# verse

text:
These are the leaders of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem. Some lived in the towns of Judah-each on their property in their respective towns-that is, the Israelis, the priests, the descendants of Levi, the Temple Servants, and the descendants of Solomon's servants.


text:
Some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. From Judah's Descendants: Uzziah's son Athaiah, who was the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel; From Perez's Descendants


text:
Baruch's son Maaseiah, who was the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite.


text:
These Benjamin's Descendants: Meshullam's son Sallu, who was the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah;


text:
Zichri's son Joel was their overseer, and Hassenuah's son Judah was in command of the second district of the city.


text:
Hilkiah's son Seraiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the administrator of the Temple of God.


text:
Their associates who performed the work of the Temple numbered 822. Jeroham's son Adaiah, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah,


text:
along with his associates, the leaders of the families, numbered 242, along with Amashsai, the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,


text:
From the descendants of Levi: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni,


text:
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, from the leaders of the descendants of Levi who oversaw the exterior work of the Temple of God,


text:
and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led the thanksgiving prayer, and Bakbukiah, second among his relatives, and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.


text:
The rest of Israel-the priests and the descendants of Levi-lived in all the cities of Judah, each on his own property,


text:
The overseer of the descendants of Levi at Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Singers from the descendants of Asaph oversaw the work of the Temple of God.


text:
Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, represented the king in all matters concerning the people.


text:
Now concerning the villages and their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, in Dibon and its villages, in Jekabzeel and its villages,


text:
in Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, and Azekah and its villages. They encamped from Beer-sheba to the Hinnom Valley.


text:
These are the priests and descendants of Levi who had returned with Shealtiel's son Zerubbabel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,


text:
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the time of Jeshua.


text:
The descendants of Levi included Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his associates was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.


text:
These were the priests and heads of their ancestors' houses in the time of Joiakim: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;


text:
When Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua were serving, the descendants of Levi were recorded as heads of their ancestors' houses, as were the priests during the reign of Darius the Persian.


text:
The leaders of the ancestors of Levi were written in the Book of Annals until the time of Eliashib's son Johanan.


text:
The leaders of the descendants of Levi were: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Kadmiel's son Jeshua, along with their associates who served opposite them to give praise and thanks, division by division, according to the commands given by David the man of God.


text:
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the store houses of the gates.


text:
These were at the time of Jeshua's son Joiakim, the grandson of Jozadak, and in the time of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.


text:
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they invited the descendants of Levi to come from wherever they lived to Jerusalem so they could celebrate the dedication with joy, thanksgiving, and songs, accompanied by cymbals, lyres, and harps.


text:
So the descendants of the singers gathered themselves together from the region surrounding Jerusalem, from the villages of Netophathi,


text:
from Beth-gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, because the singers had built villages for themselves in the vicinity of Jerusalem.


text:
The priests and the descendants of Levi purified themselves, and also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.


text:
Then I brought up the leaders of Judah to the crest of the wall, and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs, the first of which proceeded on the wall to the right toward the Dung Gate.


text:
Some of the priests' sons were trumpeters, including Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,


text:
with his associates Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, accompanied by the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.


text:
At the Fountain Gate, which stood opposite them, they ascended the stairs of the city of David where the wall rose above the house of David east of the Water Gate.


text:
The second thanksgiving choir approached opposite them, and I followed them. Half of the people stood on the crest of the wall from beyond the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,


text:
and from above the Ephraim Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Guard Gate.


text:
Then the two choirs assembled in the Temple of God, as did I, along with half of the officials who accompanied me,


text:
Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers made their presence known, with Jezrahiah to lead them.


text:
That day they offered a large number of sacrifices, and they rejoiced, because God had caused them to rejoice enthusiastically. Their wives and children rejoiced, so that Jerusalem's joy was heard from a long distance.


text:
Also at that time men were appointed over the storerooms for the contributions, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, so those portions required by the Law could be gathered from the fields adjacent to the towns to benefit the priests and descendants of Levi, for the people of Judah rejoiced over the priests and the descendants of Levi who were serving.


text:
They carried out their service obligations to their God and their service obligations of purification according to what David and his son Solomon had commanded.


text:
For in David's lifetime-and in the lifetime of Asaph, choir master of old-there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.


text:
All Israel in the time of Zerubbabel and in the time of Nehemiah gave allotments to each of the singers and gate keepers on a daily basis, setting them apart to benefit the descendants of Levi. And the descendants of Levi set them apart to benefit the descendants of Aaron.


text:
Later that day the book of Moses was read aloud so the people could hear it, and a written command was discovered therein permanently prohibiting the Ammonites and Moabites from coming into the congregation of God


text:
because they did not greet the Israelis with food and water, but instead hired Balaam to oppose them by cursing them, even though our God turned the curse into a blessing.


text:
Now prior to this, Eliashib the priest, who supervised the store rooms of the Temple of our God and who was related to Tobiah,


text:
had prepared a great chamber for him, in the place where they used to place the grain offerings, incense, and vessels, along with the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil that was mandated for the descendants of Levi, the singers, the gate keepers, and the priests' offerings.


text:
During all of this time, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to the king in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. After a while I obtained permission from the king


text:
to return to Jerusalem. I learned of the evil thing that Eliashib had done for Tobiah in furnishing him with a room in the courts of the Temple of God.


text:
I ordered them to purify the chambers, and then they brought back the vessels from the Temple of God, along with the grain offerings and incense.


text:
I also learned that the allotments for the descendants of Levi had not been distributed. As a result, the descendants of Levi and singers who were responsible for the service had each left to go back to their fields.


text:
So I confronted the officials and asked, "Why is the Temple of God neglected?" Then I gathered them together and put them back in their places.


text:
I appointed over the storerooms: Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah from the descendants of Levi; and next to them Zaccur's son Hanan, the grandson of Mattaniah, because they had been considered faithful. Their duties were to distribute to their associates.


text:
Remember me, my God, concerning this, and do not erase my faithful deeds that I have undertaken for the Temple of my God, and for its services.


text:
At that time I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath, bringing in sacks of grain, loading them onto donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads. They brought them into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I rebuked them on the day on which they were selling food.


text:
Furthermore, Tyrians were living there who were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise, selling them to the people of Judah on the Sabbath, even in Jerusalem.


text:
I rebuked the officials of Judah, saying to them, "What's this evil thing that you're doing by profaning the Sabbath day?


text:
Didn't your ancestors do the same? And didn't our God bring on us and on this city all of this trouble? Now you're adding to the wrath against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!"


text:
As the Sabbath approached and it began to get dark at the gates of Jerusalem, I gave word to shut the gates, charging that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. I stationed some of my men at the gates to ensure that no loads would be brought in on the Sabbath day.


text:
As a result, the merchants and sellers of all sorts of goods remained outside Jerusalem a couple of times.


text:
I argued with them, "Why are you staying outside the wall? If you do this again, I'll arrest you." From that time on, they didn't come anymore on the Sabbath.


text:
Then I commanded the descendants of Levi to purify themselves and to come as gate keepers to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, my God, and show mercy to me according to the greatness of your gracious love.


text:
Furthermore, their children spoke half of the time in the language of Ashdod, and could not speak in the language of Judah. Instead, they spoke in the languages of various peoples.


text:
So I rebuked them, cursed them, struck some of their men, tore out their hair, and made them take this oath in the name of God: "You are not to give your daughters to their sons nor take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.


text:
Didn't Solomon, king of Israel, sin by doing these things, even though among many nations there was no king like him who was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel? Even so, foreign women caused him to sin.


text:
Should we listen to you and do all of this terrible evil by transgressing against our God to marry foreign wives?"


text:
One of the sons of Eliashib the high priest's son Joiada was a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove him away from me.


text:
Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the descendants of Levi.


text:
I purified them from everything foreign, arranged duties for the priests and the descendants of Levi, each to his task,


text:
and I arranged at the appointed time for the supply of wood, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, with favor.


text:
This is a record of what happened during the reign of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush.


text:
In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his officials and ministers, and the military leaders of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the provincial officials were present.


text:
He displayed the enormous wealth of his kingdom, along with its splendid beauty and greatness for many days-for 180 days in all.


text:
When those days were over, the king held a seven-day banquet in the courtyard of the garden of his palace for all the people who were present in Susa the capital, from the greatest to the least important.


text:
There were curtains of white and blue linen tied with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings on marble columns. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other precious stones.


text:
Drinks were served in gold vessels of various kinds, and there was plenty of royal wine because the king was generous.


text:
According to the king's decree the drinking was not compulsory because the king instructed every steward in his house to serve each individual what he desired.


text:
A week later, when the king was under the influence of all that wine, he ordered Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus,


text:
to bring Queen Vashti to the king, wearing the royal crown to display her beauty to the people and the officials, since she was lovely to look at.


text:
The king spoke to the wise men who understood the times, for it was the king's custom to consult all those who understood law and justice.


text:
(His closest advisers were: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media who had direct access to the king and who held the highest rank in the kingdom.)


text:
The king inquired, "According to law, what should be done to Queen Vashti because she did not obey the order of King Ahasuerus that was delivered by the eunuchs?"


text:
Then Memucan replied in the presence of the king and his officials, "It is not the king alone whom Vashti has wronged, but rather all of the officials and all of the people who are in the provinces of King Ahasuerus.


text:
When the report about the queen goes out to all the women, it will cause them to despise their husbands. They'll say, 'King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she wouldn't come.'


text:
This very day the wives of the officials of Persia and Media who hear the report about the queen will speak in the same way to all the officials of the king, and there will be more than enough contempt and anger.


text:
If it seems good to the king, let a royal decree go out from him and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Ahasuerus. Let the king give her royal position to another woman who is better than she.


text:
When the edict of the king that he issues is heard throughout his kingdom-for it's vast-then all the women will give honor to their husbands, from the greatest to the least important."


text:
He sent letters to all the provinces of the king, written in the script of that province, and to each people in their own language, ordering that every man should be the master in his house and speak the language of his own people.


text:
After this, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed about her.


text:
Then the young men who attended the king suggested, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king.


text:
Let the king appoint officials in all the provinces of his kingdom to bring all the beautiful young virgins into the harem in Susa the capital. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women to give them their beauty treatments.


text:
Then let the young woman who pleases the king rule in place of Vashti." This advice pleased the king, and he did this.


text:
In Susa the capital there was a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin, Jair's son Mordecai, who was a descendant of Kish's son Shimei the descendant of Benjamin.


text:
He had been taken into captivity from Jerusalem along with the exiles who had been deported with Jeconiah, king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon had taken into exile.


text:
Mordecai had raised his cousin Hadassah, or Esther, because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was very attractive. When her mother and father died Mordecai had taken her as his daughter.


text:
The king's order and edict was proclaimed, and many young women were brought to Susa the capital under the care of Hegai. Esther was taken to the palace into the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.


text:
The young woman pleased him and gained his favor. He quickly provided her beauty treatments and gave her portions of food to her. He also assigned her seven suitable young women from the palace and transferred her and her young women to the best place in the harem.


text:
Esther did not make known her people or heritage because Mordecai had instructed her not to make it known.


text:
Every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to find out about Esther's well-being and what was happening to her.


text:
Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus at the end of the twelve month period, at which time she was treated according to the regulations for women. This process completed the period of her beauty treatments-six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and cosmetics for women.


text:
After that the young woman would go in to the king, and whatever she asked for would be given to her to take with her from the harem to the palace.


text:
In the evening she would go into the palace and in the morning she would return to the second harem, into the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the mistresses. She would not go again to the king unless the king wanted her and she was called for by name.


text:
Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who had been Mordecai's uncle. Mordecai had taken Esther in as his own daughter. When her turn came to go in to the king, she did not want anything except what Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem, advised. Esther found favor with everyone who saw her.


text:
Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.


text:
The king loved Esther more than any of the other women, so he favored her and was kinder to her than he was to any of the other virgins. He put the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.


text:
The king put on a great banquet for all his officials and ministers to honor Esther. He declared a holiday for the provinces and gave generous gifts.


text:
Now Esther had not declared her heritage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her, for Esther did what Mordecai told her just as she had done when she was raised by him.


text:
At that time when Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs among those who guarded the threshold, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus.


text:
When Mordecai learned about the plot, he told Queen Esther, and she told the king in Mordecai's name.


text:
After the matter had been fully investigated, Bigthan and Teresh were hanged on a pole, and this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.


text:
Sometime later King Ahasuerus promoted Hammedatha the Agagite's son Haman, elevating him to a position above all the other officials who were with him.


text:
All the king's ministers who were in the king's gate would kneel and bow down to Haman, because the king had commanded that Haman be honored in this way. Mordecai, however, would not kneel and would not bow down.


text:
The king's ministers who were in the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why are you disobeying the king's command?"


text:
They asked him this day after day, and he would not listen to them, so they told Haman to see whether or not Mordecai would get away with his disobedience, since he also had told them that he was Jewish.


text:
Because they had told him who the people of Mordecai were, Haman found it unacceptable to kill only Mordecai. So Haman sought to destroy all of Mordecai's people, the Jewish people, who were in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus.


text:
In the twelfth year of the reign of King Ahasuerus, in the first month (the month Nisan), the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in Haman's presence to determine the best day and month to carry out his plot. The lot indicated the twelfth month, the month Adar.


text:
Then Haman told King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and divided among the people throughout the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different than all the other people, they don't obey the king's laws, and it's not in the king's best interest to leave them alone.


text:
If the king approves, let it be decreed that they're to be destroyed, and I'll measure out 10,000 silver talents and bring it to the king's treasury for those who will do the work."


text:
The king removed his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Hammedatha the Agagite's son Haman, the enemy of the Jewish people.


text:
The king told Haman, "The silver is given to you, along with the people, to do with them as you see fit."


text:
The king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and all that Haman commanded was written to the regional authorities of the king, to the governors who were over each province, and to the officials of each people. This order was translated in the name of King Ahasuerus into the language of each province and bore the seal of the king's signet ring.


text:
Letters were sent by couriers to all of the king's provinces to annihilate, to kill, and to destroy all the Jewish people, both young and old, women and children, and to confiscate their goods on a single day-the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of Adar.


text:
A copy of the letter was to be issued as an edict in every province and published to all the people, telling them to be ready for that day.


text:
The couriers went out, urged on by the king's command, and the edict was issued in Susa the capital. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.


text:
When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his garments and clothed himself in sackcloth and ashes. He went into the middle of the city and cried out with a loud and bitter cry.


text:
He came as far as the front of the king's gate, because no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth.


text:
In every province where the order of the king and his edict reached, among the Jewish people there was great mourning, fasting, weeping, and lamenting, and many lay down on sackcloth and ashes.


text:
When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was greatly distressed. She sent clothes for Mordecai to put on so he could take off the sackcloth that he had on, but he would not take them.


text:
Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had assigned to her, and she ordered him to go to Mordecai to find out what was happening and why it was happening.


text:
Mordecai told him everything that had happened and the exact amount of money that Haman had said he would pay into the king's treasury in order to destroy the Jewish people.


text:
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the written decree ordering the Jews' destruction that had been issued in Susa. Mordecai wanted him to show it to Esther, to explain it to her, and then to instruct her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for her people.


text:
"Every servant of the king and every person in the king's provinces knows that for any man or woman who goes to the king in the inner court without being summoned there is only one law-that he be put to death-unless the king holds out the golden scepter to him. Only then he will live. For these last 30 days I've not been summoned to come to the king."


text:
Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Don't suppose that because you are in the palace, you will escape any more than the other Jewish people.


text:
Indeed, if you are silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows but that you were brought to the kingdom for a time like this?"


text:
"Go and gather all the Jewish people who are in Susa and fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, night or day. Both I and my young women will also fast in the same way, and then I'll go in to the king, even though it's against the law. And if I perish, I perish."


text:
On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace in front of the king's quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the building.


text:
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor, and the king extended to Esther the gold scepter that he was holding. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.


text:
The king asked her, "What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it's half of the kingdom, it will be given to you."


text:
Esther replied, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I've prepared for him."


text:
The king responded, "Bring Haman quickly so we may do what Esther has requested." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.


text:
While they were drinking wine, the king asked Esther, "What's your petition? It will be given to you. What's your request? Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be done."


text:
If I've found favor with the king and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and to honor my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I'll prepare for them tomorrow, and then I'll do what the king has said."


text:
Haman went out that day pleased and happy, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand up and tremble in his presence, Haman was furious with Mordecai.


text:
Then Haman told them about his splendid wealth, the number of his sons, all the ways the king had honored him, and that he had promoted him above all the other officials and ministers of the king.


text:
Then Haman said, "Even Queen Esther brought no one except me with the king to the banquet that she held. Furthermore, I (along with the king) have also been invited by her tomorrow.


text:
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said, "Have a pole made 75 feet high, and then in the morning speak to the king and have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet happy." This advice pleased Haman, and he had the pole made.


text:
That night the king could not sleep, so he gave instructions to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read to the king.


text:
It was found recorded there that Mordecai had reported about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who guarded the entrance to the restricted areas of the palace, and that they had conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus.


text:
So the king asked, "What honor and distinction was bestowed on Mordecai for this?" The young men who served the king answered, "Nothing was done for him."


text:
The king said, "Who is in the courtyard?" Now Haman had just entered the outer courtyard of the palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the pole he had set up.


text:
The king's young men told him, "Look, Haman is standing in the courtyard." The king said, "Let him come in."


text:
After Haman came in, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?" Haman told himself, "Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?"


text:
let them bring royal robes that the king has worn and a horse on which the king has ridden, with a royal crown placed on its head.


text:
Then give the robes and the horse to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them put the robes on the man whom the king desires to honor, and let them put him on the horse in the main square of the city. Then let them announce in front of him, 'This is what is done for the man whom the king desires to honor.'"


text:
Then the king told Haman, "Quick! Take the clothes and the horse just as you have suggested and do this for Mordecai the Jew who sits in the king's gate. And don't let anything you've suggested fall through the cracks."


text:
So Haman took the clothes and the horse, dressed Mordecai, and put him on the horse in the main square of the city. He cried out in front of him, "This is what is done for the man whom the king desires to honor."


text:
Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate, while Haman hurried to his house, mourning and hiding his face.


text:
Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His wise friends and his wife Zeresh told him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is one of the Jewish people, you won't prevail against him. Instead, you will surely fall before him."


text:
While they were still talking to him, the king's eunuchs arrived, and they quickly took him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.


text:
On the second day the king again told Esther as they drank wine, "What's your petition, Queen Esther? It will be given to you. What's your request? Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be done."


text:
Queen Esther answered: "If I've found favor with you, your majesty, and if it seems good to the king, let my life be given to me as my petition and my people as my request.


text:
Indeed, I and my people have been sold to be annihilated, killed, and destroyed. If we had just been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because the trouble wouldn't have been sufficient to bother the king."


text:
Then King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, "Who is this, and where is the person who would dare do this?"


text:
Esther replied, "An adversary and an enemy-it's this wicked Haman!" So Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.


text:
The king got up from the banquet in anger and went out to the palace garden, while Haman stood there begging Queen Esther to spare his life, because he realized that the king intended to harm him.


text:
When the king returned to the banquet hall from the palace garden, Haman was prostrate on the couch where Esther was. The king asked, "Will this man even assault the queen with me in the house?" The king had no sooner spoken than they covered Haman's face.


text:
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, observed, "Look there! A pole is standing 75 feet high at Haman's house that he prepared for Mordecai, whose report benefitted the king!" The king said, "Hang him on it."


text:
That day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jewish people, and Mordecai came into the king's presence because Esther had told him how Mordecai was related to her.


text:
The king took off his signet ring that he had taken from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. Esther then put Mordecai in charge of Haman's property.


text:
Then Esther spoke to the king again and fell at his feet. She wept and pleaded with him for mercy to overturn the evil plan devised by Haman the Agagite and his plot against the Jewish people.


text:
She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I've found favor with him, and if the matter is proper in the king's opinion, and if I'm pleasing to the king, let an order be issued revoking the letters devised by Hammedatha the Agagite's son Haman, which ordered the destruction of the Jewish people throughout the king's provinces.


text:
Indeed, how can I bear to see this disaster happen to my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my kinsmen?"


text:
King Ahasuerus told Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Look, I've given Haman's property to Esther, and they have hanged him on the pole because he tried to harm the Jewish people.


text:
Now, in the name of the king, you write what seems good to you concerning the Jewish people, and seal it with the king's signet ring, for a document written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring cannot be revoked."


text:
The king's scribes were summoned at that time, on the twenty-third day of the third month, which is the month Sivan, and everything that Mordecai commanded the Jewish people, the regional authorities, the governors, and the provincial officials of the 127 provinces from India to Cush was written down for each province according to its script, for each people according to their language, and for the Jewish people according to their script and language.


text:
He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. He sent the letters by couriers on horseback, riding steeds especially bred for the king.


text:
What the king granted the Jewish people in every town was the right to assemble and defend themselves, to annihilate, kill, and destroy every armed force of a people or a province that was hostile to them, including children and women, and to plunder their property.


text:
Throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the one day for the Jewish people to do this was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.


text:
A copy of the document was to be issued as law in each and every province and published for all people, indicating that the Jewish people were to be ready to take vengeance on their enemies on that day.


text:
The couriers, mounted on the royal steeds, left quickly, urged on by the king's command. The edict was also issued in Susa the capital.


text:
Mordecai left the king's presence in royal robes of blue and white, wearing a large golden crown and a purple robe made of fine linen; and the city of Susa shouted with joy.


text:
In each and every province, and in each and every city, in the places where the king's order and edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jewish people, along with a feast and a holiday. Many of the people of the land became Jews, because they had come to fear the Jewish people.


text:
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, when the king's order and edict was about to be carried out, on the day when the enemies of the Jewish people expected to prevail over them, things were turned around so that the Jewish people themselves prevailed over those who hated them.


text:
The Jewish people assembled in their towns throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who intended to harm them, and no one could oppose them because all the people had come to fear the Jews.


text:
All the provincial officials, the regional authorities, the governors, and those doing the king's work supported the Jewish people because the fear of Mordecai had come over them.


text:
Indeed, Mordecai was a powerful official in the palace and his fame spread throughout the provinces. Indeed, the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful.


text:
The Jewish people struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did with their enemies as they pleased.


text:
the ten sons of Hammedatha's son Haman, the enemy of the Jewish people, but they did not lay their hands on the spoils.


text:
The king told Queen Esther, "In Susa the capital the Jewish people have killed and destroyed 500 people, including Haman's ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what's your petition? It will be given to you. What's your further request? It will be done."


text:
Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king, let it also be granted to the Jewish people in Susa to do tomorrow what the edict allowed them to do today, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on poles."


text:
The king said, "Let this be done." So an edict was issued in Susa, and Haman's ten sons were hanged on poles.


text:
The Jewish people in Susa assembled again on that day, the fourteenth of Adar, and they killed 300 people in Susa, but they did not lay their hands on the spoils.


text:
The rest of the Jewish people in the king's provinces assembled to defend themselves, and they gained relief from their enemies, killing 75,000 of those who hated them. But they did not lay their hands on the spoils.


text:
They did this on the thirteenth day of Adar and rested on the fourteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.


text:
The Jewish people in Susa assembled on the thirteenth day and again on the fourteenth, and then rested on the fifteenth day and made it a day of feasting and joy.


text:
Therefore the Jewish people in the rural areas who live in unwalled towns make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a holiday for joy and feasting, and people send presents to one another.


text:
Mordecai wrote these instructions and sent letters to all the Jewish people in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,


text:
establishing that they should celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month Adar every year,


text:
as the days on which the Jewish people enjoyed relief from their enemies. It was a month when things turned around for them, from sorrow to joy and from mourning to a holiday. They were to celebrate these days as days of feasting and joy, and they were to send presents to one another and gifts to the poor.


text:
So the Jewish people made a tradition out of what they had begun to do and of what Mordecai had written to them,


text:
since Hammedatha's son Haman, the enemy of the Jewish people, had plotted against the Jewish people to destroy them, and he had cast the pur (that is, the lot) to determine when to confuse and destroy them.


text:
But when Esther came before the king, he ordered through a letter that the evil plot that Haman had devised against the Jewish people be rescinded, and that he and his sons be hanged on poles.


text:
Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur. Because of all that was written in this letter, because of what they experienced in this matter, and because of what happened to them,


text:
the Jewish people established this celebration, making it a tradition for themselves, for their descendants, and for all who joined with them that they should not fail to observe these two days each year, based on the written instructions, and at the prescribed time.


text:
These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by each family in every province and town. These days of Purim should not be neglected by the Jewish people, and that they should not be forgotten by their descendants.


text:
Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew wrote with full authority confirming this second letter about Purim.


text:
Letters containing wishes for peace and stability were sent to all the Jewish people, to the 127 provinces of Ahasuerus' kingdom,


text:
establishing these days of Purim at the prescribed time, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established, and just as the Jewish people had established for themselves and for their descendants. The letter included instructions for their fasting and lamentations.


text:
Now as to all the powerful and great deeds of Ahasuerus, along with an exact statement about the high position of Mordecai to which the king promoted him, these things are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia, are they not?


text:
Indeed, Mordecai the Jew was second in authority only to King Ahasuerus and was a powerful official among the Jewish people. Mordecai was accepted favorably by his many kinsmen, and he sought the good of his countrymen and spoke out for the welfare of all his people.


text:
There once was a man in the land of Uz named Job. The man was blameless as well as upright. He feared God and kept away from evil.


text:
His livestock included 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and many servants. Indeed, the man's stature greatly exceeded that of many people who lived in the East.


text:
His sons used to travel to each other's houses in turn on a regular schedule and hold feasts, inviting their three sisters to celebrate with them.


text:
When their time of feasting had concluded, Job would rise early in the morning to send for them and consecrate them to God. He would offer a burnt offering for each one, because Job thought, "Perhaps my children sinned by cursing God in their hearts." Job did this time and again.


text:
The LORD asked Satan, "Where have you come from?" In response, Satan answered the LORD, "From wandering all over the earth and walking back and forth throughout it."


text:
Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on earth. The man is blameless as well as upright. He fears God and keeps away from evil."


text:
Haven't you surrounded him with a fence on all sides, around his house, and around all that he owns? You have blessed everything he puts his hands on and you have increased his livestock in the land.


text:
Then the LORD told Satan, "Very well then, everything he owns is under your control, only you may not extend your hand against him." So Satan left the LORD's presence.


text:
a messenger approached Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the female donkeys were grazing nearby


text:
when the Sabeans attacked, captured the servants, and killed them with swords. I alone escaped to tell you!"


text:
While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "A lightning storm struck and incinerated the flock and the servants while they were eating. I alone escaped to tell you!"


text:
While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "The Chaldeans formed three companies, raided the camels, captured the servants, and killed them with swords. Only I alone escaped to tell you."


text:
While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "Your children were celebrating in their oldest brother's house


text:
when a strong wind came straight out of the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people, and they died. I alone escaped to tell you!"


text:
and exclaimed: "I left my mother's womb naked, and I will return to God naked. The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken. May the name of the LORD be blessed."


text:
Some time later, divine beings again presented themselves to the LORD, and Satan accompanied them to present himself to the LORD.


text:
The LORD asked Satan, "Where have you come from?" In response, Satan told the LORD, "From wandering all over the earth and walking back and forth throughout it."


text:
The LORD asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on earth. The man is blameless as well as upright. He fears God and keeps away from evil. He remains firm in his integrity, even though you have been urging me to overwhelm him without cause."


text:
Satan answered the LORD, "Skin for skin! The man will give up everything that he owns in exchange for his health.


text:
However, stretch out your hand and strike his bones and flesh, and he'll curse you to your face, won't he?"


text:
So Satan left the LORD's presence and struck Job with terrible boils from the sole of his feet to the top of his head.


text:
But he replied to her, "You're talking like foolish women do. Are we to accept what is good from God but not tragedy?" Throughout all of this, Job did not sin by what he said.


text:
When Job's three friends heard all these tragedies that happened to him, they each traveled from their home towns to visit him. Eliphaz came from Teman, Bildad came from Shuah, and Zophar came from Naamath. They met together and went to console and comfort him.


text:
Observing him from a distance, at first they didn't even recognize him, so they raised their voices and burst into tears. They each ripped their robes, threw ashes into the air on their heads,


text:
and sat with Job on the ground for a full week without saying a word, since they could see the great extent of his anguish.


text:
"Let the day when I was born be annihilated, along with the night when it was announced, 'It's a boy!'


text:
Let darkness and deep gloom reclaim it; let clouds settle down on it; let blackness in mid-day terrify it.


text:
Let darkness carry that night away; let it not take its place joyfully among the days of the year; let it not be entered into the calendar.


text:
Let the stars of its evening twilight be dark; let it hope for light but let there be none; let it not see the breaking rays of the dawn.


text:
"For that night refused to shut the doors of my mother's womb; it failed to keep me from seeing this trouble.


text:
along with kings and counselors of the earth, who used to build for themselves what are now only ruins,


text:
In that place, the wicked stop causing trouble, and there those whose strength is exhausted are at rest.


text:
In that place, those who once were prisoners will be at ease together; they won't hear the voice of oppressors.


text:
To those who are longing for death-even though it does not come? To those who search for it more than for hidden treasure?


text:
"As far as I'm concerned, my food comes to me in the form of sighs, and my cries of anguish pour out like water.


text:
"Will you get offended if somebody tries to talk to you? Who can keep from speaking at a time like this?


text:
"But now it's your turn, and you're the one who is worn out! Now it's striking you, and you're dismayed!


text:
"Your fear of God has been your confidence, hasn't it? The integrity of your life has been your hope, hasn't it?


text:
Now please think: Who has ever perished when they're innocent? Where have the upright been destroyed?


text:
It's been my experience that those who plow the soil of iniquity and those who sow the seed of trouble will reap their harvest!


text:
"The lioness may roar, and the lion cub may growl; but even the ivory teeth of the full grown lion are broken.


text:
It remained standing, but I couldn't recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice:


text:
'Can a mortal person be more righteous than God? Or can the purity of the valiant exceed that of his maker?'


text:
how much less confidence does he have in those who dwell in houses of clay; who were formed from a foundation in dust and can perish like a moth?


text:
Their wealth perishes with them, doesn't it? They die, and do so without having wisdom, don't they?"


text:
"Cry out, won't you! Is there anyone who will answer you? To whom will you turn among the holy ones?


text:
His children are far from deliverance; they'll be maltreated before they leave home, with no one to rescue them.


text:
Then the hungry will devour his harvest, snatching it even from the midst of thorns, while the thirsty covet their wealth.


text:
"Indeed, how blessed is the person whom God reproves! So never disrespect the discipline of the Almighty,


text:
For you'll have a pact with the stones in the field; and the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.


text:
You'll know that your home is secure; when you search your possessions, and nothing will be missing.


text:
You'll know that you'll have many children; and that your offspring will be like the grass of the earth.


text:
You'll go to your grave at a ripe old age; like a stack of grain that's harvested at just the right time.


text:
"Look! We have thought all this through, and what we've said is true; So please listen and learn for your own good!"


text:
"The arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit absorbs their poison; God's terrors have been arranged just for me!


text:
"Will the wild donkey bray from hunger if fresh grass is beside him? Will the ox low from distress if it is near its feed?


text:
At least I could still take comfort and rejoice in unceasing anguish, for I didn't conceal what the Holy One has to say.


text:
But my brothers have acted treacherously like a cascading river, like torrential rivers that overflow.


text:
For all their expectations, they are doomed to disappointment; even though they have come and searched this far.


text:
or say 'Deliver me from my enemy's control,' or 'Redeem me from the domination of ruthless people'?"


text:
"Men have harsh servitude on earth, do they not? His days are like those of a hired laborer, are they not?


text:
"When I lie down I ask, 'When will I wake up?' But the night continues and I keep tossing and turning until dawn.


text:
The eyes of the one who sees me won't see me anymore; your eyes will look for me but I won't be around!


text:
"In addition, I won't keep my opinion to myself; I'll speak from my distressed spirit; I'll complain with my bitter soul.


text:
So what if I sin? What have I done against you, you observer of humankind? Why have you made me your target? Why burden yourself with me?


text:
Why haven't you pardoned my transgression and taken away my iniquity? Now I'm about to lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I won't be around!"


text:
"Inquire of the previous generation, won't you please? Consider what their forefathers searched out.


text:
If one were to seek to argue with him, he won't be able to answer him even once in a thousand times.


text:
Indeed, if he snatches someone away, who could restrain him? Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'


text:
"Were I to be summoned, and he were to answer me, I wouldn't even believe that he was listening to what I have to say.


text:
"Is this a contest of strength? He is obviously stronger! Is this a matter of justice? Who can sue him?


text:
Though I'm in the right, my own mouth will condemn me; though I'm blameless, he'll pronounce me as guilty.


text:
A land is given into the hands of a wicked person; he covers the faces of its judges. If it is not God, then who is it?"


text:
If I were to say, 'Let me forget my complaint,' change the expression on my face, and look cheerful,


text:
He's not a man like me, so that I can answer him, or that we can enter into litigation with one another.


text:
"I am disgusted with living, so I'm going to talk about my complaint freely. I'll speak out from the bitterness of my soul.


text:
Does it delight you to oppress or despise what you have made, while you smile at the plans of the wicked?


text:
"'Woe to me if I'm guilty! If I'm innocent, I cannot lift my head, because I am filled with disgrace. Look at my affliction!


text:
But if I do lift up my head, you will hunt me like a lion! You will perform miracles in order to fight against me.


text:
"'You have brought new witnesses against me, you're even more angry with me-you've brought fresh troops to attack me!


text:
It's a gloomy land, like deepest darkness; where there's no order, and where even the brightness is like darkness.'"


text:
Will your irrational babble silence people, and when you mock them, will you escape without being shamed?


