# verses

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Now for a long season Israel <i>hath been</i> without the true Elohim, and without a teaching priest, and without law.


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But when they in their trouble did turn unto Yahweh Elohim of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.


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And in those times <i>there was</i> no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations <i>were</i> upon all the inhabitants of the countries.


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And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of Yahweh, that <i>was</i> before the porch of Yahweh.


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And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that Yahweh his Elohim <i>was</i> with him.


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So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.


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And they offered unto Yahweh the same time, of the spoil <i>which</i> they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.


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And they entered into a covenant to seek Yahweh Elohim of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;


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That whosoever would not seek Yahweh Elohim of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.


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And they sware unto Yahweh with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.


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And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and Yahweh gave them rest round about.


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And also <i>concerning</i> Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from <i>being</i> queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped <i>it,</i> and burnt <i>it</i> at the brook Kidron.


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But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.


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And he brought into the house of Elohim the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.


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In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.


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Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of Yahweh and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,


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<i>There is</i> a league between me and thee, as <i>there was</i> between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.


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And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.


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And it came to pass, when Baasha heard <i>it,</i> that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.


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Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.


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And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on Yahweh thy Elohim, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.


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Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on Yahweh, he delivered them into thine hand.


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For the eyes of Yahweh run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of <i>them</i> whose heart <i>is</i> perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.


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Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for <i>he was</i> in a rage with him because of this <i>thing.</i> And Asa oppressed <i>some</i> of the people the same time.


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And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they <i>are</i> written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


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And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease <i>was</i> exceeding <i>great:</i> yet in his disease he sought not to Yahweh, but to the physicians.


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And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds <i>of spices</i> prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.


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And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.


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And Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;


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But sought to <i>Yahweh</i> the Elohim of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.


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Therefore Yahweh stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.


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And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.


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Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, <i>even</i> to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.


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And with them <i>he sent</i> Levites, <i>even</i> Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.


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And they taught in Judah, and <i>had</i> the book of the law of Yahweh with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.


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And the fear of Yahweh fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that <i>were</i> round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.


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Also <i>some</i> of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.


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And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, <i>were</i> in Jerusalem.


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And these <i>are</i> the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.


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And next him <i>was</i> Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto Yahweh; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.


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And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.


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And next him <i>was</i> Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.


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These waited on the king, beside <i>those</i> whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.


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And after <i>certain</i> years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that <i>he had</i> with him, and persuaded him to go up <i>with him</i> to Ramothgilead.


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And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I <i>am</i> as thou <i>art,</i> and my people as thy people; and <i>we will be</i> with thee in the war.


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Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for Elohim will deliver <i>it</i> into the king's hand.


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But Jehoshaphat said, <i>Is there</i> not here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we might enquire of him?


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And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, <i>There is</i> yet one man, by whom we may enquire of Yahweh: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same <i>is</i> Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.


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And the king of Israel called for one <i>of his</i> officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.


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And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in <i>their</i> robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.


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And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith Yahweh, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.


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And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for Yahweh shall deliver <i>it</i> into the hand of the king.


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And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets <i>declare</i> good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.


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And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.


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And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of Yahweh?


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Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return <i>therefore</i> every man to his house in peace.


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And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?


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Again he said, Therefore hear the word of Yahweh; I saw Yahweh sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and <i>on</i> his left.


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And Yahweh said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.


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Then there came out a spirit, and stood before Yahweh, and said, I will entice him. And Yahweh said unto him, Wherewith?


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And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And <i>Yahweh</i> said, Thou shalt entice <i>him,</i> and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do <i>even so.</i>


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Now therefore, behold, Yahweh hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and Yahweh hath spoken evil against thee.


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Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Yahweh from me to speak unto thee?


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And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.


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Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;


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And say, Thus saith the king, Put this <i>fellow</i> in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.


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And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, <i>then</i> hath not Yahweh spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.


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And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.


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Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that <i>were</i> with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.


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And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It <i>is</i> the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and Elohim moved them <i>to depart</i> from him.


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For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.


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And a <i>certain</i> man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.


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And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed <i>himself</i> up in <i>his</i> chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.


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And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the lawless one, and love them that hate Yahweh? therefore <i>is</i> wrath upon thee from before Yahweh.


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Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek Elohim.


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And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto Yahweh Elohim of their fathers.


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And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Yahweh, who <i>is</i> with you in the judgment.


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Wherefore now let the fear of Yahweh be upon you; take heed and do <i>it:</i> for <i>there is</i> no iniquity with Yahweh our Elohim, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.


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Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and <i>of</i> the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.


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And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.


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And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against Yahweh, and <i>so</i> wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.


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And, behold, Amariah the chief priest <i>is</i> over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites <i>shall be</i> officers before you. Deal courageously, and Yahweh shall be with the good.


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It came to pass after this also, <i>that</i> the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.


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Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they <i>be</i> in Hazazontamar, which <i>is</i> Engedi.


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And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask <i>help</i> of Yahweh: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek Yahweh.


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And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Yahweh, before the new court,


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And said, O Yahweh Elohim of our fathers, <i>art</i> not thou Elohim in heaven? and rulest <i>not</i> thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand <i>is there not</i> power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?


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<i>Art</i> not thou our Elohim, <i>who</i> didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?


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If, <i>when</i> evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house, and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.


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And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;


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Behold, <i>I say, how</i> they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.


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O our Elohim, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes <i>are</i> upon thee.


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Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Yahweh in the midst of the congregation;


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And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith Yahweh unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle <i>is</i> not yours, but Elohim's.


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To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.


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Ye shall not <i>need</i> to fight in this <i>battle:</i> set yourselves, stand ye <i>still,</i> and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for Yahweh <i>will be</i> with you.


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And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with <i>his</i> face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh.


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And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise Yahweh Elohim of Israel with a loud voice on high.


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And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in Yahweh your Elohim, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.


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And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto Yahweh, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise Yahweh; for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever.


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And when they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.


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For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy <i>them:</i> and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.


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And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they <i>were</i> dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.


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And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.


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And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.


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Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies.


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And the fear of Elohim was on all the kingdoms of <i>those</i> countries, when they had heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel.


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And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: <i>he was</i> thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name <i>was</i> Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.


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And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh.


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Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the Elohim of their fathers.


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Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.


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And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:


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And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.


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Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, Yahweh hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.


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Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.


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And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these <i>were</i> the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.


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And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he <i>was</i> the firstborn.


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Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and <i>divers</i> also of the princes of Israel.


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Jehoram <i>was</i> thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.


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And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought <i>that which was</i> evil in the eyes of Yahweh.


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Howbeit Yahweh would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.


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Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots.


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So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time <i>also</i> did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken Yahweh Elohim of his fathers.


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Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah <i>thereto.</i>


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And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith Yahweh Elohim of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,


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But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, <i>which were</i> better than thyself:


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Behold, with a great plague will Yahweh smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:


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And thou <i>shalt have</i> great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.


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Moreover Yahweh stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that <i>were</i> near the Ethiopians:


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And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.


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And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.


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Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.


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And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.


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Forty and two years old <i>was</i> Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also <i>was</i> Athaliah the daughter of Omri.


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Wherefore he did evil in the sight of Yahweh like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.


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He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.


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And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.


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And the destruction of Ahaziah was of Elohim by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.


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And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.


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And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, for he was hid in Samaria, and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.


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But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah.


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But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, for she was the sister of Ahaziah, hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.


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And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.


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And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.


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And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of Elohim. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as Yahweh hath said of the sons of David.


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This <i>is</i> the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, <i>shall be</i> porters of the doors;


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And a third part <i>shall be</i> at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people <i>shall be</i> in the courts of the house of Yahweh.


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But let none come into the house of Yahweh, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they <i>are</i> holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of Yahweh.


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And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever <i>else</i> cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.


text:
So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go <i>out</i> on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.


text:
Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that <i>had been</i> king David's, which <i>were</i> in the house of Elohim.


text:
And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.


text:
Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and <i>gave him</i> the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, Long live the king.


text:
Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of Yahweh:


text:
And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.


text:
Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Bring her out between the ranks: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of Yahweh.


text:
So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.


text:
And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be Yahweh's people.


text:
Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.


text:
Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of Yahweh by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of Yahweh, to offer the burnt offerings of Yahweh, as <i>it is</i> written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, <i>as it was ordained</i> by David.


text:
And he set the porters at the gates of the house of Yahweh, that none <i>which</i> was unclean in any thing should enter in.


text:
And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of Yahweh: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.


text:
And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.


text:
Joash <i>was</i> seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also <i>was</i> Zibiah of Beersheba.


text:
And Joash did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh all the days of Jehoiada the priest.


text:
And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your Elohim from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened <i>it</i> not.


text:
And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, <i>according to the commandment</i> of Moses the servant of Yahweh, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?


text:
For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of Elohim; and also all the dedicated things of the house of Yahweh did they bestow upon Baalim.


text:
And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of Yahweh.


text:
And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to Yahweh the collection <i>that</i> Moses the servant of Elohim <i>laid</i> upon Israel in the wilderness.


text:
And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.


text:
Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that <i>there was</i> much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.


text:
And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of Yahweh, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of Yahweh.


text:
So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of Elohim in his state, and strengthened it.


text:
And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of Yahweh, <i>even</i> vessels to minister, and to offer <i>withal,</i> and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of Yahweh continually all the days of Jehoiada.


text:
But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.


text:
And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because of the good he had done in Israel, both toward Elohim, and toward his house.


text:
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.


text:
And they left the house of Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.


text:
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto Yahweh; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.


text:
And the Spirit of Elohim came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith Elohim, Why transgress ye the commandments of Yahweh, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken Yahweh, he hath also forsaken you.


text:
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of Yahweh.


text:
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, Yahweh look upon <i>it,</i> and require <i>it.</i>


text:
And it came to pass at the end of the year, <i>that</i> the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus.


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For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and Yahweh delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken Yahweh Elohim of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.


text:
And when they were departed from him, for they left him in great diseases, his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.


text:
And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.


text:
Now <i>concerning</i> his sons, and the greatness of the burdens <i>laid</i> upon him, and the repairing of the house of Elohim, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.


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Amaziah <i>was</i> twenty and five years old <i>when</i> he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name <i>was</i> Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.


text:
Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.


text:
But he slew not their children, but <i>did</i> as <i>it is</i> written in the law in the book of Moses, where Yahweh commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.


text:
Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of <i>their</i> fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice <i>men, able</i> to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.


text:
He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.


text:
But there came a man of Elohim to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for Yahweh <i>is</i> not with Israel, <i>to wit, with</i> all the children of Ephraim.


text:
But if thou wilt go, do <i>it,</i> be strong for the battle: Elohim shall make thee fall before the enemy: for Elohim hath power to help, and to cast down.


text:
And Amaziah said to the man of Elohim, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of Elohim answered, Yahweh is able to give thee much more than this.


text:
Then Amaziah separated them, <i>to wit,</i> the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.


text:
And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.


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And <i>other</i> ten thousand <i>left</i> alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.


text:
But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.


text:
Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the elohim of the children of Seir, and set them up <i>to be</i> his elohim, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.


text:
Wherefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the elohim of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?


text:
And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that <i>the king</i> said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that Elohim hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.


text:
Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.


text:
And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that <i>was</i> in Lebanon sent to the cedar that <i>was</i> in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that <i>was</i> in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.


text:
Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to <i>thine</i> hurt, that thou shouldest fall, <i>even</i> thou, and Judah with thee?


text:
But Amaziah would not hear; for it <i>came</i> of Elohim, that he might deliver them into the hand of <i>their enemies,</i> because they sought after the elohim of Edom.


text:
So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, <i>both</i> he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which <i>belongeth</i> to Judah.


text:
And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.


text:
And <i>he took</i> all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of Elohim with Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.


text:
And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, <i>are</i> they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?


text:
Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following Yahweh they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.


text:
Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who <i>was</i> sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.


text:
Sixteen years old <i>was</i> Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also <i>was</i> Jecoliah of Jerusalem.


text:
And he did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah did.


text:
And he sought Elohim in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of Elohim: and as long as he sought Yahweh, Elohim made him to prosper.


text:
And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.


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And Elohim helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.


text:
And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad <i>even</i> to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened <i>himself</i> exceedingly.


text:
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning <i>of the wall,</i> and fortified them.


text:
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen <i>also,</i> and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.


text:
Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, <i>one</i> of the king's captains.


text:
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour <i>were</i> two thousand and six hundred.


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And under their hand <i>was</i> an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.


text:
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to <i>cast</i> stones.


text:
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.


text:
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to <i>his</i> destruction: for he transgressed against Yahweh his Elohim, and went into the temple of Yahweh to burn incense upon the altar of incense.


text:
And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of Yahweh, <i>that were</i> valiant men:


text:
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, <i>It appertaineth</i> not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto Yahweh, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither <i>shall it be</i> for thine honour from Yahweh Elohim.


text:
Then Uzziah was wroth, and <i>had</i> a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of Yahweh, from beside the incense altar.


text:
And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he <i>was</i> leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because Yahweh had smitten him.


text:
And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, <i>being</i> a leper; for he was cut off from the house of Yahweh: and Jotham his son <i>was</i> over the king's house, judging the people of the land.


text:
So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which <i>belonged</i> to the kings; for they said, He <i>is</i> a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Jotham <i>was</i> twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also <i>was</i> Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.


text:
And he did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of Yahweh. And the people did yet corruptly.


text:
He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they <i>are</i> written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


text:
And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Ahaz <i>was</i> twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh, like David his father:


text:
Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom Yahweh had cast out before the children of Israel.


text:
He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.


text:
Wherefore Yahweh his Elohim delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought <i>them</i> to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.


text:
For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, <i>which were</i> all valiant men; because they had forsaken Yahweh Elohim of their fathers.


text:
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah <i>that was</i> next to the king.


text:
And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.


text:
But a prophet of Yahweh was there, whose name <i>was</i> Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because Yahweh Elohim of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage <i>that</i> reacheth up unto heaven.


text:
And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: <i>but are there</i> not with you, even with you, sins against Yahweh your Elohim?


text:
Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of Yahweh is upon you.


text:
Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,


text:
And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against Yahweh <i>already,</i> ye intend to add <i>more</i> to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and <i>there is</i> fierce wrath against Israel.


text:
And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.


text:
The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.


text:
For Yahweh brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against Yahweh.


text:
For Ahaz took away a portion <i>out</i> of the house of Yahweh, and <i>out</i> of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave <i>it</i> unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.


text:
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Yahweh: this <i>is that</i> king Ahaz.


text:
For he sacrificed unto the elohim of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the elohim of the kings of Syria help them, <i>therefore</i> will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.


text:
And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of Elohim, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of Elohim, and shut up the doors of the house of Yahweh, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.


text:
And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other elohim, and provoked to anger Yahweh Elohim of his fathers.


text:
Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


text:
And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, <i>even</i> in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Hezekiah began to reign <i>when he was</i> five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name <i>was</i> Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.


text:
And he did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that David his father had done.


text:
He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of Yahweh, and repaired them.


text:
And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of Yahweh Elohim of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy <i>place.</i>


text:
For our fathers have trespassed, and done <i>that which was</i> evil in the eyes of Yahweh our Elohim, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of Yahweh, and turned <i>their</i> backs.


text:
Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy <i>place</i> unto the Elohim of Israel.


text:
Wherefore the wrath of Yahweh was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.


text:
For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives <i>are</i> in captivity for this.


text:
Now <i>it is</i> in mine heart to make a covenant with Yahweh Elohim of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.


text:
My sons, be not now negligent: for Yahweh hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.


text:
Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:


text:
And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:


text:
And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of Yahweh, to cleanse the house of Yahweh.


text:
And the priests went into the inner part of the house of Yahweh, to cleanse <i>it,</i> and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of Yahweh into the court of the house of Yahweh. And the Levites took <i>it,</i> to carry <i>it</i> out abroad into the brook Kidron.


text:
Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of Yahweh: so they sanctified the house of Yahweh in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.


text:
Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of Yahweh, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the showbread table, with all the vessels thereof.


text:
Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they <i>are</i> before the altar of Yahweh.


text:
Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of Yahweh.


text:
And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer <i>them</i> on the altar of Yahweh.


text:
So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled <i>it</i> on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.


text:
And they brought forth the he goats <i>for</i> the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:


text:
And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded <i>that</i> the burnt offering and the sin offering <i>should be made</i> for all Israel.


text:
And he set the Levites in the house of Yahweh with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for <i>so was</i> the commandment of Yahweh by his prophets.


text:
And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of Yahweh began <i>also</i> with the trumpets, and with the instruments <i>ordained</i> by David king of Israel.


text:
And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: <i>and</i> all <i>this continued</i> until the burnt offering was finished.


text:
And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped.


text:
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto Yahweh with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.


text:
Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto Yahweh, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of Yahweh. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.


text:
And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, <i>and</i> two hundred lambs: all these <i>were</i> for a burnt offering to Yahweh.


text:
But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the <i>other</i> priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites <i>were</i> more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.


text:
And also the burnt offerings <i>were</i> in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for <i>every</i> burnt offering. So the service of the house of Yahweh was set in order.


text:
And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that Elohim had prepared the people: for the thing was <i>done</i> suddenly.


text:
And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto Yahweh Elohim of Israel.


text:
For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.


text:
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.


text:
So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto Yahweh Elohim of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done <i>it</i> of a long <i>time in such sort</i> as it was written.


text:
So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto Yahweh Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.


text:
And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, <i>who</i> therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.


text:
Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers <i>were, but</i> yield yourselves unto Yahweh, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve Yahweh your Elohim, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.


text:
For if ye turn again unto Yahweh, your brethren and your children <i>shall find</i> compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for Yahweh your Elohim <i>is</i> gracious and merciful, and will not turn away <i>his</i> face from you, if ye return unto him.


text:
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.


text:
Also in Judah the hand of Elohim was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of Yahweh.


text:
And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.


text:
And they arose and took away the altars that <i>were</i> in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast <i>them</i> into the brook Kidron.


text:
Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth <i>day</i> of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of Yahweh.


text:
And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of Elohim: the priests sprinkled the blood, <i>which they received</i> of the hand of the Levites.


text:
For <i>there were</i> many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one <i>that was</i> not clean, to sanctify <i>them</i> unto Yahweh.


text:
For a multitude of the people, <i>even</i> many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Yahweh pardon every one


text:
<i>That</i> prepareth his heart to seek Elohim, Yahweh Elohim of his fathers, though <i>he be</i> not <i>cleansed</i> according to the purification of the sanctuary.


text:
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised Yahweh day by day, <i>singing</i> with loud instruments unto Yahweh.


text:
And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of Yahweh: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to Yahweh Elohim of their fathers.


