# verses

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Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate toward the house was one reed.


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Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its posts, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was toward the house.


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The lodges of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.


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He measured the breadth of the opening of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits;


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and a border before the lodges, one cubit on this side, and a border, one cubit on that side; and the lodges, six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.


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He measured the gate from the roof of the one lodge to the roof of the other, a breadth of twenty-five cubits; door against door.


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From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the forefront of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits.


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There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward; and on each post were palm trees.


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Then brought he me into the outer court; and behold, there were rooms and a pavement, made for the court all around: thirty rooms were on the pavement.


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The pavement was by the side of the gates, answerable to the length of the gates, even the lower pavement.


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Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the east and on the north.


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The gate of the outer court whose prospect is toward the north, he measured its length and its breadth.


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The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side; and its posts and its arches were after the measure of the first gate: its length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.


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The windows of it, and its arches, and the palm trees of it, were after the measure of the gate whose prospect is toward the east; and they went up to it by seven steps; and its arches were before them.


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There was a gate to the inner court over against the other gate, both on the north and on the east; and he measured from gate to gate one hundred cubits.


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He led me toward the south; and behold, a gate toward the south: and he measured its posts and its arches according to these measures.


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There were windows in it and in its arches all around, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.


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There were seven steps to go up to it, and its arches were before them; and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, on its posts.


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There was a gate to the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south a hundred cubits.


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Then he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;


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and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad.


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The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts: and the ascent to it had eight steps.


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He brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures;


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and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad.


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The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.


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its lodges, its posts, and its arches: and there were windows therein all around; the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.


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The posts of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.


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In the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to kill thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.


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On the one side outside, as one goes up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables.


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Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they killed the sacrifices.


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There were four tables for the burnt offering, of cut stone, a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high; whereupon they laid the instruments with which they killed the burnt offering and the sacrifice.


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The hooks, a handbreadth long, were fastened within all around: and on the tables was the flesh of the offering.


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Outside of the inner gate were rooms for the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south; one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.


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He said to me, “This room, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the house;


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and the room whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to the LORD to minister to him.”


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He measured the court, one hundred cubits long, and a hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar was before the house.


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Then he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.


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The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; even by the steps by which they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.


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He brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tent.


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The breadth of the entrance was ten cubits; and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured its length, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits.


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Then went he inward, and measured each post of the entrance, two cubits; and the entrance, six cubits; and the breadth of the entrance, seven cubits.


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He measured its length, twenty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said to me, “This is the most holy place.”


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Then he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side room, four cubits, all around the house on every side.


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The side rooms were in three stories, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the side rooms all around, that they might have hold therein, and not have hold in the wall of the house.


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The side rooms were broader as they encompassed the house higher and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher around the house: therefore the breadth of the house continued upward; and so one went up from the lowest room to the highest by the middle room.


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I saw also that the house had a raised base all around: the foundations of the side rooms were a full reed of six great cubits.


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The thickness of the wall, which was for the side rooms, on the outside, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side rooms that belonged to the house.


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The doors of the side rooms were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits all around.


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The building that was before the separate place at the side toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick all around, and its length ninety cubits.


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So he measured the house, one hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with its walls, one hundred cubits long;


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also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, one hundred cubits.


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He measured the length of the building before the separate place which was at its back, and its galleries on the one side and on the other side, one hundred cubits; and the inner temple, and the porches of the court;


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the thresholds, and the closed windows, and the galleries around on their three stories, over against the threshold, with wood ceilings all around, and from the ground up to the windows, (now the windows were covered),


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to the space above the door, even to the inner house, and outside, and by all the wall all around inside and outside, by measure.


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It was made with cherubim and palm trees; and a palm tree was between cherub and cherub, and every cherub had two faces;


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so that there was the face of a man toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. Thus was it made through all the house all around:


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from the ground to above the door were cherubim and palm trees made: thus was the wall of the temple.


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As for the temple, the door posts were squared; and as for the face of the sanctuary, the appearance of it was as the appearance of the temple.


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The altar was of wood, three cubits high, and its length two cubits; and its corners, and its length, and its walls, were of wood: and he said to me, This is the table that is before the LORD.


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The doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves: two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other.


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There were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm trees, like as were made on the walls; and there was a threshold of wood on the face of the porch outside.


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There were closed windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch: thus were the side rooms of the house, and the thresholds.


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Then he brought me forth into the outer court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the room that was over against the separate place, and which was over against the building toward the north.


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Over against the twenty cubits which belonged to the inner court, and over against the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in the third story.


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Before the rooms was a walk of ten cubits’ breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors were toward the north.


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Now the upper rooms were shorter; for the galleries took away from these, more than from the lower and the middle, in the building.


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For they were in three stories, and they didn’t have pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the uppermost was straitened more than the lowest and the middle from the ground.


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The wall that was outside by the side of the rooms, toward the outer court before the rooms, its length was fifty cubits.


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For the length of the rooms that were in the outer court was fifty cubits: and behold, before the temple were one hundred cubits.


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In the thickness of the wall of the court toward the east, before the separate place, and before the building, there were rooms.


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The way before them was like the appearance of the way of the rooms which were toward the north; according to their length so was their breadth: and all their exits were both according to their fashions, and according to their doors.


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According to the doors of the rooms that were toward the south was a door at the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one enters into them.


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Then he said to me, “The north rooms and the south rooms, which are before the separate place, they are the holy rooms, where the priests who are near to the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.


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When the priests enter in, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the outer court, but there they shall lay their garments in which they minister; for they are holy: and they shall put on other garments, and shall approach to that which pertains to the people.”


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Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it all around.


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He measured on the east side with the measuring reed five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed all around.


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He measured it on the four sides: it had a wall around it, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.


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Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shined with his glory.


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It was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city; and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face.


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The Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.


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He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their prostitution, and by the dead bodies of their kings in their high places;


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in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their doorpost beside my doorpost, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: therefore I have consumed them in my anger.


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Now let them put away their prostitution, and the dead bodies of their kings, far from me; and I will dwell in their midst forever.


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”You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern.


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If they be ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the form of the house, and its fashion, and its exits, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its ordinances, and all its forms, and all its laws; and write it in their sight; that they may keep the whole form of it, and all its ordinances, and do them.


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”This is the law of the house: on the top of the mountain the whole limit around it shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.


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”These are the measures of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar.


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From the bottom on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the breadth a cubit.


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The upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns.


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The ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad in the four sides of it; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and its bottom shall be a cubit around; and its steps shall look toward the east.”


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He said to me, “Son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.


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You shall give to the priests the Levites who are of the seed of Zadok, who are near to me, to minister to me, says the Lord GOD, a young bull for a sin offering.


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You shall take of its blood, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border all around: thus you shall cleanse it and make atonement for it.


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You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burnt in the appointed place of the house, outside of the sanctuary.


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”On the second day you shall offer a male goat without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they cleansed it with the bull.


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When you have finished cleansing it, you shall offer a young bull without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish.


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You shall bring them near to the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt on them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering to the LORD.


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”Seven days you shall prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bull, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.


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When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings on the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Lord GOD.”


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Then he brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looks toward the east; and it was shut.


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The LORD said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut.


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As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.”


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Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell on my face.


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The LORD said to me, “Son of man, mark well, and see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I tell you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all its laws; and mark well the entrance of the house, with every exit of the sanctuary.


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You shall tell the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,


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in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to profane it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant, to add to all your abominations.


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You have not performed the duty of my holy things; but you have set performers of my duty in my sanctuary for yourselves.’


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”Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel.


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But the Levites who went far from me, when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity.


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Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house, and ministering in the house: they shall kill the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.


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Because they ministered to them before their idols, and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, says the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.


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They shall not come near to me, to execute the office of priest to me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, to the things that are most holy; but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.


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Yet will I make them performers of the duty of the house, for all its service, and for all that shall be done therein.


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”’But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who performed the duty of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister to me; and they shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood, says the Lord GOD:


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they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my instruction.


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”’It shall be that, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come on them, while they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.


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They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and shall have linen breeches on their waists; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.


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When they go forth into the outer court, even into the outer court to the people, they shall put off their garments in which they minister, and lay them in the holy rooms; and they shall put on other garments, that they not sanctify the people with their garments.


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”’Neither shall they shave their heads, nor allow their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads.


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Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her who is put away; but they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.


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They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.


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”’In a controversy they shall stand to judge; according to my ordinances shall they judge it: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts; and they shall make my Sabbaths holy."


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”’They shall go in to no dead person to defile themselves; but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister who has had no husband, they may defile themselves.


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In the day that he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, says the Lord GOD.


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”’They shall have an inheritance: I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession."


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They shall eat the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.


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The first of all the first fruits of every thing, and every offering of everything, of all your offerings, shall be for the priest: you shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, to cause a blessing to rest on your house.


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The priests shall not eat of anything that dies of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or animal.


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“’Moreover, when you shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an offering to the LORD, a holy portion of the land; the length shall be the length of twenty-five thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand: it shall be holy in all its border all around.


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Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, square all around; and fifty cubits for its suburbs all around.


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Of this measure you shall measure a length of twenty-five thousand, and a breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary, which is most holy.


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It is a holy portion of the land; it shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who come near to minister to the LORD; and it shall be a place for their houses, and a holy place for the sanctuary.


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Twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall be to the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession to themselves, for twenty rooms.


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”’You shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and twenty-five thousand long, side by side with the offering of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.


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”’Whatever is for the prince shall be on the one side and on the other side of the holy offering and of the possession of the city, in front of the holy offering and in front of the possession of the city, on the west side westward, and on the east side eastward; and in length answerable to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border.


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In the land it shall be to him for a possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; but they shall give the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.’


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”Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Let it suffice you, princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute justice and righteousness; dispossessing my people, says the Lord GOD.


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You shall have just balances, and a just ephah, <n>45:10 1 ephah is about 22 litres or about 2/3 of a bushel</n> and a just bath.


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The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of a homer <n>45:11 1 homer is about 220 litres or 6 bushels</n>, and the ephah the tenth part of a homer: its measure shall be after the homer.


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The shekel shall be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina.


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”’This is the offering that you shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and you shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley;"


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and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer; (for ten baths are a homer;)


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and one lamb of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel—for a meal offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make atonement for them, says the Lord GOD.


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It shall be the prince’s part to give the burnt offerings, and the meal offerings, and the drink offerings, in the feasts, and on the new moons, and on the Sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meal offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.


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”’Thus says the Lord GOD: In the first month, in the first day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish; and you shall cleanse the sanctuary.


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The priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it on the door posts of the house, and on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the posts of the gate of the inner court.


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So you shall do on the seventh day of the month for everyone who errs, and for him who is simple: so you shall make atonement for the house.


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”’In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.


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On that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering.


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The seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a male goat daily for a sin offering.


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He shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and a hin of oil to an ephah.


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In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, in the feast, shall he do the like the seven days; according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meal offering, and according to the oil.’


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“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.


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The prince shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate outside, and shall stand by the post of the gate; and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.


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The people of the land shall worship at the door of that gate before the LORD on the Sabbaths and on the new moons.


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The burnt offering that the prince shall offer to the LORD shall be on the Sabbath day six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish;


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and the meal offering shall be an ephah for the ram, and the meal offering for the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah.


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On the day of the new moon it shall be a young bull without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish:


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and he shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for the bull, and an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs according as he is able, and a hin of oil to an ephah.


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When the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of the gate, and he shall go forth by its way.


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”’But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the appointed feasts, he who enters by the way of the north gate to worship shall go forth by the way of the south gate; and he who enters by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate by which he came in, but shall go forth straight before him.


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”’In the feasts and in the solemnities the meal offering shall be an ephah <n>46:11 1 ephah is about 22 litres or about 2/3 of a bushel</n> for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah.


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When the prince shall prepare a freewill offering, a burnt offering or peace offerings as a freewill offering to the LORD, one shall open for him the gate that looks toward the east; and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he does on the Sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate.


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”’You shall prepare a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the LORD daily: morning by morning you shall prepare it."


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You shall prepare a meal offering with it morning by morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of a hin of oil, to moisten the fine flour; a meal offering to the LORD continually by a perpetual ordinance.


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Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meal offering, and the oil, morning by morning, for a continual burnt offering.’


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”Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘If the prince give a gift to any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance.


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But if he give of his inheritance a gift to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty; then it shall return to the prince; but as for his inheritance, it shall be for his sons.


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Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance, to thrust them out of their possession; he shall give inheritance to his sons out of his own possession, that my people not be scattered every man from his possession.’”


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Then he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy rooms for the priests, which looked toward the north: and behold, there was a place on the hinder part westward.


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He said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the meal offering; that they not bring them forth into the outer court, to sanctify the people.”


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Then he brought me forth into the outer court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and behold, in every corner of the court there was a court.


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In the four corners of the court there were courts enclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure.


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There was a wall around in them, around the four, and boiling places were made under the walls all around.


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Then he said to me, “These are the boiling houses, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.”


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He brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was toward the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.


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Then he brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way outside to the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looks toward the east; and behold, there ran out waters on the right side.


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When the man went forth eastward with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles.


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Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the waist.


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Afterward he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.


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He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?”  Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river.


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Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.


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Then he said to me, “These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea; into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed.


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It shall happen, that every living creature which swarms, in every place where the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters have come there, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live wherever the river comes.


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It shall happen, that fishermen shall stand by it: from En Gedi even to En Eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.


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By the river on its bank, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall its fruit fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because its waters issue out of the sanctuary; and its fruit shall be for food, and its leaf for healing.”


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”Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘This shall be the border, by which you shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.


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You shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I swore to give it to your fathers: and this land shall fall to you for inheritance.


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”’This shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, to the entrance of Zedad;


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Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer Hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran.


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The border from the sea, shall be Hazar Enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.


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The east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border to the east sea you shall measure. This is the east side.


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The south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook [of Egypt], to the great sea. This is the south side southward.


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The west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side.


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It shall happen, that you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance to you and to the aliens who live among you, who shall father children among you; and they shall be to you as the native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.


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It shall happen, that in what tribe the stranger lives, there you shall give him his inheritance,’ says the Lord GOD.”


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“Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus, northward beside Hamath (and they shall have their sides east and west), Dan, one portion.


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”By the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the offering which you shall offer, twenty-five thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the portions, from the east side to the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in its midst.


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The offering that you shall offer to the LORD shall be twenty-five thousand reeds in length, and ten thousand in breadth.


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For these, even for the priests, shall be the holy offering: toward the north twenty-five thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south twenty-five thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in its midst.


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It shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, who have kept my instruction, who didn’t go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.


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It shall be to them an offering from the offering of the land, a thing most holy, by the border of the Levites.


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”Answerable to the border of the priests, the Levites shall have twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be twenty-five thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.


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They shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy to the LORD.


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”The five thousand that are left in the breadth, in front of the twenty-five thousand, shall be for common use, for the city, for dwelling and for suburbs; and the city shall be in its midst.


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These shall be its measures: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.


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The city shall have suburbs: toward the north two hundred fifty, and toward the south two hundred fifty, and toward the east two hundred fifty, and toward the west two hundred fifty.


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The remainder in the length, answerable to the holy offering, shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward; and it shall be answerable to the holy offering; and its increase shall be for food to those who labor in the city.


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All the offering shall be twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand: you shall offer the holy offering foursquare, with the possession of the city.


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”The residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy offering and of the possession of the city; in front of the twenty-five thousand of the offering toward the east border, and westward in front of the twenty-five thousand toward the west border, answerable to the portions, it shall be for the prince: and the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house shall be in its midst.


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Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince’s, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, it shall be for the prince.


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By the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of Meribath Kadesh, to the brook [of Egypt], to the great sea.


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This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their several portions, says the Lord GOD.


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”These are the exits of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure;"


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and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one.


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At the east side four thousand and five hundred reeds, and three gates: even the gate of Joseph, one; the gate of Benjamin, one; the gate of Dan, one.


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At the south side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure, and three gates: the gate of Simeon, one; the gate of Issachar, one; the gate of Zebulun, one.


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At the west side four thousand and five hundred reeds, with their three gates: the gate of Gad, one; the gate of Asher, one; the gate of Naphtali, one.


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It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there.’” <n>48:35 Hebrew “Jehovah Shammah”</n>


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In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Jerusalem, and besieged it.


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The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.


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The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal family and of the nobles;


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youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.


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The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s royal food, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at its end they should stand before the king.


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The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.


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But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s royal food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.


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The prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? So would you endanger my head with the king.”


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Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:


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Then let our faces be looked on before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king’s royal food; and as you see, deal with your servants.“


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At the end of ten days their faces appeared better and fatter than all the youths who ate of the king’s royal food.


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So the steward took away their royal food, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them vegetables.


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Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.


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At the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.


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The king talked with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore they entered the king’s service.


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In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.


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In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was troubled, and his sleep went from him.


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Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.


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Then spoke the Chaldeans to the king in the Syrian language, “O king, live forever: tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”


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The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing is gone from me: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a rubbish heap.


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But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor: therefore show me the dream and its interpretation.”


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They answered the second time and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”


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The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me.


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But if you do not make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until such time that things might change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.”


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The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no king, lord, or ruler, has asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean.


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It is a rare thing that the king requires, and there is no other who can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”


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For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.


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So the decree went forth, and the wise men were to be killed; and they sought Daniel and his companions to be killed.


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Then Daniel returned an answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to kill the wise men of Babylon;


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he answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.


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Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.


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Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:


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that they would seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.


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Then was the secret revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.


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He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding;


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he reveals the deep and secret things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.


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I thank you, and praise you, God of my fathers, who has given me wisdom and might, and has now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”


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Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said this to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.”


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Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said this to him, “I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.”


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The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?”


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Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded is such that no wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, can show to the king;


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but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these:


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as for you, O king, your thoughts came into your mind on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what shall happen.


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But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.


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You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was extraordinary, stood before you; and its appearance was awesome.


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As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass,


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You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.


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Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.


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You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;


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and wherever the children of men dwell, the animals of the field and the birds of the sky has he given into your hand, and has made you to rule over them all: you are the head of gold.


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After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.


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The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.


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Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.


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As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.


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Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mix with one another but they shall not hold together, even as iron does not mix with clay.


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In the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all those kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.


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Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall happen hereafter: and the dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.“


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Then king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him.


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The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing you have been able to reveal this secret.”


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Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.


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Daniel requested of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel was in the gate of the king.


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Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.


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Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.


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Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.


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that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up;


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and whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”


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Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.


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You, O king, have made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image;


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There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not regarded you: they do not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.”


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Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.


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Nebuchadnezzar answered them, “Is it on purpose, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?


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Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if you do not worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?”


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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.


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If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.


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But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.”


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Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.


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He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.


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Then these men were bound in their cloaks, trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.


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Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.


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These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.


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Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up quickly. He spoke and said to his ministers, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.”


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He answered, “Look, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are unharmed; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”


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Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace. He spoke and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire.


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The satraps, the prefects, and the governors, and the king’s ministers, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their trousers changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.


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Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.


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Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be reduced to rubble; because there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.”


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“Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.


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How great are his signs and how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.


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I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.


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Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.


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Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.


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But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying,


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”Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.


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Thus were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and its height was great.


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The tree grew, and was strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its sight to the end of all the earth.