text:
and disclose his wise secrets? After all, there's so much more to understanding. So be aware that God will exact from you less than your sin deserves."


text:
These things are higher than the heavens, so what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol, so what can you know?


text:
But what the wicked look for will fail; their way of escape will be taken away from them; their only hope is to take their final breath."


text:
"I'm a laughingstock to my friends, someone who called on God. But then he answered this upright and blameless man, and I have become a laughingstock.


text:
The carefree are thinking, 'I have contempt for misfortune,' Those who are about to stumble deserve it.


text:
The tents of robbers are at rest, and those who provoke God are secure, that is, those who carry their god in their pocket.


text:
and that the life of every living thing rests in his control, along with the breath of every living human being?


text:
"With God are strength and sound wisdom; both the deceived and those who deceive are responsible to him.


text:
He makes nations great, and then destroys them; he enlarges nations, but then sends them away to captivity.


text:
He withdraws understanding from national leaders of the world, causing them to wander through uncharted wilderness.


text:
Will things go well for you under his cross-examination? Can you lie to him, as you would to a human being?


text:
Even though he kills me, I'll continue to hope in him. At least I'll be able to argue my case to his face!


text:
Since his days have been determined, the number of his months is known to you. You've set his limit and he cannot exceed it.


text:
"There is hope for the tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots won't stop growing.


text:
so also a person lies down and does not get up; they won't awaken until the heavens are no more, nor will they arise from their sleep."


text:
"Won't you keep me safe in the afterlife? Conceal me until your anger subsides. Set an appointment for me, then remember me.


text:
If a human being dies, will he live again? I will endure the entire time of my assigned service, until I am changed.


text:
Water wears away stones; floods wash away topsoil from the land-but you destroy the hope of human beings just like that!


text:
You overpower him once and for all, and then he departs; you change his appearance and then send him away.


text:
"If his children are honored, he doesn't know it; if they become insignificant, he never perceives it.


text:
"Should a wise person respond with knowledge based on wind? Should he fill his stomach with a wind storm from the east?


text:
"What is mankind, that he can be blameless? Or does being born of a woman mean he'll be in the right?


text:
then how much less is one who is abhorred and corrupted, such as a man who drinks injustice like water?"


text:
"The wicked person writhes in pain throughout his life, a number of years has been reserved for the ruthless.


text:
He won't escape darkness; a flame will wither his shoots; and he'll depart by the breath of God's mouth.


text:
Let him not trust in a worthless speech. He leads only himself astray, for emptiness will be his reward.


text:
"I could also talk like you if only you were in my place! Then I would put together an argument against you. I would shake my head at you


text:
You've arrested me, making me testify against myself! My leanness rises up to attack me, accusing me to my face.


text:
His anger tears me in his persistent resentment against me; he gnashes his teeth at me. My adversary glares at me.


text:
People gaped at me with mouths wide open; they slap me in their scorn and gather together against me.


text:
"He tore me apart when I was at ease; grabbing me by my neck, he shook me to pieces-then he really made me his target.


text:
crying for him to arbitrate between this man and God; as a human being does with his fellow neighbor.


text:
"Because you're the one who closed their hearts to compassion; therefore, you won't let them triumph.


text:
Now as for the one who testifies against his friends to take their property, even the eyes of his children will fail.


text:
But the righteous person will hold to his way, and those with clean hands will grow stronger and stronger."


text:
Will it go down to the bars that lock the doors of the afterlife? Will we descend together into the dust?"


text:
You're tearing yourself to pieces in your anger. Will the land be abandoned because of you, or the rock be moved from its place?"


text:
People who live west of him are appalled at his fate; those who live east of him are seized with terror.


text:
Indeed, the residences of the wicked are like this; and so are the homes of those who don't know God."


text:
If you really intend to vaunt yourselves over me, and make my problems the basis of your case against me,


text:
He is breaking me down on every side, and now it's too late for me; he has uprooted my hopes like a tree.


text:
His troops march in a column against me, erecting their siege ramps against me; they surround my tent."


text:
Those who live in my house-and my maidservants, too!-treat me like a stranger; they think I'm a foreigner.


text:
"As for me, I know that my Vindicator is alive; And he, the Last One, will take his stand on the soil.


text:
whom I will see for myself. My own eyes will look at him-there won't be any one else for me!-He is the culmination of my innermost desire."


text:
"When you're thinking about asking yourselves, 'How will we pursue him, since the root of the problem is with him?'


text:
Make sure that you remain wary of God's sword, for God's wrath brings with it the sword of punishment, by which you'll know there's a judgment."


text:
"He will restore what he has attained from his work and won't consume it; he won't enjoy the profits from his business transactions,


text:
Even though he is satiated and self-sufficient, he suffers-everyone in any sort of trouble will attack him.


text:
"It will come about that, when he has filled himself to the full, God will vent his burning anger on him; he will pour it out on him and on his body.


text:
It will impale him and come out through his back; the point will glisten as it protrudes through his gall bladder, and he will be terrified.


text:
"Total darkness has been reserved for his treasures; a fire that has no need to be kindled will devour him and consume whatever remains in his possession.


text:
Behold! Their prosperity isn't in their control! The counsel of the wicked will remain far from me."


text:
"How often do the wicked have their lights put out? Does calamity ever fall on them? Will God in his anger ever apportion their destruction?


text:
The runoff from the streams will seem sweet to him; everyone will follow after him; countless crows march ahead of him.


text:
"After all, you've taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing.


text:
When you make a decision on something, it will be established for you, and light will brighten your way.


text:
In that place, the upright can reason with him; and I'll be acquitted once and for all by my judge."


text:
I haven't wandered away from the commands that he has spoken; I've treasured what he has said more than my own meals."


text:
Nevertheless, I haven't been silenced because of the darkness, even when thick darkness obscures my vision."


text:
Why doesn't the Almighty reserve time for judgment? and why don't those who know him perceive his days?


text:
"Look! Like wild donkeys in the wilderness, they work diligently as they seek wild game in the desert, food for them and their young ones.


text:
They press oil between the olive groves owned by the wicked; they suffer from thirst, even while treading the winepress.


text:
From the city, dying men groan aloud, and the wounded cries out for help, but God charges no one with wrong.


text:
"Then there are those who rebel against the light; they are not acquainted with its ways; and they don't stay on its course.


text:
They break into houses in the dark; during the day they remained sealed in. They don't know daylight.


text:
"They remain only a short time on the water's surface; their inheritance will be cursed in the land; no one will work in their vineyards.


text:
The womb will forget them. Maggots will find them to be a delicacy! They won't be remembered anymore, their iniquity will be cut to pieces like firewood.


text:
God prolongs the life of the strong by his power, but they get up in the morning without purpose in life.


text:
They're exalted momentarily, but then they are gone; they are humbled, just like all the others. They are cut down like heads of corn.


text:
If this weren't so, who can prove that I'm a liar by showing that there's nothing to what I'm saying?"


text:
Indeed, these are the fringes of his ways, and how faint is the whisper we've heard of it! But who can comprehend the thunder of his might?"


text:
Far be it from me to admit that you're right! I intend to maintain my integrity even if it kills me!


text:
"This is what a wicked person inherits from God, and what the ruthless will receive from the Almighty:


text:
If he has many children, their destiny is to die by the sword, and his descendants won't have enough food.


text:
He will go to bed wealthy, but won't be doing that anymore! When he opens his eyes, it will be gone!


text:
He sinks his shaft far from human habitations, in a place forgotten by explorers; they hang on harnesses as they swing back and forth.


text:
It cannot be compared to gold and fine glass crystal, nor can it be exchanged for gold-plated weaponry.


text:
It has been concealed from the sight of every living creature and hidden even from the birds in the skies.


text:
He set in place ordinances for the rain; and determined the pathway for thunder that accompanies lightning.


text:
He has commanded mankind: 'To fear the Lord-that is wisdom; to move away from evil-that is understanding.'"


text:
The voices of the commanders-in-chief were hushed, and their tongues would cling to the roofs of their mouths."


text:
because I delivered the poor who were crying for help, along with orphans who had no one to help them.


text:
"I used to say: 'I will die in my home. I'm going to live as many days as there are grains of sand on the shore.


text:
I set an example of the way to live, as a leader would; I lived like a king among his army; like one who comforts mourners."


text:
"But now they mock me; men who are far younger than I, whose fathers I would have hated to entrust with my own sheep dogs.


text:
Unproductive due to poverty and hunger, they could only scratch in parched soil, devastated and desolated.


text:
They abhor me-they keep their distance from me; but they don't refrain from spitting at the sight of me.


text:
"A wretched crowd ambushes me to my right; they trip my feet; they build up their path of calamity for me.


text:
They come like those who breach through a wall; as everything crashes around me they'll roll on and on!


text:
My greatest fears have overcome me; my honor is assaulted as though by a wind storm; my prosperity evaporates like a morning cloud."


text:
My clothes are disheveled by his forceful treatment of me; he restricts my movement like the collar of my cloak.


text:
you carried me off in a wind storm, making me ride on it while you toss me about as the storm roars around me.


text:
I know that you're about to kill me, so I'm about to go to the house that's appointed for all the living."


text:
"Surely he won't stretch his hand against the needy, will he, especially if they cry to him in their calamity?


text:
I'm boiling mad inside, and I won't remain silent; the time for my affliction to confront me has arrived.


text:
If I have stepped away from the way, or if my heart covets whatever my eyes see, or if some other blemish clings to my hands,


text:
The one who made me in the womb made them, too, didn't he? Didn't the same one prepare each of us in the womb?"


text:
(even a poor man had grown up with me as if I were his father, and even though I had guided the widow from the time I was born)


text:
"If I've observed someone who is about to die for lack of clothes or if I have no clothing to give to the poor,


text:
if he hadn't thanked me from the bottom of his heart, if he had not been warmed by wool from my sheep,


text:
"Have I rejoiced in the destruction of those who hate me, or have I been happy that evil caught up with him?


text:
People in my household have said, 'We cannot find anyone who has not been satisfied with his meat,' haven't they?


text:
Have I feared large crowds? Has my family's contempt ever terrified me so that I remained silent and wouldn't go outside?"


text:
"Who will grant me a hearing? Here's my signature-let the Almighty answer! Since my adversary indicted me,


text:
I'll give an account for every step I've taken; I'll approach him confidently like a Commander-in-Chief."


text:
may thorns spring up instead of wheat, and obnoxious weeds instead of barley." With this, Job's discourse with his friends is completed.


text:
These three men stopped responding to Job, because he was claiming to be righteous, in his own opinion.


text:
But then Barachel's son Elihu from Buz, one of Ram's descendants, got really angry. He was furious with Job because he had been declaring himself righteous instead of vindicating God.


text:
Furthermore, he was furious with his three friends because they had not answered Job, but instead had condemned him.


text:
Barachel's son Elihu from Buz responded and said: I'm younger than you are. Because you're older, I was terrified to tell you what I know.


text:
"Look! I have waited to hear your speech, so I listened to your insights while you searched for the right words to say.


text:
Indeed, I paid close attention to you all, but none of you were able to refute Job or answer his arguments convincingly.


text:
Shall I continue to wait, since they're no longer talking? After all, they're only standing there; they're no longer responding.


text:
since I don't know the first thing about how to flatter; and the one who made me would sweep me away as if I were nothing."


text:
Look! As far as God is concerned, I'm just like you are-I, too, have been pinched off from a piece of clay.


text:
"If there's a messenger appointed to mediate for Job-one out of a thousand-to represent the man's integrity on his behalf,


text:
to show favor to him and to plead, 'Deliver him from having to go down to the Pit-I know where his ransom is!'


text:
"He'll sing to mankind with these words: 'I've sinned. I have twisted what is right. Yet he has not repaid me like I deserve.


text:
But if you have nothing to say, then at least listen to me! Be quiet and learn some wisdom from me."


text:
Have I lied concerning the justice that I deserve? My wound is incurable, though transgression cannot be attributed to me.'


text:
"Therefore you men of understanding, listen to me! Far be it for God to practice wickedness, or the Almighty to do what is wrong,


text:
because he repays a person for his behavior; and according to a person's conduct, he lets it happen to him.


text:
Who isn't partial to princes? Who doesn't give preference to the nobles over the poor? Nevertheless, all of them are his handiwork.


text:
"They die suddenly, in the middle of the night; people suffer seizures and pass away; even valiant men can be taken away-and not by human hands.


text:
Yes, Job, his eyes constantly watch the behavior of human beings; he carefully observes their every step.


text:
There's no such thing as darkness to him-not even deep darkness-that can conceal those who practice evil.


text:
"If he remains silent, who will condemn him? If he conceals his face, who can see him? He watches over both nation and individual alike,


text:
"Should you not be paid back, since you have rejected him? You do the choosing! I won't! Tell us what you know!


text:
because he has been adding rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us, and keeps on ranting against God."


text:
If you sin, what will that do to harm him? If you add transgression to transgression what will it do to him?


text:
"They cry out because they have many oppressors; they cry for help because the powerful are abusing them.


text:
Even though you complain that you can't perceive him, your case is already pending for judgment in his presence so keep on placing your hope in him.


text:
"So now, if he doesn't inflict punishment in his anger, then he doesn't keep track of your many transgressions.


text:
When he began speaking, he communicated only worthlessness; he added words upon words without knowing anything."


text:
He won't stop looking at righteous people; he seats them on thrones with kings forever, and they are exalted.


text:
If they listen and serve him, they'll finish their lives in prosperity and their years will be pleasant.


text:
"Indeed, he drew you away from the brink of distress to a spacious place without constraints, filling your festive table with bountiful food.


text:
"Now I'll conclude with this: my heart is trembling violently; it feels like it's about to leap from my body!


text:
His thunder roars after it; his majestic voice will thunder; and no one can trace them once his voice has been heard.


text:
For he says to the snow, 'Fall to the earth.' He tells the rain, 'Pour down,' then it rains profusely.


text:
It whirls about in circles at his direction to accomplish all that he commands throughout the surface of the entire world,


text:
whether for discipline on his land or to demonstrate his gracious love, he causes it to be realized."


text:
Tell us! What are we to say to him? Can we prepare our case to face him when our faces are in darkness?


text:
"So then, the sun is too bright to gaze at, is it not? The sky is swept clean by the wind that blows, is it not?


text:
We cannot find the Almighty-he is majestic in power and justice, and overflowing with righteousness; he never oppresses.


text:
"Have you ever commanded the morning at any time during your life? Do you know where the dawn lives,


text:
Like clay is molded by a signet ring, the earth's hills and valleys then stand out like the colors of a garment.


text:
Who prepares food for the raven, when its offspring cry out to God as they wander for lack of food?"


text:
She mistreats her young as though they're not hers, and she has no fear that her labor may be in vain,


text:
When the trumpet blasts he'll neigh, 'Aha! Aha!' From a distance he can sense war, the war cry of generals, and their shouting."


text:
"Look! Anyone's hope to capture him will prove itself false; anyone would be terrified just by looking at him.


text:
"Beneath him he is armored as with sharp potsherds; he tears through muddy ground like a threshing sledge through grain.


text:
You asked, 'Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?' Well now, I have talked about what I don't understand-awesome things beyond me that I don't know.


text:
After these words had been spoken by the LORD to Job, the LORD spoke to Eliphaz from Teman: "My anger is burning against you along with your two friends, since you haven't spoken correctly about me, as did my servant Job.


text:
So take seven bulls and seven rams and bring them to my servant Job. And bring a whole burnt offering for yourselves and my servant Job will pray for you. I'll encourage him by not responding as your disgraceful folly deserves, since you didn't speak about me correctly as did my servant Job.


text:
So Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuah, and Zophar from Naamath did precisely as the LORD had spoken to them, because the LORD showed favor to Job.


text:
The LORD restored Job's prosperity after he prayed for his friends. The LORD doubled everything that Job had once possessed.


text:
Then all his brothers and sisters and all those who knew him before arrived. They ate food with him in his house, mourned for him, and consoled him for all the trouble that the LORD had brought and placed on him. Some gave him gold bullion and some brought gold earrings.


text:
The LORD blessed Job during the latter part of his life more than the former, since he owned 14,000 thousand sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys.


text:
No one could find more beautiful women in the whole land than Job's daughters. Their father gave them their inheritance along with their brothers.


text:
How blessed is the person, who does not take the advice of the wicked, who does not stand on the path with sinners, and who does not sit in the seat of mockers.


text:
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither. He will prosper in everything he does.


text:
Therefore the wicked will not escape judgment, nor will sinners have a place in the assembly of the righteous.


text:
As the kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers conspire together against the LORD and his anointed one, they say,


text:
Let me announce the decree of the LORD that he told me: "You are my son, today I have become your father.


text:
Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession.


text:
Kiss the son before he becomes angry, and you die where you stand. Indeed, his wrath can flare up quickly. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.


text:
A Davidic Psalm, when he fled from his son Absalom. LORD, I have so many persecutors! Many are rising up against me!


text:
Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! For you strike the jaw of all my enemies, and you break the teeth of the wicked.


text:
To the Director: With stringed instruments. A Davidic Psalm. When I call, answer me, my righteous God! When I was in distress, you set me free. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.


text:
You people, how long will you malign my reputation? How long will you love what is vain and what is false? Interlude.


text:
But understand this: the LORD has set apart the godly for himself! The LORD will hear me when I cry out to him!


text:
Many are asking, "Who will help us to see better days?" LORD, may the light of your favor shine upon us.


text:
LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I will pray to you, and I will watch for your answer.


text:
But I, because of the abundance of your gracious love, may come into your house. In awe of you, I will worship in your holy Temple.


text:
But as for the wicked, they do not speak truth at all. Inside them there is only wickedness. Their throat is an open grave, on their tongue is deceitful flattery.


text:
Declare them guilty, God! Let them fall by their own schemes. Drive them away because of their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.


text:
Let all those who take refuge in you rejoice! Let them shout for joy forever, and may you protect them. Let those who love your name exult in you.


text:
Indeed, you will bless the righteous one, LORD, like a large shield, you will surround him with favor.


text:
To the Director: With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp. A Davidic Psalm. LORD, in your anger, do not rebuke me, in your wrath, do not discipline me.


text:
As for all my enemies, they will be put to shame; they will be greatly frightened and suddenly turn away ashamed.


text:
A Davidic psalm, which he sang to the LORD, because of the words of Cush the descendant of Benjamin. LORD, my God, I seek refuge in you. Deliver me from those who persecute me! Rescue me!


text:
if I have rewarded those who did me good with evil, if I have plundered my enemy without justification,


text:
then, let my enemy pursue me, let him overtake me, and let him trample my life to the ground. Interlude Let him put my honor into the dust.


text:
Get up, LORD, in your anger! Rise up, because of the fury of my enemies; Arouse yourself for me; you have ordained justice.


text:
For the LORD will judge the peoples. Judge me according to my righteousness, LORD, and according to my integrity, Exalted One.


text:
Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. For you are the righteous God who discerns the inner thoughts.


text:
If the ungodly one doesn't repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will string his bow and prepare it.


text:
But as for me, I will praise the LORD for his righteousness, and I will sing to the name of the LORD Most High.


text:
To the Director: On a stringed instrument. A Davidic Psalm. LORD, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! You set your glory above the heavens!


text:
Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have established strength on account of your adversaries, in order to silence the enemy and vengeful foe.


text:
To the Director: Accompanied by female voices. A Davidic Psalm. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, I will declare all your wonderful deeds.


text:
The enemy has perished, reduced to ruins forever. You uprooted their cities, the very memory of them vanished.


text:
Be gracious to me, LORD, take note of my affliction, because of those who hate me. You snatch me away from the gates of death,


text:
so I may declare everything for which you should be praised in the gates of the daughter of Zion, so I will rejoice in your deliverance.


text:
The LORD has made himself known, executing judgment. The wicked are ensnared by what their hands have made. Interlude.


text:
For he will not always overlook the plight of the poor, nor will the hope of the afflicted perish forever.


text:
With haughty arrogance, the wicked thinks, "God will not seek justice." He always presumes "There is no God."


text:
Their ways always seem prosperous. Your judgments are on high, far away from them. They scoff at all their enemies.


text:
They say to themselves, "We will not be moved throughout all time, and we will not experience adversity."


text:
Their eyes secretly watch the helpless, lying in wait like a lion in his den. They lie in wait to catch the afflicted. They catch the afflicted when they pull him into their net.


text:
But you do see! You take note of trouble and grief in order to take the matter into your own hand. The helpless one commits himself to you; you have been the orphan's helper.


text:
Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; so that when you seek out his wickedness you will find it no more.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Song. I take refuge in the LORD. So how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains."?


text:
Look, the wicked have bent their bow and placed their arrow on the string, to shoot from the darkness at the upright in heart.


text:
The LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD's throne is in the heavens. His eyes see, his glance examines humanity.


text:
To the Director: On an eight stringed harp. A Davidic Psalm. Help, LORD, for godly people no longer exist; trustworthy people have disappeared from humanity.


text:
"Because the poor are being oppressed, because the needy are sighing, I will now arise," says the LORD, "I will establish in safety those who yearn for it."


text:
The words of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. How long? LORD, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?


text:
How long must I struggle in my soul at night and have sorrow in my heart during the day? How long will my enemy rise up against me?


text:
Otherwise, my enemy will say, "I have overcome him;" Otherwise, my persecutor will rejoice when I am shaken.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good.


text:
The LORD looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God.


text:
All have turned away, together they have become corrupt; no one practices what is good, not even one.


text:
Will those who do evil ever learn? They devour my people like they devour bread, and never call on the LORD.


text:
May Israel's deliverance come from Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be glad.


text:
The one who does not slander with his tongue, who does no evil to his neighbor, and who does not destroy his friend's reputation.


text:
The one who despises those who are utterly wicked, but who honors the one who fears the LORD, who keeps his word even when it hurts and does not change,


text:
who does not loan his money with interest, and who does not take a bribe against those who are innocent. The one who does these things will stand firm forever.


text:
Those who hurry after another god will have many sorrows; I will not present their drink offerings of blood, nor will my lips speak their names.


text:
You cause me to know the path of life; in your presence is joyful abundance, at your right hand there are pleasures forever.


text:
A Davidic Prayer. LORD, hear my just plea! Pay attention to my cry! Listen to my prayer, since it does not come from lying lips.


text:
When you probe my heart, and examine me at night; when you refine me, you will find nothing wrong, for I have determined that I will not transgress with my mouth.


text:
As for the ways of mankind, I have, according to the words of your lips, avoided the ways of the violent.


text:
Show forth your gracious love, save those who take refuge in you from those who rebel against your sovereign power.


text:
from men, LORD, by your hand-from men who belong to this world, whose reward is only in this life. But as for your treasured ones, may their stomachs be full, may their children have an abundance, and may they leave wealth to their offspring.


text:
To the Director: By the servant of the LORD, David, who spoke the words of this song to the LORD on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hands of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: "I love you, Lord, my strength.


text:
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my stronghold in whom I take refuge, my shield, the glory of my salvation, and my high tower."


text:
In my distress I cried to the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his Temple he heard my voice; my cry reached his ears.


text:
The world shook and trembled; the foundations of the mountains quaked, they shook because he was angry.


text:
In his anger smoke poured out of his nostrils, and consuming fire from his mouth; coals were lit from it.


text:
Then the LORD thundered in the heavens, and the Most High sounded aloud, calling for hail stones and flashes of fire.


text:
Then the channels of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were uncovered because of your rebuke, LORD, because of the blast from the breath of your nostrils.


text:
As for God, his way is upright; the word of God is pure; he is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.


text:
You have given to me the shield of your deliverance, and your right hand holds me up; your gentleness made me great.


text:
They cried out for deliverance, but there was no one to deliver; they cried out to the LORD, but he did not answer them.


text:
You rescued me from conflict with the people; you made me head of the nations. People who did not know me will serve me.


text:
who delivers me from my enemies. Truly you will exalt me above those who oppose me; you will deliver me from the violent person.


text:
He is the one who gives victories to his king; who shows gracious love to his anointed, to David and his seed forever.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. The heavens are declaring the glory of God, and their expanse shows the work of his hands.


text:
yet their message goes out into all the world, and their words to the ends of the earth. He has set up a tent for the sun in the heavens,


text:
which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, or like a champion who rejoices at the beginning of a race.


text:
The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring life. The testimony of the LORD is steadfast, making foolish people wise.


text:
The precepts of the LORD are upright, making the heart rejoice. The commandment of the LORD is pure, giving light to the eyes.


text:
The fear of the LORD is clean, standing forever. The judgments of the LORD are true; they are altogether righteous.


text:
They are more desirable than gold, even much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb.


text:
Preserve your servant from arrogant people; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be upright and acquitted of great wickedness.


text:
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. May the LORD answer you in the day of distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.


text:
May we shout for joy at your deliverance and unfurl our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.


text:
Now I know that the LORD has delivered his anointed; he has answered him from his sanctuary with the strength of his right hand of deliverance.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How greatly he rejoices in your deliverance.


text:
You have granted him the desire of his heart, and have not withheld what his lips requested. Interlude.


text:
When you appear, you will set them ablaze like a fire furnace. In his wrath, the LORD will consume them, and the fire will devour them.


text:
To the Director: To the tune of "Doe of the Dawn". A Davidic Psalm. My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from delivering me-from my groaning words?


text:
My God, I cry out to you throughout the day, but you do not answer; and throughout the night, but I have no rest.


text:
They say, "Commit yourself to the LORD; perhaps the LORD will deliver him, perhaps he will cause him to escape, since he delights in him."


text:
My strength is dried up like broken pottery; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth, and you have brought me down to the dust of death.


text:
For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of those who practice of evil has encircled me. They gouged my hands and my feet.


text:
I will declare your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you, saying,


text:
"All who fear the LORD, praise him! All the seed of Jacob, glorify him! All the seed of Israel, fear him!


text:
For he does not despise nor detest the afflicted person; he does not hide his face from him, but he hears him when he cries out to him."


text:
My praise in the great congregation is because of you; I will pay my vows before those who fear you.


text:
The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him, "May you live forever!"


text:
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD; all the families of the nations will bow in submission to the LORD.


text:
All the prosperous people will eat and bow down in submission. All those who are about to go down to the grave will bow down in submission, along with the one who can no longer keep himself alive.


text:
They will come and declare his righteousness to a people yet to be born; indeed, he has accomplished it!


text:
Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Your rod and your staff-they comfort me.


text:
You prepare a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.


text:
Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD's Temple forever.


text:
A Davidic Psalm. The earth and everything in it exists for the LORD-the world and those who live in it.


text:
The one who has innocent hands and a pure heart; the person who does not delight in what is false and does not swear an oath deceitfully.


text:
This is the generation that seeks him. Those who seek your face are the true seed of Jacob. Interlude.


text:
Indeed, no one who waits on you will be ashamed, but those who offend for no reason will be put to shame.


text:
Guide me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God who delivers me. All day long I have waited for you.


text:
Do not remember my youthful sins and transgressions; but remember me in light of your gracious love, in light of your goodness, LORD.


text:
All the paths of the LORD lead to gracious love and truth for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.


text:
Davidic. Vindicate me, LORD, because I have walked in integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.


text:
Davidic. The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom will I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?


text:
When those who practice evil, my enemies, and my oppressors come near me to devour my flesh, they stumble and fall.


text:
If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear. If a war is launched against me, I will even trust in that situation.


text:
I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I really seek: that I may remain in the LORD's Temple all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD; and to inquire in his Temple.


text:
For he will conceal me in his shelter on the day of evil; He will hide me in a secluded chamber within his tent; He will place me on a high rock.


text:
Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies, even those who surround me. I will sacrifice in his tent with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melodies to the LORD.


text:
Do not hide your face from me; do not turn away in anger from your servant. You have been my help, therefore do not abandon or forsake me, God of my salvation.


text:
Do not hand me over to the desires of my enemies; for false witnesses have risen up against me; even the one who breathes out violence.


text:
Davidic. To you, LORD, I cry out! My Rock, do not refuse to answer me. If you remain silent, I will become like those who descend into the Pit.


text:
Hear the sound of my supplications when I cry to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.


text:
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who practice iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while harboring evil in their hearts.


text:
Reward them according to their deeds; according to the evil of their actions. Reward them based on what they do; give them what they deserve.


text:
Because they do not understand the deeds of the LORD or the work of his hands, He will tear them down and never build them up.


text:
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I received help. My heart rejoices, and I give thanks to him with my song.


text:
The voice of the LORD was heard above the waters; the God of glory thundered; the LORD was heard over many waters.


text:
The voice of the LORD causes deer to give birth, and strips the forest bare. In his Temple all of them shout, "Glory!"


text:
A Davidic Psalm for the dedication of the Temple. I exalt you, LORD, for you have lifted me up, and my enemies could not gloat over me.


text:
For his wrath is only momentary; yet his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may lodge for the night, but shouts of joy will come in the morning.


text:
By your favor, LORD, you established me as a strong mountain; Then you hid your face, and I was dismayed.


text:
"What profit is there in my death if I go down to the Pit? Can dust worship you? Can it proclaim your faithfulness?"


text:
You have turned my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with a garment of joy,


text:
so that I may sing praise to you and not remain silent. LORD, my God, I will give you thanks forever!


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge. Let me never be ashamed. Because you are righteous, deliver me!


text:
Listen to me, and deliver me quickly. Become a rock of safety for me, a fortified citadel to deliver me;


text:
I will rejoice and be glad in your gracious love, for you see my affliction and take note that my soul is distressed.


text:
Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am in distress. My eyes have been consumed by my grief along with my soul and my body.


text:
My life is consumed by sorrow, my years with groaning. My strength has faltered because of my iniquity; my bones have been consumed.


text:
I have become an object of reproach to all my enemies, especially to my neighbors. I have become an object of fear to my friends, and whoever sees me outside runs away from me.


text:
I have heard the slander of many; it is like terror all around me, as they conspire together and plot to take my life.


text:
Let me not be ashamed, LORD, for I have called upon you. Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in the next life.


text:
Let the lying lips be made still, especially those who speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.


text:
How great is your goodness that you have reserved for those who fear you, that you have set in place for those who take refuge in you, in the presence of the children of men.


text:
You will hide them in the secret place of your presence, away from the conspiracies of men. You will hide them in your tent, away from their contentious tongues.


text:
Blessed be the LORD! In a marvelous way he demonstrated his gracious love to me, when I was in a city under siege.


text:
When I said in my panic, "I have been cut off in your sight," then you surely heard the voice of my prayer in my plea to you for help.


text:
Love the LORD, all his godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful and repays those who act with proud motives.


text:
A Davidic instruction. How blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.


text:
How blessed is the person against whom the LORD does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.


text:
For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my strength was exhausted as in a summer drought. Interlude.


text:
My sin I acknowledged to you; my iniquity I did not hide. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin! Interlude.


text:
Therefore every godly person should pray to you at such a time. Surely a flood of great waters will not reach him.


text:
You are my hiding place; you will deliver me from trouble and surround me with shouts of deliverance. Interlude.


text:
I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk; I will direct you with my eye.


text:
Don't be like a horse or mule, without understanding. They are held in check by a bit and bridle in their mouths; otherwise they will not remain near you.


text:
Righteous ones, be glad in the LORD and rejoice! Shout for joy, all of you who are upright in heart!


text:
By David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away. So David left. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will be in my mouth continually.


text:
The face of the LORD is set against those who do evil, and he will remove people's recollection of them from the earth.


text:
Davidic. Argue my case, LORD, against those who argue against me. Fight against those who fight against me.


text:
Let those who seek my life be ashamed and disgraced; let those who plot evil against me be driven back and confounded.


text:
Let destruction come upon them unawares, and let the net that he hid catch him; let him fall into destruction.


text:
All my bones will say, "LORD, who is like you? Who delivers the weak from the one who is stronger than he, and the weak and the needy from the one who wants to rob him?"


text:
But when they were sick, I wore sackcloth, humbled myself with fasting, and prayed from my heart repeatedly for them.


text:
But when I stumbled, they rejoiced and gathered together. They gathered together against me-attackers whom I did not know. They tore me apart and would not stop.


text:
Lord, how long will you just watch? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from these young lions.


text:
Then I will give you thanks in front of the great congregation; in the midst of the mighty throng I will praise you.


text:
Do not let my deceitful enemies gloat over me, nor let those who hate me without justification mock me with their eyes.


text:
Don't let them say in their hearts, "Yes! We got what we wanted." Don't let them say, "We have swallowed him up."


text:
Instead, let those who gloat over the evil directed against me be ashamed and confounded together; Let those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor.


text:
Let those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and rejoice! Let them continually say, "Magnify the LORD, who delights in giving peace to his servant."


text:
To the Director: By the servant of the LORD, David. An oracle that came to me about the transgressions of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.


text:
He devises iniquity on his bed and is determined to follow a path that is not good. He does not resist evil.


text:
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your justice is like the great depths of the sea. You deliver both people and animals, LORD.


text:
How precious is your gracious love, God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings.


text:
They are refreshed from the abundance of your house; You cause them to drink from the river of your pleasures.


text:
Send forth your gracious love to those who know you, and your righteousness to those who are upright in heart.


text:
Davidic. Don't be angry because of those who do evil, do not be jealous because of those who commit iniquity.


text:
Be silent in the LORD's presence and wait patiently for him. Don't be angry because of the one whose way prospers or the one who implements evil schemes.


text:
Yet a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more. You will search for his place, but he will not be there.


text:
The wicked take out a sword and bend the bow, to bring down the humble and the poor to slay those who are righteous in conduct.


text:
Indeed, the wicked will perish. The LORD's enemies will be consumed like flowers in the fields. They will vanish like smoke.


text:
I once was young and now I am old, but I have not seen a righteous person forsaken or his descendants begging for bread.


text:
Indeed, the LORD loves justice, and he will not abandon his godly ones. They are kept safe forever, but the lawless will be chased away, and the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.


text:
but the LORD will not let him fall into his hands. He will not be condemned when he is put on trial.


text:
Wait on the LORD, Keep faithful to his way, and he will exalt you to possess the land. You will see the wicked cut off.


text:
But then he passed away; in fact, he simply was not there. When I looked for him, he could not be found.


text:
But deliverance for the righteous one comes from the LORD; he is their strength in times of distress.


text:
The LORD helps and delivers them; he will deliver them from the wicked, and he will save them because they have sought refuge in him.


text:
A Davidic Psalm: As a Reminder. LORD! Do not rebuke me in your anger; do not correct me in your wrath,


text:
As for my friends and my neighbors, they stand aloof from my distress; even my close relatives stand at a distance.


text:
Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek to do me harm brag all day long about their wicked planning.


text:
To the Director: To Jeduthun. A Davidic Psalm. I told myself, "I will keep watch over my tongue to keep from sinning. I will muzzle my mouth when the wicked are around."


text:
I was as silent as a mute person; I said nothing, not even something good, and my distress deepened.


text:
"LORD, let me know how my life ends, and the standard by which you will measure my days, whatever it is! Then I will know how transient my life is.


text:
Look, you have made my life span fit in your hand; It is nothing compared to yours. Surely every person at their best is a puff of wind. Interlude.


text:
In fact, people walk around as shadows. Surely, they busy themselves for nothing, heaping up possessions but not knowing who will get them.


text:
You rebuke by chastening a man with the consequence of iniquities; you destroy what is attractive to him, as one would treat a moth. Indeed, every person is a puff of wind. Interlude.


text:
Hear my prayer, LORD, pay attention to my cry, and do not ignore my tears. I am an alien in your presence, a stranger just like my ancestors were.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. I waited expectantly for the LORD, and he took notice of me and heard my cry.


text:
He plucked me out of a pit of confusion, even out of the quicksand; he placed my feet on a rock and established my steps.


text:
He put a new song in my mouth, praise to our God! Many will watch and be in awe, and they will place their trust in the LORD.


text:
How blessed is that strong person who places his trust in the LORD, and who has not acknowledged the proud nor resorted to lies.


text:
LORD, my God, You have done great things: marvelous works and your thoughts toward us. There is no one who compares to you! I will try to recite your actions, even though there are too many to number.


text:
You take no delight in sacrifices and offerings-you have prepared my ears to listen-you require no burnt offerings or sacrifices for sin.


text:
In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news. Behold, I did not seal my lips, LORD, as you know.


text:
I have not ignored your righteousness in my heart; instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance. I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness from the great congregation.


text:
LORD, do not withhold your mercy from me, for your gracious love and truthfulness will keep me safe continuously.


text:
Innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me so that I cannot see. They are more in number than the hair on my head, and my courage has forsaken me.


text:
May those who seek to destroy my life be ashamed and confounded; let them be driven backwards and humiliated, particularly those who wish me evil.


text:
Let all who seek you shout for joy and be glad in you. May those who love your deliverance say, "The LORD be magnified!" continuously.


text:
But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think about me. You are my help and deliverer. My God, do not tarry too long!


