From Gary... The path

I liked the first "dog walk" picture so much that I went back for my noontime walk with Buddy carrying my little point and shoot camera.  Today, the skies were cloudy and I almost didn't do anything, but at the last moment, I changed my mind and started snapping the series of pictures necessary for this panoramic "stitch".  Today, the picture was taken from the opposite side as the first one, so something different seemed to stand out.  That something is the path on the right side of the picture, near the fence.  This path is used daily, whereas the left side doesn't have one because it is rarely accessed.  Thinking about the path, the following passage from the book of Jeremiah came to my mind, as it is one of my favorites...

Jeremiah, Chapter 6

16  Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For thousands of years, the God of Heaven has guided mankind.  The book of Hebrews tells us this...

Hebrews, Chapter 1

  1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 

And now, we are guided by the words of Jesus, who gives us a new path to follow; one of simplicity and humility.  Jesus puts it this way...

John, Chapter 14

 6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 

The word "way" literally means road, so it is a very small expansion of the idea to say that Jesus is the good path.  If you are on his "path", then you are OK, if not, then you have a problem.  Just think about it; Jesus came to this Earth, taught his disciples and they wrote down what God wanted them to (in their own way, of course).  Why would anyone want to stray in their daily walk (or dog-walk, if you will) to do something else.  Follow the path that Jesus has laid out for us; and only that path.  Friends, family, or religious leaders won't do- its all about Jesus and his words.  Once again, these words from the book of Matthew come to my mind...

Matthew, Chapter 28

 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.   19  Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,   20  teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 

Just something to think about on a cloudy day; something to REALLY THINK ABOUT!!!

From Mark Copeland... Faith And Forgiveness

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                    Faith And Forgiveness (11:20-26)

INTRODUCTION

1. So far in Mark’s account of the Last Week, we have considered...
   a. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Sunday - Mk 11:1-11
   b. The cursing of the fig tree and cleansing of the temple on Monday
      - Mk 11:12-19

2. On Tuesday, the day begins with Jesus and His disciples passing by
   the fig tree...
   a. Which was withered to its roots - Mk 11:20
   b. Wherein Peter comments, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You
      cursed has withered away!" - Mk 11:21

[Jesus uses the opportunity to teach His disciples two important
lessons, both related to prayer.  We do well to give careful heed to
what Jesus taught His disciples, beginning with...]

I. FAITH AND PRAYER

   A. THE NARRATIVE...
      1. Jesus tells His disciples to have faith in God - Mk 11:22
      2. He says that with faith and no doubt, a mountain can be cast
         into the sea - Mk 11:23
      3. He tells them that if they pray believing they will receive,
         whatever they ask will be given them - Mk 11:24

   B. SOME OBSERVATIONS...
      1. This passage clearly teaches the importance of faith in prayer,
         yet many have abused it
         a. Taking it too literally
         b. Ignoring what the Bible teaches elsewhere regarding prayer
      2. Moving a mountain was a metaphor in Jewish literature for doing
         what was seemingly impossible (Isa 40:4; 49:11; 54:10;cf.Mt 11:21-22).         Those who believe in God can have confidence that he
         will accomplish even the impossible, according to his sovereign
         will. - ESV Study Bible
      3. The ESV Study Bible offers further insights worth considering:
         a. God delights to "give good things to those who ask him" (Mt 7:11)

            and is capable of granting any prayer though we must
            ask with godly motives (Jm 4:3) and according to God’s will
            (1Jn 5:14)
         b. Those who trust God for the right things in the right way
            can have confidence that God will "supply every need...
            according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19),
            knowing that he will work "all things together for good" and
            will "graciously give us all things" (Ro 8:28,32)
         c. Some have misused this verse by telling people that if they
            pray for physical healing (or for some other specific
            request) and if they just have enough faith, then they can
            have confidence that God has already done (or will do)
            whatever they ask
         d. But we must always have the same perspective that Jesus had
            - that is, confidence in God’s power but also submission to
            his will: "Father, all things are possible for you - Yet not
            what I will, but what you will" (Mk 14:36)
      4. So let us seek to grow in faith as we pray, but also with
         understanding that what we ask must be in harmony with the will
         of God
      5. If we feel that we lack in faith, there are two things we can
         do to grow in faith:
         a. Read the Word of God - cf. Ro 10:17
         b. Pray that the Lord will help increase our faith - cf. 

