# verses

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And he strengthened the strongholds, and put commanders in them, and stores of food, and oil and wine;


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And in each and every city <i>he placed</i> shields and spears, and made them exceedingly strong: and thus remained with him Judah and Benjamin.


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And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel presented themselves to him out of all their territory.


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For the Levites left their open districts and their possession, and went to Judah and Jerusalem; because Jeroboam and his sons cast them off from executing the priests office unto the Lord,


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And <i>because</i> he ordained for himself priests for the highplaces, and for the evil spirits, and for the calves which he had made.


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And after them <i>came</i> out of all the tribes of Israel such as directed their heart to seek the Lord the God of Israel: these came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord, the God of their fathers.


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And they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and brought power to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, during three years; for they walked in the way of David and Solomon during three years.


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And Rehoboam took himself as wife Machalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, <i>and</i> Abichayil the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;


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And after her did he take Maachah the daughter of Abshalom; and she bore to him Abiyah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.


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And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Abshalom more than all his wives and his concubines; for he had taken eighteen wives and sixty concubines; and he begat twenty and eight sons, and sixty daughters.


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And Rehoboam appointed Abiyah the son of Maachah to be the chief, to be ruler among his brethren; because <i>he desired</i> to make him king.


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And he dealt understandingly, and dispersed all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto all the fortified cities; and he gave them food in abundance and he required <i>for them</i> a multitude of wives.


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And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and when he had become strong, that he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.


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And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak the king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem,because they had acted faithlessly against the Lord,


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With twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen: and innumerable were the people that came with him out of Egyptthe Lubim, the Sukkiyim, and the Ethiopians.


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And Shemayah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus hath said the Lord, Ye have indeed forsaken me, and therefore have I also relinquished you into the hand of Shishak.


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Thereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous.


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And when the Lord saw that they had humbled themselves, then came the word of the Lord to Shemayah, saying, "They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them; but I will permit some little to escape from them; and my wrath shall not be poured out over Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak."


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However they shall be servants unto him, and they shall know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the <i>various</i> countries.


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And so came up Shishak the king of Egypt against Jerusalem, and he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house: every thing did he take away; and he took away the shields of gold which Solomon had made.


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And it happened whenever the king went into the house of the Lord, that the runners came and bore them, and carried them back into the apartment of the runners.


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And when he had humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, so that he destroyed him not to make an end <i>of him</i>: and also in Judah were some good things <i>found</i>.


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And king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned; for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he became king, and seventeen years did he reign in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mothers name was Naamah the Ammonitess.


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And the acts of Rehoboam, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Shemayah the prophet, and of Iddo, the seer concerning the genealogies. And the wars of Rehoboam and Jeroboam <i>lasted</i> all the days.


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And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abiyah his son became king in his stead.


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Three years he reigned in Jerusalem: and his mothers name was Michayahu the daughter of Uriel of Gibah. And there was war between Abiyah and Jeroboam.


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And Abiyah joined the battle with an army of valiant men of war, even of four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valor.


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And Abiyah stood up above mount Zemarayim, which is in the mountain of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, O Jeroboam, and all Israel;


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Ought ye not to know that the Lord the God of Israel hath given the kingdom over Israel to David for eternity, yea, to him and to his sons by a covenant of salts?


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But there rose up Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, and rebelled against his lord.


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And there were gathered unto him idle men, worthless persons, and put themselves in violent resistance against Rehoboam the son of Solomon: while Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not sustain himself before them.


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And now ye think to sustain yourselves before the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude; and with you are golden calves, which Jeroboam hath made for you as gods.


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Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made yourselves priests like the people of the <i>various</i> lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams can become a priest to things that are no gods?


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But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, who minister unto the Lord, are the sons of Aaron; and the Levites are at their <i>appointed</i> work;


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And they burn unto the Lord burntofferings every morning and every evening and incense of sweet spices; and the rows of the showbread <i>do they place</i> upon the pure table; and there is the candlestick of gold with its lamps, to light the same every evening; for we keep the charge of the Lord our God, while ye have truly forsaken him.


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And, behold, with us at our head, is the <i>true</i> God, with his priests with trumpets for blowing the alarm, to sound an alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord the God of your fathers; for ye will not prosper.


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But Jeroboam caused an ambush to come around behind them: so they themselves were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them.


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And when Judah turned round, behold, they had the battle before and behind: and they cried unto the Lord, and the priests blew with the trumpets.


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And then gave the men of Judah a shout: and it came to pass, as the men of Judah shouted, that God struck down Jeroboam and all Israel before Abiyah and Judah.


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And Abiyah and his people smote them with a great defeat, and there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.


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Thus were the children of Israel humbled at that time: and the children of Judah became powerful, because they relied upon the Lord the God of their fathers.


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And Abiyah made pursuit after Jeroboam, and captured cities from him, Bethel with its villages, and Jeshanah with its villages, and Ephrayin with its villages.


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And Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abiyahu: and the Lord struck him, and he died.


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But Abiyahu became strong, and he took himself fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters.


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And the rest of the acts of Abiyah, and his ways, and his speeches, are written in the writing of the prophet Iddo.


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<n>(13:23)</n> And Abiyah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Assa his son became king in his stead. In his days the land had repose ten years.


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<n>(14:2)</n> And he removed the altars of the strange <i>gods</i>, and the highplaces, and broke up the statues, and cut down the groves;


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<n>(14:3)</n> And he ordered Judah to seek the Lord the God of their fathers, and to execute the law and the commandment.


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<n>(14:4)</n> Also he removed out of all the cities of Judah the highplaces and the sunimages: and the kingdom had repose before him.


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<n>(14:5)</n> And he built fortified cities in Judah; for the land had repose, and no one had war with him in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.


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<n>(14:6)</n> Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and surround them with walls, and towers, gates, and bars: the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God,we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.


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<n>(14:7)</n> And Assa had an army that bore targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew the bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.


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<n>(14:8)</n> And there came out against them Zerach the Ethiopian with an army of a thousand times thousand, and three hundred chariots; and he came as far as Mareshah.


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<n>(14:9)</n> Then went Assa out against him, and they set themselves in battlearray in the valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.


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<n>(14:10)</n> And Assa called unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, nothing can hinder thee to help, whether it be the mighty, or those that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for on thee do we rely, and in thy name are we come against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God! no mortal can place a restraint against thee.


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<n>(14:11)</n> Thereupon did the Lord strike down the Ethiopians before Assa, and before Judah: and the Ethiopians fled.


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<n>(14:12)</n> And Assa and the people that were with him pursued them as far as Gerar: and there fell of the Ethiopians <i>so many</i>, that they could not recover themselves; for they were broken down before the Lord, and before his camp; and they carried away exceedingly much booty.


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<n>(14:13)</n> And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the dread of the Lord was upon them: and they plundered all the cities; for abundant spoil was in them.


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<n>(14:14)</n> And also the tents of <i>the owners of</i> cattle did they smite, and they carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.


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And he went out to meet Assa, and said unto him, Hear me, O Assa, and all Judah and Benjamin, The Lord is with you, while ye remain with him; and if ye seek him, he will let himself be found by you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.


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And many days <i>had elapsed</i> for Israel, <i>they being</i> without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.


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But they returned when they were in distress unto the Lord, the God of Israel, and they sought him, and he let himself be found by them.


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And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, and to him that came in; but there were great confusions among all the inhabitants of the countries.


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And nation was dashed to pieces against nation, and city against city; for God did confound them with all kind of distress.


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And when Assa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he was strengthened, and he put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had captured from the mountain of Ephraim; and he renewed the altar of the Lord, that was before the porch of the Lord.


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And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, and those that sojourned with them out of Ephraim and Menasseh, and out of Simeon; for they had joined him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.


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And so they assembled themselves at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Assa.


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And they sacrificed unto the Lord on the same day, of the booty which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.


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And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord the God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;


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So that whosoever would not seek the Lord the God of Israel should be put to death, from the small even up to the great, whether it be man or woman.


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And they swore unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with <i>joyful</i> shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.


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And all Judah rejoiced because of the oath; for with all their heart had they sworn, and with their whole desire did they seek him, and he let himself be found by them: and the Lord gave them rest on every side.


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And also concerning Maachah the mother of king Assa, he removed her from being queen, because she had made a scandalous image for the grove; and Assa cut down her scandalous image, and had it ground up, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.


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But the highplaces were not removed out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Assa was entire all his days.


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And be brought the things which his father had sanctified, and his own sanctified things, into the house of God,silver, and gold, and vessels.


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In the sixandthirtieth year of the reign of Assa, came up Basha the king of Israel against Judah, and built Kamah, in order not to suffer any one to go out or come in to Assa the king of Judah.


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Then did Assa bring out silver and gold out of the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the kings house, and sent <i>them</i> to Benhadad the king of Syria, who dwelt at Damascus, saying,


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A covenant is between me and thee, as between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee silver and gold; go, break thy covenant with Basha the king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.


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And Benhadad hearkened unto king Assa, and sent the captains of the armies that he had against the cities of Israel, and they smote Iyon, and Dan, and Abelmayim, and all the treasurecities of Naphtali.


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And it came to pass, when Basha heard this, that he left off the building of Ramah, and stopped his work.


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And king Assa took then all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and its timber, wherewith Basha had built; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.


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And at that time came Chanani the seer to Assa the king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and hast not relied on the Lord thy God: therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of thy hands.


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Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a numerous army, with chariots and horsemen in great abundance? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he gave them up into thy hand.


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For as regardeth the Lord, his eyes roam throughout the whole earth, to hold strongly with those whose heart is entire toward him: thou hast done foolishly for this reason; because from this time forth there will be wars with thee.


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Then became Assa incensed toward the seer, and put him in a prisonhouse; for he was in a rage with him because of this. And Assa oppressed some of the people at the same time.


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And, behold, the acts of Assa, the first and the last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


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And Assa became sick in the thirtyandninth year of his reign in his feet, his disease being exceedingly severe: yet even in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but <i>applied</i> to the physicians.


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And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had dug for himself in the city of David, and they laid him in the couch which was filled with sweet odors and divers kinds of spices mixed by the apothecarys art; and they made for him a burning uncommonly great.


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And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and placed garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Assa his father had captured.


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And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat; because he walked in the first ways of David his father, and sought not after the Bealim;


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On the contrary, after the God of his father did he seek, and in his commandments did he walk, but not after the doings of Israel.


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Therefore did the Lord establish the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat; and he had riches and honor in abundance.


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And his heart raised itself up in the ways of the Lord, and he removed moreover the highplaces and groves out of Judah.


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And in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Benchayil, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Michayahu, to teach in the cities of Judah.


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And with them were the Levites, Shemayahu, and Nethanyahu, and Zebadyahu, and Assahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adoniyahu, and Tobiyahu, and Tobadoniyah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.


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And they taught in Judah, and with them was the book of the law of the Lord, and they moved about through all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.


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And the dread of the Lord was upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war with Jehoshaphat.


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Also from the Philistines did people bring unto Jehoshaphat presents and silver, as tribute: also the Arabians brought him small cattle, rams seven thousand and seven hundred, and hegoats seven thousand and seven hundred.


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And Jehoshaphat went on becoming exceedingly great, and he built in Judah castles and treasurecities.


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And these are their numbers according to their family divisions: Of Judah, of the captains of the thousands was Adnah the chief, and with him were mighty men of valor, three hundred thousand.


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And next to him was Amassyah the son of Zichri, who voluntarily offered himself unto the Lord; and with him were two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.


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And of Benjamin, the mighty valiant Elyada, and with him were those armed with bow and shield two hundred thousand.


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And next him was Jehozabad, and with him were one hundred and eighty thousand ready armed for the host.


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These were those that ministered to the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.


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And he went down after <i>some</i> years to Achab to Samaria. And Achab killed for him sheep and oxen in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and persuaded him to go up to Ramothgilad.


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Then said Achab the king of Israel unto Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me against Ramothgilad! And he said to him, I <i>will be</i> like thee, and my people <i>shall be</i> as thy people; and we will be with thee in the battle.


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Then did the king of Israel assemble the prophets, four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilad to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up, and God will deliver <i>it</i> into the hand of the king.


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And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him; for he never prophesieth any good concerning me, but at all times evil: it is Michayhu the son of Yimla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.


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Then called the king of Israel a certain courtofficer, and said, "Hasten hither Michayhu the son of Yimla."


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And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, dressed in their royal garments, and they were sitting in a threshingfloor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria: and all the prophets prophesied before them.


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And Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah had made himself horns of iron; and he said, Thus hath said the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians until thou have made an end of them.


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And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up against Ramothgilad, and prosper, and the Lord will deliver it into the kings hand.


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And the messenger that went to call Michayhu spoke to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets are with one voice good for the king: so do let thy word, I pray thee, be like <i>that of</i> any one of them, and speak something good.


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


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And the king said to him, How many times yet must I adjure thee that thou shalt not speak to me any thing but the truth in the name of the Lord?


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Then said he, I saw all Israel scattered over the mountains, as flocks that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.


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And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not say unto thee that he would not prophesy concerning me any good, but <i>only</i> for evil?


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And he said, Therefore hear ye the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right and his left.


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And the Lord said, Who will persuade Achab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilad? And one saidone saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.


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Then came there forth a spirit, and placed himself before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith?


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And he said, I will go forth, and I will become a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou wilt persuade him, and also prevail: go forth, and do so.


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And now, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets: but the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee.


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And Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah went near, and struck Michayhu on the cheek, and said, Which is the way the Spirit of the Lord passed away from me to speak with thee?


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And Michayhu said, Behold, thou shalt see it on that day when thou shalt go into the innermost chamber to hide thyself.


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And the king of Israel said, Take ye Michayhu, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the kings son;


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And say ye, Thus hath said the king, Put this man in the prison, and feed him with sparing bread and with sparing water, until I return in peace.


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And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but do thou put on thy royal garments. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into the battle.


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And the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that he had, saying, Fight ye not with the small or with the great, save only with the king of Israel alone.


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And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, This is the king of Israel. And they encompassed him to fight; and Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God induced them to go away from him.


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But a certain man drew his bow at a venture, and struck the king of Israel between the joints and the armor: wherefore he said to the chariotdriver, Turn about, and carry me out of the camp; for I am wounded.


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And the battle increased on that day: and the king of Israel stayed <i>himself</i> up in the chariot against the Syrians until the evening, and he died at the time of the suns going down.


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And there came out to meet him Jehu the son of Chanani the seer, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldst thou help the wicked, and love those that hate the Lord? and because of this there is wrath over thee from before the Lord.


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Nevertheless there are good things found on thee; because thou hast removed the Asheroth out of the land, and hast directed thy heart firmly to seek God.


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And Jehoshaphat remained at Jerusalem; but he went out again through the people from Beersheba as far as the mountain of Ephraim, and caused them to return unto the Lord the God of their fathers.


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And he said to the judges, Look <i>well</i> at what ye are doing; because not for man are ye to judge, but for the Lord, who is with you in pronouncing judgment.


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And now let the dread of the Lord be upon you: take heed and act; for with the Lord our God there is no injustice, nor respect for persons, nor taking of bribes.


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But also in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat appoint some of the Levites, and the priests, and of the chiefs of the family divisions of Israel, for the <i>giving of</i> the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.


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And he charged on them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with an undivided heart.


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And whatsoever controversy may come to you from your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, ye shall truly warn them that they incur not guilt against the Lord, and so there come wrath over you, and over your brethren: so must ye do, and ye will not incur guilt.


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And, behold, Amaryahu the chief priest is over you for every matter of the Lord; and Zebadyahu the son of Yishmael, the ruler for the house of Judah, for every matter of the king; and the Levites are officers before you. Be strong and act, and may the Lord be with the good.


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And it came to pass after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonim, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.


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And there came some and told unto Jehoshaphat, saying, There is coming against thee a great multitude from beyond the sea, from Syria; and, behold, they are in Chazazonthamar, which is Engedi.


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Then became Jehoshaphat afraid, and he directed his face to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a fast over all Judah.


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And <i>the people of</i> Judah gathered themselves together, to ask <i>help</i> of the Lord: also out of all the cities of Judah did they come to seek the Lord.


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And Jehoshaphat stood forward in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court.


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And he said, O Lord, the God of our fathers, thou art God in the heavens, and thou rulest over all the kingdoms of the nations; and in thy hand are the power and might, and there is none that can withstand thee.


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Behold, it is thou, O our God, who hast driven out the inhabitants of this land from before thy people Israel; and thou gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend to eternity.


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If there should come over us any evil, the sword, punishment, or pestilence, or famine, <i>then</i> will we stand before this house, and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house, and we will cry unto thee out of our distress, and thou wilt hear and help.


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And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, against whom thou wouldst not suffer Israel to come, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and destroyed them not:


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And behold, they recompense us, by coming to drive us out of thy inheritance, which thou hast given us to possess.


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O our God, wilt thou not execute justice on them? for there is no power in us against this great multitude that is coming against us; and we indeed know not what we are to do: but upon thee are our eyes <i>directed</i>.


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And upon Jachaziel the son of Zecharyahu, the son of Benayah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Matthanyah, the Levite, of the sons of Assaph, came the spirit of the Lord in the midst of the assembly;


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And he said, Listen ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus hath said the Lord unto you, Be ye not afraid and be not dismayed because of this great multitude; for not unto you belongeth the battle, but unto God.


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Tomorrow go ye down against them behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and ye will find them at the end of the valley, in front of the wilderness of Jeruel.


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Ye shall not need to fight in this place: stand firmly, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out to meet them, and the Lord will be with you.


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And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, to prostrate themselves unto the Lord.


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And then arose the Levites, of the children of the Kehathites, and of the children of the Korehites, to praise the Lord the God of Israel with a very loud voice.


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And they rose up early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Thekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood forward and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe in the Lord your God, and ye will have permanence; believe his prophets, and ye will prosper.


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And he consulted with his people, and he appointed singers unto the Lord, and those that should praise in the holy ornaments, as they went out before the armed array, and said, Give thanks unto the Lord; for unto everlasting endureth his kindness.


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And at the time when they began with the song and the praise, the Lord set an ambush against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who were come against Judah, and they were smitten.


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And the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to annihilate and to destroy them; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.


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And when Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none had escaped.


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And then came Jehoshaphat and his people to plunder their booty, and they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and costly vessels, which they stript off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in plundering the booty, for 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 the Lord: therefore did they call the name of this place, The valley of Berachah <i>Blessing</i>, until this day.


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Then returned all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, to return to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had caused them to rejoice over their enemies.


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And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and with harps and with trumpets unto the house of the Lord.


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And a dread from God was on all the kingdoms of <i>those</i> countries, when they heard that the Lord had fought with the enemies of Israel.


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And <i>so</i> did Jehoshaphat reign over Judah; thirty and five years old was he when he became king, and twenty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Azubah the daughter of Shilchi.


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And he walked in the way of his father Assa, and turned not aside from it, doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.


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Nevertheless the highplaces were not removed; for the people had not yet directed their heart firmly unto the God of their fathers.


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And the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Chanani, which was entered into the book of the kings of Israel.


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And after this did Jehoshaphat the king of Judah connect himself with Achazyah the king of Israel, the same who acted very wickedly;


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And he connected himself with him to make ships to go to Tharshish: and they made ships in Ezyongeber.


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Then prophesied Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast connected thyself with Achazyahu, the Lord hath broken down thy works. And the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tharshish.


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


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And he had brothers the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azaryah, and Jechiel, and Zecharyahu, and Azaryahu, and Michael, and Shephatyahu, all these being sons of Jehoshaphat the king of Israel.


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


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Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.


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Thirty and two years was Jehoram old when he became king, and eight years did he reign in Jerusalem.


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And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as had done the house of Achab; for the daughter of Achab had he for wife: and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.


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Yet would the Lord not destroy the house of David, on account of the covenant which he had made with David, and as he had said to give to him a government and to his sons at all times.


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Then did Jehoram go over with his princes, and all the chariots were with him; and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites who compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots.


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Yet Edom revolted from under the power of Judah even until this day: then did Libnah revolt at the same time from under his power; because he had forsaken the Lord the God of his fathers.


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He also made highplaces in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go astray, and misled Judah.


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And there came unto him a writing from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus hath said the Lord the God of David thy father, Inasmuch as thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, and in the ways of Assa the king of Judah,


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But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go astray, as the house of Achab hath caused <i>others</i> to go astray, and hast also slain thy brothers of thy fathers house, who were better than thyself:


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Behold, the Lord will inflict a great plague on thy people, and on thy children, and on thy wives, and on all thy possessions;


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And thou shalt be <i>afflicted</i> with great diseases by a disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels pass out <i>from thee</i> by reason of the disease days upon days.


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And the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that are alongside of the Cushim:


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And they went up against Judah, and made an incursion into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the kings house, and also his sons, and his wives; and there was not left unto him any son, save Jehoachaz, the youngest of his sons.


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And it came to pass, from days to days, and when the <i>fixed</i> time was expired, after two years, that his bowels passed out <i>from him</i> by reason of his disease: so he died of evil diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning for his fathers.


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Thirty and two years old was he when he became king, and eight years did he reign in Jerusalem, and departed without joy: and 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 Achazyahu his youngest son king in his stead; for the predatory band that was come with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So became Achazyahu, the son of Jehoram the king of Judah, king.


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Forty and two years old was Achazyahu when he became king, and one year did he reign in Jerusalem: and his mothers name was Athalyahu the <i>grand</i> daughter of Omri.


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Also he walked in the ways of the house of Achab; for his mother was his counsellor to act wickedly.


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And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord like the house of Achab; for these 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 Achab the king of Israel to war against Chazael the king of Syria at Ramothgilad: and the Syrians smote Joram.


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And he returned to be healed in Yizreel because of the wounds which had been given him at Ramah, when he fought with Chazael the king of Syria. And Azaryahu the son of Jehoram the king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Achab at Yizreel, because he was sick.


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But from God was the confusion of Achazyahu that he should come to Joram: and when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to cut off the house of Achab.


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And it came to pass, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Achab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brothers of Achazyahu, that ministered to Achazyahu, and he slew them.


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And he sought Achazyahu, and they caught him while he was hiding himself in Samaria, and they brought him to Jehu, and they slew him, and buried him; because they said, He is son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart. And there was none of the house of Achazyahu who had sufficient power <i>to obtain</i> the kingdom.


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And when Athalyahu the mother of Achazyahu saw that her son was dead, she arose and exterminated all the royal seed of the house of Judah.


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But Yehoshabath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Achazyahu, and stole him away from the midst of the kings sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse into the bedchamber. So did Yehoshabath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Yehoyada the priest,for she was the sister of Achazyahu,hide him from Athalyahu, so that she slew him not.


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And he was with them in the house of God hidden six years, while Athalyah was reigning over the land.


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And in the seventh year Yehoyada strengthened himself, and took the captains of the hundreds, Azaryah the son of Jerocham and Yishmael the son of Jehochanan, and Azaryahu the son of Obed, and Maasseyahu the son of Adayahu, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, with him into a covenant.


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And they moved about in Judah, and gathered the Levites together out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of the families of Israel; and they came to Jerusalem.


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And all the congregation made a covenant in the house of God with the king. And he said unto them, Behold, the kings son shall be king, as the Lord hath spoken concerning the sons of David.


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This is the thing that ye shall do, A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be gatekeepers at the thresholds;


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And a third part shall be at the kings house; and a third part at the foundationgate; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord.


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But let none come into the house of the Lord, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites: they shall enter, for they are holy; but all the people shall keep the charge of the Lord.


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And the Levites shall encompass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he who cometh into the house shall be put to death; and be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.


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And the Levites and all Judah did in accordance with all that Yehoyada the priest had commanded, and they took every man his men that came in on the sabbath, with those that were to be relieved on the sabbath; for Yehoyada the priest had not dismissed the divisions.


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And Yehoyada the priest gave to the captains of the hundreds the spears, and the shields, and the quivers, that belonged to king David, which were in the house of God.


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


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Then did they bring forth the kings son, and put upon him the crown, and <i>gave him</i> the testimony, and they made him king. And Yehoyada and his sons anointed him, and said, Long live the king.


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And when Athalyah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord.


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And she looked, and behold, the king stood upon his stand at the entrance, and the princes and the trumpets were around the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew on trumpets; also the singers <i>were there</i> leading with instruments of music in the songs of praise; and Athalyah rent her clothes, and said, "Treason, treason."


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But Yehoyada the priest ordered the captains of the hundreds, the commanders of the army, to go out, and said unto them, Lead her forth to within the ranges; and he that followeth her shall be put to death with the sword. For the priest had said, Ye shall not put her to death in the house of the Lord.


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And they made way for her: and she went to the entrance of the horsegate by the kings house, and they put her to death there.


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And Yehoyada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be a people unto the Lord.


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And then came all the people into the house of Baal, and pulled it down, and his altars and his images did they break in pieces, and Mathhan the priest of Baal they slew before the altars.


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And Yehoyada placed the supervision over the house of the Lord into the hand of the priests, the Levites, whom David had divided off over the house of the Lord, to offer the burntofferings of the Lord, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, after the manner of David.


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And he appointed the gatekeepers over the gates of the house of the Lord, that none unclean in any thing should enter therein.


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And he took the captains of the hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors over the people, and all the people of the land, and he brought down the king from the house of the Lord, and they came through the midst of the upper gate into the kings house; and they caused the king to sit upon the throne of the kingdom.


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And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet; but Athalyahu they had slain with the sword.


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Seven years old was Joash when he became king, and forty years did he reign in Jerusalem: and the name of his mother was Zibyah of Beersheba.


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And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and ye shall make haste in this matter. But the Levites made no haste.


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Then called the king for Yehoyada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required from the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the contribution <i>fixed by</i> Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of the testimony?


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For the sons of the wicked Athalyahu have made breaches <i>in</i> the house of God; and also the holy things of the house of the Lord have they applied to the Bealim.


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And at the kings order they made a chest, and placed it at the gate of the house of the Lord on the outside.


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And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the contribution <i>fixed by</i> Moses the servant of God upon Israel in the wilderness.


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And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and they brought it in, and cast it into the chest, until it was full.


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Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the kings office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, then came the kings scribe and the highpriests officer and emptied the chest, and took it up, and brought it back to its place. Thus did they day by day, and gathered money in abundance.


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And the king and Yehoyada gave it to those who overlooked the service of the house of the Lord, and these hired masons and carpenters to renew the house of the Lord, and also to the workers in iron and copper to repair the house of the Lord.


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So the workmen wrought, and the work was restored through their means, and they replaced the house of God in its <i>former</i> state, and strengthened it.


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And when they had completed it, they brought before the king and Yehoyada the rest of the money, and they made of it vessels for the house of the Lord, the vessels of the service and for the sacrificing, and the spoons, and <i>other</i> vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burntofferings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Yehoyada.


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And Yehoyada became old, and was full of days, and died: he was old one hundred and thirty years when he died.


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And they buried him in the city of David among the kings; because he had done a good thing in Israel, and toward God, and his house.


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But after the death of Yehoyada came the princes of Judah, and bowed themselves down to the king. Then did the king hearken unto them.


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And they forsook the house of the Lord the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols: and there came wrath over Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness.


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And he sent prophets among them, to bring them back again unto the Lord; and they gave them warning; but they did not give ear.


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And the spirit of God endued Zechariah the son of Yehoyada the priest, and he stood up above the people, and he said unto them, Thus hath said the <i>true</i> God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord? ye cannot prosper so; because <i>as</i> ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.


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And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the command of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.


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And king Joash did not remember the kindness which Yehoyada his father had shown to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The Lord will see <i>this</i>, and require <i>my blood</i>.


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And it came to pass at the expiration of the year, that the army 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 all their spoil they sent off unto the king of Damascus.


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Indeed with a small company of men did the army of Syria come; but the Lord delivered into their hand an army exceedingly numerous; because they had forsaken the Lord the God of their fathers. And on Joash they executed punishment.


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And when these were gone away from himfor they left him <i>suffering</i> with great diseaseshis own servants conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Yehoyada 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.


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And these are those that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimath the Ammonitess, and Yehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess.


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Now concerning his sons, and the great prophecy concerning him, and the founding of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amazyahu his son became king in his stead.


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When twenty and five years old did Amazyahu become king, and twenty and nine years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Yehoaddan of Jerusalem.


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


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But their children he put not to death; but <i>did</i> as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, that the Lord had commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, nor shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.


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And Amazyahu gathered Judah together, and stationed them after the family divisions, after the captains over the thousands, and after the captains over the hundreds, of all Judah and Benjamin; and he numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them <i>to be</i> three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to the army, that could handle spear and shield.


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He hired also out of Israel one hundred thousand mighty men of valor for one hundred talents of silver.


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But a man of God came unto him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, <i>with</i> all the children of Ephraim.


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But if thou wilt go, <i>and be ever so</i> active <i>and</i> strong for the battle: God will cause thee to stumble before the enemy; for there is power with God to help, and to cause to stumble.


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Then said Amazyahu to the man of God, But what is it to be done for the hundred talents which I have given to the band of Israel? And the man of God said, The Lord hath <i>enough in his power</i> to give thee much more than this.


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Then did Amazyahu separate them, <i>to wit,</i> the band that was come to him out of Ephraim, that they might go to their place: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned to their home in burning anger.


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And Amazyahu strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand <i>men</i>.


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And ten thousand did the children of Judah take captive alive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, so that they all were crushed.


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But the men of the band whom Amazyahu had sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, spread themselves about in the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethchoron, and smote of them three thousand <i>persons</i>, and plundered much spoil.


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And it came to pass, after Amazyahu was come home from smiting the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up unto himself as gods, and before them he used to prostrate himself and unto them he used to burn incense.


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Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amazyahu, and he sent unto him a prophet, who said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, that have not delivered their own people out of thy hand?


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And it came to pass, as he was speaking unto him, that he said unto him, Have we ever appointed thee as a counsellor to the king? forbear this: why shouldst thou be smitten? Then did the prophet forbear; and he said, I know that God hath resolved to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.


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Then held Amazyahu the king of Judah a council, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoachaz, the son of Jehu, the king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.


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And Joash the king of Israel sent to Amazyahu the king of Judah, saying, The thornbush that was in the Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in the Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son for wife. And there passed along the wild beasts that were in the Lebanon, and trod down the thornbush.


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Thou hast thought, Lo, thou hast smitten Edom; and thy heart hath lifted thee up to acquire much glory: now stay in thy house; why wilt thou meddle with misfortune, that thou mayest fall, thou, and Judah with thee?


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But Amazyahu would not hear; for it was <i>ordained</i> by God, in order to deliver them into the hand <i>of Joash</i>; because they had sought after the gods of Edom.


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Thereupon did Joash the king of Israel go up: and they looked one another in the face, he and Amazyahu the king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.


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And Joash the king of Israel caught Amazyahu the king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoachaz, at Bethshemesh; and he brought him to Jerusalem, and made a breach in the wall of Jerusalem, from the gate of Ephraim unto the cornergate, four hundred cubits.


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And <i>taking</i> all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the kings house, and the children of the chiefs as hostages, he returned to Samaria.


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And Amazyahu the son of Joash the king of Judah lived after the death of Joash the son of Jehoachaz the king of Israel fifteen years.


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And the rest of the acts of Amazyahu the first and the last, behold, they are fully written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


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Now from the time that Amazyahu departed from following the Lord, they raised a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: wherefore he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.


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And all the people of Judah took Uzziyahu, who was then sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amazyahu.


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Sixteen years old was Uzziyahu when he became king, and fifty and two years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Yecholyah of Jerusalem.


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And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that his father Amazyahu had done.


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And he was <i>inclined</i> to seek God in the days of Zecharyahu, who had understanding in the visions of God; and during the time that he sought the Lord, God caused him to prosper.


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And he went forth and made war against the Philistines, and he broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in <i>the country of</i> Ashdod, and among the Philistines.


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And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Meunim.


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And the Ammonites gave presents to Uzziyahu: and his name extended even to the entrance of Egypt; for he became exceedingly strong.


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And Uzziyahu built towers in Jerusalem, above the cornergate, and above the valleygate, and at the angle, and made them strong.


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He built also towers in the desert, and hewed out many wells; for he had much cattle, both in the lowlands and in the plain; <i>also</i> husbandmen, and vintners in the mountains, and in Carmel; for he loved husbandry.


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Moreover Uzziyah had an army of fighting men, that went out to the host by bands, according to the number of those mustered of them through the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maasseyahu the overseer, under the supervision of Chananyahu, one of the kings captains.