text:
And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept <i>other</i> seven days with gladness.


text:
For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.


text:
And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.


text:
So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel <i>there was</i> not the like in Jerusalem.


text:
Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came <i>up</i> to his holy dwelling place, <i>even</i> unto heaven.


text:
Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.


text:
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of Yahweh.


text:
<i>He appointed</i> also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, <i>to wit,</i> for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as <i>it is</i> written in the law of Yahweh.


text:
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of Yahweh.


text:
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all <i>things</i> brought they in abundantly.


text:
And <i>concerning</i> the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto Yahweh their Elohim, and laid <i>them</i> by heaps.


text:
And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and his people Israel.


text:
And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since <i>the people</i> began to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for Yahweh hath blessed his people; and that which is left <i>is</i> this great store.


text:
And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated <i>things</i> faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite <i>was</i> ruler, and Shimei his brother <i>was</i> the next.


text:
And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, <i>were</i> overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of Elohim.


text:
And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, <i>was</i> over the freewill offerings of Elohim, to distribute the oblations of Yahweh, and the most holy things.


text:
Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah were faithfully assisting him in the cities of the priests, in <i>their</i> set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:


text:
Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, <i>even</i> unto every one that entereth into the house of Yahweh, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;


text:
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;


text:
And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:


text:
Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, <i>which were</i> in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.


text:
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought <i>that which was</i> good and right and truth before Yahweh his Elohim.


text:
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of Elohim, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his Elohim, he did <i>it</i> with all his heart, and prospered.


text:
After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.


text:
And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,


text:
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which <i>were</i> without the city: and they did help him.


text:
So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?


text:
Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised <i>it</i> up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo <i>in</i> the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.


text:
And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,


text:
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that <i>is</i> with him: for <i>there be</i> more with us than with him:


text:
With him <i>is</i> an arm of flesh; but with us <i>is</i> Yahweh our Elohim to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.


text:
After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, but he <i>himself laid siege</i> against Lachish, and all his power with him, unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that <i>were</i> at Jerusalem, saying,


text:
Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?


text:
Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Yahweh our Elohim shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?


text:
Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?


text:
Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of <i>other</i> lands? were the elohim of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?


text:
Who <i>was there</i> among all the elohim of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your Elohim should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?


text:
Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no eloah of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your Elohim deliver you out of mine hand?


text:
He wrote also letters to rail on Yahweh Elohim of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the elohim of the nations of <i>other</i> lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the Elohim of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.


text:
Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that <i>were</i> on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.


text:
And they spake against the Elohim of Jerusalem, as against the elohim of the people of the earth, <i>which were</i> the work of the hands of man.


text:
And for this <i>cause</i> Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.


text:
And Yahweh sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his elohim, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.


text:
Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all <i>other,</i> and guided them on every side.


text:
And many brought gifts unto Yahweh to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.


text:
In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto Yahweh: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.


text:
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit <i>done</i> unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.


text:
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, <i>both</i> he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.


text:
And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;


text:
Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.


text:
Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for Elohim had given him substance very much.


text:
This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.


text:
Howbeit in <i>the business of</i> the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was <i>done</i> in the land, Elohim left him, to try him, that he might know all <i>that was</i> in his heart.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, <i>and</i> in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


text:
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Manasseh <i>was</i> twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:


text:
But did that <i>which was evil</i> in the sight of Yahweh, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom Yahweh had cast out before the children of Israel.


text:
For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.


text:
Also he built altars in the house of Yahweh, whereof Yahweh had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.


text:
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger.


text:
And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of Elohim, of which Elohim had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:


text:
Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.


text:
So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, <i>and</i> to do worse than the heathen, whom Yahweh had destroyed before the children of Israel.


text:
Wherefore Yahweh brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.


text:
And when he was in affliction, he besought Yahweh his Elohim, and humbled himself greatly before the Elohim of his fathers,


text:
And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh he <i>was</i> Elohim.


text:
Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.


text:
And he took away the strange elohim, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast <i>them</i> out of the city.


text:
And he repaired the altar of Yahweh, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh Elohim of Israel.


text:
Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, <i>yet</i> unto Yahweh their Elohim only.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his Elohim, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of Yahweh Elohim of Israel, behold, they <i>are written</i> in the book of the kings of Israel.


text:
His prayer also, and <i>how Elohim</i> was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they <i>are</i> written among the sayings of the seers.


text:
So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Amon <i>was</i> two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem.


text:
But he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;


text:
And humbled not himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.


text:
But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.


text:
Josiah <i>was</i> eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.


text:
And he did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined <i>neither</i> to the right hand, nor to the left.


text:
For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the Elohim of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.


text:
And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that <i>were</i> on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust <i>of them,</i> and strowed <i>it</i> upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.


text:
And <i>so did he</i> in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, in their ruins round about.


text:
And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.


text:
Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of Yahweh his Elohim.


text:
And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of Elohim, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.


text:
And they put <i>it</i> in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of Yahweh, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of Yahweh, to repair and amend the house:


text:
Even to the artificers and builders gave they <i>it,</i> to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.


text:
And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them <i>were</i> Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set <i>it</i> forward; and <i>other of</i> the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.


text:
Also <i>they were</i> over the bearers of burdens, and <i>were</i> overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites <i>there were</i> scribes, and officers, and porters.


text:
And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of Yahweh <i>given</i> by Moses.


text:
And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.


text:
And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they <i>do it.</i>


text:
And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of Yahweh, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.


text:
Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.


text:
And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,


text:
Go, enquire of Yahweh for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great <i>is</i> the wrath of Yahweh that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of Yahweh, to do after all that is written in this book.


text:
And Hilkiah, and <i>they</i> that the king <i>had appointed,</i> went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college: and they spake to her to that <i>effect.</i>


text:
Thus saith Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, <i>even</i> all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah:


text:
Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other elohim, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.


text:
And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of Yahweh, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith Yahweh Elohim of Israel <i>concerning</i> the words which thou hast heard;


text:
Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before Elohim, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard <i>thee</i> also, saith Yahweh.


text:
Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.


text:
And the king went up into the house of Yahweh, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of Yahweh.


text:
And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.


text:
And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand <i>to it.</i> And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of Elohim, the Elohim of their fathers.


text:
And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that <i>pertained</i> to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, <i>even</i> to serve Yahweh their Elohim. <i>And</i> all his days they departed not from following Yahweh, the Elohim of their fathers.


text:
Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth <i>day</i> of the first month.


text:
And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto Yahweh, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; <i>it shall</i> not <i>be</i> a burden upon <i>your</i> shoulders: serve now Yahweh your Elohim, and his people Israel,


text:
And prepare <i>yourselves</i> by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.


text:
And stand in the holy <i>place</i> according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and <i>after</i> the division of the families of the Levites.


text:
So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that <i>they</i> may do according to the word of Yahweh by the hand of Moses.


text:
And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these <i>were</i> of the king's substance.


text:
And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of Elohim, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred <i>small cattle,</i> and three hundred oxen.


text:
Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand <i>small cattle,</i> and five hundred oxen.


text:
So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.


text:
And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled <i>the blood</i> from their hands, and the Levites flayed <i>them.</i>


text:
And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto Yahweh, as <i>it is</i> written in the book of Moses. And so <i>did they</i> with the oxen.


text:
And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the <i>other holy offerings</i> sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided <i>them</i> speedily among all the people.


text:
And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron <i>were busied</i> in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.


text:
And the singers the sons of Asaph <i>were</i> in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters <i>waited</i> at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.


text:
So all the service of Yahweh was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of Yahweh, according to the commandment of king Josiah.


text:
And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.


text:
And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.


text:
After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.


text:
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I <i>come</i> not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for Elohim commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from <i>meddling with</i> Elohim, who <i>is</i> with me, that he destroy thee not.


text:
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of Elohim, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.


text:
And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.


text:
His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in <i>one</i> of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.


text:
And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the lamentations.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to <i>that which was</i> written in the law of Yahweh,


text:
And his deeds, first and last, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


text:
Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.


text:
Jehoahaz <i>was</i> twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.


text:
And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.


text:
And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.


text:
Jehoiakim <i>was</i> twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of Yahweh his Elohim.


text:
Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.


text:
Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of Yahweh to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.


text:
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they <i>are</i> written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.


text:
Jehoiachin <i>was</i> eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of Yahweh.


text:
And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.


text:
Zedekiah was <i>one</i> and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.


text:
And he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of Yahweh his Elohim, <i>and</i> humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet <i>speaking</i> from the mouth of Yahweh.


text:
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by Elohim: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto Yahweh Elohim of Israel.


text:
Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of Yahweh which he had set apart in Jerusalem.


text:
And Yahweh Elohim of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:


text:
But they mocked the messengers of Elohim, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of Yahweh arose against his people, till <i>there was</i> no remedy.


text:
Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.


text:
And all the vessels of the house of Elohim, great and small, and the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.


text:
And they burnt the house of Elohim, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.


text:
And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:


text:
To fulfil the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.


text:
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,


text:
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Yahweh Elohim of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? Yahweh his Elohim be with him, and let him go up.


text:
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and <i>put it</i> also in writing, saying,


text:
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, Yahweh Elohim of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which <i>is</i> in Judah.


text:
Who <i>is there</i> among you of all his people? his Elohim be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which <i>is</i> in Judah, and build the house of Yahweh Elohim of Israel, he <i>is</i> the Elohim, which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of Elohim that <i>is</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all <i>them</i> whose spirit Elohim had raised, to go up to build the house of Yahweh which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
And all they that <i>were</i> about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all <i>that</i> was willingly offered.


text:
Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of Yahweh, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his elohim;


text:
Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.


text:
And this <i>is</i> the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,


text:
Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second <i>sort</i> four hundred and ten, <i>and</i> other vessels a thousand.


text:
All the vessels of gold and of silver <i>were</i> five thousand and four hundred. All <i>these</i> did Sheshbazzar bring up with <i>them of</i> the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.


text:
Now these <i>are</i> the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;


text:
Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:


text:
The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua <i>and</i> Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.


text:
The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, <i>in</i> all an hundred thirty and nine.


text:
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,


text:
The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.


text:
All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, <i>were</i> three hundred ninety and two.


text:
And these <i>were</i> they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, <i>and</i> Immer: but they could not show their father's house, and their seed, whether they <i>were</i> of Israel:


text:
And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:


text:
These sought their register <i>among</i> those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.


text:
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.


text:
The whole congregation together <i>was</i> forty and two thousand three hundred <i>and</i> threescore,


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Beside their servants and their maids, of whom <i>there were</i> seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and <i>there were</i> among them two hundred singing men and singing women.


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Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; <i>their</i> asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.


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And <i>some</i> of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of Yahweh which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of Elah to set it up in his place:


text:
They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.


text:
So the priests, and the Levites, and <i>some</i> of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.


text:
And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel <i>were</i> in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.


text:
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the Elah of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as <i>it is</i> written in the law of Moses the man of Elah.


text:
And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear <i>was</i> upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto Yahweh, <i>even</i> burnt offerings morning and evening.


text:
They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as <i>it is</i> written, and <i>offered</i> the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;


text:
And afterward <i>offered</i> the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto Yahweh.


text:
From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto Yahweh. But the foundation of the temple of Yahweh was not <i>yet</i> laid.


text:
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.


text:
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of Elah at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of Yahweh.


text:
Then stood Jeshua <i>with</i> his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of Elah: the sons of Henadad, <i>with</i> their sons and their brethren the Levites.


text:
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.


text:
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto Yahweh; because <i>he is</i> good, for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid.


text:
But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, <i>who were</i> ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:


text:
So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.


text:
Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto Yahweh Elah of Israel;


text:
Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your Elah, as ye <i>do;</i> and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.


text:
But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our Elah; but we ourselves together will build unto Yahweh Elah of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.


text:
Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,


text:
And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.


text:
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they <i>unto him</i> an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.


text:
And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter <i>was</i> written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.


text:
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:


text:
Then <i>wrote</i> Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, <i>and</i> the Elamites,


text:
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest <i>that are</i> on this side the river, and at such a time.


text:
This <i>is</i> the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, <i>even</i> unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.


text:
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls <i>thereof,</i> and joined the foundations.


text:
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up <i>again, then</i> will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.


text:
Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;


text:
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city <i>is</i> a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.


text:
We certify the king that, if this city be builded <i>again,</i> and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.


text:
<i>Then</i> sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and <i>to</i> Shimshai the scribe, and <i>to</i> the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and <i>unto</i> the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.


text:
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and <i>that</i> rebellion and sedition have been made therein.


text:
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all <i>countries</i> beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.


text:
Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until <i>another</i> commandment shall be given from me.


text:
Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter <i>was</i> read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.


text:
Then ceased the work of the house of Elah which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.


text:
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that <i>were</i> in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the Elah of Israel, <i>even</i> unto them.


text:
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of Elah which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem: and with them <i>were</i> the prophets of Elah helping them.


text:
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?


text:
But the eye of their Elah was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this <i>matter.</i>


text:
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which <i>were</i> on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:


text:
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great Elah, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.


text:
Then asked we those elders, <i>and</i> said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?


text:
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that <i>were</i> the chief of them.


text:
And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the Elah of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.


text:
But after that our fathers had provoked the Elah of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.


text:
But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of Elah.


text:
And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of Elah, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that <i>was</i> in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto <i>one,</i> whose name <i>was</i> Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;


text:
And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of Elah be builded in his place.


text:
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, <i>and</i> laid the foundation of the house of Elah which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and <i>yet</i> it is not finished.


text:
Now therefore, if <i>it seem</i> good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which <i>is</i> there at Babylon, whether it be <i>so,</i> that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of Elah at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.


text:
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.


text:
And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that <i>is</i> in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein <i>was</i> a record thus written:


text:
In the first year of Cyrus the king <i>the same</i> Cyrus the king made a decree <i>concerning</i> the house of Elah at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, <i>and</i> the breadth thereof threescore cubits;


text:
<i>With</i> three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:


text:
And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of Elah, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, <i>every one</i> to his place, and place <i>them</i> in the house of Elah.


text:
Now <i>therefore,</i> Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which <i>are</i> beyond the river, be ye far from thence:


text:
Let the work of this house of Elah alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of Elah in his place.


text:
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of Elah: that of the king's goods, <i>even</i> of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.


text:
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the Elah of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which <i>are</i> at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:


text:
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the Elah of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.


text:
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.


text:
And the Elah that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter <i>and</i> to destroy this house of Elah which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.


text:
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.


text:
And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished <i>it,</i> according to the commandment of the Elah of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.


text:
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.


text:
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of Elah with joy,


text:
And offered at the dedication of this house of Elah an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.


text:
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of Elah, which <i>is</i> at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.


text:
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth <i>day</i> of the first month.


text:
For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them <i>were</i> pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.


text:
And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek Yahweh Elah of Israel, did eat,


text:
And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Yahweh had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of Elah, the Elah of Israel.


text:
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,


text:
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he <i>was</i> a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh Elah of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Yahweh his Elah upon him.


text:
And there went up <i>some</i> of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.


text:
For upon the first <i>day</i> of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first <i>day</i> of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his Elah upon him.


text:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do <i>it,</i> and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.


text:
Now this <i>is</i> the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, <i>even</i> a scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of his statutes to Israel.


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Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the Elah of heaven, perfect <i>peace,</i> and at such a time.


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I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and <i>of</i> his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.


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Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy Elah which <i>is</i> in thine hand;


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And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the Elah of Israel, whose habitation <i>is</i> in Jerusalem,


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And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their Elah which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem:


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That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your Elah which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem.


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And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your Elah.


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The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy Elah, <i>those</i> deliver thou before the Elah of Jerusalem.


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And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy Elah, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow <i>it</i> out of the king's treasure house.


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And I, <i>even</i> I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which <i>are</i> beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the Elah of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,


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Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing <i>how much.</i>


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Whatsoever is commanded by the Elah of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the Elah of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?


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Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of Elah, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.


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And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy Elah, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that <i>are</i> beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy Elah; and teach ye them that know <i>them</i> not.


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And whosoever will not do the law of thy Elah, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether <i>it be</i> unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.


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Blessed <i>be</i> Yahweh Elah of our fathers, which hath put <i>such a thing</i> as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem:


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And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of Yahweh my Elah <i>was</i> upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.


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These <i>are</i> now the chief of their fathers, and <i>this is</i> the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.


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Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.


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And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names <i>are</i> these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.


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And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.


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Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.


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And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, <i>and</i> to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our Elah.


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And by the good hand of our Elah upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;


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Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.


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Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our Elah, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.


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For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our Elah <i>is</i> upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath <i>is</i> against all them that forsake him.


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Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,


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And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, <i>even</i> the offering of the house of our Elah, which the king, and his counsellors, and his princes, and all Israel <i>there</i> present, had offered:


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I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, <i>and</i> of gold an hundred talents;


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And I said unto them, Ye <i>are</i> holy unto Yahweh; the vessels <i>are</i> holy also; and the silver and the gold <i>are</i> a freewill offering unto Yahweh Elah of your fathers.


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Watch ye, and keep <i>them,</i> until ye weigh <i>them</i> before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh.


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So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring <i>them</i> to Jerusalem unto the house of our Elah.


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Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth <i>day</i> of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our Elah was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.


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Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our Elah by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him <i>was</i> Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them <i>was</i> Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;


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<i>Also</i> the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the Elah of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats <i>for</i> a sin offering: all <i>this was</i> a burnt offering unto Yahweh.


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And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of Elah.


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Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, <i>doing</i> according to their abominations, <i>even</i> of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.


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For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of <i>those</i> lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.


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And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down stunned.


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Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the Elah of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice.


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And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto Yahweh my Elah,


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And said, O my Elah, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my Elah: for our iniquities are increased over <i>our</i> head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.


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Since the days of our fathers <i>have</i> we <i>been</i> in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, <i>and</i> our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as <i>it is</i> this day.


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And now for a little space grace hath been <i>showed</i> from Yahweh our Elah, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our Elah may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.


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For we <i>were</i> bondmen; yet our Elah hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our Elah, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.


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Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.


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Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave <i>it</i> for an inheritance to your children for ever.


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And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our Elah hast punished us less than our iniquities <i>deserve,</i> and hast given us <i>such</i> deliverance as this;


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Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed <i>us,</i> so that <i>there should be</i> no remnant nor escaping?


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O Yahweh Elah of Israel, thou <i>art</i> righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as <i>it is</i> this day: behold, we <i>are</i> before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.


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Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of Elah, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.


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And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, <i>one</i> of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our Elah, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.


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Now therefore let us make a covenant with our Elah to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of Yahweh, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our Elah; and let it be done according to the law.


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Arise; for <i>this</i> matter <i>belongeth</i> unto thee: we also <i>will be</i> with thee: be of good courage, and do <i>it.</i>


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Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.


