# verses

text:
I will put my Spirit inside you. And I will help you live by my rules. You will be careful to obey my laws.


text:
Then you will live in the land I gave to your ancestors. So you will be my people, and I will be your God.


text:
Also, I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will command the grain to come and grow. I will not allow a time of hunger to hurt you.


text:
I will multiply the harvest of the field. You will never again suffer shame among the nations because of hunger.


text:
And you will remember your evil ways and the things you did that were not good. Then you will hate yourselves because of your sins and terrible acts that I hate.


text:
I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, says the Lord God. Be ashamed and embarrassed about your ways, Israel.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: This is what will happen on the day I cleanse you from all your sins: I will cause the cities to have people living in them again. And the destroyed places will be rebuilt.


text:
They will say: “This land was ruined. Now it has become like the garden of Eden. The cities were destroyed. They were empty and ruined. But now they are protected and have people living in them.”


text:
Then those nations still around you will know. They will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt what was destroyed. And I have planted what was empty. I, the Lord, have spoken. And I will do it.’


text:
“This is what the Lord God says: I will again be asked by the people of Israel to do this thing for them. I will make their people grow to be as many as a flock of sheep.


text:
They will be like the flocks brought to Jerusalem during her holy feasts. Her ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


text:
The Vision of Dry Bones I felt the power of the Lord was on me. He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord. And he put me down in the middle of a valley. It was full of bones.


text:
The Lord led me around among the bones. There were many bones on the bottom of the valley. I saw the bones were very dry.


text:
I will put muscles on you. I will put flesh on you. I will cover you with skin. Then I will put breath in you, and you will live. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”


text:
So I prophesied as I was commanded. While I prophesied, there was a noise and a rattling. The bones came together, bone to bone.


text:
I looked and saw muscles come on the bones. Flesh grew, and skin covered the bones. But there was no breath in them.


text:
Then the Lord said to me, “Prophesy to the wind. Prophesy, human being, and say to the wind: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Wind, come from the four winds. Breathe on these people who were killed so they can live again.’”


text:
So I prophesied as the Lord commanded me. And the breath came into them, and they came to life. They stood on their feet. They were a very large army.


text:
Then the Lord said to me: “Human being, these bones are like all the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has gone. We are destroyed.’


text:
So, prophesy, and say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: My people, I will open your graves. And I will cause you to come up out of your graves. Then I will bring you into the land of Israel.


text:
This is how you, my people, will know that I am the Lord. I will open your graves and cause you to come up from them.


text:
And I will put my Spirit inside you. You will come to life. Then I will put you in your own land. And you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it, says the Lord.’”


text:
“Human being, take a stick of wood. Write on it, ‘For Judah and all the Israelites with him.’ Then take another stick of wood. Write on it, ‘The stick of Ephraim, for Joseph and all the Israelites with him.’


text:
Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will take the stick which is for Joseph and the tribes of Israel with him. This stick is in the hand of Ephraim. Then I will put it with the stick of Judah. And I will make them into one stick. And they will be one in my hand.’


text:
Hold the sticks of wood on which you wrote these names. Hold them in your hands so the people can see them.


text:
Say to the people: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will take the people of Israel from among the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around. I will bring them into their own land.


text:
I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule all of them. They will never again be two nations. They will not be divided into two kingdoms anymore.


text:
They will not continue to make themselves unclean by their idols, their statues of gods which I hate or their sins. But I will save them from all the ways they sin and turn against me. And I will make them clean. Then they will be my people. And I will be their God.


text:
“‘And my servant David will be their king. They will all have one shepherd. They will live by my rules and obey my laws.


text:
They will live on the land I gave to my servant Jacob. It is the land in which your ancestors lived. They will all live on the land forever: they, their children and their grandchildren. David my servant will be their king forever.


text:
And I will make an agreement of peace with them. It will be an agreement that continues forever. I will put them in their land. I will make them grow in number. Then I will put my Temple among them forever.


text:
“Human being, turn toward Gog of the land of Magog. He is the chief ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him.


text:
I will turn you around. I will put hooks in your jaws. And I will bring you out with all your army, horses and horsemen. All of them will be finely dressed. They will be a large army with large and small shields. All of them will have swords.


text:
There will also be Gomer with all its troops. And there will be the nation of Togarmah from the far north. It will have all its troops. There will be many other nations with you.


text:
“‘Be prepared. Be prepared, you and all the armies that have come together to make you their commander.


text:
After many days you will be called for service. After many years you will come into a land that has been rebuilt from war. The people in the land will be gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel. Those mountains were empty for a long time. These people were brought out from the nations. They will all be living in safety.


text:
And you will go up like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land. It will be you, all your troops and many nations with you.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: At that time ideas will come into your mind. You will think up an evil plan.


text:
You will say, “I will march against a land of towns without walls. I will attack those who are at rest and live in safety. All of them live without city walls. They have no gate bars or gates.


text:
I will capture valuable things and take good things. I will turn my power against the rebuilt ruins that now have people living in them. I will go against these people who have been gathered from the nations. They have become rich with farm animals and property. They live at the center of the world.”


text:
Sheba, Dedan and the traders of Tarshish, with all its villages, will say this to you: “Did you come to capture valuable things? Did you bring your troops together to take things? Did you bring them to carry away silver and gold? Did you bring them to take away farm animals and property?”’


text:
“So prophesy, human being, and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Now that my people Israel are living in safety, you will know about it.


text:
You will come from your place in the far north. And many people will be with you. All of them will ride on horses. You will be a large group with a mighty army.


text:
You will come against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. This will happen in the days to come. I will bring you against my land. Gog, then the nations will know me. They will see me show my greatness by what I do through you.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: You are the one about whom I spoke in past days. I spoke through my servants the prophets of Israel. These prophets of Israel prophesied for many years. They said that I would bring you against them.


text:
This is what will happen: On the day Gog comes against the land of Israel, my anger will become very great, says the Lord God.


text:
With jealousy and great anger I tell you this. At that time there will surely be a great earthquake in Israel.


text:
The fish of the sea and the birds of the sky will shake with fear before me. The wild animals and everything that crawls on the ground will shake with fear. And all the people on the earth will shake with fear before me. Also the mountains will be thrown down. And the cliffs will fall. Every wall will fall to the ground.


text:
And I will call for a war against Gog on all my mountains, says the Lord God. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.


text:
I will punish Gog with disease and death. I will send a heavy rain, with hailstones and burning sulfur on Gog. I will send it on his army and on the many nations with him.


text:
Then I will show how great I am. I will show my holiness. And I will make myself known to the many nations that watch. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’


text:
The Death of Gog and His Army “Human being, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am against you, Gog, chief ruler of Meshech and Tubal.


text:
I will turn you around and lead you. I will bring you from the far north. I will send you to attack the mountains of Israel.


text:
You will fall dead on the mountains of Israel. You, all your troops and the nations with you will fall dead. I will let you be food for every bird that eats meat and every wild animal.


text:
I will send fire on Magog and those who live in safety on the coastlands. Then they will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘And I will make myself known among my people Israel. I will not let myself be dishonored anymore. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord. They will know I am the Holy One in Israel.


text:
“‘Then those who live in the cities of Israel will go out. They will make fires with the enemy’s weapons and burn them. They will burn both large and small shields. They will burn bows and arrows, war clubs and spears. They will use the weapons to burn in their fires for seven years.


text:
They won’t need to take wood from the field or chop firewood from the forests. This is because they will make fires with the weapons. They will take the valuable things of those who took their valuable things. They will grab the things of those who grabbed their things, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘On that day I will give Gog a place to be buried in Israel. It will be the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. It will block the road for travelers. This is because Gog and all his army will be buried there. People will call it The Valley of Gog’s Army.


text:
All the people of the land will bury them. The people of Israel will be honored on the day of my victory, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘They will choose men to work through the land to make it clean. With others they will bury Gog’s soldiers still lying dead on the ground. After the seven months are finished, they will still search.


text:
They will go through the land. If one person sees a human bone, he will put a marker by it. The sign will stay there until the gravediggers come. They will bury the bone in The Valley of Gog’s Army.


text:
“Human being, this is what the Lord God says: Speak to every kind of bird and wild animal: ‘Come together, come! Come together from all around to my sacrifice. I will prepare it for you. It is a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel. Then you can eat flesh and drink blood.


text:
You will eat the flesh of mighty men. You will drink the blood of the rulers of the earth. You will do it as people eat all the fat animals from Bashan: male sheep, lambs, goats and bulls.


text:
You will eat and drink from my sacrifice which I have made ready for you. So you will eat fat until you are full. You will drink blood until you are drunk.


text:
At my table you will eat until you are full of horses and riders and all kinds of soldiers,’ says the Lord God.


text:
“And I will show my greatness among the nations. All the nations will feel my power when I punish them.


text:
And the nations will know Israel was taken away captive because they turned against me. So I turned away from them. And I let their enemies defeat them. All of them died in war.


text:
“So this is what the Lord God says: Now I will bring the people of Jacob back from captivity. I will have mercy on the whole nation of Israel. I will not let them dishonor me.


text:
The people will forget their shame. And they will forget how they rejected me. They will live in safety on their own land. No one will make them afraid.


text:
I will bring the people back from other lands. I will gather them from the lands of their enemies. That is how I will show that I am holy through my people. And many nations will see that I am holy.


text:
Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God. This is because I sent them into captivity among the nations. But then I brought them back to their own land. And I didn’t leave any behind.


text:
I will not turn away from them anymore. I will put my Spirit into the people of Israel, says the Lord God.”


text:
The New Temple It was the twenty-fifth year of our captivity. It was at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month. It was in the fourteenth year after Jerusalem was defeated. On that same day I felt the power of the Lord. He brought me to Jerusalem.


text:
In the visions of God he brought me into the land of Israel. He put me on a very high mountain. On the south of the mountain there were some buildings that looked like a city.


text:
The Lord took me closer to the buildings. I saw a man who looked as if he were made of bronze. He was standing in the gateway. He had a cord made of linen and a stick in his hand, both for measuring.


text:
The man said to me, “Human being, look with your eyes and hear with your ears. And pay attention to all that I will show you. That’s why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel all that you see.”


text:
The East Gate I saw a wall that surrounded the Temple. The measuring stick in the man’s hand was 10½ feet long. So the man measured the wall. It was 10½ feet thick and 10½ feet high.


text:
Then the man went to the east gate. He went up its steps and measured the opening of the gate. It was more than 10½ feet wide.


text:
There were rooms for the guards. They were 10½ feet long and 10½ feet wide. The walls that came out between the guards’ rooms were about 9 feet thick. And there was a gate next to the porch that faced the Temple. The opening of this gate was 10½ feet wide.


text:
It was about 14 feet deep. And its doors were 3½ feet thick. The porch of the gate faced the Temple.


text:
There were three little rooms on each side of the last gate. These three rooms measured the same on each side. The walls between each room were the same thickness.


text:
The man measured the width of the entrance to the gateway. It was 17½ feet wide. The length of the gate was about 23 feet.


text:
And there was a low wall about 21 inches high in front of each room. The rooms were 10½ feet on each side.


text:
The man measured the gateway from the roof of one room to the roof of the opposite room. It was about 44 feet from one door to the opposite door.


text:
From the front of the outer side of the gate to the front of the porch of the inner side of the gate was 87½ feet.


text:
The rooms and porch had small windows on all sides. The windows were narrower on the side facing the gateway. Carvings of palm trees were on each inner wall of the rooms.


text:
The Outer Courtyard Then the man brought me into the outer courtyard. I saw rooms and a pavement of stones. Thirty rooms were along the edge of the paved walkway.


text:
The pavement ran alongside the gates. It was as long as the gates were wide. This was the lower pavement.


text:
Then the man measured from the outer wall to the inner wall. The outer court between these two walls was 175 feet on the east and on the north.


text:
The North Gate The man measured the length and width of the gate leading to the outer courtyard. It faced north.


text:
It had three rooms on each side. Its inner walls and its porch measured the same as the first gate. It was 87½ feet long. And it was 44 feet wide.


text:
Its windows, porch and carvings of palm trees measured the same as the east gate. Seven steps went up to the gate. And the gate’s porch was opposite them.


text:
The inner courtyard had a gate across from the northern gate like the one on the east. The man measured it and found it was 175 feet from inner gate to outer gate.


text:
The South Gate Then the man led me south. I saw a gate facing south. He measured its inner walls and its porch. They measured the same as the other gates.


text:
The gate and its porch had windows all around like the other gates. It was 87½ feet long and 44 feet wide.


text:
Seven steps went up to this gate. Its porch was in front of them. It had carvings of palm trees on its inner walls.


text:
A gate was on the south side of the inner courtyard. The man measured from gate to gate on the south side. It was 175 feet.


text:
The Inner Courtyard Then the man brought me through the south gate to the inner courtyard. The inner south gate measured the same as the gates in the outer wall.


text:
The inner south gate’s rooms, inner walls and porch measured the same as the gates in the outer wall. There were windows all around the gate and its porch. The gate was 87½ feet long and 44 feet wide.


text:
The inner south gate’s porch faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its inside walls. Its stairway had eight steps.


text:
The man brought me into the inner courtyard on the east side. He measured the inner east gate. It measured the same as the other gates.


text:
The inner east gate’s rooms, inside walls and porch measured the same as the other gates. Windows were all around the gate and its porch. The inner east gate was 87½ feet long and 44 feet wide.


text:
Its porch faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its inner walls on each side. Its stairway had eight steps.


text:
Then the man brought me to the inner north gate. He measured it. It measured the same as the other gates.


text:
Its rooms, inner walls and porch measured the same as the other gates. Windows were all around the gate. It was 87½ feet long and 44 feet wide.


text:
Its porch faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its inner walls on each side. And its stairway had eight steps.


text:
Rooms for Preparing Sacrifices There was a room with a door that opened onto the porch of the inner north gate. In this room the priests washed animals for the burnt offerings.


text:
There were two tables on each side of the room. Animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings and penalty offerings were killed on these tables.


text:
So four tables were on one side of the gate. And four tables were on the other side of the gate. In all there were eight tables on which the priests killed animals for sacrifices.


text:
There were four tables of cut stone for the burnt offering. These tables were about 3 feet long and 3 feet wide. And they were about 2 feet high. On these tables the priests put their tools. They used the tools to kill animals for burnt offerings and the other sacrifices.


text:
Double hooks 3 inches long were put up on all the walls. The flesh for the offering was put on the tables.


text:
The Priests’ Rooms There were two rooms in the inner courtyard. One was beside the north gate. It faced south. The other room was beside the south gate. It faced north.


text:
And the room that faces north is for the priests who serve at the altar. These priests are descendants of Zadok. They are the only descendants of Levi who can come near the Lord to serve him.”


text:
The man measured the Temple courtyard. It was a perfect square. It was 175 feet long and 175 feet wide. The altar was in front of the Temple.


text:
The Temple Porch The man brought me to the porch of the Temple. And he measured each wall of the porch. It was about 9 feet on each side. The gate was 24½ feet wide. The walls of the gate were about 5 feet on each side.


text:
The porch was 35 feet long and 21 feet wide. Ten steps went up to the porch. Pillars were by the walls, one on each side of the entrance.


text:
The Holy Place of the Temple The man brought me to the Holy Place. He measured its walls. They were 10½ feet wide on each side.


text:
The entrance was 17½ feet wide. The walls alongside the entrance were about 9 feet wide on each side. The man measured the Holy Place. It was 70 feet long and 35 feet wide.


text:
Then the man went inside. And he measured the walls of the doorway. Each was 3½ feet wide. The doorway was 10½ feet wide. The walls next to it were more than 12 feet thick.


text:
Then the man measured the room at the end of the Holy Place. It was 35 feet long and 35 feet wide. The man said to me, “This is the Most Holy Place.”


text:
Then the man measured the wall of the Temple. It was 10½ feet wide. The side rooms were 7 feet wide all around the Temple.


text:
The side rooms were on three different stories, each above the other. There were 30 rooms on each story. The side rooms had ledges on the wall all around. The rooms rested on the ledges but were not attached to the walls.


text:
The side rooms around the Temple were wider on each higher story. So rooms were wider on the top story. A stairway went up from the lowest story to the highest through the middle story.


text:
I also saw that the Temple had a raised base all around. It was the foundation for the side rooms and was 10½ feet thick.


text:
The outer wall of the side rooms was about 9 feet thick. There was an open area between the side rooms of the Temple


text:
The doors of the side rooms led to a paved base around the outside of the Temple. One door faced north. And the other door faced south. The paved base was about 9 feet wide all around.


text:
There was a building facing the Temple courtyard at the west side. It was 122½ feet wide. The wall of the building was about 9 feet thick all around. It was 157½ feet long.


text:
Then the man measured the Temple. The Temple was 175 feet long. This included the courtyard with the building and its walls. It was all 175 feet long.


text:
The man measured the length of the building facing the courtyard on the west side, including its side rooms. Its walls from one side to the other were 175 feet. The Holy Place, the Most Holy Place and the porch of the courtyard


text:
had wood panels on the walls. By the doorway, the Temple had wood panels on the walls. The wood covered all the walls from the floor up to the windows. The windows were covered with crossed strips of wood.


text:
In the space above the entrance to the Most Holy Place there were carvings. And on the outside and all the walls around the Most Holy Place and the Holy Place were carvings.


text:
The carvings were of creatures with wings and palm trees. A palm tree was between each carved creature. Every creature had two faces.


text:
One was a man’s face looking toward the palm tree on one side. The other was a lion’s face looking toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved all around the Temple wall.


text:
This was from the floor to above the door. Palm trees and creatures with wings were carved on all the walls of the Holy Place.


text:
The walls of the Holy Place were square. In front of the Most Holy Place was something that looked like


text:
an altar of wood. It was more than 5 feet high and 3 feet wide. Its corners, base and sides were wood. The man said to me, “This is the table that is in the presence of the Lord.”


text:
Palm trees and creatures with wings were also carved on the doors of the Holy Place. They were like those carved on the walls. And there was a wood roof on the front Temple porch.


text:
There were windows and palm trees on both side walls of the porch. The side rooms of the Temple were also covered by a roof.


text:
The Priests’ Rooms Then the man led me north out into the outer courtyard. He led me to the rooms across from the Temple courtyard. The outer wall was north of these rooms.


text:
There was 35 feet of the Temple courtyard between this building and the Temple. On the other side, this building faced the stone pavement of the outer courtyard. The building had rooms and balconies on three stories.


text:
There was a hallway on the north side of the rooms. It was 17½ feet wide and 175 feet long. Doors led into the rooms from this hallway.


text:
The top rooms were narrower. This was because the balconies took more space from them. The rooms on the first and second stories of the building were wider.


text:
The rooms were on three stories. They did not have pillars like the pillars of the courtyards. So the top rooms were farther back than those on the first and second stories.


text:
There was a wall outside parallel to the rooms and to the outer courtyard. It ran in front of the rooms for 87½ feet.


text:
The row of rooms along the outer courtyard was 87½ feet long. The rooms that faced the Temple were about 175 feet long.


text:
The lower rooms had an entrance on the east end of the building. This was so a person could enter them from the courtyard.


text:
There were rooms on the south side, parallel to the wall of the outer courtyard. They faced the Temple courtyard.


text:
These rooms had a hallway in front of them. They were like the rooms on the north. They had the same length and width. And the doors were the same.


text:
The doors of the south rooms were like the doors of the north rooms. There was a door at the east end of a hall. This hall went to all the rooms.


text:
The man said to me, “The north and south rooms across from the Temple courtyard are holy rooms. There the priests who go near the Lord will eat the most holy offerings. There they will put the most holy offerings: the grain offerings, sin offerings and the penalty offerings.


text:
The priests who enter the Holy Place must leave their serving clothes there. Then they may go into the outer courtyard. This is because these clothes are holy. The priests must put on other clothes. Then they may go to the part of the Temple which is for the people.”


text:
The Outside of the Temple The man finished measuring inside the Temple. Then he brought me out through the east gate. He measured the area all around.


text:
So he measured the Temple on all four sides. The Temple had a wall all around it. It was 875 feet long and 875 feet wide. It separated the holy from that which is not holy.


text:
And I saw the greatness of the God of Israel coming from the east. God’s voice was like the roar of rushing water. His greatness made the earth shine.


text:
I saw a vision. It was like the vision I had seen when the Lord came to destroy the city. It was also like the vision I had seen by the Kebar River. I bowed facedown on the ground.


text:
Then the Spirit picked me up. And he brought me into the inner courtyard. There the Lord’s greatness filled the Temple.


text:
The voice from the Temple said to me, “Human being, this is my throne. And this is the place my feet rest. I will live here among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will not make my holy name unclean again. Neither the people nor their kings will make it unclean by their sexual sins. Nor will they make it unclean with the dead bodies of their kings.


text:
They made my name unclean by putting their doorway next to my doorway. And they put their doorpost next to my doorpost. Only a wall separated me from them. When they did their acts that I hate, they made my holy name unclean. So I destroyed them in my anger.


text:
Now let them stop their sexual sins. And let them take the dead bodies of their kings far away from me. Then I will live among them forever.


text:
“Human being, tell the people of Israel about the Temple. Then they will be ashamed of their sins. Let them think about the plan of the Temple.


text:
Then they will be ashamed of all they have done. Let them know the design of the Temple. Let them know how it is built. Show them its exits and entrances. Show them all its designs, all its rules and all its teachings. And write the rules as they watch. Do this so they can obey all the Temple’s teachings and rules.


text:
This is the teaching of the Temple: All the area around the top of the mountain is most holy. This is the teaching of the Temple.


text:
The Altar “And these are the measurements of the altar, using the measuring stick. It is 21 inches long. The altar’s base is 21 inches high and 21 inches long. Its rim is about 9 inches around its edge. And the altar is this tall:


text:
From the ground up to the lower ledge, it measures 3½ feet. It is 21 inches wide. It measures 7 feet from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge and is 21 inches wide.


text:
The place where the sacrifice is burned on the altar is 7 feet high. The four corners are shaped like horns and reach up above it.


text:
The upper ledge is also square, 24½ feet long and 24½ feet wide. The border around it is 10½ inches wide. Its base is 21 inches around. Its steps are on the east.”


text:
Then the man said to me, “Human being, this is what the Lord God says: These are the rules for the altar. When it is built, use these rules to offer burnt offerings and sprinkle blood on it.


text:
You must give a young bull as a sin offering to the priests. These priests are the Levites from the family of Zadok. They come near me to serve me, says the Lord God.


text:
Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the altar’s four corners. Put it also on the four corners of the ledge. And put it on the border all around. This is how you will make the altar pure and ready for God’s service.


text:
Then take the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the proper place in the Temple area. It will be outside the Holy Place.


text:
“On the second day offer a male goat. It must have nothing wrong with it. It will be for a sin offering. The priests will make the altar pure and ready for God’s service. They will do it the same way they did with the young bull.


text:
When you finish making the altar pure and ready, offer a young bull and a male sheep from the flock. They must also have nothing wrong with them.


text:
You must offer them before the Lord. The priests will throw salt on them. Then they will offer them as a burnt offering to the Lord.


text:
“You must prepare a goat every day for seven days as a sin offering. Also, you must prepare a young bull and male sheep from the flock. They must have nothing wrong with them.


text:
For seven days the priests will make the altar pure and ready for God’s service. Then the priests will give the altar to God.


text:
After these seven days, on the eighth day, the priests must present your offerings. They must offer your burnt offerings and your fellowship offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, says the Lord God.”


text:
The Outer East Gate Then the man brought me back to the outer east gate of the Temple area. The gate was shut.


text:
The Lord said to me, “This gate will stay shut. It will not be opened. No one may enter through it. This is because the Lord God of Israel has entered through it. So it must stay shut.


text:
Only the ruler himself may sit in the gateway to eat bread before the Lord. He must enter through the porch of the gateway and go out the same way.”


text:
Then the man brought me through the outer north gate. He brought me to the front of the Temple. I looked and saw the greatness of the Lord. It was filling the Temple of the Lord. I bowed facedown on the ground.


text:
The Lord said to me, “Human being, pay attention. See this with your eyes. And hear this with your ears. See and hear everything I tell you about all the rules and teachings of the Temple of the Lord. Pay attention to the entrance to the Temple and to all the exits from the Temple area.


text:
Then speak to those who refuse to obey. Say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Stop doing all your acts that I hate, Israel!


text:
You brought foreigners into my Holy Place. They were not circumcised in the flesh. They had not given themselves to serving me. You dishonored my Temple when you offered me food, fat and blood. You broke my agreement by all your ways that I hate.


text:
This is what the Lord God says: Foreigners who are not circumcised in flesh and who do not give themselves to serving me may not enter my Temple. Even a foreigner living among the people of Israel may not enter.


text:
“‘Some Levites stopped obeying me when Israel left me and followed their idols. These Levites must be punished for their sin.


text:
These Levites are to be servants in my Holy Place. They may guard the gates of the Temple. They may serve in the Temple. They may kill the animals for the burnt offering and the sacrifices for the people. They may stand before the people to serve them.


text:
But these Levites helped the people worship their idols and caused the people of Israel to fall. So I have made this promise: They will be punished for their sin, says the Lord God.


text:
They will not come near me to serve as priests. They will not come near any of my holy things or the most holy offerings. But they will be ashamed of the things they did that I hate.


text:
But I will make them take care of the Temple. They will take care of everything that must be done in it.


text:
“‘But this is not true for priests who are Levites and descendants of Zadok. They took care of my Holy Place when Israel left me. They may come near to serve me. They may stand in my presence. They will offer me the fat and blood of the animals they sacrifice, says the Lord God.


text:
They are the only ones who may enter my Holy Place. They may come near my table to serve me. They may take care of the things I gave them.


text:
“‘When they enter the gates of the inner courtyard, they must wear linen robes. They must not wear wool to serve at the gates of the inner courtyard or in the Temple.


text:
They will wear linen turbans on their heads and linen underclothes. They will not wear anything that makes them perspire.


text:
At times they will go out into the outer courtyard to the people. But before they go, they must take off their serving clothes. They must put these clothes away in the holy rooms. And they must put on other clothes. Then they will not let their holy clothes hurt the people.


text:
“‘They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long. They must keep the hair of their heads trimmed.


text:
The priests must not marry a widow or a divorced woman. They may marry only virgins from the people of Israel. Or they may marry a widow of a priest.


text:
They must teach my people the difference between what is holy and what is not holy. They must help my people know what is unclean and what is clean.


text:
“‘In court they will act as judges. When they judge, they will follow my teachings. They must obey my laws and my rules at all my special feasts. They must keep my Sabbaths holy.


text:
“‘They must not go near a dead person, making themselves unclean. But they are allowed to make themselves unclean if the dead person is a relative. It might be his father, mother, son, daughter, brother or a sister who has not married.


text:
Then he may go into the inner courtyard to serve in the Temple. But he must offer a sin offering for himself, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘These are the rules about the priests and their property: They will have me instead of property. You will not give them any land to own in Israel. I am what they will own.


text:
They will eat the grain offerings, sin offerings and penalty offerings. Everything Israel offers will be theirs.


text:
And the best fruits of all the first harvests will be for the priests. And they will have all the special gifts offered to me. You will also give to the priests the first part of your grain that you grind. This will cause a blessing to come on your house.


text:
The priests must not eat any bird or animal that died a natural death. And they must not eat one that has been torn by wild animals.


text:
The Land Is Divided “‘Divide the land for the Israelite tribes by throwing lots. At that time you will give a part of the land to belong to the Lord. It will be about 7 miles long and about 6 miles wide. All of this land will be holy.


text:
An area of 875 feet square will be for the Temple. There will be an open space around the Temple that is 87½ feet wide.


text:
In the holy area you will measure a part about 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. The Most Holy Place will be in this holy area.


text:
This holy part of the land will be for the priests who serve in the Temple. This is where they come near to serve the Lord. It will be a place for the priests’ houses. And it will be the place for the Temple.


text:
Another area will be about 7 miles long and more than 3 miles wide. It will be for the Levites, who serve in the Temple. It will belong to them so they will have cities in which to live.


text:
“‘And you will give the city an area that is about 1½ miles wide and about 7 miles long. It will be along the side of the holy area. It will belong to all the people of Israel.


text:
“‘The ruler will have land on both sides of the holy area and the city. On the west of the holy area, his land will reach to the Mediterranean Sea. On the east of the holy area, his land will reach to the eastern border. It will be as long as the land given to each tribe.


text:
This land will be the ruler’s property in Israel. So my rulers will not be cruel to my people anymore. But they will give land to each tribe in the nation of Israel.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: You have gone far enough, you rulers of Israel! Stop being cruel and hurting people. Do what is right and fair. Stop forcing my people out of their homes, says the Lord God.


text:
The dry measure and the liquid measure will be the same: The liquid measure will always be a tenth of a homer. The ephah will always be a tenth of a homer. The measurement they follow will be the homer.


text:
Offerings and Holy Days “‘This is the gift you will offer: a sixth of an ephah from a homer of wheat; a sixth of an ephah from a homer of barley.


text:
The amount of oil you are to offer is a tenth of a bath from each cor. (Ten baths make a homer and also make a cor.)


text:
You should give 1 sheep from each flock of 200 from the watering places of Israel. They are to be offered with the grain offerings, burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. These offerings are to remove sins so you will belong to God, says the Lord God.


text:
It will be the ruler’s responsibility to supply the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings. These offerings will be given at the feasts and at the New Moons. They will also be given on the Sabbaths and at all the other feasts of Israel. The ruler will supply the sin offerings, grain offerings and fellowship offerings. These offerings are to pay for the sins of Israel.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: On the first day of the first month take a young bull that has nothing wrong with it. Use it to make the Temple pure and ready for God’s service.


text:
The priest will take some of the blood from the sin offering. And he will put it on the doorposts of the Temple. He will put it on the four corners of the ledge of the altar. And he will put it on the posts of the gate of the inner courtyard.


text:
You will do the same thing on the seventh day of the month. You will do it for anyone who has sinned by accident or without knowing it. This is how you make the Temple pure and ready for God’s service.


text:
Passover Feast Offerings “‘On the fourteenth day of the first month you will celebrate the Feast of Passover. It will be a feast of seven days when you eat bread made without yeast.


text:
On that day the ruler must offer a bull for himself and for all the people of the land. The bull will be a sin offering.


text:
During the seven days of the feast the ruler must offer seven bulls. And he must offer seven male sheep. The bulls and sheep must have nothing wrong with them. They will be burnt offerings to the Lord. The ruler will offer them every day of the seven days of the feast. He must also offer a male goat every day as a sin offering.


text:
The ruler must give as a grain offering a half bushel for each bull and a half bushel for each sheep. He must give a gallon of olive oil for each half bushel.


text:
“‘Beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you will celebrate the Feast of Shelters. During the feast, the ruler will do the same things for seven days. He will supply the sin offering, burnt offering, grain offering and the olive oil.


text:
Rules for Worship “‘This is what the Lord God says: The east gate of the inner courtyard will be shut on the six working days. But it will be opened on the Sabbath day. And it will be open on the day of the New Moon.


text:
The ruler will enter through the porch of the gateway. He will enter from outside and stand by the gatepost. Then the priests will offer the ruler’s burnt offering and fellowship offerings. The ruler will worship at the entrance of the gate. Then he will go out. But the gate will not be shut until evening.


text:
The people of the land will worship at the entrance of that gateway. They will worship there in the presence of the Lord on the Sabbaths and New Moons.


text:
This is the burnt offering the ruler will offer to the Lord on the Sabbath day. It will be six male lambs that have nothing wrong with them. And it will be a male sheep that has nothing wrong with it.


text:
He must give a half bushel grain offering with the male sheep. But he can give as much grain offering with the lambs as he pleases. He must also give a gallon of olive oil for each half bushel of grain.


text:
On the day of the New Moon he must offer a young bull. It must have nothing wrong with it. He must also offer six lambs and a male sheep. They also must have nothing wrong with them.


text:
The ruler must give a half bushel grain offering with the bull. And he must give the same with the male sheep. With the lambs, he can give as much grain as he pleases. But he must give a gallon of olive oil for each half bushel of grain.


text:
And when the ruler enters, he must go in through the porch of the gateway. He must go out the same way.


text:
“‘The people of the land must come before the Lord at the special feasts. Anyone who enters through the north gate to worship must go out through the south gate. Anyone who enters through the south gate must go out through the north gate. No one will return the same way he entered. Each person will go out straight ahead.


text:
“‘At the feasts and regular times of worship a half bushel of grain must be offered. It will be offered with a young bull. And a half bushel of grain must be offered with a male sheep. But with an offering of lambs, the ruler may give as much grain as he pleases. He should give a gallon of olive oil for each half bushel of grain.


text:
The ruler may give an offering as a special gift to the Lord. It may be a burnt offering or fellowship offering. When he gives it to the Lord, the inner east gate will be opened for him. He must offer his burnt offering and his fellowship offerings as he does on the Sabbath day. Then he will go out. After he has gone out, the gate will be shut.


text:
“‘Every morning you will give a year-old lamb that has nothing wrong with it. It will be for a burnt offering to the Lord every day.


text:
Also, you must offer a grain offering with the lamb every morning. With it you will give three and a third quarts of grain and one and a third quarts of olive oil. This is to make the fine flour moist. It will be a grain offering to the Lord. This is a rule that must be kept from now on.


text:
So they must always give the lamb, the grain offering and the olive oil every morning as a burnt offering.


text:
Rules for the Ruler “‘This is what the Lord God says: The ruler might give a gift from his land to one of his sons. Then that land will belong to that son’s children. It is their property from their family.


text:
But the ruler might give a gift from his land to one of his slaves. That land will belong to the slave only until the year of freedom. Then the land will go back to the ruler. Only the ruler’s sons may keep a gift of land from the ruler.


text:
The ruler must not take any of the people’s land. He must not force them out of their land. He must give his sons land from his own land. Then my people will not be scattered out of their own land.’”


text:
The Special Kitchens The man led me through the entrance at the side of the gateway. He led me to the priests’ holy rooms that face north. There I saw a place at the west end.


text:
The man said to me, “This is where the priests will boil the meat of the penalty offering and sin offering. There the priests will bake the grain offering. Then they will not need to bring these offerings into the outer courtyard. That would hurt the people.”


text:
Then the man brought me out to the outer courtyard. He led me to its four corners. In each corner of the courtyard was a smaller courtyard.


text:
Small courtyards were in the four corners of the courtyard. Each small courtyard was 70 feet long and 52½ feet wide. All four corners measured the same.


text:
A stone wall was around each of the four small courtyards. Places for cooking were built in each of the stone walls.


text:
The man said to me, “These are the kitchens. The Temple priests will boil the sacrifices for the people here.”


text:
The River from the Temple The man led me back to the door of the Temple. I saw water coming out from under the doorway that faces east. (The Temple faced east.) The water flowed down from the south end of the Temple. It was south of the altar.


text:
The man brought me out through the outer north gate. And he led me around outside to the outer east gate. The water was coming out on the south side of the gate.


text:
The man went toward the east with a line in his hand. He measured about a third of a mile. Then he led me through water that came up to my ankles.


text:
The man measured about a third of a mile again. Then he led me through water that came up to my knees. Then he measured about a third of a mile again. And he led me through water up to my waist.