            Mk 9:24; Lk 17:5

[The importance of faith in prayer cannot be overestimated.  But neither
can the importance of praying with a forgiving spirit...]

II. FORGIVENESS AND PRAYER

   A. THE NARRATIVE...
      1. Jesus enjoins the need to forgive others as we pray - Mk 11:25
      2. Without a forgiving heart, we cannot hope to receive
         forgiveness ourselves - Mk 11:26

   B. SOME OBSERVATIONS...
      1. Forgiving others was very important to Jesus, as stressed time
         and again
         a. In the sermon on the mount - Mt 5:7; 6:12-15
         b. In response to Peter’s question - Mt 18:21-22
         c. In the parable of the unforgiving servant - Mt 18:23-25
         d. In the sermon on the plain - Lk 6:37
         e. In teaching the disciples how to pray - Lk 11:4
         f. In teaching His disciples to forgive - Lk 17:3-4
      2. Jesus and His followers demonstrated the forgiving spirit
         a. Jesus on the cross - Lk 23:34
         b. Stephen as he was being stoned - Ac 7:59-60
         c. Paul when he was abandoned - 2Ti 4:16
      3. We must develop the forgiving spirit, which we can do by:
         a. Focusing on God’s love for us - Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:10-11
         b. Remembering Christ’s willingness to die and forgive - 

            1Jn 3:16; Lk 23:34
         c. Meditating on the passages above about the importance of
            forgiving others

CONCLUSION

1. We have considered two very important conditions for having our
   prayers answered...
   a. Faith, that we believe what we ask according to God’s will shall
      be done, for God does not answer the prayers of doubters - Jm 1:6-8
   b. Forgiveness, for unless we forgive God will not forgive, and God
      does not hear the prayers of the unrighteous - 1Pe 3:12

2. What Jesus teaches about faith and forgiveness is challenging...
   a. But consider the blessings that will come from acceptable prayer!
   b. Where we must confess a weak faith and an unforgiving spirit, let
      us pray that grace will create in us a new heart!

Such grace comes through responding to the gospel of the grace of God...
- cf. Tit 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Jim McGuiggan... Tongue Speaking

Tongue Speaking

 On "tongue-speaking" in the NT. Maybe I can just spell out some aspects of my understanding on this matter (such as it is) and engage whoever wishes to pursue it further with me. I’ll simply make the assertions, noting the texts, make a few comments and where readers feel the claims need to be justified further I’ll take that up (God enabling).

I’m going to take it for granted that the "tongue-speaking" throughout the NT is a single phenomenon. That is, what we read about in Acts is what we read about in 1 Corinthians. The settings differed. 1 Corinthians speaks of "tongues" as they relate to the assemblies of believers. But the phenomenon was the same. 

1. Tongue-speaking was a gift from God.  
2. Tongue-speaking was a miraculous gift of speech and not a gift of hearing  
3. "Tongue" speaking was speaking in actual languages (Acts 2:8).  
4. Tongue-speaking was a gift given essentially to benefit non-believers by convicting them that God was present.  
5. Tongue-speakers didn’t speak to people; they spoke to God.  
6. Tongue-speaking wasn’t a gift designed for the edification of the believing assembly.  
7. Tongue-speakers didn’t know what they were saying.  
8. Tongue-speaking wasn’t a gift given to people who’d go to foreign lands so that they could preach the gospel in the native language.  

It seems clear from Acts 2:4 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 that what is called "tongue speaking" was a gift from God. It’s the Spirit that enabled them in Acts and Paul claims it is a gift given by the Holy Spirit to the church.

It’s equally clear (to me) that the gift was a gift of speech that affected the speaker and not a gift that affected the hearers. Some have held that the speaker spoke (maybe in his own language or he simply made noises) and the hearers heard it as their own language. That won’t do. We’re told that it was a gift of speech. If everyone heard all the "tongues" or noises in their own language it would have been a gift of "hearing" and not speech. And then, there would have been no one to mock, saying that they were in the presence of drunken babbling. In addition, if the miracle were on the hearer there would have been no need for the gift of interpretation.

I’m guessing that this "hearing" view arose because of the number of languages thought to be listed in Acts 2 and the presumption (correct I think) that there were twelve apostles doing the speaking. But this problem is generated by an assumption that I think isn’t correct—that the only way the apostles spoke all at the same time and only in twelve languages. In any case, we’re expressly told that they spoke in languages, even dialects (so the Greek text).