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Then Ezra rose up from before the house of Elah, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and <i>when</i> he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.


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And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;


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And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.


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Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It <i>was</i> the ninth month, on the twentieth <i>day</i> of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of Elah, trembling because of <i>this</i> matter, and for the great rain.


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And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.


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Now therefore make confession unto Yahweh Elah of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.


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But the people <i>are</i> many, and <i>it is</i> a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither <i>is this</i> a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.


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Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our Elah for this matter be turned from us.


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Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this <i>matter:</i> and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.


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And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, <i>with</i> certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by <i>their</i> names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.


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And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.


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And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: <i>namely,</i> of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.


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And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and <i>being</i> guilty, <i>they offered</i> a ram of the flock for their trespass.


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Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, the same is Kelita, Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.


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Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.


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And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.


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The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,


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That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and <i>certain</i> men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.


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And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province <i>are</i> in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also <i>is</i> broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.


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And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned <i>certain</i> days, and fasted, and prayed before the Elohim of heaven,


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And said, I beseech thee, O Yahweh Elohim of heaven, the great and terrible El, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:


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Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.


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We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.


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Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, <i>If</i> ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:


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But <i>if</i> ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, <i>yet</i> will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.


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Now these <i>are</i> thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.


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O Yahweh, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.


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And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, <i>that</i> wine <i>was</i> before him: and I took up the wine, and gave <i>it</i> unto the king. Now I had not been <i>beforetime</i> sad in his presence.


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Wherefore the king said unto me, Why <i>is</i> thy countenance sad, seeing thou <i>art</i> not sick? this <i>is</i> nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,


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And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, <i>lieth</i> waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?


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And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.


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And the king said unto me, the queen also sitting by him, For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.


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Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;


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And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which <i>appertained</i> to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my Elohim upon me.


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Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.


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When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard <i>of it,</i> it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.


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And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I <i>any</i> man what my Elohim had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither <i>was there any</i> beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.


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And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.


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Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but <i>there was</i> no place for the beast <i>that was</i> under me to pass.


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Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and <i>so</i> returned.


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And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told <i>it</i> to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.


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Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we <i>are</i> in, how Jerusalem <i>lieth</i> waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.


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Then I told them of the hand of my Elohim which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for <i>this</i> good <i>work.</i>


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But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard <i>it,</i> they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What <i>is</i> this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?


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Then answered I them, and said unto them, The Elohim of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.


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Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.


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But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who <i>also</i> laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.


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And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.


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And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Sovereign.


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Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.


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And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.


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Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of <i>one of</i> the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.


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And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.


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Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.


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And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.


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The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.


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But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.


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But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.


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After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto <i>the place</i> over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.


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After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.


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And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning <i>of the wall.</i>


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After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning <i>of the wall</i> unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.


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After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.


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After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.


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After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning <i>of the wall,</i> even unto the corner.


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Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning <i>of the wall,</i> and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that <i>was</i> by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.


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Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto <i>the place</i> over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.


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After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.


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After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.


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After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.


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After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.


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And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.


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But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.


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And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?


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Now Tobiah the Ammonite <i>was</i> by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.


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Hear, O our Elohim; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:


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And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked <i>thee</i> to anger before the builders.


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So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.


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But it came to pass, <i>that</i> when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, <i>and</i> that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,


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Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our Elohim, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.


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And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and <i>there is</i> much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.


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And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.


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And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us <i>they will be upon you.</i>


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Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, <i>and</i> on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.


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And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember Yahweh, <i>which is</i> great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.


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And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and Elohim had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.


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And it came to pass from that time forth, <i>that</i> the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers <i>were</i> behind all the house of Judah.


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They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, <i>every one</i> with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other <i>hand</i> held a weapon.


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For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and <i>so</i> builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.


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And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work <i>is</i> great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.


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In what place <i>therefore</i> ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our Elohim shall fight for us.


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So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.


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Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.


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So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, <i>saving that</i> every one put them off for washing.


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For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, <i>are</i> many: therefore we take up corn <i>for them,</i> that we may eat, and live.


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<i>Some</i> also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.


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There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, <i>and that upon</i> our lands and vineyards.


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Yet now our flesh <i>is</i> as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and <i>some</i> of our daughters are brought unto bondage <i>already:</i> neither <i>is it</i> in our power <i>to redeem them;</i> for other men have our lands and vineyards.


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Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.


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And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing <i>to answer.</i>


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Also I said, It <i>is</i> not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our Elohim because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?


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I likewise, <i>and</i> my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.


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Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth <i>part</i> of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.


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Then said they, We will restore <i>them,</i> and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.


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Also I shook my lap, and said, So Elohim shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised Yahweh. And the people did according to this promise.


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Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, <i>that is,</i> twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.


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But the former governors that <i>had been</i> before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of Elohim.


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Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants <i>were</i> gathered thither unto the work.


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Moreover <i>there were</i> at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that <i>are</i> about us.


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Now <i>that</i> which was prepared <i>for me</i> daily <i>was</i> one ox <i>and</i> six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.


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Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and <i>that</i> there was no breach left therein; though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;


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That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in <i>some one</i> of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.


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And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I <i>am</i> doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?


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Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;


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Wherein <i>was</i> written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith <i>it, that</i> thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.


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And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, <i>There is</i> a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.


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Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.


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For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, <i>O Elohim</i>, strengthen my hands.


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Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who <i>was</i> shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of Elohim, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.


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And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who <i>is there,</i> that, <i>being</i> as I <i>am,</i> would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.


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And, lo, I perceived that Elohim had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.


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Therefore <i>was</i> he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and <i>that</i> they might have <i>matter</i> for an evil report, that they might reproach me.


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My Elohim, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.


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So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth <i>day of the month</i> Elul, in fifty and two days.


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And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard <i>thereof,</i> and all the heathen that <i>were</i> about us saw <i>these things,</i> they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our Elohim.


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Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and <i>the letters</i> of Tobiah came unto them.


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For <i>there were</i> many in Judah sworn unto him, because he <i>was</i> the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.


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Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. <i>And</i> Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.


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Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,


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That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he <i>was</i> a faithful man, and feared Elohim above many.


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And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar <i>them:</i> and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one <i>to be</i> over against his house.


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Now the city <i>was</i> large and great: but the people <i>were</i> few therein, and the houses <i>were</i> not builded.


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And my Elohim put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,


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These <i>are</i> the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;


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Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, <i>I say,</i> of the men of the people of Israel <i>was this;</i>


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The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred <i>and</i> eighteen.


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The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, <i>and</i> of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.


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The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.


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The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,


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The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.


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And these <i>were</i> they which went up <i>also</i> from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not show their father's house, nor their seed, whether they <i>were</i> of Israel.


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And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took <i>one</i> of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.


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These sought their register <i>among</i> those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.


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And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood <i>up</i> a priest with Urim and Thummim.


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Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom <i>there were</i> seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.


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And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.


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And <i>some</i> of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pounds of silver.


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And <i>that</i> which the rest of the people gave <i>was</i> twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pounds of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.


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So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and <i>some</i> of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel <i>were</i> in their cities.


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And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that <i>was</i> before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Yahweh had commanded to Israel.


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And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.


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And he read therein before the street that <i>was</i> before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people <i>were attentive</i> unto the book of the law.


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And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, <i>and</i> Meshullam.


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And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; for he was above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up:


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And Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great Elohim. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped Yahweh with <i>their</i> faces to the ground.


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Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people <i>stood</i> in their place.


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So they read in the book in the law of Elohim distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused <i>them</i> to understand the reading.


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And Nehemiah, which <i>is</i> the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day <i>is</i> holy unto Yahweh your Elohim; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.


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Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for <i>this</i> day <i>is</i> holy unto our Sovereign: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.


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So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day <i>is</i> holy; neither be ye grieved.


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And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.


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And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.


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And they found written in the law which Yahweh had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:


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And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as <i>it is</i> written.


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So the people went forth, and brought <i>them,</i> and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of Elohim, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.


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And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Yeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.


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Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of Elohim. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day <i>was</i> a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.


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Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.


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And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.


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And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Yahweh their Elohim <i>one</i> fourth part of the day; and <i>another</i> fourth part they confessed, and worshipped Yahweh their Elohim.


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Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, <i>and</i> Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto Yahweh their Elohim.


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Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, <i>and</i> Pethahiah, said, Stand up <i>and</i> bless Yahweh your Elohim for ever and ever: and blessed be thy honourable name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.


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Thou, <i>even</i> thou, <i>art</i> Yahweh alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all <i>things</i> that <i>are</i> therein, the seas, and all that <i>is</i> therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.


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Thou <i>art</i> Yahweh the Elohim, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;


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And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give <i>it, I say,</i> to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou <i>art</i> righteous:


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And showedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as <i>it is</i> this day.


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And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.


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Moreover thou led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.


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Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:


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And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:


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And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.


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But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,


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And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou <i>art</i> an Eloah ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.


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Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This <i>is</i> thy Elohim that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;


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Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.


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Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.


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Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, <i>so that</i> they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.


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Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.


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Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess <i>it.</i>


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So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.


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And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.


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Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.


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Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest <i>them</i> from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.


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But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore left thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heard <i>them</i> from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;


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And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, which if a man do, he shall live in them; and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.


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Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.


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Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou <i>art</i> a gracious and merciful El.


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Now therefore, our Elohim, the great, the mighty, and the terrible El, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.


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Howbeit thou <i>art</i> just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:


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Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.


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For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.


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Behold, we <i>are</i> servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we <i>are</i> servants in it:


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And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we <i>are</i> in great distress.


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And because of all this we make a sure <i>covenant,</i> and write <i>it;</i> and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal <i>unto it.</i>


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And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of Elohim, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;


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They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in Elohim's law, which was given by Moses the servant of Elohim, and to observe and do all the commandments of Yahweh our Sovereign, and his judgments and his statutes;


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And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:


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And <i>if</i> the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, <i>that</i> we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and <i>that</i> we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.


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Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our Elohim;


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For the showbread, and for the continual meal offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy <i>things,</i> and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and <i>for</i> all the work of the house of our Elohim.


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And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring <i>it</i> into the house of our Elohim, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of Yahweh our Elohim, as <i>it is</i> written in the law:


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And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of Yahweh:


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Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as <i>it is</i> written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our Elohim, unto the priests that minister in the house of our Elohim:


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And <i>that</i> we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our Elohim; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.


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And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our Elohim, to the chambers, into the treasure house.


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For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where <i>are</i> the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our Elohim.


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And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts <i>to dwell</i> in other <i>cities.</i>


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Now these <i>are</i> the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, <i>to wit,</i> Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.


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And at Jerusalem dwelt <i>certain</i> of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;


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And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.


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All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem <i>were</i> four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.


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And these <i>are</i> the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.


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And Joel the son of Zichri <i>was</i> their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah <i>was</i> second over the city.


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Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, <i>was</i> the ruler of the house of Elohim.


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And their brethren that did the work of the house <i>were</i> eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,


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And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,


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And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer <i>was</i> Zabdiel, the son of <i>one of</i> the great men.


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Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;


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And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, <i>had</i> the oversight of the outward business of the house of Elohim.


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And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.


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Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, <i>were</i> an hundred seventy and two.


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And the residue of Israel, of the priests, <i>and</i> the Levites, <i>were</i> in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.


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The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem <i>was</i> Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers <i>were</i> over the business of the house of Elohim.


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For <i>it was</i> the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.


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And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, <i>was</i> at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.


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And for the villages, with their fields, <i>some</i> of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof,


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Zanoah, Adullam, and <i>in</i> their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.


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The children also of Benjamin from Geba <i>dwelt</i> at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and <i>in</i> their villages,


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Now these <i>are</i> the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,


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Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These <i>were</i> the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Yeshua.


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Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, <i>and</i> Mattaniah, which <i>was</i> over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.


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And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;


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The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, <i>were</i> recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.


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The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, <i>were</i> written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.


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And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise <i>and</i> to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of Elohim, ward over against ward.


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Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, <i>were</i> porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.


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These <i>were</i> in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.


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And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, <i>with</i> cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.


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And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;


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Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.


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And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.


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Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great <i>companies of them that gave</i> thanks, <i>whereof one</i> went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:


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And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; <i>namely,</i> Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:


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And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of Elohim, and Ezra the scribe before them.


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And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.


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And the other <i>company of them that gave</i> thanks went over against <i>them,</i> and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;


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And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.


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So stood the two <i>companies of them that gave</i> thanks in the house of Elohim, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:


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And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;


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And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah <i>their</i> overseer.


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Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for Elohim had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.


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And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.


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And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their Elohim, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, <i>and</i> of Solomon his son.


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For in the days of David and Asaph of old <i>there were</i> chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto Elohim.


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And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified <i>holy things</i> unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified <i>them</i> unto the children of Aaron.


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On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of Elohim for ever;


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Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our Elohim turned the curse into a blessing.


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Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.


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And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our Elohim, <i>was</i> allied unto Tobiah:


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And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded <i>to be given</i> to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.


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But in all this <i>time</i> was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:


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And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of Elohim.


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And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.


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Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of Elohim, with the meal offering and the frankincense.


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And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given <i>them:</i> for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.


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Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of Elohim forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.


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And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them <i>was</i> Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office <i>was</i> to distribute unto their brethren.


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Remember me, O my Elohim, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my Elohim, and for the offices thereof.


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In those days saw I in Judah <i>some</i> treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all <i>manner</i> of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified <i>against them</i> in the day wherein they sold victuals.


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There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.


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Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing <i>is</i> this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?


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Did not your fathers thus, and did not our Elohim bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.


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And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and <i>some</i> of my servants set I at the gates, <i>that</i> there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.


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Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do <i>so</i> again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no <i>more</i> on the sabbath.


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And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and <i>that</i> they should come <i>and</i> keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my Elohim, <i>concerning</i> this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.


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In those days also saw I Jews <i>that</i> had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, <i>and</i> of Moab:


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And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.


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And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by Elohim, <i>saying,</i> Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.


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Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his Elohim, and Elohim made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.


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Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our Elohim in marrying strange wives?


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And <i>one</i> of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, <i>was</i> son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.


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Remember them, O my Elohim, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.


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Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;


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And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my Elohim, for good.


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Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, this <i>is</i> Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, <i>over</i> an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:


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That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which <i>was</i> in Shushan the palace,


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In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, <i>being</i> before him:


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When he showed the riches of his honourable kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, <i>even</i> an hundred and fourscore days.


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And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;


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<i>Where were</i> white, green, and blue, <i>hangings,</i> fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds <i>were of</i> gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.


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And they gave <i>them</i> drink in vessels of gold, the vessels being diverse one from another, and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.


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And the drinking <i>was</i> according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.


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Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which <i>belonged</i> to king Ahasuerus.


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On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,


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To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she <i>was</i> fair to look on.


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But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by <i>his</i> chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.


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Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:


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And the next unto him <i>was</i> Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, <i>and</i> which sat the first in the kingdom;


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What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?


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And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that <i>are</i> in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.


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For <i>this</i> deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.


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<i>Likewise</i> shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus <i>shall there arise</i> too much contempt and wrath.


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If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.


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And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, for it is great, all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.


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For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that <i>it</i> should be published according to the language of every people.


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After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.


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Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:


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And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given <i>them:</i>


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And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.


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<i>Now</i> in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;


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Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.


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And he brought up Hadassah, that <i>is,</i> Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid <i>was</i> fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.


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So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.


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And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, <i>which were</i> meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best <i>place</i> of the house of the women.


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Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show <i>it.</i>


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And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.


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Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, <i>to wit,</i> six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with <i>other</i> things for the purifying of the women;


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Then thus came <i>every</i> maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.


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In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.


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Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.


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So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which <i>is</i> the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.


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And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.


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Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, <i>even</i> Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.


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Esther had not <i>yet</i> showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.


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In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.


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And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told <i>it</i> unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king <i>thereof</i> in Mordecai's name.


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And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.


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After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that <i>were</i> with him.


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And all the king's servants, that <i>were</i> in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had <i>so</i> commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did <i>him</i> reverence.


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Then the king's servants, which <i>were</i> in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?


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Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he <i>was</i> a Jew.


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And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had showed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that <i>were</i> throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, <i>even</i> the people of Mordecai.


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In the first month, that <i>is,</i> the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that <i>is,</i> the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, <i>to</i> the twelfth <i>month,</i> that <i>is,</i> the month Adar.


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And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws <i>are</i> diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it <i>is</i> not for the king's profit to suffer them.


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If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring <i>it</i> into the king's treasuries.


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And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.


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And the king said unto Haman, The silver <i>is</i> given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.


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Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that <i>were</i> over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and <i>to</i> every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.


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And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, <i>even</i> upon the thirteenth <i>day</i> of the twelfth month, which <i>is</i> the month Adar, and <i>to take</i> the spoil of them for a prey.


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The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.


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The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.


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When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;


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And came even before the king's gate: for none <i>might</i> enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.


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And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, <i>there was</i> great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.


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So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told <i>it</i> her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received <i>it</i> not.


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Then called Esther for Hatach, <i>one</i> of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it <i>was,</i> and why it <i>was.</i>


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So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which <i>was</i> before the king's gate.


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And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.


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Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare <i>it</i> unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.


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All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, <i>there is</i> one law of his to put <i>him</i> to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.


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Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.


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For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, <i>then</i> shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for <i>such</i> a time as this?


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Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which <i>is</i> not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.


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Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on <i>her</i> royal <i>apparel,</i> and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.


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And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, <i>that</i> she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that <i>was</i> in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.


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Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what <i>is</i> thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.


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And Esther answered, If <i>it seem</i> good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.


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Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.


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And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What <i>is</i> thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what <i>is</i> thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.


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If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.


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Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.


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Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.


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And Haman told them of the abundance of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all <i>the things</i> wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.


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Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.


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Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.


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On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.


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And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.


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And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.


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And the king said, Who <i>is</i> in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.


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And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.


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So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?


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Let the royal apparel be brought which the king <i>useth</i> to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:


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And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man <i>withal</i> whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.


text:
Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, <i>and</i> take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.


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Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.


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And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.


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And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every <i>thing</i> that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai <i>be</i> of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.


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And while they <i>were</i> yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.


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And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What <i>is</i> thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what <i>is</i> thy request? and it shall be performed, <i>even</i> to the half of the kingdom.


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Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:


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For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.


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Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do <i>so?</i>


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And Esther said, The adversary and enemy <i>is</i> this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.


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And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath <i>went</i> into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.


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Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther <i>was.</i> Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.


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And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.


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So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.


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On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he <i>was</i> unto her.


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And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.


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And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.


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Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,


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And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing <i>seem</i> right before the king, and I <i>be</i> pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which <i>are</i> in all the king's provinces:


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For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?


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Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.


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Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal <i>it</i> with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.


