will show mercy on Jacob (Israel will still be His chosen), and they will rest in their land. Then to them foreigners will be added… to the house of Jacob they’ll be added. 2 They will accept the nations among them… as an inheritance they’ll bring them to their place. Then, there within the land of our God, male and female servants will be many, and those who once took them as captives, will then in turn be their captives… they’ll dominate those who once ruled them.
3 And in that day; Jehovah will bring rest from your grief and your rage, and the hard labor in which you once slaved. 4 Then against the king of Babylon himself, you will take up this wail… you will say in that day: ‘O how much rest [we now enjoy], from he who once required so much… how much rest [we now have from] our masters, 5 for Jehovah has broken the yoke of the sinners, as well as the yoke of their rulers. 6 He struck a nation in [His] rage, [and brought] incurable calamity upon them… He spared none and He wasn’t persuaded to desist, 7 so now the whole earth is shouting in joy! 8 The trees of Lebanon are joyful and say, From the time that you were laid low, no one has come here to cut us!
9 ‘From below the grave was bitter when it met you, for all the giants who once ruled the earth, have now been gathered against you. The kings of the nations will arise from their thrones, 10 and then to you they will say: Have you now been captured as we were; and are you now considered as one of us? 11 Your glories and joys have gone down to their graves, and beneath you they’ll make a bed of decay, where you will be covered with worms!’
12 ‘O how the bright one has fallen from the sky (the one that arises at dawn); for you who [once conquered] nations, have now been broken to the ground. (Note: This text could also be rendered: ‘O how you have fallen from the sky; Shriek, O one that arises at dawn, for you who [once conquered] nations, have now been broken to the ground’). 13 For you once said in your heart, I will ascend to the sky, and put my throne above all the stars. I will sit upon a high mountain… on the highest mountains to the north. 14 I’ll be higher than the clouds, and like the Most High I’ll be.
15 ‘But now you’ll go down to the grave, and to the foundations of the earth. 16 Then those who see you will wonder and say: Is this the man who provoked the whole earth… is he the one who shook kings… 17 the one who brought desolation, to the habitation of man… he who demolished its cities, and he who set no slaves free?’
18 Though all kings of the nations sleep in honor, and every man within his own house, 19 you’ll be tossed in the mountains like the dead… you’ll be abhorred like others who were stabbed through with swords, and who went to the place of the dead. 20 Like clothes that are befouled by blood, you’ll never be pure or be clean, for, you destroyed My land and killed all My people. So, no way will you last through the ages, O you seed of what’s evil.
21 Prepare your children to be slaughtered, because of the sins of their fathers, so they won’t rise and inherit the land, and then fill the whole earth with wars! 22 ‘For, I will rise up against them,’ says Jehovah of Armies; ‘I’ll destroy their names, their remains, and their seed.’
Then Jehovah said: 23 ‘I will desolate Babylon’s lands, and make it a place where hedgehogs will dwell. It will then become nothing… it’ll be a pit of destruction.’
24 Then Jehovah of Armies said, ‘This is how it will happen… this is the way it will be, for this is what I have decided: [Babylon] will remain in order 25 to destroy, all the Assyrians from My land and My [Holy] Mountain. They’ll be trampled and their yoke will be removed, as their dignity will be taken from their shoulders.’
26 This is the plan that Jehovah laid out, for the habitation of man; and this is His high hand over the nations. 27 For, who can erase the Most Holy’s plans, and who can stay His hand when it’s held high?
28 In the year that King Ahaz died, these words came [to IsaiJah]:
29 Do not be joyful, O you Philistines, because He broke the yoke of those who’d attacked you. For, from the snake’s seed young asps will come, and these young will become flying serpents.
30 Though He will feed all the poor, and peace will rest on the paupers, your seed will starve and be wiped away… those who remain will be gone.
31 So shriek, O you city gates, and cry aloud O you cities, for the Philistines are being disturbed! Smoke is coming from the north, and none will be left [alive] there.
Now, what answer can the kings of the nations supply? For, it was Jehovah who laid the foundation of Zion, and by Him many peoples will be saved!
Chapter 15
1 This is the word against Moab.
Moab’s land will be destroyed in the night… by night its walls will be broken. 2 In Dibon, your altars will all be destroyed, and you’ll then ascend there to weep.
And let out a shriek upon Nebo, there within the land of Moab, for every head will be shaved, and all the arms will be shackled. 3 Sackcloth will be worn in their squares; under her roofs they will mourn; and there will be shrieking and crying, within her squares and her streets!
4 There’ll be shouting in HeshBon, as well as in EliAleh, and the sounds will be heard in JaHaz. For the loins of Moab’s land will cry out, and in her soul she will know; 5 for in the heart of Moab there’ll be shouting, all the way up to ZoAr. They’ll be like a three-year-old heifer, [that’s being led to the slaughter]. So on the ascent to LuHith there’ll be weeping, and on the road to HoRoNaim there’ll be yelling, for there will be trembling and defeat!
6 At NimRim the water will be gone; her crops will fail and there’ll be no green grass, 7 so how can it be her salvation? For, I’ll bring the Arabians to her valleys, and then they all will be captured.
8 There will be screaming and shrieking, throughout the land of Moab to EglaIm, and there will be screams to the well of ElIm. 9 For, the waters of Dimon will be filled up with blood, because I’m bringing the Arabs against Dimon, and then they’ll remove the seed of Moab… AriEl and all who remain in Adama.
Chapter 16
1 Then I will send a male lamb, to serve as lord of the land; for, is the mountain of Zion’s daughter just a bare rock? 2 So you, O you daughter of Moab, will become like a bird that’s flies all around, after her young have been taken!
And Arnon, sit down and discuss it, 3 then prepare for continuous mourning, because at noon there’ll be darkness, and [your people] will be startled and fleeing. So do not start your celebrations, 4 for with you will travel the exiles of Moab, and they will be your protection, from the faces of those who pursue you. For, your alliance in war will be lifted away, and your ruler will perish and be trampled to the ground.
5 Then, from a throne [based on] mercy, all [things will then be] made right; for one from David’s tent will then sit [on that throne], who will judge and inquire in rightness and truth, and he will bring swift justice.
6 We have heard the insults of Moab, and they’ve been very insulting. [We’ve noticed] his pride, his insults, and rage… and there are no reasons for this. 7 So in Moab there will be shrieking… throughout the land there’ll be screaming. But you’ll care for those who are dwelling in Seth, and you won’t be ashamed.
8 In the plains of HeshBon they’ll mourn, over the grapevines of SibMah; for the nations will swallow them down, and up to JaZer they’ll trample her grapevines. There’s no way that you’ll get back together, because in the desert you’ll wander! Those whom she sent away are abandoned, for they’ve crossed over the sea. 9 And for this I will cry as will those of JaZer, who are weeping for the grapevines of SibMah.
O HeshBon and EliAleh; Your trees have all been cut down, and I’ll trample your harvests and crops, so they will also soon fail! 10 Then there’ll be no leaping for joy in your vineyards, since the reasons for joy will be gone. None will tread wine in the wine vats, for the [growing of grapes] will have ceased. 11 So, My insides will play like a harp over Moab, but My feelings are like a wall that’s rebuilt.
12 ‘This will cause you all to feel shame, for I’m tired of the shrines of Moab… [the places] where she went to pray, before things she’d made with her hands. And now there’s no way they can save her.
13 ‘This is what Jehovah said against Moab. 14 And then Jehovah spoke and said this: ‘In three years (in the length of employment of a servant) Moab will meet her dishonor; all her wealth [will be gone], with only a few peasants will remain there.’
Chapter 17
1 This is the word against Damascus.
{Look!} Damascus will be lifted from among all the cities, for it will [soon] meet its downfall. 2 Then through the ages it will serve as a bed… a resting place and safe haven for flocks. 3 No more will it be a fortified place (a place where EphraIm finds refuge); there will not be a kingdom in Damascus, and no Syrians will then be left there.
‘But it will be better for you, than for Israel’s sons and their glory,’ says Jehovah of Armies. 4 ‘For, the glory of Jacob will end in that day, and his bountiful glory will be shaken. 5 It’ll be the same as during a harvest, or when someone reaps grain… when someone gathers grain in a valley filled with rocks. 6 For, all that remains will be stubble… just two or three olive pits, on the tops of tall trees, where four or five branches remain.’
This is what [Jehovah] the God of Israel has said: 7 ‘In that day all men will have to rely, upon the One who has made them… to the Holy One of Israel their eyes should turn back. 8 They shouldn’t rely on their shrines, or on the things that they’ve made with their hands. In that day they’ll not look to the trees, or to their disgusting things; 9 for your cities will be abandoned in that day, as were those of the Amorites and Hivites, before the faces of Israel’s sons. Desolate places they will become, 10 for you’ve forsaken your Savior, God… yes, you have forgotten your God!
‘Because of this you’ll plant insecurely, and [you’ll plant] seeds you’re unsure of. 11 About the right day to plant you’ll be misled. And if you should sow in the morning, the seeds will then rot in the harvest. So the fathers of men will then choose by lot, to which of their sons they will [feed] it.
12 ‘Woe to the multitudes of nations, for you will also be disturbed; you’ll be disturbed like a sea [in a storm], 13 which will carry many nations as by a raging flood. [God] will scold them and then they will flee… He’ll pursue them from a great distance. Then they’ll be like dust on the mountains, which is being [blown] in the wind, and like clouds of dust raised by wheels. 14 Toward the evening there will be mourning, and before the dawn they’ll no longer be.’
This is the lot of those who despoil us… it’s the inheritance of those who’ve inherited us.
Chapter 18
1 Woe to you, O land of winged boats, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; 2 those sending paper treaties and letters across water; for, to a nation that’s been raised will go messengers of light… [they will go] to a strange and ill-tempered people. Who is [this far away nation]? It’s a nation by whom you don’t want to be trampled. 3 It’s a land where they live by the rivers, and their place will [soon] be a standard, that is lifted [atop] the tall mountains, and like the signal of the blowing of trumpets. 4 Because, this is what Jehovah has told me: ‘Though My city is protected from noontime heat, and as by clouds of dew before harvest; 5 when the flowers are in blossom and young grapes have formed, I’ll remove the grape clusters with a sickle, and cut the small branches from the vines, 6 then leave them behind for the birds of the skies, and the wild beasts of the earth. Then all the winged creatures of the skies, and all the wild beasts of the earth, will be gathered there to consume them.’
7 Then gifts will be offered to Jehovah of Armies, by a people who’ve been afflicted and plucked out… a people who’ve been great [through] the ages; a nation that’s been trampled down, but in whom some hope still remains. For they will [live] from the rivers of that [land], to the mountain of the Name of Jehovah of Armies.
Chapter 19
1 This is the vision against Egypt.
{Look!} Jehovah sits upon a nimble cloud, and to Egypt He is going, to shake the idols that they made with hands, which now stand in front of His face, and their hearts will then be pierced through. 2 For Egyptians will [fight] with Egyptians… all men will wage war against brothers and neighbors. City will rise against city, and house [will rise] against house. 3 The spirit of the Egyptians will be disturbed, and I’ll wipe away all their plans. Then they’ll inquire of their statues and gods, and their prophets and those who speak from the ground; 4 but I’ll give the Egyptians to hard taskmasters, and appoint hard kings over them.
And Jehovah of Armies said this: 5 ‘Egyptians will drink water from the sea, because their river will dry up and fail… 6 their rivers and aqueducts will all fail, and all their water will dry. 7 Even the reed and papyrus marshes, as well as the greenery near the rivers, and all the crops that are planted thereby, will be dried up and [blown] by the wind.
8 ‘Then all those who fish, all who cast hooks, all who use dragnets, and all who cast nets in the river, will [have good reason to] moan and to mourn. 9 And those who shred flax, and those who weave linen, 10 will also be grieved and ashamed. Those who brew beer will be very concerned, and the lives of all will be painful.
11 ‘Then fools will be appointed their rulers; and as councilors to the king there in Tanes, will be those who’ll tell him stupid things. For they will say to the king: We are the sons of wise men, and [we were born] sons of kings! 12 So, where are they now, all of your wise men? Let them now come and tell you, what Jehovah of Armies has planned against Egypt.’
13 The rulers in Tanes have all failed, and though rulers in Memphis are haughty, they will cause Egypt and its tribes to stray. 14 Because Jehovah has concocted for them, the spirit of an addiction to delusions. And this will cause Egypt to [stagger], like drunks who go outside to vomit together.
15 Egypt won’t know its head from its tail, or discern a beginning or an end. 16 In that day; the men of Egypt will all act like women, and before the hand of Jehovah they’ll shake, for He will cause this to happen.
17 Then the Egyptians will fear the land of Judea, and they’ll fear those who call themselves Jews, for Jehovah of Armies has plans against them.
18 In that day; In five cities of Egypt, they’ll speak the CanaAnite tongue, and swear oaths in the Name of Jehovah of Armies; and the City of Asedek will then be renamed, ‘The City of the One [God].’
19 In that day; There’ll be an Altar to Jehovah in Egypt. There’ll also be a monument to Jehovah at their borders, 20 which will serve as a sign through the age, that to Jehovah Egypt belongs. Then they’ll call to Jehovah whenever they’re oppressed, and He will send someone to save them… He’ll deliver them and bring justice.
21 So, to the Egyptians the Lord will be known… all Egypt will know Jehovah in that day. To Him they’ll offer sacrifices and gifts… make vows to Jehovah and pay them. 22 For, after Jehovah brings calamity on Egypt, He’ll heal them and they’ll turn to the Lord… He’ll listen to them and He’ll heal them.
23 In that day; There’ll be a road between Assyria and Egypt, where the Assyrians will travel to Egypt, and the Egyptians will travel to Assyria; and the Assyrians will then serve the Egyptians.
24 In that day; Israel will be third among Assyria and Egypt, when it comes to their land being praised. 25 For, thus says the praise of Jehovah of Armies: ‘Praise My people in Egypt, as well as those in Assyria, and My inheritance Israel.’
Chapter 20
1 In the year that Tartan entered AshDod (when he was sent by Sargon the king of the Assyrians, and waged a war against AshDod and took it), 2 Jehovah spoke to IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) and said: ‘Remove the sackcloth from your loins, and untie the sandals from your feet.’ And he did so, walking naked and barefoot!
3 And Jehovah said: ‘As My servant IsaiJah walks naked and barefoot, such signs and miracles will be sent, to Egyptians and Ethiopians for three years. 4 For, the king of Assyria will lead you as captives (Ethiopia and Egypt’s young and old), naked and barefoot to show Egypt’s shame.
5 ‘The Ethiopians who rely on Egyptians, will then be vanquished and shamed, for their [only] glory was [Egypt]. 6 And then they’ll say to those in the islands: {Look!} We thought we could run to them for our aid, but from the King of Assyria, they were unable to save us, so how can we be delivered?’
Chapter 21
1 The Desert Vision.
As a blast [of air] that blows through the desert, from out of a land that is arid, 2 a frightening and hard vision came to me, concerning those who ignore and disregard, and those who are lawless in their lawlessness. The [Medes] and the Persians had come against me, so I started to moan and to comfort myself; 3 because of this my loins became feeble, and I was filled as someone with birth pains. Then unrighteously I chose not to hear it, and I rushed away not to see it. 4 In my heart I wandered away; in lawlessness I was immersed, and my life was wrapped up in fear.
5 Prepare the table to eat and to drink… awaken the rulers and pull out the shields; 6 for this is what the Lord said to me: ‘Go and stand as a watchman, and then announce what you see!’
7 Then I beheld two riders approaching; one [was riding] a burro, and the other [was riding] a camel.
8 [And I was told]: ‘Listen… call out to UriJah, from Jehovah’s watch tower!’
And he said: ‘I just stood there all day, and I watched the camp throughout the night. 9 Look, someone is coming… and upon a double chariot he’s riding! He’s shouting that Babylon has fallen, along with all of her idols… her idols have been smashed to the ground!’
10 So hear this, all you who remain, and those of you who are grieving… hear what I heard from Jehovah of Armies, for it’s what the God of Israel is announcing to you!
11 The vision of Edom.
He called to me from Seir and He said, ‘Stand guard upon the [city] walls! 12 Stand guard from morning ‘til night! Keep close watch with Me and you’ll live! 13 Then in the evening you must bed down, in the woods on the road leading to Dedan, 14 and bring some water for the thirsty you’ll meet… those from the place called Tema! [Also bring] bread loaves for all who are fleeing, 15 because of those being slaughtered… because of all who must wander… because of those who are brandishing swords… because of all those with stretched bows… and because of all who’ve fallen in battle!’
16 Then Jehovah said this: ‘In a year (as the year of someone who’s hired), the glory of Cedar will be gone, 17 and few of Cedar’s great bowmen remain, for Jehovah the God of Israel has spoken.’
Chapter 22
1 The matter of the valley of Zion.
What has happened to you, that you’ve foolishly climbed up on your roofs? 2 For your city is now filled with screaming. Yet your slain were not killed by the broadsword, and your people aren’t dead because of a war. 3 All your rulers fled [in fear of] the bow, and now they’re all tied up together. All your strong ones have fled, and because of this I said, ‘Let me go somewhere and bitterly cry!’
4 Do not offer me comfort, over the destruction of the daughter of my people, 5 for this is a day of disturbance, as well as trampling and destruction… it’s an addiction to delusions by Jehovah of Armies.
They wander in the valley of Zion… from the small to the great, on the mountains they wander. 6 But the Elamites gathered [their arrows], and all their men who ride horses, and they gathered in battle array. 7 So with chariots your beautiful valleys will be filled, while horsemen block all your gates. 8 In that day they’ll reveal Judah’s gates, and survey the city’s best houses. 9 In the houses of David they’ll find hidden places, and they’ll see how many there are.
10 But you will divert [all the] water, to the city’s ancient pool, and demolish the walls of many houses, to fortify Jerusalem’s walls. 11 Between the two walls you’ll bring yourselves water; you’ll send it inside to the ancient pool; but you’ll fail to look to the One who first made it… to its Creator you will not look. 12 So, Jehovah of Armies calls for tears in that day… for the beating of chests and the shaving [of heads], as well as the wearing of sackcloth.
13 But they were all happy and leaping for joy… they’ll be slaughtering calves and sacrificing sheep, then eating the meat and drinking the wine, saying: ‘Let’s eat and drink for tomorrow we die!’
14 Since to the ears of Jehovah of Armies, so much [bad] has been revealed, these sins will not be forgiven, until the time that you die!
15 Then Jehovah of Armies said this: ‘Now go and enter My [Holy Place]; go to SomNan the keeper of stores, and then ask: 16 Just why are you here… what [business] do you really have here? Why have you carved a memorial for yourself… why have you made a memorial, and depicted yourself in this Temple’s stone? 17 {Look!} Jehovah of Armies will now throw you out… He’ll wipe away such a man! Your [official] clothes He’ll remove, as well as the crown of honor [that you wear]! 18 Then He’ll throw you into a dungeon, and that is where you will die! He’ll turn your good chariot into one of dishonor, and trample the palaces of your rulers… 19 [He’ll] remove your position and station!
20 ‘In that day I will call to My servant, EliAkim the son of HelkiJah, 21 and put your [official] garments on him, then I will give him your crown… I’ll entrust your administration to his hands, and he’ll become like a father, to those in Jerusalem and Judah.
22 ‘Then the key to the house of David, I will put ‘round his shoulders… he will open and none will unlock it! To him I’ll give the glory of David; he’ll rule and none will dispute this. 23 Then I’ll make him the ruler of a place that’s secure, and upon a throne of glory he’ll sit, within the house of his father. 24 And the honorable ones of the house of his father (from the least to the great), will then rely upon him. And all the small [sacred] vessels and cups, will depend upon him in that day.’
25 Jehovah of Armies has declared: ‘This man will be removed and another entrenched, in a trustworthy place. He’ll be removed and he’ll fall, and all his glory will just waste away, for Jehovah [of Armies] has spoken.’
Chapter 23
1 The matter of Tyre.
Shriek, O boats of Carthage, for [Tyre] has perished and they’ll no longer [sail out of] Cyprus, for [Tyre] has been led as a captive!
2 To whom can I liken the people who live there… to Phoenician traders, who pass through seas and deep waters, 3 and to the seed of the traders… as traders to nations they carry the harvests.
4 ‘Be ashamed, O Sidon,’ said the sea! And the power of the sea then replied, ‘I haven’t had pains and haven’t given birth, nor have I fed young or raised virgins. 5 But when Egypt hears what has happened to Tyre, they’ll be overtaken with grief.’
6 Go on to Carthage and shriek, all you who live on the islands! 7 For, wasn’t she the reason for your insolence… in the beginning before she was [lost]?
8 Who planned these things against Tyre? Isn’t she best… isn’t she strong? Why, her merchants were the glorious rulers of the earth!
9 It was Jehovah of Armies who laid out the plans, to disable the insolence of these glorious ones… to dishonor the glories of the earth!
10 Now you’ll be forced now to work your land, for boats will no longer be [sailing] from Carthage, 11 and your hands will no longer control the seas, O you the provoker of kings. For it was Jehovah of Armies… it was He who gave orders to destroy CanaAn’s strength, 12 saying: ‘No longer will you continue to insult, and wrong the daughter of Zion. And even if you should travel to Cyprus, you will not find any rest there. 13 And if you should go to the land of Chaldea, the Assyrians will destroy even that, so for you there will not be any rest, because her walls will have fallen.’
14 So, shriek you boats out of Carthage, because your fortress has been destroyed! 15 This is how it will be in that day: For seventy years Tyre will be forsaken… the length of the lives of both men and kings. Then after seventy years have elapsed, Tyre will become like the song of a whore. 16 So, pick up your harp and wander, O you whore who has been forgotten! Play the harp and sing well, so there’ll be someone who remembers!
17 And after seventy years have passed by, God will go and revisit Tyre, and she’ll be restored to her ancient state. Once again she’ll be a market for all the kingdoms, of man’s habitation on the face of the earth. 18 And then her trading will become, as a holy wage to Jehovah; for their [profits] won’t be brought back to them, but to those who dwell before Jehovah… all [the wealth of] her trade [will be theirs], to eat and drink and fill themselves up, as a compact memorial to Jehovah.
Chapter 24
1 {Look!} Jehovah will waste [your] habitation… He will make it quite desolate. He will uncover its face, and scatter those living upon it. 2 And [those who are left] will then be like Priests; servants will then become masters; handmaids will then become ladies; those who buy will be those who then sell; those who borrow will then be the lenders, and those who owe will be those who are owed.
3 With corruption your land will be wasted, and by plundering the land will be plundered… these things were said by the mouth of Jehovah. 4 And then the whole earth will be mourning, for the arrangement will then be laid waste, and the exalted in the land will all mourn, 5 for [the land] is now thought of as lawless, on account of those who live there, because they have broken the Laws of Jehovah… they’ve wiped away and traded away, the Sacred Agreement of the ages. 6 So this curse will devour [your] land, because those who live there have sinned! Then just the poor will live in the land, and just a few men will remain there.
7 The wine will mourn and the grapevines will moan, over all the lives of those they made joyful. 8 The joyful sounds of tambourines will have ceased, and those pleased with themselves will be gone, along with the wealth of the godless, and they’ll no longer hear the sounds of the harp.
9 At that time they’ll all be ashamed, because those who drink won’t drink the wine, so it will all then turn [sour]. 10 All your cities will be empty, and all the houses will be locked, thus none will be able to enter. 11 So, shriek for the wine everywhere, for the joy of the land has now ceased… yes it has all gone away! 12 And what will be left behind, is just desolate cities, and the abandoned houses will be consumed. 13 All these things will happen to the land, there in the midst of the nations.
In the same way that you would glean olives; that’s how they will be gleaned… as though all the gathering of crops will have ceased. 14 So they will cry in loud voices… but those who remain in the land will rejoice, all together in the glory of Jehovah.
Then the waters of the seas will be shaken, 15 and the glory of Jehovah will then be [made known], throughout the islands of the sea… and the Name Jehovah will be honored. 16 [For all the peoples will be saying]: ‘O Jehovah, God of Israel; Of [Your] miracles we’ve heard to the [ends] of the earth, and that there’s hope for those who respect You.’ And once more all will then say: ‘Woe to those who’ve annulled… yes those who’ve annulled the Law [of Jehovah], 17 because fear, the pit, and a snare are upon you, O you who once dwelled in the land. 18 For those fleeing in fear will fall into the pit, and those climbing from the pit will be captured by snares.’
The windows of the heavens will then open, and the foundations of the land will be shaken. 19 A disturbance will disturb the whole earth, and perplexity will perplex the whole land. 20 It will be tipped and then shaken, as [a horn] that’s filled with the fruits of the earth… it will then topple and fall, like someone who’s dizzy and drunk, never to get up again, because that’s [the land] where the lawless grew stronger.
21 God will raise His hand in that day, against the arrangement of the heavens, and against the kings of the earth. 22 They’ll be gathered as one congregation, and be locked in a dungeon inside a castle, and remain there through many generations.
23 Then the bricks will melt and the walls will all fall; the moon will be sad and the sun will be shamed; for the Lord will reign from Zion in Jerusalem, and before the elders He’ll be glorified.
Chapter 25
1 Jehovah my God, I’ll glorify You, and to Your Name I’ll sing praises, because of the wonderful things You have done, and because [Your] ancient council has proven true… may it be!
2 The cities have been turned into [large] heaps of rubble… fortified cities whose foundations were strong… cities of the godless that won’t be rebuilt through the age. 3 Because of this I praise You… with the poor and the wronged I will praise You, 4 for You’ve been a helper to the cities of the meek, and You rescue all the depressed, since they’ve had no one to save them from the wicked… You’re a protection to those who are thirsting, and an inviting breeze to those who’ve been wronged.
5 You rescued the worried and thirsty in Zion… from godless men You have saved us. 6 Then Jehovah of Armies, will hold a banquet for the nations, and they’ll drink wine in joy on this mountain… 7 and anoint with perfumed oil on this mountain.
You will do all these things to the nations, because this is a plan for all nations. 8 Then death [that plagues all] will be swallowed; Jehovah will take away tears from each face; and from the peoples of the earth He’ll remove all disgrace… this was said by the mouth of Jehovah.
9 And in that day they will say, ‘Look… it’s our God in whom we have hoped… it is He who brought us salvation. This is Jehovah… we’ve waited for Him! We’ll shout praises in joy for our salvation!’
10 Then on this mountain God will bring rest, and the land of Moab will be trampled, as a threshing floor is trampled with wagons. 11 He’ll unfold His hands to humble and grab them… for their insolence He will destroy them, and knock the high walls of their homes to the ground.
Chapter 26
1 In that day they’ll sing this song within Judah:
Look! [Ours will be] a strong city!
For, He’ll establish a wall and a rampart to save us!
2 Open O gates and then enter,
O people who guard justice and truth…
3 Those who’ve grabbed truth and guard peace!
4 Upon You we’ve hoped through the age,
Great God of the age, O Jehovah,
5 For You’ve humbled and brought down those who lived high…
Fortified cities You have thrown down…
You’ve torn them down to the ground.
6 Then treaded them with Your feet as though footstools.
7 The way of the reverent has been straightened,
And a way is prepared for the Godly.
8 For, the way of Jehovah is justice.
We have hoped in Your Name, and You we’ve not forgotten,
9 For, this is what we desired with our lives!
In the night, O my God, [I] rise early to You,
For, Your orders are bringing light to the land.
Learn justice, O you who live on the earth!
10 For, the irreverent will soon be all gone,
They’ll never learn justice on this earth,
Nor will they ever be truthful.
So please remove the ungodly,
That they may not gaze on the glory of [God]!
11 O Jehovah; Your arm was held high, but they didn’t know it,
And when they know it they’ll be shamed.
Then zeal will take hold of an ignorant people,
And fire will devour all those who oppose us.
12 O Jehovah our God, bring us peace!
For, it’s You’ve who’ve given us all things!
13 O Jehovah our God, please own us!
For we know no other, Jehovah, and we have called on Your Name.
14 The dead will never see life,
Nor can any doctor revive them.
For this, You attacked and destroyed,
And took every man from among them.
15 O Jehovah; Add to them all the bad things…
Add bad things to the glorious of the earth!
16 O Jehovah; Though in affliction, we never forgot You…
In hard times we followed Your instructions.
17 And like a woman with birth pangs…
One who screams and then she gives birth,
So we have been as Your loved ones.
18 In fear of You, O Jehovah,
We have conceived in the womb.
We went into labor and gave birth,
By the spirit of Your salvation…
By the things that You’ve done on the earth.
We will not fall, though others will fall,
19 But the dead will be raised from their tombs.
Then all on the earth will be joyful,
For as dew You’ll send them a cure, while the lands of the godless will fall.
20 Proceed, O my people, to enter your bedrooms…
Go inside and lock your doors,
Then hide in there for a while!
Because this will happen, then that;
And the rage of Jehovah will pass.
21 {Look!} From His Holy Place Jehovah sends rage,
Upon those who are living in the land.
Then the ground won’t cover all the blood,
And it will not cover those He destroys.
Chapter 27
1 In that day; God will bring His great holy sword,
Against the dragon (the crooked fleeing snake)
And He’ll kill the dragon (the one in the sea).
2 Also in that day, there will be a good vineyard, and the desire to sing about it this song:
3 ‘She’s a fortified city, that is under attack,
And it was folly that I [offered her] water,
For she will be captured by night,
And by day her walls will then fall.
4 ‘There are none who have failed to have her,
So Jehovah did all that He promised.
She is now to be burned 5 and those who live there will scream:
With Him let us make peace… yes, [with Him] we should make peace!
6 ‘Then the children of Jacob will return,
And Israel will burst forth and blossom…
Their habitation will be filled with its fruit.
7 ‘Will they be struck down… those who once cut down others?
Will he who killed many, now be destroyed?
8 For he sent them out to berate and wage war…
Those who had harsh spirits, and who killed in a spirit of rage.
9 ‘Then the lawlessness of Jacob will be gone,
And to him will be brought this blessing: I will remove all his sins.
‘Then they’ll take all the stones from their shrines,
And grind them to powder and dust.
Their [sacred] poles will no longer be,
And their idols will be chopped like a forest.
10 ‘Flocks that were spared will then dwell there…
Flocks that were left behind.
‘They’ll spend much time in the pastures,
And there they’ll have time to rest.
11 But they won’t spend time eating green grass,
Because it has dried [into hay].
‘Come, O women who’ve seen what has happened,
For, you’re a people who don’t understand.
Don’t show pity on those who make [idols]…
Show no mercy on those who have shaped them.
12 ‘In that day, the ducts from the River RhinoCora,
Will then be closed by Jehovah.
But the sons of Israel will be gathered one by one…
13 And in that day they’ll blow a loud trumpet.
‘Then those lost in Assyria will return,
As well as those who are lost down in Egypt.
And they will bow to Jehovah,
On His Holy Mountain in Jerusalem.’
Chapter 28
1 Woe to that insolent crown, that’s worn by EphraIm’s hired help… the flower of the one who has fallen from glory, atop the mountain of thick branches… those who are drunk without wine. 2 For, {Look!} the rage of Jehovah is strong and it’s hard… it’s like hail that falls with great force, in a place where there’s nowhere to [run]. It’s like a flood that drags away [homes], in a land where He will bring rest, to your hands and your feet.
3 This crown of insolence of those who were hired, by EphraIm will soon be trampled down, 4 and its flower (its hope of glory) will fall, on the tops of high mountains like the shoots of a fig. Then whoever sees it in front of his hands, will wish to take it and swallow it down.
5 In that day, Jehovah of Armies, will be [the only] crown of hope… the crown of glory to the remnant of My people. 6 For in the spirit of fairness they’ll be spared… by justice and the strength of destruction restrained.
7 But there are those who stagger and wander, because of their liquor and wine. It’s because of the liquor (and because they’ve swallowed the wine), that the priests and prophets are out of their minds. And when they sober up they will wander, which will be easy for [all men] to see.
8 A curse will then devour their plans, for the plans that they have are for wealth.
9 To whom have we announced all this evil… to whom have we announced this great message? To those being weaned from the milk, and those being drawn from the breast.
10 Problems upon problems; hope after hope; yes, still a little… yes, still a little bit more; 11 for with foul words from their lips, they’ll speak to this people in another tongue, 12 and then they will tell them: ‘Those who are hungry are the unworthy, so they will soon be destroyed.’ (And they will not wish to hear this).
13 Then they will receive this oracle of God: ‘Problems upon problems; hope after hope; yes, still a little… yes, still a little bit more,’ and they will be exposed to great danger. For first they’ll retreat, and then they’ll be broken and captured.
14 Because of this, hear the word of Jehovah: ‘O men who are being attacked, and rulers of Jerusalem’s people: 15 You say that you’ve made a pact with the grave… that you’ve made a treaty with death, and that if a windstorm should blow, it will not blow upon you… for you’ve put your hope in [your] lies, and you [think] that they’ll bring you shelter.
16 ‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘{Look!} Upon the foundation of Zion, I will place a valuable stone… a costly, select cornerstone, to serve as its foundation… and those trusting in it will not be disgraced.
17 ‘Then in place hope there’ll be judgments, and upon My charity I’ll also put weights. Then those who rely in vain on the lie, will not be passed by the storm. 18 So your treaty with death will then be removed, and you won’t adhere to your hope in the grave.
‘Then by the blast you’ll be crushed… 19 when it passes through, it will take you. Morning after morning it’ll blow upon you, as well as during the night, and the only hope that it brings will be bad.
20 ‘Learn how to hear, O you who’ve been squeezed! There’s no way you’ll be able to fight it! For, you’ll be weakened and captured.
21 ‘Jehovah will make mountains of the godless, and in Gibeon’s valley He’ll execute His rage… yes there He’ll do His bitter deed. But His rage will be brought in strange ways… the rotten deeds will be strange. 22 Then for you there’ll be no joy, for in your bonds you’ll be left without strength.’
Yes, these things will all happen… it’s what He will do on the land… it’s what Jehovah of Armies has told me. 23 So, give ear and pay attention to my voice! Pay attention and hear all my words!
24 Doesn’t it take all day to prepare for the plowing? And doesn’t the sower prepare before working the ground? 25 Doesn’t he level its face, before planting pepperwort or cumin; or wheat, spelt, and barley on its borders? 26 That’s how you’ll be corrected, in the fairness of your God, and then you’ll [have reasons] for joy. 27 You can’t scrub pepperwort in order to clean it, or run wagon wheels on the cumin! You beat pepperwort [to shake off the seeds], 28 and cumin should be eaten with bread. So, I won’t be angry through the ages, nor will the bitterness of My voice trample on you, 29 for miracles will come by Jehovah of Armies.
Accept [My] counsel and know that [your reasons for] comfort are wasted!
Chapter 29
1 Woe to the City of the Altar of God, on which King David waged war.
Gather your crops year after year, for with the Moabites you’ll eat them. 2 Then I’ll squeeze the City of the Altar of God, and her strength and her wealth will be Mine. 3 I’ll encircle [your city] like David, and throw up a siege mound against you. Siege towers I’ll build around you, 4 and your words will be brought to the ground… into the ground your words will go down, then you’ll speak like those who speak from the ground; and from the ground your voice will grow weak.
5 The wealth of your godless will then become, like clouds of dust from wheels that pass by. For as many as dust will be those who oppress you.
6 It will happen right away (in a moment); for you’ll receive a visit from Jehovah of Armies, with thunder, disasters, and with great noise… with blasts of wind, and the flames of a fire that consumes. 7 And to you it will be like a dream, when all the wealth of many nations, marches on the City of the Altar of God. For the soldiers of those who oppress her, against Jerusalem will gather.
8 Then, to those who are sleeping, and those awake who are eating and drinking, it will all seem like a dream. And this is what they will dream: Those who get thirsty and drink, will still be thirsty when they wake up. Then their lives will be without hope, for the wealth of many nations will march against Zion.
9 Be tipsy, be dizzy, and be amazed, but not from liquor or wine, 10 for Jehovah has given you frustration to drink! Then He’ll close the lids of the eyes of their prophets, as well as their rulers and seers; 11 and all that is written within this sealed scroll, will be given to a man who knows how to read, and to him you will say ‘Read these things!’
But he will say, ‘I’m unable to read this, because this has all been sealed up!’
12 Then you’ll hand this scroll to a man who can’t read, and you will tell him to read it; but he will say ‘I can’t read.’
13 Then Jehovah said: ‘These people approach Me with their mouths, and with their lips they offer Me praises, but in their hearts they’re really far away, so it’s in vain that they are worshiping Me. They are teaching the ideas and instructions of men! 14 And because of this, {Look!} I will come, and bring a change on these people… yes I will transpose them! I’ll destroy the wisdom of their wise, and hide the understanding of their discerning.’
15 So, woe to those with complicated plans, which aren’t according to Jehovah! And woe to those who make secret plans, and do things in the cover of darkness. For they ask; ‘Who has seen us and will know us, or know of the things we have done?’
16 Aren’t you just clay in the hands of a potter? Can the shaped thing say to its shaper, ‘You did not really shape me?’ Or can the made thing say to its maker, ‘I don’t like the way that you made me?’
17 Soon the position of Lebanon will be changed. Her mountains will be changed into crop fields, and the crops on the mountains will be thought of as forests. 18 But in that day even those who are deaf, will hear the words of this scroll. Then those in the darkness and those in the fog, and the eyes of the blind will be able to see it! 19 Because of Jehovah, the poor will then shout in joy, and those who’ve given up will be filled with joy. 20 For, the lawless and the evil will have failed; the proud will then be destroyed; and those who break laws will be gone, 21 with those who led men into sin with their words. Then all who reproved at the gates, will be thought of as those who have stumbled, for they have twisted [the law], and those who are righteous they’ve wronged.
22 ‘And concerning the house of Jacob,’ says Jehovah; ‘those I selected from the sons of Abraham: Jacob will not be shamed, nor will their faces be sad, 23 but when their young see the things that I’ll do… {Look!} because of Me, they’ll make My Name holy… they will [praise] the Holy One of Jacob, and fear Israel’s God.
24 ‘Then those with wandering spirits, will have to learn understanding; those who complain will learn to obey; and stuttering tongues will learn to speak peace.’
Chapter 30
1 ‘Woe, O children of apostates,’ says Jehovah, ‘because you searched for direction from others, and made treaties that were not by My Spirit… you added sins to your sins. 2 You [sent ambassadors] down into Egypt, and asked for help from the Pharaoh… you sought shelter from Egypt, but you failed to seek Me! 3 So, yo’re shamed for seeking the protection of Pharaoh, and scorned for relying on Egypt; 4 for in Tanes the messengers of the chiefs are all bad.
5 ‘It’s foolish to labor for others, who’ll be no benefit or help; for they’ll just bring shame and scorn upon you.’
6 This is the vision of the four-footed creatures in the desert:
In difficult times of distress, [there stands] the lion and its cub. And there are asps and the young of winged asps… those who carry wealth upon burros and camels, to a nation that’ll be no benefit or help… they’ll just bring shame and scorn upon them. 7 The only benefits that Egypt will bring, is just emptiness and waste. So tell them that the comfort they will bring is in vain!
8 Sit down and write this on a tablet of a scroll, for it’s about the times and the days, which [our God has] appointed… [of things that will happen] in the ages. 9 For a people are resisting persuasion; they’re lying sons who refuse to listen to God’s Law. 10 They’re the ones who are saying to the Prophets, ‘Don’t come to us with His pronouncements!’ And to those who see visions they say ‘Don’t tell us! But if you must speak, tell another addicting delusion. 11 Turn us away from this road… shift us away from this course, and remove the curse of Israel from us!’
12 And because of this, thus says the Holy One of Israel: ‘Since you’ve resisted the persuasion of these words, and put your hope in a lie… because you grumbled and would not put trust [in my words], 13 this is what will happen to you: This sin will be like the walls of a city, that will now fall and lead to a capture, for your downfall is immediately at hand. 14 And like the breaking of a thin ceramic pot, this crash won’t be just into parts… pieces you can find and pick up from the coals, with which you can hold a little water.’
15 This is what the Lord Jehovah (the Holy One of Israel) has said: ‘You should moan, turn back, and be saved! Remember the foolishness you once relied on… how you chose not to listen, and then how weak you became.
16 ‘But you say you’ll escape from those riding horses… that you’ll flee and say We’re light riders! But those chasing you will be faster.
17 Thousands will flee at the voice of one man, and multitudes will flee at the voice of just five. But you will be left all alone, like a pole on top of a mountain, and like a flag flying high on a hill.’
18 And again you’ll [turn] to [your] God, and [hope] that He’ll have pity on you. And because of this, He’ll be [moved] to show mercy, since your judge is Jehovah your God. Blest are all those who stick close to Him, 19 for in Zion the holy ones will still remain!
But Jerusalem started crying, saying: ‘Please show me mercy!’ And He will show mercy upon you. For, when He hears the sounds of your cries, He’ll pay attention to you. 20 Then Jehovah will give you a little bread and water, and those who misled will be no longer near you. Your eyes will see those who try to mislead you, 21 and your ears will hear those who follow to trick you… they’ll say ‘This is the way we must go; let’s go this way or that!’
22 Then you’ll remove your silver-plated idols, and those that are covered with gold, and crush them into fine powder, and throw them into the wind. You’ll reject them like the [flow] of [menstruation], and throw them away like manure.
23 Then there will be rain [to grow] seeds on your land, and bread will be plentiful and fat in your land. Your cattle will graze in fields large and fertile; 24 your bulls will work the ground and eat straw, and prepare the barley to be winnowed.
25 And in that day, after many are destroyed, and all the towers will have fallen, water will stream from the mountains and hills. 26 Then the moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter, in that day when Jehovah heals His broken people, and heals the grief of their disaster.
27 {Look!} After a long time, the Name Jehovah, will come in burning rage and with glory. The omen from His lips is an omen of rage, and the flames of His rage are consuming. 28 His Breath is like water that races through a ravine, which comes to the neck to create a division; then He will disturb all the nations, for their addiction to delusions, and He’ll [allow] these delusions to chase them and catch them.
29 Then, when you enter the Holy Place, you should do so in joy… as though it is a holiday! You should be joyful [and play tunes] as you go, to the Mountain of Jehovah, Israel’s God. 30 You should sing to the Lord with the glory of your voice, for by the fury of His arm He shows His rage… like lightning, He violently strikes, and as a flame [of fire] He consume… like rain and hail being driven by storms.
31 By the voice of Jehovah, the Assyrians will be conquered… He’ll strike and bring calamity upon them. 32 But He is always nearby, to help all those relying upon Him… those carrying their tambourines and harps. Yet, He will wage war against all who revolt, 33 then after some days He’ll let them return; for, wasn’t the Kingdom prepared just for them?
As a ravine that is deep, and as piles of wood near a fire, so is the rage of Jehovah… like a ravine that’s filled with burning sulfur.
Chapter 31
1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help – those who put trust in chariots and horses (for there are many chariots and a great number of horses), because they just didn’t listen – for they put no trust in the Holy One of Israel, and they did not search for their God. 2 So He wisely brought bad things upon them, that His Word would not be annulled. He’ll rise against the homes of the wicked, and oppose their wicked, vain hopes.
3 The Egyptians are just men… they aren’t Gods! And their horses are no help at all, because they too are just flesh. So, Jehovah will raise His hand against them, and make those who are helping them tired, and then together, they will all perish.
4 For, the Lord said this to me: ‘In the same way that a lion or its cub, roars over the game that he’s taken, and continues to roar over it, until the mountains are filled with his voice, and all the prey will have vanished, because they’ve been scared by the greatness of his rage; so Jehovah of Armies will go down, to march upon Zion and her mountains. 5 For Jehovah of Armies can be like a bird… over Jerusalem He can fly, to rescue, protect, and to save her.’
6 O you sons of Israel who now meet, in orderto discuss lawless things; Turn back! 7 For in that day they’ll reject all the idols – the things that are made of silver and gold – that they have made with their hands. 8 Then [Assyria] will fall but not by man’s sword… he’ll not be devoured by swords, nor will he flee before swords, yet all their young men will be vanquished… 9 they’ll be picked up like rocks for a siege mound and vanquished, and those who are fleeing will be captured.
This is what Jehovah said: ‘Blest are those who have seeds in Zion, and those having families in Jerusalem.’
Chapter 32
1 {Look!} Then a righteous king will be reigning, and governors will then rule in justice. 2 The words that were hidden will flow like a river… they will flow like water out of Zion, and gloriously shine upon a thirsty land.
3 Then men won’t rely upon men, but ears they’ll be given to hear; 4 and the hearts of the weak will pay attention (they’ll listen), and those with stuttering tongues, will then learn to speak peace. 5 They’ll not [appoint] morons to rule anymore, or tell the officers to be quiet! 6 Because, the morons just say foolish things, and plan wasteful things in their hearts. They do things that are lawless, and against Jehovah speaks delusions, to scatter the lives of the hungry, and bring waste to the lives of the thirsty.
7 The recommendations of the wicked are just plans to do bad. What they say is done to corrupt lowly ones, and they’ll use unrighteous words to overrule, the words of the lowly in legal matters. 8 But the godly will consult with the discerning, and what they suggest is the thing that will last.
9 [Hey, all] you rich women; wake up and listen to My voice… you daughters who live in hope, hear My words! 10 Speak of each day in grief, but with hope. For, the crops have all been consumed, the planting has come to an end, and it will not soon resume.
11 So, be amazed and then worry, all you who’ve been trying to persuade! 12 Strip off your clothes ‘til you’re naked, then wrap your waists and beat your breasts, for the desirable things of the fields, as well as the produce of grapevines! 13 For, the land of My people has become just thorn bushes, so the grass will all dry and joy will be taken from each home. 14 The houses will then be abandoned; wealth will [flow] from the cities; and then the best houses and towns, will all be like caves through the age… a place of joy for wild burros, as well as pastures for shepherds.
15 But when [God’s] Breath flows from the heights, the desert will become fruitful fields, and the fields will be thought of as forests. 16 Then judgment will rest in the desert, justice will dwell on [Mount] Carmel, 17 and righteousness and peace will abound. This righteousness will reach out and bring rest, to the faithful throughout the age. 18 Then His people will live in a city of peace, and those who’ve been saved will rest and live richly.
19 Then, if hail should fall, it won’t fall on you. And the submissive who live in the forests, will be as those who live in the plains. 20 For, those who plant will be blest, and where [cows] and burros tred there’ll be water.
Chapter 33
1 Woe to those who cause misery, but who are made miserable by no one; and those who show no respect, but themselves are highly respected. For, those who show no respect, will be captured and then handed over, like a moth that was caught in a robe and destroyed.
2 O Jehovah, show mercy upon us, for we are relying on You. Destroy the seed of those resisting persuasion, but save us in our time of oppression!
3 By Your fearful sounds the peoples are amazed, and in this fear the nations are scattered. 4 Then You’ll gather Your spoils great and small, as though You were picking up locusts.
5 Holy is the God who lives in the sky, for Zion will be filled with equity and justice; 6 and to the Law they’ll be handed over, and our treasure will be our salvation. For in it are wisdom and knowledge, as well as great reverence for Jehovah… indeed; these are the treasures of the righteous.
7 {Look!} Those who fear You will truly be frightened, and they’ll yell out in fear over You. For, messengers You will send [to bring] peace, [which, to the unrighteous will cause] bitter weeping, 8 because their [bad] ways will have ended. And the nations will be in great fear, because of the treaties they’ve broken, and because they’ve shown no respect.
9 Then the land will mourn and Lebanon will be shamed. But marshes will become just like Sharon, as Galilee and Carmel will shine.
10 ‘And then I’ll arise,’ says Jehovah; ‘I’ll be glorified and respected. 11 And when you see it you’ll understand, for your strength will be all in vain; your spirits will be devoured by fire; 12 and the nations will be used to consume [you], like a thorn bush in a field that’s been tossed in a fire.
13 ‘From a distance they will hear what I’ve done; and those who approach will know of My strength. 14 For, the lawless will be gone from Zion, and the irreverent will then start to tremble.’
Who will announce it to you… that the fire has been started? Who will tell what has happened, to this place of the ages? 15 He… the one who walks upright; he who tells it just like it is; he who hates what’s lawless and unjust; he whose hands shake off bribes; he whose ears close to judgments of blood, and whose eyelids are closed to injustice. 16 He’ll live high in a cave of strong rocks; his bread will be given to him; and he can trust [that he will have] water.
17 Then your eyes will see a glorious king, and a land far away. 18 and Then the person you are will contemplate fear.
Where are all of the scribes? Where are all the advisors? Where are the accountants who keep records? 19 From small to the great they don’t take advice, nor do they listen to warnings, against their treating the peoples as worthless… so none understand what they’re being told.
20 O great city on [Mount] Zion, look upon our salvation… your eyes will see Jerusalem as a rich city, filled with tents that will not be shaken… its tent poles will remain through the ages, and its tent cords won’t be pulled up, 21 for you’ll be called by the Name of the Lord.
There’ll be long aqueducts and wide rivers, but you will not travel upon them, nor will boats then be rowed there.
22 My God Jehovah will not pass me by, for Jehovah [God] is our judge… He’s our ruler and king, and Jehovah Himself will bring us salvation!
23 But, all your ropes will be torn, and your masts will be weak; they’ll lean, so their sails can’t be unfurled, and their flags will never be raised, until it all has been plundered… it will be plundered by even the lame. 24 But the people who live there won’t say they are tired, because their sins will all be forgiven.
1 Listen O nations, and pay attention you rulers! Hear, O earth and all those who live there – the habitation of man and all those who dwell there – 2 for the rage of Jehovah is upon all the nations… His rage is upon all their numbers, to destroy and to hand them over for slaughter. 3 Their slain and their dead will be just thrown away; their smell will ascend [to the heavens], and their blood will rain on the mountains.
4 Then all the powers of the skies will just melt; the sky will be wrapped like a scroll, and all the stars will then fall, like the leaves of a grapevine or fig tree. 5 For, My sword will then become drunk in the sky, and {Look!} upon the land of Edom it will fall… upon the people who’ve been judged for destruction. 6 In Boser the sword of the Lord will be filled, with blood that has become thick, upon the fat of lambs, goats, and rams, which will serve as a sacrifice to God, when a great slaughter is brought upon Edom. 7 For, stout men will be slaughtered and thrown down, along with the rams and the bulls. And the land will be drunk on their blood, all the way to its borders, and it will be filled with their fat.
8 For, it’s Jehovah’s Judgment day, and a year of payback for the judgment of Zion. 9 Then her valleys will be filled up with tar, and her land [will be covered with] sulfur. 10 So, her land will burn with tar day and night, and it won’t be extinguished through the ages. Her smoke will keep on ascending, and she will lie desolate for generations… she’ll lie desolate a very long time. 11 Then birds, hedgehogs, and ibises, as well as crows will all dwell there, and a surveyor’s line will mark her desolation, for she will be lived in [by demons].
12 Then she will be without rulers, because her kings and her great men are gone. 13 So, thorns will grow in their cities and forts… they’ll be the properties of chained [demons], as well as ostrich courtyards. 14 Then the demons will meet with those who are chained, and they will yell to each other. So the chained [spirits] will rest there, because they’ll have found a place to retire.
15 Hedgehogs too will build nests there, and in safety their young will play on the ground. There stags will all meet together, then stare at each other face to face. 16 They’ll pass in large numbers and none will then perish, so they will not have to search for each other. For, Jehovah has given them all their instructions, and He will gather them with His Breath. 17 Then He’ll cast lots on their behalf, and divide up the land for their grazing, which they will inherit through the ages, and rest there from generation to generation.
Chapter 35
1 Be glad, O you thirsty desert! Cry out in joy and blossom as a lily! 2 Then the desert by the Jordan will cry out and blossom, for it will be given Lebanon’s glory, as well as the honor of [Mount] Carmel. My people will see the glory of Jehovah, and the full stature of their God.
3 Be strong, forsaken hands and weak knees! 4 Take comfort, O you with faint-hearted minds! Be strong and don’t be afraid, for {Look!} with His judgments, our God will [bring] justice… He Himself will come here and save us! 5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will then hear. 6 The lame will leap like a stag, and stammering tongues will speak clearly.
For, a spring will break open in the desert, and through a thirsty land will flow water. 7 Then dry places will be turned into marshes; in a land that was dry there’ll be springs of water; and among reeds and marshes birds will find joy.
8 Then there will be a pure way; it will be called ‘The Way that is Holy.’ And nothing unclean will pass through it, so it will always be pure. Then those who were scattered will travel that way, and from it they’ll not stray again. 9 No lions or fierce animals will walk there, nor will they even be found there. There’ll be just those who’ve been ransomed… 10 those gathered by Jehovah will then go there.
They’ll return to Zion in joy, and with the joy of ages on their heads; for blessings will be upon all their heads; they’ll be filled with happiness and leaping for joy, for from distress, moaning, and grief they’ve escaped.
Chapter 36
1 It was in the fourteenth year of the reign of HezekiJah that SenNacherIb, the king of Assyria, [marched against] the fortified cities of Judea and took them. 2 Then the king of Assyria sent RabShakeh from LachIsh to King HezekiJah in Jerusalem with a huge army, and he [set up camp] by the aqueduct to the upper pool, on the road to the field of the washerwomen.
3 Then EliAkim (the son of HilkiJah) [the King’s] house manager, the scribe Shebna, and JoAh (the son of Asaph) the recorder, went out to meet with him. 4 And RabShakeh said to them, ‘Speak to HezekiJah and tell him that this is what the great king of Assyria has said: What are you relying on? 5 Have you worked out a plan with the words from your lips about how you’re going to fight this battle? So, who are you relying on, so that you’re resisting my persuasion? 6 Look; you’re relying on that fractured reed stick, Egypt, which, if a man should put his weight on it, will go through and puncture his hand. That’s all Pharaoh the king of Egypt and those who are relying on him amount to.
7 ‘And if you should say that you’re relying on your God Jehovah; isn’t He the same One whose high places and altars were removed by HezekiJah, who then told Judah and Jerusalem to bow before the Altar here?
8 ‘Why not join with my lord, the king of Assyria, and I’ll give you two-thousand horses (that is, if you’re able to provide enough riders for them)… 9 can your leaders who are relying on the Egyptians provide you with horses and riders?
10 ‘Why, do you think that it was without Jehovah that we were able to ascend to this place to wage war against it? It was Jehovah who told me to go to this land and destroy it!’
11 And EliAkim, Shebna, and JoAh told RabShakeh, ‘Please speak to your servants in Syriac, so we alone can hear what you’re saying. Don’t speak to us in Judean! Why must you speak so that the men along the wall can hear you?’
12 And RabShakeh replied, ‘Do you think my lord sent me to speak these words just to your lord? For, aren’t these men who are sitting along the walls the ones that will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?’
13 Then RabShakeh stood up and yelled in a loud voice in Judean, ‘Pay attention to the words of the great king of the Assyrians! 14 This is what the king said: Don’t let HezekiJah’s words fool you; because there’s no way that he can save you! 15 And don’t let HezekiJah tell you that God will rescue you; for there’s no way that He will save this city from the hands of the king of Assyria!
16 ‘The king of Assyria says, ‘Don’t listen to HezekiJah! If you want to receive his blessings, come here to me and you’ll each eat from your own grapevines and fig trees, and drink water from your own wells. 17 Because, when I come there, I will take you to a land that will become yours! It’s a land of grain, wine, bread, and vineyards!
18 ‘So, don’t let HezekiJah deceive you and say, God will rescue us! Have any of the gods of the nations been able to rescue his own place out of the hands of the king of Assyria? 19 Where is the god of HaMath or ArPhad? Where is the god of the City of SepharVaim? Have they been able to rescue Samaria from my hands? 20 Which of the gods of all these nations is the one who rescued his own land from my hand? So, how can Jehovah save Jerusalem from my hands?’
21 Well, everyone stayed silent and no one answered a word to him, because the king had decreed that no one was to give a reply.
22 Then EliAkim (the son of HelkiJah) the house manager, Shebna the scribe, and JoAh (the son of Asaph) the recorder, ripped their clothes and returned to HezekiJah to tell him what RabShakeh had said.
Chapter 37
1 Well, when King HezekiJah heard this, he tore off his clothes and put on sackcloth, then he went to the [Temple] of Jehovah. 2 And he sent EliAkim his house manager, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the Priests, all wearing sack cloths, to the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amoz), 3 and he told them to say to him: ‘This is what HezekiJah has said: Today is a day of affliction, of scorning, of scolding, and of rage; it’s a day with all the pain of giving birth, but she doesn’t have the strength to give birth. 4 May it be possible for Jehovah your God to hear the words of RabShakeh, who was sent by his lord the king of Assyria to berate the living God… may Jehovah your God hear the words that he said to berate Him. Then please go to Jehovah your God to beg before Him concerning those who are remaining here.’
5 So, the servants of King HezekiJah went to IsaiJah, 6 and IsaiJah told them, 6 ‘Tell your lord this: Jehovah says that you shouldn’t be afraid of the words that you heard the ambassadors of the king of Assyria say to berate Me. 7 For {Look!}, I will bring a spirit upon him, and when he hears its message he will return to his place; and there he will fall by the sword in his own land.’
8 In the meantime, RabShakeh had returned and caught up with the king of Assyria while he was attacking Libna, because he learned that he had departed from LachIsh. 9 Then TirHakah the king of Ethiopia came to fight him, and when he heard about this, [the king] returned and sent messengers to HezekiJah, telling him: 10 ‘Tell HezekiJah the king of Judea not to allow his God who he is relying on to deceive him when He says there’s no way that Jerusalem be given into the hands of the king of the Assyrians. 11 {Look!} Haven’t you heard what the kings of Assyria have done to the whole earth and of the destruction they brought? So, who will rescue you? 12 Have the gods of the nations that my father destroyed been able to rescue them… those of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph in the region of TelAssar? 13 Where are the kings of HaMath, and where is ArPhad? Where are the cities of SepharVaim, Henah, and Ivah?’
14 So, HezekiJah took the scroll from the messengers and read it, and he [once again] went up to the [Temple] of Jehovah, where he unrolled [the message] before Jehovah, 15 and he prayed to Jehovah saying: 16 ‘O Jehovah of Armies, God of Israel, the One who sits on the cherubs; You are the only God over all the kingdoms of the habitation of man. It is You who made the earth and the sky. 17 O Jehovah; lean Your ear toward me and hear me, O Lord! O Jehovah; open Your eyes! Look down, O Jehovah, and know and hear all the words that SenNacherIb sent to berate the living God! 18 It’s a fact, O Jehovah, that the kings of the Assyrians have conquered the entire habitation of man everywhere. 19 And amid the flames, they erected their idols in place of those that were not gods but just the works of the hands of men – things made of wood and stone – and they destroyed them.
20 ‘But now, O Jehovah our God; rescue us from his hands, so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that You’re the only God!’
21 Then IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) was sent to HezekiJah, and he said to him, ‘Jehovah the God of Israel said, I have heard what you prayed concerning SenNacherIb, the king of Assyria. 22 And this is what Jehovah God said concerning him: Against the virgin daughter of Zion you’ve sneered, and treated her as though she is worthless, so against you the daughter of Jerusalem, has now nodded her head. 23 Do you know whom you’ve berated and provoked, or against whom you’ve raised your voice, and lifted your eyes to the heights? It’s against the Holy One of Israel! 24 For, through messengers you’ve berated Jehovah, when you said I will climb up their mountains, with a vast number of chariots, to the ends of Lebanon. Then on the heights I will cut down its cedars, and the beauty of their cypress trees. Why, I went into the heights of their forests, 25 where I built dams to [dry up] their [rivers]. 26 Have you not heard of these things that I’ve done? I ordered it all to be done long ago. And now I’ve shown how I can destroy, nations and fortified places, as well as those living in cities and forts. 27 I have weakened their hands and dried them up; they became like dry grass and hay of the roofs.
28 ‘But now I know that you’re resting, from all your comings and goings, 29 and all your bitterness and rage, has been directed against Me. So, now I’ll put a rein through your nose, and a bit in your lips, and I’m going to lead you on back, by the way that you came. 30 And this is the sign that I’m giving you: This year you’ll eat what you planted, and in the second year you’ll eat what’s left over. Then in the third year, you’ll plant and reap… you’ll plant vineyards and eat of their fruit. 31 And the same will be true of all those, who still remain in Judea. They will sprout roots below, and produce grain from above. 32 Then the survivors of Jerusalem, and those who are preserved on Mount Zion, will thereafter come to the fore, for the zeal of Jehovah of Armies will do this.’
33 So, this is what Jehovah said concerning the king of the Assyrians: ‘There’s no way that he will enter this city… he won’t shoot an arrow against it, or against it lift up a shield, nor will he surround it with a siege mound. 34 But he will return by the way that he came… he will not enter this city!’
Jehovah said, 35 ‘I’ll put a shield on this city and save it, because of Myself and My servant David.’
36 And thereafter, one of Jehovah’s messengers came and destroyed the camp of the Assyrians… a hundred and eighty-five thousand of them! The [people] woke up the next morning and found just dead bodies! 37 So SenNacherIb, the king of the Assyrians, [packed up] and left, and thereafter he lived in Nineveh. 38 And it was while he was bowing in the temple of his god Nisroch that AdramMelech and ShaRezer (his sons) struck him with swords, and then they fled to Armenia. So, his son EsarHaddon started reigning in place of him.
Chapter 38
1 At that time, HezekiJah became ill to the point of death. So, the Prophet IsaiJah (the son of Amoz) went to him and said, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: Give orders regarding your house, because you won’t live… you will die.’
2 Then HezekiJah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Jehovah, 3 saying, ‘O Jehovah; Remember that I’ve walked before You in truth, with a true heart, and I’ve done [many] things to please You.’
And with that, HezekiJah broke down and cried.
4 Then the word of Jehovah came to IsaiJah, saying, 5 ‘Go tell HezekiJah that Jehovah said this: The God of your ancestor David has heard your prayer and seen your tears. So, {Look!} I will add fifteen years to your [life]. 6 I will also rescue you and this city from the hands of the king of Assyria, and I will put a shield around this city.
7 ‘And this is your sign from Jehovah, that God will do the things that He said: 8 {Look!} I will turn the shadow of the sun that has moved down ten stairs in the house of your fathers, and I will cause the shadow of the sun to return up the ten stairs that it went down.’
9 Then this is the prayer that HezekiJah the king of Judea prayed after [learning that he would] recover from his illness:
10 I prayed about my days to the heights,
For, I was at the gates of the grave,
So, I’ll forsake all the years that remain.
11 And I said: ‘No more will I look to God for salvation,
Within the land of the living.
No longer in any way will I [be seen],
Among all those who still live here.
12 ‘My family I’ve failed, and I’ve forsaken the rest of my life.
For, it left me and departed like those,
Who [who just spend the night] in a tent.
My breath has become like the end of the weaving,
To be cut off like wool on a loom.
13 ‘In that day I was spared until morning.
And as a lion, He broke all my bones.
From morning ’til night I was conquered,
14 So, like a swallow I let out a call,
And like a dove I meditated.
‘For my eyes failed to see the heights of the heavens.
But then Jehovah became my salvation…
15 He acted and removed the sadness from my life.’
16 O Jehovah; It was concerning this that I [prayed],
Then You reawakened my spirit…
And I’m alive because of Your comfort.
17 For, {Look!} [the thought of such] peace was bitter for me,
But You picked up my life so it would not perish,
And pushed all my sins to the rear.
18 So, those in the grave will praise You,
And those who are dying will bless You.
Those in the grave can’t wait on Your care,
19 But the living can praise You as I did.
So, from today on I’ll produce many children,
Who will shout in praise of Your justice.
20 O [Jehovah] my savior; For the rest of my life I will praise You…
And I won’t cease to play on my harp,
Before the [Temple] of God.
21 Then IsaiJah said to HezekiJah: ‘Take a cluster of dried figs and grind them up to make a plaster [for your chest], and your health will return.’
22 And that’s when HezekiJah asked, ‘What is the sign that I’ll be able to go up to the [Temple] of God?’
Chapter 39
1 During that time, Merodach Baladan (the son of Baladan, the king of Babylonia) sent letters, ambassadors, and gifts to HezekiJah, because he heard that he was ill to the point of death, and that he was [granted a recovery]; 2 so HezekiJah was very joyful over this. As the result, he showed them his storehouses filled with spices, silver, gold, balsam, incense, perfumes, his treasury buildings, and everything in his treasuries… there wasn’t anything that HezekiJah failed to show them.
3 Then the Prophet IsaiJah came to King HezekiJah and asked, ‘What did you say to those men, and where did they come to visit you from?’
And HezekiJah replied, ‘They came from a far away land… from the land of Babylon.’
4 Then IsaiJah asked, ‘Did they see your [palace]?’
And HezekiJah said, ‘Yes, they saw everything in my house… there isn’t anything that I failed to show them, including everything in my treasuries.’
5 Then IsaiJah said, ‘Hear the word of Jehovah of Armies: 6 {Look!} The day will come when they will take all from your [palace] – all that your ancestors collected to this day – and carry it off to Babylon. Nothing will then be left behind!
7 ‘And God also said that they will take your children (those whom you have fathered), and make them eunuchs in the houses of Babylon.’
8 Then HezekiJah said to IsaiJah, ‘The word of Jehovah that you spoke to me is good, but may there be peace and justice in the days [of my reign]!’
Chapter 40
1 ‘Take comfort, take comfort, My people,’ says Your God! 2 ‘O Priests, speak and bring comfort, to Jerusalem’s heart, for her humiliation has been filled, and her sins are untied. Then because for her sins, she received double from His hand.’
3 There was a voice calling out from the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord! Straighten the roads of our God! 4 Fill every valley… flatten the mountains and hills! All crooked paths must be straightened, and the ruts in the fields must be smoothed! 5 Then the glory and salvation of God will be seen, for Jehovah’s the One who told us to do it.’
6 Then the voice shouted, ‘Yell!’
And I asked, ‘What should I yell?’
‘Yell that all flesh is just grass, and the glory of man is as the grass flowers. 7 For, the grass has dried up and its flowers have fallen, because the Breath of God breathed upon it. And for a fact, the grass is the people… 8 this grass has dried and its flowers have fallen, but the word of our God remains through the age.
9 ‘Climb upon the high mountain, O you announcing good news to Zion; then shout it as loud as you can, O you with good news for Jerusalem! Raise [your voice] high and don’t be afraid! To the cities of Judea [you should] say: Look; Here is Your God! 10 Look; Your Lord Jehovah is coming in strength, with His arm [lifted high] in order to conquer! Look; He is carrying the wages, for the things that before Him were done! 11 Then like a shepherd He’ll tend His flock, then gather His lambs in His arms, and comfort them as though in His womb.
12 ‘Who [else] could have measured the water in the sky, with just the span of His hand, and held all the earth in a handful? Who established the weight of the mountains, and all the forests in the yoke of a scale? 13 And who knows the mind of Jehovah? Who has become His counselor, and who can become His teacher? 14 From whom has He asked for advice, and who has told Him what He should do? Who has taught Him to be just, or shown Him the right understanding? 15 For, the nations [are to Him] as a drop from a bucket… they’ve been [weighed] from the crux of the yoke on a scale, and found to be [no more than] spit.
16 ‘Why, to Him all Lebanon is unfit for burning, and all four-footed creatures unfit as an offering. 17 For, all the nations are nothing, and he thinks of them as just nothing.
18 ‘To whom can Jehovah be compared? Just how would you [make an image] of Him? 19 Aren’t all statues created by [artists]? Aren’t they each carefully prepared, and cast or gilded by goldsmiths in gold? 20 Doesn’t the maker choose durable wood, and in wisdom seek the best place to station his idol, so it then cannot be shaken? 21 Do you not know… will you not hear… hasn’t this been announced since the most ancient times?
‘Do you know how the earth was established? 22 Why, it’s He who set the curve of the earth, and those living on it are like locusts. It was He who established the skies like a vault, and stretched them as a tent where [people] can dwell. 23 He established the rulers from nothing, and made the earth out of nothing.
24 ‘[Without Him] they can’t plant or sow, nor can plants grow roots in the ground. For He can just breathe and they’ll dry up, and with a blast (like twigs) they’ll blow away.’
25 ‘Now, whom can you liken to Me… can you make Me appear more important? asked the Holy One. 26 Look high in the sky [and then tell Me]: Who introduced all these things? It’s the One who assembled the full number, of all the things in His cosmos; then in His great glory and the might of [His] strength, He named it all… yet you were unaware!
27 ‘To Jacob would you dare to say, Why have you spoken O Israel? For, my ways have been hidden from God, so my God has removed His judgment from me, and then He just went away.
28 ‘Don’t you know… have you not heard? God [exists] through the ages! It was God who prepared the ends of the earth. Yet, He doesn’t get hungry or tired, nor can His intelligence be comprehended. 29 It is He who gives strength to the hungry, as well as to those who are grieving. 30 Why, the youngest of men will get hungry and tired, and the best of men will lose all their strength. 31 But those who wait upon God will grow strong… like eagles they will grow wings. They will run and not tire out… they’ll keep going and going and never know hunger.’
Chapter 41
1 ‘Dedicate a feast to Me, O islands, for the power of the rulers will be altered. Let them approach and speak with each other, then announce what they have decided!’
2 Who awakened justice from the east, and then called out to it, so it can travel on its feet? It is He who decides between nations, and He who alone removes kings. So He’ll force them to bury their swords in the ground, and break their bows up like twigs. 3 And though it is He who pursues them, His feet will walk in ways of peace.
4 Who used His might to do all these things? He who called her from ancient generations; He who said ‘I am God… I’m the first, and into [the future] I am! 5 Nations will see Me and fear; to the ends of the earth they’ll be startled, so they’ll all approach and be drawn together. 6 Then neighbors will decide [to do good for] each other… they’ll offer help to their brothers and say, 7 ‘He who made this was strong (the blacksmith who forged it together with a hammer), but just how long can it last?’
And He will reply, ‘The coupling [of them] is very good, for I’ve strengthened [their bond] with rivets… I’ve established them so they won’t be shaken!’
8 But you, O Israel My servant… Jacob whom I have chosen… Abraham’s seed whom I’ve loved… 9 those whom I’ve snatched from the ends of the earth… I called you down from its heights and I said: ‘As My servant I chose you, and you I have not abandoned. 10 So, don’t be afraid for I’m with you… don’t stray because I’m your God… the One who gives you your strength… with My righteous right hand I’ll help you and save you.’
11 {Look!} Your enemies will all be ashamed, and they will not fail to respect you, for they will no longer exist… all who oppose you will perish! 12 You will search for them and not find them… those drunks who shout insults at you, because they will no longer be… there’ll be none to wage war against you, 13 for I am your God who holds your right hand!
I’m the one who is saying to you, 14 ‘O Jacob, don’t be afraid; O remnants of Israel [don’t fear], for I am your helper’ says your God. ‘O Israel; it is I who paid your ransom. 15 {Look!} Like the wheels of a thresher with new teeth I’ve made you; so you can thresh mountains and thin out the hills, turning them into dust. 16 Yes, you will winnow them all, and the wind will blow them away… by a windstorm they will be scattered. But there will be joy among Israel’s holy.’
17 Then the poor and the needy will rejoice, for they’ve searched for water and found none, and their tongues are drying from thirst. But I Jehovah, Israel’s God, will pay attention and I will not leave them. 18 On the mountains I’ll open up rivers, and I’ll put springs in the plains. I’ll turn deserts into marshes, and in thirsty ground put canals. 19 In the waterless land I’ll plant cedars and boxwoods, and myrtles, and cypress, as well as white poplars, 20 so all will see it then think, and see that it came by the hand of Jehovah… it was the Holy One of Israel who [planted] them there.
21 ‘But your time of judgment has approached,’ says Jehovah [our] God! ‘The time of decision has approached,’ says the Great King of Jacob. 22 So, let all [your idols] approach, and announce to you the things that will pass… as you did before when you said: We’ll pay attention with our minds, and then we will know what is coming, and what it will be in the end.
23 ‘Tell us… Announce the things that are coming, then we will know you are gods, who can choose for yourselves good or evil… we’ll both wonder and see it at the same time. 24 Then we will know where you’ve come from, and the source of the things that you’re doing. For they’ve chosen you from this land, to serve as their disgusting things.
25 ‘I’ve raised the one from the north, and the one from the rising sun in the east, and they will be called by My Name. Let these rulers now come, and like the clay of a potter (as the clay that is stomped by the potter), that’s how you will be trampled.
26 ‘Who’ll announce the things about the beginning, so we should know what has happened, and say that they all have come true? There’s no one who’s willing to speak, and no one who’s heard a reply. 27 It is I who will raise Zion high, and bring comfort to Jerusalem on the way. 28 But, {Look!} from the nations there’s no one, and no announcements have come from their idols. So, if I should ask them where they’re from, there’s no way they will give a reply. 29 But you say that it’s they that made you, so they’re misleading you into folly.
Chapter 42
1 ‘Jacob, My child, I’ll hold onto you, for Israel, my chosen, I’ve accepted. I’ve poured out My Breath upon him, and he’ll bring judgment on nations. 2 He won’t cry out or raise his voice, and his voice won’t be heard out of doors. 3 No crushed reed will he break, and no smoking flax wick will he snuff. For, he will truly bring justice; 4 he’ll endure it and not be destroyed, until He brings justice to the earth. For in his name the nations will hope… ’ 5 so said [Jehovah our] God; He who made and assembled the sky; He who established the earth, and all the things that are in it; He who gave His breath to the people… breath [of life] to those who walk on it.
6 ‘I (Jehovah) have called you in justice… I’ll hold onto your hand and give you strength. A Sacred Agreement I gave you, to make you a race that that’s a light to the nations; 7 to open the eyes of the blind; to lead out those who are tied up in bonds, and those who sit in dark prisons.
8 ‘I am [Jehovah your] God… yes, that’s My Name. My glory I’ll give to no other, and My supremacy I will not give, to things that are carved [by human hands].
9 ‘Things of ancient times… {Look!} they have happened! But new things I’ll also announce. Yet, before I announce them I’ll show them to you. 10 So, sing a new hymn to Jehovah! Glorify His Name to the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea and who sail there, and all you who live on the islands!’
11 So, be glad, O you deserts… and all their lands and their towns, as well as those living among cedars! For those living in [caves] will be joyful, and they’ll yell from the tops of the mountains. 12 They’ll all give glory to God, and speak of His virtues to the islands. 13 Then Jehovah, the God of Armies, will [arrive], and bring an end to all wars. He will awaken His zeal and His strength, then against all His enemies He will rail: 14 ‘I’ve kept silent throughout the age, but must I always be quiet and have to endure it?
‘As a woman giving birth must endure it, I’ll now amaze and I’ll wither. 15 I’ll destroy their mountains and hills, and all their grass I will dry out. I’ll turn their rivers into islands, and all their marshes into dry land. 16 I’ll lead the blind in ways they don’t know, and cause them to walk on roads they’ve not seen. For their sake I’ll turn darkness into light, and straighten out all crooked ways.
‘These are the things that I’ll do, for I will not leave them abandoned, 17 though they have [been routed] and forced to retreat.
‘Be ashamed and feel shame, O you who rely on carved [idols]… you who say to things that are molded: You are [truly] our gods! 18 Hear, O you deaf mutes… look up and see, O you blind! 19 Who is blind but My servants? And who are the deaf but all those who [rule] them? Who is as blind as those who’ve had all? For, the servants of God have been blinded. 20 Many times you’ve seen, but you were not watching. Your ears were opened, but you didn’t hear.’
21 Jehovah God’s Will is that He’s proven righteous, and that He’s held high [and offered] great praise.
22 I beheld and then it came to pass… the people were plundered and despoiled. In all the stores there were snares, and they all hid together in their homes. Then they all became plunder… there was no one to save all those being seized… there was no one saying, Give them back!
23 Who will give ear to these things, and hear of the things that will happen? 24 Who gave Jacob to be ravaged, and who gave Israel as plunder? Hadn’t they sinned against God? And did they not refuse to walk in His ways, or to listen to all of His Laws? 25 So, He sent upon them His anger and rage; He sent them war and neighbors to burn them. Yet, none of them knew it or took it to heart.
Chapter 43
1 Thus says Jehovah [our] God (the One who made you O Jacob; the One who shaped you O Israel): ‘Don’t be afraid for I’ve [paid] your ransom. To My Name I’ve called you and now you are Mine! 2 If you pass through water I’ll be with you, and rivers won’t swallow you down. And if you should travel through fire, you won’t be consumed… its flames will not burn you. 3 For, I am Jehovah your God; the Holy One of Israel who saves you. It was I who bargained for you, with Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sheba.
4 ‘You once were valued and esteemed before Me; you were glorified and loved [in My eyes]. For you, I [traded] other men, and I gave rulers in behalf of your head. 5 So don’t be afraid, for I’m with you; and from the east I’ll lead back your seed. From the west I’ll bring you together, 6 and say to the north, Bring the south… don’t hold back! Bring My sons from far away lands, and My daughters from the ends of the earth… 7 bring all those who’ve called on My Name.
‘It was for My glory that I carefully prepared him… it was I who shaped him and made him. 8 I brought out a people who were blind (those who couldn’t see with their eyes, and those who were deaf, although they had ears), and it was I who assembled their rulers.
9 ‘So, who will announce all these things? Who’ll announce the things from ancient times? Bring on their witnesses and let them be just… let them hear and then tell the truth!
10 ‘Be a witness for Me’ says Jehovah, ‘And I’ll serve as a witness [for you]… that you are the servant I’ve chosen… know, trust, and perceive that I am!
11 ‘Before Me there were no other gods, and none will there be after Me! For I am God… other than Me there are none, and I am the One who can save! 12 For I’ve announced, I’ve delivered, and I have berated, when no alien God was among you. So, you are the witnesses for Me, and I am your God.
13 ‘Even from ancient times, no one could wrest you from My hands. For when I do, who can change it?’ 14 Thus says the Holy One of Israel… Jehovah God, who [paid] your ransom.
‘Because of you, I’ve sent [a message] to Babylon, to arouse all those who have fled there, and the Chaldeans will [return] their captives in boats. 15 For, I am [Jehovah, your] Holy God; Israel’s defender and king.’
16 Thus says Jehovah who made roads in the sea; who made a path between mighty waters; 17 the One who led chariots with their horses, as well as many strong [men], to a sleep from which they will not arise… who extinguished them like flax wicks: 18 ‘Do not remember the first things, and the ancient things don’t consider. 19 For {Look!} now I’ll make new things arise… and you will all know what they are! I’ll make a road through the desert, and rivers through waterless places. 20 Then all the wild animals will praise Me… daughters of ostriches and those who are chained. For I will put water in the deserts, and rivers in [all the] dry places, for a chosen people to drink.
21 ‘They are My people whom I purchased; those who’ll describe all My virtues. 22 O Israel and Jacob; I am He who has called you, and I’ve done nothing to tire you out. 23 You haven’t brought Me sheep or [burnt] offerings… no sacrifices have you brought to glorify Me. So, by sacrifices you weren’t enslaved, and with frankincense you were never made weary. 24 You offered no silver to Me, nor did I desire the sacrificial fat. Then before Me you stood in your sins, and in all your unrighteous ways.
25 ‘I am… I’m He who wiped your lawlessness away. 26 Because of Myself I’ll forget all your sins, but you… you must remember, and then let’s discuss them together! First, confess to Me your lawless ways, so you can be found to be righteous!
27 ‘Your fathers were the first to have sinned, and your rulers were lawless against Me. 28 Your rulers have defiled My holy things, so Jacob I gave to destruction, and Israel I gave to be scorned.’
Chapter 44
1 Now hear, O Jacob My child, and Israel whom I have chosen! 2 For, Jehovah God (He who created and shaped you from the belly) says this: ‘Don’t be afraid, for you will be helped, O Jacob, My dearly-loved servant… Israel, whom I have chosen! 3 Because, I’ll provide water for the thirsty, as they go to a place without water. Then I’ll place My Breath on your seed, and My blessings upon all your children, 4 and they will grow like grass near [a pond], and like willows growing next to a stream. 5 This one will say I’m God’s [servant]; that one will say he is Jacob’s; and another will write with his hand I am God’s, and call himself by Israel’s name.
6 This is what God (the King of Israel; their Savior; the God of Armies) has said: ‘I am the first and the last; there is no God other than Me! 7 Who else is there that is like Me? Let him stand up then shout and announce it, and explain how I made man in the age! Have them announce things before they occur! 8 Don’t [hide] yourselves or wander away! Haven’t you heard since long ago; didn’t I report [all these things]? You are witnesses as to whether, there’s a god other than Me!
9 ‘But they failed to listen back then… those who shaped and carved worthless idols; those who did whatever they wished, but which did them no good. But against themselves they testify, for they did not see, nor did they know, [how much reason] they had to be shamed… those who gave shape to their mighty, and carved cast moldings of worthless things. And {Look!} those sharing with them will also be shamed – 10 those who shaped gods and carved worthless things – 11 for the places they came from have withered. Let these dumb among men all be gathered, then stand together and feel some remorse… let them be shamed altogether!
12 ‘The smith sharpens his tools, and he works it with a hammer in the coals, then he drills holes for its [handle]. With his mighty arm he creates it, as he grows hungry and weak, because he doesn’t drink any water.
13 ‘Then the carver selects a good piece of wood; he measures and shapes it in the beauty of a man… 14 he cuts down a cedar or an oak for himself… he takes a tree that was planted by [God], and which He made grow with the rain. 15 Then with part he [builds a fire] to get warm; some he burns to bake bread; and with whatever remains he shapes into gods, and then he bows down before them!
16 ‘He made the carvings and then bows down before them… yet, half he burned to cook meat, to prepare a roast in order to fill him. And as he sits there warming himself, he says, This is good! I’ve seen fire and now I am warm! 17 Then the rest he carves into a god, and bows before it and prays to it saying, O save me, for you are my god!
18 ‘They don’t know nor do they think, for their eyes have been blurred not to see, and they can’t comprehend with their hearts. 19 The man inside is too stupid to see, that he burned half in a fire (to bake bread), then over the flames roasted meat (which he ate), and with the rest he made something disgusting, and then, to it he bowed down!
20 ‘Know that these [men] have erred, for the hearts [of their gods] are just ashes, and none are able to save him!
‘{Look!} Don’t say there’s a lie in My right hand. 21 Remember these things, O Israel and Jacob, for you [alone] are My servant… it’s I who shaped you as My servant! So you, O Israel, must not forget Me!
22 ‘{Look!} Your lawless deeds I’ve wiped out like clouds, and thrown all your sins in the shadows. So, return to Me and I’ll ransom you back!’
23 So, be glad, O heavens, for Israel’s God has shown mercy! Trumpet, O foundations of the earth… yell in joy, O mountains and hills, and all the trees that are on them, for Jehovah has glorified Israel, and for Jacob He’s [paid the] ransom!
24 This is what Jehovah (He who [paid your] ransom and shaped you from the belly) has said: ‘I am Jehovah… He who accomplishes all things. I alone stretched out the sky, and it is I who solidified the earth. 25 Who else can erase the signs of all those, who bring omens and divinations from their hearts, and then make the intelligent retreat, by turning their counsel into foolishness… 26 He who makes happen what His servants say in prayers, and proves the council of His messengers as true?’
He says to Jerusalem, ‘You’ll be lived in;’ and to the cities of Judea, ‘You’ll be rebuilt;’ and to her desolate places, ‘I will raise you!’ 27 He’s saying to the abyss, ‘You’ll be empty;’ and to your rivers, ‘I’ll dry you up.’
He’s the One who is saying to Cyrus: ‘Think and then do all I want you to do.’ And to Jerusalem: ‘You’ll be rebuilt; and the foundation of My [Temple] I will lay.’
Chapter 45
1 This is what Jehovah God says to Cyrus [His] anointed… to whom He’s grabbed hold of his right hand, and caused nations to pay attention before him: ‘[For you] the strength of kings I’ll tear open, and before you no doors and no gates will be closed! 2 I’ll travel before you and level the mountains; the doors of brass I will break, and all iron bars I will shatter.
3 I’ll give you treasures unknown; I’ll open to you what’s concealed and unseen, so you will know I’m Jehovah your God; the God of Israel who calls you by name.
4 ‘Because of Jacob My servant, and [because of] Israel My chosen, I’ll call you by name and accept you, although you [are one] who’s not known Me.
5 ‘I am Jehovah, The God; and besides Me, there is no god who’s not Me. It’s I who made you strong when you didn’t know Me. 6 So those from the sun in the east, and those [from its setting] in the west… would know there are none beside Me.
‘I’m Jehovah God and there isn’t anymore. 7 It is I who prepared the light, and I who made the darkness… it is I who made the good and the bad.
‘I’m Jehovah the God who accomplishes all things. 8 So, be glad you heavens above, and let the clouds sprinkle justice… let the ground arise and grow mercy, and together let justice burst forth!
‘I’m Jehovah, who created [all things]. 9 And what excellent things I did make, as with the clay of a potter. Will he who plows, plow the earth in a day? And will the clay then dare ask the potter, What do you do since you do not work, nor do you have any hands!
10 ‘Woe to he who asks of his father, Why did you give me [life]? And he who asks of his mother, Why did you ever [give birth to me]?’
11 So says Jehovah the Holy One of Israel, He who makes the things that will be: ‘Ask Me concerning My sons, and concerning the works of My hands… just ask Me! 12 For, I made the earth and [put] man upon it. It is I who established the sky with My hands. It is I who gave instructions to the stars, 13 and it is I who raised a king up in justice, and made all his ways to be straight, so he will rebuild My city, and My captive people he’ll then return… but not for ransoms or gifts.’ So says Jehovah of Armies.
14 Thus says Jehovah of Armies: ‘I’ll tire out Egypt before you, as well as Ethiopians and Sabean traders… you’ll pass over men who were haughty before you, and they will then be your servants. After you they will follow… tied up and walking in chains. Then to you they’ll be [handed], and they must bow before you. To you they will pray [as though] you’re a god, and to them there will be none other. 15 For, [I am] a God that you’ve never known; the God of Israel… their Savior.
16 ‘His enemies will be shamed and remorseful, then they’ll be led off in shame.
‘Be dedicated to Me, O islands, 17 for Israel is released by Jehovah… they’ll [be free] though the age, and through ages they’ll not be shamed or remorseful.’
18 For thus says Jehovah (He who made the sky, and who [formed] the earth and made it distinct; He who did not leave it empty, but shaped it as a dwelling [for man]): ‘I am Jehovah; there are none other than Me. 19 And I haven’t spoken in secret, or in a dark place on the earth. Nor did I tell Jacob’s seed, that they should seek what is foolish!
‘I am Jehovah, the One speaking justly, and who is announcing the truth. 20 So, gather together and come here! Yes meet together, O you who’ve been rescued from the nations!
‘Yet, they are unknowing… those who [cut] wood and carve it, and those praying to gods who can’t save. 21 May all the announcers approach, so they altogether will know, and hear who did all these things.
‘From ancient times it’s been announced, that I am [Jehovah your] God! There is no other who is righteous and saves… there are none other than Me! 22 So, turn to Me and I’ll save you, O you from the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other.
23 ‘I have sworn an oath by Myself, that whatever comes from My mouth will be righteous, and none of My words will be twisted. 24 For, to Me every knee will [soon] bend, and by God every tongue will swear oaths. 25 Justice and glory will be offered before Him, and those leaving Jehovah will be shamed. 26 Then the seed of Israel will be righteous, and they will find glory in God.’
Chapter 46
1 ‘Bel has fallen and Dagon was broken, for their images were bound to wild beasts and cattle, and the load proved to be just too heavy, so they tired and fainted from hunger. 2 Thus they were unable to save them in war, and they too were taken as captives.
3 ‘Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and the rest of you O Israel… those whom I lifted from the belly, and whom I’ve corrected since childhood 4 (until the time you grew up): I am and [will be] until you grow old… I am and I’ve had to endure you. It was I who made [you], so thefore I’ll spare [you]; I’ll lift you up and then save you!
5 ‘To whom else can you compare Me? {Look!} Contrive [and answer], O you who mislead, 6 and those mixing gold and silver in a bag; for the yoke of a scale will establish [your] weight.
‘You hire a goldsmith to make idols by hand, then you bow to your faces before them. 7 When you carry them on your shoulders, they move, but when you put them down, they just sit there. There’s no way they can move by themselves, and if you should yell they can’t hear you; so, no way are they able to save you.
8 ‘Remember these things and then moan! Change your minds, O you the mislead… turn around in your hearts… 9 remember what happened prior to this age! For I am God… there are none other than Me, 10 who can tell what will happen before it takes place, and before these things are completed. I said that My purpose will stand, and all that I’ve planned I will do.
11 ‘From the far east I can call the winged creature, to do the things I spoke of and planned. For I led, I created, and I did… it was I who led him and prospered his way.
12 ‘Hear Me, O you destroyers of hearts; O you who are far off from justice. 13 It was I who brought My justice to you, and it was never far away, so I’ll not be slow about your salvation. It is I who appointed Zion to be, Israel’s savior and glory!
Chapter 47
1 ‘Get down and sit on the ground, O virgin daughter of Babylon… yes, sit on the ground! For, there is no throne, O daughter of Chaldea; tender and delicate you will no longer be called. 2 So, get a millstone and go grind the flour; remove the veil from your face! Expose your gray hairs and uncover your legs, for your rivers will also be breached. 3 Your shame and scorn will soon be uncovered, and I’ll remove all the righteous from you… no more will I hand men over to you.
4 ‘The Name of this Savior is Jehovah of Armies… He is Israel’s Holy One. 5 So, sit down and then be stabbed through! Go into the darkness, O daughter of Chaldea! For, no longer will you be called a strong kingdom.
6 ‘I was provoked by My people, but then My inheritance you defiled… I gave them into your hands, but you showed no mercy upon them… you oppressed the old men, working them hard under yokes 7 (as, you said), I will rule through the age.
‘You had no comprehension in your hearts, nor will you remember these things in the end. 8 So, hear these things O delicate one… the one sitting down, the one who gives in, the one who is saying in her heart, I am, and there is no other! I’ll never sit as a widow, and I will never know sorrow!
9 ‘For, these two things will happen to you, suddenly and in one day: You will be childless and widowed; instantly they’ll come upon you, despite all your sorcery [and magic], and despite the strengths of all your enchantments. 10 For, trusting in your wickedness you said, I am, and there is no other!
Know and understand all these things: All your whoring will now bring you shame! For you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no other!’
11 ‘So, instant destruction will come upon you… you’ll not know that you’ve fallen into a cesspool, then you’ll be miserable and never get clean. Sudden destruction will come upon you, yet you’ll not know ‘til it [happens]!
12 ‘So now; Stand there in your enchantments, and in all the sorcery that you’ve learned since your youth, and see if it will do any good; 13 for all your [magic] words have grown tired.
‘Let all your astrologers who look in the sky, and all who look to the stars, stand up and announce the things that will be. 14 {Look!} Like torches made of sticks they’ll all burn… there’s no way that they’ll save their own lives from the flames. Then you’ll have to sit on their coals, 15 because they’re the ones you looked to for help.
‘You’ve worn yourself out with the traffic of your youth, and now that the men have all wandered away, there’ll be no salvation for you!
Chapter 48
1 ‘Hear these things, O house of Jacob; O ones who are called by Israel’s name; those who’ve come from the waters of Judah; those swearing oaths by Israel’s God; 2 those who’ve forgotten both justice and truth; those holding as holy the name of [His] city; those who lean on Israel’s God, whose Name is Jehovah of Armies! 3 Again I must speak, the same as before… the things that came from My mouth… the things that you heard and then happened… I spoke and it suddenly happened!
4 ‘I know that you are hard [people]; that the nerves in your necks are like iron, and your foreheads are [hard as] brass. 5 Yet, I told you in the past what would happen, before it really did happen. I said it out loud so you couldn’t say, It was done by my idols. Or, The carvings and images said it to me.
6 ‘You heard it all, but you didn’t know. And now I’m telling you new things, yet you have not spoken a word. 7 So, they’ll all take place, but not as before; not like they’ve happened in the past, and not the same way as you heard them, lest you’d say, Yes, I already know them. 8 For, you haven’t known, since ancient not times when I opened your ears. I knew that you’d disregard and know them, for since you were called from the belly, you have continued to be lawless [people]. 9 So, because of My Name, I’ll show you My rage… My noble deeds I’ll bring upon you, but I won’t totally destroy you.
10 ‘{Look!} I’ve bartered for you not with silver, and I rescued you from the furnace of poorness. 11 And because of Myself I will act… because My Name is being profaned, and My glory I’ll not give to others!
12 ‘Hear Me, O Jacob and Israel whom I’ve called… I am the first and I’m into the ages! 13 I laid the foundation of the earth with My hand, and My right hand fixed the sky. So, I’ll call to them and they’ll all assemble… 14 they will be gathered and together they’ll hear!
‘Who will tell them these things, which the love that I have for you, I have done against Babylon? For, I lifted away the seed of Chaldea; 15 I spoke, I called out, and brought you, and I have prospered your ways. 16 So now, lean toward Me and listen!’
What I said long ago wasn’t spoken secretly, and when it all happened I was there. And now Lord Jehovah has sent me with His Breath. 17 For thus says Jehovah your Savior, He, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am Jehovah your God, and I’ve shown you how to find the way you should go. 18 And if you had listened to all My Commandments, your peace would have flowed like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your seed [would be numbered] as the sands, and the children from your bellies as the dust on the ground. You’d not be destroyed, nor would your names be erased.’
20 Come out of Babylon… flee the Chaldeans! Announce it aloud in joyful shouting, and may it be known to all [ears]! Report it to the ends of the earth! Say, ‘Jehovah has saved His servant Jacob! 21 And if they grow thirsty as He leads them through the desert, He’ll bring them water out of rock… I will split the rock and water will pour, and then My people will drink… 22 but for the godless there’ll be no rejoicing,’ says Jehovah [our God].
Chapter 49
1 ‘Hear O islands; pay attention O nations! For, after some time it will happen,’ says Jehovah.
From the belly of my mother He called me by name, 2 and made my mouth a sharp sword. Then He hid me in the protection of His hand; He made me the favored arrow in His quiver, 3 and He said: ‘You are My servant, and through you I’ll be glorified.’
4 And I said: ‘I’m tired and useless, and all is in vain… I’ve used all my strength up for nothing. For, I’ve been judged by Jehovah, and all my work [was examined] by God.’
5 ‘And now,’ says Jehovah, He who shaped me as His servant from the belly, ‘you gather Jacob to Me, so [all of] Israel will be gathered.’ He says that before Him I’ll be glorified, and my God will become my [great] strength. 6 He said: ‘To be called My servant is a great thing… in oder to reestablish Jacob’s tribes, and to return the scattered ones of Israel.
‘{Look!} A Sacred Agreement I’ve made with you, for a race that’ll be the light of nations, and for you [to return them] from the ends of the earth,’ 7 so says Jehovah, Israel’s God; He who is your salvation. ‘Make holy all those who think their lives worthless; those who are hated by the nations, and those who are servants of rulers. For, they will be seen by all kings, and all the rulers will then stand before them, and because of Jehovah the [rulers] will bow.
‘The Holy One of Israel can be trusted, and I’m the One who chose you,’ 8 says Jehovah. ‘At the appropriate time, I’ll pay attention to you, and in the day of Salvation I’ll help you. I shaped you and gave you a promise over nations, in order to reestablish the land, and to inherit the inheritances lying desolate.
9 ‘So, say to those held in bonds, Come out! To those in the darkness, Be uncovered! In all the paths they’ll be grazing, and all of the roads will serve as their pastures. 10 They won’t be hungry or thirsty, and they won’t be struck by the sun or hot winds. For, He who shows them mercy will bring them comfort, and lead them beside springs of water. 11 Every mountain I’ll flatten on the way, and every road will serve as their pasture.
12 ‘{Look!} They will come from a distance… some from the north, some from the west, and others from the land of the Persians. 13 So, be glad, O you heavens; shout in joy, O earth; split apart, O mountains with gladness! For God has shown mercy on His people, and He has brought comfort to the humble.’
14 But then it was said by Zion: ‘I was abandoned by Jehovah, and I was forgotten by the Lord.’
15 And Jehovah replied: ‘Will a woman forget her own child, or not show mercy on the offspring of her belly? Yet, even if a woman could forget such things, I will never forget you. 16 For, {Look!} I’ve sketched your walls on My hands, so you are always before Me. 17 And what was demolished will be quickly rebuilt, and those who destroyed them will be gone.
18 ‘Look up; look around; see it with your eyes… Look! They’re all gathered and returned!’
‘As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘You’ll wear them as ornaments on your clothes… you’ll wear them as the ornaments of a bride. 19 For, your desolate places which had been destroyed, as well as those that had fallen, will become too confining for those who will dwell there, and those swallowing you down will be far away. 20 Then [the people] will say in your ears, This place is to cramped for the sons we had lost, so make us new places in which to dwell! 21 And then you will ask in your heart, Who made me a father to them? For I’m childless, widowed, and an unwelcome stranger. But these… who required me to feed them? I have been left all alone. But these… from where did I get them?’
22 ‘Look,’ says the [great] Lord Jehovah, ‘I’m lifting My hand to the nations, and to the islands I’ll lift My sign. Then they will raise your sons to their chests, and your daughters they’ll lift on their shoulders. 23 Then their kings will serve as your [butlers], and their queens will be your wet nurses. They’ll bow before you with their faces to the ground, and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am Jehovah, and those waiting for Me will never be shamed.’
24 Can someone take loot from a giant, and will someone who’s captured be saved for no reason? 25 Jehovah replies: ‘If someone can capture a giant, he can take all the things that he owns; yes, he can safely take from the strong. But I am pleading your case, and I will rescue your sons. 26 So, those who oppress you will eat their own flesh, and the new wine that they drink will be their own blood. Then they will get drunk and all flesh will see, that I am Jehovah your Savior… He who gives Jacob his strength.’
Chapter 50
1 So says Jehovah: ‘What kind divorce certificate is this, by which I sent you back to your mother; whom do I owe that I’ve had to sell you? {Look!} You have been sold for your sins, and I sent you home to your mother, because of your lawless deeds!
2 ‘Why, when I was here, was there no man? But when I called, there was no one to answer. Is My hand not strong enough to rescue? Am I unable to save? Look! By my scolding I can desolate the sea; I can turn rivers into desolation, leaving their fish without water, and then they will die in their thirst. 3 It is I who clothes the skies with darkness, and in a robe of sack cloth wraps them up.’
4 Jehovah gave me a tongue to instruct, and a knowledge of when to speak words. He stood by me morning after morning, and He gave me an ear so I’d hear. 5 [He] opens my ears for instruction, and I don’t resist or argue with Him.
6 My back I have given to whips; my jaws [I have given] to slaps; and to shame all those who were spitting, I did not turn my face. 7 For, the Lord Jehovah is my helper, and because of this I’m not ashamed. I set my face as solid rock, for, I know there’s no way I’ll be shamed. 8 Since He who calls me righteous now approaches… the One by whom I am judged.
So, which [of you] would now judge me? Let him [stand and] oppose me! Yes, who is the one that would judge me? Let him come here to me! 9 Look! Jehovah will come to my aid! So who can now do me harm? Look… like coats you will grow old, and then you’ll be eaten by moths.
10 Who among you fears Jehovah? Then let him obey the voice of His servant! Let those who travel in darkness (those for whom there’s no light), yield to the Name of the Lord, and lean for support upon God!
11 {Look!} You’ve all lit a fire and helped the flame grow, then you were [drawn] to its light… toward the very flame that you kindled! Because of Me this has happened to you, and you’ll spend your nights in distress!
Chapter 51
1 Listen to Me, O you who’d be righteous… those who are seeking Jehovah; look to the rock that you’ve quarried, and into the pit of the well that you’ve dug! 2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you. Though he was just [flesh] I once called him… yes I loved him and blest him, and I prospered his [ways]. 3 So, to you I’ll give comfort O Zion, and I will comfort your desolate places; a paradise I’ll make of your desolate places; I’ll make your western lands a paradise of [God]; there they’ll be happy and leaping for joy… [shouting] in praise with their voices.
4 Hear Me… listen Me O my people; and kings, give ear to what I am saying! For from Me will come forth a Law, and My judgments will become the light of the nations. 5 For My justice comes swiftly… the light of My salvation comes soon, so in My arm they will hope. Even the islands will wait upon Me, and in My arm they will hope.
6 Lift your eyes to the skies, and look to the earth underneath you! For the sky [will become filled with] smoke, and the earth (like a wrap) will grow old, then those who live there will die. But My salvation will last through the age… there’s no way that My justice will fail.
7 Hear Me, O you who know justice! You’re a people who have My Law in your hearts. Do not fear the scorning of men, and don’t let their bad words defeat you! 8 For, though clothes will be eaten with time, and though moths will eat wool, My justice will last through the ages, and My salvation through generations of generations.
9 Wake up… wake up, O Jerusalem, and put on the strength of your arm! Wake up as you did in days of old, and as the generations of that age! Are you not the one that’s been dug up, and being torn by the dragon? 10 And are you not her who desolates the sea… all that abundant deep water; the one who put a road through its depths, creating a ford for those being saved… 11 for those whose ransom is paid?
It’s by Jehovah that they’ll be returned, and then they’ll come to Zion with gladness, and leap for joy through the age. Upon their heads there’ll be praises, and with happiness be overcome, for grief, and anguish, and moaning will have fled.
12 I am… I am He, the One who brings comfort! Know the One you should fear, for man and his sons have dried up like grass! 13 Yet, you have forgotten your Maker, God… He who created the sky, and laid the foundation of the earth! So, fear Him throughout your days, before the rage of the One who afflicts you… He who had you carried away!
So now; Where is the rage of the One who afflicts you? 14 When it comes to bringing salvation, I won’t stop or waste time. 15 For I am your God who shakes the seas – it is I who makes its waves roar – Jehovah of Armies is My Name. 16 I will put My words in your mouths, and keep you in the shelter of My hand. It was I who established the heavens, and I who founded the earth. And it is I who’ll tell Zion ‘You’re My people!’
17 Wake up… get up, O Jerusalem, the one who drank from the cup of [My] rage… [that which came] from the hand of Jehovah! Take the blows from that cup, for you’ll drink of that cup ‘til it’s empty.
18 No one offered comfort to the children that you bore… none held the hands of the sons that you raised. 19 For all these bad things will happen to you, and who else will share in your grief? There’ll be downfall, defeat, hunger, and the sword; and who will then offer you comfort? 20 Your sons will all be confused, and like half-boiled beets they’ll sleep in the streets… they will feel the rage of Jehovah, and before Jehovah they’ll faint.
21 So, you who’ve been humbled should listen… yes you who are drunk, but not from wine! 22 For thus says [Jehovah our] God, the One who is judging His people: ‘{Look!} I’ve taken the cup of blows from your hands, which is the cup of My rage, so you must no longer drink it. 23 Then I’ll put it in the hands of those wronging you… those who are humbling you… those who told your souls to bow as they pass… those who cut your belongings to the ground, and laid them outside for those passing by.’
Chapter 52
1 Wake up… wake up O Zion! Put on your strength, O Zion! And you, O Jerusalem, the city so holy, put on [all of] your glory! For, the uncircumcised and unclean, will no longer be passing through you. 2 So, shake off the dust and get up! Then sit back down, O Jerusalem! Remove the shackles from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3 For thus says [your God] Jehovah: ‘Without a price you were sold, so without silver you’ll be ransomed.’
4 Thus says Jehovah the Lord: ‘My people went down into Egypt, to spend time in this place where they lived, and then to Assyria they were taken by force. 5 So now; [Do you know] why you are there?’
And then the Lord told me this: ‘Since My people were taken without price, [all should] wonder and shriek! For Jehovah says this: Because of you, My Name has been blasphemed, among [all other] nations. 6 But My people will [soon] know My Name… in that day they’ll know I am He, for I who am speaking will be there.
7 ‘As a time of beauty on the mountains… as [calmly] as feet announcing good news… as when there’s the hearing of peace… as when there’s an announcing of good things, I will bring your salvation… I’ll say that your God is reigning on Zion.
8 ‘The voices of those guarding will be raised, and all the voices will be glad. For eye to eye you will see it, when Jehovah shows mercy on Zion. 9 So, let Jerusalem’s desolate places, applaud together in joy, for Jehovah’s shown mercy upon her… He has rescued Jerusalem!
10 ‘Jehovah will bare His holy arm, in the presence of all the nations… to the ends of the earth all will see it… the salvation that comes from our God.
11 ‘Leave… leave… get out! And do not touch the thing that’s unclean! Get out of its midst and stay far away, you who carry Jehovah’s [sacred things]! 12 For, when you leave there’ll be no disturbance, and you will not run as you leave, because the Lord will travel before you, and the God of Israel will cover your rear.
13 ‘{Look!} My servant will then understand, and he’ll be glorified and exalted… he’ll be raised exceedingly high, 14 in a way that will bring amazement to many. But men will despise his appearance, and the sons of men [will hate all] his glory. 15 But many nations will wonder over him, and [their] kings [will then cover] their mouths. For things untold they’ll see about him… things they haven’t heard they’ll perceive.’
Chapter 53
1 O Lord; Who has trusted our report, and to whom was the arm of Jehovah revealed?
2 We’ve announced a male child who’s appeared before Him, as a root in land that is dry. He doesn’t have looks and he doesn’t have glory… we’ve seen him and he doesn’t have beauty. 3 He appeared to be without value, and by sons of men he [appeared] to be lacking. He’s a man [who was born] for disaster… one who knows how to bear illness.
He turned his face and he was dishonored; he was never considered. 4 It was he who carried our sins, and because of us he came to know grief. We thought of his [lot] to be misery… for calamity and ill treatment by God. 5 Then he was wounded because of our sins, and for our lawless deeds he was bruised.
[To bring us] peace he was disciplined, and by his stripes we’ve been healed. 6 For like sheep we have all strayed, and in his own ways man has wandered. So, he was sent by Jehovah for our sins; 7 and when evil was inflicted upon him, he did not open his mouth… he was led like a sheep to the slaughter… voiceless like a lamb before shearers, he did not open his mouth.
8 In humiliation his justice was taken away, for who can describe his generation… his life was lifted away from the earth… he was led to his death, over the lawlessness of My people.
9 Among the wicked I’ll allow him to be buried… [in the place of] the rich for his death. For, he committed no lawless deeds, nor was treachery found in his mouth.
10 It was Jehovah’s will to cleanse him by beating. But [because he] was brought as an offering for sin, you will see long-lived seed.
11 It was Jehovah’s will to remove, the misery in that life with His hand, for this showed him light and shaped his understanding, and proved this righteous one just… this good one who was serving for many, so as to bear all their sins. 12 For this reason, many he’ll inherit, and he’ll share his spoils with the mighty. For, his life was handed over to death, and among the lawless he was considered. The sins of many he bore… for their lawless deeds he was delivered.
Chapter 54
1 So, be glad all you who are sterile! Yell, O you who did not give birth… O you the one without birth pains! For, many are the children of she who is childless… [more so] than the one with a husband. For, Jehovah spoke and said this: 2 ‘Widen the place for your tent, and hang the hide coverings on [its walls]! Don’t scrimp… take plenty of land, and then strengthen your tent pegs… 3 spread out [your tent] to the right and the left! For, your seed will inherit the nations, and in their empty cities you will live.’
4 Don’t fear that you’ve been disgraced, or feel ashamed that you’ve been berated, for you’ll soon forget all this shame, and your widow’s scorn will be forgotten. 5 Because; the Lord is the One who remade you… Jehovah of Armies is His Name. Yes, He is the One who is rescuing you. And at that time; Israel’s God will be called, the God of the whole earth.
6 [He] called you not as a woman forsaken; not as one who’s broken-hearted; nor as a woman detested since youth. For, this is what was said by your God: 7 ‘I left you behind for just a little while, but [now] I’ll show you great mercy. 8 In rage I turned My face for a while, and now ages of mercy I’ll show you,’ said He who saves you, Jehovah.
9 ‘This has been My plan, since the waters fell upon Noah. And the oath that I swore toward the earth at that time, was not bring My rage against you again, or [again send you] intimidation. 10 For your mountains [will never] be changed; your hills will not be taken away; and My mercy upon you won’t fail, nor will My Agreement for peace be removed.’ That’s how Jehovah spoke kindly of you.
11 ‘You’ve been humbled and confused, and you’ve not received any comfort. But {Look!} I’ve prepared garnets as your stones, and sapphires for your foundations. 12 I’ll make your parapets of jasper, give you crystal stones for your gates, and the choicest of [gems] for your doors. 13 Then all your sons will be taught about God, and much peace will come to your children. 14 Upon justice you will be built, far away from all the unrighteous. No more will you have to fear, and trembling will never approach you.
15 ‘{Look!} Because of Me, strangers will come! With you they will then stay, and they’ll run to you as their refuge. 16 {Look!} I did not make you a forge blowing coals, nor have I brought you as tools to do work. For corruption or destruction I didn’t make you, 17 so no weapons that they bring will succeed… you’ll vanquish the voices they raise to condemn you. Yes, this is the inheritance of Jehovah’s servants, for you’ll be found righteous by Me,’ says the Lord.
Chapter 55
1 [You who are] thirsty, go to the water! And you without money, go buy and eat… yes, go and buy without money, even best wines and fat calves! 2 Why place money over bread… all your efforts into things that won’t fill you? Listen to Me and eat good things… your life will find joy in the good things! 3 So, pay close attention with your ears, and follow after My ways!
Listen to Me and your soul will have good things! I’ll proclaim an Agreement with you through the age, [which includes] the sacred things of David, and of those who were worthy of trust. 4 {Look!} A witness to the nations I made him… a ruler and a signal to the nations.
5 {Look!} Nations you don’t know will call upon you… peoples you don’t know will seek refuge in you, because of your God Jehovah… because of the Holy One of Israel, for He will have glorified you.
6 Search for Jehovah, and when you find Him, call upon Him so He will approach you. 7 Let the irreverent leave their bad ways, and lawless men all their plans! Let them return to Jehovah, then He (our God) will show mercy upon them… He’ll even forgive their greatest of sins!
8 ‘Your plans are not like My plans, and your ways are not like My ways,’ says Jehovah. 9 ‘But as far as the heavens are from the earth, is the distance between My ways and your ways, and the things that you think from My mind. 10 For, as rain and snow fall from the skies, and don’t return ‘til they saturate the ground, and the earth brings forth and sprouts [plants], giving seeds to the planter and bread as his food; 11 so are the words that come from My mouth… to Me they won’t return empty, until they complete what I’ve wanted. So, I’ll prosper your ways in ways I see fit.
12 Then you will travel in joy, and you will be led out in gladness. For, the mountains and hills will leap out, and favorably receive you in care, as the trees in the fields clap their tender branches. 13 Instead of brush piles, cypress will grow; and instead of briars, myrtles will sprout. Then the Name Jehovah will be known… it will serve as a sign through the ages, and this will never [come to an] end.
Chapter 56
1 Jehovah says: ‘Guard right decisions and justice, for salvation from Me is now near… mercy from Me is about to be shown. 2 Blest is the man who is doing these things, as well as he who’s holding them [dear]; the one who is guarding the Sabbaths, so he will never profane them; and he who watches his hands, so he doesn’t do what’s unrighteous.’
3 Do not let the foreigner say (he who has come to be joined to the Lord): ‘Jehovah surely has set me apart from His people.’ And may the eunuch not say: ‘I am just a dry tree!’ 4 For, thus says Jehovah to eunuchs: ‘To all who are keeping My Sabbaths; to all who choose to do what I want; and to all who hold to My Sacred Agreement, 5 I’ll give something that’s better than daughters and sons. From My [Temple] and famous walled [city]… I’ll give them a name through the ages… [a name] that won’t come to an end. 6 And I’ll give it to those foreign peoples, who [come to] join to Jehovah; to those who will serve and love the Lord’s Name, and wish to be His male and female servants; to all those keeping My Sabbaths (those who do not profane them), and those who will hold to My Sacred Agreement.
7 ‘To My Holy Mountain I’ll bring them, and give them joy in My House of Prayer. Their whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, will be accepted there on My Altar. My [Temple] will then come to be called, a House of Prayer for all nations,’ 8 said Jehovah… He who’s collecting Israel’s scattered.
‘Then, to him I’ll gather a whole congregation, 9 where all the wild animals will come… let all animals of the forests come and eat.
10 See how they’ve all been blinded… those dumb dogs who don’t know how to bark… those dreaming of beds and those fond of slumber… 11 those impudent dogs with unfulfilled lives, because they are wicked and don’t understand… those who have followed the ways that they chose, to gain an unfair advantage. They say: 12 Come, let’s get wine and drink ‘til we’re drunk, and tomorrow will be better than today!’
Chapter 57
1 See how the righteous ones perish, because no one is watching the hearts. So, the righteous men are lifted away, and no one gives it a thought… the just have been lifted away, before the face of injustice. 2 And though their graves will be peaceful, they’ve been lifted away from your midst. 3 Then you lead before [Me] the sons [of the] lawless… the seed of adulterers and whores!
4 In what have you found such enjoyment? Against whom have you opened your mouth? Against whom have you slackened your tongue? Are you not the children of destruction… a seed without any honor?
5 Aren’t you those who call upon idols, under all the trees and the bushes? Aren’t you those who slay their own little children, between the rocks in the valleys? 6 Yes, this is your portion… this is your lot. For, to them you’ve poured out drink offerings… to them you have sacrificed. Don’t such things provoke Me to rage?
7 You make your beds on the tops of high mountains, and there you haul your sacrifices… 8 and behind your doorposts you’ve placed all your [idols]. Did you think that if you left Me you’d you’d prosper?
You’ve loved all those that you’ve gone to bed with, 9 for with them you’ve done so much whoring, and many you’ve left in your [wake]. You’ve sent ambassadors from your borders, and for this you’ve been [cursed] to the grave. 10 Although you’ve tired of your many [bad] ways, you haven’t said ‘I’ll [turn from the wrong]!’ Yes, you have done all these bad things, and for this you can’t come to beg before Me.
11 Because, you’ve held sacred the things that you fear,and you have even lied against Me… you did not consider, or think of Me in your hearts! 12 So, I will report your [in]justice, and your evils will not benefit you.
13 Then in your [time of] affliction, whenever you yell out [for aid], let [your idols] come and save you! For, the wind will take all these things, and a gale will blow them away. But those who choose to hold onto Me, are those who’re acquiring the land, and they will inherit My Holy Mountain. 14 Then they will say, ‘Come clear out the roads,’ and they’ll remove the rocks from My people’s paths!’
15 Thus says the Most High in the heights, where He lives through the ages… there in the Holiest of Holies; He who rests in the Holiest highest places… Jehovah is His [great] Name; He who is patient with the meek, and to the brokenhearted gives life: 16 ‘I’ll not punish you [again] through the ages, nor will I always be angry with you. And from Me breath will then flow, for it is I who made everyone’s breath.
17 ‘Because of their sins I grieved them a while… I struck them and turned My face away… I grieved them and they traveled in gloom. 18 But I saw all their ways and I healed them; I gave them comfort… comfort that’s true, 19 bringing peace upon peace, to those far away and those who are near.’
And Jehovah said: ‘As the result I will heal them, 20 but the unrighteous will roll like the waves, and they’ll be unable to rest… 21 there’ll be no peace for the godless,’ said God.
Chapter 58
1 ‘Yell out loudly… don’t hold it back! Raise your voice like a trumpet, and announce to My people their sins… to the house of Jacob their lawless ways!
2 ‘In that day they will seek Me, and wish to know all My ways. For they’ll be a people who are righteous, and they won’t abandon the justice of God.
‘Even now they ask Me for righteous judgments, and they desire to come near to their God, 3 for they say: Why haven’t You looked when we fasted… when we humbled our lives, why haven’t You noticed?
‘On the days that you fast, you still do as you please… you goad all those who are under your hands. 4 You fast [to win] lawsuits and fights, as you beat the humble with your fists. Why are you fasting to Me, in the way that you’re doing today… just to hear your own voices? 5 I did not choose this type of fast… fasting’s a day to humble your soul. So, don’t bend your neck in a hook, nor wear sackcloth and spread ashes beneath you; because, when you call such a fast, I just will not accept it.
6 ‘I haven’t asked you to fast for such things,’ says Jehovah, ‘but for you to untie the bonds of injustice! Leave the perverseness of violent exchanges; send away freely those who’ve been wronged; and tear up your unrighteous [contracts]! 7 Break your bread with the hungry, and into your house bring the poor and the homeless!
‘If you see someone naked, you should clothe him! And concerning the seed of your family; No longer should you dislike them! 8 Then in the morning light will break through, and the things that need cures will be gone; righteousness will travel before you, and the glory of God will protect you. 9 When you call to Jehovah He will listen, and while you’re yet speaking say, ‘Look, I am here!’
‘If you’ll remove all your evil plans, then stretch out your hands and not grumble; 10 if with your whole [hearts] you’ll give bread to the hungry, so the lives of the humble are filled; then your light will rise from the darkness, and your darkness will be as midday; 11 your God will always be with you, and your lives will be filled with all you desire.
‘Your bones will be fattened like well-watered gardens, and as a spring where rain never fails. 12 Your desolate places will be rebuilt; for generations of generations their foundations will [last]; you’ll be called a builder of walls, and in your roads there’ll be no stones.
13 ‘If you’ll turn your feet toward the Sabbaths, and not do your will on this holy day, and call the Sabbath something delightful (something that’s holy to your God); if you won’t lift your foot to do work, nor let angry words come from your mouth, 14 then you’ll be relying on Jehovah, and to your land He’ll send good things, to feed the inheritance of Jacob your father.’
From the mouth of Jehovah these things were said.
Chapter 59
1 Is the hand of Jehovah too weak to save? Are His ears too heavy to hear? 2 Your sins have brought a division, between yourselves and your God… it’s because of your sins that He’s turned away, so as not to show mercy upon you. 3 For, your hands are tainted with blood, and your fingers [are covered with] sins. Your lips speak of lawless things, and your tongue has said what’s unrighteous.
4 No one says righteous things, nor is there any true justice. They rely on what’s foolish and speak empty things; to what’s lawless they’ve given birth, and to misery they are a father. 5 They hatch eggs of asps and weave spider webs, but before anyone can come to eat them, a rotten egg breaks and there is a cobra.
6 Their webs won’t be made into clothes, nor will they wear their own works, for the things that they do are all lawless.
7 They run to wickedness with their feet, and they’re quick to shed innocent blood. For, their thoughts are all about murder, and their paths are misery and destruction. 8 The ways of peace they don’t know, and there is no justice in their ways, because the roads that they walk are perverted, and they do not know about peace. 9 Due to this, fairness has left them, and there’s no way that justice will find them.
As they were waiting for light – as they were waiting for daylight – darkness arrived and they walked as at midnight. 10 Along the walls, like blind men they groped (they grope like men without eyes); they stumbled at noon as at midnight, then moaned like those who were dying… 11 like a bear and a dove they traveled together.
And though we have waited for justice, salvation for us is still far away. 12 Our lawlessness before You is great, and our sins are remaining within us. For, our lawless deeds are still in us, and we’re aware of all our offences. 13 We have lied and been godless; we have departed from our God; we’ve spoken unjustly and resisted persuasion; we’ve thought unrighteous words in our hearts; 14 we have left behind what is fair, and justice is now far away. For, truth was consumed in our ways, and we’re unable to walk in straight paths… 15 truth has been lifted away, and the thoughts of the understanding have been twisted.
Jehovah saw this and He was not pleased, for nowhere could fairness be found. 16 He thought and beheld there was not a man… there was no one to bring them some help. So, with His arm He provided their defense, and in His mercy, gave them support. 17 He clothed Himself with the chest plate of justice, and put the helmet of salvation on His head. 18 In the coat of vengeance He wrapped Himself – in the robe of retribution – to bring the reward for His enemy’s scorn.
19 The Name of the Lord will be feared in the west, and in the east they’ll fear His honor. For like the rage of a river, the anger of Jehovah will come. 20 Then a savior will come out of Zion, who’ll remove the irreverence from Jacob,’ said Jehovah. 21 ‘And this is My Agreement with them: My Breath will then come upon you, and I’ll put My words in your mouths. At that time, your mouths not will fail you, nor will the mouths of your seed, from now and into the ages.’
Chapter 60
1 Be enlightened… Jerusalem be enlightened; for your light is shining upon you, and the glory of Jehovah has risen! 2 {Look!} Darkness will cover the earth, and gloom will come over the nations! But upon you the Lord will appear, and on you His glory will be seen. 3 Then nations will go to your light, and kings will [head toward] your brightness.
4 Lift your eyes and look all around, for you’ll see the gathering of your children! Your sons will come from far away places, and your daughters will be carried on shoulders. 5 You’ll see it in fear and your hearts will be startled; for the wealth of the sea will turn toward you, and to you the nations and peoples will come. 6 Herds of camels you’ll have, for the camels of Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, will come bringing frankincense and gold, announcing good news of Jehovah’s salvation. 7 The sheep of Cypress will be gathered to you, and the rams of NebAiOth will come also, to be offered as sacrifices on My Altar, and My House of Prayer will be glorified.
8 Who are these that fly by like clouds… that fly like doves with their young? 9 Islands have waited upon Me, and boats of Tarshish are some of the first. They’re returning your children from far away places, all carrying silver and gold, because the Name Jehovah is holy, and the Holy One of Israel is glorious. 10 Then foreigners will rebuild all your walls, and their kings will then stand beside you.
It was because of My anger that I struck you, and it’s because of My mercy that I’ve loved you.
11 Then your gates will be always be open – day and night they’ll never be locked – to bring in the might of the nations, and with their kings in the lead. 12 The nations and kings who won’t serve you will die; they’ll be wiped away and made desolate. 13 And to you the glory of Lebanon will come, bringing along cypress, pines, and cedars, in order to glorify My Holy Place… and I’ll glorify the Place where you stand.
14 Then the sons of those who once humbled you, will come before you in awe. And those who provoked you will then bow before you, with their heads at the soles of your feet. And you will be called the City of Jehovah… Zion the Holy Place of Israel.
15 Because you were detested and abandoned, and no one came to your aid, I’ll make you leap for joy through the ages, and be glad for generations of generations. 16 From the milk of the nations you’ll be nourished, and from the wealth of kings you will eat. Then you will know that I am Jehovah, your Rescuer and Savior… Jacob’s God.
17 Then instead of brass I’ll bring gold, and instead of iron I’ll bring silver. Instead of wood I’ll bring brass, and instead of stones I’ll bring iron.
I will appoint your rulers for peace, and [appoint] your overseers for justice. 18 No more will injustice be heard in your land… no destruction or misery within your borders. For your walls will be called Salvation, and your gates will be called the Engravings.
19 Then your days won’t be lit by the sun, nor will the moon light your nights. For through the ages Jehovah will be your light… even God will serve as your glory. 20 Then the sun will not set upon you, and the moon will never subside. For the Lord is your light through the ages, and your period of mourning will have ended.
21 Then all your people will be righteous, and through the ages they’ll inherit the earth. They will keep all the things that they plant, and the works of their hands will be their own glory. 22 The remnant will then become thousands, and the least will become a great nation; for in time I (Jehovah) will bring them together.
Chapter 61
1 The Breath of Jehovah is upon me; He’s anointed me to announce good news to the poor; 2 He sent me to heal the broken hearted; to proclaim a release to the captives, and a recovery of sight to the blind; to proclaim a year of the favor of Jehovah, as well as a day to repay; to comfort those who are mourning, 3 and to bring glory in place of ashes, to those who are mourning on Zion… an anointing of joy to all those who mourn… a clothing of glory for the spirit of indifference. Generations of the righteous they’ll be called… a planting by Jehovah for His glory.
4 Then through the ages they’ll build in the deserts… places that were desolate before. In the deserts they’ll arise and revive cities, which through generations have lain desolate. 5 And foreigners will come to shepherd your sheep… Philistines will serve as vinedressers and plowmen.
6 Then Priests of Jehovah you’ll be called; they’ll say you’re the servants of God. You’ll devour the strength of the nations, and be admired because of their wealth. 7 So, you’ll inherit the land a second time, and your heads will be covered, with the joy of the ages.
8 For I am Jehovah, He who loves justice, and detests all unrighteous taking. So, I’ll return their efforts to the righteous, and create with them an Agreement of the ages. 9 Then their seed will be known by the nations, and their offspring amidst all the peoples. All who see them will know them, for these are a seed blest by God. 10 And they will be glad and take joy in the Lord.
May my life shout in praise to Jehovah, for He’s wrapped me in the robe of salvation, and in an inner garment of joy! As a groom, He’s put a turban on my [head], and adorned me with the tiara of a bride. 11 Just as the earth grows its flowers, and as seeds in a garden put out sprouts, the Lord Jehovah will arise and bring justice, and a leaping for joy before all the nations.
Chapter 62
1 Because of Zion I’ll not remain silent, and because of Jerusalem, I’ll not relent, until my justice goes forth like the light, and my salvation burns like a lamp. 2 Then the nations will see all your justice, and their kings will see all your glory. For, He will call you by your new name, which name will be given by the mouth of the Lord. 3 Then you’ll be a crown in [His] hand… a royal turban of the kingdom, in the hand of your God.
4 Then you’ll not be called the Forsaken, and your land won’t be called Desolation. For, you will be called My Will, and your land will be called Being Lived In, because Jehovah found pleasure in you, and to Him your land will be married.
5 As a young man joins with a virgin, so your sons will then live among you. For you’ll be happy as a groom with his bride… and that’s how Jehovah will find joy in you.
6 O Jerusalem; I’ll put a guard on your walls, [to watch over you] day and night, and he will never stay silent… he will speak of Jehovah to the end. 7 And to you there’ll be no other like him, for he will set matters straight, and he’ll make Jerusalem [a praise] on the earth.
8 Jehovah swore by His right hand, and by the strength of His arm: ‘I won’t give enemies your food or your grain, nor will foreigner’s sons drink your wine. 9 But those who do the picking will eat it, and they will then praise Jehovah; and those who are gathering [the grapes], will drink [the wine] in My Holy estates.’
10 Now go through My gates, and open the way for My people! Scatter the stones away from the road, and then lift the agreed-upon sign to the nations; 11 for {Look!} Jehovah made this heard to the ends of the earth: ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, Look, the savior has come; and before his face is his work and reward!’
12 Then He will call them a most holy people (those being ransomed by Jehovah), but you will be called The City We’ve Looked For, and no longer The One That’s Abandoned.
Chapter 63
1 Who is this one that’s coming from Edom… from Bozrah wearing clothes with red stains… this beautiful one with the strong arm?
‘I have [come to bring] justice, and [to plead] the case of salvation.’
2 But why are you wearing red clothes, which appear as though you’ve been treading a wine vat?
3 ‘I am covered with things I have trampled, and no man of the nations is with me, for I’ve trampled them all in my rage. I broke them up [like breaking] the ground, and poured out their blood on the earth; so, all My clothes are defiled. 4 For, a day of payback has come upon them, and the year of ransom is now at hand. 5 I searched and found no one to aid Me; I paid attention, but no one would help. So, I brought salvation with My mighty arm, and attended to it in My rage. 6 I trampled them down in my anger, and their blood I led into the ground!’
7 I’ve thought about the mercy of Jehovah, and all the virtues of His retribution, [and I’ve found that His] judgment on Israel is just, for, He brings upon us justice and mercy. 8 He said, ‘My children must all respect Me.’ Then, from oppression He saved them… not an envoy or angel, Himself!
9 Because He loved them He saved them… He spared them and [paid] their ransom. But though He took them and raised them, through all the days of that age, 10 they refused to listen to Him, and they provoked His Holy Breath. So, the Lord turned against them in hatred, and then He waged war against them. 11 But He then remembered the days of their ages, and then from the ground, raised one who would shepherd His sheep.
12 Where is the One who poured His Breath on them… the One who led Moses with His right hand… the One with the glorious arm? Before [Moses} He conquered the waters, and made a Name for Himself through the ages. 13 Through the deep [sea] He led them, and like horses, they didn’t get tired in the desert. 14 Then, as though they were cattle, [they moved on through] the plains, while Jehovah’s Breath descended to guide them.
That is how You’ve led Your people, to make a glorious Name for Yourself. 15 So now, turn from the heavens… look down from Your holiness and glory! Where is Your zeal and Your strength? Where is Your mercy and compassion, which You’ve been withholding from us? 16 You have now become our Father, for by Abraham we wouldn’t be known, nor would Israel have recognize us. So, help us please, O Jehovah, for You are have become our [true] Father!
17 From ancient times Your Name has been on us, so why have You allowed us to stray from Your ways? Why have You hardened our hearts not to fear You? [O please] return because of Your servants… for we’re the tribes that You chose by lot, 18 so we can inherit Your Holy Mountain.
Our enemies have trampled on Your Holy Place, 19 and we have become as we were long ago… a time when You didn’t rule us, and we were not called by Your Name.
Chapter 64
1 If You should choose to open the sky, the mountains would tremble and melt, as though they were beeswax in fire. 2 So, a fire will incinerate our enemies, and Your Name will then shine among [them]… before You the nations will quiver. 3 For, whenever You do Your honorable deeds, trembling takes hold of the mountains.
4 Through the ages no one has heard, nor have eyes seen a God beside You, or the deeds that You do, for those who are awaiting [Your] mercy.
5 He will meet with the righteous, and their [righteous] ways [He’ll] remember. {Look!} But you have sinned and provoked Him to rage, and because of this we must wander. 6 For, we’ve set aside what is righteous, as a rag that’s used for menstruation. Because of our lawless deeds, we have fallen like leaves, and the wind will carry us away.
7 No ones calls on Your Name, nor do any remember to take hold of You. So Your face You’ve now turned away, and You’ve handed us over because of our sins.
8 And now, O Jehovah; You are our only [true] Father, and we are just [clay]… the works of Your hands. 9 So, [please] don’t stay very angry with us… don’t remember our sins for a long time!
Now look upon us, O Jehovah, because we are your people! 10 Zion (Your Holy City) is now desolation, and Jerusalem has been cursed with destruction. 11 The [Temple] and the Holy Place of glory, by which our fathers were blest, is scorched and its honorable things are thrown down. 12 All of these things You’ve endured, O Jehovah… You’ve kept silent and humbled us much.
Chapter 65
1 ‘I was seen by those not searching for Me; I was found by those not asking for Me. And I said Here I am to a nation, that had never called on My Name. 2 Yet I’ve held out My hands all day long, to a people who won’t listen and who talk back… those who’ve not followed in good ways, but who keep on [walking] in their sins. 3 They stand before Me and always provoke Me… they offer sacrifices in their [sacred] gardens, and burn incense on bricks to demons who are no one; 4 they sleep in tombs and in caves to have dreams; they’re the ones who eat meat of pigs, then as sacrifices [offer their] broth. So, all that [they offer] is tainted, 5 but then they say Stay away… don’t approach me, because I am clean!
‘This is the smoke of My rage… it’s a fire that burns through the days. 6 Look; it’s written that here in My presence, I won’t stay silent until I’ve repaid; I’ll [rake] all their sins on their chests, 7 as well as the sins of their fathers,’ says Jehovah; ‘all those who burned incense on the mountains, and spoke ill of Me on the hills… I will [heap] all their deeds on their chests!’
8 Jehovah says: ‘When they find seeds in clusters of grapes, they say: Don’t throw it away for it will bring blessings. And that’s what I’ll do with My servants… that’s what I’ll do, so I don’t destroy all. 9 I’ll pick one seed out of Jacob and Judah, and He will inherit My Holy Mountain… he will inherit My elected, and they will live with him there. 10 Then in their [sacred] groves will live flocks, and in the Achor Valley My people’s herds will find rest… those who are searching for Me.
11 ‘But you are the ones who have left Me… those who’ve forgotten My Holy Mountain… those preparing a table for demons, and mixing [potions] for good luck. 12 So, I will give you to the sword, and you will fall in the slaughter; for I called to you but you didn’t listen; I spoke and you paid no attention; you kept doing what’s wicked before Me, and things I didn’t want are what you chose.
13 ‘And because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} Those who serve Me will eat, but you in turn will go hungry. {Look!} All my servants will drink, but you in turn will be thirsty. {Look!} Those serving Me will be happy, but you will just be ashamed. 14 {Look!} Those serving Me will cry out in joy, but you’ll cry out in misery of heart, and you’ll shriek for the destruction of your lives.
15 ‘The name that you’re leaving behind, will become a glut to those I’ve elected, so the Lord will do away with you all. Then I’ll give a new name to all those who serve Me, 16 which will be praised throughout the whole earth. For they will praise the true God, and those who swear oaths on the earth, will swear by the [only] true God. Then they will forget the trials they endured… they won’t come into their hearts.
17 ‘For a new earth and new sky there will be, and no more will they remember the things in the past, nor will it come into their hearts. 18 Then all will be leaping for joy, in the happiness that they will find!
‘{Look!} I’ll make Jerusalem a leaping for joy, over the happiness of My people. 19 And about Jerusalem I’ll shout in praise, and be happy along with My people. No more will there be sounds of weeping, or the sounds of crying among them. 20 No way will there be a miscarried [child], or old men who do not live out their time. For, a man will be young at a hundred years old, and the sinner will die cursed at a hundred.
21 ‘Then they will build houses and live there; they will plant vineyards and eat their own produce, and they will drink their own wine. 22 There’s no way they’ll build for another to live there, and no way they will plant for another to eat it.
‘Then the days of My people will be, as the days of a tree; and things they make with their hands will grow old.
23 ‘My elected won’t labor for nothing, nor will they produce children for a curse; for their seed and all their descendants, will then be a blessing from God. 24 Before they call I will hear them, and when they speak I’ll be asking What is it?
25 ‘Then wolves and lambs together will graze, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The snake will eat the ground as its bread, and they will not harm or destroy, on My Holy Mountain,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 66
1 Jehovah said: ‘The heavens are My Throne and the earth is My footstool, so what kind of House can you build Me… what kind of place [can you build] for My rest? 2 For, all these things I have made with My hand, so these things are [already] Mine.’
Then Jehovah said: ‘And upon whom will I look [in favor]? Just on the humble and unassuming… those who tremble at My words. 3 But a calf that is offered to Me by the lawless, [I view as] one who is striking a man… their sacrifice [of sheep] from the flock, is as one who has slaughtered a dog, and their offering of fine flour as the blood of a pig! Also; their offering of frankincense as a memorial, is as one who is blaspheming Me.
‘They each have chosen their own ways, and disgusting things are what their souls wanted. 4 So I will choose how to mock them, and I’ll pay them back for their sins. For I called out to them and they didn’t hear… I spoke and they wouldn’t listen. They’ve acted wickedly before Me, and chose the things that I didn’t want.’
5 Hear the word of Jehovah, O you who tremble at His voice! Tell your brothers who hate and detest you, that they should give glory to the Name of the Lord, and [that Name] should be looked on in gladness… but they will just be ashamed!
6 The sound of a voice now cries from the city… a voice [that comes] from the Temple… it is the voice of Jehovah, and it’s about [His bringing] of retribution: 7 ‘Before her labor to give birth, and before the misery of birth pangs, she fled and gave birth to a male… 8 why, who’s ever heard such a thing… who’s seen anything like it… has the earth given birth in a day… has a nation given birth all at once, as Zion has labored and her children were born?’
9 Jehovah said: ‘I told them what to expect, but they failed to remember [My words]. For, {Look!} I made the one who gives birth, as well as the one who is sterile.’
And your God says: 10 ‘So be glad, O Jerusalem, and call a celebration, all those who love her. Celebrate and be joyful, all you who live there… yes all those who have mourned her! 11 For, you can now nurse and be filled, with the comfort that comes from her breasts… by sucking you too may indulge, when her glory is shown.’
12 Jehovah said: ‘{Look!} Toward them I’ll divert a river of peace, and they’ll be covered with the glory of the nations. 13 Their children will be carried on shoulders, and they’ll be comforted on knees, 13 as any [good] mother gives comfort. And that’s how I’ll comfort you… for Jerusalem, you will find comfort. 14 You’ll see it and rejoice in your heart and your bones… as in a pasture I’ll raise you. It will be seen as coming from the hand of Jehovah, by all of those fearing Him… and He will threaten all those, who would resist His persuasion.’
15 For, {Look!} Jehovah will come like a fire… as a blast from his chariot wheels in His rage, to pay back and punish in flames, all those who’ve rejected [Him] in contempt. 16 By the fire of the Lord the earth will be judged, and all flesh [will be judged] by his broadsword. Many will be slain by the Lord… 17 those who were cleansed in [their sacred] gardens, and those who ate pork on their thresholds (the disgusting things and the mouse)… together they’ll all be consumed,’ said Jehovah.
18 ‘I know their works and their ways, and I’ve come to gather the nations and tongues. Then they’ll all come to see My glory, 19 and I will leave a sign upon them.
‘I’ll return all those who were given to the nations… to Tarshish, Pul, Lud, and Meshach; to Tubal, Greece, and the islands… those far away who’ve not heard of My Name, and those who’ve never seen My glory. Then they will announce My glory to the nations. 20 And then as a gift to the Lord, I’ll return your brothers from the nations, along with horses and wagons, and royal chariots with awnings drawn by mules.’
And Jehovah said: ‘Then the sons of Israel will sacrifice to Me, with songs in the [Temple] of Jehovah. 21 And I’ll choose Levites and Priests from among them,’ said Jehovah. 22 For, a new earth and sky are waiting before Me,’ says Jehovah. ‘So, I will establish your seed and your name. 23 Then from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, in Jerusalem all flesh will come bow before Me,’ said Jehovah.
24 ‘They’ll go out and see the carcasses of men (those who rebelled against Me), whose worms won’t come to an end, and whose fire will not be extinguished… they’ll be a sight for all flesh [to see].’
Jeremiah
Chapter 1
1 These are the words of God that came to JeremiJah (the son of HilkiJah), a Priest who lived in AnathOth in the land of BenJamin, 2 as the word of God came to him in the days of JosiJah (the son of AmMon) the king of Judah in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 All of this happened from the time of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah, until the eleventh year of ZedekiJah (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah and the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
4 The word of Jehovah came to me saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; I made you holy before you came from the womb, and I’ve appointed you as a Prophet to the nations.’
6 But I said: ‘O Almighty One and Lord; Look! I don’t know how to speak, for I am just a young man.’
7 And the Lord told me, ‘Don’t say that you’re just a young man, for you’ll go to whomever I send you, and you’ll speak whatever I tell you to say! 8 Don’t be afraid when you go before them, for I am with you and I’ll save you,’ said Jehovah.
9 So the Lord stuck out his hand toward me, and then he touched my mouth. And he said, ‘Look! I’m putting My words into your mouth! 10 {Look!} For, today I’ve appointed you to be, over [many] nations and kingdoms… to root out, cut down, and set free, and to rebuild and replant.’
11 And thereafter, the word of Jehovah came to me asking, ‘What do you see, JeremiJah?’
And I said, ‘I see a [hard] walnut rod.’
12 And the Lord said to me, ‘You are [very observant], for I’m [watching to see if you’ll] do what I [say].’
13 Then the word of Jehovah came to me a second time asking, ‘Now, what do you see?’
And I replied, ‘A kettle on a fire with its front facing north.’
14 And the Lord said to me: ‘So from the face of the north, all who are bad will be burned away, from those who live in the land. 15 For, {Look!} I will gather kingdoms from the north,’ says Jehovah. ‘Then they will come and they’ll each place their thrones, on the thresholds of Jerusalem’s gates, and on the walls of the cities around Judah. 16 Then I’ll speak of My judgments against them, for all the bad things that they’ve done… [I’ll tell them about] how they’ve left Me, to offer sacrifices to their strange gods, and to bow to the works of their hands.
17 ‘So, you must arise and wrap up your waist, and tell them all I’ll instruct you to say! Don’t be afraid when you go there, nor be in terror before them, for I’m with you and I will [protect] you,’ says Jehovah.
18 ‘{Look!} Today I’ve made you a fortified city – a fortified wall made of brass – against the kings of Judea and its rulers, and to all the people of the land. 19 And though they will wage war against you, there’s no way that they’ll be able to beat you, for I am with you and I will [protect[ you,’ said Jehovah.
Chapter 2
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying: 2 ‘Go and yell in Jerusalem’s ears… tell them that thus says Jehovah: I remembered the mercy you had in your youth, and the love that you had for perfection; for you followed the Holy One of Israel,’ says Jehovah. Israel’s Holy Lord. 3 ‘And since the beginning He’s been offended, by those who devour His offspring, and He has brought evil upon them,’ says Jehovah.
4 O house of Jacob (you families of the houses of Israel): Hear the word of the Lord! 5 For, Jehovah asks this: ‘What defect did your fathers find in Me, that they left to follow foolish things, and to do things that were silly? 6 They didn’t ask Where’s Jehovah; He who led us from Egypt… He who gave us directions in the desert, through a vast unwalked land… a land without water or fruit… a land through which no one had traveled… a land where no man could live?
7 ‘Then I led you to Carmel to eat its fruits, as well as its other good things. But you entered My land and defiled it, and changed My inheritance into something disgusting.
8 ‘But the Priests did not ask Where’s Jehovah? So those who resisted the Law, were not drawn back to Me. Your shepherds were irreverent before Me; your prophets prophesied by Baal; and you followed after things that were worthless!
9 ‘But, despite all of this I chose you,’ says Jehovah, ‘and the sons of your sons I [accepted].’
10 ‘Go to the Island of Cyprus and see! Send to [the land] of Kedar, and then you will understand! See if such things ever happened… if the gods of these nations have had any effect, because they really aren’t gods. 11 Yet, My people have left all their glory, for something that does them no good.
12 ‘By this the heavens were amazed, and [it caused them to] shudder,’ says Jehovah. ‘For to Me, My people did two wicked things: 13 They abandoned the spring of the waters of life, and dug broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
14 ‘Is Israel a slave or a native-born son? Why would he choose to be plundered? 15 Now lions are roaring before him; there are orders to drive his land to extinction, and his cities have been razed so no one can live there.
16 ‘Sons of Memphis and TahaPanhes, have come to know you and mock you… 17 didn’t this happen because you left Me?’ asks Jehovah your God. 18 ‘Now, what are the ways of Egypt to you, that you’d drink from the waters of Geon? And what are the ways of the Assyrians to you, that you’d drink the water of their rivers?
19 ‘So, for your defection you’ll be corrected… for your evil ways you’ll be scolded, and then you will know and you’ll see, how bitter are the ways of turning from Me,’ says Jehovah your God!
20 ‘So, I’ve thought [poorly] of you,’ says Jehovah your God. ‘For, through the ages you’ve broken your yoke, and ripped up all of your bonds. You said, I won’t be [Your] servant, but I will go to every high hill, and beneath every shade tree, and there I’ll do all my whoring!
21 ‘It is I who planted you [to be My] grapevine, for the purpose of bearing the fruitage of truth. So, why did you become so bitter, and become a grapevine that’s strange? 22 Why, if would wash in [puee] lye, and if you’d use plenty of soap, you’d still be spotted in your sins before Me,’ says Jehovah.
23 ‘How can you say that you’re not defiled, and you did not go after Baal? Look how you’ve acted in the graveyards, and then you’ll know what you did!
24 ‘On the waters of the desert she’s spread out her ways; she’s driven by winds of the desires of her soul, and to them she’s been handed over; so, who can turn her from her ways? For, those who seek her will not tire out, and in her humiliation they’ll find her. 25 O turn your feet from this rough path, and your throat away from this thirst!
‘But she said: I will act like a man, for I have gone after strangers, and to them I’ve made love!
26 ‘As a thief is shamed when he’s caught, so the sons of Israel will be shamed… they, their kings, and their rulers, as well as their priests and their prophets. 27 For they’ve said to a tree You’re my father, and to a stone, You gave me life. They’ve turned their backs, but not their faces, and in hard times they’ll say Come and save us! 28 Where are the gods that you made for yourselves? During hard times will they come and save you?
‘For, in each of your cities are your gods, O Judah; and in each street in Jerusalem, they are offering sacrifices to Baal. 29 So, why are you speaking to Me?
‘You’ve all been irreverent and lawless toward Me,’ says Jehovah. 30 ‘So, it’s in vain that I’ve struck your children, for they weren’t corrected by this. A sword devoured your prophets – they were wiped away as by lions – yet you didn’t [learn] to fear Me.’
31 Hear the word of the Lord! For, it is Jehovah who asks: ‘Am I a desert to Israel… a land that has been made barren? Why have My people said You’re not our Lord, and no longer will we come in before You? 32 Will the bride forget her tiara, and will the virgin not remember her breast band? Yet, I’ve been forgotten by you, through innumerable days.
33 ‘What good can you apply to your ways, in order to seek [My] affection? It will not do any good, for you have been very wicked… yes you have defiled all your ways, and innocent blood is found in your hands. 34 For, I didn’t find them in ditches, but [hanging] from every [tall] oak tree. 35 Yet you say I’m not guilty, so please turn back His rage.
‘{Look!} I’m the One who judges against you, when you say I have not sinned! 36 And for you I feel great disdain, because of the things that you did twice. So, by Egypt you’ll be disgraced, as by Assyria you were disgraced. 37 You’ll be taken from here with your hands on your heads, for Jehovah has thrust you away, and none of your hopes will now prosper.’
Chapter 3
1 ‘If a husband [divorces] his wife, and she leaves and [marries] another, and then she [also leaves him]; can she return [to first one] again… for after being defiled, is she not still defiled? Yet, after [having sex] with many shepherds, you then turn back to Me,’ says Jehovah. 2 ‘So, raise your eyes to see the right way… look at how you’ve been defiled!
‘You sat by the road [and waited] for them, alone and defiled like a crow, within the land of your evil and whoring. 3 You’ve stumbled and had many shepherds, and because you looked like a whore, you cast shame on them all.
4 ‘Wasn’t it not up until now, that you called Me [your] Father, and the [the One who] founded your virgin condition? 5 [And you said], It will last through the age; it be guarded for victory! {Look!} And though it was you who said this, all of these evils continued!’
6 It was during the days of King JosiJah that the Lord said to me, ‘You saw what she (the house of Israel) did to Me… she climbed up every high mountain, and beneath every tree in the woods, and there she committed [adultery]. 7 And after she did her whoring I said, Turn away from the things that you’re doing to Me! But she [refused] to turn back. So, I saw that Judah had broken her [her contract]. 8 And I knew that for the benefit of all, [its terms] must now be protected.
‘By them the house of Israel was seduced, and then she committed adultery, so I sent her away with a certificate of divorce. But the [vow]-breaker Judah wasn’t shaken, and she continued in her prostitution. 9 Whoring was nothing to her, and she committed adultery with wood and stone things. 10 And after all this, Judah refused to turn back with her whole heart… all she offered was lies.’
11 Then the Lord said to me, ‘Israel was better than the [vow]-breaker Judah. 12 So, go and read these words toward the north! Say: Return to Me house of Israel, says Jehovah, and I’ll not set My face against you, because I am merciful, says Jehovah; and I won’t be outraged with you through the age. 13 Just be aware of your sins! For, you’ve been irreverent toward Jehovah your God… [your love] you’ve given to strangers, beneath every tree in the woods, and you did not obey My voice, says Jehovah.
14 ‘So return, you sons who’ve revolted, says Jehovah, and I will then be your Lord. I’ll choose one of you from each city, and two from out of each family. Then I will bring them to Zion, 15 and appoint them as shepherds for you (as [I choose] in My heart), and they will tend you in [wisdom].
16 ‘And if you grow and spread through the land, says Jehovah; in those days they will no longer speak, of Israel’s Holy Chest of the Sacred Agreement… It won’t come into their hearts… it won’t be named or examined… this just won’t be done anymore! 17 For, in those days and during that time, Jerusalem will be called the throne of Jehovah, and there all the nations will gather, and no longer follow wicked thoughts of their hearts.’
18 ‘And in those days, the houses of Israel and Judah, will become joined together. They’ll be gathered from the lands of the north, to all the places in that land, which I’ve caused their fathers to inherit.’
19 And I said, ‘May it happen, O Lord… yes You said it!’
[And He said]: ‘I’ve arranged for you [to have] children, and provided you with a very choice land… the inheritance of the Almighty God of the nations. And they’ll say, I will call You my father, and from You I’ll never be turned.
20 ‘But as a wife leaves [her husband], so the house of Israel has left Me,’ says Jehovah.
21 ‘The sound of weeping was heard from her lips, for the sons of Israel were begging, because they had sinned in their ways, and they forgot their Holy One, God.
22 ‘Turn back, O sons… turn back and I’ll heal your broken condition!’
‘Look… that’s how we will be with You then, for You are Jehovah our God! 23 Since the powers of the hills and the mountains, are really the powers of Jehovah, and our God is Israel’s Savior.
24 ‘But shame has consumed the efforts of our fathers, since the time of our youth… their sheep and their calves, as well as their sons and their daughters. 25 For, we went to bed in our shame, and we were covered by our dishonor; before our God we had sinned, as had also our fathers, from the time of our youth to this day. And we have paid no attention, to the voice of Jehovah our God.
Chapter 4
1 ‘If Israel should [choose to] return,’ says Jehovah, ‘to him I’ll also return… if the disgusting things in his mouth he’ll remove, and if he will [bow and] show reverence before Me, 2 and swear with an oath that Jehovah’s alive, then he will be blest with the truth, as well as equity and justice. All the nations will praise him, and in Jerusalem all will praise God.’
3 For, to the men of Jerusalem and Judah, Jehovah gives these instructions: ‘Plow the fields you’ve prepared for the plow, and don’t plant among the thorn bushes! 4 O men of Jerusalem and Judah; circumcise yourselves to your God, and circumcise the hardness from your hearts, lest the fire of My rage comes [upon you], which none can extinguish for the badness you’ve done!
5 ‘Announce [this message] to Judah; and O Jerusalem, pay close attention! Say: Send a signal through the land with a trumpet, and then cry aloud [with your voices]! 6 Say, All gather inside the walled cities… gather your things and run into Zion! Hurry… don’t wait, for evil now comes from the north, and [it brings] a terrible destruction! 7 Because; the lion has come from his lair, for the purpose of wiping out nations. He arose and came from his place, to desolate the land and destroy it. So, your cities will all be demolished, and you will no longer be able to live there. 8 Because of this put on sackcloth, then be sad and call out, because the anger and rage of Jehovah, will not be diverted from you.
9 ‘And it will be in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘that there’ll be no heart in the king; the hearts of the rulers and Priests will be shocked, and all of the prophets will wonder.’
10 Then I replied: ‘O Almighty Lord; Surely You [jest]… You are misleading these people… to Jerusalem You are saying there’ll be peace, and the sword won’t [come to] their lives!’
11 [But He said]: ‘In that time they’ll say to these people (to those [who live] in Jerusalem: There’s a spirit of addiction to delusion in the desert, for the way of the daughter of My people isn’t pure, nor has she [made herself] holy. 12 So the spirit of fulfillment will come over Me, and then I’ll speak judgments against them.
13 Look! He will ascend like a cloud, and his chariot will blast [like a whirlwind], for His horses are lighter than eagles. So woe upon us, for misery is coming to us!
14 ‘O Jerusalem; Wash the evils from your heart, so you can then be delivered. How long do you think your ways can go on, which are [the root] of your [troubles]? 15 For, a voice will be heard out of Dan, and from EphraIm your miseries will be heard.
16 ‘{Look!} Give this reminder to the nations, and inside Jerusalem announce it: From a far away land will come an alliance, and against the cities of Judah they’re speaking! 17 They’ll [camp] all around her and guard her fields, for I’ve been neglected by you,’ says Jehovah. 18 ‘Due to your [bad] ways and deeds, they are coming upon you, because your evil is bitter, and it has reached into your hearts!
19 ‘This brings pain to My belly, and causes My heart to ache… it make My heart feel spasms. Yet, My Soul has been forced to take action! 20 Thus I will no longer be silent, for My Soul has heard the sounds of the trumpets, and the cries of misery and war. This conflict is something that’s called for, and misery will soon come to the land. For, My Tent now lies abandoned, and its covering of skins has been pulled apart.
21 ‘How long will I see [people] fleeing, and hear the sounds of the trumpets? 22 For, the leaders of My people do not know Me, because sons of foolishness they are, and they aren’t very discerning. They are wise to do evil… they don’t recognize how to do good.’
23 I looked on the earth and saw nothing, and into the sky and its lights weren’t there. 24 I observed that the mountains were shaking, and I saw that the hills were disturbed. 25 I looked and saw that no man existed, and the birds in the sky were frightened away. I observed and saw that Carmel was bare, and all the cities were burning… set on fire by the face of Jehovah. 26 And from the anger of His rage, they were removed from His view.
27 Then Jehovah said: ‘The whole land will soon become desolation, but no way will I totally destroy it. 28 So, let the land start to mourn, and let the sky above become darkened, because I have spoken and won’t change My mind… I will allow it to happen, and I won’t be dissuaded!’
29 From the sounds of horsemen with tightly stretched bows, in every place they are [hiding]… they’ll hide in caves and in sacred groves, and among the rocks they’ll descend. All the cities will then be abandoned, for mankind no longer will live there.
30 So now, what will you do… put on your scarlet and ornaments of gold? If you rub antimony on your eyelids, it will all be in vain. For, even if you wear your finest clothes, your lovers have already pushed you away, and now they’re seeking your life.
31 I heard the sounds of women in labor, and the moans of giving first birth. The voice of the daughter of Zion grows faint, and her hands become weak as she says. ‘Woe to me, for my life is now failing, and I am being destroyed!’
Chapter 5
1 ‘Run through Jerusalem’s streets… seek and search in her squares! See if you’ll find a man who is just… a single man who can be trusted, then to him I will be kind,’ says Jehovah. 2 ‘As Jehovah lives they often say, but when they swear oaths aren’t they lying?’
3 O Lord; Your eyes have searched for those who are true. Yet, when You whipped them they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they did not take correction. Their faces remained as solid as rocks, and to You they wouldn’t return.
4 And I said, ‘Perhaps they’re just poor, and are unable to know the ways of the Lord… to understand the equity of God. 5 So, I’ll go and speak to those who are [rich], for they’ll recognize the ways of Jehovah, and the equity of God.’
But look! Together they’ve broken their yokes, and they’ve torn up their bonds. 6 Because of this they were struck by a lion; then out of the woods came a wolf, which entered their houses and [ate] them; and leopards kept watch in their cities. That’s how those who leave Him will be hunted, because they’ve become so irreverent, and their rejection [of God] has grown worse.
7 ‘What sort of kindness should happen to you, now that your sons have all left Me? For, they have sworn oaths by those who aren’t gods. So with them I’ve now become filled, for they have committed adultery, and in their homes whores find rest!
8 ‘Like horses they snort and are sex crazed… each one for the wife of his neighbor. 9 So, over such things, shouldn’t I now come to visit?’ asks Jehovah. ‘Over such a [bad] nation, shouldn’t My soul take its vengeance?
10 ‘So, climb upon her battle towers, then wipe them to the ground ‘til they’re gone… but you’re not the ones who will do it! Destroy all of her supports, because they didn’t come from Jehovah! 11 For they have shown no respect,’ says Jehovah, ‘both the houses of Israel and Judah. 12 About their Lord they have lied. For they said: These things will not come to be… bad things won’t happen to us… neither sword nor hunger will we see. 13 For, [His] Prophets are really all windbags, and they don’t [speak] the word of Jehovah, so this will happen to them, not to us!’
14 ‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah the Almighty; ‘because you have said all these things, {Look!} I’ve put My words like fire in your mouths, and it will consume you as though you were wood.
15 ‘Notice, O house of Israel! From a distance I’m bringing a nation against you,’ says Jehovah, ‘with a tongue you won’t understand… 16 strong men whose quivers are like open tombs. 17 Then they’ll devour your harvests and bread, as well as your sons and your daughters. They’ll devour your sheep and your calves… they’ll devour your vineyards and fig groves, as well as all of your olives. They’ll thresh your fortified cities with broadswords… those that you have relied on. 18 And it will be in those days,’ says Jehovah; ‘your God won’t allow you to reach your fulfillment.
19 ‘Then whenever you ask, Why has our God allowed this to be? Jehovah will give this reply: It is because you have left Me, and served strange gods in your land. So, now you will have to serve strangers, in a land that’s not yours.’
20 ‘To the house of Jacob announce all these things, and let it be heard throughout Judah! 21 Pay attention you people, who are foolish and heartless… those who have eyes but can’t see, and those who have ears but can’t hear. 22 Why do you fail to fear Me,’ asks Jehovah, ‘and before My face bow down to the ground? For, it is I who ordered the sands, to be the limits of the seas… it is the order of ages, that the seas cannot pass over them. Though they are disturbed they cannot prevail. And no matter how much their waves roar, they may not pass by [their limits].
23 ‘Yet, to these people came a heart not to listen, so they resisted persuasion, then they turned aside and they left [Me]. 24 They have not said in their hearts, We should fear Jehovah our God… He who gives rain in its seasons (both the early and late rains), and who orders full harvests for us.
25 ‘By your lawless deeds you’ve turned from these things… by your sins you’ve removed what’s good from yourselves. 26 For the godless are found among My own people, and they’ve set snares to corrupt other men, as they devise their own plans.
27 ‘As a snare is set to be filled with birds, so treachery has filled up their houses. And because of this they’re now famous and rich… they’ve become fat on injustice. 28 On the side of orphans they will not decide, and they don’t give justice to widows.
29 ‘Am I not watching such things,’ asks Jehovah? ‘And against such a nation won’t My soul soon bring vengeance?
30 ‘As the result, things have changed! And now there is shuddering in the land. 31 For, their prophets prophesy things that aren’t true, as the priests clap their hands… and all My people have loved it. So, what will you do after this?’
Chapter 6
1 ‘O sons of BenJamin be strong, there in the midst of Jerusalem; show this by blowing a trumpet, and over BethHacCerem lift a sign! For, bad things hang in the north, and great destruction is coming!
2 ‘O daughter of Zion; your haughtiness will soon be removed, 3 for to you will come shepherds and flocks; they’ll pitch their tents all around you; and there each will tend [his own flock].
4 ‘Prepare to make war against her! Arise, for we will attack her at noon! Woe to us for the day is now gone, and the shadows of daylight have failed. 5 Get up and we’ll attack during the night, and totally destroy her foundations!’
6 For, thus says Jehovah of Armies: ‘Cut down all of her trees! Against the city of liars send your forces… finish your tyranny against her!
7 ‘As the water from a well is cool, you must cool off her evil. Disrespect and misery are within her, and it will come back in her face! 8 O Jerusalem; in misery you’ll be corrected with a whip, lest My soul would totally leave you… lest I should make you an untrodden land, which won’t be lived in again.’
9 For, thus says Jehovah of Armies: ‘Glean… glean as though they are grapevines, all the remaining of Israel! Return as the picker returns to his [vines]!
10 ‘To whom should I speak… whom shall I tell that will listen? {Look!} They have uncircumcised ears, thus they are unable to hear. {Look!} The word of Jehovah is scornful to them, so they’ll be unwilling to listen.
11 ‘I waited and My rage wasn’t filled, and I didn’t completely finish them off, so I’ll pour it out on their children, and upon the gatherings of young men. Together both men and women will be seized, with the elders and those who have filled their days. 12 Then their houses will be given to others, along with their fields and their wives. For, I’ll stretch out My hand ‘gainst all in this land,’ says Jehovah… 13 ‘all those from the small to the great… all who with lawless deeds have been filled. For, from the priests to the false prophets, all have acted in falsehood, 14 because they claim to bring healing to My people… they treat [Me] with contempt and say there is peace, but where indeed is this peace?
15 ‘They’ll now be shamed because they have failed. But, though they’re disgraced, in [their error], they’ll refuse to accept their dishonor. And because of this they will fall… they will perish in the time of their visitation,’ said Jehovah.
16 And the Lord said: ‘Stand in the roads and behold… [consider the] paths of the ages, then choose the best road and travel that way, and you’ll find ways to purify your lives!’ Yet, they said, ‘We won’t go.’
17 ‘Over you I have placed watchmen, so listen for the sounds of their trumpets!’ Yet they replied ‘We won’t listen!’ 18 But all the nations will listen, as well as those tending their flocks.
19 ‘Look and pay attention O land, for upon this people I will bring bad things… the fruitage of their rejection. For they’ve paid no attention to My word, and My Law they’ve pushed away.
20 ‘Why bring frankincense from Sheba before Me, and cinnamon from far away lands? For, your whole burnt-offerings I will not accept, and your sacrifices no longer delight Me. 21 And because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} upon these people I will bring weakness. Fathers and sons will be weak, and their neighbors and near ones will perish.’
22 And Jehovah said: ‘{Look!} From the north there now comes a people, who’ll awaken the nations to the ends of the earth; 23 they’ll come with their spears and their bows, and they won’t show any mercy. Their sound is like the roar of the sea. And with horses and chariots they’ll attack, bringing the fire of war against you, O you daughter of Zion.’
24 We’ve heard the report about them, and it made our hands weak… anguish has grabbed hold of us, as the pangs of a woman giving birth!
25 ‘Don’t go out into the fields, and do not walk on the roads, for your enemies are traveling around you with swords! So, daughters of My people put on sackcloth! Strew ashes and mourn as you’d do for your loved ones. 26 Why, in pity for yourselves you’ll be beating your breasts, because misery will suddenly come upon you.
27 ‘Among you (you people on trial), I have appointed someone to judge you; and as you are tried you will know that it’s Me, who is judging your ways. 28 For, none will be willing to listen, since you’re walking in ways that are crooked… you’re being corrupted like brass touching iron.
29 ‘Because the forge bellows have failed, it’s in vain that the smith works his silver… for their wicked ways will not melt. 30 Call and tell them that their silver’s rejected… for they’ve been rejected by [God].’
Chapter 7
1 Then the word of the Lord came to JeremiJah saying, ‘Stand on the gate of Jehovah’s [Temple], and then to them read these words. Say, 2 O Judea; Hear the word of Jehovah, for Jehovah of Armies (Israel’s God) has said this: 3 Set right the things you are doing, and set right all of your ways, and then I’ll settle you here in this place. 4 Do not rely on words that are lies, for they’ll be no help when you shout, O the Temple of Jehovah! This is the Temple of Jehovah!
5 ‘And as you are setting things straight, be sure to set right your deeds and your ways. There should be fairness between a man and his neighbor, 6 and fairness with foreigners, orphans, and widows. 7 [You] must stop being tyrants; innocent blood do not shed in this place; and don’t chase after strange gods! Then, [without such] badness I’ll settle you here, in this land that I gave to your fathers, from ages and into the ages.
8 ‘But, since you trust in words that are lies, which do you no good at all, 9 and you murder, commit adultery, and steal; swear untrue oaths, burn incense to Baal, and go after strange gods whom you’ve not known, 10 there is just badness within you. Then you must come and stand here before Me, in the [Temple] that’s called by My Name, and say: From the disgusting things we’ve stayed free.
11 ‘Hasn’t My House that stands here before you (which is called by My Name), become a den of just thieves? Look, I’ve seen it,’ says Jehovah! 12 ‘Go to My Place that’s in Shiloh, where I camped and long ago placed My Name, and see what I did because of the bad, in the faces of My people Israel!
13 ‘Now, because you have done all these things (about which I spoke, but you wouldn’t listen… about which I called, but you failed to respond), 14 I’ll do the same to this [Temple] (the one that’s called by My Name, and upon which you have relied; the Place that I gave to you and your fathers), the same as I once did to Shiloh. 15 I will throw you away from My face, as I cast off the seed of EphraIm (your brother).
16 ‘Now, you must not pray for these people; don’t come to petition for their mercy; don’t come here with vows on their behalf, for I won’t listen to you!
17 ‘Don’t you see what they’re doing in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem? 18 Sons [go out to] collect wood, in order for their fathers to light fires, as their women knead dough to make cakes, for all the armies of the skies. To strange gods they now offer drinks, so they can provoke Me to anger… 19 Don’t they provoke Me to anger?’ asks Jehovah. ‘Shouldn’t they instead be provoked, by the disgrace to their own faces?
20 ‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} I’ll pour out My anger and rage on this Place – upon the men and the cattle; upon every tree in the fields; and upon the produce of the land – it has now been kindled and won’t be put out!’
21 Jehovah said: ‘Gather your whole burnt-offerings, along with your other sacrifices, and then go ahead and eat all the meats! 22 For, I didn’t tell your fathers to do this, nor did I give such instructions to them (on the day that I led them from Egypt's land), [to bring me] whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 23 The only instructions I gave them, is to pay attention to My voice! [I said]; You’ll be My people and I’ll be your God, as long as you walk in My ways, and do whatever I tell you is good!
24 ‘But they didn’t listen to Me, and they paid no attention with their ears; they followed the evil thoughts in their hearts, and became the butt not the head, from the day that their fathers left Egypt ‘til now. 25 So, I sent them My servants the Prophets, each day, morning after morning. 26 But they didn’t listen to Me, and with their ears they paid no attention… 26 they made their necks stiffer than those of their fathers.
27 ‘So, you must go and tell them these words, but they will not listen to you; you’ll call to them and they’ll not respond. 28 Go tell them that theirs is the nation, which would not listen to the voice of their God… they failed to trust or give heed, to the instructions that come from [His] mouth. 29 So, shear your [hair] and throw it away, then bring sounds of wailing to you lips; for Jehovah has rejected and pushed you away… you the generation that has done all these things!
30 ‘The sons of Judah have been wicked before Me,’ says Jehovah. ‘They’ve placed disgusting things in My [Temple], to defile the Place that is called by My Name. 31 A shrine of Topheth they’ve built for themselves, there in the Valley of Hinnom’s sons, to burn their sons and daughters in fire… something I never told them to do, or ever considered in My heart.
32 ‘{Look!} It’s because of this that the days have now come,’ says Jehovah, ‘when there in the Valley of Hinnom’s sons, and in the Shrine that they [built to] Topheth, nothing more will be said; for their valley will soon be destroyed, and they’ll [bury] Topheth in a tomb, for his place will no longer exist. 33 His people will also be dead, and serve as food for the birds in the sky, and the wild animals on the ground; for no one will come to chase them away.
34 ‘I’ll remove them from among the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem. Then the sounds of joy will not be heard, or rejoicing at the voices of brides and grooms, because the whole land will lie in desolation.’
Chapter 8
1 ‘In that time,’ says Jehovah, ‘they’ll bring out the bones of Judea’s kings, as well as the bones of its other rulers… the bones of the Priests and the Prophets, and the bones from the people of Jerusalem’s graves. 2 Then under the sun they will dry; there under the moon and the stars; there under the armies of the sky, which they loved and they served – those who they held to and followed, and those before whom they bowed – then they’ll not be lamented or put in a tomb; 3 they’ll remain as examples on the face of the ground. For, rather than life they chose death… all those who are left from that generation, in every place that I’ll lay them.
4 ‘Will those who fall then be resurrected,’ asks Jehovah, ‘or will those who have turned not return? 5 Why have they impudently turned in rejection, and held so firmly to their resolve… why didn’t they wish to return?
6 ‘Give ear indeed and pay attention, for they aren’t saying what’s right! None of the men have repented their badness, or asked what they have done wrong… in the race they have stopped running, like a horse that is snorting and covered with sweat.
7 ‘Why, the stork in the sky knows her time, as do the doves and swallows in the fields. Even sparrows guard the times of their comings, but My people do not understand, the judgments [that come from] Jehovah. 8 So, how can you say We are wise, and we have the Law of Jehovah? Why, the lies of the quills of the scribes are in vain!
9 ‘The wise men are shamed and they’re frightened, for they’ve been convicted of rejecting [God’s] Word, so what wisdom is still left among them? 10 Because of this; I’ll give their wives to other men, and their fields to their heirs. For, from the small to the great, they’ve loved and chased after money… and from prophet to priest all have told lies! 11 They’ve dishonored the broken daughter of My people, and they shout Peace! Peace! when there is no peace.’
12 By the disgusting things that they’ve done, they have brought shame on themselves, yet they weren’t ashamed of their shame… they refused to know any shame. And because of this they will fall, among all of those who will fall. ‘In the time of My visit they’ll fall,’ says Jehovah. 13 ‘Then they will reap what they’ve [sown],’ says the Lord.
There are no grapes on the grapevines, and there are no figs on the fig trees, for all their leaves have now fallen. 14 So, why are we just sitting here? Let’s gather and run to the fortified cities. Yet, there we will be turned away, because our God has disowned us. Bile we’ll be given for water, since we have sinned before [God]. 15 And though we will gather for peace, nothing good will we receive… just worry in the time for healing. 16 For, from Dan we’ll hear the sounds of swift horses – the sounds of snorting and those riding horses – for all the land will be shaken. Then he’ll come and devour the land, as well as everything in it… the cities and all those who live there.
17 ‘{Look!} I will send snakes against you to kill you (the types that have never been charmed), 18 and they will incurably bite you, with the grief of a heart that’s perplexed.’
19 Look! There are the sounds of the cries, of the daughters of My people, coming from a far-away land: Isn’t Jehovah there upon Zion, and isn’t there also a king? But they’ve provoked Me to rage, with their carvings of idols, and by following strange worthless things.’
20 So summer has already passed, and we’ve yet to receive any harvest.
21 Over the destruction of the daughter of my people, I’m enveloped in darkness and perplexed… I’m in labor like a woman, who’s about to give birth.
22 Is there no ointment in Gilead, and are there no doctors in that place? Why can’t you bring healing to the daughter of my people?
Chapter 9
1 Who’ll provide the water for my head, and a spring of tears for my eyes, so I can cry for my people, throughout this day and this night… for the daughters of my people being slain? 2 And who’ll provide a post-house in the desert, where I can go and leave all my people, for they are committing adultery, and breaking their Agreement [with God].
3 ‘Their tongues are stretched tight like bows, as lies and mistrust now grow in the land, for they chase after evil upon evil… they do not know Me’ says Jehovah.
4 ‘Let each man keep an eye on his neighbor, and not rely upon his own brother, for their brothers will stomp them under their heels, and their friends will [try to] deceive them. 5 For each one [laughs at] his friends, and in no way do they speak the truth, because their tongues have learned to speak lies. They do whatever is wrong, and they won’t stop to turn back. 6 They’re compiling interest on interest, as well as treachery on treachery, for they do not wish to behold Me,’ says Jehovah.
7 ‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah of Armies: ‘{Look!} I’ll try them, then set them on fire! For, what else can I do before the face, of the wickedness of the daughter of My people? 8 For, their tongues are piercing like arrows, and the words from their mouths are deceitful. And though each one speaks peace to his neighbors, inside they really feel hatred. 9 Shouldn’t I pay them a visit for this,’ asks Jehovah, ‘and upon them bring all My vengeance?’
10 ‘[It’s time to start] mourning for the mountains, and wailing for the roads in the desert. They’re failing because there aren’t any men; they’ve not heard the sounds of birds in the sky; and the cattle have all been carried away.
11 ‘For Jerusalem, I’ve assigned an evacuation, and she’ll become a home for wild beasts. On the cities of Judah I’ve appointed extinction, so they’ll no longer be lived in. 12 So, who is the man that’s discerning? Let him recognize this, and may the words from the mouth of Jehovah be with him… let him tell you the reasons, why the land is being destroyed! It’s being burned into a desert, so no one will go there again.’
13 And the Lord said to me: ‘Because they’ve abandoned My Law (the one that I set before their faces), and paid no attention to My voice, 14 chasing after things that were pleasing to their hearts (things that were evil and idols, that their fathers taught them to worship); 15 on account of this,’ says Israel’s God (Jehovah of Armies is His Name), ‘{Look!} I will now feed them distress, and make them drink bile for their water. 16 I’ll scatter them among many nations, which they and their fathers haven’t known… I will send the sword [to rule over] them, until they’re completely consumed.’
17 Then Jehovah said: ‘Call wailing women and tell them to come; send for wise women and tell them to speak, 18 then let them start their lamentations! Let them bring tears to your eyes, and cause water to flow from their eyelids! 19 For this lament will be heard there in Zion: O, how have we come to such misery? We’re disgraced because we’ve abandoned our land, and thrown away all our tents.’
20 Listen to this, O women, for it is the word of our God! Let your ears hear the words from His mouth, then teach all your daughters this lamentation… yes, let every woman teach her neighbors to wail! 21 For, death has crept through your windows… it has come to your land to wipe out your young… to remove young men from your squares. 22 Then as an example, all men will die, on the face of the plains in your land, and like mown grass there’ll be none to collect them.’
23 Jehovah said: ‘Don’t let the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength; and don’t let the rich boast of their wealth! 24 But when they boast, let them brag about this: That they perceive Me and know Me… that they know I am merciful and fair… that I will judge and bring justice to the land… and these things being done are My will,’ says Jehovah.
25 ‘Look! The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I will visit the uncircumcised, as well as those who [are called] circumcised 26 (those in Judah, Egypt, and Edom; the sons of Ammon and of Moab… all who are shaving their faces, and all who live in the deserts). For, while the nations are uncircumcised in their flesh, Israel is uncircumcised in their hearts.’
Chapter 10
1 O house of Israel; Hear the words that Jehovah has spoken: 2 ‘Do not learn the ways of the nations, and don’t [follow] the [zodiac] signs, because they’re what’s feared by the nations, 3 and the customs of the nations are a waste!’
An idol is a tree that’s cut from the woods, or it’s the work of someone’s [metal] casting. 4 They’re adorned with silver and gold, and then nailed into place with a hammer… made stiff so they cannot move. 5 They are pieces of silver turned [on a lathe], so they cannot speak and have to be carried, for they are unable to mount their own selves.
Don’t fear them, for nothing within them, is able to do evil or good. 6 They aren’t like You, O Lord, for You are great, and great is the strength of Your Name. 7 Who will not fear You, King of the Nations? For, to You come the wise from all nations, and among their kingdoms there’s none other like You.
8 [Their idols] are foolish and unthinking, for these trees just teach foolish things. 9 It’s by the hands of skilled goldsmiths, that silver from Tarshish is melded, into gold from Uphaz… it’s all just the workings of craftsmen. 10 Then they deck them in blue and purple cloth.
11 As the result, tell them this: ‘Let these gods who made not the heavens and earth, be destroyed from all land under heaven! 12 For, Jehovah is the One who made the earth, and by His strength He erected man’s home. Then in intelligence and wisdom He stretched out the sky, 13 and brought all the waters that are under the heavens, and [assembled] the clouds to the ends of the earth. It is He who made the lightning and rain, and from His treasuries He brought the winds.
14 He has disgraced the knowledge of all men, and the idols they’ve carved disgrace all the goldsmiths. For, they’re just false [gods] that were cast in a furnace, and there is no breath in them. 15 They are foolish works just made to be mocked, and in their time of visitation, they will all be destroyed.
16 But, this isn’t the portion of Jacob, for He who shaped everything (even Israel’s inheritance and scepter), is named Jehovah of Armies! 17 It is He who gathered them from the outside, and gave His support to living, choice vessels. 18 It is also Jehovah who says, ‘{Look!} I’ll stumble all those who live in this land, and squeeze them out so all [is not lost]. 19 Woe to you, for you’ll be destroyed, and your wounds will be very painful.’
And I said: ‘I have already been wounded, and from You this has surely come. 20 My tent is in miserable condition; it was totally destroyed… its hide coverings have been ripped apart. My sons and my sheep are no more, and there are no more walls for my tent, nor a place [to store] my hide coverings. 21 For, the shepherds were truly unwise, and they had failed to seek Jehovah, so the sheep in their pastures were scattered and confused.’
22 {Look!} There comes the report of a sound… a great rumble from the land of the north… it’s an order to destroy all her cities… to scatter her like the nest of an ostrich.
23 I know, O Lord, that man doesn’t know the right way to go, nor can man walk a straight path. 24 So correct us, O Lord, in fairness, and don’t send Your rage to leave us as few! 25 Pour out Your rage on the nations [instead]… the kingdoms that really don’t know You, and those who don’t call on Your Name! For they have eaten up Jacob… Israel was completely consumed, and all his pastures lie desolate.
Chapter 11
1 These words came to JeremiJah from Jehovah. He said, 2 ‘Listen to the words of My Sacred Agreement, then [read them] to the men of Judea, and to those who live in Jerusalem. 3 Tell them that Jehovah the God of Israel says, Cursed is the man who pays no regard, to the words of this Agreement that I gave to your fathers, on the day that I led them from Egypt… from out of that furnace of iron.
4 ‘Pay attention to My voice, and do all the things that I tell you to do, then you’ll be My people and I’ll be your God. 5 Then I’ll reestablish My oath – the oath that I swore to your fathers – to give them a land, that flows with milk and honey as it does to this day.’
And I replied, ‘May it be, O my Lord.’
6 And the Lord said to me: ‘Read these words to the cities of Judah, as well as outside of Jerusalem’s [walls]. Say, Hear the words of this Sacred Agreement, and then [be careful to] do them! 7 For, we bore witness together – and I was a witness to your fathers – that from the day that I led them from Egypt, down to this very day, I arose early to serve as a witness… I told them to listen to my voice! But they would not listen or turn an ear… each followed the evil deformities of his heart. They agreed to the words of this Contract, and the things I commanded to be done, 8 but then they refused to do them.’
9 And the Lord said to me, ‘A conspiracy has been found in the men of Judea, and among those who live in Jerusalem! 10 For, they’ve returned to the unrighteous ways of their fathers… those living before who just wouldn’t listen.
‘{Look!} ‘They have followed and are serving strange gods! And those in the houses of Israel and Judea, have annulled the Agreement that I made with their fathers! 11 And because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} I will bring evil upon them, which they’ll be unable to remove from themselves.
‘Then they will start to cry out, but I will not listen to them. 12 And [what happens to] those in the cities of Judah, will [be worse] than for those in Jerusalem; for they’ll call to their gods… those to whom they burn incense… those who can’t save them in times of [distress]. 13 O Judah; You have as many gods as you have cities… on each street in Jerusalem you have shrines, where you burn incense to Baal.
14 ‘So, do not pray for these people… don’t beg or petition for them! For, I won’t listen whenever they call Me… in times when they are oppressed.
15 ‘What disgusting things have been done in My [Temple], by those whom [I dearly] loved? Will vows and holy meat remove all your badness… by them do you hope to evade all [My wrath]?
16 ‘As a pretty olive tree providing much shade, was the sight of all those, who called on the Name of the Lord. Then came the sound of it being chopped down… then it was lit [and consumed], so all her tender branches were useless. 17 For, Jehovah of Armies did the planting… He against whom you spoke evil. So, to the houses of Israel and Judah came evil… but they did it to themselves by provoking My rage… by their burning incense to Baal.’
18 [But I said]: ‘O Lord; tell me and then I will know, for You know the things they have done. 19 But I am just an innocent lamb, not knowing he’s led to be sacrificed. Why, against me they’ve plotted and come up plans, saying, Come, let’s give him wood for his bread! Let’s wipe him away from the land of the living, and make sure that his name is remembered no more!
20 ‘O Jehovah of Armies; please judge all these things in fairness… try their kidneys and hearts! May I behold Your punishment on them, for I’ve shown You the right things I’ve done.’
21 It was because of this that Jehovah then replied concerning the men of AnathOth who were seeking my life… for they were the ones who were saying, ‘No longer should you prophecy in the Name of the Lord. And if you fail to agree, you will die by our hands!’
22 Because of this, Jehovah of Armies then said, ‘Look! I’ll pay a visit on them, so all their young men will die by the sword, and their sons and daughters will starve. 23 Then none will be left among them, for, to those in AnathOth I’ll bring evil, in the year of their visitation.’
Chapter 12
1 [And I said], ‘You are righteous, O Lord, so before You may I plead my case, and I’ll leave decision to you.
‘Why do the ways of the irreverent succeed, for the disrespectful and wicked have prospered. 2 They were planted and rooted by You, then they produced both children and fruit. [It seems] You are near to their mouths, but far away from their kidneys.
3 ‘You know me, O Lord, and my heart has been tried before You. So, may they be gathered like a sacrificial flock… purify them for the day of the slaughter.
4 ‘How long will the land be required to mourn, and all the grass in the fields become dry, because of the evils of those who live here? The cattle and birds have all been destroyed, for they say that God doesn’t see what they’ve done.’
5 [And the Lord replied], ‘When your feet run they get tired, so how can you prepare to be ridden like a horse? Why have you trusted in peace for your land… yes, how can you whinny for the Jordan? 6 For, even your brothers and the house of your father, have failed to pay attention to you… they yell at you behind your back! So, don’t trust them when they’re speak kind words.’
7 [And I said], ‘I have abandoned my house… I’ve forsaken my inheritance… and into the hands of her enemies, I gave the love of my life. 8 For to me my inheritance became, like a lion in the woods… she roared at me, so I started to hate her. 9 Isn’t she just a den of hyenas, and isn’t [this den] her only protection? So, gather to her the beasts of the fields, and let them go there to eat her!’
10 [And the Lord replied], ‘My vineyard’s been destroyed by many shepherds; they’ve defiled My portion and turned what was Mine into desert, 11 so it’s purpose became destruction and extinction. And because of me the land was destroyed, for there was no man who took it to heart. 12 Through every mountain pass in that desert, came those who caused misery… those whom the sword of Jehovah will devour, from one end of the land to the other… no, there’ll be no peace for all flesh.
13 ‘You planted wheat and thorn-bushes [grew], which provided no benefit at all. So, be ashamed of all your proud words, and for speaking such scorn to Jehovah!’
14 Then the Lord said: ‘When it comes to all your wicked neighbors – those who [dared] to touch My inheritance, which I apportioned among Israel My people – {Look!} I’ll uproot them out of their land, and I’ll uproot Judah from their midst. 15 But after I drive them away, I will return and show mercy upon them, and resettle them in their inheritance… I’ll return each one to his land.
16 ‘And if My people should learn the right way, then swear their oaths by My Name and say, As Jehovah lives (as they taught My people to swear by Baal), then they’ll build houses among My people. 17 But if they choose not to return, I will lift that nation away… I’ll remove them [from the land] and destroy them,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 13
1 The Lord said: ‘Go buy a linen loin cloth, and then wrap it around you, but do not wash it in water.’
2 So, I acquired the loincloth, according to the word of the Lord, and I wrapped it around my loins.
3 Then the word of Jehovah came to me a second time saying: ‘Now take off the loincloth (the one that you’ve wrapped ‘round your loins), 4 then arise and go to the River EuPhrates, and hide it there in a hole in the rocks!’
5 So, I went and hid it by the EuPhrates, as Jehovah had told me to do.
6 Then, after many days the Lord told me, ‘Arise! Go to the EuPhrates River, and then bring back the loincloth… the one that I told you to hide there.’
7 So, I went to the EuPhrates and dug, and took the loincloth from the place where I hid it, and {Look!} it was ruined… there’s no way that it could have been used.
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me and said, 9 ‘Thus says Jehovah: Like this I’ll corrupt the insolence of Judah, as well as the insolence of Jerusalem… 10 this great insolence of those who don’t wish to obey Me; those who’ve followed the wickedness in their hearts; who’ve gone after strange gods to serve them, and who have bowed low before them. They’ll become like this loincloth, which won’t be useful again. 11 For, just as this cloth hugs the loins of a man, I have stuck by the houses of Israel and Judah, says Jehovah.
‘They’d have been a famous people to Me, and a reason for boasting and glory… but they paid no attention to Me. 12 So, speak these words to those people: Thus says Jehovah, Israel’s God: All your leather bags will be filled up with wine!
And when they ask you: Do you think we don’t know that our leather bags, will be filled up with wine, that you have said this to us?
13 ‘You must tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} With strong drink I will fill, all who live in this land… their kings (the sons of David) who sit on their thrones… their priests, their prophets, and all those in Judah, as well as all those in Jerusalem. 14 Then I will disperse them; each man will be separated from his brother, and fathers will be separated from their sons… and I will not miss them, says Jehovah. I won’t spare them or pity their ruin.’
15 Hear… give ear, and don’t be encouraged! For this is what the Lord said: 16 ‘Give glory to Jehovah your God! 16 Give glory before it gets dark, and before your feet stumble on the mountains in darkness… where you’ll wait for light in the shadow of death, but there you will only find darkness. 17 And if you should choose not to listen, you will weep in secret (because of your pride), and there your eyes will shed tears, for the scattering of the flock of Jehovah.
18 ‘Then say this to the king: You rulers should sit and humble yourselves, for your crowns of glory will be smashed from your heads. 19 Then the cities toward the south will be closed, and no one will open them again. Judah will be completely resettled, in a total relocation. 20 So, lift up your eyes, O Jerusalem, and see the ones who are coming from the north!
‘Now, where is the flock you were given… [where are] the sheep of your glory? 21 What will you say when [people] come to see you, and you must teach them hard lessons, against yourself and your rule? Won’t labor pangs then control you, as though you’re a woman giving birth?
22 ‘And if you should ask in your hearts, Why has this happened to us? It’s because of the magnitude of your sins, that your butts were uncovered to serve as examples to your heels.
23 ‘If an Ethiopian could change the color of his skin, or a leopard could change all her spots, then you’d be able to do what is good, and you could learn [not to do] bad.
24 ‘This is how they’ll be scattered by Me: like twigs that are carried through the desert by the wind. 25 Yes, this is your portion and lot, because of the ways you’ve opposed Me, says Jehovah. For, you forgot Me and put hope in lies. 26 So, I’ll expose your butts to your faces, and your dishonor will be exposed before all. 27 For, I’ve seen your snorting and adultery… your disgusting acts and your whoring, in all the hills and the fields.
‘Woe to you O Jerusalem; for you’re too unclean to follow after Me, so how long will you continue to have any hope?’
Chapter 14
1 Then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah concerning the drought.
2 Judea is in mourning; her gates are now empty; and the land is enveloped in darkness, as cries from Jerusalem ascend. 3 Her great men send the young men for water, but when they get to the wells they find none, and they return with just empty jars.
4 All the works in the land have now failed, because there has been no rain at all. So the farmers are shamed and cover their heads; 5 and when the hinds in the fields now give birth, they just abandon their young, for there’s too little [grass] in the fields. 6 Wild asses stand in the woods and suck wind, and because there isn’t any grass, the eyes of the beasts have all failed.
7 Because of our sins [You’ve] opposed us, O Lord, but help us for the sake of Your Name. Because our errors are many, we [are guilty] of sins against You. 8 But You are the endurance of Israel, O Lord; You’re our Savior in times that are bad. So, why have You become just a visitor to our land… as one native-born who’s gone off to rest? 9 Are You like a man who is sleeping, or One who’s able to save? You have been among us, O Lord, and we are called by Your Name, so You should never forget us!
10 And the Lord said of these people: ‘They [have sinned] and they have spared none, so God hasn’t prospered their ways. And now their sins are being remembered, and [the time has come] when He’ll visit their sins.’
11 Then the Lord told me: ‘Don’t pray for any good things for these people, 12 because, even if they fast I won’t hear their prayers; and if they bring offerings and sacrifices, I still won’t think well of them. For, I’ll finish them of by the sword, as well as by famine and [early] death.’
13 And I said: ‘O Great Being… [our] Lord; Our prophets have said that we won’t see the sword, nor will we ever go hungry… that You will bring peace to this land and this place!’
14 And the Lord told me: ‘The prophets who prophesy in My Name, are all [in fact] telling lies; for I didn’t send them, and I didn’t tell them what to say. So, the visions they have are all lies, and the manifestations and omens, which they have prophesied before you, are things that have come from their hearts.
15 ‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘tell those who prophecy falsely in My Name (those who I didn’t send): [You say] sword and famine won’t come to this land, so you prophets will die by diseases, and I’ll finish what’s left by starvation! 16 Yes, you who prophesied these things, will soon be racked by famine and the sword, and in Jerusalem’s streets your bodies will be tossed. No one will bury your bodies in tombs, or those of your wives, sons, and daughters, for I’ll pour your own badness upon you!
17 ‘Tell them this: Fill your eyes with tears day and night, and do not stop all your crying! For, defeat will come to the daughter of My people… they will be horribly beaten! 18 So if you go out to the fields, you’ll see those slain by the sword. And if you should enter the city, you’ll see the misery of famine… then to a land that you do not know, you priests and prophets will go!’
19 [O Lord]; Is this a rejection of Judah… from Zion has Your soul been removed? Why did You strike us and fail to heal us? We’ve waited for peace, but nothing good came… [we’ve waited for] healing but found just disturbance. 20 We knew, O Lord, of our sins, and of the errors of our fathers… we knew that before You we’re guilty of sins! 21 But, please back off because of Your Name! You should not destroy the throne of Your glory! Please remember Your Sacred Agreement with us… do not wipe it away!
22 Which idol of the nations can bring rain… who can bring its fullness from the skies? Is it not You [O great] Being… [isn’t it You], Jehovah our God? So, we will wait upon You, for it’s You who created these things!
Chapter 15
1 And the Lord said to me: ‘If you’d put SamuEl and Moses before Me, even for them My soul would not change. So, send these people away from My face… let them [be carried away]! 2 Then if they ask, Where will we go? You should tell them that thus says Jehovah: As many as are [appointed for] death, [are the number of those who] will die; as many as are [appointed] to the sword, are those [who will die by] the sword; as many as are [appointed] to famine, are those [who will die from] the famine; and as many as are [appointed] as captives, are those who’ll [be taken as] captives.
3 Jehovah said, ‘I will take vengeance in four different ways:
· To be slaughtered by the sword;
· To be torn to pieces by dogs;
· To serve as food for wild beasts of the land;
· To be rotting flesh for the birds in the sky.
4 ‘I’ll hand them over to many distresses, [at the hands of] all kingdoms of the earth, because of ManasSeh the king of Judea (the son of King HezekiJah), for all that he did in Jerusalem.
5 ‘Who will spare you, O Jerusalem, and who will be timid against you? Who will come saying Peace unto you? For, you have turned [your backs] upon Me,’ says Jehovah. 6 ‘So, you will be [forced to] retreat, then I’ll stretch out My hand to destroy you, and I will not spare you thereafter.
7 ‘Then I will scatter and disperse, those in the gates of My people. Yes, then they all will be childless… they’ll destroy My people because of their badness… 8 there’ll be more widows than the sands of the sea… to the mothers of young men I’ll bring misery… at noon I’ll bring trembling and anxiety upon them. 9 Then she who bore seven will have none, for her life will meet with misfortune, and her sun will set at midday. She’ll be disgraced and berated, and I’ll give what is left to the sword,’ says Jehovah.
10 Woe to you, O mother who bore me, for I am a man who must judge, and bring justice to this land. But, from this I’ve derived no benefit at all, nor has anyone helped me… my strength has failed before those who have cursed me.
11 May it be, O Jehovah Almighty, for no help will come in their time of affliction, and from their enemies no good will come. 12 Let it be known that [You are like] iron, and Your strength is like a robe made of brass.
13 [Then the Lord replied], ‘Because of the sins within your borders, I’ll give all your treasures to them. 14 I’ll reduce you to slaves before them, and you’ll live in a land that you’ve never known. For, a fire will soon burn among you, which will be kindled by My rage.’
15 O Lord, please don’t forget me. Come and save me from those who pursue me… please don’t hold back [Your hand]! For, because of You I’ve been scorned, 16 by those who disregard Your words. Finish them off completely, and then Your words will bring joy to my heart. For, O Jehovah the Almighty; I have been called by Your Name!
17 I did not sit among those who mocked You, and before Your hand I was cautious. I sat by myself all alone, and with bitterness [my heart] was filled.
18 Why are those who bring grief [allowed to] prevail? For my wounds have been so severe… where can I go to get healing? What’s happened is untested water to me… it’s something that I cannot trust.
19 ‘Because of this,’ said the Lord; ‘if you should return I’ll restore you, and before My face you will stand… if you separate the worthy from the unworthy, you will serve as My mouth. But though they may come back to you, you must not go back among them. 20 For, to these people I’ll appoint you, to be a fortified wall made of brass. And though they’ll wage war against you, they’ll be unable to beat you, because I will be there to save you… I’ll rescue you, says [Jehovah]. I’ll deliver you from the hands of the wicked, and buy you out of the hands, of these men who are cursed.’
Chapter 16
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘You must not take a wife, and don’t father sons or daughters in this place. 3 For, thus says Jehovah about the sons and the daughters, of those being fathered in this place, and concerning the mothers who give birth, and those who are fathers in this land: 4 They’ll die by death and disease, and not be entombed or lamented. As examples they’ll lie on the face of the ground; they will fall by the sword, and starvation will kill all the rest. Then their corpses will serve as the food, of the wild beasts of the earth, and of the birds in the sky.’
5 And the Lord told me: ‘Don’t get involved in their celebrations, and with them don’t go to mourn and lament, for I have removed My peace from these men, along with My mercy and My compassion.
6 ‘So, the great and the small of this land will all die, and they won’t be buried or lamented. No one will beat their chests over them; none will make cuts or shave [their heads], 7 and no way will there be feasts of mourning. No bread will be broken to bring consolation, to those who are mourning the dead; nor will a drink be provided, to console the death of a father or mother.
8 ‘Don’t enter a home for a banquet… don’t sit down to eat or to drink, 9 for thus says Jehovah Israel’s God: {Look!} Before your eyes I’ll remove them, and during your [life this will happen]. For, the sounds of joy and gladness [will be gone], as well as the voices of brides and grooms.
10 ‘When you tell these things to the people, they’ll ask: Why has Jehovah pronounced these bad things, for what injustice have we done… how have we sinned before our God Jehovah?
11 ‘And you must reply: It’s because I’ve been abandoned by your fathers, says Jehovah; for they followed strange gods… they bowed before them and served them… they abandoned Me and kept not My Laws… 12 and you’re more wicked than they are! {Look!} You chase the evil that pleases your hearts, and you refuse to obey Me. 13 So, I’ll drive you away from this land, and into a land that you and your fathers haven’t known. Then you’ll serve strange gods day and night there… those who will show you no mercy.
14 ‘Because of this, days will come, says Jehovah, that they will still say As Jehovah lives (He who led Israel out of Egypt). 15 But then they will also be saying, As Jehovah lives (He who led the house of Israel back, from the land of the north, and from all the places where they were taken). For, I will restore them to their land… [the land] that I gave to their fathers.
16 ‘{Look!} To them I will send men who fish, says Jehovah, and they will go fishing for them. And I will send many hunters, who’ll hunt for them on the mountains and hills, and in the holes in the rocks. 17 For, My eyes are upon all their ways, so they can’t hide their offenses from Me. 18 Then, for all their unrighteous ways; for the sins with which they’ve ruined My land; for the disgusting things of their rotting flesh; and for filling My inheritance with lawless deeds, I will pay them back double.’
19 O Lord, my strength and my helper; my refuge during hard times; to You all the nations will come, from the ends of the earth. And then they will say: ‘How false were the idols that our fathers acquired, because in them there was no hope at all. 20 Each man made gods for himself, but none of these were true gods.’
21 ‘{Look!} Because of this I will show them My hand… in that time I’ll show them My strength. Then they will know that My Name is Jehovah.’
Chapter 17
1 Thus says Jehovah: ‘The sins of Judah are being written, with a stylus of iron. They’re clawed in the tablets of their hearts, and upon the horns of their altars. 2 Their sons will remember their altars, as well as their sacred poles, which were under each tree in the woods, and found on every high hill.
3 ‘O you mountains in the plains; I’ll give your wealth and treasures as plunder, as well as all your high peaks, for the sins [they’ve committed] within your realms. 4 Then the inheritance that I gave you will be lost, and your enemies I’ll force you to serve, in a land that you’ll find unfamiliar. For, you’ve kindled the fire of My wrath, and it will blaze through the age.’
5 Thus says Jehovah: ‘Cursed is the man who has hope, for though his flesh is still on his arms, his heart is far from Jehovah. 6 For he’ll be like a tree in the desert, and when good things come he won’t see them. He’ll be planted in a desert of salt… in a brackish land where no one has lived.
7 ‘But praised is the man who relies on the Lord, and puts all his hope in Jehovah. 8 For, he’ll be like a tree that’s planted near water, and shoots his roots into moisture. He’ll have no fear of sweltering heat, for he’ll grow a trunk like a tree in the woods. He’ll have nothing to fear in the year of the drought, and he’ll keep on producing his fruit.
9 ‘The heart is the deepest of all things, for who can know [what’s inside] a man? 10 But, I Jehovah, am the examiner of hearts, as well as the One who tries kidneys, and I repay each one for his ways… by the fruits of the things he has done.
11 ‘As the partridge calls to [eggs] that won’t hatch, so is the man who’s rich but unfair. For, in the last half of his days, he will lose all his wealth, which [will prove] that he’s been a fool.’
12 [O Lord]; Our Holy Place is a glorious throne, which since ancient times has been held in esteem. 13 Yet, Israel still awaits the disgrace, of all the ones who have left You… may the names of those who’ve revolted, be written under the ground, for their spring of life (their Lord) they’ve abandoned!
14 Make the Sabbath Day holy again… heal me O Lord and I will be healed… save me and I’ll be delivered, for You are my reason for boasting!
15 {Look!}They ask: ‘Where is this word of Jehovah? Let it come and happen [to us]!’ 16 But I haven’t tired of following You, and the day of man I’ve not desired. You know all the things that have come from my lips… before Your face they’re all here. 17 So, please don’t push me away, and in that bad day please protect me! 18 May those who pursue me be shamed, and myself may I not disgrace. May they come to know terror, but may I never know terror. So, bring that bad day upon them… double the destruction upon them!
19 And the Lord then told me: ‘Go stand at the gates of the sons of your people (the gates the kings of Judah walk through… all of those through which they pass… all of Jerusalem’s gates), 20 then say, O kings of Judah, and you of Judea and Jerusalem; Hear the word of Jehovah, all you who enter these gates! 21 For, Jehovah said this: Save your lives… don’t lift burdens on the Sabbath… carry nothing through Jerusalem’s gates… 22 carry nothing from your homes on the Sabbaths, and do not do any work! Keep the Sabbath days holy, for that’s what I told your fathers to do!’
23 ‘But they won’t listen or turn their ears… they’ll make their necks stiffer than did their fathers… they’ll refuse to pay attention and follow instructions.
24 Then the Lord [told me to say]: ‘If you will but listen to Me, and stop carrying loads through these gates on the Sabbaths, and keep the Sabbaths holy by not doing work, then kings and rulers will enter these gates (those who will sit upon David’s throne). 25 They’ll come with horses and chariots, and over Judah and Jerusalem, I will appoint them as rulers, and they’ll settle in this city through the age. 26 And at that time [the people] will come, from the city of Jerusalem and from Judea… from the land of BenJamin they’ll also come, and from the mountains and fields in the south, bringing along their burnt-offerings, as well as incense and sacrifices, and offerings of thanks and frankincense, to offer praise at the House of Jehovah.
27 ‘But, if you choose to pay Me no mind… if you fail to keep My Sabbaths holy, and you lift and then carry loads, through Jerusalem’s gates on the Sabbaths; within its gates I’ll light a fire, which will devour Jerusalem’s plazas… and it won’t be extinguished thereafter.’
Chapter 18
1 This message came to JeremiJah from Jehovah. 2 He said: ‘Get up and go to the house of the potter, and there you must listen to My words.’
3 So, I went to the house of the potter, {Look!} and there he was making a [pot] on the stone. 4 But the pot he was making soon fell apart, so he shaped it into a pot he was pleased with.
5 It was then that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 6 ‘Jehovah asks: O house of Israel; Can I not remake you in the same way, as the potter just [remade this pot]? {Look!} As clay in the hands of a potter, that’s what you are in My hands, house of Israel. 7 So, when I speak of the end of a nation or kingdom, and plan to lift them away and destroy them, 8 and that nation then turns from the bad, I’ll change My mind about the bad things I’d planned! 9 But, if I speak of rebuilding a nation or kingdom, 10 and they continue as wicked before Me, or if they refuse to listen to My voice, then I’ll change My mind about the good things I’d planned.
11 ‘Now, say this to the men of Judea, and to those who live in Jerusalem… tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} I will shape bad things against you, and devise against you a plot, unless you turn from your evil ways, and change your bad ways to good!’
12 But they replied, ‘We’ll act like men and do as we please… we’ll do whatever is bad in our hearts!’
13 Because of this, thus said the Lord: ‘Go ask the nations if they’ve ever heard, a better reason to shudder, than what Israel the virgin is now doing. 14 Will the nipples of rocks ever fail… or the snow on Lebanon’s mountains? Will the rain turn aside when it’s blown by the wind? 15 Yet, by My own people I’ve been forgotten, so when they burn incense it’s all in vain… they’ll grow weak in their paths, and will not walk on the roads of the ages. For, since they don’t know the way they should go, 16 they’ve ordered extinction upon their own land… a hissing [that will last] through the ages. Then all who go there will be amazed, and they will just shake their heads. 17 Before their enemies they’ll be scattered, as though they were fire in the wind. For, I’ll show them the back not the front, in their day of destruction.’
18 Then the [the people] started saying: ‘Let’s come up with a plot against JeremiJah, for the Law will never pass away, nor will the wisdom or words of [our] prophets. Come, let’s strike him on the tongue, so we won’t have to listen to his words!’
19 Hear me, O Lord; hear the [results] of my righteous actions! 20 Should I be repaid with evil for good? Why, they’ve met and discussed bad things concerning my life!
Remember [all the times] that I stood before You, to speak what is good on their behalf… when I urged You to turn from Your rage against them! 21 Yet, because of [what they are doing], bring famine upon all their sons… give them to the hands of those who bear swords! Let their women become childless and widows… let their husbands be killed, and their young men fall by swords in a war! 22 Let there be cries in their homes, as You set robbers upon them, for they have plotted to seize me, and against me they’ve hidden snares. 23 You know, O Lord, that they plan to kill me, so don’t forget their errors and sins… don’t wipe away [their sins] from before You. Let their weakness stand there before You… deal with them in the time of Your rage!
Chapter 19
1 Then the Lord said to me: ‘Go buy a pitcher of shaped earthenware, from the elders of the people and the priests. 2 Then, to the cemetery of the sons of Hinnom you must go (at the threshold of the gate of CharSith), and read all the words that I’ll tell you! 3 Say, Hear the word of Jehovah, O kings of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem, for Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says this: {Look!} I am bringing such evil to this place, it’ll ring in the ears of all those who hear it. 4 For they have left Me and [chosen] this place, where they burn incense to strange gods (gods that they and their fathers didn’t know), and the kings of Judah have filled up this place, with the blood of innocent [men]. 5 Here they’ve built [altars] to Baal, on which they burn their sons in a fire… something that I never spoke of, or ever told them to do, or even came into My heart.
6 ‘Because of this, days will come,’ says Jehovah, ‘when they’ll not call this [The Valley] anymore, or the graveyard of Hinnom’s descendants; it will be called The Graveyard of Slaughter, 7 for the counselors of Judah and Jerusalem I’ll slay here… before their enemies I’ll cut them down… at the hands of those who are seeking their lives. Then their dead I’ll provide as food for the birds, and for the wild animals of the earth.
8 ‘I’ll give orders for the extinction of this city… to become a place of hissing sounds. And all who come here will look at it sadly, and whistle at the greatness of its disaster.
9 ‘Then they’ll eat the flesh of their daughters and sons, and there in their strongholds they’ll eat the flesh of their neighbors, when their enemies (those seeking their lives) come against them.
10 ‘Then break the pitcher before the eyes, of the men who came here with you. 11 And tell them that thus says Jehovah: This is how I will do it; I’ll break these people and their city like this pot, so none can thereafter repair it. They’ll be buried here in this place, where [they play] tambourines… and there’ll be no other place to be buried.
12 ‘Jehovah says, This is what I will do to this place, and to all those who live here: I’ll give up this city as something that’s ruined; 13 and the houses of Jerusalem and the palaces of its kings, will be places that fall into ruin, because of the uncleanness that’s there. For, there they burn incense on their roofs, to all the armies of the skies, and they offer drinks to strange gods.’
14 Then JeremiJah left [the valley] where Jehovah had sent him to prophesy, and he stood in the courtyard of the [Temple] of Jehovah and said this to all the people: ‘Thus says Jehovah of Armies (the God of Israel): {Look!} I’ll bring calamity on this city, and upon all her cities and towns, all the evils that I spoke against her, for you have hardened your necks, and you don’t listen to what I’ve commanded.’
Chapter 20
1 Well, when Pashur, the son of ImMer the Priest (who had been anointed as the leader of the House of Jehovah) heard what JeremiJah was prophesying, 2 he struck him and then threw him in the dungeon that was by the upper Gate of the House of BenJamin (inside the [Temple area] of Jehovah).
3 Then the next morning, Pashur led JeremiJah out of the dungeon, and JeremiJah said to him, ‘Jehovah will not call your name Pashur, but Refugee. 4 For Jehovah says: {Look!} I’ll hand over you and your friends, to be relocated [from here]. Then they will fall by their enemy’s swords, and your eyes will see it all happen. For, I will give Judah into to the hands of Babylon’s king, then he will displace them, and cut them to pieces with swords.
5 ‘Then I will take all the strength of this city – all its works and all the king’s treasures – and put it into their enemy’s hands. They’ll all be led into Babylon, 6 and you and all who live in your house, will be taken as captives to Babylon… and there is where you will die… there you’ll be entombed with all of your friends, to whom you prophesied lies.’
7 You deceived me, O Lord, and I was deceived…
But You held on and prevailed.
For, I’m the butt of laughter each day,
And I’m always the one who is sneered at.
8 So, I’ll laugh at the bitterness [within my heart],
And I’ll call for rebellion and misery.
For the word of Jehovah brought scorn upon me,
And a reason for taunting each day.
9 Then I said: ‘There’s no way that I’ll [speak of] Jehovah;
There’s no way that I’ll still speak in His Name.’
But it became like a fire, that burned and blazed in my bones,
And I became weak on my insides, to where I was unable to bear it.
10 I heard what was said in the gatherings:
‘Let us all rise against him…
Yes together, let’s rise against him,
As well as against his male friends.
‘Pay attention to the things that he thinks,
And let him keep being deceived.
But we will win out against him,
And take our vengeance upon him.’
11 But Jehovah is with me, as a warrior bringing strength,
And because of this, they chased me in vain.
Though they were shamed, they failed to see their dishonor,
Which through the ages will not be forgotten.
12 O Lord; Try me in Your righteous ways…
Examine my kidneys and heart.
May I behold Your punishment on them,
For, before You I have uncovered, all my pleas for defense.
13 So, sing to Jehovah and praise Him,
For He has rescued the lives of the poor,
From the hands of those who have power!
14 O cursed is the day when I was born…
May the day that my mother gave birth, never be longed for again!
15 Curse the man who gave the good news to my father,
Saying, ‘Rejoice, for you have a male child!’
16 May that man be as unrepented cities,
Which are then destroyed by Jehovah!
Let Him hear their cries in the mornings,
And [may He hear] shouting at noon!
17 For, He failed to kill me in my mother’s womb,
So it could serve as my tomb through the age.
18 Why did I come from the womb,
Just to see misery and toil, and spend all my days in such shame?
Chapter 21
1 These are the words that came to JeremiJah from Jehovah when King ZedekiJah sent Pashur (the son of MelchiJah), and ZephaniJah (the son of MaAseJah) the Priest to him. 2 [For they had] said, ‘Ask the Lord for us, because the king of Babylon has [set up camp] around us. [Ask] if Jehovah will perform His wonders and send that king away from us.’
3 And Jehovah said to JeremiJah, ‘Tell ZedekiJah that; I’ll turn back the weapons of warfare in his hands, which he’s using in order to wage war, against the Chaldeans that oppress him, and who are outside of his walls; 4 then I’ll gather them into the midst of the city. 5 For, I Myself will wage war against him, with an outstretched hand and mighty arm, in [My] great anger and rage. 6 And I’ll strike all those who live in the city… both men and cattle in a great slaughter, and then they will all die.’
7 ‘And then,’ said Jehovah, ‘I’ll hand overJudah’s King ZedekiJah, as well as his servants and the people of the city, who survive death from the famine, and the swords in the hands of those seeking their lives. Then they’ll cut them to pieces by the mouth of the sword… I will not spare them and I’ll feel no pity.
8 ‘Then speak to these people and tell them; tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} Before your faces I’ve put life and death. 9 And those who stay in this city, will die by the famine and sword. But, those who leave to join the Chaldeans… (those who have you surrounded) will live! Your [reward] will be your own lives! 10 For against this city I’ve set My face, to do just bad things not good, says Jehovah. It’s going to be handed to Babylon’s king, and he will burn it with fire.’
11 O house of the king of Judah; Hear the word of Jehovah! 12 O house of David; Jehovah [our God has] said this: ‘In the morning, you should discuss the judgment upon you, and then get yourselves straightened out. Rescue those being shredded, from the hands of those who are doing them wrong! Don’t let My anger be lit like a fire, for once it has been kindled, no one will be there to put it out!
13 ‘Look… it’s Me that has come against you, O you who live in the valley of Sor, and you who live in its plains… those who are saying, Who should we fear? and, Who will enter our homes? 14 Yes, it is Me who is watching, and now I will kindle a fire in [your] woods, which will devour all that’s around [you]!’
Chapter 22
1 Then the Lord said: ‘Go down to the [palace] of Judah’s king, and these are the words you must speak there. 2 Say: Hear the word of Jehovah, king of Judah, you who are sitting on David’s throne… you, as well as your servants, and your people who enter these gates! 3 Jehovah says: You must be fair and just, and rescue those being plundered, from the hands of those who are doing them wrong! Don’t tyrannize foreigners, orphans, or widows! No more should you be irreverent, and don’t shed innocent blood in this place! 4 For, if you [continue] doing such things, then [their] kings will enter the gates of this house, and on the throne of David they will sit. They, their children, and their people will come, mounted on horses and chariots.
5 ‘If you don’t pay attention to these words, I swear an oath by Myself, says Jehovah: I’ll make this house a desolation!’
6 And Jehovah said this against the [palace] of the king of Judah: ‘You are Gilead to Me; You are Lebanon’s head. So, should I not wipe you away, and leave your cities deserted? 7 I’ll bring annihilation upon you, by a man who carries the axe. He’ll cut down all your fine cedars, and throw them into a fire. 8 Then nations will [march] through this city, and each man will ask of his neighbor, Why did the Lord do such to this city? 9 And the other will reply, Because they abandoned the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah their God, then they bowed to strange gods and served them. 10 So, don’t weep or feel sorry for those who have died; weep for those who have left her, because they won’t return here again, nor will they see the land of their fathers.’
11 Jehovah has spoken against ShalLum, the son of JosiJah (the king of Judah), who reigned for his father (JosiJah), and who [was taken] away from this place. He said: ‘He won’t return here again, 12 but he’ll die in the place where I had him taken, and he’ll not see this land ever again!
13 ‘You’ve built your [palace] without justice, and all its rooms without fairness, by making your neighbors work without pay… you did not pay them their wages! 14 A well-designed house you’ve built for yourself, with ventilated rooms [and many] windows, which are covered with cedar painted yellow. 15 So, should you now start to reign, because you are angry with Ahaz your father?
‘They will not eat and they will not drink, for it’s better to be honest, fair, and just! 16 Yet they didn’t know, that they failed to judge the humble in fairness, and to give justice to the needy! Was this because you didn’t know Me,’ asks Jehovah?
17 ‘{Look!} There isn’t any good in your eyes or your heart. All you desire is more wealth, the shedding of innocent blood, and doing wrong things… such as murder! 18 And because of this,’ says Jehovah, against JehoiAkim (son of JosiJah) king of Judah; ‘Woe [is coming to] this man, and no way should they ever feel sorry, and say of him, O my brother! For him they won’t weep and say, Alas for you O my Lord! 19 For, he will be buried like a burro… he will be scraped up and tossed, outside of Jerusalem’s gates!
20 ‘Go up to Lebanon and shout! Go to Bashan and call to the ends of the sea, because all your lovers have been defeated! 21 I’ve spoken to you of your sins, and you said you won’t pay attention. This has been your way since your youth; you haven’t paid attention to My voice! 22 So, all your shepherds will tend to the wind, and your lovers will be taken as captives. Then you will be shamed and disgraced, before all who were so fond of you.
23 ‘O one who lives in Lebanon, nesting there among the cedars; You will groan like a [woman] giving birth, because pangs of grief are coming to you!
24 ‘As I live,’ says Jehovah; ‘ConiJah (the son of JehoiAkim) king of Judah, will become a seal on My right hand, and it’s from there that I’ll pluck you out. 25 Then I’ll hand you to those seeking your life – those before whom you have been cautious – into the hands of Babylon’s King NebuChadNezzar, and into the hands of the Chaldeans. 26 I’ll throw both you and the mother who bore you, into a land where you were not born, and it is there that you’ll die! 27 To this land that you’ve loved with your whole souls, there’s no way that you’ll ever return.
28 ‘ConiJah has been disgraced, like a pot [that is thrown] in the garbage; he’ll be thrown in a land that he’s never known.’
29 O land, hear the word of Jehovah 30 (for He said): ‘Write this man up as someone who’s banished, by a public proclamation, so nothing will grow from his seed, that will ever sit upon David’s throne, or to rule in Judah again!’
Chapter 23
1 O you shepherds who scatter; you who’re destroying the sheep of my pasture; Jehovah (the God of Israel) has made [this pronouncement], against the shepherds who are tending His people: 2 ‘You have scattered My sheep; You have pushed them away, and refused to [watch over] them. So, {Look!} I will take vengeance upon you, for the wicked things that you’ve done. 3 Then throughout the earth I’ll gather what’s left of My people (wherever I may have pushed them), and put them [back] in their pastures, where they will grow and multiply. 4 Then I will raise shepherds to tend them, so they won’t fear or know terror anymore, nor will they be searched for [again],’ says Jehovah.
5 ‘Look! The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll bring a righteous dawning to David, and an understanding king will then reign, who’ll bring fairness and righteousness to the land. 6 And during his days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will camp in submission. Then by Jehovah, he’ll be called JoSedek (Jehovah is Our Righteousness).’
7 ‘And because of this {Look!} days will come,’ says Jehovah, ‘when they will no longer be saying: As Jehovah (who led Israel out of Egypt) lives, 8 but, As Jehovah (who gathered and led Israel’s seed from northern lands, and from everywhere they had been pushed to, and restored them to their own land) lives.’
9 Their prophets have broken my heart. All my bones were shaken within me. I became like a man who is broken, and as one who has had too much wine, before the face of Jehovah… from before the face of the beauty of His glory. 10 For, the land is full of adultery.
In the face of such things the land is in mourning, and the pastures in the desert have dried. For their race has become wicked and weak, 11 and their priests and their prophets are tainted.
‘I saw their wickedness in My [Temple],’ says Jehovah, 12 ‘so I allowed them to slip into darkness, where they will stumble and fall! For, in the year that I visit, I will bring bad things upon them,’ says Jehovah.
13 ‘Among the prophets of Samaria, I beheld the violations of [My] Law. For, there they prophesied by Baal, and My people Israel they had misled.
14 ‘And among the prophets of Jerusalem, I also saw reasons to shudder. They’re committing adultery and following lies, and holding the hands of the wicked… not turning their hands from wicked ways.
‘To Me they are now like Sodom… like GomorRah are all those who live there. 15 Because of this, thus says Jehovah of Armies, to [all of those] prophets: {Look!} I will feed them on grief, and give them bitter water to drink. For, Jerusalem’s prophets have brought, contamination upon the whole land.’
16 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets… those who prophesy to you. For, upon themselves they bring foolishness, by the visions [they proclaim], because they just speak from their hearts, not from the mouth of Jehovah.
17 ‘They say to those who’ve pushed aside the word of the Lord: Those following the desires of their hearts will have peace… no evil will come to any of those, who are following the delusions of their hearts.’
18 Who has stood in the fort of the Lord… who has beheld and heard what He said… yes, who has given ear and listened? 19 {Look!} A shaking will come from Jehovah… His anger will come as a rumble, then a tornado will come to the godless. 20 Yet, this won’t turn the rage of Jehovah, until His heart is satisfied. And they won’t comprehend ‘til the end of their days.
21 ‘I did not send the false prophets… and yet, they have still came. To them I didn’t speak… yet they have still prophesied. 22 But if they had followed My council, and if they’d paid attention to My words, My people would have turned from their wicked ways.
23 ‘I am a God who is near,’ says Jehovah! ‘I’m not a God who is far away. 24 So, what can be hidden [from Me]… what is the secret that I cannot see,’ asks Jehovah?
‘Can I not fill the heavens and earth,’ asks Jehovah? 25 ‘Yet I’ve heard what the prophets have said… those prophesying lies by My Name, and who say, I [saw this] in a dream!
26 ‘For how much longer will there still be lies, in the hearts of the prophets? How long will they prophecy lies, which speak from the desires of their hearts? 27 They’ve devised ways to forget about My Name, then used their dreams to describe to their neighbors, how [it was really] their fathers, who’ve forgotten My Name, and turned to the service of Baal.
28 ‘Let those dreaming prophets describe all their dreams! And let those who say that they have My word, describe what I’ve really said!
‘As straw is to grain, thus are My words,’ says Jehovah. 29 ‘Aren’t My words a blazing fire,’ asks the Lord? ‘Aren’t they an axe that cuts rocks? 30 Look! I am against all those prophets,’ says God, ‘who are stealing My words from their neighbors. 31 Look! I’m against all those prophets,’ says Jehovah; ‘those who throw prophecies from their tongues, while all they really did was slumber and sleep. 32 Look! I’m against all those prophets, those who prophesy with false dreams. For, those who describe them mislead My people, with all their lies and delusions.
‘I didn’t send them, and I didn’t tell them to do this. So, they’ve brought nothing at all to these people,’ says Jehovah. 33 ‘And if you are asked by these people, or by a priest or a prophet, What is Jehovah concerned with? You must answer; You’re My concern for I’ll beat you down, says Jehovah, 34 along with the prophets, the priests, and the people… those who you say are Jehovah’s concern. For, I’ll punish that man and his house.
35 ‘Then each one will ask of his neighbor, as well as each man of his brother: What did Jehovah reply? What did Jehovah [truly] say? 36 But, don’t ask of the concerns of Jehovah again! For, what He has said will be man’s concern.
37 ‘The words of God you’ve distorted, so when you ask of the prophets, What was said by Jehovah our God… 38 because you’ve spoken these words once again; the concerns of Jehovah are what I will send upon you. For I said: Don’t ask of the concerns of Jehovah again!
39 ‘It’s because of this that, {Look!} I will take you, and beat you down along with this city, which I gave to your fathers and you. 40 I’ll place scorn on you through the ages, as well as dishonor that won’t be forgotten.’
Chapter 24
1 After NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) had taken JeconiJah (the son of JehoiAkim) the king of Judah and the governors from Jerusalem as prisoners and led them into Babylon, Jehovah showed me two reed baskets of figs sitting before the Temple of Jehovah. 2 The first basket of figs was much fresher and better than the other, and the second basket of figs was so bad that it couldn’t be eaten. 3 And Jehovah asked me, ‘What do you see, JeremiJah?’
And I replied, ‘Figs… some that are good, and the others so bad that they can’t be eaten.’
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 ‘Jehovah the God of Israel says this: These figs that are better are how I will view, those Judeans who I’ve sent from this place, to the land of Chaldea. 6 I will fix My eyes upon them for good, and to this land I’ll restore them… I will rebuild them and not destroy them… I will plant and not pluck them up… 7 I’ll give them a heart to know Me, so they will know that I am their Lord… they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God, for they’ll turn toward Me with their whole hearts.
8 ‘And as for the bad figs that cannot be eaten; because they are rotten, says Jehovah, I’ll hand over ZedekiJah (king of Judah), along with all his great men. Then the rest of those in Jerusalem, and those who remain in this land, as well as those [who go down to] Egypt, 9 will be scattered among all kingdoms of the earth. They’ll be scorned as a parable of hatred, and cursed in every place where I’ll push them. 10 Upon them I will bring famine, as well as plagues and the sword, until they’re forced out of this land, that I gave to them and their fathers.’
Chapter 25
1 In the fourth year [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah, this word came to JeremiJah concerning all the people of Judah. It was during the first year [of the reign] of NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) 2 that the Prophet JeremiJah spoke to all people of Judah and to those who were living in Jerusalem. 3 He said: ‘From the thirteenth year of JosiJah (son of Amon), who’s been the king of Judah to this day – for [the past] twenty three years – Jehovah’s word has been coming to me. And I’ve been getting up early each day, in order to tell you [just what He said]; However, you would not listen.
4 ‘[So, Jehovah said]: At dawn I sent you My servants the Prophets, but you didn’t listen with your ears, nor did you pay close attention. 5 They told you to turn from your wicked ways, and then you will live in the land, which I gave to you and your fathers, through the age and into the ages.
6 ‘I told you not to follow strange gods… not to serve them or bow low before them, so you would not provoke Me to anger, by the works of your hands, and I wouldn’t do bad things to you. 7 But you wouldn’t listen to Me. 8 So, because of this, says Jehovah… since you didn’t trust what I said, 9 {Look!} I will send for the family of the north, and lead them up to this land… I will bring them against all those who live on it, and against all the nations round about. Then I’ll make them all desolation… I’ll appoint them for extinction and hissing, as well as for scorn through the ages. 10 I’ll destroy the sounds of happiness and joy, as well as the voice of the bride and her groom, and the scent of perfume and the light of a lamp.
11 ‘There’ll be extinction throughout the whole land, and for seventy years you’ll serve these nations, as well as Babylon’s king. 12 And when seventy years are fulfilled, upon Babylon’s king, I’ll take vengeance on his wicked nation, for the unrighteous things that they’ve done, says Jehovah, and upon the land of Chaldea… through the ages I’ve appointed extinction. 13 Against that land I’ll bring all the words, that I have spoken about them… all the things that are written in this scroll, which JeremiJah prophesied against that great nation! 14 For they have forced many nations, as well as great kings to serve them. So I’ll pay them back for the bad things they did… according to the things that were done by their hands.’
15 ‘Jehovah the God of Israel says: Take this cup of pure wine from My hand, and give it to the nations where I’ll send you, and offer it to them as their drink. 16 Then they will drink it and vomit it out, and go mad before the sword that I’ll send among them.’
17 So, I took the cup from the hand of the Lord, and gave it to the nations to drink (all of those to whom the Lord sent me… to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah… to the king of Judah and his rulers), 18 to appoint desolation upon them, and for them to be lands that are no longer walked… places of hissing and curses… 19 the Pharaoh (king of Egypt) and his children; as well as his people and all his great men (yes, all of his realm), 20 and the kings of Uz and Philistia; of AshKelon, Gaza, and Ekron, and those remaining in AshDod, 21 as well as of Edom and Moab.
‘The sons of Ammon are also appointed to extinction, 22 as well as the kings of Sidon and Tyre, and the kings who [live] across the sea, 23 such as Dedan, Tema, and Buz (all those who are shaving their faces), 24 and the kings of Arabia and their subjects (those who rest in the desert); 25 all the kings of Zimri and Elam; all the kings of the Medes; 26 and all the kings from the east wind (both those far away and those who are near), along with all of their brothers, and the rest of the kingdoms on the face of the earth… why, the king of Sheshach will also drink with them!’
27 ‘And you must tell them that thus Jehovah the Almighty: They must drink and get drunk, and then they will vomit and fall! For, they’ll be unable to stand, before the sword that I’m sending among them! 28 And if they refuse to drink from the cup, you should tell them that Jehovah of Armies has said: [You have no choice] but to drink it, 29 because this affliction has been started already, in the city that carries My Name. And if you should try to make [yourselves] clean, there’s no way that you’ll ever be clean, for I have called for a sword, to come upon the whole earth, says Jehovah of Armies.
30 ‘You must speak these words against them and say: From high above in His Holy Place, upon you Jehovah will bring execution… He’ll speak a word with His voice, and against your place He will bring execution. Then those gathering this vintage will say, against all those who have settled on the earth: 31 Part of the earth has been ruined, for this judgment of the nations has come from Jehovah… with all flesh He now is contending, and the irreverent will be given to the sword.
32 ‘Jehovah of Armies says this: {Look!} Evil will come from a nation on nations, and a storm will rage to the ends of the earth. 33 And in that day; From one part of the earth to the other, those who are slain by Jehovah, won’t be lamented, gathered, or buried… they’ll be like manure on the face of the land.
34 ‘So, shout, O shepherds, and cry out! Beat your chests, O rams of the flocks! For, your days became full for the slaughter, and you will fall like the choicest of rams. 35 For shepherds; their chances for flight will be gone, and safety will flee from the rams of the flocks. 36 There’ll be the sounds of cries from the shepherds, as well as the bleating of rams, as Jehovah wipes out their pastures.
37 ‘Peaceful places of rest will no longer be, in the face of the anger and rage of Jehovah. For, He’s like a lion that’s abandoned its lair, and their land will be a place that’s unwalked, in front of His mighty sword.’
Chapter 26
1 It was in the beginning of the reign of King JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) that this word came from Jehovah. [He] said: 2 ‘Stand in the courtyard of [My Temple], and give orders to all in Judea… those who are coming to bow here. Give them the orders that I have spoken… do not remove a single word! 3 Perhaps they will then listen, and turn away from their evil, so I will stop all the bad things, that I’ve arranged to bring upon them, because of the bad things they’re doing.
4 ‘Now, tell them that Jehovah says this: If you refuse to listen to Me, and obey all the Laws that I’ve set before you… [if you won’t] obey the words of My servants – 5 those Prophets that I sent, but to whom you chose not to listen – 6 then I will make this [Temple] like Shiloh, and appoint this city as a curse, before all the nations of the earth.’
7 Well, all the priests, all the false prophets, and all the people heard what JeremiJah said when he spoke those words in the [Temple] of Jehovah. 8 And when he had finished saying all that Jehovah had ordered him to say before all the people, all the priests, and all the false prophets, the people grabbed him and said, 9 ‘Now we’re going to kill you, because you’ve prophesied in the Name of the Lord and said that this [Temple] will become like Shiloh and this city will become desolate with no one living in it!’
So, all the people assembled [for a trial] against JeremiJah, there inside the [Temple] of Jehovah. 10 And when the rulers of Judah heard [what he had said], they too went up from the king’s [palace] to the [Temple] of Jehovah, and they sat on the thresholds of the New Gate of Jehovah. 11 And the priests and false prophets said to the rulers and all the people, ‘This man deserves the judgment of death, for he prophesied against this city… as you’ve all heard with your own ears!’
12 And [in reply], JeremiJah said to all the rulers and the people: ‘Why, it was Jehovah who sent me to prophesy all the words that you’ve heard against this [Temple] and this city. 13 So, it’s really better for you to change your works and your ways, and to start listening to the voice of your God Jehovah, and then the Lord will bring an end to the evils that He has spoken against you. 14 So now, {Look!} here I am in your hands! Do to me whatever you think is going to be advantageous and best for yourselves! 15 But know and understand that if you do away with me, you will have brought the guilt of innocent blood against yourselves, this city, and all those who live here; for it was truly Jehovah who sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.’
16 Then the rulers and people said to the priests and false prophets: ‘This man doesn’t deserve a sentence of death, for he was speaking in the Name of Jehovah our God!’
17 Then men from among the elders of the land stood up and spoke before the whole gathering, saying: 18 ‘MicAh the Morasthite was a Prophet in the days of HezekiJah the king of Judah, and he spoke to all the people of Judah and told them that Jehovah of Armies said, Zion is like a field to be plowed; Jerusalem will become a storehouse of fruits; and the Temple Mount will be converted, into a grove of sacred poles. 19 Yet, did King HezekiJah and the people of Judah do way with him… weren’t they in fear of Jehovah… didn’t they then beg and bow before [Him]… and didn’t Jehovah thereafter cease from the evils that He had spoken against them? Now, we have [for a fact sinned] in a great way against our own lives.’
20 Well, there was another man who was also prophesying in the Name of Jehovah. This was UriJah the son of ShemaiJah (from Kiriath JaIrim), and he had too had prophesied about this city and land, using the same words as JeremiJah! 21 And when he heard what King JehoiAkim and all the rulers were saying about seeking to kill [JeremiJah], UriJah became afraid and he ran away to Egypt. 22 But the king sent his men to Egypt (ElNathan, the son of AchBor, and some other men who went with him down to Egypt), 23 and they brought him back from there and carried him before the king. Then the king struck him with a sword and tossed [his body] into the tomb of the sons of his people.
24 However, the hand of AhiKam (the son of ShaPhan) was with JeremiJah to prevent him from being handed over to the people, so they could do away with him.
Chapter 27
1 It was at the beginning of the reign of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah, that this word came to JeremiJah from Jehovah. 2 The Lord said, ‘Make shackles and a collar for yourself, to be put around your own neck. 3 Send them to the kings of Edom and Moab, as well as Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon, by the hands of their envoys who have come to Jerusalem, to see ZedekiJah, king of Judah. 4 Order them to say to their Lords, that Jehovah of Armies – the God of Israel – says this: 5 It is I who made the land and its men, and [all] the cattle on the face of the earth, by means of My strength and My arm that’s held high, and I’ll give it to whomever I see fit. 6 And now the whole earth I have given, to the king of Babylon, NebuChadNezzar. [So all men] must start serving him, as well as their animals in the fields, 7 and their sons and the sons of their sons, through the period that has come to this land… yes, all of this is now his!
‘Many nations and great kings will serve him. 8 And upon any nation or kingdom, that will not serve NebuChadNezzar – upon any who won’t put his yoke on their necks – I’ll send the sword, plagues, and famine, says Jehovah, until they all yield to his hand.
9 ‘So, to your false prophets don’t listen (those who bring oracles through dreams, or to those who give omens through potions) when they say: No way you should serve Babylon’s king. 10 For, to you they prophesy lies, in order to send you away from your land; for I’ll cast you out and [destroy] you.
11 ‘To the nation that puts its neck in the yoke, of Babylon’s king and [willingly] serves him, I’ll allow them to stay in their land, says Jehovah. They will then work there and live there.’
12 Thereafter, I spoke all these words to ZedekiJah the king of Judah. I said, ‘Bring your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon. 13 Work for him and his people and you’ll live! Why should you and your people all die by the sword, famine, and plagues, as Jehovah told the nations would happen to them if they choose not to serve the king of Babylon? 14 You shouldn’t listen to the words of the prophets when they tell you not to serve the king of Babylon, because they’re prophesying unrighteous things to you! 15 For, Jehovah said: I didn’t send them, yet they’re prophesy unrighteous things in My Name, so as to have Me destroy you… you will perish along with your prophets, who now prophesy lies!’
16 Then I spoke to the priests and to all the people, and told them that Jehovah said: ‘Don’t listen to the words of the prophets when they prophesy and say, {Look!} The items of the [Temple] of Jehovah will soon be returned from Babylon! Because, they’re prophesying unrighteously to you! 17 Don’t listen to them, but serve the king of Babylon so you may live… why must you allow your city to be desolated?
18 ‘If they are truly Prophets, and if they have the word of Jehovah, then let them come to meet with me, so the things that remain in the [Temple] of Jehovah, as well as in the [palace] of the king of Judah in Jerusalem, don’t end up being carried off into Babylon. 19 Because, Jehovah gave a warning concerning the pillars, the [Sacred] Sea, the bases, and all the other things that were left behind in this city 20 and which were not taken by the king of Babylon when he resettled JeconiJah (the son of JehoiAkim) the king of Judah, and all the rulers from Judah and Jerusalem, to Babylon. 21 For, Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel said this concerning the things that were left behind in the [Temple] of Jehovah, and in the [palace] of the king of Judah in Jerusalem: 22 To Babylon they’ll go and there they will stay, until the day of their visitation, when I will lead them back to this place.’
Chapter 28
1 It was in the fifth month of the fourth year of the reign of ZedekiJah (king of Judah) that HananiJah (the son of Azur) the false prophet from Gibeon spoke to me in the [Temple] of Jehovah before the eyes of the priests and all the people. He said: 2 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel, spoke to me and said, I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 And in just two more years I will return all things of the [Temple] of Jehovah to this place, 4 as well as JeconiJah and the [people] of Judah who had been relocated. For, I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’
5 Then the Prophet JeremiJah replied to HananiJah, there before the Priests and before the eyes of all people who were standing in the [Temple] of Jehovah: 6 ‘May Jehovah for a fact do what you’ve said in your prophecy, by returning the things of the [Temple] of Jehovah, and by returning to this place all those who were taken away to Babylon. 7 But hear these words that I’m now speaking in your ears before all the people: 8 Through the ages, there have been those who have spoken great prophecies against this land – long before you and me – concerning war, oppression, and plagues; 9 and [at the same time] there were also those who prophesied peace. Yet, when it all happens, the [people] will trust whichever of the prophets that was actually sent to them by Jehovah.’
10 Well, HananiJah then tore the yoke from the neck of JeremiJah and broke it. 11 And he said (there before the eyes of all the people): ‘The Lord told me that this is how He will break the yoke of the king of Babylon from the necks of all the nations… in just two more years!’
So, JeremiJah left and went on his way. 12 But then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah (after HananiJah had broken the yoke from his neck), and He said, 13 ‘Return and tell HananiJah: Jehovah says that you’ve broken the yoke, but I’ll turn the wooden yokes into iron. 14 For, Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says, I’ll put a yoke made of iron, upon the necks of all nations, so they’ll work and serve Babylon’s king; and to him I will give all their cattle.’
15 Then JeremiJah told HananiJah, ‘Listen O HananiJah; Jehovah hasn’t sent you to these people just so they can rely on all the things that they are doing wrong. 16 And because of what you’ve done, Jehovah says: {Look!} I’ll send you away from the face of the earth… this very year you will die, for speaking against Jehovah [your God]!’
17 Well, he did die in the seventh month.
Chapter 29
1 These are the words of the scroll that JeremiJah the Prophet sent from Jerusalem to the elders of those who had been relocated, as well as to the priests and false prophets… to all the people who NebuChadNezzar had moved from Jerusalem to Babylon 2 after JeconiJah the king, his queen, and his eunuchs, as well as all the free men, servants, and craftsman, were taken from Jerusalem. 3 [He sent it] by the hand of ElAsah (the son of ShaPhan) and GemariJah (the son of HilkiJah). For, they were the ones who ZedekiJah (the king of Judah) sent to the king of Babylon (who was in Babylon [at the time]).
[The scroll] said: 4 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says to those who were taken away (those who He resettled from Jerusalem to Babylon): 5 Build your houses and live there; plant gardens and then eat their fruits! 6 Take wives and have children (both sons and daughters)! Take [mates] for your sons and your daughters, and they’ll give birth to [more] sons and daughters… they’ll multiply and not be diminished! 7 Seek peace in the land where I’ve sent you, and pray to Jehovah on behalf of [the people], for in their peace you’ll find peace!
8 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says: Don’t believe the false prophets among you… don’t be influenced by those, who say that you will have comfort, and don’t pay attention to any dreams that you dream! 9 For, there will be those who come in My Name, and they will prophecy falsely; but I didn’t send them, says Jehovah!
10 ‘Jehovah says: After seventy years are fulfilled upon Babylon, I’ll come visit you and do as I said… I’ll return your people to this place… 11 I’ll work out a way that’s peaceful not bad, in order to give you these things. 12 Then you can pray and I’ll listen to you… 13 you can search for Me and you’ll find Me; and when you search with your whole hearts, 14 to you I will make an appearance! 15 For, you’ve said that the Lord has put prophets, among those who are living in Babylon.
16 ‘And [Jehovah also spoke of] the king who was sitting on the throne of David, and to all the people who were living in the city… to all your brothers who didn’t leave and weren’t taken into captivity along with you. 17 Jehovah of Armies said: {Look!} I’ll send them the sword, famine, and plague… like a bad fig I will make them… [a fig] that’s too rotten to eat. 18 I’ll pursue them with swords, famines, and plagues, then scatter them among all kingdoms of the earth. To confusion, hissing, and scorn they’ll be cursed, among all the nations where I’ll send them. 19 For, they paid no attention to My words, says Jehovah, that I spoke to them through My servants the Prophets… those who I sent and rose early [each day], but to whom they wouldn’t listen, says Jehovah.
20 ‘But you’ve paid attention to the words of Jehovah… all of you who’ve been moved away… those who I sent from Jerusalem to Babylon.
21 ‘Jehovah also spoke against Ahab (the son of KolaiJah) and ZedekiJah (the son of MaAseJah)… those who were prophesying lies to you in His Name. [He said]: {Look!} To the king of Babylon I’ll hand them, and before your eyes he’ll cut them down. 22 Then; When Judeans in Babylon curse they will say: May Jehovah do the same thing to you, as He did to Ahab and ZedekiJah… who the king of Babylon fried in a fire.
23 ‘But those in Jerusalem are lawless… they’re committing adultery with their countrymen’s wives, and they say things in My Name, that I didn’t tell them to say… so I am the witness [against them], says Jehovah.’
24 Then [Jehovah told me] to say to ShemaiJah the NeHelamite: ‘I didn’t send you in My Name, but you sent a letter to the Priest ZephaniJah, [in which you wrote] that thus says Jehovah: 25 It was I who appointed you Priest, to replace the Priest JehoiAda, and to be in charge of the [Temple] of Jehovah, and to be over each prophet. 26 And I told you to put every man, who acts crazily [like a prophet] into prison… yes, in the [lowest of] dungeons.
27 ‘So, why haven’t you joined in with those, that are saying bad things about JeremiJah, who’s been a Prophet to you? 28 For, he sent [a message] to Babylon, and told those [who live] in that far away place, to go, build houses, and dwell there, and to plant gardens and eat their fruit.’
29 Well, after the Prophet JeremiJah had read this letter in the ears of ZephaniJah, 30 the word of the Lord came to him saying: 31 ‘Send [a message] to those who have been relocated. Tell them that Jehovah has brought condemnation, upon ShemaiJah the NeHelamite. He said: Since ShemaiJah has prophesied to you (although I didn’t send him), and he urged you to trust in the things you do wrong… 32 it’s because of this, said Jehovah, that I will visit ShemaiJah and his kind, and there won’t be a man left among them, who will see the good things I’ll do among you, says Jehovah. For, he’s spoken apostasy against the Lord.’
Chapter 30
1 These words came to JeremiJah from the Lord. He was told that Jehovah the God of Israel says: 2 ‘In a scroll you must write all these words, that I have spoken to you! 3 For, {Look!} the days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll return those of Israel and Judah (all who have been relocated),’ said Jehovah, ‘and bring them back to that land, which I gave to their fathers, and they will then be its lords.’
4 Then, these were the words that Jehovah spoke to Israel and Judah: 5 ‘Jehovah says: You will hear sounds of fear… you’ll hear sounds of fear and there’ll be no peace.