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. Blessed is the one who is considerate of the destitute; the LORD will deliver him when the times are evil.


text:
The LORD will protect him and keep him alive; he will be blessed in the land; and he will not be handed over to the desires of his enemies.


text:
The one who comes to visit me speaks lies; in his heart he thinks slanderous things about me and goes around spreading them.


text:
As for my best friend, the one in whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, even he has insulted me!


text:
In this way I will know that you are pleased with me, and that my enemies will not shout in triumph over me.


text:
As for me, you will maintain my just cause, and you will cause me to stand in your presence forever.


text:
To the Director: An instruction of the Sons of Korah. As an antelope pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, God.


text:
My tears have been my food day and night, while people keep asking me all day long, "Where is your God?"


text:
These things I will recall as I pour out my troubles within me: I used to go with the crowd in a procession to the house of God, accompanied with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.


text:
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for once again I will praise him, since his presence saves me.


text:
My God, my soul feels depressed within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, from the heights of Hermon, even from the foothills.


text:
Deep waters call out to what is deeper still; at the roar of your waterfalls all your breakers and your waves swirled over me.


text:
By day the LORD will command his gracious love, and by night his song is with me-a prayer to the God of my life.


text:
I will ask God, my Rock, "Why have you forsaken me? Why do I go around mourning under the enemy's oppression?"


text:
Like the shattering of my bones are the taunts of my oppressors, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"


text:
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for once again I will praise him, since his presence saves me and he is my God.


text:
You be my judge, God, and plead my case against an unholy nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust man.


text:
Since you are the God who strengthens me, why have you forsaken me? Why do I go around mourning under the enemy's oppression?"


text:
Send forth your light and your truth so they may guide me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling places.


text:
Then I will approach the altar of God, even to God in whom my joy finds its source. Then I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God,


text:
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God.


text:
To the Director: An instruction of the Sons of Korah. God, we heard it with our ears; our ancestors told us about what you did in their day-a long time ago.


text:
With your hand you expelled the nations and established our ancestors. You afflicted nations and cast them out.


text:
It was not with their sword that they inherited the land, nor did their own arm deliver them. But it was by your power, your strength, and by the light of your face; because you were pleased with them.


text:
Through you we will knock down our oppressors; through your name we will tread down those who rise up against us.


text:
All this came upon us, yet we did not forsake you, and we have not dealt falsely with your covenant;


text:
To the Director: An instruction by the Sons of Korah. A love song to the tune of "Lilies". My heart is overflowing with good news; I speak what I have composed to the king; my tongue is like the pen of an articulate scribe.


text:
You are the most handsome of Adam's descendants; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.


text:
In your majesty ride forth for the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness; and your strong right hand will teach you awesome things.


text:
Your arrows are sharpened to penetrate the hearts of the king's enemies. People will fall under you.


text:
You love justice and hate wickedness. That is why God, even your God, has anointed you rather than your companions with the oil of gladness.


text:
All your clothes are scented with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.


text:
The king's daughters are among your honorable women; the queen, dressed in gold from Ophir, has taken her place at your right hand."


text:
and the king will greatly desire your beauty. Because he is your lord, you should bow in respect before him.


text:
In embroidered garments she is presented to the king. Her virgin companions who follow her train will be presented to you.


text:
Your sons will take the place of your ancestors, and you will set them up as princes in all the earth.


text:
From generation to generation, I will cause your name to be remembered. Therefore people will thank you forever and ever.


text:
To the Director: A song by the Sons of Korah, to the tune of "The Maidens". God is our refuge and strength, a great help in times of distress.


text:
Therefore we will not be frightened when the earth roars, when the mountains shake in the depths of the seas,


text:
Look! There is a river whose streams make the city of God rejoice, even the Holy Place of the Most High.


text:
He causes wars to cease all over the earth, he causes the bow to break, the spear to snap, the chariots to ignite and burn.


text:
Be in awe and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted throughout the earth.


text:
To the Director: A song by the Sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with a loud cry of joy!


text:
The nobles among the nations have joined the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.


text:
A song: Lyrics by the Sons of Korah. Great is the LORD! For he is to be praised greatly, even in the city of our God, his holy mountain.


text:
Beautifully situated, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion towards the north, the city of the great King.


text:
Just as we have heard, so have we seen; in the city of the LORD of the heavenly armies-even in the city of our God-God will establish her forever. Interlude.


text:
God, according to your name, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.


text:
Take note of her ramparts; investigate her citadels; that you may speak about them to the next generation.


text:
To the Director: A song by the Sons of Korah. Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, all you who live in the world,


text:
Why should I be afraid when evil days come my way, when the wickedness of those who deceive me surrounds me-


text:
Indeed, he will see wise people die; the stupid and the senseless will meet their doom and leave their wealth to others.


text:
Their inner thoughts are on their homes forever; their dwellings from generation to generation. They even name their lands after themselves.


text:
This is the fate of those who are foolish and of those who correct their words after they speak. Interlude.


text:
Like sheep, they are destined for the realm of the dead, with death as their shepherd. The upright will have dominion over them in the morning; their strength will be consumed in the afterlife, so that they have no home.


text:
When he dies, he will not be able to take it all with him-his possessions will not follow him to the grave,


text:
A song of Asaph. God, the LORD, has spoken. He has summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting place.


text:
Our God has appeared and he has not been silent; a devouring fire blazed before him, and a mighty storm swirled around him.


text:
"Listen, my people, for I am making a pronouncement: Israel, I, God, your God, am testifying against you.


text:
I do not rebuke you because of your sacrifices; indeed, your burnt offerings are continually before me.


text:
As for the wicked, God says, "How dare you recite my statutes or speak about my covenant with your lips!


text:
These things you did, and I kept silent, because you assumed that I was like you. But now I am going to rebuke you, and I will set forth my case before your very own eyes."


text:
Consider this, you who have forgotten God-Otherwise, I will tear you in pieces and there will be no deliverer:


text:
Whoever offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and I will reveal the salvation of God to whomever continues in my way."


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions.


text:
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment.


text:
Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts.


text:
Deliver me from the guilt of shedding blood, God, God of my salvation. Then my tongue will sing about your righteousness.


text:
Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices, with burnt offerings, and with whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic instruction about Doeg, the Edomite, when he went to Saul and told him, "David went to the house of Abimelech." Why do you make evil the foundation of your boasting, mighty one? God's gracious love never ceases.


text:
But God will tear you down forever; he will take you away, even snatching you out of your tent! He will uproot you from the land of the living. Interlude.


text:
"Look, here is a young man who refused to make God his strength; instead, he trusted in his great wealth and made his wickedness his strength.


text:
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the gracious love of God forever and ever.


text:
Therefore I will praise you forever because of what you did; I will proclaim that your name is good in the midst of your faithful ones.


text:
To the Director: Upon machalath. A Davidic instruction. Fools say to themselves "There is no God." They are corrupt and commit iniquity; not one of them practices what is good.


text:
God looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God.


text:
All of them have fallen away; together they have become corrupt; no one does what is good, not even one.


text:
Will those who do evil ever learn? They devour my people like they devour bread, and never call on God.


text:
There the Israelis were seized with terror, when there was nothing to fear. For God scattered the bones of those who laid siege against you-you put them to shame, for God rejected them.


text:
Would that Israel's deliverance come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.


text:
To the Director: With stringed instruments. A Davidic instruction, when the Ziphites came and told Saul, "David is hiding among us, is he not?" God, by your name deliver me, and by your power vindicate me.


text:
For the arrogant have arisen against me; oppressors have sought to take my life. They do not keep God in mind! Interlude.


text:
With a free will offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, LORD, because it is good,


text:
To the Director: With stringed instruments. A Davidic instruction. Pay attention to my prayer, God, and do not hide yourself from my appeal.


text:
because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the wicked. They bring down evil upon me, and in anger they hate me.


text:
For it is not an enemy who insults me-I could have handled that-nor is it someone who hates me and who now arises against me-I could have hidden myself from him-


text:
Let death seize them! May they be plunged alive into the afterlife, for wicked things are in their homes and among them.


text:
Morning, noon, and night, I mulled over these things and cried out in my distress, and he heard my voice.


text:
He calmly ransomed my soul from the war waged against me, for there was a vast crowd who stood against me.


text:
God, who is enthroned from long ago, will hear me and humble them. Interlude Because they do not repent, they do not fear God.


text:
His mouth is as smooth as butter, while war is in his heart. His words were as smooth as olive oil, while his sword is drawn.


text:
Cast on the LORD whatever he sends your way, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.


text:
But you, God, bring them down to the Pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful people will not live out half their days. But I put my full confidence in you.


text:
To the Director: A special Davidic psalm to the tune of "A Silent Dove Far Away," when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Have mercy on me, God, because men have harassed me. Those who oppress me have fought against me all day long.


text:
Those who watch me all day have harassed me, for there are many who fight against me out of conceit.


text:
You have kept count of my wanderings. Put my tears in your bottle-have not you recorded them in your book?


text:
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living!


text:
To the Director: A special Davidic psalm to the tune of "Do Not Destroy," when he fled from Saul into a cave. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy, for in you I have placed my trust. Even in the shadow of your wings will I find my refuge until this calamity passes.


text:
He will send help from heaven to deliver me from those who harass and despise me. Interlude God will send his gracious love and truth.


text:
I am surrounded by lions. I lie down with those who burn with fire-that is, with people whose teeth are like spears and arrows-whose tongues are like sharp swords.


text:
They have set a snare for my feet, which makes me depressed. They dug a pit in front of me, but they are the ones who fell into it! Interlude.


text:
To the Director: A special Davidic psalm to the tune of "Do Not Destroy". How is it that by remaining silent you can speak righteously? How can you judge people fairly?


text:
May they flow away like rain water that runs off, may they become like someone who shoots broken arrows.


text:
May they be like a snail that dries up as it crawls; like a woman's stillborn baby, who never saw the sun.


text:
Before your clay pots are placed on a fire of burning thorns-whether green or ablaze-wrath will sweep them away like a storm.


text:
The righteous person will rejoice when he sees your vengeance; when he washes his feet in the blood of the wicked.


text:
A person will say, "Certainly, the righteous are rewarded; certainly there is a God who judges the earth."


text:
To the Director: A special Davidic psalm to the tune of "Do Not Destroy," when Saul sent men to watch the house in order to kill him. Save me from my enemies, my God! Keep me safe from those who rise up against me.


text:
Look, they lie in ambush for my life; these violent men gather together against me, but not because of any transgression or sin of mine, LORD.


text:
Without any fault on my part, they rush together and prepare themselves. Get up! Come help me! Pay attention!


text:
You, LORD God of the Heavenly Armies, God of Israel, stir yourself up to punish all the nations. Show no mercy to those wicked transgressors. Interlude.


text:
Don't kill them! Otherwise, my people may forget. By your power make them stumble around; bring them down low, Lord, our Shield.


text:
The sin of their mouth is the word on their lips. They will be caught in their own conceit; for they speak curses and lies.


text:
Go ahead and destroy them in anger! Wipe them out, and they will know to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Interlude.


text:
But I will sing of your power and in the morning I will shout for joy about your gracious love. For you have been a fortress for me; and a refuge when I am distressed.


text:
To the Director: A special Davidic psalm to the tune of "Lily of The Covenant," for teaching about his battle with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, when Joab returned and attacked 12,000 Edomites in the Salt Valley. God, you have cast us off; you have breached our defenses and you have become enraged. Return to us!


text:
But you have given a banner to those who fear you, so they may display it in honor of truth. Interlude.


text:
Then God spoke in his holiness, "I will rejoice-I will divide Shechem; I will portion out the Succoth Valley.


text:
Moab is my wash basin; over Edom I will throw my shoes; over Philistia I will celebrate my triumph."


text:
To the Director: A composition by David for stringed instruments. God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.


text:
From the end of the earth I will cry to you whenever my heart is overwhelmed. Place me on the rock that's too high for me.


text:
For you, God, have heard my promises; you have assigned to me the heritage of those who fear your name.


text:
To the Director: According to Jeduthun's style. A Davidic Psalm. My soul rests quietly only when it looks to God; from him comes my deliverance.


text:
How long will you rage against someone? Would you attack him as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence?


text:
They plan to cast him down from his exalted position. They delight in lies; their mouth utters blessings, while their heart is cursing. Interlude.


text:
People, in every situation put your trust in God; pour out your heart before him; for God is a refuge for us. Interlude.


text:
Human beings are a mere vapor, while people in high positions are not what they appear. When they are placed on the scales, they weigh nothing; even when weighed together, they are less than nothing.


text:
Don't trust in oppression or put false hope in stealing; if you become wealthy, do not set your heart on it.


text:
A Davidic Psalm, while he was in the Judean wilderness. God, you are my God! I will fervently seek you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry, weary, and parched land.


text:
But as for the king, he will rejoice in God. Indeed, everyone who swears by God will exult, because the mouths of liars will be silenced.


text:
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. Hear, God, as I express my concern; protect me from fear of the enemy.


text:
They concoct an evil scheme for themselves; they enumerate their hidden snares; they say, "Who will see them?"


text:
The righteous rejoiced in the LORD, because they had fled to him for refuge. Let all the upright in heart exult.


text:
To the Director: A song. Lyrics by David. In Zion, God, praise silently awaits you, and vows will be paid to you.


text:
How blessed is the one you choose, the one you cause to live in your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, yes, even with the holiness of your Temple.


text:
With awesome deeds of justice you will answer us, God our Deliverer; you are the confidence for everyone at the ends of the earth, even for those far away overseas.


text:
Those living at the furthest ends of the earth are seized by fear because of your miraculous deeds. You make the going forth of the morning and the evening shout for joy.


text:
You take care of the earth, you water it, and you enrich it greatly with the river of God that overflows with water. You provide grain for them, for you have ordained it this way.


text:
You fill the furrows of the field with water so that their ridges overflow. You soften them with rain showers; their sprouts you have blessed.


text:
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are covered with grain. They shout for joy; yes, they burst out in song!


text:
Say to God: "How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you."


text:
He rules by his power forever, his eyes watching over the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Interlude.


text:
I will offer to you burnt offerings of fat, along with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams. I will offer bulls along with goats. Interlude.


text:
To the Director of music: Accompanied by stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. May God show us favor and bless us; may he truly show us his favor. Interlude.


text:
Let the nations rejoice and sing for joy, because you judge people with fairness and you govern the people of the earth. Interlude.


text:
To the Director of music: A Psalm. A song. God arises, and his enemies are scattered. Those who hate him flee from his presence.


text:
As smoke is driven away, so you drive them away. As wax melts in the presence of fire, so the wicked die in the presence of God.


text:
Sing to God! Sing praise to his name! Exalt the one who rides on the clouds. The LORD is his name. Be jubilant in his presence.


text:
God causes the lonely to dwell in families. He leads prisoners into prosperity, but rebels live on parched land.


text:
the land quaked. Indeed, the heavens poured down rain from the presence of God, this God of Sinai, from the presence of God, the God of Israel.


text:
When you men lie down among the sheepfolds, you are like the wings of the dove covered with silver, with its feathers in glittering gold."


text:
You mountains of many peaks, why do you watch with envy the mountain in which God has chosen to dwell? Indeed, the LORD will live there forever.


text:
You ascended to the heights, you took captives. You received gifts among mankind, even the rebellious, so the LORD God may live there.


text:
God surely strikes the heads of his enemies, even the hairy heads of those who continue in their guilt.


text:
that your feet may wade through blood. The tongues of your dogs will have their portions from your enemies."


text:
The singers are in front, the musicians follow, strumming their stringed instruments among the maidens who are playing their tambourines.


text:
Little Benjamin is there, leading them, and the princes of Judah all together with the princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.


text:
Rebuke the wildlife that lives among the reeds, the nations that congregate like bulls and cows, humbling themselves with pieces of silver, for God scatters the nations that delight in battle.


text:
You are awesome, God, from your sanctuaries. The God of Israel is the one who gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!


text:
To the Director: To the tune of "The Lilies". Davidic. Deliver me, God, because the waters are up to my neck.


text:
I am sinking in deep mire, and there is no solid ground. I have come into deep water, and the flood overwhelms me.


text:
I am exhausted from calling for help. My throat is parched. My eyes are strained from looking for God.


text:
Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head. My persecutors are mighty, and they want to destroy me. Must I be forced to return what I did not steal?


text:
Do not let those who look up to you be ashamed because of me, Lord God of the Heavenly Armies. Let not those who seek you be humiliated because of me, God of Israel.


text:
As for me, LORD, may my prayer to you come at a favorable time. God, in the abundance of your gracious love, answer me with your sure deliverance.


text:
Rescue me from the mud and do not let me sink. Rescue me from those who hate me, and from the deep waters.


text:
Let neither the floodwaters overwhelm me nor let the deep swallow me up, nor the mouth of the well close over me.


text:
Insults broke my heart. I despaired and looked for sympathy; but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.


text:
For they persecute those whom you have struck, and they brag about the pain of those you have wounded.


text:
For God will deliver Zion and will rebuild the cities of Judah so they may live there and possess them.


text:
May those who seek to kill me be publicly humiliated. May those who take pleasure in my harm be turned back in humiliation.


text:
Let those who seek you greatly rejoice in you. Let those who love your deliverance say, "May God be continually exalted."


text:
As for me, I am poor and needy. God, come quickly to me. You are my helper and my deliverer. LORD, please do not delay.


text:
Be my sheltering refuge where I may go continually; command my deliverance for you are my rock and fortress.


text:
Let my adversaries be ashamed and consumed; let those who seek my destruction be covered with scorn and disgrace.


text:
I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be.


text:
Also, when I reach old age and have gray hair, God, do not forsake me, until I have declared your power to this generation and your might to the next one.


text:
God, who can compare to you, who caused me to experience many distresses and evil? You will return to revive me and lift me up from the depths of the earth.


text:
I also will praise you with the harp; because of your faithfulness, my God, I will praise you with the lyre-Holy One of Israel.


text:
Moreover, my tongue will speak all day about your justice; for those who seek my destruction will be utterly humiliated.


text:
Solomonic. God, endow the king with ability to render your justice, and the king's son to render your right decisions.


text:
May he defend the afflicted of the people and deliver the children of the poor, but crush the oppressor.


text:
May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring gifts, and may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer tribute.


text:
May he live long and be given gold from Sheba, and may prayer be offered for him continually, and may he be blessed every day.


text:
May grain be abundant in the land all the way to the mountain tops; may its fruits flourish like the forests of Lebanon, and may the cities sprout like the grass of the earth.


text:
May his fame be eternal-as long as the sun-may his name endure, and may they be blessed through him, and may all nations call him blessed.


text:
And blessed be his glorious name forever, and may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!


text:
As for me, how good for me it is that God is near! I have made the Lord GOD my refuge so I can tell about all your deeds.


text:
An instruction of Asaph. Why, God? Have you rejected us forever? Your anger is burning against the sheep of your pasture.


text:
Remember your community, whom you purchased long ago, the tribe whom you redeemed for your possession. Remember Mount Zion, where you live.


text:
Those who are opposing you roar where we were meeting with you; they unfurl their war banners as signs.


text:
They say to themselves, "We'll crush them completely;" They burned down all the meeting places of God in the land.


text:
Don't ignore the shout of those opposing you, The uproar of those who rebel against you continuously.


text:
To the Director: To the tune of "Do not Destroy!" A psalm of Asaph. A song. We praise you, God! We praise you-your presence draws near-as we declare your wonderful deeds.


text:
For there is a cup in the hand of the LORD, foaming with well-mixed wine that he will pour out, leaving only the dregs, from which all the wicked of the earth will drink.


text:
To the Director: With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song. God is known in Judah; in Israel his reputation is great.


text:
Brave men were plundered while they slumbered in their sleep. All the men of the army were immobilized.


text:
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; my hands were raised at night and they did not grow weary. I refused to be comforted.


text:
Your thunderous sound was in a whirlwind; your lightning lights up the world; the earth becomes agitated and quakes.


text:
Your way was through the sea, and your path through mighty waters, but your footprints cannot be traced.


text:
We will not withhold them from their descendants; we'll declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD-his might and awesome deeds that he has performed.


text:
He established a decree in Jacob, and established the Law in Israel, that he commanded our ancestors to reveal to their children


text:
in order that the next generation-children yet to be born-will know them and in turn teach them to their children.


text:
Then they will put their trust in God and they will not forget his awesome deeds. Instead, they will keep his commandments.


text:
They will not be like the rebellious generation of their ancestors, a rebellious generation, whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirits were unfaithful to God.


text:
The descendants of Ephraim were sharp shooters with the bow, but they retreated in the day of battle.


text:
He performed marvelous things in the presence of their ancestors in the land of Egypt-in the fields of Zoan.


text:
He divided the sea so that they were able to cross; he caused the water to stand in a single location.


text:
It's true that Moses struck the rock so that water flowed forth and torrents of water gushed out, but is he also able to give bread or to supply meat for his people?"


text:
Therefore, when the LORD heard this, he was angry, and fire broke out against Jacob. Moreover, his anger flared against Israel,


text:
the anger of God flared against them, and he killed the strongest men and humbled Israel's young men.


text:
But he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity and didn't destroy them; He restrained his anger and didn't vent all his wrath.


text:
He inflicted his burning anger, wrath, indignation, and distress, sending destroying angels among them.


text:
He blazed a path for his anger; he did not stop short from killing them, but handed them over to pestilence.


text:
He drove out nations before them and allotted their tribal inheritance, settling the tribes of Israel in their tents.


text:
They fell away and were as disloyal as their ancestors. They became unreliable, like a defective bow;


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. God, nations have invaded your land to desecrate your holy Temple, to destroy Jerusalem,


text:
to give the corpses of your servants as food for the birds of the skies and the flesh of your godly ones to the beasts of the earth;


text:
Pour out your wrath upon the nations that do not acknowledge you, and over the kingdoms that do not call on your name.


text:
Don't charge us for previous iniquity, but let your compassion come quickly to us, for we have been brought very low.


text:
Help us, God, our deliverer, on account of your glorious name, deliver us and forgive our sins on account of your name.


text:
Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let vengeance for the blood of your servants be meted out before our eyes and among the nations.


text:
Let the cries of the prisoners reach you. With the strength of your power, release those condemned to death.


text:
Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you always, from generation to generation. We will declare your praise.


text:
For the Director of Music: According to "The Lilies". A testimony of Asaph. A psalm. Shepherd of Israel, listen! The one who leads Joseph like a flock, the one enthroned on the cherubim, display your glory.


text:
LORD God of the Heavenly Armies, when will your smoldering anger toward your people's prayers cease?


text:
For the Director: On the Gittith. By Asaph. Sing joyfully to God, our strength. Raise a shout to the God of Jacob.


text:
a decree that he prescribed for Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt, speaking a language I did not recognize.


text:
In a time of need you called out and I delivered you; I answered you from the dark thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Interlude.


text:
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, open your mouth that I may fill it.


text:
A Psalm of Asaph. God takes his stand in the divine assembly; among the divine beings he renders judgment:


text:
They neither know nor understand; they walk about in the dark while all the foundations of the earth are shaken.


text:
They say, "Let us go and erase them as a nation so the name of Israel will not be remembered anymore."


text:
To the Director: On the Gittith. A Psalm by the descendants of Korah. How lovely are your dwelling places, LORD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
I desire and long for the Temple courts of the LORD. My heart and body sing for joy to the living God.


text:
Even the sparrow found a house for herself and the swallow a nest to lay her young at your altar, LORD of the Heavenly Armies, my king and God.


text:
They will pass through the Baca Valley where he will prepare a spring for them; even the early rain will cover it with blessings.


text:
for a day in your Temple courts is better than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather stand at the entrance of God's house than live in the tent of wickedness.


text:
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD grants grace and favor; the LORD will not withhold any good thing from those who walk blamelessly.


text:
To the Director: A Psalm by the descendants of Korah. LORD you have favored your land and restored the fortunes of Jacob.


text:
Let me listen to what God, the LORD, says; for the LORD will promise peace to his people, to his holy ones; may they not return to foolishness.


text:
Indeed you, Lord, are kind and forgiving, overflowing with gracious love to everyone who calls on you.


text:
All the nations that you have established will come and worship you, my Lord. They will honor your name.


text:
God, arrogant men rise up against me, while a company of ruthless individuals want to kill me. They do not have regard for you.


text:
But you, Lord, are a compassionate God, merciful and patient, with unending gracious love and faithfulness.


text:
Return to me and have mercy on me; clothe your servant with your strength and deliver the son of your maid servant.


text:
Show me a sign of your goodness, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed. For you, LORD, will help and comfort me.


text:
I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me-including Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia-"This one was born there," they say.


text:
Indeed, about Zion it will be said: "More than one person was born in it," and "The Most High himself did it."


text:
A song. A psalm by the descendants of Korah. According to Machalath Leannoth. An instruction by Heman the Ezrahite. LORD, God of my salvation, by day and by night I cry out before you.


text:
released to remain with the dead, lying in a grave like a corpse, remembered no longer, and cut off from your power.


text:
You caused my acquaintances to shun me; you make me extremely abhorrent to them. Restrained, I am unable to go out.


text:
My eyes languish on account of my affliction; all day long I call out to you, LORD, I spread out my hands to you.


text:
An instruction. By Ethan, the Ezrahite. I will sing forever about the gracious love of the LORD; from generation to generation I will declare your faithfulness with my mouth.


text:
I will declare that your gracious love was established forever; in the heavens itself, you have established your faithfulness.


text:
"I will establish your dynasty forever, and I will lift up one who will build your throne from generation to generation." Interlude.


text:
Even the heavens praise your awesome deeds, LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.


text:
Righteousness and justice make up the foundation of your throne; gracious love and truth meet before you.


text:
You spoke to your faithful ones through a vision: "I will set a helper over a warrior. I will raise up a chosen one from the people.


text:
I will show my gracious love toward him forever, since my covenant is securely established with him.


text:
Before the mountains were formed or the earth and the world were brought forth, you are God from eternity to eternity.


text:
We live for 70 years, or 80 years if we're healthy, yet even in the prime years there are troubles and sorrow. They pass by quickly and we fly away.


text:
Cause us to rejoice throughout the time when you have afflicted us, the years when we have known trouble.


text:
May your favor be on us, Lord our God; make our endeavors successful; yes, make our endeavors secure!


text:
A Davidic Psalm. The one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, who rests in the shadow of the Almighty,


text:
With his feathers he will cover you, under his wings you will find safety. His truth is your shield and armor.


text:
Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.


text:
When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.


text:
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praise to your name, Most High;


text:
Because you made me glad with your awesome deeds, LORD, I will sing for joy at the works of your hands.


text:
Though the wicked sprout like grass; and all who practice iniquity flourish, it is they who will be eternally destroyed.


text:
Look at your enemies, LORD! Look at your enemies, for they are destroyed; everyone who practices iniquity will be scattered.


text:
My eyes gloated over those who lie in wait for me; when those of evil intent attack me, my ears will hear.


text:
The LORD reigns! He is clothed in majesty; the LORD is clothed, and he is girded with strength. Indeed, the world is well established, and cannot be shaken.


text:
The rivers have flooded, LORD; the rivers have spoken aloud, the rivers have lifted up their crushing waves.


text:
The one who disciplines nations can rebuke them, can he not? The one who teaches mankind can discern, can he not?


text:
Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against those who practice iniquity?


text:
Will destructive national leaders, who plan wicked things through misuse of the Law, be allied with you?


text:
He will repay them for their sin; he will annihilate them because of their evil. The LORD our God will annihilate them.


text:
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the flock in his care. If only you would listen to his voice today,


text:
do not be stubborn like your ancestors were at Meribah, as on that day at Massah, in the wilderness,


text:
For forty years I loathed that generation, so I said, "They are a people whose hearts continually err, and they have not understood my ways."


text:
Declare among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" Indeed, he established the world so that it will not falter. He will judge people fairly.


text:
The heavens will be glad and the earth will rejoice; even the sea and everything that fills it will roar.


text:
in the LORD's presence, because he is coming; indeed, he will come to judge the earth. He will judge the world fairly and its people reliably.


text:
All who serve carved images-and those who praise idols-will be humiliated. Worship him, all you "gods"!


text:
Hate evil, you who love the LORD! He guards the lives of those who love him, delivering them from domination by the wicked.


text:
A psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done awesome deeds! His right hand and powerful arm have brought him victory.


text:
He has remembered his gracious love; his faithfulness toward the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth saw our God's deliverance.


text:
in the LORD's presence, who comes to judge the earth; He'll judge the world righteously; and its people fairly.


text:
A mighty king who loves justice, you have established fairness. You have exercised justice and righteousness over Jacob.


text:
Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also was among those who invoked his name. When they called on the LORD, he answered them.


text:
LORD our God, you answered them; you were their God who forgave them, but also avenged their evil deeds.


text:
Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us and we belong to him; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.


text:
for the LORD is good and his gracious love stands forever. His faithfulness remains from generation to generation.


text:
I will pay attention to living a life of integrity-when will I attain it? I will live with integrity of heart in my house.


text:
I will not even think about doing anything lawless; I hate to do evil deeds; I will have none of it.


text:
I will not allow anyone with a perverted mind in my presence; I will not be involved with anything evil.


text:
I will destroy the one who secretly slanders a friend. I will not allow the proud and haughty to prevail.


text:
My eyes are looking at the faithful of the land, so they may live with me; The one who lives a life of integrity will serve me.


text:
Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, eliminating everyone who practices iniquity from the LORD's city.


text:
A prayer by the afflicted man who is overwhelmed and talks about his troubles with the LORD. LORD, hear my prayer! May my cry for help come to you.


text:
Do not hide your face from me when I am in trouble. Listen to me. When I call to out you, hurry to answer me!


text:
You will arise to extend compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor-the appointed time has come.


text:
I say, "My God, whose years continue through all generations, do not take me in the middle of my life.


text:
They will perish, but you will remain; and they all will become worn out, like a garment. You will change them like clothing, and they will pass away.


text:
May the descendants of your servants live securely, and may their children be established in your presence."


text:
he continues to redeem your life from the Pit, and he continually surrounds you with gracious love and compassion.


text:
Yet the LORD's gracious love remains throughout eternity for those who fear him and his righteous acts extend to their children's children,


text:
Bless the LORD, you angels who belong to him, you mighty warriors who carry out his commands, who are obedient to the sound of his words.


text:
Davidic. Bless the LORD, My soul; LORD, my God, you are very great. You are clothed in splendor and majesty;


text:
He lays the beams of his roof loft on the water above, making clouds his chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.