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The leaves of it were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.


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I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from the sky.


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He cried aloud, and said this, “Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.


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Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth.


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Let his mind be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s mind be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.


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The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men.


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This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”


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Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, Belteshazzar, “Do not let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, the dream concerns those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.


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The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth;


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whose leaves were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation.


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It is you, O king, that are grown and become strong; for your greatness is grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth.


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Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from the sky, and saying, ‘Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him.


text:
This is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come on my lord the king:


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that you shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.


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Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be restored to you. After that you shall have known that the heavens do rule.


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Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.”


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The king spoke and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?”


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While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, “O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken. The kingdom has departed from you,


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and you shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he wants.”


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The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.


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”At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever. For his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.


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All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing; and he does according to his will in the host of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or tell him, “What have you done?”


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At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought me out; and I was established in my kingdom, and even more greatness was added to me.


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Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”


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Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.


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Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.


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Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them.


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They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.


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In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.


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Then the king’s face was turned pale, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs gave way, and his knees began knocking together.


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The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever shall read this writing, and show me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”


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Then came in all the king’s wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.


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Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever; do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.


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There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and king Nebuchadnezzar your father, the king, I say, your father, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners;


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because an extraordinary spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and explaining riddles, and solving problems, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”


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Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?


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I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and extraordinary wisdom are found in you.


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Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.


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But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”


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Then Daniel answered before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself, and give your rewards to another;. Nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.


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You king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.


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And because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would he killed, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down.


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But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was removed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.


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And he was driven from the sons of men, and his mind was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he wants.


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but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see, nor hear, nor know. And the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.


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This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end;


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Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.


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It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;


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and over them three administrators, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account to them, and that the king might not suffer loss.


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Then this Daniel was distinguished above the administrators and the satraps, because an extraordinary spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.


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Then the administrators and the satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful. Neither was there any error or fault found in him.


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Then these men said, “We will not find any charge against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.“


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Then these administrators and satraps assembled together to the king, and said this to him, “King Darius, live forever.


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All the administrators of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.


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Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.”


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When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.


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Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.


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Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king’s decree. “Haven’t you signed a decree, that every man who shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.”


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Then they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, doesn’t regard you, O king, nor the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.“


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Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him. And he labored until the going down of the sun to rescue him.


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Then these men assembled together to the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree nor statute which the king establishes may be changed.”


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Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.”


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A stone was brought, and placed on the opening of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.


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Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him. And his sleep fled from him.


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When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God. Is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?”


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My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; because before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no wrong.”


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Then was the king exceedingly glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.


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The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.


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Then king Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you.


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I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever. His kingdom shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be to the end.


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He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”


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In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions in his mind on his bed. Then he wrote the dream and told the summary of it.


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Daniel spoke and said, “I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke forth on the great sea.


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The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I saw until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a man; and a man’s mind was given to it.


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And behold, another animal, a second one, like a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. And they said this to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’


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After this I saw, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.


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After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and extremely strong. And it had great iron teeth. It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet. And it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns.


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I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking arrogant things.


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I saw until thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.


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A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.


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I saw at that time because of the voice of the arrogant words which the horn spoke. I was watching until the animal was killed and its body destroyed and was given to be burned with fire.


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As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.


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I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, <n>7:13 Matthew 8:20; Revelation 1:13</n> and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.


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There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.


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As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body, and the visions of my mind troubled me.


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I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the true meaning concerning all this. So he told me, and revealed to me the interpretation of these things.


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But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.


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Then I desired to know the true meaning concerning the fourth animal, which was different from all of them, exceedingly terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its claws of bronze; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet.


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And concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke arrogant things, whose look was larger than the others.


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until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the holy ones of the Most High, and the time came that the holy ones possessed the kingdom.


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This he said, ‘The fourth animal shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.


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As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise, and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings.


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He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall oppress the holy ones of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given over to him until a time and times and half a time.


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And the court shall sit in judgment, and they shall take away his dominion, consumed and completely destroyed forever.


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The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’


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Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. I kept the matter to myself.”


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In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me previously.


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And I saw in the vision, and when I looked, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.


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Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns. And the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up last.


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I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; and no animals could stand before him, neither was there any who could deliver out of his hand. But he did according to his will, and became great.


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As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and did not touch the ground. And the goat had a prominent horn between his eyes.


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He came to the ram that had the two horns, which I saw standing before the river, and rushed at him in the fury of his power.


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I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with anger against him, and struck the ram, and broke his two horns. And there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he threw him down to the ground and trampled on him, and there was no one who could deliver the ram from his power.


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The male goat became very strong. But when he was strong, the large horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four prominent horns toward the four winds of heaven.


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Out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the beautiful land.


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It grew so great that it reached to the host of heaven, and some of the host and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled on them.


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And it magnified itself, even against the Prince of the host; and it took away from him the daily sacrifice, and the place of his sanctuary was thrown down.


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The host was given over to it together with the daily sacrifice because of transgression. And it cast down truth to the ground, and kept prospering.


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Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled?”


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He said to me, “To two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be restored to its rightful state.”


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It came about when I, Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me someone who appeared to be a man.


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I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and called out and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”


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So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was frightened, and fell prostrate. But he said to me, “Understand, son of man, that the vision belongs to the time of the end.”


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Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright.


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He said, “Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the latter time of wrath, for it belongs to the appointed time of the end.


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As for that which was broken, in the place where four stood up, four kingdoms shall arise out of his nation, but not with his power.


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In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their full measure, a rash and deceitful king shall arise.


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His power shall be great, but not by his own strength; and he shall cause terrible destruction, and shall succeed in whatever he does. And he shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.


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Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper by his influence, and he shall be great in his own mind, and without warning he shall destroy many. He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be shattered, but not by human hands.


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The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true; but seal up the vision because it refers to many days from now.”


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I, Daniel, was overcome, and was ill for days. Then I rose up, and carried out the king’s business. And I was astonished by the vision, but there was no one to explain it.


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In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of Median descent, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans--


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in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood from the books the number of the years about which the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the completion of the desolation of Jerusalem, seventy years.


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And I turned to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.


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I prayed to the LORD my God, and made this confession, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments.


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We have sinned, and have done what is wrong and wicked, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your commandments and from your ordinances.


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Neither have we listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our leaders, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.


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Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near, and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds that they have committed against you.


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LORD, to us belongs open shame, to our kings, to our leaders, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you.


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And have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.


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Yes, all Israel has transgressed your law, and turned away, refusing to obey your voice. Therefore has the curse been poured out on us, and the oath that is written in the Law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against you.


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He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing on us a great calamity; for under the whole heaven such has not been done as has been done on Jerusalem.


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As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us. Yet have we not tried to gain the favor of the LORD our God, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in your truth.


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Therefore has the LORD watched over the calamity, and brought it on us, for the LORD our God is just in all he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice.


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”And now, Lord our God, who has brought your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, even to this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.


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Lord, according to all your righteousness, let your anger and please let your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a reproach to all who are around us.


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Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.


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My God, turn your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and see our desolation, and the city which is called by your name. For we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercy.


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Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and take action! Do not delay, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”


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While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God,


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while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, came to me in my weariness about the time of the evening sacrifice.


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He instructed me, and talked with me, and said, “Daniel, I have now come forth to give you wisdom and understanding.


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At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went forth, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.


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Seventy weeks are decreed on your people and on your holy city, to put an end to the transgression, and to make an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place.


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Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem until the time of an anointed prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. It shall be built again, with open spaces and a moat, but in times of distress.


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After the sixty-two weeks an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and his end shall come with a flood, and until the end there shall be war; desolations are decreed.


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He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who destroys, and even until a complete destruction, until the decreed end is poured out on the one who destroys.”


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In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the word was true: a great war. And he understood the word, and had understanding of the vision.


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I had no pleasing food, neither meat nor wine came into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.


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In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is the Tigris,


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I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, around his waist a belt made of pure gold from Uphaz.


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His body was like beryl, and his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.


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I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great trembling fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves.


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So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my natural appearance grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.


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Yet I heard the sound of his words, and when I heard the sound of his words, then I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.


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He said to me, “Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.


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Then said he to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words.


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But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia.


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Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision refers to future days.”


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And when he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground, and could not speak.


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And behold, one in the likeness of a human touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, it is because of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have no strength.


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For how can this servant of my lord talk with my lord? As for me, no strength remains, and I am breathless.”


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And he said, “Greatly loved man, do not be afraid, peace be to you; be strong, be strong!”  When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”


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Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come.


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But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the Book of Truth. And there is no one who contends with me against them except Michael, your prince.”


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And now what I show you is true. Behold, there shall arise three more kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than all of them; and when he has grown strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece.


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When he shall arise, his kingdom shall be broken up, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to his authority with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, and will go to others besides these.


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The king of the south shall grow strong, and one of his officers shall grow more powerful, and shall have a greater kingdom than his.


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At the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain her power; neither shall his strength endure; but she shall be surrendered, and her attendants, and he who became the father of her, and he who supported her in those times.


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But out of a shoot from her roots shall arise in his place, who shall come against the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail.


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Also their gods, with their molten images, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold, shall he carry captive into Egypt; and he shall withdraw for some years from the king of the north.


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And his sons shall wage war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall advance and overflow and pass through, and they shall return and wage war, as far as his fortress.


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The king of the south shall be moved with rage and shall come forth and fight against him, even with the king of the north; and he shall raise a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand.


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The multitude shall be taken away, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail.


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The king of the north shall return, and shall raise a multitude greater than the former; and he shall advance after some years with a great army and with abundant supplies.


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And in those times many shall rise up against the king of the south: also the violent ones among your people shall rise up in confirmation of the vision; but they shall fail.


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So the king of the north shall come, and build up a siege mound and take a well-fortified city. And the forces of the south shall not prevail, neither his best troops, neither shall there be any strength to resist.


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But he who comes against him shall do as he pleases, and no one shall be able to withstand him. And he shall stand in the beautiful land, and destruction will be within his power.


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He shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and will reach an agreement with him which he shall put into effect. And he shall give him a daughter of women to send destruction on him; but it will not last or be to his advantage.


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After this shall he turn his face to the coastal regions, and shall capture many. But a commander shall bring his insolence to an end. In addition, he shall repay him for his insolence.


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Then he shall turn his attention toward the fortresses of his own land, but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found again.


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Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute to pass through the kingdom to maintain its glory; but within few days he shall be destroyed, though not in anger nor in battle.


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In his place shall arise a despicable person, to whom the honor of kingship had not been given, but he shall come in a time of prosperity, and shall obtain the kingdom through deceit.


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And large armies shall be swept away and shattered before him, as well as the prince of the covenant.


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And after an alliance is made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall become strong with a small force.


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In a time of prosperity he shall come even on the richest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor their fathers; he shall distribute among them plunder, and spoil, and property. He shall devise plans against their strongholds, but only for a time.


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And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall wage war in battle with an extremely large and powerful army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise plans against him.


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Yes, those who eat of his royal food shall seek to destroy him, and his army shall be swept away; and many shall fall slain.


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As for both these kings, their minds shall be fixed on evil, and they shall speak lies at the table; but it shall not succeed; for still the end shall be at the appointed time.


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Then shall he return into his land with great property; and his mind shall be against the holy covenant. And he shall take action, and then return to his own land.


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At the appointed time he shall return, and come into the south; but this time the outcome shall not be as it was before.


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For ships from Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be intimidated, and shall turn back, and be enraged against the holy covenant, and shall take action. He shall turn back, and show regard to those who forsake the holy covenant.


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Forces shall come at his order, and they shall profane the sanctuary and the fortress, and shall take away the daily burnt offering, and they shall set up the abomination that causes desolation. <n>11:31 Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14</n>


text:
And those who act wickedly toward the covenant he shall corrupt by smooth words; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and take action.


text:
And those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for some time.


text:
Now when they shall fall, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join with them insincerely.


text:
Some of those who are wise shall fall, to be refined, purified and cleansed until the time of the end; for the appointed time is still to come.


text:
And the king shall do as he pleases. And he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak outrageous things against the God of gods. And he shall prosper until the indignation is accomplished; for that which is decreed shall be done.


text:
Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the one desired by women, nor show regard to any other god, because he shall magnify himself above all.


text:
But instead he shall honor the god of fortresses; a god whom his fathers did not know shall he honor with gold and silver, and with valuable stones, and costly gifts.


text:
And he shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Whoever acknowledges him he shall grant considerable honor; and he shall make them rulers over many, and shall divide the land for a price.


text:
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south attack him. And the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall invade countries, and pass through like a flood.


text:
He shall enter also into the beautiful land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the foremost of the sons of Ammon.


text:
But he shall have control over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the riches of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his feet.


text:
But news out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go out with tremendous rage to destroy and utterly sweep away many.


text:
And he shall pitch his royal tents between the sea and the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with no one to help him.


text:
“At that time shall Michael arise, the great prince who watches over the children of your people. And there shall be a time of distress unparalleled since the beginning of the nation until that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.


text:
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.


text:
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.


text:
But you, Daniel, close up these words, and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall roam here and there, and knowledge shall increase.”


text:
Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the river, and one on the other bank of the river.


text:
And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long shall it be till these wonders take place?”


text:
I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.


text:
And I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”


text:
Many shall be purified, cleansed and refined; but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.


text:
From the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination that causes desolation <n>12:11 Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14</n> is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days.


text:
But go your way until the end. For you shall rest, and shall rise to receive your reward at the end of the days.


text:
The word of the LORD that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.


text:
When the LORD spoke at the first by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness; for the land commits great adultery, forsaking the LORD.”


text:
The LORD said to him, “Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and will cause the kingdom of the house of Israel to cease.


text:
She conceived again, and bore a daughter. Then he said to him, “Call her name Lo-Ruhamah <n>1:6 Lo-Ruhamah means “not loved”</n>; for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, that I should in any way pardon them.


text:
But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen.”


text:
He said, “Call his name Lo-Ammi <n>1:9 Lo-Ammi means “not my people”</n>; for you are not my people, and I will not be yours.


text:
Yet the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, which can’t be measured nor numbered; and it will come to pass that, in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ <n>1:10 Romans 9:26</n>


text:
The children of Judah and the children of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint themselves one head, and will go up from the land; for great will be the day of Jezreel.


text:
“Say to your brothers, ‘My people!’ <n>2:1 ‘Ammi’ in Hebrew</n> and to your sisters, ‘My loved one!’ <n>2:1 ‘Ruhamah’ in Hebrew</n>


text:
Contend with your mother! Contend, for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband;and let her put away her prostitution from her face, and her adulteries from between her breasts;


text:
Lest I strip her naked, and make her bare as in the day that she was born,and make her like a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and kill her with thirst.


text:
For their mother has played the prostitute. She who conceived them has done shamefully;for she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’


text:
Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, that she can’t find her way.


text:
She will follow after her lovers, but she won’t overtake them;and she will seek them, but won’t find them.Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.’


text:
For she did not know that I gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil, and multiplied to her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.


text:
Therefore I will take back my grain in its time, and my new wine in its season, and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered her nakedness.


text:
Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and no one will deliver her out of my hand.


text:
I will also cause all her celebrations to cease: her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her solemn assemblies.


text:
I will lay waste her vines and her fig trees, about which she has said, ‘These are my wages that my lovers have given me; and I will make them a forest,’ and the animals of the field shall eat them.


text:
I will visit on her the days of the Baals, to which she burned incense,when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and went after her lovers, and forgot me,” says the LORD.


text:
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.


text:
I will give her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;and she will respond there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.


text:
It will be in that day,” says the LORD, “that you will call me ‘my husband,’ and no longer call me ‘my master.’


text:
For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth, and they will no longer be mentioned by name.


text:
In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, and with the birds of the sky, and with the creeping things of the ground.I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down safely.


text:
I will betroth you to me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.


text:
It will happen in that day, I will respond,” says the LORD, “I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth;


text:
 and the earth will respond to the grain, and the new wine, and the oil; and they will respond to Jezreel.


text:
I will sow her to me in the earth; and I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; and I will tell those who were not my people, ‘You are my people;’ and they will say, ‘My God!’” <n>2:23 Romans 9:25</n>


text:
The LORD said to me, “Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods, and love cakes of raisins.”


text:
I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days. You shall not play the prostitute, and you shall not be with any other man. I will also be so toward you.”


text:
For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without sacred stone, and without ephod or idols.


text:
Afterward the children of Israel shall return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and shall come with trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.


text:
Hear the word of the LORD, you children of Israel; for the LORD has a charge against the inhabitants of the land:“Indeed there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land.


text:
There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed.


text:
Therefore the land will mourn, and everyone who dwells therein will waste away,all living things in her, even the animals of the field and the birds of the sky; yes, the fish of the sea also die.


text:
“Yet let no man bring a charge, neither let any man accuse; For your people are like those who bring charges against a priest.


text:
You will stumble in the day, and the prophet will also stumble with you in the night; and I will destroy your mother.


text:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priest to me.Because you have forgotten your God’s law, I will also forget your children.


text:
It will be, like people, like priest; and I will punish them for their ways, and will repay them for their deeds.


text:
They will eat, and not have enough. They will play the prostitute, and will not increase; because they have abandoned giving to the LORD.


text:
 My people consult with their wooden idol, and answer to a stick of wood.Indeed the spirit of prostitution has led them astray, and they have been unfaithful to their God.


text:
They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good.Therefore your daughters play the prostitute, and your brides commit adultery.


text:
I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute, nor your brides when they commit adultery;because the men consort with prostitutes, and they sacrifice with the shrine prostitutes; so the people without understanding will come to ruin.


text:
“Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, yet do not let Judah offend; and do not come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, ‘As the LORD lives.’


text:
For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer. Then how will the LORD feed them like a lamb in a meadow.


text:
Their drink has become sour. They play the prostitute continually. Her rulers dearly love their shameful way."


text:
The wind has wrapped her up in its wings; and they shall be disappointed because of their sacrifices."


text:
“Listen to this, you priests! Listen, house of Israel, and give ear, house of the king!For the judgment is against you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread on Tabor.


text:
I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me;for now, Ephraim, you have played the prostitute. Israel is defiled.


text:
Their deeds won’t allow them to turn to their God; for the spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD.


text:
The pride of Israel testifies to his face. Therefore Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their iniquity. Judah also will stumble with them."


text:
They will go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they won’t find him. He has withdrawn himself from them."


text:
They are unfaithful to the LORD; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the new moon will devour them with their fields."


text:
“Blow the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah! Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven, behind you, Benjamin!


text:
Ephraim will become a desolation in the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel, I have made known that which will surely be.


text:
The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark. I will pour out my wrath on them like water."


text:
“When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, Then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to king Jareb:but he is not able to heal you, neither will he cure you of your wound.


text:
For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah.I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver.


text:
I will go and return to my place, until they acknowledge their offense, and seek my face. In their affliction they will seek me earnestly.”


text:
“Come, and let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us to pieces, and he will heal us;he has injured us, and he will bind up our wounds.


text:
After two days he will revive us. On the third day he will raise us up, and we will live before him.


text:
Let us acknowledge the LORD. Let us press on to know the LORD.As surely as the sun rises, The LORD will appear.He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth.”


text:
“Ephraim, what shall I do to you? Judah, what shall I do to you? For your love is like a morning cloud, and like the dew that disappears early.