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Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that <i>is,</i> the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth <i>day</i> thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which <i>are</i> from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.


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And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed <i>it</i> with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, <i>and</i> riders on mules, camels, <i>and</i> young dromedaries:


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Wherein the king granted the Jews which <i>were</i> in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, <i>both</i> little ones and women, and <i>to take</i> the spoil of them for a prey,


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Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, <i>namely,</i> upon the thirteenth <i>day</i> of the twelfth month, which <i>is</i> the month Adar.


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The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province <i>was</i> published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.


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So the posts that rode upon mules <i>and</i> camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.


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And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.


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And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.


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Now in the twelfth month, that <i>is,</i> the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;


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The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.


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And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.


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For Mordecai <i>was</i> great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.


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Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.


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The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.


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And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what <i>is</i> thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what <i>is</i> thy request further? and it shall be done.


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Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which <i>are</i> in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.


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And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.


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For the Jews that <i>were</i> in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.


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But the other Jews that <i>were</i> in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,


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On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.


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But the Jews that <i>were</i> at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth <i>day</i> thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth <i>day</i> of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.


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Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar <i>a day of</i> gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.


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And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that <i>were</i> in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, <i>both</i> nigh and far,


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To stablish <i>this</i> among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,


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As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.


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Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that <i>is,</i> the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;


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But when <i>Esther</i> came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.


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Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and <i>of that</i> which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,


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The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their <i>appointed</i> time every year;


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And <i>that</i> these days <i>should be</i> remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and <i>that</i> these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.


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Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.


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And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, <i>with</i> words of peace and truth,


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To confirm these days of Purim in their times <i>appointed,</i> according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.


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And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, <i>are</i> they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?


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For Mordecai the Jew <i>was</i> next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.


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There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name <i>was</i> Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil.


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His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.


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And his sons went and feasted <i>in their</i> houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.


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And it was so, when the days of <i>their</i> feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings <i>according</i> to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.


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Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them.


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And Yahweh said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.


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And Yahweh said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that <i>there is</i> none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth Elohim, and escheweth evil?


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Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.


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And Yahweh said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath <i>is</i> in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.


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And there was a day when his sons and his daughters <i>were</i> eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:


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And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:


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And the Sabeans fell <i>upon them,</i> and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.


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While he <i>was</i> yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of Elohim is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.


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While he <i>was</i> yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.


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While he <i>was</i> yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters <i>were</i> eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:


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And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.


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Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,


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And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: Yahweh gave, and Yahweh hath taken away; blessed be the name of Yahweh.


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Again there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh.


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And Yahweh said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Yahweh, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.


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And Yahweh said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that <i>there is</i> none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth Elohim, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.


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And Satan answered Yahweh, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.


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So went Satan forth from the presence of Yahweh, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.


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But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of Elohim, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.


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Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.


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And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.


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So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that <i>his</i> grief was very great.


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Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night <i>in which</i> it was said, There is a man child conceived.


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Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.


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<i>As for</i> that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.


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Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but <i>have</i> none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:


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For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.


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<i>If</i> we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?


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Remember, I pray thee, who <i>ever</i> perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?


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The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.


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It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image <i>was</i> before mine eyes, <i>there was</i> silence, and I heard a voice, <i>saying,</i>


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How much less <i>in</i> them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation <i>is</i> in the dust, <i>which</i> are crushed before the moth?


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His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither <i>is there</i> any to deliver <i>them.</i>


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Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.


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He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform <i>their</i> enterprise.


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Behold, happy <i>is</i> the man whom Eloah correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:


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Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.


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At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.


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For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.


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And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle <i>shall be</i> in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.


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Thou shalt know also that thy seed <i>shall be</i> great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.


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For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of Eloah do set themselves in array against me.


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Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there <i>any</i> taste in the white of an egg?


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Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.


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What <i>is</i> my strength, that I should hope? and what <i>is</i> mine end, that I should prolong my life?


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To him that is afflicted pity <i>should be showed</i> from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.


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Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, <i>which are</i> as wind?


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<i>Is there</i> not an appointed time to man upon earth? <i>are not</i> his days also like the days of an hireling?


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As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for <i>the reward of</i> his work:


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When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.


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The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no <i>more:</i> thine eyes <i>are</i> upon me, and I <i>am</i> not.


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As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up <i>no</i> more.


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Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.


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What <i>is</i> man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?


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I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden unto Thee?


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And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I <i>shall</i> not <i>be.</i>


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How long wilt thou speak these things? and <i>how long shall</i> the words of thy mouth <i>be like</i> a strong wind?


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If thou <i>wert</i> pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.


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For we <i>are but of</i> yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth <i>are</i> a shadow:


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Whilst it <i>is</i> yet in his greenness, <i>and</i> not cut down, it withereth before any <i>other</i> herb.


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He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.


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If he destroy him from his place, then <i>it</i> shall deny him, <i>saying,</i> I have not seen thee.


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They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.


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<i>He is</i> wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened <i>himself</i> against him, and hath prospered?


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Whom, though I were righteous, <i>yet</i> would I not answer, <i>but</i> I would make supplication to my judge.


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If I had called, and he had answered me; <i>yet</i> would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.


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If <i>I speak</i> of strength, lo, <i>he is</i> strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time <i>to plead?</i>


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If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if <i>I say,</i> I <i>am</i> perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.


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This <i>is</i> one <i>thing,</i> therefore I said <i>it,</i> He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.


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The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, <i>and</i> who <i>is</i> he?


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For <i>he is</i> not a man, as I <i>am, that</i> I should answer him, <i>and</i> we should come together in judgment.


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My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.


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<i>Is it</i> good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?


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Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?


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If I be wicked, woe unto me; and <i>if</i> I be righteous, <i>yet</i> will I not lift up my head. <i>I am</i> full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;


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For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou showest thyself marvellous upon me.


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Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war <i>are</i> against me.


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Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had perished, and no eye had seen me


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Before I go <i>whence</i> I shall not return, <i>even</i> to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;


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A land of darkness, as darkness <i>itself; and</i> of the shadow of death, without any order, and <i>where</i> the light <i>is</i> as darkness.


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And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom, that <i>they are</i> double to that which is Know therefore that Eloah exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity <i>deserveth.</i>


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If iniquity <i>be</i> in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.


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Because thou shalt forget <i>thy</i> misery, <i>and</i> remember <i>it</i> as waters <i>that</i> pass away:


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And <i>thine</i> age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.


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And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig <i>about thee, and</i> thou shalt take thy rest in safety.


text:
Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make <i>thee</i> afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.


text:
But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope <i>shall be as</i> the giving up of the breath.


text:
But I have understanding as well as you; I <i>am</i> not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?


text:
I am <i>as</i> one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon Eloah, and he answereth him: the just upright <i>man is</i> laughed to scorn.


text:
He that is ready to slip with <i>his</i> feet <i>is as</i> a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.


text:
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke El are secure; into whose hand Eloah bringeth <i>abundantly.</i>


text:
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:


text:
Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.


text:
Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.


text:
He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them <i>again.</i>


text:
He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness <i>where there is</i> no way.


text:
They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like <i>a</i> drunken <i>man.</i>


text:
Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.


text:
Seeing his days <i>are</i> determined, the number of his months <i>are</i> with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;


text:
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.


text:
So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens <i>be</i> no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.


text:
O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me


text:
If a man die, shall he live <i>again?</i> all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.


text:
The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow <i>out</i> of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.


text:
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.


text:
His sons come to honour, and he knoweth <i>it</i> not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth <i>it</i> not of them.


text:
What <i>is</i> man, that he should be clean? and <i>he which is</i> born of a woman, that he should be righteous?


text:
The wicked man travaileth with pain all <i>his</i> days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.


text:
He wandereth abroad for bread, <i>saying,</i> Where is <i>it?</i> he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.


text:
Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.


text:
And he dwelleth in desolate cities, <i>and</i> in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.


text:
He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.


text:
He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.


text:
For the congregation of hypocrites <i>shall be</i> desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.


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I also could speak as ye <i>do:</i> if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.


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<i>But</i> I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage <i>your grief.</i>


text:
And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, <i>which</i> is a witness <i>against me:</i> and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.


text:
He teareth <i>me</i> in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.


text:
They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.


text:
I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken <i>me</i> by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.


text:
His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.


text:
Upright <i>men</i> shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.


text:
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.


text:
But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find <i>one</i> wise <i>man</i> among you.


text:
I have said to corruption, Thou <i>art</i> my father: to the worm, <i>Thou art</i> my mother, and my sister.


text:
He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?


text:
It shall devour the strength of his skin: <i>even</i> the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.


text:
His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.


text:
It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because <i>it is</i> none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.


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They that come after <i>him</i> shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.


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Surely such <i>are</i> the dwellings of the wicked, and this <i>is</i> the place of him that knoweth not El.


text:
These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed <i>that</i> ye make yourselves strange to me.


text:
He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as <i>one of</i> his enemies.


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My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's <i>sake</i> of mine own body.


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For I know <i>that</i> my redeemer liveth, and <i>that</i> he shall stand at the latter <i>day</i> upon the earth:


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And <i>though</i> after my skin <i>worms</i> destroy this <i>body,</i> yet in my flesh shall I see Eloah:


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Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; <i>though</i> my reins be consumed within me.


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Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know <i>there is</i> a judgment.


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That the triumphing of the wicked <i>is</i> short, and the joy of the hypocrite <i>but</i> for a moment?


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<i>Yet</i> he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where <i>is</i> he?


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He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.


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The eye also which saw him shall <i>see him</i> no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.


text:
He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: El shall cast them out of his belly.


text:
That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow <i>it</i> down: according to <i>his</i> substance <i>shall</i> the restitution <i>be,</i> and he shall not rejoice <i>therein.</i>


text:
Because he hath oppressed <i>and</i> hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;


text:
In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.


text:
<i>When</i> he is about to fill his belly, <i>Elohim</i> shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain <i>it</i> upon him while he is eating.


text:
It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors <i>are</i> upon him.


text:
All darkness <i>shall be</i> hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.


text:
The increase of his house shall depart, <i>and</i> his <i>goods</i> shall flow away in the day of his wrath.


text:
As for me, <i>is</i> my complaint to man? and if <i>it were so,</i> why should not my spirit be troubled?


text:
What <i>is</i> the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?


text:
How oft is the candle of the wicked put out and <i>how oft</i> cometh their destruction upon them <i>Elohim</i> distributeth sorrows in his anger.


text:
For what pleasure <i>hath</i> he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?


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For ye say, Where <i>is</i> the house of the prince? and where <i>are</i> the dwelling places of the wicked?


text:
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.


text:
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as <i>there are</i> innumerable before him.


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<i>Is it</i> any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or <i>is it</i> gain <i>to him,</i> that thou makest thy ways perfect?


text:
Thick clouds <i>are</i> a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.


text:
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.


text:
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.


text:
When <i>men</i> are cast down, then thou shalt say, <i>There is</i> lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.


text:
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold <i>him:</i> he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see<i>him:</i>


text:
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary <i>food.</i>


text:
But he <i>is</i> in one <i>mind,</i> and who can turn him? and <i>what</i> his soul desireth, even <i>that</i> he doeth.


text:
For he performeth <i>the thing that is</i> appointed for me: and many such <i>things are</i> with him.


text:
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, <i>neither</i> hath he covered the darkness from my face.


text:
Behold, <i>as</i> wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness <i>yieldeth</i> food for them <i>and</i> for <i>their</i> children.


text:
They cause <i>him</i> to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf <i>from</i> the hungry;


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<i>Which</i> make oil within their walls, <i>and</i> tread <i>their</i> winepresses, and suffer thirst.


text:
Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet Eloah layeth not folly to <i>them.</i>


text:
They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.


text:
The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.


text:
In the dark they dig through houses, <i>which</i> they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.


text:
For the morning <i>is</i> to them even as the shadow of death: if <i>one</i> know <i>them, they are in</i> the terrors of the shadow of death.


text:
He <i>is</i> swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.


text:
The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.


text:
<i>Though</i> it be given him <i>to be</i> in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes <i>are</i> upon their ways.


text:
They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all <i>other,</i> and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.


text:
How hast thou helped <i>him that is</i> without power? <i>how</i> savest thou the arm <i>that hath</i> no strength?


text:
How hast thou counselled <i>him that hath</i> no wisdom? and <i>how</i> hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?


text:
Lo, these <i>are</i> parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?


text:
<i>As</i> El liveth, <i>who</i> hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, <i>who</i> hath vexed my soul;


text:
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach <i>me</i> so long as I live.


text:
For what <i>is</i> the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when Eloah taketh away his soul?


text:
I will teach you by the hand of El: <i>that</i> which <i>is</i> with the Almighty will I not conceal.


text:
This <i>is</i> the portion of a wicked man with El, and the heritage of oppressors, <i>which</i> they shall receive of the Almighty.


text:
If his children be multiplied, <i>it is</i> for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.


text:
He may prepare <i>it,</i> but the just shall put <i>it</i> on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.


text:
The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he <i>is</i> not.


text:
He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.


text:
The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; <i>even the waters</i> forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.


text:
He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and <i>the thing that is</i> hid bringeth he forth to light.


text:
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it <i>shall not be for</i> jewels of fine gold.


text:
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of Yahweh, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.


text:
When the ear heard <i>me,</i> then it blessed me; and when the eye saw <i>me,</i> it gave witness to me:


text:
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and <i>him that had</i> none to help him.


text:
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.


text:
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide <i>as</i> for the latter rain.


text:
<i>If</i> I laughed on them, they believed <i>it</i> not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.


text:
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one <i>that</i> comforteth the mourners.


text:
But now <i>they that are</i> younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.


text:
Yea, whereto <i>might</i> the strength <i>of</i> their hands <i>profit</i> me, in whom old age was perished?


text:
For want and famine <i>they were</i> solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.


text:
Upon <i>my</i> right <i>hand</i> rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.


text:
They came <i>upon me</i> as a wide breaking in <i>of waters:</i> in the desolation they rolled themselves <i>upon me.</i>


text:
Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.


text:
By the great force <i>of my disease</i> is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat.


text:
Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride <i>upon it,</i> and dissolvest my substance.


text:
For I know <i>that</i> thou wilt bring me <i>to</i> death, and <i>to</i> the house appointed for all living.


text:
When I looked for good, then evil came <i>unto me:</i> and when I waited for light, there came darkness.


text:
For what portion of Eloah <i>is there</i> from above? and <i>what</i> inheritance of the Almighty from on high?


text:
<i>Is</i> not destruction to the wicked? and a strange <i>punishment</i> to the workers of iniquity?


text:
If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;


text:
For this <i>is</i> an heinous crime; yea, it <i>is</i> an iniquity <i>to be punished by</i> the judges.


text:
For from my youth he was brought up with me, as <i>with</i> a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;


text:
If his loins have not blessed me, and <i>if</i> he were <i>not</i> warmed with the fleece of my sheep;


text:
For destruction <i>from</i> El <i>was</i> a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.


text:
This also <i>were</i> an iniquity <i>to be punished by</i> the judge: for I should have denied the El <i>that is</i> above.


text:
Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, <i>and</i> went not out of the door?


text:
Oh that one would hear me behold, my desire <i>is, that</i> the Almighty would answer me, and <i>that</i> mine adversary had written a book.


text:
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:


text:
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than Elohim.


text:
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and <i>yet</i> had condemned Elohim.


text:
When Elihu saw that <i>there was</i> no answer in the mouth of <i>these</i> three men, then his wrath was kindled.


text:
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I <i>am</i> young, and ye <i>are</i> very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you mine opinion.


text:
Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, <i>there was</i> none of you that convinced Job, <i>or</i> that answered his words:


text:
Behold, my belly <i>is</i> as wine <i>which</i> hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.


text:
Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of <i>thy</i> words, <i>saying,</i>


text:
Behold, <i>in</i> this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that Eloah <i>is</i> greater than man.


text:
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;


text:
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong <i>pain:</i>


text:
His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones <i>that</i> were not seen stick out.


text:
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness:


text:
Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.


text:
He shall pray unto Eloah, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.


text:
He looketh upon men, and <i>if any</i> say, I have sinned, and perverted <i>that which was</i> right, and it profited me not;


text:
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from El, <i>that he should do</i> wickedness; and <i>from</i> the Almighty, <i>that he should commit</i> iniquity.


text:
For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to <i>his</i> ways.


text:
Is <i>it fit</i> to say to a king, <i>Thou art</i> worthless? <i>and</i> to princes, <i>Ye are</i> wicked?


text:
<i>How much less to him</i> that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all <i>are</i> the work of his hands.


text:
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.


text:
<i>There is</i> no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.


text:
Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth <i>them</i> in the night, so that they are destroyed.


text:
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth <i>his</i> face, who then can behold him? whether <i>it be done</i> against a nation, or against a man only:


text:
Surely it is meet to be said unto El, I have borne <i>chastisement,</i> I will not offend <i>any more:</i>


text:
<i>Should it be</i> according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.


text:
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth <i>his hands</i> among us, and multiplieth his words against El.


text:
For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? <i>and,</i> What profit shall I have, <i>if I be cleansed</i> from my sin?


text:
If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or <i>if</i> thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?


text:
Thy wickedness <i>may hurt</i> a man as thou <i>art;</i> and thy righteousness <i>may profit</i> the son of man.


text:
By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make <i>the oppressed</i> to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.


text:
Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, <i>yet</i> judgment <i>is</i> before him; therefore trust thou in him.


text:
But now, because <i>it is</i> not <i>so,</i> he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth <i>it</i> not in great extremity:


text:
For truly my words <i>shall</i> not <i>be</i> false: he that is perfect in knowledge <i>is</i> with thee.


text:
Behold, El <i>is</i> mighty, and despiseth not <i>any: he is</i> mighty in strength <i>and</i> wisdom.


text:
He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings <i>are they</i> on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.


text:
If they obey and serve <i>him,</i> they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.


text:
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait <i>into</i> a broad place, where <i>there is</i> no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table <i>should be</i> full of fatness.


text:
Because <i>there is</i> wrath, <i>beware</i> lest he take thee away with <i>his</i> stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.


text:
Behold, El <i>is</i> great, and we know <i>him</i> not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.


text:
With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it <i>not to shine</i> by <i>the cloud</i> that cometh betwixt.


text:
After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.


text:
For he saith to the snow, Be thou <i>on</i> the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.


text:
And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.


text:
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?


text:
Hast thou with him spread out the sky, <i>which is</i> strong, <i>and</i> as a molten looking glass?


text:
Teach us what we shall say unto him; <i>for</i> we cannot order <i>our speech</i> by reason of darkness.


text:
And now <i>men</i> see not the bright light which <i>is</i> in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.


text:
<i>Touching</i> the Almighty, we cannot find him out: <i>he is</i> excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.


text:
Where <i>is</i> the way <i>where</i> light dwelleth? and <i>as for</i> darkness, where <i>is</i> the place thereof,


text:
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths <i>to</i> the house thereof?


text:
Knowest thou <i>it,</i> because thou wast then born? or <i>because</i> the number of thy days <i>is</i> great?


text:
Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;


text:
To cause it to rain on the earth, <i>where</i> no man <i>is; on</i> the wilderness, wherein <i>there is</i> no man;


text:
To satisfy the desolate and waste <i>ground;</i> and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?


text:
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto El, they wander for lack of meat.


text:
Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? <i>or</i> canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?


text:
Canst thou number the months <i>that</i> they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?


text:
Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.


text:
She is hardened against her young ones, as though <i>they were</i> not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;


text:
He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that <i>it is</i> the sound of the trumpet.


text:
He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.


text:
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct <i>him?</i> he that reproveth Eloah, let him answer it.


text:
Look on every one <i>that is</i> proud, <i>and</i> bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.


text:
He <i>is</i> the chief of the ways of El: he that made him can make his sword to approach <i>unto him.</i>


text:
Behold, he drinketh up a river, <i>and</i> hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.


text:
Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord <i>which</i> thou lettest down?