6 ‘Ask if a male has ever given birth. Yet, I see all men with their hands on their hips, as though they are women giving birth, and their faces are [yellow with] jaundice. 7 For, that will be a great day of woe, and there’ll be no other quite as severe, but Jacob will be saved from all this. 8 For Jehovah of Armies says: In that day I will break, all the yokes from their necks; I’ll tear apart all their bonds, and they’ll no longer be toiling for strangers. 9 They’ll work for Jehovah their God, and I will raise David to be their king.
10 ‘But you, O my servant Jacob; don’t be afraid, says Jehovah! O Israel, do not feel terror. For, {Look!} I’ll bring you back from that far away land… I’ll bring your seed from the land where they’re captives. Jacob will be returned and find rest; he’ll have an abundance of good things, and none will have reason to fear, 11 for I am with you to save you,’ says Jehovah. Then I will appoint a conclusion, upon the nations where I scattered you; but there’s no way that I’ll appoint a conclusion for you. Rather, I will correct you in fairness, and I’ll cleanse you until you are clean.’
12 ‘Jehovah said: I’ve removed the painful calamitous destruction, 13 and there’s no one who’s judging your case. But though your [wounds] have been medically treated, this brought no consolation to you. 14 For, by your friends you’ve been forgotten, and no one asks why I struck you, or why I allowed your enemies to beat you.
‘The discipline that I brought was substantial, for the unrighteous things that you did… because your sins were so great! 15 So, why yell [to Me] about your destruction, and the incurable state of your misery? It was because of the magnitude of your sins, and because of the harsh things you’ve done, that I’ve brought all these things upon you.
16 ‘Yet, those who [are now] devouring you, will themselves then be eaten, and all your enemies will be taken as captives… those who scattered you will be scattered, and those looting you will be plundered. 17 Then I’ll cure all of your grievous wounds… yes, I will treat you, says Jehovah. For Zion will be called The Place That’s Replanted, and no one will [attack] her anymore.
18 ‘Jehovah said: {Look!} I’ll return those of Jacob who’ve been relocated… all who were taken as captives. Then I will show mercy upon them, and rebuild their city in the heights, where the people will be seated according to their fairness.
19 ‘Then from among them there will come singers, and the sounds of those who are playing. They will grow in super abundance, and no way will they ever be diminished. 20 Each one will enter with his sons as before, and their praises will rise up before Me. Then I’ll pay a visit to those who oppressed them.
21 ‘Their leader shall be one of them… their ruler shall come from among them. Then I’ll collect them and bring them to Me (all those who decide in their hearts to return), says Jehovah. 22 Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their Lord.
23 ‘For, the rage of the Lord was sent forth… His anger went out to change all the godless, and to make them turn back to Him. 24 For, there’s no way to turn back the anger, or the rage of Jehovah, until He has taken some action… until He does what His heart has decided… and in the last days you will know this.’
Chapter 31
1 At that time, Jehovah said: ‘To the race of Israel I’ll be their God, and they’ll be a people to Me.’
2 Then Jehovah said, ‘They found it hot in the desert, when they were destroyed by the sword, but Israel will now find places to rest! 3 They will see the Lord in the distance, and then He will say: I’ve loved you with a love of the ages, so I’ve drawn you to Me to show pity upon you… 4 I will rebuild you and you’ll be rebuilt, O virgin daughter of Israel. Then once more you’ll take your tambourine, and go playing amidst the whole congregation. 5 Once again you’ll plant vineyards, upon Samaria’s mountains; so now go planting and plant, and go praising and praise! 6 For, this is the day of the calling, and on the mountains of EphraIm the watchmen will cry: Get up and climb up Mount Zion, to Jehovah your God!’
7 Then Jehovah said this to Jacob: ‘Be glad and shout to the heads of the nations… do it… shout loudly in praise! Say; Jehovah has delivered His people… those of Israel who still remain! 8 Look; from the north I will lead them, and gather them from the ends of the earth, to celebrate a [glorious] Passover. Yes, they then will return here, and they will have many children.
9 ‘When they left they did so in weeping, but I’ll comfort them and lead them to lodging, along straight paths and streams of [pure] water, and from [that path] they won’t stray. For, I’ve become Israel’s Father, and [a Father] to EphraIm My firstborn.’
10 Hear the words of Jehovah, O nations, and announce it to far-away islands. Say, ‘He who once winnowed Israel, will gather them back [to Himself] once again, and then He will guard them as grazing flocks. 11 For, Jehovah’s [paid the] ransom for Jacob, and saved him from hands that were stronger. 12 So now they’ll return and be joyful on Zion… in a land full of grain they’ll find good things from God… wine as well as olive oil, plus fruit, cattle, and sheep. Then their lives will be like trees filled with fruit, and they will be hungry no more.’
13 ‘Then all the virgins will do much rejoicing, and men young and old will be shouting in joy. For I’ll turn their mourning into joy; I’ll comfort them and make them happy; 14 I’ll magnify the lives of the Priests, and the [the lives of] the sons of Levi. So My people will be filled with My good things.’
Jehovah said: 15 ‘A voice was heard out of RamAh, that was weeping, wailing, and grieving. It was RachEl… she was weeping for her sons, and she refused to take comfort for they are no more.’
16 Then Jehovah said: ‘Stop crying and dry the tears from your eyes, for there is a wage for your work… from the land of their enemies they’ll return. 17 Yes, there is still hope for those who remain,’ says Jehovah, ‘for your sons will return to their borders.’
18 I heard EphraIm grieving; I listened and heard what he said: ‘You disciplined me and I was corrected, for I was like a [wild] calf. So, turn me back and I will return, for You are Jehovah my God! 19 Living as a captive has changed my mind; in the day of [my] shame I moaned and understood. Then plainly I showed You that I had accepted, the scorn [I deserved] in my youth.’
20 ‘EphraIm is My very loved son; a child in whom I find joy. And because My words are within him, so I will never forget him. It was because of this that I hurried, for when it comes to showing him mercy, I will show mercy upon him,’ says Jehovah.
21 ‘So, establish road signs and guideposts! Give your hearts to your shoulders, in the way that you [are returning]! Return, O Israel the virgin! Return to your cities in mourning! 22 O My daughter; When will you turn from disgrace? For, Jehovah has made a new place, where it is safe to do planting, and a place where men can travel in safety.’
23 Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel said: ‘They will still say these words, in the land of Judah and [in all of] her cities, when I return those who were [taken away]: Praise Jehovah, upon His righteous Holy Mountain, 24 for those who live in the cities of Judah, and the farmers [who live] in His land, will be uplifted along with their flocks! 25 For the thirsty people, I’ll provide drink, and all hungry souls I will fill. 26 Then when you wake up, you’ll see that your sleep has been peaceful.
27 ‘{Look!} The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll sow both Israel and Judah, with the seed of man and the seed of wild beasts. 28 It’ll be as when I watched over them, [not] when I brought demolition and evil. Over them I will be watchful… I will rebuild and replant,’ says Jehovah.
29 ‘In those days, no way will they say, that the fathers ate unripe grapes, so the teeth of their children felt chills. 30 For then, each will die for his own sins… those eating green grapes will feel their own chills.
31 ‘Look… days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll make an arrangement with Israel’s house, as well as with the house of Judah, and then I’ll conclude a New Sacred Agreement, 32 that’s unlike the Agreement that I made with their fathers, in the day I took hold of their hands, to lead them from Egypt’s land. For, they didn’t keep My Sacred Agreement, so I let them go,’ says Jehovah.
33 ‘This is my Sacred Agreement, which I’ll arrange with Israel in those days,’ says Jehovah: ‘I will write My Laws in their minds and their hearts. Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God. 34 There’s no way they will teach their neighbors and brothers, and tell them that they should know Jehovah! For, all will know Me from the small to the great, and I’ll be kind toward their errors and sins… no way will I remember [their sins] anymore.’
35 Thus says Jehovah (who appointed the sun to light the day, and the moon and stars to light the night; the roar of the sea and the sound of its waves; Jehovah the Almighty is His Name): 36 ‘If these Laws before Me cease to be, then the race of Israel will no longer stand, as a nation before Me, throughout the rest of their days.’
37 Jehovah says, ‘If the skies can be raised in their height, and the floor of the ground can be lowered, I can reject the race of Israel,’ says Jehovah, ‘for all the things that they’ve done.’
38 ‘{Look!} The days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when a city will be built to Jehovah. [It will run] from HananeEl Tower, up to the gate at the corner. 39 I’ll measure it out to the hills of Gareb, and surround it with most precious stones… from the Valley of PhagarIm and its ashes, and from AsaRemOth to the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi. From the corner of the Gate of Horses to the east, it’ll be a Holy Place to Jehovah. Never again will it be uprooted; it will not be destroyed through the age.’
Chapter 32
1 These words came from Jehovah to JeremiJah in the tenth year [of the reign] of ZedekiJah the king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of [the reign of] of NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon. 2 At the time, the army of the king of Babylon had built a siege wall around Jerusalem, and JeremiJah [was under arrest and being kept in] the courtyard of the guard, which was located inside the [palace] of the king of Judah, 3 for King ZedekiJah had him thrown in jail.
[For, the king had asked him], ‘Why did you prophesy and tell us that Jehovah says, {Look!} I will hand this city over to the king of Babylon and he will take it… 4 and that, ZedekiJah won’t escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon, where he will speak to him mouth to mouth and look at him eye to eye… 5 and that, ZedekiJah will go into Babylon and stay there until I look upon him… but if you wage war against the Chaldeans, you won’t succeed?’
6 Then the word of the Lord came to JeremiJah. He told him, 7 ‘{Look!} HanameEl (the son of ShalLum) your paternal uncle will come to you and ask you to buy his field in AnathOth, and it will be advantageous for you to acquire it!’
8 And thereafter, HanameEl, (the son of ShalLum) my paternal uncle, did what the Lord said he would do. It was there in the courtyard of the guard that he said to me, ‘Acquire my field, the one in AnathOth of the land of BenJamin, because you are the eldest, and it would be advantageous for to acquire it!’
Well, I knew that this was the word of Jehovah, 9 so I acquired the field in AnathOth from HanameEl (my paternal uncle), and I paid him seven silver coins for it. 10 Then I recorded [the transaction] in a scroll and put a seal on it before witnesses, and weighed out the silver in a balance scale. 11 Thereafter, I took the scroll that had been testified to and sealed, and gave it to BarUch (the son of NeriJah, the son of MaAseJah) before the eyes of HanameEl (my uncle), 12 those who had served as witnesses of the deed scroll, and before the eyes of all the Judeans who were sitting in the courtyard of the guard.
13 Then, before them all, I gave orders to BarUch, saying, 14 ‘Jehovah, the Almighty God of Israel, says that you should take this scroll that has been sealed and is proof of my ownership, then read it and put it into an earthenware jar, so it will last for many more days. 15 Because, Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says, Fields, houses, and vineyards, will again be created in this land.’
16 Then after I gave the deed scroll to BarUch (the son of NeriJah), I prayed to Jehovah, saying, 17 ‘O Great Being; O Lord God; You who made the earth and the sky with Your mighty arm held above You, and from whom nothing at all can be hidden; 18 O You who shows mercy to thousands, and repays the sins of the fathers upon the chests of their children that follow; the great and Almighty God; Jehovah of Armies is Your Name … 19 [You are the God] of great counsel, and [You are] mighty in works. Your eyes are open to see the ways of the sons of men, and to repay each one according to his deeds, and according to the fruits of his practices. 20 You are the One who, in the land of Egypt (as well as down to this day), have brought signs and miracles to Israel, and You made a Name for Yourself to all those were born on the earth down to this day.
21 ‘It is You who led Israel Your people out of Egypt, with signs and miracles by Your mighty hand… with Your arm held high and by visions. 22 And thereafter, You gave them this land, with an oath which You swore to their fathers; a land that is flowing with honey and milk. 23 Then they entered this land and they took it, but they wouldn’t listen to Your orders or voice… they did nothing that You told them to do, so You brought all these bad things upon them.
24 ‘Look! A great army has come to this city… to capture it they’ve made their plans. It has been given to the hands of the Chaldeans, who are now warring against it, in the face of the sword, famine, and plague… {Look!} all that You said has now happened!
25 ‘Now, You’ve told me to take silver and purchase a field, and have this testified to by witnesses… yet this city has been given to the hands of Chaldeans!’
26 Then the word of Jehovah came to me saying, 27 ‘I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh, so [do you think] that such things are hidden from Me?’
28 Then Jehovah said, ‘I have allowed this city to be handed to Chaldeans, and into the hands of Babylon’s king… and he will [very soon] take it! 29 So, the Chaldeans will come and [capture] this city… they will burn it with fire, and incinerate the houses where they have burned incense, upon all their roofs to Baal, and where they offered [food and drink] to other gods, in order to make Me more bitter.
30 ‘Only the sons of Israel and Judah, would do such bad in front of My eyes. For, since their youth, Israel’s sons, have done many things to make Me feel bitter, by the works of their hands,’ says Jehovah. 31 ‘So, My anger and rage have been on this city, from the day that they built it to this day, to remove it from in front of My face, 32 because of all of the badness, of the sons of Israel and Judah – all the things that they did to make Me feel bitter – they, their kings, their rulers, and priests; their prophets, men of Judah, and those who live in Jerusalem. 33 They’ve turned their backs and their faces to Me. Yet, at each dawn, I [sent Prophets] to teach them, and they wouldn’t listen or take instruction.
34 ‘Then, in all their uncleanness, they put their disgusting things in the [Temple], which is called by My Name. 35 There they built shrines to Baal, and in the Valley of Hinnom, they offered their sons and daughters to Molech, which is something I never told them to do… such disgusting things never entered My heart, to make Judah sin [in this way].’
36 Then, Jehovah the God of Israel said against this city: ‘Say to them: I’ve placed it in the hands of Babylon’s king, through the sword, famine, and plague. 37 But {Look!} I’ll gather them back from the lands, where I scattered them in My anger… yes in My rage and great fury. To this place I’ll return them, and in security I’ll settle them here. 38 Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God. 39 I’ll give them a new way and new heart, to fear Me all of their days, for the good of them and the children that follow.
40 ‘Then, with them I will conclude, a a Sacred Agreement of the ages, which I will not take away. I’ll put the fear of Me in their hearts, so from Me they’ll not turn away. 41 Then I’ll visit them to do good things, and in security I will plant them in this land, with My whole heart and soul.’
42 Then Jehovah said: ‘And as I brought bad to these people, I’ll now bring them the good things I promised. 43 They’ll acquire fields in this land, that you say is unwalked by man or beast, and which is being given to the Chaldeans. 44 With silver they will buy fields, which you’ll record in a scroll, and put upon it a seal, to which you’ll have witnesses testify. 44 In the land of BenJamin [this will happen], as well as all around Jerusalem, and in all the cities of Judah. [It will happen] in all cities in the mountains, and in the cities of the Shephela and Negev. For, from their relocation I’ll return them,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 33
1 Then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah a second time while he was still bound in the courtyard of the guard. 2 He was told, ‘The Lord who made the earth and shaped it (Jehovah is His great Name) says: 3 Cry out to Me and I’ll answer; I’ll report to you of things great and mighty, about which you haven’t known!’
4 Then Jehovah the God of Israel told of how the houses of the city [of Jerusalem] and the [palace] of the king of Judah would be demolished for use as siege mounds and fortifications 5 in their fight against the Chaldeans, and how they were to become filled with the dead [bodies] of the men that [He will] strike in His anger and rage when He turns His face from this city because of all its wickedness.
6 [He said], ‘{Look!} Then a cure I’ll provide, and a closing of her wounds. I’ll treat them and make sure that they hear and know, and bring them peace they can trust. 7 I’ll return those of Judah and Israel, who were [carried away] and resettled, and I will rebuild them as they once were. 8 I will cleanse them of all their errors, with which they have sinned against Me, and there’s no way I’ll remember their sins against Me, or of the ways that they left Me.
9 ‘Then to Me they will become, a magnificent and joyful name of praise, before all the peoples of the earth. For the [nations] will all hear of the good things I’ll do, and they’ll be in fear and be humbled, because of the good things and peace, that I will bring upon them.’
10 Then the Lord said: ‘And in this place that you call desolation, you’ll hear [the sounds of] animals and men, once more in the cities of Judah. And then outside of Jerusalem (in those desolate places, where the sounds of men and beasts are not heard), 11 there’ll be voices of gladness and joy; the sounds of a bride and a groom; and the sounds of men who are saying, Praise the Almighty God, for Jehovah really does care, and through the ages He has shown mercy!
‘Then they’ll carry gifts to [Temple] of Jehovah, and those taken from the land I’ll then return,’ said Jehovah.
12 Then Jehovah of Armies said: ‘But upon this place there must come desolation, and its cities will be void of cattle and men… a lodging for shepherds and a place for the bedding of flocks. 13 But then; In the cities of the mountainous regions; in the cities of the Shephela and the Negev; throughout BenJamin’s land; all places around Jerusalem, and in all the cities of Judah, sheep [will be gathered] and counted,’ said Jehovah.
14 ‘{Look!} The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll [fulfill] all the good words I spoke, about the houses of Israel and Judah. 15 Yes, in those days and that time, from David will sprout a bud that is righteous, then a king will reign who’ll bring understanding, and fairness and righteousness to the land.
16 ‘In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in security. Then they will call [Me] Jehovah Our Justice,’ 17 (for Jehovah says): ‘There’ll always be a man of David’s [line], sitting upon Israel’s throne. 18 And from among the Levites and Priests, there’ll always be a man who stands before Me, offering up whole burnt offerings, as well as incense, sacrifices, and gifts, throughout all of the days.’
19 Then the word of the Lord came to JeremiJah saying, 20 ‘Jehovah says: If you should annul My Sacred Agreement – My Sacred Agreement with the day, and My Sacred Agreement with the night, so there won’t be day or night in their time – 21 then I’ll make My Agreement with My servant David, and there’ll be [no need] for his sons to reign on his throne, nor Levites or Priests to serve before Me. 22 For, I’ll grow the seed of My firebrand David, to be so many that they can’t be counted – like the armies of the heavens and the sands of the sea – as well as the seed of the Levites, who are now serving before Me.’
23 Then the word of the Lord came to JeremiJah saying, 24 ‘Don’t you know what those people are saying? They’re saying that the Lord chose these two families, and then He just pushed them both out… that [I am oppressing] My people, so there’ll no longer be a nation before Me.’
25 And thereafter Jehovah said, ‘If My Agreement with the day and the night had not been, and I hadn’t brought the Laws of heaven and earth, 26 then the seed of Jacob would not have been chosen, or the seed of My servant David, so to Me they would not be returned… his seed of rulers [that came] from the seed, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yet, from their captivity I’ll return them, and I will show mercy upon them.’
Chapter 34
1 These words came to JeremiJah from the Lord concerning NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon, the entire camp of his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth who are under the domination of his hand… all those people who are waging war against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. 2 Jehovah the God of Israel told me to go to ZedekiJah the king of Judah and tell him that thus says the Lord: ‘When it comes to handing things over, I’ll hand this city to Babylon’s king, and he will take it and burn it with fire. 3 And as for you; in no way will you be saved from his hands, for he’ll capture you and take you in his hands, then he’ll look you in the eyes and speak mouth to mouth, for into Babylon you’ll be taken.’
4 Listen to what Jehovah said, O ZedekiJah king of Judah, because this is what He said to you! ‘You will not die by the broadsword, 5 for when you die they’ll burn incense, as they did for your fathers who reigned before you. And when they burn it they’ll be crying, O Lord, as they are mourning for you.’ Yes, this is what was said by Jehovah.
6 So, JeremiJah said all these things to King ZedekiJah there in Jerusalem. 7 And then the armies of the king of Babylon attacked Jerusalem and all the remaining cities of Judah (because the fortified cities of LachIsh and AzekAh in Judea still hadn’t [been conquered]).
8 Then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah after King ZedekiJah [issued a decree] to the people in Jerusalem concerning [God’s] Sacred Agreement, in which he called for everyone to set 9 their male and female slaves and their Hebrew male and female servants free, so that there would be no slaves in Judea. 10 And all the great men and all the people agreed to release their male and female servants, so they wouldn’t serve them anymore… they actually paid attention and set them all free! 11 But then after they did that, they went and got their male and female slaves whom they had set free and put them back to work as their slaves!
12 So, the Lord said to JeremiJah, ‘In the day that I rescued your fathers from Egypt, and from the house of their slavery, 13 Jehovah (the God of Israel) made a Sacred Agreement with them. 14 I said that after every six years, you must free your Hebrew bothers who had sold themselves… they may only toil for six years, and then you must set them all free! But you haven’t listened to Me, or turned your ears back to Me!
15 ‘Now; today they decided to do the right thing, and they called for each person to set free his neighbors; and they agreed to this before Me, in the [Temple] that is called by My Name. 16 Then they turned and broke their agreement with Me, by reclaiming their male and female servants, whose lives they had just set free… they turned back and made them slaves once again!’
17 It’s because of this that thus says Jehovah: ‘You didn’t pay attention to Me, and call for a release of your brothers and neighbors, so {Look!} I’ll call the release on your behalf – by the sword, by plague, and by famine – then scatter you to all the kingdoms of earth.
18 ‘And to those who voided My Sacred Agreement, by not keeping the agreement that they made before Me, with [the sacrifice] of a calf that they cut in two parts; 19 I will come through the midst of those parts; to the rulers of Judah and Jerusalem; to the mighty and priests, and all the people of the land, 20 and to their enemies I’ll hand them over… I’ll put them in the hands of those seeking their lives. Then their decaying flesh will serve as the food, for all the winged creatures of the skies, and all the wild beasts of the earth.
21 ‘Then I’ll hand over ZedekiJah (king of Judah), as well as all of his governors, to their enemies who are seeking their lives, and the hands of the armies of Babylon’s king… to those now fleeing before them!
22 ‘Look, I have ordered it [to happen],’ says Jehovah! ‘I will bring them back to this city, and they’ll war against her and take her; then they will burn her with fire. So, I will make all the cities of Judah, places where none live or walk.’
Chapter 35
1 It was during the time of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah that the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah saying, 2 ‘Go to the family of the Rechabites and call them, then bring them to the [Temple] of Jehovah, and into one of the courtyards, and offer them some wine to drink.’
3 So, he led JaAzaniJah (the son of JeremiJah and grandson of HabaZiniJah), his brothers, sons, and the rest of the family of the Rechabites into the [Temple] of Jehovah, 4 and into the dining room of the sons of Hanan (who was the son of IgDaliJah, a man of God), which was located next to the house of the [Temple] overseers and above the house of MaAseJah (the son of ShalLum), the person who guards the entryway. 5 Then I set before them a clay pitcher of wine and some cups, and I told them to drink some wine.
6 But they said, ‘There’s no way that we will drink any wine, because our ancestor JoNadab (the son of Rechab) told us, You must never drink wine – you and your sons – through the ages! 7 And you must not build houses, plant seeds, or ever own a vineyard. You must stay in tents for as long as you live in the land!
8 ‘So, we’ve obeyed the instructions of JoNadab (the son of Rechab) our ancestor, and didn’t do anything that he told us not to do. We haven’t drunk any wine throughout our lives – we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters – 9 nor have we built houses, owned vineyards, or planted seeds in a field… none of this has ever happened among us. 10 We’ve done everything that our ancestor JoNadab told us to do, and we’ve been living in tents.
11 ‘Then, when NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon came to this land, we told him, We will leave [our position] in front of the Chaldeans and the armies of the Assyrians and go up to Jerusalem. So, there is where we have lived.’
12 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 13 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says that you must go and speak to the men of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, and tell them that Jehovah says, There’s no way that you’re listening to the things that I say, 14 yet the sons of JoNadab (the son of Rechab) have obeyed the instructions that he gave to his children, not to drink any wine… and they’ve drunk no wine to this day! They paid attention to the commands of their father, yet when I spoke to you plainly you did not listen!
15 ‘Early each morning I sent you My servants the Prophets. And when I sent them and had them each tell you, to turn from your evil ways… to be better and not follow or serve other gods, so you could continue to live in the land, that I gave to you and your fathers. But, nothing at all did you learn… you paid no attention with your ears!
16 ‘Yet, the sons of JoNadab (son of Rechab], have obeyed the commands of their father… the things that he told them [not to do]! But these people haven’t listened to Me! 17 So, because of this, says Jehovah of Armies, Israel’s God, {Look!} I will bring upon Judah, and those who are living in Jerusalem, all the bad things that I’ve spoken against them. For, I spoke to them and they paid no attention; I called to them and they didn’t answer.’
18 Then JeremiJah said to the house of the Rechabites, ‘Jehovah says that; since the descendants of JoNadab (the son of Rechab) paid attention to the commandments of their father and did everything that he instructed them to do, It’s because of this, says Jehovah of Armies, Israel’s God, 19 there’s no way that a man of the sons of JoNadab (son of Rechab) will [ever] fail to stand before Me.’
Chapter 36
1 It was in the fourth year [of the reign of] of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah, that the word of Jehovah came to me saying, 2 ‘Get a papyrus scroll for yourself, and write all the words that I’ve said, about Israel and Judah, and all the nations that I’ve spoke to you about, from the time of JosiJah (king of Judah) to this day! 3 Then perhaps the house of Judah will hear, of all the bad things that I’ve planned to do, and turn from their wicked ways, so I can cover their failures and sins.’
4 So, JeremiJah called BarUch (the son of NeriJah), and he wrote all the words of Jehovah that came from the mouth of JeremiJah on a papyrus scroll.
5 Then JeremiJah said to BarUch, ‘Because I’m being guarded, I’m unable to enter the [Temple] of Jehovah. 6 So, you go there and read this papyrus scroll into the ears of all the people who are there in the [Temple] of Jehovah on a day of fasting… read it into the ears of all the Judeans who are coming from their cities, 7 then perhaps their need for mercy will fall before Jehovah and they’ll turn from their evil ways. For, the rage and anger that Jehovah spoke against these people is great!’
8 So, BarUch (the son of NeriJah] did everything that JeremiJah told him to do. He read the scroll of the words of Jehovah there in the [Temple] of Jehovah.
9 It was in the fifth year and ninth month [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah, that all the people of Jerusalem and the house of Judah held an assembly to fast before Jehovah, 10 and that’s when BarUch read the scroll of the words of JeremiJah into the ears of all the people who were there at the [Temple] of Jehovah. [He did this] from the [apartment] of GemariJah (the son of Shapha) the scribe, in the upper courtyard, which is in front of the threshold of the New Gate of the [Temple] of Jehovah.
11 And after MichaiJah (the son of GemariJah and grandson of ShaPhan) heard all the words of Jehovah being read from the scroll, 12 he went down to the palace of the king and into the house of the [royal] scribe, and {Look!} there he found all the rulers gathered – EliShama the scribe, DalaiJa (the son of ShemaiJah), ElNathan (the son of AchBor), GemariJah (the son of ShaPhan), ZedekiJah (the son of HananiJah), and all the supervisors. 13 Then MichaiJah told them everything that he’d heard, which BarUch had read from the scroll into the ears of the people.
14 Thereafter, the rulers sent for BarUch (the son of NeriJah, the son of JeHudi, the son of NathaniJah, the son of ShelemiJah, the son of Cushi) and told him, ‘Take the scroll that you read into the ears of the people in your hands and come here!’
So, BarUch (the son of NeriJah) picked up the scroll and went down to them, 15 and they said to him, ‘Now read the scroll again into our ears!’
Then BarUch read it into their ears. 16 And after they heard all the words, each started advising his neighbor, and they said to BarUch, ‘We have decided that we should announce all these words to the king!’ 17 And they asked BarUch, ‘Just where were you when you wrote all these words?’
18 And BarUch replied, ‘These words came from the mouth of JeremiJah… it was he who spoke the words. I just wrote them in the scroll!’
19 Then the rulers said to BarUch, ‘Go somewhere and hide… both you and JeremiJah! Don’t let anyone know where you are!’
20 Then they put the scroll under guard in the house of EliShama the scribe, and they went into the courtyard of the king and told the king everything that it said. 21 So, the king sent JeHudi to get the scroll, and he went and took it from the house of EliShama the scribe, and JeHudi read it before the king and all the rulers who were sitting around him.
22 Well, the king was then in his winter palace, for it was the ninth month, and he was sitting in front of his fireplace. 23 And after JeHudi had read just three or four lines, he shredded [the scroll] with the scribe’s razor and tossed it into the fire in the fireplace, where the papyrus scroll was entirely burned up and destroyed.
24 Well, nobody was surprised… none who were there ripped their clothes; not the king, any of his servants, or any of those who heard these words. 25 However, ElNathan, DalaiJa, and GemariJah had suggested to the king that he shouldn’t burn the papyrus, 26 but he refused to listen to them. Then the king told JeRahmeEl (the king’s son), SaraiJah (the son of AzriEl), and ShelemiJah (the son of AbdeEl) to seize BarUch the scribe and JeremiJah the Prophet, but they were already in hiding.
27 Well, after the king burned the scroll that BarUch wrote containing all the words that were spoken by JeremiJah, the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah saying, 28 ‘Take another papyrus scroll and write the same words as were written in the scroll that King JehoiAkim burned. 29 Then tell JehoiAkim the king of Judah that Jehovah says, You have burned up this scroll, yet you asked why I had it written. For it told you that Babylon’s king, will enter this land and destroy it, wiping away both man and beast.
30 ‘Well, because of this, Jehovah has said this against [you]: O JehoiAkim king of Judah, who sits upon David’s throne; You will no longer be sitting, but into the sweltering heat of the day, and into the icy coldness of the night, your decaying flesh will be tossed. 31 For, I’ll come against him, his family, and his children; Because of their lawlessness I’ll bring upon them, and those living in Jerusalem and Judah, all the evils that I told them about, but to which they refused to pay attention.’
32 Then JeremiJah took another papyrus scroll and gave it to BarUch (the son of NeriJah) the scribe, and he once again wrote the words that came from the mouth of JeremiJah upon it – all the words that JehoiAkim the king of Judah had burned in the fire – and he added many more words to it (such as these).
Chapter 37
1 Then ZedekiJah (the son of JosiJah) started reigning in place of ConiJah (the son of JehoiAkim), whom NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon appointed to reign in the land of Judah. 2 And he, his servants, and the people of the land wouldn’t listen to words of Jehovah that He’d spoken through JeremiJah.
3 Then King ZedekiJah sent JehuCal (the son of ShelemiJah) and ZephaniJah (the son of MaAseJah) the Priest to JeremiJah to tell him: ‘Pray to Jehovah our God for us.’
4 Well at the time, JeremiJah was free to come and go throughout the city, because they hadn’t put him in prison. 5 Then the armies of Pharaoh came up from the land of Egypt, and when the Chaldeans heard about this, they [marched on] Jerusalem.
6 Then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah saying, 7 ‘Jehovah, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah (the one who sent you to inquire of Me), {Look!} These armies of Pharaoh that come to your aid, to the land of Egypt will return. 8 Then the Chaldeans will return, and they’ll wage war on this city… they’ll take it and burn it with fire!’
9 ‘Jehovah says that; your souls should not think of saying, The Chaldeans will turn back once more, because there’s no way they will do so. 10 And if you should beat the Chaldean armies, who are coming to wage war against you, then even the wounded that they leave behind, will arise and burn this city with fire.’
11 Well, that’s what happened… soon the armies of the Chaldeans [attacked] Jerusalem there in front of the armies of Pharaoh.
12 Then JeremiJah left Jerusalem to go to the land of BenJamin, in order to buy some land among his people. 13 And when he arrived at the gates of BenJamin, there was a man who then arrested him (IriJah, the son of ShelemiJah and grandson of HananiJah). He seized JeremiJah saying, ‘Why, you’re running away to the Chaldeans!’.
14 And [JeremiJah] replied, ‘That is a lie! I’m NOT running away to the Chaldeans!’
But he refused to listen, so IriJah seized JeremiJah and brought him before the rulers. 15 And because the rulers [hated] JeremiJah, they beat him and sent him to the prison house of JoNathan the scribe, which had been turned into a prison. 16 And there JeremiJah [was thrown] into an [outhouse] pit [near] the [main] house, where he was confined for many days.
17 Finally, ZedekiJah sent for him, and the king asked him secretly, ‘Is there any word from Jehovah?’
And he replied, ‘Yes! You will be handed over to the king of Babylon!’
18 Then JeremiJah asked the king, ‘How have I wronged you, your servants, and the people, that you’ve put me into a prison (out)house? 19 And where are your prophets who prophesied to you and said there’s no way that the king of Babylon would ever come into this land?
20 ‘Hear this, O Lord, O king! Please show mercy on me as I stand here before you! You must not return me to the house of JoNathan the scribe and allow me to die there!’
21 Well, the king gave orders, and then they put him in the guard house and gave him a loaf of bread each day (which was baked outside) until there was no bread left in the city. So, JeremiJah stayed there in the courtyard of the guard.
Chapter 38
1 Well, ShephatiJah (the son of MatTan), GedaliJah (the son of Pashur), Jucal (the son of ShelemiJah), and Pashur (the son of MelchiJah) heard the words that JeremiJah had spoken to the people when he said, 2 ‘Jehovah says that all who live in this city will die by the broadsword, by famine, and by plague. But, whoever [surrenders] to the Chaldeans will live and save his own life. 3 For, Jehovah says that; When it comes to handing over, this city will be handed over to the armies of the king of Babylon and he will take it.’
4 So, those rulers said to the king, ‘Let’s do away with that man, because he’s weakening the hands of the troops that remain in this city, as well as the hands of all the people, when he says things like that. He doesn’t prophecy about peace, but only of bad things!’
5 Then (because the king was unable to resist them) King ZedekiJah said, ‘Look! Here he is in your hands!’
6 So, they took JeremiJah and threw him into the [outhouse pit] that belonged to MelchiJah (the king’s son), which was located in the courtyard of the guard. They took rough cords and lowered him into the pit, which contained no water, just manure, and there he stayed in the filth.
7 Well, the Ethiopian Eunuch, EbedMelech, was in the courtyard of the king when they threw JeremiJah into the pit, and [at the time] the king was sitting at the Gate of BenJamin. 8 So, EbedMelech left the king’s palace and went to speak to the king. He said: 9 ‘My lord, O king; These men have done something very wicked by dropping the Prophet JeremiJah into the pit, because he’ll starve to death there, since there’s no bread left in the city!’
10 So, the king gave orders to EbedMelech, saying, ‘Take thirty men with you to the pit and pull him out so he doesn’t die.’
11 Then EbedMelech gathered the men, and he went to the sub-basement of the king’s palace where he found some rags and old ropes, and then he tossed them down to JeremiJah in the pit, 12 saying, ‘Wrap these around you!’ And JeremiJah did so. 13 Then they lifted him with the ropes and pulled him up out of the pit, and JeremiJah thereafter stayed in the courtyard of the guard.
14 Then the king sent for him while [the king] was in the house of AsaLiseEl (which is located in the [Temple] of Jehovah), and the king said to him, ‘I want to ask you something… and don’t hide the truth from me!’
15 And JeremiJah said, ‘Well, if I answer you, won’t you just put me to death? Besides, you don’t listen to any of the advice that I give you.’
16 Then the king secretly swore an oath to him, saying, ‘As Jehovah who gave us this life lives, I won’t kill you or hand you over to these men who are seeking your life!’
17 Then JeremiJah told him, ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says that; If you go and surrender to the governors of the king of Babylon, you will live… you’ll save your own life, and this city won’t be burned with fire… you and your family will live! 18 But if you don’t go [and surrender], this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans and they’ll burn it with fire. Then there’s no way that you’ll be saved from their hands.’
19 And the king said to JeremiJah, ‘But if I do that, I’ll have a problem with the Judeans who went over to the side of the Chaldeans… if I’m handed over to them, they’ll make [life miserable for] me!’
20 But JeremiJah said, ‘There’s no way that you’ll be handed over [to them]. Pay attention to the word of Jehovah that I’ve spoken to you, for it would be much better for you to live and save your life! 21 But if you choose not to go out and surrender, this is what Jehovah has said: 22 {Look!} All the women who remain in [your] house, will be carried to the king of Babylon’s princes. Then these women will say, that your allies deceived you… they cared so little for you, that they turned and stumbled your feet, in order to cause you to fall. 23 Then, by the Chaldeans your wives and children will be taken, and there’s no way that you will be saved, for you’ll be caught by Babylon’s king, and then this city will be burned to the ground.’
24 And thereafter, ZedekiJah told JeremiJah: ‘If you don’t talk about this to anyone else, you won’t die. 25 But if the rulers should hear that I’ve spoken to you, and then come to you and ask, What did you say to the king… if you don’t hide it from us, we won’t do away with you… so what did you say to the king? 26 You must tell them, I went to plead for mercy before the eyes of the king. I asked him not to return me to the house of JoNathan to let me die there.’
27 Well thereafter, the rulers did come to JeremiJah and ask him. And he told them what the king told him to say. Then they didn’t say anymore, because they didn’t know of the matter. 28 So, JeremiJah stayed in the courtyard of the guard until the time that Jerusalem was captured.
Chapter 39
1 Well, it was in the ninth year and tenth month [of the reign] of ZedekiJah the king of Judah, when NebuChadNezzar, the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem with all his armies and attacked it. 2 And it was in the eleventh year and fourth month (on the ninth day of the month of ZedekiJah’s reign) that the city walls were breached. 3 Then all the governors of the king of Babylon entered [the city] and sat at the central gate. There was NergalSharezer, SamGar, NeboSarsechim, NebuSarkes, Nergal, ShareZer, RabMag, and all the rest of the governors of the king of Babylon.
4 However, ZedekiJah the king of Judah and all his warriors had fled the city during the night, going through the king’s garden and then through the gate that leads between the city wall and the fortification around the wall, and they followed the road to the Araba. 5 But the Chaldean army chased after them and caught up with ZedekiJah on the other side of Jericho, then they led him back to NebuChadNezzar, the king of Babylon, who was at RibLah (a city in the land of HaMath). And it was there that they condemned him. 6 So, the king of Babylon murdered ZedekiJah’s sons before his eyes there in RibLah, as well as all the rulers of Judah. 7 Then he blinded the eyes of ZedekiJah and bound him with shackles, and led him off to Babylon.
8 Then the Chaldeans set the King’s palace and the houses of the people on fire and demolished them. 9 And all who were left – those who remained in the city and the deserters – were captured by the king of Babylon, 10 and they were removed by NabuzarAdan (the chief of the guards) to Babylon. However, he left behind the poor people and anyone in the land of Judah who was of no importance… he gave them vineyards and fields that day.
11 Then NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon gave instructions to NebuzarAdan the chief of the guards concerning JeremiJah. He said, 12 ‘Take him and keep an eye on him, but don’t do anything bad to him. Just treat him as you would like to be treated.’
13 So, NabuzarAdan, the chief of the guards, as well as NabuShasban, RabSares, Nergel, SharEzer, RabMag, and all the governors of the king of Babylon sent for JeremiJah. 14 They took him out of the courtyard of the guard, and presented him to GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam and grandson of ShaPhan), who then led him out to sit in the midst of the people.
15 But the word of Jehovah had come to JeremiJah while he was still in the courtyard of the guard, saying, 16 ‘Go and speak to EbedMelech the Ethiopian. Tell him that Jehovah the God of Israel says, {Look!} I’ve fulfilled My words on this city, to do just bad things not good! And they will stand before you in that day. 17 But in that day I will save you, says Jehovah. I will not hand you over, to stand before the faces of those whom you fear. 18 For, when it comes to salvation, I’ll save you, and no way will you fall by the broadsword. Your reward will be your own life, for you trusted in Me, says Jehovah.’
Chapter 40
1 Then the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah after he had been led off in shackles by NabuzarAdan (the chief of the guards), as he was being separated from the rest of the Judeans who were being relocated from RamAh to Babylon. 2 Then, as the chief of the guards was taking him away, he said to him, ‘Jehovah your God spoke to you against this place and all of its badness, 3 then the Lord did as He said, because you had all sinned against Him and you refused to listen to His voice. So, His Word is what happened to you.
4 ‘And now that I’ve removed the manacles from your hands; {Look!} if you find it good to travel with me to Babylon, come along and I’ll watch out for you. But if you don’t, then just run away from here! Look! The whole land before you is good, so go to wherever it is pleasing to your eyes. 5 Return to GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam and grandson of ShaPhan), who the king of Babylon has appointed over the land of Judah. Then live with him there among the people… if it seems good in your eyes to go, then go!’
And thereafter, the chief of the guards provided him a feast and some gifts, and then sent him away.
6 So, he went to GedaliJah at MizPah and stayed in the midst of the people who were left behind in the land. 7 And when all the [Judean] generals who were still in the field – along with their armies – heard that the king of Babylon had appointed GedaliJah over the land, they brought their men and their wives to him, along with the simple people and the needy of the land… all those who weren’t being relocated to Babylon.
8 Then IshMaEl (the son of NethaniJah), JoHanan (the son of KareAh), SeraiJah (the son of TanHumeth), the sons of EphAi the Netophathite, and JezaniJah (the son of the MaAchathite) came to GedaliJah at MizPah… they and all their men. 9 And GedaliJah swore an oath to them and their men, saying, ‘You will have nothing to fear from the servants of the Chaldeans; so come live in the land and work for the king of Babylon… this is what would be best for you! 10 For, {Look!} here I sit in MizPah to stand before the faces of the Chaldeans and anyone else who might come against us. So, gather your wine, autumn fruits, and olive oil in your receptacles, and live in the cities that you’ve been able to retain!’
11 So, when all the Judeans who were in Moab (as well as those among the sons of Ammon and in Edom, and those scattered throughout the land) heard that the king of Babylon had appointed an allotment to Judah and that he had appointed GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam) to be over them, 12 all the Judeans returned from the places where they were scattered, and they gathered to GedaliJah in MizPah, which was in the land of Judah. And they [brought along] all their wine, autumn fruits, and a tremendous amount of olive oil.
13 Also, JoHanan (the son of KareAh) and all the generals of the armies that were still in the fields, came to GedaliJah at MizPah. 14 And they said to him, ‘Don’t you know that BaalIsh the king of the sons of Ammon has sent IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah) to [assassinate] you?’
However, GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam) didn’t trust them.
15 Then JoHanan (the son of KareAh) secretly spoke to GedaliJah there in MizPah, and said, ‘I will go and strike down IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah), but don’t tell anyone, lest he should kill you and scatter all the Judeans that have gathered here with you, and then they’ll destroy the rest of Judea!’
16 But GedaliJah told JoHanan (the son of KareAh): ‘Don’t do this thing, because you’re telling lies about IshMaEl!’
Chapter 41
1 It was in the seventh month that IshMaEl, the son of NathaniJah and grandson of EliShama (who was related to the king), came along with some of the royal appointees and ten other men to GedaliJah in MizPah, and shared some bread together. 2 Then IshMaEl and the ten men who came with him got up and struck down GedaliJah with swords, killing him (the man who had been appointed over the land by the king), 3 as well as all the Judeans who were with him at MizPah, and all the Chaldeans that they found there. IshMaEl also killed the guards.
4 Well, it was two days after they killed GedaliJah (and no one had found out about it yet) 5 when some eighty men came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria with their beards shaved off, wearing torn clothes, beating their chests, and carrying gifts of frankincense in their hands for the [Temple] of Jehovah. 6 So, IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah) came from MizPah to meet them, and they all started weeping. Then he said to them, ‘Now, let’s go and visit GedaliJah.’ 7 Well, as they were traveling through the city, he and his men struck them and killed them all beside a well. 8 But ten of the men, as they were watching what was happening, said to IshMaEl, ‘You shouldn’t kill us, because we’ve brought along treasures from the fields… wheat, barley, honey, and olive oil.’
So, he passed them by and left them alive there in the midst of their [murdered] brothers.
9 Anyhow, the well where IshMaEl had tossed all those who he’d killed was very large (it’s the one that King Asa [had dug] in fear of BaAsha, the king of Israel), and that’s where IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah) threw their [dead bodies]. 10 Then IshMaEl took all the people who were left behind in MizPah – including the daughters of the king who had been left in the care of the chief of the guards by GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam) – and he set out for the other side [of the land] of the sons of Ammon.
11 Well, when JoHanan (the son of KareAh) and the generals who were with him heard of all the evil things that IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah) had done, 12 he took the entire encampment and set out to wage war with him, catching up with him next to the water of the great pool in Gibeon.
13 Well, when all the people who were with IshMaEl saw JoHanan (the son of KareAh) coming with the generals, they were joyful, 14 and they returned to JoHanan. 15 However, IshMaEl escaped along with eight of his men, heading toward the [land of] the sons of Ammon.
16 Then JoHanan took all the generals and their armies, along with all the remaining people from MizPah – those who IshMaEl (the son of NathaniJah) had captured after he killed GedaliJah (the son of Ahikam) – all the mighty men of war, as well as all the women, the eunuchs, and all the things that were left in Gibeon, 17 and they set up camp at ChimHam, which was near BethLehem, on their way toward the land of Egypt. 18 [For, they had decided] to run from the Chaldeans, as they were afraid to face them because of IshMaEl striking down GedaliJah, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over their land.
Chapter 42
1 Well, from there, they traveled on – all the generals, JoHanan (the son of KareAh), JezaniJah (the son of HoshaiJah), and all the people from the least to the greatest – and they went to JeremiJah the Prophet and said, 2 ‘May our need for mercy fall before you! Please pray to Jehovah your God about all these things, for there were once as many of us as your eyes could behold, but now we are so few. 3 Tell us which way Jehovah your God says we should go, and that’s the way we will go!’
4 And JeremiJah the Prophet said to them, ‘I’ve heard you, so {Look!} I will pray to Jehovah our God about the things you’ve said. Then I will announce to you whatever Jehovah tells me… and there’s no way that I’ll hide a word from you!’
5 So they said to JeremiJah, ‘May Jehovah be a righteous and trustworthy witness against us, if we fail to follow every word that Jehovah your God sends to us. 6 We will obey [every word] from the voice of our God Jehovah to whom we are sending you, whether for the good or the bad! We will pay attention and listen to the voice of our God Jehovah, so that things will go well for us.’
7 Well, after ten days, the word of Jehovah came to JeremiJah. 8 So, he called for JoHanan (the son of KareAh), the generals, and all the people (from the least to the greatest), 9 and he said to them, ‘Jehovah, the God of Israel to whom you sent me, has heard all your prayers before Him. 10 [And He says], If you wish to survive, you should stay in this land, and I’ll build you up and in no way demolish you. I’ll plant you and no way will I pluck you out. For, I’m bringing you rest from all the bad that I’ve done.
11 ‘[He says]: Do not fear the king of Babylon, whose face you are now so afraid of… don’t be afraid, says Jehovah, because I am with you and I’ll save you; I will rescue you from his hands! 12 I will grant an act of kindness, and I will show mercy upon you… I will return you to your land.
13 ‘But if you say among yourselves, There’s no way that we will stay in this land, and you fail to obey the voice of your God Jehovah, 14 and you say, There’s no way! We’re going to Egypt, so we’ll not know any war, or hear the sounds of the trumpets, or go hungry because of no bread; yes, we will [now go and] live there; 15 then hear the word of Jehovah, O you remnant of Judah!
‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says: If you point your faces toward Egypt, and enter [that land] in order to live there, 16 then the broadsword that’s now before your faces – the one you’re so afraid of – will also find you in Egypt. And the famine that’s been there before you, will also overtake you in Egypt… and there is where you will die. 17 Yes, all those men who have set their faces, to enter the land of Egypt and live there, will fall by the broadsword, famine, and plague. None will survive all the evils, which I will bring upon them!
18 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the 2 God of Israel says: As My rage has dripped on those in Jerusalem, so My rage will drip upon you, should you enter the land of Egypt. Then you will become a land that’s un-walked, and be under the hands of others; you’ll be a cursed [people] who are scorned, and never again will you see this [land]!
19 ‘That is what Jehovah spoke against you, O remaining ones of Judah… you must not go into Egypt! Now, you know this, for I have testified to you about it today! 20 But you [weren’t being honest] within yourselves when you sent me to Jehovah your God and said, 12 Pray about us to Jehovah and we will do whatever Jehovah our God tells us… whatever He tells us we will do! 21 Now, I’ve told you, but you won’t listen to the voice of Jehovah your God and follow [the words] that He sent to you, so you will come to your end in that place (where you now want to go and live) by means of the broadsword, by famine, and by plague.’
Chapter 43
1 Well, just after JeremiJah had finished speaking all the words of Jehovah their God, which Jehovah their God had sent to them, 2 AzariJah (the son of HoshaiJah), JoHanan (the son of KareAh), and all the proud ones started speaking to JeremiJah and saying, ‘You’re lying! Jehovah our God didn’t send you to tell us not to go down into Egypt and live there! 3 And there is BarUch (the son of NeriJah); he has joined with you against us, so you can hand us over to the Chaldeans, and then they can put us to death or move us to Babylon!’
4 So, JoHanan (the son of KareAh), the generals, and all the people refused to listen to the voice of Jehovah, or [agree] to live in the land of Judah.
5 Then JoHanan took all the generals, all the rest of the Judeans who had returned from the nations (where they had been scattered) to live in the land of Judah, 6 as well as all the mighty men, the women, the children, the remaining daughters of the king, all the lives that had been left behind by NabuzarAdan (the chief of the [Babylonian] guards), as well as GedaliJah (the son of AhiKam), 7 the Prophet JeremiJah, and BarUch (the son of NeriJah), and they went to TahPanHes in Egypt. For, they had refused to listen to the voice of Jehovah.
8 And it was while JeremiJah was in TahPanHes that the voice of Jehovah came to him, saying, 9 ‘Take two huge rocks for yourself, and [bury] them under the thresholds of the gates of the residence of Pharaoh in TahPanHes. Do this before the eyes of all the men of Judah, 10 then tell them that Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says, {Look!} I will send for My servant NebuChadNezzar (king of Babylon), and he’ll set his throne on these rocks that I’ve [buried]. He will also lay his shields down upon them. 11 For, he will come and he’ll attack Egypt, bringing death upon those who are dead, resettlement to those who’ve been resettled, and the broadsword to those who carry broadswords. 12 Then he’ll set fire to the [temples] of their gods, and he will resettle them all – the land of Egypt he’ll fumigate, as a shepherd fumigates his own clothes – and then he will leave here in peace. 13 He’ll destroy the columns of HelioPolis, and burn the gods of Egypt with fire.’
Chapter 44
1 Then the word of the Lord came to JeremiJah concerning the Judeans who were living in the land of Egypt… those who had settled in Migdol, TahPanHes, Memphis, and in the land of Pathros. He said, 2 ‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel says, You have seen all the bad things, which I have brought on Jerusalem, and upon the cities of Judah; and {Look!} they lie desolate to this day… no one lives there at all, 3 because of the wickedness of your faces, and all that you did to make Me feel bitter, by burning incense to gods you’ve not known… yes, you and all of your fathers!
4 ‘So [He says]; I sent My servants the Prophets [each morning], to tell you not to do all these things… these contaminations that I have detested. 5 But they wouldn’t listen to Me, or pay attention with their ears, and turn from their evil ways… of burning incense to other gods. 6 So, My anger and rage dripped upon them, and all the cities of Judah (those surrounding Jerusalem) are now burned down and a desolation… they lie unwalked to this day.
7 ‘And now Jehovah (the Almighty God of Israel) asks: So, why are you still bringing such evil, against your own lives, O you men – against your women, your infants and babies – so that none of Judah will remain? 8 For, you continue to embitter Me greatly, by the [bad] works of your hands, when you burn incense to other gods, in the land of Egypt where you’ve gone to live. Thus, you will be cut off and cursed, and scorned among all nations of the earth!
9 ‘Have you forgotten the evils of your fathers; the evils of Judah’s kings; the evils of your rulers and the evils of your wives, which were done in Jerusalem and Judah, 10 and which they’ve not stopped to this day? They have not learned to fear, for, My instructions they haven’t followed, which I laid before them and their fathers.
11 ‘It’s because of this, said the God of Israel, Jehovah of Armies, {Look!} that against you I’ll set My face, because of the evils you are doing, in My desolation of Judah. 12 I will take the remnant of Judah, who set their faces toward Egypt and lived there, and I’ll [cause them] to fail throughout the whole land… from the least to the greatest they’ll all fall, by the broadsword and famine… they’ll be cursed, scorned, and destroyed!
13 ‘I will visit those who have settled in Egypt, the same as I’ve visited Jerusalem… by the broadsword, famine, and plague, 14 which none will be able to escape… none of the remnant of Judah, who went down into Egypt, and who hoped in their souls [someday] to return, will ever be allowed to return there. There’s no way that they’ll ever return… except for just a few who’ll escape.’
15 Well, [the people] answered JeremiJah; for all the men knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods. And at the time, there was a great gathering of the women among all the people who had settled in the land of Egypt at Pathros. And the women said, 16 ‘We won’t pay any attention to the words that you’ve spoken to us in the Name of Jehovah, 17 for we will do all the things that we’ve said we will do, and we will continue to burn incense to the queen of heaven. We will keep on offering her [food and drink], as we, our fathers, our kings, and our rulers have done in Judah and around Jerusalem in the past… back when we were better off… when we had enough bread to eat… when things weren’t as bad. 18 For, it was only when we stopped burning incense to the queen of heaven and offering her [food and drink] that things became worse, and we started failing by the sword and famine.
19 ‘Why, haven’t you seen what happened when we burned incense to the queen of heaven… when we (without the aid of our husbands) made cakes and offered drinks to her?’
20 And JeremiJah replied to all the people (the mighty men, the women, and everyone else who had responded to him) saying, 21 ‘When it comes to the incense you burned in the cities of Judah and Jerusalem – you, your ancestors, your kings, your rulers, and the rest of the people of the land – it is Jehovah who remembers this! Yes, it ascended to His heart, 22 for He was unable to bear all the wickedness of your deeds, and the disgusting things you were doing to bring desolation upon your land… to make it an unwalked place and a curse to this day!
23 ‘You stood there before Him and burned incense – sinning against the Lord – and you didn’t pay attention to the voice of Jehovah, or to His instructions, His Laws, or His proofs. Rather, you went and took up all these evil practices, which you have continued to do down to this day.’
24 And JeremiJah said to the women and all the people: ‘So, hear the word of Jehovah, all Judea; you who are living in the land of Egypt! 25 For, Jehovah the God of Israel says that you and your women have brought fulfillment [upon yourselves] by your own mouths and hands, when you said that you will continue to acknowledge and burn incense to the queen of heaven, and offer [food and drink] before her.’
‘So, you plan to continue making offerings before her? 26 Well, because of this, hear the word of the Lord, all Judea, and those who have settled in the land of Egypt: {Look!} I swore an oath by My Great Name, said Jehovah, that My Name won’t remain in the mouths of all Jews. For they will no longer say, O Lord Jehovah, come live [among us], here within the land of Egypt.
27 ‘{Look!} I’ll be zealous to bring harm… not the good things among them. So all the Jews who now live in Egypt, will fail by the broadsword and famine, until [they all] cease to be! 28 Just the [few] who escape from the broadsword, will ever return to Judea… and there will be very few! Then all the remnant of Judah (those who traveled to Egypt, and who are now living there), will know whose words have proved true (Mine or theirs).
29 ‘And this is your sign, says Jehovah, that I Myself will visit this place, so you’ll know that My words have stuck upon you, because of your evil deeds: 30 {Look!} I’ll hand over the great house of HophRa (king of Egypt), to his enemies and those who are seeking his life, as I handed up ZedekiJah (king of Judah), to his enemy NebuChadNezzar (king of Babylon), who was seeking his life.’
Chapter 45
1 These are the words that JeremiJah the Prophet spoke to BarUch (the son of NeriJah) while he was writing these words in the scroll that came from the mouth of JeremiJah, in the fourth year of [the reign of] JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah. He said, 2 ‘Jehovah the God of Israel said this about you, O BarUch, 3 because you complained: Alas! Jehovah has added hard labor to my misery, for I went to bed moaning and I didn’t find rest.
4 ‘So, Jehovah told me to say this to you, {Look!} That which I’ve built I’ll demolish, and that which I’ve planted I will pluck out… yes even this land that is Mine. 5 So, do you look for great things to come upon you? If so, do not do that; for {Look!} upon all flesh I’ll bring bad things, says Jehovah. But as your reward I’ll give you your life, no matter wherever you choose to go.’
Chapter 46
1 Thereafter, these words of Jehovah came to JeremiJah the Prophet, against the nations. 2 [He said this concerning] Egypt and the armies of the Great House of Necho, the king of Egypt, who was at the EuPhrates River in CarChemIsh when he was [killed] by NebuChadNezzar, the king of Babylon, which happened in the fourth year [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (the son of JosiJah) the king of Judah:
3 ‘Pick up your weapons and shields,
And then get ready for battle!
4 Saddle the horses and mount the cavalry;
Don helmets, ready spears, and put on your chest plates!
5 ‘Why are they frightened and running?
It’s because their mighty have fallen,
And into exile they’re going;
They’ll not return to this land,’ says Jehovah.
6 ‘Let not the nimble be able to run,
And let not the strong be saved from the north,
For those at the River EuPhrates have fallen.
7 ‘What is this ascending as though it’s a river…
As though it’s a river swollen with water?
8 The waters of the river of Egypt arose (and they said),
I will ascend and cover the land;
I’ll destroy the city and all those who live there.
9 ‘Mount up your horses and ready the chariots!
Bring on the Ethiopian and Libyan soldiers,
All armed and carrying their shields!
Ascend here, O Lydians, and stretch tight your bows!
10 ‘For, that day belongs to the Lord God of Armies,
Who’ll arise to take vengeance on His enemies.
Then the sword will devour and be filled…
It will be drunk with their blood.
‘For, there’s a sacrifice to Jehovah of Armies
[Being offered] upon the land of the north,
There at the River EuPhrates.
11 ‘Go to Gilead and get the ointment,
For the virgin daughter of Egypt!
Yet, you’re wasting your time with your cures,
For they will not benefit her.
12 ‘The nations have all heard your voice,
For, your cries have filled the whole earth.
Warriors fighting warriors have weakened together,
And together, they have now fallen.’
13 This is what Jehovah said through JeremiJah the Prophet concerning the coming of NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) to strike the land of Egypt:
14 ‘Give the announcement in Egypt…
Let them hear it in Migdol,
And then give warning to Memphis!
Tell all of those in TahPanHes:
Prepare your yew to be [chopped] by the sword!
15 ‘Why are your mighty lying face down?
They can’t get up, for the Lord knocked them down!
16 ‘Your mighty [armies] have weakened,
Then they turned to their comrades and said,
Let’s rise and return to our people and homes…
Let’s [run from] the faces of those Greeks.
17 ‘You can call on the name of Pharaoh Necho;
He who’s the king of all Egypt;
But [his time of glory has faded].
18 ‘As I live,’ says the King, Jehovah of Armies,
‘As Tabor is found among mountains,
And Carmel is there by the sea,
19 I’ve come here to settle up matters.
‘So get ready, O daughter of Egypt,
(O you who are still left alive),
For Memphis will now be destroyed,
And then she will be called Woe,
For she will be left without people.
20 ‘Egypt is a heifer [that’s been readied for slaughter]
For a broken branch from the north came upon her…
21 Her hired workers that are like calves,
That are well fed and cared for.
‘Then they turned and all ran away.
22 For they didn’t wish to wait for the day,
When their destruction would come…
The time for them to be punished.
‘Her voice is like the hissing of a snake,
That slithers along in the sand.
So, they’ll come upon her with axes,
As though they were chopping up wood.
23 ‘Then, they will cut down her forest,’ says Jehovah!
‘For, no one can imagine their numbers…
As with locusts there’s no way to count them!
24 ‘Disgrace will come to the daughter of Egypt;
She’ll be given to the people of the north,’
25 Says Israel’s God, Jehovah of Armies.
‘{Look!} Then Ammon [the God of Thebes] I will punish.
I will bring upon Egypt,
As well as on her gods and her kings,
And upon Pharaoh and those who put trust in him…
26 To those seeking their lives I will hand them…
To the hands of NebuChadNezzar,
As well as the hands of his servants.
‘Then, as days of old it will be,’ says Jehovah.
27 ‘And My servant Jacob should not be afraid,
Nor should Israel feel terror.
‘{Look!} I’ll bring you back from far away places…
Your seed from where they were captives.
Jacob will return and then sleep in peace,
For, no one will bring them more trouble.
28 So don’t be afraid, Jacob My child,’ says Jehovah,
‘For I will then be there with you!
And all the nations to which I led you,
Will then be appointed to destruction…
All nations where I sent you will be consumed.
‘But, though I’ll never appoint you an end,
I will judge and correct you…
You’ll not be found innocent or acquitted.’
Chapter 47
1 These words of Jehovah came to JeremiJah the Prophet against the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza:
2 Jehovah says, ‘{Look!} Waters are arising from the north; They’ll become a flooding rushing stream. They’ll flood the land and all of its good things… the city, as well as all those who live there. 3 Then all the men will cry out… those living there will all shout, at the sound of the beating of the hoofs of his feet, and the rumble of the wheels of his chariots.
‘Fathers won’t turn to [help] their own sons, because their hands will all be too weak, 4 in the day that he comes to destroy the Philistines… to wipe away Sidon, Tyre, and their allies.
‘Jehovah will destroy the Philistines, as well as the islands of CappaDocia. 5 Baldness has come upon Gaza; AshKelon has been discarded, as have the the Enakim.
6 ‘How long will you strike with the sword of the Lord… until when will you finally be stilled? Return it back to its sheath… cause it to rest and lift it away! 7 How can it [finally] be stilled? For, Jehovah sent it to AshKelon, and against [her cities] by the sea, so all the rest would then be aroused.’
Chapter 48
1 Jehovah of Armies, the God of Israel, said this against Moab:
‘Woe to Nebo for it was destroyed; Kiriath JaIrim was taken… their forts were all vanquished and shamed.
2 ‘Moab isn’t dancing in HeshBon, for against her He’s planned many bad things. Come and let’s cut her out of the nations! Let’s bring her to the end with the sword!
3 ‘There’s the sound of men shouting in HoroNaim, O there is ruin and great destruction! 4 Destruction has come upon Moab! Announce this too in Zogora! 5 For, Luhith is now filled with weeping, and there’s weeping on the road to HoroNaim. It’s the cries of destruction that you hear, 6 so escape, and run for your lives! Live in the desert like zebras!
7 ‘Because you’ve relied on your treasures and forts; this is why you’ll be captured… you’ll be taken away and resettled, along with your princes and priests. 8 To all your cities there will come ruin… none of your cities will be saved. Even your valleys will then be destroyed, along with your plains,’ says Jehovah.
9 ‘Post signs upon Moab saying she is infected, so she’ll soon have to be burned; all her cities will become unwalked lands, for no one will then live within her. 10 O cursed is the one who’s indifferent, in doing the work of Jehovah… cursed is the one who holds back his sword!
11 ‘Moab has rested since boyhood, relying upon his own glory. He’s never poured dregs from pitcher to pitcher, nor has he been carried away. It’s because of this that he can still taste, and his sense of smell has not left him.
12 ‘But, because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} days are coming when I’ll send upon him, those who wish to lean on him. They will water [all his wine] pitchers, and they will break all his trumpets. 13 Moab will be disgraced before Chemosh, as Israel was disgraced before BethEl.
14 ‘So, how can you say, We are strong… all our men are mighty for war? 15 For, Moab and his [capital] city are gone… all his young men are slaughtered and fallen,’ says the King (Jehovah of Armies is His Name). 16 ‘For, Moab’s day of harm has come swiftly. 17 So, move away, all you who’re around him! And all who trust in his [fame] should now ask: How did the staff of the famous get broken… O that magnificent rod?
18 ‘So, descend from your glory and sit where it’s damp, O [great] daughter of Dibon! For, Moab has now been destroyed, and someone is also coming to you, who will destroy all your forts!
19 ‘Stand in the road and then look, O one who is sitting in AroEr, then ask the fleeing what has happened.
20 ‘Moab is broken and disgraced. So, shriek, cry, and announce it in Arnon, that mighty Moab has been destroyed! 21 For, judgment has come to the land of Misor… upon Holon, JahAzah, and MephaAth, 22 as well as on Dibon and Nebo, and on the house of DiblaThaim. 23 And on Kiriath JaIrim it has come, and the house of Gamul, as well as to the house of Meon. 24 It has come on Kiriath and BozRah… upon all the cities of Moab, both those far away and those that are near.
25 ‘The horn of Moab has been broken, and his strong forearm has been destroyed,’ says Jehovah. 26 ‘Now make [his people] all drunk, for he made himself great in front of Jehovah.
‘Now Moab will wallow in her own vomit; she will be considered a joke. 27 But, it was you, O Israel, and your cunning that brought this upon them, for you’ve waged war [as their ally].
28 ‘The inhabitants of Moab have left all their cities, and now they live among rocks… yes, they’ve become like dove that live among rocks.
29 ‘I heard the insolence of Moab, for he was very insulting, and his insults and pride raised his heart. 30 But I know all of his deeds,’ says Jehovah, ‘and I’ve had to endure too much from him… aren’t these the things that he did? 31 Yes! It’s because of this that Moab will shriek! And men of KeIr will be yelling, in their squalid conditions!
32 ‘As in the weeping for JaZer, that’s how I’ll cry over you, O great grapevine of SibMah. For, your vines have reached to the sea, and touched the city of JaZer. But ruin has fallen on your autumn fruits, and on those who are picking your grapes.
33 ‘There’s reason for shouting and joy at Carmel, for there’s no one to tread grapes in the vats of Moab. So, from morning to evening there’s reason for joy.
34 ‘From HeshBon, to ElYaleh, and JaHaz there’s a cry; they lifted their voices from ZoAr to HoroNaim, as though they were three-year-old heifers, for the waters at NimRim are dry.
35 ‘I’ll destroy Moab,’ says Jehovah; ‘he who ascends to his shrine, and there burns incense to his gods. 36 So, Moab’s heart will resonate like pipes. For, My heart is against those of Keir [and] Aras, and like pipes they will also resonate.
‘Because of this, the things he’s procured, have perished away from [all] men. 37 Then their heads in every place will be shaved, and their beards will also be shaved; all their hands will be beating their chests; and upon every loin will be sackcloth.
38 ‘[There’ll be wailing] on the roofs of Moab, and even within their [city] squares. For, I’ve broken Moab,’ says Jehovah, ‘like a pot that is no longer used.
39 ‘O how very contrite; yes, how Moab has repented; for Moab is now shamed and laughed at, and an object of horror to all those around her.’
40 Jehovah says: ‘I’ll spread and stretch out My wings over Moab. 41 Kiriath will be taken and her fortresses seized. In that day, the hearts of the armies of Moab, as the hearts of women will become.
42 ‘Moab will [soon] be destroyed, and he’ll no longer be many, for against him the Lord will prove Himself great. 43 So, snares, and fear, and the pit is upon you… you who have settled in Moab,’ says Jehovah.
44 ‘Those fleeing in fear will fall in a cesspool, and those climbing out will be caught in a snare. For, I’ll bring these things upon Moab, in the year that I visit,’ says Jehovah.
45 ‘In the shadow of HeshBon they stopped… all the army that was running away. For, fire came out of HeshBon, and flames shot forth from Sihon, and they devoured the forehead of Moab, and the scalps of the sons of SaOn.
46 ‘Woe upon you, O Moab! For, the people of Chemosh were destroyed, and your sons and your daughters were taken as captives. 47 But, I’ll return the captives of Moab, in the last days,’ says Jehovah.
This was the judgment on Moab.
Chapter 49
1 To the sons of Ammon:
Jehovah asked; ‘Are there no sons in Israel… is there no one there to inherit [their land]? Why has MelCom inherited Gad and their people, and why does he live in their cities? 2 {Look!} Because of this, days will come,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll make the great disturbance of war, heard in RabBah by Ammon’s sons. Then they’ll be destroyed, and their land [will soon] be unwalked; her shrines will be incinerated with fire, and Israel will inherit its kingship,’ says Jehovah.
3 ‘Shout, O HeshBon, for Ai was destroyed! Cry out, O daughters of RabBah, and dress yourselves up in sackcloth! Give in and lament over MelCom, for together his priests and his rulers, will be carried away and resettled.
4 ‘Why are there cheers in EmaKeim, O daughter of great audacity… she who relies on her treasures and asks, Who’d [dare to] come against me? 5 {Look!} I will bring fear upon you,’ says Jehovah of Armies, ‘and upon all the cities within [your domain]. For you will each soon be scattered, to wherever your faces [will lead you], and none will gather those who escape. 6 But from their captivity I’ll then return, the sons of Ammon,’ says Jehovah.
7 To Edom:
Jehovah says: ‘There is no more wisdom in Teman, for the council of their experts has been destroyed, and their wisdom’s beguiled and undone. 8 So, become accustomed to sitting, O you who live there in Dedan, for I’m bringing hard times upon you, in the time of My visitation. 9 Those who harvest grapes will soon come there, and they’ll leave nothing behind. They’ll come upon you and snatch you, as though they are thieves in the night.
10 ‘For, as I once dragged down Esau, I’ll uncover the things that you’ve hidden, and no way will you be able to hide them. Then you’ll be destroyed by those, who are neither your neighbors or brothers. 11 So abandon your orphans so they’ll live, for I will keep them alive, as well as all of your widows, for they will put trust in Me.’
12 Jehovah says: ‘{Look!} Those who were not under Law, were given the cup and they drank it. And because you won’t be found without guilt, you too will have to drink from that cup. 13 For, I swear an oath by Myself,’ says Jehovah, ‘that your land will be scorned and unwalked; you will be cursed in her midst, and your cities will be deserts throughout the age!’
14 Then I listened and heard from Jehovah, for He’d sent messengers to the nations to tell them, ‘Gather together and come here against her… arise and get ready for war!
15 ‘{Look!} I’ve appointed you to be small ‘mong the nations, and to be despised by other men. 16 For, all your [schemes] have worked out against you, and the audacity of your heart [pulled you down], among holes in the rocks of high hills. If you set your nest as high as an eagle, from there I’ll bring you down,’ says Jehovah.
17 ‘Then Edom will be a land that’s unwalked, and all who come there will be amazed, and whistle at all that has happened to her. 18 For, as Sodom and GomorRah were destroyed, along with all those who stayed there,’ said Jehovah, ‘no man will sit [in Edom] again, nor will a son of man ever live there.
19 ‘{Look!} Like a lion he’ll come from the Jordan to AiTham, then I will quickly drive them away, and set a young man [as their ruler]! For, who is like Me and who can oppose Me? And who is this shepherd that will stand before Me?’
20 So, hear the plan of Jehovah… His plan against Edom and what He’s devised, against those who are living in Teman. ‘Even the smallest of their sheep, will then be taken away, and the places where they rest will be empty. 21 For, the sound of their downfall will shake the whole earth, and their cries will be heard [‘cross] the seas.
22 ‘{Look!} He’ll soar like an eagle and see her, then he’ll stretch out his wings toward her forts. And in that day; the hearts of the mighty of Edom, will become like women with birth pains.’
23 To Damascus:
‘HaMath was disgraced, and from Arpad they heard bad reports. So, they were startled and enraged, and no way were they able to rest.
24 ‘Damascus was enfeebled and then turned to flee… by trembling she was overcome. Concern and grief held her down, like a woman who’s about to give birth.
25 ‘O this praised city which was never abandoned; this town that was ever so loved; 26 your young men will fall in your squares, and all your mighty warriors will fall in that day,’ says Jehovah of Armies. 27 ‘For, I’ll kindle a fire on the walls of Damascus, and burn the Plaza of the Son of Hadad.’
28 To Cypress and the queen in her courtyard, [concerning the attack by] NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon:
Jehovah says: ‘Arise and go up to Cypress, then attack the sons of Kedem, 29 as well as their tents and their sheep. Take all their clothes, their camels and jars, for [I] called for destruction upon them.
30 ‘Flee right away… just grab what you need, O you who sit in the courtyard,’ says Jehovah! ‘For against you King NebuChadNezzar’s made plans. 31 Get up and flee to a nation that’s stable, O you who now sit down to rest, for you’re resting in a place without gates or bars.
32 ‘Then all your camels will be plundered, and your cattle will all be destroyed. I’ll blow them away with the winds, and shave them away from your sides, for I’ll bring your enemies to drive you away,’ said Jehovah. 33 ‘Then your courtyards will be ostrich playgrounds… places unwalked through the ages. No way will man ever sit there again, or sons of men ever live there again.’
34 Well, the [following] things that the Lord told the Prophet JeremiJah would happen, were fulfilled upon Elam at the beginning of the reign of ZedekiJah the king of Judah. 35 For, Jehovah of Armies had said: ‘Look! I will break Elam’s bows, as well as his sources of power. 36 For, the four winds I’ll bring against Elam, from the four corners of the sky, and scatter them to these four winds.
‘Many nations will come against Elam, to push them out of their land. 37 Before their foes (those seeking their lives), I’ll cause them to be scattered. Then I’ll bring the badness of My anger and rage,’ says Jehovah. ‘I’ll chase them all with My sword, until they’re completely consumed. 38 Then in Elam I’ll establish My throne… from there I’ll send a king and great men,’ says Jehovah. 39 ‘But, at the ends of the days I’ll return, all the captives of Elam,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 50
1 These are the words that Jehovah spoke against Babylon and the land of the Chaldea by the hand of JeremiJah the Prophet:
2 ‘Announce it to all the nations… make it heard! Lift a sign… let them hear it (don’t hide it)! Say, Babylon was captured, Bel was disgraced, and MeroDach has been [lost]… all their images were shamed, and all of their idols were [taken].
3 ‘For, a nation from the north came against her, and brought her land to extinction. So, no one will live there again… none from among men or beasts.
4 ‘During those days and that time, they will be entered and shaken,’ says Jehovah. ‘Then, sons of Israel and Judah will leave her together, and before Jehovah they’ll leave weeping [in joy], for they’ll be seeking their God.
5 ‘They’ll ask for directions to Zion, and that’s where they’ll set their faces to go. Then, in Jehovah they’ll seek refuge, and recall His Agreement of the ages.
6 ‘My people became sheep that were lost, for their shepherds had pushed them out on the mountains… they led them astray from mountain to hill, then departed and abandoned [their sheep].
7 ‘So, those who found them consumed them. Their enemies said, We won’t spare them, because they’ve sinned ‘gainst the Lord, in the righteous pastures where [He’d] gathered their fathers.
8 ‘Get out of Babylon’s midst, and from the land of the Chaldeans! Escape like sheep being chased by wild beasts! 9 For, {Look!} against Babylon I will arise, with gatherings of great nations from lands in the north. Then they will come and attack her, and she will be taken as their captive… the arrows of their best warriors, will not return without success.
10 ‘Then the Chaldeans will be plundered, and all those who loot her will soon become filled,’ says Jehovah. 11 ‘For, she was once glad and found glory, when My inheritance was plundered by her… she leaped like a calf in My pasture, and then she gored like a bull. 12 So, she will bring shame to her mother, then she’ll become the least of the nations… a wilderness, parched land, and a desert.
‘{Look!} This [greatest] of nations lies unwalked and empty, 13 because of the rage of Jehovah (it won’t be lived in… all will be gone). Then those who travel through Babylon, will look sadly and whistle at her disaster.
14 ‘Come, lay siege against Babylon… stretch your bows and shoot at her! Don’t spare your bows when you come against her, for, it’s against Jehovah that she has sinned. 15 Then tie up her hands and take her away; raze all the parapets on her walls, for this is vengeance from God… do to her as she once did to you! 16 Then wipe out Babylon’s seed (those who [swing] sickles in the harvest), before the swords of the Greeks! Then each should return to his people… each should return to his homeland.
17 ‘Israel has been a wandering sheep, for lions pushed them out [of their land]. The first to eat him was Assyria’s king, and then Babylon’s king ate his bones.
18 ‘It’s because of all this,’ says the God of Israel, Jehovah of Armies, ‘{Look!} I’ll take vengeance on Babylon’s king and his land, as upon Assyria’s king I took vengeance. 19 Then I’ll restore Israel to his pasture, and he’ll feed upon Carmel and in Bashan… in Gilead he’ll satisfy his soul, and upon the mountains of EphraIm.
20 ‘In those days and that time,’ says Jehovah, ‘throughout Israel they’ll search for all that’s unrighteous, and it will no longer exist. For the sins of Judah they will seek, and there’s no way they’ll be able to find them. And those who remain will find kindness.
21 ‘Come to that land and attack her… against the people who are living within her, and punish all those who once clapped their hands… wipe them away with the sword,’ says Jehovah! ‘Do all to them that I’ve told you to do!
22 ‘There’s the sound of war and great destruction, within the land of Chaldea. 23 O how they were defeated and smashed, by the hammer of the whole earth… how Babylon saw extinction from the nations!
24 ‘They’ll attack and you will be captured; yet you, O Babylon, are still unaware. You will be found and then taken, for it is I, Jehovah, whom you’ve opposed!
25 ‘So the Lord has opened His storehouse, and withdrawn the objects of His rage, to do the work of Jehovah of Armies, within the land of Chaldea. 26 Because it’s her time, open her stores! Search her like a cave, then destroy her… don’t leave a trace [of where she once was]! 27 Dry up all of her fruits, and carry them down to the slaughter! Woe upon them, for their day has now come… the time for them to be punished!
28 ‘There’s the sound of [people] who are fleeing… from the land of Babylon they’re running. So, announce the vengeance of Jehovah to Zion… the vengeance of our God for His Temple.
29 ‘Urge many to come against Babylon… tell all to stretch tight their bows! Set your camps all around her, and allow none to escape. Pay her back for the things she has done… what she’s done to you, you do to her! For, against Jehovah she has stood… against God (the Holy One of Israel).
30 ‘It’s because of this that she’ll fall. And all the young men in her squares, as well as all of her warriors, will be [stabbed through] in that day,’ says Jehovah.
31 ’{Look!} I am against you, O proud one,’ says Jehovah of Armies, ‘and the day has now come… it’s time for you to be punished. 32 The insolence that you had will now fall, and there’ll be no one to raise it again. For, I will kindle a fire in her woods, which will devour all the things round-about her.’
33 Jehovah of Armies also said, ‘To the sons of Israel you’ve been tyrants, as well as to sons of Judah… to all whom you captured you’ve been tyrants, and you refused to send them away.
34 ‘But He who pays their ransom is strong (Jehovah the Almighty is His Name). He judges His opponents in fairness, before He takes them away from their land. And now He’s [decided to] provoke, all those who are living in Babylon.
35 ‘Bring a sword upon the Chaldeans,’ says Jehovah, ‘and upon all the residents of Babylon… upon her great men and experts! 36 Bring a sword against her clairvoyants, and prove them all to be fools! Bring a sword upon all her warriors, and let them each receive wounds! 37 Bring a sword upon all of their horses, as well as upon all their chariots. Then those in their midst will all act like women! Bring a sword upon all of her treasures… [haul them away] as your plunder!
38 ‘Though she has relied on her waters, they will soon be disgraced. For, they’re a land of carved idols. And since the islands also glorified them, 39 their idols will be sent to those islands, where they’ll live among the chained demons.
‘There’s no way she’ll be lived in through the age; from generation of generation, no one will camp there. 40 For, as God destroyed Sodom and GomorRah, as well as the places round-about them,’ said Jehovah, ‘there’s no way that men will live there again, nor will sons of men ever stay there.
41 ‘Look! There are people who are coming from the north… from the ends of the earth there will come… a great nation, as well as many kings, 42 all brandishing their bows and their knives. They’re audacious, for they’ll not show mercy, and their voices [will roar] like the sea. O [great] daughter of Babylon; They’ll come against you riding horses, prepared like fire for a war.
43 ‘The king of Babylon will hear the report, and then his hands will grow weak… he’ll be gripped with pangs like a woman giving birth.
44 ‘{Look!} Like a lion he’ll ascend from the Jordan, and he’ll go to the place called AiThan. Then quickly I’ll drive them [against] her… I’ll set all the young men against her. For, who is like Me and who can oppose Me, and who is this shepherd that stands before Me?
45 ‘Because of this; Hear the plan of Jehovah… all His plans against Babylon, and all the devices that He has devised, against those who live in the land of Chaldea. Surely their lambs will all be destroyed… surely their pastures will all be taken!
46 ‘From the sound of the conquest of Babylon, all the earth will be shaken, and her cries will be heard throughout all the nations.’
Chapter 51
1 Jehovah said: ‘{Look!} I will awaken against Babylon, and against the Chaldeans who live there, a wind that burns and destroys. 2 Arrogant ones I’ll send against Babylon… they will insult and lay waste to her land. So, woe upon Babylon and those round-about her, in the day that she is afflicted.
3 ‘Let the bowman stretch out his bow, and strap on all his weapons! Her young men must not be spared… wipe out all of her armies… 4 may all in the land of Chaldea fall dead… may their [mercenary troops] be pierced through and fall. 5 For Israel and Judah aren’t the widows, of their God Jehovah the Almighty. It was because their land was filled with injustice, and [had left] the holy ways of Israel, that they were [taken away].
6 ‘So, those in Babylon’s midst should now flee… each man should save his own life! Don’t get involved in her unrighteous things, for it’s time for her punishment by Jehovah… He’ll repay her for the things she has done!
7 ‘As a cup of gold is Babylon, within the hands of Jehovah, and the whole earth is now drunk from her wine. All the nations have drunk it, and because of this they are reeling.
8 ‘But, Babylon will suddenly fall and be broken, and it will be [the time to] lament her! Bring an ointment for her wounds, to see if she can be healed! 9 Though we provided her treatment, Babylon couldn’t be healed. Thus, each must leave and return to his land, for heaven has approached her for judgment… up to the stars she’s been lifted.
10 ‘Yes, Jehovah His judgment upon her, so come let’s announce it in Zion… the works of Jehovah our God.
11 ‘Prepare you bows… fill your quivers, for the spirit of the king of the Medes, has been aroused by Jehovah. Because of His rage against Babylon, [He plans] to wipe her away. Yes, this is vengeance from the Lord, as well as the vengeance of His people.
12 ‘Lift the flags upon Babylon’s walls; prepare the watchmen and ready the shields! For, Jehovah’s about to do what He said, against those residing in Babylon.
13 ‘O those who camp upon many waters, and [trust in] all of her treasures; your limit is finally reached, as to what your bowels [can hold]. 14 For, Jehovah swore an oath by His arm (and He said), I’ll fill you with men – as many as locusts – and those coming against you will shout.
15 ‘It is He who made the earth with His strength… who prepared man’s habitation in His wisdom, and in His understanding stretched out the sky. 16 With His voice He prepared the waters of the sky, and He led the clouds from the ends of the earth. He made the lightning for the rain, and from His treasures brought light.
17 ‘All men have been proven foolish, [and foolish] is the knowledge of all their goldsmiths, for they cast idols and they carve gods, that have no spirit within them. 18 So their deeds are in vain and all to be scorned, and they’ll be destroyed in the day that He visits. 19 But this isn’t the portion of Jacob, for their inheritance is He who shaped all… Jehovah of Armies is His Name.
20 ‘So, scatter before Me the items of war, and I’ll scatter [many] nations before you… I’ll lift you from among many kings, 21 and scatter their horses and riders before you. I’ll scatter before you their chariots and horsemen. 22 I’ll scatter before you both husbands and wives. I’ll scatter before you old men and children. I’ll scatter before you young men and virgins. 23 I’ll scatter before you shepherds and flocks. I’ll scatter before you farmers and farms… governors and commanders I’ll scatter before you. 24 Before your eyes I’ll pay back, Babylon and the Chaldeans, for the evils they did against Zion,’ says Jehovah.
25 ‘{Look!} I’m against you, O mountain of corruption, and your iron that corrupts the whole earth. So I’ll stretch My hand out against you, then I will roll rocks upon you, and set your mountain on fire! 26 There’s no way they will carry your stones, to be used as corner foundations, for you’ll be wiped away through the age,’ says Jehovah.
27 Lift the flags throughout the land! Blow a signal to the nations with a trumpet! Make the nations holy against her… those in Ararat and the AshChenazi! Bring many weapons against her; bring horses like locusts against her! 28 Haul up the nations against her… the king of the Medes and the rest of the earth… his leaders and all his commanders!
29 ‘The whole earth was shaken and made drunk, by Jehovah’s plans against Babylon. He arranged the extinction of Babylon’s land, and no one will live there again.
30 ‘The warriors of Babylon will fail to wage war; they’ll just sit in their forts as they’re losing control. They’ll become like women whose tents are ablaze, and then her bars will be broken.
31 ‘One will chase, and meet another who’s chasing, to pursue the one who announces, in order to meet the one who announces, to announce to Babylon’s king, that his great city has been captured. 32 The last of his moats have been breached; his ramparts were all burned with fire, and all of his men have surrendered.’
33 For, Jehovah of Armies (the God of Israel) says: ‘The palace of Babylon’s king, is now just a floor to do threshing… and it is the season for threshing, for it is now time for the harvest!
34 ‘By Babylon’s King NebuChadNezzar, I was crushed and divided… he caught up with me in the darkness, then swallowed me down like a beast, and his belly was filled with My good things. 35 In misery and trouble to Babylon he pushed me,’ so say those who were living in Zion, ‘and my blood is upon the Chaldeans who live there.’
36 ‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah: ‘{Look!} I will now judge your opponent, and avenge them for the ways that they punished you. I’ll desolate her [waters] and dry up her springs, 37 then Babylon will be an extinction – a den for beasts and for snakes – and it won’t be lived in again.
38 ‘As lions and their cubs are aroused in the heat, I’ll give them a drink and make them all drunk… I’ll stupefy them and put them to sleep, 39 which will be a sleep of the ages, from which they’ll never awaken,’ says Jehovah. 40 ‘I’ll bring them like lambs for the slaughter… like rams mixed among [goats].
41 ‘O how Sheshach will be captured, and the boasting of the earth will be hunted… Babylon will be extinct among nations.
42 ‘May Babylon be covered by the sea… may she be covered by the roar of its waves. 43 May her cities all be destroyed; may her land be waterless and unwalked. Nothing alive will live there again, nor will sons of men ever rest there. 44 For, I will take vengeance against Babylon, and out of her mouth I’ll take what she’s swallowed. No more will nations gather to her, and even her walls will soon fall.
45 ‘So, come from her midst, O My people… let each one save his own life, from the anger and rage of Jehovah. 46 And don’t let your hearts be consumed… don’t fear the reports that are heard in that land. In one year there’ll come a report, and the next year there’ll come another, of misery and sin in the land, and of one dominator ruling another.
47 ‘Because of this {Look!} days will come, when I’ll bring My vengeance on Babylon’s carved idols, then all their land will be shamed, and her slain will fall in her midst. 48 Then heaven and earth will be joyful, as well as all those who live there. For, from the north will come her destroyer,’ says Jehovah. 49 ‘And as Babylon once killed the Israelites, the slain will fall in Babylon’s land.
50 ‘Flee, O you who are saved from the broadsword… you should no longer stay there! Speak of the Lord from your far away places, and keep Jerusalem in your hearts!
51 ‘We were ashamed when we heard of our scorn, and in dishonor we covered our faces, for foreigners had entered our Holy Place… they had entered the [Temple] of Jehovah! 52 And because of this, {Look!} days will come,’ says Jehovah, ‘when against her carved idols I’ll take vengeance, and the slain will fall in her land. 53 For, should Babylon ascend to the heavens, or fortify the heights of her strength, from Me will come those who destroy her,’ says Jehovah.
54 ‘In Babylon, there will be sounds of cries, and destruction of the Chaldeans. 55 For, Jehovah will wipe away Babylon… as with sounds of waters He’ll destroy her, and to her voice He’ll bring ruin. 56 For, misery will come upon Babylon; all her warriors will be captured, and terror will come to her bowmen, for this is her payback from God. 57 Jehovah will repay he with what she is due. For He will make them all [reel like] drunks… her governors, wise men, and commanders,’ says the King, Jehovah the Almighty.’
58 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘The broad walls of Babylon will be razed, and her gates will fail and be burned, because nations and people will have tired of her pride.’
59 [All the above] are the words that Jehovah told JeremiJah the Prophet to say to SeraiJah (the son of NeriJah and grandson of MaAseJah), when he went with ZedekiJah (the king of Judah) into Babylon in the fourth year of his reign (for SeraiJah was in charge of the gifts that were [brought to the king]). 60 JeremiJah wrote of all the bad things that were to come upon Babylon in a scroll, including all these words that were written against Babylon. 61 Then JeremiJah said to SeraiJah, ‘When you arrive at Babylon, [you must open this scroll] and read all these words, 62 then say, O Jehovah; it was You who spoke against this place. You said that You would destroy it, and no one would live here again, from man to beast, through the ages.
63 ‘And when you finish reading this scroll, tie it to a rock and toss it into the EuPhrates, 64 then say: So Babylon will sink and not rise again… for the bad that I’ll bring she will vanish.’
These were all the words of JeremiJah.
Chapter 52
1 King ZedekiJah was twenty-one years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother’s name was HamuTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiJah of LibNah. 2 And like JehoiAkim, the things that he did were wicked before Jehovah. 3 So, the wrath of Jehovah stayed upon Jerusalem and Judah until He finally cast them away from His face, and ZedekiJah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
4 It was in the ninth year and tenth month of his reign, on the tenth day of the month, that NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon came against Jerusalem with all his armies. He camped outside the city and built a rampart around it, 5 then the city stayed under siege until the eleventh year of King ZedekiJah. 6 And by the ninth day of the fourth month, there was famine in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.
7 Then the city’s [walls] were breached and all its warriors fled… they escaped during the night by way of the gate in the middle of the wall and the area around the wall that was next to the king’s garden. [They did this] as the Chaldeans were already in and around the city. And then they headed toward the desert.
8 Well, the army of the Chaldeans chased after the king, and they caught up with him on the other side of Jericho, where all his servants had left him. 9 So they seized the king and led him to the king of Babylon (who was in RibLah in the land of HaMath), where he spoke to him and then passed judgment on him.
10 Then the king of Babylon had all the sons of ZedekiJah killed before his eyes, and he killed all the rulers of Judah there in RibLah. 11 And thereafter, he blinded the eyes of ZedekiJah, bound him in shackles, and the Babylonian king took him to Babylon, where he and kept him in the mill house, until the day that he died.
12 Then, during the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, NabuZarArdan, the chief of the guards (who stands before the king of Babylon) came to Jerusalem, 13 and he burned the [Temple] of Jehovah, the king’s palace, and all the houses in the city with fire, including all of its mansions. 14 Then the chief of the guards had the Chaldean armies tear down all of the city walls. 15 And he moved all the poor people (those who were left behind in the city) as well as those who had gone over to the king of Babylon, and all the rest. 16 However, the chief of the guards did leave some of the poor people behind to serve as vinedressers and farmers.
17 Then the Chaldeans broke up the columns of brass in the [Temple] of Jehovah, along with their bases and the brass Sea, and they carried the brass off to Babylon. 18 This included the bowls, the meat hooks, and the rest of the brass items that were used to officiate [at the Temple], 19 as well as the silver things (the snuffers, the oil flasks, the lamp stands, the incense pans, and the cups). Then the chief of the guards took all the things that were made of gold and silver, 20 as well as the two columns, the Sea, and the twelve brass calves that were under the Sea (which King Solomon had made for the [Temple] of Jehovah) [to Babylon].
21 No one could know the weight of all the brass, for the columns each stood thirty-three feet tall, they had a circumference of twenty-two feet, and their walls were four fingers thick. 22 All the moldings were eight feet long (one of them was very fine), and there was a net of pomegranates around the moldings, all of which was made of brass. 23 There were ninety-six pomegranates on each [molding] and a hundred pomegranates on each of the nets that encircled them.
24 Then the chief of the guards carried off SeraiJah (the High Priest), ZephaniJah (his second in command), and three of the entrance guards. 25 And from the city, he took one of the eunuchs who was in charge of the warriors, seven of the famous men who stood before the king (all who were found in the city), the scribe of the armies, the one who acted as scribe for the people of the land, and sixty men from among the people of the land who were found in the midst of the city. 26 NabuZarArdan (the chief of the guards) took them all and led them to the king of Babylon in RibLah, 27 and the king of Babylon had them all killed at RibLah (in the land of HaMath). Then all of Judah was deported from its land.
28 There were three thousand, twenty-three people who NebuChadNezzar deported in the Judean’s seventh year. 29 Then in the eighteenth year of NebuChadNezzar’s [reign], he deported eight hundred and thirty-two souls from Jerusalem. 30 And in the twenty-third year of [his reign], the chief of the guards deported seven hundred and forty-five souls from among the Judeans. So, all the souls came to four thousand, six hundred.
31 Then in the thirty-seventh year, on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month from the relocation of JehoiAkim the king of Judah, EvilMerodach (the king of Babylon) took JehoiAkim (the king Judah) and led him from the house where he’d been kept under guard (he did this in the first year of his reign). 32 Then he spoke to him kindly and gave him a throne that was higher than all the thrones of the other kings who were there with him in Babylon. 33 He took him from his prison, provided him with better clothes, and he thereafter ate bread there before him for as long as he lived. 34 And he was provided a daily allowance by the king of Babylon until the day that he died.
Lamentations
Chapter 1
1 After Israel was captured and Jerusalem was desolated, Jeremiah sat down and cried, wailing this lamentation over Jerusalem:
O how that city, once filled with people, now must sit all alone; among the nations she [sits as] a widow; she is now ruled and [pays] tribute.
2 She cried and wept all through the night, as tears rolled down her cheeks; for no one is left to offer her comfort, among all those who once loved her. Those who cared have now left her, and her enemies they have become.
3 Judea [now knows] humiliation, for [all her people] were [removed], and she has become just a slave. Now she finds no way to rest, because she [belongs to] the nations. Yes, all those who chased her have caught her, and [she lives] among those who oppress her.
4 The roads to Zion now mourn, for none come to celebrate her feasts. All of her gates have been broken… all her Priests are now groaning, and all her virgins are captives; so inside herself she is bitter.
5 Now her head is those who opposed her, for by her enemies [she has been conquered]. By Jehovah she has been humbled, for all the irreverence within her. Her young were led out as captives, before all those who oppressed her.
6 The daughters of Zion (her beauty) are gone, [and others now serve as] their rulers. As rams without pasture they left without strength, in front of those who pursued them.
7 She remembers her days of humiliation, and she is repulsed [by the thought]. All her beautiful things [are now gone] – the things that she had from ancient times – when her people fell into the hands of oppressors, and no one came to their aid. Then her enemies laughed when they saw them displaced.
8 Because Jerusalem had sinned, she was allowed to be battered. She was humbled by those whom she [loved], for they saw how indecent she was. So, now she [just sits and] moans, and all she does is look back.
9 Her filth lies there at her feet, for she forgot how things would have to work out. So, she has now been brought down, and there’s no place where she can find comfort. [She cries]: Behold my humiliation, O Lord, for my enemies are now [those who rule me]!
10 He who oppressed her has spread out his hand, upon her desirable things. She watched as the nations entered her [Temple]… those who I said should not enter, among the assembly [of My people].
11 Now all of her people are groaning, because they are searching for bread. Her desirable things they’ve traded for food, in order to save their own lives. Look upon this O Jehovah, for she has now been disgraced!
12 All those who draw close and turn to Your way, will see if there’s pain like the pain that I feel. I’ve been humbled by He who’s speaking to me… the Lord in the day of His rage.
13 From out of the heights He sent fire! Upon my bones He sent it all down, then He opened and spread out a net for my feet. He turned me back and made me retreat. Throughout the rest of my days, He’s appointed me into hiding, because of all of my grief.
14 He was aware of my godless deeds, for they were close to my hands, and then they [crawled] up my neck. So all of my strength has now left me, for the Lord has put grief in my hands, and I am unable to stand.
15 All my strong men are gone, because Jehovah has left me. For, the time arrived when He came to visit, and to break my best men. Yes, Jehovah has trodden the winepress, of the virgin daughter of Judea.
16 It’s over such things that I weep, and my eyes are now filled up with tears. Because, those who would offer me comfort (those who would bring back my life), are now so very far away. For all of my sons are now gone, and by my enemies I have been conquered.
17 Zion has opened and spread out her hands, but there is no one to offer her comfort. For, Jehovah gave warning to Jacob, that he’d be encircled by those who’d oppress him. Jerusalem was to be a woman set apart, from all the [nations] that are unclean, as she was to live in their midst.
18 Jehovah is righteous because, it is I who made His mouth bitter. So, hear all you peoples and look at my pain… all my virgins and young men are gone… they’ve been taken as captives!
19 I called to my lovers but they all misled me… my priests and the elders of my city have failed, for they just sought food for themselves, so they could save their own lives.
20 Behold, O Lord, how afflicted I am! My stomach is upset and my heart is rolling within me. I have become very bitter, for the sword has left me no children… it’s as though there is death in my house.
21 Listen indeed to my moaning, and there’s no one to offer me comfort. For my enemies have heard of my badness, and they rejoice at the things that You’ve done. But, You’ll bring the day and the time, when like me, they will become.
22 May the evils before You come upon them… glean them as they’ve gleaned me for my sins! For, [they are the cause] of my moaning, and the concern in my heart.
Chapter 2
1 O how dark is the rage of the Lord, when it came to the daughter of Zion. From the sky He tossed Israel’s glory, onto [the face of] the earth… He forgot the stool for His feet, in the day of His rage.
2 [He] didn’t hold back, nor did He spare, Jacob’s beautiful things. In His rage He demolished all of the forts, of the daughter of Judah. He cut her down to the ground, and profaned her rulers and king.
3 He broke them to pieces in anger and rage… taking all of Israel’s strength… He turned His hand from the enemy’s face, and then He lit Jacob ablaze, and consumed all the things round-about her.
4 As an enemy He stretched tight His bow; as an opponent he stiffened His hand, and destroyed all the desires of my eyes, inside the Tent of the daughter of Zion… He poured out the flames of His rage.
5 Like an enemy Jehovah became… He sunk Israel and all its palatial homes, and He destroyed all its forts (those of the daughter of Judah). He multiplied those who did humbling, as well as those being humbled.
6 He opened and spread out His Tent like a grapevine; He corrupted His holiday feasts; Jehovah forgot all the things He’d appointed for Zion… the holiday feasts and the Sabbaths. It was because [we had] provoked Him, that He threatened the king and the priests in His rage.
7 [He] thrust away His own Altar; His Holy Place He brushed aside; by the hand of the enemy, her palace walls have been broken, with a crash [that was heard] in [His Temple], as though it were a holiday feast.
8 Jehovah made plans to ruin the walls, of the daughter of Zion. First He stretched out His ruler, and He didn’t stay His hand from the trampling. So, there was mourning around all the walls, for all the walls were destroyed.
9 Her gates were cut to the ground; He broke and destroyed the bars for her gates. Now her king and her rulers, are scattered among all the nations, where there is no longer Law, and prophets no longer see visions.
10 They sat on the ground and kept silent – the elders of the daughter of Zion – throwing dust on their heads, and they were putting on sackcloth, as in Jerusalem the heads of her virgins, were being pushed to the ground.
11 Then the tears in my eyes even failed, because my heart was so very disturbed. My glory was poured to the ground, over the destruction of the daughters, and the [murder] of babies and their nursing mothers, in the squares of the city.
12 For, they asked the mothers, ‘Where is the grain and wine?’ while they were as weak as the wounded. Then in the city squares they poured out the lives, [of babies] on the breasts of their mothers.
13 What more can I say, O daughter of Jerusalem; to what can you be compared? Who can now come and save you, O virgin daughter of Zion? The cup of destruction was widened for you, so who can bring healing to you?
14 Your prophets saw all your folly, but refused to uncover your sins, and from this captivity turn you. Yet, they were concerned over your foolish ways, and saw how you had to be purged.
15 Now, all clap their hands as they’re passing, and shake their heads as they whistle, over the daughter of Jerusalem. They ask: ‘Isn’t she the city that was called glory’s crown… the joy of the whole earth?’
16 Your enemies opened their mouths, then they whistled and ground their teeth. They said: ‘Now we have swallowed her down, and this is the day we expected to do it… we found it and [then made it happen]!’
17 Jehovah did what He’d thought of… He finished the things that He said He would do… the instructions He gave long ago. He didn’t spare… He demolished! He made the enemy glad over you, and lifted the horn of those who attacked you!
18 Their hearts yelled out to Jehovah, ‘O tear down all Zion’s walls; let them stream tears day and night! Don’t allow them to sober, or the pupils of their eyes to remain still!’
19 During the night, awaken and think… at the start of each watch, pour out your hearts, before the face of Jehovah! Raise your hands up before Him, on behalf of your starving infants, who are on each corner of your streets!
20 Behold, O Lord… see what You’ve gleaned! Shall the women eat the fruit of their bellies… shall the babies be murdered as they’re nursing on breasts… will you kill the priests and the prophets, inside Jehovah’s Holy Place?
21 Young boys go to bed in the streets, along with old men and virgins. My young men were all taken captives… You killed them with broadswords and famine, for on the day of Your rage, You slashed and You have spared none.
22 As a festival day (as no other day), You called to all who were living around us. Then, no one was saved from the Lord’s rage… there were none left behind… [You] won and my enemies became filled.
Chapter 3
1 I am a man who is helpless, for the rod of His rage is upon me. 2 He took me and led me away, into the darkness (not into light). 3 Throughout the day, against me He’s turned His hand. 4 My flesh and my skin He’s made old; He has broken [all of] my bones; 5 Against me He’s built [a wall], and encircled my head with great trouble. 6 Inside a dark place He has put me, as though I were dead through the ages.
7 He’s built against me so I can’t escape; He’s weighed me down with brass chains. 8 And though I cry out and yell, He has shut out of my prayers… 9 He’s blocked all my ways and my roads.
10 He’s a bear that is lying in wait, and a lion in hiding. 11 When I rebelled He chased after me, and caused me to no longer be… He established me to be wiped away. 12 He has stretched tight His bow, and set me on a stone as His target.
13 Poison to my kidneys He’s brought from His quiver, 14 and He made me a reason for laughter… a psalm throughout the whole day. 15 With bitterness He has now filled me, and bile He gave me to drink.
16 With a small rock He knocked out my teeth, and gave me ashes to eat. 17 He pushed away peace from my life, so I forgot all the good things. 18 I said that my victory had perished, as well as my hope in the Lord.
19 And then I remembered, that despite the state I was in (yes, despite my persecution, bitterness, and bile), 20 I will not be forgotten; yes, my life will continue… 21 this is [the thought] that I’ve kept in my heart, and the reason why I keep on waiting.
22 The mercies of Jehovah never end, nor have His compassions ever failed. 23 For, each morning they are renewed, and upon Him you can rely. 24 ‘My portion is Jehovah,’ said my soul, ‘and because of this, I’ll wait upon Him [to take action].’
25 Jehovah is good to all those who wait, and search for Him with their whole souls.
NOTE: The following verses do not appear in Hebrew texts, but they seem to include a Messianic prophecy (if they are authentic).
26 It’s good [for us] to be still, and await the salvation of Jehovah. 27 And it’s also good for a man, to carry his yoke from his youth. 28 He will sit all alone, and be quiet as he carries his load… 29 he’ll put his mouth to the dust, and believe that there is still hope.
30 To the one who slaps him he’ll turn the other cheek, and he’ll accept all their scorn. 31 For [in his heart] he knows that Jehovah, won’t push [him] away through the ages.
32 He feels pity for the humble, in the abundance of his mercy. 33 Harsh answers will never come from his heart, when sons of men are humbled by him. 34 For, under his feet he has humbled, all the prisoners of the earth. 35 And he’s turned aside the judgment of man, from before [God’s] face in the heights. 36 For, Jehovah never said that He’d bring, condemnation on all of mankind. 37 Who said such a thing, and could it come to pass, without Jehovah saying that it’s so?
38 From out of His mouth in the heights, comes both the bad and the good. 39 So, why do living men grumble, at another concerning his sins?
40 Our ways are stretched and examined, so we should turn to Jehovah. 41 We should lift our hearts with our hands, to the Most High in heaven. 42 For we are irreverent sinners, and this You haven’t forgiven, 43 so we’ve been wrapped in Your rage.
We turned, so You sent us away… You killed and You haven’t spared. 44 Then You wrapped Yourself in a cloud, and closed Your eyes to our prayers… 45 and You pushed us away.
46 So, against us our enemies [shouted], 47 and we became fearful and stunned… then destruction and devastation came on us. 48 So, tears have poured from my eyes, for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
49 I’ll [drink the tears] from my eyes, and not be quiet or restrained, 50 until the time that I can look through, and see Jehovah in the heavens… 51 yes, my eyes will look on my life in great rage, for [what’s happened to] the daughters of my city.
52 My enemies are free to hunt me like sparrows; 53 they’ve ended my life and tossed me into a grave, then covered it over with a stone. 54 [Soon] water dripped down on my head, and I said: ‘I’ve been just thrown away.’ 55 So, I called on Your Name, O Jehovah, from out of the lowest of pits.
56 [Please] do not hide Your ears, for You’ve heard my voice and the things that I’ve begged. 57 Then You came to my aid in the day that I called, and You told me, ‘Don’t be afraid!’
58 O Lord; You forgave the [bad] that my life deserved, and then You ransomed my soul. 59 You saw my disturbance, O Lord, and then You [examined] my case. 60 You beheld all their vengeance against me, and all the plans that they plotted. 61 You have heard all their scorn, and saw their devices against me… 62 the lips of those who were rising against me, and the things that they thought throughout the whole day. 63 Yes, when they sit down and when they arise, You can see it through their eyes!
64 O Lord; You will pay them what they deserve, according to the works of their hands. 65 Curse them for all the trouble they’ve caused, 66 then pursue them in rage and remove them, from under the sky, O Jehovah.
Chapter 4
1 O how the gold’s lost its luster, and all the silver is dull, for the [Temple’s] holy stones were tossed in the streets. 2 Because the sons of Zion esteemed, and gained all their courage from gold, they’re considered as earthenware pots… works of the hands of the potter.
3 Then beasts stripped their cubs from nursing breasts, and the daughters of my people were ever lost, like sparrows that are lost in the desert.
4 The tongues of the nursing stuck to the breasts, so their thirst could be quenched. And infants cried out for bread, but it was all snatched away.
5 Those who once ate the best foods, have had it all taken away, and those who were raised wearing purple, were found in the streets embracing manure. 6 For, the lawlessness of the daughter of my people, was greater than the lawlessness of Sodom (the place that was wiped away, and which no one tried to prevent).
7 Her Nazarites were once [whiter] than snow… they radiated and were whiter than milk… they were better than pieces of sapphire. 8 But then their appearance got darker than soot… they couldn’t be recognized in the streets. Their skin then stuck to their bones, and they were dried up like wood.
9 It was better for those who were killed by the sword, than for those who were pierced by starvation… in want of the produce of the fields. 10 For the hands of women [who were known for their] pity, then boiled their own children as food. In the destruction of the daughter of my people, 11 as Jehovah completed His rage… as He poured out the rage of His anger. He lit a fire throughout Zion, and it consumed her foundations.
12 The kings of the earth could not believe it (all those who were living at that time), that an enemy could enter Jerusalem’s gates, and bring so much devastation.
13 It [came] because of the sins of her prophets, as well as the failures of her priests, and the shedding of innocent blood in her midst. 14 So, in her streets her watchmen were shaken, for they were then [spattered] with blood, and they were unable to stop this, for the clothes that they wore had to touch it.
15 Men shout: ‘Get away… get away… for you are unclean! Get away… get away… don’t touch them!’ And when they flee and wander about, the ethnics say ‘You can’t stay here!’
Shout it aloud among all the nations: ‘No way should you want to go there! 16 For, their portion was the person of Jehovah, but He didn’t look [with favor] upon them, for they showed no respect for their Priests, and on their elders they showed no mercy.’
17 Our eyes had failed as we searched for aid, and they offered no aid as they watched us; for they watched a nation with no one to save them.
18 Stay away from our city squares, for they are hunting our small ones. Yes, our time has approached; all our days are all fulfilled; and our end is now close at hand!
19 Those who pursued us were more agile, than eagles on mountains in the sky… they sat and waited for us, from high perches in the desert.
20 Jehovah’s Anointed, our very life’s breath… for our corruption our Lord was then seized… he about whom we said, Among the nations we’ll live in his shadow.
21 ‘So, rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, she who lives within the land of Uz! Yet, you too will go into the cup of the Lord, where you will get drunk and be poured out.’
22 O daughter of Zion; Your lawless acts have now vanished, and to the place you were taken, He will not go. And you, O daughter of Edom; He’s also seen your lawless deeds, and revealed your impious actions.
Chapter 5
1 Remember, O Jehovah, what has happened to us! Look down upon us and see all our scorn! 2 Our inheritance was [given] to alien peoples, and our houses were given to strangers.
3 We don’t have a father, so we are now orphans, and all of our mothers are widows. 4 Thus, now we must pay for water, and we must barter for wood.
5 Close on our [heels] we were pursued; we had no rest and were tired. 6 So, to Egypt we held out our hands, and to the abundance of Assyria.
7 Our fathers had sinned and no longer exist; they paid the penalty of breaking the Law. 8 As the result, we’re now slaves, and we have no one to redeem us. 9 We carry bread at the risk of our lives, before the broadsword in the desert. 10 Our skin is as dark as though baked in an oven, and it has shriveled from famine.
11 They’ve degraded the women of Zion, and the virgins in the cities of Judah. 12 Rulers were hung by their hands, and the elders could no longer be recognized.
13 The chosen men have taken to weeping, and from carrying wood their young men are weak. 14 Their old men no longer sit at the gates, and the chosen stopped singing their songs. 15 The joy and dance in our hearts turned to mourning, 16 and because of our sins, the crowns of our heads turned to woe… 17 the grief in our hearts is more grievous; and all our eyes are now dark.
18 Mount Zion has been destroyed, as though foxes ran through it. 19 But You, O Jehovah, live through the ages… through generations of generations Your throne still exists.
20 Why have You forgotten to bring victory? Will You forsake us through the rest of our days? 21 Turn back to us, O Jehovah, and then we’ll return and make our days new, as they were long ago!
22 We were pushed away and rejected by You, for You were provoked to great rage.
Ezekiel
Chapter 1
1 It was during the thirtieth year, in the fourth month and on the fifth day of the month, as I was a captive by the ChoBar River, that the heavens opened up and I beheld visions [from] God. 2 This was five years and five months after King JehoiAkim was taken captive.
3 So, the word of the Lord came to EzekiEl (the son of Buzi) the Priest, in the land of the Chaldeans, there at the River ChoBar. This came upon me from the hand of Jehovah. 4 For, I looked and I saw a wind that could lift iron coming from the north, along with a huge cloud with bright light all around it and flashes of lightning. And I had a vision of a bright bronze casting in the middle of a fire. 5 And there in its midst was something that looked like four animals. But in this vision, they also looked like men. 6 Each had four faces, and each had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, there were feathers on their feet, there were sparks like flashes of brass, and they had very fine wings.
8 Beneath each of their four wings was a man’s hand, and their wings were on each of their four parts. The faces and the wings of the four [animals] were next to each other, side by side. 9 Their wings didn’t turn as they moved, and they each traveled opposite to [the direction] they were facing.
10 One of the faces was like that of a man. Then on the right, each of the four had the face of a lion. On the left, there was the face of a calf, and then there was also the face of an eagle on each of the four.
11 [Two of] their wings stretched out high above the four, and each pair was yoked together, but two [of the wings] were used to cover their bodies. 12 And each followed the one in front of him. Wherever [God’s] Breath led them they went, and they didn’t turn aside.
13 Also, there among the animals, I had a vision of burning coals that looked like lamps, which were spinning in the midst of the animals. The flames were very bright, and lightning shot from the flames. 14 Also, the animals were moving up and back like lightning.
15 Then I looked and saw a wheel on the ground next to each of the four animals, 16 and the wheels [sparkled] like peridots. There were what appeared to be four wheels within each one, and they worked as though there were wheels within wheels. 17 Each [wheel] moved on its four parts, and they didn’t turn as they moved. 18 Also, their backs and their tops faced them. Then I looked and I [realized] that their backs were full of eyes all around each of the four.
19 As the animals moved, the wheels moved next to them. And when the animals lifted up from the ground, the wheels were lifted up also. 20 The cloud went wherever [God’s] Breath led it, 21 and the animals and the wheels moved up along with it, because the breath of life was in the wheels. 21 When they traveled, the wheels went along, and when they stood still, the wheels stood still. Then, when they rose above the ground, the wheels went up with them, because the breath of life was in the wheels.
22 Above the heads of the animals was what looked like a solid block of ice that was stretched out over the tops of their wings. 23 And under this block, their wings were stretched out and they flapped side by side, with two [wings] covering their bodies.
24 And the sound that I heard from the movement of their wings as they traveled, was like the sound of much rushing water. It was the sound of one who is worthy when he traveled, but there was the sound of [many] words being spoken in a camp when they stood still and rested their wings.
25 Then {Look!} there was a sound that came from far above [the block]. 26 And in the vision [that I had] of the One who was above their heads, there was what looked like a sapphire stone, and upon it was a throne, and sitting on it was what looked like a man from above. 27 I saw what appeared to be molten bronze, which was filled with fire round about and upwards from His loins, and beneath that, I just saw fire and brightness all around.
28 He was like a bow that forms in the clouds on a rainy day, with brightness all around Him. This was a vision of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw this, I fell upon my face. Then I heard a voice speaking [to me].
Chapter 2
1 He said to me, ‘O son of man; Stand on your feet, and then I’ll speak to you!’
2 Then His Breath came over me… it picked me up and lifted me, and stood me up on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. 3 He said: ‘O son of man; To the sons of Israel I’ll send you… those who’ve rebelled against Me (and who’ve rebelled against Me down to this day), for they and their fathers haven’t [listened to Me]. 4 They are a harsh and hard-hearted [people], so to them I’m now sending you. You must tell them that Jehovah has said, 5 that they should listen in terror, for they are a house in rebellion. But they’ll know you are a Prophet in their midst.
6 ‘And you, O son of man, should not be afraid, or be upset by the looks on their faces, for they will get all heated up, then rise against you and surround you. Among such scorpions you’ll be living, but don’t fear the things they say to your face, for they are a house in rebellion. 7 You must speak My words so they’ll hear them and fear, for they are a house in rebellion.
8 ‘Now you, O son of man, must pay close attention, to the One who is speaking to you! Don’t rebel like this house of rebellion! So, open your mouth very wide, and eat what I’m giving you!’
9 Then I looked and saw a hand that was stretched out toward me, and in it was a rolled up scroll. 10 Then He unrolled it there before me, and written on both the front and back sides was a lamentation and a song of woe.
Chapter 3
1 Then He said to me, ‘O son of man, eat what you’ve found… first eat this scroll, then tell the sons of Israel about it!’
2 So, He opened my mouth and fed me the scroll. 3 And He said to me: ‘O son of man; as you eat this scroll with your mouth, your belly will be filled with this thing that I gave you.’
So, I ate it and found it to be as sweet as honey in my mouth.
4 Then He said to me, ‘O son of man; Now go to the house of Israel, and tell them all of My words! 5 You won’t have to speak to those with thick lips, or to those with tongues that are unfamiliar; for to the house of Israel you’re being sent. 6 You aren’t being sent to other peoples, who speak with unfamiliar words, or who have foreign, thick tongues (those who won’t know what you’re saying), for I’m sending you to those who’ll comprehend.
7 ‘There’s no way the house of Israel will listen, to the things that you have to say, for they’ll not agree to hear Me; since they are very hard-hearted, and all they want to do is just argue.
8 ‘Now look; Against their faces I’ve made your face strong, and your victory is greater than theirs… it will be stronger than rock. 9 So, don’t be afraid [when you go] before them, and don’t stand in terror before them, for this is a house in rebellion.’
10 And He said to me: ‘O son of man; Take the words that I’ve spoken into your heart, and listen to them with your ears! 11 Then go among the captive sons of your people, and tell them that the Lord Jehovah has spoken; then surely they’ll listen and yield.’
12 Then [His] Breath lifted me up, and from behind me I heard the sound of a great quaking (that was saying), ‘Praise the glory of Jehovah that is coming from His place!’
13 Then I heard the sound of the flapping of the wings of the animals, which were touching against each other, as well as the sounds of the wheels next to them, and the sound of the great quaking. 14 And the Breath lifted me and carried me away, and my spirit became lifted and motivated by the hand of Jehovah, which came over me and made me very strong.
15 Then in this elevated [condition] I went among the captives… I traveled among those who live next to the ChoBar River, and I stayed among them for seven days. 16 And at the end of the seven days, the word of the Lord came to me saying, 17 ‘O son of man; To the house of Israel I’ve appointed you the watchman, so you will hear the words from My mouth, and then you must bring them My threats. 18 For, I’m saying that those who are lawless will die! And you will die too, if you fail to give them My orders.
‘Warn these lawless to turn away, from their unrighteous ways and they’ll live. But if they choose to keep being lawless, they will then die in their sins, and I won’t require their blood from your hands. 19 For, if you give orders to those who are lawless, and from their ways they don’t turn (they don’t turn from their unrighteousness ways), those lawless ones will die in their sins, but I will still rescue you.
20 ‘But if a righteous man should turn from right ways, and he does things that are wrong, so I torment his face ‘til he dies; because you failed to bring him My orders, which has led to his death, and his righteous deeds are forgotten; I will require his blood from your hands. 21 But if you give [My] orders to the righteous, and tell them that they should not sin, and because you gave warning, they do not sin, and this brings salvation to their lives; you will have saved your own life.’
22 Then the hand of the Lord came upon me, and He told me: ‘Get up and go out to the plains, and there I will tell you more about this!’
23 So, I got up and went out to the plains, and {Look!} there was the glory of Jehovah – the glory that I had seen by the River ChoBar – and then I fell to my face. 24 But [God’s] Breath came upon me and stood me up on my feet… it spoke to me and said: ‘Go home and be locked up inside your house! 25 {Look!} For you, O son of man, are appointed to be bound. They will then tie you up, and there’s no way you’ll get free from [the bonds]. 26 For I will tie up your tongue and your throat, and you will then become mute. You’ll not be a man who can scold them, for they are a house in rebellion.
27 ‘And then My voice will be speaking through you. I will open your mouth and you’ll tell them, that this is what Jehovah has said: All who choose to hear should now listen; but those who won’t be persuaded, may continue to resist the persuasion, for this is a house in rebellion!’
Chapter 4
1 ‘And you, O son of man; Take a brick for yourself, then set it in front of your face. Upon it, draw a map of Jerusalem, 2 then surround it with a circle and fortifications. Next, draw a siege mound and camps, and draw a range of weapons around it. 3 Then go get an iron frying pan, to be an iron wall between you and the city, and prepare to set your face against it… prepare a siege and attack it! For the sons of Israel, this is their sign!
4 ‘Then go to sleep on your left side, and lay the sins of Israel’s house upon you… their unrighteousness you must [then bear], for the number of days that you sleep [on that side].
5 ‘Now, I’ve appointed two things that you must do, concerning their unrighteous deeds: You must bear the unrighteousness of Israel’s house, for three hundred and ninety [full] days. 6 And after you have done that, you must sleep on your right side, to carry the unrighteousness of Judah. You are to do this for forty more days… a day for a year is what I’ve established!
7 ‘And as for the siege of Jerusalem; prepare your face and stiffen your arm, for against it you must now prophesy.
8 ‘{Look!} I’ve appointed this bondage upon you… don’t turn from one side to the other, until the days of your siege are fulfilled.
9 ‘Take wheat, barley, and beans for yourself; as well as lentils, millet, and wild oats, and put them into an earthenware pot, then bake loaves of bread for yourself. Make enough for the number of days, that you will sleep on your side… three hundred and ninety days you will eat them. 10 And the weight of the food you will eat, is just ten ounces a day, which you may eat from time to time.
11 ‘And you are to measure the water you’ll drink… you may drink ten ounces from time to time.
12 ‘Bake the barley cakes that you’ll eat, over human manure, which you will hide in the coals, there before [everyone’s] eyes.’
13 And Jehovah the God of Israel said: ‘For, this is the type of uncleanness, that the sons of Israel will eat, among the nations where I’ll throw them.’
14 And I said, ‘Absolutely not, O Lord God of Israel! For, my life has never been defiled or made unclean by decaying flesh, nor have I eaten wild animals from [the day] I was born until now… nothing unclean has entered my mouth!’
15 And He said to me: ‘Then I’ll give you cow dung for that of humans, and you can bake your loaves over it.’
16 And He said to me, ‘O son of man; {Look!} I’ll break Jerusalem of its reliance on bread, for they’ll have to weigh out their bread, and ration the water they drink ‘til it’s gone. 17 For, shortages of water and bread there will be, so from his own brother each man [will steal]. And in their unrighteousness they’ll melt away.’
Chapter 5
1 ‘And you, O son of man; Go and buy a sharp blade (a razor that’s used by a barber), and shave your head and your beard. Then [put the hair on] a scale, and divide it up by its weight. 2 A fourth must be used to kindle a fire, which you must burn in the midst of the city, [to show] the full number of days of its siege. Then take the second quarter and throw it in the fire; and cut the third quarter with the knife, then scatter it throughout [the city]; and throw the last quarter into the wind, for I’ll empty them out with the sword.
3 ‘Then take what little is left, and put it into a bag, 4 and from these take more [of the hairs], and toss them in the fire and burn them. And to the house of Israel say (as they burn): 5 This is Jerusalem, says Jehovah. I’ve placed her amid nations that will surround her.
6 ‘Then you must tell of My righteous decisions, to this nation of the lawless, and to the lawless round-about them. For My righteous decisions they’ve pushed away, and My Laws they haven’t followed.
7 ‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘that your chance to be without law will arrive, from the nations that will have you surrounded, For, you haven’t follow My Laws, or observed My righteous decrees. Nor did you did observe the decrees that I gave, to the nations round about you! 8 So, because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} I am now standing against you, and I’ll bring My judgments upon you, there before [all] the nations! 9 I will do such things among you, as I have not done before, nor will I do ever again, for the disgusting things that you’ve done!
10 ‘It’s because of this that the fathers, will eat their children in your midst, and children will eat their own fathers! I will bring My righteous decisions against you, and all who are left will be scattered to the winds!
11 ‘As I live; Because of this,’ says Jehovah… ‘because you defiled My Holy Things, with things disgusting and loathsome; I will push you away… I won’t spare My eye or show mercy! 12 So a fourth will be consumed by the plague; a fourth will be finished by famine; a fourth will be scattered to the winds; and a fourth will fall by the broadsword… they’ll be surrounded and the sword will be emptied upon them.
13 ‘But after My anger and rage is exhausted, I’ll [return to] offer them comfort. And you will know that this happened, because I Jehovah have spoken in My zeal, and upon you I’ve vented My rage.
14 ‘I’ll turn you and your daughters into deserts, in the presence of all who pass by. 15 You’ll be squeezed out and scoffed at by nations, when I bring My judgments and anger upon you, as well as My vengeance and rage. For, I Jehovah have spoken.
16 ‘When I send the arrows of famine upon them, and they come to be in great need, I’ll send [the nations] to finish them off… I will bring famine upon you, and break your reliance on bread. 17 I’ll send out famine against you, as well as ferocious wild beasts! With plagues you will also be punished, and blood will then flow among you; for then I’ll bring upon you the sword. Yes, I Jehovah have spoken!’
Chapter 6
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; turn your face toward Israel’s mountains, and against them now prophesy! 3 Say to the mountains of Israel: Hear the word of Jehovah! For, He says to the mountains, hills, valleys, and forests: {Look!} I am bringing a broadsword upon you, and it will destroy your high places. 4 All your altars will be broken; your [incense stands] I’ll tear down; and I’ll leave your slain in front of your idols… the bodies of Israel’s sons, I will offer to their idols, 5 and on their altars I’ll scatter your bones.
6 ‘All houses in your cities will be empty, and all your high places will be wiped away. Your altars will all be destroyed, and all your idols will be gone; your incense stands will be lifted away, and your works will all be erased. 7 Then, as the slain fall in your midst, you’ll know that I am Jehovah.
8 ‘And those who remain that escape from the broadsword, will be dispersed among all the nations. 9 And those who escape from the nations, where they will be taken as captives, will once again think about Me.
‘I’ve sworn [an oath] against the hearts, of those guilty of adultery against Me, and all the other things they now do: They’ll slap their own faces for the bad things, and the disgusting things that they do. 10 For, then they will know that I am Jehovah, and that it wasn’t for nothing that I spoke, of doing such bad things against them.’
11 The Lord said: ‘Clap your hands… yes stamp your feet and then say, This is what they deserve, for the disgusting that they’ve done, within Israel’s house! May they fall by the broadsword, as well as by plague and by famine!
12 ‘Those far away will end with the plague; those who are near will fall by the sword; and those who remain in the siege, will be finished off by the famine, as I wear out My anger against them. 13 And you will know that I am Jehovah, when you see your slain among all your idols… around your altars upon the high hills, and under each shade tree and bush, where they offered incense to their idols.
14 ‘For, against them I’ll stretch out My hand, and make their land and their homes all extinct… I will make them a ruin [like] the deserts of Diblath. And then you will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 7
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘And to you, O son of man, Jehovah says this about Israel: To the four wings of the land, the end has finally arrived… 3 the end has arrived and I’m bringing upon you My rage. It is I who is standing against you, and I’ll punish you for all your [bad] ways; for your disgusting deeds I’ll hold you to blame, 4 and my eyes won’t spare nor will I show mercy. For, your disgusting things I’ll hold against you… these things that were done in your midst, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.’
5 ‘Jehovah said, Upon all those who are evil, {Look!} evil is now here at hand. 6 The end has reached its fulfillment, and your punishment has been awakened. 7 {Look!} The circle of the wreath has come upon you (those who live in the land), and the time has finally approached… a day of distress and tumult.
8 ‘Now’s the time when I’ll pour out My rage, and I’ll finish My anger against you. You will be judged for the things that you’ve done, for I’ll hold all your bad deeds against you. 9 My eyes will not spare nor will I show mercy; I’ll hold you to blame for your ways, and all disgusting things that were done in your midst… and then you’ll know that it’s Me (Jehovah)… I am the One who is striking you [down]!
10 ‘{Look!} The day of Jehovah has arrived, and His rod has [finally] blossomed. 11 The time to do injury has come, and it’ll break the resolve of the lawless, but not with anxiety or tumult.
12 ‘Look! The time has arrived… it’s the day! So, the one who buys should not rejoice, and those who sell should not wail, for His wrath will cover these things. 13 And he who buys will not return, his things to the one who had sold them… they’ll just go on living their lives. So, this vision is for all – as many as there may be – and it will not be turned back; for the eyes of man will not see, [the things that are coming into] his life.
14 ‘Blow the trumpets and judge everything, for no one’s preparing for war. Yet, My wrath is upon all of her crowds. 15 And while the broadsword will come from the outside, there’ll be famine and plague on the inside. Those carrying their swords to the fields, will thereafter all die there, as in the cities [they’ll die of] famine and plagues. 16 And those who escape to get away, will sit on the mountains like pigeons and know, that because of their badness I killed them all.
17 ‘All their hands will be weak, and all their thighs will be tainted with wetness. 18 Around themselves they’ll wrap sack cloths, and they’ll be covered by stupefaction. Upon each face will be shame, and upon every head will be baldness.
19 ‘They’ll toss their silver into the squares, and no one will value their gold; for their silver and gold will not save them, in the day of the wrath of Jehovah. Their lives will find no satisfaction, nor will their bellies be filled, because, the torment for their sins has arrived.
20 ‘Of their beautiful jewelry they were proud, but with it they made their foul idols. For this I’ve handed them over to filth… 21 I’ll hand them over to strangers, who will then rip them to pieces. To the pests of the earth I will give them, and as spoils they’ll profane them.
22 ‘From them I’ll turn My face, and those I’ve watched over will then be despoiled. They’ll come against them when they’re unaware, and thereafter they will profane them. 23 Then they will become a befouling, for the land is filled with judgments of blood… the lawlessness of this city is filled to the brim! So, I will bring the evils of nations, and they will inherit their homes. 24 I will turn away the neighing of their strength, and their holy things will then be defiled.
25 ‘The time to repay will arrive, and those who seek peace will not find it. 26 There will come woe upon woe, and there will come message after message. From their prophets they’ll search for a vision, but the law of their Priests will be lost, and the counsel of the elders of the king will be mourned.
27 ‘Then the rulers will end in extinction, and the hands of the people of the land will go limp. I will do to them as they acted, and punish them with their own judgments… then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 8
1 It was during the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, while I was sitting in my house and all the elders of Judah were sitting before me, that the hand of Jehovah came upon me. 2 And I looked and saw what appeared to be a man, but from his loins down, he looked like fire; and from his loins up, he looked as bright as molten bronze. 3 Then he stretched out what appeared to be a hand, and he lifted me by the decorative fringes on my shirt. And in spirit, he lifted me between the earth and the sky and he led me to Jerusalem. In this vision from God, I was looking north toward the [city] gate, and there [I saw] a monument to [the god], The Acquirer.
4 And in this vision, {Look!} there in the plains, I saw the glory of Jehovah, the God of Israel. 5 And He said to me ‘O son of man; Raise your eyes and look toward the north!’
So, I raised my eyes toward the north and saw that (to the north of the gate) on the east side of the Altar, there was the idol of Jealousy standing at the entrance. 6 And He said to me, ‘O son of man; Do you see what they are doing… the great lawless deeds that the house of Israel is doing, to stay away from My Holy Place? Yet, you will see greater lawless deeds being done.’
7 So, He brought me to the threshold of the [Temple] courtyard, and there {Look!} I saw an opening in the wall. 8 Then He said to me, ‘O son of man; Dig [a hole] in the wall!’
So, I dug [a hole] in the wall, and there {Look!} I found a door. 9 And He said to me, ‘Enter and see the evil lawless deeds, which are going on here!’
10 So, I entered and {Look!} I saw depictions of all sorts of crawling things and [unclean] animals, and all the idols of the house of Israel – foolish and disgusting things – painted on all the walls. 11 And there were seventy men among the elders of the house of Israel, along with JaAzaniJah (the son of ShaPhan) who was standing before them, each holding an incense pan in his hand with smoke from the incense arising.
12 And He said to me, ‘O son of man; You see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing, in the darkness of hidden rooms. They’re saying that Jehovah’s left the land!’ 13 And He said to me, ‘Yet, you’ll see even greater lawless things.’
14 Then He brought me up to the threshold of the Gate of the [Temple] of Jehovah (the one that faces north), and there I saw women sitting and wailing for TamMuz. 15 And He said to me, ‘O son of man, you have seen all of this, but you will soon see worse things.’
16 So, He brought me into the inner courtyard of the [Temple] of Jehovah, up to the thresholds of the House of the Lord, and there between the columned porch and the Altar, were about twenty-five men with their backsides to the Temple of Jehovah and with their faces looking to the east… and there they were bowing to the sun in the east!
17 Then He asked me, ‘Are these lawless deeds that the house of Judah is doing, of no great concern? Why, they’ve filled the whole land with their lawlessness… they’ve turned against Me to provoke Me to rage. And look! They’re holding out branches of grapevines, as though they are sneering at Me! 18 So, in My rage I’ll deal with them… My eyes will not spare them nor will I show mercy. And if they shout loudly into My ears, I will not listen to them!’
Chapter 9
1 Then He shouted into my ears with a great voice, saying, ‘The punishment on the city has arrived!’
[Then men appeared] who were each carrying implements of destruction in their hands. 2 {Look!} There were six men coming along the road to the upper gate (the one that faces north), and each was carrying a demolishing axe in his hand. And there was a man in the midst of them who was wrapped in a robe that reached to his feet, and he was wearing a belt of sapphires around his waist. Then they went inside [the Temple] and stood next to the brass Altar.
3 Then the glory of the God of Israel ascended from between the cherubs, and His glory hung there between them in the open air of the [Temple]. And He called to the man who was dressed in the full-length robe and wearing the belt of sapphires, 4 and Jehovah said to him: ‘Go through the midst of the city – through the midst of Jerusalem – and put a sign on the foreheads, of the men who are groaning and deeply upset, for the lawless deeds being done in its midst.’
5 And He said in my hearing, ‘Then go through the city behind him and strike… don’t allow your eyes to spare or show mercy! 6 Kill and wipe out the old men and young, as well as virgins, women, and children! But don’t approach those wearing the sign… and start at My Holy Place!’
So, they started with the elders who were there in the [Temple].
7 And He said to them, ‘Now, defile the [Temple], and fill its roads [with the dead]… strike down all who are [fleeing]!’
8 And as they started their destroying, I fell to my face and yelled out, ‘O Lord, are you going to wipe out all the remaining ones of Israel by pouring out Your rage upon Jerusalem?’
9 And He told me, ‘The sins of the houses of Israel and Judah, have now become just too great. For, the land has become filled with [bloodshed], and the city is filled with sin and uncleanness. For, they say that Jehovah has abandoned the land, and that He pays no attention. 10 So, My eyes will not spare and I’ll show no mercy… for their bad ways I’ll hold them to blame.’
11 Then {Look!} the man who was wrapped in the full-length robe and wearing the belt around his waist answered and said, ‘I’ve done what You told me to do!’
Chapter 10
1 Then, I looked and saw that in the space over the heads of the cherubs, there was a sapphire stone that looked like a throne sitting above them. 2 And He said to the man who was wearing the robe, ‘Now, go between the wheels that under the cherubs, and fill your hands with the coals there, and then scatter them over the city!’
So, he went in [between the wheels] before me.
3 Now, the cherubs stood to the right of where the man had entered, and a cloud filled the inner courtyard. 4 Then the glory of Jehovah that was hanging in the open air between the cherubs, left and entered the Temple; and the [Temple] became filled with the cloud, and the courtyard was filled with the brightness of the glory of Jehovah. 5 Also, the sound of the wings of cherubs was heard in the outer courtyard, which was like the sound of God speaking. 6 And then He told the man who was wrapped in the holy robe, ‘Go take some fire from between the wheels, and from the place between the cherubs!’
So, he [again] went inside and stood next to the wheels, 7 and a cherub stuck his hands into the midst of the fire between the cherubs, and he took some [fire] and placed it into the hands of the man who was wearing the holy robe, who then took it and departed.
8 Then I saw the cherubs (who had what looked like the hands of men between their wings), 9 and {Look!} I saw four wheels standing beside each cherub (one wheel for each cherub). These wheels looked like peridots, 10 and there appeared to be wheels within each of the four wheels, 11 but their four parts didn’t move as they traveled. For, whichever way their heads looked, they traveled behind it, and the [wheels] didn’t turn as they went. 12 And all their flesh, their hands, their wings, and their four wheels were full of eyes. 13 Then I heard that these wheels were called ‘the wheel works.’
14 And [then I saw] that they [each] had four faces. One was the face of a cherub, the second was a face of a man, the third was a face of a lion, and the fourth was a face of an eagle. 15 And then the cherubs left. So, these were the [same] animals that I had seen by the ChoBar River.
16 And wherever the cherubs went, the wheels traveled alongside them. But, when the cherubs flew high above the ground with their wings, the wheels next to them didn’t turn. 17 Then, when they stood still, the wheels stood still. And when they [flew] high, the wheels went up high with them, because the breath of life was in [the wheels].
18 Then the glory of Jehovah departed from the open air inside the [Temple] and it mounted the cherubs. 19 And thereafter, the cherubs raised their wings and flew high above the ground before me, and as they traveled, their wheels were next to them. Then [they came to rest] upon the gate in front of the [Temple] of Jehovah, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.
20 It was only after I saw these animals traveling beneath the God of Israel (there by the ChoBar River) that I first realized they were cherubs. 21 Each one had four faces, four wings, and what looked like the hands of a man under each wing. 22 And that’s what the faces looked like that I saw under the glory of the God of Israel in a vision, there by the ChoBar River, and each one traveled in the direction he faced.
Chapter 11
1 Then [God’s] Breath took me and led me to the gate of the [Temple] of Jehovah, the one facing east, and {Look!} there on the threshold of the gate were about twenty-five men. And among them I saw JaAzaniJah (the son of Azur) and PedaiJah (the son of BenaiJah)… those who were guiding the people. 2 And He said to me, ‘O son of man; these are the men who think foolish things, and discuss evil plans for this city. 3 They’re the ones who are saying, Haven’t we just built our houses? Why, this is the kettle and we are its meat!
4 ‘Because of this, against them you must prophesy… O son of man, prophesy!’
5 Then the Breath of Jehovah came over me, and He told me to tell them that Jehovah says: ‘I know what you’re saying, O house of Israel, and I know of the things that you’ve planned in your [hearts]. 6 Upon this city you’ve brought many deaths, and you’ve filled up her roads with the slain. 7 Because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘those whom you’ve killed in her midst are the meat, and [the city of Jerusalem] is the kettle. For, I will lead you out of her midst!
8 ‘You are afraid of the broadsword, so I’ll bring the broadsword upon you,’ says Jehovah. 9 ‘And then I will lead you out of her midst; I’ll bring My judgment against you, and hand you over to strangers; 10 and there you will fall by the broadsword. To the borders of Israel I’ll judge you, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
11 ‘Then [this city] will be your kettle no more, and in her you’ll not be the meat. 12 Clear to the borders of Israel I’ll judge you, and then you will know that I am Jehovah. For, in My Commandments you would not walk, and you wouldn’t [abide] My decisions. The judgments of the nations you followed… those who now have you surrounded.’
13 And then my prophecies came to pass, for PedaiJah (the son of BenaiJah) died. So, I fell upon my face and yelled out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Alas, O Jehovah; Have You appointed the remaining ones of Israel to be totally consumed?’
14 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 15 ‘O son of man; Your [Israelite] brothers and fellow captives, have been taken to their destination. And those in Jerusalem have said about you: Because you are far from Jehovah, we have inherited [your] land.
16 ‘So tell them that thus says Jehovah: I’ll also push you away to the nations, and scatter you to many lands. Then to you, I’ll be no safe haven, in the places where you [will be scattered].
17 ‘And because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah: Then I’ll take Israel out of the nations… I’ll gather them from wherever I sent them, and give them [their land] once again. 18 For when they return, they’ll lift away, all their disgusting, lawless deeds. 19 And I’ll give them each a new spirit and heart… I will remove their stone hearts, and give them hearts made of flesh, 20 so then they’ll follow My orders… they’ll guard My Laws and they’ll do them… they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.
21 ‘It’s because of the disgusting things that they did, and the lawlessness within their hearts, that their hearts chose to follow in their own ways. So, upon their heads I brought their blame,’ says Jehovah.
22 Then the cherubs raised their wings, as the wheels were alongside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 23 And the glory of Jehovah ascended from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain in front of the city. 24 And then the Breath [of God] picked me up and took me back to the land of the Chaldeans – back to the land of our captivity – in the vision from the Breath of God. And after I ascended out of the vision that I saw, 25 I told [my fellow] captives all the words that the Lord had spoken to me.
Chapter 12
1 And then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; You live in the midst of the unrighteousness, of those who have eyes but don’t see. They also have ears but they do not listen, for they are a house in rebellion. 3 So you, O son of man; Gather for yourself the items of a captive, and act like someone in captivity; [then sit] there before them all through the day… before them act like a captive, who’s been taken away from his place, then carried off to some other place, so they can see what a house in rebellion they’ve been. 4 You must bring out your items of a captive, before their eyes during the day, and walk as a captive before them each night.
5 ‘Dig a hole in the wall to crawl into, 6 and carry [your things] on your shoulders before them… act as though you are trying to hide, and cover your face so you can’t see the ground; because, to the house of Israel I’ve made you a sign.’
7 Well, I did so… everything that He told me to do. I brought out the items of captivity that day, and that evening I dug a hole through the wall for myself by hand, and crawled into it as though I was in hiding. Then I carried the things on my shoulders before them all.
8 And the word of the Lord came to me the next morning, saying, 9 ‘O son of man; The houses of Israel (those that are now in rebellion) did not ask you what you are doing. 10 So, say concerning the rulers (those who are giving Jerusalem its directions, as well as the people in their midst)… tell them that Jehovah has spoken. 11 Explain to them that you’re acting out omens, and all that you’re doing will happen to them… and [like you] they’ll be carried away.
12 ‘[Tell them that] he who rules in their midst, will carry his things off on his shoulders, and that he will hide and dig a hole for himself, inside a wall to crawl into, which he will dig with this hands. He’ll cover himself so no eye can see him, and so he can’t see the ground. 13 Then around him I’ll spread out My net, and he will be caught in My wrapping. And off to Babylon I’ll lead him… into the land of Chaldea, but he’ll not be able to see it, and he will come to his end here.
14 ‘Thereafter I’ll scatter all his assistants, and all of his helpers to the [four] winds… I’ll pour out the broadsword [to chase] them. 15 Then they will know that I am Jehovah, as among the nations they are scattered… [wherever they go] they’ll be scattered.
16 ‘Yet, among their numbers I’ll leave a few, as survivors of the sword, and the famines and plagues. So they will then speak in detail, to all the nations where they’re sent, of the lawless deeds that they’ve done… and then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
17 And thereafter, the word of the Lord came to me saying, 18 ‘O son of man; In grief you will now eat your bread, and in torment and affliction you’ll drink your water. 19 Then you will say to the people of the land, Jehovah says, that there will be shortages of bread, and that the drinking water will vanish, among those in Israel and Jerusalem. Thus, they will soon be extinct in the land… so the violence among all who live there, will have reached its conclusion. 20 Then the cities that they now live in, will all become desolation, and their land will become an extinction… then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
21 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 22 ‘O son of man; Why are the people saying this proverb about the land of Israel: The days are still far away, and all the visions have perished?
23 ‘Because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah: I will turn this proverb around, and the house of Israel won’t say it again. For, now you’ll be saying instead: The days have come, as have the words of the visions!
24 ‘[Tell them]: False visions will no longer be, and none will be speaking of omens, to curry favor among Israel’s sons. 25 For I, the Lord will speak all My words… I’ll act and not stretch out the time. Tell them that thus says Jehovah: In your days, O house in rebellion, I’ll speak the words and then act!’
26 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 27 ‘O son of man; See how Israel is rebelling, for now they are saying: The visions this man sees are of some distant time, and he prophesies of things [that won’t happen for years]!
28 ‘Because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah: I’ll no longer stretch out the words that I speak, for now I’ll speak and then act!’
Chapter 13
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘Son of man; Now prophesy against Israel’s prophets (those who [say that they speak of the future])! You must speak to these prophets and tell them, that their prophecies spring from their own hearts. You must prophecy and tell them: Hear the word of Jehovah! 3 For, thus says the Lord: Woe to those who prophesy from hearts, but see nothing at all, and follow the directions of their spirits!
4 ‘O Israel; Your prophets are like foxes in the fields, 5 for firm positions they’ve not taken. To the house of Israel they’ve not gathered the flocks, nor have they moved you to prepare for war, by speaking of the Day of the Lord. 6 They see false visions and their omens are useless, for they say that Jehovah has spoken, and make their words sound very lofty, yet they are not sent by Jehovah.
7 ‘Haven’t your visions been false… haven’t the words you’ve spoken proven untrue? For you speak when I haven’t spoken, says Jehovah!
8 ‘Because of this, I want you to tell them, said Jehovah, that because their words are all false, and all their prophecies are foolish… it’s because of this that I am against them, says Jehovah! 9 So, I’ll stretch out My hand against all those prophets – those who are seeing false visions, and those who declare foolish things, when they give instructs to My people – and among Israel, their [names] will not be recorded, so they will know that I am Jehovah!
10 ‘They are misleading My people, and saying there’s peace when there’s no peace. So they re-plaster walls that will soon fall. 11 They should tell all those who replaster walls, that their [walls] will soon fall and the rain will pour in. For, I’m sending rocks to be thrown upon them, and then their [walls] will just fall… [I’ll send] a mighty wind to break them!
12 ‘{Look!} And after the walls have all fallen, will they not ask: What happened to all of the plaster, with which these [walls] had been repaired?
13 ‘It’s because of this, says Jehovah, that I will send out a wind, that will rip down [the walls] in My anger, and then My rage will flood in… in rage, rocks will be thrown, as I bring it all to an end! 14 For, I’ll raze the walls that you’ve plastered… I’ll lay them to the ground and show their foundations. Then you’ll be worn out by the shouting, and you will know that I am Jehovah.
15 ‘I’ll wear out My rage on those walls, and on those who are plastering them… for they all will soon fall. Yet, [the problem] is not with the walls, or with those who are plastering them, 16 it’s with those who prophesy about Jerusalem… those who see her and speak about peace, when there really won’t be any peace, says Jehovah.
17 ‘And you, O son of man; Against the daughters of your people, you must now fix your face… those who now also prophesy, according to the things their hearts… against them you must prophecy! 18 Tell them that thus says Jehovah: Woe to those who sew pillows, to be placed under elbows, and those who make veils for heads of each size, that you say are a protection for My people; for you are misleading their souls!
19 ‘Before My people they willingly profane Me, for a handful of barley or a few scraps of bread, to end lives that don’t have to die, and offer protection to lives that won’t live… they promise foolish things to the people!
20 ‘It’s because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} I am opposed to your pillows, which you use to gather their lives. So, I will rip them out of your arms, and send off the lives of those you’ve misled; for then they will be scattered. 21 I will also rip off your [magic] veils, and rescue My people from your hands. They’ll no longer fall into your hands, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
22 ‘You have perverted the hearts of the righteous, and strengthened the hands of the lawless… you didn’t turn them from bad so they’d live! 23 And because of this; You will see false visions no more, and you will not see any omens. From your hands I will rescue My people, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 14
1 Then elders from among the people of Israel came to me and sat down before me. 2 And the word of the Lord came to me saying: 3 ‘Son of man; The thoughts in the hearts of these people are set, so lay the punishment for their badness before them, since I will now give them an answer. 4 Speak and tell them that thus says Jehovah: Any man from the house of Israel, who may start to think in his heart, that he’ll not be punished for his badness, should arrange his face and then come to the Prophet, and I Jehovah will tell him, of all the things in his mind, 5 so I can recapture the house of Israel’s hearts… those whose hearts that are so far from Mine.
6 ‘So, tell the house of Israel that thus says Jehovah: Turn from the things that you’re doing… turn your faces from your godless deeds! 7 For a man – any man – from the house of Israel, or from among foreigners who are converts, that may have separated himself from Me, and starts to think in his heart, that he should never be punished, for all his unrighteous deeds; he should arrange his face and then come to the Prophet… he should ask, and then I Jehovah will answer, about the things he’s concerned with. 8 For I’ll fix My face against such a man, and assign him to a place where he’ll be extinct… from the midst of My people I’ll lift him away, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
9 ‘And if a prophet [is found to] mislead, and should say it was I who misled him; against him I’ll stretch out My hand, and remove him from the midst of Israel, My people.
10 ‘Then each one who asks, will have to bear, the punishment he’s due for his unrighteous acts (each according to his offence). But the offences of the prophets will come [on their heads], 11 so the house of Israel will not stay misled, and remain defiled by its errors. And then they’ll become a people to Me; and to them, I’ll be their God,’ says Jehovah.
12 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 13 ‘O son of man; If a land sins against Me and falls into sin, against [that land] I will stretch out My hand, and break its reliance on bread. Famine I’ll send [to that land], and remove man and beast from upon it. 14 But if men like Noah, Daniel, and Job, can be found in that land, these will be saved,’ says Jehovah. 15 ‘And if I must bring ferocious wild beasts, as My punishment on such a land, it will become an extinction (no one will pass through it thereafter), because of the faces of the beasts. 16 But, if three such men can be found there; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘none of its sons or daughters will be saved… just [those three] will be saved, but the land will be ruined thereafter.
17 ‘Or if I bring the sword to that land – if I should say, Let the broadsword pass through it – and I cause man and beast to be lifted from there; 18 and if such three men are there in its midst; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘[the land’s] sons and daughters won’t be saved, but they alone will be rescued.
19 ‘Or if I should next send a plague to that land, and pour out My rage upon it in blood, destroying both man and beast, 20 and Noah, Daniel, and Job are in its midst; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘neither its sons or daughters will be saved… for, their lives be saved by just righteous ways!’
21 Then Jehovah said, ‘I will bring these four punishments on Jerusalem: the broadsword, famine, ferocious wild beasts, and the plague. These will destroy both men and beasts. 22 {Look!} And any who remain left behind there – those who escape all these things – will thereafter be carried away… both the sons and the daughters. And then {Look!} they’ll be brought here to you, and you will see what they’re thinking, as well as the things that they’ve done. Then you’ll be sorry for the harm that I’ve brought, and for all that I did to Jerusalem.
23 ‘But [your mind] will then be relieved, because you will see theirs ways and their thoughts, and you’ll know that the things which I did, were not done for no reason,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 15
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying: 2 ‘[Let Me ask] you, O son of man… What happens to the wood from all the vines, that live among the branches in the woods? 3 Do they find some use for this wood? Does [someone] cut pieces to hang up their things? 4 {Look!} Each year they’re just thrown in the fire, as part of the [annual] cleanup, and the wood disappears in the end; so no use for it is ever found! 5 And even whole pieces aren’t useful, for after they’re consumed in the fire, to what use can they then be put?’
6 ‘So, Jehovah says: As I’ve assigned vines among trees in the woods, to be burned in a fire and consumed, so I’ve done to those living in Jerusalem. 7 For, against them I’ll set My face, and fire they’ll have to [endure], since the fire will then [come and] consume them. And after My face is set against them, they’ll know that I am Jehovah.
8 ‘I’ll also appoint [their] land to extinction, because they fell into error, says Jehovah.’
Chapter 16
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; To Jerusalem now testify, about all of her lawless deeds! 3 Tell them that thus Jehovah: Your roots and your birth are in CanaAn. An Amorite man was your father, and your mother a Hittite. 4 And concerning your birth and the day you were born: Your naval wasn’t cut nor were you bathed; no one [cleansed] you with salt; and you weren’t wrapped tightly with [belly] bands.
5 ‘My eye did not feel enough sorrpw for you, to do these things or [show concern], so you were thrown out in the fields. For your life was deformed since the day you were born.
6 ‘Then I came and saw you defiled in your blood, and I said to you amidst all your blood: Now come to life! It was I who said to you in your blood, Now come to life… become many!
7 ‘I made you like [plants] that grow in a field, then you became many and great, and you entered the city of cities. Thereafter, your breasts and your hair both grew full, but you were still naked and indecent.
8 ‘And then I came and beheld you, and look… it was your time, a time for your rest. So, I opened and spread out My wings over you, and your indecency [and shame] I then covered. Then I swore to you with an oath, and entered a Sacred Agreement with you, says Jehovah, and that’s when you became Mine.
9 ‘Then I bathed you in water and washed off your blood, and oil I used to anoint you. 10 In colored clothes I then dressed you; I tied a blue cloth around you; then in linen I wrapped you, and placed a braided belt [on your hips]. 11 I decked you with ornamentation; I put bracelets around [both] your [wrists], and a necklace I put ‘round your neck. 12 I gave you a ring for your nose, as well as disks for your ears, and a crown of boasting for your head.
13 ‘You were adorned in silver and gold; your wraps were the finest of linen, as were your braids and colored clothes. You ate the finest of flour, as well as honey and olive oil. So, you became exceedingly [great], and you prospered as though you’re a [queen]. 14 A among the nations, your name became famous, and this was true of your beauty, for I had made your beauty complete… it was I who ordered it for you, says Jehovah.
15 ‘And on your beauty you then relied, and you gave away [sex] because of your name… to him you poured it out on the roads. 16 You [ripped] your clothes to make strings, to tie all your idols together, and then you did immoral things with them. So, there’s no way that you may [return], nor should you ever do so.
17 ‘Then you took the things about which you boast, including the gold and the silver I gave you, and with it made idols with whom you had sex. 18 Then you dressed them in your colored clothes, and set My oil and incense before them.
19 ‘You took the bread loaves I gave you – the fine flour, olive oil, and honey that I fed you – and before their faces you set them, as a pleasing scent and aroma. Yes, thus it was so, says Jehovah.
20 ‘Then you took the sons and the daughters you bore, and sacrificed these to [your gods], until [they all] were consumed, and immoral you continued to be. 21 Yes, to pacify [idols] you killed them… to them you gave all your children. 22 And this is even much worse, than your disgusting things and your being immoral.
‘You forgot the days of your youth, when you were indecent and naked, and you lived befouled in your blood. 23 And now that you’ve done all your evil, woe, woe upon you, says Jehovah!
24 ‘For, you’ve built a whorehouse for yourself, and posted signs in the squares. 25 You’ve built them on every corner, and in these you’ve wasted your beauty. Between your legs you’ve led all who would pass. Then made your immorality much worse, 26 for you’ve also had sex with the sons of Egyptians… with the flesh of those who live next door! And these many ways that you’ve been immoral, were so you could lead Me into a rage.
27 ‘So, {Look!} against you I’ll stretch My hand, and I’ll lift away all your Laws, and give you to those who detest you… to the daughters of the Philistines… those who turned you to your godless ways.
28 ‘With Assyrias’s sons You also had sex, but this brought you no satisfaction… yes, you had sex, but it wasn’t enough. 29 So, with the land of CanaAn you had sex, as well as with the Chaldeans, but with them you found no satisfaction.
30 ‘O what will I do to your heart, asks Jehovah, as you are doing these bad things… the works of a woman who’s known as a whore? Why, you’ve even had sex with your daughters!
31 ‘In every square you’ve built your whorehouses, but you don’t act as the madam! 32 An adulterous wife is what you are like; one whose husband acts as her pimp!
33 ‘Why, you pay those to whom you offer you sex… you’ve paid wages to all of your lovers, as inducements for them to stay near, and engage in all of your whoring!
34 ‘Your perversions are worse than [all] other women, for in whoring you’ve had sex with other whores. Why, you paid them (they didn’t pay you), so what you have done is perversion!
35 ‘Because of this, O you whore; Hear the word of Jehovah! 36 [He] says: Because you paid them with your copper coins, your shame will soon be uncovered… your whoring with all of your lovers, as well as your evil thoughts… your lawless deeds and your children’s blood, which you offered to them.
37 ‘Because of this; Look! I will gather your lovers against you, and mix among them all whom you’ve hated. Together I’ll bring them against you, until they have you surrounded. I’ll uncover your evils before them, and then they’ll all see your shame.
38 ‘I’ll punish you with what’s due an adulteress, for I will pour out your blood. In [My] rage and zeal I’ll appoint you for blood, 39 and then to them, I’ll then hand you over… and they’ll cut your whorehouses to the ground. They’ll demolish your base and rip off your clothes… they’ll take all the things that you boast of, and leave you indecent and naked.
40 ‘Against you they will lead mobs, who’ll stone you with rocks and stab you with swords. 41 Then they’ll burn your whorehouses with fire… they will wreak vengeance upon you, there before crowds of other women.
‘But I’ll turn you away from your whoring, and from the wages you paid your lovers… 42 I will slacken My rage against you, and remove the zeal that I once had for you… I will rest and be anxious no more.
43 ‘Because you forgot the days of your youth, and caused me to fret over such things, {Look!} I’ll bring them down on your head, says Jehovah, and then you’ll no longer be godless.
44 ‘Against you, they have said this: As is the mother, so is the daughter; 45 and you are truly your mother’s daughter… she who’s divorced from her husband, and she who abandoned her children (all of your sisters and brothers)… those whom she pushed away, along with their husbands and children.
‘For, an Amorite was your father, and your mother a Hittite; 46 your older sister is Samaria, whose daughters have lived to your left. Your younger sister who lives on your right (along with all of her daughters), is Sodom. 47 In their ways you have followed, and all their lawless deeds you have done, so their ways are now better than yours!
48 ‘As I live, says Jehovah; Has your sister Sodom (she and her daughters) acted like you and your daughters? 49 The sin of Sodom your sister was pride. For, though she had plenty of bread (and she and her daughters had more than enough), this thing [was true] among them: They offered no aid to the needy and poor. 50 They bragged and broke laws before Me. And as you saw, I removed them!
51 ‘Yet, Samaria didn’t sin with half of your sins, for you’re now more lawless she; and all the lawless things that you’ve done, declare your sisters more righteous.
52 ‘So, you must carry your torment! For, you’ve corrupted your sisters with your sins… with lawlessness that is worse than even theirs, making them look much better than you. So, be ashamed and accept your dishonor, for it’s you who made your sisters look better.
53 ‘So I’ll remove from them their rejection – the rejection of Sodom and her daughters – and I’ll remove the rejection of Samaria, as well as that of her daughters, and I’ll remove you from their midst. 54 For you must carry your torment and disgrace, for all you did to provoke Me to rage.
55 ‘And your sister Sodom and her daughters, will be restored as they were at the first. And Samaria and her daughters will too be restored, as they were at the beginning. Your daughters will also be restored, as they were [long ago].
56 ‘Wasn’t Sodom your sister a reason to boast, in the days of your pride, 57 before your evils were uncovered, and for which you’re are now scorned, by Syria’s daughters, as well as those round about… the daughters of Philistines who live around you?
58 ‘As for all the irreverence, and the lawless deeds that you’ve carried, says Jehovah, 59 I’ll do among you as you’ve done… for you’ve disgraced your sacred oath, by breaking My Sacred Agreement.
60 ‘But, I will remember My Sacred Agreement (the one that I made in the days of your youth), and remake My Agreement with you through the age. 61 Then you’ll remember the way [you should go], but for following in the ways of your sisters (both the younger and older), you will now be despised. But I’ll give them to you so you can teach them… but not of your Sacred Agreement. 62 For, My Sacred Agreement will just be with you, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
63 ‘Then you should remember and be ashamed, and not open your mouth, because of the dishonor upon your face, since it was Me who had to atone, for all the bad things you did, says Jehovah.’
Chapter 17
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Tell this story and speak this ode to the house of Israel. 3 Tell them that thus says Jehovah:
‘There was a great eagle with very large wings,
And claws that were long and outstretched.
And into Lebanon he was then led,
Where he selected the choicest of cedars.
4 ‘The most tender tips he plucked off,
And into the land of CanaAn he took them,
Then he put them in a city with walls.
5 ‘Next, he took some seed from the land,
And planted it in ground fit for sowing
(A place with plenty of water),
And he arranged for it to be tended.
6 ‘Then it grew and became a small vine,
That proved it was soon to be great.
Above it grew branches of vines,
As the roots [grew strong] underneath it.
It became a vine with layers of vines,
And its tendrils kept stretching out.
7 ‘And there was another great eagle,
Who had large wings and [long] claws.
And {Look!} the grapevine then twisted toward him,
As did its roots and its branches.
‘She reached out to him to get water,
Pulling her from her planting in the sun,
8 Though she was planted in ground that was good,
And where there was very much water.
‘So, she grew fat and was putting out buds,
To bear much fruit as a vine that was great.
9 ‘Now, Jehovah asks, Will it prosper?
Will her roots remain tender?
Will not her fruits become rotten?
‘Yes, her early shoots will all dry,
But not by a great mighty arm,
Nor by armies who’ll pull up her roots.
10 ‘{Look!} Since she was fat, will she prosper?
Won’t she be touched by hot winds,
And then be dried up by drought?
Yes… when east winds blow she’ll dry up!’
11 And the word of the Lord came to me saying: ‘Ask the rebellious house what this means… yes, [go ahead and just] ask them!
12 ‘{Look!} To Jerusalem will come Babylon’s king, and he will take her king and her rulers, then lead them to himself there in Babylon. 13 He will take the seed of the kingdom, and make them swear a treaty with him, and take all the governors from the land.
14 ‘The kingdom will then become weak, and be unable to lift itself up, so to survive they must keep their treaty.
15 ‘But then [the king] will revolt, and send his envoys to Egypt, to ask for horses and men. Will he succeed… will the one who disobeys be preserved… will he who breaks My Agreement be saved?
16 ‘As I live,’ says Jehovah! ‘Surely here in the place of the king, he’ll disgrace the One who gave him his reign, and violate the oath of his treaty, so in Babylon’s midst he’ll meet his end.
17 ‘This will not come by any great power, nor by the [strength] of great [armies]. For, Pharaoh will come against him in war… he’ll throw up stakes and bring many weapons, and he will take many lives. 18 For he’s disgraced the oath that he swore before Me, and broke My Sacred Agreement. {Look!} It was he who stretched out his hand, and for what he did, he will not escape.
19 ‘Tell him that thus says Jehovah: As I live; Surely he was disgraced, and he broke My Agreement, so I will lay this on his head: 20 Over him I’ll spread My net, and he’ll be wrapped up and captured. Then off to Babylon I’ll lead him, where I’ll judge him for his sins against Me. 21 Then his [armies] in battle array, will all fall by the broadsword. And those who remain will be scattered to the wind, then they’ll know that I Jehovah have spoken.’
22 Then the Lord said, ‘From the choicest of cedars, I’ll pluck off the heads from the tops… out of her heart I will pluck it, and plant it upon a high mountain. 23 On a high mountain of Israel I’ll hang it… I will plant it and then it will bud, and once again put out fruit. It’ll become a great cedar of rest, for every bird and winged creature. Under the shadow of his branches they’ll rest, for the branches of his vines will then be restored.
24 ‘Then all the trees in the plains, will know that I am Jehovah… He who humbles the trees in the heights, and raises high the trees that are low; He who dries up green trees, and makes [others] flourish in dryness. For, I am Jehovah… I have spoken and I will act.’
Chapter 18
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying: 2 ‘O son of man; How does the proverb apply, to the land of Israel that says, When the fathers eat unripe grapes, the teeth of the children get toothaches? 3 As I live,’ said Jehovah; ‘Will this proverb be found true in Israel?
4 ‘All their lives belong to Me… it’s the same for the life of the father, as it is for the life of the son… because, they are all Mine, and he who is sinning will die!
5 ‘But he who is fair, righteous and just; 6 who doesn’t feast in the mountains to idols; whose eyes are not [filled up with pride]; whose thoughts are of the house of Israel; who doesn’t defile the wife of his neighbor, nor does he defile his own wife, by going near her during her menstruation; 7 who does not tyrannize men; who does not require collateral [for a loan], which he then fails to return; who takes nothing by force; who gives bread to the hungry, and his clothes to the naked; 8 who doesn’t require interest on loans; who does not pay or charge interest; who turns his hand from injustice; who is fair when he serves as judge, between a man and his neighbor; 9 who follows in the ways of My orders; who guards My Laws and then does them… such a one is a man who is righteous, and he will then [receive] life,’ says Jehovah.
10 ‘And if he should father a bad son; one who sheds blood and commits sins; 11 who won’t follow the righteous ways of his father, but goes to the mountains to eat before idols; who is willing to defile the wife of his neighbor, 12 and a tyrant to the poor and the needy; who seizes collateral by force, and then does not return it; who turns his eyes toward the idols; who practices all that is lawless; 13 who lends his things out for interest… he will not receive life. For all his lawless deeds he will die, and his blood will be upon his [own head].
14 ‘Then if he should father a son, who fears all the sins of his father, and refuses to act as he did; 15 who doesn’t feast in the mountains to idols; whose thoughts are of the house of Israel; who doesn’t defile the wife of his neighbor; 16 who doesn’t act like a tyrant; who takes no collateral as security, nor does he take things by force; who gives bread to the hungry and clothes to the naked; 17 who doesn’t turn his hand toward injustice; who doesn’t charge interest for things that he lends; who is righteous and follows My orders… for the sins of his father he’ll live and won’t die!
18 ‘But if his father is oppressive and harmful; if he seizes by force, and is contrary among his own people, for his unrighteous ways he will die.
19 ‘But you will ask: Why won’t the son bear the sins of his father? Because the son is merciful, righteous, and fair! He has kept My Laws and obeyed them, and as the result he will live! 20 But the person who is sinning will die.
‘So, the son will not be blamed, for his father’s unrighteous ways, and the father will not be blamed, for his son’s unrighteous ways. Each one’s righteous ways will be upon him, and the lawlessness of each are on him. 21 But if the lawless should turn from their wicked ways, and start to keep My Commandments, and become righteous, merciful, and just, he will be granted life… he will live and not die. 22 For all his sins will then be forgotten (as many as he might have done)… he will live for the righteous things that he did!
23 ‘Do I wish to see the death of the lawless,’ asks Jehovah? ‘No! I want him to turn from his bad so he’ll live!’ 24 But if the righteous should turn from good ways, and commit all the sins of the lawless… if he does this, he will not live! Then all his righteous deeds are forgotten, and he’ll die for the errors that he fell into, and for the sins he committed.
25 ‘But then you say: The ways of Jehovah aren’t right! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Haven’t My ways proven straight? Aren’t yours the ways that aren’t straight? 26 When a righteous man turns from his righteous ways, shouldn’t he should die for the sins he commits? For, he was the one who’s to blame, so, is he not the one who should die?
27 ‘And when the lawless turn from their wicked ways… when he acts fairly and becomes righteous, 28 for he knows the things he was doing were godless; He should live… there’s no way that he should then die!
29 ‘Yet, the house of Israel makes the claim, that the ways of Jehovah aren’t straight. O house of Israel; Is it really My ways that aren’t straight? Aren’t yours the ways that are crooked?
30 ‘O house of Israel; I’ll judge each by his ways, says Jehovah. So, if you turn from irreverence, you won’t be punished for your badness! 31 Thus, throw away your impious ways, and your irreverence toward Me… create for yourselves new spirits and hearts! Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 I want no one to die, says Jehovah! Return [to Me] and you’ll live!’
Chapter 19
1 ‘I want you to speak this lamentation, against the ruler of Israel:
2 ‘Your mother is a lion amidst cubs…
And in the midst of lions she’s had many cubs.
3 Then one of her cubs made the leap to a lion,
And he learned to attack and eat men.
4 ‘But the nations soon heard about him,
And in their corruption they caught him,
And carried him in a cage into Egypt.
5 ‘Well, when she saw that he had been taken,
And she had lost her support,
She took another one of her cubs,
And ordered him to now be a lion.
6 ‘So, he walked amidst lions and soon he became one;
He learned to capture prey and eat men.
7 He fed boldly in their cities,
Until the whole land became desolation…
For, it was filled the sounds of his roaring.
8 ‘Then the nations came from their places,
And they surrounded and attacked him.
In their corruption they threw nets and caught him.
9 ‘Then they put him into a cage,
And to the king of Babylon they took him.
They put him in cage so his voice wasn’t heard,
Again in Israel’s mountains.
10 ‘Your mother was like a vine…
A pomegranate blossom planted by water,
And because there was so much water,
Soon there were both buds and fruit.
11 ‘And to the lead tribe she became a strong rod,
And in her greatness she was held high,
Amid the great trunks [of the trees],
And she saw that from her branches came her greatness.
12 ‘But in rage she was broken to pieces;
She was cut to the ground;
And the burning winds she was dried.
Then her choicest of branches (which were the rods of her strength),
Were punished, dried, and burned in a fire.
13 ‘Then she was replanted in the desert…
In a waterless and thirsty land.
14 But the flames of her choicest of branches,
Came to her and consumed her,
So she no longer had the rod of her strength…
She became to her tribe a song of lamentation…
And she will surely be lamented.’
Chapter 20
1 It was in the seventh year, in the fifth month, and on the tenth day of the month, that men from among the elders of the house of Israel came to ask [things] of Jehovah. So, they sat there before my face, 2 and then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 3 ‘O son of man; Speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them that thus says Jehovah: Have you come to ask something of Me? As I live, I will not answer, says Jehovah! 4 But I will punish them, O son of man, for the lawless deeds of their fathers… yes, you tell them this!
5 ‘And tell them that Jehovah has said: From the day I accepted the house of Israel, to make [Myself] known to Jacob’s seed, and I became known down in Egypt, when I first took them by the hand, and told them that I am Jehovah their God… 6 since that day when I took them by My hand, to lead them from Egypt’s land, and into the land that I had prepared – a land that flows with milk and honey (honeycombs that are greater than in other lands) – 7 and told them to leave all their disgusting things (which they kept before all their eyes), as well as the dirty practices of Egypt… I’ve been Jehovah their God!
8 ‘But they revolted against Me, and they refused to listen to Me. Their disgusting things they didn’t remove (which were there before all their eyes), nor did they abandon the practices of Egypt. So, I threatened to pour out My rage upon them, and finish My anger among them in Egypt. 9 But I acted so My Name would not be profaned, before the nations among which they lived (those to whom I made [My] presence known), and I led them from Egypt’s land.
10 ‘Then I led them from Egypt and into the desert, 11 where I gave them My orders and all of My Laws… which, if a man does them, brings life. 12 And I gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, for them to know that I am Jehovah, the One who is making them holy.
13 ‘But in the desert, the house of Israel made Me bitter, for they didn’t follow My orders, and they pushed away all My Laws – which bring life to a man if he’ll live by them – and they profaned all My Sabbaths. So, there in the desert I threatened, to pour out My rage upon them, and to completely consume them. 14 But I [held back], so My Name would not be profaned, among the nations who saw that I’d led them.
15 ‘Then in the desert I raised My hand, so as not to bring them into the land – a land that flows with milk and honey (honeycombs that are greater than in all other lands) – 6 for they’d pushed away all My Laws, and they wouldn’t follow My orders; they had profaned all My Sabbaths, and they followed the desires of their hearts.
17 ‘Yet, My eyes continued to spare them… I did not wipe them away, nor, there in the desert, dedicate them to destruction. 18 I told their children there in the desert, not to follow their father’s laws, or to obey their [bad] rules – not to be defiled by the things of their fathers – 19 for I am Jehovah their God. [I told them to] follow My orders; to keep My Laws and then do them; 20 and to keep all My Sabbaths holy, for this will serve as a sign between us, that I am Jehovah their God.
21 ‘But against Me they also rebelled, and their children wouldn’t follow My orders… they refused guard My Laws and then do them – those that bring life to all who obey them – and they profaned all My Sabbaths. So, to them I spoke in rage… I threatened to pour out My rage upon them, and complete My rage upon them in the desert. 22 So against them I turned My hand, and I acted because of Myself, so My Name would not be thoroughly profaned, before the nations from whom I had led them. 23 I raised My hand against them in the desert, to scatter them among all the nations, 24 because they’d refused to keep My Laws, and My orders they’d pushed away; they profaned all of My Sabbaths, and they followed the thoughts of their fathers.
25 ‘So I gave them over to bad orders, and to laws that would not bring them life. 26 I gave them orders to defile them, and to scatter all those who opened the womb – to completely wipe them away – so they will know that I am Jehovah.
27 ‘So, because of these things; O son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them that thus says Jehovah: To this day your fathers have provoked Me to rage, by the errors they’ve committed against Me. 28 For, though I brought them into the land, that I raised My hand in order to give them… when they saw its high hills and shady trees, they sacrificed to other gods there, which brought My wrath upon their gift offerings. To them they offered scents and pleasing aromas, and poured out drink offerings before them.
29 ‘Then I asked them: What’s so important about these high places, that you are choosing to go there? (For they call them High Places to this day).
30 ‘So, because of all of these things, tell Israel that thus says Jehovah: Do all the lawlessness of your fathers! Defile yourselves with their disgusting ways! 31 As the first-fruits of your gifts and your offerings, pass your children through the fire! Defile yourselves in all of your thoughts, as you have done down to this day!
‘So, O house of Israel; Will I not give a reply? As I live, says Jehovah; If I should give you an answer, would your spirit pay any attention… 32 won’t you say that you want to be like the nations, and the [other] tribes of the earth, who all serve wood and stone idols?
33 ‘Because of this, as I live, says Jehovah; I’ll reign over you with a strong hand, and with My arm raised high in great rage!
34 ‘But then I’ll lead you out from those peoples, and take you away from those places, where I had dispersed you with My strong hand, and My arm raised high in great rage! 35 Then I’ll lead you into the deserts of the nations, where I’ll argue your case face to face, 36 the same as I argued the case of your fathers, there in the deserts of Egypt… that’s how I will then judge you, says Jehovah.
37 ‘For then I’ll lead you away with My rod, and return you [back to your homeland]. 38 And I’ll pick out all those among you, who’ve proven themselves irreverent and rebellious, and remove them from those who [return]; for the land of Israel they’ll not enter. And then you will know that I am Jehovah.
39 ‘And as for you, O house of Israel; Jehovah says, Get rid of all your evil ways! From now on listen to Me, and no longer profane My Holy Name, with your gifts and all your [wicked] deeds, 40 that are being done on My Holy Mountain, and in all of Israel’s hills.
‘Jehovah says: Israel must serve Me throughout the whole land, for there I will receive them, and there I’ll keep watch on their first fruits… the first-fruits of your offerings and all your holy things. 41 And when I return you from among all the nations (from the places where I scattered you), I will accept your pleasant aromas, and I will be holy among you, before the eyes of all people. 42 And then you will know that I am Jehovah, when to the land of Israel I return you… the land that I gave to your fathers.
43 ‘Then you will think of your ways, and of all the things that you did, in order to make yourselves dirty, and you’ll slap your own faces for your evil ways. 44 And you’ll know that I am Jehovah, and I did this so My Name would not be profaned, by your bad practices and ways, O house of Israel, says Jehovah.
45 Then the Word of the Lord came to me saying, 46 ‘O son of man; Now turn your face toward TeMan, and you must look toward DaRor, then prophesy against them there in the woods, that lead off into the Negev! 47 And in the woods of the Negev, say, Hear the word of Jehovah! For He says: {Look!} I’ll light a fire within you, which will burn both the green trees and dry trees. And after it has been lit, this fire will not be put out. All faces will then be consumed, by winds from the east and the north. 48 Then all flesh will know that I am Jehovah, for I’ll light it on fire and not put it out.’
49 But I said, ‘O Lord, O Lord, by no means! For, then they’ll ask: Aren’t you just telling us a parable?’
Chapter 21
1 And the Lord replied to me saying, 2 ‘Because of these things, O son of man, [now you must] prophesy this: Toward Jerusalem, now set your face, and look into its holy places, then against the land of Israel prophesy! 3 Tell Israel that thus says Jehovah:
Look, I am against you, so I’ll pull My knife from its sheath,
And destroy all the unrighteous and lawless…
4 out of you, I will destroy,
all the unrighteous and lawless.
‘I’ll pull My knife from its sheath,
Against all flesh from the east to the north.
5 And when I pull My knife from its sheath,
I will not put it away,
And all flesh will know that I am Jehovah.
6 ‘And you, O son of man; groan as though you have broken your hips… before their eyes you must moan in your grief. 7 And if they ask why you’re moaning, you must say:
The message that comes will break every heart.
‘All hands will be made very weak.
All flesh and every spirit will expire,
And all [bottoms] will be tainted by wetness.
8 Look… it comes and will be,
Says Jehovah [our] God.’
9 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘O son of man; Now prophesy! You must tell them that thus says Jehovah:
‘O broadsword, O broadsword, be sharpened and mad,
10 Then slay the victims for slaughter.
Be sharpened until you are shiny;
Prepare for paralysis and slay!
Treat with contempt… cut down every tree!
11 ‘So, he prepared it to hold in his hand…
And the sword is now very sharp…
Ready for use by he who does stabbing.
12 ‘Cry out and shriek, O sons of men,
For, upon My people this will come,
And upon all those who guide Israel…
The sword [will fall upon them].
13 ‘This will happen to My people,
And because of this, clap your hands,
For, this is all justice that’s due.’
‘But, what if the tribe’s thrown away?’ I then asked.
‘It will not happen,’ said the Lord.
14 ‘And you, O son of man, must now prophecy…
Clap one hand against the other,
To bring back the broadsword again,
For the third is a sword of great slaughter.
‘It’s one that will truly amaze them,
15 So hearts will be broken and many will weaken,
As they stand at their gates.
For, they will be slaughtered by the sword.
‘Well done, O sharp one that slaughters.
Well done, O you that is shiny.
Now, like the lightning go forth!
16 Sharpen both sides, the right and the left…
Toward wherever your face will be roused.
17 ‘I’ll also clap hand upon hand,
And then I’ll slacken My rage,
For, I Jehovah have spoken.’
18 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying: 19 ‘And you, O son of man; Prepare two different ways for the sword, so the king of Babylon may enter. For, two [armies] will come from one place; one from the right, and one from the city’s top street. So, prepare that corner of the street!
20 ‘For, the broadsword [will first enter] RabBah, in the [land of] of Ammon’s sons. Then to Jerusalem will come an attack, 21 and on ancient roads, Babylon’s king will then stand.
‘On the corner between the two streets [he will stand], asking his oracles for divination… to stir with the rod and ask of his idols, and to look into the liver.
22 ‘An oracle will come from Jerusalem’s right, and throw up a siege mound against her. He’ll open his mouth wide and yell… to raise their voices with cries, and against her gates to place siege mounds… to throw up mounds and build many weapons.
23 ‘And he’ll be an oracle against them, who’ll provide divination upon them. And he’ll recall to their minds, that they’re being captured because they’re unrighteous.
24 ‘It’s because of this,’ said the Lord… ‘he’ll recall your unrighteous ways, so your irreverence will be uncovered, and to show all your sins, as well as the laws that you’ve broken… it’s because they’re remembered that you will be captured.’
25 ‘And you, O lawless and profane one… upon you who are Israel’s guide; Your unrighteous days have come to an end. 26 For, Jehovah said this: Remove the turban and take off the crown, for they’ll no longer be yours. From on high you’ll be cut down, and that which is low will then be raised!
27 ‘Unrighteousness I’ll appoint upon the unrighteous, and that’s all that there’ll be ‘til the time, when he arrives who is fit, and then I’ll give it to him.
28 ‘Yes, prophecy, O son of man… to the sons of Ammon you must say, that Jehovah said this concerning their scorn: O sword, O broadsword, now be unsheathed! Be unsheathed for the victims of slaughter! Arise and shine to consume them!
29 ‘Your visions are worthless and your oracles have lied, for they have all failed to save you. Their lawless ways are upon the necks of the slain, and their unrighteous days have concluded.
30 ‘Now, return [O sword] to your sheath! For, in this place where you were once born, I’ll judge you in this land that’s your own, 31 and I’ll pour all My rage out upon you… the fire of My rage I’ll breathe against you, and to the barbarians I’ll hand you over… to those contriving corruption.
32 ‘By fire you’ll be devoured, and your blood will flow through the midst of your land. Then there’ll be no memory of you, for I Jehovah have spoken.’
Chapter 22
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘And you, O son of man, must judge the city for its blood… make an example of her, for all of her lawless deeds! 3 You must say that the Lord Jehovah said this: O city of so much shed blood; she who brought defilement on herself; 4 Into the blood that you’ve shed you have fallen, and you’ve defiled yourself with your thoughts. So, the end of your days have drawn near, and you’ve brought the end of your years.
‘I’ve given you to be scorned by the nations, and for every region to mock you… 5 by those who are near and those far away. O you unclean one, they’ll [mock] you; for in lawless ways you are famous and great.
6 ‘Look upon those who guide Israel; They’ve joined with all their relations, in order to spill innocent blood. 7 And against your own fathers and mothers, they now speak of doing what’s evil.
‘Foreigners you treat with injustice, and you tyrannize widows and orphans. 8 My holy things you treat with contempt, and you profane My Sabbaths among you. 9 The men among you are robbers, and they shed innocent blood. Up in the mountains they’re feasting to idols… unholy things they now do in your midst!
10 ‘They’ve uncovered the shame of their fathers, and debased many women among you… those sitting apart in unclean conditions. 11 Each has done wrong with his neighbor’s wife; each has defiled his own daughter-in-law; each has been godless with his sister… the daughters of their fathers they’ve debased.
12 ‘Among you they take bribes to shed blood; interest and rent they require; thus you’ve brought your evil to completion, and in your tyranny, you forgot Me, says Jehovah.
13 ‘Now, if I clap hand against hand, against all the evils you’ve done; yes, all the bad things you’ve done, and all the blood that was shed in your midst, 14 will your heart be able to stand it… will your hands [be strong] in the days that I do this? For, I Jehovah have spoken… yes, and now I will do it!
15 ‘So, among all the nations I will disperse you; I will scatter you to many regions, and then your uncleanness will vanish. 16 For, I’ll assign the nations to watch over you, and you will know that I am Jehovah.’
17 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 18 ‘O son of man; {Look!} Before Me, the house of Israel has been mixed, like brass, iron, tin, and lead with the silver. 19 And because of this, you must tell them, that thus says [Jehovah their God]: You are all mixed into one. So, into Jerusalem’s midst I will put you, 20 as in the midst of a furnace. Then, just as with silver that is mixed, with brass, iron, tin, and lead, and air is blown in to refine it, so I’ll do to you in My anger… I will gather you in My rage, and throw you into a furnace. 21 Then I’ll blow on you with the fire of My rage, and you’ll be refined in its midst. 22 As silver is cast in a furnace, in the midst of the furnace you’ll be thrown. And you will know that I am Jehovah, when I pour all My rage out upon you.’
23 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 24 ‘O son of man; Tell her this: You are the land… the land without rain, for the rain won’t pour in the day of [My] rage. 25 For, the leaders in your midst are like lions, which roar and seize prey by force. They dominate, destroy, and consume; they take whatever has value; and the numbers of widows now grow in your midst.
26 ‘Her priests have annulled all My Laws, and My holy things they’ve profaned. They no longer can tell what is holy, from things which are profane, nor do they know the clean from unclean. 27 My Sabbaths they’ve hidden from their eyes, and I’ve been profaned in their midst.28 So, her prophets by whom they were anointed, will now all be cut down… those who see only vain things, and oracles that really aren’t true, but say that Jehovah has spoken, when Jehovah has not really spoken.
29 ‘And even the land’s [common] people, call for what is unrighteous, and [for a share] of the prey. For, they tyrannize the poor and the needy, and foreigners are not treated fairly.
30 ‘So, I searched among them for a man who acts right… one who’ll stand firm in My time of rage, so I would not have to end her, and totally wipe her away. But I couldn’t find such [a man], 31 thus upon her I’ll pour out My rage… the fire of My anger in order to end it… I’ll lay all the blame on their heads, said Jehovah.’
Chapter 23
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; There were two women, both daughters of a mother, 3 who during their youth were immoral. They [had sex] down in Egypt… there is where their breasts fell, and where they lost their virgin condition.
4 ‘The name of the eldest was Aholah, and her sister was named AholiBah. And to Me they both had been given, to give birth to My sons and My daughters. What are their [real] names? Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem is AholiBah.
5 ‘Aholah was immoral against Me, and doted upon all of her lovers… upon the Assyrians with whom she [slept]… 6 those clothed in blue; commanders and leaders; the choicest of all their young men, as well the cavalry riding on horses. 7 To them she offered her [sex]… to the choicest of Assyria’s sons… with all those whom she desired, she defiled herself with her whole [heart]. 8 Yet, her affair with Egypt she didn’t leave, and with her they [slept] in her youth. She lost her virginity with them, as they poured out [their semen] upon her.
9 ‘So, I gave her to the hands of her lovers (to the sons of the Assyrians whom she wanted), 10 and they uncovered her shame, then they took her sons and her daughters, and killed them all with the broadsword. So, she was made the gossip of women, when they brought this vengeance upon her.
11 ‘And when AholiBah saw what happened, she even became more corrupt… even more immoral than her sister. 12 For, upon the sons of Assyria she doted… those commanders and leaders who were near her, all who were elegantly clothed, and the cavalry men who ride on horses… all their choicest young men.
13 ‘So, I saw how they both were defiled, and there was one way for them both.
14 ‘Then to her immorality she added, as she looked upon men who were painted on walls… images of Chaldeans that were painted with a brush, 15 wearing colored belts on their hips, and deeply-dyed turbans on their heads, all giving the appearance of officials, of the sons of Babylonians… of her fatherland, the Chaldeans.
16 ‘She doted on them with her eyes, then she sent messengers to them, there in the land of Chaldea. 17 And to her came Babylon’s sons, and upon her marriage-bed they then rested… in their immorality they defiled her.
‘And as she was being defiled, she gave her life over to them… 18 her immorality and shame she uncovered… she separated My life from hers, as My life had been divided from that of her sister.
19 ‘Then she became even worse, as she remembered the days of her youth, when she [had sex] down in Egypt, 20 and doted upon the Chaldeans, for they had flesh just like burros, and genitals like those of horses.
21 ‘You overlooked the lawlessness of your youth… the things that you did down in Egypt, and the place where you had then lodged… where the breasts of your youth had first fallen.
22 ‘Because of this, AholiBah, says Jehovah, {Look!} I’ve awakened your lovers against you… those to whom you gave your life. I’ll bring them against you and they will surround you… 23 the sons of Babylon and all the Chaldeans – Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa – as well as the sons of Assyria, and all their choicest young men; the governors, commanders, and tribunes; the famous ones riding horses. 24 From the north they’ll all come against you, with weapons, and chariots, and wheels… many peoples wearing chest plates, helmets, and shields. They’ll surround you and put up a siege mound, then upon their faces I will put judgment, and in their (type of) justice you’ll be punished.
25 ‘Then against you I’ll show My zeal, and they’ll deal with you in the anger of [My] rage. They’ll cut off your nose and your ears, and cut down what’s left with the broadsword. They’ll take your sons and your daughters, and all who remain will be burned in a fire. 26 Then they’ll strip off all of you clothes, and remove all the things you were proud of.
27 ‘Then your impious deeds I’ll take away, and the immorality you did down in Egypt. You’ll no longer be raising your eyes, and you’ll remember Egypt no more.’
28 ‘For Jehovah says: {Look!} I’ll give you to the hands of those you detested (those to whom you’ve given your life), 29 and they’ll deal with you in their hatred, and take all the things you’ve worked hard for, leaving you naked and disgraced. Your immoral shame will then be uncovered, including your irreverence and whoring.
30 ‘They’ll do all these things because of your whoring, for you were defiled by your thoughts about them. 31 You went in the ways of your sister, so her cup I’ll now put in your hands.’
32 ‘And Jehovah said: From the cup of your sister you will drink deeply, and there’ll be enough to cause laughter… then, in complete intoxication you will sneer. 33 From the cup of extinction you’ll be filled, and it will make you feel weak… yes, the cup of your sister Samaria. 34 You will drink and then you’ll throw up; you’ll eat his shards of broken pots; and start pulling at your own breasts.
‘So I’ll pervert your holiday feasts, as well as all your New Moons… yes, I’ll pervert them, for I’ve spoken, says Jehovah.’
35 ‘Then Jehovah said: Because you forgot Me and put Me behind you, you’ll get what you’re due for your whoring!’
36 And the Lord said to me: ‘O son of man; Now judge Aholah and AholiBah! Speak to them of their lawless deeds… 37 of the adultery and blood on their hands. Why, they’ve even been adulterous in their thoughts; and the children they bore Me they led through the fire!
38 ‘And as they did all this against Me, they defiled My holy things in that day, and My Sabbaths they also profaned. 39 They [offered] their children to their idols, and entered My Holy Place to profane it… {Look!} it was done in the midst of My House!
40 ‘Then, to men from far away lands, you sent messengers and asked them to come. And as they were coming you bathed; you decked yourself out and [painted] your eyes. 41 Then you sat on a bed, and spread a table before it; and before them you set My incense and oil, in which they took much delight. 42 Then the sound of harmony and music, was played before men who were drunk… many men who had come from the desert.
‘Upon both their hands you put bracelets, and a crown of boasting on their heads. 43 Though I told you not to be an adulteress, in the ways of a whore you [had sex]. 44 Then they entered you in the same way, as a man would enter a whore… they entered Aholah and AholiBah, two lawless women who did lawless deeds.
45 ‘But because they are also just men, they will punish them both, with the punishment that’s due an adulteress. In justice they’ll then shed their blood, for the adultery and blood in their hands.’
46 Then the Lord said: ‘Now bring the multitudes against them… bring disturbance and ravaging to them. 47 May the multitudes stone them with rocks, and pierce them through with their broadswords! Kill all their sons and their daughters, and burn all of their houses! 48 For, I’ll bring their godless [lovers] back to the land, in order to correct [both] these women, so there’s no way that they’ll be so godless again… 49 I’ll lay your irreverence upon your own heads, and you’ll bear your own sins and ideas. Then you will know that I am Jehovah!’
Chapter 24
1 It was in the ninth year, in the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Write for yourself the name of this day, for this is the day when Babylon’s king, will have taken Jerusalem… yes, this is that day! 3 And speak this poem to that house in rebellion. Tell them that thus says Jehovah:
‘Prepare the pot… prepare the pot and fill it with water,
4 Then you must put in the pieces…
All the best pieces… the shoulder and leg,
Then tear off the flesh from the bones.
5 ‘The choicest of cattle are gathered,
So start the fire to boil the bones…
Boil and cook her bones in her midst.
6 ‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
O city of blood; There’s a pot which is filled with her venom.
So, when they brought out her limbs,
[None] chose her as their portion.
7 ‘Upon a rock her blood was poured…
I arranged for it not to be poured on the ground,
And then to be covered by dust.
8 Her punishment [came down upon her] in rage…
And I poured her blood on a rock,
So [no one] could cover it over.
9 ‘Because of this, said Jehovah;
Woe to you, O city of blood,
For your funeral pyre will be great…
10 I’ll add much wood and kindle a fire,
To melt away all the meat,
And in order to render a broth, the bones will have to be stewed.
11 ‘It’ll sit on the coals until it burns through,
And her brass utensils will melt…
Until her uncleanness [is gone], and all her venom has failed…
12 For little of her venom remains.
13 ‘The venom of her filth I’ll disgrace,
Until it is all boiled away.
For, you made yourself dirty and wouldn’t be cleansed…
Thus you won’t be cleansed anymore,
Until My rage is fulfilled upon you.
14 ‘For, I Jehovah have spoken… it will come and I’ll do it!
I won’t warn or show mercy on you,
And I won’t offer you comfort.
According to your ways and your thoughts…
That is how you’ll be judged, says Jehovah.’
15 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying: 16 ‘O son of man; {Look!} With a blow I will take your dearest treasure. Yet, you must not show any sorrow. 17 The moaning you do must be silent… you must Groan silently, and may they not wail at her grave. Don’t braid the hair on your head, just put your sandals on your feet. Don’t allow [your friends] to offer you comfort, and their bread do not eat.’
18 Then the next morning, I told the people what He said to me; and that evening, my wife died. So, the [next] morning I did as I was instructed. 19 And the people asked me, ‘Won’t you explain to us about all these things that you’re doing?’
20 And I told them that the word of the Lord had come to me and said, 21 ‘Speak to the house of Israel, and tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} I will profane My holy places… the neighing of your strength and desire of your eyes. And in order to save your own lives, you’ll abandon your sons and your daughters, and then they will fall by the broadsword. 22 And then you will do what I’m doing; you won’t take comfort from anyone’s mouth, or eat from the bread of mankind! 23 Your hair will hang from your heads, and on your feet you’ll wear sandals. You will not mourn, nor will you cry; in unrighteousness you’ll just melt away, and none will comfort even his brother.
24 ‘EzekiEl will serve as an omen and sign, for all that he does you will do. And after these things have all happened, you will know that I am Jehovah.
25 ‘And as for you, O son of man; So it will be in that day – when I take away all their strength, and the haughtiness of their boasting; the desirable things of their eyes; their sons and their daughter (the pride of their lives) – 26 that those who escape in that day, will come to you and announce it!
27 ‘And your mouth will open in that day, to speak to those who’ve escaped… you’ll speak and not be mute any more… you’ll tell how you were a sign, and they will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 25
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Against the sons of Ammon now set your face; [you must speak] this prophesy against them! 3 Tell the sons of Ammon to hear the word of the Lord, for, thus says Jehovah: Because you were [filled with] rejoicing, 4 when My Holy Place was profaned; and over the land of Israel, when it was being destroyed; and over the house of Judah, when they were taken as captives; 4 {Look!} it is for these very reasons, that to the sons of Kedem I’ll hand you, and their inheritance you will become. They’ll camp among you as [masters], and spread their tents in your midst, then eat your fruits and drink of your fatness. 5 The cities of Ammon I’ll give them, to serve as pastures for their sheep; and I’ll also give them your camels. Then you will know that I am Jehovah.
6 ‘Jehovah says: For, you clapped your hands and stamped your feet, and rejoiced over Israel in your soul. 7 And because of this, {Look!} I’ll stretch out My hand, and appoint you to be ravaged among the nations. I’ll destroy you out of the peoples… I’ll destroy you out of your regions, and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
8 ‘Jehovah says: Because Moab and Seir have [often] said, {Look!} The house of Judah’s become like the gentiles, 9 {Look!} for this I’ll disable the shoulder of Moab, from the cities at the edge [of his land]; the choicest land of BethJeshimOth, the city of springs by the sea. 10 To the sons of Kedem and Ammon they’re given, to be an inheritance among them, so the nations will forget Ammon’s sons. 11 For in Moab I will also wreak vengeance, and then they will know that I am Jehovah.
12 ‘And Jehovah says: Since Edom was very resentful, and sought vengeance against the house of Judah, seeking to bring punishment on them; 13 because of this, says Jehovah, I’ll stretch out My hand against Edom, and from man to beast, destroy all. I will make [their land] a desolation, and from Teman and Ledan those being pursued, will all then fall by the broadsword.14 Against the land of Edom I’ll bring vengeance, by the hand of Israel My people. They’ll deal with Edom according to My rage, and in the ways of My anger. Then they will know of My vengeance, says Jehovah.
15 ‘And because of this, says Jehovah; because the Philistines arose to take vengeance, and they rejoiced in their souls, to wipe [My people] away through the age; 16 because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} against the Philistines I’ll stretch out My hand… I will destroy the Cherethim, as well as those who remain on the coast. 17 Against them I will bring vengeance, and the rebukes of My rage. Then they will know that I am Jehovah, when I bring My vengeance upon them.’
Chapter 26
1 It was in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, Well done, because she is now broken! For she had destroyed many nations, and then she turned her attention toward me. But she that was full is now desolation; 3 ‘Because of this,’ said Jehovah, ‘{Look!} I am against you, O Rock, and I’ll bring many nations against you, like the sea that ascends with her waves. 4 The walls of Tyre they’ll tear down, and they’ll knock down all of her towers. Then I’ll scatter her dust to the wind, leaving her like a smooth rock, 5 and she’ll be a place to dry [fish] nets, for I have spoken,’ says Jehovah.
‘She’ll become a place to be plundered by nations. 6 Then her daughters in the plains will be killed by the sword, and they will know that I am Jehovah.’ 7 For Jehovah says: ‘Look! I’ll bring against you, O Tyre, NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon from the north. He [is truly] the king of all kings, with horses, chariots, and horsemen, and an army from many nations.
8 ‘He will destroy with the sword, this daughter of yours in the plains. Against you he’ll send advance guards; he’ll surround you and dig out a trench; he’ll close you in with a siege mound, and set it up with lances and shields. 9 Then he’ll demolish your walls and your towers; he will destroy [all your] weapons; 10 from the dust of his horses you’ll be covered; and from the sounds of his horsemen and chariot wheels, all your walls will be shaken. Then when he enters your gates, it’ll be like he’d entered a city in the plains.
11 ‘With the hoofs of his horses they’ll trample your squares, and they’ll kill all your people with swords… they’ll bring the support of your strength to the ground. 12 Then they will plunder your army; they’ll take all your things and tear down your walls, and demolish all your best houses. Then they’ll throw your stones and your wood, as well as your dust in the midst of the sea.
13 ‘He’ll rip away your many musicians, and the sounds of strings will no longer be heard. 14 I will make you like a smooth rock, and a place for the drying of dragnets. There’s no way that you’ll be rebuilt, for I Jehovah have spoken,’ said the Lord.
15 Then Jehovah asked this of Tyre: ‘When their swords are unsheathed in your midst, won’t the sounds of your downfall, and the moans of your wounded shake the islands? 16 Won’t the rulers in the seas step down from their thrones, then remove their crowns and colorful robes? They’ll be startled by this change of state, then sit in fear of their own destruction, as they moan over you. 17 They’ll [sing] this lamentation over you:
‘O how you were destroyed,
And deposed from the sea,
As well as all those who dwelled there,
By he who brought fear to all those who live there.
‘You’re a city that once was so praised;
One given strength by the sea.
18 But the islands were in fear from the day of your downfall…
The islands of the sea were disturbed when you left.’
19 Then the Lord Jehovah said this: ‘Upon your cities I’ll bring desolation, and leave them all without people; then I’ll cover you with the waters of the deep. 20 I will bring you and your people, into the pit through the age. I’ll settle you into the depths of the ground, as a desolate place through the ages, with all the rest who’ve gone down to the pit, and in the land of the living you’ll no longer be. 21 I’ll appoint you for desolation, and you won’t exist anymore, so they’ll look for you and not find you,’ says Jehovah.
Chapter 27
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘And you, O son of man; [Write] this lamentation over Tyre. 3 You must say to the Rock (she who lives by the sea… the market of the peoples from many islands) that thus says Jehovah to Tyre:
‘You say you’ve invested in beauty; 4 for the heart of the sea is your border, and your sons perfected your beauty. 5 Cedar was [the wood] with which you were built, along with Lebanon’s cypress planks. With posts of fir your ship masts were built; 6 in Bashan they made all your oars; your temples are made out of ivory; and your houses are made out of wood, that came from the Island of Cyprus. 7 Your embroidered linen came from Egypt, with which you cover your beds, and which also brought you much glory. From the islands of My God the King, came the purple and blue that serve as your wraps.
8 ‘Your princes who lived in Sidon and Arvad, were those who served as your oarsmen; and your navigators were wise men, O Rock. 9 The elders among you were scholars and sages, who grew in their power to give you direction. And all ships of the sea and their oarsmen, came to you on their trips from the west.
10 ‘Your warriors were from Lydia and Persia; they hung their helmets and shields among you, and they brought you much glory. 11 Sons of Arvad were your soldiers, and were stationed around all your walls, as Medes served as guards in your towers. They hung their quivers on your moorings, and they perfected your beauty.
12 ‘Men from Carthage were your merchants, who brought you abundance and strength, as well as silver and gold, along with brass, iron, tin, and lead, that they brought to your markets.
13 ‘The Greeks and the whole world (those from far away places), traded men’s lives [in your streets], and items of brass they offered in trade. 14 From the house of TorGarmah came horses… horsemen and mules they brought to your stores.
15 ‘The sons of the Rhodes were also your merchants; from the islands they brought you much trade. And those who brought you your ivory, were paid with your earnings from men; 16 from your warehouses of balsam; from your purple cloth and your linen; from colored works out of Carthage; and things from RamOth and ChoHor, that were sent to your market.
17 ‘Judah and Israel were your merchants, in the sales of grain and perfumes, as well as the finest of honey… they brought olive oil and balm to your stores.
18 ‘Damascus was a trader in all of your works, and in the abundance of your power, bringing wine in from Helbon, and fine wool from Miletus.
19 ‘Dan, and Javan, and MoOzel, brought much iron to your market, to add many tools and wheels to your stores.
20 ‘Dedan too was your merchant, providing choice chariot [horses].
21 ‘Arabia and the rulers of Cyprus (merchants trading camels through your hands), brought lambs and rams that they traded with you.
22 ‘Your merchants were Sheba and RamAh; yes, these were also your traders, bringing choice spices and most precious gems, as well as gold to your market.
23 ‘Haran, CanNeh, and Edem were your merchants, as were Sheba, Assyria, and Chilmad. 24 These brought blue [cloth] and great treasures, in [boxes of] cypress bound in rough cords.
25 ‘Your boats were also your merchants, bringing an abundance to your stores. They were filled and weighed down, in the heart of the sea, 26 and your oarsmen also brought much. [They were blown] by the winds from the south, through which you broke the heart of the sea.
27 ‘Your armies, your wages, and stores; your oarsmen, navigators, and counselors; your goods that come from your stores, and all the warriors among you – those who have gathered within you – will all fall in the heart of the sea, in the day of your downfall.
28 ‘Your navigators will all be shaken, at the sounds of your cries, and be overcome with great fear. 29 Your oarsmen will abandon their boats, and their captains and crews will flee to dry ground. 30 Then they’ll loudly shout over you; yes, for you they’ll bitterly cry; upon their heads they’ll throw dirt, and spread ashes as beds for themselves. 31 They’ll shave their heads and wear sackcloth, and bitterly weep over you. 32 Their sons will lament over you, and they will wail for the Rock, as they ask: Who is as silent as Tyre, there in the midst of the sea?
33 ‘How much wealth did you get from the sea? Why, nations are filled with all your abundance, and their kings were enriched by your stores. 34 But now you lie broken there in the sea, and your stores are in the depths of the sea. For, all who gathered in you have now fallen, along with all of your oarsmen.
35 ‘Over you, there’ll be gloom in the islands over you… their kings will be startled and amazed, then tears will burst from their faces. 36 Merchants from the nations will whistle at you, for you [will soon be] destroyed… you will be no more through the age.’
Chapter 28
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘And you, O son of man; Say this to the ruler of Tyre! Tell him that thus says Jehovah: You have made your heart haughty, and you said that you are a God, for you live in the dwelling of sea gods! Yet, you are a man not a god, and you made your own heart the heart of a god.
3 ‘Are you also wiser than DaniEl… didn’t the wise correct you in wisdom? 4 Was it intelligence or wisdom that brought you to power… when you procured gold and silver as treasures? 5 Was it wisdom or trading that gave you your power… that made your heart haughty because of your strength?
6 ‘It’s due to this, says Jehovah; Since you’ve made your heart as that of a God; {Look!} I’ll bring strange pests from the nations upon you, 7 and they’ll empty their swords out against you… against the beauty of your wisdom, and they’ll spread your beauty to destruction. 8 They’ll cut you down and you’ll die, the death of the slain in the heart of the sea.
9 ‘Will you say you’re a god to those who’ll destroy you? For, you’ll be just a man not a god, in the hands of those who will stab you. 10 Among the uncircumcised you will then die… by the hands of those who are strangers. For, I have spoken, says Jehovah.’
11 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 12 ‘O son of man; Speak this lamentation to the ruler of Tyre. Tell him that thus says Jehovah:
‘Yours is the image on a seal;
Full of wisdom and a crown of great beauty.
3 You live in the luxury of the paradise of gods,
And every precious gem you have owned…
Sardinus, topaz, and emeralds;
Onyx, sapphires, and jasper;
Silver, gold, amber, and agate;
Amethysts, chrysolite, and beryl.
Your treasuries are filled with onyx and gold,
As are all your storehouses.
14 ‘From the day that you were created,
For you a cherub was prepared,
You were anointed by God,
And you stayed in [His] Tent.
I put you upon God’s Holy Mountain,
And among stones of fire you existed.
15 ‘In your days you were perfect…
Yes, from the day that you were created,
Until the time that you were found guilty.
16 ‘From the abundance of your trade your storerooms were filled,
Then you became lawless and sinned.
So, you were removed from the mountain of God (from the midst of stones of fire),
And the cherub over you was removed.
17 ‘Because of your beauty your heart became high,
And by the multitude of your sins, your beauty and wisdom were corrupted.
So I tossed you down to the earth,
And made you an example to [other] kings.
18 ‘Because of the multitude of your sins,
And the ways you have failed in your tradings,
You have profaned all your temples.
‘So, I will send fire into your midst;
I’ll devour you and turn you to ash,
Before all those who can see you.
19 Then, all the nations will be saddened by you,
For you were destroyed and are gone through the age.’
20 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 21 ‘O son of man; Now fix your face against Sidon, and against it, now prophesy! 22 Tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} I’m against you, O Sidon, and by you I’ll be glorified, for you will know that I am Jehovah, when I bring My judgments upon you, and then I’ll be holy among you.
23 ‘Against you I will send death and blood, and you will fall in your squares. As the men among you are wounded by swords, those near you will know that I am Jehovah.
24 ‘The house of Israel will be gone… a barb of bitternes and thorn of grief. And all who surround them and bring them dishonor, will know that I am Jehovah.’
25 ‘Jehovah says: Then I’ll gather those of the house of Israel, from among all the nations where they were dispersed, and I will be holy among them, before all the peoples and nations. Then they will live on the land, which I gave to My servant Jacob, 26 and they will dwell upon it in hope. There, they’ll plant vineyards and build houses, and they will dwell there in hope, when I bring My judgments on all who abused them – all who now live around them – and they’ll know that I’m Jehovah their God, as well as the God of their fathers.’
Chapter 29
1 It was in the tenth year (on the first day of the tenth month) that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Firmly fix your face against Pharaoh (the king of Egypt)… prophesy against him and against Egypt! 3 Speak and tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} I’m against you, O Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great dragon who waits between his rivers; he who says, The rivers are mine… they were created for me!
4 ‘I will put hooks in your jaws, and the fish of your rivers I’ll stick to your wings. Then I’ll lead you from the midst of your rivers, and I’ll cut the scales from the fish of your rivers. 5 Then I’ll throw you down along with the fish… upon the face of the plains you will fall, then you’ll be collected and not [thrown back],then fed to the beasts of the earth, and to flying creatures in the sky.
6 ‘Then those who are living in Egypt, will know that I am Jehovah. [This will all happen] because; To the house of Israel you have proved, to be just a reed, not a rod; 7 and you broke when they grabbed onto you with their hands. Then, by every hand they were beaten, because they [trusted] in you… because you broke and this broke their loins.
8 ‘Because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} I will bring the broadsword upon you, to destroy you all (both men and beasts). 9 The land of Egypt will then be given, for destruction and desolation. And they will all know that I am Jehovah; since you said, The rivers are mine… they were created for me!
10 ‘{Look!} So, I am against both you and your rivers; and for destruction by the sword I’ll give the land of Egypt, from Migdol, to SyEne, and Ethiopia’s borders, 11 and no way will man or beast then walk there… no way will any go through it; and for forty years no one will live there. 12 I’ll appoint her land for destruction, and the land’s midst will lie baren. All the cities in her midst will lie empty… for forty years they’ll all be extinct. I’ll scatter Egypt among all the nations, and [blow] them to many places.’
13 ‘Then, Jehovah says, After forty years I will gather the Egyptians, from the nations where they were dispersed, 14 and I will return all the captured Egyptians, and resettle them in the land of Phathros (the land from which they were taken), and there they must humbly submit. 15 All of her reigns will have ended, and she’ll not be higher than the nations again. For, I will cause them to be very few, so they’ll not be [counted] among other nations.
16 ‘Then, to the house of Israel you’ll be no hope… they’ll be reminded that it was wrong, to ever have put trust in you. And then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
17 It was in the twenty-seventh year (on the first day of the first month) that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 18 ‘O son of man; Because of Tyre, NebuChadNezzar (Babylon’s king), has reduced his army to slaves. For, all their heads are now bald, and their shoulders are covered with loose hair, because of his army’s attack against Tyre, and the work they have done which haven’t brought wages. 19 Because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} To Babylon’s King NebuChadNezzar, I will hand the land of Egypt. Then he will loot and plunder her spoils, and this will be his army’s wage. 20 In return for his service against Tyre, the land of Egypt I’ll give him, because of the things that he’s done for Me, says Jehovah.
21 ‘In that day, a horn will arise, before all those of Israel’s house, and I’ll send an opened mouth in their midst, and they will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 30
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Prophesy and tell them that thus says Jehovah: The day is near… 3 the day of Jehovah approaches; it’s a day of clouds and a time of the nations, 4 for swords will come against the Egyptians, and to the land of Ethiopia will come a disturbance; and those slain in Egypt will fall… they will take all her abundance, and tear her down to her foundations.
5 ‘Persians, Cretans, and Lydians; Libyans, Ethiopians, and mixed peoples; will all fall with My Covenant people, 6 says Jehovah. And the supporters of Egypt will fall… they’ll go down with the insolence of her strength. From Migdol to Syene they’ll fall by the sword. 7 They’ll lie desolate amid places being wiped out, and the cities in her midst will be gone. 8 Then they will know that I am Jehovah, when I bring fire against Egypt, and all who helped her will be broken.
9 ‘In that day; Messengers will come in a hurry, to wipe out the hope of Ethiopia… in that day there’ll be disturbance in Egypt, and look, it has already come!’
10 ‘Jehovah says, I will destroy many Egyptians, by the hand of NebuChadNezzar, king of Babylon. 11 He and all of his people, and the pestilent ones from the nations, are being sent to destroy the whole land. They’ll empty their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain. 12 Then I’ll make their rivers desolate places, and give their land to those who are bad. I’ll obliterate their land and empty it out, and give all of its fullness to strangers. For, I am Jehovah and I have spoken!
13 ‘Jehovah God says, Their disgusting things I’ll destroy… to those [gods] of Memphis I’ll provide rest, and the rulers of Egypt won’t be any more.
14 ‘Upon the land of Egypt I will bring fear, and the land of Pathros I will destroy. I will bring fire upon Tanis, and punishment to DiosPolis. 15 I’ll pour out My rage upon Sin, which is the stronghold of Egypt. And the multitudes of Memphis I’ll destroy.
16 ‘Yes, I will bring fire upon Egypt, and disturbance I’ll send upon Sin. Upon DiosPolis I’ll spit, and I’ll remove all its waters. 17 The young men of HelioPolis and those of BuBastum, 18 will all fall by the sword, and their women will be taken as captives.
18 ‘In TahPanHes the days will be dark, when the chiefdoms of Egypt I break there. Then the strength of her insolence will be broken; she will be covered by clouds, and her daughters will be led off as captives.
19 ‘I will bring judgment on Egypt. Then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
20 It was in the eleventh year, in the first month, and on the seventh day of the month that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 21 ‘O son of man; I will break the arms of Pharaoh (king of Egypt), {Look!} and for ways to heal him they’ll search. Upon his wounds they’ll wrap dressings, so he can carry his sword. 22 But, because of this, says Jehovah, {Look!} I’m against the Pharaoh (king of Egypt), so I will break his strong arms, including the one that’s been broken, and tear his sword from his hand. 23 Then I’ll scatter Egypt among all the nations, and [blow] them among many places.
24 ‘I’ll strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king, and put My sword in his hand. Then he will use it on Egypt… he’ll loot her loot and spoil all her spoils. 25 I’ll strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king, and then the arms of Pharaoh will fall. And they will know that am Jehovah, when to Babylon’s king I give My sword, and he lifts it against the land of Egypt.
26 ‘Then I’ll scatter Egypt among all the nations… to many places I’ll blow them away, and then they will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 31
1 It was in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Ask Pharaoh (king of Egypt) and his armies, when it comes to being haughty; Who else is quite like them?
3 ‘{Look!} The Assyrian was as a cypress in Lebanon, and he had many dense branches; he was protected and stood very tall, and amidst the clouds his top stood. 4 By deep waters he was then nourished, and that made him grow very tall. The river was led to the plants round-about him, and she poured her waters on the trees of the fields. 5 Because of this, his greatness was higher, than all the other trees of the field; he had more branches and much taller shoots, and over many waters he stretched. 6 Among his branches sat birds of the skies; beneath his branches bred the beasts of the plains, and under his shadow dwelt many nations.
7 ‘He became great in his height, because of his many tender branches, and his roots reached down to the water. 8 In the paradise of God there was none other like him… no pines could compare to his shoots; no firs had branches like his; and there in the paradise of God, none could be likened to his beauty.
9 ‘It was I who made him so good, with all of his [great] tender branches, and the trees of paradise were all jealous… the trees of paradise and the delicacies of God.
10 ‘Because of this,’ said the Lord; ‘because he became great in his greatness, and put his tops high in the clouds, and lifted his heart to the heights; 11 to the hands of the rulers of the nations I gave him, and they brought about his destruction. 12 Strangers cut him down to the ground, and pestilent ones from the nations, threw him down on the mountains. In all the ravines fell his branches, and his trunk [was splintered] ‘cross the plains.
‘His protection of all the peoples had fallen, for [to the ground] all nations had dashed him. 13 The place where the birds of the sky had once rested, and under whose trunk the beasts had existed, now had fallen to the ground. 14 And the trees around him lost all their greatness (those trees that had stood by the water); they no longer put their tops in the clouds; and those who were drinking the water, no longer stood tall in his height. All were given to death, and [were sent] to the depths of the earth… amid sons of men they went down to the pit.’
15 And the Lord said: ‘In that day he went down to the place of the dead, and he was mourned by the abyss. Then I took control of the river, and restrained its abundance of water. Lebanon became a shadow over him, and all the trees of the plains became weak. 16 From the sound of his downfall the nations all shook, when I brought him down to the place of the dead, along with those who go down to the pit. And there in the bowels of the earth, all trees of the earth offered him comfort… all the best trees and all chosen ones… the best ones of Lebanon who once drank the water. 17 With him they went down to the grave (those who were slain by the sword), and the seeds of whom he had offered protection, were destroyed in the midst of their lives.
18 ‘To whom can you liken such power, as well as the glory and greatness, among all the choicest of trees? Go down with the choicest of trees, into the depths of the earth! Among the uncircumcised you’ll sleep… with those who are slain by the sword. This is what will happen to Pharaoh, and to all of [his allies],’ said the Lord.
Chapter 32
1 It was in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, and on the first day of the month that the word of Jehovah came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Take up this lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt… you must say this to him:
‘You [think of yourself] as a lion among nations,
But you are the dragon of the sea.
For amidst your rivers you have gored;
You stamped your feet and you trampled,
And this disturbed all your waters.’
3 Then the Lord said:
‘So, by an assembly of many peoples,
Around you I’ll throw My net,
And then I’ll lead you with My hook.
4 ‘I will stretch you out on the ground,
And you will fill all the plains.
Then on you I’ll set the birds of the sky,
And use you to fill wild beasts of the ground.
5 ‘I’ll spread your flesh on the mountains,
And fill the ravines with your blood.
6 With your manure I’ll cover the land,
And from those in you, I will fill the valleys and ground.
7 ‘Then when you’re exhausted I’ll cover the skies;
Yes, I will darken the stars,
And cover the sun and the moon with a cloud,
And no way will your light be able to shine.
8 ‘All shining lights in the sky,
Will be dark over you,
And over your land I’ll bring darkness,’
Says Jehovah the Lord.
9 ‘To the hearts of many peoples I will bring rage,
When I lead you as a captive to the nations,
And into a land that you’ve never known.
10 ‘Many nations will be gloomy over you;
Their kings will be stunned and amazed,
When before their faces they see My broadsword,
As they await the downfall that comes after yours.’
11 Then the Lord Jehovah said:
‘The broadsword of Babylon’s king,
Will thereafter come upon you.
12 ‘With swords of giants I’ll [cut you] down,
And give your strength to pests from all nations.
They will destroy the insolence of Egypt,
And they will break all her strength.
13 ‘Then I’ll destroy all her cattle,
[That graze] around her great waters,
So, men’s feet will no longer disturb [Egypt],
Nor will cattle trample on it again.
14 ‘Then all their waters will be stilled,
And their rivers will pour out like oil,’ says Jehovah.
15 ‘When I bring destruction upon Egypt,
The fullness of the land will be [gone].
And when I scatter all those who live there,
They will know that I am Jehovah.
16 ‘Then [this] lamentation they will lament.
The daughters of nations will [cry] over Egypt…
Over her strength they’ll lament,’
Says Jehovah the Lord.
17 And in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of Jehovah came to me saying, 18 ‘O son of man; Lament for the multitudes of Egypt, for her daughters will be debased by the nations, and [there’ll be] death to the depths of the earth… to those going down to the pit. 19 From their beautiful waters they’ll descend, to sleep among the uncircumcised!
20 ‘With him and his strength they will fall, among those slain by the broadsword. 21 And the giants of the earth will then say, It’s best that you’re now in the pit. So, go down among the uncircumcised, and sleep in the midst of those slain by the sword. 22 For, there is Assyria and all of his crowd… around his grave they are standing… all the slain who were felled by the sword; 23 all with whom he now shares his grave, along the sides of the pit, and all his crowd surrounding his tomb… all the slain who were felled by the sword… those who once brought great fear, to the land of the living.
24 ‘There is Elam and all of his army. [They are] surrounding his tomb, along with all the uncircumcised, who had been felled by the sword. [They went] to the depths of the earth, at the hands of those who brought fear, there in the land of the living. 25 They accepted their torture with those in the pit (in the midst of those who were killed). 26 There they put Mosoch and Tubal, along with all of their strength. The slain now stand there surrounding his tomb, with the uncircumcised slain; all were killed by the sword, by those who brought fear to the land of the living.
27 ‘Now they sleep with the giants, who through the ages have fallen; they went to the land of the dead, with all their weapons of warfare. They placed their swords under their heads, and their lawless deeds fell on their bones; for during their lives they were just frightened giants. 28 So, amidst the uncircumcised they’ve been destroyed, and they’ll sleep with those who were slain by the sword.
29 ‘There is Edom and her kings, with all of Assyria’s rulers… those who gave up their strength, and then were wounded by the sword. Now they sleep with the slain, which have gone down to the pit. 30 And there are the rulers of the north – all these and Assyria’s generals – those who went down with the slain, and shared in all of their fear. Because their strength had been shamed, among the uncircumcised they sleep… along with those who were slain by the sword; they carry their torture into the pit.
31 ‘Then there they’ll see King Pharaoh, and they’ll find comfort in this. For, Pharaoh and his armies will all be killed,’ says Jehovah, the Lord. 32 ‘To the land of the living, I brought his fear, yet among the uncircumcised he’ll sleep, along with those slain by the sword… yes, Pharaoh and all of his crowd,’ says Jehovah, the Lord.
Chapter 33
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Speak to the sons of your people and tell them: To whichever land that I bring the broadsword, the people of the land should then choose a man, and assign him to act as their watchman. 3 And, if he sees the sword coming to their land, he should blow a trumpet and warn all the people. 4 And if they hear the sound of the trumpet, and they should refuse to prepare, and the broadsword then overtakes them, their blood will be on their own heads. 5 When they hear the trumpet sound, they should prepare, or their blood will be upon them, but those who keep watch on their lives will be saved.
6 ‘Now, if he who watches should see the sword coming, and he should fail to blow the trumpet, so the people aren’t prepared for the coming of the sword; from among them he must be removed, because of the lawless [thing that he did], and I’ll require the watchman’s blood by their hands.
7 ‘And you, O son of man; You are the watchman whom I’ve appointed, to the house of Israel. So, whenever you hear a word from My mouth, you must announce it to them on My behalf. 8 And when I tell a sinner he’ll die, and you fail to speak and warn him from his way; for his lawless deeds he will die, but I’ll require his blood from your hands. 9 But if you should warn the irreverent, to turn from [his evil] ways, but he refuses to change all his ways; for his irreverence this one will die, but your life will be saved.
10 ‘Now, O son of man; Tell the house of Israel that they have been saying: We are the ones who’re to blame, for all our delusions and our lawless deeds. So, if we leave them now, will we live?
11 ‘Reply to them and say this: As I live, says Jehovah; I don’t want the death of the godless. [I want them] to turn from their [lawless] ways, so that they can then live… but, you must turn from all your bad ways… why must you die, O house of Israel?
12 ‘And you, O son of man; Tell the sons of your people: The righteousness of the just will not save them, in whichever day that that stray. And the blame of the lawlessness of the irreverent, won’t come upon them in the day, that they turn from their lawless ways. For, there’s no way that the righteous will be saved, in the day of their sins.
13 ‘When I tell the righteous they will live, and they come to rely upon their righteous ways, and then they [do what is] bad, their righteous ways will not be remembered… for the sins they commit they will die! 14 And if to the irreverent I should say, You’ll be killed and you’ll die, and then he turns from his sins, and starts being righteous and fair… 15 if he returns the collateral he has taken, and pays back all that he’s seized; if he travels an orderly life, and no longer [follows] wrong [paths], he will then receive life… there’s no way that he will then die! 16 All the sins he’s committed will be forgotten… for the fairness and righteousness that he observed, he will be given life!
17 ‘And if you will say to the sons of your people, The ways of Jehovah aren’t right, when it’s really their ways that aren’t right; 18 if you sway the righteous from their righteous ways, and they turn to doing what’s lawless, they will die [for their sins]. 19 But, if you turn back a sinner, and he becomes righteous and fair, he will live!
20 ‘Now, you say that the ways of Jehovah aren’t straight! However, O house of Israel; I’ll judge you each by the ways that you act!’
21 It was in the twelfth year, in the tenth month, and on the fifth day of the month from our captivity, that someone who had escaped from Jerusalem came and told me that the city had been captured. 22 Then the hand of Jehovah came over me that evening. But, before that (in the morning), He came and opened my mouth, so my mouth couldn’t stay closed any longer. 23 And the word of Jehovah came to me saying, 24 ‘O son of man; Those who live in the places that are being destroyed, in the land of Israel are now saying, Back when Abraham was alone, he was given this land; and now that we’ve become many, we’ve been given this land as our own.
25 ‘Because of this, tell them that the Lord Jehovah says this: Since you eat blood in your food, and to disgusting things lift your eyes, as well as shed [innocent] blood; what is this land that you will inherit? 26 There you stand with your broadswords, doing [so many] loathsome things, and tainting the lives of your neighbors’ wives… so, will you inherit this land?
27 ‘Tell them that the Lord Jehovah says this: As I live; Those living in places that are being destroyed, will all fall by the broadsword. And those who are fleeing to the plains, will be given to be eaten by wild beasts. And those hiding behind walls and within caves, I will kill with a plague.
28 ‘I will turn this land into a desert, and the strength of her insolence will perish. I’ll devastate Israel’s mountains, so none will pass through them thereafter. 29 Then they will know that I am Jehovah, when I turn their land into desert, for the disgusting things that they do.
30 ‘O son of man; The sons of your people are talking about you, along the walls and in the gatehouses, as well as inside their homes. Each is saying to his brother: We should all gather and listen, to what Jehovah has planned to do. 31 And when they all come before you, and they sit down before you, and hear the things that you’ll say, there’s no way that they’ll do [what you tell them]; for the lie is still in their mouths, and they follow the disgusting ways of their hearts. 32 And if you should be like the sound of a harp (a sound that is sweet and well-tuned), they’ll hear your words but not do them. 33 But after it’s done they will say: Look, it has all come to be! And they’ll know that there’s been a Prophet among them.’
Chapter 34
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Now prophesy against Israel’s shepherds… prophesy and tell them that thus says Jehovah the Lord: O shepherds of Israel; Do shepherds graze for themselves? Don’t sheep do the grazing for the shepherds? 3 Look! You have drunk all their milk, and wrapped yourselves in their wool; you have slaughtered the best of My sheep, and [all the rest] you’ve failed to graze. 4 Those that are weak you don’t strengthen, and those that are ill you don’t treat; those with broken [bones] you don’t wrap, and those that have strayed aren’t returned; for those that are lost you don’t search, and for those that are strong you make trouble.
5 ‘As the result, My sheep are now scattered, because they have had no shepherds. 6 My sheep are being eaten by beasts in the fields; 6 My sheep have now all been scattered, upon every mountain and hill; they’re scattered across the face of the land, and no one has searched to make them turn back! 7 Because of this, O shepherds; Hear the word of Jehovah! 8 As I live, says Jehovah the Lord, Instead of My sheep being plundered, and allowed to be eaten by beasts in the plains; because there aren’t any shepherds… shepherds to search for My sheep; and because the shepherds have grazed on My sheep, while they’ve failed to provide My sheep grass; 9 because of this, O shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah! 10 For the Lord Jehovah says this: Look, I’m against all the shepherds, and I’ll require My sheep from their hands. I’ll take them away from tending My sheep, and the shepherds won’t graze on them anymore. For, I will rescue My sheep from their mouths, and they’ll no longer be something that’s eaten.
11 ‘The Lord Jehovah says, {Look!} I will search for My sheep, and I will visit with them. 12 As a shepherd who looks for his flocks, on cloudy days when they have strayed, so will I search for My sheep. I will drive them away from where they were [lost], on that dark cloudy day. 13 Then, from the nations I’ll lead them, and gather them from many regions, then bring them [back] to their land. And on Israel’s mountains I’ll graze them… in the valleys and homes of the land. 14 I will provide them good pastures; upon Israel’s high mountains I’ll graze them; and there they’ll find a safe haven; there they will sleep and find rest… in the luxury of good and plentiful pastures, on the mountains of Israel they’ll graze.
15 ‘I’ll graze My sheep and give them rest, says Jehovah the Lord. 16 I’ll search for those who are wandering and lost, and I’ll return all those that are broken; I will bind and strengthen those that are weak; I’ll guard the strong and graze them in fairness. 17 And from among you, My sheep, says Jehovah the Lord, {Look!} I’ll separate sheep from the sheep among you, and the rams from the goats.
18 ‘Weren’t the pastures you fed on enough, that you trampled on them with your feet; or enough places where you drank the water, that you muddied them with your feet? 19 For, My sheep have trampled their food with their feet, and muddied the waters they drank from. 20 Because of this, says Jehovah the Lord, {Look!} I’ll separate the strong from the weak. 21 For, you pushed them away with your shoulders and sides, and the weak you gored with your horns… you squeezed them out and pushed them aside! 22 So, I will rescue My sheep, and no more will they serve as [your] plunder, for I will judge between ram and ram.
23 ‘I will raise a shepherd for them, and he (David, My servant) will tend them… he’ll care and be a shepherd for them; 24 I Jehovah will be their God, and My servant David will rule in their midst… for I Jehovah have spoken. 25 Then I’ll make an Agreement of peace among them, and wipe the fierce beasts from their land. For, they will dwell in the deserts, and in the forests they’ll sleep.
26 ‘Then around My [Holy] Mountain they will be scattered, and I’ll give them rain when it’s due… and it will be a rain of great blessings. 27 The trees in the plains will then yield their fruit; the ground will yield all her strength; and in the hope of peace they’ll dwell on their land.
‘Then they will know that I am Jehovah, when I break the chains of their yoke, and save them out of the hands, of those who are making them slaves. 28 No more will they be the plunder of nations, or be eaten by wild beasts. In hope, they will then dwell, and no one will make them afraid anymore.
29 ‘I’ll raise for them plants of peace, and they won’t hunger or starve anymore, nor will they bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah their God, and they’ll know that I will be with them. For you are My people, O house of Israel, says Jehovah the Lord. 31 You men are the sheep of my pasture, and I am Jehovah your God, says the Jehovah the Lord.’
Chapter 35
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Turn your face toward [Edom’s] Mount Seir, and then prophesy against it! 3 Tell it that thus says Jehovah the Lord: Look! I’m against you, Mount Seir! So, I’ll stretch My hand out against you, and make you a waste and a desert. 4 All of your cities will be desolation; I’ll turn you into a desert; and then you will know that I am Jehovah.
5 ‘For, through the age you’ve been and opposer, and an enemy to the house of Israel… to enemies with swords you handed them over, during their unrighteous time. 6 Because of this, as I live; says Jehovah, ‘for the blood of these men I’ll pursue you, and the blood you detested will chase after you!
7 ‘Mount Seir is appoint by Me, to be desolation and desert… I’ll destroy from it both men and beasts; 8 I’ll fill your hills and ravines with your slain… yes, those who are killed in your fields, will fall by the broadsword among you. 9 I’ll assign you to be desolate through the age, and your cities will no longer be lived in; then you will know that I am Jehovah.
10 ‘Because you have said, Both [of His] nations will soon be mine… I will soon inherit [their land] (and [their God] Jehovah is there); 11 because of this; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘I will treat you just as you’ve hated. Then the things you did in your jealousy of them, I’ll make known to you when I judge you, 12 and you will know that I am Jehovah.
‘I’ve heard the blasphemies that you spoke, when you said: The mountains in the deserts of Israel, have been given to us to be eaten. 13 Then you spoke great words against Me with your mouth… you shouted out loud against Me, and I have heard all your words!’
14 ‘So, Jehovah says: To the joy of the land, I’ll turn you into a desert! 15 And as you were glad to inherit, and wipe the house of Israel away; that’s what I’ll do to you, O Mount Seir; I’ll turn you into a desert, and completely destroy the house of Edom. Then you’ll know that I’m God Jehovah!’
Chapter 36
1 ‘And now, O son of man, prophesy against the mountains of Israel. Tell the mountains of Israel, to hear the word of Jehovah! 2 Tell them the Lord Jehovah has said, that because the enemy said this against you, Well done, for now these desolate places, have all become ours through the ages. 3 And for this you must prophesy and tell them, that thus says Jehovah the Lord: Since you were dishonored and detested, by those who were living round-about you (those who wished you’d be owned by the nations… those who liked to talk against you, and made you the butt of the scorn of the nations)… 4 because of this, O mountains of Israel; hear the word of Jehovah! For, Jehovah says to your mountains and hills, to your desolate rivers and valleys, to your cities that have been destroyed and abandoned, then looted and trampled by nations round about; 5 It’s because of this that thus says Jehovah: I’ve spoken against the nations that remain, in the fire of My rage. [I’ve spoken] against all of Edom, for they happilly took My land as their own… they destroyed, looted, and dishonored lives.
6 ‘So, over Israel you must prophecy; Tell the mountains and hills, as well as the valleys and forests, that thus says Jehovah the Lord: {Look!} In My zeal and My rage, I condemn the scorn that the nations brought on you. 7 And because of this, says Jehovah the Lord, I’ll raise My hand against all those nations (those that live all around you), and they will bear your dishonor. 8 But upon your mountains, O Israel, My people will then eat the fruit of their vines, for they live in the hope of returning. 9 Look; I’m for you, so I’ll watch over you, and your [ground] will again be planted and worked. 10 And among you I’ll multiply men, to the ends of Israel’s [land]; all your cities will be lived in; and your destroyed places will all be rebuilt. 11 Among you, I’ll multiply both men and cattle; they will grow and increase; I’ll settle you as you were long ago, and do good to you as before. Then you will know that I am Jehovah.
12 ‘And you who opposed My people Israel, will then give birth to many men, and [Israel] will inherit you. You’ll be to them a possession… you won’t leave them without children again.
13 ‘Then thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because they said, O you who once ate many men; Your nation no longer has children! 14 Yes, because of this, you’ll not be eaten by men, and your nation will never be childless, says Jehovah the Lord. 15 And never again will you hear, such dishonor of the nations against you… no more must you bear the scorning of peoples, nor again will your nation be childless, says Jehovah the Lord.’
16 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 17 ‘O son of man; The house of Israel lived in their land, but by their ways they defiled it… by their uncleanness with women (those living apart in uncleanness); this was the way that they acted before Me. 18 So, on them I poured out My rage, for the blood that they spilled in the land, and the disgusting things with which it was tainted.
19 ‘Among the nations I scattered them all; to many places I [blew] them away. I judged them each by the things that they did, and according to all of their sins. 20 Then, they entered the nations where they were sent, and there they profaned My Holy Name; for those who lived there were all saying, These are the people of Jehovah, and out of His land they were sent.
21 ‘So, I spared them for the sake of My Name, which the house of Israel had profaned, in all those [lands] that they’d entered. 22 And because of this, tell the house of Israel that thus says Jehovah: O house of Israel; it’s not for you that I’ll act, but because of My Holy Name, which you’ve profaned among all the nations, wherever you have been sent. 23 So, My Name I’ll make holy again, which is being profaned among nations (which you profaned in their midst). Then those nations will know that I am Jehovah, says Jehovah the Lord, when before their eyes I’m made holy among you.
24 ‘Then, I’ll take you away from those nations; I’ll gather you back from their [countries]; and bring you back to your land. 25 Then I’ll pour clean water upon you, and from your uncleanness you’ll be cleansed. I’ll also cleanse you of idols, 26 and put a new heart within you. I’ll put in you a new spirit, and remove hearts of stone from your flesh, then give you hearts made of flesh. 27 And within you I’ll put My Breath, which will cause you to follow My rules. Then you will keep all My decisions… yes, you will observe each one!
28 ‘Then you’ll live on the land that I gave to your fathers… you’ll be My people and I’ll be your God. 29 I’ll deliver you from your uncleanness; I’ll call for grain and multiply it; and never again appoint famine upon you. 30 I will multiply the fruit of your trees, as well as the produce of your fields, so the scorn of famine you’ll not have to bear, among the nations again.
31 ‘Then you’ll think of your evil ways, and the things you did that were bad. You will loathe all your lawless deeds, and the disgusting things that you did.
32 ‘But not for your sakes will I do this, says Jehovah the Lord, but to make it known among you, that you should be shamed and remorseful, for all your bad ways, O house of Israel!
33 ‘Then the Lord Jehovah said, In the day that I cleanse you from your lawless deeds, I will resettle your cities, and rebuild your desolate places. 34 Then the desolate land will be worked, and the reasons for its destruction [will not be seen], by the eyes of all who pass by. 35 And they’ll say that the land which once was destroyed, has become a luxurious garden. And the cities that were desolate and destroyed (those that once had been razed) will then sit as fortifications. 36 And the nations around you (those that remain), will know it was I who rebuilt them (those cities that had been demolished)… I replanted the places that were once wiped away. For, I have spoken and I will act!
37 ‘And the Lord Jehovah said, Then the house of Israel will seek Me, [and ask Me to] to deal with them once again. And as though they are sheep (sheep that are holy), I will multiply their men… like Jerusalem’s sheep in her holiday feasts. 38 Thus will the cities (that were desolated), become filled with the sheep among men, and they will know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 37
1 Then the hand of the Lord came upon me and it led me by the Breath of Jehovah into a field that was filled with human bones… 2 He led me around them in a circuit, and look; there were huge numbers [of bones] lying there in the field. 3 And He said to me, ‘O son of man; Will these bones live once again?’
And I replied, ‘O Jehovah; O Lord! Only You know the answer to such things!’
4 Then He told me to prophesy over the bones and say, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah. 5 For, the Lord Jehovah says to these bones, Look, I’ll bring the breath of life upon you; 6 I will put nerves upon you, and upon you I’ll also put flesh. Over you I’ll stretch skin, and [breathe] My Breath into you… then you’ll live and you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
7 So, I prophesied just as He had instructed me. And at the sound of my prophesying, {Look!} a shaking occurred that joined the bones, bone against joint. 8 And as I watched, I saw nerves and flesh [start to grow], and above them, the skin grew over. However, there still was no breath in them.
9 Then He said to me, ‘Now prophesy over the wind, 10 O son of man, and tell the wind that thus says Jehovah the Lord: From the four winds send forth breath, then blow into these dead and make them alive!’
10 So, I prophesied to the extent that He allowed me to do, and the wind entered them and they came to life… they stood up on their feet in a great gathering!
11 And the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘O son of man; These bones [represent] the house of Israel, for they say these dry bones are like theirs, since their hope has been destroyed and they’ve perished. 12 So, you must prophesy and then tell them, that thus says Jehovah the Lord: {Look!} I’ll open your tombs and lead you out, and to the land of Israel return you. 13 Then you will know that I am Jehovah, when I lead you out of your graves, O my people… when I lead you up from your graves! 14 Then I’ll Breathe on you and you’ll live, and I’ll bring you back to your land. And you will know that I am Jehovah… that I have spoken and acted, says Jehovah!’
15 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 16 ‘And you, O son of man; Take a stick for yourself, then you must write, Judah and the sons of Israel upon it, on behalf of those who will sit down before you. Then take a second stick for yourself, and you must write, Joseph, the rod of EphraIm upon it, for those who will sit there before you. 17 Then you must hold both sticks together, until they are bonded as one, and then carry them out in your hands. 18 And when you speak to the sons of your people, you must ask what this means to them.
19 ‘Then tell them that thus says Jehovah [their] God: {Look!} Through the hand of EphraIm I’ll take the tribe of Joseph, and the tribes of Israel that lie around to him, and appoint them to the tribe of Judah… they will become just one stick… in the hand of Judah they’ll be one.
20 ‘Then, take the two sticks that you wrote on, and place them before them with your hand. 21 And then you must tell them that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} I’ll gather the whole house of Israel, from the midst of the nations where they had gone… I will gather them from, all those who had them surrounded, and to the land of Israel, return them. 22 For, in My land I’ll make them one nation, upon the mountains of Israel, and one ruler will be the king over all. No more will they be separate nations… no longer will they be a kingdom divided… 23 and they’ll not be defiled by their idols, nor by their stumbling and irreverence. I’ll rescue them from their lawless ways (all those ways in which they have sinned), and I will then clean them up… they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.
24 ‘Then My servant David will rule in their midst, and there’ll be one shepherd for all. They will then follow My orders… they’ll keep My decisions and do them!
25 ‘Then they will live in the land, that I gave to My servant Jacob… the place where their fathers once dwelled. Then throughout the age, they and their sons will thereafter dwell there, and be ruled through the ages by My servant David.
26 ‘With them I’ll conclude an Agreement of peace… an Agreement of the ages it’ll be. I will resettle and multiply them, and put My holy things in their midst through the age.
27 ‘I will bring My shelter among them… they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God. 28 Then the nations will know that I am Jehovah, when, through the ages, My holy things are in their midst, and I declare them as holy.’
Chapter 38
1 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘O son of man; Against Gog and the land of Magog (the ruler of Ros, Mosoch, and Tubal), you must now set your face, and against him prophesy this! 3 Tell him that thus says Jehovah: {Look!} O ruler of Mosoch, Tubal, and Ros; I am [truly] against you. 4 So I will lead you about, and into your jaws put a bridle. Then I’ll gather you and your army… all the horses and horsemen, and all those putting on chest plates; those with shields, helmets, and swords; 5 Persians, Ethiopians, and Libyans (all those with helmets and shields); 6 Gomer and all those around him; the house of Togarmah from the far north, as well as all those around him… all the many nations that are with you! 7 So, be prepared (get yourselves ready), you and those who’ve gathered with you, for you will serve as [their leader].
8 ‘After many more days you’ll be ready… at the end of the years you’ll come to the land, with swords you’ve collected from among many nations… to the land of Israel you’ll come… to a land which was once desolation. For they’ll have returned from the nations, and together be living in peace. 9 Then you will descend like the rain, and like clouds you will cover their land. There you will be with all those around you, for many nations will have joined [to come] with you.’
10 ‘Then the Lord Jehovah said: And it will be in that day, that [bad] things will enter your heart; you will make wicked plans and you’ll say: 11 I’ll rise ‘gainst this land that was once was rejected; I’ll come upon those who are resting, and those who are living in peace… those living in a land without walls, and with no locks on their doors, 12 in order to plunder and loot; to despoil and take many spoils; to turn my hand on this place, which once was desolation, and is now resettled by a nation, that was gathered from among many nations. For, now they have many possessions, and they dwell in the navel of the earth.
13 ‘And Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Carthage, and those in their towns will then say, You’ve come to plunder and loot, and to despoil all the spoils. You’ve gathered to take all the silver, and carry off all of the gold… to take all they own as your spoils.