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The whole number of the chiefs of the family divisions of the mighty men of valor was two thousand and six hundred.


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


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And Uzziyahu prepared for them, for all the host, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging.


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And he made in Jerusalem artificial contrivances, contrived by a skilful man, to be <i>stationed</i> on the towers and upon the ramparts, to shoot off arrows and great stones. And his name extended ever so far abroad; for he was marvelously assisted, till he became strong.


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But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; and he became unfaithful against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.


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And there went in after him Azaryahu the priest, and with him were priests of the Lord, valiant men, <i>to the number of</i> eighty;


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And they stood forward against king Uzziyahu, and they said unto him, It is not for thee, O Uzziyahu, to burn incense unto the Lord, but for the priests the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; and it will not be for thy honor from the Lord God.


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But Uzziyahu became wroth, and in his hand was a censer to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, above the altar of the incense.


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And when Azaryahu the chief priest, with all the priests, turned about toward him, behold, he was leprous on his forehead, and they hurried him away from there: yea, he also made haste to go out, because the Lord had afflicted him.


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And king Uzziyahu was a leper until the day of his death, and dwelt in the leperhouse, as a leper; for he was excluded from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the kings house, <i>and</i> judged the people of the land.


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And the rest of the acts of Uzziyahu, the first and the last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amos write.


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And Uzziyahu slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the burialfield which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son became king in his stead.


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Twenty and five years old was Jotham when he became king, and sixteen years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Yerushah, the daughter of Zadok.


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And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that his father Uzziyahu had done: only he entered not into the temple of the Lord. But the people acted still corruptly.


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He it was that built the upper gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of the hillfort he built much.


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And he likewise fought with the king of the sons of Ammon, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him in that same year one hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him again, both in the second year, and in the third.


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And the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


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And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son became king in his stead.


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Twenty years old was Achaz when he became king, and sixteen years did he reign in Jerusalem; and he did not what is right in the eyes of the Lord, like David his father;


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And he also burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his sons in the fire, after the abominable acts of the nations that the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel.


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Wherefore the Lord his God gave him up into the hand of the king of Syria; and they defeated his people, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And also into the hand of the king of Israel was he given up, and he defeated his people with a great slaughter.


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And Pekach the son of Remalyahu slew in Judah one hundred and twenty thousand in one day, all being valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers.


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And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maasseyahu the kings son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah the second in rank to the king.


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And the children of Israel led away captive from their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and also much booty did they plunder from them, and they brought the booty to Samaria.


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But there was a prophet of the Lord, Oded was his name; and he went out to meet the host that was coming to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because of the fury of the Lord the God of your fathers against Judah, hath he given them up into your hand, and ye have slain among them in a rage that reacheth as far as the heavens.


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And now ye think to force the children of Judah and Jerusalem to become bondmen and bondwomen unto you; but surely are there not with you, even with you, trespasses against the Lord your God?


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And now hear me, and restore the captives, whom ye have taken captive from your brethren; for the fierce wrath of the Lord is over you.


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Then arose certain men of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azaryahu the son of Jehochanan, Berechyahu the son of Meshillemoth, and Jechizkiyahu the son of Shallum, and Amassa the son of Chadlai, against those that were come from the army.


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And they said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither; for in addition to the guiltiness against the Lord <i>resting</i> on us, ye think to add unto our sins and unto our guiltiness; for great is the guiltiness <i>resting</i> on us, and there is fierce wrath over Israel.


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And then arose the men who have been expressed by name, and took hold of the captives, and all that were naked among them they clothed from the booty; and they gave them garments and shoes, 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 palmtrees, near their brethren; and then did they return to Samaria.


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And the Philistines invaded the cities of the lowlands, and of the south of Judah, and captured Bethshemesh, and Ayalon, and Gederoth, and Socho with its villages, and Thimnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they dwelt there.


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For the Lord humbled Judah on account of Achaz the king of Israel; for he made Judah unruly, and acted very faithlessly against the Lord.


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Then came against him Tilgathpilneesser the king of Assyria, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.


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Although Achaz took away a portion <i>out</i> of the house of the Lord, and <i>out</i> of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: he yet gave him no assistance.


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And in the time that he distressed him, became he yet more faithless against the Lord,yea, he, king Achaz;


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And he sacrificed unto the gods of <i>the people of</i> Damascus, who had smitten him; and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria do help them, <i>therefore</i> will I sacrifice unto them, that they may help me. But they only became to him a stumblingblock for him and for all Israel.


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And Achaz gathered up the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and locked up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem.


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And in each and every city of Judah made he highplaces to burn incense unto other gods; and he provoked to anger the Lord the God of his fathers.


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And the rest of his acts and of all his ways, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


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And Achaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, in Jerusalem; for they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son became king in his stead.


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Hezekiah became king when five and twenty years old, and twenty and nine years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Abiyah, the daughter of Zecharyahu.


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He it was that in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them.


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And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the open place at the east;


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And he said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify yourselves now, and sanctity the house of the Lord the God of your fathers, and carry forth the unclean thing out of the sanctuary.


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For our fathers have dealt faithlessly, and have done what is evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him; and they have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs.


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They had also locked up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and incense have they not burnt, and the burntofferings have they not offered in the sanctuary, unto the God of Israel.


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Wherefore the wrath of the Lord is upon Judah and Jerusalem. and he hath rendered them to be a horror, an astonishment, and a hissing, as ye see with your eyes.


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And, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons, and our daughters, and our wives are in captivity because of this.


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Now it is in my heart to make a covenant for the Lord the God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.


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My sons, be not negligent now; for of you hath the Lord made choice to stand before him, to minister unto him, and that ye might be unto him ministers and those that burn incense.


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Then arose the Levites, Machath the son of Amassai, and Joel the son of Azaryahu, of the sons of the Kehathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azaryahu the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershunites, Joach the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joach:


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And of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri, and Jeiel; and of the sons of Assaph, Zecharyahu and Matthanyahu;


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And they gathered together their brethren, and they sanctified themselves, and came, according to the command of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.


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And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord, to cleanse it; and they brought out every thing unclean which they found in the temple of the Lord into the court of the house of the Lord; and the Levites received it, to carry it out abroad unto the brook Kidron.


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And they commenced on the first day of the first month to sanctify; and on the eighth day of the month they came to the porch of the Lord, and they sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days; and on the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.


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Then went they in the inner part <i>of the palace</i> to king Hezekiah, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burntoffering, and all its vessels, and the table of shewbread, and all its vessels.


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Moreover all the vessels, which king Achaz had cast aside during his reign in his faithlessness, have we put in order and sanctified: and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord.


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Then arose king Hezekiah early, and gathered together the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.


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And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven sheep, and seven hegoats, as a sinoffering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he ordered the sons of Aaron the priests to offer <i>them</i> on the altar of the Lord.


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So they slaughtered the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar; and they slaughtered the rams, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar; they also slaughtered the sheep, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.


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And they brought near the hegoats of the sinoffering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:


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And the priests slaughtered them, and they made an expiation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel; because for all the people, said the king, should be the burntoffering and the sinoffering.


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And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the command of David, and of Gad the kings seer, and Nathan the prophet: because from the Lord was this commandment by means of his prophets.


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And Hezekiah ordered to offer the burntoffering on the altar. And when the burntoffering began, the song of the Lord began <i>also</i> with the trumpets, and with the instruments of David the king of Israel.


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And all the assembly prostrated themselves, and the song sounded, and the trumpeters blew; all this <i>continued</i> until the burntoffering was completed.


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And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him kneeled down and prostrated themselves.


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And king Hezekiah and the princes then said to the Levites to sing praises unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Assaph the seer. And they sang praises with great joy, and they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves.


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Then commenced Hezekiah, and said, Now have ye consecrated yourselves unto the Lord: come near and bring sacrifices and thanksgivingofferings unto the house of the Lord. And the assembly brought in sacrifices and thanksgivingofferings, and every one who was liberal of heart, burntofferings.


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And the number of the burntofferings, which the assembly brought, was seventy bullocks, one hundred rams, <i>and</i> two hundred sheep: as a burntoffering unto the Lord were all these.


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Only the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burntofferings: wherefore their brethren the Levites assisted them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests could sanctify themselves, for the Levites were of upright heart to sanctify themselves more than the priests.


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But there were also burntofferings in abundance, with the fat of the peaceofferings, and the drinkofferings for the burntofferings. So was <i>again</i> established the service of the house of the Lord.


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And Hezekiah rejoiced, with all the people, over that which God had prepared for the people; because the thing occurred suddenly.


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Then sent Hezekiah to all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to prepare the passoversacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel.


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And the king held a consultation, as also his princes, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to prepare the passoversacrifice in the second month.


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For they were not able to prepare it at that time; because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, nor had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.


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So they established a decree to cause a proclamation to be made throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even as far as Dan, that they should come to prepare the passoversacrifice unto thy Lord the God of Israel at Jerusalem; because for a long time past they had not prepared it as it was written,


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So the runners went with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the command of the king, saying, O children of Israel, return unto the Lord the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the power of the kings of Assyria.


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And be net like your fathers, and like your brethren, who acted faithlessly against the Lord the God of their fathers, wherefore he gave them up to become an <i>object of</i> astonishment, as ye see.


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Now do ye not harden your necks, like your fathers: hold out your hand unto the Lord, and come unto his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve the Lord your God, and so will he turn away from you the fierceness of his wrath.


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For If ye return unto the Lord, your brethren and your children will find mercy in the presence of their captors, so that they may return to this land; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his countenance from you, if ye return unto him.


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And as the runners were passing from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Menasseh and as far as Zebulun, they were laughing them to scorn, and mocking at them.


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Nevertheless some men of Asher and Menasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.


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Also over Judah came the hand of God to give unto them one heart to do the command of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.


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And there was gathered together at Jerusalem a numerous people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly.


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And they arose and removed the altars which were in Jerusalem, and all the vessels for burning incense did they take away, and they threw them into the brook Kidron.


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And they slaughtered the passoversacrifice on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burntofferings unto the house of the Lord.


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And they stood on their station after their prescribed manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God, the priest sprinkling the blood, <i>which they received</i> out of the hand of the Levites.


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For there were many in the assembly that had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites had the charge of the slaughtering of the passover sacrifices for every one that was not clean, to sanctify <i>the same</i> unto the Lord.


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For a large portion of the people, even many out of Ephraim, and Menasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, but ate the passover not as it is written. However Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The Lord who is good will grant pardon for this.


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To every one that hath directed his heart to seek God, the Lord the God of his fathers; though he be not <i>cleansed</i> according to the purification of the sanctuary.


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And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem celebrated the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great joy; and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, with loud instruments before the Lord.


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And Hezekiah spoke comfortingly unto all the Levites that had good intelligence of the Lord: and they ate the festiveofferings during seven days, offering peaceofferings, and making confession to the Lord the God of their fathers.


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And the whole assembly took counsel to celebrate other seven days: and they celebrated <i>these</i> seven days with joy.


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For Hezekiah king of Judah had provided for the assembly one thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes had provided for the assembly one thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and the priests sanctified themselves in great numbers.


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And thus rejoiced all the assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly that was come out of Israel, and the strangers that were come out of the land of Israel, and those that dwelt in Judah.


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And there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David the king of Israel had the like not been in Jerusalem.


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Then arose the priests the Levites and blessed the people: and their voice was listened to, and their prayer came to His holy dwellingplace, even unto heaven.


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And when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke in pieces the statues, and cut down the groves, and pulled down the highplaces and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Menasseh, until they had made an end of them all. Then returned all the children of Israel every man to his possession, to their own cities.


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And Hezekiah stationed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, of the priests and the Levites, for burntofferings and for peaceofferings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camps of the Lord.


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The king also gave a portion from his own property for the burntofferings, <i>namely,</i> for the morning and evening burntofferings, and the burntofferings for the sabbaths, and for the newmoons, and for the appointed feasts, as it is written in the law of the Lord.


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Moreover he said to the people, to those who dwelt in Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, in order that they might hold firmly to the law of the Lord.


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And when the matter was spread abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, of the new wine, and of oil, and of honey, and of all the products of the field: and the tithe of all things did they bring <i>likewise</i> in abundance.


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And as for 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 hallowed unto the Lord their God, and gave <i>them</i> by heaps.


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In the third month did they begin to lay the foundation of the heaps, and in the seventh month did they finish them.


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


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Then spoke to him Azaryahu the chief priest of the house of Zadok, and said, Since it was begun to bring the heaveofferings into the house of the Lord, there hath been enough to eat, and to leave in great abundance; for the Lord hath blessed his people: and that which is left is this great mass.


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And they brought in the heaveofferings, and the tithes, and the sanctified things, in faithfulness: and over them were appointed the ruler Conanyahu the Levite, and Shimi his brother the second in rank.


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And Jechiel, and Azazyahu, and Nachath, and Assahel, and Jerimoth. and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Yissmachyahu, and Machath, and Benayahu, were overseers under the supervision of Conanyahu and Shimi his brother, by the appointment of king Hezekiah, and Azazyahu the ruler of the house of God.


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And Kore the son of Yimnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east side. was over the freewillofferings of God, to give <i>to him</i> the heaveofferings of the Lord, and the most holy things.


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And under his supervision were Eden, and Minyamin, and Jeshua, and Shemayahu, Amaryahu, and Shechanyahu, in the cities of the priests, in faithfulness, to give to their brethren after the divisions, equally to the great as to the small;


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Besides <i>these</i> to those recorded by their genealogies of males, from three years old and upward, of all that entered into the house of the Lord, the daily portion on its day, for their service in their charges according to their divisions.


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And likewise to the priests recorded by their genealogies after their family divisions, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their divisions;


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And to those recorded by their genealogies of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, of all the assembly; for in their faithfulness they devoted themselves in the sanctuary.


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Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the open districts of their cities, in each and every city, there were men, expressed by name, who had to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were recorded by their genealogies among the Levites.


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And the like did Hezekiah in all Judah, and he did what is good and right and true before the Lord his God.


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And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he acted with all his heart, and prospered.


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After these things and veritable events came Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and invaded Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to break them open for himself.


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And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was coming, and that his face <i>was directed</i> for war against Jerusalem,


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He consulted with his princes and his mighty men to stop up the waters of the springs which were without the city: and they helped him.


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And there were gathered together a very numerous body of people, and they stopped up all the springs, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?


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Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall where it was broken down, and heightened the towers, and <i>built</i> without another wall, and fortified the Millo of the city of David, and made weapons in abundance and shields.


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And he appointed warofficers over the people, and gathered them together unto him in the open place at the gate of the city, and spoke comfortingly to them, saying,


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Be strong and of good courage, do not fear and be not dismayed because of the king of Assyria, and because of all the multitude that is with him; for with us there is One greater than with him:


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With him there is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people relied upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah.


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After this did Sennacherib the king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, while he was himself lying before Lachish, and all <i>the chief troops of</i> his dominion with him, against Hezekiah the king of Judah, and against all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,


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Thus hath said Sennacherib the king of Assyria, On what do ye trust, that ye remain besieged in Jerusalem?


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Doth not Hezekiah mislead you to give you up to die by famine and by thirst, when he saith, The Lord our God will deliver us out of the grasp of the king of Assyria?


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Is it not this Hezekiah that hath removed his highplaces and his altars, when he said to Judah and to Jerusalem, saying, Before one altar shall ye prostrate yourselves, and upon it shall ye burn incense?


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Know ye not what I have done, I and my fathers, unto all the people of <i>other</i> lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their land out of my hand?


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Who among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, was it, that was able to deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my hand?


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And now let not Hezekiah deceive you, and let him not mislead you in this manner, nor believe him; for no god of any nation or kingdom whatever was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less will you Gods, deliver you out of my hand!


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He wrote also letters to blaspheme against the Lord the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of <i>other</i> lands, who have not delivered their people out of my hand, so will the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand.


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Then did they call out with a loud voice in the Jewish language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to frighten them, and to terrify them: in order that they might capture the city.


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And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem, as concerning the gods of the nations of the earth, the work of the hands of man.


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And king Hezekiah and Isaiah the son of Amos the prophet prayed for this cause, and they cried to heaven.


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And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off every mighty man of valor and leader and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria: and when he was returned with shame of face to his own land, he went into the house of his god, and <i>those</i> that were come forth from his own bowels felled him there with the sword.


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Thus did the Lord save Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and out of the hand of all, and guided them <i>safely</i> on every side.


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And many brought presents unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah the king of Judah: so that he was exalted before the eyes of all the nations after that time.


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In those days fell Hezekiah sick to the death; and he prayed unto the Lord: and he spoke unto him, and he gave him a wonderful token.


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But not according to the mercy shown unto him did Hezekiah act in return; for his heart was lifted up: wherefore there came wrath over him, and over Judah and Jerusalem.


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Then became Hezekiah humbled because of the lifting up of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.


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And Hezekiah had riches and honor in exceeding abundance; 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 costly vessels;


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And storehouses for the produce of corn, and new wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds for flocks.


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Moreover he erected for himself cities, and <i>acquired</i> possessions of flocks and herds in multitude; for God had given him wealth in great abundance.


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This same Hezekiah also stopped up the upper mouth of the waters of Gichon, and brought them straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.


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And in the same manner in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire concerning the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him, to prove him, to know all that was in his heart.


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And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his pious deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, the prophet, <i>and</i> in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.


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And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the highest place of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem showed him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son became king in his stead.


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Twelve years old was Manasseh when he became king, and fifty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem.


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And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, after the abominable acts of the nations whom the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel.


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And he built again the highplaces which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he erected altars for the Bealim, and made Asheroth, and bowed himself down to all the host of heaven, and served them.


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And he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.


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And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of Benhinnom: he also observed times, and employed enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with <i>those of</i> a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he did much that is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.


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And he placed a carved image of the idol which he had made in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have made choice of out of all the tribes of Israel, will I place my name for ever.


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Nor will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for your fathers; but only if 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.


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But Menasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do worse than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed from before the children of Israel.


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Wherefore the Lord brought over them the captains of the army belonging to the king of Assyria: and they took Menasseh prisoner with chains, and bound him with fetters, and led him off to Babylon.


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And when he was in distress, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.


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And he prayed unto him, and he permitted himself to be entreated by him, and heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem, unto his kingdom. Then did Menasseh feel conscious that the Lord is indeed the <i>true</i> God.


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And after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gichon, in the valley, even to the entrance of the fishgate, and about the hillfort, and raised it up to a very great height; and he placed captains of the army in all the fortified cities of Judah.


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And he removed the strange gods and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built on the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and he cast them forth to without the city.


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And he rebuilt the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereupon peaceofferings and thanksgivingofferings, and he ordered Judah to serve the Lord the God of Israel.


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And the rest of the acts of Menasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spoke to him in the name of the Lord the God of Israel, behold, they are in the history of the kings of Israel.


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His prayer also, and <i>how God</i> was entreated of him, and all his sins and his faithlessness, and the places whereon he built highplaces, and set up the Asherim and the graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written in the history of Chozai.


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And Menasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. And Amon his son became king in his stead.


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And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, as Menasseh his father had done; and unto all the carved images which Menasseh his father had made did Amon sacrifice, and them he served;


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But he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Menasseh his father had humbled himself; for he, Amon, made his guiltiness great.


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


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And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right or to the left.


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And in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a lad, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem from the highplaces, and the Asherim, and the carved images, and the molten images.


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And they broke down in his presence the altars of the Bealim, and the sunimages, that were set above them, he cut down; and the Asherim, and the carved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces, and ground down, and strewed <i>the same</i> upon the graves of those that had sacrificed unto them.


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And <i>so did he</i> in the cities of Menasseh and Ephraim and Simeon, even as far as Naphtali, with their mattocks, round about.


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


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And in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purified the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azalyahu, and Maasseyahu the governor of the city and Joach the son of Joachaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God.


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And they came to Chilkiyahu the highpriest, and gave up the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites that watched at the threshold had gathered from the hand of Menasseh and Ephraim, and from all the remnant of Israel, and from all Judah and Benjamin, and were returned to Jerusalem.


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And they delivered it into the hand of those who overlooked the workmen that had been appointed as overseers of the house of the Lord: and those who overlooked the workmen, who did the work in the house of the Lord, gave it out, to repair and to restore the house,


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And they gave it to the carpenters and to the builders to buy hewn stone and timber for joists, and to lay the beams in the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.


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And the men acted faithfully in the work: and over them were appointed Jachath and Obadyahu, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kehathites, to supervise; and every one of these Levites was skilful on instruments of music.


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They were also over the bearers of burdens and supervisors over all that did the work in every manner of service: and from the Levites there were also scribes, and officers, and gatekeepers.


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And when they took out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, Chilkiyahu the priest found the book of the law of the Lord through the hand of Moses.


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Then commenced Chilkiyahu and said to Shaphan the scribe, The book of the law have I found in the house of the Lord. And Chilkiyahu gave the book to Shaphan.


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And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king also word back again, saying, All that was put in the hand of thy servants, have they truly done.


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And they have taken out the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the appointed overseers, and into the hand of those who overlook the workmen.


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Then told Shaphan the scribe the king, saying, A book hath Chilkiyahu the priest given me. And Shaphan read in it before the king.


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And the king commanded Chilkiyahu, and Achikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Michah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Assayah a servant of the kings, saying,


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Go ye, inquire of the Lord in my behalf, and in behalf of those that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that hath been found; for great is the fury of the Lord that is poured out against us, because our fathers did not keep the word of the Lord, to do in accordance with all that is written in this book.


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Then went Chilkiyahu with those whom the king <i>had appointed</i>, to Chuldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Thoknath, the son of Chassrah, the keeper of the wardrobe; now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the suburb; and they spoke to her in that wise.


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Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah;


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Because they have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other gods, in order to provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands: therefore is my fury poured out upon this place, and it shall not be quenched.


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And with respect to the king of Judah, who sendeth you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Concerning the words which thou hast heard;


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Because thy heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardst his words against this place, and against its inhabitants, and didst humble thyself before me, and rend thy clothes, and weep before me: I have also truly heard it, saith the Lord.


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Behold, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy graves in peace, and thy eyes shall not look on all the evil which I am bringing over this place, and over its inhabitants. And they brought the king word again.


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And the king went up into the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, from the great to the small; and he read before their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord.


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And the king stood up on his stand, and he made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, 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 that are written in this book.


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And he caused to accede to it every one that was present in Jerusalem and Benjamin. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.


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And Josiah removed all the abominations out of all the countries that belonged to the children of Israel, and caused all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. All his days did they not depart from following the Lord God of their fathers.


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And Josiah kept in Jerusalem the passover unto the Lord: and they slaughtered the passoversacrifice on the fourteenth day of the first month.


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And he placed the priests in their charges, and strengthened them for the service of the house of the Lord.


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And he said unto the Levites that instructed all Israel, who were holy unto the Lord, Set the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David the king of Israel did build; you have not to carry it any more upon your shoulders; now serve the Lord your God, and his people Israel.


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And prepare yourselves by your family divisions, according to your courses, after the written order of David the king of Israel, and after the written order of Solomon his son;


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And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the family divisions of your brethren the sons of the people, and after the division of the families of the Levites;


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And slaughter the passoversacrifice, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare it for your brethren, to do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.


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And Josiah set apart for the sons of the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passoversacrifices, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and of steers three thousand: these were of the kings property.


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And his princes set apart <i>much</i> as a freewill gift for the people for the priests, and for the Levites: Chilkiyah, and Zecharyahu, and Jechiel, the rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passoversacrifices two thousand and six hundred <i>lambs and kids</i>, and three hundred steers.


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And Conanyahu, and Shemayahu and Nethanel, his brothers, and Chashabyahu and Jeiel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, set apart unto the Levites for passoversacrifices five thousand <i>lambs and kids</i>, and five hundred steers.


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So the service was established, and the priests stood on their station, and the Levites in their divisions, according to the kings command.


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And they slaughtered the passoversacrifice, and the priests sprinkled <i>the blood received</i> from their hands, and the Levites did the flaying.


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And they removed the burntofferings to give them to the divisions of the family divisions of the sons of the people, to offer <i>them</i> unto the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the steers.


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And they roasted the passover by the fire in accordance with the prescribed manner; but the holy offerings they seethed in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the sons of the people.


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


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And the singers the sons of Assaph were on their station, according to the command of David, and Assaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the kings seer; and the gatekeepers were at every gate: they had no need to depart from their service; because their brethren the Levites prepared for them.


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So was established all the service of the Lord on the same day, to prepare the passoversacrifice, and to offer burntofferings upon the altar of the Lord, according to the command of king Josiah.


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And the children of Israel that were present prepared the passoversacrifice at that time, and <i>kept</i> the feast of unleavened bread seven days.


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And there was not holden any passover like this in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; and all the kings of Israel did not keep such a passover as Josiah kept, with the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.


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


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But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war, and God hath commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God who is with me, that he may not destroy thee.


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Nevertheless did Josiah not turn his face away from him, but disguised himself, to fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God; and he came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.


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And the archers shot at king Josiah: and the king said to his servants, Carry me away: for I am sorely wounded.


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And his servants carried him away out of that chariot, and conveyed him in the second chariot that he had: and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.


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And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah; and all the singing men and the singing women spoke of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and they instituted them as a custom in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.


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And the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his pious deeds, in accordance with what is written in the law of the Lord,


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And his acts, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


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And the people of the land took Jehoachaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his fathers stead in Jerusalem.


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Twenty and three years old was Joachaz when he became king, and three months did he reign in Jerusalem.


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And the king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem, and imposed a fine on the land of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.


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And the king of Egypt made Elyakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoyakim. And Joachaz his brother did Necho take away, and bring him to Egypt.


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Twenty and five years old was Jehoyakim when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem: and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord his God.


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Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and he bound him with fetters, to carry him away to Babylon.


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And some of the vessels of the house of the Lord did Nebuchadnezzar carry to Babylon, and he placed them in his temple at Babylon.


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And the rest of the acts of Jehoyakim, and his abominable deeds which he did, and that which was found concerning him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoyachin his son became king in his stead.


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Eight years old was Jehoyachin when he became king, and three months and ten days did he reign in Jerusalem: and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.


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And with the expiration of the year did king Nebuchadnezzar send and had him brought to Babylon, with the costly vessels of the house of the Lord: and he made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem,


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Twenty and one years old was Zedekiah when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem.


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And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord his God: he humbled himself not before Jeremiah the prophet, according to the order of the Lord.


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And also against king Nebuchadnezzar did he rebel, who had made him swear by God; but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart so as not to return unto the Lord the God of Israel.


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Also all the chiefs of the priests and the people committed manifold trespasses, like all the abominable acts of the <i>foreign</i> nations: and they defiled the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.


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And the Lord the God of their fathers sent to them by means of his messengers, making <i>them</i> rise early, and sending <i>them</i>: because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwellingplace;


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But they mocked at the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scorned his prophets, until the fury of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.


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And he brought over them the king of the Chaldeans, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or virgin, the old man, and the aged: all did he give up into his hand.


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And all the vessels of the house of God, the great and the small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king and of his princes,all these did he carry to Babylon.


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And they burnt the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and all her palaces they burnt with fire, and all her costly vessels they gave up to destruction.


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And those that had escaped from the sword did he carry into exile to Babylon: and they were servants to him and to his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to the government:


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To fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had satisfied its sabbaths: all the days of its desolation it rested, till seventy years were completed.


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And in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, at the completion of the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, did the Lord stir up the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persia, so that he caused a proclamation to be made throughout all his kingdom, and also by means of writing, saying,


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Thus hath said Cyrus the king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord the God of heaven given me, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.


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And in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, at the time the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah was accomplished, the Lord awakened the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persia; and he caused a proclamation to be made throughout all his kingdom, and also by means of writing, saying,


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Thus hath said Cyrus the king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord the God of heaven given unto me; and he hath directed me to build for him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.


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Whoever among you that is of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel, he is the God who is in Jerusalem.


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And whosoever remaineth out of any place where he hath sojourned, him shall the men of his place assist with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.


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Then rose up the chiefs of the divisions of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all those whose spirit God had awakened, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.


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And all those that were round about them supplied them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.


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Also king Cyrus brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought away out of Jerusalem, and had placed in the house of his god:


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Even these did Cyrus the king of Persia bring forth through the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out unto Sheshbazzar the prince for Judah.


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And this is their number: Thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,


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All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with the exiles that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.


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Now these are the children of the province who went up out of the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away into exile unto Babylon, and who returned unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;


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Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Serayah, Reelayah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Misspar, Bigvai, Rechum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel was:


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The children of Pachathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.


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The priests were: The children of Jedayah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.


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The Levites were: The children of Jeshua, and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodavyah, seventy and four.


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The children of the gatekeepers were: The children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Chatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty and nine.


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The templeservants were: The children of Zicha, the children of Chassupha, the children of Tabbaoth.


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The children of Solomons servants were: The children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda.


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The children of Shephatyah, the children of Chattil, the children of Pocherethhazzebayim, the children of Ami.


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All the templeservants, and the children of Solomons servants, were three hundred and ninety and two.


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And these are those who went up from Thelmelach, Thelcharsha, Kerub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not tell their family division, and their descent, whether they were of Israel:


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And of the children of the priests: The children of Chabayah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Giladite, and was called after their name.


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These sought for their familyregisters, but they were not found: wherefore they were excluded, as unfit, from the priesthood.


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


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Besides their menservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: they had also two hundred singing men and singing women.


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And some of the chiefs of the divisions, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freewill gifts for the house of God to set it up in its place:


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After their ability they gave unto the treasure for the work sixty and one thousand drachms of gold, and five thousand manehs of sliver, and one hundred coats for the priests.


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And the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the templeservants, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.


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And when the seventh month drew near, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.


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Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel, and his brethren, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer thereon burntofferings, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.


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And they erected the altar upon its foundations; for there was fear upon them because of the people of these countries; and they offered thereon burntofferings unto the Lord, burntofferings at morning and at evening.


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And they celebrated the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and <i>offered</i> the daily burntofferings by number, according to the prescribed manner, the offering of every day on its day;


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And afterward the continual burntoffering, and that for the new moons, and for all the feasts of the Lord that are hallowed, and that of every one who willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.


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From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burntofferings unto the Lord: although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not yet been laid.


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Then did they give money unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, unto the Zidonians and Tyrians, to bring cedartrees from the Lebanon by sea to Joppa, according to the permission of Cyrus the king of Persia for them.


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And in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, did Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remainder of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem make a beginning; and they appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to superintend the work of the house of the Lord.


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Then stood forward Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, as one man, to superintend the workmen in the house of God; <i>also</i> the sons of Chenadad, their sons and their brethren the Levites.


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And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they placed the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Assaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the manner of David the king of Israel.


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And they sang responsively in praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord; because he is good, for unto everlasting endureth his kindness toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, while praising the Lord; because the foundation of the house of the Lord had been laid.


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But many of the priests and Levites and chiefs of the divisions, the aged, who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, while many, shouting for joy, raised aloud their voice:


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So that the people could not distinguish 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 ever so far off.


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Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the exile were building the temple unto the Lord the God of Israel:


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Then came they near to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs of the divisions, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for like you will we seek your God; and unto him do we sacrifice since the days of Essarchaddon the king of Asshur, who hath brought us up hither.


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But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the of the divisions of Israel, said unto them, It is not obligatory on you and on us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together must build unto the Lord the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.


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Then did the people of the land weaken the hands of the people of Judah, and frightened them off from building;


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


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And in the reign of Achashverosh, in the beginning of his reign they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.


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And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes the king of Persia: and the writing of the letter was written in Aramic, and interpreted in Aramic.


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Rechum the counsellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a certain letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king, as followeth:


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Then <i>wrote</i> Rechum the counsellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, from Din, and Apharsathach, Tarpel, Apharass, Erech, Babylon, Shushan, Dehav, and Elam,


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And the rest of the nations whom the great and honored Assnapper had brought into exile, and settled in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and so forth.


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This is the copy of the letter which they sent unto him, even unto king Artaxerxes: Thy servants the men on this side the river, and so forth.


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Be it made known unto the king, that the Jews who removed away from thee are come up to us unto Jerusalem: they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and are completing the walls, and are joining together the foundations.


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Be it now known unto the king, that, if this city be rebuilt, and the walls be completed, they will not give tax, tribute, and toll, and the royal revenues will suffer damage.


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Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not proper for us to see the kings dishonor, therefore have we sent and let the king know this:


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That search may be made in the book of the memorable events of thy fathers, and thou wilt find in the book of the memorable events, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have practised sedition within the same from the most ancient time; for which cause this city was destroyed.