text:
The man measured about a third of a mile again. But it was now a river that I could not cross. The water had risen too high. It was deep enough for swimming. It was a river that no one could cross.


text:
The man asked me, “Human being, do you see this?” Then the man led me back along the bank of the river.


text:
The man said to me, “This water will flow toward the eastern areas. It will go down into the Jordan Valley. When the water enters the Dead Sea, it will become fresh.


text:
And everywhere the river goes, there will be many animals and fish. Wherever this water goes the Dead Sea will become fresh. So where the river goes there will be many living things.


text:
Fishermen will stand by the sea. From En Gedi all the way to En Eglaim will become a place to spread fishing nets. There will be many kinds of fish in the Dead Sea. There will be as many kinds of fish as there are in the Mediterranean Sea.


text:
All kinds of fruit trees will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not dry and die. The trees will have fruit every month because the water for them comes from the Temple. The fruit from the trees will be for food. And their leaves will be for medicine.”


text:
Borders of the Land This is what the Lord God says: “These are the borders to divide the land among the 12 tribes of Israel. Joseph will have two parts of land.


text:
You will divide the land equally. I promised to give it to your ancestors. So this land will belong to you from your family.


text:
“This will be the border line of the land. “On the north side it will start at the Mediterranean Sea. It will go by the Hethlon Road. This is where the road turns toward Lebo Hamath. And it will go to the cities of Zedad,


text:
Berothah and Sibraim. Sibraim is on the border between Damascus and Hamath. And it will go on to the city of Hazer Hatticon on the border of the country of Hauran.


text:
So the border line will go from the Mediterranean Sea east to the city of Hazar Enan. This is on the northern border of Damascus. And the country of Hamath will be on the north side of the border.


text:
“On the east side the border runs south from a point between Hauran and Damascus. It will go along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel. It will continue to the city of Tamar on the Dead Sea. This will be the east side of the land.


text:
“On the south side the border line will go west from Tamar. It will go all the way to the waters of Meribah Kadesh. Then it will run along the brook of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. This will be the south side of the land.


text:
“On the west side the Mediterranean Sea will be the border line. It will go to a place across from Lebo Hamath. This will be the west side of your land.


text:
You will divide it as a property for yourselves. And it will be for you and for the foreigners who live and have children among you. These foreigners will be like people born in Israel. You will divide some land for them among the tribes of Israel.


text:
Dividing the Land “These are the names of the tribes. Dan will have one share. It will begin at the northern border. It will go from the sea and over the Hethlon Road. It will follow the road to Lebo Hamath. It will go all the way to Hazar Enan. This is on the northern border of Damascus. It will stop there next to Hamath. This will be Dan’s northern border from the east side to the Mediterranean Sea on the west side.


text:
“South of Asher’s border, Naphtali will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Naphtali’s border, Manasseh will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Manasseh’s border, Ephraim will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Ephraim’s border, Reuben will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Reuben’s border, Judah will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Judah’s border will be the holy area which you are to give. It will be about 7 miles wide. It will be as long and wide as one of the tribes’ shares. It will run from the east side to the west side. The Temple will be in the middle of this area.


text:
The holy area will be divided among these people. For the priests on the north side, the land will measure about 7 miles. It will be 3 miles wide on the west side and 3 miles wide on the east side. It will be about 7 miles on the south side. The Temple of the Lord will be in the middle of it.


text:
This land is for the priests who are given to serve the Lord. They are the descendants of Zadok who did my work. They did not leave me. The other Levites left me when Israel did.


text:
This share from the holy portion of the land will be a gift for these priests. It will be next to the land of the Levites.


text:
“Alongside the land for the priests, the Levites will have a share. It will be about 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. Its full length will be about 7 miles. And its full width will be about 3 miles.


text:
The Levites are not to sell or trade any of this land. They will not sell any of this best part of the land. It belongs to the Lord.


text:
City Property “The rest of the land will be an area about 1½ miles wide and 7 miles long. It will be for the other people’s use. It will be for the city, for homes and for pastures. The city will be in the middle of it.


text:
These are the city’s measurements: the north side will be about a mile. The south side will be about a mile. The east side will be about a mile. And the west side will be about a mile.


text:
The city’s land for pastures will be about 437 feet on the north, 437 feet on the south, 437 feet on the east and 437 feet on the west.


text:
Alongside the length of the holy area there will be left 3 miles on the east and 3 miles on the west. It will be used to grow food for the city workers.


text:
This whole area will be square, 7 miles by 7 miles. You shall give to the Lord the holy share along with the city property.


text:
“Land that is left over on both sides of the holy area and city property will belong to the ruler. That land will extend east of the holy area to the eastern border. And it will extend west of it to the Mediterranean Sea. Both of these areas run the length of the lands of the tribes. They belong to the ruler. The holy area with the Holy Place of the Temple will be in the middle.


text:
The Levites’ land and the city property will be between the lands belonging to the ruler. The ruler’s land will be between Judah’s border and Benjamin’s border.


text:
The Other Tribes’ Land “Here is what the rest of the tribes will receive: Benjamin will have one share. It will go from the east side to the Mediterranean Sea on the west side.


text:
“South of Benjamin’s land, Simeon will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Simeon’s land, Issachar will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“South of Issachar’s land, Zebulun will have one share. It will go from the east side to the west side.


text:
“The southern border of Gad’s land will go east from Tamar on the Dead Sea to the waters of Meribah Kadesh. Then it will run along the brook of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.


text:
“This is the land you will divide among the tribes of Israel. These are to be their shares,” says the Lord God.


text:
The Gates of the City “These will be the outside borders of the city: The north side will measure more than a mile.


text:
There will be three gates facing north. They are Reuben’s Gate, Judah’s Gate and Levi’s Gate. The city’s gates will be named for the tribes of Israel.


text:
“The east side will measure more than a mile. There will be three gates facing east. They are Joseph’s Gate, Benjamin’s Gate and Dan’s Gate.


text:
“The south side will measure more than a mile. There will be three gates facing south. They are Simeon’s Gate, Issachar’s Gate and Zebulun’s Gate.


text:
“The west side will measure more than a mile. There will be three gates facing west. They are Gad’s Gate, Asher’s Gate and Naphtali’s Gate.


text:
“The city will measure about six miles around. From then on the name of the city will be The Lord God Is There.”


text:
Daniel Taken to Babylon Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and surrounded it with his army. This happened during the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah.


text:
The Lord allowed Nebuchadnezzar to capture Jehoiakim king of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar also took some of the things from the Temple of God. He carried them to Babylonia and put them in the temple of his gods.


text:
Then King Nebuchadnezzar gave an order to Ashpenaz, his chief officer. He told Ashpenaz to bring some of the men from Judah into his house. He wanted them to be from important families. And he wanted those who were from the family of the king of Judah.


text:
King Nebuchadnezzar wanted only healthy, young, Israelite men. These men were not to have anything wrong with their bodies. They were to be handsome and well educated. They were to be able to learn and understand things. He wanted those who were able to serve in his palace. Ashpenaz was to teach them the language and writings of the Babylonians.


text:
The king gave the young men a certain amount of food and wine every day. That was the same kind of food that the king ate. They were to be trained for three years. Then the young men would become servants of the king of Babylon.


text:
Among those young men were some from the people of Judah. These were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.


text:
Then Ashpenaz, the chief officer, gave them Babylonian names. Daniel’s new name was Belteshazzar. Hananiah’s was Shadrach. Mishael’s was Meshach. And Azariah’s new name was Abednego.


text:
Daniel decided not to eat the king’s food and wine because that would make him unclean. So he asked Ashpenaz for permission not to make himself unclean in this way.


text:
But Ashpenaz said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my master, the king. He ordered me to give you this food and drink. If you don’t eat this food, you will begin to look worse than other young men your age. The king will see this. And he will cut off my head because of you.”


text:
Daniel said to the guard, “Please give us this test for ten days: Don’t give us anything but vegetables to eat and water to drink.


text:
Then after ten days compare us with the other young men who eat the king’s food. See for yourself who looks healthier. Then you judge for yourself how you want to treat us, your servants.”


text:
After ten days they looked very healthy. They looked better than all of the young men who ate the king’s food.


text:
So the guard took away the king’s special food and wine. He gave Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah vegetables instead.


text:
God gave these four men wisdom and the ability to learn. They learned many kinds of things people had written and studied. Daniel could also understand all kinds of visions and dreams.


text:
The king talked to them. He found that none of the young men were as good as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. So those four young men became the king’s servants.


text:
Every time the king asked them about something important, they showed much wisdom and understanding. He found they were ten times better than all the fortune-tellers and magicians in his kingdom.


text:
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream During Nebuchadnezzar’s second year as king, he had some dreams. Those dreams bothered him, and he could not sleep.


text:
So the king called for his fortune-tellers, magicians, wizards and wise men. The king wanted those men to tell him what he had dreamed. So they came in and stood in front of the king.


text:
Then the wise men answered the king in the Aramaic language. They said, “Our king, live forever! We are your servants. Please tell us your dream. Then we will tell you what it means.”


text:
Then King Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “No! You must tell me the dream. And then you must tell me what it means. If you don’t do these things, I will have you torn apart. And I will turn your houses into piles of stones.


text:
But if you tell me my dream and its meaning, I will reward you. I will give you gifts and great honor. So tell me the dream, and tell me what it means.”


text:
Again the wise men said to the king, “Please, tell us the dream. And we will tell you what it means.”


text:
King Nebuchadnezzar answered, “Now I know that you are trying to get more time. You know that I meant what I said.


text:
If you don’t tell me my dream, you will be punished. You have all agreed to tell me lies and wicked things. You are hoping things will change. Now, tell me the dream. Then I will know you can tell me what it really means!”


text:
The wise men answered the king. They said, “No one on earth can do what the king asks! Not even a great and powerful king has ever asked the fortune-tellers, magicians or wise men to do this.


text:
The king is asking something that is too hard. Only the gods could tell the king this. But the gods do not live among people.”


text:
When the king heard that, he became very angry. He gave an order for all the wise men of Babylon to be killed.


text:
So King Nebuchadnezzar’s order was announced. All the wise men were to be put to death. Men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to kill them.


text:
Arioch was the commander of the king’s guards. He was going to put to death the wise men of Babylon. But Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and skill.


text:
Daniel asked, “Why did the king order such a terrible punishment?” Then Arioch explained everything to Daniel.


text:
When Daniel heard the story, he went to King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel asked him to give him some more time. Then he would tell the king what he had dreamed and what it meant.


text:
So Daniel went to his house. He explained the whole story to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.


text:
Daniel asked his friends to pray to the God of heaven. Daniel asked them to pray that God would show them mercy and help them understand this secret. Then Daniel and his friends would not be put to death with the other wise men of Babylon.


text:
During the night God explained the secret to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.


text:
He changes the times and seasons of the year. He takes away the power of kings. And he gives their power to new kings. He gives wisdom to people so they become wise. And he helps people learn and know things.


text:
He makes known secrets that are deep and hidden. He knows what is hidden in darkness, and light lives with him.


text:
I thank you and praise you, God of my ancestors. You have given me wisdom and power. You told me what we asked of you. You told us about the king’s dream.”


text:
The Meaning of the Dream Then Daniel went to Arioch. King Nebuchadnezzar had chosen Arioch to put to death the wise men of Babylon. Daniel said to Arioch, “Don’t put the wise men of Babylon to death. Take me to the king. I will tell him what his dream means.”


text:
So very quickly Arioch took Daniel to the king. Arioch said to the king, “I have found a man among the captives from Judah. He can tell the king what his dream means.”


text:
The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) a question. He asked, “Are you able to tell me what I dreamed and what it means?”


text:
Daniel answered, “No person can explain to the king the secret he has asked about. No wise man, magician or fortune-teller can do this.


text:
But there is a God in heaven who explains secret things. God has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen at a later time. This is your dream. This is the vision you saw while lying on your bed:


text:
My king, as you were lying there, you thought about things to come. God, who can tell people about secret things, showed you what is going to happen.


text:
God also told this secret to me. It is not because I have greater wisdom than other men. It is so that you, my king, may know what it means. In that way you will understand what went through your mind.


text:
The head of the statue was made of pure gold. Its chest and arms were made of silver. Its middle and the upper part of its legs were made of bronze.


text:
The lower part of the legs were made of iron. Its feet were made partly of iron and partly of baked clay.


text:
While you were looking at the statue, you saw a rock cut free. But no human being touched the rock. It hit the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them.


text:
Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver and gold broke to pieces at the same time. They became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summertime. The wind blew them away, and there was nothing left. Then the rock that hit the statue became a very large mountain. It filled the whole earth.


text:
My king, you are the greatest king. God of heaven has given you a kingdom. He has given you power, strength and glory.


text:
God has given you power over people, wild animals and birds. Wherever they live, God has made you ruler over them all. King Nebuchadnezzar, you are the head of gold on that statue.


text:
“Another kingdom will come after you. But that kingdom will not be as great as yours. Next a third kingdom will rule over the earth. That is the bronze part.


text:
Then there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron. Iron crushes and smashes things to pieces. In the same way the fourth kingdom will smash and crush all the other kingdoms.


text:
“You saw that the statue’s feet and toes were partly baked clay and partly iron. That means the fourth kingdom will be a divided kingdom. It will have some of the strength of iron in it. As you saw, iron was mixed with clay.


text:
The toes of the statue were partly iron and partly clay. So the fourth kingdom will be partly strong like iron and partly breakable like clay.


text:
You saw the iron mixed with clay. But iron and clay don’t mix completely together. In the same way the people of the fourth kingdom will be a mixture. Those people will not be united as one people.


text:
“During the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up another kingdom. It will never be destroyed. And it will not be given to another group of people. This kingdom will crush all the other kingdoms. It will bring them to an end. But that kingdom itself will continue forever.


text:
“King Nebuchadnezzar, you saw a rock cut from a mountain. But no human being touched it. The rock broke the iron, bronze, clay, silver and gold to pieces. In this way the great God showed you what will happen. The dream is true, and you can trust this explanation.”


text:
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell facedown on the ground in front of Daniel. The king honored him. He ordered that an offering and incense be presented to Daniel.


text:
Then the king said to Daniel, “Truly I know your God is the greatest of all gods. And he is the Lord of all the kings. He tells people about things they cannot know. I know this is true. You were able to tell these secret things to me.”


text:
Then the king gave Daniel an important position in his kingdom. And he gave many gifts to Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar made him ruler over the whole area of Babylon. And he put Daniel in charge of all the wise men of Babylon.


text:
Daniel asked the king to make Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego important leaders over the area of Babylon. And the king did as Daniel asked. Daniel himself became one of the important people who stayed at the royal court.


text:
The Gold Idol and Blazing Furnace Now King Nebuchadnezzar had a gold statue made. That statue was 90 feet high and 9 feet wide. He set up the statue on the plain of Dura in the area of Babylon.


text:
Then the king called the important leaders: the governors, assistant governors, captains of the soldiers, people who advised the king, keepers of the treasury, judges, rulers and all other officers in his kingdom. He wanted these men to come to the special service for the statue he had set up.


text:
So they all came for the special service. And they stood in front of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.


text:
Then the man who made announcements for the king spoke in a loud voice. He said, “People, nations and men of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:


text:
You will hear the sound of the horns, flutes, lyres, zithers, harps, pipes and all the other musical instruments. When this happens, you must bow down and worship the gold statue. This is the one King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.


text:
Everyone must bow down and worship this gold statue. Anyone who doesn’t will be quickly thrown into a blazing furnace.”


text:
Now people, nations and men who spoke every language were there. And they heard the sound of the horns, flutes, lyres, zithers, pipes and all the other musical instruments. So they bowed down and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.


text:
Our king, you gave a command. You said that everyone would hear the horns, lyres, zithers, harps, pipes and all the other musical instruments. Then they would have to bow down and worship the gold statue.


text:
Our king, there are some men of Judah who did not pay attention to your order. You made them important officers in the area of Babylon. Their names are Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They do not serve your gods. And they do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”


text:
Nebuchadnezzar became very angry. He called for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So those men were brought to the king.


text:
And Nebuchadnezzar said, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods? And is it true that you did not worship the gold statue I have set up?


text:
Now, you will hear the sound of the horns, flutes, lyres, zithers, harps, pipes and all the other musical instruments. And you must be ready to bow down and worship the statue I made. That will be good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown quickly into the blazing furnace. Then no god will be able to save you from my power!”


text:
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered the king. They said, “Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves to you.


text:
You can throw us into the blazing furnace. The God we serve is able to save us from the furnace and your power. If he does this, it is good.


text:
But even if God does not save us, we want you, our king, to know this: We will not serve your gods. We will not worship the gold statue you have set up.”


text:
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual.


text:
Then he commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The king told the soldiers to throw them into the blazing furnace.


text:
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were tied up and thrown into the blazing furnace. They were still wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes.


text:
The king was very angry when he gave the command. And the furnace was made very hot. The fire was so hot that the flames killed the strong soldiers who took Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego there.


text:
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was very surprised and jumped to his feet. He asked the men who advised him, “Didn’t we tie up only three men? Didn’t we throw them into the fire?” They answered, “Yes, our king.”


text:
The king said, “Look! I see four men. They are walking around in the fire. They are not tied up, and they are not burned. The fourth man looks like a son of the gods.”


text:
Then Nebuchadnezzar went to the opening of the blazing furnace. He shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, come out! Servants of the Most High God, come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire.


text:
When they came out, the princes, assistant governors, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies. Their hair was not burned. Their robes were not burned. And they didn’t even smell like smoke.


text:
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Their God has sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These three men trusted their God. They refused to obey my command. And they were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god other than their own.


text:
So I now make this law: The people of any nation or language must not say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Anyone who does will be torn apart. And his house will be turned into a pile of stones. No other god can save his people like this.”


text:
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree King Nebuchadnezzar sent a letter. It went to the people, nations and those who speak every language in all the world. The letter said: I wish you great wealth!


text:
The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me. I am happy to tell you about these things.


text:
The things he has done are great. His miracles are mighty. His kingdom continues forever. His rule will continue for all time.


text:
I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying on my bed, I saw pictures and visions in my mind. Those things made me very afraid.


text:
So I gave an order. All the wise men of Babylon were to be brought to me. I wanted them to tell me what my dream meant.


text:
The fortune-tellers, magicians and wise men came. I told them about the dream. But those men could not tell me what it meant.


text:
Finally, Daniel came to me. (I called him Belteshazzar to honor my god. The spirit of the holy gods is in him.) I told my dream to Daniel.


text:
I said, “Belteshazzar, you are the most important of all the fortune-tellers. I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you. I know there is no secret that is too hard for you to understand. This was what I dreamed. Tell me what it means.


text:
These are the visions I saw while I was lying in my bed: I looked, and there in front of me was a tree. It was standing in the middle of the earth. The tree was very tall.


text:
The tree grew large and strong. The top of the tree touched the sky. It could be seen from anywhere on earth.


text:
The leaves of the tree were beautiful. It had plenty of good fruit on it. On the tree was food for everyone. The wild animals found shelter under the tree. And the birds lived in its branches. Every animal ate from it.


text:
“I was looking at those things in the vision while lying on my bed. And then I saw a holy angel coming down from heaven.


text:
He spoke very loudly. He said, ‘Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches. Strip off its leaves. Scatter its fruit around. Let the animals that are under the tree run away. Let the birds that were in its branches fly away.


text:
But let the stump and its roots stay in the ground. Put a band of iron and bronze around it. Let it stay in the field with the grass around it. “‘Let the man become wet with dew. Let him live among the animals and plants of the earth.


text:
“‘Messengers gave this command. The holy ones declared the sentence. This is so all the people may know that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of men. God gives those kingdoms to anyone he wants. And he chooses people to rule them who are not proud.’


text:
“That is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, dreamed. Now Daniel, called Belteshazzar, tell me what the dream means. None of the wise men in my kingdom can explain it to me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”


text:
Daniel Explains the Dream Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was very quiet for a while. His thoughts made him afraid. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning make you afraid.” Then Daniel, called Belteshazzar, answered the king. He said, “My master, I wish the dream were about your enemies. And I wish its meaning were for those who are against you!


text:
You saw a tree in your dream. The tree grew large and strong. Its top touched the sky. It could be seen from all over the earth.


text:
Its leaves were beautiful, and it had plenty of fruit. The fruit gave food for everyone. It was a home for the wild animals. And its branches were nesting places for the birds. That is the tree you saw.


text:
My king, you are that tree! You have become great and powerful. You are like the tall tree that touched the sky. And your power reaches to the far parts of the earth.


text:
“My king, you saw a holy angel coming down from heaven. He said, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and its roots in the ground. Put a band of iron and bronze around it. Leave it in the field with the grass. Let him become wet with dew. He will live like a wild animal for seven years.’


text:
“This is the meaning of the dream, my king. The Most High God has commanded these things to happen to my master the king:


text:
You will be forced away from people. You will live among the wild animals. People will feed you grass like an ox. And dew from the sky will make you wet. Seven years will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ruler over the kingdoms of men. And the Most High God gives those kingdoms to anyone he wants.


text:
“The stump of the tree and its roots were to be left in the ground. This means your kingdom will be given back to you. This will happen when you learn that heaven rules your kingdom.


text:
So, my king, please accept my advice. I advise you to stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to poor people. Then you might continue to be successful.”


text:
Twelve months after the dream, King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon.


text:
And he said, “Look at Babylon. I built this great city. It is my palace. I built this great place by my power to show how great I am.”


text:
The words were still in his mouth when a voice came from heaven. The voice said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these things will happen to you: Your royal power has been taken away from you.


text:
You will be forced away from people. You will live with the wild animals. You will be fed grass like an ox. Seven years will pass before you learn this lesson: The Most High God rules over the kingdoms of men. And the Most High God gives those kingdoms to anyone he wants.”


text:
Those things happened quickly. Nebuchadnezzar was forced to go away from people. He began eating grass like an ox. He became wet from dew. His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle. And his nails grew long like the claws of a bird.


text:
Then at the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven. And I could think correctly again. Then I gave praise to the Most High God. I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God’s rule is forever. His kingdom continues for all time.


text:
People on earth are not truly important. God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand. No one can question the things he does.


text:
So, at that time I could think correctly again. And God gave back my great honor and power as king. The people who advise me and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again. And I became even greater and more powerful than before.


text:
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right. He is always fair. And he is able to make proud people humble.


text:
The Writing on the Wall King Belshazzar gave a big banquet for 1,000 royal guests. And he drank wine with them.


text:
As Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave an order to his servants. He told them to bring the gold and silver cups that his ancestor Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. King Belshazzar wanted his royal guests to drink from those cups. He also wanted his wives and his slave women to drink from them.


text:
So they brought the gold cups. They had been taken from the Temple of God in Jerusalem. And the king and his royal guests, his wives and his slave women drank from them.


text:
As they were drinking, they praised their gods. Those gods were made from gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.


text:
Then suddenly a person’s hand appeared. The fingers wrote words on the plaster on the wall. This was near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote.


text:
King Belshazzar was very frightened. His face turned white, and his knees knocked together. He could not stand up because his legs were too weak.


text:
The king called for the magicians and wise men to be brought to him. He said to the wise men of Babylon, “I will give a reward to anyone who can read this writing and explain it. I will give him purple clothes fit for a king. I will put a gold chain around his neck. And I will make him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”


text:
So all the king’s wise men came in. But they could not read the writing. And they could not tell the king what it meant.


text:
King Belshazzar became even more afraid. His face became even whiter. His royal guests were confused.


text:
Then the king’s mother came into the banquet room. She had heard the voices of the king and his royal guests. She said, “My king, live forever! Don’t be afraid! Don’t let your face be white with fear!


text:
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father, this man showed understanding, knowledge and wisdom. He was like the gods in these things. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, put this man in charge of all the wise men. He ruled over all the fortune-tellers, magicians and wise men.


text:
The man I am talking about is named Daniel. The king gave him the name Belteshazzar. He was very wise, and he had knowledge and understanding. He could explain dreams and secrets. He could answer very hard problems. Call for Daniel. He will tell you what the writing on the wall means.”


text:
So they brought Daniel to the king. The king said to him, “Is your name Daniel? Are you one of the captives my father the king brought from Judah?


text:
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you. And I have heard that you are very wise and have knowledge and understanding.


text:
The wise men and magicians were brought to me to read this writing on the wall. I wanted those men to explain to me what it means. But they could not explain it.


text:
I have heard that you are able to explain what things mean. And you can find the answers to hard problems. Read this writing on the wall and explain it to me. If you can, I will give you purple clothes fit for a king. And I will put a gold chain around your neck. And you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”


text:
Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself. Or you may give those rewards to someone else. I will read the writing on the wall for you. And I will explain to you what it means.


text:
God made him very important. So all the people, nations and those who spoke every language were very afraid of Nebuchadnezzar. If he wanted a person to die, he put that person to death. And if he wanted a person to live, he let that person live. If he wanted to promote a person, he promoted him. And if he wanted a person to be unimportant, he made him unimportant.


text:
“But Nebuchadnezzar became too proud and stubborn. So he was taken off his royal throne. His glory was taken away.


text:
Then Nebuchadnezzar was forced away from people. His mind became like the mind of an animal. He lived with the wild donkeys and was fed grass like an ox. He became wet with dew. These things happened to him until he learned his lesson: The Most High God rules over the kingdoms of men. And the Most High God sets anyone he wants over those kingdoms.


text:
“But, Belshazzar, you already knew these things. You are a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar. But still you have not been sorry for what you have done.


text:
Instead, you have turned against the Lord of heaven. You ordered the drinking cups from the Temple of the Lord to be brought to you. Then you and your royal guests drank wine from them. Your wives and your slave women also drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood and stone. They are not really gods. They cannot see or hear or understand anything. But you did not honor God. He is the One who has power over your life and everything you do.


text:
Then Belshazzar gave an order for Daniel to be dressed in purple clothes. A gold chain was put around his neck. And he was announced to be the third highest ruler in the kingdom.


text:
Daniel and the Lions Darius thought it would be a good idea to choose 120 governors. They would rule through all of his kingdom.


text:
And he chose three men as supervisors over those 120 governors. Daniel was one of these three supervisors. The king set up these men so that he would not be cheated.


text:
Daniel showed that he could do the work better than the other supervisors and the governors. Because of this, the king planned to put Daniel in charge of the whole kingdom.


text:
So the other supervisors and the governors tried to find reasons to accuse Daniel. But he went on doing the business of the government. And they could not find anything wrong with him. So they could not accuse him of doing anything wrong. Daniel was trustworthy. He was not lazy and did not cheat the king.


text:
Finally these men said, “We will never find any reason to accuse Daniel. But we must find something to complain about. It will have to be about the law of his God.”


text:
So the supervisors and the governors went as a group to the king. They said: “King Darius, live forever!


text:
The supervisors, assistant governors, governors, the people who advise you and the captains of the soldiers have all agreed on something. We think the king should make this law that everyone would have to obey: No one should pray to any god or man except to you, our king. This should be done for the next 30 days. Anyone who doesn’t obey will be thrown into the lions’ den.


text:
Now, our king, make the law. Write it down so it cannot be changed. The laws of the Medes and Persians cannot be canceled.”


text:
When Daniel heard that the new law had been written, he went to his house. He went to his upstairs room. The windows of that room opened toward Jerusalem. Three times each day Daniel got down on his knees and prayed. He prayed and thanked God, just as he always had done.


text:
So they went to the king. They talked to him about the law he had made. They said, “Didn’t you write a law that says no one may pray to any god or man except you, our king? Doesn’t it say that anyone who disobeys during the next 30 days will be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “Yes, I wrote that law. And the laws of the Medes and Persians cannot be canceled.”


text:
Then those men spoke to the king. They said, “Daniel is one of the captives from Judah. And he is not paying attention to the law you wrote. Daniel still prays to his God three times every day.”


text:
The king became very upset when he heard this. He decided he had to save Daniel. He worked until sunset trying to think of a way to save him.


text:
Then those men went as a group to the king. They said, “Remember, our king, the law of the Medes and Persians. It says that no law or command given by the king can be changed.”


text:
So King Darius gave the order. They brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May the God you serve all the time save you!”


text:
A big stone was brought. It was put over the opening of the lions’ den. Then the king used his signet ring to put his special seal on the rock. And he used the rings of his royal officers to put their seals on the rock also. This showed that no one could move that rock and bring Daniel out.


text:
Then King Darius went back to his palace. He did not eat that night. He did not have any entertainment brought to entertain him. And he could not sleep.


text:
As he came near the den, he was worried. He called out to Daniel. He said, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Has your God that you always worship been able to save you from the lions?”


text:
My God sent his angel to close the lions’ mouths. They have not hurt me, because my God knows I am innocent. I never did anything wrong to you, my king.”


text:
King Darius was very happy. He told his servants to lift Daniel out of the lions’ den. So they lifted him out and did not find any injury on him. This was because Daniel had trusted in his God.


text:
Then the king gave a command. The men who had accused Daniel were brought to the lions’ den and thrown into it. Their wives and children were also thrown into it. The lions grabbed them before they hit the floor of the den. And the lions crushed their bones.


text:
Then King Darius wrote a letter. It was to all people and all nations, to those who spoke every language in the world: I wish you great wealth.


text:
I am making a new law. This law is for people in every part of my kingdom. All of you must fear and respect the God of Daniel. Daniel’s God is the living God. He lives forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed. His rule will never end.


text:
God rescues and saves people. God does mighty miracles in heaven and on earth. God saved Daniel from the power of the lions.


text:
So Daniel was successful during the time that Darius was king. This was also the time that Cyrus the Persian was king.


text:
Daniel’s Dream About Four Animals In Belshazzar’s first year as king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream. He saw visions as he was lying on his bed. Daniel wrote down what he had dreamed.


text:
Daniel said: “I saw my vision at night. In the vision the wind was blowing from all four directions. These winds made the sea very rough.


text:
“The first animal looked like a lion. But it had wings like an eagle. I watched this animal until its wings were torn off. It was lifted from the ground so that it stood up on two feet like a man. And it was given the mind of a man.


text:
“And then I saw a second animal before me. It looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides. And it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat all the meat you want!’


text:
“After that, I looked, and there before me was another animal. This animal looked like a leopard. And the leopard had four wings on its back. The wings looked like a bird’s wings. This animal had four heads. It was given power to rule.


text:
“After that, in my vision at night I continued looking. There in front of me was a fourth animal. This animal looked cruel and terrible and very strong. It had large iron teeth. It crushed and ate what it killed. Then it walked on whatever was left. This fourth animal was different from all the animals I had seen before it. It had ten horns.


text:
“While I was thinking about the horns, another horn grew up among them. It was a little horn. It had eyes like a person’s eyes. It also had a mouth. And the mouth was bragging. The little horn pulled out three of the other horns.


text:
“As I looked, thrones were put in their places. And God, the Eternal One, sat on his throne. His clothes were white like snow. And the hair on his head was white like wool. His throne was made from fire. And the wheels of his throne were blazing with fire.


text:
A river of fire was flowing from in front of him. Many thousands of angels were serving him. Millions of angels stood before him. Court was ready to begin. And the books were opened.


text:
“I kept on looking because the little horn was bragging. I kept watching until finally the fourth animal was killed. Its body was destroyed, and it was thrown into the burning fire.


text:
(The power and rule of the other animals had been taken from them. But they were permitted to live for a certain period of time.)


text:
“In my vision at night I looked. There in front of me was someone who looked like a human being. He was coming with clouds in the sky. He came near God, who has been alive forever. And he was led to God.


text:
The one who looked like a human being was given the power to rule. He was also given glory and royal power. All peoples, nations and men who spoke every language will serve him. His rule will last forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed.


text:
The Meaning of the Dream “I, Daniel, was worried. The visions that went through my mind frightened me.


text:
I came near one of those standing there. I asked him what all this meant. “So he told me. He explained to me what these things meant.


text:
But the people who belong to the Most High God will receive the power to rule. And they will have the power to rule forever. They will have it from now on.’


text:
“Then I wanted to know what the fourth animal meant. It was different from all the other animals. It was very terrible. It had iron teeth and bronze claws. It was the animal that crushed and ate what it killed. And it walked on whatever was left.


text:
I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head. And I wanted to know about the little horn that grew there. It had pulled out three of the other ten horns. It looked greater than the others. And it had eyes and a mouth that kept bragging.


text:
until God, who has been alive forever, came. He judged in favor of the people who belong to the Most High God. And the time came for them to receive the power to rule.


text:
“And he explained this to me: ‘The fourth animal is a fourth kingdom that will come on the earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms. It will destroy people all over the world. It will walk on and crush the whole earth.


text:
The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this fourth kingdom. After those ten kings are gone, another king will come. He will be different from the kings who ruled before him. He will defeat three of the other kings.


text:
This king will say things against the Most High God. And he will hurt and kill God’s people. He will try to change times and laws that have already been set. The people that belong to God will be in that king’s power for three and one-half years.


text:
“‘But the court will decide what should happen. And the power of the king will be taken away. His kingdom will be completely destroyed.


text:
Then the people who belong to the Most High God will have the power to rule. They will rule over all the kingdoms under heaven with power and greatness. Their power to rule will last forever. And people from all the other kingdoms will respect and serve them.’


text:
“And that was the end of the dream. I, Daniel, was very afraid. My face became very white from fear. But I kept everything to myself.”


text:
Daniel’s Vision During the third year Belshazzar was king, I saw this vision. This was after the other one.


text:
In this vision I saw myself in the capital city of Susa. Susa is in the area of Elam. I was standing by the Ulai River.


text:
I looked up, and I saw a male sheep standing beside the river. It had two long horns. But one horn was longer than the other. The long horn was newer than the other horn.


text:
I watched the male sheep charge to the west. He also charged to the north and the south. No animal could stand before him. And none could save another animal from his power. He did whatever he wanted. And he became very powerful.


text:
While I was thinking about this, I saw a male goat come from the west. This goat had one large horn that was easy to see. It was between his eyes. He crossed over the whole earth. But his feet did not touch the ground.


text:
That goat charged the male sheep with the two horns. This was the male sheep I had seen standing by the river. The goat was very angry.


text:
I watched the goat attack the male sheep. It broke the sheep’s two horns. The sheep could not stop it. The goat knocked the sheep to the ground. Then the goat walked all over him. No one was able to save the sheep from the goat.


text:
So the male goat became very great. But when he was strong, his big horn broke off. Then four horns grew in place of the one big horn. Those four horns were easy to see. They pointed in four different directions.


text:
Then a little horn grew from one of those four horns. It became very big. It grew to the south and the east and toward the beautiful land of Judah.


text:
That little horn grew until it reached to the sky. It even threw some of the army of heaven to the ground. And it walked on them.


text:
That little horn became very strong against God, the commander of heaven’s armies. It stopped the daily sacrifices that were offered to the commander. The place where people worshiped the commander was pulled down.


text:
There was a turning away from God. Because of this the people stopped the daily sacrifices. It was like throwing truth down to the ground. The horn was successful in everything it did.


text:
Then I heard one angel speaking. Another angel asked the first one, “How long will the things in this vision last? The vision is about the daily sacrifices. It is about the turning away from God that brings destruction. It is about the Temple being pulled down. It is about the army of heaven being walked on.”