text:
Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets; I killed them with the words of my mouth. Your judgments are like a flash of lightning."


text:
As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes.


text:
In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing. There is prostitution in Ephraim. Israel is defiled."


text:
“For you also, Judah, there is a harvest appointed for you, when I restore the fortunes of my people.


text:
When I would heal Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered, also the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief enters in, and the gang of robbers ravages outside.


text:
They do not consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. Now their own deeds have engulfed them. They are before my face."


text:
They are all adulterers. They are burning like an oven that the baker stops stirring, from the kneading of the dough, until it is leavened.


text:
On the day of our king, the princes made themselves sick with the heat of wine. He joined his hand with mockers.


text:
For they have made ready their heart like an oven, while they lie in wait. Their baker sleeps all the night. In the morning it burns as a flaming fire.


text:
They are all hot as an oven, and devour their judges.All their kings have fallen. There is no one among them who calls to me.


text:
Strangers have devoured his strength, and he doesn’t realize it.Indeed, gray hairs are here and there on him, and he doesn’t realize it.


text:
The pride of Israel testifies to his face; yet they haven’t returned to the LORD their God, nor sought him, for all this.


text:
“Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.


text:
When they go, I will spread my net on them. I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard.


text:
Woe to them! For they have wandered from me.Destruction to them! For they have trespassed against me.Though I would redeem them, yet they have spoken lies against me.


text:
They haven’t cried to me with their heart, but they howl on their beds.They assemble themselves for grain and new wine. They turn away from me.


text:
They return, but not to the Most High. They are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue. This will be their derision in the land of Egypt.


text:
“Put the trumpet to your lips! Something like an eagle is over the LORD’s house, because they have broken my covenant, and rebelled against my law.


text:
They have set up kings, but not by me. They have made princes, and I did not approve. Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols, that they may be cut off.


text:
Let Samaria throw out his calf idol! My anger burns against them! How long will it be until they are capable of purity?"


text:
For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.


text:
For they sow the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind.He has no standing grain. The stalk will yield no head. If it does yield, strangers will swallow it up.


text:
For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired lovers for himself.


text:
But although they sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them; and they begin to waste away because of the oppression of the king of mighty ones.


text:
As for the sacrifices of my offerings, they sacrifice flesh and eat it; But the LORD doesn’t accept them.Now he will remember their iniquity, and punish their sins. They will return to Egypt.


text:
For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire on his cities, and it will devour its fortresses.”


text:
Do not rejoice, Israel, to jubilation like the nations; for you were unfaithful to your God. You love the wages of a prostitute at every grain threshing floor.


text:
They won’t dwell in the LORD’s land; but Ephraim will return to Egypt, and they will eat unclean food in Assyria.


text:
They won’t pour out wine offerings to the LORD, neither will they be pleasing to him. Their sacrifices will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat of it will be polluted; for their bread will be for their appetite. It will not come into the house of the LORD.


text:
For, behold, they have gone away from destruction. Egypt will gather them up. Memphis will bury them. Nettles will possess their pleasant things of silver. Thorns will be in their tents.


text:
The days of visitation have come. The days of reckoning have come.Israel will consider the prophet to be a fool, and the man who is inspired to be insane, because of the abundance of your sins, and because your hostility is great.


text:
A prophet watches over Ephraim with my God. A fowler’s snare is on all of his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.


text:
They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity. He will punish them for their sins.


text:
I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at its first season; but they came to Baal Peor, and consecrated themselves to the shameful thing, and became abominable like that which they loved.


text:
As for Ephraim, their glory will fly away like a bird. There will be no birth, none with child, and no conception.


text:
Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, so that not a man shall be left. Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them!


text:
I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place; but Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer.


text:
“All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of my house! I will love them no more. All their rulers are rebels."


text:
Ephraim is struck. Their root has dried up. They will bear no fruit. Even though they bring forth, yet I will kill the beloved ones of their womb.”


text:
My God will cast them away, because they did not listen to him; and they will be wanderers among the nations.


text:
Israel is a luxuriant vine that puts forth his fruit. According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars. As their land has prospered, they have adorned their sacred stones.


text:
Their heart is divided. Now they will be found guilty. He will demolish their altars. He will destroy their sacred stones."


text:
Surely now they will say, “We have no king; for we do not fear the LORD; and the king, what can he do for us?”


text:
They make promises, swearing falsely in making covenants. Therefore judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.


text:
The inhabitants of Samaria will be in terror for the calves of Beth Aven; for its people will mourn over it, Along with its priests who rejoiced over it, for its glory, because it has departed from it.


text:
It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great king. Ephraim will receive shame, and Israel will be ashamed of his own counsel.


text:
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed. The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars. They will tell the mountains, “Cover us!” and the hills, “Fall on us!” <n>10:8 Luke 23:30</n>


text:
“Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah. There they remained. The battle against the children of iniquity doesn’t overtake them in Gibeah.


text:
When it is my desire, I will chastise them; and the nations will be gathered against them, when they are bound to their two transgressions.


text:
Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh; so I will put a yoke on her beautiful neck. I will set a rider on Ephraim. Judah will plow. Jacob will break his clods."


text:
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness.Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and rains righteousness on you.


text:
You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, for you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men.


text:
Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle. The mother was dashed in pieces with her children.


text:
So Bethel will do to you because of your great wickedness. At daybreak the king of Israel will be destroyed."


text:
“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. <n>11:1 Matthew 2:15</n>


text:
They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images.


text:
I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.


text:
“They won’t return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent.


text:
The sword will fall on their cities, and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans.


text:
My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won’t exalt them.


text:
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim?My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.


text:
I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath.


text:
They will walk after the LORD, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.


text:
They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria;and I will settle them in their houses,” says the LORD.


text:
Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.


text:
Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.


text:
The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.


text:
Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us,


text:
Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won’t find in me any iniquity that is sin.”


text:
“But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.


text:
I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables.


text:
If Gilead is wicked, surely they are worthless.In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field.


text:
Jacob fled into the country of Aram, and Israel served to get a wife, and for a wife he tended flocks and herds.


text:
Ephraim has bitterly provoked anger. Therefore his blood will be left on him, and his Lord will repay his contempt.


text:
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, but when he became guilty in Baal, he died.


text:
Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, ‘They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.’


text:
Therefore they will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that passes away early, like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor, and like the smoke out of the chimney.


text:
 “Yet I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; and you shall acknowledge no god but me, and besides me there is no savior.


text:
According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore they have forgotten me.


text:
I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them.


text:
Where is your king now, that he may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, ‘Give me a king and princes?’


text:
The sorrows of a travailing woman will come on him. He is an unwise son; for when it is time, he doesn’t come to the opening of the womb.


text:
I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death! Death, where are your plagues? Sheol, where is your sting <n>13:14 Or, destruction. 1Corinthians 15:55</n>?“Compassion will be hidden from my eyes.


text:
 Though he is fruitful among his brothers, an east wind will come, the breath of the LORD coming up from the wilderness; and his spring will become dry, and his fountain will be dried up. He will plunder the storehouse of treasure.


text:
Samaria will bear her guilt; for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open.”


text:
Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.


text:
Assyria can’t save us. We won’t ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ‘Our gods!’ for in you the fatherless finds mercy.”


text:
I will be like the dew to Israel. He will blossom like the lily, and send down his roots like Lebanon.


text:
His branches will spread, and his beauty will be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.


text:
Men will dwell in his shade. They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.


text:
Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green fir tree; from me your fruit is found.”


text:
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.


text:
Hear this, you elders, And listen, all you inhabitants of the land.Has this ever happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers?


text:
Tell your children about it, and have your children tell their children, and their children, another generation.


text:
What the swarming locust has left, the great locust has eaten. What the great locust has left, the grasshopper has eaten. What the grasshopper has left, the caterpillar has eaten.


text:
Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.


text:
For a nation has come up on my land, strong, and without number. His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the fangs of a lioness.


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He has laid my vine waste, and stripped my fig tree. He has stripped its bark, and thrown it away. Its branches are made white.


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The meal offering and the drink offering are cut off from the LORD’s house. The priests, the LORD’s ministers, mourn.


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The field is laid waste. The land mourns, for the grain is destroyed, The new wine has dried up, and the oil languishes.


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Be confounded, you farmers! Wail, you vineyard keepers; for the wheat and for the barley; for the harvest of the field has perished.


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The vine has dried up, and the fig tree withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all of the trees of the field are withered; for joy has withered away from the sons of men.


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Put on sackcloth and mourn, you priests! Wail, you ministers of the altar.Come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God, for the meal offering and the drink offering are withheld from your God’s house.


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Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders, and all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of the LORD, your God, and cry to the LORD.


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The seeds rot under their clods. The granaries are laid desolate. The barns are broken down, for the grain has withered.


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How the animals groan! The herds of livestock are perplexed, because they have no pasture. Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.


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The LORD, I cry to you, For the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.


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Yes, the animals of the field pant to you, for the water brooks have dried up, And the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.


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Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm on my holy mountain!Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD comes, for it is near.


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A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness.As the dawn spreading on the mountains, a great and strong people; there has never been the like, neither will there be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.


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A fire devours before them, and behind them, a flame burns.The land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them, a desolate wilderness.Yes, and no one has escaped them.


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Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.


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They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they do not swerve off course.


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Neither does one jostle another; they march everyone in his path, and they burst through the defenses, and do not break ranks.


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They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves."


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The earth quakes before them. The heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.


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The LORD thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of the LORD is great and very awesome, and who can endure it?


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“Yet even now,” says the LORD, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”


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Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.


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Who knows? He may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal offering and a drink offering to the LORD, your God.


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Gather the people. Sanctify the assembly. Assemble the elders. Gather the children, and those who suck the breasts.Let the bridegroom go forth from his room, and the bride out of her chamber.


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Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare your people, LORD, and do not give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them.Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”


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The LORD answered his people, “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied with them; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.


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But I will remove the northern army far away from you, and will drive it into a barren and desolate land, its front into the eastern sea, and its back into the western sea; and its stench will come up, and its bad smell will rise.”Surely he has done great things.


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Do not be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.


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“Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD, your God; for he gives you the former rain in just measure, and he causes the rain to come down for you, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.


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I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army, which I sent among you.


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You will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied, and will praise the name of the LORD, your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and my people will never again be disappointed.


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You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD, your God, and there is no one else; and my people will never again be disappointed.


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“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.


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The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes.


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It will happen that whoever will call on the name of the LORD shall be saved; <n>2:28-32 Acts 2:17-21; Romans 10:13</n> for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the remnant, those whom the LORD calls.


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I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment on them there for my people, and for my heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. They have divided my land,


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 and have cast lots for my people, and have given a boy for a prostitute, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.


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“Yes, and what are you to me, Tyre, and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia?Will you repay me? And if you repay me, I will swiftly and speedily return your repayment on your own head.


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Because you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my finest treasures into your temples,


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 and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the sons of the Greeks, that you may remove them far from their border.


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Behold, I will stir them up out of the place where you have sold them, and will return your repayment on your own head;


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and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the men of Sheba, to a faraway nation, for the LORD has spoken it.”


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Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty men.Let all the warriors draw near. Let them come up."


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Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’


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Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves together.”Cause your mighty ones to come down there, LORD.


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“Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations.


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Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great.”


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Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near, in the valley of decision.


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The LORD will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but the LORD will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.


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“So you will know that I am the LORD your God, dwelling in Zion my holy mountain.Then Jerusalem will be holy, and no strangers will pass through her any more.


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It will happen in that day, that the mountains will drop down sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters, and a fountain will come forth from the house of the LORD, and will water the valley of Shittim.


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Egypt will be a desolation, and Edom will be a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.


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The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.


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He said:“The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem;and the pastures of the shepherds will mourn, and the top of Carmel will wither.”


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron;


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I will break the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven, and him who holds the scepter from the house of Eden; and the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir,” says the LORD.


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Gaza, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they carried away captive the whole community, to deliver them up to Edom;


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I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon;and I will turn my hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD.


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Tyre, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they delivered up the whole community to Edom, and did not remember the brotherly covenant;


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Edom, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because he pursued his brother with the sword, and cast off all pity, and his anger raged continually, and he kept his wrath forever;


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead, that they may enlarge their border.


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But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it will devour its palaces, with shouting in the day of battle, with a storm in the day of the whirlwind;


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Moab, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime;


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but I will send a fire on Moab, and it will devour the palaces of Kerioth; and Moab will die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet;


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and I will cut off the judge from their midst, and will kill all its officials with him,” says the LORD.


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Judah, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have rejected the LORD’s law, and have not kept his statutes, and their lies have led them astray, after which their fathers walked;


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Thus says the LORD:“For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes;


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 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and deny justice to the oppressed; and a man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name;


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 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined."


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Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.


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Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.


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I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites.Isn’t this true, you children of Israel?” says the LORD.


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Flight will perish from the swift; and the strong won’t strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself;"


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 neither shall he stand who handles the bow; and he who is swift of foot won’t escape; neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself;"


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Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying:


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“You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins.”"


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Will a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey?Does a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing?


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Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for him?Does a snare spring up from the ground, when there is nothing to catch?


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Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid?Does disaster happen to a city, unless the LORD has done it?


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Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt,and say, “Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see what unrest is in her, and what oppression is among them.”


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“Indeed they do not know to do right,” says the LORD, “Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces.”


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Therefore thus says the Lord GOD:“An adversary will overrun the land; and he will pull down your strongholds, and your fortresses will be plundered.”


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Thus says the LORD:“As the shepherd rescues out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued who sit in Samaria on the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed.”


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“For in the day that I visit the transgressions of Israel on him, I will also visit the altars of Bethel; and the horns of the altar will be cut off, and fall to the ground.


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I will strike the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory will perish, and the great houses will have an end,” says the LORD.


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Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husbands, “Bring us drinks!”


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The Lord GOD has sworn by his holiness that behold, “The days shall come on you that they will take you away with hooks, and the last of you with fish hooks.


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You will go out at the breaks in the wall, everyone straight before her; and you will cast yourselves into Harmon,” says the LORD.


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“Go to Bethel, and sin; to Gilgal, and sin more.Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days,


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 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim free will offerings and brag about them: for this pleases you, you children of Israel,” says the Lord GOD.


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“I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in every town; yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.


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“I also have withheld the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest; and I caused it to rain on one city, and caused it not to rain on another city.One place was rained on, and the piece where it did not rain withered.


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So two or three cities staggered to one city to drink water, and were not satisfied: yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.


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“I struck you with blight and mildew many times in your gardens and your vineyards; and your fig trees and your olive trees have the swarming locust devoured: yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.


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“I sent plagues among you like I did Egypt. I have slain your young men with the sword, and have carried away your horses; and I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camp, yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.


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“I have overthrown some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire; yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.


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“Therefore thus will I do to you, Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, Israel.


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For, behold, he who forms the mountains, and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought; who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the high places of the earth: The LORD, the God of hosts, is his name.”


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“The virgin of Israel has fallen; She shall rise no more.She is cast down on her land; there is no one to raise her up.”"


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For thus says the Lord GOD:“The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went forth one hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.”


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but do not seek Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and do not pass to Beersheba:for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing.


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Seek the LORD, and you will live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be no one to quench it in Bethel.


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seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night; who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the LORD is his name,


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Forasmuch therefore as you trample on the poor, and take taxes from him of wheat: You have built houses of cut stone, but you will not dwell in them.You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.


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For I know how many your offenses, and how great are your sins— you who afflict the just, who take a bribe, and who turn aside the needy in the courts.


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Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you say.


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Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the courts. It may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”


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Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord:“Wailing will be in all the broad ways; and they will say in all the streets, ‘Alas! Alas!’ and they will call the farmer to mourning, and those who are skillful in lamentation to wailing.


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“Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why do you long for the day of the LORD?It is darkness, and not light.


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As if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him;Or he went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.


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Yes, though you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals.


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You also carried along Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun, the star of your god, your images that you made for yourselves.


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Therefore I will cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts. <n>5:27 Acts 7:42-43</n>


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Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the foremost of nations, to whom the house of Israel come!


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Go to Calneh, and see; and from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines.Are they better than these kingdoms? Or is their border greater than your border?


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 Who lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;


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 who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.


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Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end."


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“The Lord GOD has sworn by himself,” says the LORD, the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, and detest his fortresses. Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.


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“When a man’s relative carries him, even he who burns him, to bring bodies out of the house, and asks him who is in the innermost parts of the house, ‘Is there yet any with you?’ And he says, ‘No;’ then he will say, ‘Hush! Indeed we must not mention the name of the LORD.’


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“For, behold, the LORD commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces, and the little house into bits.


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Do horses run on the rocky crags? Does one plow there with oxen?But you have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness;


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you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say, ‘Haven’t we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?’


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For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, house of Israel,” says the LORD, the God of hosts; “and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of the Arabah.”


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Thus the Lord GOD showed me: and behold, he formed locusts in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and behold, it was the latter growth after the king’s harvest.


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It happened that, when they made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, “Lord GOD, forgive, I beg you! How could Jacob stand? For he is small.”


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Thus the Lord GOD showed me and behold, the Lord GOD called for judgment by fire; and it dried up the great deep, and would have devoured the land.


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Thus he showed me and behold, the Lord stood beside a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand.


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The LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more.


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The high places of Isaac will be desolate, the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”


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Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words.


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For Amos says, ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of his land.’”


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Amaziah also said to Amos, “You seer, go, flee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:


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but do not prophesy again any more at Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a royal house!”


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Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs;


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and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’


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Now therefore listen to the word of the LORD: ‘You say, Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not proclaim against the house of Isaac.’


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Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by line; and you yourself shall die in a land that is unclean, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of his land.’”


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He said, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then the LORD said to me,“The end has come on my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more.


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The songs of the temple will be wailings in that day,” says the Lord GOD. “The dead bodies will be many. In every place they will throw them out with silence.


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 Saying, ‘When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel large, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;


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that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes, and sell the sweepings with the wheat?’”


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Won’t the land tremble for this, and everyone mourn who dwells in it?Yes, it will rise up wholly like the River; and it will be stirred up and sink again, like the River of Egypt.


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It will happen in that day,” says the Lord GOD, “that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.


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I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation;and I will make you wear sackcloth on all your bodies, and baldness on every head.I will make it like the mourning for an only son, and its end like a bitter day.


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Behold, the days come,” says the Lord GOD, “that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.


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They will wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they will run back and forth to seek the word of the LORD, and will not find it.


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Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, ‘As your god, Dan, lives;’ and, ‘As the way of Beersheba lives;’ they will fall, and never rise up again.”


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I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said, “Strike the tops of the pillars, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will kill the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape.


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Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down.


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Though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out there; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent, and it will bite them.


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Though they go into captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it will kill them. I will set my eyes on them for disaster, and not for good.


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For the Lord, the LORD of hosts, is he who touches the land and it melts, and all who dwell in it will mourn; and it will rise up wholly like the River, and will sink again, like the River of Egypt.


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It is he who builds his chambers in the heavens, and has founded his vault on the earth; he who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth; the LORD is his name.


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Are you not like the children of the Ethiopians to me, children of Israel?” says the LORD. “Haven’t I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?


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Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” says the LORD.


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“For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will fall on the earth.


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In that day I will raise up the tent of David who is fallen, and close up its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;


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that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations who are called by my name,” says the LORD who does this.