The words used by Luke to describe what happened are words used for languages and dialects within a major language. They weren’t making noises, "speaking" gibberish that many in this huge crowd thought was their own language. Yes, but didn’t some react that way? Yes, but if a dozen men were speaking (a minimum of twelve) foreign languages, presumably there’d be ten or eleven that each hearer would notunderstand. Paul made that point in 1 Corinthians 14:23.

Supposing a visitor happens to visit, maybe he speaks only Cantonese, one of the worshipers in an English-speaking assembly speaks to God in, of all things, Cantonese. The visitor is convicted! Then more and more stand up and speak in languages from here, there and yonder. The visitor doesn’t understand a word and thinks these people are out of their minds. (I’m not too happy with my illustration but I think you get the point.) In any case, tongue-speakers were language-speakers!

The miraculous gift of "language-speaking" wasn’t given for the edification of believers! Paul says the gift was given with the non-believer in mind (1 Corinthians 14:22). "Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers." (From Isaiah 28:11-12, Paul illustrates how foreign languages can bring conviction to people who won’t pay attention to language they can understand.)

This is not to say that tongues could not be utilised; they could be, and interpretation worked to that end (14:5,13,27-28). Prophecy was geared primarily for the believers but under some circumstances could benefit the unbeliever (14:24). Still, the central purpose of language-speaking was not for the assemblies of believers but for situations in which unbelievers were present.

We see this illustrated in Acts 2 and Acts 10. In Acts 2 the apostles were in the temple (they can no longer be in the upper room since thousands are now present), in one of the houses there (compare Luke 24:50-53). The huge crowd does not believe in the gospel about Jesus Christ. The Spirit enables the group of men (2:7) to speak in languages foreign to them, so making it clear that God is in them. This goes on for some time and then the mocking occurs and Peter addresses the vast crowd. He speaks to them the gospel of Christ and apparently speaks to them in a language common to them all (2:14-41). It is only when we reach 2:37 that we discover that non-believers have become believers (2:23,37-41). The point I wish to make is that while the language-speaking was going on it was a crowd of unbelievers who heard what was said in the various languages and dialects. Tongues were being used here to convict unbelievers.

We have a similar situation (with differences) in Acts 10:1—11:18. Up to then Messianic Jews had kept the gospel message for the circumcised (note the instruction by Christ in Acts 1:8 and compare 13:46) but a change was coming.

While Peter spoke of the Messiah the Spirit of God came on an uncircumcised Gentile and his household. These Gentiles spoke in languages they didn’t know—shouldn’t have known. Peter and his strongly Jewish companions were astonished (10:45-46). Up to this time they did not believe that the blessings of the Messiah were open to people other than Jews or Jewish proselytes and now they did. The astounded Peter had come to believe that God had regard to people of any nation that lived righteously (10:34-35), Jews or not! But now he believes something else—you didn’t have to be a Jew to share in the salvation and blessings of the Messiah. He challenges anyone to forbid baptism to Cornelius, there were no takers so he baptized him into the name of Jesus Christ (10:47-48 and compare 2:38-39). When called on the carpet for his conduct Peter rehearsed the whole thing and non-believers became believers (11:1-3,18).

In both these case miraculous language-speaking convicted non-believers. That’s what they were for!

A close look at all the texts makes it clear that those who "spoke in tongues" didn’t address men! Tongue-speakers spoke (or sang) to God and not to people (1 Corinthians 14:2-3). "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God...but everyone who prophesies speaks to men..." And note 14:28. The text is plain enough even though it generates a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out.

Those who spoke in tongues might pray, offer thanks or sing (14:14-17). This was all addressed to God. This is what we find in the two actual cases that are developed. In Acts 2:11 God’s glorious works were rehearsed in the hearing of unbelievers (compare Luke 24:53). It’s important to note how the unbelievers described the content of the apostolic tongue-speaking. Though they did not as yet believe the gospel about Christ they did confess that the wonders of God were being proclaimed in foreign languages (2:11). The same is true in Acs 10:46 where Jews that need to be dragged to truth hear Gentiles "praise God". In Acts the multitude heard a prayer meeting. In Acts 10 we have the same thing.