14 ‘Because of this, O son of man, you must now prophecy… tell Gog that thus says Jehovah: In that day; Won’t you rise against Israel My people, who by then will have settled in peace? 15 Won’t you come from your place in the far north, and many nations bring with you… horsemen all riding horses… a huge gathering and a great force? 16 Against My people Israel you’ll come, like a cloud that covers the land… at the end of the days this will be. Then against My land I will lead you, and all the nations will know Me, when before them I am made holy through you.’
17 ‘The Lord Jehovah then said, You are the Gog that I spoke of long ago, by the hand of My servants the Prophets (those who prophesied in those days and years), in order to lead you to against them. 18 And it will be in that day (in whichever day that Gog will attack), says Jehovah the Lord, that I will ascend in My anger, 19 and speak in the fire of the zeal of My rage.
‘Surely it’ll be in that day; in the land of Israel there’ll be shaking, 20 and before My face all will tremble… the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, all the wild beasts in the fields; all the creatures that crawl on the ground, and all the men on the face of the earth; for the mountains will rip and fall into valleys, and all walls on the earth will be falling.
21 ‘Then all types of fear I’ll call upon him; I’ll bring each man’s sword against his own brother. 22 Then I’ll bring judgment upon him, by plague, and blood, and flooding rain, as well as by great hailstones. Fire and sulfur I’ll rain down upon him, and upon all those who are with him, as well as upon the nations that join him.
23 ‘Then I’ll be magnified and made holy… I’ll be known and glorified among many nations… they will all know that I am Jehovah.’
Chapter 39
1 ‘And you, O son of man, must prophesy this against Gog… tell him that thus says Jehovah the Lord: {Look!} I’m against you O Gog, ruler of Mosoch, Tubal, and Ros! 2 So, I will collect you and lead you down; I’ll haul you from the far north, and to the mountains of Israel lead you. 3 Then I’ll break the bow in your left hand, and the arrows you hold in your right hand. 4 On the mountains of Israel I’ll throw you down, and you and all those around you will fall. All the nations that have come with you, will be given to [great] flocks of birds… to all the winged creatures of the sky, and all wild beasts of the plains… I’ll give you to them to eat. 5 Upon the face of the plains you will fall, for I have spoken, says Jehovah the Lord.
6 ‘Next, I’ll send fire upon Magog, and the islands will then live in peace. For they will know that I am Jehovah, 7 and My Holy Name will then be made known, among Israel My people. 8 No more will My Name be profaned, for the nations will know that am Jehovah… I am the Holy One of Israel.
8 ‘Look, it has come… and you know it will be, says Jehovah the Lord, on this same day that I’ve spoken. 9 Then, those living in Israel’s cities, will come and light fires with the weapons (all the small shields and the shafts; all of your bows and arrows; all the lances and sticks in your hands), they’ll light fires with them that will last seven years. 10 They’ll no longer cut trees in the plains, nor fell trees in the woods… for their fires they’ll just use those weapons. Then they’ll loot all those who once looted them, and despoil all those who despoiled them, says Jehovah.
11 ‘And it will be in that day; I’ll appoint Gog as a place of renown… a remembrance in Israel’s grave yards, for those who come there by sea. They will [use] a deep valley to bury Gog and his hordes. It will be called The Grave Yard of Gog.
12 ‘By the house of Israel they’ll be buried… for seven months they will clean up the land. 13 They’ll be buried by the people of the land, and to them it’ll be a place of renown, for this was the day of My glorification, says Jehovah the Lord. 14 And to men they’ll continuously give orders, to bury those left on the face of the ground. For seven months they will search, 15 and when those who travel the land, see the bones of a man, next to it they’ll put up a sign, for those who bury to bury it, within the grave yard of Gog.16 For, Grave Yard is even the name of that city, and it will be cleansed from the land.
17 ‘And you, O son of man, said Jehovah the Lord; You must speak to all the winged creatures, and to all wild beasts of the plains, and tell them to gather and come! Gather from the places round about, [to eat] My sacrifice that I’m offering to you… a great sacrifice on Israel’s mountains… eat all the meat and drink all the blood! 18 For, the meat of giants you’ll eat, and drink the blood of the kings of the earth. Then all the rams, calves, and goats will grow fat… 19 you’ll eat fat ‘til you’re full, and you’ll drink blood ‘til you’re drunk, from this sacrifice that I’ve offered to you. 20 You will be filled from My table, with all their horses and horsemen, as well as their warriors and giants, says Jehovah the Lord.
21 ‘Then I will put My glory among you, and all nations will then see My judgments… the things that I did with My hand, and the things that I’ve brought upon them. 22 And then the house of Israel will know, from that day on, that I am Jehovah their God. 23 And all the nations will know, that it was because of their sins, [that I allowed] the house of Israel to be captured… because they’d annulled their Sacred Agreement with Me. So I turned My face, and gave them into their enemies’ hands, so they all fell by the sword. 24 It was because of all their uncleanness, and because they had broken [My] Laws, that I turned My face and did this to them.
25 ‘Because of this, says Jehovah the Lord, I’ll return the captives of Jacob, and show mercy on the house of Israel… for My Holy Name I’ll be zealous.
26 ‘Then they will accept their dishonor, for the unrighteous things they had done, when in peace I bring them back to their land, and there’ll be no one to make them afraid… 27 when I bring them back from the nations… when I gather them back from the nations, and then before all of those nations, I am made holy among them. 28 Then they will know that I’m Jehovah their God, when among them I appear to the nations, and gather them back to their land, and not abandon them anymore. 29 From them, no more will I turn My face, for on the house of Israel I’ll have [finished] My rage, says Jehovah the Lord.’
Chapter 40
1 It was in the twenty-fifth year of our captivity, in the first month and on the tenth [day] of the month (fourteen years after the city had been captured), that the hand of Jehovah came upon me 2 and I was led into the land of Israel in a vision from God. Then he put me on a very high mountain, and there a city was being built before me. 3 So He took me there, and I saw a man that looked like shining brass, and in his hand was a builder’s string and a measuring reed. Then he laid them down in front of the gate, 4 and the man said to me: ‘O son of man, Now look with your eyes and see; listen with your ears and hear; then prepare your heart for all that I’ll show you! For, you came here so you could see this. And all the things that you see, involve the house of Israel.’
5 And {Look!} there was a wall outside the [Temple] that went all the way around it. And in the hand of the man was a reed that measured six forearms by a forearm and a palm. Then he measured the area around the wall, and its width was the same as its height, [as measured] by the reed.
NOTE: We have stopped attempting to translate the rest of Chapter 40, all of Chapter 41, and Chapter 42 to verse 13, because many of the meanings of the descriptions in Alexandrian Greek have been lost. We have also examined the Hebrew text and found the same to be true, for no independent translators agree on the meanings of these texts. We assume that the descriptions of the city and Temple in these texts (although far more detailed) agree with the descriptions outlined in the Twenty-First Chapter of Revelation. However, we would rather write nothing than mislead you with a wild guess about the true words of these texts (as others have done in the past).
Chapter 42
13 And he said to me: ‘The inner chambers facing the north, and the inner chambers facing the south (that are in front of the spaces), are the Holy-Place rooms where the Priests are to eat, and it’s where, before Jehovah they go, with the holiest of holy things. There they must carry the holiest things – sacrifices and holy things of sin offerings, as well as the offerings for errors – for this is a most holy place.
14 ‘No one can enter except for the Priests, and they cannot leave the Holy Place, to go to the outer courtyard, so these who are leading will always be holy. Nor may anyone touch the garments they wear, for they are also most holy. So, when touching the people they must wear other clothes.’
15 Now, after he had finished measuring the inside of the [Temple], he led me outside, along the path to the gate that faces east; and he measured the layout of the [Temple]. 16 He stood facing east with his back to the gate, and measured five hundred forearms in reed lengths. 17 Then he turned toward the north and measured northward five hundred forearms in reed lengths. 18 Then he turned toward the west and measured westward five hundred forearms in reed lengths. 19 And he turned toward the south and measured southward five hundred forearms in reed lengths. 20 So, he established the enclosure [around the Temple] as five hundred [forearms] toward the east, and five hundred forearms in width (as a separation between the Holy Place and the walls round about), as the arrangement of the [Temple].
Chapter 43
1 Then he took me toward the east gate to lead me out. 2 And {Look!} the glory of the God of Israel was coming along the road from the east, and around me there were the voices of many that were chanting, while the ground all around me was bright and glorious. 3 Then I had a vision that was like the vision that I saw when I had first entered the city to anoint it… I saw a chariot that was like the one that I saw at the River ChoBar. So I fell with my face [to the] ground.
4 Then the glory of Jehovah entered the [Temple] by way of the gate that faces east, 5 and [God’s] Breath picked me up and carried me, bringing me into the inner courtyard, and {Look!} the glory of Jehovah filled the [Temple].
6 And as I stood there watching, a voice was speaking to me from the [Temple], and then there was a man standing next to me, 7 who said, ‘O son of man; Now you can see the place of My throne, as well as the tracks of My feet. It’s the place where My Name will encamp, in the house of Israel through the ages.
‘No longer will Israel profane My Holy Name, as when their leaders led them into whoring, and to commit murders in their midst, against those who tried to lead them to Me; 8 or put their thresholds next to My threshold, and their doors next to My doors; or when they appointed My wall as the thing, that was the only binding between us; or when they profaned My Holy Name, by the lawless deeds they committed; then in carnage I wiped them away in My rage.
9 ‘Now, they must reject all their whoring, and the murders of those who lead them to Me! And then through the ages I’ll camp in their midst.
10 ‘And you, O son of man, must show the house of Israel this [Temple]. They must see a vision of it, and they must see its [dimensions]. 11 Then they must turn from their sins, and accept their punishment [from Me], for all the things that they’ve done.
‘Then you must draw plans for this House, and show how it must be prepared. Show all its entrances and exits, and also all its foundations. Then you must speak of its orders and laws, and make known to them all its rules. You must draw out the plans there before them, and they must keep My orders and Laws… yes, they also must DO THEM!
12 ‘Lay out the [Temple] on the top of the mount, and set the limits for the Holy of Holies. For, these are the rules for the [Temple].
13 ‘And these are measurements of the Altar: Its width is two forearms and a palm. Its recess is to be two forearms deep, and the molding around its lip is one forearm wide.
‘This is the height of the Altar: 14 From the bottom of its hollow to the [top of its edge], must be two forearms high, and its width is to be one forearm wide. From the small to the large is four forearms, and it must be one forearm wide.
15 ‘To the hearth of the Altar is four forearms, and from the hearth to the horns is one forearm. 16 The hearth is to be twelve forearms [square], and it must [be built with] four corners. 17 Its ledge must be fourteen by fourteen, and the molding around it half, one forearm. Its encircling base is a forearm round about, and its steps must face toward the east.’
18 And he said to me, ‘O son of man, Jehovah God now says this: These are My orders for the Altar, in the day that it’s being made, to offer whole burnt-offerings upon it, and to pour upon it the blood.
19 ‘Appoint Priests among the Levites, from those of the seed of ZaDok, and only they may approach Me, says God Jehovah. Then they must officiate before Me, with [the sacrifice] of a calf from the oxen, to serve as an offering for sins. 20 Then they must take some of its blood, and place it on the Altar’s four horns, upon the four corners of its ledge, and upon its base round about, in order to cleanse it and [make it holy].
21 ‘They must select a calf as a sin offering, and burn it in the place set apart… the place outside of the Holy. 22 And on the next day; they must choose a perfect kid from the goats, to serve as an offering for sins. Then they must cleanse the Altar once more, as they did with the calf.
23 ‘And after [this cleansing] is done, they must choose a perfect calf from the oxen, and a perfect ram from the sheep, 24 then offer them there before Jehovah. But first they must salt them, and then sacrifice them, as [holy] burnt offerings to Jehovah.
25 ‘Seven days you must offer a kid for [your] sins, and a calf from the oxen each day, plus a perfect ram of the sheep. 26 Seven days they must atone for the Altar and cleanse it, and then fill their hands [with the gifts]. 27 And once they’ve completed these days… from the eighth day and beyond, the Priests must then offer upon the Altar, whole-burnt-offerings and the offering for your salvation; and then I’ll receive you, says God Jehovah.’
Chapter 44
1 Then he took me back by way of the outer gate of the Holies (the one facing east), but it was locked. 2 And the Lord said to me, ‘Now that this gate has been locked, it won’t be opened and no one will enter; only Jehovah (the God of Israel) will enter, and ‘til then it must remain locked. 3 For, those taking the lead will all sit here, to eat their bread before God. They must enter by way of the columned-porch Gate, and that’s the way they must leave.’
4 Then he took me in the direction of the north gate, over against the [Temple], and I looked and saw that the [Temple] of Jehovah was filled with His glory, so I fell to my face. 5 And the Lord said to me, ‘O son of man; Now, prepare your heart to see with your eyes, and to hear with your ears, all the things that I’ll tell you, concerning the instructions for the Lord’s [Temple], as well as all of its laws. Arrange your heart [to comprehend], the [proper] way for them to enter, and to leave its Holy Place!
6 ‘Then you must speak to those who’ve rebelled (those of the house of Israel), and tell them that the Lord Jehovah said this: O house of Israel; Let your lawless deeds now be ended! 7 For, into My Holy Place, you have brought foreign sons… those uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh. You’ve profaned these places with your offerings of bread, and those of the fat and the blood. For, you’ve broken [your] Sacred Agreement with Me, by all the lawless deeds that you’ve done.
8 ‘You haven’t followed My Temple rules, and you’ve put others in charge. 9 So, because of this, says God Jehovah, foreign sons with uncircumcised hearts, as well as uncircumcised flesh, may no longer enter My Holy Places (for no foreigners will be among the house of Israel). 10 Only My faithful Levites may enter! For, Israel has strayed far from Me, and followed their own [thoughts and] ideas, so, their unrighteous ways they must bear.
11 ‘The [Levites] will be among My holy ones, who serve as doorkeepers at the gates of My [Temple], and as those who are serving inside it. The whole burnt-offerings they will slaughter, and [offer up] sacrifices for the people… before the people they’ll stand and serve.
12 ‘But, because they served the house of Israel, before the faces of their idols; for their unrighteous ways they’ll be punished… this is why I raised My hand against them, says Jehovah the Lord. 13 So, they must bear all their lawless deeds, and they may not approach to serve as My Priests, or [touch] the holy things in the Holies. For, they will bear their dishonor, for the delusions in which they have strayed. 14 So, I’ll order them to keep the [Temple] watches, and do all the other things they should do.
15 ‘For, the Priests of the Levites – the sons of ZaDok – were the only ones who kept watch, as Israel was straying from Me. So, only these may approach Me to serve Me, and they will stand in front of My face, to offer the blood and the fat before Me, says Jehovah the Lord.
16 ‘Only these may enter My Holy Place, to approach My table to serve Me, and to stand guard for My watches. 17 And when they enter the courtyard’s inner gates, they must wear their [official] linen garments – they may not wear wool when they enter those gates – 18 and upon their heads they’ll wear linen wraps, and beltless linen pants on their loins.
19 ‘And when they enter the People’s outer courtyard, they must remove the clothes that they served in, and leave them in the Holy’s inner chambers… for then they must wear other clothes. There’s no way that they can make people holy, while they’re wearing their own clothes.
20 ‘They may not shave the hair from their heads, nor may they leave their heads bare… they must cover their heads.
21 ‘And there’s no way that the Priests may drink any wine, as they enter the inner courtyard. 22 They can’t marry a divorced woman or a widow… only a virgin from the house of Israel; but the widow of a Priest they can wed.
23 ‘Then they must teach all My people, the difference between the holy and profane, and the difference between what’s clean and unclean.
24 ‘They must handle the cases of judgments of blood, and attend to decide righteous matters. They must be fair when judging My judgments, as well as [when judging by] My Laws and orders. They must observe all My holiday feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy.
25 ‘They may not approach the soul of a dead man, so as not to become unclean. Only to his father, his mother, or his son; or to his daughter, brother, sister, or wife, may he approach and not be defiled. 26 But then he must count seven days to be cleansed.
27 ‘On the day that they enter the inner courtyard; in order to serve in My Holy Places, they must bring an atonement [for their sins], says Jehovah [our] God.
28 ‘Their inheritance is what I will be, so they will be given no land, as their possession among the Israel’s sons… for I am to be their possession! 29 And sacrifices are what they’ll given to eat… the offerings for sins and for errors, and all offerings of separation are theirs. 30 Theirs will be also the first-fruits, as well as the first-born of all. The set-aside portions from all of your first-fruits, to the Priests must be given. And all your first produce will be given to the Priests, to bring a blessing to your homes.
31 ‘The Priests may not eat flesh that’s decayed, or cattle that was taken by wild beasts or birds.’
Chapter 45
1 ‘And as you’re measuring the land they’ll inherit, you must set aside a place in the land, as the first-fruits to Jehovah. Twenty-five thousand long it should be, as well as ten thousand wide; and the area around it will be holy. 2 The four-corners of the Holy Place must be inside it, which measures five hundred by five hundred, and a space of fifty forearms round about it. 3 And from this measure you must measure, twenty-five thousand plus a width of ten thousand, between it and the Holy of Holies. 4 And since this land will be holy, a portion will be assigned to the Priests, who will serve within the Holy Place, and for those who approach to serve Jehovah. This will be the place for their homes, for they must be separate and holy.
5 ‘[Then set aside one other portion], that’s twenty-five thousand in length, and twenty thousand in width, for the Levites who’ll serve in the [Temple], to be their possession and city to live in. 6 And, for this city that they’ll own, you must set aside twenty-five thousand, plus a width of five thousand, on behalf of the house of Israel, and this will serve in the same way, as the first-fruits of the Holy Place.
7 ‘And a portion of this must be set aside, as a [home for the Chief Priest]. [It runs] to the Holy Place of first-fruits, and it’ll be his possession in the city, there before the Holy Place of first-fruits, and in front of the portions of the city, that run from the east to the west. And its length will be as long as the city; it will run from the east to the west in the land. 8 And in Israel this will be his possession. For, no longer will I then treat harshly, those who are leading My people; but the house of Israel will inherit the land, according to each of their tribes.’
9 ‘Then Jehovah God said: Let this be enough, O you who are Israel’s guides! Let all misery and unrighteousness be removed… start being righteous and fair! Lift your tyranny off of My people, says Jehovah your God! 10 Use proper scales and right measures… let these serve as your measures! 11 For, if one should receive a tenth measure, he must get a tenth measure; and if one is to get a tenth weight, he should receive his tenth weight; 12 and if he’s owed the weight of twenty-five coins, the full weight of the coins should be given!
‘Fifteen silver coins should be the weight of your [bread]. 13 And the first-fruits that you set aside, must be a sixth of ten bushels, or a sixth of sixty-two bushels for wheat, or forty quarts for the barley. 14 Olive oil is a cup from ten cups, for ten cups equals a homer. 15 And one sheep must be set aside, out of two hundred sheep, among all the families of Israel, as whole burnt-offering sacrifices, and [another] as an offering to cover [your sins], and in order to save you, says Jehovah.
16 ‘All the people must offer these first-fruits, to the one who is Israel’s guide. 17 And through this one who is guiding, their whole-burnt offerings must be brought, as well as drink offerings and other sacrifices. They must all then be brought, on holidays, New Moons, and Sabbaths. For, on each of the house of Israel’s holidays, he must offer sacrifices for sins, as well as whole burnt-offerings, and offerings for salvation of the house of Israel.
18 ‘Then Jehovah God said: In the first month, and on the first day of each month, you must select a perfect calf from the oxen, in order to atone for the Holy Place. 19 The Priest must take some of its blood, and put it upon the [Temple] doorposts, on the four corners of the Temple, as well as upon the Altar, and on the posts of the inner courtyard gate.
20 ‘And in the seventh month you must do the same thing – you must atone for the [Temple], on behalf of the senseless and simple – on the first day of each month.
21 ‘And the fourteenth day of the first month, will [start] your Passover holiday… you must eat yeast-free bread for seven days. 22 And on that day, the one who’s your guide, must offer a calf for himself, and as a sin offering for the people. 23 And during that seven-day holiday, he must offer as whole burnt-offerings to Jehovah, seven calves and seven perfect rams on each day. And for a sin offering he must also sacrifice, a kid of the goats on each day. 24 And he must prepare a cake for each calf and each ram, and a quart of olive oil with each cake.
25 ‘And from the seventh to the fifteenth day of that month, he must offer the same things on each of those days… the sacrifices for sins and the whole burnt-offerings, as well as gift offerings and olive oil.’
Chapter 46
1 ‘Then God Jehovah said this: The gate to the inner courtyard (the one that faces the east), must stay locked six days each [week]. But on the Sabbaths it’s to be opened, and it must be opened on every New Moon. 2 And he who is guiding will enter, through the gate leading to the columned porch. Then he will stand at its threshold, and whole burnt-offerings will be offered by the Priests, as well as his offering and the things of salvation. Then he’ll bow at the threshold of the gate as he leaves, and the gate won’t be locked until evening.
3 ‘Then the people of the land must come and bow to Jehovah, on the Sabbaths and New Moons, at the threshold of that gate. 4 And on the day of the Sabbath, whole burnt-offerings will be offered by he who’s the guide, of six perfect lambs and one perfect ram, 5 as well as a gift of cakes for the ram, and the sacrifice of a gift for each lamb by his hand, and a quart of olive oil for each offering of cake.
6 ‘On the days of New Moons [he must offer], one perfect calf, six lambs and a ram – all of which must be perfect – 7 plus an offering of cake for the ram, an offering of cake for the calf, and a gift offering for the lambs (whatever is supplied by his hand), and a quart of olive oil for each cake.
8 ‘And whenever the one who is guiding should enter, it must be through the columned-porch gate, and that’s the way he must leave. 9 And when, on holidays, the people of the land, come [to bow] to Jehovah, they should enter by way of the north gate. Then they must bow and leave through the south gate. But those who enter through the south gate, must leave by way of the north gate. They may not return through the gate that they enter, and they must leave straight away.
10 ‘And the one who is guiding in their midst, must enter as they enter and leave when they’ve left.
11 ‘And during the festivals and holidays, a gift offering of cake will be offered for the calf, as well as an offering of cake for the ram, and whatever his hand should furnish for the lambs, plus, a quart of olive oil for each cake.
12 ‘And if he who is guiding should offer, a whole burnt-offering of salvation to Jehovah, the gate facing east must be opened for him. So his whole burnt-offering must be offered, along with the things for his salvation, in the same way he does on the Sabbaths. And after he leaves, they must lock the doors as he exits.
13 ‘He must offer a perfect yearling lamb, as a whole burnt-offering to Jehovah… he must prepare it each day in the morning. 14 And each morning he must prepare a gift offering, of a sixth of a measure of olive oil, mixed with a third measure of fine flour, as a continuous gift offering to Jehovah. 15 The lamb, the gift offering, and olive oil, must be prepared and offered each dawn, continuously, as whole burnt-offerings.
16 ‘Then Jehovah God said: If the one who is guiding should choose to leave, his inheritance as a gift to his sons, it will become the possession of his sons. 17 And if he should give a gift to his servant, then it will be his ‘til the year of release, and then it must be returned, to he who is [Israel’s] guide… but the inheritance of his sons will be theirs.
18 ‘There’s no way that the one who is guiding, may claim an inheritance of the people, in order to tyrannize them. Just from the things that he owns, may be given as inheritance to his sons, so the possessions of My people won’t ever be scattered.’
19 Then he took me by way of the back gate to the inner chamber of the Priests in the Holy Place (the one that faces the north), and {Look!} inside it was a place off to the side. 20 And he said to me, ‘This is where the Priests must then boil, the offerings for all their errors, and the sacrifices for all their sins. And here’s where they’ll bake the gift offerings, so to the outer courtyard they’ll carry nothing, as [they prepare the offerings] to make the people holy.’
21 Then he took me to the outer courtyard, and led me around its four quarters. And {Look!}, on each side of each courtyard was a courtyard. 22 Then, on each of the four sides the courtyards were even smaller courtyards that measured forty forearms long, and thirty forearms wide. 23 And there were inner chambers around the four courtyards, and cooking pits beneath the chambers round about.
24 And he said to me, ‘These are houses of the cooks. It’s where the sacrifices will be boiled, which the people will bring as their offerings, for those who serve at the [Temple].’
Chapter 47
1 Then he brought me to the threshold of the [Temple] and {Look!} there was water pouring from an open space beneath its east side (because its front faced the east). And the water poured down to the right side of the [Temple] toward the south, and then south, past the Altar.
2 So he led me by way of the gate that faces north and took me outside to the courtyard gate (the one facing east), and {Look!} the water was flowing down along the right side.
3 And there was a man who had exited just across from that place, and he was carrying a ruler in his hand. So, he went to the source of the water and measured out a thousand [forearms]. 4 Then he walked into the water and measured out a thousand… and it came up to his knees. Next, he measured another thousand, and the water came up to his hips. 5 So, he measured another thousand, and he wasn’t able to walk through it anymore, for the water was flooding with such force that it became a [river] that couldn’t be crossed.
6 And he said to me, ‘O son of man; Do you see this?’
7 Then he led me over to the edge of the river, and when I turned around, {Look!} on the banks of the river there were huge numbers of trees growing on each side. 8 And he said to me, ‘This water flows east into Galilee, and then to Arabia and into the sea. And where it exits, all the waters will be healed; 9 it will bring life to all herds, for all that come to this river will live. And huge numbers of fish will also be there, for all will come to this water, and it will heal and enliven all things… all things that come to this river will live!
10 ‘Then fishermen will come here and stand, from EnGedi to EnEglaim to dry their nets. There’ll be no other place like it, for there will be so many fish… it’ll be like the fish in the Great Sea. 11 But, where it turns and overflows, there’s no way it will heal [anymore], for [those areas] have been given to the salt.
12 ‘And on both sides of the banks of the river, will grow trees bearing fruit that will never grow old, nor will they ever fail to bear fruit. From the beginning they will start doing this; for, from the Holy Place these waters will flow. And as these waters flow past them, they’ll produce fruit [to be eaten], and their leaves will all bring [good] health.
13 ‘Then Jehovah God said: These are the borders of the land; the inheritance of the the sons of Israel’s twelve tribes; for they’ll each be given a piece of measured land. 14 You will each inherit it as brothers, in the same way that I lifted My hand, to divide it among your ancestors, and as an inheritance this land will then be passed on.
15 ‘The northern borders of the land, will run from the Great Sea by HethLon… from the gates of 16 HaMath, BerOthah, and SibraIm, and on to the limits of Damascus; then to the limits of HaMath, and to the courtyards of HatTicon (which are at the limits of Haran). 17 These are the borders from the sea in the north… from the courtyards of Enan to the limits of Damascus, and all places north to the borders of HaMath. 18 Between Damascus and Haran they run eastward, to Gilead through Israel to the Jordan, where [the Jordan] flows east to the sea, and to the palm groves in the east.
19 ‘And these are the borders to the south and southwest: They run from Teman and the palm groves, to the waters of MaribOth Kadesh, and from there they flow to the Great Sea… these are the borders to the south and southwest.
20 ‘The Great Sea is the border from the gates of HaMath, and it is the border to the west.
21 ‘Among the tribes of Israel, this land must then be divided; 22 you must throw lots for yourselves, and for the foreigners who live among you… those who bear sons among you. For, they will be yours as native-born sons, among all the sons of Israel; and along with you they will eat, and receive an inheritance among your tribes. 23 They’ll live among the tribes that made them converts, along with others who’ve been converted, and an inheritance they must be given, says Jehovah your God.
Chapter 48
1 ‘And these are the names of the tribes:
‘Starting at the top in the north, to where it splits at the gates of HaMath, and to the courtyard of Enan, to the borders of Damascus to the north, along part of the borders of HaMath, and from there to the east and the west, is the portion belonging to Dan.
2 ‘And from the borders of Dan (from the east to the west), is the portion of Asher.
3 ‘And from the borders of Asher (from the east to the west); this is NaphTali’s portion.
4 ‘And from NaphTali’s borders (from the east to the west), is the portion of ManasSeh.
5 ‘And from the borders of ManasSeh (from the east to the west), is EphraIm’s portion.
6 ‘And from the borders of EphraIm (from the east to the west), is the portion of Reuben.
7 ‘And from the borders of Reuben (from the east to the west), is the portion of Judah.
8 ‘And from the borders of Judah in the east, will be the offering of the first-fruits, whose width is twenty-five thousand, and length is one measured portion, from the eastern border to the west, and the Holy Place will be in its midst. 9 The First-Fruit must be set aside for Jehovah. It’s twenty thousand wide and ten thousand long. 10 Within it will go all the first-fruits, of the holy things of the Priests, which will run toward the north for twenty-five thousand; toward the west for ten thousand; toward the east for ten thousand; and toward the south for twenty-five thousand… and the Holy Mountain and Holy Place will be in its midst. 11 It’s set aside for the Priests…the sons of ZaDok who’ve been made holy… those who’ve kept their [Temple] watches, and not strayed in the sons of Israel’s delusions, nor wandered in the ways of the Levites. 12 This will be given to them as their first-fruits, from out of the first-fruits of the land… a Holy of Holies from the borders of the Levites.
13 ‘And the Levites will be given their parts, next to the borders of the Priests. It’s twenty-five thousand long, and ten thousand wide. The whole length will be twenty-five thousand, and ten thousand will be its width. 14 No part [of this land] may be sold, or measured out to be sold; nor may its first fruits be removed from the land, for it is all holy to Jehovah.
15 ‘But concerning the extra five thousand wide; amid that twenty-five thousand, there’ll be a place around the city wall, which will serve as their dwellings, and the city will be in its midst. 16 And this is how it must be measured: From the borders toward the north, will be four thousand five hundred; from the borders toward the south, will be four thousand five hundred; from the borders toward the east, will be four thousand five hundred; and from the borders toward the west, will be four thousand five hundred.
17 ‘And, toward the north of the city there’ll be a space, that will measure two hundred and fifty; toward the south, two hundred and fifty; toward the east, two hundred and fifty; and toward the west, two hundred and fifty. 18 And there’ll be an additional length, next to the Holy Place’s first-fruits, that will be ten thousand toward the east, and ten thousand toward the west. These are for the Holy Place’s first-fruits, where the bread will be [baked], for those who work in the city. 19 And those who work in the city, will come from all of Israel’s tribes.
20 ‘The whole First-Fruit will be twenty-five thousand, by twenty-five thousand in a square; and you must set it aside from the city, for the Holy Place’s first-fruits.
21 ‘And extra must also be set aside, on behalf of he who’s the guide. It must run from this side to that side, between the Holy Place’s first-fruits, and the possession of the city… twenty-five thousand long it must be, from the eastern borders toward the west, and twenty-five thousand along the western border, next to the portions of he who’s the guide. This is for the Holy Place’s first-fruits, and the Holy of Holies will be in its midst.
22 ‘And by the borders of the Levites (from the mist of the possession of the city), will be the place for he who’s the guide; it will be between Judah and BenJamin’s borders. This will be given to he who is guide.
23 ‘And what’s left of that which belongs to the tribes, from the eastern borders toward the west, will be given as BenJamin’s portion.
24 ‘And from BenJamin’s borders (from the east to the west), are Simeon’s portion.
25 ‘And from Simeon’s borders (from the east to the west), are IsSachar’s portion.
26 ‘And from the IsSachar’s borders (from the east to the west), are ZebuLun’s portion.
27 ‘And from the ZebuLun’s borders (from the east to the west), are the portion of Gad.
28 ‘And from the borders of Gad, the borders southwest will be his, from Teman and the waters of MaribOth Kadesh, and from there on to the Great Sea… this is what he’ll inherit.
29 ‘This is the land for which you’ll throw lots, for all of Israel’s tribes; and these are to be their divisions, says Jehovah your God.
30 ‘The northern accesses to the city, must be four thousand five hundred; 31 and the gates of the city must carry the names, of Israel’s twelve tribes. The three gates toward the north will include: the Gates of Reuben, Judah, and Levi. 32 The three gates toward the east (each four thousand five hundred), are the Gates of Joseph, BenJamin, and Dan. 33 Those three gates toward the south (each four thousand five hundred), are the Gates of Simeon, IsSachar, and ZebuLun. 34 And those toward the west (each four thousand five hundred), are the Gates of Asher, NaphTali, and Gad.
35 ‘The circumference must be eighteen thousand, and whatever the city is named, will be its name from that day.’
Daniel
Chapter 1
1 It was during the third year of the reign of JehoiAkim (the king of Judah) that NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) came to Jerusalem and attacked it. 2 Then Jehovah gave JehoiAkim into his hands, along with part of the things that were in the Temple of Jehovah. So, he carried it all back to the land of Shinar and put it into the treasury of the temple of his god.
3 Thereafter, the king told his Chief Eunuch AshPenaz to bring back some of the sons of Israel as captives who were descended from royalty and nobility, 4 and were young, perfectly formed, good looking, wise in all things, knowledgeable, intelligent, and bold enough to stand in the palace of the king. And he told him to school the young men in the writing and the language of the Chaldeans.
5 Then the king arranged for them to eat at the king’s table each day, to share in his banquet wine, and to be given special care for three years. And after that, they were to be brought before the king.
6 Now, among these sons of Judah were DaniEl, HananiJah, AzariJah, and MishaEl. 7 However, the chief eunuch renamed DaniEl BelTeShazzar, HananiJah ShadRach, MishaEl MeShach, and AzariJah AbedNego.
8 But DaniEl decided in his heart that there was no way he would pollute himself at the table of the king, nor would he drink any of his banquet wine. So, he petitioned the chief eunuch not to [force him] to pollute himself. 9 And God granted DaniEl the chief eunuch’s mercy and compassion. 10 However, the chief eunuch said to DaniEl, ‘I’m afraid of my lord the king, who is selecting your food and the things you are to drink, because I don’t want him to see your faces looking sadder than the faces of the other boys who are your peers. If that would happen, the king would have my head!’
11 But DaniEl told MelZar (the one who the chief eunuch had put in charge of DaniEl, HananiJah, MishaEl, and AzariJah), 12 ‘Then test your servants for ten days. Give us just the seeds of the ground to eat, and just water to drink, 13 then compare us to the boys who eat at the king’s table; and whichever looks better is what you should choose for your servants.’
14 So, he did what they asked and tested them for ten days. 15 Then at the end of ten days, he examined them and the way they looked, and found that they were stronger and in better shape than the other boys who were eating at the table of the king. 16 As the result, MelZar did away with their suppers and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them seeds to eat. 17 Then God gave them understanding and intelligence in all their studies, as well as wisdom. And thereafter, DaniEl had an understanding of visions and dreams.
18 Well, the time finally came when they were to be brought before the king; so the chief eunuch led them before NebuChadnezzar. 19 Then the king questioned them and found that there were none others like these four boys, DaniEl, HananiJah, MishaEl, and AzariJah, so they were allowed to stand before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and knowledge (whatever the king asked them about), he found them ten-times greater than all the dignitaries and sorcerers in his whole kingdom.
21 Now, DaniEl lived until the first year of the reign of King Cyrus.
Chapter 2
1 It was in the second year of the reign of NebuChadnezzar that [DaniEl] had a dream, which disturbed him so deeply that he couldn’t sleep. 2 So, the king said to call [his] officials, priests, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, to have them interpret the dream. Then they came and stood before the king, 3 and he said to them, ‘I had a dream that startled me so deeply that I have to know its [meaning].’
4 Well, the Chaldeans replied to the king in Syrian, saying, ‘O king; may you live through the age! Just tell your servants what you dreamed, and we will announce the interpretation!’
5 Then the king told the Chaldeans, ‘I’ve forgotten what it was about… if you can’t tell me the dream and give me the interpretation, I’ll have you destroyed and your homes torn down! 6 However, if you can tell me the dream and give me its interpretation, I will give you many gifts, do many favors for you free of charge, and I’ll honor you greatly… that is, if you can tell me the dream and provide its interpretation.’
7 But they answered him a second time, and said, ‘May the king tell the dream to his servants, and then we will announce its interpretation!’
8 And the king said, ‘I know for a fact that you’re just buying time for yourselves, because you know that every word of the dream has left me. So, if you can’t tell me the dream, I know that you are corrupt and lying, and that you’ve agreed to keep speaking before me just to pass the time. 9 First tell me my dream, and then I’ll know that I can believe the interpretation you give me!’
10 But the Chaldeans told the king, ‘There’s no man on dry land who can make known what the king is asking, for it’s something that no great king or ruler has ever asked of an official, a priest, or a Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king is asking is so difficult that no one can tell him such a thing… other than gods who don’t live here in the flesh.’
12 And at that, the king flew into a rage! He was so angry that he ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be destroyed. 13 So, a decree was sent out saying that all the wise men were to be killed.
Well, when they were looking for DaniEl and his friends to do away with them, 14 DaniEl expressed his opinion to AriOch, the king’s head-of-the-guards (who had come to do away with all the wise men of Babylon). 15 He said to him, ‘O [servant] of the king; Why was such a presumptuous decree put before the king?’
Then AriOch told DaniEl the things that had been said.
16 Well, DaniEl went before the king and petitioned him to give him enough time to find the interpretation, so he could announce it to the king. 17 Then DaniEl returned to his house and [met with] his friends HananiJah, MishaEl, and AzariJah, to ask them to help him interpret [the dream]. 18 And they looked to the compassions of the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that DaniEl and his friends wouldn’t be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
19 Then DaniEl had a vision, and the mystery was revealed [to him] that night. So, he praised the God of heaven, and said:
20 ‘May the God’s Name be praised through the ages,
And on into the ages of ages.
For to Him, understanding and wisdom belong,
21 For, it’s He who changes the seasons and times.
‘He appoints the kings and removes them…
To the wise it’s He who gives wisdom…
Intelligence to those so they can understand…
22 He uncovers things that are hidden and deep.
‘He knows all that happens in darkness,
For He is the source of all light.
23 So to You, O God of my fathers,
I offer acknowledgement and praise.
‘It was You who gave me the wisdom and power…
You’ve revealed what we’ve petitioned from You,
And as to this matter of the king;
To me You’ve made it known.’
24 Then DaniEl went to AriOch (the one who the king appointed to destroy all the wise men of Babylon) and said to him, ‘Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon! I want you to take me before the king, and then I’ll announce the interpretation of the dream to him.’
25 So, AriOch quickly took DaniEl into the presence of the king and said to him, ‘I’ve found a man among the captured sons of Judah who will announce the interpretation of the dream to the king!’
26 And the king asked DaniEl (who he referred to as BelTeShazzar), ‘Are you able to tell me the dream that I saw and then give me the interpretation of it?’
27 And there in the presence of the king, DaniEl replied: ‘The mystery that the king has asked the wise men, sorcerers, officials, and astrologers to announce to him isn’t theirs to answer. 28 However, there is a God in heaven who uncovers mysteries, and He has made known to King NebuChadnezzar what’s going to happen in the last days.
‘Your dream that you saw in your head while you were in bed is this: 29 You, O king, and your thoughts in your bed, were elevated to see what will happen after this, and mysteries have been made known to you about what must take place. 30 Now, I’m no wiser than any other living man, but this mystery has been uncovered so that the king may know its interpretation, and so that you may know the thoughts that are in your heart.
31 ‘You looked, O king, and you saw a huge image. That image and its size was overwhelming, for it was standing right in front of your face, and it frightened you. 32 The image had a head of pure gold; its breast, arms, and hands were of silver; its belly and thighs were of brass; its legs were of iron; and its feet were part iron and part baked clay.
33 ‘Then you stared at it until a rock was cut without hands from a mountain, and it hit the image on its feet of iron and baked clay, and completely shattered them. 34 Then everything else shattered at the same time – the baked clay, the iron, the brass, the silver, and the gold – and it all became like a cloud of dust from a threshing floor during the harvest. 35 Then a wind came and blew it all away, and nothing was left. And then the stone that had struck the image became a huge mountain that filled the whole earth.
36 ‘So, that was the dream; And now I’ll give the king its interpretation: 37 You, O king, are the king of kings to whom the God of heaven has given a strong, fortified, and honorable kingdom. 38 And everywhere that the sons of men live, along with all the wild animals of the fields and flying creatures of the skies, have been given into your hands by Him, and He has made you the lord over all. So, you are the head of gold.
39 ‘But after you, another kingdom will arise that’s inferior to yours, and then a third kingdom (the brass) will dominate the whole earth. [And that will be followed by] a fourth kingdom, which will be as strong as iron. 40 For, as iron crushes and tames all things, it will tame and crush everything.
41 ‘Then the feet and the toes that you saw, which were part iron and part baked clay, will be a divided kingdom. Some of the roots of the iron will be in it, and that’s why you saw the iron mixed with the baked clay. 42 And because the toes of the feet are part iron and part baked clay, part of the kingdom will be strong and part of it can be broken. 43 For, as you saw the iron mixed with the baked clay, [this kingdom] will be mixed with the seed of men… and they won’t stick to each other, as iron won’t stick to baked clay.
44 ‘And in the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a Kingdom of the ages that will never be corrupted, and His Kingdom will not be passed on to others. It will crush and sift all kingdoms, and it will stand through the ages.
45 ‘So, now that you’ve seen the stone cut from a mountain without hands, and how it crushed the baked clay, iron, brass, silver, and gold; the great God has revealed to the king what’s going to happen after this. The dream is true, and you can believe its interpretation.’
46 Then King NebuChadnezzar fell to his face and bowed before DaniEl, and offered him a gift of a pleasant aromatic, and he [told his servants] to give him something to drink.
47 Thereafter, the king said to DaniEl: ‘It’s a fact that your God is the God of gods, Lord of lords, and King of kings. For, He uncovers mysteries, because you were able to uncover this mystery!’
48 Then the king honored DaniEl by giving him many great gifts, and he appointed him over all the [districts] of Babylon as the ruler over all the governors and wise men of Babylon. 49 And because he had asked the king [about this], he placed ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego over construction in the region of Babylon. So, DaniEl [thereafter served] in the courtyard of the king.
Chapter 3
1 It was during his sixteenth year that King NebuChadnezzar made an image of gold that stood a hundred-feet high and ten-feet wide, and he had it erected in the plains of Dura near Babylon. 2 Then he called for all his top officials, generals, lieutenants, governors, vassal kings, 3 and everyone else of authority in all his districts, and told them to come and [celebrate] a holiday of dedication for the image he had erected.
So, everyone came there and stood before the image that NebuChadnezzar had set up. 4 Then the [king’s] herald yelled at the top of his voice: ‘O nations, peoples, tribes, and languages; You’ve been told that, 5 when you hear the sound of trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing the anthem, you must fall to your faces and bow before the gold image that King NebuChadnezzar had erected. 6 And if anyone chooses not to bow before it, he will be immediately taken out and thrown into a blazing furnace!’
7 So, when the people heard the sound of trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing all types of music, all the peoples, tribes, and languages bowed low before the gold image that King NebuChadnezzar had erected.
8 Then certain Chaldeans went up and made an accusation against the Jews… 9 they went to King NebuChadnezzar and said: ‘O king; May you live through the ages! 10 However, the king gave an order that, when we hear the sound of trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing all types of musi; 11 any man that doesn’t fall and bow before the image of gold should be thrown into the fire of a furnace. 12 Now, there were three Jewish men who you’ve put over construction in Babylon – ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego – and they didn’t obey your decree, O king, for they’ve chosen not to serve your gods and the gold image that you erected to be bowed before.’
13 Then NebuChadnezzar flew into an angry rage and had them bring ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego before him. 14 And NebuChadnezzar asked them, ‘ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego; Is it true that you won’t serve my gods, and that you won’t bow before the gold image I’ve erected?
15 ‘Now, when you hear the sound of trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing an anthem of all types of music, it would be good if you’d fall before the gold image that I made. For, if you don’t bow low before it, you will be immediately taken out and thrown into a blazing furnace… then we’ll see which God can rescue you from my hands.’
16 But ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego replied to King NebuChadnezzar, ‘We don’t really have to answer you about this matter, 17 for our God in heaven (whom we serve) can rescue us from the fire in the furnace, and He will rescue us from your hands, O king. 18 But if He doesn’t, then you should know, O king, that we won’t serve your gods or the gold image that you’ve set up for us to bow before!’
19 Well, NebuChadnezzar was furious, and the way that he viewed ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego changed. So, he gave instructions to heat the furnace seven-times hotter than usual… until they couldn’t get it any hotter! 20 Then he gave some powerful men instructions to shackle ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego, and then throw them into the blazing furnace.
21 So the men were shackled, and then they were thrown into the midst of the blazing furnace fully clothed, [wearing their] underwear, pants, and crowns. 22 And following the instruction of the king, the furnace was seven-times hotter than usual.
23 Well, the three (ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego) fell into the middle of the blazing furnace with their shackles, but then they started walking around in the midst of the flames praising God and blessing Jehovah. 24 And when NebuChadnezzar heard their praising, he was shocked. So, he quickly got up and said to his mighty men, ‘Didn’t we throw three men wearing shackles into the midst of the fire?’
And they replied, ‘We did, O king.’
25 Then the king said, ‘Here I see four men that are loose and walking around in the midst of the fire, and none of them are being burned! And the vision that I have of the fourth one is as that of a son of God!’
26 So, NebuChadnezzar leaned forward toward the door of the blazing furnace and said, ‘ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego, you servants of the highest God; Come here… come out of there!’
Then ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego came from the midst of the fire, 27 and all the governors, generals, lieutenants, and king’s officials were called over. And they saw the men, and that the fire hadn’t consumed their bodies. Why, even the hair on their heads hadn’t been singed, their [clothes] were still the same, and there was no smell of smoke on them!
28 Then, right there before them, the king bowed to Jehovah and said, ‘Praise the God of ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego, who sent His messenger and rescued His servants that trusted in Him. Why, they changed the word of the king and offered their bodies in fire, because they wouldn’t serve any god other than their God.
29 Well thereafter, the king issued this decree: ‘Any people, tribe, or language that speaks blasphemously against the God of ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego will be destroyed and their houses pillaged, for there’s no other god who can rescue that way.’
30 Then the king promoted ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego in the region of Babylon, paid them more, and asked them to be in charge of all the Jews in his kingdom.
Then he [wrote]:
Chapter 4
1 ‘NebuChadnezzar the king, to all peoples, tribes, languages, and all who live in the land; May you have an abundance of peace. 2 I’m pleased to announce to you that the highest God has performed signs and miracles to me, 3 and His signs are great, His wonders are mighty, His kingdom is through the ages, and His authority lasts through generations.
4 ‘I (NebuChadnezzar) was prospering in my palace, and my throne was thriving. 5 But then I had a vision in a dream that struck me with fear and left me disturbed in my bed; for the vision that I saw in my mind really bothered me. 6 So, I passed a decree to bring all the wise men of Babylon before me to have the interpretation of the dream made known to me. 7 Then all the sorcerers, priests, astrologers, and Chaldeans came, and I told them the dream, but they couldn’t tell me what it meant.
8 ‘Then DaniEl (who is called BelTeShazzar) came in the Name of my God, for he has the Breath of God; So I told him my dream. 9 [I said], ‘O BelTeShazzar, the leader of [my] wise men, who knows that the Breath of God is in him, and who is never powerless when it comes to mysteries; Listen to the vision that I saw in my dream and tell me what it means!’
10 ‘This is the vision that I saw in my mind there in my Bed: {Look!} There was a huge tree in the midst of the earth… it was very tall, 11 and the tree kept getting stronger and larger until it reached into the heavens and spread to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, and it was filled with enough fruit to feed all. So, the wild animals of the fields camped under it, the flying creatures of the skies lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed by it.
13 ‘Then, in the vision that I had in my bed that night, I saw a messenger – a holy one from heaven – come down, 14 and he shouted and said, Cut the tree down… cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit; then chase away all the wild animals that are under it and drive the flying creatures from under its branches! 15 Leave nothing but its roots in the ground, then bind it [with a band] of iron and brass, so it will just lie there surrounded by shoots of grass and wild animals of the fields, covered by the dew from the sky as grass on the ground. 16 Then his heart will be changed from that of men, and the heart of a wild animal will be given to him… this is how he will be changed for seven times.
17 ‘Then the messenger said: This is a [revelation] from the Holy One to show everyone alive that Jehovah is above all the kingdoms of men, and that He can give it to whomever He chooses, and appoint any that men view with contempt to be over it.
18 ‘This is what I saw in the dream (I, King NebuChadnezzar). So, I [said to] BelTeShazzar: Now, interpret it… tell me the interpretation, for none of the wise men of my kingdom were able to explain it to me. But you can, O DaniEl, because the Holy Breath of God is within you!
19 ‘Well, DaniEl was unable to say anything for an hour, because he was disturbed by his thoughts. Then the king asked, BelTeShazzar; Why are you taking so long interpreting the dream?’
‘And BelTeShazzar answered, O lord; Leave the interpretation to those who hate you and to your enemies! 20 For the tree that you saw, which became strong, whose height reached into the heavens, which covered the whole earth, 21 which grew such great leaves and such an abundance of fruit that it fed all the wild animals that lived under it, as well as the flying creatures that lived in its branches, 22 is you, O king. For, your fame and greatness have been made to grow, and now they reach into the heavens, and you rule to the ends of the earth!
23 ‘And whereas the king saw a messenger – a holy one – coming down from heaven, and he [was told] to [cut down] the tree and destroy it, but to leave its roots in the ground; then to band the tree with iron and brass and allow it to lie there among the shoots of grass and live under the dew from the skies with the wild animals, [and to be] changed [this way] for seven times; 24 This is the interpretation of it, O king. It is the highest form of interpretation, for it is what will come upon you, O my lord the king.
25 ‘You will be banished from among men and live among the wild animals of the plains. Then they will feed you grass like an ox, and you will live amidst the dew of the sky. You will be changed for seven times, until you realize that Jehovah is higher than all the kingdoms of men, and He gives it to whomever He wishes.
26 ‘Now, they were told to leave the tree’s roots in the ground; so your kingdom will be yours until you understand the authority of heaven. 27 But because of this, O king (and may my council please you); Ransom your sins with charity, and pay for your errors by showing compassion to the needy. Then, perhaps God will be lenient with you for your errors.
28 ‘Well, all of these things happened to me (King NebuChadnezzar). 29 For, twelve months later, while I was walking in the temple of my kingdom in Babylon, 30 I said, Isn’t this the great Babylon, which I’ve built as a royal home with my power, strength, honor, and glory?
31 ‘And as those words were still in my mouth, a voice came from heaven that said, To you it is being said, O King NebuChadnezzar, that your kingdom is taken from you. 32 For, men will banish you, and you’ll live among the wild animals. They’ll feed you grass like an ox and you’ll be changed for seven times, until you come to know that Jehovah is over the kingdoms of mankind, and He gives it to whomever He wishes.
33 ‘Well, it happened to me (NebuChadnezzar) in that very hour. I was banished from among men, I ate grass like an ox, and I was bathed by the dew from the sky. My hair became strong like that of a lion, and my fingernails grew long like bird’s claws.
34 ‘And when the days were finished, I NebuChadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven, and then my senses returned. So I praised the Highest [One] who lives through the ages… I praised and spoke gloriously of His authority that lasts through the ages, and of His kingship [that lasts] through generations of generations. 35 For, those who live on the earth are as nothing to Him; He rules the armies of the heavens and those on the earth as He wishes. None can resist His hand, and none can ask why He does what He does.
36 ‘Then, after my senses returned, the honor of my kingdom was restored and my appearance returned to me, my rulers and great men looked up to me, I strengthened my kingdom, and greatness was added to me.
37 ‘Now, I NebuChadnezzar praise, honor, and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is righteous. His ways are fair, and He humbles all who are proud.’
Chapter 5
1 BelShazzar had prepared a feast for a thousand of his most important men, and they were each served wine. 2 And it was while BelShazzar was tasting and drinking the wine that he told [his servants] to bring in the items of gold and silver that his father NebuChadnezzar had taken from the Temple [of Jehovah] in Jerusalem, so that the king, his important men, and his concubines and mistresses could drink from them.
3 Then they brought in the items of gold and silver that had been taken from the Temple of God in Jerusalem; and the king, his important men, and his concubines and mistresses 4 drank wine from them, as they praised their gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone.
5 Well, in that same hour, the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote on the whitewashed wall near the lamp, there in the king’s palace. And when the king saw the knuckles doing the handwriting, 6 the king's appearance changed, he was deeply disturbed, he became incontinent, and his knees shook. Then the king screamed to bring in the priests, Chaldeans, and astrologers. 7 And he said to the wise men of Babylon: ‘Whoever can read this writing and interpret it for me, will be dressed in purple, a gold necklace will be placed around his neck, and he will be appointed as the third ruler in my kingdom!’
8 So, all the king’s wise men came, but they were unable to read the writing or interpret it for the king, 9 So, King BelShazzar remained disturbed, his appearance was still changed, and his important guests were also disturbed.
10 Then the queen entered the banquet room and said, ‘O king; May you live through the age! Don’t allow this to bother your thoughts and change your appearance, 11 for there’s a man in your kingdom who is filled with the Breath of God. Why, back in your father’s day, he was found to be an insightful and understanding man. So your father, King NebuChadnezzar, put him in charge of all the advisors, Chaldeans, and astrologers. 12 For, there’s a greater measure of [God’s] Breath in him, and he’s more intelligent and understanding when it comes to interpreting dreams, reporting things that are [forgotten], and untying knots. [This man] is DaniEl, who the king renamed BelTeShazzar. So, call him and he’ll interpret [these words] for you.’
13 Then DaniEl was brought before the king, and the king asked him, ‘Are you DaniEl, the one among those whom my father the king brought as captives from Judea? 14 I’ve heard that the Breath of God is in you, and that you’re insightful, understanding, and exceedingly wise. 15 Now, my wise men, priests, and astrologers have come here and tried to read this writing and to interpret it for me, but they couldn’t explain it to me. 16 However, I’ve been told that you are able to interpret judgments; so if you can read this writing and interpret it for me, you’ll be dressed in purple, a gold necklace will be placed around your neck, and you will be appointed as the third ruler in my kingdom.’
17 Then DaniEl said to the king, ‘Your gifts can remain yours, and you can give the [power] of your house to someone else. But I will read the writing and interpret it for you, O king.
18 ‘O king; it was the highest God who gave the kingdom, greatness, honor, and glory to your father NebuChadnezzar. 19 And it was because of this greatness that He gave him all the peoples, tribes, and languages, which all trembled and were in fear before him. So, he could do away with anyone he wished, beat anyone he wished, promote anyone he wished, and humble anyone he wished.
20 ‘But when his heart became too haughty and his spirit became too proud, he was brought down from the throne of this kingdom, the honor was removed from him, 21 he was driven away from men, and his heart became like that of a wild animal. So he lived among the zebras… he was fed grass like oxen, and his body was bathed and washed by the dew from the sky, until he recognized that it is the highest God who dominates the kingdoms of men, and He can give it to whomever He chooses.
22 ‘Now you, O BelShazzar (his son), have not humbled your heart before God, which is the thing that you knew you should do. 23 And you’ve acted haughtily before Jehovah, the God of heaven. For, you’ve had the items from His Temple brought before you, and then you, your important men, and your concubines and mistresses drank wine from them, as you praised your gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone, who can’t see, hear, or know anything. And you failed to glorify the God who holds your breath and everything you are in His hands. 24 So because of this, the knuckles of a hand were sent from His presence, and it was He who provided this writing.
25 ‘This is what the writing says: Mene, Tekel, Peres. 26 And here is what it means: Mene means that God has measured your kingdom and finished it. 27 Tekel means that it has been weighed on a scale and found wanting. 28 Peres means that your kingdom has been divided between the Medes and Persians.’
29 Then BelShazzar gave the order, and they dressed DaniEl in purple, put a gold necklace around his neck, and proclaimed him the third ruler in the kingdom. 30 But that very night, BelShazzar (the king of the Chaldeans) was killed, 31 and Darius the Mede took the kingdom as his own at the age of sixty-two.
Chapter 6
1 Thereafter, Darius appointed a hundred and twenty governors to be in charge over his entire kingdom. 2 Then he appointed three ministers over them, who the governors had to report to, because the king didn’t want to be bothered… and DaniEl was one of these ministers. 3 Then, because he had an extra portion of [God’s] Breath, DaniEl was placed over the other two ministers, and was in charge of the whole kingdom.
4 Well, the other two ministers and the governors [weren’t pleased with this], so they kept looking to find some wrongdoing that they could use to accuse DaniEl. However, they couldn’t find any excuse, sin, or error against him, because he was faithful. 5 So the two ministers said, ‘We’ve found nothing to use against DaniEl, other than the Laws of his God.’
6 So, the ministers and the governors went before the king and said, ‘O King Darius; May you live through the ages! 7 We, the generals, governors, and supreme leaders whom you’ve appointed over your kingdom, and those whom you’ve appointed to royal positions have met together, and we would like for you to enact [a law] to strengthen [your rule]. It is this: Anyone who makes a request of any man or god other than you for the next thirty days, O king, must be thrown into the lion’s pit. 8 Please, O king, enact this law and write it for public display, because the decrees of the Medes and Persians can’t be changed.’
9 So, King Darius gave orders for the decree to be written.
10 Well, when DaniEl found out about the decree, he went home. And there in an upper room, before open windows that faced Jerusalem, he bent down on his knees to pray and to praise his God three times that day, as he had always done… 11 and those men were watching him closely. So, when they found DaniEl petitioning and begging before his God, 12 they went to the king and said, ‘O king; Didn’t you enact an order saying that anyone who makes a request of a god or man other than you for thirty days should be thrown into the lion’s pit?’
And the king replied, ‘What you say is true, and the decrees of the Medes and Persians may not be changed!’
13 Then they said to the king, ‘Well, DaniEl (one of those who were brought as captives from Judea) hasn’t followed your decree, because he’s making requests of his God three times each day.’
14 Well, at that, the king was very disturbed by what he heard, but he did what he could to save DaniEl. 15 However, the men said to the king, ‘You must know, O king, that any decree of the Medes and Persians may not be altered once the king has enacted it, no matter what their circumstances or position!’
16 So, the king gave the order and they took DaniEl and threw him into the pit of lions. And there the king asked DaniEl, ‘Will your God that you’ve served so faithfully rescue you?’
17 Then they took a stone slab, placed it over the top of the pit, and put a seal on it with the king’s ring and the rings of his top men, so that nothing could be changed in regard to DaniEl. 18 And thereafter, the king returned to his palace and went to bed without eating supper… he had no food carried into him, and he couldn’t sleep.
19 Well, the king got up the next morning at daybreak and went to the lion’s pit. And as he was approaching it, he called out to DaniEl, shouting loudly, 20 ‘DaniEl… O servant of the living God… has your God that you’ve served so faithfully been able to rescue you from the mouths of the lions?’
21 And DaniEl replied, ‘O king; May you live through the ages! 22 My God sent His messenger and he blocked the mouths of the lions. So, they haven’t destroyed me, because He found me righteous… and I haven’t done anything against you, O king.’
23 Well, the king was overjoyed and he ordered DaniEl to be taken out of the pit. And when they lifted him out, they found that he hadn’t been harmed in any way, because he had trusted in his God.
24 Then the king gave orders and they took the men who had accused DaniEl, and threw them, their sons, and their wives into the lion’s pit. Well, they didn’t even reach the floor before the lions had them, and they crushed all their bones, leaving nothing but dust.
25 Thereafter, King Darius wrote a letter to all the peoples, tribes, and languages throughout the whole earth that said: ‘May you have peace! 26 From my presence I’ve sent a decree to all the rulerships throughout my kingdom that everyone must fear and tremble before the face of the God of DaniEl, because He is the living God who lives through the ages and whose Kingdom will never be destroyed. It will last through the ages, because He rules until the end. 27 He grabs hold and He rescues; He brings about miracles and signs, both in the heavens and on the earth; for He has rescued DaniEl from the mouths of the lions.’
28 So, DaniEl prospered during the reign of Darius and on into the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Chapter 7
1 It was during the first year of the reign of BelShazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, that DaniEl saw a vision in his head as he lay in his bed, and this is what he wrote about what he saw:
2 ‘In my vision during the night, I DaniEl saw four winds blowing hard and stirring up the Great Sea; 3 and four large animals came out of the sea that were different from each other. 4 The first looked like a female lion, and she had the wings of an eagle. But as I watched, her wings were plucked out and she was lifted away from the earth; then she stood on the feet of men, and the heart of a man was given to her.
5 ‘Then {Look!} there was a second wild animal that looked like a bear. It was lying on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth. Then she was told to get up and devour much flesh.
6 ‘And after that, {Look!} I saw another wild animal that looked like a leopard, but she had four wings [like those of] of a bird on her back, and four heads. Then she was given great power.
7 ‘After that, I looked and saw a fourth wild animal that was astonishing, frightening, and very large. It had teeth of iron that were strong for eating and crushing, and it trampled the others with its feet. It was very different from the wild animals that had come before it, and it had ten horns. 8 Then, as I was watching its horns, another small horn came up in the midst of them, and the other three horns were pushed out in front of it. And {Look!} there were the eyes of a man in this horn, and it started saying great things.
9 ‘Then I kept watching as thrones appeared, and the Most Ancient One sat down. His clothes were as white as snow, the hair on His head was like pure wool, His throne was like flames of fire, and it had wheels that looked like blazing fires. 10 Also, a river of fire shot out from before Him, and there was a million who were serving Him, and tens of millions stood before Him.
‘Then a judgment seat was set forth and scrolls were opened. 11 So I watched, as the voice from that horn spoke great words; but then the wild animal was condemned, destroyed, and its body was thrown into a blazing fire. 12 And thereafter, the rulership was given back to the other wild animals, and their lives were extended for a time and a season.
13 ‘Then, as I watched the vision that night, {Look!} someone like the son of man was coming in the clouds of the sky, and he went before the Most Ancient One. 14 And there he was given rulership, honor, and the Kingdom, and all the peoples, tribes, and languages were to serve him, for his authority will last through the ages… it will never pass away or be destroyed.
15 ‘And at that, the spirit within me (DaniEl) shuddered (as is prone to happen to me), because the visions that I saw in my head were so disturbing. 16 So, I went up to the one who was standing there, because I wanted to understand the meaning of all these things. And he spoke to me plainly and he made the interpretation of the things that were said very clear. 17 [He said], These four large wild animals are four kingdoms that will arise on the earth, 18 but then they will be taken away. They will [each] take the kingdom of the holy ones of the Most High for themselves, and they will control it though the ages and into the ages of ages.
19 ‘Then I wanted to find out more about the fourth wild animal, because it was so different from the other wild animals, and so frightening, with its iron teeth and brass claws that it used to eat, crush, and trample. 20 And I wanted to learn more about the ten horns on its head, and about the [horn] that arose and shook off the other three [horns], which had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things; because the sight of it was greater than all the rest.
21 ‘Then I watched as that horn went to war against the holy ones and conquered them. 22 But then the time came when the Most Ancient One arrived and gave them His highest judgment, and the holy ones took control of the Kingdom.
23 ‘Then he said, The fourth wild animal is a fourth kingdom that will rule the earth, and it will be greater that all the other kingdoms, for it will devour the whole earth, trample it, and cut it to pieces. 24 And the ten horns are ten kings that will arise; and after them another will arise that will overwhelm the previous kings and humble three of them. 25 He will speak great words and mislead the Holy Ones of the Most High, and he will be allowed to change both times and laws for a time, times, and a half a time. 26 But then the judgment seat will be set up and the rulership will be changed to remove it from view and destroy it until the end.
27 ‘Then the Kingdom, the authority, and the greatness of all the kings under the sky will be given to the Holy Ones of the Most High. His Kingdom will last through the ages, and all the countries will serve and obey Him.
28 ‘Well, that was the end of the matter. These were the thoughts that disturbed me and changed my appearance, so I (DaniEl) kept them in my heart and preserved them.’
Chapter 8
1 It was in the third year of the reign of King BelShazzar that I (DaniEl) had a vision that was like the previous one. 2 I was at the palace in Sushan (in the region of Elam) when I had the vision. For, as I was standing by the Ulai River, 3 I looked up and saw a ram standing in front of the river that had two long horns. One was taller that the other and came up behind it. 4 Then I saw the ram butting toward the west, north, and south, so none of the other wild animals could stand before him, and no one could save them from his hands. So, he did whatever he wished and he became powerful.
5 Well as I watched, {Look!} a male goat came across the land from the southwest, but he wasn’t touching the ground. The male goat’s horn was very conspicuous, because it grew from between his eyes. 6 Then he rushed toward the ram that I saw (the one with the two horns), and butted him as hard as he could. 7 He was furious with him, so he ran as fast as he could and hit the ram, breaking off both of his horns, leaving him weak and unable to oppose him. Then [the male goat] threw the ram to the ground and trampled him, and no one came to save him.
8 Thereafter, the male goat became extremely famous for his strength. But then his large horn was broken, and four horns grew up from beneath it that each pointed toward one of the four winds of the skies. 9 And from one of them came an extremely powerful horn that grew rapidly toward the south and east 10 until it reached the powers of the heavens; and he threw [the others] to the earth and trampled on the stars.
11 Then, when the commander-in-chief was captured and [his] blood was poured out, the rage of the age came upon his place, the sacrifices ended, and the Holy Place was destroyed; 12 for his sacrifice will be offered for sins, and justice will be thrown to the ground; but the righteous things that he does will be blest.
13 Then I heard the holy one speaking, and he asked, ‘How long will this vision stand, when the sacrifices are taken away, the destruction over sins is allowed, and the Holy Place of the mighty ones is to be trampled upon?’ 14 And he said to him: ‘After two thousand, three hundred evenings and mornings, the Holy Place will be cleansed.’
15 Well, as I was watching the vision, I (DaniEl) wanted to understand. Then, {Look!} standing before me was what looked like a man, 16 and I heard a man’s voice speaking from the midst of the Ulai. He called out and said, ‘GabriEl; Let him understand the vision!’
17 So, he came over next to where I was standing. And as he was coming, I was very disturbed and fell to my face. Then he said to me, ‘Pay attention, O son of man, because this is a vision of the time of the end!’
18 Well, as he was speaking to me, I was there with my face to the ground, but then he touched me and stood me up on my feet. 19 And he said, ‘{Look!} I’m going to explain to you all the things that will bring the end to [God’s] rage, for this is what will happen in the time of the end:
20 ‘The ram that you saw that has the horns, is the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, 21 and the male goat is the king of the Greeks. The big horn between its eyes is their greatest king. 22 And when it’s broken, the four horns that come up from under it are the four kings that will arise from him, but none will be as strong as he was.
23 ‘Now, during the last days of their kingdom, they will be full of sins, and a king will arise who has a proud face and understands riddles. 24 He will be very powerful, but the strength won’t be his own. He will corrupt in a wondrous way and he will prosper, for he will take action and ruin mighty ones and a holy people. 25 The yoke that he puts on [others] will prosper, but treachery will be in his hands, and in his heart he’ll think of himself as extremely important. He will use his treachery to ruin many, and he’ll destroy many to establish himself… he’ll break them like eggs in his hands.
26 ‘As for the vision of the evenings and mornings; the thing that was said is true! But you must seal up this vision, because it won’t happen for a long time!’
27 Then I (DaniEl) went to bed and was sick for days. But I [finally] got up and did my work for the king, and I wondered about the vision, but no one else knew about it.
Chapter 9
1 Well, it was during the first year of the reign of Darius, the son of AhasuErus from the seed of the Medes, who ruled over the kingdom of the Chaldeans, 2 that I DaniEl came to understand the number of the years from the words that Jehovah had given to the Prophet JeremJah; for there he prophesied that Jerusalem would lie desolate for seventy years.
3 So, I turned my face toward Jehovah God to ask Him about this through prayer, supplications, and fasting in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to my God Jehovah, acknowledging Him, and said, ‘O Lord; O great and wonderful God who keeps His Sacred Agreements and who is merciful to those who love Him and keep His Commandments; 5 We’ve sinned, done wrong, and been impious; we’ve left and turned from Your Commandments and decisions, 6 and not listened to Your servants the Prophets… those who spoke in Your Name to our kings, rulers, ancestors, and to all the people. 7 For You, O Jehovah, are just; but for the men of Judah, Jerusalem, and all Israel, there’s just shame today – both those who are near and those who are scattered throughout the whole earth (wherever You have scattered them) – because of their rebellion and annulling their Sacred Agreement with You, O Lord.
8 ‘The faces of our kings, rulers, and ancestors who sinned against You are shamed! 9 But, from Jehovah our God, there is compassion and forgiveness for our sin of separating ourselves from You, O Lord. 10 Because, we haven’t listened to the voice of Jehovah our God, or obeyed His Laws that He gave to us through the hands of His servants the Prophets. 11 All Israel has broken Your Law and turned aside from listening to Your voice, so the curses and oaths that were written about in the Law of Moses (the servant of God) have come upon us, because we have sinned against Him.
12 ‘As the result; His words that He spoke against us and against our judges (those who are judging us) have come to be… the bringing of such great evil upon us, as has never been seen under the skies of Jerusalem. 13 For, it was written in the Law of Moses that these evils would come upon us if we didn’t search for the face of Jehovah our God, turn from our sins, and see all the things that are true. 14 And our God Jehovah is so very concerned about evil, that He has brought our evil ways down upon us. And our God Jehovah is right to do all these things that He’s done, because we haven’t listened to His voice!
15 ‘Now, O Jehovah, our God who led His people out of the land of Egypt with His mighty hand and made a name for Himself until this day; We have sinned, broken Your Laws, and erred! 16 But Lord; In all Your charity, turn Your anger and rage away from Your city Jerusalem (Your Holy Mountain). For, it was because we followed in the sins of our ancestors that Jerusalem and Your people have become a subject of ridicule by all those who live around us.
17 ‘O Lord, our God; Listen to the prayer of Your servant and to the things he’s begging; and may Your Face appear in Your Holy Place to those who have been deserted… for the sake [of Your Name], O Jehovah! 18 O my God; Lean down Your ear and listen! Open Your eyes and see how we and the city where You’ve put Your Name have been destroyed!’
‘We can’t approach You and throw our compassions before You because of our righteousness, O Lord (although our compassions are great). 19 But listen, O Lord, and cover our sins! Act quickly for Your own sake, O my God Jehovah, because Your Name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!’
20 Well, it was as I was speaking, praying, confessing my sins and the sins of my people Israel, and throwing my desire for mercy before my God Jehovah concerning His Holy Mountain, 21 that {Look!} the man GabriEl (who I saw flying in my first vision) touched me (it was about the time for the evening sacrifice) 22 and helped me to understand. He spoke to me and said, ‘O DaniEl; I’ve come here to teach you, so you can understand. 23 I’ve been coming since you first started your prayer, to announce to you that you’re a very desirable man. So now, reflect on this matter that you see in this vision.
24 ‘Seventy weeks have been set for your people and the Holy City Zion, in order to finish off sins, to set a seal upon sins, to end Law breaking, to pay for sins, to bring justice through the ages, to put a seal upon the vision and the Prophet, and to anoint the Holy of Holies.
25 ‘So, know this and understand it: From the time when the answer is sent and the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem, until the coming of the Anointed Leader, there will be seven weeks plus sixty-two weeks. He will return and rebuild the square and the wall during difficult times. 26 Then, after the sixty-two weeks are finished, the Anointed One will be destroyed and he will no longer be able to judge. So, the leader who is coming will corrupt and cut off the city and the Holy Place in a downpour, until he orders the end of the wars and exterminations.
Note: Another version of the Septuagint reads: 24 ‘Seventy weeks will come in order to bring a rooting out upon your people, to bring a finishing off of sin and unrighteousness in the City of Zion, and the feeling of shame upon the unrighteous. Then the vision of righteousness of the ages will shine through, and at the end of the vision there will be rejoicing in the Holy of Holies; 25 knowledge will shine through; and [there will be] rejoicing, a turning from unrighteousness, and Jerusalem the City of Jehovah will be rebuilt. 26 But after seven plus sixty-two weeks have passed away, the Anointed One will no longer be, and the king of the nations will destroy the city in rage along with the Holy Place and the anointed, until he orders an end to the wars and exterminations.
27 ‘Then he will strengthen a Sacred Agreement with many for a period of seven [days]; but during the middle of the seven days the sacrifices and the drink offerings will be lifted away. And thereafter, the disgusting destroyer will come to the Temple, and it will lie desolate until its time has been completed.’
Chapter 10
1 It was during the third year of the reign of Cyrus, the king of Persia, that these true words were uncovered to DaniEl (who was called BelTeShazzar), and great ability and understanding were given to him in the vision.
2 At the time, [I] DaniEl had been in mourning for three weeks… 3 I hadn’t eaten any meat or bread, and no wine had entered my mouth. And during the three weeks, I hadn’t rubbed myself with oil.
4 Well, it was on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the banks of the great Tigris River, 5 that I raised my eyes and saw a man wearing linen clothes. His hips were wrapped in the gold of Ophir, 6 his body looked like stone, his face looked like lightning, his eyes looked like burning lamps, his arms and legs looked like shining brass, and when he spoke it was like the [voices] of a large crowd.
7 I was the only one who saw this vision, for the men who were with me didn’t see anything. However, something came over them that frightened them, and they all ran away, 8 leaving me alone.
Then I had this great vision that left me weak. It took all my glory and corrupted it, leaving me without any strength. 9 Then I heard his voice speaking words, and when I heard what he was saying, I was confused; so I fell with my face to the ground.
10 Next, {Look!} a hand touched me and lifted me up on my knees and onto the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me: ‘DaniEl, you very desirable man; Understand the words that I’m speaking to you and stand erect, because I have been sent to you!’
Well, when he said that, I stood erect (but I was still shaking). 12 And he said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid, DaniEl, because; From the first day that you opened your heart to understand and you started [fasting] before Your God Jehovah, your words were heard, and I’ve come to you because of what you said. 13 However, the king of the armies of the Persians stood and opposed me for twenty-one days, until MichaEl, one of the foremost rulers, came to help me. So, I left him there with the king of the armies of the Persians, 14 and I’ve come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, because this is a vision of the future.’
15 Well, as he was saying that, I fell with my face to the ground again, because I was so confused. 16 Then {Look!} someone who looked like one of the sons of men came and touched my lips, and I was able to open my mouth and speak.
So, I asked the one who was standing before me, ‘O lord; Seeing the vision of you has twisted my insides and left me weak, 17 so how will your servant be able to speak to you after this, O lord? For I’m weak and unable to stand, and I can scarcely breathe!’
18 Then [someone who] looked like a man came and touched me, and gave me strength. 19 And he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, O desirable man; May you have peace! Now, act like a man and be strong!’
Well, as he was speaking to me, I became stronger, and I said, ‘Now speak, O my lord, because you’ve given me strength!’
20 Then he asked, ‘Do you know why I’ve come to you? I’m going back to fight a war against the king of the armies of the Persians, and then the Greek general will arrive. 21 But first I’m going to show you how to write the words of truth, because no one can oppose me in these matters, other than the Messenger MichaEl.
Chapter 11
1 ‘Why, since the first year of the reign of Cyrus I’ve been standing by powerfully and mightily, 2 and now I’m going to tell you the truth: {Look!} Three kings will arise in Persia, and then the fourth will become much richer than all the others. And after he gains all his riches, he will attack all the kingdoms of Greece.
3 ‘Then a mighty king will arise and gain a vast kingdom, and he will do whatever he wishes. 4 But after his kingdom is established, it will be broken and divided to the four winds of the sky, and it won’t end up as strong as it was during his rule. For his kingdom will be plucked up and divided among outsiders.
5 ‘Then the king in the south will grow stronger than him, and he will use his authority to rule over a vast kingdom. 6 However, after his time, they will all become allies; then the daughter of the Egyptian king will go to the king in the north to make treaties with him, but his arm won’t be strong and his seed will not stand. Then she will be handed over, along with those who brought her and [her] young women, and the one who made her strong in her time.
7 ‘Thereafter, someone will arise from the flower of her root, and when he’s ready, he will attack the army of the northern king and overrun his supporters… he will conquer them and win the battle. 8 Then he will take their molded gods and all their desirable things, including their silver and gold, and carry it back to Egypt, and he will dominate over the northern king.
9 ‘Then [the northern king] will enter the kingdom of the southern king, but he will [have to] retreat to his own land. 10 And then his sons will gather a large army and quickly win, overrun, and pass through. They will settle in and fight all the way to his stronghold. 11 This will make the southern king wild [with rage], and he will raise a large army to fight the northern king and take many captives. 12 Then his heart will become proud and he will cut thousands to the ground, but he won’t win the battle.
13 ‘Thereafter, the northern king will gather an even larger army, and toward the end of [his rule], he will attack and enter with great power and with many [items of war]. 14 And during that time, many will rebel against the southern king, and rabble from among your people will become stronger so that the vision can be proven, but then they will become weaker.
15 ‘Then the northern king will attack and build siege mounds and capture fortified cities, and the southern king’s chosen ones will stand up, but they won’t be strong enough. 16 So, the one who enters will do whatever he wishes, and no one will be able to oppose him. Then he will stand in the land of glory and finish it off with his own hands.
17 ‘Thereafter, he will set his face to march against that entire kingdom with all his righteous ones, and this is what he will do: He will take the daughter of men to corrupt her, but she won’t stay with him and she won’t be his. 18 So, he will turn his attention to the islands and capture many of them. And he will make their kings stop ridiculing him, but his ridicule will return.
19 ‘Then he will turn his attention back to strengthening his own land, but he will become weak, fall, and not be found again.
20 ‘After that, a plant will arise from the roots of the kingdom that he prepared and cast aside, which will tax the glory of the kingdom; and then he will be broken… but not by rebellion or by war. 21 Rather, one will stand in his place who has been treated with contempt and who was not given the glory of the kingdom. But he will [return] in prosperity and take the kingdom through treachery. 22 Then the arms of those he overruns will be washed away from before his face, including the one who is the leader of the Sacred Agreement.
23 ‘Then, because of the many treaties with him, he will be treacherous, but a small nation will beat him. 24 So, he will travel to prosperous places and do what his ancestors and their ancestors couldn’t do… plunder them and disperse the loot. And then he will spend time plotting against Egypt. 25 And when he’s strong enough, he will set his heart against the southern king and attack him with a great army. But the southern king will also gather a great army and beat him with new implements of war. 26 Then they will devour everything he needs, break him, destroy his army, and many will be killed.
27 ‘Well, both kings will have wicked hearts, so when they sit down at a table they will both lie and nothing will be straightened out until the end is reached. 28 And when he returns to his land, it will be with much plunder, and with his heart set against the Holy Sacred Agreement. Then he’ll return to [this] land, 29 but he’ll come back… however, not from the south, and this last time it won’t be the same as at first.
30 ‘Then [the ships] of Cyprus will attack him and humble him, but he will return and show his rage against the Holy Sacred Agreement. For he will attack those who he sees have left the Holy Sacred Agreement, 31 then he will raise his arms and profane the powerful Holy Place and end the daily sacrifices, and bring the disgusting destroyer 32 against those who break the Law and care little for the Sacred Agreement.
‘However, those who know their God will grow stronger and take action. 33 They will come to know many things, but they will be weakened with swords, fire, captivity, and ravaging over a long period. 34 Yet, when they are the weakest they will be given a little help; but many will be added to them who won’t show the same concern, 35 and they will drag those who understand down. However, they will be called, uncovered, and purified by fire until the time of the end, because there’s still a long time.
36 ‘Thereafter, the king will make himself more powerful and put himself over all gods, including the God of gods. 37 And he will speak pompous words and prosper until [God’s] wrath comes and reaches its climax. He won’t pay any attention to the gods of his ancestors or to the desires of women, because he will [think] himself so great that he won’t listen to any god. 38 Rather, he will worship his warring nation as a god, which is a god that his ancestors didn’t know. And he will glorify gold, silver, precious gems, and other desirable things. 39 Then in his fortresses where he hides, he will worship a strange god who he should ever recognize, where he will divide glory and give land as gifts to cause many to submit to him.
40 ‘In the time of the end, he will lock horns with the southern king, so he (the northern king) will gather many chariots, horsemen, and ships, and enter his (the southern king’s) land, conquer it, and pass through it. 41 Then he will enter the land of glory and cause many to become weak; but Edom, Moab, and the sovereignty of the sons of Ammon will be preserved. 42 He will stretch out his hand over the land, and the land of Egypt won’t be saved, 43 for he will dominate with his hidden reserves of gold, silver, and all the desirable things of Egypt, the Libyans, and the Ethiopians, and their fortresses.
44 ‘Then, out of the north and east he will hear things that will disturb him, so he will leave in a rage to destroy and obliterate many. 45 He will pitch his royal tent between the seas and the glorious Holy Mountain until he comes to his end, and no one will save him.
Chapter 12
1 ‘And in that hour, the Highest Messenger MichaEl (he who watches over the sons of your people) will arise, and then a time of difficulty will begin such as has never happened before and will never happen again. [And thereafter], [God] will raise all those whose [names] were written in the book, 2 and many who died and were buried will be resurrected… some to life in the age, some to disgrace, and some will be scattered and shamed in that age. 3 Then those who understand my words will shine like the brightness of the sky and like the stars in the heavens for ages of ages.
4 ‘And you, O DaniEl; Cover up the words and seal the scroll until the time of the end, when many will be taught and the earth will be filled with unrighteousness.’
5 Then I (DaniEl) looked and saw two others standing (one on this side of the river, and the other on the opposite bank), 6 and one of them asked the man in the linen clothes who was standing on the river water, ‘When will all these wonders that you spoke of end?’
7 And the man in the linen clothes who was standing on the river raised his right and left hands high toward the heavens, and he swore an oath to the God who lives through ages, that the holy people will be scattered for a time, times, and a half a time, before all these things come to an end.
8 I heard it, but I didn’t understand it, so I said, ‘O lord; When will your words happen, and when will your judgment come?’
9 And he said, ‘Go, DaniEl… cover and seal up the words! 10 For many will be chosen, [dressed] in white, purified by fire, and become holy. But the sinners will continue to sin and they won’t chase after knowledge.
11 ‘From the time when the disgusting destroyer will come and the [daily] sacrifices will end is one thousand, two hundred and ninety days. 12 And the one who endures the one thousand, three hundred, and thirty-five days will be blest.
13 ‘Now, go and rest until the day and hour has been completed, because you will be resurrected and receive your inheritance after those days come to their end.’
Hosea
Chapter 1
1 These are the words of Jehovah that came to Hosea (the son of BeEri) in the days of UzziJah, JoTham, Ahaz, and HezekiJah, the kings of Judah, and in the days of JeroBoam (the son of JoAsh) the king of Israel.
2 This is the beginning of the word of Jehovah by Hosea:
The Lord spoke to Hosea and said, ‘Take a woman for yourself from the whores… so that children [can be born] from her whoring; because, by chasing after immoral sex, the land has strayed from Jehovah.’
3 So, he went and took Gomer the daughter of DiblaIm, and she got pregnant and bore him a son.
4 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Call his name JezreEl, for in a while I’ll bring vengeance, on the house of Judah for JezreEl’s blood, and I’ll bring an end to Israel’s kingdom. 5 In that day, I’ll break Israel’s bow, in the valley of JezreEl.’
6 Then she got pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter. And He said to him, ‘Call her name Show No Mercy, for on the house of Israel I’ll show no mercy, but I’ll stand against and oppose them. 7 Yet, by the power of Jehovah their God, I will show mercy upon Judah’s sons, and I will bring them salvation. I won’t save by the bow or the broadsword, nor by the battles of horses and horsemen.’
8 And after she weaned Show No Mercy, she got pregnant again and bore a son. 9 And He said, ‘Call his name Not My People, because you’re no longer My people, and I am no part of you. 10 But the numbers of the sons of Israel, will become like the sands of the sea, and they’ll not be measured or counted. And it will be in that place, where they were told you’re not My people, they’ll be called the Living God’s sons. 11 Then they’ll gather the sons of Israel and Judah, and appoint someone to rule over them. Then from the land they’ll [be taken], for JezreEl’s day will be a great one.’
Chapter 2
1 ‘Speak to your brother, Not My People, and to your sister, Show No Mercy! 2 Plead with your mother… yes plead; for she isn’t really My wife, and I’m not really her husband. For, I’ll remove all her whoring from Me, and her adultery from between [both] her breasts. 3 I’ll strip her down ‘til she’s naked, and restore her like the day she was born. To desolation I will appoint her, and make her like a waterless land; then I will kill her with thirst.
4 ‘There’s no way I’ll show mercy on her children, for they are the children of her whoring, 5 because their mother was immoral, and the one who bore them disgraced them. For she said: I will follow my lovers; those who provide my bread loaves and water… my clothes and my linen robes… my olive oil and all I deserve.
6 ‘For this; {Look!} With barbs I’ll close up her way… I’ll block her ways and her roads, so no way will she thereafter find them. 7 Then, when she pursues all her lovers, there’ll be no way she can catch them… she’ll search for them but not find them.
‘Then she will say: I’ll now return to my husband, for things were better than they are now. 8 But she doesn’t know it was I, who gave her the grain and the wine, as well as olive oil and her silver. But she took my silver and gold, in order to make things for Baal.
9 ‘It’s because of this that I will return, and remove all My grain in its season, as well as My wine in its time; I will remove all the clothes that [I gave her], as well as My linen robes, so she’ll have nothing to cover her shame. 10 I’ll uncover her filth in front of her lovers, and from My hand none will then save her.
11 ‘I’ll remove all the joy of her holiday feasts, as well as her festivals, New Moons, and Sabbaths.
12 ‘I’ll remove all her grapevines and fig trees, for she said: These wages were paid by my lovers. So, I’ll appoint them to witness [against her], and wild animals in the fields will consume her, as well as winged creatures that fly in the skies, and things that crawl on the ground.
13 ‘I will take vengeance upon her, for each day that she sacrificed to the Baals… when she donned her necklaces and earrings… when she forgot Me and chased after lovers,’ says Jehovah.
14 ‘Because of this {Look!} I’ll make her wander, and I’ll order desolation upon her. Then I’ll speak to her heart and return her possessions… and turn the Valley of Trouble to a Valley of Hope. 15 Then she’ll become humble like the days of her childhood… like the day she ascended from Egypt.
16 ‘And it will be in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘that she’ll call out to Me, O My husband! No longer will she call to Baal Im. 17 For, the name Baal Im I’ll lift from her mouth, and she’ll no longer remember his name.
18 ‘In that day, I’ll make a Sacred Agreement, with all the wild beasts of the fields, all the flying creatures in the skies, and all the crawling things on the ground. I will break all the bows and the broadswords, then I’ll end the wars and bring hope to the land.
19 ‘Then I’ll take you as My wife through the age… in righteousness and fairness I’ll take you, and in mercy and compassion. 20 I’ll take you to Myself in full trust, and you’ll recognize Me as your Lord.
21 ‘And it will be in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘that I’ll give My attention to the skies, and the skies will give attention to the land. 22 Then the land will give attention to the grain, as well as the wine and olive oil, and they will give attention to JezreEl.
23 ‘I’ll plant her on the earth for Myself, and I’ll love the one that’s unloved. Then I’ll say You’re My people to those who aren’t Mine, and she will say Jehovah’s My God!’
Chapter 3
1 And the Lord said to me: ‘Go again and love an adulteress, who loves to do what is evil! For, though Jehovah loves the sons of Israel, they look away toward strange gods, and of raisin cakes they’ve become very fond!’
2 So, I hired [such a woman] for myself, for fifteen silver coins, two hundred quarts of barley, and a skin flask of wine. 3 And I said to her, ‘Sit next to me for many days, and no way may you commit immoral acts, nor should you be with a man; for I alone will be yours. 4 In this way the sons of Israel will sit, for many days without kings or a ruler, and there’ll be no sacrifices, Altar, or Priesthood… there won’t be any direction.
5 ‘And after these things are completed, the sons of Israel will return, and they’ll search for Jehovah their God, as well as for David their king. And in the end of the days, over Jehovah they’ll be ecstatic, and over all of His good things.’
Chapter 4
1 O sons of Israel; Hear the word of the Lord! For, Jehovah has a case against all who live in the land, because there is no truth and no mercy, and no knowledge of God in the earth. 2 Cursing, lying, murder, fraud, and adultery, have been poured out over the land, and blood you’ve mingled with blood. So, for this reason, the land will [soon] mourn, 3 and those living there will be fewer. Then the wild beasts in the fields, the winged creatures [that live] in the skies, and the fish in the seas will all fail.
4 [The Lord says:] ‘No one should judge and no one should scold, for My dispute, O Priests, is with you. 5 Each day [our God] will bring weakness [upon you… the prophets among you will weaken, and night will serve as your mother, 6 for [you’ve made] My people as those without knowledge. And since you’ve pushed away greater knowledge, I will push you away, and you’ll not be My priests anymore. Since you’ve forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget all your children. 7 For all the sins that they’ve sinned against Me, I’ll appoint their glory to dishonor… 8 My people will eat their own sins, and their unrighteous ways will claim all their lives.
9 ‘And what happens to the people will happen to the priests, for I’ll bring vengeance on them for their ways, and repay them for all their [wicked] thoughts. 10 Then they will eat, but never be filled, for they’ve become whores who cannot get straight. They don’t watch [for Me] anymore, because they’ve abandoned Jehovah… 11 whoring, wine, and strong drink, have captured the hearts of My people.
12 ‘They look to signs for their answers, and [wave magic] wands for replies. In a spirit of whoring they’ve wandered, and become [adulterous] to their God. 13 On the tops of the hills they bring sacrifices… beneath the oaks and white poplars, and under all other shade trees, [asking] for good and protection. For this, your daughters will all become whores, and your brides will be filled with adultery. 14 Then I will not visit your daughters, when they are guilty of whoring, nor [will I visit] your daughters-in-laws, when they are committing adultery. For, they’ve become mixed among whores, and those practicing sacrificial rites. Then the people will not perceive, and they will join with the whores.
15 ‘But you, O Israel… don’t be stupid! And you O Judah… don’t go up to GilGal… don’t ascend to the temple at BethEl, and swear by the oath, As the Lord lives!
16 ‘Israel is hot like a heifer in heat, so, Jehovah will feed them as lambs in a feedlot.
17 ‘EphraIm was a partner with idols, and made his own snares for himself. 18 He took up with CanaAnite whores and had sex, and they loved the dishonor of their neighing. 19 So, in her wings they’ll be a wind storm, and because of their altars they’ll be disgraced.’
Chapter 5
1 ‘Hear these things, O you priests; O house of Israel, pay attention, and house of the king give an ear! For, there is a judgment against you, because you’ve become a snare in the heights, and a net being stretched on [Mount] Tabor, 2 which is fastened by those who catch game. Yes, it is I who will be your corrector.
3 ‘Both EphraIm and Israel I have known, when they hadn’t gone far from Me. But EphraIm has since been immoral, and Israel is also defiled, 4 and they don’t think to turn toward their God. For, the spirit of whoring is among them, and they’ve [forgotten] Jehovah. 5 So, for all of his insolent ways, Israel’s face of will be humbled, and Ephraim’s unrighteous ways, will bring weakness upon him… and along with him, Judah will be weakened.
6 ‘They seek Jehovah with their sheep and their calves, but there’s no way that they follow the Lord, nor will they ever be able to find Him, for from them He’s turned away. 7 They have abandoned Jehovah, and to alien children they’ve given birth. So, now they and all they’d inherit, will be eaten by blight.
8 ‘Sound the trumpets from the hilltops! Blow it from the high places! Proclaim it in the temple at BethEl! Tell them that BenJamin has been startled, 9 and EphraIm died in his day of correction!
‘To the tribes of Israel I was trustworthy, 10 yet, the rulers of Judah changed the property markers! So, I’ll pour out My feelings like water upon them.
11 ‘EphraIm was a tyrant to his opponents… he trampled on justice and chased after vain things. 12 So, upon EphraIm I’ll bring disturbance, and to the house of Judah I’ll be a spur.
13 ‘Though EphraIm saw his disease, and Judah recognized his grief; when EphraIm [was attacked] by Assyria, [he turned] to the king of Jareb [for aid]. Yet, [Jareb] was unable to save him, so there’s no way he’d see an end to his grief. 14 Because, to EphraIm I’m like a panther, and to the house of Judah I’m a lion… for I’ll snatch them away then I’ll go… I’ll take them and no one will save them. 15 Then I will leave and return to My place, and not be seen in that time… but then they will search for My face.’
Chapter 6
1 ‘In their affliction they’ll rise early to Me, and then they will say: We should return to Jehovah our God, for He’ll snatch us away and He’ll heal us. He will attack and He’ll dress all our wounds! 2 Then after two days He will heal us, and on the third day we will get up, and then before Him we will live. 3 Knowledge of Him we’ll know and pursue, and at the crack of dawn we will find Him. Then He’ll come to us like morning rain, and as evening rain on the ground.
4 ‘O EphraIm, what must I do? And, O Judah, what must I do? For your mercy is like a cloud in the morning, which, like the dew, fades away. 5 It’s because of this; by the Prophets, I’ve mowed you down; I’ve killed you with the words from My mouth; the judgments on you have gone forth like light. 6 I want mercy, not sacrifices… higher-knowledge, not whole burnt-offerings. 7 But they are like a man who has broken My Sacred Agreement, and has shown hatred for Me.
8 ‘Gilead is a city of wasted deeds… as one [who makes waves] in the water. 9 Your strength is like a man who’s a thief, and your priests are like men who murder from ambush.
‘Shechem has committed unrighteous acts, upon those in the house of Israel. 10 Causes for shuddering I’ve seen there; and by EphraIm’s whoring, both Israel and Judah are defiled.
11 ‘So reap [from the vine] of rebellion against Me, until I bring back My people.’
Chapter 7
1 ‘In My healing of Israel, the injustice of EphraIm was uncovered, as well as the evils of Samaria. For they told lies, then a thief came among them, and a robber led them to the roadways. 2 So they sang together of the evil in their hearts, remembering all the [bad things] they’d done. And now they’re surrounded by the things that they chose; these things that happened in front of My face.
3 ‘And the bad things that they’ve done, have gladdened [the hearts] of their kings… their lies have delighted their rulers. 4 All the adultery that they’ve committed, has become like the fire in an oven, that burns for the purpose of baking… together the flames [warm] the fat, until it’s all filled with fermentation.
5 ‘And in the days of their kings, their rulers became enraged by their wine, and stretched out their [arms] toward those who were vile. 6 For, their hearts were burning like ovens, and the sleep of EphraIm then became filled, with [thoughts of destroying] all night… and in the morning it burst into flames. 7 They all became heated like ovens, and then they devoured all their judges.
‘All their kings have now fallen, so upon Me, none of them call. 8 EphraIm’s people are all intermixed, and he’s become like a cake that is baked in hot ash, which [no one has bothered] to turn. 9 Then strangers ate all his strength… however, he didn’t know it, and then he developed grey hair, but he still remained unaware. 10 So the insolence of Israel, will soon bring humility to his face, for they haven’t turned toward Jehovah their God… after all these things happened, they never went looking for Him.
11 ‘EphraIm was like a dove, for he had no mind and no heart. He called first upon Egypt, and then to the Assyrians he [turned]. 12 But, when they go there I’ll throw out My net, and I’ll catch them like birds… I’ll drag them down and correct them, and listen [to the sounds] of their torment.
13 ‘Woe to them, for they’ve leaped away! O how wretched they are, in their irreverence toward Me. Though I was the One who paid their ransom, they spoke against Me and lied… 14 they failed to call Me whole-heartedly, they just laid there and shrieked in their beds, and sold themselves for grain and wine.
15 ‘When they were corrected by Me, it was I who strengthened their arms! But, then against Me they hatched wicked plots. 16 So, when they return they’ll have nothing; they’ll be like a bow that’s stretched tight, and their rulers will fall by the broadsword… because of stupid things that came from their tongues, in the land of Egypt, they’ll be befouled.’
Chapter 8
1 ‘For their land is now in [Egypt’s hands], and against the [Temple] they’ll fly like eagles, because [Israel] has broken My Sacred Agreement, and they showed their irreverence toward My Law. 2 But then, to Me, they will cry out: O God, have we not known You? 3 Yet, Israel threw away all the good things, and chased after an enemy of Mine.
4 ‘They chose someone to reign by themselves… they didn’t do it through Me… they ruled but they didn’t tell Me. Then, with silver and gold they made idols, so they should be totally destroyed.
5 ‘Get rid of your calf, O Samaria, for against you My rage is provoked. How long will Israel be unable, to finally make themselves clean? 6 Why, [the calf] is just something you’ve made, so it [really] isn’t a god… O Samaria; Because of your calf you have strayed!
7 ‘[Their seeds] of destruction they’ve sown to the wind, and now their end is searching for them. They’re a stalk of grain too weak to give flour, and if it still could produce some, it would be eaten by strangers.
8 ‘Israel has been swallowed down, and become something useless among nations. 9 For, they went up to Assyria, and in the way that EphraIm loves to do, he offered them bribes [for their aid]. 10 So, among the nations they will be [scattered]… now I’ll take them and they’ll be too weak, to anoint for themselves rulers or kings.
11 ‘EphraIm has built many altars, and the alters he loves are the [roots] of his sins. 12 So, for him, I’ll write extra laws, because he loves the strange altars. 13 And if they sacrifice upon them, and if they should then eat the meat, Jehovah won’t receive them in favor. Their unrighteous ways are what He’ll recall, and for their sins He’ll bring vengeance. For, they have gone back to Egypt, 14 and Israel forgot He who made him. Then they established sacred precincts, and Judah built cities with walls. But I will send fire to his cities, and it will consume their foundations.
Chapter 9
1 ‘So, do not rejoice, O Israel, nor should your people be glad. For, you went whoring against Jehovah your God… you loved the gifts of grain of [a whore], where you laid upon threshing floors. 2 But you threshing-floor grain [will not feed you], and the wine vats will also [soon fail].
3 ‘For, they didn’t dwell in the land of Jehovah; EphraIm [preferred] dwelling in Egypt, and among the Assyrians ate what’s unclean. 4 They offered no wine as drink to the Lord, or anything delicious before Him. Their sacrifices were as bread of mourning, and all who ate them were defiled. So, their bread may not enter the [Temple] of Jehovah, for [the purpose of saving] their lives. 5 So now; What will you do on your festival days, and on the holiday feasts of Jehovah?
6 ‘Because of this; Look… they are gone, back to the misery of Egypt! Memphis will watch over them, and Machmas will lay them in tombs. Ruin will inherit their silver, and thorn bushes will grow in their tents. 7 For, the days of vengeance have arrived… the days for receiving what’s due. As a prophet without inspiration, Israel will now be afflicted… like a man who is carried by the wind. Because you were so unrighteous, the frenzy [in your lives] will increase.
8 ‘EphraIm’s watchmen once [walked] with God, but now their prophet’s are just crooked snares, and madness [reigns] in their temples. 9 They’ve been corrupt since the days of the hills, so He’ll not forget their unrighteous ways, and He’ll punish them for their sins.
10 ‘O Israel; When I first found you, it was like finding grapes in the desert, and as early figs on a fig tree. But then I saw their fathers [bow to] Baal Peor… that’s when they left [Me] in shame, and became something disgusting… something that’s no longer loved.
11 ‘EphraIm was a bird that flew [from its nest], [losing] the glory of [the place of] its birth, and its pangs of conception. 12 So, even if they nourish their children, they’ll be the childless among other men… O woe, when I tear their flesh from them. 13 For, EphraIm’s children will be treated like game… their children will be led out and stabbed.’
14 Give it to them, O Jehovah! [O Lord], what will you give them? Give them a womb that is childless, as well as breasts that are dry!
15 ‘All their evils are in GilGal, for there’s where [they’ve gained] all My hatred. Because of the evils that they do there, I’ll throw them a way and no longer love them, for none of their rulers [will listen].
16 ‘EphraIm has been hoed, and yet his roots became dry, so he could no longer bear fruit. So now, when they give birth, I’ll destroy those they love from their bellies… 17 God will push them away, for they refused to listen to Him, so, among the nations they’ll wander.
Chapter 10
1 ‘Israel was a grapevine having good branches, 2 and her fruit was [once] straight and true. But the more the abundance of her fruit, the more they built altars [to false gods]. And the more prosperity there was in the land, the more they built [shrines of false worship]. 2 They gave their hearts to such things, but now they will be wiped away. For, He’ll cut their altars to the ground, and allow all their shrines to languish.
3 ‘Yet, now they say: We don’t have a king anymore; and we feared the king, not Jehovah, for what can [God] do to us?
4 ‘They give excuses and speak lying words, but He had a contract with them. So, judgment will soon rise upon them, like weeds in an untended field.
5 ‘To the calf in the [temple] at BethEl, the people of Samaria have gone. [God’s] people have wailed over it, which made Him feel very bitter. They should rather rejoice in His glory, but far from Him they have moved.
6 ‘For this they were tied up and carried away, by Assyria as a gift and a tribute to Jareb. Yes, by His decree, both EphraIm and Israel were shamed.
7 ‘Samaria threw off her [true] king, like throwing a stick across water. 8 So, the shrines at BethEl (Israel’s sin), will soon be lifted away. Then, upon all of their altars, thistles and thorns will soon grow, and they’ll say to the mountains Come cover us over! And to the hills Fall upon us!
9 ‘For as long as the hills have existed, Israel has stood in her sins. But no way will the hills [come to her aid], when war arrives on these unrighteous children, 10 to correct them and bind them together… it will come to straighten their crooked ways.
11 ‘EphraIm is a heifer that was taught to love fights, but I will [grab hold] of her neck, and EphraIm I’ll lead away; I’ll silently pass over Judah, and Jacob will grow stronger against her.
12 ‘So, [as you sow], sow what is righteous… gather the vintage of the fruitage of life… light the light of knowledge for yourselves… keep on asking of Jehovah, ‘til the offspring of righteousness enters your [hearts]!
13 ‘Why overlook your irreverence in silence, and gather the vintage of unrighteousness? You are all eating false fruit, and in your chariots you’re putting your hope… [you are trusting] in the abundance of your power. 14 Now destruction will arise ‘midst your people, and all your walled [cities] will fall.
‘O house of Israel; As Shalman left the house of JeroBoam, in the day of the battle, and dashed mothers on top of their children; 15 that’s how I’ll treat you for your wicked ways.’
Chapter 11
1 ‘They were disowned early on, and Israel’s kings were also disowned. For, Israel is a child that I’ve loved, so I called back his children from Egypt. 2 But as I was calling them back, they were moving away from before Me. To Baal Im they offered sacrifices, and to carved images they burned incense.
3 ‘It was I who wrapped EphraIm and took him in My arms, and when they didn’t know Me I healed them. 4 While in the corruption of men, I wrapped them in the bonds of My love. So, to them I’ll be like a [father], one who disciplines [his son]. Thus, I’ll watch over him and I’ll win.
5 ‘To the land of Egypt they shall not return, but Assyria’s king will now rule them, because, they refused to come back to Me. 6 So, swords will rage ‘gainst their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and for their decisions they’ll be consumed.
7 ‘His people have clung to things in their homes, and God is enraged by what they hold dear, so, there’s no way that He will exalt them.
8 ‘How should I treat you, O EphraIm? How will I shield you, O Israel? Should I treat you as [I did to] AdMah? Will I appoint you as ZeboIm? Will My heart be changed about such a thing? Should I repent because it disturbs Me? 9 There’s no way that I’ll act in the anger of My rage; there’s no way that I’ll make EphraIm extinct. For, I am God not a man; I am the Holy One among you; so I will not enter your city.’
10 ‘They will [return to] Jehovah, for He will roar like a lion, and startle the children of the sea in the west. 11 They’ll be startled like a bird out of Egypt, and like an Assyrian dove; then I’ll restore them to their homes,’ says Jehovah.
12 ‘By EphraIm I was circled with lies, and the irreverence of the houses of Israel and Judah. But they will be known by Jehovah, and be called holy people of God.’
Chapter 12
1 ‘EphraIm is like an evil wind, for burning winds he pursues through the day… empty and vain things he’s done. For, with Assyria he [signed] a treaty, and he traded olive oil down in Egypt.
2 ‘The Lord has a case against Judah, so He’ll punish Jacob according to His ways, and pay him back for the bad things he’s done. 3 While he was still in the womb, he caught the heel of his brother, and grew in strength with his God. 4 With a messenger [of God] he wrestled and won, then he wept and begged [for a blessing]. So, at the house at [BethEl] he found Me. 5 It was there that he was then told: As Jehovah the Almighty, I must be remembered.
6 ‘So, you should return to your God… show mercy and also be fair… always [stay close] to your God!
7 ‘In the hands of CanaAn are unrighteous scales, and he loves to tyrannize others. 8 EphraIm said, I am rich; so I’ve found a way to relax. But he’ll never see the fruits of his toil, because of the [sins] he’s committed.
9 ‘I am Jehovah your God; it was I who led you from Egypt; and in tents I’ll again settle you, as in the days of the holiday feast.
10 ‘I will speak by the Prophets, and provide them with many visions; for, I am described through the hands of the Prophets.
11 ‘If GilGal no longer exists, it’s because their kings offered false sacrifices. So, like heaps of turtle dung are their altars now… that which is found in unplanted fields.
12 ‘To the plains of Syria Jacob withdrew, as Israel’s servant searched for a wife; then for a wife he guarded sheep. 13 And by a Prophet of Jehovah, to the land of Egypt Israel was led, and by a Prophet he was protected.
14 ‘But EphraIm was enraged… provoked to anger, so his blood will be poured out upon him, as Jehovah repays him for his scorn.’
Chapter 13
1 ‘According to all that EphraIm says, Israel’s righteous rules were his own ideas… but then he turned to Baal and he died. 2 They’ve proceeded to sin, and made castings with silver, into the image of idols… and then they were finished by their craftsmen, who said: Let’s now sacrifice men, because the calves are all gone!
3 ‘For this, they’re like fog in the morning, and like morning dew they’ll be gone… as chaff on the floors they’ll blow away, and they’ll dry up like tears.
4 ‘But I’m Jehovah your God; it was I who led you from Egypt, and no God beside Me shall you know, for there is no Savior other than Me! 5 I was your shepherd in the desert; and in uninhabited lands, from their pastures you were filled.
6 ‘But then they made their hearts haughty, and because of this, they forgot Me. 7 So, I’ll be like a panther or leopard to them… according to the ways of Assyria. 8 Like an angry bear I’ll attack, and then I will tear them open, so the cubs in the woods can eat them, and wild beasts of the fields can pull them apart.
9 ‘In your corruption, O Israel, who will come to your aid? 10 Where is your [great] king? Let him save your cities! Yes, let him be your judge! For it’s you who once said, Give me a king and a ruler! 11 So I gave you a king in My anger, and My rage was then satisfied.
12 ‘But, EphraIm became a plot of injustice, and he hid all his sins. 13 Thus, upon him will soon come birth pangs, and though he’s your intelligent son, there’s no way that he’ll stop his children’s destruction.
14 ‘Will I save them from the hands of the grave? Will I [pay] their ransom from death? Where is your punishment, O death? And where is your sting, O grave? Their consolations are hidden from My eyes.
15 ‘Because of this, I will separate brothers, and bring burning winds from the desert upon them. Then it will dry up his veins, and bring desolation to his springs… his land and desirable things it will dry.
16 ‘Samaria will be totally gone, for she resisted her God. Then they will fall by the broadsword; those by her breasts will be dashed [to the ground], and those in the womb, torn to pieces!’
Chapter 14
1 ‘O Israel; Return to Jehovah your God, for, you have been weakened by your transgressions! 2 Follow your own [good advice], and then turn back to your Lord! Just ask Him to overlook your unrighteous ways, so you may then receive good things! For, you’ll be repaid for the fruit of your lips.
3 ‘Why, Assyria will not be your savior, and you’ll not mount their war horses. So, stop calling hand-made things gods, and start showing mercy to orphans!
4 ‘Then I will repair all your homes; I will confess that I love you, and My rage will have turned away. 5 To Israel I’ll be like early morning dew; then like a lily they will blossom, and as Lebanon’s [trees] they’ll grow roots. 6 His branches will grow very full, and bear as much fruit as olive trees, that carry Lebanon’s scent.
7 ‘Then they will return, and under His protection they’ll sit. They’ll live amidst plenty of grain; like a grapevine they’ll blossom; and they’ll be remembered like Lebanon’s wine.
8 ‘O EphraIm; What good are all of your idols? Isn’t it I who humbles you, and Me who makes you strong? For, I’m a dense juniper tree, and it’s from Me that your fruit comes!
9 ‘Who is wise and understands all these things… who [among you can] recognize them? For, the ways of Jehovah are straight, and those who are righteous will live by these ways, as the godless are stumbled by them.’
Joel
Chapter 1
1 These are words of Jehovah that came to JoEl the son of BathuEl.
2 Hear these things, O elders; give ear all you who live in the land! Have you seen such things in your [lives]; were they seen in the days of your fathers? 3 Describe these things to your children, and to all the coming generations! 4 For, caterpillars ate all that was left, and locusts devoured what they didn’t eat, then grasshoppers ate what was left by the locusts, and what the grasshoppers didn’t eat, was then consumed by the blight.
5 Now sober up and then weep, all you who are drunk from your wine; for joy and gladness are gone your mouths, 6 since a powerful and populous nation, has now ascended to My land. He has the teeth of a lion, and his molars are like those of bear cubs. 7 He’s appointed My grapevines to extinction, and My fig-trees to splinters. He searched for it and knocked it down, and all its branches turned white.
8 So, wail to Me like a wife wearing sackcloth, [to mourn] the husband of virgin years. 9 Drink offerings and sacrifices have been removed, from the [Temple] of Jehovah. So, mourn O Priests (O you who serve at the Altar), 10 for all the fields now lie bare! And mourn, O land, for the grain is now gone, the wine has all dried, and in short supply is the oil. 11 The farmers have withered [and gone], so wail for all your possessions, since the wheat and barley are wiped from the fields; 12 the grapevines have dried and fig-trees are few; pomegranates, palms, and melons, and all the trees in the fields are now dry… the joy of sons of men has been shamed.
13 Wrap yourselves up and beat yourselves, Priests! Wail, O you who serve at the Altar! Go to bed wearing sackcloth, O you who serve before God; for the sacrifices and the drink offerings are gone, from before the House of your God! 14 So, call for a time of holy fasting; proclaim a time of sacred service! Gather the elders and the [people] of the land, to the [Temple] of Jehovah your God, then fervently call to the Lord!
15 Woe, woe, woe for the day; for the Day of the Lord is now near, and misery upon misery will come. 16 Before your eyes the food is destroyed, along with gladness and joy, in the [Temple] of God.
17 The heifers will jump in their stables, for all their treasures are gone. The wine vats are cut to the ground, and all the grain has dried up. 18 So, what can we store for ourselves?
The herds of oxen now bawl, because there isn’t any pasture, and the flocks of sheep have been wiped out. 19 So, we’ll call out to You, O Jehovah, for fire has consumed the beauty of desert patures, and its flames have burned all the trees of the fields. 20 The cattle in the plains must look up to You, for all the springs are now dry, and the beauty of the pastures is gone.
Chapter 2
1 Sound the trumpets in Zion! Proclaim it upon My Holy Mountain! All in the land should bow down, for the Day of the Lord is at hand (it is near)! 2 It’s a day that’s quite dim and dark… it’s a day that’s cloudy with fog. And as the dawn pours over the mountains, so comes a vast and strong people. Through ages, nothing quite like this has happened, and there’ll be nothing like it again through the years… through generations of generations.
3 A fire that consumes goes before him, and what’s left behind him is flames. Before him the land’s a paradise of delights, and what’s behind him is desert and extinction, from which no one can escape.
4 The sight of them is like horses, and as cavalry in hot pursuit. 5 Their sound is like that of chariots, leaping ‘cross the tops of the mountains… like the sounds of flames burning stubble, and as a people vast and mighty, who are ready for battle.
6 Before them the people will all be destroyed, and their faces will be like burnt pots. 7 For, like warriors they will attack, and as men of war, they’ll scale all the walls; each will go his own way, and they’ll not be turned from their roads.
8 None will stray far from their brothers; and with [heavy] shields they will travel; [people] will fall by their arrows; and there’s no way that they will get tired.
9 They will then capture the city, and they will run on its walls. Into the homes they’ll ascend, and through the windows they’ll enter like thieves.
10 Before his face the land is confused, and the skies will be shaken. The sun and the moon will then darken, and the brightness of the stars will decrease. 11 And before his armies the Lord will then shout, for his camp will be exceedingly great. All of His works will be strong, for great is the Day of the Lord, and who will be able to stand then?
12 ‘Now, run,’ says Jehovah our God! ‘Return to Me with your whole hearts, fasting, weeping, and beating your chests!’
13 Tear your hearts not your clothes, and turn to Jehovah your God! For, He shows mercy and pity… He is forgiving and full of mercy, [overlooking] the bad things we’ve done. 14 Why, who knows if He’ll reconsider, then change His plans and bless you instead. So, you should bring sacrifices, and drink offerings to Jehovah our God!
15 Yes, blow the trumpets in Zion! Proclaim a holy [time] of fasting! Declare a [day of] sacred service! 16 Gather together all of the people, and proclaim a holy assembly! Choose your elders then gather the babies, which are nursing at breasts! Tell the groom to come from his bedroom, and the bride from her nuptial chamber!
17 At the base of the Altar the Priests will all weep (those who serve before Jehovah). They’ll say: ‘Spare Your people, O Lord! Don’t give Your people to be scorned, and to be ruled by the nations! So, those of the nations won’t ask, O, where now is your God?’
18 But Jehovah was jealous for His land, and He [showed mercy to] His people. 19 Jehovah replied to His people and said: ‘Look! I’ll send enough grain to fill you, as well as wine and olive oil… you’ll not be scorned by the nations again!
20 ‘I’ll drive away the one from the north, and push him to a land without water. I’ll remove his face to the farthest of seas, and his rear to the opposite end, where his rottenness and groaning will ascend; for then his deeds will all be exposed.’
21 So, be courageous O land… yes, rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has been moved to take action! 22 And be courageous, O cattle of the fields, for pastures will burst from the desert. Then all the trees will bear fruit… the fig-trees and grapevines will then yield their strength!
23 Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in Jehovah your God, for righteousness He’s provided as food; He’ll bring both the early and late rains, as He has done in the past, 24 then your threshing-floors will be covered with grain, and the oil and wine vats will overflow.
25 ‘I’ll repay you for all of the years, that they were devoured by blight… by the grasshoppers, caterpillars, and locusts, and by My great army that I’ve sent upon you. 26 Then you will eat and be filled, and you’ll praise the Name of your God… He who performed great wonders among you, for My people won’t be disgraced through the age. 27 And you will then come to know, O Israel, that I am here in your midst… yes Me, Jehovah your God, and other than Me there’s no other! For, My people won’t be disgraced through the age!
28 ‘And in the last days I will pour out My Breath, and Your sons and daughters will all prophecy; your aged men will dream dreams, and the young men among you will see visions. 29 In those days, I’ll pour out My Breath, upon My male and female servants. 30 Miracles I’ll create in the sky… fire, blood, and smoke I’ll bring to the land. 31 The sun will convert into darkness, and the moon [will be changed] into blood, before the coming and appearance, of the great Day of the Lord.
32 ‘And all those then will be saved, who have called on the Name of the Lord,’ said Jehovah. ‘For, in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, there will come one who can rescue, announcing good news to all those, who have been called by Jehovah.’
Chapter 3
1 ‘For {Look!} in those days and that time, I’ll return the captives of Jerusalem and Judah. 2 Then I will gather all nations, and to the Valley of JehoShaphat lead them, where I will judge on behalf of My people… Israel My inherited [people]; those I dispersed among all the nations; those among whom I divided My land… My people over whom I cast lots. 3 For, I gave the boys to the whores, and sold the young women for wine… as a drink offering [to Me].
4 ‘What are you to Me, O Sidon and Tyre, or Galilee of the Philistines? Should I pay you back for all that you’ve done… do you have a reason to resent Me? Swiftly I’ll bring what’s due on your heads, 5 for you have taken My silver and gold, as well as the things I had chosen… the good things you carried back to your temples.
6 ‘And the sons of Jerusalem and Judah, you’ve given to the sons of the Greeks… you pushed them away from your borders. 7 But {Look!} I’ll wake them up in the place where you sent them, and bring the payment for them on your heads. 8 Then I’ll give your sons and your daughters, to the sons of the Jews. They will then take them as captives, to many far away nations; for I Jehovah have spoken.
9 ‘Proclaim these things to the nations! Declare a holy war… wake the soldiers! [Attack and conquer], O men of war! 10 Cut your plows into broadswords, and your scythes into spears! Let the weak say, I’m strong! 11 Gather and attack those nations round about! Have them all get together, and let the meek become warriors!
12 ‘Awaken all nations and make them decend, upon the Valley of JehoShaphat; for there I will sit and separate nations… those that live round-about you! 13 And then, send for the scythes, since the crops are ready to harvest! Climb in and tread, for the wine vat is full… the vats overflow with their badness!
14 ‘Sounds resound through the valley, where they are ready to be punished, for the Day of the Lord is now near! 15 Then the sun and the moon will grow dark, and all the stars will grow dim. 16 Out of Zion the Lord will then shout, and from Jerusalem His voice will be heard. Then heavens and earth will be shaken, but the Lord will spare all His people, and make the sons of Israel strong. 17 And then you will know, that I am Jehovah your God! For, I’ll camp upon Zion, My Holy Mountain, and then Jerusalem will be holy… foreigners will pass through her no longer. 18 And in that day; Sweetness will trickle down from the mountains… milk will flow from the hills… from Judah’s springs will flow water. Then, a spring will flow from the [Temple], and the water will become a great river.
19 ‘Egypt will also be gone, and Idumea will become a plain of extinction. Because, to the sons of Judah they were unrighteous, and the blood of the just they shed in their land. 20 Then in Judea they’ll dwell for ages… for generations of generations in Jerusalem. 21 I’ll avenge all the blood that I’ve not avenged, and Jehovah will then camp in Zion.’
Amos
Chapter 1
1 These are the words of Amos [which tell] of things that took place [while he was at] Kiriath JaIrim in Tekoa, and of the things he saw concerning Jerusalem in the days of UzziJah the king of Judah, and in the days of JeroBoam (son of JoAsh) the king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
2 [The Lord] said: ‘Jehovah spoke out of Zion, and from Jerusalem He sent out His voice. For, over the pastures of the shepherds He mourned, and for the drought on [Mount] Carmel.’
3 And the Lord said: ‘Because of three godless deeds of Damascus (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, they used iron saws to saw open, those in Gilead with [babies] in their wombs. 4 So, I will send fire to the house of HazaEl, and the foundations of the sons of Hadad they’ll consume. 5 I’ll break the bars [of the gates] of Damascus, and those in On’s plains I’ll destroy. The tribe of the men of Edem, I will now cut to pieces, and the best Assyrian men will be captured, says Jehovah.’
6 And the Lord said: ‘For three godless deeds of Gaza (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, they captured descendants of Solomon, and locked them away in Edom. 7 So, to the walls of Gaza I’ll send fire, and it will devour her foundations. 8 I’ll also destroy those living in AshDod, and from AshKelon I’ll remove a whole tribe. I will bring My hand against Ekron, and destroy the remaining Philistines, says Jehovah.’
9 And the Lord said: ‘Because of three godless deeds of Tyre (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. Because of their capturing [the descendants] of Solomon, and locking them away in Edom; for, they forgot their treaty with their brothers. 10 So, to the walls of Tyre I’ll send fire, and it will devour her foundations.’
11 And the Lord said: ‘Because of three godless deeds of Edom (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, they pursued their brothers with swords, and [cut down] the mothers in the land. They seized [the mothers] by force, to prove the awesome terror they brought, and were moved to do this until they had won. 12 So, I will send fire against Teman, and it will consume her foundations.’
13 And the Lord said: ‘Because of Ammon’s sons three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, in Gilead they ripped open, [women] with [babies] in their wombs, just to widen their borders. 14 Thus, on the walls of RabBah I’ll light a fire, and it will devour all her foundations, with a cry in the day of their war; they will shake in the day she’s consumed. 15 And into captivity I’ll send her king, along with her rulers and priests, says Jehovah.’
Chapter 2
1 And the Lord said: ‘Because of three godless deeds of Moab (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, the king of Edom’s bones they burned into dust. 2 So, I’ll send fire upon Moab, and it will devour their cities’ foundations. Then Moab will be left without strength, in the time of cries and the blowing of trumpets. 3 I’ll destroy her judges and all of her rulers… yes, I’ll kill them, says Jehovah.’
4 And the Lord said: ‘Because of the three godless deeds, of [the descendants] of Judah (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, they pushed [aside] the Law of Jehovah, and His orders they didn’t follow. So, I will cause them to wander, after the vain idols that they’ve made… those which they’ve followed [since the time of] their fathers. 5 Then I will send fire upon Judah, and Jerusalem’s foundations I’ll destroy.’
6 And the Lord said: ‘Because of Israel’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, to buy sandals they asked for silver, from the righteous and needy… 7 things [that they need] to walk on the dust of the ground. They slapped the heads of the poor, and [twisted] the ways of the humble. Why, with the same slaves, both fathers and sons had relations, so they could profane the Name of their God. 8 Then they used their clothes and rough cords, to set up their canopies next to the Altar. And there they drank the wine they’d extorted… there inside the [Temple] of their God!
9 ‘For, I lifted the Amorites from before them, as high as the cedars are tall, because they’d became as strong as an oak… but I removed all his fruit from his boughs, as well as his roots underneath him. 10 Then from the land of Egypt I took you… for forty years I led you through the desert, so you could inherit the Amorite’s land. 11 Then I took your sons as [My] Prophets, and your young men as My Holy Ones. O sons of Israel; Aren’t these things so, asks Jehovah?
12 ‘But you offered wine to the holy to drink, and told the Prophets not to foretell! 13 So, because of this, I’ll roll over you, just like a wagon filled with stubble. 14 Then all hope of flight into exile, by those who can run will be lost; the strong will not keep their strength; and there’s no way that soldiers will save their lives. 15 The bowmen will not be able to stand, and those fleet of foot won’t get away. Horseman won’t save their own lives, 16 and the strong won’t find their hearts mighty… they’ll be chased away naked in that day, says Jehovah.’
Chapter 3
1 O house of Israel; Hear these words that the Lord spoke of you, and against every tribe that He led from Egypt. For [He] said: 2 ‘Only you have I known among all tribes of earth, and because of this (because of your sins), I’ll take vengeance upon you.
3 ‘Can two walk together unless they’ve agreed? No!
4 Will a lion roar from the woods, if he hasn’t [caught] any game? No!
Will a cub call out from his lair, if he’s not been able to catch any prey? No!
5 Will a bird fall to earth, without [being shot by] a hunter? No!
Will a snare on the ground close without catching? No!
6 Will the sound of the trumpet be heard in the city, without bringing terror to the people? No!
Will harm come to a city, if it’s not done by Jehovah? No!
7 ‘There’s nothing that God Jehovah will do, unless it’s revealed to His servants the Prophets. 8 So, as a lion roars and all who hear fear it; when Jehovah God speaks who’ll fail to prophesy?
9 ‘Announce it among the Assyrians, and to places down in Egypt! Tell them to gather on the mountains of Samaria, and see the many wonders within her, as well as the tyranny in her midst! 10 Yet, they don’t [see] what will befall her, says Jehovah; for injustice and misery are treasured in that place.
11 ‘It’s because of this, says God Jehovah, that Tyre and all that’s around it, will soon become a desolation. For, I’ll remove all their strength, and then tear all their regions to pieces!
12 ‘Jehovah says: As a shepherd will pull from the mouth of a lion, two legs or part of an ear, so the sons of Israel will be ripped (those dwelling in Samaria and Damascus), before a tribe that they do not know.
13 ‘Hear this, O priests, then to the house of Jacob proclaim it, says Jehovah God the Almighty! 14 For, in the day of My vengeance on Israel, for all their irreverent deeds, I’ll also bring vengeance on the altar at BethEl… the horns of the altar will be razed, and it will fall to the ground!
15 ‘I will confuse them and then. I’ll strike the turrets on their barns, where their harvests are stored, and destroy all their ivory houses, as well as the homes [that surround them], says Jehovah.’
Chapter 4
1 ‘Hear these words, O heifers of Bashan; those in the mountains of Samaria; those who tyrannize the poor, and trample upon all the needy… those needy who must ask of their masters, Please give us something to drink! 2 For, by all that He deems as holy, God has sworn [against them] this oath: Look… the days will soon come, when they’ll grab hold of you and your families, and throw you into hot cauldrons. 3 You’ll be led away naked in lines, and they’ll throw [your bones] on Mount Hermon, says Jehovah.
4 ‘For, whenever you went up to BethEl, you did so in irreverent ways. And at GilGal you showed even greater irreverence, for you brought your sacrifices in the morning, and on the third day brought your tithes. 5 Then they read outside of the Law, and called for an offering of confession. So, you must now announce this to them: Because sons of Israel have loved such things, says Jehovah, 6 to your cities I’ll send toothaches; I’ll send shortages of bread to all of your places, for you left Me and did not return, says Jehovah.
7 ‘I’ll hold back the rain on your crops for three months, then I will [send] rain to one city; but there’ll be no rain on another. I will send rain on one portion, but no rain on another and it will be dry. 8 So, the residents of two or three cities, will come to one city to drink their water, but there’s no way that they will be filled. For, to Me you did not return, says Jehovah.
9 ‘So, I struck you with jaundice and fire, and though you multiplied gardens and vineyards, as well as groves of olives and figs, by caterpillars they were devoured. Yet, to Me you did not return, says Jehovah.
10 ‘From Egypt I sent you a plague; I killed your young men by the sword, and took away all of your horses. Because of your rage I sent fire to your camps, yet to Me you did not return, says Jehovah.
11 ‘I wiped you away [like] Sodom and GomorRah, and you became as coals that are pulled from the flames, yet to Me you did not return, says Jehovah.
12 ‘Because of such things, O Israel; both this and that I’ll do to you, until you prepare to call on your God!
13 ‘{Look!} I brought the thunder and I made the wind; and I report to men of His caring. For He produces the dawn and the fog, and is mounted on the heights of the earth… His Name is Jehovah God the Almighty!’
Chapter 5
1 Hear the word of Jehovah, for He has this lamentation against you:
‘The house of Israel fell,
And never again will it rise.
2 The virgin of Israel tripped on her land,
And no one is able to raise her.
3 ‘For, thus says Jehovah [her] God:
‘From the city that a thousand had left,
Only a hundred [will return];
And the town from which left a hundred,
Ten from Israel’s house will return.
4 ‘For, thus says Jehovah to the house of Israel:
5 ‘Inquire of Me and you’ll live!
Do not seek after BethEl;
Into GilGal don’t enter;
And do not [walk to] the Well of the Oath!
For, those in GilGal will be captured,
And BethEl will no longer be.
6 ‘So, inquire of Jehovah and live, as the house of Joseph has done, so you will not have to be burned! For, it will come and consume him, and there’ll be no one to douse Israel’s fire.
7 ‘It is He who determines what’s right in the heights, and He who sets earth’s righteous [standards]. 8 He’s the One who made it all, and it’s He who made everything different. It’s He who turns shadows into morning, and the day into darkness of night; It is He who calls the water of the seas, and pours them upon the face of the ground… Jehovah God the Almighty is His Name.
9 ‘It is He who divides the conflicts and strengths, and He who brings misery to their forts.
10 ‘But, there are those who scolded at their city gates, in hatred of those who spoke sacred words… 11 as they struck the poor with their fists, and stole from them their choice gifts. [I] see the wood-panels houses you’ve built, but there’s no way you’ll be able to live there. [I] see the desirable vineyards you’ve planted, but there’s no way that you’ll drink their wine. 12 For, I know about all your irreverent deeds, and the mighty ways that you’ve trampled the righteous… how you’ve inflated all your prices, and turned the needy away from your gates. 13 And during that time, He perceived and stayed silent, for, an evil time it has proved to be.
14 ‘So now; Ask for the good not the bad, that you will be able to live… for Jehovah the Almighty to be with you! For, He’ll provide the things you request, when you are willing to say: 15 We detest all the bad things, and we love what is good!
‘Just return justice to your [city] gates, so Jehovah God the Almighty, may show mercy on the remnants of Joseph.
16 ‘It’s because of this, says Jehovah God the Almighty; In all your squares you’ll be beating your chests, and saying in your streets, Woe [is me]! The farmers will be called to do mourning… they’ll beat on their chests and they’ll wail. 17 For they’ll know all the ways to beat on their chests, because I will go through your midst, says Jehovah.
18 ‘Woe to those wanting the Day of Jehovah, for, then they will ask: What does this mean… the Day of the Lord? Why, it brought to us darkness not light!
19 ‘[It’ll come in the same way as this]: As when a man flees the face of a lion, or when he’s attacked by a bear… as when he should rush inside his house, and then grab hold of its walls, just to be bitten by a snake. 20 So the Day of Jehovah brings darkness not light… it will bring dimness not brightness!
21 ‘I have detested and I’ve pushed away, all of your holiday feasts; and in your festivals I [find no delight]. 22 For, if to Me you should bring whole burnt-offerings, as well as other sacrifices, I’ll not favorably receive them, or look at the grandeur of your offerings for salvation.
23 ‘Remove from Me the sounds of your hymns, for I don’t care to hear the tunes of your psalms! 24 Because, the waters of judgment will pour down upon you, and the river of righteousness you’ll never cross.
25 ‘O house of Israel; You brought Me victims for sacrifice and slaughter, during the forty years in the desert. 26 But then you chose the tent of Molech, and the star of Raiphan as your god… and images of them you made for yourselves! 27 So, beyond Damascus I’ll displace you, says God… Jehovah the Almighty is His Name.’
Chapter 6
1 ‘Woe to those treating Zion with contempt, and those who put trust in Samaria’s hills. For they harvested the heads of the nations, and then entered the house of Israel. 2 Now, pass through them all and take a good look; go from there to Hamath RabBah, and from there go to Gath of Philistia [the best out of all of those kingdoms]. Are your borders greater than theirs are?
3 ‘An evil day is approaching, those who hang onto false Sabbaths. 4 On ivory beds they lie down, and waste their lives upon their divans. They eat the kids of the flocks, and the suckling young calves from the midst of the herds. 5 They clap along as [music] is played, and think themselves well established (not as fleeting). 6 They drink [the best] filtered wine, wear the best of colognes, and the destruction of Joseph doesn’t concern them. 7 So, you will go into exile, and your feasting and lounging will end.
8 ‘Jehovah swore an oath by Himself. He said, Because I abhor all the insults of Jacob, and I have detested his fortified cities, I will lift them away, along with all who are in them. 9 And if ten should survive in a house, they will also [soon] die. 10 They will leave their own families, and not retrieve their bones from their homes. They will ask those in charge of their homes, Is anyone left there among them? And they will answer, No longer. And then another will say, Be quiet… don’t mention the Name of the Lord. 11 For, {Look!) it was Jehovah who gave the order, and He struck their mansions with fractures, as the small houses were torn into pieces.
12 ‘Will horses run in the rocks? No! Will stallions stay silent around females? No! Yet, you’ve turned justice into rage, and the fruit of righteousness into what’s bitter. 13 For, you were glad [when you heard] bad reports, and said: Because of our strength we’ve grown horns!
14 ‘So now; Watch out, O house of Israel, for I will arouse a nation against you, and they’ll squeeze and keep you from fleeing to HamAth, or from running to the river in the west.’
Chapter 7
1 Then the Lord [came and] showed me {Look!} a breed of locusts as they were coming early in the morning, led by Gog the grasshopper king. 2 And after they had completed devouring all the grass in the land, I said, ‘O Lord, please be kind! Who will raise Jacob again, for now there are so few of us left! 3 O Lord; Please change Your mind about doing this!’
But the Lord replied, ‘That won’t happen.’
4 Then the Lord took me and showed me, and {Look!} he called for their punishment by fire, and it devoured the great abyss, as well as a portion [of the land]. 5 And I said, ‘O Lord God; Please stop! Who will raise Jacob again, for now there are so few [of us] left? O Lord; Change your mind about doing this!’
6 But the Lord replied ‘That won’t happen.’
7 Then the Lord [took me] and showed me, and {Look!} there was Jehovah standing upon a straight wall holding a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’
And I replied, ‘A plumb line.’
Then the Lord said to me, ‘{Look!} In the midst of Israel my people, I will now set a plumb line, and then I’ll no longer go there. 9 Their shrines to laughter will be wiped away; their sites of mystic rites will lie ruined; and against the house of JeroBoam, I will arise with a broadsword.’
10 Thereafter, AmaziJah (the priest of BethEl) sent [a message] to JeroBoam (the king of Israel) saying, ‘Amos is plotting against you in the midst of the house of Israel, and there’s no way that the land will be able to endure his words. 11 For, Amos is saying, JeroBoam will come to an end by the broadsword, and Israel will be led from his land as captives.’
12 Then AmaziJah said to Amos, there in front of everyone: ‘Get out of here! Go to the land of Judah! Spend the rest of your life there and prophecy there! 13 You may not prophecy in BethEl any longer, for this is the sanctuary of the king and the place of his royal palace.’
14 But Amos told AmaziJah, ‘I was not a Prophet or the son of a Prophet; I was just a herder of sheep and someone who picked the fruit of mulberry trees. 15 Then the Lord took me away from the sheep and said to me, Go and prophesy over My people Israel!
16 ‘So now, listen to the words of Jehovah! You’ve warned me not to prophecy over Israel, and you’ve said, There’s no way that armies will be led against the house of Jacob. 17 It’s because of this that Jehovah said, Your wife will become a city whore, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Then your land will be measured with a plumb line, and you’ll come to your end in a land that’s unclean. Then Israel will be led as captives from his land.’
Chapter 8
1 Then {Look!} the Lord came and showed me the cage of a bird hunter, 2 and He asked, ‘What do you see, Amos?’
And I replied, ‘A bird cage.’
Then the Lord said to me: ‘My people Israel have come to their end, for no longer will I overlook them. 3 So, there will be screaming in the stock pens, in their temple in that day, says Jehovah. For there many will fall… then everywhere I will bring silence.
4 ‘Hear these things, O you who’re destroying the needy, and you who tyrannize the poor… 5 yes, all of you who are asking, When will the [New Moon] be over, so we can resume all our trading? When will the Sabbaths be over, so we can open our [cash drawers], then measure out small and [unfairly], by adding to the weights of our scales, and using balance scales that aren’t fair; 6 so we can take silver from the needy and poor, in return for sandals and things that we sell?’
7 ‘Jehovah swore this oath about Jacob’s pride: Will all of this be forgotten? Will all that they’ve done be victorious? No! 8 And [He said] concerning these things: Won’t the land be disturbed, and won’t those who live there all mourn? Their consumption will rise like a stream, and they’ll sink as they would in [the Nile].
9 ‘And it will be in that day, says Jehovah, that the sun will set at midday, and the land will be darkened in daylight. 10 Then your holiday feasts I’ll turn into mourning, and all your songs into wailing. Upon every loin I’ll bring sackcloth, and baldness upon every head. I’ll appoint them as those who mourn loved ones, and days of grief for [their friends].
11 ‘{Look!} The days are coming, says Jehovah, when I will send famine to the land. It won’t be a famine of bread loaves, nor a famine of water, but a famine of hearing the word of Jehovah. 12 Then, from sea to sea the waters will shake. And from north to east they will run, seeking the word of Jehovah. But in no way, will it be found.
13 ‘In that day, pretty virgins and young men, will be wilting [and dying] from thirst… 14 and those who swear oaths by Samaria’s Redeemer (those who say, As your god lives, O Dan, or, As your god lives, O BeerSheba), will fall and not rise again.’
Chapter 9
1 I saw the Lord standing at the Altar, and he said, ‘Strike the Propitiatory and shake all the gates. Cut off all of the heads, and kill those remaining with the broadsword! There’s no way you can evade them by fleeing, and there’s no way that you’ll be rescued!
2 ‘If they should [hide] in their graves, from there My hand will [reach down and] pull them. And if they should [soar] into the sky, from there I will lead them back down. 3 If they should hide on top of [Mount] Carmel, there I will search and I’ll take them. If they should hide from My eyes, within the depths of the seas, I’ll tell the beasts there to bite them. 4 And if their enemies take them as captives, I’ll instruct their broadswords to kill them… yes, for bad things not good, I’ve set My eyes upon them.
5 ‘The Lord God, Jehovah the Almighty, has grabbed the land in order to shake it. Then all who dwell there will mourn, for it will rise and fall like the Nile.
6 ‘Says He who built His ascent in the skies, and gave a promise when founding the earth… He who calls to the waters of the sea, and then pours them out on the land (Jehovah [the Almighty] is His Name): 7 Are you like the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O the sons of Israel, asks Jehovah? Did I not lead Israel out of Egypt, or the Philistines out of Cappadocia, and the Syrians from out of the pit?
8 ‘{Look!} My eyes watch the kingdoms of sinners, so I’ll remove them from the face of the earth. But the ones that I won’t completely remove, is the house of Jacob, says Jehovah.
9 ‘But {Look!} I will [soon] issue My orders, and the house of Israel will be threshed, [along with] all of the nations, the same as you’d winnow with a shovel… and no broken piece will [be overlooked]. 10 Then, it will be by the broadsword, that sinners ‘mongst My people will meet their end… those who say, Evil will not approach us… no, it won’t come upon us!
11 ‘And in that day; I’ll resurrect the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild all its fallen things. The things I cut down I will raise, and rebuild it as was [long ago], 12 so those who remain of the nations, may inquire of those who have called on My Name, says Jehovah… He who will do all these things.
13 ‘{Look!} The days are coming, says Jehovah, when the harvest will overtake the threshing, and the grapes will [ripen] during planting. Sweetness will trickle from the mountains, and all the hills will be planted.
14 ‘Then I’ll return My captured people (those of Israel who were captured), and they’ll rebuild their cities and live there… they will plant vineyards and they’ll drink their wine; they will plant gardens and they’ll eat their fruit!
15 ‘In their own land I will plant them, and they’ll not be plucked from the land that I gave them, says Jehovah [our] God.’
Obadiah
Chapter 1
1 This is the vision of ObadiJah.
Jehovah God said to Edom (I heard this report from Jehovah, and it’s a summary of what He sent to the nations)… He said, ‘Get up and rise against her in battle!
2 ‘Behold, I’ve made you few ‘mong the nations, and much disgrace I have brought upon you. 3 For, you have made your hearts proud, by camping high among cracks in the rocks, and you say in your hearts, Who can bring me down to the ground?
4 ‘But if you should fly as high as an eagle, and put your nest high among stars, from there I’ll lead you down,’ says Jehovah.
5 ‘If thieves were to enter among you, or robbers were to come during the night, [how many things] would you lose? Would they not steal just the things [they desire]? And if those who [steal] grapes came among you, would they not leave you a gleaning?
6 ‘O how Esau’s things will be searched through, and how the things he hides will be lost. 7 For, to your borders they’ll drive you, where your allies will fight you and win… men of peace will set [traps] against you, and they won’t understand what they’ve done.
8 ‘So, in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘I will destroy all the wise [men] of Edom, and from the mountains of Esau, all understanding will be gone. 9 Your warriors from Teman will know terror, and from the mountains of Esau, all the men will be taken.
10 ‘Because you’ve been so defiant, and brought slaughter against Jacob your brother, with shame I will cover you over, and you’ll be removed through the age. 11 For, from the day that you faced and opposed them, to the day that strangers captured his army, and foreigners entered his gates, then over Jerusalem’s spoils they cast lots, you were as one among them.
12 ‘You shouldn’t have [sneered at] your brother, during the day when strangers came… over the [fall] of of Judah’s sons, you should’t have rejoiced at their destruction… you shouldn’t have gloated in their day of affliction. 13 You shouldn’t have entered the gates of their people, in the day of their misery; and especially you should not have looked, upon their gathering in the day of their ruin, nor should you have joined an attack on their [men], in their day of destruction.
14 ‘You shouldn’t have stood in their mountain passes, to destroy those escaping through them, nor should you have locked up those who had fled, in their day of affliction. 15 For, the day of the Lord is near for all nations. And the things that you’ve done, are the things that they’ll do to you… what you did will come upon your own head. 16 And the way you drank wine upon My Holy Mountain, is the same way the nations will drink wine from you. For, they will swallow you down, and it’ll be as though you never were.
17 ‘But salvation will come to Mount Zion, and a Holy Place will be there again. Then the house of Jacob will inherit, all those who’ve inherited them. 18 For, though there’ll be fire within Jacob’s house, and flames in the house of Joseph, the house of Esau will be just like stubble, and among them fire will burn and consume… for Esau’s house there’ll be no wheat harvest, for I, Jehovah, have spoken.
19 ‘Then the Mountains of Esau will be, inherited by those who live in the Negev, and by those in the Philistine Shephela… the mountains of EphraIm they’ll inherit, along with Samaria and Benjamin’s plains, and the whole land of Gilead.
20 ‘Then the sons of Israel who then return, will inherit CanaAn’s land to ZarEphath. And those of Jerusalem who return, will inherit Negev’s cities to EphRatha. 21 While those from Mount Zion who are rescued, will go to take vengeance on the mountains of Esau, and their kingdom will belong to Jehovah.’
Jonah
Chapter 1
1 The word of Jehovah came to JonAh (the son of AmitTai) saying: 2 ‘Get up and go to the great city Nineveh, and there deliver this proclamation, for cries of their evil have reached Me.’
3 But Jonah got up to flee from the face of Jehovah, to Tharsis. So he went down to Joppa and found a boat that was sailing to Tharsis, paid his fare, boarded, and preceded to sail away from the face of Jehovah to Tharsis.
4 Then Jehovah raised a wind upon the sea that created huge swells, and [soon] the boat was in danger of breaking up. 5 This made the sailors so fearful that they each started yelling out to their own gods, and those onboard started throwing things into the sea to lighten the ship; but Jonah just went down into the ship’s hold, went to sleep, and started snoring.
6 Then the captain came to him and asked, ‘Why are you snoring? Get up and call to your God so He’ll save us and we won’t be destroyed!’
7 Then each man started saying to his neighbor, ‘Come let’s throw lots, so we can determine the reason why this evil has befallen us!’
So they threw lots, and the lot fell to JonAh. 8 And they said to him, ‘Tell us the reason why this evil has come upon us… what do you do for a living? Where have you come from… from what kind of place and what kind of people?’
9 Then he told them, ‘I am a servant of Jehovah the God of the heavens… I worship the One who made the sea and dry land.’
10 Well at that, the men became very fearful and they asked him, ‘What did you do’ (because the men realized that he was running away)? So he explained [to them what had happened].
11 Then they asked him, ‘So, what should we do to you in order to calm the sea?’ And just as they asked this, the sea rose in a great swell.
12 And Jonah told them, ‘Just pick me up and throw me into the sea; then it will become calm for you, for I know that it’s on account of me that these great swells have come upon you.’
13 However, the men pressed on and tried to reach land… but they were unable, for the sea [kept pushing] against them. 14 So they yelled out to Jehovah and said, ‘Please don’t destroy us over the life of this man, because we don’t want the blood of the righteous held against us! But for You, O Lord, we will do whatever You want.’
15 So, they took JonAh and threw him into the sea, and then the sea stood still and stopped tossing about. 16 So, the men became very fearful of Jehovah, and they made vows to Him and offered sacrifices to Him.
17 Then Jehovah ordered a great sea creature to swallow Jonah, and he stayed in its belly for three days and three nights.
Chapter 2
1 Then Jonah prayed to Jehovah his God from out of the belly of the sea creature. 2 He said:
‘In my affliction I yelled, to Jehovah my God,
And He paid attention to me.
I cried from the belly of the place of the dead,
And then to my voice You did listen!
3 ‘You threw me into the heart, and the depths of the sea,
And I was surrounded by [water].
Then as Your waves and their crests poured upon me, I asked;
4 Have I been pushed from Your eyes?
Surely I’ll see Your Holy Temple once more!’
5 ‘But water poured all around me,
And it entered my soul…
By the deep I was encircled,
And then my head went under the water.
6 ‘I went down through the fissures of mountains;
Into the earth and its bars of the ages.
O Jehovah my God;
Allow my life to ascend from corruption!
7 ‘My life came so close to [ending],
And then I remembered Jehovah…
My prayers reached up to You,
In Your Temple most holy!
8 ‘To lies and foolish things some pay attention,
And they’ve abandoned all mercy.
9 But I will offer You praise with my voice,
And sacrifice in acknowledgment of You.
All that I’ve vowed I will render to You,
For my salvation by You, O Jehovah!’
10 Then Jehovah gave orders to the large sea creature, and it vomited Jonah out on dry land.
Chapter 3
1 Then the word of Jehovah came to JonAh a second time, saying, 2 ‘Get up and go to the great city Nineveh, to make a proclamation over it, just as I told you before!’
3 So, JonAh got up and went to Nineveh, just as Jehovah had told him (for God considered Nineveh a great city), and it took him three days to get there. 4 Then JonAh entered the city, and it took one full day for him to travel through it, as he was proclaiming ‘In just three days, Nineveh will be wiped away!’
5 Well, the men of Nineveh believed in God, so they called for a fast and the wearing of sackcloth by everyone, from the least to the greatest. 6 And when his words reached the king of Nineveh, he stood up from his throne, removed all his clothes, and put on sackcloth and sat in ashes.
7 Then a proclamation of the king and his great men was sent throughout Nineveh, saying, ‘The men may not eat [or feed] their cattle, oxen, or sheep… they may not eat or drink at all. 8 And the men are to wrap sackcloth around both themselves and their cattle, and they must all fervently call out to God! Each must turn from his wicked ways and from the sins of his hands and say, 9 Who knows if God will change His mind, and turn from the anger of His rage, so that we will not perish?’
10 Well, when God saw what they were doing, and that they had turned from their wicked ways, God did change His mind over the evil that He said He would do to them, and He didn’t do it.
Chapter 4
1 Well, JonAh was very upset and confused by this, 2 so he prayed to Jehovah and said, ‘O Lord; Were these not my words when I was back in my own land? It was because of something like this that I thought about fleeing to Tharsis! For, I knew that You are kind, sympathetic, lenient, and full of mercy, and that You’d change Your mind about doing such evil.
3 ‘And now, O Master and Lord, please take my life, for it’s better for me to die than to live!’
4 And Jehovah asked, ‘Has this [really] grieved you so much?’
5 Then JonAh left the city and sat down in front of it… he put up a shelter and sat under it, so he could just sit and look at the city.
6 Then Jehovah God provided a gourd [plant] that grew up over JonAh’s head to provide him shade (to shade him in this bad [time]). And JonAh became very happy and joyful over the gourd [plant].
7 Then, early the following morning, God sent a worm that killed the [plant], so it dried up. 8 And just as the sun was rising, God sent a burning wind, which (along with the sun) burned the head of JonAh. So, he became very discouraged and was [willing to] resign from life, for he said, ‘It’s better for me to die than to live!’
9 Then God asked JonAh, ‘Are you [really] that grieved over the gourd [plant]?’
And he replied, ‘Yes, I’m grieved to the point of death!’
10 And Jehovah said, ‘You treated the gourd plant so tenderly, yet you didn’t work hard or feed it… it just grew up during one night, and then the next night it had perished. 11 So, shouldn’t I spare the great city Nineveh, in which dwell a hundred-and-twenty thousand men, who don’t know their right hands from their left… as well as all of their cattle?’
Micah
Chapter 1
1 These words of the Lord came to MicAh the Morasthite in the days of JoTham, Ahaz, and HezekiJah (kings of Judah), over the things He saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
2 ‘Hear, O peoples these words! Also, pay attention O earth, and all of you who live on it! For, God Jehovah will witness against you, from out of His Holy [Temple]. 3 {Look!} Jehovah will come from His place; He’ll come down and mount the heights of the earth, 4 and the mountains will shake underneath Him. Like beeswax in fire the valleys will melt, and as water that’s poured down a slope.
5 ‘These things [will happen] for the irreverence of Jacob, and the sins of the house of Israel. Isn’t Samaria the irreverence of Jacob; isn’t Jerusalem the house of Judah’s sin?
6 ‘I’ll turn Samaria into a warehouse, to store the fruits of the field, and for the plantings of vineyards. I’ll tear down her stones in chaos, and uncover all her foundations.
7 ‘All her carved images I’ll cut to pieces; all her hirelings I’ll burn in a fire, and I’ll appoint all her idols to extinction. For, she hired whores and gathered them there, so the wages of whores He’ll destroy.
8 ‘For this she’ll wail and beat on her breasts… she will go barefoot and naked… she’ll beat on her chest like a dragon, and mourn like the daughters of chained demons.
9 ‘For, inevitable is the calamity upon her, because to Judah and Jerusalem she went, and touched the gates of My people.
10 ‘O you in Gath; don’t feel important! And O you in BaceIm; don’t laugh and then rebuild your homes, for the earth will be strewn with your laughter! 11 Why, good didn’t come from the cities she lived in. And when [laughter] lived in ZaAnan, she beat her chest for the houses next door. So, by your calamity she’ll be grieved.
12 ‘But who acted kindly when she was in grief? For, the bad that had come to Jerusalem’s gates, had really come from Jehovah.
13 ‘Then came the sounds of chariots and riders, upon those dwelling in LachIsh, for they were the [chief leaders], of the sins of the daughter of Zion… Israel’s godless acts were found there among them. 14 Because of this, He’ll allow them to be sent, as the inheritance of Gath. [They’ll be sent] to houses that are worthless; for, to the kings of Israel they are worthless. 15 Yes, their inheritance they’ll become… the inhabitants of LachIsh will be theirs. Then to AdulLam will come all the glory, of the [virgin] daughters of Israel.
16 ‘Shave and shear your loved children; make them as bald as an eagle; for from you they’ll be taken as [slaves].
Chapter 2
1 ‘Why, when they came they were looking for trouble, and doing what was evil in their beds. They did it all in the daytime, and to God they never lifted their hands. 2 They desired fields and plundered orphans, and they tyrannized households… they plundered both men and their houses… both men and their inherited things.’
3 It’s because of this that thus says Jehovah: ‘{Look!} Against their tribe I’ll bring bad things, so there’s no way that they’ll lift their necks, and no way will they walk erect, for now is a time of great evil.
4 ‘In that day they will say these words about you… they’ll raise a lament and [sing] these strains:
‘We were miserable with misery,
For a portion of our people was measured with a line,
And then there were none to restrain him,
Or to make him return them;
So their fields were divided [as loot].
5 ‘Then none will measure allotments,
Among the gathering of Jehovah.
6 So, weep [many] tears and cry for these things,
Since He’ll not remove all their scorn.
7 ‘It will then be said about them:
‘The house of Jacob provoked,
The Spirit of Jehovah to rage!
For, isn’t this how He does things…
Aren’t His words good and all His ways straight?
8 ‘In the past, My people had displayed, their hatred and resistance to peace. So they flayed the skin [of those passing by], [and brought on themselves] the conflict of war.
9 ‘Now the leaders of My people will be thrown from their mansions… because they are wicked they’ll be pushed out. So, to the mountains of the ages, get up and go, 10 because for you there’ll be no rest, since you’re unclean and corrupt!
11 ‘You’ll run [for your lives] when no one is chasing, because of your lying spirit, which trickles upon you like wine and strong drink, that comes from the sweat of these people.
12 ‘In the [time when] they are re-gathered, Jacob will be gathered along with the rest… for the remnants of Israel I’ll search. I’ll bring them together and return them, as sheep that have gone through hard times… they’ll jump away from the men, and then in the midst of their pasture, they will all live as one flock. 13 They’ll [run] though the breach that’s before them, for the gate will be cut so they can escape. Then before them will travel their king, and Jehovah will be their [true] leader.’
Chapter 3
1 But now He says: ‘Hear indeed, O heads of Jacob, and those remaining of Israel’s house! Will you never know what is fair? 2 O you who hate good things and seek what is bad, they’ll reach out for you and tear off your skin, then rip your flesh from your bones, 3 the same as you devoured the flesh of My people, and flayed off all of their skin… you broke their bones as flesh for the pot, and as meat for the cauldron.
4 ‘Then to Jehovah they’ll cry, but He will not listen to them. He’ll turn His face in that time, because they were wicked in all that they did.’
5 Thus says Jehovah concerning their prophets… to those misleading His people… those clenching their teeth as they proclaim peace, when no [words] were put in their mouths… and then holy war came upon them.
6 ‘Because of this; You’ll just see night, not a vision… you’ll just see darkness, not [the future]. For, the sun will set on the prophets, and day will darken upon them. 7 Those who see dreams will be disgraced, and ridicule will come to those seeing the future. All will speak badly of them, and none will pay them any attention. 8 But I wll be filled with the strength, and the Breath of Jehovah, as well as His justice and might, so I can report the irreverence of Jacob, and speak to Israel of his sins.
9 ‘Hear all these things, O leaders of Jacob, and remnants of the house of Israel… you who hate fairness and twist what is straight… 10 you who’ve built Zion on blood, and filled Jerusalem with injustice! 11 For, her leaders accept bribes when they judge; her priests ask a wage for their replies; and her prophets ask for silver to tell of the future. Yet, they still rest on the Lord and they say, Isn’t Jehovah among us? There’s no way He’ll bring bad things upon us!
12 ‘It is for all these reasons, that Zion will be plowed like a field; Jerusalem will be a an empty warehouse, and the Temple Mount just a place in the woods.
Chapter 4
1 ‘But, in the last days, the Mountain of Jehovah will be seen, sitting on the tops of the mountains, raised higher than all of the hills, and to it all peoples will run. 2 Many nations will go there and say, Come, let’s ascend the Mountain of Jehovah, and enter the [Temple] of Jacob’s God. Then they will show us His ways, and we will walk in His roads.
‘For, out of Zion will come Law, and from Jerusalem the Word of Jehovah! 3 Then He’ll serve as judge between many peoples, and decide for distant strong nations. They’ll cut their broadswords into plows, and their spears into sickles. No more will nation rise against nation, and no longer will they learn to wage war.
4 ‘Then, under his grapevine each one will rest, and beneath his own fig tree; for no one will make them afraid… this came from the mouth of Jehovah the Almighty.
5 ‘Then all the peoples will go their own way, but in the Name of Jehovah our God we will walk, from now and into the ages.
6 ‘In that day,’ says Jehovah; ‘I will gather she who was broken, and she who was [once] pushed away… those I pushed away I will accept. 7 I’ll accept she who was broken, and make her I pushed away a great nation. Upon them Jehovah will reign from Mount Zion, from now and into the ages.
8 ‘But, upon you, O tower of the flock (O austere daughter of Zion); the foremost kingdom of Babylon’s head, will come and enter you, O daughter of Jerusalem.
9 ‘So, why have you known all the bad things? Wasn’t there a king among you? Have your good intentions all perished? For, now you are gripped as with birth pains. 10 But, hang on and take courage O daughter of Zion, as [a woman who’s about to] give birth! For, what’s coming to you is a city, which will encamp in your plains; then into Babylon you’ll be taken. But from there your God Jehovah will save you, and ransom you from your enemy’s hands.
11 ‘Now, many nations have gathered against you, and this is what they are saying: We’ll rejoice as we gaze on Zion with our eyes!
12 ‘Yet, they don’t know the ways of Jehovah, and His council they don’t understand. For, like sheaves [of grain] He’s gathering them, [and piling them on] a threshing floor. 13 So, get up and thresh them, O daughter of Zion! For, I’ll turn your horns into iron, and your hoofs into brass. I will dissolve many peoples, then you’ll present their abundance to Jehovah, and their strength to the Lord of the earth.’
Chapter 5
1 ‘Now the daughter of Zion has reason to fear, for, upon them He’s decreed war, and they’ll strike the tribes of Israel on the jaw!
2 ‘And as from you, O BethLehem, of the house of Ephratha (the few among the thousands of Judah); from out of you will come forth, the one who will be Israel’s ruler. His [roots] are from the most ancient times, and from the days of the ages. 3 He’ll appoint her a time to give birth, and then she‘ll [truly] give birth. And to the sons of Israel, the remnants of his brothers will return. 4 Then he will arise and shepherd them all, in the strength of Jehovah. They’ll bask in the glory of the Name of their God, and He’ll be known to the ends of the earth.
5 ‘This is [the sign that there will be] peace: When the Assyrians come to your land, and when they mount on your place. Seven shepherds will then be roused up against them, [and whip them] with the eight strokes of men. 6 Assyria they will shepherd with a broadsword, and the land of Nimrod [will serve as] her grave. For, from the Assyrians He’ll save you, when they come up against your land, and when they cross over your borders.
7 ‘And the few remaining of Jacob, will be in the midst of many peoples. But, as the dew falls from Jehovah, and as the lambs [feed] on wild grass, they will be gathered by no one, nor among sons of men will they stand. 8 And though the remnant of Jacob, will be [scattered] among all the nations, and in the midst of many peoples, they’ll be like lions amidst cattle, and as bear cubs among flocks of sheep. For, he’ll go through and scatter his prey, and none of them will be saved. 9 Your hand will be raised against your opponents, and all your enemies will be destroyed.
10 ‘But, [before] that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘I’ll destroy all the horses from your midst, and I will destroy all your chariots. 11 I will destroy all the cities of your land, and I will remove all your forts. 12 I’ll destroy the [magic] potions from your hands, and those telling fortunes will not be among you. 13 All your carved images I’ll destroy, and remove all the monuments from your midst. Then you’ll [no longer] bow to the works of your hands.
14 ‘I’ll cut the sacred poles from your midst, and obliterate all of your cities. 15 Then in My anger and rage, I’ll send vengeance among all the nations, because they too failed to listen.’
Chapter 6
1 Hear indeed what Jehovah has said! Rise up and plead with the mountains, and let all the hills hear your voice! 2 Hear, O mountains, the judgment of God… you ravines and foundations of earth! For, there’s a case between Jehovah and His people… yes with Israel He will contend.
3 ‘O My people, what did I do, and how did I bring any trouble to you… answer Me! 4 For, from the land of Egypt I led you… from the house of slaves I ransomed you… before your face it was I who had sent, Miriam, Aaron, and Moses!
5 ‘O My people; Remember what Balak (the king of Moab), had once planned against you, and the answers he was given by BalaAm (son of BeOr), from the bulrushes to Gilgal… so the righteousness of Jehovah would be known:
6 ‘How could I conquer Jehovah?
Can I take hold of My God in the heights?
With whole burnt-offerings can I overcome Him…
With calves that are a year old? No!
7 ‘Will Jehovah [be swayed] by a thousand male sheep,
Or ten thousand hearty winter yearlings? No!
Could I offer my first-born for my sins? No!
Or the fruit of my belly for the irreverence of my soul? No!
8 ‘To you He’s explained it, O man…
All the things that are good, and what Jehovah requires from you…
He wants you to be fair and love mercy,
And to be prepared to walk with your God.
9 ‘The voice of Jehovah will call in the city,
And He’ll save all those who are fearing His Name.
‘So, now hear this, O you tribes:
‘Will you bring adornment to the city?
10 Won’t there be fire in the homes of the lawless…
Those who treasure their lawless deeds,
As well as insolence and what is unrighteous?
11 ‘Will I justify wicked scales,
And the bags of deceptive weights?
12 Will your irreverence [be covered by] your wealth?
And as for those living here who tell lies;
Will their tongues be exalted in their mouths? No!
13 ‘For your sins, I’ll bring you torment to extinction;
14 Then you will eat and never be filled.
I’ll banish you and you’ll be forsaken (no way will you be preserved),
And those who survive I’ll hand to the broadsword.
15 ‘Then you will plant but not reap;
You will press olives but never anoint,
And wine in no way will you drink.
Then the Law of My people will be gone.
16 ‘For, the rules of Omri you have followed,
And all the deeds of the house of Ahab.
You went by all of their plans,
So as not receive people’s scorn,
And so I would bring extinction upon you.’
Chapter 7
1 Alas, I’m as one who gleans in a harvest…
And as one gleaning grapes in the picking,
When there are no ripe clusters to eat…
These things I desire for my life…
Oh, woe is me, O my soul!
2 For, the pius are destroyed from the land,
And those who walk straight no longer exist.
All righteous blood has been squeezed out,
By the oppression of their neighbors,
3 For each prepares evil with his hands.
Rulers are asking for gifts,
And judges [offer justice] for bribes,
For this is the desire of their souls.
4 So, [please] take away all their good things,
Like a moth chews up woolen clothes,
[On behalf of those] who walk a straight line,
In the day of the watch.
O woe, for your [day] of punishment came,
And now there will be [much] weeping.
5 Do not confide in your friends,
And don’t put hope in your leaders!
Watch out for she who sleeps in your bed,
[Beware], and show nothing to her!
6 For, the son dishonors the father,
And the daughter opposes her mother…
It’s daughter-in-law against mother-in-law,
And your enemies are the men in your homes.
7 But I will look to my Lord;
I’ll wait on my Savior Jehovah,
And my God will listen to me.
8 Do not rejoice, O enemy mine,
For though I have fallen, I will arise.
And if I must sit in the darkness,
The Lord will provide me with light.
9 I will endure the rage of Jehovah
(For I have also sinned against Him),
Until He [brings] justice to my [case],
And until He brings me my judgment.
For, into the light He will lead me.
Then I will see His just ways,
10 And my enemies will also look upon them,
And he who sees my shame will then ask:
‘Where is Jehovah your God?’
‘I’ll examine her with my eyes,
Then she will be trampled like mud in the road…
11 Like mortar from bricks she’ll be wiped away,
And her rules will be gone in that day.
12 ‘Your cities will all then be leveled,
And divided among Assyrian peoples.
They’ll divide your fortified cities,
From Tyre unto the river… from mountain to mountain and sea to sea.
13 ‘Then the land will all be destroyed,
Along with all those who live there,
Because of the fruits of the things that they did.’
14 O tend Your people with Your rod…
Yes, Your inherited sheep…
Those who must camp by themselves in the woods,
In the midst of [Mount] Carmel!
In Bashan and Gilead they’ll feed,
According to the days of the age,
15 And the days of their departure from Egypt.
16 ‘Wonderful things I’ll then show them,
Which the nations will see and then be disgraced.
At that time [they will lose] all their strength…
They’ll place their hands over their mouths,
And they’ll cover their ears.’
17 Yes! They’ll lick the dust as though they were snakes,
Dragging along on the ground.
And in their confinement they’ll be confused…
Yes, by our God they’ll be amazed,
And then they will learn to fear You.
18 What other god is quite like You?
For, You remove the unrighteous,
But [You’ll also overlook] the irreverence,
Of Your remaining inheritance…
[You’ll] hold back Your rage for the things You have seen,
Because [You wish to] show mercy.
19 Then He’ll turn and show pity on us…
All our unrighteous ways He will sink…
He’ll throw our sins in the depths of the sea.
20 To Jacob, He will bring truth,
And on Abraham He’ll show mercy…
He who swore an oath to our fathers.
Nahum
Chapter 1
1 The concern over Nineveh. This is the scroll of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
2 Because He is zealous, Jehovah will punish… the Lord will punish in His rage. Jehovah will punish His opponents, and all of His enemies remove.
3 Jehovah is patient and has great strength, but the [guilty] [He] will not acquit. His ways are rumbling and final, and the clouds are as dust under His feet. 4 He can squeeze and dry up the seas, and [He] can desolate rivers. Thus Bashan and Carmel were weakened, and the blossoms of Lebanon have failed.
5 Before Him the mountains have shaken, and the hills have all trembled. Throughout the whole earth they rise at His presence, as do all who live on it.
6 Who can stand in the [face] of His rage… who can withstand His anger? For, His rage melts away sovereign rulers, and because of Him the rocks split apart.
7 Yet, Jehovah is gentle to all those who’ll wait, for Him [to act] in their day of affliction, and He knows all those who deeply respect Him.
8 By a downpour He’ll execute and consume, all those who’re aroused [to attack them], and His enemies will be pursued by the darkness.
9 What plans can you make against Jehovah? For, He Himself brings destruction. Yet, He will not punish twice, or bring affliction for the same [errors].
10 The [place] of His enemies He’ll lay bare, down to their very foundations… they’ll be consumed like twisted yew trees, and as stubble that has dried.
11 Against Jehovah you have planned… wicked things you’ve plotted against Him. 12 So, thus says Jehovah who rules many waters, ‘They will now be sent away, and not be heard from again. 13 I’ll remove his rod from [your backs], and I’ll remove all his shackles.’
14 It was concerning you that Jehovah said this: ‘Your name will no longer be mentioned, in the [Temple] of your God; for, I’ll destroy all your idols (those that are molded and carved), then a time to bury you will be set, and it will come very soon.’
15 {Look!} Upon the mountains are coming, the feet of [the one] who announces good news, and with reports about peace! So, call a holiday, O Judah, and render all of your vows! For, they won’t enter [your gates] anymore, and they won’t see your corruption.
Chapter 2
1 He’s finished… He’s consumed… He’s ascended… He who breathed in your face… He who [brought] your affliction!
Watch the road and grab hold of your loins! Be very manly in strength! 2 For, the insolence of Jacob Jehovah’s removed, and the insolence of Israel; for those who shake off, shook them off, and the [leaves] on their branches they ruined.
3 Under his command there are weapons and men, who laugh at fire because of their might. The chariots [will be ready] in the day he prepares, and the horsemen will be the cause of much wailing. 4 Their chariots will wreak havoc in the roads, and then they will meet in the squares. The sight of them is like lamps of fire, with lightning [trailing in their wake].
5 Then their great men will stop and consider, and in the daytime they’ll flee. They will be weak as they leave, and between the walls they will run… for they will send advance guards.
6 The gates of the city will then open wide, and its great homes will fall into ruin… 7 all their supports will lie bare. Then [women] will appear with their servants, and be led away as though they are doves, amid the sounds of their beating hearts.
8 Nineveh is just a pool in her waters; for they didn’t stand (they just fled), when no one was paying attention. 9 So they looted the silver and plundered the gold… there was no limit to all that they took, for with all her desirable things, they were weighed down [as they left].
10 There was thrusting, shaking, and tumult! Hearts were breaking and knees became weak. Loins became loose, and all faces looked like burnt pots.
11 Where is the den of the lion? Where is the pasture [where she hides] her cubs? Where did the lion then go? She went to be with her cubs, and there was nothing to scare them. 12 The lion then grabbed the things the things that her cubs required, and for her young lions choked her prey. Their nest became filled up with game… their home was full of the things she had seized.
13 ‘Look, I am against you,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘and all your army I’ll burn into smoke. Your lions I’ll devour by the broadsword, and I’ll destroy the game from your land, so the things that you do won’t be heard of again.’
Chapter 3
1 O city of blood, and all that is false and unrighteous; You’ll no longer be in charge of the game. 2 For, the sounds of whips [you will hear], as well as the rumbling of wheels; the hot pursuits upon horses, and the dust that is stirred by chariot wheels; 3 the attacking of horseman and the shine of their swords, as well as the flashing of shields. Multitudes then will be killed, and there will be a great downfall. For, there’s no limit to the nations that will come, and from [raping] their bodies will grow weak.
4 ‘You’re a whore who brought gratification, and you led in making magic potions. Then your whoring you sold to the nations, and your potions you sold to the tribes. 5 So, Look! I am against you,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘and I will uncover your backside, then show all the nations your shame, and your dishonor to all other kingdoms!
6 ‘Because of all your uncleanness, upon you I’ll bring disgusting things, and I’ll set you as an example. 7 Then all who see you will leave you and then say, O Nineveh the wretched; O who will now mourn her… where should I search to find comfort for her?
8 ‘So, tune up the strings of the lyre, and prepare a portion for Amon (he who inhabits the rivers)! For, she and her walls are surrounded by water, and she has ruled to the sea. 9 Ethiopia and Egypt have been her strength, but they’ll be [no help] in her flight into exile… yet, Sudan and Libya will come to her aid.
10 ‘But she’ll be captured and carried into exile, and her infants will be dashed on the curbs of her roads. They will cast lots for her honorable things, and all her great men will be bound.
11 ‘Then you’ll be provoked and get drunk, and from your enemies try to hide. 12 But what happens to your forts will happen to you… you will all [eat] the same fruit. And as soon as they have been shaken, they’ll fall into the mouths of those who’ll consume [them].
13 ‘{Look!} To your enemies all your people are like women! So, they’ll open the gates of your land, and fire will burn all the bars on your gates! 14 So, draw from the water that surrounds you, in order to save all your forts! Tread the mortar and trample it with straw… make it stronger than bricks! 15 For, fire and the sword will destroy you; it will consume you like locusts, and by grasshoppers you’ll be oppressed.
16 ‘You grew your trade above the stars in the sky, but grasshoppers came and spread [over you]. 17 Small locusts will leap and consume, and cover your fences like frost. Then, as the sun rises they’ll start hopping… and woe to them, since they know not their place!
18 ‘O king of Assyria; Your shepherds are all fast asleep, and all your mighty are resting. Your people [have strayed] into the mountains, and no one is searching for them.’
19 ‘[O Samaria]; No one will heal your destruction, and all your wounds are inflamed. Yet, those hearing the message about you, are clapping their hands over you… for upon whom did your evil not come?’
Habakkuk
Chapter 1
1 These are the things that the Prophet HabakKuk saw:
2 How long, O Lord, must I cry out, as You don’t listen [to me]? How long should I yell to You over wrong, and You refuse to bring us salvation? 3 Why have You shown toil and trouble to me, as you look upon misery and irreverence? Right opposite me there’s judging going on, but it’s the judge who carries away! 4 Because of this, the Law has been shaken, and there is no justice in the end; for the godless tyrannize those who are righteous… the justice that comes is perverted!
5 ‘Look, O you who despise; gaze and wonder at wonders then vanish! For, I’ll do a work in your days, which you’ll not believe and none can describe. 6 For, {Look!} I’ll awaken the Chaldeans; a nations that’s bitter and quick; he who goes ‘cross the width of the earth, to inherit tents that aren’t his.
7 ‘He is known to be fearsome, and he [creates] his own justice, for his concern is just for himself. 8 His horses leap higher than leopards, and [their teeth] are sharper than those, of Arabian wolves. His horsemen ride and make great advances; they spread [their wings] like an eagle, that is eager for something to eat.
9 ‘Upon the godless will come consumption (upon all who stand and oppose him), and [he’ll carry them off] like the sand. 10 Then among all the kings he will revel… the sovereigns will all be his playthings. He will mock every fortress… he’ll throw up a siege mound and take it.
11 ‘Thereafterm his spirit will change; he will repent and then say, This strength has come from my God!’
12 O Jehovah; Are You not from days of long ago,? Aren’t You my God and my Holy One? There’s no way, O Lord, that we should die. Yet, You have ordered up justice, and for discipline and correction You have shaped me.
13 Your eyes are too pure to see bad things, and You’re unable to look upon evil. So, why should You look upon those who disdain You? Should You be silent as You see the righteous, being swallowed down by the impius? 14 Will You leave men men to be like the fish in the sea, or like things that crawl [on the ground], where no one is taking the lead?
15 [Babylon’s king] caught destruction, and pulled it up with a hook; he drew it in with his casting net, and pulled it in with his dragnets. This is why he’s glad and rejoices; 16 so to his dragnet he’ll now sacrifice, and to it he’ll burn incense. For, by it he’s fattened his portion, and it provided choice food. 17 But will he keep casting his net, to always kill nations… not spare them?
Chapter 2
1 Upon my watch I will stand; I’ll climb on the rocks to [stand guard], in order to see what He’ll say to me, so I’ll know what to reply, when I am being corrected.
2 Then to me Jehovah replied. He said: ‘Clearly write down this vision, so those who read may be able to soar. 3 For, the vision is of [future] times, and it will surely happen in the end. If it [seems to be] late, [you should] wait upon it, for it will surely arrive, and no way will its coming be late.
4 ‘If there is one who holds back, My life finds no favor in him; for by their faith the righteous will live! 5 But those who are arrogant and hateful, and any man who’s a braggart, will not achieve anything… for he widens his soul like the grave, and like death he’s never filled.
6 ‘If he should assemble all nations, and gather all of their peoples to himself, wouldn’t they speak a parable against him, and take up this riddle as his story (for they’d say):
‘Woe to him who takes what’s not his.
How long [can he stand] all the pressure?
7 For, suddenly there’ll come those who bite him…
Yes those who plot against him will awaken,
And they will saw him in half.
8 ‘For, many nations you’ve ravaged,
So, those who remain will now ravage you,
Because of the [shed] blood of men,
And what you did to their cities and land,
And to all of those who once lived there.
9 ‘O you who’ve desire such wealth;
Evil will come to your house.
Yes, you who’ve arranged your nest in the heights,
And rooted up evil with your hands.
10 ‘You’ve brought shame to your house.
For, your life has been led into sin,
And you’ve brought an end to many [great] peoples.
11 ‘So, from the stone wall I will yell this,
And the beetles in the woods will repeat its sounds:
12 Woe to those who build cities on blood…
And arrange their citie with what is unrighteous.
13 ‘Is it not from Jehovah the Almighty,
That people have fallen in the fire,
And nations have been so faint-hearted?
14 Yet, with the knowledge and the glory of Jehovah,
All the earth will be filled…
As the waters that cover the seas.
15 ‘O you who’d give his neighbor a drink,
Of something intoxicating and cloudy,
So that you could gaze upon his private parts;
16 Drink deeply to the glory of dishonor,
And then get extremely excited!
‘But, the cup in Jehovah’s right hand,
Has you completely surrounded,
And it will dishonor your glory.
17 ‘By the irreverence of Lebanon you will be covered,
And the misery of wild beasts will terrify you,
Because of the shed blood of men,
And all the [bad] deeds of [your] city and land,
As well as of all those who dwell there.
18 ‘What good are the idols that they’ve carved?
For, from molten castings they shaped them,
As false things they can see.
So, a man now relies on things he has shaped,
Yet, the idols that he’s made cannot talk!
19 ‘So, woe to those who say to the wood,
[It’s time to] awaken and rise!
And to the stone, Become great!
For, they are just things to look at – hammered things of silver and gold –
Within which there’s no breath at all.
20 ‘But Jehovah is in His Holy Temple,
So, bow low before Him all the earth!’
Chapter 3
1 The prayer of Habakkuk the Prophet in song.
2 O Lord; I heard Your report and I was afraid.
O Jehovah; I thought of your works and was shaken.
You stand between the two beasts,
And in years that come all will know You…
In the time now at hand You’ll be seen.
When my life is disturbed ([in times of] great wrath),
You’ll think of [me] and show mercy.
3 For, God will come out of Teman…
From Mount Paran’s shadow the Holy One comes.
PAUSE
His virtues cover the skies.
His praises fill the [whole] earth.
4 His brightness is like the light;
There’ll be a horn in His hands;
And in His strength He’ll bring love.
5 From His face, a word will go forth,
Which will travel from there to the plains.
6 And where His feet stand, the [whole] earth will shake;
When He looks at them, the nations will melt.
By [His] force the mountains will break,
And the hills of the ages will melt.
7 I saw Ethiopian tents in distress,
And the tents of Midia were disturbed.
8 Were You provoked at the rivers, O Lord,
Did the rivers make You enraged…
So, against the sea You were moved to take action?
You are the One riding horses,
And when You ride there’s salvation.
9 For, Jehovah [gives orders to] ‘Stretch out…
Against their tents stretch your bows!’
PAUSE
You’ll divide the earth up with rivers!
10 They’ll see You and they will have birth pangs.
Then their waters You’ll disperse.
The abyss will shout aloud to the heights,
At [the sign] of His coming.
11 The sun will arise and the moon will stand still.
But they’ll move with the light of Your arrows,
For, Your weapons are like flashes of lightning.
12 When You threaten, You’ll leave few on the earth,
For, in Your rage You’ll break nations.
13 But, You’ll come for the salvation of Your people,
And to save Your anointed.
On the heads of the lawless You’ll bring death;
Shackles You’ll put on their necks ‘til You’re done.
The mighty will be astonished and shaken,
And then You’ll cut off their heads.
PAUSE
14 You’ll split the heads of the mighty,
And You will cause them to shake.
Then they’ll let down their bridles,
And hide to eat like the poor.
15 You led Your horses into the sea,
Causing commotion in its waters,
And as I watched I was frightened.
16 The sound of a prayer was on my lips;
Trembling entered my bones and my backside,
For all my ways were disturbed.
But, I will find rest in the day of distress,
When I leave the people to whom I was sent.
17 Fig trees will bear fruit no longer;
There’ll be no grapes on the grapevines;
The olives will also be gone,
And the fields will not produce crops.
There’ll be no [grass] for the sheep,
And there’ll be no oxen in the stables.
18 Yet, joyfully I’ll shout to Jehovah;
I’ll rejoice over my Savior God!
19 For, Jehovah God is my power,
And straight paths He’s set for my feet.
Upon on high places He’ll set me,
As by His song I will conquer.
Zephaniah
Chapter 1
1 These are the words of Jehovah that came to ZephaniJah (the son of Cushi, grandson of GedaliJah, and great-grandson of AmariJah, the son of HezekiJah) in the days of JosiJah (the son of Amon) the king of Judah.
2 ‘When it comes to being in want, let all on the face of the earth be in want,’ says Jehovah! 3 ‘Let men and cattle be in want; let things that fly in the sky be in want, as well as the fish in the sea. May the irreverent all become ill… because of their lawless deeds, from the land I’ll remove them,’ says Jehovah.
4 ‘Then I will stretch My handout on Judah, and on those in Jerusalem. The name of Baal I’ll remove from this place, as well as the names of their priests, along with the things dedicated [to him]. 5 [I’ll remove] those who bow on their roofs, to the armies of the skies, as well as those who bow low, and swear their oaths by their Lord, and those who swear oaths by their king… 6 those who have turned from Jehovah, and those not seeking the Lord… all those who haven’t stuck close.
7 ‘Be cautious in the presence of Jehovah [our] God, for the Day of the Lord is now near! Jehovah has readied His [great] sacrifice, and His Chosen One He’s made holy. 8 So, the day of His sacrifice will soon come, when He’ll take vengeance on the rulers, on the house of the king, and on all those who dress in foreign clothes.
9 ‘When I take vengeance, you will see it, for it will come to their gates in that day, and upon those who are filling the [Temple], of Jehovah their God, with their treachery and irreverence.
10 ‘And it will be in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘that there’ll come the sounds of cries from the gates… [the sounds] of men being stabbed through, and shrieks of women in the second quarter, as well as great battles in the hills.’
11 ‘So wail, all you who now dwell there, in this place that will be cut to pieces. For, [as was true of] the people of CanaAn, those who carry silver will be slaughtered!
12 ‘And in that day; I will search through Jerusalem with a lamp, and take vengeance upon all the men, who’ve paid no attention to My instructions, and those who say in their hearts, Jehovah won’t do either evil or good!
13 ‘Then the power to ravage will be given, and to bring all the houses to ruin. For, you will build homes in which you won’t live, and you’ll plant vineyards but not drink the wine.
14 ‘The Lord’s Great Day is now near, and it comes very quickly! The sounds of the Day of Jehovah, are ordered to be bitter and harsh.
15 ‘That Day is a great day of anger; a day of affliction and distress; a day of misery and of extinction; a day of dimness and darkness; a day of clouds and [thick] fog.
16 ‘It is a day of the trumpets, and cries against the fortified cities, as well as against their high corners. 17 For I will squeeze out the men, and they will walk like the blind, for against Jehovah they’ve sinned.
‘So, He’ll pour out their blood like the dust, and [pour] their flesh out like dung. 18 Then their silver and gold will not save them, in the Day of the rage of the Lord, for the fire of His zeal will consume the whole land.
‘With diligence He will complete it, upon all who dwell in this land.
Chapter 2
1 ‘Be gathered, then be bound together, O you nation that’s failed to learn, 2 before you this day will pass like a flower… before Jehovah’s wrath comes upon you… before the Day of the Lord’s wrath and rage.
3 ‘Seek the Lord all you meek of the earth! Seek what is righteous and fair; give them all truthful answers, so you’ll be hidden in the Day of God’s wrath. 4 For, Gaza will then be plundered, and AshKelon will be extinct. AshDod will fall at mid-day, and Ekron will be rooted [from the land].
5 ‘Woe to you in the lands by the sea, and all you who’ve [moved there] from Crete. For the word of the Lord is against you, O CanaAn in the land of Philistines; and I will destroy the place where you dwell. 6 Crete will become a pasture for flocks, and a haven for sheep. 7 And for those who live in the land by the sea (those who are left of Judah’s house); in AshKelon’s homes sheep will pasture; and in the afternoons they will rest there. Then Jehovah will visit Judah’s sons, and from captivity He’ll return them.
8 ‘I’ve heard the scorning of Moab, and of the ill-treatment by Ammon’s sons, when they berated My people, and pushed themselves over My borders. 9 Because of this, as I live,’ says Israel’s God, Jehovah of armies; ‘Moab will soon be like Sodom, and the sons of Ammon like GomorRah. Damascus will also come to its end, and be heaps of salt through the age! They’ll be plundered by the remnants of My people, and be inherited by what’s left of My nation. 10 This will happen because of their insolence… because they berated and held themselves high, over Jehovah the Almighty.
11 ‘Then before them the Lord will appear, and destroy all the gods of the nations on earth. Then they will bow down before Him, each one within his own land, and in all the islands of the nations.
12 ‘And you, O Ethiopians, will then be slain by My broadsword!
13 ‘He’ll stretch out His hand toward the north, and the Assyrians will all be destroyed, turning Nineveh into a dry desert. 14 Flocks will then feed in her midst, with the wild beasts of the land. Chameleons and hedgehogs will live in her fretwork, wild beasts will roar in her ditches, and crows will nest in her gates… though she was once a tall cedar.
15 ‘This is the city that paid no attention, and one that now dwells in hope. For, she has said in her heart, I am, and none will replace me! But it will soon all be gone… it will become a place for wild beasts; so all who then travel through her, will wring their hands and then whistle.
Chapter 3
1 ‘O [Jerusalem] you prominent city; O you, my dove whom I ransomed; 2 She wouldn’t listen to Your voice, and Your instructions she failed to follow… upon Jehovah she wouldn’t rely… she refused to return to her God.
3 ‘Her rulers are like roaring lions; her judges are like Arabian wolves… for they leave nothing ‘til the morning. 4 Her prophets are despisers blown by the winds; her priests profane Holy Things, and they have no respect for the Law.
5 ‘But in her midst Jehovah is righteous, and no way will He do what’s unjust. Each morning He brings justice and light… nothing is hidden before Him. He doesn’t take to injustice, or injustice that’s brought on by fights.
6 ‘So, I will tear down all of their proud ones, and destroy all of their niches. All their roads I’ll wipe away, and no one will go through their cities, since all of their cities will have vanished… none will exist and no one will live there.
7 ‘I told you to fear Me and do as I say, and then you’d not be destroyed. So, prepare for the vengeance I’m bringing upon her… and it’s best to rise early, for even her gleanings will be ruined,’ says Jehovah.
8 ‘Then I’ll pass judgment on the gathering of nations; I’ll take their kings and pour on them My rage… yes, all the anger of My rage. And the fire of My zeal will consume the whole earth.
9 ‘Then I’ll bring one tongue to that generation, so all can call on the Name of the Lord, and serve Him under one yoke.
10 ‘From the ends of Ethiopia’s rivers, I’ll welcome back those who were scattered, and they’ll bring sacrifices to Me.
11 ‘In that Day, you’ll not be disgraced, by the disrespect you once showed Me. For, then I will remove, your insolence and careless attitudes, and of My Holy Mountain you will then boast.
12 ‘I’ll leave the meek and humble among you (those who reverence the Name of the Lord). 13 And this remnant of Israel won’t be unrighteous; they will not speak of vain things, and no way will their tongues then deceive. So, they will eat as they lie in their beds, and no one will make them afraid.
14 ‘Rejoice, O daughter of Zion… O daughter of Jerusalem shout aloud! With your whole hearts be joyful… O daughter of Jerusalem find delight! 15 For, Jehovah has removed your offenses, and ransomed you from your enemy’s hands. Jehovah (the King of Israel) is in your midst, so you’ll not see bad things anymore!
16 ‘To Jerusalem, Jehovah will say in that time, Be courageous O Zion, and don’t let your hands become weary! 17 For, Jehovah your God is among you… the Mighty One will bring you salvation! He will bring gladness among you, and in His affection revive you; He’ll be glad over you with delight, as [He is] in the days of your holiday feasts.
18 ‘I’ll gather all those who are broken, and woe to any who scorn them!
19 ‘Look! I will then act among you… on your behalf in that time. I’ll save she who was once under pressure, and take back she whom I thrust away. Then, throughout the earth I will make them, [a people] for boasting and fame. 20 For, her enemies will all be disgraced in that time, and whatever you think good I will do; for, in that time I’ll take you back, and make you famous and a reason to boast, among all the peoples of the earth; when, before their eyes I return you, from your captivity,’ says Jehovah.
Haggai
Chapter 1
1 In the second year [of the reign] of King Darius, in the sixth month, and on the first day of the month, the word of Jehovah came by the hand of HagGai the Prophet, saying, ‘Speak to ZerubBabel the son of ShealtiEl, from the [great] tribe of Judah, and to JoShua (son of JoZadek) the High Priest, and tell them 2 that Jehovah the Almighty says this: These people say that the time isn’t right, to rebuild the House of Jehovah.’
3 Then this word came by the hand of HagGai the Prophet, saying, 4 ‘Is it indeed the right time, for you men to live in nice houses, while this [Temple] lies ruined? 5 And now, says Jehovah the Almighty; set your hearts on your ways! 6 You’re planting much but carry back little; you eat, but not ‘til you’re full; you drink but not to intoxication; you wear clothes that don’t warm you; and those to whom you paid wages, keep them in bags full of holes.
7 ‘Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: Now set your hearts on your ways! 8 You must climb the mountains to cut the wood, with which you must build [My Temple]. For of this I will think well, and it will bring glory to Me, said Jehovah.
9 ‘You look for much [but find] little; and then you carry it home, but I just blow it away. This happens, says Jehovah the Almighty, because My House is deserted, while you each pursue your own homes… 10 it’s because of this that the sky withholds dew, and the ground holds back its blessings.
11 ‘So, to your land I’ll bring the broadsword, and upon all of your mountains… upon the grain and olive oil; upon the ground that brings wine to men, and upon all of the cattle, as well as the works of your hands.’
12 Well, ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) from the tribe of Judah, and JoShua (the son of JoZadek) the High Priest, and all the rest of the people listened to the voice of Jehovah their God and to the words of HagGai the Prophet, and to all [the words] that Jehovah their God had sent to them. And the people became fearful before Jehovah.
13 Then HagGai, one of the messengers of Jehovah, said to the people: ‘Jehovah says, I am with you!’
14 Thereafter, Jehovah awakened the spirit of ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) from the tribe of Judah, the spirit of JoShua (the son of JoZadek) the High Priest, and the spirit of the rest of the people, and they went to work on the [Temple] of their God, Jehovah the Almighty. 15 ([This happened] on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year [of the reign] of Darius the king.)
Chapter 2
1 It was in the seventh month and on the twenty-first day of the month that the word of Jehovah came by the hand of HagGai the Prophet. He said, 2 ‘Speak to ZerubBabel (the son of ShealtiEl) of the tribe of Judah, and JoShua the High Priest (the son of JoZadek), and say to all the people that are left: 3 Who among you saw this [Temple], in [the days of] its glory? Do you see how it has become now? It doesn’t exist before you!
4 ‘So, now be strong, O ZerubBabel, says Jehovah; and High Priest Joshua, you be strong too… be strong all you people of the land, because now you must take some action,’ says Jehovah! ‘For I am with you, says the Almighty Jehovah.
5 ‘This is the same thing I told you, when you were fleeing from Egypt… when I sent My Breath in your midst. Once more you must be courageous! 6 For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty: Once more I will shake the earth and the sky, as well as the sea and dry land… 7 and I will shake all the nations. Then My chosen ones will return from all nations, and I’ll fill this [Temple] with glory, says Jehovah the Almighty.
8 ‘All the silver is Mine, and all the gold is Mine too, says Jehovah the Almighty. 9 And great will be this [Temple’s] glory, for the last will be greater than the first, says Jehovah the Almighty. And to this place I’ll bring peace… says Jehovah the Almighty; peace for the procurement of life, to all who’ll arise to rebuild this Temple.’
10 Then on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month of the second year of Darius, these words came from Jehovah to HagGai the Prophet. He told them that 11 Jehovah the Almighty said: ‘Indeed, ask the Priests concerning the Law, 12 If a man should touch holy meat, with the edge of his clothes, and the edge of his clothes should then touch, bread, stew, wine, or olive oil, or any other such food, would they thereafter be holy?’
And all the Priests replied, ‘No!’
13 Then HagGai asked, ‘But, if it should touch a dead person, would any of these be unclean?’
And the Priests replied, ‘[Yes they’d] be defiled!’
14 Then HagGai answered and said, ‘So it will be of this people, and so it will be of this nation before Me, says Jehovah. It will be so of the works of their hands… whoever should go there will be defiled, if they show more concern for their chores. For their wicked ways they will grieve, because they’ve hated all those, who at their gates have reproved them.
15 ‘So now; take [this message] to your hearts from this day, before laying stone upon stone, within this Temple of Jehovah: 16 Remember when you went to your stores, to get twenty measures of barley, and found there were just ten measures; or, when you went to the wine vat, to draw fifty measures [of wine], and found only twenty measures there. 17 Well, it was I who had struck you, with a lack of production, and the works of your hands with strong winds and hail, for to Me you didn’t return, says Jehovah.’
18 ‘So, keep this in your hearts from this day… from the twenty-fourth day and ninth month… from the day the Temple’s foundation was laid… keep it inside of your hearts! 19 Will the threshing-floor still [be barren]? No! Will it happen to the grapevine and fig tree, or to the pomegranates or olives… will they no longer bear fruit? No! Because, from this day, I will bless them!’
20 Then the word of the Lord came to HagGai the Prophet a second time (on the twenty-fourth day of the month), saying, 21 ‘Speak to ZerubBabel the son of ShealtiEl, of the tribe of Judah, and say, I will shake the earth and the sky, as well as the sea and dry land. 22 The thrones of kings I’ll wipe away; I’ll destroy the power of the nations’ kings; I’ll eradicate all of their chariots and horsemen… their horses and horsemen will all fall, as each one attacks his brother with the sword.
23 ‘In that day, says Jehovah the Almighty, I’ll take you O ZerubBabel, (son of ShealtiEl) My servant, says Jehovah, and I’ll set you up as a seal. For I’ve chosen you, says Jehovah the Almighty.’
Zechariah
Chapter 1
1 It was in the eighth month in the second year [of the reign] of Darius, that the word of the Lord came to ZechariJah (the son of BarachiJah and grandson of IdDo) the Prophet, saying, 2 ‘Jehovah was provoked by your fathers, and [driven] into great rage, 3 so tell them that thus says Jehovah of Armies: Turn to Me, says Jehovah of Armies, and then I’ll turn back to you. 4 Do not become like your fathers, those whom the Prophets accused. For, they’d come beforehand and warned them… they said that Jehovah of Armies had told them, to turn from their wicked ways, and from the bad things that they did. But, they just paid no attention, and they wouldn’t listen to Me, says Jehovah.
5 ‘Now, where are your those Prophets and your forefathers? Have they lived to this age? 6 Yet, you have My words and My Law… all that I sent by My Breath, through My servants the Prophets… those who were seized by your fathers. For, they answered [the Prophets] and said, Whatever Jehovah of Armies planned to do, to us for our sins and our ways, He has already done.’
7 Well, it was on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month (the month of Shebat), in the second year [of the reign] of Darius, that the word of the Lord came to ZechariJah (the son of BarachiJah and grandson of IdDo) the Prophet. And this [is how he described what he saw]: 8 ‘During the night, I looked up and saw a man who was riding a red horse. He was standing in the shade between the mountains, and behind him were red horses with white spots. 9 And I asked, What are these, O Lord? And [God’s] messenger (he who was speaking to me) replied, I will show you what all these things mean.
10 Then the man who was standing in the midst of the mountains spoke to me and said: ‘These are those whom Jehovah sent out, to travel about in the land.’
11 Then these ones who were standing between the mountains said to the messenger of Jehovah: ‘We have traveled throughout the whole land, and {Look!} all the land is tranquil and lived in.’
12 And the messenger of Jehovah said: ‘O Jehovah of Armies, how long will you fail to show mercy, upon Jerusalem and the cities of Judah? For this is the seventieth year of Your rage.’
13 And Jehovah replied to the messenger, ‘You, the one who is speaking to Me, bring him good words that bring comfort.’
14 Then the messenger spoke to me and said, ‘Shout aloud! For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty: Over Jerusalem I’m zealous, and I have great zeal over Zion! 15 So, by the nations I’ve been provoked… by those who joined to attack you. For, [you] men provoked Me a little, but they planned an attack for bad [reasons]. 16 And because of this, says Jehovah, to Jerusalem I’ll turn in compassion, and My Temple will then be rebuilt there, says Jehovah of Armies. So, upon Jerusalem a line will be stretched.’
17 [And the messenger then told me], ‘Shout out loud once again! For, Jehovah of Armies said this: To her cities good things will be sent, for Jehovah will show mercy on Zion, and Jerusalem is still His chosen one!’
18 Then I raised my eyes and I looked, and what I saw was four horns. 19 So I asked the messenger (the one who was speaking to me), ‘What are these, O Lord?’
And he replied, ‘These are the horns; the ones that brought scattering to Judah, as well as to Israel and Jerusalem.’
20 And then the Lord showed me four workers. 21 And I asked, ‘What have these come to do?’
Then he replied to Me, saying, ‘Since those horns did the scattering of Judah, and they also broke Israel, so none could then raise their heads. So, they’ve come to [throw down] those horns with their hands… those horns which the nations have raised, to scatter the land of Jehovah.’
Chapter 2
1 Then I raised My eyes and I saw a man, and in his hand was the string of a surveyor. 2 So I asked him: ‘Where are you going?’
And he said: ‘I will use it to measure Jerusalem, to see how great is its length and its width.’
3 Well, at that point, {Look!} the messenger who was speaking to me stopped, and another of [God’s] messengers came to meet him. 4 And he said: ‘Tell him that Jerusalem will once more be lived in, with multitudes of men and cattle in her midst. 5 And [tell him] that Jehovah says this: I’ll be a wall of fire to surround her, and I’ll be the glory in her midst.
6 ‘O flee from the land of the north, says Jehovah, for, I’ll gather you from the four winds, said the Lord. 7 Escape unto Zion all those, who dwell among Babylon’s daughter.’
8 Then [the messenger said]: ‘I was sent to the nations by Jehovah, in order to bring back your glory, from all of those who had sacked you. For, those who have chosen to touch you, are touching the pupil of His eye.
9 ‘So, {Look!} against them I’ll raise my hand, and they’ll be the spoils of all those who served them. And then you surely will know, that I was sent by Jehovah the Almighty.
10 ‘So be happy and glad, O daughter of Zion, for I will come and camp in your midst,’ said the Lord. 11 ‘And in that day many nations will come, to take refuge in Jehovah, and [to join with] His people. Then I will camp in your midst, and you’ll know that Jehovah the Almighty, was the [One] who sent me to you.
12 ‘Then Judah will be the inheritance of Jehovah (His portion within the holy land), for, Jerusalem is still His chosen one. 13 So, let all flesh bow to Jehovah, for from His holy cloud He’s awakened.’
Chapter 3
1 Then the Lord showed me JoShua the High Priest. And standing before him was the messenger of Jehovah; but the Slanderer was standing to his right, serving as an enemy against him.
2 Then [the messenger] of Jehovah said to the Slanderer, ‘O Slanderer; May Jehovah bring reproaches against you… may the Lord who chose Jerusalem, bring reproaches upon you! Why, isn’t [this man] like a coal, that has been snatched from the fire?’
3 Well, JoShua was wearing filthy clothes, and he was standing in front of [God’s] messenger. 4 So, the messenger said to those who were standing before him, ‘Remove all of those filthy clothes!’ Then he said, ‘{Look!} Now that you’ve removed all his [filth], in a full-length robe you should dress him!’
5 Then he said: ‘Put the official [garments] upon him, and put a clean turban on his head!’ So, they dressed him in the official [garments], placed a clean turban on his head, and wrapped the robe around him.
6 And thereafter, the messenger of Jehovah stood there and testified to JoShua saying, 7 ‘Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: If you will walk in My ways, and if you’ll keep watch on My orders, you’ll officiate at My [Holy Temple]; you will keep watch at My courtyard; and I’ll give you [guards] who will pace, between the [guards] who stand still.
8 ‘Hear indeed, O JoShua the High Priest… you and your neighbors who sit there before you! For, these men are observers of signs, so, they’ll [sit and] watch as I bring to My servant, something that will elevate him; 9 Before JoShua’s face I’ll place a stone, and upon this stone will be seven eyes.
‘Look! I will dig [out a courtyard],’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘and there I’ll handle all injustice, throughout the land in a day. 10 And in that one day,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘you will call to your neighbors, from under [your] grapevines and fig trees.’
Chapter 4
1 Then the messenger who was speaking to me returned, and he woke me up in the same way that a man would be awakened from sleep. 2 And he asked me, ‘What do you see?’
And I replied, ‘Well, I looked and saw a gold lampstand with a bowl of oil… there are seven lamps on it and seven oil funnels for the seven lamps. 3 There are also two olive trees; one is to the right of its bowl, and the other is on its left side.’
4 So I asked the messenger who was speaking to me: ‘What are these things, O Lord?’
5 And the messenger who was speaking to me asked, ‘Don’t you know what they are?’
And I replied, ‘No, O my Lord.’
6 Then he answered and told me: ‘This is the word of Jehovah to ZerubBabel. Tell him: Not by great power or by strength, but just by My Breath, says Jehovah the Almighty. 7 Who are you O great mountains, to stand before ZerubBabel’s face? For, he will bring forth the top (or inheritance) cornerstone, and I will show favor upon it.’
8 Then the word of the Lord came to Me, saying: 9 ‘The hands of ZerubBabel that laid the foundation, will also be the hands that complete it. Then you will know that Jehovah the Almighty, was the One who sent Me to you. 10 For, who has despised the days of small things? Yet, they will rejoice when they see the stone plumb bob, held in of ZerubBabel’s hands… the stone with the eyes of Jehovah, that look upon the whole earth.’
11 Then I responded and asked him: ‘But, what [is the meaning] of the two olive trees; the one on the right of the lampstand, and the one on its left?’
12 And I asked again (a second time), ‘What are these two branches of trees… those that run past the handles of gold (which are used to do pouring) and run past the funnels of gold?’
13 Then he spoke and asked me, ‘Don’t you know what these things are?’
And I replied, ‘No, O Lord.’
14 And he said: ‘These are the two sons of the faith (or anointed ones), who stand beside the Lord of the earth.’
Chapter 5
1 Then I turned and raised my eyes and saw what looked like a flying sickle. 2 And he asked me, ‘Now what do you see?’
And I replied, ‘I see a sickle that’s flying; it’s twenty forearms long and ten forearms wide.’
3 Then he told me, ‘This is the curse… the one that crosses the face of the earth. One side brings punishment of death to all thieves, and the other to all who would lie in a courtroom. 4 For, Jehovah the Almighty says this: I will [soon] bring it forth, and send it to thieves who would enter My [Temple], and those swearing false oaths by My Name. I will enter their houses, and I will completely destroy them, including their woodwork and stones.’
5 Then the messenger who was speaking to me came up to me and said: ‘Now, look up with your eyes and see what is coming!’
6 And I asked him, ‘What is it?’
And he said: ‘What comes is the measuring basket, and the unrighteousness of the earth is within it… 7 And look; I have here a measure of lead. And look; There’s a woman who sits in [in the basket]!’ 8 Then he said ‘This is lawlessness,’ as he tossed [the lead] at the basket, and it fell into her mouth.
9 Then I raised my eyes and I saw two women coming who had wings that were filled with the wind. These wings were as the wings of a hoopoe, and they lifted the basket between the earth and the sky.
10 So, I asked the messenger who was speaking to me, ‘Where are they taking this basket?’
11 And he told me, ‘They’re building and preparing a [temple] for it, inside of the land of Babylon, and they’ll put it in a place they’ve prepared there.’
Chapter 6
1 Then I turned and raised my eyes and saw four chariots coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of brass.
2 The first chariot [that I saw] was pulled by red horses; the second had horses that were black; 3 the third had horses that were white; and the fourth had horses that were spotted dapple gray.
4 So, I spoke to the messenger and asked him (the one who was speaking with me), ‘And what are these, O my Lord?’
5 And the messenger replied (the one who was speaking with me): ‘These are the four winds of the sky, and they’re going to stand next to the Lord of the earth. 6 The black ones are going to the land of the north, the white are following close behind them, and the spotted are going to the land of the south.’
7 Then the dapple-gray ones left, and they looked to travel around the whole earth. And he said, ‘Now, go and travel around the whole earth!’ And they traveled throughout the whole earth.
8 Then he yelled out and spoke to me, saying, ‘Look! The ones that are going to the land of the north; Upon the land of the north, they have brought rest from my rage.’
9 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 10 ‘Take [silver and gold] from the rulers, as well as from those who are wealthy, and those who have higher knowledge! [Meet them] in the house of JosiAh (son of ZephaniJah), who, from Babylon, has just returned.
11 ‘Then take the silver and gold to make a crown, and put it upon JoShua’s head (the son of JoZadek) the High Priest. 12 And tell him that thus says Jehovah the Almighty: Look, there’s a male whose name is The Sprout, and he will grow from below, to rebuild the [Temple] of Jehovah. 13 Then he will receive all the greatness he needs, to sit and rule from his throne. For, there’ll be a Priest on [God’s throne], and there will be peace and purpose between them.
14 ‘This crown will be [in the Temple], as a reminder of those who showed recognition, and favor upon the son of ZephaniJah… it will serve as a psalm in the [Temple] of Jehovah.
15 ‘And from far away will come those, who will build in the [Temple] of Jehovah. Then you’ll know that to you I was sent, by Jehovah the Almighty. And all who hear would [wish] they’d paid attention, to the voice of Jehovah their God.’
Chapter 7
1 Then in the fourth year of [the reign] of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to ZechariJah on the fourth day of the ninth month (which is Chislev). 2 For, the king sent SherEzar, and Regem (and his men) to BethEl to atone [for their sins] before the Lord. 3 And they said to the Priests of the [Temple] of Jehovah the Almighty and to the Prophets: ‘The holy offering has been brought here again in this fifth month, as it has for a good number of years.’
4 Then the word of Jehovah of Armies came to me and said: 5 ‘Speak to all the people of the land, and to all of the Priests, and tell them [that thus says Jehovah]: In the fifth and seventh months you have fasted, and beat your chests for seventy years; but in all of this fasting, were you fasting to Me? 6 For, when you are eating and drinking, don’t you eat and drink to yourselves?
7 ‘Aren’t these the same words Jehovah once spoke, by the hands of the Prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prospered… when her cities, her plains, and her mountains were lived in?’
8 Then the word of the Lord came to ZechariJah, telling him that 9 Jehovah the Almighty said this: ‘With righteous judgments you must judge; let each show mercy and compassion to his brother! 10 Don’t tyrannize the widows or orphans, nor the foreigners or needy. And for whatever harm your brother may do, don’t hold resentment in your hearts.
11 ‘But, they resisted and paid no attention; they turned their backsides and ranted, and covered their ears so they couldn’t hear. 12 Their hearts were set for resisting persuasion, for they wouldn’t listen to My Law, or to the words that came from Jehovah… by His Breath through the hands of the Prophets (all those who He’d sent before). So, there was great rage from Jehovah the Almighty.
13 ‘This is the same as I told you before, when they wouldn’t listen to Me… when they called out and I wouldn’t listen,’ said Jehovah the Almighty. 14 ‘So, I cast them among all the nations (nations that they didn’t know). And the land they came from was wiped away, so they were unable to return… they’d ordered extinction upon their choice land.’
Chapter 8
1 Then came the word Jehovah the Almighty, saying, 2 ‘For Jerusalem and Zion I’ve shown great zeal… even in My rage I’ve been zealous for her.’
3 Jehovah said: ‘So, to Zion I will return, and in Jerusalem’s midst I will camp. Then Jerusalem will be called The True City, and The Holy Mountain of Jehovah the Almighty.’
4 Thus said Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Old men and women will once again sit, within Jerusalem’s squares, each with his cane in his hand, because they’ll have lived many days. 5 And then the city will also be filled, with boys and girls who will play in her squares.’
6 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Can’t this be done for those who remain… for those who are left in those days? No! But, will this be impossible for Me,’ asks Jehovah the Almighty? ‘No!’
7 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘{Look!} I’ll [return] My people from the lands in the east, and from the lands in the west. 8 I will then bring them all back, and in Jerusalem’s midst they will camp. Then they’ll be a people to Me… in righteousness and truth, I’ll be their God.’
9 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘O you who would hear in these days; Strengthen your hands [to follow] the words, which will come from the mouths of the Prophets. [They’ve been the same] since the day, that His Temple was founded, and from the day that the Temple was built… 10 in those days when their wages brought them no profit, and they made no wage from their cattle. For those who entered and those who went out, there was affliction, not peace; and against his neighbor I sent every man.
11 ‘But I won’t treat the remnant of this people, as I have done in the past,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. 12 ‘Peaceful times I will show them; the grapevine will bring forth her fruit; the land will yield all her produce, and the sky will bring forth its dew… to the remnants of My people I’ll bring this.
13 ‘And, you O house of Judah; Though you became a curse among the nations, I’ll preserve you and you’ll be a blessing. So, [you must now] be courageous, and grow strong in your hands!’
14 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘As I once thought to bring evil upon you, because your fathers provoked Me to rage, and since then I’ve not relented,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, 15 ‘I’ve reconsidered and I am now ready, to do good to those in Jerusalem and Judah… so you must now be courageous! 16 And these are the things you must do: You must each speak truth to your neighbors; make decisions that bring about peace; you must restore justice to your gates! 17 Against your neighbor you must not consider, doing what’s evil in your hearts. And do not love lying oaths, for I detest all such things,’ said Jehovah the Almighty.
18 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 19 ‘You must fast in the fourth month and in the fifth; you must fast in the seventh and fast in the tenth. Then to Judah I’ll bring gladness and joy… good things they’ll bring to the holiday feasts. You’ll all be glad, for then there will be, truth, peace, and love [in the land].’
20 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Many peoples will then come to you, and there’ll be many cities to live in. 21 And those in the cities will all gather and say: Let’s go beg before the face of the Lord… let’s seek the face of Jehovah the Almighty… yes we’ll all go, even I! 22 To Jerusalem the peoples and nations will come, to seek the face of Jehovah the Almighty, and to atone [for their sins] before Him.’
23 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘In those days, ten men from all nations and tongues, will come to take hold of the decorative hem, [of the robe] of a man who’s a Jew. And they’ll say: We now wish to [join] with you, because we have heard God is with you!’
Chapter 9
1 This is a proclamation: It’s the word of Jehovah against the land of [the God] Hadrach, and against Damascus [the place where] his sacrifices [are offered]. For, [as well as] the tribes of Israel, all men are inspected by Jehovah. 2 [This proclamation is also against] the area around Hamath, as well as Tyre and Sidon, for they all have the same mindset.
3 ‘Tyre built a fortress for herself; she treasured up silver like dust, and gathered up gold like mud in the streets. 4 For this she’ll be inherited by the Lord. He’ll strike her power over the seas, and she’ll be consumed in a fire.
5 ‘AshKelon will then see this and fear, and Gaza will be very grieved. Ekron will be shamed by all her transgressions, for their king from Gaza will perish, and no way will AshKelon be lived in. 6 Foreigners will then dwell in AshDod, for the insolence of the Philistines I’ll demolish. 7 I’ll remove all the blood from their mouths, and the disgusting things in their teeth. They’ll leave such things for our God, and be assigned to a Judean general… as the Jebusi Ekron will be.
8 ‘Then I’ll stand in My [Temple] in the heights, from which I will not leave. There’s no way that [armies] will then come against them, because My eyes will be watching.
9 ‘So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, Jerusalem’s daughter! For look, your king is now coming to you… the righteous one who’s your savior. He’s gentle, and on a beast of burden he comes… even upon a young foal. 10 He’ll destroy [all of] EphraIm’s chariots, and all of Jerusalem’s horses. He’ll destroy [all the weapons] of warfare… from the nations he’ll bring abundance and peace. Then he will rule to the waters of the seas, and from the rivers and passes of the earth.
11 ‘Then, by the blood of your Sacred Agreement, you’ll [receive] prisoners [back] from dry pits. 12 Prisoners of the gathering you’ll settle in forts, and for each day they [were captives], I will repay them with double. 13 For, I’ve held you tight to myself, O Judah… [yes, as tight] as a bow. EphraIm I’ll fill once again, and I will awaken your children, O Zion, against the sons of the Greeks… I’ll use you like a warrior’s sword. 14 Then the Lord will be seen over them, and like lightning He’ll [shoot] His arrows. Jehovah God will blow on His trumpet, and send intimidation [upon them]. 15 Their shield will be Jehovah Almighty, as they bring [destruction] upon them. They’ll heap upon them the stones of a sling; and they’ll drink their blood as though it were wine… like basins for the Altar they’ll fill their bowls.
16 ‘In that day, Jehovah will be their God, and the sheep of His people He’ll save; yes, as [gems in a crown they’ll be] in His land. 17 And for all of His that are found to be good, and for all of His that are found to be fair, there will be grain for the young men, and fragrant wine for the virgins.’
Chapter 10
1 ‘Ask Jehovah for each season’s rains (both the early and late rains), for Jehovah has done what’s fantastic… on the pastures of their fields He’s brought winter rains.
2 ‘Those declaring big things have brought trouble, and those who having visions have seen what is false. They speak of false dreams and offer no comfort. And because of this, they’ll dry up like sheep… they’ll become ill with no healing.
3 ‘My rage was provoked by the shepherds, so now I’ll visit their lambs. Jehovah God the Almighty, will visit His flock, the house of Judah. And as He has done to His handsome horse, He’ll give them orders for war.
4 ‘He’ll cause him to look out upon them; He’ll cause him to order a bow in His rage; He’ll cause him to send [His armies] against them… 5 but his warriors will tread mud in the battle. For though they’re attacked, Jehovah is with them, so those riding horses will then be disgraced. 6 For, the house of Judah I will strengthen, and house of Joseph I will save… because I love them I’ll save them, and they’ll be as before I disowned them… because I’m Jehovah their God, I’ll pay attention to them!
7 ‘Then they’ll be like EphraIm’s warriors… they’ll rejoice in their hearts as with wine. They’ll look at their children in joy, and rejoice in their hearts for their Lord. 8 I’ll give them a sign and accept them… I’ll pay their ransom and then they will grow, to be as many as they were before. 9 Then I’ll plant them among all the peoples, and I’ll be remembered by those far away.
10 ‘Then they’ll return and nourish their children… from the land of Egypt I’ll bring them back, and from Assyria I’ll take them. To the lands of Gilead and Lebanon I’ll bring them, and none will then be left behind… no not one!
11 ‘They will walk through the narrows of the sea; they will strike the waves of the sea, and the depths of the rivers will all dry. Then the insolence of the Assyrians will be gone, and the scepter of Egypt will be removed.
12 ‘I’ll make them strong in Jehovah their God, and in His Name they will boast,’ said the Lord.
Chapter 11
1 ‘O Lebanon open your doors, and let fire devour all your cedars! 2 May the pine trees all shriek, because the cedars have fallen… in misery are all the great ones. Shriek O you oaks of Bashan, for the groves that were planted have all been cut down.
3 ‘There’s the sound of the wailing of shepherds, because their greatness is gone. There’s the sound of the roaring of lions, for no one is guarding the Jordan.
4 Thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Tend the sheep for the slaughter; 5 those who’ve been bought by the butcher, and have not repented for the things they have done. For those who sold them have said, Praise Jehovah for we have gained wealth! And their shepherds have suffered no loss over them.
6 ‘Because of this I will not spare, those who live in the land,’ says Jehovah. ‘{Look!} I’ll deliver each man to the hand of his neighbor, and into the hand of his king. Then they’ll cut their land into pieces… no way will I save them from their hands. 7 In the land of CanaAn I will tend them… all the sheep for the slaughter.
‘Then I’ll take two sticks for Myself; one I’ll call Beauty and the other Measured Land; and then I will tend all these sheep. 8 In the first month I’ll remove the three shepherds, and My soul will be heavy upon them, for their souls have roared out against Me.
9 ‘Then I said I won’t tend you; let those who are dying just die, and those who are failing just fail, and may the rest each eat the flesh of their neighbors!
10 ‘Then I’ll take My stick, the one [I called] Beauty, and I will throw it away, to erase the Agreement that I made with My people. 11 It’ll be erased in that day, and those in CanaAn who have guarded My sheep, will know that this is the word of Jehovah.
12 ‘And then I’ll tell them to do, whatever they find to be good… yes, pay My wage or forbid it! Then they established My wage… ‘twas thirty pieces of silver.’
13 Then the Lord said to me: ‘Now, throw them into the [treasury], but check to make sure that they’re pure, for this is my [value] before them.’
So, I took the thirty pieces of silver, and threw them into the [treasury], of the [Temple] of Jehovah.
14 ‘Then I’ll throw away My second stick, the one I called Measured Land, to wipe Israel and Judah from their posession.’
15 And the Lord said to Me: ‘Now, take for yourself the tools of a shepherd (one that is quite inexperienced). 16 For, {Look!} against the land I’ll wake a shepherd… one who won’t visit the [weak]… one who won’t search for the scattered. Those who are broken he will not heal, and those who are well he won’t lead. But he will devour their choicest of meats, and their necks he will [break].
17 ‘O you who are attending to vain things, and leaving behind all the sheep; A sword will come against your right arm, as well as against your right eye. Your arm will then become withered, and your right eye will be blinded.’
Chapter 12
1 ‘This is the matter of the word of Jehovah over Israel,’ said the Lord, ‘He who stretched out the skies, who laid the foundations of the earth, and from Himself shaped the breath of mankind.
2 ‘{Look!} I’ve appointed Jerusalem’s thresholds, to be shaken by the peoples roundabout them. Upon Judea they will come, and Jerusalem will be surrounded. 3 And it will be in that day, that I’ll appoint Jerusalem as a stone, to be trampled upon by all nations. All who trample upon her, will mock her and they’ll poke fun; for all nations of the earth will assemble against her.
4 ‘And in that day,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘I will strike all the horses with wonder, and drive all their riders to ranting. But upon Judah’s house I’ll open My eyes, and strike all their horses with blindness. 5 And Judah’s generals will say in their hearts: Jerusalem’s [people are safe, in the strength] of their God Jehovah Almighty.
6 ‘But, in that day I will make, Judean generals like coals of fire amid wood, and as flaming lamps among stubble. Then they will devour (from the right and the left), all the peoples roundabout them; but Jerusalem will still dwell [in her place]. 7 Then Jehovah will rescue the tents of Judea, as He did long ago, so the haughty who dwell in Jerusalem, as well as those in Judea, won’t have any reason to boast, above the house of [King] David.
8 ‘And in that day, Jehovah will shield, all those who in Jerusalem dwell. And even the weak ones among them, will be like David in that day. So, the house of David will come to be, like the Temple of God… like the messenger of Jehovah who’s standing before them.
9 ‘And it will be in that day, that I’ll lift away all the nations… those whom against Jerusalem marched. 10 And I’ll pour out upon David’s house (as well as upon Jerusalem’s dwellers), the spirit of favor and compassion. Then they’ll turn to Me and beat on their chests, as one beats his chest for the death of a loved one, because they’ve been disrespectful to Me… they’ll grieve with the grief of the [deaths] of their first-born.
11 ‘And in Jerusalem, on that day, they will beat on their chests, as for the loss of pomegranate groves. 12 And the land will beat on its chest, for each of the tribes [by its name]; the tribe of David’s house by itself, and all of their wives by themselves; the tribe of Nathan’s house by itself, and all of their wives by themselves; 13 the tribe of the house of Levi by itself, and all of their wives by themselves; the tribe of Simeon by itself, and all of their wives by themselves; 14 and all the rest (each tribe by itself), and all of their wives by themselves.’
Chapter 13
1 ‘In that Day, all [springs] will open wide, for the rinsing and cleansing of David’s house, and for those who live within Jerusalem. 2 And in that Day it will be,’ says Jehovah of Armies; ‘I’ll destroy the names of their idols from the land, so they’ll no more be remembered. And I will remove from the land, the false Prophets with spirits that are unclean.
3 ‘And if there’s a man who still prophecies, his father and mother (those who gave him birth), must tell him that he will no longer live, for he has told lies in the Name of the Lord. Then his father and mother (those who gave him birth), will tie him up, because he prophesied. 4 And it will be in that Day, that the prophets will be disgraced by their visions, and by things which they prophesied. They’ll cover their heads with animal hides, because they will know that they’ve lied. 5 And then they will say, I’m not a prophet! I’m just as man works the ground… for this I was born since my youth!
6 ‘And then I will ask them, So, what are these [scars] on your hands?
‘And they will thereafter reply, ‘They were struck in the house of my loved ones.
7 ‘O broadsword, awaken against [such] a man, and against My shepherds [who live in] My land,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. ‘Strike the shepherds and scatter the sheep, for against the shepherds I’ll bring My hand.
8 ‘And it will be in that Day,’ says Jehovah; ‘Two-thirds will be destroyed and will cease, but a third will be left behind. Then I’ll try them as [you] try gold. But they will call on My Name, and, I will reply: These are [truly] My people! And they will say, Jehovah’s our God.’
Chapter 14
1 ‘Look; The Lord’s [Great] Day is now coming, when spoils will be divided among them. 2 Against Jerusalem I’ll assemble all nations, and the city will thereafter be captured. All the homes will be looted, and all the women will be tainted. Then half of the city will be led off as captives, and the rest of my people in the city, will not be destroyed from the [land]. 3 For, the Lord will come and attack all those nations, in his battle array in the Day of the war.
4 ‘And in that Day, his feet will then stand, on the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem’s east. Then the Mount of Olives will split in two parts… in halves to the east and the west in great chaos. Half of the mountain will lean toward the north, and half will lean toward the south.
5 ‘Then flee to the valley of my mountain, which [runs] to the Wadi Azal. You must flee as in the day of the earthquake, [that happened] in the days of UzziJah (king of Judah).
‘Then Jehovah my God will arrive, and all of His Holy Ones with Him. 6 There’ll be no light in that Day… there’ll be just coldness and ice. 7 But it will [all last just] one day, and that Day will be known by the Lord. There’ll be no daytime or night, but light will come toward the evening.
8 ‘And it will be in that Day; from Jerusalem, living water will flow. Half will flow to the [Dead] Sea, and half will flow to the other… in the springtime and summer this will happen. 9 Then the Lord will be the King of the earth; in that Day there will be just one Lord, and he will have just one name.
10 ‘Then deserts will encircle the land, south of Jerusalem, from Geba to RemMon (though Rama will remain in its place), from the gate of Benjamin to the First Gate, and the gate at the corners to the Tower of HananeEl, and to the wine-vats of the king.
11 ‘Then, without danger [the people] will dwell there… for Jerusalem there will be security.
12 ‘And this will be the great downfall, when the Lord will strike all the peoples… all who against Jerusalem marched. Their flesh will melt as they stand on their feet; their eyes will flow from their sockets; and their tongues will melt in their mouths.
13 ‘And in that Day, there will come, great astonishment from Jehovah upon them. Each will grab hold of his neighbor’s hand; they’ll join hand-to-hand with their neighbors.
14 ‘Then in Jerusalem, the Judeans will prepare, and collect the might of the peoples round about… all the gold and the silver, along with huge numbers of clothes.
15 ‘And this is the downfall of horses and mules, as well as the camels and burros, and all the cattle that are found in those camps, in the great day of that downfall.
16 ‘Then all who remain from the nations, that against Jerusalem marched, will ascend each year to bow to the King – to Jehovah the Almighty – and observe the feast of the Pitching of Tents. 17 Then to all who won’t come [in that Day] (to bow before Jehovah the Almighty, from all the tribes of the earth), these things will be added to them, and upon them won’t fall any rain.
18 ‘And if the tribe of Egypt won’t come here; upon them will also come the downfall, with which Jehovah struck the nations… those who won’t observe the holiday, of the Pitching of Tents. 19 For, this will be Egypt’s sin, and the sin of all nations… those who refuse to ascend, to observe the feast of the Pitching of Tents.
20 ‘In that Day, there’ll be [written], upon the bridles of horses, Holy to Jehovah the Almighty. And the stew pots in the [Temple] of Jehovah, will be as the bowls before the Altar. 21 And in Jerusalem and Judah, all the stew pots, will be holy to Jehovah the Almighty. So, all who then bring sacrifices, will take them and use them to cook with.
‘And in that Day, there’ll no longer be, CanaAnites who approach Jehovah of Armies.’
Malachi
Chapter 1
1 This is the matter of the word of Jehovah concerning Israel [that came] by the hand of His messenger.
2 ‘I have loved you,’ says Jehovah. ‘Yet you asked, How have You loved us? Wasn’t Esau the brother of Jacob? Yet,’ said Jehovah, ‘I loved Jacob 3 and Esau [his brother] I hated. So, I ordered an end to his borders, and gave him homes in the desert.
4 ‘Because Edom will say, Although we’ve been cut down, we’ll return and rebuild our desolate places,’ thus says Jehovah the Almighty: ‘Though they may rebuild, I’ll knock it down; so the Lawless Borders is what they’ll be called, and a People Opposed to Jehovah.
5 ‘Your eyes will see it and then you will say, Above the borders of Israel, the Lord was magnified.
6 ‘Fathers are glorified by their sons, and a servant gives glory to his master; but if I’m a father, then where is My glory; and if I’m the Lord, then where is [your] fear,’ asks Jehovah the Almighty?
‘You Priests treat My Name as having no value, then ask, How have we treated it as worthless? 7 By bringing [unholy] bread to My Altar. Then you ask, How have we made it unholy? When you say Jehovah’s table isn’t holy, and the things you place on it are treated with contempt. 8 For, if you bring a blind animal to offer, is this not a thing that is evil? And if you should bring the lame or the ill, is it not [also something that’s] evil? Why, bring it to [your king] who [rules over] you… will he show you favor when he gets it… will he [bestow honor] on your soul,’ asks Jehovah the Almighty? ‘No!’
9 ‘Now, atone before the face of your God… come before Him and beg! For, these things have been done by your hands. So, will I receive such things from your soul,’ asks Jehovah the Almighty? ‘No!’
10 ‘So, even among you the doors will be closed, and you won’t find My favor to light up My Altar. There is nothing of Me that’s lacking among you,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. ‘So, no sacrifices will I accept from your hands.
11 ‘From the rising of the sun to [the place] where it sets, among the nations My Name is glorified, and incense is offered in My Name everywhere… as well as sacrifices that are pure! For, among the nations My Name is great,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. 12 ‘Yet, you profane it whenever you say, The table of Jehovah isn’t [holy], and treat the food before Him with contempt.
13 ‘For you say, It’s just too much trouble, and then you just blow them away,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. ‘So, you carry in game and the lame and the ill. Yes, these you’ve brought such things to sacrifice before Me. So, will I favorably receive them from your hands,’ asks Jehovah the Almighty? ‘No!’
14 ‘Cursed is the powerful man, who has a male among all his flock, and whose vow [that was promised] comes due, and then offers one that’s corrupt to the Lord! For, I am great,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘and My Name is well-known in the nations!’
Chapter 2
1 ‘Now, these instructions are for you, O Priests: 2 If you will not listen and take it to heart, that you must give glory to My Name,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘then I’ll send upon you a curse; I will curse all of your blessings; I’ll curse it and it won’t happen among you, if you don’t take this to heart.
3 ‘{Look!} I’ve set aside the [lamb’s] shoulder as yours, but I’ll throw its dung in your faces… [I’ll give you] manure for your holiday feasts, and at that time I’ll take you away! 4 And then you will know it was I, who sent these instructions to you… it’s My agreement with Levi,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. 5 Yes, my agreement was with him; and it’s one that brings life and peace. I gave him the fear to fear Me, and prepared him from the presence of My Name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteous words were not on his lips. Straightforward in peace he traveled with Me, and many he turned from injustice. 7 So, from his lips the Priest should guard knowledge, and seek the Law from his mouth; for he’s a messenger of Jehovah the Almighty.
8 ‘But you’ve turned aside from the way, and you’ve turned many from following the Law… you’ve corrupted My sacred agreement with Levi,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. 9 ‘So, I’ve given you to those who’ll you treat with contempt, and those disregarded by the nations. For, you haven’t guarded My ways, and you’ve led My people away from the Law.
10 ‘Why, don’t you each have one father? Weren’t you formed by one God? So, why have you each abandoned your brothers, to profane the agreement of your fathers?
11 ‘Judah [has now been] abandoned, for both in Jerusalem and in Israel, disgusting things have taken place. Why, Judah profaned the Lord's’s holy things (things that He [dearly] loved), then they [turned] to alien gods. 12 So, Jehovah will destroy each man who has done this, and those in Jacob’s tents will be humbled… those bringing the sacrifices to Jehovah.
13 ‘Yet, you did these things that I detested, and the Altar of Jehovah you’ve covered with tears… weeping and moaning because of the trouble [you bring]. And you thought [I’d] consider your offerings, and take them from your hands as though they are worthy?
14 ‘Then you [dared to] ask, What is the reason for this? Because, Jehovah was a witness between you, and the wives of your youth whom you’ve left. Yet, they have [long] been your partners… they’re the wives of your sacred agreement! 15 So, [God] doesn’t send you what’s good, with even a small portion of His Breath.
‘Then you asked, What more than a seed does God seek? [He wants you to] guard your spirit, and not to abandon the wife of your youth! 16 Do not detest her and send her away, says Jehovah, Israel’s God, then cover the irreverence of your thoughts. For thus says Jehovah the Almighty God: Keep close guard on your spirit, and no way should you ever abandon [your wives].
17 ‘You provoke Jehovah with your words, and then you ask How have we done this? By your saying, Before Him, the wicked are good, and He thinks [kindly] of them… O where is the God of righteous ways?’
Chapter 3
1 ‘{Look!} I will send out My angel, and he’ll prepare the way before My face. Then the Lord (the One for whom you are searching) will suddenly come to his Temple, with the messenger of the Sacred Agreement.
‘Look; Here he comes,’ says Jehovah the Almighty! 2 ‘Now, who will endure the Day of his entry; and when he appears, who will stand? For, his entrance will be like the fire of a furnace, and as the lye to do washing. 3 So, a melting pot he’ll place in a furnace, as someone who refines silver. Then he will cleanse the sons of Levi, and pour them out like silver or gold.
‘And before Jehovah, they will then be, those who bring sacrifices that are righteous. 4 And thereafter the Lord will be pleased, with the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem, as in the days of the age, and as [He] was in past years.
5 ‘Then I’ll come against you in judgment; and against all those who make potions. I will be a swift witness, against those who are [guilty of] adultery, and those who swear false oaths in My Name; against those who don’t pay those whom they’ve hired; against those who tyrannize widows; against those who are [abusing] the orphans, and those who deny justice to foreign peoples; for, these are the ones who don’t fear Me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty. 6 I’m Jehovah your God and I never change!
7 ‘But you sons of Jacob just won’t stay away, from the sins of your fathers… you’ve turned aside and not guarded My Laws. So, return to Me, and then to you I’ll return,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.
‘But you ask: In what ways must we return?
8 ‘Will a man be stomped on by God? No! Yet, you [are guilty] of stomping on Me! Then you ask, How have we been stomping on You?
‘By your keeping all your tenth parts and first fruits! 9 You turn and look away, and this is how you are stomping on Me!
10 ‘This year has come to an end, and you’ve carried your produce and put it in barns, but there will be ravaging in your homes!
‘Restore indeed what [is due],’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘and see if I don’t open to you, the outpouring of rain from the skies… I’ll pour My blessings upon you, until you’ve received what’s enough. 11 For you, I will set aside food, and not destroy the fruit of the ground, nor will I weaken your grapevines,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.
12 ‘Then all the nations will proclaim that you’re happy, and you’ll be a land that’s desired,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.
13 ‘But you’ve put Me down with your words,’ says Jehovah, ‘and then you have dared to ask Me: How have we spoken against You in bad ways? 14 By your saying, Our service to God is in vain! And, Though we have kept His instructions, before Him we still must go begging! 15 So, we declare the aliens blest, as are those who do lawless deeds, for they oppose God and still live!
16 ‘Yet, there were those who spoke to their neighbors, and told of their fear of Jehovah. So, Jehovah paid attention and He listened, and wrote [their names] in the scroll, of those honoring and fearing the Name of the Lord. 17 And in that Day, to Me they’ll belong,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘for I will prepare a procurement, and select them in the same way, as a man selects the son who will serve him.
18 ‘Then you will turn and you’ll see, what happens to those who do wrong… the difference between the one serving God, and those who choose not to serve Him.’
Chapter 4
1 ‘For, look; the Day is now coming, and it burns like an oven, and against them all it will blaze. Then the foreigners and lawless will be stubble, to be lit on fire in that Day,’ says Jehovah of Armies! ‘And no way will a branch or a root still remain.
2 ‘But, upon you who fear My Name, the sun of righteousness will arise, and healing [will come from] His wings. You will come and leap like young calves, who were spared from the bondage [of death]. 3 Then you will trample the lawless, and they’ll be like ashes under your feet, in the Day that I have prepared,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.
4 ‘Remember the Law of Moses My servant – all that I gave him in that dry place – all the orders and decisions, that I gave to Israel!
5 ‘And {Look!} I’ll send EliJah the Prophet, before the Great Day of the Lord. 6 He’ll restore the hearts of fathers to sons, and the heart of a man to his neighbor, so I won’t strike the whole earth.’
The Christian Era Scriptures
Matthew
The Poetry of Jesus: Recognize that many of the sermons and parables of Jesus were spoken poetically in order to be remembered by his followers. And although the cadence comes through clearly to Bible translators, most have chosen not to write it as poetry, because of the extra effort this requires, and because most Bible readers simply aren't interested in the beauty of his words, but in the content. However, Jesus spoke and taught beautifully, and you will notice how we have attempted, within the range of accuracy, to render Jesus’ words as he spoke them.
Chapter 1
1 This is the book of the origins of Jesus the Anointed, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.
2 Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez fathered Hezron. Hezron fathered Ram. 4 Ram fathered AmiNadab. AmiNadab fathered Nashon. Nashon fathered Salmon. 5 Salmon fathered Boaz by RaHab. Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth. Obed fathered Jesse. 6 Jesse fathered David, the king.
David fathered Solomon by the wife of UriJah. 7 Solomon fathered RehoBoam. RehoBoam fathered AbiJah. AbiJah fathered Asa. 8 Asa fathered JehoShaphat. JehoShaphat fathered JehoRam. JehoRam fathered UzziJah. 9 UzziJah fathered JoTham. JoTham fathered Ahaz. Ahaz fathered HezekiJah. 10 HezekiJah fathered ManasSeh. ManasSeh fathered Amon. Amon fathered JosiJah. 11 JosiJah fathered JeconiJah and his brothers before the deportation to Babylon.
12 After the deportation to Babylon, JeconiJah fathered ShealtiEl. ShealtiEl fathered ZerubBabel. 13 ZerubBabel fathered AbiUd. AbiUd fathered EliAkim. EliAkim fathered Azor. 14 Azor fathered Zadok. Zadok fathered Achim. Achim fathered EliUd. 15 EliUd fathered EliAzar. EliAzar fathered MatThan. MatThan fathered Jacob. 16 Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom Jesus was born, who is called the Anointed.
17 So, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen generations from David until the deportation to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the deportation to Babylon to [the coming of] the Anointed.
18 This is the way that Jesus the Anointed started out: While his mother Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph, she was found to be pregnant by [God’s] Holy Breath before the marriage was consummated. 19 However, because Joseph her husband was righteous and didn’t want to make [Mary] a public spectacle, he planned to release her secretly.
20 But after he came to that conclusion, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David; Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been fathered in her is from [God’s] Holy Breath. 21 She will give birth to a son and you will call his name Jesus (Jehovah is Salvation), because he will save his people from their sins.’
22 This whole thing happened so that, what was spoken by Jehovah through the Prophet would be fulfilled:
23 ‘{Look!} The virgin will become pregnant,
And she will give birth to a son,
And they will name him ImManuEl’ (which translates as, God is with us).
24 Then, after he woke up, Joseph did what Jehovah’s messenger told him to do and took the woman along with him. 25 However, [Joseph] didn’t have sexual relations with her until after she gave birth to a son, who he named Jesus.
Chapter 2
1 After Jesus was born in BethLehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, {Look!} Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, ‘Where is the one who was born king of the Judeans? We saw his star in the east and we came to bow before him.’
3 Well, on hearing about this, King Herod was very disturbed (as was all of Jerusalem). 4 Then he gathered all the Chief Priests and the peoples’ scribes and asked them where this Anointed One was to be born. 5 And they replied, ‘In BethLehem of Judea, because this is what was written through the Prophet:
6 And you, O BethLehem, in the land of Judea,
Are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah.
For a ruler will come out of you,
To shepherd Israel, My people.’
7 Then Herod secretly called for those Magi and carefully determined from them when the star had appeared. 8 And as he sent them on to BethLehem, he said: ‘Search carefully for the young child; and when you find him, report back to me, so I can go and bow before him also.’
9 Then, after listening to what the king had to say, they went on their way. And {Look!} the star that they saw in the east went ahead of them until it stood directly over [the place] where the young child was. 10 Well, when they saw the star [do this], they were beside themselves with joy. 11 And when they entered the house, they saw the little boy with Mary his mother, and they fell down and bowed before him. Then they opened their treasures and gave the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 However, because they had been given a divine warning in a dream that they weren’t to return to Herod, they went back home via another route.
13 After they left, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, ‘Get up! Take the boy and his mother, then hurry to Egypt and stay there until I tell you otherwise, because Herod is going to search for the boy to destroy him!’
14 So, he got up during the night and took the child and his mother, then they left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod died, so the thing that was said by Jehovah through the Prophet was fulfilled, ‘I called my son out of Egypt’.
16 Well, when Herod saw that the Magi had outwitted him, he was furious. So he sent out [a proclamation] in BethLehem and its districts to have all the boys who were two-years-old and younger to be gathered [for destruction], since that was the period he had determined so carefully from the Magi. 17 And that’s when the thing spoken through the Prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled, which said,
18 ‘A voice was heard crying and wailing in RamAh.
It was Rachel crying for her children,
And she wouldn’t take any comfort,
Because they aren’t anymore.’
19 Well, when Herod died, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared in a dream to Joseph while he was in Egypt 20 and said, ‘Get up; Take the child and his mother and go [back] to the land of Israel, because those who wanted the child’s life are now dead!’
21 So [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother, and returned to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that ArcheLaus had taken over as ruler in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there because of a divine warning that had been given to him in a dream. As the result, he traveled to the territory of Galilee 23 and started living in a city named Nazareth, so the thing spoken through the Prophets might be fulfilled that said: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’
Chapter 3
1 It was in those days that John the Baptist came preaching in the desert of Judea, 2 saying, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.’ 3 He’s the one that the Prophet IsaiJah spoke about in the words, ‘A voice is calling out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord! Make the roads straight before him.’
4 John wore clothes made of camel hair; he wore a thick leather belt around his waist; and what he ate was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then [people from] Jerusalem, the rest of Judea, and all the area around the Jordan came to him 6 to be baptized in the Jordan River, openly admitting their sins.
7 Well, when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the baptism, he said to them, ‘Children of vipers; Who has shown you the need to run from the coming rage? 8 Produce the [type of] fruitage that shows you are worthy of repentance. 9 And don’t be so bold as to say Abraham is our father. Let me tell you that God can make children of Abraham from these stones! 10 Why, the ax is already lying at the roots of the trees, and every tree that isn’t producing good fruit is going to be cut down and thrown into the fire!
11 ‘Indeed, I baptize you in water [to show your] repentance. But the one who is coming after me is greater than I am. In fact, I’m unfit to take off his sandals! He will baptize you in fire and Spirit… 12 he will [take] his shovel in hand and completely clean his threshing floor, then he will gather his wheat into the storehouse and burn the chaff with a fire that can’t be put out!’
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to see John at the Jordan River and to be baptized by him. 14 But [John] tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I’m the one who should be baptized by you! So, why are you coming to me?’
15 But Jesus said, ‘Let it be for now. This is the right thing for us to do, so we can fulfill everything that is righteous.’
And at that, [John] no longer tried to stop him.
16 Well, after being baptized, Jesus came up out of the water. Then {Look!} the heavens opened and [John] saw God’s Breath coming down upon [Jesus] like a dove. 17 And {Look!} there was a voice that came from the sky, which said, ‘This is my loved Son. I am very pleased with him.’
Chapter 4
1 Afterward, [God’s] Breath led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Slanderer. 2 And after he had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 Then the Tempter came to him and said, ‘If you’re a Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread!’
4 And [Jesus] replied: ‘It is written;
Man doesn’t need just bread to survive,
But all that is said by God’s mouth.’
5 Then the Slanderer took him to the Holy City, put him up on one of the Temple’s high battle towers, 6 and said: ‘If you’re a Son of God, jump down! Because it’s written,
He’ll assign [His] messengers around you,
And on their hands they will lift you,
So you won’t hit your foot on a stone.’
7 But Jesus told him: ‘Again, it is written; You shouldn’t put Jehovah your God to the test.’
8 Then, once again, the Slanderer took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he told him: ‘I will give all of these to you, if you’ll just bow down and show me your respect.’
10 But Jesus said: ‘Go away Slanderer, because it’s written:
It is Jehovah your God you must worship,
And He’s the only One you must serve.’
11 Then the Slanderer left him, and {Look!} [God’s] messengers came and started serving [Jesus’] needs.
12 Well, after hearing that John had been arrested, [Jesus] went back to Galilee… 13 he moved out of Nazareth and started living in CaperNaum (which is by the sea in the districts of ZebuLun and NaphTali). 14 This was done so [the prophecy] that was spoken through the Prophet Isaiah could be fulfilled:
15 ‘O lands of ZebuLun and NaphTali,
On the road by the sea cross the Jordan (Galilee of the gentiles);
16 People who were sitting in darkness saw great light;
And the light arose upon those who sat
In the place of the shadow of death.’
17 Well, from that time on, Jesus started preaching and saying: ‘Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near!’
18 It was while he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee that he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew… fishermen who were casting their nets on the sea. 19 And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men!’