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“Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the one treading grapes him who sows seed; and sweet wine will drip from the mountains, and flow from the hills.


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I will bring my people Israel back from captivity, and they will rebuild the ruined cities, and inhabit them; and they will plant vineyards, and drink wine from them.They shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.


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I will plant them on their land, and they will no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them,” says the LORD your God.


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The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom. We have heard news from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, “Arise, and let’s rise up against her in battle.


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The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’


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Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” says the LORD.


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“If thieves came to you, if robbers by night—oh, what disaster awaits you—wouldn’t they only steal until they had enough? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn’t they leave some gleaning grapes?


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All the men of your alliance have brought you on your way, even to the border. The men who were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you. Friends who eat your bread lay a snare under you. There is no understanding in him.”


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“Won’t I in that day,” says the LORD, “destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau?


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Your mighty men, Teman, will be dismayed, to the end that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter.


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In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, even you were like one of them.


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But do not look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and do not rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Do not speak proudly in the day of distress.


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Do not enter into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity. Do not look down on their affliction in the day of their calamity, neither seize their wealth on the day of their calamity.


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Do not stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Do not deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress.


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For the day of the LORD is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head.


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For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and will be as though they had not been.


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But in Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacob will possess their possessions.


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The house of Jacob will be a fire, the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. They will burn among them, and devour them. There will not be any remaining to the house of Esau.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.


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Those of the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau, and those of the lowland, the Philistines. They will possess the field of Ephraim, and the field of Samaria. Benjamin will possess Gilead.


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The captives of this army of the children of Israel, who are among the Canaanites, will possess even to Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev.


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Saviors will go up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be the LORD’s.


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“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.”


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But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid its fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.


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But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty storm on the sea, so that the ship was likely to break up.


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Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and he was laying down, and was fast asleep.


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So the shipmaster came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God <n>1:6 Or, gods</n>! Maybe your God <n>1:6 Or, gods</n> will notice us, so that we won’t perish.”


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They all said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.


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Then they asked him, “Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?”


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He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land.”


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Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “What is this that you have done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.


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Then said they to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?” For the sea grew more and more stormy.


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He said to them, “Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you.”


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Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them.


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Therefore they cried to the LORD, and said, “We beg you, LORD, we beg you, let us not perish for this man’s life, and do not lay on us innocent blood; for you, LORD, have done as it pleased you.”


text:
The LORD prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.


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He said,“I called because of my affliction to the LORD. He answered me.Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.


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For you threw me into the depths, in the heart of the seas.The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me.


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The waters surrounded me, even to the soul.The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.


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I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever: yet have you brought up my life from the pit, LORD my God.


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“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.


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 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed.Salvation belongs to the LORD.”"


text:
So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey across.


text:
Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried out, and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”


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The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.


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The news reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.


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He made a proclamation and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, “Let neither man nor animal, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, nor drink water;


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but let them be covered with sackcloth, both man and animal, and let them cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands.


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Who knows whether God will not turn and relent, and turn away from his fierce anger, so that we might not perish?”


text:
God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he did not do it.


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He prayed to the LORD, and said, “Please, LORD, wasn’t this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing harm.


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Therefore now, LORD, take, I beg you, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”


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Then Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made himself a booth, and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would become of the city.


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The LORD God prepared a vine, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine.


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It happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”


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God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the vine?” He said, “I am right to be angry, even to death.”


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The LORD said, “You have been concerned for the vine, for which you have not labored, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night.


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Shouldn’t I be concerned for Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who can’t discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much livestock?”


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The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morashtite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.


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Hear, you peoples, all of you. Listen, O earth, and all that is therein:and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.


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For, behold, the LORD comes forth out of his place, and will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.


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The mountains melt under him, and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place.


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“All this is for the disobedience of Jacob, and for the sins of the house of Israel.What is the disobedience of Jacob? Isn’t it Samaria?And what are the high places of Judah? Aren’t they Jerusalem?


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Therefore I will make Samaria like a rubble heap of the field, like places for planting vineyards;and I will pour down its stones into the valley, and I will uncover its foundations.


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All her idols will be beaten to pieces, and all her temple gifts will be burned with fire, and all her images I will destroy;for of the hire of a prostitute has she gathered them, and to the hire of a prostitute shall they return.”


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For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked; I will howl like the jackals, and moan like the daughters of owls.


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For her wounds are incurable; for it has come even to Judah.It reaches to the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem.


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Do not tell it in Gath. Do not weep at all. At Beth Ophrah <n>1:10 Beth Ophrah means literally “House of Dust”</n> I have rolled myself in the dust."


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Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won’t come out. The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you his protection.


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For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good, because evil has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem.


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Harness the chariot to the swift steed, inhabitant of Lachish. She was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion; For the transgressions of Israel were found in you.


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Therefore you will give a parting gift to Moresheth Gath. The houses of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel."


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I will yet bring to you, inhabitant of Mareshah. He who is the glory of Israel will come to Adullam.


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Shave your heads, and cut off your hair for the children of your delight.Enlarge your baldness like the vulture; for they have gone into captivity from you!


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Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil on their beds!When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.


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They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.


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Therefore thus says the LORD:“Behold, I am planning against these people a disaster, from which you will not remove your necks, neither will you walk haughtily; for it is an evil time.


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In that day they will take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, saying, ‘We are utterly ruined! My people’s possession is divided up. Indeed he takes it from me and assigns our fields to traitors!’”


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Shall it be said, O house of Jacob: “Is the Spirit of the LORD angry? Are these his doings? Do not my words do good to him who walks blamelessly?”


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But lately my people have risen up as an enemy. You strip the robe and clothing from those who pass by without a care, returning from battle.


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You drive the women of my people out from their pleasant houses; from their young children you take away my blessing forever."


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Arise, and depart! For this is not your resting place, because of uncleanness that destroys, even with a grievous destruction.


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If a man walking in a spirit of falsehood lies: “I will prophesy to you of wine and of strong drink;” he would be the prophet of this people."


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I will surely assemble, Jacob, all of you; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel;I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as a flock in the midst of their pasture; they will swarm with people.


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The breaker goes up before them. They break through the gate, and go out. And their king passes on before them, with the LORD at their head.


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I said,“Please listen, you heads of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel: Isn’t it for you to know justice?


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You who hate the good, and love the evil; who tear off their skin, and their flesh from off their bones;


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 who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.


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Then they will cry to the LORD, but he will not answer them.Yes, he will hide his face from them at that time, because they made their deeds evil.”


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Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; for those who feed their teeth, they proclaim, “Peace!” and whoever doesn’t provide for their mouths, they prepare war against him:


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“Therefore night is over you, with no vision, and it is dark to you, that you may not divine; and the sun will go down on the prophets, and the day will be black over them.


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The seers shall be disappointed, and the diviners confounded.Yes, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer from God.”


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But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare to Jacob his disobedience, and to Israel his sin.


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Please listen to this, you heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel, who abhor justice, and pervert all equity.


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Her leaders judge for bribes, and her priests teach for a price, and her prophets of it tell fortunes for money:yet they lean on the LORD, and say, “Isn’t the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster will come on us.”


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Therefore Zion for your sake will be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem will become heaps of rubble, and the mountain of the temple like the high places of a forest.


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But in the latter days, it will happen that the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established on the top of the mountains, and it will be exalted above the hills; and peoples will stream to it.


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Many nations will go and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.”For out of Zion will go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem;


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and he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.


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But they will sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and no one will make them afraid: For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken."


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Indeed all the nations may walk in the name of their gods; but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.


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“In that day,” says the LORD, “I will assemble that which is lame, and I will gather that which is driven away, and that which I have afflicted;


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 and I will make that which was lame a remnant, and that which was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD will reign over them on Mount Zion from then on, even forever.”


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And you, tower of the flock, <n>4:8 Or, Migdal Eder</n> hill <n>4:8 Or, Ophel</n> of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.


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Now why do you cry out aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished, that pain has has gripped you like a woman in labor?


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Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail; for now you will go forth out of the city, and will dwell in the field, and will come even to Babylon.There you will be rescued. There the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.


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Now many nations have assembled against you, that say, “Let her be defiled, and let our eye gloat over Zion.”


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But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, neither do they understand his counsel; for he has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor.


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Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass;and you will beat in pieces many peoples:and I will devote their gain to the LORD, and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.


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Now you shall gather yourself in troops, daughter of troops.He has laid siege against us. They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.


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But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. <n>Matthew 2:6</n>


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Therefore he will abandon them until the time that she who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of his brothers will return to the children of Israel."


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He shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God: and they will live, for then he will be great to the ends of the earth.


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He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land, and when he marches through our fortresses, then we will raise against him seven shepherds, and eight leaders of men.


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They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its gates.He will deliver us from the Assyrian, when he invades our land, and when he marches within our border.


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The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples, like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, that do not wait for man, nor wait for the sons of men.


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The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if he goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is no one to deliver.


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“It will happen in that day,” says the LORD, “That I will cut off your horses out of the midst of you, and will destroy your chariots.


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I will cut off your engraved images and your pillars out of your midst; and you shall no more worship the work of your hands."


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Listen now to what the LORD says:“Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear what you have to say.


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Hear, you mountains, the LORD’s controversy, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.


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For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.


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My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.”


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How shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the exalted God?Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?


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Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams? With tens of thousands of rivers of oil?Shall I give my firstborn for my disobedience? The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"


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He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


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The LORD’s voice calls to the city, and wisdom sees your name:“Listen to the rod, and he who appointed it.


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Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a short ephah <n>6:10 An ephah is a measure of volume, and a short ephah is made smaller than a full ephah for the purpose of cheating customers</n> that is accursed?


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Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech.


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Therefore I also have struck you with a grievous wound. I have made you desolate because of your sins."


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You shall eat, but not be satisfied. Your humiliation will be in your midst. You will store up, but not save; and that which you save I will give up to the sword.


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You will sow, but won’t reap. You will tread the olives, but won’t anoint yourself with oil; and crush grapes, but won’t drink the wine.


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For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people.”


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Misery is mine! Indeed, I am like one who gathers the summer fruits, as gleanings of the vineyard: There is no cluster of grapes to eat. My soul desires to eat the early fig.


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The godly man has perished out of the earth, and there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; every man hunts his brother with a net.


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Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe; and the powerful man dictates the evil desire of his soul. Thus they conspire together."


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The best of them is like a brier. The most upright is worse than a thorn hedge.The day of your watchmen, even your visitation, has come; now is the time of their confusion.


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Do not trust in a neighbor. Do not put confidence in a friend. With the woman lying in your embrace, be careful of the words of your mouth!


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For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.


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But as for me, I will look to the LORD. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.


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Do not rejoice against me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise. When I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.


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I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my case, and executes judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light. I will see his righteousness.


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Then my enemy will see it, and shame will cover her who said to me, where is the LORD your God?Then my enemy will see me and will cover her shame. Now she will be trodden down like the mire of the streets.


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In that day they will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, and from Egypt even to the River, and from sea to sea, and mountain to mountain.


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Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, who dwell by themselves in a forest, in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed; in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.


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The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might. They will lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears will be deaf."


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They will lick the dust like a serpent. Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their dens. They will come with fear to the LORD our God, and will be afraid because of you.


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Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage?He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness.


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He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."


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You will give truth to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.


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The LORD is a jealous God and avenges. The LORD avenges and is full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.


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The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.


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He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes.


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The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.


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Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him.


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But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.


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What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a full end. Affliction won’t rise up the second time.


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For entangled like thorns, and drunk as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.


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Thus says the LORD: “Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.


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The LORD has commanded concerning you: “No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.”


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Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.


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He who dashes in pieces has come up against you. Keep the fortress! Watch the way! Strengthen your waist! Fortify your power mightily!


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For the LORD restores the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches.


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The shield of his mighty men is made red. The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the pine spears are brandished.


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The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings.


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He summons his picked troops. They stumble on their way. They dash to its wall, and the protective shield is put in place.


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It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts.


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But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one looks back.


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Take the spoil of silver. Take the spoil of gold, for there is no end of the store, the glory of all goodly furniture.


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She is empty, void, and waste. The heart melts, the knees knock together, their bodies and faces have grown pale.


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Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and the lioness walked, the lion’s cubs, and no one made them afraid?


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The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his caves with the kill, and his dens with prey.


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“Behold, I am against you,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; and I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard.”


text:
the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, the glittering spear, and a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of the bodies. They stumble on their bodies,


text:
because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through her prostitution, and families through her witchcraft.


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“Behold, I am against you,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.


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It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, ‘Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”


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Are you better than No-Amon, <n>3:8 Or, Thebes</n> who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around her; whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was of the sea?


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Yet was she carried away. She went into captivity. Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.


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All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.


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Behold, your troops in your midst are women. The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars.


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Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong.


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There the fire will devour you. The sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the grasshopper. Multiply like grasshoppers. Multiply like the locust.


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You have increased your merchants more than the stars of the skies. The grasshopper strips, and flees away.


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Your guards are like the locusts, and your officials like the swarms of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day, but when the sun appears, they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.


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Your shepherds slumber, king of Assyria. Your nobles lie down. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and there is no one to gather them.


text:
There is no healing your wound, for your injury is fatal. All who hear the report of you clap their hands over you; for who hasn’t felt your endless cruelty?


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LORD, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you “Violence!” and will you not save?


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Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up.


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Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted.


text:
“Look, you scoffers, watch, and wonder marvelously, and perish; for I am working a work in your days, which you will not believe though it is told you. <n>1:5 Acts 13:41</n>


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For, behold, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, that march through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.


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Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour.


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And they scoff at kings and deride rulers. He laughs at every stronghold, for he builds up an earthen ramp, and takes it.


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Aren’t you from everlasting, LORD my God, my Holy One? We will not die. LORD, you have appointed him for judgment. You, Rock, have established him to punish.


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You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look on perversity, why do you tolerate those who deal treacherously, and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the man who is more righteous than he,


text:
He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net, and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad.


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Therefore he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his life is luxurious, and his food is good.


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I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.


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The LORD answered me, “Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who runs may read it.


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For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won’t prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it; because it will surely come. It won’t delay.


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Yes, moreover, wine is treacherous. A haughty man who doesn’t stay at home, who enlarges his desire as Sheol, and he is like death, and can’t be satisfied, but gathers to himself all nations, and heaps to himself all peoples.


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Won’t all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?’


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Won’t your debtors rise up suddenly, and wake up those who make you tremble, and you will be their victim?


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Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples will plunder you, because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all who dwell in it.


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Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!


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You have devised shame to your house, by cutting off many peoples, and have sinned against your soul.


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Behold, isn’t it of the LORD of hosts that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?


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For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.


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“Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!


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You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink, and be exposed! The cup of the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.


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For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.


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“What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols?


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Woe to him who says to the wood, ‘Awake!’ or to the mute stone, ‘Arise!’ Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst.


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LORD, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD.Renew your work in the midst of the years. In the midst of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy.


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God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran.Selah.His glory covered the heavens, and his praise filled the earth.


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He stood, and shook the earth. He looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal.


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Was the LORD displeased with the rivers? Was your anger against the rivers, or your wrath against the sea, that you rode on your horses, on your chariots of salvation?


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The mountains saw you, and were afraid. The storm of waters passed by. The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high.


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The sun and moon stood still in the sky, at the light of your arrows as they went, at the shining of your glittering spear.


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You went forth for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed.You crushed the head of the land of wickedness. You stripped them head to foot.Selah.


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You pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret.


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I heard, and my body trembled. My lips quivered at the voice.Rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in my place, because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, for the coming up of the people who invade us.


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For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls:


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The LORD, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.


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The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah.


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I will sweep away man and animal. I will sweep away the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and the heaps of rubble with the wicked. I will cut off man from the surface of the earth, says the LORD.


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I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place: the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests,


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those who worship the army of the sky on the housetops, those who worship and swear by the LORD and also swear by Malcam,


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those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who haven’t sought the LORD nor inquired after him.


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Be silent at the presence of the Lord GOD, for the day of the LORD is at hand. For the LORD has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his guests.


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It will happen in the day of the LORD’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, the king’s sons, and all those who are clothed with foreign clothing.


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In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.


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In that day, says the LORD, there will be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills.


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Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off.


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It will happen at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are settled on their dregs, who say in their heart, “The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.”


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Their wealth will become a spoil, and their houses a desolation. Yes, they will build houses, but won’t inhabit them. They will plant vineyards, but won’t drink their wine.


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The great day of the LORD is near. It is near, and hurries greatly, the voice of the day of the LORD. The mighty man cries there bitterly.


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That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,


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I will bring distress on men, that they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD, and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.


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Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he will make an end, yes, a terrible end, of all those who dwell in the land.


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before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes on you, before the day of the LORD’s anger comes on you.


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Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger.


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For Gaza will be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation. They will drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron will be rooted up.


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Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will destroy you, that there will be no inhabitant.


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The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for the LORD, their God, will visit them, and restore them.


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I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the children of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.


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Therefore as I live, says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.


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This they will have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.


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The LORD will be awesome to them, for he will famish all the gods of the land. Men will worship him, everyone from his place, even all the shores of the nations.


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He will stretch out his hand against the north, destroy Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as the wilderness.


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Herds will lie down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.


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This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is none besides me.” How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her will hiss, and shake their fists.


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She did not obey the voice. She did not receive correction. She did not trust in the LORD. She did not draw near to her God.


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Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day.


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Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.


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The LORD, in the midst of her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame.


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I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.


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I said, “Just fear me. Receive correction, so that her dwelling won’t be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her.” But they rose early and corrupted all their doings.


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“Therefore wait for me,” says the LORD, “until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.


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For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the name of the LORD, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.


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From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering.


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In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings, in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be haughty in my holy mountain.


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But I will leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD.


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The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”


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Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.


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The LORD has taken away your judgments. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in the midst of you. You will not be afraid of evil any more.


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The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.


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I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you.


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Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you, and I will save those who are lame, and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth.


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At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.


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In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of the LORD came by Haggai, the prophet, to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,


text:
“This is what the LORD of hosts says: These people say, ‘The time hasn’t yet come, the time for the LORD’s house to be built.’”


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You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you do not have enough. You drink, but you aren’t filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it.”


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Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,” says the LORD.


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“You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the LORD of hosts, “Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house.


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I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on that which the ground brings forth, on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of the hands.”


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Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophet, as the LORD, their God, had sent him; and the people feared the LORD.


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Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you,” says the LORD.


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The LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,


text:
In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, the Word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying,


text:
“Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,


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‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn’t it in your eyes as nothing?"


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Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.


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This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Do not be afraid.’


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For this is what the LORD of hosts says: ‘Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, <n>2:6 Hebrews 12:26</n> the sea, and the dry land;


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and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts.


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‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘and in this place will I give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”


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In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the Word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying,


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‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with his fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food, will it become holy?’” The priests answered, “No.”


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Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?” The priests answered, “It will be unclean.”


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Then Haggai answered, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before me,’ says the LORD; ‘and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean.


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Now, please consider from this day and backward, before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of the LORD.


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Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty, there were only twenty.


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I struck you with blight, mildew, and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you did not turn to me,’ says the LORD.


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‘Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid, consider it.


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Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven’t brought forth. From this day will I bless you.’”


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I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother.


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In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the LORD, ‘and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”


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In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,


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Therefore tell them: Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Return to me,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts.