text:
He said to me, “This will happen for 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the holy place will be repaired.”


text:
I, Daniel, saw this vision. And I tried to understand what it meant. Then someone who looked like a man suddenly stood before me.


text:
Gabriel came to where I was standing. When he came close to me, I was very afraid. I bowed facedown on the ground. But Gabriel said to me, “Human being, understand that this vision is about the time of the end.”


text:
While Gabriel was speaking, I fell into a deep sleep. My face was on the ground. Then he touched me and lifted me to my feet.


text:
He said, “Now, I will explain the vision to you. I will tell you what will happen later, in the time of God’s anger. Your vision was about the set time of the end.


text:
After that horn broke, four horns grew in its place. Those four horns are four kingdoms. Those four kingdoms will come from the nation of the first king. But they will not be as strong as the first king.


text:
“When the end comes near for those kingdoms, a bold and cruel king will come. This king will tell lies. This will happen when many people have turned against God.


text:
This king will be very powerful. But his power will not come from himself. He will cause terrible destruction. He will be successful in everything he does. He will destroy powerful people and even God’s people.


text:
This king will use his wisdom to make lies successful. He will think that he is very important. He will destroy many people without warning. He will try to fight even God, the Prince of princes! But that cruel king will be destroyed. And it will not be human power that destroys him.


text:
“The vision that has been shown to you about those times is true. But seal up the vision. Those things won’t happen for a long time.”


text:
I, Daniel, became very weak. I was sick for several days after that vision. Then I got up and went back to work for the king. But I was very upset about the vision. I didn’t understand what it meant.


text:
Daniel’s Prayer These things happened during the first year Darius son of Xerxes was king. He was a descendant of the Medes.


text:
During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. In them I saw what the Lord told Jeremiah. He said Jerusalem would be an empty desert for 70 years.


text:
Then I turned to the Lord God. I prayed to him and asked him for help. I did not eat any food. To show how sad I was I put on rough cloth and sat in ashes.


text:
I prayed to the Lord my God. I told him about all of my sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God. You cause fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands.


text:
“But we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and turned against you. We have not obeyed your commands and laws.


text:
We did not listen to your servants, the prophets. They spoke for you to our kings, our leaders and our ancestors. They spoke to all the people of the land.


text:
“Lord, you are good and right. But we are full of shame today. The people of Judah and Jerusalem and all the people of Israel are ashamed. People near and far whom you scattered among many nations are ashamed. We were not loyal to you.


text:
Lord, we are all ashamed. Our kings and leaders and our fathers are ashamed. This is because we have sinned against you.


text:
We have not obeyed the Lord our God. We have not obeyed the teachings he gave us through his servants, the prophets.


text:
All the people of Israel have disobeyed your teachings. They all have turned away and refused to obey you. So you brought on us the curses and promises of punishment written in the Teachings of Moses, the servant of God. These things have happened to us because we sinned against you.


text:
“God said these things would happen to us and our leaders. And he made them happen. You brought on us a great disaster. Nothing has ever been done here on earth like what was done to Jerusalem.


text:
All this disaster came to us just as it is written in the Teachings of Moses. But we still have not stopped sinning. We still do not pay attention to your truth.


text:
The Lord was ready to bring the disaster on us. This is because he is right in everything he does. But we still have not obeyed him.


text:
“Lord our God, you used your power and brought us out of Egypt. Because of that, your name is known even today. Lord, we have sinned. We have done wrong.


text:
Lord, you do the right things. So do not be angry with Jerusalem. Jerusalem is your city on your holy hill. All this has happened because of our sins and the evil things done by our ancestors. So now people all around insult and make fun of Jerusalem and your people.


text:
“Now, our God, hear my prayers. I am your servant. Listen to my prayer for help. Do good things for your holy place that is in ruins. Do this for your sake.


text:
My God, pay attention and hear me. Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us. See what has happened to the city that is called by your name. We do not ask these things because we are good. We ask because of your mercy.


text:
Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear us and do something! For your sake, don’t wait! Your city and your people are called by your name.”


text:
Gabriel’s Explanation I was saying those things in my prayer to the Lord, my God. I was confessing my sins and the sins of the people of Israel. I was praying for God’s holy hill.


text:
While I was still praying, Gabriel came to me. Gabriel was the person I had seen in my last vision. He came flying quickly to me about the time of the evening sacrifice.


text:
When you first started praying, an answer was given. And I came to tell you, because God loves you very much. So think about the message and understand the vision.


text:
“God has ordered 490 years for your people and your holy city. These years are ordered for these reasons: to stop people from turning against God; to put an end to sin; to take away evil; to bring in goodness that continues forever; to make the vision and prophecy come true; and to appoint a most holy place.


text:
“Learn and understand these things. A command will come to rebuild Jerusalem. The time from this command until the appointed leader comes will be 49 years and 434 years. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and a trench around it. But it will be built in times of trouble.


text:
After the 434 years the appointed leader will be killed. He will have nothing. The people of the leader who is to come will destroy the city. They will also destroy the holy place. That end will come like a flood. War will continue until the end. God has ordered that place to be completely destroyed.


text:
That leader will make an agreement with many people for 7 years. He will put a stop to offerings and sacrifices after 3½ years. And the horrible thing that destroys will be placed on the highest point of the Temple. But God has ordered him to be destroyed!”


text:
Daniel’s Vision of a Man During Cyrus’ third year as king of Persia, Daniel learned about these things. (Daniel’s other name is Belteshazzar.) The message was true. It was about a great war. But Daniel understood it, because it was explained to him in a vision.


text:
I did not eat any fancy food. I did not eat any meat or drink any wine. I did not use any perfumed oil. I did not do any of these things for three weeks.


text:
While standing there, I looked up. And I saw a man dressed in linen clothes. A belt made of fine gold was wrapped around his waist.


text:
His body was like shiny yellow quartz. His face was bright like lightning, and his eyes were like fire. His arms and legs were shiny like polished bronze. His voice sounded like the roar of a crowd.


text:
I, Daniel, was the only person who saw the vision. The men with me did not see it. But they were badly frightened. They were so afraid they ran away and hid.


text:
So I was left alone, watching this great vision. I lost my strength. My face turned white like a dead person, and I was helpless.


text:
Then I heard the man in the vision speaking. As I listened, I fell into a deep sleep. My face was on the ground.


text:
The man in the vision said to me, “Daniel, God loves you very much. Think very carefully about the words I will speak to you. Stand up because I have been sent to you.” And when he said this, I stood up. I was still shaking.


text:
Then the man said to me, “Daniel, do not be afraid. Some time ago you decided to try to get understanding. You wanted to be humble before God. Since that time God has listened to you. And I came to you because you have been praying.


text:
But the prince of Persia has been fighting against me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the most important angels, came to help me. He came because I had been left there with the king of Persia.


text:
Now I have come to you, Daniel. I will explain to you what will happen to your people. The vision is about a time in the future.”


text:
Then one who looked like a man touched my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “Master, I am upset and afraid. It is because of what I saw in the vision. I feel helpless.


text:
Master, I am Daniel your servant. How can I talk with you! My strength is gone, and it is hard for me to breathe.”


text:
He said, “Daniel, don’t be afraid. God loves you very much. Peace be with you. Be strong now, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I became stronger. Then I said, “Master, speak, since you have given me strength.”


text:
So then he said, “Daniel, do you know why I have come to you? Soon I must go back to fight against the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece will come.


text:
But before I go, I must first tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one stands with me against them except Michael. He is the angel ruling over your people.


text:
“In the first year Darius the Mede was king, I stood up to support Michael. I supported him in his fight against the prince of Persia.


text:
Kingdoms of the South and North “Now then, Daniel, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will rule in Persia. Then a fourth king will come. He will be much richer than all the kings of Persia before him. He will use his riches to get power. And he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.


text:
After that king has come, his kingdom will be broken up. It will be divided out toward the four parts of the world. His kingdom will not go to his descendants. And it will not have the power that he had. This is because his kingdom will be pulled up and given to other people.


text:
“The king of the South will become strong. But one of his commanders will become even stronger. He will begin to rule his own kingdom with great power.


text:
Then after a few years, the king of the South and the commander will become friends. The daughter of the king of the South will marry the king of the North. She will do this to bring peace. But she will not keep her power. And his family will not last. She, her husband, her child and those who brought her to that country will be killed.


text:
“But a person from her family will become king of the South. He will attack the armies of the king of the North. He will go into that king’s strong, walled city. He will fight and win.


text:
He will take their gods and their metal idols. He will also take their valuable things made of silver and gold. He will take those things to Egypt. Then he will not bother the king of the North for a few years.


text:
Next, the king of the North will attack the king of the South. But he will be beaten back to his own country.


text:
“The sons of the king of the North will prepare for war. They will get a large army together. That army will move through the land very quickly, like a powerful flood. Later, that army will come back and fight. They will fight all the way to the strong, walled city of the king of the South.


text:
Then the king of the South will become very angry. He will march out to fight against the king of the North. The king of the North will have a large army. But he will lose the battle.


text:
The soldiers will be carried away. So the king of the South will be very proud. And he will kill thousands of soldiers from the northern army. But he will not continue to be successful.


text:
The king of the North will gather another army. That army will be larger than the first one. After several years he will attack. That army will be very large, and it will have plenty of weapons.


text:
“In those times many people will be against the king of the South. Some of your own people who love to fight will turn against the king of the South. They will think it is time for God’s promises to come true. But it will not be the time yet. And they will fail.


text:
Then the king of the North will come. He will build dirt roads to the tops of the city walls. And he will capture a strong, walled city. The southern army will not have the power to fight back. Even their best soldiers will not be strong enough to stop the northern army.


text:
The king of the North will do whatever he wants. No one will be able to stand against him. He will gain power and control in the beautiful land of Israel. And he will have the power to destroy it.


text:
The king of the North will decide to use all his power to fight against the king of the South. He will make an agreement with the king of the South. The king of the North will give one of his daughters as a wife to the king of the South. He will do that so he can defeat the king of the South. But those plans will not succeed or help him.


text:
Then the king of the North will turn his attention to other places. He will take many cities along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. But a commander will put an end to the pride of the king of the North. The commander will turn that pride back on him.


text:
After that happens the king of the North will go back to the strong, walled cities of his own country. But he will lose his power. That will be the end of him.


text:
“The next king of the North will send out a tax collector. He will then have plenty of money. In a few years that ruler will be killed. But he will not die in anger or in a battle.


text:
“That ruler will be followed by a very cruel and hated man. He will not have the honor of being from a king’s family. He will attack the kingdom when the people feel safe. He will take power by lying to the people.


text:
He will sweep away in defeat large and powerful armies. He will even defeat a prince who made an agreement.


text:
Many nations will make agreements with that cruel and hated ruler. But he will lie to them. He will gain much power. But only a few people will support him.


text:
The richest areas will feel safe. But that cruel and hated ruler will attack them. And he will succeed where his ancestors did not. He will take things from the countries he defeated. And he will give those things to his followers. He will plan to defeat and destroy strong cities. He will be successful, but only for a short time.


text:
“That very cruel and hated ruler will have a large army. He will use it to stir up his strength and courage. He will attack the king of the South. The king of the South will get a large and very powerful army and get ready for war. But the people who are against him will make secret plans. And the king of the South will be defeated.


text:
There were people who were supposed to be good friends of the king of the South. But they will try to destroy him. His army will be swept away in defeat. Many of his soldiers will be killed in battle.


text:
Those two kings will want to hurt each other. They will sit at the same table and lie to each other. But it will not do either one any good. This is because God has set a time for their end to come.


text:
The king of the North will go back to his own country with much wealth. Then he will decide to go against the holy agreement. He will do what he planned. Then he will go back to his own country.


text:
“At the right time the king of the North will attack the king of the South again. But this time he will not be successful as he was before.


text:
Ships from the west will come and fight against the king of the North. He will see those ships coming and be afraid. Then he will return and show his anger against God’s people who obey the holy agreement. He will be good to those who have stopped obeying the holy agreement.


text:
“The king of the North will send his army. They will make the Temple in Jerusalem unclean. They will stop the people from offering the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the horrible thing that destroys.


text:
The king of the North will tell lies to God’s people. Those who have not obeyed God will be ruined. But there will be some who know God and obey him. They will be strong and fight back.


text:
“Those who are wise will help the others understand what is happening. But some of them will be killed with swords. Some will be burned or taken captive. Some of them will have their homes and things taken away. These things will continue for many days.


text:
When the wise ones are suffering, they will get a little help. Many who join the wise ones will not love God.


text:
Some of the wise ones will be killed. But the hard times must come. This is so they can be made stronger and purer. They will be without faults until the time of the end comes. Then, at the right time the end will come.


text:
The King Who Praises Himself “The king of the North will do whatever he wants. He will brag about himself. He will praise himself and think he is even better than a god. He will say things against the God of gods that no one has ever heard. He will be successful until all the bad things have happened. What God has planned to happen will happen.


text:
That king of the North will not care about the gods his ancestors worshiped. He won’t care about the god that women worship. He won’t care about any god. Instead, he will make himself more important than any god.


text:
The king of the North will worship power and strength. His ancestors did not love power as he will. He will honor the god of power with gold and silver, expensive jewels and gifts.


text:
That king will attack strong, walled cities. He will do it with the help of a foreign god. He will give much honor to the people who join him. He will make them rulers in charge of many other people. He will make those rulers pay him for the land they rule.


text:
“At the time of the end, the king of the South will fight a battle against the king of the North. The king of the North will attack him. He will attack with chariots and soldiers on horses and many large ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through their lands like a flood.


text:
The king of the North will attack the beautiful land of Judah. He will defeat many countries. But Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be saved from him.


text:
The king will get treasures of gold and silver. And he will get all the riches of Egypt. The Libyan and Nubian people will obey him.


text:
But the king of the North will hear news from the east and the north. And it will make him afraid and angry. He will go to destroy completely many nations.


text:
He will set up his royal tents. They will be between the sea and the beautiful mountain where the Temple is built. But, finally, his end will come. There will not be anyone to help him when he dies.


text:
The Time of the End “Daniel, at that time Michael, the great prince, will stand up. (He is the one who protects your people.) There will be a time of much trouble. It will be the worst time since nations have been on earth. But your people will be saved. Everyone whose name is written in God’s book will be saved.


text:
Many people who have already died will live again. Some of them will wake up to have life forever. But some will wake up to find shame and disgrace forever.


text:
The wise people will shine like the brightness of the sky. Those who teach others to live right will shine like stars forever and ever.


text:
“But you, Daniel, close up the book and seal it. These things will happen at the time of the end. Many people will go here and there to find true knowledge.”


text:
Then I, Daniel, looked, and I saw two other men. One was standing on my side of the river. And the other was standing on the far side.


text:
The man who was dressed in linen was standing over the water in the river. One of the two men spoke to him. He asked, “How long will it be before these amazing things come true?”


text:
The man dressed in linen who stood over the water raised his hands toward heaven. And I heard him make a promise. He used the name of God who lives forever. He said, “It will be for three and one-half years. The power of the holy people will finally be broken. Then all these things will come true.”


text:
I heard the answer, but I did not really understand. So I asked, “Master, what will happen after all these things come true?”


text:
Many people will be made clean, pure and spotless. But the wicked will continue to be wicked. And those wicked people will not understand these things. But the wise people will understand them.


text:
“The daily sacrifice will be stopped. There will be 1,290 days from that time. Then the horrible thing that destroys will be set up.


text:
“As for you, Daniel, go your way till the end. You will get your rest when you die. And at the end you will rise from the dead to get your reward.”


text:
Hosea’s Wife and Children The Lord spoke his word to Hosea son of Beeri. This was during the time that Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. During part of this time Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.


text:
The Lord said to him, “Go, and marry a woman who will be unfaithful to you. She will give you children whose fathers are other men. Do this because people in this country have acted like an unfaithful wife toward the Lord.”


text:
The Lord said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel. This is because soon I will punish the family of Jehu for the people they killed at Jezreel. Then I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.


text:
Gomer became pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter. The Lord said to Hosea, “Name her Lo-Ruhamah. This is because I will not pity Israel anymore. I will no longer forgive them.


text:
But I will show pity to the people of Judah. I will save them. I will not use bows or swords, horses or horsemen, or weapons of war to save them. I, the Lord their God, will save them.”


text:
After Gomer had finished nursing Lo-Ruhamah, she became pregnant again. And she gave birth to another son.


text:
God’s Promise to Israel “But the people of Israel will become like the grains of sand of the sea. You cannot measure or count them. Now it is said to Israel, ‘You are not my people.’ But later they will be called ‘children of the living God.’


text:
Then the people of Judah and Israel will be joined together again. They will choose one leader for themselves. And again they will grow in their land. The day of Jezreel, when God plants, will be truly great.


text:
God Speaks About Israel “Plead with your mother. Plead with her because she no longer acts like a wife to me. And I am not treated like her husband. Tell her to stop acting like a prostitute. Tell her to stop behaving like an unfaithful wife.


text:
If she refuses, I will strip her naked. I will leave her bare like the day she was born. I will make her dry like a desert. I will make her like a land without water. I will kill her with thirst.


text:
Their mother has acted like a prostitute. The one who became pregnant with them has acted disgracefully. She said, ‘I will chase after my lovers. They give me food and water. They give me wool and linen. They give me wine and olive oil.’


text:
So I will block her road with thornbushes. I will build a wall around her so she cannot find her way.


text:
She will run after her lovers. But she won’t catch up to them. She will look for them. But she won’t find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my first husband. Life was better for me then than it is now.’


text:
But she has not accepted that I was the one who gave her grain, wine and oil. I gave her much silver and gold. But she used it to make statues of Baal.


text:
“So I will take away my grain at harvest time. And I will take away my wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and linen. I gave her those things to cover her nakedness.


text:
I will put an end to all her celebrations: her yearly festivals, her New Moon festivals and her Sabbaths. I will stop all of her special feasts.


text:
I will destroy her vines and fig trees. She said they were her pay from her lovers. I will turn them into a forest. Wild animals will eat those plants.


text:
I will punish her for all the times she burned incense to the Baals. She put on her rings and jewelry. Then she went chasing after her lovers. But she has forgotten me!” says the Lord.


text:
Then I will give her back her vineyards. And I will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. Then she will respond as when she was young, as when she came out of Egypt.”


text:
At that time I will make an agreement for them. It will be with the wild animals, the birds and the crawling things. I will remove from the land the bow and the sword and the weapons of war. Then my people will live in safety.


text:
And I will make you my promised bride forever. I will be good and fair. I will show you my love and mercy.


text:
“And at that time I will answer you,” says the Lord. “I will speak to the skies. And they will give rain to the earth.


text:
The earth will produce grain, wine and oil. Much will grow because my people are called Jezreel—God plants.


text:
I will plant my people in the land. I will show pity to the one I had called ‘not shown pity.’ I will say, ‘You are my people’ to those I had called ‘not my people.’ And they will say to me, ‘You are our God.’”


text:
Hosea Buys Gomer Back The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again. She has had other lovers and has been unfaithful to you. But you must keep on loving her the way the Lord loves the people of Israel. This is true even though the Israelites worship other gods. They love to eat the raisin cakes.”


text:
Then I told her, “You must wait for me for many days. You must not be a prostitute. You must not be any other man’s lover. I, in turn, will wait for you.”


text:
In the same way Israel will live many days without a king or leader. They will not have sacrifices or holy stone pillars. They will be without the holy vest or an idol.


text:
After this, the people of Israel will return to the Lord their God. They will follow the Lord and the king from David’s family. In the last days they will come to the Lord. And he will bless them.


text:
The Lord’s Word Against Israel People of Israel, listen to the Lord’s message. The Lord says he has this against you who live in this country: “The people are not true, not loyal to God. They do not even know him.


text:
They curse. They lie. They kill. They steal. They are guilty of adultery. They break all my laws. One murder follows another.


text:
Because of this the land dries up, and all its people are dying off. Even the wild animals are dying. Even the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying.


text:
God’s Case Against the Priests “No one should accuse or blame another person. Don’t blame the people, you priests, when they quarrel with you.


text:
You will be ruined one of these days. And your prophets will be ruined with you one of these nights. I will also destroy your mother, the nation of Israel.


text:
My people will be destroyed because they have no knowledge. You priests have refused to learn. So I will refuse to let you be priests to me. You have forgotten the teachings of your God. So I will reject your children.


text:
The more priests there are, the more they sin against me. I will take away their honor and give them nothing but shame.


text:
The priests are as wrong as the people. I will punish them both for what they have done. I will repay them for the wrong they have done.


text:
“They will eat but not have enough. They will sin sexually with the prostitutes. But they will not have children. This is because they left the Lord.


text:
God’s Case Against the People “Sexual sins, old wine and new wine take away my people’s ability to understand.


text:
My people ask wooden idols for advice. They ask those sticks of wood to advise them! Like prostitutes, they have chased after other gods. They have left their own God.


text:
They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains. They burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars and other trees. They think the shade under those trees is nice. So your daughters become prostitutes. And your daughters-in-law are guilty of adultery.


text:
“But I will not punish your daughters when they become prostitutes. I will not punish your daughters-in-law for their sins of adultery. I will not punish them because you yourselves have sinned sexually with prostitutes. You offer sacrifices with the temple prostitutes. You foolish people are destroying yourselves.


text:
“Israel, you act like a prostitute. But don’t let Judah be guilty. Don’t go to sacrifice at Gilgal. Don’t go up to give offerings at Beth Aven. Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises. Don’t say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives . . .’


text:
The people of Israel are stubborn like a stubborn young cow. How then can the Lord feed them like lambs in a meadow?


text:
Her rulers get drunk. Then they give themselves to being prostitutes. They love these disgraceful things.


text:
The Lord’s Word Against the Leaders “Listen, you priests. Pay attention, people of Israel. Listen, royal family. You will all be judged. You have been like a trap at Mizpah. You have been like a net spread out at Mount Tabor.


text:
I know all about Israel. What they have done is not hidden from me. They all act like prostitutes. Israel has made itself unclean.


text:
“And those bad things they have done keep them from returning to their God. They are determined to be unfaithful to me. They do not know the Lord.


text:
Israel’s pride testifies against them. The people of Israel will stumble because of their sin. The people of Judah will also stumble with them.


text:
The people will come to worship the Lord. They will come with their sheep and cattle. But they will not be able to find him, because he has left them.


text:
They have not been true to the Lord. Their children do not belong to him. So their false worship will destroy them and their land.


text:
“Blow the horn in Gibeah. Blow the trumpet in Ramah. Give the warning at Beth Aven. Be first into battle, people of Benjamin.


text:
A time of punishment is coming. Israel will be destroyed. I warn the tribes of Israel that this will surely happen.


text:
The leaders of Judah are like thieves. They try to steal the property of others. My punishment will overwhelm them like a flood of water.


text:
“Israel saw how weak she was. Judah saw the wounds she suffered. So Israel turned to Assyria for help. She sent to the great king of Assyria for help. But he cannot heal you. He cannot cure your wound.


text:
I will be like a lion to Israel. I will be like a young lion to Judah. I will attack them and tear them to pieces. I will drag them off, and no one will be able to save them.


text:
Then I will go back to my place until the people admit they are guilty. At that time they must look for me. In their trouble they must turn to me.”


text:
The People Are Not Faithful You people say, “Come, let’s go back to the Lord. He has hurt us, but he will heal us. He has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds.


text:
In a short while he will put new life in us. We will not have to wait long for him to raise us up. Then we may live in his presence.


text:
Let’s learn about the Lord. Let’s try hard to know who he is. He will come to us as surely as the dawn comes. The Lord will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the ground.”


text:
The Lord says, “Israel, what should I do with you? Judah, what should I do with you? Your faithfulness is like a morning mist. It lasts only as long as the dew in the morning.


text:
I have warned you by my prophets that I will kill you and destroy you. My judgments will flash forth like lightning against you.


text:
I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices. I want people to know me more than I want burnt offerings.


text:
Some of the priests are like robbers waiting in ambush. They murder people on the way to Shechem. They do wicked crimes.


text:
I have seen horrible things in Israel. The people are unfaithful to God, and Israel has become unclean.


text:
I would like to heal Israel. But their sin can be seen by everyone. The wickedness of Israel is too well-known. They cheat one another. They break into other peoples’ houses. There are robberies in the streets.


text:
It never enters their minds that I remember all their wicked deeds. The bad things they do are all around, and I can see their sins clearly.


text:
Israel Destroys Her Rulers “They make the king happy with their wickedness. They make their rulers glad with their lies.


text:
But all of them are traitors. They are like an oven heated by a baker. While he mixes the dough, he does not stir up the flame.


text:
They hold a festival day for the king. On that day the rulers become drunk with wine. The king joins in with those who had made evil plans.


text:
They approach him with murder in mind. Their hearts are like a hot oven. All night long its fire is low. When morning comes, it is fanned into flame.


text:
So all these people are as hot as an oven. Like a fire they destroy their rulers. Their kings fall one after another. And no one calls on me.


text:
Israel and the Other Nations “Israel mixes with other nations. Israel is useless like a pancake cooked only on one side.


text:
Foreign nations are using up Israel’s strength. And Israel doesn’t even know it. Israel is weak and feeble, like an old man. And they don’t even know it.


text:
Israel’s pride will cause their defeat. They have had many troubles. But they still do not turn to the Lord their God. They do not look to him for help.


text:
Israel has become like a silly pigeon. The people have no understanding. First they call to Egypt for help. Then they run for help to Assyria.


text:
When they go, I will catch them as men catch birds in a net. Then I will punish them as I have warned them.


text:
How terrible for them because they left me! They will be destroyed because they turned against me. I want to save them. But they have spoken lies against me.


text:
They do not call to me from their hearts. They just lie on their beds and cry. They come together to ask for grain and new wine. But they really turn away from me.


text:
They did not turn to the Most High God. They are like a crooked bow that does not shoot straight. Their leaders brag about their strength. But they will be killed with swords. Then the people in Egypt will laugh at them.


text:
Israel Has Trusted Wrong Things “Put the trumpet to your lips and give the warning! The enemy swoops down on my people like an eagle. The Israelites have broken my agreement. They have turned against my teachings.


text:
They chose their own kings without asking my permission. They chose their own leaders, men I did not know. They made their silver and gold into idols. For all this they will be destroyed.


text:
The idol is something a craftsman made. It is not God. Israel’s calf-shaped idol will surely be smashed to pieces.


text:
“Israel’s foolish plans are like planting the wind. But they will harvest a whirlwind. Her plans are like a stalk with no head of grain. It produces nothing. Even if it produces something, other nations would eat it.


text:
Although Israel is mixed among the nations, I will gather them together. They will become weaker and weaker as they suffer under the great king of Assyria.


text:
They reject the many teachings I have written for them. They act as if the teachings were strange and foreign to them.


text:
The Israelites offer sacrifices to me and eat the meat. But the Lord is not pleased with them. He remembers the evil they have done. And he will punish them for their sins. They will be slaves again as they were in Egypt.


text:
The people of Israel have forgotten their Maker. They trust in the palaces they have built. And Judah trusts in her many strong, walled cities. But I will send fire on their cities and destroy their strong towers.”


text:
Israel’s Punishment Israel, do not rejoice. Don’t celebrate as the other nations do. You have been unfaithful to your God. You love the grain on your threshing floors. So you worship the gods who supposedly gave it.


text:
The Israelites will not stay in the Lord’s land. Israel will return to being captives as they were in Egypt. In Assyria they will eat food that they are not allowed to eat.


text:
The Israelites will not give offerings of wine to the Lord. Their sacrifices will not please him. Their sacrifices will be like food that is eaten at a funeral. It is unclean, and everyone who eats it becomes unclean. Their food will only satisfy their hunger. They cannot sacrifice it in the Temple.


text:
Even if the people are not destroyed, Egypt will take them as captives. They will be buried in Memphis. Weeds will grow over their silver treasures. Thorns will grow over their houses.


text:
Let Israel know this. The time of punishment has come. The time to pay for your sins has come. You have sinned very much, and your hatred is great. You think the prophet is a fool. You say the spiritual man is crazy.


text:
The prophet is God’s watchman to warn Israel of danger. But everywhere he goes you set traps for him. You treat him as an enemy in God’s own land.


text:
The men of Israel have become as sinful as the men of Gibeah were. The Lord will remember the evil things they have done. He will punish them for their sins.


text:
“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert. Your ancestors were like finding the first figs on the tree. But when they came to Baal Peor, they began worshiping an idol. They became as disgusting as the thing they worshiped.


text:
Israel’s glory will fly away like a bird. There will be no more pregnancies, no more births, no more babies.


text:
But even if the Israelites bring up children, I will take them all away. How terrible it will be for them when I turn away from them!


text:
I have seen Israel, like Tyre, given a pleasant place. But the people of Israel will soon bring out their children to be killed.”


text:
Lord, give them what they should have. What will you give them? Make their women unable to have children. Give them breasts that cannot feed their babies.


text:
“The Israelites were wicked in Gilgal, so I began to hate them there. Because of the sinful things they have done, I will force them to leave my land. I will no longer love them. Their leaders have turned against me.


text:
Israel is like a sick plant. Its root is dying, and it has no fruit. So the people will have no more children. And if they did, I would kill the children they love.”


text:
Israel Will Pay for Sin Israel is like a vine that produced plenty of fruit. As the people became richer, they built more altars for idols. As their land became better, they put up better stone pillars to honor false gods.


text:
Their heart was false. Now they must pay for their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars. He will destroy their holy stone pillars.


text:
Then the Israelites will say, “We have no king, because we didn’t honor the Lord. But even if we had one, he couldn’t do anything for us.”


text:
They make many false promises. They make agreements they don’t keep. So people sue each other in court. They are like poisonous weeds growing in a plowed field.


text:
The people from Israel are worried about the calf-shaped idol at Beth Aven. The people and the priests will cry because their glorious idol is gone.


text:
It will be carried off as a payment that was demanded to the great king of Assyria. Israel will be disgraced. The people will be ashamed of trusting that idol.


text:
The places of worship at Beth Aven will be destroyed. They are where Israel sins. Thorns and weeds will grow up and cover their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” And they will say to the hills, “Fall on us!”


text:
“Israel, you have sinned since the time of Gibeah. The people there have continued sinning. But war will surely overwhelm them, because of the evil they have done there.


text:
When I am ready, I will come to punish them. Armies will come together against them. They will be punished for their many sins.


text:
Israel is like a well-trained young cow that likes to thresh grain. But I will put a yoke on her neck. I will make Israel work hard in the field. Judah will plow. Israel will break up the ground.


text:
I said, ‘Break new ground. Plant what is right. Then you will harvest good things from your loyalty to me. It is time for you to turn back to me, the Lord. Do it until I come and pour out my goodness on you.’


text:
But you have planted evil. So you have harvested trouble. You have trusted in your own power and your many soldiers. Now you must live with the result of your lies.


text:
So your armies will hear the noise of battle. And all your strong, walled cities will be destroyed. It will be like the time King Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in battle. Mothers and children were crushed to the ground together.


text:
The same will happen to you, people of Bethel, because you did so much evil. When that time comes, the king of Israel will die.


text:
But the more I called to the people of Israel, the further they went from me. They offered sacrifices to the Baals. They burned incense to the idols.


text:
But it was I who taught Israel to walk. I took them by the arms. But they did not understand that I had healed them.


text:
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. I lifted the yoke from their neck. I bent down and fed them.


text:
“The Israelites will become captives again, as they were in Egypt. The king of Assyria will become their king. This is because they refuse to turn to God.


text:
My people have made up their minds to turn away from me. The prophets call them to turn to me. But none of them honors me at all.


text:
“Israel, I don’t want to give you up. I don’t want to go away and leave you. I don’t want to make you like Admah. I don’t want to treat you like Zeboiim. My heart beats for you. My love for you stirs up my pity.


text:
I won’t punish you in my anger. I won’t destroy Israel again. I am God and not man. I am the Holy One, and I am among you. I will not come against you in anger.


text:
I will call for my people like a lion calling for its young. My children will come and follow me. They will hurry to me from the west.


text:
They will come swiftly like birds from a captivity like Egypt was, and like doves from Assyria. I will settle them again in their homes,” says the Lord.


text:
The Lord Is Against Israel Israel has surrounded me with lies. The people of Israel have made their secret plans. And Judah turns against God, the faithful Holy One.


text:
What Israel does is as useless as chasing the wind, as dangerous as being in a windstorm. They tell more and more lies and do more and more violence. They make agreements with Assyria, and they send a gift of olive oil to Egypt.


text:
The Lord also has some things against Judah. He will punish Israel for what they have done. He will give them what they deserve.


text:
Their ancestor Jacob held on to his brother’s heel while the two of them were being born. When Jacob grew to be a man, he wrestled with God.


text:
He wrestled with the angel and won. Jacob cried and asked for his blessing. Later, God met with him at Bethel and spoke with him there.


text:
Like Jacob you must return to him. You must be loyal and true to him. You must do what is honest and just. You must always trust in him as your God.


text:
The people of Israel brag that they are rich. They think that because they are rich no one will learn about their sins.


text:
“But I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt. I will make you live in tents again as you used to do in the desert.


text:
The people of Gilead are evil. They are worth nothing. People sacrifice bulls at Gilgal. But their altars will become like piles of stone in a plowed field.


text:
Your ancestor Jacob fled to Northwest Mesopotamia. There he worked to get a wife. He tended sheep to pay for her.


text:
Later the Lord used a prophet to bring Jacob’s descendants out of Egypt. The Lord used a prophet to take care of the Israelites.


text:
But the Israelites made the Lord angry. They killed other people. They deserve to die for their crimes. The Lord will make them pay for the disgraceful things they have done.


text:
The Final Word Against Israel People used to fear the tribe of Ephraim. They were important people in Israel. But they sinned by worshiping Baal. So they must die.


text:
But they keep on sinning more and more. They make idols of their silver. Those idols are cleverly made. They are the work of a craftsman. Yet the people of Israel say to each other, “Kiss those calf idols and sacrifice to them.”


text:
So those people will be like the morning dew. They will disappear like the morning mist. They will be like chaff blown from the threshing floor. They will vanish away like smoke rising from a chimney.


text:
“I have been the Lord their God since they were in the land of Egypt. They have really known no other God except me. I am the one who has saved them.


text:
I will attack like a bear robbed of her cubs. I will rip their bodies open. I will devour them like a lion. I will tear them apart like a wild animal.


text:
What good are your kings and your leaders now? Can they save you in any of your towns? You asked for them, saying, ‘Give us a king and leaders.’


text:
Israel has a chance to live again, but the people are too foolish to take it. They are like an unborn baby who won’t come out of its mother’s womb.


text:
So I will not save them from the place where the dead are. I will not rescue them from death. I will call on death to hurt them. I will call on the place where the dead are to destroy them. I will show them no mercy.


text:
Israel has become important among the nations. But the Lord will send a destroyer from the east. He will come like a wind from the desert that dries up all the springs and wells of water. He will destroy all their treasures, everything of value.


text:
The nation of Israel will be punished, because it fought against God. The people of Israel will die by the sword. Their children will be torn to pieces. And their pregnant women will be ripped open.”


text:
Come back to the Lord and say these words to him: “Take away all our sin and kindly receive us. Then we will give you the praise we promised you.