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We let the king know that, if this city be rebuilt, and its walls be completed, by this means thou wilt have no more any portion on this side of the river.


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Then sent the king a reply unto Rechum the counsellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest of those beyond the river, Peace, and so forth.


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And an order was given by me, and search was made, and it was found that this city from the most ancient time hath lifted itself up against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been practised therein.


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And that mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over all the countries beyond the river; and that tax, tribute, and toll was given unto them.


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Now give ye the order to stop these men, and this city shall not be built, until the order be given from me.


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Take heed now that ye commit no error in this: that not any injury may grow <i>out of this</i> to the damage of the kings.


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Thereupon so soon as the copy of king Artaxerxes letter was read before Rechum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they did go up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and stopped them by force and power.


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Then was stopped the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem, and it remained interrupted until the second year of the reign of Darius the king of Persia.


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Then prophesied Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, the prophets, unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, concerning them.


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Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God helping them.


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At this same time came to them Thathnai, the governor on this side of the river, and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and thus they said unto them, "Who hath given you an order to build this house, and to complete these walls?"


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But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, so that they did not stop them, till the matter came to Darius; and they then returned an answer by letter concerning this.


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A copy of the letter which Thathnai, the governor on this side of the river, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions, the Apharsachites, who were on this side of the river, sent unto king Darius.


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Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which they are building with heavy stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work is urged with speed, and it prospereth in their hands.


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Then asked we these elders, and after this manner said we unto them, Who hath given you the order to build this house, and to complete these walls?


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Also their names did we ask of them, to let thee know them, that we might write down the names of the men that are at their head.


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And in this manner did they return us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we build the house that was built before this many years, and a great king of Israel built and completed it.


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But since our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them up into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, and he destroyed this house, and carried the people as exiles into Babylon.


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However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, king Cyrus gave an order to build this house of God.


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And also the vessels of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, these did king Cyrus take out of the temple of Babylon, and gave them unto one, Sheshbazzar by name, whom he had appointed as governor;


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And he said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple which is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built on its site.


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Then came this same Sheshbazzar, <i>and</i> laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and from that time even until now they have been building it, but it is not yet finished.


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And now, if it seem good to the king, let search be made in the kings treasurehouse, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that an order was given by king Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send to us his pleasure concerning this matter.


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Then gave king Darius an order, that they should make search in the house of the books, where the treasures were laid up there in Babylon.


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And there was found at Achmetha, in the castle that is in the province of Media, a roll, and therein was thus written: A record.


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In the first year of king Cyrus, king Cyrus gave an order concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be built, the place where they used to offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid: its height shall be sixty cubits, its breadth sixty cubits,


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With three rows of heavy stones, and a row of new timber; and let the expenses be given out of the kings house.


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And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took away out of the temple which is in Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought back unto the temple which is in Jerusalem, every one to its place, and let them be put in the house of God.


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Now Thathnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from there:


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Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God on its site.


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And by me is the order given what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God, that out of the kings property, arising out of the tax beyond the river, the expenses shall forthwith be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.


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And what they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burntofferings unto the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the requirement of the priests who are a Jerusalem, shall be given unto them day by day, without fail.


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That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons.


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Also is by me the order given, that if any man should alter this command, timber shall be pulled down from his house, and being set up, he shall be hanged thereon; and his house shall be made a dunghill for this.


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And may the God that causeth his name to dwell there cast down every king and people that will stretch forth their hand to alter, to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. I Darius have given the order: let it be done speedily.


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Then did Thathnai the, governor on this aide of the river, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, in accordance with what king Darius had sent, act in this manner speedily.


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And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built, and completed it, according to the order of the God of Israel, and according to the order of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes the king of Persia.


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


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Then celebrated the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the exile, the dedication of this house of God with joy;


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And they offered for the dedication of this house of God one hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sinoffering for all Israel, twelve hegoats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.


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And they stationed the priests in their orders, and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God, which is in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.


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And the children of the exile prepared the passover<i>sacrifice</i> on the fourteenth day of the first month.


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For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves, as one man were all of them clean; and they slaughtered the passoversacrifice for all the children of the exile, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.


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And then did the children of Israel, who were returned out of the exile, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the uncleanness of the nations of the earth, to seek the Lord the God of Israel, eat thereof.


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And they celebrated the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Asshur toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.


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And after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king of Persia, Ezra the son of Serayah, the son of Azaryah, the son of Chilkiyah,


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This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a practised expounder in the law of Moses, which the Lord the God of Israel hath given; and the king gave him, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him, all his request.


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And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the templeservants, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of king Artaxerxes.


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For on the first day of the first month was the commencement of the expedition from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.


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For Ezra had directed his heart to inquire in the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.


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Now this is the copy of the letter which king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law, the expounder of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes for Israel.


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Artaxerxes, the king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law of the God of heaven, the perfect, and so forth.


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By me is the order given, that every one who is freely willing in my kingdom out of the people of Israel, and their priests and Levites, to go up to Jerusalem, may go up with thee:


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Forasmuch as thou art sent on the part of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to make inquiry concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand;


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And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem.


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


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Therefore mayest thou buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meatofferings and their drinkofferings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is 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 according to the will of your God.


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And the vessels which have been given unto thee for the service of the house of thy God, deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.


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And the remainder that will yet be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to procure, procure out of the Kings treasurehouse.


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And by me, me King Artaxerxes, is the order given unto all the treasurers who are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law of the God of heaven, may demand of you, shall be done speedily.


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Up to one hundred talents of silver, and up to one hundred cors of wheat, and up to one hundred baths of wine, and up to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing it.


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Whatsoever is ordered by the God of heaven shall be carefully done for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons?


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And to you make we it known, that on any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and templeservants, or ministers of this house of God, no one shall be empowered to impose any tax, tribute, or toll.


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And thou, Ezra, according to the wisdom of thy God which is in thy hand, appoint judges and magistrates, who are to judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and make ye them known to those that know them not.


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And if there be any one who will not execute the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let justice be speedily executed upon him, whether it be unto death or to banishment, or to a fine on goods, or to imprisonment.


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Blessed be the Lord the God of our fathers, who hath put the like of this in the heart of the king, to glorify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem;


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And who hath extended kindness unto me before the king and his counsellors, and before all the mighty princes of the king: and I strengthened myself according to the hand of the Lord my God upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel principal men to go up with me.


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Now these are the chiefs of their divisions, and this is the genealogy of those that went up with me, in the reign of king Artaxerxes, from Babylon.


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Of the sons of Shechanyah, <i>who was</i> of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were recorded by genealogy of males one hundred and fifty.


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And of the sons of Adonikam the last; and those are their names, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemayah, and with them were sixty males.


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And I gathered them together to the river that runneth into the Ahava, and we encamped there three days: and I looked about among the people, and the priests, but of the sons of Levi I found none there.


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Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemayah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, the head men; also for Joyarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.


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And I sent them with a charge unto Iddo the chief at the place Cassiphia, and I laid the words in their mouth to speak unto Iddo, and to his brother, who were appointed at the place Cassiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.


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And they brought unto us according to the good hand of our God upon us a man of intelligence, of the sons of Machli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, namely, Sherebyah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen;


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Also of the templeservants, whom David and the princes had assigned for the service of the Levites two hundred and twenty templeservants, all of whom were expressed by names.


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Then did I proclaim a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to request from him a prosperous journey for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.


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For I was ashamed to ask of the king an army and horsemen to assist us against an enemy on the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all those that seek him for good; but his power and his wrath are against all those that forsake him.


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Then set I apart of the chiefs of the priests twelve persons, Sherebyah, Chashabyah, and with them ten of their brethren.


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And I weighed out unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his princes, and all Israel there present, had offered.


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And I weighed out into their hand of silver six hundred and fifty talents, and of silver vessels one hundred talents, of gold one hundred talents;


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Also twenty cups of gold, of a thousand drachms; and two vessels of fine polished copper, valuable as gold.


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And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord; and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the Lord the God of your fathers.


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Watch ye, and guard them, until ye weigh them out before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the chiefs of the divisions of Israel, at Jerusalem, into the chambers of the house of the Lord.


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And the priests and the Levites accepted what was weighed out of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring the same to Jerusalem to the house of our God.


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And we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was over us, and he delivered us from the hand of any enemy, and of such as lie in wait on the way.


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And on the fourth day were the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed out in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriyah the priest; and with him was Elazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadyah the son of Binnui, the Levites;


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Those that came out of the captivity, the children of the exile, offered burntofferings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven sheep, twelve hegoats for a sinoffering: all as burntofferings unto the Lord.


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And they delivered the kings commands unto the kings lieutenants, and to the governors on this side of the river; and these endowed the people, and the house of God.


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Now when these things were accomplished, the princes approached me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the nations of the lands, notwithstanding their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Emorites;


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For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons; and the holy seed have mingled themselves with the nations of these lands; and the hand of the princes and rulers hath been the first in this trespass.


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


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And then assembled themselves unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles; and I sat astounded until the evening sacrifice.


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And at the evening sacrifice I rose up from my fasting, and while rending my garment and my mantle, I knelt down upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God.


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And I said, O my God, I am ashamed and confounded to lift up my face unto thee, my God! for our iniquities are increased above our head, and our guiltiness is grown up as far as the heavens.


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From the days of our fathers have we been in a great guiltiness even until this day; and through our iniquities have we been delivered, we, our kings, and our priests, into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to the shame of face, as it is this day.


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And now for a little moment hath grace been extended from the Lord our God, to preserve us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake in his holy place, that our God might enlighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.


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For we are bondmen: yet in our bondage hath our God not forsaken us, but hath extended unto us kindness before the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to exalt the house of our God, and to erect again its ruins, and to give us a fence in Judah and in Jerusalem.


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Which thou hast commanded through means of thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to take possession thereof, is a land defiled through the defilement of the nations of the lands, through their abominations, with which they have filled it from one end to another through their uncleanness.


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And now your daughters shall ye not give unto their sons, and their daughters shall ye not take for your sons, and ye shall not seek their peace and their welfare unto eternity: in order that ye may be strong, and eat the best of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children unto eternity.


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And after all that is come over us for our evil deeds, and for our great guiltiness, seeing that thou our God hast spared us <i>punishing us</i> less than our iniquities <i>deserved</i>, and hast given us such deliverance as this:


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Should we again make void thy commandments, and make marriage with these people of abominations? wouldst thou not be angry with us even to make an end of us, so that there would not be any remnant or escape?


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O Lord, God of Israel, thou art righteous; for we have been left a remnant that hath escaped, as it is this day; behold, we are before thee in our guiltiness; for there is no standing before thee because of this.


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Now when Ezra prayed, and when he made his confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there gathered themselves unto him out of Israel a very large assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept exceedingly much.


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Thereupon commenced Shechanyah the son of Jechiel, of the sons of Elam, and said unto Ezra, we have indeed trespassed against our God, and have brought home strange wives of the nations of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.


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And now let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the direction of the Lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God: and let it be done according to the law.


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Then arose Ezra, and caused the princes of the priests, the Levites, and of all Israel, to swear to do according to this word. And they swore.


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Then arose Ezra from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jochanan the son of Elyashib; and he went thither without having eaten bread, or having drunk water; for he was mourning because of the trespass of the exiles.


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And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the exile, to gather themselves together at Jerusalem;


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And that whosoever should not come within three days, according to the resolve of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be devoted, and himself separated from the congregation of the exiles.


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Then were all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered together unto Jerusalem within three days: it was in the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the open place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and by reason of the showers of rain.


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And Ezra the priest rose up, and said unto them, Ye have acted unfaithfully, and have brought home strange wives, to increase yet more the guiltiness of Israel.


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Now therefore make confession unto the Lord the God of your fathers, and do his will; and separate yourselves from the nations of the earth, and from the strange wives.


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Then answered all the assembly and said with a loud voice, So be it: according to thy word it is our duty to do.


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But the people are many, and it is the rainy season, and we have not the strength to remain in the street, nor is this a work for one day or for two days; for we are many that have transgressed in this matter.


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Let however our princes stand forward for all the congregation, and let all those in our cities who have brought home strange wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders of each and every city, and its judges, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned away from us for this whole matter.


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Only Jonathan the son of Assahel and Jachzeyah the son of Thikvah withstood this <i>proposal</i>: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite assisted them.


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And the children of the exile did so. And then were set apart Ezra the priest, <i>and</i> certain chiefs of the divisions, for their family divisions, and all of them <i>designated</i> by their names; and they sat down on the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.


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And they made an end with all, with the men that had brought home strange wives, not before the first day of the first month.


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And there were found among the sons of the priests that had brought home strange wives, namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren: Maasseyah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedalyah.


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


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Also of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shimi, and Kelayan, the same is Kelita, Pethachyah, Judah, and Eliezer.


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And of Israel: Of the sons of Parosh, Ramyah, and Yizziyah, and Malkiyah, and Miyamin, and Elazar, and Malkiyah, and Benayah.


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And of the sons of Pachathmoab: Adna, and Kelal, Benayah, Maasseyah, Matthanyah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Menasseh.


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The words of Nehemiah the son of Chachalyah. And it came to pass in the month Kislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan, the capital,


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That there came Chanani, one of my brethren, himself with certain men of Judah: and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, who 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 are in great misery and in disgrace; and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and her gates are burnt with fire.


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And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned some days, and I was fasting, and praying before the God of heaven.


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And I said, I beseech thee, O Lord the God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth the covenant and kindness for those that love him and for those that keep his commandments:


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Let thy ear now be attentive, and thy eyes be open, I entreat thee, to hearken unto the prayer of thy servant, which I am praying this day before thee, by day and by night, in behalf of the children of Israel thy servants, and <i>as</i> I confess for the sins of the children of Israel, <i>with</i> which we have sinned against thee: yea, I also and my fathers house have sinned.


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We have dealt very corruptly toward thee: and we have not kept the commandments, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which thou didst command Moses thy servant.


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Remember, I beseech thee, the word with which thou didst charge Moses thy servant, saying, If ye become truly unfaithful, I will indeed scatter you among the nations.


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But if ye return unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them: <i>then</i> though your outcasts should be at the utmost parts of heaven, from there will I gather them, and I will bring them unto the place which I have chosen to let my name dwell there.


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And they are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.


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I beseech thee, O Lord, do let thy ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who are desirous to fear thy name; and grant success, I pray thee, to thy servant this day, and let him find mercy in the sight of this man But I was butler by the king.


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And it came to pass in the month Nissan, in the twentieth year of king Artaxerxes, that wine <i>stood</i> before him; and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. But I had never been sad in his presence.


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Then said the king unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing but an illness of heart. Then was I very greatly afraid.


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And I said unto the king, May the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers sepulchres, lieth ruined, and her gates are consumed by fire?


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Then said the king unto me, For what then dost thou make request? Then did I pray to the God of heaven.


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And I said unto the king, If it seem good to the king, and if thy servant might be pleasing in thy presence, <i>I desire</i> that thou wouldst 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, while the queen was sitting beside him, When is thy journey to be undertaken? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to let me go; and I indicated to him a time.


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And I said unto the king, If it seem good to the king, let letters be given unto me for the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till the time that I come into Judah;


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Also a letter unto Assaph the keeper of the kings forests, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall move into. And the king gave <i>them</i> to me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.


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And <i>so</i> came I to the governors beyond the river, and I gave them the kings letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.


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When Sanballat the Choronite, and Tobiyah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it displeased them exceedingly, that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.


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Then arose I in the night, I and some few men with me; but I had not told any man what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem: nor was there any beast with me, save the beast on which I rode.


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And I went out through the gate of the valley by night, even toward the direction of the dragonwell, and to the dunggate; and I was viewing the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates whereof were consumed by fire.


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Then passed I on to the gate of the fountain, and to the kings pool; but there was no space for the beast that was under me to pass through.


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Then went I up through the valley in the night, and I was viewing the wall, and I returned and entered through the gate of the valley, and so returned home.


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And the rulers knew not whither I was gone, or what I was doing: nor had I as yet told it to the Jews, and to the priests, and to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the superintendents of the work.


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Then said I unto them, Ye see the misery in which we are, how Jerusalem lieth in ruins, and its gates are burnt with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no more be for a reproach.


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And I told them of the hand of my God, which was good upon me, as also the kings words which he had spoken unto me. And they said, We will rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work.


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But when Sanballat the Choronite, and Tobiyah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye are doing? are ye rebelling against the king?


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And I returned them an answer, and said unto them, The God of heaven will indeed give us prosperity, and we his servants will truly rise up and build; but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.


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Then rose up Elyashib the high priest with his brethren the priests, and they built the sheepgate; they sanctified it, and set up its doors: even as far as the tower of Meah did they sanctify it, as far as the tower of Chananel.


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And by his side built the men of Jericho. And by his <i>other</i> side built Zaccur the son of Imri.


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But the fishgate did the sons of Hassenaah build: they also laid its beams, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars.


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And alongside of them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriyah, the son of Kakkoz. And alongside of them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechyah, the son of Meshezabel. And alongside of them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.


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And alongside of them repaired the Tekoites; but their principal men put not their necks to the work of their Lord.


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Moreover the old gate repaired Yoyada the son of Passeach, and Meshullam the son of Bessodeyah: they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its locks, and its bars.


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And alongside of them repaired Melatyah the Gibonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gibon and of Mizpah, unto the seat of the governor on this side of the river.


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Alongside of him repaired Uzziel the son of Charhayah, of the goldsmiths. And alongside of him repaired Chananyah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem as far as the broad wall.


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And alongside of them repaired Rephayah the son of Chur, the chief of the half of the district of Jerusalem.


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And alongside of them repaired Jedayah the son of Charumaph, and this opposite to his house. And alongside of him repaired Chattush the son of Chashabneyah.


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Another division did Malkiyah the son of Charim, and Chashub the son of Pachathmoab, repair, as also the tower of the ovens.


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And alongside of him repaired Shallum the son of Hallochesh, the chief of the other half of the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.


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The gate of the valley repaired Chanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoach: they built it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the dunggate.


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And the dunggate repaired Malkiyah the son of Rechah, the chief of the district of Bethhakkerem: he built it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars.


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And the gate of the fountain repaired Shallum the son of Colchozeh, the chief of the district of Mizpah: he built it and covered it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelach by the kings garden, and as far as the stairs that lead down from the city of David.


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Next to him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the chief of the half district of Bethzur, as far as the place opposite to the sepulchres of David, and as far as the pool that was <i>newly</i> made, and as far as the house of the mighty men.


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Next to him repaired the Levites: Rechum the son of Bani. Alongside of him repaired Chashabyah, the chief of the half district of Keilah, for his district.


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Next to him repaired their brethren: Bavai the son of Chenadad, the chief of the <i>other</i> half district of Keilah.


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And there repaired alongside of him Ezer the son of Joshua, the chief of Mizpah, another division, opposite to the ascent to the armory at the angle.


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Next to him did Baruch the son of Zaccai earnestly repair another division, from the angle as far as the door of the house of Elyashib the high priest.


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Next to him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriyah the son of Hakkoz another division, from the door of the house of Elyashib even as far as the end of the house of Elyashib.


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Next to him repaired Benjamin and Chashub opposite to their house. Next to him repaired Azaryah the son of Maaseyah the son of Ananyah alongside of his house.


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Next to him repaired Binnui the son of Chenadad another division, from the house of Azaryah as far as the angle, and as far as the corner.


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Palal the son of Uzai <i>repaired</i> from opposite to the angle, and the tower which standeth out from the kings upper house, that was by the court of the prison. Next to him Pedayah the son of Parosh.


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And the templeservants dwelt on the hill fort, <i>and they built</i> as far as opposite to the watergate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.


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Next to them repaired the Tekoites another division from opposite the great tower that standeth out, and as far as the wall of the hill fort.


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Next to this repaired Zadok the son of Immer opposite to his house. And next to him repaired Shemayah the son of Schechanyah, the keeper of the east gate.


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Next to him repaired Chananyah the son of Shelemyah, and Chanun the sixth son of Zalaph another division. Next to him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechyah opposite to his chamber.


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Next to him repaired Malkiyah the goldsmiths son as far as the house of the templeservants, and of the merchants, opposite to the musteringgate, and to the upper chamber of the corner.


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And between the upper chamber of the corner and the sheepgate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.


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<n>(3:33)</n> And it came to pass, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, that it displeased him, and he became very angry, and he mocked at the Jews.


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<n>(3:34)</n> And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will people suffer them <i>to build</i>? will they sacrifice? will they complete it in one day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish, seeing that they have been burnt?


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<n>(3:35)</n> And Tobiyah the Ammonite was near him, and he said, Even what they are building, if a fox were to run up, he would readily break through their stone wall.


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<n>(3:36)</n> Hear, O our God! how we are become a scorn; and bring their reproach back upon their own head, and give them up for prey in the land of captivity.


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<n>(3:37)</n> And cover not up their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee; for they have taunted <i>us</i> in the presence of the builders.


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<n>(3:38)</n> But we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together up to the half thereof; for the people had a heart to work.


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<n>(4:1)</n> And it came to pass, when Sanballat and Tobiyah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were restored, and that the breaches began to be closed up, that it displeased them greatly.


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<n>(4:2)</n> And they conspired all of them together to come to fight against Jerusalem, and to do it an injury.


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<n>(4:3)</n> But we prayed unto our God, and set a watch over them day and night, because of the others.


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<n>(4:4)</n> And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of the burden is failing, and there is much rubbish; and we are not able to build on the wall.


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<n>(4:5)</n> And our adversaries said, "They shall not know, nor see until we come in the midst of them, and slay them, and so stop the work."


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<n>(4:6)</n> And it came to pass, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they said unto us ten times, "From all places whence ye may return home <i>they intend to come</i> over us."


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<n>(4:7)</n> I placed therefore on the lower parts of the place on the naked rocks behind the wallthere I placed the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.


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<n>(4:8)</n> And I looked <i>about</i>, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not afraid of them: think on the Lord, the great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.


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<n>(4:9)</n> And it came to pass, that, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, God frustrated their counsel: and we returned, all of us, to the wall, every one unto his work.


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<n>(4:10)</n> And it came to pass from that day forth, that the half of my young men wrought at the work, while the other half of them were holding the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the princes stood behind all the house of Judah.


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<n>(4:11)</n> Those that built on the wall, and those that bore burdens, with those that loaded,every one with one of his hands wrought on the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.


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<n>(4:12)</n> And the builders had every one his sword fastened around his loins while they were building; and he that blew the cornet stood alongside of me.


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<n>(4:13)</n> And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and extensive, and we are separated upon the wall, distant one from another.


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<n>(4:14)</n> In what place <i>then</i> ye hear the sound of the cornet, thither must ye assemble unto us: our God will fight for us.


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<n>(4:15)</n> So we labored at the work, while the half of them were holding the spears from the rising of the morningdawn till the stars appeared.


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<n>(4:16)</n> Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his young man lodge within Jerusalem, so that they may be in the night a guard to us, and during the day for the labor.


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<n>(4:17)</n> And neither I, nor my brothers, nor my young men, nor the men of the guard who followed menone of us took off our clothes, no one leaving them off even for washing himself.


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And there were some that said, Our sons, and our daughters, <i>and</i> ourselves are many; and we must buy corn, that we may eat, and live.


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And others there were that said, We must pledge our fields, our vineyards, and our houses, that we may buy corn, in the famine.


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And others there were that said, We have borrowed money for the kings tax on our fields and vineyards.


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Yet now our flesh is like the flesh of our brethren, our children are like their children: and, lo, we must force our sons and our daughters to become servants, and some of our daughters are forced <i>to become so</i>, and our hand is powerless; and our fields and our vineyards belong to others.


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Then did I consult with my heart, and I upbraided the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, "Ye exact usury, every one of his brother!" And I brought together a great assembly against them.


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And I said unto them, We have indeed ransomed our brethren the Jews, who had been sold unto the various nations, as far as our means went: and will ye yourselves even sell your brethren, so that they will be sold again unto us? And they remained silent, and found no answer.


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Then said I, The thing is not good which ye are doing: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the taunting of the nations, our enemies?


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And also I, my brothers, and my young men, have lent them money and corn: I pray you, let us relinquish this loan.


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Give back to them, I pray you, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye have lent them.


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Then said they, We will give <i>all</i> back, and of them will we require nothing: so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and made them swear, that they would do in accordance with this promise.


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Also my lap did I shake out, and said, So may God shake out every man that performeth not this promise, from his house and of his toilgotten wealth, and so let him remain shaken out, and empty. And all the assembly said, Amen, and they praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise.


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Moreover from the day that <i>the king</i> had enjoined on me to be governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year up to the two and thirtieth year of king Artaxerxes, <i>full</i> twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food of the governor.


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But the former governors that had been before me had made it heavy for the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver: yea, even their young men ruled over the people; but I myself did not act so, because of the fear of God.


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And in the work of this wall also did I labor actively; and we bought not any fields; and all my young men were assembled there by the work.


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Moreover of the Jews and rulers, one hundred and fifty men, besides those that came unto us from the nations that are about us, <i>ate</i> at my table.


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And that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also birds were prepared for me, and once in ten days all sorts of wine in abundance: yet with all this I required not the food of the governor; because the service lay heavily upon this people.


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Now it came to pass, when it came to the hearing of Sanballat, and Tobiyah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein, although up to that time I had not yet set up the doors in the gates.


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That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in Kephirim, in the plain of Ono. But they were thinking of doing me mischief.


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


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Then sent Sanballat unto me in like manner the fifth time his young man with an open letter in his hand:


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Therein was written, It hath been heard among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think of rebelling; wherefore thou art building up the wall; and that thou art to be king unto them, according to these reports.


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And that thou hast also set up prophets to proclaim concerning thee at Jerusalem, saying, He is king in Judah: and now there may be reported to the king something like these words. Now therefore come, and let us take counsel together.


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Then I sent unto him, saying, "There hath been done nothing like these reports of which thou speakest; but out of thy own heart thou inventest them."


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For they all wished to make us afraid, thinking, Their hands will be withdrawn from the work, so that it will not be done. Now therefore, <i>O God,</i> strengthen my hands.


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And I came also into the house of Shemayah the son of Delayah the son of Mehetabel, who had shut himself up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us lock the doors of the temple; for they are coming to slay thee: yea, in the night are they coming to slay thee.


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And I said, Should a man like me flee? and who is there that is like me, that would go into the temple and live? I will not go in.


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And I perceived that, lo, God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy over me, because Tobiyah and Sanballat had hired him.


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Therefore was he hired, in order that I should become afraid, and do so, and sin, and that it might serve them for an evil report, so that they might cast reproach upon me.


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Think, O my God, of Tobiyah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also of Noadyah the prophetess, and the rest of the prophets, who wished to make me afraid.


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And it came to pass, when our enemies heard this, and all the nations that were about us saw it, that they sank greatly in their own eyes; and they perceived that by the aid of our God had this work been wrought.


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Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah despatched frequently their letters unto Tobiyah, and those of Tobiyah came unto them.


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For many in Judah were sworn friends unto him; because he was the soninlaw of Shechanyah the son of Arach, and Jehochanan his son had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Bercehyah.


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Also his good deeds were they reporting before me, and my words they used to carry out to him: also Tobiyah sent letters to make me afraid.


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And it came to pass, when the wall was built, that I set up the doors; and then were appointed the gatekeepers and the singers and the <i>other</i> Levites <i>to their office</i>.


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And I gave my brother Chanani, and Chananyah the commander of the fortress, charge over Jerusalem; for he was esteemed a faithful man, and one that feared God these many days.


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And I said unto them, The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened until the sun be hot; and while ye stand by, let them shut the doors, and do ye bar them; and station watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one opposite to his house.


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But the city was roomy in space and large: while the people therein were few, and the houses were not yet built.


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Then did my God put it into my heart, and I assembled together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might give in their genealogy; and I found a register of the genealogy of those who were come up at the first, and I found written therein:


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These arc the children of the province, that came up out of the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his own city;


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Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azaryah, Raamyah, Nachamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Misspereth, Bigvai, Nechum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel was:


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The children of Pachathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.


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The gatekeepers: The children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Chatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty and eight.


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The children of Solomons servants: The children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,


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The children of Shephatyah, the children of Chattil, the children of Pocherethhazzebayim, the children of Amon.


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And these were they who came up from Thelmelach, Thelcharsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not tell their family division and their descent, whether they were of Israel.


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The children of Delayah, the children of Tobiyah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.


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And of the priests: The children of Chobayah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Giladite, and was called after their name.


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These sought for their family register, but it was not found: wherefore they were excluded, as unfit, from the priesthood.


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Besides these were their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred and forty and five singing men and singing women.


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


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And a portion of the chiefs of the divisions gave unto the work. The Thirshatha gave to the treasure, of gold one thousand drachms, fifty bowls, five hundred and thirty coats for the priests.


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And some of the chiefs of the divisions gave to the treasury of the work, of gold twenty thousand drachms, and of silver two thousand and two hundred manehs.


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And what the rest of the people gave was, of gold twenty thousand drachms, and of silver two thousand manehs, and priests coats sixty and seven.


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So the priests, and the Levites, and the gatekeepers, and the singers, and some of the people, and the templeservants, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities: and so came round the seventh month, while the children of Israel were in their cities.


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And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the open place which is before the watergate; and they said unto Ezra the expounder that he should bring forward the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord commanded to Israel.


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Then did Ezra the priest bring forward the law before the congregation both of men and women, and every one that had understanding to listen <i>attentively</i>, on the first day of the seventh month;


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And he read therein in the open place which is before the watergate from the first daylight until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand: and the ears of all the people were directed unto the book of the law.


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And Ezra the expounder stood upon an elevated stand of wood, which they had made for the purpose: and beside him stood Matthithyah, and Shema, and Anayah, and Uriyah, and Chilkiyah, and Maasseyah, on his right hand; and on his left, Pedayah, and Mishael, and Malkiyah, and Chashum, and Chashbadanah, Zechariah, <i>and</i> Meshullam.


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And Ezra opened the book before the eyes of all the people; for he was <i>standing</i> higher than all the people; and as he opened it, all the people became silent.


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And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads, and prostrated themselves before the Lord with their faces to the ground.


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Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebyah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiyah, Maasseyah, Kelita, Azaryah, Jozabad, Chanan, Pelayah, and the Levites, explained to the people the law: while the people remained where they stood.


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So they read in the book, in the law of God distinctly, and exhibiting the sense: so that <i>the people</i> understood what was read.


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Then said Nehemiah, that is the Thirshatha, and Ezra the priest the expounder, and the Levites that explained to the people, unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God: mourn not, and weep not. For all the people were weeping, when they heard the words of the law.


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Then said he unto them, Go your way, eat fat things, and drink sweet drinks, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: and do not grieve yourselves; but let the joy of the Lord be your stronghold.


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So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, Be still! for the day is holy: and do not grieve yourselves.


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And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send out portions, and to prepare for themselves great joy: because they had understood the words which <i>the others</i> had made known unto them.


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And on the second day there gathered themselves together the chiefs of the divisions of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the expounder, to obtain again intelligence of the words of the law.


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And they found written in the law that the Lord had commanded through means of Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast in the seventh month.


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And <i>they ordered</i> that they should publish and have proclamation made throughout all their cities, and through Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mountain and fetch oliveleaves, and oleasterleaves, and myrtleleaves, and palmleaves, and leaves of the threeleaved myrtle, to make booths, as it is written.


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And the people went forth, and brought them; and they made themselves booths, every one upon his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the open place by the watergate, and in the open place by the gate of Ephraim.


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And all the congregation that were returned out of the captivity made booths, and dwelt in the booths; for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great joy.


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And he read in the book of the law of God, day by day, from the first day until the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day the solemn assembly, after the prescribed manner.


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


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And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all children of the strangers: and they stood forward and made confession for their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.


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And they stood up in their standingplace, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God the fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they made confession, and prostrated themselves before the Lord their God.


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Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebanyah, Bunni, Sherebyah, Bani, and Kenani, and they cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God.


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Then said the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Chashabneyah, Sherebyah, Hodiyah, Shebanyah, and Pethachyah, Arise! bless ye the Lord your God from eternity to eternity. And let men bless thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.


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Thou indeed art the Eternal One alone: It is thou that hast made the heavens with all their host, the earth, and all that is upon her, the seas, and all that is in them, and thou givest life to them all; and the host of the heavens bow down before thee.


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Thou art indeed the Lord the <i>true</i> God, who didst choose Abram, and bring him forth out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and change his name to Abraham;


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And thou didst find his heart faithful before thee: and thou madest with him the covenant to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Emorites, and the Perizittes, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashiteto give it to his seed: and thou hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous.