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Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Return now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings;’ but they did not hear, nor listen to me, says the LORD.


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But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did not they overtake your fathers?  “Then they repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of hosts determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.’”


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On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,


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“I had a vision in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in a ravine; and behind him there were red, brown, and white horses.


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Then I asked, ‘My lord, what are these?’” The angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”


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The man who stood among the myrtle trees answered, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go back and forth through the earth.”


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They reported to the angel of the LORD who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked back and forth through the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and in peace.”


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Then the angel of the LORD replied, “O LORD of hosts, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have had indignation these seventy years?”


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So the angel who talked with me said to me, “Proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.


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I am very angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but only a little angry, but they added to the calamity.”


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Therefore thus says the LORD: “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it,” says the LORD of hosts, “and a line shall be stretched forth over Jerusalem.”’


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“Proclaim further, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.”’”


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I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these?” He answered me, “These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.”


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Then I asked, “What are these coming to do?” He said, “These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man lifted up his head; but these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.”


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Then I asked, “Where are you going?”  He said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its breadth and what is its length.”


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and said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying, ‘Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it.


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For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be to her a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.


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Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,’ says the LORD; ‘for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the sky,’ says the LORD.


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For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘For honor he has sent me to the nations which plundered you; for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.


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For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they will be a spoil to those who served them; and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me.


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Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion; for, behold, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you,’ says the LORD.


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Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.


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He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.


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The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Yes, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”


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He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off of him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”


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I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the angel of the LORD was standing by.


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“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by.


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Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant, the Branch.


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For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.


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In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’”


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He said to me, “What do you see?”  I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it;


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and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”


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Then the angel who talked with me answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.”


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Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.


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Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and he will bring out the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace, to it!’”


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“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you."


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Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the LORD, which run back and forth through the whole earth.”


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Then I asked him, “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on the left side of it?”


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I asked him the second time, “What are these two olive branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that pour the golden oil out of themselves?”


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He said to me, “What do you see?”  I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its breadth ten cubits.”


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Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side.


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I will cause it to go out,” says the LORD of hosts, “and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him who swears falsely by my name; and it will remain in the midst of his house, and will destroy it with its timber and its stones.”


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Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and said to me, “Lift up now your eyes, and see what is this that is appearing.”


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I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the ephah <n>5:6 An ephah is a measure of volume of about 22 litres, 5.8 U. S. gallons, 4.8 imperial gallons, or a bit more than half a bushel </n> basket that is appearing.” He said moreover, “This is their appearance in all the land


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(and behold, a talent <n>5:7 A talent is a weight of about 34 kilograms or 75 pounds</n> of lead was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting in the midst of the ephah basket.”


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He said, “This is Wickedness;” and he threw her down into the midst of the ephah basket; and he threw the weight of lead on its mouth.


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Then lifted I up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there were two women, and the wind was in their wings. Now they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah basket between earth and the sky.


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He said to me, “To build her a house in the land of Shinar. When it is prepared, she will be set there in her own place.”


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Again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.


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The angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the sky, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.


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The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went forth toward the south country.”


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The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth: and he said, “Go around and through the earth!” So they walked back and forth through the earth.


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Then he called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.”


text:
“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.


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Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;


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and speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of the LORD;


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even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.


text:
The crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD.


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Those who are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD; and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”’”


text:
It happened in the fourth year of king Darius that the word of the LORD came to Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev.


text:
and to speak to the priests of the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?”


text:
“Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month for these seventy years, did you at all fast to me, really to me?


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Aren’t these the words which the LORD proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and its cities around her, and the Negev and the lowland were inhabited?’”


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“Thus has the LORD of hosts spoken, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother.


text:
Do not oppress the widow, nor the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.’


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But they refused to listen, and turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear.


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Yes, they made their hearts as hard as flint, lest they might hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit by the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts.


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It has come to pass that, as he called, and they refused to listen, so they will call, and I will not listen,” said the LORD of hosts;


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“but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned: for they made the pleasant land desolate.”


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.”


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Thus says the LORD: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, ‘The Holy Mountain.’”


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Old men and old women will again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, every man with his staff in his hand for very age.


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my eyes?” says the LORD of hosts.


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;


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and I will bring them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.”


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.


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For before those days there was no wages for man, nor any wages for an animal; neither was there any peace to him who went out or came in, because of the adversary. For I set all men everyone against his neighbor.


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“For the seed of peace and the vine will yield its fruit, and the ground will give its increase, and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things.


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It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not be afraid. Let your hands be strong.”


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For thus says the LORD of hosts: “As I thought to do evil to you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I did not repent;


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so again have I thought in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not be afraid.


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These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates,


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and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate,” says the LORD.


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “The fasts of the fourth fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.”


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and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts. I will go also.’


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Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD.”


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Thus says the LORD of hosts: “In those days, ten men will take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they will take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew, saying, ‘We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”


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An oracle.The word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach, and will rest upon Damascus;for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward the LORD;


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Tyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.


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Behold, the Lord will dispossess her, and he will strike her power in the sea; and she will be devoured with fire.


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Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.


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I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth;and he also will be a remnant for our God; and he will be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.


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I will encamp around my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes.


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Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!Behold, your king comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.


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I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem;and the battle bow will be cut off; and he will speak peace to the nations: and his dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.


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As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water.


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Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.


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For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me. I have filled the bow with Ephraim;and I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and will make you like the sword of a mighty man.


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The LORD will be seen over them; and his arrow will go forth like lightning; and the Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, and will go with whirlwinds of the south.


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The LORD of hosts will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.


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The LORD their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they are like the jewels of a crown, lifted on high over his land.


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For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.


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Ask of the LORD rain in the spring time, The LORD who makes lightnings, <n>10:1 Or, “lightning bolts”, “thunderstorms”, “bright rain clouds”</n> and he gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field.


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For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams.They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd.


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My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; For the LORD of hosts has visited his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as his majestic horse in the battle.


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From him will come forth the cornerstone, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together.


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 They shall be as mighty men, treading down muddy streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them; and the riders on horses will be confounded.


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“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy on them; and they will be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and I will hear them.


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Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will rejoice as through wine; yes, their children will see it, and rejoice. Their heart will be glad in the LORD.


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I will signal for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them; and they will increase as they have increased.


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I will sow them among the peoples; and they will remember me in far countries; and they will live with their children, and will return.


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I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria;and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and there won’t be room enough for them.


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He will pass through the sea of affliction, and will strike the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the Nile will dry up; and the pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.


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Wail, fir tree, for the cedar has fallen, because the stately ones are destroyed.Wail, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has come down.


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A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! For their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! For the pride of the Jordan is ruined."


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Their buyers slaughter them, and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich;’ and their own shepherds do not pity them.


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For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land,” says the LORD; “but, behold, I will deliver the men everyone into his neighbor’s hand, and into the hand of his king. They will strike the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.”


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So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called “Favor,” and the other I called “Union,” and I fed the flock.


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I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me.


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Then I said, “I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other’s flesh.”


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I took my staff Favor, and cut it apart, that I might break my covenant that I had made with all the peoples.


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It was broken in that day; and thus the poor of the flock that listened to me knew that it was the word of the LORD.


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I said to them, “If you think it best, give me my wages; and if not, keep them.” So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver.


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The LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter, the handsome price that I was valued at by them!” I took the thirty pieces of silver, and threw them to the potter, in the house of the LORD.


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Then I cut apart my other staff, even Union, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.


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For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.


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Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!”


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An oracle. The word of the LORD concerning Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says:


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“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and on Judah also will it be in the siege against Jerusalem.


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It will happen in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it.


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In that day,” says the LORD, “I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.


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The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.’


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In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.


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The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah.


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In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He who is feeble among them at that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them.


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It will happen in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.


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I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn.


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In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.


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The land will mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;


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the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart;


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“In that day there will be a spring opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.


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It will come to pass in that day, says the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will also cause the prophets and the spirit of impurity to pass out of the land.


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It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then his father and his mother who bore him will tell him, ‘You must die, because you speak lies in the name of the LORD;’ and his father and his mother who bore him will stab him when he prophesies.


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It will happen in that day, that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision, when he prophesies; neither will they wear a hairy mantle to deceive:


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but he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondservant from my youth.’


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One will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your hands?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’


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“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me,” says the LORD of hosts.“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones.


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It shall happen that in all the land,” says the LORD, “two parts in it will be cut off and die; but the third will be left in it.


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I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested.They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”


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For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.


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His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.


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You shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel; yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. The LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with you.


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It will be a unique day which is known to the LORD; not day, and not night; but it will come to pass, that at evening time there will be light.


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It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be.


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All the land will be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon in the Negev. Jerusalem will be lifted up, and will dwell in her place, from Benjamin’s gate to the place of the first gate, to the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.


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This will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh will consume away while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will consume away in their sockets, and their tongue will consume away in their mouth.


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It will happen in that day, that a great panic from the LORD will be among them; and they will lay hold everyone on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand will rise up against the hand of his neighbor.


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Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered together: gold, and silver, and clothing, in great abundance.


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So will be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the donkey, and of all the animals that will be in those camps, as that plague.


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It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of booths.


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It will be, that whoever of all the families of the earth doesn’t go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.


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If the family of Egypt doesn’t go up, and doesn’t come, neither will it rain on them. This will be the plague with which the LORD will strike the nations that do not go up to keep the feast of booths.


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This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to keep the feast of booths.


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In that day there will be on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD;” and the pots in the LORD’s house will be like the bowls before the altar.


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Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts; and all those who sacrifice will come and take of them, and cook in them. In that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.


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“I have loved you,” says the LORD. Yet you say, “How have you loved us?” “Wasn’t Esau Jacob’s brother?” says the LORD, “Yet I loved Jacob;


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but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.”


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Whereas Edom says, “We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places;” thus says the LORD of hosts, “They shall build, but I will throw down; and men will call them ‘The Wicked Land,’ even the people against whom the LORD shows wrath forever.”


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“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says the LORD of hosts to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’


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You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘The LORD’s table contemptible.’


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When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn’t that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn’t that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?” says the LORD of hosts.


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“Now, please entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With this, will he accept any of you?” says the LORD of hosts.


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“Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of hosts, “neither will I accept an offering at your hand.


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For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name is great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.


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“But you profane it, in that you say, ‘The LORD’s table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.’


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You say also, ‘Behold, what a weariness it is!’ and you have sniffed at it,” says the LORD of hosts; “and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?” says the LORD.


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“But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King,” says the LORD of hosts, “and my name is awesome among the nations.”


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If you will not listen, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name,” says the LORD of hosts, “then will I send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.


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Behold, I will rebuke your seed, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it.


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You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.


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“My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name.


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The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.


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For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.


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But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.


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“Therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.


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Do we not all have one father? Hasn’t one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?


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Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.


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The LORD will cut off, to the man who does this, him who wakes and him who answers, out of the tents of Jacob, and him who offers an offering to the LORD of hosts.


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This again you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn’t regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.


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Yet you say, ‘Why?’ Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant.


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Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.


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For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with violence!” says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.


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You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them;’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’


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“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!” says the LORD of hosts.


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“But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap;


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and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to the LORD offerings in righteousness.


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Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.


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I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and do not fear me,” says the LORD of hosts.


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From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’


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Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.


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I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before its time in the field,” says the LORD of hosts.


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“Your words have been stout against me,” says the LORD. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against you?’


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You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God;’ and ‘What profit is it that we have followed his instructions, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?


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Now we call the proud blessed; indeed, those who work wickedness prosper. They even tempt God and escape.’


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Then those who feared the LORD spoke one with another; and the LORD listened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for those who feared the LORD, and who honored his name.


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They shall be mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.


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Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn’t serve him.


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“For, behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up,” says the LORD of hosts, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.


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But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.


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You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make,” says the LORD of hosts.


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“Remember the Law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.


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He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.


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Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,


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and Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,


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and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,


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and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed was the father of Jesse,


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and Jesse the father of David the king. And David <n>1:6 Some mss add “the king”</n> was the father of Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah;


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and Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa;


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and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,


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and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah,


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And after the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,


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and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor,


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and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,


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and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called the Messiah. <n>1:17 Or “Christ,” meaning Anointed One</n>


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So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.


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Now the birth of Jesus <n>1:18 Some mss lack “Jesus”</n> Messiah happened like this. His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, and before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.


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And Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.


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But when he thought about these things, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to yourself Mary <n>1:20 Greek: “Mariam,” a transliteration of the Aramaic name. Hebrew: “Miriam”</n>, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.


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And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus <n>1:21 Greek: “Iesous.” Hebrew: “Yeshua” means “salvation” </n>, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”


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Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through <n>1:22 Some mss add “Isaiah”</n> the prophet, saying,


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“Look, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son.They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is translated, “God with us.” <n>1:23 Isaiah 7:14</n>


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And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;


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and had no marital relations with her until she had brought forth a son <n>1:25 Some mss read “her firstborn” instead of “a son.” Cf. Lk 2:7</n>; and he named him Jesus.


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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, suddenly wise men <n>2:1 Or, “Magi”</n> from the east came to Jerusalem <n>2:1 Hebrew: Yerushalayim</n>, saying,


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“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”


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And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Messiah would be born.


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’And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah:for out of you shall come forth a ruler, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’” <n>2:6 Micah 5:2</n>


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And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”


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And they, having heard the king, went their way; and suddenly the star which they saw in the east went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.


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And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.


text:
Being warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.


text:
Now when they had departed, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”


text:
and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” <n>2:15 Hosea 11:1</n>


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Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.


text:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning,Rachel weeping for her children; and she would not be comforted, because they are no more.” <n>2:18 Jeremiah 31:15</n>


text:
But when Herod was dead, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,


text:
“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”


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But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee,


text:
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he will be called a Nazarene.


text:
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.” <n>3:3 Isaiah 40:3</n>


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Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.


text:
and they were baptized by him in the Jordan river <n>3:6 Some mss omit “river”</n>, confessing their sins.


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But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?


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and do not think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.


text:
“And even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.


text:
I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and with fire <n>3:11 Some mss omit “and with fire” </n>.


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His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.”


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But Jesus, answering, said to him, <J>“Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”</J> Then he allowed him.


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And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and suddenly the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.


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And suddenly a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”


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And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”


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But he answered and said, <J>“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.</J> <n>4:4 Deuteronomy 8:3 </n><J>’”</J>


text:
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’ and,‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you do not dash your foot against a stone.’” <n>4:6 Psalm 91:11-12</n>


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Jesus said to him, <J>“Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”</J> <n>4:7 Deuteronomy 6:16</n>


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Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.


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Then Jesus said to him, <J>“Go away</J> <n>4:10 Some mss read “Get behind me” instead of “Go away”</n><J>, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”</J> <n>4:10 Deuteronomy 6:13</n>


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Now when he <n>4:12 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.


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And leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,


text:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,


text:
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.” <n>4:16 Isaiah 9:1-2</n>


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From that time, Jesus began to proclaim, and to say, <J>“Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”</J>


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And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.


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Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.


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And he <n>4:23 Some mss read “Jesus”</n> went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.


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And the report about him went out into all Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.


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And great crowds from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.


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And seeing the crowds, he went up onto the mountain, and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him.


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<J>“Blessed are the poor in spirit,</J> <J>for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.</J> <n>5:3 Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; Matthew 10:19; 25:34; James 2:5</n>


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<J>Blessed are those who mourn,</J> <J>for they shall be comforted.</J> <n>5:4 Isaiah 40:1-2; 61:2; 66:10,13; Matthew 11:28; John 16:20; Revelation 7:17</n>


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<J>Blessed are the gentle,</J> <J>for they shall inherit the earth.</J> <n>5:5 Or, “land.” Psalm 37:11; Matthew 11:29; 21:5,7; Romans 4:13; James 3:13</n>


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<J>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,</J> <J>for they shall be filled.</J> <n>5:6 Isaiah 55:1,2; Psalm 23:1;34:10;63:1;107:9; Jeremiah 31:14; John 4:14;6:35</n>


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<J>Blessed are the merciful,</J> <J>for they shall obtain mercy.</J> <n>5:7 Genesis 50:21; Exodus 34:6; Psalm 25:4-7; 40:11; 51:1-4; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Matthew 6:14; James 2:13</n>


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<J>Blessed are the pure in heart,</J> <J>for they shall see God.</J> <n>5:8 Psalm 11:7; 24:3-6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Ezekiel 36:25-28; Hebrews 12:14; James 1:27;3:17</n>


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<J>Blessed are the peacemakers,</J> <J>for they shall be called sons of God.</J> <n>5:9 Psalm 37:37; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 8:14; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17-18</n>


text:
<J>Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,</J> <J>for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.</J> <n>5:10 John 15:18-19; Galatians 4:29; 2Timothy 3:12; 1Peter 3:14</n>


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<J>“Blessed are you when men insult you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. </J>


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<J>Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</J>


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<J>“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. </J>


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<J>Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. </J>


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<J>Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.</J>


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<J>“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. </J>


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<J>For truly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke</J> <n>5:18 Or, “serif”</n><J> shall in any way pass away from the Law,</J> <n>5:18 Some mss add “and the prophets”</n><J> until all things are accomplished. </J>


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<J>Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. </J>


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<J>For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.</J>


text:
<J>“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’</J> <n>5:21 Exodus 20:13</n><J> and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’ </J>


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<J>But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother</J> <n>5:22 Some mss add “without a cause”</n><J> shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of hell</J> <n>5:22 Greek: “Gehenna” for Hebrew “Gey-Hinnom”</n><J>.</J>


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<J>“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, </J>


text:
<J>leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. </J>


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<J>Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge</J> <n>5:25 Some mss add “deliver you”</n><J> to the officer, and you be cast into prison. </J>


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<J>Truly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.</J>


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<J>“You have heard that it was said</J> <n>5:27 Some mss add “to the ancients”</n><J>, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’</J> <n>5:27 Exodus 20:14</n>


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<J>but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. </J>


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<J>And if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell</J> <n>5:29 Greek: “Gehenna”</n><J>.</J> <n>5:29 Probable Aramaic idiom, e.g., “If you lust or envy, stop it…”</n>


text:
<J>And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to go</J> <n>5:30 Some mss read “thrown/cast” instead of “go/depart” </n><J> into hell</J> <n>5:30 Greek: “Gehenna”</n><J>.</J> <n>5:30 Probable Aramaic idiom, e.g., “If you steal, stop it…”</n>


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<J>“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’</J> <n>5:31 Deuteronomy 24:1</n>


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<J>but I tell you that everyone</J> <n>5:32 Some mss read “who/whoever” instead of “all/everyone”</n><J> who puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality,</J> <n>5:32 Gk “porneia”</n><J> makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.</J>


text:
<J>“Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’ </J>


text:
<J>nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. </J>


text:
<J>But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.</J>


text:
<J>“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’</J> <n>5:38 Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21</n>


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<J>But I tell you, do not contend with him who wrongs you; but whoever strikes you on your</J> <n>5:39 Some mss omit “your”</n><J> right cheek, turn to him the other also. </J>


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<J>“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor,</J> <n>5:43 Leviticus 19:18</n><J> and hate your enemy.</J> <n>5:43 See Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26</n><J>’ </J>


text:
<J>But I tell you, love your enemies,</J> <n>5:44 Some mss add “bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” Cf. Luke 6:27-28. </n><J> and pray for those who</J> <n>5:44 Some mss add "Mistreat you and"</n><J> persecute you, </J>