Some have held that the gift of languages was given so that preachers could go to various parts of the world and not have to learn the language. They would be able to preach the gospel right away. I don’t think that’ll work. Tongue speakers didn’t address people! Furthermore, tongue speakers didn’t know what they were saying (1 Corinthians 14:13-19). That was the nature of the gift, don’t you see! If the tongue speaker knew what he was saying why would he need an interpreter? If every tongue speaker knew what he was saying he wouldbe an interpreter, and that would mean he had two miraculous gifts. One, to speak sense in a foreign language he hadn’t learned and, two, to understand the foreign language he hadn’t learned.

This in turn would generate difficulties for a wide-ranging evangelist. He speaks a language he doesn’t know. When the people he’s preaching to respond he wouldn’t know what they were saying. In other words, tongue-speaking alone would be useless for bringing the gospel of Christ home to foreign speakers. Then again, we need to remember that we’re told, "tongue speakers don’t speak to men."

I think that tongue speaking is listed down at the bottom of gifts along with interpretation because of its limited value especially relative to the house of faith. But its central function was to startle non-believers and act as a sign that God was making himself present. In an assembly of believers it wasn’t to be used alone (14:28).

Some closing remarks. Tongues weren’t given to believers for the believer’s benefit (14:22). To claim it is given to believers as a part of their equipment, as "a private prayer language," is to completely misconstrue 14:28. That text doesn’t tell us of the positive nature or purpose of the gift. It says that if you have the impulse to pray in a foreign language that doesn’t help the assembly you are not to do it—keep it to yourself. The passage regulates the use of the gift in an assembly and tells us nothing about its purpose. Other texts have to tell us those things.

It’s been demonstrated again and again, in a host of places, that what was called "language speaking" wasn’t "language" speaking. Countless recordings have been made and shown to be "noises" with a few foreign phrases thrown in here and there. When I was younger the defence was that the languages were "pre-Adamite" or long dead languages or angelic languages (compare 1 Corinthians 13:1). In more recent years the stock answer is that it is a "private prayer" language. Perhaps. But all those responses insist that tongues are for believers when Paul says they aren’t 14:22. And how literally unknown languages could convict an unbeliever is another difficulty.

I worked with this topic a bit in a little book on 1 Corinthians (In the US call  877-792-6408 if interested). Maybe I did a bit better there than here. I’m not sure.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study, Jun. 1

Bible Reading and Study

June 1

Judges 21

Jdg 21:1 Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin as wife.

Jdg 21:2 The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.

Jdg 21:3 They said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that there should be today one tribe lacking in Israel?

Jdg 21:4 It happened on the next day that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

Jdg 21:5 The children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who didn't come up in the assembly to Yahweh? For they had made a great oath concerning him who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

Jdg 21:6 The children of Israel grieved for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

Jdg 21:7 How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

Jdg 21:8 They said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah? Behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly.

Jdg 21:9 For when the people were numbered, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead there.

Jdg 21:10 The congregation sent there twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Jdg 21:11 This is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman who has lain by man.

Jdg 21:12 They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead four hundred young virgins, who had not known man by lying with him; and they brought them to the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

Jdg 21:13 The whole congregation sent and spoke to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace to them.

Jdg 21:14 Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh Gilead: and yet so they weren't enough for them.

Jdg 21:15 The people grieved for Benjamin, because that Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

Jdg 21:16 Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Jdg 21:17 They said, There must be an inheritance for those who are escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel.

Jdg 21:18 However we may not give them wives of our daughters, for the children of Israel had sworn, saying, Cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin.

Jdg 21:19 They said, Behold, there is a feast of Yahweh from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

Jdg 21:20 They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards,

Jdg 21:21 and see, and behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards, and each man catch his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

Jdg 21:22 It shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, that we will say to them, Grant them graciously to us, because we didn't take for each man his wife in battle, neither did you give them to them, else you would now be guilty.

Jdg 21:23 The children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of those who danced, whom they carried off: and they went and returned to their inheritance, and built the cities, and lived in them.

Jdg 21:24 The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance.

Jdg 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

Judges

Judges 21 1

Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin as wife.

Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to the Benjaminites as wife.

And the men of Israel have sworn in Mizpeh, saying, `None of us doth give his daughter to Benjamin for a wife.`

Judges 21 2

The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.