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And thou didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and their cry didst thou hear by the Red Sea;


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And thou didst display signs and wonders on Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they had dealt presumptuously against them; and thou didst <i>thus</i> make thyself a name, as it is this day.


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And the sea didst thou divide before them, so that they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; and their pursuers didst thou throw into the deeps, like a stone in mighty waters.


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And by a pillar of cloud didst thou lead them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night, to give light unto them on the way whereon they should go.


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Also on mount Sinai camest thou down, and spokest with them from heaven; and thou gavest them upright ordinances, and truthful laws, good statutes and commandments;


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And thy holy sabbath madest thou known unto them, and commandments, statutes, and a law didst thou enjoin on them, by the hand of Moses thy servant.


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And bread from heaven didst thou give them for their hunger, and water out of the rock broughtest thou forth for them for their thirst; and thou didst order them to go in to take possession of the land concerning which thou hadst lifted up thy hand to give it unto them.


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And they and our fathers acted presumptuously, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments.


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And they refused to obey, and remembered not thy marvelous deeds which thou hadst done with them; but they hardened their neck, and <i>spoke of</i> appointing a chief to return to their bondage, in their rebellion; but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, longsuffering, and abundant in kindness, and forsookest them not.


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Yea, although they had made for themselves a molten calf, and said, This is thy god that hath brought thee up out of Egypt, and had practised great provocations:


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Yet in thy abundant mercies didst thou not forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them on the way; nor the pillar of fire by night, to give them light on the way whereon they should go.


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And thy good spirit thou gavest to make them intelligent, and thy manna thou withheldest not from their mouth, and water thou gavest them for their thirst.


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And forty years didst thou provide for them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out; and their feet swelled not.


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Thou gavest them also kingdoms and nations, which thou didst divide into various corners: and they took possession of the land of Sichon, even the land of the king of Cheshbon, and the land of Og the king of Bashan.


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And their children didst thou multiply like the stars of heaven, and then broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst ordered their fathers to enter in to take possession of it.


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And the children entered in and took possession of the land; and thou didst humble before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them up into their hands, with their kings, and the nations of the land, that they might do with them according to their pleasure.


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And they captured fortified cities, and a fat soil; and they took possession of houses full of all good things, hewnout wells, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance; and they ate, and were satisfied, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.


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Then became they disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their back, and they slew thy prophets who had warned them to bring them back unto thee, and they practised great provocations.


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Thereupon thou gavest them up into the hand of their adversaries, who oppressed them: and in the time of their distress they used to cry unto thee, and thou ever heardest them from heaven; and according to thy abundant mercies thou wast wont to give them helpers, who helped them out of the hand of their adversaries.


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But when <i>once more</i> they had rest, they did again evil before thee: wherefore thou didst leave them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them; and when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou wast wont to hear them from heaven, and thou didst ever deliver them according to thy mercies many times.


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And thou gavest them warning to bring them back unto thy law: yet they acted presumptuously, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, and sinned against thy ordinances, which a man is to do that he may live through them: and they rendered their shoulder rebellious, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.


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Yet thou gavest them indulgence many years, and didst warn them through thy spirit by means of thy prophets; but they gave no ear: therefore didst thou give them up into the hand of the nations of the lands.


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Yet in thy abundant mercies hast thou not made an entire end of them, and thou hast not forsaken them; for a gracious and merciful God art thou.


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And now, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest the covenant and kindness, let not be esteemed as little before thee all the hardship that hath befallen us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until this day.


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Nevertheless thou art righteous in all that is come over us; for thou hast acted <i>according to</i> truth, but we have done wickedly.


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Also our kings, our priests, and our fathers have not executed thy law, and have not listened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst warn them.


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But they in their kingdom, and in thy abundant goodness which thou hadst given unto them, and in the ample and fat land which thou hadst given up before them, did indeed not serve thee, and they turned not away from their wicked deeds.


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Behold, we are this day servants: and as regardeth the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat its fruit and its good things, behold, we are servants in it;


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And it yieldeth its products in abundance for the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins; also over our bodies have they dominion, and over our cattle <i>also</i> at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.


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<n>(10:1)</n> And because of all this, we make a faithful covenant, and write it down; and on the sealed document are our princes, our Levites, and our priests.


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<n>(10:2)</n> And with those whose seal was affixed were, Nehemiah the Tirshatha the son of Chachalyah, and Zidkiyah.


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<n>(10:10)</n> And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azanyah, Binnui <i>of</i> the sons of Chenadad, Kadmiel;


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<n>(10:29)</n> And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the templeservants, and all those that had separated themselves from the nations of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding,


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<n>(10:30)</n> Held firmly with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in the law of God, which was given through means of Moses the servant of God, and to observe and to do all the commandments of the Eternal One, our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes;


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<n>(10:31)</n> 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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<n>(10:32)</n> And that if the people of the land should bring wares or any provisions on the sabbath day to sell, we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on <i>another</i> holy day; and that we would leave <i>the fields without reaping in</i> the seventh year, and <i>give up</i> every loan of hand.


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<n>(10:33)</n> And we established for us as one of the commandments to impose on ourselves <i>to give</i> the third part of a shekel in every year for the service of the house of our God;


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<n>(10:34)</n> For the shewbread, and for the continual meatoffering, and for the continual burntoffering, <i>for those of</i> the sabbaths, of the newmoons, for the appointed feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sinofferings to make an atonement for Israel, and <i>for</i> all the work of the house of our God.


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<n>(10:35)</n> And we, the priests, the Levites, and the people, cast lots concerning the procuring of the wood, to bring it into the house of our God, unto the house of our fathers, at fixed times, year by year, to burn upon the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law;


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<n>(10:36)</n> And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord;


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<n>(10:37)</n> And also the firstborn of our sons, and for our <i>unclean</i> cattle, as it is written in the law, and to bring the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God;


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<n>(10:38)</n> And that we would bring the first portion of our dough, and our heaveofferings, and this of the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, to the priests, unto the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites; and that these same Levites should be the receivers of the tithes in all the cities of our landtillage;


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<n>(10:39)</n> And that the priest the son of Aaron should be with the Levites, when the Levites receive the tithes; and that the Levites should bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasurehouse.


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<n>(10:40)</n> For into the chambers shall the children of Israel and the children of Levi bring the heaveoffering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, and there shall be the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the gatekeepers, and the singers: and that we will not forsake the house of our God.


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And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: and the rest of the people cast lots, to bring one of every ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and the nine parts to <i>remain</i> in the <i>other</i> cities.


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Now these are the chiefs 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 templeservants, and the children of Solomons servants.


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And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah: Athayah the son of Uzziyah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amaryah, the son of Shephatyah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez:


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And Maasseyah the son of Baruch, the son of Kolchozeh, the son of Chazayah, the son of Adayah, the son of Joyarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Hashiloni;


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And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedayah, the son of Kolayah, the son of Maasseyah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesshayah;


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And Joel the son of Zichri was overseer over them; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.


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Serayah the son of Chilkiyah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Merayoth, the son of Achitub, the superintendent of the house of God;


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And their brethren who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty and two; and Adayah the son of Jerocham, the son of Pelalyah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashchur, the son of Malkiyah;


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And his brethren, chiefs of the divisions, two hundred forty and two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Achsai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer;


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And their brethren, mighty men of valor, one hundred twenty and eight; and the overseer over them was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.


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Also of the Levites: Shemayah the son of Chasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Chashabyah, the son of Bunni;


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And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God;


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And Matthaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Assaph, the principal to begin the thanksgiving at prayer; and Bakbukyah the second among his brethren and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.


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And the gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon and their brethren that watched at the gates, were one hundred seventy and two.


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And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.


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And the overseer of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Chashabyah, the son of Matthanyah, the son of Micha, one of the sons of Assaph, the singers, over the business of the house of God.


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For the kings command was obligatory on them; and there was a fixed rate for the singers, the requirement of every day on its day.


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And Pethachyah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerach the son of Judah, was at the kings hand in every thing concerning the people.


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And respecting the villages with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kiryatharba and in its villages, and at Dibon and in its villages, and at Jekabzeel and in its villages.


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Zanoach, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish and its fields, at Azekah and in its villages. And they dwelt from Beersheba as far as the valley of Hinnom.


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And the children of Benjamin <i>dwelt</i>, beginning from Geba, at Michmash, and Ayya, and Bethel, and in their villages,


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And these are the priests and the Levites that came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel, and Jeshua: Serayah, Jeremiah, Ezra,


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Sallu, Amok, Chilkiyah, Jedayah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.


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And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebyah, Judah, and Matthaniah, who was over the songs of thanksgiving, he and his brethren;


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And in the days of Joyakim were priests, as chiefs of the divisions: Of Serayah, Merayah; of Jeremiah, Chananyah;


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Of the Levites in the days of Elyashib, Yoyada, and Yochanan, and Jaddua, are written down the chiefs of the divisions: also those of the priests to the reign of Darius the Persian.


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The sons of Levi, the chiefs of the divisions were written down in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Jochanan the son of Elyashib.


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And the chiefs of the Levites were: Chashabyah, Sherebyah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren opposite to them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the command of David the man of God, section by section.


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Matthanyah, and Bakbukyah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were watching gatekeepers on the watch at the thresholds of the gates.


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These were in the days of Joyakim, the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the expounder.


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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 celebrate the dedication with joy, with thanksgivings, and with singing, cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.


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And there gathered themselves together the sons of the singers, both out of the district round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophah;


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Also from Bethhagilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth; for the singers had built themselves villages round about Jerusalem.


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And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and then they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.


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Then brought I up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and stationed two great companies for thanksgiving, and trains to walk on the right hand upon the wall by the dunggate;


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And of the sons of priests with trumpets, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemayah, the son of Matthanyah, the son of Michayah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Assaph;


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And his brethren, Shemayah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Chanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the expounder walked before them.


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And over the fountaingate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even as far as the watergate, eastward.


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And the other company for thanksgiving that walked in the opposite direction to them,this one did I follow, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the ovens even as far as the broad wall;


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And above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fishgate, and the tower of Chananel, and the tower of Meah, even as far as the sheepgate; and they halted at the prisongate.


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So did the two companies for thanksgiving place themselves in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me.


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And the priests, Elyakim, Maasseyah, Minyamin, Michayah, Elyoenai, Zechariah, and Chananiah, with trumpets;


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And Maasseyah, and Shemayah, and Elazar, and Uzzi, and Jehochanan, and Malkiyah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang aloud, with Yisrachyah as their overseer.


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And they sacrificed on that day great sacrifices, and rejoiced; for God had caused them to rejoice with great joy; and also the women and the children rejoiced: so that the <i>shout of</i> joy of Jerusalem was heard even at a great distance off.


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And there were appointed at that day certain men as superintendents over the chambers for the treasuries, for the heaveofferings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions according to the law for the priests and the Levites; for Judah had joy on the priests and on the Levites that stood there,


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And kept the charge of their God, and the charge of the purification, and as singers and gatekeepers, according to the command of David, <i>and</i> of Solomon his son.


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For in the days of David and Assaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.


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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 gatekeeper, what was required for every day on its day; and they sanctified things for the Levites: and the Levites sanctified <i>the portion due</i> for the children of Aaron.


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On that day there was read in the book of Moses before the ears of the people; and there was found written therein, that no Ammonite or Moabite should come into the congregation of God for ever;


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Because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and with water, but had hired Bilam against them, that he should curse them; although our God had changed the curse into a blessing.


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And it tame to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated all the alien mixture from Israel.


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And before this, Elyashib the priest, appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and a near <i>of kin</i> unto Tobiyah,


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Had prepared for him a large chamber, where they had laid in former times the meatofferings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was ordained for the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the heaveoffering of the priests.


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But during all this I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king of Babylon I went back unto the king, and after the lapse of some time I obtained by request <i>leave</i> of the king;


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And I came to Jerusalem, and perceived the evil that Elyashib had done for Tobiyah, in preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.


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And it displeased me greatly: wherefore I cast forth all the household vessels of Tobiyah away out of the chamber.


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And I gave the order, whereupon they cleansed the chambers; and I had brought thither again the vessels of the house of God, with the meatoffering and the frankincense.


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And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given <i>them</i>: so that the Levites and the singers, that used to do the work, were fled every one to his field.


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Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why hath the house of God become forsaken? And I gathered them together, and placed them on their posts.


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And I appointed receivers over the treasuries, Shelemyah the priest and Zadok the scribe, and Pedayah of the Levites; and with them acted Chanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Matthanyah; for they were accounted as faithful, and it was their duty to make a distribution among their brethren.


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Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my pious deeds which I have done for the house of my God, and for those that had charge of it.


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In those days I saw in Judah some treading winepresses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading burdens on asses, as also wine, grapes and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day; and I warned them on the day whereon they sold provisions.


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Also the men of Tyre <i>that</i> dwelt therein brought fish and all kinds of wares, and sold <i>them</i> 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 is this which ye are doing, and profaning <i>thereby</i> the sabbath day?


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Did not your fathers act thus, wherefore our God brought over us all this evil, and over this city? and ye bring yet more wrath over Israel by profaning the sabbath.


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And it came to pass, that, when the shadows were lengthened in the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I gave the order, whereupon the gates were locked, and I ordered that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my young men did I place at the gates, that there should be brought in no burden on the sabbathday.


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Thereupon did I warn them, and said unto them, Why do ye lodge along the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth they came no more on the sabbath.


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And I ordered the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep watch at the gates, to sanctify the sabbathday. Also this remember unto me, O my God, and shield me according to the abundance of thy kindness.


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In those days also I saw certain Jews that had brought home wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:


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And their children spoke partly in the speech of Ashdod, and did not understand to speak in the Jewish language, but according to the language of one or the other people.


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And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons, nor for yourselves.


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Did not Solomon the king of Israel sin by these things? and although among the many nations there was never a king like him, and beloved as he was by his God, and God had placed him as king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did the alien women mislead to sin.


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Shall we then hear it said of you, that ye do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in bringing home alien wives?


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And one of the sons of Joyada, the son of Elyashib the high priest, was soninlaw to Sanballat the Choronite; wherefore I chased him away from me.


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Remember <i>this</i> unto them, O my God, because of the defilements of the priesthood, and of the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.


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Thus cleansed I them from all aliens, and I appointed the watches of the priests and the Levites, every one in his work;


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And for the procuring of the wood, at fixed time, and for the firstfruits. Remember this unto me, O my God, for good.


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And it came to pass in the days of Achashverosh, of the same Achashverosh who reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces,


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In those days, when this king Achashverosh was sitting on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the capital,


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That, in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of the provinces who were near him:


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When he showed the riches and the glory of his kingdom, and the brilliance <i>and</i> the splendor of his greatness, during many days, a hundred and eighty days.


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And when these days were completed, the king made unto all the people that were found in Shushan the capital, unto every one, from the great even to the small, a feast of seven days, in the court of the garden of the kings palace;


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<i>Where were</i> white, green, and blue <i>hangings</i>, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple, on rollers of silver and pillars of marble; couches of gold and silver, upon a pavement of green, and white, and yellow, and black marble.


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And they gave them to drink in vessels of gold,the vessels being diverse one from the other,and the royal wine was in abundance, according to the ability of the king.


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And the drinking was, according to the <i>kings</i> order, without compulsion; for so had the king enjoined on all the officers of his house, to do according to the pleasure of every man.


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Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women, in the royal house which belonged to king Achashverosh.


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On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Charbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of king Achashverosh,


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To bring Vashti the queen before the king <i>ornamented</i> with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was handsome in appearance.


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But queen Vashti refused to come at the word of the king brought by the hand of the chamberlains; and the king was very wroth, and his fury burnt in him.


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Then said the king to the wise men, who knew <i>the occurrences of</i> the times; for so <i>came</i> every affair of the king before all acquainted with law and state institutions;


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And those next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tharshish, Meress, Marsena, and Memuchan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who could see <i>at all times</i> the kings face, who sat in the first rank in the kingdom:


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What should according to law be done with queen Vashti; because she had not fulfilled the order of king Achashverosh by the hand of the chamberlains?


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Then said Memuchan before the king and the princes, Not against the king alone hath Vashti the queen done wrong, but also against all the princes, and against all the people that are in all the provinces of king Achashverosh.


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For the conduct of the queen will go abroad unto all the women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, King Achashverosh ordered Vashti the queen to be brought into his presence, but she came not.


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And even this day will the ladies of Persia and Media, who have heard of the conduct of the queen, say this unto all the princes of the king; and there will arise too much contempt and quarrel.


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If it please the king, let there go forth a royal order from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that no one transgress it, That Vashti come no more before king Achashverosh: and let the king give her royal dignity unto another that is better than she.


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And when the kings decree which he will make shall be published throughout all his kingdom, however great it is: all the wives will show respect to their husbands, unto every one, from the great even to the small.


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And the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the king and of the princes; and the king did according to the speech of Memuchan.


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And he sent letters unto all the provinces of the king, unto every province according to its writing, and to every people according to its language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, however he may speak according to the language of his people.


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After these events, when the fury of king Achashverosh was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what had been decreed concerning her.


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Thus said the kings young men, his servants, Let there be sought for the king virgins handsome in appearance;


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And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the young virgins, handsome in appearance, unto Shushan the capital, into the house of the women, under the custody of Hege the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the women; and let them give them their customary anointings;


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And let the maiden who may be pleasing in the eyes of the king become queen instead of Vashti: and the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the king, and he did so.


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There was a certain Jew in Shushan the capital, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Yair, the son of Shimi, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;


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Who had been carried away into exile from Jerusalem with the exiles who had been exiled with Jeconyah, the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile.


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And he had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was beautiful in form and handsome in appearance; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai had taken her to himself as a daughter.


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And it came to pass, when the kings order and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were brought together unto Shushan the capital, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was brought unto the kings house, under the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women.


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And the maiden was pleasing in his eyes, and she obtained favor before him; and he made haste to give her her anointings, with her presents, and the seven maidens, who were selected to be given her, out of the kings house: and he preferred her and her maidens with the best things in the house of the women.


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Esther told nothing of her people or of her descent; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell.


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And day by day did Mordecai walk before the court of the house of women, to ascertain the wellbeing of Esther, and what would be done with her.


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And when the turn of every maiden was come to go in unto king Achashverosh, at the expiration <i>of the time</i> that she had been treated according to the custom of the women, twelve months; for so were the days of their anointings accomplished, six months with the oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other ointments of the women;


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And thus came the maiden unto the king; <i>and</i> whatsoever she asked for was given her to go with her out of the house of the women as far as the house of the king.


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In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned unto the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgas, the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the concubines: she used not to come again unto the king, except the king desired for her, and she was called by name.


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And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abichayil, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her to himself as a daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the women, said: and Esther obtained grace in the eyes of all those that beheld her.


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And Esther was taken unto king Achashverosh, unto his royal house, in the tenth month, which is 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 favor before him more than all the virgins; and he placed the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.


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And the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, the feast of Esther; and he made a release of taxes to the provinces, and gave presents, according to the ability of the king.


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And when virgins were gathered together the second time, then was Mordecai sitting in the kings gate.


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<i>But</i> Esther had not yet told of her descent nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her; and Esther did <i>fulfill</i> the order of Mordecai, equally as when she was under his guardianship.


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In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the kings gate, Bigthan and Theresh, two chamberlains of the king, of those who kept the door, became wroth, and sought to lay <i>their</i> hand on king Achashverosh.


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And the thing became known to Mordecai, and he told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther said it to the king in the name of Mordecai.


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And the thing was inquired into and found true; and they were both of them hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of chronicles before the king.


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After these events did king Achashverosh make great Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and he advanced him; and he placed his seat above that of all the princes that were with him.


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And all the kings servants, that were in the kings gate, bent the knee and prostrated themselves to Haman; for so had the king commanded concerning him; but Mordecai bent not the knee nor prostrated himself.


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Then said the kings, servants, who were in the kings gate, unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the kings command?


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Now it came to pass, when they spoke unto him day by day, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai would be able to stand; for he had told them that be was a Jew.


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And when Haman saw that Mordecai bent not the knee, nor prostrated himself to him, Haman became full of fury.


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But it appeared too contemptible in his eyes to lay his hand on Mordecai alone: for they had told him of the people of Mordecai: therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout all the kingdom of Achashverosh, the people of Mordecai.


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In the first month, that is the month Nissan, in the twelfth year of king Achashverosh, some one cast the Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month <i>to month</i>, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.


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Then said Haman unto king Achashverosh, There is one people scattered yet separate among the nations in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are different from those of every people; while they do not execute the laws of the king; and it is no profit for the king to tolerate them.


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If it be pleasing to the king, let <i>a decree</i> be written to destroy them; and ten thousand talents of silver will I weigh out into the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring <i>the same</i> into the kings treasuries.


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And the king drew his signetring from off his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the adversary of the Jews.


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And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, that people also, to do therewith as it seemeth good in thy eyes.


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Then were called the kings scribes in the first month on the thirteenth day thereof, and there was written all just as Haman had commanded unto the kings lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the princes of every people, to every province according to its writing, and to every people according to its language: in the name of king Achashverosh was it written, and it was sealed with the kings signetring.


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And the letters were sent by the runners unto all the kings provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to exterminate all the Jews, from young to old, little ones and women, on one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to plunder their property as spoil.


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A copy of the writing, to be given out as a law in every province, was published unto all the nations, that they might be ready against that day.


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The runners went out with all speed with the kings decree, and the law was given out in Shushan the capital: and the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.


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When Mordecai ascertained all that had been done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth <i>strewed</i> with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry;


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And thus he came up to the front of the kings gate; for none dared to enter into the kings gate clothed with sackcloth.


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And in each and every province, in every place whither the kings decree and his law had reached, there was great mourning for the Jews, with fasting and weeping and wailing; and a sackcloth <i>strewed</i> with ashes became the bed of the great.


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Then came the maidens of Esther with her chamberlains and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly terrified; and she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, and to remove his sackcloth from him, but he accepted them not.


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Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the kings chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a charge for Mordecai to know what this was, and why this was.


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And Mordecai told him all that had happened unto him, and of the fixed sum of money which Haman had promised to weigh out into the treasuries of the king for the Jews, to destroy them.


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Also the copy of the writing of the law that had been given out in Shushan to destroy them he gave to him, to show it unto Esther, and to tell her <i>all</i>, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, and to make supplication unto him, and to present a request before him for her people.


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All the kings servants, and the people of the kings provinces, do know, that every one, whether man or woman, who should come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is but one law for him, to put him to death, except the one to whom the king should hold out the golden sceptre, for he will be suffered to live; but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.


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Then said Mordecai to bring this answer back to Esther, Imagine not in thy soul to be able to escape in the kings house out of all the Jews.


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For if thou do indeed maintain silence at this time, enlargement and deliverance will arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy fathers house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou hast not for a time like this attained to the royal dignity?


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Go, assemble together all the Jews who are now present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, so that ye neither eat nor drink three days, either night or day; also I myself with my maidens will fast in like manner; and then will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I then perish, I perish.


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And it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and placed herself in the inner court of the kings house, opposite the kings apartment; and the king was sitting upon his royal throne in the royal apartment, opposite to the entrance of the house.


text:
And it happened, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained grace in his eyes; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand; and Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.


text:
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? if it be equal to half of the kingdom it shall still be given thee.


text:
And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet which I have prepared for him.


text:
Then said the king, Bring Haman quickly hither to fulfill the word of Esther: so came the king with Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared.


text:
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even if it be equal to half of the kingdom, it shall still be done.


text:
If I have found grace in the eyes of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to fulfill my request, that the king may come with Haman to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow will I do according to the word of the king.


text:
And Haman went forth on that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the kings gate, who did not rise up, nor move out of the way for him, then was Haman filled against Mordecai with fury.


text:
Nevertheless Haman refrained himself, and went to his house: he then sent and had his friends brought in with Zeresh his wife.


text:
And Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had made him great, and how he had advanced him above the princes and the servants of the king.


text:
And Haman said <i>farther</i>, Yea, Esther the queen did not let any one come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself: and also for tomorrow am I invited unto her with the king.


text:
Yet all this profiteth me nothing, every time that I see Mordecai the Jew sitting in the kings gate.


text:
Then said unto him Zeresh his wife with all his friends, Let them make a gallows of fifty cubits high, and in the mourning speak unto the king that they may hang Mordecai thereon; and then go thou in with the king unto the banquet joyfully. And the thing pleased Haman; and he had the gallows made.


text:
In that night sleep fled from the king, and he ordered to bring in the book of the memorable events of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.


text:
And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Theresh, two chamberlains of the king, of those who kept the door, who had sought to lay <i>their</i> hand on king Achashverosh.


text:
And the king said, What honor and distinction have been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the kings young men, his servants, There hath nothing been done with him.


text:
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outer court of the kings house, to say unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him.


text:
And the kings young men said unto him, Behold, Haman is standing in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.


text:
So Haman came in; and the king said unto him, What shall be done with the man whom the king desireth to honor? And Haman said in his heart, To whom would the king desire to do honor more than to myself?


text:
Let them bring a royal apparel which the king hath worn, and a horse on which the king hath ridden, and let there be placed a royal crown on his head.


text:
And let the apparel and the horse be given into the hand of one of the kings princes, of the most noble, that they may array the man whom the king desireth to honor, and let them cause him to ride on the horse through the streets of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall be done to the man whom the king desireth to honor.


text:
Then said the king to Haman, Make haste, take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast spoken, and do thus to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the kings gate: leave out nothing of all that thou hast spoken.


text:
And Haman then took the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and caused him to ride through the streets of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall be done unto the man whom the king desireth to honor.


text:
And Mordecai thereupon returned to the kings gate; but Haman hastened to his house, mourning, and having his head covered.


text:
And Haman related to Zeresh his wife and to all his friends all that had befallen him: then said unto him his wise men and Zeresh his wife, If Mordecai, before whom thou hast begun to fall, be of the seed of the Jews, thou wilt not prevail against him, but thou wilt surely fall before him.


text:
They were yet speaking with him, when the kings chamberlains arrived, and they hastened to bring Haman unto the banquet which Esther had prepared.


text:
And the king said unto Esther also on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even if it be equal to half the kingdom, it shall still be done.


text:
Then answered Esther the queen and said, If I have found grace in thy eyes, O king! and if it be pleasing unto the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request;


text:
For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain and to be exterminated; and if we had been only sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I would have remained silent; for the adversary regardeth not the damage of the king.


text:
Then spoke king Achashverosh and said unto Esther the queen, Who is this, and where is he, whose heart hath emboldened him to do so?


text:
And Esther said, An adversary, and inimical man, this wicked Haman. Then became Haman terrified before the king and the queen.


text:
And the king arose in his fury from the banquet of wine, and went into the palacegarden: and Haman remained behind to make request for his life of Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil fully determined.


text:
And when the king returned out of the palacegarden into the apartment of the banquet of wine, Haman was fallen upon the couch whereon Esther was: then said the king. Will he even do violence to the queen before me in the house? The word had just come out of the kings mouth, when they covered Hamans face.


text:
Then said Charbonah, one of the chamberlains, before the king, Behold, there is also the gallows, which Haman hath had made for Mordecai, who hath spoken well for the king, standing in the house of Haman, fifty cubits high. And the king said, Hang him thereon.


text:
So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the fury of the king was appeased.


text:
On that day did king Achashverosh give the house of Haman the adversary of the Jews unto Esther the queen: and Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.


text:
And the king took off his signetring which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai: and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.


text:
And Esther spoke again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and wept, and besought him to do away the evil of Haman the Agagite, and his device which he had devised against the Jews.


text:
And the king held out toward Esther the golden sceptre; and Esther arose, and stood up before the king;


text:
And she said, If it be pleasing to the king, and if I have found grace before him, and the thing seem proper before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to recall the letters, the device of Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he hath written to exterminate the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.


text:
For how could I endure to look on the evil that is to befall my people? and how could I endure to look on the extermination of my kindred?


text:
Then said king Achashverosh unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, the house of Haman have I given to Esther, and him have they hanged on the gallows, because he had stretched out his hand against the Jews.


text:
But ye write yourselves concerning the Jews, as it may be good in your eyes, in the kings name, and seal it with the kings signetring; for a writing which is written in the kings name, and sealed with the kings signetring, cannot be recalled.


text:
Then were called the kings scribes at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written all just as Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the governors and the princes of the provinces who were from India unto Ethiopia, one hundred and twentyseven provinces, unto every province according to its writing, and unto every people according to its language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.


text:
And he wrote in the name of king Achashverosh, and sealed it with the kings signetring, and he sent letters through means of the swift messengers on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:


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That the king had granted to the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand forward for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to exterminate all the military strength of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to plunder their property as spoil,


text:
On one day in all the provinces of king Achashverosh, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.


text:
A copy of the writing to be given out as a law in every province, was published unto all nations, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.


text:
The swift messengers that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and hurried forward with the command of the king: and the law was given out at Shushan the capital.


text:
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in a royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a cloak of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan was glad and joyful.


text:
And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the kings command reached with his law, there were joy and gladness for the Jews, entertainments and a feastday: and many of the people of the land became Jews; for the dread of the Jews had fallen upon them.


text:
And in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day thereof, when the kings command with his law drew near to he put into execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to have power over them, which had been changed nevertheless, so that the Jews had power over those that hated them,


text:
The Jews assembled together in their cities, throughout all the provinces of king Achashverosh, to stretch out their hand against those that had sought their injury: and no man could keep standing before them; for the dread of them had fallen upon all the nations.


text:
And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and the superintendents of the affairs of the king, elevated the Jews; because the dread of Mordecai had fallen upon them.


text:
For Mordecai was great in the kings house, and his fame went throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater.


text:
And the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and extermination; and they acted with those that hated them according to their pleasure.


text:
The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the adversary of the Jews, did they slay; but to the spoil did they not stretch forth their hand.


text:
Then said the king unto Esther the queen, In Shushan the capital have the Jews slain and exterminated five hundred men, and the ten sons of Haman: what have they done in the rest of the kings provinces? Now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request farther? and it shall be done.


text:
Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it tomorrow also be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do according to the law of this day, and let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.


text:
And the king ordered that it should be done so; and the law was given out at Shushan; and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.


text:
And the Jews that were in Shushan assembled together also on the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and slew at Shushan three hundred men; but to the spoil they did not stretch forth their hand.


text:
And the remaining Jews that were in the kings provinces assembled together, and stood forward for their life, and procured rest from their enemies, and slew of those that hated them seventy and five thousand; but to the spoil did they not stretch forth their hand,


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On the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and they rested on the fourteenth day thereof, and made it a day of entertainment and joy.


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But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof, and rested on the fifteenth thereof, and made it a day of entertainment and joy.


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Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar as one of joy and entertainment, and a feastday, and of sending portions one to another.


text:
And Mordecai wrote down these events; and he sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of king Achashverosh, those nigh and those far away,


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To take it on themselves as a duty, that they should celebrate the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same in each and every year,


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Like those days whereon the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was changed unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a feastday: to make them days of entertainment and joy, and of sending portions one to the other, and gifts to the needy.


text:
And the Jews took upon themselves that which they had begun already to do, and that which Mordecai had written unto them.


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Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the adversary of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to exterminate them, and had cast the Pur, that is, the lot, to destroy them, and to exterminate them.


text:
But when <i>Esther</i> came before the king, he ordered by that letter that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head: and they hanged him and his sons on the gallows.


text:
Therefore did they call these days Purim, after the name of Pur: therefore, because of all the words of this letter, both for that which they had experienced thereby, and for that which had occurred unto them,


text:
The Jews confirmed it as a duty, and took upon themselves, and upon their seed, and upon all such as join themselves unto them, so that no one should fail therein, that they would celebrate these two days according to their prescription, and at their appointed time, in each and every year.


text:
And these days are remembered and celebrated throughout each and every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and these days of Purim will not pass away from the midst of the Jews, nor will their memorial cease from their seed.


text:
Then wrote Esther the queen, the daughter of Abichayil, with Mordecai the Jew, with all due strength, to confirm this letter of Purim the second time.


text:
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred and twentyseven provinces of the kingdom of Achashverosh, words of peace and truth,


text:
To confirm these days of Purim in their times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined on them, and as they had confirmed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their prayers.


text:
And all the acts of his strength and of his might, and the exposition of the greatness of Mordecai, wherewith the king made him great, behold they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia.


text:
For Mordecai the Jew was the second in rank after king Achashverosh, and great among the Jews, and acceptable to the multitude of his brethren, a promoter of good to his people, and speaking peace to all its seed.


text:
There was a man in the land of Uz, Job was his name; And this man was perfect and upright, and fearing God, and eschewing evil.