text:
He waters the mountains from his heavenly rooms; the earth is satisfied from the fruit of your work.


text:
He causes grass to sprout for the cattle and plants for people to cultivate, to produce food from the land,


text:
like wine that makes the heart of people happy, oil that makes the face glow, and food that sustains people.


text:
How numerous are your works, LORD! You have made them all wisely; the earth is filled with your creations.


text:
When you withdraw your favor, they are disappointed; Take away their breath, and they die and return to dust.


text:
May sinners disappear from the land and the wicked live no longer. Bless the LORD, My soul! Hallelujah!


text:
to witness the prosperity of your chosen ones, to rejoice in your nation's joy, to glory in your inheritance.


text:
In Egypt, our ancestors neither comprehended your awesome deeds nor remembered your abundant gracious love. Instead, they rebelled beside the sea, the Reed Sea.


text:
He shouted at the Reed Sea and it dried up; and led them through the sea as though through a desert.


text:
He would have destroyed them but for Moses, his chosen one, who stood in the breach before him to avert his destructive wrath.


text:
They shed innocent blood-the blood of their sons and daughters-whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, thereby polluting the land with blood.


text:
Therefore, they became unclean because of what they did; they have acted like whores by their evil deeds.


text:
He delivered them many times, but they demonstrated rebellion by their evil plans; therefore they sunk deep in their sins.


text:
he remembered his covenant with them, and so relented according to the greatness of his gracious love.


text:
Deliver us, LORD our God, gather us from among the nations so we may praise your holy name and rejoice in praising you.


text:
Blessed are you, LORD God of Israel, from eternity to eternity; Let all the people say, "Amen!" Hallelujah!


text:
Let those who have been redeemed by the LORD declare it-those whom he redeemed from the power of the enemy,


text:
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his gracious love and for his awesome deeds on behalf of mankind.


text:
God had promised in his sanctuary: "I will triumph and divide Shechem, then I will measure the valley of Succoth!


text:
for the mouths of wicked and deceitful people are opened against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.


text:
May his ancestors' guilt be remembered in the LORD's presence, and may his mother's guilt not be erased.


text:
May what they have done be continuously in the LORD's presence; and may their memory be excised from the earth.


text:
For he didn't think to extend gracious love; he harassed to death the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted.


text:
He loved to curse-may his curses return upon him! He took no delight in blessing others-so may blessings be far from him.


text:
Now you, LORD my God, defend me for your name's sake; because your gracious love is good, deliver me!


text:
They will curse, but you will bless. When they attack, they will be humiliated, while your servant rejoices.


text:
A Davidic psalm. A declaration from the LORD to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool."


text:
Your soldiers are willing volunteers on your day of battle; in majestic holiness, from the womb, from the dawn, the dew of your youth belongs to you.


text:
The LORD took an oath and will never recant: "You are a priest forever, after the manner of Melchizedek."


text:
He will execute judgment against the nations, filling graves with corpses. He will utterly destroy leaders far and wide.


text:
Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all of my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright.


text:
He sent deliverance to his people; he ordained his covenant to last forever; his name is holy and awesome.


text:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; sound understanding belongs to those who practice it. Praise of God endures forever.


text:
A light shines in the darkness for the upright, for the one who is gracious, compassionate, and just.


text:
The wicked person sees this and flies into a rage; his teeth gnash and wear away. The desire of the wicked will amount to nothing.


text:
Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be given glory on account of your gracious love and faithfulness.


text:
They have hands, but cannot touch; feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even groan with their throats.


text:
The LORD remembers and blesses us. He will indeed bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.


text:
The ropes of death were wound around me and the anguish of Sheol came upon me; I encountered distress and sorrow.


text:
LORD, I am indeed your servant. I am your servant. I am the son of your handmaid. You have released my bonds.


text:
They surrounded me like bees; but they will be extinguished like burning thorns. In the name of the LORD I will defeat them.


text:
There's exultation for deliverance in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD is victorious!


text:
The LORD is God-he will be our light! Bind the festival sacrifice with ropes to the horn at the altar.


text:
May the arrogant become ashamed, because they have subverted me with deceit; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.


text:
My eyes grow weary with respect to what you have promised-I keep asking, "When will you comfort me?"


text:
Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation. You established the earth, and it stands firm.


text:
A Davidic Song of Ascents. I rejoiced when they kept on asking me, "Let us go to the LORD's Temple."


text:
To it the tribes ascend-the tribes of the LORD-as decreed to Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.


text:
Consider this: as the eyes of a servant focus on what his master provides, and as the eyes of a female servant focus on what her mistress provides, so our eyes focus on the LORD our God, until he has mercy on us.


text:
A Song of Ascents. Those who are trusting in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be overthrown. They remain forever.


text:
For evil's scepter will not rest on the land that has been allotted to the righteous, and so the righteous will not direct themselves to do wrong.


text:
But for those who choose their own devious paths, the LORD will lead them away, along with those who practice evil. Peace be upon Israel.


text:
Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues formed joyful shouts. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."


text:
The one who goes out weeping, carrying a bag of seeds, will surely return with a joyful song, bearing sheaves from his harvest.


text:
A Solomonic Song of Ascents. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly.


text:
It is useless to get up early and to stay up late, eating the food of exhausting labor-truly he gives sleep to those he loves.


text:
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be ashamed as they confront their enemies at the city gate.


text:
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children like olive shoots surrounding your table.


text:
May the LORD bless you from Zion, and may you observe the prosperity of Jerusalem every day that you live!


text:
And may those who pass by never tell them, "May the LORD's blessing be upon you. We bless you in the name of the LORD."


text:
My soul looks to the Lord more than watchmen look for the morning-more, indeed, than watchmen for the morning.


text:
A Davidic Song of Ascents. LORD, my heart is not arrogant, nor do I look haughty. I do not aspire to great things, nor concern myself with things beyond my ability.


text:
Instead, I have composed and quieted myself like a weaned child with its mother; I am like a weaned child.


text:
The LORD made an oath to David from which he will not retreat: "One of your sons I will set in place on your throne.


text:
If your sons keep my covenant and my statutes that I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever."


text:
A Davidic Song of Ascents. Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!


text:
It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard-even to Aaron's beard-and flowing down to the edge of his robes.


text:
It is like the dew of Hermon falling on Zion's mountains. For there the LORD commanded his blessing-life everlasting.


text:
A Song of Ascents. Now bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve nightly in the LORD's Temple.


text:
He makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth; fashioning lightning for the rain, bringing the wind from his storehouses.


text:
Mouths are attributed to them, but they cannot speak; sight is attributed to them, but they cannot see;


text:
for it was there that our captors asked us for songs and our torturers demanded joy from us, "Sing us one of the songs about Zion!"


text:
May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you, if I don't consider Jerusalem to be more important than my highest joy.


text:
Remember the day of Jerusalem's fall, LORD, because of the Edomites, who kept saying, "Tear it down! Tear it right down to its foundations!"


text:
Daughter of Babylon! You devastator! How blessed will be the one who pays you back for what you have done to us.


text:
LORD, I thank you with all of my heart; because you heard the words that I spoke, I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings.


text:
I will bow down in worship toward your holy Temple and give thanks to your name for your gracious love and truth, for you have done great things to carry out your word consistent with your name.


text:
Though the LORD is highly exalted, yet he pays attention to those who are lowly regarded, but he is aware of the arrogant from afar.


text:
Though I walk straight into trouble, you preserve my life, stretching out your hand to fight the vehemence of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.


text:
The LORD will complete what his purpose is for me. LORD, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me.


text:
You know when I rest and when I am active. You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from you.


text:
I praise you, because you are fearful and wondrous! Your work is wonderful, and I am fully aware of it.


text:
My frame was not hidden from you while I was being crafted in a hidden place, knit together in the depths of the earth.


text:
Your eyes looked upon my embryo, and everything was recorded in your book. The days scheduled for my formation were inscribed, even though not one of them had come yet.


text:
God, if only you would execute the wicked, so that the men guilty of bloodshed would get away from me,


text:
To the Music Director: A Davidic Song. Deliver me, LORD, from evil people, preserve me from violent men,


text:
The arrogant have laid a trap for me; they have spread a net with ropes, lining it with snares along the way. Interlude.


text:
Never grant, LORD, the desires of the wicked; never condone their plans so they cannot exalt themselves. Interlude.


text:
May burning coals fall on them; may they be cast into fire, and into miry pits, never to rise again.


text:
Don't let my heart turn toward evil or involve itself in wicked activities with men who practice iniquity. Let me not feast on their delicacies.


text:
Let one who is righteous strike me in gracious love and let him rebuke me; it is oil for my head, do not let my head refuse it. My prayers continually will be against their wicked activities.


text:
When their judges are thrown off the cliff, the people will hear my words, for they are appropriate.


text:
Just as one plows and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered near the entrance to the place of the dead.


text:
Nevertheless, my eyes are on you, Lord GOD, as I seek protection in you. Don't leave me defenseless!


text:
A Davidic Song, when he was in the cave. A prayer. My voice cries out to the LORD; my voice pleads for mercy to the LORD.


text:
Though my spirit grows faint within me, you are aware of my path. Wherever I go, they have hidden a trap for me.


text:
I look to my right and observe-no one is concerned about me. There is nowhere I can go for refuge, and no one cares for me.


text:
Pay attention to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Deliver me from my tormentors, for they are far too strong for me.


text:
Break me out of this prison, so I can give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will deal generously with me.


text:
A Davidic Song. LORD, hear my prayer; pay attention to my request, because you are faithful; answer me in your righteousness.


text:
For those who oppose me are pursuing my life, crushing me to the ground, making me sit in darkness like those who died long ago.


text:
I remember the former times, meditating on everything you have done. I think about the work of your hands.


text:
Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit is failing. Do not hide your face from me; otherwise, I will become like those who descend to the Pit,


text:
In the morning let me hear of your gracious love, for in you I trust. Cause me to know the way I should take, because I have set my hope on you.


text:
For the sake of your name, LORD, preserve my life. Because you are righteous, bring me out of trouble.


text:
Because of your gracious love, you will cut off my enemies. You will destroy all who oppose me, for I am your servant.


text:
he is my gracious love and my fortress, my strong tower and my deliverer, my shield and the one in whom I find refuge, who subdues peoples under me.


text:
LORD, what are human beings, that you should care about them, or mortal man, that you should think about him?


text:
Reach down your hand from your high place; rescue me and deliver me from mighty waters, from the control of foreigners.


text:
Rescue me and deliver me from the control of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hand deceives.


text:
May our sons in their youth be like full-grown plants, and our daughters like pillars destined to decorate a palace.


text:
May our granaries be filled, storing produce in abundance; may our sheep bring forth thousands, even tens of thousands in our fields.


text:
May our cattle grow heavy with young, with no damage or loss. May there be no cry of anguish in our streets!


text:
A Davidic Psalm. I will speak highly of you, my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever.


text:
They will extol the fame of your abundant goodness, and will sing out loud about your righteousness.


text:
in order to make known your mighty acts to mankind as well as the majestic splendor of your kingdom.


text:
who brings justice for the oppressed, and who gives food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners;


text:
the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the righteous.


text:
The LORD stands guard over the stranger; he supports both widows and orphans, but makes the path of the wicked slippery.


text:
He shields the heavens with clouds, preparing rain for the earth and making grass grow on the hills.


text:
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is lifted up; his majesty transcends earth and heaven.


text:
He has raised up a source of strength for his people, an object of praise for all of his holy ones, that is, for the people of Israel who are near him. Hallelujah!


text:
and executing the judgment written against them. This is honor for all the ones he loves. Hallelujah!


text:
for acquiring the discipline that produces wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and upright living;


text:
If they say, "Come with us! Let's lie in wait for blood; let's ambush some innocent person for no reason at all.


text:
She calls out at the busiest part of the noisy streets, and at the entrance to the gates of the city she utters her words:


text:
"You naïve ones, how long will you love naiveté? And how long will scoffers delight in scoffing or fools hate knowledge?"


text:
Return to my correction! Look, I will pour out my spirit on you, and I will make my words known to you.


text:
when what you dread comes like a storm, and your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.


text:
"Then they will call out to me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.


text:
Indeed, the waywardness of the naïve will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.


text:
Do not let gracious love and truth leave you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,


text:
Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back. I will pay you tomorrow," when you have cash with you.


text:
Indeed, a perverse man is utterly disgusting to the LORD, but he takes the upright into his confidence.


text:
he taught me and told me, "Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say; keep my commandments and live!


text:
"Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom, and with all your effort work to acquire understanding.


text:
For they cannot sleep unless they are doing evil, and they are robbed of their sleep unless they cause someone to stumble.


text:
The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that grows brighter until the full light of day.


text:
so that strangers don't enrich themselves at your expense, and your work won't end up the possession of foreigners.


text:
Like a loving deer, a beautiful doe, let her breasts satisfy you all the time. Be constantly intoxicated by her love.


text:
then do this, my son and deliver yourself, because you have come under your neighbor's control. Go, humble yourself! Plead passionately with your neighbor!


text:
Therefore, disaster will overtake him suddenly. He will be broken in an instant, and he will never recover.


text:
During your travels wisdom will lead you; she will watch over you while you rest; and when you are startled from your sleep she will commune with you.


text:
because the price of a whore is a loaf of bread, and an adulterous woman stalks a man's precious life.


text:
So also is it with someone who has sex with his neighbor's wife; anyone touching her will not remain unpunished.


text:
He will not consider any payment, nor will he be willing to accept it, no matter how large the bribe.


text:
until an arrow pierces his liver. As a bird darts into a snare, he doesn't realize his fatal decision.


text:
Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands, and correct to those who have acquired knowledge.


text:
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise.


text:
My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver.


text:
when he set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not exceed his limits, when he marked out the foundations of the earth.


text:
Then I was with him, his master craftsman-I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence,


text:
Whoever corrects a mocker invites only insult, and whoever rebukes the wicked will himself become stained.


text:
Counsel a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will add to his learning.


text:
But he does not realize that the dead lurk there, and her invited guests wind up in the depths of Sheol.


text:
Wisdom characterizes the speech of the discerning, but the rod is for the backs of those lacking discernment.


text:
The rich hide within the fortress that is their wealth, but the poor are dismayed due to their poverty.


text:
Whoever heeds correction is on the pathway to life, but someone who ignores exhortation goes astray.


text:
What the righteous person says is like precious silver; the thoughts of the wicked are compared to small things.


text:
To the upright, the way of the LORD is a place of safety but it's a place of ruin to those who practice evil.


text:
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are trapped by their evil desires.


text:
When a wicked person dies, his hope vanishes; and what he expected from his scheming comes to nothing.


text:
By what he says, the godless person can destroy his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.


text:
Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.


text:
If the righteous receive what they are due here on earth, how much more will the wicked and the sinner.


text:
The righteous person looks out for the welfare of his livestock, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.


text:
A prudent man keeps what he knows to himself, but the hearts of fools shout forth their foolishness.


text:
The righteous person is cautious with respect to his neighbor, but the lifestyle of the wicked leads them astray.


text:
The lazy person does not roast what he has hunted, but diligence is one's most important possession.


text:
Poverty and shame are for those who ignore correction, but whoever listens to instruction gains honor.


text:
A good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the wealth of the wicked is reserved for the righteous.


text:
Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but profits come through the strength of the ox.


text:
Won't those who continually plot evil go astray? But gracious love and truth are for those who plan what is good.


text:
Being slow to get angry compares to great understanding as being quick-tempered compares to stupidity.


text:
The wicked person is thrown down by his own wrongdoing, but the righteous person has a place of safety in death.


text:
The righteous house is itself a great treasure, but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work.


text:
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.


text:
The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.


text:
The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, but the path taken by the upright is an open highway.


text:
Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes, but the person who hates bribes will live.


text:
Iniquity is atoned for by gracious love and truth, and through fear of the LORD people turn from evil.


text:
How much better than gaining gold is the acquisition of wisdom, the attainment of wisdom better than silver!


text:
Whoever controls his temper is better than a warrior, and anyone who has control of his spirit is better than someone who captures a city.


text:
A prudent servant will rule in place of a disgraceful son and will share in the inheritance among brothers.


text:
Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their maker, and whoever is happy about disaster will not go unpunished.


text:
Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool; how much more are deceitful statements with a prince!


text:
The person who loves transgression loves strife; the person who builds a high gate invites destruction.


text:
The person whose mind is perverse does not find good, and anyone with perverted speech falls into trouble.


text:
Furthermore, it isn't good to fine the righteous, or to beat an official because of his uprightness.


text:
Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.


text:
Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent; he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut.


text:
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger.


text:
The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.


text:
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress.


text:
The positive words that a man speaks fill his stomach; he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.


text:
All the relatives of a poor person shun him-how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he runs after them pleading, they aren't around.


text:
A house and self-sufficiency are a father's inheritance, but from the LORD comes an insightful wife.


text:
Whoever obeys a commandment keeps himself safe, but someone who is contemptuous in conduct will die.


text:
Whoever is kind to the poor is lending to the LORD-the benefit of his gift will return to him in abundance.


text:
The person who has great anger must pay the consequences, because if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.


text:
If you scourge a scoffer, the simple person may learn to be discreet; rebuke a discerning man and he will gain understanding.


text:
Whoever mistreats his father and alienates his mother is a son who brings both shame and disrespect.


text:
Take the garment of anyone who puts up collateral for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for an unfamiliar woman.


text:
It is a trap for a person to declare quickly, "This is sacred," and only later to have second thoughts about the vows.


text:
When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.


text:
A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.


text:
The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.


text:
Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.


text:
Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.


text:
Don't make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered,


text:
When you fix your gaze on it, it's gone, for it sprouts wings for itself and flies to the sky like an eagle.


text:
for as he thinks within himself, so he is. "Eat and drink!" he'll say to you, but his heart won't be with you.


text:
The father of a righteous person will greatly rejoice; whoever fathers a wise son will be glad because of him.


text:
Who has woe? Who has grief? Who has contention? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has bloodshot eyes?


text:
"They struck me," you will say, "but I never felt it. They beat me, but I never knew it When will I wake up? I want another drink."


text:
If you say, "Look here, we didn't know about this," doesn't God, who examines motives, discern it? Doesn't the one who guards your soul know about it? Won't he repay each person according to what he has done?


text:
My son, eat honey, because it's good for you; indeed, drippings from the honeycomb are sweet to your taste;


text:
Keep in mind that wisdom is like that for your soul; if you find it, there will be a future for you, and what you hope for won't be cut short.


text:
for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again, but the wicked stumble into calamity.


text:
Don't magnify yourself in the presence of a king, and don't pretend to be in the company of famous men,


text:
for it is better that it be told you, "Come up here," than for you to be placed lower in the presence of an official. What you've seen with your own eyes,


text:
don't be in a hurry to argue in court. Otherwise, what will you do later on when your neighbor humiliates you?


text:
Like cold snow during harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes his masters.


text:
A bad tooth and an unsteady foot-that's what confidence in an unreliable man is like in a time of trouble.


text:
Taking your coat off when it's cold or pouring vinegar on soda-that's what singing songs does to a heavy heart.


text:
A muddied spring or a polluted well-that's what a righteous person is who compromises with the wicked.


text:
Ointments and perfume encourage the heart; in a similar way, a friend's advice is sweet to the soul.


text:
Never abandon your friend nor your father's friend, and don't go to your brother's house in times of trouble. A neighbor who is near is better than a brother who lives far away.


text:
Those who are prudent see danger and take refuge, but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences.


text:
Take the coat of anyone who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he cosigns for an immoral woman.


text:
Though you crush a fool in a mortar and pestle as someone might crush grain, his stupidity still won't leave him.


text:
You will have enough goat's milk to drink and to supply your household needs, as well as sustenance for your servant girls.


text:
When a land transgresses, it gains a succession of leaders, but with an understanding and knowledgeable man, its stability endures.


text:
Whoever keeps the Law is a discerning son, but whoever keeps company with gluttons brings shame to his father.


text:
Whoever gains wealth by charging exorbitant interest collects it for someone who is kind to the poor.


text:
Whoever misleads the upright along an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.


text:
When the righteous are victorious, there is great glory, but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.


text:
Whoever hides his transgressions will not succeed, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy.


text:
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into disaster.


text:
A Commander-in-Chief who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding, but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer.


text:
Whoever works his farmland will have abundant food, but whoever chases fantasies will become very poor.


text:
The faithful man will prosper with blessings, but whoever is in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment.


text:
Whoever steals from his father or mother but claims, "It's no sin," is a companion to someone who demolishes.


text:
Whoever gives to the poor will never lack, but whoever shuts his eyes to their poverty will be cursed.


text:
When the wicked rise to power, people hide themselves, but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase.


text:
The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.


text:
The righteous person is concerned about the poor; but the wicked don't understand what they need to know.


text:
As the wicked grow powerful, transgression increases, but the righteous will observe their downfall.


text:
By mere words a servant will not be corrected; even though he understands, there will be no response.


text:
The unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.


text:
A discourse by the faithful collector. This is what this valiant man declared to the God with me, to the God with me, who then prevailed:


text:
Who has ascended to heaven, and then descended? Who has collected the wind in his hands? Who has wrapped up waters in a garment? Who has established all the farthest points of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!


text:
Keep deception and lies far away from me, and give me neither poverty nor wealth. Feed me with food that I need for today,


text:
so that I don't become overfed and deny you by saying, "Who is the LORD?" or so that I don't become poor and steal, and then misuse the name of my God.


text:
Some people have swords for teeth and knives for fangs to devour the afflicted from the earth and the needy from among mankind.


text:
The leech has two daughters: "Give" and "Give". Three things will never be satisfied; four will never say "Enough"-


text:
The eye that mocks a father and looks with a disobedient attitude at a mother-the valley ravens will pluck it out; and vultures will eat it.


text:
The way an eagle flies in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.


text:
This is what an immoral woman is like: she eats, wipes her mouth, then says "I've done nothing wrong."


text:
Just as whipping milk produces butter, and twisting the nose causes bleeding, so also stirring up anger produces contention.


text:
Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.


text:
She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.


text:
The wind blows continually-southward, then northward, constantly circulating-and the wind comes back again in its courses.


text:
All the rivers flow toward the sea, but the sea is never full; then rivers return to the headwaters where they began.


text:
Everything is wearisome, more than man is able to express. The eye is never satisfied by seeing, nor the ear by hearing.


text:
Whatever has happened, will happen again; whatever has been done, will be done again. There is nothing new on earth.


text:
Does anything exist about which someone might say, "Look at this! Is this new?" It happened ages ago; it existed before we did.


text:
I dedicated myself to using wisdom for study and discovery of everything that is done under heaven. God uses terrible things so human beings will struggle with life.


text:
I observed every activity done on earth. My conclusion: all of it is pointless-like chasing after the wind.


text:
I told myself, "I have become greater and wiser than anyone who ruled before me in Jerusalem-yes, I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge."


text:
So I dedicated myself to learn about wisdom and knowledge, and about insanity and foolishness. And I discovered that this is also like chasing after the wind.


text:
For with much wisdom there is much sorrow; the more someone adds to knowledge, the more someone adds to grief.


text:
I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives.


text:
I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks-more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem.


text:
I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man-all sorts of mistresses.


text:
So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise.


text:
Whenever I wanted something I had seen, I never refused that desire. Instead, I enjoyed everything I did, and this became the reward in what I had undertaken.


text:
Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete-and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.


text:
Next I turned to examine wisdom, insanity, and foolishness, because what can a person do who succeeds the king except what has already been accomplished?


text:
I concluded that wisdom is more useful than foolishness, just as light is more useful than darkness.


text:
The wise use their eyes, but the fool walks in darkness. I also perceived that the same outcome affects them all.


text:
Then I told myself, "Whatever happens to the fool will happen also to me. Therefore what's the point in being so wise?" And I told myself that this also is pointless.


text:
For neither the wise nor the fool will be long remembered, since in days to come everything will be forgotten. The wise man dies the same way as the fool, does he not?


text:
So I hated life, because whatever is done on earth causes me trouble-it's all pointless, like chasing after the wind.


text:
Then I despised everything I had worked for on earth, that is, the things that I will leave to the person who will succeed me.


text:
And who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? Either way, he will take possession of everything that I have done on earth, especially where I have excelled. This also is pointless.


text:
For sometimes people who strive to obtain wisdom, knowledge, and equity leave everything as an inheritance to a person who never worked for it. This, too, is pointless and greatly troublesome.


text:
For what does a person gain from everything that he accomplishes and from his inner life struggles that he undergoes while working on earth?


text:
Indeed, all of his days are filled with sorrow, and his struggles bring grief. In fact, his mind remains restless throughout the night. This is pointless, too!


text:
The only worthwhile thing for a human being is to eat, drink, and enjoy life's goodness that he finds in what he accomplishes. This, I observed, is also from the hand of God himself,


text:
After all, to the person who is good in God's sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner he gives the troublesome task of acquiring and accumulating in order to leave it to someone who is good in the sight of God. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind.


text:
a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;


text:
He made everything appropriate in its time. He also placed eternity within them-yet, no person can fully comprehend what God is doing from beginning to end.


text:
moreover, every person should eat, drink, and enjoy the benefits of everything that he undertakes, since it is a gift from God.


text:
I have concluded that everything that God undertakes will last for eternity-nothing can be added to it nor taken away from it-and that God acts this way so that people will fear him.


text:
That which was, now is; and that which will be, already is; and God examines what has already taken place.


text:
I also examined on earth: where the halls of justice were supposed to be, there was lawlessness; and where the righteous were supposed to be, there was lawlessness.


text:
I told myself, "God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, because there is a time set to judge every event and every work."


text:
"As for human beings," I told myself, "God puts them to the test, that they might see themselves as mere animals."


text:
For what happens to people also happens to animals-a single event happens to them: just as someone dies, so does the other. In fact, they all breathe the same way, so that a human being has no superiority over an animal. All of this is pointless.


text:
Who knows whether the spirit of human beings ascends, and whether the spirit of animals descends to the earth?


text:
I concluded that it is worthwhile for people to find joy in their accomplishments, because that is their inheritance, since who can see what will exist after them?


text:
Next I turned to consider all kinds of oppression that exists on earth. Look at the tears of the oppressed-there is no one to comfort them. Power is on the side of their oppressors; so they have no comforters.


text:
Better than both of them is someone who has not yet been born, because he hasn't experienced evil on earth.


text:
Then I examined all sorts of work, including all kinds of excellent achievements that create envy in others. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind.


text:
It's better to have one handful of tranquility than to have two handfuls of trouble and to chase after the wind.


text:
Consider someone who is alone, having neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his work, and he is never satisfied with wealth. "So for whom do I work," he asks, "and deprive myself of pleasure?" This, too, is pointless and a terrible tragedy.


text:
If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend-but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up.


text:
If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken.


text:
The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor.


text:
I observed everyone who lives and walks on earth, along with the youth who will take the king's place.


text:
There was no end to all of his subjects or to all of the people who had come before them. But those who come along afterward will not be happy with him. This is also pointless and a chasing after wind.


text:
Watch your step whenever you visit God's house, and come more ready to listen than to offer a fool's sacrifice, since fools never think they're doing evil.


text:
Don't be impulsive with your mouth nor be in a hurry to talk in God's presence. Since God is in heaven and you're on earth, keep your speech short.


text:
When you make a promise to God, don't fail to keep it, since he isn't pleased with fools. Keep what you promise-


text:
Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken?


text:
Don't be surprised when you see the poor oppressed and the violent perverting both justice and verdicts in a province, for one high official watches another, and there are ones higher still over them.


text:
Whoever loves money will never have enough money. Whoever loves luxury will not be content with abundance. This also is pointless.


text:
When possessions increase, so does the number of consumers; therefore what good are they to their owners, except to look at them?


text:
Sweet is the sleep of a working man, whether he eats a little or a lot, but the excess wealth of the rich will not allow him to rest.


text:
and that wealth is lost in troubled circumstances. Then a son is born, but there is nothing left for him.


text:
Just as he came naked from his mother's womb, he will leave as naked as he came; he will receive no profit from his efforts-he cannot carry away even a handful.


text:
This is also a painful tragedy: However a person comes, he also departs; so what does he gain as he labors after the wind?


text:
Look! I observed that it is good and prudent to eat, drink, and enjoy all that is good of a person's work that he does on earth during the limited days of his life, which God gives him, for this is his allotment.


text:
Furthermore, for every person to whom God has given wealth, riches, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept this allotment, and to rejoice in his work-this is a gift from God.


text:
For he will not brood much over the days of his life, since God will keep him occupied with the joys of his heart.


text:
There exists another misfortune that I have observed on earth, and it is a heavy burden upon human beings:


text:
a man to whom God gives wealth, riches, and honor, so that he lacks none of his heart's desires-but God does not give him the capability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger consumes them. This is pointless and a grievous affliction.


text:
A man might father a hundred children, and live for many years, so that the length of his life is long-but if his life does not overflow with goodness, and he doesn't receive a proper burial, I maintain that stillborn children are better off than he is,


text:
because stillborn children arrive in pointlessness, leave in darkness, and their names are covered in darkness.


text:
Furthermore, though they never saw the sun nor learned anything, they are more content than the other.


text:
Even if he lives a thousand years twice over without experiencing the best-aren't all of them going to the same place?


text:
For what advantage has the wise person over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have in knowing how to face life?


text:
It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind.


text:
Whatever exists has been named already; people know what it means to be human-and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he.


text:
Who knows what is best for people in this life, every day of their pointless lives that they pass through like a shadow? Who informs people on earth what will come along after them?


text:
A good name exceeds the value of fine perfume, and the day of someone's death exceeds the value of the day of his birth.


text:
It's better to attend a funeral than to attend a banquet, for everyone dies eventually, and the living will take this to heart.


text:
The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one.


text:
Never ask "Why does the past seem so much better than now?" because this question does not come from wisdom.


text:
Indeed, wisdom gives protection, just like money does, but it's better to know that wisdom gives life, to those who have mastered it.


text:
When times are good, be joyful, when times are bad, consider this: God made the one as well as the other, so people won't seek anything outside of his best.


text:
I have seen it all during my pointless life: both a righteous person who dies while he is righteous, and a wicked person who lives to an old age, while remaining wicked.


text:
It is good for you to grab hold of this and not let go, because whoever fears God will escape all of these extremes.


text:
I committed myself to understand, to learn, to search for wisdom and explanations, and to understand both the evil that is foolishness and the stupidity that is delusion.


text:
I discovered for myself a bitterness that surpasses that of death: the woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, whose hands are chains of bondage. Whoever pleases God will escape from her, but the transgressor will be trapped by her.


text:
Among the things I seek but have not found: one man among a thousand I did find, but I have not found one woman to be wise among all these.


text:
I have discovered only this: God made human beings for righteousness, but they seek many alternatives."


text:
Who is really wise? Who knows how to interpret this saying: "A person's wisdom improves his appearance, softening a harsh countenance."


text:
Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response.


text:
Indeed, there is an appropriate time and a response for every circumstance, since human misery weighs heavily upon him.


text:
For he has absolutely no knowledge what will happen, since who can declare to him when it will come about?


text:
Just as no human being has control over the wind to restrain it, so also no human being has control over the day of his death. Just as no one is discharged during war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.


text:
I observed all this, and carefully considered everything that is undertaken on earth, especially the time when someone dominates another to his detriment.


text:
So I watched the wicked being entombed. They used to come in and out of the Holy Place, but now they are forgotten in the city, where they used to work. This, too, is pointless.


text:
Whenever a sentence for a crime is not carried out swiftly, the human mind becomes determined to commit evil.


text:
Even though a sinner does what is wrong a hundred times and still survives, nevertheless I also know that things will go well for those who fear God, who fear in his presence.


text:
But things will not go well for the wicked person: he will not lengthen his life like a shadow, since he has no fear before God.


text:
Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless.


text:
So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth.


text:
When I dedicated myself to experience wisdom and to observe what is undertaken on earth-even going without sleep day and night-


text:
I saw all of it as the activity of God. Frankly, a human being cannot understand what happens on earth, because however hard a man works to discover it, he will not find out. Despite what he thinks he knows, he will not be able to figure it out.


text:
In light of all of this, I committed myself to explain it this way: the righteous and the wise, along with everything they do, are in the hands of God. Furthermore, as to love and hate, no human being knows everything concerning them.


text:
Everyone shares the same experience: a single event affects the righteous, the wicked, the good, the clean, the unclean, whoever sacrifices, and whoever does not sacrifice. As it is with the good person, so also it is with the sinner; as it is with someone who takes an oath, so also it is with someone who fears taking an oath.


text:
There is a tragedy that infects everything that happens on earth: a common event happens to everyone. In fact, the hearts of human beings are full of evil. Madness remains in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they join the dead.


text:
"While someone is among the living, hope remains," because "it is better to be a living dog than to be a dead lion."


text:
At least the living know they will die, but the dead know nothing; they no longer have a reward, since memory about them has been forgotten.


text:
Furthermore, their love, their hate, and their envy have been long lost. Never again will they have a part in what happens on earth.


text:
Go ahead and enjoy your meals as you eat. Drink your wine with a joyful attitude, because God already has approved your actions.


text:
Find joy in living with your wife whom you love every day of your pointless life that God gave you on earth, because this is your life assignment and your work to do on earth.


text:
Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability, because there is no work, no planning, no learning, and no wisdom in the next world where you're going.


text:
I considered and observed on earth the following: The race doesn't go to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor food to the wise, nor wealth to the smart, nor recognition to the skilled. Instead, timing and circumstances meet them all.


text:
In addition, no human being knows his time: Like fish captured in a cruel net, or as birds caught in a snare, so also are human beings caught by bad timing that surprises them.


text:
There was a little city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built massive siege ramps against it.