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Who hath prevented me, that I should repay <i>him? whatsoever is</i> under the whole heaven is mine.


text:
Who can discover the face of his garment? <i>or</i> who can come <i>to him</i> with his double bridle?


text:
I know that thou canst do every <i>thing,</i> and <i>that</i> no thought can be withholden from thee.


text:
Who <i>is</i> he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.


text:
And it was <i>so,</i> that after Yahweh had spoken these words unto Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me <i>the thing that is</i> right, as my servant Job <i>hath.</i>


text:
Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you <i>after your</i> folly, in that ye have not spoken of me <i>the thing which is</i> right, like my servant Job.


text:
So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite <i>and</i> Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as Yahweh commanded them: Yahweh also accepted Job.


text:
And Yahweh turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also Yahweh gave Job twice as much as he had before.


text:
Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that Yahweh had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.


text:
So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.


text:
And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.


text:
And in all the land were no women found <i>so</i> fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.


text:
After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, <i>even</i> four generations.


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Blessed <i>is</i> the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.


text:
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.


text:
Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.


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The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his anointed, <i>saying,</i>


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I will declare the decree: Yahweh hath said unto me, Thou <i>art</i> my Son; this day have I begotten thee.


text:
Ask of me, and I shall give <i>thee</i> the heathen <i>for</i> thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth <i>for</i> thy possession.


text:
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish <i>from</i> the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed <i>are</i> all they that put their trust in him.


text:
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Yahweh, how are they increased that trouble me many <i>are</i> they that rise up against me.


text:
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set <i>themselves</i> against me round about.


text:
Arise, O Yahweh; save me, O my Elohim: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies <i>upon</i> the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.


text:
Salvation <i>belongeth</i> unto Yahweh: thy blessing <i>is</i> upon thy people. Selah. to the chief Musician on Neginoth.


text:
A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O Elohim of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me <i>when I was</i> in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.


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O ye sons of men, how long <i>will ye turn</i> my reverence into shame? <i>how long</i> will ye love vanity, <i>and</i> seek after falsehood? Selah.


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But know that Yahweh hath set apart him that is kind for himself: Yahweh will hear when I call unto him.


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<i>There be</i> many that say, Who will show us <i>any</i> good? Yahweh, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.


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Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time <i>that</i> their corn and their wine increased.


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I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Yahweh, only makest me dwell in safety. To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth.


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My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Yahweh; in the morning will I direct my <i>prayer</i> unto thee, and will look up.


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But as for me, I will come <i>into</i> thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: <i>and</i> in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.


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Lead me, O Yahweh, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.


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For <i>there is</i> no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part <i>is</i> wicked; their throat <i>is</i> an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.


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Destroy thou them, O Elohim; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.


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But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.


text:
For thou, Yahweh, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as <i>with</i> a shield. To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith.


text:
A Psalm of David. O Yahweh, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.


text:
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled: let them return <i>and</i> be ashamed suddenly.


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O Yahweh my Elohim, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:


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Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending <i>it</i> in pieces, while <i>there is</i> none to deliver.


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If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:


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Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take <i>it;</i> yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.


text:
Arise, O Yahweh, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me <i>to</i> the judgment <i>that</i> thou hast commanded.


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So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.


text:
Yahweh shall judge the people: judge me, O Yahweh, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity <i>that is</i> in me.


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Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous Elohim trieth the hearts and reins.


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He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.


text:
His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own scalp.


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I will praise Yahweh according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of Yahweh most high. To the chief Musician upon Gittith.


text:
A Psalm of David. O Yahweh our Sovereign, how excellent <i>is</i> thy name in all the earth who hast set thy honour above the heavens.


text:
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.


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When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;


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For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with honour and majesty.


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Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things <i>under</i> his feet:


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The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, <i>and whatsoever</i> passeth through the paths of the seas.


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O Yahweh our Sovereign, how excellent <i>is</i> thy name in all the earth To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben.


text:
A Psalm of David. I will praise <i>thee,</i> O Yahweh, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.


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Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.


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O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.


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And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.


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And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Yahweh, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.


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Have mercy upon me, O Yahweh; consider my trouble <i>which I suffer</i> of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:


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That I may show forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.


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The heathen are sunk down in the pit <i>that</i> they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.


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Yahweh is known by the judgment <i>which</i> he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah.


text:
For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall <i>not</i> perish for ever.


text:
Put them in fear, O Yahweh: <i>that</i> the nations may know themselves <i>to be but</i> men. Selah.


text:
The wicked in <i>his</i> pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.


text:
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and the covetous man blasphemeth, yea abhorreth Yahweh.


text:
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek <i>after Elohim</i>: Elohim <i>is</i> not in all his thoughts.


text:
His ways are always grievous; thy judgments <i>are</i> far above out of his sight: <i>as for</i> all his enemies, he puffeth at them.


text:
He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.


text:
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.


text:
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn Elohim? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require <i>it.</i>


text:
Thou hast seen <i>it;</i> for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite <i>it</i> with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.


text:
Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil <i>man:</i> seek out his wickedness <i>till</i> thou find none.


text:
Yahweh, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:


text:
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress. To the chief Musician.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. In Yahweh put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee <i>as</i> a bird to your mountain?


text:
For, lo, the wicked bend <i>their</i> bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.


text:
Yahweh <i>is</i> in his holy temple, Yahweh's throne <i>is</i> in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.


text:
Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: <i>this shall be</i> the portion of their cup.


text:
A Psalm of David. Help, Yahweh; for the kind man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.


text:
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: <i>with</i> flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.


text:
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips <i>are</i> our own: who <i>is</i> master over us?


text:
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith Yahweh; I will set <i>him</i> in safety <i>from him that</i> puffeth at him.


text:
The words of Yahweh <i>are</i> pure words: <i>as</i> silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.


text:
A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O Yahweh? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?


text:
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, <i>having</i> sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?


text:
Consider <i>and</i> hear me, O Yahweh my Elohim: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the <i>sleep of</i> death;


text:
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; <i>and those</i> that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. The fool hath said in his heart, <i>There is</i> no Yahweh. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, <i>there is</i> none that doeth good.


text:
Yahweh looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, <i>and</i> seek Yahweh.


text:
They are all gone aside, they are <i>all</i> together become filthy: <i>there is</i> none that doeth good, no, not one.


text:
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people <i>as</i> they eat bread, and call not upon Yahweh.


text:
Oh that the salvation of Israel <i>were come</i> out of Zion when Yahweh bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, <i>and</i> Israel shall be glad.


text:
He <i>that</i> backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.


text:
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear Yahweh. He <i>that</i> sweareth to <i>his own</i> hurt, and changeth not.


text:
He <i>that</i> putteth not out his money to interest, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these <i>things</i> shall never be moved.


text:
<i>O my soul,</i> thou hast said unto Yahweh, Thou <i>art</i> my Yahweh: my goodness <i>extendeth</i> not to thee;


text:
<i>But</i> to the saints that <i>are</i> in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.


text:
Their sorrows shall be multiplied <i>that</i> hasten <i>after</i> another <i>elohim</i>: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.


text:
For thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.


text:
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there <i>are</i> pleasures for evermore.


text:
A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O Yahweh, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, <i>that goeth</i> not out of feigned lips.


text:
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited <i>me</i> in the night; thou hast tried me, <i>and</i> shalt find nothing; I am purposed <i>that</i> my mouth shall not transgress.


text:
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept <i>me from</i> the paths of the destroyer.


text:
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O El: incline thine ear unto me, <i>and hear</i> my speech.


text:
Show thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust <i>in thee</i> from those that rise up <i>against them.</i>


text:
Like as a lion <i>that</i> is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.


text:
Arise, O Yahweh, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, <i>which is</i> thy sword:


text:
From men <i>which are</i> thy hand, O Yahweh, from men of the world, <i>which have</i> their portion in <i>this</i> life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid <i>treasure:</i> they are full of children, and leave the rest of their <i>substance</i> to their babes.


text:
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. To the chief Musician.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David, the servant of Yahweh, who spake unto Yahweh the words of this song in the day <i>that</i> Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O Yahweh, my strength.


text:
Yahweh <i>is</i> my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my El, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, <i>and</i> my high tower.


text:
In my distress I called upon Yahweh, and cried unto my Elohim: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, <i>even</i> into his ears.


text:
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.


text:
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him <i>were</i> dark waters <i>and</i> thick clouds of the skies.


text:
At the brightness <i>that was</i> before him his thick clouds passed, hail <i>stones</i> and coals of fire.


text:
Yahweh also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail <i>stones</i> and coals of fire.


text:
Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.


text:
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.


text:
Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.


text:
Therefore hath Yahweh recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.


text:
With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright;


text:
<i>As for</i> El, his way <i>is</i> perfect: the word of Yahweh is tried: he <i>is</i> a buckler to all those that trust in him.


text:
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath sustained me, and thy gentleness hath made me great.


text:
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.


text:
They cried, but <i>there was</i> none to save <i>them: even</i> unto Yahweh, but he answered them not.


text:
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.


text:
Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; <i>and</i> thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people <i>whom</i> I have not known shall serve me.


text:
He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.


text:
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Yahweh, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.


text:
Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore. To the chief Musician.


text:
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,


text:
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, <i>and</i> rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.


text:
His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.


text:
The law of Yahweh <i>is</i> perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of Yahweh <i>is</i> sure, making wise the simple.


text:
The statutes of Yahweh <i>are</i> right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of Yahweh <i>is</i> pure, enlightening the eyes.


text:
The fear of Yahweh <i>is</i> clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of Yahweh <i>are</i> true <i>and</i> righteous altogether.


text:
More to be desired <i>are they</i> than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.


text:
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous <i>sins;</i> let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.


text:
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Yahweh, my strength, and my redeemer. To the chief Musician.


text:
A Psalm of David. Yahweh hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the Elohim of Jacob defend thee;


text:
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our Elohim we will set up <i>our</i> banners: Yahweh fulfil all thy petitions.


text:
Now know I that Yahweh saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.


text:
Some <i>trust</i> in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of Yahweh our Elohim.


text:
A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O Yahweh; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice


text:
For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.


text:
He asked life of thee, <i>and</i> thou gavest <i>it</i> him, <i>even</i> length of days for ever and ever.


text:
For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.


text:
Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: Yahweh shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.


text:
For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, <i>which</i> they are not able to <i>perform.</i>


text:
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, <i>when</i> thou shalt make ready <i>thine</i> arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.


text:
Be thou exalted, Yahweh, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar.


text:
A Psalm of David. My El, my El, why hast thou forsaken me? <i>why art thou so</i> far from helping me, <i>and from</i> the words of my roaring?


text:
O my Elohim, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.


text:
He trusted on Yahweh <i>that</i> he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.


text:
But thou <i>art</i> he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope <i>when I was</i> upon my mother's breasts.


text:
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.


text:
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.


text:
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.


text:
Ye that fear Yahweh, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, honor him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.


text:
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.


text:
My praise <i>shall be</i> of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.


text:
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise Yahweh that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.


text:
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto Yahweh: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.


text:
All <i>they that be</i> fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.


text:
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done <i>this.</i>


text:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou <i>art</i> with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.


text:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.


text:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of Yahweh for ever.


text:
A Psalm of David. The earth <i>is</i> Yahweh's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.


text:
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.


text:
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of honor shall come in.


text:
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift <i>them</i> up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of honor shall come in.


text:
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou <i>art</i> the Elohim of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.


text:
Remember, O Yahweh, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they <i>have been</i> ever of old.


text:
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Yahweh.


text:
All the paths of Yahweh <i>are</i> mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.


text:
What man <i>is</i> he that feareth Yahweh? him shall he teach in the way <i>that</i> he shall choose.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Judge me, O Yahweh; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Yahweh; <i>therefore</i> I shall not slide.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Yahweh <i>is</i> my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yahweh <i>is</i> the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?


text:
When the wicked, <i>even</i> mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.


text:
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this <i>will</i> I <i>be</i> confident.


text:
One <i>thing</i> have I desired of Yahweh, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Yahweh, and to enquire in his temple.


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For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.


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And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Yahweh.


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Hide not thy face <i>far</i> from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O Elohim of my salvation.


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Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.


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<i>I had fainted,</i> unless I had believed to see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Unto thee will I cry, O Yahweh my rock; be not silent to me: lest, <i>if</i> thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.


text:
Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.


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Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.


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Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.


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Because they regard not the works of Yahweh, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.


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Yahweh <i>is</i> my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.


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The voice of Yahweh <i>is</i> upon the waters: the El of honor thundereth: Yahweh <i>is</i> upon many waters.


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The voice of Yahweh maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of <i>his</i> honor.


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A Psalm <i>and</i> Song <i>at</i> the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O Yahweh; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.


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O Yahweh, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.


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For his anger <i>endureth but</i> a moment; in his favour <i>is</i> life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy <i>cometh</i> in the morning.


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Yahweh, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, <i>and</i> I was troubled.


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What profit <i>is there</i> in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?


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Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;


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To the end that <i>my</i> honour may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Yahweh my Elohim, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. To the chief Musician.


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A Psalm of David. In thee, O Yahweh, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.


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Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.


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I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;


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Have mercy upon me, O Yahweh, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, <i>yea,</i> my soul and my belly.


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For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.


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I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.


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For I have heard the slander of many: fear <i>was</i> on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.


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My times <i>are</i> in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.


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Let me not be ashamed, O Yahweh; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, <i>and</i> let them be silent in the grave.


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Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.


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<i>Oh</i> how great <i>is</i> thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; <i>which</i> thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men


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Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.


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For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.


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O love Yahweh, all ye his saints: <i>for</i> Yahweh preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.


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<i>A Psalm</i> of David, Maschil. Blessed <i>is he whose</i> transgression <i>is</i> forgiven, <i>whose</i> sin <i>is</i> covered.


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Blessed <i>is</i> the man unto whom Yahweh imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit <i>there is</i> no guile.


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For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.


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I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Yahweh; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.


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For this shall every one that is kind pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.


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Thou <i>art</i> my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.


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I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.


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Be ye not as the horse, <i>or</i> as the mule, <i>which</i> have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.


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Many sorrows <i>shall be</i> to the wicked: but he that trusteth in Yahweh, mercy shall compass him about.


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Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all <i>ye that are</i> upright in heart.


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Yahweh bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.


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Blessed <i>is</i> the nation whose Elohim <i>is</i> Yahweh; <i>and</i> the people <i>whom</i> he hath chosen for his own inheritance.


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An horse <i>is</i> a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver <i>any</i> by his great strength.


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<i>A Psalm</i> of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless Yahweh at all times: his praise <i>shall</i> continually <i>be</i> in my mouth.


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The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek Yahweh shall not want any good <i>thing.</i>


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The face of Yahweh <i>is</i> against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.


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Yahweh <i>is</i> nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.


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<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Plead <i>my cause,</i> O Yahweh, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.


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Draw out also the spear, and stop <i>the way</i> against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I <i>am</i> thy salvation.


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Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.


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For without cause have they hid for me their net <i>in</i> a pit, <i>which</i> without cause they have digged for my soul.


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Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.


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All my bones shall say, Yahweh, who <i>is</i> like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?


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But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing <i>was</i> sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.


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I behaved myself as though <i>he had been</i> my friend <i>or</i> brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth <i>for his</i> mother.


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But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: <i>yea,</i> the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew <i>it</i> not; they did tear <i>me,</i> and ceased not:


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Yahweh, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my only one from the lions.


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Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: <i>neither</i> let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.


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For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against <i>them that are</i> quiet in the land.


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Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, <i>and</i> said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen <i>it.</i>


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Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.


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Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify <i>themselves</i> against me.


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Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let Yahweh be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.


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And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness <i>and</i> of thy praise all the day long. To the chief Musician.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David the servant of Yahweh. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, <i>that there is</i> no fear of Elohim before his eyes.


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The words of his mouth <i>are</i> iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, <i>and</i> to do good.


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He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way <i>that is</i> not good; he abhorreth not evil.


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Thy mercy, O Yahweh, <i>is</i> in the heavens; <i>and</i> thy faithfulness <i>reacheth</i> unto the clouds.


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Thy righteousness <i>is</i> like the great mountains; thy judgments <i>are</i> a great deep: O Yahweh, thou preservest man and beast.


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How excellent <i>is</i> thy lovingkindness, O Elohim therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.


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They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.


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O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.


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Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.


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For yet a little while, and the wicked <i>shall</i> not <i>be:</i> yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it <i>shall</i> not <i>be.</i>


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The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, <i>and</i> to slay such as be of upright conversation.


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But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of Yahweh <i>shall be</i> as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.


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For <i>such as be</i> blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and <i>they that be</i> cursed of him shall be cut off.


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I have been young, and <i>now</i> am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.


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For Yahweh loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.


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Wait on Yahweh, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see <i>it.</i>


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Mark the perfect <i>man,</i> and behold the upright: for the end of <i>that</i> man <i>is</i> peace.


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But the salvation of the righteous <i>is</i> of Yahweh: he <i>is</i> their strength in the time of trouble.


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And Yahweh shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.


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A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O Yahweh, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.


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There <i>is</i> no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither <i>is there any</i> rest in my bones because of my sin.


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For my loins are filled with a loathsome <i>disease:</i> and <i>there is</i> no soundness in my flesh.


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They also that seek after my life lay snares <i>for me:</i> and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.