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And his cattle consisted of seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred sheasses, and he had a very great store of servants: so that this man was greater than all the sons of the east.


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And his sons used to go and prepare a feast in the house of every one on his day; and they sent and invited their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.


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And it happened, when the days of the feast were gone round, that Job sent and sanctified them, and he then rose up early in the morning, and offered burntofferings according to the number of all of them; for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and have renounced God in their heart. In this manner used Job to do all the time.


text:
Now it happened on a certain day, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, that the Accuser also came in the midst of them.


text:
Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Whence comest thou? And the Accuser answered the Lord, and said, From roaming over the earth, and from wandering through it.


text:
Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Hast thou directed thy attention toward my servant Job; for there is none like him on the earth, a man perfect and upright, who feareth God, and escheweth evil?


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Behold, thou hast indeed placed a fence about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side: the work of his hands hast thou blessed, and his cattle are far spread out in the land.


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But stretch only forth thy hand and touch all that he hath, and <i>see</i> whether he will not renounce thee to thy face.


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Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Behold, all that is his be in thy power; only against himself shalt thou not stretch forth thy hand. The Accuser went thereupon away from the presence of the Lord.


text:
And it happened on a certain day, when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their firstborn brother,


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That a messenger came unto Job, and said, The oxen were ploughing, and the sheasses were feeding beside them:


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When the Sabeans made an incursion, and took them away, and the young men they slew with the edge of the sword; and I am escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee.


text:
This one was yet speaking, when another came, and said, A fire of God fell from heaven, and burnt among the sheep and the young men, and consumed them; and I am escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee.


text:
This one was yet speaking, when another came, and said, The Chaldeans posted themselves in three divisions, and made an inroad against the camels, and took them away, and the young men they slew with the edge of the sword; and I am escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee.


text:
While this one was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their firstborn brother:


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When, behold, a violent wind came from the direction of the wilderness, and struck against the four corners of the house, so that it fell upon the young men, and they died; and I am escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee.


text:
Then arose Job, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and prostrated himself.


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And he said, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; may the name of the Lord be blessed.


text:
And it happened <i>again</i> on a certain day, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, that the Accuser also came in the midst of them to present himself before the Lord.


text:
Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Whence comest thou now? And the Accuser answered the Lord, and said, From roaming over the earth, and from wandering through it.


text:
Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Hast thou directed thy attention toward my servant Job: for there is none like him on the earth, a man perfect and upright, who feareth God, and escheweth evil? and he is still holding fast to his integrity, and thou hast incited me against him, to destroy him without cause.


text:
Then answered the Accuser the Lord, and said, Skin for skin: yea, all that a man hath will he give in behalf of his life.


text:
But stretch only forth thy hand, and touch his bone and his flesh, and <i>see</i> whether he will not renounce thee to thy face.


text:
Thereupon went the Accuser forth from the presence of the Lord, and he smote Job with a sore inflammation, from the sole of his foot unto the crown of his head.


text:
And <i>Job</i> took himself a potsherd to scrape himself there with, while he was sitting down among the ashes.


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But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the worthless women would speak. What? should we accept the good alone, from God, and the evil we should not accept? With all this did Job not sin with his lips.


text:
When now the three friends of Job had heard of all this evil that was come over him, they came every one from his own place, Eliphaz the Themanite, and Bildad the Shuchite, and Zophar the Naamthite; and they met together to come to condole with him and to comfort him.


text:
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and they recognised him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his robe, and strewed dust upon their heads toward heaven.


text:
They likewise sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights; but no one spoke a word unto him; for they saw that his pain was very great.


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Oh that the day whereon I was born might perish, and the night when it was said, There hath been a male child conceived.


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May that day be <i>covered with</i> darkness; may not God from above inquire for it, and may no light beam upon it.


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Oh that darkness and the shadow of death might defile it; may a cloud rest upon it; may the blackness of the day terrify it.


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Yon nightlet darkness seize upon it; let it not be united to the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the <i>periods lighted by the</i> moon.


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Let the stars of its twilight be darkened; let it hope for light, and there be none; and let it not behold the eyelids of the morningdawn;


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Why did I not die <i>the moment I issued</i> from the womb, and <i>why</i> was I not born merely to perish at once?


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Wherefore were knees ready to receive me? and for what purpose were breasts there that I might suck?


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Or as an untimely birth, hidden <i>from view</i> I should not exist; as infants that never have seen the light;


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If we essay to address a word to thee, wilt thou be wearied? yet who is able to refrain from speaking?


text:
Before the breathing of God they perish, and before the breath of his nostrils they come to their end.


text:
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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The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness have to scatter themselves abroad.


text:
It stood still, but I could not recognize its form; a figure was before my eyes, a slight whisper, then a <i>louder</i> voice I heard, saying,


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How much less in those that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed till they come to be eaten by the moth?


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From morning to evening are they broken to pieces: without laying it <i>to heart</i> they perish for ever.


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<i>He it is</i> whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber snatcheth eagerly after their substance.


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<i>But</i> who frustrateth the plans of the crafty, so that their hands cannot execute their welldevised counsel;


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Who catcheth the wise in their own craftiness; and the advise of the perverse is hastened on headlong;


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Against the scourge of the tongue shall thou he hidden; and thou needest not be afraid of destruction when it cometh.


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At destruction and famine canst thou laugh; and thou needest not have any fear of the beasts of the earth.


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For with the stones of the field shalt thou have thy covenant; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.


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And thou shalt know that there is peace in thy tent; and thou wilt look over thy habitation, and shalt miss nothing.


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Oh that my vexation could be truly weighed, and my calamity; oh that men might lift it up in the balances at once!


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For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh it: the terrors of God set themselves in array against me.


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Oh that some one would grant the accomplishment of my request; and that God would grant me the fulfillment of my hope!


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Yea, that it would please God that he might crush me: that he would let loose his hand, and make an end of me!


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Then would this be still my comfort; yea, I would rejoice in my pain while be would not spare: that I have not gainsaid the commands of the Holy One.


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What is my strength, that I should wait? and what my end, that I should yet longer retain my patience?


text:
At the time when they feel the warmth, they vanish; when it is hot, they are quenched out of their place.


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But now, if it please you, turn yourselves toward me, and <i>say</i> whether I would lie before your face.


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Reflect again, I pray you, there will be no wrong: yea, reflect once more, my righteousness <i>will be found</i> therein.


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Is there any wrong on my tongue? or should my palate not understand <i>if I spoke</i> what is iniquitous?


text:
Is there not a limited time of service to a mortal upon the earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired laborer?


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When I He down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am wearied with tossings about till the dawn of day.


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My days hasten away more swiftly than a weavers shuttle, and they come to an end in the absence of hope.


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The eye of him that seeth me now will not behold me again: <i>thou fixest</i> thy eyes upon me, and I am no more.


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As the cloud vanisheth and passeth away: so will he that goeth down to the nether world not come up again.


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Therefore will I also not restrain 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 is the mortal, that thou shouldst make him great? and that thou shouldst direct thy heart toward him?


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If I have sinned, what <i>injury</i> can I cause unto thee, O thou Guardian of men? why hast thou set me as an object for thee to strike at, so that I am become a burden to myself?


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And why wilt thou not forgive my transgression, and let my iniquity pass away? for soon must I lie down in the dust; and thou wilt seek for me, but I shall be no more.


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If thy children have sinned against him, then did he send them off through the means of their transgression.


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If thou become pure and upright: surely then will he watch over thee, and restore thy righteous habitation.


text:
For ask, I pray thee, of an earlier generation, and prepare thyself to <i>stand by</i> the research of their fathers; 


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For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because a <i>mere</i> shadow are our days upon earth; 


text:
Behold, these will truly teach thee, they will speak unto thee, and out of their very heart will they bring forth words:


text:
He leaneth against his house, but it shall not stand: he layeth fast hold on it, but it shall not remain erect.


text:
If he were desirous to enter into a contest with him, he could not give him one answer out of a thousand.


text:
He is wise of heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and escaped unscathed?


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<i>He it is</i> who removeth mountains, and they know it not, yea, when he overturneth them in his anger;


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Lo, were he to go past by me, I should not see him; and were he to pass along, I should not perceive him.


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Behold, were he to snatch aught away, who could hold him back? who would say unto him, What dost thou?


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Whom, were I even righteous, I could not answer? to him that condemneth me I could <i>only</i> make supplication.


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Or were I to call, and he would answer me, I could yet not believe that he would give ear unto my voice


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If I were righteous even, my own mouth would condemn me: were I innocent, it would still prove me perverse.


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One thing is <i>certain</i>, therefore have I said it, The innocent and the wicked he bringeth to their end.


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Is a land given up into the hand of the wicked? he covereth the faces of its judges: if this be not the truth, who is it then?


text:
If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my sorrowful countenance, and recover my cheerfulness:


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For he is not a man, like me, that I could answer him, that we should enter together into a contest.


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My soul is disgusted with my life; I will give free vent to my complaint over myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.


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Is it well for thee that thou shouldst oppress, that thou shouldst reject the labor of thy hands, and shed light upon the counsel of the wicked?


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Still it is within thy knowledge that I am not wicked, and there is none that can deliver me out of thy hand.


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Thy hands have carefully fashioned me and made me; every thing is in harmony all round about; and yet thou dost destroy me!


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Remember, I beseech thee, that as though I were clay hast thou made me; and wilt thou cause me to return again unto the dust?


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And yet these things hadst thou treasured up in thy heart: I know that this was <i>resolved</i> within thee.


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If I be wicked, woe unto me: and if I be righteous, I can still not lift up my head; I am sated with disgrace, and ever seeing my affliction;


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And it constantly increaseth; like a fierce lion dost thou hunt for me; and again thou showest thyself continually wonderful on me;


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Thou ever renewest thy witnesses against me, and causest thy indignation to grow strong against me; changes and multitudes <i>of sufferings</i> are around me.


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Wherefore then didst thou bring me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had perished, and that no eye had seen me!


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Lo! my days are but few: cease, then, withdraw from me <i>thy hand</i>, that I may recover my cheerfulness a little.


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A land of utter gloom, as of the darkness of the shadow of death, without any order, and the light of which is like utter gloom.


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Shall a multitude of words not be answered? and is it so that a man full of talk shall be deemed in the right?


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Thy inventions are to bring men to silence; and when thou utterest thy mocking no one is to cause thee to feel abashed!


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And that he would declare unto thee the secrets of wisdom; for it is double to that which is really in our possession: and thou wouldst experience that God overlooketh unto thee much of thy iniquity.


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Canst thou find out the experience of God? or canst thou find <i>the way</i> unto the utmost limit of the Almighty?


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It is as high as heaven; what canst thou effect? it is deeper than the nether world; what canst thou know?


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If he pass by, and surrender <i>one to suffering</i>, and call together an assembly, who can hinder him?


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And the heartless who acquireth intelligence, and him who is <i>like</i> the colt of the wild ass who is transformed into a man.


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For then canst thou lift up thy face free from blemish: yea, thou wilt stand steadfast, and needest not to fear;


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Because thou wilt truly forget thy trouble, and as a waterflood that is passed away wilt thou remember it;


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And brighter than the noon of day will thy earthly existence arise; and thy obscurity will be like thy morning.


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And thou wilt feel trust, because there is hope: yea, thou wilt search about carefully, and thou wilt lie down in safety.


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Also thou wilt stretch thyself out <i>to rest</i>, with none to make thee afraid; and many will entreat thy favor.


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But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and the means of escape will vanish from them, and their <i>sole</i> hope shall be the breathing out of their soul.


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I also have sense like you; I do not fall short compared with you: and who possesseth not such things as these?


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I am as one laughed at by his friend, who calleth upon God, while he answered him: <i>yea,</i> a laughingstock though righteous and innocent.


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To the unfortunate there is given contempt according to the thoughts of him that is at ease prepared <i>also</i> for those whose foot slippeth.


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Prosperous are the tents of robbers, and security is given to those that provoke God. to him who carrieth his god in his hand.


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Yet, do only ask of the beasts, and they will instruct thee; and the fowls of the heavens, and they will tell it thee;


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Behold, he pulleth down, and there can be no rebuilding: he locketh <i>the prison</i> upon a man, and there can be no opening,


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Behold, he restraineth the waters, and they dry up; or he suffereth them to flow, and they overturn the earth.


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He layeth open deep things from the midst of darkness, and bringeth out unto light the shadow of death.


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He permitteth the nations to become great, and destroyeth them: he spreadeth out the nations, and leadeth them away.


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He taketh away the sense of the chiefs of the people of the land, and causeth them to wander astray in a wilderness when there is no way.


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Oh, who would grant that ye might keep a profound silences! and it would he accounted unto you as wisdom.


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Will it be well if he should search you out? or as one overreacheth another mortal, do ye expect to overreach him?


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And <i>that</i> thou puttest my feet in the stocks, and watchest narrowly all my paths; <i>and</i> settest for thyself a mark upon the soles of my feet?


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Seeing that his days are determined, the number of his months are <i>fixed</i> with thee, that thou hast set his bounds which he cannot pass:


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Turn thyself from him that he may recover from his pain, and be able to enjoy like a hired laborer his day.


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For there is hope for the tree: if it be cut down, it may still sprout again, while its young shoot will not cease.


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Yet through the scent of water will it flourish <i>again</i>, and produce boughs as though It were newly planted.


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So doth man lie down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they will not awake, and will not be roused out of their sleep.


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Oh who would grant that thou mightest hide me in the nether world, that thou mightest conceal me, until thy wrath be appeased, that thou mightest set for me a fixed time, and remember me then!


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Or, when a man dieth, will he live again? all the days of my time of service would I then wait, till <i>the hour of</i> my release were come.


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The water weareth out stones; thou sweepest away their fragments <i>like</i> the dust of the earth: and so thou destroyest the hope of man.


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Thou assailest him with might without ceasing, till he passeth away: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him off.


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His children acquire honor, but he knoweth it not: and they are esteemed little, but he perceiveth nothing of them.


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Hast thou listened to the secret counsel of God? and is wisdom therefore of little esteem with thee?


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All his days is the wicked plagued with pain, and the number of years which are laid by for the tyrant.


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He wandereth abroad for bread, <i>saying,</i> Where is it? he knoweth that there is ready at his hand the day of darkness.


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<i>And</i> he had run against him, with an <i>extended</i> neck, with the thick roundings of his bucklers;


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And he dwelt in abandoned cities, in houses which none inhabited, which were destined to be ruinous heaps.


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<i>Yet</i> will he not remain rich, neither will his wealth endure, nor will he attain their perfection on earth.


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He will never depart out of darkness: the flame shall dry up his shoots, and he will depart by the breath of Gods mouth.


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I also could well speak as ye do: if your soul were but in my souls stead, I could overwhelm you with words, and could shake my head at you.


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But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the condolence of my lips should restrain <i>your grief</i>.


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Though I were to speak, my pain would not be restrained; and though I should forbear, what will go away from me?


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And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, they are my witnesses; and my leanness riseth up for me, giveth its testimony to my face.


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In his wrath he teareth me to pieces, and assaileth me: he gnasheth over me with his teeth; my adversary sendeth threatening looks at me.


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They now open wide against me their mouth; reproachfully they smite my cheek: altogether do they assemble against me.


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I was at ease, but he hath crushed me; he hath also grasped me by the neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up unto himself as a mark;


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His archers encompass me round about; he cleaveth my reins sunder, and doth not pity; he poureth out upon the ground my gall;


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And thou, <i>Creator!</i> attend, I pray thee, be my surety with thyself: who else is there that would strike hands with me?


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For thou hast concealed their heart against intelligence: therefore art thou not exalted <i>through them</i>.


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And he hath placed me here as a byword unto nations; and I become openly as a place of abomination.


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Yet will the righteous hold firmly on to his way; and he that is clean of hands will acquire additional strength.


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But all of you, do only return, and come but <i>to me</i>: and yet I shall not find among you one wise man.


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My days are past, my resolves are broken off, <i>even the thoughts</i>the possessions of my heart.


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Thou, the one that teareth himself to pieces in his anger shall for thy sake the earth be forsaken, and the rock be moved away out of its place?


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Then will be plucked up out of his tent his confidence, and <i>the evil</i> will urge him forward to the king of terrors.


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It will dwell in his tent, because it is no more his: there will be strewed sulphur on his habitation.


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He will have neither son nor grandson among his people, nor any that escapeth in the places of his sojourning.


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Because of his <i>calamitous</i> day are they that come after him astonished, and they that went before are seized with shuddering.


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These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed when ye show yourselves as strangers to me.


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Behold, I cry out concerning the violence <i>done me</i>, but I am not answered: I entreat aloud, but there is no justice.


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He hath pulled me down on every side, and I am going hence; and he hath rooted up like a tree my hope.


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He hath also kindled against me his wrath, and he counteth me with himself as one of his adversaries.


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Ye that sojourn in my house, and my maidservants, regard me as a stranger: an alien am I become in their eyes.


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Oh who would but grant, that my words might be written down! oh who would grant that they were entered in a book!


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And well I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he will remain as the last after the creatures of the dust <i>are passed away</i>;


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Whom I shall myself behold to my happiness, and whom my eyes will see, and not as a stranger, <i>when even</i> my reins are consumed within my bosom.


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Then have dread for yourselves of the sword; for the wrath <i>which ye excite</i> is an iniquity that bringeth the sword; in order that ye may know there is one that judgeth <i>in the world</i>.


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Even therefore do my inmost thoughts give me an answer, and for this reason do I feel a strong excitement within me.


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Reproof which casteth shame on me must I hear; yet out of my understanding will the spirit give me an answer.


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Dost thou know this? from the very beginning of things, from the very time when man was placed upon earth it was,


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That the triumphal shouting of the wicked is ever of but a recent date, and the joy of the hypocrite endureth only for a moment.


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Yet when he but turneth round will he vanish for ever; those who have seen him will say, Where is he?


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Like a dream will he fly away, and men will find him no more; yea, he will be chased away like a vision of the night.


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If an eye have surveyed him, it will not do so again, and it will not behold him any more in his place.


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His children will suffer oppression from the indigent, and his hands will have to restore his <i>illgotten</i> wealth.


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<i>Now</i> his bones are full of his youthful vigor; but it will <i>suddenly</i> lie down with him in the dust.


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The wealth which he hath swallowed, will he have to vomit up again; God will drive it out of his belly.


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He restoreth what he hath labored for, and will not swallow it down; however much he may have obtained by toil, he will not have any joy of it.


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Because he oppressed and forsook the indigent; because he took violently away a house, shall he not rebuild it;


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Because he knew not quietness in his bosom, shall he not escape through what is the most precious to him.


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In the fulness of his abundance will distress assail him: every hand of <i>those he</i> troubled will come against him.


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In order to fill his belly, <i>God</i> will send out against him the fury of his wrath, and will rain it upon him for his eating.


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He draweth it, and it cometh out of the body; yea, out of his gall the glittering <i>arrow</i> cometh forth: over him come the terrors <i>of death</i>.


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Entire darkness is laid by for his treasures: a fire not urged by blowing will consume him; it will destroy any one that is left in his tent.


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Their seed is firmly established in their presence with them. their offspring are before their eyes.


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The bull of each one gendereth, and disappointeth not: the cow of each one calveth, and casteth not her young.


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What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit shall we have, if we entreat him urgently?"


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Lo, not in their hand doth their happiness rest! The counsel of the wicked be <i>still</i> far from me.


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How often is the lamp of the wicked quenched? and how often cometh over them their calamity? and doth <i>God</i> distribute their lot in his anger?


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Should God lay up for his children his wrongdoing? it were better that he reward him, that he might know it himself.


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For what care hath he for his household after him, when the number of his months is all apportioned to him?


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For ye say, Where is the house of the nobleminded? and where is the tent of the dwellingplaces of the wicked?


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That the bad man is reserved for the day of calamity, <i>that the wicked</i> are carried forward to the day of wrath.


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Sweet are to him the clods of the valley; and after him succeedeth every man, as those that were before him are without number.


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Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it any gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?


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For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brothers for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.


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But as for the man of a strong arm, he obtained the land, and the highly honored could dwell therein.


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Is not God in the height of heaven? and beholding the highest elevation of the stars, however high they are?


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Thick clouds are a covering for him, so that he will not see; and he walketh along on the circle of heaven."


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And yet it was he that filled their houses with good things; but the counsel of the wicked be <i>still</i> far from me.


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If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, so thou wilt but remove wrongdoing far away from thy tents.


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And throw down in the dust precious metals, and <i>the gold of</i> Ophir to the stones of the brooks:


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For when men are brought low, thou wilt say, Pride <i>hath done it</i>; but those of lowly eyes <i>God</i> will help.


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He will even deliver him who is not guiltless: and thou wilt be delivered by the purity of thy hands.


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When he doth great things at the north, I behold him not; he hideth himself in the southand I see him not.


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From the commandment of his lips have I also not moved away: as a fixed statute for me have I treasured up the sayings of his mouth.


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For he will bring to completion what hath been destined for me: and like these hath he many other things with him.


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Because I was not destroyed before this darkness, and because he hath not hidden from my face <i>this</i> gloom.


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Why are not times <i>of punishment</i> treasured up by the Almighty, and why do his adorers not see his days <i>of retribution</i>?


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Behold, as wild asses in the wilderness go they forth to their work, rising betimes after <i>their</i> prey: the desert yieldeth food for them and for their young men.


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They cause <i>the poor</i> to spend the night naked, without clothing and without any covering in the cold.


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Through the sweeping rain of the mountains are they made wet, and for want of a shelter do they embrace the rock.


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Out of a populous city is groaning heard, and the soul of the deadly wounded crieth out: yet God regardeth it not as an offence.


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With the earliest light riseth the murderer, he slayeth the poor and needy, and in the night he becometh like the thief.


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And the eye of the adulterer watcheth for the twilight, saying, No eye will see me; and placeth a covering on his face.


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They break into houses in the dark, in the daytime they lock themselves in: they know not the light.


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For to all of these alike is the morning as the shadow of death; for they are familiar with the terrors of the shadow of death.


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Swift are such men <i>to flee</i> on the face of the water; accursed is their field on the land; none of them turneth himself to the way, of the vineyards.


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The mother that bore such a one will forget him; the worm will feed sweetly on him; he will be no more remembered; and like a tree will wickedness be broken.


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To such <i>God</i> granteth to be in safety, that he may find support; and His eyes are upon their ways.


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They are exalted; in but a little while they are no more; and they are brought down low: like all others are they gathered in, and like the top of the ear of corn are they cut off.


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What assistance hast thou given to the powerless? <i>how</i> hast thou helped the arm without strength?


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A fixed limit he compassed off over the face of the waters, for the division of the light and darkness.


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Lo, these are ends of his ways; for how slight a whisper is heard <i>by us</i> of him! but the thunder of his mighty deeds who can understand?


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Far be it from me that I should justify you; till I depart hence will I not allow <i>any one</i> to take my integrity away from me.


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I have laid fast hold on my righteousness, and I will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me <i>for my conduct</i> during all my life.


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For what is the hope of the hypocrite, when he hath gained unjust wealth, when God casteth forth his soul?


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I will instruct you concerning what is in the hand of God: <i>the way</i> which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.


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This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the portion of tyrants, which they shall receive from the Almighty.


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If his children be multiplied, it is only for the sword; and his offspring will not be satisfied with bread.


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Those of his that are left to escape will be buried by death; and his widows will not be able to weep.


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He may prepare, but the righteous will clothe himself <i>therewith</i>, and the silver the innocent will divide.


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Rich will he lie down, but will not be gathered <i>into the grave</i>: one openeth his eyes, and he is no more.


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The east wind will lift him up, and he must be gone; and it hurleth him like a storm out of his place.


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And <i>God</i> will cast <i>evil</i> upon him, and bare no pity: out of his hand <i>his wealth</i> will surely escape.


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An end doth he set to darkness, and the very utmost limit doth he search out, the stones of darkness, and of the shadow of death.


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He breaketh a channel far from the inhabited place; those of unsteady foot, the poorest of men move <i>there about</i>.


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The various droppings of water he uniteth into streams, and what is hidden he bringeth forth to light.


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She cannot be estimated after gold and glass; and not in exchange for her <i>can</i> vessels of refined gold <i>be taken.</i>


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And he said unto man, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to eschew evil is understanding.


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The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; and the heart of the widow I caused to sing for joy.


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And I said then, "In the midst of my nest shall I depart hence, and like the sand shall I have many days.


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I smiled on those that had lost their confidence; and the light of my countenance they never cast down.


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I chose their way for them, and I sat as chief, and dwelt as king in his army, as one that comforteth mourners.


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But now they who are younger than I in years laugh at me, whose fathers I scorned to put as equals with the dogs of my flocks.


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Yea, what possible use can the strength of their hands be unto me, over whom old age hath passed fruitlessly?


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Who suffer for want and famine in solitude; who flee into the wilderness <i>where all is</i> darkness, ruin, and desolation;


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Because he hath loosened the cord of my bow, and afflicted me, they have also cast off the bridle before me.


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Against my right hand rise up this swarm of worthless youths: they push away my feet, and they level against me their calamitybringing paths.


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Terrors have turned their face against me; they chase like the wind my glory: and like a cloud is my happiness passed away.


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Through the Almlghtys power is my garment made unknown: like the opening of my coat hath he enclosed me.


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I cry aloud unto thee, but thou answerest me not: I stand up, and thou fixest thy regard against me.


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Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to pass away, and dissolvest in me all wise counsel.


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But doth not a man stretch out his hand among ruins? or doth one not cry out therefrom <i>for help</i> when he meeteth his downfall?


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And what then would have been my portion of God from above? and what lot of the Almighty from on high?


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<i>And knoweth</i> whether I have walked with vain desires, or if my foot hath hastened after deceit.


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If my step have turned aside from the <i>proper</i> way, and my heart have walked after my eyes, and if any blemish have cleaved to my hands:


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For it would be a fire that consumeth down to the place of corruption, and would root out all my products.


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If ever I cast aside the justice due to my manservant and my maidservant, when they contended with me:


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What then could I do when God should rise up? and when he should investigate, what could I answer him?


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If ever I denied the wish of the indigent, or ever allowed the eyes of the widow to fall <i>in vain hopes</i>;


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(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as though we were of one father, and I have guided her <i>as though she was sprung</i> from my mothers womb;)


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For dreaded by me was the calamitous punishment of God, and against his highness I can accomplish nothing.


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If ever I looked at the light <i>of the sun</i> when he shone brightly and on the moon walking in splendor:


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This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge; for thus would I have denied the God that is above.


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Because I dreaded the great multitude, or because the contempt of families did terrify me, so that I kept silence, and dared not to go out of the door; 


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Oh who will bring me one that would hear me! behold, here is my plea; may the Almighty answer me; and any record which my opponent may have written,


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Then may instead of wheat, thorns come forth, and instead of barley, cockle. (Here end the words of Job.)


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Thereupon was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he had declared himself more righteous than God.


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And against his three friends was his wrath kindled; because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.


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But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then was his wrath kindled.


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And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite commenced, and said, Young am I in days, and ye are very old: therefore I hesitated and feared to show you what I know.


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Not those rich in years must be always wise: neither do the aged constantly understand what is just.


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Behold, I waited for your words: I gave an attentive ear to your reasonings, till you might have searched out the <i>proper</i> words.


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And now I understand you fully, and, behold, there is none that convinceth Job, or, that answereth his speeches among you.


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And should I wait <i>longer</i>, because they cannot speak, because they stand stilt and answer no more?


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Behold, my bosom is like <i>fresh</i> wine which hath not been opened: like new bottles it is ready to burst.


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On no account will I show undue favor to any man, and to no son of earth will I give flattering titles.


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If there be now about him one single angel, as defender, one out of a thousand, to tell for man his uprightness:


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Then is he gracious unto him, and saith, Release him from going down to the pit, I have found an atonement.


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He will offer his entreaty unto God, and he will receive him in favor, that he may see his face with joy: so doth He recompense unto the mortal his righteousness.


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He then should assemble men around, and say, "I had sinned, and perverted what is right, yet have I not received a like return."


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Should I lie concerning the justice due me? incurable is <i>my wound from</i> the arrow I bear in me without any transgression."


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Therefore ye men of sense hearken unto me: far is it from God to practise wickedness; and from the Almighty to do wrong!


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For the work of a son of earth doth he recompense unto him, and according to the path of man doth he permit things to occur to him.


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Is it possible that he who hateth justice should govern? or wilt thou condemn the righteous mighty One?


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Whereas he is one that showeth no favor to chieftains, and distinguisheth not the rich before the indigent; for all of them are the work of his hands.


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In a moment will they die, and in the midst of the night; people are moved, and pass away: and the mighty will be removed without a human hand.


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For he need not direct <i>his attention</i> a long time upon man, that he should enter into judgment before God.


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For the reason that he knoweth their deeds: therefore he overturneth them in the night, and they are crushed.


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When he now granteth rest, who will condemn <i>him</i>! and when he hideth his face, who can behold him? whether it be against a nation, or against one man, it is the same:


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What I cannot see myself, do thou truly teach me; if I have done what is unjust, I will do so no more."


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Should he then according to thy view send a recompense, because thou hast rejected him? "Because thou must choose, and not I?" and what thou knowest, do speak.


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For he addeth unto his sin transgression: among us he uttereth too many loud words, and multiplieth his speeches against God.


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For thou sayest, "What benefit will it be unto thee? what more profit shall I have, than if I had sinned?"


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If thou sin, what dost thou effect against him? and if thy transgressions be multiplied, what canst thou do unto him?


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By reason of the multitude of oppressions <i>the wicked</i> cause men to cry: these complain aloud because of the arm of the mighty.


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Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of the heavens?


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Although thou sayest, thou canst not see him: yet the decision is before him; and do thou wait for him.


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But now, because his anger hath punished nothing, shall he not greatly take cognizance of the multitude of sins?


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For truly no falsehood is <i>in</i> my words: one that is upright in <i>his</i> opinions <i>dealeth now</i> with thee.


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He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous; but <i>he placeth them</i> with kings on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.


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If they hearken and serve <i>him</i>, they will spend their days in happiness, and their years in pleasures.


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But if they hearken not, they will pass away through the sword, and they will perish in want of knowledge.


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And also thee hath he incited away from the jaws of distress into a wide space, on the site of which there is no straitness; and what is set on thy table is full of fatness.


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But if thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: <i>divine</i> judgment and decree will support each other.


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For there would be fury, If aught were to incite thee to utter an abundance <i>of rebellious words</i>; and the greatness of the infliction must not mislead thee.


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Take heed, turn not thyself to wrongdoing, so that thou wouldst choose this because of <i>thy</i> affliction.


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Behold, God is great, and we comprehend him not, the number of his years can truly not be searched out.


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<i>His</i> hands he covereth with light; and he commandeth it to strike the one who striveth against him.


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Behind it roareth the thunder; he thundereth with his majestic voice; and he holdeth them not back when his voice is heard.


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For to the snow he saith, Be thou on the earth: likewise the pouring rain, and to the pouring rains of his strength.


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And it is turned round about by his guidance, to execute what he commandeth it upon the face of the world, the earth.


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Whether it be as a chastising rodif this be destined for his earthor for kindness, doth he cause it to come.


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Dost thou know how God hath imposed <i>a law</i> on them, and <i>how</i> he hath caused the light of his cloud to shine?


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Dost thou know aught about the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?


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<i>Thou</i> who clothest thyself with warm garments, when He giveth the earth rest from the south wind?


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Let us know what we shall say unto him: we cannot set aught in order <i>before him</i> because of darkness.


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Can <i>all</i> be related of him, when I speak <i>ever so much</i>? or if a man talk <i>of him</i> even till he be swallowed up <i>in death</i>?


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Yet now men see not the light which is bright in the skies, when the wind hath passed along, and purified them.


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The Almighty, whom we cannot find out, excellent in power, and in justice, and abounding in righteousness, will not afflict:


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Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? tell it, if thou hast any understanding <i>of it</i>.


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And who closed up with doors the sea, when, issuing forth, it came out of the deep bosom of the earth?


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And said, Thus far mayest thou come, but no farther; and here shall be stayed <i>thy strength</i> in the pride of thy waves?


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Didst thou ever, in all thy days, command the morning; didst thou ever assign the morningdawn its place:


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Didst thou ever penetrate as far as the springs of the sea? or wander through the bottom of the deep?