text:
Now there was found within it a poor, but wise man. He delivered the city by his wisdom, but not one person remembered that poor man.


text:
So I concluded, "Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless, the wisdom of the poor is rejected-his words are never heard."


text:
As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to stink, so also does a little foolishness to one's reputation of wisdom and honor.


text:
If someone's ax is blunt-the edge isn't sharpened-then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success.


text:
The fool overflows with words, and no one can predict what will happen. As to what will happen after him, who can explain it?


text:
That land is blessed whose king is of noble birth, whose princes feast at the right time, for strength, and not to become drunk.


text:
Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it.


text:
Apportion what you have into seven, or even eight parts, because you don't know what disaster might befall the land.


text:
If the clouds are full of rain, they will pour out on the earth; if a tree falls toward the south or the north, wherever it falls, there it will lay.


text:
Just as you do not understand the way of the spirit in the womb of a pregnant mother, so also you do not know what God is doing in everything he makes.


text:
Sow your seed in the morning, and don't stop working until evening, since you don't know which of your endeavors will do well, whether this one or that, or even if both will do equally well.


text:
Even if a person lives many years, let him enjoy them all, recalling that there will be many days of darkness to come-all of which are pointless.


text:
So enjoy yourself in your youth, young man, and be encouraged during your younger days. Live as you like, consistent with your world view, but keep in mind that God will bring you to account for everything.


text:
Banish sorrow from your heart, and evil from your body, since both childhood and the prime of life are pointless.


text:
So remember your Creator during your youth! Otherwise, troublesome days will come and years will creep up on you when you'll say, "I find no pleasure in them,"


text:
Otherwise, when the sun, daylight, moon, or stars turn dark, or when clouds fail to return after the rain-


text:
when that day comes, the palace guards will tremble, strong men will stoop down, women grinders will cease because they are few, and the sight of those who peer through the lattice will grow dim.


text:
The doors to the street will be shut when the sound of grinding decreases, when one wakes up at the song of a bird, and all of the singing women are silenced.


text:
At that time they will fear climbing heights and dangers along the road while the almond tree will blossom, and the grasshopper is weighed down. Desire will cease, because the person goes to his eternal home, and mourners will gather in the marketplace.


text:
When the silver cord is severed, the golden vessel is broken, the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, and the wheel is broken at the cistern,


text:
then man's dust will go back to the earth, returning to what it was, and the spirit will return to the God who gave it.


text:
Moreover, besides being wise himself, the Teacher taught people what he had learned by listening, making inquiries, and composing many proverbs.


text:
The Teacher searched to find appropriate expressions, and what is written here is right and truthful.


text:
Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd.


text:
So learn from them, my son. There is no end to the crafting of many books, and too much study wearies the body.


text:
Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human.


text:
The fragrance of your perfumed oil is wonderful. Your name is perfume poured out. Therefore the young women love you.


text:
Young women of Jerusalem, I'm dark and lovely like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.


text:
Don't stare at me because I'm dark; the sun has tanned me. My mother's sons were angry with me. They made me the caretaker of the vineyards, but I didn't take care of my own vineyard.


text:
Tell me, you whom I love, where do you graze your flock? Where do you make your flock lie down at noon? Why should I be considered a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?


text:
If you don't know, most beautiful of women, go out after the flock and graze your young goats beside the shepherd's tents.


text:
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I take delight and sit down, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.


text:
Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you won't awaken or arouse love before its proper time!


text:
My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, looking through the windows, gazing through the lattice.


text:
Blossoms have appeared in the land. The season of songbirds has arrived, and cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land.


text:
The fig tree has produced its fruit, the grapevines have blossomed and exude their fragrance. "Get up, my darling, my beautiful one, and come on.


text:
My dove, in the hidden places of the rocks, in the secret places of the cliffs, show me your form, and let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your shape is lovely.


text:
Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that destroy the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."


text:
My beloved belongs to me and I belong to him. He is the one who shepherds his flock among the lilies.


text:
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn around, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.


text:
I'll get up and go all around the city, in the streets and in the squares. I'll seek the one I love. I sought him but didn't find him.


text:
I had just passed them, and then I found the one I love. I held him and wouldn't let him go, until I brought him to my mother's house to the room of the one who conceived me.


text:
What is this coming up from the desert like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense from all the fragrant powders of the merchant?


text:
All of them are wearing swords and are experienced in battle. Each has his sword on his thigh, ready for the terror of the night.


text:
He made its posts of silver, its back of gold. Its seat was purple, and its interior was lovingly inlaid by the young women of Jerusalem.


text:
Come out, young women of Zion. See King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him on his wedding day, his day of great delight.


text:
Look at you! You are beautiful, my darling. Look at you! You are so beautiful. Your eyes behind your veil are doves, your hair is like a flock of goats coming down from Mt. Gilead.


text:
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep about to be sheared, who are coming up from being washed. All of them are twins, not one has lost her young.


text:
Your lips are like a scarlet thread and your mouth is lovely. Your temple behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate.


text:
Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones. A thousand shields are hung upon it, all the weapons of the warriors.


text:
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I'll go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.


text:
Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. May you journey from the top of Amana, from the tops of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions, from the mountain lairs of leopards.


text:
You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride. You have made my heart beat faster with one glance of your eyes, with one strand of your necklace.


text:
How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride. How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all kinds of spices.


text:
Your lips drip honey, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The scent of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.


text:
nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, along with myrrh and aloes, and all the finest spices.


text:
Awake, north wind, and come, south wind. Make my garden breathe out, let its fragrance flow. Let my beloved come into his garden, and let him eat its choice fruits.


text:
I've come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I've gathered my myrrh with my spices. I've eaten my honeycomb with my honey. I've drunk my wine with my milk.


text:
"I've taken off my clothes-am I supposed to put them on again? I've washed my feet-am I supposed to get them dirty again?"


text:
I got up to open the door, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handle of the lock.


text:
I opened the door for my beloved, but my beloved had turned away; he was gone! My very life went out when he departed. I searched for him, but couldn't find him. I called out to him, but he didn't answer.


text:
The watchmen making their rounds through the city found me. They beat me, they bruised me. Those guarding the walls took my coat from me.


text:
I charge you, young women of Jerusalem, "If you find my beloved, what are you to tell him? Tell him that I'm weak with love."


text:
What is so special about your beloved, most beautiful of women? What is so special about your beloved, that you charge us like this?


text:
His cheeks are like beds of spices, like towers of perfume. His lips are lilies, dripping with liquid myrrh.


text:
His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice like its cedars.


text:
His mouth is sweetness, and all of him is desirable. This is my beloved, this is my friend, young women of Jerusalem!


text:
Where did your beloved go, most beautiful of women? Where did your beloved turn, so we may look for him with you?


text:
My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to graze his flock in the gardens and gather lilies.


text:
I belong to my beloved, and my beloved belongs to me. He is the one who grazes his flock among the lilies.


text:
You are beautiful, my darling, like Tirzah, lovely like Jerusalem, as awesome as an army with banners.


text:
Turn your eyes from me, for they excite me. Your hair is like a flock of goats coming down from Mt. Gilead.


text:
Your teeth are like a flock of ewes that are coming up from being washed. All of them are twins, not one has lost her young.


text:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique. She's unique to her mother, she's pure to the one who gave birth to her. Young women see her and call her blessed, queens and mistresses praise her.


text:
Who is this who appears like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, pure as the sun, awesome as an army with banners?


text:
I went down to the walnut orchard, to look at the green sprouts in the valley, to see whether the vine had budded, whether the pomegranates had blossomed.


text:
How beautiful are your feet in sandals, noble lady. The curves of your thighs are like ornaments, the work of a skilled artist's hands.


text:
Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks mixed wine. Your abdomen is a bundle of wheat, enclosed by lilies.


text:
Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon, beside the gate of Beth-rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, which faces Damascus.


text:
Your head crowns you like Mt. Carmel. Your flowing locks are like purple, and a king is captured in the dangling tresses.


text:
I told myself, "I'll go up the palm tree, and take hold of its fruit. May your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the smell of your breath like apples.


text:
Let us get up early and go to the vineyards, let us see whether the vine has budded, whether the blossom has opened, whether the pomegranate has bloomed. There I'll give you my love.


text:
The mandrakes give off their fragrance, and over our doors are all the choice fruits, both old and new, that I've stored up for you, my beloved.


text:
If only you were like a brother to me, like one who nursed at my mother's breasts. If I found you outside I would kiss you, and no one would view me with contempt.


text:
I would lead you, I would bring you to the house of my mother who used to teach me. I would give you some spiced wine to drink, from the juice of my pomegranates.


text:
Set me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, passion as intense as Sheol. The flames of love are flames of fire, a blaze that comes from the LORD.


text:
A great deal of water cannot extinguish love, rivers cannot put it out. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, he would surely be viewed with contempt.


text:
We have a little sister, and she has not yet reached maturity. What will we do for our sister to prepare her for her engagement?


text:
If she's a wall, on her we will build a battlement of silver. If she's a door, we will enclose her with planks of cedar.


text:
Solomon has a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers, and each one is to bring 1,000 pieces of silver in exchange for its fruit.


text:
My vineyard belongs to me and is at my disposal. The 1,000 are for you, Solomon, and 200 are for those who take care of its fruit.


text:
This is a record of the vision that Amoz's son Isaiah had about Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz, kings of Judah.


text:
Listen, you heavens, and let the earth pay attention, because the LORD has spoken: "I reared children and brought them to adulthood, but then they rebelled against me.


text:
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's feeding trough, but Israel doesn't know, and my people don't understand.


text:
"Oh, you sinful nation! You people burdened down by iniquity! You offspring of those who keep practicing what is evil! You children who corrupt whatever they do! "They've abandoned the LORD; they've despised the Holy One of Israel; in their estrangement, they've walked away from me.


text:
"Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? Your whole head is sick, and your whole heart is faint.


text:
From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there's no soundness evident-only bruises, sores, and festering wounds that haven't been cleaned out, bandaged, or treated with oil."


text:
"Your country lies desolate; your cities have been incinerated. Before your very eyes, foreigners are devouring your land-they've brought devastation on it, while the land is overthrown by foreigners.


text:
"The daughter of Zion is left abandoned, like a booth in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, or like a city under siege.


text:
If the Lord of the Heavenly Armies hadn't left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom; we would be like Gomorrah."


text:
"Listen to what the LORD says, you rulers of Sodom, and pay attention to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!


text:
"How do your voluminous sacrifices benefit me?" the LORD is asking. "I've had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts. I don't enjoy the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats.


text:
Stop bringing useless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me, as are your New Moons, Sabbaths, and calling of convocations. I cannot stand iniquity within a solemn assembly.


text:
As for your New Moons and your appointed festivals, I abhor them. They've become a burden to me; I've grown weary of carrying that burden.


text:
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I'll hide my eyes from you. Even though you pray repeatedly, I won't listen. Your hands are full of blood, your fingers drenched with iniquity."


text:
"Wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean; remove your evil behavior from my presence; stop practicing what is evil.


text:
Learn to practice what is good; seek justice, alleviate oppression, defend orphans in court, and plead the widow's case.


text:
"Please come, and let's reason together," implores the LORD. "Even though your sins are like scarlet, they'll be white like snow. Though they're like crimson, they'll become like wool.


text:
"How the faithful city has become a whore, she who used to be filled with justice! Righteousness used to reside within her, but now only murderers live there.


text:
Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. All of them are lovers of bribes and are runners after gifts. They don't bring justice to orphans, and the widow's case never comes up for review in their court."


text:
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies, the one who is Israel's Mighty One, declares: "Now I'll get relief from his enemies and avenge myself on his foes.


text:
When I turn my attention to you, I'll refine your dross as in a furnace. Let me remove all your alloy.


text:
Let me restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you'll be called 'The Righteous City' and 'The Faithful City of Zion'.


text:
They'll be ashamed of the oak trees that you desired; and you'll blush because of the gardens that you have chosen.


text:
Your strong one will be like tinder, and your work a spark; both of them will burn together, with no one to quench the flames that burn them."


text:
"It will come about in the last days that the mountain that is the LORD's Temple will be established as the highest of mountains, and will be raised above the hills; all the nations will stream to it.


text:
Many groups of people will come, commenting, "Come! Let's go up to the Temple of the God of Jacob, that they may teach us his ways. Then let's walk in his paths."


text:
He will judge between the nations, and will render verdicts for the benefit of many. "They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations will not raise swords against nations, and they will not learn warfare anymore.


text:
For you have rejected your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with practices learned from the East and they are fortune-tellers like the Philistines. They cut deals with foreigners.


text:
Their land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots.


text:
Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their own fingers have made.


text:
"Go into the rocks! Hide in the dust to escape the terror of the LORD and to escape the glory of his majesty!


text:
The haughty looks of mankind will be brought low, the lofty pride of human beings will be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted at that time.


text:
"For the LORD of the Heavenly Armies has reserved a time to oppose all who are proud and haughty, and the self-exalting-they will be humbled.


text:
He will take his stand against all the cedars of Lebanon, against the proud and self-exalting; and against all the oaks of Bashan;


text:
"Humanity's haughtiness will be humbled, male arrogance will be brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.


text:
"They will enter caverns in the rocks and holes in the ground, to escape the presence of the terror of the LORD, to escape the splendor of his majesty, when he arises to terrify the earth.


text:
At that time mankind will throw their silver and gold idols that their fingers made as objects of worship to the moles and to the bats.


text:
They will enter caverns in the rocks and clefts in the cliffs, to escape the terror of the LORD and to escape the splendor of his majesty, when he arises to terrorize the earth.


text:
"Stop trusting in human beings, whose life breath is in their nostrils, for what are they really worth?"


text:
"Note this! The Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies is taking away from Jerusalem and Judah everything that your society needs-all food supplies and all water supplies;


text:
People will oppress one another-It will be man against man and neighbor against neighbor. The young will be disrespectful to the old, and the worthless to the honorable.


text:
"For a man will grab his brother in his own father's house, and say, 'You have a cloak, so you be our leader, and this heap of ruins will be under your rule!'


text:
"But at that time he'll protest! He'll say, "I won't be your healer. I have neither food nor clothing in my house! You're not going to make me a leader of the people!"


text:
"For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because what they say and do opposes the LORD; they keep defying him.


text:
"The expressions on their faces give them away. They parade their sin around like Sodom; they don't even try to hide it. How horrible it will be for them, because they have brought disaster on themselves!"


text:
"How terrible it will be for the wicked! Disaster is headed their way, because what they did with their hand will be repaid to them."


text:
"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders are misleading you-they're giving you confusing directions."


text:
The LORD will go to court to oppose the elders and princes of his people: "You're the ones who have been devouring the vineyard, the plunder of the poor is in your own houses!


text:
How dare you crush my people as you grind down the face of the poor?" declares the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
The LORD also says: "Because Zion's women are so haughty, and walk with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, prancing along as they walk, and making tinkling noises with their ankle bracelets,


text:
therefore the LORD will afflict sores on the heads of Zion's women, and the LORD will expose their private parts.


text:
"And it will come about that instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a fine robe, sackcloth; and instead of beauty, shame.


text:
"At that time, seven women will cling tightly to one man and will make him this offer: 'We'll provide our own bread. We'll provide our own clothes. Just let us marry you so we won't be stigmatized anymore.'"


text:
"At that time, the LORD's branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel and Judah.


text:
Whoever survives in Zion and whoever remains in Jerusalem will be called holy-everyone who has been appointed to survive in Jerusalem-


text:
when the LORD will have washed away the filth of the women of Zion, cleaning up Jerusalem's guilt by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of tempest.


text:
Then the LORD will create over the entire site of Mount Zion-including over those who assemble there-a cloud by day


text:
I will sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: "The one I love had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.


text:
He plowed its land and cleared it of stones. Then he planted it with the choicest vines, built a watchtower in the middle of it, and dug a wine vat in it; He expected it to produce good grapes, but it produced only wild ones."


text:
"So now, you inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, won't you please, between me and my vineyard.


text:
What more could I do in my vineyard, that I haven't already done? When I expected it to produce good grapes, why did it yield wild ones?


text:
"Now, let me tell you, won't you please, what I'm going to do to my vineyard. "I'm going to take away its protective hedge, and it will be devoured; I'll break down its wall, and it will be trampled.


text:
I'll make it a wasteland, and it won't be pruned or cultivated. Instead, briers and thorns will grow up. I'll also issue commands to the clouds, that they drop no rain upon it."


text:
For the vineyard of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden in which he delights. He looked for justice, but saw only bloodshed; he searched for righteousness, but heard only an outcry!


text:
"How terrible it will be for you who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you have settled yourselves alone in the middle of the land!"


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies has declared this so I could hear it: "Surely many houses will become desolate, great and beautiful houses, without occupants.


text:
For ten acres of vineyard will produce only six gallons, and ten bushels of seed will produce only one bushel."


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who rise at dawn in order to grab a stiff drink, for those who stay up late at night as wine inflames them!


text:
They have the lyre and harp, the tambourine and flute, as well as wine at their feasts, but they don't respect what the LORD is doing, nor do they consider his actions.


text:
Therefore my people go into exile because they lack understanding; my honored men go hungry, and the crowd is parched with thirst.


text:
Therefore Sheol's appetite has grown; it has opened its mouth beyond limit. Jerusalem's nobility and her multitudes will go there, along with her brawlers and whoever is reveling within her.


text:
Humanity is brought low, and each one is humbled, while the eyes of the self-exalting are brought low.


text:
But the LORD of the Heavenly Armies is exalted in justice, and the Holy God proves himself to be righteously holy.


text:
Then the lambs will graze in their pasture; fatlings and foreigners will eat among the waste places of the rich."


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who parade iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin along as with a cart rope;


text:
who say: 'Let God be quick, let him speed up his work so we may see it! Let it happen! let the plan of the Holy One of Israel draw near, so we may recognize it!'"


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute what is bitter for what is sweet and what is sweet for what is bitter!"


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who are wise in their own opinion, and clever in their own reckoning!


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who are heroes at drinking wine, and champions in mixing strong drink,


text:
Therefore, as flames of fire devour straw, as dry grass collapses in flames, so their root will be rotten, and their blossom will blow away like dust, because they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.


text:
Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against his people, so he stretched out his hands against them and afflicted them. The mountains quaked, and their corpses were like refuse in the middle of the streets. Throughout all of this, his anger has not turned away, and his hands are still stretched out to attack.


text:
The LORD will signal for nations far away, whistling for them to come from the ends of the earth. Look how quickly and how swiftly they come!


text:
No one is weary, no one stumbles, and no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt around their waists will come undone, nor will their sandal straps be broken.


text:
Their arrows are sharp, all their bows ready for action. Their horses' hooves seem like flint, and their chariot wheels spin like a whirlwind.


text:
With a roar like a lion, they snarl, and like young lions, they growl; they seize their prey and then carry it off, with no one to rescue.


text:
They will roar over it at that time, like the sea waves roar. If one surveys the land, watch out! There's darkness and distress; even the daylight is darkened by its clouds.


text:
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, high and exalted. The train of his robe filled the Temple.


text:
The seraphim stood above him. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he was flying.


text:
They kept on calling to each other: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of the Heavenly Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!"


text:
The foundations of the thresholds quaked at the sound of those who kept calling out, and the Temple was filled with smoke.


text:
"How terrible it will be for me!" I cried, "because I am ruined! I'm a man with unclean lips, and I live among a people with unclean lips! And my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of the Heavenly Armies!"


text:
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, carrying a burning coal in his hand that he had taken from the altar with tongs.


text:
He touched my mouth and said, "Look! Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt is taken away, and your sins atoned for."


text:
Then I heard the voice of the LORD as he was asking, "Whom will I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am!" I replied. "Send me."


text:
"Go!" he responded. "Tell this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'


text:
Dull the mind of this people, deafen their ears, and blind their eyes. By doing so, they won't see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their minds, turn back, and be healed."


text:
Then I asked, "For how long, LORD?" He replied: "Until cities lie waste, without inhabitants, and houses without people; and the land becomes utterly desolate.


text:
Even though a tenth of its people remain in it, it will once again be burned, like a terebinth or an oak tree, the stump of which, though the tree has been felled, still contains holy seed."


text:
During the reign of Jotham's son Ahaz, Uzziah's grandson, king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Remaliah's son Pekah, king of Israel, approached Jerusalem and waged war against it, but they could not mount an attack against it.


text:
When it was reported to the house of David, "Aram has joined forces with Ephraim!" the heart of the people of Ahaz trembled like forest trees in a windstorm.


text:
So the LORD told Isaiah, "Go out to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-jashub, at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool that proceeds along the highway to Launderer's Field.


text:
Tell him, 'Be careful, be calm, don't be afraid, and don't lose heart because of these two smoldering stumps of torches, that is, because of the fierce anger of Rezin, from Aram, and Remaliah's son.


text:
"Let's go attack Judah, let's terrorize it, and let's conquer it for ourselves. Then we'll install Tabeel's son as king!"'


text:
Because Aram's head is Damascus, and Rezin is its king, within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people.


text:
Furthermore, Ephraim's head is Samaria, and Remaliah's son is its king. If all of you don't keep on believing, you'll never remain loyal.'"


text:
In reply, the LORD announced, "Please listen, you household of David. Is it such a minor thing for you to try the patience of men? Must you also try the patience of my God?


text:
"Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Watch! The young lady is conceiving a child, and will give birth to a son, and his name will be called Immanuel.


text:
However, before the youth knows enough to reject what's wrong and choose what's right, the land whose two kings you dread will be devastated."


text:
"The LORD will bring to you, to your people, and to your ancestor's house such a time as has never been since Ephraim broke away from Judah-the king of Assyria will come.


text:
"At that time, the LORD will call for flies that will come from far away-from the headwaters of Egypt's rivers-and for bees that are in the land of Assyria.


text:
They will all come and settle in the steep ravines, in the rocky crevices, in all the thorn bushes, and in all the pastures.


text:
At that time, the LORD will hire a barber to come from beyond the Euphrates River-that is, the king of Assyria-and he will shave your heads, your leg hair, and your beards, too.


text:
and because of the abundance of milk that they give, he will have cheese to eat, since whoever remains in the land will be eating cheese and honey.


text:
"At that time, every place where once there were a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briars and thorns will grow.


text:
"People will come there armed with bows and arrows, because the entire land will be nothing but briers and thorns.


text:
As for all the hills that used to be cultivated with a hoe, you won't go there, because you'll fear iron briars and thorns. Nevertheless, those hills will be reserved as a pasture where cattle will feed and where sheep will graze."


text:
The LORD also told me, "Take a large tablet and write on it with a stylus pen, 'For Maher-shalal-hash-baz'.


text:
Then I will call Uriah the priest and Jeberechiah's son Zechariah as reliable witnesses to testify on my behalf."


text:
After this I was intimate with the prophetess and she conceived. Later, she bore a son, and then the LORD told me, "Call him 'Maher-shalal-hash-baz,'


text:
for before the young lad knows how to call out to his father or mother, the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria."


text:
"Because this people have rejected the gently-flowing waters of Shiloah, and because they keep rejoicing in Rezin and Remaliah's son,


text:
watch out! The LORD God is about to bring the flood waters of the Euphrates River against them, mighty and strong. "It's the king of Assyria and all of his arrogance! He will rise over all of the river's channels and run over all of its banks.


text:
He will sweep on into Judah, overflowing as he passes through, like flood waters reaching up to a person's neck. His outstretched wings will flow as wide as your land, O Immanuel!"


text:
"Band together, you peoples, but be shattered! Listen, all you distant countries! Strap on your armor, but be shattered.


text:
Take counsel together, but it will all be for nothing; go ahead and talk, but it will all be for nothing, for God is with us."


text:
For this is what the LORD spoke to me, as his forceful hand was resting on me, and as he was warning me not to live the way this people were living:


text:
"Don't call conspiracy everything that this people calls conspiracy, and don't fear what they fear, or live in terror.


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies-he's the one you are to regard as holy. Let him be the one whom you fear, and let him be the one before whom you stand in terror!


text:
Then he will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel he'll also be a stone with which someone strikes himself, a rock one stumbles over, a trap and a snare to those who live in Jerusalem.


text:
I'll wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I'll put my trust in him.


text:
Watch out! I and the children whom the LORD has given me are a sign and a wonder in Israel from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, who resides on Mount Zion."


text:
"So when they advise you, 'Ask the mediums your questions, and quiz the spiritists who chirp and mutter,' shouldn't a people instead be consulting their God-and not the dead-on behalf of those who are living


text:
for instruction and for testimony? Surely they are speaking like this because the truth hasn't dawned on them.


text:
"They'll pass through the land, while greatly distressed and hungry. When they are hungry, they'll become enraged, and they'll curse their king and their god. They'll turn their faces upwards,


text:
or they'll look toward the earth, but they'll see only distress and darkness, the gloom that comes from anguish, and then they'll be thrown into total darkness."


text:
But there will be no gloom for her who was in distress. Formerly, he brought contempt to the region of Zebulun and the region of Naphtali, but in the future he will have made glorious the way of the sea, the territory beyond the Jordan-Galilee of the nations.


text:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; for those living in a land of deep darkness, a light has shined upon them.


text:
You have increased the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice in your presence as they rejoice at the harvest, as they are glad when they're dividing the spoils of war.


text:
Now as to the yoke that has been his burden, and the bar laid on his shoulder-the rod of his oppressor-you have broken it as on the day of Midiam.


text:
For every boot of the tramping soldier in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be used for burning as fuel for a fire.


text:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


text:
Of the growth of his government and peace there will be no end. He will rule over his kingdom, sitting on the throne of David, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will accomplish this.


text:
and all of the people were evil-Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria-saying proudly with arrogant hearts:


text:
'The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamore trees have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.'


text:
Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west-and they devour Israel with open mouths! "Yet for all this, his anger has not turned away, and his hand is still stretched out, ready to strike."


text:
"But the people have not returned to rely on him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.


text:
Therefore the Lord does not have pity on their young men, and has no compassion on their orphans and widows, because each of them was godless and an evildoer, and every mouth spoke folly. "Yet for all this, his anger has not turned away, and his hand is still stretched out, ready to strike."


text:
"For wickedness has burned like a blaze that consumes briers and thorns; it sets thickets of the forest on fire, and skyward they swirl in a column of smoke.


text:
From the wrath of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies the land has been scorched, and the people have become like fuel for the fire; no one will spare his neighbor.


text:
They cut meat on the right, but they're still hungry, and they devour also on the left, but they're not satisfied; each devours the flesh of his own children.


text:
Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. "Yet for all this, his anger has not turned away, and his hand is still stretched out, ready to strike."


text:
"How terrible it will be for the one who enacts unjust decrees, for those who write oppressive laws that they have prescribed,


text:
to deprive the needy of justice, and to rob the poor of my people of their rights, so that widows may become their spoil and so that they may plunder orphans!


text:
What will you do on the day of Judgment, in the calamity that will come from far away? To whom will you run for help, and where will you leave your wealth,


text:
so you won't have to crouch among those in chains or fall among the slain? "Yet for all this, his anger has not turned away, and his hand is still stretched out, ready to strike."


text:
I'm sending my fury against a godless nation, and I'll command him against the people with whom I'm angry to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.


text:
But this is not what he intends, and this is not what he thinks in his mind; but it is in his mind to destroy, and to cut down many nations.


text:
As my hand has reached to the idolatrous kingdoms whose carved images were greater than those of Jerusalem and Samaria,


text:
For the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and against Jerusalem; he will punish the speech that comes from that willful heart of Assyria's king and the haughty look in his eyes.


text:
He keeps bragging: "I've done it by the strength of my hand, and by my wisdom, because I'm so clever. I removed the boundaries of peoples, and plundered their treasures; like a bull I brought down those who sat on thrones.


text:
My hand has found, as if in a nest, the wealth of the peoples; and as one gathers eggs that have been abandoned, so I have gathered all the inhabitants of the earth. Nothing moved a wing, opened its mouth, or chirped.


text:
"Does the ax exalt itself over the one who swings it, or does the saw magnify itself in opposition to the one who wields it? As if a rod were to wield those who lift it, or as if a club were to brandish the one who is not wood!


text:
Therefore the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies will send a wasting disease among Assyria's sturdy warriors, and under its glory a conflagration will be kindled, like a blazing bonfire.


text:
"The light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame, and it will burn and consume Assyria's thorns and briers in a single day.


text:
The splendor of its forest and its fruitful land the LORD will destroy-both soul and body-and Assyria will be as when a dying man wastes away.


text:
At that time, the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer rely on the one who struck them down, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.


text:
For even if your people of Israel number as many as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Overwhelming, righteous destruction is decreed,


text:
because the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies will bring about destruction, as has been decreed, throughout the entire region.


text:
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies says: "My people, you who live in Zion, don't be afraid of the Assyrians, of the rod that beats you, who lift up their club against you as the Egyptians did.


text:
In just a little while, my fury will come to an end, and my anger then will be directed to their destruction.