text:
Assyria cannot save us. We will not trust in our horses. We will not say again, ‘Our gods,’ to the things our hands have made. You show mercy to us, who are like orphans.”


text:
The Lord says, “I will forgive them for leaving me. I will love them freely. I am not angry with them anymore.


text:
I will be like the dew to Israel. It will blossom like a lily. Like the cedar trees in Lebanon, its roots will be firm.


text:
The people will be like spreading branches. They will be like the beautiful olive trees. They will be like the sweet-smelling cedars in Lebanon.


text:
The people of Israel will again live under my protection. They will grow like the grain. They will bloom like a vine. They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon.


text:
Israel, have nothing to do with idols. I, the Lord, am the one who answers your prayers. I am the one who watches over you. I am like a green pine tree. Your blessings come from me.”


text:
A wise person will know these things. An understanding person will take them to heart. The Lord’s ways are right. Good people live by following them, but those who turn against God die because of them.


text:
Elders, listen to this message. Listen to me, all you people who live in the land. Nothing like this has ever happened during your lifetime. Nothing like this has ever happened during your fathers’ lifetimes.


text:
Tell your children about these things. And let your children tell their children. And let your grandchildren tell their children.


text:
What the cutting locusts have not eaten, the swarming locusts have eaten. And what the swarming locusts have left, the hopping locusts have eaten. And what the hopping locusts have left, the destroying locusts have eaten.


text:
Drunks, wake up and cry! All of you people who drink wine, cry! Cry because your sweet wine has been taken away from you.


text:
A powerful nation has come into my land. It has too many soldiers to count. It has teeth like a lion. And it has fangs like a female lion.


text:
That army has eaten my grapevines. It has destroyed my fig trees. It has eaten the bark off my trees and left the branches white.


text:
There will be no more grain or drink offerings to offer in the Temple of the Lord. Because of this, the priests, the servants of the Lord, cry.


text:
The fields are ruined. Even the ground is dried up. The grain is destroyed. The new wine is dried up. And the olive oil runs out.


text:
Be sad, farmers. Cry loudly, you who grow grapes. Cry for the wheat and the barley. Cry because the harvest in the field is lost.


text:
The vines have become dry. And the fig trees are dying. The pomegranate trees, the date palm trees and the apple trees have dried up. All the trees in the field have died. And the happiness of the people has died, too.


text:
Priests, put on your rough cloth and cry to show your sadness. Servants of the altar, cry out loud. Servants of my God, sleep in your rough cloth to show your sadness. Cry because there will be no more grain or drink offerings to offer in the Temple of your God.


text:
Call the people together. Tell them there will be a time to give up food. Bring together the elders and everyone who lives in the land. Bring them to the Temple of the Lord your God. And cry out to the Lord.


text:
This will be a terrible day! The Lord’s day of judging is near. At that time punishment will come like an attack from God All-Powerful.


text:
We planted seeds, but they lie dry and dead in the dirt. Our barns are empty and falling down. The storerooms for grain have been broken down. This is because the grain has dried up.


text:
The animals are hungry and groaning! The herds of cattle wander around confused. They have no grass to eat. Even the flocks of sheep suffer.


text:
Lord, I am calling to you for help. Fire has burned up the open pastures. Flames have burned all the trees in the field.


text:
Wild animals also need your help. The water in the streams has dried up. Fire has burned up the open pastures.


text:
The Coming Day of Judgment Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem. Shout a warning on my holy mountain. Let all the people who live in the land shake with fear. The Lord’s day of judging is coming. The Lord’s day of judging is near.


text:
It will be a dark, gloomy day. It will be a cloudy and black day. Like the light at sunrise, the great and powerful army will spread over the mountains. There has never been anything like it before. And there will never be anything like it again.


text:
The army destroys the land like a burning fire. The land in front of them is like the garden of Eden. The land behind them is like an empty desert. Nothing will escape them.


text:
Listen to them! It is like the noise of chariots rumbling over the mountains. It is like the noise of crackling flames burning dry stalks. They are like a powerful army lined up for battle.


text:
The army charges ahead like soldiers. They climb over the walls like warriors. They all march straight ahead. They do not move off their path.


text:
They do not run into each other. Each one walks in line. They charge through all efforts to stop them and stay in line.


text:
They run into the city. They run along the tops of the walls. They climb into the houses. They enter through windows like a thief.


text:
The Lord calls out orders loudly as he leads his army. That army obeys his commands. It is very large and powerful. The Lord’s day of judging is an overwhelming and terrible day. No one can stand up against it.


text:
Change Your Hearts The Lord says, “Now, come back to me with all your heart. Go without food, and cry and be sad.”


text:
Tearing your clothes is not enough to show you are sad. Let your heart be broken. Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and shows mercy. He doesn’t become angry quickly. He has great love. He would rather forgive than punish.


text:
Who knows? Maybe the Lord will change his mind and leave behind a blessing for you. Then you may give grain and drink offerings to the Lord your God.


text:
Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem. Call for a special time of going without food. Call for a special meeting.


text:
Bring the people together. Make the meeting holy for the Lord. Bring together the elders. Bring together the children, even babies that still feed at their mothers’ breasts. The bridegroom should come from his room. The bride should come from her bedroom.


text:
The priests, the Lord’s servants, should cry. They should cry between the altar and entrance to the Temple. They should say, “Lord, have mercy on your people. Don’t let them be put to shame. Don’t let other nations make fun of them. Don’t let people in other nations ask, ‘Where is their God?’”


text:
The Lord Restores the Land Then the Lord became concerned about his land. He felt sorry for his people.


text:
The Lord said to them: “I will send you grain, wine and olive oil. You will have plenty. No more will I shame you among the nations.


text:
I will force the army from the north to leave your land. I will force them into a dry, empty land. Their soldiers in front will be forced into the Dead Sea. And those in the rear will be forced into the Mediterranean Sea. Their bodies will rot and stink because they did horrible things.”


text:
But, land, don’t be afraid. Be happy and full of joy because the Lord has begun to do wonderful things.


text:
Wild animals, don’t be afraid. The open pastures will grow grass. The trees will grow fruit. The fig trees and the vines will grow much fruit.


text:
So be happy, people of Jerusalem. Be joyful in the Lord your God. He will do what is right and will give you rain. He will send the early rain and the late rain for you, as before.


text:
And the threshing floors will be full of wheat. And the barrels will overflow with wine and olive oil.


text:
The Lord Speaks “I sent my great army against you. Those swarming locusts and the hopping locusts, the destroying locusts and the cutting locusts ate your crops. But I will pay you back for those years of trouble.


text:
Then you will have plenty to eat. You will be full. You will praise the name of the Lord your God. He has done miracles for you. My people will never again be shamed.


text:
Then you will know that I am among the people of Israel. You will know that I am the Lord your God. There is no other God. My people will never be shamed again.


text:
“After this, I will give my Spirit freely to all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.


text:
The sun will become dark. The moon will become red as blood. And then the Lord’s overwhelming and terrible day of judging will come.


text:
Then anyone who asks the Lord for help will be saved. Even on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be people who will be saved. This will happen just as the Lord has said. Those left alive after the day of punishment are the people whom the Lord called.


text:
Punishment for Judah’s Enemies “In those days and at that time, I will give Judah and Jerusalem back their riches.


text:
I will also gather all the nations together. I will bring them down into the Valley Where the Lord Judges. And there I will judge them. Those nations scattered my own people, Israel. They forced my people to live in other nations. They divided up my land.


text:
They threw lots for my people. They traded boys for prostitutes. And they sold girls to buy wine to drink.


text:
“Tyre and Sidon and all of you regions of Philistia! What do you have against me? Are you punishing me for something I did? Or are you doing something to hurt me? Then I will quickly do to you what you have done to me.


text:
You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks. That way you could send them far from their land.


text:
“You sent my people to that faraway place. But I will bring them back. And I will do to you what you have done to them.


text:
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah. Then they will sell them to the Sabean people far away.” The Lord said this.


text:
God Judges the Nations Announce this among the nations: Prepare for war! Wake up the soldiers! Let all the men of war come near and attack.


text:
Make your plows into swords. Make spears from your hooks for trimming trees. Let the weak say, “I am strong.”


text:
All of you nations, hurry. Come together in that place. Lord, send your strong soldiers to gather the nations.


text:
“Wake up, nations. Come to the Valley Where the Lord Judges. There I will sit to judge all the nations on every side.


text:
Cut them down like grain because the harvest is ripe with sin. Come, walk on them as you would walk on grapes, because the winepress is full. The barrels are full of their sins and spilling over. These people are so evil!”


text:
There are many people in the Valley of Decision. The Lord’s day of judging is near in the Valley of Decision.


text:
The Lord will roar like a lion from Jerusalem. His loud voice will sound like a growl from Jerusalem. And the sky and the earth will shake. But the Lord will be a safe place for his people. He will be a strong place of safety for the people of Israel.


text:
“Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. I stay in my holy Mount Zion. Jerusalem will become holy. Strangers will never take over that city again.


text:
A New Life Promised for Judah “On that day the mountains will be covered with grapes for sweet wine. The hills will be covered with cows to give milk. And water will flow through all the ravines of Judah. A fountain will flow from the Temple of the Lord. It will give water to the valley of acacia trees.


text:
But Egypt will become empty. And Edom will become an empty desert. This is because they were cruel to the people of Judah. They killed innocent people in the land of Judah.


text:
God Warns Israel to Stop Sinning Amos was one of the shepherds from the town of Tekoa. God showed him this vision about Israel. It was at the time Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. This happened two years before the earthquake.


text:
Amos said, “The Lord will roar like a lion from Jerusalem. His loud voice will sound like a growl from Jerusalem. The green pastures of the shepherds will become dry. Even Mount Carmel will dry up.”


text:
Israel’s Neighbors Are Punished The People of Aram This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Damascus is doing, I will punish them. They beat the people of Gilead with threshing boards that had iron teeth.


text:
So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael. That fire will destroy the strong towers of Ben-Hadad.


text:
I will break down the gate of Damascus. I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven. I will also destroy the king of Beth Eden. The people of Aram will be taken captive to the country of Kir,” says the Lord.


text:
The People of Philistia This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Gaza is doing, I will punish them. They sold all the people of one area as slaves to Edom.


text:
I will destroy the king of the city of Ashdod. I will destroy the king of the city of Ashkelon. Then I will turn against the people of the city of Ekron. I will punish the Philistines until they are all dead,” says the Lord God.


text:
The People of Phoenicia This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Tyre is doing, I will punish them. They sold all the people of one area as slaves to Edom. They forgot the brotherly agreement they had made with Israel.


text:
The People of Edom This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Edom is doing, I will punish them. They hunted down their brothers, the Israelites, with the sword. They showed them no mercy. The people of Edom were continually angry. And they did not hold back their great anger.


text:
The People of Ammon This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Ammon is doing, I will punish them. They ripped open the pregnant women in Gilead. They did this so they could take over that land and make their own country larger.


text:
So I will send fire on the walls of Rabbah. That fire will destroy the city’s strong towers. It will come during a day of battle. There will be strong winds on a stormy day.


text:
The People of Moab This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Moab is doing, I will punish them. They burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime.


text:
So I will send fire on Moab. And it will destroy the strong towers of the city of Kerioth. The people of Moab will die in a great noise. They will die in the middle of sounds of war and trumpets.


text:
So I will bring an end to the king of Moab. And I will kill all its leaders with him,” says the Lord.


text:
The People of Judah This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Judah is doing, I will punish them. They rejected the teachings of the Lord. They did not keep his commands. Their ancestors followed false gods. And Judah followed those same gods.


text:
Israel Is Punished This is what the Lord says: “For the many crimes Israel is doing, I will punish them. For silver they sell people who have done nothing wrong. They sell poor people for the price of a pair of sandals.


text:
They walk on poor people as if they were dirt. They refuse to be fair to those who are suffering. Fathers and sons have physical relations with the same woman. By doing this they ruin my holy name.


text:
As they worship at their altars, they lie down on clothes taken from poor people. They make people pay money as punishment. With that money they buy wine to drink in the house of their god.


text:
“But it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them. The Amorites were tall like cedar trees and as strong as oaks. But I destroyed them completely.


text:
It was I who brought you from the land of Egypt. For 40 years I led you through the desert. I led you so I could give you the land of the Amorites.


text:
I made some of your sons to be prophets. I made some of your young men to be Nazirites. People of Israel, isn’t this true?” says the Lord.


text:
No one will escape, not even the fastest runner. Strong men will not be strong enough. Warriors will not be able to save themselves.


text:
Soldiers with bows and arrows will not stand and fight. Even soldiers who run quickly will not get away. Soldiers on horses will not escape alive.


text:
Warning to Israel Listen to this message that the Lord has spoken against you, people of Israel. The message is against the whole nation the Lord brought out of Egypt.


text:
“I have chosen only you out of all the families of the earth. So I will punish you for all your sins.”


text:
A lion in the forest will roar when he has caught an animal. He does not growl in his den when he has caught nothing.


text:
A bird will not fall into a trap where there is no bait. The trap will not spring shut if there is nothing to catch.


text:
When a trumpet blows a warning, the people tremble. When trouble comes to a city, the Lord has caused it.


text:
The lion has roared! Who wouldn’t be afraid? The Lord God has spoken, and I must prophesy his message.


text:
Announce this to the strong towers of Ashdod. Announce it to the strong cities of Egypt: “Come to the mountains of Samaria. There you will see great confusion. You will see people hurting others.”


text:
“The people don’t know how to do what is right,” says the Lord. “Their strong cities are filled with treasures they took by force from others.”


text:
So this is what the Lord God says: “An enemy will take over the land. He will pull down your strong towers. He will take the treasures you hid in your strong cities.”


text:
This is what the Lord says: “A shepherd might save from a lion’s mouth only two leg bones or a scrap of an ear of his sheep. In the same way only a few Israelites will be saved. These people now sit on their beds in Samaria. They sit on their couches.”


text:
“You nations, listen to what I say against the family of Israel. You are my witnesses against them,” says the Lord God, the God of heaven’s armies.


text:
“The people of Israel sinned, and I will punish them. I will also destroy the altars at Bethel. The corners of the altar will be cut off, and they will fall to the ground.


text:
I will tear down the winter house, together with the summer house. The houses decorated with ivory will be destroyed. And the great houses will come to an end,” says the Lord.


text:
Israel Will Not Return Listen to this message, you rich women on the Mountain of Samaria. You take things from the poor and crush people who are in need. You tell your husbands, “Bring us money so we can drink!”


text:
The Lord God has promised this: “It is certain that I am a holy God. So it is certain that the time will come when some of you will be taken away by hooks. The rest of you will be taken away with fishhooks.


text:
You will go straight out of the city through holes in the walls. And you will be thrown on the garbage dump,” says the Lord.


text:
“Go to the city of Bethel and sin. Go to Gilgal and sin even more. Offer your sacrifices every morning. Bring one-tenth of your crops on the third day.


text:
Offer bread made with yeast as a sacrifice to show your thanks. And brag about the offerings you bring to show thanks to the Lord. Brag about these things, Israelites. This is what you love to do,” says the Lord God.


text:
“I did not give you any food to eat. There was not enough food in any of your towns. But you did not come back to me,” says the Lord.


text:
“I held back the rain from you three months before harvest time. Then I let it rain on one city but not on another. Rain fell on one field, but another field got none and dried up.


text:
People weak from thirst went from town to town for water. But they could not get enough water to drink. But you still did not come back to me,” says the Lord.


text:
“I made your crops die from disease and mildew. I destroyed your gardens and your vineyards. Locusts ate your fig trees and olive trees. But you still did not come back to me,” says the Lord.


text:
“I sent disasters against you, as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with swords. I also killed your horses. I made you smell the stink from all the dead bodies. But you still did not come back to me,” says the Lord.


text:
“I destroyed some of you as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick pulled from a fire. But you still have not come back to me,” says the Lord.


text:
“So this is what I will do to you, Israel. And because I will do this to you, get ready to meet your God, Israel.”


text:
He is the one who makes the mountains. He creates the wind. He makes his thoughts known to man. He changes the dawn into darkness. He walks over the mountains of the earth. His name is the Lord God of heaven’s armies.


text:
“Israel has fallen. It will not rise up again. It was left alone in the land. There is no one to lift it up.”


text:
This is what the Lord God says: “If 1,000 soldiers leave a city, only 100 will return. If 100 soldiers leave a city, only 10 will return.”


text:
But do not look in Bethel. Do not go to Gilgal, and do not go down to Beersheba. The people of Gilgal will be taken away as captives. And Bethel will become nothing.”


text:
Come to the Lord and live. If you don’t, he will destroy the descendants of Joseph as a fire would. The fire will burn. But there will be no one to put it out for Bethel.


text:
God is the one who made the star groups Pleiades and Orion. He changes darkness into the morning light. And he changes the day into the dark night. He calls for the waters of the sea to pour out on the earth. The Lord is his name.


text:
You walk on poor people. You force them to give you grain. You have built fancy houses of cut stone. But you will not live in them. You have planted beautiful vineyards. But you will not drink the wine from them.


text:
It is because I know your many crimes. I know your terrible sins. You hurt people who do right. You accept money to do wrong. You keep the poor from getting justice in court.


text:
Try to do good, not evil. Then you will live. And the Lord God of heaven’s armies will be with you just as you say he is.


text:
Hate evil and love good. Be fair in the courts. Maybe the Lord God of heaven’s armies will be kind to the people of Joseph who are left alive.


text:
This is what the Lord, the Lord God of heaven’s armies, says: “People will be crying in all the public places. They will be saying, ‘Oh, no!’ in the streets. They will call the farmers to come and weep. They will pay people to cry out loud for them.


text:
People will be crying in all the vineyards. This is because I will pass among you to punish you,” says the Lord.


text:
The Lord’s Day of Judging How terrible it will be for you who want the Lord’s day of judging to come. Why do you want that day to come? It will bring darkness for you, not light.


text:
It will be like a man who runs from a lion and meets a bear. It will be like him going into his house and putting his hand on the wall. And then a snake bites him.


text:
You offer me burnt offerings and grain offerings. But I won’t accept them. You bring the best fellowship offerings. But I will ignore them.


text:
“People of Israel, you did not bring me sacrifices and offerings while you traveled in the desert for 40 years.


text:
But now you will have to carry with you your king, the false god Sakkuth, and Kaiwan your idol and the idols of your other star gods you have made.


text:
This is because I will send you away as captives beyond Damascus,” says the Lord. His name is God of heaven’s armies.


text:
Israel Will Be Destroyed How terrible it will be for you who have it easy in Jerusalem. How terrible for you who live on Mount Samaria and feel safe. You think you are important people of the best nation in the world. The Israelites come to you for help.


text:
Go look at the city of Calneh. From there go to the great city Hamath. Go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Are their lands larger than yours?


text:
You lie on beds decorated with ivory. You stretch out on your couches. You eat tender lambs and fattened calves.


text:
You drink wine by the bowlful. You use the best perfumed lotions. But you are not sad over the ruin of Israel, Joseph’s descendants.


text:
So you will be some of the first ones taken as slaves. Your feasting and lying around will come to an end.


text:
The Lord God made this promise. The Lord God of heaven’s armies says: “I hate the pride of the people of Israel. I hate their strong towers. So I will let the enemy take the city and everything in it.”


text:
A relative and one who is to prepare bodies for burial may come to get the bodies. One of them will take the bodies out to burn them. He will call to the other and ask, “Are there any other dead bodies with you?” That person will answer, “No.” Then the one who asked will say, “Hush! We must not speak the name of the Lord.”


text:
The Lord has given the command. The large house will be broken into pieces. And the small house will be broken into bits.


text:
Horses do not run on rocks. People do not plow rocks with oxen. But you have changed fairness into poison. You have changed what is right into something wrong.


text:
You are happy that the town of Lo Debar was taken. You say, “We have taken Karnaim by our own strength.”


text:
The Lord God of heaven’s armies says, “Israel, I will bring a nation against you. It will bring trouble for you from Lebo Hamath in the north to the valley south of the Dead Sea.”


text:
The Vision of Locusts This is what the Lord God showed me: He was forming a swarm of locusts. This was after the king had taken his share of the first crop. The second crop had just begun growing.


text:
The locusts ate all the crops in the country. After that I said, “Lord God, forgive us, I beg you! No one in Israel could live through this. Israel is too small already!”


text:
The Vision of Fire This is what the Lord God showed me: The Lord God was calling for fire to come to punish. The fire dried up the deep water and destroyed the land.


text:
Then I cried out, “Lord God, stop, I beg you! No one in Israel could live through this. Israel is too small already.”


text:
The Vision of the Plumb Line This is what the Lord showed me: The Lord stood by a straight wall. He had a plumb line in his hand.


text:
The Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “See, I will put a plumb line among my people Israel to show how crooked they are. I will not feel sorry for them any longer.


text:
“The places where Isaac’s descendants worship will be destroyed. Israel’s holy places will be turned into ruins. And I will attack King Jeroboam’s family with the sword.”


text:
Amaziah and Amos So Amaziah, a priest at Bethel, sent this message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is making evil plans against you with the people of Israel. He has been speaking so much that this land can’t hold all his words.


text:
Amos has said this: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and the people of Israel will be taken as captives out of their own country.’”


text:
Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Seer, go, run away to Judah. Do your prophesying and earn your living there.


text:
But don’t prophesy anymore here at Bethel. This is King Jeroboam’s holy place. This is Israel’s temple.”


text:
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I do not make my living as a prophet. And I am not a member of a group of prophets. I make my living as a shepherd. And I take care of sycamore trees.


text:
But the Lord took me away from tending the sheep. He said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people, the Israelites.’


text:
So listen to the Lord’s message. You tell me, ‘Don’t prophesy against Israel. And stop prophesying against the descendants of Isaac.’


text:
“Because you have said this, the Lord says: ‘Your wife will become a prostitute in the city. Your sons and daughters will be killed with swords. Other people will take your land and divide it among themselves. And you will die in a foreign country. The people of Israel will definitely be taken from their own land as captives.’”


text:
The Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A basket of fruit from the end of the harvest.” Then the Lord said to me, “An end has come for my people, the Israelites. I will not overlook their sins anymore.


text:
“On that day the palace songs will become funeral songs,” says the Lord God. “There will be dead bodies thrown everywhere! Silence!”


text:
Listen to me you who walk on helpless people. You are trying to destroy the poor people of this country.


text:
Your businessmen say, “When will the New Moon Festival be over so we can sell grain? When will the Sabbath be over so we can bring out wheat to sell? We can charge them more and give them less. We can change the scales to cheat the people.


text:
We will buy poor people for silver. And we will buy needy people for the price of a pair of sandals. We will even sell the wheat that was swept up from the floor.”


text:
The Lord used his name, the Pride of Jacob, to make a promise. He said, “I will never forget what these people did.


text:
The whole land will shake because of it. Everyone who lives in the land will cry for those who died. The whole land will rise like the Nile. It will be shaken, and then it will fall like the Nile River in Egypt.”


text:
The Lord God says: “At that time I will cause the sun to go down at noon. I will make the earth dark on a clear day.


text:
I will change your festivals into days of crying for the dead. All your songs will become songs of sadness for the dead. I will make all of you wear rough cloth to show your sadness. You will shave your heads to show sadness. I will make that day like the crying for the death of an only son. Its end will be very painful.”


text:
The Lord God says: “The days are coming when I will cause a time of hunger in the land. The people will not be hungry for bread or thirsty for water. But they will be hungry for words from the Lord.


text:
People will wander from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea. They will wander from the north to the east. They will search for the word of the Lord. But they won’t find it.


text:
They made promises by the idol in Samaria. They said, ‘As surely as the god of Dan lives . . .’ And they said, ‘As surely as the god of Beersheba lives, we promise . . .’ So they will fall and never get up again.”


text:
Israel Will Be Destroyed I saw the Lord standing by the altar. He said: “Smash the top of the pillars so that even the bottom of the doors will shake. Make the pillars fall on the people’s heads. Anyone left alive I will kill with a sword. Not one person will get away. No one will escape.


text:
If they dig down as deep as where the dead are, I will pull them up from there. If they climb up into the skies, I will bring them down from there.


text:
If they hide at the top of Mount Carmel, I will find them and take them away. If they try to hide from me at the bottom of the sea, I will command a snake to bite them.


text:
If they are captured and taken away by their enemies, I will command the sword to kill them. I will keep watch over them. But I will keep watch to give them trouble, not to do them good.”


text:
The Master, the Lord of heaven’s armies, will touch the land. And the land will shake. Then everyone who lives in the land will cry for the dead. The whole land will rise like the Nile River. It will fall like the river of Egypt.


text:
The Lord built his upper rooms above the skies. He sets their foundations on the earth. He calls for the waters of the sea. He pours them out on the land. The Lord is his name.


text:
The Lord says this: “Israel, you are no different to me than the people of Cush. I brought Israel out of the land of Egypt. I also brought the Philistines from Crete and the Arameans from Kir.


text:
I, the Lord God, am watching the sinful kingdom Israel. I will destroy Israel from the earth’s surface. But I will not completely destroy Jacob’s descendants,” says the Lord.


text:
“I am giving the command to scatter the nation of Israel among all nations. It will be like someone sifting flour. A person shakes flour through a sifter. The good flour falls through, but not the bad clumps.


text:
The Lord Promises to Restore Israel “The kingdom of David is like a fallen tent. But in that day I will set it up again and mend its broken places. I will rebuild its ruins. I will rebuild it as it was before.


text:
Then Israel will take over what is left of Edom and the other nations that belong to me,” says the Lord. And he will make it happen.


text:
The Lord says, “The time is coming when there will be plenty of food. A person will still be harvesting his crops when it’s time to plow again. A person will still be taking the juice from his grapes when it’s time to plant again. Sweet wine will drip from the mountains. And it will pour from the hills.


text:
I will bring my people Israel back from captivity. They will build the ruined cities again. And they will live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink the wine from them. They will plant gardens and eat their fruit.


text:
I will plant my people on their land. And they will not be pulled out again from the land which I have given them,” says the Lord your God.


text:
The Lord Will Punish the Edomites This is the vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God says about Edom: We have heard a message from the Lord. A messenger has been sent among the nations, saying “Let’s go attack Edom!”


text:
The Lord Speaks to the Edomites “Look, I have made you only a small nation. Others do not respect you.


text:
But your pride has fooled you. You live in the hollow places of the cliff. Your home is up high. And you say to yourself, ‘No one can bring me down to the ground.’


text:
You fly high like the eagle. You make your nest among the stars. But I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord.


text:
“You will really be ruined! It would be better if thieves come to you, if robbers come by night. They would steal only enough for themselves. Workers come and pick the grapes from your vines. But they would leave a few grapes behind.


text:
All the people who are your friends will force you out of the land. The people who are at peace with you will trick you and defeat you. They eat your bread with you now. But they are planning a trap for you. And you will not notice it.”


text:
The Lord says, “On that day I will surely destroy the wise men from Edom. I will destroy these men of understanding from the mountains of Edom.


text:
Then, city of Teman, your mighty men will be afraid. And everyone from the mountains of Edom will be killed.


text:
You did violence against your relatives, the people of Israel. So you will be covered with shame. You will be destroyed forever.


text:
You stood aside without helping while strangers carried Israel’s treasures away. Foreigners entered Israel’s city gate. They threw lots to decide what part of Jerusalem they would take. At that time you were like one of those foreigners.


text:
Commands That Edom Broke “Do not laugh at your brothers’ trouble. Do not be happy when people destroy Judah. Do not brag about the cruel things done to them.


text:
Do not enter the city gate of my people in their time of trouble. Do not laugh at their problems in their time of trouble. Do not take their treasures in their time of trouble.


text:
Do not stand at the crossroads to destroy those who are trying to escape. Do not capture those who escape alive in a time of trouble.


text:
The Nations Will Be Judged “The Lord’s day of judging is coming soon to all the nations. You did evil things to other people. Those same things will happen to you. They will come back upon your own head.


text:
Because you joined the nations in robbing my Temple, you drank my anger. So all the nations will drink my anger. They will be punished so much that they will disappear.


text:
But on Mount Zion some will be left alive. The mountain will be a holy place. The people of Jacob will take back their land. They will take it from those who took it from them.


text:
The people of Jacob, the Israelites, will be like a fire. And the people of Joseph will be like a flame. But the people of Esau, the Edomites, will be like dry stalks. The people of Jacob will set these stalks on fire. They will burn up the Edomites. Then there will be no one left of the people of Esau.” This will happen because the Lord has said it.


text:
Then God’s people will regain southern Judah from Edom, the mountain of Esau. They will take back the western mountain slopes from the Philistines. They will regain the lands of Ephraim and Samaria. And Benjamin will take over Gilead.


text:
People from Israel once were forced to leave their homes. But at that time they will take the land of the Canaanites. They will take it all the way to Zarephath. People from Judah were once forced to leave Jerusalem and live in Sepharad. But at that time they will take back the cities of southern Judah.


text:
Powerful warriors will go up on Mount Zion. There they will rule the people living on Edom’s mountain. And the kingdom will belong to the Lord.


text:
But Jonah got up to run away from the Lord. He went to the city of Joppa. There he found a ship that was going to the city of Tarshish. Jonah paid for the trip and went aboard. He wanted to go to Tarshish to run away from the Lord.


text:
But the Lord sent a great wind on the sea. This wind made the sea very rough. So the ship was in danger of breaking apart.


text:
The sailors were afraid. Each man cried to his own god. The men began throwing the cargo into the sea. This would make the ship lighter so it would not sink. But Jonah had gone down into the ship to lie down. He fell fast asleep.


text:
The captain of the ship came and said, “Why are you sleeping? Get up! Pray to your god! Maybe your god will pay attention to us. Maybe he will save us!”


text:
Then the men said to each other, “Let’s throw lots to see who caused these troubles to happen to us.” So the men threw lots. The lot showed that the trouble had happened because of Jonah.


text:
Then the men said to Jonah, “Tell us what you have done. Why has this terrible thing happened to us? What is your job? Where do you come from? What is your country? Who are your people?”


text:
Then Jonah said to them, “I am a Hebrew. I fear the Lord, the God of heaven. He is the God who made the sea and the land.”


text:
Then the men were very afraid. They asked Jonah, “What terrible thing did you do?” They knew Jonah was running away from the Lord because Jonah had told them.


text:
The wind and the waves of the sea were becoming much stronger. So the men said to Jonah, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down?”


text:
Jonah said to them, “Pick me up, and throw me into the sea. Then it will calm down. I know it is my fault that this great storm has come on you.”


text:
Instead, the men tried to row the ship back to the land. But they could not. The wind and the waves of the sea were becoming much stronger.


text:
Jonah’s Punishment So the men cried to the Lord, “Lord, please don’t let us die because of taking this man’s life. Please don’t think we are guilty of killing an innocent man. Lord, you have caused all this to happen. You wanted it this way.”


text:
Then they began to fear the Lord very much. They offered a sacrifice to the Lord. They also made promises to him.


text:
And the Lord caused a very big fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.


text:
“I was in danger. So I called to the Lord, and he answered me. I was about to die. So I cried to you, and you heard my voice.


text:
You threw me into the sea. I went down, down into the deep sea. The water was all around me. Your powerful waves flowed over me.


text:
The waters of the sea closed over me. I was about to die. The deep sea was all around me. Seaweed wrapped around my head.


text:
I went down to where the mountains of the sea start to rise. I thought I was locked in this prison forever. But you saved me from death, Lord my God.


text:
“When my life had almost gone, I remembered the Lord. Lord, I prayed to you. And you heard my prayers in your Holy Temple.


text:
Lord, I will praise and thank you while I give sacrifices to you. I will make promises to you. And I will do what I promise. Salvation comes from the Lord!”


text:
So Jonah obeyed the Lord. He got up and went to Nineveh. It was a very large city. It took a person three days just to walk across it.


text:
Jonah entered the city. When he had walked for one day, he preached to the people. He said, “After 40 days, Nineveh will be destroyed!”


text:
The people of Nineveh believed in God. They announced they would stop eating for a while. They put on rough cloth to show how sad they were. All the people in the city wore the cloth. People from the most important to the least important did this.


text:
When the king of Nineveh heard this news, he got up from his throne. He took off his robe. He covered himself with rough cloth and sat in ashes to show how upset he was.


text:
He made an announcement and sent it through the city. The announcement said: By command of the king and his important men: No person or animal should eat anything. No herd or flock will be allowed to taste anything. Do not let them eat food or drink water.


text:
But every person and animal should be covered with rough cloth. People should cry loudly to God. Everyone must turn away from his evil life. Everyone must stop doing harm.


text:
God saw what the people did. He saw that they stopped doing evil things. So God changed his mind and did not do what he had warned. He did not punish them.


text:
God’s Mercy Makes Jonah Angry But Jonah was very unhappy that God did not destroy the city. He was angry.


text:
He complained to the Lord and said, “I knew this would happen. I knew it when I was still in my own country. It is why I quickly ran away to Tarshish. I knew that you are a God who is kind and shows mercy. You don’t become angry quickly. You have great love. I knew you would rather forgive than punish them.


text:
Jonah went out and sat down east of the city. There he made a shelter for himself. And he sat there in the shade. He was waiting to see what would happen to the city.


text:
The Lord made a plant grow quickly up over Jonah. This made a cool place for him to sit. And it helped him to be more comfortable. Jonah was very pleased to have the plant for shade.


text:
When the sun was high in the sky, God sent a hot east wind to blow. The sun became very hot on Jonah’s head. And he became very weak. He wished he were dead. Jonah said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”


text:
But God said this to Jonah: “Do you think it is right for you to be angry because of the plant?” Jonah answered, “It is right for me to be angry! I will stay angry until I die!”


text:
And the Lord said, “You showed concern for that plant. But you did not plant it or make it grow. It appeared in the night, and the next day it died.


text:
Then surely I can show concern for the great city Nineveh. There are many animals in that city. And there are more than 120,000 people living there. Those people simply do not know right from wrong!”


text:
Samaria and Israel to Be Punished Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. During the time they were kings, the word of the Lord came to Micah, who was from Moresheth. He saw these visions about Samaria and Jerusalem.


text:
Hear this, all you nations. Listen, all you who live on the earth. The Lord God will come from his Holy Temple. He will come as a witness against you.


text:
See, the Lord is coming out of his place in heaven. He is coming down to walk on the tops of the mountains.


text:
The mountains will melt under him like wax in a fire. The valleys will crack open as if split by water raging down a mountain.


text:
This is because of Jacob’s sin. It is because of the sins of the nation of Israel. Who is responsible for Jacob’s sin? Samaria! Who is responsible for Judah’s worshiping idols? Jerusalem!


text:
The Lord Speaks “So I will make Samaria a pile of ruins in the open country. It will be like a place for planting vineyards. I will pour Samaria’s stones down into the valley. And I will destroy her down to her foundations.


text:
All her idols will be broken into pieces. All the gifts to her idols will be burned with fire. I will destroy all her idols. This is because Samaria earned her money by being unfaithful to me. So this money will be carried off by other people who are not faithful to me.”


text:
Micah’s Great Sadness I will moan and cry because of this evil. I will go around barefoot and without clothes. I will cry loudly like the wild dogs. I will cry like the ostriches.