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<J>that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. </J>


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<J>For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? </J>


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<J>And if you only greet your brothers</J> <n>5:47 Some mss reads “friends” instead of “brothers”</n><J>, what more do you do than others? Do not even the Gentiles</J> <n>5:47 Some mss read “tax collectors” instead of “Gentiles”</n><J> do the same? </J>


text:
<J>“Be careful that you do not do your righteousness</J> <n>6:1 Some mss read “alms” instead of “righteousness.” Others read “gift”</n><J> before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. </J>


text:
<J>Therefore when you do merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from people. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. </J>


text:
<J>so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</J>


text:
<J>”And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. </J>


text:
<J>But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. </J>


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<J>And in praying, do not use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. </J>


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<J>Therefore do not be like them, for</J> <n>6:8 Some mss read “God your Father”</n><J> your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. </J>


text:
<J>Let us not come into</J> <n>6:13 As a Hebrew idiom. Or, “Bring us not into”</n><J> temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’</J> <n>6:13 Some mss add “For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen” </n>


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<J>But if you do not forgive men,</J> <n>6:15 Some mss add “their transgressions” </n><J> neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.</J>


text:
<J>“Moreover when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. </J>


text:
<J>so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.</J>


text:
<J>“Do not lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; </J>


text:
<J>but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves do not break through and steal; </J>


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<J>“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. </J>


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<J>But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!</J>


text:
<J>“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon. </J>


text:
<J>Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? </J>


text:
<J>See the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of much more value than they?</J>


text:
<J>And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, neither do they spin, </J>


text:
<J>But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?</J>


text:
<J>“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ </J>


text:
<J>For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. </J>


text:
<J>But seek first the Kingdom of God</J> <n>6:33 Some mss “of God,” probably via scribal error since Matthew always uses a modifier with the word “kingdom”</n><J> and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. </J>


text:
<J>Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</J>


text:
<J>For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. </J>


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<J>And why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? </J>


text:
<J>Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and look, the log is in your own eye? </J>


text:
<J>You hypocrite! First remove the log out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.</J>


text:
<J>“Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.</J>


text:
<J>“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.</J> <n>7:7 Or, "Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened for you.” The Greek verbs suggest a repeated approach to God</n>


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<J>If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! </J>


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<J>Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets.</J>


text:
<J>“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. </J>


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<J>How </J> <n>7:14 Some mss read “Because” instead of “How”</n><J>narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.</J>


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<J>“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. </J>


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<J>By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? </J>


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<J>Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. </J>


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<J>Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did not we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ </J>


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<J>And then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’</J> <n>7:23 Psalm 6:8</n>


text:
<J>“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, will be compared to</J> <n>7:24 Some mss read “I will compare him” instead of “will be compared to” </n><J> a wise man, who built his house on a rock. </J>


text:
<J>And the rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. </J>


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<J>And everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. </J>


text:
<J>And the rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”</J>


text:
And it happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the crowds were astonished at his teaching,


text:
for he taught them with authority, and not like their <n>7:29 Some mss “the” instead of “their”</n> scribes.


text:
And suddenly a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”


text:
And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, <J>“I am willing. Be cleansed.”</J> And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.


text:
And Jesus said to him, “See that<J> you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”</J>


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And when he <n>8:5 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him,


text:
And he <n>8:7 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to him, <J>“I will come and heal him.”</J>


text:
And the centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.


text:
For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”


text:
And when Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, <J>“Truly I tell you, I have not found so great a faith with anyone in Israel. </J>


text:
<J>And I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, </J>


text:
<J>but the sons of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”</J>


text:
And Jesus said to the centurion, <J>“Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.”</J> And his <n>8:13 Some mss omit “his”</n> servant was healed in that hour.


text:
So he touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him <n>8:15 Some mss read “them” instead of “him”</n>.


text:
And when evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick;


text:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.” <n>8:17 Isaiah 53:4</n>


text:
Now when Jesus saw large <n>8:18 Some mss omit “large”</n> crowds around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.


text:
And Jesus said to him, <J>“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”</J>


text:
And another of the <n>8:21 Some mss read “his” instead of “the” </n> disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”


text:
And suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.


text:
They <n>8:25 Some mss read “The disciples (his)” instead of “They” </n> came to him, and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”</J> Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.


text:
And when he came to the other side, into the country of the Gadarenes, <n>8:28 Some mss read “Gergesenes” instead of “Gadarenes.” Mark and Luke use “Geresenes,” the difference probably being due to uses of variant regional terms</n> two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way.


text:
And suddenly they shouted, saying, “What do we have to do with you, <n>8:29 Some mss add “Jesus”</n> Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”


text:
And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs.”


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Go!”</J> And they came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and suddenly the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water.


text:
And those who fed them fled, and went away into the city, and told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons.


text:
And suddenly all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.


text:
And just then they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, <J>“Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven.</J> <n>9:2 Some mss add “you” </n><J>”</J>


text:
<J>But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...”</J> (then he said to the paralytic), <J>“Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house.”</J>


text:
Now when the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.


text:
And as Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, <J>“Follow me.”</J> And he got up and followed him.


text:
And it happened as he sat in the house, it happened that many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.


text:
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”


text:
When he <n>9:12 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> heard it, he said to them, <J>“Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. </J>


text:
<J>But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’</J> <n>9:13 Hosea 6:6</n><J> for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.</J> <n>9:13 Some mss add “to repentance”. Cf. Lk 5:32</n><J>”</J>


text:
Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”


text:
And Jesus said to them, <J>“Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. </J>


text:
<J>And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made. </J>


text:
<J>Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”</J>


text:
While he told these things to them, suddenly a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”


text:
And suddenly a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;


text:
But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, <J>“Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.”</J> And the woman was made well from that hour.


text:
And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder,


text:
he said <n>9:24 Some mss add “to them”</n>, <J>“Make room, because the girl is not dead, but sleeping.”</J> They were ridiculing him.


text:
And as Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”


text:
And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, <J>“Do you believe that I am able to do this?”</J> They told him, “Yes, Lord.”


text:
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, <J>“See that no one knows about this.”</J>


text:
And when the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”


text:
And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness <n>9:35 Some mss add “among the people” </n>.


text:
But when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.


text:
And he called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.


text:
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;


text:
Philip and Bartholomew; <n>10:3 Or, son of Tolmai, who is apparently the Nathanael of John 1:45</n> Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, <n>10:3 Some mss read “Lebbaeus” instead of “Thaddaeus.” Some mss read “Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus”</n> and Thaddaeus;


text:
Simon the Zealot, and Judas <n>10:4 Or, “Judah” (here and wherever Judas is mentioned)</n> Iscariot, who also betrayed him.


text:
Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, <J>“Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. </J>


text:
<J>Heal the sick, raise the dead</J>, <n>10:8 Some mss lack “raise the dead,” possibly omitted via homoioteleuton due to a string of similar endings: ete-ete</n> <J>cleanse the lepers,</J> <n>10:8 Or, cleanse those with skin diseases</n><J> cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. </J>


text:
<J>Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. </J>


text:
<J>And into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. </J>


text:
<J>And if the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. </J>


text:
<J>And whoever does not receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. </J>


text:
<J>Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.</J>


text:
<J>“Look, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. </J>


text:
<J>But beware of people: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. </J>


text:
<J>Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. </J>


text:
<J>But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. </J>


text:
<J>“And brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. </J>


text:
<J>And you will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. </J>


text:
<J>But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.</J>


text:
<J>It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! </J>


text:
<J>Therefore do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. </J>


text:
<J>What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. </J>


text:
<J>And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell</J> <n>10:28 Greek: “Gehenna”</n><J>.</J>


text:
<J>“Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, </J>


text:
<J>Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. </J>


text:
<J>“Do not think that I came to send peace on the earth. I did not come to send peace, but a sword. </J>


text:
<J>For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. </J>


text:
<J>He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. </J>


text:
<J>He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet</J> <n>10:41 Or, “prophet because he is a prophet”</n><J> will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. </J>


text:
<J>And whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, truly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.”</J>


text:
And it happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and proclaim in their cities.


text:
Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Messiah, he sent a message <n>11:2 The words “a message” are not in the Greek text, but are implied</n> by <n>11:2 Some mss read “two (duo)“ instead of “by/through (dia)”</n> his disciples


text:
<J>the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.</J> <n>11:5 Isaiah 35:5-6, 26:19, 61:1. See also Qumran 4Q521</n>


text:
And as these went their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, <J>“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? </J>


text:
<J>But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’</J> <n>11:8 Some mss read “royal” instead of “kings”</n><J> houses. </J>


text:
<J>This is the one of whom it is written, ‘Look, I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’</J> <n>11:10 Malachi 3:1</n>


text:
<J>Truly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. </J>


text:
<J>And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.</J> <n>11:12 Or, “plunder it”</n>


text:
<J>“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions </J>


text:
<J>and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance. We wailed in mourning,</J> <n>11:17 Some mss add “you” </n><J> and you did not mourn.’ </J>


text:
<J>The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her actions.</J> <n>11:19 Some mss read “children” instead of “actions”</n><J>”</J>


text:
Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.


text:
<J>“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. </J>


text:
<J>But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. </J>


text:
<J>And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to hell</J> <n>11:23 Greek: Hades, Hebrew: Sheol</n><J>. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. </J>


text:
<J>But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you.”</J>


text:
At that time, Jesus answered, <J>“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. </J>


text:
<J>All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.</J>


text:
<J>Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. </J>


text:
At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.


text:
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Look, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”


text:
But he said to them, <J>“Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, he and his companions; </J>


text:
<J>how he entered into the house of God, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests?</J> <n>12:4 1 Samuel 21:3-6</n>


text:
<J>Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are blameless? </J>


text:
<J>But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’</J> <n>12:7 Hosea 6:6</n><J> you would not have condemned the innocent. </J>


text:
And look, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” that they might accuse him.


text:
And he said to them, <J>“What</J> <J>man is there among you, who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won’t he grab on to it, and lift it out? </J>


text:
<J>Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”</J>


text:
Then he told the man, <J>“Stretch out your hand.”</J> And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole, just like the other.


text:
“Look, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased:I will put my Spirit on him. And he will proclaim justice to the nations.


text:
He won’t break a bruised reed. And he won’t extinguish a smoldering wick,until he leads justice to victory.


text:
Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the mute man both spoke and saw.


text:
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.”


text:
And knowing their thoughts, he <n>12:25 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to them, <J>“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. </J>


text:
<J>And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? </J>


text:
<J>If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. </J>


text:
<J>Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and carry off his possessions, unless he first bind the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.</J>


text:
<J>Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven</J> <n>12:31 Some mss add “men”</n><J>. </J>


text:
<J>And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in that which is to come.</J>


text:
<J>“Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. </J>


text:
<J>You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. </J>


text:
<J>The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. </J>


text:
<J>But I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. </J>


text:
But he answered them, <J>“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. </J>


text:
<J>For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. </J>


text:
<J>The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the proclaiming of Jonah; and look, something greater than Jonah is here. </J>


text:
<J>The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and look, someone greater than Solomon is here. </J>


text:
<J>But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. </J>


text:
<J>Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came out,’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. </J>


text:
<J>Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation.”</J>


text:
While he was yet speaking to the crowds, suddenly his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him.


text:
Then one said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.” <n>12:47 Some early mss omit v.47. Since both v.46 and v.47 end with the same Greek word (lalesai) the omission is likely due to a scribal copyist error</n>


text:
And he stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, <J>“Look, my mother and my brothers! </J>


text:
<J>For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”</J>


text:
And great crowds gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the crowd stood on the beach.


text:
<J>And others fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. </J>


text:
<J>But when the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. </J>


text:
<J>Still others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. </J>


text:
And he answered them, <J>“To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. </J>


text:
<J>For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever does not have, from him will be taken away even that which he has. </J>


text:
<J>Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing, they do not hear, neither do they understand. </J>


text:
<J>And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, </J><J>‘By hearing you will hear,</J> <J>and will in no way understand;</J><J>Seeing you will see,</J> <J>and will in no way perceive:</J>


text:
<J>for this people’s heart has grown callous,</J> <J>and their ears are dull of hearing,</J> <J>and they have closed their eyes;</J><J>or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes,</J> <J>hear with their ears,</J> <J>understand with their heart,</J><J>and should turn again;</J> <J>and I would heal them.’</J> <n>13:15 Isaiah 6:9-10</n>


text:
<J>For truly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and did not see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.</J>


text:
<J>When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. </J>


text:
<J>And what was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; </J>


text:
<J>yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. </J>


text:
<J>And what was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. </J>


text:
<J>And what was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who truly bears fruit, and brings forth, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.”</J>


text:
He set another parable before them, saying, <J>“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, </J>


text:
<J>but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares</J> <n>13:25 The darnel tare is a weed that resembles wheat until harvest time, when the difference becomes apparent</n><J> also among the wheat, and went away. </J>


text:
<J>So the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did these tares come from?’</J>


text:
<J>“And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’</J> <J>“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’</J>


text:
<J>“But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the tares, you root up the wheat with them. </J>


text:
<J>Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”</J>


text:
He set another parable before them, saying, <J>“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; </J>


text:
<J>which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.”</J>


text:
He spoke another parable to them. <J>“The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures</J> <n>13:33 literally, three sata </n><J> of meal, until it was all leavened.”</J>


text:
Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the crowds; and without a parable, he did not speak to them,


text:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the beginning <n>13:35 Psalm 78:2</n> of the world. <n>13:35 Some mss omit “of the world” </n>”


text:
Then Jesus sent the crowds away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares in the field.”


text:
<J>and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one, </J>


text:
<J>and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. </J>


text:
<J>As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of the age. </J>


text:
<J>The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, </J>


text:
<J>and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. </J>


text:
<J>Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears,</J> <n>13:43 Some mss add “to hear”</n><J> let him hear.</J>


text:
<J>“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.</J>


text:
<J>“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind, </J>


text:
<J>which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. </J>


text:
<J>So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, </J>


text:
<J>and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.”</J>


text:
<J>“</J> <n>13:51 Some mss add “Jesus said to them”</n><J>Have you understood all these things?”</J> They answered him, “Yes, Lord.”


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Therefore, every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure new and old things.”</J>


text:
And coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?


text:
Is not this the carpenter’s <n>13:55 Or, “craftsman’s”</n> son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joseph <n>13:55 Some mss read “Joses” </n> and Simon and Judas?


text:
And they were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, <J>“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.”</J>


text:
and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.”


text:
For Herod had arrested John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.


text:
And she, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”


text:
And the king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given,


text:
And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother.


text:
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a secluded place to be alone. When the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.


text:
And he <n>14:14 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> went out, and he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.


text:
Now when evening had come, the <n>14:15 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples came to him, saying, “This place is desolate, and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”


text:
But he <n>14:16 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to them, <J>“They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” </J>


text:
Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the crowds.


text:
And they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.


text:
And immediately he <n>14:22 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> made the disciples get into the boat and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away.


text:
And after he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.


text:
But the boat was now many stadia from the land, <n>14:24 Some mss read “in the midst of the sea” instead of “many stadia from the land”</n> distressed by the waves, for the wind was against it.


text:
And in the fourth watch of the night, <n>14:25 Between about 3:00 A.M. to sunrise</n> he <n>14:25 Some mss read “Jesus”</n> came to them, walking on the sea. <n>14:25 see Job 9:8, Psalm 89:9, 104:3, 107:29</n>


text:
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they screamed with fear.


text:
But immediately he <n>14:27 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> spoke to them, saying <J>“Cheer up! It is I!</J> <n>14:27 Or,” I AM!”</n><J> Do not be afraid.” </J>


text:
He said, <J>“Come!” </J>  Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.


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But when he saw the wind <n>14:30 Some mss add “was strong”</n>, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he yelled, saying, “Lord, save me!”


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Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, <J>“You of little faith, why did you doubt?”</J>


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Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!” <n>14:33 Psalm 2:7; Proverbs 30:4</n>


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When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to him all who were sick,


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and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.


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“Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”"


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And he answered them, <J>“Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? </J>


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<J>For God said,</J> <n>15:4 Some mss read “God commanded, saying”</n><J> ‘Honor your father and your mother,’</J> <n>15:4 Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16</n><J> and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’</J> <n>15:4 Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9</n>


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<J>But you say, ‘Whoever may tell his father or his mother, “Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God,” </J>


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<J>he shall not honor his father or mother.</J> <n>15:6 Some mss omit “and mother”</n><J>’ You have made the word</J> <n>15:6 Some mss read “commandment” instead of “word”</n><J> of God void because of your tradition. </J>


text:
 <J>‘These people</J> <n>15:8 Some mss add “draw near to me with their mouth, and” Cf. Isaiah 29:13</n><J> honor me with their lips;</J> <J>but their heart is far from me.</J>


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<J>And in vain do they worship me,</J> <J>teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”</J> <n>15:9 Isaiah 29:13</n>


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<J>That which enters into the mouth does not defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”</J>


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Then the <n>15:12 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples came, and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?”


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<J>Leave them alone. They are blind guides.</J> <n>15:14 Some mss add “of the blind.” </n><J> If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”</J>


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So he <n>15:16 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said, <J>“Do you also still not understand? </J>


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<J>Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? </J>


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<J>But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. </J>


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<J>For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. </J>


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<J>These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”</J>


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And just then a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and started shouting, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!”


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But he did not answer her a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”


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But he answered, <J>“It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”</J>


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Then Jesus answered her, <J>“Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.”</J> And her daughter was healed from that hour.


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Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there.


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Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, crippled, and many others, and they put them down at his <n>15:30 Some mss read “Jesus’” instead of “his”</n> feet; and he healed them.


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So the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel.


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Jesus summoned his disciples and said, <J>“I have compassion on the crowd, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.”</J>


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Then the <n>15:33 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples said to him, “Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a crowd?”


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and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the <n>15:36 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples, and the disciples to the crowds.


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They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.


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Then he sent away the crowds, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magadan <n>15:39 Some mss read “Magdala” instead of “Magadan”</n>.


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But he answered them, <J>When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ </J>


text:
<J>In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times!</J> <n>16:2-3 “It will be…”of the times” tends to be omitted in mss from Alexandria</n> “


text:
<J>An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of</J> <n>16:4 Some mss add “the prophet”</n><J> Jonah.” </J>  He left them, and departed.


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The <n>16:5 Some mss read “His” instead of “The”</n> disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.


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Jesus, perceiving it, said, <n>16:8 Some mss add “to them”</n> <J>“Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have no bread? </J>


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<J>Do you not yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? </J>


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<J>Why is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”</J>


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Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.


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Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, <J>“Who do men say that the Son of Man is?”</J>


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Jesus answered him, <J>“Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. </J>


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<J>I also tell you that you are Peter,</J> <n>16:18 Peter’s name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone</n><J> and on this Rock</J> <n>16:18 Greek: petra, a rock mass or bedrock. “Rock” is one of the names of God (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 17:10). Cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11, 10:4</n><J> I will build my church,</J> <n>16:18 Greek “ekklesia” means “assembly” or “congregation,” usually translated in English as “church,” from Greek “kuriakee,” meaning "house of the Lord" </n><J> and the gates of hell</J> <n> 16:19 Greek: Hades, Hebrew: Sheol</n><J> will not prevail against it. </J>


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<J>I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”</J>


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Then he commanded the <n>16:20 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples that they should tell no one that he is <n>16:20 Some mss add “Jesus”</n> the Messiah.