And the people came to Bethel, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly,

And the people come in to Beth-El, and sit there till the evening before God, and lift up their voice, and weep -- a great weeping,

Judges 21 3

They said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that there should be today one tribe lacking in Israel?

and said, Jehovah, God of Israel, why is it come to pass in Israel, that there should be this day one tribe lacking in Israel?

and say, `Why, O Jehovah, God of Israel, hath this been in Israel -- to be lacking to- day, from Israel, one tribe?`

Judges 21 4

It happened on the next day that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace-offerings.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered up burnt-offerings and peace-offerings.

And it cometh to pass on the morrow, that the people rise early, and build there an altar, and cause to ascend burnt-offerings and peace-offerings.

Judges 21 5

The children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who didn`t come up in the assembly to Yahweh? For they had made a great oath concerning him who didn`t come up to Yahweh to Mizpah, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation to Jehovah? For they had [made] a great oath concerning him that came not up to Jehovah to Mizpah, saying, He shall certainly be put to death.

And the sons of Israel say, `Who [is] he that hath not come up in the assembly out of all the tribes of Israel unto Jehovah?` for the great oath hath been concerning him who hath not come up unto Jehovah to Mizpeh, saying, `He is surely put to death.`

Judges 21 6

The children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, To-day is one tribe extirpated from Israel.

And the sons of Israel repent concerning Benjamin their brother, and say, `There hath been to-day cut off one tribe from Israel,

Judges 21 7

How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

What shall we do for wives for them that remain? since we have sworn by Jehovah that we will not give them of our daughters for wives.

what do we do for them -- for those who are left -- for wives, and we -- we have sworn by Jehovah not to give to them of our daughters for wives?`

Judges 21 8

They said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel who didn`t come up to Yahweh to Mizpah? Behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly.

And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpah to Jehovah? And behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-Gilead, to the congregation;

And they say, `Who is [that] one out of the tribes of Israel who hath not come up unto Jehovah to Mizpeh?` and lo, none hath come in unto the camp from Jabesh- Gilead -- unto the assembly.

Judges 21 9

For when the people were numbered, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there.

for the people were numbered, and behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh- Gilead there.

And the people numbered themselves, and lo, there is not there a man of the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead.

Judges 21 10

The congregation sent there twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

And the assembly sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead with the edge of the sword, and the women and the children.

And the company send there twelve thousand men of the sons of valour, and command them, saying, `Go -- and ye have smitten the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead by the mouth of the sword, even the women and the infants.

Judges 21 11

This is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman who has lain by man.

And this is the thing which ye shall do: ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain with man.

And this [is] the thing which ye do; every male, and every woman knowing the lying of a male, ye devote.`

Judges 21 12

They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young virgins, who had not known man by lying with him; and they brought them to the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead four hundred young women that were virgins, who had known no man by lying with any male, and they brought them to the camp, to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

And they find out of the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead four hundred young women, virgins, who have not known man by the lying of a male, and they bring them in unto the camp at Shiloh, which [is] in the land of Canaan.

Judges 21 13

The whole congregation sent and spoke to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace to them.

And the whole assembly sent to speak to the  children of Benjamin that were at the cliff of Rimmon, and to proclaim peace to them.

And all the company send, and speak, unto the sons of Benjamin who [are] in the rock Rimmon, and proclaim to them peace;

Judges 21 14

Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead: and yet so they weren`t enough for them.

And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them the wives whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-Gilead; but even so they found not enough for them.

and Benjamin turneth back at that time, and they give to them the women whom they have kept alive of the women of Jabesh-Gilead, and they have not found for [all of] them so.

Judges 21 15

The people repented them for Benjamin, because that Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

And the people repented them for Benjamin, because Jehovah had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

And the people repented concerning Benjamin, for Jehovah had made a breach among the tribes of Israel.

Judges 21 16

Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

And the elders of the assembly said, What shall we do for wives for them that remain? for the women have been destroyed out of Benjamin.

And the elders of the company say, `What do we do to the remnant for wives -- for the women have been destroyed out of Benjamin?`

Judges 21 17

They said, There must be an inheritance for those who are escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel.

And they said, There must be a possession for those of Benjamin that have escaped, that a tribe be not blotted out of Israel.

And they say, `A possession of an escaped party [is] to Benjamin, and a tribe is not blotted out from Israel;

Judges 21 18

However we may not give them wives of our daughters, for the children of Israel had sworn, saying, Cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin.