text:
I will do this because Samaria’s wound cannot be healed. Her destruction will spread to Judah. It will reach the city gate of my people. It will come all the way to Jerusalem.


text:
Pass on your way, naked and ashamed, you who live in Shaphir. Those who live in Zaanan won’t come out to help you. The people in Beth Ezel will cry. But they will not give you any support.


text:
Those who live in Maroth will be anxious for good news to come. This is because trouble will come from the Lord. It will come all the way to the gate of Jerusalem.


text:
You people living in Lachish, harness the fastest horse to the chariot. Jerusalem’s sins started in you. This is because you followed in Israel’s sins.


text:
So you must give farewell gifts to Moresheth in Gath. The houses in Aczib will be false help to the kings of Israel.


text:
I will bring an enemy against you who live in Mareshah. He will take what you own. The leaders Israel brags about will hide in the cave at Adullam.


text:
Cut off your hair to show you are sad. Cry for the children you love. Make yourself bald like the eagle, because your children will be forced to live in a foreign land.


text:
The Evil Plans of People How terrible it will be for people who plan wickedness. They lie on their beds and make evil plans. When the morning light comes, they do the things they planned. They do them just because they have the power to do so.


text:
They want fields; so they take them. They want houses; so they take them. They cheat a man and take his house. They cheat a man and take his property.


text:
That is why the Lord says: “Look, I am planning trouble against such people. You won’t be able to save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, because it will be a terrible time.


text:
At that time people will make fun of you. They will sing this sad song about you: ‘We are completely ruined. The Lord has taken away our land. Yes, he has taken our land away from us. He has divided our fields among our enemies!’”


text:
So you will have no land for people to measure. They will not throw lots to divide the land among the Lord’s people.


text:
Micah Is Asked Not to Prophesy People say, “Don’t prophesy to us! Don’t say those bad things about us! Nothing like that will happen to us!”


text:
But I must say this, people of Jacob. The Lord is becoming angry about what you have done. If you lived right, I could say nice words to you.


text:
But recently, my people have become my enemy. You take the coats from people who pass by. They think they are safe. But you rob them as if they were prisoners of war.


text:
You’ve forced the women of my people from their nice houses. You’ve taken my glory from their children forever.


text:
Get up and leave. This is not your promised place of rest anymore. You have made this place unclean. It is doomed to destruction.


text:
But you people want a false prophet who will tell you nothing but lies. You want one who promises to prophesy good things for you if you give him wine and beer. He’s just the prophet for you.


text:
The Lord Promises to Rescue His People “Yes, people of Jacob, I will bring all of you together. I will bring together all those left alive in Israel. I’ll put them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture. Then the place will be filled with many people.


text:
Someone will open the way and lead the people out. The people will break through the gate and leave the city where they were held captive. Their king will go out in front of them. The Lord will lead his people.”


text:
The Leaders of Israel Are Guilty of Evil Then I said, “Listen, leaders of the people of Jacob. Listen, you rulers of the nation of Israel. You should know how to decide cases fairly.


text:
You are destroying my people. You skin them and break their bones. You chop them up in pieces like meat to put in the pot.


text:
Then you will pray to the Lord. But he won’t answer you. He will hide his face from you, because you have done evil.”


text:
The Lord says this about the prophets who teach his people the wrong way of living: “If someone gives these prophets food to eat, they shout, ‘Peace!’ But if he doesn’t give them food, they prepare for war against him.


text:
So it will become like night to the prophets. They won’t have any visions from the Lord. It will become dark for them. They won’t be able to tell what will happen in the future. The sun is about to set for the prophets. Their days will become dark.


text:
The seers will be ashamed. The people who see the future will be embarrassed. Yes, all of them will cover their mouths. This is because there will be no answer from God.”


text:
Micah Is an Honest Prophet of God But the Lord’s Spirit has filled me with power and strength to preach fairness. I will tell the people of Jacob how they have turned against God. I will tell the people of Israel how they have done wrong.


text:
The judges in Jerusalem take money to decide who wins in court. The priests in Jerusalem only teach for pay. The prophets only look into the future when they get paid. But yet those leaders say, “The Lord is with us. Nothing bad will happen to us.”


text:
Because of you, Jerusalem will be plowed like a field. Jerusalem will become a pile of rocks. The hill on which the Temple stands will be covered with bushes.


text:
The Mountain of the Lord In the last days the mountain on which the Lord’s Temple stands will become the most important of all mountains. It will be raised above the hills. People from other nations will come streaming to it.


text:
Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. Let us go to the Temple of the God of Jacob! Then God will teach us his ways. And we will obey his teachings.” The Lord’s teachings will go out from Jerusalem. The word of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem.


text:
The Lord will settle arguments among many nations. He will decide between strong nations that are far away. Then the nations will make their swords into plows. They will make their spears into hooks for trimming trees. Nations will no longer fight other nations. They will not even train for war anymore.


text:
Everyone will sit under his own vine and fig tree. No one will make him afraid. This is because the Lord of heaven’s armies has said it.


text:
The Lord says, “At that time, I will bring back to me the crippled. I will bring back to Jerusalem those who were sent away. I will bring back to me those who were hurt.


text:
I will keep alive those who were crippled. I will make a strong nation of those who were sent away. The Lord will be their king in Mount Zion forever.


text:
And you, watchtower of the flocks, strong city of Jerusalem, you will be a kingdom as in the past. Jerusalem, the right to rule will come again to you.”


text:
Why the Israelites Must Go to Babylon Now, why do you cry so loudly? Is your king gone? Have you lost your leader? You are in pain like a woman trying to give birth.


text:
People of Jerusalem, be in pain. Be like a woman trying to give birth. Now you must leave the city and live in the field. You will go to Babylon. But you will be saved from that place. The Lord will go there and take you back from your enemies.


text:
But now many nations have come to fight against you. They say, “Let’s destroy Jerusalem and be proud we have defeated her.”


text:
But they don’t know what the Lord is thinking. They don’t understand his plan for them. He will crush them like a bundle of grain on the threshing floor.


text:
“Get up and crush them, people of Jerusalem. I will make you strong as if you had horns of iron. I will make you strong as if you had hooves of bronze. You will beat many nations into small pieces. You will give their wealth to the Lord. You will give their treasure to the Lord of all the earth.”


text:
So, strong city, gather your soldiers together. We are surrounded and attacked. The enemy will swing his club. He will hit the leader of Israel in the face.


text:
The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are one of the smallest towns in Judah. But from you will come one who will rule Israel for me. He comes from very old times, from days long ago.”


text:
The Lord will leave his people in Babylon until Jerusalem, who is in labor, gives birth to her children. Then his brothers who are in captivity will return. They will come back to the people of Israel living in Judah.


text:
Then the ruler of Israel will stand and take care of his people. He will lead them with the Lord’s power. He will lead them in the wonderful name of the Lord his God. They will live in safety. And his greatness will be known all over the earth.


text:
He will bring peace. Rescue and Punishment The Assyrian army will come into our country. They will destroy our large houses. But we will choose seven or eight leaders. They will shepherd our people.


text:
They will destroy the Assyrians with their swords. They will conquer the land of Assyria with their swords drawn. The Assyrians will come into our land. They will come within our borders. But the leaders of Israel will save us from them.


text:
Then the people of Jacob who are left alive will be like dew from the Lord to many people. They will be like rain which does not wait for man. They will be like showers which do not wait for human beings.


text:
Those left alive of Jacob’s people will be scattered among the nations. They will be among many peoples. They will be like a lion among the animals of the forest. They will be like a young lion going through the flock. He steps on what is in his way. No one can save the nations from God’s people.


text:
I will destroy your statues of false gods. I will tear down the stone pillars you worship. You will no longer worship what your hands have made.


text:
The Lord’s Complaint Now hear what the Lord says: “Get up; plead your case in front of the mountains. Let the hills hear your story.


text:
Mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint. Foundations of the earth, listen to the Lord. The Lord has a complaint against his people. He will prove that Israel is wrong.”


text:
The Lord says, “My people, did I do something wrong to you? How did I make you tired of me? Tell me.


text:
I brought you from the land of Egypt. I freed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to you.


text:
My people, remember the evil plans of Balak king of Moab. Remember what Balaam son of Beor told Balak. Remember what happened from Acacia to Gilgal. Then you will know the Lord does what is right!”


text:
You say, “What can I bring with me when I come before the Lord? What can I bring when I bow before God on high? Should I come before the Lord with burnt offerings, with year-old calves?


text:
Will the Lord be pleased with 1,000 male sheep? Will he be pleased with 10,000 rivers of oil? Should I give my first child for the evil I have done? Should I give my very own child for my sin?”


text:
The Lord has told you what is good. He has told you what he wants from you: Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting your God.


text:
The voice of the Lord shouts to the city. The wise person honors the Lord. So pay attention to the rod of punishment. Pay attention to the One who threatens to punish.


text:
Can the Lord forget that the wicked still hide treasures they have stolen? Do they still cheat others? I curse their false measure!


text:
The rich men in the city still do cruel things. The people still tell lies. They do not tell the truth.


text:
You will eat, but you won’t become full. You will still be hungry and empty. You will store up but save nothing. What you store up the sword will destroy.


text:
You will plant, but you won’t harvest. You will squeeze your olives. But you won’t get any oil from them to put on your skin. You will crush the grapes. But you will not drink the wine.


text:
This is because you obey the wicked laws of King Omri. You do all the evil that Ahab’s family does. You follow their teachings. So I will let you be destroyed. The people in your city will be laughed at. Other nations will make fun of you.


text:
Micah Is Upset at the Evil That People Do Poor me! I am like a hungry man. And all the summer fruit has been picked. There are no grapes left to eat. There are none of the early figs I love.


text:
All of the faithful people are gone. There is not one good person left in this country. Everyone is waiting to kill someone. Everyone is trying to trap his brother.


text:
People are good at doing evil with both hands. Rulers ask for money. And judges’ decisions are bought for a price. Rich people make their wishes known. They all join in their evil plans.


text:
Even the best of them is like a thornbush. Even the nicest of them is worse than a thornbush. Your watchmen warned you about this day. Now it has come. Now you will be punished. Your punishment will amaze you.


text:
A son will not honor his father. A daughter will turn against her mother. A daughter-in-law will fight with her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be members of his own family.


text:
The Lord’s Kindness Israel says, “I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me.


text:
Enemy, don’t laugh at me. I have fallen, but I will get up again. I sit in the shadow of trouble now. But the Lord will be a light for me.


text:
I sinned against the Lord. So he was angry with me. But he will defend my case in court. He will do what is right for me. Then he will bring me out into the light. I will see him set things right.


text:
Then my enemies will see this, and they will be ashamed. My enemies said to me, ‘Where is the Lord your God?’ Now I will laugh at them. They will fall down defeated, like the mud people walk on.”


text:
The Jews to Return The time will come when your walls will be built again. At that time your country will grow.


text:
Your people will come back to your land. They will come from Assyria and the cities of Egypt. They will come from the countries between the river of Egypt and the Euphrates River. They will come from the countries between the Mediterranean Sea in the west and the mountains in the east.


text:
A Prayer to God So shepherd your people with your stick. Tend the flock of people who belong to you. That flock now lives alone in the desert. But there is fertile pasture nearby. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago.


text:
The Lord says, “I did many miracles when I brought you out of Egypt. I will show you more miracles like that.”


text:
The nations will see those miracles. Then they will no longer brag about their power. They will be amazed and put their hands over their mouths. They will refuse to listen.


text:
They will crawl in the dust like a snake. They will shake with fear. They will crawl on the ground like insects crawling from their holes. They will come trembling to you, Lord our God. They will tremble in fear before you.


text:
There is no God like you. You forgive people who are guilty of sin. You don’t look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You, Lord, will not stay angry forever. You enjoy being kind.


text:
Lord, you will have mercy on us again. You will conquer our sins. You will throw away all our sins into the deepest sea.


text:
You will be true to the people of Jacob! You will be kind to the people of Abraham. You will do what you promised to our ancestors long ago.


text:
God Will Punish Assyria This is the message for the city of Nineveh. This is the vision of Nahum, who was from the town of Elkosh.


text:
The Lord Is Angry with Nineveh The Lord is a jealous God who gives punishment. The Lord punishes wicked people and is filled with anger. The Lord punishes those who are against him. He stays angry with his enemies.


text:
The Lord does not become angry quickly. His power is great. The Lord will not let the guilty go unpunished. Where the Lord goes, whirlwinds and storms show his power. The clouds are the dust that his feet kick up.


text:
The Lord speaks to the sea and makes it dry. He dries up all the rivers. The areas of Bashan and Carmel dry up. And the flowers of Lebanon die.


text:
He shakes the mountains and makes the hills melt away. The earth trembles when he comes. The world and all who live in it shake with fear.


text:
No one can stay alive when the Lord is angry with him. No one can survive his strong anger. His anger is poured out like fire. He smashes rocks that are in his path.


text:
But he will completely destroy the city of Nineveh. An army will come like a rushing flood. The Lord will chase his enemies until he kills them.


text:
The Lord will completely destroy the plans that are made against him. Trouble will not come a second time.


text:
Those people will be like tangled thorns or like people drunk from their wine. They will be destroyed quickly like dry weeds.


text:
This is what the Lord says: “Assyria is strong and has many people. But it will be defeated and brought to an end. Judah, I have punished you, my people. But I will punish you no more.


text:
The Lord has given you this command, Nineveh: “You will not have descendants to carry on your name. I will destroy the idols and metal images that are in the temple of your gods. I will dig your grave because you are wicked.”


text:
Look, there on the hills, someone is bringing good news! He is announcing peace! Celebrate your feasts, people of Judah. And do what you promised to God. The wicked will not attack you again. They have been completely destroyed.


text:
Nineveh Will Be Defeated The destroyer is coming to attack you, Nineveh. Guard the defenses. Watch the road. Get ready. Gather all your strength!


text:
Destroyers have destroyed God’s people and ruined their vines. But the Lord will make the people of Jacob and the people of Israel great again.


text:
The shields of the soldiers are red. The army is dressed in red. The metal on the chariots flashes when they are ready to attack. Their horses are excited.


text:
The chariots race through the streets. They rush back and forth through the city squares. They look like torches. They run like lightning.


text:
He calls his officers. But they fall down on the way. They hurry to the city wall. The shield is put into place.


text:
It has been announced that the people of Nineveh will be captured and carried away. The slave girls moan like doves. They beat their breasts because they are sad.


text:
Nineveh is like a pool. And its water is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” the people yell. But no one turns back.


text:
Nineveh is robbed, ruined and destroyed. The people lose their courage. Their knees knock with fear. Stomachs ache. And everyone’s face grows pale from fright.


text:
Where is the lions’ den? Where do they feed their young? Where did the lion, lioness and cubs go? Where were they not afraid?


text:
The lion killed enough for his cubs. He killed it for his mate. He filled his cave with the animals he caught. He filled his den with what he had killed.


text:
“I am against you, Nineveh,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “I will burn up your chariots in smoke. And I will kill your young lions with a sword. I will stop you from hunting down others on the earth. Your messengers’ voices will no longer be heard.”


text:
It Will Be Terrible for Nineveh How terrible it will be for the city which has killed so many. It is full of lies. It is full of stolen things from other countries. It is always hurting or killing somebody.


text:
Soldiers on horses are charging. Their swords are shining. Their spears are gleaming! There are many bodies. Dead people are piled up. There are too many to count. People fall over the dead bodies.


text:
The city was like a prostitute. She was charming and a lover of magic. She made nations slaves with her evil ways and her witchcraft.


text:
“I am against you, Nineveh,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “I will pull your dress up over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness. And I will show the kingdoms your shame.


text:
Everyone who sees you will run away and say, ‘Nineveh is in ruins. Who will cry for her?’ Nineveh, I cannot find anyone to comfort you.”


text:
Nineveh, you are no better than Thebes. She sits by the Nile River with water all around her. The river was her defense. The waters were like a wall around her.


text:
But Thebes was captured. And she went into captivity. Her small children were beaten to death at every street corner. Lots were thrown for her important men. And all of her leaders were put in chains.


text:
All your defenses are like fig trees with ripe fruit. When the tree is shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.


text:
Look at your soldiers. They are all women! The gates of your land are wide open for your enemies. Fire has burned the bars of those gates.


text:
Get enough water before the attack begins. Make your defenses strong! Make the bricks. Mix the mortar. Repair the wall!


text:
There the fire will burn you up. The sword will kill you. Like grasshoppers eating crops, the battle will completely destroy you. Grow in number like hopping locusts. Grow in number like swarming locusts!


text:
Your traders are more than the stars in the sky. But like locusts, they strip the land and then fly away.


text:
Your guards are like locusts. Your officers are like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day. But when the sun comes up they fly away. And no one knows where they have gone.


text:
King of Assyria, your rulers are asleep. Your important men lie down to rest. Your people have been scattered on the mountains. And there is no one to bring them back.


text:
Nothing can heal your wound. Your injury will not heal. Everyone who hears about you applauds because everyone has felt your endless cruelty.


text:
Habakkuk Complains Lord, I continue to ask for help. How long will you ignore me? I cry out to you about violence, but you do not save us!


text:
Why do you let me see wrong things? Why do you put up with evil? People are destroying things and hurting others while I am looking. They are arguing and fighting.


text:
People are not forced to obey the teachings. No one receives a fair trial. Evil people gain while good people lose. The judges no longer make fair decisions.


text:
The Lord Answers “You and your people, look at the nations! Watch them and be amazed. I will do something in your lifetime that will amaze you. You won’t believe it even when you are told about it.


text:
I will use the Babylonian people to punish the evil people. The Babylonians are cruel and powerful fighters. They march across the earth. They take lands that don’t belong to them.


text:
The Babylonians frighten other people. They do what they want to do. They are good only to themselves.


text:
Their horses are faster than leopards and more cruel than wolves at sunset. Their horse soldiers attack quickly. They come from places that are far away. They attack quickly, like an eagle swooping down for food.


text:
They all come to fight. Their armies march quickly like a whirlwind in the desert. Their prisoners are as many as the grains of sand.


text:
The Babylonian soldiers laugh at kings. They make fun of rulers. They laugh at all the strong, walled cities. They build dirt roads up to the top of the walls. They capture the cities.


text:
Habakkuk Complains Again Lord, you are the Lord who lives forever. You are my God, my holy God. You will not let those who trust you die. Lord, you have chosen the Babylonians to punish people. Our Rock, you created them to punish the people.


text:
Your eyes are too good to look at evil. You cannot stand to see people do wrong. So how can you put up with those evil people? How can you be quiet when wicked people defeat people who are better than they are?


text:
The enemy catches all of them with hooks. He catches them in his net. He drags them in. He is glad that he has caught them.


text:
The enemy offers sacrifices to his net. He burns incense to worship it. This is because his net lets him live like a rich man. His net lets him enjoy the best food.


text:
I will stand like a guard to watch. I will stand on the tower. I will wait to see what the Lord will say to me. I will wait to learn how to answer his complaint.


text:
The Lord Answers The Lord answered me: “Write down what I show you. Write it clearly on stone tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others.


text:
It is not yet time for the message to come true. But that time is coming soon. The message will come true. It may seem like a long time before it happens. But be patient and wait for it. These things will happen. They will not be delayed.


text:
See, the nation that is evil and trusts in itself will fail. But those who do right because they trust in God will live.


text:
“Wine can trick a person. In the same way the Babylonians are fooled by their pride. Their desire for wealth is like a grave’s desire for death. They always want more and more. And, like death, they collect other nations for themselves. They make them their own people.


text:
But all the nations the Babylonians have hurt will laugh at them. They will make fun of the Babylonians. They will say, ‘How terrible it will be for the nation that steals many things. How long will that nation get rich by forcing others to pay them?’


text:
“One day the people you have taken money from will turn against you. They will realize what is happening and make you shake with fear. Then they will hurt you.


text:
You have stolen from many nations. So the people who are left will take much from you. This is because you have killed many people. You have destroyed countries and cities and everyone in them.


text:
“How terrible it will be for the nation that becomes rich by doing wrong. They do those things to live in a safe place. They think they will be safe from harm.


text:
You have made plans to destroy many people. This has made your own houses ashamed of you. Because of it, you will lose your lives.


text:
The stones of the walls will cry out against you. Even the wooden boards that support the roof will agree that you are wrong.


text:
“How terrible it will be for the nation that kills people to build a city. How terrible for that nation that wrongs others to start a town.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies will send fire to destroy what those people have built. All the nations’ work will be for nothing.


text:
Then people everywhere will know the Lord’s greatness. This news will spread like water covering the sea.


text:
“How terrible for the nation that becomes angry and makes others suffer. In anger they knock other people to the ground. And they treat them as if they are naked and drunk.


text:
You Babylonians will receive the Lord’s anger, not respect. This anger will be like a cup of poison in the Lord’s right hand. You will taste this anger and fall to the ground like a drunk person. You will drink from this cup. You will receive disgrace, not respect.


text:
You hurt many people in Lebanon. Now you will be hurt. You killed many animals there. And now you must be afraid. You will be afraid because of what you did to those cities and the people who lived in them.


text:
The Message About Idols “An idol does no good, because a man made it. It is only a statue that teaches lies. The person who made it expects his own work to help him. But it can’t even speak!


text:
How terrible it will be for the nation that says to a wooden statue, ‘Come to life!’ How terrible it will be when this nation says to a stone that cannot speak, ‘Get up!’ These things cannot tell them what to do. That idol is only a statue covered with gold and silver. There is no life in it.


text:
Lord, I have heard the news about you. Lord, I am amazed at the powerful things you have done. Do great things once again in our time. Make those things happen again in our own days. Even when you are angry, remember to be gentle with us.


text:
God is coming from Teman in the south. The Holy One comes from Mount Paran. Selah The Lord’s greatness covers the heavens. His praise fills the earth.


text:
The Lord stands and shakes the earth. He looks, and the nations shake with fear. The mountains, which stood for ages, break into pieces. The old hills fall down. God has always done this.


text:
Lord, were you angry at the rivers? Were you angry at the streams? Were you angry with the sea when you rode your horses and chariots to victory?


text:
You uncovered your bow. You commanded many arrows to be brought to you. Selah You split the earth with rivers.


text:
The mountains saw you and shook with fear. The rushing water flowed by. The sea made a loud noise, and its waves rose high.


text:
The sun and moon stood still in the sky. They stopped when they saw the flash of your flying arrows. They stopped when they saw the gleam of your shining spear.


text:
You came to save your people. You came to save your chosen one. You crushed the leader of the wicked ones. You took everything away from them. Selah


text:
With the enemy’s own spear you stabbed the leader of his army. His soldiers rushed out like a storm to scatter us. They were happy as if they were robbing the poor people in secret.


text:
I hear these things, and my body trembles. My lips tremble when I hear the sound. My bones feel weak. My legs shake. But I will wait patiently for the day of disaster. That day is coming to the people who attack us.


text:
Fig trees may not grow figs. There may be no grapes on the vines. There may be no olives growing on the trees. There may be no food growing in the fields. There may be no sheep in the pens. There may be no cattle in the barns.


text:
The Lord God gives me my strength. He makes me like a deer, which does not stumble. He leads me safely on the steep mountains. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.


text:
The Lord’s Judgment This is the message of the Lord that came through Zephaniah. It came while Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah. Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, who was the son of Gedaliah. Gedaliah was the son of Amariah, who was the son of Hezekiah.


text:
“I will destroy the people and animals. I will destroy the birds in the air and the fish of the sea. I will ruin the evil people. I will remove all the people from the earth,” says the Lord.


text:
The Future of Judah “I will punish Judah and all the people living in Jerusalem. I will remove from this place all signs of Baal and his priests.


text:
I will destroy those who worship the stars from the roofs. I will destroy those who worship and make promises by both the Lord and the god Molech.


text:
I will destroy those who turned away from the Lord. They quit following the Lord and consulting him.


text:
Be silent before the Lord God. His day for judging people is coming soon. The Lord has prepared to sacrifice Judah. He has appointed the invited guests to feast on Judah.


text:
On that day the Lord will sacrifice Judah. I, the Lord, will punish the princes and the king’s sons. And I will punish all those who wear foreign clothes.


text:
On that day I will punish those who worship Dagon. I will punish those who hurt others and tell lies in the temples of their gods.


text:
“On that day this will happen,” says the Lord. “A cry will be heard at the Fish Gate. A wail will come from the new area of the city. A loud crash will echo from the hills.


text:
The people living in the market area will wail. All the merchants will be dead. All the silver traders will be gone.


text:
At that time I, the Lord, will search Jerusalem with lamps. I will punish those who are settled and satisfied with themselves. They are like wine left to settle. They think, ‘The Lord never does anything. He won’t help us or punish us.’


text:
Their wealth will be stolen. Their houses will be destroyed. They may build houses, but they will never live in them. They may plant vineyards, but they will never drink any wine from them.


text:
The Lord’s Day of Judging “The Lord’s day of judging is coming soon. That great day is near and coming fast. The cry will be very sad on that day. Even soldiers will cry.


text:
That day will be a day of anger. It will be a day of terror and trouble. It will be a day of destruction and ruin. It will be a day of darkness and gloom. It will be a day of clouds and blackness.


text:
It will be a day of alarms and battle cries. ‘Attack the strong, walled cities! Attack the corner towers!’


text:
I will make life hard on the people. They will walk around like blind men. This is because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust. And their bodies will be dumped like trash.


text:
On that day God will show his anger. Then neither their silver nor gold will save them. The Lord’s anger will be like fire. And the whole world will be burned up. Suddenly he will bring an end to everyone on earth.”


text:
Do it before it’s too late. Do it before you are blown away like chaff. Do it before the Lord’s terrible anger reaches you. Do it before the day of the Lord’s anger comes to you.


text:
All you who are not proud, come to the Lord. You who obey his laws, come to him. Do what is right. Learn to be humble. Maybe you will escape on the day the Lord shows his anger.


text:
Philistia Will Be Punished No one will be left in the city of Gaza. The city of Ashkelon will be destroyed. Ashdod will be empty by noon. And the people of Ekron will be chased away.


text:
How terrible it will be for you who live by the Mediterranean Sea, you Philistines! This message from the Lord is for you, people of Canaan, land of the Philistines. “I will destroy you. No one will be left.”


text:
Your land will belong to the descendants of Judah who are left alive. There they will let their sheep eat grass. At night they will sleep in the houses of Ashkelon. The Lord their God will come to be with them. He will give them back their riches.


text:
Moab and Ammon Will Be Punished “I heard the country of Moab insult my people. The country of Ammon threatened to take their land.”


text:
So the Lord of heaven’s armies, the God of Israel, says, “As surely as I live, Moab will be destroyed like Sodom. Ammon will be destroyed like Gomorrah. Their land will be covered with weeds and salt. It will be destroyed forever. Those of my people who are left alive will take whatever they want from them. Those who are left from my nation will take their land.”


text:
This is what Moab and Ammon get for being proud. This will happen because they insulted and made fun of the people of the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
Those people will be afraid of the Lord. He will destroy all the gods of the earth. Then those people in faraway places will worship the Lord in their own countries.


text:
Then the Lord will turn against the north and punish Assyria. He will destroy Nineveh. It will be dry like a desert.


text:
Sheep and goats will lie down there. Wild animals will live there. The owls and crows will sit on the stone pillars that are left standing. Their calls will be heard through the windows. Trash will be in the doorways. The wooden boards of the buildings will be gone.


text:
This is the happy and safe city. It thinks there is no one else as strong as it is. But that city will be destroyed. Only animals will stay there. Those who pass by will make fun and shake their fists.


text:
Jerusalem Will Be Punished How terrible it will be for Jerusalem that hurts its own people. It’s a wicked, stubborn city.


text:
Her people don’t listen. They can’t be taught to do right. They don’t trust the Lord. They don’t worship their God.


text:
Their officers are like roaring lions. Their rulers are like hungry wolves that attack in the evening. In the morning nothing is left of those they attacked.


text:
Their prophets are proud. They cannot be trusted. Their priests don’t respect holy things. They break God’s teachings.


text:
But the Lord is good, and he is there in that city. He does no wrong. Every morning he governs the people fairly. Every day he can be trusted by his people. But evil people are not ashamed of the bad things they do.


text:
“I have destroyed other nations. Their towers have fallen. I made their streets empty. No one goes there anymore. Their cities are ruined. No one lives there anymore.


text:
I said, ‘Maybe now Jerusalem will respect me. Maybe now my people will let me teach them to do right.’ Then the place where they lived would not be destroyed. Then I would not have punished them. They got up early in order to do evil. Everything they did was bad.


text:
Just wait,” says the Lord. “Some day I will hold court and be the judge. I will gather nations. I will assemble kingdoms. I will pour out my anger on them. My anger will be very strong. My anger will be like fire. And the whole world will be burned up.


text:
A New Day for God’s People “Then I will make the people of all nations speak a pure language. All of them will speak the name of the Lord. And they will worship me together.


text:
Then Jerusalem will not be ashamed of the wrongs done against me. I will remove from this city those who like to brag. There will never be any more proud people on my holy mountain in Jerusalem.


text:
Those who are left alive of Israel won’t do wrong. They won’t tell lies. They won’t trick people with their words. They will be like sheep that eat and lie down. No one will bother them.”


text:
A Happy Song Sing, Jerusalem. Israel, shout for joy! Jerusalem, be happy. Rejoice with all your heart.


text:
The Lord has stopped punishing you. He has sent your enemies away. The King of Israel, the Lord, is with you. You will never again be afraid of being harmed.


text:
On that day Jerusalem will be told, “Don’t be afraid, city of Jerusalem. Don’t be so discouraged that you can’t do anything.


text:
The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in his love. He will sing and be joyful about you.”


text:
At that time I will punish all those who harmed you. I will save my people who are hurt. I will gather my people who are scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every place where they were disgraced.


text:
At that time I will gather you. At that time I will bring you back home. I will give you honor and praise from people everywhere. That will happen when I give you back your riches. You will see this with your own eyes,” says the Lord.


text:
It Is Time to Build the Temple The prophet Haggai spoke the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel and to Joshua. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel was governor of Judah. Joshua son of Jehozadak was high priest. This message came in the second year that Darius was king of Persia. It came on the first day of the sixth month of that year. This was the message:


text:
“This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘The people say the right time has not come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.’”


text:
You have planted much, but you harvest little. You eat, but you do not become full. You drink, but you are still thirsty. You put on clothes, but you are not warm enough. You earn money, but then you lose it all. It is as if you put it into a purse full of holes.”


text:
Go up to the mountains. Bring back wood and build the Temple. Then I will be pleased with it and be honored,” says the Lord.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says: “You look for much, but you find little. When you bring it home, I destroy it. Why? Because you are busy working on your own houses. But my house is still in ruins!


text:
I have called for a dry time in the land. There will be no rain in the mountains for the grain, new wine and olive oil. It will be a dry time for the plants which the earth produces. It will be a dry time for men and farm animals. The dry time will make your hard work useless.”


text:
Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. And Joshua, the high priest, was the son of Jehozadak. Zerubbabel and Joshua obeyed the Lord their God. And they obeyed the message from Haggai the prophet. All the rest of the people who were left alive also obeyed. This was because they realized that the Lord their God had sent Haggai. And they feared the Lord.


text:
The Lord sent a message to Haggai, the Lord’s messenger. Haggai gave this message to the people. He said: “The Lord says, ‘I am with you.’”


text:
The Lord made Zerubbabel and Joshua excited about building the Temple. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel was the governor of Judah. Joshua son of Jehozadak was the high priest. The Lord made all the rest of the people who were left alive excited, too. They came and worked on the Temple of their God, the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
They began on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month. This was in the second year that Darius was king of Persia.


text:
The Beauty of the Temple The Lord spoke his word through Haggai the prophet on the twenty-first day of the seventh month. This is what the Lord said:


text:
“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah. Speak also to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And speak to the rest of the people who were left alive. Say:


text:
‘Do any of you who are still alive remember how beautiful the Temple was before it was destroyed? What does it look like now? The truth is it means nothing to you!’


text:
But the Lord says: ‘Zerubbabel, be brave. Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, be brave. And all you people who live in the land, be brave,’ says the Lord. ‘Work, because I am with you,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
‘I made a promise to you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit is still with you. So don’t be afraid.’


text:
“This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘In a short time I will shake the heavens and earth once again. And I will shake the sea and the dry land.


text:
I will shake all the nations. All the nations will bring their wealth. Then I will fill this Temple with glory,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
‘The new Temple will be more beautiful than the one that was destroyed,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies. ‘And in this place I will give peace to the people,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies.”


text:
The Lord spoke his word to Haggai the prophet. This was on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. It was in the second year that Darius was king of Persia. This is what the Lord said:


text:
A person might carry meat made holy for the Lord in the fold of his clothes. And that fold might touch bread, cooked food, wine, olive oil or some other food. Will the thing the fold touches be made holy for the Lord, too?’” The priests answered, “No.”


text:
Then Haggai said, “A person who touches a dead body will become unclean. If he touches any of these foods, will it become unclean, too?” The priests answered, “Yes. It would become unclean.”


text:
Then Haggai answered, “The Lord says this: ‘This is also true for the people of this nation. They are unclean, and everything they do with their hands is unclean to me. If these people offer something at the altar to me, it is also unclean.


text:
“‘Think about this from now on! Think about how it was before you started piling stones on top of stones. Think about how it was before you started building the Temple of the Lord.


text:
A person used to come to a pile of grain expecting to find 20 basketfuls. But there were only 10. And a person used to come to the wine vat to take out 50 jarfuls. But only 20 were there.


text:
I destroyed your work with diseases, mildew and hail. But you still did not come to me.’ The Lord says this.


text:
‘It is the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. On this day the people finished working on the foundation of the Temple of the Lord. From now on, think about these things:


text:
Do you have seeds for your crops already in the barn? No! Your vines and trees are not giving fruit yet, either. You don’t have any figs, pomegranates or olives yet. But from now on I will bless you!’”


text:
The Lord Makes a Promise to Zerubbabel Then the Lord spoke his word a second time to Haggai. It was on the twenty-fourth day of the month. This is what the Lord said:


text:
I will destroy the foreign kingdoms. I will take away the power of the kingdoms of the nations. I will destroy the chariots and their riders. The horses will fall with their riders. People will kill each other with swords.’