20 Well, right away, they dropped their nets and followed him.
21 And traveling on from there, he saw two more brothers, James [the son] of ZebEdaiOu, and his brother John. They were in the boat with ZebEdaiOu their father, repairing their nets, when he called them, 22 and they immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23 Then [Jesus] traveled throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all the diseases and infirmities that the people had. 24 Why, they had even heard of him throughout the land of Syria, and these [people] also brought their sick to him – those with various diseases and ailments, the demon-possessed, as well as epileptics and paralyzed persons – and he cured them all. 25 As the result, huge crowds of people followed [Jesus] from Galilee, the DecaPolis, Jerusalem and the rest of Judea, and from the other side of the Jordan.
Chapter 5
1 Well when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he climbed a mountain and sat down, and his disciples came to him. 2 Then he started teaching them, saying:
3 ‘The spiritually impoverished are blest,
For the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to them.
4 ‘The sad are also blest,
For, comfort they will then find.
5 ‘The meek are also blest,
For they will inherit the earth.
6 ‘Those hungering and thirsting for righteousness are blest,
For they will find satisfaction.
7 ‘The merciful are [also] blest,
For mercy they will be shown.
8 ‘Those with pure hearts are blest,
For they will come to see God.
9 ‘Those who make peace are blest,
For Sons of God they’ll be called.
10 ‘Those who [must suffer] persecution,
For doing what’s righteous are blest,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 ‘You’re blest when people say bad things about you,
And when they persecute you;
[You’re blest] when they lie about you,
Or slander you for my sake.
12 Yes, happily shout and jump for joy,
For, you have great rewards in the heavens,
Since this is the very same way,
That they treated the Prophets before you.
13 ‘You are the salt of the earth,
But if salt should lose all its strength,
In what will it then taste salty?
It will be strong in nothing at all,
And thrown outside to be walked on.
14 ‘You are the light of the world.
And as a city cannot be hidden,
On the top of a mountain,
15 And as lit lamps aren’t put under baskets
(they’re put on lampstands instead;
Where they can shine throughout the house),
16 So, before men, you should let your light shine,
Then they can see your good deeds,
And give glory to your Father in heaven.
17 ‘Don’t think that I came in order to destroy,
The Law or the [words of the] Prophets.
I came to fulfill, not to destroy.
18 I tell you the truth;
More likely would heaven and earth pass away,
Than for an iota, or a piece of a letter,
To pass from the Law before this should happen.
19 For, he who breaks the least of the Commandments,
And teaches others to do the same,
Will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
But all who teach and follow [the Law],
Will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 ‘And I also say this to you;
If you aren’t more righteous than Pharisees and scribes,
You won’t stand a chance in the Kingdom of Heaven.
21 ‘You heard it was said long ago,
That [you must] not commit murder;
For, he who murders must answer to the courts.
22 However, I tell you this;
Whoever stays angry with his brother,
Must answer in the [day] of the Judgment;
And though he who calls his brother worthless,
Will have to answer to the courts;
He who [calls his brother] a moron,
Will be sentenced to the garbage-dump fires.
23 ‘If you bring a gift to [God’s] Altar,
But while you’re on the way you remember,
That your brother holds something against you,
24 Leave your gift at the Altar and go.
First make peace with your brother,
And then return to offer your gift.
25 ‘If someone has a lawsuit against you,
Settle it quickly before going to court.
Then there will be not a chance,
That you’ll fall into the hands of the judge,
And from the judge to the bailiff,
And you end up being thrown into prison.
26 I tell you this for a fact:
If that happens to you,
You won’t be released ‘til you’ve paid your last cent.
27 ‘You’ve also heard that it was said:
You must not commit adultery.
28 But I tell you that he who stares at a woman,
And develops a desire [to have] her,
Has already committed adultery in his heart.
29 ‘If your right eye should be a trap,
Pull it out and throw it away;
For it’s better to lose a piece of yourself,
Than to the garbage lose your body.
30 And if your right hand should be a trap,
Cut it off and throw it away,
For it’s better to lose a piece of yourself,
Than into the garbage lose your body.
31 ‘It was said that whoever divorces his wife,
Should give her a certificate of rejection.
32 But I say: He who divorces his wife,
For reasons other than being unfaithful,
[Marks her] her as an adulteress.
And whoever marries this divorced woman,
[Is viewed as] committing adultery
33 ‘Again, you heard it was said long ago:
You should not swear a false oath;
You must do as you vow before Jehovah.
34 However, I tell you this:
Don’t swear an oath by anything at all!
Don’t swear by heaven, for that is God’s throne;
35 Don’t swear by the earth, for that is His footstool;
Nor should you swear by Jerusalem,
For that’s the city of the great king;
36 And do not swear by your head,
For you can’t turn a hair black or white!
37 Let your yes mean just yes,
And your no mean just no,
For all beyond that is from the wicked one.
38 ‘You’ve heard that it was said:
Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.
39 But I say: Don’t fight a man who is wicked.
If someone slaps you on your right cheek,
Turn the other to him also.
40 And if someone should take you to court,
To sue you for your underwear,
Give him the rest of your clothes!
41 Or if someone forces you to serve for a mile,
Go with him for two miles.
42 Give freely to all those who ask,
And don’t turn down those who wish to borrow.
43 ‘You’ve heard that it was said:
You must love your neighbor and your enemies you must dislike.
44 But I say: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
45 For, if you do this,
You’ll prove yourselves sons of your Father in heaven.
Because, upon both the wicked and good,
He allows the sun to arise,
And to the righteous and unrighteous,
He also sends rain.
46 ‘If you love just those who love you,
Where then is your reward?
Don’t tax collectors also do that?
47 And if you just greet your brothers,
What’s so unusual about that?
Don’t the people of the nations do the same?
48 Rather, be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect!’
Chapter 6
1 ‘Be very careful not to do,
What is righteous before men,
So they can see what you’re doing,
Or you’ll receive no reward,
From your Father in heaven.
2 So when you give gifts to the needy,
Don’t blow a trumpet in the synagogue,
Or on the streets as the hypocrites do,
So they can be praised by [other] men.
For, I tell you the truth;
They’re getting their reward in full measure.
3 But when you give gifts to the needy,
Don’t [tell] your left hand what your right hand has done,
4 So your gifts to the needy can be given in secret.
Then your Father who watches in secret,
Will be [the One] who repays you.
5 ‘And do not pray like the hypocrites do,
For they pray as they stand in synagogues,
And on the corners of main streets,
So they can be seen by other men.
I tell you the truth;
They’re getting their reward in full measure.
6 But when you pray, go into your room,
And after shutting the door,
Pray to your Father in secret.
Then you’ll be repaid by your Father,
Who is watching in secret.
7 ‘When praying don’t say the same things,
As people of the nations all do,
For they think that by [repeating] they will be heard.
8 But do not act as they do,
For your God and Father knows all that you need,
Even before you should ask Him.
9 ‘Pray like this:
O our Father in heaven,
May Your Name be held Holy;
10 May Your Kingdom [soon] come,
And may all that delights You happen on earth,
As [it has] in the heavens.
11 Give us the bread that we need for this day,
12 And forgive us for the things that we owe,
As we have forgiven those who owe us.
13 [Please] don’t let us be tempted,
But from the Wicked One save us.
14 ‘For, if you overlook the mistakes of [other] men,
Your Father in heaven will overlook yours.
15 But, if you don’t overlook their mistakes,
Your Father won’t overlook yours.
16 ‘When you fast, don’t wear a sad face,
As the hypocrites do,
Who contort their faces to show that they fast.
I tell you the truth; they’re getting their reward in full measure.
17 But, whenever you fast;
Put oil on your head and wash your face,
18 So to men you don’t look like you’re fasting…
Just to your Father who watches in secret.
Then your Father who watches in secret,
Will be [the One] who repays you.
19 ‘Stop saving up treasures on earth,
Which are eaten by rust and by moths,
And where thieves can break in and steal them.
20 Rather, store up treasures in heaven,
Where they’ll not be consumed by moths or by rust,
And thieves can’t break in and steal them.
21 Because, wherever your treasures may be,
That’s where your heart will be also.
22 ‘The body’s lamp is the eye,
And if [you keep] your eye simple,
Your whole body will be bright.
23 But if your eye is just wicked,
Your whole body will be dark.
And if the only light within you is dark,
How great that darkness will be!
24 ‘No one can slave for two masters;
You won’t care for one but love the other,
Or you’ll stick with that one, and the other despise…
You can’t slave for God and for wealth!
25 This is why I tell you not to worry,
About your lives and the things that you eat ---
Or about your bodies and what you will wear.
Isn’t life more important than food,
And [your] body more important than clothes?
26 ‘Pay attention to the birds in the sky;
For, they don’t plant seeds or harvest,
Nor do they put things in stores;
Yet, your Father in heaven also feeds them.
And are you not [greater than] they are?
27 So, which of you can through worry,
Add a smidgen to your lives?
28 ‘When it comes to clothes, why [should you] worry?
Learn from the lilies in the fields,
And from the way that they grow.
For, they don’t work or make cloth;
29 But, I tell you this:
Not even Solomon in all of his glory,
Was dressed as well as are they.
30 So, if God so well dresses plants in the fields
(Which are here today and thrown in the oven tomorrow),
Wouldn’t He rather clothe you…
You with so little faith?
31 ‘So, never be worried and ask:
What will we eat and drink,
And what will we wear?
32 For, these are the things that the nations chase after.
But your Father in heaven already knows,
That you need all these things.
33 ‘Put first the Kingdom and righteousness,
Then all these things will be given to you.
34 So about tomorrow don’t worry,
For tomorrow will have its own worries,
And each day will have its own badness.
Chapter 7
1 ‘Do not judge [others] so you won’t be judged.
2 For, the [rules] that you use to judge others,
Are the rules they will use to judge you,
And the standards you are setting for them,
Are the standards that they’ll set for you.
3 ‘Why look for straw in your brother’s eye,
When you can’t see the rafter in yours?
4 How can you say to your brother,
Let me remove this straw from your eye,
When {Look!} there’s a rafter in yours?
5 Hypocrites! First remove the rafter from your eye,
And then you will clearly see,
How to take straw from your brother’s eye.
6 ‘Don’t give holy things to the dogs,
Or throw your pearls before pigs,
So they can’t trample them under their feet,
And then turn around and gore you.
7 ‘Keep asking and it will be given.
Keep searching and you will find.
Keep on knocking and it will be opened.
8 For, all will receive who keep asking;
All who keep searching will find;
And [the door] will be opened to all who keep knocking.
9 For, of which man is this not true;
When his son asks him for bread,
He will not hand him a stone;
10 Or if he should ask for a fish,
He won’t hand him a snake.
11 So, if you in your wicked condition,
Give good gifts to your children,
How much more will your Father in heaven,
Give good things to those who keep asking?
12 ‘Whatever you want men to do for you,
So should you do for them.
For a fact; that is [the point] of the Law and the Prophets.
13 ‘Go through the gate that is narrow,
For the road to destruction is wide,
And that’s the way that most others go.
14 But the gate to life is narrow and tight,
And not many will find it.
15 ‘Beware for false prophets who come dressed as sheep,
For on the inside they’re just hungry wolves.
16 By their fruitage you’ll recognize them…
For grapes aren’t picked from the briers,
And figs aren’t picked from the thistles, are they?
17 All good trees give fruit that is good,
But those that are rotten give fruit that is bad.
18 A good tree won’t bear what is bad,
And the rotten cannot produce what is good.
19 Trees that don’t bear fruit that is good,
Are cut down and thrown in the fire.
20 Really then; By their fruit you’ll recognize them.
21 ‘Not all who say Lord, Lord, to me,
Will get into the Kingdom of Heaven;
Just those doing the will of my Father in heaven.
22 But in that day many will say,
Lord, O Lord; In your name did we not prophesy,
Or in your name cast out demons…
And perform great works in your name?
23 Then I’ll tell them, I never knew you!
Get away from me you lawbreakers!’
24 ‘Those who hear what I say and then act,
Are like a wise man who built his home,
Upon rock that is firm.
25 So, when rains poured and the floods came…
And the winds beat on that house,
It didn’t fall, for upon rock it was built.
26 But those who hear what I say and don’t act,
Are like the moron who built his house on the sand.
27 Then the rains poured down and the floods came;
And the wind blew and beat on his house,
Until it fell and collapsed.
28 Well, when Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were awe-struck by his way of teaching. 29 Because, unlike their scribes, he taught with authority.
Chapter 8
1 Then, when he came down the mountain, large crowds followed him. 2 And {Look!} a man with leprosy came up and bowed low saying: ‘Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean.’
3 And stretching out his hand, he touched him, saying, ‘I want to. Be clean.’ Well, immediately [the man] was wiped clean of his leprosy.
4 Then Jesus told him, ‘Don’t tell anyone [about this], but go and show yourself to the Priests and offer the gift that Moses specified, so they can testify to what happened.’
5 And when he entered CaperNaum, a [Roman] Centurion came to him pleading, 6 ‘Lord; My [house]boy is so paralyzed that he can’t leave home, and he’s in a lot of pain!’
7 And [Jesus] said to him, ‘I’ll cure him when I get there.’
8 However, the Centurion said, ‘Sir, I’m unfit to have you enter my house. Just say the word and I know that my boy will be healed. 9 You see, I’m also a man who has been given authority, because I have soldiers under me. And if I tell this one, Be on your way, he’s on his way; or to another, Come, he comes; or to my slave, Do this, he does it.’
10 Well, Jesus was amazed, and he said to those who were following him, ‘I tell you the truth; I haven’t found anyone in Israel with so great a faith. 11 So, I say that many from the sunrise and sunset will come and recline [at the table] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 However, the Sons of the Kingdom will be thrown into the darkness outside, and there they will cry and grind their teeth.’
13 Then Jesus said to the Centurion, ‘Go! Let it be just as you have believed.’ And the [house]boy was healed in that very hour.
14 Well, when he got to Peter’s house, Jesus saw [Peter’s] mother-in-law lying down and burning up with a fever. 15 So he touched her hand and the fever left her. Then she got up and started serving him.
16 That evening, people brought him many who were demon-possessed. So, he cast out the spirits with a word and he cured all those who were in poor health, 17 so that the words spoken through the Prophet IsaiJah might be fulfilled; ‘He took our sicknesses and carried our diseases on himself.’
18 When Jesus saw that people were starting to crowd around him, he gave orders to leave for the other side [of the Sea of Galilee]. 19 But then a scribe came up to him and said, ‘Teacher, I’ll follow you wherever you go.’
20 However, Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have burrows and birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’
21 Then another disciple said to him, ‘Lord; First let me go and bury my father.’
22 But Jesus told him: ‘Keep following me and let the dead bury their own dead.’
23 Then he stepped into a boat and his disciples followed. 24 However, {Look!} the sea started shaking and waves were crashing over the boat; and at the time, [Jesus] was sleeping. 25 So [the disciples] came and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us, because we’re about to be destroyed!’
26 But [Jesus] asked, ‘Why are you so afraid… you with so little faith?’
Then he got up and scolded the winds and the sea, and a great calm set in. 27 So the [disciples] wondered at this and asked, ‘What kind of person is this? Why, even the wind and sea obey him!’
28 Well, when they got to the other side [of the sea], into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him [as they were] coming out from among the tombs. They were so unusually fierce that no one else had the courage to pass that way. 29 And {Look!} they shouted, ‘What do you want with us, O Son of God? Did you come here before the appointed time to torment us?’
30 Well, a long way off was a large herd of pigs that were feeding [in a field]. 31 So, the demons begged [Jesus], saying, ‘If you throw us out, send us into that herd of pigs!’
32 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go on!’
Then they came out and went into the pigs. And {Look!} the entire herd ran down a steep cliff into the sea, where they died in the water.
33 Well, those who were keeping watch over the pigs in the pasture ran away. And when they got to the city, they told about everything that had happened, including the story of the demon-possessed men. 34 Then {Look!} everyone in the city came out to meet Jesus. But after they saw him, they begged him to cross back [over the sea], away from their districts.
Chapter 9
1 So, stepping into the boat, he crossed [the sea] and traveled [back] to the town where he was staying. 2 And there {Look!} they brought him a paralyzed man lying on a cot. And on seeing such faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage child; your sins are forgiven.’
3 However, {Look!} some scribes [who overheard this] were thinking to themselves: ‘He’s blaspheming!’
4 But Jesus (who knew what they were thinking) said, ‘Why are you thinking such wicked things in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say your sins are forgiven, or just get up and walk? 6 I want you to know that the Son of Man has the power to forgive sins here on the earth.’
Then he told the paralytic, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and go home.’ 7 And with that, he got up and went home.
8 Well, when the crowds saw this, they were frightened and started praising God who gives such powers to men.
9 It was while traveling on from there, that Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting in the tax office. And he said to him, ‘Be my follower.’ And immediately, [Matthew] stood up and followed him.
10 Then later, while [Jesus] was reclining at the table in [Matthew’s] home, {Look!} many tax collectors and sinners came in and reclined along with Jesus and his disciples. 11 But on seeing this, the Pharisees asked [Jesus’] disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
12 Overhearing that, [Jesus] answered, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor… only the sick do. 13 So, go and learn the meaning of the words, I want mercy, not sacrifice. For, I didn’t come to call the righteous, just the sinners.’
14 Then some of John’s disciples came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Why is it that; Although the Pharisees and we fast regularly, your disciples don’t fast?’
15 And Jesus answered: ‘The bridegroom’s friends don’t have any reason to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them, do they? But the day is coming when the bridegroom will be taken away from them… and then they will fast.
16 ‘No one sews a patch of un-shrunk cloth onto old clothes, because its [shrinking] strength would pull the clothes and make the tear worse. 17 Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins, for if they did, the wineskins would burst, spilling the wine and ruining the wineskins. Therefore, people put new wine into new wineskins, so both things are preserved,’
18 Well, as he was telling them this, {Look!} a certain ruler came up and bowed low saying, ‘By now my daughter must be dead… but come and lay your hands on her and she will come back to life!’
19 Then Jesus got up and followed the man, as did his disciples.
20 {Look!} But [on the way], a woman who had suffered from a blood flow for some twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe on [Jesus’] clothes. 21 [She did this] because she kept saying to herself, ‘If I can just touch his clothes I’ll be saved [from this illness].’
22 Well, Jesus turned around and saw her, then said, ‘Take courage daughter; Your faith has saved you.’ And from that hour on, the woman became well.
23 Then, when he entered the ruler’s house and saw flute players and a wailing crowd, 24 Jesus said, ‘Leave! The little girl didn’t die, she’s just sleeping!’ And they all started to laugh and make fun of him. 25 But after the crowd had been ushered outside, [Jesus] went in, took hold of her hand, and the little girl got up. 26 Well, word of this spread throughout all that area.
27 And as Jesus was leaving there, two blind men started following him, hoarsely shouting, ‘Have pity on us, O Son of David!’
28 And when he went inside the house, these blind men followed him in. So, Jesus asked, ‘Do you really believe that I can do this?’
And they answered, ‘Yes, Lord!’
29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘As you believed, may it happen to you;’ 30 and their eyes were opened. Then Jesus warned them sternly: ‘Make sure that no one hears about this!’ 31 But after going outside, they spread the news about what he did throughout all that area.
32 Now, as they were leaving, {Look!} people brought him a man who couldn’t speak, because he was demon possessed. 33 However, after the demon had been thrown out, the man was able to speak. Well, the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.’ 34 But the Pharisees were saying, ‘He throws out demons by the ruler of the demons.’
35 Then Jesus traveled around to all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and curing every sort of disease and infirmity.
36 But on seeing the crowds, he felt sad for them, because they were scraped and knocked about like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, ‘There is in fact a huge harvest, but too few workers. 38 So, beg the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into the field to do His harvesting.’
Chapter 10
1 Then he called his twelve disciples to him and gave them the power to dominate and throw out unclean spirits, and to cure every sort of disease and infirmity.
2 These are the names of the twelve Apostles: First there is Simon (who is called Peter), and Andrew his brother. And there’s James the son of ZebEdaiOu and his brother, John. 3 Then there are Philip, BarTholomew ([NathaniEl]), Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alpheus, ThadDeus ([Judas]), 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas IsCariot (who [later] betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent these twelve out, giving them the orders: ‘Don’t go to the nations and don’t go into Samaritan cities. 6 Just go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 [You may each] go your own way, but as you go, preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Cure sick people, raise the dead, make lepers clean, and throw out demons… you received free, so give free. 9 Don’t get gold, silver, or copper to carry in your waist sashes, 10 or a food pouch for the trip… or two pairs of underwear, or sandals, or a walking stick… because a worker deserves his food.
11 ‘Whenever you enter a city or village, search for those who are worthy and stay with them until you leave. 12 When you enter a house, offer the household a greeting of peace. 13 And if the house is worthy, let peace come into it. But if it isn’t worthy, let the peace return to you.
14 ‘Wherever anyone doesn’t take you in or listen to your words; On leaving that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 I tell you the truth; On the Judgment Day, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and GomorRah than for that city.
16 ‘Look, I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves. So, prove yourselves as cautious as snakes but as innocent as doves. 17 Watch out for men who will take you to local courts and whip you in their synagogues. 18 Why, you will be taken before governors and kings for my sake, as a witness to them and to the nations. 19 However, when they bring you up [for trial]; don’t worry about what to say or how to say it, because what you should say will be given to you at that time… 20 you won’t be the only ones talking; your Father’s Breath will be speaking through you.
21 ‘Brothers will betray brothers for death, as fathers will do to their children. Children will rise against parents, and have them put to death… 22 and all will hate you because of my name. But, he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 ‘When they persecute you in this city, [you should just] run to another. Because, I tell you the truth; You may not call on all of Israel’s cities, before the Son of Man arrives.
24 ‘A disciple isn’t higher than his teacher, nor is a slave over his master. 25 It should be good enough for a disciple, to become just like his teacher, and a slave to become like his master. But, if the people called the master of the house BeelZebub, then how much moreo [will they say it] of the rest in his home. 26 So, of them don’t be afraid!
‘There’s nothing that’s covered which won’t be uncovered, and there’s no secret that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness [you must] say in the light. And whatever is whispered in your ear, [you should] preach from the housetops!
28 ‘Don’t fear those who can kill the body, but are unable to kill the person. Rather, fear Him who can destroy, both person and body in the garbage dump.
29 ‘Don’t two sparrows sell for just little? Yet, none of them falls to the ground, without [the knowledge] of your Father. 30 Why, the hairs of your head are all counted, 31 so don’t be afraid, because you’re worth more than many sparrows!
32 ‘For all who admit before men that they’re with me, I will admit that I’m with them also, before my Father in the heavens. 33 But whoever denies knowing me before men, I’ll also deny that I know him, before my Father in the heavens.
34 ‘Don’t think that I came to bring peace on the earth… I didn’t came to bring peace, but the sword! 35 I came to divide a man and his father, a daughter against her own mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. 36 For a fact; A man’s enemies will be those in his own home! 37 But he who cares less for me, than for his father or mother, isn’t worthy of me. And he who cares less for me, than for his sons or his daughters, isn’t worthy of me. 38 And he who won’t carry his pole, and always follow after me, isn’t worthy of me. 39 For, those who find life will lose it, and those loosing their lives for my sake, will [be the ones who will] find it.
40 ‘Those who invite you into [their homes], are also inviting me in. And those who are inviting me [into their homes], also invite Him who sent me. 41 Those inviting a Prophet because he is a Prophet, will get a Prophet’s reward. And those who invite a righteous man in, because [of his] righteousness, will get the reward of the righteous. 42 And whoever gives one of these least ones, so much as a cold cup of water, because he is my disciple; he will not lose his reward… I promise that.’
Chapter 11
1 Now, when Jesus had finished giving his twelve disciples these instructions, he went out to preach and teach in their cities. 2 But John [the Baptist], who was in jail, heard about the things that the Anointed One was doing, so he sent his disciples 3 to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’
4 In reply, Jesus said to them, ‘Go back and report to John what you are hearing and seeing. 5 The blind are seeing, the lame are walking, lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are being told the good news. 6 So, he who doesn’t stumble over me is blest.’
7 Then, after [John’s disciples] had gone, Jesus asked the crowd about John: ‘What did you go to the desert to see; reeds being blown in the wind? 8 Yes, what did you go out to see; a man who was dressed in soft clothes? Those wearing soft clothes live in mansions. 9 So really, why did you go… [did you go] to see one who’s a Prophet? Yes! And I tell you; one who’s far more than a Prophet, 10 for this is he about whom it’s written, {Look!} I’m sending my messenger ahead, to prepare the way that’s before you!
11 ‘I tell you the truth; Of all those born to women, there has never been anyone raised who is greater than John the Baptist. But a person who is the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, is [someone] who is greater than he.
12 From the time of John [until now], the Kingdom of Heaven was the goal for which men have been reaching… and those who keep reaching will catch it. 13 Because, all the Prophets and the Law prophesied about this (until John). 14 And he’s the EliJah who was [prophesied] to come. 15 Let those who have ears now listen!
16 ‘To whom can I compare this generation? You’re like young children who sit in the markets, and then shout at their playmates: 17 We played the flute, but you didn’t dance. We wailed, but you did not beat yourselves!
18 ‘When John came; he didn’t eat fine meals and he drank no [wine], so people say that he has demon. 19 However, because the Son of Man eats good food, and drinks [wine], people say: {Look!} He’s an alchoholic and glutton… a friend of tax collectors and sinners! So, wisdom is proven righteous by the things that it does.’
20 Then he started to scold the cities where he had done most of his powerful deeds, because they hadn’t repented. 21 ‘Woe to you ChoraZin, and woe to you O BethSaida; for if the powerful deeds that have happened in you, as had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago they would have repented, [wearing] sackcloth and ashes. 22 That’s why I say that the Judgment Day, will be easier to bear for Tyre and Sidon, than [it will be] for you.
23 ‘And you O CaperNaum; Will you be lifted to heaven? You will go into your grave! For if the powerful deeds that happened in you, as had also happened in Sodom, it would still be here today. 24 That’s why I say it will be easier to bear, for the land of Sodom on the Judgment Day, than it will be for you,’
25 It was concerning this, that Jesus prayed: ‘I praise you publicly Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for You’ve hidden these things from the smart and the wise, and uncovered them to those who are babes. 26 Yes, Father; This is the way You approved.
27 ‘My Father has given it all to me… and no one knows the Son like his Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son (and anyone to whom the Son should wish to reveal Him).
28 ‘Come to me, all you who work hard, and you who are overburdened, and I will give you refreshment. 29 Learn from me and put on my yoke, for I’m meek and have a gentle heart, and you’ll find refreshment for your lives… 30 my yoke is gentle and my load is light.’
Chapter 12
1 Well, at the time, Jesus was traveling through the grain fields on the Sabbath; and on the way, his disciples got hungry and started picking the grain and eating it. 2 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said, ‘Look! Your disciples are doing what isn’t legal on the Sabbath!’
3 And [Jesus] replied, ‘Haven’t you read what David did when he and his men got hungry; 4 how they entered the House of God and ate the show bread… something that wasn’t legal for them to eat, since it was only for the Priests? 5 Or, haven’t you read in the Law that the Priests in the Temple can violate the Sabbath and still not be guilty? 6 Now, I’m telling you that; Something greater than the Temple is here! 7 And if you understood what the words mean, I want mercy, not sacrifice, you probably wouldn’t be condemning these innocent ones, 8 because, the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath!’
9 Well, after leaving there, he entered their synagogue, 10 {Look!} where he found a man with a withered hand. So [the Pharisees] asked [Jesus], ‘Is curing on the Sabbath allowed?’ (They said this so they could find something that they could accuse him of doing.)
11 But he answered, ‘Which of you who has a sheep, and if it should fall into a ditch on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you go and lift it out? 12 Now, how much more is a man worth than a sheep? So, it’s legal to do good things on the Sabbath.’
13 Then he told the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So, he stretched it out and it became healthy, just like the other hand.
14 However, the Pharisees went out and assembled a counsel to destroy him, 15 and Jesus knew this, so he left that place.
Yet, many followed him and he cured them all. 16 However, he sternly warned them not to expose him, 17 so that the words spoken through the Prophet IsaiJah might be fulfilled, which said, 18 ‘{Look!} My chosen child… My loved one who’s approved by My soul! I will put My Breath in him, and he’ll report My judgments to the nations. 19 He will not argue or shout, nor will they hear his voice in the main streets. 20 He will not crush a bruised stalk, or extinguish a smoking linen wick, until he brings triumph to justice. 21 And nations will hope in his name.’
22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and couldn’t speak, and he cured him, so he could both speak and see. 23 Well, all the crowds were amazed and started asking, ‘Isn’t this the Son of David?’
24 But on hearing that, the Pharisees said, ‘He’s throwing out demons by [the power of] BeelZebub, the ruler of the demons!’
25 And because he knew what they were thinking, [Jesus] said to them, ‘All kingdoms that are divided will fall, and divided cities or houses won’t stand; 26 So, if the Opposer throws out the Opposer, he is just fighting himself, and how can his kingdom then stand? 27 If I use BeelZebub to cast out demons; what do your sons use to cast them out? So this is why they’ll condemn you. 28 However, if I cast out demons by [the power of] God’s Breath, then God’s Kingdom has now overrun you!
29 ‘How can you break into the house of a strong man, and steal his things before tying [him up]? For, only then can his house be sacked. 30 Now, those that aren’t with me are against me, and those not on my side will be scattered.
31 ‘So, I’m now telling you this: Men can be forgiven, for all their sins and blasphemies, except for blaspheming [God’s Holy] Breath… that will not be forgiven. 32 If someone should speak against the Son of Man; this can be forgiven. But if someone speaks against [God’s] Holy Breath, he will not be forgiven… no, not in this age or in that to come. 33 So, declare the tree and its fruit to be good, or make the tree and [all] its fruit rotten; for it’s by their fruit that you recognize trees.
34 ‘Children of vipers; How can you speak good, when you’re so wicked? For, your mouths speak of the things that fill your hearts. 35 A good man speaks from the good treasures [in his heart]; but a wicked man speaks wicked things, because of the wickedness [in his heart]. 36 And I tell you that on the Judgment Day, they will have to answer for the things, which they’ve said to mislead others. 37 Because, either you’ll be found to be righteous, or you’ll be condemned by the things that you say.’
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him: ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you!’
39 And [Jesus] replied: ‘A wicked and adulterous generation, looks for signs, but they will receive none, other than the sign of JonAh the Prophet. 40 For, just as JonAh was there in the belly, of the sea creature three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will then be, in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
41 ‘Men of Nineveh will be resurrected, in the Judgment Day with this generation, and they too will condemn it; For they repented at what Jonah preached. But look… something more than Jonah is here!
42 ‘The Queen of the South will be resurrected, in the Judgment Day with this generation, and she will also condemn it; For she came from the ends of the earth, to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. But look… something more than Solomon is here!
43 ‘When an unclean spirit leaves a man, it travels through [many] dry places, searching for a place to rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, I’ll just go back to the house that I moved from. And then upon its return; it finds [the house] empty, swept clean, and furnished. 45 So, soon it moves back in, but brings along seven more spirits, that are even more wicked than he. And after [they all] get inside him, they will dwell in him also. So as it turns out; The man is worse off than when he started… and that’s how this wicked generation will be.’
46 Well, while he was still talking to the crowds, {Look!} his mother and brothers were waiting outside to speak to him. 47 So, someone told [Jesus], ‘Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak with you.’
48 But he asked that person, ‘Just who is my mother and who are my brothers?’ 49 Then he held out his hand toward his disciples and said, ‘Look… my mother and my brothers, 50 because; Those who do the wishes of my Father in heaven, are my brothers, sisters, and mother.’
Chapter 13
1 And then there was the day when Jesus came out of the house and was sitting by the sea, 2 as huge crowds gathered around him. So, he stepped into a boat and sat down, while the crowd stood on the beach. 3 Then he started speaking to them in illustrations, saying, ‘{Look!} A farmer went out to do planting. 4 And as he was doing his planting, some [seeds] fell by the side of the road, where birds came up and ate them. 5 Others fell among rocks, where there wasn’t much soil, but quickly grew although it was shallow. 6 And when the sun rose they were scorched, and they withered because they didn’t root. 7 Others fell among briers, which [quickly] grew and choked them out. 8 Still others fell on the good soil, and started producing [much] fruit; this one a hundred, that one just sixty, and the other one produced thirty. 9 Let he who has ears now listen!’
10 So, the disciples came and asked, ‘Why are you talking to them in illustrations?’
11 And he replied: ‘You’ve been allowed to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but they haven’t. 12 For, whoever has, will be given more, and then he will have more than enough. But from those who don’t have, even the things that they own will be taken. 13 This is why I speak to them in illustrations; because when they look, they don’t see, and when they listen, they don’t hear or understand the meaning. 14 The prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in them that says, By listening, you will hear, but not understand, and by looking, you will look, but not see.
15 ‘The hearts of these people have grown thick, their ears listen heavily, and their eyes are closed, so they’ll never see with their eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their hearts, then turn around so I can heal them. 16 However, your eyes are blest, because they can see… as are your ears, because they can hear. 17 I tell you the truth; Many of the Prophets and righteous men wished to see the things you’re seeing, and didn’t see them; and to hear the things you’re hearing, and didn’t hear them.
18 ‘So now, listen to the [meaning of the] illustration of the farmer who planted: 19 Whenever someone hears about the Kingdom, but doesn’t understand it, the wicked one comes and snatches away what has been planted in his heart. This one was planted beside the road.
20 ‘As for the one that was planted among the rocks; He’s the one who hears the word and quickly accepts it with joy. 21 But because he has no roots, he’s just here for a short time. For, when hard times or persecution come along because of the Word, he’s immediately trapped.
22 ‘As for the one planted among the thistles; This one hears the word, but the concerns of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke-out the Word and he doesn’t produce fruit.
23 ‘But, as for the one planted on good soil; He hears the Word, understands it, and actually puts out fruit… this one a hundred, that one sixty, and the other thirty.’
24 He gave them another illustration, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man, who had good seeds planted in his field. 25 But while his men were all sleeping, an enemy came and then scattered, weed [seeds] over the wheat, and then left. 26 So, when the blades sprouted with fruit, the weeds also appeared.
27 ‘Then the master’s slaves came and asked, Lord, weren’t those good seeds [you gave us], for us to plant in your field? So, why are there so many weeds?
28 ‘And he replied, It was an enemy of mine who did this.
‘So, they asked, Then, do you want us to go and pull up [the weeds]?
29 ‘And he replied, No, for as you pull out the weeds, you might uproot the wheat! 30 Just let them all both grow together, until it is time for the harvest. Then I’ll tell the reapers to first collect weeds, into bundles and burn them. Then gather the wheat to my storehouse.’
31 He told them another illustration, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is as a mustard seed, that a man had planted in his field. 32 For a fact, it’s the smallest of seeds. But when it grows, it then becomes, the largest among the vegetables, and actually grows [as larges as] a tree; so the birds of the sky can roost in its branches.’
33 He told them another illustration: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like fermentation, that a woman hid in three scoops of flour, until it was filled with fermentation.’
34 Jesus said all these things to the crowds in illustrations. It’s a fact that if he wasn’t using illustrations, he wasn’t talking to them. 35 This was done to fulfill what was spoken through the Prophet, which said, ‘I will open my mouth with illustrations. I will talk about things that were hidden, since the founding [of the world].’
36 Then, after dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. And there, his disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain the illustration of the weeds in the field to us.’
37 So [Jesus] said, ‘The one who planted the good seeds is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world. As for the good seeds; They are the sons of the Kingdom, but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, 39 and the enemy who planted them is the Slanderer. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are [God’s] messengers.
40 ‘So, just as the weeds are collected and burned in a fire, that’s how it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his messengers to collect all the snares and all the lawless people out of his Kingdom, 42 and they will be thrown into a flaming furnace, where they will cry and grind [their] teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine as brightly as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father… Let those with ears listen!
44 ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man found and hid in a field; and to [get the treasure], he went and sold everything he had to buy that field.
45 ‘Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a traveling merchant who was searching for good pearls, 46 and when he found one very valuable pearl, he went away and quickly sold everything he had to buy it.
47 ‘Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that is dropped into the sea to collect every sort [of sea creature]; 48 then when it is full, they haul it onto the beach and sit down to collect the good ones into containers and to throw the bad ones away. 49 That’s how it will be at the end of the age; for the messengers will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous, 50 and they will throw [the wicked] into a flaming furnace, where they will cry and grind their teeth.’
51 [He then asked], ‘Did you understand all these things?’
And they answered, ‘Yes.’
52 Then he said: ‘So, every instructor (when serving as a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven) is like a man, a master of his house, who brings both old and new things out of his treasures.’
53 Now, when Jesus had finished explaining these illustrations, he left that area. 54 And going to the place where he was raised, he started teaching in their synagogue. However, they were dumbfounded and asked, ‘Where did this man get such wisdom and powers? 55 Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 And his sisters… aren’t they all with us? Where did he get all these things?’
57 So, they were trapped by him. But Jesus said, ‘A Prophet isn’t [treated] without honor, except in the area where he was raised and in his own home.’ 58 And he didn’t do many powerful deeds there, because of their lack of faith.
Chapter 14
1 It was about this time that the district ruler, Herod, heard about Jesus. 2 And he said to his boys, ‘This is John the Baptist. He was raised from the dead, and this is why he can do such powerful things.’
3 Herod had arrested John and thrown him in prison because of his Brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John kept telling him: ‘It’s against the Law for you to have her.’ 5 And although [Herod] wanted to kill [John], he was afraid of the masses, because they believed he was a Prophet. 6 But during Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’ daughter danced, which pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her anything she asked for. 8 So (with her mother’s coaching) she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’
9 Well, the king was really saddened by this; but because he had given his word (and because of those who were eating at the table with him), [Herod] gave the command 10 and sent to have John beheaded in prison. 11 Then, when his head was brought in on a platter, it was given to the young girl, and she took it to her mother.
12 Later, [John’s] disciples came to get his body and buried him. Then they went back and reported this to Jesus. 13 And when Jesus heard about it, he took a boat to a quiet place where he could be alone. But when the crowds heard [where Jesus was going], they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 So, when he got there, he saw a huge crowd of people. And feeling sorry for them, he cured their sick.
15 Then that evening, [Jesus’] disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place and it’s really late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy something to eat!’
16 But Jesus replied, ‘They don’t have to go; you give them something to eat!’
17 However, [the disciples] answered, ‘All we have is five loaves [of bread] and two fish.’
18 Then he said, ‘Bring them to me.’
19 Next, he told the crowd to lie down on the grass. Then he took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he spoke a blessing, and then he broke the bread and handed it to the disciples, and the disciples distributed in to the crowds. 20 So, all ate until they were full. And when they picked up the scraps, there were twelve baskets full. 21 Yet, almost five thousand men ate, not counting the women and children.
22 Then [Jesus] immediately sent the crowds away and had his disciples take the boat in order to go to the other side [of the sea] ahead of him. 23 And once the crowds were gone, he went up the mountain to a private spot to pray. And although it was getting dark, he stayed there alone.
24 Well, by then the boat was already a long way from land, and it was fighting the waves, because [a strong] wind was blowing against it. 25 Then, [sometime before sunrise, Jesus] came to them, walking over the sea. 26 And when they saw him walking on the sea, the disciples were terrified and said, ‘It’s a phantom!’ And they screamed in fear.
27 But right away, Jesus told them, ‘Be brave… don’t be afraid, it’s me!’
28 In reply, Peter said, ‘Lord; If it’s you, command me to come to you on top of the water!’
29 So [Jesus] said, ‘Come!’
Then Peter got out of the boat and walked across the water toward Jesus. 30 But he got distracted by the windstorm and became afraid, and then he started to sink and shouted, ‘Lord, save me!’
31 Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him, then said, ‘You with so little faith; Why did you start to doubt?’
32 And after they got into the boat, the windstorm subsided. 33 Then the others in the boat bowed low to him, saying: ‘You really are God’s Son.’
34 Finally, they finished the crossing and came to land in GenNesaret. 35 There the men recognized him and sent word throughout the surrounding countryside, and people brought him all those who weren’t doing well. 36 They all begged to just touch the fringes on his clothes. And everyone who touched them was made completely well.
Chapter 15
1 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, to ask, 2 ‘Why do your disciples overstep the traditions of the elders? For example, they don’t wash their hands before they eat bread.’
3 But [Jesus] asked, ‘Why is it that you overstep the Commands of God with your traditions? 4 God told you to honor your father and mother, and to have those who speak badly to their fathers or mothers be put to death! 5 Yet, you say: You may tell your father and mother that if they get any help from you, it will be a gift. 6 So, [what you are really saying] is that they shouldn’t honor their parents at all. And when you do this, you are voiding the Word of God with your traditions. 7 You hypocrites! How well Isaiah prophesied about you when he said, 8 These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me! 9 It’s a waste for them to keep worshiping Me, because they preach the teachings of men as commandments.’
10 With that, he called the crowds closer and said to them, ‘Listen and understand: 11 It isn’t what goes into his mouth that dirty a man, it’s the things that come out of his mouth that pollute him!’
12 Then the disciples came up and asked, ‘Don’t you know that the Pharisees were stumbled by what you said?’
13 But he replied, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 So, let them go, for they’re blind guides; and if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.’
15 Then Peter said, ‘Then explain that illustration to us.’
16 And [Jesus] asked, ‘Don’t you get the point? 17 Don’t you realize that whatever you put into your mouth goes into your belly and then into the sewer? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart… these are the things that dirty a man. 19 Because, out of the heart comes wicked thinking, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, thievery, false testimony, and blasphemy. 20 These are the things that pollute a man! But eating with unwashed hands doesn’t dirty a man.’
21 Well, on leaving that place, Jesus next traveled up into areas of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And {Look!} a Phoenician woman who was there, came and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me Lord, O Son of David, for my daughter is badly demonized.’
23 However, [Jesus] wouldn’t answer her.
Then his disciples asked him to [do something for her], because ‘she keeps following us and shouting at us.’
24 And he answered, ‘I wasn’t sent to [help] any of those, other than just the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’
25 But when the woman came closer, she bowed low to [Jesus] and begged him, ‘Lord, help me!’
26 So he said to her, ‘It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the puppies.’
27 But she replied, ‘Yes Lord; But aren’t puppies allowed to eat crumbs that fall from the tables of their masters?’
28 Then Jesus answered, ‘O woman, you have a lot of faith. May it be as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed from that hour on.
29 Well, going cross-country from there, Jesus traveled close to the Sea of Galilee. Here he climbed a mountain and sat down. 30 Then large crowds came to him, bringing along people who were lame, injured, blind, and unable to speak (along with many others). They almost threw them at his feet, and he cured them. 31 So the crowds were amazed when they saw the speechless talking, the lame walking, and the blind seeing, and they praised the God of Israel.
32 Finally, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I feel sorry for the crowds, because they’ve stayed with me for three days and they don’t have anything to eat. I certainly don’t want to send them away hungry, because they might give out on the road!’
33 However, the disciples asked: ‘Where are we going to get enough bread to satisfy this large a crowd in such a remote location?’
34 And Jesus asked: ‘How many loaves do you have?’
They replied, ‘Seven, and a few little fish.’
35 So, he told the crowd to lie down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after offering thanks, broke them, gave them to the disciples, and the disciples in turn [gave them] to the crowd, 37 and they all ate and were satisfied. And [afterward], they picked up seven full provision baskets of scraps. 38 Yet, there were four thousand men, plus women and children, who ate!
39 Finally, after sending the crowd away, he got into the boat and traveled to the area of Magadan.
Chapter 16
1 Here the Pharisees and Sadducees came to [Jesus] and tried to tempt him by asking for a sign from heaven. 2 --- 3 --- But he said,
4 ‘A wicked and adulterous generation,
Keeps on looking for signs,
But no sign will be given [to them],
Other than the sign of Jonah.’
And he just walked away, leaving them there.
5 Then, when the disciples got to the other side [of the sea], they [realized that they] had forgotten to bring along any bread. 6 So, when Jesus told them: ‘Keep your eyes open and watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and Sadducees,’ 7 they said to each other, ‘Why? We didn’t bring any bread along!’
8 Well, knowing this, Jesus said, ‘You with so little faith; Why are you talking about not having bread? 9 Don’t you get the point… don’t you remember how [we fed] five thousand [with just] five loaves, and how many baskets you picked up; 10 or how we fed four thousand with the other seven loaves, and how many provision baskets you picked up? 11 So, why do you fail to recognize that I’m not talking to you about bread? [I’m telling you to] watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and Sadducees!’
12 Well, with that, they [finally] realized that he wasn’t telling them to watch out for the fermentation in the bread, but for the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13 Then, when he went to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who are people saying the Son of Man is?’
14 And they replied, ‘Some say you’re John the Baptist, others EliJah, and still others say you are JeremiJah or one of the Prophets.’
15 And he asked, ‘But, who do you say that I am?’
16 And Simon Peter answered: ‘You’re the Anointed; the Son of the Living God.’
17 Then Jesus said to him, ‘You are blest, Simon, son of Jonah, because this wasn’t shown to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in the heavens.
18 ‘I also tell you this: You are Rock (Peter); but I will build my congregation on this bedrock so that the gates of the grave won’t overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in the heavens. And whatever you set free on the earth will be set free in the heavens.’
20 Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Anointed One. 21 And that’s when Jesus (the Anointed) started showing his disciples that he would have to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at [the hands of] the elders, Chief Priests, and scribes. Then he would be killed, but [he would be] raised on the third day.
22 But Peter took him aside and started scolding him, saying, ‘Be kind to yourself Lord; this isn’t going to happen to you!’
23 Then [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me opposer! You’re a trap to me, because you aren’t thinking God’s thoughts, but those of men.’
24 And Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny his own needs, pick up his impaling pole, and keep following me. 25 For, whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 Why, what good does it do for a man to gain the whole world if he loses his life? Or what will a man give [to save] his life?
27 ‘Now, the Son of Man is about to go into the glory of his Father and His messengers, and then he will repay each one for the things that they did. 28 I tell you the truth; Some of you who are standing here won’t taste death until you see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.’
Chapter 17
1 Then, six days later, Jesus took along Peter, James, and John (the brother of James), and brought them to a private spot on a high mountain, 2 where he changed form in front of them… his face became as bright as the sun and his clothes were as white as light. 3 And {Look!} they saw Moses and EliJah talking to [Jesus].
4 In reaction, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it’s good for us to be here! And if you want, I’ll erect three temporary structures; one for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah.’
5 But as he spoke {Look!}, a bright cloud covered them and {Look!} a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my loved Son whom I’ve approve… listen to him!
6 Well, at hearing this, the disciples were frightened and they fell to their faces. 7 Then Jesus came over to them and touched them, saying, ‘Get up; don’t be afraid.’ 8 And when they looked up, they saw just Jesus by himself.
9 Then, as they walked down the mountain, Jesus came up and warned them saying: ‘Don’t tell anyone what you saw until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
10 Thereafter, these disciples asked him, ‘Why do the scribes say that EliJah must come first?’
11 And he told them, ‘EliJah does indeed come, and he restores everything. 12 However, I tell you that EliJah has already come and they didn’t recognize him, so they did whatever they wanted to him… and this is the same way that the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands!’
13 And it was then that the disciples realized he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14 Well, as they were approaching a crowd, a man came up to him, kneeled down, and said, 15 ‘Lord, have mercy on my son! He has epilepsy and often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t cure him.’
17 Then Jesus said, ‘O faithless and twisted generation; How much longer must I be with you… how much longer will I have to put up with you? Bring him here to me!’ 18 So, Jesus scolded the demon and it came out, and the boy was cured from that hour on.
19 Later on, the disciples came to Jesus while he was alone and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we cast it out?’
20 And he answered, ‘Because of your lack of faith! I tell you the truth; If your faith was the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it would go… nothing would be impossible for you!’
21 ——
22 Then, it was while they were all gathered in Galilee that Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men 23 who will kill him… but he will be raised the third day.’ And this made them all very sad.
24 Well, after they arrived in CaperNaum, the men collecting the double-silver [tax] came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the double-silver [tax]?’
25 And he replied, ‘Yes.’
However, when he went into the house, Jesus was already ahead of him and asked, ‘What do you think, Simon; Who do the kings of the earth get their duties or head taxes from, their sons or from strangers?’
26 And [Peter] answered, ‘From strangers.’
And Jesus said, ‘Then the sons are really tax-free! 27 But, so that we don’t [become] a trap to them; go to the sea, cast out a hook, and take the first fish you catch. Then, when you open its mouth, you’ll find a coin. Take that and give it to them for both you and me.’
Chapter 18
1 It was less than an hour later that the disciples came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Which [of us] will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’
2 Then [Jesus] called a little boy over and stood him in their midst, 3 and said: ‘I tell you the truth; Unless you change your ways and become like little boys, you won’t get into the Kingdom of Heaven! 4 But, whoever humbles himself like this little boy is the one who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes such a little boy in my name, welcomes me. 6 But if anyone should set a trap for one of these little ones that believes in me; it would be better for him to have the type of millstone that’s turned by a burro hung around his neck, and then to be dropped into the open sea.
7 ‘Woe to this world because of its traps! Of course, traps will be there, but woe to the man who sets them! 8 If your hand or your foot traps you, cut it off and throw it away. For it’s better to enter life maimed or lame than to be thrown into the fire of the age with two hands or two feet. 9 Also, if your eye is a trap to you, tear it out and throw it away. For it’s better for you to enter life with one eye than to be thrown with two eyes into the fiery garbage dump.
10 ‘And make sure that you don’t dislike one of these little ones, because I tell you; Their messengers look on the face of my Father in the heavens throughout all time! 11 ——
12 ‘What do you think… if a man comes to have a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won’t he leave the ninety-nine --- and search for the one that strayed? 13 And if he happens to find it, I tell you; he’s happier over that one than over the ninety-nine which didn’t stray! 14 So, my Father in the heavens doesn’t want even one of these little ones to perish. 15 Therefore, if your brother should sin, take him aside and discuss it between you and him alone; and if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, bring along one or two others, so that whatever is said can be proven by the mouths of two or three witnesses. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, then speak to the congregation. But if he refuses to listen to even the congregation, then let him become as a man of the nations or a tax collector to you.
18 ‘I tell you the truth; Everything that you make binding on earth will be bound in heaven. And everything that you set free on earth will be set free in heaven. 19 Again, I tell you truthfully; If two of you agree to anything on earth that you ever need to ask for, it will happen because of my Father in heaven. 20 For, wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I will be there among them.
21 Then Peter came up to him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times am I required to forgive my brother when he sins against me… up to seven times?’
22 But Jesus replied, ‘I tell you; Not up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 To illustrate; The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man, a king, who wanted to settle some words with his slaves. 24 So, he started by bringing in one who owed him ten thousand valuable silver coins. 25 But because he couldn’t repay it, the master ordered that he, his wife, his children, and all the things that he owned were to be sold to make the payment. 26 However, the slave fell down, bowing to his face before [the master], begging, Be patient with me and I’ll pay back everything that I owe!
27 Well, moved to pity at this, the master forgave him and freed him from all his debt.
28 ‘But that slave thereafter went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him just a hundred small coins. And he grabbed him and started choking him, saying: Pay back everything that you owe me!
29 ‘Well, the fellow slave fell down and started begging him, saying, Be patient with me and I’ll pay you back.
30 ‘However, he wasn’t willing; so he had him thrown in jail until he could pay everything he owed.
31 ‘And when all the other slaves saw this, they became very upset; so they went and told their master what had happened. 32 Then his master summoned him and said, Wicked slave; I canceled all that debt for you because you begged me. 33 So, why didn’t you see the need to show the same type of mercy to your fellow slave that I showed for you? 34 And the master became so furious that he had him taken off to jail until he could repay all that he owed. 35 This is how my heavenly Father will deal with you if you don’t forgive your brothers from your hearts.’
Chapter 19
1 Well, when Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and traveled to the Judean border across the Jordan River, 2 and huge crowds followed along, and he cured them there. 3 However, the Pharisees came to test him, asking, ‘Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife on just any sort of grounds?’
4 And [Jesus] replied: ‘Didn’t you read that the One who created them long ago made them male and female, 5 and said, This is the reason why a man will leave his father and mother and stick to his wife, because the two will be one flesh? 6 So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has put together under the same yoke shouldn’t be separated by any man!’
7 Then they asked, ‘So, why did Moses say that we could give her a divorce certificate and dismiss her?’
8 And he answered: ‘Moses, realizing how hardhearted you are, allowed that you would divorce your wives. But it hasn’t always been that way! 9 I tell you that; Whoever divorces his wife, except on the grounds of sexual infidelity, and marries another, is an adulterer!’
10 Then his disciples said to him, ‘If this is true of a man and his wife, it’s best not to marry!’
11 And he replied, ‘This is something that not every man can do… just those who have the gift. 12 Because, there are eunuchs who were born that way, eunuchs who were made that way by men, and those who have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven. Let those who can make room for it, make room for it!’
13 Then [people] started bringing their young children to him, so he could lay his hands on them and offer a prayer… but the disciples scolded them. 14 However, Jesus said: ‘Leave the children alone and don’t stop them from coming to me, because the Kingdom of Heaven is for people like this!’ 15 And after he laid his hands on them, he traveled on.
16 Now, {Look!} a person came up and asked, ‘Teacher, what sort of good things must I do to get life in the age?’
17 And [Jesus] replied, ‘Why do you ask me about doing good things? There’s just One who is truly good. But if you want to enter into life, just obey the Commandments!’
18 Then [the man] asked, ‘Which ones?’
And Jesus replied: ‘Why, you must not murder; you must not commit adultery; you must not steal; you must not give false testimony; 19 honor [your] father and mother; and you must love your neighbor as [you love] yourself.’
20 Then the young man said to him, ‘Why, I’ve kept all these things… so what else am I lacking?’
21 And Jesus said to him: ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell your belongings and give to the poor; then come be my follower, and you will have treasures in heaven.’
22 But after the young man heard this, he left very sad, because he owned many things.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you the truth; It will be difficult for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 Let me put it this way; It’s easier [to thread] a rope through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.’
25 Well, the disciples were very surprised at hearing this, and they asked, ‘Then, who can really be saved?’
26 And looking them straight in the face, Jesus said, ‘With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.’
27 Then Peter said to him: ‘Look, we’ve left everything and followed you. So, what will we really get?’
28 And Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth; In the rebirth – when the Son of Man sits down on his glorious throne – you who have followed me will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands for the sake of my name, will receive many times more, and they will inherit life in the age. 30 But, many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Chapter 20
1 ‘For, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man, the master of his house, who went out very early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 And when he agreed with the workers on one silver coin per day, he sent them out to work in his field. 3 But when he went out again (about the third hour), he saw others standing around unemployed in the marketplace. 4 So he said, You go into the vineyard also, and I’ll pay you whatever is fair. 5 And off they went.
‘Then he went out again about the sixth and the ninth hours and did the same thing. 6 And finally (about the eleventh hour), he went out and found more workers standing around, and he asked them, Why have you been standing here all day long unemployed?
7 ‘And they answered, Because nobody has hired us.
‘So he said to them: You go into the vineyard also.
8 ‘Then that evening, the master of the vineyard said to his man in charge: Call all the workers and pay them their wages. However, proceed from the last to the first.
9 ‘Well, [after] the eleventh-hour, the men came in and they were each [paid] a silver coin. 10 So, when it came time [to pay] the first, they figured that they would be getting more… but they were also paid a [single] silver coin. 11 And as they were receiving it, they started complaining about the master, 12 saying: These last ones just put in one hour’s work; but you paid them the same as those of us who worked all day long in the burning heat!
13 ‘And in reply to one of them, [the master] said: Man, I haven’t done you any wrong! Didn’t we agree on one silver coin? 14 Take what is yours and go. I paid the last ones the same as you, because I wanted to! 15 Isn’t it legal for me to do whatever I want with my own things? Or are you looking at things in a wicked way because I am good?
16 ‘So, the last will be first and the first will be last.’
17 Then, starting on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus took the twelve disciples off privately and explained this to them: 18 ‘Look, we’re going up to Jerusalem where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the Chief Priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death. 19 Then they will hand him over to the ethnics, who will make fun of him, whip him, and impale him. But on the third day, he will be raised!’
20 Well, afterward, the mother of the sons of ZebEdaiOu came to him with her sons, and she bowed low as if to request something. 21 So he asked her, ‘What do you want?’
And she said, ‘Give the word that my two sons will sit, one at your right hand and one on your left, in your Kingdom.’
22 But Jesus replied: ‘You don’t know what you’re asking… can you drink from the cup that I’m about to drink?’
And they answered: ‘We can.’
23 So he said to them: ‘You will indeed drink my cup! But, sitting at my right hand and left hand isn’t mine to give… it belongs to those for whom my Father has prepared it.’
24 Then, when the ten other [disciples] heard about this, they were irritated at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them all to him and said, ‘You know how the rulers of the nations like to be masters over [the people] and subdue them; 26 You shouldn’t be like that! But, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. 28 Why, this is how the Son of Man came… not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
29 Well, as they were leaving Jericho, there was a large crowd following him. 30 And {Look!} when two blind men that were sitting alongside the road heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted: ‘Lord; Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ 31 However, whe the crowd told them to be quiet, they shouted even louder: ‘Lord; Have mercy on us, Son of David!’
32 So Jesus stopped, and then called them over and asked, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
33 And they replied: ‘Lord; We want you to open our eyes!’
34 So, moved with pity, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they were able to see, and they started following him.
Chapter 21
1 Well, when they got close to Jerusalem and arrived at BethPhage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead, 2 telling them, ‘Go to the village, the one that’s across from us, and you will immediately find a burro that’s tied with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 And if anyone says anything, just say that the Lord needs them, and he will immediately send them with you.’
4 The reason why this happened is so the thing spoken through the Prophet might be fulfilled,
5 ‘Tell this to the daughter of Zion
Look! Your King is coming to you!
[He’s] gentle and comes riding the colt of a burro;
The son of an animal that labors.’
6 So, the disciples went and did just as Jesus told them. 7 They brought the burro and its colt, put a robe [over the back of the colt], and he sat on it. 8 And most of the crowd also spread their robes on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then, part of the crowd walked ahead of him and those who followed behind were shouting: ‘[God] save the Son of David! Praise the one who comes in Jehovah’s Name… may [God] in the highest places save him!’
10 Well, when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up [as people asked], ‘Who is this?’
11 But the crowd [that was with Jesus] answered, ‘He’s Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee!’
12 Then Jesus went into the Temple and threw out all those who were buying and selling there, and he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those who were selling doves. 13 He told them, ‘It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer, but you’re making it a den of thieves!’
14 Then people who were blind and lame came to him in the Temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the Chief Priests and scribes saw the wonderful things he was doing, and the children who were shouting in the Temple, ‘[God] save the Son of David,’ they became very upset 16 and said, ‘Do you hear what they’re saying?’
And Jesus replied, ‘Yes! Haven’t you ever read this: You’ve provided praise from the mouths of infants and babies.’ 17 And leaving them, he walked out of the city and went to BethAny, where he spent the night.
18 Then on the way back to the city early the next morning, he felt hungry 19 and he saw a fig tree by the road. But when he walked over to it, he found nothing on it but leaves. So he said: ‘Let no fruit come from you anymore through the rest of the age.’ And the fig tree withered instantly.
20 Well, when the disciples saw this, they wondered, ‘How can a fig tree wither instantly?’
21 And Jesus told them: ‘I tell you the truth; If you have faith (and you must not doubt), not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but you could say to this mountain, Lift up and be thrown into the sea, and it will happen… 22 you will receive anything you ask for in prayer, if you have faith.’
23 Now, after going into the Temple, the Chief Priests and the peoples’ elders came up to him as he was teaching and asked, ‘Where did you get the authority to do these things… and just who gave you that authority?’
24 In reply, Jesus said: ‘Let me ask you something, and if you answer me, then I’ll tell you where I got the authority to do these things. 25 What was the source of John’s baptizing… did it come from heaven or from men?’
So they started reasoning among themselves and were saying: ‘If we answer, from heaven, he’ll ask us, Then why didn’t you believe him? 26 But if we say from men, we will have the crowd to fear, because they think John was a Prophet.’ 27 So they told Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
And he told them: ‘Then, I’m not going to tell you where I got the authority to do the things that I’m doing.
28 ‘What do you think? There was a man who had two children. He went to the first one and said, Son, go work in the vineyard today. 29 This one answered, Yes sir! But he didn’t [do it]. 30 Then [the man] went to the second son and said the same thing. But he replied, I don’t want to. Yet, later he felt sorry [for what said] and went out [to work in the vineyard]. 31 Now, which of the two did what their father wanted?’
And they replied, ‘The second one.’
Then Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth; Tax collectors and whores are going ahead of you into the Kingdom of God, 32 because John came to you [preaching] the ways of righteousness, but you didn’t believe him. However, tax collectors and whores believed him… and although you saw this, you didn’t feel sorry later and start believing him.
33 ‘Listen to another illustration: There was a man – the master of his house – who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, built a tower [to protect it], and hired [people to] cultivate it; then he traveled abroad. 34 Well, when the [harvest] season came around, he sent his slaves to the farmers to get the fruit. 35 However, the farmers took his slaves and beat one up, threw stones at the next, and killed the third one. 36 Then he sent other slaves (more than the first), but they did the same to these.
37 ‘Finally, he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.
38 But when they saw the son, the farmers said, This is the heir! Let’s kill him and get his inheritance! 39 So they grabbed him and threw him out of the vineyard, then killed him.
40 ‘Now, when the owner of the vineyard arrives, what will he do to those farmers?’
41 And they replied: ‘Because they’re so bad, he’ll destroy them painfully, and then hire others to cultivate the vineyard who’ll give him the fruit when it’s due.’
42 And Jesus said to them, ‘Didn’t you ever read in the Scriptures, The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner… and it’s a wonderful thing in our eyes? 43 This is why I tell you; The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that produces its fruit. 44 For, the person who falls on this stone will be shattered, and anyone it falls on will be smashed!’
45 Now, when the Chief Priests and the Pharisees heard these illustrations, they realized that he was talking about them. 46 But, although they were looking to grab him, they were afraid of the masses, because they viewed him as a Prophet.
Chapter 22
1 Then Jesus gave them another illustration: 2 ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man… a king, who arranged a wedding banquet for his son. 3 Then he sent his slaves to call those who were invited. However, they didn’t want to come.
4 ‘Again he sent other slaves, saying, Tell those I invited that {Look!} the dinner is prepared, bulls and fattened animals have been slaughtered, and everything is ready, so come to the banquet! 5 But, nobody paid any attention. One went out to his field, another to his business, 6 and the rest grabbed his slaves, abused them, and then killed them.
7 ‘This sent the king into a rage, so he sent his army to destroy the murderers and burn their city. 8 Then he told his slaves: The marriage feast is indeed ready, but those who I invited weren’t worthy. 9 So, go to the roads leading out of the city and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet!
10 ‘Then the slaves went out to the roads and gathered everyone they could find (both the wicked and the good), and the wedding hall was filled with those reclining at the tables.
11 But, when the king came in to inspect the guests, he saw a man who wasn’t properly dressed for a wedding. 12 So he asked him, How did you get in here [dressed like that]?
‘Well, the man was speechless. 13 Then the king said to his servants, Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside into the darkness. There is where he will cry and grind his teeth. 14 For, many are the called, but few are the chosen.’
15 Then the Pharisees all went off to hold a meeting [to discuss ways to] trap [Jesus] in his speech. 16 So they sent some of their disciples and some of the followers of Herod to ask him, ‘Teacher, we know that you tell the truth, and what you teach about the way of God is right. And we know that you aren’t overly impressed by anyone, because you don’t look at what men seem to be on the outside. 17 So, tell us what you think; Is it right for us to pay a head tax to Caesar, or not?’
18 But Jesus (knowing their wickedness) said, ‘Why are you testing me, hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin that you pay the head tax with.’
So, they brought him a silver coin, 20 and he asked them: ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’
21 And they replied: ‘Caesar’s.’
Then he said to them: ‘Give Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.’
22 Well, when they heard that, they were bewildered. So they left him and went away.
23 It was on that same day that the Sadducees (who don’t believe in a resurrection) approached [Jesus] and asked, 24 ‘Teacher; Moses said that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the wife and sire [children] for his brother. 25 Now, let’s say there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without having [children], leaving his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second, and the third, until [she had gone] through all seven. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 So, to which of the seven will she be married in the resurrection, because they all had her?’
29 And Jesus replied: ‘This is why you’re headed in the wrong direction, for you don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 In the resurrection, men won’t marry, nor will women be given in marriage, but they are like the messengers in heaven. 31 Haven’t you read what God told you about the resurrection of the dead [when he said], 32 I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He isn’t the God of the dead, but of the living!’
33 Well, upon hearing that, the crowds were amazed by his teachings.
34 And after the Pharisees heard how he had muzzled the Sadducees, they came to him as a group. 35 And one of them (who was well versed in the Law) asked (to test him), 36 ‘Teacher, which is the greatest Commandment of the Law?’
37 And he replied: You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, life, and mind. 38 This is the first and the greatest Commandment. 39 The second, like it, is: You must love your neighbor as yourself. 40 These two commandments are the basis of the whole Law and the Prophets.’
41 Then, while the Pharisees were all there in front of him, Jesus asked, 42 ‘What do you believe about the Anointed One… whose son is he?’
And they replied, ‘David’s.’
43 So he said: ‘Then, why did David (through the Breath [of God]) call him Lord, saying, 44 Jehovah said to my Lord; Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet? 45 So, if David called him Lord, how could he be his son?’
46 And nobody was able to say a word in reply to him, nor did anyone dare to ask him any more questions from that day on.
Chapter 23
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, saying, 2 ‘The scribes and Pharisees have put themselves in the seat of Moses. 3 So, do everything they tell you to do… yes, do and pay attention! But don’t do what they do, because they talk but they don’t perform. 4 They assemble heavy packages and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they aren’t willing to budge them with a finger.
5 ‘Everything they do is just done to be seen by men. For they broaden the [scripture-carrying] cases they wear and make the fringes [on their clothes] longer; 6 they like the first place at meals and [to sit in] the front seats in the synagogue; 7 and they like to be greeted in the markets and to have people call them Rabbi. 8 But not you! Don’t [have people] call you rabbi, for you have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 So, don’t address anyone on earth as Father, because there’s just One who is your Father, the Heavenly One. 10 Nor should you be called leaders, for you have but one Leader, the Anointed One. 11 However, the greatest among you must be your servant. 12 For, whoever promotes himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be promoted.
13 ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you block out the Kingdom of heaven before men, but you don’t enter it, and you don’t allow others who are on their way to enter it. 14 —— 15 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you travel land and sea to make a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of the garbage dump as yourselves!
16 ‘Woe to you blind guides who say, If anyone swears an oath by the Temple, it’s nothing. But if they swear by the gold in the Temple, the oath is binding. 17 Morons and blind men! Which is really greater, the gold, or the Temple that makes the gold holy?
18 ‘You also say, If anyone swears an oath by the Altar, it’s nothing. But if anyone swears by the gift on [the Altar], the oath is binding. 19 Blind men! Which is really greater, the gift, or the Altar that makes the gift holy? 20 Those who swear an oath by the Altar are swearing by it and by everything that’s on it; 21 those who swear an oath by the Temple are swearing by the One who lives there; 22 and those who swear an oath by heaven are swearing by the throne of God and by the One who sits on it!
23 ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because [when you tithe], you even contribute a tenth of [your herbs, such as] mint, dill, and cumin; but you ignore the deeper things of the Law, like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Yes, you should do those things also… in addition to the rest. 24 [You are] blind guides who strain out the weevils but swallow camels!
25 ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you clean just the outsides of cups and dishes that are filled with theft and excesses on the inside. 26 Blind Pharisees; First clean the insides of the cups and dishes, and then the outsides can also be clean!
27 ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you’re like whitewashed graves that look beautiful on the outside, but are full of dead men’s bones and every sort of filth on the inside… 28 you look like righteous men on the outside, but inside you’re full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you build places to bury dead Prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous, 30 then say, If we had lived back in the days of our forefathers, we wouldn’t have shared in [spilling] the blood of the Prophets. 31 But when you say this, you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the Prophets… 32 and now, fully measure up to your ancestors!
33 ‘Snakes and children of vipers; How can you escape the judgment of the garbage dump? 34 Look! I’m sending you Prophets, wise men, and writers, whom you will kill; and you’ll hang some on poles, while you’ll whip others in your synagogues and persecute them from city to city. 35 And then you will become responsible for all the righteous blood that was spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of ZechariJah (the son of BarachiJah), whom you murdered between the Holy Place and the Altar. 36 I tell you the truth; All that [guilt] will be laid on this generation!
37 ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… you killer of Prophets and stoner of those who were sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you didn’t want it. 38 Look! Your house has been taken from you! 39 I tell you the truth; You won’t see me again until you say, Praise him who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Chapter 24
1 Well, as Jesus was walking along (after leaving the Temple), his disciples came up to him, and they were pointing admiringly toward the Temple buildings. 2 Then he said to them: ‘Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth; There won’t be a stone left on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down.’
3 Then, while he was sitting in a quiet spot on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him and asked, ‘Tell us; When will these things happen… what will be the signs when you are to arrive and this age will come to its conclusion?’
4 And Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one misleads you, 5 for many will come in my name, saying, I’m the Anointed, and many will stray.
6 ‘You will hear of wars and reports about wars, but don’t be frightened, for all of these things must happen… but the end is yet to come. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom [will rise] against kingdom, and there’ll be famines and shakings in many places. 8 But all these things are just the start of the birth pains.’
9 ‘Then people will deliver you to hard times and they’ll kill you. For, you’ll be hated by all nations because of my name. 10 Many will be stumbled, they’ll hand each other over, and they’ll even dislike one other. 11 False prophets will come and mislead many, 12 and because of the increasing lawlessness, the love of most will cool off… 13 but he who endures to the end will be saved.
14 ‘However, this good news of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the earth as a witness to the nations… and then the end will come.
15 ‘So, when you see the disgusting destroyer (which was spoken of through Daniel the Prophet) standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), 16 those in Judea should flee to the mountains. 17 The man who is standing on his roof shouldn’t go down to remove things from his house, 18 and the man who is standing in his field shouldn’t return to get his clothes.
19 ‘Woe to those who are pregnant and those who are nursing babies in those days… 20 keep praying that your time to run doesn’t come in the winter or on a Sabbath. 21 Because, then there will come a difficult time such as hasn’t happened from the beginning until now, nor should ever happen again. 22 And if those days aren’t cut short, no one will be saved. But those days will be shortened, for the sake of the elected.
23 ‘Then, if any should say, {Look!} Here (or there) is the Anointed, don’t believe it. 24 Because, false anointed and false prophets will arise, and they’ll perform great omens and signs to mislead (if possible) even the elected!
25 ‘Now, I’ve warned you; 26 So, if people should say, Look! He’s there in the desert, don’t go there; or Look! He’s there in the storehouse, don’t believe it. 27 For as lightning flashes ‘cross the sky from the east to the west; that’s how you’ll know the Son of Man is near… 28 the vultures will gather at the carcass.
29 ‘In the days which follow that difficult time, the sun will grow dark and the moon will not light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the Son of Man’s sign will appear in the sky, and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief, when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with great power and glory. 31 Then he’ll send his messengers [blowing] loud trumpets, and collect his elected from the four winds… from one end of the sky to the other.
32 ‘Now, learn this point from the story of the fig tree:
When its young branches grow tender,
And it starts putting out leaves,
You know that summer is near.
33 Likewise, when you see all of these things, know that he’s near… at the doors! 34 I tell you the truth; That generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away!
36 ‘No one knows the day or the hour… not the messengers of heaven or the Son (just the Father). 37 For, the same as it was in Noah’s day, is how it will be when the Son of Man is near. 38 Why, [people] in those days (before the downpour) were feeding themselves and drinking, marrying and being taken in marriage, right up to the day when Noah entered the Chest… 39 they were unaware ‘til [the day of] the downpour, and then it swept them all away. That’s how it will also be when the Son of Man is nearby.
40 ‘Then two men will be in a field; one will be taken and the other abandoned. 41 Two --- will be grinding at a mill; one will be taken and the other abandoned. 42 So, [you should all] stay awake, for you don't know the day that your Lord will arrive.
43 ‘I want you to recognize this: If the master of the house would have known in what watch the thief would be coming, he would have stayed awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 So, prove yourself always ready; for the Son of Man will arrive at a time when he isn’t expected.
45 ‘Who really is the faithful and sensible slave that the master has put in charge of his servants to give them their meals at proper times? 46 The slave will be blest if he’s found doing so, when his master arrives. 47 I tell you the truth; He will put him in charge of all his possessions!
48 But if that bad slave should say in his heart, My master is taking his time, 49 and he starts beating his fellow slaves, and eating and drinking with the drunkards, 50 that slave’s master will arrive on a day and hour that he doesn’t expect. 51 Then he’ll cut him down, and assign him among the hypocrites… and that’s where he’ll weep and grind his teeth.’
Chapter 25
1 ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom and his bride. 2 Five were wise, but five just didn’t care. 3 Those who didn’t care brought their lamps, but they failed to bring any oil, 4 while the wise brought jars of oil for their lamps.
5 ‘Well, as the bridegroom was taking his time, they all nodded off and went to sleep. 6 But in the middle of the night someone shouted, Look, it’s the bridegroom… [let us all] go to meet him!
7 ‘Then all the virgins got up and started preparing their lamps. 8 But those who didn’t care said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are about to go out!
9 ‘However, the wise replied, There probably isn’t enough for us all, so you’d best go to the store to buy your own.
10 And as they were leaving, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready entered the banquet along with him… then the door was closed.
11 ‘Later, the other virgins arrived and said, Lord! Lord! Open to us!
12 ‘But in reply he told them: I tell you the truth; I don’t know you.
13 ‘So stay awake, for you don’t know the day or the hour!
14 ‘It’s [the same] as when a man was about to travel abroad, and he called his slaves to entrust his belongings to them. 15 To one he gave five [silver] coins; to another he gave just two; and to another he gave just one (each according to his ability), and thereafter he traveled abroad. 16 Immediately, the one who got five, went out and put them to work, gaining five more of the coins. 17 The same was true of the slave who got two; he gained two more. 18 But [the slave] who received just one, went and dug a hole in the ground, and it was there that he buried his master’s silver.
19 ‘Well, after some time, the master of those slaves [finally] returned, and he called for an accounting. 20 So, the one who’d received the five coins came forward, carrying the five more and said: Master, You gave me five coins, and see; I’ve gained you five more!
21 ‘Then his master told him: Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things, so I will appoint you over many… enjoy the favor of your master!
22 ‘Next, the one who received the two coins came forward and said to his master: Master, You gave me two coins, and see; I’ve gained you two more!
23 ‘And his master said to him: You’ve done well, my good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things, so I will appoint you over many… share in the joy of your master!
24 ‘Finally, the [slave] who was given the one coin came up to his master and said: Master, I know that you’re a hard man, reaping where you don’t sow, and harvesting where you don’t plant. 25 And because I was afraid, I hid your coin in the ground. Now, see; I give you what is yours!
26 ‘In reply, his master then said: O you wicked and lazy slave; So you knew that I reap where I don’t sow, and harvest where I don’t plant, do you? 27 Then you should have deposited my silver with the bankers, and when I returned, I would have received what is mine with interest! 28 So, take the coin away, and give it to the one who has ten coins. 29 Because, more will be given to all those who have; and then they will have plenty. But all will be taken from those who don’t have. 30 Now, throw this useless slave in the darkness outside! That’s where he’ll weep and grind his teeth!
31 ‘When the Son of Man arrives in his glory, along with all of the messengers, he’ll sit down on his glorious throne 32 and all nations will be led before him. Then he’ll separate the people, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he’ll put the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right: Come, you who’ve been praised by my Father; Inherit the Kingdom that’ s been prepared for you since the founding of the world. 35 For, when I was hungry you fed me, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you took me in, 36 and when I was naked, you clothed me. When I was sick, you looked after me, and when I was in prison, you came to me.
37 ‘Then the righteous will ask, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison, and come to your [aid]?
40 ‘And the king will say: I tell you the truth; When you did it for the least of my brothers, you also did it for me.’
41 ‘Then he will say to those on his left: Leave me, O you who’ve been cursed into the fire of the age that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers. 42 For, when I was hungry, you didn’t feed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me nothing to drink. 43 When I was a stranger, you didn’t take me in. When I was naked, you didn’t clothe me. And when I was sick and in prison, you didn’t come to my aid.
44 ‘Then they also will ask, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger; or naked, or sick, or in prison, and not serve your needs?
45 ‘And he will answer: I tell you the truth; When you didn’t do it for one of these least ones, you didn’t do it for me.
46 ‘Then they’ll leave to be cut off [through] the ages, but the righteous into ages of life.’
Chapter 26
1 Now, when Jesus had finished saying all these things, he told his disciples: 2 ‘You know that the Passover will be here in just two days, and the Son of Man is going to be betrayed and hung on a pole.’
3 Then the Chief Priests and the peoples’ elders gathered in the courtyard of the High Priest (who was called CaiAphas) 4 to discuss sneaky ways to grab Jesus and kill him. 5 However, they decided not [to do it] at the festival, because that would have created a commotion among the people.
6 Well, while Jesus was in BethAny, at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman carrying an expensive alabaster case of perfumed oil came to him as he lay in a reclined position, and she started pouring it over his head. 8 But when the disciples saw that, they were irritated and asked, ‘Why all this waste? 9 We could have sold this for a lot [of money] and given it to the poor!’
10 Being aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She did a good thing for me! 11 You’ll always have the poor, but you won’t always have me. 12 When this woman poured the oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for my burial. 13 And I tell you the truth; Wherever this good news is preached in the entire world, what this woman did will be told in memory of her.’
14 Then, one of the twelve (the one called Judas IsCariot) went to the Chief Priests 15 and asked, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ And they arranged to give him thirty silver coins. 16 So from that point on, he kept looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
17 It was on the first day of No Fermentation that the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?’
18 And he said: ‘Go into the city to (a certain person), and tell him that the Teacher says, My appointed time is near, so I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your home.’ 19 Then the disciples did just as Jesus ordered and got things ready for the Passover.
20 It was that evening, while [Jesus] was reclining at the table 21 eating with the twelve disciples, that he said: ‘I tell you the truth; One of you will betray me.’
22 And deeply saddened at this, they all asked him, ‘Lord, it isn’t me, is it?’
23 And he answered, ‘One who has dipped his hand in this bowl with me will betray me. 24 It’s true; The Son of Man is going to be buried, just as it was written about him. But woe to the one through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born!’
25 Then Judas (the one who was about to betray him) asked, ‘That isn’t what I am, is it Rabbi?’
And [Jesus] replied, ‘You said it yourself.’
26 Then, as they ate, Jesus took a loaf, and after giving thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples saying: ‘Take some and eat it, because this is my body.’ 27 He also took a cup [of wine], and after giving thanks, gave it to them saying, ‘All of you drink from it, 28 because this is my blood of the New Sacred Agreement, which will be poured out for many to forgive [their] sins. 29 But I tell you that I definitely won’t drink of this product of the vine anymore, until that day when I will drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.’
30 Finally, after singing songs of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31 [It was there that] Jesus said to them: ‘All of you will be stumbled [by what will happen to] me tonight, because it’s written: I will beat the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. 32 But after I wake up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
33 However, Peter said to him: ‘Although all the others may be stumbled, I’ll never be trapped!’
34 Then Jesus said: ‘I tell you the truth; Before a rooster crows tonight, you will have denied knowing me three times.’
35 But Peter said: ‘Even if I have to die with you, I’ll never deny knowing you!’ And all the other disciples said the same thing.
36 Then Jesus went with them to the spot called GethSemane (the Olive Press), and he told his disciples: ‘Sit here while I go over there to pray.’
37 And taking along Peter and the two sons of ZebEdaiOu, he became very sad and deeply disturbed. 38 Then he said to them: ‘My soul is sad to the point of death, so wait here, and stay awake with me.’ 39 And going a little way forward, he fell to his face praying and said, ‘My Father; If it’s possible, let this cup pass from me; however, not my will, but Yours.’
40 Then, when he returned to the disciples, he found them sleeping, and he asked Peter, ‘Aren’t you strong enough to stay awake with me for just one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you won’t be put to the test! Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
42 So, he went off and prayed a second time, saying: ‘My Father; If this can’t pass and I have to drink it, then may Your will be done.’ 43 And he returned to find them sleeping again, because their eyes were heavy.
44 So, he left them and went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came back to the disciples and told them: ‘Here you are resting and sleeping… and look! The time has come when the Son of Man will be handed over to sinners. 46 Get up… let’s go! Look! Here comes my betrayer!’
47 And while he was still speaking, {Look!} Judas (one of the twelve) came with a large mob of Priests and elders who were all carrying swords and clubs!
48 Now, the betrayer gave them a sign to watch for. He said, ‘Whoever I kiss is the one… grab him!’ 49 And going straight up to Jesus, he greeted him with the words, ‘Rejoice, Rabbi!’ and kissed him tenderly.
50 But Jesus said to him: ‘Man, just why are you here?’
Then [some of the mob] came up, laid their hands on Jesus, and grabbed him. 51 But {Look!} someone who was there with Jesus reached and unsheathed his sword, and struck the Chief Priest’s slave, taking off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword away, for all who take the sword will be destroyed by the sword. 53 Don’t you think that I can ask my Father to send more than twelve legions of messengers immediately? 54 But if [I did] that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?’
55 Then Jesus asked the mob, ‘Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like some robber? Why, I used to sit and teach in the Temple each day, and you didn’t choose to grab me then. 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the Prophets can be fulfilled.’
Then all the disciples ran away and left him.
57 Thereafter, those who grabbed Jesus took him off to [the house of] CaiAphas the High Priest, where the scribes and the elders had already gathered. 58 But Peter followed a long way behind him, until he got to the courtyard of the High Priest. There he went inside and sat with the building supervisory staff to see how everything came out.
59 Meanwhile, the Chief Priests and the entire Judean High Court were looking for [someone who would] lie about Jesus, so they could have him put to death. 60 However, of all those who came forward, no one was willing to perjure himself. But then, later on, two did come forward 61 and say: ‘This man said, I can to tear down the Temple of God and build it back in three days.’
62 Well, at that, the High Priest stood up and said to [Jesus], ‘Don’t you have an answer? What is it that these people are accusing you of?’
63 But Jesus just kept silent. So the High Priest said to him: ‘By the living God; I put you under oath to tell us whether you’re the Anointed One, the Son of God!’
64 And Jesus answered: ‘Why, you have said it yourself! Let me tell you something; From this point on, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on clouds in the sky!’
65 Then the High Priest ripped his clothes, shouting: ‘He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See… now you’ve heard the blasphemy! 66 What’s your opinion?’
And they answered, ‘Hold him for death!’
67 Then they spit in his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped him in the face, 68 saying, ‘Prophesy to us, O Anointed One. Who hit you?’
69 Now, while Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came up and said, ‘You were also with Jesus the Galilean!’
70 But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about!’
71 Then, after he had gone out to the gatehouse, another girl noticed him and said to everyone there, ‘This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!’
72 Again he denied it with an oath, saying, ‘I never knew the man!’
73 And a little while later, all those who were standing around came up and said to Peter, ‘Sure, you’re one of them! Why, your accent gives you away!’
74 Then he started to curse them and swore: ‘I don’t know the man!’
And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered Jesus’ words, ‘Before a rooster crows, you’ll deny that you know me three times.’ And he went outside and cried bitterly.
Chapter 27
1 The next morning, all the Chief Priests and peoples’ elders held a meeting to talk about putting Jesus to death. 2 So they bound him and took him to be handed over to Governor Pilate.
3 It was then that Judas (who had betrayed [Jesus]) realized that he was condemned. So, feeling deeply regretful about what he had done, he tried to return the thirty silver pieces to the Chief Priests and elders, 4 saying, ‘I sinned when I betrayed righteous blood.’
But they replied: ‘What’s that to us? You’ll see!’ 5 So, he threw the silver into the Temple and left, and then he went outside and hung himself.
6 But the Chief Priests [picked up] the silver pieces and said, ‘It isn’t legal to put them into the sacred treasury, because they’re the price of blood.’ 7 So after discussing it further, they decided to buy a potter’s field as a place to bury strangers. 8 And to this day, that field has been called The Field of Blood.
9 It was then that the words of the Prophet were fulfilled:
‘And they took the thirty silver pieces,
The price that was put on a man
By some of the sons of Israel,
10 And used them to pay for the potter’s field,
Just as Jehovah had told me.’
11 Jesus next stood before the governor, who asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
And Jesus replied, ‘You’re saying it yourself.’ 12 However, when the Chief Priests and elders were accusing him, he didn’t say anything.
13 Then Pilate asked, ‘Don’t you hear all the things that they’re saying against you?’
14 But [Jesus] wouldn’t answer him – not a word – and that really got the governor to wondering.
15 Now, it was the governor’s custom to release whichever prisoner the crowd wanted during these festivals. 16 And at that time, they were holding a particularly notorious criminal called BarAbbas. 17 So, when the people gathered before him, Pilate asked, ‘Which do you want me to release to you, BarAbbas, or Jesus, the so-called Anointed One?’
18 [Pilate] knew that the only reason they had bound [Jesus] over, was because they were jealous of him. 19 Also, while he was sitting on his judgment seat, [Pilate’s] wife sent [a message] to him, saying, ‘Don’t have anything to do with that righteous man, because I suffered a lot in a dream today because to him.’
20 But the Chief Priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for BarAbbas, and they demanded to have Jesus destroyed. 21 So, when the governor asked which of the two they wanted released, they shouted, ‘BarAbbas.’
22 And when Pilate asked, ‘Then, what should I do with Jesus, the so-called Anointed One?’ They all said, ‘Hang him on a pole!’
23 But he asked, ‘Why? What bad thing did he do?’ But they all kept shouting louder and louder, ‘Hang him on a pole!’
24 Well, when he saw that he wasn’t doing any good and he was just inciting a riot, Pilate got some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, ‘I’m innocent of this man’s blood… you take the responsibility for this on yourselves!’
25 And all the people said, ‘May we and our children be responsible for his blood!’
26 Then he released BarAbbas to them, but he had Jesus whipped and bound over for impaling.
27 Next, the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the palace and brought in all the troops. 28 There they took [Jesus’] clothes off, wrapped a scarlet cape around him, 29 braided a crown of thorns and slipped it over his head, and they put a reed in his right hand. Then kneeling down, they made fun of him by shouting the greeting, ‘Rejoice, O you King of the Jews!’ 30 Then they spit on him, and took the reed and started hitting him on the head. 31 Finally, after they had tired of their fun, they took off the cape, put his clothes back on, and took him out to be impaled.
32 Then, as they were leading him out, they found a man from Cyrene [Libya], whose name was Simon, and forced him to carry the pole. 33 And when they got to the place called GolGotha (or Skull Place), 34 they offered [Jesus] some wine mixed with gall to drink. But after he tasted it, he wouldn’t drink it.
35 It was after [they had nailed] him on the pole that [the soldiers] divided his clothes by throwing lots. 36 Then they all just sat around and watched him. 37 They also put a sign over his head that showed the charge against him: ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’
38 Then two robbers were hung on poles beside him; one on his right and the other on his left.
39 And those that were passing by shouted terrible things at [Jesus], shaking their heads 40 and saying: ‘O you who would tear down the Temple and rebuild it in three days; Save yourself… if you’re a son of God, come down off the pole!’
41 That’s the way the Chief Priests, scribes, and elders also made fun of him, saying: 42 ‘He saved others, but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel, so let him get down from the pole and then we’ll believe in him. 43 He has put his trust in God, so let [God] rescue him if He wants. After all, he says: I’m God’s Son.’
44 In fact, even the robbers who were hung on poles with him started saying mean things to him.
45 Then, from the sixth to the ninth hours, darkness fell over the whole land. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus called out in a loud voice: ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ That is, ‘My God, my God, why have you let me down?’
47 Well, when some of those who were standing around heard this, they thought he was calling for EliJah. 48 And immediately, one of them ran and took a sponge, soaked it in vinegar, then lifted it on a reed to give him something to drink. 49 But the rest of them said, ‘Leave him alone! Let’s see if EliJah comes to save him!’
Finally, a man took a spear, jabbed it into his side, and blood mixed with water poured out. 50 Then Jesus cried out loudly and gave up his breath.
51 And at that, {Look!} the Temple’s [inner] curtain ripped in half from top to bottom, as the earth shook and rocks split. 52 And it is established that tombs were opened and [the bones of] several holy ones (who had fallen asleep) were ejected, and seen 53 after [they were] raised, by many who were entering the Holy City.
54 But the army officer and those with him who were watching over Jesus (after they saw the earthquake and the other things that had happened) were really frightened and said: ‘This really was God’s Son!’
55 Well, during this entire time, many women stood looking on from a distance… they were those who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee to serve him, 56 such as Mary from Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of ZebEdaiOu.
57 Then later that afternoon, a rich man from AriMathea named Joseph (who was also a disciple of Jesus) 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. So, Pilate commanded that it should be given to him. 59 Then Joseph took the body, wrapped it up in good clean linen, 60 and laid it in a new tomb, which had just been quarried in the bedrock. Then, after rolling a big stone against the tomb entrance, he left. 61 But Mary from Magdala and the other Mary just sat there across from the grave.
62 Then the next day (after the Preparation), the Chief Priests and Pharisees gathered and came before Pilate, 63 saying, ‘Lord; We remembered that while he was alive, that impostor said: Yet, in three days I will be raised. 64 So, order the grave to be made secure until the third day, so his disciples don’t come and steal him, then tell people that he was raised from the dead. For, that would make this last deceit worse than the first!’
65 But Pilate replied: ‘You have watchmen; Go make it as secure as you know how.’ 66 So, they went and made the grave secure by sealing the stone and posting guards.
Chapter 28
1 It was after the Sabbaths, in the early morning light of the first day of the week, that Mary of Magdala and the other Mary came to see the grave. 2 And {Look!} a great shaking had happened, because Jehovah’s messenger had come down from heaven and rolled away the stone, and he was sitting on top of it… 3 he looked like lightning and his clothes were as white as snow. 4 This made the watchmen shake in fear and become as dead men.
5 But the messenger said to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I know that you’re looking for Jesus who was impaled. 6 He isn’t here, because he was raised… just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying, 7 then hurry and tell his disciples that he was raised from the dead. Why look… he has gone ahead of you into Galilee! {Look!} You’ll see him there, just as I said.’
8 So, quickly leaving the tomb (with both fear and great joy), they ran to report this to his disciples. 9 Then, {Look!} Jesus met them, greeting them with the word, ‘Rejoice!’ So, they went up to him, caught him by his feet, and bowed low. 10 And Jesus said, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go and report this to my brothers, so they will go to Galilee… they’ll see me there.’
11 Well, while [the women] were on their way, {Look!} some of the guards went to the city to report everything that had happened to the Chief Priests. 12 And after holding a conference and meeting with the elders to ask for advice, they [bribed] the soldiers with enough silver, 13 and said: ‘Tell the people that his disciples came in the night and stole him while you were sleeping. 14 And if the governor hears about this, don’t worry; we’ll persuade [him] to set you free.’
15 So [the guards] took the silver and did as they were instructed. And the story they told has been spread among Judeans everywhere down to this day.
16 However, the eleven disciples went to Galilee… to the mountain where Jesus had arranged [to meet] them. 17 And when they saw him, they bowed low… but some were doubtful. 18 Then, coming toward them, Jesus spoke, saying, ‘All power has been given me in heaven and on earth. 19 So, go and make disciples in all nations in my name, --- 20 teaching them to obey all the things that I commanded you. And {Look!} I’ll be with you every day until the end of the age.’
Mark
Chapter 1
1 This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Anointed One.
2 It was written [in the book of] the Prophet Isaiah,
‘{Look!} I’m sending my messenger ahead,
To prepare the way before you.
3 Listen! Someone is calling in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord, you people;
Straighten out all of his roads!
4 Well, John was in the desert, and he came baptizing, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all those in Judea and Jerusalem went out to be baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they openly confessed their sins.
6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair and a wide leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey. 7 He also preached,
‘Someone greater is coming behind me,
The laces of whose sandals I’m unworthy to untie.
8 I baptized you with water,
But he’ll baptize you with the Holy Breath.’
9 Back then, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee to be baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 And immediately after coming up out of the water, [John] saw the sky split open and the Breath [of God] coming down upon [Jesus] like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from the sky, which said, ‘You are My loved Son and I think well of you.’
12 Then, [God’s] Breath immediately forced [Jesus] into the desert, 13 where he spent forty days among the wild animals, as he was being tempted by the Opposer. However, the messengers [of God] were serving [his needs].
14 It was after John was arrested that Jesus went into Galilee to preach the good news of God, 15 saying, ‘The period has been fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is near. So, repent and believe in the good news!’
16 Then, while he was walking alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets on the sea (they were fishermen). 17 So Jesus said to them, ‘Come follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.’ 18 And right away, they released their nets and followed him.
19 Then, going a little farther, he saw James the son of ZebediOu and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets. 20 And right away he called them. So, they left their father ZebediOu in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
21 Then they entered CaperNaum; and as soon as the Sabbath came around, he went to the synagogue and started teaching. 22 [Well, everyone] was amazed by his way of teaching, because he taught with authority, not like the scribes.
23 And at the time, there was a man in the synagogue who was under the influence of an unclean spirit, which shouted out, 24 ‘What dealings do we have with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are; you’re The Holy One of God!’
25 But Jesus scolded it, saying, ‘Put a muzzle on it and come out of him!’ 26 Then the unclean spirit (after throwing him into convulsions and yelling loudly) came out.
27 Well, the people were shocked and started asking each other, ‘What is this, some new teaching? He has the power to give orders to unclean spirits and they obey him!’
28 So, the story about him was immediately spread throughout all the country around Galilee.
29 Thereafter, [Jesus] (along with James and John) walked out of the synagogue and went directly to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 And there Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law was lying down burning up with a fever, which they immediately pointed out to [Jesus]. 31 So, he took her by the hand to help her stand, and then the fever left her, so she started serving them.
32 Then that evening, after sunset, the people started bringing him all those who weren’t doing well and the demon-possessed… 33 why, the whole city gathered at the door! 34 So he cured many with various illnesses, and he expelled many demons. But he wouldn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew that he was the Anointed One.
35 Then early the next morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went outside to a lonely place and started praying. 36 However, Simon (and those who were with him) searched 37 for him and found him, then said, ‘Every one is looking for you!’
38 But he replied, ‘Let’s go somewhere else… into the nearby villages, so I can preach there also. That’s why I came outside.’
39 And he went preaching in the synagogues throughout all of Galilee and casting out demons. 40 Then a leper came to him, begging on his knees saying, ‘If you just want to, you can make me clean!’
41 And moved with pity, he reached out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I want to… be clean.’
42 Well, immediately the leprosy left him and he was clean. 43 Then he gave [the man] strict orders and sent him directly away, 44 telling him, ‘Don’t talk about this to anyone! But go show yourself to the Priests and give the offering of cleansing that was specified by Moses, as a witness to them.’
45 However, after he left, [the man] started telling everyone and spreading the word around, so that Jesus wasn’t able to enter the cities openly. As the result, he stayed out in lonely places, but [people] kept coming to him from all directions.
Chapter 2
1 When he entered CaperNaum several days later, word got out that he was at home, 2 and so many people came to him that there wasn’t any room around the door. Then he started preaching the Word to them.
3 In the meantime, they were bringing him a man who was paralyzed and being carried by four people. 4 But, because of the huge crowd, they couldn’t carry him straight to [Jesus]. So, they removed part of the roof over where he was, digging an opening to lower the cot that the [man] was lying on. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’
6 Now, some of the scribes who were sitting there were reasoning in their hearts, 7 ‘Why is this man talking that way? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except the one God?’
8 But Jesus (who immediately realized in his spirit that they were thinking like that inside themselves) asked, ‘Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to tell the paralyzed man, Your sins are forgiven, or, Get up, pick up your cot, and walk? 10 But [I said this so that] you men would know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth.’
Then he said to the paralytic, 11 ‘I tell you; Get up, pick up your cot, and go home.’ 12 And he got right up, picked up his cot, and walked out in front of them all.
Why, all were simply beside themselves and they glorified God, saying, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this!’
13 Thereafter, he went outside again to the seashore, where huge crowds came to him and he taught them.
14 It was as he was passing by the tax office that he noticed Levi (Matthew), the son of AlphaEus, sitting there. And [he] said to him, ‘Be my follower.’ So, he got up and followed him.
15 Later on, Jesus was reclining at the table in [Levi’s] home, and many tax collectors and sinners were reclining there with him and his disciples, because several of them had started following him. 16 But when the Pharisee scribes saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, ‘Does he eat with the tax collectors and sinners?’
17 Having overheard this, Jesus said to them, ‘Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but those who are ill do. I didn’t come to call the righteous, just the sinners.’
18 Now, John’s disciples and the Pharisees both practiced fasting. So they came to him and asked, ‘Why is it that the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?’
19 And Jesus replied, ‘Do the bridegroom’s best men fast while the groom is with them? [No, for] as long as the groom is with them, they can’t fast. 20 But the days are coming when the groom will be taken away… and then they will fast.
21 ‘No one sews an unshrunk cloth patch onto old clothes; for if they do, the [shrinking] strength of the new [cloth] will pull the old [fabric], and the tear will become worse. 22 Also, no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For if they do, the [new] wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be lost. So, people put new wine into new wineskins.’
23 Well, one day, [Jesus] was traveling through the grain fields on the Sabbath, and his disciples started plucking the heads of grain as they walked along. 24 So the Pharisees asked him, ‘{Look!} Why are they doing something that’s illegal on the Sabbath?’
25 But he replied, ‘Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, and he and the men with him got hungry… 26 how he entered the [Temple] of God (in the account about AbiAthar, the High Priest) and ate the presentation bread, which isn’t legal for anyone to eat except the Priests… and how he also gave some to the men who were with him?’
27 Then [Jesus] said this: ‘The Sabbath came into existence for the sake of men, not men for the Sabbath. 28 Besides, the Son of Man is also the Lord of the Sabbath.’
Chapter 3
1 Once again he entered a synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 So they were watching [Jesus] closely to see if he would cure the man on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him of something.
3 Then he said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Get up and come to the center.’ 4 And he asked, ‘Is it legal to do something good or bad, or to save a life or destroy it, on the Sabbath?’
But they remained silent.
5 Then, after looking around at them angrily (because he was saddened by the dullness of their hearts), he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So, he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
6 With that, the Pharisees went outside and immediately met with the followers of Herod to discuss ways to destroy him.
7 Then Jesus and his disciples walked to the sea, followed by a huge crowd from Galilee and Judea. 8 Why, even people from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from across the Jordan, and from around Tyre and Sidon (a huge number), when they heard the things he was doing, came to him.
9 Well, to keep the crowds at bay, [Jesus] had instructed his disciples to always keep a little boat available for him. 10 This is because he cured so many people that those with terrible diseases were virtually falling on him just to touch him. 11 And when unclean spirits saw him, they would bow low before him and shout, ‘You’re the Son of God!’ 12 But he would scold them, telling them not to expose him.
13 [Jesus] walked up a mountain, then he called the ones he wanted, and they came to him. 14 There he formed a [special] group of twelve that he called Apostles (Sent Ones), who were to stay with him, and he would send them out to preach 15 and to have the authority to cast-out demons. 16 Well, the names of those in the group of twelve that he formed were, Simon Peter, 17 James (the son of ZebediOu) and John his brother (he called them BoanErges, which means Sons of Thunder), 18 Andrew, Philip, BarTholomew ([NathaniEl]), Matthew, Thomas, James (the son of AlphaEus), ThadDaeus (Judas), Simon the CanaNaean, 19 and Judas IsCariot (who later betrayed him).
Well, whenever he went into a house, 20 so many would show up that they couldn’t even eat a meal. 21 And when his relatives heard about this, they tried to take him away, because they claimed that he had lost his mind.
22 Then scribes (who had come down from Jerusalem) were saying that he was [under the influence of] BeelZebub and that he was casting out demons by the ruler of the demons. 23 So, after calling [the scribes] to him, he reasoned with them using [these] illustrations:
‘How can the Opposer throw out the Opposer?
24 Why, if a kingdom is divided against itself,
That kingdom won’t be able to stand.
25 And if a house is divided against itself,
That house won’t be able to stand.
26 So, if the Opposer is divided against himself,
He won’t stand, but is reaching his end.
27 ‘Nobody can enter the house of a strong man,
And rob him of all his things,
Unless he first ties up the strong man…
Only then can he loot his house.
28 ‘I tell you the truth; The sons of men will be forgiven everything… no matter what sins they commit or what terrible things they say in blasphemy. 29 But, whoever blasphemes the Holy Breath won’t be forgiven in that age, and it remains as a sin of the ages’ 30 ([Jesus was saying] this to them, because they were saying he has an unclean spirit.)
31 Now, [Jesus’] mother and brothers came and were standing outside, and they asked [someone] to call him, 32 because there was a crowd sitting around him. And they said: ‘Look; Your mother and brothers are outside searching for you!’
33 But he replied to them, ‘Who are my mother and brothers?’
34 Then he looked at those who were sitting around him in a circle, and said, ‘See… my mother and my brothers! 35 For, whoever does the will of God are my brothers, sisters, and mother.’
Chapter 4
1 Again he started teaching by the seaside. And such a huge crowd came to him there that he stepped into a boat and sat out on the sea, while the crowd stood on the shore. 2 So, he started teaching them many things using illustrations.
He said: 3 ‘Pay attention;
{Look!} A farmer went out to do some planting.
4 And as he was scattering seeds,
Some of them fell beside the road,
Which were eaten by birds that came along.
5 Other seeds fell in the rocks
Where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprouted.
But, since they had so little soil,
6 When the sun arose they were scorched.
And they withered, because they didn’t have roots.
7 ‘Other seeds fell into the briers,
Which came up and choked them out,
So they did not produce any fruit.
8 But others fell on the good soil,
Where they then grew and flourished,
Bearing fruit thirty, sixty, and one hundred times.’
9 Then he added, ‘Let he who has ears to hear, listen!’
10 However, those who were around him and the twelve asked him about the illustrations. 11 And he told them, ‘The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been given to you. But those on the outside only hear the illustrations. 12 So, although they can look, they can’t see. And although they can hear, they don’t listen and understand, so they can ever turn back and be forgiven.’
13 Then he asked, ‘If you don’t understand this illustration, how will you understand all the other illustrations?’
14 ‘The one who scatters the seed is planting the Word. 15 And as for those where the Word is planted alongside the road; as soon as they hear it, the Opposer comes and snatches the Word that was planted in them.
16 ‘The same is true of those who are planted among the rocks; for as soon as they hear the Word, they accept it with joy. 17 However, because they don’t have roots, they only last a little while. Because, when some difficulty or persecution comes along over the Word, they are trapped.
18 ‘Those who are planted among the thorns are the ones who hear the Word, 19 but the cares of this life, the allure of wealth, and desire for other things comes in and chokes-out the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20 ‘But, those who are planted on the fine soil are the ones who listen to the Word, accept it, and bear fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.’
21 Then he went on to tell them: ‘A lamp isn’t put under a measuring basket or under a bed, is it? Shouldn’t it be put on a lampstand? 22 So, nothing has been made a secret that shouldn’t be made known, and nothing has been hidden away that shouldn’t be shown. 23 Whoever has ears to hear; let him listen!’
24 He continued, ‘Pay attention to what you’re hearing! For, whatever amount you measure out, is the amount that you will be given… and more will also be added to it. 25 For, he who has will be given more. But he who doesn’t have, will have everything taken from him.’
26 He went on to say, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground. 27 Then he goes to sleep that night and gets up the next day, to find that the seeds have sprouted and grown… and just how, he doesn’t know, 28 for the earth produces fruit all by itself… first the grass blade, then the stalk head, and finally the full head of grain. 29 Then just as soon as it’s ripe, he comes with the sickle, because it’s time for the harvest.’
30 And he asked, ‘To what [else] can we compare the Kingdom of God… what illustration can we use to describe it? 31 It’s like a mustard seed, which, before it’s planted in the ground, is the smallest of all seeds on the earth. 32 But after it’s planted it comes up and becomes larger than all other vegetation, producing big branches so the birds of the sky find places to live under its shadow.’
33 This is how he taught the Word to them, using many illustrations… for as long as they were able to pay attention. 34 It’s a fact that if he wasn’t using illustrations, he wasn’t talking to them. However, when they were alone he explained everything to his disciples.
35 Then that evening, he said to them: ‘Let’s cross over to the other shore.’ 36 So, after they dismissed the crowd, they took him out in the same boat that he was teaching from (and there were also some other boats with them).
37 Now, there came a typhoon with violent winds; and waves were pouring into the boat --- . 38 And at the time, [Jesus] was in the stern, sleeping on a pillow. So they woke him up and asked, ‘Teacher, aren’t you worried that we’re about to die?’
39 Then he got up and scolded the wind, and told the sea, ‘Be quiet! Hush!’ And at that, the wind died down and a great calm set in. 40 Then he asked them, ‘Why are you so cowardly? Don’t you have any faith yet?’
41 This really scared them and they asked each other, ‘Who really is this; because the wind and the sea also obey him!’
Chapter 5
1 Well, when they got to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes, 2 [Jesus] got out of the boat and was immediately confronted by a man with an unclean spirit, who came from the tombs. 3 He lived there among the tombs and absolutely no one had been able to restrain him, even with chains. 4 In fact, he had often been bound with leg irons and chains, but he broke the chains and smashed the leg irons… nobody had enough strength to hold him. 5 So, all day and all night long he would go yelling crazily amid the tombs and in the mountains, while he beat himself with rocks.
6 But when he saw Jesus in the distance, he ran to him and bowed low. 7 Then he screamed, ‘What dealings do I have with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I put you under oath by God not to torment me!’ 8 [He said this] because [Jesus] had told [the spirit], ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit.’ 9 Then [Jesus] asked him, ‘What’s your name?’ And it replied, ‘My name is Legion, because there are many of us!’ 10 And he begged [Jesus] many times not to send the spirits away.
11 Now, there was a large herd of pigs feeding up on the mountain. 12 So, [the demons] begged him, saying, ‘Send us to the pigs, so we can go into them!’ 13 And he gave them permission.
With that, the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs. Then the herd ran down a steep drop-off into the sea, and about two thousand of them drowned in the sea.
14 Well, the herders ran off and reported [what had happened, to those] in the city and in the fields. So, people came there to see. 15 And when they reached Jesus, they noticed the demonized man who had once been possessed by the legion [of demons], sitting, wearing clothes, and in his right mind. And this frightened them. 16 Then those who were watching explained what had happened to the demon-possessed man, and about the pigs. 17 So, they started begging [Jesus] to leave their districts.
18 Now, when [Jesus] got into the boat, the man who used to be demonized begged him to let him come along with them. 19 However, [Jesus] wouldn’t allow this, but said, ‘Go back to your home and family and tell them all the things that Jehovah has done for you, and about the mercy He has shown you.’
20 So, [the man] went off to the Five Cities and started telling everyone about the many things that Jesus did for him, which amazed all the people.
21 Then, after Jesus had crossed back to the other side by boat, a huge crowd gathered to him as he stood by the sea. 22 And one of the synagogue’s head people (named JaIrus) saw him and fell at his feet, continuously 23 begging, saying: ‘My little daughter is [about to breathe her] last. Come and put your hands on her so she can recover and live!’
24 And at that, [Jesus] went off with him, as a huge number followed, all crowded against him.
25 Well, there was a woman who had [endured] a blood flow for twelve years, 26 and she had suffered a lot at the hands of the healers, spending everything she had to no avail (she only got worse). 27 And when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind [him] in the crowd and touched his clothes, 28 because she kept saying, ‘If I can just touch his clothes I will be saved [from this condition].’ 29 And right away, her fountain of blood dried up and she knew in her body that she had been healed of this plague.
30 But Jesus recognized in himself that power had gone out of him. So, he turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’
31 And his disciples replied, ‘You see all these people crowded around you and you ask, Who touched me?’ 32 But he kept looking around to see who did this.
33 Then the woman (who was frightened and trembling because she knew what had happened to her) came and fell down before him, telling the truth about the whole thing. 34 And he said to her, ‘Daughter; Your faith has saved you! Go in peace, and may this be the last of the plague.’
35 However, while he was still speaking, a message came from the home of the synagogue chief, saying, ‘Your daughter has died! Why bother the teacher?’
36 But when Jesus overheard this, he told the chief of the synagogue, ‘Don’t be afraid, just have faith.’
37 Then he didn’t allow anyone to follow along, other than Peter, James, and John (James’ brother). 38 And when he got to the synagogue chief’s house and saw all the confusion, crying, and wailing, 39 he went in and asked, ‘Why are you creating such an uproar and crying? The little child isn’t dead, she’s just sleeping!’
40 Well, they all started laughing at him. But, after ushering them outside, he took the father, mother, and those with him into [the room] where the child was. 41 Then he took her hand and said, ‘Talitha; Cumi!’ (which translates as, ‘Little girl; Wake up!’). 42 And the twelve-year-old girl got up right away and started walking around.
Well, [the parents] were ecstatic. 43 Then he told them to give her something to eat, and he ordered them repeatedly not to tell anyone what had happened.
Chapter 6
1 He left from there and traveled with his disciples to the place where he was raised. 2 And when it got to be Sabbath, he started teaching in the synagogue.
Well, most of those who heard him were shocked, and asked, ‘Where did he get these things? Why has such wisdom been given to this man, and why are such powerful deeds being performed through his hands? 3 For this is the carpenter – the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon – isn’t it? And aren’t his sisters here among us?’
So they were stumbled at him. 4 But Jesus told them, ‘A Prophet doesn’t go without honor, except in his home territory, among his relatives, and in his own house.’
5 As the result, he wasn’t able to do any powerful deeds there, except to lay his hands on a few who were sick and cure them. 6 And he was amazed by their lack of faith.
From there he traveled around the villages in a circuit, teaching. 7 Then he called the twelve and started sending them out by twos, and he gave them power over the unclean spirits. 8 He also ordered them not to carry anything along the way, except a staff… no bread, food pouch, or copper money in their sashes. 9 [He also told them to] tie on their sandals and not to wear two pairs of underclothes.
10 Then he said: ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you get ready to leave that place. 11 But wherever they won’t welcome you or listen to you; as you leave, shake off the dirt that’s under your feet as a witness to them.’
12 So, they went out and preached, calling for people to repent. 13 They also cast out many demons, and greased many sick people with oil and cured them.
14 Now, King Herod heard about [Jesus’] name becoming famous. And people were saying, ‘John (who did the baptizing) has been raised from the dead. And because of this, great powers are working in him.’ 15 But others said, ‘He’s EliJah,’ while still others were saying, ‘He’s a Prophet like one of the Prophets [of old].’
16 But, having heard all this, Herod concluded: ‘The John who I beheaded has been raised!’
17 It was Herod himself who had John arrested and locked in prison. This was because he married Herodias, the wife of his brother. 18 John kept telling Herod, ‘It isn’t legal for you to take the wife of your brother.’ 19 As the result, Herodias hated him and wanted to kill him, but she wasn’t able to do so.
20 Herod was afraid of John, because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, so he kept him safe. And after listening to him, he was at a loss as to what to do, so he gladly continued listening to him.
21 But there came a day that turned out to be convenient for Herod… it was when he held a supper to celebrate his birthday. He had invited high-ranking men, military commanders, and the foremost people of Galilee; 22 and then the daughter of Herod and Herodias came in and danced. This pleased Herod and those at the table so much that the king said to the little girl: ‘Ask for whatever you wish and I’ll give it to you.’ 23 Yes, he swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask of me I’ll give you… up to half of my kingdom!’
24 Well, she went out and asked her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ And [her mother] replied, ‘The head of John… the one who does the baptizing.’
25 Then she ran back to the king and said, ‘I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter… right now.’
26 And although this deeply disturbed the king, he didn’t want to ignore her, because of the oaths and because of those who were reclining at the table. 27 So, the king immediately sent his bodyguard and commanded him to bring back [John’s] head. And [the guard] went off and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought in his head on a platter, gave it to the young girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.
29 Well, when [John’s] disciples heard about this, they came and took his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30 All of the Apostles had assembled to meet with Jesus to report to him about everything they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, ‘I want you to come with me to a private place where you can rest up for a while,’ (because there were so many coming and going that they virtually had no free time… not even to eat a meal). 32 So, they went off in the boat to a remote place by themselves.
33 However, people saw them leaving and many others got to know about it, and they all ran from the cities on foot and got ahead of them. 34 Well, on getting out of the boat, [Jesus] saw an enormous crowd. But he felt sorry for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he started teaching them many things.
35 Well, by then it was getting quite late, and his disciples came up to him and said, ‘This place is isolated and it’s getting late. 36 Send them off to the countryside and villages around here, so they can buy themselves something to eat.’
37 But [Jesus] said, ‘You give them something to eat.’ 38 Then [Jesus] asked, ‘How many loaves do you have? Go see!’
And after checking, they said, ‘Five, plus two fish.’
39 So he told all the people to recline on the green grass in rows, 40 and they reclined in rows of fifties and hundreds. 41 Then [Jesus] took the five loaves [of bread] and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and spoke a blessing. Then he broke up the bread and divided the two fish, giving them to the disciples so they could set them in front of the people, 42 and they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And when they picked up the scraps, there were twelve baskets full – in addition to the fish – 44 but there were five thousand men who ate the bread!
45 Well right away, [Jesus] instructed his disciples to get into the boat and to go on ahead of him, toward BethSaida on the opposite shore, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 Then after excusing himself, he went off to a mountain to pray.
47 It was late in the evening and the boat was well out to sea, leaving [Jesus] alone on the land. 48 And he could see that they were rowing with all their might, because they had a strong headwind blowing against them.
Then, while it was still dark the next morning, he came toward them walking on the sea. But he started to walk straight past them; 49 and when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought, ‘It’s a phantom!’ And they screamed in fright. 50 For, they all saw him and were deeply disturbed. But right away he spoke to them and said, ‘Be brave, it’s me! Don’t be afraid.’ 51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind died down. However, all these events left them stunned, 52 because they really didn’t understand the meaning of the bread, and their hearts had been dulled.
53 Well, when they got across to the land, they arrived at GenNesaret and they anchored nearby. 54 But as soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized [Jesus], 55 and they ran throughout all that area and carried those who weren’t doing well to the place where they heard he was, on cots.
56 Thereafter, wherever he went into a village, city, or even into the fields, they would bring the sick people into the markets, and there they would beg him just to let them touch the fringes of his clothes. And all who touched them were healed.
Chapter 7
1 Now, some Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem and surrounded him. 2 This is because they had seen some of his disciples eating bread with unwashed hands… 3 for none of the Pharisees or any of the Judeans would eat [anything] unless they vigorously washed their hands first, because they followed the traditions of the elders. 4 Nor did they eat anything that they brought [home] from the market until they rinsed it first. And they observed many other traditions that had been passed down, such as soaking cups, pitchers, and copper pots in water.
5 So these Pharisees and scribes asked him: ‘Why don’t your disciples follow the traditions of the elders, for they eat bread with unwashed hands!’
6 But [Jesus] replied, ‘Isaiah prophesied well about you hypocrites when he wrote, These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 So, it’s a waste for them to keep worshiping me, because they teach commandments of men as doctrines. 8 Why, you ignore the Commandments of God, but you hang onto the traditions of men!’
9 Then he said, ‘You go to a lot of trouble to set aside the Commandments of God, just so you can observe your traditions. 10 For example, Moses said: Honor your father and mother, and Let the one who says bad things to his father or mother die! 11 But you say that if a man tells his father or his mother, everything that I have that I might help you is a Corban… a [sacred] gift! 12 So you don’t allow him to do anything at all [to help] his father or mother, 13 and you are nullifying the Word of God by the traditions you pass on… and you do many other things like that!’
14 Then he called the crowd to him again and told them, ‘All of you, listen to me and make sure that you understand; 15 There’s nothing on the outside that goes into a man which can make him unclean. Rather, it’s the things that come out of a man that make him unclean.’ 16 – –
17 Then, after he left the crowd and went into the house, his disciples asked him about the illustration. 18 So he said, ‘Don’t you understand either? Don’t you realize that nothing from the outside that enters a man can make him unclean, 19 for it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his belly and then into the sewer… and this makes everything that can be eaten clean!’ 20 Then he added; ‘It’s what comes out of a man that makes him unclean. 21 It’s the things on the inside – from the heart – that bad thoughts come… things such as immorality, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries, selfish desires, wicked actions, deceit, lack of restraint, eyes that are wicked, blasphemy, arrogance, and unreasonableness. 23 All these wicked things that come from the inside are what make a man unclean.’
24 Then he got up and left, traveling [north] into the area of Tyre and Sidon, where he entered a house. And although he didn’t want anyone to know about it, he was unable escape their notice; 25 so immediately, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, heard about him and came, bowing at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek of Syrian-Phoenician extraction. And she kept asking [Jesus] to cast a demon out of her daughter. 27 But he told her, ‘The children should be satisfied first; and it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the puppies.’
28 But, she replied, ‘Yes Lord; But don’t the puppies under the table eat the crumbs [that fall from] the little children?’
29 So he said to her, ‘Because you said this, go! The demon has left your daughter.’
30 Then she went back home and found the child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
31 [After that], he left the area of Tyre, traveling through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, and then up through the middle of the region called Five Cities. 32 And here they brought him a man who was deaf and dumb, and they begged [Jesus] to lay his hands on him.
33 Then [Jesus] took him away from the crowd to a private spot and put his fingers into the man’s ears. And after spitting, he touched his tongue, 34 and looked up to the sky and groaned. Then he said: ‘Eph phatha,’ (which means, ‘Be opened).’ 35 Well, the man’s hearing ability was opened and the thing that held his tongue was loosened, and he started speaking normally… 36 and Jesus commanded [the crowd] not to tell anyone. But, the more he commanded them, the more they told it. 37 Everyone was amazed beyond belief, and said, ‘He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and those who can’t talk, speak!’
Chapter 8
1 In those days, there was another huge crowd that had nothing to eat. So, he called the disciples and said to them: 2 ‘I feel sorry for the crowd, because they’ve stayed here with me for three days, and they have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will give out on the road, for some of them have for a fact come a long way.’
4 But his disciples asked: ‘Where will anyone find enough loaves [of bread] here in this isolated place to satisfy all these people?’
5 And he asked: ‘How many loaves do you have?’
And they answered: ‘Seven.’
6 Next, he told the crowd to get down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve; and they passed them out to the crowd. 7 They also had a few little fish. And after offering a blessing over them, he told [the disciples] to serve these also. 8 So, everyone ate and was satisfied. And when they picked up the leftovers, [they filled] seven provision baskets. 9 Yet, [they fed] about four thousand men.
Finally, he sent them away, 10 and he immediately got into the boat with his disciples and traveled to parts of DalmaNutha. 11 Here the Pharisees came up and started arguing with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 So, he breathed a deep sigh and asked, ‘Why is this generation always looking for a sign? I tell you the truth; This generation won’t be given a sign!’ 13 And with that, he walked away, got back into the boat, and traveled to the opposite shore.
14 However, [the Apostles] forgot to bring any [extra] loaves [of bread] along, and except for one loaf, they had nothing with them in the boat. 15 So when [Jesus] started warning them, saying, ‘Keep your eyes open… watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and the fermentation of Herod,’ 16 they started arguing with each other over the fact that they didn’t have any bread.
17 Well, when he realized this, he asked them: ‘Why are you arguing about not having any bread… don’t you understand yet and get the meaning… are your hearts dull when it comes to understanding? 18 You have eyes; Can’t you see? And you have ears; Can’t you hear? Do you remember 19 when I broke the five loaves [to feed] five thousand men? Just how many baskets full of scraps did you pick up?’
They replied, ‘Twelve.’
20 ‘Then, when I broke the seven loaves [to serve] four thousand men, how many provision baskets full of leftovers did you pick up?’
And they said, ‘Seven.’
21 Then he asked them, ‘Don’t you get the meaning yet?’
22 Next, they went to BethSaida, where people brought him a blind man, begging [Jesus] to touch him. 23 So he took the blind man by the hand, brought him outside of the village, and spit on his eyes. Then he laid his hands on him and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’
24 Well, the man looked up and said, ‘I see men. They look a little like trees, but they are walking around.’
25 Then [Jesus] laid his hands on the man’s eyes again, and he started to see through. Finally, [his eyesight] was restored and he started seeing everything clearly. 26 So [Jesus] sent him home with the warning, ‘Don’t go [back] into the village.’
27 Well, Jesus and his disciples then left for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way, he asked his disciples: ‘Who are people saying that I am?’
28 And they replied: ‘[Some say you are] John the Baptist, others EliJah, while others say [you’re] one of the Prophets.’
29 Then he asked, ‘So, who do you say that I am?’
And Peter answered, ‘You’re the Anointed One.’
30 Then he ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
31 And that’s when he started teaching them that the Son of Man would have to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, Chief Priests, and scribes, and be killed; then [he would] wake up three days later. 32 He told them plainly [what was going to happen], but Peter took him aside and started scolding him. 33 Well, [Jesus] turned and looked at his disciples, and then scolded Peter saying, ‘Get behind me opposer, because you aren’t thinking God’s thoughts, but those of men.’
34 Then he called the crowd and his disciples to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be my follower, [he will have to] deny his own wants, then pick up his impaling pole and follow me continuously. 35 Because, whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake and for the [sake of the] good news, will save it.
36 ‘What good does it do a man to gain the whole world if he loses his life; 37 and what would a man give in exchange for his life? 38 If anyone becomes ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he arrives in the glory of his Father with the holy messengers.’
Chapter 9
1 Then he went on to say to them: ‘I tell you the truth; Some of you who are standing here won’t taste death before you see the Kingdom of God coming in power.’
2 And six days later, Jesus took just Peter, James, and John along and brought them to a private spot on a high mountain. There he changed form in front of them, 3 and his clothes started to glow much whiter than anyone on earth who washes and bleaches clothes could whiten them. 4 Then EliJah and Moses also appeared, and they were talking to Jesus.
5 Well, in reaction, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here, so let’s make three tents… one for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah.’ 6 (For a fact, he didn’t know what he was saying, because they were all really scared.)
7 Next, a cloud formed that covered them, and a voice came from the cloud that said, ‘This is My loved Son; Listen to him!’
8 Then they looked around and suddenly they didn’t see anyone but Jesus by himself.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, [Jesus] ordered them not to tell anyone what they saw until after the Son of Man had been resurrected from the dead. 10 Well, they took these words to heart, but they talked among themselves about what [he meant by] being resurrected from the dead.
11 Then they asked him, ‘Why do the scribes say that EliJah must come first?’
12 And [Jesus] answered, ‘EliJah does come first and he restores everything. However, why do you suppose it was written about the Son of Man, that he will be tried, suffer greatly, and be treated as a no-account? 13 I tell you this; EliJah has in fact come and they did whatever they wanted to him, just as it was written would happen to him.’
14 Well, when they got back to the rest of the disciples, they noticed a large crowd standing around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15 However, as soon as the crowd saw [Jesus], they were stunned and they ran up to him and started greeting him.
16 Then he asked [the disciples], ‘What are you arguing about?’
17 And someone in the crowd answered, ‘Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has a spirit that won’t allow him talk. 18 Whenever it takes control of him, it throws him on the ground, he foams [at the mouth] and grinds his teeth; and then he just goes limp. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn’t.’
19 And Jesus replied: ‘O faithless generation; How much longer do I have to be with you… how much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me!’
20 So they brought [the boy] to him. And at the sight [of Jesus], the spirit immediately threw [the child] into convulsions… he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming [at the mouth].
21 Then [Jesus] asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’
And he replied, ‘Since he was a child… 22 it has thrown him into the fire and into the water repeatedly to destroy him. If you can do anything, [please] pity us and help us.’
23 And Jesus told him, ‘You said, If you can! Why, everything is possible for one who has faith.’
24 Then the father of the young boy immediately shouted, ‘I have faith… but help me out where I need faith!’
25 Now, Jesus saw that a crowd was running toward [them], so he scolded the unclean spirit saying, ‘I order you to come out of him, you spirit of speechlessness and deafness… and don’t go back into him anymore!’
26 Then, after shouting and going through several convulsions, [the spirit] came out, and [the boy] looked like he was dead. So, most of the crowd was saying ‘He’s dead!’ 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, lifted him up, and he stood erect.
28 Well, after [Jesus] went into the house, his disciples came to ask him in private, ‘Why couldn’t we cast it out?’
29 And [Jesus] replied: ‘This is the kind that will only come out by means of prayer.’
30 Thereafter, they left that place and traveled through Galilee. But [Jesus] didn’t want anyone to know [where they were going], 31 because he was teaching his disciples and telling them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men and they will kill him. Then after being dead for three days, he will be resurrected.’ 32 However, they just didn’t grasp what he was saying, and they were afraid to ask him any more questions.
33 Then they returned to CaperNaum. And when [Jesus] got home, he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’
34 Well, they didn’t answer, because while they were on the road they had been arguing about which of them is the greatest. 35 So he sat down and called the twelve over, then he said to them: ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all, and a servant to all.’
36 Then he took a little boy and stood him in their midst, put his arms around him, and said, 37 ‘Whoever welcomes someone like this little boy in my name, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, doesn’t just welcome me, [he also welcomes] the One who sent me.’
38 [Later], John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he isn’t one of our followers.’
39 But Jesus said, ‘Don’t stop him, because nobody who does powerful deeds in my name will be too quick to say bad things about me. 40 So, anyone who isn’t against us is for us. 41 Why, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you walk in the name of the Anointed One, I tell you the truth; he won’t lose his reward. 42 But whoever traps one of these little ones that believes; it would be better if a millstone – the type that’s turned by a burro – was hung around his neck and he was thrown into the sea.
43 ‘Why, if your hand traps you, cut it off; for it’s better for you to go through life physically handicapped than to have both hands and go into the garbage dump… into the fire that can’t be put out. 44 – – 45 If your foot traps you, cut it off; for it’s better for you to go through life lame than to have both feet and end up in the garbage dump. 46 – – 47 If your eye traps you, throw it away; for it’s better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye, than to have both eyes and to be thrown into the garbage dump, 48 where there are always maggots and the fire is never put out.
49 ‘Everyone must be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt loses its salty flavor, what will you use it for seasoning in? Have salt in yourselves and stay at peace with each other.’
Chapter 10
1 From there, he traveled on to the border of Judea and crossed the Jordan. But the crowds still came to him; and as was his custom, he started teaching them. 2 And it was there that the Pharisees came, and to test him, asked whether it was legal for a man to divorce his wife. 3 So [Jesus] asked, ‘What Commandment did Moses give you?’
4 And they answered, ‘Moses allowed [us to] write out a certificate of dismissal and divorce [her].’
5 Then Jesus said, ‘He wrote this commandment for you because you’re so hardhearted. 6 But from the early [days] of their creation, He made them male and female [and said]: 7 This is why a man will leave his father and mother, 8 and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Thus, what God has put together under the same yoke should be separated by no man.’
10 Well, when they got back home again, the disciples asked him about this. 11 And he told them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman who is divorced from her husband ever marries another, she commits adultery.’
13 Thereafter, people started bringing their young children for [Jesus] to touch them, but the disciples discouraged them. 14 And when Jesus saw this, he was irritated and said to them, ‘Let the young children come to me! Don’t try to stop them, because God’s Kingdom belongs to people like this. 15 I tell you the truth; Whoever doesn’t welcome the Kingdom of God like a young child, won’t ever get into it.’ 16 Then he took the children in his arms and started blessing them, laying his hands on them.
17 Well, while Jesus was on his way out, someone ran up and fell to his knees before him, then asked, ‘Good Teacher; what must do to be able to inherit life in the age?’
18 And Jesus replied, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except one; God. 19 You know the Commandments: don’t murder; don’t commit adultery; don’t steal; don’t give false testimony; don’t defraud; honor your father and mother.’
20 Then the man said, ‘Teacher, I’ve kept all these things since my youth.’
21 Well, Jesus saw what he was on the inside, and feeling love for him, said: ‘Then just one thing is missing; Go and sell all the things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come be my follower.’
22 But [the young man] grew very sad at what [Jesus] said and went off grieving, because he owned many things.
23 Well, Jesus looked around, and then he said to his disciples, ‘What a difficult thing it is for those with money to enter the Kingdom of God!’ 24 But the disciples were surprised at those words. So Jesus added, ‘Children; It’s difficult to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 Why, it’s easier [to thread a rope] through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.’
26 And at that, they were even more shocked and asked, ‘Then, who can be saved?’
27 Well, looking straight at them, Jesus said: ‘With men it’s impossible. But that isn’t true of God, for all things are possible with [Him].’
28 Then Peter said, ‘Look! We’ve left everything to follow you.’
29 And Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; There is no one who has left a house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news, 30 that won’t get a hundred times more now, --- and in the coming era, life in the age. 31 However, many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.’
32 Now, while they were on their way up to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking out in front of them, and they were all amazed [by this]; so his followers started to worry. Then he took the twelve aside to tell them the things that were about to happen to him, saying, 33 ‘{Look!} We are walking up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the Chief Priests and scribes, who will condemn him to death, then turn him over to [men of] the nations, 34 who will make fun of him, spit on him, whip him, and then kill him. But three days later, he will be resurrected.’
35 [Then later], James and John (the two sons of ZebediOu) came up to him and said: ‘Teacher, we want to ask you to do something for us.’
36 And he replied: ‘What do you want?’
37 They said: ‘Allow us to sit, one at your right hand and the other on your left, in your glory.’
38 But Jesus replied: ‘You don’t know what you’re asking. Can you drink the cup that I’m drinking, or to be baptized in the baptism that I’m being baptized with?’
39 And they answered, ‘We can.’
Then Jesus told them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I’m drinking and you will be baptized in the baptism that I’m being baptized with. 40 However, sitting at my right or left isn’t mine to give. That belongs to those for whom it has been prepared.’
41 Well, when the ten others heard about [this request], they were very irritated at James and John. 42 But Jesus called [them all] to him and said: ‘You know that those who appear to be ruling the nations act like masters over [their subjects], and how the greatest of them like to use their power. 43 This isn’t the way it should be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. 44 And whoever wants to be first among you must be everyone’s slave. 45 Because, even the Son of Man didn’t come to be served; [he came] to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
46 Well, before long, they arrived at Jericho. And while [Jesus] (along with his disciples and quite a crowd) was leaving Jericho, BarTimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting alongside the road. 47 And when he heard that Jesus the Nazarene [was passing], he started shouting, ‘Jesus; Son of David; Have mercy on me!’
48 But many [in the crowd] told him to be quiet. Yet he kept shouting even louder, ‘Son of David; Have mercy on me!’
49 So Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him over.’
Then they called the blind man and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid… Get up; He’s calling you!’
50 Well, he threw off his robe, jumped to his feet, and went to Jesus.
51 Then Jesus asked: ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
And the blind man replied: ‘My Teacher; Let me see again!’
52 And Jesus said to him, ‘Go, for your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he started to see, and he followed [Jesus] down the road.
Chapter 11
1 Now, when they got close to Jerusalem (to BethPhage and BethAny at the Mount of Olives), he sent two of his disciples ahead, 2 telling them: ‘Go into the village across from us, and as soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt that is tied, which no man has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 And if anyone asks why you’re doing this, say, The Lord needs it. And he will immediately let you take it.’
4 So, they went and found the colt tied outside a door on a side street, and they untied it. 5 But some of those who were standing there asked, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’
6 Then [the disciples] told them what Jesus said, and they let them take it.
7 So, they brought the colt to Jesus, put a robe over it, and he sat on it. 8 Also, many [who were there] spread their robes on the road, while others cut branches from trees in the fields. 9 And those who walked in front of him and behind him were shouting, ‘May [God] save him! Praised is he who comes in Jehovah’s Name! 10 Praised is the Kingdom of our Father David that is coming! May [God] in the highest places save him!’
11 Then he rode into Jerusalem, went into the Temple, and looked around at everything; but because it was late, he [went back] to BethAny with the twelve.
12 The next morning, as he was leaving BethAny, he became hungry, 13 and noticing leaves on a fig tree from a distance, he went over to see if he could find some [fruit] on it. But when he got there, he found nothing other than just leaves, because it was [a little early in the year] for figs. 14 Then [Jesus] said to [the tree], ‘May no one eat fruit from you for the rest of the age’ (and his disciples heard [him say] it).
15 Well from there, they went on into Jerusalem. Then [Jesus] went into the Temple and started throwing out those who were buying and selling. He also pushed over the moneychangers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold doves, 16 and he wouldn’t allow anyone to carry things through the Temple. 17 He kept teaching and saying, ‘Isn’t it written, My house will be called a House of Prayer for all the nations? Yet, you’ve made it a den of thieves!’
18 Well, the Chief Priests and scribes heard this and started looking for ways to destroy him. But they were afraid of him, because his teaching always amazed the crowds.
19 Then, after it got late, they left the city. 20 But as they were traveling along early the [next] morning, they saw that fig tree all withered up from the roots. 21 Peter remembered it and said to [Jesus], ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered!’
22 Then Jesus said, ‘Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth; Whoever would tell this mountain to rise and be thrown into the sea – if he doesn’t doubt in his heart, but has faith – what he says will happen is what’s going to happen. 24 This is why I tell you; Have faith that you will receive everything you pray and ask for, and you will have them. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against others, so that your Father who is in the heavens will also forgive your mistakes.’ 26 – –
27 So they returned to Jerusalem. And as he was walking around in the Temple, the Chief Priests, scribes, and elders came up to him 28 and asked, ‘Where did you get the authority to do these things; and who gave you that authority?’
29 Then Jesus replied, ‘I’m going to ask you a question. And if you answer me, then I’ll tell you where I got the authority to do these things: 30 Did the baptism by John come from heaven or from men? Answer me!’
31 So, they started to reason among themselves saying, ‘If we say it was from heaven, he will ask; So, why didn’t you believe him? 32 But if we say, from men… ’ You see, they were afraid of the crowds, because [the people] believed that John was a Prophet. 33 So they told Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
And Jesus told them, ‘Then I’m not telling you where I got the authority to do these things.’
Chapter 12
1 Then he started teaching them by means of illustrations, ‘A man planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a vat for the wine press, built a tower [to protect it], and contracted its care to some farmers, and then he traveled abroad.
2 ‘Now, when the [harvest] season came, he sent a slave to the farmers to get some of the vineyard’s fruit. 3 But they grabbed [the slave], beat him up, and sent him away with nothing. 4 Again [the master] sent another slave to them. They hit this one on the head and treated him dishonorably. 5 So, he sent another, and they killed this one… and [he sent] many others, some of whom they flayed with whips, and others whom they killed.
6 ‘Well, [the master] had one more [he could send], a dearly loved son. He sent [his son] to them last, saying, Surely they will respect my son!
7 ‘But those farmers said to each other, This is the heir! Let’s kill him and the inheritance will be ours! 8 Then they grabbed him and killed him, and threw [his body] outside of the vineyard.
9 ‘So, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, then entrust the vineyard to others.
10 ‘Didn’t you ever read the scripture, The stone that the builders rejected, became the head of the corner? 11 This came by Jehovah, and we think it’s just great.’
12 Well, they recognized that the illustration applied to them, so they started looking for ways to grab him. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they released him and left.
13 Next, they sent some of the Pharisees and followers of Herod to him to try to get [Jesus] to say something [that they could accuse him of]. 14 And when they got there, they said, ‘Teacher; We know that you tell the truth and you aren’t impressed by anyone. You don’t look at what men are on the outside, but you truly teach the way of God. So, is it legal to pay the head tax to Caesar or not… 15 should we pay, or shouldn’t we?’
But noting their hypocrisy, he said, ‘Why are you testing me? Bring me a silver coin to look at.’
16 So they brought one, and he asked, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’
And they replied, ‘Caesar’s.’
17 Then Jesus said, ‘Pay Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.’ And he bewildered them.
18 Now. the Sadducees (who say there’s no such thing as a resurrection) came to [Jesus] and asked, 19 ‘Teacher; Moses wrote to us that if anyone has a brother who dies and leaves a wife without a child, his brother should take the wife and raise offspring for his brother. 20 Well, let’s say that there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, but he died without offspring. 21 Then the second took her, but he also died without offspring, as did the third… 22 none of the seven left any offspring. And finally, the woman also died. 23 So, whose wife will she be in the resurrection, since all seven had her as a wife?’
24 Then Jesus answered, ‘This is why you’re so misled; for you don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God! 25 When the dead are resurrected, they won’t marry or be married, for they are as the messengers in heaven.
26 ‘As for the dead who are raised; Didn’t you read in the book of Moses – in the story about the thorn bush – how God said to him, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? 27 He isn’t a God of the dead, but of the living! Yes, you are very misled!’
28 Now, one of the scribes (who came up and heard the arguing), knew that [Jesus] had given a good answer. So he asked, ‘Then, which is the primary Commandment?’
29 And Jesus answered: ‘The primary one is: Hear, O Israel; Jehovah our God is one Lord, 30 and you must love your God our Lord with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength 31 The second is this: You must love your neighbor as yourself. No Commandments are greater than these.’
32 Then the scribe said: ‘Good! You told the truth, teacher, when you say that He is One and there is no other. 33 And loving Him with your whole heart, understanding, and strength; and loving neighbor as yourself, is worth much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.’
34 So Jesus (recognizing that he responded intelligently) said to him, ‘You aren’t far from the Kingdom of God.’
And from then on, no one else had enough courage to ask him any more questions.
35 Well, in reply to a question that was raised while Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he asked, ‘Why do the scribes say that the Anointed One is David’s son? 36 For, through the Holy Breath [of God], David said this: Jehovah said to my Lord; Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet. 37 So, since David called him Lord, how can he be his son?’
[All the while], the huge crowd was listening to him with a lot of pleasure.
38 Then, as he was teaching, he warned, ‘Watch out for the scribes who like to walk around in robes and who wish to be greeted in the markets. 39 [They want] the front seats in the synagogues and the front positions at suppers. 40 Yet, these devour the homes of widows while putting on a show and delivering long prayers; so they will receive a heavier judgment.’
41 Then he sat down across from the sacred Treasury and noticed the crowd dropping money into the boxes… and the rich people were dropping in many coins. 42 However, a poor widow came and dropped in two small copper coins that weren’t worth much. 43 So, [Jesus] called his disciples over and said, ‘I tell you the truth; This poor widow put in more than all the rest who threw money into the treasury chest. 44 Because, they all threw in what they had plenty of, but [this woman] who is in need, dropped in everything she had… her whole [means of] living.’
Chapter 13
1 As he was leaving the Temple, one of his disciples said, ‘Teacher; Look at these stones and these buildings!’
2 However, Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? There won’t be a stone left on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down.’
3 And as he was sitting in a quiet spot on the Mount of Olives (across from the Temple), Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked, 4 ‘Tell us; when will these things happen, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to end?’
5 And Jesus answered: ‘Be careful so that no one misleads you. 6 For, many will come in my name, saying, I am [he], and will mislead many. 7 And when you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be afraid, because [these things] must happen… but that isn’t the end. 8 For nation will war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be rumblings in one place after another, and there will be food shortages. Yet these things are just the beginnings of the birth pains.
9 ‘Watch out for yourselves, because you will be betrayed to local courts and you will be whipped in synagogues, then be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, as a witness to them. 10 Also, the good news has to be preached among all the nations first. 11 But, as they are carrying you off to face accusation, don’t worry ahead of time about what you will say. Just say whatever is given to you in that hour, because you aren’t the ones speaking… the Holy Breath [of God] is.
12 ‘Then brothers will betray brothers for death, as will a father his own child; and children will stand against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of my name; but he who endures to the end will be saved.
14 ‘Whenever you see the disgusting destroyer standing where it shouldn’t be (readers should pay attention to this), then those in Judea should flee to the mountains. 15 The one who is standing on his roof shouldn’t come down or go inside to take anything out of his house, 16 and the one who is standing in the field shouldn’t go back to pick up his clothes.
17 ‘Woe to those who are pregnant and those nursing babies in those days… 18 keep praying that it doesn’t happen during the winter. 19 Because, in those days there will be a time of difficulty such as hasn’t happened since the earliest of creation by God until then, and shouldn’t happen [again]. 20 In fact, if Jehovah doesn’t shorten the days, it’s likely that no flesh will be saved. But due to the chosen ones that He elected, He has shortened the days.
21 ‘Then if anyone says to you, Look; Here’s the Anointed One, or, Look, there he is; don’t believe it. 22 Because, false anointed and false prophets will arise and they will give signs and omens to mislead, if possible, even the elected! 23 Now, you be careful, because I’ve warned you!
24 ‘Then, in the days following that difficult time, the sun will be darkened, the moon won’t shine, 25 stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will shake. 26 And they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with much power and glory. 27 Then he will send the messengers off to gather his elected ones from the four winds… from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky!
28 ‘Now learn from the illustration of the fig tree:
When its branches become tender and it puts out leaves,
You know that summer is near.
29 So, when you see these things happening, know that he is near… at the doors. 30 I tell you the truth; That generation definitely won’t pass away until all these things occur… 31 the earth and sky will pass away, but my words won’t pass away. 32 Nobody knows that day or hour… neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, just the Father. 33 So, stay awake and keep watching, because you don’t know the time when he’s coming!
34 ‘It’s like a man, who, before leaving his house and traveling abroad, instructed each of his slaves to just go on doing their jobs… but he commanded his doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 So, stay awake, because you don’t know when the Master of the house is coming – whether it’s late, or at midnight, or at rooster crowing, or early in the morning – 36 so that when he suddenly arrives, he doesn’t find you sleeping. 37 What I’m saying to you I’m saying to everyone… Stay awake!’
Chapter 14
1 Now, it was just two days before Passover and the festival of No fermentation. And the Chief Priests and the scribes were trying to come up with devious ways to grab [Jesus] and kill him. 2 But they said, ‘Not at the festival… not at any time when it will create a scene!’
3 Then, while he was reclining at a meal in the house of Simon the leper (in BethAny), a woman came in with a very expensive alabaster case of perfumed oil… genuine nard. And after breaking open the alabaster, she poured it over his head. 4 But some were grumbling among themselves, asking, ‘Why this waste of perfumed oil? 5 This ointment could have been sold for up to three hundred silver coins and given to the poor!’ And they were very displeased with her.
6 But Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone… why are you trying to make trouble for her? For she did a good thing for me! 7 You always have the poor with you, and you can do good things for them whenever you want… but you won’t always have me. 8 She did what she could… she put perfumed ointment on my body ahead of time, for my burial. 9 And I tell you the truth; Wherever the Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman did will be told in memory of her.’
10 [Meanwhile], Judas Iscariot (one of the twelve) had gone to the Chief Priests to betray him. 11 And when they heard [his offer], they were delighted and promised to pay him in silver. So he started looking for an opportunity to betray [Jesus].
12 Then, toward the first day of No Fermentation (when the Passover sacrifice is offered), [Jesus’] disciples asked him, ‘Where do you want us to go to prepare for you to eat the Passover?’
13 So he sent two of his disciples off, telling them, ‘Go into the city and you will meet a man there who is carrying a clay pot full of water… follow him, 14 and wherever he goes inside, tell the master of the house that the Teacher asks: Where is the guest room that I can eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room that’s already furnished. Prepare [the meal] for us there.’
16 So the disciples left and went into the city, and there they found everything just as he said; and they prepared for the Passover.
17 That evening, [Jesus] came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining and eating at the table, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; One of you who is eating with me will betray me!’
19 Well at this, they were all deeply saddened and asked, ‘It isn’t me, is it?’
20 Then he answered: ‘It’s one of the twelve who is dipping into the common bowl with me. 21 It’s a fact that the Son of Man is going to be taken away, just as it was written about him… but woe to the one who betrays the Son of Man, for it would be better for him if he had never been born!’
22 And as they ate, [Jesus] took a loaf, then offered a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them saying: ‘Take it; for this is my body.’
23 Then he took a cup, offered thanks, gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them: ‘This is my blood of the Sacred Agreement, which is poured out over many. 25 I tell you the truth; I definitely won’t drink of the product of the vine anymore until the Day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of The God.’
26 Finally, after singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 Then Jesus said to them, ‘All of you will be stumbled, because it’s written, I will beat the shepherd and the sheep will all be scattered. 28 But after I’ve been raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
29 However, Peter said to him, ‘Even if all the others are stumbled, I won’t be!’
30 And Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; Today… tonight… before a rooster crows, you will deny knowing me three times.’
31 But [Peter] kept on talking, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I definitely won’t deny you.’ And all the others were saying the same thing.
32 So, when they came to a spot named GethSemane, he said to his disciples, ‘Sit down here while I pray.’
33 Then he took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he became deeply upset and bothered. 34 So he said to them: ‘My soul is grieved to the point of death… so wait here and stay awake!’ 35 And then he went a little way forward and fell to the ground, praying that, if it was possible, he could be freed from that hour. 36 And he said, ‘Papa! Father! Everything is possible for you! Remove this cup from me! Yet, not as I wish, but as You wish it to be.’
37 However, when he returned, he found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, ‘Are you sleeping… didn’t you have enough strength to stay awake for just one hour? 38 Now, stay awake and keep praying that you won’t be put to the test! But indeed; though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.’ 39 Then he went off and prayed once more, saying the same things.
40 Then, when he returned, he once again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy… and they just didn’t know what to say to him. 41 [And finally], he returned a third time and told them, ‘Here you are resting and sleeping. That’s enough! The time has come! Look! The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners! 42 Get up! Let’s go! Look! The one who betrayed me is nearby!’
43 And immediately (while he was still talking), Judas (one of the twelve) showed up with a mob, which included the Chief Priests, scribes, and elders, and all were carrying swords and clubs.
44 Well, the betrayer gave [the mob] a sign that they had agreed on, saying, ‘The one that I kiss is him… grab him and take him away safely!’
45 So he came up [to Jesus] straight away and said, ‘Rabbi!’ And then he kissed him tenderly.
46 And at that, they laid their hands on [Jesus] and grabbed him. 47 However, one of those standing there drew his sword and struck the Chief Priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.
48 Then Jesus said to [the mob]: ‘Did you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like some robber? 49 Yet, I was with you in the Temple, where I taught for days, but you didn’t grab me then. However, this has happened so that the Scriptures will be fulfilled.’
50 Then [the Apostles] all abandoned him and ran away. 51 But a certain young man (who had slipped a linen nightgown over his naked body) started following close behind; and then [the mob] tried to grab him also, 52 so he ran away naked, leaving his covering behind.
53 From there, they led Jesus away to the High Priest, where all the Chief Priests, elders, and scribes had assembled. 54 But Peter (who had been following him at some distance) went into the courtyard of the High Priest, and he sat there with the building supervisors, warming himself as he faced the fire.
55 Meanwhile, the Chief Priests and the entire Jewish religious court were all trying to find witnesses against Jesus, so they could put him to death; but they couldn’t find any. 56 Many did come forward to give false testimony against him, but their stories just didn’t agree. 57 Then, some stood up and perjured themselves with the words, 58 ‘We heard him say, I will tear down this Temple that was made with hands and I will build another that isn’t made with hands in just three days.’ 59 Yet, even these witnesses couldn’t agree.
60 Finally, the High Priest stood up in their midst and questioned Jesus, asking: ‘Don’t you have an answer… what are they accusing you of?’
61 But [Jesus] remained silent and didn’t reply to anything.
Then the High Priest started questioning him again, asking: ‘Are you the Anointed One… the Son of the Praised One?’
62 And Jesus replied: ‘I am… and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of the sky!’
63 Well at this, the High Priest ripped his clothes and said: ‘Why do we need any more witnesses? 64 You heard the blasphemy! What’s your opinion?’
Then they all condemned him to be held for death. 65 And some started spitting on him, as they covered his face and hit him with their fists, shouting, ‘Prophesy!’
[And finally], the building supervisors (after slapping him in the face) took him into custody.
66 Now, while Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the High Priest’s servant girls 67 noticed him warming himself… she looked at him very hard and then said, ‘You were also with the Nazarene… this Jesus!’
68 But he denied it, saying, ‘I don’t know him and I don’t know what you’re saying.’
Then he went outside to the courtyard entrance. 69 And there the servant girl, when she saw him again, said to those with her, ‘This is one of them!’ 70 And he denied it again.
Then once more, those who were standing around him said to Peter, ‘Sure you’re one of them, because you’re also a Galilean!’
71 But he started cursing and swore, ‘I don’t know the man you’re talking about!’ 72 And immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him, ‘Before a rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and cried.
Chapter 15
1 Well, at dawn, the Chief Priests sat down with the elders and scribes to consult with the complete Jewish religious court, and there they bound Jesus and took him to be handed over to Pilate.
2 So Pilate asked: ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’
And he replied, ‘You said it yourself!’
3 Then the Chief Priests went on to accuse him of many other things.
4 Well, Pilate questioned him again asking, ‘Don’t you have any reply? Look at all the charges they’re bringing against you!’
5 But Jesus didn’t answer anymore, which caused Pilate to wonder.
6 It was [Pilate’s] custom to release any prisoner that they asked for at the festivals. 7 And at the time, there was one man in jail called BarAbbas, who was with a group of rebels that had committed murder during a rebellion. 8 So when the crowd came [to Pilate] to petition him to release a prisoner (according to the custom), 9 Pilate asked, ‘Do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?’ 10 (For he knew that the Chief Priests had only handed him over because they were jealous of him.) 11 But the priests urged the crowd to ask him to release BarAbbas to them instead.
12 So Pilate asked: ‘Then, what shall I do with this one whom you call the King of the Jews?’
13 And once again, they shouted: ‘Hang him on a pole!’
14 But Pilate asked: ‘Why? What bad thing did he do?’
However, they just kept shouting louder and louder, ‘Hang him on the pole!’
15 So, to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released BarAbbas to them. Then, after having Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be impaled.
16 Well, the soldiers took him out into the courtyard of the Governor’s Palace and called all the troops together, 17 then they covered him with purple [cloth] and braided a crown of thorns, and slipped it on him. 18 Then they started greeting him saying: ‘Rejoice, you King of the Jews!’ 19 And they were hitting him on the head with a reed and spitting on him… and after getting down on their knees, they were bowing before him.
20 Finally (after they’d had their fun), they stripped him of the purple [cloth], put his clothes back on, and took him out to be hung on the pole, 21 drafting a man named Simon (a Cyrenian who was coming from the fields… the father of Alexander and Rufus) to carry the pole.
22 So, they took him to GolGotha (which translates as Skull Place). 23 And there they tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh; but he wouldn’t take it. 24 Then they hung him on the pole and threw dice to see who would get his clothes.
25 It was the third hour that they hung him on the pole. 26 And there was a sign over him that showed the charge against him, ‘The King of the Jews.’
27 There were also two robbers who were hung on poles with him… one on his right and the other on his left. 28 – –
29 Then those who were passing by were saying terrible things to him, shaking their heads and shouting, ‘Bah! O you who would tear down the Temple and rebuild it in three days; 30 Save yourself… get down off the pole!’
31 And that’s the way that the Chief Priests and scribes were joking about him, saying, ‘He saved others, but he can’t save himself! 32 Let the Anointed One who is the King of Israel come down off his pole, so we can see it and believe!’
And even those who were hanging with him mocked him.
33 Then darkness came over the whole land from the sixth to the ninth hours. 34 And at the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ (which translates as, ‘My God, my God, why have you let me down?’)
35 And when some of those standing there heard it, they said, ‘Look; He’s calling for EliJah!’
36 So, someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine and put it on a reed to give him something to drink. But they said, ‘Leave him alone… let’s see if EliJah comes to take him down.’ 37 And then Jesus let out a loud groan and died.
38 Well, at that, the Temple curtain ripped in two from the top to the bottom. 39 And when the centurion who was standing across from him saw the things that happened when he died, he said, ‘This man truly was God’s Son!’
40 At the time, there were women who were looking on from a distance. Among them was Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of Little James and Joses, and Salome. 41 These [women] used to travel with him and serve him when he was in Galilee, along with many other women who came with him to Jerusalem.
42 Well, since it was already late in the afternoon, and because it was Preparation (the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of AriMathea (a well-known member of the Council who was also awaiting God’s Kingdom) got up enough courage to go before Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus. 44 But, Pilate didn’t know if he was dead yet, so he called the centurion to ask if he had died. 45 Then, after checking with the centurion, he released the corpse to Joseph.
46 So, he went out and bought some fine linen, took him down, and wrapped him in the cloth and laid him in a tomb that was cut into the bedrock, and rolled a stone up to the tomb entrance. 47 But Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joses [just sat there], looking at the place where he had been placed.
Chapter 16
1 Then, after the Sabbath, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spiced ointments to grease the body with… 2 going to the tomb early the next morning after sunrise. 3 Then one asked the other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the tomb entrance for us?’ 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the extremely large stone had already been rolled away.
5 So they entered the tomb and saw a young man sitting on the right side wearing a white robe, and they were shocked! 6 But he said to them, ‘Don’t be surprised; You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was impaled; but he arose… he isn’t here. Look… here’s the place where they laid him! 7 So, go tell his disciples and Peter that he’s going ahead of them into Galilee… you’ll see him there, just as he said.’
8 Well, when they came out, they ran from the tomb, because they were shaking with excitement. But they didn’t say anything to anyone, because they were too afraid.
NOTE: Neither of the supposed conclusions to Mark have been included, because their authenticity is in doubt.
Luke
NOTE: You will notice that much of the book of Luke was written as poetry, for this is apparently how Jesus spoke many of his parables, and Luke in particular told of these parables. As the result, we have attempted to restore the rhythm of his words as closely as possible to the original poetic style, while attempting to maintain their exact meanings. And to those who would object, claiming that exact words are more important that style, we ask: Then why did Jesus put so much effort into style? The answer is obvious; He wanted at least some of his words to be remembered and quoted as parables or proverbs. Also; this unique teaching style tends to indicate that Jesus was the Lord who spoke the words of God (Jehovah) to many of the ancient Prophets, since most of those messages were also originally transmitted in poetry.
Chapter 1
1 Since many others have already taken on the job of putting together a statement of the facts of the things we believe 2 as they were given to us by those who were eyewitnesses from the earliest [times] and by caretakers of the message, 3 it seemed good for me to trace everything accurately from the start, then write it down for you in the order that it happened, mighty Theophilus, 4 so you can feel confident about the things you’ve been taught by word of mouth.
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a Priest named ZechariJah, who was of the division of AbiJah. He had a wife named EliZabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were found righteous by God, because they obeyed all the Commandments and requirements of Jehovah. 7 However, they never had a child, because they were both well up in years, and EliZabeth was sterile.
8 Now, it was while he was assigned as the Priest before God in his division of Priests that 9 (following the custom of the Priesthood) [ZechariJah] was chosen by lot to offer incense when he went into the Holy Place of Jehovah. 10 [At the time], there was a large crowd of people praying outside during the hour that the incense was being offered, 11 and it was then that Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him, to the right of the incense altar.
12 Well, ZechariJah was very disturbed and frightened by what he saw. 13 However, the messenger said to him, ‘Don’t be afraid ZechariJah, because the things that you begged for in prayer have been favorably heard. Your wife EliZabeth will give birth to a son for you, and you should call his name John. 14 You’ll be happy and you’ll dance with joy… in fact, many people will rejoice at his birth, 15 because he will be great in the eyes of Jehovah. He may not drink any wine or liquor at all, and he will be filled with [God’s] Holy Breath while he’s still in his mother’s womb; 16 he will turn many sons of Israel back to Jehovah their God; 17 he will go just ahead of Him with the power and breath of EliJah; and he will prepare a people for Jehovah, turning the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the [hearts] of those who don’t obey to righteous good sense.’
18 But ZechariJah asked the messenger, ‘How can I be sure of this? After all, I’m old and my wife is well up in years.’
19 Then the messenger replied, ‘I am GabriEl – he who stands before God – and I was sent to bring this good news to you. 20 But because you didn’t believe these words (which will come true right on time), {Look!} you will be silent and won’t able to talk until the day that these things happen.’
21 Meanwhile, the people [outside] were waiting for ZechariJah and they started wondering why he was taking so long in the Holy Place. 22 However, when he came out he couldn’t speak, and they realized that he had just seen something unusual. He gestured signs to them, but he couldn’t talk. 23 Then, after the period of his assigned [Temple] service, he went back home.
24 After that, EliZabeth his wife became pregnant, and she hid herself for five months saying, 25 ‘This is Jehovah’s will, so people won’t laugh at me.’
26 It was in her sixth month that the Messenger GabriEl was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph (of the house of [King] David). This virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And when he came to her he said, ‘Rejoice you most cared-for person, because Jehovah is with you.’
29 Now, those words really bothered her, because she wondered just what type of greeting that was.
30 Then the messenger told her, ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary, because you’ve found favor with God. 31 {Look!} You will conceive in your belly and give birth to a son who you are to name Jesus. 32 He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will rule over the house of Jacob through the ages, and there will be no end to his Kingdom.’
34 Then Mary asked the messenger, ‘How can this be possible, since I haven’t had sex with a man?’
35 And the messenger replied, ‘The Holy Breath of God will come over you and the Power of the Most High will be a shadow over you. So, what will be born will be called Holy… God’s Son. 36 {Look!} Why, your relative EliZabeth is also pregnant with a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month for this so-called infertile woman, 37 because nothing is impossible unless God says so.’
38 Then Mary said, ‘{Look!} I’m Jehovah’s slave girl! May the thing you said happen to me!’ And at that, the messenger left her.
39 So Mary got up and quickly traveled to a city of Judah in the hill country, where she 40 entered the home of ZechariJah, and greeted EliZabeth.
41 Well, just as EliZabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb jumped. Then EliZabeth was filled with the Holy Breath [of God], 42 and she shouted aloud: ‘You’re a blest woman and the fruit of your womb is blest! 43 So, how is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 Look! When I heard the sound of your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 The woman who believes will be blest, for all things which have been spoken to her by the Lord will come true.’
46 Then Mary said:
‘I glorify Jehovah with my life,
47 And over my God and my Savior,
My body cries out in joy,
48 Because He looked down on His lowly slave girl.
‘{Look!} I’ll be called blest by all generations,
49 For the Powerful One did great things for me… and His Name is so Holy.
50 ‘For generations He’s shown mercy to all those who fear Him,
51 But with His mightily arm He will scatter,
All those who think in their hearts that they’re better.
52 ‘Emperors He’s removed from their thrones,
And He’s put the humble in charge.
53 He’s filled the hungry with good things,
And sent the rich away empty.
54 ‘He came to the aid of Israel His boy,
And called to his mind [His great] mercy.
55 This He explained to our fathers…
To Abraham and his seed through the age.’
56 So Mary stayed there with EliZabeth for about three months, and then she went back home.
57 It soon came time for EliZabeth to deliver her baby, and she had a son. 58 So, when her neighbors and relatives heard how Jehovah had shown such magnificent mercy toward her, they were overjoyed too.
59 Then, when they went to circumcise the boy (on the eighth day), they were going to name him after his father, ZechariJah. 60 But his mother said, ‘Absolutely not! He’ll be called John.’
61 However, [the neighbors] said, ‘That isn’t the name of any of your relatives,’ 62 and they nodded to the father, asking what he wanted to call it.
63 He then asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And this caused them to wonder.
64 Then suddenly he opened his mouth, his tongue came loose, and he started speaking and praising God.
65 This frightened everyone in the neighborhood. And these things were talked about throughout all the hills of Judea. 66 Everyone who heard of it made a note in their hearts, wondering, ‘Just what will this boy [grow up to] be, because the hand of Jehovah is with him?’
67 Then ZechariJah, [the boy’s] father, was filled with [God’s] Holy Breath and he prophesied:
68 ‘Praise Jehovah Israel’s God,
For He looked down and set His people free.
69 He raised the horn of salvation for us,
In the house of David his servant,
70 Just as He said through the mouths of the holy,
In the age of Prophets,
71 To save us from our enemy’s hands,
And from the hands of all those who hate us.
72 ‘[He] has been kind to our fathers,
And remembered the Holy Agreement [that He made],
73 In the oath that He swore unto Abraham our father,
74 To save us from our enemy’s hands,
And to draw us to serve Him in most holy ways;
75 To loyally stand there before Him,
In righteousness for [the rest of] our days.
76 ‘But as for you, little boy;
A Prophet of the Most High you’ll be called.
You will go in front of the Lord,
To make preparations for His ways;
77 To let His people know how [they can] be saved,
By forgiving their sins 78 through the tender mercy of God,
Who will look on us from above,
As though it were the [dawn] of a new day,
79 That will shine on those in the darkness,
And those who sit in the shadow of death,
And to straighten [the path for] our feet,
In the ways [that are leading to] peace.’
80 Well, the little boy grew and kept getting stronger in the Breath [of God], and he lived in the desert until the day that he showed himself to Israel.
Chapter 2
1 Back in those days, Tiberius Caesar had decreed that everyone on earth had to be registered, 2 and this first registration took place when QuiRinius was the governor of Syria. 3 So, everyone had to return to his hometown to be registered. 4 And as the result, Joseph had to travel from Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city of BethLehem in Judea (because he was from the house and family of David) 5 to be registered with Mary, whom he married as he promised, and who was pregnant. 6 And it was while they were there that it came time for her to have her baby. 7 So she gave birth to her first son and wrapped him tightly in a cloth, then laid him in a feed trough (because there wasn’t any room for them in the lodge).
8 At that time, there were some shepherds staying outdoors in the surrounding countryside, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 Then Jehovah’s messenger appeared, standing over them with [His] Glory shining around them (which frightened them). 10 But the messenger told them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Look! I’m bringing you good news of great joy for everyone. 11 Because, a Savior – the chosen Lord – was born to you today in David’s city. 12 And this is the sign to look for: You’ll find an infant wrapped tightly in a cloth and lying in a feed trough.’
13 Then suddenly, a large heavenly army appeared with the messenger, praising God and saying:
14 ‘Glory to God in highest places,
And peace to men on the earth,
Who’ve proven themselves to be good.’
15 So, after the messengers [of God] went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to BethLehem and see this thing that Jehovah has revealed to us.’ 16 And at that, they went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the feed trough. 17 Then, when they saw this, they explained the things that they were told about the little boy.
18 Well, all those who heard of it were amazed by the things the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary started preserving all these words, drawing conclusions in her heart. 20 So, the shepherds went on glorifying and praising God for all the things that they saw and heard, [telling things] just as it was told to them.
21 Now after eight days, it came time to circumcise him, and it was then that he was given the name Jesus (the name that [God’s] messenger said he should be called before he was conceived in [Mary’s] womb).
22 Then, at the end of the [forty] days of purification that were required by the Law of Moses, they took him to Jerusalem to present him to Jehovah, 23 exactly as it was written in Jehovah’s Law, ‘Every male that opens a womb must be called holy to Jehovah.’ 24 Then they offered the sacrifice that was specified in Jehovah’s Law, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.
25 {Look!} There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and devout person, who had been awaiting Israel’s comforter, and [God’s] Holy Breath was with him. 26 So it had been divinely shown to him by the Holy Breath that he wouldn’t die before he saw the Anointed of Jehovah. 27 And it was because [God’s] Breath was leading him that he then entered the Temple.
Well, while the parents were bringing the boy Jesus in to do what the Law customarily required, 28 [Simeon] took him in his arms and praised God saying:
29 ‘Now, O Sovereign Lord,
You can set Your slave free in peace as You said,
30 For my eyes have seen the one who will save;
31 The one You provided for all men to see;
32 A light of revelation to all the nations,
And a glory to Israel Your people.’
33 Well, [Jesus’] father and mother were amazed at all the things that were being said about him.
34 Simeon also blest them, but he told his mother Mary:
‘Look! This one is headed toward a fall.
For on behalf of many in Israel he will stand,
As a sign to be slandered.
35 Your life will be pierced with a long sword,
To uncover the things many think in their hearts.’
36 There was also the Prophetess Anna, a daughter of the tribe of Asher. This woman was well up in years and had only been married for seven years from her virginity. 37 She was now an eighty-four-year-old widow who was always at the Temple, worshiping day and night, fasting, and praying. 38 And in that same hour, she stood up and gave thanks to God and talked about [the child] to all those who were awaiting Jerusalem’s release by ransom.
39 Then, after [Joseph and Mary] did everything that [Jehovah’s Law] required, they went back to their home in Nazareth of Galilee. 40 So the little boy grew, became strong, and was filled with wisdom; and God continued to show favor on him.
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they again followed the custom of going to the festival. 43 Then, after the festival days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents didn’t notice it. 44 So, assuming that he was somewhere in the company of the people traveling together, they were a day’s journey away before they finally started searching for him among their relatives and friends. 45 But when they couldn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
46 Well after three days, they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking questions… 47 and his understanding and answers amazed everyone who heard him.
48 Now, when [Joseph and Mary] saw him, they were shocked. And his mother asked, ‘Child; Why did you treat us this way? Here your father and I have been worried to death searching for you.’
49 But he replied, ‘Why did you have to search for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be in the House of my Father?’ 50 However, they really didn’t understand what he was telling them.
51 Then he returned home to Nazareth with them and he always obeyed them, as his mother carefully kept all these things that were said in her heart. 52 So Jesus continued to progress in wisdom, physical growth, and in the favor of God and men.
Chapter 3
1 It was in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea and Herod was district ruler of Galilee (but Philip his brother was district ruler of the countries of Ituraea and Trachonitis), and Lysanias was district ruler of Abilene, 2 in the days of High Priests AnNas and CaiAphas, that God’s Words came to John, the son of ZechariJah, [while he was] in the desert.
3 So he traveled throughout all the country around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins, 4 just as it was written about him in the book of the Prophet Isaiah:
‘Listen! Someone is shouting in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make [all] his roads straight.
5 Fill every gully, and level each mountain and hill.
Straighten the curves and smooth-out the rough spots,
6 So all flesh will then see what God has provided to save them.’
7 And as he saw the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, he said: ‘Children of vipers; Who has scared you into running from the coming rage? 8 Produce the type of fruit that shows you’re ready for repentance. And don’t say of yourselves, Abraham is our father, because I tell you that God has the power to raise children of Abraham from these stones! 9 Why, the ax is now lying at the roots of the trees, and every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire!’
10 So the crowds asked him, ‘Then, what should we do?’
11 And he answered:
‘He with two pairs of underclothes,
Should share them with the man who has none,
And those who have something to eat,
Should do the very same thing.’
12 Why, even tax collectors came to be baptized. And they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’
13 And he replied, ‘Just collect a fair tax.’
14 Then, when those in the military asked him, ‘What should we do?’ he said:
‘Don’t harass or falsely accuse.
Be satisfied with just your provisions.’
15 And because the people were looking for [the Messiah], everyone was wondering in their hearts about John, ‘Could he be the Anointed One?’
16 But John answered them all, saying:
‘My part is to baptize you in water.
But, someone who is greater is coming,
Whose sandals I’m unfit to untie.
And with Breath and fire he’ll baptize you people.
17 ‘His shovel is now in his hand,
To completely clean up his threshing floor,
And to bring the wheat into his stores.
But he’ll burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.’
18 Yes, he said many encouraging things as he preached the good news to the people.
19 However, Herod (the district ruler) had been scolded [by John], because of Herodias (his brother’s wife), and because of all the other bad things he had done. 20 Then Herod added to this [badness] by locking John in prison.
21 Well, it was after all the [other] people had been baptized that Jesus was also baptized. And as he was praying, the sky opened up 22 and the Holy Breath [of God] came down upon him in the shape of a dove. Then a voice came from the sky [that said], ‘You are My loved Son; I approve of you.’
23 It was when he was about thirty years old that Jesus came into his power, being the son (as the opinion was) of Joseph, of Heli, 24 of MatThat, of Levi, of Melchi, of JanNai, of Joseph, 25 of MatTathias, of Amos, of Nahum, of Esli, of NagGai, 26 of MaAth, of MatTathias, of Semein, of JoSech, of Joda, 27 of JoAnan, of Rhesa, of ZerubBabel, of ShealtiEl, of Neri, 28 of Melchi, of Addi, of Cosam, of ElMadam, of Er, 29 of JoShua, of EliEzer, of JoRim, of MatThat, of Levi, 30 of Symeon, of Judas, of JoSeph, of JoNam, of EliAkim, 31 of Melea, of MenNa, of MatTatha, of Nathan, of David, 32 of Jesse, of Obed, of Boaz, of Salmon, of NahShon, 33 of AminAdab, of Arni, of Hezron, of Perez, of Judah, 34 of Jacob, of Isaac, of Abraham, of Terah, of Nahor, 35 of Serug, of Reu, of Peleg, of Eber, of Shelah, 36 of Cainan, of ArpachShad, of Shem, of Noah, of Lamech, 37 of MethuSelah, of Enoch, of Jared, of MaHalaleEl, of Cainan, 38 of Enosh, of Seth, of Adam, of God.
Chapter 4
1 Now, Jesus was filled with the Holy Breath of God, so he left the Jordan, and [God’s] Breath led him into the desert, 2 where he was tempted by the Slanderer for forty days. And he didn’t eat anything during that entire period, so by the end he was very hungry. 3 Then the Slanderer said to him, ‘If you’re a son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.’
4 But Jesus answered, ‘It’s written, Bread isn’t all that a man needs to survive.’
5 So [the Slanderer] took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the earth in an instant of time, 6 and he said, ‘I will give you power over all of these and the glory of them, because they’ve been given to me and I can give them to whomever I wish. 7 They will all be yours if you’ll just bow before me.’
8 But Jesus answered, ‘It’s written; You must worship Jehovah your God. He’s the only One you should worship.’
9 Then [the Slanderer] took him into Jerusalem and put him on a high battle tower of the Temple, and said, ‘If you’re a son of God, jump down from here, 10 because it’s written:
He will order His messengers to protect you,
11 And they’ll lift you up on their hands,
So you won’t bump your foot on a stone.’
12 But Jesus replied, ‘It is said, You shouldn’t Jehovah your God to the test.’
13 So after the Slanderer finished his tempting, he went away until the designated time.
14 Then the Power of [God’s] Breath moved Jesus to return to Galilee, and his fame spread throughout all that area. 15 He also started to teach in the synagogues, where he was honored by everyone.
16 Well, when he got to Nazareth (where he was brought up), as was his custom on the Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and stood up to read. 17 There he was handed the scroll of the Prophet IsaiJah. So he opened it and found the place where it said:
18 ‘Jehovah’s Breath is upon me,
For He chose me to tell good news to the poor.
He sent me to preach freedom to the prisoners,
And the regaining of sight to the blind,
To remove all the pressures from the people,
19 And to preach of the year that Jehovah has chosen.’
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down – as everyone in the synagogue stared at him. 21 And he said: ‘Today this scripture that you just heard has been fulfilled.’
22 Then, everyone started saying good things about him and marveling at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they were asking, ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’
23 So he said, ‘You would undoubtedly like to apply the words to me, Cure yourself doctor. Do all the things we heard that you did in CaperNaum here in your own hometown.’
24 Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth; No Prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 Now, it’s a fact that there were many widows in Israel back in the days of EliJah, when the skies were closed up for three-and-a-half years, causing a terrible famine in the land. 26 But EliJah wasn’t sent to any of them, only to a widow in the land of Sidon. 27 And there were also many lepers in Israel during the time of the Prophet EliSha, but the only one who was cleansed was NaAman, a Syrian.’
28 Well, all those who heard him say this in the synagogue then became very angry, 29 so they got up and pushed him outside the city to the edge of the mountain that the city was built on, to throw him down headfirst. 30 But he just walked through their midst and continued on his way.
31 Next, he went to CaperNaum, a city in Galilee, where he also taught on the Sabbath, 32 and [people] were amazed by his way of teaching, because he spoke with authority.
33 Now, there was a man in the synagogue [who was possessed by] an unclean demon. And [the man] shouted aloud, 34 ‘Ah! What dealing do we have with you, Jesus… you Nazarene? Did you come here to destroy us? I know exactly who you are; [You’re] the Holy One of God.’
35 But Jesus scolded it saying, ‘Muzzle it and come out of him.’ So, the demon threw the man down in their midst, then it came out without hurting him.
36 At this, everyone was astonished and started speaking to each other and asking, ‘What kind of talk is this? He gives orders to unclean spirits with authority and power, and out they come!’ 37 So the news about him echoed everywhere throughout that entire region.
38 Then after he left that synagogue, he went to Simon’s house. Here Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever and they asked him to help her. 39 So he stood over her, scolded the fever, and it left her. Then she got right up and started serving him.
40 Well at sunset, all those who had people that were sick with various infirmities, brought them to him. So he laid his hands on each one and cured them. 41 Demons also came out of many of them, shouting, ‘You’re the Son of God!’ But, because they knew that he was the Anointed One, he scolded them and wouldn’t allow them to say anything.
42 Then the next day, he went out and walked to an isolated place. But the crowds started searching for him and they finally got out to where he was and tried to keep him from leaving. 43 But he told them, ‘I have to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, for that’s why I was sent.’
44 So, thereafter he preached throughout the synagogues of Judea.
Chapter 5
1 There was an occasion when people were crowded very close to [Jesus] and listening to the Word of God, while he was standing beside Lake GenNesaret. 2 So, he noticed two boats that were docked at the lakeside, where the fishermen had gotten out and were washing off their nets. 3 Well, [Jesus] got into one of the boats that belonged to Simon, and asked him to pull out a little way from land. Then he sat down and started teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 And when he finished talking, he said to Simon, ‘Now, pull out to where it’s deep and let down your nets for a catch.’
5 But Simon replied, ‘Instructor; We’ve worked all night long and didn’t catch anything. However, because you asked, I’ll lower the nets.’
6 Well when they did this, they netted a huge number of fish. In fact, their nets started to rip, 7 so they waved at their partners in another boat to come help them. And when they got there, they filled both boats to the point that they were about to sink!
8 At seeing this, Simon Peter fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Get away from me, because I’m a sinful man, O Lord!’ 9 [He said this] because, when they brought in so many fish, Simon and those who were with him were amazed and overwhelmed… 10 as were his partners James and John (Zebedee’s sons).
But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Quit being afraid… from now on you’re going to catch living men!’ 11 So they brought their boats back to land and just walked away from everything to follow him.
12 On another occasion, while he was in one of the cities, {Look!} there was a man who was full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell to his face and begged, ‘Lord; If you just want to, you can make me clean.’
13 So [Jesus] reached out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I want to… be clean.’ And immediately, the leprosy left him. 14 Then he ordered the man not to tell anyone, saying, ‘Go and show yourself to the Priests and give an offering for your cleansing as a witness to them, just as Moses commanded.’
15 But word about him kept spreading, and huge crowds would assemble to listen and to be cured of their illnesses. 16 So he retreated to the deserts to pray.
17 Well several days later he was teaching, as some Pharisees and teachers of the Law were [sitting among the crowd]; and people had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem, because [Jesus] was healing by the power of Jehovah. 18 Then {Look!} some men carried a paralyzed man to him who was lying on a cot. And they were looking for a way to bring the man to [Jesus], 19 because they couldn’t find a way through the crowd; so they climbed onto the roof and lowered the little cot through the tiles, down in front of Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man; Your sins are forgiven!’
21 Well at that, the scribes and Pharisees started asking each other, ‘Who is this that talks so blasphemously? Who can forgive sins other than God?’
22 But Jesus recognized what they were thinking and asked, ‘What are you concluding in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, Your sins are forgiven, or, Get up and walk? 24 But, just so you will know that the Son of Man has been given the power to forgive sins on the earth,’ he then told the paralyzed man, ‘I tell you; Get up, pick up your little cot, and go home!’
25 Then the man immediately stood up before them all, picked up the [cot] that he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. 26 Well, everyone was delighted and they started glorifying God. But they were also afraid, saying, ‘We’ve seen some strange things today!’
27 After that, [Jesus] went out and noticed a tax collector named [Matthew] Levi sitting in the tax office, and said, ‘Be my follower.’ 28 Well, [Levi] got up, left everything behind, and started following him.
29 Then Levi held a big reception feast for [Jesus] in his house, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them at the meal. 30 And at this, the Pharisees and their scribes began complaining to the disciples, asking, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’
31 And Jesus replied ‘Those who are healthy don’t need a doctor, only the sick do. 32 So I came to call sinners to repentance, not righteous people.’
33 Then later on, they said, ‘John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees fast frequently to ask things [of God]. But your [disciples] just go on eating and drinking.’
34 And Jesus replied, ‘Friends of the bridegroom can’t be expected to fast while the groom is with them, can they? 35 But the days will surely come when the groom will be taken away, and in those days they will fast.’
36 Then he gave them an illustration:
‘No one cuts a patch from new clothes
And sews it onto old clothes;
For if they do, the new patch will tear off…
And the patch from the new won’t match the old.
37 ‘They don’t put new wine into old wineskins.
For if they do, the new wine will burst the old skins,
Spilling [the wine] and ruining the wineskins.
38 So new wine must be put in new wineskins.
39 And anyone who has tasted old wine,
Doesn’t want the new anyhow,
For they say, The old [wine] is better.’
Chapter 6
1 Now, [Jesus] happened to be walking through grain fields on a Sabbath, and his disciples were picking the grain, rubbing it in their hands, and eating it. 2 Well, some of the Pharisees asked, ‘Why are you doing something that isn’t legal on the Sabbath?’
3 But Jesus said, ‘Haven’t you ever read how David did the same thing when he and his men got hungry… 4 how he went into the Temple of God and ate the presentation bread, sharing some with his men… something that isn’t legal for anyone to eat other than the Priests?’ 5 Then he added, ‘The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath!’
6 On another Sabbath, he again went into the synagogue and started teaching. And a man was there whose right hand was withered, 7 so the scribes and Pharisees were watching [Jesus] closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath… so they could find something to accuse him of. 8 However, [Jesus] knew what they were thinking, and he said to the man with the withered hand: ‘Get up and stand in the center.’ So [the man] stood up. 9 Then Jesus said, ‘Let me ask; Is it legal to do good or bad, or to save a life or destroy it on the Sabbath?’
10 Then (after looking around at everyone) he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand’ (which he did), and his hand was healed! 11 Well, [the scribes and Pharisees] absolutely went out of their minds and started talking to each other about what they could do to Jesus.
12 It was around this same time that he went up a mountain to pray, spending the whole night in prayer to God. 13 Then the next day, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve who he started calling Apostles. 14 These were Simon (who he also named Peter), Andrew his brother, James, John, Philip, BarTholomew ([NathaniEl]), 15 Matthew, Thomas, James [the son] of AlphaEus, Simon (who is called the zealous one), 16 Judas [the son] of James ([ThadDaeus]), and Judas IsCariot (who turned traitor).
17 Then after they came down [the mountain], he found a level spot where a large group of his disciples and a huge crowd of people from Judea, Jerusalem, and the seaside areas of Tyre and Sidon came to listen to him and to be healed of their illnesses. 18 And there (as people who were being bothered by unclean spirits were cured), 19 the whole crowd was trying to touch him, as power flowed from him, and he healed them all.
20 Then he looked at his disciples and said:
‘[You who] are poor are blest,
For the Kingdom of God is yours.
21 [You who] are hungry are blest,
For you will find satisfaction.
[You who] are crying are blest,
For you will [soon be found] laughing.
22 ‘You are blest whenever men hate you,
And no longer wish to be with you;
Or when they say bad things about you,
And call you wicked for the Son of Man’s sake.
23 ‘When that day comes, be happy… jump for joy!
For {Look!} your reward in the heavens is great.
Why, these are the very same things,
That their fathers used to do to the Prophets.
24 ‘But, woe to you who are rich,
For you now have all that you want.
25 Woe to you with full [stomachs],
Because you will go hungry.
Woe to you who are laughing,
Because you’ll cry and you’ll mourn.
26 And woe when all say nice things about you,
For their fathers did that for false prophets.
27 ‘I tell all of you who will listen:
All your enemies you must love,
And do good to all those who hate you.
28 Praise all those who would curse you,
And pray for those who insult you.
29 ‘If someone hits you on the cheek,
Offer the other one also.
And if someone should take all your clothes,
Offer him also your underwear.
30 ‘Give to each one who asks,
And don’t ask those who take to give back.
31 All you want men to do for you,
That’s how you should treat them.
32 ‘If you love just those who love you,
What kind of favor are you performing?
Even sinners love those who love them.
33 And if you only do good things
For those who do good things to you,
What kind of favor is that?
For, even sinners will do the same thing.
34 And if you lend without interest,
To those who you expect to pay back,
What kind of favor is that?
For even sinners lend to sinners without interest,
When they are expecting repayment.
35 ‘So, love your enemies and do good things,
And lend without hope of return,
Then a great reward you’ll receive…
You’ll be sons of the Most High.
For, He’s kind to even the ungrateful and wicked,
36 So show mercy as your Father shows mercy.
37 ‘Don’t judge [others] and you won’t be judged.
Don’t condemn [others] and you’ll not be condemned.
[Let others go] free and you will be freed.
38 ‘Give, and others will give back.
They’ll hand to you a generous share,
That is tightly packed down and overflowing.
For the amount that you measure [to others],
Is the amount that they’ll measure to you.
39 Then he gave them some illustrations, ‘Can a blind man guide a blind man? Both will fall into a pit, won’t they?
40 ‘A disciple isn’t over his teacher, but everyone who learns well will be like his teacher.’
41 ‘Why look for straw in the eye of your brother,
When you can’t see the rafter in yours?
42 How can you say to your brother,
Let me remove that [chaff] from your eye,
While you can’t see the rafter in your own?
Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye,
And then you’ll be able to see clearly,
How to remove the [chaff] from the eye of your brother.
43 ‘A good tree won’t produce rotten fruit,
And a rotten tree won’t give fruit that is good.
44 So all trees are known by their fruit.
‘People don’t pick figs from the briers,
And they don’t cut grapes from thorn bushes.
45 So a good man brings good from the good,
That he has treasured in his heart.
But the wicked bring bad from their badness.
For your mouths speak of things that fill up your hearts.
46 ‘So, why do you call me and say, Lord, Lord,
When you don’t do the things that I say?
47 ‘Here’s what he who comes to me is like…
He who listens and does it;
48 He’s like a man who was building a house,
And dug deep to lay its foundation on bedrock.
So, when a flood came and the river washed against it,
His house wasn’t shaken, for it was well built.
49 ‘But he who hears and does not [what I say],
Is like a man who then built his house,
On the ground without a foundation.
So the river [overflowed] and washed against it,
And it collapsed right away in great damage.’
Chapter 7
1 Well, when he finished saying all these things within earshot of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 And there was a centurion [in that city] who had a valued servant that was sick and near death. 3 So, when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Judean elders to ask him to come and save his slave’s life. 4 So they quickly went to Jesus and begged him, saying: ‘[The centurion] is worthy of your doing this for him, 5 because he loves our nation and he built a synagogue for us.’
6 So Jesus went off with them, but he wasn’t very far from the house when the centurion sent his friends to say, ‘Sir, don’t bother [to come here], because I’m unfit to have you come under my roof. 7 It’s because I didn’t consider myself worthy that I didn’t come to you myself. So, just say the word and let my servant be healed. 8 You see, I’m also a man of power, [because I have] soldiers under me. And if I say to this one, be on your way, he’s on his way; and to another, come, he comes; and to my slave, do this, he does it.’
9 Well when Jesus heard this, he was amazed. So he turned to the crowd that was following him and said, ‘I tell you; I haven’t found so great a faith even in Israel.’
10 Then [the elders] who had been sent found the slave in good health when they returned to the house.
11 And soon afterward, he traveled with his disciples and a large crowd to a city called Nain. 12 And as he neared the city gate, {Look!} there was a dead man being carried out, who was the only son his mother had, and she was a widow (a large crowd from the city was also with her). 13 So when the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity and said, ‘Stop crying.’ 14 Then he went up and touched the open casket, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, ‘Young man; I tell you to get up!’
15 Well at that, the dead man sat straight up and started talking. Then [Jesus] gave him to his mother. 16 However, everyone was frightened and started glorifying God, saying, ‘A great Prophet has been raised among us,’ and ‘God has started paying attention to His people.’
17 So, news about him was spread throughout all of Judea and the surrounding countryside.
18 Now, John’s disciples were reporting to him about everything that had happened. 19 So John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect another?’
20 And when they got to [Jesus], the men said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to ask if you’re the Anointed One, or if we’re to expect someone else.’
21 Well, during that hour he cured many who were sick, plagued, or had wicked spirits, and he granted many blind people the gift of vision. 22 Then he answered, ‘Now go your way and report what you saw and heard to John. [Tell him that] the blind are seeing, the lame are walking, lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are being told the good news… 23 he who doesn’t stumble over me is blest.’
24 Well, after John’s messengers left, he asked the crowd about John:
‘What did you go to the desert to see,
Reeds that are blowing in the wind?
25 So, what did you go out to see,
A man who is dressed in soft clothes?
‘Why, those who dress and live well,
Are those who live in a palace.
26 So, what did you go out to see… a Prophet?
Yes, and I tell you, much more than a Prophet!
27 This is the one about whom it’s written:
{Look!} I’m sending My messenger,
Who’ll prepare the way before you.
28 ‘I tell you this:
Of those who from women are born,
None is greater than John,
But a person who is least in the Kingdom of God,
Will be greater than he.’
29 Well, when all the common people and the tax collectors heard this, they spoke of God’s righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30 But the Pharisees and those who were trained in the Law disregarded this counsel from God, because [John] hadn’t baptized them.
31 [So, Jesus said:]
‘To whom should I compare this generation…
Who are they really like?
32 They’re like young children who sit in the market,
And then shout at each other and say:
We played the flute, but you didn’t dance.
We wailed, but you didn’t cry.
33 ‘For, when John the Baptist arrived,
He didn’t feast or drink wine,
So you said that he has a demon.
34 But the Son of Man came eating and drinking,
So you say, Look! He’s a glutton!
And he drinks too much wine…
He’s a friend of tax collectors and sinners!
35 However; Wisdom is proven righteous by its results.’
36 One of the Pharisees [named Simon] kept asking [Jesus] to dine with him. So he went to the house of the Pharisee and reclined at the table. 37 And {Look!} a woman of the city (a known sinner) learned that he was reclining for a meal in the house of the Pharisee, so she brought an alabaster case of perfumed ointment. 38 Then, sitting behind him at his feet, she wept and wet his feet with her tears, then she wiped them dry with her hair. She also kissed his feet tenderly and greased them with the perfumed ointment.
39 Well, when the Pharisee who invited him saw this, he thought to himself, ‘If this man was a Prophet he’d know who, and just what kind of woman it is that’s touching him. She’s a sinner!’
40 Then Jesus said, ‘Simon I have something to tell you.’
And [Simon] replied, ‘Go ahead and tell it, Teacher!’
41 ‘Two men each owed money to a certain lender; one was in debt for five hundred silver coins and the other for fifty. 42 Well, when they didn’t have anything to pay him back with, he freely forgave them both. So, which will love him more?’
43 Then Simon answered, ‘I guess it’s the one who he forgave the most.’
At which [Jesus] said, ‘You judged correctly.’
44 Then he turned to the woman and asked Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you didn’t give me any water for my feet, but this woman wet my feet with her tears and wiped them dry with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time that I entered, this woman has been tenderly kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t grease my head with oil, but this woman greased my feet with perfumed ointment. 47 So I tell you; although she has many sins, they are forgiven because she showed a lot of love. But, whoever hasn’t been forgiven for much, doesn’t love much.’
48 Then he told her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
49 Well at that, those who were reclining at the table with him started wondering to themselves, ‘Just who is this man who even forgives sins?’
50 But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go your own way in peace.’
Chapter 8
1 Shortly thereafter, [Jesus] started traveling from city to city and village to village with the twelve, preaching and telling about the good news of the Kingdom of God. 2 Now, [traveling with him] were some women who [he had] cured of wicked spirits and illnesses. There was Mary (who is called the Magdelean), from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza (Herod’s top aid); Susanna, and many others, who were serving his needs from the things they had.
4 Well, when a large crowd had gathered (along with those who traveled with him to city after city), he spoke to them using this illustration:
5 ‘A farmer went out to plant seeds.
And as he was planting,
Some fell next to the road and were walked on,
And the birds of the sky came to eat them.
6 ‘Others landed on the rocks,
And they dried up after they sprouted,
Because there was not enough water.
7 ‘Still others fell among all the thorns
And these thorns then grew up and choked them.
8 Yet others fell on the good soil,
And after sprouting they produced fruit a hundred times over.’
And as he told them this, he shouted, ‘Let he who has ears to hear, listen!’
9 Well, his disciples asked him what this illustration meant. 10 So he said, ‘You’ve been allowed to understand the mystery of the Kingdom of God. But as for the rest, [all they hear is the] illustrations. So when they look, they look in vain, and although they hear, they don’t understand.
11 ‘Now, the illustration means this: The seed is the Word of God. 12 Those beside the road are those who hear, but the Slanderer comes and takes the Word from their hearts, to prevent them from believing and being saved.
13 ‘Those that fall on the rocks, are those who hear and welcome the Word with joy, but because they don’t have any roots, they only believe for a season. And when seasons of testing come along, they pull away.
14 ‘As for those who fall among thorns; These are the ones who have heard, but because of daily concerns (wealth, and the pleasures of living), they are choked out and fail to produce.
15 ‘But [those that fall] on the good soil have good and pure hearts; and after hearing the word, they remember and continue to bear fruit.
16 ‘No one who lights a lamp,
Will then cover it up with a pot,
Or hide it under a bed.
They put it [up] on a lampstand,
So those who step in can see light.
17 ‘So, there’s nothing that’s hidden that will not be shown,
Or anything covered that will not be known,
And then brought into the open.
18 ‘So pay attention to the way that you listen,
For to whoever has, more will be given.
But, for those who have not,
What he imagines he has will be taken from him.’
19 Now, [Jesus’] mother and brothers came to see him, but they weren’t able to reach him because of the crowd. 20 However, someone reported to him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside; [they] want to see you.’
21 But he replied, ‘My mother and brothers are these who hear the Word of God and obey it.’
22 Well, some days later, [Jesus] and his disciples got into a boat and he told them, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took off. 23 And as they were sailing, he fell asleep. Now, a violent windstorm came down on the lake and the boat started taking on water, so they were in a dangerous position. 24 Then [the disciples] went and woke him, saying, ‘Instructor; instructor; We’re about to drown!’
And when he awoke, he scolded the wind and the raging water, and they calmed down, becoming very peaceful. 25 And he asked, ‘Where’s your faith?’
But they were so afraid and awestruck that they were asking each other, ‘Who really is this? Why, he even orders the wind and waves and they obey him!’
26 Then they sailed to the country of the GeraSenes, which is on the shore opposite Galilee. 27 But as he stepped out on land, a demonized man from the city came to meet him who hadn’t worn clothing for some time, and he didn’t live in a house, but [stayed] among the tombs.
28 Well, when he saw Jesus, he shouted and fell down in front of him; then he said in a loud voice, ‘What dealings do I have with you Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me.’ 29 ([He said this, because Jesus] had ordered the unclean spirit to come out of the man.)
[This man had been] arrested repeatedly, bound with chains and leg irons, and put under guard. But he would break the chains, and the demons forced him to [live in] such isolated places.
30 So Jesus asked him, ‘What’s your name?’
And he replied, ‘Legion’ (because many demons had entered him). 31 And they kept begging him not to order them to go away into the abyss.
32 Now, a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the mountain, so they begged [Jesus] to allow them to go into [the pigs], and he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the whole herd ran down a steep drop-off into the lake and drowned.
34 Well, when the herders saw what had happened, they ran and reported it throughout the city and countryside. 35 Then the people came out to see what happened, and when they went to Jesus, they found the man who the demons came out of wearing clothes and in his right mind, sitting at Jesus’ feet, and they were frightened. 36 And those who saw all that had happened, told them how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 So, the huge number who came from the surrounding area asked [Jesus] to leave them, because they were so frightened. Then he stepped into the boat to return.
38 Then the man from whom the demons came out started begging to go with [Jesus]. But he sent the man away, saying, 39 ‘Go back home and tell the things that God did for you.’ So he went away and proclaimed the things that Jesus had done throughout the whole city.
40 A crowd was waiting when Jesus got back, because they were all expecting him. 41 But {Look!} a man named JaIrus (who was a presiding officer of the synagogue) came to him and fell at Jesus’ feet, begging him to come to his house, 42 because he had an only daughter (who was about twelve years old) that was dying.
Well, as he went there, the people were crowded around him. 43 And a woman who had [been experiencing] a blood flow for twelve years, and who nobody had been able to cure, 44 came up from behind and touched the fringe of his robe; and her flow of blood stopped instantly.
45 Then Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’
Well, everyone denied it. And then Peter said, ‘Instructor; The crowds are all around you and pushing against you.’
46 But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me, because I noticed the power leaving me.’
47 So, seeing that [what she did] didn’t go unnoticed, the woman came up trembling, fell down in front of him, and told everyone why she touched him and how she was healed instantly. 48 Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go your way in peace.’
49 Well, as he was still talking, someone came up beside the presiding officer of the synagogue and told him, ‘Your daughter has died, so don’t bother the teacher anymore.’
50 But when he heard this, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just have faith and she’ll be saved.’
51 Well, when he got to the house, he wouldn’t let anyone go inside with him, except Peter, John, James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 There the people were all crying and beating themselves in grief over her, so he said, ‘Stop crying! She didn’t die, she’s just sleeping.’
53 But then they all started laughing at him, because they knew she was dead. 54 However, he took her by the hand and called her, saying, ‘Girl, get up!’ 55 Then her breath returned and she stood right up, and he told them to give her something to eat.
56 Well, her parents were beside themselves [with joy], but he instructed them not to tell anyone what had happened.
Chapter 9
1 He then called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to cure illnesses, 2 and sent them off to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. 3 He told them: ‘Don’t carry anything with you… not a staff, or a food pouch, or bread, or silver, not even two pairs of underwear. 4 But wherever you enter a home, lodge there and go out [to preach]. 5 And wherever people fail to welcome you, shake the dust off your feet as you are leaving that city, as a witness against them.’
6 So, they left and traveled throughout all the villages, telling the good news and curing people everywhere.
7 Now, Herod (the district ruler) heard about everything that was happening and he was bothered by doubt. [This is] because, some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others were saying that EliJah had appeared, and still others said that one of the ancient Prophets had arisen.
9 So Herod said, ‘I beheaded John. So, just who is this that I’m hearing such things about?’ And he looked for an opportunity to see [Jesus].
10 Well, when the Apostles returned, they told [Jesus] everything they did. Then he took them along to a private spot near a city called BethSaida. 11 But the crowds learned of it and followed him. So he welcomed them kindly and started talking to them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed a cure.
12 Well, the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to him, ‘Dismiss the crowd so they can go into the villages and surrounding countryside to find provisions and a place to rest, because we’re in an isolated spot.’
13 But he said, ‘You give them something to eat.’
And they replied, ‘We don’t have anything other than five loaves [of bread] and two fish… unless we go out and buy food for all these people.’ 14 Well, the crowd included about five thousand men. But he told his disciples, ‘Have them recline as they do at meals, in rows of about fifty each.’
15 So [the Apostles] did this and had everyone recline on the ground. 16 Then he took the five [loaves of] bread and the two fish, looked up to the sky and spoke a blessing over them, then he broke them up and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 So, everyone ate and was satisfied; and [afterward] they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!
18 Later, as he was praying in a quiet spot, his disciples came to him and he asked them, ‘Who are the crowds saying that I am?
19 And they answered, ‘John the Baptist, or EliJah… yet others say you’re one of the ancient Prophets who has been raised.’
20 Then he asked, ‘You though; Who do you say that I am?’
And Peter replied, ‘[You’re] the Anointed One of God.’
21 And at that, he firmly instructed them not to tell this to anyone, 22 and said, ‘The Son of Man will have to suffer many things… he will be rejected by the elders, Chief Priests, and scribes, and then he will be killed. But on the third day he will awaken.’
23 Then he told everyone, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him forego all the things that he wants, then pick up his impaling pole each day, and keep on following me. 24 For, those who wish to save their lives will lose it, but those who lose their lives for my sake will save it. 25 And what good does it do a man, if he gains the whole world but loses his life or is injured?
26 ‘If anyone is ashamed of me and what I say, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory… and that of the Father and His holy messengers. 27 But I tell you the truth; Some standing here will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God.’
28 And it happened just as he said; for about eight days later, he took Peter, John, and James along, and they went up the mountain to pray. 29 Then it happened: While he was praying, his face changed and his clothes started to glow. 30 Also, {Look!} there were two men talking to him… Moses and EliJah… 31 they were recognizable! And they started talking about the departure that [Jesus] was about to fulfill in Jerusalem.
32 Now, Peter and the others were very sleepy. But when they saw his glory and the two men standing with him, they were wide-awake. 33 And through the separation that was between them, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Instructor; It’s good for us to be here, so let us put up three tents; one for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah’ (but he really didn’t know what he was saying).
34 And just as he said that, a cloud formed and started to cover them. Then [Moses and EliJah] disappeared into the cloud, which frightened [the Apostles]. 35 And a voice came from the cloud that said, ‘This is My Son, the one who has been chosen. Listen to him!’
36 And as the voice occurred, Jesus was found alone. And back then they didn’t say anything… they didn’t tell anyone about the things that they saw.
37 The next day, after coming down the mountain, a huge crowd met him. 38 And {Look!} a man shouted from the crowd, ‘Teacher! I beg you to take a look at my son, because he’s the only one I have. 39 Look; a spirit comes over him and he screams. Then it throws him into convulsions and he foams [at the mouth]. It stops after that, but it leaves him bruised. 40 I begged your disciples to throw it out, but they couldn’t.’
41 Then Jesus said: ‘O faithless and twisted generation; How much longer do I have to stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son over here!’ 42 However, just as [the son] was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and forced him into a violent convulsion.
Then Jesus scolded the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father… and everyone was astonished by the majestic Power of God.
43 Now, everyone was stunned by the things he was doing, but [Jesus] said to his disciples, 44 ‘Let these words live in your ears: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.’ 45 However, they still didn’t understand what he was saying, for in fact, it was hidden from them so they couldn’t understand, and they were afraid to ask him any more.
46 Then they started wondering which of them would be the greatest. 47 But Jesus knew what they were thinking in their hearts, so he took a little boy and sat him down next to him. 48 And then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this young child in my name is welcoming me. And whoever welcomes me also welcomes Him who sent me. So, he who acts as the least one among you is the greatest.’
49 Then John said: ‘Instructor, we saw a man casting out demons by using your name, and we tried to stop him, because he isn’t one of us.’
50 But Jesus said to him, ‘Don’t try to stop him, because those who aren’t against you are for you.’
51 Now, since the number of days (before he was going to be taken) was almost fulfilled, he became firm in his resolve to go to Jerusalem. 52 So he sent messengers ahead of him, and they entered a Samaritan village in order to prepare [for his arrival]. 53 But he wasn’t welcomed there, because of the fact that he was headed toward Jerusalem. 54 And when the Disciples James and John [heard about] this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from the sky to wipe them out?’ 55 But, he turned [to them] and reprimanded them. 56 So they traveled on to another village.
57 It was as they were traveling along the road that someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go!’
58 And Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have burrows, and [birds] in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’
59 Then he said to someone else, ‘Become my follower.’
But the man replied, ‘First let me go and bury my father.’
60 And [Jesus] told him, ‘Let the dead bury their dead, but you go out and preach the Kingdom of God!’
61 Then another one said, ‘I’ll follow you Lord. But first, let me say goodbye to those in my home.’
62 And Jesus answered, ‘No man who puts his hands to a plow and looks back, is well suited for the Kingdom of God.’
Chapter 10
1 Well, after that, the Lord appointed seventy others who he sent out ahead of him in pairs (two by two), into every city and place that he was about to go. 2 And he told them, ‘There’s a huge harvest, but there aren’t enough workers. So, beg the Master of the harvest to force more workers to do the harvesting. 3 Get going! But look; I’m sending you as lambs among wolves.
4 ‘Don’t carry a bag of money, a food pouch, or sandals. And don’t [stop to] greet people along the road. 5 As you enter a house you must say, May this house have peace. 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 So stay in that house and eat and drink the things they provide, because a worker deserves his reward. Don’t keep moving from one home to another.
8 ‘Whenever you enter a city and they welcome you, eat whatever they put before you. 9 Then, cure their sick and tell them, The Kingdom of God is near. 10 But, whenever you enter a city and they fail to welcome you, go into its main streets and say, 11 We’re wiping off the dust that got stuck on our feet in this city, and giving it all back to you.
‘Remember this: The Kingdom of God is near! 12 I tell you, it will be easier for Sodom to endure [the Judgment] day than for that city.
13 ‘Woe to you ChoraZin, and woe to you BethSaida, because if the powerful things that happened in you also happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented and been sitting in sackcloth and ashes a long time ago. 14 So, it will be easier for Tyre and Sidon to endure the Judgment than for you.
15 ‘And you, CaperNaum, will you be lifted into heaven? [No]! You will go down to your grave!
16 ‘Whoever listens to you is also listening to me, but whoever ignores you is also ignoring me… and whoever ignores me also ignores Him that sent me.’
17 Well, when the seventy who were sent out in pairs returned, they joyfully said, ‘Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name.’
18 Then he said to them: ‘I saw the Opposer falling like lightning from the sky. 19 Look! I’ve given you the authority to step on serpents, scorpions, and on the power of the enemy… and nothing will harm you! 20 However, don’t be happy because [evil] spirits obeyed you; be happy because your names have been written in the heavens!’
21 And at that time, the Holy Breath [of God] caused him to shout joyfully, ‘I praise You publicly Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You hid these things from the wise and understanding, but You’ve uncovered them to virtual babies. Yes Father; That’s why this clear reasoning was approved by You.
22 ‘My Father has given me everything, and nobody knows the Son but the Father, or the Father but the Son (and those to whom the Son wants to show Him).’
23 With that, he turned to his disciples and said privately, ‘The eyes that see the things you’re seeing are blest, 24 because, I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you’re looking at and didn’t see them… and to hear the things you’re hearing, but didn’t hear them.
25 Then, {Look!} a man who knew the Law very well stood up, and to test [Jesus], he asked, ‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit life in the age?’
26 And [Jesus] replied, ‘What is written in the Law… what have you read?’
27 So he answered, ‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, life, strength, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’
28 And [Jesus] replied, ‘That’s the right answer. Keep on doing that and you’ll live.’
29 But [the man] wanted to show how righteous he was, so he asked Jesus, ‘So, just who is my neighbor?’
30 And Jesus said, ‘A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was jumped on by some robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and left him for dead. 31 But, by coincidence, a Priest was traveling the same road. And when he saw [the injured man], he passed on the opposite side. 32 Likewise, when a Levite reached that place and saw him, he passed on the opposite side.
33 ‘But when a Samaritan came along and saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 So he got down, and poured oil and wine on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put him up on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and cared for him. 35 Then the next day, he took out two silver coins, and gave them to the innkeeper and said, Take care of him and I’ll pay you for all that you spend beyond this, when I return by this way.
36 ‘Now, which of the three seems to have made himself a neighbor to the man who was jumped by the robbers?’
37 The [young man] answered, ‘The one who showed mercy to him.’
Then Jesus said, ‘Go your way and do the same thing.’
38 Now, as they were traveling along, they entered a certain village, and there was a woman named Martha there who welcomed him into her home. 39 This woman had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and kept listening to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted, because she was busy preparing [a meal]. So she came to him and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the preparing by myself? Tell her to give me a hand.’
41 But the Lord replied: ‘Martha, Martha; You’re worried and upset about [preparing] many things. 42 But all we need is just a few things… or just one. So Mary chose the best part… something that they can’t take away.’
Chapter 11
1 Now, he was in a certain place praying; and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us how to pray… as John taught his disciples.’
2 Then he said, ‘When you pray, say: Father, May Your Name be made Holy, and may Your Kingdom come. 3 Give us the bread that we need for today. 4 And forgive us for our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us, and don’t bring us into temptation.’
5 Then he asked, ‘Which of you has a friend that you could go to at midnight and say, Friend, loan me three loaves [of bread], 6 because another friend of mine has come a long way and I don’t have anything [to feed him]. 7 Then he will answer from inside: Don’t cause trouble. The door is already locked, and my kids are in bed with me, so I can’t get up and give you anything.
8 ‘I tell you; Although he won’t get up to give him anything because he’s a friend, he will get up and give him the things he needs if [his friend] continues to bother him. 9 So, keep asking and it will be given to you; keep searching and you will find it; keep knocking and it will be opened to you. 10 For, all who ask will receive; all who keep searching will find; and to all who knock it will be opened.
11 ‘Which father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, would you hand a scorpion to him?
13 Now, if you in your wicked condition, know to give good gifts to your children, How much more will the Father in heaven, give Holy Breath to all those who ask Him!’
14 [Jesus] once threw out a demon that caused a man to be unable to talk. And after the demon came out, the man spoke, which amazed the crowds. 15 But some of them said, ‘He throws out the demons with the help of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’
16 Then, others tried to tempt him by asking him to give them a sign from heaven. 17 But, knowing what they were imagining, he said: ‘All kingdoms that are divided are destroyed, and a house that’s [divided] will fall. 18 So, if the Opposer is divided against himself, how will his kingdom then stand?
‘Now, you say that I’m casting out demons, with the help of Beelzebub. 19 But if I’m throwing out demons with Beelzebub’s power, then who do your sons use to cast them out? This is why they will judge you. 20 For, if I’m casting out demons by the finger of God, the Kingdom of God has overrun you.
21 ‘When a strong, well-armed man guards his mansion, all of his things will be safe. 22 But if someone stronger comes and overpowers him, taking away the weapons that he trusted, they will divide up the loot.
23 ‘Now, whoever isn’t with me is against me, and those who don’t come to me will be scattered.
24 ‘When an unclean spirit comes out of a man,
It travels through [many] dry places,
In search of a [good] place to rest.
And when it doesn’t find one it will say:
I’ll go back to the house I moved out of.
25 ‘And when it finds it swept clean and arranged,
26 With seven more spirits it returns,
Who are even more wicked than he;
And upon getting inside,
They’ll all continue to live there.
So the end result for that man,
Is worse than he was at the start.’
27 Now, as he was saying these things, a woman in the crowd shouted, ‘Happy is the womb that carried you and the breasts that you sucked!’
28 But he answered, ‘No, happy are those who hear the Word of God and obey it!’
29 And as a crowd was starting to form, he said, ‘This is a wicked generation because it looks for a sign. However, no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be [a sign] to this generation.
31 ‘The Queen of the South will be raised in the Judgment,
With the men of this generation and condemn it,
For she came from the ends of the earth, to hear Solomon’s wisdom.
But look; Something more than Solomon is here!
32 ‘Men of Nineveh will be raised in the Judgment,
With this generation and condemn it,
For they repented at the things preached by Jonah.
But look; Something more than Jonah is here!
33 ‘No one lights a lamp and then hides it,
Or puts it under a basket.
They set it up on a lampstand,
So people can see where they’re going.
34 ‘The lamp of your body is your eye,
And when your eye is kept simple,
Your whole body will be bright.
But when it is wicked your whole body is dark.
35 ‘So, be careful that the light within you isn’t darkness,
36 For, if your whole body is bright (with absolutely no dark parts),
It will be a bright lamp
That shines to light up your way.’
37 After he said this, a Pharisee asked [Jesus] to eat with him, so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 Well, the Pharisee was surprised to see that he didn’t wash up before dinner. 39 But the Lord told him: ‘You Pharisees like to wash the outsides of dishes and cups, while wickedness and stolen things are on their insides. 40 Unreasonable people; Didn’t He who made the outsides also make the insides? 41 But if you give gifts to the needy, then {Look!} everything about you is clean… not just what you are on the outside.
42 ‘However; Woe to you Pharisees, for you offer your mint and your rue, along with your vegetables when you tithe, yet you overlook justice and love of God… you do all that you’re obliged to do, as you bypass all the rest.
43 ‘Woe to you Pharisees; For you love the synagogue’s front seats, and all the greetings in the markets. 44 Yes, woe to you; For you are like hidden graves, which men unwittingly walk on.’
45 In answer, one who was trained in the Law said, ‘Teacher; When you say things like this you’re insulting us!’
46 Then [Jesus] said:
‘Woe also to you who are trained in the Law,
For you pile loads upon men,
So high that they cannot be carried;
But you wouldn’t touch them with your [little] finger!
47 ‘Yes, woe to you; for you build tombs for the Prophets,
Who were killed by your fathers!
48 [So against yourselves] you bear witness,
For you approve of the things your ancestors did,
When they killed the very same Prophets… those whose tombs you are building.
49 ‘It’s because of this, that thus says the Wisdom of God:
I will send them Apostles and Prophets;
They’ll persecute some and kill others,
50 So that all the blood of all of the Prophets,
That’s been spilled since the founding of the world,
Will be laid upon this generation…
51 From the blood of Abel to the blood of ZechariJah,
Who was murdered between the [Temple] and Altar.
Yes, I tell you: Upon this generation It will all be required.
52 ‘Woe to you who are trained in the Law,
For you’ve picked up the key to [great] knowledge,
Yet you’ve failed to enter [the door];
Then you block the way for those who are trying to enter!’
53 Then he left that place.
And the scribes and Pharisees tried hard to pin him down, constantly asking him questions about things, 54 lying in wait and trying to catch him in something he might say.
Chapter 12
1 A crowd had gathered, and there were so many thousands there that they were literally stepping on each other. Then [Jesus warned] his disciples, ‘Watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For:
2 There’s nothing hidden that will not be shown,
And no secret that will not be known.
3 So the things that you say in the darkness,
Will be all heard in the light;
And what you whisper inside private rooms,
Will be preached from the housetops.
4 ‘I tell you this, my friends; Don’t fear those who kill the body, but can do nothing more than just that. 5 Let me show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who after the killing, has authority to throw you into the garbage… fear Him!
6 ‘Five sparrows sell for just two small coins… don’t they? Yet, in the eyes of God they’re never forgotten. 7 Why, even the hairs of your heads are all counted. So don’t be afraid; for you’re worth more than many sparrows.
8 ‘I tell you this: For all who’ll admit before men, that they are united with me, the Son of Man will also admit, unity with him before the messengers of God. 9 But, whoever before men denies knowing me, will be denied before the messengers of God.
10 ‘Those who speak a word against the Son of Man, will be forgiven [whatever they’ve said], but those who blaspheme [God’s] Holy Breath… they will not be forgiven.
11 ‘When they bring you up before synagogues, or authorities and government officials, don’t worry about what you must do; or what you will say in defense, 12 for you will be taught what to say, by [God’s] Holy Breath at that time.’
13 Then, someone in the crowd said, ‘Teacher; Tell my brother to share his inheritance with me!’
14 And [Jesus] asked, ‘Man; Who appointed me as the judge, or arbitrator between you?’ 15 Then he said, ‘Keep your eyes open and guard against greed, for life doesn’t come from owning many things.’
16 And then he gave them this illustration:
‘The fields of a certain rich man produced [a good harvest]. 17 So he started to think to himself; What shall I do now, for there’s not enough room to store all my crops? 18 And he said, Ah, I will do this: I’ll tear down my barns and build larger, and that’s where I’ll put all my wheat, as well as my other good things. 19 Then I will say to myself: Self, you have many good things, saved up [to last] many years. So now you can just take it easy… eat, drink, and enjoy! 20 But God said: O foolish man; tonight they’re demanding your life; so who will these things then belong to?
21 ‘And that’s what happens to a man, who stores away treasures for himself, but fails to gain riches with God.’
22 Then he told his disciples, ‘This is why I have told you, not worry about your lives… about what you will eat, or about your bodies and what you will wear. 23 For, your life is worth more than food, and your body’s worth [more] than [your] clothes. 24 The ravens don’t plant seeds or harvest, so they have no barns or storage sheds… because by God they are fed. And how much more are you worth than just birds?
25 Who through worry adds a smidgen to his life? 26 So if [worry] is unable fix little things, then why be concerned about all the rest?
27 ‘Alco notice how lilies grow, for they don’t work or make cloth. But I tell you that not Solomon in all his glory, was dressed as [well as] one of these. 28 So, if God so well clothes the vegetation in the fields, that are here today and thrown into an oven tomorrow, how much more would He rather clothe you… you with so little faith!
29 ‘So, stop searching for something to eat and to drink, and don’t wonder about what you must do, 30 for these are the things that the nations chase after. Why, your Father knows that you need all these things. 31 So, just Keep seeking His Kingdom, and you’ll receive all the rest.
32 ‘Don’t be afraid, little flock, for your Father has agreed to give you the Kingdom. 33 So sell the things that you own, and give to those who’re in need. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out… never-failing treasures in the heavens, where there are no thieves or moths to consume it. 34 For, where your treasures may be, there your hearts will be also.
35 ‘So, wrap on your sashes and light your lamps, 36 and act like men who’re awaiting the return, of their master from his wedding; so that when he arrives and starts knocking, they can open [the doors] right away.
37 ‘For blest are those slaves who are watching, when their master arrives! I tell you the truth; He will put on his apron, and make them recline at the table, and then he’ll come and serve them! 38 If in the second watch he should arrive, or even if it’s during the third, they’ll be blest if they’re found doing this!
39 ‘Recognize this: If the master of the house would have known, [the time] when the thief would be coming, he would have been keeping watch, and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 So you too… keep ready! For the Son of Man will be coming, at an hour you consider unlikely.’
41 Then Peter asked, ‘Lord, are you giving this illustration to just us, or to everyone?’
42 And the Lord said, ‘Who is the faithful manager of the house… the sensible one who’s been assigned by his master, over all of his faithful friends, and to provide their food at the right time? 43 For this slave will be blest if he’s found doing so, when his master arrives! 44 I tell you the truth… he will put him in charge of all that he owns! 45 But if that slave should say in his heart, My master’s delayed in returning, and starts beating those male and female servants, then he feasts, and drinks, and gets drunk; 46 that slave’s master will arrive on a day and an hour, that he has not been expected, and he’ll whip him and assign him among the unfaithful.
47 ‘The slave who knows what his master expects, and doesn’t prepare or do what he wants, will be lashed with a whip many times. 48 But those who don’t understand, and do things for which they deserve to be whipped, will be beaten with [just a] few [strokes]. For, from those given much, much is expected. And of those put in charge over much, much is also required.’
49 ‘I came to start a fire on the earth, so what more could I wish for, than to see it already lit? 50 So, I have a baptism that I must endure, and I’m under heavy pressure ‘til the day it’s completed.
51 ‘Did you think that I came to bring peace to the earth? I tell you; No! Rather, I came to bring a division! 52 For from now on there’ll be five in a house, who are divided three against two, and two against three. 53 A Father will be divided against his own son, and a son [will be] against his own father; a mother [will be] against her own daughter, and a daughter [will be] against her own mother… mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’
54 Then he told the crowd, ‘When you see a cloud arising in the west, you say that a storm is now coming… and that’s what happens. 55 Then, when the wind blows from the south, you say that there’ll be a heat wave… and it happens. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to read the earth and the sky, so why can’t you read the [signs of the] times?
57 ‘Also; Why don’t you judge what’s righteous for yourselves? 58 For example: When you take a case before a ruler, try to solve the problem along the way, so he doesn’t drag you before a judge, who will hand you over to the bailiff, who will then throw you in jail. 59 I tell you; You will not then get out, until you’ve paid your last cent.’
Chapter 13
1 At the time, some who were there told him [the story] about certain Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Then [Jesus] asked, ‘Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No! I tell you that: If you do not repent, you too will all be destroyed! 4 Or those eighteen that the tower at Siloam fell on and killed; Do you think they were worse sinners than everyone else who lives in Jerusalem? 5 No! I tell you that: If you do not repent, you’ll all be destroyed that same way!’
6 Then he gave this illustration, ‘A man had a fig tree in his vineyard; and when he came looking for fruit, he failed to find any there. 7 Then he said to the person who cared for the vineyard, For three years I’ve come looking for fruit on this tree, and so far I have found none… so, cut it down, for why should it waste all this space?
8 ‘But [the vinedresser] replied, Master; Leave it alone for just one more year, while I cultivate it and add fertilizer. 9 Then, if it produces fruit in the future… but if not, I’ll cut it down.’
10 Now, he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath 11 where {Look!} there was a woman who had been very weak for eighteen years. She was bent over double and was unable to straighten herself. 12 And when he saw this, Jesus called her and said, ‘Woman, you’re now free from this weakness.’ 13 Then he laid his hands on her and she straightened up instantly and started glorifying God.
14 But the chief of the synagogue resented this, because Jesus performed the cure on the Sabbath. So he told the crowd, ‘There are SIX DAYS when work should be done. Come to be cured on THOSE DAYS, not on the Sabbath!’
15 However, the Lord answered: ‘Hypocrites, don’t you untie your bulls or burros from their stalls and lead them out to drink on the Sabbath? 16 Why, this is a daughter of Abraham, and the Opposer has held her tied {Look!} for some eighteen years! Wasn’t it appropriate for her to be untied from this type of bondage on the Sabbath?’
17 Well, after he said that, all who opposed him were ashamed, while the crowd started to rejoice over all the glorious things he did.
18 Then he went on to say:
‘What will the Kingdom of God be like…
To what can it be compared?
19 It’s like the seed of a mustard [plant],
That a man planted in his garden,
Which grew and became like a tree,
Where birds of the sky roosted its branches.’
20 And once again, he said:
‘To what should I compare the Kingdom of God?
21 It’s like fermentation that was hidden by a woman
Inside three large measures of flour,
Until the mass rose and was filled with fermentation.’
22 Well, he traveled through city after city and village after village teaching, as he continued on his way to Jerusalem.
23 Then someone asked: ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’
And he said to them: 24 ‘Struggle to get through the narrow door, for I tell you that many will try to get in, but they just won’t have enough strength. 25 Then after the master gets up and locks the door; if you’re standing outside and start knocking and shouting, Lord, open to us, he’ll say: I don’t know where you’re from!
26 ‘Then you’ll say: Why, we ate and drank before you, and you taught us in our main streets.
27 ‘But he’ll reply: I don’t know where you’re from. Go away… you who do unrighteous things!
28 ‘This is where there’ll be crying and the grinding of teeth: When you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you have been thrown on the outside. 29 They’ll come from the east, west, north, and the south, and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. 30 However; {Look!} Those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.’
31 Well it was in that very hour that some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘You’d better get out of here and go, because Herod wants to kill you.’
32 But he replied, ‘Go tell that old fox: {Look!} I’m casting out demons and healing today and tomorrow, and I’ll be finished on the following day. 33 However, I’ll travel on today, tomorrow, and the next day, because destroying a Prophet outside of Jerusalem isn’t allowed.
34 ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you killer of Prophets,
And stoner of those sent to you;
How often I wanted to gather your children,
As a hen takes chicks under her wings…
But that isn’t the thing that you wanted.
35 ‘Look! Your house has been taken from you!
And I tell you that you will not see me again,
Until you [finally] say: Praise he who comes in the Name of the Lord!’
Chapter 14
1 There was a time when [Jesus] went to eat a meal at the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath… and they were all watching him very closely. 2 Then {Look!} a man came to him who had [a fluid-buildup condition called] dropsy. 3 So Jesus asked those who had studied the Law and the Pharisees, ‘Is it legal to cure on the Sabbath or not?’ 4 But they wouldn’t answer.
So he took hold of [the man], healed him, and then sent him on. 5 And thereafter he asked, ‘If your son or your bull were to fall into a well on the Sabbath, which of you wouldn’t immediately pull him out?’
6 And they were unable to come up with a reply.
7 Then, after noticing how the guests were choosing the best spots at the table, he gave them this illustration:
8 ‘When someone invites you to a wedding banquet,
Don’t recline in the best places.
For, if someone more honored has been invited,
9 He who invited will come and tell you,
Let this man sit in that spot…
You’ll be shamed and must go to the very least place.
10 ‘So, whenever you are invited,
Go and recline in the very last place.
And when he who invited you then arrives, he will say:
Friend; [Please] choose a spot that is better!
Then you will be honored before all of the guests.
11 So, those promoting themselves will be humbled,
And those who are humble will be promoted.’
12 Then he said to the man who invited him:
‘When you spread a dinner or a supper,
Don’t call your friends and your brothers,
Or relatives or your rich neighbors,
For you’ll be repaid, if they then invite you in return.
13 ‘But, whenever you hold a banquet,
Invite the poor and the crippled,
As well as the lame and the blind.
14 Then you will be blest,
For they have nothing with which to repay you,
And in the resurrection of the righteous you’ll be repaid.’
15 Well, when one of the guests heard this, he said to [Jesus], ‘Those who eat bread in the Kingdom of God are blest!’
16 And [Jesus] replied,
‘There was a man who prepared a large supper,
And he invited many to eat it.
17 So he sent out his slave when the supper was ready,
To tell all those who were invited,
Come on, for all is now ready!
18 ‘But, then they all started excusing themselves.
Said the first one: I must go to look at a field that I bought.
Please have me excused.
19 ‘And another said this: I bought five pairs of bulls,
And I must now go to look them over.
Please have me excused.
20 ‘Still another said, I have just gotten married,
So I’m unable to come now.
21 ‘Well, when the slave returned and reported these things to his master,
The master of the house became angry,
And this is what he told his slave: Go quickly to the city’s main streets and alleys,
And bring the poor and the crippled,
As well as the blind and the lame.
22 ‘And later, the slave told his master: I’ve done all that you ordered, but there is still plenty of room!
23 ‘So, the master then told him: Go out to the roads and backyards,
And make them come so my house will be filled!
24 For I tell you that none of those I invited,
Will have a taste of my supper.’
25 Now, there was a large crowd traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, 26 ‘Unless those who come to me care less for their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, and sisters – yes even for their own lives – they cannot become my disciples, 27 nor can anyone follow me who won’t carry this own impaling pole.
28 ‘Which of you who wants to build a tower,
Wouldn’t first sit down to calculate the costs,
So you’ll have enough to finish [the job]?
29 For, you might just lay the foundation,
Then be unable to complete it,
And all who see it will then make fun, 30 saying:
This man started the job, but he just couldn’t complete it.
31 ‘Or, what king, when he’s marching against another,
Doesn’t first sit down and ask his advisors,
If his ten thousand troops can possibly beat
The one who comes with twenty thousand?
32 ‘And if he’s unable to do that;
While [his enemy] is still far away,
He’ll send his ambassadors to sue for peace.
33 ‘So, you must be sure! For none who refuse to give all they own, qualifies to be my disciple!
34 ‘Salt is good; but if salt should lose its flavor, what value will it have as a seasoning? 35 It’ll be no good for soil or manure, so people will throw it away… let him who has ears to hear, listen!’
Chapter 15
1 Well, all the tax collectors and sinners kept coming to [Jesus] to listen to him. 2 And as the result, the Pharisees and scribes were mumbling, ‘This man welcomes sinners and even eats with them!’
3 So he gave them this illustration:
4 ‘Which of you who has a hundred sheep,
And then loses just one,
Wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the open range,
And search for the lost one until it is found?
5 And when he finds it he rejoices, and lifts it up on his shoulders,
6 And when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors (to say:)
Rejoice with me, for I’ve found my sheep that was lost.
7 ‘So I tell you:
There is more rejoicing in heaven,
Over just one sinner who repents,
Than over ninety-nine of the righteous,
Who have no need of repentance.
8 ‘Or when a woman with ten silver coins,
Finds that she has lost one,
She lights a lamp and carefully sweeps her whole house…
She searches until she has found it.
9 And when she finds it, she calls for all her friends and neighbors (to say:)
Rejoice with me, for I’ve found the silver coin that I lost.
10 ‘So I tell you; There’s joy among the messengers of God
Over each sinner who repents.’
11 Then he said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. 12 The youngest of them told his father, Father, give me my share of the inheritance. So he divided with him what he had. 13 And it wasn’t many days later, that the younger son collected his things, and traveled to a far away land, where he squandered all that he had.
14 ‘Well, after he’d spent [all his money], a famine came to that land, and his situation became quite desperate. 15 So, he went to work for a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to herd pigs. 16 Why, he even wished to eat the carob pods, that he was feeding to those pigs, because no one would give him anything at all.
17 ‘Then, when he came to his senses, he asked ofhimself, How many of my father’s hired hands have much bread, while here I’m about to die from a famine? 18 So I’ll get up and travel to my father and tell him: Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. 19 I’m no longer worthy to be called your son, so make me just one of your hired hands.
20 ‘Then he got up and returned to his father.
‘But while he was still a long way [from home], his father saw him and felt pity. Then he ran and fell on his neck, and he tenderly kissed him. 21 And the son said: Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I’m no longer worthy of being called your son, so make me one of your hired hands.
22 ‘But the father then told his slaves: Quick! Bring out a robe and put it upon him… bring the very best on; put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the wheat-fed calf in and kill it, and let’s have [a feast] and enjoy ourselves! 24 For, my son who was dead is alive! He was lost and now he is found!
‘So, then they started to celebrate.
25 ‘Now, the older son was out in the fields, and as he was returning and got near the house, he heard [the sounds] of and dancing and a band. 26 So he called to one of the servants and asked, What is going on here?
27 ‘And [the servant] answered: Its because your brother has returned, that your father slaughtered the wheat-fed calf, for he’s returned in good health.
28 ‘Then [the son] became angry and refused to return. So his father came out to beg him. 29 But this is what he told his father: I’ve slaved for you all of these years, and I’ve never once broken your rules. However, you’ve not given me just a young goat, to enjoy with all of my friends. 30 Then as soon as your son arrives, who spent all he had upon whores, for him you slaughtered the wheat-fed calf!
31 ‘But [the father] replied: Child, with me you’ve always stayed, and all that I have is yours. 32 But, we had to celebrate and rejoice, because your brother who was once dead, has now come back to life… he who was lost is now found!’
Chapter 16
1 Then [Jesus] went on to tell his disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a house manager, who was falsely accused of mishandling his things. 2 So [the rich man] called him and asked, What are these things that I’m hearing about you? Turn in your things; you’re no longer the manager [of my] house!
3 ‘Then the [man] thought to himself, Now, what should I do, since my master is taking away my position? I don’t have the strength to go digging, and I’m too ashamed to go begging. 4 Ah! I know what I’ll do when I lose my job… something to cause people to welcome me into their homes!
5 ‘So, he called in all who owed debts to his master, and then he asked the first one: How much do you owe my master?
6 ‘He replied, Nine hundred gallons of olive oil.
‘Then he told him, Here, take your contract; sit down and quickly write four hundred-fifty.
7 ‘He also asked the next, And how much do you owe?
‘And he replied, Thirty-six thousand quarts of wheat.
‘Then he told him, Take your contract; write twenty-nine thousand.
8 ‘Well, although he was unrighteous, his master spoke in praise of [that man], for he showed very good sense. You see; The sons of this age have more sense, when it comes to dealing with this generation, than do the sons of the light.
9 ‘So I’m telling you all to make friends for yourselves, with the unrighteous wealth [of this world], so when all else will have failed, they’ll welcome you into their tents through the ages.
10 ‘The one who is faithful in small things, is also faithful in much; while the one who’s unrighteous in small things, is also unrighteous in much.
11 ‘So, if you’ve not proven faithful, with the unrighteous wealth [of this world], who will entrust you with true things? 12 And if you haven’t proven yourselves faithful, with things that belong to another, which of us will give you what’s ours?
13 ‘No servant of a house can slave for two masters; he’ll dislike the one and love the other, or he’ll stick to the one and despise the other. So you can’t slave for God and for wealth.’
14 Now, the Pharisees (who loved silver) were listening to these things, and they were looking at him with contempt. 15 So he said to them:
‘You claim to be righteous before men,
But God knows [what’s in] your hearts.
For things that are important to men,
In the eyes of God are disgusting.
16 ‘Until John there was the Law and the Prophets.
But since then; the Kingdom of God is good news,
And all are trying to squeeze in it.
17 But it’s easier for heaven and earth to pass away,
Than for a piece of a letter of the Law,
To go unfulfilled.
18 ‘So, he who divorces his wife,
And marries another commits adultery.
And he who marries a divorced woman,
Is also [guilty] of adultery.
19 ‘A rich man once dressed in purple and linen,
And he indulged himself in luxury each day.
20 And there was a poor man named Lazarus,
Who used to be put at his gate.
‘He was covered with sores,
21 And wanted to eat of the things,
That were dropped from the table of the rich man…
And dogs came to lick all his sores.
22 ‘The poor man eventually died,
And [God’s] messengers carried him off
To Abraham’s favored position.
‘Then the rich man died and also was buried.
23 And from his grave he raised his eyes,
And in his torment, he saw Abraham off in the distance,
And Lazarus lying before him.
24 ‘So, [the rich man] called out and said,
Father Abraham; [Please] have mercy on me!
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger,
In water to cool off my tongue,
For I am in pain in these flames!
25 ‘But Abraham replied:
Child; Remember that you had all the good things in life,
But Lazarus [received just] the bad things.
Now he is here [receiving my] comfort,
While you are there in [great] pain.
26 ‘An abyss has been placed between us,
So those who are here can’t go there,
Nor can people cross from there over to us.
27 ‘So, he said:
Then I ask you: Please father,
Send him to the house of my father,
28 Because I have five other brothers…
Give a thorough witness to them,
So they don’t end in this tormenting place.
29 ‘But Abraham said:
They have Moses and the Prophets.
[Your brothers] should listen to them.
30 ‘Then he said:
No indeed, father Abraham;
For if someone from the dead should come they’d repent.
31 ‘But he replied:
If they won’t listen to the Prophets or Moses,
They still will not be persuaded,
Even if someone arises from the dead.’
Chapter 17
1 Then he said to his disciples, ‘It’s unavoidable that traps will be set. However, woe to those who set them! 2 It would be better if a millstone were hung ‘round his neck, and he was thrown into the sea, than to stumble one of these least ones. 3 So, pay attention to yourselves.
‘If your brother should ever sin [against you], go to him and discuss it; then if he repents, forgive him. 4 And even if he sins seven times each day; if he returns seven times to say I repent, then you should forgive him.’
5 And at that, the Apostles said to the Lord, ‘Give us more faith.’
6 And the Lord answered,
‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed,
You could say to this mulberry tree,
Pull out of the ground, and then plant yourself in the sea;
It would likely obey you.
7 ‘Which of you who has a slave,
Who after he’s been plowing or tending a flock,
Would tell him when he returns,
Come right over here and recline at the table?
8 It’s more likely that you’d tell him:
Prepare my supper, then put on an apron and serve me,
Until I’ve finished eating and drinking,
Then you can get food and drink for yourself.
9 ‘You won’t be grateful to the slave,
Because he did the things he’s assigned… Will you?
10 So you too… after you’ve done all you were assigned, say:
We are just worthless slaves…
We just did what we should have done.’
11 Well, as [Jesus] was on his way to Jerusalem, he traveled through the midst of Samaria and then into Galilee. 12 And as he entered a certain village, ten men with leprosy stood up some distance away 13 and shouted, ‘Jesus! Instructor! Have mercy on us!’
14 And when [Jesus] saw them, he said, ‘Go and present yourselves to the Priests.’
Then, as they were leaving, they were [each] made clean. 15 However, one of them, when he realized that he had been healed, came back glorifying God in a loud voice. 16 Then he fell to his face [at Jesus’] feet, thanking him (and this one was a Samaritan).
17 So Jesus asked,
‘Weren’t there ten [men] who were cleansed?
So, where then are the other nine?
18 Was this man who’s of another race,
The only one who came back, in order to glorify God?’
19 Then he told him, ‘Get up and go, for your faith has saved you.’
20 Well, thereafter the Pharisees asked [Jesus] when the Kingdom of God was coming. And he answered,
‘The coming of the Kingdom of God,
Won’t be easily noticed.
21 People won’t say Look, it’s here or it’s there,
But {Look!} the Kingdom of God is in your midst!’
22 Then he said to the disciples:
‘The time will come when you’ll wish you could see,
Just one of those days of the Son of Man,
But then you’ll not be able to see it.
23 ‘People will say, Look here or See there!
But do not go out or chase them.
24 For the Son of Man will be like the lightning,
That flashes from part of the sky to the other.
25 But [first] he must suffer many things,
And be rejected by this generation.
26 ‘For, just as it happened in the days of Noah,
Is how it will be in the Son of Man’s day.
27 They were eating, drinking, marrying and being married,
‘Til the day that Noah entered the chest,
And the Downpour came, bringing destruction on all.
28 ‘And the same thing happened in Lot’s day;
They were eating, and drinking,
Buying, selling, planting, and building,
29 To the day that Lot [fled from] Sodom.
Then fire and sulfur rained from the sky,
Bringing destruction on all.
30 That is how it will be on the day,
When the Son of Man is revealed.
31 ‘On that day, the man on his roof
Must not go down into his house,
To retrieve the things that he owns.
And the man who’s out in the field,
Shouldn’t return for the things that he left behind.
32 For, remember [what happened to] Lot’s wife.
33 ‘Those saving their lives will then lose it,
But those who’d lose it will come back to life.
34 ‘I tell you; In that night there’ll be two in one bed;
One will be taken, and the other will be left behind.
35 Two will be grinding at one mill;
One will be taken and the other left behind.’ 36 ––
37 So they asked him, ‘Where [will this happen] Lord?’
And he answered, ‘The vultures will gather at the carcass.’
Chapter 18
1 Then he gave them an illustration to show why they should keep praying and not give up. 2 He said:
‘There was a judge in a city with no fear of God,
And could not be shamed before men.
3 ‘But a widow in that city kept coming to him, saying:
I want justice from the person I [sued in your] court.
4 ‘Well, at first he did nothing at all,
But thereafter he started to think:
Although I do not fear God,
Nor can I be shamed by any man;
5 Since this widow keeps coming and creating more work,
I’ll be sure that she receives justice,
So she doesn’t pester me to death.’
6 Then the Lord concluded:
‘Listen to what this unrighteous judge said!
7 Won’t God who is patient give justice,
To His elected who call to Him day and night? 8 I tell you:
He will bring speedy justice!
But when the Son of Man gets here,
Will he find the faith on earth?’
9 Then he told this illustration to some who trusted in themselves, believing they were righteous and that everyone else was nothing:
10 ‘Two men went up to the Temple to pray;
A Pharisee and a collector of taxes.
11 The Pharisee stood up and started to say,
These things about himself in his prayer:
O God; I thank you, for I’m not like the rest,
Who are robbers, unrighteous, and adulterers…
Or like that [man] who collects the tax.
12 I fast twice every week,
And contribute a tenth of all that I get.
13 ‘But the tax collector (who was standing at some distance), wouldn’t raise his eyes up toward heaven. He kept beating himself and saying:
O God, don’t be angry with this sinner.
14 ‘I tell you; This man returned home the more righteous,
For those promoting themselves will be humbled,
And the humble will be promoted.’
15 Now, people started to bring their young children for [Jesus] to touch them. But when the disciples saw it they scolded them. 16 However, Jesus called [the children] to him saying, ‘Let the young children come to me. Don’t try to stop them, because, the Kingdom of God is for people like this. 17 I tell you the truth; Whoever doesn’t welcome the Kingdom of God like a child, will not enter it at all.’
18 Then a certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher; What do I have to do to inherit life in the age?’
19 And Jesus replied, ‘Why do you call me good? Nobody is good except One… God. 20 You know the Commandments: Don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t provide false testimony, honor your father and mother.’
21 Then [the ruler] said, ‘I’ve guarded these [things] since I was young.’
22 And Jesus said, ‘But there’s still one thing that you lack. Sell all you have and give to the poor, and you’ll have treasures in heaven. Then come be my follower.’
23 Well, when he heard this, [the ruler] became very sad, because he was extremely rich.
24 So Jesus looked at him and said,
‘How hard it will be for those who have money,
To make their way to the Kingdom of God!
25 In fact; It would be easier to put a rope,
Through the eye of a needle,
Than for a rich man to enter God’s Kingdom.’
26 Then those who heard this asked, ‘So then; Who can possibly be saved?’
27 And he answered, ‘Things that are impossible for men are possible with God.’
28 But Peter said, ‘Look, we’ve left everything and followed you!’
29 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘I tell you the truth; There is no one who has left a house, or a wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30 who won’t receive many times more in this period of time, and life in the age in the era that’s coming.’
31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘Look! We’re going up to Jerusalem and everything that the Prophets wrote about the Son of Man will now be fulfilled. 32 He’ll be handed over to the nations and made fun of; he’ll be treated shamefully and spit on; 33 and after flaying him with a whip, they will kill him. But, then on the third day he’ll be resurrected.’
34 However, they just didn’t get the meaning of any of these things, because what he said was hidden from them and they couldn’t understand it.
35 Now, as he was approaching Jericho, there was a blind man who was sitting alongside the road begging. 36 And as he heard a crowd moving past, he asked what was happening. 37 And they replied, ‘Jesus the Nazarene is coming!’
38 Well with that he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’
39 And those who were walking ahead warned him to keep quiet. But he just shouted louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’
40 Then Jesus stopped and gave orders to have him brought over. And when he got there, [Jesus] asked, 41 ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
And he answered, ‘Lord, let me see again!’
42 So Jesus said, ‘Then, see again… for your faith has saved you.’ 43 And instantly his sight returned and he started following [Jesus], glorifying God. The people also praised God when they saw this.
Chapter 19
1 Thereafter, [Jesus] started traveling through Jericho. 2 And {Look!} there was a rich man called ZacChaeus, who was the chief tax collector, 3 and he wanted to see who this Jesus was, but he couldn’t, due to the crowd, because he was too short. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a fig-mulberry tree to see him, because that’s the direction [Jesus] was headed.
5 Now, when Jesus reached that spot, he looked up and said, ‘ZacChaeus, hurry and get down from there, because I’ll be staying at your house today.’
6 So he hurried and got down, rejoicing that he could welcome him as his guest. 7 But when [the crowds] saw this, they all started grumbling, ‘He’s going to spend the night at the home of a man who’s a sinner!’
8 But ZacChaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Lord, I will give half of my belongings to the poor; and whatever I got from anyone by extortion and false accusations, I’ll repay four times over.’
9 Then Jesus said, ‘Today salvation has come to this house! [You see], he’s also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to search for and to save what was lost.’
11 Well, while they were listening to these things, he told them another illustration, because he was getting close to Jerusalem, and they all thought that the Kingdom of God was about to happen instantly. 12 So he said:
‘A certain man of noble birth,
Traveled to a far-away land,
To be appointed as king.