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies will brandish a whip against them, as when he struck Midian at the rock of Oreb; and as his staff was stretched out over the sea, so he will lift it up as he did in Egypt.


text:
At that time, his burden will depart from your shoulder and his yoke from your neck. Indeed, the yoke will be broken, because you've become obese."


text:
"The Assyrian commander has come upon Aiath and has passed through Migron; he stores his supplies at Michmash.


text:
He has crossed over by the pass; his overnight lodging is at Geba. Ramah trembles; Gibeah of Saul has fled.


text:
This very day he will halt at Nob; he will shake his fists at the mountain that is the Daughter of Zion, at Jerusalem's hill.


text:
Behold, the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies will lop off its boughs with terrifying power; the tallest in height will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low.


text:
The Spirit of the LORD will rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.


text:
His delight will be in the fear of the LORD. He won't judge by what his eyes see, nor decide disputes by what his ears hear,


text:
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, and decide with equity for earth's poor. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and the wicked will be killed with the breath of his lips.


text:
"The wolf will live with the lamb; the leopard will lie down with the young goat. The calf and the lion will graze together, and a little child will lead them.


text:
The cow and the bear will graze, and their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.


text:
The nursing child will play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on vipers' dens.


text:
They will neither harm nor destroy on my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."


text:
At that time, as to the root of Jesse, who will be standing as a banner for the peoples, the nations will rally to him, and his resting place is glorious.


text:
At that time, the LORD will reach out his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people, from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.


text:
He will raise a banner for the nations and will assemble the dispersed of Israel; he will gather the scattered people of Judah from the corners of the earth.


text:
Ephraim's jealousy will vanish, and those who are hostile to Judah will be eliminated; Ephraim will no longer be jealous of Judah, and Judah will not be hostile to Ephraim.


text:
But they will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines to the west, and they will plunder the people to the east. They'll lay their hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.


text:
The LORD will totally destroy the gulf of the Sea of Egypt. He will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River with a violent wind, breaking it up into seven streams, and making a way for people to cross on foot.


text:
And there will be a highway for the remnant that is left of his people out of Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt.


text:
At that time, you will say: "I will praise you, LORD, for although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and you have comforted me.


text:
"Look! God-yes God-is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid. For the LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."


text:
"Give thanks to the LORD; call on his name. Make known his actions among the nations. Proclaim that his name is exalted.


text:
Shout aloud, and sing for joy, you who live in Zion, because great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."


text:
"Raise a banner on a bare hilltop! Cry out loud to them! Give a wave of the hand, signaling for them to enter the gates of the nobles.


text:
I myself have commanded my consecrated ones; I have also summoned my warriors, those who rejoice in my triumph, to carry out my angry judgments.


text:
"Listen! There's a noise on the mountains like that of a great multitude! Listen! There's an uproar among the kingdoms, like that of nations massing together! The LORD of the Heavenly Armies is mustering an army for battle.


text:
They're coming from a faraway land, from the distant horizon-the LORD and the weapons of his anger-to destroy the entire land."


text:
Wail out loud, because the Day of the LORD is near. It will come like destruction from the Almighty!


text:
They will be terrified; pain and anguish will seize them; they'll writhe like a woman in labor. They'll look aghast at one another; and their faces will be ablaze with fear.


text:
Watch out! The Day of the LORD is coming-cruel, with wrath and fierce anger-to turn the entire inhabited earth into a desolation and to annihilate sinners from it.


text:
For the stars of the heavens and their constellations won't shine their light; the sun will be dark when it rises, and the moon won't shine its light.


text:
I'll punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I'll put an end to the pomposity of the arrogant, and overthrow the insolence of tyrants.


text:
Therefore I'll make the heavens tremble. The earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, at the time of his burning anger.


text:
They will be like a hunted gazelle, or like sheep with no one to gather them, each will turn to his own people, and each will flee to his own land.


text:
Whoever is captured will be thrust through, and whoever is caught will fall dead, killed by the sword.


text:
Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, and their houses will be looted, and their wives slept with.


text:
Watch out! I'm stirring up the Medes against them, who care nothing for silver and take no delight in gold.


text:
Their bows will dash the young men to pieces; they'll show no pity on those not yet born, and their eyes will not spare children.


text:
Babylon, that jewel of kingdoms, the splendor and pride of the Chaldeans, will be like Sodom and Gomorrah, when God overthrew them-


text:
It will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; no Bedouin will pitch his tent there; no shepherds will make their flocks lie down there.


text:
But desert beasts will lie down there, and their houses will be full of howling creatures; there owls will dwell, and goat-demons will dance there.


text:
Hyenas will howl in its strongholds, and jackals will make their dens in its citadels. Its time is close at hand, and its days will not be extended any further.


text:
However, the LORD will have compassion on Jacob and will once again choose Israel. He will settle them in their own land, and foreigners will join them, affiliating themselves with the house of Jacob.


text:
Many nations will take them and bring them to their land and their own place. The house of Israel will put those nations to conscripted labor in the LORD's land. They will take captive those who were their captors, and will rule continually over those who oppressed them.


text:
At the time, when the LORD gives you rest from your suffering, turmoil, and the cruel bondage which they forced you to serve,


text:
you will lift up this song of mockery against the king of Babylon: "How the oppressor has come to an end! How the attacker has ceased!


text:
that struck down peoples in anger with unceasing blows, that oppressed nations in fury with relentless persecution.


text:
Even the cypresses rejoice over you, as do the cedars of Lebanon, saying, 'Now that you've been laid low, no woodcutter comes up against us.'


text:
"The afterlife below is all astir to meet you when you arrive; it rouses up the spirits of the dead to greet you-everyone who used to be world leaders. It has raised up from their thrones all who used to be kings of the nations.


text:
In answer, all of them will tell you, 'You've also become as weak as we are! You have become just like us!'


text:
Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the noise of your harps. Maggots are spread out beneath you, and worms are your covering."


text:
"How you have fallen from heaven, Day Star, son of the Dawn! How you have been thrown down to earth, you who laid low the nation!


text:
You said in your heart, 'I'll ascend to heaven, above the stars of God. I'll erect my throne; I'll sit on the Mount of Assembly in the far reaches of the north;


text:
"Those who see you will stare at you. They will wonder about you: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who made kingdoms quake,


text:
who made the world like a desert, who destroyed its cities, who would not open the jails for his prisoners?'


text:
But you are cast away from your grave, like a repulsive branch, your clothing is the slain, those pierced by the sword; those who go down to the Pit. Like a dead body trampled underfoot,


text:
you will not be united with them in burial, for you have destroyed your land, you have slain your people. People will never mention the descendants of those who practice evil again!


text:
Prepare a massacre for his sons because of the guilt of their forefathers! They are not to rise and inherit the earth, and cover the surface of the world with cities."


text:
"I will rise up against them," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "and I will eliminate from Babylon her name and survivors, her offspring and descendants," declares the LORD.


text:
"And I'm going to make it a possession of the hedgehog-pools of water-and I'll sweep with the broom of destruction," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies has sworn: "Surely as I have planned, that's what she will become; and just as I have determined, so will it remain-


text:
to crush the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains I will trample him down. His yoke will turn away from you, and his burden from your shoulders."


text:
"This is what I've planned for the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.


text:
For the LORD of the Heavenly Armies has planned, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?"


text:
"Don't rejoice, all of you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken, because from the snake's root a viper will spring up, and its offspring will be a darting, poisonous serpent.


text:
The firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety; but I'll kill your root by famine, and I'll execute your survivors.


text:
Wail, you gate! Cry out, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For smoke comes from the north, and there's no one to take measure in its festivals.


text:
How will they answer the messengers of the nation? "The LORD has founded Zion, and in it the afflicted among his people will find refuge."


text:
A message concerning Moab: "For Ir in Moab is destroyed in a night, and Moab is ruined! Because Ir in Moab is destroyed in a single night, Moab is ruined!


text:
He has gone up to the temple, and to Dibon, to the high places to weep; over Nebo and over Medeba Moab wails. His head is completely bald, and every beard is shaved off.


text:
In its streets they wear sackcloth; on its rooftops and in its squares everyone wails and falls down weeping.


text:
Heshbon and Elealeh cry out, their voices are heard as far as Jahaz; therefore the loins of Moab cry aloud; its heart quakes for itself.


text:
My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For at the ascent to Luhith they go up weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction.


text:
The Nimrim waters are desolate; the grass is withered, its vegetation gone; there is no foliage left.


text:
Therefore the wealth they have acquired and what they have stored up-they carry them away over the Arab Wadi.


text:
For the cry has gone out along the border of Moab; her wailing reaches as far as Eglaim, her wailing reaches as far as Beer-elim.


text:
The Dibon streams are full of blood; but I will bring upon Dibon even more-a lion will pounce upon those of Moab who escape, upon those who remain in the land."


text:
"Send a lamb to the ruler of the land, from Selah, by way of the desert, to the mountain of the Daughter of Zion.


text:
Like fluttering birds, like an abandoned nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon River.


text:
"Give us advice; reach a decision! Cast your shadow as if night had come at high noon. Shelter the fugitives, And don't betray a single refugee.


text:
Let the fugitives from Moab settle among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor comes to an end, and destruction has ceased, and the marauder has vanished from the land,


text:
then a throne will be established in gracious love, and there will sit in faithfulness-in the Tent of David-one who judges, seeks justice, and is swift to do what is right."


text:
"We've heard about Moab's pride-so very proud he became!-his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence; therefore he is alone.


text:
Therefore, let Moab not wail, let everyone wail for Moab. Lament and grieve deeply for the ruined remains of Kir-hareseth.


text:
For the fields of Heshbon wither, as well as the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have struck down its choicest vines, which once reached Jazer and pushed to the desert. Its shoots spread out and passed over the sea."


text:
"Therefore I weep with the tears of Jazer for the vines of Sibmah. I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh-for the shouts of joy over your summer fruit and your grain harvest have ended.


text:
Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards, in the vineyards people will sing no songs, and no cheers are raised. No vintner treads out wine in the presses, because I've put an end to the shouting.


text:
When Moab appears, when he arrives upon the high place and comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not prevail."


text:
But now the LORD has spoken again: "Within three years, like the years of a contract worker, Moab's glory will be brought into contempt, in spite of all its great multitude, and its survivors will be very few and of no importance."


text:
A message about Damascus: "Look! Damascus will cease to be a city. Instead, it will become a pile of ruins.


text:
The cities of Oraru will be deserted-they will be devoted to herds that will lay at rest, and terrorism will be no more.


text:
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and royal authority from Damascus; the survivors from Aram will be like the glory of the Israelis," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
it will be as if harvesters gather standing grain, reaping the ears by hand, or it will be as if grain is harvested in the valley of Rephaim.


text:
Nevertheless, gleanings will remain in Israel, as when an olive tree is beaten-two or three ripe olives left in the topmost branches, four or five left among the branches of a fruit-filled tree," declares the LORD God of Israel.


text:
They will not look upon the altars, the products that their own fingers have made, and they will have no regard for Asherah poles or incense altars.


text:
"At that time, their fortified cities that they abandoned because of the Israelis will be like desolate places of the forests and hilltops-there will be desolation.


text:
For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock that is your strength. Therefore even though you plant delightful plants, sowing them with imported vine-seedlings,


text:
at the time that you plant them, carefully making them grow, the very morning you make your seed to sprout, your harvest will be ruined in a time of grief and unbearable pain."


text:
"How terrible it will be for many peoples, who rage like the roaring sea! Oh, how the uproar of nations is like the sound of rushing, mighty water-How they roar!


text:
The nations roar like the rushing of many waters, but the LORD will rebuke them, and they will run far away, chased like chaff blown down from the mountains or like thick dust that rolls along, blown along by a wind storm.


text:
When the evening arrives, watch out-sudden terror! By morning they will be there no longer! So it will be for those who plunder us and what will happen to those who rob us."


text:
which sends envoys by the sea, in papyrus boats over the water! Go, swift messengers, to a tall, smooth-skinned nation, to a people feared far and wide, a nation that metes out punishment and oppresses, whose land the rivers divide.


text:
All you inhabitants of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you'll see it. When a trumpet sounds, you'll hear it!


text:
For this is what the LORD told me: "I will remain quiet and watch in my dwelling place like dazzling heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."


text:
For before the harvest, when the season of budding is over, and sour grapes ripen into mature grapes, he cuts off the shoots with pruning knives, clearing away the spreading branches as he lops them off.


text:
And they will all be left for birds of prey that live on the mountains and for wild animals. Birds of prey will pass the summer feeding on them, and all the wild animals will pass the winter feeding on them.


text:
At that time tribute will be brought to the LORD of the Heavenly Armies from a tall and smooth-skinned people, from a people feared far and wide, a nation that metes out punishment and oppresses, whose land the rivers divide, to Mount Zion, the place that bears the name of the LORD.


text:
A message about Egypt: "Watch out! The LORD rides on a swift cloud, and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.


text:
I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and everyone will fight against his brother, everyone against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.


text:
The spirits of the Egyptians within them will be drained of courage, and I will bring their plans to nothing. They will consult idols and spirits of the dead, and mediums and spiritists.


text:
I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them," declares the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
The canals will stink, and the tributaries of Egypt will dwindle and dry up. Reeds and rushes will wither away.


text:
And the bulrushes along the Nile, along the mouth of the Nile, will wither away. All the sown fields of the Nile will become parched, and they will be blown away; there will be nothing left.


text:
The fishermen will groan, and all who cast hooks into the Nile will lament; those who spread nets upon the water will become weaker and weaker.


text:
Zoan's princes are nothing but fools; the wisest advisors of Pharaoh give stupid advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I'm a descendant of wise men, a descendant of ancient kings"?


text:
Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you, let them make known what the LORD has planned against Egypt.


text:
The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis deluded; the leaders of its tribes have led Egypt astray.


text:
The LORD has mixed within them a spirit of confusion; so they make Egypt stagger in all that it does, like a drunkard staggers around in his vomit.


text:
At that time, the Egyptians will be like women-they will shudder and be afraid before the uplifted hand of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, when he brandishes his hand against her.


text:
And the land of Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians. Everyone to whom it is mentioned will be afraid, because of the uplifted hand of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies that is turning in their direction.


text:
At that time, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.


text:
At that time, there will be an altar to the LORD of the Heavenly Armies in the heart of the land of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border.


text:
It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of the Heavenly Armies in the land of Egypt; when they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior, and he will come down and rescue them.


text:
So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will acknowledge the LORD. At that time, they will worship with sacrifices and offerings, and they will make vows to the LORD and carry them out.


text:
The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague, striking but then healing. Then they will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.


text:
At that time, there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will come into Egypt, and the Egyptians into Assyria, and they will worship with the Assyrians.


text:
At that time, Israel will be in a triple alliance with Egypt and Assyria; they will be a blessing in the midst of the earth.


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies has blessed them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."


text:
In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon the king of Assyria, came to Ashdod, attacked it, and captured it-


text:
at that time the LORD spoke through Amoz's son Isaiah: "Go loosen the sackcloth that's around your waist, and take your sandals off your feet." So that's what he did: he went around naked and barefoot.


text:
Then the LORD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has walked around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a warning for Egypt and Ethiopia,


text:
so the king of Assyria will lead away the Egyptian captives and exiles from Cush, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot-with even their buttocks uncovered-to the shame of Egypt.


text:
At that time, the inhabitants of this coastland will say, 'See, this is what has happened to those on whom we counted and relied for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How, then, can we escape?'"


text:
A message concerning the pasture by the Sea. "Like whirlwinds in the Negev sweep on, it comes from the desert, from a distant land.


text:
A dire vision has been announced to me: the traitor betrays, and the plunderer takes loot. Get up, Elam! Attack, Media! I am putting a stop to all the groaning she has caused.


text:
Therefore my body is racked with pain; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am so upset that I cannot hear; I am so frightened that I cannot see while I'm reeling around.


text:
And as for my heart, horror has terrified me; the twilight I longed for has started to make me tremble.


text:
They set the tables; they spread the carpets; they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers! Oil the shields!"


text:
When he sees chariots, each man with a pair of horses, riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him pay attention, full attention."


text:
Then the lookout shouted: "Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord, continually by day, and I am stationed at my post throughout the night.


text:
Look! Here come riders, each man with a pair of horses!" They're shouting out the answer: "Babylon has fallen, has fallen, and they have shattered all the images of her gods on the ground!


text:
O my downtrodden people, my wall! I'll tell you what I have heard from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, the God of Israel."


text:
A message concerning Dumah. "Someone is calling to me from Seir: 'Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?'


text:
The watchman replies: 'Morning is coming, but also the night. If you want to ask, then ask; come back again.'"


text:
A message concerning Arabia. "You will camp in the thickets in Arabia, you caravans of the Dedanites.


text:
For this is what the LORD is saying to me: "Within three years, according to the years of a contract worker, the pomp of Kedar will come to an end.


text:
And there will be few archers, those who are descendants of Kedar, who survive, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken."


text:
A message concerning the Valley of Vision. "What troubles you, now that you've all gone up to the rooftops,


text:
you who are full of commotion, you passionate city, you rollicking town? Your slain weren't killed by the sword, nor are they dead in battle.


text:
All your leaders have fled together; she is captured without using bows. All of you who were caught were captured together, although they had fled while the enemy was still far away.


text:
Therefore I said: "Look away from me; and let me weep bitter tears; don't try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people."


text:
For to the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies belongs the day of tumult, trampling, and confusion in the Valley of Vision, and the pulling down of his Temple on its mountain.


text:
And it will come about that your choicest valleys will be filled with chariots, and horsemen will take their positions at the gates.


text:
He has uncovered the defenses of Judah." At that time, you looked at the arsenal of the Palace of the Forest,


text:
and saw that there were many breaches in the City of David. So you stored up water from the Lower Pool,


text:
and built a reservoir between the walls to store water from the Old Pool. But you did not look at the One who did it, nor did you see the One who planned it long ago.


text:
On that day the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies called for weeping and mourning, for shaving heads and wearing sackcloth.


text:
But look! There is joy and festivity, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating meat and drinking wine. "Let us eat and drink, you say, because we die tomorrow."


text:
"Nevertheless, the LORD of the Heavenly Armies has revealed himself to my hearing: '"Surely because of you this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die,' says the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies."


text:
This is what the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies says: "Come, go to this steward, to Shebna who is in charge of the household, and ask him:


text:
'What are you doing here, and who are your relatives here that you could carve out a grave for yourself here-cutting out a tomb at the choicest location, chiseling out a resting place for yourself out of solid rock?


text:
Look Out! The LORD is about to hurl you away violently, my strong fellow! He will fold you up completely,


text:
rolling you up tightly like a ball and throwing you into a large country. There you will die, and there your splendid chariots will lie. You're a disgrace to your master's house!


text:
and I'll clothe him with your robe and fasten your sash around him. I'll transfer your authority to him, and he'll be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.


text:
"I'll place on his shoulder the key to the house of David-what he opens, no one will shut, and what he shuts, no one will open.


text:
I'll set him like a peg into a secure place; he will become a throne of honor to his father's house.


text:
The entire reputation of his father's house will hang on him: its offspring and offshoots-all its smaller vessels, from the cups to all the jars.


text:
At that time," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "the peg that was driven into a secure place will give way; it will be sheared and will fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut down." The LORD has spoken.


text:
A message concerning Tyre. "Wail, you ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed and is without house or harbor! From the land of Cyprus it was revealed to them.


text:
"Be silent, you inhabitants of the coast, you merchants of Sidon, whose messengers crossed over the sea,


text:
and were on mighty waters. Her revenue was the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the Nile; and she became the marketplace of nations.


text:
Be ashamed, Sidon, because the sea has spoken, the fortress of the sea: I have neither been in labor nor given birth, I have neither reared young men nor brought up young women."


text:
Is this your exciting city, that was founded long ago, whose feet carried her to settle in far-off lands?


text:
Who has planned this against Tyre, that bestower of crowns, whose merchants were princes, whose traders were the most renowned on earth?


text:
The LORD of the Heavenly Armies has planned it-to neutralize all the hubris of grandeur, to discredit all the renowned men of earth.


text:
He has stretched out his hand over the sea; he has made kingdoms tremble. The LORD has issued orders concerning Canaan to destroy its strongholds.


text:
And he said: 'You will revel no longer, you virgin daughter of Sidon, now crushed. Get up, cross over to Cyprus-but even there you will find no rest.'"


text:
"Look at the land of the Chaldeans! This is a people that no longer exist; Assyria destined her for desert creatures. They raised up her siege towers, they stripped her fortresses bare and turned her into a ruin.


text:
It will happen at that time that Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years, the span of a king's life. Then, at the end of those 70 years, it will turn out for Tyre as in the prostitute's song:


text:
"Take a harp; walk around the city, you forgotten whore! Make sweet melody; sing many songs, and perhaps you'll be remembered."


text:
At the end of 70 years, the LORD will deal with Tyre, at which time she'll return to her courtesan's trade, and prostitute herself with the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.


text:
Nevertheless, her profits and her earnings will be dedicated to the LORD; they will not be stored up or hoarded-but her profits will go to those who live in the LORD's presence, for abundant food and choice clothing.


text:
"Watch out! The LORD is about to depopulate the land and devastate it; he will turn it upside down and scatter its inhabitants.


text:
It will be the same for the lay people as for priests, the same for servants as for their masters, for female servants as for their mistresses, for buyers as for sellers, for lenders as for borrowers, and for creditors as for debtors.


text:
The earth will be utterly depopulated and completely laid waste-for the LORD has spoken this message.


text:
"The earth dries up and withers; the world languishes and fades away; heaven fades away, along with the earth.


text:
The earth lies defiled beneath its inhabitants; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.


text:
Therefore the curse keeps on consuming, and its inhabitants are declared guilty. Furthermore, the inhabitants of earth are ablaze, and few people are left.


text:
"The celebrations of the tambourine have ended, the noise of the jubilant has stopped, and the mirth that the harp produces has ended.


text:
There is an outcry in the streets over wine; all cheer turns to gloom; the fun times of the earth are banished.


text:
So it will be on the earth and among the nations-as when an olive tree is beaten, or as gleanings when the grape harvest has ended."


text:
"They raise their voices; they shout for joy; from the west they shout aloud over the LORD's majesty.


text:
Therefore, you in the east, give glory to the LORD! You in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD God of Israel!


text:
From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise: 'Glory to the Righteous One!' "But I say, 'I am pining away, I'm pining away. How terrible things are for me! For treacherous people betray-treacherous people are betraying with treachery!'"


text:
Whoever flees at the sound of terror will fall into a pit, and whoever climbs out of the pit will be caught in a snare. For the windows of judgment from above are opened, and the foundations of the earth are shaken.


text:
The earth reels to and fro like a drunkard; it sways like a hut; its transgression lies so heavy upon it, that it falls, never to rise again.


text:
"And it will come about at that time, the LORD will punish the armies of the exalted ones in the heavens, and the rulers of the earth on earth.


text:
They will be herded together into the Pit; they will be shut up in prison, and after many days they will be punished.


text:
Then the moon will be embarrassed and the sun ashamed, for the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; and in the presence of its elders there will be glory."


text:
LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for you have done marvelous things, plans made long ago in faithfulness and truth.


text:
For you have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified city into a ruin; the foreigners' citadel is no longer a city-it will never be rebuilt!


text:
For you have been a stronghold for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat-for the blistering attack from the ruthless is like a rainstorm beating against a wall,


text:
and the noise of foreigners is like the heat of the desert. Just as you subdue heat by the shade of clouds, so the victory songs of violent men will be stilled.


text:
"On this mountain, the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of well-aged wines-rich food full of marrow, and refined wines of the finest vintage


text:
And on this mountain, he will swallow up the burial shroud that enfolds all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations-


text:
he has swallowed up death forever! Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and he will take away the disgrace of his people from the entire earth." for the LORD has spoken.


text:
"And you will say at that time, 'Look! It's the LORD! This is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us. This is the LORD! We waited for him, so let us rejoice, and we will be glad that he has saved us."


text:
For the LORD's power will rest on this mountain, but the Moabites will be trodden down beneath him, just as straw is trodden down in the slime of a manure pit.


text:
They will spread out their hands in the thick of it, just as swimmers spread out their hands to swim, but the LORD will bring down their pride, together with the cleverness of their hands.


text:
He brings down the high fortifications of your walls and lays them low; he will raze them to the ground, right down to the dust.


text:
At that time, people will sing this song in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God crafts victory, its walls and ramparts.


text:
You will keep perfectly peaceful the one whose mind remains focused on you, because he remains in you.


text:
For he has made drunk the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low to the ground casting it down to the dust,


text:
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me searches for you. For when your judgments come upon the earth, the world's inhabitants learn righteousness.


text:
If favor is shown to the wicked, they don't learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they act perversely and do not perceive the majesty of the LORD.


text:
"LORD, your hand is lifted up, but they do not see it. And let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame-yes, let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them!


text:
O LORD our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but through you alone we acknowledge your name.


text:
The dead won't live, and the departed spirits won't rise-to that end, you punished and destroyed them, then locked away all memory of them.


text:
"But you have enlarged the nation, LORD; you have enlarged the nation. You have gained honor; you have extended all the borders of the land.


text:
LORD, they came to you in distress; they poured out their secret prayer when your chastenings were afflicting them.


text:
Just as a pregnant woman writhes and cries out during her labor when she is about to give birth, so were we because of you, LORD.


text:
We were pregnant, writhing in pain, but we gave birth only to wind. We have not won your victory on earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world been born."


text:
"But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Those who live in the dust will wake up and shout for joy! For your dew is like the dew of dawn, and the earth will give birth to the dead.


text:
Come, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.


text:
For see, the LORD is coming from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins; the earth will reveal the blood that has been shed on it, and will no longer conceal its slain."


text:
At that time, with his fierce, mighty, and powerful sword, the LORD will punish the gliding serpent Leviathan-the coiling serpent Leviathan-and he will kill the dragon that's in the sea.


text:
I, the LORD, watch over it And I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can harm it.


text:
I am not angry. If only the vineyard could give me briers and thorns to battle, I would march against it, and I would burn it all up.


text:
Or else let it lay claim to my protection; let it make peace with me, yes, let it make peace with me."


text:
In times to come, Jacob will take root, and Israel will blossom, sprout shoots, and fill the whole world with fruit.


text:
Has the LORD struck them down, just as he struck down those who struck them? Or have they been killed, just as their killers were killed?


text:
Measure by measure, in their exile you contended with them; with his fierce blast he removed them, as on a day when the east wind blows.


text:
By this, then, Jacob's guilt will be atoned for, and this will be the full harvest that comes from the removal of his sin: when he makes all the altar stones like pulverized chalkstones, no Asherah poles or incense altars will be left standing.


text:
For the fortified city stands desolate, a settlement abandoned and forsaken like the desert; calves graze there, and there they lie down and strip bare its branches.


text:
When its branches are dry, they are broken off, and women come and kindle fires with them, since this is a people who show no consideration. That is why the One who made them shows them no compassion; the One who created them shows them no mercy.


text:
At that time, the LORD will winnow grain from the Euphrates River channel to the Wadi of Egypt, and you will be gathered in one by one, O people of Israel.


text:
Furthermore, at that time, a great trumpet will be sounded, and those who were perishing in the land of Assyria and those who had been expelled to the land of Egypt will come and worship the LORD on his holy mountain at Jerusalem.


text:
How terrible it will be for that arrogant garland-the drunks of Ephraim! How terrible it will be for that fading flower of his glorious beauty, which sits on the heads of people bloated with food, of people overcome with wine!


text:
Look! The LORD has one who is mighty and strong, like a hailstorm and destructive tempest, like a storm of mighty, overflowing water-and he will give rest to the land.


text:
And that fading flower, his glorious beauty, which sits on the heads of people bloated with food, will be like an early fig before summer-whenever someone sees it, he swallows it as soon as it's in his hand.


text:
At that time, the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will become a glorious crown, a beautiful diadem for the remnant of his people,


text:
and a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.


text:
These people also stagger from wine and reel from strong drink. Priests and prophets stagger from strong drink; they're drunk from wine; they reel from strong drink, waver when seeing visions, and stumble when rendering decisions.


text:
To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? To children just weaned from milk? To those just taken from the breast?


text:
For it is: "Do this and do that, do this and do that, Line upon line, line upon line, a little here, a little there."


text:
to whom he said, "This is the resting place, so give rest to the weary"' and "This is the place of repose"-but they would not listen.


text:
So, then, the message from the LORD to them will become: "Do this and do that, do this and do that, line upon line, line upon line, a little here, a little there," so that they will go, but fall backward, and be injured, snared, and captured.


text:
Because you said: 'We have entered into a covenant with death, and we have an agreement with Sheol, so when the overwhelming scourge makes its choice, it cannot reach us, since we have made lies our refuge and have concealed ourselves inside falsehood'


text:
therefore this is what the LORD God says: "Look! I am laying a foundation stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation: Whoever believes firmly will not act hastily.


text:
And I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and floods will overflow your hiding place.


text:
"Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be trampled by it.


text:
As often as it sweeps through, it will carry you away, for it will sweep by morning after morning in the day; but understanding this message will bring sheer terror at night,


text:
For the LORD will stand upon Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself in the Valley of Gibeon; to carry out his work-his strange deed, and to perform his task-his alien task!


text:
But as for you, don't start mocking, or your chains will become tighter; for I have heard from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies about destruction, and it is decreed against the whole land.


text:
Does he who plows for sowing plow all the time? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing his field?


text:
When he has leveled its surface, he scatters caraway and sows cumin, doesn't he? He plants wheat in rows, barley in its designated place, and feed for livestock around its borders, doesn't he?


text:
For caraway is not threshed with a sharp sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over cumin. Instead, caraway is winnowed with a stick, and cumin with a rod.


text:
It must be ground; one cannot keep threshing it forever. Even if he drives his cart and horses over it, he cannot crush it.


text:
This insight also comes from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, who is distinguished in practical advice and magnificent in sound wisdom."


text:
"How terrible it will be for you, Aruel, Aruel, the city where David encamped! Year after year, let your festivals run their cycle.


text:
Then I'll besiege Aruel, and there will be sorrow and mourning; she will become to me like an altar fireplace.


text:
Then I'll encamp against you like David, and I'll lay siege to you with towers, raise siege works against you,


text:
and you will be brought down. You will speak from the ground, and your speech will mumble from the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the ground, and your speech will whisper from the dust.


text:
"But the hordes of your enemies will become like fine dust, and the hordes of tyrants like flying chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,


text:
you will be visited by the LORD of the Heavenly Armies-with thunder, an earthquake, and great noise, with a windstorm, a tempest, and flames from a devouring fire.


text:
Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Aruel, all that attack her and her fortification and besiege her, will become like a dream, with its visions in the night-


text:
as when a hungry man dreams-he eats, but wakes up still hungry; or when a thirsty man dreams-he drinks, but wakes up faint, with his thirst unquenched. So will it be with the hordes of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion.


text:
"Act stupid! Be astonished! Act blind, and be blind! Be drunk, but not from wine; stagger around, but not from strong drink.


text:
For the LORD has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep-he has closed your eyes, you prophets, he has covered your heads, you seers!"


text:
"And this entire vision has become for you like the words of a sealed book. When people give it to someone who can read, and say, 'Read this, please,' he answers, 'I cannot, because it is sealed.'


text:
Or when they give the book to someone who cannot read, and say, 'Read this, please,' he answers, 'I don't know how to read.'"


text:
Then the Lord said: "Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, worship of me has become merely like rules taught by human beings.


text:
Therefore, watch out! "As for me, I will once again do amazing things with this people, wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the insights of their discerning men will stay hidden."


text:
"How terrible it will be for you who go to great depths to hide your plans from the LORD, you whose deeds have been done in the dark, and who say, 'Who can see us? Who has recognized us?'


text:
He has turned the tables on you-as if the potter were thought to be like heat. Can what is made say of the one who made it, 'He did not make me?' Or can what is formed say of the ones who formed it, 'He has no skill?'


text:
"In a very little while, will not Lebanon be turned into a garden of fruit, and the garden of fruit seem like a forest?


text:
On that day the deaf will hear the words of a scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.


text:
The humble will again experience joy in the LORD, and the poorest people will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.


text:
For the ruthless will vanish, and mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down-


text:
those who make a person appear to be the offender in a lawsuit, who set a trap for someone who is making his defense in court, and push aside the innocent with specious arguments.


text:
"Therefore, this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says concerning the house of Jacob: 'No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale.


text:
For when he sees in his midst his children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and stand in awe of the God of Israel.


text:
Moreover, those who go astray in spirit will gain understanding, and those who complain will accept instruction.'"


text:
"Oh, you stubborn children," declares the LORD, "who carry out plans-but they are not mine, and who make alliances-but not by my Spirit, piling sin upon sin.


text:
They set out to go down to Egypt, without asking my advice; taking refuge in Pharaoh's protection, and seeking shelter in Egypt's shadow.


text:
There is only loathsome destruction through a people that cannot benefit them, who bring neither help nor profit, but only shame and disgrace."


text:
An oracle about the animals of the Negev: "Through a land of trouble, dryness, and distress, of lionesses and roaring lions, where there is no water, a land of vipers and darting snakes, he carries their riches on donkeys' backs, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a nation that cannot benefit them,


text:
to Egypt, which gives help that is worthless and useless. Therefore I call her 'Rahab, who just sits still.'"


text:
"Go now, and write it down on a tablet in their presence, inscribing it in a book, so that for times to come it may be an everlasting witness.


text:
For they are a rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to hear the LORD's instruction.


text:
They say to the seers, 'Don't see visions,' and to the prophets, 'Don't give us visions of what is right! Instead, tell us welcome things, prophesy illusions,


text:
Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you reject this message, and put your trust in oppression and enjoy it, and since you rely on it,


text:
therefore, for you this sin will become like a breach in a high wall that is about to collapse, bulging out, and whose crash comes suddenly-in an instant.


text:
Its breaking will be like when potters' vessels are broken, shattered so ruthlessly that among its fragments not even a broken sliver will be found for taking fire from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern."


text:
For this is what the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest you will be saved; in staying calm and trusting will be your strength. But you refused.


text:
Instead, you said, 'No! We'll escape on horses!' Therefore, you'll flee away. And you said, 'We'll ride off on swift steeds!' Therefore your pursuers will be swift.


text:
A thousand will flee at the threat of one; and run away, pursued by five, until you are left like a flagpole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."


text:
"Nevertheless, the LORD will wait so he can be gracious to you; and thus he will rise up to show you mercy. For the LORD is a God of justice. How blessed are all those who wait for him."


text:
Indeed, you people who live in Zion and in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious the LORD will be to you at the sound of your cry! As soon as he hears it, he will answer you.


text:
And although the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers won't hide themselves anymore, but your own eyes will see your teachers.


text:
And whether you turn to the right or turn to the left, your ears will hear a message behind you: "This is the way, walk in it."


text:
Then you will defile your carved idols that are overlaid with silver and your images plated with gold. You'll throw them away like disgusting objects and say to them, "Away with you!"


text:
He will also provide rain for your seed that you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the ground will be rich and abundant. At that time, your cattle will graze in broad meadows,


text:
and oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned fodder that workers will winnow with shovels and forks.


text:
And on every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks and canals running with water on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.


text:
Moreover, the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the sun's light will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.


text:
See, the name of the LORD comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke; his lips are full of fury, and his tongue is like a devouring fire.


text:
His breath is like an overflowing torrent, and it rises right up to the neck, to shake the nations in the sieve of destruction, and to place in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray.


text:
You will have songs as on nights when people celebrate a holy festival, and gladness of heart, as when they set out with flutes to go to the LORD's mountain, to the Rock of Israel.


text:
And the LORD will make heard-yes, he will make heard-his majestic voice, and make his arm seen descending in raging anger and in a flame of consuming fire, with a cloudburst, thunderstorm and hailstones.


text:
And every stroke of his punishing rod that the LORD brings down on them will be to the sound of tambourines and harps, as he fights against her in battle with a brandished arm.


text:
For the Fire Pit has long been prepared; truly it is for the king; it will indeed be made ready. And its pyre will be deep and wide, with abundant fire and wood. Like a stream of burning sulfur, the breath of the LORD will set it ablaze.


text:
"How terrible it will be for those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the chariot, because there are so many, and in charioteers, because they are so strong-but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD!


text:
Yet he is also wise and can bring disaster; he does not take back his words, but will rise up against the house of those who practice evil and against anyone who assists people who work iniquity.


text:
The Egyptians are men, not God, and their horses are physical, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, anyone who assists will stumble, and the one who is helped will fall; and they will all perish together."


text:
For this is what the LORD told me: "Just as a lion or a young lion growls over his objects of prey,-even when a whole band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not alarmed at their shouting or disturbed by their clamor-so the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its hill.


text:
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will protect Jerusalem; he will shield and deliver it; and he will pass over and bring it to safety.


text:
For at that time, everyone will throw away their idols of silver and their idols of gold that your hands have sinfully made for yourselves.


text:
"Then Assyria will fall by a sword that is not from human beings only-a sword not wielded by mortal beings will devour them. They will flee from the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.


text:
Their stronghold will vanish by reason of terror, and their commanders will be filled with alarm because of the battle standard," declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.


text:
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a hiding place from storms, like streams of water in the desert, in the shadow of a great rock in an exhausted land.


text:
The hearts of reckless people will understand sound judgment, and the tongues of those who stammer will be ready to speak clearly.


text:
For fools utter contempt, and their minds plot wrong things: practicing ungodliness, spreading lies about the LORD, leaving the pangs of hungry people unsatisfied, and depriving thirsty people of drink.


text:
Furthermore, the crimes of bad people are evil; and they devise wicked schemes, destroying the poor with lying words, even when needy people plead a just cause.


text:
"As for you ladies of leisure-Get up and listen to my voice! You daughters who feel so complacent-hear what I have to say!


text:
In little more than a year, you complacent women will shudder; for the grape harvest will fail, and the fruit harvest will not come.


text:
So tremble, you ladies of leisure! Shudder, you daughters who feel so complacent! Strip down and make yourselves naked down to the waist! Then wrap yourself in sackcloth and beat your breasts.


text:
For people will be beating their breasts in mourning over the pleasant fields, over the fruitful vines,


text:
and over the land of my people overgrown with thorns and briers-yes, over all the houses of merriment and over this city of revelry.