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says this: ‘On that day I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant.’ The Lord says this: ‘I will make you important like my signet ring. This is because I have chosen you!’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies.”


text:
The Lord Calls His People Back It was the eighth month of the second year Darius was king of Persia. The Lord spoke his word to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah. Berekiah was the son of Iddo. The Lord said:


text:
So tell the people: This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘Return to me, and I will return to you.’


text:
Don’t be like your ancestors. In the past the prophets spoke to them. They said: This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘Stop your evil ways and evil actions.’ But they wouldn’t listen or pay attention to me, says the Lord.


text:
I commanded my words and laws to my servants the prophets. They preached to your ancestors, who returned to me. They said, ‘The Lord of heaven’s armies did as he said he would. He punished us for the way we lived and for what we did.’”


text:
The Vision of the Horses It was on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is called Shebat. It was Darius’s second year as king. The Lord spoke his word to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah. Berekiah was the son of Iddo.


text:
During the night I had a vision. I saw a man riding a red horse. He was standing among some myrtle trees in the ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses.


text:
I asked, “What are these, sir?” The angel who was talking with me answered. He said, “I’ll show you what they are.”


text:
Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained. He said, “They are the ones the Lord sent through all the earth.”


text:
Then they spoke to the Lord’s angel. He was standing among the myrtle trees. They said, “We have gone through all the earth. Everything is calm and quiet.”


text:
Then the Lord’s angel asked, “Lord of heaven’s armies, how long before you show mercy to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah? You have been angry with them for 70 years now.”


text:
Then the angel told me, “Announce this: This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘I have a strong love for Jerusalem.


text:
And I am very angry with the nations that feel so safe. I was only a little angry, but they made things worse for my people.’


text:
“So this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy. My Temple will be rebuilt,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies. ‘And the measuring line will be used to rebuild Jerusalem.’


text:
“Also announce: This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘My towns will be rich again. I will comfort Jerusalem again. I will still choose Jerusalem.’”


text:
I asked the angel who was talking with me, “What are these?” He said, “These are the strong nations that scattered the people of Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.”


text:
I asked, “What are they coming to do?” He answered, “They have come to scare and throw down the horns. Those horns scattered the people of Judah. No one could even lift up his head. The horns stand for the strong nations that attacked the people of Judah and scattered them.”


text:
The Vision of the Measuring Line Then I looked up. And I saw a man holding a line for measuring things.


text:
I asked him, “Where are you going?” He said to me, “I am going to measure Jerusalem. I will see how wide and how long it is.”


text:
The second angel said to him, “Run and tell that young man this: ‘Jerusalem will become a city without walls because there will be so many people and cattle in it.


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Whoever hurts you hurts what is precious to me.” So the Lord will honor me. And he will send me to speak against those nations who scattered you.


text:
“I will raise my hand against them. Their slaves will rob them.” Then you will know that the Lord of heaven’s armies sent me.


text:
“At that time people from many nations will come to the Lord. And they will become my people. I will live among you. And you will know that the Lord of heaven’s armies has sent me to you.


text:
Judah will be the Lord’s special part of the holy land. And Jerusalem will be his chosen city again.


text:
The Vision of the High Priest Then he showed me Joshua the high priest. He was standing in front of the Lord’s angel. And Satan was standing by Joshua’s right side to accuse him.


text:
The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord says you are guilty, Satan. The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem says you are guilty. This man was like a burning stick pulled from the fire.”


text:
Then the angel spoke to those standing near him. He said, “Take those dirty clothes off Joshua.” Then the angel said to Joshua, “Look, I have taken away your sin. And I am giving you new clothes.”


text:
Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head. They also dressed him while the Lord’s angel stood there.


text:
‘Do as I tell you and serve me. Then you will be in charge of my Temple. You will take care of my courtyards. And I will let you be with these angels who are standing here.


text:
“‘Listen, high priest Joshua and the people with you. You stand for things that will happen. I am going to bring my servant called the Branch.


text:
Look, I put this stone in front of Joshua. The stone has seven sides. I will carve a message on it,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies. ‘And in one day I will take away the sin of this land.’


text:
“The Lord of heaven’s armies says, ‘In that day, each of you will invite your neighbor to join you. And you will sit together under your own grapevine and under your own fig tree.’”


text:
The Vision of the Lampstand Then the angel who was talking with me came back. He woke me up as if I had been asleep.


text:
He asked me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see a solid gold lampstand. There is a bowl at the top. And there are seven lamps. There are also seven places for wicks.


text:
Then he told me, “This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power. The power will come from my Spirit,’ says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“No mountain can stand in Zerubbabel’s way. It will be flattened. Then he will bring out the topmost stone. There will be shouts of ‘It’s beautiful! It’s beautiful!’”


text:
“Zerubbabel has laid the foundation of this Temple. He will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of heaven’s armies has sent me to you.


text:
“The people should not think that small beginnings are unimportant. They will be happy when they see Zerubbabel with tools, building the Temple. “(These seven lamps stand for the eyes of the Lord. They look back and forth across the earth.)”


text:
I also asked him, “What are the two branches full of olives? The olive oil flows through the two gold pipes to the lamps.”


text:
The angel asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. It is 30 feet long and 15 feet wide.”


text:
And he said to me, “This is the curse that will go all over the land. One side says every thief will be sent away. The other side says everyone who makes false promises will be sent away.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says, ‘I will send it to the houses of thieves. I will also send it to those who use my name to make false promises. The scroll will stay in that person’s house. And it will destroy the house with its wood and stones.’”


text:
The Vision of the Woman Then the angel who was talking with me came forward. He said to me, “Look up and see what is coming.”


text:
I asked, “What is it?” He answered, “It is a measuring basket.” He also said, “It stands for the people’s sins in all the land.”


text:
The angel said, “The woman stands for wickedness.” Then he pushed her back into the basket. And he put the lid back down.


text:
Then I looked up. I saw two women. They had wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork. They lifted up the basket into the sky.


text:
He answered, “They are going to Babylonia. They will build a temple for it. When the temple is ready, they will set the basket there in its place.”


text:
The Vision of the Four Chariots I looked up again. I saw four chariots coming from between two mountains. They were mountains of bronze.


text:
He said, “These are going to the four directions on earth. They have just come from the presence of the Lord of the whole world.


text:
The chariot pulled by the black horses will go north. The white horses will go west. And the spotted horses will go south.”


text:
The powerful horses were trying to go through all the earth. So he said, “Go through all the earth.” And they did.


text:
Then he called to me, “Look. The horses that went north have calmed the Lord’s anger that came from there to punish.”


text:
“Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah were captives in Babylon. Get silver and gold from them. Go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah.


text:
Make the silver and gold into a crown. And put it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak. Joshua is the high priest.


text:
Tell him this is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘There is a man whose name is the Branch. He will branch out from where he is. He will build the Temple of the Lord.


text:
One man will build the Temple of the Lord. And the other will receive the honor of a king. One man will sit on his throne and rule. And the other will be a priest on his throne. And these two men will work together in peace.’


text:
The crown will be kept in the Temple of the Lord. It will remind Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Josiah son of Zephaniah of God’s king.


text:
People living far away will come and build the Temple of the Lord. Then you will know the Lord of heaven’s armies has sent me to you. This will happen if you completely obey the Lord your God.”


text:
The People Should Show Mercy It was the fourth year of King Darius’s rule. It was on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is called Kislev. The Lord spoke his word to Zechariah.


text:
They went to the prophets and priests. They were at the Temple of the Lord of heaven’s armies. The men said, “For years the fifth month of each year has been a special time for us. We have shown our sadness and gone without food in this month. Should we continue to do this?”


text:
“Tell the priests and the people in the country this: ‘For 70 years you went without food and cried in the fifth and seventh months. But that was not really for me.


text:
The Lord used the earlier prophets to say the same thing. Jerusalem and the surrounding towns were at peace and wealthy then. People lived in the southern area and the western mountain slopes.’”


text:
“This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: ‘Do what is right and fair. Be kind and merciful to each other.


text:
Don’t hurt widows and orphans, foreigners or the poor. Don’t even think of doing evil to somebody else.’


text:
They made their hearts as hard as rock. They would not listen to the teachings of the Lord of heaven’s armies. And they would not hear his words through the earlier prophets. So the Lord of heaven’s armies became very angry.


text:
“The Lord of heaven’s armies says, ‘When I called to them, they would not listen. So when they called to me, I would not listen.


text:
I scattered them like a hurricane to other countries. These were countries they did not know. This good land was left so ruined that no one could live there.’”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “I have a very strong love for Jerusalem. My strong love for her is like a fire burning in me.”


text:
This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Jerusalem. I will live in Jerusalem. Then it will be called the City of Truth. And the mountain of the Lord of heaven’s armies will be called the Holy Mountain.”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Old men and old women will again sit along Jerusalem’s streets. Each will carry a cane because of his age.


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Those who are left alive then may think it is too difficult to happen. But it is not too difficult for me,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “I will save my people from countries in the east and west.


text:
I will bring them back. And they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people. And I will be their good and loyal God.”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Be strong, you who are hearing these words today. The prophets spoke these words when the foundation was laid for the building of the Temple.


text:
Before that time there was no money to hire men or animals. People could not safely come and go because of the enemies. I had turned everyone against his neighbor.


text:
But I will not do to these people who are left alive what I did in the past,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“Their seeds will come up. Their grapevines will have fruit. The ground will give good crops. And the sky will send rain. I will give all this to those who are left alive.


text:
Judah and Israel, your names have been used as curses. But I will save you. And you will be a blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong.”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Your ancestors made me angry. So I planned to punish you. I had no mercy,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
But do these things: Tell each other the truth. In the courts judge with truth and complete fairness.


text:
Do not make plans to hurt your neighbors. And don’t make false promises. I hate all these things,” says the Lord.


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “You have special days when you give up eating. These days are in the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months. Those days will become good, joyful, happy feasts in Judah. But you must love truth and peace.”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “Many people from many cities will still come to Jerusalem.


text:
People from one city will say to those from another city, ‘We are going to pray to the Lord. We want to ask the Lord of heaven’s armies for help. Come and go with us.’


text:
Many people and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem. They will worship the Lord of heaven’s armies. They will pray to the Lord.”


text:
This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: “At that time, ten men from different countries with different languages will come. They will take hold of one Jew by his coat. They will say to him, ‘Let us go with you. We have heard that God is with you.’”


text:
Punishment on Israel’s Enemies This message is the word of the Lord. The message is against the land of Hadrach. And it is against the city of Damascus. The tribes of Israel and all people belong to the Lord.


text:
The Lord’s message is also against the city of Hamath, which is on the border of the land of Hadrach. The Lord’s message is against Tyre and Sidon, with their skill.


text:
Tyre has built a strong, walled city. The people have piled up silver like dust. They have as much gold as mud in the streets.


text:
But the Lord will take away all she has. He will destroy her power on the sea. That city will be destroyed by fire.


text:
The city of Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. The people of Gaza will shake with fear. And the people of Ekron will lose hope. No king will be left in Gaza. And no one will live in Ashkelon anymore.


text:
I will stop them from drinking blood. They will not eat any other forbidden food. Those left alive will belong to God. They will be leaders in Judah. And Ekron will become part of my people like the Jebusites.


text:
I will protect my Temple from armies who come and go. No one will hurt my people again because now I am guarding it.


text:
The King Is Coming Rejoice, people of Jerusalem. Shout for joy, people of Jerusalem. Your king is coming to you. He does what is right, and he saves. He is gentle and riding on a donkey. He is on the colt of a donkey.


text:
I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the horses from Jerusalem. The bows used in war will be broken. The king will talk to the nations about peace. His kingdom will go from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.


text:
My people, I made an agreement with you and sealed it with the blood of sacrifices. Because of this, I will set your prisoners free from captivity, which is like a dry pit.


text:
You prisoners who have hope, return to your place of safety. Today I am telling you that I will give you back twice as much as before.


text:
I will use Judah like a bow. And Ephraim will be like the arrows. Jerusalem, I will use your men to fight the men of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a warrior.


text:
Then the Lord will appear to them. He will shoot his arrows like lightning. The Lord God will blow the trumpet. And he will march in the storms of the south.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies will protect them. They will destroy the enemy with slingshots. They will drink and shout like drunk men. They will be filled like a bowl used for sprinkling blood at the corners of the altar.


text:
On that day the Lord their God will save them as if his people were sheep. They will shine in his land like jewels in a crown.


text:
They will be so pretty and beautiful. The young men will grow strong on the grain. And the young women will grow strong on new wine.


text:
The Lord’s Promises Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. The Lord makes the clouds. He sends the showers. And he gives everyone green fields.


text:
Idols tell lies. Fortune-tellers see false visions. They tell about false dreams. The comfort they give is worth nothing. So the people are like lost sheep. They are abused because there is no shepherd.


text:
The Lord says, “I am angry at my shepherds. I will punish the leaders. I, the Lord of heaven’s armies, will care for my flock, which is the people of Judah. I will make them like my proud war horses.


text:
From Judah will come the cornerstone and the tent peg. From him will come the battle bow. From him will come every ruler.


text:
They will be like soldiers marching to battle through muddy streets. The Lord is with them. So they will fight and defeat the horsemen.


text:
“I will strengthen the people of Judah. And I will save the people of Joseph. I will bring them back because I care for them. It will be as though I had never left them. I am the Lord their God, and I will answer their calls for help.


text:
The people of Ephraim will be strong like soldiers. They will be glad as when they have drunk wine. Their children will see it and rejoice. They will be happy in the Lord.


text:
I will call my people and gather them together. I will save them. And there will be as many of them as there used to be.


text:
I have scattered them among the nations. But in those faraway places, they will remember me. They and their children will live and return.


text:
I will bring them back from Egypt. I will gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon. There won’t be enough room in the land for them all.


text:
They will come through their sea of trouble. The waves of the sea will be calm. And the Nile River will dry up. I will defeat Assyria’s pride. I will destroy Egypt’s power over other countries.


text:
Cry, pine trees, because the cedar has fallen. The tall trees are ruined. Cry, oaks in Bashan, because the mighty forest has been cut down.


text:
Listen to the shepherds crying. Their rich pastures are destroyed. Listen to the lions roaring. The thick bushes near the Jordan River are ruined.


text:
Their buyers kill them and are not punished. Those who sell them say, ‘Praise the Lord. I am rich.’ Even the shepherds don’t feel sorry for their sheep.


text:
Even I don’t feel sorry anymore for the people of this country,” says the Lord. “I will let everyone be under the power of his neighbor and king. They will bring trouble to the country. And I will not stop them.”


text:
So I fed the sheep about to be killed, particularly the weakest ones. Then I took two sticks. I called one Favor. I called the other Union. And I fed the sheep.


text:
I said, “I will no longer take care of you like a shepherd. Let those that are dying die. Let those that are to be destroyed be destroyed. Let those that are left eat each other.”


text:
That day it was broken. Those weak sheep were watching me. They knew this message was from the Lord.


text:
Then I said, “If you want to pay me, then pay me. If not, then don’t.” So they paid me 30 pieces of silver.


text:
The Lord said to me, “Throw the money to the potter.” That is how little they thought I was worth. So I threw the money to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.


text:
I am going to get a new shepherd for the country. He will not care for the dying sheep. He will not look for the young ones. He will not heal the injured ones. He will not feed the healthy. But he will eat the best sheep and tear off their hooves.


text:
“How terrible it will be for the useless shepherd. He abandoned the flock. May war destroy his power and wisdom. May his power become useless. May his wisdom be taken away.”


text:
Jerusalem Will Be Saved This message is the word of the Lord to Israel. The Lord stretched out the skies. He laid the foundations of the earth. He put man’s spirit in him. And the Lord says this:


text:
“I will make Jerusalem like a cup of poison to the nations around her. They will come and attack Jerusalem and Judah.


text:
One day all the nations on earth will come together to attack Jerusalem. But I will make Jerusalem like a heavy rock. Anyone who tries to move it will get hurt.


text:
At that time I will scare every horse. And its rider will panic,” says the Lord. “I will watch over Judah. But I will blind all the horses of the enemies.


text:
Then the leaders of Judah will say to themselves, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong. This is because the Lord of heaven’s armies is their God.’


text:
“At that time I will make the leaders of Judah like a fire burning a stack of wood. They will be like a fire burning straw. They will destroy all the people around them left and right. But Jerusalem will remain safe.


text:
“The Lord will save the people of Judah first. Then the people in Jerusalem, David’s city, won’t have more honor than Judah.


text:
At that time the Lord will protect the people in Jerusalem. Then even the weakest of them will be strong like David. And the family of David will be like God. They will be like an angel of the Lord leading the people.


text:
Crying for the One They Stabbed “I will give David’s family and people in Jerusalem a spirit of kindness and mercy. They will look at me, the one they have stabbed. And they will cry like someone crying over the death of an only child. They will be as sad as someone who has lost a firstborn son.


text:
At that time there will be much crying in Jerusalem. It will be like the crying for Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.


text:
The land will cry. Each family will cry alone. The family of David and their wives will cry. The family of Nathan and their wives will cry.


text:
“At that time a fountain will be opened. It will be for David’s descendants and for the people of Jerusalem. It will cleanse them of their sins and wrongs.”


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “At that time I will get rid of the names of the idols from the land. No one will remember them anymore. I will also remove the prophets and unclean spirits.


text:
A person might continue to prophesy. If he does, his own father and mother will tell him, ‘You have told lies using the Lord’s name. So you must die.’ When he prophesies, his own parents should stab him.


text:
“At that time the prophets will be ashamed of their visions and prophecies. They won’t wear the prophet’s clothes made of hair to trick people.


text:
But someone will ask, ‘What are the deep cuts on your body?’ And he will answer, ‘I was hurt at my friend’s house.’


text:
The Shepherd Is Killed “Sword, hit the shepherd. Attack the man who is my friend,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “Kill the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter. I will punish the little ones.”


text:
I will test the ones left with fire. I will purify them like silver. I will test them like gold. Then they will call on me. And I will answer them. I will say, ‘You are my people.’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”


text:
The Day of Punishment The Lord’s day of judging is coming. The wealth you have taken will be divided among you.


text:
I will bring all the nations together to fight Jerusalem. They will capture the city and rob the houses. The women will be raped. Half the people will be taken away as captives. But the rest won’t be taken from the city.


text:
On that day he will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives will split in two. A deep valley will run east and west. Half the mountain will move north. And half will move south.


text:
You will run through this mountain valley to the other side. You will run as you ran from the earthquake. That was when Uzziah was king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come. And all the holy ones will be with him.


text:
There will be no other day like it. The Lord knows when it will come. There will be no day or night. Even at evening it will still be light.


text:
At that time fresh water will flow from Jerusalem. Half of it will flow east to the Dead Sea. And half of it will flow west to the Mediterranean Sea. It will flow summer and winter.


text:
Then the Lord will be king over the whole world. At that time there will be only one Lord. And his name will be the only name.


text:
All the land south of Jerusalem from Geba to Rimmon will be turned into a plain. Jerusalem will be raised up. But it will stay in the same place. The city will reach from the Benjamin Gate to the First Gate to the Corner Gate. It will go from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.


text:
But the Lord will punish the nations that fought against Jerusalem. He will bring a terrible disease on them. Their flesh will rot away while they are still standing up. Their eyes will rot in their sockets. And their tongues will rot in their mouths.


text:
At that time the Lord will cause panic. Everybody will grab his neighbor. They will attack each other.


text:
The people of Judah will fight in Jerusalem. And the wealth of the nations around them will be collected. There will be much gold, silver and clothes.


text:
A similar disease will strike the horses, mules, camels and donkeys. All the animals in the camps will have the disease.


text:
Some of the people who came to fight Jerusalem will be left alive. They will come back to Jerusalem year after year. They will come to worship the King, the Lord of heaven’s armies. They will celebrate the Feast of Shelters.


text:
Some people from the nations might not go to Jerusalem. They might not worship the King, the Lord of heaven’s armies. Then rain will not fall on their land.


text:
The Egyptians might not go to Jerusalem. They might not celebrate the Feast of Shelters. Then the Lord will send them the same terrible disease the other nations got.


text:
This will be the punishment. It will be for Egypt and any nation which does not go to celebrate the Feast of Shelters.


text:
At that time the horses’ bells will have written on them: Holy to the Lord. The cooking pots in the Temple of the Lord will be like the holy altar bowls.


text:
Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the Lord of heaven’s armies. And everyone who offers sacrifices will be able to cook in them. At that time there will not be any traders in the Temple of the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
God Tells Israel to Be Loyal This message is the word of the Lord. It is given to Israel through Malachi.


text:
God Loves Israel The Lord said, “I love you.” But you ask, “How have you loved us?” The Lord said, “Esau and Jacob were brothers. I loved Jacob,


text:
but I hated Esau. I destroyed his mountain country. I left his land to the wild dogs of the desert.”


text:
The people of Edom might say, “We were destroyed. But we will go back and rebuild the ruins.” But the Lord of heaven’s armies says, “If they rebuild them, I will destroy them. People will say, ‘Edom is the Wicked Country. The Lord is always angry with the Edomites.’


text:
You will see these things with your own eyes. You will say, ‘The Lord is great, even outside the borders of Israel!’”


text:
The Priests Don’t Respect God The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “A son honors his father. A servant honors his master. I am a father. So why don’t you honor me? I am a master. So why don’t you respect me? You priests do not respect me. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown you disrespect?’


text:
“You have shown it by bringing unclean sacrifices to my altar. “But you ask, ‘What makes them unclean?’ “They are unclean because you don’t show respect for my altar.


text:
You bring blind animals as sacrifices, and that is wrong. You bring crippled and sick animals. That is wrong. Try giving them to your governor. Would he be pleased with you? He wouldn’t accept you,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“Now ask God to be kind to you. But he won’t accept you with such offerings,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“I wish one of you would close the Temple doors. Then you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you. I will not accept your gifts,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“From the east to the west I will be honored among the nations. Everywhere they will bring incense and clean offerings to me. I will be honored among the nations,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
You say, ‘We are tired of doing this.’ And you sniff at it in disgust,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “And you bring hurt, crippled and sick animals. You bring them as gifts. But I won’t accept them from you,” says the Lord.


text:
“The cheat will be cursed. He has an animal in his flock. He promises to offer it. But then he offers me an animal that has something wrong with it. I am a great king,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “I am feared by all the nations.


text:
Listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. Honor my name,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “If you don’t, I will send a curse on you. I will curse your blessings. I have already cursed them because you don’t pay attention to what I say.


text:
“I will punish your descendants. I will smear your faces with the garbage from your feasts. And you will be thrown away with it.


text:
Then you will know why I am giving you this command. It is so that my agreement with Levi will continue,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“My agreement for priests was with the tribe of Levi. I promised them life and peace. And I gave these to them so they would honor me. They did honor me and fear me.


text:
They taught the true teachings. They spoke no lies. With peace and honesty they did what I said they should do. They kept many people from sinning.


text:
“A priest should teach what he knows. People should learn the teachings from him because he is the messenger of the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
But you priests have stopped obeying me. With your teachings you have caused many people to do wrong. You have broken the agreement with the tribe of Levi!” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“You have not been careful to do what I say. You take sides in court cases. So I have caused you to be hated and disgraced in front of everybody.”


text:
Judah Was Not Loyal to God We all have the same father. The same God made us. So why do people break their promises to each other? They don’t respect the agreement that our ancestors made with God.


text:
The people of Judah have broken their promises. They have done something God hates in Israel and Jerusalem. The people of Judah did not respect the Temple that the Lord loves. The men of Judah married the women who worship foreign gods.


text:
The man who does this might bring offerings to the Lord of heaven’s armies. But the Lord will still separate him from the community of Israel.


text:
This is another thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with your tears. You cry and moan because the Lord does not accept your offerings. He is not pleased with what you bring.


text:
You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord sees how you treated the wife you married when you were young. You broke your promise with her. She was your partner. You promised yourself to her.


text:
God made husbands and wives to become one body and one spirit for his purpose. This is so they would have children who are true to God. So be careful. Do not break your promise with the wife you married when you were young.


text:
The Lord God of Israel says, “I hate divorce. And I hate people who do cruel things as easily as they put on clothes,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. So be careful. And do not break your trust.


text:
The Special Day of Judging You have tired the Lord with what you say. You ask, “How have we tired him?” You did it by saying, “God thinks anyone who does evil is good. And he is pleased with them.” Or you asked, “Where is the God who is fair?”


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “I will send my messenger. He will prepare the way for me to come. Suddenly, the Lord you are looking for will come to his Temple. The messenger of the agreement, whom you want, will come.”


text:
No one can live through that time. No one can survive when he comes. He will be like a purifying fire. He will be like laundry soap.


text:
He will be like someone who heats and purifies silver. He will purify the Levites. He will make them pure like gold and silver. Then they will bring offerings to the Lord in the right way.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “Then I will come to you and judge you. I will testify against those who take part in evil magic, adultery and lying. I will testify against those who cheat workers of their pay and who cheat widows and orphans. And I will testify against those who are unfair to foreigners. These people do not respect me.


text:
Stealing from God “I am the Lord. I do not change. So you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.


text:
Like your ancestors before you, you have disobeyed my rules. You have not kept them. Return to me. Then I will return to you,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’


text:
“Should a man rob God? But you rob me. “You ask, ‘How have we robbed you?’ “You have robbed me in your offerings and the tenth of your crops.


text:
Bring to the storehouse a tenth of what you gain. Then there will be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies. “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out more blessings than you have room for.


text:
I will stop the insects so they won’t eat your crops. The grapes won’t fall from your vines before they are ready to pick,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“All the nations will call you blessed. You will have a pleasant country,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
The Lord’s Promise of Mercy The Lord says, “You have said terrible things about me. “But you ask, ‘What have we said about you?’


text:
“You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. It did no good to obey his laws. And it did no good to show the Lord of heaven’s armies that we are sorry for what we did.


text:
So we say that proud people are happy. Evil people succeed. They challenge God and get away with it.’”


text:
Then those who honored the Lord spoke with each other. The Lord listened and heard them. The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in a book. The Lord will remember them.


text:
The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “They belong to me. On that day they will be my very own. A father shows mercy to his son who serves him. In the same way I will show mercy to my people.


text:
You will again see the difference between good and evil people. You will see the difference between those who serve God and those who don’t.


text:
The Day of the Lord’s Judging “There is a day coming that will be like a hot furnace. All the proud and evil people will be like straw. On that day they will be completely burned up. Not a root or branch will be left,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“But for you who honor me, goodness will shine on you like the sun. There will be healing in its rays. You will jump around, like calves freed from their stalls.


text:
Then you will crush the wicked. They will be like ashes under your feet. I will do this on that day,” says the Lord of heaven’s armies.


text:
“Remember the teaching of Moses my servant. I gave those laws and rules to him at Mount Sinai. They are for all the Israelites.


text:
“But I will send Elijah the prophet to you. He will come before that great and terrible day of the Lord’s judging.


text:
Elijah will help fathers love their children. And he will help the children love their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and put a curse on the land.”


text:
The Family History of Jesus This is the family history of Jesus Christ. He came from the family of David. David came from the family of Abraham.


text:
Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.


text:
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah. (Their mother was Tamar.) Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram.


text:
Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon.


text:
Salmon was the father of Boaz. (Boaz’s mother was Rahab.) Boaz was the father of Obed. (Obed’s mother was Ruth.) Obed was the father of Jesse.


text:
Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon. (Solomon’s mother had been Uriah’s wife.)


text:
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa.


text:
Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram. Jehoram was the ancestor of Uzziah.


text:
Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah.


text:
Josiah was the grandfather of Jehoiachin and his brothers. (This was at the time that the people were taken to Babylon.)


text:
After they were taken to Babylon: Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the grandfather of Zerubbabel.


text:
Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor.


text:
Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob.


text:
Jacob was the father of Joseph. Joseph was the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus. Jesus is called the Christ.


text:
So there were 14 generations from Abraham to David. And there were 14 generations from David until the time when the people were taken to Babylon. And there were 14 generations from the time when the people were taken to Babylon until Christ was born.


text:
The Birth of Jesus Christ The mother of Jesus Christ was Mary. And this is how the birth of Jesus came about. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph. But before they married, she learned that she was going to have a baby. She was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.


text:
Mary’s husband, Joseph, was a good man. He did not want to disgrace her in public, so he planned to divorce her secretly.


text:
While Joseph thought about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her is from the Holy Spirit.


text:
She will give birth to a son. You will name the son Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.”


text:
“The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel.” This name means “God is with us.”


text:
But he did not have intimate relations with her until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named the son Jesus.


text:
Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.


text:
They asked, “Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east. We came to worship him.”


text:
When King Herod heard about this new king of the Jews, he was troubled. And all the people in Jerusalem were worried too.


text:
Herod called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ would be born.


text:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are important among the rulers of Judah. A ruler will come from you. He will be like a shepherd for my people, the Israelites.’”


text:
Then Herod had a secret meeting with the wise men from the east. He learned from them the exact time they first saw the star.


text:
Then Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem. He said to them, “Go and look carefully to find the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.”


text:
The wise men heard the king and then left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east. It went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was.


text:
They went to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary. They bowed down and worshiped the child. They opened the gifts they brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.


text:
But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country by a different way.


text:
Jesus’ Parents Take Him to Egypt After they left, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, “Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Herod will start looking for the child to kill him. Stay in Egypt until I tell you to return.”


text:
Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod died. This was to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord had said through the prophet. The Lord said, “I called my son out of Egypt.”


text:
Herod Kills the Baby Boys When Herod saw that the wise men had tricked him, he was very angry. So he gave an order to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and in all the area around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. This was in keeping with the time he learned from the wise men.


text:
“A sound was heard in Ramah. It was painful crying and much sadness. Rachel cries for her children, and she cannot be comforted, because her children are dead.”


text:
Joseph and Mary Return After Herod died, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. This happened while Joseph was in Egypt.


text:
The angel said, “Get up! Take the child and his mother and go to Israel. The people who were trying to kill the child are now dead.”


text:
But he heard that Archelaus was now king in Judea. Archelaus became king when his father Herod died. So Joseph was afraid to go there. After being warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee.


text:
He went to a town called Nazareth and lived there. And so what God had said through the prophets came true: “He will be called a Nazarene.”


text:
The Work of John the Baptist About that time John the Baptist came and began preaching in the desert area of Judea.


text:
John the Baptist is the one Isaiah the prophet was talking about. Isaiah said: “This is a voice of a man who calls out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’”


text:
John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.


text:
Many people went to hear John preach. They came from Jerusalem and all Judea and all the area around the Jordan River.


text:
Many of the Pharisees and Sadducees came to the place where John was baptizing people. When John saw them, he said: “You are snakes! Who warned you to run away from God’s anger that is coming?


text:
And don’t think that you can say to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children for Abraham from these rocks.


text:
The ax is now ready to cut down the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.


text:
“I baptize you with water to show that your hearts and lives have changed. But there is one coming later who is greater than I am. I am not good enough to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.


text:
He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the chaff. He will put the good part of the grain into his barn. And he will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out.”


text:
Jesus Is Baptized by John At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River. He came to John and wanted John to baptize him.


text:
But John tried to stop him. John said, “Why do you come to me to be baptized? I should be baptized by you!”


text:
Jesus answered, “Let it be this way for now. We should do all things that are right.” So John agreed to baptize Jesus.


text:
Jesus was baptized and came up out of the water. Heaven opened, and he saw God’s Spirit coming down on him like a dove.


text:
And a voice spoke from heaven. The voice said, “This is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him.”


text:
The devil came to Jesus to tempt him. The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.”


text:
Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘A person does not live only by eating bread. But a person lives by everything the Lord says.’”


text:
Then the devil led Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem. He put Jesus on a very high place of the Temple.


text:
The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off. It is written in the Scriptures, ‘He has put his angels in charge of you. They will catch you with their hands. And you will not hit your foot on a rock.’”


text:
Then the devil led Jesus to the top of a very high mountain. He showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and all the great things that are in those kingdoms.


text:
Jesus said to the devil, “Go away from me, Satan! It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’”


text:
Jesus Begins Work in Galilee Jesus heard that John had been put in prison. So Jesus went back to Galilee.


text:
He left Nazareth and went and lived in Capernaum, a town near Lake Galilee. Capernaum is in the area near Zebulun and Naphtali.


text:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali are on the way to the sea. They are along the Jordan River. This is Galilee where the non-Jewish people live.


text:
These people who live in darkness will see a great light. They live in a place that is very dark. But a light will shine on them.”


text:
Jesus Chooses Some Followers From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon.”


text:
Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Simon’s brother Andrew. The brothers were fishermen, and they were fishing in the lake with a net.


text:
Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets to catch fish. Jesus told them to come with him.


text:
Jesus Teaches and Heals People Jesus went everywhere in Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and preached the Good News about the kingdom of heaven. And he healed all the people’s diseases and sicknesses.


text:
The news about Jesus spread all over Syria, and people brought all the sick to him. These sick people were suffering from different kinds of diseases and pain. Some were suffering very great pain, some had demons, some were epileptics, and some were paralyzed. Jesus healed all of them.


text:
Many people followed him. They came from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, Judea, and the land across the Jordan River.


text:
Jesus Teaches the People Jesus saw the crowds who were there. He went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came to him.


text:
“Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.


text:
“People will say bad things about you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do these things to you, you are happy.


text:
Rejoice and be glad. You have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.


text:
You Are Like Salt and Light “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing. It must be thrown out for people to walk on.


text:
And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put the light on a lampstand. Then the light shines for all the people in the house.


text:
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do. Live so that they will praise your Father in heaven.


text:
The Importance of the Law “Don’t think that I have come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets. I have not come to destroy their teachings but to do what they said.


text:
I tell you the truth. Nothing will disappear from the law until heaven and earth are gone. The law will not lose even the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter until all has happened.


text:
Whoever refuses to obey any command and teaches other people not to obey that command will be the least important in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys the law and teaches other people to obey the law will be great in the kingdom of heaven.


text:
I tell you that you must do better than the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. If you are not better than they are, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Anger “You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, ‘You must not murder anyone. Anyone who murders another will be judged.’


text:
But I tell you, if you are angry with your brother, you will be judged. And if you say bad things to your brother, you will be judged by the Jewish council. And if you call your brother a fool, then you will be in danger of the fire of hell.


text:
“So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and you remember that your brother has something against you,


text:
“If your enemy is taking you to court, become friends with him quickly. You should do that before you go to court. If you don’t become his friend, he might turn you over to the judge. And the judge might give you to a guard to put you in jail.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Adultery “You have heard that it was said, ‘You must not be guilty of adultery.’


text:
But I tell you that if anyone looks at a woman with lust, he has already committed adultery with her in his mind.


text:
If your right eye causes you to sin, then take it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell.


text:
If your right hand causes you to sin, then cut it off and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Divorce “It was also said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written divorce paper.’


text:
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife is causing his wife to be guilty of adultery. The only reason for a man to divorce his wife is if she has been unfaithful to him. And anyone who marries that divorced woman is guilty of adultery.


text:
Make Promises Carefully “You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, ‘When you make a promise, don’t break your promise. Keep the promises that you make to the Lord.’


text:
But I tell you, never make an oath. Don’t make an oath using the name of heaven, because heaven is God’s throne.


text:
Don’t make an oath using the name of the earth, because the earth belongs to God. Don’t make an oath using the name of Jerusalem, because that is the city of the great King.


text:
And don’t even say that your own head is proof that you will keep your oath. You cannot make one hair on your head become white or black.


text:
Say only ‘yes’ if you mean ‘yes,’ and say only ‘no’ if you mean ‘no.’ If you must say more than ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ it is from the Evil One.


text:
But I tell you, don’t stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, then turn and let him slap the other cheek too.


text:
If a person asks you for something, then give it to him. Don’t refuse to give to a person who wants to borrow from you.


text:
If you do this, then you will be true sons of your Father in heaven. Your Father causes the sun to rise on good people and on bad people. Your Father sends rain to those who do good and to those who do wrong.


text:
If you love only the people who love you, then you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that.


text:
And if you are nice only to your friends, then you are no better than other people. Even people without God are nice to their friends.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Giving “Be careful! When you do good things, don’t do them in front of people to be seen by them. If you do that, then you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.