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Were the gates of death ever laid open unto thee? or canst thou see the doors of the shadow of death?


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That thou mightest take each to its boundary, and that thou mightest mark the pathways to its house?


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Didst thou ever enter into the treasuries of the snow? or canst thou see the treasuries of the hail,


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Where is the way <i>to the spot where</i> the light divideth itself, <i>where</i> the east wind is scattered over the earth?


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Who hath divided off watercourses for the overflowing rain, and a way for the lightning <i>that is followed by</i> thunders,


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Canst thou bring forth the constellations of the zodiac, each in its season? or canst thou guide the Bear with its young?


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Who provideth for the raven his provision? when his young ones cry unto God, and wander about for lack of food?


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Knowest thou the time when the chamois of the rock bring forth? or markest thou when the hinds do calve?


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Numberest thou the months of gestation which they complete and knowest thou the time when they bring forth?


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Their little ones become strong; they grow up in the open field; they go forth, and return not unto them.


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Canst thou bind the forestox with a rope <i>to labor</i> in the furrow? or will he harrow valleys, following after thee?


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Wilt thou confide in him, that he should bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy threshingfloor?


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He hath made her callous against her young, as though they were not hers: her labor is in vain, <i>but she feeleth</i> no dread;


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Men spy about in the valley, and he rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth forth to meet the armed array.


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With impatient noise and rage he holloweth <i>with his hoof</i> the ground, and keepeth not quiet when the cornets voice <i>is heard</i>.


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Midst the sound of the cornet he uttereth his joyful neigh; and from afar he perceiveth the battle, the loud call of the captains, and the battlecry.


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Is it through thy understanding that the hawk flieth along, and spreadeth out his wings toward the south?


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Only see, <i>how great</i> is his strength in his loins, and his force, in the muscles of his belly.


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He is the first in rank of the works of God: he that made him can alone bring his sword near unto him.


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Behold, a river sweepeth violently along, but he hasteneth not away: he remaineth quiet, though a Jordan rusheth up to his mouth.


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<n>(40:25)</n> Canst thou draw out the crocodile with a fishhook? or cause his tongue to sink into the batted rope?


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<n>(40:27)</n> Will he address many supplications unto thee? or will he speak submissively unto thee?


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<n>(40:31)</n> Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? and <i>pierce</i> with a fishspear his head?


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<n>(41:2)</n> None is so daring that he would stir him up: and who is there that will stand up before me?


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<n>(41:3)</n> Who hath shown me favor, that I should repay him! whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.


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<n>(41:4)</n> I will not conceal <i>the account of</i> his limbs, nor the relation of his might, nor the grace of his proportion.


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<n>(41:5)</n> Who hath ever laid open the front of his garment? or who can penetrate into his double row of teeth?


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<n>(41:7)</n> What pride is there in <i>his</i> strong shields; he is locked up as with a close seal.


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<n>(41:9)</n> They are fitted closely one to another: they are interlocked, that they cannot be severed.


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<n>(41:10)</n> From his sneezing there beameth forth a light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morningdawn.


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<n>(41:15)</n> The flakes of his flesh are fitted closely together: they are as molten metal on him, immovable.


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<n>(41:18)</n> If one overtake him with the sword, it cannot hold; nor the spear, the dart, and armor.


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<n>(41:20)</n> The child of the bow cannot make him flee: into stubble are slingstones changed unto him.


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<n>(41:22)</n> Beneath him are sharppointed potsherds, he spreadeth out, <i>as it were, a</i> threshingroller upon the mire.


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<n>(41:23)</n> He causeth the deep to boil like a pot: he rendereth the sea like an apothecarys mixture.


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<n>(41:24)</n> Behind him he causeth his pathway to shine, <i>so that</i> men esteem the deep to be hoary.


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I acknowledge that thou art able to do every thing, and that no deep plan of thine can be restrained.


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Who is he that dareth to conceal <i>thy</i> counsel without knowledge? Truly I have spoken of what I understood not, of things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.


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And it came to pass, after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Themanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; because ye have not spoken of me properly, like my servant Job.


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And now take unto yourselves seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up a burntoffering in your behalf; and my servant Job shall pray for you; for him alone will I receive favorably, so as not to deal with you after your folly; because ye have not spoken of me properly, like my servant Job.


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Then went Eliphaz the Themanite and Bildad the Shuchite and Zophar the Naamathite, and did in accordance with what the Lord had spoken to them: and the Lord received Job in favor.


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And the Lord brought back the captivity of Job, when he prayed in behalf of his friends; and the Lord increased all that Job had had twofold.


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And then came unto him all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all that had been of his acquaintance before, and ate bread with him in his house; and they condoled with him, and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and they gave him, every one, a kessitah, and every one an earring of gold.


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And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: and he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand sheasses.


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And he called the name of the first Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.


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And there were not found such handsome women as the daughters of Job in all the land; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.


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And Job lived after this one hundred and forty years: and he saw his sons, and his sons sons, even four generations.


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BOOK FIRST: Happy is the man who walketh not in the council of the wicked, and standeth not in the way of sinners, and sitteth not in the seat of scorners;


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And he shall be like a tree planted by rivulets of water, that yieldeth its fruit in its season, and the leaf of which doth not wither; and all that he may do shall prosper.


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Therefore shall the wicked not be able to stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.


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The kings of the earth raise themselves up, and rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed:


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I will announce the decree, the Lord hath said unto me, "My son art thou: I have indeed this day begotten thee.


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Ask it of me, and I will give thee nations for an inheritance, and for thy possession the uttermost ends of the earth.


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Do homage to the son, lest he be angry, and ye be lost on the way; for his wrath is so speedily kindled. Happy are all they that put their trust in him.


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A psalm of David, when he fled from before Abshalom his son. <n>(3:2)</n> Lord, how numerous are my assailants! how many, that rise up against me!


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<n>(3:5)</n> With my voice I call unto the Lord, and he answereth me out of his holy mountain. Selah.


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<n>(3:7)</n> I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have placed themselves round about against me.


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<n>(3:8)</n> Arise, O Lord, help me, O my God; for thou smitest all my enemies upon the cheek bone: the teeth of the wicked dost thou break.


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<i>To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(4:2)</n> When I call, answer me, O God of my righteousness: amidst distress thou hast <i>ever</i> granted me enlargement; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.


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<n>(4:3)</n> O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be put to shame? <i>how long</i> will ye love vanity, will ye seek for lies? Selah.


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<n>(4:4)</n> But know that the Lord hath set apart the pious for himself: the Lord will hear when I call on him.


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<n>(4:7)</n> Many say, "Who will show us happiness? Let shine brightly over us the light of thy countenance, O Lord."


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<n>(4:8)</n> <i>But</i> thou hast placed more joy in my heart than at the time when their corn and their wine were increased.


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<n>(4:9)</n> In peace, altogether, will I lay me down and sleep; for thou, Lord, alone, causest me to dwell in safety.


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To the chief musician upon Nechiloth, a psalm of David. <n>(5:2)</n> To my words give ear, O Lord, have regard to my mediation.


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<n>(5:4)</n> O Lord! in the morning do thou hear my voice: in the morning will I set in order <i>my prayer</i> before thee, and 1ook up with hope.


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<n>(5:7)</n> Thou wilt destroy those that speak lies: the man of blood and deceit the Lord abhorreth.


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<n>(5:8)</n> But as for mein the abundance of thy kindness will I enter thy house: I will bow myself down before thy holy temple in the fear of thee.


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<n>(5:9)</n> O Lord, lead me in thy righteousness because of those that regard me enviously; make straight before me thy way.


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<n>(5:10)</n> For there is not in their mouth any sincerity; their inward part is full of deception; an open sepulchre is their throat: they flatter with their tongue.


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<n>(5:11)</n> Condemn them, O God: let them fall through their own counsels; for the multitude of their transgressions cast them down; for they have rebelled against thee.


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<n>(5:12)</n> Then will rejoice all those that put their trust in thee; for ever will they shout for joy, when thou protectest them: and then will exult in thee those that love thy name.


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<n>(5:13)</n> For thou wilt bless the righteous, O Lord; as with a shield wilt thou encompass him with favor.


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To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, a psalm of David. <n>(6:2)</n> O Lord, correct me not in thy anger, and chastise me not in thy wrath.


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<n>(6:3)</n> Be gracious unto me, O Lord; for I am withering away; heal me, O Lord; for my bones are terrified.


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<n>(6:6)</n> For in death men do not remember thee: in the nether world, who shall give thee thanks?


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<n>(6:7)</n> I am weary with my sighing; I flood every night my bed; With my tears I moisten my couch.


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<n>(6:9)</n> Depart from me, all ye workers of wickedness; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.


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<n>(6:11)</n> Ashamed and greatly terrified shall become all my enemies; they will turn round, and be made ashamed in a moment.


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A Shiggayon of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the affairs of Cush the Benjamite. <n>(7:2)</n> O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust; save me from every one of my persecutors, and deliver me:


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<n>(7:5)</n> If I have recompensed him that was at peace with me with evil; If I have taken aught from my assailants without cause:


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<n>(7:6)</n> May the enemy hotly pursue my soul, and overtake it; and tread down upon the earth my life, and cause my honor to be in the dust. Selah.


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<n>(7:7)</n> Arise, O Lord, in thy anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of my enemies: and awake for me <i>to</i> the judgment that thou hast commanded.


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<n>(7:8)</n> So shall the congregation of nations compass thee about: and for their sakes return thou to the height.


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<n>(7:9)</n> The Lord will judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity <i>grant</i> me <i>recompense</i>.


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<n>(7:10)</n> Oh let the evil of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just, O thou, who triest the hearts and reins, O righteous God.


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<n>(7:12)</n> God is a righteous judge, and a God who is indignant <i>with the wicked</i> every day.


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<n>(7:14)</n> Also for him he prepareth the instruments of death; he fashioneth his arrows against the persecutors.


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<n>(7:15)</n> Behold, he travaileth with wrong doing; but he hath conceived mischief, and bringeth forth falsehood.


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<n>(7:16)</n> He hath hollowed out a pit, and dug it, and is fallen into the ditch which he hath wrought.


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<n>(7:17)</n> His mischief will return upon his own head, and upon his own skull will his violence come down.


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<n>(7:18)</n> I will thank the Lord according to his righteousness; and I will sing praises to the name of the Lord the Most High.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Gittith, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(8:2)</n> O Eternal One our Lord, how excellent is thy name on all the earth! thou who hast set thy majesty above the heavens.


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<n>(8:3)</n> Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou founded <i>thy</i> might, because of thy opponents, that thou mightest bring to silence the enemy and him that seeketh vengeance.


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<n>(8:4)</n> When I behold thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast established:


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<n>(8:5)</n> What is the mortal, that thou rememberest him? and the son of man, that thou thinkest of him:


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<n>(8:6)</n> Yet thou hast made him but a little less than angels, and hast crowned him with honor and glory.


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<n>(8:7)</n> Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; every thing hast thou placed beneath his feet:


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<n>(8:9)</n> The birds of heaven, and the fishes of the sea, whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Muthlabben, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(9:2)</n> I will thank the Lord with all my heart: I will relate all thy marvelous deeds.


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<n>(9:5)</n> For thou hast conducted my dispute and my cause; thou hast sat on the throne as a righteous judge.


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<n>(9:6)</n> Thou hast rebuked nations, thou hast caused the wicked to perish, their name hast thou blotted out for ever and ever.


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<n>(9:7)</n> O thou enemy, the ruins are passed away for ever, and the cities which thou hast destroyed,lost is their memorial, yea, theirs.


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<n>(9:8)</n> But the Lord will sit enthroned for ever: he hath established for giving judgment his throne.


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<n>(9:9)</n> And he will judge the world with righteousness, he shall decide for the people, with equity.


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<n>(9:10)</n> The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of distress.


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<n>(9:11)</n> And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou hast not forsaken those that seek thee, O Lord.


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<n>(9:13)</n> For he, that inquireth after acts of blood, hath remembered them: he hath not forgotten the cry of the afflicted.


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<n>(9:14)</n> Be gracious unto me, O Lord; have regard to my affliction <i>coming</i> from those that hate me, thou who liftest me up from the gates of death:


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<n>(9:15)</n> In order that I may relate all thy praises in the gates of the daughters of Zion: I will be glad in thy salvation.


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<n>(9:16)</n> Sunk are nations in the ditch that they have prepared: in this net which they had laid in secret is their own foot caught.


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<n>(9:17)</n> The Lord is made known: he executed justice: through the doing of his own hands is the wicked ensnared. Higgayon, Selah.


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<n>(9:19)</n> For not everlastingly shall the needy be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.


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<n>(9:20)</n> Arise, O Lord; let not the mortal boast of his strength; let nations be judged before thy face.


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In the pride of the wicked doth he hotly pursue the poor: they are seized through the plans that those have devised.


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For the wicked boasteth of the longing of his soul, and the robber blesseth himself when he hath despised the Lord.


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The wicked, according to the pride of his wrathfulness, <i>saith,</i> He will not require, There is no God <i>in</i> all his plans.


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Prosperous are his ways at all times; far in the height <i>remain</i> thy punishments away from him: all his assailantshe puffeth at them.


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He saith in his heart, I shall not be moved; I shall be for many generations, and without adversity.


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Of the false oaths is his mouth full, and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and wickedness.


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He sitteth in the lurkingplaces of the villages; in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes search for the unfortunate.


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He lieth in wait in a secret place like a lion in his den; he lieth in wait to snatch up the poor: he snatcheth up the poor, as they draweth him into his net.


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For what doth the wicked despise God? <i>why</i> doth he say in his heart, Thou wilt not require it?


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Thou hast seen it: for thou beholdest mischief and despiteful acts, to requite it with thy hand: unto thee the unfortunate committeth himself; unto the fatherless hast thou <i>ever</i> been a helper.


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Break thou the arm of the wicked; and of the bad manthou wilt inquire for his wickedness <i>till</i> thou find none.


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The longing of the afflicted dost thou hear, O Lord! thou wilt strengthen their heart, thou wilt cause thy ear to listen:


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To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that not farther more shall be arrogant the mortal from the earth.


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<i>To the chief musician, by David.</i> In the Lord have I put my trust: how can ye say to my soul, Flee to your mountain as a bird?


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For lo, the wicked bend their bow, they arrange their arrow upon the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.


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The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord hath his throne in the heavens, his eyes behold, his eyelids prove, the children of men.


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He letteth rain upon the wicked burning coals, fire and brimstone; and a glowing wind is the portion of their cup.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Sheminith, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(12:2)</n> Help, O Lord; for the pious have ceased to be; for the truthful have failed from among the children of men.


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<n>(12:3)</n> Deceptively do they speak every one with his neighbor, with flattering lips, with a double heart do they speak.


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<n>(12:5)</n> Who have said, With our tongue will we be mighty; our lips are with us; who is Lord over us!


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<n>(12:6)</n> Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord: I will grant safety to him for whom the other layeth a snare.


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<n>(12:7)</n> The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver refined in the crucible of earth, purified seven times.


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<n>(12:9)</n> On every side do the wicked walk about, when the vile are exalted over the sons of man.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(13:2)</n> How long, O Lord, wilt thou forget me continually! how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?


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<n>(13:3)</n> How long shall I have to devise resolves in my soul, with grief in my heart daily? how long shall my enemy exalt himself over me?


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<n>(13:4)</n> Look down, answer me, O Lord my God! Enlighten my eyes, that I may not sleep the sleep of death;


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<n>(13:5)</n> That my enemy may not say, I have overcome him; that my assailants may not be glad when I am moved.


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<i>To the chief musician, by David.</i> The worthless fool saith in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they are abominable <i>in their</i> doings, there is none that doth good.


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The Lord looketh down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be one intelligent, one who seeketh for God.


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They are all gone aside, they are altogether become corrupt: there is none that doth good, no, not even one.


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Is there no knowledge in all the workers of wickedness? who eat up my people as they eat bread; <i>while</i> they do not call on the Lord.


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Oh that some one might bring the salvation of Israel out of Zion! When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, then will Jacob be glad, and Israel will rejoice.


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That uttereth no calumny with his tongue, that doth no evil to his neighbor, and bringeth no reproach on his fellowman;


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In whose eyes the despicable is despised; but that honoreth those who fear the Lord; that sweareth to his own injury, and changeth not;


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That putteth not out his money for interest, and taketh no bribe against the innocent. He that doth these things shall not be moved to eternity.


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Multiplied shall be the sorrows of those who give presents to another god: I will not pour out their drinkofferings of blood, nor bear their names upon my lips.


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For thou wilt not abandon my soul to the grave: thou wilt not suffer thy pious <i>servant</i> to see corruption.


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Thou wilt let me know the path of life: fulness of joy is in thy presence; pleasures are at thy right hand for evermore.


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<i>A prayer of David.</i> Hear, O Lord, <i>the cause of</i> righteousness, attend unto my entreaty, give ear unto my prayer, coming from lips without deceit.


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Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast thought of me in the night; thou hast refined methou couldst find nothing: my purpose doth not pass beyond <i>the words of</i> my mouth.


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Show marvelously thy lovingkindnesses, O thou that savest those who put their trust <i>in thee</i> from those that rise up <i>against them</i> by thy right hand.


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Every man is just like a lion that is greedy to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in a covert.


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From these menthy handO Lord, from the men of this world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hidden treasure: they have children in plenty, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.


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As for me, in righteousness shall I behold thy face: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with contemplating thy likeness.


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To the chief musician, by the servant of the Lord, by David, who spoke unto the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the power of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul; <n>(18:2)</n> And he said, I ever love thee, O Lord, my strength.


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<n>(18:3)</n> The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.


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<n>(18:7)</n> <i>When</i> in my distress I called upon the Lord, and unto my God I cried: he heard from his temple my voice, and my complaint came before him, even into his ears.


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<n>(18:8)</n> Then shook and trembled the earth; and the foundations of the mountains were moved; and they were shaken, because he was wroth.


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<n>(18:9)</n> Smoke went up in his anger and consuming fire out of his mouth: coals flamed forth from him.


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<n>(18:11)</n> And he rode upon a cherub, and flew along, and he flitted by upon the wings of the wind.


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<n>(18:12)</n> He made darkness his hidingplace, round about him as his pavilion, dark waters, thick clouds of the skies.


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<n>(18:13)</n> From the brightness before him his thick clouds passed away, <i>with</i> hailstones and coals of fire.


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<n>(18:14)</n> And the Lord thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered forth his voice, <i>with</i> hailstones and coals of fire.


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<n>(18:15)</n> And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot forth lightnings, and discomfited them.


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<n>(18:16)</n> And then were seen the channels of the waters, and there were laid open the foundations of the world, through thy rebuke, O Lord, through the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.


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<n>(18:17)</n> He stretched out from above <i>his hand</i>, he took me; he drew me out from mighty waters.


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<n>(18:18)</n> He delivered me from my enemy, the strong, and from those that hated me, when they were too mighty for me.


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<n>(18:20)</n> And he brought me forth into a large space; he delivered me, because he had delight in me.


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<n>(18:21)</n> The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the purity of my hands did he recompense me.


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<n>(18:25)</n> Therefore did the Lord recompense me according to my righteousness, according to the purity of my hands before his eyes.


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<n>(18:26)</n> With the kind thou wilt show thyself kind; with the upright man thou wilt show thyself upright;


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<n>(18:27)</n> With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the perverse thou wilt wage a contest.


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<n>(18:28)</n> For thou wilt indeed save the afflicted people; but haughty eyes wilt thou bring down.


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<n>(18:30)</n> For <i>aided</i> by thee I run through a troop; and <i>helped</i> by my God I leap over a wall.


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<n>(18:31)</n> As for God,his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a shield to all those that trust in him.


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<n>(18:34)</n> He maketh my feet like those of the hinds, and upon my highplaces he causeth me to stand.


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<n>(18:36)</n> And thou gavest me the shield of thy salvation, and thy right hand supported me: and thy meekness hath made me great.


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<n>(18:38)</n> I pursue my enemies, and overtake them; and I return not again till I have made an end of them.


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<n>(18:40)</n> For thou hast girded me with strength for the war: thou subduest my opponents under me.


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<n>(18:41)</n> And my enemies thou causest to turn their back to me; and those that hate me,that I may destroy them.


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<n>(18:43)</n> And I beat them small as the dust before the wind: like the dirt in the streets do I cast them out.


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<n>(18:44)</n> Thou deliverest me from the contests of the people; thou appointest me to be the head of nations: a people that I know not shall serve me.


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<n>(18:45)</n> As soon as their ear heareth they shall be obedient to me: the children of the stranger shall utter flattery unto me.


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<n>(18:46)</n> The children of the stranger shall fade away, and come forth trembling out of their close places.


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<n>(18:49)</n> That delivereth me from my enemies: also above my opponents thou liftest me up; thou deliverest me from the man of violence.


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<n>(18:50)</n> Therefore will I give thanks unto thee among the nations, O Lord, and unto thy name will I sing praises,


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<n>(18:51)</n> <i>To him</i> that maketh great the salvation of his king, and who sheweth kindness to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for ever.


text:
<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(19:2)</n> The heavens relate the glory of God; and the expanse telleth of the works of his hands.


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<n>(19:5)</n> <i>But</i> their melody extendeth through all the earth, and to the end of the world their words. For the sun hath he set a tabernacle among them;


text:
<n>(19:6)</n> And he goeth out as a bridegroom from his chamber, he is glad like a strong man to run his course;


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<n>(19:7)</n> From the end of the heavens is his going forth, and his circuit is unto their ends: and there is nothing hidden from his heat.


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<n>(19:8)</n> The law of the Lord is perfect, quieting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.


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<n>(19:9)</n> The precepts of the Lord are upright, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.


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<n>(19:10)</n> The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever: the ordinances of the Lord are the truth, they are just altogether.


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<n>(19:11)</n> They are those which are to be desired more than gold, and much fine gold; and they are sweeter than honey and the dropping of honeycomb.


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<n>(19:14)</n> Also from presumptuous <i>sins</i> withhold thy servant; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be blameless, and I shall be clear from any great transgression.


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<n>(19:15)</n> May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable before thee, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(20:2)</n> May the Lord answer thee on the day of distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect thee;


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<n>(20:4)</n> May he remember all thy meatofferings, and accept in favor thy burntsacrifice. Selah.


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<n>(20:6)</n> We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God will we upraise our banners: may the Lord fulfill all thy petitions.


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<n>(20:7)</n> Now I know that the Lord saveth his anointed: he will answer him from his holy heavens, with the saving strength of his right hand.


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<n>(20:8)</n> Some <i>trust</i> in chariots, and some in horses; but we will invoke the name of the Lord our God.


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<n>(20:10)</n> O Lord, save <i>us</i>: may the king answer us on the day when we call <i>on him</i>.


text:
<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(21:2)</n> O Lord, because of thy strength will the king rejoice; and through thy salvation how greatly will he be glad!


text:
<n>(21:3)</n> The longing of his heart hast thou given him, and the request of his lips hast thou not withholden. Selah.


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<n>(21:4)</n> For thou meetest him unasked with the blessings of happiness: thou settest on his head a crown of pure gold.


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<n>(21:7)</n> For thou appointest him to be a blessing for ever: thou makest him glad with joy from thy presence.


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<n>(21:8)</n> For the king trusteth in the Lord; and through the kindness of the Most High shall he not be moved.


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<n>(21:10)</n> Thou wilt render them as a fiery oven at the time of thy anger: the Lord in his wrath will destroy them, and a fire will devour them.


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<n>(21:11)</n> Their fruit wilt thou cause to perish from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.


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<n>(21:12)</n> For they directed against thee evil: they devised a mischievous purpose, which they were not able to perform.


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<n>(21:13)</n> For thou wilt make them turn their back; upon thy bowstrings thou wilt make ready <i>thy arrows</i> against their face.


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<n>(21:14)</n> Exalt thyself, O Lord, in thy strength; <i>and</i> we will sing and praise thy power.


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To the chief musician upon Ayelethhashachar, a psalm of David. <n>(22:2)</n> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from saving me, and from the words of my loud complaint?


text:
<n>(22:3)</n> O my God! I call in the daytime, but thou answerest not; and in the night I find no rest.


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<n>(22:6)</n> Unto thee they cried, and were delivered: in thee they trusted, and were not put to shame.


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<n>(22:8)</n> All those who see me laugh me to scorn: they draw open their lips, they shake their head, <i>saying,</i>


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<n>(22:9)</n> "Let him throw himself on the Lord, that he may deliver him: he will save him, for he delighteth in him."


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<n>(22:10)</n> Yea, thou art he that took me from the womb: thou hast been my trust when I hung on my mothers breasts.


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<n>(22:15)</n> Like water am I poured out, and all my bones are disjointed: my heart is become like wax, it is melted in the midst of my entrails.


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<n>(22:16)</n> Like a potsherd is my strength dried up; and my tongue cleaveth to my palate; and into the dust of death hast thou laid me down.


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<n>(22:17)</n> For dogs have encompassed me; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: like lions <i>they threaten</i> my hands and my feet.


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<n>(22:20)</n> But thou, O Lord, be not far from me: O <i>thou who art</i> my strength, hasten to my aid.


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<n>(22:23)</n> I will relate thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.


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<n>(22:24)</n> Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and be in dread of him, all ye the seed of Israel.


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<n>(22:25)</n> For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the poor; neither hath he hidden his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.


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<n>(22:26)</n> Of thee shall be my praise in a great assembly: my vows will I pay in the presence of those who fear him.


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<n>(22:27)</n> The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they who seek him shall praise the Lord: may your heart live for ever.


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<n>(22:28)</n> All the ends of the world shall remember and return unto the Lord: and all the families of the nations shall bow themselves down before thee.


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<n>(22:30)</n> All they that eat the fat of the earth shall bow themselves down; before him shall bend the knee all that are going down into the dust; for none can keep alive his own soul.


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<n>(22:31)</n> Distant ages shall serve him; there shall be related of the Lord unto future generations.


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<n>(22:32)</n> They will come, and will tell his righteousness unto a people yet unborn, that he hath done this.


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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staffthey indeed comfort me.


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Thou preparest before me a table in the presence of my assailants; thou anointest with oil my head: my cup overfloweth.


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Surely, only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord to the utmost length of days.


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<i>Of David a psalm.</i> Unto the Lord belongeth the earth with what filleth it, the world and they that dwell therein;


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He that is of clean hands, and pure of heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, and hath not sworn deceitfully:


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He shall bear away blessing from the Lord, and <i>the reward of</i> righteousness from the God of his salvation.


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This is the generation of those that adore him, that seek thy presence, <i>the sons of</i> Jacob. Selah.


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Raise your heads, O ye gates; and be raised wide, ye everlasting doors: and let the King of glory enter!


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Raise your heads, O ye gates; and raise <i>them</i> up, ye everlasting doors: and let the King of glory enter!


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Yea, none that wait on thee will be put to shame: let those be put to shame who deal treacherously without cause.


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Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation: on thee do I wait all the day.


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The sins of my youth and my transgressions do not remember: according to thy kindness bear thou me in remembrance, for the sake of thy goodness, O Lord.


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All the paths of the Lord are kindness and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.


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The secret counsel of the Lord is for those that fear him, and his covenantto make it known to them.


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<i>Of David.</i> Judge me, O Lord; for I have indeed walked in my integrity: and in the Lord have I trusted; I shall not slip.


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<i>Of David.</i> The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid? the Lord is the fortress of my life; of whom shall I have dread?


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When evildoers come near against me to eat up my flesh, my assailants and my enemies at me: then do they stumble and fall.


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If an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: if war should arise against me, even then will I have trust.


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One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek for: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the loveliness of the Lord, and to be every morning early in his temple.


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For he will hide me in his pavilion on the day of evil; he will conceal me in the secret of his tabernacle; upon a rock will he place me high.


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And now will my head be lifted up above my enemies all round about me; and I will sacrifice in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy: I will sing, and I will triumphantly play unto the Lord.


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Hide <i>then</i> not thy face from me; reject not in anger thy servant, thou <i>who</i> hast been my help: cast me not off, nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.


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Point me out thy way, O Lord! and guide me on a level path, because of those that regard me enviously.


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Give me not up to the <i>revengeful</i> desire of my assailants; for there are risen up against me false witnesses, and such as utter violence.


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<i>Of David.</i> Unto thee, O Lord, will I call; O my rock, turn not unheeding from me: lest thou turn away silent from me, and I become like those that go down into the pit.


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Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward the most holy place of thy sanctuary.


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Snatch me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of injustice, who speak peace with their neighbors, with mischief in their heart.


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Give unto them according to their doing, and according to the evil of their deeds; according to the work of their hands do thou give unto them: bestow their <i>just</i> recompense on them.


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Because they have no regard for the doings of the Lord, nor the works of his hands: may he pull them down, and not build them up.


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The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him hath my heart trusted, and I am helped, and my heart exulteth; and with my song will I thank him.


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<i>A psalm of David.</i> Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye sons of the mighty, ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength.


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The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth, the Lordupon mighty waters.


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The voice of the Lord <i>resoundeth</i> with power; the voice of the Lord <i>resoundeth</i> with majesty.


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The voice of the Lord causeth the hinds to start, and maketh bare forests: and in his temple every thing speaketh <i>of his</i> glory.


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<i>A psalm, a song at the dedication of the temple, of David.</i> <n>(30:2)</n> I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not suffered my enemies to rejoice over me.


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<n>(30:4)</n> O Lord, thou hast brought up from the nether world my soul: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.


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<n>(30:5)</n> Sing unto the Lord, O ye his pious ones, and give thanks to the memorial of his holiness.


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<n>(30:6)</n> For his anger is momentary, <i>but</i> life is in his favor: in the evening <i>cometh</i> weeping to stay for a night, but in the morning, there is joyful song.


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<n>(30:8)</n> Lord, by thy favor hadst thou caused my mountain to stand in strength: thou didst hide thy face, <i>and</i> I was terrified.


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<n>(30:10)</n> What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the grave? Shall the dust thank thee? shall it announce thy truth?


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<n>(30:12)</n> Thou hast changed my mourning into dancing for me; thou hast loosened my sackcloth, and girded me with joy.


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<n>(30:13)</n> To the end that my glorious soul may sing praise to thee, and never be silent. O Lord my God, for ever will I give thanks unto thee.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(31:2)</n> In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; Oh that I may never be put to shame: through thy righteousness do thou release me.


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<n>(31:3)</n> Bend unto me thy ear; speedily deliver me: be thou unto me as a rock of protection, as a mountain stronghold to save me.


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<n>(31:4)</n> For my rock and my stronghold art thou; and for the sake of thy name lead me, and guide me.


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<n>(31:5)</n> Draw me out of the net which they have laid secretly for me; for thou art my protection.


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<n>(31:8)</n> I will be glad and rejoice in thy kindness; because thou hast seen my misery; thou hast taken cognizance of the distresses of my soul;


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<n>(31:9)</n> And thou hast not surrendered me into the hand of the enemy: thou hast caused my feet to stand on an ample space.


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<n>(31:10)</n> Be gracious unto me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is consumed through vexationmy soul <i>too</i> and my body.


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<n>(31:11)</n> For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing, my strength faileth because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed.


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<n>(31:12)</n> Because of all my assailants am I become a reproach, and unto my neighbors greatly so, and a terror to my acquaintance, those that see me abroad flee away from me.


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<n>(31:14)</n> For I have heard the slandering of many; terror was on every side, while they took counsel together against me: to take away my life did they purpose.


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<n>(31:16)</n> In thy hand are my destinies: deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from my persecutors.


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<n>(31:18)</n> O Lord, let me not be put to shame; for I have called on thee: let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent, <i>passing</i> to the nether world.


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<n>(31:19)</n> Let the lying lips be made dumb, which speak hard things against the righteous, with pride and contempt.


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<n>(31:20)</n> Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast treasured up for those that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for those that trust in thee before the sons of men!


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<n>(31:21)</n> Thou wilt conceal them in the secret of thy presence from the conspiracy of men: thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.


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<n>(31:22)</n> Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shown me his kindness wonderfully in a beleaguered city.


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<n>(31:23)</n> And yet had I said in my despondency, I am cut off from before thy eyes: nevertheless thou didst hear the voice of my supplications when I cried loudly unto thee.


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<n>(31:24)</n> Oh love the Lord, all ye his pious ones: the Lord preserveth the faithful, and recompenses the presumption of him that acteth proudly.


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For by day and night lay thy hand heavily upon me: my <i>lifes</i> moisture hath been changed through the droughts of summer. Selah.