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For I said, <i>Hear me,</i> lest <i>otherwise</i> they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify <i>themselves</i> against me.


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But mine enemies <i>are</i> lively, <i>and</i> they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.


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They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow <i>the thing that</i> good <i>is.</i>


text:
A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.


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Yahweh, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it <i>is; that</i> I may know how frail I <i>am.</i>


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Behold, thou hast made my days <i>as</i> an handbreadth; and mine age <i>is</i> as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state <i>is</i> altogether vanity. Selah.


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Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up <i>riches,</i> and knoweth not who shall gather them.


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When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man <i>is</i> vanity. Selah.


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Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I <i>am</i> a stranger with thee, <i>and</i> a sojourner, as all my fathers <i>were.</i>


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He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, <i>and</i> established my goings.


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And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our Elohim: many shall see <i>it,</i> and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.


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Blessed <i>is</i> that man that maketh Yahweh his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.


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Many, O Yahweh my Elohim, <i>are</i> thy wonderful works <i>which</i> thou hast done, and thy thoughts <i>which are</i> toward us: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: <i>if</i> I would declare and speak <i>of them,</i> they are more than can be numbered.


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Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.


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I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Yahweh, thou knowest.


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I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.


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Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Yahweh: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.


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For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.


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Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.


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Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, Yahweh be magnified.


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But I <i>am</i> poor and needy; <i>yet</i> Yahweh thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my Elohim. To the chief Musician.


text:
A Psalm of David. Blessed <i>is</i> he that considereth the poor: Yahweh will deliver him in time of trouble.


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Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive; <i>and</i> he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.


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And if he come to see <i>me,</i> he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; <i>when</i> he goeth abroad, he telleth <i>it.</i>


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An evil disease, <i>say they,</i> cleaveth fast unto him: and <i>now</i> that he lieth he shall rise up no more.


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Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up <i>his</i> heel against me.


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Blessed <i>be</i> Yahweh Elohim of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. To the chief Musician.


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Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O Elohim.


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My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where <i>is</i> thy Elohim?


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When I remember these <i>things,</i> I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of Elohim, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.


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Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in Elohim: for I shall yet praise him <i>for</i> the help of his countenance.


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O my Elohim, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.


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Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.


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<i>Yet</i> Yahweh will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song <i>shall be</i> with me, <i>and</i> my prayer unto the El of my life.


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I will say unto El my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?


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As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy Elohim?


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Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in Elohim: for I shall yet praise him, <i>who is</i> the health of my countenance, and my Elohim.


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Judge me, O Elohim, and plead my cause against a graceless nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.


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For thou art the Elohim of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?


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O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.


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Then will I go unto the altar of Elohim, unto El my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O Elohim my Elohim.


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Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in Elohim: for I shall yet praise him, <i>who is</i> the health of my countenance, and my Elohim. To the chief Musician.


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For the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O Elohim, our fathers have told us, <i>what</i> work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.


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<i>How</i> thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; <i>how</i> thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.


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For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.


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Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.


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Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.


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All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.


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For the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue <i>is</i> the pen of a ready writer.


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Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore Elohim hath blessed thee for ever.


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And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness <i>and</i> righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee awesome things.


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Thine arrows <i>are</i> sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; <i>whereby</i> the people fall under thee.


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Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore Elohim, thy Elohim, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.


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All thy garments <i>smell</i> of myrrh, and aloes, <i>and</i> cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.


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Kings' daughters <i>were</i> among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.


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Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;


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And the daughter of Tyre <i>shall be there</i> with a gift; <i>even</i> the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.


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She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.


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I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, upon Alamoth.


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Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;


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<i>Though</i> the waters thereof roar <i>and</i> be troubled, <i>though</i> the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.


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<i>There is</i> a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of Elohim, the holy <i>place</i> of the tabernacles of the most High.


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Elohim <i>is</i> in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: Elohim shall help her, <i>and that</i> right early.


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He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.


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Be still, and know that I <i>am</i> Elohim: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.


text:
Yahweh of hosts <i>is</i> with us; the Elohim of Jacob <i>is</i> our refuge. Selah. To the chief Musician.


text:
A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto Elohim with the voice of triumph.


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The princes of the people are gathered together, <i>even</i> the people of the Elohim of Abraham: for the shields of the earth <i>belong</i> unto Elohim: he is greatly exalted.


text:
A Song <i>and</i> Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great <i>is</i> Yahweh, and greatly to be praised in the city of our Elohim, <i>in</i> the mountain of his holiness.


text:
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, <i>is</i> mount Zion, <i>on</i> the sides of the north, the city of the great King.


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As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of Yahweh of hosts, in the city of our Elohim: Elohim will establish it for ever. Selah.


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According to thy name, O Elohim, so <i>is</i> thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.


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Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell <i>it</i> to the generation following.


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For this Elohim is our Elohim for ever and ever: he will be our guide <i>even</i> unto death. To the chief Musician.


text:
A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all <i>ye</i> people; give ear, all <i>ye</i> inhabitants of the world:


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For he seeth <i>that</i> wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.


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Their inward thought <i>is, that</i> their houses <i>shall continue</i> for ever, <i>and</i> their dwelling places to all generations; they call <i>their</i> lands after their own names.


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Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.


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Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and <i>men</i> will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty Elohim, <i>even</i> Yahweh, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.


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Our Elohim shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.


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Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I <i>am</i> Elohim, <i>even</i> thy Elohim.


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I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, <i>to have been</i> continually before me.


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But unto the wicked Elohim saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or <i>that</i> thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?


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These <i>things</i> hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether <i>such an one</i> as thyself: <i>but</i> I will reprove thee, and set <i>them</i> in order before thine eyes.


text:
Now consider this, ye that forget Eloah, lest I tear <i>you</i> in pieces, and <i>there be</i> none to deliver.


text:
Whoso offereth praise honors me: and to him that ordereth <i>his</i> conversation <i>aright</i> will I show the salvation of Elohim. To the chief Musician.


text:
A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O Elohim, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.


text:
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done <i>this</i> evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, <i>and</i> be clear when thou judgest.


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Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.


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Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O Elohim, thou Elohim of my salvation: <i>and</i> my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.


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For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give <i>it:</i> thou delightest not in burnt offering.


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The sacrifices of Elohim <i>are</i> a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohim, thou wilt not despise.


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Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. To the chief Musician.


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Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of El <i>endureth</i> continually.


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El shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of <i>thy</i> dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.


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Lo, <i>this is</i> the man <i>that</i> made not Elohim his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, <i>and</i> strengthened himself in his wickedness.


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But I <i>am</i> like a green olive tree in the house of Elohim: I trust in the mercy of Elohim for ever and ever.


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I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done <i>it:</i> and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. To the chief Musician upon Mahalath.


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Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. The fool hath said in his heart, <i>There is</i> no Elohim. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: <i>there is</i> none that doeth good.


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Elohim looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were <i>any</i> that did understand, that did seek Elohim.


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Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; <i>there is</i> none that doeth good, no, not one.


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Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people <i>as</i> they eat bread: they have not called upon Elohim.


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There were they in great fear, <i>where</i> no fear was: for Elohim hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth <i>against</i> thee: thou hast put <i>them</i> to shame, because Elohim hath despised them.


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Oh that the salvation of Israel <i>were come</i> out of Zion When Elohim bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, <i>and</i> Israel shall be glad. To the chief Musician on Neginoth.


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Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O Elohim, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.


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For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set Elohim before them. Selah.


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For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen <i>his desire</i> upon mine enemies. To the chief Musician on Neginoth.


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Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Give ear to my prayer, O Elohim; and hide not thyself from my supplication.


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Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.


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Destroy, O Yahweh, <i>and</i> divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.


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Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow <i>are</i> in the midst of it.


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For <i>it was</i> not an enemy <i>that</i> reproached me; then I could have borne <i>it:</i> neither <i>was it</i> he that hated me <i>that</i> did magnify <i>himself</i> against me; then I would have hid myself from him:


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Let death seize upon them, <i>and</i> let them go down quick into the grave: for wickedness <i>is</i> in their dwellings, <i>and</i> among them.


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He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle <i>that was</i> against me: for there were many with me.


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El shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not Elohim.


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<i>The words</i> of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war <i>was</i> in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet <i>were</i> they drawn swords.


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Cast thy burden upon Yahweh, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.


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But thou, O Elohim, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee. To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim.


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Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O Elohim: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.


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Mine enemies would daily swallow <i>me</i> up: for <i>they be</i> many that fight against me, O thou most High.


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In Elohim I will praise his word, in Elohim I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.


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They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.


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When I cry <i>unto thee,</i> then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for Elohim <i>is</i> for me.


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For thou hast delivered my soul from death: <i>wilt</i> not <i>thou deliver</i> my feet from falling, that I may walk before Elohim in the light of the living? To the chief Musician, Altaschith.


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Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O Elohim, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until <i>these</i> calamities be overpast.


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He shall send from heaven, and save me <i>from</i> the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. Elohim shall send forth his mercy and his truth.


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My soul <i>is</i> among lions: <i>and</i> I lie <i>even among</i> them that are set on fire, <i>even</i> the sons of men, whose teeth <i>are</i> spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.


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They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen <i>themselves.</i> Selah.


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Be thou exalted, O Elohim, above the heavens: <i>let</i> thy honour <i>be</i> above all the earth. To the chief Musician, Altaschith.


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Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?


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Their poison <i>is</i> like the poison of a serpent: <i>they are</i> like the deaf adder <i>that</i> stoppeth her ear;


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Break their teeth, O Elohim, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Yahweh.


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Let them melt away as waters <i>which</i> run continually: <i>when</i> he bendeth <i>his bow to shoot</i> his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.


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As a snail <i>which</i> melteth, let <i>every one of them</i> pass away: <i>like</i> the untimely birth of a woman, <i>that</i> they may not see the sun.


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Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.


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The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.


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So that a man shall say, Verily <i>there is</i> a reward for the righteous: verily he is an Elohim that judgeth in the earth. To the chief Musician, Altaschith.


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Michtam of David; whe Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my Elohim: defend me from them that rise up against me.


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For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not <i>for</i> my transgression, nor <i>for</i> my sin, O Yahweh.


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Thou therefore, O Yahweh Elohim of hosts, the Elohim of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.


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Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords <i>are</i> in their lips: for who, <i>say they,</i> doth hear?


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The Elohim of my mercy shall prevent me: Elohim shall let me see <i>my desire</i> upon mine enemies.


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Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Yahweh our shield.


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<i>For</i> the sin of their mouth <i>and</i> the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying <i>which</i> they speak.


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Consume <i>them</i> in wrath, consume <i>them,</i> that they <i>may</i> not <i>be:</i> and let them know that Elohim ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.


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And at evening let them return; <i>and</i> let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.


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But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.


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Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for Elohim <i>is</i> my defence, <i>and</i> the Elohim of my mercy. To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth.


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Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O Elohim, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.


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Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.


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Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.


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Elohim hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.


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Gilead <i>is</i> mine, and Manasseh <i>is</i> mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah <i>is</i> my lawgiver;


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Moab <i>is</i> my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.


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<i>Wilt</i> not thou, O Elohim, <i>which</i> hadst cast us off? and <i>thou,</i> O Elohim, <i>which</i> didst not go out with our armies?


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Through Elohim we shall do valiantly: for he <i>it is that</i> shall tread down our enemies. To the chief Musician upon Neginah.


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From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that <i>is</i> higher than I.


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For thou, O Elohim, hast heard my vows: thou hast given <i>me</i> the heritage of those that fear thy name.


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So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun.


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How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall <i>shall ye be, and as</i> a tottering fence.


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They only consult to cast <i>him</i> down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.


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In Elohim <i>is</i> my salvation and my honour: the rock of my strength, <i>and</i> my refuge, <i>is</i> in Elohim.


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Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: Elohim <i>is</i> a refuge for us. Selah.


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Surely men of low degree <i>are</i> vanity, <i>and</i> men of high degree <i>are</i> a lie: to be laid in the balance, they <i>are</i> altogether <i>lighter</i> than vanity.


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Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart <i>upon them.</i>


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Also unto thee, O Yahweh, <i>belongeth</i> mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.


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A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O Elohim, thou <i>art</i> my El; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;


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My soul shall be satisfied as <i>with</i> marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise <i>thee</i> with joyful lips:


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But those <i>that</i> seek my soul, to destroy <i>it,</i> shall go into the lower parts of the earth.


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But the king shall rejoice in Elohim; every one that sweareth by him shall boast: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. To the chief Musician.


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Who whet their tongue like a sword, <i>and</i> bend <i>their bows to shoot</i> their arrows, <i>even</i> bitter words:


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They encourage themselves <i>in</i> an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?


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They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward <i>thought</i> of every one <i>of them,</i> and the heart, <i>is</i> deep.


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And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of Elohim; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.


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The righteous shall be glad in Yahweh, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall be commended. To the chief Musician.


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A Psalm <i>and</i> Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O Elohim, in Zion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.


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Blessed <i>is the man whom</i> thou choosest, and causest to approach <i>unto thee, that</i> he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, <i>even</i> of thy holy temple.


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By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O Elohim of our salvation; <i>who art</i> the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off <i>upon</i> the sea:


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They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.


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Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of Elohim, <i>which is</i> full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.


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Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.


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The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. To the chief Musician.


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Say unto Elohim, How awesome <i>art thou in</i> thy works through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.


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All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing <i>to</i> thy name. Selah.


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Come and see the works of Elohim: <i>he is</i> terrible <i>in his</i> doing toward the children of men.


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He turned the sea into dry <i>land:</i> they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.


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He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.


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Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy <i>place.</i>


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I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.


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Blessed <i>be</i> Elohim, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. To the chief Musician on Neginoth.


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A Psalm <i>or</i> Song. Elohim be merciful unto us, and bless us; <i>and</i> cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.


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O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.


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<i>Then</i> shall the earth yield her increase; <i>and</i> Elohim, <i>even</i> our own Elohim, shall bless us.


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A Psalm <i>or</i> Song of David. Let Elohim arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.


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As smoke is driven away, <i>so</i> drive <i>them</i> away: as wax melteth before the fire, <i>so</i> let the wicked perish at the presence of Elohim.


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Sing unto Elohim, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name YAH, and rejoice before him.


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Elohim setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry <i>land.</i>


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O Elohim, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:


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The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of Elohim: <i>even</i> Sinai itself <i>was moved</i> at the presence of Elohim, the Elohim of Israel.


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Thou, O Elohim, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.


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Though ye have lain among the pots, <i>yet shall ye be as</i> the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.


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Why leap ye, ye high hills? <i>this is</i> the hill <i>which</i> Elohim desireth to dwell in; yea, Yahweh will dwell <i>in it</i> for ever.


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The chariots of Elohim <i>are</i> twenty thousand, <i>even</i> thousands of angels: Yahweh <i>is</i> among them, <i>as in</i> Sinai, in the holy <i>place.</i>


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Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, <i>for</i> the rebellious also, that Yahweh Elohim might dwell <i>among them.</i>


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<i>He that is</i> our El <i>is</i> the El of salvation; and unto the Sovereign Yahweh <i>belong</i> the issues from death.


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But Elohim shall wound the head of his enemies, <i>and</i> the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.


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Yahweh said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring <i>my people</i> again from the depths of the sea:


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That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of <i>thine</i> enemies, <i>and</i> the tongue of thy dogs in the same.


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The singers went before, the players on instruments <i>followed</i> after; among <i>them were</i> the damsels playing with timbrels.


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There <i>is</i> little Benjamin <i>with</i> their ruler, the princes of Judah <i>and</i> their council, the princes of Zebulun, <i>and</i> the princes of Naphtali.


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Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, <i>till every one</i> submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people <i>that</i> delight in war.


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To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, <i>which were</i> of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, <i>and that</i> a mighty voice.


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Ascribe ye strength unto Elohim: his excellency <i>is</i> over Israel, and his strength <i>is</i> in the clouds.


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O Elohim, <i>thou art</i> to be held in awe out of thy holy places: the El of Israel <i>is</i> he that giveth strength and power unto <i>his</i> people. Blessed <i>be</i> Elohim. To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim.


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I sink in deep mire, where <i>there is</i> no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.


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They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, <i>being</i> mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored <i>that</i> which I took not away.


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Let not them that wait on thee, O Sovereign Yahweh of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O Elohim of Israel.


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For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.


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But as for me, my prayer <i>is</i> unto thee, O Yahweh, <i>in</i> an acceptable time: O Elohim, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.


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Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.


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Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.


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Hear me, O Yahweh; for thy lovingkindness <i>is</i> good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.


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Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries <i>are</i> all before thee.


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Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked <i>for some</i> to take pity, but <i>there was</i> none; and for comforters, but I found none.


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Let their table become a snare before them: and <i>that which should have been</i> for <i>their</i> welfare, <i>let it become</i> a trap.


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For they persecute <i>him</i> whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.


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For Elohim will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.


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The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein. To the chief Musician.


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<i>A Psalm</i> of David, to bring to remembrance. <i>Make haste,</i> O Elohim, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Yahweh.


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Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.


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Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let Elohim be magnified.


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But I <i>am</i> poor and needy: make haste unto me, O Elohim: thou <i>art</i> my help and my deliverer; O Yahweh, make no tarrying.


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Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.


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Deliver me, O my Elohim, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.


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By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise <i>shall be</i> continually of thee.


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Saying, Elohim hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for <i>there is</i> none to deliver <i>him.</i>


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Let them be confounded <i>and</i> consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered <i>with</i> reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.


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My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness <i>and</i> thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers <i>thereof.</i>


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I will go in the strength of the Sovereign Yahweh: I will make mention of thy righteousness, <i>even</i> of thine only.


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Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto <i>this</i> generation, <i>and</i> thy power to every one <i>that</i> is to come.


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Thy righteousness also, O Elohim, is very high, who hast done great things: O Elohim, who <i>is</i> like unto thee


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<i>Thou,</i> which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.


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I will also praise thee with the psaltery, <i>even</i> thy truth, O my Elohim: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.


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My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O Elohim, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.


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He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.


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The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.


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He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.


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And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; <i>and</i> daily shall he be praised.


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There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: <i>and</i> they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.


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His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and <i>men</i> shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.


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And blessed <i>be</i> his honourable name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled <i>with</i> his honour; Amen, and Amen.


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A Psalm of Asaph. Truly Elohim <i>is</i> good to Israel, <i>even</i> to such as are of a clean heart.


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As a dream when <i>one</i> awaketh; <i>so,</i> O Yahweh, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.


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Whom have I in heaven <i>but</i> thee? and <i>there is</i> none upon earth <i>that</i> I desire beside thee.


text:
My flesh and my heart faileth: <i>but</i> Elohim <i>is</i> the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.


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For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.