text:
“When you give to the poor, don’t be like the hypocrites. They blow trumpets before they give so that people will see them. They do that in the synagogues and on the streets. They want other people to honor them. I tell you the truth. Those hypocrites already have their full reward.


text:
Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Prayer “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them pray. I tell you the truth. They already have their full reward.


text:
When you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.


text:
“And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing. They think that God will hear them because of the many things they say.


text:
So when you pray, you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy.


text:
We pray that your kingdom will come. We pray that what you want will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.


text:
And do not cause us to be tested; but save us from the Evil One.’ [The kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever. Amen.]


text:
Yes, if you forgive others for the things they do wrong, then your Father in heaven will also forgive you for the things you do wrong.


text:
But if you don’t forgive the wrongs of others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrong things you do.


text:
Jesus Teaches About Worship “When you give up eating, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They make their faces look strange to show people that they are giving up eating. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward.


text:
Then people will not know that you are giving up eating. But your Father, whom you cannot see, will see you. Your Father sees what is done in secret, and he will reward you.


text:
God Is More Important Than Money “Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy treasures here on earth. And thieves can break into your house and steal the things you have.


text:
So store your treasure in heaven. The treasures in heaven cannot be destroyed by moths or rust. And thieves cannot break in and steal that treasure.


text:
“The eye is a light for the body. If your eyes are good, then your whole body will be full of light.


text:
But if your eyes are evil, then your whole body will be full of darkness. And if the only light you have is really darkness, then you have the worst darkness.


text:
“No one can be a slave to two masters. He will hate one master and love the other. Or he will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. So you cannot serve God and money at the same time.


text:
Don’t Worry “So I tell you, don’t worry about the food you need to live. And don’t worry about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more important than food. And the body is more important than clothes.


text:
Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns. But your heavenly Father feeds the birds. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.


text:
“And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the flowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves.


text:
But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.


text:
God clothes the grass in the field like that. The grass is living today, but tomorrow it is thrown into the fire to be burned. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith!


text:
All the people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things. And your Father in heaven knows that you need them.


text:
The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you.


text:
So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.


text:
You will be judged in the same way that you judge others. And the forgiveness you give to others will be given to you.


text:
“Why do you notice the little piece of dust that is in your brother’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own eye?


text:
Why do you say to your brother, ‘Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye.


text:
You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly enough to take the dust out of your brother’s eye.


text:
“Don’t give holy things to dogs. Don’t throw your pearls before pigs. Pigs will only trample on them. And the dogs will only turn to attack you.


text:
Ask God for What You Need “Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you.


text:
Yes, everyone who continues asking will receive. He who continues searching will find. And he who continues knocking will have the door opened for him.


text:
Even though you are bad, you know how to give good gifts to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.


text:
The Most Important Rule “Do for other people the same things you want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.


text:
The Way to Heaven Is Hard “Enter through the narrow gate. The road that leads to hell is a very easy road. And the gate to hell is very wide. Many people enter through that gate.


text:
But the gate that opens the way to true life is very small. And the road to true life is very hard. Only a few people find that road.


text:
People Know You by Your Actions “Be careful of false prophets. They come to you and look gentle like sheep. But they are really dangerous like wolves.


text:
You will know these people because of the things they do. Good things don’t come from bad people, just as grapes don’t come from thornbushes. And figs don’t come from thorny weeds.


text:
“Not everyone who says ‘You are my Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do the things that my Father in heaven wants.


text:
On the last day many people will say to me, ‘You are our Lord! We spoke for you. And through you we forced out demons and did many miracles.’


text:
Two Kinds of People “Everyone who hears these things I say and obeys them is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock.


text:
It rained hard and the water rose. The winds blew and hit that house. But the house did not fall, because the house was built on rock.


text:
But the person who hears the things I teach and does not obey them is like a foolish man. The foolish man built his house on sand.


text:
It rained hard, the water rose, and the winds blew and hit that house. And the house fell with a big crash.”


text:
Then a man sick with a harmful skin disease came to Jesus. The man bowed down before him and said, “Lord, you have the power to heal me if you want.”


text:
Jesus touched the man and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” And immediately the man was healed from his skin disease.


text:
Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer the gift that Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show people that you are healed.”


text:
Jesus Heals a Soldier’s Servant Jesus went to the city of Capernaum. When he entered the city, an army officer came to Jesus and begged for help.


text:
The officer answered, “Lord, I am not good enough for you to come into my house. All you need to do is command that my servant be healed, and he will be healed.


text:
I myself am a man under the authority of other men. And I have soldiers under my command. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant obeys me.


text:
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were with him, “I tell you the truth. This man has more faith than any other person I have found, even in Israel.


text:
Many people will come from the east and from the west. They will sit and eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.


text:
And those people who should have the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness. In that place people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.”


text:
Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go home. Your servant will be healed just as you believed he would.” And at that same time his servant was healed.


text:
Jesus Heals Many People Jesus went to Peter’s house. There Jesus saw that Peter’s mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever.


text:
That evening people brought to Jesus many who had demons. Jesus spoke and the demons left them. Jesus healed all the sick.


text:
He did these things to make come true what Isaiah the prophet said: “He took our suffering on him. And he felt our pain for us.”


text:
People Want to Follow Jesus When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he told his followers to go to the other side of the lake.


text:
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests to live in. But the Son of Man has no place where he can rest his head.”


text:
Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid? You don’t have enough faith.” Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the sea. The wind stopped, and the sea became very calm.


text:
Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the country of the Gadarene people. There, two men came to Jesus. They had demons in them. These men lived in the burial caves. They were so dangerous that people could not use the road by those caves.


text:
The two men came to Jesus and shouted, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to punish us before the right time?”


text:
Jesus said to them, “Go!” So the demons left the men and went into the pigs. Then the whole herd of pigs ran down the hill into the lake and were drowned.


text:
The men who were caring for the pigs ran away and went into town. They told about all of this and what had happened to the men who had demons.


text:
Some people brought to Jesus a man who was paralyzed. The man was lying on his mat. Jesus saw that these people had great faith, so he said to the paralyzed man, “Be happy, young man. Your sins are forgiven.”


text:
Some of the teachers of the law heard this. They said to themselves, “This man speaks as if he were God—that is blasphemy!”


text:
Which is easier: to tell this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to tell him, ‘Stand up and walk’?


text:
But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up. Take your mat and go home.”


text:
Jesus Chooses Matthew When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew. Matthew was sitting in the tax office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.


text:
Jesus had dinner at Matthew’s house. Many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with Jesus and his followers.


text:
The Pharisees saw this and asked Jesus’ followers, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”


text:
Jesus heard the Pharisees ask this. So he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor. Only the sick need a doctor.


text:
Go and learn what this means: ‘I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices.’ I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners.”


text:
Jesus Is Not Like Other Jews Then the followers of John came to Jesus. They said to Jesus, “We and the Pharisees often give up eating. But your followers don’t. Why?”


text:
Jesus answered, “The friends of the bridegroom are not sad while he is with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will leave them. Then his friends are sad, and they will give up eating.


text:
“When someone sews a patch over a hole in an old coat, he never uses a piece of cloth that is not yet shrunk. If he does, the patch will shrink and pull away from the coat. Then the hole will be worse.


text:
Also, people never pour new wine into old leather bags for holding wine. If they do, the old bags will break. The wine will spill, and the wine bags will be ruined. But people always pour new wine into new wine bags. Then the wine and the wine bags will continue to be good.”


text:
Jesus Gives Life to a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman While Jesus was saying these things, a ruler of the synagogue came to him. The ruler bowed down before Jesus and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and touch her with your hand, and she will live again.”


text:
Jesus turned and saw the woman. He said, “Be happy, dear woman. You are made well because you believed.” And the woman was healed at once.


text:
Jesus continued along with the ruler and went into the ruler’s house. Jesus saw people there who play music for funerals. And he saw many people there crying.


text:
After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went into the girl’s room. He took her hand, and she stood up.


text:
Jesus Heals More People When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. They cried out, “Show kindness to us, Son of David!”


text:
Jesus went inside, and the blind men went with him. He asked the men, “Do you believe that I can make you see again?” They answered, “Yes, Lord.”


text:
Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “You believe that I can make you see again. So this will happen.”


text:
Then the men were able to see. But Jesus warned them very strongly, saying, “Don’t tell anyone about this.”


text:
When the two men were leaving, some people brought another man to Jesus. This man could not talk because he had a demon in him.


text:
Jesus forced the demon to leave the man. Then the man who couldn’t talk was able to speak. The crowd was amazed and said, “We have never seen anything like this in Israel.”


text:
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about the kingdom. And he healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses.


text:
He saw the crowds of people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless. They were like sheep without a shepherd.


text:
Jesus said to his followers, “There are many people to harvest, but there are only a few workers to help harvest them.


text:
Jesus Sends Out His Apostles Jesus called his 12 followers together. He gave them power to drive out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness.


text:
These are the names of the 12 apostles: Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;


text:
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;


text:
These 12 men he sent out with the following order: “Don’t go to the non-Jewish people. And don’t go into any town where the Samaritans live.


text:
Heal the sick. Give dead people life again. Heal those who have harmful skin diseases. Force demons to leave people. I give you these powers freely. So help other people freely.


text:
Don’t carry a bag. Take for your trip only the clothes and sandals you are wearing. Don’t take a walking stick. A worker should be given the things he needs.


text:
If the people there welcome you, let your peace stay there. But if they don’t welcome you, take back the peace you wished for them.


text:
And if a home or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place. Shake its dust off your feet.


text:
I tell you the truth. On the Judgment Day it will be worse for that town than for the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah.


text:
Jesus Warns His Apostles “Listen! I am sending you out, and you will be like sheep among wolves. So be as smart as snakes. But also be like doves and do nothing wrong.


text:
Be careful of people. They will arrest you and take you to court. They will whip you in their synagogues.


text:
Because of me you will be taken to stand before governors and kings. You will tell them and the non-Jewish people about me.


text:
When you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say or how you should say it. At that time you will be given the things to say.


text:
“Brothers will turn against their own brothers and give them over to be killed. Fathers will turn against their own children and give them to be killed. Children will fight against their own parents and have them killed.


text:
All people will hate you because you follow me. But the person who continues strong until the end will be saved.


text:
When you are treated badly in one city, go to another city. I tell you the truth. You will not finish going through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.


text:
A student should be satisfied to become like his teacher. A servant should be satisfied to become like his master. If the head of the family is called Beelzebul, then the other members of the family will be called worse names!


text:
Fear God, Not People “So don’t be afraid of those people. Everything that is hidden will be shown. Everything that is secret will be made known.


text:
I tell you these things in the dark, but I want you to tell them in the light. I speak these things only to you, but you should tell them to everyone.


text:
Don’t be afraid of people. They can only kill the body. They cannot kill the soul. The only one you should fear is the One who can destroy the body and the soul in hell.


text:
When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of the little birds can die without your Father’s knowing it.


text:
Tell People About Your Faith “If anyone stands before other people and says he believes in me, then I will say that he belongs to me. I will say this before my Father in heaven.


text:
But if anyone stands before people and says he does not believe in me, then I will say that he does not belong to me. I will say this before my Father in heaven.


text:
“Don’t think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.


text:
I have come to make this happen: ‘A son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law.


text:
“Whoever loves his father or mother more than he loves me is not worthy to be my follower. Whoever loves his son or daughter more than he loves me is not worthy to be my follower.


text:
Whoever tries to hold on to his life will give up true life. Whoever gives up his life for me will hold on to true life.


text:
Whoever meets a prophet and accepts him will receive the reward of a prophet. And whoever accepts a good man because that man is good will receive the reward of a good man.


text:
Whoever helps one of these little ones because they are my followers will truly get his reward. He will get his reward even if he only gave my follower a cup of cold water.”


text:
Jesus and John the Baptist Jesus finished telling these things to his 12 followers. Then he left there and went to the towns in Galilee to teach and preach.


text:
John the Baptist was in prison, but he heard about the things the Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers to Jesus.


text:
The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with harmful skin diseases are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life. And the Good News is told to the poor.


text:
As John’s followers were leaving, Jesus began talking to the people about John. Jesus said, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed blown by the wind? No.


text:
Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. Those people who wear fine clothes live in kings’ palaces.


text:
This was written about John in the Scriptures: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’


text:
I tell you the truth: John the Baptist is greater than any other man who has ever lived. But even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.


text:
Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength. People using force have been trying to take the kingdom.


text:
All the prophets and the law of Moses spoke until the time John came. They told about the things that would happen.


text:
And if you will believe the things the law and the prophets said, then you will believe that John is Elijah. The law and the prophets said he would come.


text:
“What can I say about the people who live today? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group calls to the other,


text:
The Son of Man came, eating and drinking wine, and people say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much. He is a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ But wisdom is proved to be right by the things it does.”


text:
Jesus Warns Unbelievers Then Jesus criticized the cities where he did most of his miracles. He criticized them because the people there did not change their lives and stop sinning.


text:
Jesus said, “How terrible for you, Korazin! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! I did many miracles in you. If those same miracles had happened in Tyre and Sidon, then the people there would have changed their lives a long time ago. They would have worn rough cloth and put ashes on themselves to show that they had changed.


text:
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No. You will be thrown down to the depths. I did many miracles in you. If those same miracles had happened in Sodom, its people would have stopped sinning, and it would still be a city today.


text:
Jesus Offers Rest to People Then Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I praise you because you have hidden these things from the people who are wise and smart. But you have shown them to those who are like little children.


text:
“My Father has given me all things. No one knows the Son—only the Father knows the Son. And no one knows the Father—only the Son knows the Father. And the only people who will know about the Father are those whom the Son chooses to tell.


text:
Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls.


text:
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath About that same time, Jesus was walking through some fields of grain on a Sabbath day. His followers were with him, and they were hungry. So they began to pick the grain and eat it.


text:
The Pharisees saw this, and they said to Jesus, “Look! Your followers are doing something that is against the Jewish law to do on the Sabbath day.”


text:
David went into God’s house. He and those with him ate the bread that was made holy for God. It was against the law for them to eat that bread. Only the priests were allowed to eat it.


text:
And have you not read in the law of Moses that on every Sabbath day the priests in the Temple break this law about the Sabbath day? But the priests are not wrong for doing that.


text:
The Scripture says, ‘I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices.’ You don’t really know what those words mean. If you understood them, you would not judge those who have done nothing wrong.


text:
In the synagogue, there was a man with a crippled hand. Some Jews there were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of doing wrong. So they asked him, “Is it right to heal on the Sabbath day?”


text:
Jesus answered, “If any of you has a sheep, and it falls into a ditch on the Sabbath day, then you will take the sheep and help it out of the ditch.


text:
Surely a man is more important than a sheep. So the law of Moses allows people to do good things on the Sabbath day.”


text:
Then Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, “Let me see your hand.” The man put his hand out, and the hand became well again, the same as the other hand.


text:
Jesus Is God’s Chosen Servant Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing, so he left that place. Many people followed him, and he healed all who were sick.


text:
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen. I love him, and I am pleased with him. I will put my Spirit in him. Then he will tell how I will judge all people fairly.


text:
He will not break a crushed blade of grass. He will not put out even a weak flame. He will continue until he makes fair judgment win the victory.


text:
Jesus’ Power Is from God Then some people brought a man to Jesus. This man was blind and could not talk, because he had a demon. Jesus healed the man, and the man could talk and see.


text:
The Pharisees heard the people saying this. The Pharisees said, “Jesus uses the power of Beelzebul to force demons out of people. Beelzebul is the ruler of demons.”


text:
Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking. So he said to them, “Every kingdom that is fighting against itself will be destroyed. And every city that is divided will fall. And every family that is divided cannot succeed.


text:
You say that I use the power of Satan when I force out demons. If that is true, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people prove that you are wrong.


text:
But if I use the power of God’s Spirit to force out demons, this shows that the kingdom of God has come to you.


text:
“If anyone wants to enter a strong man’s house and steal his things, first he must tie up the strong man. Then he can steal the things from the strong man’s house.


text:
“If anyone is not with me, then he is against me. He who does not work with me is working against me.


text:
So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin they do. And people can be forgiven for every bad thing they say. But if anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit, then he will not be forgiven.


text:
Anyone who says things against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But anyone who says things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. He will not be forgiven now or in the future.


text:
People Know You by Your Words “If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, then it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces.


text:
You snakes! You are evil people! How can you say anything good? The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart.


text:
A good person has good things in his heart. And so he speaks the good things that come from his heart. But an evil person has evil in his heart. So he speaks the evil things that come from his heart.


text:
And I tell you that people will have to explain about every careless thing they have said. This will happen on the Judgment Day.


text:
The words you have said will be used to judge you. Some of your words will prove you right, but some of your words will prove you guilty.”


text:
The Leaders Ask for a Miracle Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law answered Jesus. They said, “Teacher, we want to see you work a miracle as a sign.”


text:
Jesus answered, “Evil and sinful people are the ones who want to see a miracle for a sign. But no sign will be given to them. The only sign will be what happened to the prophet Jonah.


text:
Jonah was in the stomach of the big fish for three days and three nights. In the same way, the Son of Man will be in the grave three days and three nights.


text:
And on the Judgment Day the men from Nineveh will stand up with you people who live today. They will show that you are guilty because when Jonah preached to them, they were sorry and changed their lives. And I tell you that someone greater than Jonah is here!


text:
On the Judgment Day, the Queen of the South will stand up with you people who live today. She will show that you are guilty because she came from far away to listen to Solomon’s wise teaching. And I tell you that someone greater than Solomon is here!


text:
People Today Are Full of Evil “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it travels through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it finds no place to rest.


text:
So the spirit says, ‘I will go back to the home I left.’ When the spirit comes back to the man, the spirit finds the home still empty. The home is swept clean and made neat.


text:
Then the evil spirit goes out and brings seven other spirits even more evil than it is. Then all the spirits go into the man and live there. And that man has even more trouble than he had before. It is the same way with the evil people who live today.”


text:
Jesus’ True Family While Jesus was talking to the people, his mother and brothers stood outside. They wanted to talk to him.


text:
Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are waiting for you outside. They want to talk to you.”


text:
My true brothers and sisters and mother are those who do the things that my Father in heaven wants.”


text:
Large crowds gathered around him. So Jesus got into a boat and sat, while the people stayed on the shore.


text:
Some seed fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t enough dirt. That seed grew very fast, because the ground was not deep.


text:
Some other seed fell on good ground where it grew and became grain. Some plants made 100 times more grain. Other plants made 60 times more grain, and some made 30 times more grain.


text:
Why Jesus Used Stories to Teach The followers came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you use stories to teach the people?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Only you can know the secret truths about the kingdom of heaven. Other people cannot know these secret truths.


text:
The person who has something will be given more. And he will have all he needs. But the person who does not have much, even what he has will be taken from him.


text:
This is why I use stories to teach the people: They see, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really understand.


text:
So they show that the things Isaiah said about them are true: ‘You will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn.


text:
For these people have become stubborn. They do not hear with their ears. And they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might really understand what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds. If they did this, they would come back to me and be forgiven.’


text:
But you are blessed. You understand the things you see with your eyes. And you understand the things you hear with your ears.


text:
I tell you the truth. Many prophets and good people wanted to see the things that you now see. But they did not see them. And many prophets and good people wanted to hear the things that you now hear. But they did not hear them.


text:
What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away the things that were planted in that person’s heart.


text:
And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy.


text:
But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life. He keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, then he quickly gives up.


text:
And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and love of money stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person’s life.


text:
But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes 100 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 30 times more.”


text:
A Story About Wheat and Weeds Then Jesus told them another story. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted good seed in his field.


text:
That night, when everyone was asleep, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat. Then the enemy went away.


text:
Later, the wheat grew and heads of grain grew on the wheat plants. But at the same time the weeds also grew.


text:
Then the man’s servants came to him and said, ‘You planted good seed in your field. Where did the weeds come from?’


text:
The man answered, ‘An enemy planted weeds.’ The servants asked, ‘Do you want us to pull up the weeds?’


text:
Let the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest time. At harvest time I will tell the workers this: First gather the weeds and tie them together to be burned. Then gather the wheat and bring it to my barn.’”


text:
Stories of Mustard Seed and Yeast Then Jesus told another story: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. A man plants the seed in his field.


text:
That seed is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows, it is one of the largest garden plants. It becomes a tree, big enough for the wild birds to come and make nests in its branches.”


text:
Then Jesus told another story: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman mixes into a big bowl of flour. The yeast makes all the dough rise.”


text:
This is as the prophet said: “I will speak using stories; I will tell things that have been secret since the world was made.”


text:
Jesus Explains About the Wheat and Weeds Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His followers came to him and said, “Explain to us the meaning of the story about the weeds in the field.”


text:
The field is the world. And the good seed are all of God’s children in the kingdom. The weeds are those people who belong to the Evil One.


text:
And the enemy who planted the bad seed is the devil. The harvest time is the end of the age. And the workers who gather are God’s angels.


text:
The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will gather out of his kingdom all who cause sin and all who do evil.


text:
The angels will throw them into the blazing furnace. There the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.


text:
Then the good people will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let those with ears use them and listen!


text:
Stories of a Treasure and a Pearl “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure, and then he hid it in the field again. The man was very happy to find the treasure. He went and sold everything that he owned to buy that field.


text:
A Story of a Fishing Net “Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was put into the lake. The net caught many different kinds of fish.


text:
When it was full, the fishermen pulled the net to the shore. They sat down and put all the good fish in baskets. Then they threw away the bad fish.


text:
It will be this way at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the evil people from the good people.


text:
The angels will throw the evil people into the blazing furnace. In that place the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.”


text:
Jesus asked his followers, “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes, we understand.”


text:
Then Jesus said to them, “So every teacher of the law who has been taught about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house. He has both new things and old things saved in his house. And he brings out both those new things and old things.”


text:
He went to the town where he grew up. He taught the people in the synagogue, and they were amazed. They said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and this power to do miracles?


text:
He is only the son of the carpenter. And his mother is Mary. His brothers are James, Joseph, Simon and Judas.


text:
And the people refused to accept Jesus. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own town or in his own home.”


text:
How John the Baptist Was Killed At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the reports about Jesus.


text:
So Herod said to his servants, “Jesus is really John the Baptist. He has risen from death. That is why he is able to do these miracles.”


text:
Sometime before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias. Herodias was the wife of Philip, Herod’s brother.


text:
On Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests. Herod was very pleased with her,


text:
Herodias told her daughter what to ask for. So she said to Herod, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.”


text:
King Herod was very sad. But he had promised to give her anything she wanted, and the people eating with him had heard his promise. So Herod ordered that what she asked for be done.


text:
And the men brought John’s head on a platter and gave it to the girl. She took it to her mother, Herodias.


text:
More Than 5,000 People Fed When Jesus heard what happened to John, Jesus left in a boat. He went to a lonely place by himself. But when the crowds heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns.


text:
Late that afternoon, his followers came to Jesus and said, “No one lives in this place. And it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves.”


text:
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. Then he looked to heaven and thanked God for the food. Jesus divided the loaves of bread. He gave them to his followers, and they gave the bread to the people.


text:
All the people ate and were satisfied. After they finished eating, the followers filled 12 baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten.


text:
Jesus Walks on the Water Then Jesus made his followers get into the boat. He told them to go ahead of him to the other side of the lake. Jesus stayed there to tell the people they could go home.


text:
After he said good-bye to them, he went alone up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone.


text:
By this time, the boat was already far away on the lake. The boat was having trouble because of the waves, and the wind was blowing against it.


text:
Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water.


text:
When the followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out in fear.


text:
But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”


text:
Then Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”


text:
The people there saw Jesus and knew who he was. So they told people all around there that Jesus had come. They brought all their sick to him.


text:
They begged Jesus to let them just touch the edge of his coat to be healed. And all the sick people who touched it were healed.


text:
Obey God’s Law Not Men’s Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him,


text:
“Why do your followers not obey the rules given to us by the great people who lived before us? Your followers don’t wash their hands before they eat!”


text:
Jesus answered, “And why do you refuse to obey God’s command so that you can follow those rules you have?


text:
God said, ‘Honor your father and mother.’ And God also said, ‘Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death.’


text:
But you say that a person can tell his father or mother, ‘I have something I could use to help you. But I will not use it for you. I will give it to God.’


text:
You teach that person not to honor his father. You teach that it is not important to do what God said. You think that it is more important to follow the rules you have.


text:
Their worship of me is worthless. The things they teach are nothing but human rules they have memorized.’”


text:
It is not what a person puts into his mouth that makes him unclean. It is what comes out of his mouth that makes him unclean.”


text:
Then his followers came to Jesus and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees are angry because of what you said?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Every plant that my Father in heaven has not planted himself will be pulled up by the roots.


text:
Stay away from the Pharisees. They are blind leaders. And if a blind man leads another blind man, then both men will fall into a ditch.”


text:
Surely you know that all the food that enters the mouth goes into the stomach. Then that food goes out of the body.


text:
But what a person says with his mouth comes from the way he thinks. And these are the things that make him unclean.


text:
Out of the mind come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, stealing, lying, and saying bad things against other people.


text:
A Canaanite woman from that area came to Jesus. The woman cried out, “Lord, Son of David, please help me! My daughter has a demon, and she is suffering very much.”


text:
But Jesus did not answer the woman. So the followers came to Jesus and begged him, “Tell the woman to go away. She is following us and shouting.”


text:
The woman said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the pieces of food that fall from their masters’ table.”


text:
Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! I will do what you asked me to do.” And at that moment the woman’s daughter was healed.


text:
Jesus Heals Many People Then Jesus left that place and went to the shore of Lake Galilee. He went up on a hill and sat there.


text:
Great crowds came to Jesus. They brought their sick with them: the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb and many others. They put them at Jesus’ feet, and he healed them.


text:
The crowd was amazed when they saw that people who could not speak were able to speak again. The crippled were made strong again. Those who could not walk were able to walk again. The blind were able to see again. And they praised the God of Israel for this.


text:
More Than 4,000 People Fed Jesus called his followers to him and said, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been with me three days, and now they have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry. They might faint while going home.”


text:
His followers asked him, “Where can we get enough bread to feed all these people? We are far away from any town.”


text:
Jesus asked, “How many loaves of bread do you have?” They answered, “We have seven loaves and a few small fish.”


text:
He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks to God for the food. Then Jesus divided the food and gave it to his followers. They gave the food to the people.


text:
All the people ate and were satisfied. After this, the followers filled seven baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten.


text:
After they ate, Jesus told the people to go home. He got into the boat and went to the area of Magadan.


text:
The Leaders Ask for a Miracle The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus. They wanted to trap him. So they asked him to show them a miracle to prove that he was from God.


text:
Jesus answered, “When you see the sunset, you know what the weather will be. If the sky is red, then you say we will have good weather.


text:
And in the morning if the sky is dark and red, then you say that it will be a rainy day. You see these signs in the sky, and you know what they mean. In the same way, you see the things that are happening now. But you don’t know their meaning.


text:
Evil and sinful people ask for a miracle as a sign. But they will have no sign—only the sign of Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.


text:
Guard Against Wrong Teachings Jesus and his followers went across the lake. But the followers forgot to bring bread.


text:
The followers discussed the meaning of this. They said, “Did Jesus say this because we forgot to bring bread?”


text:
Jesus knew that they were talking about this. So he asked them, “Why are you talking about not having bread? Your faith is small.


text:
You still don’t understand? Remember the five loaves of bread that fed the 5,000 people? And remember that you filled many baskets with bread after the people finished eating?


text:
And remember the seven loaves of bread that fed the 4,000 people? Remember that you filled many baskets then also?


text:
So I was not talking to you about bread. Why don’t you understand that? I am telling you to be careful and guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”


text:
Then the followers understood what Jesus meant. He was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread. He was telling them to guard against the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.


text:
Peter Says Jesus Is the Christ Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. He said to his followers, “I am the Son of Man. Who do the people say I am?”


text:
They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah. And others say that you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”


text:
Jesus answered, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah. No person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am.


text:
So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church.


text:
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The things you don’t allow on earth will be the things that God does not allow. The things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.”


text:
Jesus Says That He Must Die From that time on Jesus began telling his followers that he must go to Jerusalem. He explained that the Jewish elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law would make him suffer many things. And he told them that he must be killed. Then, on the third day, he would be raised from death.


text:
Peter took Jesus aside and began to criticize him. Peter said, “God save you from those things, Lord! Those things will never happen to you!”


text:
Then Jesus said to Peter, “Go away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the things of God. You care only about things that men think are important.”


text:
Then Jesus said to his followers, “If anyone wants to follow me, he must say ‘no’ to the things he wants. He must be willing even to die on a cross, and he must follow me.


text:
Whoever wants to save his life will give up true life. And whoever gives up his life for me will have true life.


text:
It is worth nothing for a man to have the whole world if he loses his soul. He could never pay enough to buy back his soul.


text:
The Son of Man will come again with his Father’s glory and with his angels. At that time, he will reward everyone for what he has done.


text:
I tell you the truth. There are some people standing here who, before they die, will see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom.”


text:
Jesus with Moses and Elijah Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James up on a high mountain. They were all alone there.


text:
While they watched, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun. And his clothes became white as light.


text:
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”


text:
While Peter was talking, a bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, “This is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!”


text:
When Jesus and the followers were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you may tell.”


text:
The followers asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first, before the Christ comes?”


text:
Jesus answered, “They are right to say that Elijah is coming. And it is true that Elijah will make everything the way it should be.


text:
But I tell you, Elijah has already come. People did not know who he was. They did to him everything they wanted to do. It will be the same with the Son of Man. Those same people will make the Son of Man suffer.”


text:
Jesus Heals a Sick Boy Jesus and his followers went back to the crowd. A man came to Jesus and bowed before him.


text:
The man said, “Lord, please help my son. He has epilepsy and is suffering very much. He often falls into the fire or into the water.


text:
Jesus answered, “You people have no faith. Your lives are all wrong. How long must I stay with you? How long must I continue to be patient with you? Bring the boy here.”


text:
Jesus gave a strong command to the demon inside the boy. Then the demon came out, and the boy was healed.


text:
Jesus answered, “You were not able to drive out the demon because your faith is too small. I tell you the truth. If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And the mountain will move. All things will be possible for you.


text:
Jesus Talks About His Death Later, the followers met together in Galilee. Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man will be given into the control of some men.


text:
They will kill him, but on the third day he will be raised from death.” And the followers were filled with sadness.


text:
Jesus Talks About Paying Taxes Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. There some men came to Peter. They were the men who collected the Temple tax. They asked, “Does your teacher pay the Temple tax?”


text:
Peter answered, “Yes, Jesus pays the tax.” Peter went into the house where Jesus was. Before Peter could speak, Jesus said to him, “The kings on the earth collect different kinds of taxes. But who are the people who pay the taxes? Are they the king’s children? Or do others pay the taxes? What do you think?”


text:
Peter answered, “Other people pay the taxes.” Jesus said to Peter, “Then the children of the king don’t have to pay taxes.


text:
But we don’t want to make these tax collectors angry. So go to the lake and fish. After you catch the first fish, open its mouth. Inside its mouth you will find a coin. Take that coin and give it to the tax collectors. That will pay the tax for you and me.”


text:
Who Is the Greatest? At that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”


text:
Then he said, “I tell you the truth. You must change and become like little children. If you don’t do this, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.


text:
If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, then it will be very bad for that person. It would be better for him to have a large stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the sea.


text:
How terrible for the people of the world because of the things that cause them to sin. Such things will happen. But how terrible for the one who causes them to happen.


text:
If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to have only part of your body but have life forever. That is much better than to have two hands and two feet but be thrown into the fire that burns forever.


text:
If your eye causes you to sin, take it out and throw it away. It is better for you to have only one eye but have life forever. That is much better than to have two eyes but be thrown into the fire of hell.


text:
A Lost Sheep “Be careful. Don’t think these little children are worth nothing. I tell you that they have angels in heaven who are always with my Father in heaven.


text:
“If a man has 100 sheep, but 1 of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other 99 sheep on the hill. He will go to look for the lost sheep.


text:
And if he finds it, he is happier about that 1 sheep than about the 99 that were never lost. I tell you the truth.


text:
When a Person Sins Against You “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him what he did wrong. Do this in private. If he listens to you, then you have helped him to be your brother again.


text:
But if he refuses to listen, then go to him again and take one or two other people with you. ‘Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.’


text:
If he refuses to listen to them, then tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him as you would one who does not believe in God. Treat him as if he were a tax collector.


text:
“I tell you the truth. The things you don’t allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. The things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.


text:
“Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something, then you can pray for it. And the thing you ask for will be done for you by my Father in heaven.


text:
An Unforgiving Servant Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, when my brother sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as 7 times?”


text:
Jesus answered, “I tell you, you must forgive him more than 7 times. You must forgive him even if he does wrong to you 70 times 7.


text:
But the servant did not have enough money to pay his master, the king. So the master ordered that everything the servant owned should be sold, even the servant’s wife and children. The money would be used to pay the king what the servant owed.


text:
“But the servant fell on his knees and begged, ‘Be patient with me. I will pay you everything I owe.’


text:
The master felt sorry for his servant. So the master told the servant he did not have to pay. He let the servant go free.


text:
“Later, that same servant found another servant who owed him a few dollars. The servant grabbed the other servant around the neck and said, ‘Pay me the money you owe me!’


text:
“The other servant fell on his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me. I will pay you everything I owe.’


text:
“But the first servant refused to be patient. He threw the other servant into prison until he could pay everything he owed.


text:
All the other servants saw what happened. They were very sorry. So they went and told their master all that had happened.


text:
“Then the master called his servant in and said, ‘You evil servant! You begged me to forget what you owed. So I told you that you did not have to pay anything.


text:
The master was very angry, and he put the servant in prison to be punished. The servant had to stay in prison until he could pay everything he owed.


text:
“This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”


text:
Jesus Teaches About Divorce After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee. He went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River.


text:
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trick him. They asked, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason he chooses?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Surely you have read in the Scriptures: When God made the world, ‘he made them male and female.’


text:
And God said, ‘So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife. And the two people will become one body.’


text:
So the two are not two, but one. God joined the two people together. No person should separate them.”


text:
The Pharisees asked, “Why then did Moses give a command for a man to divorce his wife by giving her divorce papers?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you refused to accept God’s teaching. But divorce was not allowed in the beginning.


text:
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of adultery. The only reason for a man to divorce and marry again is if his first wife has been unfaithful to him.”


text:
The followers said to him, “If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, then it is better not to marry.”


text:
Jesus answered, “Not everyone can accept this truth about marriage. But God has made some able to accept it.


text:
There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to become fathers. Others were made that way later in life by other people. And other men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. But the person who can marry should accept this teaching about marriage.”


text:
Jesus Welcomes Children Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could put his hands on them and pray for them. When his followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to Jesus.


text:
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.”


text:
A Rich Young Man’s Question A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have life forever?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. But if you want to have life forever, obey the commands.”


text:
The man asked, “Which commands?” Jesus answered, “‘You must not murder anyone. You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not steal. You must not tell lies about your neighbor in court.


text:
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, then go and sell all the things you own. Give the money to the poor. If you do this, you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me!”


