August 3, 2013

From Jim McGuiggan... BAAL? WHO'S THAT?


BAAL? WHO'S THAT?

“I have seven thousand that have not yet bowed the knee to Baal!” God said that to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:18. Chapters 18 and 19 need to be read together to get the full picture of the events and the period connected with this word from God.
What really was it the gallant seven thousand had not bowed the knee to?
Baal was a nature God, a god of agriculture and prosperity. The story was that he made the fields and flocks and herds and families fruitful; he was to be thanked for the rain and the sun, flax, wool and crops that brought prosperity, contentment and happiness. That made him popular with Canaanites in general and it took on a Phoenician version promoted by the charismatic and dangerous Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon and wife of Ahab, king of Israel.
There was an added appeal to Baal worship. It’s said that it was when he and his consort, Asherah, had sex that prosperity flowed over the land, so those who had their eyes fixed firmly on prosperity and happiness saw to it that Baal had a rip-roaring sex life. One of the ways to do that was to have organized orgies as part of their worship and this would inflame Baal and his lover. Well, there might be no need to see the worship as wildly orgiastic; putting its "best" face on it, it may well have been very formal even if passionate. But if it wasn’t out of control during worship it would be naïve of us not to expect that such worship would spill over into behavior outside the church buildings (see Numbers 25, especially 1-9 for some sense of things in this regard).
Still, the central thrust of the worship was about getting! About getting whatever it was that made for a "happy life". The reign of that god was not about promoting righteousness and the worship of that god was not about living in righteousness—it was about prospering and finding full satisfaction in all aspects of living. (Hmmm, the names of other gods spring to mind. Names like, "Consumer" and "Capitalism" and "Free Market". I wonder if they are just other names for Baal?)
There is such a thing as formal idolatry of course but Paul made no bones about it, greed or covetousness is idolatry also (Colossians 3:5). Whatever drives us, whatever we become obsessed with, whatever we look to as the cure for all our ills—that’s god! There’s no need to literally bow the knee to an image if we ceaselessly hunger without apology after what the image stands for.
Man does not live by bread alone and while that means that we live when and because God says so (see the text, Deuteronomy 8:3) it doesn’t mean that Man doesn’t need food and other basics to sustain him. “Greed” is hard to define though we’re all sure that we can spot it in its most flagrant forms.
If we were destitute and starving no one would be surprised at all if we had nothing on our minds but food. How could that be surprising? People financially, socially or emotionally crushed—it makes sense that they would be focusing on easing their pain or securing what they are in dire need of. Who is so smugly religious as to rebuke people that needy?
Part of the cure for such people is for those of us who can to involve ourselves in easing their burdens but to spend our time and giftedness in urging people to think that the pursuit of getting is the sure way to make God and us smile—there’s something of Baal worship in that!
And when we see a preacher of health and wealth, dressed in the finest and speaking to huge assemblies of people dressed in the finest urging them to look for and expect more the stink of rottenness fills the air. (These people make the worst face of the "Free Market" look almost beautiful.)
It doesn’t appear to be enough to have what is good and needed, we must have more and better. If we have a good marriage it must be made fabulous, if thankfully we have a pleasurable sex-life it must be made wilder and more passionate, if we have good health we’re urged to fine-tune it to perfection or as close as possible. We should, you see, it’s our right and we must have our rights. God wants us to be happy. No, not just happy, deliriously happy! Not just sexually fulfilled most of the time, but always and to the nth degree. Not just pleased with nutritious, pleasant-tasting food nicely served up but gourmet meals with ceaseless variation—the way the hundreds of cooking shows on television parade it.
The issue isn’t hunger and pleasure—it’s greed. To speak to the hungry about food makes sense but to speak constantly to the well-fed about more and better and the exotic breeds discontent, waste and obsession. To speak to the sexually repressed in an attempt to ease the pain and bring peace and pleasure in that and in other areas makes sense but to speak to people already sexually glutted is, at best, questionable stewardship or at its worst pimping a nation, when to make a profit on any commodity companies and advertizers promote an obsession with sex.
That’s one of the dangers of the free-market, isn’t it? It knocks other economic theories into a cocked-hat but it generates and then feeds on the consumer spirit and human vulnerability. “If you can get it without cheating there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get it. If there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get it then you should. You have a right and you’re worth it!” YOU'RE WORTH IT! Who can argue with that? And yet…
Somewhere in the middle of all this multitude of voices, whispering and shouting, “Go for it!” there’s a voice that keeps saying, “Seek first the reign of God and his righteousness and what you need will be given to you.”
Jezebel took the eyes of a nation off Yahweh and his righteousness and put them on the god who would give them this and that. They lost sight of their destiny when they lost sight of God and found “nature”. They became empty bellies and people (as Lewis would put it), all head and pelvic region but no chest.  Matthew Arnold said something of such a world:
"On that hard Pagan world disgust 
And secret loathing fell. 
Deep weariness and sated lust 
Made human life a hell. 