And [before he left] 13 he called ten of his slaves,
And gave them each a large silver coin,
And he told them: Do business [with this] until I return.
14 ‘However, He was hated by some of his subjects,
Who sent a group of ambassadors to say,
We don’t want him to rule over us!
15 ‘Well, when he returned (after being appointed as king),
He summoned the slaves to whom he’d entrusted the silver,
To find how much they had gained.
16 ‘So, the first came forward and said,
Lord, your coin has earned ten silver coins.
17 ‘So, he said: Well-done good, [faithful] slave!
And because you proved faithful in small things,
I appoint you over ten cities.
18 ‘Then the second [slave] came and said,
Lord, your coin earned five silver coins.
19 So he told this one: You’ll be over five cities.
20 ‘But the other came up and said:
Lord here’s the silver coin [that you gave me],
For I wrapped in a bandanna…
21 I was afraid, for you’re a harsh man,
Who picks up what he hasn’t put down,
And harvests where he doesn’t plant.
22 ‘Then [the master] replied: O wicked slave;
I judge you from [the words that came] from your mouth,
For, you knew that I’m a harsh man,
Who picks up what he doesn’t put down,
And harvests what he doesn’t plant?
23 Then why didn’t you put my coin in a bank,
And when I returned I’d have collected it with interest?
24 ‘With that, he said to those standing by: Take the coin and give it to the one who has ten!
25 ‘And they said: But Lord, he already has ten!
26 ‘I tell you this: More will be given to all those who have,
But, what they have will be taken from hose who don’t have.
27 Now, bring here those enemies of mine…
Those who didn’t want me as king,
And slaughter them all here before me.’
28 So, after he said these things, he started leading the way on his trip up to Jerusalem. 29 And when he got close to BethPhage and BethAny, to the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples ahead, 30 saying, ‘Go to that village opposite us, and when you enter, you’ll find a colt tied that no one has ridden before. Untie it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks why you’re untying it, just tell him that the Lord needs it.’
32 So, those who were sent ahead found things just as he said they would be. 33 And as they were untying the colt, the owners asked, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’
34 And they replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ 35 Then they led it to Jesus, threw their robes over the colt, and set Jesus on [top of it]. 36 And as he traveled along, they kept spreading their robes over the road.
37 Then, as soon as he got near the road that comes down the Mount of Olives [into Jerusalem], the huge crowds of disciples started rejoicing and praising God, shouting about all the powerful things they had seen, 38 saying, ‘Praise the one who comes as King in Jehovah’s Name! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest places!’
39 However, some of the Pharisees among the crowd came up and said, ‘Teacher, scold your disciples!’
40 But he answered, ‘I tell you that if they remained silent, these stones would be doing the shouting!’
41 And when he got close, he looked at the city and shed tears over it, 42 saying:
‘If you knew this today, the things that lead to peace…
But now they’ve been hidden from your eyes.
43 For the days will arrive when your enemies will come,
And build a fort of pointed stakes around you.
They will completely surround you…
Then they’ll come at you in force from all sides.
44 They’ll toss you and your children to the ground,
And they won’t leave a stone on a stone,
Because you failed to recognize,
The time of your being inspected.’
45 Then he went into the Temple and started throwing out the vendors, 46 saying to them, ‘It’s written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you’ve made it a den of thieves!’
47 [After that], he taught in the Temple every day. But the Chief Priests, scribes, and prominent people were looking to destroy him. 48 Yet, they couldn’t come up with anything, because all the people were staying and listening to him.
Chapter 20
1 One day, while he was teaching the people in the Temple and preaching the good news, the Chief Priests, scribes, and elders came up 2 to him and asked, ‘Tell us; Where did you get the authority to do these things, and just who gave you that authority?’
3 So he replied, ‘Let me also ask you a question and you tell me: 4 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?’
5 Then they got together and reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, From heaven, he’ll ask, Then why didn’t you believe him? 6 But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us; because they believe that John was a Prophet.’7 So their reply that they didn’t know where it came from.
8 And Jesus said, ‘Then I’m not telling you where I got the authority to do these things.’
9 Next, he told the people this illustration:
‘A man once planted a vineyard,
And contracted it out to some farmers,
Then he traveled abroad for a long time.
10 ‘Well when the [harvest] came due,
He sent a slave to the farmers,
To ask for some fruit of the vineyard.
But the farmers then had him whipped,
And sent him away empty-handed.
11 ‘Thereafter, [the man] did the same thing again…
Sending a different slave.
Him they whipped and dishonored,
And sent him away empty-handed.
12 ‘Then he sent a third one to them,
Who they harmed and threw out.
13 ‘At this, the owner of the vineyard,
Asked himself, What will I do?
I’ll send my dearly-loved son.
For I’m sure that they will respect him.
14 ‘And when the farmers saw him,
They talked it over and decided:
This is the heir, so let’s kill him,
So his inheritance will then become ours.
15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
‘So, what do you think the vineyard’s owner will do?
16 He‘ll come and destroy those [bad] farmers,
And entrust the vineyard to others.’
Well, when they heard this, the [Pharisees] said, ‘Never may that happen!’
17 But he looked at them and said, ‘Then, what is the meaning of the thing that was written, which says:
The stone that the builders rejected,
Became the [chief] cornerstone,
18 And all who fall on that stone will be shattered,
And all that it falls on will be smashed?’
19 Well, the scribes and Chief Priests looked for ways to grab him then, but they were afraid of the people. For they recognized that his illustration was talking about them.
20 And watching him closely, they sent men pretending to be righteous to trick him into saying something that would give them a reason to turn him over to the government and the power of the governor. 21 So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is right. And you aren’t swayed by a man’s appearance. You truthfully teach the way of God. 22 So, should we pay taxes to Caesar or not?’
23 Well, recognizing what they were up to, he said, 24 ‘Show me a coin… Whose image and inscription is upon it?’
And they said, ‘Caesar’s.’
25 Then he answered, ‘Well now; Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but [pay] Gods things to God.’
26 So, they weren’t able to catch him in anything that he said in front of the people. They were just amazed by his answers and said nothing.
27 However, some of the Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came up and asked, 28 ‘Teacher; Moses wrote that if a man’s brother dies leaving his wife childless, his brother should take the brother’s wife and sire offspring for him. 29 Now, let’s say there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died childless. 30 So the second, and 31 then the third took her, and the same thing happened to all seven. They all died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So, whose wife will she be in the resurrection, since all seven had her as his wife?’
34 And Jesus replied, ‘The sons of this age marry and are married, 35 but those who have been found worthy of that age and the resurrection from the dead don’t marry, nor do they get married. 36 And they can’t die anymore, for they are equal to [God’s] messengers, and they are the sons of God, because they are sons of the resurrection.
37 ‘Why, even Moses showed that the dead will be raised. For when [he was] at the thorn bush, he called Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 38 So He isn’t a God of the dead, but of the living, because they’re all living to Him.’
39 Then some of the scribes said, ‘Teacher that was a fine answer.’ 40 But they didn’t have the courage to ask him anything more after that.
41 So [Jesus] asked them, ‘Why do they say the Anointed One is David’s son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right 43 until I put your enemies as a stool for your feet. 44 So if David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’
45 And as all the people were listening, he said to the disciples: 46 ‘Watch out for the scribes who like to walk around in robes; to be greeted in the markets; to have the front seats in the synagogues, and the first places at suppers. 47 Then they swallow down the homes of the widows, and hide their intentions by saying long prayers. For these will receive a heavier judgment.’
Chapter 21
1 Now, as he looked up, he saw the rich dropping their gifts into the [Temple] treasury chests. 2 Then he saw a poor widow drop in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, ‘I tell you the truth; Although this widow is poor, she dropped in more than they all did. 4 Because, they dropped in gifts from their surplus, but this person in need dropped in her whole means of living!’
5 Then, as certain ones were discussing the Temple – how fine its stonework was and how nicely it was adorned – 6 he said, ‘Do you see all these things? The days will come when there won’t be a stone on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down.’
7 Then they asked him: ‘Teacher, when will these things happen, and what sign will there be when they are about to happen?’
8 And he said:
‘Watch out so that you aren’t misled,
For many will come in my name;
They will say I am he,
And The time has arrived;
But do not follow after them.
9 ‘When you hear of wars and disorders,
Do not then be in fear,
Because such things must happen first.
But the end doesn’t come right away.’
10 Then he told them:
‘Nation will rise against nation,
And kingdom [will rise] against kingdom.
11 There will be great natural disasters;
There’ll be plagues and famines in many places,
As well as fearful sights and great signs in the sky.
12 ‘But before that comes to be,
People will grab you and persecute you,
Then hand you over to the synagogues and prisons…
Before kings and governors they will drag you,
On account of my name.
13 And this will serve as your sign!
14 ‘Resolve not to plan your defense,
15 Since I’ll give you a mouth and the wisdom,
Which no one who lies about you,
Will be able to resist or contradict.
16 ‘But even your parents, and brothers…
Your relatives and friends will betray you,
And they will kill some of you.
17 All will dislike you because of my name.
18 Yet, not a hair of your heads will be destroyed,
19 Because; by your endurance you’ll gain your lives.
20 ‘When around Jerusalem you see armies camped,
Know that her destruction is near.
21 Then those in Judea should escape to the mountains;
Those in her midst should then flee;
And those in the [fields] must not enter her,
22 Because those will be the days of vengeance,
And for fulfilling all the things that were written.
23 ‘Woe to those who are pregnant,
And those nursing babies in those days,
Because there will be great shortages in the land,
As [God’s] rage is shown on these people.
24 They will be cut down with swords,
Or carried to the nations as captives.
And Jerusalem will be trampled by the nations,
Until the times of the nations are filled.
25 ‘There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars.
And on the earth, the nations will be restless,
And confused by the roaring and rolling of the sea,
26 While men will be fainting from fear,
And expecting the things that will happen on the earth.
Because, the powers of the skies will be shaken.
27 ‘And then they will see the Son of Man coming,
In a cloud with power and great glory.
28 But as these things start to happen,
Stand erect and lift your heads,
Because your salvation is approaching.’
29 Then he gave them this illustration:
‘Look at the fig tree and all the other trees;
30 For when they start putting out buds,
You can see for yourselves that summer is near.
31 Thus, when you see these things start to happen,
Know that the Kingdom of God has approached.
32 ‘I tell you the truth;
This generation will not pass away
Until all these things are fulfilled…
33 The earth and sky will both pass away,
But my words will not pass away!
34 ‘So pay attention to yourselves,
That your hearts don’t get heavy from overeating,
[Or with] heavy drinking and the worries of life,
And that day comes instantly to catch you like a snare;
35 For it will come upon all
Who are sitting on the face of the earth.
36 ‘So, stay awake during that time,
Begging for the strength to escape
All the things that will happen,
And before the Son of Man you can stand.’
37 Well, [Jesus] taught in the Temple throughout the day, and at night he would go and camp on the hill called the Mount of Olives. 38 Then all the people would come to the Temple early each morning to hear him.
Chapter 22
1 Now, the Festival of (the Passover) was getting near, 2 and the Chief Priests and scribes were looking for a way to get rid of him, but they were afraid of the people. 3 Then the Opposer entered Judas (the one called IsCariot, who was one of the twelve), 4 so he went off and talked to the Chief Priests and [Temple] captains about ways to betray [Jesus] to them.
5 Well, they were delighted, and they agreed to pay him in silver coins, 6 which he accepted. Then he started looking for opportunities to betray [Jesus] when there wasn’t a crowd around.
7 Then the day of No Fermentation finally arrived when the Passover was to be sacrificed, 8 so [Jesus] sent Peter and John ahead of him, saying, ‘Go get the Passover ready for us to eat.’
9 And they asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare it?’
10 He answered, ‘{Look!} When you go into the city, a man carrying a clay jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters. 11 Then say to the master of the house, The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large furnished upstairs room. Prepare it there.’
13 So they left and found things just as he said, and prepared the Passover.
14 Then, when it was time, he reclined at the table with the Apostles. 15 And he told them, ‘I really wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 Because I say to you; I won’t eat it again until it’s fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’
17 Then, accepting a cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and pass it among yourselves. 18 Because I tell you; From now on I definitely won’t drink from the product of the vine again until the Kingdom of God has arrived.’
19 Then he took a loaf [of bread], gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, which is being handed over for you. Keep doing this in memory of me.’ 20 And he did the same thing with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the New Sacred Agreement of my blood, which is being poured out on your behalf. 21 But look… the hand of my betrayer is with me here at the table! 22 Because the Son (who is for a fact from men) is going the way that was marked out for him… yet woe to that man through whom he’s betrayed!’
23 So, they started trying to figure out among themselves which of them would really be the one who was going to do this.
24 However, there was also an argument that broke out among them over which one seemed to be the greatest. 25 So he said to them:
‘Kings of the nations act like masters,
And the powerful wish to be called benefactors.
26 But you should not be that way.
The greatest should act like the youngest,
And the one taking the lead as the servant.
27 ‘For, which is truly the greatest…
He who reclines at the table,
Or the one who does the serving?
Isn’t it he who reclines at the table?
Yet, I am the one who is acting
As the servant among you.
28 ‘You’re those who stayed with me during my trials,
29 So I’m making this promise to you,
As my Father made a promise to me, for a Kingdom:
30 In my Kingdom, you’ll eat and drink at my table
And upon thrones you will sit,
To judge Israel’s twelve tribes.
31 ‘Simon, O Simon; Look! The Opposer has demanded to have you men, so [he can] sift you like wheat. 32 But I’ve pleaded with [God] on your behalf, that your faith doesn’t give out, and that when you return you will strengthen your brothers.’
33 Then [Peter] said to him, ‘Lord, I’m ready to go with you to prison and to death!’
34 But he replied, ‘I tell you this Peter; A rooster won’t crow today until you’ve denied knowing me three times.’
35 Then he told them, ‘When I sent you out without a money bag, food pouch, or sandals, you didn’t need anything, did you?’
And they replied, ‘No!’
36 Then he said, ‘But now; Whoever has a moneybag must carry it along, as well as a pouch for his food. And those who don’t have a sword, should sell his cape and then buy one. 37 I tell you this: What was written about me must now be fulfilled… And he was numbered among the criminals. So the thing that has been bothering me so much, is now about to be finished.’
38 Then they said, ‘Look, Lord; Here are two swords!’
And He said, ‘That’s enough.’
39 Well, he then left [the city], and went to the Mount of Olives as usual; and the disciples followed along. 40 And when he got there, he told them, ‘Now, pray that you won’t be tempted.’
41 Then he walked away from them about a stones throw, bent down and started to pray, 42 saying, ‘Father; If you wish, let this cup pass from me. However, may Your will not mine, take place.’
43 Then he saw a messenger from heaven that strengthened him. 44 Yet he was still in agony, so he prayed even harder; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.
45 Then, after the prayer, he got up and returned to the disciples and found them sleeping because of their grief. 46 So he asked, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you aren’t tempted!’
47 But while he was still talking, {Look!} there was a mob coming, and one of the twelve (called Judas) was leading them. Then he came up to Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus asked, ‘Judas; Do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’
49 And when those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they asked, ‘Lord, shall we fight them off with the sword?’ 50 And one of them struck the Chief Priest’s slave, taking off his right ear.
51 Then Jesus said, ‘It has gone far enough;’ and he touched the ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus asked the Chief Priests, Temple captains, and elders who came for him, ‘Are you coming with swords and clubs [as though I were] a robber? 53 Why, I was with you in the Temple every day, and you didn’t try to grab me then… but this is your hour and the power of darkness.’
54 So they arrested him and led him off, taking him to the house of the High Priest, as Peter was following at a distance. 55 Then they lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and they all sat down together; and Peter sat down among them. 56 That’s when a servant girl noticed him sitting in the light of the fire. She looked at him hard, and said, ‘He was also with him!’
57 But [Peter] denied it, saying, ‘I don’t know him, woman!’
58 And a little while later, someone else saw him and said, ‘You’re one of them too!’
But Peter said, ‘Man, I’m not!’
59 Then, after standing around for another hour, someone started insising, saying, ‘It’s a fact; This one was with him, because he’s a Galilean too!’
60 But Peter said, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ And just as he was speaking, a rooster crowed.
61 Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the words that the Lord said to him, ‘Before a rooster crows today, you will deny knowing me three times.’ 62 And he went outside and cried bitterly.
63 Now, the men who had him in custody started making fun of him, and they whipped him. 64 Then they covered [his head] and said, ‘Prophesy… who’s disciplining you?’ 65 And they kept saying all sorts of slanderous things about him.
66 Well, as it became day, the people’s body of elders assembled with the Chief Priests and scribes, and they brought him before the Jewish High Court, saying, 67 ‘If you’re the Anointed One, tell us!’
But he answered, ‘If I told you, you wouldn’t even start to believe it. 68 And if I asked you any questions, you wouldn’t answer at all. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be sitting at the powerful right hand of God!’
70 Well at this, they all asked, ‘So, are you the Son of God?’
And he said, ‘You are saying that I am!’
71 And they said, ‘Why do we need further witnesses? We’ve heard it all from his own mouth!’
Chapter 23
1 So, the whole assembly got up and took [Jesus] to Pilate. 2 And there they accused him, saying, ‘We found this man trying to undermine the principles of our nation by forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar, and by saying that he’s the Anointed One… a king!’
3 So Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
And he replied, ‘You’re the one who is saying this.’
4 Then Pilate told the Chief Priests and crowds, ‘I can’t find anything wrong with this man.’
5 But they insisted, saying, ‘He has been stirring up the people by teaching throughout all of Judea… [and that’s the reason why] he came here from Galilee!’
6 On hearing that, Pilate asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And after learning that he was from Herod’s realm, he sent him on to Herod (who was also in Jerusalem [for the Festival]).
8 Well, when Herod saw Jesus, he was overjoyed, because he had been wanting to see him for a long time, since he had heard so much about [Jesus], and he hoped to see him perform some sign. 9 So he asked many questions, but [Jesus] wouldn’t answer. 10 [And all the while], the Chief Priests and scribes kept getting up and accusing him.
11 But, not knowing what to make of him, Herod and his troops made fun of him by dressing him in bright clothes, then they sent him back to Pilate. 12 And it was because of this that Herod and Pilate became friends that day, since they really didn’t like each other before that.
13 So, Pilate then assembled the Chief Priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 and told them: ‘You brought this man to me as someone who was inciting the people to revolt. And look, I’ve examined him in front of you and I can’t find any basis for the charges you’re bringing against him. 15 In fact, Herod didn’t either, because he returned him to us. Look! He’s done nothing deserving of death, 16 so I’ll discipline him and release him.’ 17 ––
18 But with that, the entire crowd started shouting, ‘Hang him up! Release BarAbbas to us!’ 19 ([BarAbbas] was in prison because of [his involvement in] a revolt in the city and for murder.)
20 Again Pilate called out to them, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21 But they started yelling, ‘Impale him! Impale him!’
22 So he asked them a third time: ‘Why… what bad thing did he do? I haven’t found anything he’s done that deserves death, so I’ll discipline him and let him go!’
23 Then they started shouting impatiently, demanding to have him hung on a pole, and their voices began to win out. 24 So Pilate decided to give in, 25 and he released [BarAbbas] (who was in prison for rebellion and murder) to meet their demands, but did what they wanted [him to do] to Jesus.
26 Now, as they were taking him away, they grabbed Simon (a Cyrenian who was coming in from the fields) and laid the impaling pole on him, so that he could carry it behind Jesus.
27 Well, a huge crowd of people, including many women, followed behind, beating themselves in grief and wailing over him. 28 Then Jesus turned to the women and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem; Stop crying for me… cry for yourselves and for your children! 29 Because, {Look!} the days are coming when people will say:
Those without any children;
Those whose wombs didn’t give birth;
And whose breasts didn’t nurse are the blest ones!
30 ‘Then they’ll say to the mountains; Fall upon us!
And to the hills, Come cover us over!
31 For. if they do these things when the tree is still moist,
What will happen after it’s withered?’
32 Two criminals were also being led out to be impaled with him, 33 and when they got to the place that was referred to as ‘The Skull,’ they hung him and the criminals on poles there (one on his right and the other on his left).
34 However, Jesus was saying: ‘Father; Forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing,’ as they were throwing dice to divide his clothes [among them]. 35 And the people just stood there watching.
But their rulers were angrily looking on and saying, ‘He saved others, so let him save himself if he’s the Anointed One of God, the Messiah!’
36 Even the soldiers made fun of him, coming up and offering him soured wine 37 and saying, ‘If you’re the king of the Jews, save yourself!’
38 There was also an inscription above him [that said], ‘This is the king of the Jews.’
39 Then, one of the criminals who was hanging there started to speak badly to him saying, ‘Aren’t you the Anointed One? Save yourself… and us!’
40 But the other scolded him saying, ‘Aren’t you at all afraid of God, since you’ve received the same judgment? 41 And that’s only right, because we’re getting what we deserve in full for the bad things we’ve done. But he didn’t do anything wrong!’
42 Then he said, ‘Jesus; Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’
43 And [Jesus] replied, ‘I tell you this today; You will be with me in Paradise.’
44 Well, it was already about the sixth hour, and the whole land was covered by a darkness [that lasted] until the ninth hour, 45 because the sunlight had failed. Then the Temple curtain split down the middle, 46 and Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Father, I leave my breath in Your hands.’ And after saying that, he died.
47 And when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God and said, ‘This truly was a righteous man.’
48 Well, all the crowds who came to watch this spectacle (when they saw the things that had happened) started beating themselves [in grief] again. 49 And meanwhile, all who knew him, and the women who had followed him from Galilee, were standing at a distance and watching these things.
50 Then {Look!} a man named Joseph (from AriMathea, a city in Judea), who was a good and righteous man, and one of the Council members 51 who didn’t go along with what they said or did, and who was also awaiting the Kingdom of God, 52 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 So he took it down, wrapped it in fine linen, and laid it in a tomb that no one had been laid in before, which was carved from rock.
54 Well, it was the day of Preparation, and the evening light was fading into the Sabbath. 55 So the women who had come from Galilee with him, followed along to look at the tomb and to see how his body was laid out. 56 Then they went back to prepare spices and perfumed ointments… but of course, they followed the Commandments and rested on the Sabbath.
Chapter 24
1 It was on the first day of the week, at early dawn, that they went to the tomb carrying the spices they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 and when they entered, they couldn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body.
4 And as they stood there confused, {Look!} two men in glowing clothes appeared beside them. 5 This frightened them and they hung their heads to the ground. Then [the men] asked, ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here; he got up! Don’t you remember? When he spoke to you in Galilee, 7 he said; The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be hung on a pole, then [he will be] resurrected on the third day.’
8 So, that’s when they remembered what he said, 9 and they left the tomb to report all these things to the eleven and the others.
10 It was Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Mary the [mother] of James, and the rest of the women who told the Apostles these things. 11 However, what they said sounded like nonsense, and they didn’t believe them.
12 Then Peter got up and ran to the tomb. And when he leaned in, all he saw was the wrappings. So he left, wondering just what had happened.
13 {Look!} That very same day, two of them were on their way to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were discussing all the things that had happened. 15 Now, as they were talking and reasoning, Jesus himself came up and started walking along with them, 16 but their eyes refused to recognize him. 17 So he asked, ‘What is the subject you’re debating as you’re walking along?’
Then they stopped and looked very sad. 18 And the one named Cleopas answered, ‘Are you living alone in Jerusalem so that you don’t know what has happened over the past few days?’
19 And [Jesus] asked, ‘What things?’
They replied, ‘The things [that happened to] Jesus the Nazarene… a Prophet who came with powerful words and deeds before God and all the people. 20 Then, how our Chief Priests and rulers gave him over to be sentenced to death, and hung him on a pole. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was going to free Israel… it has been three days since these things happened!
22 ‘Then, some women among us shocked us. They went to the tomb early [this morning] 23 and couldn’t find his body. So they came back saying that they had a vision of messengers [from God] who say he’s still alive. 24 Then, some from among us went to the tomb and found it just as the women said… they didn’t see him.’
25 So [Jesus] said to them, ‘O senseless ones whose hearts are slow when it comes to believing all the things that the Prophets said; 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Anointed One to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’
27 So, starting from Moses and the Prophets, he explained all the scriptures that talked about him.
28 Well, when they reached the village that they were traveling to, he acted as though he was going on. 29 But they pressured him, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it’s getting late and most of the day is already gone!’
So, he stayed with them. 30 And as he reclined with them at the meal, he took the loaf, spoke a blessing over it, broke it, and started handing it to them. 31 And at that, their eyes were fully opened and they recognized him… then he disappeared. 32 And they said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning as he talked to us along the road, completely explaining the Scriptures to us?’
33 So they got up right away and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven with the rest who had gathered, 34 who told them: ‘The Lord was in fact raised, and he appeared to Simon!’
35 Then they also told what had happened [to them] on the road and how he became recognizable by breaking the loaf.
36 Well, while they were still talking about these things, there he stood in their midst saying, ‘May you have peace.’ 37 But this frightened and terrified them, because they thought they were seeing a [wicked] spirit.
38 So he said to them, ‘Why are you so worried, and what kind of ideas are your hearts coming up with? 39 See… my hands and my feet. It’s me! Touch me and look, because a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones as you see that I have!’ 40 And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 But because they still didn’t believe (due to the joy and confusion), he asked, ‘Do you have something to eat?’
42 So they handed him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.
44 Then he said to them, ‘These are the things that I told you while I was still with you, for everything that was written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to be fulfilled.’ 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the meanings of the Scriptures completely.
46 And he said to them, ‘It was written that the Anointed One would suffer this way and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 Then, [the message of] repentance for forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations in his name, starting from Jerusalem. 48 Now, you are to be the witnesses of these things.
49 ‘And look; I’m sending you [something] that was promised by my Father. So, stay in the city until you are clothed with the power from above.’
50 And with that, he led them out on the road to BethAny, and then he lifted his hands and blest them. 51 And as he was blessing them, he was taken away from them into the sky. 52 Then they bowed low to him, and they returned to Jerusalem in joy. 53 [And after that], they were in the Temple continuously, praising God.
John
Chapter 1
1 In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with The God and the Word was a powerful one. 2 This one was with The God in the beginning, 3 and through him it all came to be… life came to be, 4 and this life was the light of all men. 5 [Now] the light is shining in darkness, and he hasn’t been defeated by the darkness.
6 Then came a man named John who had been sent by God. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He wasn’t the light, but he was to testify about the light. 9 For, the true light that enlightens all men was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world – and through him the world came to be – but the world didn’t know him. 11 He came to his home, but his own people offered no welcome. 12 Yet, he gave all those who did welcome him (all those who believed in his name) the authority to become the children of God. 13 And they weren’t born from blood, from the will of the flesh, or from man’s will, but from God.
14 So the Word became flesh and tented among us; and we looked on his glory, which was the glory of the only generated one next to the Father, and he was filled with kindness and truth.
15 John witnessed about him. He’s the one who said it; he even yelled it out loud: ‘He who’s coming behind me came before me, because he was first… before I was!’
16 We all received kindness after kindness from his wealth. 17 And though the Law was given through Moses, kindness and truth came through Jesus the Anointed. 18 For, no one has ever seen God, but the only-generated god (the one in the favored position of the Father) has explained Him.
19 Now, this is the testimony that John gave when the Judeans sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him who he was. 20 [John] confessed… he didn’t deny it, he confessed, ‘I’m not the Anointed One!’
21 And when they asked, ‘Then, who [are you]… are you EliJah?’
He said, ‘No, I’m not.’
‘Are you the Prophet?’
And he answered, ‘No!’
22 Finally, they asked, ‘Then, just who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us… what do you have to say about yourself?’
23 And he said, ‘I’m the voice of someone calling out in the desert, Straighten the way of the Lord, as the Prophet IsaiJah said.’
24 Now, those who came were sent by the Pharisees, 25 and they asked him, ‘Then, why do you baptize if you aren’t the Anointed One, or EliJah, or the Prophet?’
26 And John replied, ‘I baptize in water, but there’s someone standing in your midst whom you don’t know. 27 He’s the one coming behind me, the laces of whose sandals I’m unworthy to untie.’
28 These things happened in BethAny across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
29 Well, the next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him and he said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who lifts sin from the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, The one coming behind me has come before me, because he was first, before I was. 31 Even I didn’t know him, but the reason why I came baptizing in water was so that he might be shown to Israel.’
32 John also testified to this: ‘I saw the Breath [of God] coming down from the sky like a dove… and it stayed on him! 33 Even I didn’t know him, but the One who sent me to baptize in water told me, Whoever you see the Breath coming down on and remaining upon; this is the one who baptizes in Holy Breath… 34 I saw it and I testify to the fact that this is the Son of God!’
35 Then, the next day, John was standing there with two of his disciples. 36 And when he saw Jesus walking by, he again said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ 37 And the two disciples who heard him say this, followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and noticing them following him, asked, ‘What are you looking for?’
And they replied, ‘Rabbi (Teacher), where are you staying?’
39 Then he said, ‘Come and see.’
So, they went and saw where he was staying and spent the day with him, until about the tenth hour.
40 Then Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (one of the two who heard what John said and followed [Jesus]) 41 went and found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We’ve found the Messiah (which translates as the Anointed One).’ 42 And then he led him to Jesus.
And when Jesus saw him, he said, ‘You’re Simon, the son of Jonah… you will be called Cephas (Peter).’
43 The next day, he wanted to leave for Galilee. But then Jesus found Philip and said to him, ‘Be my follower.’
44 Now, Philip was from BethSaida, the same city as Andrew and Peter. 45 Then Philip [went and] found NathaniEl (BarTholomew) and told him, ‘We’ve found the one who Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets, Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth!
46 But NathaniEl asked, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’
Then Philip said, ‘Well, come and see!’
47 And when Jesus saw NathaniEl coming, he said, ‘Look; An Israelite who really says what’s on his mind!’
48 Then NathaniEl asked, ‘How do you know me?’
And Jesus replied, ‘Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’
49 Then NathaniEl said, ‘Rabbi; You’re the Son of God! You’re the King of Israel!’
50 And Jesus asked, ‘Do you believe this simply because I said that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than that.’ 51 Then he said, ‘I tell you men the truth; You will see the heavens open up and messengers of God ascending and descending to the Son of Man!’
Chapter 2
1 Now, on the third day there was a wedding banquet in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus’ mother was there, 2 so Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the banquet. 3 And when the wine started to run out, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They don’t have any more wine.’
4 But Jesus said, ‘Why is this any of my business, woman? My hour hasn’t come yet.’
5 Then his mother told the waiters, ‘Do whatever he tells you to do.’
6 Well, there were six stone water jars sitting there, which the Judeans required for washing, and each held fifteen gallons. 7 Then Jesus told them to fill the jars with water, and they were filled to the brim. 8 Then he told them, ‘Now dip some out and take it to the banquet director.’
So, they took it [to him], 9 and when the banquet director tasted the water that had been turned into wine (he didn’t know where it came from, but the waiters who drew the water knew), the director called the bridegroom 10 and said: ‘Everyone else puts out the fine wine first, and after people are intoxicated, the inferior. But you’ve saved the finest wine until now!’
11 So, there in Cana of Galilee was where Jesus started the signs that showed his glory, and his disciples put faith in him.
12 After that; he, his mother, his brothers, and [his] disciples went down to CapharNaoum, but they didn’t stay there long. 13 For, the Jewish Passover was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And there he found [people] in the Temple selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as currency exchangers, who were sitting there. 15 So, after making a whip out of ropes, he drove all those with the sheep and cattle out of the Temple, and he poured out the currency exchangers’ coins, turning their tables over. 16 Then he told those who were selling the doves ‘Get these things out of here! Quit turning my Father’s House into a market!’
17 And his disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for Your House will consume me.’
18 Well after that, the Judeans asked, ‘Since you’re doing all these things, what sign can you show us?’
19 And Jesus answered, ‘Tear down this Temple and I’ll rebuild it in three days.’
20 Then the Judeans asked, ‘This Temple took forty-six years to build, and you’ll rebuild it in three days?’ 21 Of course, he was talking about the Temple of his body. 22 However, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he used to say this, and they believed the Scriptures and the things that Jesus said.
23 It was while he was in Jerusalem for the Passover and its festival, that many people started believing in his name… after they saw the signs that he was performing. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew them… 25 he didn’t need anyone to tell him about people, because he knew what they were on the inside.
Chapter 3
1 Now, there was a man named NicoDemos (one of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Judeans) 2 who came to him one night and said, ‘Rabbi; We know that you came as a teacher from God, because no one can perform signs like you’re doing unless God is with him.’
3 Then Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; Unless someone is born from above, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.’
4 So NicoDemos asked, ‘How can a man be born after he’s old… he can’t go back into his mother’s womb a second time to be born, can he?’
5 And Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth; Unless someone is born from water and [God’s] Breath, he can’t enter the Kingdom of God. 6 Because, things that have been born from flesh are fleshly, and things that have been born from the Breath (Spirit) are spiritual. 7 However, don’t be surprised because I told you that people have to be born again… 8 for the wind blows wherever it wishes, and you can hear the noise, but you don’t know where it’s coming from or where it’s going. And this is true of everyone who has been born from the Breath [of God].’
9 Then NicoDemos asked, ‘How can things like this happen?’
10 And Jesus answered, ‘You’re a teacher of Israel, and yet you don’t know? 11 I tell you the truth; We know what we’re saying and we’re testifying to things that we’ve seen; but you aren’t accepting our testimony… 12 and if you don’t believe the earthly things, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 ‘No one has gone to heaven other than he who came from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses raised the snake in the desert, that’s how the Son of Man must be raised, 15 so that everyone who believes in him can get life in the age.
16 ‘This is how [much] God loved the world: He gave His only-generated Son so that everyone who believes in him won’t be destroyed, but will get life in the age. 17 Why, God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge it, but for the world to be saved through him! 18 So, whoever believes in [the Son] won’t be condemned. However, those who don’t believe have already been condemned, because they haven’t shown faith in the name of God’s only-generated Son, 19 since this is [the basis for their] judgment.
‘The light came into the world, but men loved darkness more than light, because the things they were doing were wicked. 20 Those who are doing bad things hate the light, and they don’t come into the light so [they won’t] be disciplined for the things they are doing. 21 But those who are doing what is true come to the light, so the things that they are doing can be shown as having been done with God.’
22 Well, after that, Jesus and his disciples traveled into the Judean countryside where he spent some time with them, doing baptizing. 23 John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim (there’s a lot of water there) and people kept coming to be baptized [by him], 24 because John hadn’t been thrown into prison yet.
25 Therefore, there was some discussion between John’s disciples and [a certain] Judean concerning purification. 26 So they came to John and said, ‘Rabbi; The man who was with you across the Jordan (who you testified about) is also baptizing, and everyone is going to him!’
27 Then John replied: ‘A man can have nothing unless he receives it from heaven. 28 And you are witnesses that I said I’m not the Anointed One, but I have been sent ahead of him. 29 The one with the bride is the bridegroom. But the bridegroom’s friend, when he stands and listens to him, gains much joy from the voice of the bridegroom. So, my joy is now complete, 30 and he must increase while I decrease.
31 ‘He who’s from above is over all, but he who comes from the earth comes from the ground and talks about things that are earthly. He who comes from heaven is above all the others, 32 for he tells about things that he’s seen and heard. However, no one is accepting his testimony; 33 yet he who welcomes his testimony is proving God to be true. 34 And, since the one sent by God speaks God’s words, he doesn’t just dole out [small] portions of [God’s] Breath.
35 ‘The Father loves the Son, and He has entrusted all things into his hands; 36 so he who believes in the Son will have life in the age; but those who disobey him won’t see life; for, the wrath of God stays on them.’
Chapter 4
1 Now, when the Lord realized that the Pharisees had learned that [he] was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus really didn’t really do any baptizing, his disciples did), 3 he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 And on the way, he had to travel through Samaria, 5 arriving at a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was close to the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph, 6 and where Jacob’s [well] was located.
Now, Jesus was tired from the journey, so he sat down at the edge of the [well] (at about the sixth hour), 7 and a Samaritan woman was there, who had come to draw water. So Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’
8 In the meantime, his disciples had gone into the city to buy food.
9 But the Samaritan woman asked him, ‘So, why are you, a Judean, asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink -- ?
10 And Jesus replied, ‘If you knew about the gift of God and who’s asking you for a drink, you might have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’
11 Then she said: ‘Master, you don’t have anything to draw water with… and it’s a deep well! So, where will you get this living water? 12 You aren’t greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well and who drank from it with his sons and cattle, are you?’
13 Then Jesus replied, ‘Whoever drinks this water will just get thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the water that I give him won’t be thirsty again in this age, for the water that I give will become a fountain inside him that bubbles up life through the age.’
15 Then the woman said, ‘Lord, give me this water so I won’t be thirsty again and have to keep coming to this place to draw water!’
16 Then he said to her, ‘Go and call for your husband to come here.’
17 But the woman said, ‘I don’t have a husband.’
And Jesus said, ‘It’s good that you say you don’t have a husband, 18 because you’ve had five husbands; and the one you have now isn’t your husband… you’ve told the truth.’
19 And the woman said, ‘Lord, I see that you’re a Prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped here on this mountain, but you people say that Jerusalem is where people must worship.’
21 Then Jesus said to her, ‘Believe me, woman; the time is coming when you won’t worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem! 22 And though you worship what you haven’t known, and we worship what we have known (because salvation comes from the Jews), 23 the time is coming (and it’s now) when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… because the Father is searching for people like this to worship Him. 24 For God is spirit, so those who worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth.’
25 Then the woman said, ‘I know that the Messiah (who is called the Anointed One) is coming, and when he gets here, he will explain it all to us.’
26 And Jesus said, ‘I (the one speaking to you) am he.’
27 Well, it was then that his disciples arrived and they were puzzled, because he was talking to a woman; and of course, no one asked what she was looking for or why he was talking to her. 28 Then the woman left her water jar, and went back into the city and told the men, 29 ‘Come here and see a man who told me everything I did… this couldn’t be the Anointed One could it?’ 30 So, they came to him from the city.
31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging him, saying, ‘Rabbi, eat!’
32 But he told them, ‘I have food to eat that you’re unaware of.’
33 So the disciples started asking each other, ‘No one has brought him anything to eat, have they?’
34 Then Jesus said, ‘Doing the will of the One who sent me and finishing His work is my food. 35 Don’t you say that there are four more months until the harvest? {Look!} I tell you… look up and see the fields, for they’re white and ready for harvesting! 36 The harvester is already getting his pay and gathering in the fruit of life in this age; so the planter and the harvester can now rejoice together. 37 For the saying is true: ‘One does the planting, and another does the harvesting.’ 38 I sent you out to harvest what you didn’t work on… so yes, others did the work, but you’re now benefiting from their efforts!’
39 Thereafter, many of the Samaritans from that city put faith in [Jesus] because of what the woman testified to when she said, ‘He told me everything I did.’ 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he spent a couple of days there. 41 And as the result, many more believed because of the things he said. 42 Then they told the woman, ‘We don’t believe just because of what you said, but because we’ve heard for ourselves and we know that this man is truly the Savior of the world!’
43 Well, after two days, he left for Galilee, 44 and there, Jesus himself witnessed the fact that a Prophet has no honor in his hometown. 45 Yet, when he [first] arrived in Galilee, the Galileans had welcomed him, because they’d seen all the things he did in Jerusalem at the festival (since they’d been there too).
46 Then he returned to Cana of Galilee (where he turned the water into wine), and it was there that a man of royal blood whose son (who was in CapharNaoum at the time) was ill, 47 and when this man heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went and asked him to heal his son who was about to die. 48 However, Jesus said to him, ‘You [people] just refuse to believe unless you see signs and omens.’
49 But the (royal) man urged him, saying, ‘Lord, come on, before my little boy dies!’
50 And finally Jesus said, ‘Go on your way! Your son is alive.’
So, the man believed what Jesus said and went away. 51 Then on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy was alive. 52 And when he asked them exactly what time he got better, they told him, ‘The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.’ 53 And the father recognized that it was the same time that Jesus told him, ‘Your son is alive.’ So he and his whole household started to believe. 54 This was the second sign that Jesus performed when he came out of Judea into Galilee.
Chapter 5
1 Later on, there was a Jewish festival, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 And there in Jerusalem, at the Sheep-gate Pool (called BethZatha in Hebrew), are five stone columns 3 where many who were sick, blind, lame, and those with physical handicaps were all lying down. 4 – –
5 And there was a man who had been extremely weak for thirty-eight years. 6 So when Jesus saw this man lying there (being aware of the long time he’d had this condition), Jesus asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’
7 And the sick man answered, ‘Lord, I don’t have anyone to put me into the pool when the water is shaking. And while I’m trying to get in, someone else steps in ahead of me!’
8 Then Jesus said, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk around.’ 9 And with that, the man immediately became healthy, picked up his cot, and walked around.
Now, that day was a Sabbath, 10 so the Judeans started telling the cured man, ‘It’s the Sabbath, so it’s illegal for you to carry the cot!’
11 But he told them, ‘The one who cured me said, Pick up your cot and walk!’
12 And they asked, ‘Which man was it that told you to pick it up and walk?’
13 But the healed man didn’t know who he was, because Jesus had faded into crowd.
14 Then later on, Jesus found the man in the Temple and told him, ‘See… now you’re healthy! Don’t sin anymore, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.’
15 Well, the man went off and told the Judeans that it was Jesus who had cured him. 16 And this is why the Judeans started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But he told them, ‘My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.’
18 As the result, the Judeans started looking [for ways to] kill him. Because, not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God.
19 Then Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth; The Son can’t do anything on his own, other than what he sees the Father doing. Whatever [the Father] does is what the Son does. 20 And because the Father cares about the Son, He shows him everything that He does… and [God] will show him greater works than these, just to amaze you.
21 ‘As the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, the Son can also make whoever he wishes alive. 22 And the Father doesn’t judge anyone, but He has left all the judging to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father. And whoever doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him.
24 ‘I tell you the truth; He who hears what I say and believes in the One that sent me, will have ages of life… he won’t come into the judgment, for he has crossed over out of the death and into the life!’
25 ‘I also truthfully say that the time is coming … when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who listen will live. 26 For, just as the Father has life in Himself, He has also given the Son life in himself, 27 and authorized him to do judging. This is because he is the Son of Man.
28 ‘Don’t be surprised at this, because the hour is coming when everyone in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out; those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced what is bad to a resurrection of judgment.
30 ‘I can’t do anything on my own; I judge by what I hear, and my judgments are righteous, because I’m not looking to do the things that I want, but to do the will of Him that sent me.’
31 ‘If I should testify about myself, that testimony isn’t true. 32 But when someone else testifies about me, I know that the testimony he gives about me is true.
33 ‘Now, you’ve sent [people] to John and he testified to the truth. 34 However, I don’t require the testimony of men, because I’m telling you these things to save you.
35 ‘[John] was a burning, shining lamp and you wanted to rejoice in his light during his time. 36 However, I have a testimony that’s greater than John’s, because I’m doing the work that my Father assigned me to finish. It’s these things that testify about me [and prove] that the Father sent me.
37 ‘Why, even the Father who sent me has testified about me. But you’ve never heard His voice or seen His shape, 38 and His words don’t stick with you, because you don’t believe the One whom He sent. 39 Yet, you keep searching the Scriptures, because you think they will give you life in the age; and though they testify about me, 40 you still refuse to come to me so you can have life!
41 ‘[Because you] men don’t glorify me, 42 I know that you don’t have God’s love in you. 43 I’ve come in my Father’s Name, but you don’t welcome me; yet if someone else came in his own name, you would welcome him. 44 So, how can you believe when you receive glory from each other and you don’t look to glorify the one who comes from the only God?
45 ‘But don’t think that I’m going to accuse you to the Father, for he who accuses you is Moses… the one in whom you’ve put your hope. 46 Because, if you believed Moses you would also believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 However, if you don’t even believe what he wrote, then how will you believe the things that I’m saying?’
Chapter 6
1 After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius). 2 However, a large crowd kept following him just to see the signs he was performing upon those who were sick.
3 There, Jesus went up a mountain and sat down with his disciples. 4 And since it was close to the time of the Jewish Passover festival; 5 when Jesus looked up and noticed the huge crowd coming, he asked Philip, ‘Where should we buy bread for everyone to eat?’ 6 However, he just said this to test him, because he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Then Philip answered, ‘Why, two hundred silver coins worth of loaves wouldn’t be enough to provide everyone with just a little [taste]!’
8 And one of his disciples (Andrew the brother of Simon Peter) said to him, 9 ‘Here’s a little boy who has five loaves of barley bread and two small fish. But, what good is this when there are so many?’
10 Then Jesus said, ‘Have the people lie down as they would at a meal.’
Now, there was a lot of grass there, so the people (about five thousand of them) reclined. 11 Then Jesus took the bread, and after giving thanks, distributed it to those lying there. [He also did the same with] the small fish, [giving them as much] as they wanted. 12 But when they were all full, he told his disciples, ‘Now pick up the leftovers, so nothing is wasted.’ 13 And when they picked them up, they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers from the five loaves of barley that those who ate had left behind.
14 So, when the men saw the signs he performed, they started saying, ‘This really is the Prophet who was to come into the world.’
15 And Jesus (because he knew that they were about to come and take him to make him their king) went away again, up on the mountain by himself.
16 That evening, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and traveled to the other side of the Sea to CapharNaoum. Well, by then it had grown dark and Jesus hadn’t come to them yet. 18 And meanwhile, a strong wind came up and the seas became very rough.
19 Well, it was after they had been rowing for about three or four miles, that they saw Jesus walking on the sea approaching the boat, and this frightened them. 20 But he said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid… it is me!’ 21 So they were finally willing to let him into the boat. And soon they came to shore at the place where they were going.
22 Then the next day, the crowd that was on the opposite side of the sea saw just the single little boat, but not the other, and they knew that Jesus hadn’t gotten into the boat with his disciples and that [the disciples] had left by themselves. 23 However, some boats arrived from Tiberias, close to the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord gave thanks. 24 And when the crowd realized that Jesus and his disciples weren’t there, they got into the little boats and went to CapharNaoum to look for Jesus.
25 Then, when they found him across the sea, they asked, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’
26 And Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth; You aren’t looking for me because you saw signs, but because you had enough bread to eat. 27 Don’t work for food that can spoil. Rather, [work for] for the food of life that lasts through the age, which the Son of Man will give you, because he was sealed by the Father (The God).’
28 Then they asked, ‘What must we do to perform the works of The God?’
29 And Jesus answered, ‘This is what the work of The God is: Believing in the one whom He sent.’
30 So they asked, ‘Then, what sign will you perform for us so we can see and believe… what are your deeds? 31 Why, our ancestors ate the manna in the desert, for [the Scriptures tell us]: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’
32 Then Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth; Moses didn’t really give you the bread from heaven, but my Father will give you the true bread from heaven. 33 For, God’s bread is [he] who comes from heaven and gives life to the world.
34 Then they said, ‘Lord, always give us this bread!’
35 And Jesus went on to say, ‘I’m the bread of life, and whoever comes to me won’t ever get hungry; and he who believes in me won’t ever get thirsty. 36 But I tell you this: You’ve seen me, yet you still don’t believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I won’t reject anyone who comes to me, 38 because I didn’t come from heaven to do my will, but [to do] the will of the One who sent me.
39 ‘This is what the will of the One who sent me is: That I shouldn’t destroy anything He has given me out of [the world]; but rather, that I should resurrect it… [on] the Last Day. 40 Yes, this is what my Father’s will is: That everyone who pays close attention to the Son and believes in him should have life in the age, and I will resurrect him… [yes] me, on the Last Day!’
41 At this, the Judeans started grumbling about him, because he was saying that he’s the bread that came out of heaven. 42 So, they asked, ‘Isn’t this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we all know? So, how is it that he’s telling us that; I have come down out of heaven?
43 Then Jesus replied, ‘Stop your grumbling! 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him [to me] and then I will resurrect him in the last day. 45 Why, it is written in the Prophets: They will all be those who are taught by God. So, everyone who listens when [they are] next to the Father and then learns, comes to me.
46 ‘It’s not that anyone has seen the Father, other than the one who was beside The God… for, he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth: He who believes has life in the age!
48 ‘I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the desert and died, 50 but this is the bread that comes from heaven and no one who eats it will die. 51 I’m the living bread that came from heaven, and if anyone eats this bread, he will gain life in the age. The bread that I will give is my flesh, and it will provide life to the world.’
52 Well, at that, the Judeans started fighting with each other, asking, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’
53 So Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth; if you don’t eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you won’t live. 54 He who chews my flesh and drinks my blood will have life in [this] age, and then I will resurrect him on the Last Day, 55 because my flesh is truly food and my blood is truly drink. 56 He who chews on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.
57 ‘The living Father sent me and I’m living through the Father. Likewise, he who chews on me will live through me. 58 This is the bread: He who came down from heaven. It’s not the same as that which your fathers ate and then died, for he who chews on this bread will live into the age.’
59 Now, these are the things that he said while he was teaching in the synagogue at CapharNaoum.
60 Well, when they heard this, many of his disciples said, ‘Those are tough words. Who can listen to them?’
61 But Jesus, knowing what his disciples were grumbling about, asked them, ‘Is this a trap for you? 62 Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man going back up to where he came from? 63 [Your] breath is what makes you alive, for [without it] the flesh is useless. And these things that I’ve told you are life and breath, 64 yet some of you don’t believe.’
Jesus knew from the start who wouldn’t believe and who would betray him, 65 so he went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is given to him by the Father.’
66 But as the result of this, many of his disciples went back to the things [they’d left] behind and wouldn’t walk with him anymore.
67 So Jesus asked the twelve: ‘Don’t you want to go back also?’
68 But Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who should we go off to? You say the words of life in the age, 69 and we have known and believed that you’re the Holy One of God!’
70 Then Jesus said, ‘I chose you twelve, didn’t I? But one of you is a slanderer.’
71 Of course, he was talking about Judas ([the son] of Simon IsCariot), because; although he was one of the twelve, he was about to betray [Jesus].
Chapter 7
1 After that, Jesus [limited] his travels just to Galilee, for he no longer cared to travel through Judea, because the Judeans were looking to kill him.
2 However, the Jewish Festival of Tents was coming up, 3 so his brothers said to him: ‘Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples there can also see the things you’re doing. 4 Because, no one does things in secret when he wants everyone to know what he’s saying.’ 5 (It’s a fact that his brothers didn’t believe in him.)
6 So Jesus told them: ‘It isn’t my time yet… but it’s always your time. 7 For, the world doesn’t have any reason to hate you, but it hates me, because I testify to the fact that what it does is wicked. 8 So, you go on up to the festival… I’m not going to this festival, because my time hasn’t arrived yet.’
9 And he remained in Galilee [a while] after telling them this.
10 However, after his brothers went to the festival, he also went (not openly, but in secret). 11 The Judeans were looking for him at the festival, for they were asking, ‘Where is that [man]?’ 12 And there was a lot of discussion about him among the crowds. Some would say, ‘He’s a good man.’ But others would say, ‘No he isn’t; He misleads the masses.’
13 Of course, nobody would talk about him publicly, because they were all afraid of the Judeans.
14 Then, when the festival was half over, Jesus finally [arrived and] went into the Temple and started teaching. 15 This caused the Judeans to wonder and ask, ‘How does this man understand the writings when he hasn’t studied them?’
16 So Jesus answered: ‘What I teach isn’t mine; it belongs to the One who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do His will knows whether the things I’m teaching come from God, or if I’m making this about by myself. 18 He who tells things that he made up about himself is trying to glorify himself. But, he who wishes to glorify the One who sent him is true, and there isn’t any unrighteousness in him.
19 ‘Didn’t Moses give you the Law? Yet, none of you obey the Law. For, why are you looking to kill me?’
20 And the crowd answered, ‘You’re demonized! Who’s looking to kill you?’
21 So Jesus said, ‘I did just one thing that bothers you. 22 Moses gave you the circumcision (not that it’s from Moses but from your forefathers), thus you circumcise men on the Sabbath. 23 So, if a man is circumcised on a Sabbath to keep from breaking the Law of Moses, why are you furious with me because I made an entire man healthy on a Sabbath? 24 Quit judging from the way things look on the surface; Judge righteously!’
25 At that, some who lived in Jerusalem asked, ‘Isn’t this the man that they’re looking to kill? 26 Look… he’s here speaking in public, and they don’t say anything to him! Have the rulers come to know for a fact that he’s the Anointed One? 27 We all know where this man is from, but when the Anointed One comes, no one will know where he’s from!’
28 Well, as he was standing there teaching in the Temple, Jesus shouted aloud, ‘You know me and you know where I’m from! But coming here wasn’t my idea. He who sent me is real and you don’t know Him. 29 I know Him, because I came from Him, and because He sent me here!’
30 So they started looking for ways to grab him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time hadn’t come yet.
31 However, many in the crowd started to believe him and said, ‘When the Anointed One arrives, he surely won’t perform more signs than this man has, will he?’ 32 And the Pharisees overheard what the crowd was saying about him, so the Chief Priests and Pharisees sent officers to take him.
33 Then Jesus said: ‘I will be here with you just a little while longer, before I go to the One who sent me. 34 Then you will look for me but you won’t find me, and where I’m [going] you can’t come.’
35 So, the Judeans started asking each other, ‘Where does he plan to go that we won’t be able to find him? He doesn’t intend to go to those scattered among the Greeks and start teaching the Greeks, does he? 36 What does he mean when he says, You’ll look for me but won’t find me, and, Where I’m going you can’t come?’
37 Well, it was on the last day (the climax of the festival) that Jesus stood up and shouted, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! 38 For the scripture says this about those who put faith in me: Rivers of living water will flow from him.’ 39 [Of course] when he said this, [he was talking] about the Breath [of God], which those who were putting faith in him were about to receive. But the Breath hadn’t arrived yet, because Jesus hadn’t been glorified yet.
40 Then some of the crowd who heard these words started saying, ‘This is surely the Prophet!’ 41 while others were saying, ‘This is the Anointed One!’ But, some were saying, ‘The Anointed One won’t really come from Galilee, will he? 42 Didn’t the Scriptures say the Anointed One is from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village that David came from?’ 43 So the crowd became divided over him.
44 And although some among them [had come there] to grab him, nobody laid a hand on him. 45 And when the [Temple] officers returned to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, they were asked, ‘Why didn’t you bring him in?’
46 But the officers replied, ‘No man has ever spoken like this!’
47 Then the Pharisees asked, ‘You haven’t been misled also, have you? 48 Why, none of the rulers or Pharisees believe in him, do they? 49 But this crowd that doesn’t know the Law is cursed!’
50 Then NicoDemos (who had come to him previously and who was one of [Jesus’ followers]) said to them: 51 ‘Our Law doesn’t allow us to judge a man unless we first hear from him and get to know what he’s up to, does it?’
52 And they answered, ‘You aren’t a Galilean too, are you? Search [the Scriptures] and you’ll see that no Prophet is to come from Galilee!’
Chapter 8
(1-11) 12 So, Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world, and whoever follows me won’t ever walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’
13 Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You’re testifying about yourself, so what you’re witnessing to isn’t true!’
14 And Jesus answered, ‘Even if I do testify about myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’ll return. But you don’t know where I came from or where I’m going, 15 because your judgment is fleshly. However, I don’t judge anyone; 16 and if I do judge, my judgment is true, because I’m not alone, for the Father who sent me is with me.
17 It’s written in your Law that whatever two men testify to is true; 18 so I’m testifying about myself, and the Father who sent me also testifies about me.’
19 Then they asked, ‘So, where is your Father?’
And Jesus answered, ‘You don’t know me or my Father, for if you knew me, you would also know my Father.’
20 And although [Jesus] said these things in the Treasury; while he was teaching in the Temple, nobody grabbed him, because his time hadn’t come.
21 He told them again: ‘I’m going away and you’ll look for me, but you will die in your sins; because, where I’m going you can’t come.’
22 So the Judeans started asking, ‘He’s not to kill himself, is he? Because he says, Where I’m going you can’t come.’
23 But he went on to tell them, ‘You come from the things below and I come out of things from above. You’re from this world, but I’m not from this world. 24 So, as I told you before; You will die in your sins… If you don’t believe that I’m [the one], you will die in your sins!’
25 Then they asked, ‘So, who are you?’
And Jesus replied, ‘Why am I even talking to you? 26 I have so many things to tell you and to judge about you, but the One who sent me is truthful, and I’m telling the world the things that I heard from Him.’
27 And because they really didn’t understand that he was talking to them about the Father, 28 Jesus said, ‘When you hang the Son of Man up, then you will know that I’m [the one] and that I’m not doing anything on my own; I’m just saying what that the Father taught me. 29 The One who sent me is with me, and He didn’t send me off alone, because I always do things to please Him.’
30 And as he was saying these things, many started believing in him.
31 Then Jesus addressed the Judeans who believed him: ‘If you hold onto these things that I’m saying, you’re really my disciples… 32 you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!’
33 But they replied, ‘We’re the seed of Abraham and we’ve never been slaves to anyone! So, why are you saying that we’ll be set free?’
34 Then Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth; Everyone who sins is a slave to sin, 35 and a slave doesn’t live in the house through the age. Only the son lives there through the age. 36 So, if the Son sets you free, you’ll really be free!
37 ‘I know that you’re Abraham’s seed, but you’re looking to kill me, because what I’m saying isn’t getting through to you. 38 I’m telling you the things that I saw [while I was] with my Father, but you’re doing the things that you heard from your father.’
39 Then they said, ‘Well, our father is Abraham!’
And Jesus answered, ‘If you really are Abraham’s children, do what Abraham did! 40 Yet, you want to kill me… a man who told you the truth that I heard from God! Abraham wouldn’t do this, 41 so you’re doing the things that your father wants.’
Then they replied, ‘We weren’t fathered in some immoral relationship… we have one Father, God!’
42 And Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me; because I came here from God. I didn’t come here on my own, He sent me!
43 ‘[Do you know] why you don’t understand what I’m saying? Because you aren’t listening! 44 You are from your father the Slanderer and you want to do whatever your father wishes. Why, he was a murderer from the start… he didn’t stick with the truth, because truth isn’t in him. So when he tells a lie, he’s telling about something that’s his, because he’s a liar and the father of the lie. 45 However; because I’m telling the truth, you don’t believe me.
46 ‘Who among you accuses me of sin? And if I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 He who comes from God listens to what God is saying… and that’s why you don’t listen; because you aren’t from God.’
48 Well at that, the Judeans said, ‘Aren’t we [telling the truth] when we say that you’re a demonized Samaritan?’
49 And Jesus answered, ‘I don’t have a demon; I’m honoring my Father and you’re dishonoring me. 50 I’m not trying to glorify myself, but there is One who is watching and judging. 51 I tell you the truth; If anyone obeys my words, he won’t see death in the age.’
52 Then the Judeans said to him, ‘Now we know that you’re demonized! Why, even Abraham and the Prophets died, but you say, If anyone obeys my words he won’t see death in the age! 53 You aren’t greater than our father Abraham or the Prophets who all died, are you? Just who do you claim to be?’
54 And Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. But it’s my Father who glorifies me… the One who you say is your God, 55 but you never knew Him! I know Him, and if I should ever say that I don’t know Him, then I’d be like you, a liar. But I do know Him and I’m obeying His instructions.
56 ‘Why, your father Abraham shouted in joy over the hope of seeing my day… he saw it and rejoiced!’
57 Then the Judeans asked, ‘You aren’t fifty years old yet, and still you’ve seen Abraham?’
58 And Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth; I existed before Abraham was born.’
59 And at that, they picked up rocks to throw them at him, but Jesus [went and] hid. Then he left the Temple.
Chapter 9
1 Now, as he was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. 2 So his disciples asked, ‘Rabbi; Who sinned, this man or his parents, that [caused him to be] born blind?’
3 And Jesus replied, ‘It wasn’t because this man or his parents sinned. It happened so that the works of God could be demonstrated through him. 4 For, I must do the work of the One who sent me while it is still day, because the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I’m in the world, I’m the world’s light.’
6 And after he said that, he spit on the ground, made a paste with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 Then he told him, ‘Go wash in the Pool of SiloAm’ (which translates as The Sent Place). So he went off and washed, and came back seeing.
8 Well, when his neighbors (who knew he used to be a beggar) saw this, they asked, ‘Isn’t this is the man who used to sit and beg?’ 9 And others answered, ‘That’s him,’ while still others said, ‘No! It just looks like him.’ However, the man said, ‘I’m the one!’
10 Then they asked, ‘So, how were your eyes opened?’
11 And he answered: ‘The man called Jesus made a paste and smeared it on my eyes, then he told to me to go to SiloAm and wash. So I went and washed, and started seeing.’
12 Then they asked, ‘Where is that man?’
And he answered, ‘I don’t know.’ 13 So then they took the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees.
14 Well, the day that Jesus made the paste and opened his eyes was a Sabbath. 15 So the Pharisees asked him again how he had gained his sight. And he answered, ‘He put a paste on my eyes; then I washed and I started seeing.’
16 So, some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man isn’t from God, because he doesn’t observe the Sabbath!’ While others asked, ‘If the man’s a sinner, then, how can he perform such signs?’ As the result, they were divided.
17 So they asked the blind man once more, ‘Since he opened your eyes, what do you have to say about him?’
And the man said, ‘He’s a Prophet!’
18 However, the Judeans didn’t believe that he had once been blind and started seeing, until they called his parents 19 and asked them, ‘Is this your son who you say was born blind? And if so, then how can he see now?’
20 And his parents replied, ‘We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But we don’t know how he started to see or who opened his eyes. Ask him… he’s old enough. He has to speak for himself!’
22 His parents said this, because they were afraid of the Judeans, since they had already agreed that if anyone would admit that [Jesus] is the Anointed One, they would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 And that’s why his parents said, ‘He’s old enough, ask him.’
24 So, they called the man who used to be blind a second time and said, ‘Glorify God! We know that man is a sinner!’
25 But he answered, ‘Whether he’s a sinner or not, I don’t know. The only thing I do know is that I was blind and now I can see.’
26 Then they asked, ‘What did he do to you… how did he open your eyes?’
27 And he replied, ‘I told you already, but you aren’t listening! Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become one of his disciples?’
28 Well at this, they spoke insultingly to him, saying, ‘You’re one of that man’s disciples, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t know where this man is from!’
30 And the man said, ‘It’s truly marvelous that you don’t know where he’s from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who is God-fearing and does His Will. 32 Why, through the ages, no one has ever heard of someone that could open the eyes of a person who was born blind. 33 And if this man wasn’t from God, he couldn’t do anything.’
34 Then they replied, ‘You were born a complete sinner, and now you’re teaching us?’ And at that, they threw him out.
35 Well, Jesus heard about them throwing him out, and when he found him, he asked, ‘Are you starting to put faith in the Son of Man?’
36 Then the man answered, ‘Just who is he Lord, so that I can believe in him?’
37 And Jesus said, ‘You have seen him, for he who is speaking to you is that one.’
38 Then he said, ‘I do believe in him, Lord,’ and he bowed low.
39 And Jesus said, ‘This is the judgment that I brought into the world: Helping those who don’t see to see, and those who see to become blind.’
40 But when some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this, they asked, ‘We aren’t blind also, are we?’
41 And Jesus replied, ‘If you were blind you wouldn’t have any sin. But because you claim to see, your sin remains.’
Chapter 10
1 ‘I tell you the truth; All those who don’t enter the sheep pen through the gate, but climb in at some other place, are thieves and robbers; 2 but he who enters through the gate is the shepherd of those sheep. 3 This one is the gatekeeper who opens to them, and the sheep listen to his voice… he calls his sheep by their names and leads them out. 4 And when he has them all out, he leads them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger, but will run from him, because they don’t recognize the voices of strangers.’
6 Jesus had given them this illustration, but they didn’t understand what he meant.
7 Then Jesus again said, ‘I tell you the truth; I’m the gateway to the sheep, 8 but all those who come ahead of me are thieves and robbers, and the sheep won’t listen to them. 9 I’m the gateway, and whoever enters through me will be saved… he can come in or he can go out and find a place to graze. 10 The thief only enters to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came so they can have life and plenty of everything!
11 ‘I am the good shepherd, and a good shepherd will give his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand that isn’t a shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep will leave them and run away whenever he sees a wolf coming, so the wolf can grab and scatter them. 13 This is because he’s just a hired hand, and he doesn’t really care for the sheep. 14 I’m the fine shepherd, so I know my sheep and they know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I’ll give my life for the sheep.
16 ‘But I have other sheep that aren’t in this pen, and I must also lead them and they will listen to my voice, and they will [all] become one flock under one shepherd.
17 ‘This is why the Father loves me… because I will lay down my life so I can receive it back again. 18 Nobody is taking it from me… I’m giving it away! For I’m authorized to give it and I’m authorized to receive it again… this is the commandment that I got from my Father!’
19 Then once again, the Judeans became divided over these words. 20 Many were saying, ‘He’s demonized and crazy. Why do you listen to him?’ 21 But others were saying, ‘These aren’t the words of a demonized man, for a demon can’t open blind peoples’ eyes can it?’
22 Well, at the time, the Festival of Dedication was going on in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the Temple among the Columns of Solomon. 24 It was there that the Judeans gathered around him and asked, ‘How long are you going to keep our lives hanging? Just tell us if you’re the Anointed One!’
25 And Jesus answered, ‘I [already] told you and you don’t believe it! Why, the things that I’m doing in my Father’s Name testify about me, 26 but you don’t believe it, because [none of] you are my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice… I know them and they follow me, 28 so I will give them life in the age… none will be lost in this age, nor will anyone take them from my hands! 29 My Father who gave them to me is greater than everyone, and nobody can take them out of the hands of the Father, 30 for the Father and I are one.’
31 Then once again, the Judeans picked up rocks to stone him. 32 And Jesus said: ‘I’ve shown you so many good things that I did, which came from the Father. So, for which of these good deeds are you ready to stone me?’
33 And the Judeans answered, ‘We aren’t stoning you for good deeds, but for blasphemy! Why, although you’re just a man, you’re making yourself a god!’
34 Then Jesus answered, ‘Isn’t it written in your Law, I say that you are gods? 35 And if He called those who were spoken against in God’s Word, gods (and you can’t void the Scriptures), 36 how can you tell me (one who was made holy and sent into the world by the Father) that I blaspheme because I say that I’m God’s Son? 37 If I’m not doing what my Father wants, then don’t believe me. 38 But if I am… even if you don’t believe me, believe in what I’m doing! Then you will come to know (and keep knowing) that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’
39 So they tried to grab him again, but he slipped out of their reach. 40 Then he went off and crossed the Jordan [River] to the place where John had started his baptizing, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him there and said, ‘John didn’t perform a single sign, but everything John said about this man is true!’ 42 And many believed in him there.
Chapter 11
1 Now, there was a sick man, Lazarus of Bethany, from the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This was the Mary who had greased the Lord with perfumed ointment and wiped his feet dry with her hair. And Her brother Lazarus was now very ill, 3 so his sisters sent word [to Jesus], saying, ‘Lord, {Look!} the one who you care for is sick!’
4 But when Jesus heard this, he said, ‘This sickness isn’t for death, it’s for the glory of God – so that the Son of God will be glorified by it!’
5 Now, Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. 6 However, when he heard that [Lazarus] was sick, he actually stayed where he was for two more days.
7 And after that, he told the disciples: ‘Let’s go to Judea again.’
8 But the disciples reminded him, ‘Rabbi, the Judeans just tried to stone you, so, are you going there again?’
9 And Jesus answered: ‘Aren’t there twelve hours of daylight? And if anyone walks in the daylight, he doesn’t bump into things, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if someone walks around at night, he bumps into things, because there isn’t any light in him.’
11 Then after he said these things, he told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has lain down and I’m going there to wake him up.’
12 So, the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, if he’s just lying down, he’ll survive.’
13 However, Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought he was talking about lying down to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus has died! 15 And I’m happy for your sakes that I wasn’t there, so you can believe. Let’s go to him!’
16 Then Thomas (who was called the Twin) said to the other disciples, ‘Let’s go along also, so we can die with [Jesus].’
17 Well, when Jesus arrived, he found [that Lazarus] had already been in the tomb for four days.
18 Now, Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem and 19 many of the Judeans had come to visit Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 So, when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary stayed home.
21 Then Martha told Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had just been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 And yet, I know now that whatever you ask God for, He’ll give you.’
23 And Jesus told her, ‘Your brother will stand again!’
24 Then Martha said, ‘I know that he’ll stand again in the resurrection on the Last Day.’
25 But Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; so, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live. 26 And all the living that believes in me won’t remain dead through the age. Do you believe this?’
27 And she answered, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that you’re the Anointed One, the Son of God, and the one who was to come into the world.’
28 Then after saying this, she went off to call her sister Mary, and told her secretly: ‘The Teacher is here and he’s asking for you.’ 29 And when [Mary] heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
30 Actually, Jesus hadn’t gone into the village yet, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 So, when the Judeans (who came to the house to console her) saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to cry there. 32 And when Mary got to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!’
33 And when Jesus saw her and all the Judeans who came with her crying, he groaned a deep sigh and was visibly upset. 34 Then he asked, ‘Where have you laid him?’
And they replied, ‘Lord, come and see.’
35 Then Jesus broke into tears, 36 and the Judean [women] said, ‘See how much he cared for him!’
37 But some of them asked, ‘Wasn’t this man who opened the eyes of the blind man able to keep him from dying?’
38 Then, after groaning deeply again, Jesus went to the tomb, which was actually a cave with a [large piece of] stone on top of it. 39 And Jesus said, ‘Lift the stone.’
But Martha (the dead man’s sister) said, ‘Lord, by now he must stink, because it has already been four days!’
40 However, Jesus said, ‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’
41 So, they lifted the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes toward heaven and said, ‘Father; Thank You for listening to me! 42 I know that You always hear me, but I said this because of the crowd that’s standing around; so they can believe that You sent me.’
43 And after he said that, he shouted loudly, ‘Lazarus, come on out!’
44 Then, the man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet still bound with wrappings, and his face wrapped in a cloth. And Jesus said, ‘Untie and unwrap him!’
45 So, many of the Judeans who came with Mary and saw what he had done started believing in him. 46 However, some went off to the Pharisees and told them about the things that Jesus did.
47 Then the Chief Priests and Pharisees called the Jewish Court together and asked, ‘What should we to do, for this man performs so many signs? 48 Why, if we let him go on doing this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and take away our land and our people!’
49 Well, one of the group, CaiAphas (who was High Priest that year), said to them, ‘You don’t know anything, 50 and you haven’t figured it out yet… that it’s best for one man to die for the people, so the whole nation isn’t destroyed!’
51 However, he didn’t come up with this by himself. It was because he was High Priest that year, that he prophesied that Jesus was to die for the nation… 52 and not only for the nation, but so that he could also bring the scattered children of God together as one.
53 Well, from that day on, they were meeting and discussing ways to kill him, 54 so Jesus no longer traveled openly among the Judeans. He left there and traveled through the countryside near the desert, to a city called EphraIm, where he remained with his disciples.
55 Now, the Judean Passover was coming, and many people had left the countryside for Jerusalem before the Passover, in order to undergo ceremonial cleansing. 56 And [all the while], people were looking for Jesus, asking each other (as they stood around in the Temple), ‘What do you think? Won’t he come to the Festival at all… 57 for the Chief Priests and Pharisees have given orders that if anyone knows where he is, they should tell it so they can grab him.’
Chapter 12
1 Well, six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at BethAny (the place where he’d raised Lazarus from the dead), 2 and they prepared a supper for him there. And as Martha was serving, Lazarus was reclining at the table with the others. 3 Then Mary took a pound of perfumed ointment (genuine nard that was very expensive) and greased Jesus’ feet, wiping his feet dry with her hair; and this filled the house with the scent of the perfume.
4 But Judas IsCariot (one of his disciples who was about to betray him) asked: 5 ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred silver coins and given to the poor?’ 6 However, he didn’t say this because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief… he kept the money box, and he used to [steal some of] the money that was put into it.
7 Then Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so she can keep this observance of the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me.’
9 Well, a large crowd of Judeans had learned that he was there; and they came, not just to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus who he’d raised from the dead. 10 As the result, the Chief Priests then met in counsel to kill Lazarus also, 11 because many Judeans were going there and believing in Jesus due to him.
12 Then, the next day, a huge crowd of those who had come to the festival, when they heard that Jesus was coming into Jerusalem, 13 took palm-tree branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘[God] save the Praised One who comes in Jehovah’s Name… the King of Israel!’
14 And when Jesus found a young burro, he sat on it, just as it was written, 15 ‘Don’t be afraid, O daughter of Zion. {Look!} Your king is coming, sitting on the colt of a burro.’
16 And although his disciples didn’t pay any particular attention to this at first; after Jesus was glorified, they remembered these things were written about him and that they did these things.
17 Also, the crowd that was with him when he had called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead [was there], testifying about him. 18 And many in the throngs [of people] came to meet him, because they’d heard that he had performed this sign. 19 So the Pharisees talked among themselves saying, ‘Look… we aren’t getting anywhere! See, the whole world is following him!’
20 Well, among those who came to worship at the Festival were some Greeks, 21 who went up to Philip (from BethSaida of Galilee) and said, ‘Lord; We want to see Jesus.’
22 So Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 But Jesus replied, ‘The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth; Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a kernel. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 So, he who is concerned about his life will lose it, but those who don’t care about life in this world will keep it safe, and they will live through the age.
26 ‘If anyone wants to serve me, let him follow me, so that wherever I am, my servant will be also… for the Father will honor all who wish to serve me.
27 ‘Now I am deeply disturbed, so what should I say… Father, save me from this hour? Why, this is why I came to this hour! 28 Father; Glorify Your Name!’
Then a voice came out of the sky, saying, ‘I glorified it and I will glorify it again!’
29 Well, [many in] the crowd who were standing there heard [the sound] and said it was thunder; but others said, ‘A messenger [from God] spoke to him!’
30 Then Jesus said: ‘This voice didn’t happen for me, but for you; 31 for now this world will be judged; now the ruler of this world will be thrown out; 32 and if I’m hung high off the ground, I will draw all men toward me.’ 33 (He was really saying this to show what type of death he was about to die.)
34 Then the crowd said, ‘The Law tells us that the Anointed One will be here through the age. So, why are you saying that the Son of Man must be hung up… just who is this Son of Man?’
35 And Jesus replied, ‘The light will be among you just a little while longer; so walk while you have the light, so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 But as long as you have the light, have faith in that light, so you can become Sons of Light.’ And after Jesus said these things, he went and hid from them. 37 For, although he had performed so many signs in front of them, they still didn’t believe in him. 38 This was so that the words of the Prophet IsaiJah were fulfilled that said, ‘O Lord; Who has believed in the things that we’ve heard, and who has shown the arm of Jehovah?’
39 The reason why they couldn’t believe, is as IsaiJah again said, 40 ‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they won’t see with their eyes, understand in their hearts, and turn around so I will heal them.’ 41 IsaiJah said this, because he saw and talked about [Jesus’] glory.
42 Yet, even many of the rulers actually believed in him, but they wouldn’t admit it because of the Pharisees, and so they wouldn’t be expelled from the synagogue… 43 for they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God.
44 Then Jesus shouted [to the crowd], ‘Those who believe in me don’t just believe in me alone, but in the One who sent me… 45 and whoever sees me, sees the One who sent me! 46 For, I came as a light to the world, so that everyone who believes in me won’t stay in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears what I say and doesn’t obey it, I won’t judge him; for I didn’t come to judge the world, but to save it! 48 Those who ignore me and don’t welcome what I say have one that judges them… the things that I’ve said are what will judge him on the last day, 49 because the things that I said didn’t come from me; It was the Father who sent me that commanded me as to what to tell and what to say! 50 I know that His Commandments mean life in the age, so I say whatever the Father told me to say… and that’s what I’m saying!’
Chapter 13
1 Well, even before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to transfer from this world to the Father. And Jesus loved those who were his own in the world… and he loved them to the end. 2 So, while they were eating supper (since the Slanderer had already put it into the heart of Judas IsCariot – the son of Simon – to betray him, 3 and because he knew that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he came from God and was returning to God), 4 he got up from the meal and laid his outer clothing aside. Then he took a towel and wrapped it around him, 5 put water in a bowl, and started washing his disciples’ feet and drying them with the towel that he had around him.
6 But when he got to Simon Peter, [Peter] asked, ‘Lord, why are you washing my feet?’
7 And Jesus answered, ‘You won’t understand what I’m doing right now, but you will understand later.’
8 Then Peter said, ‘You aren’t going to wash my feet any time in this age!’
And Jesus replied, ‘If I don’t wash you, you will never have a share with me.’
9 And at that, Simon Peter said, ‘Lord, then not just my feet, but my hands and head also!’
10 But Jesus told him: ‘Someone who has taken a bath is completely clean and doesn’t need to have anything more than his feet washed… and you men are clean… but not all.’
11 He knew, of course, which man would betray him. That’s why he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’
12 Well, after he’d finished washing their feet, he put his outer clothing back on, reclined at the table again, and then asked, ‘Do you know what I’ve done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and there’s nothing wrong with that, because that’s what I am. 14 So if I, as your Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you should also wash the feet of each other. 15 I set the pattern for you, so you should do just as I did to you.
16 ‘I tell you the truth; a slave isn’t greater than his master is, nor is an apostle greater than the one who sent him. 17 And if you understand these things and do them, you will be blest.
18 ‘Now, I’m not talking about all of you – for I know those whom I chose – because, the scripture must be fulfilled, He who used to chew on my bread has lifted his heel against me.
19 ‘So from now on, I will be telling you things before they happen. That way, when they do happen, you will believe that I am he. 20 I tell you the truth; Whoever welcomes anyone that I send, also welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me, also welcomes Him who sent me.’
21 And after he said these things, Jesus became deeply disturbed and he testified to this: ‘I tell you the truth; One of you will betray me!’
22 Well, the disciples started looking at each other and were at a loss as to which one he was saying this about. 23 And reclining immediately in front of Jesus was one of his disciples who Jesus particularly loved; 24 so Simon Peter nodded to him and said, ‘Tell [us] who he’s talking about.’
25 So this one leaned back against Jesus’ chest and asked, ‘Lord, who is it?’
26 And Jesus replied, ‘It’s the one to whom I’m going to give this piece of bread that I’m dipping.’ So, he dipped the piece of bread, then took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon IsCariot.
27 Then after [eating] the bread, the Opposer entered [Judas]. And Jesus said, ‘Hurry up and do what you’re going to do!’
28 However, none of the rest who were reclining at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 In fact, some thought that, since Judas was in charge of the money box, Jesus was telling him to buy whatever was needed for the Festival, or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So [Judas] left immediately after he’d received the piece of bread late that evening.
31 And it was after he left that Jesus said: ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and he glorifies God. 32 For God Himself will glorify him and he will be glorified right away! 33 Little children; I’ll be with you just a little while longer; you will look for me, and as I told the Judeans, Where I’m going you can’t come… and I’m saying the same thing to you right now.
34 ‘I’m giving you a new commandment, to love each other… love each other just as I’ve loved you. 35 For this is how they will know that you are my disciples, by the love that you have for each other.’
36 Then Simon Peter asked, ‘Where are you going Lord?’
And Jesus answered, ‘You can’t follow where I’m going now, but you will follow later.’
37 And Peter said, ‘Lord, why can’t I follow you now? Why, I’ll give my life for you!’
38 But Jesus replied, ‘Will you give your life for me? I tell you the truth; a rooster won’t crow before you’ve denied knowing me three times.’
Chapter 14
1 ‘Now, don’t let your hearts be troubled; just have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many places to stay in my Father’s house… if there weren’t I would have told you, because I’m going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I’m going to prepare a place for you, I will also return and take you with me, so you’ll be where I am… 4 and then you’ll know the way to where I’m going.’
5 At that, Thomas said: ‘Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. So, how will we know the way?’
6 And Jesus replied, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; so no one comes to the Father unless [he comes] through me. 7 If you men had [truly] known me, you would have recognized my Father also… and from now on, you’ve both known Him and seen Him.’
8 Then Philip said: ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us!’
9 And Jesus said: ‘Have I spent so much time with you, and yet you haven’t come to know me Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father… so why are you saying, Show us the Father? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
‘I’m not coming up with the things that I’m telling you on my own; it’s the Father who remains in me that is doing His work. 11 Believe me when I say that I’m in the Father and the Father is in me… or just believe because of what I’m doing!
12 ‘I tell you the truth; Whoever believes in me will do the things that I’m doing. In fact, he will do even greater things than these, because I’m going to the Father; 13 and I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son can glorify the Father. 14 And if you ever ask anything of me in my name, I’ll do it! 15 But if you truly love me, you’ll follow my commandments.
16 ‘Now, I’m going to ask the Father and He will give you another helper that will be with you through the age; 17 the Spirit of Truth. The world won’t receive it, because they can’t see it or understand it… but you’ll recognize it, because it will stay with you and in you.
18 ‘I’m not leaving you as orphans, because I’ll be coming [back] to you. 19 But in just a little while the world won’t see me anymore; however, you will see me, because I’m alive and you will live. 20 And in that day, you’ll know that I’m in my Father, as you’re in me and I’m in you.
21 ‘Whoever knows my commandments and obeys them, is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, so I will love him and show myself to him.’
22 Then Judas (not IsCariot, [but ThadDaeus]) asked: ‘Lord, what has happened so that you’re about to show yourself to us, but not to the world?’
23 And Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he’ll obey my words. Then my Father will love him and we will come to him and live with him. 24 But those who don’t love me, don’t obey my words. And the words you’re hearing aren’t mine, because they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 ‘I told you these things while I was with you, 26 but the Advocate, the Holy Breath that the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of everything that I told you. 27 So, I leave you peace… I give you my peace, and I’m not giving it to you the way the world offers it.
‘Don’t allow your hearts to be disturbed [and cause you to] act cowardly, 28 because you heard me say that I’m going away and I will also return. If you loved me, you would cry out in joy that I’m going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me.
29 ‘Now, I’ve told you all of this before it happens, so that when it does happen, you can believe. 30 I won’t say many more things to you, because the Ruler of the World is coming and he has nothing on me. 31 But, so that the world will know that I love the Father; whatever commandments the Father gave me, I have done.
‘Now, get up! Let’s leave this place!’
Chapter 15
1 ‘I am the true vine and my Father is the cultivator. 2 He removes every branch in me that doesn’t produce fruit and He cleans up all those that do produce, so they can put out more fruit. 3 However, you’ve already been made clean by the things I’ve told you. 4 So stick with me and I’ll stick with you.
‘Just as a branch can’t produce fruit unless it remains on the vine, you can’t either, unless you’re in me. 5 So, I’m the vine and you’re the branches; and those who are in me (and I in them) will produce much fruit. But apart from me, you can’t do anything. 6 For, when someone doesn’t remain in me, his branch is removed and it withers. Then men gather up such branches and throw them in the fire where they’re burned. 7 But if you remain in me, and if the things I say remain in you, then you can ask for whatever you wish and it will happen for you.
8 ‘My Father is glorified when you keep producing much fruit and keep proving that you are my disciples. 9 And as the Father has loved me and I have loved you, remain in my love. 10 For, if you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed the commandments of the Father, and I remain in His love.
11 ‘I’ve told you these things so you can share the joy that I have and so your joy can grow. 12 And this is my commandment: Love each other just as I’ve loved you! 13 No one has greater love than this… that someone should give his life for his friends. 14 And you’re my friends if you ever do what I’m commanding you.
15 ‘I’m not calling you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing… I’m calling you friends, because I’ve told you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. 16 Why, you didn’t choose me, I chose you! And I planted you so you’d produce fruit, and for your fruit to last! So, no matter what you ask from the Father in my name, He’ll give it to you.
17 ‘This is what I command you: Love each other! 18 And if the world hates you, you know that it hated me first. 19 For, if you were from the world, the world would have cared about what is its own. But now, because you’re out of the world – because I’ve chosen you out of the world – this is why the world hates you.
20 ‘Remember what I told you: A slave isn’t greater than his master; so if they persecuted me, they’ll persecute you also. But if they’ve obeyed my words, they’ll also obey yours. 21 However, they’re going to do all these things against you in my name, because they don’t know the One who sent me. 22 And if I hadn’t come to tell them, they wouldn’t be guilty of sin. But, now they don’t have any excuse for their sin!
23 ‘Everyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 And if I hadn’t done things that no one else has ever done among them, they wouldn’t be guilty of sin. However, [now] they’ve seen it… and they’ve hated both my Father and I. 25 But this happened so that the words written in their Law would be fulfilled: They hated me for no reason.
26 ‘So, when the [One Who] Calls (that I’m going to send you from the Father) arrives (the Spirit of Truth that comes from the Father), that [one] will testify about me. 27 And you are also to testify, because you’ve been with me since the earliest [days].’
Chapter 16
1 ‘Now, I’m telling you these things so you won’t be stumbled; 2 for they’re going to expel you from the synagogues… in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing a service to God… 3 but they’ll do these things because they didn’t know either the Father or me.
4 ‘I’ve told you these things, so that when their time comes, you’ll remember that I told them to you. But, here are some things I didn’t tell you at first, because I was with you then: 5 Now I’m going to the One who sent me; yet, none of you asks where I’m going. 6 But, because I’ve told you these things, your hearts are filled with grief.
7 ‘I’m telling you the truth when I say that my going away is for your own good. For, if I didn’t go away, the Advocate wouldn’t come to you. But if I go, I’ll send him to you. 8 And when that one gets here, he’ll scold the world about its sins, its righteousness, and its judgments.
9 About sin; Because they have no faith in me.
10 About righteousness; Because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore.
11 And about judgment; Because the Ruler of this World has been judged.
12 ‘I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them right now. 13 However, when that one (the Spirit of Truth) arrives, he will lead all of you to the truth. This is because he won’t speak on his own; he will just tell you what he hears, and [he will] announce the things that are coming. 14 That one will glorify me, because he will receive things from me and announce them to you. 15 For, everything that the Father has is mine, and that’s why I say that he will receive things from me and announce them to you. 16 Because, in a little while you won’t see me. Yet, in a little while, you will see me.’
17 Well at that, some of his disciples started asking each other, ‘What does he mean when he says that in a little while you won’t see me, and in a little while you will see me, and… because I’m going to the Father?’ 18 They also asked, ‘What does he mean by a little while? … we don’t know what he’s talking about!’
19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him [about this], so he said, ‘Are you asking each other questions because I said, In a little while you won’t see me, and in a little while you will see me? 20 I tell you the truth; You will cry and bawl while the world rejoices… you will be very sad, but then your grief will be turned into joy.
21 ‘When a woman is having a baby, she’s grief-stricken because her time has come. But after the child is born, she forgets the difficult time she had, because of her joy that a person was born into the world.
22 ‘So, now you’re feeling grief… but I’ll see you again! Then your hearts will rejoice and no one will ever be able to take away your joy… 23 and then you won’t have to ask me any more questions.
‘I tell you the truth; If you ask the Father for anything, He’ll give it to you in my name. 24 Until now you haven’t asked for anything in my name; but then you’ll ask and receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 ‘[Until now], I’ve been telling you these things through illustrations. But the time is coming when I won’t talk to you in illustrations anymore; I’ll talk to you openly and bring back reports to you about the Father. 26 And in that day, you’ll ask in my name, and I won’t [have to] tell you that I’ll ask the Father for you; 27 because the Father cares for you, because you cared for me, and you believed that I came [from my position] beside the Father. 28 So, I’m from the Father and I came into the world; therefore, I’m also leaving the world and returning to the Father.’
29 Well, at this, his disciples said, ‘{Look!} Now you’re talking openly without illustrations… 30 now we’re aware that you know everything and you don’t need anyone questioning you. And because of this, we believe that you came from God.’
31 But Jesus asked, ‘Do you believe right now? 32 Look, the hour is coming – in fact it has already arrived – when you will each be scattered to your own homes and you’ll desert me. Yet, I won’t be alone, because the Father is with me.
33 ‘I’ve told you these things so you can find peace in me; for in the world you’ll only find hard times. But take courage, because I have conquered the world!’
Chapter 17
1 Well, after Jesus said these things, he raised his eyes to the sky and said, ‘Father; The hour has come! Glorify your son, so your son can glorify You. 2 Now You’ve put him over all flesh, so he can give life in the age to all those whom You’ve given to him. 3 For, knowing You (the only true God) and the one who You sent (Jesus the Anointed) means life in the age.
4 ‘I’ve glorified You on the earth, and perfectly completed the work that You’ve assigned to me. 5 So Father, now glorify me alongside You with the glory that I had beside You before there was a cosmos.
6 ‘I’ve made Your Name shine among the men that You gave me from the world… they were Yours, but You gave them to me, and they’ve obeyed all Your words. 7 And they know that everything You gave me came from You, 8 for I passed along to them all the things that You told me, and these [things] were welcomed by them… and they know for a fact that I came from [my position] beside You. Yes, they believe that it was You who sent me.
9 ‘So it’s on their behalf that I’m asking… I’m not asking on behalf of the whole world, just for those whom You’ve given to me, because they’re Yours! 10 Why, all that’s mine is Yours, and all that’s Yours is mine; and I’ve been glorified among them.
11 ‘Since I’m no longer in this world (but they are), and I’m coming to You, Holy Father; watch over these that You’ve given me because of Your Name, so they can be one as we are.
12 ‘I’ve watched over these while I was with them… these whom You’ve given me because of Your Name. And I’ve watched over them so that none were destroyed (except for the son of destruction), so the Scriptures might be fulfilled.
13 ‘But now I’m coming to You, and I’m saying these things in the world so they can be filled with my joy. 14 I’ve given them Your Words, because they’re hated by the world… because they’re no a part of this world, just as I’m no part of the world.
15 ‘I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to guard them because of the Wicked One, 16 since they’re no part of the world, just as I’m no part of the world.
17 ‘Make them holy in the truth, for Your Word is the truth! 18 And as You sent me into the world, I’m sending them into the world. 19 Therefore, I’m making myself something holy for them, so they can be holy in truth.
20 ‘Also, I’m not just asking for just these; [I’m asking that] all those who say they believe 21 may be one (just as You Father, are in me, and I’m in You), that they can also be in us, so the world can believe that You sent me.
22 ‘I’ve given them the glory that You gave me, so they can be one as we are one, 23 I in them, and You in me, so they can be perfected into one, and the world may know that You sent me, and that You love them as You love me.
24 ‘Father, as for those whom You’ve given me; I want them to be where I am, so they can see the glory that You gave me, because You’ve loved me from before the founding of the cosmos.
25 ‘Righteous Father; The world never knew You, but I know You… and these that You’ve sent me have come to know [You]. 26 I’ve made Your Name known to them, and I will [continue to] make it known, so Your love for me can be in them, and I [can be] in them also.’
Chapter 18
1 Well, after he said this, Jesus and his disciples crossed the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi, where they entered a garden.
2 Now, Judas (his betrayer) also knew of this place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So, Judas brought along a contingent of soldiers and some officers from the Priests and Pharisees, who came with torches, lamps, and weapons. 4 And since Jesus knew everything that was about to happen, he asked, ‘Who are you looking for?’
5 And they answered, ‘Jesus the Nazarene!’
So he said, ‘That’s me!’ (Judas, his betrayer, was also standing among them.)
6 However, when he told them ‘That’s me,’ they all backed up and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, ‘Who are you looking for?’
And they said, ‘Jesus the Nazarene!’
8 Then Jesus answered, ‘I told you, that’s me! If it’s just me that you’re looking for, then let these go.’ 9 (He said this, so the words he spoke could be fulfilled, ‘I haven’t lost a single one of those whom You gave me.’)
10 And at that, Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the Chief Priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. (The slave’s name was Malchus.) 11 However, Jesus told Peter: ‘Put the sword away… shouldn’t I drink the cup that the Father has given me to drink?’
12 Then the officer and his soldiers (as well as the Judean officers) grabbed Jesus and tied him up.
13 Well, first they took him to AnNas, the father-in-law of CaiAphas (who was High Priest that year). 14 It was CaiAphas who had advised the Judeans that it was to their benefit for one man to die in behalf of the people.
15 Now, Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. And since the Chief Priest was familiar with that disciple, he went into the Chief Priest’s courtyard along with Jesus, 16 as Peter stood outside by the door. Then the disciple who knew the Chief Priest went outside and spoke to the doorkeeper, and he brought Peter inside.
17 But the servant girl who served as the doorkeeper, asked Peter, ‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples also, are you?’
And he said, ‘No, I’m not!’
18 Now, the slaves and the officers were standing around warming themselves by a charcoal fire that they had built, because it was cold, and Peter was standing there with them, warming himself.
19 Well, the Chief Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teachings. 20 And Jesus answered, ‘I’ve spoken to the world publicly and I always taught in synagogues and in the Temple where all the Jews meet! I haven’t said anything in secret, 21 so why are you questioning me? Question those who heard what I said. See, they know what I said!’
22 And at that, one of the officers who was standing there slapped Jesus in the face and said, ‘Is that any way to answer the Chief Priest?’
23 And Jesus replied, ‘If I spoke in error, then testify that what I said that was wrong. But if [what I said was] right, then why did you hit me?’
24 Thereafter, AnNas sent him away bound to CaiAphas, the High Priest.
25 Now, Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself, when someone asked him, ‘Aren’t you one of his disciples?’
But he denied it, saying, ‘I am not!’
26 Then one of the Chief Priest’s slaves (a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off) said, ‘I saw you in the garden with him, didn’t I?’
27 But Peter denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.
28 Well, early the next morning, they led Jesus from CaiAphas’ [home] to the Governor’s Palace; but they didn’t go inside, because they didn’t want to become unclean (so they could eat the Passover). 29 As the result, Pilate came outside to them and asked, ‘What are you accusing this man of?’
30 And they replied, ‘If this man hadn’t done anything wrong, we wouldn’t be handing him over to you!’
31 But Pilate said, ‘Then, take him yourselves and judge him by your own laws.’
And the Judeans said, ‘It isn’t legal for us to kill anyone!’ 32 (This was said so that Jesus’ words would be fulfilled when he showed what sort of death he would die.)
33 So Pilate went back inside the governor’s palace, then he called for Jesus and asked, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’
34 And Jesus answered, ‘Is it your idea to ask this, or did others tell you about me?’
35 Then Pilate answered: ‘I’m not a Jew am I? Your own people and Priests handed you over to me… what did you do?’
36 So Jesus replied, ‘My Kingdom isn’t from this world. Why, if my Kingdom were from this world, my followers would likely have fought so I wouldn’t be handed over to the Judeans. But my Kingdom isn’t from here.’
37 Then Pilate said, ‘You aren’t a king… are you?’
And Jesus answered, ‘You’re the one who’s saying that I’m a king. The reason why I was born and why I came into the world is to testify to the truth, and everyone who’s on the side of truth listens to my voice.’
38 Finally, Pilate asked, ‘What is truth?’ And after he said this, he went out to the Judeans again and told them, ‘I haven’t found a single reason [to hold him]. 39 So, since it’s your custom for me to release someone to you on the Passover; Do you want me release the King of the Jews to you?’
40 But they shouted repeatedly, ‘Not him, but BarAbbas!’ (BarAbbas was a robber.)
Chapter 19
1 So Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged with a whip. 2 Then the soldiers braided a crown out of thorns, put it on his head, and wrapped him in a purple cape, 3 and they started coming up to him and saying, ‘Rejoice, O you king of the Jews’ (as they were slapping him in the face)!
4 Finally, Pilate went outside one more time and said, ‘Look; I’m bringing him outside to you, so you will know that I find no fault in him!’
5 Then Jesus came outside wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cape. And [Pilate] said, ‘Look; The man!’
6 However, when the Chief Priests and the Temple officers saw him, they shouted, ‘Hang him on a pole! Hang him on a pole!’
Then Pilate told them, ‘Take him yourselves and impale him! I don’t find any fault in him.’
7 But the Judeans answered, ‘We have a Law; and according to that Law he must die, because he made himself God’s Son.’
8 Now, when Pilate heard them say this, it frightened him. 9 So he went back inside the Governor’s Palace and asked Jesus, ‘Where are you from?’ But Jesus wouldn’t answer.
10 Then Pilate said, ‘Aren’t you talking to me… don’t you know that I have power to release you and the power to impale you?’
11 And Jesus replied, ‘You wouldn’t have any power at all over me, unless it had been given to you from above. That’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.’
12 Well, because of that, Pilate kept on looking for ways to release him. But the Judeans shouted, ‘If you release this man, you’re no friend of Caesar. Every man who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!’
13 So after Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus outside, and then he sat down in the public-court area called the Stone Pavement (GabBatha in Hebrew).
14 Now, it was about the sixth hour of the day of preparation for the Passover. And [Pilate] said to the Judeans, ‘See; Your King!’
15 However, they shouted, ‘Hang him up! Hang him up! Impale him!’
Then Pilate asked, ‘Shall I hang your king on a pole?’
And the Chief Priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’ 16 So, he handed [Jesus] over to them to be impaled.
Then they took Jesus away 17 and made him carry the pole out to the spot called Skull Place (GolGotha in Hebrew). 18 There they impaled him along with two men, one on this side and one on the other, with Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate also wrote a sign that he put on the pole, saying, ‘Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.’ 20 As the result, many of the Judeans read this title (because the place where Jesus was impaled was close to the city), for it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
21 However, the Judean Chief Priests told Pilate, ‘Don’t write The King of the Jews, but, He said I’m King of the Jews!’
22 But Pilate answered, ‘What I wrote is what I have written.’
23 Now, when the soldiers impaled Jesus, they took his robe and tore it into four sections, so each soldier could have a piece. But the long inner shirt was woven without a seam from top to bottom. 24 So they said to each other, ‘Let’s not tear it; we’ll throw dice to see who gets it.’ (This happened so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘They divided my robe among themselves and threw dice over my clothes’). And the soldiers really did these things.
25 Standing by the impaling pole of Jesus was his mother, her sister Mary (the wife of Cleopas), and Mary of Magdala. 26 So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he told his mother, ‘Look, woman; Your son!’ 27 Then he said to the disciple, ‘Look; Your mother!’ And from that day on, the disciple took her into his home.
28 Later, when Jesus realized that everything had been completed (so the scripture could be fulfilled), he said, ‘I’m thirsty.’ 29 And a jar was sitting there full of vinegar. So they put a sponge filled with vinegar on a stalk and held it up to his mouth. 30 And when he received the vinegar, Jesus said, ‘It’s finished!’ Then he hung his head and gave up the breath.
31 Since it was Preparation, and so that the bodies wouldn’t hang on the poles over the Sabbath (because that was a Great Sabbath), the Judeans asked Pilate to have their legs broken and the bodies taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of both men who had been impaled with him. 33 But when they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, at which blood and water poured out.
35 He who saw this is a witness to the facts, and offers this as true testimony. This man knows that he’s telling the truth, so you can also believe it. 36 It’s a fact that these things happened so the scripture can be fulfilled, ‘Not a bone of his will be crushed.’ 37 And another scripture says, ‘They will look to the one whom they pierced.’
38 Well, after that, Joseph from AriMathea (a secret disciple of Jesus, because he was afraid of the Judeans) asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body away, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body.
39 Then NicoDemos (the man who came to him at night the first time) came with a roll of myrrh and about a hundred pounds of aloes. 40 So they took Jesus’ body and bound it up with wrappings and spices (for that’s how the Judeans customarily prepared bodies for burial).
41 Now, at the place where he was impaled, there was a garden and a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And because of the Jewish Preparation, they laid Jesus there, since the tomb was nearby.
Chapter 20
1 Then, on one of the days of the Sabbaths, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and noticed that the stone had already been moved away. 2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple (the one who Jesus cared for) and told them, ‘They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they’ve put him!’
3 Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb… 4 the two started running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping over, he saw the wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go inside.
6 Then Simon Peter came following him, and he went on into the tomb. He also saw the wrappings lying there, 7 but the cloth that had been on his head wasn’t with the wrappings… it was rolled up in another spot. 8 Then the other disciple who reached the tomb first also went in… and saw… and believed.
9 However, they still didn’t understand the scripture that spoke of how he was to be resurrected from the dead, 10 so the disciples went back home.
11 And all the while, Mary kept standing outside the tomb crying. Then as she was crying, she stooped over to look inside the tomb, 12 and she saw two [of God’s] messengers dressed in white; one sitting at the head and the other at the feet of where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they asked her, ‘Woman; Why are you crying?’
And she answered, ‘They’ve taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him.’
14 Then she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t recognize [him]. 15 So Jesus asked, ‘Woman; Why are you crying… who are you looking for?’
And she, thinking he was the caretaker, said, ‘Lord, if you’ve carried him off, tell me where you’ve laid him, and I’ll take him away.’
16 Then Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ And when she turned around, she said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni (My Teacher)!’
17 And Jesus said to her, ‘Don’t cling to me, because I haven’t ascended to the Father yet. But go to my brothers and tell them that I’m ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’
18 Well at this, Mary of Magdala went and carried the news to the disciples saying, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And [then she told them] the things that he said.
19 So, late that evening, although the doors were locked at the place where the disciples were (for fear of the Judeans), Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, ‘May you have peace.’
20 And after he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord. 21 And Jesus again said, ‘May you have peace. Now, in the same way that the Father sent me, I’m sending you.’
22 Well, after he said this, he blew on them, saying, ‘Receive the Holy Breath. 23 And if you forgive anyone’s sins, they will remain forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they won’t be forgiven.’
24 However, Thomas (one of the twelve, who was called the Twin) wasn’t with them when Jesus came. 25 So when the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord,’ he said, ‘I won’t believe unless I see the print of the nails in his hands and stick my finger in them, and stick my hand into his side.’
26 Well, eight days later, his disciples were gathered inside, and this time Thomas was with them. Then Jesus came again and stood in their midst (although the doors were locked) and he said, ‘May you have peace.’
27 And he said to Thomas, ‘Now, put your finger here… and look at my hands… then take your hand and stick it into my side… stop doubting and start believing!’
28 And at that, Thomas said, ‘My Lord and my God!’
29 Then Jesus said, ‘Do you believe because you’ve seen me? It’s those who don’t see and still believe that are blest.’
30 Well, it’s a fact that that Jesus performed many other signs before his disciples, which aren’t written in this scroll. 31 However, these things have been written so you can believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God… and that by believing, you too can have life through his name.
Chapter 21
1 After that, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius, and this is how he did it: 2 There was Simon Peter, Thomas (the Twin), NathaniEl ([BarTholomew]) from Cana of Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter had said to them, ‘I’m going fishing.’ And they told him, ‘We want to come along.’ So they went out and got into the boat, but they didn’t catch anything all night long. 4 Then, just as it was starting to get light, Jesus was there standing on the beach, but the disciples didn’t recognize that it was Jesus. 5 And Jesus shouted, ‘Young children; You don’t have anything to eat, do you?’
And they answered ‘No!’
6 So he said, ‘Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you’ll find some!’
Then they threw the net out, but they weren’t able to bring it in because there were so many fish. 7 And at that, the disciple who Jesus used to love said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’
And when Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he slipped on his robe (because he was naked) and dove into the sea. 8 However, the rest of the disciples came along in the boat dragging their net of fish, because they weren’t very far from land, only about three hundred feet. 9 And when they reached the shore, they noticed a charcoal fire with fish and bread lying on it. 10 Then Jesus said, ‘Bring some of the fish you just caught.’
11 So Simon Peter pulled the net to land, and it was filled with a hundred and fifty-three large fish. But, although there were so many, the net didn’t rip.
12 Then Jesus said, ‘Come and get your breakfast.’
However, none of the disciples had enough courage to ask him who he was, because they knew it was the Lord. 13 So Jesus went over and handed them some bread and fish.
14 This was the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 Well, following breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter: ‘Simon, son of Jonah; Do you love me more than these [fish]?’
And he replied, ‘Yes Lord; You know how much I care for you!’
Then [Jesus] said, ‘Feed my lambs.’
16 A second time [Jesus] asked, ‘Simon, son of Jonah; Do you love me?’
And he said, ‘Yes Lord, you know how much I care for you!’
And he said, ‘Shepherd my little sheep.’
17 Then he asked a third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah; Do you care for me?’
Well, Peter was hurt when he asked the third time, ‘Do you care for me?’ So, he said, ‘Lord, you know everything… and you know how much I care for you!’
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my little sheep.’
18 ‘I tell you the truth; When you were young, you used to wrap your clothes around you and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will wrap you up and take you where you don’t want to go.’ 19 (He said this to show [Peter] the type of death he would [die, to] glorify God.) And after that, he said: ‘Keep on following me!’
20 Well, when he turned around, Peter saw the disciple who Jesus used to love following them (the one who at the evening meal, leaned back on [Jesus’] chest and asked, ‘Lord, who will betray you?’). 21 And on seeing him, Peter asked Jesus: ‘Lord, what about him?’
22 And Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, why should you care? You keep on following me!’
23 But because of that, word was spread among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. However, Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die, he just said, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, why should you care?’
24 This is the disciple who testified about and wrote about these things, and we know that the witness he provides is true.
25 ---
Acts
Chapter 1
1 TheoPhilus; This is the first time I’ve put together all of the things that Jesus did and taught 2 up to the day he was taken, and after he gave commandments to the Apostles who he selected by Holy Breath. 3 He gave them so much proof that he was alive after the things he suffered, and they saw him for forty days as he told them about the Kingdom of God.
4 And when he met with them, he gave them the orders, ‘Don’t leave Jerusalem, but keep waiting for the promise that I told you would come from the Father. 5 Because, although John baptized with water, in just a few days you will be baptized in Holy Breath.’
6 Then, when they all met with him, they asked, ‘Lord, are you going to return the Kingdom to Israel now?’
7 But he said, ‘It isn’t your business to know the times and periods that the Father is in charge of. 8 You will receive power when the Holy Breath comes over you, and you’ll be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, all of Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
9 And after he said these things, while they were still looking at him, a cloud lifted him out of sight. 10 And as they stood there staring into the sky watching him go, {Look!} two men in white clothes stood beside them and said, 11 ‘Men of Galilee; Why are you standing and looking up in the sky? This Jesus who was taken from you into heaven, will return to you in the same way that you saw him going into the sky.’
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill nearby (called the Mount of Olives), which is the [maximum] legal traveling distance from Jerusalem on a Sabbath. 13 And when they entered [the city], they all went to the upper room where they (Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, BarTholomew, Matthew, James [the son] of AlphaEus, Simon the zealous one, and Judas [the son] of James) were staying. 14 And they were all one in mind and purpose as they continued praying, along with some women who were gathered there with Mary (the mother of Jesus), and his brothers.
15 It was during this period that Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (about a hundred and twenty people in all) and said, 16 ‘Men! Brothers! The scripture had to be fulfilled (which Holy Breath foretold through David’s mouth) about Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus, 17 although he had been one of us and he’d a share in this service. 18 Why, the wage he was paid for his wickedness was used to purchase that field into the middle of which he fell headfirst and burst, causing his intestines to pour out; 19 so the field has become known to everyone living in Jerusalem as Akel Dama (Field of Blood).
20 So now; It’s written in the book of Psalms: Let the place where he lives become desolate and let no one else live there; and give his office of oversight to someone else. 21 So, it’s important that one of the men who has been with us during the entire time that the Lord Jesus carried out all of his activities – 22 starting with his baptism by John until the day he was taken up from us – and [someone] who witnessed his resurrection, should become one of us.’
23 So they asked two to stand up: Joseph (who is called BarSabbas and was surnamed Justus) and MatThias. 24 Then they prayed, saying, ‘O Lord, You who know the hearts of everyone; Show us which of these two You’ve chosen 25 to receive the position and Apostleship left by Judas, so he could go his own way.’ 26 Then they gave each of them lots, and the selected lot fell to MatThias. As the result, he was considered as being with the eleven Apostles.
Chapter 2
1 Now, toward the end of the day of Pentecost, while they were all there observing that celebration, 2 there was a noise that suddenly came from the sky. It sounded like a violent wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which were distributed so that one sat upon each of them. 4 And they all became filled with Holy Breath and started speaking in different languages, saying whatever the Breath was telling them to say.
5 At the time, there were reverent Jews from every nation under the heavens who were living in Jerusalem. 6 So, when this sound happened, a huge crowd gathered and they were bewildered, because they each heard one of [the disciples] speaking in his own language. 7 They were astonished and started to wonder and say, ‘These people who are talking are all Galileans, aren’t they? 8 So, how is it that we’re each hearing our own native language being spoken?’
9 [There were] Parthinians, Medes, Elamites, those from MesoPotamia, Judea, CappaDocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, PamPhylia, Egypt, from parts of Libya Cyrene, travelers from Rome (Jews and proselytes), 11 Cretans, and Arabians. [They said]: ‘We hear them talking about the wonderful things of God in our own language!’
12 Yes, they were all astonished and confused. And they asked each other, ‘What’s this all about?’ 13 However, others joked about them saying, ‘They’re full of sweet wine!’
14 But Peter stood up beside the eleven, raised his voice, and told them this: ‘Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem; I want you to know something… Listen to what I’m telling you! 15 They really aren’t drunk as you think, because it’s only the third hour of the day. 16 What’s happening is the thing that was said through the Prophet Joel, 17 where God said,
In the last days
I’ll pour some of my Breath on all flesh,
And your sons and daughters will then prophesy,
Your young men will have visions,
And your old men will dream dreams.
18 I will pour out some of My Breath in those days,
And My male and female slaves will then prophesy.
19 And from the skies above I’ll send omens and signs,
And to the earth below, blood, fire, and smoky mist.
20 Before the great and shining day of the Lord,
The sun will be changed into darkness
And the moon into blood.
21 And all calling on the Name of the Lord will be saved.’
22 ‘Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene was a man who was shown to you by God with power, omens, and signs that God performed through him in your midst, as you already know. 23 Yes, you gave this person (who received his advice and his ability to see the future from God) over to the hands of men who were without Law, and you nailed him up. 24 But God resurrected him, freeing him from the cords of death, because it wasn’t possible for [death] to hold him.
25 ‘Then David said this about him:
I‘ve put Jehovah always before me.
And since He is at my right hand,
I will never be shaken.
26 For, in my heart I am cheerful,
And with my tongue I rejoice;
So my body will rest in that hope.
27 You won’t abandon me in the grave,
And You’ll not allow Your loyal one to see corruption.
28 For, the ways of life You have shown me,
And You’ll fill me with joy from Your face.’
29 ‘Men! Brothers! It’s good to speak to you openly about the patriarch David, for he died, was buried, and his tomb is still with us to this day. 30 Yet, he was a Prophet, and he knew that God swore an oath to him that He would put someone on his throne who was the fruit of his loins. 31 So, [David] looked into the future and spoke about the resurrection of the Anointed One… that he wouldn’t be abandoned in the grave and that his flesh wouldn’t see corruption.
32 ‘Then this Jesus was resurrected by God, and we are all witnesses to that… 33 he was lifted to God’s right hand, where he received the Holy Breath (which the Father had promised). And he’s the one who has poured out all of this that you’re seeing and hearing.
34 ‘Now, David didn’t go to heaven, but he said:
Jehovah said to my Lord;
Sit down at my right hand
35 Until I set your enemies as a stool for your feet.
36 So, let the entire House of Israel know for sure that God made this Jesus whom you impaled the Lord and Anointed One!
37 Well, when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, ‘Men! Brothers! What should we do?’
38 Then Peter told them, ‘Repent, and each of you get baptized in the name of Jesus the Anointed One, so your sins can be forgiven, and then you’ll receive the gift of the Holy Breath. 39 That’s a promise to you, to your children, and to all those who are far away… to everyone who Jehovah our God calls to Himself.’
40 So, he went on and witnessed to them a lot more, and advised them, ‘Get saved from this crooked generation!’
41 Then those who welcomed his words were baptized, and about three thousand people were added that day. 42 These continued to attend, listening to the Apostles as they taught (they all participated), and sharing in meals and prayers. 43 But all who were there started to become frightened by the signs and omens that were coming through the Apostles.
44 Well, thereafter, all who became believers shared whatever they had; 45 they sold their belongings and properties and distributed the proceeds to whoever was in need. 46 And they all agreed to go to the Temple daily, as they ate their meals in private homes… eating the food happily and with sincere hearts, 47 praising God, and finding favor with everyone. And all the while, the Lord kept adding the newly-saved to them daily.
Chapter 3
1 Now, Peter and John had gone to the Temple for the hour of prayer (the ninth hour), 2 and a man was there who was lame from birth… he had to be carried and he was placed near the Temple door (the one called Beautiful) each day, to beg from those who were entering the Temple. 3 And when he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he started begging from them. 4 But Peter and John stared at him and said, ‘Look at us!’
5 So he looked at them, expecting to get something.
6 Then Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold, but I’ll give you what I have… In the name of Jesus the Anointed One, the Nazarene, walk!’
7 Then he took him by the right hand and lifted him, and instantly the soles of his feet and anklebones were made well. 8 So he jumped up and stood, and then he started walking! So he entered the Temple with them, walking, jumping, and praising God.
9 Well, everyone noticed him walking and praising God, 10 and they started to realize that he was the man who used to sit and beg at the Temple’s Beautiful Gate. This astonished them and they were delighted by what had happened to him. 11 And as the man was holding onto Peter and John near what was called The Columns of Solomon, all the people came running to them, surprised out of their wits.
12 So when Peter saw this, he said, ‘Men of Israel; Why are you surprised at this, and why are you staring at us as though we made him walk by our own power or devotion? 13 Why, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the God of our ancestors – has glorified His servant Jesus, who you betrayed and disowned before the face of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous man, and you asked him to release a man who was a murderer! 15 Then you killed the chief leader of the life. However, God raised him from the dead, which we have witnessed! 16 And it is because of [our] faith in his name that this man here – whom you see and know – was made well… it’s because of faith that everything you see has happened!
17 ‘And now brothers; I know that what you did was done in ignorance… and that was true of your rulers. 18 But because of this, God fulfilled the thing that He would do – which He announced ahead of time through the mouths of all the Prophets – by allowing His Anointed One to suffer.
19 ‘Now, repent and turn around to get your sins erased, so you may see a period of refreshment from Jehovah. 20 Then He will send the one who was appointed – the Anointed Jesus – 21 who must be kept in the heavens until the time when everything that God told us through the mouths of the holy [ones] in His age of the Prophets, is restored. 22 In fact, it was Moses who said: Jehovah God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers, and you must listen to everything that he tells you. 23 For, if people don’t listen to that Prophet, they will be destroyed!
24 ‘Why, all the Prophets from Samuel on – everyone who spoke – clearly talked about these days. 25 And you are the sons of the Prophets and of the Sacred Agreement that God made with your fathers, when he told Abraham: And your seed will bring blessings to all the families of the earth!
26 So, God raised this Servant and sent him to you first, as a blessing to you, in order to get each of you to turn away from the bad things you’re doing.’
Chapter 4
1 Well, while Peter and John were talking to the people, the Chief Priests, the Temple captain, and the Sadducees came up, 2 and they were very annoyed by the fact that [Peter and John] were teaching the people and telling them how Jesus had been resurrected from the dead. 3 So they arrested them and held them until the next day (since it was evening already). 4 However, many of those who listened to the speech believed, and their number then grew to about five thousand men.
5 Then the next day, they held a meeting in Jerusalem that included the rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as AnNas the Chief Priest, CaiAphas, John, Alexander, and all the rest of the Chief Priest’s relatives. 7 Then they stood [Peter and John] in their midst and asked, ‘Who gave you the authority, and who told you that you could do this?’
8 Then Peter, filled with Holy Breath, said to them: ‘Rulers of the people and elders; 9 If we are being questioned today simply because [we] did a good deed for a handicapped man, and if we are being asked who made him well, 10 then you and all the people of Israel should know that it was done in the name of Jesus the Anointed One… the Nazarene that you hung on a pole. However, God raised him from the dead and he actually stood next to the man you’re now looking at, healthy! 11 This is the stone that was treated as nothing by you builders, but who has become the head of the corner! 12 So, salvation doesn’t come from anyone else, because there isn’t another name that has been given to any man under heaven that we need to save us.’
13 And when they saw the confidence of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and common, they were amazed. Then they started recognizing them and remembered that they used to be with Jesus. 14 However, as they looked at the man standing beside them who had been cured, they couldn’t come up with anything to say. 15 So they sent them outside of the Jewish High-Court hall and talked it over, 16 saying, ‘What will we do with them? It’s a fact that a sign has come through them, and everyone in Jerusalem saw it, so we can’t deny it! 17 Well, to prevent this from being spread around among the people, let’s threaten them and tell them not to speak to anyone about this name, ever again!’
18 So they called them back in and warned them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus anywhere. 19 However, Peter and John replied, ‘If it’s righteous in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. 20 But we can’t stop talking about the things we’ve seen and heard!’
21 So, after they threatened them a little more, they let them go, because they couldn’t find any reason to punish them. [They also chose to do nothing] on account of the people, because they were all praising God over what had happened, 22 since the man who was healed was more than forty years old!
23 Well, after they were released, [Peter and John] returned to their [brothers] and reported what the Chief Priests and elders had told them. 24 And on hearing this, all together they raised their voices to God and said: ‘O our only King… You who made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them; 25 and who, through Your Breath asked by the mouth of our father David (Your servant), Why are the nations so noisy, and why do the people think foolish things? 26 The kings and the rulers of the earth have united against You and against Your Anointed! 27 For a fact; Herod and Pontius Pilate – [men of] the nations as well as people of Israel – gathered in this city against Your Holy servant Jesus, whom You chose 28 to do the things that Your hand and directions commanded. 29 And now, O Lord; Pay attention to their threats, and allow Your slaves to keep boldly speaking Your Word, 30 while You stretch out Your hand to do healing, and while signs and omens continue to happen in the name of Your Holy Servant, Jesus.’
31 And as they were asking God for this, the place where they were meeting shook. Then everyone was filled with the Holy Breath and they boldly started speaking the Word of God. 32 So, there was a huge crowd who started to believe, and they shared a single heart and soul. None of them claimed that anything they had was their own, but they shared everything; 33 and all the while, the Apostles continued to give a powerful witness about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. So, greatness and favor was upon them all. 34 In fact, nobody could be described as being needy among them, because all those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought back the money for the things they sold, 35 putting it at the feet of the Apostles. Then everything was distributed among them according to their needs.
36 So, Joseph (who the Apostles called BarNabas… which translates as Son of Comfort), a Levite and a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a piece of land he owned and brought the money, laying it at the feet of the Apostles.
Chapter 5
1 However, a man named AnaNias (along with his wife SapPhira) sold some property that they owned 2 and he secretly kept some of the money… and his wife also knew about this. Then he brought just part of it and laid it at the feet of the Apostles.
3 But Peter asked, ‘AnaNias; Why has the Opposer made you so bold as to try to fool the Holy Breath and secretly hold back some of the money for the field? 4 For, as long you owned it, it was yours. And after you sold it, wasn’t the money still yours? So, why did you plan to do such a thing in your heart? You weren’t lying to men, but to God!’ 5 And as he heard those words, AnaNias fell to the ground and died.
This really frightened everyone who heard about it. 6 But some of the younger men got up and wrapped him in a cloth, then carried him outside and buried him.
7 Well, it was about three hours later that his wife came in, and she didn’t know what had happened. 8 So Peter asked her, ‘Tell me; Did you sell the field for (so much)?’
And she answered, ‘Yes, for (so much).’
9 Then Peter said: ‘Why did you agree between [the two of] you to test the Breath of Jehovah? Look! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they’ll carry you out also.’ 10 And at that, she instantly dropped dead at his feet.
So, when the young men returned, they also found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her next to her husband. 11 And when the whole congregation (and everyone else) heard about this, they were frightened by all that had happened.
12 Well, after that, many signs and omens continued to be performed among the people at the hands of the Apostles, who used to meet among the Columns of Solomon. 13 It’s true that no one else had enough courage to join them there, but the people spoke well of them, 14 as large numbers of men and women kept on being added to those who believed in the Lord. 15 [Why, people] even brought their sick out into the main streets and laid them on little beds and cots, so that as Peter passed, his shadow could fall on some of them. 16 Also, throngs from the cities around Jerusalem kept coming, carrying sick people and those bothered by unclean spirits, and everyone was cured.
17 However, the High Priest and all those who were with him (particularly the sect of the Sadducees) became very jealous. 18 So they came against the Apostles, grabbed them, and locked them up in a public jail. 19 But during the night, Jehovah’s messenger opened the doors of the jail, and brought them out, saying: 20 ‘Now, go and continue to stand in the Temple, telling the people everything about this life.’
21 So, after they heard this, they returned to the Temple at daybreak and started teaching.
Well, when the High Priest and those with him finally arrived, they assembled the Jewish High Court and all the elders of the sons of Israel. Then they sent [officers] to the jail to have [the Apostles] brought in. 22 But when the officers got there, they didn’t find them in the lockup, so they reported back, 23 saying, ‘We found the jail locked and guards posted at the doors. But when we opened it, we didn’t find anyone inside!’
24 And when the Temple captain and the Chief Priests heard this, they were confused and wondered what had happened. 25 Then someone came and reported, ‘Look! The men who you put in jail are standing in the Temple teaching the people!’
26 So, the captain took his officers and brought them back peacefully (because they were afraid of being stoned by the people). 27 They brought them in and stood them in the Jewish High Court hall, where the High Priest questioned them, 28 saying, ‘We ordered you not to teach about this name; but look! You’ve filled Jerusalem with your teachings and you’re determined to bring the blood of this man upon us!’
29 Then Peter and the Apostles replied: ‘We must obey God as ruler rather than men! 30 For the God of our fathers raised this Jesus – whom you abused then hung on a pole – 31 then God lifted him to His right hand to be the primary leader and savior, and to cause Israel to repent so He could forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses to these things… as is the Holy Breath that God gave to those who are obeying Him as their ruler.’
33 Well, when they heard this, they were really cut down, and they wanted to do away with [the Apostles]. 34 But a certain man stood up in the Jewish High Court (a Pharisee named GamaliEl, a teacher of the Law who was highly regarded by everyone), and he commanded that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he said: ‘Men of Israel; Be very careful about what you plan to do with these men. 36 Do you remember when TheuDas came along saying that he was somebody important, and quite a few men (about four hundred of them) followed him? Yet, he was done away with, and all those who listened to him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 And after him, Judas the Galilean arose during the registration, and he drew people after him. But then he died, and everyone who listened to him was scattered. 38 So in this situation, I tell you not to mess with these men… leave them alone! Because, if the thing they’re doing is from men, it will be overthrown. 39 But if it’s from God, you won’t be able to overthrow them, and you’ll actually be fighting against God!’
40 Well, they all agreed with him; so they called the Apostles back in, had them whipped, and ordered them to stop talking about the name of Jesus… then they let them go.
41 And as they were leaving the Jewish High Court, they were rejoicing because they had been found worthy of being dishonored for [Jesus’] name. 42 So they didn’t stop… they kept teaching and announcing the good news about Jesus the Anointed One every day in homes and in the Temple.
Chapter 6
1 Now, back in those days, when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews started grumbling about the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve called all the disciples to them and said, ‘The thought of our having to abandon the word of God to serve tables is displeasing to us. 3 So brothers, find seven qualified men among you who are filled with wisdom and the Breath [of God]. Then we will appoint them to handle these needs, 4 so we can continue in our prayers and serving the Word.’
5 Well, what they suggested sounded good to the whole group, so they selected Stephen (a man who was filled with faith and Holy Breath), as well as Philip, ProChorus, NiCanor, Timon, ParMenas, and NicoLaus (a proselyte of Antioch). 6 Then they took them before the Apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So, the Word of God kept spreading and the number of disciples in Jerusalem kept multiplying. Why, even a large number of Priests started obeying the faith.
8 Now, Stephen was filled with joy and power, and he was performing great omens and signs among the people. 9 But certain men came from the so-called Synagogue of Freemen (along with some Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians) to argue with Stephen. 10 However, their arguments couldn’t stand against the wisdom and Breath [of God] with which he was speaking. 11 So, they talked some men into saying, ‘We heard him say blasphemous things against Moses and God.’ 12 And they stirred up the people.
Then some of the elders and scribes came and grabbed him, and dragged him before the Jewish High Court, 13 where they produced some false witnesses who said: ‘This man keeps saying things against this Holy Place and against the Law. 14 Why, we heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene will tear this place down and change the customs that were given to us by Moses.’
15 And, as all those who were sitting in the Jewish High Court stared at him, they saw that his face became like that of a messenger [of God].
Chapter 7
1 Then, the High Priest asked, ‘Is all of this true?’
2 And [Stephen] said: ‘Men… Brothers… Fathers… Listen! Our father Abraham saw the God of Glory while he was in MesoPotamia, before he moved to Haran. 3 And [God] said to him, Leave your land and your relatives and come to the land that I’m going to show you. 4 Then he went to the land of the Chaldeans and started living in Haran. And after his father died, [God] caused him to move to the land where you now live. 5 Yet, He didn’t give him any land that could be inherited… not a foot’s width. And [God] promised him property that he could own and pass on to his seed, although he didn’t have any children. 6 Then God said that his seed would live in a foreign land where they would be slaves and be oppressed for four hundred years. 7 And God said, I will judge the nation [that made them] slaves; then they will leave and serve Me here.
8 ‘So he gave him a Sacred Agreement of circumcision, and [Abraham] went on to father Isaac and to circumcise him on the eighth day… as Isaac did to Jacob, and Jacob did to the twelve family heads.
9 ‘But then these family heads became jealous of [their brother] Joseph and sold him into Egypt. 10 However, God was with him and carried him through all of his problems. Then He made him likable and wise in the eyes of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. So, [Pharaoh] appointed [Joseph] to govern Egypt and his entire house.
11 ‘Then a famine came upon Egypt and CanaAn, which created a very difficult time, and our ancestors couldn’t find any food. 12 But Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, so he sent our ancestors there for the first time. 13 And on the second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers (which was when Joseph’s ethnic background became known to Pharaoh). 14 So, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives (seventy-five people), 15 and Jacob went down to Egypt, where he died (as did our ancestors), 16 and their bodies were taken to Shechem, where they were laid in the tomb that Abraham paid for in silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 ‘However, as the time approached for [fulfillment of] the promise that God gave to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt. 18 Then a different king started to rule over Egypt who didn’t know Joseph, 19 and he treated our people treacherously and he forced our fathers to give up their young children to be killed… 20 and that’s when Moses was born. He was beautiful to God, and he nursed for three months in [his] father’s home. 21 But when he was discovered, the daughter of Pharaoh picked him up and raised him as her own son. 22 So, this is how Moses came to be trained in the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he grew up to be powerful in all that he said and did.
23 ‘Then, when he turned forty years old, he decided to pay more attention to his brothers, the sons of Israel. 24 And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, [Moses] came to his defense and took vengeance on behalf of the one who was being abused, by beating an Egyptian to death.
25 ‘Now, he thought his brothers would understand that God was going to use him to save them, but they just didn’t get it. 26 Then he came to [his people] the next day and found [two of them] fighting, and he tried to bring them together peacefully, saying, Men… you’re brothers! So, why are you treating each other so badly?
27 ‘But the one who was mistreating his neighbor just pushed him away and asked, Who appointed you as ruler and judge over us? 28 You don’t want to kill me the same as you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you? 29 So, when Moses heard this, he ran away and lived in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.
30 ‘And after forty more years, a messenger [from God] appeared to him in the burning flames of a thorn bush, while he was in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 And when Moses saw it, he was dazzled at the sight. But as he came closer to investigate, the Lord’s voice said, 32 I am the God of your fathers… the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
‘Well, Moses started to shake so hard that he didn’t want to investigate any further. 33 Then Jehovah said to him: Remove your sandals, because the place where you’re standing is holy ground! 34 I’ve seen the bad treatment of My people in Egypt and I’ve heard their groaning, so I’ve come down to take them. Now come… for I’m going to send you to Egypt.
35 ‘Yet, this is the same Moses that [the Israelites] had disowned, asking, Who appointed you as our ruler and judge? But God sent this man off as both a ruler and savior by the hand of messenger who had appeared to him in the thorn bush. 36 And this man led them out of Egypt – after performing omens and signs – and then through the Red Sea, and into the desert for forty years.
37 ‘This is the same Moses who told the sons of Israel: God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers. 38 Yes, he’s the one who was with the congregation in the desert; who talked to messenger on Mount Sinai; who was with our ancestors; and who received living words to [pass on] to you. 39 Yet, our ancestors refused to obey him… they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they were back in Egypt! 40 So they told Aaron: Make gods to lead us, because we don’t know what has happened to this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt!
41 ‘Well, thereafter they made [an image of] a calf and offered sacrifices to the idol… and they were very happy with this thing that they’d made with their hands! 42 So God handed them over to worship the armies of the heavens, just as it’s written in the Book of the Prophets: It wasn’t to Me that you offered victims and sacrifices for forty years in the desert; was it, O house of Israel? 43 Rather, you took the images that you made for worship to the tent of Moloch, and to the star of the god Rephan. So, [now] I’m going to exile you beyond Babylon!
44 ‘Why, our ancestors had the Tent of Proofs [when they lived] in the desert, which He had ordered Moses to build, using the pattern that he was shown. 45 And our ancestors who received it (as they came here with Joshua) brought it into the land that was owned by nations who God pushed out ahead of them… and it was here until the time of David!
46 ‘Then [David] found God’s favor and he asked to [to be allowed] to provide a Temple for the God of Jacob, 47 although Solomon actually built the House for him. 48 Yet, the Most High doesn’t live in houses made with hands, just as the Prophet foretold. 49 For Jehovah said: The heavens are My throne and the earth is My footstool, so what kind of House can you build for Me; or in what kind of place should I rest? 50 Weren’t all things made by My hands?’
51 ‘So you with the hardened necks and whose hearts and ears aren’t circumcised are always resisting Holy Breath, just as your ancestors did. 52 For, which of the Prophets didn’t your ancestors persecute? Yes, they killed those who announced the coming of the Righteous One ahead of time, whose betrayers and murderers you’ve now become! 53 Yes, you who received the Law from the messengers [of God], but who haven’t kept it!’
54 Well, when they heard this, they were really cut down and were grinding their teeth at him. 55 But, being filled with Holy Breath, he stared into the sky and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand; 56 and he said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opening up and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand!’
57 Well at this, they started shouting as loud as they could and putting their hands over their ears. Then they all ran up to him, 58 grabbed him, took him outside the city, and started stoning him… as those who came to watch laid their capes at the feet of a young man called Saul.
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed this, ‘Lord Jesus; Receive my breath.’ 60 Then he got down on his knees and shouted loudly, ‘Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!’ And with that, he fell asleep [in death].
Chapter 8
1 And Saul approved of murdering him.
Well on that day, a tremendous amount of persecution was directed toward the congregation in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout the area of Judea and Samaria. 2 However, devoted men carried Stephen to be buried and wept bitterly over him.
3 [This is when] Saul started to devastate the congregation, for he invaded one house after another and dragged both the men and women out, and sent them to prison. 4 However, those who had been scattered just went on preaching the good news of the Word throughout the land.
5 Well, Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached to them about the Anointed One. 6 And there, crowds of people paid attention to the things that Philip was saying, listening closely and watching the signs he performed. 7 For, many who were there had been bothered by unclean spirits, which shouted loudly as they came out, and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8 As the result, there was a lot of joy in that city.
9 Now, there was a man named Simon who lived in the city who used to practice magic. He amazed the people of Samaria and he called himself [Simon] the Great. 10 And everyone (from common people to the most powerful) paid attention to him and said, ‘This man who calls himself The Great is the Power of God!’ 11 So they followed him for a long time, because they were dazzled by his magic. 12 But when Philip came preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, and about the name of Jesus the Anointed One, they started believing him; so, many men and women were baptized. 13 In fact, even Simon became a believer! And after he was baptized, he stayed close to Philip and was amazed as he watched the signs and great powers.
14 Well, when the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria was starting to accept the Word of God, they sent Peter and John there. 15 And they prayed for [the believers there] to receive the Holy Breath, 16 because it hadn’t come to any of them yet, although they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 But when [Peter and John] laid their hands on them, they started to receive Holy Breath.
18 Now, when Simon saw that the Apostles could give the Breath by just touching someone, he offered them money, 19 saying, ‘Give me the power, so that anyone I lay my hands on can receive Holy Breath.’
20 But Peter said, ‘May your silver be destroyed along with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift that God gives freely! 21 You aren’t going to have any part in this, nor will you share in it, because God sees that your heart is crooked. 22 So, turn away from your badness and beg the Lord to forgive you for the [bad] thoughts in your heart. 23 Because, I see bitterness and hate in you, and an unrighteous alliance.’
24 Then Simon said, ‘Please beg the Lord on my behalf, so that none of the things you said will happen!’
25 Then, after they had given everyone a complete testimony and repeated what the Lord had told them, they returned to Jerusalem. And as the result, many Samaritan villages heard the good news.
26 Then Jehovah’s messenger spoke to Philip, saying: ‘Get up and go south to the road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (It’s a desert road). 27 And when he went there, {Look!} he found an Ethiopian who held the office of Eunuch of the Treasury for Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, who had gone to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And while he was returning [home], he was sitting in his chariot reading [a scroll] of the Prophet IsaiJah aloud.
29 Then the Breath told Philip: ‘Go and catch up with his chariot!’ 30 So Philip ran up; and on hearing him reading the Prophet IsaiJah aloud, he asked, ‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’
31 But he replied, ‘How could I, unless I had someone to explain it to me?’ So he begged Philip to climb on and to sit with him.
32 Now, the particular scripture he was reading at the time was this:
‘He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter.
And like a lamb that’s quiet before its shearer,
He did not open his mouth.
33 In humiliation, his justice was denied.
So, who will tell the details to his generation,
For his life was removed from the earth?’
34 So Philip said to the Eunuch: ‘Allow me ask; Just who is the Prophet saying this about… is he talking about himself or someone else?’
35 Then Philip proceeded to explain this scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 Now, as they were traveling along the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘Look… here’s some water! What’s to prevent me from getting baptized?’ 37 —— 38 And then he commanded the chariot [driver] to stop, and Philip and the eunuch went down to the water, and he baptized him there.
39 Well after they came out of the water, Jehovah’s Breath sent Philip away quickly; and the eunuch didn’t see him anymore. But he continued on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, found himself in AshDod. So he traveled on throughout that area, preaching the good news in all the cities, until he got to Caesarea.
Chapter 9
1 However, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the Lord’s disciples. So he went to the High Priest 2 and asked him to write letters to carry to the synagogues in Damascus that would empower him to arrest anyone that he found who belonged to The Way, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.
3 But as he was getting close to Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed all around him 4 and he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice ask, ‘Saul; Saul; Why are you persecuting me?’
5 And he asked, ‘Who are you Lord?’
Then the answer came, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 6 Now, get up and enter the city and you’ll be told what to do.’
7 Well, all the while, the men who were traveling with him stood there speechless, because they heard the sound of a voice, but they didn’t see anyone. 8 And when Saul got up off the ground; although his eyes were open, he couldn’t see. So, they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus… 9 but he was blind for three days and he wouldn’t eat or drink anything.
10 However, in Damascus, there was a disciple named AnaNias. And in a vision, the Lord called: ‘AnaNias!’
And he replied, ‘Here I am Lord!’
11 Then the Lord said: ‘Get up and go to Straight Street, to the house of Judas, and look for a man named Saul from Tarsus. Look… he’s praying [right now]! 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named AnaNias who will come and lay his hands on him, so he can start seeing again.’
13 But AnaNias answered: ‘Lord, I’ve heard about this man from many people, and of all the bad things he did to your Holy Ones in Jerusalem. 14 Why, he has been empowered by the Chief Priests to lock up everyone who calls on your name!’
15 But the Lord replied: ‘Go on, because this man is the one I’ve chosen to carry my name before nations, kings, and the sons of Israel. 16 I will make sure that he understands everything that he must suffer in my name.’
17 So, AnaNias went over to the house, went inside, then laid his hands on him and said: ‘Saul; brother; The Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me to restore your sight and to fill you with Holy Breath.’ 18 And immediately, what looked like scales fell from his eyes and he started to see; and he got up and was baptized. 19 So he started eating again and regaining his strength.
Thereafter, he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and he immediately started preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 However, all those who heard him were shocked, and asked: ‘Isn’t this the man who was ravaging those who are calling on this name in Jerusalem… and didn’t he come here for that same reason… to carry them back in chains to the Chief Priests?’
22 But Saul’s power kept growing and he really confused the Jews who lived in Damascus, because he gave them logical proofs that [Jesus] is the Anointed One.
23 Then after several days, the Jews finally met to discuss ways to get rid of him. 24 However, Saul learned about their plot against him. So, because they watched the city gates closely both day and night to arrest him; 25 one night his disciples lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 Well, when he got to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, because they didn’t believe he was a disciple. 27 So BarNabas came to his aid… he took [Saul] to the Apostles and told them what had happened on the road; how he had seen the Lord and spoken to him; and how he boldly taught in the name of Jesus while he was in Damascus. 28 So [Saul] stayed with them, entering and leaving Jerusalem, preaching in the name of the Lord.
29 He also talked and argued a lot with the Greek-speaking Jews, but then they attempted to do away with him. 30 So when the brothers learned about this [plot], they took him to Caesarea and sent him on from there to Tarsus.
31 Well, then there was a period of peace for the congregations of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. So they kept walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Breath, and they kept on growing [in numbers].
32 Now, as Peter was traveling around, he finally reached the Holy Ones who lived in LydDa. 33 And there he found a man named AeNeas who had spent eight years lying flat on his back on a cot, because he was paralyzed. 34 So Peter told him: ‘AeNeas; Jesus the Anointed One heals you, so get up and make up your bed!’ And then he got up immediately… 35 and all those who lived in LydDa and the area of Sharon saw this man; and as the result, they turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named TabiTha (which translates as Dorcas). She was well known for the good things she did and for helping others when they were in need. 37 However, one day she got sick and died. So they washed her body and laid her in an upstairs room.
38 Now, LydDa was close to Joppa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him to beg: ‘Please hurry and come to us!’ 39 And at that, Peter got up and went with them.
Well, when he got [to Joppa], they took him upstairs to the room, and all the widows came to him crying and showing him the many pieces of clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 So Peter sent everyone outside; then he got down on his knees and prayed, and he turned toward the body and said, ‘TabitTha; Be resurrected!’
And at that, she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up! 41 Then he gave her his hand and stood her up. So he called the Holy Ones and widows in, and presented her to them alive.
42 Well, this event became well known throughout Joppa, and many became believers in the Lord as the result. 43 Then, for several days after that, [Peter] stayed in Joppa [in the home of] Simon the Tanner.
Chapter 10
1 Now, in Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius (he was a centurion of the Italian Division) 2 who was a devout man. He and his family feared God, praying to Him often, and they regularly helped those who were in need. 3 Well, it was about the ninth hour of the day when he clearly saw a messenger of The God who came to him in a vision and called, ‘Cornelius!’
4 But the man stared at [the messenger] in fright and asked, ‘What do you want, Lord?’
And he answered, ‘Your prayers and kind gifts have arisen and have been remembered before God. 5 Now, send some men to Joppa and call for a man named Simon, who is called Peter. 6 He’s the guest of Simon the Tanner who has a house by the sea.’
7 Well, as soon as the messenger [from God] who spoke to him left, he called two of his house servants and a devout soldier who stayed with him; 8 then he told them everything that had happened, and sent them to Joppa.
9 Then the next day, as they were on their way and getting close to the city, Peter went up to the roof (at about the sixth hour) to pray. 10 He was also very hungry and he wanted to eat, but while they were preparing [the meal], he fell into a trance.
11 Then he saw the sky opening, and some sort of container (it looked like a huge linen sheet, which was being held at its four corners) coming down to the earth. 12 And inside it there were all kinds of four-footed animals, things that crawl on the ground, and birds of the sky. 13 Then a voice came to him that said, ‘Get up Peter; Slaughter [the animals] and eat them!’
14 But Peter said: ‘Not me Lord, because I’ve never eaten anything that is dirty and unclean!’
15 And the voice [spoke] to him a second time, saying, ‘Stop calling the things that God has made clean, dirty!’ 16 And this also happened a third time, and then the container was immediately taken back to heaven.
17 Now, Peter was confused about what this vision meant. However, {Look!} the men that were sent by Cornelius were already there at Simon’s house, standing at the gate and asking for him… 18 they called out and asked whether Simon, who is called Peter, was a guest there. 19 And as Peter was thinking about the vision, the Breath said, ‘Look! Three men are searching for you; 20 so, get up, go downstairs, and travel with them! Don’t have any doubts, because I sent them.’
21 So Peter went downstairs to the men and said, ‘{Look!} I’m the one you’re looking for… why are you here?’
22 And they replied: ‘Cornelius, an army officer who is a righteous and God-fearing man that the whole nation of the Jews speak well of, was given Divine instructions by a holy messenger to ask you to come to his house, so he can hear what you have to say.’
23 Then [Peter] invited them in and offered them hospitality. And the next day, he got up and went with them (along with some of the brothers from Joppa), 24 arriving at Caesarea the following day.
Of course, Cornelius was expecting them; so he called for all of his relatives and closest friends. 25 Then as Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet, bowing low. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, ‘Get up! I’m also just a man!’ 27 And as they talked, he walked inside and found many people assembled.
28 Then he told them: ‘You know very well how illegal it is for a Jew to be friends with, or even to talk to, a man of another race. Yet, God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man dirty or unclean. 29 So, when I was called for, I came without any objections. Now let me ask: Why have you sent for me?
30 Then Cornelius said, ‘Exactly four days ago, I was praying here in my house during the ninth hour, when {Look!} a man in bright clothes stood in front of me 31 and said: Cornelius; Your prayers have been heard and your kind gifts have been remembered before God. 32 So, send to Joppa and call for Simon, who is called Peter. He’s staying by the sea in the house of Simon the Tanner.
33 Well, as the result, I sent for you right away… and it’s good that you came. Now, we’re all here before God to hear everything that the Lord commanded you to say.’
34 And at this, Peter said: ‘I can see for a fact that God isn’t prejudiced. 35 He accepts men who fear Him and do righteous things from any nation! 36 And now he has sent word to the Sons of Israel to announce the good news of peace to them through Jesus the Anointed One; for he is their Lord… 37 and now you know what is being talked about throughout all of Judea.
‘It all started from Galilee, after John went preaching about baptism. 38 And then God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with Holy Breath and power, and he traveled throughout the land doing good things and healing all those who were oppressed by the Slanderer, because God was with him… 39 and we are witnesses of everything that he did in the countryside of Judea and in Jerusalem!
‘But then they killed him by hanging him on a pole, 40 and God raised him on the third day and allowed him to become visible… 41 but not to everyone, just to witnesses who were appointed by God ahead of time. [He appeared] to us, and we ate and drank with him after he was resurrected from the dead. 42 Then he ordered us to preach to the people and to testify to them that he’s the one that God selected to judge the living and the dead. 43 Why, all the Prophets testified to the fact that all those who put faith in him will have their sins forgiven through his name!’
44 And while Peter was still talking about this, the Holy Breath came upon everyone who was listening to what he said, 45 and all the faithful ones who were there with Peter (since they were all circumcised) were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Breath was also being poured out on people of the nations… 46 for they heard them speaking in different languages and glorifying God!
Then Peter asked: 47 ‘Can anyone forbid water to baptize these who have received the Holy Breath, as we have?’
48 So he commanded that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus the Anointed One. And afterward, they asked him to stay with them for several days.
Chapter 11
1 Soon thereafter, the Apostles (and other brothers in Judea) heard that people of the nations were also accepting the Word of God. 2 So when Peter returned to Jerusalem, the circumcised started arguing with him, 3 complaining that he had gone into the house of uncircumcised men and had eaten with them. 4 So Peter explained what happened:
5 ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision of some sort of container coming down from the sky that looked like a huge linen sheet being held by its four corners… it was very clear to me. 6 And as I stared at it, I saw four-footed creatures from the earth, wild animals, things that crawl, and birds of the sky. 7 Then I heard a voice say to me, Get up Peter; slaughter [the animals] and eat them! 14 But I said, Not me Lord, because I’ve never eaten anything that is dirty and unclean. 9 Then the voice came from the sky a second time, and it told me, Stop calling things that God has made clean, dirty. 10 And this happened a third time, and then everything was pulled back up to heaven.
11 ‘Then, {Look!} at that moment, there were three men standing outside of the house who were sent from Caesarea to find me, 12 and the Breath told me to go with them and not to doubt. Why, these six brothers here also went with me, and we all entered the man’s house together! 13 ‘[And when we got there, the man] told us how he had seen a messenger [from God] standing in his house, who told him: Send your men to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will tell you what you must do so that you and your household can get saved.’
15 ‘But when I started to speak, the Holy Breath fell upon them, just as it did on us long ago. 16 And that’s when I remembered what the Lord used to say; John baptized in water, but you will be baptized in Holy Breath. 17 So, if God gave them the same gifts that he gave to those of us who have believed in the Lord Jesus the Anointed, who am I that I should be strong enough to resist God?’
18 Well, after they heard this, they quieted down and started glorifying God, saying, ‘So then; God has given people of the nations the opportunity for repentance into life!’
19 Now, those who had been scattered (because of the problems that arose over Stephen) had traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. And they had been spreading the Word just among the Jews. 20 However, some Cypriots and Cyrenians who went to Antioch started talking to the Greek-speaking [Gentile] peoples, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus to them. 21 And the Lord’s hand was certainly with them, because many of them believed and turned to Jehovah. 22 And when news about this reached the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem, they sent BarNabas to Antioch. 23 Then, when he got there and saw the care that God was showing for them, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to stick with the Lord with their whole hearts!
24 [BarNabas] was a good man who was filled with Holy Breath and faith. So, a large number were added to the Lord.
25 Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So they stayed with that congregation for a year and taught many people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples were, by Divine providence, first called Christians.
27 It was then that [brothers with the gift of] prophesying came to Antioch from Jerusalem. 28 And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and told them through the Breath [of God] that a great famine was about to come upon the entire land (which did in fact happen in the time of Claudius [Caesar]). 29 So the disciples there decided that each of them (as they could afford to) would send relief supplies to the brothers who lived in Judea. 30 And they sent things to the elders through BarNabas and Saul.
Chapter 12
1 This was the time when King Herod started persecuting some in the congregation there, 2 and he did away with James (John’s brother) with a sword. 3 Then, when he saw how much this pleased the Jews (during the celebration of No Fermentation), he also arrested Peter. 4 He grabbed him and threw him into prison, assigning four shifts of four soldiers each to guard him, because he had planned to put him on the stand before the people after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was being held in prison, the congregation prayed to God intensely on his behalf.
6 Now, the night before Herod planned to produce him, he had Peter bound with two chains as he slept between two soldiers, with guards posted at the prison door. 7 But {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger was suddenly standing there, creating a light in the cell. Then he hit Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up… Now!’ And the chains just fell off his hands.
8 Then the messenger said to him, ‘Get dressed and tie your sandals on,’ which he did. And he said, ‘Now, wrap your robe around yourself, and follow me!’ 9 So [Peter] left, following [the messenger], but he wasn’t sure what was happening, because, although the messenger was real, he thought he was seeing a vision.
10 They walked past the first guard, then the second, and when they got to the iron gate that leads into the city, it opened by itself. Then, after they got out and started down a street, the messenger suddenly left him.
11 Well, when Peter finally came to his senses, he said, ‘Now I really know that the Lord sent his messenger and saved me from the hands of Herod and from what all that the Jews had planned to do [to me].’
12 And after he thought about that, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John (who was called Mark), where several were gathered to pray. 13 Then he knocked at the gate and a servant girl named Rhoda came. 14 And when she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so happy that she didn’t open the gate, but ran inside and told everyone that Peter was standing at the gate.
15 However, they said to her, ‘You’re crazy!’
But she kept insisting; So they said: ‘It’s [probably] his messenger.’
16 However, Peter just kept on standing there, knocking.
Well, when they opened [the gate] and saw that it was [Peter], they were astonished. 17 But he motioned with his hand for them to be quiet, and he told them exactly how the Lord had freed him from the prison. Then he said, ‘Tell James and the other brothers what has happened.’ And with that, he left and traveled to another place.
18 Well, the next day, there was quite a stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 Herod searched for him and when he couldn’t find him, he interrogated the guards and then commanded that they be led off [for punishment]. And finally, he left Judea and went to Caesarea, where he spent a lot of his time.
20 Now, [Herod] was thinking about going to war against the people of Tyre and Sidon. So [those people] got together and came to him, then they convinced the Royal Eunuch Blastus to ask [Herod] for peace, because he had been supplying their country with food [during the famine].
21 And after that, there came a day when Herod dressed himself up in his royal clothes and sat down on the Judgment Seat to give a public lecture. 22 Then the crowd that was assembled started shouting, ‘It’s a god’s voice, not a man’s!’ 23 And instantly, the messenger of Jehovah struck him, because he didn’t give the glory to God, and he became eaten up with worms and died.
24 All the while, the Word of the Lord kept on growing and spreading.
25 As for BarNabas and Saul; After they’d finished delivering relief supplies to Jerusalem, they returned [to Antioch]. And this time they took John (the one called Mark), along with them.
Chapter 13
1 Now, in the congregation at Antioch, there were several Prophets and teachers, including BarNabas, Symeon (who was called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Mnaen (who had gone to school with Herod, the district ruler), and Saul. 2 So, while they were serving the Lord publicly and fasting, the Holy Breath told them, ‘Let BarNabas and Saul go to do the work I’ve called them for.’ 3 Then the [brothers] fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, and then they sent them on.
4 Well, the Holy Breath first sent these men to Seleucia, and then they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived at the city of Salamis, they started preaching the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues… and John [Mark] was also there to help them.
6 Then, after they had traveled across the whole island to Paphos, they met up with a Jew named BarJesus who was a sorcerer and a false prophet. 7 He was with the Island’s governor at the time (an intelligent man named Sergius Paulus), who had summoned BarNabas and Saul, because he really wanted to hear the Word of God. 8 But ElyMas the sorcerer (that’s how [BarJesus’] name is translated) opposed them and tried to keep the governor from becoming interested in the faith.
9 Then Saul (who is also called Paul) became filled with Holy Breath and looked at him very hard, 10 then he said: ‘O you unethical and deceitful man; you son of the Slanderer; you enemy of everything that’s righteous! Won’t you quit twisting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 Now look! The Lord’s hand has touched you, so you will be blind and unable to see even the sun for a period of time.’
And at that, [his eyes] instantly started to cloud over and grow dark, and he had to search for someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Well, when the governor saw this, he was shocked and started believing in the Lord’s teachings.
13 Next, Paul and the men who were with him sailed from Paphos to [the city of] Perga in PamPhylia. However, John [Mark] left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 And from Perga they traveled on to Antioch in Pisidia. Then on the Sabbath, they entered the synagogue and sat down; 15 and after reading the Law and the Prophets, the presiding officers of the synagogue called them forward saying, ‘Men; Brothers; If you have anything encouraging to tell the people, say it!’
16 So Paul got up, and with a sweeping gesture, said: ‘Men, Israelites, and everyone who fears God, listen! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors. And when they were visitors in the land of Egypt, He raised His arm to lift the people up, and brought them out of there; 18 and for forty years He put up with their bad manners in the desert. 19 Then, after destroying seven nations in the land of CanaAn, He gave them each an inheritance of land… 20 and all of this happened in a period of four hundred and fifty years.
‘Thereafter, he gave them judges… until the time of the Prophet Samuel. 21 But then they demanded a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish for forty years… a man from the tribe of BenJamin. 22 And after removing him, He promoted David to be their king, testifying about him saying; I’ve found a man after My own heart, David the son of Jesse, who will do whatever I wish.
23 ‘Now, it was from his seed – just as He had promised – that God brought a savior to Israel, Jesus. 24 And John preached publicly about a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel before [Jesus] came. 25 However, as John was finishing the race he had to run, he was saying: What do you think I am? It isn’t me! For {Look!} someone is coming after me whose shoelaces I’m unworthy to untie!
26 ‘Men… Brothers… You sons of the people of Abraham, and those who fear God; These words that bring salvation have been sent to us. 27 But the people who lived in Jerusalem and their rulers didn’t recognize this one. And when they acted as his judges, they fulfilled the things that the Prophets said, which are read aloud [here] on every Sabbath. 28 And although they didn’t find a reason to kill him, they demanded that Pilate should execute him.
29 ‘Then, when they’d finished everything that was written about him, they took him down from the pole and laid him in a tomb. 30 However, God raised him from the dead, 31 and for several days thereafter, those [of us] who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, saw him! So, we are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And here we are announcing the good news to you about the promise that God made to our forefathers, 33 and which He has completely fulfilled for our children; for He resurrected Jesus! Yes, as it was written in the second Psalm: You are my son… today I’ve become your Father!
34 ‘Why, the fact that He resurrected him from the dead, and that he wasn’t about to return to corruption, was proven when He said: I will give you the holy things of David… the things that are faithful. 35 And He said in another place, You wouldn’t allow your Holy one to see corruption. 36 And although David (who served his generation well and followed God’s instructions) fell asleep [in death], was buried with his ancestors, and saw corruption, 37 the one who God raised didn’t see corruption!
38 ‘Understand this, men and brothers; We’re proclaiming to you that sins can be forgiven through this one! 39 And all the wrong things for which the Law of Moses couldn’t excuse you, will be excused for you by this one… if you believe! 40 So, make sure that [the things] the Prophets said don’t happen to you: 41 Look and be amazed, because something is happening in your days that you won’t believe when you’re told!’
42 Well, as they were leaving, the people begged them to tell them more about this on the next Sabbath. 43 So, after the meeting at the synagogue was concluded, many of the Jews and proselytes followed Paul and BarNabas; and they urged them to stick close to God’s favor.
44 Then on the next Sabbath, almost the entire city assembled to hear the Word of God. 45 And when the Judeans saw the throngs of people, they were extremely jealous and started contradicting the things that Paul was saying in blasphemous ways. 46 But Paul and BarNabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘We had to speak the Word of God to you first; but since you’re just pushing it away and don’t judge yourselves to be worthy of life in the age, {Look!} we will be turning to the nations. 47 In fact, the Lord commanded us to do this when he said: I will make you a light to the nations, in order to have my salvation carried to the ends of the earth!’
48 Now, when those who came from the nations heard this, they started rejoicing and glorifying the Word of the Lord. And all those who were inclined to accept life in the age became believers. 49 So the Word of the Lord was carried throughout that whole country.
50 However, the Judeans incited many of the city’s elite (devout women and leading men), and they sent people against Paul and BarNabas, who threw them out of the city. 51 So, they shook the dust off their feet against them, and went on to Iconium. 52 However, the disciples [in that city] continued to be filled with joy and Holy Breath.
Chapter 14
1 Now, the same thing happened in Iconium. [Paul and BarNabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together to speak, and a large number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. 2 However, the Jews who wouldn’t accept what they said, riled up the people of the nations and influenced them to act badly toward the brothers. 3 Nevertheless, [Paul, and BarNabas] spent a lot of time boldly telling them about the Lord. And [the Lord] himself testified to the fact that his favor was being shown, by allowing them to perform signs and omens.
4 However, the whole city was split… some were for the Jews, and others for the Apostles. 5 Then the Jews and gentiles met with the local rulers to arrange to finish them off by stoning them. 6 And when they learned about this, [Paul and BarNabas] got out of there and traveled to the cities and countryside around Lystra and Derbe in LycaOnias, 7 where they continued preaching the good news.
8 Now in Lystra, a man was sitting there who had something wrong with his feet. In fact, he hadn’t walked at all since he was born. 9 This man was listening to Paul, and when [Paul] looked at him and realized that he had enough faith to be healed, 10 he shouted, ‘Get up on your feet!’ And at this, he jumped up and started walking around.
11 Well, when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted (in the LycaOnian language), ‘The gods have turned themselves into men and have come down to us!’ 12 So, they started calling BarNabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes (since he was the one who took the lead in speaking). 13 Then the city’s Priest of Zeus brought bulls and garlands up to the gates, so that he and the crowd could offer sacrifices [to them].
14 However, when the Apostles (BarNabas and Paul) heard this, they tore their clothes and jumped into the crowd, shouting and 15 asking, ‘Why are you doing this? We’re just humans who have the same problems as you; and we’re here preaching the good news in order to turn you away from this foolishness and toward the living God who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them! 16 For, He has allowed the nations to go their own way for generations, 17 but he didn’t leave Himself without witnesses. And He did good things for you by giving you rain from the sky and good harvests, and he filled your hearts with food and happiness!’
18 Yet, despite everything they said, they had a hard time keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19 Then Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium, and they talked the crowd into stoning Paul. Then they dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went back into the city.
Then the next day, he and BarNabas left for Derbe. 21 And after preaching the good news to that city and making quite a few disciples, they returned to Lystra in Iconium and Antioch 22 to strengthen the disciples. They encouraged them to remain in the faith, saying, ‘We will all have to endure many trials to enter the Kingdom of God.’
23 They also appointed elders in each congregation, and with prayer and fasting they entrusted them into the hands of [the God who] they had come to believe in.
24 Well from there, they traveled through Pisidia to PamPhylia. 25 And after teaching the Word in Perga, they went on to Attalia. 26 Then finally, they sailed back to Antioch, where by God’s kindness they had first been entrusted with the work that they were performing so well. 27 And when they arrived, they gathered the congregation and told them everything that God had done through them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the nations. 28 Then they spent a long time there with the disciples.
Chapter 15
1 However, some men who came down from Judea started teaching the brothers, ‘If you don’t get circumcised, following the custom of Moses, you can’t be saved.’
2 But after Paul and BarNabas opposed and argued with them, they arranged for Paul, BarNabas, and some others who were there, to go to the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem to ask about the matter.
3 So, the congregation then sent these on, and they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling [congregations] along the way about the conversion of people of the nations, which resulted in great joy among all the brothers. 4 And when they got to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the congregation (which included the Apostles and the elders). Then they told all the things that God had done through them. 5 However, some of those who had become believers from the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘We must circumcise them, and then order them to obey the Law of Moses!’
6 Well, the Apostles and the elders thereafter held a meeting to look into this matter. 7 And after a lot or wrangling, Peter stood up and said, ‘Men! Brothers! You know how (long ago) God chose to have people of the nations hear the Word of the Good News and believe through my mouth. 8 And God (who knows the heart) testified to them by giving them the Holy Breath… the same as He did to us. 9 So, He didn’t differentiate between us, but purified their hearts in the faith. 10 So, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we could carry? 11 Why, we believe that they are saved – the same as we are – through the [loving] care of the Lord Jesus!’
12 Well at that, the group became silent, as they listened to BarNabas and Paul tell about the many signs and omens that God had used them to perform among the gentiles. 13 And when they’d finished speaking, James said: ‘Men! Brothers! Hear me! 14 Symeon has explained to us how God has looked to take a people for His Name out of the nations for the first time. 15 And in this, the words of the Prophets agree. For it’s written: 16 After this I will return and rebuild the Tent of David that is fallen and buried… I will rebuild it and make it stand again, 17 so that all those who remain can seek Jehovah, along with people from all the nations who are called by My Name.
‘And this was said by Jehovah, who did these things 18 that He has known about for ages!
19 ‘So, I have decided not to create problems for gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Rather, I will send word to them to stay free from things polluted by idols, from immorality, from things that are strangled, and from blood. 21 For, since his generation, Moses has been preached in city after city, and [he has] been read in the synagogues on each Sabbath.’
22 Then the Apostles, elders, and the whole congregation were all in favor of sending men to Antioch, who were [then] chosen from among them. So, along with Paul and BarNabas, there was Judas (who was called BarSabbas) and Silas… leading men among the brothers. 23 And by their hand they wrote: ‘[From] the Apostles and the older brothers, to those brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, who came from the nations… Rejoice! 24 Since we’ve heard that some who came from us have stirred things up there with speeches and have tried to change your lives (although we didn’t give them any such instructions), 25 we’ve arrived at a unanimous conclusion; We’ve decided to choose men to send to you along with our loved BarNabas and Paul… 26 men who have been willing to give their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One! 27 So, we are sending Judas and Silas, who can explain these things to you.
28 ‘It’s apparent to the Holy Breath and to us, that we shouldn’t put any burdens on you other than these necessary things: 29 Stay away from things that are sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things that are strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you stay away from these things, you’ll do well. Good health to you!’
30 So when these men were sent, they went to Antioch, where they assembled the group and then gave them the letter. 31 And after reading it, [those in Antioch] were very happy over the encouragement that the letter conveyed.
32 Then Judas and Silas (since they were also Prophets) encouraged the brothers with many speeches, which strengthened them. 33 And after some time had passed, they were allowed to return to those who’d sent them with this message of peace. 34 —— 35 However, Paul and BarNabas stayed on in Antioch for a while, along with many others, teaching and preaching the good news of the Word of the Lord.
36 Then after several days, Paul said to BarNabas: ‘Now that these matters have been settled, let’s go back and visit the brothers in all the cities where we’ve preached the Word, to see how they’re doing.’
37 However, BarNabas wanted to bring John (who was called Mark) along also. 38 But Paul didn’t think he was worthy, so he didn’t want to take him along… because he’d taken off at PamPhylia, and hadn’t continued with them in the work. 39 So there was quite an argument over this, which resulted in each going his own way. Then BarNabas took Mark and sailed off to Cyprus, 40 while Paul chose Silas; and (after sharing the joy of the Lord with the brothers) he traveled on, 41 going through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.
Chapter 16
1 Then he traveled as far as Derbe, and on to Lystra, and {Look!} there he found a disciple named Timothy, who was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2 The brothers in Lystra and Iconium had many good things to say about him, 3 and Paul wanted to take this man along with him. So he went and circumcised him (because of all the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was Greek). 4 And as they traveled on through the cities, they taught the decisions of the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem, and urged the brothers to obey them. 5 So, the congregations kept getting stronger in the faith and growing day by day.
6 From there, they traveled through Phrygia and the country of Galatia. However, the Holy Breath [of God] wouldn’t allow them to teach the Word in [the province of] Asia. 7 And when they got down to Mysia, they tried to go on to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t allow them to do so. 8 So they passed Mysia and went on to Troas. 9 And there, during the night, Paul saw a vision of a Macedonian man who was standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ 10 And as soon as he saw this vision, we started out for Macedonia, assuming that God had called us to preach the good news to them.
11 So, having been led from Troas, we set a straight course for Samothrace. Then the next day, we traveled to NeApolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a [Roman] colony, which is one of the main cities in that part of Macedonia.
We spent several days in this city. 13 And on the Sabbath, we went to the riverbank outside the of city gate, where we thought we would find a place to pray. Then we sat down there and started talking to the women who had assembled.
14 Well, a woman named Lydia (a vendor of purple cloth from Thyatira), who was a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to the things that Paul was saying. 15 Then, as she and her household were being baptized, she begged, ‘If you men have judged me to be faithful in the Lord, come and stay at my house!’ And she almost forced us to come.
16 Then, as we were going somewhere to pray, there was a servant girl with a spirit of Apollo (a demon) who met us. She used to make a lot of profit for her masters with here predictions; 17 and she kept following Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are slaves of the Most High God, and they are preaching to you about the way of salvation!’
18 Well, she kept doing this for several days, and finally Paul got tired of it, so he turned and told the spirit, ‘I order you in the name of Jesus the Anointed One to come out of her!’ And it came right out.
19 But when her masters saw that they had just lost their hope of income, they grabbed hold of Paul and Silas, and dragged them to the authorities at the market. 20 There they stood them before the judges and said, ‘These men are Jews who are creating a disturbance in our city… 21 they’re preaching customs that are illegal for us as Romans to either accept or to practice!’
22 Well with that, the crowd arose and condemned them. So the judges had their clothes stripped off and commanded that they should be beaten with rods. 23 And after they had received many blows, they threw them in prison, ordering the jailer not to allow them to get away. 24 And since he had received such an order, he threw them into the innermost prison and put their feet in stocks.
25 However, about the middle of the night, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing sacred songs (where the prisoners could hear them), 26 a great earthquake suddenly occurred that shook the jail to its foundation… which opened all the doors and loosened all the restraints. 27 Well, when the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to do away with himself, because he thought the prisoners had all escaped. 28 But Paul called out loudly, ‘Don’t harm yourself… we’re all here!’
29 So he asked for lights to be brought in, and shaking in fear, he jumped in and fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and asked, ‘Lords; What must I do to get saved?’
31 And they replied: ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.’ 32 Then they spoke to him and all those in his house about the Word of God.
33 So at that hour of the night, he went and washed their whip wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized right away. 34 And thereafter, he took them into his house, sat them at the table, and he and his entire household started rejoicing over their belief in God.
35 Well, the next morning, the judges sent the constables with the message: ‘Release those men.’
36 Then the jailer repeated their words to Paul, saying: ‘The judges have sent men to release you. So, come on out and go your way in peace.’
37 But Paul told them: ‘They flogged us publicly, although we weren’t found guilty [of anything], and we are Romans… then they threw us in jail! So, are they now going to try to throw us out secretly? No, let them come down here and bring us out themselves!’
38 So the constables reported what they said to the judges, who were frightened when they heard that the men were Romans. 39 As the result, they came and begged them. Then after bringing them out, they asked them to leave the city. 40 But when they left the prison, they first went to Lydia’s house, where they saw the brothers and encouraged them before they left.
Chapter 17
1 They then traveled through AmphiPolis and Apollonia, to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 And as it was Paul’s custom, he went inside and reasoned with them from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths. 3 He explained and proved by references why the Anointed One had to suffer, and then be raised from the dead. He told them, ‘This Jesus who I’m preaching to you is the Anointed One!’
4 As a result, some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a large number of devout Greeks, many women, and several of the city’s leaders. 5 But the Judeans got jealous and formed a mob; then they assembled a group of wicked men who were hanging around the market, and they created quite an uproar in the city. And they all went to the house of Jason to have [Paul and Silas] brought out. 6 But when they didn’t find them there, they dragged Jason and some other brothers to the city council, shouting, ‘Those men who are upsetting the whole world are here also… 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his home! These people break the law of Caesar by saying there’s another king… Jesus!’
8 Well, when they said this, they really riled up the throngs of people, as well as the city council. 9 So they demanded a large bail from Jason and the others, and then let them go.
10 Then later that night, the brothers sent both Paul and Silas off to Berea. And when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue.
11 Now, these people were nobler than those who were in Thessalonica, because they eagerly welcomed the Word, and they studied the Scriptures daily to make sure the things [they were being told] were true; 12 so many of them became believers, as did a number of the reputable Greek men and women.
13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was also preaching the Word of God in Berea, they traveled there to incite and agitate the crowds. 14 So the brothers immediately sent Paul off all the way to the sea… but Silas and Timothy stayed behind. 15 Then those who took Paul, brought him to Athens. And after instructing them to send Silas and Timothy to him as quickly as possible, they left.
16 Now, while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was disgusted to the core when he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he started reasoning with the Jews and other worshipers in the synagogue, and whoever else happened to be around the markets each day.
18 Then some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers came to hear him and started asking, ‘What is this seed-picker trying to say?’ And others replied, ‘He seems to be preaching about a foreign demon’ (this is because he was preaching the good news of Jesus and the resurrection). 19 So they grabbed him and took him to the AeroPagus, asking, ‘Tell us; What is this new teaching you’re talking about? 20 We heard that you’ve imported some strange new ideas, and we want to know what they are!’
21 Well, all Athenians and even foreigners who traveled there, had nothing to do other than to spend their leisure time telling something or listening to something new.
22 So Paul stood up in the middle of the AeroPagus and said: ‘Men of Athens; I see that you have a greater fear of the demons than do others. 23 And as I was going along and noticing all the things you worship, I found an altar with the inscription: To an unknown God. So, I’m here to preach to you about something that you don’t know, but already worship. 24 For this is the [same] God who made the cosmos and everything in it, and this Lord of heaven and earth doesn’t live in handmade Temples, 25 nor does He need human hands to take care of Him (or anything at all [for that matter]), because He gives life, breath, and everything to all of us. 26 It is He who made every nation of men who live on the face of the earth from just one man, and He’s the One who laid out the times and limits of our lives, 27 so that we would search for God. For, He wanted us to grope around and find Him, although He really isn’t very far from any of us. 28 And it’s through Him that we have life, and move, and exist… even as some of your own poets have said, We are His offspring!
29 ‘So, since we are the offspring of God, we shouldn’t think of this Divine One as being like gold, silver, stone… or like anything else that some man has artistically sculpted! 30 Yet, God has overlooked such periods of ignorance, and now He’s telling all men, wherever they are, to repent; 31 because He has set a day when He’s going to judge the entire inhabited earth righteously, by a man whom He has appointed. And He has given all of us a reason for faith in this, because He resurrected him from the dead!’
32 Well, when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some started joking about it. But others said, ‘We’ll listen to you about this some other time!’
33 So Paul left them, 34 but some of the men started following him and became believers. This included Dionysius (a judge of the AeroPagus court), a woman named Damaris, and others.
Chapter 18
1 After that, he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And there he found a Judean (from Pontus) named Aquila and Priscilla his wife, who had recently come from Italy, because Claudius [Caesar] had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. So he went to them, 3 and because they shared the same trade, he stayed at their house, for they all worked as tent makers. 4 However, he spoke in the synagogue on every Sabbath and he reasoned with both Jews and Greeks.
5 Now, when Silas and Timothy finally arrived from Macedonia, Paul really intensified his work of witnessing to the Jews, to prove that Jesus is the Anointed One. 6 However, they just kept on opposing him and blaspheming; so he shook out his clothes and said, ‘Your blood is on your own heads… I am clean; so from now on, I’ll be going to people of the nations.’
7 Then he left and went to the home of a man named Titius Justus (a worshiper of God), whose house adjoined the synagogue. 8 And Crispus (the synagogue’s presiding officer) became a believer in the Lord, as did his whole household; and many Corinthians who heard about it became believers and were baptized.
9 Then one night, the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Don’t be afraid; keep on talking here and don’t stop, 10 because I’m with you! Nobody will attack you or try to hurt you, since I have a lot of people in this city.’
11 So he stayed there for a year and a half, teaching the Word of God among them.
12 Now, it was while Gallio was governor of Achaia that the Judeans got together and came against Paul. They took him to court and charged him, 13 saying; ‘This man is violating the Law by trying to convert people of other faiths to worshiping [our] God.’
14 But just as Paul was about to answer, Gallio told the Jews: ‘O Jews; I’d be patient and put up with this, if you were talking about [his doing] something wrong or committing some foul act. 15 But if all you want to complain about is words, names, and your Law, take care of it yourselves. I don’t wish to be the judge of such matters!’ 16 And with that, he threw them out of the court area.
17 So then they dragged [Paul] in front of Sosthenes, the presiding officer of the synagogue. And right there in front of the Judgment Seat, they started beating him up. However, Gallio didn’t pay any attention to this.
18 Well, after staying there for several more days, Paul said good-bye to the brothers and sailed off for Syria, along with Priscilla and Aquila. Then [Paul] had his hair trimmed short in Cenchreae, because of a vow he’d made.
19 Now, when they arrived at Ephesus, he left them and went into the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 And although they asked him to stay there a while, he wouldn’t do it. 21 So he said good-bye and told them: ‘I will return again, if it’s God’s will.’ Then he traveled from Ephesus 22 to Caesarea, where he went up and greeted the congregation, and then he traveled on to Antioch. 23 And after he stayed [in Antioch] a while, he left and traveled throughout the areas of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Now, a Jew named Apollos (a native of Alexandria), who an excellent speaker and knew the Scriptures well, arrived at Ephesus. 25 He had been taught the ways of the Lord and was aglow with the Breath [of God]. So, what he said and taught about Jesus was correct, but he only knew about the baptism of John.
26 Well, he was boldly speaking in the synagogue when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, so they took him under their wing and explained the ways of God to him more completely. 27 Then, because he wanted to travel across Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples there, telling them to welcome him. And when he got there, he provided assistance to all those who (through the care [of God]) believed, 28 because he publicly and very enthusiastically showed that the Jews were absolutely wrong, while he used the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Anointed One.
Chapter 19
1 Well, while Apollos stayed in Corinth, Paul traveled inland. And when he got to Ephesus, he found some disciples 2 and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Breath [of God] when you became believers?’
And they answered, ‘Why, we’ve never even heard that there is Holy Breath.’
3 And he asked, ‘Then, what were you baptized in?’
And they replied, ‘In John’s baptism.’
4 So Paul told them: ‘When John baptized, it was a baptism of repentance. However, he told the people to believe in the one coming after him… and that is, in Jesus.’
5 Well, when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Breath [of God] came over them; then they started speaking in different languages and prophesying 7 (there were about twelve men altogether).
8 [Paul] then went into the synagogue, where he spoke boldly, and for three months he reasoned and talked persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But, when [he noted] that some were just becoming more difficult, refusing to believe and saying bad things about The Way in front of the crowds, he left them… he separated the [true] disciples from among them and gave talks in the School of Tyrannous each day, 10 and this went on for two years. So everyone who lived in [the province of] Asia (both Jews and Greeks) heard the Word of the Lord.
11 And [all the while], God kept showing unusual power through the hands of Paul. 12 Why, even the bandannas and aprons he wore were carried to sick people, which caused their diseases to leave and wicked spirits to come out.
13 However, there were some traveling Judean exorcists who also started to use the name of the Lord Jesus against wicked spirits, saying, ‘I order you in the name of Jesus, the one who Paul preaches… ’
14 Now, Sceva (a Judean Chief Priest) had seven sons who were doing this. 15 However, one wicked spirit said to them, ‘I know Jesus, and I’m familiar with Paul, but just who are you?’ 16 And with that, the man who was possessed by a wicked spirit jumped on them, overpowered each one, and beat them up… so they ran out of the house naked and injured.
17 Why, everyone in Ephesus (both Jews and Greeks) heard about this, and it frightened them. And as the result, the name of the Lord Jesus kept growing in praise, 18 and many that became believers would come and openly confess, telling of things that they had done. 19 In fact, several who used to practice magic, brought their books together and burned them up in front of everyone. And when they calculated how much they’d paid for them, they found that they [were worth] fifty thousand silver coins. 20 So, the power of the Word of the Lord kept growing and getting stronger.
21 Well, after all these things happened, Paul resolved that he would travel to Macedonia and Achaia, then on to Jerusalem. And he said, ‘After I get there, I also have to see Rome!’ 22 So he sent two of those who served him (Timothy and Erastus) to Macedonia, while he spent some time in [the province of] Asia.
23 But at the time, a big disturbance had come about because of The Way. 24 For, a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, was making silver shrines of Artemis, and this was a very profitable business for him and his employees. 25 So he gathered them (as well as others in the trade) and said, ‘Men, you know very well that we make a good living from this business. 26 But you’re also seeing and hearing how this Paul has persuaded large numbers of people and is making converts – not just in Ephesus but in almost all [the province of] Asia – saying that those which are made by hands aren’t gods! 27 Why, not only does this endanger our business by damaging its reputation, but [soon] the temple of the great goddess Artemis will become unimportant, and her magnificence – which the whole [province of] Asia and the entire land worships – is about to be brought to nothing!’
28 Well, when they heard this, they became very angry and started shouting, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ 29 So the city became filled with confusion.
Then they all rushed into the theater and grabbed Gaius and AristArchus (Macedonians who traveled with Paul). 30 And after that, Paul wanted to go to visit them in public; but the disciples wouldn’t allow it. 31 Why, even some of the public game commissioners (who were friends of his) sent word to him, begging him not to enter the theater.
32 In the meantime, some [in the theater] were shouting one thing and others were shouting something else, for the whole group was confused and most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 So they located Alexander in the midst of the crowd, and the Judeans pushed him up to the front. Then Alexander started waving his hands in order to defend himself before the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Judean, they started a shout that lasted for two hours: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’
35 Well, when the City Recorder finally quieted the crowd, he said, ‘Men! Ephesians! Who in the world doesn’t know that the City of Ephesus is the place where the temple of the Great Artemis and the image that fell from the sky is kept? 36 So, since these things are undeniable, it would seem better if you’d just calm down and not act so foolishly!
37 ‘Now, you’ve grabbed hold of these men, who aren’t guilty of either robbing Temples or blaspheming our goddess. 38 But, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against them, [remember that] there are court days and there are governors! So, let them bring charges against [them]. 39 But if you’re looking for anything more than that, it has to be decided in a legal hearing!
40 ‘Now, we are really in danger of being charged with rioting today, and we don’t even have a good reason! For, who can give a reason for this disorderly mob?’
41 And after he said that, he dismissed the assembly.
Chapter 20
1 Now, when all the rioting was over, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he told them goodbye and left for Macedonia. 2 And after traveling around to encourage the people there with many speeches, he went to Greece, 3 where he then spent three months. However, the Jews there started plotting against him. And although he had decided to leave for Syria, he changed his mind and returned through Macedonia.
4 Accompanying him there were: Sopater (the son of PyrRhus of Berea), AristArchus, Secundus (of the Thessalonians), Gaius (of Derbe), and Timothy, as well as Tychicus and Trophimus (from the [province of] Asia). 5 These went ahead and waited for us in Troas. 6 Then, after the period of No Fermentation, we sailed from Philippi to Troas, where they were, which took five days. And we spent seven more days there.
7 Then on Sunday, when we met to have a meal, Paul gave a public talk, because he was going to leave the next day. However, his speech went on until midnight, 8 so, many lamps were lit in the upstairs room where we met.
9 Well, there was a young man named EuTychus who was sitting in a window and fell fast asleep while Paul was talking. Then he slumped over and fell out of the third-story window. And when they picked him up, he was dead.
10 Well, Paul went downstairs and threw himself on top of him, hugged him, and said, ‘Don’t worry; he’s still alive!’ 11 So he went back upstairs, started the meal, and ate and talked until daybreak, then he left. 12 For, they had taken the boy [home] alive, and they were extremely encouraged.
13 Then we went on ahead of Paul by boat and sailed to Assos, where we intended to pick him up, because that’s what he told us to do, since he was going to travel there on foot. 14 So, when he caught up with us in Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene; 15 then we sailed from there the next day, coming ashore across from Chios. Then on the following day, we stopped at Samos, and on the next day we arrived at Miletus.
16 Paul had planned to sail past Ephesus, so he wouldn’t spend any time in the [province of] Asia, because he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, if he could. 17 However, [while he was] in Miletus, he sent word to Ephesus to call the elders of the congregation to him. 18 And when they arrived, he told them, ‘You know very well that, from the first day I stepped into Asia, I was with you all along, 19 humbly slaving for the Lord. And [you know] of all the tears and trials I endured because of the plots of the Jews. 20 Yet, I didn’t fail to remind you and teach you both in public and in [your] homes, 21 for I gave a thorough witness to both Jews and Greeks about [the need to] repent before God, and [to have] faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 ‘{Look!} Now I’m traveling to Jerusalem as though I were already in chains, for I don’t know what’s going to happen to me there. 23 [All I know is that], in city after city, Holy Breath keeps testifying to me, telling me that chains and difficulties are awaiting me. 24 Yet, I won’t say anything that would make my life more valuable to me, so I can finish my course. [I just want to finish] the service assignment that I received from the Lord Jesus… to testify completely about the good news of the caring of God.
25 ‘Now, {Look!} I know that all of you to whom I preached the Kingdom will see my face no more. 26 So, I’m testifying to you today that I’m clean from the blood of all men, 27 because I haven’t held back from telling you any of God’s purposes. 28 So now; Pay attention to yourselves and to the whole flock that the Holy Breath [of God] has appointed you to watch over and to shepherd… this congregation of God, which He purchased with the blood of [His own Son]. 29 For I know that after I leave, oppressive wolves will enter among you who won’t spare the flock, 30 and that men from among you will arise and speak twisted things to attract some of the disciples to following them. 31 So, stay awake… and remember those three years when I didn’t give up in counseling each of you tearfully, night and day.
32 ‘And now I’m entrusting you into [the Lord’s hands] and into the expressions of his caring, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all the Holy Ones.
33 ‘[You know that] I haven’t longed for anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing, 34 for you know how I’ve used my own hands to take care of my needs… as well as [for the needs] of those who were with me. 35 I’ve demonstrated to you that it’s necessary to work like this, so you can help those who are weak. So remember the words that were said by the Lord Jesus: There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’
36 And after he said this, he kneeled down with them all and prayed. 37 And many tears flowed as they hugged Paul’s neck and tenderly kissed him. 38 For, when he said that they wouldn’t see his face again, they were deeply saddened. Then they walked with him to the boat.
Chapter 21
1 Now, when we finally tore ourselves away from them and put out to sea, we ran straight over to Cos, then to Rhodes the next day, and from there, to Patara. 2 And when we found a boat that was going to Phoenicia, we got aboard and sailed off.
3 Well, we came in sight of the Island of Cyprus, passing it on our left, and sailed on to Syria, landing at Tyre (because that’s where the boat unloaded its cargo). 4 So we searched and found the disciples and stayed there for seven days. And through the Breath [of God], they repeatedly warned Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5 So when it came time to go, we left and started on our way; but they all (including the women and children) walked outside the city with us. And kneeling down on the beach, we had a prayer 6 and said good-bye to each other. Then we got into the boat and they returned home.
7 After leaving Tyre, we finally arrived at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and spent a day with them. 8 The next day, we left, arriving in Caesarea, where we went to the house of Philip the evangelizer (one of the seven men), and stayed with him. 9 He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 But after we’d stayed there for several days, a Prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Then he approached us and took Paul’s sash off, tied up his own hands and feet, and said, ‘This is what the Holy Breath [of God] says: This is how the Judeans will bind the man who this sash belongs to, then hand him over to people of the nations.’
12 Well, when we heard this, we (and those who lived there) started begging him not to go to Jerusalem. 13 But Paul answered, ‘Why are you crying and crushing my heart? I’m not only ready to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’
14 And when we couldn’t change his mind, we gave in, saying, ‘May the Lord’s Will take place.’
15 After several days, we prepared for the journey and headed toward Jerusalem. 16 However, some of the disciples from Caesarea also traveled with us, leading us to the home of a man who showed us some hospitality, Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple.
17 Then, when we got into Jerusalem, the brothers were all happy to see us. 18 And on the next [day], we went (with Paul) to see James… and all the elders were there too. 19 [Paul] greeted them and started giving a detailed account of the things that God had done among the nations through his service.
20 And after hearing this, they glorified God, then they told him: ‘Our brother; You know how many thousands of believers there are among the Judeans, and they all zealously obey the Law. 21 But they have heard the rumor that you’ve been teaching Judeans who live among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to follow the traditions. 22 What do you suppose can be done about this?
‘Well, in any case, they’re going to hear that you’ve arrived. 23 So, do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a sacred vow… 24 take them with you, and all of you cleanse yourselves ceremonially, then pay to have their heads shaved. That way, everyone will know that there’s no truth to the rumors they’ve heard about you, and that you’re personally following the rules and obeying the Law.
25 ‘And as for the gentile believers; We’ve already sent them our decision to stay free from things that are sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.’
26 So the next day, Paul took the [four] men along and they cleansed themselves ceremonially. Then they entered the Temple to give notice of their ceremonial cleansing (to start counting the days until an offering should be made for each of them). 27 But when the seven days were about up, some Judeans from [the province of] Asia saw him in the Temple, and they created a disturbance among the crowd and they grabbed him, 28 shouting, ‘Men of Israel! Help! He’s the man that teaches against our people, against the Law, and against this place to everyone everywhere. Why, he has even brought Greeks into the Temple and defiled this Holy place!’
29 [They said this] because they had seen him in the city earlier with Trophimus the Ephesian, and they thought Paul had brought him into the Temple.
30 Well, the whole city was in an uproar and people started running there. So they grabbed Paul and dragged him outside the Temple, and then the [Temple] doors were closed.
31 And as they were trying to kill him, the commander of the [Roman] garrison heard about the uproar in Jerusalem, 32 and immediately took a contingent of officers and soldiers, and ran down to them. So when [the mob] saw the commander with his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
33 Then the commander came up, took hold of [Paul], and ordered to have him bound with two chains; and he asked [the mob] who he was and what he had done. 34 However, some in the crowd started shouting one thing, and others shouted something else. So, because he was unable to be sure of anything (due to all the confusion), he commanded [to have Paul] brought back to their garrison. 35 However, when they reached the stairs, the situation got so bad and the mob became so violent that the soldiers were literally carrying him. 36 Because, most of the people kept following and shouting, ‘Kill him!’
37 Then, as he was being carried into the garrison, Paul asked the commander, ‘Am I allowed to say something to you?’
And he replied, ‘Can you speak Greek… 38 aren’t you the Egyptian who started a rebellion and led four-thousand dagger men out into the desert some time ago?’
39 Then Paul said, ‘For a fact, I’m a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia… I’m a citizen of a well-known city. So I beg you; Allow me to speak to the people!’
40 Well, he gave Paul permission; So [Paul] stood on the stairs and waved his arms to [to quiet] the people. And when everything got quiet, he spoke to them in Hebrew, saying:
Chapter 22
1 ‘Men… brothers, and fathers! Allow me to say something in my own defense now.’ 2 (Well, when they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, things got quieter.) And he said, 3 ‘I’m a Jew who was born in Tarsus of Cilicia. I went to school right here in this city, and I received my instruction at the feet of GamaliEl, where I learned to obey the Law of our fathers strictly and to show the same zeal for God that you’re showing today. 4 I personally persecuted this Way, by arresting and handing over their men and women to prisons for execution. 5 Why, the High Priest and the entire assembly of elders can testify to this, because I obtained letters from them to our brothers in Damascus. And I went there to bring everyone who was being held in custody, back to Jerusalem for punishment.
6 ‘But as I was I was on my way and getting close to Damascus, about noon, a bright light flashed all around me in the sky. 7 Then I fell to the ground and I heard a voice say to me, Saul; Saul; Why are you persecuting me? 8 So I asked, Who are you, Lord? And he answered: I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.
9 ‘Well, the men who were with me saw the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 Then I asked, What must I do Lord? And the Lord told me, Get up and go into Damascus. There you will be told of everything you’ve been given to do.
11 But, since I couldn’t see anything (due to the brilliance of that light), those who were [traveling] with me had to lead me into Damascus by the hand.
12 ‘Now, AnaNias – a man who devoutly obeyed the Law and who was well spoken of by all the Judeans who lived there – 13 came and stood next to me. Then he said, Saul; Brother; See again! And I could immediately see him. 14 Then he said, The God of our fathers has selected you to learn about His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the voice of his mouth, 15 because you are to be his witness to everything you’ve seen and heard. 16 So now; Why are you wasting time? Get up, get baptized, and wash your sins away by calling on his name.
17 ‘Well, after I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple when I fell into a trance and I saw [Jesus]. 18 And he told me, Hurry; Get out of Jerusalem right away, because they won’t agree with your testimony about me!
19 ‘But I said, Lord; they all know very well that in one synagogue after another I used to have all those who believe in you thrown in jail and whipped. 20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being spilled, I stood there and approved. In fact, I guarded the robes of those who did away with him!
21 ‘But he just told me: Leave, because I’m sending you to far-away nations.’
22 Now, they had been listening to him until he said this; but then they started shouting, ‘Kill this man, for he isn’t fit to live!’ 23 And because they were shouting, throwing their clothes around, and tossing dirt in the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be taken inside the garrison.
Then he gave orders to scourge him with a whip, in order to force him to explain why everyone was shouting about him that way. 25 But when they stretched him out to be whipped, Paul asked the centurion who was standing there, ‘Is it legal for you to whip a man who is a Roman and who hasn’t been charged with a crime?’
26 Well, when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and asked, ‘Just what do you intend to do? Why, this man is a Roman!’
27 So the commander came to [Paul] and asked, ‘Tell me; Are you a Roman?’
And he answered, ‘Yes.’
28 Then the commander said, ‘Why, I paid a lot to obtain my citizenship.’
And Paul said, ‘I was born [a citizen].’
29 Well, the men who were about to torture him left immediately. And on learning that he had arrested a Roman [citizen], the military commander was frightened. 30 So the next day, because he wanted to know for sure just what the Jews were accusing him of, he [unshackled] him and commanded the Chief Priests and the entire High Court to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and stood him among them.
Chapter 23
1 Then, he looked hard at the [judges of the] High Court, and Paul said: ‘Men; Brothers; I have a perfectly clear conscience about the way I’ve behaved before God down to this day.’
2 And at this, the High Priest AnaNias ordered those who were standing by him to hit him in the mouth.
3 So Paul said: ‘God is going to hit you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit there judging me by the Law, and at the same time break the Law by commanding for me to be hit?’
4 Then those who were standing by him said, ‘Are you speaking against the High Priest of God?’
5 And Paul answered, ‘Brothers; I didn’t know he was the High Priest. Because it’s written: You must not speak badly of the one who rules your people.’
6 Now, when Paul noticed that one part of the group were Sadducees and the rest were Pharisees, he called out in the High Court: ‘Men; Brothers; I’m a Pharisee and a son of Pharisees, and I’m being judged over my hope in the resurrection of the dead!’
7 And after he said this, quite an argument broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, which divided the crowd, 8 because the Sadducees say there is no such thing as a resurrection, or [divine] messengers, or the Breath [of God]. However, the Pharisees publicly preach all of those things. 9 So, there was a lot of shouting, and some of the Pharisees’ scribes stood up and started heatedly arguing, saying: ‘We don’t find anything wrong with this man! However, if the Breath [of God] or messenger spoke to him… ’
10 Now, the argument became so heated that the commander feared that they would pull Paul to pieces. So he ordered the soldiers to go down and take him from their midst and bring him back to the garrison.
11 Then on the following night, the Lord stood next to [Paul] and said, ‘Be strong! So far, you’ve thoroughly testified to things about me in Jerusalem, but now you must also testify in Rome.’
12 Well, the next morning, the Judeans formed an alliance and swore with a curse that they wouldn’t eat or drink until they had killed Paul 13 (there were more than forty men who formed this oath-bound conspiracy). 14 So they went to the Chief Priests and elders and said, ‘We’ve taken a solemn oath with a curse not to take a bite of food until we’ve killed Paul. 15 Now, we want you and the High Court to explain to the military commander that he should bring [Paul] to you, so you can learn more about the charges against him; and we’ll be ready to do away with him before he gets here!’
16 However, Paul’s nephew heard that they would be laying for him, so he went to the garrison and reported it to Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, ‘Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.’
18 So [the soldier] took him to the commander and said, ‘The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.’
19 Well, the commander took him by the hand and led him in, then asked him privately, ‘What do you want to report to me?’
20 And he answered, ‘The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the High Court tomorrow, pretending to want to learn more about the charges against him. 21 But whatever you do, don’t let them convince you to do this, because they have more than forty men who are waiting to ambush him. These men have sworn an oath with a curse to neither eat nor drink until they’ve done away with him. And all they’re awaiting is a promise from you.’
22 Then the commander let the young man leave, after ordering him, ‘Don’t tell anyone that you explained this to me.’ 23 And he called in two of his centurions and said, ‘I want you to get two hundred soldiers ready, plus seventy cavalrymen and two hundred spearmen… have them ready to march all the way to Caesarea at eight o’clock tonight, 24 and provide animals for Paul to ride, then carry him safely to Governor Felix.’
25 Then he wrote a letter that read like this: 26 ‘Claudius Lysias, to the mighty Governor Felix:
Rejoice!
27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to do away with him. However, I came there quickly with a contingent of soldiers and rescued him, because I learned that he was a Roman. 28 And because I wanted to know what they were accusing him of, I took him down to their High Court. 29 And there I found that they had accused him over questions having to do with their Law, but he hadn’t been charged with anything that deserves death or jail. 30 However, because I learned about a plot against this man, I am sending him to you right away. And I’m ordering his accusers to speak against him there before you.’
31 So these soldiers followed their orders and took Paul to AntiPatris by night.
32 Then the next day, they sent him on with the cavalry (which later returned to the garrison). 33 And when they got to Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. 34 So he read it, and then he asked [Paul] which province he came from. And when he found that he was from Cilicia, he said, 35 ‘I will give you a thorough hearing when your accusers get here.’
So he gave orders that [Paul] should be kept under guard in the Praetorian Palace of Herod.
Chapter 24
1 Five days later, High Priest AnaNias arrived with some elders and an orator named Tertullus, and they explained their accusations against Paul to the governor. 2 And when he was called forward, Tertullus said this:
‘You’ve brought about so much peace, and we are welcoming the well-thought-out reforms that you’ve brought to our nation 3 in every way and everywhere with the greatest thankfulness, O mightiest Felix. 4 But, so that I don’t waste any of your time, I beg you to hear us briefly, in your kindness.
5 ‘We found this man (this plague) stirring up rebellions among the Judeans in all the inhabited earth, for he’s the leader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And when he tried to profane our Temple, we arrested him. 7 —— 8 Examine him yourself to learn more about the things we’re accusing him of.’
9 And at this, the Judeans also joined in the attack, affirming that the things [Tertullus] said were true.
10 Then the governor nodded for Paul to speak. And he said: ‘I know very well that you’ve been the judge of our nation for many years. So I’m happy to speak in my own defense about these things that I’ve been accused of, 11 since you are in a good position to ask.
‘It hasn’t been more than twelve days since I went to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they didn’t find me in the Temple arguing with anyone, nor did they find me inciting a riot in the synagogues… or anywhere else in the city for that matter. 13 So, right now they can’t prove any of the things they’re accusing me of before you. 14 But I do admit to this: That which they’re calling a sect, is nothing more than the way that I’ve been worshiping the God of my fathers.
‘Why, I believe everything that is written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 And I have this hope in God (which they also share) that there’s going to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 This is why I’m constantly alert so as to not offend my conscience by doing anything against God or men. 17 And this is the reason why, after [being gone for] several years, I came [to Jerusalem]… to bring gifts to the poor in my nation, and to present offerings.
18 ‘Well, it was while I was doing this that they found me in the Temple… ceremonially cleansed! I didn’t bring along a mob or start a riot! Why, some Jews from the [province of] Asia 19 should be here before you to accuse me… that is, if they can find something against me. 20 Or allow these who are here to tell you themselves what wrong things they found as I stood before the High Court… 21 other than what I shouted while I was standing among them when I said, I am being judged before you today over the resurrection of the dead!’
22 However, since Felix knew a lot about things having to do with this Way, he just put them off, saying, ‘When Commander Lysias gets here, I will make a decision on this matter that you’re so concerned about.’ 23 Then he ordered the centurion not to kill him, but to allow him some liberty, and not to prevent his people from serving his needs.
24 Several days later, Felix’s wife arrived with several others. And since she was Judean, he sent for Paul and they listened to him talk about his belief in the Anointed Jesus. 25 However, Felix became frightened when he talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment; so he said, ‘That’s enough for now! Go on back, and when I have the time, I’ll send for you again.’ 26 However, he really hoped that Paul would try to bribe him, and for that reason, he sent for him and talked to him often.
27 Well after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to be liked by the Judeans, he kept Paul locked up.
Chapter 25
1 It was just three days after Festus became the provincial governor that he traveled from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 And there the Chief Priests and Judean leaders talked to him about Paul. 3 They begged him (asking it as a favor) to send [Paul] to Jerusalem… since they planned to ambush and kill him along the road. 4 However, Festus replied that he would keep Paul in Caesarea, but that he would be leaving [Jerusalem] shortly; and he said: 5 ‘So, those of you who have been empowered to do so, come with me. Then, if he has done anything wrong, they can accuse him.’
6 Well, after he had spent about eight to ten days [in Jerusalem], he returned to Caesarea. And the next day, he sat on the Judgment Seat and ordered Paul to be brought in. 7 And when [Paul] arrived, the Jews who had come from Jerusalem stood all around him and charged him with several serious offenses. However, they couldn’t prove anything,
8 Then Paul spoke in his own defense, saying, ‘I haven’t committed any sins against the Law of the Jews, against the Temple, or against Caesar!’
9 However, Festus (in an attempt to gain favor with the Jews) asked Paul, ‘Do you want to go to Jerusalem and be judged over these things before me there?’
10 But Paul said, ‘I’m standing before the Judgment Seat of Caesar, and this is where I ought to be judged! I’ve done nothing wrong to the Judeans, as you’re finding out for yourself. 11 However, if I really am a wrongdoer and have done something that I should die for; I’m not begging off from dying. On the other hand, if none of the things they are accusing me of are true, then no one can hand me over to them as a favor. So I appeal to Caesar!’
12 Then, after discussing it with his counselors, Festus replied, ‘You have appealed to Caesar; so to Caesar you will go!’
13 Well, after several days had passed, Agrippa (the king) and Bernice arrived in Caesarea to pay a courtesy visit on Festus. 14 So, since they were to spend several days there, Festus laid the matter of Paul before the king, saying: ‘There’s a man here who was left as a prisoner by Felix. 15 And when I was in Jerusalem, the Chief Priests and Judean elders brought me some information about him and asked me to condemn him. 16 But I told them that it isn’t the Roman way to just hand a man over as a favor before he meets his accusers face to face and gets a chance to speak in his own defense. 17 So when they got here, I didn’t delay the matter… the next day, I sat down on the Judgment Seat and ordered the man to be brought in.
18 ‘Well, when they took the stand, his accusers didn’t really produce any serious charges, as I thought they would. 19 They simply complained about some dispute they had with him over the fear of their demon, and about some Jesus, who was dead… but who Paul kept claiming was alive! 20 Well, I became so confused over the matter that I finally asked if he would like to go to Jerusalem and be judged there over these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be bound over for a decision by the August One, I ordered him to be held until I can send him to Caesar.’
22 So Agrippa told Festus, ‘I’d like to hear from this man too.’
And he said, ‘Tomorrow you will hear him!’
23 Then the next day, Agrippa and Bernice arrived with a lot of pomp and ceremony, and went into the hearing room, along with military commanders and prominent men from the city. And when Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in.
24 Then Festus said: ‘King Agrippa and all of you who are here with us; Now you can see this man about whom all the Judeans, both here and in Jerusalem, are shouting that he shouldn’t be allowed to live any longer. 25 However, I haven’t found anything he has done that deserves death, so when he appealed to the August One, I decided to send him there… 26 but I really don’t have anything to write to [my] lord about. So, I brought him here before you… and especially before you, King Agrippa, so you can examine him and judge something for me to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable for me to send a prisoner [to Rome] and not to be able to specify the charges against him.’
Chapter 26
1 Then Agrippa told Paul: ‘You are allowed to speak in your own behalf.’
So Paul stretched his hands out and said this in his defense: 2 ‘King Agrippa; I’m happy to be here and defend myself before you today over all these things that I’ve been accused of by the Judeans, 3 because you’re an expert on all Judean customs and controversies. So I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 ‘This is the way that I’ve lived since I was a boy: From long ago, everyone in my nation (all in Jerusalem and all the Jews 5 who used to know me) can testify to the fact that I was raised in the strictest sect of our type of worship… I was a Pharisee. 6 And now, it’s over the hope of a promise that was made by God to our ancestors that I’m standing here being judged. 7 For, our twelve tribes have been hoping to see the fulfillment of this promise by offering [God] our intense worship night and day, and it’s over this hope that I’m being accused by the Judeans, O king.
8 ‘Why do you find it unbelievable that God can raise the dead? 9 For a fact, I once thought that it was right to do whatever I could to oppose the name of Jesus the Nazarene; 10 and I did this in Jerusalem! Why, I locked up many of the Holy Ones and threw them in jail, because I was authorized to do this by the Chief Priests. And as they were being brought up for execution, I voted against them! 11 I often punished them in synagogues and tried to make them commit blasphemy; and since I was so crazy [in my hatred] against them, I even traveled to other cities to persecute them.
12 Well, it was while I was doing this that I traveled to Damascus with an authorization and a commission from the Chief Priests. 13 And at noon, while I was on the road, O king, I saw a light that was brighter than the sun, which flashed from the sky around me and those who were traveling with me. 14 Then we all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew: Saul; Saul; Why are you persecuting me? It’s so hard for you to keep kicking against the goad!’
15 ‘Then I asked, Who are you Lord?
‘And the Lord replied, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 Now, get up and stand on your feet. This is why I’ve made myself visible to you; to take you ahead of time to be my servant, so you can testify to the fact that you saw me, and [to testify] to the things that I will make you see. 17 For, I’m selecting you out of the people and out of the nations that I’m going to send you to, 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of the Opposer, to God. I’m doing this so that their sins can be forgiven and so they can receive an inheritance among those who have been made holy by [their] faith in me.
19 ‘So, King Agrippa; I didn’t disobey this vision from heaven. 20 First I went to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and the entire countryside of Judea… and then to the nations. I carried the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing things to prove their repentance. 21 And this is why the Judeans grabbed me in the Temple and tried to beat me to death!
22 ‘However, through the help of God, I’ve kept witnessing to both the least and the greatest down to this day. And I haven’t been saying anything other that what the Prophets and Moses told us would happen… 23 that the Anointed One was to going to suffer. And that; As the first to be resurrected from the dead, he was going to proclaim light to this people and to the nations.’
24 Now, while he was saying these things in his defense, Festus shouted, ‘You’re crazy, Paul! All the writings are driving you mad!’
25 But Paul said: ‘I’m not going crazy, O mighty Festus; I’m telling you things that are true and which make good sense! 26 For a fact, the king that I’m speaking to so openly, knows a lot about these things! Why, I believe that none of these things has escaped his notice, because none of it was done off in some corner! 27 King Agrippa; Do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe!’
28 But Agrippa said to Paul, ‘It wouldn’t take long for you to convince me to become a Christian!’
29 And at this, Paul said: ‘I wish to God (whether it takes a short time or a long time) that not only you, but also everyone who hears me today would become men just like me… except for these chains.’
30 Then the king got up, as did the governor, Bernice, and the men who were sitting with them. 31 And as they were walking out, they were talking to each other, saying, ‘This man didn’t do anything deserving of death… or even to be locked up for!’
32 And Agrippa told Festus: ‘This man could have been released if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.’
Chapter 27
1 Now, since it was decided that we had to sail away to Italy, they handed Paul (and some other prisoners) over to a centurion named Julius, [a soldier] of the Augustus Division. 2 So we boarded a ship along with AristArchus (a Macedonian from Thessalonica).
Now, the ship had come from AdraMyttium, and it was sailing to places along the coast of the [province of] Asia. 3 So the next day, we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul very kindly there, by allowing him to visit friends who cared for his needs.
4 From there, we sailed around Cyprus, because the winds were against us, 5 then we hit the open sea [south of] Cilicia and PamPhylia, and put into port at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship that was coming from Alexandria and sailing for Italy, and he made us board it. 7 Then, after sailing slowly (and with a lot of difficulty) for several days, we stopped at Cnidus. And because the winds wouldn’t let us go on, we sailed [south of] Salmone, Crete. 8 Then, following the coastline with a lot of difficulty, we came to a place called Good Harbors, near the city of Lasea.
9 Well, since we had lost so much time (because it was now past [the Day of Atonement]) and the sea was hazardous to navigate, Paul made a recommendation, 10 saying: ‘Men; I see that any further navigation is going to result in damage and huge losses, not only to the cargo and ship, but to our lives!’
11 However, the army officer listened to the pilot and the ship’s owner, rather than to what Paul was saying.
12 Now, since this harbor was a poor choice as a place to spend the winter, the majority advised setting sail to see if they could make it to Phoenix, to spend the winter there (it’s a harbor in Crete, which has openings to the northeast and southeast).
13 Well, when the south wind started blowing gently, they thought that this would meet their needs. So, they weighed anchor and began coasting along the shore next to Crete. 14 Then after a little while, a typhoon wind they call the Euro Cyclone bore down on us. 15 And, because the ship was being violently tossed so it couldn’t maintain its heading, we just gave up and [allowed ourselves to be] carried along by the wind. 16 And when we passed south of a small island called Cauda, it took all our strength to get hold of the rowboat that was tied at the rear of the ship. 17 But after we hoisted it aboard, they began wrapping the ship with [ropes and chains]. And since they were afraid of running aground on shoals, they lowered the masts and we were just carried along.
18 However, on the next day (because we were still being violently tossed by the storm), they started to lighten the ship. 19 And on the third [day], they tossed the boat’s furnishings overboard with their own hands.
20 Now, since we hadn’t seen the sun or stars for several days, and a storm was still over us, we lost any hope of being saved… 21 and considerable time had elapsed since anyone had been able to eat. Then Paul stood up in the midst of them and said, ‘Men; You certainly should have taken my advice and not put out to sea from Crete, just to suffer this kind of damage and loss. 22 But now I’m recommending that you be happy, because not a single life will be lost… however, the ship will [be lost]. 23 You see; A messenger from the God (whom I belong to and serve) came to me this evening, 24 saying, Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And {Look!} God has favored you by giving you [the lives of] all those who are sailing with you.
25 ‘So be happy men, because I believe that God will do exactly what He told me! 26 However, we will be cast ashore on an island.’
27 Now, as night fell on the fourteenth day, and as we were being carried along in the Adriatic Sea (at about midnight), the sailors suspected that we were close to land. 28 So, they did a depth sounding and found it at twenty fathoms. Then we traveled on a little farther and they took another depth sounding, and this time it was fifteen fathoms. 29 So, because they were afraid that we might run up on the rocks, they threw out four anchors at the stern and hoped for daylight.
30 However, the crew tried to escape from the ship by lowering the rowboat into the sea, while pretending to drop anchors from the prow. 31 Then Paul told the centurion and his soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay on this ship, you can’t be saved.’ 32 So, the soldiers cut away the ropes that held the rowboat and let it drop.
33 Now, when it was close to dawn, Paul encouraged everyone to eat something, saying, ‘Today makes the fourteenth day that you’ve been on watch, and all that time you’ve gone without food or taking anything else into you. 34 So, I encourage you to eat something, since that will help you to survive. Why, not so much as a hair on any of your heads will be destroyed!’
35 Then after he said this, he took a loaf [of bread], gave thanks to God before them all, broke it, and started eating. 36 So they all started to cheer up and eat some food.
37 Now, there were two hundred and seventy-six people in the boat. 38 And after they had enough food, they lightened the boat some more by throwing the wheat into the sea.
39 But when it finally became light, they didn’t recognize where they were; however, there was a bay with a beach, and they were determined to try to get to the beach in the boat. 40 So they cut away the anchors, letting them drop into the sea, then they untied the ropes that held the rudder, hoisted the foresail to the wind, and headed for the beach. 41 But then they came to a shoal out in the water, and the ship ran aground… the prow was stuck and it couldn’t be moved.
Well thereafter, the stern started falling apart in the crashing waves, 42 and the soldiers decided to kill the prisoners so they couldn’t swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion wanted Paul to make it, so he prevented them from doing that. Then he told everyone who could swim to dive into the sea and get to the shore first; 44 and afterward, the rest could [float in] on planks and other things from the ship. So, that’s how they all got to land safely.
Chapter 28
1 Well, after we made it to safety, we recognized that this was the island of Malta. 2 And there, the native people found us and showed us uncommon hospitality. They built a fire and welcomed all of us in the cold and rain.
3 Then, when Paul went and collected a bundle of sticks and laid it on the fire, a viper was driven out by the heat and bit into his hand. 4 Well, when the native people saw this dangerous animal hanging from his hand, they said to each other: ‘This man must be a murderer, for although he made it to safety from the sea, justice isn’t going to allow him to live!’
5 But [Paul] just shook the animal off into the fire, and he didn’t suffer any ill effects… 6 however, they thought he was going to swell up and suddenly drop dead. And after they waited a long time and saw that nothing bad had happen to him, they started saying that he was a god!
7 Well, nearby there was some property that belonged to the island’s leader ([a man] named Publius), and he welcomed us and treated us with kindness and hospitality for three days.
8 Now, it so happened that Publius’ father was very sick with a fever and dysentery. So Paul went into his room and prayed, then he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 And after this, the rest of the sick people on the island also started coming to him to be cured. 10 Then they honored us with many gifts, and many came with provisions that we would need.
11 Well, three months later, a boat from Alexandria called The Sons of Zeus (which had been wintering on the island) took us aboard, 12 and took us to Syracuse, where we stayed for three days. 13 Then from there, we traveled around [Sicily] and arrived at Rhegium. And a day later, we caught a south wind and made it to Puteoli in just two days, 14 where we found some of our brothers, who begged us to stay with them for the next seven days. Then we traveled on toward Rome.
15 And when the brothers [in Rome] got the news about us, they came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us.
Well, when Paul saw them, he thanked God and was very encouraged. 16 And when we finally entered Rome, Paul was permitted to live on his own, with just a soldier to guard him.
17 Then, three days later, he called a meeting of the local Judean leaders. And when they had assembled, he said to them, ‘Men; Brothers; Although I haven’t done anything against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 And after [the Romans] examined me, they wanted to release me, because they couldn’t find any reason to put me to death. 19 However, when the Judeans kept opposing [my release], I was forced to appeal to Caesar… but I didn’t do this to accuse my nation.
20 ‘Well, this is why I begged to see you and to talk to you… for it’s because of the hope of Israel that I have this chain around me!’
21 Then they told him: ‘We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers who arrived reported or said anything wicked against you. 22 So, we think it’s worthwhile to listen to what you have to say, because we know for a fact that this sect is spoken against everywhere.’
23 They then arranged for a day, and many more came to the place where he was staying. And there he laid things out for them by completely testifying about the Kingdom of God. He also reasoned with them about Jesus from morning until evening, citing both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 So, some started to believe what he said, but others didn’t. 25 And since they couldn’t reach an agreement, they started to leave.
But then Paul said this: ‘The Holy Breath [of God] spoke very accurately to your ancestors through IsaiJah the Prophet 26 when he said, Go to these people and say: When you listen you will hear, but definitely not understand. And when you look, you can look, but definitely not see, 27 because these peoples’ hearts have been closed. So, although they hear with their ears, they don’t respond; for they’ve closed their eyes, so they can’t see with their eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their hearts, and return so I can heal them.
28 ‘Therefore, I’m warning you that God is now giving this hope of salvation to the nations… and they will listen to it!’ 29 ——
30 Well, he stayed in that rented house for two whole years, and he welcomed everyone who came to visit him, 31 preaching the Kingdom of God to them, and teaching them things about the Lord Jesus the Anointed One openly and without any interference.
Romans
Chapter 1
1 Paul, a slave of Jesus the Anointed One, who is called an Apostle, and who was set aside for the good news of God, 2 which He promised through His Prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 that tell about His Son, who came in the flesh from the seed of David, 4 and who proved to be God’s Son in a powerful way, when he (by the Holy Breath [of God]) was resurrected from the dead. Yes, Jesus the Anointed One, our Lord, 5 through whom we received loving care and a commission that we have obeyed, so that all the nations might have faith in his name, 6 from which you’ve also become the called who belong to Jesus the Anointed. 7 To all in Rome, God’s loved ones who were called to be holy; may you have favor and peace from God our Father, and [the Father] of the Lord Jesus the Anointed.
8 First, I thank my God for all of you, through Jesus the Anointed One, because your faith is being announced throughout the whole world. 9 For my God (whom I worship and serve in the good news about His Son with my spirit) is my Witness that I never fail to remember you in my prayers. 10 I keep begging that I can find a way sometime in the will of God to come to you, 11 for I long to see you, so I can give you some spiritual gift to help make you unshakable. 12 Or perhaps we can encourage each other through our faith, both yours and mine.
13 I don’t want you to fail to recognize this, brothers; that I planned to come to you many times, but I’ve been prevented from doing so until now, so that I could find the same type of fruitage that I have in you among the rest of the nations. 14 I’m in debt to Greeks and to barbarians, and to the wise and to the ignorant; 15 so I’m eager to preach the good news to you there in Rome also. 16 I’m not ashamed of the good news, because it’s the power that God uses to save everyone who has faith… first the Jew, and then the Greek. 17 This is how God’s righteousness is being demonstrated [to those who are] out of the faith and [to those] who are in the faith, for it’s written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’
18 God’s fury is being displayed from heaven against all the ungodliness and the badness of men who unrighteously try to resist the truth, 19 because, whatever can be known about God already shines among them, for God made it shine to them. 20 And His invisible things (which include His eternal power and might) are known and can be clearly seen in everything He has made from the creation of the cosmos onward, and this leaves [them] without any defense. 21 Although they knew God, they didn’t glorify Him as God or thank Him. But their thinking was wasted and their unintelligent hearts became dark; 22 and while claiming to be wise, they became morons. 23 Why, they turned the glory of the incorruptible God into images of corruptible men, flying things, four-footed creatures, and things that slither. 24 So God gave them the thing that their hearts desired… uncleanness to dishonor their bodies. 25 Yes, they’ve exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and they’ve started worshiping and serving things that were created rather than the One who created them, who is praised through the ages. May it be.
26 And this is why God abandoned them to their dishonorable passions, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into something that’s unnatural, 27 and the same is true of their males; for they left the natural use of females and started burning in their lust toward each other – males with males – doing what is indecent and receiving the type of reward they deserve for such wrongdoing. 28 And because they didn’t like the idea of having an accurate knowledge of God, He gave them an unrighteous mind, which makes them do these wrong things. 29 They’re filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greediness, badness, envy, murder, arguments, deceit, rudeness, and gossip. 30 [They are] slanderers, God haters, insolent, proud, braggarts, inventors of badness, disobedient to parents, 31 without any understanding, agreement breakers, without any love of their families, and merciless. 32 And although they know the righteous ways of God very well – and that those who do such things deserve death – they not only keep on doing them, but they also approve of others who do such things.
Chapter 2
1 So, you are defenseless, O man, if you’re someone who judges others. Because, when you judge others, you’re condemning yourself, since you’re doing the very same things that you judge [to be wrong in them]. 2 And we know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is righteous.
3 So, when you judge those who do these things that you yourselves are doing, do you believe that you’ll escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you have contempt for the wealth of His caring, patience, and endurance, because you don’t realize that these qualities of God are trying to lead you to repent?
5 It’s because of your hard and unrepentant hearts that you’re saving up a treasure of rage for yourselves on that Day of fury when the righteous judgments of God will be seen. 6 For, then He will pay everyone back for the things they’ve done. 7 But for those who’ve [tried to] do good things and who are searching for life [through the] ages, there is glory, honor, and incorruption. 8 However, those who like to argue and disobey the truth by being unrighteous will receive [God’s] wrath, anger, 9 and some very difficult hard times. This will come into the life of every man who works at doing bad things – for the Jew first, and then for the Greek. 10 But there is glory, honor, and peace for everyone who works at doing what’s good – for the Jew first, and then for the Greek – 11 because God doesn’t discriminate.
12 All those who are without Law are sinners, and without the Law they’re destroying themselves. But those who are under Law and who sin are judged by the Law. 13 Those who just listen to the Law aren’t righteous before God; only those who obey the Law will be called righteous. 14 But, whenever people of the nations who don’t have the Law naturally obey things in the Law, they not only have the Law, they are the Law! 15 For, when they obey the Law, they show that it’s written in their hearts, and it works with their consciences there and examines their thoughts. Then it will either accuse them or defend them 16 in the Day when The God judges the hidden things of men by this good news that I’m preaching (through the Anointed Jesus).
17 Now, if you are called a Jew and you’re resting on the Law and take pride in your God; 18 and if you understand His Will and all the excellent instructions of the Law; 19 and if you think that you’re a guide to the blind and a light for those who are in darkness 20 (someone who can instruct the unreasonable and teach babies); and if you fully grasp the knowledge and truth in the Law; 21 then, do you, [the one] who teaches others, also teach yourselves? And you who preach Do not steal… do you steal? 22 And you who teach Do not commit adultery… do you commit adultery? And you who are disgusted with idols… do you misuse sacred things? 23 And you who take pride in [God’s] Law… do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? 24 For, it is written: ‘God’s Name is being blasphemed among the nations on account of you people!’
25 Now, circumcision does some good… if you obey the Law. But if you’re a person who breaks the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 And if an uncircumcised person obeys the righteous requirements of the Law, won’t his uncircumcision be considered circumcision? 27 So, if those who are uncircumcised naturally obey the Law (except for what it says about being circumcised), they’re really judging those of you who break the Law.
28 So, being a Jew is something that can’t be seen, and [true] circumcision isn’t something that can be seen in the flesh. 29 Rather, it’s something that’s inside the hidden Jew. Because, circumcision is in the spirit of the heart, not from something that’s written… it’s not there to be praised by men, but by The God!
Chapter 3
1 In what way then, is a Jew superior; or what benefit is circumcision? 2 It’s a huge benefit in every way, for God entrusted His Word to the hands [of the circumcised]. 3 Why? Well, if some [of them] don’t believe, does their lack of faith prove that faith in God is worthless? 4 May that never happen! Let The God be proven true even if it makes every man a liar! For it’s written: ‘Your words can prove you righteous, and you can win when you’re being judged.’
5 However, if our unrighteousness [is exposed by] God’s righteousness, what can we say? Then God won’t be wrong when He brings His wrath, will He? So, I’m saying this to [all] men: 6 May that never happen! Otherwise, how could The God judge the world?
7 Now, if I tell a lie and that makes the truth of God and His glory grow, then why should I be judged a sinner? 8 Well, that’s why people are saying so many bad things about us. They claim that some of us are saying, ‘Let’s do bad things so good things can happen.’ This is why such a judgment is righteous.
9 So, is there anything that makes us [Jews] better than [gentiles]? Not at all; for we have proven to you that both Jews and Greeks are sinners! 10 Why, it’s written that ‘Nobody is righteous… no one! 11 Nobody really understands, nor is anyone really searching for God. 12 Everyone has strayed and become useless. And no one is really being kind… no one!’ 13 ‘They have all opened their mouths like graves and deceived [others] with their tongues.’ ‘The poison of asps is behind their lips.’ 14 ‘Their mouths are full of cursing and angry shouting.’ 15 ‘Their feet are ready to spill blood.’ 16 ‘They’re on the road to ruin and misery 17 and they’ve never known the road to peace.’ 18 ‘There is no fear of God in their eyes.’
19 Now, we know that everything the Law says was meant for those who were under the Law… it stopped every mouth and made the whole world deserving of God’s punishment. 20 But no flesh will be called righteous before Him by obeying the Law, since the Law is just the understanding of sin.
21 But now, the righteousness of God can be seen in the absence of the Law, and the Law and the Prophets are witnesses to this. For, the Law and the Prophets testified 22 that God’s righteousness comes to all who believe and show their faith in Jesus the Anointed One… so there’s really no difference between us, 23 because we all sin and fall short of God’s glory! 24 Thus, being called righteous is a gift that He kindly gives through the ransom that was paid by the Anointed Jesus. 25 For, God sent him here as a gift, so that; when we have faith in his blood, we can be forgiven for the sins we’ve committed in the past… 26 back when God was just tolerating us. And this is what allows us to look into His righteous ways today. Yes, He proves Himself righteous by calling [all] those who have faith in Jesus righteous!
27 So, where is our reason for boasting? It’s gone! Does it come from our doing the things of the Law? No, it comes through the Law of Faith, 28 because we believe that a man is called righteous due to his faith, so he doesn’t have to follow the Law.
29 [Do you think that God] is just the God of the Jews… isn’t He also [the God of] of people of all nations? Yes! [He’s the God] of people of the nations also! 30 So God is really the One who calls both the circumcised and the uncircumcised righteous because of their faith.
31 Then, does our faith make the Law worthless? Never may that happen! Rather, we give it an equal standing.
Chapter 4
1 Now, what about our fleshly ancestor Abraham?
2 If [God] called Abraham righteous because of the things he did, [Abraham] might have had a reason to brag… but not to God. 3 Because, what do the Scriptures say? ‘Abraham was considered righteous because he believed in The God.’
4 Now, when a man works [for a living], his getting paid isn’t thought of as a kindness… it’s something that he’s owed! 5 However, those who don’t actually do anything other than just having faith in the One who calls the ungodly ones righteous, are counted as righteous because of their faith.
6 David also talked about the happiness of a man who God considers to be righteous despite [the things] that he’s done, [when he said], 7 ‘Those who have been pardoned for their lawbreaking and whose sins have been covered are blest. 8 Blest are all men whose sins are overlooked by Jehovah!’
9 So, doesn’t this blessing come to both the circumcised and the uncircumcised? Well, as was said, ‘Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith.’
10 And what was [Abraham’s] situation when [God] thought of him this way? Was this before he was circumcised, or was it after he was circumcised? It wasn’t after he was circumcised; it was when he was uncircumcised! 11 For the sign that he received was circumcision… and this seal showed that the faith he had was righteous even when he was uncircumcised. As the result, he became the father of all those who have faith – even if they are uncircumcised – and that’s why they can be thought of as righteous.
12 Yes, he did become the father of circumcised offspring. However, not just [the father] of those who are circumcised [in the flesh], but also of those who obediently walk in the footsteps of that faith while they are uncircumcised… as was true of our father Abraham.
13 Abraham and his seed weren’t given the promise of inheriting the world because of the Law, but because of his righteousness, which came from his faith! 14 Because, if those who hang onto the Law are [his] heirs, then there’s no need for faith, and the promise is worthless; 15 for all the Law brings is [God’s] wrath. Because, where there’s no law, there’s nothing to break.
16 It’s only because of [God’s] faithfulness and loving care that we can be sure of His promise of a seed. [This promise] wasn’t made to those who are just under the Law, but to all those who have the same faith as Abraham, the father of us all.
17 It was written: ‘I’ve appointed you to be the father of many nations.’ [And at the time], he was standing before the God who he believed in… He who makes the dead alive and calls the things that aren’t and makes them exist. 18 And although [Abraham] had no reason for hope, he put faith in the hope that he would become the father of many nations, because he was told, ‘These will be your seed.’
19 And his faith wasn’t weakened by the fact (which he knew [to be true]) that his body was almost dead, since he was about a hundred years old, and that the womb of Sarah was dead. 20 But because God promised him this, his faith didn’t waver. And by giving glory to God, his faith made him strong, 21 for he was completely convinced that He could do whatever [God] had promised… 22 and that’s why he was thought of as righteous!
23 Now, the words, ‘he was thought of as,’ weren’t just written for his sake, 24 but for the sake of all of us who [God] thinks of in that very same way… because we believe in the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead 25 after he was offered up for our errors and then raised… so we too can be thought of as righteous!
Chapter 5
1 So, now that we’ve been called righteous because of our faith, let’s enjoy the peace that we have with God through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One. 2 For, it’s through him that we have this faith and are able to bask in His loving care. So, let’s brag about the hope [we have in] the Glory of God. 3 And not only that; let’s also brag about the difficulties we suffer, because we know that they give us the strength to endure; 4 for that strength to endure proves that we’ve passed the tests; and passing the tests gives us hope! 5 For, hope will never embarrass us, because it pours God’s love into our hearts through the Holy Breath that He gives us.
6 For a fact; The Anointed One came right on time and died for ungodly men back when we were still weak! 7 Why, hardly anyone would be willing to die for the righteous, and even fewer who would be willing to die for the good. 8 But God showed His love for us while we were still sinners, through the Anointed One who died for us.
9 Now, since we’ve been called righteous by his blood, isn’t it even more likely that he will save us from [God’s] wrath? 10 Because, if we found God’s favor through the death of His Son while we were His enemies, how much more so will we be saved by His [son’s] life, now that He cares for us! 11 And not only that; but now (through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One) we’re also glorifying the God who has granted us this privilege.
12 Why, sin entered the world through one man, and this sin resulted in death. So, death spread to all men and everyone has sinned. 13 However, although there was sin in the world before the Law, sin is never held against someone when there’s no law. 14 Yet, death reigned from [the time of] Adam down to Moses, even over those who didn’t sin in the same way that Adam did… but [Adam] was a type of the one who was to come.
15 Yet, the error [of Adam] isn’t like the gift [from God], because; if many died due to the error of one man, then, how much more so the caring of God and His gift (the loving care of one man, Jesus the Anointed One) has helped many. 16 So, the gift didn’t come from the one who sinned, for all he brought was condemnation; but [God’s] gift is the counting of us as righteous [despite our] many sins. 17 And if (because of that one error) death started its reign through [Adam]; then those who receive His caring and the gift of righteousness during this life will even be more sure to rule as kings through Jesus the Anointed.
18 Really then; Since the result of one error was to condemn all men, then, through this one righteous act all men can be counted righteous to life. 19 And as the disobedience of one man caused many to become sinners (because of his disobedience), many will also be made righteous!
20 Now, the Law came along so that there would be many errors. And where there are many errors, even more kindness can be shown. 21 So, as sin has reigned and brought death, [God’s] loving care will reign through righteousness and bring life in the age through the Anointed Jesus, our Lord.
Chapter 6
1 So, what can we say? Should we remain as sinners so there can be more loving care? 2 May that never happen! Since we’ve died to sin, how can we live in it any longer? 3 Don’t you realize that all who were baptized into the Anointed Jesus were also baptized into his death? 4 So, we were buried together into him by our baptism into death. And just as the Anointed One was raised from the dead to the glory of the Father, we should be walking in a new way of life.
5 Now, if we’ve been buried with him into the same type of death, then [like him], we will also be resurrected. 6 So we must recognize that the person we used to be was hung on a pole with [him] to end our sinful bodies… and this means that we won’t be slaves to sin anymore, 7 because, those who have died are acquitted of sin.
8 And if we died along with the Anointed One, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For, we know that the Anointed One has been raised from the dead and he won’t die again, so death isn’t his master anymore. 10 And when he died, he died for sins just once… and now he’s alive and he’s living to The God. 11 So, you should also consider yourselves dead when it comes to sin, but living to God through the Anointed Jesus.
12 As the result; Don’t allow sin to rule your mortal bodies and don’t obey its desires. 13 Nor should you offer your body parts as unrighteous weapons of sin. Rather, offer yourselves to God as people who’ve been raised from the dead; and [offer] your body parts to God as weapons of righteousness! 14 So, sin must not be your master, because you aren’t under Law, you’re under [God’s] loving care.
15 So, what then… should we commit a sin because we aren’t under the Law but under [God’s] care? May that never happen! 16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to obey someone as a slave, you’re really the slave of whomever you obey? [So, you’re] either [a slave] to sin, which results in death, or to obedience, which results in righteousness. 17 Thank God that; although you used to be slaves to sin, your hearts started to obey this teaching that you were given, 18 and this is what freed you from sin and made you slaves to righteousness!
19 I’m going to put this in simple terms because of your fleshly weaknesses: Just as you once offered your body parts as unclean slaves to immorality and Law breaking, you must now offer your body parts as slaves to righteousness and holiness. 20 Because, [back] when you were slaves to sin, you were also free from righteousness.
21 And what was the result of the things [you did] back then… aren’t these the very things that you’re ashamed of now? For, such things end in death! 22 However, now that you’ve been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the result is holiness and life in the age. 23 For the wage of sin is death; but God’s gift is life in the age by the Anointed One, Jesus our Lord.
Chapter 7
1 Brothers, recognize that I’m telling those [of you] who know the Law that the Law is a man’s master for as long as he lives. 2 Why, it’s the same situation as with a wife. She must obey her husband throughout his life; but after he dies, she’s no longer under his law. 3 And while her husband was alive, she would have been condemned as an adulteress if she ever became the wife of another man. However, after her husband dies, she’s free from his law and she isn’t an adulteress if she marries someone else.
4 So, my brothers; You died to the Law through the body of the Anointed One. And now you can belong to someone else – the one who was raised from the dead – so that we can produce fruitage for God. 5 Because, while we were fleshly, what the Law labels as sinful passions were working inside us, and the fruitage that it produced was death. 6 But now that we’ve been freed from the Law (because we’ve died to the thing that held us down), we can become slaves to something new… not to just some old writings, but to a newness of spirit!
7 So, what should we say? Is the Law sinful? May that never be true! Why, I wouldn’t have known what sin was if it weren’t for the Law. And I wouldn’t have known what lust was if the Law hadn’t said, ‘You must not lust.’ 8 Yet, when I learned about this sin from the Commandment, it created every sort of lust. So, when there was no Law, sin was dead.
9 Why, I once lived without the Law. However, when the Commandments came along, sin came to life… but I died. 10 So I found that the Commandments which were supposed to lead to life really led to death, 11 for the sins that I learned about in the Commandments seduced me and killed me. 12 Yet, the Law and the Commandments are holy, righteous, and good.
13 So, did the thing that was good for me bring death? May that never happen! Rather, sin (when it was shown to be sin by the thing that’s good for me) is what caused my death… so the Commandments make sin a lot more sinful!
14 You see, the Law comes from the Breath [of God], but I am fleshly and I was sold into sin, 15 so I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t do the things that I want to do, and I don’t like the things that I’m doing. 16 However, despite the fact that I do things I don’t want to do, I say that the Law is good. 17 And I’m not obeying it yet, because sin still lives within me.
18 I know that nothing in my living flesh is any good, and I want to do what’s right, but I don’t actually have the will to do it. 19 So, I don’t do the good things that I want to do and I practice what’s bad. 20 And if I’m doing things that I don’t want to do, I’m not in charge [of my body], the sin that lives there is!
21 So, I find that I want to obey the Law and do good things, but badness is here with me. 22 And though the man that I am on the inside really enjoys the Law of God, 23 my body parts obey a different law and they’re at war with the law of my mind… they carry me off as a captive to the law of sin that’s in my body parts.
24 O what a miserable man that I am! Who will save me from this dying body? 25 Thanks to God (through Jesus the Anointed One, our Lord) that I’m a slave to God’s Law in my mind, even if I am a slave to sin’s law in my flesh.
Chapter 8
1 So, nothing can condemn those who are in the Anointed Jesus… those who are walking in the ways of the Spirit, not [in the ways of] the flesh, 2 because the law of the Breath of life (through the Anointed Jesus) doesn’t come from the Law of sin and death. 3 So, the weakness of the Law is just the weakness of the flesh. And by sending His own Son over the matter of sin (in what appeared to be sinful flesh), God condemned fleshly sin. 4 [And He did this] so that the righteous requirements of the Law could be fulfilled in those of us who aren’t obeying the flesh, but the Breath [of God]. 5 For those who obey their flesh just think about fleshly things; but those who obey the Spirit must obey the things that come from His Spirit.
6 Why, thinking in a fleshly way results in death; but thinking in a spiritual way brings life and peace. 7 So, obedience to the flesh brings God’s rejection, because [the flesh] isn’t under God’s Law, nor can it ever be! 8 Therefore, those who follow fleshly ways can’t please God. 9 However, if God’s Breath lives in us, we aren’t fleshly but spiritual… and whoever doesn’t have the Spirit of the Anointed One doesn’t belong to him. 10 So, if the Anointed One is in you, your body is indeed dead through sin, but the spirit is alive through righteousness.
11 Now, if the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised the Anointed Jesus from the dead will also make your dying bodies alive through His Breath that’s in you.
12 So brothers; It’s our duty not to follow the ways of the flesh while we’re in the flesh, 13 for if you are living according to fleshly ways, you’re about to die. So, you must use [God’s] Breath to kill the practices of the body, so you will live. 14 For, all who are led by God’s Breath are God’s sons!
15 You didn’t receive His Breath to make you slaves to fear again, for when you received it, it adopted you as His sons… so by this Breath we can call out, ‘Papa! Father!’ 16 And it’s the same Spirit (Breath) that testifies to the spirit within us that we’re God’s children… 17 and if we’re [His] children, we’re also [His] heirs… yes, heirs of God and heirs with the Anointed One! However, we’ll have to suffer together so we can be glorified together.
18 I don’t believe that the sufferings we currently must endure amount to anything when they’re compared to the glory that’s going to be revealed in us. 19 For, [all] creation has been eagerly expecting and awaiting the revealing of the Sons of God. 20 Why, the things that were created didn’t have a choice when it comes their not having any hope… and it was only because of Him that they have any hope at all. 21 But creation will be set free from slavery to corruption through the glorious liberation of the children of The God.
22 We know that all creation has been groaning and in birth pains until now. 23 And it isn’t alone, since even we who have received the first fruitage of [God’s] Breath groan within ourselves as we anticipate being accepted as [His] sons… awaiting the ransom release of our bodies. 24 Yes, this is the hope that’s saving us!
Now, when you hope for something that you can already see, that really isn’t hope, because people don’t hope for something they can see. 25 However, if we keep hoping for something we can’t see, we’ll keep waiting for it patiently.
26 The Breath [of God] also helps us with our weaknesses, because we don’t always know what to pray for. However, [His] Breath is there, groaning the words [that we haven’t spoken]. 27 And the One who searches hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, that according to God, is happening over the holy ones.
28 Why, we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him (those who have been called to do His Will). 29 For, He recognized them ahead of time and chose them to become like His Son… who was to be the firstborn from among many brothers! 30 So, He calls all those whom He selected; then He makes all those whom He calls, righteous; and He glorified those whom He makes righteous.
31 So, what can we say about all of this? If God is over us, then, who can come down on us? 32 Why, He didn’t even spare His own Son, but handed him over for all our sakes… so why won’t He also give us everything else?
33 Who can accuse those who were selected by God? For, if it’s God who calls [them] righteous, 34 who can condemn them? Why, the Anointed Jesus (who died, was raised from the dead, and who is at God’s right hand) is also pleading for us. 35 So, who can remove us from the love of the Anointed One… not hard times, difficulties, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or swords! 36 For as it was written, ‘We’re being killed for Your sake all day long… we are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered!’
37 But [now] we’re winners in all these things, through the One who loved us. 38 For, I’m convinced that neither death, nor life, nor messengers, nor governments, nor things that are happening, nor things that will happen, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to take us from God’s love that is in the Anointed Jesus, our Lord!
Chapter 9
1 I’m telling the truth in the name of the Anointed One (I’m not lying, since my conscience testifies with me in [God’s] Holy Breath): 2 I’m extremely sad and constantly sick at heart, 3 because, I wish that I could be the one who is cursed by being separated from the Anointed One instead of my brothers and fleshly relatives, 4 the Israelites. They’re the ones to whom the adoption as sons, the glory, the Sacred Agreement, the Law, the worship, and the promises belong. 5 They’re the ones who descended from the forefathers and from whom the Anointed One descended in the flesh… praise God who’s over everything through the ages, may it be! 6 But God’s word didn’t fail, because not all who came from Israel are really Israel, 7 nor are all of Abraham’s seed his children. For [it’s written]: ‘That which will be called your seed will come through Isaac.’ 8 However, [Isaac’s] fleshly children aren’t the children of God… the children of the promise are that seed.
9 This is what was promised: ‘I will return at this time and Sarah will have a son.’ 10 And that isn’t the only instance; for, when Rebecca was pregnant with twins from our forefather Isaac, 11 and before they were born or did anything good or bad (just to show that God’s purpose doesn’t dependent on the things we do, but on the One who does the choosing), 12 she was told, ‘The older will be the younger [one’s] slave.’ 13 And it was written: ‘I loved Jacob, but I didn’t care for Esau.’
14 So, what can we say? Is God unjust? May that never be true! 15 But he told Moses, ‘I will be merciful with whomever I feel mercy for, and I will be compassionate with whomever I feel compassion for.’ 16 So, it doesn’t depend on the one who does the wishing, or on the one who runs [the race], but on the mercy of God!
17 In the Scriptures [we read that] Pharaoh was told: ‘This is the reason why I’ve allowed you to remain; so I can show My power over you, and to have My Name announced throughout the earth!’
18 So the [point is]; He shows mercy on whomever He wishes, and He hardens [the heart] of whomever He wishes.
19 Now, you might ask: ‘Then, why does [God] blame anyone? For, who can resist whatever He says that He wants to do?’
20 O man; Who are you to question God? Will the thing that is made ask its maker, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ 21 For, isn’t the one who makes pottery in charge of his clay; and can’t he make one pot for an honorable use and another for a dishonorable use from the same lump [of clay]? 22 Why, God can choose to show His rage or to make His power known to pottery that He’s had to endure – which was made for His rage and is only fit to be destroyed – 23 so that He can show the richness of His glory on pots of mercy that He prepared ahead of time for glory… 24 those of us who He called not just from the Jews, but also from among the nations!
25 It’s as He said in Hosea: ‘I will call those who aren’t My people, My people; and her whom I didn’t love, My loved one; 26 and in the place that they were told You aren’t My people, is where they will be called Sons of the living God.’
27 Why, IsaiJah shouted this about Israel: ‘Although the sons of Israel may become as many as the sands of the sea, only a few will be saved. 28 For, Jehovah will call the land in to settle accounts, and then He will cut it short and end it.’ 29 And as IsaiJah also prophesied, ‘If Jehovah of armies hadn’t left us a seed, we would have become just like Sodom, and the same as GomorRah.’
30 So, what can we say… that people of the nations became righteous (although they weren’t trying to become righteous) with the [type of] righteousness that comes from faith, 31 while Israel (which was following a righteous Law) just didn’t make it? 32 And why was that so? Because [Israel] didn’t look for it in faith; [they looked for it] in the things that they were doing… they tripped over the ‘stumbling stone.’ 33 For, as it is written: ‘{Look!} I’m putting a stumbling stone and a rock to trip over in Zion. But, whoever has faith in him will never be shamed.’
Chapter 10
1 Brothers, the goodwill that I have in my heart for [the Jews] and the thing that I beg of God is this: For them to be saved.
2 Now, I can testify to the fact that they have a zeal for God, but they just don’t know [Him]. 3 And since they don’t understand God’s righteous ways and they’re always trying to prove their own ways [as righteous], they don’t submit to God’s righteousness. 4 But the Anointed One perfected the Law into righteousness for all who are believers.
5 Why, Moses wrote this about the righteousness of the Law: ‘If a man obeys it, he must also live by it.’ 6 And the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Don’t ask in your hearts, Who will go up to heaven in order to bring the Anointed down, 7 or, Who will descend into the abyss to bring the Anointed up from among the dead?’ 8 What does it say? ‘The words are close to you… in your mouths and in your hearts.’ And these are the words of faith that we are preaching!
9 So, if you confess and say the words in your mouths that Jesus is [our] Lord; and if you have faith in your hearts that God raised him from the dead, you’ll be saved! 10 For, it’s this belief in your hearts that makes you righteous; and it’s your mouths (when they confesses this) that bring you salvation.
11 The Scripture says: ‘No one who believes in him will ever be shamed.’ 12 So, there’s really no difference between Jews and Greeks, because they all have the same Lord… and He provides abundantly for all those who call on him; 13 so everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! 14 However; How will they call on someone they don’t believe in; How will they believe in someone they’ve never heard of; How will they hear without someone to preach; 15 How will they preach if they aren’t sent? This is why it was written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news about good things!’
16 But, not everyone will obey the good news, for as IsaiJah asked, ‘Who believed our message about the Lord?’ 17 For, faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes through the words of the Anointed One.
18 So I ask: Why didn’t they hear? For, it’s a fact that the call went out to the whole earth… why, their words went to the ends of the earth! 19 So, I again ask: Why doesn’t Israel know?