But we cannot give them wives of our daughters, for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to the Benjaminites!

and we -- we are not able to give to them wives out of our daughters, for the sons of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed [is] he who is giving a wife to Benjamin.`

Judges 21 19

They said, Behold, there is a feast of Yahweh from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

And they said, Behold, there is a feast of Jehovah from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north side of Bethel, toward the sun-rising of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

And they say, `Lo, a festival of Jehovah [is] in Shiloh, from time to time, which [is] on the north of Beth-El, at the rising of the sun, by the highway which is going up from Beth-El to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.`

Judges 21 20

They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards, 

And they commanded the sons of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;

And they command the sons of Benjamin, saying, `Go -- and ye have laid wait in the vineyards,

Judges 21 21

and see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come you out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

and see, and behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

and have seen, and lo, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances --then ye have gone out from the vineyards, and caught for you each his wife out of the daughters of Shiloh, and gone to the land of Benjamin;

Judges 21 22

It shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, that we will say to them, Grant them graciously to us, because we didn`t take for each man his wife in battle, neither did you give them to them, else would you now be guilty.

And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come to complain to us, that we will say to them, Gratify us with them, because we did not take each man his wife in the war; for ye did not give them to them, that ye should now be guilty.

and it hath been, when their fathers or their brethren come in to plead unto us, that we have said unto them, Favour us [by] them, for we have not taken [to] each his wife in battle, for ye -- ye have not given to them at this time [that] ye are guilty.`

Judges 21 23

The children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of those who danced, whom they carried off: and they went and returned to their inheritance, and built the cities, and lived in them.

And the children of Benjamin did so, and took wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught; and they went and returned to their inheritance, and built the cities, and dwelt in them.

And the sons of Benjamin do so, and take women according to their number, out of the dancers whom they have taken violently away; and they go, and turn back unto their inheritance, and build the cities, and dwell in them.

Judges 21 24

The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance.

And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. 

And the sons of Israel go up and down thence at that time, each to his tribe, and to his family; and they go out thence each to his inheritance.

Judges 21 25

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.

In those days there is no king in Israel; each doth that which is right in his own eyes.

Study Questions...

What was found in Jabesh Gilead? 21:12


What authority was there in Israel? 21:25

Jun. 1, 2

John 9

Joh 9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.

Joh 9:2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him.

Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.

Joh 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Joh 9:6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man's eyes with the mud,

Joh 9:7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing.

Joh 9:8 The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was blind before, said, "Isn't this he who sat and begged?"

Joh 9:9 Others were saying, "It is he." Still others were saying, "He looks like him." He said, "I am he."

Joh 9:10 They therefore were asking him, "How were your eyes opened?"

Joh 9:11 He answered, "A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.' So I went away and washed, and I received sight."

Joh 9:12 Then they asked him, "Where is he?" He said, "I don't know."

Joh 9:13 They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees.

Joh 9:14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.

Joh 9:15 Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see."

Joh 9:16 Some therefore of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, because he doesn't keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was division among them.

Joh 9:17 Therefore they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

Joh 9:18 The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight,

Joh 9:19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"

Joh 9:20 His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;

Joh 9:21 but how he now sees, we don't know; or who opened his eyes, we don't know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself."

Joh 9:22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

Joh 9:23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age. Ask him."

Joh 9:24 So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner."

Joh 9:25 He therefore answered, "I don't know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see."

Joh 9:26 They said to him again, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

Joh 9:27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't also want to become his disciples, do you?"

Joh 9:28 They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

Joh 9:29 We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don't know where he comes from."

Joh 9:30 The man answered them, "How amazing! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.

Joh 9:31 We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, he listens to him.

Joh 9:32 Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind.

Joh 9:33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

Joh 9:34 They answered him, "You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?" They threw him out.

Joh 9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"

Joh 9:36 He answered, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?"

Joh 9:37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you."

Joh 9:38 He said, "Lord, I believe!" and he worshiped him.

Joh 9:39 Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, that those who don't see may see; and that those who see may become blind."

Joh 9:40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?"

Joh 9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains. 

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

John

John 9 1

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth.

And as he passed on, he saw a man blind from birth.

And passing by, he saw a man blind from birth,

John 9 2

His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this [man] or his parents, that he should be born blind?

and his disciples asked him, saying, `Rabbi, who did sin, this one or his parents, that he should be born blind?`

John 9 3

Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents. But, that the works of God might be revealed in him,

Jesus answered, Neither has this [man] sinned nor his parents, but that the works of God should be manifested in him.