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From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.


text:
Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.”


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But he turned, and said to Peter, <J>“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.”</J>


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Then Jesus said to his disciples, <J>“If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. </J>


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<J>For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. </J>


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<J>For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? </J>


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<J>For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. </J>


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<J>Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”</J>


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After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.


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He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.


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Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let us make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”


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While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. And suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”


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As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, <J>“Do not tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”</J>


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The <n>17:10 Some mss read “His” instead of “The”</n> disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”


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He <n>17:11 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> answered them, <J>“Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, </J>


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<J>but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.”</J>


text:
“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water.


text:
Jesus answered, <J>“Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.”</J>


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So he <n>17:20 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to them, <J>“Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” </J>


text:
 <n>17:21 Some mss add “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Cf. Mark 9:29 </n>"


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While they were together <n>17:22 Some mss read “staying” instead of “together”</n> in Galilee, Jesus said to them, <J>“The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, </J>


text:
<J>and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.”</J> They were exceedingly sorry.


text:
When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Does not your teacher pay the didrachma?”


text:
He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, <J>“What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”</J>


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He <n>17:26 Some mss read “Peter,” or “Simon”</n> said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, <J>“Therefore the children are exempt. </J>


text:
<J>But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”</J>


text:
He <n>18:2 Some ms read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them,


text:
and said, <J>“Truly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. </J>


text:
<J>Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, this one is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. </J>


text:
<J>but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.</J>


text:
<J>“Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks. For there will always be something to cause people to stumble, but woe to the person through whom the stumbling block comes! </J>


text:
<J>If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life crippled or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.</J> <n>18:8 Probable Aramaic idiom, "If with your hand you steal, and with your feet you trespass, stop it…”</n>


text:
<J>If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the fire of hell</J> <n>18:9 Greek “Gehenna”</n><J>. </J> <n>18:9 Probable Aramaic idiom, "If with your eye you have a habit of lust or envying others, stop it…"</n>


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<J>See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. </J>


text:
 <n>18:11 Some mss add “For the Son of Man came to save what was lost.” Some mss read “came to seek and to save”. Cf. Luke 19:10 </n>"


text:
<J>“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? </J>


text:
<J>If he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. </J>


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<J>Even so it is not the will of my</J> <n>18:14 Some mss read “your” instead of “my”</n><J> Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.</J>


text:
<J>“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. </J>


text:
<J>But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.</J> <n>18:16 Deuteronomy 19:15</n>


text:
<J>If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. </J>


text:
<J>Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. </J>


text:
<J>Again, truly I tell you, that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. </J>


text:
Then Peter came to him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”


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<J>Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. </J>


text:
<J>When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.</J> <n>18:24 Ten thousand talents is equivalent to about 60,000,000 denarii, where one denarius was typical of one day’s wages for agricultural labor</n>


text:
<J>But because he could not pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. </J>


text:
<J>The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘</J> <n>18:26 Some mss add “Lord”</n><J>Have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ </J>


text:
<J>The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.</J>


text:
<J>“But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii,</J> <n>18:28 100 denarii was about one sixtieth of a talent</n><J> and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’</J>


text:
<J>“So his fellow servant fell down</J> <n>18:29 Some mss add “at his feet”</J></n><J> and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ </J>


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<J>He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. </J>


text:
<J>So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. </J>


text:
<J>Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. </J>


text:
<J>His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due</J> <n>18:34 Some mss add “to him”</n><J>. </J>


text:
<J>So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you do not each forgive your brother from your heart.”</J> <n>18:35 Some mss add “for his misdeeds.” Possible h.t. WN-WN (humwn-autwn)</J></n>


text:
It happened when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.


text:
The Pharisees came, testing him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”


text:
He answered, and said <n>19:4 Some mss add “to them”</n>, <J>“Have you not read that he who created</J> <n>19:4 Some mss read “made” instead of “created”</n><J> them from the beginning made them male and female,</J> <n>19:4 Genesis 1:27</n>


text:
<J>and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’</J> <n>19:5 Genesis 2:24</n>


text:
<J>So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, do not let man tear apart.”</J>


text:
They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce, and divorce her?”


text:
He said to them, <J>“Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. </J>


text:
<J>I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery</J> <n>19:9 Some mss add “And he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.” Cf. Matthew 5:32</n><J>”</J>


text:
The <n>19:10 Some mss read“His” instead of “The”</n> disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”


text:
<J>For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.”</J>


text:
Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.


text:
But Jesus said, <J>“Allow the little children, and do not forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”</J>


text:
And just then someone came to him and said, “ <n>19:16 Some mss add “Good”</n>Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”


text:
He said to him, <J>“Why do you ask me about what is good? </J> <n>19:17 Some mss read “call me good” instead of “ask me about what is good”</n><J>No one is good but one.</J> <n>19:17 Some mss add “[that is], God”</n><J> But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”</J>


text:
He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, <J>“‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’ </J>


text:
<J>‘Honor your father and mother.’</J> <n>19:19 Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20</n><J> And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”</J> <n>19:19 Leviticus 19:18</n>


text:
The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed <n>19:20 Some mss add “from my youth”</n>. What do I still lack?”


text:
Jesus said to him, <J>“If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”</J>


text:
But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.


text:
Jesus said to his disciples, <J>“Truly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. </J>


text:
<J>Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel</J> <n>19:24 Use of hyperbole </n><J> to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.”</J>


text:
When the <n>19:25 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”


text:
Looking at them, Jesus said, <J>“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</J>


text:
Jesus said to them, <J>“Truly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. </J>


text:
<J>Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother,</J> <n>19:29 Some mss add “or wife”</n><J> or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. </J>


text:
<J>“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. </J>


text:
<J>To them he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way. </J>


text:
<J>Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour,</J> <n>20:5 Depending on the system used, either noon or 3:00 P. M.</n><J> and did likewise. </J>


text:
<J>About the eleventh hour</J> <n>20:6 5:00 PM</n><J> he went out, and found others standing</J> <n>20:6 Some mss add “idle”</n><J>. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’</J>


text:
<J>“They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’</J> <J>“He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard</J> <n>20:7 Some mss add “and you will receive whatever is right”</J></n><J>.’ </J>


text:
<J>When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’</J>


text:
<J>When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. </J>


text:
<J>saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’</J>


text:
<J>“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? </J>


text:
<J>Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. </J>


text:
<J>Is not it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ </J>


text:
<J>So the last will be first, and the first last</J> <n>20:16 Some mss add “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Cf. Matthew 22:14</n><J>.”</J>


text:
As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve <n>20:17 Some mss add “disciples”</n> aside, and on the way he said to them,


text:
<J>“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, </J>


text:
<J>and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”</J>


text:
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.


text:
He said to her, <J>“What do you want?”</J> She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom.”


text:
But Jesus answered, <J>“You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink</J> <n>20:22 Some mss add “and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with”. Cf. Mark 10:38</n><J>?”</J> They said to him, “We are able.”


text:
He said to them, <J>“You will indeed drink my cup,</J> <n>20:23 See 20:22</n><J> but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”</J>


text:
But Jesus summoned them, and said, <J>“You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. </J>


text:
<J>It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you must be your servant. </J>


text:
<J>even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” </J>


text:
And just then two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, son of David!”


text:
The crowd rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they shouted even more, “Lord, have mercy on us, son of David!”


text:
Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.


text:
When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, <n>21:1 Some mss read “Bethsphage” instead of “Bethphage”</n> to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,


text:
saying to them, <J>“Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me. </J>


text:
<J>If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.” </J>


text:
“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” <n>21:5 Zechariah 9:9</n>


text:
A very great crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road.


text:
The crowds who went before him, and who followed kept shouting, “Hosanna <n>21:9 Greek “Hosanna” for Hebrew “Hoshiana” means “save us” or “help us, we pray”</n> to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” <n>21:9 Psalm 118:26</n>


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Jesus entered into the temple, <n>21:12 Some mss add “of God”</n> and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.


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He said to them, <J>“It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’</J> <n>21:13 Isaiah 56:7</n><J> but you have made it a den of robbers!”</J> <n>21:13 Jeremiah 7:11</n>


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But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the son of David!” they were indignant,


text:
and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, <J>“Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have perfected praise?’”</J> <n>21:16 Psalm 8:2</n>


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Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, <J>“Let there be no fruit from you forever!”</J> Immediately the fig tree withered away.


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Jesus answered them, <J>“Truly I tell you, if you have faith, and do not doubt</J> <n>21:21 Or, "draw distinctions," "judge"</n><J>, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it would be done. </J>


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When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”


text:
Jesus answered them, <J>“I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. </J>


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<J>The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from man?”</J> They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’


text:
They answered Jesus, and said, “We do not know.”  He also said to them, <J>“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. </J>


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<J>But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in the</J> <n>21:28 Some mss read “my” instead of “the”</n><J> vineyard.’ </J>


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<J>He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. </J>


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<J>Which of the two did the will of his father?”</J> They said <n>21:31 Some mss add “to him”</n>, “The first.” Jesus said to them, <J>“Truly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you. </J>


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<J>For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you did not even repent afterward, that you might believe him.</J>


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<J>“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household, who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, dug a winepress in it, built a tower, leased it out to farmers, and went on a journey. </J>


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<J>When the season for the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit. </J>


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<J>But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and seize his inheritance.’ </J>


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They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the fruit in its season.”


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Jesus said to them, <J>“Did you never read in the Scriptures,</J><J>‘The stone which the builders rejected,</J> <J>the same was made the head of the corner.</J><J>This was from the Lord.</J> <J>It is marvelous in our eyes?’</J> <n>21:42 Psalm 118:22-23</n>


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<J>“Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation bringing forth its fruit. </J>


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<J>He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it will fall, it will scatter him as dust.”</J> <n>21:44 The Western text type tends to omit this verse</n>


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When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.


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<J>and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. </J>


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<J>Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Look, I have made ready my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!”’ </J>


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<J>But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, </J>


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<J>The king</J> <n>22:7 Some mss add “having heard”</n><J> was enraged, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. </J>


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<J>“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. </J>


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<J>Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.’ </J>


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<J>Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests. </J>


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<J>But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who did not have on wedding clothing, </J>


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<J>and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless. </J>


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<J>Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot,</J> <n>22:13 Some mss add “take him away”</J></n><J> and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’ </J>


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They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you are not partial to anyone.


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They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, <J>“Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”</J>


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saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed for his brother.’ <n>22:24 Deuteronomy 25:5,6</n>


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Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no seed left his wife to his brother.


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But Jesus answered them, <J>“You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. </J>


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<J>For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels</J> <n>22:30 Some mss add “of God”</n><J> in heaven. </J>


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<J>But concerning the resurrection of the dead, Have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, </J>


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<J>‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’</J> <n>22:32 Exodus 3:6</n><J> God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” </J>


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But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.


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One of them, a Law scholar, asked him a question, testing him <n>22:35 Some mss add “and saying”</n>.


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He <n>22:37 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> said to him, <J>“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’</J> <n>22:37 Deuteronomy 6:5</n>


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<J>A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’</J> <n>22:39 Leviticus 19:18</n>


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<J>‘The Lord said to my Lord,</J> <J>sit on my right hand,</J> <J>until I put your enemies under</J> <n>22:44 Some mss read “footstool” instead of “under”</n><J> your feet’?</J> <n>22:44 Psalm 110:1</n>


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No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forth.


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<J>All which they will say unto you, observe and do; but their works do not do, because they say, and do not do. </J>


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<J>For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. </J>


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<J>But all their works they do to be seen by others. They make their tefillin broad and enlarge the fringe of their garments, </J>


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<J>But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your Teacher,</J> <n>23:8 Some mss add “the Messiah”</n><J> and all of you are brothers. </J>


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<J>Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.</J> <n>23:12 Proverbs 29:23; Ezekiel 21:26</n>


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<J>“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you do not enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.” </J>


text:
 <n>23:14 Some mss add “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.” Cf. Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47</n>


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<J>Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of hell</J> <n>23:19 Greek “Gehenna”</n><J> as yourselves.</J>


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<J>“Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.’ </J>


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<J>‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?’ </J>


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<J>You blind men</J> <n>23:19 Some mss add “fools”</n><J>! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? </J>


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<J>“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. </J>


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<J>“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and self-indulgence</J> <n>23:25 Some mss read “unrighteousness” instead of “self-indulgence”</n><J>. </J>


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<J>You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.</J>


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<J>“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. </J>


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<J>Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.</J>


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<J>“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, </J>


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<J>and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ </J>


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<J>You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of hell</J> <n>23:33 Greek “Gehenna”</n><J>? </J>


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<J>Therefore take notice, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; </J>


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<J>that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. </J>


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<J>“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! </J>


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<J>For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”</J> <n>23:39 Psalm 118:26</n>


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Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.


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But he <n>24:2 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> answered them, <J>“Do you not see all of these things? Truly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down.”</J>


text:
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”


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<J>You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for</J> <n>24:6 Some mss add “all”</n><J> this must happen, but the end is not yet. </J>


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<J>For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines</J> <n>24:7 Some mss add “and plagues”</n><J> and earthquakes in various places. </J>


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<J>Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake. </J>


text:
<J>This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.</J>


text:
<J>“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation,</J> <n>24:15 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11</n><J> which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), </J>


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<J>Let him who is in the field not return back to take his coat</J> <n>24:17 Some mss read “clothes” instead of “coat”</n><J>. </J>


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<J>for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. </J>


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<J>Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.</J>


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<J>For there will arise false messiahs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.</J>


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<J>If therefore they tell you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look, he is in the inner chambers,’ do not believe it. </J>


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<J>For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. </J>


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<J>For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures</J> <n>24:28 Or, “eagles”</n><J> gather together. </J>


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<J>But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken;</J> <n>24:29 Isaiah 13:10; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10</n>


text:
<J>and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn,</J> <n>24:30 Zechariah 12:10, 14</n><J> and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky</J> <n>24:30 Daniel 7:13</n><J> with power and great glory. </J>


text:
<J>He will send out his angels with a great</J> <n>24:31 Some mss add “sound of a”</n><J> trumpet,</J> <n>24:31 Isaiah 27:13</n><J> and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.</J>


text:
<J>“Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near. </J>


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<J>Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. </J>


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<J>But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son,</J> <n>24:36 Some mss omit “nor the son.” Cf. Mark 13:32</n><J> but my Father only.</J>


text:
<J>For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, </J>


text:
<J>and they did not know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. </J>


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<J>Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day</J> <n>24:42 Some mss read “hour” instead of “day”</n><J> your Lord comes. </J>


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<J>But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. </J>


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<J>“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? </J>


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<J>But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delayed</J> <n>24:48 Some mss add “in his coming”</n><J>,’ </J>


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<J>the lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect it, and in an hour when he does not know it, </J>


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<J>and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.</J>


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<J>“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. </J>


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<J>But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look! The bridegroom!</J> <n>25:6 Some mss add “is coming”</n><J> Come out to meet him!’ </J>


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<J>But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there is not enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ </J>


text:
<J>While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. </J>


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<J>Watch therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour</J> <n>25:13 Some mss add “in which the Son of Man is coming”</n><J>.</J>


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<J>“For it is like a man, going on a journey, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. </J>


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<J>To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. </J>


text:
<J>Immediately the one who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. </J>


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<J>In like manner he</J> <n>25:17 Some mss add “also”</n><J> who got the two gained another two. </J>


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<J>And he who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. See, I have gained another five talents</J> <n>25:20 Some mss add “besides them”</J></n><J>.’</J>


text:
<J>“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’</J>


text:
<J>“And he also who had the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. See, I have gained another two talents</J> <n>25:22 Some mss add “besides them”</J></n><J>.’</J>


text:
<J>“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. </J>


text:
<J>“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter. </J>


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<J>You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. </J>


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<J>For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away. </J>


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<J>Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</J>


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<J>“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the</J> <n>25:31 Some mss add “holy”</n><J> angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. </J>


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<J>Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. </J>


text:
<J>Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; </J>


text:
<J>for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. </J>


text:
<J>I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’</J>


text:
<J>“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? </J>


text:
<J>“The King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ </J>


text:
<J>Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; </J>


text:
<J>for I was hungry, and you did not give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; </J>


text:
<J>I was a stranger, and you did not take me in; naked, and you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me.’</J>


text:
<J>“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not help you?’</J>


text:
<J>“Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ </J>


text:
<J>“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” </J>


text:
Then the chief priests <n>26:3 Some mss add “and the scribes”</n> and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.


text:
a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.


text:
But when the <n>26:8 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?


text:
However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, <J>“Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. </J>


text:
<J>Truly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her.”</J>


text:
and said, “What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?” They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. <n>26:15 Zechariah 11:12</n>


text:
Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying <n>26:17 Some mss add “to him”</n>, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”


text:
He said, <J>“Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”</J>


text:
<J>The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”</J>


text:
Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It is not me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, <J>“You said it.”</J>


text:
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, <J>“Take, eat; this is my body.”</J>


text:
He took a <n>26:27 Some mss read “the” instead of “a”</n> cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, <J>“All of you drink it, </J>


text:
<J>for this is my blood of the</J> <n>26:28 Some mss add “new” </n><J> covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. </J>


text:
<J>But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”</J>


text:
Then Jesus said to them, <J>“All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’</J> <n>26:31 Zechariah 13:7</n>


text:
But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”


text:
Jesus said to him, <J>“Truly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”</J>


text:
Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.


text:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, <J>“Sit here, while I go there and pray.”</J>


text:
He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.


text:
Then he <n>26:38 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to them, <J>“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.”</J>


text:
He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, <J>“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”</J>


text:
He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, <J>“What, could you not watch with me for one hour? </J>


text:
<J>Watch and pray, that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”</J>


text:
Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, <J>“My Father, if this</J> <n>26:42 Some mss add “cup”</n><J> cannot pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”</J>


text:
Then he came to the <n>26:45 Some mss read “his” instead of “the”</n> disciples, and said to them, <J>“Sleep on now, and take your rest. Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. </J>


text:
While he was still speaking, look, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.


text:
Jesus said to him, <J>“Friend, why are you here?”</J> Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.


text:
And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.


text:
Then Jesus said to him, <J>“Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. </J>


text:
<J>Or do you think that I could not ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? </J>


text:
In that hour Jesus said to the crowds, <J>“Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. </J>


text:
<J>But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”</J> Then all the disciples left him, and fled.


text:
Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.


text:
But Peter followed him from a distance, to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end.


text:
Now the chief priests <n>26:59 Some mss add “and the elders”</n> and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus so they could put him to death;


text:
and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward <n>26:60 Some mss add “they found none”</n>. But at last two false witnesses came forward,


text:
The high priest stood up, and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”


text:
But Jesus held his peace. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”


text:
Jesus said to him, <J>“You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.”</J> <n>26:64 Daniel 7:13</n>


text:
Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? See, now you have heard his blasphemy.


text:
Then they spit in his face <n>26:67 Isaiah 50:6</n> and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,


text:
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”


text:
And when he had gone out onto the porch, another girl saw him, and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”


text:
After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.”


text:
Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said <n>26:75 Some mss add “to him”</n>, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.


text:
Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:


text:
and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to <n>27:2 Some mss add “Pontius”</n> Pilate, the governor.


text:
Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,


text:
saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.”  But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”


text:
The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.”


text:
Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah <n>27:9 Some mss omit “Jeremiah”</n> the prophet was fulfilled, saying,“They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced,


text:
and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.” <n>27:10 Zechariah 11:12-13; Jeremiah 19:1-13; 32:6-9. Apparent scripture combination practice known as Gezera Shewa. Between the two prophets the major prophet is named</n>


text:
Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, <J>“So you say.”</J>


text:
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner, whom they desired.


text:
When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Messiah?”


text:
While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”


text:
But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”


text:
Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Messiah?” They all said <n>27:22 Some mss add “to him”</n>, “Let him be crucified!”


text:
But he <n>27:23 Some mss read “the governor” instead of “he”</n> said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the louder, saying, “Let him be crucified!”


text:
So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this <n>27:24 Some mss add “righteous”</n> man. You see to it.”


text:
Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged <n>27:26 Isaiah 53:5</n> and delivered to be crucified.  <n>27:26 Isaiah 53:8</n>


text:
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.


text:
They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” <n>27:29 Isaiah 53:3 Psalm 69:19</n>


text:
When they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.


text:
As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.


text:
They came to a place called “Golgotha,” that is to say, “The place of a skull. <n>27:33 Latin: Calvary</n>”


text:
They gave him wine <n>27:34 Some mss read “wine vinegar” instead of “wine” </n> to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.


text:
When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots, <n>27:35 Psalm 22:18. Some mss add “that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, 'They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot”</n>


text:
They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”


text:
Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. <n>27:38 Isaiah 53:12</n>


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and saying, “You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”


text:
Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, <n>27:41 Some mss add “the Pharisees” </n> and the elders, said,


text:
“He saved others, but he cannot save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.