It was Moses who first told [them], ‘I will make you jealous over those who aren’t a people, and I will make you angry over a stupid nation.’ 20 Then IsaiJah dared to [write]: ‘I was found by those who weren’t looking for Me, and I showed Myself to those who weren’t asking for Me.’ 21 And he [went on to] say regarding Israel, ‘I have stretched out My hands to a people who disobey and talk back all day long!’
Chapter 11
1 So, let me ask; Did God push His people away? May that never happen… because I’m also an Israelite, the seed of Abraham, and of the tribe of BenJamin; 2 and God didn’t reject these people who He knew first! Why, don’t you remember what the scripture said about EliJah, as he was pleading with God against Israel? 3 [He said], ‘O Jehovah; They’ve killed Your Prophets; they’ve dug up Your Altars; now I’m the only one left and they’re looking for my life!’
4 And what was [God’s] reply? ‘I’ve kept seven-thousand men for Myself who haven’t bent a knee to Baal.’
5 And so it is in this period of time; some still remain who have been chosen through [His] loving care. 6 So, if this is due to [His] loving care, then it doesn’t have anything to do with their deeds. …
7 So, what happened? Well, Israel didn’t receive the things they were searching for. Rather, some were chosen, while the rest just became even harder. 8 As it is written, ‘God moved them to sleep deeply so their eyes wouldn’t see and their ears wouldn’t hear, down to this day.’ 9 David also said, ‘Let their table become a snare, a trap, a trip lever, and a payback for them. 10 Let their eyes grow dim so they can’t see, and [let] their backs be bent over through all time.’
11 So I ask; Did they stumble and fall? May that never happen! However, they’ve missed out on the saving of the nations in order to make them jealous. 12 So, if their shortcomings enrich the world, and if lowering them means riches to the nations, how much more would that be true if they were strong?
13 Now, I want to address those of you who are people of the nations: Since I’m really an Apostle to the nations, I can glorify my service 14 if I can somehow make those of my own flesh jealous and save some of them. 15 Because, if throwing them away brought the world into a restored relationship [with God], what will taking them back mean, other than life for those who are dead? 16 For, if the first fruits are holy, so is the whole lump! And if the roots are holy, so are the branches!
17 So, when some of the branches were broken off, you wild olives were grafted in and you became sharers of the fatness of the olive [tree’s] roots. 18 But, don’t cheer because those branches [were removed]; for if you find yourself cheering over that, remember that you don’t support the roots, they support you!
19 Yet you can say, ‘Branches were broken off so I could be grafted in’ 20 … and that’s right! They were broken off because of a lack of faith; and you are there instead, because of your faith. But don’t think too much of yourselves… be afraid! 21 For, if God didn’t spare the natural branches, He won’t spare you either.
22 So, recognize God’s kindness, as well as [His] willingness to remove. For a fact; those who stumbled were cut off, while you received God’s loving care… but only for as long as you stay in that [good relationship]. Otherwise, you’ll be pruned off too! 23 And if [the Jews] don’t continue in their disbelief, they will be grafted back in, because God can graft them back in again!
24 So, if you were cut from an olive tree that’s wild by nature and then (contrary to nature) grafted into the garden olive tree, how much easier it will be for those who are natural branches to be grafted back into their own olive tree again!
25 I don’t want you to ignore this mystery, brothers, so that you don’t become too wise in your own eyes: Israel was allowed to become calloused until the fullness of people of the nations came in… 26 and yet, this is how all Israel is going to be saved. For it’s written, ‘The One who calls others to Him will come out of Zion and turn Jacob away from their irreverence. 27 Yes, this is My part of the Sacred Agreement that I will make with them… when I take their sins away.’
28 So, when it comes to the good news; through you they are enemies! Yet, they were chosen as loved ones because of their ancestors. 29 So, they won’t remain as regretted [by Him] when it comes to the gifts and the calling of God. 30 For, just as you were once disobedient to God, but have now been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 they are now being disobedient. Yet, because of the mercy that was shown to you, they may also be shown mercy. 32 Yes, God has locked them up together in disobedience, so he could show mercy to all.
33 O the depths of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge! His decisions are mysterious and His ways can’t be figured out! 34 ‘Who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, and who can give Him advice?’ 35 ‘Who has given Him something that He has to repay? 36 Why, everything is from Him, by Him, and for Him; so may He be glorified through the ages. May it be.’
Chapter 12
1 So, I beg you by the compassion of God, brothers, to offer your bodies as living, holy sacrifices that please God, and to serve Him in sensible ways. 2 Don’t allow the age we’re living in to mold you, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds into proving what the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God is.
3 And by the loving care that was shown to me, I’m telling all of you there not to think more of yourselves than you should. Rather, think clearly, as God has given each of you your own share of faith.
4 Why, bodies have many parts, and none of them have the same function. 5 And although there are many of us, we are just one body in the Anointed One. So, starting from him (then on down), each of us are parts [of that body], and we all belong to each other. 6 Each of us also have different gifts that we were kindly given, whether it’s prophesying according to your portion of faith, 7 serving some service, teaching some teaching, 8 offering some encouragement, simply sharing, earnestly taking the lead, or cheerfully showing mercy.
9 So, love [each other] without being judgmental; hate what is wicked, and stick to the good things; 10 let your brotherly love make you tender and caring to each other; take the lead when it comes to showing honor to each other. 11 And do your best; don’t be lazy; slave for the Lord and bubble over with his Breath; 12 let your hope fill you with joy; put up with difficulties and persecution; keep on praying; 13 share whatever you have with the Holy Ones; be hospitable; 14 say nice things to those who persecute [you]… don’t curse them praise them! 15 Rejoice with people who are rejoicing, and cry with people who are crying; 16 be aware of each other’s needs; don’t spend too much time thinking about high ideas, but deal with each other humbly; don’t think too much of yourselves; 17 don’t be rude to people who treat you poorly, but plan to do good things in the eyes of everyone. 18 And if possible (whenever you can), be peaceable with everyone… 19 don’t get even loved ones, but put anger in its place, because it’s written, ‘Allow Me to get even… I’ll pay them back, says Jehovah.’ 20 But, If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he’s thirsty, give him something to drink; for when you do this, you’ll pile burning coals on his head. 21 Don’t allow evil to conquer you, but keep conquering evil with good.
Chapter 13
1 Everyone should obey those who have power over them, because there really isn’t any power unless it comes from God. For God is the One who set up the arrangement of government. 2 So, whoever opposes the rulers also opposes the arrangement of God. And those who take such a position will be judged, 3 because the rulers shouldn’t be feared when we’re doing good things, but when we do bad things. So, shouldn’t we fear those who are in power?
Keep doing good things and they’ll praise you, 4 because they’re God’s servants for your own good. But if you’re doing something that’s wrong, be afraid; for there’s a reason why they carry swords… they’re God’s servants and His avengers to show His rage upon those who do what is bad.
5 So, it’s necessary for you to obey, not just for [fear of] angering them, but also because of [your] consciences. 6 This is why you pay taxes, because, as public servants they’re serving God’s purposes! 7 So, pay everyone whatever they’re owed… to the tax collector [pay] the property tax; to the toll collector [pay] the toll; fear the police and honor those [who require] honor.
8 Don’t owe anything to any one, except your love for each other, because he who loves others has fulfilled [the] Law. 9 For [the Laws], ‘You must not commit adultery; you must not murder; you must not steal; you must not lust;’ (and whatever other Commandments there are) are summed up in the words, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 10 Therefore, love doesn’t do bad things to one’s neighbor; so love is the Law’s fulfillment.
11 And for those of you who are aware of the season; it’s time to wake up, because our salvation is closer than it was when we first became believers. 12 The night is almost over and the Day is near, so we should remove the things that belong to darkness and put on the weapons of the light. 13 Let’s behave as we would in the daytime… not in wild parties and drunkenness; not in immoral sex and lacking of principles; not in arguing and jealousy; 14 but put on the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, and don’t plan ahead for things that your flesh desires.
Chapter 14
1 Welcome those who are weak in faith and don’t try to judge their reasons. 2 Why, those who have faith can eat anything, but those who are weak just eat vegetables. 3 So, the one who eats [everything] shouldn’t look down on the one who doesn’t; and the one who doesn’t eat [everything] shouldn’t judge the one who does, because God has accepted them both. 4 So, who are you to judge the house servant of another? Why, he stands or falls before his own master… and he can stand, for the Lord can make him stand!
5 One considers a day as more important than other days, while another considers each day as all the rest… but each one should be sure in his own mind! 6 Those who observe a certain day [as holy] should observe it to the Lord. And those who eat [whatever they wish] should eat it to the Lord, because they thank God for it. Likewise, those who don’t eat [everything] abstain to the Lord, because [they] also give thanks to God.
7 None of us lives just for ourselves, and nobody dies just for himself. 8 So if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die, we die to the Lord. Thus, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 And the reason why the Anointed One died and came to life again, was so that he could be the Lord of the living and the dead.
10 So, why do you judge your brother, or why do you look down on him? Why, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, 11 for it’s written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend before me and every tongue will confess before God.’
12 So, each of us must answer for ourselves before God. 13 Therefore, let’s stop judging each other. Rather, let’s make the decision not to set anything before a brother that will cause him to stumble or fall.
14 Now, I know (and I’ve been persuaded by the Lord Jesus) that nothing is unclean; it’s only when a man considers something to be unclean that it’s unclean to him. 15 So, if your brother is being bothered by what you eat, you aren’t following the path of love yet. Don’t allow someone who the Anointed One died for to be destroyed over the food that you eat… 16 nor should anyone talk badly about the good things that you’re doing. 17 Because, the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with eating or drinking, but with righteousness, peace, and joy in [God’s] Holy Breath. 18 And whoever [makes himself] a slave in matters such as this [for the sake of] the Anointed One, is acceptable to God and will be approved by men.
19 Really then, we should try to do the things that promote peace and build each other up. 20 So, stop tearing down the work of God over food! It’s true that everything is clean, but it can still be bad for those who stumble over what others are eating. 21 It isn’t good to eat meat, or to drink wine, or to do anything that would be a snare to your brother. 22 So, make sure that the things you believe [to be right] also look good in the eyes of God.
Why, any man who isn’t judged over things that he approves of should be praised. 23 But his lack of faith condemns him if he eats something that he’s unsure of; because, if you do something that you don’t believe in, that’s a sin.
Chapter 15
1 So, we who are strong must handle the weaknesses of those who aren’t strong, and not just be pleasing ourselves. 2 Rather, let each of us please our neighbors with good things that build them up. 3 Why, even the Anointed One didn’t just please himself. For it’s written, ‘The insults of those who were insulting you, have fallen upon me.’
4 Why, everything that was written until now was written to teach us, so that through our endurance and through the comfort that comes from the Scriptures, we could have hope. 5 Therefore, may the endurance and comfort that comes from God supply these to you, in order that you may pay attention to each other’s needs, as does the Anointed Jesus. 6 Then together, as with one mind and one mouth, you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
7 So, welcome each other as the Anointed One welcomed us (to the glory of God). 8 Because, the Anointed One became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of the truth of God. He verified the promises that were made to their ancestors, 9 while he allowed the nations to glorify God for all of His mercy. As it’s written: ‘That’s why I’ll praise You to the nations and sing to Your Name.’ 10 And again it says, ‘You nations; Rejoice over His people!’ 11 And again, ‘Praise Jehovah all you nations, and let all the peoples praise Him.’ 12 Then IsaiJah says, ‘From the root of Jesse one will arise who will rule the nations; and the nations will put hope in him.’
13 So, may the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace in the belief that you’ll have more than enough hope through the power of [God’s] Holy Breath.
14 I’m sure of this about you, my brothers: You are full of goodness, because you’ve been filled with all knowledge so you can strengthen each other.
15 Now, I’m writing you in plain words to remind you of this: Because of a gift that God kindly gave me, 16 I was made a Temple Servant to the nations by Jesus the Anointed One. And I’m a Temple Servant of the good news of God, so that the offerings (the nations) can be made worthy and clean through the Holy Breath.
17 So, the Anointed Jesus gives me a reason to cheer when it comes to the things of God. 18 For, I wouldn’t dare to tell of anything that the Anointed One might have failed to accomplish on behalf the nations through me, because I’ve obediently followed his instructions in the things that I’ve said and done, 19 with the power of signs and omens, and with the power of [God’s] Holy Breath. I’ve thoroughly preached the good news about the Anointed One in a circuit from Jerusalem all the way to IlLyricum.
20 I made it my goal not to preach the good news where they had already heard about the Anointed One, so I wouldn’t be building on another man’s foundation. 21 As it’s written: ‘Those to whom no announcement has been made will see him, and those who haven’t heard will understand.’
22 So, it was because of this that I was prevented from coming to you several times before. 23 However, now that I no longer have such a territory, and because I’ve wanted to come to you for several years, 24 it’s my hope to get to see you along the way as I travel to Spain. Then, perhaps you can come to the place where I will be stopping over.
25 However, right now I have to travel to Jerusalem to serve the needs of the Holy Ones, 26 because those in Macedonia and Achaia were happy to share their things by contributing to the poor among the Holy Ones in Jerusalem. 27 True, they were happy to do so, but they also owed them. Because; if the nations have shared in their [God-breathed] things, they owed it [to the Holy Ones] as part of a public service to share things for the fleshly body.
28 So, after I finish this and deliver these things to them safely, I’ll visit you on the way to Spain. 29 And I know that when I do come to you, I’ll come with a full measure of blessings from Anointed One.
30 Now, I beg you brothers, through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, and through the love of the Breath [of God], that you share in praying to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be saved from the unbelievers in Judea… and that my service [of the things that I’m bringing to] Jerusalem may prove to be what the Holy Ones need, 32 so that when I have the joy of getting to you, by God’s will, I can spend some time resting up with you. 33 May the God who gives peace be with all of you. May it be.
Chapter 16
1 I recommend our sister Phoebe to you, who is also a servant in the congregation at Cenchreae. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a way that’s due Holy Ones, and help her in any matter where she may have needs, because she has protected me many times… yes, me personally.
3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in the Anointed Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life. And not just for me, but offer them thanks for all those who are called [from among] the gentiles. 5 And [greet] the called ones in their house.
Greet my beloved EpaiNeton, who is one of the first fruits of the Anointed One in [the province of] Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has done so many things for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and fellow captives, who are notable ones among the Apostles, and who’ve been in the Anointed One longer than I have.
8 Give my greetings to Ampliatus, my loved one in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in the Anointed One, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles; he who is approved in the Anointed One. Greet those from the household of AristoBoulou. 11 Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord from the household of Narcissus. 12 Greet TryPhaina and TryPhosa, [women] who are working hard in the Lord. Greet our beloved Persida, because she has done so many things in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, the Lord’s chosen one, as well as his mother and mine. 14 Greet AsynCritus, Phlegonta, Hermes, PatroBas, Herman, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet PhiloLogus and Julian, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and all the Holy Ones with them.
16 Greet each other with a holy kiss. All who are called by the Anointed One send you their greetings.
17 Now, I beg you brothers; keep an eye on those who are creating divisions and setting traps by going against the teachings that you’ve learned… avoid them! 18 Because, such men aren’t slaving for our Lord the Anointed One, but for their own bellies. They’re seducing the hearts of people who aren’t really bad, with their kind words and praises.
19 However, everyone has noticed your obedience, so I rejoice over you. I just want you to be wise when it comes to doing what’s good, and not to get mixed up in what’s evil, 20 for the God of peace will crush the Opposer under your feet shortly. So, may the loving care of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and SosiPater, my relatives.
22 I Tertius (who wrote this letter) greet you in [the] Lord.
23 Gaius, our host, and all in his congregation greet you. Erastus, the city house manager greets you, as does KouArtos his brother. 24 ——
25 Now, to Him who can make you strong in the good news that I declare, and the preaching of Jesus the Anointed One, according to the revelation of the mystery that has been kept a secret through the ages, 26 but which, through the prophetic scriptures have now been made known and seen among all the nations by the command of the God of ageless time to promote obedience by faith… 27 to God who is the only truly wise One, be the glory through Jesus the Anointed throughout the ages. May it be.
1 Corinthians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, who was called to be an Apostle of Jesus the Anointed by God’s will, and Sosthenes the brother; 2 to the congregation of God in Corinth… to you who have been made holy in the Anointed Jesus, who are called to be Holy Ones along with all those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed everywhere (their Lord and ours); 3 may you receive loving care and peace from God our Father and [the Father] of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed.
4 I always thank God for you, because in His caring (and through the Anointed Jesus) God has given you 5 everything that you need to make you rich in him. [He has given you] all the words and a complete knowledge, 6 while the testimony about the Anointed One is being made firm in you, 7 so you haven’t lagged behind in any gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. 8 He will make you strong to the end, and you will be free from any accusations in the Day of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. 9 For, God who called you to have a share with His Son (our Lord Jesus the Anointed) is faithful.
10 Now, through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, I want to encourage you brothers to all teach the same things… there shouldn’t be any divisions among you, but you must all learn to think the same way and share the same opinions. 11 For those of the house of Chloe have told me that you do a lot of arguing, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that; some of you are saying, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow the Anointed;’ 13 so the Anointed One is divided. Why, Paul wasn’t hung on a pole for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I’m thankful that I didn’t baptize any of you (other than Crispus and Gaius), 15 so no one can say that they were baptized in my name.
16 Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; but as for the rest, I don’t think that I baptized anyone else. 17 You see, the Anointed One didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the good news. [And I wasn’t sent] with many wise words, because that would make the Anointed One’s impaling pole less important. 18 For the message about the impaling pole is just a lot of foolishness to those who are dying, but to those of us who are being saved, it’s the power of God. 19 For it is written: ‘I’ll destroy the wisdom of the wise and I’ll set aside the understanding of intellectuals.’
20 So, where are all the wise men? Where are all the writers? Where are all the great debaters of our age? Didn’t God make the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 And since the world didn’t understand the wisdom of God, God saw that it was good for us to preach foolishness in order to save those who would believe!
22 The Jews ask for signs and the Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach that the Anointed One was hung on a pole. This is a trap to the Jews, and a lot of foolishness to the nations. 24 However, to those who are called (both Jews and Greeks), the Anointed One is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because, a foolish thing from God is wiser than men, and a weak thing from God is stronger than men.
26 Now, notice this about your calling brothers: Not many of you were called who were wise in a fleshly way; not many were called who had power; nor were many called who were born to important families. 27 So, God chose the foolish things of the world to put wise men to shame; He chose the weak things of the world to put the strong to shame; 28 and He chose the common things of the world and things that are looked down on – the things that aren’t – so he can make the things that are, worthless. 29 This [was done] so that no flesh can brag before God.
30 So, it’s because of [God] that you’re in the Anointed Jesus… he has become God’s wisdom to us, as well as His righteousness, and holiness, and our ransom price. 31 As it is written, ‘Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord.’
Chapter 2
1 So, when I came to you brothers, I didn’t bring you the mysteries of God with high-sounding words of wisdom. 2 For, I decided not to teach you about anything except Jesus the Anointed, and about how he was hung on a pole. 3 I came to you as weak, afraid, and trembling. 4 And what I said and preached wasn’t done with persuasive wise words, but with [God’s] Breath and power, 5 so you wouldn’t have faith in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Now, we do talk wisely to those who aren’t mature, but not with the wisdom of this age, or like the rulers of this age (who are coming to nothing). 7 Rather, we speak God’s wisdom as a mystery (hidden wisdom); as things that God had planned before this age for our glory. 8 This is wisdom that none of the rulers of this age knew, because, if they knew about it they wouldn’t have hung the glorious Lord on a pole. 9 But as it is written, ‘Eyes haven’t seen, ears haven’t heard, nor have the hearts of men even thought about all the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.’
10 Yet, God (through His Breath) has revealed this to us, because His Breath searches everything… including the deep things of God. 11 For, other than the spirit that’s in him, which man really knows anything about another man? Likewise, nobody gets to know the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now, we didn’t receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that comes from God, so we can know the things that have been kindly given to us by God. 13 As the result, the things we talk about aren’t words that come from human wisdom, but those that are taught by [God’s] Breath, as we combine spiritual matters with spiritual words.
14 A physical man doesn’t believe anything that has to do with God’s Breath, because he thinks it’s all foolishness. And he can’t learn about these things, because he must be examined through [God’s] Breath. 15 However, a man who has [God’s] Breath judges everything, and no one can judge him. 16 For, ‘who has come to know the mind of Jehovah so as to become His councilor?’ However, we do have the mind of the Anointed One.
Chapter 3
1 And so, brothers, I can’t talk to you as I would to spiritual men. Rather, [I must speak] as I would to fleshly men… as babies in the Anointed One. 2 For, I’ve had to feed you milk, not something to eat, because you weren’t strong enough. And it’s a fact that you aren’t strong enough now, 3 since you’re still fleshly. For, whenever you are jealous and arguing, aren’t you fleshly… and aren’t you acting as men do? 4 And when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another says, ‘I follow Apollos,’ aren’t you just men?
5 What is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? [We’re just] servants through whom you became believers, since each of you was given to us by the Lord. 6 I planted and Apollos watered, but it’s God who makes it grow! 7 So, the one who plants isn’t anything, nor is the one who waters, for God is the One who makes it grow.
8 Now, the one who plants and the one who waters are one. And while each will be rewarded for his work, 9 we’re just God’s employees, and you are God’s field… the thing that God is developing.
10 Through God’s loving care, I was assigned to be a wise chief craftsman. So, I laid the foundation, but now someone else is building on it. However, each one must keep an eye on how he is building, 11 because no one can lay a foundation other than what is already laid, Jesus the Anointed.
12 Now, if anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, and precious stones… or with wood, hay, and stalks, 13 [the quality of] each ones’ work will show… it will be seen in the daytime, because fire will be used and the fire will prove what type of work each one has done. 14 Then if anyone’s construction remains, he’ll be rewarded. 15 And if anyone’s construction burns down, he’ll be damaged by the loss… but he’ll be saved. However, it will be as though he came through fire.
16 Don’t you know that you’re God’s Temple, and that God’s Breath lives in you? 17 And if anyone destroys God’s Temple, God will destroy him, because God’s Temple (which is what you people are) is holy.
18 So, don’t let anyone fool himself. If any of you are thought of as being wise in this age, let him become a fool, so he can be [truly] wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. As it ’s written: ‘He catches the wise in their cunning deeds.’ 20 And again, ‘Jehovah knows that the thoughts of wise men are worthless.’
21 So, nobody should boast about [being followers of] men, because everything belongs to you… 22 whether [it came from] Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things that are here, or things that are about to come… it all belongs to you! 23 However, you belong to the Anointed One, and the Anointed One belongs to God.
Chapter 4
1 So, let men think of us as just employees of the Anointed One and as house servants of the mysteries of God. 2 And what more can be expected of house servants other than just to be found trustworthy.
3 Now, it really isn’t too important to me if I’m being judged by you or by some human court. Why, I don’t judge myself, 5 because I’m unaware of anything against myself. However, this doesn’t mean that I’m righteous, because the Lord is the One who judges me.
4 So, don’t judge anything before its time, because; When the Lord’s Day arrives, secret things that are done in darkness [will be brought] into the light, and the thoughts of hearts will be on display. Then each ones’ praise will come from God.
6 Now, brothers; I’ve overstated these things about Apollos and I for your own good, so you’d learn the rule: Don’t go beyond the things that are written! And don’t get all puffed up by showing more favor for one than the other; 7 for who really knows you… what do you have that you weren’t given? And since it was just given to you, why do you brag as though it wasn’t something you were given?
8 So, are you satisfied already? Are you rich already? Have you started ruling without us? Why, I wish that you had started ruling, so we could also be ruling along with you! 9 For, I think that God has put us (the Apostles) last on the show as men who are condemned to death… we’ve become a theatrical spectacle [before] this world to both [God’s] messengers and to men. 10 And while we’re fools because of the Anointed One, you are wise in the Anointed One… we’re weak, but you’re strong… we’re dishonorable, but you’re the glorious ones.
11 Why, down to this hour we’ve been hungry, thirsty, almost naked, beaten up, homeless, 12 and we’ve had to work for a living. Yet, when we’re being shouted at, we praise; When we’re being persecuted, we bear it; 13 When we’re being slandered, we encourage. And until now, we’ve been considered the world’s refuse and scum.
15 I’m not writing this to shame you, but to teach you as my loved children. 14 For, although you could have thousands of tutors in the Anointed One, you don’t have many fathers… and I became your father in the good news through the Anointed One. 16 So, I beg you to start imitating me! 17 And that’s why I’m sending Timothy to you. He’s my loved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of the ways that I’m teaching in all the congregations everywhere, through the Anointed Jesus.
18 Now, some [of you] are all puffed up as though I weren’t coming to you. 19 But I’ll be there shortly (if it’s the Lord’s will), and I won’t pay any attention to what those who are puffed up have to say. However, [I will pay attention] to their power, 20 because the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with words, but with power. 21 So, which do you want? Should I come to you with a stick, or with the love and mildness of [God’s] Breath?
Chapter 5
1 I’ve actually heard that there is sexual immorality among you. And it’s a type of immorality that isn’t even [heard of] among the nations… that someone has taken the wife of his father! 2 Are you proud of this? Shouldn’t you mourn instead, so that the man who committed this act should be removed from your midst?
3 Although I’m not there physically, I’m there in spirit, and I’ve already judged the man who has done this thing as though I were there. 4 My spirit and the power of our Lord Jesus agree 5 (in the name of our Lord Jesus) that you should hand such a man over to the Opposer for the destruction of his flesh, so the spirit within him can be saved in the Day of the Lord.
6 You don’t have any reason to boast, for, don’t you know that a little [yeast] ferments the whole ball [of dough]? 7 Clean out that old fermentation so you can be something new that isn’t fermenting, because the Anointed (who is our Passover) has been sacrificed. 8 So, let’s not observe the Festival with old fermentation, nor with the fermentation of badness and wickedness, but with the unfermented bread of sincerity and truth.
9 In my [last] letter, I wrote you to quit associating with those who are sexually immoral. 10 [I wasn’t talking about] completely avoiding the immoral [people] of this world, or the greedy, or the extortionists, or the idol worshipers; otherwise you’d actually have to get out of the world. 11 However, now I’m writing you to quit associating with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral, greedy, an idol worshiper, an insulter, a drunkard, or an extortionist… don’t even eat with a person like that. 12 Why should I judge those on the outside? Don’t you judge those on the inside, 13 while God judges those on the outside? Remove the wicked man from among yourselves!
Chapter 6
1 Would any of you who think you’ve been [wronged] by another dare to take it to court [to be tried by] unrighteous men, rather than by the Holy Ones? 2 Don’t you know that the Holy Ones will judge the world? And if you’re going to judge the world, aren’t you qualified to judge small matters?
3 Why, don’t you know that we’re going to judge the messengers… so, why not [judge] matters that have to do with this life? 4 If you have matters of life that must be decided, would you bring them before places of judgment that are held in little regard by the congregation? 5 I’m saying this to shame you! For, isn’t there at least one wise man among you who can [serve as] judge between his brothers? 6 Or must a brother take a brother to court to be judged by unbelievers?
7 Really then, you’ve already lost the battle if you’re bringing lawsuits against each other. For, why wouldn’t you rather allow yourselves to be mistreated or defrauded? 8 And [the fact is; some of] you [really] are mistreating and cheating others… including your brothers!
9 Don’t you know that those who are unrighteous won’t inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t make any mistakes about this; Sexually immoral people, idol worshipers, adulterers, gays, men who have sex with men, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, insulters, and extortionists won’t inherit God’s Kingdom… 11 and that’s what some of you once were! However, you’ve been washed clean; you’ve been made holy; and you’ve been found righteous through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed and the Breath of our God.
12 Everything is legal for me, but not everything is good for me. Yes, everything is legal for me, but I won’t allow myself to be brought under the influence of everything. 13 Food is for the belly and the belly’s for food; however, God is going to bring [the belly] and [food] to nothing. Also, the body isn’t for immorality, it’s for the Lord… and the Lord is for the body. 14 So, just as God raised the Lord, He will use His power to lift us out of death.
15 Don’t you know that your bodies are all a part of the Anointed One? So, should I take one of the Anointed One’s body parts and give it to a whore? May that never happen! 16 Don’t you know that whoever joins himself to a whore becomes one with her body? For he says: ‘The two will become one flesh.’
17 Now, those who are one with the Lord share his breath, 18 so flee from sexual immorality! Every other sin that a man commits is outside his body, but when he has immoral sex, he’s sinning against his own body. 19 Don’t you know that your bodies are the Divine Habitation of the Holy Breath within you, which you received from God! So, you no longer belong to yourselves, 20 because you were bought and paid for… therefore, you must use your bodies to glorify God!
Chapter 7
1 Now, concerning those things that you wrote to me about; It’s best for a man not to even touch a woman. 2 However, because of all the immorality, allow each man have his own wife and each woman to have her own husband. 3 Then, every husband should give his wife what she’s owed, and wives should do the same for their husbands. 4 Wives don’t have authority over their own bodies, their husbands do. And husbands don’t have authority over their own bodies, their wives do. 5 So, don’t deprive each other, except for set periods that you may agree on to devote time to prayer… then come together again. Don’t allow the Opposer to tempt you when you’re weak. 6 However, this is just my own opinion, not a commandment.
7 I wish that all were as I am. However, everyone has his own gift from God, and each in a different way. 8 I’m telling unmarried people and widows that it’s best for them to be like me. 9 However, if they don’t have the inner strength, then let them marry, because it’s better to marry than to be consumed by passion.
10 To married people I give these instructions (not really me, but the Lord): Wives shouldn’t leave their husbands. 11 And if they do, they must either remain unmarried or make up with their husbands. And husband shouldn’t leave their wives.
12 To the rest I say (yes me, not the Lord): If any brother has an unbelieving wife who agrees to live with him, he shouldn’t leave her. 13 And if a woman has an unbelieving husband who agrees to live with her, she shouldn’t leave her husband. 14 Because, the wife makes [her] unbelieving husband holy, and the brother makes [his] unbelieving wife holy… otherwise, their children would be unclean; but now they are holy.
15 However, if the unbelieving one wants to leave, let him go. Because, a brother or a sister isn’t a slave to such matters, for God has called you to peace.
16 But wife; How do you know that you won’t save your husband? Or husband; How do you know that you won’t save your wife?
17 Also, as the Lord has given each one his share, and as God has called each one, let him follow in that same path. That’s what I’m teaching in all the congregations. 18 Was any man called when he was circumcised? Then he shouldn’t become [one of the] uncircumcised. Has any man been called when he was uncircumcised? Then he shouldn’t be circumcised. 19 You see, circumcision doesn’t mean anything and uncircumcision doesn’t mean anything; however, obeying God’s commandments does [mean something].
20 So, it doesn’t matter what state you were in when you were called; just stay that way. 21 Were you called when you were a slave? Don’t let that bother you. But if you can become free, grab hold of the opportunity, 22 because, anyone in the Lord who was called [when he was] a slave, has become free in the Lord. And anyone who was called when free, is a slave of the Anointed One. 23 Why, you were bought and paid for, so stop becoming slaves to men!
24 So brothers, it doesn’t matter what condition each [of you] were called in; just stay that way, next to God.
25 Now, when it comes to virgins, I don’t have any commands from the Lord. However, I’ll give you my opinion (as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, has been faithful). 26 I think that it’s best for anyone who’s had a reason to stay one way, to continue as he is. 27 [For example], are you tied to a wife? Stop trying to get free! Are you free from a wife? Stop searching for a wife! 28 However, even if you marry, you aren’t sinning. And if a virgin marries, she hasn’t sinned. But those who do [marry] will have fleshly problems, and I’m just trying to spare you [from this].
29 Let me say this brothers: The time has been reduced! So, let those who have wives, act as though they have none; 30 Let those who are crying, act like those who don’t cry; Let those who are rejoicing, act like those who don’t rejoice; Let those who are buying, act like those who own nothing; 31 And let those who are using the world, act like those who don’t use it, because the ways of this world are changing.
32 [You see], I don’t want you to worry about anything. An unmarried man worries about the things of the Lord and winning His approval. 33 But a married man worries about worldly things and winning his wife’s approval, 34 so he’s divided. Unmarried women and virgins just worry about the things of the Lord… how they can be holy in their bodies, as well as about what they are on the inside. However, married women worry about worldly things and winning the approval of their husbands.
35 Now, I’m just describing the best situation… I’m not trying to hang you. I’m just trying to move you to do things that work out well and sit well with the Lord… and which won’t distract you.
36 But if anyone thinks his virginity isn’t working out and he’s past the bloom of youth, this is what should happen: Allow them to do whatever they wish, for they aren’t sinning if they marry! 37 However, if someone is settled in heart, doesn’t have any [sexual] needs, has self-control, and has decided in his heart to keep his virginity, he’ll do well. 38 Of course, the one who gives up his virginity and marries also does well, but the one who doesn’t marry does better. 39 For, a wife is tied down as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband falls asleep [in death], she can marry whomever she wishes (but only in the Lord). 40 However, it’s my opinion that she’ll be happier if she stays [single]. After all, I think that I have God’s Breath also.
Chapter 8
1 Now, regarding food that has been offered to idols; We realize that everyone knows something [about this]. However, knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. 2 So, if anyone thinks he already knows everything about it, he doesn’t really understand it as well as he should yet. 3 But God knows those who love Him.
4 Now, regarding eating food that has been offered to idols: We know that idols really aren’t anything in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 And although some are called gods (whether heavenly or earthly)… and there are many gods and lords, 6 we have just one God, the Father. Everything comes from Him and we are one with Him. And there is just one Lord, Jesus the Anointed, through whom everything came to be, and we are through him. 7 However, not everyone understands this.
Until now, some have followed the practice of eating food to an idol as a sacrifice to that idol, and this damaged their consciences and made them weak. 8 However, food doesn’t give us any special standing before God, so if we choose not to eat [food that was sacrificed to idols], we don’t fail; nor are we praised if we eat it. 9 But be careful, so that this power of yours doesn’t trap those who are weak. 10 Because, if anyone sees you – the one who knows – reclining at a meal in an idol’s temple, won’t the weak one’s conscience be built up to the point where he starts eating things as a sacrifice to idols? 11 So, by your knowledge you’ve ruined the man who is weak… your brother whom the Anointed One died for! 12 And when you people sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak consciences, you’re sinning against the Anointed One. 13 For that reason; If food is a trap to my brother, I’ll never eat meat throughout the rest of the age, so I don’t turn myself into a trap for my brother.
Chapter 9
1 Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord? Aren’t you my works in the Lord? 2 Why, if I wasn’t an Apostle to all the rest, I certainly am to you, because you’re the seal that confirms my Apostleship in the Lord. 3 So my defense to those who judge me is this: 4 Can’t we eat or drink whatever we wish? 5 Can’t we take a sister as a wife… as did the other Apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas? 6 And are BarNabas and I [the only ones] who have to work for a living? 7 Why, who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and doesn’t eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and doesn’t drink some of the sheep’s milk?
8 Now, is this human reasoning, or doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 Why, it’s written in the Law of Moses: ‘You must not muzzle a bull when it’s threshing grain.’
So, does God just care about bulls, 10 or didn’t he say that for all our sakes? Really, it was written for all our sakes, because the man who plows ought to plow in hope, and the man who threshes ought to do so in hope of eating [the grain]. 11 So, if we’ve planted the things of [God’s] Breath within you, is it such a big thing for us harvest fleshly things from you? 12 And if those for whom you work benefit from your efforts, shouldn’t we [benefit] even more so?
Yet, we haven’t really used the [full] authority that we have. For, we’ve been handling everything by ourselves, so we don’t get in the way of the good news about the Anointed One.
13 Don’t you know that those who serve in the Temple also eat the things that are there; and that those who serve at the Altar share in the things that are sacrificed? 14 So, the Lord meant for those who preach the good news to be provided for by means of this good news… 15 however, I haven’t used any of those provisions! And I’m not writing this so that will to happen to me, because I’d rather die than to allow anyone to take away my reason for boasting!
16 Now, there’s no reason for me to boast when it comes to preaching the good news, because it’s something that I must to do. In fact, woe to me if I don’t preach the good news! 17 And if I do this voluntarily, I’ll receive my wages. However, if I don’t do it voluntarily, it’s still my assignment. 18 So, what is my pay? It’s my ability to preach the good news without cost. For that way, I don’t abuse the authority that I have in the good news.
19 So, I’m free when it comes to owing [things to] anyone; and I’ve made myself a slave to everyone, so that I can gain more. 20 I became a Jew to Jews, so I can gain Jews. I became as under the Law to those who are under the Law (although I’m not under the Law), so I can gain those who are under the Law. 21 I became as someone who is without the Law to those who aren’t under the Law (although I’m not without law toward God, and I’m under the law of the Anointed), so I can gain those who are without the Law. 22 I became weak to those who are weak, so I can gain the weak. I’ve become everything to everyone, and I’ve used every means to save some. 23 I’ve done everything for the sake of the good news, so I can share it with others.
24 Don’t you know that all who race in the stadium must run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win! 25 And every fighter has to maintain full control just to win a crown that rots away. However, we receive one that doesn’t rot. 26 So, I’m not running timidly, nor am I just swinging my arms… I’m boxing! 27 Why, I beat my body and treat it as a slave, so that after I’ve preached to others, I won’t be rejected.
Chapter 10
1 Now, I don’t want you to miss this point, brothers: All of our ancestors were under the cloud and they all passed through the sea, 2 so they were all baptized into Moses (because of the cloud and the sea). 3 All ate the same food from [God’s] Breath, 4 and they all drank the same drink from [God’s] Breath, because they used to drink from the rock (of [God’s] Breath) that followed them… and that rock was the Anointed One. 5 However, God didn’t think much of most of [these ancestors], because he cut them down in the desert.
6 Now, these things are examples to us, so we won’t become people who desire bad things, as they did… 7 we don’t want to become idol worshipers, as some of them did!
And it is written: ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up to play.’ 8 So, we shouldn’t commit sexual immorality as some of them did, because twenty-three thousand of them fell in one day! 9 Nor do we want to put Jehovah to the test as some of them did, because they were destroyed by snakes! 10 Nor do we want to complain as some of them did, because they were killed by the destroyer!
11 Now, these things that happened to them are examples, and they were written as a warning to us upon whom the end of the age has arrived. 12 So, let the one who thinks he’s standing be careful that he doesn’t fall.
13 Why, you haven’t faced any temptations yet, other than things that are normal for men. Since God is faithful, He won’t allow you to be tested with more than you can handle; therefore, with every temptation He provides a way out, so you’ll be able to hang on.
14 My loved ones; Flee from idol worship! 15 I’m talking as I would to very sensible people, so figure out for yourselves whether what I’m saying is the truth. 16 When we bless the cup of blessings, aren’t we sharing in the blood of the Anointed One? And when we break the loaf, aren’t we sharing in the body of the Anointed One? 17 Now, there’s just one loaf… and although there are many [of us], we’re just one body, because we all eat from that one loaf.
18 Look at fleshly Israel; Don’t all those who eat the sacrifices share it with the altar? 19 So, what am I saying… that idols are anything, or that things sacrificed to idols are anything? 20 No! I’m telling you that the things the nations offer as sacrifices are being offered to the demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to share with the demons. 21 You can’t drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can’t eat at the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Or, are we making Jehovah jealous? We aren’t stronger than He is, are we?
23 Everything is legal, but not everything is good for us; Everything is legal, but not everything makes us stronger. 24 So, let’s not just be watching out for our own best interests, but [for the interests] of others.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat markets… and don’t let it bother your consciences, 26 because the earth and everything in it belongs to Jehovah!
27 So, if an unbeliever invites you over and you wish to go; eat everything that’s set before you and don’t let it bother your consciences. 28 However, if anyone tells you, ‘This was offered as a sacrifice,’ don’t eat it. Do this for the sake of the one who said that… because of conscience… 29 no, not your conscience, but that of the other person.
But, why should someone else judge my freedom? 30 For, if I’m eating thankfully, then why should I be slandered over something over which I’ve given thanks? 31 Well, whether you’re eating, or drinking, or doing anything else; do everything for God’s glory. 32 But don’t do anything to stumble Jews, Greeks, or the congregation of God. 33 This is the reason why I try to please everyone in everything, and not just do what’s best for myself. I [try to do] what’s best for others, so they can get saved.
Chapter 11
1 So, imitate me, as I’m [imitating] the Anointed One.
2 I praise you, because you’ve remembered me and all the things that I’ve given you… and you’re [also] holding onto the things that I taught you.
3 Now, I want you to recognize this: The head of every man is the Anointed One; the head of the woman is the man; and the head of the Anointed One is God. 4 So, every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head, shames his head. 5 And every woman who prays or prophesies without a head covering shames her head, because it’s the same as if she had her head shaved; 6 so if a woman doesn’t wear a head covering, let her have all her hair cut off. However, if cutting her hair short or shaving her head makes a woman look disreputable, then let her wear a covering.
7 Now, a man shouldn’t have his head covered, since he’s the image and glory of God. However, a woman is the glory of man, 8 for man didn’t come from the woman, the woman came from the man. 9 Also, man wasn’t created for the woman; the woman [was created] for the man. 10 And that’s why the woman should have [a sign of] authority on her head… and because of [God’s] messengers.
11 However, there really isn’t any difference between males and females in the Lord. 12 As the female came through the male, males come through females, while everything comes from God.
13 So, judge it for yourselves; Is it proper for a woman to pray to God without a head covering? 14 Doesn’t physical nature teach you that if a man has long hair, it dishonors him; 15 but if a woman has long hair it glorifies her? That’s why her hair is given to her instead of a hat. 16 However, if anyone wants to argue about this, we don’t have any other custom, nor do the congregations of God.
17 Now, after giving these instructions, I’m not handing out any praises over the fact that your meetings are doing more harm than good. 18 First, I hear that when you meet as a congregation, there are divisions among you. And I believe that’s partly true, 19 because there had to be sects among you so that those who are approved can be clearly identified.
20 Now, when you meet together in one place, it isn’t to eat the Lord’s Supper, 21 for, you’re all [bringing] your own meals to eat before you partake. So, who knows who’s still hungry and who’s already had too much to drink? 22 Don’t you have houses where you can eat and drink? Or do you condemn the congregation of God and shame those who are poor?
What should I say to you? Should I praise you? In this, I don’t praise you.
23 I received this from the Lord and I’ve shared it with you; that the Lord Jesus (on the very night that he was going to be handed over) took a loaf, 24 and after giving thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body [which is given] for you. Keep on doing this in memory of me.’ 25 And after supper, he did the same thing with the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new Sacred Agreement of my blood. Keep on doing this; and as often as you drink it, think of me.’
26 So, as often as you eat the loaf and drink from the cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord until he arrives. 27 But whoever eats the loaf and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be held responsible to the Lord’s body and blood. 28 So, each man should prove what he is first; then he can eat from the loaf and drink from the cup. 29 For, those who eat and drink, eat and drink judgment on themselves if they don’t judge [the worthiness of] their bodies. 30 That’s why many of you are weak and unhealthy, and quite a few are asleep! 31 However, if we would judge ourselves, we wouldn’t have to be judged. 32 Yet, when we are judged, we have to be disciplined by the Lord, so we aren’t condemned along with the world.
33 So, my brothers; When you come together to eat, wait for each other! 34 And if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so you don’t meet for judgment. As for the rest of the matters, I’ll straighten them out when I get there.
Chapter 12
1 Now brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant about things that come from the Breath [of God]. 2 You know that when you were people of the nations, you were led to be followers of dumb idols. 3 But now I want you to understand that nobody – whenever they’re speaking through the power of God’s Breath – can say that Jesus is cursed or that Jesus is Lord, except by Holy Breath. 4 And although there are many types of gifts, it’s the same Breath. 5 There are also many types of services, but it’s the same Lord. 6 There are many types of results, but they all come from the same God, who provides the results of everything for everyone. 7 So, it’s the many ways that the Breath expresses itself through different people that brings it all together. 8 For, through this same Breath one [person] is given wise speech, while another is given the ability to speak with knowledge. 9 To another the Breath gives faith, while someone else gets the gift of healing. 10 For others, there are the powerful deeds, or prophesying, or the ability to recognize spirits, or speaking in different languages, or interpreting the languages. 11 They all come from that same Breath, which works in many ways and as it wishes through each person.
12 And although the body is a single thing, it has many parts. For, as all the parts make up a single person, that’s how the Anointed One is. 13 By the one Breath we were all baptized into one body, regardless of whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or free; and we were all made to drink from the one Breath.
14 You see, the body isn’t one part, but many. 15 And if the foot should say, ‘Because I’m not a hand, I’m no part of the body,’ that doesn’t mean it’s no part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, ‘Because I’m not an eye, I’m no part of the body,’ that doesn’t really mean it’s no part of the body. 17 Why, if the whole body were just an eye, how would it hear? And if it could just hear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 Now, God has placed each part in the body as He pleases; 19 for if all parts were the same, how could there be a body?
20 So, there are many body parts, but just one body. 21 Thus the eye can’t say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you,’ nor can the head say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’ 22 And the weaker each body part seems to be, the more it is needed. 23 For, the body parts that we consider the least honorable are the ones that we surround with the most honor. And our unattractive parts were made more attractive, 24 because our attractive parts don’t need any help.
God assembled the body and gave more honors to the parts that have less, 25 so there would be no divisions in the body, and all the parts would show the same loving care for each other. 26 So if one body part suffers, all the other body parts suffer along with it. Or if a body part is glorified, all the other body parts rejoice along with it.
27 Now, you’re all the Anointed One’s body and body parts, 28 and God has designated each one’s place in this gathering. First, are the Apostles; Second, the Prophets; Third, the teachers; Then come [those with] powerful works, the gifts of healing, helpful services, abilities to direct, [and those who speak] in different languages.
29 Not all are Apostles, are they? Not all are Prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform powerful works, do they? 30 Not all have the gift of healing, do they? Not all speak in different languages, do they? Not all are translators, are they? 31 However, zealously keep seeking the greater gifts.
But now I’m going to show you something that’s even better.
Chapter 13
1 If I can speak in the languages of men and [God’s] messengers, and don’t have love, I’m the sound of [clanging] brass or of a clashing cymbal. 2 If I can prophesy, understand all the mysteries, have all knowledge, and if I have enough faith to move mountains, but don’t have love, I’m nothing. 3 And if I were to give everything I had to feed others, and if I were to hand over my body so I could boast, but I didn’t have love, it wouldn’t do me any good.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love isn’t envious, it doesn’t brag, and it isn’t conceited; 5 it doesn’t scheme, it doesn’t just watch out for itself, it doesn’t stir things up, it doesn’t hold a grudge, 6 and it doesn’t rejoice over unrighteous things. Rather, it rejoices over things that are true. 7 It covers all, believes all, hopes all, and endures all… 8 love never fails.
However, the [gift of] prophesying will be done away with; the [gift of] speaking in [foreign] languages will stop; and the [gift of miraculous] knowledge will be done away with, 9 because, now we only have partial knowledge and we prophesy partially. 10 But when the perfect thing arrives, the partial thing will be done away with.
11 When I was a baby, I used to talk like a baby, think like a baby, and reason like a baby. But now that I’ve become a man, I’m finished with babies’ things. 12 And although what we see today is like looking into a metal mirror, then it will be face to face. For now I only understand partially, but then I will have an accurate understanding, and I will be accurately understood.
13 So, we now have these three things: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.
Chapter 14
1 Pursue love, but also zealously strive for the things that come from [God’s] Breath… and I prefer that you prophesy. 2 You see; the one who speaks in foreign languages isn’t talking to men, but to God… because nobody else is listening. Thus, by [God’s] Breath, he’s speaking mysteries. 3 However, the one who prophesies builds up, encourages, and consoles men.
4 And while the one who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, the one who prophesies builds up a congregation. 5 I would like all of you to [be able to] speak in foreign languages, but I prefer that you prophesy, because the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in foreign languages… unless he also translates, so the congregation can be built up.
6 Brothers, if I were to come to you right now and speak a foreign language, what good would it do if I didn’t also speak to you with a revelation, or with knowledge, or with a prophecy, or with something I can teach?
7 It’s the same as with inanimate things that make sounds, like flutes or harps. If you can’t hear the difference between the notes, how will you know what’s being played? 8 Also, if a trumpet blows an unrecognizable call, who will prepare for war? 9 So in the same way, unless you use your tongues to say things that are easily understood, how will anyone know what you’re saying? You will for a fact, just be speaking into the air!
10 There are many kinds of vocalizations in the world, and they all have meanings. 11 However, if I don’t understand the meaning of the sound, I’m a foreigner to the one who is speaking, and the one who is speaking will be a foreigner to me. 12 The same is true of you; Since you’re zealous for the [gifts of the] Breath, use them to build up the congregation, so you all can prosper.
13 So, may the one who speaks in a foreign language pray that he can also translate, 14 because, when I pray in a foreign language, my [gift of the] Breath may be praying, but my mind isn’t benefiting. 15 So, what should we do? I will pray with the Breath, but I will also pray in my mind. I will sing praises with the Breath, but I will also sing praises in my mind. 16 Otherwise, if you offer praises [to God in a foreign language] by the Breath, how will some ordinary man who is there say, ‘Amen,’ when you give thanks, since he doesn’t know what you’re saying? 17 And while it’s true that you give thanks in a fine way, this man isn’t being built up.
18 I thank God that I can speak more languages than all of you. 19 However, I would rather speak five words using my mind, so I can teach others when I’m in a congregation, than ten thousand words in a foreign language.
20 Brothers; When it comes to [using] the power of our minds, don’t be infants… rather, be babies when it comes to badness, but become perfect in your ability to reason. 21 It’s written in the Law, ‘I will speak to these people in foreign languages and with the lips of strangers,but even then, they won’t listen to Me, says Jehovah.’ 22 So, speaking in foreign languages isn’t a sign to believers, [it’s a sign] to unbelievers. However, prophesying isn’t for unbelievers, it’s for believers.
23 Why, if the whole congregation meets in one place and everyone is speaking in foreign languages, and then some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won’t they think you’re crazy? 24 But if everyone is prophesying when an unbeliever or ordinary person enters, he is corrected and judged by them all. 25 Then, as the secrets in his heart are made known, he will fall to his face and worship God, saying, ‘God is really among you!’
26 So, what should happen, brothers? Well, when you meet, one should have a psalm, another should have a teaching, another should have a revelation, and another should speak in a foreign language… as someone else interprets it.
Let everything happen for [the purpose of] building [people] up. 27 So, if some speak in foreign languages, limit it to two or three at the most… and in turns, and then have someone do the translating. 28 But if there isn’t anyone to translate, they should keep silent in the congregation, speaking just to themselves and to God.
29 Let two or three Prophets speak, and then allow the rest to judge the meaning of what they say. 30 And if someone else has a revelation while he’s sitting there, then the first one should be quiet. 31 So, each of you can prophesy, but one after the other. That way, everyone can learn and all will be encouraged. 32 Of course, the spirits of the Prophets should be controlled by the Prophets, 33 because confusion doesn’t come from God; peace does!
And as [is true] in all the congregations of Holy Ones; 34 the women should remain silent in the congregation. They shouldn’t be allowed to speak out. Rather (as the Law says), they should be submissive. 35 And if they wish to know something, let them ask their husbands [when they get] home, for it’s disgraceful for a woman to speak out in a congregation.
36 Did the Word of God come from you, or are you the only ones who understand it? 37 If someone thinks he’s a Prophet, or that he’s under the influence of [God’s] Breath, then let him agree with the things that I’m writing to you, because these are the Lord’s commandments. 38 However, if anyone is being ignorant, let him remain ignorant.
39 So, my brothers; keep on zealously seeking the [gift of] prophesying, but don’t forbid speaking in foreign languages. 40 Just let everything be conducted in a tasteful and orderly way.
Chapter 15
1 Now brothers, I want you to understand this about the good news that I preached to you (which you received, in which you are standing, 2 and through which you’re being saved): If you’re still holding onto this good news that I preached to you, your faith hasn’t been wasted, 3 because I passed along to you one of the very first things that I learned. It’s that the Anointed One died for our sins, as the Scriptures foretold; 4 then he was buried and was raised on the third day. 5 He appeared first to Cephas, then to the twelve, 6 and after that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive today (although some have fallen asleep). 7 After that, he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. 8 But last of all, as though to a newborn child, he appeared to me.
9 So, I’m the least of the Apostles, and I’m unfit even to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Congregation of God. 10 Yet, through the loving care of God, I am what I am. And the care that He showed me wasn’t wasted, because I’ve worked harder than all the rest… not because of me, but because of the loving care of God that is in me. 11 However, whether it [was done by] them or me, we have preached and you have believed.
12 Now, if we’re preaching that the Anointed One was raised from the dead, why is it that some of you are saying there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 Why, if there was no resurrection of the dead, then the Anointed One couldn’t have been raised either. 14 And if the Anointed One hasn’t been raised, then our preaching and our faith is all in vain, 15 and we’ve proven to be false witnesses of God; for we’ve testified (against God) by saying that He raised the Anointed One; and if the dead really aren’t going to be raised, then [God] didn’t raise him either!
16 You see, if the dead aren’t going to be raised, the Anointed One hasn’t been raised! 17 And if the Anointed One hasn’t been raised, our faith is useless… we’re still sinners, 18 and all those who fell asleep in the Anointed One are just gone! 19 And if we’ve put our hope in the Anointed One for this life only, then we’re the most pitiful of all men.
20 However, the Anointed One has been raised from the dead, and he’s the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep [in death].
21 Since death came through a man, resurrection from the dead also comes through a man. 22 And as all are dying because of Adam, all will be made alive in the Anointed One, 23 but each one in his own order… the first fruits of the Anointed One, followed by those who belong to the Anointed One when he arrives. 24 Then in the end, after he has brought all governments, authorities, and powers to nothing, he will hand over the Kingdom to his God and Father. 25 For, he must rule as king until [God] puts all his enemies under his feet. 26 And then the last enemy, death, will end.
27 Yes [God] put everything under his feet; but when He says that ‘everything has been put under him,’ it’s obvious that this [means] everything except He who put everything under him. 28 However, after everything has been put under him, then the Son will submit to the One who put everything under him, so God can be everything to everyone.
29 So, what good does it do for them to be baptized into [his] death? For, if none of the dead will be raised, then why [are we] being baptized for that purpose? 30 Also, why are we in danger every hour? 31 Why, I face death every day as I’m boasting about you… my brothers whom I have through the Anointed Jesus, our Lord.
32 And, if I’ve fought with wild animals at Ephesus as a man, what good did it do if the dead won’t be raised? Rather, ‘Let’s eat and drink, because tomorrow we will die!’
33 So, don’t allow [anyone] to mislead you, because bad companions spoil good habits. 34 Get serious about righteousness and quit sinning! Why, some [of you] are ignorant when it comes to God (I’m saying this to embarrass you).
35 Now, some [are sure to] ask, ‘Just how will the dead be raised… what kind of bodies will they return in?’
36 You senseless person! Those who plant [seeds] know that [the seeds] can’t live unless they die first. 37 And what you’re planting isn’t the body that it’s going to become; it’s just a naked grain of wheat, or whatever. 38 Why, God will give it whatever [type of] body He wishes, just as He gives each seed its own body.
39 For, not all flesh is the same. There is one type of flesh of men, another of cattle, another of birds, and another of fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies, but the glory of heavenly bodies is different from that of earthly bodies. 41 Why, the glory of the sun is one type, the glory of the moon is another, and the glory of the stars is yet another. In fact, star differs from star in glory.
42 And that’s how the resurrection of the dead is. It’s planted in a decaying condition and it’s raised clean. 43 It’s planted without honor, but it’s raised in glory. It’s planted as weak, but it’s raised in power. 44 It’s planted as a human body, but it’s raised a spiritual body… so if there’s a human body, there’s also a spiritual one. 45 As it is written: ‘The first man (Adam) became a living soul,’ but the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46 However, the first [body] is human, not spiritual… spirituality comes later. 47 For the first man came from the dust of the ground, but the second man came from heaven. 48 So, those that come from the dust are like the others who come from the dust, but those that are heavenly are like the Heavenly One. 49 And as we’ve worn the shape of the one who was made from the dust of the ground, we’ll also wear the image of the Heavenly One.
50 I tell you this, brothers: Flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom, nor can [something] corruptible inherit something that’s incorruptible.
51 Look, I tell you a mystery: Not all of us will be laid to rest, but we’ll be changed 52 in a moment – in the twinkling of an eye – during the last trumpet! The trumpet will blow and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 Then that which is corruptible will put on incorruptibility, and that which is dying will put on immortality. 54 But when that which is dying puts on immortality, then the words that were written are fulfilled, ‘Death is swallowed in victory.’
55 ‘Then, where is your victory, O death… where is your sting, O death?’ 56 The sting that brings death is sin, and the power for sin comes from the Law. 57 But thanks to God, who will give us victory through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One!
58 So, my loved brothers; become settled, immovable, and always have plenty to do in the work of the Lord, since [you] know that the things you do in the Lord are never wasted.
Chapter 16
1 Now, regarding the collection for the Holy Ones; Do the same thing that I told the congregations of Galatia. 2 On each Sabbath day, you should set something aside in your savings, as you are prospering, so we won’t have to take up a collection after I arrive. 3 But when I get there, I’ll send whichever men you select and write letters about, to carry your kind gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if I’m found worthy to go myself, they can travel with me.
5 I will come and [visit] you after I go to Macedonia, for I’ll be traveling through Macedonia, 6 and if things turn out right, perhaps I can stay a while, or even spend the winter with you. Then you can escort me part of the way to wherever I’m going. 7 I don’t want to see you as I’m passing through right now, because I hope to spend more time with you, if the Lord allows it. 8 I’ll be staying in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a large door of opportunity has opened to me here. However, there are many opposers.
10 If Timothy gets there, make sure that he has nothing to fear while he’s with you, because he’s doing the Lord’s work [the same] as I am… 11 don’t allow anyone to treat him disrespectfully. Then escort him part of the way in peace, so he can come to me here, because I’m waiting for him with the brothers.
12 Now, regarding our brother Apollos; I begged him to come to you with the brothers, but he doesn’t want to do that right now. However, he will come when he has the opportunity.
13 So, stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on as men, and grow mighty. 14 And may everything you do be accomplished in love.
15 Now, I want to encourage you to do this, brothers: You know that the household of Stephanas is the first fruit of Achaia, and that they’ve been serving the needs of the Holy Ones. 16 Follow the instructions of such people; and all of you, work and labor together.
17 I’m very grateful that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and AchaiKus are here, because they’ve made up for your not being here. 18 They are a breath of fresh air in my life and in yours. So, give special recognition to men of that sort.
19 The congregations of [the Province of] Asia send you their greetings. Aquila, Prisca, and the congregation that meets in their home send you hearty greetings in the Lord… 20 all the brothers greet you, so greet each other with a holy kiss. 21 [Here are] my greetings (Paul’s) written in my own hand.
22 May all those who dosn’t care for the Lord be cursed. O our Lord; Come! 23 May the loving care of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 May my love be with all of you, in the Anointed Jesus.
2 Corinthians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, who by the will of God is an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus, and our brother Timothy, to the congregation of God in Corinth, as well as to all the Holy Ones throughout Achaia; 2 May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus the Anointed One.
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One – the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort – be praised. 4 For, [He’s] the One who comforts us during all our trials, and enables us to comfort others that are undergoing trials, from the comfort we receive from Him. 5 And since we have plenty of suffering because of the Anointed One, we receive plenty of comfort through the Anointed One… may it be.
6 So, when we’re being tried, it’s over your comfort and salvation. And we are comforted by the fact that the comfort [you receive] is helping you to endure the trials that we [all] share in suffering. 7 So our hope for you is firm, because, we know that if you share the suffering, you’ll also share the comfort.
8 Brothers, we want you to know of the trials that we endured while we were in the [province of] Asia. We were under so much pressure that we thought there was no way out and we feared for our lives. 9 In fact, we believed that we had been condemned to death. [The purpose of] this was to teach us not to trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 10 Yes, He rescued us – and will rescue us – from as great a thing as death… and we hope that He’ll keep on rescuing us. 11 You can help in this matter by praying for us, so that many faces will give thanks for the gifts we were so kindly given.
12 This is the thing we have to brag about… it’s something that our consciences testify to: It wasn’t with fleshly wisdom but (with God’s loving care) in holiness and godly sincerity that we’ve been conducting ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
13 Now, we’re really writing to you about something that you already know and understand, and which I hope you will keep on recognizing to the end; 14 that we are something for you to brag about, just as you’ll be for us in the Day of our Lord Jesus.
15 So, it’s with this type of confidence that I had plans to come to you… to give you a second reason for joy. 16 I [planned to] come there on my way to Macedonia and to stop there on my way back, then to have you escort me part of the way to Judea.
17 Well, when I hoped to do this, don’t think that I did so lightly. Rather, believe that what I planned to do in the flesh is what I really planned to do, so my yes would mean yes and my no would mean no. 18 Have faith in God that when we tell you yes, we don’t mean no, 19 because the Son of God (the Anointed Jesus) who Silvanus, Timothy, and I have preached to you about, didn’t become yes, but really no; for his yes meant yes. 20 Why, all the promises of God – as many as they are – have become yes through him. That’s why we say, ‘so be it’ to God, through him; so his glory might come through us.
21 The One who guarantees that we all belong to the Anointed One (and He who anointed us) is God. 22 He has put His seal [of approval] on us and He gave us a pledge… [His] Breath that’s in our hearts.
23 Now, I call God as a witness against myself, that the reason why I haven’t come to you in Corinth yet, is to spare you. 24 For, we aren’t the masters of your faith, we’re just co-workers for your joy; and the reason why you’re standing is because of your faith.
Chapter 2
1 I’ve decided not to come to you again, as long as I’m feeling sad about you, 2 because; if I’ve made you sad, then who can cheer me up, other than those who’ve been saddened by me? 3 As the result, I’m writing this so that when I do get there, those who I should be rejoicing over won’t sadden me. You see, I’m confident that I have reasons to be joyful over you. 4 And I’m writing with great difficulty, pain of heart, and tears, not to make you sad, but so you may know of the special love that I have for you.
5 If anyone has made you sad, he hasn’t made me sad, so I’m not really laying any further burdens on you. 6 For, the discipline that the majority of you gave this man was sufficient. 7 So now, kindly forgive and comfort him, that he won’t somehow be swallowed by his deep sadness… 8 I’m telling you to let him know that you love him!
9 The reason why I wrote you [before] was to prove that you’re obedient in everything. 10 Why, if you forgive anyone for anything, I do too. And when I forgive someone through you before the Anointed One (if I ever have anything to forgive), 11 it’s so that none are lost to the Opposer, because we know how he operates.
12 Well, when I got to Troas to preach the good news about the Anointed One and found that a door was opened to me in the Lord, 13 I was deeply disturbed by the fact that I couldn’t find Titus, my brother. So, I left them and went on to Macedonia.
14 Thanks to God, who (through the Anointed One) always leads us triumphantly, and who uses us to make the [sweet] smell of knowledge about Him known everywhere – 15 because we are the sweet smell of the Anointed One and of God to both those who are being saved and to those who are perishing – 16 we’re the smell of death to the dying and [the smell] of life to the living. So, who is qualified to do this work? 17 We aren’t like others who are peddlers of the word of God. Rather, we speak sincerely from God and before God, through the Anointed One.
Chapter 3
1 Do we have to introduce ourselves to you again; or do we (as do some men) need introductory letters either to you or from you? 2 For, you are our letters that are written in our hearts, which are recognized and being read by all men, 3 since you’ve proven to be a letter of the Anointed One whom we are serving. And you aren’t written in ink, but in the Breath of the living God… not on tablets made of stone, but on tablets made of flesh… on hearts! 4 And we’re confident of this, through the Anointed One, by God.
5 We shouldn’t ever think that anything comes from ourselves, because our qualifications come from God. 6 For, it is He who qualified us to be servants of a New Sacred Agreement… not of something that’s written, but something [that comes] from the Breath [of God], because the thing that was written kills, but the Breath [of God] brings life!
7 Now, if service to the written letters (which were engraved in stone and bring death) came with so much glory that the sons of Israel couldn’t even look at Moses’ face because of the shine (that was to pass away), 8 why shouldn’t service to the Breath [of God] come with much more glory? 9 And if service to something that condemns brings glory, how much more does serving righteousness bring glory, 10 so, that which was once made glorious is no longer glorified because of this greater glory? 11 And if the thing that was to be done away with came in glory, how much more will the thing that remains be glorified?
12 So, since we have such a hope, we can speak out clearly. 13 We aren’t acting like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the sons of Israel wouldn’t see something that was to be done away with in the end. 14 For, this [veil] made their thinking dull. And right down to today, that veil still hangs down as a covering whenever the Old Sacred Agreement is read, because it has been done away with by means of the Anointed One. 15 And right down to today, whenever Moses is read, they have a veil over their hearts. 16 However, when they turn to the Lord, this veil is removed. 17 For, the Breath [of God] is lord, and where the Breath [of God] is lord, there’s freedom! 18 So, all of us, when we uncover our faces, have the glory of Jehovah… we reflect the glory of Jehovah like mirrors, and we are transformed from [one] glory to [another] glory, which comes from Jehovah’s Breath.
Chapter 4
1 That’s why, ever since we’ve been given the mercy of this service, we haven’t behaved badly, 2 but we’ve given up those secret things that bring shame. We aren’t acting without principles or misapplying the Word of God; we’re making the truth known and taking our stand before every human conscience in the sight of God.
3 Why, if the good news that we bring is hidden, it has only been hidden among those who are dying… 4 the unbelievers, whose minds have been blinded by the god of this age, so that the light of the glorious good news about the Anointed One (who is the image of God) doesn’t shine through.
5 We aren’t preaching for ourselves, but for the Anointed One… the Lord Jesus. And we are your slaves for Jesus’ sake, 6 because God said, ‘Light will shine from the darkness.’ So He has caused the light of knowledge about the glory of God (through the face of the Anointed One) to shine in our hearts. 7 And we store this treasure in [these] clay pots, so that the power may prove to be God’s and not our own.
8 For, though we’ve been under pressure in every conceivable way, we’ve never been cornered; though we didn’t know a way out, we’ve never been left without a way; 9 though we’ve been persecuted, we’ve never been let down; and though we’ve been knocked down, we’ve never been destroyed. 10 Why, we always bear the death of Jesus’ body, so that the life of Jesus can show in our bodies. 11 [And that’s why] we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake; so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our dying flesh. 12 As the result, death is at work in us, but life [is at work] in you.
13 Now, we share the same spirit of faith, for it is written: ‘I believed, and as the result, I spoke.’ So, [because] we believe, we speak. 14 For, we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us to be with Jesus… and we will be standing there beside you! 15 Why, everything is being done through you, so that this loving care can grow as [you] increase, and there will be more giving of thanks to God’s glory.
16 No, we aren’t behaving badly. And although the man [you see] on the outside is wasting away, the man on the inside is being renewed day by day. 17 For, although the birth pains that [we endure] are momentary and light (and there are many of them), there is also an accumulation of ages of glory that’s working its way down to us. 18 So, don’t pay attention to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen; because the things that you see are temporary, but the things you don’t see last through the ages.
Chapter 5
1 Therefore, we know that; Whenever our earthly house (this temporary dwelling) is done away with, we have a building from God that lasts through the age… it’s a house in the heavens that isn’t made with hands. 2 We groan over this, because we long to put on that house from heaven. 3 In fact, we want to put it on, so we aren’t left naked. 5 Yet, we who are in this temporary dwelling groan and are under pressure, because we don’t really want to take it off and to put on the other, so as [to allow] that which is dying to be swallowed by life.
5 Now, the One who made us this way is God. And He gave us a sample of what’s coming… His Breath. 6 So, we are always showing courage, because we know that as long as we’re at home in this body, we aren’t at home with the Lord… 7 we’re walking by faith, not by something we can see. 8 Yes, we show courage and are happy to leave this body at home, so we can make our home with the Lord. 9 And we flatter ourselves by trying to please Him, whether we’re at home with Him or away from Him.
10 And in order for this to be shown about all of us, we must [each] stand before the court of the Anointed One. Then each one will receive something for the things he did [while he was] in the body, either for the good or for the vile.
11 And since we understand the fear of the Lord, we continue to persuade men. However, God sees what we are… and I hope that your consciences also see what we are. 12 For, we aren’t trying to convince you of our merits once again; we’re just giving you reasons to brag about us, so you’ll have something to offer to those who are influenced by what we look like on the outside, not by what’s in [our] hearts. 13 So, if we were out of our minds, it was to God. But if we were in our right minds, it was to you.
14 For, the love of the Anointed One moves us to the opinion that one man died for everyone – yes, they all really died – 15 but he died for them all, so that no one who is living might live for himself anymore, but for the one who died for them and was then raised.
16 So from now on, we don’t know anyone by the flesh. And even if we knew the Anointed One in the flesh, we certainly don’t know him that way anymore. 17 For, if anyone is in the Anointed One, he’s a new creation… yes, the first things have passed away, and {Look!} the new things have come to be!
18 However, everything comes from God, [and He] brought us back into a good relationship with Him through the Anointed One; then He gave us the service of this restored relationship 19 by putting the restoring words in us; that through the Anointed One, God was reconciling the world to Himself by no longer holding their sins against them. 20 And as the result, we are now ambassadors for the Anointed One!
So, God is calling [people] through us, and we are begging on behalf of the Anointed One, ‘Come back to a relationship with God!’ 21 Yes, He made the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for us, so we could become God’s righteousness through him.
Chapter 6
1 So, as your fellow workers, we also beg you not to waste the loving care of God. 2 For He says to you, ‘I heard you during a time of favor and I helped you in a day of salvation.’ Look! Now is the time of favor! Look! Now is the day of salvation!’
3 We aren’t doing anything to offend anyone so our service can remain spotless. 4 Instead, we’re taking our stand as God’s servants in everything… by enduring many difficulties, by shortages of necessities, 5 by beatings, by imprisonment, [at the hands of] mobs, by hard work, by sleepless nights, by hunger; 6 and by holiness, knowledge, patience, loving care (through the Holy Breath [of God]); by love that isn’t judgmental; 7 by telling the truth through the power of God; and by [using] the weapons of righteousness (the right-handed ones and the left-handed ones); 8 through glory and dishonor; through bad reputations and good reputations; as ‘deceivers’ who tell the truth; 9 as unknown, but recognized among the dying (and yet, look, we’re alive!); as those who were disciplined but not yet condemned to death; 10 as sad, but always rejoicing; as poor, but making many rich; as having nothing, and yet owning it all!
11 Why, our mouths have been opened to you, Corinthians, and our hearts are spread wide open! 12 So, you aren’t having a hard time finding room inside us; you’re having a hard time making room [for us] inside of you… 13 and this brings its own reward. So, I’m telling you as [my] children: Make more room [inside yourselves] also!
14 Don’t yoke yourselves unevenly (like different types of animals under the same yoke) with those who don’t believe, for what do righteousness and law-breaking have in common? Or what does light have in common with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between the Anointed One and the wicked one? What can a faithful person share with an unbeliever? 16 And what arrangement can the Temple of God have with idols?
Why, we are living temples of God; and as God said: ‘I will live and walk among them… I will be their God and they will be My people.’ 17 ‘Come out of their midst and separate yourselves, says Jehovah. Don’t touch anything unclean and I’ll take you in!’ 18 ‘I will be your Father, and you will be My sons and daughters, says Jehovah the Almighty.’
Chapter 7
1 So, since we’ve been given these promises, loved ones, let’s wash off all the filth of the flesh, as well as the person we are on the inside, and become perfectly holy in the fear of God.
2 Make room for us, because we haven’t wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or taken advantage of anyone. 3 I’m not saying this to condemn you, because (as I told you before) you’re in our hearts, so we will live together and die together.
4 I feel perfectly free to speak to you, and I have many reasons to brag about you, for I’m very comfortable [with you] and overflow with joy over all the difficulties that we’ve shared.
5 Since we’ve arrived in Macedonia, our bodies haven’t had any relief, for there have been problems over everything. On the outside there are fights, and on the inside there is fear. 6 However, the God who comforts the lowly, provided comfort to us through the presence of Titus. 7 And it wasn’t just his presence alone that brought us comfort, but it was also due to the comfort that he felt over you, since he again brought us word of your longing, mourning, and zeal for me. And that made me very happy.
8 Now, if my [first] letter made you sad, I don’t regret it. And even if I did regret it [at first], I see that my letter just saddened you for a little while. 9 But now I’m rejoicing… not because you were saddened, but because you were saddened into repenting! You were saddened in a Godly way, so we didn’t damage you! 10 You see; being sad in a Godly way brings repentance that saves, and there’s nothing to regret in that. But worldly sadness brings death.
11 So, look at what this sadness in a Godly way has accomplished; see how it speeded things up, created answers, caused indignation, fear, desire, zeal, and vengeance! For, you proved yourselves pure in every way in this matter!
12 I didn’t write you because of the one who acted unrighteously, or because of the one that was treated unrighteously, but to prove how earnestly you obey us in the sight of God. 13 This is the reason why we’ve been comforted!
In addition to this comfort, we have even more reason to be happy, because of the joy of Titus. For, the man that he is inside has been refreshed by all of you. 14 So, if I have bragged to him about you, I haven’t been given any reason to be ashamed of it, because everything that we said about you is true… yes, after we bragged about you to Titus, that [bragging] has proven to be true! 15 And he cares for you even more deeply now, as he remembers how well you obey, and how all of you received him with fear and trembling. 16 So, I rejoice and am encouraged in every way because of you.
Chapter 8
1 Brothers, we want to tell you about how God’s loving care has been shown toward the congregations of Macedonia. 2 Although they are undergoing many trials and difficulties, their tremendous joy and deep poverty brought out the richness of their generosity. 3 For, as they were able (and I testify that it was more than they were able to do) 4 and of their own accord, they kept begging us repeatedly to [allow them to] have a share in contributing to the collection for the Holy Ones. 5 And it wasn’t just as we had hoped they would do, but they gave first to the Lord and then to us, as it was God’s will. 6 This led us to encourage Titus (since he was the one who initiated it) to complete the collection among you. 7 So, because you’re prospering in everything – in faith, words, knowledge, eagerness, and in our love for you – may you also prosper in similar [acts of] loving care.
8 I’m not saying this to pressure you; [I’m saying this] because these others have been so eager, and because I want to prove the genuineness of your love. 9 For, you know of the loving care that was shown by our Lord Jesus the Anointed One. Why, although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so you could become rich through his poverty.
10 This is my opinion and it’s the best way to handle it: Last year, you were the first of those who wanted to give, and you even started to contribute. 11 And now; finish what you started, so we can bring all that eagerness and willingness to a conclusion. Give from whatever you have on hand, 12 because, if [people] are already willing, it’s best to accept what they have, rather than what they don’t have.
13 Now, I’m not trying to make it harder on you than for the others, 14 because everything equals out. If you can give more right now, that makes up for those who can give less. And if others can give more than you, that makes up for those [of you] who can give less. So, everything balances out. 15 As it’s written: ‘The person with much didn’t have too much, and the person with a little didn’t have too little.’
16 Now, thanks to God that He put the same earnestness [that I have] for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For, he has responded to your encouragement and has decided to return to you quickly. 18 We’re also sending a brother along with him, whose praise in the good news has spread throughout all the congregations. 19 And that’s not all; He was appointed by the congregations to be our traveling companion and to distribute the gifts that are so willingly being donated for the glory of the Lord. 20 That way, we can avoid having anyone complain about us over the generous contributions that are being handled by us. 21 For, we are planning ahead to do good things, not just in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And of course; we’re sending our brother with them who has proven to be sincere so many times and in so many things, but who is now much more sincere because of his greater confidence in you.
23 Now, if there’s any question about Titus; he’s my partner and my co-worker for your interests. Or if [there are any questions] about [the rest of] our brothers; they are apostles to congregations and a glory to the Anointed One. 24 So, prove your love for them, which we’ve been bragging about to the [other] congregations.
Chapter 9
1 Now, regarding the collection for the Holy Ones; I shouldn’t have to write you, 2 for I know how eager you’ve been. Why, I’ve bragged to the Macedonians about you, telling them that Achaia has been ready for a year now; and your zeal has been an incentive to most of them. 3 So, now I’m sending the brothers [to you] so that our bragging about you isn’t in vain… I hope that you’re ready, as I said you’d be. 4 Otherwise, if the Macedonians should come with me and find that you aren’t ready, needless to say, we’d be shamed by the assurances we gave.
5 So, I thought it would be best to encourage the brothers to come to you ahead of time, and for you to get the generous gift ready that you promised ahead of time. That way, what is given will for a fact be a generous gift, and not something that we’ve extorted from you.
6 Remember that; He who plants little, harvests a little; and he who plants much, will harvest much. 7 So, may each one do whatever he has resolved in his heart… but not grudgingly or under pressure, because God loves a cheerful giver.
8 [Remember that] God can show all His loving care for you, so you can have enough of everything, including more than enough for every good purpose! 9 As it’s written, ‘He has freely scattered gifts to the poor, so His righteousness remains through the age.’ 10 Thus, the One who supplies plenty of seeds to the farmer and enough bread to those who eat, will supply (and even multiply) the seeds you need to plant, and He will increase your harvests because of your righteousness.
11 So, you are really being made rich because of your generosity… for which we thank God! 12 Because, the purpose of this public collection isn’t just to supply the needs of the Holy Ones abundantly, but also to [make you] rich through their many words of thanks to God.
13 The proof of the value of this service is when [people] glorify God because of you, as you continue to obey and preach the good news about the Anointed One (and because you’re so generous in your contributions to them and to everyone). 14 So, they pray for you and long [to see] you, because of the tremendous loving care that God has shown them through you. 15 Thanks to God for His indescribable gift!
Chapter 10
1 Now, I (Paul) am begging you through the mildness and obedient ways of the Anointed One, before whose face there is lowliness in you; and although I’m absent I have this encouragement in you, 2 I beg that while I’m not there, I can be encouraged to dare to take on some of those who think of us as just fleshly. 3 And although we are for a fact just flesh, we don’t fight in fleshly ways, 4 because the weapons that we use aren’t fleshly… they come from the power of God, and they can tear down fortifications! 5 So, [we use them to] tear down ideas and all sorts of high-minded things that are raised against the knowledge of God… we capture all thoughts and force them to obey the Anointed One; 6 and we are ready to avenge any disobedience (whenever you are disobedient); 7 for you are just looking at faces!
Now, if anyone trusts that he belongs to the Anointed One, let him consider the fact that; As he belongs to the Anointed One, so do we! 8 So, even if I brag a little too much about the power that the Lord gave us to build you up (not tear you down), 9 I’m not ashamed if I also give you the impression that I want to terrify you with my letters. 10 Because, it’s a fact that some are saying, ‘His letters are heavy and forceful, but when he’s here, he’s weak and what he says is worthless.’ 11 So, may they be reminded that what we write about in letters when we’re away, is what we’re going to do when we get there!
12 Now, we don’t dare to make comparisons… we don’t compare ourselves with some who think too much of themselves. Because, when they measure themselves, or when they compare themselves against themselves, they don’t really come to the right conclusions.
13 But as for us; We don’t have to brag about how we measure up. Rather, we gage everything by the ruler that God gave us to measure with… and that ruler reaches as far as you! 14 So, we aren’t stretching ourselves out too far, as though we can’t reach you, because we were the first to come all the way to you [when we] preached the good news about the Anointed One. 15 And these braggarts can’t measure [themselves against] the efforts of others.
So, it is our hope that; As your faith grows, we will be recognized as great among you when you measure us by this ruler; for then we will be more prosperous 16 as we go preaching the good news to regions that are far beyond you. And then there will be no more bragging over the measurements of someone else’s ruler. 17 ‘Let the one who brags, brag about the Lord.’ 18 Because, he who sets himself up [as important] isn’t the one who is approved. Rather, it’s he who the Lord recommends!
Chapter 11
1 Now, I figured that you would put up with a little of my silliness; and you are in fact putting up with me. 2 But I’m jealous over you with a Godly zeal, because I personally promised you in marriage to a husband as a chaste virgin, to stand beside the Anointed One. 3 However, I’m afraid that somehow, in the same way that the snake cunningly seduced Eve, your minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are owed to the Anointed One.
4 So, if someone comes preaching about a Jesus other than the one we preached to you, or if you receive an inspiration other than the one you’ve already received, or if [you hear] good news other than what you’ve [already] accepted, you tolerate it well.
5 Now, I don’t think that I’ve done anything to prove myself inferior to your super-fine ‘apostles.’ 6 And even if I am an unskilled speaker, I’m certainly not [inferior] when it comes to knowledge, for I’ve shown this to you in everything!
7 Did I commit some sin by humbling myself so that you would be elevated, when I gladly preached the good news of God to you free of charge? 8 Then I must have robbed other congregations by accepting their provisions in order to serve you, 9 for when I was with you and in need, I didn’t make myself a burden to anyone. Why, the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed more than adequately.
Yes, I’ve kept myself from being a burden to you in every way… and I’ll keep on doing so. 10 By the Anointed One; it’s a fact that nobody will put an end to this reason for my boasting in the area of Achaia. 11 Why not? Is it because I don’t love you? God knows [that I do].
12 What I’m doing is what I will continue to do, so I can cut off the attacks from those who wish to attack [me]. They want to be proclaimed our equals in this thing that they’re bragging about. 13 Yet, they are false apostles… deceivers who are trying to turn themselves into the Apostles of the Anointed One. 14 And that should come as no surprise, because even the Opposer keeps turning himself into a messenger of light; 15 so it’s nothing special that those who serve him keep turning themselves into servants of righteousness. However, their end will reflect what they’re doing.
16 Allow me to tell you this once again: Don’t allow anyone to think that I’m foolish! But if you accept me, even though you think I’m foolish, that gives me a little more to brag about.
17 Now, I’m not saying this to follow the Lord’s example, but foolishly as a braggart… 18 since many are bragging as humans do, I’ll brag also. 19 It seems that you’re just too happy to put up with foolish people, because you’re so reasonable. 20 In fact, you put up with anyone who enslaves you, or who eats, or who takes, or who puts himself on high, or whoever slaps you in the face! 21 So, I’m talking as though we were dishonored and weak. Yes, if anyone is daring, I’ll foolishly say that I’m daring also!
22 Are they Hebrews? I’m one also! Are they Israelites? Me too! Are they Abraham’s seed? So am I! 23 Are they servants of the Anointed One? I reply like a crazy man; I’m even more so! For, [I’ve] worked harder, been in prison more times, been beaten more that anyone else, and have often been near death. 24 Why, five times I received forty strokes less one from the Judeans! 25 I was beaten with rods three times, I was stoned once, I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and I’ve spent a night and a day in the sea!
26 In my travels, I’ve often been in danger from rivers, from robbers, from those of [my own] race, and from [people of] the nations. [I’ve been] in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea… and in danger from false brothers! 27 [I’ve] worked and labored hard; I’ve often been sleepless, hungry, thirsty, and starving; and many times [I’ve even been] cold and naked! 28 And aside from these external things, there are the anxieties [that I feel] for all the congregations that flood over me each day.
29 Who is weak that doesn’t make me weak? And who falls into a trap that doesn’t set me on fire?
30 If there has to be bragging, then I’ll brag about the things that show I’m weak!
31 Why, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus (the One who is to be praised through the ages) knows that I’m not lying. 32 In Damascus, the governor (under Aretas the king) posted guards around the city to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered through a window in the wall inside a wicker basket, to escape his hands.
Chapter 12
1 Yes, although it isn’t good, I have to brag! Allow me to pass on some supernatural visions and revelations from [the] Lord:
2 I know a man in the Anointed One, who some fourteen years ago (whether [it happened] in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, only God knows) was caught away (in whatever state) into the third heaven. 3 Yes, I know such a man (whether [it happened] in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, only God knows), 4 who was caught away into paradise and heard unspeakable things that are illegal for a man to say. 5 I will brag about a man like that, but I won’t brag about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Because, if I wish to brag I won’t be foolish, I’ll tell the truth. However, I’m not going to do that, because I don’t want anyone to give me more credit than what he sees that I am, or hears what I say, 7 because there are so many things to reveal.
And, so that I wouldn’t think too much of myself, I was given a thorn in my flesh… a messenger from the Opposer that keeps slapping me so I don’t get too impressed with myself. 8 I’ve begged the Lord three times to remove it from me, 9 and He really answered me and said, ‘My loving care is enough for you. [Your] power is being perfected [by your] weakness!’
As the result, I’ll gladly brag about my weaknesses, so the power of the Anointed One may cover me like a tent. 10 I [actually] appreciate weaknesses, insults, being in need, and experiencing persecution and difficulties for the Anointed One, because when I’m weak, that’s when I’m powerful!
11 I’ve become foolish… and you made me that way, because I should have been recommended by you! Why, even if I were nothing, I wouldn’t be less than those super-fine ‘apostles’ in any way. 12 Indeed, it was the sign of an Apostle that produced endurance in you by means of signs, omens, and powerful works. 13 So, in what way have you received less than the rest of the congregations… other than the fact that I wasn’t a burden to you? Kindly forgive me for this wrong!
14 {Look!} This is the third time that I’ve gotten ready to come to you, and I won’t be a burden to you, because I’m not looking for the things you have, but for you! You see, children shouldn’t be setting something aside for their parents; parents [should be setting things aside] for their children! 15 As for me, I will happily spend and be spent for your lives!
Now, if I love you the most, should I then be the one who is loved the least? 16 Let it be, but I’ve never been a burden to you.
Or was I sneaky and did I catch you by trickery? 17 Why, I didn’t take advantage of you through any of those that I sent to you, did I? 18 I urged Titus [to go to you] and I sent a brother along with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you in any way, did he? Don’t we both act the same way and follow in the same footsteps?
19 Have you been thinking about all of this as we’ve been defending ourselves to you? For, we’re speaking before God [and] in the Anointed One! Loved ones; everything [we’ve done is] to build you up! 20 Yet, I’m afraid that when I arrive, I may not find you to be as I wish… then I might not prove to be something that you’d wish for. I don’t want to find divisions, jealousy, anger, arguing, backbiting, whispering, pride, or disorder, 21 for if that happens; perhaps the next time I come, my God might humiliate me over you, and I would have to mourn over many of those who sinned and who haven’t repented for the uncleanness, immorality, and the dirty things that they’ve done.
Chapter 13
1 Now, this is the third time that I’ll be coming to you, and ‘from the mouths of two or three witnesses, everything that’s said is established.’ 2 So, I’ve said it before, and I’m telling you ahead of time, the same as I did in my second visit (since I’m not there now); yes, to you who have sinned before, and to all the rest… when I come again, I will not spare! 3 Because, you’re looking for proof that the Anointed One is speaking through me, and He isn’t weak toward you… he’s powerful among you! 4 He was hung on a pole through weakness, but now he’s alive through the power of God! And although we are weak in him, we will live along with him through the power of God that’s in you.
5 So, keep testing yourselves to see whether you’re in the faith… prove what you are! Don’t you recognize that Jesus the Anointed One is in you… that is, as long as you have his approval? 6 And I truly hope you realize that we haven’t been disapproved!
7 Now, we pray to God that you don’t do anything wrong… not to make us look like we’re approved, but so that you may be doing what’s good even if that makes us look disapproved. 8 For, we are unable to do anything against the truth; only for the truth. 9 And we rejoice whenever we are weak but you are powerful, because that’s what we’re praying for… for you to be restored! 10 That’s why I’m writing these things while I’m away, so that when I’m there, I won’t have to cut anyone off; and so [I can] use the authority that the Lord gave me to build up, not to tear down.
11 Finally brothers; Keep on rejoicing, growing to perfection, being comforted, sharing the same thoughts, and living peaceably; then the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss. 13 All the Holy Ones send you their greetings.
14 May the loving care of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, the love of God, and a sharing in the Holy Breath be with all of you.
Galatians
Chapter 1
1 Paul (who was appointed an Apostle not by a man nor through a man, but through Jesus the Anointed One and God the Father, who raised [Jesus] from the dead) 2 and all the brothers with me, to the congregations of Galatia: 3 May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One; 4 he who gave himself for our sins to save us from this wicked age, because that was the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory into the ages of ages. May it be.
6 I’m amazed that you’re so quickly making the change from He who called you by the loving care of the Anointed One, to a different type of good news. 7 It really isn’t another [good news], it’s just that certain ones among you are causing problems and trying to change the good news about the Anointed One. 8 However, if we or a messenger from heaven were to come preaching something to you as good news other than the good news that we’ve already preached to you; Let him be cursed! 9 Let me say it again; Whoever preaches good news to you other than what you’ve already believed; Let him be cursed!
10 Who do you think I’m trying to persuade, men or God? Am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men I wouldn’t be slaving for the Anointed One. 11 So, I want you to understand this, brothers; The good news that I preached as good news didn’t come from men, 12 because I didn’t get it from men, nor did anyone teach it [to me]. [It came] through a revelation from Jesus the Anointed One.
13 Of course, you’ve heard about the way that I used to act [while I was involved] in Judaism. I fanatically persecuted the congregation of God and tried to destroy it. 14 Why, I was more advanced in Judaism than many others of my own age and race, and I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when the God who took me from my mother’s womb called [me] through His loving care 16 to reveal his Son through me so I could preach the good news about him to the nations, I didn’t look for the advice of flesh and blood. 17 Nor did I go to Jerusalem, to those who became Apostles before me. Rather, I went off to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. 18 I didn’t go up to Jerusalem until three years later, and there I visited Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 However, I didn’t see any of the rest of the Apostles, just the Lord’s brother, James.
20 Look! I’m not lying to you about any of the things that I’m writing in the sight of God!
21 After that, I traveled to the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 But the congregations (in union with the Anointed One) of Judea wouldn’t have recognized my face. 23 All they heard about me was; ‘The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the good news about the same faith that he once tried to destroy.’ 24 So, they glorified God because of me.
Chapter 2
1 Then after fourteen years, I finally went to Jerusalem again, taking BarNabas and Titus along with me. 2 But the reason why I went, was as the result of a revelation [that I received]. I told the prominent ones who were there about the good news that I’m preaching to the nations, but I did this privately for fear that somehow I was (or had been) wasting my time.
3 Now Titus, who was with me, was a Greek; yet, they didn’t force him to be circumcised! 4 But there were also some false brothers who were brought in that looked down on the freedom we have in the Anointed Jesus. And they wanted to make us their slaves… 5 but we wouldn’t give in to them even for an instant, so that the truth of the good news might reach to you!
6 Now, when it comes to those who seemed to be important (whatever they used to be makes no difference to me, because God doesn’t go by what a man appears to be on the outside), they didn’t show me anything new. 7 In fact, it was just the opposite; for, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the good news to the uncircumcised, as Peter was for those who are circumcised 8 (because, the one who gave Peter the powers of an Apostleship to the circumcised, also gave me such powers for those of the nations)… 9 yes, when they came to know the loving care that was shown to me; James, Cephas, and John (the ones who seemed to be pillars) gave BarNabas and I their approval to go to the nations, while they would go to the circumcised. 10 However, [we were told] to remember the poor, and I’ve tried hard to do that.
11 Then, when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because I knew that he was wrong. 12 [This is because], before certain men who came from James arrived, he used to eat with people of the nations. But after they arrived, he stopped associating [with them] and [started acting like a Jew] in fear of those who were circumcised. 13 [As the result], all the rest of the Jews also joined in this performance. Why, they influenced even BarNabas into this hypocrisy!
14 But when I saw that they weren’t following the path of the truth of the good news, I asked Cephas there in front of everyone: ‘If you’re a Jew who lives as people of the nations do, not as Jews do, then why are you forcing those of the nations to become like Jews? 15 We who are natural Jews (not sinners from the nations) 16 know that a man isn’t called righteous because of following the Law, but through faith in the Anointed Jesus. Why, even we had to put faith in the Anointed Jesus, so we could be called righteous by our faith in him, not by following the Law! So, no flesh will be called righteous due to following the Law!
17 ‘Now, if we are found to be sinners while we’re trying to be called righteous by means of the Anointed One, is the Anointed One a servant of sin? May that never happen! 18 However, if I build the things back up again that I once tore down, I prove that I’m a sinner!
19 ‘Now, as for me; I died to the Law so that I could become alive to God. 20 I was hung on a pole along with the Anointed One, so it’s no longer me that’s alive, but the Anointed One who is living in me. As the result; the life that I’m now living in the flesh is being lived for the Son of God, who loved me and handed himself over for me. 21 I’m not pushing the loving care of God aside, but if righteousness comes through the Law, the Anointed One died [for nothing].’
Chapter 3
1 O foolish Galatians; Who has cast an evil spell over you? Yes, you whose eyes have seen what was written about Jesus the Anointed One being impaled! 2 I just want to ask you one thing: Did you receive the Breath because of obeying the Law, or because you had faith in the things that [you] heard?
3 Are you so foolish? Did you start out in the Breath [of God] just to end up in the flesh? 4 Did you go through so much suffering for no reason? If there really wasn’t any reason for it, 5 then, did the One who gave you His Breath and who performs powerful works through you do it because you’re obeying the Law, or because you had faith in the things you heard?
6 Remember that Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and that’s why he was considered righteous.7 So, don’t you know that those who have faith are the sons of Abraham? 8 Why, God gave the good news to Abraham because He saw ahead of time that He would be calling people of the nations righteous due to their faith. For He said: ‘All the nations will be blest because of you.’ 9 So, those who have faith are being blest along with faithful Abraham!
10 Now, all those who are under the Law are under a curse, because it’s written, ‘Everyone is cursed that doesn’t follow and do everything that is written in the scroll of the Law.’ 11 So, it’s obvious that no one is called righteous before God because of obeying the Law… for, ‘the righteous one will live because of his faith.’
12 Now, the Law doesn’t have much to do with faith, because, ‘he who obeys them must live by them.’ 13 However, the Anointed One bought our freedom from the Law’s curse by becoming cursed for us. As it is written: ‘Every man who is hung on a tree is cursed.’ 14 So the reason why this happened was so that the blessing of Abraham could come through Jesus the Anointed One, and the nations could receive the promised Breath… which [we received] because of our faith!
15 Brothers, allow me to explain this in human terms: Nobody can change or destroy a valid contract between men. 16 And the promises were given to ‘Abraham and his seed.’ It doesn’t say, ‘to his seeds,’ as though there were many of them, but just one, ‘to your seed,’ who is the Anointed One!
17 So, let me also say this about that Sacred Agreement which God agreed to: The Law (that came some four hundred and thirty years later) didn’t destroy [the Agreement with Abraham], so its promise hasn’t been done away with. 18 However, if the inheritance comes from the Law, then it doesn’t come from the promise anymore… yet God kindly gave it to Abraham because of the promise.
19 Then, why [do we have] the Law? It was added to show us what sin was, until the seed (about which the promise was given) arrived, and [heavenly] messengers put it into the hands of a mediator. 20 Now, there’s no need for a mediator when only one person is involved, and God is just one. 21 So, does the Law go against God’s promise? May that never happen! For, if the Law had been provided to give [people] life, then righteousness would come by following the Law. 22 However, those scriptures make everything sinful, so [the reason for the Law] is for the promise (through faith in Jesus the Anointed One) to be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith arrived, we were all locked up together and guarded by the Law, until the [the time when] the things of faith would be revealed. 24 As the result, the Law has kept on reminding us of the Anointed One, so that we could be called righteous because of our faith. 25 But now that the faith has arrived, we don’t need a reminder anymore!
26 The fact is; you’re all sons of God because of your faith in the Anointed Jesus. 27 And all who were baptized into the Anointed One have put on the Anointed One. 28 So, there aren’t any Jews or Greeks, slaves or freemen, males or females; because you’re all one in the Anointed Jesus. 29 And if you’re [part] of the Anointed One, you’re really the seed of Abraham and heirs of the promise!
Chapter 4
1 Now, let me point out that; as long as the heir is a baby, he isn’t any different from a slave. For, although he’s the master over everything, 2 he’s still under those who are in charge and [he’s] under the household manager until a day comes that is selected by his father.
3 And that’s how it was with us. When we were [spiritual] babies, we were slaves to the rules of this world. 4 But when the time arrived, God sent his Son (who came through a woman and was under the Law), 5 so he could buy those who were under the Law and adopt us as sons.
6 Now, because you’re [His] sons, God has sent the spirit of His Son into our hearts, where it calls out, ‘Papa… Father!’ 7 So, you’re no longer slaves, but sons. And if you are sons, you’re God’s heirs!
8 Back when you didn’t know God, you were slaves to those who really aren’t gods. 9 But now that you’ve come to know God – or rather, now that God has come to know you – why are you returning to those weak and sorry rules… why do you want to become their slave again? 10 Here you are, carefully observing monthly, seasonal, and annual holidays, 11 and I’m afraid that all the work I’ve done for your sakes has been wasted!
12 Brothers, I beg you; Become like me, because I used to be just like you! You’ve never done me any wrong. 13 Why, you knew that I had a severe fleshly weakness when I preached the good news to you the first time. 14 And although this problem must have created difficulties for you, you didn’t treat it with contempt or spit on it in disgust. You received me like a messenger from God… like the Anointed Jesus.
15 So, where’s that happiness you [once] had? Why, I can testify to the fact that if it had been possible, you would have taken out your eyes and given them to me! 16 But, have I now become your enemy because I’m telling you the truth?
17 [There are those who are] zealously chasing after you for bad reasons… they want to snip you off and make you their zealous followers. 18 And it’s good for you to be zealously chased after all the time, as long as it’s for a good purpose (and not just when I’m with you).
19 O my little children; I’m enduring childbirth pains again until the Anointed One becomes strong in you. 20 I wish that I could be there with you right now and talk in a different tone of voice, because I just don’t know how to help you!
21 Those of you who want to be under Law, tell me this: Don’t you hear the Law? 22 It was written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant girl and the other by the free woman. 23 The one who came through the servant girl was born in the flesh, but the other [who came] through the free woman, [was born] because of a promise. 24 Now, this story is symbolic. The two [women] mean two Sacred Agreements. One came from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery (like Hagar); 25 so this Hagar means Sinai (a mountain in Arabia), and she symbolizes Jerusalem today, who is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she’s our mother. 27 For it’s written: ‘Be happy, you childless woman who hasn’t given birth. Break out [in song] and shout aloud, O you woman who has never known the pains of childbirth; because the barren woman has more children than the one who is married.’
28 Brothers, we are children of the promise, as Isaac was. 29 And just as the one who was born in the flesh started persecuting the one who was born through the Breath; that’s what’s happening now! 30 So, what do the Scriptures say? ‘Drive out the servant girl and her son, because the son of the servant girl will never be an heir with the son of the free woman!’
31 So brothers, we aren’t the children of a servant girl, but of the free woman!
Chapter 5
1 Why, the Anointed One set us free so we can be free! So, stand up and don’t allow yourselves to be put under the yoke of slavery again!
2 Look! I (Paul) am telling you that if you get circumcised, the Anointed One won’t be of any use to you! 3 And I again testify to every man who gets circumcised, that he’s obligated to obey the whole Law thereafter.
4 Those of you who are trying to be called righteous by the Law have voided the Anointed One and have fallen from his loving care. 5 However, we of the Spirit are eagerly awaiting the (hoped-for) righteousness that comes from faith. 6 Because, circumcision doesn’t have any value, nor does uncircumcision, when [it comes to] the Anointed Jesus. The only thing that does [have value] is faith that is motivated by love!
7 You were running so well; so who’s trying to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 Such an idea isn’t coming from the One who is calling you; 9 but ‘a little yeast ferments the whole ball [of dough].’
10 I’m confident that you who are in the Lord wouldn’t have thought anything else; but the one who is causing all this agitation will have to face up to his judgment, no matter who he may be!
11 Brothers; if I were preaching circumcision, then why would I be persecuted? If that were true, the impaling pole wouldn’t be a trap anymore! 12 Oh, I wish that those who are stirring you up would cut on themselves!
13 You were called to be free, brothers! So don’t use this freedom to serve your flesh; [use it] to slave for each other in love. 14 Because, the entire Law is fulfilled in the words: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 15 However, if you keep on snapping at each other and chewing each other up, be careful that you don’t swallow each other down!
16 I tell you this: If you keep walking by the Breath, you won’t do anything that your flesh desires. 17 For, what the flesh wants is at odds with what the Breath wants, and the Breath is at odds with the flesh – they are in opposition to each other – so you don’t do the things that you may like to do. 18 And if the Breath is leading you, you aren’t under the Law.
19 Now, the things that the flesh does are known. They include sexual immorality, uncleanness, unseemly acts, 20 worshiping idols, involvement in the occult, hatred, quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, divisions, sects, 21 envying, getting drunk, wild partying, and things like that. I’m warning you now as I’ve warned you before, that those who do such things won’t inherit God’s Kingdom.
22 However, the fruitage of [God’s] Breath is love, joy, peace, patience, caring, goodness, faith, 23 reasonableness, and self-control… and there are no laws against such things. 24 But those who belong to the Anointed Jesus have hung their flesh on the pole, along with its passions and desires. 25 So if we’re living by [God’s] Breath, then let’s walk in the Breath… 26 don’t be conceited, and [don’t] challenge or envy one another!
Chapter 6
1 Brothers, if anyone is ever caught up in doing bad things, those of you who have the Breath should try to restore that person in a reasonable way, as you keep an eye on yourselves so you aren’t tempted also. 2 Carry each other’s loads, and you’ll fulfill the law of the Anointed One. 3 Because; if anyone thinks he’s something when he’s nothing, he’s just fooling himself. 4 So, let each one prove [the value] of what he’s doing to himself first, and then he can brag to himself, not to other people. 5 For, each one has to carry his own load.
6 Also; May those who teach the Word share all the good things that they have with those whom they’re teaching.
7 Now, don’t make any mistake when it comes to this: You can’t mock God! Because, whatever a person is planting, is what he’s going to harvest. 8 So, if he’s planting [the desires] of his own flesh, he will harvest decay from the flesh. And if he’s planting things that have to do with [God’s] Breath, he’ll harvest life in the age. 9 So, let’s not misbehave… let’s keep on doing what’s right until that time comes, because we’ll harvest what we deserve if we don’t tire out. 10 Thus, in the time that we have left, may we do good things for everyone… and especially toward those who are related to us in the Faith.
11 Look at these large letters that I wrote with my own hand!
12 All those who want to be physically praised are telling you that you must be circumcised so that they won’t be persecuted over the impaling pole of the Anointed Jesus. 13 But these [same ones] who want you to be circumcised not only fail to obey the Law themselves; they also want you to be circumcised so that they can have a reason to brag over your flesh!
14 May I never find myself bragging, except over the impaling pole of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One; for it’s through him that I’ve put the world on the pole, as I’ve done to myself when it comes to this world. 15 Circumcision isn’t anything, nor is uncircumcision; but a new creation [is something]!
16 May peace and mercy be on everyone who walks in line with this rule, and upon the Israel of God.
17 Finally, let no one undermine my work, because I have the brand of Jesus on my body.
18 May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with you brothers.
May it be.
Ephesians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus (by the will of God), to the Holy Ones in Ephesus and to those who have faith in the Anointed Jesus: 2 May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be praised, for He has blest us with every blessing of his Breath in the heavens, through the Anointed One. 4 He chose us to be in Him before the world came to be, so we could be holy and unblemished before Him in love. 5 For, He envisioned us as adopted sons through Jesus the Anointed One, as it pleases His will, 6 in praise of the glory of the concern that [is shown by] the one through whom He favored us… the one that He loved. 7 It’s through him and his blood that our ransom has been paid, and it’s through the richness of his concern that our sins can be forgiven.
8 He has given us more wisdom and good sense than we need, 9 and he has allowed us to understand the mystery of His will, which He laid out in front of him as He pleases, 10 as an arrangement (when the time comes) to bring everything in heaven and earth under the headship of the Anointed One.
11 We were selected to be heirs through him, as the one who operates everything the way his will directs and has planned, 12 so that we can praise his glory… yes, we who have put our hope in the Anointed One. 13 [This is the one] about whom you heard the word of truth (the good news that is saving you); the one you believed in and who sealed you with the promised Holy Breath 14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which we will receive, and which has been reserved for us, for the glory of his praise.
15 That’s why, when I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the Holy Ones, 16 I haven’t stopped giving thanks for you. I keep mentioning you in my prayers, 17 asking that the God of our Lord Jesus (the Anointed One), who is the Father of glory, will give you the spirit of wisdom and the revelation of an accurate knowledge of Him; 18 and that the eyes of your hearts will be enlightened so you can know the glorious richness of the hope that He has called you for, and which He holds as an inheritance for the Holy Ones.
19 O how great His power is toward us who are believers, as it operates through the mightiness of His strength, 20 which He showed in the case of the Anointed One when He raised him from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every government, authority, power, lordship, and above every name that has been given, not only in this age, but also in the one that’s coming. 22 He has put everything under his feet and made him the head over everything to the congregation 23 (his body), to fill him with everything that belongs to the One who does the filling.
Chapter 2
1 You have died to the ways of sin and error 2 that you once walked in (the ways of this worldly age), when you used to follow the ruler of the power of the air… the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience. 3 That’s the way we were all headed once, following human desires and doing whatever our bodies wanted. For, because of the cravings that we once had, we were like everyone else… the natural children of [God’s] wrath. 4 But, due to the love He had for us, God (who is so rich in mercy) 5 made us alive to the Anointed One while we were still dead in our failings. So, His loving care has saved you… 6 He lifted us up and seated us in the heavens in the Anointed Jesus, 7 so that He could show to all those upon whom the ages are coming, the tremendous richness of His loving care, by His kindness upon us through the Anointed Jesus.
8 Why, it’s because of [His] loving care that you’ve been saved through faith. This doesn’t come from inside you; it’s a gift from God! 9 Nor is it because of anything that you’ve done so you can brag. 10 Rather, we were something that was made for Him, having been created by the Anointed Jesus before God, by the good deeds that he prepared for us to walk in.
11 So, don’t forget that you were once people of the nations in the flesh, and you were called the uncircumcised by those who were circumcised by hand in the flesh. 12 And at that time, you were without the Anointed One… aliens to the citizens of Israel and strangers to the Sacred Agreements of the promise… you were godless and without hope in this world. 13 But now (in the Anointed Jesus), you who were once far away have come to be near by means of the blood of the Anointed One, 14 for he is our peace.
He’s the one who made [Jews and Gentiles] one, and tore down the wall that fenced them off from each other. 15 Through his flesh, he destroyed the hatred [that was brought about by] the Law of Commandments and rules, so he could make the two people a new man and bring peace through himself. 16 He brought both [types of] people back to God in one body with the impaling pole, so he used himself to destroy the hatred. 17 Then when he came, he preached the good news of peace both to you who were far away and to those [of us] who were nearby. 18 So, because of him we can now all approach the Father together through the same Spirit.
19 As the result, you are no longer strangers and aliens; you are fellow citizens among the Holy Ones and fellow members of the house of God! 20 You’ve been erected on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, whose highest cornerstone is the Anointed Jesus. 21 And through him, the whole building is coming together and is growing into a Holy Temple for Jehovah. 22 Through him, you’re being assembled into a place for God to live through [His] Breath.
Chapter 3
1 I give thanks that I (Paul) am a slave to the Anointed Jesus on your behalf. Yes you, the people of the nations. 2 Perhaps you’ve heard about the responsibility that I (by the loving care of God) was given for you, 3 and how (as I wrote you briefly earlier) this mystery was revealed to me. 4 As you read on, hopefully you can grasp [how well] I understand the mystery of the Anointed One.
5 [This mystery] wasn’t revealed to past generations of the sons of men. However, it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets by means of [God’s] Breath… 6 that people of the nations will be fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise (in the Anointed One, Jesus), through the good news. 7 I became a servant of this through the gift that was given me by the loving care of God, and in harmony with His Power.
8 This caring was shown to me (a man who is less than the least of all the Holy Ones), so that I should preach the good news about the unimaginable richness of the Anointed One to the nations, 9 and to shine a light on how this mystery that has been hidden away through the ages in God (who created all things) works out, 10 so that governments and heavenly powers might learn about the vast wisdom of God through the called ones. 11 This has been His purpose of the ages through the Anointed Jesus, our Lord. 12 And it’s through our confidence and faith in Him that we have this freedom to speak and this direction.
13 It’s also because of this that I’m asking you not to tire of the concern that I have for you, because it glorifies you. 14 For, it’s over this that I thankfully bend my knees to the Father 15 (out of which all lines from a father, both in heaven and on earth, are named) 16 to [ask Him to] grant you (by the richness of His glory) the power to become strong in His Breath and to make the man that you are on the inside 17 alive in the Anointed One, through faith in your hearts with love; and to give you enough roots and foundation 18 to be able to understand (along with all the Holy Ones) the width, length, height, and depth; 19 to know of the love of the Anointed One (which is more than you can understand) and to fill you with all the fullness that God gives.
20 Now, to the One who (through His power that operates in us) can do far more than anything we can ask or even conceive; 21 may He be glorified by the congregation and by the Anointed Jesus into all generations of the age of the ages… may it be.
Chapter 4
1 So, as a prisoner in the Lord, I urge you to be worthy of the calling that you received, 2 [doing this] with all humility, gentleness, and patience, while you lovingly put up with each other. 3 Try hard to recognize the unifying force of [God’s] Breath and its power to bring you together in peace. 4 For, there’s just one body and one Spirit, according to the one hope that you were called to when you were called; 5 there’s just one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of everyone, who is over all, through all, and in all.
7 Now, the amount of loving care that was shown to each of us depends on how much of the Gift the Anointed One measured out to us. 8 For he says, ‘He stepped up into the highest place and carried off captivity as a captive; then he gave gifts to the men.’
9 Now, when it says ‘he stepped up,’ this also means that he first stepped down to the lower places… to the earth. 10 So, the one who stepped down also stepped up – high above the skies – so he could make everything complete.
11 Then he gave them; those who are Apostles, those who are Prophets, those who are messengers of the good news, and those who are shepherds and teachers, 12 in order to prepare the Holy Ones for the work of serving and strengthening the body of the Anointed One, 13 until we all become one in the faith and gain an complete knowledge of the Son of God to the point where it’s a completed man who fully measures up to the stature of the Anointed One… 14 so we won’t be babies anymore, being tossed up and back by waves, and being blown around by every wind of the treacherous teachings of men who will use any means to do something that’s wrong.
15 So, while holding onto the truth (and in love), let’s grow up in every way into he who is the head… the Anointed One. 16 For, he brings the body together… he assembles its parts and makes all the connections so as to supply each part what it needs (depending on its function), so the body grows and strengthens itself in love.
17 I tell you this and testify to it in the Lord: You must not continue in the path that the nations are following! For, their thoughts are worthless, 18 their minds have been darkened to any understanding, and they are aliens to a Godly life because of their ignorance and [their] dull hearts. 19 And because it no longer causes them any pain, they’ve given themselves over to living wasted lives and being greedy for filthy things.
20 However, that isn’t the way you’ve learned the Anointed One to be – 21 if you for a fact did hear him and were taught about him – because, truth comes through Jesus. 22 So, get rid of those old ways that are being corrupted by the enticements that come from desire, 23 and renew the spirit of your minds! 24 Then put on the new person; [the one] that is created by God’s Will in the righteousness and loyalty of the truth.
25 Also, get rid of lying… you must always tell your neighbors the truth, because we’re all fellow body parts of each other!
26 [You can] be provoked, but don’t sin… don’t let the sun set on the reason for your provokation, 27 nor allow any room for the Slanderer.
28 And the one who steals shouldn’t steal anymore. Rather, let him work hard and do good things with his hands, so he will have something to share with the needy.
29 Nor should you allow any foul words to come out of your mouths. Rather, use good words that are upbuilding (as they are needed) to show that you care for those who listen to you. 30 Don’t sadden the Holy Breath of God into which you were sealed in that Day when your ransom was paid!
31 Cause all the bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and slandering to be taken away from you, along with everything [else] that’s bad, 32 and be kind to each other… be sympathetic and graciously forgive each other, as God (by the Anointed One) has graciously forgiven you.
Chapter 5
1 Become imitators of God as His loved children, 2 and keep on walking in love, as the Anointed One loved you and gave himself up for you as an offering… a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.
3 Don’t allow sexual immorality or any type of uncleanness or greediness to be even mentioned among you, as would be expected from holy people. 4 Nor [should you share in] shameful conduct, foolishness, or dirty jokes (which are all unbecoming), but rather, in giving thanks. 5 Because, you already recognize and know that all those who are immoral, unclean, and greedy (which really amounts to being idol worshipers) won’t have any inheritance in the Kingdom of God and the Anointed One.
6 Don’t allow anyone to seduce you into using empty words. For, it’s because of things like this that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. 7 So, don’t join in with them, 8 because; although you were once dark, you are now light in the Lord. So, keep walking as children of light!
9 The fruitage of light is every sort of goodness, righteousness, and truth… 10 things that prove to be pleasing to the Lord. 11 So, don’t share in the unproductive deeds of darkness, but speak out against them.
12 It’s shameful to talk about things that are only done in private, 13 because everything that the light speaks against is being exposed, and all the things that are being made known are the light. 14 That’s why he says, ‘Wake up, you who are sleeping, and lift yourselves from among the dead; then the Anointed One will shine upon you.’
15 Therefore, pay close attention to the way you’re walking, so it’s not like those who are foolish, but as those who are wise. 16 Buy time for yourselves, because these are wicked days… 17 don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 And don’t be getting drunk on wine, which leads down an unsavory path. Rather, fill yourselves with the Breath [of God].
19 Sing to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and songs through the Breath [of God]… sing and create music in your hearts to Jehovah 20 in the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One. And always give thanks to our God and Father for everything!
21 Submit to each other as in the fear of the Anointed One. 22 Wives should submit to their husbands as they would to the Lord, 23 because a husband is the head of his wife as the Anointed One is the head of the congregation and the savior of that body. 24 So, as the congregation submits to the Anointed One, is how wives should [submit] to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands; Love your wives as the Anointed One loved the congregation and gave himself up 26 to make it holy. He washed it in a bath of water (so to speak), 27 in order to present a glorious gathering to himself that doesn’t have any spots, wrinkles, or any such things, but which is holy and without any blemishes. 28 That’s how husbands should love their wives… as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For, nobody ever hates his own flesh, but he feeds and takes pride in it, just as the Anointed One does the congregation.
30 So, we’ve become parts of his body, and 31 that’s why ‘a man will leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’
32 Now, this is a great mystery… I’m saying; Into the Anointed One and the congregation! 33 However, each of you should love your wives as you do yourselves, and wives should have [Godly] fear for their husbands.
Chapter 6
1 You children; Obey your parents in the Lord, because this is righteous. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother,’ for this is the first Commandment that came with a promise… 3 ‘so things will go well for you and you can live in the land for a long time.’
4 Fathers; Don’t frustrate your children, but raise them with discipline and put the mind of the Lord in them.
5 You slaves; Be obedient to those who are your fleshly masters, with [Godly] fear, and with contrite and sincere hearts, just as [you would] to the Anointed One. 6 Don’t just put on a good show to please men, but as slaves of the Anointed One, do the will of God whole souled. 7 Be willing slaves of the Lord (not of men), 8 because you know that whatever good each one does will be rewarded by the Lord, whether he’s a slave or a freeman.
9 You masters; Keep on doing the same for [your slaves], and don’t threaten them, because you know that your Master in the heavens is over both them and you, and He doesn’t recognize any difference [between you].
10 Finally, become powerful in the mightiness and strength of the Lord. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor of The God, so you can resist the methods of the Slanderer. 12 For, our fight isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the governments, the authorities, the mighty ones of this worldly darkness, and against the unseen power of wickedness in the heavens. 13 So because of this, take up all the armor from God [so you can] fight in that wicked day and still be left standing in the end.
14 Stand there with your hips wrapped in truth and wearing the breastplate of righteousness. 15 Wrap your feet and get them ready with the good news of peace. 16 And above all, pick up the large shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation and the sword of [God’s] Breath, which is the sayings of God.
18 Pray in every way and always keep begging [God]. Pray at all times in the Breath [of God] and stay awake… don’t give up! Also, keep begging [Him] on behalf of all the Holy Ones. 19 And [pray] for me too, so that words may be given to me to open my mouth and speak freely in order to make the mystery of the good news known. 20 For, that’s why I’m an ambassador in chains… to speak out boldly about it and to tell the things that I’m supposed to say.
21 Now, so you can know how I’m getting along and what I’m doing, TychiKos (a beloved brother and faithful servant of the Lord) will explain everything to you. 22 This is why I’m sending him to you… to let you know what’s happening with us and to comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brothers; And love with faith from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One. 24 May all those who have an uncorrupted love for our Lord Jesus the Anointed One receive [His] loving care.
Philippians
Chapter 1
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of the Anointed Jesus; to all the Holy Ones in the Anointed Jesus [who are] in Philippi, along with the overseers and servants: 2 May you have kindness and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
3 I thank my God every time you’re mentioned, 4 and I’m always begging [God] in behalf of all of you… and I beg with joy, 5 because of the share you’ve had in the good news from the first day until now. 6 I’m confident that the one who started this good work among you will continue to perfect it until the Day of Jesus the Anointed One. 7 So, it’s a righteous thing for me to be concerned about all of you, and I’ve kept you in my heart while I’m here in prison defending and reaffirming the good news, because all of you have shared with me in [his] loving care.
8 God is my witness as to how much I long for all of you with the same tender affection that the Anointed Jesus has. 9 And this is what I keep praying: That your love can continue to grow more and more, along with your accurate knowledge and understanding. 10 [I also pray] that you will be sure to prove whether anything new that you hear is true, so you can be found to be sincere and not be stumbled until the Day of the Anointed One, 11 and that you can be filled with righteous fruit through the Anointed Jesus, to God’s glory and praise.
12 Now, I want you to know this, brothers: I’m seeing results from the things that I’m doing for the advancement of the good news. 13 Why, my imprisonment because of the Anointed One has become public knowledge among the entire Praetorian Guard and everyone else [here]. 14 And because most of the brothers in the Lord are now more confident as the result of my imprisonment, they are showing more courage when it comes to fearlessly teaching the Word of God.
15 While it’s true that some are preaching the Anointed One out of envy and rivalry, many others are doing so for good motives… 16 they’re doing it out of love, because they know that [the reason why] I’m lying here is to defend the good news. 17 But none of the rest are doing it for a good reason; they’re preaching the Anointed One by arguing, and they think that this will create more problems for me while I’m in prison. 18 Why? It doesn’t make any difference, for whether they’re just pretending or they’re being sincere, the Anointed One is being made known, and I rejoice over this. In fact, I’ll keep on rejoicing, 19 because I know that through your earnest prayers and a [generous] supply of the spirit of Jesus the Anointed One, I will be saved. 20 I eagerly hope (and don’t expect to be disappointed) that I will soon be able to speak freely about the Anointed One as before, and now even more so, whether my body is dead or alive.
21 For, life to me is the Anointed One and death is my reward. 22 But if I keep living in the flesh, I consider this is the fruitage of my work. Which do I prefer? I won’t say, 23 for I’m obsessed by the two. What I desire is to be released [from this body] and to be with the Anointed One. This is surely the best. 24 However, for your sakes, it’s better for me to remain in the flesh. 25 And because I’m confident of this, I know that I will survive and still be with all of you. [That way, I’ll be able] to help you to grow in the joy of the faith; 26 and then your reasons for pride in the Anointed Jesus will grow because of me, due to the fact that I’ll be with you again.
27 Just behave in a way that’s worthy of the good news about the Anointed One, so that; regardless of whether I’m coming to visit or I’m far away, I can hear [good] things about you, such as; that you’re all standing firm with the same motivations, and that you’re serving the faith of the good news side-by-side as a single person, 28 not being frightened by those who oppose you. Such [fine conduct on your part] proves all the others to be worthy of destruction, but you to be worthy of salvation. And such a thing comes from God, 29 because you’ve been given the privilege to not only putting faith in Him, but also to suffer for the sake of the Anointed One. 30 Yes, you’ve had to struggle with the same things that you saw I had to [struggle with], and which you’re now hearing are happening to me again.
Chapter 2
1 If there’s anything that would encourage me in the Anointed One (any consoling love, any sharing of spirit, any caring or compassion… 2 anything that would make my joy in you complete), [it would be to hear that] you all agree and share the same love; that you’ve become as a single person who is thinking the same thoughts; 3 [that you aren’t] doing anything out of spite or pride, but that you humbly believe all the others are better than you; 4 and that you’re not just watching out for yourselves, but for the best interests of each other.
5 Keep this attitude in you that the Anointed Jesus had. 6 For, although he once existed in the same form as God, he didn’t consider trying to make himself equal to God. 7 Rather, he emptied himself into the shape of a slave and became a man. 8 And when he found himself shaped as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death… yes, death on a pole. 9 This is why God promoted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above all others, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee in heaven, on earth, and under the ground should bend, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus the Anointed One is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So, my loved ones; In the same way that you have always obeyed (not just when I’m there but also while I’m away), keep working toward your salvation as you tremble with fear. 13 For God is the One who provides the will and the way, if you have the desire.
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so you can become blameless and innocent children of God who are unblemished in this crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as windows to the world! 16 Hang onto the life-giving words, so that on the Day of the Anointed One, I can be proud that I didn’t run without any reason, or have worked so hard in vain.
17 Why, even if I am being poured out as a drink offering over the sacrifice and welfare of your faith, I’m thankful and I rejoice with all of you… 18 and I want you to be glad and rejoice with me in that same way!
19 I hope (in the Lord Jesus) to send Timothy to you soon, so I can receive consolation by hearing how you’re getting along. 20 For, I have no one else who shares this same spirit and who genuinely cares about your needs. 21 Everyone else is watching out for their own interests… not those of the Anointed Jesus. 22 But you recognize how well [Timothy] has proven himself, for he has slaved with me like a child with his father, when it comes to promoting the good news. 23 So, this is the man that I hope to send to you, just as soon as I see where I really stand in this situation I’m in. 24 However, I’m confident in the Lord that I will soon be able to come to see you myself.
25 I also considered it necessary to return EpaPhraditus (my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, but your envoy and social worker for my assistance) to you. 26 This is because he has been longing to see all of you, and he’s concerned that you learned about his illness. 27 Yes, he was indeed ill… almost to the point of death! However, God had mercy on him… and not just on him, but on me too, so I wouldn’t be grieved with sadness!
28 So, I’m sending him to you immediately, and when you see him, you can rejoice again (which will give me less reason for grief). 29 Give him your customary welcome in the Lord with all joy, and keep honoring such men! 30 Why, he came very close to being killed because of doing the Lord’s work, and he has exposed his life to great danger in order to make up for your not being here to provide for my welfare.
Chapter 3
1 Finally, my brothers, keep rejoicing in the Lord. The fact that I’m writing the same things to you again is no trouble for me, and it’s for your safety.
2 Watch out for the dogs; watch out for those who do bad things; and watch out for those who cut the flesh. 3 We who offer our worship by the Breath of God are the ones with the real circumcision! For, we take pride in the Anointed Jesus and we don’t put our confidence in the flesh.
4 However, if anyone has a reason for confidence in the flesh, it’s me. For, if anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have even more, 5 [because I was] circumcised on the eighth day, [I’m] of the race of Israel, of the tribe of BenJamin, and a Hebrew from among Hebrews. When it comes to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 when it comes to zeal, a persecutor of the congregation; when it comes to righteousness by following the Law, one who proved himself blameless. 7 Yet, the things that I [once] considered my assets are what I now consider my losses, because of the Anointed One.
8 Why, for a fact; I consider everything a loss compared to the superiority of the knowledge of the Anointed Jesus, my Lord. And because of him I’ve accepted the loss everything and consider it all a lot of garbage, so I can gain the Anointed One 9 and become one with him. This isn’t because of my own righteousness due to following the Law; it comes from faith in the Anointed One. It’s the type of righteousness that God gives for faith, 10 and this helps us to know [Jesus] and the power of his resurrection… and to share in his sufferings… and for me to resign myself to a death like his, 11 so I can somehow be found worthy of an out-resurrection from the dead.
12 [I’m not saying] that I’ve made it yet or that I’m already perfect, just that I’m chasing after it… I’m trying to grab hold of that for which the Anointed Jesus grabbed hold of me!
13 Brothers, I don’t think of myself as having achieved it yet, but I am doing this one thing: [I’m] forgetting the things in the past and stretching out to reach for the things that are ahead… 14 I’m running toward the goal, the prize of the higher calling from God, through the Anointed Jesus. 15 So, may all of us who are mature think like this… and if your thinking is inclined any other way, God will reveal this to you. 16 Besides, that’s why we’ve made such progress; because of following the same path.
17 Become one in imitation of me, brothers, and keep your eyes on those who are walking this way, because we’ve set the example. 18 For, there are many that I often used to talk to you about, who I now mention with tears, because they’ve become enemies of the Anointed One’s impaling pole. 19 And they will end up being destroyed, because their belly is their god, the things they are proud of are the things that shame them, and they just think about earthly things!
20 As for us; We are citizens of heaven… from which we’re eagerly awaiting our savior, the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, 21 who will transform our lowly bodies and mold them into the body of His Glory, in the same way that He’s able to put all things under his authority.
Chapter 4
1 So, my brothers who are loved and longed for (my joy and my [victory] crown); keep standing as you are in the Lord, O loved ones.
2 I encourage EuOdia and SynTyche to think alike in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I’m also asking you who have truly shared under my same yoke to stick by these women who have worked so hard, side by side with me in the good news… along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are [written] in the Scroll of Life.
4 Always rejoice in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let all men know how reasonable you are!
The Lord is near, 6 so don’t worry about anything! Plead and pray to God, in order to let Him know whatever you wish to ask of Him… in addition to thanking Him. 7 And then the peace of God that controls all thoughts will guard your hearts and your reasoning, through the Anointed Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers; Keep thinking about whatever things are true, serious, righteous, chaste, lovable, well spoken of, virtuous, and praiseworthy. 9 Keep doing the things that you learned, accepted, heard, and saw through me, and then the God of peace will be with you.
10 I’m so joyful in the Lord that you’ve finally started thinking about my needs once again. It’s not that you’ve forgotten me, it’s just that you didn’t have much opportunity. 11 I’m not saying this because I’m in need, for I’ve learned to be very self-sufficient. 12 I know how to be poor, and I know how to have plenty. In everything and in every way, I’ve learned the secrets of how to have enough to eat and how to go hungry; of having plenty and of not having enough. 13 I have the strength for everything by the One who gives me power. 14 However, you have acted well by sharing with me during my difficulties. 15 In fact, you Philippians know of how, back in the early [days] of the good news (after I left Macedonia), not a single congregation was willing to share with me in the matter of giving and receiving, other than just you. 16 Why, even [when I was] in Thessalonica, you sent something to help with my needs… not just once but twice!
17 It’s not that I’m begging for such gifts; I’m just looking for the fruitage of becoming a greater part of your conversations. 18 I’ve received everything that I need from you, which is more than enough! I’ve been filled with the sweet-smelling odor of a sacrifice that is acceptable and very pleasing to God, now that I’ve received these things from you through EpaPhraditus. 19 Be assured that my God will in turn fully supply all your needs from His richness in glory, through the Anointed Jesus.
20 Now, may our God and Father be glorified for ages of ages… may it be.
21 Give my greetings to all the Holy Ones in the Anointed Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 All the Holy Ones – and especially those of the house of Caesar – send you their greetings. 23 May the kindness of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with the spirit [you’ve shown].
Colossians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 to the holy and faithful brothers in the Anointed One at Colossae: May you have loving care and peace from our Father, God.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, when we pray for you, 4 since we’ve heard of your faith in the Anointed Jesus and of the love you have for all the Holy Ones, 5 through the hope that has been reserved for you in the heavens. This is the same hope that you learned of when the truth of the good news 6 was first brought to you. [And today], it’s producing fruit and increasing throughout the entire world, just as it has been doing among you since the day you first heard of it and came to an accurate understanding about the truth of God’s loving care. 7 That’s what you’ve learned from EpaPhras our beloved fellow slave, who is a faithful servant of the Anointed One on our behalf. 8 And he’s the one who told us of the love that you have by the Breath [of God].
9 It’s because of this, that; from the day we heard [of it], we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with a complete knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding through the Breath [of God]. 10 We want you to walk in a way that’s worthy of the Lord and to be completely pleasing as you keep on producing the fruit of all sorts of good work and growing in a full knowledge of God, 11 getting stronger in the power of His Glorious Might, so you can endure everything in joy and patience, 12 while you thank the Father who qualified you to receive a part of the inheritance of the Holy Ones in the light.
13 He drew us to Himself from out of the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. 14 And the ransom price that frees us from our sins has been paid through him. 15 For, he’s the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation. 16 Through him everything in heaven and on the earth was created, both the things that are visible and those that are invisible. Everything has been created through him and for him, regardless of whether they are thrones, or rulerships, or governments, or powers. 17 He was before everything and everything came into existence through him. 18 He’s the head of the body of the congregation; he’s the beginning and the first one to be born from the dead, so that he would be first in everything.
19 [God] saw that it was good for him to be complete in everything, 20 and used [Jesus] to bring everything back into a good relationship with Himself, by making peace through his blood [that was shed] on the pole, regardless of whether these things are heavenly or earthly.
21 Why at one time, you were aliens and enemies; because, all you thought about was doing bad things. 22 But [Jesus] has restored your relationship with [God] by means of the death of [his] fleshly body. [This was done so that] you could be presented to Him as holy, without blemishes, and free from any accusations… 23 that is, as long as you stay firmly founded and deeply rooted in the faith, and aren’t diverted from the hope of the good news that you heard, which is being preached in all creation under heaven, and of which I (Paul) am a servant.
24 Even as I suffer, I’m rejoicing over you. Right now, my flesh is finishing whatever may have been lacking during the difficult time that the Anointed One endured. I’m doing this in behalf of his body, the congregation, 25 which is what I’m serving. It’s a responsibility that God assigned to me for your sakes, to fulfill God’s Word 26 about the mystery that was hidden from past ages and generations, but has now been made clear to His Holy Ones.
27 It was God’s Will to make those of the nations understand the glorious richness of this mystery, so that the Anointed One would be in you, [giving you] the hope of glory. 28 So, he’s the one we’re advertising… we are wisely teaching and putting his mind in every man, so we can present every man as being complete in the Anointed One. 29 This is why I’m working hard and struggling; so he can show his power and his way of doing things through me.
Chapter 2
1 I want you to realize what a great struggle I’m undergoing on your behalf, as well as for those in LaoDikea and for all those who haven’t met me face to face yet. 2 I want your hearts to be comforted over this, so you can be brought together in love; and for you to be provided a rich and sure understanding, as well as an accurate knowledge of the mystery of God… the Anointed One. 3 For, hidden in him are the treasures of all wisdom and knowledge.
4 I want to explain this to you so that no one can mislead you with strong arguments. 5 For, although I’m not there in the flesh, I’m with you in spirit.
I’m rejoicing, because I’ve noticed the way that you’ve come into line with and become firm in the Anointed One. 6 So, since you’ve accepted the Anointed Jesus (the Lord), [you must] keep on walking with him. 7 Become rooted and built up in him; and become firm when it comes to faith in the things you were taught… overflow with it whenever you’re giving thanks!
8 Watch out so that no one carries you off as a captive with the philosophies and empty hopes of human traditions, because these base things of the world don’t come from the Anointed One; 9 for in him lives all the fullness of the divine body… 10 and you’re also one with him [in this fullness], and he’s the head of all governments and powers.
11 You were circumcised into him with a circumcision that was done without hands, when you stripped away your fleshly bodies… this is the circumcision of the Anointed One. 12 You were all buried with him when [you were] baptized, and you were all raised together by faith in what God (who raised him from the dead) has done in you. 13 For, that’s when you died to your errors and to the uncircumcised state of your flesh, and when you became alive with him. Then he kindly forgave all your errors 14 and wiped away the handwritten Law that held us down and oppressed us… he lifted it out of the way and nailed it on the pole! 15 Then he stripped away the governments and powers, and openly displayed that this is how he conquered them.
16 So, don’t let anyone judge you when it comes to [what you] eat or drink, or over your views of the festivals, such as the New Moon or Sabbath, 17 for these are just shadows of things to come, while the reality belongs to the Anointed One.
18 And don’t allow anyone to take the prize away from you by suggesting some lowly form of worship of the messengers [of God], or by making strong claims for things he has seen. [This man has become] overly impressed with something he imagined in the flesh, 19 and he’s not hanging onto the head… the one who holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and which keeps growing with the [type of] growth that comes from God.
20 So, if you’ve already died to the base things of this world along with the Anointed One, then why do you (as though you’re still living in this world) put yourself under such laws as, 21 ‘don’t feel it,’ ‘don’t taste it,’ or ‘don’t touch it’ … 22 especially when it comes to things that are just going to be consumed? These are the commands and teachings of men! 23 Choosing such a form of worship may sound wise, with all its humility and mistreatment of the body, but it has no value when it comes to satisfying fleshly needs!
Chapter 3
1 So, if you’ve been raised with the Anointed One, search for the things that are above… at the right hand of God, where the Anointed One is sitting. 2 Also, think about the things that are above (not on the earth), 3 because you died and your life has been hidden away in the Anointed One and in God. 4 And then, when the Anointed One (who is our life) shows himself, you will also be seen with him in glory.
5 So, while you’re on the earth, deaden your body parts to sexual immorality, uncleanness, passions, desires for bad things, and greediness (which is idolatry). 6 For, it’s due to such things that the wrath of God is coming. 7 Why, that’s the way you acted when you used to live for such things. 8 But now, get all of that out of your mouths (the wrath, anger, badness, slander, and obscenities) 9 and don’t lie to each other! Take off the old person and the things that he did, 10 and put on the new man who has been renewed by coming to an complete knowledge… become the image of the One who created [this new man] 11 in [a body] where there are no Greeks or Jews, circumcised or uncircumcised, foreigners, Scythians, slaves, or freemen… just the Anointed One, who is everything and in everything!
12 So, as God’s chosen people who are holy and loved, put on the caring traits of empathy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Keep putting up with each other and forgiving each other kindly (whenever anyone has a reason to complain)… just as the Lord kindly forgave you, you do the same! 14 And add love to all of that, because it’s the perfect unifying force.
15 Let the peace of the Anointed One serve as the referee in your hearts, because it called [all of] you into one body. So, be thankful and 16 allow the words of the Anointed One to live in you richly and in all wisdom, as you kindly teach and remind each other through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Breath [of God].
Sing to God from your hearts! 17 And no matter what you say or do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God (the Father) through him.
18 Wives; Always obey your husbands, since this is proper [for those who are] in the Lord.
19 Husbands; Love your wives and don’t be bitterly angry with them.
20 Children; Obey everything your parents [tell you to do], because this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers; Don’t frustrate your children, so they don’t become discouraged.
22 Slaves; Obey those who are your fleshly masters in everything. Don’t just put on a good show to please men, but [do everything] sincerely and from the heart, in the fear of the Lord.
23 Whatever you’re doing, work at it with your whole strength as though [you are doing it] for the Lord, and not for men. 24 You know that you’ll get the reward of the inheritance from the Lord, so slave for the Lord (the Anointed One), 25 because, those who are unrighteous will only receive the unrighteousness that they do, and they won’t be recognized.
Chapter 4
1 Masters; Be righteous and fair with your slaves, because you know that you also have a Master (in heaven).
2 Keep on praying, staying alert, and giving thanks. 3 And at the same time, also pray for us… that God may open a door [of opportunity] for us to speak and to tell the mystery of the Anointed One, which is the reason why why I’m shackled… 4 to show whatever it is that I’m supposed to say.
5 Keep on walking wisely when it comes to those on the outside, and keep watching for opportunities. 6 Be respectful in everything you say… season it with salt and know how to answer each person.
7 TychiKos (my dear brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord) will tell you everything that’s happening with me. 8 That’s why I’m sending him to you… to keep you abreast of what’s going on and to comfort your hearts. 9 [I’m also sending] Onesimus, my faithful and loved brother who came from you. They will tell you all the rest.
10 AristArchus (my fellow prisoner) sends you his greetings, as does Mark (BarNabas’ cousin). He’s the one that you were told to welcome if he ever comes to [visit] you… 11 and so does Jesus (who’s also called Justus). All these are circumcised, but they are also my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they’ve done so much to console me.
12 EpaPhras (who came from you), a slave of the Anointed Jesus, sends his greetings. He always puts a lot of effort into his prayers for you, asking that you might become perfect in the stand that you’re taking and [that you’ll] completely carry out the Will of God. 13 I can testify to the fact that he goes to a lot of effort on your behalf, and for those at LaoDikea and at HierApolis.
14 Luke (the beloved physician) sends you his greetings, and so does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at LaoDikea, as well as to Nympha and the called ones in her home.
16 After this letter has been read among you, also arrange for it to be read in the LaoDikean congregation… and you read the one from LaoDikea. 17 Also, tell ArcHippus to keep an eye on the service assignment that he accepted in the Lord and to make sure he fulfills it.’
18 Here is my greeting (Paul’s) in my own hand. Remember me in prison. May [God’s] loving care be with you.
1 Thessalonians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of Thessalonians who are one in God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed: May you have [God’s] peace and loving care.
2 We always thank God when we mention you in our prayers, 3 because we never forget your faithful work, loving labors, and endurance that comes from [your] hope in our Lord Jesus the Anointed, [who stands] before our God and Father. 4 For we know that He chose you, our brothers who are loved by God, 5 because the good news that we are preaching didn’t become just words to you, but power, Holy Breath, and a strong conviction, since you recognized what sort of men we became to you for your sakes. 6 Then you started acting like us and the Lord, because, you accepted the word with the joy of [God’s] Holy Breath despite many difficulties, 7 and became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 Why, you’ve preached the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere that your faith in God has spread, so we don’t have to say anything more. 9 For, they all keep reporting about the way we first came to you and how you turned away from idols, then [turned toward] God… yes, to slave for a God who’s alive and true. 10 And [they tell of how you’re] awaiting His Son from the heavens who He raised from the dead, Jesus, who draws us to himself and away from the coming wrath.
Chapter 2
1 Brothers, you know that our visit to you hasn’t been without results. 2 For, although we had just suffered and been mistreated in Philippi (as you well know), our God gave us the boldness to speak to you about the good news of God… however, with a lot of difficulty. 3 Because, the encouragement we give doesn’t come from errors, uncleanness, or deceit. 4 And, since God has proven us fit to be entrusted with the good news, we don’t speak just to please men, but [to please] God, who proves what’s in our hearts.
5 So, as God is my witness (and as you well know), we didn’t come with flattering words or pretending to be in need of anything, 6 nor have we looked for glory from men… no, not from you or from anyone else (and as Apostles of the Anointed One, we could be quite a burden). 7 However, we came to you gently, as a mother who feeds and cares for her children. 8 And because we care for you so much, we were not only happy to share the good news of God with you, but also our lives, because you’ve become so dear to us.
9 Brothers, surely you remember how we worked hard and labored. Why, we worked night and day so we wouldn’t put an expensive burden on any of you as we preached to you about the good news of God. 10 And both you and God are our witnesses as to how loyal, righteous, and free from blame we became to you believers. 11 In the same way, you each know how we kept on encouraging you, consoling you, and witnessing to you as a father does to his children. 12 [We did this] so that you would keep on walking in a way that’s worthy of the God who’s calling you to His Kingdom and glory.
13 So, that’s why we keep on thanking God; because, when you accepted the word of God that you heard from us, you didn’t accept it as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
14 You became our imitators and brothers, like the congregations of The God in Judea (those who are in the Anointed Jesus), because you started suffering at the hands of your own countrymen as they did at the hands of those Judeans 15 who killed the Lord Jesus, the Prophets, and who even persecuted us. Such men aren’t pleasing to God, for they oppose all men 16 by trying to keep us from speaking to people of the nations so we can save them. As the result, they’re always filled to the brim with their sins. But in the end, His wrath will come upon them.
17 As for us, brothers; We’re forced to be orphans to you for a short time (in body, not in our hearts) as we anxiously desire to see your faces. 18 That’s why we wanted to come to you – yes, I Paul – on two different occasions. However, the Opposer kept cutting us off. 19 For, when our Lord Jesus arrives and we’re standing before him, why would we have any hope, or joy, or the crown of pride, if not over you? 20 You… yes you, are our glory and joy!
Chapter 3
1 So, when we couldn’t bear it any longer, we arranged to be sent to Athens alone. 2 Then we sent Timothy – our brother and God’s servant in the good news about the Anointed One – to strengthen and comfort you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be discouraged by all these difficulties. However, you know that we were appointed [to endure] things like this.
4 Why, when we were there with you, we warned you that we were about to suffer persecution (as you well know is now happening). 5 And it’s because I just couldn’t stand [not knowing], that I sent [Timothy] to find out how your faithfulness [is holding up], so that the Tempter doesn’t tempt you and bring all our hard work [on your behalf] to nothing.
6 However, Timothy has just now returned from you, and he gave us the good news about your faithfulness and love, and [he told us] how you keep us in your fond memories and always long to see us, just as we [long to see] you. 7 And that’s why, brothers, despite all our own needs and difficulties, we find comfort in you and in the faithfulness that you show. 8 Because, if you’re standing firm in the Lord, we are alive! 9 So, what kind of thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy that we now have because of you, before our God, 10 as we keep on begging night and day to see your faces and to correct anything that may be lacking in your faith.
11 Now, may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus straighten our road to you. 12 May the Lord cause you to grow and to have more than enough love for each other and for all, as we have for you. 13 And may he make your hearts firm in holiness, without any blame before our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus and all his Holy Ones arrive.
Chapter 4
1 Finally, brothers; We ask and urge you by the Lord Jesus, to follow the path of the things you learned from us and to keep pleasing God. Although you’re already doing this, you must do it even more so! 2 You know the orders that we gave you through the Lord Jesus, 3 that; What God wants is [for you] to be made holy and to stay free from sexual immorality. 4 You should each learn how to take control of yourselves in holiness and honor… 5 not in passionate desires like those nations who don’t know God! 6 Nobody should overstep the limits or take advantage of his brother in this matter, for the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we warned you before and explained completely. 7 Why, God didn’t call us to uncleanness, but to holiness! 8 So, you who [choose to] disregard this [warning] aren’t disregarding a man, but The God who put His Holy Breath in you.
9 When it comes to the matter of brotherly love; there isn’t any need for us to write you, because God taught you to love each other… 10 and you’re doing this to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. However, we urge you brothers to become even better at it! 11 Also, pledge yourselves to living quietly, minding your own business, and working for a living (as we’ve instructed you to do), 12 so that you’re acting in an appropriate way toward those who are on the outside, and so you’ll be in need of nothing.
13 Brothers, we want you to understand the situation of those who are sleeping [in death], so you aren’t saddened (as are those who have no hope). 14 For, if we believe that Jesus died and was resurrected, then we also believe that The God will lead those who have [have been] sleeping through Jesus, to be with him.
15 What we are saying to you is the word of the Lord… that the living who remain until the coming of the Lord will definitely not go ahead of those who have been sleeping. 16 Because, the Lord himself will come down from heaven and give the command in the voice of the highest messenger [of God] and with God’s trumpet; then those who have died in the Anointed One will be resurrected first. 17 And we the living (those remaining at the time) will be snatched into the clouds along with them for a meeting of the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be together with the Lord.
18 Keep comforting each other with these words.
Chapter 5
1 Now, when it comes to the times and seasons, brothers, nothing needs to be written to you, 2 because you know very well that the Lord’s Day is coming as a thief in the night. 3 And whenever they’re saying ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come on them instantly like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they won’t escape. 4 However, brothers, you aren’t in the dark… so that Day shouldn’t sneak up on you like thieves! 5 Why, you’re all sons of light and sons of the day… and we don’t belong to night or to darkness!
6 Really then; Let’s not fall asleep like all the rest. Let’s stay awake and keep sober, 7 for those who are sleeping, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But, may we who belong to the day stay sober, as we wear the breastplate of faith and love, and [put on] our hope of salvation as though it were a helmet. 9 Because, The God didn’t assign us to His wrath, but to being saved through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One. 10 Why, he died for us, so that whether we stay awake or we’re asleep, we should live together with him! 11 Keep comforting each other with this [thought] and keep building each other up, just as you’re already doing.
12 Now brothers; We’re asking you to give [special] recognition to those who are working so hard among you by presiding over you in the Lord, and counseling you. 13 Give them extraordinary loving consideration because of what they’re doing, and be at peace with each other! 14 We also urge you brothers to reprimand the disorderly, to comfort the depressed, to support the weak, and to be patient with everyone. 15 Also, see to it that no one is trying to get even with anyone else over bad things… always search for what’s best for each other and for everyone else! 16 Always be rejoicing, 17 praying constantly, 18 and giving thanks for everything, because this is God’s Will for you, in the Anointed Jesus! 19 Don’t put out the fire of [God’s] Breath 20 or take prophesies lightly, 21 but prove everything, then hang onto whatever is good… 22 and stay away from everything that appears to be wicked!
23 May the very God of peace make you completely holy and sound in every way – in spirit, life, and body – and find you blameless when our Lord Jesus the Anointed arrives; 24 for He who is calling you is faithful, and He will make it happen.
25 Brothers; keep praying for us, 26 and greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I’m putting you under oath in the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers.
28 May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed be with you.
2 Thessalonians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians who are in God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed: 2 May you have loving care and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
3 We’re always obligated to give thanks to God for you, brothers. This is appropriate because of the super growth of your faith, and [because of] the love that you have for each other, which keeps on growing. 4 We also take special pride in you among all the congregations of God, because of the endurance and faith that you’ve shown through all the persecutions and difficulties that you’ve been enduring. 5 So, the righteous judgment of God is being revealed in that you’re being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
6 And it’s a righteous thing for God to repay those who are persecuting you by crushing them, 7 while providing relief to you who are suffering this persecution (and to us also) when the Lord Jesus is revealed in the sky with his powerful messengers 8 in a flaming fire. Then he’ll bring vengeance upon all those who don’t know God and those who aren’t obeying the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 [His] justice will repay them with ages of ruin away from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his strength. 10 [He will do this] when he comes to receive the glory of his Holy Ones into himself; and then all those who believe will be awed in that Day, because you believed the testimony we gave.
11 Another reason why we’re always praying for you, is so that our God may count you worthy of the calling and fulfill upon you all [His] good intentions and powerful deeds of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you (and you in him), through the caring of our God and of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
Chapter 2
1 However, brothers; regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One and our being gathered to him; we urge you 2 not to quickly lose hope, or to be disturbed by [something from the] spirit, or by words, or in a letter that may have come through us, indicating that the Lord’s Day has arrived. 3 Don’t allow anyone to mislead you in any way, because it won’t come until after there is a great turning away and the lawless man is revealed… the son of destruction. 4 For, he opposes and puts himself higher than all others that are called gods or things of worship, and he seats himself in the Temple of God where he publicly displays himself as being a god.
5 Don’t you remember that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you?
6 So, now you know what’s holding him down and keeping him from being revealed in his appointed time; 7 for the mystery of this lawlessness is already being worked from within. However, he’s being held down until what’s in its midst comes to be. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will do away with him by the breath from his mouth and bring him to nothing, when he arrives.
9 However, the Opposer will bring [the lawless one] to those who are destroying themselves through his powers of lying signs, omens, 10 and every sort of unrighteous deception. [They will choose this] instead of love of the truth, which would save them. 11 So, that’s what God is sending to them instead. He’s allowing this wrong thing to be, so they can believe the lie… 12 and so that all those who don’t believe the truth, but prefer unrighteousness, may be judged.
13 However, we are obliged to always thank God for you brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the start to be saved, to make you holy by his Breath, and to have faith in the truth. 14 This is why He called you through the good news we brought… so you would receive the glory of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
15 Therefore, brothers; Stand firm and hang onto the traditions you were taught, whether by word [of mouth] or in letters from us. 16 May our Lord Jesus the Anointed One himself, and God our Father who loved us and kindly gave us comfort and a good hope in this age, 17 comfort your hearts and make you firm in all good words and deeds!
Chapter 3
1 Finally, brothers; Pray for us… and that the word of the Lord may be glorified and spread rapidly, as is being done among you. 2 And [pray] that we may be delivered from unruly and wicked men, because The Faith isn’t for everyone. 3 But the Lord is faithful and he will make you firm and guard you from the wicked one. 4 We also have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing – and will continue to do – the things we’re telling you to do. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the endurance of the Anointed One.
6 Now brothers; We’re instructing you in the name of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, to stay away from any brother who isn’t following the instructions and traditions you’ve received from us. 7 For, you know very well that it’s important to imitate us, because we didn’t step out of line when we were with you, 8 nor did we ask anyone to give us food. Rather, we worked hard night and day so as not to be a burden on any of you.
9 It’s not that we weren’t authorized to [ask for your support], but we wanted to set an example for you to imitate. 10 Why, when we were with you we said: ‘If anyone isn’t willing to work, don’t feed him.’ 11 But we’re hearing that some among you aren’t following these instructions… they aren’t working at all, but meddling in other people’s affairs. 12 We instruct and urge them in the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, to be quiet and go to work so they’ll have something to eat.
13 However, brothers; Don’t give up in doing what’s good! 14 And if anyone isn’t willing to obey the things we wrote in this letter, mark him and don’t associate with him, to shame him. 15 However, don’t think of him as an enemy, council him as a brother.
16 Now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace in every way throughout all time. May the Lord be with all of you.
17 [Here’s] my greeting in my own (Paul’s) hand. Every letter proves it, because, this is the way that I write.
18 May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with all of you.
1 Timothy
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus, by the authorization of God our Savior and of the Anointed Jesus, [who is] our hope, 2 to Timothy, a genuine child in the faith: May you find loving care, mercy, and peace from God the Father and [from] the Anointed Jesus our Lord.
3 [Please] stay in Ephesus as I had encouraged you to do, while I go on to Macedonia. For, I want you to give orders to some who are there not to be teaching something that’s different, 4 or to be paying attention to myths and genealogies, because there’s no end to these things. Such research detracts from the job of serving the needs of the Faith in the household of God.
5 Rather, the end result of these orders is to love out of a clean heart, with a good conscience, and with faith that isn’t judgmental. 6 It’s because of [these other] teachings that some are being misled into foolish discussions. 7 For there [are those who] want to be teachers of the Law, but they don’t have any idea what they’re talking about, and of the types of effects they will have.
8 Now, we know that the Law is good… as long as it’s used for legal purposes. 9 But recognize that the Law wasn’t given for righteous men, but for the lawless and undisciplined, the godless and sinners, the disloyal and unclean, those who strike their fathers and mothers, murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who have sex with men, the presumptuous, liars, oath breakers, and all else that goes against the wholesome teachings 11 that come from the glorious good news which our blest God has entrusted to me.
12 I’m so grateful to the Anointed Jesus our Lord who gave me this power, because he considered me faithful and made me his servant, 13 [despite the fact that] I used to be a slanderer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. However, I was shown mercy (for I was just ignorant and I acted [that way] because I didn’t believe) 14 by the caring of our Lord, who works so faithfully and lovingly through the Anointed Jesus.
15 So, when we say that the Anointed Jesus came into the world to save sinners, those words are faithful and deserve to be believed, because I was the most outstanding of them! 16 And the reason why I was shown mercy was so that the Anointed Jesus might demonstrate all his patience and use me as a prime example of those who can still put faith in him and receive life in the age.
17 Now, to the King of the ages [who is] incorruptible and invisible (the only God), may there be honor and glory into the ages of ages… may it be.
18 This is the responsibility that I’m laying on you, Timothy my son: As the prophecies about you foretold – that you would be a soldier in a good war – 19 hang onto your faith and good conscience, for some have pushed theirs aside and experienced shipwreck. 20 This includes Hymenaeus and Alexander, who I’ve handed over to the Opposer so they can be taught not to blaspheme.
Chapter 2
1 First, I’m encouraging you to beg, pray, ask for, and give thanks [to God] for all types of men – 2 for kings and all those who are in high offices – so that we can go on living a calm and quiet life, devoutly and seriously. 3 This is good and acceptable in the eyes of our Savior, God, 4 because He wants all men to be saved and to come to a complete knowledge of the truth. 5 For, there’s just one God and there’s just one mediator between God and men – a man – the Anointed Jesus. 6 For, he gave himself as the ransom price for everyone at just the right time in proof of this. 7 And this is the reason why I was made a preacher, an Apostle (I’m not lying, I’m telling the truth) and a teacher of faith and truth to the nations! 8 So, I wish to pray that men everywhere would all raise their hands together in loyalty and set aside their anger and arguments; 9 and that women would dress themselves modestly and adorn themselves sensibly… not with fancy hairstyles or in gold and pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but in ways befitting women who have promised to worship God and to do everything that’s good.
11 Let women learn quietly and obediently. 12 For I don’t allow women to teach or to preside over men… just to be silent, 13 because Adam was created first, then Eve. 14 Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and went beyond [what she was told]. 15 However, [the women] will be kept safe through childbirth as long as they remain in the Faith (in love, holiness, and sensibleness).
Chapter 3
1 You can believe that if someone is reaching out to be an Overseer, he’s looking for good work. 2 But an overseer has to be free from accusations, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sensible, orderly, friendly to strangers, and a teacher; 3 not [someone who is] addicted to alcohol or headstrong, but [someone who is] willing to give in; and not a quarrelsome or greedy person. 4 [He should] take the lead in his family and have children who obey him seriously, 5 because; if any man doesn’t know how to take the lead in his own family, how will he take care of God’s congregation? 6 He must not be a newly-converted man, for fear that he might become too proud and fall into the judgment of the Slanderer. 7 And those outside [the congregation] should also speak well of him, so he doesn’t fall into disgrace and into the Slanderer’s snare.
8 Servants [in the congregation] should also be serious, not deceitful, not excessive drinkers, and not looking for easy money, 9 but holding the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 Let them prove themselves first; then if they do well, allow them to serve.
11 Women should likewise be serious and not slanderous, but moderate in their habits and faithful in everything.
12 Servants should only have one wife and be taking the lead over their households and children. 13 Then those who serve well will gain a good position in the faith and have opportunities to speak boldly, through the Anointed Jesus.
14 I’m writing these things to you, although I’m hoping to come to you shortly, 15 so that (just in case I’m delayed) you’ll know how you should conduct yourself in God’s household (the congregation of the living God) as a pillar and supporter of the truth.
16 Admittedly, this sacred [thing that we are] devoted to is a great mystery. For, ‘He was shown in the flesh, called righteous in spirit, appeared to [God’s] messengers, was preached about among the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken up in glory.’
Chapter 4
1 However, the Breath definitely says that some will leave the faith in the future and pay attention to wicked spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 and to hypocritical men who are liars and whose consciences are seared as with branding irons. 3 They will forbid [people] to marry or to eat food that God created to be eaten appreciatively by all those who have faith and who understand the truth. 4 For everything that God created is good and nothing is to be thrown away. And if we thank Him for it, 5 it becomes holy by what we say to God in prayer.
6 By explaining these things to the brothers, you’ll be a fine servant of the Anointed Jesus. [You’ll] grow strong on the words of the faith and on the fine teachings that you’re following so closely.
7 Stay away from things that are worldly and the old-wives tales, and do your exercises toward reverence. 8 For, while physical exercise does a little good, reverence is good for everything, because it holds the promise of life both now and in the future 9 (what I just said is true and worth believing). 10 This is the reason why we’re struggling and working so hard; because we’re putting our hope in a living God. He’s the Savior of all men… but mostly of the faithful.
11 So, give orders about these things and teach them! 12 And don’t allow anyone to look down on you because you’re young. Rather, become an example to the faithful in what you say, in the way you act, in your love, in your faith, and in your purity.
13 Until I get there, work at public reading, giving council, and teaching. 14 Don’t be careless with the gift in you that was given through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. 15 Think hard on these things… get wrapped up in them so everyone can see the progress you’re making. 16 Keep paying attention to yourself and to your teaching, and stick with it; for if you do that, you will save yourself and those who listen to you!
Chapter 5
1 Don’t be too harsh with older men, but speak to them as you would to fathers; to younger men as brothers; 2 to older women as mothers; and to younger women as sisters, with all purity.
3 Show honor to the widows who are really living as widows. 4 However, if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn the lesson of how to show deep respect inside their own families, by paying what they owe to their parents and grandparents, for this is the only right thing to do in God’s sight.
5 Now, an actual widow who has been left on her own puts her hope in God, so she keeps begging to [God] in prayer night and day. 6 But the [the widow] who lives for herself and for pleasure is already dead, though still alive.
7 Keep on giving these instructions, so they’ll be found blameless: 8 For if anyone doesn’t provide for his own – and especially for those in his own home – he has denied the faith and is worse than unbelievers are!
9 Put a widow on the list if she’s more than sixty years old; had only one husband; 10 has done good things that can be attested to; has raised children; has been hospitable; has washed the feet of Holy Ones; has provided for those in difficulty; and has followed the course of doing all sorts of good deeds.
11 On the other hand, turn down younger widows. For when they feel the sexual urge, they leave the Anointed One because they want to marry. 12 And they’re judged for this, because they set aside the faith they had at first. 13 And at the same time, they also learn wasteful habits, such as going around and doing a lot of visiting. They’re not only wasting time, but they gossip, meddle in other people’s affairs, and talk about things they shouldn’t.
14 I prefer to see younger widows marry, have children, and manage a home. That way, the Opposer isn’t given something that he can gleefully gloat over. 15 Why, some of them have already turned to following the Slanderer. 16 So, if any believing woman has widows [in her family], she should take care of them herself, so the congregation won’t have to handle the burden. Then [the congregation] can help the real widows.
17 Let the elders who take the lead in a fine way be considered worthy of a double honor… especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. 18 For the Scriptures tell us: ‘You shouldn’t muzzle a bull when it’s threshing grain,’ and, ‘A worker deserves his pay.’ 19 [Nor should you] accept an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses.
20 Expose those who are guilty of sin before everyone who is watching, so the rest of them will also be afraid.
21 Before God, the Anointed Jesus, and the chosen messengers; I solemnly charge you to do these things. However, don’t jump to conclusions before you hear the evidence, and never make a decision because you’re biased one way or the other.
22 Never be too quick to lay your hands on any man [to appoint him to a responsibility], so you aren’t found to be a sharer in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure!
23 Also, quit drinking [just] water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and for your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some men are done in the open and lead directly to judgment; however, those of the rest eventually become known also. 25 And just as many of the good deeds are widely known, the [sins] can’t be kept hidden either.
Chapter 6
1 Those who are in bondage as slaves should consider their masters worthy of all honor, so the Name of God and the teaching won’t be slandered. 2 And those who have believing owners shouldn’t think less of them because they are brothers. Rather, let them really be slaves; because those who work hard are faithful, so they are loved in return.
Keep on teaching these things and giving this encouragement. 3 And if anyone teaches differently and doesn’t follow these life-giving words (which are those of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One), or doesn’t teach deep respect for God, 4 he’s just blowing smoke, he doesn’t understand anything well, and has become mentally diseased with doubts and debates over words. The result of this is envying, arguing, slandering, wicked suspicions, 5 and ‘making mountains out of mole hills’ on the part of men with corrupt minds who have been robbed of the truth… those who imply that we should earn a profit from this worship.
6 But for a fact; we do profit a lot from this worship… that is, if we pay our own way! 7 For we didn’t bring anything into the world and we can’t carry anything out; 8 so if we have enough to eat and wear, we should be satisfied with that.
9 Those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a snare, and many foolish and damaging desires, which drag men down into destruction and ruin; 10 because the love of money is the root of everything that’s bad. And when some have reached out for it, they were led away from the faith and into error, stabbing themselves all over, which caused them a lot of pain.
11 However; you, O man of God… flee from these things and chase after righteousness, reverence, faith, love, endurance, and inner strength. 12 Wrestle in the fine match of the faith… put on the the life in the age that you were called to and about which you offered such a fine confession before so many witnesses!
13 I’m ordering you in the sight of God (who brought life to everything) and the Anointed Jesus (who gave such a fine confession before Pontius Pilate) 14 to obey these instructions spotlessly and blamelessly until our Lord Jesus the Anointed One reveals himself. 15 And he will reveal himself at his own set time… he, the blest and only ruler; the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords; 16 the only one who has immortality and who lives in unapproachable light; he who no man has seen or can see. To him be honor and power through the ages… may it be!
17 Give orders to those who are rich in this era not to think too much of themselves, and not to trust in wealth (which is fickle), but in God who brings [the type of] wealth to us that we can truly enjoy. 18 [Teach them to] work at being good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share, 19 as they safely store away for themselves the treasures of a fine foundation in that which is coming, so they can put on the real life.
20 O Timothy; Guard this hope and turn away from all the unclean and opposing empty talk that is falsely called knowledge, 21 through which some who once showed promise in the faith were turned aside.
May [God’s] loving care be with you.
2 Timothy
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus by the will of God, and by the promise of life in the Anointed Jesus, 2 to my loved child Timothy: May you find loving care, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Anointed Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I’m worshiping with a clean conscience (as did my forefathers) that I never forget you in the prayers, which I offer night and day, 4 since I long to see you and remember you with tears, so I can be filled with joy. 5 For, I think fondly of the unhypocritical faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had first, and which I’m confident that you have also. And this is the reason why I want to remind you to rekindle the gift of God that you have because I laid my hands on you.
7 You see, God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and good sense. 8 So, don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord… or of me, a prisoner for his sake. By the power of God, share with us when it comes to suffering evil for the good news. 9 Because, he saved us and called us to holiness, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of His Will and the caring that He felt for us, through Jesus the Anointed One, before the times of the ages. 10 And this can now be seen through the coming of our Savior, the Anointed Jesus, who has done away with death and is shining a light on life and on freedom from corruption through this good news, 11 of which I was appointed a preacher, an Apostle, and a teacher.
12 This is the reason why I’m suffering these things and why I’m unashamed. For, I know who it is that I’ve put my faith in, and I’m confident that he’s able to guard the things that I will be accumulating [in him] until that Day. 13 So, follow the example of the life-giving words that you heard beside me through faith and the love of the Anointed Jesus. 14 And guard the things that you’ve been given through the Holy Breath, which dwells within us.
15 You already know that everyone in the [province of] Asia has turned their backs on me, including PhyGelus and HermoGenes. 16 But, may the Lord’s mercy rest on the household of OnesiPhorus, because he often brought me refreshment and he wasn’t ashamed of my chains. 17 Why, when he happened to be in Rome, he started searching for me and found me quickly. 18 So, may Jehovah show him the mercy to sit beside the Lord in that Day. It would be good if you knew all the services he provided in Ephesus.
Chapter 2
1 However, you my child; Keep growing stronger in the loving care of the Anointed Jesus, 2 and teach the things that you heard from so many witnesses while you were with me, to faithful men who are qualified to teach others. 3 Then, as a fine soldier of the Anointed Jesus, [be ready to] endure the hardships.
4 Realize that no soldier can just go on living his life as he used to, because he wants to please the one who enlisted him. 5 And the same is true of an athlete… he can’t take the prize unless he plays by the rules. 6 However, the hardworking farmer must also be the first to eat the fruit. 7 So now, visualize what I’m saying, and then the Lord will truly give you insight into everything.
8 Remember that the good news I’ve been preaching teaches that Jesus the Anointed seed of David was raised from the dead. 9 And it’s over this that I’m being persecuted and imprisoned like a criminal. However, the word of God wasn’t locked up [along with me]. 10 And the reason why I keep on enduring all of this is for the sake of the elected ones… so they can also gain the salvation that comes from being in the Anointed Jesus, with ages of glory.
11 So, the word is faithful: If we die together, we will also live together… 12 and if we keep hanging on, we’ll rule as kings together! However, if we deny this, he’ll deny us. 13 But even if we’re unfaithful, he’ll be faithful, because he can’t deny himself.
14 Keep reminding [the brothers] about these things, and instruct them in the sight of God not to be arguing over words, for this is just a waste of time and a trap to those who listen to it.
15 As for you; Zealously keep seeking God’s approval, so you can be accepted by Him as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Tell things as they really are, when it comes to expressing the truth, 16 and avoid speaking about worldly and foolish topics, because this leads [people] away from pure worship… 17 and whatever is said [spreads like] pastures of gangrene! That was the problem with Hymenaeus and PhileTos; 18 they got away from the truth and started teaching that the resurrection has already happened, which misdirected the faith of some.
19 But you have a solid foundation in God and you have His seal [of approval]. As we were told, ‘Jehovah knows those who belong to Him’ and, ‘Let everyone who speaks the Name of the Lord stop doing what’s unrighteous.’
20 Now, in a large house there are not only containers that are made of gold and silver, but there are also those [that are made] of wood and pottery. Some were made for honorable purposes, and others for dishonorable purposes. 21 Likewise, if anyone chooses to be clean, he removes [everything that’s dishonorable] from himself, so he can become a container for an honorable purpose that is holy and useful to his master; for then, he’s been prepared for any type of good use. 22 So, flee from the desires of youth, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with all those who call on the Lord with a clean heart.
23 However, avoid foolish and ignorant questions, because you know that they just create fights. 24 A slave of the Lord shouldn’t be fighting. Rather, he should be gentle with everyone, a good teacher, [someone who] keeps his composure in bad [situations] 25 and who can calmly teach those who disagree. Why, perhaps God will lead them to repent and to an accurate knowledge of the truth, 26 so that they may escape the Slanderer’s snares and return to their good senses, once they realize that they’ve been lured into his cage.
Chapter 3
1 Recognize that the last days will bring fierce times. 2 For, people will love themselves and money; they’ll be braggarts, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, and disloyal; 3 they won’t love their families or be willing to agree on anything; they’ll be slanderers who don’t have any self-control; they’ll be wild and won’t love anything that’s good; 4 they’ll be betrayers who are headstrong and proud; they’ll prefer pleasures to caring about God; 5 and they’ll have a form of religion, but they won’t follow it.
Reject things like this, 6 because it’s from among such people that certain men will come along who will work their way into homes and seduce weak women who are loaded with sins (because they have so many desires). 7 Thus they will always be just students, because they can never come to an accurate knowledge of truth.
8 Now, follow the example of Moses when he opposed JanNes and JamBres. That’s how you should treat the men who keep resisting the truth, corrupting their own minds, and who are disapproved when it comes to the faith. 9 They won’t make any more inroads, because their unreasonableness will become very plain to everyone, as happened [to JanNes and JamBres].
10 You have closely followed my teachings, my directions, my purposes, my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 [You’ve also shared in] my persecution and my sufferings (such as the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra)… [yes, you’ve endured] the same types of persecution that I’ve had to endure, but the Lord delivered me from all of it. 12 Why, everyone who wants to worship God (through the Anointed Jesus) will also be persecuted, 13 because wicked and deceitful men will get worse and worse, misleading and being misled.
14 As for you; Stick with the things that you’ve learned and were convinced to believe in… and remember who you learned them from. 15 Why, you’ve been familiar with the Holy Writings since you were a child, and they can make you wise enough to save you, through belief in the Anointed Jesus. 16 For, all the Scriptures are inspired by God and are good for teaching, for correcting, for setting things straight, and for providing righteous discipline. 17 They qualify a man of God and provide him with whatever he needs to do all sorts of good work.
Chapter 4
1 So, I solemnly charge you in the sight of God and the Anointed Jesus (who’s about to judge the living and the dead), as well as by the way he revealed himself and by his Kingdom, 2 to preach the word! Keep doing it in good times and bad. Offer criticism, evaluate, and give encouragement, [but do this] patiently and with all your teaching skills. 3 For, the time is coming when they won’t put up with life-giving teachings anymore, but they will follow their own desires. Then they will gather teachers for themselves who will tell them whatever they wish to hear. 4 Yes, they’ll stop listening to the truth, but all will turn out to listen to myths.
5 But as for you; Be serious about everything, endure what’s bad, preach the good news, and completely carry out everything that’s involved in your service! 6 For, I’m already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my release is almost here. 7 I’ve wrestled the fine match; I’ve finished the race; I’ve obeyed the faith; 8 and all that’s left for me now, is to lay down my golden crown, which the Lord (who isn’t over just me, but over everyone who loves the way in which he showed himself) will give back to me in that Day.
9 Hurry… come to me quickly! 10 For, Demas has let me down and gone to Thessalonica, because he still loves this age; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia, 11 and Luke is the only one with me. Go get Mark and bring him with you also, because his service to me is very useful. 12 Oh, I also sent Tychicus off to Ephesus.
13 And when you come, bring the robe that I left with Carpus in Troas… and the scrolls… especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith testified against me, saying many bad things. But the Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You watch out for him too, because he really opposed everything we had to say.
16 In my first court hearing, nobody was there with me… they all left me! However, I don’t want it held against them, 17 because the Lord stood by me. He gave me strength, so that the preaching might be completed through me, and all the nations might hear it. As the result, I was virtually saved from the lion’s mouth! 18 And for a fact, the Lord will save me from every sort of wickedness and preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. May he be glorified through the ages of ages… may it be.
19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of OnesiPhorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth and I left Trophimus at Miletus, because he was sick.
21 Hurry, before winter gets here!
EuBoulos sends you his greetings, as do Poudes, Linos, Klaudia, and all the brothers.
22 May the Lord bless the spirit you’re showing, and may his loving care be with all of you.
Titus
Chapter 1
1 Paul, a slave of God and an Apostle of Jesus the Anointed; a follower of the faith of God’s elected who have a complete knowledge of truth, which reverence 2 is based on the hope of life in the age that the God who can’t lie promised in the time before the ages; 3 who in His own due time made His Word known through an important message that was entrusted to me by the command of our Savior, God. 4 To Titus, a true child in our faith: May you have loving care and peace from God the Father and from the Anointed Jesus our Savior.
5 The reason why I left you in Crete is so that you would straighten out some of the problems there, and for you to appoint elders in each city, as I instructed you. 6 [Choose those who] are blameless, husbands of one wife, and having believing children that aren’t rebellious or accused of being beyond hope; 7 because, as a manager of the household of God, an overseer must be blameless. [He can’t be] selfish, quick tempered, a heavy drinker, a fighter, or a greedy person. 8 Rather, [he should be] hospitable, a faithful friend, levelheaded, righteous, devout, self-controlled, 9 [and someone who] lives by the word of truth, so he can teach and encourage those who are strong, while exposing the wrongs of those who contradict.
10 For there are many who are rebellious windbags and deceitful (most of whom are circumcised) 11 whose mouths need to be sealed. They’re the ones who are dishonestly making money by teaching things they shouldn’t, and they’re misleading entire households.
12 Why, one of their own prophets said: ‘Cretans are always liars and dangerous wild animals with bottomless stomachs’ … 13 and that’s a fact! For this reason, be tough when it comes to exposing their wrong ways, so they can become healthy in the faith.
14 [And don’t allow them to] pay attention to Jewish myths or rules of men, and thus turn themselves away from the truth. 15 For, everything is clean to those who are clean, but for those who are dirty and faithless, nothing is clean, because both their minds and their consciences are dirty. 16 They claim to know God, but everything they do disproves it, because they are disgusting, disobedient, and unqualified to do anything that’s good.
Chapter 2
1 You, however, keep on talking about whatever is appropriate for healthy teaching. 2 Old men should be free from excesses, and they should be serious, levelheaded, and healthy in their faith, love, and endurance. 3 Old women should behave as though they had just entered a holy place. They shouldn’t be slanderers or alcoholics, but teachers of things that are good. 4 They should encourage younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to be level headed, pure, homemakers, good, and willing to obey their husbands, so that God’s Word won’t be talked about in a bad way.
6 And give younger men the same encouragement… to be levelheaded. 7 [Tell them to] become good examples in all sorts of good deeds, to be serious and blameless in their teaching, 8 and to speak in a wholesome way so there’s nothing that anyone can [use to] condemn them. Then those who oppose us won’t have anything bad to say about us.
9 Tell the slaves to obey their masters in everything… to please them well and not talk back, 10 and not to steal things! They should show that they are faithful in doing whatever is right, so they can adorn the teachings of our Savior God in everything.
11 For God’s caring was shown in order to save all men. 12 And once we’ve rejected all the godlessness and worldly desires, it teaches us how to endure sensibly, righteously, and devoutly in this age, 13 while we await the blest hope and the manifestations of the glory of the great God, and of our Savior, the Anointed Jesus. 14 Why, he gave himself over in order to free us by ransom from lawlessness, and to clean up people for himself who will be zealous in doing whatever is good.
15 You are authorized to talk about such things… to encourage and to correct… and don’t let anyone ignore you.
Chapter 3
1 Keep reminding them to obey and submit to governments and powers, and to be ready and willing to do good things. 2 They shouldn’t slander anyone or want to fight with anyone. [Rather, they should] be willing to give in to [the wishes of] others and to be humble before everyone. 3 For, at one time we were all senseless, disobedient sinners who were slaves to our own desires and who had to endure badness and envy. [We were] disgusting [people] who hated each other.
4 However, when our Savior God showed His caring and love for mankind 5 (not because of anything righteous that we did, but simply because of His mercy), He saved us through the bath that re-created us and made us new by His Holy Breath. 6 He poured plenty of it out over us, through Jesus our Anointed Savior, 7 so that after we were called righteous by His loving care, we might become heirs to the hope of life in the age.
8 You can believe these things. And these are the instructions that I want you to keep giving them, so that those who have believed in God will stand firm in doing what’s right… these are good and helpful things to tell them.
9 Avoid foolish questions, genealogies, arguments, and fights over the Law, for they don’t do any good and they’re just a waste of time. 10 And if a man keeps promoting a sect after you’ve reasoned with him a first and a second time, reject him! 11 [Do this] because you know that [people] like that who have been turned from The Way, are self-condemned sinners!
12 After I send Artemas or TychiKos to you, try hard to come to me at NicOpolis, because that’s where I’ve decided to spend the winter. 13 Hurry and send Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos… and make sure they have everything they need. 14 Let our [brothers] learn how to do good things by providing for their needs, so their efforts aren’t wasted.
15 All of those who are with me send you their greetings. Give my greetings to all those in the faith who care about us.
May [God’s] loving care be with all of you.
Philemon
Chapter 1
1 Paul, a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to our loved fellow worker PhileMoni, 2 our sister ApPhia, our fellow soldier ArcHippus, and to the congregation in your home: 3 May you receive care and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I keep hearing about the love and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the Holy Ones. 6 [So I pray] that we can share in the faith that’s in you, as you learn accurately of all the good we’re doing through the Anointed One. 7 For, I have felt so much joy and comfort because of your love, our brother, due to the very kind things that you’ve done to refresh the Holy Ones.
8 This is the reason why I feel free in the Anointed One to obligate you to do something that would be very becoming of you. 9 Or should I say, I’m encouraging you because of love, seeing that I am what I am, Paul an old man, and now a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed Jesus.
10 The encouragement I’m offering is in regard to my child (to whom I became a father while I was in prison), Onesimus. 11 And although he was once useless to you, now he’s useful to both you and me. 12 So, I’m sending this one (who I care for deeply) back to you.
13 I would like to keep him here for myself instead of sending him to you, so he can continue serving my needs while I’m in the shackles that I’m wearing for the sake of the good news. 14 However, I don’t want to do anything without your consent, because I don’t want any good deed that you may wish to do, to be done because you were forced to into it… but because you want to.
15 Perhaps that’s really the reason why he broke away for a short period of time, so you could have him back in this era, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a loved brother. He’s especially this to me, but how much more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So, if you consider me a worthy associate, welcome him kindly, as you would welcome me. 18 And if he did you any wrong, or if he owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 I (Paul) am writing this in my own hand, and I’ll pay it back (of course, let me remind you that you already owe me). 20 Yes, brother; may I receive some profit from you in the Lord. Give me some refreshment in the tender care of the Anointed One!
21 I’m writing you in full confidence that you’ll go along with my request, and I’m sure that you’ll do even more than what I’ve suggested. 22 In addition, prepare a place for me to stay; because I hope that (because of all your prayers) I’ll soon be free for your sakes.
23 EpaPhras, my fellow captive in the Anointed One, sends you his greetings, as do 24 Mark, AristArchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
25 May the kindness of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with the spirit you show.
Hebrews
Chapter 1
1 Long ago, God spoke to our fathers through the Prophets in many places and in many ways. 2 And in the last part of these days, He speaks to us through a Son who He has made the heir to everything… the one that He used to create the ages. 3 He shines with the same glory, is the exact image of His being, and is responsible for everything that’s said through His power. And after he cleansed us of our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Great One in the highest places. 4 And now He has become so much greater than the [other] messengers [of God] and so different, that he has inherited a [special] name among them.
5 For example, to which of His [other] messengers did He ever say, ‘You’re my son. Today I’ve become your Father.’ Or, ‘I will become his Father and he will become My son.’ 6 And again, when He brings His firstborn into [man’s] habitation, He says, ‘Let all of God’s messengers bow low before him.’
7 When He spoke of His messengers, He said, ‘He makes His messengers spirits and His public servants as flames of fire.’ 8 But when He spoke of his Son, [He said], ‘God is your throne into the age of the age, and your king’s scepter is the scepter of righteousness. 9 You loved righteousness and hated wickedness. That’s why God (your God) anointed you with the oil of great joy among those who are your companions.’ 10 And, ‘Long ago, O Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth, and [you] made the heavens with your hands. 11 But they’ll pass away while you still remain; for like clothes they will grow old. 12 Then, as [you would do to] a robe, you will wrap them up and repair them. Yes, you’re the one and your years will never expire.’
13 And to which one of His messengers did He ever say, ‘Sit here at My right until I set your enemies as a stool at your feet?’ 14 So, aren’t they all just spirits… public servants who are sent to serve the needs of those who will inherit salvation?
Chapter 2
1 This is why it’s necessary for us to pay extraordinary attention to the things we’ve heard… so we don’t drift away! 2 Because, if these words that were spoken through [God’s] messengers prove true; and the reward for all errors and disobedient acts is going to be strictly enforced; 3 and if we are unconcerned about the salvation that was spoken of by the mouth of the Lord and which was verified for us by those who heard him, then how can we escape such a terrible thing?
4 Why, even God Himself joined in this testimony by providing signs, omens, many powerful deeds, and by distributing His Holy Breath as He wished.
5 Now, He isn’t making the coming habitation [of man] (the one we’ve been talking about) obedient just for the sake of His messengers. 6 For, someone somewhere testified to this fact, when he asked, ‘Just what is man that You should remember him, or the son of man that You should watch over him? 7 Why, You made him a little lower than [Your] messengers; You crowned him with glory and honor; and You put him in charge of everything that You made with Your hands, 8 then You put everything under his feet.’ So, when [God] puts everything under [our feet], He doesn’t leave anything that [men] aren’t in charge of. However, we don’t see everything obeying us yet.
9 Now, look at Jesus; he was made a little lower than [God’s] messengers, and because he suffered and died, he was crowned with glory and honor. So, due to God’s loving care, [Jesus] tasted death for everyone!
10 It was fitting that [Jesus] – the one for whom and through whom everything exists; this primary leader [who is responsible for] our salvation – should bring many sons to glory and make them perfect through his sufferings. 11 For, the one who makes [others] holy and those who are made holy all come from that one. And that’s why he isn’t ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, ‘I will report Your Name back to my brothers; I will sing praises to You in the midst of the congregation.’ 13 And again, ‘I will have trusted in them.’ And again, ‘{Look!} The boys whom Jehovah gave me, and I…’
14 So, since his ‘boys’ share in his blood and flesh, he shares [with them] in the same way, so that; through his death he can finish off the one who has the power [to bring] death, the Slanderer, 15 and to set all of those free who have spent their lives as slaves to the fear of death.
16 So, [when he came], he really didn’t take on [the shape] of one of [God’s] messengers somewhere, but he took [the shape of] Abraham’s seed. 17 For, he was obligated to become like his brothers in every way, so he could become a merciful and faithful High Priest before God and offer a sacrifice to cover peoples’ sins. 18 And it’s because he suffered and was tempted that he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Chapter 3
1 Therefore, holy brothers among the calling of heavenly partakers; Let’s consider this Apostle and High Priest whom we confess, Jesus. 2 He was faithful to the One who made him, just as Moses was within His whole House. 3 However, [Jesus] was considered to be worthy of greater glory than Moses, because he who builds the house receives more honor there. 4 Of course, every house is built by someone, but He who builds all things is God.
5 Now, Moses was truly a faithful subordinate within His whole House, [for he served] as a witness to things that hadn’t been explained. 6 But the Anointed One is a Son [that is] over His House, and we are that House… as long as we continue in our [work of] speaking openly and boasting about our hope to the end.
7 It’s because of this, that [God’s] Holy Breath says, ‘If you should hear His voice today, 8 don’t harden your hearts as happened in the bitter day of testing in the desert. 9 For, that’s when your fathers tested Me to prove [My power]… yet they’d been watching what I was doing for forty years! 10 This is the reason why I became so disgusted with that generation and said, Their hearts are always wandering, and they’ve never understood My ways. 11 So, in My anger I swore, They will never enter My rest.’
12 Therefore, watch out brothers, that none of your hearts ever become wicked and unbelieving, and then cause you to pull away from the Living God! 13 Encourage each other every day – including today – so that none of you will become hardened and be tempted to sin. 14 For, we are sharers in the Anointed One as long as we hang onto this position that we’ve started with until the end. 15 That’s why it was said, ‘If you should hear His Voice today, 8 don’t harden your hearts as happened in the bitter day of testing in the desert.’
16 Now, just who was it that heard and caused this bitterness? Wasn’t it all those who left Egypt under Moses? 17 And just who was it that He became disgusted with for forty years? Wasn’t it those who had sinned and whose carcasses fell in the desert? 18 And who was it that He said wouldn’t enter His Rest… if not those who disobeyed? 19 So, we can see that they couldn’t enter [His Rest] due to their lack of faith!
Chapter 4
1 Therefore, we should [all] fear that some of us might be left behind when it comes to the promise of entering His rest, 2 because we’ve had the good news preached to us, just as they did. Yet, they failed to benefit from hearing those words, because the faith of those who heard and believed didn’t rub off on them! 3 However, those of us who have believed will enter His Rest. And although He said, ‘So, in my anger I swore that they’ll never enter My Rest,’ His work [has actually been finished] since the founding of the world!
4 Why, in one place He said this about the seventh day: ‘God rested from all His works on the seventh day.’ 5 And here [He said], ‘They will never enter My rest.’ 6 So, we must conclude that some will enter it! However, those to whom this good news was first given didn’t enter it because of their disobedience. 7 Then He mentioned a particular day, ‘today,’ in David’s [psalm]. And later on, He said (as I mentioned before), ‘If you should hear His voice today, 8 don’t harden your hearts.’
8 Now, if Joshua had already led them to this place of rest, [God] wouldn’t have spoken of another day later on. 9 So, there’s still a Sabbath for the people of God to observe. 10 And those who enter His rest must also rest from the things they’re doing, just as God rested from [the things] He [was doing].
11 Therefore, let’s do everything that we can to enter that rest, so no one will fail because of disobedience. 12 For, the word of God is alive and at work, and it’s sharper than any two-edged sword. Why, it cuts so fine that it can separate the breath from the breather, as well as his joints and marrow! So, it becomes the judge of the thoughts and desires of [our] hearts. 13 Why, nothing in creation is invisible to His eyes… everything is naked and open before He who sent us His Word!
14 So, in view of the fact that we have such a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens – Jesus the Son of God – let’s keep talking about him! 15 And we don’t have a High Priest who can’t sympathize with our weaknesses; we have one who has been tested in every way… just like us! However, [he didn’t] sin. 16 So, let’s approach his throne of loving care and speak freely, so we can receive his mercy, loving care, and aid, when we need it.
Chapter 5
1 Now, all High Priests are selected from among men, and then they’re appointed over men and assigned to the things of God… the offering of gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 So, they feel a kinship with those who don’t understand and who make mistakes, since they’re surrounded by their own weaknesses. 3 And this is why they have to make offerings not only for the sins of the people, but also for themselves! 4 But no man can take this honor on himself; he can only be called to it by God, as Aaron was. 5 Likewise, the Anointed One didn’t glorify himself to the position of High Priest. That was done by the One who said to him, ‘You’re My Son… today I have generated you!’ 6 And as He said in another place, ‘You’re a Priest through the age in the order of MelchiZedek.’
7 Now, during the time that he was here in the flesh, [Jesus] begged and pleaded with the One who was able to save him from death, calling out with tears; and he was drawn close and listened to because of his faithfulness. 8 And although he was the Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 Then, after his [training] was finished, he became the one who brings salvation in the age to all those who obey him. 10 Thus, God made him a High Priest in the line of MelchiZedek.
11 Now, we have much to say about him that will be hard to explain, since you’ve become so slow in your hearing. 12 For, although you ought to be teachers in view of the time, you now need someone to go back and teach you the basics of God’s Word again… you’ve become people who need milk, not solid food! 13 Those who live on milk are babies who are unfamiliar with righteous teachings, 14 while the adults eat solid food and have trained their senses to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Chapter 6
1 So, now that we’ve gone beyond the basics of the Anointed One, may we be carried on toward maturity. Let’s not go back and lay a new foundation on such matters as repenting over bad deeds, having faith in God, 2 or learning about baptisms, [spiritual] appointments, and the resurrection of the dead, or the judgments on this age. 3 Yes, we can [go beyond the basics], if God allows it.
4 You see; it’s impossible for those who have once and for all been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, been partakers in [God’s] Holy Breath, 5 and savored the Word of God, His power, and the age to come, 6 to be revived and make them repent once they’ve fallen away. This is because they would have to hang the Son of God back up on the pole again and make him a public spectacle.
7 Why, when the ground drinks in all the rain that falls on it, it gives birth to green plants, which are then cultivated by those who hope to receive their blessings from God. 8 However, if it just produces thorns and thistles, that ground will be rejected and almost cursed… and in the end, burned off!
9 Now, although we’ve been saying all of this; When it comes to you, loved ones; we believe that there will be better things and salvation, 10 because God isn’t unrighteous, so He won’t forget the things that you’ve done, the love that you’ve shown for His Name, or how you’ve served the needs of the Holy Ones (and [how you] keep on doing so). 11 But, what we want is for each of you to show a real zeal when it comes to carrying out that which we hope for, all the way to completion… 12 we don’t want you to become lazy! Rather, we want you to imitate those who, through faith and patience, will inherit the promises.
13 For [example]; When God gave his promise to Abraham (and because He couldn’t swear by anyone greater, He swore by Himself), 14 He said: ‘When it comes to blessings, I will bless you. And when it comes to growth, I will make you grow.’ 15 Then, by being patient, [Abraham] received what he was promised.
16 Now, men always swear by the greater one. And whenever there’s a disagreement, this is what ensures the thing that was promised. 17 So, when God wanted to show the heirs of the promise how unchangeable His words are, He agreed with an oath. 18 [And He did this], so that through two unchangeable things about which God cannot lie, we who are fleeing would have a strong incentive to grab onto the hope that He has laid before us. 19 This is the sure and stable anchor for our lives, since it goes behind the [Temple’s] inner curtain 20 where Jesus entered earlier on our behalf (through the line of MelchiZedek), as the High Priest into the age.
Chapter 7
1 For, this MelchiZedek (a king of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God) was the one who met Abraham as he returned from the slaughter of the kings. Then Abraham blest him 2 and gave him a Tenth of everything [he had captured].
First, [MelchiZedek] translates as King of Righteousness. And then, as the king of Salem, he’s also the King of Peace. 3 And because there are no genealogical records of him, he was [virtually] without a father or mother; so there was no beginning or end to his life. So, as the Son of God, [Jesus] remains a Priest until [everything is] completed.
4 Now, do you see how great this man was, to whom [our] family head Abraham gave a tenth of the best things from his booty?
5 Yes, it’s true that the sons of Levi were [also] made Priests, and they were commanded by the Law to collect a tithe from the people (who were their brothers, because they all came from the loins of Abraham). 6 But this man, whose genealogy we can’t trace, took ten percent from Abraham himself! Then he blest the one who had been given the promise!
7 Now, you can’t argue the fact that the lesser one is always blest by the greater. 8 And in this first case, those who received the tithe were dying. But in the second case, it is someone whom we agree is [still] living. 9 So we can say that Levi paid the tithe through Abraham, 10 because he was in the loins of his forefather when MelchiZedek met him!
11 So, if perfection came through the Levite Priesthood (which was possible for people under the Law), why would we need another Priest to come in the line of MelchiZedek… someone who isn’t of the line of Aaron? 12 This is because, the Priesthood is being changed, and as the result, there must be a change in the Law! 13 For, this man that we are talking about was a member of another tribe… one from which no one has ever served at the Altar! 14 Why, we all recognize that our Lord came out of Judah, a tribe that Moses never spoke of as Priests! 15 And this makes it even more obvious that a new Priest has arisen who is like MelchiZedek, 16 because he didn’t become [a Priest] by the Law of human commandments, but by the power of a life that can’t be destroyed! 17 And in witness to this fact it was said: ‘You’re a Priest into the age in the line of MelchiZedek.’
18 So, the earlier commandments have obviously been set aside, because they were weak and they didn’t do any good, 19 since the Law didn’t make anything perfect. All it did was lead us to a better hope that’s [now] drawing us closer to God.
20 [This Law] also came about without a sworn oath… 21 so there were those who became Priests without a sworn oath! And no one else has had an oath sworn about him by He who said, ‘Jehovah has sworn (and He won’t change His mind): You’re a Priest through the age.’ 22 So, Jesus has become the promise of a better Sacred Agreement.
23 Now, [under the old Agreement], many became Priests, because death prevented them from continuing [in that position]. 24 However, he remains through the age, so he unmistakably has the Priesthood; 25 and he’s able to save those who approach God through him, because he will always be alive to plead on their behalf!
26 He’s the best High Priest for us, because he’s loyal, righteous, and pure. He was also removed from among the sinners and put higher than the sky. 27 And unlike former High Priests who had to offer sacrifices daily (first for their own sins and then for those of the people), he did this just once when he offered himself!
28 You see; The Law appointed men as High Priests who had weaknesses. But the promise that came with a sworn oath (and which supersedes the Law) appointed a Son who is perfect into the age.
Chapter 8
1 So, the point I’m making is this: We already have such a High Priest, and he’s sitting at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in the heavens, 2 where He’s handling Priestly duties at the Most Holy in the real Tent that was built by Jehovah, not by men.
3 Now, every High Priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices… so it was necessary for him to have something to offer also. 4 But he likely wouldn’t be a Priest if he was here on the earth, since there are already those who are appointed by the Law to offer the gifts. 5 However, when they handle their Priestly duties, what they’re doing is following a pattern, which is just a shadow of how these sacred duties are being handled in the heavens!
It’s the same as when Moses was about to finish the [Sacred] Tent. For, he was given a divine warning then, which said, ‘Be sure to assemble everything by the pattern you were shown on the mountain.’ 6 But now, [Jesus] has received a much better Priestly assignment, for he’s also the mediator of a better Sacred Agreement, which was legally established on better promises.
7 Now, if there weren’t problems with the first [Agreement], there wouldn’t have been any reason to search for a second. 8 However, He did find a problem with the people, because He said, ‘{Look!} The time is coming, says Jehovah, when I will make a new Sacred Agreement with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah. 9 This won’t be like the Agreement that I made with their ancestors at the time that I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt… because they didn’t keep their side of it. As the result, I stopped caring for them, says Jehovah. 10 This is the Agreement that I’m going to make with the House of Israel at that time, says Jehovah: I’ll put my laws in their minds and write them in their hearts. I will become their God and they will be My people. 11 Then, citizens of the land won’t have to teach their brothers about Jehovah, because they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. 12 And I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness, and I’ll forget their sins.’
13 So, when He spoke of a New Sacred Agreement, He made the old one obsolete. And now, that which was made obsolete is growing old and is about to disappear!
Chapter 9
1 That first [Agreement] set out the righteous requirements for service in a worldly Most Holy. 2 There was this first Tent where the [sacred] lampstand and the table for the showbread were kept that was called the Holy Place. 3 Then behind this curtain was a second Tent that was called the Most Holy. 4 This contained a golden incense holder and the Chest of the Sacred Agreement, which was completely overlaid with gold; and it held the golden jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that grew buds, and the [Sacred] Tablets of the Agreement. 5 Then over it, there were the glorious cherubs that cast a shadow on the cover. So, now it is time to discuss some of the details of these things.
6 After these things were constructed, the Priests would continuously enter the first Tent to perform their sacred duties, 7 but the second [compartment] was only entered once a year, and just by the High Priest. However, even he couldn’t enter it without blood, which he had to offer both for himself and for the sins of the peoples’ ignorance.
8 Now, the Holy Breath makes it clear that the entrance to the Most Holy couldn’t be seen while the first Tent was standing… 9 and this is a parable of the time that we’re now living in. So, with this parable in mind, [recognize that] the gifts and sacrifices which are offered can’t make the conscience of the one who is serving perfect, 10 for that whole thing has to do with food, drink, and types of cleansing, which were fleshly, legal requirements [that would last] until the time came when all of this would be thoroughly layed down and straightened out.
11 Well, when the Anointed One came as the High Priest of good things (through the greater and more perfect Tent that he didn’t create and which wasn’t made by [human] hands), 12 he didn’t enter the Most Holy with the blood of goats and young bulls; [he entered] the Holies with his own blood, having found a single ageless ransom!
13 Now, if the blood of goats and bulls, or the ashes of a heifer that are sprinkled on those who’ve become unclean can make their flesh holy and clean, 14 how much more so will [this be done by] the blood of the Anointed One! For, he offered himself to God as an ageless, unblemished spirit, to cleanse our consciences of the deeds of the dying, so we can worship the living God.
15 And he is the mediator of this New Sacred Agreement, for [his] death paid the ransom to release those who were under the first Agreement from their errors, so that those who have been called could receive the promised inheritance of the age! 16 For, whenever there’s [any sort of an] agreement, death is part of the bargain for the one who agrees to it, 17 because an agreement that lasts until death is something that has been proven. However, it isn’t as strong while the one who made the agreement is still alive.
18 Therefore, that first [Sacred Agreement] had to be made with blood. 19 And after Moses explained all the Commandments of the Law to the people, he took the blood of young bulls and goats, mixed it with water, and then [he] used scarlet wool and hyssop to sprinkle the scroll and all the people. 20 And he said, ‘This is the blood of the Sacred Agreement that God made with you.’ 21 And thereafter, he sprinkled the blood on the Tent and over all the things that were used for worship. 22 Yes, according to the Law, almost everything is made clean by blood. And unless blood is spilled, there is no forgiving.
23 That’s why it was necessary for the heavenly things that are symbolized by all of this to be cleansed that way. However, heavenly things require better sacrifices. 24 So, the Anointed One didn’t enter a Most Holy that was made with hands (which is just a copy of the real thing), he actually entered heaven itself to stand in front of God for us!
25 Nor does he have to offer himself often, as does the High Priest who enters the Most Holy each year with blood that isn’t his own. 26 Otherwise, he would have suffered many times since the founding of the world. But now he has displayed himself at the end of the age and offered himself in order to do away with sins just once, through his sacrifice.
27 And in the same way that men must die just once (which is followed by a judgment), 28 the Anointed One was also offered just once, to carry the sins of many. So, the next time he’s seen by those who are so eagerly awaiting him, they will be free from sin and ready for salvation.
Chapter 10
1 So, since the Law isn’t the reality, but just a shadow of good things to come, the sacrifices that are offered annually will never make the one who brings them perfect. 2 Why, if that were true, they wouldn’t have to be offered anymore. And if those who are worshiping this way had been made clean once and for all time, they wouldn’t even think about sinning. 3 However, these sacrifices remind us of our sins year after year, 4 because the blood of bulls and goats can’t take away sins.
5 It was because of this, that, when he came into the world he said, ‘You didn’t want sacrifices and offerings, but You prepared a body for me. 6 Nor did You approve of burnt offerings and sin offerings.’ 7 Then he said, ‘Look, I’ve come to do Your Will, O God, just as it was written about me in the front of the book!’
8 Now, after first saying, ‘You didn’t want or approve of sacrifices and offerings, or burnt offerings and sin offerings’ (which are being offered in observance of the Law), he then said, ‘Look, I’ve come to do Your Will.’ So, he removed the first to establish the second! 10 And it’s because of this Will that we’ve been made holy… it’s through that single offering of the body of Jesus the Anointed One!
11 Now, all the Priests take their stations each day in Temple service. And there they offer the same sacrifices repeatedly; yet they can never take sins away completely. 12 However, he offered one sacrifice for sins through the ages, and then he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 where he’s awaiting [the time when] his enemies will be set as a stool for his feet. 14 So, he gave this single offering that made the Holy Ones perfect.
15 Why, the Holy Breath [of God] testifies to us about this, for first it said, 16 ‘This is the Sacred Agreement that I will make with them in those days, says Jehovah: I will put my laws in their hearts and I’ll write them in their minds.’ 17 [Then it says,] ‘I will be merciful whenever they do things that aren’t right, and I’ll forget their sins.’ 18 And when such things are forgotten, there isn’t any more need for sin offerings!
19 So brothers; We can obviously say that we have an access into the Most Holy through the blood of Jesus, 20 for he has worked out a way through the curtain for us… a sacrificial but living way, through his flesh. 21 And since we now have such a great Priest over the House of God, 22 let’s approach with honest hearts and complete faith, having rinsed a wicked conscience from our hearts and having washed our bodies in clean water.
23 So, let’s hang onto the confession of our hope and not give up, because the One who gave us the promise is faithful. 24 And let’s keep reminding ourselves to help each other to grow in love and good deeds.
25 And don’t stop meeting together (as some have made it their custom), but [continue to] encourage each other… and [do this] even more so as you see the Day getting closer.
26 Why, if we choose to follow a sinful course after coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth, there are no more sacrifices left for sins. 27 All [that’s left] is the fear and anticipation of judgment, and the roaring of the fiery zeal that’s going to consume those who oppose us.
28 Now, if anyone rejected the Law of Moses and two or three testified against him, he was to die without compassion. 29 So, how much more worthy of punishment do you think someone will be who tramples on the Son of God; or who considers the blood of the Sacred Agreement that made him holy as something unclean; or who has outraged the loving care of the Breath [of God] by treating it with contempt? 30 For, we know the One who said, ‘Vengeance belongs to Me… I will repay!’ And again, ‘Jehovah will judge His people.’ 31 So, it’s a fearsome thing to fall into the hands of the Living God!
32 I want you to think back to the days, just after you came to an understanding and were enduring so much suffering, what a hard fight it was. 33 Why, sometimes it was just like being on a stage where you were insulted and persecuted, along with [many] others who shared your experience. 34 Back then, you were so sympathetic toward those who were in prison. And when [all] the things you owned were taken away, you were joyful, because you knew that you had something better and longer lasting!
35 So, don’t throw away your willingness to speak out, because you’ve paid too much to earn it! 36 You need to endure, so that after you’ve done God’s will, you can walk off with [the prize] that you were promised!
37 For, it’s just a little while longer until the one who is coming will be here, and he won’t be late! 38 ‘But My righteous one will live because of his faith,’ and, ‘If he gives up, My soul finds no pleasure in him.’
39 Now, we’re not the type that gives up just to be destroyed; [we’re] the type that has the faith that will save our lives!
Chapter 11
1 [This is the definition of] faith: It’s when [you] expect the things that you’re hoping for, and [you’re] convinced of things you haven’t [really] seen. 2 And we can testify [that such] faith [existed among the] men [of ancient times].
3 When it comes to faith, we’re reminded (and have come to believe) that the things God has promised down through the ages couldn’t be seen. Yet we can see them now, because they’ve already happened!
4 Why, it was because of his faith that Abel offered a greater sacrifice to God than Cain did. And due to this, the One who witnessed his righteousness and the One who saw the gifts that he offered, was God. As the result, although [Abel] is dead, he still speaks.
5 It was because of his faith that Enoch was transported, so he wouldn’t see death… he couldn’t be found, because God transported him. However, before he was transported, it was testified to that he had pleased God well.
6 You see, it’s impossible to please Him well without faith. Because, whoever wants to come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who are eagerly searching for Him.
7 It was because of his faith that Noah (after being given a divine warning of things he hadn’t seen yet) trusted in God and built a chest to save his family. And due to this righteous faith, he condemned the world and became its heir.
8 It was because of his faith that Abraham obeyed when he was called, and he traveled to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. Yet, as he was leaving, he didn’t even know where he was going! 9 Then he faithfully lived as an alien in a foreign land, which was the very land that he was promised. He lived there in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were [fellow] heirs of that same promise, 10 because he was laying the foundations of a city that would be created and watched over by God.
11 It was because of [her] faith that Sarah received the power to conceive a seed when she was too old to do so, since she had high regard for and faith in the One who made the promise. 12 So, from [this woman] who was sexually dead, came a huge number… like the stars of the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore… innumerable!
13 All of these died faithful, and although they didn’t receive what was promised, they saw it and welcomed it from a distance, as they publicly admitted that they were strangers and aliens in the land.
14 Now, when people say things such as this, they prove that they’re looking for a home. 15 And if they ever started longing for the place they left, they probably would have gone back. 16 However, they were reaching out for something better… something that belongs to heaven. As the result, God isn’t ashamed of them, nor [is He ashamed] to be called their God. In fact, He created a city for them!
17 Abraham’s faith was tested over Isaac, for he brought his only son as an offering. Yet, this was the one about whom the promise had been made… 18 the one of whom it was said, ‘Your seed will come through Isaac!’ 19 But [Abraham] figured that God was able to raise him from the dead. And in effect, that’s where he got him from.
20 It was also because of his faith that Isaac blest Jacob and Esau concerning future things. 21 And it was because of his faith that Jacob blest each of the sons of Joseph before he died, and bowed low as he leaned on his cane. 22 Then Joseph, when he was getting close to his end, showed his faith when he talked about the exodus of the sons of Israel, and when he gave instructions regarding his bones.
23 The parents of Moses showed faith when they hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that the young child was beautiful, and they weren’t afraid of the king’s decree. 24 Then after he became great, Moses showed his faith by refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter… 25 he chose to be treated badly with the people of God, rather than spending his time enjoying sinful pleasures, 26 because he considered the insults of being the anointed as far more valuable than the treasures of Egypt… he was looking to the future for his reward!
27 So, his faith then moved him to leave Egypt… and he wasn’t afraid of the king’s anger. He stuck to the Invisible One with all his might, as though he could actually see Him. 28 Then in faith, he celebrated the Passover and splashed the blood, so the destroyer wouldn’t touch their firstborn.
29 It took faith to pass through the Red Sea as though it were dry land; for when the Egyptians tried that, it swallowed them down. 30 And it was because of faith that the walls of Jericho fell after they had been circled for seven days. 31 Then, it was because of her faith (when she peacefully welcomed the spies [into her home]) that RaHab the prostitute didn’t die along with those who disobeyed.
32 What more can I say? I don’t have enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, JephThah, David, or of SamuEl and the Prophets. 33 Yet, by their faith they defeated kingdoms in war, did righteous things, received the promises, fenced off the mouths of lions, 34 overcame the force of fire, and escaped the edge of the sword. Nor [can I tell] of the weak ones who were made powerful and became mighty in war, and then drove off foreign armies.
35 Women received their dead by resurrection; others were beaten with rods; and in order to receive a better resurrection, they wouldn’t allow a ransom to be paid on their behalf. 36 Yes, others were mocked and tried with whips… and even more than that, [they were] put in shackles and in prisons! 37 They were tried, stoned, sawed in half, and they were slaughtered with swords… they dressed themselves in sheepskins and goatskins as they were in need, in a lot of trouble, and treated badly.
38 The world didn’t deserve them, but they were forced to wander the deserts, mountains, caves, and peepholes of the earth. 39 And although their faith testifies about all of them, they never received what they were promised. 40 Yet, because God saw something better in us, they won’t be brought to perfection without us.
Chapter 12
1 So, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses lying around us, we should each get rid of the things that are weighing us down and any sins that are standing in our way. Then, let’s run the difficult course that’s ahead of us with endurance, 2 as we look forward in faith to our supreme leader, our goal, Jesus.
Why, in return for the joy that he had before him, [Jesus] endured the shame of the impaling pole and thought nothing of it… then he sat down to the right of the Throne of God. 3 So, pay close attention to his example and how he was able to endure all of that at the hands of sinners (who just condemned themselves), so you don’t tire out and give up on your lives!
4 Why, so far, none of you has had to struggle against sin to the point of bleeding. 5 And you’ve forgotten the encouragement that was given to you as [His] sons, that said, ‘My son; Don’t treat the discipline of Jehovah lightly, and don’t try to avoid being corrected by Him. 6 For, Jehovah disciplines those whom He Loves and He whips those whom He accepts as His sons.’
7 Why, the only reason you’ve made it this far, is because of discipline; and this proves that God is treating you as sons! After all, which son doesn’t his father discipline? 8 So, if you’ve never been disciplined [by God], you aren’t one of us… you’re bastards, not sons!
9 We all had fleshly fathers who used to discipline us, and we respected them. So, shouldn’t we obey the Father who gave us His Breath even more… so we can live? 10 For a brief period [in our lives, our fathers] used to discipline us over things that seemed right to them. However, we’re being brought [before Him] to be partakers of His Holiness!
11 And while it’s true that discipline doesn’t make us joyful when we receive it (it makes us sad); later on, those who learn from it harvest the fruit of peace and righteousness. 12 So, straighten up your drooping arms, firm up those shaky knees, 13 and make sure that the tracks you’re making with your feet are straight… be healed rather than lame!
14 Try to make peace with everyone and to become holy, because without that, no one can see the Lord. 15 Make sure that none of you are falling short of God’s loving care, and that no bitter roots sprout up to create trouble and make many of you unclean. 16 [Of course, I’m talking about people] who are immoral or worldly, like Esau, who gave away his rights as the firstborn for a single meal. 17 Remember that he changed his mind later on and wanted to inherit the blessing, but despite the fact that he tearfully tried to reclaim it, he was rejected.
18 Now, [this mountain] that you’ve approached can’t be felt, nor is any fire burning there… or darkness, or fog, or storms. 19 There’s no sound of a trumpet blowing, or of a voice speaking [from the heavens]… a voice that the people begged not to have to listen to, 20 and which they couldn’t bear when they heard it say so clearly, ‘If even some wild animal touches this mountain, it must be stoned!’ 21 Why, it was such a frightening scene that even Moses admitted, ‘I’m terrified and shaking!’
22 So, what you’ve approached is Mount Zion; the City of the Living God. It’s Heavenly Jerusalem, where there are millions of [God’s] messengers 23 attending a convention… the gathering of the firstborn whose names have been written in the heavens… and God is the judge over them all. [You’ve approached] the unseen force of those who are righteous and who have been made perfect; 24 and [you’ve approached] Jesus, the mediator of a New Sacred Agreement, whose sacrificial blood speaks out better than Abel’s.
25 Therefore, be sure that you aren’t also found as begging not to have to listen to the One who is speaking. For, those who begged not to listen to the One who gave that divine warning here on the earth had to listen to it anyhow! So, how much more should we refuse to turn away from the One who’s speaking to us from the heavens!
26 Why, back then, His voice just shook the ground! But now He has promised, ‘Next time, I’ll not only shake the ground, [I’ll also shake] the sky!’ 27 And when He spoke of the next time, He implied that the only things which are going to be shaken are the things that were made… yes, they will be done away with; but the things that aren’t shaken will remain.
28 So, in view of the fact that we’re going to receive a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s show how much we care! For, that’s how we can please God in our worship to Him, [doing so] in awe and deep respect, 29 because our God is a consuming fire.
Chapter 13
1 So, love your brothers… 2 and don’t forget to care about people who you don’t know! For, it was because they did this, that some unknowingly showed hospitality to [God’s] messengers! 3 And don’t forget those who are in prison… act as though you’re locked up with them! Also, [don’t forget] those who are being persecuted… [act as though it’s happening to] your own bodies!
4 May each of your marriages be kept honorable and your beds be kept clean, because God will judge the sexually immoral and the adulterers.
5 Live your lives free from the love of money… be satisfied with the things you have, because He promised, ‘I won’t forget you and I’ll never let you down.’ 6 So, let’s be courageous and say, ‘I won’t be afraid, because the Lord is my helper… so what can men do to me?’
7 Listen to those who are taking the lead among you and speaking to you about the Word of God. Then, as you see the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.
8 [Remember that] Jesus the Anointed One is the same yesterday, today, and through the ages; 9 so, don’t allow yourselves to be carried off by strange teachings. It’s best for [your] hearts to be made strong through [God’s] loving care… not by the things that you eat, which are of no benefit at all to those who are walking [in The Way].
10 Why, we have an Altar that those who serve God at His Tent aren’t authorized to eat from. 11 For, in the same way that the bodies of those animals whose blood is taken into the Most Holy by the High Priest as a sin offering are burned up outside the camp, 12 Jesus also suffered outside the gate to make people holy with his blood. 13 So, let’s go to him outside the camp bearing all the bad things that were said about him, 14 because the city that’s here [today] isn’t going to survive!
Since we’re searching for the one who is coming, 15 let’s always offer sacrifices of praise (the fruit of our lips) to God, through [Jesus], as we keep talking about his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good things and to share whatever you have with others, because, these are the types of sacrifices which are pleasing to God.
17 Also, obey and submit to those who are taking the lead among you, because they’re responsible for watching over your lives! May they do this with joy, not with groaning, since that would be hazardous to you.
18 Also, keep praying for us. We feel that our consciences are clear, since we’ve acted properly in everything. 19 I especially want to encourage you to do this, so that I can be returned to you a bit sooner.
20 Now, may the God of peace who raised the great Shepherd of the sheep from the dead with the blood of a Sacred Agreement that lasts through the age (our Lord Jesus), 21 use everything that’s good to make any adjustments that are necessary for you to do His Will.
To He who acts within us (through Jesus the Anointed One) so as to accomplish everything that He sees to be good, be the glory into the ages of ages… may it be.
22 Now, I urge you brothers to live up to these words of encouragement, although I really haven’t written much.
23 By the way, I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released, and if he gets here soon, I’ll come to see you.
24 Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among you and to all the Holy Ones.
Those in Italy send you their greetings.
James
Chapter 1
1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, to the twelve tribes that are scattered about; Rejoice! 2 Yes, consider it all joy, my brothers, when you have to endure various types of trials, 3 because you know that this proving of your faith helps you to endure. 4 May your endurance reach its goal, so you can become perfect and complete in every way, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you are short of wisdom, continue to ask God and it will be given to you, because He provides it easily and without scolding anyone. 6 However, you must believe [that you’ll receive it] and not have any doubts, because those who doubt are like waves of the sea that are driven and blown about by the wind. 7 Such a person shouldn’t expect to receive anything at all from the Lord, 8 because he’s unsure and he doesn’t trust in anything.
9 Let the lowly brother brag about his high standing, 10 and the one who is rich about his lowliness, because he too will pass away like a flower in a field. 11 For, when the sun comes up and puts out all its heat, the plant withers, the flower drops off, and its beauty fades. That’s how the rich man will fade away in his journey through life. 12 But the man who endures his trials is blest, because when he’s approved, he’ll receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to all those who love him.
13 May no one who is being tried ever say, ‘I’m being tried by God,’ because God doesn’t bring bad things to try us. In fact, He doesn’t try anyone. 14 Rather, we are each being tried by our own desires, which bait us and lead us on. 15 Then, when a desire becomes pregnant, it gives birth to sin. And once the sin is committed, it ends in death.
16 Don’t allow anyone to mislead you, my loved brothers. 17 Every good deed and every perfect gift comes to us from above. It comes down from the Father of the Lights, who doesn’t change any more than a shadow when it turns. 18 And because it was His will, He gave birth to us through the message of truth, so we could be some of the first fruitage of His creation.
19 Recognize this, my loved brothers: Every man must be eager to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 because a man’s anger doesn’t make him righteous with God. 21 So, once you’ve gotten rid of all the filth and badness, humbly allow the Word to grow inside you, because it can save your lives.
22 Become a person who does whatever the Word tells him. Don’t be someone who just listens, then draws his own conclusions. 23 Because, if anyone just listens to the Word and doesn’t act on it, he’s like a man who is gazing into a mirror at the face he was born with. 24 He carefully examines himself, and then he leaves and immediately forgets what sort of man he is. 25 However, the man who gazes into the perfect law that belongs to a free people – and then keeps on looking into it – isn’t someone who listens and forgets, he’s someone who takes action! This man will be blest in whatever he does.
26 Now, if anyone thinks of himself as a worshiper, but misleads his heart by not putting a bridle on his tongue, his worship is worthless. 27 What our God and Father views as clean, pure worship is this: Watching over orphans and widows when they’re in need and keeping ourselves free from the stains of this world.
Chapter 2
1 My brothers; Are you showing prejudice when it comes to the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One? 2 For example, if a man who is wearing gold rings on his fingers and expensive clothes comes into your synagogue, then someone who is poor and whose clothes aren’t clean also enters, 3 would you favor the one that’s wearing expensive clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good place to sit,’ then say to the poor one, ‘Why don’t you stand,’ or, ‘Sit here beside my footstool?’ 4 If so, aren’t you condemned as prejudiced and wicked judges?
5 Listen, my loved brothers! Didn’t God choose the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him? 6 However, you dishonor the poor.
Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into courts? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the good name of the very one that you are called by? 8 Now, if you’re obeying the kingly law of the Scriptures that says, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. 9 But if you’re showing prejudice, you’re sinning, and the Law exposes you as being in violation.
10 Now, if anyone who is trying to obey the Law fails in one part of it, he has broken the whole thing. 11 For, He who said, ‘You must not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You must not murder.’ So, if you don’t commit adultery but you murder someone, you’ve broken the whole Law.
12 Therefore, speak and behave as though you’re about to be judged by the law of a free people. 13 Because, those who aren’t merciful will be judged without mercy, since mercy is an important part of justice.
14 What good does it do, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but isn’t moved to do anything about it? Can such faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister doesn’t have clothing or enough food for each day, 16 yet one of you were to tell him, ‘Go in peace, be warm and well fed,’ and you don’t give him what he needs to survive, what good is it? 17 So, faith that doesn’t do anything is dead.
18 Now, someone can say, ‘You have faith and I have deeds.’ But you show me your faith without deeds and I’ll show you my faith by the things that I do.
19 So, you have faith that there’s just one God, do you? That’s good. So, do the demons! They believe and it frightens them!
20 Do you care to know, O empty man, that faith that doesn’t do anything is useless? 21 Wasn’t our father Abraham called righteous because of the things he did, such as when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 As you can see, [Abraham’s] faith and actions worked together, and [his] actions are what made his faith perfect. 23 Then the scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham put faith in God, which was considered to be righteousness,’ and he was called ‘God’s friend.’ 24 So you see, a man is called righteous by the things he does, not just by his faith.
25 The same thing was true of RaHab the prostitute. Wasn’t she called righteous because of what she did when she took the messengers in and then sent them out by another way? 26 So, just as a body that isn’t breathing is dead, faith without action is dead.
Chapter 3
1 Brothers, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we will be held more responsible, 2 and we all make a lot of mistakes. Why, if someone doesn’t say anything that’s wrong, he’s a perfect man who can lead his whole body with a bridle.
3 Now, if we put a bridle in the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, we also control its whole body. 4 {Look!} Why, even large boats that are driven by strong winds are steered wherever the pilot wishes by very small rudders.
5 That’s how the tongue is. It’s just a little body part, yet it can brag about big things. Look at how little a flame it takes to set a whole forest on fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, for the tongue can bring a world of unrighteousness into our bodies. It stains the whole body and sets the natural cycles of life on fire… and that leads to the flames of the garbage dump.
7 Why, every sort of wild animal, flying creature, slithering thing, and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by men, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It won’t stop doing bad things and it’s full of deadly poison. 9 We can use it to bless our Lord and Father, or curse men who came into existence in God’s image. 10 So, out of the same mouth comes both blessings and curses.
There’s no need for things like this to keep happening, my brothers. 11 Are there any fountains that bubble up both sweet and bitter [water]? 12 Fig trees can’t produce olives, grapevines can’t produce figs, nor can salt water produce sweet water; can it my brothers.
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show that he has the inner strength that comes from wisdom by the way he acts and the things he does. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous, and in your hearts you just want to argue, don’t be too proud of this, and don’t lie about the facts. 15 This isn’t wisdom that comes from above; it’s earthly, animalistic, and demonic. 16 For, where you find jealousy and arguing, you’ll also find turmoil and everything that’s foul.
17 Now, the wisdom that comes from above is first, pure. Then it’s peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, and full of mercy and good fruitage. It isn’t hypocritical or prejudiced, 18 because the seeds of the fruit of righteousness are planted in peace, by those making peace.
Chapter 4
1 So, where are all these fights and wars among you coming from? Aren’t they the result of battles that are being fought in your body parts over [sensual] pleasures? 2 You want, but you can’t have. You’re jealous and murderous, but that doesn’t get you anything. You’re fighting and waging war, but you haven’t received, because you haven’t asked. 3 And when you do ask, you don’t receive, because you’re asking for the wrong reasons. All you’re interested in is pleasure!
4 Adulteresses, don’t you know that if you’re a friend of the world you’re an enemy of God? So, whoever wants to be a friend of the world is putting himself down as God’s enemy. 5 Or do you think that the scripture doesn’t apply that says, ‘[God’s] Breath, which lives in us, tends to be jealous.’ 6 Yet, the loving care that He offers is even greater. So it says, ‘God opposes those who are proud, but He’s kind to those who are humble.’ 7 Therefore, obey God! Resist the Opposer and he’ll run from you! 8 But come close to God and He’ll come close to you!
Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you who can’t decide! 9 Otherwise, [you can] cry, moan, be miserable, and allow your laughter to be turned into moaning and your joy into sadness! 10 But if you humble yourselves in the eyes of the Lord, he will lift you up.
11 Brothers, stop complaining about each other, because the one who speaks against or judges a brother, speaks against and judges law. And if you judge law, you aren’t someone who’s under it; you’re its judge! 12 However, there’s just one lawgiver and judge, and He can either save or destroy. So, who are you to be judging your neighbor?
13 And those of you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we’re going to travel to this city or that, and we’ll spend a year there doing business and making profits… ’ 14 why, you don’t know what’s going to happen in your life tomorrow; for, you’re just a mist that appears for a little while then disappears! 15 So, what you should be saying is, ‘If it’s the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ 16 But now you’re taking pride in things that you just assume to be true. And having pride in such things is wickedness. 17 Why, if someone knows what’s right and doesn’t do it, that’s a sin for him!
Chapter 5
1 Go on, you who are rich, cry and bawl over the miseries that you’ll have to endure; 2 for, your wealth [will] have rotted away and your clothes [will] have become moth-eaten; 3 your gold and silver [will] have corroded, and whatever remains will testify against you and eat your flesh like the fire that’s stored up for you in the last days.
4 Look! The wages that you refused to pay the workers who harvested your fields are calling out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of Jehovah of armies! 5 You’ve lived on the earth in luxury and for immoral pleasure; you’ve provided your hearts everything they could desire on the day of slaughter; 6 and you’ve condemned and murdered the Righteous One! So, won’t He stand and oppose you?
7 Be patient brothers, until the Lord arrives. {Look!} As the farmer harvests the precious fruitage of the ground after patiently waiting for both the early and late rains, 8 you be patient also – with determined hearts – because the arrival of the Lord is near.
9 Brothers, don’t be moaning about each other, so you won’t be judged. For look, the Judge is standing at the doors!
10 Brothers, learn the example of how to suffer bad things and how to be patient from the Prophets who spoke in the Name of Jehovah. 11 {Look!} We call those who endured blest! Why, you’ve heard of the endurance of Job, and you saw the way Jehovah ended it. [This proves] that Jehovah is very kind and merciful.
12 And above all, my brothers, stop swearing oaths – not by heaven, or earth, or by anything else – just let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no, so you don’t fail when you’re being judged.
13 Is anyone among you being persecuted? Let him keep praying. Is there anyone who is cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is there anyone among you who is sick? Let him call the elders and have them pray over him, as they grease him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Then this prayer of faith will rescue the weak one and the Lord will make him well. Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16 So, admit your sins to each other and pray that each one of you will be healed, because prayer has a lot of power when it’s working through a righteous man.
17 EliJah was a man with passions like ours, and yet when he [went to God] in prayer and prayed for it not to rain, it didn’t rain in the land for three and a half years. 18 Then he prayed again, and the heavens poured rain, causing the ground to produce its fruitage.
19 My brothers, if someone is led from the truth and then someone else turns him around; 20 recognize that the one who turns the sinner back from the error of his ways will save his life from death, and it will cover many, many sins as well.
1 Peter
Chapter 1
1 Peter, an Apostle of Jesus the Anointed One, to the elected ones among the scattered who are currently living in Pontus, Galatia, CappaDocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who God the Father has known, who were made holy by [God’s] Breath, and who are obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus the Anointed One: May you grow in [God’s] peace and loving care.
3 Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who showed His great mercy by regenerating us from among the dead ones into the hope of life through the resurrection of Jesus the Anointed One, 4 as an incorruptible and clean inheritance, which can never grow old or fade away… because this is what’s awaiting you in the heavens.
5 The power of God is watching over you because of your faith in [this hope] of being saved, which is soon to be seen in the last days, 6 and in which you are rejoicing, although right now you’re undergoing many trials for a brief period. 7 This is happening so that the proof of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold that is refined and proven by fire, may be found to be a reason for praise, honor, and glory, during the revelation of Jesus the Anointed One.
8 For, although you’ve never seen him, you’ve love him. And although you can’t see him, you believe in him and are rejoicing with an unspeakable and glorified joy, 9 as you carry off for yourselves the reward of this faith… the saving of your souls.
10 When it comes to salvation, the Prophets looked and searched for this loving-care that’s being shown to you. 11 They tried, through the spirit of anointing that was in them, to determine the exact time and circumstances of the sufferings of the Anointed One and of his being glorified, which they knew about even back then. 12 And although it wasn’t revealed to them, [it was] to you. For they were just servants of things that those who preached the good news to you have shown you, through the Holy Breath that was sent from heaven, and which even the messengers [of God] want to learn more about.
13 As the result, prepare your minds to understand! Be perfectly sober about your hope of the loving care that will be conveyed to you at the revelation of Jesus the Anointed One. 14 As obedient children, don’t go back to being what you used to be by desiring ignorant things. 15 But, like the Holy One who called you, become holy in all your ways. 16 For it is written, ‘You must be holy, because I am holy!’
17 So, if you are calling on this Father (who doesn’t discriminate, but judges each one by what he does), it’s time for you to fearfully turn back from your isolation. 18 For, you must recognize that the ransom, which was paid to release you from the worthless way of life that you learned from your fathers, wasn’t paid for with things that corrode, like silver or gold. 19 It was [paid for] with the precious blood of the Anointed One, who is like a spotless and perfect lamb.
20 Although he was known before the world was established, he is being recognized in you at the end of this period in time, 21 whenever you (through him) are being faithful to God (the One who raised him from the dead and glorified him), so that your faith and hope will be in God.
22 So, now that obedience to the truth has purified your lives; truly care about your brothers and reach out in sincere love for them with your whole hearts. 23 For, you weren’t regenerated as seeds that rot, but by something that doesn’t decay… the promises of the living and enduring God. 24 Because, ‘All flesh is like grass, and its glory is like flowers in a field. Grass dries up and flowers drop, 25 but the words of Jehovah remain through the age.’ These are the words that we preached to you as good news.
Chapter 2
1 As the result, get rid of all your badness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all the slandering. 2 Then, like newborn babies, develop a taste for the pure milk of the Word, which will help you to grow to salvation, 3 once you’ve tasted the tender care of the Lord.
4 Approach him as though he’s a living block of stone (who for a fact was rejected by men but was chosen as precious by God) 5 [upon whom] you as living blocks are being built into a spiritual house – a Holy Priesthood – to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God, through Jesus the Anointed One. 6 For the Scripture says, ‘{Look!} I’m laying a block that I selected in Zion – a precious top cornerstone – and anyone who believes in it will never be shamed.’
7 So, while this is a precious opportunity for you who are believers, it isn’t for those who aren’t believers. For [the Scriptures say]: ‘The block that the builders rejected has become the head cornerstone,’ 8 and, ‘a stone of stumbling and a tripping block.’ So, they stumble because they aren’t obeying the word. And this is the lot they were given.
9 However, you are a chosen race, a royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people who were specially selected to announce the virtues of the One who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light. 10 And although you once weren’t a nation, now you’re a nation of God. And although you were once shown no mercy, you’re now the ones who are shown mercy.
11 My loved ones; I want to encourage you (as foreigners and those who are living away from their homes) not to indulge in things that your bodies may crave and which fight a battle against your lives… 12 while you’re [living] among the nations, behave yourselves! Then, when they condemn you and say bad things about you, let them see the good things you’re doing so they can glorify God in the Day when He comes for His inspection.
13 Obey every office that has been created by men (through the Lord), regardless of whether the one who is over you is a king, 14 or [just] a governor who has been sent [by the king] to punish criminals and to praise those who do good things. 15 It’s God’s Will for you to do good things, so you can put a muzzle on the ignorant accusations of unreasonable men. 16 Be free people; but as slaves of God, don’t use your freedom as a cover-up to do bad things. 17 Show honor to everyone; love your brothers; fear God; and show special honor to the king!
18 Those who work in homes should obey and fear their masters… and not just those who are good and reasonable, but those who are hard to please. 19 For, if someone (because of a Godly conscience) puts up with the grief of having to suffer for something he didn’t do, this shows a lot of inner strength. 20 After all, what good is it if you endure being slapped for doing something wrong? But if you have to endure suffering when you’ve only done what’s good, this shows your inner strength to God. 21 And for a fact, you were called to this [course].
Why, the Anointed One also suffered for you so he could set an example for you to follow in his tracks. 22 Yet, he wasn’t guilty of sin, nor did his mouth tell lies. 23 When they shouted bad things at him, he didn’t shout back; and when he was suffering, he didn’t threaten anyone. He just left himself [in the hands of] the One who judges righteously.
24 He was carrying our sins when his body was put on the pole, so that once the sins were gone, we could live righteously. For, ‘by his wounds you were healed.’ 25 You were like sheep that were wandering off, but now you’ve returned to the shepherd who watches over your lives.
Chapter 3
1 Women should obey their husbands, so that those who aren’t obeying The Word can be won over without words by the woman’s conduct… 2 when they see the fear that you’re showing in being pure. 3 Don’t let your beauty come from fancy hairstyles, gold jewelry, or the arrangement of your clothes. 4 Rather, let [your beauty] be that which is hidden in your hearts… a clean, quiet, and mild personality, which is valuable in the eyes of God.
5 Why, that’s how holy women who put their hope in God have been beautifying themselves for a long time… they obeyed their husbands, 6 just as Sarah used to obey Abraham, calling him ‘lord.’ So, become her children in doing good things, and then you’ll have nothing to fear.
7 Husbands; You too… be wise when it comes to living with [your wives]. Treat them as you would delicate china. Show them the type of honor that should be shown to women who are fellow heirs of the gift of life, so it doesn’t affect your prayers.
8 Finally, all of you should share that same attitude when it comes to being sympathetic, loving your brothers, caring, being humble, 9 and by not trying to get even or through trading insults. Rather, bestow blessings! For, you were called to this [way of life] so you could inherit blessings. 10 ‘May he who loves life and wants to see good days keep his tongue from [doing] what’s bad, and his lips from telling lies; 11 let him turn away from what’s bad and do what is good; let him search for peace and chase after it. 12 Because, Jehovah watches out for the righteous and He listens to them whenever they ask [for help]. But Jehovah opposes those who do bad things.’
13 Why, who will treat you badly if you’re zealous when it comes to doing what’s right? 14 And if you suffer for doing something righteous, you’ll be blest… so don’t be afraid or even be bothered by them! 15 Make the Anointed One the Holy Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to defend [the faith] before anyone who demands to know why you have this hope. However, do this calmly and with [Godly] fear.
16 Keep a clean conscience, so that whenever someone should accuse you, those who are speaking out against you will be shamed by your fine conduct. 17 Because, it’s better to suffer for doing something good (if that’s God’s will) than for doing something that’s bad.
18 Why, even the Anointed One died (once and for all time) over sins (someone who is righteous for those who are unrighteous) to lead you to God. And although his flesh was in fact killed, he was brought to life as a spirit; 19 then he preached to the spirits who had been imprisoned 20 because they had disobeyed, as God was patiently waiting for the chest to be built during the time of Noah… in which a few people (eight lives) were saved through the water.
21 [And what that chest pictured] is now saving you too… it’s baptism! For, its purpose isn’t to get rid of fleshly filth; it’s to ask God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus the Anointed One.
22 And now he has gone to heaven – to God’s right hand – where [God’s] messengers as well as all authorities and powers must obey him.
Chapter 4
1 So, since the Anointed One suffered in the flesh, you’d best start thinking about fighting the same battle. For, someone who has suffered in the flesh has stopped sinning 2 and doesn’t live for human desires anymore, but to do God’s will for the rest of his life in the flesh.
3 Why, enough time has elapsed for the desires of the nations to be resolved [within you]. For they have gone their own immoral ways, following their desires, drinking too much wine, partying, getting drunk, and breaking [God’s] laws by worshiping idols. 4 And because you don’t go along and follow them into the same deadly course down into the sewer, they slander you. 5 But they’ll have to answer to the One who is ready to judge both the living and the dead. 6 This is why we are preaching the good news to those who are the dead; so they can be judged as fleshly men and then come to life by the Breath of God!
7 However, the end of everything is getting closer. So, use good sense and be very serious about prayer. 8 And above all else, reach out to each other in love, because love covers a huge number of sins. 9 Be hospitable to each other without grumbling, 10 and each of you should use the various gifts that you were given for good purposes… as house servants to the kindness of God.
11 So, whenever anyone speaks, may it be what God has commanded. And whenever anyone serves, may it be done by the strength of God, so that God can be glorified in everything through Jesus the Anointed One… may He have glory and power for ages of ages… may it be.
12 Loved ones; Don’t fail to notice that there’s a fire blazing among you! Something strange is marching toward you, and it’s coming to test you. 13 But as you [find yourselves] sharing in the sufferings of the Anointed One, rejoice! Because, when his glory is revealed, you will once again be happy and cry out joyfully!
14 If you’re being slandered over the name of the Anointed One, you are blest… because God’s glory and Breath is resting upon you. 15 But none of you should ever have to suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or for not minding your own business. 16 However, if you suffer because of being a Christian, don’t ever be ashamed. Rather, keep on glorifying God in that name.
17 Why, the time of judgment has arrived… and it’s starting with the House of God. So if it’s starting with us first, how will those who don’t obey the good news of God end up? 18 For, ‘If the righteous are just barely being saved, where will those who are godless and the sinners make a showing?’ 19 So, let those who (by God’s will) are suffering, dedicate themselves to the faithful Creator by doing whatever is good.
Chapter 5
1 I encourage the elders among you (my fellow elders and witnesses of the sufferings of the Anointed One who will share in the glory that’s soon to be revealed) 2 to shepherd the flock of God that has been entrusted to your [care]. Don’t [do this] because you have to, but because you want to! Don’t do it to make a lot of money, but because you want to help! 3 Don’t [set yourselves up as] rulers over those who have been entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock. 4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will walk away with the enduring crown of glory!
5 And the same [is true] for you younger men; Obey the elders! All of you should be humble toward each other. In fact, tie humility to yourselves with knots, because God opposes those who think too much of themselves, but He’s kind to those who are humble.
6 Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so He can eventually raise you to a higher position. 7 Throw all your worries upon Him, because He cares about you!
8 Also, be serious and stay alert, because your accuser (the Slanderer) is roaming around like a roaring lion that is looking for someone to swallow down. 9 Oppose him by standing solidly in the faith, and realize that the things you’re suffering in this world are also going to happen to the entire brotherhood.
10 However, after you’ve suffered for a little while, the God of all loving care – the One who, through the Anointed One, called you into His glory during the age – will restore you and make you firm and strong… 11 may He be mighty through the ages… may it be!
12 I’m sending what I consider these few words that I wrote through Silvanus (a faithful brother), to be encouraging, and to testify to the fact that you’re standing in the true loving-care of God. 13 I send greetings from the woman who was also chosen along with you, and Mark (my son), from Babylon. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love!
Peace to all of you in the Anointed One.
2 Peter
Chapter 1
1 Simon Peter, a slave and Apostle of Jesus the Anointed One, to those who are all precious to us and who have received their share of faith by the righteousness of our God and of our Savior, Jesus the Anointed One: 2 May you grow in loving care and peace by coming to a higher knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 Since, in His Divine Power, He has freely given us everything that we need [to live] a devout life through a higher knowledge of the one who called us by glory and virtue, 4 and through which He has given us the most precious and grandest promises… that, in all of this, you might become sharers in the Divine Nature, now that you’ve left the world and its corrupt desires.
5 Yes, once you’ve zealously done all of this, add virtue to your faith, knowledge to [your] virtue, 6 self-control to [your] knowledge, endurance to [your] self-control, piety to [your] endurance, 7 brotherly-love to [your] piety, and pure love to [your] brotherly love. 8 Because, if you’re filled and overflowing with these things, they will keep you from being ineffective or from failing to produce fruitage as you spread the higher knowledge of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
9 Now, some [of you] aren’t doing these things, so you are blind… you’re starting to close your eyes and you’ve forgotten how you were cleansed of your sins so long ago!
10 Brothers; This is why it’s so urgent for you to make your calling and electing firm; for if you can do all of this, you won’t ever stumble. 11 In fact, you’ll receive the wonderful invitation to enter the Kingdom of the age, which belongs to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed.
12 This is why I always want to remind you of these things, despite the fact that you already know [them] and are firmly rooted in the truth. 13 However, as long as I’m living in this tent, I will consider it righteous to shake you and remind you, 14 since I realize that this tent will soon be set aside, as our Lord Jesus the Anointed One has indicated to me. 15 So I’m going to do everything that I can, whenever I can, so that when I’m gone, you’ll remind each other of these things.
16 Now, what we’ve told you about the power and the coming of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One wasn’t some myth that we just made up. Rather, we were eyewitnesses of his magnificence! 17 Why, he was honored and glorified by God (the Father) through a voice that came to him. And it glorified him in an appropriate way, saying, ‘This is My son whom I love and of whom I approve!’ 18 Yes, we heard these words from heaven itself as we were there with him on the Holy Mountain!
19 So, the prophecies are reliable, and it’s good that you’re paying attention to them. Because, they’re like a lamp that glows in a dark spot until daylight finally starts to shine, and he who brings the light comes into your hearts. 20 Understand this: None of the prophecies in the Scriptures came from [someone’s own] ideas, 21 nor did they happen just because some men wanted to prophecy. Rather, men spoke from God as His Holy Breath carried them along.
Chapter 2
1 However, there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. These will introduce destructive heresies and deny the master who bought them, which will bring swift destruction upon them. 2 But, many will follow them into doing dirty things. And because of this, the way of the truth will be slandered. 3 Then, because they want whatever you have, they will worm their way [in among you] with carefully-planned words. However, the judgments on them (which were decided a long time ago) haven’t gone out of date, nor has the destruction [that they deserve] fallen asleep.
4 Why, God didn’t spare the messengers who sinned, but threw them into the dark pits of Tartarus, where they are awaiting His justice. 5 And He didn’t spare the first world. Yet, He guarded Noah (who was a preacher of righteousness) along with seven others, when He brought a downpour upon a world of godless people.
6 And when He condemned the cities Sodom and GomorRah, He reduced them to ashes. These are examples of the things that are going to happen to godless people. 7 Yet, He protected righteous Lot, who was deeply bothered by the lewd actions of lawless people. 8 Why, the wicked things this man saw and heard each day while he lived among them tormented his entire righteous inner self.
9 Yes, Jehovah knows how to rescue devout people from trials, while he keeps the unrighteous for a judgment day, when they will be destroyed. 10 And this is especially true of those who want to go their own ways, misusing the bodies [of others] and who don’t respect those who are assigned over them.
Since they are daring and independent, they aren’t afraid of the glorious ones and talk badly about them. 11 Yet, even the messengers [of God], who are much stronger and more powerful, wouldn’t think of looking down on them for fear of being judged as blasphemers by the Lord. 12 However, such ones are like unreasoning animals that were born to be caught and killed. And because they talk badly about things they don’t understand, they will rot in their filth. 13 Yes, the payback for their unrighteousness is the mistreatment of themselves.
For, their idea of pleasure is to spend their days in luxury. They are spots and flaws that enjoy doing anything that they feel tempted to do, as they feast among you. 14 They have eyes that are always full of adultery and sins, and they tempt the weak. For, their hearts have been trained to desire things that aren’t theirs, and their curse is to be children 15 who have been led away from the straight path, and directed to the path of BalaAm [the son] of Beor. He loved the reward [that he received] for doing wrong, 16 but he was scolded for going beyond the limits by a farm animal that couldn’t speak. Yet, it spoke in a man’s voice and stopped that crazy prophet.
17 Such people – like springs without any water and clouds blown by storms – are being saved for the gloom of darkness. 18 They talk in big ways about stupid things, in order to tempt [people] into following human desires and a loose lifestyle, as they turn the little ones who are fleeing [the world] back into doing things that are wrong. 19 They keep promising them freedom, but they are slaves to filth. For, whomever is conquered by another, becomes his slave.
20 Why, if someone has escaped from the filth of the world by coming to an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, and they return to it and are conquered by it again, they’re worse off than when they started. 21 Why, it would have been better for them if they had never learned about the way of righteousness, than to turn away after they’ve been told the Holy Commandments! 22 What happens to them is as the proverb so truthfully says, ‘The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed, to rolling in its manure.’
Chapter 3
1 My loved ones; This is now the second letter that I’ve written you. In the first letter, I tried to shake you into thinking clearly and to remind you to 2 never forget what the holy Prophets used to say, or of the commandments that our Lord and Savior gave through your Apostles. 3 First, recognize this; In the last days, there will be those who ridicule. They will go their own way and do whatever they want, 4 and then mock you by asking, ‘Where is this coming of his? Why, this has been promised since our ancestors fell asleep, yet, all has stayed the same since the beginning of creation!’
5 The thing that they don’t want to understand is: The ancient earth and skies were out of the water and (in obedience to God’s instructions) stood together between the waters. 6 And it was through these things that the world which was then, was deluged and destroyed by water. 7 And by the same [instructions]; What’s [now] in store for the earth and skies is fire, which [will come] during the Judgment Day, when godless men will be destroyed.