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But <i>it is</i> good for me to draw near to Elohim: I have put my trust in the Sovereign Yahweh, that I may declare all thy works.


text:
Maschil of Asaph. O Elohim, why hast thou cast <i>us</i> off for ever? <i>why</i> doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?


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Remember thy congregation, <i>which</i> thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, <i>which</i> thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.


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Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; <i>even all that</i> the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.


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They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by <i>casting down</i> the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.


text:
They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of El in the land.


text:
We see not our signs: <i>there is</i> no more any prophet: neither <i>is there</i> among us any that knoweth how long.


text:
Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, <i>and</i> gavest him <i>to be</i> meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.


text:
Remember this, <i>that</i> the enemy hath reproached, O Yahweh, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.


text:
O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude <i>of the wicked:</i> forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.


text:
Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.


text:
Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually. To the chief Musician, Altaschith.


text:
A Psalm <i>or</i> Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O Elohim, do we give thanks, <i>unto thee</i> do we give thanks: for <i>that</i> thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.


text:
For in the hand of Yahweh <i>there is</i> a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring <i>them</i> out, <i>and</i> drink <i>them.</i>


text:
All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; <i>but</i> the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.


text:
A Psalm <i>or</i> Song of Asaph. In Judah <i>is</i> Elohim known: his name <i>is</i> great in Israel.


text:
The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.


text:
Thou, <i>even</i> thou, <i>art</i> to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?


text:
Vow, and pay unto Yahweh your Elohim: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.


text:
He shall cut off the spirit of princes: <i>he is</i> terrible to the kings of the earth. To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun.


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto Elohim with my voice, even unto Elohim with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.


text:
In the day of my trouble I sought Yahweh: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.


text:
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.


text:
And I said, This <i>is</i> my infirmity: <i>but I will remember</i> the years of the right hand of the most High.


text:
The waters saw thee, O Elohim, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.


text:
The voice of thy thunder <i>was</i> in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.


text:
Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, <i>to</i> my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.


text:
We will not hide <i>them</i> from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.


text:
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:


text:
That the generation to come might know <i>them, even</i> the children <i>which</i> should be born; <i>who</i> should arise and declare <i>them</i> to their children:


text:
That they might set their hope in Elohim, and not forget the works of El, but keep his commandments:


text:
And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation <i>that</i> set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with El.


text:
The children of Ephraim, <i>being</i> armed, <i>and</i> carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.


text:
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, <i>in</i> the field of Zoan.


text:
Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?


text:
Therefore Yahweh heard <i>this,</i> and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;


text:
The wrath of Elohim came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen <i>men</i> of Israel.


text:
But he, <i>being</i> full of compassion, forgave <i>their</i> iniquity, and destroyed <i>them</i> not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.


text:
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels <i>among them.</i>


text:
He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;


text:
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, <i>even</i> to this mountain, <i>which</i> his right hand had purchased.


text:
He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.


text:
But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.


text:
For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.


text:
Then Yahweh awaked as one out of sleep, <i>and</i> like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.


text:
And he built his sanctuary like high <i>palaces,</i> like the earth which he hath established for ever.


text:
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.


text:
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. O Elohim, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.


text:
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to <i>be</i> meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.


text:
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and <i>there was</i> none to bury <i>them.</i>


text:
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.


text:
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.


text:
Help us, O Elohim of our salvation, for the honour of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.


text:
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where <i>is</i> their Elohim? let him be known among the heathen in our sight <i>by</i> the revenging of the blood of thy servants <i>which is</i> shed.


text:
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;


text:
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Yahweh.


text:
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations. To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth.


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest <i>between</i> the cherubim, shine forth.


text:
Thou preparedst <i>room</i> before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.


text:
The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof <i>were like</i> the goodly cedars.


text:
Why hast thou <i>then</i> broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?


text:
And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch <i>that</i> thou madest strong for thyself.


text:
Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man <i>whom</i> thou madest strong for thyself.


text:
Turn us again, O Yahweh Elohim of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. To the chief Musician upon Gittith.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of Asaph. Sing aloud unto Elohim our strength: make a joyful noise unto the Elohim of Jacob.


text:
This he ordained in Joseph <i>for</i> a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: <i>where</i> I heard a language <i>that</i> I understood not.


text:
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.


text:
I <i>am</i> Yahweh thy Elohim, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.


text:
The haters of Yahweh should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.


text:
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.


text:
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.


text:
A Song <i>or</i> Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O Elohim: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O El.


text:
They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from <i>being</i> a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.


text:
Do unto them as <i>unto</i> the Midianites; as <i>to</i> Sisera, as <i>to</i> Jabin, at the brook of Kison:


text:
That <i>men</i> may know that thou, whose name alone is YAHWEH, <i>art</i> the most high over all the earth. To the chief Musician upon Gittith.


text:
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of Yahweh: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living El.


text:
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, <i>even</i> thine altars, O Yahweh of hosts, my King, and my Elohim.


text:
Blessed <i>is</i> the man whose strength <i>is</i> in thee; in whose heart <i>are</i> the ways <i>of them.</i>


text:
For a day in thy courts <i>is</i> better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my Elohim, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.


text:
For Yahweh Elohim <i>is</i> a sun and shield: Yahweh will give grace and honour: no good <i>thing</i> will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.


text:
A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Yahweh, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.


text:
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned <i>thyself</i> from the fierceness of thine anger.


text:
I will hear what El Yahweh will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.


text:
For thou, Yahweh, <i>art</i> good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.


text:
Among the elohim <i>there is</i> none like unto thee, O Yahweh; neither <i>are there any works</i> like unto thy works.


text:
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Yahweh; and shall honor thy name.


text:
O Elohim, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent <i>men</i> have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.


text:
But thou, O Yahweh, <i>art</i> an El full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.


text:
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.


text:
Show me a token for good; that they which hate me may see <i>it,</i> and be ashamed: because thou, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.


text:
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this <i>man</i> was born there.


text:
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.


text:
Yahweh shall count, when he writeth up the people, <i>that</i> this <i>man</i> was born there. Selah.


text:
As well the singers as the players on instruments <i>shall be there:</i> all my springs <i>are</i> in thee. A Song <i>or</i> Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth.


text:
Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. O Yahweh Elohim of my salvation, I have cried day <i>and</i> night before thee:


text:
Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.


text:
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: <i>I am</i> shut up, and I cannot come forth.


text:
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Yahweh, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.


text:
I am afflicted <i>and</i> ready to die from <i>my</i> youth up: <i>while</i> I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.


text:
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of Yahweh for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.


text:
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.


text:
And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Yahweh: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.


text:
For <i>who</i> in the heaven can be compared unto Yahweh? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto Yahweh?


text:
El is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all <i>them that are</i> about him.


text:
O Yahweh Elohim of hosts, who <i>is</i> a mighty <i>one</i> like unto thee, O Yah? <i>And</i> thy faithfulness <i>is</i> round about thee.


text:
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.


text:
The heavens <i>are</i> thine, the earth also <i>is</i> thine: <i>as for</i> the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.


text:
Justice and judgment <i>are</i> the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.


text:
Blessed <i>is</i> the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Yahweh, in the light of thy countenance.


text:
Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon <i>one that is</i> mighty; I have exalted <i>one</i> chosen out of the people.


text:
But my faithfulness and my mercy <i>shall be</i> with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.


text:
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.


text:
Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown <i>by casting it</i> to the ground.


text:
What man <i>is he that</i> liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.


text:
Yahweh, where <i>are</i> thy former lovingkindnesses, <i>which</i> thou swarest unto David in thy truth?


text:
Remember, Yahweh, the reproach of thy servants; <i>how</i> I do bear in my bosom <i>the reproach of</i> all the mighty people;


text:
Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Yahweh; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.


text:
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou <i>art</i> El.


text:
For a thousand years in thy sight <i>are but</i> as yesterday when it is past, and <i>as</i> a watch in the night.


text:
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are <i>as</i> a sleep: in the morning <i>they are</i> like grass <i>which</i> groweth up.


text:
The days of our years <i>are</i> threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength <i>they be</i> fourscore years, yet <i>is</i> their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.


text:
Make us glad according to the days <i>wherein</i> thou hast afflicted us, <i>and</i> the years <i>wherein</i> we have seen evil.


text:
And let the beauty of Yahweh our Elohim be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.


text:
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth <i>shall be</i> thy shield and buckler.


text:
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; <i>nor</i> for the arrow <i>that</i> flieth by day;


text:
<i>Nor</i> for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; <i>nor</i> for the destruction <i>that</i> wasteth at noonday.


text:
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; <i>but</i> it shall not come nigh thee.


text:
Because thou hast made Yahweh, <i>which is</i> my refuge, <i>even</i> the most High, thy habitation;


text:
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.


text:
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.


text:
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I <i>will be</i> with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.


text:
A Psalm <i>or</i> Song for the sabbath day. <i>It is a</i> good <i>thing</i> to give thanks unto Yahweh, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:


text:
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; <i>it is</i> that they shall be destroyed for ever:


text:
For, lo, thine enemies, O Yahweh, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.


text:
Mine eye also shall see <i>my desire</i> on mine enemies, <i>and</i> mine ears shall hear <i>my desire</i> of the wicked that rise up against me.


text:
To show that Yahweh <i>is</i> upright: he <i>is</i> my rock, and <i>there is</i> no unrighteousness in him.


text:
Yahweh reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; Yahweh is clothed with strength, <i>wherewith</i> he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.


text:
The floods have lifted up, O Yahweh, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.


text:
Yahweh on high <i>is</i> mightier than the noise of many waters, <i>yea, than</i> the mighty waves of the sea.


text:
<i>How long</i> shall they utter <i>and</i> speak hard things? <i>and</i> all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?


text:
He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, <i>shall not he know?</i>


text:
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? <i>or</i> who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?


text:
And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; <i>yea,</i> Yahweh our Elohim shall cut them off.


text:
For he <i>is</i> our Elohim; and we <i>are</i> the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice,


text:
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, <i>and</i> as <i>in</i> the day of temptation in the wilderness:


text:
Forty years long was I grieved with <i>this</i> generation, and said, It <i>is</i> a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:


text:
Say among the heathen <i>that</i> Yahweh reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.


text:
Let the field be joyful, and all that <i>is</i> therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice


text:
Before Yahweh: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.


text:
Clouds and darkness <i>are</i> round about him: righteousness and judgment <i>are</i> the habitation of his throne.


text:
The hills melted like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Sovereign of the whole earth.


text:
Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all <i>ye</i> elohim.


text:
Ye that love Yahweh, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.


text:
A Psalm. O sing unto Yahweh a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.


text:
Yahweh hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.


text:
He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our Elohim.


text:
Before Yahweh; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.


text:
Yahweh reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth <i>between</i> the cherubim; let the earth be moved.


text:
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.


text:
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon Yahweh, and he answered them.


text:
He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance <i>that</i> he gave them.


text:
Thou answeredst them, O Yahweh our Elohim: thou wast an El that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.


text:
Know ye that Yahweh he <i>is</i> Elohim: <i>it is</i> he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; <i>we are</i> his people, and the sheep of his pasture.


text:
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, <i>and</i> into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, <i>and</i> bless his name.


text:
For Yahweh <i>is</i> good; his mercy <i>is</i> everlasting; and his truth <i>endureth</i> to all generations.


text:
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.


text:
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; <i>it</i> shall not cleave to me.


text:
Whoso secretly slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I endure.


text:
Mine eyes <i>shall be</i> upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.


text:
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.


text:
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of Yahweh.


text:
Hide not thy face from me in the day <i>when</i> I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day <i>when</i> I call answer me speedily.


text:
Thou shalt arise, <i>and</i> have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.


text:
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise Yah.


text:
I said, O my El, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years <i>are</i> throughout all generations.


text:
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens <i>are</i> the work of thy hands.


text:
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless Yahweh, O my soul: and all that is within me, <i>bless</i> his holy name.


text:
But the mercy of Yahweh <i>is</i> from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;


text:
Bless Yahweh, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.


text:
Bless Yahweh, O my soul. O Yahweh my Elohim, thou <i>art</i> very great; thou <i>art</i> clothed with honour and majesty.


text:
Who coverest <i>thyself</i> with light as <i>with</i> a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:


text:
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:


text:
They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.


text:
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;


text:
And wine <i>that</i> maketh glad the heart of man, <i>and</i> oil to make <i>his</i> face to shine, and bread <i>which</i> strengtheneth man's heart.


text:
O Yahweh, how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.


text:
<i>So is</i> this great and wide sea, wherein <i>are</i> things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.


text:
Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.


text:
Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou Yahweh, O my soul. Halleluyah.


text:
He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word <i>which</i> he commanded to a thousand generations.


text:
And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, <i>and</i> to Israel <i>for</i> an everlasting covenant:


text:
He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and <i>there was</i> not one feeble <i>person</i> among their tribes.


text:
Halleluyah. O give thanks unto Yahweh; for he <i>is</i> good: for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever.


text:
Remember me, O Yahweh, with the favour <i>that thou bearest unto</i> thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;


text:
That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may boast myself with thine inheritance.


text:
Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked <i>him</i> at the sea, <i>even</i> at the Red sea.


text:
He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.


text:
And he saved them from the hand of him that hated <i>them,</i> and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.


text:
Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy <i>them.</i>


text:
They angered <i>him</i> also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:


text:
And shed innocent blood, <i>even</i> the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.


text:
Therefore was the wrath of Yahweh kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.


text:
Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked <i>him</i> with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.


text:
Save us, O Yahweh our Elohim, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, <i>and</i> to triumph in thy praise.


text:
Blessed <i>be</i> Yahweh Elohim of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise Yah.


text:
And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.


text:
Oh that <i>men</i> would praise Yahweh <i>for</i> his goodness, <i>and</i> for his wonderful works to the children of men


text:
Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and <i>there was</i> none to help.


text:
Oh that <i>men</i> would praise Yahweh <i>for</i> his goodness, and <i>for</i> his wonderful works to the children of men


text:
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.


text:
Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.


text:
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.


text:
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, <i>where there is</i> no way.


text:
Whoso <i>is</i> wise, and will observe these <i>things,</i> even they shall understand the lovingkindness of Yahweh.


text:
A Song <i>or</i> Psalm of David. O Elohim, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my honour.


text:
I will praise thee, O Yahweh, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.


text:
Gilead <i>is</i> mine; Manasseh <i>is</i> mine; Ephraim also <i>is</i> the strength of mine head; Judah <i>is</i> my lawgiver;


text:
<i>Wilt</i> not <i>thou,</i> O Elohim, <i>who</i> hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O Elohim, go forth with our hosts?


text:
Through Elohim we shall do valiantly: for he <i>it is that</i> shall tread down our enemies. To the chief Musician.


text:
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.


text:
Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek <i>their bread</i> also out of their desolate places.


text:
Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.


text:
Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with Yahweh; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.


text:
Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.


text:
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.


text:
As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.


text:
Let it be unto him as the garment <i>which</i> covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.


text:
<i>Let</i> this <i>be</i> the reward of mine adversaries from Yahweh, and of them that speak evil against my soul.


text:
But do thou for me, O Sovereign Yahweh, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy <i>is</i> good, deliver thou me.


text:
Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.


text:
For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save <i>him</i> from those that condemn his soul.


text:
A Psalm of David. Yahweh said unto my Sovereign, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.


text:
Thy people <i>shall be</i> willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.


text:
Yahweh hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou <i>art</i> a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.


text:
He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill <i>the places</i> with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.


text:
Halleluyah. I will praise Yahweh with <i>my</i> whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and <i>in</i> the congregation.


text:
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Yahweh <i>is</i> gracious and full of compassion.


text:
He hath showed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.


text:
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.


text:
The fear of Yahweh <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do <i>his commandments:</i> his praise endureth for ever.


text:
Halleluyah. Blessed <i>is</i> the man <i>that</i> feareth Yahweh, <i>that</i> delighteth greatly in his commandments.


text:
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he <i>is</i> gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.


text:
His heart <i>is</i> established, he shall not be afraid, until he see <i>his desire</i> upon his enemies.


text:
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.


text:
The wicked shall see <i>it,</i> and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.


text:
What <i>ailed</i> thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, <i>that</i> thou wast driven back?


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Not unto us, O Yahweh, not unto us, but unto thy name give honour, for thy mercy, <i>and</i> for thy truth's sake.


text:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.


text:
Yahweh hath been mindful of us: he will bless <i>us;</i> he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.


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The heaven, <i>even</i> the heavens, <i>are</i> Yahweh's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.


text:
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of Sheol gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.


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O Yahweh, truly I <i>am</i> thy servant; I <i>am</i> thy servant, <i>and</i> the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.


text:
For his merciful kindness <i>is</i> great toward us: and the truth of Yahweh <i>endureth</i> for ever. Halleluyah.


text:
Yahweh taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I <i>see my desire</i> upon them that hate me.


text:
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of Yahweh I will destroy them.


text:
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of Yahweh I will destroy them.


text:
The voice of rejoicing and salvation <i>is</i> in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of Yahweh doeth valiantly.


text:
Blessed <i>be</i> he that cometh in the name of Yahweh: we have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh.


text:
El <i>is</i> Yahweh, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, <i>even</i> unto the horns of the altar.


text:
BETH. With what shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed <i>thereto</i> according to thy word.


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Princes also did sit <i>and</i> speak against me: <i>but</i> thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.


text:
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with <i>my</i> whole heart.


text:
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.


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The proud have forged a lie against me: <i>but</i> I will keep thy precepts with <i>my</i> whole heart.


text:
YOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.


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I know, O Yahweh, that thy judgments <i>are</i> right, and <i>that</i> thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.


text:
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: <i>but</i> I will meditate in thy precepts.


text:
How many <i>are</i> the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?


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Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they <i>are</i> ever with me.


text:
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they <i>are</i> the rejoicing of my heart.