 "In his cool hall, with haggard eyes, 
The Roman noble lay; 
He drove abroad, in furious guise, 
Along the Appian way. 

 "He made a feast, drank fierce and fast, 
And crown'd his hair with flowers— 
No easier nor no quicker pass'd 
The impracticable hours.


©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 Jim McGuiggan... ANOTHER WHACK AT THE BOOZE INDUSTRY


ANOTHER WHACK AT THE BOOZE INDUSTRY

Well, finally! The British Medical Association finally uttered the unutterable though they had been thinking the unthinkable for quite a while. The BBC news a while back announced that the BMA wants the government to ban booze commercials and ban bargain prices on booze (like three bottles for the price of two and such offers). They can’t stay silent any longer with the figures of teenage drinkers climbing (fifteen year-old girls in the lead) and older people boozing more at home, illness and crime soaring in connection with the rot-gut. [You rarely see anyone smoke now in the major “Soaps” in the UK but booze is there for about half the thirty minute show. The actors are either drinking in bars or at home all that time.]
Many believers cluck their tongues and shake their heads at cocaine, heroin, marijuana, amphetamines and the other drugs but the most abused drug in the world, certainly the Western world, has been and continues to be and will continue to be—booze.
The industry is an enemy of all that believers are for and a support to all that believers are against. One day we’ll all come to know that and we’ll regret every word we spoke in its favor.
The question is not “Will I go to hell for drinking a beer now and then?” The question is not, “Should we make social drinking a test of fellowship and salvation?” I don’t know that I ever believed an occasional drink damned anyone—not even when I was a kid and we thought going to the movies was a sin and smoking was “a poor witness” for Christ.
The track record of this industry and the damage it does to individuals, families, cities and nations can’t be fathomed. To look at that damning and damnable industry, claim Jesus made alcoholic wine in John 2 and say therefore “there’s nothing wrong with the booze business” is a blunder of great magnitude.
“A beer now and then doesn’t bother me. Jesus was no teetotaler!” Then a shrug, a grin and down goes another beer (or maybe a whiskey or...). Attaboy! Show them how free they are.
So what should we do? I don’t know how to deal with the booze plague but I can’t forget what was done to the tobacco industry. [Who’d have thought it twenty years ago?] I don’t know what a government should do but I’m satisfied I know what believers should do! Brand the industry for what it is! A parasite and a predator.
A poor soul once told me that ethanol is a substance and a substance can’t be evil. I don’t believe I ever thought a substance could be; not even heroin or cyanide, cocaine or the stuff that constitutes a dirty bomb.
“People don’t have to drink it!”
That’s true and they don’t have to watch hard-core porn either but the government believes in some level of censorship.I'm sure this is spittin' in the wind.
Still, there’s something mysterious about having to persuade believers to acknowledge that the booze industry is a slithering slimy parasite.

©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 Jim McGuiggan... A Prayer in the Dark