8 However, don’t overlook the fact, loved ones, that one day to Jehovah is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as just one day. 9 So, Jehovah isn’t slow when it comes to His promises (as some people think). Rather, He’s being patient with you, because He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed; and He’s allowing enough time for everyone to repent!
10 However, the Day of the Lord will come… just like a thief! Then the skies will become extremely hot, their basic parts will melt, and they will pass away with a hissing noise… and then the earth and everything that’s being done on it will be exposed!
11 So, since all these things are going to be dissolved, what sort of people should you be when it comes to conducting [yourselves] in a holy way and in actively worshiping God?
12 Why, we’re awaiting and anticipating the arrival of the Day of the Lord, during which the skies will burn and dissolve, and their basic parts will melt due to the intense heat; 13 and we’re awaiting the new earth and skies that He has promised, in which the righteous will dwell!
14 So, loved ones; Since you’re awaiting these things, be swift about making yourselves spotless and flawless, so you can be at peace with Him!
15 Why, think about the patience that our Lord shows when it comes to our salvation, as our loved brother Paul [also] wrote you. For, he was given wisdom concerning [things] 16 that he writes about in all of his letters… some of which is hard to understand and is being twisted by the ignorant and shaky, as they do to the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction!
17 So, to you, my loved ones; Since you’ve been warned, be careful that you aren’t led astray by the bad things that these lawless people are doing and then lose your grip on your firm convictions. 18 Rather, keep growing in the loving care and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed One. May he be glorified now and into the Day of the age.
1 John
Chapter 1
1 The message of life has been here since long ago. We’ve heard about it, seen it with our eyes, stared at it, and felt it with our hands. 2 Yes, the life was on display. We’ve seen it, we’re testifying to it, and we’re reporting to you.
Ages of life were with the Father and He showed this to us. 3 As the result, we’re reporting what we’ve seen and heard to you, so we can also share in it with you. What’s more, we’re sharing with the Father and his Son, Jesus the Anointed One, 4 and we’re now writing these things down so that our joy can be realized.
5 And the message that we heard from Him, which we want to announce to you is: God is light and there isn’t any darkness in Him!
6 However, if we say that we’re sharing something with Him and we just keep on walking in the darkness, we’re lying, and we aren’t doing what’s right. 7 But if we’re walking in the light (since He’s in the light), we will share with each other, and then the blood of His Son Jesus will cleanse us of all our sins.
8 Now, if we say that we don’t have any sins, we’re misleading ourselves and there’s no truth in us. 9 But if we admit our sins, He will forgive our sins and wash away all our unrighteousness, because He is faithful and righteous. 10 So, if we ever say that we haven’t sinned, we’re making Him out as a liar, and His words aren’t in us.
Chapter 2
1 My little children; I’m writing these things to you, in order to keep you from committing any sins. Yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have someone righteous who is our advocate with the Father, Jesus the Anointed One. 2 He’s the sacrifice that begs forgiveness for our sins… and not just for ours, but also for those of the whole world!
3 This is how we can be sure that we’ve come to know him: If we keep on obeying his commandments.
4 So, he who says, ‘Now I know him,’ but doesn’t obey his commandments, is a liar and the truth isn’t in him. 5 However, God’s love has been made perfect in all those who really do what they’re told to do. So, that’s how we know whether we’re in him. 6 For, whoever says he’s in [Jesus] is obligated to keep walking in the way that he walked.
7 Loved ones; What I’m writing to you about here isn’t a new commandment, it’s an old commandment that you’ve had since the beginning. This old commandment is all the words that you’ve heard so far. 8 However, I’m also writing you a new commandment, which is true for him and for you. This is because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
9 Now, whoever says he’s in the light and still dislikes his brother, has been in the darkness all along. 10 For, those who love their brothers are in the light, so they don’t have to go stumbling about. 11 However, whoever dislikes his brother is still in darkness… he’s walking around in the dark and doesn’t have any idea where he’s going, because the darkness has left him blind.
12 I’m writing to those of you who are still boys, because your sins have been forgiven through his name.
13 I’m writing to those of you who are fathers, because you’ve come to know the one who is from long ago.
I’m writing to those of you who are young men, because you’ve conquered the wicked one.
I have written to you who are boys, because you’ve come to know the Father.
14 I have written to you who are fathers, because you’ve come to know the one who is from long ago.
I’ve written to you who are young men, because you are strong, God’s Word is in you, and you’ve conquered the wicked one.
15 Don’t love the world or anything in the world. For, if anyone loves the world, there isn’t any love of the Father in him. 16 Because, everything in the world – fleshly desires, lusting after the things you can see, and trusting that you can provide for yourself – doesn’t come from the Father, it comes from the world. 17 And the world with all its desires is passing away, but the one who does God’s Will remains through the age.
18 Young children; It’s the last hour. And just as you’ve heard, the Antichrist is coming. Why, right now there are many Antichrists; and that’s how we know it’s the last hour. 19 They left us, because they weren’t like us; for if they had been like us, they would still be with us. But [they left], which is proof that they aren’t like us.
20 However, the Holy One has chosen you… but then, you all know that. 21 So, I’m not writing to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you have known it. Why, lies don’t come from the truth. 22 And who’s a liar? It is those who deny that Jesus is the Anointed One. This is the Antichrist: He who denies both the Father and the Son! 23 Whoever denies the Son [also denies] the Father… but he who admits [to knowing] the Son also [admits to knowing] the Father.
24 As for you; Hang onto the things that you heard long ago! For, if the things that you heard long ago stick with you, you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us: Life in the age.
26 Now, I’m writing this to you [in order to warn you] about those who are trying to lead you in the wrong direction. 27 I realize that you don’t need anyone to be teaching you, since the anointing that you received from him is still in you. His anointing is teaching you about everything… it’s true and it doesn’t lie. So, just as it taught you, remain in him.
28 Little children; Stay within him, so that when he is revealed, we can be free to talk (and not be ashamed) when he arrives. 29 If you recognize the fact that he’s righteous, you’ll realize that he has fathered everyone who does righteous things.
Chapter 3
1 Look at the type of love that the Father has given us… to be called the children of God (which is what we are). And that’s the reason why the world doesn’t understand us… because they don’t understand Him!
2 Loved ones; Although we’re the children of God, we haven’t really been shown what we’ll be yet. What we do know is that when [Jesus] is revealed, we’ll be just like him, because we’ll see him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has been given this hope purifies himself, as [Jesus] is pure. 4 However, all those who are sinning are breaking the law, so sin is lawlessness.
5 You know that he showed himself [in the flesh] for the purpose of taking away sins, and that he isn’t a sinner. 6 So, no one who is in him will keep on sinning, for no one who continues to sin has seen him or come to know him.
7 Little children; Don’t allow anyone to mislead you. Only those who do righteous things are righteous in the same way that he’s righteous. 8 Those who are sinners come from the Slanderer, because the Slanderer has been sinning since ancient times. That’s the reason why the Son of God was shown [in the flesh]; to eliminate the deeds of the Slanderer.
9 No one who has been fathered by God is a sinner, because [God’s] seed is within him… so he can’t keep sinning, because God has fathered him!
10 Now, it’s easy to tell the children of God from the children of the Slanderer, because God didn’t father those who aren’t righteous and those who don’t love their brothers. 11 Why, from the earliest [days] you’ve heard the message that we should love each other. 12 [We don’t want to be] like Cain, who came from the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. And just why did he slaughter him? Because what his brother did was righteous, but what he did was wicked. 13 So brothers; Don’t be surprised that the world hates you!
14 Because we love our brothers, we know that we’ve crossed over from death to life. However, those who don’t love, stay dead. 15 For, whoever dislikes his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer will receive life in the age. 16 And we know that we are loved, because [Jesus] gave his living body for us. As the result, we owe our very lives to our brothers.
17 So, how does God’s love stay with a person who has the worldly means to provide, but when he sees that his brother is in need, doesn’t feel pity for him? 18 Little children; Don’t just love with words and tongues, but in reality, by doing [the things that are needed]; 19 for, that’s how we’ll know that we’ve been fathered by the truth!
Why, when we stand before Him, our hearts must be sure; 20 because, if our hearts feel guilty, God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything!
21 Loved ones; If our hearts don’t hold anything to condemn us, we can speak freely to God. 22 Then we’ll receive whatever we ask of Him, because we’re obeying His commandments and doing the things that are pleasing in His eyes. 23 And this is what He has commanded: We must have faith in the name of His Son, Jesus the Anointed, and [we must] love each other, as He’s told us [before]. 24 For, whoever obeys His commandments is in Him and He’s in that person! And the way we know that He’s in us is when He gives us [His] Breath.
Chapter 4
1 Loved ones; Don’t believe every breathed thing, but prove whether [the things that are] breathed come from God; because, many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 You can tell whether a prophecy is from God by this: Every prophecy that speaks of Jesus the Anointed One as having come in the flesh, comes from God. 3 But any prophecy that doesn’t speak of Jesus, doesn’t come from God… they’re the prophecies of the Antichrist, who you heard would come into the world, and who is already here.
4 Little children; You were fathered by God and you’ve conquered them, because [He] who is in you is greater than the whole world! 5 Those who were fathered by this world talk about worldly things, and the world listens to them. 6 However, God fathered us; so, those who know God listen to us. But those who aren’t from God don’t listen to us… and that’s how we can tell the difference between the true prophecies and the false prophecies.
7 Loved ones; Keep on loving each other, because love comes from God… and those who love know God, because love comes from God! 8 But whoever doesn’t love, doesn’t know God, because God is love!
9 God showed His love for us by sending His only-generated Son into this world, so that we could gain life through him. 10 This really is love, because, [back when] we didn’t love God, He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to cover our sins.
11 Loved ones; If this is how much God loves us, then we’re obligated to love each other! 12 Why, no one has ever seen God, but as long as we love each other, God is in us, and He’s making His love perfect in us.
13 We know that we’re in Him and He’s in us when He gives us His Breath… 14 and when we’ve seen and testified to the fact that the Father sent His Son as the Savior of the world. 15 For, whenever anyone admits that Jesus the Anointed One is God’s Son, God is in him and he’s in God. 16 And we’ve come to know and believe in the love that God has for us, because God is love, and whoever keeps on loving is in God and God is in him. 17 Love is being made perfect in us, so we’ll be able to speak freely in the Judgment Day. Yet, we can be just like Him while we’re still in this world!
18 There isn’t any fear in love, for perfect love throws fear outside; because fear limits us. So, those who are afraid haven’t been made perfect in love. 19 And as for us; We love because He loved us first!
20 Now, if anyone says ‘I love God,’ and he still dislikes his brother, he’s a liar, because; If he doesn’t love his brother who he can see, he can’t love God who he hasn’t seen. 21 For [God] gave us this commandment: ‘Everyone who loves God should also love his brother!’
Chapter 5
1 All who believe that Jesus is the Anointed One have been fathered by God. And everyone who loves the One who fathered him, loves the one whom He fathered.
2 This is how we show that we love the children of God: By loving God and obeying His commandments. 3 Yes, that’s how you show your love for God; by obeying His commandments… and His commandments aren’t hard to follow. 4 Everything that has been fathered by God conquers the world, and the victor that has conquered the world is our faith.
5 Who has conquered the world other than those who have faith that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 Jesus the Anointed is the person who came through water and blood (not with just water, but through water and blood). And the Breath [of God] testifies to this, for, the Breath is the truth. 7 So, there are three [things] that testify [about him]; 8 the Breath, the water, and the blood, and all three [of these] are one.
9 Now, if we believe the testimony that men provide, then the testimony of God is even greater. And that’s what God testified to as a witness for His son; 10 and whoever puts faith in the Son of God has the same witness given about him! But whoever doesn’t have faith in God makes Him out as a liar, because [such a person] hasn’t trusted the testimony that God Himself testified to about His Son. 11 And this is what He testified to: That God gave us life in the age, and this life is in His Son. 12 So, whoever has the Son has this life. And whoever doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have this life.
13 I’m writing all of this to you, so you’ll know that those who have faith in the name of the Son of God [receive] life in the age. 14 And we trust that no matter what we may ask for ourselves (as long as it’s His will), He hears us. 15 So, if we know that He hears whatever we ask of Him, we know that we’ll have the things we’re asking for, because we asked Him.
16 Now, if anyone sees his brother committing a sin that isn’t deadly, he can [speak to God] and give life to the one who is guilty of the sin, as long as it isn’t deadly… but there are deadly sins. When it comes to such sins, I’m telling you not to ask for anything. 17 Of course, everything that is unrighteous is sin, but there are sins that aren’t deadly.
18 We know that none of those who have been fathered by God continue to sin; for, having God as their Father will protect them, so the Wicked One can’t touch them. 19 But, we know that we come from God and that the whole world is lying in [the power of] the wicked [one].
20 We also know that the Son of God came and gave us the good sense to know the True One. And we are in the True One, through His son, Jesus the Anointed. This One is the true God, and He is [our] life in the age!
21 Little children; Guard yourselves from the idols!
2 John
Chapter 1
1 The older man, to the chosen lady and to her children whom I truly love… and not just me, but so do all those who’ve come to know the truth 2 through the truth that exists in us and will be with us through the age. 3 We’ll have the kindness, mercy, and peace from God (the Father), and from Jesus the Anointed One (the Son of the Father), in truth and in love.
4 I’m so very happy that I’ve found your children walking in the truth and following the commandments that we received from the Father. 5 So, now I’m asking you, lady (I’m not giving you a new commandment, but one that we’ve had from long ago), to love one another. 6 And this is [how we prove our] love: By following His commandments!
Yes, that’s the commandment! You’ve heard the same thing from the start; so just keep following it. 7 Because, many have strayed [back] into the world and won’t admit that Jesus the Anointed One came in the flesh. And these who have strayed are the AntiChrists.
8 Watch out for yourselves, so you don’t destroy the things we’ve worked [so hard] on. And then you can receive your full reward! 9 But all those who are running ahead and aren’t remaining in the teaching of the Anointed One, don’t have God. Yet, whoever sticks with this teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10 Now, if anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t welcome him into your homes or even greet him; 11 because, those who greet him share in the wicked things that he’s doing.
12 Although I have many [other] things to write to you, I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. Rather, I’m hoping to come and speak with you face to face, so your joy can be realized.
13 The children of your chosen sister send you their greetings.
3 John
Chapter 1
1 The older man, to the loved GaiUs, whom I truly love.
2 My loved one; I pray that you’re doing well in everything, and that you continue in good health as the inner man prospers.
3 I was so happy when the brothers came and testified to the fact that you’ve continued to walk in the truth. 4 Nothing brings me greater joy than to hear that my children keep on walking in the truth!
5 Loved one; You’re doing a faithful work by helping the brothers… even those who are strangers. 6 And they’ve testified about your love before the congregation. So, it would be a fine thing if you’d send them off in a way that is worthy of God; 7 because, they’ve gone to people of the nations in [His] name and didn’t take anything from them. 8 As the result, we’re obligated to welcome such ones hospitably, so we can be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote something to the congregation, but DiOtrephes (who likes to be the most prominent) refused to welcome us. 10 That’s why, if I come there, I’m going to remember the way he acted and all the wicked rumors he spread about us. And even that wasn’t enough for him, because, not only does he fail to welcome the brothers, but he also prevents those who wish to… and he even throws them out of the congregation!
11 Loved ones; Don’t imitate their bad things, but do what’s good. Because, whoever does what’s good comes from God, but the one who does what’s bad hasn’t seen God. 12 Everyone has testified about this matter to DeMetrius, so he knows the truth. And now we’re telling you about this, and you know that what we’re saying is true.
13 I have many other things to write about, but I don’t wish to write them with pen and paper. 14 I hope to see you soon, and then we’ll talk face to face.
May you have peace.
The friends send you their greetings. Give my greetings to the friends by name.
Jude
Chapter 1
1 Jude, a slave of Jesus the Anointed One (the brother of James), to those who are united and loved in God the Father, and in Jesus the Anointed… those who’ve been set aside as called ones: 2 May you grow in mercy, peace, and love.
3 Loved ones; Although I really wanted to write to you about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write in order to encourage you to struggle for the faith that the Holy Ones gave you; 4 because, some men have slipped in among you whose judgment was written about long ago. They are godless men who are turning the loving care of our God into something immoral, and they’re denying our only owner and Lord, Jesus the Anointed One.
5 Despite the fact that you already know everything, I want to remind you that; although Jehovah saved people out of the land of Egypt, He thereafter destroyed those who didn’t show faith. 6 He also locked up the [heavenly] messengers who didn’t keep the position they had long ago and left the place where they lived. So, He’s now keeping them in perpetual darkness where they await the judgment of the Great Day.
7 The same is true of Sodom, GomorRah, and the cities around them. They became tired of just sexual immorality, and started chasing after other flesh; so they’ve been set before us as examples, since they’ve been condemned to the fire of the age.
8 And that’s how you too (those of you who are living a dream) are dirtying the flesh… by not respecting those who have been put over you, and by speaking disrespectfully of the Glorious Ones. 9 Why, when MichaEl, the Highest Messenger [of God] had an argument with the Slanderer over the body of Moses, he didn’t dare to judge him by speaking disrespectfully to him. All he said was, ‘May Jehovah give you what you deserve!’
10 However, these men continue to speak disrespectfully of many things that they don’t really understand. So, like senseless animals (who everyone knows [dirty themselves] naturally), they are messing on themselves [when they do] things like this. 11 Woe to them, because they’re going the way of Cain; they’ve rushed into the wrongs of BalaAm for a reward; and they’re destroying themselves with the rebellious words of KorAh!
12 Why, at your loving [congregational] meals, they are rocks that are hidden [below water] as they feast beside you. They are fearless shepherds over just themselves… dry clouds that are blown every direction by the wind… fruitless trees in late autumn that have died twice and been uprooted… 13 wild waves of the sea that foam shameful things on themselves… wandering stars that have been reserved for the gloom of darkness through the age.
14 Why, the seventh man from Adam, Enoch, prophesied about them when he said, ‘[Look!] Jehovah came with His holy ten thousands of ten thousands 15 to condemn them all, and to give all the godless what they deserve for the godless things they’re doing in their worldly ways, and for all the shocking things these godless sinners have said against Him.’
16 These men grumble and complain about how things work out, but they keep on doing whatever they wish. They do much bragging with their mouths, and they fein admiration of people for their own purposes. 17 But as for you, loved ones; Remember what you were once told by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus the Anointed… 18 remember that they used to say to you: ‘In the last days there will be [people] who speak disrespectfully, while they go their own way and do godless things. 19 These are the ones who will create divisions… they are fleshly, for they don’t have the Breath [of God]!’
20 But as for you, loved ones; Build the most Holy Faith in yourselves; Pray with the Holy Breath [of God]; 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love, as you’re awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One and life in the age. 22 Also, be merciful to those who are unsure… 23 save [them] by snatching [them] out of the fire. But be fearful [when it comes to] showing them mercy, because you must hate the dirty underwear that was spotted by the flesh.
24 Now, to the One who is able to protect you against stumbling and who can put you (without defects and joyfully shouting aloud) within sight of His glory… 25 to our only God and Savior (through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One) be glory, majesty, might, and authority, in front of this entire age and into all the ages… may it be
Revelation
Chapter 1
1 A revelation that God gave to Jesus the Anointed One, to show His slaves the things that must quickly take place. He sent it by His messenger to His slave John, in signs. 2 And [John] testifies that everything he saw was the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus the Anointed One. 3 Those who read it aloud, as well as those who listen to the words of this prophecy and obey the things that are written in it are blest, because the time is near.
4 From John, to the seven congregations in the [province of] Asia; May you find loving care and peace from the One who is, who was, and who is coming; from the seven spirits that are near His throne; 5 and from Jesus the Anointed One, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. [He’s] the one that loves us, who freed us from our sins by his own blood, 6 and who made us to be a Kingdom of Priests to his God and Father. So, may he have glory and might into the ages… may it be!
7 Look! He’s coming in the clouds and all eyes will see him, including those who pierced him, and all the nations of the earth will beat themselves because of him. Yes, may it be.
8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says Jehovah The God; ‘He who is, who was, and who’s coming… the Almighty.’
9 I (John) am your brother… I’m someone who shares in your persecutions, and in the Kingdom and endurance of Jesus. I’m on this island called Patmos for talking about God and for testifying about Jesus.
10 It was through the Breath [of God] that I found myself in the Lord’s Day. For, from behind me I heard a voice that was as loud as a trumpet 11 that said: ‘Write the things that you’re about to see on a scroll and send it to these seven congregations: Ephesus, Smyrna, PergaMōm, ThyaTira, Sardis, PhilAdelphia, and LaoDikia.’
12 Then I turned around to see who was talking to me. But when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 And between the lampstands, [I saw] someone [who looked] like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe that came down to his feet, and his chest was wrapped in gold. 14 His head and hair were as bright as white wool or snow, and his eyes were as flames of fire. 15 His feet looked like the finest copper as it pours from a furnace, and his voice sounded like the noise that’s made by large bodies of water. 16 In his right hand [he held] seven stars; a long, sharp, two-edged sword was sticking out of his mouth; and his face glowed as brightly as the sun. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.
Then he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid; I’m the first, the last, 18 and the living one. And although I died, {Look!} I’m alive into the ages of the ages. I also have the keys to death and the grave. 19 So, write about the things you see… the things that are, and the things that will soon be.
20 ‘As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars signify the messengers of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands signify the seven congregations.’
Chapter 2
1 Write this to the messenger of the congregation in Ephesus: ‘This is what the one who is holding the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands has to say: 2 I know what you’re doing… that you’ve worked hard and endured; that you can’t tolerate bad men; and that you’ve put those who say they are Apostles (but aren’t) to the test, and you found them to be liars. 3 You’re also patient, because you’ve been carrying my name and haven’t given up. 4 But you’ve lost the love you had at first, and I hold this against you,
5 ‘So, recognize how far you’ve fallen and turn around! Go back to doing what you did at the first. For if you don’t – and unless you repent – I’m coming to you and I’ll remove your lampstand from its place. 6 However, I can say this in your behalf; You hate what the Nicolaitans are doing, and I hate what they’re doing too.’
7 Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations: ‘I’ll allow the one who conquers to eat from the Tree of Life that is in the Paradise of God.’
8 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in Smyrna. ‘This is what the one who is first and last, who died and came to life, has to say: 9 I know about your problems and your poverty (although you’re rich), and about the blasphemy of those who say they’re Jews… although they really aren’t; they’re [really] a synagogue of the Slanderer. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things that you’re about to suffer, for {Look!} The Slanderer is about to throw some of you in prison in order to test you, and you’ll be persecuted for ten days. But be faithful to death and I’ll give you the crown of life.’
11 Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations: ‘Whoever conquers won’t be harmed by the second death!’
12 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in PergaMōm: ‘This is what he who has the long, sharp, two-edged sword has to say: 13 I know that the place where you live is the very throne of the Slanderer, and yet you keep hanging onto my name. Why, you didn’t deny your faith in me even in the days of my faithful witness AntiPas, who was killed right next to you, there where the Slanderer lives. 14 However, I still have a few things against you, for there are some among you who are following the teachings of BalaAm. It was he who taught Balak how to set a trap before the Sons of Israel [by getting them] to eat idol sacrifices and to be sexually immoral. 15 And you have those who are following the teachings of the Nicolaitans. 16 So, turn around; for if you don’t, I’ll be there soon and I’ll war against you with the long sword of my mouth!’
17 Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations: ‘To the one who conquers I’ll give some of the hidden manna and a white pebble. This pebble has a new name written on it that no one knows other than those who receive it.’
18 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in ThyaTira: ‘This is what the Son of God says… he who has eyes like flames of fire and whose feet are like fine copper: 19 I know what you’re doing, and of your love, faith, service, and endurance. And what you’ve been doing recently is even more than what you used to do! 20 However, I do hold this against you: You’re still putting up with that woman Jezebel. She calls herself a prophetess, but she teaches and misleads my slaves into immoral sexual acts and into eating things that are sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her enough time to turn around, but she doesn’t want to repent from her immorality. 22 So, {Look!} I’m throwing her into a bed and I will create big problems for those who are enjoying sex with her, unless they repent over what they’re doing with her. 23 I’m also going to kill her children, so all the congregations will know that I am the one who searches the kidneys and hearts; and I’ll give each of you what you deserve for what you’ve done.
24 ‘However, to the rest of you in ThyaTira (those who don’t know about this teaching and who haven’t come to know about these things that are referred to as the deep things of the Slanderer), I say this: I won’t lay any other loads upon you. 25 Just hang on until I get there, 26 and then I’ll give he who conquers, and obeys whatever I tell him to do down to the end, power over the nations. 27 He will shepherd the people [of the nations] with an iron rod using the same [power] that I received from my Father, and they’ll be broken to pieces like clay pots. 28 I’ll also give him the morning star.’
29 Let the one who has ears, hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!
Chapter 3
1 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in Sardis: ‘This is what he who has the seven Breaths of God and the seven stars says: I know what you’re doing, for while you have the reputation of being alive, you’re dead! 2 Wake up and strengthen the things that haven’t died yet, because I don’t see where you’ve accomplished any of the things that you’re doing before my God! 3 Start remembering [all the things] you received and heard, then hang onto them and repent! Why, if you don’t stay awake, I’m going to come like a thief, and you won’t know it until I’m right there on you!
4 ‘However, there are a few names in Sardis that haven’t dirtied their robes. They will walk with me and wear white [robes], because they deserve to. 5 Those who conquer will be dressed like that… in white robes. I’ll never erase their names from the Scroll of Life, and then I’ll admit to knowing their names before my Father and His messengers.’
6 Let the one who has ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!
7 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in PhilAdelphia: ‘This is what he who is holy and true… he who has the key of David – which opens what no one can close and closes what no one can open – has to say: 8 I know what you’re doing, and Look; I’ve put an open door before you that no one can close! I know that you don’t have much strength, but you’ve kept my word and haven’t denied knowing my name.
9 ‘Look at what I’m going to do to those from the synagogue of the Slanderer who say they are Jews (but who aren’t and are just lying): {Look!} I’m going to make them come and bow at your feet, and I’ll make sure that they know how much I love you. 10 And because you’ve obeyed my instructions to endure, I’m going to protect you from the hour of trial that’s going to come upon the earth to test all those who are living on it.
11 ‘I’m coming soon, so keep hanging on and don’t let anyone steal your crown, 12 for I’ll make the one who conquers a pillar in the Divine Habitation of my God, and he’ll never leave it. I’ll also write the Name of my God upon him, as well as the name of the city of my God, New Jerusalem (which will come down from my God out of the sky), along with my new name,’
13 Let the one who has ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!
14 And write this to the messenger of the congregation in LaoDikia: ‘This is what the Amen (the faithful and true witness, the beginning of creation by God) has said: 15 I know what you’re doing, and that you’re neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were either one or the other; 16 but, since you’re neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, I’m going to vomit you out of my mouth! 17 This is because you’re saying, I am rich, and because I’m rich, I don’t need anything! However, what you don’t realize is that you’re really miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 So, my advice to you is to buy gold that has been refined by fire from me, in order for you to become rich and wear white robes (so nobody will see the shame of your nakedness), and buy salve to rub in your eyes so you can see. 19 Because I correct and discipline all those whom I care for, [you should] repent and be zealous! 20 Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. And if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll have supper together. 21 Then I’ll allow the one who conquers to sit down with me on my throne, just as my Father has allowed me to sit on His throne, because I have conquered,’
22 Let the one who has ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!
Chapter 4
1 Then, after I saw those things, {Look!} a door opened in the skys, and the first voice that I heard speaking to me sounded like a trumpet. It said, ‘Come on up here, and I’ll show you the things that must happen.’
2 Then I immediately became like the wind. And look… there was a throne in the heavens with someone sitting on it. 3 The One who was sitting there looked like jasper and sardius gems; and all around the throne [there was] a rainbow that looked like an emerald.
4 Then, all around the throne there were twenty-four thrones, upon which twenty-four older ones were sitting. They were dressed in white robes and had gold crowns on their heads; 5 and lightning, thunder, and voices were coming from the throne. There were also seven flaming lamps that were burning before the throne, which are the seven Breaths of God. 6 Also, in front of the throne was a transparent sea that looked like crystal.
On each of the four sides of the throne, there was an animal with many eyes, both on its front and backsides. 7 The first animal looked like a lion, the second looked like a young bull, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth looked like a flying eagle. 8 Also, each of the four animals had six wings that were wrapped around them, and the inside parts of their wings were full of eyes. They don’t rest night or day, and they were saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, who is, and who’s coming.’
9 And whenever the animals gave glory, honor, and thanksgiving to the One who is sitting on the throne (He who lives for ages of ages), 10 the twenty-four older ones fell down before He who is sitting on the throne, and bowed low before the One who lives for ages of ages. Then they threw their crowns before the throne saying, 11 ‘O Jehovah our God; You deserve all the glory, honor, and power, because You created all things… they were created and exist because of Your Will!’
Chapter 5
1 Then I saw a scroll with writing on both sides, which was sealed tightly with seven seals, in the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. 2 And I saw a mighty messenger who called out in a loud voice: ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’
3 But there wasn’t anyone in heaven or on the earth that was able to open the scroll or examine it.
4 So at that, I started crying, because nobody could be found who was worthy to open the scroll and examine it.
5 But then, one of the older ones said to me: ‘Stop crying. Look! The Lion who is of the tribe of Judah – the root of David – has conquered, so he can open the scroll and its seven seals!’
6 Well, that’s when I saw a lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered standing between the throne, the four animals, and the older ones. It had seven horns and seven eyes (which symbolize the seven Breaths of God that have been sent into the entire earth). 7 So, [the lamb] went and immediately took [the scroll] out of the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four animals and the twenty-four older ones fell down in front of him.
Now, each one held a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense (which symbolizes the prayers of the Holy Ones), 9 and they sang a new song. It went:
‘Because you have been slaughtered,
You deserve to take the scroll and open its seals.
You bought people for God with your blood,
From every tribe, language, country, and race.
10 Then you made them rulers and Priests to our God,
And they’ll rule as kings on the earth.’
11 And next, I looked around, because I heard the voices of many messengers around the throne, who (along with the animals and the older ones) numbered into the thousands of thousands and ten thousands of ten thousands! 12 And they were all shouting in a loud voice, ‘This Lamb who was slaughtered deserves to receive the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength, the honor, the glory, and the blessings!’
13 And I heard all those in the heavens, those on the earth, those on the sea, and all the things that are in them say, ‘May the One who is sitting on the throne and the Lamb be praised, honored, and glorified; and may they have the power into the ages of the ages.’ 14 Then the four animals kept repeating, ‘May it be!’ as the older ones fell down and bowed to their faces.
Chapter 6
1 Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four animals say in a thundering voice, ‘Come on out!’ 2 And at that, {Look!} I saw a white horse, and the one who was sitting on it had a bow. He was given a crown, and then he conquered and completed his victory.
3 Then he opened the second seal and I heard the second animal say, ‘Come on out!’ 4 And a fire-red horse came out, and the one who was sitting on it was given a large sword. He was authorized to take peace away from the earth, so [people] would kill each other.
5 Then he opened the third seal, and I heard the third animal say, ‘Come on out!’ And I saw {Look!} a black horse; and the one who was sitting on it had a balance scale in his hand. 6 Then I heard a voice that sounded like it came from the midst of the four animals, which said, ‘A quart of wheat for a silver coin and three quarts of barley for a silver coin… but don’t waste the olive oil or the wine.’
7 Then he opened the fourth seal, and I heard the voice of the fourth animal say, ‘Come on out!’ 8 And I saw {Look!} a greenish-yellow horse, and he who was sitting on it was named Death… and the Grave came following him. They were then given authority over a quarter of the earth, to kill with the large sword, famines, plagues, and by the earth’s wild animals.
9 Then he opened the fifth seal, and underneath the Altar I saw the lives of those who had been slaughtered because of the Word of God and because of the testimony that they gave. 10 They were calling out in a loud voice asking, ‘O Sovereign Lord who is holy and true; How much longer will You hold back from passing judgment on those who live on the earth and avenging our blood?’
11 Then they were each given a white robe and they were told to take it easy for just a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow slaves and brothers was filled (who were going to be killed as they were).
12 Then I saw him open the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, which caused the sun to become as black as haircloth, and the entire moon to become like blood. 13 Then the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree drops its figs when it’s shaken by a strong wind. 14 And next; the sky disappeared as though it was being rolled up in a scroll, and all the mountains and islands were moved from their locations.
15 And at that, all the kings of the earth, all the important people, all the military commanders, all the rich and powerful, as well as all the slaves and free people hid themselves in caves and under the rocks of the mountains. 16 They kept saying to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall over us and hide us from the face of He who is sitting on the throne and from the rage of the Lamb, 17 because the Great Day of their rage has [finally] arrived, and who can stand against them?’
Chapter 7
1 After that, I saw four messengers who were standing at the four corners of the earth, hanging onto the four winds of the earth so the winds wouldn’t blow on the earth, the sea, or the trees. 2 Then I saw another messenger who was coming up from the sunrise. He had the seal of the living God, and he shouted aloud to the four messengers who were allowed to harm the earth and sea, 3 saying, ‘Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.’
4 And I heard how many of them had been sealed: a hundred and forty-four thousand from among every tribe of the sons of Israel.
5 Twelve thousand were sealed from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand from the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad, 6 twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand from the tribe of NaphTali, twelve thousand from the tribe of ManasSeh, 7 twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand from the tribe of IsSachar, 8 twelve thousand from the tribe of ZebuLun, twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph, and twelve thousand were sealed from the tribe of BenJamin.
9 And after all that, I saw {Look!} a crowd so large that no one could count them. They came from all countries, nationalities, ethnic groups, and languages; and they were standing within sight of the throne and within sight of the Lamb. They were all wearing white robes, they carried palm branches in their hands, 10 and they were shouting, ‘We owe our salvation to our God who is sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
11 Then the messengers who were standing in a circle around the throne, the older ones, and the four animals all fell to their faces before the throne and prostrated themselves before God, 12 saying, ‘May it be! May our God have all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength through the ages of the ages… may it be!’
13 Then one of the older ones asked me: ‘Just who are these that are dressed in the white robes, and where did they come from?’
14 And I replied, ‘My lord; You’re the one who knows!’
Then he told me, ‘They are the ones who have come out of the great time of difficulty, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they’re before the throne of God and worshiping Him day and night in His Holy Abode. He who is sitting on the throne will then spread His tent over them, 16 and they won’t be hungry or thirsty anymore, nor will the sun beat down on them with blistering heat; 17 because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them. He will guide them to the fountains of waters of life, and God will wipe all the tears from their eyes.’
Chapter 8
1 And when he opened the seventh seal, the heavens were silent for about a half hour. 2 Then I saw that the seven messengers who stand before God were given seven trumpets.
3 Then another messenger showed up carrying a golden incense container. He stood at the Altar and he was given a lot of incense to offer on behalf of the prayers of all the Holy Ones, on the golden Altar in front of the throne. 4 And the smoke from the incense that was being held by the messenger kept arising before God, along with the prayers of the Holy Ones.
5 Then the messenger took the incense container and filled it with some of the fire from the Altar, and he threw it to the earth, which caused thunder, voices, lightning, and an earthquake. 6 And then the seven messengers prepared to blow the seven trumpets.
7 And when the first one blew his trumpet, hail and fire that was mixed with blood was thrown to the earth, which caused a third of the earth, the trees, and the green plants to be burned up.
8 And when the second messenger blew his trumpet, something that looked like a huge burning mountain was thrown into the sea. [This caused] a third of the sea to turn into blood, 9 which killed a third of the animals that lived in the sea and caused a third of the ships to be destroyed.
10 When the third messenger blew his trumpet, a huge star that had been burning like a lamp, fell from the sky onto a third of the rivers and on the sources of water… 11 I was told that the name of this star was The Bitter Poison. So, a third of the water turned into bitter poison and many men died from the water, because it had become so bitter.
12 When the fourth messenger blew his trumpet, a third of the sun was struck, as was a third of the moon and a third of the stars, so that a third of them to become dark. So, upon a third, the day and the night became dark.
13 Then I saw an eagle flying high in the sky, and I heard it shout, ‘Woe, woe, woe, to those who are living on the earth because of the remaining trumpet blasts of the three messengers, which are about to be blown!’
Chapter 9
1 So, when the fifth messenger blew his trumpet, I saw a star that fell to the earth from the sky. And [this star] was given the key to the pit of the abyss. 2 He then opened the pit of the abyss and smoke poured out of it such as would come from a huge furnace. And the smoke from the pit darkened the sun and the air.
3 Then locusts came to the earth out of the smoke, and they were given the same power as earthly scorpions. 4 They were told not to damage any of the earth’s vegetation or trees, just those men who don’t have God’s seal on their foreheads. 5 They weren’t allowed to kill them, just to sting them for five months, and the pain that they would bring was like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 And during that period, men will look for ways to die, but they won’t find any… they will wish to die, but death will escape them.
7 These locusts looked like horses that are prepared for battle. On their heads were what appeared to be gold crowns, and their faces looked like men’s faces, 8 but they had women’s hair. They had teeth like lions, 9 and they wore breastplates that looked like they were made of iron. [The flapping] of their wings sounded like the attack of many chariots in a war, 10 and they had tails and stingers like scorpions. These tails were allowed to sting men for five months.
11 They had a king who led them… the messenger of the abyss. In Hebrew, his name is AbadDon, but he’s called ApolLyon (the Destroyer) in Greek.
12 Then this first woe passed away. But look! Two more woes were yet to follow!
13 When the sixth messenger blew his trumpet, I heard a voice come from the horns of the golden Altar that’s in front of God. 14 It said to the sixth messenger with the trumpet: ‘Set the four messengers free who have been tied upon the great River EuPhrates!’ 15 Then these four messengers, who were prepared to kill a third of all men on [a specific] hour, day, month, and year, were untied.
16 [These messengers led] an army that I was told had twenty-million horsemen. 17 And this is what the horses and their riders looked like in the vision: They wore fire-red, hyacinth-blue, and sulfur-yellow breastplates. The horses had heads like lions; and fire, smoke, and sulfur came from their mouths. 18 It was these three plagues (the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came from their mouths) that killed a third of all men. 19 The power of the horses was all in their mouths and tails, and their tails were like snakes that have heads… and these are what they used to do all the damage.
20 However, the rest of the men who weren’t killed by these plagues wouldn’t repent for the things they were doing, or stop worshiping the demons, or their idols of gold, silver, copper, stone, and wood (which can’t see, hear, or walk). 21 Nor did they repent for their murders, their occult practices, their sexual immorality, or their thievery.
Chapter 10
1 Then I saw another very powerful messenger coming down from heaven, who was wrapped in a cloud and wore a rainbow on his head. His face was [as bright] as the sun, and his feet were like columns of fire. 2 He also held a small open scroll in his hand. Then he put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the ground, 3 and he shouted in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of a lion. And as he shouted, the seven thunders each spoke in their own voices.
4 Now, I was getting ready to write down the things that the seven thunders said, when I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Don’t write what the seven thunders said… seal [these words] up!’
5 Then this messenger (who I saw standing on the sea and on the ground) raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore this by the One who lives for ages of ages… He who created heaven and everything in it… the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: ‘The time has come! 7 For, when the seventh messenger blows his trumpet (which is about to happen), God’s mystery, which was revealed in the good news He gave through His slaves the Prophets, will then be accomplished.’
8 Then I heard the voice out of heaven speak to me again. It said: ‘Go and take the little open scroll from the hand of the messenger who is standing on the sea and on the ground!’
9 So, I went over to the messenger and told him to give me the little scroll. And he replied, ‘Now take it and eat it! It will be as sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will be bitter in your stomach.’
10 Then I took the little scroll out of the hand of the messenger and ate it. And it was as sweet as honey, but after I ate it, my stomach became bitter. 11 Then I was told, ‘Now you must go on to prophesy to peoples, nations, languages, and many kings!’
Chapter 11
1 Next, I was handed a reed that was like a walking stick. And he said, ‘Now, go measure the Temple of God, its Altar, and those who are worshiping there… 2 don’t pay any attention to the courtyard outside the Temple… don’t measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they’re going to trample the Holy City under their feet for forty-two months.
3 ‘Then I’m going to have my two witnesses prophesy for one thousand, two hundred and sixty days wearing sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that have been standing on the earth before the Lord. 5 And if any of their enemies wish to harm them, fire will come from their mouths and consume them. So, if anyone wants to persecute them, that’s how they’re going to die, 6 because they’ve been authorized to shut up the sky so no rain will fall during the period of their prophesying. They’re also authorized to turn water into blood and to bring every sort of plague to the earth whenever they wish.
7 ‘And when they’ve finished their witnessing, the wild animal that comes out of the abyss will fight against them, conquer them, and kill them. 8 Then their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city, which [God’s] Breath refers to as Sodom and Egypt, for it’s where their Lord was hung on a pole. 9 And there the peoples, nationalities, tongues, and the ethnic groups will look at their corpses for three and a half days, and they won’t allow them to be buried. 10 All the while, those who live on the earth will be happy and approve of what happened to them. They’ll even send gifts to each other, because these two prophets will have been such a pain to those who live on the earth.’
11 However, after the three and a half days, God sent His breath of life into them and they stood up on their feet… and this frightened those who saw them. 12 Then [the two witnesses] heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come on up here.’ And their enemies saw them go into the sky in a cloud. 13 This was followed by a tremendous shaking, and a tenth of the city [Sodom and Egypt] toppled. This shaking destroyed the names of seven thousand people, which frightened all those who remained, and they gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 This ended the second woe. But look; The third woe was coming!
15 When the seventh messenger blew his trumpet, there were loud voices in heaven shouting, ‘The kingdom of the world has become our Lord’s and His Anointed’s, and He will rule as king through ages of the ages.’
16 Then the twenty-four older ones who were sitting on their thrones before God fell to their faces and bowed low to Him, 17 saying, ‘We thank You, Jehovah God the Almighty – the One who is and who was – because You’ve assumed Your great power and started ruling as King. 18 This made the nations angry, but [the time for] Your rage arrived, as did the time for the dead to be judged and to reward Your slaves – the Prophets, the Holy Ones, and those fearing Your Name, the small and the great – and to thoroughly corrupt those who are corrupting the earth.’
19 And at this, the heavenly Temple of God opened up and the Chest of his Sacred Agreement could be seen inside His Temple. Then there was lightning, voices, thundering, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Chapter 12
1 And then a great sign appeared in the sky. There was a woman who had the sun wrapped around her; the moon was under her feet; on her head was a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was pregnant… screaming to give birth in labor and agony.
3 Then another sign appeared in the sky. {Look!} There was a huge fire-red dragon with seven heads and ten horns. On its heads there were seven royal turbans, 4 and it was dragging a third of the stars of heaven with its tail. Then it threw them down to the earth!
This dragon was standing in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so when she did give birth, he could eat it!
5 Then she gave birth to a son… a male, who is going to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away to God and to His throne. 6 Then the woman escaped into the desert to a place that God had prepared for her, where she would be fed for a thousand, two hundred and sixty days.
7 Next, war broke out in heaven. Michael and his messengers went to war with the dragon, and the dragon and his messengers fought back; 8 but he lost and could no longer stay in heaven. 9 So, the huge dragon was thrown out. He is the first snake (the one who is called the Slanderer and Opposer) who is misleading the whole habitation [of man]. He was thrown down to the earth along with his messengers.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, ‘This is the moment when the salvation, the power, the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Anointed One begins. Because, he who has been accusing our brothers has been thrown down… the one who has been complaining about them day and night before our God! 11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb, by the things they said while they were testifying, and because they didn’t value their lives even in the face of death! 12 This is why the heavens and those who live there should be joyful! But woe to the earth and to the sea, because the Slanderer has come down to you in a rage, knowing that he has little time.’
13 Now, when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he started persecuting the woman who gave birth to the male (child). 14 However, the woman was given the two wings of a huge eagle so she could fly to her place in the desert where she’s fed for a time, times, and half a time, and where the snake can’t reach her.
15 Then this snake shot a river of water out of its mouth after the woman, in an attempt to drown her. 16 But the earth came to the woman’s aid… the ground opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon shot out of its mouth. 17 This made the dragon so angry with the woman that he went off to battle against the rest of her seed… those who obey God’s instructions and bear the testimony of Jesus. 18 Then [the dragon] stood still on the sands of the sea.
Chapter 13
1 Next, I saw a wild animal coming up out of the sea, which had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns there were ten royal turbans, and on its heads were blasphemous names. 2 Now, the wild animal that I saw looked like a leopard, but it had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. Then the dragon gave it power, a throne, and great authority.
3 Then one of its heads looked like it had been slaughtered and killed; but this deathblow was healed, and the whole earth started to follow the wild animal admiringly. 4 They also worshiped the dragon, because it gave the wild animal its authority, and they worshiped the wild animal, saying, ‘Who is like the wild animal, and who can stand against it?’
5 Then it was given a mouth to speak great things and blasphemies, and it was given the authority to act for forty-two months. 6 So it opened its mouth in blasphemy against God… it blasphemed His Name, and the place where place He lives… those who tent in heaven.
7 Then he was allowed to battle with the Holy Ones and conquer them. And he was given power over every nation, people, language, and ethnic group, 8 so that everyone on the earth would bow low before it… those whose names aren’t written in the Scroll of Life of the Lamb… he who had been slaughtered from the founding of the arrangement.
9 If anyone has ears, let him listen, 10 for if anyone is a jailer, he’ll be thrown in jail; and if anyone kills with the sword, he’ll be killed with a sword! This is where the Holy Ones need faith and endurance.
11 Then I saw another wild animal coming up out of the ground. It had two horns like a lamb, but it started talking like a dragon. 12 And it had complete authority over everything that it saw the first wild animal doing. However, it made the earth and everyone who lives on it worship the first wild animal whose deathblow had been healed. 13 And it performed great signs, even making fire come down from the sky onto the earth before everyone, 14 in order to mislead those who live on the earth by the signs that it is allowed to perform in front of the wild animal. And it tells those who live on the earth to make an image to the wild animal that survived the sword stroke. 15 Then it was allowed to give breath to the image of the wild animal, so that the image could speak and cause everyone who wouldn’t worship the image of the wild animal in any way, to be killed.
16 It also forced everyone – the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves – to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that no one would be able to buy or sell except people who have the mark… which is the name of the wild animal or the number of its name. 18 This is where wisdom is required: Let those who have minds calculate the number of the wild animal… it’s a man’s number, six hundred and sixty-six.
Chapter 14
1 Then I saw {Look!} the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s Name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a noise coming from the sky that sounded like a lot of water and loud thunder.
Well, the sound that I heard was that of people who were all playing harps and singing. 3 They were singing a new song before the throne and before the four animals and the older ones, and no one was able to learn that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth. 4 These didn’t pollute themselves with women. In fact, they are virgins who keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. They were bought from among mankind as first fruitage to God and to the Lamb. 5 No lies are found in their mouths and they don’t have any defects.
6 Then I saw another messenger flying high in mid-sky, and he had ages of good news to announce to those who live on the earth… to every ethnic group, nation, language, and people. 7 He was shouting aloud, ‘Fear God and glorify Him, because His hour of judgment has arrived. So, worship the One who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water!’
8 Then another – a second messenger – followed him, saying, ‘She has fallen! The Great Babylon has fallen! She’s the one who made all the nations drink the wine of her sexually-immoral rampage!’
9 Then another messenger – a third one – followed him, shouting aloud: ‘If anyone worships the wild animal and its image and they receive the mark on their foreheads or on their hands, 10 they will also have to drink the pure wine of God’s rage that’s being poured into the cup of His anger. They will also be tortured with fire and sulfur where the holy messengers and the Lamb can see it; 11 and the smoke from the torture of those who bow low before the wild animal and its image and all those who receive the mark of its name, will ascend through ages of the ages, and they won’t have any rest day or night… 12 this is where the Holy Ones who obey God’s commandments and have faith in Jesus will require endurance.’
13 Then I heard a voice from the sky that said, ‘Write this: From now on, the dead who die in the Lord are blest! Yes, [God’s] Breath said: Let them rest from their laboring, because their [good] deeds will follow them!’
14 Next, I saw {Look!} a white cloud, and someone was sitting on the cloud that looked like a son of man. He had a gold crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.
15 Then another messenger came out of the Temple and he shouted this at the one who was sitting on the cloud: ‘Take that sickle and start bringing in the grain, because the earth is absolutely ripe and it’s time for the harvest!’ 16 So, the one who was sitting on the cloud lowered his sickle to the earth and harvested it.
17 And one more messenger came out of the heavenly Temple, who also carried a sharp sickle.
18 Then a messenger whose responsibility was burning, came out of the Altar and shouted to the one who held the sharp sickle: ‘Take that sharp sickle and harvest the clumps of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are now ripe!’
19 So, this messenger lowered his sickle to the earth, harvested the grapes of the earth, and threw them into the great winepress of God’s rage. 20 The [grapes] in this winepress were then squashed by foot outside the city, and what came out of this winepress was blood, which flowed in a stream that was as deep as a horse’s bridle for two hundred miles.
Chapter 15
1 Next, I saw another great and wonderful sign in heaven… there were seven messengers with seven plagues. They were the last ones, because they would finish the anger of God.
2 Then I saw what looked like a sea of glass and fire. And standing beside the glassy sea were those who had conquered the wild animal, its image, and the number of its name. They each had harps of God 3 and they were singing the song of God’s slave Moses and the song of the Lamb. It went:
‘The things that You do O Jehovah, the Almighty God,
Are wonderful and great, King of ages;
For Your ways are righteous and true,
4 And who doesn’t fear You, Jehovah?
[Who won’t] glorify Your Name?
Because You are He who’s trustworthy,
So, all nations will come and bow before You,
For, Your righteous rules are now known.’
5 And after that, I looked and saw that the heavenly Most Holy (the [inside] of the Tent of Proofs) had been opened up. 6 Then the seven messengers who had the seven plagues came out of the Most Holy wearing clean, bright linen, and [they had] gold braids around their chests. 7 And thereafter, one of the four animals gave the seven messengers seven gold bowls that were full of the wrath of The God who lives for ages of the ages.
8 Then the Most Holy became filled with smoke, because of the glory of God and His power. So, no one could enter it until after the seven plagues brought by the seven messengers were completed.
Chapter 16
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the Most Holy tell the seven messengers: ‘Now go and pour out the seven bowls of the anger of God onto the earth.’
2 So, the first one went and poured his bowl on the ground. And at that, the men who had the mark of the wild animal and who were worshiping its image broke out in very bad, malignant sores.
3 Then the second one poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of dead men. So, everything in the sea – every living creature – died.
4 Then the third one poured his bowl into the rivers and springs, and they turned into blood. 5 And I heard the messenger who was over the water saying, ‘You, the One who is and who was – the loyal One – are righteous, because of these decisions that You’ve made. 6 Due to the fact that they’ve shed the blood of the Holy Ones and the Prophets, You’ve given them blood to drink, and they deserve it!’
7 Then I heard the Altar speak. It said: ‘Yes, Jehovah God the Almighty; Your judgments are righteous and true.’
8 Next, the fourth one poured his bowl out on the sun, which caused it to sear men with fire. 9 And although the tremendous heat seared the men, they just blasphemed the Name of The God who has the power over these plagues, and they didn’t turn around and glorify Him.
10 Then the fifth one poured his bowl out on the throne of the wild animal. So, its whole kingdom became dark and the [people] were biting their tongues in pain. 11 However, they just blasphemed the God of heaven for all their pain, and they didn’t repent ....
12 So, the sixth one poured out his bowl on the great EuPhrates River, which dried up its water. [He did this] to prepare the way for the kings from the sunrise.
13 And then I saw three frog-like, dirty inspirations come out of the mouths of the dragon, the wild animal, and the false prophet. 14 They were the inspirations of demons and they served as signs. These [inspirations] went to all the kings of the earth to bring them together for the war of the Great Day of the Almighty God.
15 ‘Look, I’m coming as a thief! So, whoever stays awake and keeps his clothes on will be blest… he won’t have to walk around naked and have people see his shame.’
16 Then they gathered them together at the place that is called in Hebrew, Har-Mageddon.
17 Finally, the seventh [messenger] poured his bowl out into the air. And at that, a loud voice from ... inside the Temple said, ‘It’s finished!’ 18 Then there was thunder, lightning, voices, and a tremendous earthquake that was so great and covered so large an area that nothing has been seen like it since men have been on the earth. 19 Why, it split the great city into three parts, and all the cities of the nations collapsed!
Then God looked at The Great Babylon and remembered to also give her the cup of wine [which is filled with] the anger of His rage.
20 For, all the islands were then gone, and there weren’t any mountains. 21 And then a great hailstorm fell on men from the sky. Why, each of its stones weighed about a hundred pounds! However, the men just blasphemed God over the plague of hail, because it was an unusually bad plague.
Chapter 17
1 Then one of the seven messengers who had the seven bowls came over and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come here! I’m going to show you the judgment on the great whore who sits over many waters. 2 [She’s the one] who the earth’s kings have had sex with, and who made the people of the earth drunk from the wine of her sexual immorality.’
3 So, by the Breath [of God], he carried me into the desert. And there I saw a woman who was sitting on a scarlet-colored wild animal that was covered with blasphemous names, and which had seven heads and ten horns. 4 This woman was wearing purple and scarlet clothes that were covered with gold, precious gems, and pearls. And in her hand [she held] a gold cup that was full of disgusting things and the filth of her immoral sexual acts.
5 She had a mysterious name written on her forehead, ‘The Great Babylon; the Mother of Whores and of [all] the Disgusting Things of the Earth.’ 6 Then I realized that the woman had gotten drunk on the blood of the Holy Ones, as well as on the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.
Well, when I saw her, I was confused and amazed. 7 So the messenger asked me: ‘Why are you confused? I’ll tell you the mystery of the woman and of the wild animal with the seven heads and ten horns that she’s riding. 8 The wild animal that you saw was, but it isn’t; yet it’s about to come out of the pit and go off into destruction. And when they see the return of the wild animal that was but isn’t, those who live on the earth will marvel at it. However, their names haven’t been written in the Scroll of Life since the founding of the world.
9 ‘Here’s where intelligence and wisdom are required: The seven heads are seven mountains that the woman is sitting on. 10 And there are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, and the other hasn’t arrived yet. But when he gets here, he will only be allowed to stay for a little while. 11 However, the wild animal that was but isn’t, is an eighth king that comes from the seven, and it goes off into destruction.
12 ‘Now, the ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who haven’t received a kingdom yet, but they will be authorized to be kings for one hour with the wild animal. 13 However, they’ll just have one idea in mind… to give their power and authority to the wild animal. 14 Then they will go and fight against the Lamb. But, because he’s the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb and those who are with him (the called, elected, and faithful) will conquer them.’
15 Then he told me this: ‘The waters that you saw the whore sitting over, means people, crowds, ethnic groups, and languages. 16 And those ten horns, and that wild animal that you saw, will hate the whore. They’re going to take away everything that she has and leave her naked. Then they’ll eat her flesh and burn [what’s left] in a fire. 17 For, God put [the idea] into their hearts to do what He thinks she deserves. And He gave them the idea to hand their kingdoms over to the wild animal, so that whatever God says will be fulfilled. 18 Now, the woman that you saw means the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.’
Chapter 18
1 Well after all that, I saw another messenger coming down from heaven who was very powerful. Why, the earth lit up with his glory. 2 And he shouted in a strong voice, saying, ‘She has fallen! The Great Babylon has fallen, and she has become a place where demons live, a prison for unclean spirits, and a cage for scavenger birds! 3 All the nations have fallen [victim] to the wine of the rage of her sexual immorality, because the kings of the earth had immoral sex with her, and the earth’s businessmen have become rich due to the power of her shameless luxury.’
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say, ‘Come out of her my people! Come on out, so you don’t share in her sins and receive part of her plagues! 5 Because, her sins have piled all the way to heaven, and God has remembered all the unjust things that she has done. 6 So, pay her back for all the things she’s done! In fact, pay her back twice as much… double the payback for the things she did! If she poured [poison] in a cup, then put in twice as much for her! 7 As much as she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, pay her back that much more in pain and sorrow! Because, she keeps saying in her heart: I’m sitting as a queen. I’m nobody’s widow and I’ll never have to mourn. 8 That’s why her plagues will come upon her in a single day – death, mourning, and famine – and she’ll be burned up with fire, because her judge, Jehovah God, is powerful.
9 ‘Those kings of the earth who had sex and lived in shameless luxury with her will then bawl and beat themselves in grief over her, as they stand and watch the smoke from her fire. 10 But they’ll stand at a distance, because they’ll be afraid of her torture. And they’ll say: ‘Oh, woe, woe, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because your judgment came in a single hour!’
11 ‘The earth’s businessmen will also bawl and mourn over her, because there won’t be anyone to buy their complete stock of goods anymore… 12 or any of the gold and silver, the precious stones and pearls, the fine linen, the purple, the silk, the scarlet, any of the scented wood, or any of the things made of ivory, precious wood, copper, iron, or marble… 13 or the cinnamon, Indian spice, incense, perfumed oil, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour and wheat… or the cattle, sheep, horses, coaches, slaves, or the lives of humans. 14 Yes, all of that juicy fruit that you so deeply desired has left you, as have all the fatty foods and the bright colors. They’re no longer available to you, and you’ll never have them again.
15 ‘The men who sold these things and who became rich from her will cry and mourn at some distance from her, because they’re [also] afraid of her torture. 16 They’ll say, Oh, woe, woe, you great city that wore all the fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and that was so richly covered in gold, precious stones, and pearls, 17 because all these great riches have been taken away in a single hour!
‘And this was also true of the ship captains, all those who sail, the seamen, and everyone who makes a living at sea. They too stood some distance away 18 and called out as they watched the smoke while she was burning, saying, What other city is like this great city? 19 They threw dust on their heads, bawled, and mourned, shouting, Oh, woe, woe, for this great city that made so many shipping companies rich with her wealth… and now everything has been taken away from her in a single hour!’
20 ‘O heaven, you Holy Ones, you Apostles and Prophets; Rejoice over her, because God’s judgment has brought revenge upon her for your sakes!’
21 Then a very strong messenger picked up a stone that looked like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea saying, ‘This is how fast the city of Great Babylon will be thrown down, and she’ll never be found again. 22 Nor will the sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, or trumpet players ever be heard in you again. No craftsman or any tradesman will ever be found in you again. ... 23 No lamplight will ever shine in you again, and the voice of a bride and groom won’t ever be heard in you again. For, your traveling merchants were once the most important men on the earth; you mislead all the nations with your sorcery; 24 and the blood of Prophets, Holy Ones, and of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth were found in you!’
Chapter 19
1 After all that, I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd in heaven shouting, ‘Praise Jah… the salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, 2 because His judgments are righteous and true! He passed judgment on the great whore who made the whole earth dirty with her immoral sex, and He has avenged the blood of His slaves [who died] at her hands!’ 3 Then they shouted a second time, ‘Praise Jah, because the smoke from her will keep ascending through ages of the ages!’
4 Then the twenty-four older ones and the four animals fell down and bowed low before The God as He sat on His throne, saying, ‘May it be! Praise Jah!’
5 And a voice came out of the throne that said, ‘Praise our God, all you who are his slaves… the great and the small who fear Him!’
6 Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, along with the noise of a lot of water and heavy thunder. They were shouting: ‘Praise Jah, because Jehovah our God the Almighty has started ruling as king! 7 Let’s rejoice, shout in joy, and glorify Him, because it’s time for the Lamb’s wedding! His bride has prepared herself, 8 and she was found worthy to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen; for the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the Holy Ones.’
9 Then he told me, ‘Write this: Those who are invited to the Lamb’s wedding banquet are blest!’ And he added, ‘God really said this.’
10 Well at that, I fell down in front of his feet to bow low before him. But he warned me, ‘Be careful… don’t do that! All I am is just a fellow slave of you and your brothers, who are witnesses of Jesus. Being a witness for Jesus is the spirit behind this prophecy. So, worship God!’
11 Then I saw the sky open up and {Look!} there was a white horse. The one who was sitting on it was called Faithful and True, because he judges and fights the war for righteousness! 12 His eyes were flames of fire and he wore many royal turbans on his head. He had a name that was written, which nobody knew but him. 13 He was wrapped in a robe that was splattered with blood, and the name he is called is The Word of God. 14 He was followed by all the armies in heaven who were [riding] white horses, and they were wearing white, clean, fine linen. 15 He had a long, sharp sword sticking out of his mouth that he could use against the nations, and he will shepherd them with an iron staff.
He’s [the one who] crushed the grapes with his feet in the winepress of the anger of the Almighty God’s rage. 16 And on his robe and his thigh he has the name written, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’
17 I also saw a messenger standing in the sun who was shouting in a loud voice telling all the creatures that fly high in the sky, ‘Come here! Gather for God’s great supper, 18 where you can eat the flesh of kings, military commanders, mighty men, horses, and those who are riding them, as well as the flesh of all the freemen and slaves… the small and the great!’
19 Then I saw the wild animal, along with the kings of the earth and their armies, all gathered together to war against the one who was sitting on the [white] horse and his army.
20 Well, the wild animal was captured (as was the false prophet that performed the signs in front of it, which he used to mislead those who received the mark of the wild animal, and those who had worshiped its image)… while they were both still alive, they were tossed into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 However, the long sword that came from the mouth of the one who was riding the [white] horse killed all the rest, and then all the birds ate their fill of flesh.
Chapter 20
1 Then I saw a messenger come down from heaven with a long chain in his hand, and the key to the abyss; 2 and he grabbed the dragon – the original snake, the Slanderer and Opposer – and chained him up for a thousand years. 3 Then he threw him into the abyss… closing it and locking it up over him, so he couldn’t mislead the nations anymore until the end of the thousand years. But after that, he has to be set free for a little while.
4 And I saw thrones… and those who sat down on them were the ones who had been executed with axes for testifying about Jesus and for telling about God, and who hadn’t worshiped the wild animal or its image, and who hadn’t received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands. Then they were appointed judges, and they came to life and ruled as kings with the Anointed One for a thousand years 5 … this is the first resurrection. 6 Those who have a part in the first resurrection are blest and holy, because the second death doesn’t have any power over them. For, they will be Priests of God and the Anointed One, and they will rule with him for the thousand years.
7 Now, when the thousand years are completed, the Slanderer will be freed from his prison. 8 Then he will go out and mislead people to the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, and bring them together for a battle… there will be as many as the sands of the sea! 9 They will march across the earth and surround the camp of the Holy Ones and the loved city, but fire will then come from the sky and consume them! 10 And the Opposer who misled them will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the wild animal and the false prophet already are, and they will be tortured day and night for ages of ages.
11 Then I saw someone sitting on a huge white throne, before whom both the earth and the sky had vanished and couldn’t be found. 12 Then I saw the dead – the great and the small – standing before the throne, and several scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, which was the Scroll of Life. And the dead were then judged by the things that were written in the scrolls, according to the things that they had done.
13 The sea gave up its dead, death and the grave gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things they had done. 14 And finally, death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire (the lake of fire symbolizes the second death). 15 And anyone whose name wasn’t found written in the Scroll of Life was also thrown into the lake of fire.
Chapter 21
1 Then I saw a new earth and a new sky, because the previous earth and sky had disappeared, as did the sea. 2 I also saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, stepping down out of heaven from God, and she had been prepared as a bride who is adorned for her husband.
3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne say, ‘Look! The Tent of The God is with mankind! He’s going to pitch His Tent among them, then they will be His people and He will be their God. 4 He’s going to wipe all the tears from their eyes, and there won’t be any more death, mourning, wailing, or pain, because what used to be will be gone!’
5 Then the One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘{Look!} I’m making everything new!’ And he added, ‘Write this down, because these words are faithful and true.’
6 Then He told me: ‘It has all happened! I’m the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end – and I’m going to give anyone who is thirsty a free drink from the fountain of the waters of life! 7 Whoever conquers will inherit these things… I’ll be his God and he’ll be my son! 8 But as for the cowards, the unbelievers, the nasty, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who cast spells, the idol worshipers, and all the liars; their inheritance is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur… the second death.’
9 Then one of the seven messengers with the seven bowls that were full of the seven last plagues came and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come here and I’ll show you the bride… the Lamb’s wife!’
10 So he carried me away by [God’s] Breath to an enormously high mountain. And there he showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It had all the glory of God; it sparkled like the most precious of gems; and it gleamed like crystal-clear jasper stones. 12 It had thick, high walls and twelve gates. And at the twelve gates there were twelve messengers, and [the gates] were inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east side, three gates on the north side, three gates on the south side, and three gates on the west side.
14 The city wall also had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were written on them.
15 Now, the one who was talking to me was holding a ruler (a golden reed) that he used to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city was square… as long as it was wide. So, he measured the entire city with the reed, and its length, width, and height (which were equal) [measured the same as] twelve-thousand stadiums. 17 He also measured [the thickness of] its walls, and it was the length of a man’s forearm (which is about the same as for a messenger [of God]), times one hundred and forty-four.
18 Now, the walls were made of jasper; the city was made of gold that was as pure as clear glass; 19 and the city wall’s foundation stones were decorated with all sorts of precious gems. The first foundation was jasper, the second was sapphire, the third was chalcedony, the fourth was emerald, 20 the fifth was ruby, the sixth was sardius, the seventh was peridot, the eighth was beryl, the ninth was topaz, the tenth was chrysoprase, the eleventh was hyacinth, and the twelfth was amethyst. 21 Also, the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each of the gates was made of a single pearl; and the city’s main street was of gold that was as pure as clear glass!
22 I didn’t see a Divine Habitation within [the city], because Jehovah God the Almighty and the Lamb are its Holy Place (gr. naos). 23 This city didn’t need the sun or moon to shine upon it, because it was lit by the glory of The God; and the Lamb was its lamp. 24 All the nations will be able to walk in its light, and the earth’s kings will bring their glorious things into it.
25 Its gates won’t ever be closed during the day, and night won’t exist there. 26 They will carry the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27 However, nothing that’s dirty, or anyone who does disgusting things or tells lies will ever enter it… only those [whose names] are written in the Lamb’s Scroll of Life.
Chapter 22
1 Then he showed me a river of the water of life… it was clear and flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb, 2 down the middle of [the city’s] Main Street. On both sides of the river were trees of life that put out twelve crops of fruit – one each month – and the trees’ leaves are used to cure the nations.
3 Everything that causes people to sin will then be gone, for the Throne of God and the Lamb will be there. His slaves will worship Him, 4 they will see His face, and they’ll wear His Name on their foreheads. 5 And since there won’t be any more night, they won’t need lamps or sunlight, because Jehovah God will shine upon them, and they’ll rule as kings for ages of the ages.
6 Then he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true. Yes, Jehovah (The God who gave His Breath to the Prophets) sent His messenger to show His slaves the things that will happen very soon. 7 And Look! I’m coming quickly! Blest is he who obeys the things that are prophesied in this scroll.’
8 Well, I (John) was the one who saw and heard these things. And after I saw and heard it all, I fell down to bow at the feet of the messenger who had shown me these things. 9 But he warned me, ‘Be careful… don’t do that! All I am is just a fellow slave of you and your brothers, who are Prophets and who are obeying [the things that] they are told in this scroll. Bow before God!’
10 He also warned me, ‘Don’t seal up the things that are said in the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 May the one who is acting unrighteously stay unrighteous, and may the filthy one stay filthy. But let those who are righteous remain righteous, and those who are holy remain holy.
12 ‘Look, I’m coming soon! And the reward that I bring is the repayment to each one for what he has done. 13 I’m the Alpha and the Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the end. 14 Blest are those who wash their robes, for they’ll be allowed access to the trees of life, and they can enter the city gates. 15 But the dogs, those who cast spells, those who are immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and everyone who enjoys lying, has to stay outside.’
16 ‘I (Jesus) sent my messenger to [provide] you testimony about these things that are [coming] to the congregations. I am the root and the descendant of David… the bright morning star.’
17 ‘[God’s] Breath and the bride keep saying, Come! And let everyone who hears this say, Come! Let anyone who’s thirsty come! Let anyone who wishes, partake of life’s water free!
18 ‘I’m testifying to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll, that if anyone adds anything to it, God will add the plagues to him that are written about in this scroll. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words of this scroll of prophecy, God will take away his share from the trees of life, and from the things that are written in this scroll concerning the Holy City.
20 ‘He who testified to these things says, Yes, I’m coming quickly!’
May it be! Come Lord Jesus!
21 May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with the Holy Ones.
Notes
1,260 Days
You’ll find three similar periods mentioned in the Revelation, yet they all represent 3-1/2 years according to the Hebrew calendar.
We find the same prophetic periods mentioned in the book of Daniel (7:25), for there we read: ‘He will speak great words and mislead the Holy Ones of the Most High, and he will be allowed to change both times and laws for a time, times, and a half a time.’
What does all of this signify?
Well, 3-1/2 days is exactly half of a week, so it indicates something that is started but hasn’t been completed… or it can be the rest of a period until completion (the second half of the week). Take for example, the ministry of Jesus. It lasted for exactly three-and-a-half years, and thereafter, it appears that there were three-and-a-half years between his death and the conversion of the first gentiles. So in this case, the periods seem to indicate the time of offering the kingdom to the Jews exclusively, and how long it would be thereafter before the opportunity would be offered to others.
Of course, the three-and-a-half years of Jesus’ ministry were also the last appeals to the people of Jerusalem before they were rejected. And thereafter, it appears as though there was a break in the symbolic week, for the second half of that period was realized between 66-C.E. and 70-C.E., which started when the Romans first attacked Jerusalem and then left (allowing Christians to flee the city), and it ended with Jerusalem’s final destruction.
Of course, Daniel seemed to be speaking of our time, when the last great world empire would ‘change times and laws’ for 3-1/2 years. And since the Revelation appears to have been written after the destruction of Jerusalem, those words will likely be fulfilled at some future time.
Will we try to tell you what all of this means? No, we’ll leave this in the hands of speculators. Just recognize that there is a 3-1/2 year beginning, followed by a later 3-1/2 year conclusion. So if we identify an ending, we must also find what 3-1/2 year period started it.
1 John 5:7
In other translations, 1 John 5:7 reads, ‘There are three that bear record in heaven, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.’ However, Bible manuscripts that were written prior to the Eleventh Century C.E (A.D.) read quite differently. So, it appears as though someone who wanted to provide scriptural backing to the Trinity doctrine changed this verse about 1,000 years after John penned it.
As you can see from the context of John the Fifth Chapter, the three witness-bearers are the water (baptism), the Breath (Gr. pneuma – the Breath of God), and the (shed) blood (of Jesus). Changing the water, the Breath, and the blood to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost would make the rest of what John wrote illogical; so that rendering is obviously spurious.
2 Chronicles 36:21 (Contributed)
It appears as though the writer of this verse wasn’t speaking of the land fulfilling its Sabbaths, as is stated in the Greek. The Hebrew word that is used there is shavta. So in Hebrew it reads, ‘to fulfill Jehovah’s Word by Jeremiah until the ground pays off all its days of desolation, the ground will rest (heb. shavta) until seventy years are fulfilled.’
There is a special expression in the Hebrew, which means to observe or keep the Sabbath; it is ‘lishmor shabat,’ and this is not found in the Hebrew text here.
Why is this small detail important? It appears as though some have tried to twist Bible words, in order to create some compromise between it and secular chronology, which chronology is far from being 100% accurate. They are trying to convince us that the land was actually desolated for 49/50 years and not for 70 years, yet this contradictions the Bible. For, Daniel 9:2 reads: ‘I DaniEl came to understand the number of the years from the words that Jehovah had given to the Prophet JeremiJah, for there he prophesied that Jerusalem would lie desolate for seventy years.’
The word ‘desolate’ here, is translated from the Hebrew word horvot (plural), which means ‘in ruins.’ So Jerusalem was in a total state of ruin for seventy years.
2 Thessalonians 1:9
The precise wording and meaning of 2 Thessalonians 1:9 is a bit difficult to determine, and we have chosen to deviate from the thoughts expressed in other Bibles for the following reason: In Greek, the verse reads, ‘oitenes diken tisousin holethron aionion apo prosopou tou kyriou kai apo tes doxes tes iskous autou,’ or, ‘which/ones justice will/pay destruction (or ruin) ages from face of/the Lord and from the glory of/the strength of/him.’
In the New American Standard Bible (for example) this is rendered as: ‘These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.’ And this, as you can see, is an obvious mistranslation. For, not only does the word aionion not mean eternal, but being eternally destroyed is inconsistent with the thought of being sent away from the face of the Lord and from his glory and strength. In other words, the sentence just doesn’t make sense.
What Paul appears to have meant is that those who are persecuting faithful Christians will suffer the ruin of being sent away from the face of the Lord and his glory and strength for ages of time, not that they would be eternally destroyed. So, we have rendered this verse as reading: ‘[His] justice will repay them with ages of ruin away from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his strength.’
Also, notice how the proper translation of the Greek word ourano (sky, not heaven) better indicates when this justice will happen (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8): ‘And it’s a righteous thing for God to repay those who are persecuting you by crushing them, while providing relief to you who are suffering this persecution (and to us also) when the Lord Jesus is revealed in the sky with his powerful messengers in a flaming fire. Then he’ll bring vengeance upon all those who don’t know God and those who aren’t obeying the good news about our Lord Jesus.’
390 Days/Years
In Ezekiel the Fourth Chapter, the Prophet was told to lie on his left side for 390 days to show the number of years (a day per year) from the time that the 10-tribe nation of Israel had been in rebellion, until Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Babylonians. However, using popular estimates of the dates of Israel’s establishment, its destruction, and Jerusalem’s destruction, most critics say that 390 years just doesn't match date of the nation’s formation. Pardon us if we trust the prophecies of God more so than their calculations.
Our Bible-based calculations (below) do appear to show the critic’s dates of Israel’s establishment and destruction to be wrong, and the prophecy of Ezekiel to be within just seven years of the 390-year period. This minor deviation could be caused by several factors, including the rounding of the numbers of each ruler’s tenure. So, we’ll defer to the words of the prophecy.
But, doesn’t moving the date of Israel’s establishment back several years throw off other critical dates (such as the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon)? Not necessarily, for the Septuagint shows the period between the Exodus and Solomon's laying the Temple foundation may be some 40-years shorter than Hebrew manuscripts indicate, leaving less length for the period of the Judges. Here are our calculations using the secular historical date for the destruction of Jerusalem (which may also be wrong. See the document The Problem with Setting Bible Historical Dates).
KINGS OF ISRAEL:
JeroBoam 970-948 22-yrs (1 Kings 14:20)
Nadab 948-946 2-yrs (1 Kings 15:25)
BaAsha 946-922 24-yrs (1 Kings 15:33)
ElAh 922-920 2-yrs (1 Kings 16:8)
Zimri 920 7 days (1 Kings 16:15)
Tibni 920
Omri 920-908 12-yrs (1 Kings 16:23)
Ahab 908-886 22-yrs (1 Kings 16:29)
AhaziJah 2-yrs (1 Kings 22:52)
JehoRam 884-872 12-yrs (2 Kings 3:1)
Jehu 872-844 28-yrs (2 Kings 10:36)
JehoAhaz 844-827 17-yrs (2 Kings 13:1)
JehoAsh 827-811 16-yrs (2 Kings 13:10)
JeroBoam II 811-770 41-yrs (2 Kings 14:23)
ZechariJah 770 .5-yrs (2 Kings 15:8)
ShalLum 770 .12-yrs (2 Kings 15:13)
Menahem 770-760 10-yrs (2 Kings 15:17)
PekahJah 760-758 2-yrs (2 Kings 15:23)
Pekah 758-738 20-yrs (2 Kings 15:27)
HosheA 738-729 9-yrs (2 Kings 17:1)
KINGS OF JUDAH:
Ahaz 753-734 16-yrs. Hoshea starts rule in 12th year (in 741) (2 Kings 17:1) and rules 9 years until Israel’s destruction (741-12=729)
HezekiJah 734-705 29-yrs (2 Kings 18:2)
ManasSeh 705-650 55-yrs (2 Kings 21:1)
Amon 650-648 2-yrs (2 Kings 21:19)
JosiJah 648-617 31-yrs (2 Kings 22:1)
JehoAhaz 617 3 months (2 Kings 23:31)
JehoiAkim 617-606 11-yrs (2 Kings 23:36)
JehoiAchin 606-598 8-yrs (2 Kings 24:12)
ZedekiJah 598-587 11-yrs (2 Kings 24:18)
However, notice that there are differences between the lengths of rule in the Septuagint and the Masoretic texts, and neither of the texts reflects the 40-years of prophesied judgment on Jerusalem. So, at least the dates of the reigns of the kings of Judah are suspect, for we trust the prophecy and would therefore expect the 40-years to run from either the rule of wicked ManasSeh (23 years too long) or of righteous JosiJah (10 years too short).
Accepting a Repentant Sinner
Here in Second Corinthians, we read how the first recorded case of official congregational discipline of a member who was guilty of serious wrongdoing, worked out. This had to do with a man in the congregation at Corinth, Greece who had taken his father’s wife as his own. As the result, Paul (at 1 Corinthians 5:11) told them to judge the matter and to remove the sinner from the congregation.
Now, in Second Corinthians, we read a follow-up letter that was likely written just a few months later, which indicates there were some positive results. So, Paul gave these recommendations (Second Corinthians 2:6, 7): ‘For, the discipline that the majority of you gave this man was sufficient. So now, kindly forgive and comfort him, that he won’t somehow be swallowed by his deep sadness.’
Notice that:
· The punishment (gr. epitimia – on/value) that was given (and which was approved by Paul) only lasted a few months
· This action apparently wasn’t supported by the whole congregation – ‘the majority (gr. pleionon – more ones) of you reached’ – but no action was recommended against those who didn’t agree with the measures
· Paul was especially concerned about the individual and wanted him to be forgiven, comforted, and shown love.
The fact is, imperfect men tend to be harsh and unloving when dealing with others who they consider to have ‘broken the rules.’ However, Paul really believed in the type of love that he wrote about at 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (in his previous letter). So, he recommended no further restrictions and he didn’t warn against any expressions of joy when the man was welcomed back into the congregation. Yet, the offense was particularly grievous and notorious.
Notice that Paul makes no further mention of this matter thereafter. He simply concludes by saying (at 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11), ‘And when I forgive someone through you in front of the Anointed One (if I ever have anything to forgive), it is so that none are lost to the Opposer, because we know how he operates.’
So, Paul’s primary concern in this second letter was not about how to continue with correction and discipline, but with consoling the person, so he would remain steadfast in the congregation and he wouldn’t be lost to the Opposer.
Adoption as God’s Sons
Throughout the Christian Era Scriptures, we read of the hope that some have of being adopted as sons of God and ruling with Jesus. When does this ‘choosing’ actually happen; what are its results; and how does one know that he/she has been so adopted by God?
Well, notice Paul’s words at Romans 8:15, ‘You didn’t receive His Breath to make you slaves to fear again, for when you received it, it adopted you as His sons… so by this Breath we can call out, Papa! Father!’ From this, we can see that such individuals first receive God’s Breath, and then it ‘adopts’ them as God’s sons. And, as was true in the days of the Apostles, receiving God’s Breath appears to have manifested itself in some visible way.
Also, this adoption appears to impart the value of a spiritual life to the individual. For, notice that Paul also referred to such individuals as a ‘new creation’ at Galatians 6:15, ‘However, a new creation [is something].’
And, once a person has received this adoption, he/she is said to become joint ‘heirs’ with Jesus. As Romans 8:17 says, ‘So, if we are [His] children, we are also [His] heirs. Yes, heirs of God and heirs with the Anointed One.’
Heirs of what? You will find this discussed in the linked document, God’s Promise of an Inheritance.
Are there any special requirements for receiving spiritual adoption? Notice that Paul adds at Romans 8:17, ‘However, we have to suffer together so we can also be glorified together.’
Now, history tells us that suffering a violent death or being greatly persecuted for their faith was true of all the Apostles, and many (if not all) the rest of the adopted sons from the First Century through the middle ages. So, is such violent physical suffering required for all who have this hope? Well, consider what Revelation 6:11 says, ‘Then they were each given a white robe and they were told to take it easy just a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow slaves and brothers was filled (who were going to be killed, as they were).’
However, nobody can say for sure that all who are adopted as sons must suffer greatly, for the ‘choosing’ and its qualifications are in the hands of God.
It appears as though the choosing and adoption of sons of God doesn’t necessarily happen at the time of their baptism. For example, in the case of the first gentile converts to Christianity (Cornelius and his family), such selection happened even before baptism, because, that’s when God’s Breath manifested itself. So, ‘baptism in the Holy Breath’ happens whenever God selects such individuals, which doesn’t necessarily come at baptism. This was also true of those baptized individuals who received God’s Breath on Pentecost of 33-C.E.
However, Galatians 3:26, 27, says, ‘The fact is; you’re all sons of God because of your faith in the Anointed Jesus.’
So, it appears as though ‘becoming one’ with Jesus and becoming ‘sons of God,’ occurs to all who demonstrate their faith when they are baptized. However, whether this refers to water baptism or baptism by God’s Breath, isn’t made clear here.
And although the sons of God receive the value of spiritual life when God selects them, their actual adoption comes upon the death of their fleshly bodies. Paul points this out at Romans 8:23, 24, ‘And it isn’t alone, since even we who have received the first fruitage of [God’s] Breath groan within ourselves as we anticipate being accepted as [His] sons… awaiting the ransom release of our bodies. Yes, this is the hope that’s saving us!’
Adultery
According to The Complete WordStudy Dictionary, the true meaning of Matthew 5:32 (as well as similar verses in Mark and Luke) is often misconstrued due to poor translating. For, most Bibles render the words there as reading, ‘But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.’
As you can see, the implication is that any divorced woman, regardless of whether she is actually innocent of committing adultery, is deemed an adulteress when she is divorced. And anyone who thereafter marries her is then termed an adulterer. However, the dictionary mentioned above points out that these conclusions are incorrect, for they fail to recognize the subject of the sentence, which is the need to provide a rejected wife with a certificate of divorce. And when such a certificate is not given upon dismissal, it implies that she has been an adulteress. And thereafter, anyone who marries her is assumed to be an adulterer.
Notice that the Greek word often translated as divorcing, is apoluon, which simply means to loose or unbind, and it doesn't necessarily imply a legal (certificated) divorce.
Please note the following definitions:
Fornication (gr. porneia, pronounced Por-neh-ee-ah) means, ‘that which is sold,’ and it refers to the types of illicit services that are sold by (male and female) prostitutes. So, it covers a wide range of lewd acts that one may engage in outside the marriage arrangement (but not masturbation).
Adultery (gr. moicheia, pronounced moh-ee-keh-ee-ah) refers to an act of unfaithfulness or betrayal (not necessarily fornication).
Moicheia is a Greek word, not a Christian word. And in a male-dominated society, it was generally used to describe an unfaithful wife. However, Jesus expanded the term to include husbands who were unfaithful to their wives, and to those men who would marry someone else’s unfaithful wife.
So, what Jesus appears to be saying at Matthew 5:32 (and we’re not being dogmatic here), is that legal (certificated) divorce (though not God's way) is the end of a marriage contract. So, if the faithful but legally released wife chooses to remarry, being given a divorce certificate frees her from the social stigma of being called an adulteress.
While admitting that our view of these scriptures may be wrong (and we don't wish to mislead), the problem we have with the customary translation of these verses (and the reason why we have done further research on the meanings of these words) is that such an apparent law is the only one that we are aware of in the Bible, which identifies the victim (a faithful wife who has been unfairly released) as a sinner.
Advocate, Helper, Comforter, or Savior?
The Greek word ParaCletos (pronounced: para-clay-toss), as found at John 16:7, has been translated many ways, and we aren’t implying that these translations are wrong. However, the two words that make up this combined word are para (next to) and cletos (caller), so this combination of words appears to refer to an entity that stands next to us and calls out to God on our behalf. An online search for other meanings of ParaCletos turned up the word Lawyer, which implies someone who represents us legally, but that doesn’t seem to be what is implied in this case, so we have chosen to translate it as Advocate here, as we did at 1 John 2:1, 2.
Another view of the meaning of ParaCletos comes from an Aramaic translator, who claims that the word is of Aramaic origin, and means Savior, or, Another Savior. And we will allow that this quite different translation could be correct, because we know that Jesus didn’t actually speak the Greek word ParaCletos, since he is known to have spoken Aramaic to his Jewish disciples.
One argument that we found online, presented Jesus as being the ParaCletos, because he was called the paraclete at 1 John 2:1, 2. However, the words of Jesus himself at John 16:7 seem to dispel that theory, for he said: ‘For, if I didn’t go away, the Advocate wouldn’t come to you. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.’ In Greek this reads: ‘εαν γαρ μη απελθω ο παρακλητος ου μη ελθη προς υμας εαν δε πορευθω πεμψω αυτον προς υμας,’ or (literally), ‘if/ever for not I/should/go/off the ParaCletos not not would/come toward you. If/ever but I/should/go I/shall/send him toward you.’ And if Jesus was the ParaCletos, he would simply have said,‘I will come to you.’
Therefore, we have assumed that the reference to Jesus being the paralete in First John was not saying that Jesus was the Holy Spirit, but this is a simple reference to the fact that Jesus is also our representative before God.
Of course, much has been made of Jesus’ use of the personal pronoun him, when speaking of the ParaCletos or God’s Holy Breath. This is because Trinitarians, in an attempt to tie him (or it) into a triune relationship with God and Jesus, like to speak of the ParaCletos as a person. So, the use of the word him here is a hotly-debated topic.
Then, what is the ParaCletos? It appears to be the Breath (or Spirit) of Jesus, and the power that makes faithful Christian one with him. We have concluded this from Paul’s words at Romans 8:9, 10, where he wrote: ‘However, if God’s Breath lives in us, we aren’t fleshly but spiritual… and whoever doesn’t have the Spirit of the Anointed One doesn’t belong to him. So, if the Anointed One is in you, your body is indeed dead through sin, but the spirit is alive through righteousness.’
So, since Jesus’ Apostles already had God’s Spirit or Breath, as did many other ancient faithful Prophets and leaders, we must assume that this Advocate (ParaCletos), which arrived on Pentecost of 33-C.E. was the Spirit of Jesus, and that it performed in an even more powerful way on behalf of early Christians, literally calling out to God on their behalf, and making them one with Jesus. However, at Acts 1:4, this Spirit or Breath was said to have come from the Father.
But then, Jesus gave a further description of this special Spirit at John 14:16, where he called it the Spirit of Truth. And at Acts 1:5, Jesus said that his disciples would be baptized in it. So, similar to the visible outpouring of God’s Spirit or Breath on Jesus at his baptism (which appears to be the point of his anointing and receiving special powers), the outpouring of Holy Spirit on Pentecost appears to be the point where the disciples were anointed, given special powers, and it is when they were born from above (John 3:3).
Age, Eternal, Perpetual, Everlasting, Immortal, or Forever?
Two words imply infinite states in the Bible; one is the Greek word athanasia (undying), which is only found in two places, 1 Corinthians 15:53, where it mentions resurrected ones as clothing themselves with immortality, and at 1 Timothy 6:16, where Paul speaks of Jesus as having received it. The other Greek word is aidios, which is used at Romans 1:20 to describe God’s Power and Might as eternal, and at Jude 6 when speaking of the perpetual state of gloomy darkness that rebellious angels have been confined to.
However, the Greek word aionos (pronounced ai-on-oss), which is used throughout the Bible and is often translated as forever and everlasting, is what the English word eon is derived from. It means an indefinite period, and there is no exact English word to translate it. The best equivalents are age(s) or era(s).
Where the plural form of the word (aionion) is used, it refers to a long time… at least multiple generations. However, where the singular form is used (aionos), this appears to mean a much shorter period, such as a lifetime, generation, or era. And where the term ages of the ages is used (such as at Ephesians 3:21), which is usually said in reference to The God, we would assume that this truly means forever.
It is noteworthy that aionos is the word that is used in the Greek Septuagint in place of the Hebrew word ohlam, which is also translated as forever and time indefinite in popular versions of the Ancient Scriptures of Israel. So, this one word (aionos) is translated as forever, everlasting, eternal, system of things, time indefinite, [end of] the world, long ago, from of old, etc. Obviously, something is very wrong here, because the word can’t mean a period having a definite end in one place and infinity in another.
Take for example, the unique way that aionos is used in the question that Jesus’ Apostles asked him, which is found at Matthew 24:3: ‘Tell us; When will these things happen… what will be the signs when you are to arrive and this age will come to its conclusion?’ You can see that the word aionos obviously doesn’t mean forever, everlasting, or eternal in this case, nor did it mean world or system of things. It simply meant the age or, the time before the end would come. And for them, that meant the age when God’s Temple at Jerusalem would be destroyed, because that’s what Jesus had just told them.
The word aionos (which we have translated as age here) is also translated as world (KJ) and as system of things (NW) in other Bibles. However, if the Apostles had meant any of those words, they would have used the Greek word cosmos (world or system of things), not aionos.
The ancient Hebrews viewed everything (and rightly so) as having a beginning and an end. For that reason, you will only find three places in the Bible where words are used that imply no end, and none that imply no beginning. An interesting possible insight on the reason for this can be found at Hebrews 1:10-12, which says: ‘Long ago, O Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and your hands made the heavens. They will destroy themselves, but you will remain. They will grow old just like clothes do. Then, as [you would do to] a robe, you will wrap them up and repair them like clothes. Yes, you are the one, and your years will never expire.’
So, notice; The Bible shows that even our universe will eventually end and need to be ‘wrapped up and repaired,’ which agrees with the conclusions of modern science.
The problem with most Bible translations is that; when they encounter the word aionos in all its different tenses, they interpret it according to accepted doctrine, not according to the way that Jesus and his disciples used it. So, the common renderings forever, eternal, and everlasting are used even when the word is in its singular forms (aioni, aiona, aionos, aionion, aionian, aionios, aioniou), and this totally distorts the meaning of the text.
Take for example, the scripture at John 5:24, where Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth; He who hears what I say and believes in the One that sent me, will have life in this age… he won’t have to be judged, for he has crossed over from death to life!’
Most Bibles translate Jesus as saying that those who believe in the One who sent him will have everlasting life (or the equivalent). However, the words that Jesus used there were, zoe aionos (life age – singular), not zoe aionion (life ages – plural).
Notice how Jesus explained the meaning of these words with his next statement, ‘He won’t have to be judged, for has crossed over from death to life.’
So, what Jesus was saying here, wasn’t that they would have everlasting life, but that they in their current lifetime would be considered among the living, not among the dead (see Revelation 20:12).
This doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t live forever… it’s just that Jesus wasn’t really saying that. What we find (from consideration of the evidence found in the bulk of Jesus’ words about life) is that he never taught the hope of ‘life eternal,’ ‘everlasting life,’ or ‘immortality,’ in those specific words. However, the concept is still there. What he taught was that righteous people will receive ‘life in the age,’ or be considered worthy of (possibly everlasting) life by God during their current lifetimes… that their names would be written in ‘the scroll of life,’ and that they would not have to be judged, but will have already ‘crossed over from death to life,’ as Jesus said at John 5:24.
Yes, we know that this is a difficult concept to understand, but it’s what Jesus actually said.
For more information, select the linked documents, The Hereafter and Does the Bible Promise Everlasting Life?
Amen
Amen is a Hebrew word that was never really translated into English; it was just Anglicized. In Greek it is pronounced, ah-main. The reason why it was never translated is that ancient scholars were afraid to change this supposed ‘magical’ word that ensures God will listen to the prayer. However, there is no record in the Bible of anyone ending prayers with amen, although it was likely said. And the fact that others who were present said amen at the end of prayers to show that they agree, is indicated by Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 14:6.
In addition, amen isn’t said in the Bible just at the end of a prayer. Paul used the word frequently in his writings to affirm that what he was writing was, or would be, true. And that’s the literal meaning of amen as it is rendered here, ‘may it be.’
So, should Christians end their prayers with the word amen, or with the phrase, may it be? It really makes no difference. In fact, neither really has to be said for God to hear the prayer, or for Him to understand that it is concluded.
The problem with saying amen is that most people really don’t know what it means today. They think of it as just a word that you end prayers with. However, saying amen (or may it be) at the conclusion of a prayer indicates that the one praying assumes the things that were asked are as good as done… and he or she should also believe that.
In several places, we have left the word amen unchanged, for example, at Revelation 3:14, where Jesus was referred to symbolically as ‘the Amen,’ or, the ‘he who causes things to be.’
Animal Sacrifices
Many religious teachers have tried to draw a line between Jehovah, who they refer to as the vengeful, warring ‘God of the Old Testament,’ and the ‘God of the New Testament,’ as represented by the loving, kind actions and words of Jesus. However, if you pay close attention to the details, you’ll find the same kind, loving God in both portions of the Bible. And part of this can be seen in His requirement for animal sacrifices.
Now, for confirmed vegetarians, the thought of offering the lives of animals to God may sound repulsive. However, these sacrifices pictured something much more important; the need to bring an end to all human (and perhaps most animal) suffering and death.
Notice that the first animal sacrifice mentioned in the Bible is the one offered by Adam’s second son Abel. And although he and his brother Cain both offered sacrifices, Abel’s was the one that God found to be satisfactory. Was this because God liked Abel better than He liked Cain? That doesn’t appear to be the case. Apparently, Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God because he offered a living thing, which better represented the sacrifice that God Himself would make when He offered His son’s life for mankind.
Of interest though, are God’s kind instructions about how such sacrifices were to be offered. For example, to show that they were being offered to God, some type of Altar had to be constructed. What kind? Notice that God said (at Exodus 20:24) ‘You must make an Altar to Me from the dirt…’ So nothing fancy or expensive was required. Then, notice what He said after that (Exodus 20:25): ‘Now, if you build a stone Altar to Me, don’t use cut stones…’ And at Exodus 20:26 we read, ‘Nor should you build any steps to My Altar…’ So, the Altar wasn’t to be too high, and simple rock (or dirt) construction was fine.
Of course, shortly thereafter, God gave the instruction to build the Sacred Tent, and it was to have an Altar. And while the Tent must have been beautiful in all its gold, the Altar was short and quite small, and made of wood and brass… because it was to be portable. So, the fires were kept small, and only animal fat and small organs, plus bread and wine, and tiny amounts of animal blood, were offered there.
Then a ‘clean’ and ‘perfect’ animal was to be slaughtered, and the rest of its flesh was usually to be roasted or boiled nearby – except where it was a ‘whole burnt offering.’ ‘Clean’ of course, meant that it was to be an edible animal, such as a calf, sheep, pigeon, or dove. And what was to happen to the meat? It was to be eaten by those who offered it, and by the priests. In other words, this was just a community barbecue with one’s neighbors and God. And what portion would God take on his Altar? The fat, the liver, the kidneys, etc. They were mostly offered as a form of incense or pleasing odor to Him. No angry and vengeful (or hungry) God here.
Anointed
Notice that in this Bible translation, 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22 (for example) says, ‘The One who guarantees that we all belong to the Anointed One, and He who anointed us, is God.’
So, why didn’t these translators just go ahead and render the word (Anointed) as Christ – as countless other translators have done? For two reasons:
· Because Christ has almost totally lost its meaning to most Bible readers today, and most have come to believe that ‘Christ’ was part of Jesus’ name. It wasn’t.
· Because Christ is a word that was made up by early Bible translators and is only used in that form when they think that the Bible was speaking of Jesus. In other places it is correctly translated as anointed.
If you look at the above verse in Greek, you’ll see that it reads, ‘Ho de bebaion hemas syn hymin eis Christon kai chrisas hemas Theos,’ or, ‘The of stabilizing us with you into Anointed and anointing us God.’
You will notice here that Christon (Christ or Anointed) and chrisas (anointed) are both derived from the same root word, which by the way, is Greek for olive oil. Why olive oil? Because, that substance was traditionally poured over the heads of those who God chose to be kings over Israel. For example, David and Solomon were both anointed (oil was poured over their heads) in proof of the fact that they had been chosen by God to be kings over Israel.
So, the word means anointed. But if you prefer the word Christ, then Saul, David, and Solomon were Christs, for you can’t have it both ways. As an example, look at the words that David spoke about Saul, as found at 1 Samuel 24:6 LXX): ‘Kai eipin David pros tous andras autou: Medamos moi para kiriou ei poieso to hrema touto to kyrio mou to christo kyriou epenegkai cheira mou ep auton hoti christos kyriou estin autos,’ or ‘Said David to the men of/his: By/no/means of/me from the/Lord if I/should/do this thing to my/Lord to/the Christ (Anointed) of/the/Lord to/raise my/hand against him, for the/Christ (Anointed) of/the/Lord this is.’ So as you can see; if Christos should be translated as Christ, then unrighteous King Saul was also Christ. However, almost all Bibles translate christos as anointed in this case (one of many instances).
Such a physical anointing with oil appeared to picture receiving God’s Holy Breath, which happened to Jesus at his baptism, to 120 of Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost of 33-C.E., and to other First-century Christians. So Jesus didn’t really become the Christon (Christ, Anointed, or Chosen One) until he was anointed with Holy Breath at his baptism (when the ‘dove’ came down on him).
If you understand this nuance, you get the true meaning of the word Christ (Anointed) as it applies to Jesus; it means that he was the one who God chose to be king over His people. Also, Paul was telling the Christians in Corinth that they too would be anointed… become ‘christs.’ For, when they were ‘anointed’ and sealed in their hearts by God’s Holy Breath, they were selected to be ‘kings over the earth’ (Revelation 5:10).
Notice what can be learned from a proper understanding of the Greek words by looking at Matthew 24:24. For there, many Bibles say that Jesus foretold the coming of false Christs and false prophets. But what he actually said was, ‘Because false anointed ones and false prophets (gr. pseudo christon kai pseudo prophetai) will arise and they will perform great signs and omens to mislead (if possible) even the elected.’
So, Jesus wasn't necessarily saying that people would come claiming to be him, but people would come falsely claiming to be the anointed and prophets.
Another example of the poor use of the title Christ (implying Jesus) by Bible translators can be found at First Peter 1:10, 11, which reads in this Bible: ‘When it comes to salvation, the Prophets looked and searched for this loving-care that’s being shown to you. They tried, through the spirit of anointing that was in them, to determine the exact time and circumstances of the sufferings of the Anointed One and of his being glorified, which they knew about even back then.’ Other Bible say that it was the Spirit of Christ that was in the ancient Prophets. However, as we pointed out above, Jesus didn't become the Christ or the Anointed until after his baptism.
So, what Peter was saying in those verses, is that those ancient Prophets tried through the power of God’s Breath which had anointed them to be Prophets, to determine the time and circumstances of the glorification of Jesus. For, if you check the wording of those verses in Greek, you’ll see that there is no definite article preceding the first christou (anointed), which would be required if it was saying that the Spirit of Jesus was in them.
Anointing
At Exodus 29:29 we find that Aaron and his sons were to be ‘anointed’ as Priests to Jehovah, and that this action would make them ‘holy’ or clean. It also signified that they had been chosen to this office by God. And in Leviticus, when we read of the ‘anointed’ Priest, the reference seems to be to one of the Priests who has been chosen for the special office of what later became known as the High Priest.
The Greek word that we have translated as anointed here, is chriseis, which can also be translated as Christ (it’s just a conjugation of Christos), since christ and anointed both come from the same root, which is Greek for olive oil (it may also mean Judged, since the words are similar). So, Jesus wasn’t the first or the only one to be correctly referred to as a christ.
Why olive oil? Because, that substance was traditionally poured over the heads of those whom God chose to be Priests and kings over Israel. However, at least in the case of Aaron and his sons, fragrant herbs were added to the oil to give it a pleasing odor. This is implied at Exodus 25:7, where the Israelites were asked to donate ‘fragrances for anointing oil.’ And we find the exact formula for the anointing oil at Exodus 30:34, where we read that it was to be made from ‘sixteen pounds of choice myrrh flowers, eight pounds of sweet-smelling cinnamon, eight pounds of sweet-smelling calamus, sixteen pounds of cassia (for the Holy Place), and a gallon of olive oil.’
The physical anointing with oil also appears to have pictured their receiving of God’s Holy Breath, making them ‘holy,’ which was an appropriate description for Jesus years later. And remember that both the ‘anointed’ priests and the kings pictured Jesus. So, the term christ is apropos.
Antichrists
Who are the antichrists? As John said (at 1 John 2:22), ‘This is the Antichrist: He who denies both the Father and the Son.’
Apparently, by the turn of the Second Century C.E., there were people in the Christian congregation (probably more Judaizers) who were denying that there ever was a Jesus, or possibly denying that he was the Chosen One of God. And as John said (at 1 John 2:23), ‘Whoever denies the Son [also denies] the Father.’
Such denial of Jesus amounted to an unforgivable sin against God’s Holy Breath, because it was God’s Breath that had testified to just who Jesus was. So, this was a very serious matter. In fact, it was so serious that John told Christians not to even talk to such people – to treat them as though they were dead – because, what they were saying truly condemned them.
Popular modern tradition has it that the antichrist is a single person, group, or entity that will come in the last days. However, notice how this idea is proven false by the words of 1 John 2:18, which reads: ‘Young children; It’s the last hour. And just as you’ve heard, the Antichrist is coming. Why, right now there are many Antichrists; and that’s how we know it’s the last hour. They left us, because they weren’t like us; for if they had been like us, they would still be with us.’
Then John again gave the same identification at 2 John 1:7, where he wrote: ‘Many have strayed [back] into the world and won’t admit that Jesus the Anointed One came in the flesh. And these who have strayed are the AntiChrists.’
So, modern beliefs about the antichrist reflect a lack of Bible reading.
Apostasy and Apostates
The Greek word apostasis (in its various conjugated forms) is used several times in the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (OT), and we find it used at 2 Chronicles 28:19, where we’ve rendered it as ‘turned away,’ because that’s what the term really means. It refers to a turning away from a righteous God-fearing way of life. For, the Greek word (which we pronounce as apostasy in English) literally means ‘turn away from (apo)’ a ‘standing or state (stasis).’ So, it doesn’t refer to a disagreement over the way some doctrine is viewed, as the word is misapplied by some religious groups.
Almost all Bible references to apostasy are speaking of a turning away from the way of Israelite life that is outlined in the Law. However, in the book of Job, the word apostate refers to being unfaithful to God, since Job lived before the Law.
There are just two places where this term (apostasy) is used to indicate someone’s unfaithfulness in the Christian Era Scriptures (NT), at Acts 21:21 and at 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
At Acts 21:21 we read (concerning the Apostle Paul): ‘But they have heard the rumor that you’ve been teaching Judeans who live among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to follow the traditions.’
Notice that Paul’s teaching wasn’t being called an apostasy; rather, the apostasy was their not following the traditional Jewish way of life.
Actually, the proper word to use when speaking of teaching something that deviates from established doctrine is heresy, which is the word that the Catholic Church used extensively to accuse faithful Christians (and others) of during their ‘Inquisition’ of 1400s and 1500s. Notice that they didn’t accuse anyone of apostasy (turning from a Christian way of life), but of heresy (disagreeing with their established doctrines). So, they understood the difference.
There was at least one instance where Paul himself seemed to accuse and impose sanctions against other Christians for heresy. We find this account at 2 Timothy 2:17, 18, where he wrote: ‘That was the problem with Hymenaeus and Philetus; they got away from the truth and started teaching that the resurrection has already happened, which misdirected the faith of some.’
So, deviating from teaching the truth of the Bible was a serious matter among First-Century Christians. However, in view of what Jesus said at Matthew 5:22 and what was said about Jesus at Jude 9, calling anyone such a thing such a thing as ‘an apostate’ or a ‘heretic,’ when there might be some question as to who is right, would be an even more serious matter.
The only other places in the Christian-Era Scriptures (NT) where the Greek word for apostasy is found, is where Jesus spoke of the Pharisees as giving their wives a ‘certificate of dismissal’ to divorce them (see Mark 10:4). The words that are translated certificate of dismissal are biblion apostasiu, which literally mean ‘scroll of apostasy (or sending away).’
Ark or Chest?
What is an ark? Why, everyone knows of Noah’s ark, and of the Ark of the Covenant… don’t they? Yes, most people do. But, just what is an ark? Ark is an ancient English word, the meaning of which has mostly been long lost in history. However, it is often used to translate the Greek word kiboton (kee/boat/on). And, because most people don’t understand the meaning of the English word, they don't know what it’s talking about, and any concept that they might have of what it looked like may come from pictures in children’s storybooks that show a large boat or with all sorts of animals looking out the windows.
An ark is simply a box or chest. If you carefully examine the description of the measurements that God gave to Noah, you will see that He told Noah to build a three-story wooden box that was about ‘five-hundred feet long, eighty feet wide, and fifty feet tall.’ It was rectangular (not boat shaped); it had a roof, at least one window, and a door. It didn’t have to be a ‘boat’ that could navigate, because, all it had to do was float. Nor did the animals look out the window(s); they were kept in stalls.
Baal, Beel, Bel, and El
Throughout the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (OT), you will read of Gods, people, and places with names that start with Baal, Beel, and Bel. These terms mean the Lord, the Master, or the Owner, and they refer to various gods of nations, not necessarily to a particular god. The word was just a title for a god, and the God’s name (or the place that he/it represented) follows the title, such as Beel Phegor (as found at Numbers 25:3). And where people called their god just Baal (or Beel), they were referring to their particular lord or god of that city or land. Also, where a person’s name includes one of these terms (such as BelShazzar), it usually means that they were named after a local god (in this case, Shazzar).
Of course, having the title Baal or Beel in a name doesn’t necessarily imply that a person is a worshiper of a pagan god, for several faithful worshipers of Jehovah also had that title as part of their names. For example, the faithful Judge Gideon came to be known as JeroBaal (meaning ‘May Baal Defend Himself’), because of his action in cutting down an altar to Baal. Also, one of King Saul’s grandsons (through faithful JoNathan) was named MeriBaal (meaning ‘Opposer of Baal’); one of King David’s faithful warriors was named BaalJah (meaning ‘Lord Jehovah’); and David named one of his sons BaalJada (meaning ‘Lord Knows’).
By the way, Baal is pronounced Bah-ahl and Beel is pronounced beh-el, not Bayel or Beel.
Also, in places where we find the letters El in a name or place, this is usually just a shortened version of the Hebrew word Elohim, meaning God. So, whereas many Bibles translate the Greek word ‘Baithelbereth’ (found at Judges 9:46) as ‘Bethel Bereth,’ or, ‘the temple of god ElBereth,’ or, ‘the vault of the house of El-Berith;’ recognize that ‘Beth (or Baith)’ means ‘the house (or temple) of,’ ‘El’ means ‘God,’ and ‘Bereth’ is that God’s name. So, we have translated it there as ‘the temple of God Bereth.’
Babylon (the Great)
The ‘whore’ that is identified in Revelation the Eighteenth Chapter (the Great Babylon) has been identified by some as a composite of all religions that have shared in having a ‘throne over the kings of the earth.’ And this could be true, for, what other group has wielded such an influence over the governments through the ages, as she identified as doing in the Revelation?
However, although we once felt that the above conclusion was true, in the process of translating the words of the Hebrew Prophets and in reading the things that ancient Babylon did to apostate Judah and Jerusalem, we have come across enough questionable details to cause us to be less sure of this conclusion.
What are these ‘questionable details?’ Well, the Bible shows us that God sent the Kingdom of Babylon against the Judeans because they had been unfaithful. So, ‘the Great Babylon’ (as it was referred to by the king of Babylon at Daniel 4:30) was a worldly army that was sent against something that had become an apostate religion. And we have wondered whether unfaithful Jerusalem and Judah don't in fact represent what we thought that Babylon represented.
It still could be apostate religion, for, notice that the ‘whore’ of Revelation was guilty of doing what James mentioned as being wrong for Christians (at James 4:4), where he wrote: ‘Adulteresses, don’t you know that if you’re a friend of the world, you’re an enemy of God? So, whoever wants to be a friend of the world is putting himself down as God’s enemy.’
As you can see, the description by James labels ‘worldly Christians’ as immoral adulteresses. And for a fact; many Christian religions are deeply involved in supporting politics and nationalism. And this lines up with the description of ‘the Great Babylon’ in Revelation.
However, ancient Jerusalem (which was attacked by the Great Babylon) was also described this way. For, if you read Ezekiel Chapter twenty-three, you will see how God Himself likened Jerusalem to a woman who was promised to Him, but who became a whore through her unfaithfulness… which is what much of modern Christendom and Judaism have both done today.
In the past, some have identified The Great Babylon as being the Catholic Church (see the book The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hyslop). Yet, there is no single religion that can be pointed to as standing alone in its involvement in corruption and political entanglements, for almost all are guilty of this today.
Bible Measurements
The most common unit for measuring length, height, and depth in the Bible is a cubit, which is the length of a man’s forearm. And of course, the lengths of forearms vary depending on the size of the person, so a cubit may be anywhere between eighteen and twenty-two inches. However, to give you a better idea of the size and proportions of things in the Bible, we have converted the units of measure to more familiar terms, such as feet and inches. And we have roughly averaged the sizes or lengths.
Also, some units of measure, such as a cor (about 32 bushels), hin, or bath (about 6 gallons), have been roughly estimated, since such terms are obsolete.
We have also dropped the obscure names of coins, since most readers have no idea of their value, and simply inserted the type of coin they are (gold, silver, or copper), and sometimes their size, to provide you some frame of reference.
Bless or Praise?
This is a tough one, and we won’t say that our position on the translation of this word can’t be changed. The Greek word that we are struggling with is eulogetos. The first part of the word eu, is Greek for good. The last part of the word, logetos, means words (or expressions). So, a literal translation of eulogetos is good words. And our question is: Is this all that a blessing amounts to?
Yes, we know that this word has been translated as bless, blest, and blessing in other Bibles. So why rock the boat? Because these translators have simply found too many errors in many commonly-accepted renderings. And here, for example, if eulogetos is properly translated as blessing each time (which carries the English nuance, ‘causing good things to happen’), then, how can humans ‘bless God?’ We do know that we can praise God, however.
Eulogetos is the word that we derive the English word eulogy from… that is, the kind words that are said of the deceased at a funeral. Such words are never said as a blessing, (it’s a bit late for that); they are said in praise of the deceased individual. However, there are definitely places where eulogetos can’t be translated as praise or praising.
So, perhaps the real meaning is (or is at least is similar to) praise. And when praises come from God, this means blessings to humans.
This isn’t the same word that we have rendered as blest in other portions of this translation (for an example, see Matthew 5:5). The word in question there is makarios, which is rendered as happy in certain other Bibles. However, we believe that blest is the proper way to translate that Greek word.
Blest or Happy?
There is quite a debate as to whether the Greek word makarios found in many places throughout the Bible should be translated blessed or happy.
Notice that we have chosen to translate it as blest, which is an older spelling of the word blessed, to get rid the affected pronunciation that was likely introduced by early preachers (bless-ed).
According to Zodhiates’ Complete Word Study Dictionary, the word should never translated happy, because happy is derived from the words happen, happening, or happenstance (luck). His reasoning (which we agree with) is that, when someone suffers for the sake of righteous principles, his/her reward isn’t just happiness (which can come from any source of good luck or fortune), but rather, it is a joy that comes from gaining a better relationship with God.
In other words, there is no exact word in English to use here, but blest seems to be a closer alternative than happy.
Bodily Divinity
It is very difficult to translate Colossians 2:9, 10 into English, and many different conclusions have been reached about what Paul was writing here. In Greek it reads: ‘οτι εν αυτω κατοικει παν το πληρωμα της θεοτητος σωματικως και εστε εν αυτω πεπληρωμενοι ος εστιν η κεφαλη πασης αρχης και εξουσιας,’ or, ‘because in him is/dwelling/down all the fullness of/the divinity bodily and you/are in him having/filled who is the head of/all government and authority.’
The King James Bible renders these verses as: ‘For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.’
GOD’S WORD® Translation says: ‘All of God lives in Christ’s body, and God has made you complete in Christ. Christ is in charge of every ruler and authority.’
The International Standard Version says: ‘because all the essence of deity inhabits him in bodily form. And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.’
And the New World Translation reads: ‘because it is in him that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily. And so you are possessed of a fullness by means of him, who is the head of all government and authority.’
We have rendered these verses as: ‘for in him lives all the fullness of the divine body… and you’re also one with him [in this fullness], and he’s the head of all governments and powers.’
As you can see, the wording of different Bible translations is quite varied, and their choice of words appears to depend on whether the translators believe in the concept of a Holy Trinity or not.
What did Paul actually mean? Well, although we have concluded through independent research that the Trinity concept is poorly supported (see the linked document Who Was Jesus?), we have no one’s doctrines to support. So, hopefully we can be more objective.
As you can see; whatever the fullness of the divine body may be, it is something that is shared in by the Christian congregation. So the wording of Colossians 2:9, 10 doesn’t appear to support the Trinitarian Godhead concept, or the idea that God lives in Jesus’ body, since many share in the fullness of that body, as the Greek text clearly shows. Rather, the wording seems to closely reflect the words of John as found at John 14:20, which reads: ‘εν εκεινη τη ημερα υμεις γνωσεσθε οτι εγω εν τω πατρι μου και υ μεις εν εμοι καγω εν υμιν,’ or, ‘In that the day you will/know that I in (εν) the Father of/me, and you in (εν) me, and I in (εν) you.’
Here Jesus was speaking of a special relationship between God, himself, and the congregation, and he used the Greek word (εν) (English: in) to reflect their closeness or unity. So for that reason, we have chosen to render εν as one with at Colossians 2:10 (as we have in several other places throughout the Christian-Era Scriptures). And from this description that was given by Jesus himself, we must conclude that the sharing of the divine body refers to a oneness or unity between Jesus, God, and the congregation, which will lead to all having a headship over governments and powers.
Notice how this conclusion is supported by the words of Colossians 3:1-4, which read: ‘So, if you’ve been raised with the Anointed One, search for the things that are above… at the right hand of God, where the Anointed One is sitting. Also, think about the things that are above (not on the earth), because you died and your life has been hidden away in the Anointed One and in God. And then, when the Anointed One (who is our life) shows himself, you will also be seen with him in glory.’
Book of Enoch
At Jude 1:14, 15, this half-brother of Jesus wrote, ‘The seventh man from Adam, Enoch, prophesied about them when he said, [Look!] Jehovah came with His holy ten-thousands of ten-thousands to condemn them all and to give all the godless what they deserve for the godless things they’re doing in their worldly ways, and for all the shocking things these godless sinners have said against Him.’
This verse has amazed many Christians, for it mentions a writing that is not considered to be part of the Bible canon, the Book of Enoch, which is considered to be an uninspired secular work. Yet, if it truly was written by Enoch (an early man of faith who was so loved that he was ‘transferred’ by God), then why would we consider it uninspired? And if it was a fake, then why would Jude have quoted from it?
If you read the Book of Enoch through (a copy can be found at Sacred-Texts.com), you’ll see that it appears as though Jude’s otherwise unique description of the condition of the fallen messengers of God (as described in verse 6) is based on the information found in this book.
Although ancient copies of the Book of Enoch were thought to have been lost, more modern copies have been found in Ethiopia and in some Slavic countries, which have been translated into English (for more information, see the link Book of Enoch). And after reading one copy of these texts through, we were surprised to find how much of this supposedly pre-Christian document is very much in harmony with the words of Jesus and the book of Revelation, although it has numerous errors that indicate mistranslation and centuries of added words (as does the Bible, by the way). In fact, the wording of the entire book heavily reflects the religious doctrines, views, and words of the Middle Ages; so if the current available copies were ever inspired, they are totally corrupted today. And it is possible that the book was so corrupted by the time of the Jew’s return from captivity in Babylon (c. 537-B.C.E.) that the Scribe Ezra didn’t include it among the Sacred Writings. However, some scholars point to these quotations from the book of Enoch to prove that the book of Jude is itself a spurious addition to the Bible.
For example, in Chapter Ten of the Book of Enoch you’ll find a traditional, graphic description of Hell Fire. Yet, by removing just a few words you will see that the description reads much like Revelation 20:10. So, it is apparent that the problem here is more one of twisted translating or copying to reflect the then-current religious views of the Middle Ages, than a text that was originally misleading and incorrect.
You will also find mention of the City of Sodom in the Book of Enoch, which we believe came long after the lifetime of Enoch. However, it was suggested by an advisor that Sodom could have been a far more ancient city that was repopulated after the Downpour. And since the people of the whole earth were so bad during that pre-flood time, it may have been a center of wickedness in the lifetime of Enoch also. Yet, this mention could also indicate the forgery of these verses. Of course, that word could also be part of the added corruptions of the text.
So, we urge you to be extremely cautious when reading the Book of Enoch, but it does provide some interesting descriptions of significant events, names, and dates that aren’t found in more accepted Bible texts, and they would be extremely important if they are true.
Book of Judges
There are some interesting idiosyncrasies in the book of Judges that would lead us to question who actually wrote it. We receive one clue from the words found at Judges 1:21, where we read, ‘Nor did the children of BenJamin take Jerusalem from the Jebusites as their inheritance, so the Jebusites still live among the children of BenJamin in Jerusalem to this day.’
Then we read at Judges 18:1, ‘There was no king over Israel back then.’
So, whoever did the writing must have lived during the time when a king ruled Israel, but before the kings started ruling in Jerusalem, or during the reign of Saul… and the prophet Samuel seems to be the likely source.
However, notice the apparent contradiction found at Judges 18:30, where we read, ‘And Jonathan (the son of Gerson and grandson of Manasseh) and his sons became the Priests of the tribe of Dan until the time when the nation was captured and carried away [into captivity].’
These words would then indicate that the book was written sometime after Israel’s conquest by the Assyrians and Jerusalem’s conquest by the Babylonians, or in the late 6th Century B.C.E. And the likely writer then would be the Scribe Ezra. So, how do we resolve the differences?
Well, we can see from the context that the book of Judges was written close to the time of the Judges (perhaps by Samuel), then it appears as though a later copyist (perhaps Ezra) added the comment at Judges 18:30. And since this comment is found both in the Hebrew and Greek texts, we know that it had to have been made sometime before the 3rd Century B.C.E.
Bread on Water
Much has been written about the meaning of Solomon’s words where he wrote (at Ecclesiastes 11:1), ‘aposteilon ton arton epi prosopon tou hydatos oti en plethei ton hemeron heureseis auton,’ or, ‘Send the bread yours on face the waters and in many the days find it.’ And we have often been repulsed by the thought of receiving cold, soggy bread. But, what was Solomon actually talking about?
While the Greek word arton is usually translated as bread, loaf, or loaf of bread, in ancient times, it also referred to just grains of wheat. This was the case where Jesus and his Apostles were walking through wheat field and picking and eating grains along the way, and this was true of the ‘bread’ that Jesse gave his youngest son David to carry to his brothers in battle, which consisted of both roasted grain and loaves (1 Samuel 17:17).
So, the apparent meaning of Solomon’s words, are as we rendered them, ‘Scatter your [seeds] on the surface of the water, and after some time you will find them.’ And while the meaning may still not be apparent to many, realize that birds usually eat seeds that are scattered over dry ground, so the practice was to do the planting after a hard rain or after irrigation. And the seeds were scattered on the top of the water to cause them to germinate and quickly root.
Of course, Solomon wasn’t really giving advice on planting, his words were in the form of a parable or illustration, and they implied that being liberal with the things one has would result in receiving liberally from others.
Breath
The Greek word pneuma (as in pneumonia, a breathing disease) means breath or wind – the movement of air. In other Bible translations, this word is often translated as spirit or ghost, as in Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. However, spirit is just a shortened form of the Latin word spiritu, which just means breath in Latin. And ghost conveys another meaning altogether.
The most common use of the word pneuma in the Bible is to imply an unseen force (such as breath or wind). And the problem with translating it as spirit or ghost is that many people have started believing that the unseen force that is called [God’s] Holy Breath herein, is another God-like person and part of a Divine ‘Trinity.’ This can’t be true, because the only scripture that can be used to support this theory (that is, where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Breath’ are spoken of together) is found at Matthew 28:19, which appears to be spurious (See the Note in Matthew). All other scriptures that are used to prove the Trinity theory fail to mention the Holy Breath as part of that group. And the King James wording of 1 John 5:7 (which was used for years to attempt to prove the Trinity) is also spurious (something that was added to the Bible). So, there are no actual Bible references that mention God’s Holy Breath along with the Father and the Son.
Therefore, to prevent confusion, the Greek word pneuma is frequently translated as breath herein. However, there are exceptions, as in instances where the Bible refers to demons as ‘spirits.’ Translating pneuma as breath in these cases, although correct, might just be confusing. There are also places where we have left pneuma translated as spirit, when the word implies a person's tendency (or spirit). And, since the nuance implied by the word spirit in the English language (an unseen power) is correct, we recently changed back to translating pneuma as spirit in several places, when referring to God’s Holy Spirit. However, recognize that pneuma is often best defined by calling it [God’s] Holy Breath. For an example, see the Note Worshiping God In Spirit and Truth.
Another important use of the word pneuma is in the phrase, ‘Breath of Life.’ This phrase appears to mean more than just breathing, for it seems to refer to the entire mechanics of life itself. It’s the unseen force of life for all creatures… it’s what makes each cell alive. However, nowhere does the Bible describe the ‘pneuma’ as immortal, nor is it the same as the soul (a breathing thing), so it can (figuratively) ‘return to God’ at death,’ because all hope of future life depends on God and His promise of a resurrection.
Note in particular how the term Breath is used at Job 27:3, where Job spoke of God’s Breath or Spirit. For there he asked, ‘Does the Breath of the Divine One remain in my nose?’ As you can see from his application of this word, pneuma obviously referred to God’s Breath, not to a person or to an unseen force. He was talking about that which comes from God and which caused him (Job) to breathe… the Breath of Life.
It is interesting that at Genesis 6:3 God says, ‘I won’t allow My Breath to stay with these men through the the age, for they are fleshly.’ In Greek that reads, ‘Ou me katameine to pneuma mou en tois anthropois toutoiseis ton aiona, dia ai einai autous sarka,’ or, ‘Not not should stay the Breath Mine with these men the age through, their being flesh.’
While the words Breath Mine (pneuma mou) here can refer to God’s Holy Breath, it seems more likely that He is referring to the breath of life that He gave to Adam. So it appears as though; what God was saying here is that the breath of life (of the people of that age) would be removed prematurely. However, since God referred to it as ‘My Breath,’ there may be a link implied between God’s Holy Breath and the breath of life.
For more information, see the linked document, ‘The Powers of God’s Holy Spirit.’
However, when Jesus died (as the words recorded at John 19:30 say), ‘he hung his head and gave up the breath’ (gr. kai klinas ten kephalen paredoken to pneuma, or, and inclined his head giving/up the breath). In this case, the obvious reference is to ‘the breath of life,’ or that force which gave him life as a human.
Brothers and Sisters of Jesus
There are many places in the Scriptures that speak of Jesus’ brothers and sisters, and Acts 1:14 is one of those places. Were these Jesus’ fleshly brothers, or was the writer (Luke) referring to ‘spiritual’ brothers?
The context provides the answer. The fact that Jesus’ brothers are mentioned here in addition to his Apostles, disciples, and his mother (Mary), indicates that these were fleshly brothers (other children of Mary).
Caesarea Philippi
While some Bible critics have claimed the Gospel accounts weren’t written for more than a century after Jesus’ death, internal proofs, such as Matthew’s use of this city name, show that this Gospel account had to be written prior to the middle of the First Century. For, archeologists have found that the Romans changed the name of this city, which is located at the northern tip of ‘the Promised Land,’ about 50-C.E. from Caesarea Philippi, to Banas (meaning Baths). Since this fact would have been lost to history just a few years after that date, it proves that the Book of Matthew had to be written shortly after Jesus’ execution and before 50-C.E.
For more information, see the linked document, The Bible’s Internal Proofs of its Authentic History
Cain’s Wife
One of the most commonly asked Bible questions is: Where did Cain get his wife? Yet, the answer is quite simple; he married one of his sisters (Genesis 5:4). Understand that the Bible only lists the births of principal characters, such as Cain, Abel, and Seth (from whom we descended). But Adam and Eve obviously had many children, both sons and daughters.
Does marrying a sister sound immoral or illogical? Well, it was a common practice in Bible times. Take for example, the righteous man Abram (Abraham). He married his half sister Sarah. Their common father was Terah (see Genesis 20:12). Then Abraham sent his servant to his closest relatives to take a wife for his son Isaac, who married his first cousin, Rebecca, who was also a granddaughter of Terah. This pattern followed through with the wives of Isaac’s sons Jacob and IshMaEl, who also married first cousins that were descended from Terah. So, what we call incest today wasn’t illegal or immoral in early Bible times.
Called and Chosen
There seems to be quite a bit of difference between the Bible’s use of the words, called, and chosen, and their implications for the people involved. For, notice what Jesus said (as recorded at Matthew 22:14): ‘Many are the called but few are the chosen (gr. polloi eisin gar cletoi, oligoi de eclectoi).’ And this verse could be possibly even be translated as ‘Many are the nominated but few are the elected.’
These words of Jesus seem to put an end to the notion that everyone who is called by God was foreordained to a favored position before his/her specific birth. Rather, what is implied in this parable, is that there would be people in general (not specific individuals) who would be chosen from among a larger number of those who are ‘called.’ Because, as Jesus makes clear here, not all who are among the called (or the nominated) to this hope are thereafter counted among the chosen (elected). For, why would God call people if He already knew that there was no chance of their being chosen?
Notice how this was stated at Revelation 17:14; for there we are told: ‘Then they will go and fight against the Lamb. But, because he’s the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb and those who are with him (the called, elected, and faithful) will conquer them.’
So, ‘the called’ also have prove faithful in order to become ‘the elected’ who will serve with Jesus.
Yes, that was the point of Jesus’ parable at Matthew 22:1-14, which (as Jesus said) was an illustration concerning ‘the Kingdom of Heaven.’ In that parable, many were initially ‘called’ to the banquet of the King, but they didn’t want to come. The obvious reference here is to the Jews who were invited first to become kings in that Kingdom, but who, for the most part, rejected the invitation.
The king then ordered his slaves to go out into the streets and ‘call’ anyone who wishes to come to the banquet. These words obviously refer to the calling of people of the nations, or the gentiles (gr. tas ethne – the ethnics).
So, is this parable talking about being called to heaven to rule there with Jesus… for isn’t the wedding banquet for God’s son to be held in heaven, and aren’t those who are invited to God’s banquet the bride who will be with Jesus in heaven? We have always thought so, but notice that the guests in this parable aren’t referred to as virgins (as was the case of those mentioned in Revelation 14:1-4). Rather, they are called ‘both the wicked and the good,’ which is a strange way to refer to the ‘Saints.’
Next, as the parable continues, the king noticed a guest who wasn’t properly dressed for a wedding feast (he didn’t have the required qualities). This guest was then bound and thrown back outside (but not killed). So, as you can see, he was called but not chosen. Now, if we were to assume that this banquet is held in heaven… since the man was already there at the feast, we must ask: Was he then kicked out of heaven… and if so, we would also have to ask, Then, why was he taken there to begin with?
Now, we do suspect that there are those who are taken to heaven to rule with Jesus, but if so, they are likely the bride at the wedding feast, not the guests (see Revelation 17:7-9). For, notice what Paul said of himself at Philippians 3:11, ‘… so I can somehow be found worthy of an out-resurrection from the dead’
What was Paul talking about here? It appears as though; when speaking of ‘the out resurrection,’ he was saying that although he had been ‘called,’ he may not have been ‘chosen’ yet for heavenly life. That this is what he was likely talking about, can be seen from what he said at Philippians 3:12, ‘[I’m not saying] that I’ve made it yet, or that I’m already perfect.’ Then he continued with the words (at Philippians 3:14), ‘I’m running toward the goal, the prize of the higher (gr. ano – upward or higher) calling from God, through the Anointed Jesus.’
So, notice that the Bible speaks both of a ‘calling’ and of an ‘upward calling,’ which we assume refers to being called to heaven. And how would Paul know that he had been ‘chosen’ for this lofty reward? It appears as though such a person must first endure incredible suffering for his/her beliefs (as did Jesus), for notice what Paul wrote at Romans 8:17, ‘We have to suffer together so we can also be glorified together.’
Such suffering must be much more than what is typical of the suffering and death of mankind. Does this ‘suffering’ require a dying a martyr’s death? That seems to be the gist of the prophecy at Revelation 6:9-11, which says, ‘When he opened the fifth seal, I saw the lives of those who had been slaughtered because of the Word of God and because of the testimony that they gave, underneath the altar… Then they were each given a white robe and they were told to take it easy just a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow slaves and brothers was filled (who were going to be killed, as they were).’
But, in the case of Jesus’ words found Matthew 22:14 (‘Many are called but few are chosen’), we would have to conclude that God calls many people from among mankind to become His faithful slaves and to thereafter attend the wedding banquet of the Lamb (whether in heaven or earth is not stated), but not all who are called are found worthy.
Camel or Rope?
It has been argued that Jesus’ use of the word camel, at Matthew 19:24, was really a humorous play on words. For, if he was speaking in Aramaic (which many claim he was), the word he used was gâmla, which means both camel and rope. However, in translating his words to Greek from Aramaic, the word camelon was probably selected, which only means camel.
So, if the above assumption is true (that Jesus said gâmla in the Aramaic language), what he was really saying is that it would be easier to ‘thread a rope through the eye of a needle.’ In the context, rope does seem to make more sense than camel, and this amusing play on words (camel/rope) would have helped his listeners to remember the idea of his parable.
Capitals in Bible Names
You have likely noticed that we are putting some of the letters in Bible names in capital letters. For example, we’ve started spelling such names as Jonathan as JoNathan, Isaiah as IsaiJah, and Eliezer as EliEzer. Why? Well, partly to help with the correct pronunciations of the names, and partly to show some translating consistency.
We all know that the common English pronunciation of Jonathan (for example) is Jon-uh-thun. But did you know that the first part of the name (Io in Greek, Ieho in Hebrew) refers to the name Jehovah, and the second part of the Name (Nathan) means Gift? So, the name was originally pronounced closer to Ye-hoh-nuh-thahn.
In the case of names that end with an iah, as in Isaiah, the last part of the name often includes the name of God. Isaiah, for example, means Salvation [of] Jehovah, and it was originally pronounced Ee-sai-Yah. So, why have we substituted a capital ‘J’ for the letters ‘ie’ in both of the above cases? Well, we recognize that there is an inconsistency here, because there was no letter ‘J’ in Hebrew or Greek alphabets. However, we have the choice of changing all names that start with ‘J’ (such as Jesus, John, Jonah, Joshua, Jeremiah, etc.) to start with the letters ‘Ie’, or for consistency, we can change all the ‘Ies’ into ‘Js’, which is what we have done. Realize that several other Hebrew consonants are commonly mispronounced in English, which no one objects to, so this minor deviation should not be objectionable to the thinking.
Does this mean then that we are setting out a new rule for name spelling? Absolutely not, for centuries ago, a Bible translator first established this rule when he spelled the name Eliou (Greek spelling, pronounced ay-lee-ou) and wrote it as EliJah, because this name is regarded as meaning ‘My God is Jehovah.’
Also notice that where a name ends with an iah, as in Jeremiah (Jehovah exalts), we have often spelled it as iJah, because the I would typically be pronounced as a long E, followed by a Y in Hebrew, and writing it without the I (as in JeremJah) misses this nuance. So, we have rendered it as JeremiJah, which is similar to the way it is often pronounced by modern-day Hebrew-speaking Jews, YeremiYah.
Another important word in names that we usually capitalize is ‘El’ (from the Hebrew Elohe, or God). So EliEzer (which people commonly pronounce Eelai-eezer and means God [has] Helped) should actually be pronounced El-ee-eh-zer. The same is true for the letters Ai, especially in the names of cities, because Ai in Hebrew refers to the word city. So, AiLam (for example) probably meant the City of Lam.
Similar words, such as Bel (as in BelShazzar), Baal, and Beel, refer to ‘the Lord’ or ‘the God.’ Also, the prefixes ‘Ben’ and ‘Bar’ mean ‘the son of.’ ‘Beth’ means ‘the house of,’ ‘Beer’ refers to a ‘well,’ ‘Is’ or ‘Ish’ means ‘Man,’ etc.
Does this mean that we have put all the capitals in the right places? No, for we make no claim to Hebrew scholarship (all our translating here has been from Greek). So, what we are trying to do is provide a better understanding to how these names were pronounced by First-Century Christians.
Captives and Gifts
At Ephesians 4:8, Paul (quoting the words of Psalm 68:18), wrote: ‘He stepped up into the highest place, and carried off captivity as a captive; then he gave gifts to the men.’
This has been a very difficult verse to translate in both places (Ephesiansd and Psalms), for neither the OT nor the NT texts agree with each other, and neither appears to make any sense in the original language. The Greek text of Ephesians 4:8 literally reads: ‘anabas eis hypsos echmaloteusen aichmalosian kai edokendomata tois anthropois,’ or, ‘through/which he/is/saying Having/stepped/up into height he/led/captive captivity and gave gifts to/the men.’
Whereas the Septuagint shows Psalm 68:18 as saying, ‘You/ascended into the/height you/captured captivity you/received gifts by (or in) men.’
And the Hebrew text at Psalm 68:19 reads literally, ‘you/ascended to/the/height you/led captive you/received gifts from/the man.’
So, you can see that the meanings differ widely, for the NT text says that Jesus GAVE the gifts, while both OT texts say that he RECEIVED the gifts. So it is obvious that there are errors in at least two of the texts, and perhaps in all three. Which is the correct rendering?
Since he had God’s Holy Breath, and because he was using older OT texts than we have today, we are going to trust that Paul came the closest to quoting what the Psalm originally said. And to be sure; when attempting to arrive at the proper translation of a scripture, it helps to take a look at what the preceding and following verses have to say, to see if the words being translated harmonize with the context.
Notice the context of Ephesians 4:8 from the preceding verse (7). There is says: ‘Now, the amount of caring that was shown to each of us depends on how much of the Gift the Anointed One measured out to us.’ So, the scripture Paul quotes in the following verse was used to show that the Gifts were being measured out to men in the congregation. Therefore, from the context, we must assume that the words of Paul are correct, and that Jesus gives Gifts (of the Spirit) to righteous men.
But, what about the words of verse eleven where Paul said, ‘kai autos edoken tous men apostolous tous de prophetas,’ or, ‘and to/them he/gave those indeed apostles, those but prophets,’ or as we rendered it, ‘Then he gave them those who are Apostles, those who are Prophets (etc.)?’ Whereas some Bible translators have assumed that men with special gifts were being given as gifts to the congregations, the rest of the context shows that all in the congregation were given (at least one) of these Gifts, and together they make up one body. Therefore, it appears as though the reference at Ephesians 4:8 is to the Gifts of the Spirit that Jesus gave to the men, which made them Apostles, Prophets, etc. So we have translated the verses as shown above.
Chest of Proofs
We are sorry to use such an unfamiliar term, but Ark of the Covenant may not accurately describe the sacred box that eventually held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the writings of Moses and Joshua, the manna, and the walking stick of Aaron. First, the meaning of the ancient English word ‘ark’ has been lost in history. And the second word, ‘covenant’ (meaning, sacred agreement) isn’t always used as part of the name in the Greek text. In some places it is called the kiboton marturion, which literally means Box [of] Testimony. So, although it may have been built to illustrate the Sacred Agreement (Covenant) between God and the Israelites, it was also built to hold the Proofs of the things that God did for Israel. So, wherever the words kiboton marturion appear in the text, we have called it the Chest of Proofs. But it was also referred to as the Chest of the Sacred Agreement (or, Ark of the Covenant) at Exodus 27:21, for example, so that term must also be correct. However, after the Israelites settled in the Promised Land it was always referred to as the kiboton marturion, or the Chest of Proofs.
Unfortunately (during the time of Samuel and the High-Priest Eli), the Philistines captured the Chest, emptied its contents, and then returned it to Israel empty, because, their having it brought a plague on them (see 1 Samuel 6:12). However, later, during the time of King Solomon, the sacred tablets containing the Ten Commandments were found to be still in the Chest, but nothing else (see 1 Kings 8:9); so we have to assume that they had been found and returned.
ChoBar River
Just where was the Prophet Ezekiel when he received his many visions and words from God? He says that he was along the ChoBar (pronounced kuh-bar) River, in the land of Babylon… and many assume that he was living in Babylon along its Grand Canal (which could still be true). However, note that living in the land of Babylon isn’t necessarily the same as living in the City of Babylon, for the land of Babylon covered a vast empire. And although the kings of Babylon did deport and resettle nations that they captured, it is likely that only the royalty were taken to their capital city. So, the Jews may have been deported to some other location in that land, which would explain why Ezekiel speaks in awe of faithful Daniel, but provides no record of speaking or dealing with him directly, which you would expect if they lived nearby. However, even Daniel didn’t live in Babylon after it was invaded, but in Persian Susa, where he was taken by King Darius, shortly before his death; for what is thought to be Daniel’s tomb is still found there (see the link Susa).
A likely location for their resettlement, is west of Babylon and directly north of Palestine, on the eastern side of the land of Syria. For, there we find a river with a name that is similar to ChoBar, the Khabour (see Khabur River), and many Bible scholars now accept this as the site of that relocation and as the place where Ezekiel did his writing.
This location seems far more likely, for Ezekiel’s prophecies were primarily against Judah and Jerusalem, and it was there that they were to be written or heard. Yet, this would be difficult if Ezekiel did his prophesying and writing in Babylon, which was a three-month journey away.
Christian
Much has been made of the fact (by a few) that, although this Bible translates the Greek word Christon (Christ) as Anointed One, we have left the words Christian and Antichrist unchanged. Why is this?
Under the Note heading ‘Who are God’s Anointed?’ we pointed out that Christon means Anointed or Chosen One, and using the Anglicized corruption of the Greek word (Christ) doesn’t really convey the proper meaning to most Bible readers today. This is why, rather than speaking of Jesus as the Christ, we have chosen to speak of him as the Anointed One.
However, this isn’t the case with the word Christian (which literally means Followers of the Anointed), because, nothing is commonly misunderstood about that term. Rendering it as ‘Anointed One-ians,’ or anything similar, would simply be confusing, since the term Christian has been the name that has universally applied to Jesus’ followers since the time of the Apostles, and it doesn’t lead to a misunderstanding, as does the word Christ. This is also the reason why we have left the word Antichrist unchanged.
Please note that the purpose here is not to use obscure terms for consistency, but rather, to help readers understand the true meanings of the words that are used in the Bible.
For more information, see the linked document, Christians, Jews, and Moslems.
Cosmos or World?
In Jesus’ discussion about the sheep and goats found at Matthew 25:34, he said, ‘Then the king will tell those on his right, Come, you who’ve been praised by my Father, inherit the Kingdom that’s been prepared for you from the founding of the world.’
In Greek, the words we have translated as founding of the world are katabole cosmou, or down-throw arrangement. You may recognize that the English word cosmos is a derivative of cosmou. And cosmos (which we pronounce as cas-mose, but the Greeks pronounces as caus-moss) is the word that modern peoples usually use when referring to the universe today (thank you Mr. Sagan). So, why have we translated it as world, and what is meant by the term, founding of the world?
Actually, cosmos is used many times in the Bible and in many different ways. For example, when Paul urged Christian women to dress modestly, he used the word cosmos to describe well-arranged clothing; and arrangement is probably the closest English equivalent of the word. So, it isn’t always translated as world in any Bible.
And although it has been said that the word world doesn’t appear at all in the Hebrew texts of the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (Old Testament), it really does appear there several times in the Greek Septuagint. And the reason why they say that world doesn’t appear there, is because the equivalent Hebrew word is translated (in different Bibles and in different places) as arrangement, ornamentation, honor, delight, universe, earth, army, etc.
Yet, in the Christian Era Scriptures (NT), where cosmos appears several times, it is usually translated as world… such as the world of Noah, the light of the world, the field is the world, etc. So, the term doesn’t seem to apply to the earth, but rather to the arrangement of human society on the earth.
Actually, two different Greek words are often translated as world in the Septuagint, cosmos and oichonomeo; and oichonomeo does appear to refer to the earth, because it means the habitation, or, the place where [man] dwells. So the Septuagint (OT) clearly delineates these two words (that are both commonly translated as world).
But notice how the word cosmos was used by Paul at Romans 5:12, ‘Sin entered the world (cosmos) through one man, and this sin resulted in death. So, death spread to all men and everyone has sinned.’
Thus, it seems likely that the arrangement we call ‘the world’ started around the time of Adam’s sin in Paradise, when man created for himself and all life on earth a new arrangement or set of circumstances (which was something other than what God had planned). We have come to this conclusion based on the many scriptures that refer to the world in a negative context, and the fact that it (the current set of negative circumstances) will soon be done away with.
Yet, the Scriptures also indicate that the present world (arrangement) began after the Downpour of Noah’s day, and Noah inherited the world prior to that time. For, notice what we are told at Hebrews 11:7 ‘Because of his faith, Noah (after being given a divine warning of things he hadn’t seen yet) trusted in God and built a large chest to save his family. And due to this righteous faith, he condemned the world and became its heir.’
Also notice what was said at 2 Peter 2:4, 5, ‘Why, God didn’t spare the messengers who sinned, but by threw them into the dark pits of Tartarus, where they are awaiting His justice. And He didn’t spare the first world. Yet, He guarded Noah (who was a preacher of righteousness) along with seven others, when He brought a downpour on a world of godless people.’
So, apparently there have been two different worlds or arrangements; the one that Noah inherited that started before the Downpour, and the second one that we are now living in, and which the righteous will inherit at its destruction. For, we read at 1 John 2:17, ‘And the world with all its desires is passing away, but the one who does what God wants remains through the age.’ And Romans 4:13 says, ‘Abraham and his seed weren’t given the promise of inheriting the world because of the Law, but because of his righteousness, which came from his faith!’
Thus (from the above), we have concluded that: What Jesus said about the Kingdom having been prepared for the sheep since the founding of the world, must mean that the Kingdom was God’s plan for the righteous since at least the time of the Downpour, and possibly since the time of Adam’s sin in Paradise.
Cross or Pole?
The Greek word stauros simply means pole. So, regardless of popular tradition and doctrine, there is no mention of a pole with a cross piece (cross) in the original Bible. Also, the Greek word staurotheto (which is translated crucified or hung on a cross) is translated as impaled (put on a pole or stake) here, because that’s what it means.
Does this mean that Jesus didn’t die on a cross? Not necessarily, for there is a lot of historical evidence, which indicates that he did. Yet, whether the Romans used just an upright pole or one with a cross beam as a means of torture and execution is really unimportant. However, if one views such a thing as an object of worship (which many do), then this is condemned in the Bible as idolatry… and they are also missing the point. For, what should be held as sacred to us is the one who gave his life on our behalf, not the disgusting object of his execution.
Crowns, Turbans, and Diadems
In the Bible, we read of two different types of royal headgear that was worn by Kings… crowns (gr. stephanos) and turbans (gr. diademas). Which did the kings of Israel, such as David and Solomon, wear?
A study of history shows that most kings wore some sort of hat on official occasions, which varied by time and by country. The gold headpiece that was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, for example, was not referred to as either a crown nor a turban. But in the Middle East, the common headgear for kings was usually a turban that was set with gold and jewels. And this custom remained true, for the most part, throughout history, because crowns were generally thought of by the faithful as representing the rays of the sun (an idol). However, golden crowns were used by pagan kings in many places throughout the world, as their sign of appointment by God.
The first mention of a crown being worn by a king of Israel is found at 1 Samuel 12:30, where King David took the gold crown from the head of the Ammonite king of RabBath, named Malchom, and placed it on his own head. However, it doesn’t appear as though this was the custom of kings of Israel thereafter, for the placing of Malchom’s crown on his head seems to represent David’s victory, not his envy of the Pagan king’s headgear. And the fact that all Israelite men wore turbans can be seen in the depictions of Israelites in war scenes from Assyria that are currently on display at the British Museum.
If you study uses of the word crown in the Bible, you’ll see that most instances are talking about the top portion of the head, not a hat. However, there are notable exceptions to this.
At Revelation 12:3, the dragon is shown as having seven heads and ten horns, and ‘on its heads were seven royal turbans.’ We have translated this verse as saying that they were ‘turbans,’ because the Greek word used there was diadema, or through wraps, indicating that he was seen wearing turbans (although many religious depictions incorrectly show him wearing crowns).
However, there appear to be good uses in the Bible for the word crown as a symbol of athletic victory, not necessarily of kingship. Take for example, the following occurrences:
So, if it is true that the crown is more a sign of victory (a garland) in the Bible than of kingship, this gives us a better understanding of verses such as the following:
Daniel 12:4
It has been brought to our attention that there is a major discrepancy between the wording of Daniel 12:4 in the Hebrew and Greek texts. The Greek text reads: ‘And you, O DaniEl; cover the words and seal the scroll until the time of the end when many will be taught and the earth will be filled with unrighteousness.’
However, the Hebrew text reads (NAS): ‘But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.’
Which is correct? Well, it has been suggested that: ‘The Greek translators apparently misread one letter in the word, for the only difference in the Hebrew words for knowledge and evil is one letter. And the only difference in the two letters (for knowledge or evil) is one little tail.’
So, some have assumed that the Greek translators missed seeing the small tail on the letter, and misread the Hebrew word, resulting in a mistranslation.
However, things are not always as simple as that, for a more modern Hebrew scribe may well have misread the letter and mis-written the word. We say this because we have found many obvious errors in the modern Hebrew texts (as we have found in the Greek texts).
Notice that there are other notable variations in the texts, for the Hebrew text says that ‘many will go back and forth,’ while the Greek text says that ‘many will be taught.’ And it is our opinion that the Greek text is correct here.
It is interesting that another Bible translation (The Bible in Basic English) reads: ‘But as for you, O Daniel, let the words be kept secret and the book rolled up and kept shut till the time of the end: numbers will be going out of the way and troubles will be increased.’
Anyhow, we’ll allow that either translation may be correct. That’s why we have added this linked Note.
David Dancing Naked
The account at 2 Samuel 6:14 well illustrates the reason why we have come to trust the Greek text over the Hebrew text. For in the Septuagint, King David is described as wearing a fine robe (στολην εξαλλον) while he danced in the parade leading Jehovah’s Sacred Chest into Jerusalem for the first time. Whereas, the Hebrew text says he was wearing just a linen ephod (vest). So, when his wife Michal accused him of exposing himself while he danced, the conclusion that many translators have made from the Hebrew text is that he celebrated bringing Jehovah’s Chest to Jerusalem by dancing naked from the waist down. This doesn’t sound appropriate or likely. Rather, the Greek text shows that he was fully covered in fine clothes, and Michal’s accusation was probably the hyperbole of a disgusted wife who didn’t think that her husband was behaving as her father Saul would have done.
So, did David actually expose his sexual parts? Well, apparently the ancient Israelites wore no underpants beneath their robes, so lively dancing could have theoretically exposed their under parts, but the rest of Michal’s and David’s words seem to indicate that she was more concerned by his dancing than with the idea that he had truly exposed himself.
Day and Hour
Many people have said that it is futile to try to determine when ‘the Day of the lord’ will arrive, because of Jesus’ words that are found at Matthew 24:36, which say, ‘No one knows the day and hour – no, not the messengers of heaven or the Son, but only the Father.’
However, notice what Paul wrote at 1 Thessalonians 5:3, 4, ‘And whenever they’re saying Peace and security, destruction will come on them instantly like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they won’t escape! However, brothers, you aren’t in the dark… so that Day shouldn’t sneak up on you like thieves! Why, you’re all sons of light and sons of the day… and we don’t belong to night or to darkness!’
From Paul’s words, we can conclude that; although the ‘day and hour’ wasn’t known when Jesus was on the earth, world conditions (and specifically a world-wide cry of ‘peace and security’) would give clear indications of an impending end to this old worldly age, so that true Christians who are awake won’t be surprised at its coming.
You might also notice that Jesus spoke these words in connection with his return and his rewarding of his faithful slaves or doorkeepers. For more information, see the linked document The Faithful and Sensible Slave.
Day of the Lord
Throughout the Bible, we find references to ‘the Day of Jehovah,’ and ‘the Day of the Lord.’ Are both of these references to the same time, and if so, how do we know?
There is no conflict between the two Days; in fact, they appear to be the same. Notice what we are told in the Revelation, when it is speaking of the beginning of that Day (at Revelation 12:10), ‘This is the moment when the salvation, the power, the Kingdom of our God, and the authorization of his Anointed One began.’
As you can see, the purposes of that Day are tied together. For, the establishment of God’s Kingdom (with the battle in heaven and the ouster of the Opposer and his messengers) and the authorization for Jesus (the Lord) to rule appear to begin at the same time.
So, does the Lord’s Day begin when the things spoken of in the Revelation start to happen? It appears to be so, because it starts out with John’s words (at Revelation 1:10), ‘Through the Breath [of God] I found myself in the Lord’s Day.’
What are some of the features of that Day? Well, they appear to start with the ouster of the Opposer and his messengers from heaven (See Revelation 12), which is followed by the destruction of ‘The Great Babylon’ (See Revelation 17, 18). Then in rapid succession there comes the ‘marriage of the Lamb’ (acceptance of the rest of the Anointed ones to heaven?), the Battle of Armageddon, the abyssing of the Opposer and his messengers, and the resurrection (see Revelation 19, 20). And finally, the Opposer is released for a short time, which precipitates the battle against Gog of Magog , and which is thereafter followed by the descent of ‘New Jerusalem’ to the earth, and the making of the ‘new earth and sky’ (see Revelation 21).
Also, in the prophecy found at Joel 2:1-12, ‘the Day of the Lord’ appears to start with the destruction of Jerusalem by worldly armies (the destruction of The Great Babylon?), and this is followed by the destruction of the worldly armies (see Joel Chapter Three). And in between these two events, we read of the marvelous outpouring of God’s Breath upon His faithful servants (Joel 2:28-32).
Peter wrote in length about this period, and at 2 Peter 3:7 he wrote: ‘What’s [now] in store for the earth and skies is fire, which [will come] during the Judgment Day, when godless men will be destroyed.’ And although many misinterpret these words as describing just the destruction of the wicked at Armageddon, the context shows that he was looking at a much longer period of time, the total ‘Lord’s Day’ or ‘Judgment Day’… the ‘thousand-year’ period spoken of at Revelation Chapter Twenty. For, what he said about the burning of the earth and sky and of the ‘new earth and sky’ corresponds exactly with the end of the thousand years and the promises found at Revelation 21:1.
So, from the periods described in the Revelation; near the end of Jesus’ thousand-year reign, there will be a judgment of the wicked (those who join with Gog of Magog) and they will be destroyed. Then there will be a ‘new earth and a new sky.’ What does that really mean? Perhaps we’ll all have to live to see it to be sure.
Dedicated to Destruction
The instruction that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, as found at Leviticus 27:28, 29, has long confused Bible scholars. These verses appear to imply that any human who was dedicated to God should be put to death as some sort of a human sacrifice. For earlier (in verses one through seven), we read of people offering themselves and their families to Him. Was this indicating that they were the ones to be put to death?
No, for the verses are talking about two different sets of circumstances. However, much has been written about these verses, and there still seems to be some confusion.
The specific words found at Leviticus 27:29 read (in Greek), ‘Kai pan ho ean anathete opo ton anthropon ou lytrothesetai alla thanato thanatothesetai,’ or, ‘And all those who/are cursed of the men not ransomed but die the/death.’
So, as you can see, these verses refer to those who have been cursed (anathema), and it implies a vow to dedicate vile persons or nations to death. There is no indication (or record of) people being offered for sacrifice at Jehovah’s Temple. So the verse implies a vow to destroy those whom God deems worthy of destruction.
An example of the outworking of such an oath can be found at Numbers 21:2, 3, where the Israelites swore an oath to God to dedicate a particular group of Canaanites to Him if He would give them the victory over these enemies. The account says, ‘That was when Israel swore a vow to Jehovah, saying, If you will hand them over to us, we will dedicate them and their cities to You.’ So, Jehovah heard the voices of [the people of] Israel and gave the Canaanites into their hands, then they [totally destroyed] them and their cities. And they started calling that place The Cursed.
Demonized Man
In the account found at Luke 8:26-39, Jesus encountered a man who was possessed by many demons, which Jesus drove from him and sent into a nearby herd of pigs. And as Jesus was leaving, the man asked Jesus if he could come with him, or if he could become one of Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus told him no, and to just return to his town and tell people what had happened. These actions of Jesus may seem strange, because he had never declined an offer for someone to become a disciple, nor did he want people spreading the news about his miracles. Why did he react so differently in this case?
Well, notice that this land was outside the borders of Israel, in a Greek settlement called the DecaPolis (Five Cities), near one city that may have been called Geras (since it was called the land of the Gerasenes). So, the man was likely a gentile, for he lived in a gentile land (notice that they were herders of pigs, which were unclean animals to the Jews). And since Jesus’ commission from God was to go to the Jews and the related Samaritans, this gentile would have been an inappropriate disciple in the land of Israel.
Demons
2 Peter 2:4 speaks of ‘messengers’ or ‘angels’ who were put into ‘Tartarus’ for bad acts they committed during the time of Noah. Genesis 6:3 speaks of these as ‘sons of God’ (gr. uioi tou Theou) and it tells of their coming to earth to marry ‘the daughters of men’ (gr. thygateras ton anthropon). However, these ‘sons of God’ don’t appear to be quite the same as the ‘messengers’ who are to be thrown out of heaven during ‘the Lord’s Day,’ mentioned at Revelation 12:7-9. Since the ‘sons of God’ who came to earth and assumed human bodies in Noah’s day couldn’t be destroyed by the downpour (flood) and they had forsaken heaven, they were apparently put into a prison-like state here on the earth, where they are no longer able to roam. This group is specifically referred to as the demons in the Bible.
It is interesting that; except among modern materialistic and scientific societies, demons are recognized as real throughout the world by almost all of its religions. And such universal acknowledgement by diverse peoples with no cultural ties, is one of the strongest arguments for their existence.
Demon is a Greek word that seems to be derived from diameno, which means fixed in one place. From other Bible accounts about demons, it appears as though this ‘fixing in one place’ means that they must be associated with either living or non-living things, which is referred to as ‘possession.’
At Acts 17:18 the Epicureans and Stoic Philosophers of Greece asked about Paul’s teaching a ‘foreign demon.’ And although most translations render his words as ‘foreign god,’ they truly said ‘demon’ (gr. daimonion). This is also true of Paul’s reply found at Acts 17:22, ‘Men of Athens; I see that you have a greater fear of the demons than do others.’
The reason why this term was used is obvious: The many pagan idols and Gods of Athens, although made of metal and stone, had the backing of demons. And the people recognized the power that was given to these lifeless objects through ‘possession’ by their gods.
Did Aaron Personally Make the Golden Calf?
Although the Bible text of the creation of the golden calf in the desert seems to indicate that this was the personal handiwork of Aaron, the next verse indicates that he had likely authorized someone else (skilled craftsmen) to do the actual work, because, he didn’t build an Altar to it until after he saw the idol. So, the reason why he was spoken of as ‘making’ the calf, was because he was responsible for building it… and that’s why we have rendered these texts as we have… to clarify that point. He likely didn’t have the necessary craftsmanship skills to do the work.
Also, notice that the calf was supposed to represent Jehovah, so the people didn’t really think of themselves as worshiping another god. They just wanted something they could SEE to worship, like the gods they could see in Egypt… ‘memory aids.’ And since a calf was often the first (and most valuable) sacrifice offered, this might have been the reason for its being carved into that shape. However, remember that God had already forbidden making or using idols, and that’s why He was so displeased. They shouldn’t have needed anything to see as proof that He was there.
Why wasn’t Aaron held more to blame for his part in building the idol? Apparently, God still saw something good in Aaron. Remember that the previous few Chapters told of what God was saying to Moses while he was on the mountain, and He knew what was going on down below. Yet, God still spoke of the honor and position that was to be shown to Aaron and his sons.
This situation may be very difficult for many to understand, because of the history of knowledge that we have accumulated about God today. However, what most people don’t realize is how rudimentary the knowledge and ideas about God were at the time… even for Aaron. Because, prior to the previous few months (during which they had been delivered from Egypt), there had been little contact with God for a couple of hundred years! So, the proper ways of serving God had been forgotten. And as the result, God had to start from scratch in building and shaping a nation of worshipers… and they had to be taught some very hard lessons along the way; and often, death was involved, because people had to understand that this was a life-and-death matter.
Notice too that when Moses asked, ‘Who is on Jehovah’s side?’ and assembled a small army to slaughter the unfaithful, ‘the Sons of Levi,’ which could have included Aaron and his family, came to Moses and took their stand for Jehovah as their God.
Did an Angel Want to Kill Moses?
The words of Exodus 4:24 have long been a source of doubt and concern to most Bible students, because, what is said in both the Hebrew and Greek texts, is that an angel wanted to kill ‘him’ at an inn. For, the person mentioned in the preceding verse was Moses, so we would logically conclude that he was the person whom the angel was planning to kill. Of course, this scenario is illogical, because God had just commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that His people be freed. So, why would a messenger from God try to thwart God’s plans?
The fact that a specific person isn’t mentioned in this text, allows that the ‘him’ spoken of here, wasn’t Moses. Frequently, this portion of the Bible uses personal pronouns such as ‘him’ without disclosing who it is referring to. And that’s why you will often find names in brackets [ ] in this Bible, to clarify the name of the individual who is being spoken of by the use of a personal pronoun.
Note in this case, that the person who was spoken of in the following paragraph (in connection with this event) is Moses’ son. And his mother apparently saved his life by circumcising him right there on the spot. Why was this important? Because God’s instructions to Abraham were that every Hebrew male was to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. And if that wasn’t done, he was to be put to death (see Genesis 17:14).
So, the ‘him’ that was in danger of being killed by God’s messenger, was Moses’ son, since God’s Law had been violated by his not being circumcised.
Why hadn’t Moses circumcised his son? We don’t know, but the fact that his mother circumcised him, likely indicates that she was the one to blame… and she knew it. Remember that her father, Jethro, is described as being ‘the priest of Midian.’ Thus, he could have been a priest to a pagan god. And if so, this may have been the reason why she opposed the circumcision of her son.
Did God Create Evil?
The wording of Isaiah 45:7 has created quite a debate among some, for they have drawn the conclusion from this text that God is responsible for everything, including good and evil. So, they have concluded that man has no choice in his destiny. And for a fact, the wording of this verse could be construed to mean that, for it says in Greek: ‘εγω ο κατασκευασας φως και ποιησας σκοτος ο ποιων ειρηνην και κτιζων κακα.’ Or: ‘I prepared light and made darkness; the/One who/made peace and created bad.’
As translators, our understanding of this scripture is simply that God created all things, which includes good things and the bad things (mosquitoes?). He wasn’t saying that He instituted badness; but whether something is good or bad, it is He who created it, for nothing came into existence except from God.
So, it was with this thought in mind, and in an attempt to maintain the poetry of the text that we translated the verse as, ‘It is I who prepared light and I who made the darkness. It is I who made the good and the bad.’ (Notice that we chose the word from the Hebrew text, good, rather than the word from the Greek text, peace, because that appears to be the correct choice for the text).
Recognize that; almost all of the book of Isaiah was written as Hebrew poetry, and if you understand that style, you will realize that the phrase ‘I created bad’ is the natural following of the words ‘I made the peace (or the good),’ just as the previous stanza, ‘I formed the darkness’ follows ‘It is I who prepared the light.’
Notice that the word often translated by others as evil in the Septuagint (but which we usually translate as bad) is kaka. However, the better choice of Greek words to translate as evil is ponerou. An example of the common English translation of kaka as bad, is found in combined words, such as cacophony (meaning bad sound, not evil sound). And translating this word as evil (although a synonym for bad) gives the misleading nuance in English, of God creating what is wrong. However, the point of the text is simply that He created all things, not the bad motivations behind them.
A good way to illustrate the meaning of God’s words in Isaiah, is to take a look at His creation of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (spoken of at Genesis 2:9). There the Septuagint does speak of ‘το ξυλον του ειδεναι γνωστον καλου και πονηρου (kalou kai ponerou, or, good and evil).’
In this case, God clearly created the tree that delineated the difference between good and evil (ponerou). However, He didn’t create the results and force a wrong outcome upon man. Rather, He allowed man the freedom of choice to do good or to do evil. So, God’s words in Isaiah don’t prove that man has no choice of whether to do good or evil, as some are now saying. Rather, in the light of Genesis 2:9, it appears to prove the opposite.
Dip or Sop of the Last Supper
The Bible tells us that Jesus and his Apostles ate yeast-free bread during his Last Supper, and that they dipped the bread into something that was in a bowl (or bowels) that ancient Bibles referred to as a sop. Exactly what was this sop… was it a gravy?
Actually, it was likely a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and salt, which has been a favorite dipping sauce for bread through countless generations (try it sometime if you are unfamiliar with it). We know that it likely wasn’t gravy or meat sauce, because the lamb was to be sacrificed and eaten on the following night (see the link, The Passover and the Lord’s Evening Meal), and meat wasn’t normally eaten with every meal in ancient times. However, the Bible does tell us that part of the Passover celebration involved the eating of bitter herbs and bread (along with the wine), and surely salt and olive oil were used to add flavor and to soften the hard bread.
Disgusting Destroyer
History shows us that ‘the disgusting destroyer’ (gr. bdelugma tes eremoseos), which Jesus spoke of at Matthew 24:15, proved to be the armies of Rome (with their pagan standards or flags) when they camped around Jerusalem’s walls in 66-C.E. Christians in the city recognized this as the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about its imminent destruction, and fled Jerusalem into the nearby mountains. Then, in the year 70-C.E., ‘all these things’ ended when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.
Since this prophecy of Jesus was compound (it appears to have more that one fulfillment), there must also be a modern ‘disgusting destroyer,’ which will be ‘standing in the Holy Place,’ and which Christians must watch out for. What will that prove to be?
It appears as though (as with the armies of Rome and their standards) modern armies (with their flags) will start an attack against the modern equivalent of Jerusalem, Christian religions, but not finish the battle. That will be a sign to those who are true Christians, to flee these failed institutions, because the armies will soon return for a final destruction.
Divine Habitation
There are several places throughout the Bible where the Greek word naos is used, which is commonly translated as temple, and that could in fact be the correct translation. However, the Greek word for temple is ierou, so it would be presumptuous to translate both words as meaning the same thing. As the result, we have often translated naos into other words, such as Divine Habitation, which is what naos actually means, for the Greeks used that word to describe the heavenly dwelling place of their gods.
Dogs
The first mention of dogs as human companions in the Bible is found at Exodus 11:7, where Moses was promised that in Egypt, ‘not even a dog will snarl at a man or an animal’ among the Hebrews. So, we must conclude that dogs were kept as companions among them, and were likely used to herd their cattle.
The next mention of dogs was when God was giving them commandments as to what the Israelites could and couldn’t eat. We find this at Exodus 22:31: ‘And you must be holy [people] to Me. You must not eat the flesh of wild animals. You should throw it to the dogs.’
So, we know from this account that dogs also traveled with the Hebrews into the desert during their forty-year trek, and, since they weren’t allowed to eat them, into the Promised Land.
According to historians, the people who lived in the land of Canaan (such as the Israelites) were possibly the first to domesticate dogs and keep them as pets, for the Latin name for dogs, canis appears to have come from the term Canaanite.
Downpour
The Greek word that is used throughout the Bible to describe the great flood of Noah’s Day is cataclysmos (it’s where we get the English word cataclysm). However, cataclysmos doesn’t mean flood. Cata means down and clysmos means pour, so the word is correctly translated as Downpour here.
Dragon
That the Bible speaks about what is translated as dragons several times, raises some interesting questions. The dragon (although supposedly a mythical animal) is one of the world’s most widely recognized creatures. It is highly regarded in the Buddhist religion and is seen in ancient religious carvings from around the world. This testifies that people have believed in the existence of dragons for as far back as human records go. Why?
Note that dragons are thought of as animals with the bodies of snakes (gr. orphis), but they also have feet and legs. However, other Bible references seem to imply that the ancient use of the term dragon (gr. drakonta) and its apparent Hebrew counterparts, leviathan or behemoth, were used to describe any sort of fearsome wild beasts.
What was the dragon? Revelation 12:9 tells us, when it says, ‘So, the huge dragon was thrown out. He is the first snake, the one who is called the Slanderer and Opposer, who is misleading the whole earth.’
So from the above, we see that this vision in Revelation identifies the dragon as ‘the Opposer’ and ‘the Slanderer,’ and it says that he was the first snake, the one who seduced Eve in the ‘Paradise of Delights’ (see Genesis 3:2).
The fact that the dragon is viewed as a snake with legs in religious legends throughout the world, testifies to the fact that people everywhere once believed in the Bible account in Genesis, and they also believed that when God cursed the snake to ‘travel on its chest and belly,’ it lost its legs.
It is interesting that dragons are also part of the folklore of Europe, for who hasn’t heard the story of St. George and the dragon. Yet, if you read that story, you’ll see that it is actually an allegory about man’s fight against sin and the Slanderer. So in that case, it refers to the original dragon, or the first creature of terror.
Notice that faithful Job asked God (at Job 7:12), ‘Am I the sea or the dragon that guards it?’ This view that a dragon guarded the edges of the seas was common throughout Europe until after the Sixteenth Century, for dragons were usually drawn at the edges of maps of seas during that time. Yet, the actual original reference may have been to animals and fish that men feared and didn’t understand (fearsome beasts), not snakes with legs.
However, notice how vividly Job described the Slanderer as the dragon at Job 26:12, 13, where we read, ‘By His strength He has settled the sea in its bed, and in His wisdom He’s filled it with whales. The bolts from the skies stand in awe of Him, and He’s ordered the death of the dragon that rebelled.’
We find a whole Chapter in Job (Chapter 41) that is obviously a description of the evil one, but has gone mistranslated for centuries, simply because its meaning has been misunderstood. Other Bibles speak of a leviathan or a behemoth here, and some of a crocodile. However, in the Septuagint, we find no name at all or any explanation, leaving us to guess what is being described.
It is unusual that some translators have thought that this creature was a crocodile, for crocodile is a Greek word that is easily recognized, since it is spelled almost the same as in English. There is one place where that word is found in the Law of Moses, at Leviticus 11:25, when listing animals that shouldn’t be eaten, and in that place, most Bibles also translate the word crocodile wrong.
Yet, if you read the text of Job 41, you’ll see an obvious reference to a fire-breathing dragon. For notice how verses 18-21 describe it: ‘His sneezing brings about brightness, and his eyes are like the morning star. From out of his mouth comes burning lamps, like the scattered grates of a fire. From out of his nostrils comes the smoke of a furnace, burning with the fire from coals. His life is much like live coals, and flames shoot from his mouth.’
At this point, critics could say the Bible was talking about a mythical dragon, and others would say that God is describing a wild ox. Yet, notice the further description in verses 31, 32: ‘He breaks from the abyss as though a brass cauldron; he thinks of the sea as his own ointment jar, and the abyss of Tartarus as his captive. For, to him the abyss just a promenade.’
If you examine these verses, you’ll see that God is using cryptic text to explain to Job just who is to blame for his problems. Yet, the word Tartarus (the place where evil gods are sent) isn’t found again in the Bible until the reference at 2 Peter 2:4, and the only mention of his coming out of his prison (pit or abyss) is found at Revelation 20:7.
Clearly, this second-to-the-last Chapter in Job, as in any good writing, brings back into play all the characters that the book started with.
Then, why did Jewish scribes and translators have so much trouble understanding this Chapter, that there are obvious deletions? There are four likely reasons:
· They didn’t believe in fire-breathing dragons
· They didn’t know that the Slanderer was the dragon
· They didn’t know of the Slanderer’s position in Tartarus or the pit
· A correct understanding would have linked the Book of Job to the Scriptures of the Christian era.
It is interesting that we again find mention of a dragon at Isaiah 27:1, where we read: ‘In that day, God will bring His great, holy, and strong sword against the dragon – the crooked and fleeing snake – and He will do away with the dragon, the one in the sea.’ This is an obvious reference to the destruction of the same dragon mentioned at Revelation 12:9 above, but it goes unnoticed in Hebrew texts, where the word leviathan is once more misunderstood. Of course, the word dragon is of Greek origin, so its use came after the Hebrew text was written; and regardless of popular (mis)conceptions, leviathan is probably its Hebrew equivalent.
What is particularly interesting about this scripture, is that it speaks of the dragon from the sea in the same words as found at Ezekiel 32:2, where the reference is obviously to the land of Egypt and to its destruction. And you will also find references to the land of Egypt in the song of Isaiah 26, 27. However, this song seems to speak of some future time when God’s people (Israel) are released from a symbolic Egypt at Armageddon, for notice the words of the prophecy found at Isaiah 26:19-21, which say:
‘We will not fall, though others will fall,
But the dead will be raised from their tombs.
Then all on the earth will be joyful,
For, as dew You’ll send them a cure,
While the lands of the godless will fall.
Proceed, O my people, to enter your bedrooms…
Go inside and lock your doors,
Then hide in there for a while!
Because this will happen, then that;
And the rage of Jehovah will pass.
{Look!} From His Holy Place Jehovah sends rage,
Upon those who are living in the land.
Then the ground won’t cover all the blood,
And it will not cover those He destroys.’
So, Egypt seems to be used here as a symbol of the godless nations that are destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16) and the dragon that represents them, appears to be the Opposer.
Dragon’s Messengers
At Revelation 12:9 we read, ‘He (the dragon) was thrown down to the earth along with his messengers. In Greek, the word that is translated as messengers is aggeloi (angels). So, God and Jesus have their ‘messengers,’ and the Slanderer and Opposer has his. How many? Revelation 12:4 says that ‘he drags a third of the stars of heaven.’ So it looks like the dragon has great (but limited) success.
Are these messengers ‘demons?’ No, for demon (gr. diameno) appears to mean fixed in one place, which describes the ‘sons of God’ who came to earth and assumed human bodies in Noah’s day. Because they had forsaken heaven, they were put into a prison-like state here on the earth during ‘the (Great) Downpour. From other Bible accounts about demons, it appears that this ‘fixing in one place’ means that they must be associated with either living or non-living things, which is referred to as ‘possession.’
However, notice that the ‘messengers’ in John’s vision still had access to the heavens until they lose the battle there in ‘the Lord’s Day.’ At that time, they are thrown to the earth, but there is no indication that they become fixed to objects or people. So, this may be the reason why the Revelation refers to them as ‘messengers,’ not as demons.
Why would ‘a third’ of God’s heavenly messengers choose to follow the dragon in rebellion? While the Bible deals with the extent of the earthly rebellion against God, one can only imagine the full extent of the heavenly rebellion.
A glimpse into the type of offer that the Slanderer might have made can be seen by the offer that he made Jesus after his 40-day trek in the desert. Luke 4:6 tells us, ‘Then the Slanderer said, I’ll give you power over all of these and the glory of them, because they have been given to me and I can give them to whoever I wish.’
So, the Slanderer has power over all the governments of the world, as the above statement shows (also see Revelation 13:7). And offering heavenly messengers their own worldly governments, empires, and possibly even religions, must have been the enticing lure… POWER!
Earning a Living from Religion
At 2 Corinthians 2:17, Paul wrote, ‘We aren’t like others who are peddlers of the word of God (gr. kapeleuontes ton logon tou Theou). Rather, we speak sincerely through the Anointed One.’
Obviously, Paul is making the assertion here that he didn’t believe in making a comfortable living by preaching God’s Word. In fact, Paul bragged of his working as a tent maker, so he could provide God’s Word without cost to the congregations. And as he says here, he often did without, simply because he refused to ask for help.
However, it must be admitted that on other occasions, Paul spoke of his ‘authority’ to be supported in his preaching. So such material support isn’t necessarily wrong. But, let’s examine why Paul chose not to depend on others to support him in his service to God. Notice his reasoning, ‘Rather, we speak sincerely through the Anointed One.’
Now, the problem with trying to teach those who pay us to do so, is this matter of sincerity. If your livelihood depends on their goodwill, will you truly tell them what needs to be said? The answer is obvious.
Eating Jesus’ Flesh and Drinking His Blood
At Jesus’ ‘Last Supper,’ which fell on the first day of the Jewish celebration of the Passover, he instituted a ritual that he told his Apostles to continue to do in memory of him and of his death. At Luke 22:19, 20, we read: ‘Then he took a loaf [of bread], gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them saying, This is my body, which is being handed over for you. Keep doing this in memory of me. And he did the same thing with the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new Sacred Agreement of my blood, which is being poured out for you.’
Notice that he didn’t say this means; he said this is (gr. tauto estin). However, contrary to the beliefs of some (that these emblems actually become flesh and blood), they were appear to be just symbols. So, partaking of Jesus’ ‘flesh and blood’ likely symbolizes that those who do so are expressing their desire to become a party to the ‘New Sacred Agreement.’
Speaking ahead of time of this ritual, Jesus said (at John 6:53-56): ‘I tell you the truth, if you don’t eat the flesh of the Son of Man or drink his blood, you won’t live. For, if you chew my flesh and drink my blood, you’ll have life within yourself, and then I’ll resurrect you on the Last Day, because, my flesh is truly food and my blood is truly a drink. Those who chew on my flesh and drink my blood will stay in me and I [will stay] in them.’
It is interesting that these words of Jesus were considered disgusting to most Jews that he was speaking to, for their dietary regulations (from the Law) forbade drinking any blood or eating unclean (human?) flesh. As the result, many of Jesus’ disciples stopped following him at that time. So surely, Jesus said this to test and cull out those who believed in his miracles, but wouldn’t understand his death and resurrection. However, Jesus’ Apostles stayed, because, as Peter said, ‘Lord, who should we go off to? You say the words of life in the age, and we have known and believed that you’re the Holy One of God!’
When should this Memorial of Jesus’ Death be observed? The fact that it was instituted on the Passover, gives us a clue. This Jewish Observance was held annually on the night of the new moon closest to the Spring Equinox in Jerusalem. And what the Jews were celebrating was symbolic of Jesus’ death, namely, the saving of the Israelite ‘firstborn’ when God’s messenger brought the last plague on Egypt (which resulted in God’s people being set free). For more information, see the linked document, The Passover and the Lord’s Evening Meal.
Who should partake of the symbolic bread and wine at that time? The Scriptures say, those who want ‘life in the age’ and who wish to be resurrected ‘on the Last Day.’
For more information, see the linked document, ‘The New Covenant.’
Eating Meat
(NOTE: Two views are offered here, to represent the differing opinions of our advisors and staff.)
View 1: It would be foolish to attempt to draw conclusions as to whether animals killed and ate meat before the time of Adam. If they did, that apparently wasn’t God’s purpose thereafter, because, notice what He said, as recorded at Genesis 1:30, ‘[I have given] greenish-yellow plants as food to all the earth’s wild animals, all the winged creatures of the sky, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground and have life’s breath.’
So, with the commission that was given to Adam (at Genesis 1:28), the state of all animals was to change; for notice what God told him: ‘Rule over the fish of the seas, the winged creatures of the skies, all the herding animals of the ground, all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground, and the whole earth.’
Thus, men were given total responsibility over all the animals and the whole earth. And God’s instructions (that animals were just to eat vegetation) may have been what Adam and his descendants were to enforce as part of their responsibility of rulership. However, this perfect purpose ended (at least for the time being) with the rebellion in the Paradise.
Notice that; from the start, men were also just to eat vegetation. For, Genesis 1:29 says, ‘Look, I have given you all the seed-bearing plants for planting that are on the entire earth, as well as all the seed-bearing trees for planting, as your food.’ So, men were apparently supposed to be vegetarians.
We don’t know for sure what men actually did prior to the downpour… but they likely did eat animals after they were expelled from the paradise. The fact that Able was a herder of animals would suggest that they did. Remember; Cain was the farmer.
However, after the downpour, God’s instructions to men changed (likely in recognition of what men were actually doing). From that point on, men could eat any sort of animal. For, the dietary restrictions (to eat just ‘clean’ animals) were only given to the Israelites. But, notice that men had apparently already drawn some line for themselves as to what was clean (edible) and what was unclean (inedible), since God’s instructions to Noah about the types of animals that were to be brought into the Chest mentioned both types; the ‘clean’ (such as cattle) and the ‘unclean.’ And all of this was probably based on each animal’s diets and habits.
That this arrangement of eating animals didn’t really please God, appears to be indicated by the tone of His words to Noah, when He told him that men could eat the animals. Notice what He said at Genesis 9:3, ‘All living and slithering animals can serve as meat for you. I’ve given them all to you as though they were green vegetation.’
There was just one restriction that God gave when it came to eating meat (something that is commonly disregarded by many people today): they were not to eat the blood, which God indicated is the source of the animal’s life. Pouring the animal’s lifeblood out (as a symbolic sacrifice) seems to indicate that the permission for men to eat animals was something temporary, and pouring out the blood is our way of acknowledging the sacredness of all life.
But, what about God’s requirements to offer animal sacrifices to Him on a daily basis in Israel? Doesn’t this prove that God approves of the slaughtering of animals? Well, it appears as though even this was man’s idea, and that God simply allowed it to happen. For, notice what God Himself said concerning this at Jeremiah 7:21-23:
‘Gather all your whole burnt-offerings,
Along with all your sacrifices,
And then just eat all the meats!
For, I didn’t tell your fathers to do this,
Nor did I give them such instructions,
On the day that I led them from Egypt's land,
[To bring me] whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
The only instructions I gave them,
Is to pay attention to My voice! [I said],
I will be a God to you,
And you will be a people to Me,
If you will walk in My ways,
And do whatever I tell you is good.’
View 2: From the words of Genesis 1:29, some have concluded that man was originally meant to be a vegetarian. It reads, ‘Look, I have given you all the seed-bearing plants for planting that are on the entire earth, as well as all the seed-bearing trees for planting, as your food.’
Does this mean that eating animals was wrong in God’s eyes and that men were supposed to be vegetarians? Not necessarily, for remember; the only rule God gave to humans was the prohibition of eating of one tree. Perhaps a better understanding can be had if we compare the next verse and see what God gave the animals for food. Genesis 1:30 reads, ‘[I have given] greenish-yellow plants as food to all the earth’s wild animals, all the winged creatures of the sky, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground and have life’s breath.’
At this verse, the animals were likewise given plants for food. Does that mean that the animals did not kill and eat other animals before and during the time of Adam? Surviving on plants alone would be extremely difficult for many animals, and downright impossible for some. Consider sharks, whales, and almost every fish, members of the cat family, birds of prey like eagles and falcons, and odd animals like anteaters; all of them are designed to eat other animals. Therefore, their designer obviously meant for them to do just that.
With that in mind, it is quite likely that humans were likewise intended to be omnivores. Perhaps that is what is implied by the words recorded just prior to this at Genesis 1:28, where God told Adam: ‘Rule over the fish of the seas, the winged creatures of the skies, all the herding animals of the ground, all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground, and the whole earth.’
If Adam and Eve did not eat meat, the fact that Abel was a herder of animals would suggest that their children did. Abel’s killing and offering an animal to Jehovah even garnered him favor; while Cain (the farmer), living mostly or entirely on plants, did not have Jehovah’s favor (Genesis 4:3-5).
It is also interesting that throughout the Bible there is a definite distinction between wild animals and domestic animals. We tend to divide land animals as reptiles, insects, mammals, etc., but the text of the Bible originally divides them as wild and domestic, and later as clean and unclean. Remembering that this division helps us to understand scriptures such as Isaiah 11:6-9, as well as understanding what conditions were like in the Paradise.
Men were apparently already aware that some animals were clean (edible) and others were unclean (inedible), since God’s instructions to Noah about the types of animals that were to be brought into the Chest mentioned this division (Genesis 7:8).
Then after the downpour, God’s instructions to men changed. From that point on, men could eat any sort of animal. There was just one restriction that God gave when it comes to eating meat (something that is commonly disregarded by many people today): they were not to eat the blood, which God indicated is the source of the animal’s life (Genesis 9:3-6).
Although man was given all the animals for food, this does not mean he could wantonly kill them without drawing Jehovah’s anger. The scriptures show us that animals are alive, the same as humans, and that life is precious to God. Pouring the animal’s lifeblood out (as a symbolic sacrifice) is a way of acknowledging the sacredness of life, and that the position man holds over the animals is only due to Jehovah, the source of all life.
Eating with Unwashed Hands
The Greek word (found at Matthew 15:2, 20) aniptois means unwashed or common, so, the account there tells of how the Apostles had simply failed to wash their hands before eating, and the Pharisees were objecting to this. It is often said that the Pharisees were objecting because the Apostles hadn’t performed a ‘ritual washing’ (to the elbows). However, the words clearly indicate that isn’t what the Pharisees had accused them of here.
The people of the southern Province of Judea believed in washing their hands vigorously (scrubbing) before eating a meal. Yes, it was a religious thing, based on a desire to be a clean people. They also rinsed vegetables that they brought from the market and washed their dishes (see Mark 7:2-4). However, these weren’t Galilean customs (Jesus and eleven of his Apostles were from Galilee). And notice Jesus’ conclusion to the matter, as found at Matthew 15: 20, ‘Eating with unwashed hands doesn’t dirty a man.’
Of course, Jesus wasn’t really condoning or promoting eating without washing hands. As the Son of God, he knew that disease and infection could be spread that way. What he was concerned with is a far more important matter. For, what the Pharisees were doing was taking Bible principles (such as cleanliness) and turning them into laws (which the Pharisees were also doing to promote disregard for parents).
For more information, see the linked document God’s Laws and Principles.
Edem
Don’t confuse this name (Ed-em) with Edom (Ed-om), although they both have similar meanings, referring to something that is red. For, Edom is the name of the land that belonged to Isaac’s son Esau, and Edem is the name of the land in the east where the Garden of God was located, and from which we get the name Eden.
Notice that, different from the Hebrew text which refers to the Garden as Eden, the Greek text says the garden was called the Paradise of Delights, and that it was located on the east side of the land of Edem. This description, which is more involved than what is found in the Hebrew text, is one of several that give these translators the opinion that the Greek texts are likely more accurate than the existing Hebrew texts.
Some think that the Greek text is in error when it describes one of the rivers of Edem as flowing around the land of Ethiopia, whereas the Hebrew text says that it flowed from the land of Cush. However, there is no error here, for Cush means Black, and Ethiopia is just the Greek word for the Land of Blacks. So, when the Bible says that the headwater of the Geon were in Ethiopia, it isn’t necessarily referring to the same land east of Egypt that we call Ethiopia today. Rather, it refers to the land of the descendants of Cush, wherever they were living at the time.
Notice that; it appears as though, when Moses was writing the early Genesis account, he gave the location of pre-Downpour lands by using locations and peoples post-Downpour names. So, describing the ‘Paradise of Delights’ as being located on the east side of the land of Edem provides us a physical location, which was a place that was known after the Downpour. And where is Edem?
A people called the Sons of Edem are mentioned in other scriptures, such as 2 Kings 19:12 (4 Kings 19:12 Sept.), where the Assyrians were taunting the people of Jerusalem by bragging about the cities they had conquered. In the Septuagint, it says the Sons of Edem were conquered at ‘Thaesthen’ (‘Tel Assar’ in Hebrew), meaning, the Hill of Blacks. This is consistent with the Bible’s description of the people who lived in that land as being the descendants of Cush.
Since this conquest of Edem is mentioned along with the conquests of Golan, Haran, and Rezeph (cities of MesoPotamia), it can be assumed that this land is located somewhere west of Assyria. And recent research indicates that the land of Edem (or Eden) may well have been north of where most people think of it as being (in southern Iraq). For, its location is likely where you’ll find the headwaters of the Tigris, Euphrates, and two other rivers (that are probably the Geon and the Phison, since they have similar names today), near the foot of Mt. Ararat in modern Iran, SW of Tabriz in Azerbaijan, a place that was inhabited by the Medes in the 7th Century B.C.E.
Notice that the Bible account does speak of these rivers all coming together in Edem (or Eden, which most people think of as being the garden). And if this was near Babylon, a geographical map shows that this has never been true. However, the Hebrew words that are usually translated as saying that the rivers come together in four heads, may also be translated as saying that the headwaters of these four rivers are found in that land. So, that is how we have translated it as reading.
Obviously, the present country of Ethiopia is not the original location of the headwaters of the River Geon that flowed into Edem (Eden). For, not only is that unlikely geologically and geographically, but the Bible’s account about the sons of Edem and the location of the Hill of Blacks, indicates that the descendants of Cush who live in Ethiopia today, originally lived in areas of modern Iran and Iraq, and they were then relocated to Ethiopia, perhaps after their defeat by the Assyrians. The fact that Cush’s son Nimrod founded many cities in Iran and Iraq, bears this thought out.
Was there a man named Edem, from whom the land in Iran at the foot of Mt. Ararat derives its name? That could be, but since Edem appears to mean red earth, the term sons of Edem could also mean sons of the red earth, after the bright red ochre soil, which is found near Tabriz. It is interesting that the name Adam also seems to imply Red Earth, so the Septuagint spelling of the land (Edem) appears to be correct, and soil from that area (SW of Ararat) could also be the dust of the ground from which Adam was made.
By the way; There may also be another mention of the land of Edem (in the Septuagint) at Amos 1:5, which reads, ‘The tribe of the men of Edem I’ll cut to pieces, and the best men of Assyria will be captured, says Jehovah.’
However; although the Hebrew texts somewhat agree by describing the people there as the House of Eden, other Septuagint versions speak of them as being the men of Charran, or likely the land of Abraham’s brother, Haran.
For more information, see the attached document, ‘The Bible’ s Internal Proof of Its Authentic History.’
Elder or Overseer
The term overseer implies a misleading nuance in American English… but it’s still the best word to use. The Greek word that overseer is translated from is epi-scopos, which literally means on-looker (not as a person who is ‘over’ anyone). So, the term doesn’t imply a higher position, but that of a caretaker.
A synonym that is used in the Bible for ‘overseer’ is ‘elder’ (presbyterios – older man). Christian elders were always males, and their job was to shepherd and teach the congregation. Another common English word for overseer is bishop.
The early Christian congregations may have been governed by bodies of elders who were appointed by the Apostles and their representatives. For, this arrangement is similar to the way the cities of Israel were governed.
The Scriptures show that such men were to meet high standards of conduct and reputation. And although Paul doesn’t mention it specifically, such individuals were expected to be able to make wise decisions and to show signs of having God’s Breath. Notice that these were the first qualifications for all Servants in the Christian Congregation, for Acts 6:3 (where the first ‘servants’ were appointed) says; ‘So, brothers, find seven qualified men among you who are filled with wisdom and the Breath [of God].’
So, should such an appointment be given to a man who isn’t known for his wisdom? If you read the Proverb you’ll repeatedly see the need to appoint just those who have proven themselves wise as judges and councilors. As Solomon wrote (at Proverbs 22:29), ‘An observant man and one sharp in his ways, will also stand beside kings. Never stand beside the dull witted.’
Were the qualifications for elder appointments that are listed at 1 Timothy 3:2-7 also to be used as the standard for removing elders? Paul gave no such instructions and there are no examples of this happening in the Bible. It appears as though the position of elder (older man, mayor, alderman, bishop, etc.) was a permanent appointment that would only be lost when the man dies, if he is found guilty of scandalous behavior, or if he should leave the primary doctrines of the faith.
Notice the list of qualifications that Paul gave Timothy to look for. The candidate must be someone who is:
· Free from accusations
· A husband of one wife
· Moderate in his habits
· Sensible (wise)
· Friendly to strangers (hospitable)
· A (qualified) teacher
· Not addicted to alcohol
· Not headstrong
· Not quarrelsome
· Not a greedy person
· One who takes the lead in his family
· Has children who obey him seriously
· Not a newly converted man
· Someone who is spoken well of by those outside the congregation.
For more information, see the linked document Arrangement of the First Christian Churches.
Empowering the Priests
At Exodus 28:37 we read: ‘Then you must dress your brother Aaron and his sons, and anoint them [with oil]. Empower them and make them holy, so they can serve Me as Priests.’
However, this entire verse reads quite differently in the Hebrew text. There is no mention of anointing or empowerment. So, we wonder which is correct, and we have no frame of reference to determine what was meant here (if the Septuagint is the correct rendering).
In Greek, the words that we are concerned with are kai empleseis auton tas cheiras, or, and fill of them the hands.
Since Aaron and his sons are being spoken of in the previous part of the sentence as being anointed with oil, the natural assumption is that the oil was to be allowed to run into their hands. However, we find the same pair of instructions at Exodus 29:7-9, and there the Hebrew text agrees with the Greek. So, as one Bible translation puts it, their hands must be filled with power. In this case, the Greek text reads, kai teleioseis Aaron tas cheiras autou kai tas cheiras ton uion autou, or, and finish Aaron the hands of him and the hands of the sons of him.
So, since both instructions seem to follow the same sequence and both speak of a similar act, we have concluded that both verses are saying that Aaron and his sons were to undergo some sort of empowerment ceremony following their anointing.
Eroticism of the Bible
While men self-righteously proclaim rules of proper sexual thoughts and conduct between men and women, the Song of Solomon is filled with words that openly describe sexual desires and actions, and with many other words that appear to have a double entendre, and which appear to have no other purpose or meaning.
Eue, Euan, or Eve?
There seems to be a contradiction between the Hebrew and Greek texts over the name of the first woman. In fact, there is even an apparent contradiction between the Greek texts, because she is referred to as Life (Greek: Zoe – pronounced zoe-ay) at Genesis 3:20, but as Eue or Euan (pronounced Eu-weh or Eu-wan) at Genesis 4:25. However, there is no contradiction, just a difference in languages. The Greek word found at Genesis 3:21 (Zoe) means Life, and the word (אֶת־חַוָּה or H'Hawah) found at Genesis 4:1 also means Life in Hebrew.
It may be hard for some to understand how H'hawah came to be pronounced as Eve in English, but this probably comes from a later corruption of the Greek spelling of the Hebrew name Eue, because the Greek letter u looks like a v (ευαν). So her English name should be Life, but Eve has become the common mispronunciation.
Eunuchs
When we hear the word eunuch, we usually think of a man that has been castrated, because that’s what the term has come to mean through the years. However, when someone is described as a eunuch in the Bible, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he was sexually mutilated. In fact, during the reigns of faithful kings of Israel, such mutilation would have been considered repulsive, for a sexually-mutilated person, by Law, couldn’t serve as a Priest or worship at the Temple of Jehovah.
Does this mean then, that God dislikes men whose testicles have been forcibly or accidentally removed? No, surely the reasons for this law involved His knowledge that some men, in their desire to better serve Him, may have considered castration to remove any carnal desires; and He clearly didn’t want that to happen. So, God provided a law to disallow any who were castrated from serving Him in these special ways.
Now, the Greek word eunuch doesn’t really carry the meaning of castration. Rather, it means bed keeper. However, most bed keepers (or harem watchers) for kings were in fact castrated to keep them from temptation. Yet, notice that eunuchs are frequently mentioned in the Bible as holding other offices (such as the Ethiopian Eunuch), which didn’t necessarily require castration. So, why were they then referred to as bed keepers? Because the term had come under common use to apply to all trusted servants of kings.
Was Daniel (who served under the chief Babylonian eunuch) a eunuch? His position as a special servant to the king would indicate that he held the title of eunuch. But is it possible that he had also been castrated? Well, as an early captive from Jerusalem, he was likely a member of the nobility or royalty, and notice the prophecy that God gave to King HezekiJah (at Isaiah 39:7), where we read, ‘They will take your children – those who you have fathered – and make them eunuchs in the houses of the Babylonians.’
In the above case, the Greek word that we have translated as eunuch (which is also a Greek word) is castrati, or one who has been sexually mutilated. And the fact that there is no mention of Daniel having a wife or children, and that none of his descendants are listed among those who returned to Jerusalem, makes this a possible conclusion.
Expression of Judgment
The term, Expression of Judgment (gr. logeion ton kriseon) is what the Greek text tells us that God used to describe the special jeweled chest covering of gold cloth that the Israelite High Priest wore when he served on special occasions. It had twelve different types of gems, each of which had the name of one of the Sons of Israel engraved upon it. The different types of stones likely signified different qualities of these individuals and/or their tribes.
It is interesting that the names were to be of the Sons of Israel, not the names of the tribes, so it is likely that Joseph would supplant the tribal names of his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, and the Priestly tribe of Levi would have had its own stone.
Faith
The account at Acts 16:30-32 tells the story of a jailer who had just witnessed a miracle. And he asked Paul and Silas, ‘Lords; What must I do to get saved?’
And their reply was: ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.’ And the account continues, ‘Then they spoke to him and all those in his house about the Word of God.’
After reading this account, many have concluded that faith in Jesus is all that a person requires to be ‘saved.’ But, those who do so overlook the reasoning and the rest of the Bible’s instructions. For example, an accurate understanding of God’s ways and laws are also required, otherwise, Paul and Silas wouldn’t have bothered to go on and teach this man and his household ‘about the Word of God.’
Jesus’ half brother James wrote and felt strongly about this matter. For example, consider what he said at James 2:14, ‘What good does it do, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but isn’t moved to do anything about it? Can such faith save him?’ He answers this question at James 2:17, ‘So, faith that doesn’t do anything is dead.’
What type of faithful action was James saying was necessary to make our faith alive? He spoke of the need to be willing to help our brothers when they lack the necessities of life; to be just and forgiving of our brothers; and to live clean, honest lives. Then he concluded (at James 2:24), ‘So, just as a body that isn’t breathing is dead, faith without action is dead.’
False Brothers
At Galatians 2:4, Paul wrote about problems that he had with ‘false brothers’ (gr. pseudo adelphoi) that he had to deal with on his first visit to Jerusalem, following his conversion to Christianity. These may have been the same ones that he mentioned at 2 Corinthians 11:26, when he was talking about the many dangers that he had faced as an Apostle… and this was apparently one of the most treacherous of obstacles.
That such men were likely considered to be in good standing by others, is substantiated by the fact that they met Paul in the presence of what appeared to be the heads of the congregation in Jerusalem, specifically James, Peter, and John.
What was so treacherous about these men that Paul would list this encounter along with being stoned, beaten, and left for dead? He wrote that they ‘looked down on the freedom we have in the Anointed Jesus. And they wanted to make us their slaves…’
In other words, they were accusing Paul and trying to override the commission that he had directly received from Jesus in a vision. So, they were in fact, resisting and opposing God’s Holy Breath.
Apparently, some in the First Century congregation in Jerusalem didn’t care much for Paul and the work he was doing, and they were giving him orders on how he should conduct himself, to whom he should preach, how he should preach, and what he should say. They would have loved to have ended Paul’s commission to preach to people of the nations. So, their obvious lack of love for Paul and their high regard for their own opinions (which were likely pro-Judaism) came close to disqualifying them as Paul’s ‘brothers,’ although there is no mention of their being corrected by anyone at the time.
Note that Paul even reproved one of that same august body (Peter) for seeming racism in his dealings with Gentile converts to Christianity (Galatians 2:11). And then Paul was actually accused of teaching an ‘apostasy’ by them just before his arrest and eventual deportation to Rome (see Acts 21:21). It is interesting that this is the only Bible record of a Christian ever being accused of such a thing.
Fear or Respect?
The Greek word for respect (or value) is temer, while the Greek word for fear is phobou (as in phobia). You will often find phobou incorrectly translated as respect in some Bibles, especially when referring to wives in their relationships with their husbands. This is likely an effort on the part of some to make the Bible ‘politically correct,’ because the same word just a few verses away, when applied to slaves, is usually translated as fear.
What type of fear does the Bible mean? The same word (phobou) is used in other places to describe our relationships with God and Jesus, and we are to love them. So, phobou must imply a fear of creating displeasure, in the same way that husbands, wives, or slaves would fear (but love) God and Jesus. So, in several places we have translated phobou as [Godly] fear.
Fire of the Age
In Jude (verse seven), we read of how the people of Sodom, Gomorrah, and their surrounding cities were condemned to the fire of the age (gr. pyros aioniou). This term has long been translated as (and understood to mean) Hell Fire. Is that the fate of such bad people?
The problem with teaching that people don’t die but are tortured eternally for their sins, is that they must first have an immortal soul, or something that doesn’t die. However, the Greek word for immortality (athanasia or undying) only appears in the Bible three times (at 1 Corinthians 15:53, 54 and 1 Timothy 6:16), and there you will find that Jesus is immortal, and that God offers immortality as a reward to the faithful. So, sinners are never given immortality.
Then, what is the fate of unrepentant sinners? For the answer to that question, we must return to the words of God when He warned the first human of what would happen if he should sin. At Genesis 2:17 He told Adam, ‘You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Bad. Because, on whatever day you eat from it, your life will end and you will die.’
However, did God later create a Hell Fire and give men immortal souls so they could thereafter be tortured forever for their sins? No, for God’s warning is repeated at Romans 6:23, where we read, ‘For the wages that sin pays is death; but God’s gift is life in the age, by the Anointed Jesus, our Lord.’
So, God gives life (gr. zoe) and (in some case) immortality (gr. athanasia) as a gift to the righteous. But the wages of unrepented sin, is death (gr. thanatos).
Then, what did Jude mean when he spoke of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah as receiving ‘the fire of the age?’ The answer to this is found at Revelation 20:14, where we read, ‘The lake of fire symbolizes the second death.’
So, it appears as though death without the hope of a resurrection was the fate of those gross sinners that were killed by God when He rained fire down on them from the sky. They will be gone forever… burned through the ages, so to speak.
For more information, see the attached link, Is there a Burning Hell?
Fool, Foolish, or Uncaring?
The Greek word μωραι (pronounced, moe-ra-ai) is often translated foolish or fool in other Bibles. However, μωραι is what the English word moron is derived from. The term moron, as used by Jesus and his Apostles, doesn’t imply to someone who has no comprehension, as the medical term moron does today. Rather, it meant someone who knows right from wrong but just doesn’t care to do what is right.
The ten virgins of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25 weren’t just ‘foolish’ girls; they knew what to do and didn’t care enough to do it.
Footstool
Paul wrote (at Hebrews 1:13), ‘And to which one of his messengers did He ever say, Sit here on my right until I put your enemies on a stool at your feet?’
Throughout the entire First Chapter of Hebrews, Paul was quoting scriptures that referred to Jesus, which told of his earlier position as a messenger of God in the heavens. There he was emphasizing Jesus’ superiority to the other messengers, because (as Hebrews 1:6 points out), Jesus was God’s ‘firstborn son.’ And in this list of quotations concerning him, Paul cited David’s words from Psalm 110:1 (Psalm 109:1 LXX), where Jehovah said to Jesus (David’s Lord), ‘Sit on my right until I set your enemies as a stool at your feet.’
Just what was God saying here, and when would this prophecy be fulfilled?
The explanation and fulfillment of this prophecy is vividly described in Revelation the Twelfth Chapter. The Revelation was (as Revelation 1:10 says) a description of things that would happen in ‘the Lord’s Day.’ So, all of the things written there describe that ‘Day,’ which was still a future event at the time of John’s writing.
That ‘Day’ is apparently the same period that was described by Jesus (in Matthew 24 and 25), in his reply to the question his disciples asked, ‘Tell us; what will be the signs of when you are near?’ We say this, because there are several similar events mentioned in both prophecies.
Revelation 12:7-9 says, ‘Next, war broke out in heaven. MichaEl and his messengers went to war with the dragon, and the dragon and his messengers fought back; but he lost and could no longer stay in heaven. So, the huge dragon was thrown out. He is the first snake (the one who is called the Slanderer and Opposer) who is misleading the whole habitation [of man]. He was thrown down to the earth along with his messengers.’
Since this war in heaven was to happen in ‘the Lord’s Day, we must assume that the Slanderer and many of his heavenly followers still have access to heaven (they’re not in any ‘Hell’) until the beginning of the Lord’s Day, when they lose the battle there and are thrown down to the earth. Then, to give us some reference to the time that this happens, the account goes on to say (at Revelation 12:12), ‘This is why the heavens and those who live there should be joyful! But woe to the earth and to the sea, because the Slanderer has come down to you in a rage, knowing that he has little time.’
So, according to the prophecy, the period after the heavenly war would be marked by a special time of ‘woe’ for the earth – likely a time of world wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters, as foretold by Jesus at Matthew – and since this is a heavenly war (which results in Jesus’ enemies being thrown down to the earth), it is obviously what the scriptures at Psalm 110:1 and Hebrews 1:13 have reference to. And Isaiah 66:1 quotes God as saying, ‘The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool.’
Therefore, from the above, we must assume that after Jesus’ resurrection, he went to a position of favor at the right of God’s throne, from which position he has acted as the head of the Christian Congregation since his ascension to heaven. However, when the events of Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24 start to be fulfilled, his enemies are thrown down from heaven and ‘put at his footstool’ (the earth).
And notice what the account at Revelation 12:10 says happens in heaven at that time: ‘This is the moment when the salvation, the power, the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Anointed One begins. Because, he who has been accusing our brothers has been thrown down… the one who has been complaining about them day and night before our God!’
So, it appears as though this is the time (when his enemies are placed as a stool for his feet), that Jesus starts ruling as king in his Kingdom.
Foreign Wives and Children
While Ezra’s commandment for the people of Israel to send away their foreign wives and children may seem harsh and unreasonable, we want to understand that these wives likely weren’t proselytes of Judaism, but worshipers of foreign gods, and that was the reason for Ezra’s concern. Through the ages, anyone who chose to join with Israel and to start worshiping Jehovah was accepted as part of that nation; and there are many notable examples of this in the Bible. However, what had apparently happened after their restoration from Babylon, was that they were making marriage alliances with the pagan peoples of the land, which Jehovah forbade, and which was the sin of Solomon. So, these pagans were ordered to return to the homes of their parents.
Also notice that kindness was shown to these wives and children, because time was allowed, so as to not put them out in the cold, and many could well have been given some measure of the family inheritance when they left.
Foreskin
It appears as though God has provided a secret sign, known only to God and a person’s mate, to indicate righteousness or a desire to be righteous; the foreskin of the genitalia. On males, this is the extra fold of skin around the top of the penis; and on females, it is the small piece of skin called the hymen. So, whether this skin remains unbroken or is removed, is something that is quite secret and unseen by others, but known by God and one’s mate.
It seems unusual that both of these small pieces of skin appear to have been made to be broken or cut off without creating any long-term injury or harm; and in the case of the hymen, is exclusive to humans. So, it appears as though man was deliberately created with the extra fold of skin, so that those who wished to remain faithful could choose to indicate this desire before God in a very private way.
We first learned of the meaning and need for males to be circumcised, when God told Abraham that he, his entire household, and all his descendants should have their foreskin removed. Note what He said as found at Genesis 17:10-12, ‘This is the Sacred Agreement between you and your seed (through all its generations) and Me: All of your males must be circumcised. The foreskin of your flesh must be circumcised. This will be the sign of the Sacred Agreement between you and Me. You must circumcise all of your male children when they are eight-days old, throughout all your generations. [This includes all the] servants who are born in your house, those who are bought with money, and it includes the sons of aliens who are not your seed.’
It is also interesting that new-born males were to be circumcised on the eighth day after their birth, because that is precisely the best time to perform this delicate operation, since that is the time when the least bleeding will occur. Who would have known this, other than God?
It was later on, after the death of Jesus, when many gentile converts were coming into the Christian Congregation, that the question of circumcision arose, for circumcised Jewish Christians were demanding that uncircumcised gentile converts should also be circumcised. And when the matter was brought before ‘the Holy Ones’ in Jerusalem, they decided that physical circumcision was just a sign that God required of the descendants of Abraham. So, they decreed (as found at Acts 15:28, 29), ‘It’s apparent to the Holy Breath [of God] and to us, that we shouldn’t put any burdens on you, other than these necessary things: Stay away from things that are sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things that are strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you stay away from these things, you will do well. Good health to you!’
In other words, physical circumcision was no longer required. However, notice what Moses wrote (as recorded at Deuteronomy 10:16, 17), ‘So, circumcise the hardness from your hearts and don’t be [rebellious], for Jehovah your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords.’
As you can see, there is both physical circumcision and a spiritual circumcision, which both amount to a removing of the sign of impurity (for males).
Females, of course, were not to be circumcised, because their foreskin is a sign of their virginity. And although modern people call the practice of surgically removing the clitoris (as is practiced by many peoples on the African continent today) ‘female circumcision,’ that is just mutilation, not a removal of the foreskin.
What is the purpose of establishing virginity among women? Because God’s view is that a husband has a right to choose a wife of high moral character who is clean and untouched. And for this, He provided the sign of the foreskin, which bleeds when first broken in sexual relations. So in ancient Israel (and among other descendants of Abraham), the custom was to provide the blanket or rug on which the marriage was consummated to the parents of the bride, as proof that she was a virgin. For we read at Deuteronomy 32:13-15, ‘If any man should take a wife who he comes to dislike after he has lived with her, then starts saying bad things about her and calling her bad names, saying, When I took this woman and had sex with her, she didn’t prove to be a virgin, her father and mother must bring the girl’s proof of virginity to the elders at the city gate.’
And, just as one can choose to be circumcised in the heart, one can also choose to be a spiritual virgin, for at Revelation 14:4 we read of such individuals: ‘These didn’t dirty themselves with women. In fact, they are virgins who keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. They were bought from mankind [and offered] as the first fruitage to God and to the Lamb.’
What type of virginity is being spoken of here? This scripture isn’t talking about living the life of a monk or a nun, but of someone who has kept him/herself pure in their worship of God. A contrasting person would be one who the Disciple James spoke of at James 4:4, where he said, ‘Adulteresses, don’t you know that if you’re a friend of the world, you’re an enemy of God? So, whoever wants to be a friend of the world is putting himself down as God’s enemy.’
For a graphic description of what a spiritual whore is to God, read His description of the unfaithfulness of Judah and Israel, using the pseudonyms Aholah and Aholibah, as found in Ezekiel the Twenty-Third Chapter.
On the other hand; in the account of the Bride of the Lamb found in Revelation 19:7, 8, we read, ‘Let’s rejoice, shout in joy, and glorify Him, because it’s time for the Lamb’s wedding! His bride has prepared herself, and she was found worthy to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen. This fine linen represents the righteous actions of the Holy Ones.’
Of course, according to the Law of God, this bride of Jesus (the Lamb) has to be a virgin, because of his heavenly position as the High Priest before God. For, notice what God required of the brides of the entire Priesthood class of Israel (Leviticus 21:13-15): ‘He may only take a wife who is a virgin and from his own tribe… not a widow, a divorcee, someone who has been violated, or a prostitute. He may only take a virgin from his own people as a wife, for he must not profane his seed among his people. I am Jehovah who makes him holy.’
Fornication or Sexual Immorality?
The Greek word porneia means much more than copulation between individuals who aren’t married to each other. The term literally means that which is sold (by prostitutes). So, it includes all the types of services that might be sold by a prostitute, not just copulation. However, this includes such actions between unmarried ‘consenting adults,’ although there may be no exchange of money, because, where porneia is found in the Greek Septuagint, the Hebrew Law shows that it involves intimate relations between unmarried persons.
Because the English word fornication carries the nuance of just copulation between unmarried persons, we have used the broader term sexual immorality here to indicate the full range of the term.
Friends of the World
Of all the vices that religious people have, one of the most deadly is what James described as being ‘friends of the world.’ For, notice what he wrote at James 4:4, 5, ‘Adulteresses, don’t you know that if you’re a friend of the world, you’re an enemy of God? So, whoever wants to be a friend of the world is putting himself down as God’s enemy. Or, did you think that the scripture doesn’t apply that says, [God’s] Breath, which lives in us, tends to be jealous.’
Why did James write this? Well, notice his description of those Christians who are friends of the world. He called then ‘adulteresses.’ Why did he use that term? Well, Paul wrote of Christians at 2 Corinthians 11:2, 3, ‘I personally promised you in marriage to a husband as a chaste virgin, to stand beside the Chosen One. However, I’m afraid that somehow, in the same way that the snake cunningly seduced Eve, your minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are owed to the Anointed One.’
In what way are Christians to be ‘chaste virgins?’ As James was pointing out, they do this by staying free of this dying and condemned old world and its wicked ways. Notice how those who are found worthy to be kings in heaven were described at Revelation 14:4, 5, ‘These are the ones who didn’t make themselves unclean with women. In fact, they are virgins. They’re the ones who keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. They were bought from among mankind as first fruit to God and to the Lamb. No lies are found in their mouths and they don’t have any defects.’
So, spiritual ‘virginity’ is required to receive an inheritance in the heavens. How is this virginity obtained? Well, notice what was also said of these ‘spiritual virgins,’ at Revelation 20:4, ‘Next, I saw thrones. Those who were executed with axes for testifying about Jesus and telling about God, and those who hadn’t worshiped the wild animal or its image, and who hadn’t received the mark on their forehead and on their hand, sat down on them, and they were appointed judges. They came to life and ruled as kings with the Chosen One for a thousand years.’
What must a person do to avoid worshiping ‘the wild animal and its image’ and having its ‘mark?’ If you look up those scriptures and open the Notes there, you’ll find that these are the people who refuse to support the political goals of nations and men. Otherwise, those who claim to be virgins and to be promised in marriage to ‘the Lamb’ (Jesus) as members of God’s Kingdom, but who support worldly governments that are under the control of the Opposer and his demons, are in reality ‘adulteresses.’
Why, according to Revelation 16:14, these very governments (kings) will soon go to war against God. Notice what we are told there, ‘They were the inspirations of demons and they serve as signs. These [inspirations] went to all the kings of the earth to bring them together for the war of the Great Day of the Almighty God.’
Remember what the Opposer said to Jesus about the control that he had over ‘all the kingdoms of the world,’ at Luke 4:6, 7, ‘I’ll give you power over all of these and the glory of them, because they’ve been given to me and I can give them to whoever I wish. They will all be yours, if you will just bow before me.’
So, how can Christians who are promised in marriage to Jesus get involved in this world, its politics, or its wars, and still remain ‘chaste virgins’ who are worthy of becoming ‘one’ with him? As James concluded, ‘Whoever wants to be a friend of the world is putting himself down as God’s enemy.’
Funeral
At Ecclesiastes 7:2 we rendered the Greek words ‘Agathon poreuthenai eis oikon penthous’ as ‘It’s better to attend a funeral.’ Yet, a word-for-word translation says ‘Is/good to/go into a/house of/mourning.’ Why have we made this change? Because, modern terminology would refer to this as attending a funeral.
Gadflies or Stable Flies?
The fourth plague that God sent to Egypt prior to the Israelite exodu,s was a countrywide infestation of biting flies. The Greek word for them is kunomuian, which implies (and is often translated as) dog fly. And in other Bibles, they are called gadflies.
Unfortunately, both of those terms (dog fly and gadfly) are unfamiliar to most readers. However, when researching the term dog fly, we found that this is just another name for the common stable fly, which bites like a horsefly but is about the size of a housefly. That is why we have settled on this term.
Garbage Dump
The Greek word Gehenna is often translated Hell Fire. Yet, the word simply means the Valley (heb. ga) of Hinnom. The Valley of Hinnom (also referred to as ‘the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom’) was a garbage dump that was located along one of Jerusalem’s outer walls. It was a beautiful park before Jerusalem’s conquest by Babylon, but it was defiled when apostate Jews offered their children as sacrifices on an altar to the God Molech there (see 2 Chronicles 28:3). Then, after the repatriation to Jerusalem, the valley was used in a disrespectful way.
As a garbage dump, it was customary to keep the garbage burning to reduce the stench and to limit vermin, so sulfur and brimstone were frequently poured into the dump to keep the fires burning hot. This is why Jesus, when using the term, spoke of the fire as not being put out. Also, because worms (maggots) bred along the edges of the dump, he could say that the worms don’t die there. But there is no indication that he was really talking about humans.
The only cases where humans were actually thrown into Gehenna provides an insight into what Jesus was talking about when he referred to people going there: The dead bodies of particularly vile criminals were thrown into Gehenna’s fires whenever the population felt that they were undeserving of a decent burial.
As you read the Scriptures, you will notice the importance that Hebrews placed on being ‘laid to rest with their ancestors.’ So, when Jesus spoke of people being thrown into Gehenna, he was obviously referring to unrepentant sinners being thrown into the ‘garbage dump.’ In other words, in the eyes of God, they were unworthy of a resurrection. This same fate (of no resurrection) is implied by the death of the wicked Queen JezeBel, whose body was eaten by dogs.
Such an outcome for the willfully wicked is also referred to in Matthew’s account as the fire of the age. Why was that term used? Because fire destroys, and this destruction is for the ages.
For more information, see the linked document, ‘Is there a Burning Hell?’
Gays and Men Who Have Sex with Men
At 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, Paul profiles the types of people who ‘won’t inherit God’s Kingdom.’ Listed offenders include, as we have translated it herein, ‘gays and men who have sex with men.’
Recognize that the ‘gay’ lifestyle is usually (but not always) sexually promiscuous, so the acts involved in it also constitute porneia. And as with all others who are sexually immoral, they are counted among the rest of the unrighteous whose names have not been written in the Book (or Scroll) of Life.
Notice here, that Paul makes a fine distinction, which covers the full range of male homosexual behavior. The Greek word malakoi (translated ‘gays’ herein), means ‘softies,’ or ‘soft men,’ which is the modern-day equivalent to those who call themselves ‘gay,’ or those who enjoy having other men obtain sexual gratification from them.
The other term, arsenokoitai, which literally translates as, ‘male bed-ers’ and is rendered as ‘men who have sex with men’ herein, refers to amoral men who don’t consider themselves ‘gay,’ but are willing to take sexual advantage of other men, as was the case at Sodom.
Are such individuals ‘eternally damned?’ Not necessarily, for Paul referred to them as just ‘unrighteous,’ and he said that they wouldn’t ‘inherit God’s Kingdom.’ However, Paul wrote (at Acts 24:15) that there would be a resurrection for both ‘the righteous and the unrighteous.’ And the promise at Revelation 21:7 is that all who are resurrected and ‘conquer’ will ‘inherit these things.’
For more information, see the linked document, God’s Promise of an Inheritance, and the Note (from Leviticus) Homosexuality and Bestiality.
Gentiles or Ethnics
When the Bible speaks of ‘the people of the nations’ or ‘the gentiles’ (gr. tas ethne – or literally, the ethnics), we think of all those who aren’t referred to as ‘Jews.’ However, in Genesis we find another definition of the term. Notice what Genesis 10:2-5 says, ‘Japheth’s sons were Gamer, Magog [the Scythians], Madoi [the Medes], Jovan, Elisa, Thobel [of Tubal], Mosoch [of Meshech], and Thiras [Islands of the Aegean Sea]. Gamer’s sons were Aschanaz [Germans], Riphath [of Northwestern Asia Minor], and Thorgama [the Armenians]. Jovan’s sons were Elishah [of Tyre], Tarshish [of Spain], Cetians [of Phoenicia], Rhodians [of Rhodes]. [They settled the] islands, which lands were divided by tribe and nation among the Gentiles, each according to his own language.’
From this account we can see that the term, ‘the people of the nations’ or ‘gentiles’ originally referred to just the descendants of Japheth (Aryans) who lived across the Mediterranean Sea from the sons of both Shem and Ham (who lived primarily in the East, Middle East, and Africa).
Also, in the battle that Abraham fought to save his Nephew Lot, one of the kings he fought against was ‘Thargal, the king of Gentiles.’ However, because of the diverse scattering of the gentile nations by the time of Moses (when this portion of Genesis was likely written), Thargal was probably the king of just one gentile nation (not all).
So, this raises the question of whether the Bible’s references to the gentiles thereafter indicated only those who lived in Europe and the northern Middle East, or if the term was extended to include all nations other than just the Tribes of Israel. It is possible that those who Moses called the Gentiles (or, the nations) were people whose languages had been changed by God in Babylon, while the rest shared a similar language.
It is interesting that the Medes and Persians settled in a land that came to be known as Iran, which the history books speculate came from the term Aryan, showing that the people in that land were once considered as descendants of Japheth, and were thus ‘gentiles.’
Gnats or Fleas?
The third plague that God sent to Egypt during the time prior to the Israelite exodus was a countrywide infestation of small, biting insects. The Greek word for them is skniphes, which has been translated as gnats, fleas, mosquitoes, etc. However, we have decided that they were likely some sort of flea, because gnats aren’t thought of as biting insects, and the text indicates that they lived on the ground, which would preclude mosquitoes.
Gods
At Psalm 82:1 we read, ‘Our God has stood in the gathering of gods, and in the midst of the gods He judges.’
This verse – in fact, this entire Chapter – is usually not (or is only vaguely) understood. Who are the ‘gods’ that God meets with and judges? Psalm 82:6 tells us, ‘I said You are gods; of the Most High you’re sons.’ So, these words seem to apply to individuals who were created directly by God, His messengers (angels), and what became known as the demons (those who receive God’s adverse judgment).
The usual explanation of Psalm 82:6 is that God was speaking to humans, for Jesus quoted this scripture at John 10:34-36, when he said, ‘Isn’t it written in your Law, I say that you are gods? If He called those who were spoken against in God’s Word gods (and you can’t void the Scriptures), how can you tell me (one who was made holy and sent into the world by the Father) that I blaspheme because I say I’m God’s Son?’
However, notice that Jesus wasn’t saying that his listeners were gods; he was saying that those with whom God met and judged (as mentioned in the Psalms) were called gods. And these were not only God’s sons (direct creations of God), but they lived in ‘dark places’ or Tartarus (see Psalm 82:5).
God has not come and met with gatherings of men, but He has met with all His spirit creation, as Job 1:6 tells us. So from the context, we must assume that God was calling His wicked spirit sons gods, and He was warning them that when the old ‘earth and sky’ pass away (see 2 Peter 3), they too will be destroyed.
Notice that; at Exodus 7:1 God told Moses, ‘Look! I’ve made you a god to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron is your Prophet.’ So, was Moses literally turned into a god? Yes he was, if you understand what that really means.
Now, we recognize that this concept may be a bit difficult to grasp for people who were raised in a monotheistic society where the word god refers to just one individual. However, remember that the Greeks (whose language we are translating) were a polytheistic society (they worshiped many gods), and to them the word theos (god) referred to a large group of individuals who were more powerful than men. So in Greek, theos just means powerful one, not Creator (which is what the Hebrew name Jehovah implies – He who causes to be).
Also, notice how God again used the word gods at Exodus 22:28 to refer to men. In Greek this verse reads, ‘theous ou logeseis,’ or, ‘You aren’t to speak badly of the gods.’ But if you read the context, you will see that God was telling the Israelites not to speak badly of powerful humans here, not to demon ‘gods.’
Thus, the terms god and gods just refer to the powerful. And even men can be gods… that is, in the truest sense of the word’s meaning (powerful ones). So a word-for-word literal translation of John 1:1 can read, ‘In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was toward the Powerful One; and powerful was the Word.’
Then, why did we use the term God, rather than Powerful One at John 1:1 to describe The God? We’ve left the first term (God) in place, because that’s what people call the Divine One today.
So, is the Logos the God or just god (powerful)? From the context of John 1:1, it appears as though Jesus (the Logos) is theos – powerful – but not The God (gr. ton Theon). For, notice that Jesus described himself as simply God’s son (gr. Uios tou Theou eimi) at John 10:36.
Also, notice that at John 1:1, the words Logos (λογος) and Theon (θεον) are both preceded by the definite article the (ο λογος and τον θεον), except in the case where the Logos is referred to simply as theos (θεος). By employing such wording, John was obviously differentiating Jesus from The God. You can clearly see the differences in the words when you read John 1:1, 2, which says in Greek: ‘Eν αρχη ην ο λογος, και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον, και θεος ην ο λογος. Oυτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον.’
That the early Christians didn’t view Jesus as The God is supported by the fact that Christians still worshiped at the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem until shortly before it was destroyed in 70-C.E. (see Acts 3:1-3). This is because Christian Jews didn’t consider Christianity to be a new religion with a new god, but rather, that it was the natural outgrowth of the old, and Jesus was the promised ‘Messiah’ or ‘Anointed One of God’ who was to assume ‘the throne of David his father.’
As you can see, Jesus (who is referred to as ‘the Word’ here) was called ‘powerful’ (or godlike), but the following verses show that he wasn’t ‘The powerful one’ (The God). Rather, he was just powerful like (but greater than) Moses. It is the same as in the case of God’s words to Moses at Exodus 7:1, where He said that Moses was to be Pharaoh’s god. Moses was given a position of power over Pharaoh.
For more information, see the document, Who Was Jesus?
God’s Chosen People
The idea that the Jews are still God’s chosen people and that they will eventually rule over the earth from the City of Jerusalem, is becoming popular among many fundamentalist religions today. However, this concept appears to disregard the promises and teachings of the Bible.
For instance, notice Jesus’ words to the people of that city as found at Matthew 23:37, 38, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… you killer of Prophets and stoner of those who were sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you didn’t want it. Look! Your house has been taken from you!’
So, their ‘house’ (the position of special favor with God) was removed from them due to their repeated rejection of God’s ways and His Prophets, and for murdering His Son.
Notice how Jesus pictures this rejection of the Jews as God’s chosen people in his parable of the king who hired laborers to work in his vineyard (at Matthew 21:33-41). The story ends when the cultivators killed the king’s son. And what was the result? Verse 41 says, ‘Then he will hire others to cultivate the vineyard who will give him the fruit when it’s due.’
In Chapter 22 (verses 1-10) Jesus repeats this theme with the parable of the king who invited guests to a grand meal, but none of those who were invited (the Jews) showed up. In fact, they killed his messengers, and then his son. The account says, ‘So, he sent his army to destroy the murderers and burned their city.’ Then he sent his attendants out to invite ‘others’ to this great feast.
Who are these ‘others?’ Well, out of respect for His Sacred Agreement with Abraham, God continued to offer the opportunity to be ‘kings and Priests’ in the Kingdom exclusively to the Jews (and the related Samaritans) for the next 3-1/2 years. Then the opportunity to become ‘Spiritual Jews’ was offered to the first ‘Gentile’ converts, Cornelius and his family. Thereafter, the Bible speaks of growing numbers of Gentile converts, as Paul was appointed the ‘Apostle to the Nations.’
Also, notice Jesus’ words as found at Matthew 8:12, where he foretold, ‘However, the Sons of the Kingdom will be thrown into the darkness outside. There they will cry and grind their teeth.’ Since the Jews were ‘the sons of the kingdom’ or the sons of the Abrahamic promise, the indication here is that they as a nation were being rejected.
Then in the letters of Paul, we read scripture after scripture that shows these Gentiles were thereafter included in the promise to Abraham, and that they comprised a ‘New Jerusalem.’ Notice what Paul wrote at Romans 2:28, ‘So, a Jew isn’t what you are on the outside, nor is circumcision something that’s outside on the flesh.’
In other words, the faithful Gentiles had become ‘spiritual Jews,’ or the symbolic ‘twelve tribes of Israel.’ So, it was to this ‘new nation’ that all the promises and Sacred Agreements apply, not to the earthly city of Jerusalem, for the earthly city of Jerusalem had been rejected. Why? Well notice what the people in that city replied to Pilate’s question when they were calling for the murder of God’s Son (at Matthew 27: 25), ‘At that, all the people said, ‘May we and our children be responsible for his blood.’ And (at John 19:15), ‘We have no king but Caesar.’
So, the Jews were not only rejected by God, but they verbally rejected God and asked for the blood of Jesus to be on them and their children (all future generations). This is why the prophecies regarding Jerusalem appear to have nothing to do with a literal city in Palestine today.
But, what of Paul’s statement, found at Romans 11:25, 26, ‘Israel was allowed to become calloused until the full number of people from the nations came in. This is how all Israel is going to be saved.’
Doesn’t this mean that the entire nation will eventually be saved? No, for notice what Paul said at Romans 9:6-8 ‘Now, the word of God didn’t fail, because, not all who came from Israel are really Israel, nor are all of Abraham’s seed his children. For [it’s written], That which will be called your seed will come through Isaac. However, [Isaac’s] fleshly children aren’t the children of God. The children of the promise are that seed.’
Then he added at Romans 9:27, ‘Isaiah shouted this, about Israel, Although the sons of Israel may become as many as the sands of the sea, only a few will be saved.’
So, it appears as though Israel will be saved mostly through those ‘ethnics’ who have become Israel by accepting Israel’s God as their God.
And the fact is; Those who believe that all of Israel will be saved also believe that this hope applies just to the Jews (people of Judea). However, ‘all of Israel’ covers all twelve of the tribes that are now scattered and intermarried throughout the nations of the world, whereas the Jews represent just two of the tribes (Judah and BenJamin), plus some of the Priestly tribe of Levi. So, for ‘all of Israel’ to be saved, countless millions – or even billions – who can trace their bloodlines to the other ten tribes of Israel would have to be included in this number, for such pure bloodlines no longer exist – even among the Jews.
But, couldn’t ‘all of Israel’ just refer to the Jews and/or to those who still practice Judaism? Notice what Paul wrote at Romans 9:30-33, ‘So, what can we say? That people of the nations (although they weren’t trying to become righteous) became righteous with the [type of] righteousness that comes from faith, while Israel (who was following a righteous Law) just didn’t make it. And why was that so? Because, [Israel] didn’t look for it in faith, but in the things that they were doing. They tripped over the ‘stumbling stone. As it is written, {Look!} I’m putting a stumbling stone and a rock to trip over in Zion. But he who has faith in Him will never be shamed.’
So, the Jews (those who practice Judaism) can never be considered righteous as long as they continue to trip over the ‘stumbling stone,’ their promised Messiah, Jesus.
For more information, see the linked document, Jerusalem and the Israel of God.
Gog the Grasshopper King
At Amos 7:1 in the Septuagint, we read about Gog the Grasshopper King, which is mentioned apparently in reference to the king of Assyria (who would attack the northern 10-tribe kingdom of Israel), or possibly in reference to the unseen force behind that great world power. For it says there: ‘Then the Lord [came and] showed me {Look!} a breed of locusts that were coming early in the morning, led by Gog the grasshopper king.’
In Greek he is described as βρουχος εις γωγ ο βασιλευς or, grasshoppers they/are of Gog the king.
This term isn’t found in modern Hebrew texts, which read: ‘This is what the Almighty LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts when the second crop was being harvested. It was the harvest that followed the harvest for the king.’ (GW)
Which is correct? We simply don’t know.
Governmental Power
The account found at Genesis Chapter 47, where Joseph bought the Egyptian people’s land for Pharaoh, provides us an interesting insight into the history of governmental power to tax its residents, and to own the land (imminent domain).
From this unique historical source (the Bible), we can see that governmental power and taxation wasn’t necessarily common in early Egypt, which was in fact, the first great world power, and which became the source of information about how governments are to be subsidized to all future generations and governments.
Apparently, prior to that time, governmental taxation of an entire population was unknown. They may have derived their funds by coercing merchants or rich landowners… or by war. However, under Joseph’s inspired direction (and God’s permitting the famine), this first major government of history could legally claim the right to own the land and to tax the people. And while most archeologists and scholars deny the existence of Joseph (as well as a long line of other major Bible people and events), no one can deny the effect of what he did on world history.
So, can we say that God is responsible for governmental taxation? Yes, for notice what Romans 13:6, 7 tells us, ‘This is why you pay taxes, because as public servants, they are serving God’s purposes. So, pay everyone what they are owed; to the tax assessor, the property tax; to the toll collector, the toll; give the police fear, and honor those [who require] honor.’
It is also interesting that this early decision affected the religious clerics of the time, in that they owned their property and they paid no taxes, which is again similar to modern laws.
So, the conclusion we reach is that governmental power and taxation are things that God created for our benefit. And He also considered it necessary to remove religion from the influence of and the taxation of government.
The parallels to these ancient laws of God can still be seen in modern governments, where national taxation is usually about the same as it was in Egypt, twenty percent, and religious clerics aren’t taxed on income from their religious sources.
Hades
The Greek word Hades (they pronounced it hah-des) has been translated both as Hell (which is thought of as a place of torture) and as the Grave in other Bible versions (such as the King James). Since one word can’t mean two very different things, which translation is correct?
Hades (like the English word Hell) actually means the place of the dead. However, as pagan Greek philosophy started to develop and creep into Christianity, the later-day Greek view of Hades (a place of torture) was applied to it. Was this a correct application?
An insight into how the ancient Hebrews and the early Christians understood the word can be gained by looking at how it was applied in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (the ‘Old Testament’ Bible of Jesus’ day). There, the Hebrew word Sheol is translated into Greek as Hades in every instance; yet in each case, these are obvious references to the grave (the place of the dead), not to a place of conscious torture (see Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10).
Another revealing application of the word Hades is found at Revelation the 20:13. It says there, ‘The sea (gr. he thalassa) gave up its dead, death and the grave (gr. thanatos kai ho hades) gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.’
So, notice that those who die at sea are differentiated from those who are buried in graves (Hades) and in other places (thanatos). Therefore, Hades is better translated as grave.
In the book of Job, another word that is used once in the Christian-era Scriptures and often translated as Hell, is found in two places. That Greek word is Tartarus, which refers to the place where evil gods or angels are sent. For more information, see the linked document, Is There a Burning Hell?
Hate, Dislike, or Care Less for?
The Greek word meso means middle (as in the English term, meso soprano). However, it is often translated as middle, midst, among, and HATE in other Bibles. Obviously, hate (an extreme emotion) isn’t conveyed by the word middle, which simply means less. For that reason, the word is translated as dislike (or the equivalent) herein, when it refers to the emotion.
Heavens or Sky, Earth or Land?
In both the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (OT) and the Christian Era Scriptures (NT), we find all the realm of creation divided into three entities; the heavens (or sky), the earth (the land or ground), and the seas (the waters). Now, in contemporary English, we understand that there is a difference between the heavens and the sky, the earth and the land (or ground), and the seas and waters. However, in both Hebrew and Greek, these fine distinctions that we accept because of our modern technology, can’t be found. So, Genesis 1:1 could literally be translated as, ‘In the beginning, God created the sky and the ground.’
This is accurate, because it was the view of man from the earth. There was the land that he stood on, the sky above him, and the waters or seas over there. There was no technical understanding of the earth as a planet, because men didn’t view the earth as we do today, as a ball in space… it just wasn’t necessary at the time! However, because of these distinctions that we understand so well today, translators must choose the proper words to provide the right nuances in English, in order for readers to grasp the proper meaning of each text.
This is why you’ll find the Greek word ourano translated as both heaven(s) and sky herein, depending on the context. You’ll also find the Greek words ge and ges translated as earth, ground, or land, depending on the context. So, the symbolic words at 2 Peter 3:5, 6, for example, are translated herein as, ‘The thing that they don’t want to understand is this: That the ancient earth and sky were out of the water, but (in obedience to God’s instructions) they stood together between the waters.’ (For an example of the problems created by the wrong use of the words ge and ges, see the linked document Isaiah 24 - Is It Speaking of Armageddon?).
Notice that the ‘earth and sky’ were located ‘between the water.’ So, although other Bibles translated this verse as speaking of the ‘heavens and earth,’ the reference is to the portion of the heavens that are close to the earth… to the sky. Likewise, at Matthew 5:5, where Jesus spoke of the ‘meek’ as inheriting ‘the earth; since he was talking about people receiving an ‘allotment’ on the earth,’ we have chosen to translate ges as earth, not land or ground. However, the words land and ground are equally correct.
And finally, when it comes to the seas (gr. thalassa), there are already distinctions as to different types of waters in the Greek text. For instance, seas are called thalassa and rivers are called potamos (or ‘flowing’). However, notice (in Revelation 20: 13) how the resurrection of the dead is divided between those who died on land and those who were lost in the water, ‘The sea gave up its dead, death and the grave gave up those dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they did.’
We again find all three of these realms of creation brought together symbolically at Revelation 21:1, where it says, ‘Then I saw a new earth and sky, because the previous earth and sky had disappeared, as did the sea.’
Also, in the case of where EliJah was taken in a celestial chariot, most people think he was taken to (as their Bibles put it) ‘heaven,’ where he went to live with God. This isn’t true, because King JehoRam later received a letter from Elijah (see 2 Chronicles 21:12). So, God had apparently used the celestial chariot to take him into the sky (the proper translation here), where he was then taken to another place here on the earth. For more information on this, see the linked document, The Hereafter.
Hebrew Songs and Poetry
While we as translators claim no in-depth knowledge of the Hebrew language (this is a GREEK Bible translation), we do find its poetry, blessings, and songs interesting and beautiful. For, rather than putting the words together in a rime (as we do in English, where ending words must sound alike), the sentences fit together where the thoughts follow each other, so that they could be easily remembered and sung. Therefore, the actual words didn’t have to be memorized, for, as long as a person understands the thought, the poetry can be correctly repeated using slightly different words.
You’ll notice that each song seemed to have about four verses, for the verses followed in a logical order. However, in our translation we sometimes find only three verses… or sometimes two or six. And this may be due to our misunderstanding of their methods, or due to problems with translation (both ancient and ours).
However, as you go along in the Bible, you will also find entire books written in poetry (such as Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc.), and most prophecies (such as those of Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.) were spoken and written in a form that is similar to songs, especially where God and His messengers are speaking. It was probably done this way to be remembered and repeated… perhaps even as songs, for that was an ancient Hebrew means of mass communication.
Why, many of Jesus’ parables were spoken and recorded as poetry, such as that portion called the beatitudes (Matthew 5).
Notice that; where we find the natural poetic rythm in our translating, we have tried to restore the cadence for your benefit. This requires some rearranging and the addition or removal of extraneous words, but we have zealously worked to maintain the true meaning of the texts. Why is this necessary? Well, not only does it provide pleasant reading, but in places where the lyrics can’t be resolved, this provides a clear indication that something has been lost through the years. Proverbs 25 and 26, for example, by their lack of natural cadence and harmony, indicate questionable inspiration or a corruption of the original text. Also, God must consider the beauty of the text important, because that was the way He inspired it to be written.
You might notice the two verses of a song that the Israelite women were singing when Saul and David returned from a battle (1 Samuel 18:7):
‘Saul has cut down thousands,
And David his ten thousands.’
Although these were just a few words of a much longer victory song, those particular words offended Saul, for he felt that David was being considered more important than he was. Yet, if you understand Hebrew poetry, you would see that the words were part of a natural progression of words and they weren’t actually chosen to elevate David or to offend Saul. Rather, Saul was being petty.
Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, and Semites
We often hear people using the above terms interchangeably, as though they all refer to the same people, and they don’t. Abraham and all his descendants were Hebrews. That is, they all descended through Abram’s (or Abraham’s) great, great, great grandfather, Heber. However, many other lines of descent also came from this man; so, many other races are likely Hebrews also.
The first mention of the word Hebrew, is found at Genesis 14:13, where Abraham was referred to as a Hebrew. And thereafter, Isaac, IshMaEl, and Abraham’s other sons were also called Hebrews, as were Jacob, Esau, and all their descendants.
The first Israelites (who were also Hebrews) were the twelve sons of Jacob (whom God renamed Israel). Then their families were thereafter often referred to both as the ‘Sons of Israel’ and as ‘Hebrews.’ Then, during the time of David, a split is to be noted between the tribe of Judah (the Jews), and Israel. For, during the first portion of David’s reign, he ruled over just Judah; and then later, both he and Solomon ruled over all the tribes, a reunited Israel.
However, the split between the tribes arose once again after the rule of Solomon, when the northern ten tribes rebelled, creating their own kingdom called Israel, leaving the southern two tribes (Judah and BenJamin), who were referred to in English as the Jews.
And actually, there were many people who came to be called both Jews and Israelites, which weren’t related to either Judah or Israel. This is because God’s Law allowed foreigners to become a part of the nation. In fact, RaHab, the prostitute of Jericho (who was a CanaAnite, not a Semite, Hebrew, or Israelite) became the ancestress of Kings David and Solomon, and eventually Jesus; and this was also true of the Moabite, Ruth.
The Anglicized term ‘Jew’ is an English corruption of the word ‘Judean.’ And although Jesus and many of his disciples were in fact Judeans, they were often referred to by people who lived in the Roman province of Judea, as Galileans, because they came from an area outside Judea near the Sea of Galilee. Also, when Jesus and his disciples spoke of the Jews, they were often specifically referring to people who lived in and around the city of Jerusalem.
The term ‘Semite’ even predates the term ‘Hebrew,’ because it refers to descendants of Noah’s son Shem, which likely covers at least one-third of the peoples on the earth. So, when someone accuses another of being ‘anti-Semitic,’ he or she is actually accusing the person of being biased against a broad range of peoples, including many so-called Arab nations. For, many Arab nations are also Hebrews, and some directly descend from Abraham and even Israel.
Homosexual Relationship Between JoNathan and David?
These words are found at 1 SamuEl 18:1: ‘Well, as Saul was speaking, [the heart of his son] JoNathan became bound to David… he loved him as much as his own life.’
This verse is often referred to by individuals who wish to condone homosexual practices, to prove that King David had a male lover in JoNathan. However, the Greek word (in the Septuagint) that is used for ‘love’ here, agape, disproves that idea, for if there was a physical, sexual love, the word that would have been used is eros, which implies a sexual attraction. However, the love that JoNathan had for David was principled or pure, which is what agape implies. Yes, one man can love another without being sexually attracted to him, as in the case of JoNathan and David.
Homosexuality and Bestiality
If you search the Internet for references to Leviticus 18:22, you will find hundreds of them. Some of these are used to prove that God forbids homosexuality, and many more are written to argue against that thought. So, let’s consider what the Greek Bible text actually says. The words are, ‘Kai meta arsenos ou koimethese koiten bdelugma gar estin,’ or, ‘And with males not bed as/bed women, disgusting for is.’
So, the Law strictly forbade male/male intercourse here, and listed it in the same way as man/animal intercourse, calling the acts disgusting (gr. bdelugma). For, in the next verse (Leviticus 18:23) we read: ‘Nor may you lie down and have sex with any animal, for that would pollute you. Nor should any woman offer herself before any animal to have sex with it, because that would be disgusting.’
However, remember that this Law was given to, and just applied to, those living among the people of Israel. And as several Bible writers after the time of Jesus (especially Paul) pointed out, this old Law was superseded by the new Sacred Agreement of love.
Then, may we conclude that God no longer has a law against such things? No, for Paul clarified the matter (of homosexuality) at 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, where he listed ‘gays (gr. malakoi) and men who have sex with men (gr. arsenokoitai)’ with adulterers and other sexually immoral people; and he said that such ones wouldn’t ‘inherit God’s Kingdom.’