Jesus answered, `Neither did this one sin nor his parents, but that the works of God may be manifested in him;

John 9 4

I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.

I must work the works of him that has sent me while it is day. [The] night is coming, when no one can work.

it behoveth me to be working the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night doth come, when no one is able to work: --

John 9 5

When I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

As long as I am in the world, I am [the] light of the world.

when I am in the world, I am a light of the world.`

John 9 6

When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man`s eyes with the mud,

Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud of the spittle, and put the mud, as ointment, on his eyes.

These things saying, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and rubbed the clay on the eyes of the blind man, and said to him,

John 9 7

and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he went away, washed, and came seeing.

And he said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, which is interpreted, Sent. He went therefore and washed, and came seeing.

`Go away, wash at the pool of Siloam,` which is, interpreted, Sent. He went away, therefore, and did wash, and came seeing;

John 9 8

The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was blind, before, said, "Isn`t this he who sat and begged?"

The neighbours therefore, and those who used to see him before, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that was sitting and begging?

the neighbours, therefore, and those seeing him before, that he was blind, said, `Is not this he who is sitting and begging?`

John 9 9

Others said, "It is he." Still others said, "He is like him." He said, "I am he."

Some said, It is he; others said, No, but he is like him: *he* said, It is I.

others said -- `This is he;` and others -- `He is like to him;` he himself said, -- `I am [he].`

John 9 10

They said therefore to him, "How were your eyes opened?"

They said therefore to him, How have thine eyes been opened?

They said, therefore, to him, `How were thine eyes opened?`

John 9 11

He answered, "A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, "Go to the pool of

Siloam, and wash." So I went away and washed, and I received sight."

He answered [and said], A man called Jesus made mud and anointed mine eyes, and said to me, Go to Siloam and wash: and having gone and washed, I saw.

he answered and said, `A man called Jesus made clay, and rubbed my eyes, and said to me, Go away to the pool of Siloam, and wash; and having gone away and having washed, I received sight;`

John 9 12

Then they asked him, "Where is he?" He said, "I don`t know."

They said therefore to him, Where is he? He says, I do not know.

they said, therefore, to him, `Where is that one?` he saith, `I have not known.`

John 9 13

They brought him who before was blind to the Pharisees.

They bring him who was before blind to the Pharisees.

They bring him to the Pharisees who once [was] blind,

John 9 14

It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.

Now it was sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.

and it was a sabbath when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

John 9 15

Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see."

The Pharisees therefore also again asked him how he received his sight. And he said to them, He put mud upon mine eyes, and I washed, and I see.

Again, therefore, the Pharisees also were asking him how he received sight, and he said to them, `Clay he did put upon my eyes, and I did wash -- and I see.`

John 9 16

Some therefore of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, because he doesn`t keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was division among them.

Some of the Pharisees therefore said, This man is not of God, for he does not keep the sabbath. Others said, How can a sinful man perform such signs? And there was a division among them.

Of the Pharisees, therefore, certain said, `This man is not from God, because the sabbath he doth not keep;` others said, `How is a man -- a sinful one -- able to do such signs?` and there was a division among them.

John 9 17

Therefore they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, in that he opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

They say therefore again to the blind [man], What dost thou say of him, that he has opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet.

They said to the blind man again, `Thou -- what dost thou say of him -- that he opened thine eyes?`

John 9 18

The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight,

The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him that he was blind and had received sight, until they had called the parents of him that had received sight.

and he said -- `He is a prophet.` The Jews, therefore, did not believe concerning him that he was blind and did receive sight, till that they called the parents of him who received sight,

John 9 19

and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"

And they asked them saying, This is your son, of whom ye say that he was born blind: how then does he now see?

and they asked them, saying, `Is your son, of whom ye say that he was born blind? how then now doth he see?`

John 9 20

His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 

His parents answered [them] and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;

His parents answered them and said, `We have known that this is our son, and that he was born blind;

John 9 21

but how he now sees, we don`t know; or who opened his eyes, we don`t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself."

but how he now sees we do not know, or who has opened his eyes we do not know. *He* is of age: ask *him*; *he* will speak concerning himself.

and how he now seeth, we have not known; or who opened his eyes, we have not known; himself is of age, ask him; he himself shall speak concerning himself.`

John 9 22

His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any one confessed him [to be the] Christ, he should be excommunicated from the synagogue.