A Prayer in the Dark

There are those who believe that the "wrath of God" has nothing to do with how God feels within himself—it isn't a divine experience but simply a divine decision to allow the inevitable consequences of sin to follow. I tend strongly to believe that it is a divine experience that leads to a divine response. I think God's wrath is his love taking the form of chastisement; much as a loving parent is affected by unacceptable behaviour in a child and moves to express love in some form of chastisement. Chastisement is never lovelessness; it is the form love takes, a way love chooses to express itself under the right circumstances. Sometimes that means the parent will choose to allow the child to endure the inevitable consequences of his actions—that too is chastisement; that too is the expression of "wrath" but it is only one expression of wrath and not the entire story.
In any case, that's not what I want to say in this piece. I want to share with you the thoughts of G.K Chesterton that he expressed in his poem: A Prayer in the Dark. I'm sure I haven't got the depth of it but the general drift seems fairly clear (I'm open to correction on that). Robert Browning and Chesterton had much in common but they certainly had this in common: their gallant and optimistic view of life; their willingness to take life as it came and their refusal to let their trouble and dark times obliterate the sun or turn the entire world sour! They didn't allow the hours to obliterate the years and they wouldn't allow their own hurt to make them peevish about the good fortune of others. They believed fervently that those who moaned all the time were telling truth about life in this world but they believed just as fervently that the truthful moaners weren't seeing or telling all the truth.
Chesterton was glad that his dark times—times he sometimes thought were times of wrath ("If I must travail in a night of wrath")—he was glad his own dark night had no power to dim the stars or make life harder for a moth and that no curse of his had the power to wither a flower. He embraced the trouble as his own and wouldn't believe that because he was in the dark that the entireworld should be in darkness. There is great strength and balance here but strength and balance don't appear alone—they're part of a grander character and make-up. Chesterton was cheerful, friendly, open, and had the capacity to enjoy his food [when he wasn't spilling it all over himself while he passionately engaged in conversation with his friends] and all the other pleasantries of life. In short, Chesterton wouldn't allow life to make him blind as well as bitter or spiteful.
He was able to take pleasure in the good fortune of others even while he was in a dark night, travailing in a night of wrath. He didn't want God to make their lives miserable because he was in misery. If things had got so bad that he murdered himself he would still want God to take care of the grass on his grave and he (so to speak) gave God permission to ignore his own whining and to get on with feeding the world ("pity me not; but let the world be fed"). If in his life he snarled and begged he asked God to help him recognise in the fruitful seasons and the blessings of the world that God was indeed ignoring his whimpering (he calls that "the shining silence of the scorn of God") and blessing others. The Londoner had learned when everyone was saying the sun was darkened that it was shining brightly. 
This is gallant living indeed and Chesterton learned it from the most gallant of us all—Jesus! Jesus, who knew that the hopes of humanity rested in him, while hanging on the torture tree sharing the wrath of God with his sinful family, feeling it as no other human could feel it, was still saying (Acts 2:25-28):
"I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."
Chesterton puts it in his own wonderful way; in Jesus' night of darkness he could still hear "all the crickets sing" and smile. Is that not life? It is!
This much, O heaven—if I should brood or rave, 
Pity me not; but let the world be fed, 
Yea, in my madness if I strike me dead, 
Heed you the grass that grows upon my grave. 
If I dare snarl between this sun and sod, 
Whimper and clamour, give me grace to own, 
In sun and rain and fruit in season shown, 
The shining silence of the scorn of God. 
Thank God the stars are set beyond my power, 
If I must travail in a night of wrath, 
Thank God my tears will never vex a moth, 
Nor any curse of mine cut down a flower. 
Men say the sun was darkened: yet I had 
Thought it beat brightly, even on—Calvary: 
And He that hung upon the Torturing Tree 
Heard all the crickets singing, and was glad.


©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 Bill Dayton... The Path of Least Resistance!




The Path of Least Resistance!

The path of least resistance. "The path of least resistance describes the physical or metaphorical pathway that provides the least resistance to forward motion by a given object or entity, among a set of alternative paths." Wikipedia. Andrew
When it comes to the way we choose to live our lives, perhaps we could simply say that the path of least resistance is the easy way out. There is no challenge, no effort on our part.
When we look at God's Word we see passages likeJeremiah 10:23. "Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps."
Proverbs 14:12: There is a way that seems right unto men, but its end leads to death."
There are many more warnings we could find, but despite them all many today take the path of least resistance when it come to living according to God's way. Matthew 7:13,14 tells us that there are two roads, one is easy (least resistant) that leads to destruction, one is difficult that leads to heaven.

Even though God's way is challenging, it is most rewarding. We are to walk by faith not sight(2Cor.5:7). When we walk by faith, we TRUST God to direct our path. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105. One of the greatest legacies to leave for our children is to be known as one who walked with God. Have a GREAT day!

From Mark Copeland... Indebted To Love (Romans 13:8-10)



                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                       Indebted To Love (13:8-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our duty to government, Paul commanded to pay what is due (taxes
   and customs, fear and honor - cf. Ro 13:7

2. He then proceeded to discuss our duty to our fellow man (to owe no
   one anything, except to love one another) - cf. Ro 13:8

3. This does not forbid borrowing where contract obligations are met...
   a. Otherwise Jesus would not have permitted borrowing - cf. Mt 5:42
   b. Certainly debts should be paid - cf. Ps 37:21

4. This appears to be a use of the comparative "not"...
   a. Where "not" is not used as a literal prohibition
   b. But to compare one thing to another (not this..but this)
   c. For example, look at Jn 6:27
      1) Did Jesus condemn working for food?
      2) No, He was emphasizing what is most important

5. The point is this:  we owe a debt to always love one another...
   a. "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to
      love one another" (NIV)
   b. "Leave no debt unpaid except the standing debt of mutual love"
      (Weymouth)

[Thus Christians should always feel "Indebted To Love".  As to reasons
why, consider...]