Also, Paul wrote (at Romans 1:26, 27), ‘And this is why God abandoned them to their dishonorable passions, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into something that’s unnatural, and the same is true of their males; for they left the natural use of females and started burning in their lust toward each other – males with males – doing what is indecent and receiving the type of reward they deserve for such wrongdoing.’
So, does this mean that such people are ‘eternally damned?’ No, it just means that God does not view them as righteous, but they still have a hope of a resurrection. For more information, see the linked documents The Hereafter and The Resurrection.
Honest Judge
As you read the Bible, you will notice that one of the most disgusting things to God is when people are treated – or when they treat others – unjustly. This subject is a repeated theme when discussing why God allowed the destruction of Judah and Israel. It is also a major theme in the Proverbs.
However, despite God’s views on this, men often fail to understand the serious situation they put themselves in whenever they judge others. As Jesus said (at Matthew 7:1), ‘Don’t judge [others] so that you won’t be judged. Because, the things you are judging others over will be the things you are judged by. And the standards you set for them are the standards that will be set for you.’
So, the point is; whenever we judge others, God in turn is judging us. And while our judgment on others may have temporary effect, our lack of thought or poor motivation in passing that judgment may result in the permanent wrath of God… He will judge us as we have judged others.
Notice Paul’s charge to Timothy (at 1 Timothy 5:21), ‘Don’t jump to any conclusions before you hear the evidence and never make a decision because you are biased one way or the other.’
Hope of All Creation
Romans 8:19-21 says, ‘For [all] creation has been eagerly expecting and waiting the revealing of the Sons of God. Why, the things that were created didn’t choose not to have a reason [for living], and it was only because of Him that they had hope. For, creation will be set free from slavery to decay through the glorious liberation of the children of God.’
What is Paul really saying here? One religious authority wrote, ‘Do beasts and plants hope to attain the glorious freedom of the children of God? No. All creation, then, can refer only to mankind.’
Is this conclusion correct? If so, then Paul just didn’t use the right words! For, why would he have said creation (gr. ktisis) when he really meant men (gr. anthropois)? Is it difficult to believe that Paul really knew what he was talking about?
Let’s assume for a moment, that Paul meant the words he wrote – that ‘all creation will be set free from being slaves to decay’ – and see if this promise can come true for something other than just mankind.
First, what is the freedom of the sons of God? From numerous other scriptures, we conclude that this freedom will come as the result of the new heavens or sky – the rulership of Jesus and the called and chosen sons of God. Will such a righteous rule be a blessing to more than mankind? We think so.
For example: Will animals benefit from the rule of God’s Kingdom? At Genesis 1:28, God gave men the following commission, ‘And God blest them, saying, Reproduce, multiply, fill the earth and control it. Rule over the fish of the seas, the winged creatures of the skies, all the herding animals of the ground, all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground, and the whole earth.’
The implications of this scripture are staggering, if you just think about it. However, it appears as though the first humans (Adam and Eve) relinquished this privilege of rulership over the earth and its animals when they sinned and submitted to the Slanderer, effectively handing their commission over to him. The net effect of this, is that for the past six thousand years, men have lost their right to rule over the earth and its creatures in the way that God intended.
This is why Paul wrote (at Hebrews 2:8), ‘So, when [God] puts everything under [his feet], He doesn’t leave anything that [men] aren’t in charge of. However, we don’t see everything obeying us yet.’
No, as Paul said, ‘We don’t see everything obeying us yet.’ Nor do we see this world in general, responding to Jesus’ righteous rule. However, that will all change under the rulership of the sons of God.
Thereafter, we can scarcely imagine what powers will be returned to mankind, when the commission that God gave us over this earth and its creatures is fully restored. With no opposition, and each man endowed with a full measure of the power of God’s Breath, the blessings to this earth, its creatures, and ALL CREATION are virtually limitless.
See the linked contributed poem, Animals Our Wards .
Horeb
On what mountain did Moses meet with God, Sinai or Horeb? Actually, both names seem to be mentioned interchangeably in most Bibles, for at Exodus 34:2 Moses was told, ‘So, be ready to climb Mount Sinai in the morning, then stand there [and wait] for Me on top of the Mountain.’ But at Exodus 33:6, we find that the Israelites were gathered at Mount Horeb. Why were both names used?
Well, Horeb may not have actually been a name, but a description that was mistranslated as a name… something that has happened with several other words in the Bible. Ho’reb is a Hebrew word for dry, which aptly describes this land in the Sin (pronounced Seen and/or Sheen) Desert, near the southern tip of Arabia. For it is where Moses, by the power of God, struck the rock to bring out water for the people to drink, since there was no other source of water there.
Sinai may have gotten its name from its prominent place toward the end of the Sin Desert, for Sin-ai could possibly mean the City in the Sin (Desert). However, Hebrew scholars say Sinai means bush, referring to the burning bush where God spoke to Moses.
House, Temple, or Palace?
Throughout the Bible, the Greek word that is used in most places to describe the Temple of Jehovah is Oikos (pronounced Oy-koss), or House. That is also true when it comes to describing the building where the king lived. However, for clarification, we have usually chosen to translate the word as Temple when speaking of the place of worship of Jehovah, and as palace when speaking of the king’s house. We have done this because, neither of these buildings were just regular houses, and the words Temple and palace better describe their appearance and use in contemporary American English.
There is a Greek word that might also mean Temple iero, which was occasionally used to describe that place of worship. And another Greek word that is frequently used, is naos (pronounced nah-oss), which means the place of the Gods.
How David Pictured Jesus
You can see proof of the Bible’s inspiration by God it and of some of its prophetic significances in the songs of King David, as found in the book of Psalms. For, there are numerous verses in the Psalms that exactly mirror the words and actions of Jesus, as well as of many of the things that happened to him. Take for example, what David wrote at Psalm 22:16-18, ‘Many dogs now have me surrounded, and the wicked now gather around me. They’re cutting into my hands and my feet; they count all my bones, as they watch me and contemplate. They’ve divided my garments among themselves, and thrown dice for the clothes that I wore.’
Also, notice David’s words at Psalm 22:20, where he said, ‘O rescue my life from the broadsword; and from the hands of dogs, save the one son that You fathered.’
The words found here are exactly the same as those found at Luke 7:12, 8:42, 9:38, John 1:14, 18, 3:16, 18, Hebrews 11:17, and 1 John 4:9. In Greek, the word we have translated as ‘the one son you fathered’ (to maintain the poetic style) is monogenea, or only fathered; and in the Bible it is only used to describe Jesus, who was in fact God’s only fathered (or only generated) son. For more information on the meaning of this word, see the linked Note in John, Only-Generated God, Only-Generated Son.
As you can see, many of the words of this Psalm tell exactly what would happen at the time of Jesus’ death. So, look for the many parallels and prophecies as you read the book of Psalms.
One Psalm in particular appears to have been written by David under inspiration with Jesus in mind… Psalm 110. Jesus applied this scripture to himself at Matthew 22:43-45, as did Peter at Acts 2:35, and as did Paul at 1 Corinthians 15:25 and several times more in Hebrews. So, there is no question that this Psalm specifically referred to the coming of Jesus.
And did you notice that David referred to himself several times as the Christ? You may not have, for we translated the Greek word Christon (Christ) as Anointed in each place where it was found. Yet, David could truly refer to himself as the Christ, because, he (like Jesus) had been anointed to be the king of all Israel by God.
Hypocrite
Hypocrite is a Greek word that is just spelled a little differently than it is in English (hypocritai). However, we give the English word a nuance that isn’t implied in Greek. The first part of the Greek word, hypo, means under, and the second part, critai, means judge (it’s what we get critical and criticize from). So, in the Bible, a hypocrite is a ‘lesser judge,’ or one who is very judgmental of the actions or conduct and others. This differs from the meaning in English, which is: Someone who doesn’t follow his own advice.
The Scribes and Pharisees were referred to as Hypocrites in the Bible, because they condemned the actions of others. And like anyone who tends to be critical of others, they likely failed in the same ways in which they condemned others, and that would make them also fit the English definition. However, the Bible meaning is ‘judgmental.’
Being too judgmental is a very serious flaw, which is common to those who think they are very righteous. It is reported that the Pharisees especially thought of themselves as being more righteous than others, and it was their opinion that they would be the only ones to be found righteous and worthy of a resurrection by God. Notice what Jesus said would happen to those who are judgmental (Matthew 7:1): ‘Don’t judge [others], so you won’t be judged. For, the [rules] that you use to judge others, are the rules that will be used to judge you; and the standards you are setting for them, are the standards that they’ll set for you.’
Image of Daniel Chapter Two
In Daniel Chapter Two, King NebuChadnezzar saw a huge image in a dream that had a head of gold; hands, chest, and shoulders of silver; belly and thighs of brass; legs of iron; and feet of iron and baked clay (pottery). Then Daniel explained that King NebuChadnezzar (or the world empire of Babylon) was the head of gold, and that his kingdom (or empire) would be followed by a lesser king (the one of silver), which turned out to be the empire of Persia, along with their allies and close neighbors, the Medes.
Daniel described the next empire (the brass) as one that would ‘dominate the whole earth;’ and that aptly describes the empire of Greece under Alexander the Great.
The next ‘king’ or empire (the legs of iron) was described by Daniel as being ‘as strong as iron. For, as iron crushes and tames all things, it will tame and crush everything.’ That aptly describes Rome under the Caesars.
But which empire (king) is represented by the feet of iron and baked clay? We know that it has to be a last empire, since it will be replaced (crushed) by God’s Kingdom.
Now, there have been several world empires since the time of Roman domination; the Turks, the Huns, the Norse, the French, the Spanish, the Germans, the British, and the Americans. However, the Bible only speaks of one empire after Rome, so which would that be?
The first clue comes from the Greek words used in verse 41, where we read (in part), ‘kai apo tes rizes tes sideras estai en on,’ or, ‘and from the roots of/the iron is in it.’ So, we must conclude that this ‘king’ is rooted in the Roman Empire, and this could refer to Spain, France, or England, for they all had deep Roman roots… but which one?
The next clue comes from the words found in verses 42 and 43, which say, ‘And because the toes of the feet are part iron and part baked clay; part of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be broken. For, as you saw the iron mixed with the baked clay, [this kingdom] will be mixed with the seed of men… they won’t stick to each other, as iron won’t stick to baked clay.’
Notice that the kingdom will be ‘mixed with the seed of men,’ or made up of many races. That well describes the vast British Empire and its many colonies, especially the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. And since each of these former British colonies has claimed some form of independence, they haven’t stuck together and they don’t always agree.
The final clue is the fact that these governments (or loose empire) are the last. So, if the prophecy in Daniel pictures them, we would assume that God’s Kingdom will soon ‘hit the image on its feet of iron and baked clay, and completely shatter them.’
Immediate Resurrection to Heaven?
Belief in an immediate resurrection into heaven after death is one of the most common beliefs among most of Christendom’s religions today. In fact, religions have even invented rules as to who gets to heaven, when, and through which routes. However, Jesus (and the Revelation) speaks of the resurrection happening in ‘the last day,’ not of people having an ‘immortal soul’ that immediately speeds off to ‘the light’ at death.
The teaching of immediate life in heaven, although never actually promised in the Bible, has been a mainstay of almost all religions throughout history. So, it is not surprising that some early ‘Christians’ would try to adopt this belief into Christianity. And this appears to be the situation that Paul was talking about at 2 Timothy 2:17, 18, where he wrote: ‘That was the problem with Hymenaeus and Philetus. They got away from the truth and started teaching that the resurrection has already happened, which misdirected the faith of some.’
Also, see the document ‘the Resurrection.’
‘In’
The Greek word εν (en) simply means in. However, it is translated as in, one, in union with, and as other words, depending on the context, in most Bibles.
Especially in the book of John do we find the question raised, ‘Was Jesus really the same person as The God?’ This question is raised because the text at John 10:38 literally says, ‘… in order that you should know and you may be knowing that in (en) me the Father and I in (en) the Father.’
However, the text above is often translated as, ‘I and my father are one.’ Is this the true sense of what John wrote? Is Jesus ‘one with’ (the same as) the Father?
That could be a correct translation, but not in the context of the way the book of John was written. For example, notice how John 14:20 reads: ‘εν εκεινη τη ημερα υμεις γνωσεσθε οτι εγω εν τω πατρι μου και υμεις εν εμοι καγω εν υμιν,’ or, ‘In that the day you will know that I in (εν) the Father of me, and you in (εν) me, and I in (εν) you.’
So, if John 10:38 means that Jesus is the same person as his Father, then John 14:20 means that all of Jesus’ followers are the same person and that they are also the same persons as Jesus and his Father. Is this a logical conclusion? No, because it doesn’t harmonize with numerous other scriptures that show his followers to be individuals, but one with (or, in unity with) Jesus and God.
Incest
Notice that the first laws that God gave forbidding incest are found in Leviticus the Eighteenth Chapter… and that more than just concerns about genetic problems caused by inbreeding are involved. Clearly, it was also a matter of propriety and respect. For, even having sexual relations with close relatives who are not genetically related was forbidden.
This is quite a different view from what faithful servants of God considered right and proper prior to that time. In fact, during the times of Adam and Noah (after the downpour), marrying anyone other than a close relative wasn’t an option. And in the case of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, marriage to anyone other than a close relative was considered unwise, due to the corrupt practices of the nations that lived around them (Abraham married his half sister, and both Isaac and Jacob married first cousins).
In the Name Of
The words found at Matthew 28:19, ‘in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,’ are not found in the ancient Shem Tob Hebrew manuscript, so they may be spurious (words that were added to the Bible). So, did Jesus really command that we be baptized in those names?
Many churches use this as a baptismal formula, and it has been called the Trinity Formula, since it contains the three-person Godhead.
At present, we don’t have any complete manuscripts of Matthew prior to the 4th Century, and all existing manuscripts written thereafter contain this phrase. However, there is evidence that this is a later corruption of the original text, for the early Church historian Eusebius appears to quote from a different manuscript than any we presently have. For, eighteen times between the years 300 and 336-C.E., he cited Matthew 28:19, 20 as saying: ‘Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you.’ So, there was no mention of being baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that the traditional Trinitarian reading of Matthew 28:19 does not appear in Eusebius’ writings until after the Council of Nicaea, wherein the Trinity began to formally held as official doctrine. So, evidence strongly indicates that this is a spurious scripture inserted by later Trinitarians, in the same vein as 1 John 5:7-8. Also, notice that these instructions about baptism are notably missing from Luke’s parallel account of Jesus’ same words (at Luke 24:46-49).
However, this finding may prove to cut both ways for some, because; while it breaks apart the only mention of the Trinity trio, it does seem to prove what many Trinitarians have said all along, that baptisms should only be done in the name of Jesus. So, since there may be no mention of baptism into the Father and Holy Breath (Spirit), the only other instructions in the Bible on how to baptize people say:
Is Jesus God?
The simple answer is yes… if you understand what the word god means. This idea may be a bit difficult to grasp for those of us who were raised in a monotheistic society where God refers to just One. However, remember that the Greeks (whose language we are translating) were a polytheistic society (they worshiped many gods), and to them the word theos referred to a large group of individuals who were simply more powerful than men. So, theos just meant a powerful one, not the Creator (which is what the Hebrew name Jehovah implies – He who causes to be).
To prove that translating the word theos as powerful is correct, notice how the Bible speaks of other (unfaithful) messengers of God as gods at Psalm 82:6 (which scripture Jesus also quotes at John 10:34-36), where it says, ‘I said, You are gods; of the Most High you’re sons!’
Also, notice that at Exodus 7:1, God told Moses, ‘Look! I’ve made you a god to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron is your Prophet.’
So, the terms god and gods just refer to the powerful. And even men can be gods… that is, in the truest sense of the word’s meaning (powerful ones). Thus, a word-for-word literal translation of John 1:1 can read, ‘In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was toward the Powerful One; and powerful was the Word.’
Then, why did we use the term God rather than Powerful One at John 1:1 to describe The God? We’ve left the first term (God) in place, because that’s what people call the Divine One today.
So, is the Logos The God or just god (powerful)? From the context of John 1:1, it appears as though Jesus (the Logos) is theos – powerful – but not The God (gr. ton theon). For, notice that Jesus described himself as simply God’s son (gr. Uios tou Theou eimi) at John 10:36.
Also notice that at John 1:1 the words Logos (λογος) and Theon (θεον) are both preceded by the definite article the (ο λογος and τον θεον), except in the case where the Logos is referred to simply as theos (θεος). By employing such wording, John was obviously differentiating Jesus from The God. You can clearly see the differences in the words when you read John 1:1, 2 in Greek: ‘Eν αρχη ην ο λογος, και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον, και θεος ην ο λογος. Oυτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον.’
That the early Christians didn’t view Jesus as The God is supported by the fact that Christians still worshiped at the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem until shortly before it was destroyed in 70-C.E. (see Acts 3:1-3). This is because Christian Jews didn’t consider Christianity to be a new religion with a new god, but rather, that it was the natural outgrowth of the old, and Jesus was the promised ‘Messiah’ or ‘Anointed One of God’ who was to assume ‘the throne of David his father.’
For more information, see the document, Who Was Jesus?
To see how Jesus was described at John 1:1 in the most ancient Coptic texts, see the link http://depts.washington.edu/cartah/text_archive/coptic/coptjohn.shtml.
Isaiah 14:12 (contributed)
At Isaiah 14:12, we find a word that is often translated as bright (or shining) one. But, what we find in the Hebrew and Aramaic texts are the words heh-lehl eill, which is a form of the Hebrew stem yah-lahl ill. And the meaning of ill is howl! So, why has it been translated as bright or shining in almost all modern texts?
It has been suggested that the translators of the Septuagint could have overlooked the smallest of the Hebrew letters or used a copy in which it had been inadvertently omitted. And if the form of the world eill, as it occurs in this particular text, was shortened to ell, its meaning would be corrupted, which appears to be what happened. For, Kittel’s Hebrew Text reads ah-lahl, or HOWL.
And notice that the Hebrew verb eill in Isaiah 14:12 is identical to the word found at Zechariah 11:2, where the trees are shown to be howling (not bright ones). For it says there: ‘Let all the pine trees now shriek, because the cedar has fallen.’
So, a correct translation of Isaiah 14:12 will read: ‘O how you have fallen from the sky; Shriek, O one that arises at dawn, for you who [once conquered] all nations, have now been broken to the ground.’ Notice that this rendering fits the context perfectly, for the King of Babylon should shriek or howl, as he was broken to the ground.
Israel’s Sin Over Meat
It’s unfortunate that people in general seem to look for the worst in everything. As the result, they often take for granted that everything others complain about is true. A good example of this principle can be found in Numbers the Eleventh Chapter. For, if you were to ask people what the Israelites had to eat during the forty years that they trekked in the desert, most would answer ‘just manna.’ And for a fact, most tend to sympathize with the Israelites who complained, because they think that all God gave His people to eat at the time was just a prison ration of bread (manna) and water… NOT TRUE!
Notice their complaint. At Numbers 11:4-8 we read, ‘Who is going to give us meat to eat? We remember all the fish that we used to eat in Egypt, as well as the cucumbers, melons, leeks, garlic, and onions. But now our lives have become [empty], because all we can see is manna.’
Was that the true situation? Well, remember that the main occupation of these people (and the main source of their wealth) was huge flocks and herds of cattle (see Genesis 46:32 and Exodus 12:38). So they really had plenty of meat to eat. In fact, most of the meat of their holy sacrifices was returned to them for their own consumption. Also, we know that they had wheat, barley (possibly beer), wine, and many other food items, because all of these things were required in the sacrifices and at the festivals.
Then, what were they complaining about? Well, notice who really started the complaining. Verse four says, ‘It was the [Gentiles] who were mixed among them that started [complaining].’ So, the instigators were probably Egyptians and others who weren’t used to a shepherd’s diet. Rather, what they missed was the markets of Egypt, where a person could go every day and purchase meats of all sorts and a wide variety of vegetables (cucumbers, melons, leeks, garlic, and onions). However, they did have beef, lamb, other local vegetables, barley, wheat, and they could drink it all down with wine… in addition to all the miraculous manna that they cared to eat, which was in fact their primary staple; and it could be prepared in different ways
Of course, the ‘meat’ that the Gentiles among them seemed to be missing was the large variety of animals that they used to consume in Egypt prior to the restrictions that came with God’s Laws. So the complaint doesn’t really seem to be that they didn’t have meat, but rather, it was likely a complaint about the restrictions of God’s Laws as to what types of meat they could eat.
How did God solve this problem? By sending them the ‘meat’ that they asked for in such an abundance that they virtually became sick of eating it. Yet, the wild game that He provided (quail) was still allowed under His Law.
Another common misunderstanding about this matter, is the answer to the question: ‘Why did God then send a plague on the people for eating the quail?’
We have heard many answers to this in past years, such as, ‘They ate without giving thanks,’ or, ‘They didn’t take time to drain the blood.’ However, neither of these answers are supported by the verses, for actually, the Bible doesn’t give us an answer. All we know is that ‘greed’ was involved. You might notice, for example, the quantity of meat that was slaughtered… and possibly consumed. The account indicates that the slaughter of the birds was wanton, and this may have been followed by gluttony. Also, the plague may have come as the result of God’s anger over the entire situation, which included their dissatisfaction with God’s miraculous provisions, and with their ‘greed’ of wanting things that they weren’t entitled to.
Jeremiah 31:37
In the Septuagint, Jeremiah 31:37 reads: ‘Tade legei kurion Thus says the/Lord, ean upsothe ho ourano eisto meteoron if should/be/raised/up the heaven in height, kai eantapeinothe to epeinothe tes ges kato and/if lowered the floor of/the earth below, kai ego ouk apodokimo to genos Israel legei Kyrios so I will not reject the race of/Israel says the/Lord, peri panton on epoieson for all the/things that/they/did.’
However, the Hebrew text reads: ‘Thus says the Lord: If the heavens above can be measured And the foundations of the earth searched out below, Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.’
As you can see, there is a significant difference between the meanings of the two different text sources. For, the Septuagint says that Israel will not be rejected, but the Hebrew text says that they will be cast off. Which of the two is right?
Well, verse 36 provides the answer to the question, for it says there: ‘If these Laws before Me cease to be, then the race of Israel won’t stand as a nation before Me, throughout the rest of the days.’ So, God is clearly saying that Israel could be rejected, thus the words of verse 37 in the Septuagint simply don’t follow. As the result, we have deferred to the conclusion of the Hebrew text and must assume that an early Septuagint translator simply couldn’t believe that Israel could be rejected, so he incorrectly added the word not.
But, does this error prove the Septuagint as the inferior text? Not necessarily, because we continually find obvious errors in both sources of text. And far too often, the Septuagint follows logical reasoning better and it offers details that are not found in modern Hebrew texts; so we tend to trust the Greek text, while keeping an eye out for errors.
Jesus’ Last Words (Contributed)
According to the Greek text, Jesus’ last words at Matthew 27:46 were, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ That is, ‘My God, my God, why have you let me down?’ These words have long bothered many Christians, because they imply that his Father disappointed Jesus. However, a study of ancient Aramaic texts reveals that Jesus may have been saying something quite different, which was lost in translation.
Aramaic scholars say that Matthew didn’t actually translate his gospel into Greek, because he wrote to the people who spoke the language he was writing, Aramaic. And it seems probable that the man who translated Matthew into Greek (they say his name was Zorba) mixed the Hebrew words with Aramaic when he translated them into Greek.
They point out that sabachthani is not the same as the Hebrew word that is used in the prophecy at Psalm 22:1, for there it uses the word sjebaqtani. And if Jesus had said forsaken, he would have said, ‘Eli, Eli, lema azab-thani?’ So they claim that Jesus really said, ‘My God, my God, why have you spared me?’ The point being, that Jesus was willing to suffer even more, but God in His mercy cut short his misery. However, others say that it actually means, ‘My God, my God, for this I was kept,’ or, ‘this was my destiny… for this I was born.’
Jesus’ Fleshly Brothers and Sisters
Did Jesus have fleshly brothers and sisters? Yes he did, for Matthew 12:46-50 makes this very clear. In this case, he was apparently indoors speaking, as his mother (Mary) and his brothers (James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas) stood outside waiting to talk to him. But when he was told that his mother and brothers were outside, he pointed out that his disciples were his true mother and brothers.
Jew
First, understand that the word ‘Jew’ is a unique English pronunciation of ‘Judean.’ And when Mark and John spoke of the Judeans, they were usually referring to people who came from or lived in the Roman Province of Judea. Since Jesus and eleven of his Apostles (although of the Tribe of Judah) lived in the (northern) Province of Galilee, the Judeans called them Galileans (see Mark 14:70) and the Galileans referred to the people around Jerusalem as Judeans (or Jews).
With the above said, it becomes easier to understand what the scriptures mean when they speak of the water jars at wedding reception at Cana being there for the ‘Judeans’ to wash in, and that the ‘Judeans’ were looking to kill Jesus, and that the ‘Judeans’ rejected Jesus. In these cases, he wasn’t referring to the nation as a whole, but to the people who lived in Judea and Jerusalem specifically.
Job
While many Bible commentators claim that Job was a contemporary of Moses, because Moses is credited with writing the book, the ancient language used in it appears to date the writing to sometime before Israel’s stay in Egypt, to around the time of Abraham. And it interesting that one ancient (non-inspired) writing says that the man’s full name was Jobab (although he was called Job) and that he was a grandson of Abraham through Isaac’s son Esau. This seems logical, because he was obviously a worshiper of Abraham’s God Jehovah.
Job has often been described as an oriental, giving us the impression that he was Chinese. And the reason for this, is that he was said to have been ‘born to a prosperous family from the sunrise in the east.’ However, saying that he came from the east doesn’t necessarily mean that he came from thousands of miles to the east. So, his family could have settled somewhere just east of the Promised Land.
The Septuagint says that he was from the land of the Ausitidi, which differs from the Hebrew text, where we read that he was from the land of Uz. Of course, since the Greek text post-dates the Hebrew text, Ausitidi may have been the name of the place (which was earlier called Uz) in the Third Century B.C.E.
Another thing to note is that the word Ausitidi appears to be of Greek origin and could mean ‘The People from the Place Without Grain,’ referring to a desert east of the Promised Land. For, the first two letters (Au) are Greek for without, sitos means wheat or grain, and the suffix (idi) refers to a people or race. Also, the young man EliHu, was described as coming from a place called Ausis (Job 32:8), which appears to be the name of that land, so the people who lived there were then likely referred to as the Ausitidi.
It is also noticeable that some Greek texts render the word Uz as Aus, so Ausitidi could simply refer to the people from the land of Uz.
The land of Uz likely refers to the land of Abraham’s nephew Uz, who is mentioned at Genesis 22:21. However, there was also a man named Uz who was a grandson of Noah’s son Shem. But either way, it is likely the land of people who were close relatives of Abraham. So, Uz is probably the land where Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for his son Isaac, which is thought to be located in the desert west of the Euphrates in modern Iraq and directly east of the Promised Land. And if these assumptions are true, then Job was a relative of Abraham (a great nephew), but not a direct descendant.
Further proof of where Job was from, comes from the lands where his three friends lived. For all three seem to have been related to Abraham, and each of their countries or lands is located in the SW part of Iraq.
Also, notice the reference to the Jordan River at Job 40:18, where it says, ‘And when it rains, he pays no attention, for when it runs to the Jordan he will drink it.’ So, the water from that land runs to the Jordan.
Who later inhabited the land of Uz (or Ausitidi)? It was the descendants of Esau, for we read at Lamentations 4:21, ‘So, rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, she who lives in the land of Uz!’
As we pointed out, the Book of Job was originally a song, and this can be seen in the poetry of the verses. So one might wonder; if it is a true story, why it was told in this unusual way. For an answer, it helps to understand how ancient stories were communicated in the Middle East. In fact, a study of current Arab culture will show that among nomadic peoples, stories of actual events are still communicated through poetic songs that employ memory aids. So, a story can be told accurately and beautifully, although the wording isn’t always the same.
As the result, we have concluded that; although Moses may have written the book of Job, it was actually an inspired story that was sung and handed down through people of the Middle East for centuries, and then it was recorded in writing in the Sixteenth Century B.C.E.
Then, could the book of Job have been just a myth that was handed down in ancient songs? No, for although the story was transmitted poetically, certain subtleties appear, which show the motivations of the speakers that go beyond the normal scope of human imagination. Take for example, the words of EipPhaz the Temanite. Notice how (as recorded at Job 4:17, 18) this man had once been spoken to by a demon that told him, ‘Why should a man be pure before Jehovah… why not do the things that are wrong? For none of His servants are trusted by God, and He thinks of His angels as crooked.’
Yet, look at how these words of a demon had influenced this man’s thinking about God, for the next time he spoke (at Job 15:15) he said: ‘Yet He doesn’t trust even the holy… before Him even the heavens aren’t pure.’ Such a subtle continuity of arguments, where seven or more spoke at different times, indicates that the story is a quite accurate account of what was actually said.
John
John (who wrote the Bible books of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation) was apparently one of Jesus’ earliest followers. And although many Bible critics and commentators have pointed out that John many not have written the books attributed to him because of language and style, remember that; when he did his writing he was almost 100 years old, so like Paul, he likely used others as secretaries to do the actual writing.
John and his brother James, who were later appointed to be Apostles (or Sent Ones), were Galileans (considered ‘country bumpkins’ by people in Judea) who worked as fishermen for their father in a business that seemed to be co-owned by Peter (Simon).
Although Jesus was particularly fond of John, and some Bible critics often think of John as a laid-back dreamer, Jesus referred to him and his brother as ‘the Sons of Thunder.’ So this common view of John’s passive personality doesn’t seem to be well founded.
It is interesting that John appears to have been known and liked by the Jewish Chief Priest, CaiAphas. For, notice what the account at John 18:15, 16 tells us, ‘Now, Simon Peter (and another disciple) followed Jesus. The Chief Priest was familiar with that disciple, so he went into the High Priest’s courtyard along with Jesus, but Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who knew the High Priest went outside and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.’
So, many of the things that happened and were said inside the Chief Priest’s house (as well as in the palaces of Pilate and Herod after Jesus’ arrest) seem to have come to us as the result of John being there and serving as an eyewitness. Therefore, Peter wasn’t the only disciple who stayed with Jesus after his arrest.
So, why was John (a disciple of Jesus) allowed into this important meeting? It appears as though John was a relative of the High Priest, for Acts 4:5, 6 tells us: ‘Then the next day, they held a meeting in Jerusalem that included the rulers, elders, and Scribes, as well as AnNas the Chief Priest, CaiAphas, John, Alexander, and all the rest of the Chief Priest’s relatives.’
It’s a fact that; whenever Peter and John were together, as when they stood before the Jewish High Court, Peter did most of the talking. However, this doesn’t appear to have happened because Peter outranked John, or because John was tongue-tied or shy. Rather, it seems as though John deferred to Peter because he was older, and a friend and partner of his father. You will notice that later on, John, Peter, and James (not John’s brother, who was an early Christian martyr, but James the half-brother of Jesus and the writer of the book of James) were referred to by Paul as the ‘pillars’ of the early Christian Congregation in Jerusalem. And thereafter, James served as the spokesman for the three, when the matter of circumcising the gentiles had to be decided.
As Jesus prophesied, John appears to have lived the longest of all the Apostles, dying at around the age of 100, either by execution or as the result of old age, or poor health (from his long stay in an ancient prison). And it was shortly before his death that he did all his writing. So, the book of John is quite different in its format from the Gospels of Mark and Luke, which seem to be more based on and influenced by the book of Matthew.
For this reason, the Gospel of John provides us a far greater insight into who Jesus actually was and the things that he thought and did. John was obviously very impressed with the privilege he had of being ‘the loved Apostle’ of the most important individual who ever walked this earth, and of the privilege that he and others would have of becoming ‘one’ with Jesus and his Father in heaven. So, the opening words of the book of John reflect that awe, as he poetically tried to impress us with the full meaning of who Jesus actually was in his pre-human life as ‘the only generated’ son of God.
John’s three epistles (letters) were written to congregations to warn of the dangers that they were facing from within. This is because ‘the great turning away’ that Paul foretold was already in progress. For, ‘Christians’ were starting to deny that Jesus was the ‘Promised One,’ or perhaps that there ever was a Jesus. So, John labeled them as the ‘Antichrists,’ and told Christians not to have anything to do with such individuals.
The book of Revelation that John wrote, recorded a vision of ‘the Lord’s Day,’ which he received from God through Jesus. And although some critics have concluded that this was some sort of hallucination, Revelation provides a fitting climax to the entire Bible by bringing together the four mysterious characters mentioned in the first prophecy in the Bible (at Genesis 3:16): the snake, its seed, the woman, and her seed. Then if fills in all the gray areas as to who each of these individuals prove to be, and it shows the full meaning of the roles they will play in God’s purposes. Far from a hallucination, the Revelation explains in detail what is really happening to us today, what will soon happen, and what hope there is for all obedient mankind. For more information, see the linked document, The Seed - God’s Kingdom.
We have noted that some ‘Bible scholars’ have concluded that there were actually three Johns who wrote the Bible books; one who wrote the book of John, one who wrote the epistles, and a third one who wrote the Revelation. Part of the reason for this conclusion, is that John didn't identify himself by name in the books bearing his name, but he uses his name frequently in the Revelation. However, certain common words that are used in each of the writings clearly identify John as their author, and they show that each of the works were written at about the same time. The unique description of Jesus as the Word, at John 1:1 and Revelation 19:13, ties both of those writings to the same John. And the number of similar words and phrases between the book of John and his epistles are too numerous to discuss here. So, there was definitely only one Bible writer named John.
Judging God’s Messengers
The scripture found at 1 Corinthians 6:3 (‘Don’t you know that we are going to judge the messengers?’) is often used to prove that those who are chosen for heavenly life as God’s sons will be elevated above all of God’s messengers (his other heavenly sons, or angels), except Jesus. Is this a correct understanding? Perhaps not. Consider these facts:
So, if they are just equal to God’s messengers and their rulership is to be just on the earth, then why are they described as judging [God’s] messengers in this verse? Well, the Greek word crinoumen can also mean condemn. And since the heavens are to be cleansed of wicked messengers (see Revelation 12:7-9), we must assume that the messengers they are to condemn are the same ones that will be thrown out of heaven and temporarily confined to the earth before their abyssing and destruction (see Revelation 12:9).
Judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel
At Matthew 19:27, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Why, we have left everything and followed you. What will we really get?’ And in verse 28, Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth; in the rebirth, when the Son of Man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.’
What was Jesus talking about here?
Following the lead of other written Bible commentaries, we once assumed that Jesus was promising his Apostles the same thing that Paul spoke of at 1 Corinthians 6:2, when he told the congregation at Corinth, Greece, ‘Don’t you know that the Holy Ones will judge the world?’ So, our conclusion was that judging the twelve tribes of Israel meant the same thing as judging the world. However, in our study of the true meaning of the Greek word cosmos, which is usually translated as world in the Christian Era Scriptures, we have found that these two judgments don’t mean the same thing.
It seems obvious to us that any symbolic use of Israel in the Bible refers an arrangement for serving God, although it doesn’t necessarily imply that all the members of this arrangement are righteous. Otherwise, why would they be judged (or condemned)? For example, at Revelation 7:3, 4, we read that ‘the 144,000 slaves of God’ are chosen from among (gr. ek) ‘every tribe of the sons of Israel.’ So, here are faithful individuals who are chosen from among others who are worshiping God, that are called ‘Israel.’
But then, couldn’t Jesus have meant that they were to judge the literal nation of Israel? Well, that isn’t likely, because; although a small portion of that nation can still be identified today (the Jews), the rest of the tribes have become scattered among the nations and millions can no longer be identified. And as the result, there really is no pure ‘twelve tribes of Israel anymore. And as Paul told us at Romans 9:6-8 ‘Now, the God’s word didn’t fail, because, not all who came from Israel are really Israel. Nor are all of Abraham’s seed his children. For [it’s written]: That which will be called your seed will come through Isaac. However, [Isaac’s] fleshly children aren’t the children of God. The children of the promise are that seed.’ For more information, see the linked document, Jerusalem and the Israel of God.
So, judging the twelve tribes of Israel could mean that they are to judge all who claim to be Christians today. While, judging the world clearly refers to passing a negative judgment on – and the condemnation of – the current imperfect arrangement that man and all creation must endure today.
Judging Your Brothers
At Romans 2:1, Paul wrote ‘So you are defenseless, O man, if you’re someone who judges others. Because, when you judge someone else you’re condemning yourself, since you’re doing the very things that you judge [to be wrong in others].’
Then he wrote at Romans 14:10-14, ‘So, why do you judge your brother or why do you look down on him? Why, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, for it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend before me and every tongue will confess before God.’ So, each of us must answer for ourselves before God. Therefore, let’s stop judging each other. Rather, let’s make the decision not to set anything before a brother that will cause him to stumble or fall.’
Therefore, being too judgmental is a very serious flaw, which is common to those who think of themselves as being more righteous than others. It is reported that the Pharisees especially thought of themselves in this way, and it was their opinion that they would be the only ones to be found righteous by God. Notice what Jesus said would happen to those who are judgmental (Matthew 7:1), ‘Don’t judge [others] so that you won’t be judged. Because, the things you are judging others over will be the things you are judged by. And the standards you set for them are the standards that will be set for you.’
We find the same type of warning at James 2:13, which says, ‘Those who aren’t merciful will be judged without mercy, since justice takes a lot of pride in mercy.’
However, the Bible also shows that it is necessary for Christians to judge their brothers when they are guilty of flagrant, open sins, as was the case of a brother in Corinth, Greece. At 1 Corinthians 5:1, Paul wrote, ‘I’ve actually heard that there is sexual immorality among you. And it’s a type of immorality that isn’t even [heard of] among the nations – that someone has taken the wife of his father.’
Now, we don’t know exactly what this sin entailed (whether it was incest or a relationship with a woman who wasn’t his natural mother), but we do know that it was something scandalous. Thus, Paul’s conclusions were that the elders in the congregation should judge the man’s actions. Notice his reasoning, as found at 1 Corinthians 5:12: ‘Why should I judge those on the outside? Don’t you judge those on the inside, while God judges those on the outside? Remove the wicked man from among yourselves!’
So, the conclusion we reach from the Scriptures is that judging the openly-wrong actions of others is the responsibility of Christian elders, to protect the good name of the Congregation. However, it is wrong to judge the motives of others, because we can’t look into their hearts.
So, if we look down on our brothers and consider ourselves to be better Christians than they are, then the high standards that we set for them will be the minimum standards that will be set for our own judgment before God. And if we aren’t merciful in our judgments of others, God won’t be merciful in His judgment of us.
Judgment Day
Throughout the Bible, we read of a Judgment Day. Does this refer to some random time in the future when individuals will meet their own judgment, or to a specific ‘day’ (or period) when all will be judged?
At Matthew 10:15, for example, Jesus spoke of the ‘hemera chriseos’ (Day of Judgment or Crisis) and each of the succeeding references seems to be talking about this same ‘day’ or time. When will that period start? Well, it must be sometime after the ‘great time of difficulty’ (see Matthew 24:21), and following ‘the war of the great day of the Almighty God’ (see Revelation 16:14), because Jesus spoke of people being resurrected when he talked about the Judgment Day.
However, although Psalm 1:1 tells us that the irreverent, impious, or ungodly (gr. asebe) won’t be raised in the Judgment, Paul said (at Acts 24:15) that both the righteous and the unrighteous will be resurrected. So, how can we resolve this discrepancy?
Remember that the word unrighteous doesn’t necessarily refer to those who are deliberately bad, but to those who simply weren’t righteous. On the other hand, the irreverent are those who know of God and simply choose to disobey Him, and apparently, this is the reason why they are found unworthy of a resurrection. For more information, see the linked document What is Righteousness?
Kill or Murder?
In recent years, the idea of putting murderers to death has become repulsive to many people, and to prove their argument that this is wrong, they often quote the words of God as found at Exodus 20:15, which say (in the King James Bible), ‘Thou shalt not kill.’
So, was God forbidding putting murders to death? That isn’t likely, for notice His instructions regarding what should be done to those who stepped on Mount Sinai while He was present there. He said at Exodus 19:13, ‘Anyone who [touches the mountain] must be pelted with rocks or shot through with arrows. Whether it’s a man or animal, [he or she] won’t live.’
Also, notice the clear instructions concerning what was to be done to murderes, as found at Exodus 21:12, ‘If any man hits another and kills him, he must absolutely be put to death.’ So, God’s clear instructions were that the Israelites were to kill gross violators of His Laws.
Now, the Greek word that some Bibles have translated as kill at Exodus 20:15, is phoneuseis. And to be honest, most Bible translators aren’t sure of its exact meaning. However, the main Greek word for kill (there are a few of them) is ktino. And this word is used (in its various conjugated forms) throughout the Bible, as when God told the Israelites that they should destroy (or kill) all the people in the cities in the Promised land, as they moved there. So, since we know that God wouldn’t give anyone conflicting laws (as in: To kill and not to kill), we must assume that the best word to translate phoneuseis is murder; for what He was forbidding was the murder of Israelite neighbors in His land.
Kingdom
The word Kingdom is translated from the Greek word basileia, which refers to the realm of a king (basil).
A common misconception about this Kingdom is that it isn’t real… that it’s just a state of mind. This conclusion is based on Jesus’ words found at Luke 17:21, which say (in Greek), he basileia tou Theou entos hymon estin (the Kingdom of the God in you is). And we have quite literally translated this verse as, ‘for God’s Kingdom is within you.’ However, some object to our translating his words this way, because, notice that (at Luke 17:20) Jesus said this in reply to a question which was raised by the Pharisees; and he probably didn’t think that the Kingdom was in their hearts (although some Pharisees did become his followers).
So, what did Jesus mean? Well, some religions have concluded he was saying that: He, the king of that Kingdom, was there in their midst, and that the hope of becoming kings in that Kingdom was being offered to them. But it’s also true that real Christians ever since that time have believed and acted as members of that Kingdom in their hearts. So, the Kingdom of God was truly within some of them… but this doesn’t necessarily mean (as other religions have concluded) that the Kingdom won’t come at some actual future time and become the realm of the kingship of Jesus and his faithful followers.
Notice, for example, Jesus’ own words found at Luke 22:16, where he told his disciples (concerning the fermentation-free bread), ‘Because I say to you; I won’t eat it again until it’s fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’ So, he was clearly saying that the Kingdom was yet a future thing, and not just an existing frame of mind.
Also notice that; Since it appears as though he and his elected ones will rule from heaven, the place from which they will rule is appropriately called ‘the Kingdom of Heaven.’ However, the term, the Kingdom of Heaven appears to refer to the rule from heaven and not to the place where those who are ruled will all live. We draw this conclusion from Jesus’ words as found at Matthew 8:11, where it is recorded that he said: ‘Many from the sunrise and sunset will come and recline [at the table] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven.’
Although those words would seem to confirm the thought that faithful ones such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would rule from heaven; realize that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob weren’t really in heaven at the time when Jesus said that. This is confirmed by what Jesus said (at John 3:13), ‘No one has gone to heaven other than he who came from heaven, the Son of Man.’ And while not being dogmatic on this point, we understand that the ancient patriarchs were never promised life in heaven (for more information, see the linked document The Hereafter)
So, Matthew 8:10-12 must be referring to Abraham and his descendants living under the rule of a heavenly Kingdom government. These faithful ones don’t appear to qualify to be rulers in heaven themselves, because they weren’t ‘born again’ to receive the value of a spiritual life, nor were they part of the ‘Sacred Agreement for a Kingdom’ (Luke 22:29) that Jesus had made with his Apostles just prior to his arrest and execution.
Notice again, how Jesus showed that the Kingdom of God hadn’t already arrived at the time he was speaking; for we are told at Luke 19:11, ‘While they were listening to these things, he told them another illustration, because he was getting close to Jerusalem, and they all thought that the Kingdom of God was about to happen instantly.’ So, although the Kingdom of God (or as Matthew describes it, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven’) may have been in their hearts, there was still to be an actual Kingdom rulership over Israel and the earth.
Then Jesus told the parable about the Kingdom (in Luke 19:12-27)) of a man who (like himself) made a long trip to a distant land to receive kingship. So, this parable shows that there was to be a long period between the time when Jesus would leave on his journey (to receive kingship in heaven), and the time when he would return to reward his faithful slaves.
Therefore, there is a definite time for this Kingdom to start its rule, and this is made clear by the words of Revelation 12:10, where we read: ‘Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, This is the moment when the salvation, the power, the Kingdom of our God, and the authorization of His Anointed begin. Because, the one who has been accusing our brothers has been thrown down… he who has been complaining about them day and night in front of our God!’
So, when the Opposer and his messengers are expelled from heaven, God’s Kingdom begins there.
Then, what IS the Kingdom? The term appears to refer to a coming rulership of the earth from the heavens by Jesus and his elected, who will rule on the earth, for John wrote at at Revelation 5:9, 10, that a heavenly group sang this song to him about Jesus:
‘You bought people for God with your blood,
From every tribe, language, ethnicity, and country.
Then you made them rulers and Priests to our God,
And they’ll rule as kings on the earth.’
Then at Revelation 2:26 it’s recorded that Jesus promised: ‘I’ll give he who conquers and obeys whatever I tell him to do down to the end, power over the nations.’ And again (at Revelation 3:21) Jesus promised: ‘Then I’ll allow the one who conquers to sit down with me on my throne, just as my Father has allowed me to sit on His throne, because I have conquered.’
For more information, see the linked document, The ‘Seed’ – God’s Kingdom.
Lachish
While many like to scoff at the Bible record and claim that its stories are myths and fairy tales; much of what is written there has been proven remarkably accurate and historical by modern archeology. For example, consider the events that are recorded to have happened in Jerusalem during the reign of King HezekiJah. At 2 Chronicles 32:9, we read of how the Assyrian King Sennacharib marched on the Judean city of Lachish before attacking Jerusalem. And today, letters about this attack from the general who was defending Lachish have been discovered, which can currently be found in the British Museum.
Also, the mention of HezekiJah’s rerouting the spring of Gihon (found at 2 Chronicles 32:30) can be proven, since the underground diversion project has been uncovered by archeologists and is a famed tourist attraction in Jerusalem today.
However, did God’s messenger wipe out the Assyrian army in a single night, as the Bible account says? While there’s no record of this outside the Bible (the Assyrians surely would have been too proud to record such an amazing defeat); the fact that Babylon thereafter became the dominant world power with little resistance from the Assyrians, gives mute testimony to the fact that this happened.
Lake of Fire
The Lake of fire, which is spoken of several times in the Revelation, is often thought to be Hell Fire. However, notice that what many Bibles call ‘Hell’ is actually to be thrown into this lake. For, at Revelation 20:14 we read, ‘Finally, death and the grave (gr. Hades) were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire symbolizes the second death.’
This lake of fire seems to symbolize the same thing as what Jesus called Gehenna, which is often translated Hell Fire. Yet, the word simply means the Valley (heb. ga) of Hinnom. The Valley of Hinnom (also referred to as ‘the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom’) was a garbage dump that was located along one of Jerusalem’s outer walls. It was a beautiful park before Jerusalem’s conquest by Babylon, but it was defiled when apostate Jews offered their children as sacrifices on an altar to the God Molech there. Then, after the repatriation to Jerusalem, the valley was used in a disrespectful way.
As a garbage dump, it was customary to keep the garbage burning to reduce the stench and to limit vermin, so sulfur was frequently poured there to keep the fires burning hot. This is why Jesus, when using the term, spoke of the fire as not being put out there. Also, because worms (maggots) bred along the edges of the dump, he could say that the worms don’t die. So, there is no indication that he was talking about torturing humans, as many religions teach.
The only cases where humans were actually thrown into Gehenna provides an insight into what Jesus was talking about when he referred to people going there: The dead bodies of particularly vile condemned criminals were thrown into Gehenna’s fires whenever the population felt that they were undeserving of a decent burial.
As you read the Scriptures, you’ll notice the importance that Hebrews placed on being ‘laid to rest with their ancestors.’ So, when Jesus spoke of people being thrown into Gehenna, he was obviously referring to unrepentant sinners being thrown into the ‘garbage dump.’ In other words, in the eyes of God they were unworthy of a resurrection.
This same condition is also referred to in other places in Matthew’s account as the fire of the age, and as ‘the lake of fire’ in the Revelation. Why was that term used? Because fire destroys, and those who are destroyed there (such as the Slanderer, the wild animals that picture the worldly nations, and The Great Babylon) will be gone forever.
Then, why are those who go there spoken of as being tortured through the ages (such as at Revelation 20:8)? To understand this nuance, you must first understand how ancient peoples used the term that we’ve translated as torture. In Bible times, jailers were called by the same term, not necessarily because they performed physical acts of torture, but because; by locking people up they were creating a form of mental torture.
And this is the thought that’s implied by being thrown into the ‘lake of fire’ or the ‘garbage dump.’ Since symbolic things such as governments, churches, the Slanderer, and even death and the grave are thrown there, the ‘torture’ doesn’t imply experiencing pain, but it refers to the fact that such things will be locked away there forever. And as Revelation 20:14 explains it, ‘The lake of fire symbolizes the second (or eternal) death.’
For more information, see the linked document, Is there a Burning Hell?
Lamp Stands of Revelation
Notice what was represented by the lamp stands in the Revelation. Revelation 1:20 says, ‘The seven lamp stands signify the seven congregations.’ So, lamp stands must picture callings or groups of Christians.
However, where the lamp stand is spoken of as being ‘removed’ (as at Revelation 2:5), this appears to indicate that the congregation will be removed from its position of favor.
Large Crowd
Who are the ones that are described (at Revelation 7:6) as ‘a crowd so large that nobody could count them,’ who come from ‘all countries, nationalities, ethnic groups, and languages’ and are ‘standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb?’
Notice that they aren’t the same as the 144,000 ‘slaves of our God,’ nor do they seem to comprise the Israel from whom the 144,000 are taken, for they are mentioned after these two groups are seen in the Revelation vision. Revelation 7:2-4 tells us: ‘Then I saw another messenger who was coming up from the sunrise. He had the seal of the living God, and he shouted aloud to the four messengers who were allowed to harm the earth and sea, saying, Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until after we’ve sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads. And I heard how many of them had been sealed; a hundred and forty-four thousand from among every tribe of the sons of Israel.’
So, notice that (as the text tells us) the 144,000 are chosen from or out of (gr. ek) Israel, for verse 4 reads in Greek: ‘και ηκουσα τον αριθμον των εσφραγισμενων εκατον τεσσερακοντα τεσσαρες χιλιαδες εσφραγισμενοι εκ πασης φυλης υιων ισραηλ,’ or, ‘and I/heard the number of/the/sealed, hundred forty four thousand, sealed from all tribes of/the/sons of/Israel.’ But, notice that the large crowd comes from ‘all countries, nationalities, ethnic groups, and languages.’ So, they don’t seem to comprise Israel at that time.
Revelation 7:14-17 tells us concerning them: ‘They are the ones who have come out of the great time of difficulty and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That is why they’re before the throne of God and worshiping Him day and night in His Holy Abode. He who is sitting on the throne will then spread His tent over them, and they won’t be hungry or thirsty anymore, nor will the sun beat down on them with blistering heat; because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them. He will guide them to the fountains of waters of life, and God will wipe all the tears from their eyes.’
So, this huge group of people appears to be those who will be baptized and make needed changes in their lives (‘washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’), but they will have specifically lived through the ‘great time of difficulty’ that (according to Revelation) immediately precedes the destruction of The Great Babylon and the Battle of Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter Seven says they are shouting, ‘We owe our salvation to our God who is sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ And, because they are standing ‘in front of the throne’ (not sitting on it with God and Jesus), they have obviously continued to live here on the earth. And being ‘guided to the fountains of waters of life’ indicates that their names have not yet been written in the Book or Scroll of Life.
For more information on who this large crowd could signify, see the linked document, Similarities between the Exodus and the Events of Revelation.
Last Days
Throughout the Christian Era Scriptures (New Testament), we read of a time that is referred to as ‘the last days’ (gr. tas hemera eschata). And in each case, these words seem to be speaking of the same period or periods; however, many religious groups prefer to identify them as separate and distinct eras. Take for example, the prophecy of Joel that Peter quoted on the day of Pentecost, 33-C.E. There we read (at Acts 2:17-21):
‘In the last days
I’ll pour some of my Breath on all flesh,
And your sons and daughters will then prophesy,
Your young men will have visions,
And your old men will dream dreams.
I will pour out some of My Breath in those days,
And My male and female slaves will then prophesy.
And from the skies above I’ll send omens and signs,
And to the earth below, blood, fire, and smoky mist.
Before the great and shining day of the Lord,
The sun will be changed into darkness
And the moon into blood.
And all calling on the Name of the Lord will be saved.’
Peter’s application of this prophecy clearly indicates its fulfillment as happening during the time that he was saying this, during and after Pentecost 33-C.E. So, many religions teach that Joel’s prophecy concerning the last days had its application just in the last days of ancient Jerusalem… before its destruction by Roman armies in 70-C.E. On the other hand, where these same words (last days) are found in other Bible verses, these same religions teach that the fulfillment comes just during ‘the Lord’s Day.’ For example, notice the words found at 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
‘Recognize that the last days will bring fierce times. People will love themselves and money. They will be braggers, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to their parents, unthankful and disloyal. They won’t love their families or be willing to agree on anything. They will be slanderers who don’t have any self-control. They will be wild and won’t love anything that is good. They will be betrayers who are headstrong and proud. They will prefer pleasures to caring about God. They will have some form of religion, but they won’t follow it.’
Obviously, at least in the prophecy of Joel, the last days do refer to the time between Pentecost of 33-C.E. and 70-C.E. However, notice that this prophecy also mentions its fulfillment as happening during ‘the great and shining day of the Lord,’ so it seems to also indicate another fulfillment as coming in some future last days.
That there would be such a future period of last days (which would come after Jerusalem’s destruction), appears to be indicated by Jesus’ words as found throughout the book of John. For example, John wrote (some 29 years after Jerusalem’s destruction) that Jesus said (at John 6:39. 40), ‘This is what the Will of the One who sent me is: That I shouldn’t destroy anything He has given me, but that I should resurrect it on the Last Day. This is what my Father’s will is: That everyone who pays close attention to the Son and believes in him should have life in the age, and I will resurrect him on the Last Day.’
It is noteworthy that John didn’t then go on to explain that the resurrection had already started with the destruction of Jerusalem. So, apparently it hadn’t and the resurrection was still to come during some future last day. In fact, John’s writing of the Revelation indicates that the resurrection wouldn’t come until after what is referred to as ‘the battle of Armageddon’ (Revelation 16-20). Such conclusions lead us to believe that there are actually two periods referred to in the Bible as the last days:
1. The last days of Jerusalem
2. The Lord’s Day in which we could now be living.
That both last days would see similar fulfillments is indicated by Jesus’ words as found in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. If you read these chapters and reference the linked Notes, it seems clear that both last days would see the fulfillment of many (but not all of the same) prophecies. So, is there to be some future fulfillment of the outpouring of God’s Breath and its gifts as seen at Pentecost in these last days? Although every religion has reached strong but differing opinions and doctrines on this, the answer isn’t totally clear.
That there will be some special outpouring of God’s Breath in the last days, appears to be clearly indicated by Joel’s prophecy. However, while many religions that claim to experience these gifts usually express it through healing, snake handling, and speaking in tongues; notice that Joel’s prophecy speaks specifically of miraculous prophesying. And Paul, when speaking of such gifts at 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14, actually discouraged speaking in tongues, putting prophesying and developing Christian love as foremost. Also, although the early Christians actually did Divine healing, this gift isn’t mentioned in Joel’s prophecy. So, if there is to be some modern fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, it seems to center on prophesying (more so than giving interpretations of Bible doctrines) and on an unusual expression of love.
See also the linked documents, The Last Days , and The Powers of God’s Holy Spirit.
Last Lamb
The Twenty-Ninth Chapter of Exodus talks about a calf and two lambs that must be sacrificed as a rite of empowerment for Aaron and his sons to be Priests. And we have referred to the sacrificing of the last lamb as just that; the end of the ceremony, or the last lamb. However, other Bibles refer to this as the Sacrifice of Consecration, the Ram of Installation, etc. So, why have we deviated in our rendering of this term?
In Greek, the words kriou teleioseos simply mean lamb final. And it was for a fact the last lamb or sacrifice offered during that seven-day event. So, we feel that last lamb or the end of the ceremony more accurately reflect the words, as found in the Greek Septuagint.
Laying the Temple Foundation
We find a very important deviation from the reading of the Hebrew text at 1 Kings 6:1, where the Greek text reads, ‘It was in the four hundred and fortieth year after the sons Israel left Egypt (in the fourth year and second month of Solomon’s reign over Israel) that the foundation of the Temple of Jehovah was laid.’ In Greek, the highlighted portion of this text reads, ‘και εγενηθη εν τω τεσσαρακοστω και τετρακοσιοστω ετει της εξοδου υιων ισραηλ εξ αιγυπτου,’ or, ‘and began in the fortieth and four-hundredth year of/the exodus sons of Israel from Egypt…’
What is different? In the Hebrew text and in most Bible translations based on that text, the foundation of the Temple was laid four hundred and EIGHTY years after the exodus from Egypt. This is no minor deviation, nor would it have gone unnoticed by early translators. So, either the Greek text or the Hebrew text was deliberately changed sometime in the past 2,200 years, and we don’t know which is true, so we are open to any arguments.
Why is this a major deviation? Well, it throws Bible dating and chronology off by forty years if the Septuagint is correct.
Leprosy
It is interesting that the disease we call leprosy today doesn’t seem to be the same as what was called leprosy in the Bible. While modern leprosy may appear to be the same, since the skin turns white and it is extremely debilitating, there are some major differences. For example, ancient leprosy seemed to have been extremely contagious, so people who had it weren’t allowed to come near to those who were healthy, while modern leprosy is listed as only ‘mildly contagious.’
Another difference is that the white skin coloration for modern leprosy comes from external skin scaling, while the Bible’s description of leprosy back then, was of a whiteness (or redness) that was internal or deep into the skin, and that it caused hollow spots under the skin. Also, notice that; once a person’s skin was turned completely white from the disease, God’s Law no longer considered them contagious (Leviticus 13:12-17).
Medical descriptions of modern leprosy say that it comes as the result of a bacterial infection. And while this may also have been true of ancient leprosy (in fact, it could have come from a bacteria that people have become largely immune to today), the fact that it could be found in clothing and leather goods, and that it was so hard to kill by washing, suggests that Bible leprosy may have been caused by a mold or fungus.
It would seem unlikely in the dry climate of Palestine that clothing in particular, would develop bacterial infections, unless they were extremely dirty, which is doubtful, knowing God’s view of cleanliness. However, mold can grow almost anywhere, and it is extremely hard to destroy. The fact that it grew on walls in Bible times seems to indicate that it was a type of mold.
Of interest are the descriptions of where and how leprosy developed in Bible times. Notice that it often started in wounds, sores, or in the hairline. And the fact that it was found on clothing (which was usually damp due to sweating in the arid climate), indicates that the disease was spread by close and prolonged contact with skin or through abrasions. However, modern Bedouins no longer seem to be plagued by this malady.
The fact that the bacteria, mold, or fungus was carried and transmitted from clothing and hair seems to be quietly affirmed by the fact that there is no mention of the disease attacking the genitals, which would be normally expected today, due the common use of tight-fitting underwear. Why not? Well, the ancient Israelites apparently didn’t wear them. The fact that underpants had to be specifically made for those who served in Jehovah’s Temple, indicates that such things weren’t customary.
Another interesting fact about the leprosy of Bible times, is that people who suffered from it could eventually (or even spontaneously) get over it without a need for modern antibiotics or treatments. The fact that Leviticus Chapter Fourteen gives extensive rules for the cleansing and repatriating of those who became well, indicates that this may have been a common occurrence.
Lesson in Humility
We learn an interesting lesson about humility from the words and actions of MichaEl, God’s highest messenger, at Jude 9. For there it says (when speaking of the battle he waged with the Slanderer over Moses’ [dead] body), ‘he didn’t dare to judge him by blaspheming him.’
Certainly, if anyone was an ‘apostate,’ it was this one, which other translations call the Devil and Satan, because he turned from his righteous position in the heavens. However, MichaEl never used any such disrespectful term. He just said, ‘May Jehovah give you what you deserve.’
This lesson should serve as a warning to all Christians against using such slanderous terms, no matter what the circumstances. If the term ‘Christian’ means being like or following Jesus, true followers should never use abusive terms (such as apostate) to describe others.
Living Creatures or Animals?
In Revelation, we read of four heavenly creatures that picture the major qualities of God (wisdom, justice, love, and power). The Greek word that is used to describe them here is zoo (pronounced Zō-ah), as in the place where people go to see animals today. This word simply means animals, but it is translated in most Bibles as living creatures, which was likely done for ‘politically-correct’ reasons. However, John just wrote animals, so that’s how the word is translated here.
Lottery or Lot
To many, the thought of choosing by lot (possibly by rolling dice) or using some other form of lottery sounds immoral and quite like gambling. However, in the Bible, that was the correct way to select the person who would receive a particular position or reward. In fact, the word for inherit (kleronomesousi), means to receive by lot or lottery.
The reason why this method was used by the ancient faithful was to allow God a hand in the decision, rather than trusting in the viewpoints of men. And the indication is that this method of choosing did in fact result in the manifestation of God’s hand. For example, consider how John the Baptist’s father (ZechariJah) was chosen by lot to serve in the Holy Place at the exact time for him to be told by a messenger of God about the upcomingh birth of his son and of his son’s responsibility concerning the Messiah (Luke 1:8, 9).
Also, consider the fact that Matthias was chosen by lottery to replace unfaithful Judas as one of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb.
The good sense of letting things be decided by apparent chance can be found in the wise words of Solomon at Proverbs 18:18, where he said, ‘Choosing by lottery ends a dispute, and it defines the boundaries of rulers.’
Love and Brotherly Love
The Greek word that is translated as brotherly love at 2 Peter 1:7 is philadelphian. The first part of that word, philea, means the type of love or bond that would be shared among close friends. In fact, the Greek word phileo means friend. And although philea is often looked down on as a lesser form of love (rendered as affection in other translations), people are often very impressed by the fact that Abraham was referred to as God’s friend (phileo).
The second part of the word, adelphos, means brothers, so, philadelphian refers to a brotherly love or friendship.
In the scripture found at 1 Peter 1:7, achieving brotherly love is listed as one-step before achieving true love (taken from the Greek word agape).
It is our belief that the meaning of agape is an overstated by many religious groups, because, it is simply translated as love (with no hidden depth of meaning) in most other places in the Bible. However, in this instance (1 Peter 1:7), Peter obviously intends for the word agape to imply the richest sense of its meaning. He likely had Paul’s definition of love (agape) in mind, which is found at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: ‘Love is kind and patient. Love isn’t envious, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t conceited, it doesn’t scheme, it doesn’t just watch out for itself, it doesn’t stir things up, it doesn’t hold a grudge, it doesn’t rejoice over unrighteous things, but rejoices over things that are true. It covers everything, believes everything, hopes everything, and endures everything. Love never fails.’
Love like that is often spoken of by Christians, but it is truly hard to find.
Luke
Notice that the book of Luke starts out by addressing the same man as does the book of Acts, someone with the Greek name of TheoPhilus, who was likely some sort of governor. This gives us a good reason to believe that the person who wrote Acts also wrote Luke (and about the same time), ‘the beloved Physician,’ Luke. Who was Luke?
The Bible doesn’t tell us much about him, other than he was a regular traveling companion of Paul. Notice that; throughout the book of Acts he says that ‘we’ did this or that. So, Luke was likely someone who was also assigned to preach to Gentiles. And although he may have witnessed some of the events of the Life of Jesus, there is no record of it. However, that wasn’t true of the events in the book of Acts, because the account shows that he lived most of it, especially the journeys of Paul.
Luke was quite a chronicler, since both of his books were compilations of things he had researched (he probably relied on many sources). And, because he ended Acts with the imprisonment of Paul in Rome, we have to assume that he did all his writing about the year 62-C.E., which is almost thirty years after Jesus’ death.
If you look at writing styles, you can see that Luke likely wrote some of the epistles that are attributed to Paul. Not that Paul didn’t dictate them, but that Luke may on occasion have served as Paul’s secretary. Luke’s writing style is flowery and educated, and his greetings can go on for paragraphs.
Something that only a translator would notice, is that much of Luke’s Gospel account is borrowed from Matthew. There is nothing wrong with that, because it was admittedly a compiled account, and Matthew’s writing was just one of his sources.
The reason why Luke prepared both writings (Luke and Acts) was apparently to set things straight in the hodge-podge of things people were saying by then, and in the stories that they were telling. That’s why he started out his Gospel account with the words (Luke 1:1-3), ‘Since many others have already taken on the job of putting together a statement of the facts of the things we believe as they were given to us by those who were eyewitnesses from long ago, and by caretakers of the message, it seemed good for me to trace everything accurately from the start, then write them to you in the order they happened, mighty Theophilus, so you can feel confident about the things you’ve been taught by word of mouth.’
There are several important places where Luke’s Gospel disagrees with Matthew’s Gospel. However, that is simply to be expected when several people tell the same story from different points of view. An example of this is: Luke said that Jesus didn’t cleanse God’s Temple until the day after his triumphant ride into Jerusalem, while Matthew’s account indicates that it happened on the same day. Is this a significant discrepancy? No, the words that were said and the things that happened are what was important, not their order in telling.
Also, many of the things that Jesus said and did didn’t follow the same order as in Matthew. The reason for this could be; because Jesus said and did similar things on other occasions, or simply because someone remembered them as happening on other occasions.
Is Luke’s Gospel more accurate than Matthew’s Gospel? Well, he did have a second look at what Matthew wrote, which usually provides an edge when it comes to accuracy. However, his Gospel was likely written almost twenty-five years after Jesus’ death, so Matthew’s Gospel was written much closer to when the events actually happened. But the extensive use of the poetry in Jesus’ words in Luke’s account does seem to indicate a better recollection of things exactly as he said them.
Making Fun of
The account at Genesis 21:9 speaks of Hagar’s son ‘playfully making fun of’ Sarah’s son Isaac. The Greek word that we have used to translate this phrase is paizonta. It refers to child’s play or a sporting activity or game, but the root comes from the Greek word empaizo, which means to deride or make fun of. As the result, we have concluded (from Sarah’s reaction) that some sort of disrespectful act was implied in the play.
However, the same word is also used to describe Isaac’s actions with his wife Rebecca (at Genesis 26:8), which caused King AbiMelech, the king of Gerara, to recognize that she was Isaac’s wife, not his sister. So, ‘making fun of’ wouldn’t convey the proper implication in this case.
Man of Lawlessness
At 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, Paul wrote, ‘Don’t allow anyone to mislead you in any way, because [the Lord’s Day] won’t come until after there’s a great turning away and the lawless man is revealed, the son of destruction. He opposes and puts himself higher than all that are called gods or things of worship. He seats himself in the Temple of God and publicly displays himself as being a god.’
Notice that this ‘lawless man’ comes as the result of a ‘great turning away’ from true Christianity, which proves that it is a religious organization. He also ‘seats himself in the Temple of God’ (or the organization pretends to have authority over all proper religious worship), and he sets himself up as a ‘god’ (or he expects people to worship the organization and its clergy)… does this sound familiar?
Mandrake Apples
The mandrake is a perennial herb that is part of the potato family. The leaves grow almost directly from the taproot, then fan out in a circle and lie close to the ground. Each grows a single white, blue, or purple flower on a stalk, which develops a yellowish-red fruit that is about the size of a plum, and is described as having the sweet, fresh odor of an apple. The thick, often-forked taproot may resemble a man’s lower limbs, and that (like ginseng) has created superstitious beliefs about the mandrake having magical powers.
In ancient times, mandrake fruit was used as a narcotic. And in some parts of the Middle East, it is still thought to be an aphrodisiac and an aid to human fertility and conception. This is likely the reason why Jacob’s wives RachaEl and Leah, who were unable to bear children, considered this fruit so valuable.
Manna
What was manna? All we know is what the Bible tells us. At Exodus 16:31 we read, ‘And the children of Israel called this [food] manna. It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like crackers and honey.’
The manna appeared miraculously every morning after the dew dried. The account says it looked like white coriander (cilantro) seeds, which are perfectly round and about a quarter-inch in size. And the description that they tasted like (whole-wheat) crackers and honey provides us a good idea of its flavor. In the Hebrew text, all we read that it looked like (hoar) frost on the ground… and we are sure it did. However, the description of each portion looking like a coriander seed (in the Septuagint) is far more descriptive.
What does manna mean? It is thought that those were the first words they said in Hebrew when the saw it, ‘Man hu?’ or, ‘What is it?’
Was manna the result of some natural phenomenon? That isn’t likely, because there is no other account of anything like it in history. And the fact that no matter how much of it a person gathered, it was always enough. And that it spoiled every night after sundown – except on the night before the Sabbath – is a pretty-good indication that God was its source. However, the mention of the dew drying may indicate that it was gathered by the moisture in the morning air.
Was manna all that the children of Israel ate? No, God provided birds for them to eat on at least one occasion, so they could hunt for ‘clean’ animals. And don’t forget that they were herders of sheep, goats, and bulls, which were also sources for food on special occasions. This is proven by the fact that they were allowed to eat the meat of some sacrifices. So theirs wasn’t a bland, humdrum diet as many think.
Mark
Mark’s name was actually John Mark, but he was referred to as Mark, to distinguish him from the others named John.
Mark was an eyewitness to Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, for his account tells us (at Mark 14:50-52), ‘Then [the Apostles] all abandoned him and ran. But, a certain young man who had slipped a linen nightgown over his naked body, started following close behind. However, [the mob] tried to grab him, so he ran away naked, leaving his covering behind.’ The fact that mark doesn’t identify this young man by name, indicates that he was talking about himself.
The next mentioning of him in the Bible, is when he traveled with Paul and BarNabas to AntiOch, then on to the Island of Cyprus. From there, he (against Paul’s wishes) returned home to Jerusalem. And that departure, later caused quite an argument between Paul and BarNabas, when BarNabas wanted to take Mark along on a subsequent missionary journey. However, in a letter written several years after that, Paul indicated that he had forgiven Mark and asked him to come to him.
Mark was a resident of Jerusalem, because the Bible tells us that Peter went to the home of Mark’s mother (in Jerusalem) after a messenger from God freed Peter from the jail there. And the fact that Mark was present in a nightgown at Jesus’ arrest, indicates that Jerusalem was his home.
Some commentators have claimed that Mark’s Gospel was the first to be written, but there is no proof of that claim, and it appears to us that much of Mark’s story is actually borrowed from the more detailed account of Matthew. Also, the fact that the book of Mark appears to be written for the benefit of the gentiles, indicates that it is likely a later writing. Of course, there is nothing wrong with one writer copying the words of another, since Mark and Luke appear to be compiled accounts, and the writings of Matthew were included in those compilations.
The reason why Mark wrote this book, was apparently to eliminate many of Matthew’s references to Hebrew prophecies. He likely did this so that gentiles (those who he was preaching to) could see how Jesus’ life and words applied to them, rather than to the Jews. His writing is definitely more direct, interesting, and abbreviated than the Book of Matthew. However, many of the details that are found in Matthew and Luke are missing.
There are several important places where Mark’s Gospel disagrees with Matthew’s Gospel. Yet, that is simply to be expected when several people tell the same story from different points of view. While many of the things that Jesus said and did followed the same order as they are told in Matthew (but not in the same order as in Luke’s Gospel), someone (probably Peter) appears to have commented on the points where his recollections differed, or where he remembered more.
Is Mark’s Gospel more accurate than Matthew’s Gospel? Well, he did have a second look at what Matthew wrote, which always provides an edge when it comes to accuracy. And his close adherence to the words of Matthew would indicate that his revisions are corrections. However, the poetry of Jesus’ words (Matthew Chapters 5-7 and 24, 25) is missing, so the beauty of what Jesus said was sacrificed for brevity.
Mark’s Gospel seems to end in the middle of the story, which likely caused two later writers to add their own conclusions to his words. However, a study of ancient Bible manuscripts seems to indicate that neither conclusion is authentic, so both have been omitted here.
Mark 7:19
At Mark 7:19 we have translated Jesus as saying, ‘for it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his belly and then into the sewer, making all edibles clean.’ However, in Greek, the last portion of this verse literally says, ‘katharizon (cleansing) panta (all) ta (the) bromata (eatables);’ giving the impression that the eating, digesting, and eliminating food makes it clean, which makes no sense to us.
But consider the point that Jesus was making here, for he said in verse 15, ‘There’s nothing on the outside that goes into a man which can make him unclean. Rather, it’s the things that come out of a man that make him unclean.’ Then he added (in verses 20-23), ‘It’s what comes out of a man that makes him unclean. It’s the things on the inside – from their hearts – that bad thoughts come… things such as immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, selfish desires, wicked actions, deceit, lack of restraint, eyes that are wicked, blasphemy, arrogance, and unreasonableness. All these wicked things that come from the inside are what make a man unclean.’
So, it is our assumption that the wording of verse 15 reflects the same thought as verse 19; that all food which a human consumes is (in a figurative way) clean, because consuming it doesn’t make him unclean.
Notice that these words in Mark seem to be the same as the account at Matthew 15:10, 11, where Jesus said: ‘Listen and understand: It isn’t the things that go into his mouth that dirty a man, it’s the things that come out of his mouth that pollute him.’
However, Hebrew Law specifically laid out guidelines to show which eatable things were clean, and which were unclean. So, it comes as no surprise that Jesus’ Apostles said (in verse 12), ‘Don’t you know that the Pharisees were stumbled by what you said?’
Then he went on to clarify his point to his Apostles in verses 16-19, saying, ‘Don’t you get the point? Don’t you realize that whatever you put into your mouth goes into your belly and then into the sewer? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart… these are the things that dirty a man. Because, out of the heart comes wicked thinking, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, thievery, false testimony, and blasphemy. These are the things that pollute a man. But eating with unwashed hands doesn’t dirty a man.’
So, in the account in Matthew, we read nothing of food being cleansed by being eaten and expelled.
Marriage in the Resurrection?
At Matthew 22:30 Jesus said, ‘In the resurrection, men won’t marry nor will women be given in marriage, but they are like the messengers in heaven.’
This scripture is often quoted to show that those who are resurrected won’t marry (as Jesus said). However, does this apply to all those who are raised in the resurrection, regardless of their destiny? Notice what Luke’s parallel account says (Luke 20:34-36): ‘The sons of this age marry and are married. But those who have been found worthy of that age and the resurrection from the dead don’t marry, nor do they get married. They can’t die anymore either, because they are equal to [God’s] messengers and they are [also] sons of God, because they are sons of the resurrection.’
Luke’s account shows that Jesus was referring specifically to ‘God’s sons’ (gr. uioi eisin Theou – sons are of God), which are thought to be those of the heavenly resurrection (the saints). So, the reference in Luke may not refer to an earthly resurrection.
However, the question the Sadducees asked was just about the resurrection (no designation of heavenly or earthly). So, was Jesus sidestepping the question to avoid a common word trap that had been used successfully in Sadducees’ arguments against the resurrection in the past, or was he implying that there would be no marrying in either resurrection? We don’t know, but the common belief at the time (among the Pharisees in particular) was that there would be a heavenly resurrection. So, there was likely no reason for Jesus to talk about an earthly resurrection.
Yet, there may be another explanation of the meaning of what Jesus said, for notice how the words are laid out in Mark 12:24-27: ‘Then Jesus answered, This is why you are so misled. You don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God! When the dead are resurrected, they won’t marry or be married, they are as the messengers in heaven. As for the dead who are raised, didn’t you read in the book of Moses – in the story about the thorn bush – how God said to him, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? He isn’t a God of the dead, but of the living. Yes, you are very misled.’
So, could Jesus have been saying that only those who are dead in God’s eyes won’t marry, but those He considers among the living will marry? Or is it possible that the reverse could be true?
Will children be born after the Battle of Armageddon? If you believe that the prophecy found in Isaiah 65 is talking about that period, then yes. For at Isaiah 65:23, we were told, ‘And My elected won’t labor for nothing, nor will they produce children for a curse, for their seed will be blest by God, as well as even their children.’
Mary from Magdala
Much has been said and written about this woman, with no basis, because the only record of her is in the Bible, and it tells us very little. What we do know, is that her name wasn’t Magdalene, as most Bibles indicate, because surnames were seldom used in Bible times. Rather, her name was just Mary, and she was referred to as the Magdelean to differentiate her from other Marys who were also Jesus’ disciples (there are six Marys mentioned in the Bible). This term may have referred to her coming from the town of Magdala or Magadan, which was on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee about halfway between CaperNaum and Tiberias.
Jesus expelled seven demons from this Mary, and that is likely why she was so devoted to serving him. We find the first mention of her in the second year of Jesus’ preaching, as he and his Apostles were traveling from city to city proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. There the Bible tells us that she and several other faithful women traveled among the crowd of Jesus’ disciples, serving the needs of Jesus and his Apostles from their possessions. And finally, she was also among the large crowd of people who traveled with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem and witnessed his death on the pole… followed by seeing him in his resurrected form. Thereafter, there is no mention of her in the book of Acts.
Could she have possibly been Jesus’ wife, as some have claimed? No, for the busy nomadic life of Jesus would have made him a poor provider and husband. And thereafter, she isn’t mentioned by Paul, James, Peter, or Jude… which would be strange if she had held such an important position in Jesus’ life.
Actually, if Jesus had taken Mary as a wife, he would have disqualified himself for his high position before God, for notice what was to be true of him (Hebrews 3:1): ‘Let’s consider this Apostle and High Priest whom we confess, Jesus.’ As God’s Highest Priest, Jesus could have never chosen Mary (with her reputed unsavory past) as his wife, for notice God’s own requirements for His Priests (Leviticus 21:10-14): ‘And the Priest who is the chief one among his brothers … may only take a wife who is a virgin and from his own tribe… not a widow, a divorcee, someone who has been violated, or a whore. He may only take a virgin from his own people as a wife.’
Matthew 25:1
You will notice that we have included the words ‘and the bride’ at the end of Matthew 25:1, because it is included in Aramaic and other ancient texts. And although these words would seem to be a foregone conclusion (that the Lord arrived with his bride), many believe that the virgins in the parable are the bride! Yet, these words, which indicate the bride arrived with the groom, clearly shows that the virgins were not the bride, but that they were simply guests at the wedding banquet.
Now, for a fact, it is possible that these words about the bride arriving with the groom may not have been written by Matthew; but they likely were, so we have included them. For, consider the other facts, such as the number of the virgins (many brides?), and that some were not allowed into the banquet (rejected brides?). These indicate that they are likely not the bride.
Also, recognize that in ancient Hebrew society, it was customary for the man to take the bride from her home (which was the marriage), and then they would go to a wedding banquet where friends and guests were invited. However, no marriage ceremony was performed at the banquet. So, the fact that the virgins were invited to the celebration (not the wedding) shows that they were not the bride. It would seem strange indeed for a man to marry, and thereafter come along the road to invite some of his brides to the party, while not allowing the rest to enter.
Does this conclusion then mean that the hope of the ‘faithful, sensible slave,’ and the ‘three slaves’ of Jesus other parables in Matthew 24, 25 may not be heavenly? Yes it does. For more information, see the linked document The Faithful and Sensible Slave.
Matthew 27:9
At Matthew 27:9, the Greek text says that Jeremiah prophesied the words about the thirty pieces of silver and the potter’s field. However, this isn’t accurate, because those words were actually written by the Prophet Zechariah (see Zechariah 11:12, 13). So, some error in the Greek text of Matthew is apparent. However, in the Aramaic text, we find no name given for the Prophet who wrote the words; it just says ‘the Prophet.’ Therefore, we have gone with the Aramaic wording of this verse, and suspect that the Aramaic texts are more accurate than the existing Greek texts in the proper rendering of the book of Matthew (see the link Aramaic Peshitta).
Matthew 28:19
The words found at Matthew 28:19, ‘in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,’ are not found in the ancient Shem Tob Hebrew manuscript of Matthew, so they are likely spurious (words that were added to the Bible). And this begs the question: Does the Bibles really command that we be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Many churches use the words found at Matthew 28:19, 20 in most modern Bibles, when baptizing, which say: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of people of all t he nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all the things that I commanded you.’ (This has been called the Trinity Formula, since it contains the three-person Godhead).
At present, we don’t have any complete Greek manuscripts of Matthew prior to the 4th Century, and all existing Greek and Latin manuscripts written thereafter contain this phrase. However, there is evidence that this reading is a later corruption of the original text.
For example: The early Church historian Eusebius appears to quote from a different manuscript than any we presently have; for, eighteen times (between the years 300 and 336-C.E.) he cited Matthew 28:19, 20 as saying: ‘Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you.’
And it’s interesting that the traditional Trinitarian reading of Matthew 28:19 doesn’t appear in Eusebius’ writings until after the Council of Nicaea, when the Trinity began to formally be held as official doctrine. So, evidence strongly indicates that this is a spurious scripture inserted by later Trinitarians, in the same vein as 1 John 5:7-8.
However, this finding may prove to cut both ways for some; for while it breaks apart the only mention in the Bible of the Trinity trio, it does seem to prove what many Trinitarians have said all along; that baptisms should only be done in the name of Jesus. So, since there may be no true mention of baptizing in the Names of the Father and the Holy Spirit, the only other instructions in the Bible on how to baptize people say:
Also, notice the Description that Luke gave of the parting words of Jesus, as found at Luke 24:47. ‘Then, in his (Jesus’) name, [the message of] repentance for forgiveness of sins is to be preached in all the nations, starting from Jerusalem.’ So, as you can see, the Trinitarian formula isn’t found there either, which it likely would be, if this was the true formula for baptism.
Meaning of Psalm 45
The wording of this Psalm is particularly difficult and our choice of words could be proven wrong. However, the superscription indicates that this is a psalm about ‘the loved one,’ whom we would assume to be the hoped-for Messiah. And for that reason, we have adapted certain words to meet this understanding. The Psalm obviously isn’t speaking of King David, but of some future great king and his queen.
Notice in verse five, that this person starts out by conquering his enemies, for we read: ‘Sharpen your arrows, O mighty one. For the peoples beneath you must fall; all enemies in the heart of the king.’
Then in verse 6 we read, ‘Your throne, O great one, lasts through ages of ages. And your Kingdom is led with your scepter so straight.’
You will notice that the words we inserted (great one) were translated from the Greek word theos, or god. So the natural assumption is that this king is God. Yet, notice the verse that follows (7), ‘For, you’ve loved righteousness and hated law breaking. And for this, God anointed you with oil, and praised you above all your fellow partakers.’
So, we must assume that theos in this case didn’t refer to The God, but to a great or mighty one who God chooses or anoint; for the word theos in Greek can also refer to one lesser than The God (for more information, see the Note from John 1:1, Is Jesus God?).
Also, notice that this one was chosen over his ‘fellow partakers,’ because he ‘loved righteousness and hated law breaking.’ And this may give us some insight as to why he was chosen by God to be born on earth as a human.
Further insights may be gained by looking at verses 14-16, where we read, ‘Then all the virgins who follow in her train, those nearest to her will be carried to you. They will be carried in gladness and praising, and led to the king’s Holy Abode. Instead of your fathers sons will be born, and on the whole earth you’ll appoint them as rulers.’
This mention of virgins being carried to the king exactly reflects the words of Revelation 14:1-4, where we read of 144,000 ‘virgins’ who will be ‘bought from the earth’ and then taken to heaven as ‘the bride of the Lamb.’
Meeting the Lord ‘In the Air’
The words of Paul at 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 should be of particular interest to Christians, because they speak of a situation that happens to those who are dead in Jesus at the time of their resurrection, which might raise some questions about what will actually happen then.
We have translated these words as saying: ‘We the living who have remained until the Lord is near, definitely won’t go ahead of those who are asleep [in death]. Because, the Lord himself will descend from heaven and give the command in the voice of the highest messenger [of God] and with God’s trumpet. Then those who have died in the Anointed One will be resurrected first. And we the living who remain will be snatched away with them at that time into the clouds, for an assembly with the Lord in the air; so we’ll always be with the Lord.’
Let’s take a look at some of the words that he wrote and see what questions are raised:
1. Paul spoke of this resurrection (gr. anastesontai) as happening during the period of Jesus’ nearness (gr. parousian). So, does it happen before his coming (gr. erchomi), or was Paul speaking of the Lord’s descending (gr. katabesetai) to do the resurrecting at the climax of his nearness (at his coming)? For, the scripture does say that he descends from heaven (arrives?) to do this resurrecting and snatching.
2. Why are they spoken of as being taken into the clouds (gr. en nephalais) and meeting with the Lord in the air (gr. eis aera), which is all down here in earth’s atmosphere?
3. If they are being taken into heaven (the presence of God), why is the word heaven (gr. ourano) specifically left unmentioned?
4. Who are these dead in the Anointed One (gr. nekroi en Christo)?
5. Will they then ‘always be with the Lord’ in the air, in heaven, or here on the earth?
For a more in-depth discussion of the possible answers to these questions, see the linked document The Rapture.
Men Who Have Sex With Men
The Greek word at 1 Timothy 1:10 that we have translated as men who have sex with men, is arsenokoitais. Arseno means males and koitais means bed-ers (or those who ‘bed’ males). And while this term is used to specifically refer to males who take sexual advantage of other males at 1 Corinthians 6:9, in this case, Paul seems to be broadening the term to include all so-called ‘homosexual’ behavior.
Messengers
Most Bible translations render the Greek word aggelos (pronounced ahn-gel-ose – with a hard g) as angel wherever it is found. However, aggelos is just the Greek word for messenger. True, in most cases where the Bible speaks of angels, it is referring to spirit messengers from God. However, this may not be the meaning in every instance, and always translating it as angel may distort what was said in certain instances.
For example, consider the words at Acts 12:15, where Peter had just been released from prison and had appeared at the door of some faithful Christians. In Greek, the latter part of this verse reads, ‘oi de elegon Ho aggelos estin autou’ and is often translated as, ‘They began to say, It is his angel.’
This rendering doesn’t sound reasonable, for it would have been unusual for Christians to assume that an angel from God (who looked like Peter) was standing and knocking at their door. Rather, the rendering we have used herein makes more sense, ‘So they said, It’s his messenger.’
Another good example of why aggelos shouldn’t always be translated as angel can be found at Genesis 32:3, which reads in Greek, ‘Apasteile de Iakob aggelous emprosthen autou pros Hesau ton adelphon autou’ or, ‘Sent of Jacob angels ahead of him toward Esau the brother of him.’ Here Jacob was obviously sending human messengers to his brother, not heavenly ones (angels).
And consider the words at Numbers 20:14, where we read that Moses sent messengers (gr. aggelous – messengers, plural) from Cades to the king of Edom.’ Then in verse 16, it says that ‘Jehovah … heard our voice and sent His messenger (gr. aggelon – messenger, singular) who brought us out of Egypt.’
Obviously, although the same word (with only conjugated variations) is used to speak of two different types of messengers here… those who are human and those who were sent from heaven by God. As the result, most Bibles translate the first instance as messengers, but the second as angel. We have not chosen to make this distinction, and we have rendered the word as messenger or messengers in each instance, because this proper translation of the word provides readers a better look at what position these heavenly sons of God held. For, angel isn’t a heavenly rank, it’s a duty.
Also, consider the words of Haggai 1:13, where we read: ‘Then the Messenger (or angel) of Jehovah, Haggai, one of the messengers (or angels) of Jehovah, said to the people: Jehovah says, I am with you!’
Yet, Haggai was just a man, not a spirit.
Translating aggelos as messenger (when it truly means an ‘angel’) helps to provide readers a better, deeper understanding of the actual role that such spiritual sons of God play in His dealings with mankind. And it helps us to understand why the Bible never speaks of female or baby angels.
MichaEl
The Greek word that is translated ‘Highest Messenger [of God]’ at Jude 9 is archAggelos. Arch (pronounced ark) means highest (or beginning) and aggelos (pronounced ahn-gell-ose) is the word that we get angel or messenger from.
Who was this ‘highest messenger of God?’ Jude gives his name as MichaEl. However, many Bible scholars think that this is the name of Jesus prior to his coming to the earth. The reasoning behind this is that Jesus is truly God’s highest messenger (see Hebrews the First Chapter), so Jesus and MichaEl are thought to be one in the same.
The thought that Jesus is MichaEl is reinforced by Paul’s words as found at 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where we read, ‘Because the Lord himself will come down from heaven and give the command in the voice of the highest messenger (gr. archaggelou) [of God] with God’s trumpet.’
So, since ‘the Lord’ is an obvious reference to Jesus, he appears to be the ArchAngel MichaEl.
Milk of God’s Word
At Hebrew 5:12, 13, Paul was scolding the Christians in Jerusalem and Judea for their flagging interest in God’s word. He said, ‘And although you ought to be teachers in view of the time, you need someone to go back and teach you the basics of God’s Word again. You’ve become people who need milk, not solid food. For, those who live on milk are babies and they are unfamiliar with teachings that are righteousness.’
What is this ‘milk’ that Paul warned the Hebrew Christians about? He tells us at Hebrews 6:1, 2: ‘So, now that we’ve gone beyond the basics of the Anointed One, may we be carried on toward maturity. Let’s not go back and lay a new foundation on such matters as:
· Repenting over bad deeds
· Having faith in God
Or learning about:
· Baptisms
· [Spiritual] appointments
· The resurrection of the dead
· The judgments on this age.’
Yet, these are the very same things that almost all religions spend their time discussing, preaching, writing about, and arguing with each other today.
How many sermons have you heard or articles and books have you read recently where Christians are being ‘reminded’ not to get involved in ‘bad deeds,’ and they must have ‘faith in God’ and His greatness? Too many, we are sure.
But if we go beyond that, to Paul’s next considerations (baptisms, spiritual appointments, the resurrection of the dead, and the judgments on this age), we enter the area that most Christians today consider advanced spiritual food and refer to as a ‘great spiritual banquet.’ Yet, Paul called it milk, and he considered such things the wet-nursing of those who are spiritual babies.
Paul’s words are a major condemnation of those religious leaders and organizations that consider such topics important, because it reflects their own lack of spiritual growth and their inability to feed the flocks entrusted to their care.
So, is it wrong for Christians to become disgusted with spiritual pabulum… shouldn’t we appreciate any spiritual food that we receive? As Paul said (at Hebrews 5:14), ‘But those who are grownups eat solid food and they’ve trained their senses to recognize the differences between right and wrong.’
What did he consider the ‘meat’ of God’s word? Well, read the rest of the book of Hebrews and see if you can follow it. Also, see the linked document What Is Truth?
Missing Ancestor of Jesus
If you’ve ever taken the time to count them, you’ll notice that there seems to be a generation missing in the genealogy of Jesus in most Bibles, for we read at Matthew 1:17, ‘So, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen generations from David until the deportation to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the deportation to Babylon to [the coming of] the Anointed One.’ Yet, the list after the deportation to Babylon, shows only thirteen names. What accounts for this?
Well, a study of the Aramaic text indicates that Joseph the son of Jacob wasn’t Mary’s husband, but her father, which makes fourteen generations. Yes, she did marry a man who was also named Joseph, but apparently he isn’t mentioned in the text at Matthew 1:16. You will notice that Mary’s husband Joseph was not the son of Jacob, but of Heli (see Luke 3:3).
Then why does the genealogy of Luke’s account differ? Because he lists the family line of Joseph, Mary’s husband, while Matthew is discussing the genealogy of Mary.
Mistreatment of Women
Many people have commented on the mistreatment of women in Bible texts, and speak as though such things were condoned by God… they weren’t. Nor was polygamy or keeping concubines permitted in God’s Law. That’s just the way the male-dominated society worked at the time. And recognize that; Where women were allowed to be mistreated (as in the case of the concubine mentioned in Judges the 20th Chapter), this doesn’t indicate the Bible’s approval of the actions, it’s just relating a true story. For, especially during the period of Judges, the people of Israel had come a long way from God’s Laws, and their society had become corrupt. This is proven by all the times that God had allowed them to come under the control of (and to be oppressed by) the surrounding pagan nations.
Morning Star
Admittedly, our rendering of Psalm 110:3, ‘For, since the time that you came from the womb, I made you to be the morning star,’ could be wrong, because it differs from the Hebrew text and other translations of the Septuagint. The Greek word in question here is eosphorou, which some translate as dawn. However, others argue that the word should be translated as morning star, and we find this logical, because Jesus referred to himself as the morning star at Revelation 2:28, and again at Revelation 22:16. So, this would explain what scripture he was quoting.
Notice that this rendering is also more in harmony with the principles of Hebrew poetry, for it better reflects the thought of the previous verse, ‘In that mighty day you’ll be the sovereign, and in the brightness of your holy ones you will shine.’ It also just makes more sense than the Hebrew words, ‘in the splendors of holiness from the womb of the dawn,’ which don’t appear to mean very much, and which don’t tie into other prophesies.
Revelation 2:28 says, ‘I’ll also give him the morning star.’ Notice the explanation the Bible itself provides at Revelation 22:16 of who this morning star is; ‘I (Jesus) sent my messenger to you [so you would] bring this testimony against the congregations. I’m the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’
Moses’ Question about the ‘Name’ of God
(Contributed)
An inaccurate translation of Exodus 3:13 leads to a faulty understanding of this verse. In numerous Bibles, one can read the question: ‘What is his name?’ as in Judges 13:17, when Manoah wanted to know the name (that is, the pronunciation of the name) of the angel who came to meet him. On the other hand, the Israelites asked Moses: ‘How is his name?’ – that is, ‘What does His name mean?’ or ‘What does His fame mean?’
One can verify that in Hebrew, the interrogation ‘what is,’ or ‘how is,’ is ‘mâ.’ And ‘who is,’ is ‘mî.’ Thus, there’s a big difference between asking to know a name because one is in ignorance of it (as in Ezra 5:4), and asking the meaning of a name, which one already knows, as in Genesis 32:27 where the angel asks Jacob to remind him of the meaning of his name (He will supplant), which meaning was already known to him (Genesis 27:36), in order to give him a new one (He will contend – Genesis 32:28).
Thus, when Moses asked God: ‘How is his name?’ God gave the explanation ‘I shall [prove to] be who (or what) I shall [prove to] be’ (èhyèh ashèr èhyèh). Even here, regrettably, numerous translators are influenced by Greek philosophy on The Being as existing that was developed by Plato in some of his works, including ‘Parmenides.’ For example, the Septuagint translated this passage as ‘I am the Being (égô éimi o ôn in Greek), or, ‘I am He who is.’ Yet Aquila’s Translation (which is more faithful to Hebrew) translates this sentence as, I shall be: I shall be (ésomai ésomai in Greek).
As you can see; from a study on the translation of this sentence, the difficulty results from translators who want to explain this translation by means of their personal beliefs, which are very often influenced by Greek philosophy; otherwise there is no difficulty. For example, one finds the word èhyèh just before Exodus 3:12 and just after Exodus 4:12, 15, and here translators have no problem translating it as ‘I shall [prove to be] with you.’ Moreover, the Talmud retains this explanation for the meaning of the Name.
A better translation of Exodus 3:13, 14 would then be: Then Moses said to God, ‘Look, I’ll go to the children of Israel and tell them the God of our ancestors has sent me to you, but they’re going to ask, How is his name? What should I tell them?’ And God told Moses, ‘I shall [prove to] be what I shall [prove to] be! Just tell the children of Israel that I shall [prove to] be has sent you.’
Moses’ Sin at the Rock
The story of how Moses sinned against Jehovah by not mentioning His Name when he struck the rock in the Sin Desert and caused it to gush water, has been told and retold over the centuries. However, it appears as though Moses’ reason for doing this is often overlooked. Notice the exact words of God to Moses (at Numbers 20:17), ‘Then Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron, Because you didn’t believe Me enough to mention Me before the children of Israel, you won’t be allowed to lead this gathering into the land that I have given them.’
So, while many have concluded that Moses had sinned by taking the credit for this miracle himself, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Rather, God’s words indicate that Moses was unsure of whether this miracle would really happen, and that’s why he didn’t mention God’s Name before he struck the rock. So, it doesn’t appear to be a sin of presumptuousness, but one of a lack of faith.
Moses’ Wife
In harmony with the statement found at Numbers 12:3, Moses must truly have been ‘the humblest man on the earth,’ because we actually know very little about him and his personal life. We know that he was married to a Midianite woman named Zipporah (the daughter of Jethro), and that he had at least two sons by her, Gersam and EliEzer. So, it comes as no surprise that there is quite a bit of controversy about the exact reason why Miriam and Aaron were so upset over Moses’ wife, who the account at Numbers 12:1 describes as an ‘Ethiopian woman.’ Was this Zipporah, or did he take another wife? And if it was another wife, what happened to Zipporah?
Unfortunately, we don’t know for sure, because the Bible simply doesn’t tell us. However, at least one source claims that it was Zipporah and that the mention of her being an ‘Ethiopian’ wasn’t unusual, because people who lived in the Arabian Peninsula were often referred to as Ethiopians.
We question this conclusion and suspect that those writers were more interested in clearing any questions that might reflect poorly on Moses’ name than in looking at the matter objectively. Since Moses had been married to Zipporah for at least sixty years prior to this time, it seems unlikely that Miriam and Aaron would suddenly turn against Moses and start condemning him over this. Rather, the fact that they started questioning his right to represent God at that late date (after Zipporah was likely a great grandmother), indicates that the marriage in question was something that had happened more recently. Otherwise, the actions by Miriam and Aaron simply make no sense at all.
Also, the fact that Zipporah was one of the Midianites, who were descendants of Abraham (see Genesis 25:1) and close relatives of the Israelites, makes it very hard to believe that the Bible writer would refer to her as an Ethiopian, because they are an entirely different race that descended from Noah’s son Ham (see Genesis 10:7).
Actually, Ethiopian is a Greek word, so it stems from a time well after Moses (to about the Third Century C.E.), and it means The Land of the Blacks. Also notice that the Hebrew text doesn’t call her an Ethiopian but a Cushite (a descendant of Cush or a black person). And when the Bible speaks of Ethiopians it isn’t necessarily talking about people from the modern country of Ethiopia (though it could), it actually refers to people from any land inhabited by blacks, which was true (at the time) of lands from Persia to South Africa. So the term proves that his new wife was from a land of black people, not from the area of the olive-skinned descendants of Abraham.
Then why was Miriam particularly upset? Well, she was Moses’ older sister (likely the one who followed him as a baby and spoke to Pharaoh’s daughter), so she was probably very protective. Also, the woman he married wasn’t an Israelite, and her skin may have been much darker than that of others in the camp, so there could have been some racism involved.
Then what happened to Zipporah? The Bible just doesn’t tell us. Had Zipporah died; had she left Moses; or had he taken a second wife? Again, we just don’t know. However, just look at the mathematics: Moses married Zipporah when he was forty years old, so she was likely at least twenty years old (and likely older) at the time she was married. Then forty years later (when she was over 60), Moses went before Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of Egypt. Thereafter, Israel wandered in the desert for some forty years.
Now, we don’t know exactly when the problem arose over Moses wife, but let’s say it was ten years before Israel entered the promised land; so if Zipporah was still alive, she would have been more than ninety years old! And since Moses himself said that the average life span at the time was seventy or eighty, we would have to assume that she had died prior to this second marriage of Moses, which proved so objectionable to his brother and sister.
Since the Scriptures prove that Moses still had God’s approval, who are we to question his actions or to make assumptions based on so little evidence?
Mystery
The Greek word that is translated as mystery here (Sacred Secret in other Bibles) is mysterion, which is the root word of the English word mystery.
Never Die?
According to some Bible Translations, Jesus said (as recorded at John 8:51), ‘Most truly I say to you, if anyone observes my word, he will never see death at all.’ Yet, all of Jesus’ faithful Apostles and disciples (who had certainly observed his word) died, for the Bible tells of how some of them did die. So, did Jesus lie?
No, rather, the way those words are translated in other Bibles is what is wrong. In Greek, John 8:51 reads, ‘Amen, amen, lego hymin, ean tis ton emon logon terese, thanaton ou me theorese eis ton aiōna,’ or, ‘Amen, amen (truthfully) I/say to/you, if/ever anyone the my word should/observe, death not not he/shall/behold into the age.’
Notice that the word death (thanaton) precedes age (aiōna), and the word for age is in the singular accusative tense; so he was saying that they wouldn’t know death through the era or age. In other words, they would die, but they wouldn’t be counted as dead through the age.
You will notice that Jesus used the same sentence structure at John 11:26, where he said, ‘kai pas ho zon kai pisteuon eis eme ou me apothane eis ton aiōna, pisteueis touto?’ or, ‘and everyone the living and believing into me not not should/die into the age. Believe/you this?’
So, although other Bible translations render these words as ‘and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?’ we have translated the verse as, ‘and all the living who believe in me won’t be dead through the age. Do you believe this?’
New Jerusalem
At Ephesians 2:21, 22, Paul spoke of Jesus’ chosen ones as being assembled ‘into a Holy Temple for Jehovah’ as ‘a place for God to live in by [His] Breath.’ What is he talking about here?
Paul’s reference is later explained in the Revelation, where this Temple of God was spoken of as being assembled of ‘a hundred and forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth,’ (Revelation 14:3) and they are chosen from among the (symbolic earthly) ‘twelve tribes of Israel.’ (see Revelation 7:4, 5). And there, they are said to make up a ‘city’ or seat of government for the earth. Notice how Revelation 21:2, 3 describes it,
‘I also saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, stepping down out of heaven from God, and she had been prepared as a bride who is adorned for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice from the throne say, Look! The Tent of The God is with mankind! He’s going to pitch His Tent among them, then they will be His people and He will be their God..’
Finally, Revelation Chapter 22 gives us a vision of this glorious Holy City, which is built on a foundation of the ‘twelve Apostles of the Lamb.’ Notice the description found at Revelation 22:9-12, 14, ‘He said, Come here! I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife. So, he carried me away by [God’s] Breath to an enormously high mountain. There he showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God. It had all the glory of God. It had a shine like the most precious of gems. It gleamed like a crystal-clear jasper stone. It had thick high walls and twelve gates. And at the twelve gates, there were twelve messengers. [On the gates] were inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. The city wall also had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were written on them.’
This appears to be the special hope of those who are chosen to be a part of God’s arrangement to govern the earth from this ‘New Jerusalem’ and to ‘become one’ with Jesus as ‘the bride of the Lamb.’
For more information, see the linked document, Jerusalem and the Israel of God.
Nicolaitans
The infiltration of this sect into two of the seven congregations that Jesus addressed in the Second and Third Chapters of Revelation has raised the question of what they were teaching that he found so offensive. This is important, since the description of these congregations seems to be mirrored among modern Christianity.
An Early Christian elder, Iranaeus, identified the Nicolaitans in his treatise ‘Against Heresies,’ in the Second Century. He said of them, that they are an ‘offshoot of the knowledge which is falsely so-called,’ and he explained that they ‘lead lives of unrestrained indulgence.’
This description seems to mirror what Paul warned Timothy of at 1 Timothy 6:20, 21, when he wrote, ‘O Timothy, guard this hope and turn away from all the unclean and opposing empty talk that is falsely called knowledge, through which some who once showed promise in the faith were turned aside.’
So, this corrupting influence seems to have taken root in congregations as early as the middle of the First Century, for Iranaeus appears to have been quoting Paul.
What is this falsely called knowledge that was (and still is) a corrupting influence on Christians? Apparently, it is acceptance of a philosophy that people may be Christians and still do whatever they wish. However, others have looked at the name Nicolaitans, and suggested that its Greek meaning, (nicao) to conquer (laos) the people, refers to the earliest form of a priestly order or clergy.
Noble Bereans
The words of Acts 17:10 are often quoted to show why Christians should follow along in their Bibles as its verses are read by others in Church. And while this is an excellent practice, the actual reason for following along is often overlooked or glossed over. Notice what Luke wrote, ‘Now, these people were nobler than those who were in Thessalonica, because they eagerly welcomed the Word and examined the Scriptures every day, to make sure the things [they were being told] were true.’
It’s an unfortunate fact that, while we are often told that we must ‘examine the scriptures every day,’ we are seldom reminded that the reason for this is to make sure the things we are being told are true.
Checking to make sure that a teacher, preacher, magazine, or book is properly applying the Scriptures, is vital for true Christians, and asking questions should never be avoided. For, far too often, people quote Bible verses out of context, without considering the circumstances under which the things were written or said, and the result is wrong interpretations of the verses being quoted. Is this acceptable in the eyes of God? Notice Paul’s answer as found at Romans 3:7, 8:
‘Now, if I tell a lie and that makes the truth of God and His glory grow, then why should I be judged a sinner? Well, that is why people are saying so many bad things about us. They claim that some of us are saying, Let’s do bad things, so good things can happen. This is why that judgment is righteous.’
It has long been said that ‘the Bible is a fiddle that you can play any old tune on.’ However, this really isn’t true, for when the context of any verse is fully considered, the Bible is found to be a harmonious writing with a single theme and purpose. Yet, the statement above can be made true by using the Scriptures out of their context.
It’s unfortunate that many sincere Christians will quote scriptures that don’t really apply to their argument or circumstances to make a point. It’s also unfortunate that; because they haven’t searched the Scriptures for themselves (to read the context of the things they are taught), this has caused many to embrace erroneous beliefs. Can this be excused? No, not when we all have easy access to God’s Word and simply choose not to read and examine it, preferring to trust others to make up our minds as to what we should believe.
So, after reading religious literature or listening to an interesting speaker, each of us should ask, ‘Do I just remember what was said, or do I also remember the scriptures that prove what was said?’ If we can only quote what others say or write, we have missed the point, because we are neither sure of its truth, nor can we explain it to others.
Are there many today who are like those noble people in the synagogue at Berea? Unfortunately, no. We live in a world of fast food and packaging, and such quick solutions often include accepting pre-packaged beliefs. Why, even the arguments for or against such beliefs come prepackaged in magazines, books, tracts, and brochures, so nobody has to do any research. All they have to do is to quote what they’ve been told.
Anyhow, if you’ve come this far, hopefully you can see the advantage of the format of this Bible. Small sections of verses aren’t just quoted here; you can read the context and the rest of the Bible if you wish. Also, if you find some omission or error, you may contact us and discuss it, for we are truly interested in what you have to say.
One Hope?
At Ephesians 4:4-6 we read, ‘For there’s just one body and one Spirit, according to the one hope that you were called to when you were called; there’s just one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of everyone, who is over all, through all, and in all.’ So, doesn’t this imply that there is just one hope for the faithful; that of going to heaven to be with Jesus?
Well, when we speak of our hope, we usually think that it applies to our eventual destination in God. However, Paul spoke of it in a different way at Ephesians 1:11, 12, where he said, ‘We were selected to be heirs through him, as the one who operates everything the way His Will directs as planned, so that we can praise His glory… yes, we who have put our hope in the Anointed One.’
So, notice that the hope that Paul was discussing didn’t necessarily have reference to the hope of a particulara destination, but to the hope that we have in Jesus and his promises. However, at Ephesians 2:18 Paul went on to write, ‘… so you can know the glorious richness of the hope that He has called you for, and which He holds as an inheritance for the Holy Ones.’
And for a fact, this reference does seem to imply that all have the same calling or hope. But does it mean that they will all receive the same reward? Remember that Jesus said, ‘Many are called but few are chosen.’ So the obvious implication is that; although all may be called to the same hope, not all are chosen for the same reward.
Only-Generated God, Only-Generated Son
The scriptures at John 1:18, where Jesus is referred to by John as the only-generated god (gr. monogenes theos), and at John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9, where he is referred to as the as the only-generated son (gr. uion ton monogene), are very difficult to translate honestly and still make any sense. The Greek word that John used in each instance (and which we have translated as only-generated) is monogenea (mono means only; genea means generated). In the past, we have rendered monogenea as only created, and other translators have rendered it only-begotten, only-fathered, only-conceived, etc. However, it appears as though a proper rendering, which might be easier to understand, would require the addition of extra words that are not in those verses.
It is a fact that Jesus was the only son ever born through a woman to God, so that could possibly be what John was referring to in these verses, and it’s what other translators have concluded. However, his being called the only-generated god at John 1:18 brings such a conclusion into doubt, for Jesus clearly wasn’t a god-man when he was on the earth (see the linked document Who Was Jesus?). And for an explanation of why Jesus was called a god, see the linked Note in Exodus; What Is a ‘God?’
Yet, he does appear to be the only creature (son, god, or powerful one) that was directly created by God, for John went on say concerning Jesus at Revelation 3:14, ‘This is what the Amen (the faithful and true witness, the beginning of creation by God) has said …’ In Greek this reads: he arche tes ktiseos tou Theou – or – the beginning creation of/the God. So, there is no doubt that this conclusion (that he is the only son directly created by God) is correct. And John explained how all other things thereafter came into existence through Jesus at John 1:3, where he wrote: ‘Everything [else] came into existence through him’ (gr. panta di autou egeneto – or – all by him generated).
The problem with translating those verses as saying that Jesus was the only-created, is that we would have to add the parenthetical words (by God), since all other things were also created by Jesus. So, we have chosen instead to faithfully render John’s words as only-generated, and allow this linked Note to explain the apparent true meaning.
It is interesting that in these scriptures, John appears to be quoting words from a more ancient scriptural source, which is generally unrecognized, because the Hebrew text of Ancient Scriptures of Israel (OT) doesn’t use this term. However, we have found it at Psalm 22:20 in the Septuagint (the Christian Bible of the 1st Century). This is a particularly apropos location to find it, since that whole psalm is a prophecy about Jesus and the events surrounding his death.
However, even in the Greek version of Psalm 22:20, the words are hard to translate in a way that makes sense in modern English, due, we are sure, to poor transmission of these texts down to our day. In Greek, the sentence in question reads: kai ek cheiros konos ten monogene mou, or, and from hands of/the/dog the only/generated mine.
While those words clearly seem to be the reference that John is quoting, and that it is speaking of Jesus as God’s only-generated son, the Hebrew text doesn’t support that point. For there it is translated as saying (NEV), Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. So as you can see, the second part of this sentence appears to be a reference to the life of the first person, Jesus, not to the only-generated of the first person, God.
Which rendering do we trust? We’ll go with the Septuagint on this (once again), even though the available wording and its meaning is unclear. We are doing this because Psalm 22:20 appears to be the source of John’s references. And since John had a much older version of the Septuagint than anything we have available today (and though the Greek text could also refer to the first person, Jesus), it appears as though the awkward Greek wording was speaking of Jesus as being God’s only generated. Thus we have rendered Psalm 22:20 as follows: O rescue my life from the broadsword… [Your] only-fathered son from the hands of the dogs. Yes, we translated monogenea as only-fathered here, because it better represents the original cadence of the poetic text.
Paradise
At Luke 23:43, one of the criminals who was hung next to Jesus when he was impaled, expressed belief in Jesus and asked Jesus to remember him when he got into his Kingdom. Jesus words, ‘Amen, soi ego semeron met emou ese en to paradeiso’ (Amen, to/you I/say today with me you will be in the paradise), have been translated ‘I tell you that, today you will be with me in paradise.’
The inference created by translating Jesus’ words that way, is that this person would be in ‘paradise’ with Jesus on that same day. However, Jesus wasn’t even resurrected until two days later. In addition, the word paradeiso really means a garden or park (a place on earth); because, paradeiso is the same word that was used to describe the ‘Garden of Eden’ (Paradise of Delights in the land of Edem) in the Greek Septuagint.
Recognize that this criminal had never been baptized and had done nothing else to that point to be found worthy of being appointed a king in heaven. So, Jesus’ words should obviously have been translated as; ‘I’m telling you this today; You will be with me in Paradise.’ In other words, Jesus was telling him on that day that he would be resurrected in the paradise garden (here on earth), when Jesus begins his rule as king over the earth.
Parvaim or Pharaoh Aim?
Second Chronicles 3:6, 7 says in this Bible Translation: ‘Using gold that he got from Pharaoh Aim, he (Solomon) gilded the Temple’s walls, gatehouses, roofing, and doorways, and he carved cherubs on its walls.’
Note that this is a different rendering than what is found in most Bibles, for most say that Solomon got the gold from (some land called) Parvaim, which has never been located. However, the Greek word that we have translated as Pharaoh Aim is Pharou/aim, which could refer to Pharaoh Amenemnisu, of the 21st Dynasty of ancient Egypt (1051–1047 BCE). Not being dogmatic, just offering a different look at the word.
Paul’s Letters
We find the entire flap about who wrote Paul’s letters – by scholars and critics alike – funny. For, much has been made of the fact that the writing styles of Paul’s letters vary so much, it is improbable that he wrote them all; and he obviously didn’t, as the words of Romans 16:22 testify, ‘I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in [the] Lord.’
Paul, as several of his letters indicate, had very poor eyesight (see Galatians 4:13-15). Why? Was this caused by the brightness of his vision of Jesus, as some say? Well, it could have been, but we doubt it. Remember that there were no eyeglasses at the time when Paul wrote, he was likely over forty years old, and many of us who are beyond that age couldn’t see to write letters today if it weren’t for our eyeglasses. And there are several other natural causes for poor eyesight – other than miraculous visions.
A further indication of Paul’s poor eyesight is found at Galatians 6:11, where he wrote, ‘Look at these large letters that I wrote with my own hand!’ This can indicate that; either Paul wrote the book of Galatians by himself, or that he had written just those few words of the letter. However, the mentioning of ‘large letters’ shows that he could barely see his own handwriting. That he could have written this letter himself is seen by the relatively short and less ‘flowery’ introductory words (Galatians 1:1-5).
Obviously, a man named Tertius wrote the letter to the Romans for Paul. Then, if you look at the headings or conclusions of other letters, you’ll find references to those who likely did the writing. For example, First Corinthians starts with the words, ‘Paul … and Sosthenes our brother.’ Then Second Corinthians starts out the same way, ‘Paul … and our brother Timothy.’
So, there are obviously different writing styles in Paul’s letters, because (as the letters themselves indicate), different people did the writing. This may be quite a revelation to critics and college professors, but they obviously haven’t actually read the letters.
For more information, see the attached link, The Bible’s Internal Proofs of Its Authentic History.
People or Men?
The Greek word anthropois, though usually translated as men, actually refers to man as the species, not necessarily to the gender; so we have often translated it as people, to show that gender may not be implied.
Perfect Lamb
In many other Bibles, we read that the Israelites were to offer unspotted lambs in their sacrifices to God. Did this mean that the animals were to be perfectly white with no spots, or did it mean that they were to be perfectly healthy?
It is interesting that the Greek word often translated as unspotted is hamartias, which really means without sin. Obviously, the word sin can’t really be applied to animals, as we understand those terms, so hamartias must have meant that the lambs were to be physically perfect. And we don’t know if this means that they should have no literal spots (as indicated by other Bibles), but that could have been implied. Yet, other sacrificial animals that are naturally spotted (such as bulls and goats) are also described as having to be perfect, since hamartias, or a related Greek word, hamoma (which can’t be directly translated into English) is also used to describe them. So, those words should actually be translated as sinless; however, translating it that way might be confusing to readers who would think of sin as actions, not physical attributes; so we have decided to use the word perfect (although that term is better translated from the Greek word telios… which was used to describe the Anointed Priest).
In view of the fact that God often required just the undesirable portions of an animal for sacrifices (the fat, liver, and kidneys), one might wonder why He required the animals to be healthy (not sick, lame, or deformed). Well, we first have to understand the meanings of the sacrifices. They were required to show the need for the sacrifice of a perfect human to redeem mankind in general from the effects of the imperfection, sin, and death that we inherited from Adam (due to his sin in the Paradise). At 1 Peter 1:19, for example, we can clearly see that these perfect animals which were sacrificed, pictured God’s offering of His perfect son, Jesus. And at John 1:29 he was described as ‘The Lamb of God who lifts sin from the world!’
Unfortunately, many today (due to religious cynicism and wrong teachings) have lost sight of just who Jesus was, what type of person he had to be, and why he had to die as he did. But, the perfection (hamartias) of the lamb and the perfection (telios) of the Anointed (christos or Christ) Priests showed that both had to be sinless… like Jesus, the perfect son of God.
Perfect Priests
At Leviticus 4:5 (for example), we find an interesting description of a Priest to Jehovah who carried out his duties of offering up the blood of a sacrificial animal. In Greek he is described there as ho teteliomenos, which can be translated as, the perfect. However, this term is missing in the Hebrew text at that location, so we are unsure of its validity. If the current Hebrew text is right, the Septuagint has added questionable words. But if the word was originally there, then we must assume that they have been deleted from the Hebrew text. Which is true? Our current leaning is to trust the Septuagint, since it predates the available Hebrew texts. And it does logically follow that God must have considered the Priest perfect in his duties on such occasions, because of the required action that followed (entering the Sacred Tent).
These words (Perfect Priest) seem to describe a specific Priest among the Priests. In fact, the descriptions found at Leviticus Chapter Sixteen indicates that it refers to the person that was later described in the Bible as the High Priest, or as the one who may have been chosen annually to offer the sacrifices on what came to be known as The Day of Atonement.
Other Bibles have translated teteliomenos as consecrated, which isn’t a bad choice, since it indicates that the Priest was chosen to his work by God, and that could be implied. However, consecrated is an unfamiliar term today, so we have chosen not to use it. And notice that the root portion of that Greek word,telios, means perfect, end, or finish. So we have selected perfect as the most likely meaning of the term here.
Peter
The teaching that Peter was the first ‘Pope’ or ‘Father’ of the Christian Church, and that he ruled from (and died in) Rome, is a common but unsubstantiated religious supposition.
Notice, for example, what Paul wrote at Galatians 2:9, ‘When they came to know the care that was shown to me, James, Cephas (Peter), and John (the ones who seemed to be pillars) gave BarNabas and I their approval to go to the nations, while they would go to the circumcised.’
So, it is clear from Paul’s words that there was no earthly ‘head of the Christian congregation’ at that time. There were three ‘pillars’ – or those who seemed to be taking the lead – and they were living in Jerusalem (not Rome) at the time.
Also, notice that Peter’s responsibility was not that of being the head of the congregation, but he was spoken of by Paul as being an ‘Apostle (sent one) to the circumcised’ (the Jews), as were James and John. Then, if you read the next few verses in Galatians 2, you will see how Paul thereafter reprimanded Peter for separating himself from Gentile converts, which isn’t something that anyone would do to the ‘infallible’ head of the Christian Church.
However, Peter did travel to visit far away Christian congregations, as both Paul and the book of Acts tell us. But, as ‘the Apostle to the circumcised,’ his home was in Jerusalem and his travel was limited primarily to large Jewish settlements, such as was true of the ancient city of Babylon, which is where he wrote a letter (the book of First Peter). Notice how he ended this letter (at 1 Peter 5:13), ‘I send greetings from the woman who was also chosen along with you, and Mark (my son), from Babylon.’
Now, while the City of Babylon may not have been inhabited by the time of Peter, the city that replaced it (Seleucia) was, and the area was know to be heavily populated by Jews (those to whom Peter was an Apostle).
Also notice that this greeting comes from Peter’s wife, ‘the woman who was also chosen along with you’ (see Matthew 8:14) and from Peter’s close associate, the Gospel writer Mark.
Jesus’ words to Peter, found at Matthew 16:18, 19, don’t indicate that Peter would be the head of his ‘Church.’ For, notice exactly what he said there, ‘I also tell you this: You are Peter, but I will build my congregation on this bedrock so the gates to the grave won’t overpower it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you make binding on earth will be bound in the heavens. And whatever you set free on earth will be set free in the heavens.’
In Greek, verse 18 reads, ‘su ei Petros kai epi taute te petra oikodomeso mou ten ecclesian,’ or, ‘you are Bedrock, but on this and bedrock (I will) build my the congregation.’
Notice that Jesus didn’t say, ‘I will build my Church on you,’ he said ‘I will build my congregation on this bedrock.’ What was ‘this bedrock’ that Jesus was referring to? Was it Peter? We find a description of this congregation and its construction at Revelation 21:14, which says, ‘The city wall also had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were written on them.’ (This includes Peter.)
So, we can see that Peter was just one of the twelve foundation stones, not the primary foundation or bedrock. Rather, what Jesus appears to be saying (at Matthew 16:18) is that; as Peter’s name meant Bedrock, Jesus’ body (by his death) would serve as the bedrock or foundation of the Christian Congregation (or Church). In other words, the ‘bedrock’ that the Congregation would be built on, was the body of Jesus, not on Peter.
For, notice what Peter himself said at 1 Peter 2:4-6, ‘Approach him (Jesus) as though he were a living block of stone (who for a fact was rejected by men but was chosen as precious by God), [upon whom] you as living blocks are being built into a spiritual house, into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God, through Jesus the Anointed. For the Scripture says, {Look!} I am laying a block that I selected in Zion, a precious primary cornerstone. Anyone who believes in it will never be ashamed.’
The sentence structure at Matthew 16:18 shows our conclusion to be true; that Jesus was simply using a play on Peter’s name when he spoke of the bedrock that he would build his congregation on. Notice the structure, ‘su ei Petros kai epi taute te petra.’
Use of the word te before petra indicates that petra was used as a parallel to Petros, or that this was a play on words. Te is not a common Bible word. It is what is referred to as an ‘enclitic particle,’ which is often translated as and, but is used to couple parallel thoughts. The Greek word that is normally translated as and, is kai. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament, ‘te is employed generally when something is subjoined which does not thus directly and necessarily follow.’ So, ‘te’ might be better translated as ‘but.’
There is certainly no indication in any other part of the Bible that Peter ever took the principal lead in governing the Congregation. In fact, when the matter of Gentile circumcision was raised before the governing body in Jerusalem, the decision was given by (Jesus’ half-brother) James, not Peter.
As to Peter’s being given ‘the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven;’ this refers to the leading role that Peter would play in identifying and explaining the outpouring of God’s Holy Breath, first on the Jews at Pentecost (see Acts 2:14-39) and then the acceptance and conversion of the first Gentiles (see Acts Chapter 10). All of this had to do with opening the opportunity to rule (first to Jews, then to Gentiles) in the ‘Kingdom of heaven.’
Where did Peter die? Well, we do know that he died violently for his faith, since that is what Jesus foretold at John 21:18, 19. But, since Peter apparently died before the Roman attack on Jerusalem (66-70 C.E.), he was likely murdered by the Jews in Jerusalem, or possibly in Babylon. There is no Bible (or authenticated historical) record of his ever traveling to or being killed in Rome.
Phantom
When Jesus’ disciples saw him coming toward them walking across the water, what did they think they were seeing? The fact is; nobody knows what was going through their minds, although many commentators apparently claim such clairvoyance. However, the Greek word that the disciples used to describe it was phantasma, which is the root of the English word phantom. The meanings that are listed in Bible references to define this Greek word include, vision, apparition, and appearance.
Pharaohs of the Time of Moses
This subject has been debated among Bible scholars and archeologists for centuries; however, due to a general lack of trust in the accuracy of the Bible accounts, most of them have assumed it was a Pharaoh who lived much later than the Bible account suggests. And this could be true, because, current Jewish chronology also dates such things as the reigns of David and Solomon, and the first destruction of Jerusalem, quite a bit later than standard Bible chronology (see the link The Problem with Setting Bible Historical Dates).
What we have found in written history, is that a people known as the Hyksos from the land of Canaan invaded Egypt somewhere in the 1700s B.C.E., and that they dominated Egypt until the mid 1500s B.C.E. The Jewish historian Josephus identified the Hyksos as the Hebrews (which is what the Israelites were), and at least the first portion of their rulership over Egypt could be a reference to the period of Joseph (the son of Jacob), who was second in command to the Pharaoh, and who served as Egypt’s virtual ruler during his remaining lifetime.
Now, if such people (the Hyksos) were different from the Hebrews, and they did in fact conquer Egypt, we would expect to read of them in the detailed Bible accounts in Genesis or Exodus, and we don’t. However, if you consider what happened through the eyes and propaganda of the Egyptians, you can see that the Hyksos could in fact have been the Israelites (Hebrews), because, despite the fact that they became slaves (not kings), the Egyptians were frightened of them. For we read at Exodus 1:9, 10, ‘Look! The children of Israel have [grown tremendously] and they are now more powerful than we are. So, let’s be smooth in the way we deal with them, because, if they continue to grow and then we find ourselves at war, they could side with our enemies. And after they beat us in war, they will leave our land.’
So, you can see how (with a little governmental propaganda to justify their actions against the Hebrews and a total defeat in war) the story that the Egyptians tell, is about their nation being dominated by the Hyksos, and how they fought a war to liberate themselves. For, the Egyptian history of where these people came from, what part of Egypt they lived in, and many more details, indicate that Hyksos (pronounced heek-sose) was likely the Egyptian pronunciation of Hebrews. For more information, please see the link Egypt: Tempest & Exodus: The Biblical Exodus Inscribed on an Ancient Egyptian Stele.
Now, according to archeologists, it was sometime in the mid 1500s C.E., that a Pharaoh arose who ‘conquered’ the Hyksos. And if the archeological findings have been corrupted by Egyptian propaganda as we suspect, this is likely the the actual time of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. Who was this Pharaoh? It could have been Kamose of the seventeenth dynasty, for he lived during the most likely period, he died mysteriously during just the third year of his reign (in the Red Sea?), and although his mummy has been found, it is recorded to be in particularly bad shape (from soaking in sea water?).
By the way, just a little side point: The Egyptians never really called their kings Pharaohs, they just called them kings. Use of the term Pharaoh as a title for their kings actually comes from ancient Hebrew and Greek writings. However, it is in fact an Egyptian term, meaning Great House (Phara Oh). And foreign peoples likely started using the title to refer to Egyptian kings, because they received salutations from The Great House (think White House), which they thought of as coming from the kings of Egypt.
Pharisees
During the earthly life of Jesus, no religious group was more castigated by him than the Jewish sect of the Pharisees. The name, Pharisees, literally means ‘the Separated Ones,’ which could refer to their belief that they were separate from (and superior to) the common people of Israel. They also believed that they would be the only ones to be ‘saved’ when God brings retribution on the wicked.
The Pharisees actually set the pattern for many modern-day so-called ‘Christian’ beliefs (although the group predated Jesus), for they also seem to have taught that souls don’t die, and that bad people suffer eternal punishment.
The Pharisees fasted twice each week, they were conscientious about paying the tithes, and they believed in the resurrection. They took pride in their ‘righteousness,’ and they obviously looked down on the common people. They had detailed rules about what could and couldn’t be done on a Sabbath, and because these rules went beyond the spirit of God’s Laws, they hated Jesus when he exposed their foolishness by healing the sick on Sabbath days.
To impress their peers with their righteousness, the Pharisees made the cases that they carried the Scriptures in, larger than normal; and they made the fringes of the bottoms of their robes a little longer than those of the rest of the Jews. They also prayed aloud and fasted in public. Most were relatively well to do, and they enjoyed the privileges of being viewed as ‘holy people.’ So, why was Jesus so opposed to them and their teachings?
In addition to the fact that many of their teachings were out of line with what was written in the Scriptures, the problem was that they were self-righteous and they were constantly turning Bible principles into laws. They told people what they should be doing, and then made up rules to allow themselves exceptions to God’s Laws.
Does any of this sound familiar? A common human failing when people are trying to live righteous lives, is to look down on others who aren’t trying as hard. Another such failing, is when such people take the rules of conscience that they have created for themselves and turn them into laws for others to live by. This is a constant problem among zealous religious groups, because, as Jesus pointed out, such attitudes aren’t pleasing to God.
An example of this bad attitude and the way that it affects religious rule making, is seen in the case where the Pharisees (in particular) objected to the fact that the Apostles (and Jesus, in Luke’s account) failed to wash their hands before eating. Although there is nothing in God’s Law that required washing before eating, the Pharisees had elevated the principle of ‘being a clean people’ into a law, which they used to condemn even the holy. For more information, see the Note ‘Eating With Unwashed Hands?’
As you can see; whenever any person or religious group steps beyond the black-letter law of the Bible, they step into the shoes of the Pharisees.
See also the document, God’s Laws and Principles.
Poor Widow
The real import of Jesus’ observation about the widow who he says contributed more to the Temple treasury than all the others, is often distorted in its application. We usually hear this account told as the story of ‘the Widow’s Mite,’ and it’s used to show that people can have God’s blessings even when they are unable to do much in serving Him (due to advanced age and/or poor circumstances). And while that is true, there is a large difference between what the widow did here and what people usually do in their public service to God.
Notice that this story isn’t about serving God in a public way. Rather, it has to do with a very private act; contributing financially and secretly to support His place of worship. In this case, only Jesus (and God) knew what she did and what her circumstances were. However, when it comes to our serving God, many others usually know what we are doing, and many expect praise us for that.
The true lesson of this story however, is: Do what you know is right, and then trust in God (who looks on in secret) to provide blessings and the things you need. For, this is the story of a private act of trust in God. Notice that this widow contributed ‘her whole means of living.’ So she did what she believed was right, and was trusting in God with her whole heart to provide even her next meal.
Prayer
James wrote (at James 5:16), ‘So, admit your sins to each other and pray that each one of you will be healed, because prayer has a lot of power when it’s working through a righteous man.’
From these words, we learn never to underestimate the powers of righteousness and prayer. If you continue reading that account (verses 17, 18), you will find the wonderful example that James used to prove his point… where he spoke of what the Prophet EliJah was able to accomplish through the power of prayer.
Why doesn’t prayer always work? As James pointed out; the more righteous the person really is, the more likely it is that his/her prayers will be answered. Also, as Jesus taught us in ‘the Lord’s Prayer,’ God’s Will is involved. In other words; What a person is asking for can’t be out of harmony with God’s purposes and direction.
For example: In the past, certain prominent religious leaders have declared ‘Holy Years,’ when all Christians were asked to pray for world peace. Yet, Jesus told us (at Matthew 24:7) that the signs of when he would be ‘near’ are, ‘Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many places.’
So, it appears as though it is God’s will that the world is not to be granted peace. For, great wars must happen before the promised end; and as the result, prayers for world peace have just gone unheeded by God. Therefore, it would seem to be a far better and more positive action on the part of such religious leaders to just tell their members not to go to war. For, prayers work much better whenever you work in harmony with (not against) what you’re asking for.
In Matthew the Sixth Chapter, Jesus set out some important guidelines regarding prayer. Noteworthy are his words found at Matthew 6:6: ‘When you pray, go into your private room and after shutting the door, pray to your Father in secret. Then your Father who watches secretly will repay you.’
This instruction specifically covers prayers that are said in public places (whether said silently or aloud), which draw attention to ones self; because praying in public draws attention to the piety of the one who is praying. For example, we often note devout people praying openly (and sometimes audibly) in public restaurants, thanking God for their food. But note that; when we do this to be seen by others, Jesus says that such conspicuousness is our total reward before God. In other words, our prayer won’t be answered, because or reward is our open display of piety.
Another important warning against improper prayers is found in Jesus’ words at Matthew 6:7, ‘When praying, don’t babble the same expressions repeatedly (gr. de me battalogesete – not you multiply words) as people of the nations do, because they think that by [repeating] them they will be heard.’
Repeating memorized prayers have been the staple of pagan religions throughout the millennia. However, Jesus indicates here that expressions which come from the heart are what God approves of. And in view of this; obviously, what is called the Lord’s or the Our Father Prayer (at Matthew 6:9, 10) wasn’t suggested by Jesus as something to be memorized and then spoken to God. Rather, he was simply listing important subjects for prayer. These included:
· Clearing God’s Name of any accusations made by the Slanderer
· The coming of the Kingdom
· The fulfillment of God’s purposes regarding heaven and earth
· Asking for God to provide our daily needs
· Asking for the forgiving our sins (with the reminder that we also need to forgive others)
· Asking for protection against the Wicked One.
You will notice that this Prayer of Jesus, as translated here, doesn’t end with the words, ‘For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the glory forever. Amen.’ Why not? Because, examination of ancient Bible texts reveals that these words, which are found in a few other Bibles, were added hundreds of years after Matthew wrote this book. And if you think about it, those words don’t make any sense anyhow. Why? Well, why would Jesus say ‘For thine is the Kingdom,’ when he had just said to pray for ‘your (or thy) Kingdom to come?’ And notice from the context that Jesus wasn’t really praying; rather, he was teaching his disciples what to pray for. So, saying amen would have been inappropriate. In fact, if you search the Christian Era Scriptures, you won’t find the Hebrew word Amen said at the end of any prayer (although it was likely said in affirmation of public prayers).
Pronunciation of C and CH in Greek Words
The most mispronounced letters when English-speaking people try to pronounce Greek or Hebrew names, is C (or CH). For, there is no ‘soft C’ pronunciation in those languages; it is always a hard C (as in Call), even when a CH is used (as in CHrist). So, the title Caesar was actually pronounced more like Kaiser (as in German). And the faithful woman Priscilla was called Prees-kee-lah, as the town of Laodicea was called La-oh-dee-keh-ah. However, don’t try to pronounce those names and titles properly, because the mispronunciations are just too well entrenched in English.
When it comes to less familiar names though, one might try to pronounce them properly. Take for example, the name of the king of Elam, Chodollogomor, or the sons of Chet, or the people called the Chaldeans. In ancient Greek, they were pronounced (approximately and respectively), Kah-dah-lah-gah-mer, Ket, and Kahl-dee-owns. Oh yes, it helps to have an interlinear Bible translation to know how the word was actually spelled, and a knowledge of how Greek vowels are pronounced.
The Greeks had two letters that they pronounced as a K. One looks like a K and is pronounced that way, with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. The other (the one we render as C and CH in English) looks like an X and is pronounced like a K, but with the tongue touching the soft palate at the back of the mouth, which gives a breathier sound to the K. For example, say Christ and notice the part of your mouth that the tongue touches. Then say Kill and notice the difference. This is the difference between CH and K.
So, why did the Greeks have different letters for such a small variation in sound? This is because they had no alphabet until about the time of their classical poet, Homer. They then borrowed or adapted their alphabet from the Hebrews (if you could examine both alphabets from that period, you would see the similarities). And since Hebrew is a more guttural language, their letter, Cheth (where the Greeks got their letter for CH from) has a far more pronounced palate sound.
Proof of Virginity
Ancient customs and ways may sound very foreign in today’s world, where sex acts among unmarried people has become quite common. However, God’s requirement for His people was that they were to be honest, upright, moral, and clean. And anyone who chose to be unclean or immoral, was to be put to death… this is the reason why a woman’s proof of virginity became so important on her wedding night.
In ancient Israel, a father literally waited outside the nuptial chamber until the marriage was consummated (before the wedding feast), and he received the cloth they lay on with the blood of her virginity; for this was the father’s proof of her purity and the validity of the marriage. To fail to do this, would have left his daughter open to divorce; and if she was not a virgin, to being stoned to death for her immorality.
Propitiatory
We have searched hard for a modern English synonym for this difficult and obscure word, and have found none. Sure, it was just a cover for the sacred Chest, but cover wouldn’t properly reflect the full meaning.
The Greek word that we are struggling with is ilasterion. Other Bibles have translated it as Propitiatory, Expiation, and Mercy Seat. Yet, the first two words are unfamiliar and Mercy Seat doesn’t accurately describe what it was, because nobody was to sit on it. It was actually an Altar where the Priests sprinkled the blood of Propitiation on the Day of Atonement. And what does Propitiation mean? It refers to something that is done to sooth God’s feelings and to improve relations with Him.
Ransom
Throughout the Bible, we read of ‘the ransom’ (gr. lytron) that Jesus paid. Exactly what does this term refer to?
At Matthew 20:28, Jesus said, ‘This is how the Son of Man came, not to be served, but to serve and to give his living body as a ransom for many.’
Romans 5:12, 14 says, ‘Sin entered this world through one man and this sin resulted in death. So, death spread to all men because everyone has sinned. However, death reigned from [the time of] Adam down to Moses, even over those who didn’t sin in the same way that Adam did. And [Adam] was a prototype of the one who would come.
1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 says, ‘Since death came through a man, resurrection from the dead also comes through a man. And as all are dying because of Adam, all will be made alive in the Anointed One.’
So from the above, we must conclude that Adam lost the hope of ‘life’ for himself and all his descendents, because of his sin in Eden. However, Jesus came and paid the ‘ransom price’ to God, to redeem us from the sin of Adam, so that we could once again have the hope of ‘life in the age’ and a resurrection of the living.
Religious Titles
Understand that (at Matthew 23:8-11) Jesus is telling his followers not to take any honorary titles to themselves, for he said: ‘But not you! Don’t [have people] call you rabbi, for you have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. And don’t address anyone on earth as Father, because there’s just One who is your Father, the Heavenly One. Nor should you be called leaders, for you have but one Leader, the Anointed One. However, the greatest among you must be your servant. So, whoever promotes himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be promoted.’
Of course, he wasn’t talking about titles of office such as apostle, elder or servant, just the honorifics that people might use, such as ‘Father’ or ‘Rabbi.’ However, this command has bothered people throughout the centuries, especially those who feel that they deserve such titles. As the result, most have either they tried to find ways to sneak around Jesus’ words, or they have ignored them altogether.
One of the ‘sneaky’ ways that people have used to take honorary titles for themselves is by simply avoiding the use of the specific titles that Jesus mentioned. So, while some Priests keep on having people call themselves ‘Father,’ those in religious orders distorted the meaning of Jesus’ words and had people tack the titles ‘Brother’ or ‘Sister’ onto the fronts of their names.
After the Protestant Reformation, other sneaky tricks to employ honorifics were tried. For example, the honorifics ‘Reverend,’ even ‘Pastor’ have been used for centuries, and those with adequate college degrees like to be called ‘Doctor,’ as a religious title.
This trend of adding titles ahead of names has reached throughout ‘Christian’ society today, to the point where we would be hard-pressed to tell of one group that isn’t in violation of Jesus’ command. If they don’t have other titles for their leaders, they tack ‘Brother’ or ‘Sister’ onto the front of each other’s names.
Is it wrong to give each other ‘titles of respect’ such as Brother or Sister? Notice that Jesus didn’t say that his followers should call each other Brother, but that they are brothers (gr: hymeis adelphoi este). Jesus wasn’t giving a dissertation on which honorifics are bad and which ones are okay; he was showing that Christians are all equals, and that they should share a loving relationship as members of the same family. So, adding a title ahead of a name (whether Brother, Sister, Minister, Bishop, or whatever) also appears to be a dodge to get around the import of Jesus’ words.
Nevertheless, adding the title Brother or Sister before one’s name has become a common practice among most religious groups (as well as among many trade-union and club memberships today). Some people even (presumptuously, arrogantly, and in error grammatically) introduce themselves with the title preceding their own name (‘My name is Brother…’), presuming to have a relationship with new acquaintances and even total strangers.
While it’s true that early Christians lovingly referred to their fellows as my brother (or sister), or our brothers, there is little indication that the term brother was ever commonly applied as an honorific title that people added in front of names in the First Century Congregation. How did that work out among early Christians? Well, the Bible tells us that Paul was just called Paul; Peter was called Peter, etc. Only Jesus was given titles of respect, such as Lord, the Anointed One, etc. Even the title ‘Apostle’ was never added in front of a name in the Bible (as in ‘the Apostle Peter’), but that’s a common practice among many religions, when speaking of the Apostles today.
Removing the Wicked
In Matthew the Eighteenth Chapter, Jesus spoke of how Jews should deal with each other when one was guilty of harming another, and he outlined three steps that they should take, ending with the words (verse 17), ‘If he refuses to listen even to the congregation, then let him become as a man of the nations, or as a tax collector to you.’
Although many have concluded that Jesus was discussing how to handle such matters within the Christian Congregation, we have to realize that the Christian Congregation hadn’t been formed yet, and that Jesus wasn’t giving these instructions just to Christians. Rather, he was speaking to Jews in general, and referring to what the Bible calls ‘the congregation of Israel.’ So his instructions here, were to be kind to each other and to try to work things out among themselves, rather than taking matters before their religious court (the Sanhedrin).
However, in First Corinthians, Paul laid out some procedural guidelines on how to deal with ‘those called brothers’ in the Christian Congregation who are guilty of serious and un-repented sins. This matter was raised when a brother in Corinth was said to be guilty of ‘taking his father’s wife’ as his own. Such a thing, even if the wife was widowed, was very serious in God’s eyes, for the Old Law shows that it is the same as uncovering the nakedness of one’s father (see Leviticus 18:7, 8). And if this man was having sex with the wife of his living father, that was even worse and creating a public scandal among the Jews. So, Paul’s instructions were for Christians to ‘judge such matters’ and to ‘remove the wicked man from among yourselves.’ What did this entail?
Thereafter, notice that Paul said should be done (at 1 Corinthians 5:11), ‘However, now I’m writing you to quit associating with anyone called a brother who is immoral, greedy, an idol worshiper, an insulter, a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with a person like that!’
You can see that he didn’t say to stop talking to the person, just to not treat the person as a friend who you would eat with. Of course, in those early days of Christianity, most of their congregational meetings were held in private homes (not ‘synagogues’ or public meeting places), so exclusion from the congregation likely meant that the offender was no longer welcome at their (private) meetings.
The total list of offenses that Paul implied qualified for such congregational removal, included:
· Sexually immorality
· Idol worshiping
· Adultery
· Homosexual behavior (gays and men who have sex with men)
· Thievery
· Greed
· Drunkenness
· Insulting
· Extortion.
Then John (the Apostle) gave similar instructions a 2 John 7, when he was talking about people in the Christian Congregation who ‘have strayed [back] into the world and won’t admit that Jesus the Anointed One came in the flesh.’ He referred to them as the ‘AntiChrists,’ and instructed (at 2 John 10, 11), ‘If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching (of the Anointed One), don’t welcome him into your homes or even greet him; because, whoever greets him shares in the wicked things he does.’
So, in the case of someone who denies that there was a Jesus (the AntiChrists), such individuals shouldn’t even be greeted on the street. However, these instructions don’t seem to be added to what was said by Jesus and Paul, because the circumstances were different. Also, notice that these added directions from John were penned almost sixty years after what Jesus said on the matter, and about forty years after the writings of Paul. So, as you can see, there were no instructions that forbade talking to errant Christians during most of the First Century.
Would this same action (not to welcome him or even greet him) be taken against anyone who disagrees on other doctrinal matters? No, because; notice what Paul wrote about this at Romans 16: 17, ‘Now, I beg you brothers; keep an eye on those who are creating divisions and setting traps by going against the teachings that you’ve learned. Avoid them.’ So, Paul’s instructions were to ‘keep and eye on’ (gr. scopein) them and to ‘avoid’ them (gr. ecclenete ap auton – incline away from them), not cut them off from the congregation.
Through the years, such expulsions of notorious members from Christian congregations have taken many forms. Catholics, for example, call such removal excommunication. However, they limit these disciplines to just those that offend their Church. Yet, other groups may disfellowship or expel unrepentant sinners for reasons that are closer to those outlined by Paul, while many religions just ignore Paul’s instructions altogether and object to taking any such actions against members who sin in vile and notorious ways.
In certain cases, religious groups have adopted the extreme view that the sanctions recommended by Jesus, Paul, and John are cumulative and that they must take all the actions listed above against those who are guilty of any of the practices listed in those combined verses, including even those who may disagree over doctrinal points (herotics). These religions forbid associating with or even talking to persons who they judge to be violators in matters of business, morality, or doctrines. And even after such wrongdoers have repented, such religions may impose further disciplinary sanctions on them. Of course, these views and actions can’t be supported from Bible texts.
In addition, some religions have gone so far as to ban normal conversations with ones’ own family members when they are guilty of any of the offenses listed above. Is this a correct understanding?
It would seem that whenever there are no clear written Biblical guidelines (as in the case of how to treat erring family members), Christians should turn to basic Scriptural law. And God’s Law requires wives to respect their husbands, husbands to love their wives, children to obey their parents, for everyone to respect their mothers and fathers, and for each one to provide for those who are in their own households. Anything less than that would fit the description that Paul gave of how Godless people would act in ‘the last days’ (at 2 Timothy 3:3), which says, ‘They won’t love their families (gr. astorge) or be willing to agree on anything.’
Such sanctions obviously go beyond Paul’s instructions at First Corinthians the Fifth Chapter, and they stray into conflict with Jesus’ words to the Pharisees as found at Matthew 15:6-9, which say, ‘So, [you are really saying] that [you] shouldn’t honor [your] parents at all. And when you do this, you are nullifying the Word of God with your traditions. You hypocrites! How well Isaiah prophesied about you when he said, These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me! It’s a waste for them to keep worshiping Me, because they preach the teachings of men as commandments.’
Reptiles and Birds
The Greek word that we have translated as ‘slithering animals’ herein, is herpeton, which is where the English word reptile comes from, as does herpetology – a study of reptiles. However, from the context, we (the translators) have concluded that the Bible wasn’t using this word to refer to the specific animal variety, but to its characteristic of slithering or crawling on the ground. This fact is born out by the types of animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat (in the book of Leviticus), and listed among the herpeton are insects, weasels, and mice. So in most instances, we have rendered the word herpeton as slithering animal (or creature).
We have taken a similar liberty with the Greek word peteina, which is usually translated birds, but it literally means winged creatures, because bats are listed among them in Leviticus.
So, whereas modern science may have grouped all animals into types, such as mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects, fish, etc, the Bible groups them into flying creatures, wild animals, cattle, slithering things, and things that live in (or come from) the water. This difference doesn’t appear to be the result of a lack of recognition (on the part of Bible writers) of basic animal types, but rather, it appears to stem from the ways they are grouped to describe all possible animal species.
Resurrection
It has often been said that the Ancient Scriptures of Israel (Old Testament) don’t really speak of the hope of a resurrection of the dead. However, the Hebrew word, which might be rendered as as resurrection, is simply never translated that way in most other Bibles. But in the Greek Septuagint version of the OT, the word for resurrection, anastasia, appears several times.
For example: we find it first used in the song that HanNah sang to Jehovah after she had offered her young son SamuEl to serve at God’s Sacred Tent (in First Samuel 2:8). We find this particularly interesting, for, although most would consider her words just a record of an unimportant song, the woman spoke a truly inspired and important prophecy, which applied back then and is still being fulfilled in our day. Yet, resurrections had apparently never been seen on earth before her time. For more information, see the linked document, The Resurrection.
Resurrection of the Righteous
The English word resurrection comes from the Greek word, anastasia (that’s right, the female name Anastasia means resurrection), which could also be translated as, ‘stand again.’
At Luke 14:14, Jesus spoke of ‘the resurrection of the righteous.’ What was he referring to here? Well, Paul spoke of the same thing at Acts 24:15, where he said, ‘I have this hope in God … that there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.’
And at John 5:28, 29, Jesus said, ‘Don’t be surprised at this, because the hour is coming when everyone in the tombs will hear his voice and come out; those who did good things to a resurrection of life and those who practiced what was really bad, to a resurrection of judgment.’
So from the above, it appears as though there is hope for a resurrection of all, except those whom the Bible refers to as having been condemned to ‘the garbage dump’ or ‘the lake of fire.’
For more information, refer to the document, The Resurrection.
Revelation 20:5
In other Bibles, Revelation 20:5 reads, ‘The rest of the dead don’t come to life until the end of the thousand years. This is the first resurrection.’
Though the familiar description of the resurrection has been quoted for years and used as a basis for many religious doctrines, the words shown in bold above aren’t found in the Bible’s oldest manuscript of the Revelation, the Codex Sinaiticus. And due to their parenthetical nature, we have concluded that these words were a later spurious addition, so we have deleted them.
Revelation and Truth
How did JoShua learn of God’s decisions? The text at Numbers 27:21 tells us, ‘Then he must stand alongside EliEzer the Priest, and whenever they come before Jehovah to ask for the judgments of the Revelation, they must do whatever he says.’
The Greek word that we have translated as Revelation is delon. And while other Bibles have translated it with the Hebrew word urim, or urim and thumim, the Greek word from the Septuagint just means revelation.
Delon is a conjugation of the word delosin, which is found at Exodus 28:26, where God told Moses (when He was describing the High Priest’s official clothes), ‘You are to put the Revelation and the Truth (gr. ten delosin kai ten aletheian) on the Expression of Judgment, and Aaron will wear it on his chest when he enters the Holy Place before Jehovah.’
Unfortunately, this description is only found in the Greek Septuagint, where exactly what the Revelation and the Truth is, isn’t identified. However, tradition has it that this item, which was referred to in the Hebrew text as the Urim and Thumim, was used in some way to indicate God’s decisions. And according to the wording, JoShua was to stand next to the High Priest who wore this item on his chest, to determine God’s will.
Rhinoceros
The Greek word monokerotos (found at Numbers 23:22 and 24:8) has been translated as unicorn and as wild ox in other Bibles. However, we believe that our choice of English words (rhinoceros) has the same probability of being accurate, as do the other options.
Notice that the Greek words mono (one) and kerotos (horn) literally means unicorn, a mythical beast that was thought of as a horse with a single horn between its eyes. And it is our opinion that the myth developed from the fanciful ideas of people during the Dark and Middle Ages who read these particular scriptures.
However, other Bibles also translate the word as wild ox. Why? According to one reference (the World Book Dictionary), monokerotos is a ‘two-horned animal, possibly a wild ox or aurochs,’ and it was ‘mistranslated from the Hebrew word re’em.’
And while that conclusion could be true, we would have to assume that this mistranslation is found in both the Hebrew and Greek Septuagint texts, which we don’t believe is likely… and we wonder what may be found ‘glorious’ about a wild ox. So, we have chosen a wild animal that meets the description of having one horn, the rhinoceros, which comes from the continent southwest of the Promised Land, but may have roamed there (as did lions) in ancient times.
Rich Man and Lazarus
This parable of Jesus has been quoted for centuries in attempts to prove the existence of a Hell Fire. However, was that the point that Jesus was making here?
Notice the context: At Luke 16:14-16 we read, ‘Now, the Pharisees (who loved silver) were listening to these things and were looking at him with contempt. So he said to them, ‘You are the ones who claim to be righteous in front of men, but God knows your hearts. Things that are considered important by men are disgusting in God’s eyes.’
With the above words in mind, notice the next two points that Jesus makes:
First, (at Luke 16:16-18) he condemned the Pharisees by saying that ‘anyone who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery’ – so much for righteousness, because divorce was common among them.
Then, (at Luke 16:19-31) Jesus tells the story of a ‘rich man’ (like the Pharisees) and a ‘beggar’ (like the common people) who both ‘died,’ and of the outcome for each of them.
How were the Pharisees rich? Well, not only were many of them materially rich, but that educated class of people was considered ‘spiritually rich’ by the common people. However, with the death of Jesus, this condition was to be be changed. For, they would no longer be viewed as the spiritual leaders of God’s people.
Jesus also spoke of a ‘poor man’ class that he named Lazarus (a common Jewish name at the time). This man also ‘died.’
Notice that Lazarus hadn’t really done anything righteous, his only ‘virtue’ was that he was extremely poor. However, he was ‘carried off into the favored (bosom) position of Abraham.’
This lowly, begging condition of Lazarous is similar to what the common people of Israel (such as Jesus’ disciples) were in spiritually, prior to that time. But Jesus changed all of that by elevating common people to God’s favored position, when he offered them the opportunity to become kings in God’s Kingdom.
So, the second point that Jesus made (and which the Pharisees doubtlessly, at least partially understood) is that; because they had failed to learn from the Law and the Prophets, their high position was being taken away and given to common people.
So, this story isn’t a tale that describes the torture of Hell Fire, it was a verbal picture (or parable) that served as a warning to the Pharisees.
Rulers of Persia and Greece
While men may only guess about things that happen in the heavens, a mighty messenger gave the Prophet DaniEl a remarkable insight from God, as recorded in Daniel the Tenth Chapter. For there the messenger (likely GabriEl) tells of how his coming to DaniEl was thwarted by ‘the highest ruler over the Persians.’
Who was this highest ruler? Well, the only individual powerful enough to stand in the way of a messenger of God is another spirit person, and this one wasn’t friendly. From the context, we can see that he took an unseen lead over the realm of the Medo-Persian empire. Where did he get such power? Remember that the great opposer of God, who is also known as Satan and the Devil, later offered ‘all the kingdoms of the world’ to Jesus as an enticement to serve him; so he obviously has power over this world and has used the offer of power to other spirit sons of God to bring them under his influence and ways.
Notice then, that God had thereafter allowed His mighty messenger to create a war between Persia and Greece, whereupon a new unseen ‘highest ruler’ would take dominance. So, we must assume that all great world powers have had their unseen, wicked spirit rulers.
Salt
At Matthew 5:13 Jesus said,
‘You are the salt of the earth,
But if salt should lose all its strength,
In what will it then taste salty?
It will be strong in nothing at all,
And thrown outside to be walked on.’
What is the point of this parable? From the parallel account in Luke, we learn that Jesus was talking to his followers about the responsibilities that come with being his disciples. And his point was that anyone who chooses to be his disciple and then changes his/her mind, is as worthless as salt that has no taste.
When (if ever) does salt lose its taste? Well, what most of us think of when we speak of salt, is common table salt (sodium chloride). However, as any chemistry student knows, there are several different types of salt, most of which have no salty flavor. And often, when salt is found in or on the ground in desert areas, the salt that is collected is actually a combination of sodium chloride and other salts (such as borax).
Where mixed salts are used (such as was common in Bible lands), high humidity can leach the sodium chloride from the mixture, leaving a tasteless salt that people have no use for, so ‘it is thrown outside to be walked on.’ And being ‘thrown outside’ is the fate of Christians who are called by God, but who later decide that they don’t wish to pay the costs of being a disciple of Jesus.
Salvation
Although the term ‘getting saved’ is used throughout the Bible, we gain a real sense of the meaning of this term from Acts 16:29, which tells of a jailer who was unfamiliar with Christianity and its terms, when he asked Paul and Silas, ‘Lords, whatmust I to do to get saved?’ That’s when Paul and Silas told him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.’
However, was simple ‘belief in Jesus’ all that was required for salvation? In this case, there was a lot more that he needed to understand, because, as a virtual pagan (Roman or Greek), there was a world of things for him to learn about monotheism, Christian conduct, the resurrection, and of God’s Kingdom. So, much more than just belief in Jesus was required for salvation. This is why the account continues with the words, ‘Then they told him and all those in his house about the Word of God.’
Unfortunately, many people profess to believe in Jesus today, but they don’t understand Christian living – Jesus’ instructions on morality and love, for example – so, notice what Jesus himself said at Matthew 7:22, 23, ‘In that day, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and perform many great works in your name? Then I’ll admit to them: I never knew you! Get away from me you lawbreakers.’
So, more than simple belief is required. For, to keep from being a ‘lawbreaker’ and in order to be ‘known’ by Jesus, a person must believe in him and everything that he taught, including his instructions on how to live a life as one of his followers.
And who will actually be saved? Jesus answered this question himself when he said what was recorded at Matthew 24:13, ‘But he who endures to the end will be saved.’
So from the above, we must conclude that; while belief in Jesus is required for salvation, knowledge of how to live a Christian life is also required. And to continue in this saved condition, one must maintain a clean relationship with God until ‘the end.’ That is, until the end of their lives, or until the coming of Jesus.
Satan, Devil, Lucifer, Beelzebub
It is appropriate that the heavenly name of the great Opposer and Slanderer of God is never given in the Bible. However, several terms (and one mistakenly) have been used to describe him. Here is a list of those descriptions:
· Satan: This is a Hebrew word meaning, opposer, resistor, and a smart person who does things to serve his own interests. It was applied to the Evil One, because of his opposition to God. And so, to to keep from misleading people into thinking of it as a name, it is translated as ‘the Opposer’ (not Satan), herein.
· Devil: This is the only Greek word (Diabolos) used in the Bible to describe the evil one. The first part of the word, dia, means through, and bolos means throw (it’s where we get the English words ball and bowl). So, Devil means one who throws through, which amounts to slanderer in Greek, so that’s the way it’s translated herein.
· Lucifer: The name Lucifer is commonly tied to the Biblical Opposer; however, the name doesn’t appear in most versions of the Bible. It does appear once in the King James Version, at Isaiah 14:12, in which the King of Babylon is referred to as Lucifer, Son of the Morning. However, the original Hebrew words were: Helel ben Shahar – Day Star, Son of the Dawn. So, there is no direct link in the Bible between the entity known in Hebrew as Satan and the person who was referred to as Lucifer. This mistranslation was created by Augustine, when he was translating the text in Isaiah from the original Hebrew into Latin.
· BeelZebub: There are eight references in the Bible to this Hebrew noun, and it does refer to the Slanderer. However, once again, this is not a proper name. It appears to be a title. Beel (like Baal) means Lord, and Zebub appears to refer to flies (the insects). So, BeelZebub likely means Lord of Flies.
Is the Opposer (Slanderer or BeelZebub) a real person? All one has to do is look at the titles he was given above to realize that he is. To deny his existence negates the rest of the Bible. For example, when dealing with Adam’s sin, why did God adhere so closely to a law, when other options were available to Him? Why didn’t he just destroy rebellious Adam and create another man?
The fact is, He created men and His messengers with the ability to choose whether to serve Him or not, so none are automatons. And as a man failed in the Paradise of Pleasure, we can assume (and as the Scriptures support) that there were failures (and rebels) in the heavens also. This is the reason why it became necessary to have a law that clearly outlined what rebellion against God constituted, and what the consequences for violating that law would be. It was obviously for the sake of the millions of millions of heavenly spirit (breath) creatures that the issue of rebellion here on the earth had to be resolved by legal means, and in a way that demonstrated the love and loyalty of God’s first-born son, which resulted in the painful need for a ‘ransom’ (Jesus’ death).
And the idea, which some have promoted, that the Slanderer isn’t real, raises other questions. For example; While Jesus was being tempted in the desert, was he simply struggling with the bad within himself rather than against a real, evil personality? If so, we would have to conclude that there was bad in Jesus.
Also, was the battle in heaven (as spoken of at Revelation the Twelfth Chapter) just figurative and not a real war against the Opposer and his messengers? And if so, then there must be ‘evil thoughts’ in heaven, prior to that battle. And, in what sense would ‘the Opposer’ and his ‘messengers’ lose the battle and be confined to the earth? Also, why would internal evil be ‘angry’ in knowing that he just has ‘a short period of time left?’
And lastly, when the Opposer entered God’s presence and spoke to Him (Job the First Chapter), could we assume that this inherent evil was found in God? That isn’t likely.
However, there is some question as to the use of the Greek word Diabolos found at 1 Chronicles 21:1 (in the Greek Septuagint). First, since Diabolos is a Greek word and First Chronicles was written in Hebrew, we would assume that Diabolos (Slanderer) was substituted for the Hebrew word Satan (Opposer). But the text seems to imply that a slanderer (or resistor), not the Slanderer, had come to David. So, we don’t really know if the text implies that the Evil One came to him personally; if it was just an evil spirit that came over him; or if someone bad had urged David to defy God and take a census of Israel.
Science and Inspiration
Especially in the book of Job do we find some amazingly accurate statements about our universe, which can be used to prove that portion of the Bible inspired and scientific. Note, for example, what is written at Job 26:7, ‘He stretches the north wind out on nothing, and on nothing He has hung the earth.’ And again, in verse 10, ‘By His order the face of the sea is round, from where light reaches to the darkness.’
Why, the fact that the earth is round and hung on nothing wasn’t really believed by most people until the time of Christopher Columbus, and the earth wasn’t truly proven round to some people until the time of space travel.
And noyice the statement at Job 39:38, ‘Who poured out the powder that made the earth, and stuck it together like a block of stone?’
Science has just recently concluded that the earth, and much of the universe was formed by clouds of dust. So, is this inspiration or ancient wisdom? We simply don’t know, for none of these words were dissertations on scientific revelations; they were poetic discussions of the powers of God.
Remember that; many forms of art (including songs and poetry) are said to be inspired. And if we look at the meaning of that word (inspired), we can see that it means ‘breathed in,’ or that it comes from God. Can this be so, and can all works that are said to be inspired actually have God’s Breath as their source? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that all men received their breath (spirit) from God (the Breath of Life), so perhaps we all have a small portion of His power, which goes untapped until we strive for greatness. And perhaps prophetic words are enhanced when one searches for them in the power of verse or song.
Notice, for example, what EliHu said, as recorded at Job 32:8: ‘Yet, although there’s a spirit in humans, the Breath of the Almighty does the teaching.’ So, perhaps we all have some of God’s Spirit or Breath, which would explain the power that an unrighteous man such as BalaAm had.
For more information, see the linked documents, ‘The Bible’s Internal Proofs of its Authentic History,’ and ‘The Powers of God’s Holy Spirit.’
Scroll or Book of Life
The first mention in the Bible of the Scroll of Life can be found in one of the songs of King David (Psalm 69:28), where he wrote, ‘From the Scroll of the Living may their names be erased, and among the righteous may their names not be written.’
So, we must assume that as early as the Eleventh Century B.C.E., God’s faithful worshipers had some concept of a record that God keeps of people who He counts among ‘the living.’ And as David pointed out, their names can be erased from God’s record once they are put there (so much for the concept of once-saved, always-saved).
What is this Scroll, how does a person get his or her name written in it, and what does this mean for them?
Although God surely needs no actual written book to remember His faithful, the phrase ‘the Scroll (or Book) of Life’ is mentioned enough times in the Bible to assume that God does remember or record the names of those righteous who He counts among ‘the living,’ as opposed to those He numbers among ‘the dead.’
Who are ‘the living?’ They are likely the same as the ones who Jesus spoke of at John 5:24, when he said, ‘I tell you the truth; He who hears what I say and believes in the One that sent me, will have life in this age… he won’t have to be judged, for he has crossed over from death to life!’
So, we must assume that some conscious act of faith by each individual causes him or her to cross over ‘from death to life,’ and that is likely the time when a person’s name is written in the Scroll of Life. Then, as Jesus said, ‘He won’t have to be judged’ thereafter.
What is this act of faith? Today, it would surely be the conscious act of choosing to be baptized. However, since baptism wasn’t practiced during the time of David, it appears as though all Israel had their names written in that Scroll when they were born into that nation which was chosen by God; and their names remained there for as long as they were faithful. For, notice how this concept fits into David’s words about their names just being erased, but not recorded.
Then in the Revelation, we read of several ‘scrolls’ being opened and of the ‘dead’ being judged by the things that are written in those scrolls. Who are these ‘dead?’ Well, remember that those whose names are written in the Scroll of Life will not be judged. And that; by following the order of the the series of events in the later part of the Revelation, all the resurrections will already have taken place (see Revelation 20:4-6); so these individuals aren’t physically dead any longer, for they are seen to be standing. As the result, this must mean that; although they are no longer literally dead, they are still counted as dead (or dying) and needing to be judged, for their names have yet to be written in the Scroll of Life.
So with this understanding, notice again the exact words of Revelation 20:12: ‘Then I saw the dead – the great and the small – standing before the throne, and several scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, which was the Scroll of Life. And the dead were then judged by the things that were written in the scrolls, according to the things that they did.’
Therefore, we must assume that those who remain faithful worshipers of God have their names permanently sealed in God’s Scroll of Life upon their deaths, and are considered ‘the living’ by Him. Then, when they are resurrected, there is no need for them to be judged thereafter.
As for ‘the dead’ who the Revelation says are ‘judged by the things written in the scrolls,’ this likely means that they too will be resurrected, but they will be judged by the things they do after the resurrection and during the thousand-year period that the Slanderer is bound and in the pit (See Revelation 20:2-6).
Scroll or Sickle?
There is quite a discrepancy between the rendering of words as found in Hebrew and Greek texts of Zechariah Chapter Five. For, the Hebrew text tells us that Zechariah saw a flying scroll, but the Greek text calls it a δρέπανον πετόμενον, or flying sickle. Which is correct?
We’ll trust the Greek text on this one (although the Hebrew text could also be right), because the thing that he saw was used to bring punishment upon the wicked. Notice that Verse Three tells us: ‘This is the curse… the one that crosses the face of the earth. One side brings punishment of death to all thieves, and the other to all who would lie in a courtroom.’ So, although a scroll could decree their punishment, a sickle could actually bring the punishment of death.
Seating in the Heavens
It has been argued that Paul’s words at Ephesians 2:6, 7 are proof that all those to whom he was writing were going to heaven; for there he wrote, ‘He lifted us up and seated us in the heavens in the Anointed Jesus, so that He could show to all those upon whom the ages are coming, the tremendous richness of His loving care, by His kindness upon us through the Anointed Jesus.’
However, notice that Paul was speaking of something that had already happened to them, because he spoke of this being seated in the heavens in the past tense, as though it had already happened to them while they were still on the earth. So, what was Paul saying?
To get the sense of these verses, you must first read the previous two verses (4 and 5); for there he wrote, ‘But, due to the love He had for us, God (who is so rich in mercy) made us alive to the Anointed One while we were still dead in our failings. So, His loving care has saved you…’
As you can see; before they became Christians, these people had been considered dead in God’s eyes because of their sins; but now God considers them as being alive to (and in) Jesus. So, when Jesus was raised to heaven, their life in Jesus the Anointed One was raised to heaven along with him. Therefore, Paul wasn’t speaking of their literally going to heaven; he was saying that their hope (of future life) was then in the heavens with Jesus.
For more information, see the linked document, God’s Promise of an Inheritance.
Seed
What is referred to in the Bible as ‘the Sacred Mystery of the Seed,’ is explained to us for the first time at Galatians 3:16, which says, ‘Now, the promises were given to Abraham and his seed. It doesn’t say, to his seeds, as though there were many of them, but just one, to your seed, who is the Anointed One.’
Then the explanation of the identity of this ‘seed,’ is further expanded at Galatians 3:29, where we read, ‘And if you are [part] of the Chosen One, you are really the seed of Abraham and heirs of the promise.’
The initial prophecy of this ‘seed,’ is found at Genesis 3:14, 15, where God condemned the Evil One, who the Revelation shows was the real voice behind the snake. Notice what this first prophecy in the Bible says: ‘Because you did this, you [alone] are doomed to punishment over all the cattle and wild animals of the earth. You will travel on your chest and belly, and you will eat from the ground all the days of your life. I will create hatred between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will watch for your head and you will watch for his heel.’
From the above, we can see that the Evil One (as represented by the snake) would produce a ‘seed,’ and the woman would produce a ‘seed.’ However, the woman’s seed would vanquish the snake and its seed by ‘watching’ to crush its head. So, this promise to Abraham that he would produce a ‘seed,’ was really a clue as to who the ‘seed’ of Genesis 3:15, 16 would prove to be. Then, at Galatians 3:16, 29, Paul reveals that this seed of the woman is Jesus and those who are ‘one’ with him, his ‘chosen’ disciples, who collectively make up the ruling portion of God’s Kingdom.
Who is the ‘woman’ that would produce this seed? The Bible itself answers (at Galatians 4:26), ‘But the Jerusalem above is free and she is our mother.’
So, God’s heavenly seat of government (the ‘Jerusalem above’) is God’s ‘woman, which would give birth to the rulers of God’s Kingdom… Jesus and those who become ‘one’ with him.
The final unraveling of who ‘the snake,’ its ‘seed,’ the ‘woman,’ and ‘her seed’ are, can be found at Revelation 12:3-5. See that scripture and the linked notes for further information. Also, for more information, see the linked document, The ‘Seed’ – God’s Kingdom.
Seismos
The Greek words seismos and seismoi are usually thought of as meaning earthquake and earthquakes, for the modern study of earthquakes is called seismology. Therefore, when Jesus was speaking about the signs of his being near, and he said one of the signs would be seismoi (Matthew 24:7), most have assumed that this referred just to a greater frequency of earthquakes.
However, the Greek word seismos appears to actually refer to a shaking or disturbance, which doesn’t necessarily imply just earthquakes. For, Matthew used the word (at Matthew 8:24) to describe an agitated sea when Jesus was on a boat with his disciples. Then at 2 Kings 2:11, when the Prophet EliJah was taken into the sky in a flaming chariot, the word that was used to describe the storm that took him, was once again seismos. So, Jesus’ use of the word at Matthew 24:7 implies more than just earthquakes. It could be speaking of a plethora of natural wind and water disasters.
It has also been recently brought to our attention that seismos could be translated as turmoil or unrest. So, could Jesus have implied even more than natural disasters in that single word? This is probably so.
Servants
For centuries, the proper translation of this word has bothered people who wish to create levels of authority within the Christian Congregation. So, to add weight to this office, the Greek word diakonos has been translated into many words in attempts to blur what it really means in English, servant. Words such as ‘deacon’ (from diakonos), minister, and even the redundancy ‘ministerial servant’ have been employed. However, what they were called in the First-Century Congregation was just servants. These qualified men handled the work and odd jobs that were necessary in running the day-to-day affairs of the congregation.
A later position of responsibility that was spoken of by Paul was the appointment of ‘elders’ or ‘overseers’ in the emerging Christian congregations. Elders likely had to be males, and their job was to shepherd and teach the congregations. However, elders were also just servants – that is, servants with a small ‘s.’
The Scriptures show that; In order to qualify as servants in the congregation, men (and possibly women) had to meet high standards of conduct and reputation. And although Paul didn’t mention it specifically, they were expected to be able to make wise decisions and to show signs of having God’s Breath. Notice that these were the qualifications for all servants in the Christian Congregation, for Acts 6:3 says: ‘So, brothers, find seven qualified men among you who are filled with wisdom and the Breath [of God].’
For more information, see the linked document, Arrangement of the First Christian Churches.
Seven Congregations
After explaining that John’s Revelation was a vision of ‘the Lord’s Day’ (Revelation 1:10), the first portion of the book speaks of messages to seven congregations, which (because of the stated period) may represent all faithful congregations, lamp stands, or Christian religions in our time; for notice how all the problems of modern religions are represented by these chosen groups:
· One had fallen from the position it once had
·
· One was faithful but was infected by the teachings of the Nicolaitans, and some were following the teachings of BalaAm
· One was serving faithfully, but was influenced by a Jezebel
· One was spiritually dead
· One was plagued by the synagogue of the Slanderer
· One was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm.
So, it appears as though this prophecy is foretelling that the Opposer will infiltrate Christian religion to the core during the Lord’s Day.
Seven Stars
As Revelation 1:20 says, ‘The seven stars signify the messengers of the seven congregations.’ See the linked document, Arrangement of the First Christian Churches.
Seventy Weeks
The remarkable prophecy about the seventy weeks that was given to Daniel is one that many faithful Jews looked to toward the end of the First Century B.C.E., in order to determine the time for the coming of the Messiah. And since it hadn’t been fulfilled during the period of seventy literal weeks after word had been sent to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, they assumed that the prophecy spoke of a period of seventy weeks of years, or a period of four hundred and ninety years. And since the Anointed One and Leader was to come at the end of seven weeks plus sixty-two weeks (or 483 years), Jesus was expected by many at the time he actually started his ministry.
When was word first sent to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem? Most historians agree that it happened in the year 455-B.C.E. So, the Messiah was expected to come some four hundred and eighty-three years later, or in 29-C.E. (we add a year, because it is said that there was no zero year in our calendar), which was the year that Jesus appazrently started his work of preaching and gathering his disciples.
As for the last ‘week’ of seven years; the prophecy showed that ‘during the middle of the seven days, the sacrifice and the drink offering will be lifted away.’ So, something would happen then (early in 33-C.E.) that would bring the Old Sacred Agreement to an end… the death of Jesus.
What ended when the seventy weeks were finished? That period (late in 36-C.E.) appears to be the time when the New Sacred Agreement was no longer offered only to the Jews, but to the first Gentiles. Thereafter (after the seventy weeks of years), ‘the city and the Holy Place (were destroyed) in a flood … of wars and exterminations,’ and ‘the disgusting thing that destroys (the armies of Rome) [came into] the Temple.’
Thereafter, Jerusalem lay desolate and its Temple (where a Moslem mosque now stands) has never been rebuilt.
Sheep and Goats
At Matthew 25:31-33, it is recorded that Jesus said: ‘When the Son of Man arrives in his glory along with all the messengers, he will sit down on his glorious throne, and all nations will be led before him. Then he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he’ll put the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left.’
A common misconception about the separating of the sheep and the goats mentioned in these verses, is that it is speaking of Jesus separating the righteous from the unrighteous for what Revelation 16:16 refers to as the Battle of Armageddon. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case here, for no battle is mentioned. And according to Revelation 16:13, 14, that great battle is fought against the kings and armies of this world (for more information, see the document, Armageddon – When?).
Rather, you may notice that these words of Jesus at Matthew 25 seem to be part of a quotation from the prophecy of Ezekiel 34:17 (LXX), which says: ‘And from among you, My sheep; says Jehovah the Lord, {Look!} I’ll separate sheep from the sheep among you, and the rams from the goats.’
Then the Prophecy goes on to say (in verses 20-23): ‘Because of this, says Jehovah the Lord, {Look!} I’ll separate the strong from the weak. For, you pushed them away with your shoulders and sides, and the weak you gored with your horns… you squeezed them out and pushed them aside! So, I will rescue My sheep, and no more will they serve as [your] plunder, for I will judge between ram and ram. I will raise a shepherd for them, and he (My servant David) will tend them… he’ll care for them and be their shepherd.’
So, this prophecy clearly seems to be speaking of the time when Jesus (My servant David) does this separating work, which Jesus spoke of at Matthew 25:31-33. Then, what are some of the other features of this prophecy? Well, notice God’s words that precede the description of the separating work in Ezekiel 34, for in verse 13 we read: ‘Then, from the nations I’ll lead them, and gather them from many regions, then bring them [back] to their land. And on Israel’s mountains I’ll graze them… in the valleys and homes of the land.’
So, the separating of the sheep from the goats doesn’t appear to be a separating of worldly nations, but of those within the lost sheep of Israel… and one could conclude that this is a separating of those who call themselves Christians (for more information on who are considered Judah and Israel, see the linked document Jerusalem and ‘the Israel of God’)
Then notice that the reward for those who are found to be sheep is that they would ‘Inherit the Kingdom that has been prepared for [them] from the founding of the world’ (for more information about the possible meaning of these words, see the linked document God’s Promise of an Inheritance). And the outcome for those found to be ‘goats’ is to be ‘cursed into the fire of the ages that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers’ (for more information, see the linked document, Is there a Burning Hell?).
What is the basis of the judgment which determines who the ‘sheep’ are and who the ‘goats’ are? As Jesus said, it all depends on how they treat his ‘brothers.’ And just who are Jesus’ brothers? He said (at Matthew 12:49): ‘Whoever does all that my Father in heaven wishes is my brother, sister, and mother.’
Should Christians Agree on Everything?
At Exodus 23:2 we read these wise words: ‘You must not join a mob to do bad things, nor should you agree with the majority when they are wrong.’ In Greek this reads, ‘Ouk esemeta pleinon epi kakia ou prostethese meta plethous ekklinon meta pleinon oste ekklinai krisin,’ or, ‘Not join the/majority on bad or go/along with the/majority’s inclinations with many who are/inclined/toward judgment.’ Agreed, the words are different, but the thought is the same.
Most religions do in fact teach that; among their leaders, the minority must agree with the majority, to show harmony… as in a form of Democracy. And to prove that this is the right thing to do, religious leaders like to quote Paul’s words, as found at 1 Corinthians 1:10, which say, ‘Now, through the name of our Lord Jesus the Chosen One, I want to encourage you brothers to all teach the same thing. There shouldn’t be any divisions among you, but you must all learn to think the same way and share the same opinions.’
So, was Paul encouraging Christians to go along with the majority, even when they are wrong on doctrines and spiritual issues? Those who are in charge might like to tell us that this is so. But God’s commandment at Exodus 23:2 says that this should never be done. So then, was God contradicting Paul? No, for notice the problem that Paul was discussing at 1 Corinthians 1:11-13: ‘Now, those of the house of Chloe have told me that you do a lot of quarreling, my brothers. What I mean is that; some of you are saying, I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, or I follow Cephas, or I follow the Anointed; so the Anointed One is divided. Why, Paul wasn’t hung on a pole for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?’
As you can see, he was addressing a situation in the Corinthian congregation where the group was becoming divided into various sects or followings. And what Paul was saying, was that they should be trying to find harmony in the teachings of Jesus, not that they should follow the majority, right or wrong. There should be unity in TRUTH, not in following the crowd.
Signal of Release
As we have pointed out, some favorite expressions have been changed in this Bible translation to provide you a better, more accurate description of things, places, and events. And we have had to change the wonderful, joyful term ‘Jubilee Year,’ to reflect the actual words as they appear in the Greek text of the Bible. At Leviticus 25:11, notice that the Greek words found there (which are usually translated as Jubilee of release) are apheseos semassia, or release signal. So, no Jubilee is actually mentioned in the text.
Also, notice that the rule of releasing Israelite slaves seems to have been revised in the later book of Deuteronomy, for we read at Deuteronomy 15:12-14, ‘And if your brother (a Hebrew man or woman) should be sold to you, he may serve you for six years, but in the seventh year you should set him free. And when you set them free, don’t send them away empty-handed! You must give them provisions from your flock, your grain, and your wine… as Jehovah your God has blest you, that’s how you must treat them.’
Also, all debts were to be forgiven every seven years, for Deuteronomy 15:1-4 tells us: ‘Every seven years you must cancel debts, and these are the rules: You must cancel any debts that your neighbors owe you personally, and you must not ask them to pay them back, because this is a cancellation [of debts] to Jehovah your God. You may ask strangers to pay whatever they owe you, but not your brothers… you must cancel their debts. That way, there won’t be any poor people among you and Jehovah your God will surely bless you in the land that He’s giving you as your inheritance.’
So, apparently the only difference between the seventh years and the Release Years, had to do with the return of inherited land.
Sin of Aaron’s Sons
In Leviticus the Tenth Chapter, we read of something that was done by Aaron’s sons Nadab and AbiUd, which caused them to be destroyed by God, and for some of their priestly relatives to be cut off from Israel by being driven away from the camp. So, surely this was a very serious matter. What had they done?
We can’t be sure, simply because the Bible doesn’t tell us any more. However, after that, there is no mention of the Priests being allowed to use the sacred incense for any purpose other than on the incense Altar, which was inside the Tent of Proofs. And any person that used it, or made any of it for other purposes, was to be destroyed. So, perhaps their sin involved misuse of the sacred incense.
Why had they done such a thing? The answer to this is implied by God’s instructions that followed, ‘You and your sons must not drink any wine or liquor before you enter the Tent of Proofs or before you approach the Altar, so you don’t die.’ So apparently, Aaron’s two sons (and some of his relatives) had been drinking too much alcohol and got drunk, which led Nadab and AbiUd to do something foolish and disrespectful.
Notice also Moses’ instructions to the remaining Priests, that they shouldn’t bare their heads or rip their clothes over the deaths of these men. So, they weren’t to show any signs of mourning for those who have been destroyed by Jehovah, or any support for those who were cut off from the camp. Rather, their actions were to show the rest of Israel that they were in full support of God’s discipline.
Soldier in a War
Many translators seem to miss the gist of Paul’s words to Timothy, which are found at 1 Timothy 1:18. Here he mentioned a prophecy (or prediction) concerning Timothy; and one translation says that he will ‘wage the fine warfare.’ However, the Greek words, hina strateun en autais ten kalen strateian, seem to indicate that this prophecy predicted that he would be a soldier (strateun) in a good (kalen) war (strateian).
This appears to be the logical way to translate those words, because both letters to Timothy seem to follow the theme of a soldier in battle. For example; Paul refers to him as a ‘fine soldier’ at 2 Timothy 2:3, 4.
Sons of God
The Greek expression uioi tou Theou literally means sons of God. The term is only used when speaking of men or heavenly messengers who are God’s direct creations, never as the progeny of men, who are referred to as the uioi tou anthropois – the sons of men. So, ‘the sons of God’ referred to at Genesis 6:3 must be speaking of God’s heavenly sons, since the only earthly son of God up to that time was Adam. Also notice that the women it speaks of there were called ‘the daughters of men.’
This raises the question: Do God’s heavenly messengers have sex organs that would be aroused by seeing beautiful women? No, for Jesus indicated (at Matthew 22:30) that sexual reproduction isn’t a part of heavenly life. So, why would ‘sons of God’ want to come to earth and take ‘all that they chose’ to be their wives? Apparently, the motivation was the same as the Slanderer’s – lust for power. So they likely materialized human bodies (with sex organs) and fathered children that grew to be ‘giants’ and ‘famous men’ in their time.
Apparently, unrighteous men were still recounting the exploits of these hybrid giants in Moses’ time, making them (as Moses wrote) ‘famous’ (see Genesis 6:4). The Greek Gods and fabled strong men, such as Hercules, come immediately to mind.
Sor or Tyre?
In the Septuagint, Ezekiel’s prophesy (found in Chapters 26 and 27) concerning the city of Tyre, speaks of it as Sor, not Tyre. This is because Tyre was built on a rocky land, and Sor means rocks. As the result, for clarification, we have rendered Sor as both Tyre and as Rock, depending on its use in the text.
Soul
The Greek word psyche (as in psychology) has been translated many ways, including soul, life, etc. However, psyche actually means something that breathes. It is used in the Bible to describe both breathing animals and breathing humans. So by definition, a soul cannot leave the body, because a soul is what the living body (whether human or animal) is (see Genesis 2:7).
In ancient Greece, philosophers eventually added another meaning to psyche: The inner person (as opposed to the person that others see and come to know). And with time, the pagan religion of Greece started to teach that this inner person is its own entity and can never die (is immortal). Over the centuries, this pagan Greek doctrine thereafter crept into the Christian religions. Please see the link Soul for more history of the word.
However, such Greek philosophical thought never influenced Jesus and his Apostles. So, they consistently used psyche to indicate a living person or animal. Therefore, the later teaching that the soul is immortal stands in direct conflict with Jesus’ promise of a resurrection, because, if a person is immortal (can never die) he/she can never be resurrected (brought back to life).
In addition, the teaching of the immortality of the human soul is totally without support from the Bible. For the word immortal(ity) (Gr: athanasia or undying) is only mentioned in the Bible in two places, and it isn’t used with or applied to the word soul in either case. Both of these scriptures show that immortality is only given by God as a reward for righteousness. And as Ezekiel 18:4 says, ‘The person (gr. psyche or ‘soul’) that is sinning will die (gr. apothaneitai).’
Of course, there are places in the Bible where the word soul means more than just a living, fleshly body. For example, God is recorded to have spoken of ‘My Soul’ in several places. Obviously, God is much more than just a ‘soul’ as most people think of that term, and He surely wasn’t talking about His having a human body. So we must conclude that what He was referring to is His life.
Then there are Jesus’ words found at Matthew 10:28, which read, ‘Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the person (psyche or soul). Rather, be afraid of him who can destroy both the person (soul) and the body in the garbage dump.’ Here, Jesus is using the word psyche (soul) to refer to the value of life that remains with God until the resurrection. And he obviously isn’t referring the soul as immortal in this instance, because he says God will destroy (gr. apolesai) the [unrighteous] soul or person.
Unfortunately, no single word can be used to translate psyche in every possible Bible application, so various terms are used herein, depending on the circumstances, but always in an attempt to harmonize with the meaning.
Space, Expanse, or Firmament?
The Greek word that we have translated as space several times in the First Chapter of Genesis and in the Psalms is stereoma. We are sure that many readers will recognize this as the root word for stereophonic and for stereo (3-D) photography. It means something that has depth, and is often used to describe something solid. This is why stereoma has often been translated as firmament in other Bibles. Firmament is an English word that was likely made up by early people to describe something they didn’t understand, the depth of space. However, the earliest Bible writers used the right word to describe the sky and all that is above it.
Spanking
We have translated the words at Proverbs 13:24 as saying, ‘He who doesn’t care, won’t spank [his son]; but he who loves, will carefully correct him.’
Now, we realize that the words which were actually said, were: ‘ος φειδεται της βακτηριας μισει τον υιον αυτου ο δε αγαπων επιμελως παιδευει,’ or, ‘the/one sparing the rod dislikes the son his, but the loving/one carefully corrects.’ Why have we made this change?
Well,the word rod (or staff) in English implies a large, hard object that can be used to maim or cause injury, while the meaning of the text obviously implies something more like a switch or a stick that can be used for a spanking. Yet, even this mild action is found to be offensive among many modern peoples, and some would choose to have Solomon say, ‘He who doesn’t correct his son doesn’t care for his son,’ but that’s not what Solomon said. Yes, careful correction is also what Solomon spoke of, but the text shows that he was speaking of well-thought-out discipline, which may require a spanking.
That such corporal punishment is meant can be found by reading a similar verse, Proverbs 23:13, which says, ‘You should not avoid correcting a child, for if you spank him (hit him with a rod or staff) he surely won’t die.’
Spiritism
The Greek word that we have translated as, involvement in the occult, at Galatians 5:20, is pharmakia. This word has been translated many ways over the years, to fit particular religious ‘hot buttons.’ Some have applied it to forbid spiritism and others have applied it to forbid the use of illicit drugs (due to the ‘pharmacy’ connection). However, the word refers specifically to the use of ‘magic potions’ that are supplied by mystics, such as witches and the like. And some connection to modern-day (prescribed and patent) medicines as sold in drug stores could be implied. However, the difference is that modern medicines aren’t supposed to suggest ‘magical’ or occult powers.
The particular Greek/English interlinear Bible that we used when preparing this version, translated pharmakia as druggery. However, the nuance that druggery implies in American English simply isn’t correct. It suggests the misuse (abuse) of mind-altering drugs… and that isn’t the primary meaning of pharmakia. While mind-altering drugs would likely have played a role in ancient potions, the corrupt act mentioned here clearly refers to any involvement in occult practices and contact with the demons.
Spirits in Prison
At 1 Peter 3:19 we read about ‘spirits’ (literally, breaths) who were put into ‘prison’ for the bad acts they committed during the time of Noah. Genesis 6:3 speaks of them as ‘sons of God,’ or ‘[God’s] messengers,’ and it tells of their coming to earth and marrying ‘the daughters of men’ (see the linked scripture and Notes in Genesis). Then 2 Peter 2:4 says that they were put into ‘Tartarus.’
Peter’s use of the word Tartarus here, has long been a cause of concern to thoughtful Bible students. In other Bibles, this Greek word has wrongfully been translated as Hell and Hell Fire. However, the term refers specifically to the place where gods (not humans) were sent. And as the result of past misunderstandings of the meaning of this word, this is where the idea came from that the Slanderer and his demons are in Hell watching over its flames and the torture of human souls.
The question that has so concerned many Bible students is: Why did Peter use this pagan term that came from Greek Mythology to describe the condition of unfaithful messengers of God? The appearance here is that the Bible had its roots in Greek myths. However, the opposite is true.
Anyone who takes the time to carefully consider Greek Mythology will notice close (but sometimes opposite) parallels to Bible stories told in Genesis Chapters Two through Six. Stories such as Hercules and the Golden Apples, Medusa, immoral Gods who came to earth, etc., seem to closely resemble the stories of Adam and the forbidden fruit, the snake in the Paradise, and the sons of God who came to earth and lived as humans. So, it isn’t surprising that they also had a name for the place where these sons of God (the gods) were sent after the downpour. And since this correct idea was common at the time, Peter just used their word to convey what he was talking about to his readers.
Since these ‘sons of God’ who came to earth and assumed human bodies in Noah’s day couldn’t be destroyed by the Downpour (flood) and they had forsaken heaven, they were apparently put into a prison-like state here on the earth, where they are no longer able to roam. This group is specifically referred to as the demons in the Bible.
Demon is a Greek word that seems to be derived from diameno, which means fixed in one place. From other Bible accounts about demons, it appears that this ‘fixing in one place’ means that they must be associated with either living or non-living things, which is referred to as ‘possession.’ In other words, Tartarus appears not to be a fixed place, but rather to a dark condition of earthly imprisonment where they seem to be able to live among things both animate and inanimate.
Spiritual Jews
During Jesus’ three-and-a-half year preaching campaign (C.E. 29-33), he had specifically instructed his disciples not to preach to anyone other than the people living in Palestine. The reason for this, was to allow ‘the Sons of the Kingdom’ (the Jews) first choice to be rulers (kings) of God’s Kingdom. However, about three-and-a-half years after they rejected and murdered His Son, God started selecting members of the ruling portion of that Kingdom from among ‘people of the nations’ (gr. te ethne).
Of course, Jesus’ Israelite disciples could hardly foresee this change in ethnic background of the Kingdom ruling group. So, despite repeated clues (such as what Jesus said at Acts 1:8 about their preaching ‘to the ends of the earth’), it came as a shock to them when the first ‘gentiles’ were converted and received God’s Holy Breath, which indicated His adoption of them as spiritual sons.
This misunderstanding of the meaning of God’s Kingdom continued to plague Jewish Christians until the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 70-C.E. So Paul, throughout his letters to the congregations, continued to warn of Jewish ‘Christians’ who were trying to teach adherence to the Law and circumcision.
It was difficult for these Jews to understand that God’s promises were no longer centered on the nation of Israel (with its Law, Temple, and Levitical Priesthood), and on earthly Jerusalem in particular, as the center of that rulership. And this is still misunderstood by many who claim to be Christians today, because they believe that Jews are still ‘God’s Chosen People,’ and that the Bible’s prophecies center around what is happening and will happen around earthly Jerusalem. They don’t remember Jesus’ words at Luke 13:35, ‘Look! Your house has been taken from you!’
For more information, see the linked document, Jerusalem and the Israel of God.
Spiritually Impoverished
While most people think that; what are called ‘the Beatitudes’ (Jesus’ opening words in the Sermon on the Mount) are quite simple and straight forward, some of the things he said there are very complicated and difficult to translate accurately. A good example is the words found at Matthew 5:3, which we most recently translated as ‘The spiritually impoverished are blest, because the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to them.’
In the Greek text this reads, ‘Makarioi oi ptochoi to pneumati, hoti auton e Basilea ton ouranon,’ or, ‘Blest the poor/ones to/the breath that of/them is the Kingdom of/the heavens.’ And in Aramaic it reads, ‘Tuwâyhon Lmiskéné Brukh. D-dheelhonee mâlkutha dâshmây-ya,’ or, ‘Blest are they; the people poor in the breath of life. For theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.’
The first translating problem that arises here, is with the word that is translated as breath or spirit (pneumati in Greek). For, both the Greek and Aramaic words used there just mean breath, wind, or unseen force… which is what the Latin word spirit also means. And notice that in the Aramaic text it is referred to as the ‘breath (spirit) of life,’ which seems to be speaking of the life force that God once breathed into Adam. So, much greater things may be implied here than most suspect.
Yet, regardless of the meanings of the words, the question we must next ask is; Why would those who don’t have much ‘spirit’ or ‘breath’ be given the Kingdom of the heavens? Wouldn’t such a great reward require a great depth of spirituality?
Well, while most Bibles render the words ‘ptochoi to pneumati’ as ‘poor in spirit,’ one Bible translates it as ‘conscious of their spiritual need,’ which seems to make some sense to those who think Jesus was speaking of a requirement for life in heaven. However, these words just aren’t in the original text. And we once translated it as ‘those who beg for [God’s] Breath,’ implying that they are poor and begging for more of His Spirit. And this also makes some sense, since the word ptochoi could refer to a beggar or supplicant. However, we no longer think that is what Jesus meant.
After much discussion among our contributors and advisors, we have concluded that our latest rendering (that the ‘spiritually impoverished’ would receive the ‘Kingdom of heaven’) is most likely correct. But if this conclusion is accurate, then, what did Jesus mean?
Well, while most people think of Jesus’ famous sermon as just good words to live by (that’s why they call them Beatitudes, which means Happinesses), he apparently didn’t say them for that reason. Rather, if you read the next verse, for example, you’ll notice that he was actually foretelling a change in opportunities. For it says there, ‘The sad are blest because they will be comforted.’
Now, Jesus wasn’t implying that all sad people would be blest, nor was he saying that all those who are spiritually impoverished would be blest. Rather, he was telling the common people who listened to him that their lives could be changed if they listened to his words and became his followers. And if they did that, their spiritually impoverished condition would be changed to a life of total spirituality (the Kingdom of the heavens), and they would receive comfort for their reasons for sadness.
So, it doesn’t appear as though Jesus was speaking of different types of people and the different rewards they would receive at Matthew 5:1-10, as some have taught. Rather, it seems that Jesus was opening opportunities for poeople to have a part in that Kingdom, and all ten verses of Matthew Five were an admonishment to the common people to seek the Kingdom of the Heavens, because (as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus teaches us), things were about to change. This didn’t necessarily mean that they had the hope of going to heaven, but that they would receive the benefits of the heavenly Kingdom, and that they would receive an inheritance of land on the earth.
Star of Raiphan
We have often wondered about the origin of the star of David that holds such a prominent place in the nation of Israel, for it seems unusual that a nation that was to have no images would select a star as its symbol. But when we came across the words of Amos 5:26 while translating that book from the Septuagint, something became very clear.
Now, the origination of the star of David is said to have come from the prophecy found at Numbers 24:17, which says, ‘A star must rise from Jacob, and a man must spring from Israel. He will crush the leaders of Moab and plunder all the sons of Seth.’ And since it was thought that this prophecy was fulfilled in King David, the star of David was apparently born.
However, notice the mention of another star that was worshiped by Israel at Amos 5:26, where we read, ‘But then you chose the tent of Molech, and the star of Raiphan as your god, and images of them you made for yourselves.’
So, there seems to have been a star of a false god that was worshiped and worn as a sign (possibly around the neck) by apostate Israelites.
Yet, it could be argued that the Bible never mentioned anything like the star of Raiphan, for the Hebrew texts actually reads (NW), ‘And will actually carry Sukkuth your king, and Kaiwan, your images, the star of your god, whom you made for yourselves.’ So, the meaning of this text is quite unclear. Which rendering is right?
Notice that it was the Greek text of Amos, which Stephen quoted just before he was killed. For he said at Acts 7:43, ‘Rather, you took the images that you made for worship to the tent of Moloch and to the star of the god Rephan.’
So, although the spelling is a bit different, Stephen obviously spoke of the star of Rephan (or Raiphan).
What was this star? According to A Student’s Guide to New Testament Textual Variants, ‘Other spellings found in manuscripts (of Acts) are Repha, Rempha, and Rephphan. The Greek Old Testament spells the name Raiphan. All of these are variations of the Egyptian name Repa for the god Saturn.’
So, a conclusion might be made that the star of David actually came from a worship of the star god Saturn, since: there is no Bible record of the star being used as a symbol of either David or Israel. And since: God specifically banned the use of such images.
Stumble or Trap?
The Greek word scandalon means the trip lever of a trap. And while it is often translated as stumble, the meaning has more to do with stumbling into a trap.
Swearing
At Leviticus 5:1, we read, ‘And if a person sins by witnessing, seeing, or knowing of someone who has sworn an oath [of vengeance] against another, and doesn’t report it, he is responsible for his sin.’
Unfortunately, many Bibles translate the word used here, horkismou, as just swearing. And in American English, that generally means using a profanity. However, horkismou refers to swearing an oath (in vengeance), not to the use of profanities. So, although this verse is often used by religious groups to condemn the use of profanities, that isn’t implied by the verse.
Synagogue
We find the word synagogue (gr. synagoges) mentioned several times while the Israelites were in the desert. Just what type of building was this?
Well, it wasn’t a building at all. Actually, synagogue means a gathering, and the entire nation of Israel was usually referred to as a synagogue. It wasn’t until in later years, after they had entered the Promised Land, and possibly after their return from exile in Babylon, that they built buildings for worship (other than the Temple). Then later, they started referring to the buildings as synagogues. And while synagogues are mentioned several times in the Christian Era Scriptures, the only mention of one as a Christian meeting place can be found at James 2:2. In every other instance, it refers to Judaic houses of worship.
This referring to a building as a gathering is similar to what happened in Christendom. For, in older Bibles, Christian gatherings (gr. ekklesias) were called churches. But before long, members started referring to the buildings as churches. For more information see the linked document, Church, Synagogue, or Called Ones.
Tarshish; Spain or Carthage?
When looking up the name of the land called Tarshish, we found that one noted reference says: ‘Most scholars associate Tarshish with Spain, based on ancient references to a place or region in Spain called Tartessus by Greek and Roman writers… ’ And this could be true. However, the Jewish translators of the 3rd Century B.C.E. say that the place spoken of in Isaiah 23 (specifically) wasn’t Spain (as other Bibles indicate), but Carthage, a major ancient city along the Mediterranean Sea in the Bay of Tunis, about 100 miles SW of Sicily. And this appears to be more in line with the words of the prophecy; for Isaiah 23:1 then says, ‘Shriek O boats of Carthage, for [Tyre] has perished.’
Since people from Tyre originally populated Carthage, it is logical that they would be the ones to shriek its destruction.
Ten ‘Lost’ Tribes of Israel
Over the centuries, many things have been written about what may have happened to the ten tribes of Israel that were carried away as captives by the King of Assyria. Some religious groups once speculated that they became the natives of Great Britain, while another religion teaches that they became the American Indians. Of course, both of these theories have been proven untrue by archeology and genetic research, but such teachings still continue.
Whatever happened to the ten ‘lost’ tribes? The Bible tells us clearly, for at 2 Kings 17:6 we read, ‘Then the king of Assyria captured Samaria and moved all the people of Israel into Assyria – to Alae-Abor, along the Gozan River, and into the mountains of the Medes.’ Notice that this is into the land around Persia and modern-day Iraq. And there is a river in NW Iran named the >Qezel Owzan, which is thought to be the Gozan.
What happened to them after that? Notice that the whole account at 1 Chronicles 5:26 says: ‘So the God of Israel caused the spirit of Pul, the king of Assyria (who was also known as Tiglath-Pileser) to become enraged with them, and he sent fifty-thousand men and they relocated [the tribes of] Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh. He moved them to Chalak, Mabor, and along the Gozan River, where they still are today.’
So, since it is believed that the Chronicles were written by Ezra after Judah’s repatriation from Babylon (c. 560-B.C.E), it can be clearly seen that the peoples of the ten tribes were still living around Persia at that time, and they were likely disseminated among the local population, since they no longer worshiped (or had a Sacred Agreement with) Jehovah.
So then; What happened to the ten ‘lost’ tribes? They were never lost, but are now likely intermingled among people who we refer to as Arabic races throughout Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Tent
The statement found at Leviticus 26:11 (‘I will pitch My tent among you’) may sound unusual to most people. For, why would God refer to Himself as living in a tent?
The Greek word that we have translated as tent is skene (pronounced skaynay). The word is used throughout the Bible and may also be translated as booth and as tabernacle. But really, none of these words (tent, booth, or tabernacle) is an accurate description of what skene means in the English language. It implies a temporary-type dwelling that can be made of cloths, skins, or sticks and branches. For example, God’s Sacred Tent in the desert was made of cloth and covered with skins, while the tents that the Israelites were to live in during what has become known as ‘the Festival of Booths,’ was made of sticks and branches.
The Greek word oikos (pronounce oy-koss), on the other hand, refers to a permanent dwelling, and it is usually translated as house. For example; When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, the Sacred Tent of Jehovah was to be temporary, but Solomon later built His Temple, which was referred to as a House. Yet, despite that description, God never really lived there. And that may be the reason why God refers to his coming to ‘tent’ with mankind (as at Revelation 21:3). The term likely refers to His temporary presence or representation, not to His coming to the earth to live among men.
Tent of Proofs
We are sure that many will object to our calling God’s place of worship in the desert a ‘tent’ rather than a ‘tabernacle.’ However, tabernacle is just an obsolete word, the true meaning of which most people misunderstand, so for clarification, we have opted to use the modern word, tent. Because, it was for a fact, a portable building made of cloth.
Actually, this tent is often referred to in Greek as the skenes tou marturion, or, Tent (or Temporary Dwelling) of Testimony. And the reason why they called it that, was because it housed the kiboton martyrion (Box [of] Witness), which is also referred to in other Bibles as the Ark of the Covenant. So, we have translated it as the Tent of Proofs wherever these Greek words are found.
The Dead
Revelation 20:12 speaks of the ‘dead’ ‘standing before the throne’ and ‘being judged.’ Since they are able to stand for judgment, in what sense are they dead?
Note that at Matthew 9:60 Jesus said, ‘Let the dead bury their dead.’ And at Romans 8:10, Paul speaks of the body being ‘dead’ because of sin. Then at 1 Corinthians 15:22 he explains that, ‘Because of Adam, all men are dying.’
So the conclusion we must reach, is that all men are considered as dead and dying before God, due to inherited (and their own) sins. Thus, the scriptures in the Revelation Twenty appear to be speaking of living people (who will already have been resurrected) that will stand before God and be judged either to life for the ages, or to the permanent destruction of the ‘lake of fire.’
However, from the promises of Jesus, it does appear that people can be considered no longer dead even before the resurrection. For, notice what is recorded that he said at John 5:24, ‘I tell you the truth; He who hears what I say and believes in the One that sent me, will have ages of life… he won’t come into the judgment, for he has crossed over out of the death and into the life!’
And John wrote again at 1 John 3:14 ‘Because we love our brothers, we know that we’ve crossed over from death to life. However, those who don’t love stay dead.’
So, it appears as though a person is considered no longer considered to be ‘dead’ when his/her name is written in ‘the book of life.’ This doesn’t mean that they won’t die, but that they are considered as ‘alive’ in God’s eyes, and they will not be counted among the dead who are raised in the resurrection (for more information, see the linked document, The Resurrection).
This appears to be the meaning of Jesus’ words at Matthew 22:32, which say, ‘Haven’t you read what God told you about the resurrection of the dead, [when he said], I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He isn’t the God of the dead, but of the living!’
Also, this appears to be the meaning of his words as found at John 6:54-56, where he said, ‘For, if you chew my flesh and drink my blood, you will have life within yourselves, and then I’ll resurrect you on the Last Day, because my flesh is truly food and my blood is truly drink. Those who chew on my flesh and drink my blood will stay in me and I [will stay] in them.’
And then consider Jesus’ words to the unrighteous Judeans, as found at John 8:23, 24, where he told them, ‘You come from the things below and I come out of things from above. You are from this world, but I’m not from this world. So, as I told you before; You will die in your sins… if you don’t believe that I’m [the One], you will die in your sins.’
So from those words, we must assume that the unrighteous Judeans would be considered the dead, while those who accepted him were counted among the living.
The Word
The Greek word logos is often rightly translated as word. However, logos implies an even greater meaning than that: The expression of a thought. So, Jesus is truly the complete expression of God’s thoughts.
People have often wondered why John used the unusual wording in John 1:1, to start this, his literary masterpiece. Yet, it is obvious that he was explaining Genesis 1:1-3. For, notice how that scripture reads, ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But the earth was unsightly and unfinished, darkness covered its depths, and God’s Breath moved over its waters. Then God spoke (gr. eipen), saying, May there be light, and light came to be.’
As you can see; God spoke, and the things came into existence by means of some unnamed person or force.
Now, follow John’s opening words (at John 1:1-4) and notice how they dovetail with and explain Genesis 1:1-3: ‘In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with The God (gr. Ho Theos) and the Word was a powerful one (gr. theon). This one was with The God in the beginning, and through him it all came to be… life came to be, and this life was the light of all men.’
As you can see, the account in Genesis says that God spoke things into existence, and John is explaining what God said (what the ‘Word’ was). In other words, God ‘spoke’ and the ‘Word’ (Jesus in his pre-human existence) did the work.
So, if John 1:1 appears to support the idea of a trinity to some, this is unintentional. John was simply trying to impress on his readers that; Although Jesus isn’t mentioned in Genesis 1:1, he was there with God and was himself a powerful god who actually did the work, when God ‘spoke’ the heavens and earth into existence.
Then, are we to conclude from John’s writing here that Jesus’ heavenly name is ton Logos (the Word or Expression of a thought)? No! Recognize that John was just employing inspired play on words to draw attention to the phrasing of Genesis 1:1. Jesus’ pre-human name could likely have been MichaEl, which means: Who is Like God (not a question but a statement). And John called him ‘the Word,’ in order to point out Jesus’ most ancient high position as a co-worker with God, who created whatever things God spoke.
Three Kings
There is more myth than fact to most people’s ideas of just who these men were – and how many there were – that brought gifts to Jesus and his family. As common myth has it (and as all the Christmas songs say), there were (1)three (2)kings that brought gifts to Jesus while he was (3)in the feed trough (manger) in BethLehem… probably wrong on all three counts. Let’s take a close look at all three beliefs:
1. Go back and re-read Matthew 2:1-12 and you will see that the account doesn’t say how many Priests there were. All we do know is that they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
2. The Bible doesn’t say they were ‘kings’ or ‘astrologers’ (as some Bibles say). It simply says (in Greek) magoi. Magoi doesn’t mean king; it means a ‘Priest of Babylon.’ Actually, it’s the word that we get the English word ‘magician’ from, so there may be some extended meaning to the term, but that is just speculation. However, others have argued for the use of the word Zoroastrian to translate magoi.
3. Then go back and reread Matthew 2:11. It clearly says that they went to the house (oikian), not the stable. So Jesus wasn’t lying in the manger when they arrived. However, the rest of the account does indicate that this house was in BethLehem (where Joseph had gone to register), so this obviously happened shortly after Jesus’ birth.
Time of Difficulty
The Greek work thlipsis (pronounced: thel/eep/sees) is used several times in the Bible, but it is difficult to find an equivalent word in common American English to translate it. It implies a painful, difficult time, and it was used to describe a woman’s childbirth labor. Tribulation and travail are nice old English words that describe the meaning fairly accurately, but they aren’t the types of words you would read in a newspaper today, so we have tried to use more common words to translate it, depending on the circumstances.
Notice how Jesus applied thlipsis when he was describing the climax of the time when he would be ‘near’ (at Matthew 24:21), ‘Then there will come a difficult time, such hasn’t happened since the world’s beginning until now, nor should ever happen again.’
Actually, Jesus appears to have been quoting a prophecy in the book of Daniel here, as he had just done in verse fifteen. But this time, he is quoting the words found at Daniel 12:1, which read (in the common Bible of his time, LXX), ‘And in that hour, the Highest Messenger MichaEl (he who watches over the sons of your people) will arise, and then a time of difficulty will begin such as has never happened before and will never happen again. [And thereafter], [God] will raise all those whose [names] were written in the scroll.’
So, obviously both scriptures are speaking of this same period.
When will this ‘time of difficulty’ begin? In answer, let’s consider when this period started in the parallel fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy upon the city of Jerusalem. Notice that the period was to begin immediately after the thing described at Matthew 24:15, 16 happened, ‘When you see the disgusting destroyer standing in the Holy Place, then those in Judea should run to the mountains.’
The ‘disgusting destroyer’ was found to be ‘standing in the Holy Place’ when the armies of Rome first camped around Jerusalem. That’s when Christians were told to (and history says they actually did) get out of Jerusalem and hide in the mountains. Then, the ‘difficult time’ started for Jerusalem, as the Roman armies returned and built a fence of pointed stakes around the city, which caused the people to starve. Thereafter, they were slaughtered by the tens of thousands.
So, what parallels will there be when the ‘difficult time’ finally arrives? Well, notice that what happened to Jerusalem was the (God-inspired) action of a great worldly army against an unfaithful religious people. Revelation the Eighteenth Chapter speaks of a similar event when describing a symbolic woman called ‘The Great Babylon.’ There she is spoken of as being destroyed by worldly armies. So, the indication is that the symbolic destruction of Jerusalem and the destruction of The Great Babylon both picture a coming war upon unfaithful ‘Christian’ and possibly Jewish religions by worldly governments, and that is to be preceded by an exceedingly difficult time for those who remain in them.
Is this ‘difficult time’ the same thing as ‘the Battle of Armageddon?’ No, for that battle appears to come against the armies that do the attacking sometime after the great time of difficulty and after they destroy symbolic Jerusalem.
It would be presumptuous for us to try to set out the order in which all these things will happen. However, it is later in Jesus’ account (at Matthew 24:29, 30) that we read: ‘Then the sun will grow dark, the moon won’t put out light, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of Heaven will shake. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds in the sky, with power and great glory.’
So, does the sign of the Son of Man appear in the sky before the great time of difficulty or after it? Although the order of Jesus’ words in Matthew would indicate that it happens before the great signs appear in the heavens, the same prophecy as found in Luke’s account seems to indicate that; in the attack against Jerusalem (in 66-70 C.E.), Jesus would be somehow already present and directing the Roman armies against them. So, whether the great time of difficulty and the Battle of Armageddon come before, during, or after ‘the sign of the Son of Man’ appears in the sky, is unclear.
And finally, Revelation the Seventh Chapter speaks of a huge crowd of people who apparently survive this ‘great time of difficulty.’ Notice that it says (in verses 9, 10) ‘And after all that, I saw {Look!} a crowd so large that no one could count them. They came from all countries, nationalities, ethnic groups, and languages; and they were standing within sight of the throne and within sight of the Lamb. They were all wearing white robes, they carried palm branches in their hands, and they were shouting, We owe our salvation to our God who is sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
Then verse 14 goes on to tell us, ‘These are the ones that have come out of the great time of difficulty (gr. thlipsis).’
So, according to these verses (and history), this faithful group escapes the ‘great time of difficulty’ by fleeing the unfaithful religious institutions (as Christians fled the unfaithful Jewish religion in Jerusalem), which will soon be destroyed by worldly armies. Then the Battle of Armageddon against the kings of the earth and their armies begins.
For more information, see the linked document The Great Tribulation.
Tree of Life
The book of Genesis speaks of a Tree of Life that God had put in the middle of the Paradise of Delights (Garden of Eden) at Genesis 2:9. And one of the reasons why God expelled Adam and his wife from the Paradise was, according to Genesis 3:22, to keep them from eating the fruit of the tree and continuing to live. So, was this a real tree?
Well, since the account speaks of their eating its fruit, we must assume that it was a real tree, for the Bible simply doesn’t tell us any more. But if there was such a tree, this raises the question: Was Adam truly created perfect, having the ability to live forever, as some have said?
Surely Adam wasn’t imperfect in the beginning; however, the fact that God had created a Tree of Life indicates that he needed to prove his faithfulness to God in order to continue living.
So, apparently man was only designed to live less than 1,000 years (as Adam did). And after proving himself faithful, Adam would have been allowed to eat from the Tree of Life.
Yet, this conclusion raises more questions. For example:
Understand that the following thoughts are just suggestions based on our continuing study of the Bible; and with more study, these conclusions may change. However, it appears as though man was created corruptible and mortal, for why else would he need the Tree of Life? But all mention of the Tree (or Trees) of Life in the Bible seems to indicate that partaking of it (or them) is just a one-time requirement (see Genesis 3:22 and Revelation 2:7). And if our conclusions about the meaning of the words at 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 are correct (see the linked document God’s Promise of an Inheritance), the faithful will be raised without any need for the Tree of Life, because they will have already proven to be righteous, so they will be resurrected both undying and incorruptible.
As for the future; the Bible does speak of there being Trees of Life, for Jesus promised (at Revelation 2:7), ‘I’ll allow the one who conquers to eat from the Tree of Life that is in the Paradise of God.’ And Revelation 22:2 tells us: ‘On both sides of the river were trees of life that put out twelve crops of fruit, one each month, and the trees’ leaves are used to cure the nations.’ So, it appears as though; those who have not proven faithful (the ‘nations’) will be allowed to partake of the life-giving fruit, once they have proven themselves faithful to God.
Two Witnesses
Who the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3, 4 are (or will be) is open to religious debate, which we won’t enter here, for that requires foolish speculation. However, we do know that these witnesses are described as, ‘The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have been standing on the earth in front of the Lord.’
What testimony will be required of these two witnesses? We don’t know; but in the case of ancient Israel, Moses and Aaron stood as witnesses of God before the Pharaoh of Egypt, to tell him to release His people, as they brought great signs upon the land. And we find similar signs spoken of at Revelation 11:6, where it says of the two witnesses: ‘They’re also authorized to turn water into blood and to bring every sort of plague to the earth whenever they wish.’
And after the time of Moses, there were two more witnesses (Joshua and Caleb) who entered the promised land and could testify to what Jehovah had done by delivering His people from Egypt and through the Red sea; to their receiving the Law from God; and to the people’s agreeing to be party to His Sacred Agreement.
So, whoever the two witnesses in the prophecy will prove to be; they will be able to testify to some great act by God. Otherwise, there would be no need for witnesses.
We also read about two olive trees that stand on either side of a lampstand in Zechariah 4:2. And they are identified (in verse 14) as ‘the two sons of the blessings, who stand beside the Lord of the earth.’ So, there appears to be some parallel significance here to the prophecy of Revelation 11.
What is the great act that these two witnesses will testify to? All we have is what the following verses tell us:
Revelation 11:3 says they will ‘prophesy for one-thousand two-hundred and sixty days wearing sackcloth.’
Then verses 3-6 say, ‘If any of their enemies wish to harm them, fire will come from their mouths and consume them. So, if anyone wants to persecute them, that’s how they’re going to die, because they’ve been authorized to close up the sky so no rain will fall during the period of their prophesying. They’re also authorized to turn water into blood and to bring every sort of plague to the earth whenever they wish.
Verses 7 and 8 continue, ‘And when they’ve finished their witnessing, the wild animal that comes out of the pit will fight against them, conquer them, and kill them. Then their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city, which [God’s] Breath refers to as Sodom and Egypt. It’s where their Lord was hung on a pole.’
And verses 11-13 tell us, ‘However, after the three and a half days, God sent His breath of life into them and they stood up on their feet, and this frightened those who saw them. Then [the two witnesses] heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, Come on up here. And their enemies saw them go into the sky in a cloud. A tremendous earthquake followed this and a tenth of the city [of Sodom and Egypt] toppled. This earthquake killed seven-thousand people and frightened all the rest, so they gave glory to the God of heaven.’
There were also two other witnesses that the Bible speaks of, Moses and Elijah, who were with Jesus in the transfiguration. This is an interesting matchup, because, the death of neither one was witnessed by man (though both died). Does this have any significance?
There were also three witnesses who came along with Jesus at the time that he appeared in glory with the two witnesses; Peter, John, and James. And what did they see? At Matthew 16:28, Jesus said: ‘I tell you the truth; Some of you who are standing here won’t taste death until you see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.’
Perhaps these are some clues as to who the two witnesses are, or will prove to be.
Undeserved Kindness or Caring?
The Greek word caris is where we derive the English words care and caring. Old English Bible translations have rendered caris as grace. But the nuance that grace implies (smooth and flowing) totally distorts the meaning of this term in contemporary American English.
Most Bible dictionaries prefer to see caris translated as undeserved kindness. However, this phrase, which may or may not make some minor technical difference in the meaning, adds wordiness, which distracts from the ease of reading. So you will find it translated as care, loving care, caring, or kindness herein, depending on the setting.
Unforgivable Sin?
At Matthew 12: 32, Jesus said, ‘If someone speaks against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven, but if someone speaks against [God’s] Holy Breath, he won’t be forgiven… no, not in this age or in the one to come.’
What type of sin is this?
If you look at the surrounding context of the verse, you’ll see that the local religious leaders had just accused Jesus of using Beelzebub’s power to do his wonderful deeds of healing the sick and lame, and throwing out demons. However, despite the fact that they had been witnesses of powers that could only come from God’s Breath, they were attributing these miracles to the Slanderer. And that was in fact, blaspheming the Breath of God. Therefore, Jesus was telling them that; if they didn’t repent, they would be found guilty of a sin that would never be forgiven.
Vision of Daniel Chapter Eight
In the Eighth Chapter of Daniel, the account reverts to something that Daniel saw when BelShazzar, the king of Babylon, was in power: the two-horned ram. This is explained to him as representing the empire of the Medes and Persians. And the second (larger) of the two horns, is obviously the kingdom of the Persians, which became dominant.
Also, as the prophecy explains, the male goat that destroys the kingdom of Persia is the Greeks (gr. Hellenes, or People of the Sun), and its large horn is Alexander the Great, who dies young, and thereafter his empire is divided among his four generals (the four horns). Then from this same animal, another, greater horn arises, which is the Greek-influenced Empire of Rome, probably starting with the actions and attitudes of Julius Caesar.
Thereafter, rest of this prophecy has to do with the coming of Jesus (the commander-in chief) and his mistreatment and death, then the destruction of Jerusalem (the last days). Notice that we have deviated from the words of most common Septuagint translations in verse eleven. This is because we took into consideration what another version of the Septuagint has to say, because it more closely reflects the Bible that Jesus appears to have been quoting from in Matthew 24.
As for the two thousand, three hundred evenings and mornings that are spoken of there, and what they signify; this seems to refer to how long the Temple and Jerusalem will lie desolate after their destruction. What is the significance of this?
Some have suggested that the period is 1,150 mornings plus 1,150 evenings (2,300 mornings and evenings), amounting to a total of 1,150 years from the Temple’s first destruction. And that brings them to 544-C.E., which they claim is when the last vestiges of true Christianity were wiped out. However, other sources say that it is period of six-and-a-third years, which saw its fulfillment in modern times, roughly amounting to the duration of World War Two. But actually, neither theory is likely true, since Daniel’s vision appears to be specifically speaking of the period that started in 70-C.E. with the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. So, if we can assume this to be a period of 2,300 years (not days) that started with Jerusalem’s destruction in 70-C.E., it will end in the year 2370-C.E. And it likely signifies the time when a new earthly Temple (either literal or spiritual) will be rebuilt.
Was Moses Alone on the Mountain With Jehovah?
If you were to ask the majority of Christians or Jews this question, most would likely answer; Yes. But that isn’t what the Bible tells us. It shows that; When Moses ascended the Mount Sinai and stayed there for forty days to receive the commandments, Joshua was there also. However, he wasn’t in the presence of God, as Moses was. For, notice what we read at Exodus 24:13: ‘So, [the next day] Moses got up and took his assistant Joshua to climb the mountain of God with him.’ Then, as Moses was descending the mountain with the stone tablets, Joshua was still there, because Exodus 32:17 tells us, ‘And when Joshua heard the voices of people shouting, he said to Moses, That’s the sound of a war in the camp.’ So, Joshua played a greater role at that time than most people believe (before he led the people into the Promised Land).
Whale or Large Fish?
It is amazing how Bible scholars have labored over the answer to the question of just what type of animal it was that swallowed Jonah. For, although it would seem logical that Jonah would have been able to survive inside (perhaps in the lungs) of an air-breathing whale, it is thought that the word used in this account refers to a cold-blooded fish; so some have concluded that he was in the belly of a large shark or jewfish.
The Greek word that the Septuagint uses for this animal is ketos (pronounced kay-toss), which simply means a creature that lives in the water. The problem with modern scientifically-trained men, is that they view all things by what they were taught in modern schools; and everyone knows that whales and dolphins aren’t fish, they are mammals… thus the dilemma.
However in ancient languages, animal types weren’t classified as they are today. And although we may have adopted some of their ancient words to categorize them, almost all animals were simply grouped into five different divisions; clean animals, wild animals (game), things that fly, things that creep or crawl, and things that live in the water.
So, there was no word for mammal in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Thus, arguing over whether the Bible says that a whale or a shark swallowed Jonah, is simply ignorant nit picking. We don’t know whether whales live in the Mediterranean Sea; but notice that, after he was swallowed, Jonah mentions being in a place where he was surrounded by water, and that the water was sloshing. This doesn’t appear to describe the conditions inside the belly of a fish.
When Men are In Charge of the Earth
At Genesis 1:28, God gave men the following commission, ‘Reproduce, multiply, fill the earth and control it. Rule over the fish of the seas, the winged creatures of the skies, all the herding animals of the ground, all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground, and the whole earth.’
The implications of this scripture are staggering, if you just think about it. However, the first humans (Adam and Eve) apparently relinquished this privilege when they sinned and submitted to the Slanderer, effectively handing this commission over to him. For, notice what the Slanderer later said to Jesus (as recorded at Luke 4:6), ‘I will give you power over all of these [worldly governments] and the glory of them, because they have been given to me and I can give them to whomever I wish.’
So, for about six thousand years, men lost their commission to rule over the earth and its creatures. However, after the Slanderer and his messengers lose the war in heaven, and Jesus and his ‘chosen ones’ become kings over the earth, the power that the Slanderer has over this earth will no longer be his, but that power then falls back into the hands of men. For, Paul wrote (at Hebrews 2:8), ‘So, when [God] puts everything under [his feet], He doesn’t leave anything that [men] aren’t in charge of. However, we don’t see everything obeying us yet.’
Now, as Paul wrote, ‘We don’t see everything obeying us yet.’ Nor do we see this world in general responding to Jesus’ righteous rule. In fact, conditions in the world appear to be deteriorating, as they reflect the power of the Slanderer and his messengers in the last throws of evil acts before their destruction.
So, we may now be living (or be close to living) in that period, which was described by Jesus in what many people call ‘the Lord’s Prayer’ (Matthew 6:9, 10), where he taught us to pray, ‘May everything that delights you happen on the earth as in heaven.’ For, what delights God happens in heaven, with the ouster of the Slanderer and his messengers, as the earth awaits the final battle of Armageddon.
Thereafter, we can scarcely imagine what powers will be returned to man, when the full commission that God gave to us over this earth and its creatures is restored. With no opposition, and with each man and woman endowed with a full measure of the power of God’s Breath, the blessings to this earth and its creatures are virtually limitless.
When Was the Foundation of the Temple Laid?
We find a very important deviation from the reading of the Hebrew text at 1 Kings 6:1, where the Greek text reads, ‘It was in the four hundred and fortieth year after the sons Israel left Egypt (in the fourth year and second month of Solomon’s reign over Israel) that the foundation of the Temple of Jehovah was laid.’ In Greek, the highlighted portion of this text reads, ‘και εγενηθη εν τω τεσσαρακοστω και τετρακοσιοστω ετει της εξοδου υιων ισραηλ εξ αιγυπτου,’ or, ‘and began in the fortieth and four-hundredth year of/the exodus sons of Israel from Egypt…’
What is different here? In the Hebrew text (and in most Bible translations based on that text) the foundation of the Temple was laid four-hundred and EIGHTY years after the exodus from Egypt. This is no minor deviation, nor would it have gone unnoticed by early translators. So, either the Greek text or the Hebrew text was deliberately changed sometime in the past 2,200 years, and we don’t know which is true, so we are open to any arguments.
Why is this a major deviation? Well, it throws Bible dating and chronology off by forty years if the Septuagint is correct.
Which of the Pharaohs of Egypt Did Moses Speak To?
This subject of which Pharaoh Moses was dealing with when he (through God’s power) brought the ten plagues upon Egypt, has been debated among Bible scholars and archeologists for centuries; however, due to a general lack of trust in the accuracy of the Bible accounts, most have assumed that it was a Pharaoh who lived much later than the Bible account suggests. However, Bible chronology suggests that the exodus from Egypt happened around 1513-B.C.E., so we suspect that whoever the Pharaoh was, he lived and ruled at that time.
What Egyptian hieroglyphics tell us, is that a people known as the Hyksos (from the land of Canaan) invaded Egypt during the period when the Hebrews were living there, and that they dominated Egypt for about ninety years. Then, sometime in the late 1500s-B.C.E., a Pharaoh (possibly Kamose) arose who conquered them, and thereafter he seems to have disappeared.
Now, if such people (the Hyksos) did in fact conquer Egypt, we would expect to read about them in the detailed Bible accounts in Exodus, and we don’t. However, if you consider what happened through the eyes and propaganda of the Egyptians, you can see that the Hyksos were unquestionably the Hebrews. After all, they lived in the land during that period, and according to the Bible, Joseph did become the effective ruler of all Egypt. But thereafter, the Egyptians became frightened of the Israelites, for we read at Exodus 1:9, 10, ‘Look! The children of Israel have [grown tremendously] and they are now more powerful than we are! So, let’s be smooth in the way we deal with them, because, if they continue to grow and then we find ourselves at war, they could side with our enemies. And after they beat us in war, they will leave our land.’
So, you can see how (with a little governmental propaganda to justify their actions against the Hebrews and a total defeat in war) the story that the Egyptians tell, is about their being dominated by the Hyksos, and how they fought a war to liberate themselves. Yet, the Egyptian history of where these people came from, what part of Egypt they lived in, and many more details, prove that Hyksos (pronounced heek-sos) was just the Egyptian pronunciation of Hebrews.
Then, why do archeologists claim that the Hyksos weren’t the Hebrews? Because, such a conclusion would take this Bible story (and its chronology) from the realm of myth or a minor historical event, and elevate it to a major event that is well documented in history. And so, archeologists prefer to accept the Egyptian description of what happened. For more information, please see the link, ‘Egypt: Tempest & Exodus: The Biblical Exodus Inscribed on an Ancient Egyptian Stele.
Who are ‘the Other Sheep?’
At John 10:16, it is recorded that Jesus said: ‘I also have other sheep that aren’t in this pen, and I must also lead them and they will listen to my voice, and they will [all] become one flock under one shepherd.’
From the words of the above scripture, some have concluded that; When Jesus when spoke of two different groups of sheep becoming one flock, he meant that one group (whose destiny is heavenly life) would join with the other group (whose destiny is life on earth) to become one flock or congregation. Was this the meaning of Jesus’ words here?
No, this doesn’t appear to be so, for you must consider the context and setting of Jesus’ words in order to reach a proper conclusion. And in this case, notice who Jesus was speaking to at the time: He wasn’t speaking to his disciples, but (going back to John 9:40) you’ll see that his discussion of the sheep started with a question that was asked by the Pharisees (‘But when some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this, they asked, We aren’t blind also, are we?’).
Now, Jesus obviously didn’t mean that the Pharisees were in this pen that was destined for heavenly life. So, it is clear that the true meaning of his illustration was that the first pen represented those among whom the Pharisees were included… people who were under the Law (the Jews). Thus, the sheep in the other pen (with whom they would join) were those who weren’t under Law (the gentiles). And Jesus was saying that his sheep (both those among the Jews and those among the gentiles) would be joined as one flock under one shepherd within the New Sacred Agreement. For more information, see the linked document, Who Are ‘The Other Sheep’ of John 10:16?
Who Was Ochozath?
This person (Ochozath) isn’t listed in the Hebrew text, but his name is found in the Septuagint version’s description of Abraham’s oath to King AbiMelech (at Genesis 21:22, 32). This unusual extra detail is another of several that gives these translators the opinion that the Greek text may in fact be more accurate that the current Hebrew texts.
Of particular interest is Ochozath’s actual relationship with AbiMelech. The Greek word that is used to describe him is nymphagogos, which means ‘bride bringer,’ and it refers to a close friend who would procure a bride or brides for the king (in this case).
Who Wrote Hebrews?
As with almost every other Bible book, critics are quick to question the authorship of Hebrews. For, while the writing of this epistle (letter) has traditionally been attributed to Paul, they claim that the writing style isn’t consistent with other writings attributed to Paul. And it’s a fact that this letter and its style is quite different from his other letters, for Hebrews doesn’t start out with the opening greetings, which are traditional to his other epistles. So, did Paul write this book or not?
If you simply look at the closing greetings and salutations, you can see that the letter could only have been written by Paul. For, the stated location of the writing, Italy (see 13:24), and mention of the safety of Paul’s trustworthy traveling companion, Timothy (13:23), prove that the writer had to be Paul, ‘the Apostle to the nations,’ who had been taken to Rome and likely lived in that area until his death as a martyr.
So, why is the writing style different? For two reasons:
But, regardless of who it was that actually wrote Hebrews (under Paul’s direction), Hebrews stands out as his most masterful work.
Who Wrote the Book of Judges?
There are some interesting idiosyncrasies in the book of Judges that would lead us to question who actually wrote it. We receive one clue from the words found at Judges 1:21, where we read, ‘Nor did the children of BenJamin take Jerusalem from the Jebusites as their inheritance, so the Jebusites still live among the children of BenJamin in Jerusalem to this day.’
Then we read at Judges 18:1, ‘There was no king over Israel back then.’
So, whoever did the writing must have lived during the time when a king ruled Israel, but before the kings started ruling in Jerusalem, or during the reign of Saul… and the prophet Samuel seems to be the likely source.
However, notice the apparent contradiction found at Judges 18:30, where we read, ‘And Jonathan (the son of Gerson and grandson of Manasseh) and his sons became the Priests of the tribe of Dan until the time when the nation was captured and carried away [into captivity].’
These words would then indicate that; at least portions of the book were written sometime after Israel’s conquest by the Assyrians, and possibly as late 6th Century B.C.E. So, how do we resolve those differences?
We can see from the context, that the book of Judges was written close to the time of the Judges (perhaps by Samuel), then it appears as though a later copyist (perhaps Ezra) added the comment at Judges 18:30. And since this comment is found both in the Hebrew and Greek texts, we know that it had to have been made sometime before the 3rd Century B.C.E.
Why Were Israel’s Leaders Afraid of Dying?
The question that was asked by the leaders of Israel (at Numbers 17:12, 13) is often misunderstood. They asked, ‘Now, are we going to be cut off, destroyed, and consumed? Why, everyone who touches the Tent of Jehovah dies, so are we now going to be totally destroyed?’
Since this question was asked just after their walking sticks had been placed before the Chest of Proofs and Aaron’s walking stick was chosen by God, some have concluded that they considered themselves worthy of death for touching the sticks. However, this doesn’t appear to be the case, because; what the Law forbade was their touching the Sacred Tent.
It is easy, when reading the Bible, to forget that Chapter breaks were added long after the words were actually written. So, things that are spoken of in one Chapter may be closely related to things that are mentioned in later Chapters. And this is what appears to be the case here. For Numbers 16:42 tells us, ‘Then a mob gathered against Moses and Aaron, and they foolishly ran into the Tent of Proofs.’
So, although a plague came upon the camp as the result of their actions, these leaders must have recognized their guilt and worthiness of death, especially since they had been complaining about Aaron (specifically) and Jehovah had just shown them that He had chosen Aaron as His special servant.
Wild Animals of Daniel Seven
Daniel Chapter Seven once again gives us a vision of those who would rule the world before the coming of God’s Kingdom, and it clarifies and enlarges on the descriptions of these kingdoms and what they would accomplish. And the reason why all great world powers since the time of Daniel aren’t included, is made clear in the words of Daniel 7:18, where we read, ‘They will [each] take to themselves the kingdom of the holy ones of the Most High, and they will control it though the ages, and into the ages of ages.’
So, each of the following world powers that dominated Israel (Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome) are what is pictured by the wild animals:
As for the eyes of a man that are in the little horn; this clearly indicates a democratic type of rulership, but the prophecy shows that its authority over ‘laws and seasons’ will end after a time, times, and a half a time, or 1,260 days (or years) (see Revelation 12:6, 14).
Wild Animals of Revelation
The ‘wild animals’ of Revelation appear to picture human governments in ‘the Lord’s Day.’ As proof of this, notice what Revelation 17:10-12 says:
‘And there are seven kings. Five have fallen (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece), one is (Rome), and the other (England and the United States?) hasn’t arrived yet. But when he gets here, he will only be allowed to stay for a little while. However, the wild animal that was but isn’t, is an eighth king that comes from the seven, and it goes off into destruction.’
So, there are three different government types mentioned in the Revelation. They include:
1. The seven-headed ten-horned wild animal than comes ‘out of the sea’ (Revelation 13:1) – The 7 heads and 10 horns (due to the complete numbers of 7 and 10) appear to represent a composite of all worldly governments that are under the control of the Slanderer and his messengers.
2. The two-horned wild animal that comes ‘out of the earth’ (Revelation 13:7 – also identified as ‘the False Prophet’ at Revelation 16:13) – appears to be the last world power, and the two horns indicate that it is a combination of two countries (Great Britain and the United States?)
3. The ‘image’ of the wild animal is described as, ‘the wild animal that was but isn’t, is an eighth king that comes from the seven’ (Revelation 17:8.) – appears to be what used to be the League of Nations (when it ‘was’) that went out of existence during WWII (when it ‘wasn’t’), then it was revived as the United Nations. Notice that the Bible describes this wild animal as ‘an eighth king,’ and that it’s end comes at Armageddon.
So, what is ‘the mark of the wild animal’ that condemns those who have it? It doesn’t appear to be a literal mark, but rather, it seems to refer to the support that people gives to these ‘animalistic’ worldly governments (patriotism?).
For more information, see the linked document, The Mark of the Beast.
Woman and Her Seed
One of the marvels of John’s writings is that he ties the Bible’s first prophecies and words into the Bible’s last written books (John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation). For example, the words that are written in Revelation the Twelfth Chapter about the ‘woman’ and her ‘seed,’ and the ‘dragon’ and his ‘seed,’ shows the thrilling conclusion to a Bible ‘mystery (gr. mysterion),’ which was anticipated for some 4,000 years prior to John’s writing. In fact, at Romans 16:25 it is referred to as, ‘the revelation of the mystery that has been kept quietly for the ages.’
The prophecy that the Revelation is explaining, is the first one found in the Bible. For, at Genesis 3:15, God said to the Snake (the Slanderer), ‘I’ll create hatred between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will watch for your head, and you will watch for his heel.’
Then, here in the Revelation, the four characters of Genesis 3:15 are identified. They are:
· The ‘snake’ (or dragon), who is the Slanderer
· The Slanderer’s ‘seed,’ who are (in part) the Slanderer’s messengers
· The ‘woman’ who gives birth to the seed, and appears to be God’s faithful heavenly organization (the ‘Jerusalem Above’)
· The ‘woman’s seed’ (which was ‘born’ when the Slanderer was thrown out of heaven), is God’s entire Kingdom arrangement – Jesus and his ‘chosen ones,’ which were selected from among men and who make up ‘the New Jerusalem.’
For more information, see the linked document, The ‘Seed’ – God’s Kingdom.
Women Not Allowed to Speak?
The words that start in the middle of 1 Corinthians 14:33 and run through verse 35 may well be spurious additions to the Bible, for they say: ‘And as [is true] in all the congregations of Holy Ones; the women should remain silent in the congregation. They shouldn’t be allowed to speak out. Rather (as the Law says), they should be submissive. And if they wish to know something, let them ask their husbands [when they get] home, for it’s disgraceful for a woman to speak out in a congregation.’
The reasons why we question the authenticity of these words are because:
1. There is no such injunction in the Law of Moses. And it would simply be out of charactor for Paul, who went to such lengths to tell Christians that they were not under the Law, to quote the Law as something that they should obey, and then cite the Law as saying something that it doesn't say.
2. In the most ancient texts of this book, the words are not added in the same location, giving the impression that they were written as a later note.
3. The injunction flies in the face of God’s use of women in outstanding and prominent positions, such as judges of Israel and as Prophets.
However, the words at Colossians 3:18 (‘Wives; Always obey your husbands, since this is proper [for those who are] in the Lord’) are in line with other scriptures, and appear to be authentic.
Won’t Love Their Families
The Greek word that Paul used at 2 Timothy 3:3, which is translated ‘They won’t love their families,’ is astorge (pronounced ah/stor/gay). And this is one of only two places where you will find this term in the Scriptures. The prefix a, when starting a Greek word, often means without (a can also be used to add weight to the rest of the word), and storge means natural or family love.
How well Paul’s words serve as a prophecy our times, when incest and other forms of child abuse have become so rampant.
Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth
What did Jesus mean when he told the Samaritan woman at the well (at John 4:24): ‘For God is spirit, so those who worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth?’
To understand the meaning of what he was saying, it’s best to look at the context. For, you will see that she had just said to him (in verse 20): ‘Our ancestors worshiped here on this mountain, but you people say that Jerusalem is where people must worship.’
And Jesus then told her (verse 21), ‘Believe me, woman; The time is coming when you won’t worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem!’
So, what he was saying, was that the old form of worshiping God in certain places (such as at the Temple in Jerusalem) would soon end. And this was the setting for his words that followed (in verses 23, 24), where he said: ‘The time is coming (and it’s now), when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… because the Father is searching for people like this to worship Him. For God is spirit, so those who worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth.’
Notice that in Greek, verse 24 reads: ‘πνευμα ο θεος και τους προσκυνουντας αυτον εν πνευματι και αληθεια δει προσκυνειν,’ or, ‘breath is/the God and those worshiping him in breath and truth need him/worship.’
So, you can see that the word spirit doesn’t really appear there, since it is an Anglicization that came from the later Latin language. And because the word breath doesn’t make any sense in English, when speaking about God’s form, it helps to understand what the word πνευμα (pneuma, as in pneumonia) meant to Greek-speaking people, such as the Christian Bible writers.
To arrive at the true meaning of pneuma, it is best to think like ancient peoples who didn’t have the benefit of our modern scientific discoveries; for to them, the movement of air (as in wind or breath) was a mysterious unseen power. And when Jesus spoke of God as being pneuma, he was simply saying that He is an unseen force. Then (in John 4), he went on to argue that since God is an unseen force, such tangible things as temples were no longer necessary, so God would thereafter be worshiped in unseen ways, without the need of tangible aids.
But, what about truth (as in spirit and truth)? Perhaps the best definition of what Jesus was saying can be found in his own words. For Jesus said (as recorded at John 17:17), ‘Your Word is the truth.’ And Paul wrote at Ephesians 6:17, 18, ‘Also, accept the helmet of salvation and the sword of [God’s] Breath, God’s word.’
So from those scriptures, we see that truth is found in God’s word (the Bible), and that it is the sword of God’s Breath (or Spirit). And the conclusion that could be logically reached, is that Jesus was telling us that the present arrangement for worshiping God must be based on our personal relationship with Him and on an intense study of the Bible.
Zeal
At Psalm 37:8 we read, ‘Stop being angry and abandon your rage. Don’t allow zeal to make you act wicked’ (yes, we know, the word should be wickedly, but this is poetic license). However, those words could also be translated as, ‘Do not allow jealously to cause you to act wickedly,’ because the Greek word zelos can either be translated as zealous or as jealous, depending on the circumstances, for both words mean the same thing. Yet, the two words imply different things in English.
Zeal is usually thought of as something good… something that all Christians should have, as in zeal for God and righteousness. And jealously is thought of as something bad… as wanting something that belongs to someone else. Yet, God may be spoken of as being jealous over His Name and His position as God, so jealously isn’t always a bad thing. And we can have zeal for things that are ours and we are proud of (which is not bad), and be jealous of things that belong to others (which is bad). So, the same Greek word (zelos) may be correctly translated as zeal in one place, and as jealously in another, depending on the context.
Then, is it proper for a man to be jealous of his wife, or for a wife to be jealous of her husband? No, we should never be jealous of each other, but for each other. We shouldn’t want what the other has, but we should have a burning zeal for each other. So, if one has good reason to worry about losing the love of the other, that is zeal. However, if such concern is baseless, that is wicked suspicion, not jealously.