These things said his parents, because they were afraid of the Jews, for already had the Jews agreed together, that if any one may confess him -- Christ, he may be put out of the synagogue;

John 9 23

Therefore his parents said, "He is of age. Ask him."

On this account his parents said, He is of age: ask *him*.

because of this his parents said -- `He is of age, ask him.`

John 9 24

So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner."

They called therefore a second time the man who had been blind, and said to him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is sinful.

They called, therefore, a second time the man who was blind, and they said to him, `Give glory to God, we have known that this man is a sinner;`

John 9 25

He therefore answered, "I don`t know if he is a sinner. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."

He answered therefore, If he is sinful I know not. One thing I know, that, being blind [before], now I see.

he answered, therefore, and said, `If he be a sinner -- I have not known, one thing I have known, that, being blind, now I see.`

John 9 26

They said to him again, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

And they said to him again, What did he do to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

And they said to him again, `What did he to thee? how did he open thine eyes?`

John 9 27

He answered them, "I told you already, and you didn`t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?"

He answered them, I told you already and ye did not hear: why do ye desire to hear again? do ye also wish to become his disciples?

He answered them, `I told you already, and ye did not hear; why again do ye wish to hear? do ye also wish to become his disciples?`

John 9 28

They became abusive towards him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

They railed at him, and said, Thou art his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

They reviled him, therefore, and said, `Thou art his disciple, and we are Moses` disciples;

John 9 29

We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don`t know where he comes from." 

We know that God spoke to Moses; but [as to] this [man], we know not whence he is.

we have known that God hath spoken to Moses, but this one -- we have not known whence he is.`

John 9 30

The man answered them, "How amazing! You don`t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.

The man answered and said to them, Now in this is a wonderful thing, that *ye* do not know whence he is, and he has opened mine eyes.

The man answered and said to them, `Why, in this is a wonderful thing, that ye have not known whence he is, and he opened my eyes!

John 9 31

We know that God doesn`t listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, he listens to him.

[But] we know that God does not hear sinners; but if any one be God-fearing and do his will, him he hears.

and we have known that God doth not hear sinners, but, if any one may be a worshipper of God, and may do His will, him He doth hear;

John 9 32

Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.

Since time was, it has not been heard that any one opened the eyes of one born blind. 

from the age it was not heard, that any one did open eyes of one who hath been born blind;

John 9 33

If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

If this [man] were not of God he would be able to do nothing.

if this one were not from God, he were not able to do anything.`

John 9 34

They answered him, "You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?" They threw him out.

They answered and said to him, Thou hast been wholly born in sins, and thou teachest us? And they cast him out.

They answered and said to him, `In sins thou wast born altogether, and thou dost teach us!` and they cast him forth without.

John 9 35

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him, he said to him, Thou, dost thou believe on the Son of God?

Jesus heard that they cast him forth without, and having found him, he said to him, `Dost thou believe in the Son of God?`

John 9 36

He answered, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?"

He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?

he answered and said, `Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?`

John 9 37

Jesus said to him, "You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you."

And Jesus said to him, Thou hast both seen him, and he that speaks with thee is he.

And Jesus said to him, `Thou hast both seen him, and he who is speaking with thee

is he;`

John 9 38

He said, "Lord, I believe!" and he worshipped him.

And he said, I believe, Lord: and he did him homage.

and he said, `I believe, sir,` and bowed before him.

John 9 39

Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, that those who don`t see may see; and that those who see may become blind."

And Jesus said, For judgment am I come into this world, that they which see not may see, and they which see may become blind.

And Jesus said, `For judgment I to this world did come, that those not seeing may see, and those seeing may become blind.`

John 9 40

Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?"

And [some] of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, Are we blind also?

And those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, `Are we also blind?`

John 9 41

Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, `We see.` Therefore your sin remains.

Jesus said to them, If ye were blind ye would not have sin; but now ye say, We see, your sin remains.

Jesus said to them, `If ye were blind, ye were not having had sin, but now ye say -- We see, therefore doth your sin remain.

Study Questions... 

On what day did Jesus heal the blind man? 9:14

What did the man who had been blind say of Jesus? 9:17

What judgment is Jesus referring to? 9:39