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My sin do I ever acknowledge unto thee, and my iniquity have I not covered up. I said, I will make confession because of my transgressions unto the Lord: and thou truly forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.


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For this shall every pious one pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely <i>then</i> when great waters overflow, they shall never reach unto him.


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Thou art my hidingplace; from distress wilt thou preserve me; with songs of deliverance wilt thou encompass me. Selah.


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I will instruct thee and I will teach thee concerning the way which thou oughtest to go: I will counsel thee with my eye.


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Be ye not like the horse, or like the mule, who hath no understanding; who must be held in with bit and bridle, his ornament, lest he come near unto thee.


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Many are the pains of the wicked; but him that trusteth in the Lord will he encompass with kindness.


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Rejoice in the Lord, and be glad, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.


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Give thanks unto the Lord with the harp: with the tenstringed psaltery do ye sing <i>praises</i> unto him.


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He gathereth together like heaps the waters of the sea: he layeth up in storehouses the depths <i>of the sea</i>.


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The counsel of the Lord will stand for ever, the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.


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Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he hath chosen for himself as a heritage.


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By David, when he disguised his reason before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. <n>(34:2)</n> I will bless the Lord at all times: continually shall his praise be in my mouth.


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<n>(34:6)</n> They <i>who</i> looked unto him, were indeed enlightened, and their faces were not put to the blush.


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<n>(34:7)</n> This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and out of all his distresses did he save him.


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<n>(34:11)</n> The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not want any good.


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<n>(34:13)</n> Who is the man that desireth life, loveth <i>many</i> days, that he may see happiness?


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<n>(34:17)</n> <i>But</i> the anger of the Lord is against those that do evil, to cut off from the earth their remembrance.


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<n>(34:19)</n> The Lord is nigh unto those that are brokenhearted: and he saveth those that are of a contrite spirit.


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<n>(34:20)</n> Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but out of them all the Lord ever delivereth him.


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<n>(34:22)</n> The evil will slay the wicked: and they who hate the righteous shall incur guiltiness.


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<n>(34:23)</n> The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and all that trust in him shall not incur guiltiness.


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<i>Of David.</i> Contend, O Lord, with those that contend with me: fight against those that fight against me.


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Let those be put to shame and be confounded that seek after my life: let those be turned backward and be made to blush, that devise unhappiness for me.


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For without cause have they hidden for me their net in a pit, without cause have they dug <i>pitfalls</i> against my life.


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May then destruction come upon each of them at unawares; and may his net that he hath hidden catch himself: in <i>utter</i> destruction let him fall therein.


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All my bones will say, Lord, who is like unto thee, who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that robbeth him?


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But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted with fasting my soul, and my prayer returned into my own bosom.


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As though he had been to me a friend or a brother did I walk about: as one that mourneth for a mother did I sorrowfully bend down my head.


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But in my downfall they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together; there gathered themselves together against me abject wretches, whom I knew not; they did tear me, and ceased not:


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O Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, from the young lions my solitary spirit.


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Let not rejoice over me those that are my enemies wrongfully: <i>nor</i> let those who hate me without cause wink with the eye.


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Let them not say in their heart, Aha, <i>this is the wish of</i> our soul: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.


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Let those be made ashamed and put to the blush together that rejoice at my mishap; let them be clothed with shame and confusion that magnify themselves above me.


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Let those shout, and rejoice, that desire my righteousness: yea, let them say continually, Great is the Lord, who desireth the welfare of his servant.


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To the chief musician, by the servant of the Lord, by David. <n>(36:2)</n> Saith vice itself to the wickedso I feel it within my heart that he should have no dread of God before his eyes.


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<n>(36:3)</n> For he flattereth himself in his own eyes <i>too much</i> to find out his iniquity to hate it.


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<n>(36:4)</n> The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, to do good.


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<n>(36:5)</n> He deviseth wickedness upon his couch; he placeth himself on a way that is not good; evil he despiseth not.


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<n>(36:7)</n> Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; thy acts of justice like the great deep: man and beast dost thou ever help, O Lord.


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<n>(36:8)</n> How precious is thy kindness, O God! And the children of men that seek shelter under the shadow of thy wings,


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<n>(36:9)</n> These will be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and of the stream of thy delights wilt thou give them to drink.


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<n>(36:11)</n> Draw down continuously thy kindness unto those that acknowledge thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.


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<n>(36:12)</n> Let not come against me the foot of pride, and let not the hand of the wicked chase me off.


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<n>(36:13)</n> There are fallen the workers of wickedness: they are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.


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<i>Of David.</i> Do not fret thyself because of the evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.


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And he will bring forth as the light thy righteousness, and the justice of thy <i>cause</i> as the noonday.


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Be silent before the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who practices wicked devices.


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For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, theseshall truly inherit the land.


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For yet but for a little while, and the wicked shall be no more: yea, thou wilt look carefully at his place, and he shall not be there.


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But the meek shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves because of the abundance of peace.


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The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cause the poor and needy to fall, and to slaughter such as are of an upright course <i>of life</i>.


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They shall not be made ashamed in the time of unhappiness; and in the days of famine shall they be satisfied.


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But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the beauty of the meadow: they pass away; in smoke they pass away.


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By the Lord are the steps of the righteous man established; and he findeth pleasure in his course <i>of life</i>.


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I have been young, and I am also grown old: yet have I never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed seeking for bread.


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For the Lord loveth justice, and never forsaketh his pious servants: they are for ever preserved; but the seed of the wicked will be cut off.


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Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he will exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, shalt thou look on.


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Observe the perfect man, and behold the upright; for there is a <i>happy</i> future for the man of peace.


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And the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord: he is their stronghold in the time of distress.


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And the Lord helpeth them, and delivereth them; he will deliver them from the wicked, and save them; because they have put their trust in him.


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<i>A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.</i> <n>(38:2)</n> O Lord, correct me not in thy wrath, nor chastise me in thy fury.


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<n>(38:4)</n> There is no soundness in my flesh because of thy indignation: there is no peace in my bones because of my sin.


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<n>(38:5)</n> For my iniquities are passed over my head, as a heavy burden are they too heavy for me.


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<n>(38:7)</n> I am bent double; I am bowed down to the utmost; all the day long I go about full of grief.


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<n>(38:8)</n> For my loins are filled with a burning disease, and there is no soundness in my flesh.


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<n>(38:9)</n> I am made faint and crushed to the utmost; I cry aloud because of the groaning of my heart.


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<n>(38:11)</n> My heart is restless, my strength hath left me; and the light of my eyesthat also is no more with me.


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<n>(38:13)</n> They also that seek after my life lay snares; and they that wish for my mishap speak wicked falsehoods; and deceits do they devise all the day long.


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<n>(38:17)</n> For I said, Perhaps they might rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they might magnify themselves over me.


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<n>(38:21)</n> They also that repay <i>me</i> evil in lieu of good; they hate me bitterly because I pursue what is good.


text:
<i>To the chief musician, to Jeduthun, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(39:2)</n> I said, I will guard my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked is before me.


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<n>(39:3)</n> I was dumb in deep silence, I was quite still, even from <i>speaking</i> good; but my pain was greatly excited;


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<n>(39:4)</n> My heart was hot within me, in my selfcommuning there burnt a fire: <i>then</i> spoke I with my tongue,


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<n>(39:5)</n> Let me know, O Lord, my end, and the measure of my days, what it is: I wish to know when I shall cease to be.


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<n>(39:6)</n> Behold, measured out with the span hast thou made my days; and my whole duration is nothing before thee: yea, as nothing but vanity doth every man stand here. Selah.


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<n>(39:7)</n> As nothing but a shadowy image doth man walk about, yea, for vanity only do all make a noise: he heapeth up his gains, and knoweth not who shall gather them.


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<n>(39:9)</n> From all my transgressions deliver thou me: render me not the object of reproach of the worthless.


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<n>(39:12)</n> When thou with corrections chastisest man for iniquity, thou causest his excellence to melt away as <i>if eaten by</i> the moth: yea, nothing but vanity is every man. Selah.


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<n>(39:13)</n> Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; be not silent at my tears; for a stranger am I with thee, a sojourner, like all my fathers.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(40:2)</n> I had waited patiently for the Lord, when he inclined himself unto me, and heard my cry.


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<n>(40:3)</n> And he brought me up out of the noiseful deep, out of the miry clay, and he set up my feet upon a rock, making firm my steps.


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<n>(40:4)</n> And he placed in my mouth a new song, a praise unto our God: many will see it, and fear; and they will trust in the Lord.


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<n>(40:5)</n> Happy is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and turneth not unto the proud, nor such as stray aside unto lies.


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<n>(40:6)</n> Many things hast thou done, O Lord my God; thy wonderful deeds and thy thoughts toward usthere is none to be compared unto theewill I tell and speak of, <i>though</i> they are too numerous to be counted.


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<n>(40:7)</n> Sacrifice and meatoffering thou desirest notears hast thou hollowed out unto meburntoffering and sinoffering thou demandest not.


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<n>(40:10)</n> I announce <i>thy</i> righteousness in the great assembly: lo, I will not refrain my lips, O Lord, thou well knowest it.


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<n>(40:11)</n> Thy righteousness have I never hidden within my heart; thy faithfulness and thy salvation have I spoken of openly: I have not concealed thy kindness and thy truth before the great assembly.


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<n>(40:12)</n> Do thou, O Lord, not withhold thy mercies from me: let thy kindness and thy truth continually watch over me.


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<n>(40:13)</n> For evils without number have compassed me about; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see: they are more numerous than the hairs of my head; and my courage hath forsaken me.


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<n>(40:15)</n> May those be made ashamed and put to the blush together that seek after my soul to take her away: let them be driven backward and be confounded, that wish for my mishap.


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<n>(40:17)</n> <i>But</i> may all those that seek thee be glad and rejoice in thee: may they say continually, The Lord be magnified,those that love thy salvation.


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<n>(40:18)</n> But though I be poor and needy, the Lord will think of me: my help and my deliverer art thou: O my God, delay not.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(41:2)</n> Happy is he that careth for the poor: on the day of evil will the Lord deliver him.


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<n>(41:3)</n> The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; he shall be made happy on the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the revengeful desire of his enemies.


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<n>(41:4)</n> The Lord will sustain him upon the bed of painful disease: thou changest all his couch in his sickness.


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<n>(41:7)</n> And if he come to see <i>me</i>, he speaketh falsely: his heart gathereth wickedness to itself; he goeth abroad <i>and</i> speaketh it.


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<n>(41:9)</n> "His godless deed <i>say they</i> is poured out over him: as he lieth there he will never more rise up again."


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<n>(41:10)</n> Yea, even the man that should have sought my welfare, in whom I trusted, who eateth my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.


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<n>(41:11)</n> But thou, O Lord, be gracious unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite it unto them.


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<n>(41:12)</n> By this do I know that thou art pleased with me, that my enemy doth not triumph over me.


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<n>(41:13)</n> But as for me, thou upholdest me in my integrity, and placest me before thy presence for ever.


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<n>(41:14)</n> Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. BEGIM


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BOOK SECOND: To the chief musician, a Maskil, for the sons of Korach. <n>(42:2)</n> As a hart panteth after brooks of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.


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<n>(42:3)</n> My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I go <i>again</i> and be seen in the presence of God?


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<n>(42:4)</n> My tears have been my food day and night; because men say unto me all the day, Where is thy God?


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<n>(42:5)</n> These things will I remember, and pour out my soul in me: how I was wont to pass along amidst the multitude, journeying with them as a pilgrim to the house of God, with the voice of joyful song and thanksgiving, among the festive throng.


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<n>(42:6)</n> Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and disquieted in me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet thank him, because of the salvation of his countenance.


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<n>(42:7)</n> O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of the Jordan, and from the peaks of Chermon, from the low mount.


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<n>(42:8)</n> Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterfalls: all thy waves and thy billows have passed over me.


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<n>(42:9)</n> In the daytime the Lord will command his kindness, and in the night his song shall be with me, as a prayer unto the God of my life.


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<n>(42:10)</n> I will say unto God, my rock, why hast thou forgotten me? why must I walk grieved, under the oppression of the enemy?


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<n>(42:11)</n> It is as death in my bones, when my assailants reproach me; when they say unto me all the day, Where is thy God?


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<n>(42:12)</n> Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within met? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet thank him, the salvation of my countenance, and my God.


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Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: from the deceitful and unjust man do thou deliver me.


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For thou art the God of my fortress: why hast thou abandoned me? why must I walk about grieved, under the oppression of the enemy?


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Send thou thy light and thy truth, these shall guide me; they shall bring me unto thy holy mountain, and to thy dwellings:


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That I may go unto the altar of God, unto God the joy of my gladness; and that I may thank thee upon the harp, O God, my God.


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Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet thank him, the salvation of my countenance, and my God.


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<i>To the chief musician, for the sons of Korach, a Maskil.</i> <n>(44:2)</n> O God, with our ears have we heard, our fathers have told us, deeds which thou hadst done in their days, in times of old.


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<n>(44:3)</n> Thou, with thy hand, didst indeed drive out nations, and plant them; thou didst illtreat people, and cause them to spread out.


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<n>(44:4)</n> For not by their sword did they obtain possession of the land, and their own arm brought them no victory; but thy right hand, and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst given them thy favor.


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<n>(44:6)</n> Through thee will we butt down our assailants: through thy name will we tread under foot our opponents.


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<n>(44:8)</n> But thou helpest us against our assailants, and those that hate us thou puttest to shame.


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<n>(44:10)</n> But <i>now</i> thou hast cast off, and put us to the blush, and goest not forth with our armies.


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<n>(44:11)</n> Thou causest us to turn back from before our assailant: and they who hate us take spoil for themselves.


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<n>(44:14)</n> Thou renderest us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to those that are round about us.


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<n>(44:15)</n> Thou renderest us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the people.


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<n>(44:17)</n> Because of the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and him that seeketh vengeance.


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<n>(44:18)</n> All this is come over us, yet have we not forgotten thee; nor have we dealt falsely by thy covenant;


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<n>(44:20)</n> Even when thou didst crush us in the abode of monsters, and cover us with the shadow of death.


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<n>(44:23)</n> But for thy sake are we slain all the day; we are counted as flocks <i>destined</i> for slaughter.


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To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, by the sons of Korach, a Maskil, a song of love. <n>(45:2)</n> My heart swelleth with a good speech; I say, "My works shall be for the king:" my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.


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<n>(45:3)</n> Thou art more fair than the children of men; grace is poured out over thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.


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<n>(45:5)</n> Yea, it is thy majesty: be prosperous, ride along for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; and fearful things shall thy right hand teach thee.


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<n>(45:6)</n> Thy sharpened arrowspeople will fall down beneath thee<i>will enter</i> into the heart of the kings enemies.


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<n>(45:7)</n> Thy throne, given of God, endureth for ever and ever: the sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom.


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<n>(45:8)</n> Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore hath God, thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy associates.


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<n>(45:9)</n> Of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia are <i>fragrant</i> all thy garments: out of palaces of ivory have they made thee joyful with the sound of music.


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<n>(45:10)</n> Kings daughters are among those dear to thee: the queen standeth on thy right hand in fine gold of Ophir.


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<n>(45:11)</n> Hearken, O daughter, and look, and incline thy ear, and forget thy own people, and thy fathers house:


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<n>(45:13)</n> And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift: the rich among the people shall entreat thy favor.


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<n>(45:14)</n> All gloriously attired awaiteth the kings daughter in the inner chamber: of wrought gold is her garment.


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<n>(45:15)</n> In embroidered clothes will she be brought unto the king: virgins that follow her, her companions, are brought unto thee.


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<n>(45:16)</n> They are led forth with rejoicings and gladness, they enter into the palace of the king.


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<n>(45:17)</n> Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children: thou wilt appoint them as princes in all the land.


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<n>(45:18)</n> I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.


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To the chief musician: by the sons of Korach, upon Alamoth, a song. <n>(46:2)</n> God is our protection and strength, a help in distresses, very readily found.


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<n>(46:3)</n> Therefore will we not fear, even when the earth is transformed, and when mountains are moved into the heart of the seas;


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<n>(46:4)</n> <i>When</i> the waters thereof roar and foam, when mountains quake before his majesty. Selah.


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<n>(46:5)</n> <i>There</i> is a river, its rivulets cause to rejoice the city of God, the sanctuary of the dwellings of the Most High.


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<n>(46:6)</n> God is in her midst; she shall not be moved: God will ever help her, at the dawning of <i>her</i> morning.


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<n>(46:7)</n> Nations rage, kingdoms are moved: he letteth his voice be heard, the earth melteth away.


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<n>(46:10)</n> He causeth wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in pieces; he burneth wagons in the fire.


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<n>(46:11)</n> Leave off, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korach.</i> <n>(47:2)</n> All ye people, clap your hands; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.


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<n>(47:5)</n> He will choose for us our inheritance, the excellency of Jacob which he loveth. Selah.


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<n>(47:10)</n> The nobles of the people are gathered together, <i>to be with</i> the people of the God of Abraham; for unto God belong the shields of the earth: he is greatly exalted.


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<i>A song and psalm by the sons of Korach.</i> <n>(48:2)</n> Great is the Lord, and highly praised in the city of our God, <i>in</i> his holy mountain.


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<n>(48:3)</n> A beautiful district, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, the farthest north, the city of the great King.


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<n>(48:6)</n> They indeed saw<i>and</i> so they were astonished; they were terrified, they were confounded.


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<n>(48:9)</n> As we have heard, so have we seen <i>it</i> in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.


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<n>(48:11)</n> As thy name is, O God, so is thy praise over the ends of the earth: of righteousness is thy right hand full.


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<n>(48:12)</n> Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.


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<n>(48:14)</n> Direct your mind to her outer wall, mark carefully her palaces: in order that ye may tell it to the latest generation.


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<n>(48:15)</n> For this One is God, our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.


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<i>To the chief musician, by the sons of Korach, a psalm.</i> <n>(49:2)</n> Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the perishable world:


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<n>(49:4)</n> My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.


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<n>(49:6)</n> Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my oppressors encompasseth me?


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<n>(49:7)</n> Of those that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves of the multitude of their riches?


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<n>(49:8)</n> No one can in any wise redeem his brother, nor can he give to God redemption money for himself;


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<n>(49:11)</n> For he must see that wise men die, that together the fool and the brutish person perish and leave to others their wealth.


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<n>(49:12)</n> Their inward thought is, that their houses are to be for ever, their dwellingplaces, from generation to generation; they call them by their own names in <i>various</i> countries.


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<n>(49:13)</n> Nevertheless man in <i>his</i> splendor endureth not: he is like the beasts <i>that</i> perish.


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<n>(49:14)</n> This is their way, their folly: yet their posterity will take pleasure in their sayings. Selah.


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<n>(49:15)</n> Like flocks are they thrust into the nether world; death will feed them; but the upright shall have dominion over them in that morning, and their form wasteth away in the nether world, <i>taken away</i> from their own dwelling.


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<n>(49:16)</n> But God will redeem my soul from the power of the nether world; for he will take me away. Selah.


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<n>(49:17)</n> Be not thou afraid when a man becometh rich, when the glory of his house is increased;


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<n>(49:19)</n> For though he bless his soul during his life, and men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself:


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<n>(49:20)</n> She shall go to the generation of his fathers, unto eternity will these never see light.


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<i>A psalm of Assaph.</i> The God of gods, the Lord, speaketh, and calleth the earth, from the rising of the sun unto his setting.


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Our God is coming, and will not keep silence: a fire devoureth before him, and round him there rageth a mighty storm.


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"Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: God, thy God, am I.


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Not because of thy sacrifices will I reprove thee; and thy burntofferings are continually before me.


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But unto the wicked God saith, "What hast thou to do to relate my statutes, and why bearest thou my covenant upon thy mouth?


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These things hast thou done, and I kept silence: thou didst ween that I am like thyself; <i>but</i> I will reprove thee, and set it in order before thy eyes."


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Whoso offereth thanksgiving glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his course aright, will I show the salvation of God.


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To the chief musician, a psalm of David, <n>(51:2)</n> When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in unto Bathsheba. <n>(51:3)</n> Be gracious unto me, O God, according to thy kindness: according to the greatness of thy mercies blot out my transgressions.


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<n>(51:6)</n> To thee, thee only, have I sinned, and what is evil in thy eyes have I done:in order that thou mightest be righteous when thou speakest, be justified when thou judgest.


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<n>(51:8)</n> Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: therefore do thou cause me to know wisdom in the recesses <i>of the heart</i>.


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<n>(51:9)</n> Cleanse me from sin with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.


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<n>(51:10)</n> Cause me to hear gladness and joy; that the bones which thou hast crushed may rejoice.


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<n>(51:14)</n> Restore unto me the gladness of thy salvation; and with a liberal spirit do thou support me.


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<n>(51:16)</n> Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; <i>that</i> my tongue may sing aloud of thy righteousness.


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<n>(51:18)</n> For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: in burntoffering hast thou no delight.


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<n>(51:19)</n> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, wilt thou not despise.


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<n>(51:21)</n> Then wilt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burntoffering and entire offering: then shall bullocks be offered upon thy altar.


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To the chief musician, a Maskil of David, <n>(52:2)</n> When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Achimelech. <n>(52:3)</n> What vauntest thou thyself of wickedness, O mighty man? the kindness of God endureth all the time.


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<n>(52:7)</n> <i>Therefore</i> God will also destroy thee for ever: he will take thee away, and pluck thee out of his tent, and root thee out of the land of life. Selah.


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<n>(52:9)</n> "Lo, this is the man that made not God his fortress; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, relied proudly on his mischievous wickedness."


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<n>(52:10)</n> But I am like a green olivetree in the house of God: I trust in the kindness of God for ever and ever.


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<n>(52:11)</n> I will thank thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name, for <i>it is</i> good, before thy pious ones.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Machalath, a Maskil of David.</i> <n>(53:2)</n> The worthless fool saith in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and they are abominable <i>in their</i> injustice: there is none that doth good.


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<n>(53:3)</n> God looketh down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be one intelligent, one who seeketh for God.


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<n>(53:4)</n> Every one <i>of them</i> hath departed <i>from righteousness</i>; altogether are they become corrupt: there is none that doth good, no, not one.


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<n>(53:5)</n> Is there no knowledge in the workers of wickedness? who eat up my people as they eat bread: <i>while</i> they do not call on God.


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<n>(53:6)</n> There were they terrified with terror where there was no terror; for God had scattered the bones of those that encamped against thee: thou didst put them to shame, because God had rejected them.


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<n>(53:7)</n> Oh that some one might bring the salvation of Israel out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, <i>then</i> will Jacob be glad, <i>and</i> Israel will rejoice.


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To the chief musician on Neginoth, a Maskil of David, <n>(54:2)</n> When the Ziphim came and said to Saul, Behold, David is hiding himself with us. <n>(54:3)</n> O God, by thy name save me, and by thy strength grant me justice.


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<n>(54:5)</n> For strangers <i>to goodness</i> are risen up against me, and powerful oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.


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<n>(54:7)</n> He will cause the evil to return upon those that regard me with envy: in thy truth cut them off.


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<n>(54:8)</n> I will liberally sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Lord; for it is good.


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<n>(54:9)</n> For out of all distress hath he delivered me: and my eye hath seen <i>its desire</i> on my enemies.


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<i>To the chief musician on Neginoth, a Maskil of David.</i> <n>(55:2)</n> Give ear, O God, to my prayer, and hide not thyself from my supplication.


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<n>(55:4)</n> Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast wrong upon me, and in wrath they attack me.


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<n>(55:7)</n> And I said, Oh that some one would give me wings like a dove! I would fly away and dwell <i>quietly</i>.


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<n>(55:10)</n> Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongue; for I have seen violence and strife in the city;


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<n>(55:11)</n> Day and night do these encompass it upon her walls: and wrong and trouble are in her midst.


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<n>(55:13)</n> For it is not an enemy that reproached me; then I could bear it: not he that hateth me hath magnified himself against me; then I would have hidden myself from him;


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<n>(55:15)</n> So that we took sweet secret counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in tumultuous company.


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<n>(55:16)</n> Let him dispense death over them; let them go down alive into the nether world; for evil is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.


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<n>(55:18)</n> At evening and morning and noon will I make my complaint and moan: and he heareth my voice.


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<n>(55:19)</n> He delivereth my soul in peace from the battle against me; for in multitudes are they <i>contending</i> with me.


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<n>(55:20)</n> God will hear, and humble themyea, he that sitteth enthroned from the oldest time Selahthose who dread no changes, and fear not God.


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<n>(55:21)</n> He stretcheth out his hands against those at peace with him: he violateth his covenant.


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<n>(55:22)</n> The creamy words of his mouth are smooth, yet there is war <i>in</i> his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet are they drawn swords.


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<n>(55:23)</n> Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee: he will never suffer the righteous to be moved.


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<n>(55:24)</n> But thou, O God, thou wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: let not the men of blood and deceit live out half their days; but I will indeed trust in thee.


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To the chief musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, by David, a Michtham, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. <n>(56:2)</n> Be gracious unto me, O God; for man longeth to swallow me up; all the time he oppresseth me fighting.


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<n>(56:3)</n> Those that regard me with envy long to swallow <i>me</i> up all the time; for many are they that fight against me, O thou Most High.


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<n>(56:5)</n> In God will I praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid: what can flesh do unto me?


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<n>(56:7)</n> They come together in troops, they hide themselves, they are those that watch my heels, as though they hoped <i>to take</i> my soul.


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<n>(56:8)</n> Because of their wrongdoing let me escape from them: in anger cast down the people, O God.


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<n>(56:9)</n> My wanderings hast thou well numbered: put thou my tears into thy bottle; behold, they are numbered by thee.


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<n>(56:10)</n> Then shall my enemies retire backward on the day when I call <i>on thee</i>: this I knowthat God is for me.


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<n>(56:14)</n> For thou hast delivered my soul from deathyea, behold, my feet from slipping, that I may walk before God in the light of the life.


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To the chief musician, Altashcheth, by David, a Michtham, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. <n>(57:2)</n> Be gracious unto me, O God, be gracious unto me; for in thee my soul seeketh protection, and under the shadow of thy wings will I seek protection, until the mischief be passed away.


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<n>(57:3)</n> I will call unto God, the Most High; unto God that accomplisheth <i>his kindness</i> on me.


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<n>(57:4)</n> He will send from heaven, and save me, though he that longeth to swallow me up utter reproach. Selah. God will send forth his kindness and his truth.


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<n>(57:5)</n> My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down <i>in the midst of</i> those that send out flames, <i>those</i> sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and whose tongue is a sharpened sword.


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<n>(57:7)</n> A net have they prepared for my steps; my soul hath been bent down; they have dug before me a pit; they are fallen into the midst thereof. Selah.


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<n>(57:10)</n> I will thank thee among the people, O Lord: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.


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<n>(57:11)</n> For great, even unto the heavens, is thy kindness, and even unto the skies <i>extendeth</i> thy truth.


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To the chief musician Altashcheth, by David, a Michtham. <n>(58:2)</n> Do you indeed, who are dumb, speak righteously? do ye judge in uprightness, O ye sons of men?


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<n>(58:3)</n> Even in <i>your</i> heart ye work injustice: on the earth do ye weigh out the violence of your hands.


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<n>(58:4)</n> The wicked are estranged <i>from goodness</i> from the womb: those who speak lies go astray from their very birth.


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<n>(58:5)</n> They have poison like the poison of a serpent: <i>they are</i> like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;


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<n>(58:6)</n> Which will not hearken to the voice of conjurers, yea, that of the wisest of all charmers.


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<n>(58:7)</n> O God, break out their teeth in their mouth: the jawteeth of the young lions tear thou out, O Lord.


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<n>(58:8)</n> Let them melt away as water <i>which</i> runneth off: when each one bendeth <i>his bow to shoot</i> his arrows, let them be as if cut in pieces.


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<n>(58:9)</n> As a snail which melteth, let him pass away; like the untimely birth of a woman which hath not seen the sun.


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<n>(58:10)</n> Before your pots can feel the thorns, will he take them away with a whirlwind, both the green and the burning.


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<n>(58:11)</n> The righteous will rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he will bathe his steps in the blood of the wicked.


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<n>(58:12)</n> So that a man shall say, Verily fruit will come for the righteous: verily there is a God that judgeth on the earth.


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To the chief musician, Altashcheth, by David, a Michtham, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to put him to death. <n>(59:2)</n> Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.


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<n>(59:4)</n> For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul, the mighty are gathered in troops against me: not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord.


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<n>(59:5)</n> Without guilt <i>in me</i> they run and make themselves ready: awake, <i>come</i> toward me, and behold.


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<n>(59:6)</n> And thou, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to punish all the nations: be not gracious to any treacherous wicked one. Selah.


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<n>(59:8)</n> Behold, they sputter with their mouth: swords are in their lips; for who, <i>say they,</i> doth hear?


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<n>(59:11)</n> The God who showeth me kindness will go before me: God will let me see <i>my desire</i> upon those who regard me with envy.


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<n>(59:12)</n> Slay them not, that my people may not forget: drive them about by thy power; and bring them down, thou our shield, O Lord.


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<n>(59:13)</n> The sin of their mouth is the word of their lips: let them be caught through their pride, because of the cursing and lying which they relate.


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<n>(59:14)</n> Make an end in fury, make an end <i>of them</i>, that they my be no more, and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob, as far as the ends of the earth. Selah.


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<n>(59:15)</n> And they will return in the evening; they will howl like dogs, and go round about the city.


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<n>(59:16)</n> They will indeed roam about after something to eat, if they be not satisfied, so that they can be at rest.


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<n>(59:17)</n> But I will truly sing of thy strength; yea, I will sing joyfully in the morning of thy kindness; for thou hast been a defence unto me and a refuge on the day when I was distressed.


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<n>(59:18)</n> Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing; for God is my defence, the God of my kindness.


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To the chief musician upon Shushaneduth, a Michtham of David, to teach, <n>(60:2)</n> When he fought with Aramnaharayim, and with Aramzobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Salt Valley twelve thousand <i>men</i>. <n>(60:3)</n> O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast made a breach in us, thou hast been displeased: restore now unto us <i>thy favor</i>.


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<n>(60:4)</n> Thou hast caused the earth to quake; thou hast split it: heal her breaches; for she is moved.


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<n>(60:5)</n> Thou hast caused thy people to see hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of confusion.


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<n>(60:6)</n> Thou hast given to those that fear thee a banner, to elevate themselves, because of the truth. Selah.


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<n>(60:8)</n> God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult, I will divide Shechem, and the valley of Succoth will I measure out.


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<n>(60:9)</n> Mine is Gilad, and mine is Menasseh; Ephraim also is the stronghold of my head; of Judah are my chiefs;


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<n>(60:10)</n> Moab is my washpot; upon Edom will I cast my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou but over me.


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<n>(60:12)</n> Behold, it is thou, O God, who hast cast us off; and thou, O God, goest not forth with our armies.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Neginah, by David.</i> <n>(61:2)</n> Hear, O God, my entreaty; listen to my prayer.


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<n>(61:3)</n> From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is too high for me.


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<n>(61:5)</n> Let me sojourn in thy tent to all eternity; let me be sheltered under the covert of thy wings. Selah.


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<n>(61:6)</n> For thou, O God, hast truly listened to my vows: thou hast given back the heritage of those that fear thy name.


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<i>To the chief musician, upon Jeduthun, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(62:2)</n> Only in God my soul trusted in silence: from him cometh my salvation.


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<n>(62:3)</n> Only he is my rock and my salvation; <i>he is</i> my defense: I shall not be greatly moved.


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<n>(62:4)</n> How long will ye devise mischief against a man? will ye all assault him murderously, as though he were a falling wall, a tottering fence?


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<n>(62:5)</n> Yea, from his height do they take counsel to cast <i>him</i> down; they delight in lies: with their mouth do they bless, but inwardly do they curse. Selah.


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<n>(62:8)</n> With God are my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength <i>and</i> my protection are in God.


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<n>(62:9)</n> Trust in him at all times, O ye people; pour out before him your heart: God is a protection for us. Selah.


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<n>(62:10)</n> Verily nought are the sons of common men, a lie the sons of the great; they must rise in the balance; they are altogether <i>lighter</i> than nought.


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<n>(62:11)</n> Do not put your trust in defrauding, and be not rendered vain through robbery: if riches flourish, set not your heart <i>upon them</i>.


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<n>(62:12)</n> Once hath God spoken; <i>yea,</i> twice <i>what</i> I have heard: that strength belongeth unto God.