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Now from the sixth hour <n>27:45 noon</n> there was darkness over all the land <n>27:45 Amos 8:9</n> until the ninth hour. <n>27:45 3:00 P. M.</n>


text:
About the ninth hour Jesus called out with a loud voice, saying, <J>“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”</J> That is, <J>“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”</J> <n>27:46 Psalm 22:1</n>


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Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him a drink. <n>27:48 Psalm 69:21</n>


text:
The rest said, “Let him be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save him.” <n>27:49 Some mss add “And another took a spear and pierced him in the side, and water and blood flowed out.” Cf. John 19:34</n>


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And suddenly, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.


text:
and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.


text:
Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”


text:
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, <n>27:56 Some mss read “Joses” instead of “Joseph” </n> and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.


text:
When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple came.


text:
This man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.


text:
and placed it in his own new tomb, <n>27:60 Isaiah 53:9</n> which he had cut out in the rock, and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.


text:
Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,


text:
saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’


text:
Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come <n>27:64 Some mss add “at night” </n> and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”


text:
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week <n>28:1 Lit. “after the sabbaths at the dawn toward the first of the sabbaths”</n>, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.


text:
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone <n>28:2 Some mss add “from the door”</n>, and sat on it.


text:
The angel answered the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.


text:
He is not here, for he has risen, <n>28:6 Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:11 DSS LXX</n> just like he said. Come, see the place where he <n>28:6 Some mss read “the Lord” instead of “he” </n> was lying.


text:
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and look, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ See, I have told you.”


text:
And <n>28:9 Some mss add “as they went to tell his disciples” </n> suddenly Jesus met them, saying, <J>“Rejoice!”</J> They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.


text:
Then Jesus said to them, <J>“Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”</J>


text:
Now while they were going, look, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.


text:
When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,


text:
So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jewish people, and continues until this day.


text:
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, <J>“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.</J> <n>28:18 Daniel 7:14</n>


text:
<J>Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, </J>


text:
<J>teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. And look, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</J> <n>28:20 Some mss add “Amen.”</J></n>


text:
The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Messiah, the Son of God. <n>1:1 Some mss omit “the Son of God.” Omission may be due to confusion of scribes over the many nomina sacra, with eye skip from nomina sacra for "Christ" and "God," which have the same ending in Greek. This is supported by examples of scribal corrections at this point </n>


text:
As it is written in Isaiah <n>1:2 Some mss lack “Isaiah”</n> the prophet,“Look, I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. <n>1:2 Malachi 3:1</n>


text:
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’” <n>1:3 Isaiah 40:3</n>


text:
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.


text:
All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.


text:
John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.


text:
He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.


text:
I <n>1:8 Some mss add “indeed”</n> baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”


text:
It happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.


text:
Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.


text:
A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, with you <n>1:11 Some mss read “in whom” instead of “with you”</n> I am well pleased.”


text:
He was in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan. He was <n>1:13 Some mss add “there”</n> with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.


text:
Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Good News <n>1:14 Some mss add “of the Kingdom”</n> of God,


text:
and saying, <J>“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is near! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”</J>


text:
And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.


text:
Going on a little further <n>1:19 Some mss add “from there”</n>, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.


text:
Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.


text:
They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.


text:
They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.


text:
saying, “ <n>1:24 Some mss add “Let us alone” </n>What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”


text:
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”


text:
Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.


text:
At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons.


text:
He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.


text:
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.


text:
He said to them, <J>“Let us go somewhere else</J> <n>1:38 Some mss omit “somewhere else”</n><J> into the next towns, that I may proclaim there also, because I came out for this reason.”</J>


text:
A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”


text:
Being moved with compassion, he <n>1:41 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, <J>“I am willing. Be cleansed.”</J>


text:
 <n>1:42 Some mss add “When he had said this”</n>Immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.


text:
and said to him, <J>“See you say nothing to anyone, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”</J>


text:
But he went out, and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.


text:
 <n>2:2 Some mss add “Immediately”</n>And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.


text:
And when they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof above him. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.


text:
And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, <J>“Why do you reason these things in your hearts? </J>


text:
<J>Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ </J>


text:
<J>But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”</J>, he said to the paralytic,


text:
And he arose immediately, and took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”


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And as he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, <J>“Follow me.”</J> And he arose and followed him.


text:
And it happened that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him.


text:
And the scribes of <n>2:16 Some mss read “and” instead of “of” </n> the Pharisees, when they saw him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, said to his disciples, “Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”


text:
And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, <J>“Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners</J> <n>2:17 Some mss add “to repentance”</n><J>.”</J>


text:
And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do the disciples of John and those of <n>2:18 Some mss add “the disciples of”</n> the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”


text:
And Jesus said to them, <J>“Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. </J>


text:
<J>But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in those days. </J>


text:
<J>No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made. </J>


text:
<J>And no one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the</J> <n>2:22 Some mss add “new”</n><J> wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost</J> <n>2:22 Some mss read “is poured out” instead of “is lost”</n><J>, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins.”</J>


text:
And it happened that he was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry—he, and those who were with him? </J>


text:
<J>How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest</J> <n>2:26 Some mss omit “when Abiathar was high priest”</n><J>, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?”</J>


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And he said to the man with the withered hand, <n>3:3 Some mss read “who had a withered hand”</n> <J>“Stand up in the middle.”</J>


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And he said to them, <J>“Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?”</J> But they were silent.


text:
And when he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, <J>“Stretch out your hand.”</J> He stretched it out, and his hand was restored <n>3:5 Some mss add “as healthy as the other”</n>.


text:
And the Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.


text:
And Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great crowd followed <n>3:7 Some mss add “him”</n> from Galilee, from Judea,


text:
and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great crowd, when they heard what great things he did, came to him.


text:
And he told his disciples that a small boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they would not press on him.


text:
And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and shouted, saying, “You are the Son of God!”


text:
And he appointed twelve, designating them apostles, <n>3:14 Some mss omit “designating them apostles” </n> and that he might send them out to preach,


text:
and to have authority to <n>3:15 Some add “heal sicknesses and to”. Wording is different than parallels in Matthew 10:1 and Luke 9:1</n> cast out demons.


text:
And he appointed the Twelve. <n>3:16 Some mss omit “And he appointed the Twelve,” possibly due to haplography and homoioarcton: kai ep-kai ep</n> And to Simon he gave the name Peter;


text:
and James the son of Zebedee; and John the brother of James (and he surnamed them Boanerges <n>3:17 Possibly for Hebrew “Benei-Regesh”</n> which means, Sons of Thunder);


text:
and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot;


text:
And he came into a house, <n>3:20 Some mss move sentence to end of 3:19</n> and the crowd came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.


text:
And when his family heard it, they went out to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”


text:
And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons.”


text:
<J>But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house. </J>


text:
<J>Truly I tell you, all sins of the sons of men</J> <n>3:28 Or, “children of men,” “people”</n><J> will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; </J>


text:
<J>but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”</J>


text:
And a crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers <n>3:32 Some mss add “and your sisters.” Cf. v.35</n> are outside looking for you.”


text:
And again he began to teach by the seaside. And a great crowd was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the crowd were on the land by the sea.


text:
<J>And it happened, as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds</J> <n>4:4 Some mss add “of the air”</n><J> came and devoured it. </J>


text:
<J>And others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. </J>


text:
<J>And others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. </J>


text:
<J>And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some brought forth thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.”</J>


text:
And he said to them, <J>“To you has been given</J> <n>4:11 Some mss add “to know” </J> </n><J> the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, </J>


text:
<J>that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should return and be forgiven</J> <n>4:12 Some mss read “and their sins be forgiven them” instead of “be forgiven” </n><J>.’”</J> <n>4:12 Isaiah 6:9-10</n>


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? </J>


text:
<J>The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them</J> <n>4:15 Some mss read “in their hearts” instead of “in them”</J></n><J>. </J>


text:
<J>And these</J> <n>4:16 Some mss add “in like manner”</J></n><J> are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. </J>


text:
<J>And they have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. </J>


text:
<J>And others</J> <n>4:18 Some mss read “These” instead of “And others”</n><J> are those who are sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, </J>


text:
<J>and the cares of the</J> <n>4:19 Some mss read “this” instead of “the”</n><J> age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. </J>


text:
<J>And those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”</J>


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket</J> <n>4:21 Lit. a modion, a dry measuring basket containing about a peck (about 9 litres)</n><J> or under a bed? Is not it put on a stand? </J>


text:
<J>For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. </J>


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you</J> <n>4:24 Some mss add “who hear”</J></n><J>. </J>


text:
<J>For whoever has, more will be given, and he who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”</J>


text:
<J>and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he does not know how. </J>


text:
<J>But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come.”</J>


text:
And he said, <J>“</J>To what will <J>we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we use for it? </J>


text:
<J>It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, </J>


text:
<J>yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.”</J>


text:
Without a parable he did not speak to them; but privately to his own <n>4:34 Some mss omit “own” </n> disciples he explained everything.


text:
And leaving the crowd, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other <n>4:36 Some mss add “small” </n> boats were also with him.


text:
And a big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat <n>4:37 Some mss read “it” instead of “the boat” </n> was already filled.


text:
And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are dying?”


text:
And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, <J>“Peace! Be still!”</J> The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. <n>4:39 Psalm 65:7; 89:9; 107:29</n>


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Why are you so afraid? Do</J> <n>4:40 Some mss read “How” instead of “Do”</n><J> you still have no faith?”</J>


text:
And they were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”


text:
And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes <n>5:1 Some mss read “Gadarenes” instead of “Gerasenes” </n>.


text:
And when he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.


text:
because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. No one had the strength to tame him.


text:
And always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones.


text:
and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”


text:
And then he asked him, <J>“What is your name?”</J> He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”


text:
And they <n>5:12 Some mss read “All the demons” instead of “They” </n> begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.”


text:
And he <n>5:13 Some mss read “At once Jesus” instead of “He” </n> gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.


text:
And those who fed them <n>5:14 Some mss add “the pigs” </n> fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came out to see what it was that had happened.


text:
And they came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.


text:
And those who saw it declared to them how it happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs.


text:
And as he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him.


text:
And he <n>5:19 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> did not allow him, but said to him, <J>“Go to your house, to your own, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”</J>


text:
And so he went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.


text:
And when Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great crowd was gathered to him; and he was by the sea.


text:
 <n>5:22 Some mss add “Behold” </n>And one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,


text:
and pleaded with him repeatedly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.”


text:
and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,


text:
And immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.


text:
And immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, <J>“Who touched my clothes?”</J>


text:
And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”


text:
But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.


text:
And he said to her, <J>“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”</J>


text:
While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?”


text:
But Jesus, overhearing the message spoken,  <n>5:36 Some mss add “immediately” </n>said to the ruler of the synagogue, <J>“Do not be afraid, only believe.”</J>


text:
And they <n>5:38 Some mss read “He” instead of “They” </n> came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing.


text:
And when he had entered in, he said to them, <J>“Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.</J>


text:
And they ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was <n>5:40 Some mss add “lying” </n>.


text:
And taking the child by the hand, he said to her, <J>“Talitha koum!”</J> which means, being interpreted, <J>“Girl, I tell you, get up!”</J>


text:
And immediately <n>5:42 Some mss omit “Immediately”</n> the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.


text:
And he strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.


text:
And when the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?


text:
Is not this the carpenter <n>6:3 Or, “craftsman”</n>, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him.


text:
Jesus said to them, <J>“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.”</J>


text:
And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.


text:
And he called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.


text:
And he commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. </J>


text:
<J>Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them.</J> <n>6:11 Some mss add “Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” Cf. Matthew 10:15</J></n><J>”</J>


text:
King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”


text:
But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen <n>6:16 Some mss add “from the dead” </n>.”


text:
For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her.


text:
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed <n>6:20 Some mss read “did many things” instead of “was very perplexed” </n>, but he heard him gladly.


text:
And then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday gave <n>6:21 Some mss read “made” instead of “gave” </n> a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the leading men of Galilee.


text:
And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”


text:
So she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”


text:
And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”


text:
And the king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he did not wish to refuse her.


text:
So immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,


text:
and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.


text:
Then the apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.


text:
And he said to them, <J>“Come away by yourselves to an isolated place, and rest awhile.”</J> For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.


text:
But they <n>6:33 Some mss read “the crowds” instead of “They” </n> saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities and they arrived before them <n>6:33 Some mss add “and came together to him” </n>.


text:
And he <n>6:34 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n> came out, saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.


text:
And when it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, “This place is desolate, and it is late in the day.


text:
Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves something <n>6:36 Some mss reads “bread, for they have nothing” instead of “something”</n> to eat.”


text:
But he answered them, <J>“You give them something to eat.”</J> They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii <n>6:37 200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer</n> worth of bread, and give them something to eat?”


text:
He said to them, <J>“How many loaves do you have? Go see.”</J> When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.”


text:
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.


text:
And immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away.


text:
He saw them distressed in rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, <n>6:48 see Job 9:8</n> and he would have passed by them,


text:
for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, <J>“Cheer up! It is I!</J> <n>6:50 Or, “I AM!”</n><J> Do not be afraid.”</J>


text:
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased <n>6:51 see Psalm 107:29</n>, and they were very amazed among themselves <n>6:51 Some mss add “and marveled” </n>;


text:
and ran around that whole <n>6:55 Some mss add “surrounding” </n> region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was.


text:
Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they placed the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.


text:
Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is, unwashed, hands, they found fault.


text:
(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders.


text:
They do not eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they wash, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and dining couches. <n>7:4 Some mss omit (brackets) “and dining couches.” Possible omission via h.t. WN-WN (chalkiwn-klinwn) </n>)


text:
The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?”


text:
He <n>7:6 Some mss add “answered and” </n> said to them, <J>“Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,</J><J>‘This people honors me with their lips,</J> <J>but their heart is far from me.</J>


text:
<J>But in vain do they worship me,</J> <J>teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’</J> <n>7:7 Isaiah 29:13</n>


text:
<J>“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men.”</J> <n>7:8 Some mss add “the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.” Cf. 7:4 </J> </n>


text:
He said to them, <J>“Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. </J>


text:
<J>For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’</J> <n>7:10 Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16</n><J> and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’</J> <n>7:10 Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9</n>


text:
<J>But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban</J> <n>7:11 Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering devoted to God</n><J>, that is to say, given to God;”’ </J>


text:
<J>making void the word of God by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this.”</J>


text:
<J>There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man.” </J>


text:
He said to them, <J>“Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, </J>


text:
<J>because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, cleansing all the foods?”</J>


text:
<J>For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, </J>


text:
<J>covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. </J>


text:
From there he arose, and went away into the region <n>7:24 Some mss read “border” instead of “region” </n> of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house, and did not want anyone to know it, but he could not escape notice.


text:
For a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, immediately <n>7:25 Some mss omit “immediately” </n> came and fell down at his feet.


text:
Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. She begged him that he would cast the demon out of her daughter.


text:
But he <n>7:27 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> said to her, <J>“Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”</J>


text:
But she answered him, “Yes, <n>7:28 Some mss add “yet.” Some mss omit “Yes.” Matthew 15:27</n> Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”


text:
And when she went away to her house, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left <n>7:30 Some mss read “found the demon gone out, and the child lying on the bed” </n>.


text:
Again he departed from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon <n>7:31 Some mss read “borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came through” </n> to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis.


text:
They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him.


text:
He took him aside from the crowd, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue.


text:
Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly.


text:
He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it.


text:
They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”


text:
In those days, when there was a <n>8:1 Some mss add “very” </n> great crowd, and they had nothing to eat, he <n>8:1 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “he”</n> called his disciples to himself, and said to them,


text:
<J>“I have compassion on the crowd, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. </J>


text:
<J>If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, and</J> <n>8:3 Some mss read “for” instead of “and” </n><J> some of them have come a long way.”</J>


text:
His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?”


text:
He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the crowd.


text:
The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him.


text:
He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, <J>“Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”</J>


text:
Now they <n>8:14 Some mss read “the disciples” instead of “they”</n> forgot to take bread; and they did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them.


text:
He warned them, saying, <J>“Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”</J>


text:
And they began discussing among themselves <n>8:16 Some mss add “saying” </n> that they had no bread. <n>8:16 Some mss read “we have” instead of “they have”</n>


text:
He <n>8:17 Some mss read “Jesus” instead of “He”</n>, perceiving it, said to them, <J>“Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Do you not perceive yet, neither understand? Are your hearts</J> <n>8:17 Some mss add “still” </n><J> hardened? </J>


text:
<J>When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”</J> They told him, “Twelve.”


text:
<J>“When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”</J> They told him, “Seven.”


text:
He asked them, <J>“Do you not yet</J> <n>8:21 Some mss read “How do you not” instead of “Do you not yet”</n><J> understand?”</J>


text:
He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spit on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.


text:
Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He made him look up, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly.


text:
He sent him away to his house, saying, <J>“Do not enter into the village</J> <n>8:26 Some mss add “nor tell anyone in the village” </n><J>.”</J>


text:
Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, <J>“Who do men say that I am?”</J>


text:
They answered him <n>8:28 Some mss omit “him” </n>, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets.”


text:
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.


text:
But he, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, <J>“Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”</J>


text:
He called the crowd to himself with his disciples, and said to them, <J>“If anyone</J> <n>8:34 Some mss read “Whoever” instead of “If anyone” </J> </n><J> wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. </J>


text:
<J>For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it. </J>


text:
<J>For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”</J>


text:
He said to them, <J>“Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”</J>


text:
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.


text:
His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, <n>9:3 Some mss add “like snow” </n> such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.


text:
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”


text:
For he did not know what to say, for they became <n>9:6 Some mss read “were” instead of “became”</n> very afraid.


text:
A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”


text:
As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.