text:
"For the palace will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; the citadel and watchtower will become barren wastes forever, the delight of wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks,


text:
until the Spirit from on high is poured upon us, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest."


text:
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.


text:
How happy you will be, sowing your seed beside every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range freely!"


text:
"How terrible it will be for you, destroyer, you who have not been destroyed yourself! And how terrible it will be for you, traitor, one whom people have not betrayed! When you have sunk so low in destroying others, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you."


text:
"LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you; and be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of trouble.


text:
Your plunder is gathered as when grasshoppers gather; just like locusts pounce, people have pounced on it.


text:
He will be a sure foundation for your times, abundance and salvation, wisdom and knowledge-the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure."


text:
The highways are deserted; travelers have quit the road. The enemy has broken treaties; he despises their witnesses, and respects no one.


text:
The land mourns and wastes away; Lebanon feels ashamed and withers. Sharon is like a desert; Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves."


text:
"Those who are far away have heard what I've done; and those that are near have acknowledged my power.


text:
The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: "Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with everlasting flames?"


text:
The one who walks righteously and has spoken sincere words, who rejects gain from extortion and waves his hand, rejecting bribes, who blocks his ears from hearing plots of murder and shuts his eyes against seeing evil-


text:
this is the one who will live on the heights; his refuge will be a mountain fortress. His food will be supplied, and his water will be guaranteed.


text:
Your mind will ponder at that time of terror: 'Where is the king's accountant? Where is the one who weighed the revenue? Where is the officer who supervises the towers?'


text:
No longer will you see those arrogant people, those people with their obscure speech you cannot comprehend, stammering in a language you cannot understand.


text:
"Look at Zion, city of our festivals! Your eyes will see Jerusalem, an undisturbed abode, an immovable tent; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor will any of its ropes be broken.


text:
But there the LORD in majesty will be for us our source of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, where no stately ship can sail.


text:
For the LORD is our judge, and the LORD is our lawgiver; and the LORD is our king, and it is he who will save us.


text:
"Your rigging hangs loose; it cannot reliably hold the mast in its place, and the sail cannot spread out. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided-even the lame will carry off plunder.


text:
And no one living there will say, 'I am ill.' The people living there will have their sins forgiven."


text:
"Come near, you nations, to listen, and pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that fills it; the world, and all that comes out of it.


text:
For the LORD is angry against all the nations, and furious against all their armies. He has doomed them to destruction, and given them up to be slaughtered.


text:
Their slain will be thrown out; and as for their dead bodies-their stench will ascend; the mountains will be soaked with their blood.


text:
The valleys will be split, all the stars in the heavens will fall down, and the skies will be rolled up like a scroll. All their starry host will fade away like leaves withering on a vine, or fruit withering on a fig tree.


text:
For my sword will be seen in the heavens. Look! It descends in judgment on Edom, on the people I have doomed to destruction.


text:
The LORD has a sword bathed in blood; it's covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, and with fat from the kidneys of rams."


text:
Wild oxen will fall together with them-young steers and mighty bulls. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be swollen with fat.


text:
Edom's streams will be turned into burning sulfur, and its dust into sulfur; its land will become pitch.


text:
It will burn night and day, and will never be extinguished. Its smoke will rise from generation to generation, and it will lie desolate forever and ever. And no one will pass through it.


text:
"But hawks and hedgehogs will possess it; owls and ravens will nest in it. God will stretch out over it a measuring line, and chaos, and plumb lines of emptiness, and its nobles.


text:
Thorns will grow over its palaces, nettles and brambles its fortresses. It will become a haunt for jackals, a home for ostriches.


text:
And desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and goat-demons will call out to each other. There also Liliths will settle, and find for themselves a resting place.


text:
Owls will nest there, lay eggs, hatch them, and care for their young under the shadow of their wings; yes, indeed, vultures will gather there, each one with its mate."


text:
"Study and read from the book of the LORD: And not one will be missing, each will not long for its mate. For it is the mouth of the LORD that has issued the order, and it is his Spirit that has gathered them.


text:
It is he who has allotted their portions, and his hand has divided it for them with a measuring line forever. They will possess it forever; from generation to generation they will live in it."


text:
it will burst into bloom, and rejoice with gladness and shouts of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.


text:
Say to those with anxious hearts, 'Be strong, do not be afraid! Here is your God-he will bring vengeance, he will bring divine retribution, and he will save you.'


text:
then the lame will leap like deer, and the tongues of speechless people will sing for joy. Yes, waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will run through the desert;


text:
the burning sands will become a pool, and the thirsty ground fountains of water. In the haunts of jackals there will be a verdant resting place with reeds and rushes."


text:
"A highway will be there, yes there, and people will call it 'The Holy Way'. As for unclean people, they will not journey on it, but it will be for whomever is traveling on that Way-not even fools will get lost.


text:
No lions will be there-no, nor will any ferocious beasts get up on it, and they will not be found there. "But the redeemed will walk there,


text:
and the LORD's ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing. Everlasting joy will rest upon their heads, gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and mourning will flee away."


text:
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, King Sennacherib of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.


text:
Then the king of Assyria sent his field commander, along with a very large army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. When the field commander stopped at the aqueduct at the Upper Pool on the road to Laundryman's Field,


text:
Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the secretary, and Asaph's son Joah, the recorder, went out to him.


text:
The field commander told them: "Tell Hezekiah, king of Judah, 'This is what the mighty king, the king of Assyria, has to say: What is this "guarantee" that makes you yourself rely on it?


text:
Do you really think that guarantees alone can withstand strategy and military strength? On whom are you now depending, that you're rebelling against me?


text:
Take note: you're relying on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the palm of anyone who leans on it. This is what Pharaoh king of Egypt is like to everybody who depends on him!


text:
But if you all say to me, "We are depending on the LORD our God"-isn't he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, while he kept on telling Judah and Jerusalem, 'You are to worship in front of this altar in Jerusalem'?


text:
Come now, all of you, make a bet with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses, if you can furnish riders for them!


text:
How, then, can you repulse even one officer from the least of my master's officials, when you are depending for yourselves on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?


text:
One other thing: have I really marched against this country to destroy it apart from the LORD's direction? The LORD himself ordered me, 'March against this country to destroy it.'"


text:
Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah replied to him, "Please speak with your servants-with us-in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don't speak to us in Hebrew where the people sitting on the wall can hear."


text:
But the field commander asked, "Was it only to all of you and to your master that my master sent me to speak these things? Wasn't it also to the men sitting on the wall-who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?"


text:
Then the commander stood up and shouted out loud in Hebrew: "Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria!


text:
Don't let Hezekiah persuade you to rely on the LORD when he says, "The LORD will really deliver us!" and "This city will never be handed over to the king of Assyria!"


text:
Don't listen to Hezekiah, because this is what the king of Assyria says: 'Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then everyone will eat from his own vine and from his own fig tree, and everyone will drink water from his own cistern,


text:
until I come and take you away to a land like your own land-to a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.'


text:
Be careful not to let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, "The LORD will save us." Has any god of any nation ever delivered his country from the king of Assyria?


text:
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they saved Samaria from me?


text:
Who among all the gods of these countries has delivered their land from me? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from me?'"


text:
But the people remained silent and didn't respond to him with so much as a single word, because the king had commanded, "Don't answer him."


text:
Then Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the secretary, and Asaph's son Joah, the recorder, approached Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and let him know what the field commander had said.


text:
As soon as Hezekiah the king heard this, he tore his clothes, dressed himself in sackcloth, and went into the LORD's Temple.


text:
Then he sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, all wearing sackcloth, to Amoz's son, the prophet Isaiah.


text:
"Here is what Hezekiah says," they told him. "This day is a day of trouble, rebuke, and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth and there is no energy to deliver them.


text:
Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, sent to mock the living God, and perhaps he will rebuke the words that the LORD your God has heard. So lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives in this city."


text:
"Here is what to tell your master," Isaiah told them. "This is what the LORD says: 'Don't be afraid of the words you've heard-those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have insulted me.


text:
Watch this! I'm going to place an attitude within him, so that when he hears a certain report, he'll return to his own country. Then I'll have him cut down by the sword in his own land."


text:
So the field commander returned and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah, since he had heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish.


text:
Now King Sennacherib had received this report concerning King Tirhakah of Cush: "He has marched out to fight against you." When he heard it, he returned and sent messengers to Hezekiah:


text:
"Say this to Hezekiah king of Judah: 'Don't let your God on whom you depend deceive you when he says, "Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria."


text:
Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all countries, dooming them to destruction. So do you think you will be saved?


text:
Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my ancestors save them-the nations of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden, who were in Tel-assar?


text:
Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, or of Hena, or of Ivvah, or of Samaria?'"


text:
Hezekiah received the letters from the messengers, and read them. Then he went up to the LORD's Temple and spread the letters in front of the LORD.


text:
"O LORD of the Heavenly Armies, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you alone are the God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth.


text:
Extend your ear, LORD, and listen! Open your eyes, LORD, and look! Listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to mock the living God.


text:
and have thrown their gods into the fire-but they are not gods, but rather the products of human hands, mere wood and stone. So the Assyrians destroyed them.


text:
So now, LORD our God, save us from his oppressive hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God."


text:
Then Amoz's son Isaiah sent this message to Hezekiah: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, to whom you prayed concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria.


text:
This is the message that the LORD has spoken in opposition to him: "'The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem-she tosses her head behind you as you flee.


text:
Whom have you insulted and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!


text:
By your messengers you have insulted the LORD, and you have said, "With my many chariots I have climbed the heights of mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its pines; I reached its remotest heights, the most verdant of its forests.


text:
I myself dug wells and drank foreign waters; with the soles of my feet I dried up all the streams of Egypt."


text:
"'Didn't you hear how in the distant past I decided to do it, how I planned from days of old? Now I've made it happen-that fortified cities become devastated, besieged heaps.


text:
Their inhabitants are devoid of power, and are terrified and put to shame. They've become like plants in the field, like green shoots, like grass on rooftops, scorched by the east wind.


text:
"'I know when you rise up and when you sit down, your comings and goings-and how you've become enraged at me.


text:
Your insolence has reached my ears, so I'll put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I'll make you turn back on the road by which you came.


text:
"And this will be your sign, Hezekiah: Eat this year what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow, reap, plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.


text:
Then the ones belonging to the house of Judah who have escaped will gather, and those who are found will take root downward and bear fruit upward.


text:
For a remnant will come out of Zion, and a band of survivors from Jerusalem. The zeal of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will accomplish this.


text:
"Therefore this what the LORD says concerning the king of Assyria: 'He won't enter this city, build up a siege ramp against it, shoot an arrow here, or threaten it with a shield.


text:
'because I will defend this city and deliver it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David!'"


text:
After this, the angel of the LORD went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. When Hezekiah's army awakened in the morning-there were all the dead bodies!


text:
Later, while he was worshiping in the house of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer cut him down with swords and escaped to the land of Ararat. Then Sennacherib's son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.


text:
During that time, Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. Then Amoz's son Isaiah the prophet came to him and told him, "This is what the LORD says: 'Put your house in order, because you are going to die. You won't recover.'"


text:
"Please, LORD," he said, "Remember how I have walked before you faithfully and with a true heart, and I have done what pleases you." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.


text:
"Go tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the LORD God of your ancestor David has to say: "I've heard your prayer and I've seen your tears; so I will add fifteen years to your life.


text:
I'll save you and this city from the king of Assyria, and I'll defend this city, for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.


text:
Watch! I will make the shadow on the steps of the upper dial of Ahaz that marks the sun go ten steps backwards."'" Then the sunlight turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had gone down.


text:
I said, "Must I leave in the prime of my life? Must I be consigned to the control of Sheol? Bitter are my years!"


text:
I said, "I won't see the LORD in the land of the living; and I'll no longer observe human beings among the denizens of the grave.


text:
My house has been plucked up and vanishes from me like a shepherd's tent; like a weaver, I've taken account of my life, and he cuts me off from the loom-day and night you make an end of me.


text:
I've been swept bare until morning; just like a lion, he breaks all my bones-day and night you make an end of me.


text:
Like a swallow or a crane I chirp, I moan like a dove. My eyes look weakly upward. O Lord, I am oppressed, so stand up for me!


text:
What can I say, so I tell myself, since he has done this to me? I will walk slowly all my years because of my soul's anguish.


text:
"My Lord is against them, yet they live, and among all of them who live is his spirit. Now you have restored me to health, so let me live!


text:
Yes, it was for my own good that I suffered extreme anguish. But in love you have held back my life from the Pit in which it has been confined; you have tossed all my sins behind your back.


text:
For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot sing your praise; and those who go down to the Pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.


text:
The living-yes the living-they thank you, just as I am doing today; fathers will tell their children about your faithfulness.


text:
The LORD will save me, and we will play my music on strings all the days of our lives in the LORD's Temple.


text:
Now Isaiah had said, "Let them prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, so that he may recover."


text:
At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, when he heard he had been sick and had survived.


text:
Hezekiah was delighted with them, and showed them everything in his treasure-houses-the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oils, his entire armory, and everything found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.


text:
Then the prophet Isaiah came to King Hezekiah and asked him, "What did these men have to say? And from where did they come to you?" Hezekiah replied, "From a distant land-they came to me from Babylon."


text:
"What did they see in your palace?" he asked. "They saw everything in my palace," Hezekiah replied. "There is nothing in my treasuries that I did not show them."


text:
'The days are surely coming when everything in your palace and all that your ancestors have stored up to this day will be carried off to Babylon. They will come in, and nothing will be left,' says the LORD.


text:
'Then some of your own sons, who will come from your loins, whom you will father, will be taken away to become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'"


text:
"The message from the LORD that you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied to Isaiah, since he was thinking, "...at least there will be peace and security in my lifetime."


text:
"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her heavy service has been completed, that her penalty has been paid, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins."


text:
A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; and in the desert a straight highway for our God.'


text:
Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be lowered; the rough ground will become level, and the mountain ridges made a plain.


text:
Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity will see it at once; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."


text:
A voice says, "Cry out!" So I asked, "What am I to cry out?" "All humanity is grass, and all its loyalty is like the flowers of the field.


text:
Grass withers and flowers fade away when the LORD's breath blows on them; surely the people are like grass.


text:
Grass withers and flowers fade away, when the LORD's breath blows on them, but the word of our God will stand forever. "


text:
"Climb up a high mountain, you messenger of good news to Zion! Lift up your voice with strength, you messenger to Jerusalem! Lift it up! Don't be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!'


text:
Look! The Lord GOD comes with strength, and his arm rules for him. Look! His reward is with him, and his payment accompanies him.


text:
Like a shepherd, he tends his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms, carries them close to his heart, and gently leads the mother sheep."


text:
"Who has measured the waters of the sea in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens by the width of his hand? Who has enclosed the dust of the earth in a measuring bowl, or weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?


text:
With whom did he consult to enlighten and instruct him on the path of justice? Or who taught him knowledge and showed him the way of wisdom?


text:
"Look! The nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are reckoned as dust on the scales. Look! He even lifts up the islands like powder!


text:
To an idol? A craftsman makes the image, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts silver chains.


text:
To the impoverished person? He prepares an offering-wood that won't rot-Or to the one who chooses a skilled craftsman and seeks to erect an idol that won't topple?"


text:
"You know, don't you? You have heard, haven't you? Hasn't it been told you from the beginning? Haven't you understood from the foundations of the earth?


text:
He's the one who sits above the disk of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. He's the one who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in,


text:
No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the earth, than he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest sweeps them away like stubble.


text:
"Lift your eyes up to heaven and see who created all these-the one who leads out their vast array of stars by number, calling them all by name-because of his great might and his powerful strength-and not one is missing."


text:
"Jacob, why do you say-and Israel, why do you complain-'My predicament is hidden from the LORD, and my cause is ignored by my God.'?


text:
Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The LORD is the eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary; and his understanding cannot be fathomed.


text:
but those who keep waiting for the LORD will renew their strength. Then they'll soar on wings like eagles; they'll run and not grow weary; they'll walk and not grow tired."


text:
"Be silent before me, you coastlands, and let the people renew their strength! Let them come forward, then let them speak together-let's draw near for a ruling.


text:
Who has aroused victory from the east, and has summoned it to his service, and has handed over nations to him? Who brings down kings, and turns them into dust with his sword, into windblown stubble with his bow?


text:
Who has performed and carried this out, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD-the first and will be with the last-I am the One!"


text:
"The coastlands have looked and are afraid; the ends of the earth have drawn near together and come forward.


text:
The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and the hammersmith encourages the one who strikes the anvil. He says about the welding, 'It's good!' and he reinforces it with nails so that it won't topple."


text:
you whom I encouraged from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, and told you, 'You're my servant, I've chosen you and haven't cast you aside.'


text:
Don't be afraid, because I'm with you; don't be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I'm truly helping you. I'm surely upholding you with my victorious right hand."


text:
"Look! All who are enraged at you will be put to shame and disgraced; those who contend with you will all die.


text:
"For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, 'Don't be afraid. I'll help you.


text:
Don't be afraid, you little worm Jacob, and you insects of Israel! I myself will help you,' declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."


text:
"See, I'm making you into a new, sharp, and multi-tooth threshing sledge. You'll thresh and crush the mountains, and make the hills like chaff.


text:
You'll winnow them, and the wind will lift them up, and a tempest will blow them away. Then you'll rejoice in the LORD, and you'll make your boast in the Holy One of Israel."


text:
"As for the poor, the needy, those seeking water-when there is none and their tongues are parched from thirst-I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, won't abandon them.


text:
I'll open up rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I'll turn the desert into a pool of water, and the parched land into springs of water.


text:
I'll put cedar trees in the wilderness, along with acacia, myrtle, and olive trees. I'll plant cypresses in the desert-box trees, and pine trees together-


text:
all so that people may see and recognize, perceive, consider, and comprehend at the same time, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and that the Holy One of Israel has created it."


text:
Let them approach and ask us, 'What will happen? As to the former things, what were they? Tell us, so that we may consider them and know. Or the latter things or the things to come-let us hear.


text:
Tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods! Yes, do something good or something bad, so we may hear and gaze at it together.'"


text:
"You are stirring up one from the north, and they are coming from the rising of the sun; and he will be called by his name. Rulers will arrive like mud; just like a potter, he will trample the clay.


text:
Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could ask, 'Is it right?' Indeed, no one told of this, no one made an announcement, and no one heard your words:


text:
But when I look, there is no one-among them there's no one to give counsel, no one to give an answer when I ask them.


text:
See, none of them exist, and their deeds are nothing. Their metal images are only wind and confusion.'"


text:
"Here is my servant, whom I support, my chosen one, in whom I delight. I've placed my Spirit upon him; and he'll deliver his justice throughout the world.


text:
A crushed reed he will not break, and a fading candle he won't snuff out. He'll bring forth justice for the truth.


text:
And he won't grow faint or be crushed until he establishes justice on the mainland, and the coastlands take ownership of his Law."


text:
This is what God says-the God who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its produce, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:


text:
"I've called you in righteousness. I'll take hold of your hand. I'll preserve you and appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light for the nations,


text:
to open blind eyes and to bring out those who are bound from their cells, and those sitting in darkness from prison.


text:
See, the former things have taken place, and I'm announcing the new things-before they spring into being I'm telling you about them."


text:
Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the ends of the earth, you who sail down the sea and by everything in it, you coastlands and their inhabitants.


text:
Let the desert cry out, its towns and the villages where Kedar lives; and let those who live in Sela sing for joy. Let them shout aloud from the mountaintops.


text:
The LORD marches out like a warrior; he stirs up his rage like a man of war; he makes his anger heard; he shouts aloud; he declares his mastery over his enemies:


text:
"I have certainly stayed silent for a long time; I've kept still and held myself back. Now, like a woman giving birth, I'll cry out. All of a sudden I'll gasp and pant.


text:
I'll devastate the mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I'll turn rivers into islands, and dry up the ponds.


text:
I'll help the blind walk, even on a road they do not know; I'll guide them in directions they do not know. I'll turn the dark places into light in front of them, and the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I won't abandon them.


text:
Those who trust in carved idols will turn back and be completely disappointed, along with those who say to metal images, 'You are our gods.'"


text:
Who is blind except my servant, or deaf like my messenger I am sending? Who is blind like the one committed to me, or blind like the LORD's servant?


text:
The LORD was pleased, for the sake of his vindication, that he should magnify his Law and make it glorious.


text:
But this is a people who have been robbed and plundered, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become prey, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, 'Send them back!'


text:
"Who handed Jacob over to looters, and Israel to robbers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? After all, they weren't willing to walk in his ways, and they wouldn't obey his instruction,


text:
so he drenched him with the heat that is his anger, the violence of war. It enveloped him in flames, but still he had no insight. It burned him up, but he didn't take it to heart."


text:
But now this is what the LORD says, the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: "Do not be afraid, because I've redeemed you. I've called you by name; you are mine.


text:
When you pass through the waters, I'll be with you; and through the rivers, they won't sweep over you. when you walk through fire you won't be scorched, and the flame won't set you ablaze.


text:
"I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Redeemer. And I've given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and the people of Seba in exchange for you.


text:
Since you're precious in my sight and honored, and because I love you, I'm giving up people in your place, and nations in exchange for your life."


text:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you; I'll bring your children from the east, and gather you from the west.


text:
I'll say to the north, 'Give them up'! and to the south, 'Don't keep them back!' Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the ends of the earth-


text:
Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. "Who is there among them who can declare this, or announce the former things? Let them produce their witnesses to prove them right, and let them proclaim so people will say, 'It's true.'


text:
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and trust me and understand that I am the One. Before me no God was formed, nor will there be one after me.


text:
I've revealed and saved and proclaimed, when there was no foreign god among you-and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD.


text:
"I am God; also from ancient days I am the one. And there is no one who can deliver out of my hand; when I act, who can reverse it?"


text:
This is what the LORD says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring them all down as fugitives. Now as for the Babylonians, their ringing cry will become lamentation.


text:
who brings out chariots and horsemen, and armies and warriors at the same time. They lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a candle:


text:
Watch! I'm about to carry out something new! And now it's springing up-don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and paths in the desert.


text:
Wild animals, jackals, and owls will honor me because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give drink to my people, my chosen ones,


text:
You haven't brought me your sheep for a burnt-offering, nor have you honored me with your sacrifices, nor have you made meal offerings for me-yet I have not tired you about incense!


text:
You haven't bought me sweet cane with money, nor have you satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. You have only burdened me with your sins and made me tired with your iniquities.


text:
"I, I am the one who blots out your transgression for my own sake, and I'll remember your sins no more.


text:
Recount the brief! Let's argue the matter together; Present your case, so that you may be proved right.


text:
So I'll disgrace the leaders of the Temple, and I'll consign Jacob to total destruction and Israel to contempt.


text:
This what the LORD says, the one who made you, formed you from the womb, and who will help you: "Don't be afraid, Jacob my servant, and Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.


text:
For I'll pour water upon thirsty ground and streams on parched land. So will I pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing upon your descendants.


text:
One will say, 'I belong to the LORD,' and another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will have written on his hand, 'the LORD's,' and will adopt the name of Israel."


text:
This is what the LORD says, the King of Israel and its Redeemer-the LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name-: "I am the first and I am the last, and apart from me there is no God.


text:
Who is like me? Let him proclaim and declare it, and lay it out for himself-since he made an ancient people. And let him speak future events; let them tell him what will happen.


text:
Don't tremble, and don't be afraid. Didn't I tell you and announce it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? There is no other Rock-I don't know of any."


text:
Now, all the forming of images means nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their own witnesses cannot see, and they know nothing. So they will be put to shame.


text:
To be sure, all who associate with it will be put to shame; and as for the craftsmen, they are only human. Let them all gather together and take their stand. Then let them be terrified-they will be humiliated together.


text:
The blacksmith prepares a tool and works in the coals, then fashions an idol with hammers, working by the strength of his arm. He even becomes hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint.


text:
The carpenter measures it with a line; he traces its shape with a stylus, then fashions it with planes and shapes it with a compass. He makes the idol like a human figure, with human beauty, to be at home in a shrine.


text:
He cuts down cedars, or chooses a cypress tree or an oak, and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. Or he plants a cedar, and the rain makes it grow.


text:
He divides it up for people to burn. Taking part of it, he warms himself, makes a fire, and bakes bread. Or perhaps he constructs a god and worships it. He makes it an idol and bows down to it.


text:
Half the wood he burns in the fire, and over that half he places meat so he can eat. He sits by its coals, warms himself, and says, "Ah! I am warm in front of the fire."


text:
And the rest of it he makes into a god. To blocks of wood he bows down, worships, prays to it, and says, "Save me, since you are my god."


text:
They don't realize; they don't understand, because their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds, too, so they cannot understand.


text:
No one stops to think. No one has the knowledge or understanding to think-yes to think!-"Half of it I burned in the fire. I even baked bread on its coals, and I roasted meat and ate it. And am I about to make detestable things from what is left? Am I about to bow down to blocks of wood?"


text:
He tends ashes. A deceived mind has lead him astray. It cannot be his life, nor can he say, "There's a lie in my right hand."


text:
"Remember these things, Jacob, Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you; you are a servant to me. Israel, you must not mislead me.


text:
I've wiped away your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist. Return to me; because I've redeemed you.


text:
"Shout for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout aloud, you depths of the earth! Burst out with singing, you mountains, you forest, and all your trees! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob and will display his glory in Israel.


text:
"This is what the LORD says, your Redeemer and the one who formed you in the womb: "I am the LORD who has made everything, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth-Who was with me at that time?-,


text:
who frustrates the omens of idle talkers, and drives diviners mad, who turns back the wise, and makes their knowledge foolish;


text:
who carries out the words of his servants, and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It will be inhabited,' and of Judah's cities, 'They will be rebuilt,' and of her ruins, 'I'll raise them up';


text:
who says about Cyrus, 'He's my shepherd, and he'll carry out everything that I please: He'll say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of my Temple, "Let its foundations be laid again."'"


text:
This is what the LORD says to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, as I strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him and gates that cannot keep closed:


text:
"I myself will go before you, and he will make the mountains level; I'll shatter bronze doors and cut through iron bars.


text:
I'll give you concealed treasures and riches hidden in secret places, so that you'll know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.


text:
For the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen, I've called you, and he has established you with a name, although you have not acknowledged me.


text:
I am the LORD, and there is no other besides me: and there are no gods. I'm strengthening you, although you have not acknowledged me,


text:
so that from the sun's rising to the west people may know that there is none besides me. "I am the LORD, and there is no other."


text:
"I form light and create darkness, I make goodness and create disaster. I am the LORD, who does all these things.


text:
"Shout, you skies above, and you clouds, and let righteousness stream down. I am the one who says to the earth, 'Let salvation blossom, and let righteousness sprout forth.'


text:
"Woe to the one who quarrels with his makers, a mere potsherd with the potsherds of the earth! Woe to the one who says to the one forming him, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no human hands?'!


text:
Woe to the one who says to his father, 'What are you begetting?' or to a woman, 'To what are you giving birth?'!"


text:
This is what the Lord says, the Creator of the signs: "Question me about my children? Or give me orders about the work of my hands?


text:
I myself made the earth and personally created humankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the skies; I marshaled all their starry hosts."


text:
"I have aroused him in righteousness, and I'll make all his pathways smooth. It is he who will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price nor reward, " says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
This is what the LORD says: "The wealth of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, those Sabeans, men of great heights. They'll come over to you and will be yours; They'll trudge behind you-coming over in chains, they'll bow down to you. They'll plead with you, 'Surely God is in you; and there is no other God at all.'"


text:
All of them will be put to shame-indeed, disgraced! The makers of idols will go off in disgrace together.


text:
But Israel will be saved by the LORD with everlasting salvation; you won't be put to shame or disgraced ever again."


text:
For this is what the LORD says, who created the heavens-he is God, and the one who formed the earth and made it, and he is the one who established it; he didn't create it for chaos, but formed it to be inhabited-"I am the LORD and there is no other.


text:
I didn't speak in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I didn't say to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in chaos.' I, the LORD, speak truth, declaring what is right.


text:
"Gather together and come; draw near and enter, your fugitives from the nations. Those who carry around their wooden idols know nothing, nor do those who keep praying to a god that cannot save.


text:
Explain and present a case! Yes, let them take counsel together. Who announced this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me, a righteous God and Savior; and there is none besides me.


text:
By myself I have sworn-from my mouth has gone out integrity, a promise that won't be revoked: 'To me every knee will bow, and every tongue will swear. '


text:
One will say of me, 'Only in the LORD are victories and might.' All who raged against him will come to him and will be put to shame.


text:
"Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low. Their idols are on beasts, on livestock. Your loads are more burdensome than their reports.


text:
They stoop, they bow down together, and they are not able to rescue the burden, but they themselves go off into captivity.


text:
"Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all you remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld from before your birth, and who have been carried from the womb.


text:
Even until your old age, I am the one, and I'll carry you even until your gray hairs come. It is I who have created, and I who will carry, and it is I who will bear and save.


text:
Those who pour out gold in a purse, weigh silver in a balance, hire a goldsmith in order to make a god, and then they bow down and even worship it.


text:
And they lift it on their shoulders, carry it, set it up in its place, and there it stands. It cannot move from that spot. One may even call to it, but it cannot answer nor save him from his distress.


text:
Remember the former things from long ago, Because I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is none like me.


text:
I declare from the beginning things to follow, and from ancient times things that have not yet been done; saying, 'My purpose will stand, and he will accomplish everything that I please.'


text:
I am calling a bird of prey from the east, and from a far country a man with his purpose. Indeed, I've spoken; I will certainly make it happen; I've planned it; and I will certainly carry it out.


text:
My righteousness is brought near and it's not far off, and my salvation won't delay. I'll grant salvation in Zion, and to Israel, my glory."


text:
"Come down and sit in the dust, Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a chair, Daughter of the Chaldeans! For no longer will they call you tender and attractive.


text:
Take millstones and grind flour. Remove your veil, strip off your robes, bare your legs, and wade through the rivers.


text:
Your nakedness will be exposed, and your disgrace will also be seen. I'll take vengeance, and I will spare no mortal.


text:
"Sit silent, and enter into the darkness, you daughter of the Chaldeans; for no more will they call you Queen of Kingdoms.


text:
I was angry with my people, and I desecrated my heritage, and gave them into your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the aged you laid your yoke most heavily.


text:
You said, 'I will always continue-Queen forever!' You didn't take these things into your thinking, nor did you think about their consequences.


text:
"Now hear this, you wanton creature, lounging with no cares, and saying to herself: 'I am the one, and there will be none besides me; I won't live as a widow, nor will I see the loss of children.'


text:
Both of these things will overtake you suddenly on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, despite the multitude of your incantations and the great power of your spells."


text:
"You trusted in your own knowledge. You said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge have misled you. You said in your heart, 'I am the one, and there will be none besides me.'


text:
"But disaster will come upon you, and you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will not be able to ward off; and devastation will come upon you suddenly, and you won't anticipate it.


text:
"But stand up now with your spells and your many incantations, at which you have labored from your childhood until today,


text:
according to your multiple schemes. Let them stand up now-those who conjure the heavens and gaze at the stars, predicting at the new moons-and save you from what is about to happen to them.


text:
"See, they are just like stubble; fire burns them up. They could not even save themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals for warming oneself, no fire to sit by.


text:
So will they be to you-those with whom you toiled and did business since your childhood-they wander about, each in his own direction; there is not one who can save you.


text:
"Listen to this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and who have come forth from Judah's loins; you who swear oaths in the name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel-but not in truth, nor in good faith.


text:
For they name themselves after the holy city, and rely on the God of Israel-the LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name.


text:
I foretold the former things long ago; it went forth from my mouth, and I disclosed them; Suddenly, I acted, and they came to pass.


text:
Because I knew that you are obstinate, and because your neck is an iron sinew, and your forehead is bronze,


text:
I told you these things long ago; I announced them to you before they happened so that you couldn't say, 'My idol did them; my carved image or metal idol ordained them.'


text:
"You have heard-now look at them all! How can you not admit them? From now on, I'll make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known.


text:
They are created now, and not long ago; you didn't hear them before today, so you cannot say, 'Yes, I knew them.'


text:
And neither had you heard, nor did you understand, nor did you open your ear long ago. Indeed, I knew that you would act very deceitfully, and they would call you a rebel from birth.


text:
I defer my anger for my name's sake, and as my first act I'm restraining it for you, so as not to cut you off.


text:
For my own sake-Yes, for my own sake!-I'm doing it; indeed, how can I be profaned? Furthermore, I won't give my glory to another."


text:
"Listen to these things, Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called. I am the One: I am the first, I am even the last.


text:
Moreover, my hands laid the earth's foundation, and my right hand spread out the heavens. I call out to them, and they stand up at together.


text:
Let all of them come together and listen: Who is there among them that could declare these things? "The LORD loves me, and he will accomplish my purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Chaldeans.


text:
I-Yes, I!-have spoken; indeed, I've called and I've brought him, and he will make his path successful.


text:
Draw near to me, and listen to this: 'From the beginning I haven't spoken in secret; at the time it happened, I was there.' And now the LORD God, and his Spirit, has sent me.


text:
"This is what the LORD says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you how to succeed, who directs you in the path by which you should go.


text:
Now if only you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your success like the waves of the sea.


text:
Your descendants would've been like the sand, and your offspring like its numberless grains. Their name wouldn't have been cut off or annihilated out of my reach.


text:
"Go out from Babylon, flee from the Chaldeans! With happy shouts, announce and proclaim this to the ends of the earth: Say, 'The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob!'


text:
They didn't thirst when he led him through the desolate places. He made water gush from a rock for them; he split open the rock, and water gushed out.


text:
"Listen to me, you coastlands! Pay attention, you people from far away! The LORD called me from the womb; while I was still in my mother's body, he pronounced my name.