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<n>(62:13)</n> And unto thee, O Lord, belongeth kindness; for thou wilt recompense every man according to his works.


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<i>A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.</i> <n>(63:2)</n> O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry land, and it is faint without water.


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<n>(63:6)</n> As with fat and marrow will my soul be satisfied; and with tuneful lips shall my mouth praise thee.


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<n>(63:8)</n> Because thou hast been a help unto me; and in the shadow of thy wings will I sing rejoicingly.


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<n>(63:10)</n> But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go down into the lowest deeps of the earth.


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<n>(63:11)</n> They shall be delivered up to the power of the sword: they shall become a prey for jackals.


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<n>(63:12)</n> But the king shall rejoice in God: every one that sweareth by him shall glorify himself; for the mouth of those that speak falsehood shall be stopped.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm of David.</i> <n>(64:2)</n> Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint: preserve my life from the dread of the enemy.


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<n>(64:3)</n> Hide me from the secret counsel of evildoers, from the tumultuous assault of the workers of wickedness;


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<n>(64:6)</n> They encourage themselves in an evil plan; they tell secretly of laying snares: they say, Who will see them?


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<n>(64:7)</n> They search out iniquities; "We are ready with the carefully searched out device:" and the inward thought and heart of each is deeply <i>hidden</i>.


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<n>(64:8)</n> But God shooteth at them suddenly <i>his</i> arrow; <i>thence</i> are come their wounds.


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<n>(64:9)</n> And their own tongues will stumble over themselves: all that look on them will shake their head.


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<n>(64:11)</n> The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glorify themselves.


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<i>To the chief musician, a psalm and</i> song of David. <n>(65:2)</n> For thee praise is waiting, O God, in Zion: and unto thee shall vows be paid.


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<n>(65:4)</n> The iniquitous things have become too mighty for me: our transgressionsthese wilt thou wipe away.


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<n>(65:5)</n> Happy is he whom thou choosest, and causest to approach, that he may dwell in thy courts: let us be satisfied with the happiness of thy house, the holiness of thy temple.


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<n>(65:6)</n> With terrific deeds in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation, who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the sea, that are far away;


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<n>(65:8)</n> Who assuageth the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of nations.


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<n>(65:9)</n> And they that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid of thy wondrous signs: the outgoings of the morning and evening thou causest to rejoice.


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<n>(65:10)</n> Thou hast thought of the earth, and waterest her abundantly; thou greatly enrichest her; the brook of God is full of water: thou preparest their corn, when thou hast thus prepared her.


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<n>(65:11)</n> Watering her furrows abundantly, smoothing down her ridges, thou softenest her with showers; thou blessest her growth.


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<n>(65:13)</n> The pastures of the wilderness are dropping <i>with plenty</i>: and the hills are girt with gladness.


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<n>(65:14)</n> The meadows are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are enveloped with corn: men shout for joy, <i>yea,</i> they also sing.


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Say unto God, How fearinspiring is every one of thy works! through the greatness of thy strength will thy enemies yield feigned obedience unto thee.


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All the lands shall bow themselves down unto thee, and shall sing praises unto thee; they shall sing praises to thy name. Selah.


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He ruleth by his might for ever; his eyes look upon the nations: the rebelliousthese shall not be exalted. Selah.


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Thou hast caused men to ride on our head: we entered into fire and into water; but thou broughtest us out to <i>the enjoyment</i> of overflowing plenty. a


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Burntofferings of fatlings will I offer up unto thee, with the incense of rams; I will prepare steers with hegoats. Selah.


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<i>To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm or song.</i> <n>(67:2)</n> May God be gracious unto us, and bless us; may he cause his face to shine upon us. Selah.


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<n>(67:5)</n> Nations will rejoice and sing for joy: when thou judgest the people righteously, and guidest the nations upon earth. Selah.


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<i>To the chief musician, by David, a Psalm or song.</i> <n>(68:2)</n> Oh that God would arise, that his enemies might be scattered, and those that hate him might flee before him.


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<n>(68:3)</n> As smoke is driven off, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.


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<n>(68:4)</n> But the righteous shall rejoice; they shall exult before God: yea, they shall be exceedingly joyful.


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<n>(68:5)</n> Sing unto God, sing praises to his name; extol him who rideth upon the heavens: the Everlasting is his name, and rejoice before him.


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<n>(68:7)</n> God places those who are solitary in the midst of their families: he bringeth out those who are bound unto happiness; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.


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<n>(68:8)</n> O God, when thou didst go forth before thy people, when thou didst tread along through the wildernessSelah


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<n>(68:9)</n> The earth quaked, also the heavens dropped at the presence of God, yea, this Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.


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<n>(68:10)</n> Rain of beneficence didst thou pour down, O God, whereby thou didst truly strengthen thy heritage, when it was weary.


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<n>(68:11)</n> Thy assembly dwelt therein: thou didst prepare it with thy goodness for the afflicted <i>people</i>. O God,


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<n>(68:12)</n> The Lord gave <i>happy</i> tidings; they are published by the female messengers, a numerous host.


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<n>(68:13)</n> The kings of the armies flee awayflee away: yet she that tarried at home divideth the spoil.


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<n>(68:14)</n> When ye lie still between the folds <i>of your cattle</i>, <i>ye will be like</i> the wings of the dove covered with sliver, and her pinions shining with flaming gold.


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<n>(68:15)</n> When the Almighty scattered kings in the midst of her, then even in darkness shone light <i>as pure</i> as snow.


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<n>(68:17)</n> Why watch ye enviously, ye manypeaked mountains, yonder mountain which God hath chosen for his residence? yea, the Lord will also dwell <i>there</i> for ever.


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<n>(68:18)</n> The chariots of God are two myriads; thousands of angels <i>follow him</i>: the Lord is among them: so is Sinai holy <i>among mountains</i>.


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<n>(68:19)</n> Thou didst ascend on high, lead away captives, receive gifts among men, yea, even the rebellious, to dwell among them. O Lord God.


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<n>(68:20)</n> Blessed be the Lord; day by day he loadeth us <i>with benefits</i>; our God is our salvation. Selah.


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<n>(68:21)</n> Our God is to us the God of salvation: and by the Eternal the Lord are the escapes from death.


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<n>(68:22)</n> But God will crush the head of his enemies, the hairy skull of him who walketh in his guiltiness.


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<n>(68:23)</n> The Lord hath said, From Bashan will I bring back, I will bring back from the depths of the sea:


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<n>(68:24)</n> In order that thou mayest wade with thy feet in blood, feeding the tongue of thy dogs from the enemies blood.


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<n>(68:25)</n> Men see thy goings forth, O God! the goings forth of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.


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<n>(68:26)</n> First come singers, then follow players on instruments, in the midst of maidens playing on timbrels.


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<n>(68:27)</n> In assemblies bless ye God, <i>praise</i> the Lord, ye sprung from Israels fountain.


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<n>(68:28)</n> There Benjamin the youngest leadeth them on, the princes of Judah in purple robes, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.


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<n>(68:29)</n> Thy God hath ordained the rule to thee: strengthen, O God, what thou hast wrought for us.


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<n>(68:31)</n> Rebuke the wild beasts hiding among the reeds, the troops of steers among the calves of nations, that hasten along with presents of silver. He scattereth nations that are eager for the fight.


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<n>(68:32)</n> Nobles will come out of Egypt: Ethiopia will stretch forth eagerly her hands unto God.


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<n>(68:34)</n> To him who rideth over the highest heavens, of ancient days: hear! he sendeth forth his voice, the voice of might.


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<n>(68:35)</n> Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the skies.


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<n>(68:36)</n> Thou art tremendous, O God, from thy holy residences: O God of Israel, <i>thou art</i> he that givest strength and power unto <i>thy</i> people. Blessed be God.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, by David.</i> <n>(69:2)</n> Save me, O God; for the waters are come even to threaten my life.


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<n>(69:3)</n> I am sunk in the mire of the deep, where there is no standing; I am come into the depths of the waters, and the flood overfloweth me.


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<n>(69:5)</n> More than the hairs of my head are those that hate me without a cause; numerous are those that would destroy me, that are my enemies wrongfully: what I have not robbed shall I now restore.


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<n>(69:7)</n> Let not those that wait on thee, O Lord Eternal of hosts, be made ashamed through me: let not those that seek thee be confounded through me, O God of Israel.


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<n>(69:10)</n> Because the zeal for thy house hath devoured me; and the reproaches of those that reproached thee are fallen upon me.


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<n>(69:13)</n> Those that sit in the gate talk against me; and <i>about me make</i> songs the drinkers of strong drink.


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<n>(69:14)</n> But as for me, I direct my prayer unto thee, O Lord, in a time of favor; O God, in the multitude of thy kindness: answer me in the truth of thy salvation.


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<n>(69:15)</n> Deliver me out of the mire, that I may not sink: let me be delivered from those that hate me, and out of the depths of the waters.


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<n>(69:16)</n> Let not the flood of waters overflow me, and let not the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit close its mouth upon me.


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<n>(69:17)</n> Answer me, O Lord; for thy kindness is good: according to the multitude of thy mercies turn thou unto me.


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<n>(69:18)</n> And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in distress: make haste and answer me.


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<n>(69:20)</n> Thou well knowest my reproach, and my shame, and my confusion: before thee are all my assailants.


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<n>(69:21)</n> Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am sick; and I waited for pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.


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<n>(69:23)</n> May <i>then</i> their table become a snare before them: and to those that are at peace, a trap.


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<n>(69:24)</n> May their eyes become dark, that they cannot see; and make their loins continually to waver.


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<n>(69:27)</n> For whom thou hast smitten they persecute; and of the pain of those whom thou but wounded do they converse.


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<n>(69:29)</n> Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the righteous let them not be written down.


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<n>(69:32)</n> And this will please the Lord better than an ox or bullock having horns and cloven hoofs.


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<n>(69:33)</n> The meek will see this, and be rejoiced: ye that seek God, and your heart shall revive.


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<n>(69:36)</n> For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may abide there, and have it in possession:


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<n>(69:37)</n> And the seed of his servants shall inherit it; and they that love his name shall dwell therein.


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To the chief musician, by David, to bring to remembrance. <n>(70:2)</n> O God, <i>arise</i> to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me.


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<n>(70:3)</n> Let those that seek after my life be made ashamed and put to the blush: let those that desire my unhappiness be turned backward and put to confusion.


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<n>(70:5)</n> Let all those that seek thee be glad and rejoice in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, God is great.


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<n>(70:6)</n> But I am poor and needy, O God: come hastily unto me; my help and my deliverer art thou: O Lord, do not delay.


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Be thou unto me a rocky habitation, whereunto I may continually resort, which thou hast ordained to save me; for my rock and my stronghold art thou.


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O my God, release me out of the hand of the wicked, out of the grasp of the unrighteous and violent man.


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By thee have I been supported from my birth: thou art he that took me out of my mothers womb: of thee is my praise continually.


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Let those be made ashamed, let them perish, that are adversaries to my soul: let those be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my unhappiness.


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I will come to praise the mighty deeds of the Lord Eternal: I will make mention of thy righteousness, yea, thine only.


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Therefore also even in old age, and when I am grayheaded, O God, forsake me not: until I have told of thy strength unto <i>this</i> generation, to every one that may come of thy might.


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And thy righteousness, O God, reacheth even to the height, thou, who hast done great things: O God, who is like thee!


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Thou, who hast shown me great distresses and misfortunes, wilt again revive me; and from the depths of the earth wilt thou bring me up again.


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Also I, I will thank thee with the psaltery, <i>for</i> thy truth, O my God: I will sing unto thee with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.


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My lips shall shout joyfully when I sing unto thee; and my soul <i>too</i>, which thou hast redeemed.


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Also my tongue shall speak all the day of thy righteousness; for ashamed, for put to the blush are those that seek my unhappiness.


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<i>By Solomon.</i> O God, give unto the king thy decisions, and thy righteousness unto the kings son.


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The mountains shall bear peace for the people, and the hills <i>the same</i>, through righteousness.


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He shall judge the afflicted of the people, he shall give help to the children of the needy; but he shall crush the oppressor.


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They shall fear thee as long as the sun shineth, and in the presence of the moon, throughout all generations.


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In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace <i>shall be</i> till the moon shall be no more.


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The kings of Tharshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.


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And he shall live; and he will give him of the gold of Sheba: and he will pray in his behalf continually; all the time will he bless him.


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There shall be an abundance of corn in the land; upon the top of the mountains its fruit shall shake like <i>the trees of</i> Lebanon; and <i>men</i> shall blossom out of the city like herbs of the earth.


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His name will endure for ever; in the presence of the sun his name shall flourish: and men shall bless themselves with him: all nations shall call him happy.


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And blessed he his glorious name for ever; and with his glory may the whole earth be filled: Amen, and Amen.


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But as for me, it lacked but little that my feet had been moved: almost nothing was needed that my steps had slipped.


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But if I were to say, I will speak thus: behold, I would be treacherous against the generation of thy children.


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How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they perish, they come to their end with terrific events.


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Though my flesh and my heart should fall; yet the rock of my heart, and my portion will be God for ever.


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For, lo, those that are far from thee shall perish: thou destroyest every one that strayeth away from thee.


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But as regardeth me, to draw near to God is good for me: I have put in the Lord Eternal my trust, that I may relate all thy works.


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<i>A Maskil of Assaph.</i> Why, O God, hast thou cast us off for ever? why will thy anger smoke against the flock of thy pasture?


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Remember thy congregation, which thou didst acquire of old; which thou didst redeem as the tribe of thy inheritance: this mount Zion, whereon thou hast dwelt.


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Lift up thy steps unto the perpetual heaps of ruins: the enemy hath illused every thing in the sanctuary.


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Thy adversaries have roared in the midst of thy places of assembly: they have set up their signs for signs.


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They have set on fire thy sanctuary; to the ground have they profaned the dwellingplace of thy name.


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They have said in their heart, We will oppress them altogether: they have burnt up all the places of assembly of God in the land.


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Our signs do we not see: there is no more any prophet: and there is no one among us that knoweth how long.


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Why withdrawest thou thy hand, and thy right hand? <i>draw it</i> out of thy bosomexterminate <i>them</i>;


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It was thou that didst divide by thy strength the sea: thou brokest in pieces the heads of the crocodiles on the waters.


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Thou didst crush the heads of leviathan, and gavest them as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness.


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It is thou who hast set up all the boundaries of the earth: summer and winterthou thyself hast formed them.


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Remember this, that the enemy hath defied the Lord, and that a worthless foolish people have blasphemed thy name.


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Oh give not up unto the multitude of enemies the soul of thy turtledove: the congregation of thy afflicted do not thou forget for ever.


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Forget not the voice of thy adversaries: the tumult of those that rise up against thee ascendeth continually.


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To the chief musician, Altashcheth, a psalm or song of Asaph. <n>(75:2)</n> We give thanks unto thee, O God, we give thanks, and nigh is thy name: men relate thy wondrous deeds.


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<n>(75:4)</n> The earth and all her inhabitants are melting away: I myself establish firmly her pillars." Selah.


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<n>(75:5)</n> I said unto the arrogant, Deal not arrogantly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn.


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<n>(75:7)</n> For neither from the rising <i>of the sun</i>, nor from <i>his</i> setting, nor from the wilderness of mountains <i>cometh this</i>;


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<n>(75:9)</n> For there is a cup in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foameth, it is full of mixture: and he poureth out of the same; but its lees they drain, they drinkall the wicked of the earth.


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<n>(75:11)</n> And all the horns of the wicked will I hew off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.


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To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm or song of Assaph. <n>(76:2)</n> In Judah hath God been made known: in Israel is his name great.


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<n>(76:6)</n> Bereft of reason are the stouthearted, they slumber their sleep: and none of the men of might have found <i>the use of</i> their hands.


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<n>(76:8)</n> Thouthou art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thy anger <i>is kindled</i>?


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<n>(76:9)</n> From heaven hast thou caused <i>thy</i> sentence to be heard: the earth feared, and became still,


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<n>(76:11)</n> For the fury of man shall praise thee: the remainder of the fury wilt thou gird about thee.


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<n>(76:12)</n> Make vows, and pay <i>them</i> unto the Lord your God, all ye that are round about him: let men bring presents unto him that exciteth fear.


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<n>(76:13)</n> He will cut down the spirit of the powerful: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.


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<i>To the chief musician on Jeduthun, by Assaph a psalm.</i> <n>(77:2)</n> <i>I lift up</i> my voice unto God, and I cry; <i>I lilt up</i> my voice unto God: do then give ear unto me.


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<n>(77:3)</n> On the day of my distress I sought the Lord; in the night my hand was stretched out, and did not cease: my soul refused to be comforted.


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<n>(77:7)</n> I call to remembrance my song in the night; with my own heart I reflect: and my spirit maketh diligent search.


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<n>(77:11)</n> And I said, This shall be my entreaty, <i>for</i> the years of the right hand of the Most High.


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<n>(77:12)</n> I will remember the deeds of the Lord; for I will remember out of ancient times thy wonders.


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<n>(77:15)</n> Thou art the God that dost wonders: thou hast made known among the people thy strength.


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<n>(77:16)</n> Thou hast redeemed with <i>a mighty</i> arm thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.


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<n>(77:17)</n> The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they shook: also the depths trembled.


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<n>(77:18)</n> The clouds poured out water; the skies sent forth thunder: also thy arrows sped along.


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<n>(77:19)</n> The voice of thy thunder was in the whirlwind; lightnings gave light to the world; the earth trembled and quaked,


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<n>(77:20)</n> Through the sea led thy way, and thy path was through mighty waters, and thy footsteps could not be known.


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<i>A Maskil of Assaph.</i> Give ear, O my people, to my instruction: incline thy ear to the words of my mouth.


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We will not conceal them from their children, relating to the latest generation the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful deeds which he hath done.


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Yea, he established a testimony in Jacob, and instituted a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:


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In order that the latest generation might know them, even the children that are to be born; that they may arise and relate them to their children;


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That they may place in God their hope, and not forget the doings of God, but observe his commandments;


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And that they may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that had not directed their heart firmly, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.


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He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters stand upright as a wall.


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Behold, he smote the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed: shall he also be able to give bread? or can he provide flesh for his people?


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Therefore, when the Lord heard this, he became wroth: and a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also ascended against Israel,


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And he let rain upon them flesh <i>as plentiful</i> as the dust, and winged birds like the sand of the sea;


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When the wrath of God ascended against them, and he slew some of the fattest of them, and the young men of Israel did he strike down.


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Nevertheless they prayed insincerely to him with their mouth, and with their tongue they lied unto him.


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But he, being merciful, forgave the iniquity, and destroyed <i>them</i> not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not awaken all his fury.


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And he changed their rivers into blood; and their running streams, that they could not drink <i>of them</i>.


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He let loose against them the fierceness of his anger, wrath and indignation, and distress, a host of angels of misfortune.


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He leveled a path for his anger; he withheld not from death their soul, and their life he surrendered to the pestilence;


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And he drove out from before them nations, and divided them by the measuringline as an inheritance, and he caused to dwell in their tents the tribes of Israel.


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But swerved aside, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers; they turned about like a deceitful bow.


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And they provoked him to anger with their highplaces, and with their graven images they moved him to jealousy.


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And he built like high <i>mountains</i> his sanctuary, like the earth which he hath founded for ever.


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From following the ewes with young he brought him, to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.


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And he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and by the skilfulness of his hands did he lead them.


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<i>A psalm of Assaph.</i> O God! nations have entered into thy heritage; they have profaned thy holy temple; they have rendered Jerusalem heaps of ruins.


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They have given the dead bodies of thy servants as food unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy pious ones unto the beasts of the earth.


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Pour out thy fury over the nations that acknowledge thee not, and over the kingdoms that have not called on thy name.


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Oh remember not against us the iniquities of our fathers: make haste, let thy mercies come to our aid; for we are very miserable.


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Help us, O God of our salvation, because of the glory of thy name; and deliver us, and atone for our sins, for the sake of thy name.


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Wherefore shall the nations say, Where is their God? let there be made known among the nations before our eyes, the vengeance for the blood of thy servants which hath been shed.


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Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee: according to the greatness of thy almighty power preserve thou those that are doomed to death;


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And recompense unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their defiance wherewith they have defied thee, O Lord.


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But we thy people and the flock of thy pasture will give thanks unto thee for ever: from generation to generation will we relate thy praise.


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To the chief musician upon Shoshannim; an Eduth by Assaph; a psalm. <n>(80:2)</n> O Shepherd of Israel, give ear, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.


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<n>(80:6)</n> Thou feedest them with the bread of tears, and givest them tears to drink in great measure.


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<n>(80:7)</n> Thou renderest us a contest unto our neighbors: and our enemies hold derision among themselves.


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<n>(80:8)</n> O God of hosts, cause us to return, and let thy countenance shine, that we may be saved.


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<n>(80:10)</n> Thou didst clear out a place before it, and it struck its root deeply, and it filled the land.


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<n>(80:13)</n> Wherefore hast thou now broken down its fences, so that all who pass by the way pluck the fruit from it?


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<n>(80:14)</n> The boar out of the forest doth gnaw at it, and what moveth on the field feedeth on it.


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<n>(80:15)</n> O God of hosts, return; I pray thee, look down from heaven, and behold, and think of this vine;


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<n>(80:16)</n> And of the sprout which thy right hand hath planted, and of the branch that thou hast made strong for thyself.


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<n>(80:17)</n> It is burnt with fire, it is hewn down; because of the rebuke of thy countenance do they perish.


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<n>(80:18)</n> Let thy hand be over the man of thy right hand, over the son of man whom thou hast made strong for thyself.


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<n>(80:20)</n> O Lord God of hosts, cause us to return: let thy countenance shine, that we may be saved.


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<i>To the chief musician upon Gittith; by Assaph.</i> <n>(81:2)</n> Sing aloud unto God our strength: shout joyfully unto the God of Jacob.


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<n>(81:6)</n> As a testimony in Joseph did he ordain it, when he went out over the land of Egypt. The language of one I had not known did I hear.


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<n>(81:8)</n> In distress thou didst call, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret of the thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.


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<n>(81:9)</n> Hear, O my people, and I will give warning unto thee; O Israel, if thou wouldst but hearken unto me!


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<n>(81:10)</n> There shall not be among thee a foreign God; nor shalt thou bow thyself down to any strange God.


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<n>(81:11)</n> I am the Lord thy God, who have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt: open wide thy mouth, and I will fill it.


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<n>(81:12)</n> But my people did not hearken to my voice; and Israel was not willing <i>to follow</i> me.


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<n>(81:13)</n> So I let them go in the stubbornness of their own hearts: and they walked in their own counsels.


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<n>(81:15)</n> In a little while would I subdue their enemies, and against their adversaries would I turn my hand.


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<n>(81:16)</n> The haters of the Lord should offer flattery unto him; but their time should endure for ever.


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<n>(81:17)</n> And he would feed him with the best of wheat: and out of the rock would I satisfy thee with honey.


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<i>A psalm of Assaph.</i> God standeth in the congregation of God, in the midst of judges doth he judge.


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They know not, nor will they understand; in darkness do they walk on: all the foundations of the earth are moved.


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<i>A song or psalm of Assaph.</i> <n>(83:2)</n> O God, take no rest for thyself: be not silent and keep not still, O God!


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<n>(83:3)</n> For, lo, thy enemies make a tumult, and they that hate thee have lifted up their head.


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<n>(83:4)</n> Against thy people they take crafty secret device, and they consult against those whom thou protectest.


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<n>(83:5)</n> They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; and the name of Israel shall be remembered no more.


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<n>(83:9)</n> Also Asshur is joined with them; they have become an arm unto the children of Lot. Selah.


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<n>(83:12)</n> Render them, their nobles, like Oreb, and like Zeeb; yea, like Zebach and like Zalmunna all their princes;


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<n>(83:18)</n> Let them be made ashamed and terrified for ever and aye; yea, let them be put to the blush and perish:


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<n>(83:19)</n> That they may know that thou, whose name is the Eternal, art by thyself alone, the Most High over all the earth.


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To the chief musician upon Gittith, by the sons of Korach, a psalm. <n>(84:2)</n> How lovely are thy dwellingplaces, O Lord of hosts!


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<n>(84:3)</n> My soul desired, yea, it also longed for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh shout with joy unto the living God.


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<n>(84:4)</n> Even as the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young:<i>have I found</i> thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.


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<n>(84:6)</n> Happy is the man whose strong confidence is in thee, <i>all</i> whose heart reflecteth on the paths <i>of righteousness</i>.


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<n>(84:7)</n> Passing through the valley of weeping, they will change it into a spring: also the early rain covereth it with blessings.


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<n>(84:11)</n> For better is a day in thy courts than a thousand <i>elsewhere</i>: I would rather choose to wait at the threshold of the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.


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<n>(84:12)</n> For a sun and shield is the Lord God; grace and glory will the Lord give; he will not withhold any good from those that walk with integrity.


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<i>To the chief musician, by the sons of Korach, a psalm.</i> <n>(85:2)</n> Thou hast been favorable, O Lord, unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.


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<n>(85:3)</n> Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: thou hast covered over all their sin. Selah.


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<n>(85:4)</n> Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast relinquished the fierceness of thy anger.


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<n>(85:6)</n> Wilt thou be wroth with us for ever? wilt thou extend thy anger from generation to generation?


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<n>(85:9)</n> I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his pious ones: only let them not turn again to folly.


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<n>(85:10)</n> Surely, nigh is his salvation unto those that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land.


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<n>(85:14)</n> Righteousness will walk firmly before him, and will make <i>level</i> the way by its steps.


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All the nations whom thou hast made shall come and bow themselves down before thee, O Lord; and they shall ascribe honor unto thy name.


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For thy kindness is great toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the grave of the lower world.


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O God, the presumptuous are risen up against me, and the assembly of the powerful wicked have sought after my life, and have not set thee before them.


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But thou, O Lord, art God, full of mercy, and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in kindness and truth.


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Oh turn unto me, and be gracious unto me: give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.


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Display on me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed; because thou, Lord, hast helped me, and comforted me.


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I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as those that know me; behold, here is Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: "This man was born there."


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But of Zion will it be said, "This and that man were born in her:" and the Most High himself doth establish her.


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And the singers as well as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs <i>of joy</i> are in thee.


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A song or psalm of the sons of Korach, to the chief musician upon Machalathleannoth, a Maskil of Heman the Ezrachite. <n>(88:2)</n> O Lord the God of my salvation, by day do I cry, <i>and</i> at night I am before thee.


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<n>(88:5)</n> I am counted with those that descend into the pit; I am become as a man without vigor:


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<n>(88:6)</n> Free among the dead, like the slain that dwell in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more; and those that are cut off by thy hand.


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<n>(88:8)</n> Upon me lieth heavily thy fury, and with all thy billows hast thou afflicted me. Selah.


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<n>(88:9)</n> Thou hast removed my acquaintances far from me; thou hast rendered me an abomination unto them: I am imprisoned, and I cannot go forth.


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<n>(88:10)</n> My eye languisheth by reason of affliction: I call on thee, O Lord, every day, I stretch out unto thee my hands.


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<n>(88:11)</n> Wilt thou display wonders to the dead? shall the departed arise <i>and</i> thank thee? Selah.


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<n>(88:12)</n> Shall thy kindness be related in the grave? thy faithfulness in the place of corruption?


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<n>(88:13)</n> Shall thy wonders be acknowledged in the darkness? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?


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<n>(88:14)</n> Yet I cry indeed aloud unto thee, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come before thee.


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<n>(88:18)</n> They encompass me like water all the time; they have closed in round about me together.


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<n>(88:19)</n> Thou hast removed far from me lover and friend, my acquaintances <i>are in</i> darkness.


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<i>A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrachite.</i> <n>(89:2)</n> The kindnesses of the Lord will I for ever sing: from generation to generation will I make known thy faithfulness with my mouth.


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<n>(89:3)</n> For I have said, To eternity will kindness be built up: the heavensyea, in these wilt thou establish thy faithfulness.


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<n>(89:5)</n> Unto eternity will I establish thy seed, and I will build up thy throne, from generation to generation." Selah.


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<n>(89:6)</n> And the heavens praise thy wonder, O Lord: also thy faithfulness in the assembly of holy ones.


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<n>(89:7)</n> For who in the sky can be compared unto the Lord? who can be likened unto the Lord among the sons of the mighty?


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<n>(89:8)</n> God is greatly terrific in the secret council of the holy ones and fearinspiring over all that are about him.


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<n>(89:9)</n> O Lord God of hosts, who is powerful, like thee, Eternal! and thy faithfulness is round about thee.


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<n>(89:10)</n> Thou rulest over the pride of the sea: when its waves are lifted up, thou assuagest them.


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<n>(89:11)</n> Thou didst crush Rahab as one that is slain: with thy strong arm didst thou scatter thy enemies.


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<n>(89:12)</n> Thine are the heavens, also thine is the earth: as for the world and what filleth it, thou hast founded them.


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<n>(89:13)</n> The north and the souththese hast thou created: Tabor and Chermon shall rejoice in thy name.


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<n>(89:14)</n> Thine is the powerful arm, with might: strong is thy hand, and exalted is thy right hand.


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<n>(89:15)</n> Righteousness and justice are the prop of thy throne: kindness and truth precede thy presence.


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<n>(89:16)</n> Happy is the people that know the cornets sound: O Lord, in the light of thy countenance will they ever walk firmly.


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<n>(89:17)</n> In thy name will they be glad all the day, and in thy righteousness will they be exalted.


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<n>(89:18)</n> For thou art the glory of their strength; and through thy favor will our horn be exalted.


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<n>(89:20)</n> Then spokest thou in a vision to thy pious <i>servant</i>, and saidst, "I have bestowed help to one that is mighty; I have exalted a youth out of the people;


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<n>(89:23)</n> The enemy shall not exact from him like a lender: and the son of injustice shall not afflict him:


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<n>(89:24)</n> And I will beat down before his face his assailants, and those that hate him will I plague.


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<n>(89:25)</n> But my faithfulness and my kindness shall be with him: and through my name shall his horn be exalted.


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<n>(89:29)</n> For evermore will I keep for him my kindness, and my covenant shall stand faithfully with him.


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<n>(89:33)</n> Then will I visit with the rod their transgressions, and with plagues their iniquity.


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<n>(89:34)</n> Nevertheless my kindness will I not make utterly void from him, and I will not act falsely against my faithfulness.


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<n>(89:38)</n> Like the moon shall it be firmly established for ever, and as this faithful witness in the sky." Selah.


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<n>(89:40)</n> Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned, down to the ground, his crown.


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<n>(89:43)</n> Thou hast raised up the right hand of his assailants: thou hast caused all his enemies to rejoice.


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<n>(89:44)</n> Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not let him stand erect in the battle.


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<n>(89:45)</n> Thou hast made his brilliancy cease; and his throne hast thou thrown down to the ground.


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<n>(89:46)</n> Thou hast shortened the days of his youth: thou hast enshrouded him with shame. Selah.


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<n>(89:47)</n> How long, Lord, wilt thou hide thyself, continually? how long shall thy fury burn like fire?


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<n>(89:48)</n> Remember <i>what</i> I am, what my duration is <i>here</i>, for what nothingness thou hast created all sons of men!


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<n>(89:49)</n> What man is there that can live, and shall not see death? that can deliver his soul from the power of the nether word? Selah.


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<n>(89:50)</n> Where are thy former kindnesses, O Lord, which thou hast sworn unto David by thy truth?


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<n>(89:51)</n> Remember, Lord, the disgrace of thy servants; that I bear in my bosom the <i>burden</i> of all the many nations;


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<n>(89:52)</n> That thy enemies have defied, O Lord; that they have defied the footsteps of thy anointed.


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BOOK FOURTH: A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, a place of refuge hast thou been unto us in all generations.


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Before yet the mountains were brought forth, or thou hadst ever produced the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.


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For a thousand years are in thy eyes but as the yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.


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Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning <i>they grow</i> like the grass which changeth.


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The days of our years in this life are seventy years; and if by uncommon vigor they be eighty, yet is their greatness trouble and mishap; for it soon hasteneth off, and we fly away.


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O satisfy us in the morning with thy kindness, that we may be glad and rejoice throughout all our days.


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Cause us to rejoice as many days as those wherein thou hast afflicted us, the years wherein we have seen unhappiness.


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And may the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and the work of our hands do thou firmly establish upon us: yea, the work of our handsfirmly establish thou it.


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He who sitteth under the secret protection of the Most High, shall rest under the shadow of the Almighty.