text:
Then Jesus said to his followers, “I tell you the truth. It will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.


text:
Yes, I tell you that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”


text:
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth. When the new age comes, the Son of Man will sit on his great throne. And all of you who followed me will also sit on 12 thrones. And you will judge the 12 tribes of Israel.


text:
And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or farms to follow me will get much more than he left. And he will have life forever.


text:
Many who are first now will be last in the future. And many who are last now will be first in the future.


text:
A Story About Vineyard Workers “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who owned some land. One morning, he went out very early to hire some people to work in his vineyard.


text:
The man agreed to pay the workers one silver coin for working that day. Then he sent them into the vineyard to work.


text:
About nine o’clock the man went to the marketplace and saw some other people standing there, doing nothing.


text:
So they went to work in the vineyard. The man went out again about twelve o’clock and again at three o’clock. Both times he hired people to work in his vineyard.


text:
About five o’clock the man went to the marketplace again. He saw others standing there. He asked them, ‘Why did you stand here all day doing nothing?’


text:
They answered, ‘No one gave us a job.’ The man said to them, ‘Then you can go and work in my vineyard.’


text:
“At the end of the day, the owner of the vineyard said to the boss of all the workers, ‘Call the workers and pay them. Start by paying the last people I hired. Then pay all of them, ending with the workers I hired first.’


text:
“The workers who were hired at five o’clock came to get their pay. Each worker received one silver coin.


text:
Then the workers who were hired first came to get their pay. They thought they would be paid more than the others. But each one of them also received one silver coin.


text:
They said, ‘Those people were hired last and worked only one hour. But you paid them the same as you paid us. And we worked hard all day in the hot sun.’


text:
But the man who owned the vineyard said to one of those workers, ‘Friend, I am being fair to you. You agreed to work for one silver coin.


text:
“So those who are last now will someday be first. And those who are first now will someday be last.”


text:
Jesus Talks About His Own Death Jesus was going to Jerusalem. His 12 followers were with him. While they were on the way, Jesus gathered the followers together and spoke to them privately. He said to them,


text:
“We are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be turned over to the leading priests and the teachers of the law. They will say that he must die.


text:
They will give the Son of Man to the non-Jewish people. They will laugh at him and beat him with whips, and then they will kill him on a cross. But on the third day after his death, he will be raised to life again.”


text:
A Mother Asks Jesus a Favor Then the wife of Zebedee came to Jesus. Her sons were with her. The mother bowed before Jesus and asked him to do something for her.


text:
Jesus asked, “What do you want?” She said, “Promise that one of my sons will sit at your right side in your kingdom. And promise that the other son will sit at your left side.”


text:
But Jesus said, “You don’t understand what you are asking. Can you accept the kind of suffering that I must suffer?” The sons answered, “Yes, we can!”


text:
Jesus said to them, “Truly you will suffer the same things that I will suffer. But I cannot choose who will sit at my right side or my left side. Those places belong to those for whom my Father has prepared them.”


text:
Jesus called all the followers together. He said, “You know that the rulers of the non-Jewish people love to show their power over the people. And their important leaders love to use all their authority.


text:
But it should not be that way among you. If one of you wants to become great, then he must serve the rest of you like a servant.


text:
So it is with the Son of Man. The Son of Man did not come for other people to serve him. He came to serve others. The Son of Man came to give his life to save many people.”


text:
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men When Jesus and his followers were leaving Jericho, a great many people followed Jesus.


text:
There were two blind men sitting by the road. The blind men heard that Jesus was going by, so they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, please help us!”


text:
All the people criticized the blind men. They told them to be quiet. But the blind men shouted more and more, “Lord, Son of David, please help us!”


text:
Jesus felt sorry for the blind men. He touched their eyes, and at once they were able to see. Then the men followed Jesus.


text:
Jesus Enters Jerusalem as a King Jesus and his followers were coming closer to Jerusalem. But first they stopped at Bethphage at the hill called the Mount of Olives. From there Jesus sent two of his followers into the town.


text:
He said to them, “Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey tied there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me.


text:
If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell him, ‘The Master needs them. He will send them back soon.’”


text:
“Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Your king is coming to you. He is gentle and riding on a donkey. He is on the colt of a donkey.’” ;


text:
They brought the donkey and the colt to Jesus. They laid their coats on the donkeys, and Jesus sat on them.


text:
Many people spread their coats on the road before Jesus. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.


text:
Some of the people were walking ahead of Jesus. Others were walking behind him. All the people were shouting, “Praise to the Son of David! God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise to God in heaven!”


text:
Then Jesus went into Jerusalem. The city was filled with excitement. The people asked, “Who is this man?”


text:
Jesus Goes to the Temple Jesus went into the Temple. He threw out all the people who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables that belonged to the men who were exchanging different kinds of money. And he upset the benches of those who were selling doves.


text:
Jesus said to all the people there, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘My Temple will be a house where people will pray.’ But you are changing God’s house into a ‘hideout for robbers.’”


text:
The leading priests and the teachers of the law saw that Jesus was doing wonderful things. They saw the children praising him in the Temple. The children were saying, “Praise to the Son of David.” All these things made the priests and the teachers of the law very angry.


text:
They asked Jesus, “Do you hear the things these children are saying?” Jesus answered, “Yes. Haven’t you read in the Scriptures, ‘You have taught children and babies to sing praises’?”


text:
He saw a fig tree beside the road. Jesus went to it, but there were no figs on the tree. There were only leaves. So Jesus said to the tree, “You will never again have fruit!” The tree immediately dried up.


text:
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth. If you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do more. You will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Go, mountain, fall into the sea.’ And if you have faith, it will happen.


text:
Leaders Doubt Jesus’ Authority Jesus went to the Temple. While he was teaching there, the leading priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus. They said to him, “Tell us! What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?”


text:
Jesus answered, “I will ask you a question, too. If you answer me, then I will tell you what authority I have to do these things.


text:
Tell me: When John baptized people, did that come from God or from man?” The priests and the leaders argued about Jesus’ question. They said to each other, “If we answer, ‘John’s baptism was from God,’ then Jesus will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe John?’


text:
But if we say, ‘It was from man,’ we are afraid of what the people will do because they all believe that John was a prophet.”


text:
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then Jesus said, “Then I won’t tell you what authority I have to do these things!


text:
A Story About Two Sons “Tell me what you think about this: There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’


text:
Then the father went to the other son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ The son answered, ‘Yes, sir, I will go and work.’ But he did not go.


text:
Which of the two sons obeyed his father?” The priests and leaders answered, “The first son.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth. The tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do.


text:
John came to show you the right way to live. And you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes believed John. You saw this, but you still refused to change and believe him.


text:
God Sends His Son “Listen to this story: There was a man who owned a vineyard. He put a wall around the vineyard and dug a hole for a winepress. Then he built a tower. He leased the land to some farmers and left for a trip.


text:
Later, it was time for the grapes to be picked. So the man sent his servants to the farmers to get his share of the grapes.


text:
But the farmers grabbed the servants, beat one, killed another, and then killed a third servant with stones.


text:
So the man sent some other servants to the farmers. He sent more servants than he sent the first time. But the farmers did the same thing to the servants that they had done before.


text:
But when the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the owner’s son. This vineyard will be his. If we kill him, then his vineyard will be ours!’


text:
The priests and leaders said, “He will surely kill those evil men. Then he will lease the vineyard to some other farmers. They will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”


text:
Jesus said to them, “Surely you have read this in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders did not want became the cornerstone. The Lord did this, and it is wonderful to us.’


text:
“So I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you. It will be given to people who do the things God wants in his kingdom.


text:
The person who falls on this stone will be broken. But if the stone falls on him, he will be crushed.”


text:
The leading priests and the Pharisees heard these stories that Jesus told. They knew he was talking about them.


text:
They wanted to arrest him. But they were afraid of the people, because the people believed that Jesus was a prophet.


text:
The king invited some people to the feast. When the feast was ready, the king sent his servants to tell the people to come. But they refused to come to the feast.


text:
“Then the king sent other servants. He said to them, ‘Tell those who have been invited that my feast is ready. I have killed my best bulls and calves for the dinner. Everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’


text:
“But the people refused to listen to the servants. They went to do other things. One went to work in his field, and another went to his business.


text:
The king was very angry. He sent his army to kill the people who had killed his servants. And the army burned their city.


text:
“After that, the king said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready. I invited those people, but they were not worthy to come.


text:
So the servants went into the streets. They gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.


text:
“Then the king came in to see all the guests. He saw a man there who was not dressed in the right clothes for a wedding.


text:
The king said, ‘Friend, how were you allowed to come in here? You are not wearing the right clothes for a wedding.’ But the man said nothing.


text:
So the king told some servants, ‘Tie this man’s hands and feet. Throw him out into the darkness. In that place, people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.’


text:
The Pharisees Try to Trap Jesus Then the Pharisees left the place where Jesus was teaching. They made plans to trap Jesus with a question.


text:
They sent some of their own followers and some men from the group called Herodians. These men said, “Teacher, we know that you are an honest man. We know that you teach the truth about God’s way. You are not afraid of what other people think about you. All men are the same to you.


text:
But Jesus knew that these men were trying to trick him. So he said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me?


text:
The men answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. And give to God the things that are God’s.”


text:
Sadducees Try to Trick Jesus That same day some Sadducees came to Jesus. (Sadducees believe that no person will rise from death.) The Sadducees asked Jesus a question.


text:
They said, “Teacher, Moses told us that a married man might die without having children. Then his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.


text:
There were seven brothers among us. The first one married but died. He had no children. So his brother married the widow.


text:
Then the second brother also died. The same thing happened to the third brother and all the other brothers.


text:
Jesus answered, “You don’t understand because you don’t know what the Scriptures say. And you don’t know about the power of God.


text:
When people rise from death, there will be no marriage. People will not be married to each other. They will be like the angels in heaven.


text:
God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ God is the God of living people, not dead people.”


text:
The Most Important Command The Pharisees learned that the Sadducees could not argue with Jesus’ answers to them. So the Pharisees met together.


text:
He asked, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” The Pharisees answered, “The Christ is the Son of David.”


text:
Then Jesus said to them, “Then why did David call him ‘Lord’? David was speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit. David said,


text:
‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit by me at my right side, until I put your enemies under your control.’


text:
None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus’ question. And after that day no one was brave enough to ask Jesus any more questions.


text:
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees have the authority to tell you what the law of Moses says.


text:
So you should obey and follow whatever they tell you. But their lives are not good examples for you to follow. They tell you to do things, but they don’t do the things themselves.


text:
They make strict rules and try to force people to obey them. But they themselves will not try to follow any of those rules.


text:
“The reason they do good things is so other people will see them. They make the boxes of Scriptures that they wear bigger and bigger. And they make their special prayer clothes very long so that people will notice them.


text:
Those Pharisees and teachers of the law love to have the most important seats at the feasts. And they love to have the most important seats in the synagogues.


text:
They love people to show respect to them in the marketplaces. And they love to have people call them ‘Teacher.’


text:
“But you must not be called ‘Teacher.’ You are all brothers and sisters together. You have only one Teacher.


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You close the door for people to enter the kingdom of heaven. You yourselves don’t enter, and you stop others who are trying to enter.


text:
[How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites. You take away widows’ houses, and you make long prayers so that people can see you. So you will have a worse punishment.]


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You travel across land and sea to find one person who will follow your ways. When you find that person, you make him more fit for hell than you are.


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You guide the people, but you are blind. You say, ‘If anyone swears by the Temple when he makes a promise, that means nothing. But if anyone swears by the gold that is in the Temple, then he must keep that promise.’


text:
And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar when he makes a promise, that means nothing. But if he swears by the gift on the altar, then he must keep his promise.’


text:
And the person who uses the Temple to make a promise is really using the Temple and also everything in the Temple.


text:
The person who uses heaven to make a promise is also using God’s throne and the One who sits on that throne.


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You give to God one-tenth of everything you earn—even your mint, dill, and cummin. But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being loyal. These are the things you should do, as well as those other things.


text:
You guide the people, but you are blind! You are like a person who picks a fly out of his drink and then swallows a camel!


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You wash the outside of your cups and dishes. But inside they are full of things that you got by cheating others and pleasing only yourselves.


text:
Pharisees, you are blind! First make the inside of the cup clean and good. Then the outside of the cup can be truly clean.


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites! You are like tombs that are painted white. Outside, those tombs look fine. But inside, they are full of the bones of dead people, and all kinds of unclean things are there.


text:
It is the same with you. People look at you and think you are good. But on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and evil.


text:
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets. You show honor to the graves of people who lived good lives.


text:
And you say, ‘If we had lived during the time of our fathers, we would not have helped them kill the prophets.’


text:
“You are snakes! A family of poisonous snakes! You will not escape God. You will all be judged guilty and be sent to hell!


text:
So I tell you this: I am sending to you prophets and wise men and teachers. You will kill some of these people. You will nail some of them to crosses. You will beat some of them in your synagogues. You will chase them from town to town.


text:
So you will be guilty for the death of all the good people who have been killed on earth. You will be guilty for the murder of that good man Abel. And you will be guilty for the murder of Zechariah son of Berakiah. He was murdered when he was between the Temple and the altar.


text:
Jesus Feels Sorry for Jerusalem “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and kill with stones those men God sent to you. Many times I wanted to help your people! I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.


text:
I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, ‘God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord.’”


text:
The Temple Will Be Destroyed Jesus left the Temple and was walking away. But his followers came to show him the Temple’s buildings.


text:
Jesus asked, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth. Every stone will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another.”


text:
Later, Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives. His followers came to be alone with him. They said, “Tell us when these things will happen. And what will happen to show us that it is time for you to come again and for the world to end?”


text:
You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes.


text:
Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places.


text:
“Then men will arrest you and hand you over to be hurt and kill you. They will hate you because you believe in me.


text:
At that time, many who believe will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other.


text:
There will be more and more evil in the world. So most people will stop showing their love for each other.


text:
The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come.


text:
“Daniel the prophet spoke about ‘the horrible thing that destroys.’ You will see this terrible thing standing in the holy place.” (You who read this should understand what it means.)


text:
This is because at that time there will be much trouble. There will be more trouble than has ever happened since the beginning of the world. And nothing as bad as that will ever happen again.


text:
God has decided to make that terrible time short. If that time were not made short, then no one would go on living. But God will make that time short to help the people he has chosen.


text:
At that time, someone might say to you, ‘Look, there is the Christ!’ Or another person might say, ‘There he is!’ But don’t believe them.


text:
False Christs and false prophets will come and perform great things and miracles. They will do these things to the people God has chosen. They will fool them, if that is possible.


text:
“If people tell you, ‘The Christ is in the desert’—don’t go there. If they say, ‘The Christ is in the inner room’—don’t believe it.


text:
When the Son of Man comes, he will be seen by everyone. It will be like lightning flashing in the sky that can be seen everywhere.


text:
“Soon after the trouble of those days, this will happen: ‘The sun will grow dark. And the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky. And everything in the sky will be changed.’ ;


text:
“At that time, there will be something in the sky that shows the Son of Man is coming. All the peoples of the world will cry. They will see the Son of Man coming on clouds in the sky. He will come with great power and glory.


text:
He will use a loud trumpet to send his angels all around the earth. They will gather his chosen people from every part of the world.


text:
“The fig tree teaches us a lesson: When its branches become green and soft, and new leaves begin to grow, then you know that summer is near.


text:
So also, when you see all these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to come.


text:
The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but the words I have said will never be destroyed!


text:
When Will Jesus Come Again? “No one knows when that day or time will be. Even the Son and the angels in heaven don’t know. Only the Father knows.


text:
In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking. They were marrying and giving their children to be married. They were still doing those things until the day Noah entered the boat.


text:
They knew nothing about what was happening. But then the flood came, and all those people were destroyed. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.


text:
Two women will be grinding grain with a hand mill. One woman will be taken and the other will be left.


text:
Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time a thief was coming, then the owner would be ready for him. The owner would watch and not let the thief enter his house.


text:
“Who is the wise and trusted servant? The master trusts one servant to give the other servants their food at the right time.


text:
I tell you the truth. The master will choose that servant to take care of everything the master owns.


text:
Then that servant will begin to beat the other servants. He will feast and get drunk with others like him.


text:
Then the master will punish that servant. He will send him away to be among the hypocrites. There people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.


text:
A Story About Ten Girls “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten girls who went to wait for the bridegroom. They took their lamps with them.


text:
The wise girls answered, ‘No! The oil we have might not be enough for all of us. Go to the people who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’


text:
“So the five foolish girls went to buy oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom came. The girls who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the wedding feast. Then the door was closed and locked.


text:
A Story About Three Servants “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was going to another place for a visit. Before he left, he talked with his servants. The man told them to take care of his things while he was gone.


text:
He decided how much each servant would be able to care for. He gave one servant five bags of money. He gave another servant two bags of money. And he gave a third servant one bag of money. Then the man left.


text:
The servant who got five bags went quickly to invest the money. The five bags of money earned five more.


text:
It was the same with the servant who had two bags of money. He invested the money and earned two more.


text:
But the servant who got one bag of money went out and dug a hole in the ground. Then he hid his master’s money in the hole.


text:
The servant who got five bags of money brought five more bags to the master. The servant said, ‘Master, you trusted me to care for five bags of money. So I used your five bags to earn five more.’


text:
The master answered, ‘You did well. You are a good servant who can be trusted. You did well with small things. So I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my happiness with me.’


text:
“Then the servant who got two bags of money came to the master. The servant said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of money to care for. So I used your two bags to earn two more.’


text:
“Then the servant who got one bag of money came to the master. The servant said, ‘Master, I knew that you were a hard man. You harvest things you did not plant. You gather crops where you did not sow any seed.


text:
The master answered, ‘You are a bad and lazy servant! You say you knew that I harvest things I did not plant, and that I gather crops where I did not sow any seed?


text:
So you should have put my money in the bank. Then, when I came home, I would get my money back with interest.’


text:
“So the master told his other servants, ‘Take the bag of money from that servant and give it to the servant who has ten bags of money.


text:
Everyone who uses what he has will get more. He will have much more than he needs. But the one who does not use what he has will have everything taken away from him.’


text:
Then the master said, ‘Throw that useless servant outside, into the darkness! There people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.’


text:
The King Will Judge All People “The Son of Man will come again in his great glory. All his angels will come with him. He will be King and sit on his great throne.


text:
All the people of the world will be gathered before him. Then he will separate them into two groups as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.


text:
The Son of Man will put the sheep, the good people, on his right and the goats, the bad people, on his left.


text:
“Then the King will say to the good people on his right, ‘Come. My Father has given you his blessing. Come and receive the kingdom God has prepared for you since the world was made.


text:
I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house.


text:
I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’


text:
“Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink?


text:
When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear?


text:
“Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth. Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’


text:
“Then the King will say to those on his left, ‘Go away from me. God has said that you will be punished. Go into the fire that burns forever. That fire was prepared for the devil and his helpers.


text:
I was alone and away from home, and you did not invite me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me nothing to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you did not care for me.’


text:
“Then those people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty? When did we see you alone and away from home? Or when did we see you without clothes or sick or in prison? When did we see these things and not help you?’


text:
“Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth. Anything you refused to do for any of my people here, you refused to do for me.’


text:
“You know that the day after tomorrow is the day of the Passover Feast. On that day the Son of Man will be given to his enemies to be killed on a cross.”


text:
Then the leading priests and the Jewish elders had a meeting at the palace of the high priest. The high priest’s name was Caiaphas.


text:
A Woman with Perfume for Jesus Jesus was in Bethany. He was at the house of Simon, who had a harmful skin disease.


text:
While Jesus was there, a woman came to him. She had an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She poured this perfume on Jesus’ head while he was eating.


text:
But Jesus knew what happened. He said, “Why are you troubling this woman? She did a very beautiful thing for me.


text:
I tell you the truth. The Good News will be told to people in all the world. And in every place where it is preached, what this woman has done will be told. And people will remember her.”


text:
Judas Becomes an Enemy of Jesus Then 1 of the 12 followers went to talk to the leading priests. This was the follower named Judas Iscariot.


text:
He said, “I will give Jesus to you. What will you pay me for doing this?” The priests gave Judas 30 silver coins.


text:
Jesus Eats the Passover Feast On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the followers came to Jesus. They said, “We will prepare everything for you to eat the Passover Feast. Where do you want to have the feast?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Go into the city to a certain man. Tell him that the Teacher says, ‘The chosen time is near. I will have the Passover Feast with my followers at your house.’”


text:
This made the followers very sad. Each one said to Jesus, “Surely, Lord, I am not the one who will turn against you. Am I?”


text:
Jesus answered, “The man who has dipped his hand with me into the bowl is the one who will turn against me.


text:
The Son of Man will die. The Scriptures say this will happen. But how terrible it will be for the person who gives the Son of Man to be killed. It would be better for him if he had never been born.”


text:
Then Judas said to Jesus, “Teacher, surely I am not the one. Am I?” (Judas is the one who would give Jesus to his enemies.) Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”


text:
The Lord’s Supper While they were eating, Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for it and broke it. Then he gave it to his followers and said, “Take this bread and eat it. This bread is my body.”


text:
Then Jesus took a cup. He thanked God for it and gave it to the followers. He said, “Every one of you drink this.


text:
This is my blood which begins the new agreement that God makes with his people. This blood is poured out for many to forgive their sins.


text:
I tell you this: I will not drink of this fruit of the vine again until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”


text:
Jesus’ Followers Will All Leave Him Jesus told the followers, “Tonight you will lose your faith because of me. It is written in the Scriptures: ‘I will kill the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.’


text:
Peter said, “All the other followers may lose their faith because of you. But I will never lose my faith.”


text:
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. Tonight you will say you don’t know me. You will say this three times before the rooster crows.”


text:
But Peter said, “I will never say that I don’t know you! I will even die with you!” And all the other followers said the same thing.


text:
Jesus Prays Alone Then Jesus went with his followers to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”


text:
He told Peter and the two sons of Zebedee to come with him. Then Jesus began to be very sad and troubled.


text:
He said to Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, “My heart is full of sorrow and breaking with sadness. Stay here with me and watch.”


text:
Then Jesus walked a little farther away from them. He fell to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want.”


text:
Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. Jesus said to Peter, “You men could not stay awake with me for one hour?


text:
Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right. But your body is weak.”


text:
Then Jesus went away a second time. He prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this painful thing to be taken from me, and if I must do it, then I pray that what you want will be done.”


text:
So Jesus left them and went away one more time and prayed. This third time he prayed, he said the same thing.


text:
Then Jesus went back to the followers and said, “You are still sleeping and resting? The time has come for the Son of Man to be given to sinful people.


text:
Jesus Is Arrested While Jesus was still speaking, Judas came up. Judas was 1 of the 12 followers. He had many people with him. They had been sent from the leading priests and the elders of the people. They carried swords and clubs.


text:
Jesus answered, “Friend, do the thing you came to do.” Then the men came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.


text:
When that happened, one of Jesus’ followers reached for his sword and pulled it out. The follower struck the servant of the high priest with the sword and cut off his ear.


text:
Jesus said to the man, “Put your sword back in its place. All who use swords will be killed with swords.


text:
Then Jesus said to the crowd, “You came to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal. Every day I sat in the Temple teaching. You did not arrest me there.


text:
But all these things have happened so that it will be as the prophets wrote.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him and ran away.


text:
Jesus Before the Leaders Those men who arrested Jesus led him to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. The teachers of the law and the Jewish elders were gathered there.


text:
Peter followed Jesus but did not go near him. He followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest’s house. He sat down with the guards to see what would happen to Jesus.


text:
The leading priests and the Jewish council tried to find something false against Jesus so that they could kill him.


text:
Many people came and told lies about him. But the council could find no real reason to kill Jesus. Then two people came and said,


text:
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Aren’t you going to answer? Don’t you have something to say about their charges against you?”


text:
But Jesus said nothing. Again the high priest said to Jesus, “You must swear to this. I command you by the power of the living God to tell us the truth. Tell us, are you the Christ, the Son of God?”


text:
Jesus answered, “Yes, I am. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, the Powerful One. And you will see him coming in clouds in the sky.”


text:
When the high priest heard this, he was very angry. He tore his clothes and said, “This man has said things that are against God! We don’t need any more witnesses. You all heard him say these things against God.


text:
Peter Says He Doesn’t Know Jesus At that time, Peter was sitting in the courtyard. A servant girl came to him and said, “You were with Jesus, that man from Galilee.”


text:
But Peter said that he was never with Jesus. He said this to all the people there. Peter said, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”


text:
Then he left the courtyard. At the gate, another girl saw him. She said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”


text:
Again, Peter said that he was never with Jesus. Peter said, “I swear that I don’t know this man Jesus!”


text:
A short time later, some people standing there went to Peter. They said, “We know you are one of those men who followed Jesus. We know this because of the way you talk.”


text:
Then Peter began to curse. He said, “May a curse fall on me if I’m not telling the truth. I don’t know the man.” After Peter said this, a rooster crowed.


text:
Then he remembered what Jesus had told him: “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” Then Peter went outside and cried painfully.


text:
Jesus Is Taken to Pilate Early the next morning, all the leading priests and elders of the people decided to kill Jesus.


text:
Judas Kills Himself Judas saw that they had decided to kill Jesus. Judas was the one who gave Jesus to his enemies. When Judas saw what happened, he was very sorry for what he had done. So he took the 30 silver coins back to the priests and the leaders.


text:
Judas said, “I sinned. I gave you an innocent man to be killed.” The leaders answered, “What is that to us? That’s your problem, not ours.”


text:
The leading priests picked up the silver coins in the Temple. They said, “Our law does not allow us to keep this money with the Temple money. This money has paid for a man’s death.”


text:
So they decided to use the coins to buy a field called Potter’s Field. This field would be a place to bury strangers who died while visiting Jerusalem.


text:
So the thing came true that Jeremiah the prophet had said: “They took 30 silver coins. That is how little the Israelites thought he was worth.


text:
Pilate Questions Jesus Jesus stood before Pilate the governor. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Yes, I am.”


text:
Pilate Tries to Free Jesus Every year at the time of Passover the governor would free one person from prison. This was always a person the people wanted to be set free.


text:
All the people gathered at Pilate’s house. Pilate said, “Which man do you want me to free: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ?”


text:
Pilate said these things while he was sitting on the judge’s seat. While he was sitting there, his wife sent a message to him. The message said, “Don’t do anything to that man. He is not guilty. Today I had a dream about him, and it troubled me very much.”


text:
But the leading priests and elders told the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be freed and for Jesus to be killed.


text:
Pilate said, “I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which do you want me to set free for you?” The people answered, “Barabbas!”


text:
Pilate asked, “What should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?” They all answered, “Kill him on a cross!”


text:
Pilate asked, “Why do you want me to kill him? What wrong has he done?” But they shouted louder, “Kill him on a cross!”


text:
Pilate saw that he could do nothing about this, and a riot was starting. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. Then he said, “I am not guilty of this man’s death. You are the ones who are causing it!”


text:
All the people answered, “We will be responsible. We accept for ourselves and for our children any punishment for his death.”


text:
Then Pilate freed Barabbas. Pilate told some of the soldiers to beat Jesus with whips. Then he gave Jesus to the soldiers to be killed on a cross.


text:
Then the soldiers used thorny branches to make a crown. They put this crown of thorns on Jesus’ head. They put a stick in his right hand. Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him. They said, “Hail, King of the Jews!”


text:
After they finished making fun of Jesus, the soldiers took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led Jesus away to be killed on a cross.


text:
Jesus Is Killed on a Cross The soldiers were going out of the city with Jesus. They forced another man to carry the cross to be used for Jesus. This man was Simon, from Cyrene.


text:
At Golgotha, the soldiers gave Jesus wine to drink. This wine was mixed with gall. He tasted the wine but refused to drink it.


text:
They put a sign above Jesus’ head with the charge against him written on it. The sign read: “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”


text:
saying, “You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross, if you are really the Son of God!”


text:
The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish elders were also there. These men made fun of Jesus


text:
and said, “He saved other people, but he can’t save himself! People say he is the King of Israel! If he is the King, then let him come down now from the cross. Then we will believe in him.


text:
He trusts in God. So let God save him now, if God really wants him. He himself said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”


text:
About three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” This means, “My God, my God, why have you left me alone?”


text:
Quickly one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled the sponge with vinegar and tied it to a stick. Then he used the stick to give the sponge to Jesus to drink from it.


text:
Then the curtain in the Temple split into two pieces. The tear started at the top and tore all the way down to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks broke apart.


text:
They came out of the graves after Jesus was raised from death. They went into the holy city, and many people saw them.


text:
The army officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus saw this earthquake and everything else that happened. They were very frightened and said, “He really was the Son of God!”


text:
Many women were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. These were women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for him.


text:
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John were there.


text:
Jesus Is Buried That evening a rich man named Joseph came to Jerusalem. He was a follower of Jesus from the town of Arimathea.


text:
Joseph went to Pilate and asked to have Jesus’ body. Pilate gave orders for the soldiers to give it to Joseph.


text:
He put Jesus’ body in a new tomb that he had cut in a wall of rock. He rolled a very large stone to block the entrance of the tomb. Then Joseph went away.


text:
The Tomb of Jesus Is Guarded That day was the day called Preparation Day. The next day, the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.


text:
They said, “Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise from death.’


text:
So give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till the third day. His followers might come and steal the body. Then they could tell the people that he has risen from death. That lie would be even worse than the first one.”


text:
So they all went to the tomb and made it safe from thieves. They did this by sealing the stone in the entrance and then putting soldiers there to guard it.


text:
Jesus Rises from Death The day after the Sabbath day was the first day of the week. At dawn on the first day, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to look at the tomb.


text:
At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone.


text:
The soldiers guarding the tomb were very frightened of the angel. They shook with fear and then became like dead men.


text:
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross.


text:
But he is not here. He has risen from death as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was.


text:
And go quickly and tell his followers. Say to them: ‘Jesus has risen from death. He is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there.’” Then the angel said, “Now I have told you.”


text:
The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus’ followers what had happened.


text:
Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings.” The women came up to Jesus, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.


text:
Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go on to Galilee. They will see me there.”


text:
The Soldiers Report to the Jewish Leaders The women went to tell Jesus’ followers. At the same time, some of the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb went into the city. They went to tell the leading priests everything that had happened.


text:
Then the priests met with the Jewish elders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers a large amount of money.


text:
They said to the soldiers, “Tell the people that Jesus’ followers came during the night and stole the body while you were asleep.


text:
So the soldiers kept the money and obeyed the priests. And that story is still spread among the Jews even today.


text:
Jesus Talks to His Followers The 11 followers went to Galilee. They went to the mountain where Jesus told them to go.


text:
On the mountain they saw Jesus and worshiped him. But some of them did not believe that it was really Jesus.


text:
So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.


text:
Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.”


text:
“There is a voice of a man who calls out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’”


text:
John was baptizing people in the desert. He preached a baptism of changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins.


text:
All the people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to John. They told about the sins they had done. Then they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.


text:
John wore clothes made from camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.


text:
This is what John preached to the people: “There is one coming later who is greater than I. I am not good enough even to kneel down and untie his sandals.


text:
Jesus Is Baptized At that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.


text:
When Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven open. The Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove.


text:
He was in the desert 40 days and was there with the wild animals. While he was in the desert, he was tempted by Satan. Then angels came and took care of Jesus.


text:
Jesus Chooses Some Followers After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and preached the Good News from God.


text:
Jesus said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!”


text:
When Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and Simon’s brother, Andrew. They were fishermen and were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish.


text:
Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish.


text:
Their father Zebedee and the men who worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers, he called them to come with him. They left their father and followed Jesus.


text:
Jesus Removes an Evil Spirit Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. On the Sabbath day Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach.


text:
The people there were amazed at his teaching. He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like a person who had authority.


text:
“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”


text:
The people were amazed. They asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new. And he teaches with authority. He even gives commands to evil spirits, and they obey him.”


text:
Jesus Heals Many People Jesus and his followers left the synagogue. They all went at once with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.


text:
So Jesus went to her bed, took her hand, and helped her up. Immediately the fever left her, and she was healed. Then she began serving them.


text:
That night, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick. They also brought those who had demons in them.


text:
Jesus healed many who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons to leave people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.


text:
Early the next morning, Jesus woke and left the house while it was still dark. He went to a place to be alone and pray.


text:
Jesus answered, “We should go somewhere else, to other towns around here. Then I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.”


text:
So he traveled everywhere in Galilee. He preached in the synagogues and forced demons to leave people.


text:
Jesus Heals a Sick Man A man who had a harmful skin disease came to Jesus. The man fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “I know that you can heal me if you will.”


text:
“Don’t tell anyone about what I did for you. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer a gift to God because you have been healed. Offer the gift that Moses commanded. This will show the people that you are healed.”


text:
The man left there, but he told everyone he saw that Jesus had healed him. So the news about Jesus spread. That is the reason Jesus could not enter a town if people saw him. He stayed in places where nobody lived. But people came from all the towns to wherever he was.


text:
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man A few days later, Jesus came back to Capernaum. The news spread that he was home.


text:
So many people gathered to hear him preach that the house was full. There was no place to stand, not even outside the door. Jesus was teaching them.


text:
But they could not get to Jesus because of the crowd. So they went to the roof above Jesus and made a hole in the roof. Then they lowered the mat with the paralyzed man on it.


text:
Jesus saw that these men had great faith. So he said to the paralyzed man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”


text:
Some of the teachers of the law were sitting there. They saw what Jesus did, and they said to themselves,


text:
“Why does this man say things like that? He is saying things that are against God. Only God can forgive sins.”


text:
At once Jesus knew what these teachers of the law were thinking. So he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?


text:
Which is easier: to tell this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to tell him, ‘Stand up. Take your mat and walk’?


text:
But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So Jesus said to the paralyzed man,


text:
Immediately the paralyzed man stood up. He took his mat and walked out while everyone was watching him. The people were amazed and praised God. They said, “We have never seen anything like this!”


text:
While he was walking beside the lake, he saw a tax collector named Levi son of Alphaeus. Levi was sitting in the tax office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And Levi stood up and followed Jesus.


text:
Later that day, Jesus ate at Levi’s house. There were many tax collectors and “sinners” eating there with Jesus and his followers. Many people like this followed Jesus.


text:
The teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with the tax collectors and “sinners.” They asked his followers, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”


text:
Jesus heard this and said to them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor. It is the sick who need a doctor. I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners.”


text:
Jesus’ Followers Are Criticized One day the followers of John and the Pharisees were giving up eating. Some people came to Jesus and said, “John’s followers and the followers of the Pharisees give up eating. But your followers don’t. Why?”


text:
Jesus answered, “When there is a wedding, the friends of the bridegroom are not sad while he is with them. They do not give up eating while the bridegroom is still there.


text:
But the time will come when the bridegroom will leave them. Then the friends will be sad and will give up eating.


text:
“When a person sews a patch over a hole on an old coat, he never uses a piece of cloth that is not yet shrunk. If he does, the patch will shrink and pull away from the coat. Then the hole will be worse.


text:
Also, no one ever pours new wine into old leather bags for holding wine. If he does, the new wine will break the bags, and the wine will be ruined along with the bags for the wine. People always put new wine into new leather bags.”