text:
He made my mouth like a sharp sword; he hid me in the shadow of his hands. He made me like a polished arrow and hid me away in his quivers.


text:
"I said: 'I've labored for nothing. I've exhausted my strength on futility and on emptiness.' Yet surely my recompense is with the LORD, and my reward is with my God.


text:
"And now, says the LORD, who formed you from the womb as his servant to bring Jacob back to him so that Israel might be gathered to him-and I am honored in the LORD's sight and my God has been my help-


text:
he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Israel and bring back those of Jacob I have preserved. I'll also make you as a light to the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.


text:
"This is what my LORD says-the LORD your Redeemer, O Israel, and his Holy One-to one despised by people, to those abhorred as a nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings see and arise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, the one who has chosen you."


text:
"This what the LORD says: "I'll answer you in a time of favor, and on a day of salvation I'll help you. I have watched over you, and given you as a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to reassign the inheritances that have been devastated;


text:
saying to captives, 'Come out!' and to those who are in darkness, 'Be free!' "They will feed on all the mountains, and their pasture will be on all the barren hills.


text:
They won't hunger or thirst, nor will the desert heat or sun beat upon them; for the one who has compassion on them will drive them and guide them alongside springs of water.


text:
"Watch! They'll come from far away-some from the north and from the west, and others from the Aswan region."


text:
Shout with joy, you heavens, and rock with glee, you earth! Break out in song, you mountains! The LORD is comforting his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.


text:
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, or have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these mothers may forget; But as for me, I'll never forget you!


text:
Your builders are working faster than your destroyers, and those who devastated you go away from you.


text:
Lift up your eyes and look around-they have all gathered together and are coming to you. "As surely as I live," says the LORD, you will clothe yourself with all of them like ornaments, and tie them on like a bride.


text:
Indeed, your ruins, your desolate places, and your devastated land will now be too crowded for your inhabitants, while those who swallowed you up will be far away.


text:
"The children who are grieving at present will yet say in your hearing, 'This place is too crowded for me; make room for me, so I may have a place to live.'


text:
Then you'll ask in your heart, 'Who bore these children for me, although I was childless and barren, and an exile and cast aside? Who brought these up? Look! For my part I was left all alone; but as for these, where have they come from?'


text:
"For this what the LORD says, 'Watch! I'll lift up my hand to the nations and raise my banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.'


text:
"Oh, yes! Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens will be your nursing mothers. They will bow to you with their faces to the ground, and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.


text:
But this is what the LORD says: "He will seize even the warriors' plunder, and the captives of tyrants will be rescued. I myself will quarrel with those who have a quarrel with you, and I myself will save your children.


text:
"I'll make those who mistreat you eat their own flesh, and they will get drunk on their own blood, as with new wine. "Then all mankind will know that I am the LORD your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."


text:
This is what the LORD says: "Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Look! It's because of your sins that you were sold, and because of your transgressions that your mother was sent away.


text:
Why is it that when I came, no one was there? Why was there no answer when I called? Was my arm too short to redeem you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? Look! By my mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert. Their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst.


text:
"The LORD God has given me a learned tongue, so that I may know how to sustain the weary with words. And morning after morning he wakens, and he wakens my ear to listen like those who are being taught.


text:
I gave my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not turn away my face from insults and spitting.


text:
For the Lord GOD helps me, so I won't be disgraced. Therefore I've made my face like flint, and I know that I won't be put to shame.


text:
The one who vindicates me is near. Who, then, will bring a charge against me? Let's face each other! Who has a case against me? Let him confront me!


text:
See! It is the Lord GOD who will help me. Who is it that will declare me guilty? See! They will all wear out like a garment; moths will eat them up.


text:
Who among you fears the LORD, obeying the voice of his servant, who among you walks in darkness and have no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and rely upon his God.


text:
Look! All those who light a fire, who surround yourselves with flaming torches-walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have set ablaze! This is what you will receive from my hand: you will lie down in torment.


text:
"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD! Look to the rock from which you were cut, to the quarry from which you were hewn.


text:
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. For when he was only one person I called him, but I made him fruitful and made him many.


text:
For the LORD will have compassion on Zion, have compassion on all her ruins. He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her deserts like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving, and the sound of singing. Sorrow and sighing will flee away.


text:
"Pay attention to me, my people! Listen to me, my nation! For instruction will go out from me, and my justice will become a light for the nations. I will quickly bring


text:
my deliverance near; my salvation is on the way. His arm will bring justice to the nations; the coastlands will hope for him, and they will wait for his arm.


text:
"Lift up your eyes, you heavens and look to the earth beneath; and see who created these. Its inhabitants will die just like this; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never fail.


text:
Listen to me, you who know righteousness, you people who have my instruction in their hearts. Don't fear the insults of mortals, and don't be dismayed at their hateful words.


text:
For moths will eat them up just like a garment, and worms will devour them like wool; but my deliverance will last forever, and my salvation to all generations.


text:
"Awake! Awake! Clothe yourself with strength, you arm of the LORD! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of long ago. Was it not you who split apart Rehob, who pierced that sea monster through?


text:
Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed could cross over?"


text:
"The scattered ones of the LORD will return, and they will enter Zion with singing. Everlasting joy will be upon their heads; they will attain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.


text:
"I-yes, I-am the one who comforts you. Who are you, that you are so afraid of humans who will die, descendants of mere men, who have been made like grass?


text:
As a result, you have forgotten the LORD who made you, who stretched out the heavens and laid the earth's foundations, and you live in constant fear every day because of the oppressor's fury, since he's ready to destroy. Now where is the oppressor's fury?


text:
"For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea, so that its waves roar, 'The LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name.'


text:
I have put my words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of my hand, so that I could plant the heavens and lay the earth's foundations, to say to Zion, 'You are my people.'


text:
"Awake, Awake! Stand up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the LORD's hand from the cup that is his anger. You have drunk to the dregs the cup that makes you stagger, and have drained it.


text:
There is no one to guide you out of all the children she bore, no one to take her by the hand out of all the children she brought up.


text:
"These twin things have come upon you (who can feel sorry for you?): ruin and destruction, famine and the sword-who can console you?


text:
Your children have fainted. They lie at the head of every street, like antelope caught in a trap, filled with the anger of the LORD and the rebuke of your God.


text:
This is what your LORD, the LORD, says, your God, who defends his people's cause: "See, I have taken from your hand the cup that made you stagger. And you will never again drink to the dregs the cup that is my anger.


text:
But I will put it into the hands of those who tormented and oppressed you, those who said to you, 'Lie down, so we can step over you,' so that you had to make your back like the ground, and like a street for them to walk over."


text:
Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for the uncircumcised and the unclean won't enter you.


text:
Shake yourself from the dust and arise, and sit on your throne, O Jerusalem! Loosen the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.


text:
For this is what the LORD says: "My people went down long ago into Egypt to live there; the Assyrian, too, has oppressed them without cause.


text:
"Now therefore, what am I doing here," asks the LORD, "seeing that my people are taken away without cause? Those who rule over them are deluded," says the LORD, "and continually, all the day long, my name is blasphemed.


text:
Therefore my people will know my name; in that day they'll know that it is I who speaks, 'Here I am!'


text:
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings news of peace, who announces good things, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'


text:
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for they will see in plain sight the return of the LORD to Zion with compassion.


text:
"Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, and he has redeemed Jerusalem.


text:
The LORD has bared his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.


text:
"Depart! Depart! Go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.


text:
For you won't go out in haste, nor will you go in flight; for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. He is called the God of all the earth."


text:
Just as many were astonished at you-so was he marred in his appearance, more than any human, and his form beyond that of human semblance-


text:
so will he startle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths at him; for what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.


text:
For he grew up before him like a tender plant, and like a root out of a dry ground; he had no form and he had no majesty that we should look at him, and there is no attractiveness that we should desire him.


text:
"He was despised and rejected by others, and a man of sorrows, intimately familiar with suffering; and like one from whom people hide their faces; and we despised him and did not value him.


text:
"Surely he has borne our sufferings and carried our sorrows; yet we considered him stricken, and struck down by God, and afflicted.


text:
But he was wounded for our transgressions, and he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that made us whole was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed.


text:
All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each of us, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.


text:
He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he didn't open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.


text:
"From detention and judgment he was taken away-and who can even think about his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living, he was stricken for the transgression of my people.


text:
Then they made his grave with the wicked, and with rich people in his death, although he had committed no violence, nor was there any deceit in his mouth."


text:
"Yet the LORD was willing to crush him, and he made him suffer. Although you make his soul an offering for sin, He will see his offspring, and he will prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will triumph in his hand.


text:
Out of the suffering of his soul he will see light and find satisfaction. And through his knowledge his servant, the righteous one, will make many righteous, and he will bear their iniquities.


text:
Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong; because he poured out his life to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he carried the sins of many, and made intercession for their transgressions."


text:
"Sing, you barren woman, even the one who never bore a child! Burst into song and shout for joy, even you who were never in labor! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her that is married," says the LORD.


text:
"Enlarge the location of your tent, let the curtains of your dwellings be stretched wide, and don't hold back. Lengthen your cords; strengthen your stakes.


text:
For you will spread out to the right hand and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will populate the deserted towns.


text:
"Don't be afraid, because you won't be ashamed; don't fear shame, for you won't be humiliated-because you will forget the disgrace of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.


text:
For your Maker is your husband; the LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name, and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth.


text:
For the LORD has called you back like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like the wife of a man's youth when she is cast off," says the LORD your God.


text:
I hid my face from you for a moment in a surge of anger, but I will have compassion on you with my everlasting gracious love," says the LORD your Redeemer.


text:
"For this is like the waters of Noah to me, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again spread over the earth; so have I sworn that I won't be angry with you again and that I won't rebuke you.


text:
For the mountains may collapse and the hills may reel, but my gracious love will not depart from you, neither will my covenant of peace totter," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.


text:
"O afflicted one, passed back and forth, and not comforted, Look! I am about to set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires.


text:
And I'll make your battlements of rubies, and your gates of jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.


text:
"In righteousness you'll be established; you will be far from tyranny, for you won't be afraid, and from terror, for it won't come near you.


text:
Watch! If anyone does attack you, it will not be from me; whoever may attack you will fall because of you.


text:
Look! It is I who have created the blacksmith who fans coals in the fire, and produces a weapon for his purpose. It is I who have created the ravager to wreak havoc;


text:
no weapon that is forged against you will be effective. This is the heritage of the LORD's servants, and their righteousness from me," says the LORD.


text:
"Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters! Also, you that have no money, come, buy, and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk without money and without price.


text:
Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in rich food.


text:
Pay attention to me, come to me; and listen, so that you may live; then I'll make an everlasting covenant with you, as promised by my faithful, sure love for David.


text:
"Look! You will call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that does not know you will run to you, because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you."


text:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous person his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD, So he'll have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he'll pardon abundantly.


text:
"For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.


text:
"For just as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, yielding seed for the sower and bread for eating,


text:
so will my message be that goes out of my mouth-it won't return to me empty. Instead, it will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.


text:
"For you will go out in joy, and come back with peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands.


text:
Instead of thornbushes, pine trees will grow, and instead of briers, myrtles will grow; and they will be a sign for the LORD, and an everlasting name that will not be cut off."


text:
For this is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and soon my deliverance will be revealed.


text:
Blessed is the one who does this, and the person that holds it fast, who observes the Sabbath without profaning it, and restrains his hands from practicing any evil.


text:
"Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say: 'The LORD will surely exclude me from his people.' Furthermore, let no eunuch say, 'Look! I am just a dry tree.'"


text:
For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me, and who hold fast my covenant-


text:
to them I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.


text:
"Also, the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, and to bless the LORD's name, observing the Sabbath without profaning it, and who hold fast my covenant-


text:
these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices will rise up to be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for everyone."


text:
This is what the Lord GOD says, the one who gathers the outcasts of Israel: "I'll gather still others to them besides those already gathered.


text:
His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge. They are all dumb dogs-they cannot bark. They keep on dreaming and lying around, and they're lovers of sleep!


text:
Meanwhile, the dogs have a mighty appetite-they can never get enough. And as for them, they are the shepherds who lack understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, each and every one.


text:
"'Come!' they say, 'let's have some wine, and let's fill ourselves with strong drink! Then, tomorrow will be like today, or even much better!'"


text:
"Also the righteous are perishing, but no one takes it to heart; devout people are taken away, while no one understands that the righteous person is taken away from calamity.


text:
"But as for you, come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!


text:
Whom are you mocking? And against whom do you make a wide mouth and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of lies,


text:
you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every spreading tree, who slaughter your children in the ravines, under the clefts of the rocks?


text:
"Among the smooth stones of the ravines is your portion-there they are as your lot. To them you have poured out drink offerings; you have brought grain offerings. Should I be lenient over such things?


text:
Behind the doors and the doorposts you have set up your pagan sign." For in deserting me you have uncovered your bed-you have climbed up into it and have opened it wide. And you have made a pact for yourself with them; you have loved their bed, you have looked on their private parts.


text:
You went to Molech with olive oil and increased your perfumes; you sent your ambassadors far away, you sent them down even to Sheol itself!


text:
You grew tired with your many wanderings, but you wouldn't say: 'It is hopeless.' You found new strength for your desire, and so you did not falter.


text:
"Whom did you so dread-and while you feared me-that you lied, and you did not remember me, and did not lay to heart these things? Haven't I remained silent for a long time, and still you don't fear me?"


text:
"I will denounce your righteousness and your works, for your collections of idols will not benefit you.


text:
When you cry out, let your collection deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, and a mere breath will sweep them all away."


text:
And one has said: 'Build up! Build up the road! Prepare the highway! Remove every obstacle from my people's way.'


text:
"For this is what the high and lofty One says, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "He lives in the height and in holiness, and also with the one who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.


text:
For I won't accuse forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the human spirit would grow faint before me-even the souls that I have created.


text:
Because of his wicked greed I was angry, so I punished him; and I hid my face, and was angry-but he kept turning back to his stubborn will.


text:
I've seen his ways, yet I will heal him, and restore for him comfort to him and for those who mourn for him


text:
when I create the fruit of the lips: Peace to the one who is far away or near," says the LORD, "and I'll heal him.


text:
But the wicked are tossed like the sea; for it is not able to keep still, and its waters toss up mire and mud.


text:
"Shout aloud! Don't hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Declare to my people their rebellions, and to the house of Jacob their sins.


text:
They seek me day after day, and are eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practices righteousness and has not forsaken the justice of their God. "They ask me to reveal just decisions; they are eager to draw near to God.


text:
'Why have we fasted?' they ask, But you do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves, but you take no notice?'"


text:
"Look! You fast only for quarreling, and for fighting, and for hitting with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice heard on high.


text:
"Is this the kind of fast that I have chosen, merely a day for a person to humble himself? Is it merely for bowing down one's head like a bulrush, for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, an acceptable day to the LORD?


text:
Isn't this the fast that I have been choosing: to loose the bonds of injustice, and to untie the cords of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?


text:
Isn't it to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him with clothing, and not to raise yourself up from your own flesh and blood?"


text:
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will spring up quickly; and your vindication will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will guard your back.


text:
Then you'll call, and the LORD will answer; you'll cry for help, and he'll respond, 'Here I am.' "If you do away with the yoke among you, and pointing fingers and malicious talk;


text:
if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the needs of afflicted souls, then your light will rise in darkness, and your night will be like noonday.


text:
And the LORD will guide you continuously, and satisfy your soul in parched places, and they will strengthen your bones; and you'll be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.


text:
And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You'll raise up the age-old foundations, and people will call you 'Repairer of Broken Walls,' 'Restorer of Streets to Live In.'


text:
"If you keep your feet from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable; and if you honor it by not going your own ways and seeking your own pleasure or speaking merely idle words,


text:
then you will take delight in the LORD, and he will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; and he will make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob, your father. "Yes! The mouth of the LORD has spoken."


text:
Instead, your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have concealed his face from you so that he won't listen.


text:
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your tongue mutters wickedness.


text:
No one brings a lawsuit fairly, and no one goes to law honestly; they have relied on empty arguments and they tell lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to iniquity.


text:
They hatch adders' eggs and weave a spider's web; whoever eats their eggs dies, and any crushed egg hatches out futility.


text:
Their cobwebs cannot become clothing, they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are deeds of iniquity, and acts of violence fill their hands.


text:
Their feet rush to evil, and they are quick to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; ruin, destruction, and violence are in their paths.


text:
The pathway of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their courses. They have made their roads crooked; no one who walks in them will know peace."


text:
"So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We wait for light, but look-there is darkness; we wait for brightness, but we walk in deep darkness.


text:
Let's grope along the wall like the blind; let us grope like those who have no eyes. We stumble at midday as if it were twilight, in desolate places like dead people.


text:
We all growl like bears; we sigh mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but there is none, and for deliverance, but it's far from us.


text:
"For our transgressions before you are many, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we acknowledge them:


text:
they've rebelled in treachery against the LORD, and are turning away from following our God; and they've spoken oppression and revolt, and are conceiving lying words from the heart.


text:
I'll drive back justice, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in the public square, and honesty cannot enter.


text:
He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteous acts upheld him.


text:
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in fury like a cloak.


text:
So he will repay according to their action: Anger to his enemies, retribution to his foes; to the coastlands he will render their due.


text:
So people will fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glories from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a pent-up stream that the breath of the LORD drives along.


text:
"As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "And my Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, won't depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of your children's children, from now on and forever."


text:
For look! Darkness will cover the earth and thick darkness is over the people, but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.


text:
"Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather together, they come to you; your sons will come from far away, and your daughters will be carried on the hip."


text:
Then you will look and be radiant; your heart will swell with joy, because the abundance of the seas will be diverted to you, and the riches of the nations will come to you.


text:
Throngs of camels will blanket you: the young camels of Midian and Ephu; all those from Shebu will come. They'll carry gold and frankincense, and proclaim the praise of the LORD.


text:
All Kedar's flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you. and they'll come up with acceptance upon my altar, and I'll glorify my glorious house."


text:
For the coastlands will look to me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring my children from far away, their silver and gold with them, to the name of the LORD your God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.


text:
"Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in my anger I struck you down, in my favor I have shown you mercy.


text:
Your gates will always stand open by day or night, and they will not be shut, so that nations will bring you their wealth, with their kings led in procession.


text:
For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; those nations will be utterly ruined.


text:
"He has given you the glory of Lebanon, and it will come to you, the cypress, and the plane tree, and the pine, to adorn the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.


text:
"All the descendants of those who oppressed you will come bending low before you, and all those who despised you will bow down at your feet. They'll call you 'The City of the LORD,' 'Zion of the Holy One of Israel.'"


text:
"Although you have been forsaken and despised, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride, the joy of all generations.


text:
You'll suck the milk of nations, You'll suck the breasts of kings. Then you will realize that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.


text:
"Instead of bronze, I'll bring gold, and instead of iron, I'll bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. I'll appoint peace as your supervisor and righteousness as your taskmaster.


text:
Then violence will no longer be heard in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you'll call your walls 'Salvation', and your gates 'Praise'.


text:
"The sun will no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness will the moon shine on you by night-for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.


text:
Your sun won't set, nor will your moon withdraw itself-for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning will end.


text:
Then your people will all be righteous; They'll possess the land forever. They are the shoot that the LORD planted, the works of his hands, so that I might be glorified.


text:
The least of them will become a thousand, and the smallest one a mighty nation. "I am the LORD; When the time is right, I will do this swiftly."


text:
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed and to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners;


text:
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;


text:
to provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of despair." "Then people will call them "Oaks of Righteousness", "The Planting of the LORD", in order to display his splendor.


text:
They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will build again the ruined cities, they will build again the places devastated for many generations.


text:
But as for you, you will be called priests of the LORD, and you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of the nations, and you will boast about their riches.


text:
Instead of your shame you will receive double, and instead of disgrace people will shout with joy over your inheritance; therefore you will inherit a double portion in their land; everlasting joy will be yours."


text:
"For I, the LORD, love justice, and I hate robbery and iniquity; I will faithfully present your reward and make an everlasting covenant with you.


text:
Your offspring will be known among the nations, and your descendants among the people. All who see them will acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the LORD has blessed."


text:
"I will heartily rejoice in the LORD, my soul will delight in my God; for he has wrapped me in garments of salvation; he has arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, just like a bridegroom, like a priest with a garland, and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels.


text:
For just as the soil brings forth its shoots, and as a garden makes what is sown within it spring up, so the LORD God will make righteousness and praise spring up before all the nations


text:
"And I won't remain silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I won't stay quiet, until her vindication shines out like brightness, and her salvation like a burning torch.


text:
The nations will see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and people will call you by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.


text:
And you'll no longer be called 'Deserted,' and your land will no longer be called 'Desolate'; but people will call you 'Hephzibah,' and your land 'Beulah'-for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married."


text:
"For just as a young man marries a maiden, so your sons will marry you; and just as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God rejoice will over you.


text:
"Upon your walls, Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; all day and all night they won't remain silent. You who make mention of the LORD, take no rest,


text:
and give him no rest until he prepares, establishes and makes Jerusalem a song of praise throughout the earth.


text:
"The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: 'I will never again give your grain as food for your enemies; never again will foreigners drink your new wine for which you have toiled;


text:
but surely those who harvest it will eat it and praise the name of the LORD, and those who gather it will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary,' says your God."


text:
"Pass through the gates! prepare the way for the people! Build up! Build up the highway! Clear it of stumbling stones, speak among the peoples.


text:
Here is the LORD! Proclaim to the ends of the earth, say to the inhabitants of Zion: 'See, your salvation is coming! See, his reward is with him, and his recompenses are before him.'


text:
People will call them, 'The Holy People,' 'The Redeemed of the LORD'; and they will call you, 'Sought After,' 'The City Not Deserted.'"


text:
"Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, in garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in such splendor, marching in his great might? It is I, speaking in vindication, mighty to save.


text:
"Why is your clothing red, and your garments like those worn by the ones who tread in the winepress?


text:
"I have trodden the winepress alone, and from my people no one was with me, I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and I stained all my clothing.


text:
I looked, but there was no helper, I was appalled that there was no one to give support; so my own arm brought me victory, and as for my wrath, it supported me.


text:
I trampled people in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and I poured out their lifeblood on the ground."


text:
I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD, the praiseworthy acts of the LORD, according to all the LORD has done for us-yes, the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his gracious love.


text:
For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who won't act falsely." And so he became their savior.


text:
In all their distress he wasn't distressed, but the angel of his presence saved them; in his acts of love and in his acts of pity he redeemed them; he carried them and lifted them up all the days of old.


text:
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; so he changed and became their enemy, and he himself fought against them.


text:
Then they remembered the days of old, of Moses his servant. Where is the one who brought up out of the sea the shepherds of his flock? Where is the one who put his Holy Spirit among them,


text:
and who made his glorious arm march at Moses' right hand, who divided the waters in front of them to win an everlasting name,


text:
like cattle that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. For you led your people, to win for yourself a glorious name.


text:
Look down from heaven, and see from your holy and glorious dwelling. Where are your zeal and your might? Where are the yearning of your heart and your compassion? They are held back from me.


text:
But you are our Father, even Abraham does not know us and Israel has not acknowledged us; you are he, O LORD, our Father, from long ago, 'Our Redeemer' is your name.


text:
Why, LORD, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts, so that we do not fear you? Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage.


text:
Your holy people took possession for a little while, but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary.


text:
If only you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence-


text:
just as fire sets twigs ablaze and the fire causes water to boil-to make known your name to your enemies, yes, to your enemies before you, so that the nations might quake at your presence!


text:
Since ancient times no one has heard, and no ear has perceived, and no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.


text:
You come to the aid of those who gladly do what's right, To those who remember you in your ways. See, you were angry, and we sinned against them for a long time, but we will be saved.


text:
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a filthy rag; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our iniquities sweep us away.


text:
There is no one who calls on your name or rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have given us into the control of our iniquity.


text:
But as for you, O LORD, you are our Father; and we are clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hands.


text:
Don't be angry beyond measure, LORD, and don't remember our iniquity for a season. Please look now, we are all your people.


text:
Our holy Temple and our splendor, where our ancestors praised you, have become a conflagration of fire, and all our dearest places have become ruins.


text:
"I let myself be sought by those who didn't ask for me; I let myself be found by those who didn't seek me. I said, 'Here I am! Here I am!' to a nation that didn't call on my name.


text:
I held out my hands all day long to a disobedient people, who walk in a way that isn't good, following their own inclinations-


text:
a people who continually provoke me to my face; they keep sacrificing in gardens and waving their hands over stone altars;


text:
who sit among graves, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pigs' meat, with the broth of detestable things in their pots;


text:
who say, 'Keep to yourself!' 'Don't touch me!' and 'I am too holy for you!' "Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day long.


text:
Watch out! It stands written before me: 'I won't keep silent, but I will pay back in full; I'll indeed repay into their laps


text:
both your iniquities and your ancestors' iniquities together,'' says the LORD. "Because they offered incense on the mountains and insulted me on hills, I'll measure into their laps full payment for their earlier actions."


text:
This is what the LORD says: "Just as new wine is found in the cluster, and people have said, 'Don't destroy it, for there is a gift in it,' so I'll act for my servants' sake, by not destroying them all.


text:
I'll bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah they will inherit my mountains; my chosen people will inherit it, and my servants will live there.


text:
Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a fold for herds, for my people who have sought me.


text:
But as for you who forsake the LORD, who forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill drink offerings for Destiny,


text:
I'll consign you to the sword, and all of you will bend down for the slaughter-because when I called, you didn't answer, when I spoke, you didn't listen; but you did what was evil in my sight, and chose what I took no pleasure in."


text:
Therefore, this is what the LORD says: "See, my servants will eat, but you'll go hungry; my servants will drink, but you'll go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you'll be put to shame.


text:
My servants will sing in gladness of heart, but you'll cry for help from anguish of heart, and you'll howl from brokenness of spirit.


text:
You'll leave your name to my chosen ones as a curse, and the Lord GOD will put you to death permanently.


text:
Then whoever takes an oath by the God of faithfulness, and whoever takes an oath in the land, will swear by the God of faithfulness, because the former troubles are forgotten and are hidden from my eyes.


text:
Take notice! I'm about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things won't be remembered, nor will they come to mind.


text:
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating, for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.


text:
I'll rejoice over Jerusalem, and take delight in my people; no longer will the sound of weeping be heard in it, nor the cry of distress.


text:
"And there will no longer be in it a young boy who lives only a few days, or an old person who does not live out his days; for one who dies at a hundred years will be thought a mere youth, and one who falls short of a hundred years will be considered accursed.


text:
They won't build for others to inhabit; they won't plant for others to eat-for like the lifetime of a tree, so will the lifetime of my people be, and my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.


text:
They won't toil in vain nor bear children doomed to misfortune, for they will be offspring blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.


text:
"The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; but as for the serpent-its food will be dust! They won't harm or destroy on my entire holy mountain," says the LORD.


text:
This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house that you would build for me, and where will my resting place be?


text:
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But this is the one to whom I will look favorably: to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my message.


text:
"Whoever slaughters an ox is just like one who kills a human being; whoever sacrifices a lamb is just like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is just like one who offers pig's blood; and whoever makes a memorial offering of frankincense is just like one who blesses an idol. Yes, these have chosen their own ways, and they take delight in their contaminated actions.


text:
Therefore I, too, will choose harsh treatment for them, and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn't listen; but they did what I consider to be evil, and chose what doesn't please me."


text:
"Hear this message from the LORD, you who tremble at his words: "Your own brothers who hate you and exclude you because of my name have said: 'Let the LORD be glorified; he will see your joy,' yet it is they who will be put to shame.


text:
"Listen to that uproar in the city! Listen to that noise from the Temple! It is the sound of the LORD paying back retribution to his enemies!


text:
"Before she goes into labor she gives birth; before her pains come upon her she has delivered a son.


text:
Who has ever heard of such a thing? And who ever sees such things? Can a country be born in a single day, or can a nation be brought forth in a single moment? Yet no sooner was Zion in labor than she delivered her children.


text:
Am I to open the womb and not deliver?" asks the LORD. "And when I bring to delivery, am I to close the womb?" asks your God.


text:
"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be happy for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in gladness, all you who mourn over her,


text:
so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her consoling breasts, and so that you may drink deeply and take delight from her glorious bosom."


text:
This is what the LORD says: "See, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; and you will nurse, and you will be carried on her hip, and bounced upon her knees.


text:
Like a child whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.


text:
And when you look, your hearts will rejoice and your bodies will flourish like grass; and it will be made known that the LORD's hand is with his servants, but his fury is with his enemies.


text:
"Take notice! The LORD will come with fire, and his chariot will be like a whirlwind, to pay back his anger-yes, his anger!-in fury, and his menacing rebukes in flames of fire.


text:
For with fire and with his sword the LORD will proceed to judgment on all humanity, and those slain by the LORD will be many."


text:
"Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following the one at the center of those who eat the meat of pigs, disgusting things, and rats, are all alike," says the LORD.


text:
"But as for me, I know their actions and their thoughts. Come and gather all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory.


text:
"I will put up signs among them, and from them I will send survivors to the nations-to Tarshish, Lybia, and Lydia, (who draw the bow), to Tubal and Greece, to the far off coastlands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. Then they will proclaim my glory among the nations.


text:
They will bring all-yes, all!-of your kindred from all the nations to my holy mountain Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD-on horses, in chariots, in wagons, and on mules-yes, even on mules!-and on camels," says the LORD, "just as the Israelis bring a grain offering in a clean vessel to the LORD's house.


text:
"For as the new heavens and the new earth that I am about to make will endure before me," says the LORD, "so will your descendants and your name endure.


text:
And from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all humanity will come to worship before me," says the LORD.


text:
"Then they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of the people who rebelled against me. For their worm will not die, nor will their fire be extinguished, and they will remain an object of revulsion to all humanity."


text:
The words of Hilkiah's son Jeremiah, who was one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.


text:
This message from the LORD came to him during the thirteenth year of the reign of Ammon's son Josiah, the king of Judah,


text:
and during the reign of Josiah's son Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, and continued until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month, at the end of the eleventh year of the reign of Josiah's son Zedekiah, the king of Judah.


text:
"I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you were born; I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."


text:
Then the LORD told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a young man,' for you will go everywhere I send you, and you will speak everything I command you.


text:
The LORD stretched out his hand, touched my mouth, and then told me, "Look, I've put my words in your mouth.


text:
See, today I've appointed you to prophesy about nations and kingdoms, to pull up and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."


text:
This message from the LORD came to me, asking, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I replied, "I see an almond branch."


text:
The LORD told me, "You have observed well, because I'm watching over my message, to make sure it comes about."


text:
This message from the LORD came to me a second time: "What do you see?" I replied, "I see a boiling pot, and its mouth is tilted away from the north."


text:
because I'm about to summon all the families and kingdoms from the north," declares the LORD. "They'll come and each one will set up his seat at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all of its surrounding walls, and against all of the towns of Judah.


text:
"I'll pronounce my judgments against them because of all their wickedness. They have forsaken me, they have burned incense to other gods, and they have bowed down in worship to the works of their own hands."


text:
"As for you, get ready! Stand up and tell them everything that I've commanded you. Don't be frightened as you face them, or I'll frighten you right in front of them.


text:
"As for me, today I'm making you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.


text:
They'll fight against you, but they won't prevail against you, because I am with you," declares the LORD, "to deliver you."


text:
"Go and announce to Jerusalem: 'This is what the LORD says: "I remember the loyal devotion of your youth, your love as a bride. You followed me in the desert, in a land that was not planted.


text:
Israel was consecrated to the LORD, she was the first fruits of his produce. All who devoured her became guilty and disaster came on them," declares the LORD.'"


text:
Listen to this message from the LORD, you descendants of Jacob and all the families of the descendants of Israel.


text:
This is what the LORD says: "What did your ancestors find wrong with me that they left me, and pursued worthless things, and so they became worthless?


text:
"They didn't ask, 'Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through the land of desert and pits, through the land of dryness and deep darkness, a land that people don't pass through, and where no one lives?'


text:
"I brought you into the fruitful land to eat its fruit and its good things. But you came in, defiled my land, and made my inheritance into an abomination.


text:
"The priests didn't say, 'Where is the LORD?' and those handling the Law didn't know me. The rulers transgressed against me, the prophets prophesied by Baal, and they followed that which does not profit.


text:
"Indeed, go over to the coasts of Cyprus and see, send to Kedar and pay very close attention. See if there has ever been such a thing as this!


text:
Has a nation ever changed gods when they aren't even gods? But my people have exchanged their glory for that which does not profit.


text:
"Indeed, my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."


text:
Young lions roar at him, they cry out loudly. They have made his land into a wasteland, and his cities are destroyed so they are without inhabitants.


text:
You have done this to yourselves, have you not, by forsaking the LORD your God, when he is the one who led you on the way?


text:
Now, what are you doing on the road to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Nile? And what are you doing on the road to Assyria, to drink the waters of the Euphrates?


text:
Your wickedness will be punished, and you will be corrected due to your acts of apostasy. Know and see that it's evil and bitter for you to forsake the LORD your God, but the fear of me is not in you," declares the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies.


text:
"For long ago I broke your yoke and tore off your bonds, But you said, 'I won't serve you!' Instead, on every high hill and under every green tree, you bend down to commit fornication.


text:
I planted you myself as a choice vine, from the very best seed. How did you turn against me into a degenerate and foreign vine?


text:
Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Lord GOD.


text:
"How can you say, 'I'm not defiled. I haven't gone after the Baals.'? Look at what you've done in the valley. Know what you have done. You are a swift young camel galloping aimlessly;