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Therefore I esteem all <i>thy</i> precepts <i>concerning</i> all <i>things</i> to <i>be</i> right; <i>and</i> I hate every false way.


text:
The righteousness of thy testimonies <i>is</i> everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.


text:
Thy word <i>is</i> true <i>from</i> the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments <i>endureth</i> for ever.


text:
There the tribes go up, the tribes of Yah, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of Yahweh.


text:
Behold, as the eyes of servants <i>look</i> unto the hand of their masters, <i>and</i> as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes <i>wait</i> upon Yahweh our Elohim, until that he have mercy upon us.


text:
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, <i>and</i> with the contempt of the proud.


text:
A Song of degrees of David. If <i>it had not been</i> Yahweh who was on our side, now may Israel say;


text:
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.


text:
A Song of degrees. They that trust in Yahweh <i>shall be</i> as mount Zion, <i>which</i> cannot be removed, <i>but</i> abideth for ever.


text:
<i>As</i> the mountains <i>are</i> round about Jerusalem, so Yahweh <i>is</i> round about his people from henceforth even for ever.


text:
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.


text:
Do good, O Yahweh, unto <i>those that be</i> good, and to <i>them that are</i> upright in their hearts.


text:
As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Yahweh shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: <i>but</i> peace <i>shall be</i> upon Israel.


text:
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, Yahweh hath done great things for them.


text:
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves <i>with him.</i>


text:
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh <i>but</i> in vain.


text:
<i>It is</i> vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: <i>for</i> so he giveth his beloved sleep.


text:
Lo, children <i>are</i> an heritage of Yahweh: <i>and</i> the fruit of the womb <i>is his</i> reward.


text:
Happy <i>is</i> the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.


text:
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy <i>shalt</i> thou <i>be,</i> and it shall be well with thee.


text:
Thy wife <i>shall be</i> as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.


text:
Yahweh shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.


text:
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of Yahweh <i>be</i> upon you: we bless you in the name of Yahweh.


text:
My soul <i>waiteth</i> for Yahweh more than they that watch for the morning: <i>I say, more than</i> they that watch for the morning.


text:
Let Israel hope in Yahweh: for with Yahweh <i>there is</i> mercy, and with him <i>is</i> plenteous redemption.


text:
A Song of degrees of David. Yahweh, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.


text:
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.


text:
Yahweh hath sworn <i>in</i> truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.


text:
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.


text:
A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant <i>it is</i> for brethren to dwell together in unity


text:
<i>It is</i> like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, <i>even</i> Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;


text:
As the dew of Hermon, <i>and as the dew</i> that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there Yahweh commanded the blessing, <i>even</i> life for evermore.


text:
A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye Yahweh, all <i>ye</i> servants of Yahweh, which by night stand in the house of Yahweh.


text:
Whatsoever Yahweh pleased, <i>that</i> did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.


text:
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.


text:
Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.


text:
Thy name, O Yahweh, <i>endureth</i> for ever; <i>and</i> thy memorial, O Yahweh, throughout all generations.


text:
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us <i>required of us</i> mirth, <i>saying,</i> Sing us <i>one</i> of the songs of Zion.


text:
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.


text:
Remember, O Yahweh, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase<i>it, even</i> to the foundation thereof.


text:
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy <i>shall he be,</i> that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the elohim will I sing praise unto thee.


text:
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word; above all, thy name.


text:
In the day when I cried thou answered me, <i>and</i> strengthened me <i>with</i> strength in my soul.


text:
Though Yahweh <i>be</i> high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.


text:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.


text:
Yahweh will perfect <i>that which</i> concerneth me: thy mercy, O Yahweh, <i>endureth</i> for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. To the chief Musician.


text:
If I ascend up into heaven, thou <i>art</i> there: if I make my bed in the grave, behold, thou <i>art there.</i>


text:
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light <i>are</i> both alike to <i>thee.</i>


text:
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully <i>and</i> wonderfully made: marvellous <i>are</i> thy works; and <i>that</i> my soul knoweth right well.


text:
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, <i>and</i> curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.


text:
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all <i>my members</i> were written, <i>which</i> in continuance were fashioned, when <i>as yet there was</i> none of them.


text:
<i>If</i> I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.


text:
Do not I hate them, O Yahweh, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?


text:
And see if <i>there be any</i> wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. To the chief Musician.


text:
Which imagine mischiefs in <i>their</i> heart; continually are they gathered together <i>for</i> war.


text:
Keep me, O Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.


text:
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me. Selah.


text:
Grant not, O Yahweh, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; <i>lest</i> they exalt themselves. Selah.


text:
<i>As for</i> the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.


text:
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.


text:
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow <i>him.</i>


text:
A Psalm of David. Yahweh, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.


text:
Let my prayer be set forth before thee <i>as</i> incense; <i>and</i> the lifting up of my hands <i>as</i> the evening sacrifice.


text:
Incline not my heart to <i>any</i> evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.


text:
Let the righteous smite me; <i>it shall be</i> a kindness: and let him reprove me; <i>it shall be</i> an excellent oil, <i>which</i> shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also <i>shall be</i> in their calamities.


text:
Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth <i>wood</i> upon the earth.


text:
But mine eyes <i>are</i> unto thee, O Sovereign Yahweh: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.


text:
Keep me from the snares <i>which</i> they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity.


text:
Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto Yahweh with my voice; with my voice unto Yahweh did I make my supplication.


text:
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.


text:
I looked on <i>my</i> right hand, and beheld, but <i>there was</i> no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.


text:
I cried unto thee, O Yahweh: I said, Thou <i>art</i> my refuge <i>and</i> my portion in the land of the living.


text:
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.


text:
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.


text:
A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, <i>and</i> in thy righteousness.


text:
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.


text:
Hear me speedily, O Yahweh: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.


text:
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.


text:
Teach me to do thy will; for thou <i>art</i> my Elohim: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.


text:
Quicken me, O Yahweh, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.


text:
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I <i>am</i> thy servant.


text:
<i>A Psalm</i> of David. Blessed <i>be</i> Yahweh my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, <i>and</i> my fingers to fight:


text:
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and <i>he</i> in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.


text:
Yahweh, what <i>is</i> man, that thou takest knowledge of him <i>or</i> the son of man, that thou makest account of him


text:
Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;


text:
I will sing a new song unto thee, O Elohim: upon a psaltery <i>and</i> an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.


text:
<i>It is he</i> that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.


text:
Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand <i>is</i> a right hand of falsehood:


text:
That our sons <i>may be</i> as plants grown up in their youth; <i>that</i> our daughters <i>may be</i> as corner stones, polished <i>after</i> the similitude of a palace:


text:
<i>That</i> our garners <i>may be</i> full, affording all manner of store: <i>that</i> our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:


text:
<i>That</i> our oxen <i>may be</i> strong to labour; <i>that there be</i> no breaking in, nor going out; that <i>there be</i> no complaining in our streets.


text:
Happy <i>is that</i> people, that is in such a case: <i>yea,</i> happy <i>is that</i> people, whose Elohim <i>is</i> Yahweh.


text:
David's <i>Psalm</i> of praise. I will extol thee, my Elohim, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.


text:
Thy kingdom <i>is</i> an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion <i>endureth</i> throughout all generations.


text:
Happy <i>is he</i> that <i>hath</i> the El of Jacob for his help, whose hope <i>is</i> in Yahweh his Elohim:


text:
Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein <i>is:</i> which keepeth truth for ever:


text:
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. Yahweh looseth the prisoners:


text:
Yahweh openeth <i>the eyes of</i> the blind: Yahweh raiseth them that are bowed down: Yahweh loveth the righteous:


text:
Yahweh preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.


text:
Halleluyah: for <i>it is</i> good to sing praises unto our Elohim; for <i>it is</i> pleasant; <i>and</i> praise is comely.


text:
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.


text:
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and <i>as for his</i> judgments, they have not known them. Halleluyah.


text:
Let them praise the name of Yahweh: for his name alone is excellent; his splendour is above the earth and heaven.


text:
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; <i>even</i> of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Halleluyah.


text:
<i>Let</i> the high <i>praises</i> of El <i>be</i> in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;


text:
A wise <i>man</i> will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:


text:
The fear of Yahweh <i>is</i> the beginning of knowledge: <i>but</i> fools despise wisdom and instruction.


text:
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:


text:
So <i>are</i> the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; <i>which</i> taketh away the life of the owners thereof.


text:
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, <i>saying,</i>


text:
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?


text:
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.


text:
When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.


text:
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:


text:
To deliver thee from the strange woman, <i>even</i> from the stranger <i>which</i> flattereth with her words;


text:
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:


text:
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.


text:
She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.


text:
She <i>is</i> a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy <i>is every one</i> that retaineth her.


text:
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.


text:
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do <i>it.</i>


text:
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.


text:
The curse of Yahweh <i>is</i> in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.


text:
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.


text:
Wisdom <i>is</i> the principal thing; <i>therefore</i> get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.


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For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause <i>some</i> to fall.


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But the path of the just <i>is</i> as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.


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For the lips of a strange woman drop <i>as</i> an honeycomb, and her mouth <i>is</i> smoother than oil:


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Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know <i>them.</i>


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<i>Let her be as</i> the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.


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His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.


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Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.


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Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand <i>of the hunter,</i> and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.


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When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and <i>when</i> thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.


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For the commandment <i>is</i> a lamp; and the law <i>is</i> light; and reproofs of instruction <i>are</i> the way of life:


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For by means of a whorish woman <i>a man is brought</i> to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.


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But <i>if</i> he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.


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<i>But</i> whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he <i>that</i> doeth it destroyeth his own soul.


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That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which <i>flattereth</i> with her words.


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I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved <i>works,</i> with fine linen of Egypt.


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He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;


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Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it <i>is</i> for his life.


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Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips <i>shall be</i> right things.


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All the words of my mouth <i>are</i> in righteousness; <i>there is</i> nothing froward or perverse in them.


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For wisdom <i>is</i> better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.


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The fear of Yahweh <i>is</i> to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.


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When <i>there were</i> no depths, I was brought forth; when <i>there were</i> no fountains abounding with water.


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While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.


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When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:


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Then I was by him, <i>as</i> one brought up <i>with him:</i> and I was daily <i>his</i> delight, rejoicing always before him;


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Blessed <i>is</i> the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.


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Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,


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He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked <i>man getteth</i> himself a blot.


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Give <i>instruction</i> to a wise <i>man,</i> and he will be yet wiser: teach a just <i>man,</i> and he will increase in learning.


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The fear of Yahweh <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy <i>is</i> understanding.


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If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but <i>if</i> thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear <i>it.</i>


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Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: and <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,


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But he knoweth not that the dead <i>are</i> there; <i>and that</i> her guests <i>are</i> in the depths of hell.


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The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son <i>is</i> the heaviness of his mother.


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Yahweh will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.


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He that gathereth in summer <i>is</i> a wise son: <i>but</i> he that sleepeth in harvest <i>is</i> a son that causeth shame.


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The mouth of a righteous <i>man is</i> a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.


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In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod <i>is</i> for the back of him that is void of understanding.


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The rich man's wealth <i>is</i> his strong city: the destruction of the poor <i>is</i> their poverty.


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As the whirlwind passeth, so <i>is</i> the wicked no <i>more:</i> but the righteous <i>is</i> an everlasting foundation.


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The way of Yahweh <i>is</i> strength to the upright: but destruction <i>shall be</i> to the workers of iniquity.


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The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked <i>speaketh</i> frowardness.


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The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.


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The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.


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The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in <i>their own</i> naughtiness.


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When a wicked man dieth, <i>his</i> expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust <i>men</i> perisheth.


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An hypocrite with <i>his</i> mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.


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When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, <i>there is</i> shouting.


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By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.


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Where no counsel <i>is,</i> the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors <i>there is</i> safety.


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The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness <i>shall be</i> a sure reward.


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As righteousness <i>tendeth</i> to life: so he that pursueth evil <i>pursueth it</i> to his own death.


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They that are of a froward heart <i>are</i> abomination to Yahweh: but <i>such as are</i> upright in <i>their</i> way <i>are</i> his delight.


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<i>Though</i> hand <i>join</i> in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.


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<i>As</i> a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, <i>so is</i> a fair woman which is without discretion.


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The desire of the righteous <i>is</i> only good: <i>but</i> the expectation of the wicked <i>is</i> wrath.


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There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and <i>there is</i> that withholdeth more than is meet, but <i>it tendeth</i> to poverty.


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He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing <i>shall be</i> upon the head of him that selleth <i>it.</i>


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He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.


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He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool <i>shall be</i> servant to the wise of heart.


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A virtuous woman <i>is</i> a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed <i>is</i> as rottenness in his bones.


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The thoughts of the righteous <i>are</i> right: <i>but</i> the counsels of the wicked <i>are</i> deceit.


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The words of the wicked <i>are</i> to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.


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A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.


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He <i>that is</i> despised, and hath a servant, <i>is</i> better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.


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A righteous <i>man</i> regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked <i>are</i> cruel.


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He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain <i>persons is</i> void of understanding.


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The wicked desireth the net of evil <i>men:</i> but the root of the righteous yieldeth <i>fruit.</i>


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The wicked is snared by the transgression of <i>his</i> lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.


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A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of <i>his</i> mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.


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The way of a fool <i>is</i> right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel <i>is</i> wise.


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Deceit <i>is</i> in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace <i>is</i> joy.


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The slothful <i>man</i> roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man <i>is</i> precious.


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In the way of righteousness <i>is</i> life; and <i>in</i> the pathway <i>thereof there is</i> no death.


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A man shall eat good by the fruit <i>of his</i> mouth: but the soul of the transgressors <i>shall eat</i> violence.


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He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <i>but</i> he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.


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The soul of the sluggard desireth, and <i>hath</i> nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.


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Righteousness keepeth <i>him that is</i> upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.


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There is that maketh himself rich, yet <i>hath nothing: there is</i> that maketh himself poor, yet <i>hath</i> great riches.


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Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but <i>when</i> the desire cometh, <i>it is</i> a tree of life.


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Poverty and shame <i>shall be</i> to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.


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The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: <i>but it is</i> abomination to fools to depart from evil.


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A good <i>man</i> leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner <i>is</i> laid up for the just.


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Much food <i>is in</i> the tillage of the poor: but there is <i>that is</i> destroyed for want of judgment.


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He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Yahweh: but <i>he that is</i> perverse in his ways despiseth him.


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Where no oxen <i>are,</i> the crib <i>is</i> clean: but much increase <i>is</i> by the strength of the ox.


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A scorner seeketh wisdom, and <i>findeth it</i> not: but knowledge <i>is</i> easy unto him that understandeth.


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Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not <i>in him</i> the lips of knowledge.


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The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man <i>shall be satisfied</i> from himself.


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In the multitude of people <i>is</i> the king's honour: but in the want of people <i>is</i> the destruction of the prince.


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<i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.


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He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.


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Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but <i>that which is</i> in the midst of fools is made known.


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The king's favour <i>is</i> toward a wise servant: but his wrath is <i>against</i> him that causeth shame.


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A wholesome tongue <i>is</i> a tree of life: but perverseness therein <i>is</i> a breach in the spirit.


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In the house of the righteous <i>is</i> much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.


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The sacrifice of the wicked <i>is</i> an abomination to Yahweh: but the prayer of the upright <i>is</i> his delight.


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The way of the wicked is an abomination unto Yahweh: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.


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<i>Correction is</i> grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: <i>and</i> he that hateth reproof shall die.


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Hell and destruction <i>are</i> before Yahweh: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?


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The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.


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All the days of the afflicted <i>are</i> evil: but he that is of a merry heart <i>hath</i> a continual feast.


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The way of the slothful <i>man is</i> as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous <i>is</i> made plain.


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Folly <i>is</i> joy to <i>him that is</i> destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.


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Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.


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A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word <i>spoken</i> in due season, how good <i>is it</i>


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The thoughts of the wicked <i>are</i> an abomination to Yahweh: but <i>the words</i> of the pure <i>are</i> pleasant words.


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He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.


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Every one <i>that is</i> proud in heart <i>is</i> an abomination to Yahweh: <i>though</i> hand <i>join</i> in hand, he shall not be unpunished.


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<i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.


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In the light of the king's countenance <i>is</i> life; and his favour <i>is</i> as a cloud of the latter rain.


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How much better <i>is it</i> to get wisdom than gold and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver


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The highway of the upright <i>is</i> to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.


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Better <i>it is to be</i> of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.


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<i>Understanding is</i> a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools <i>is</i> folly.


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<i>He that is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.


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Better <i>is</i> a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices <i>with</i> strife.


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A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.


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Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: <i>and</i> he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.


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Children's children <i>are</i> the crown of old men; and the renown of children <i>are</i> their fathers.


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A gift <i>is as</i> a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: wherever it turns, it prospers.


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He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth <i>very</i> friends.


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The beginning of strife <i>is as</i> when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.


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He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both <i>are</i> abomination to Yahweh.


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Wherefore <i>is there</i> a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing <i>he hath</i> no heart <i>to it?</i>


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A man void of understanding striketh hands, <i>and</i> becometh surety in the presence of his friend.


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He loveth transgression that loveth strife: <i>and</i> he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.


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He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.


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Wisdom <i>is</i> before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool <i>are</i> in the ends of the earth.


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He that hath knowledge spareth his words: <i>and</i> a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.


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Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: <i>and</i> he that shutteth his lips <i>is esteemed</i> a man of understanding.


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The words of a man's mouth <i>are as</i> deep waters, <i>and</i> the wellspring of wisdom <i>as</i> a flowing brook.


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The words of a talebearer <i>are</i> as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.


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<i>He that is</i> first in his own cause <i>seems</i> just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.


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A brother offended <i>is harder to be won</i> than a strong city: and <i>their</i> contentions <i>are</i> like the bars of a castle.


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A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; <i>and</i> with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.


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Death and life <i>are</i> in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.


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A man <i>that hath</i> friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend <i>that</i> sticketh closer than a brother.


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Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his integrity, than <i>he that is</i> perverse in his lips, and is a fool.


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Also, <i>that</i> the soul <i>be</i> without knowledge, <i>it is</i> not good; and he that hasteth with <i>his</i> feet sinneth.


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Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man <i>is</i> a friend to him that giveth gifts.


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All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he <i>pursueth them with</i> words, <i>yet</i> they <i>are</i> wanting <i>to him.</i>


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The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and <i>it is</i> his honor to pass over a transgression.


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The king's wrath <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion; but his favour <i>is</i> as dew upon the grass.


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A foolish son <i>is</i> the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife <i>are</i> a continual dropping.


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He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; <i>but</i> he that despiseth his ways shall die.


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He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Yahweh; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.


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A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver <i>him,</i> yet thou must do it again.


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<i>There are</i> many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of Yahweh, that shall stand.


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The fear of Yahweh <i>tendeth</i> to life: and <i>he that hath it</i> shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.


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A slothful <i>man</i> hideth his hand in <i>his</i> bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.


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Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, <i>and</i> he will understand knowledge.


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He that wasteth <i>his</i> father, <i>and</i> chaseth away <i>his</i> mother, <i>is</i> a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.


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Wine <i>is</i> a mocker, strong drink <i>is</i> raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.


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The fear of a king <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion: <i>whoso</i> provoketh him to anger sinneth <i>against</i> his own soul.


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The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; <i>therefore</i> shall he beg in harvest, and <i>have</i> nothing.


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Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work <i>be</i> pure, and whether <i>it be</i> right.