I. WHY WE OWE THE DEBT

   A. IT FULFILLS THE LAW OF MOSES...
      1. Jewish Christians were slow to give up the Law - e.g., Ac 21:
         20ff
      2. Some tried to bind elements of the Law on Gentiles - e.g., Ac 15:1,5
      3. The apostles (and Holy Spirit) withstood such efforts - cf. 
         Ac 15:28; Ga 5:1-4; Ro 7:4-6
      4. The command to love fulfilled much of the Law - Ro 13:8-10
      -- Jewish Christians could take comfort in knowing that keeping
         the command to love one another fulfilled the Law

   B. IT FULFILLS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST...
      1. Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment - Jn 13:34,35; 15:12
         a. To love one another
         b. As He loved us
      2. The gospel reveals that God is love, and love is of God  - 1Jn 4:7-11
         a. Those who love are born of God and know Him
         b. God loved us, and so we ought to love another
      -- As disciples of Christ, it is only natural that we emulate the
         love shown us

[For such reasons, we "ought" (indebted) to love one another.  How can
we pay this "debt"...?]

II. HOW WE PAY THE DEBT

   A. THROUGH IMITATING JESUS...
      1. Jesus sets the standard - Jn 13:34; 15:12
         a. We are to love as He loved us
         b. This raises the quality of love (compared to loving one as
            yourself)
      2. Jesus sets a high standard - Jn 15:13; 1Jn 3:16-18
         a. By laying down His life for His friends
         b. We also ought to lay down our life for the brethren
      -- In principle, the example of Jesus illustrates how we pay the
         debt we owe

   B. THROUGH ACTIVE GOOD WILL...
      1. Paul defined true love - 1Co 13:4-8
         a. Defined by what it does
            1) Suffers long and is kind, rejoices in the truth
            2) Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
               endures all things
         b. Defined by what it does not do
            1) Does not envy; does not parade itself, is not puffed up
            2) Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not
               provoked, thinks no evil
            3) Does not rejoice in iniquity, and never fails
      2. We can pay on the debt by treating one another in this way
         a. Be patient and kind; rejoicing in what is truth
         b. Forbearing with one another, believing and hoping for the
            best in one another
         c. Free from envy, arrogance, pride, and selfish interests
         d. Thinking no evil of a brother, and grieved when seeing one
            transgress
         e. Never failing to love as Christ loved us
      -- In practice, Paul's description provides guidance on how we pay
         the debt we owe

CONCLUSION

1. The debt we owe can never be fully paid...
   a. For we are to love one another as Christ loved us
   b. Yet His love "passes knowledge" - cf. Ep 3:19

2. Thus we should always feel an indebtedness...
   a. To increase in love - cf. 1Th 4:9-10
   b. To abound in love still more and more - cf. Php 1:9

In this way we can "approve the things that are excellent" and "be
sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." (Php 1:10).  Is this
not sufficient motivation to be "Indebted To Love"...?


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Mark Copeland... The Christian's Duty To Government (Romans 13:1-7)




                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

              The Christian's Duty To Government (13:1-7)

INTRODUCTION

1. Christians are blessed to be citizens of a heavenly kingdom...
   a. Our citizenship is in heaven - Php 3:20
   b. We have been conveyed into the kingdom of God's dear Son - Co
      1:13; Re 1:9
   -- As such, we are described as "sojourners and pilgrims" in this
      world - 1Pe 2:11

2. As "pilgrims", we live and work under the governments of men...
   a. With a variety of political systems:  democracies, kingdoms,
      dictatorships, etc.
   b. Offering varying degrees of freedom, responsibilities, etc.
   -- What is our duty to such governments?

3. The Lord's church began and thrived during the Roman Empire...
   a. To Christians in the capital city of Rome, Paul wrote of their
      responsibility
   b. To Christians dispersed in outlying areas of the Empire, Peter did
      also
   -- The Christian's duty to government is made very clear by the
      apostles

[Using Paul's comments in Ro 13:1-7 as our starting point, let's review
what our duties are...]

I. BE SUBJECT

   A. THE RULE...
      1. Stressed twice by Paul
         a. "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities"
            - Ro 13:1
         b. "Therefore you must be subject..." - Ro 13:5
      2. Peter likewise taught this duty - 1Pe 2:13-14
         a. "Therefore submit yourselves..."
            1) Submit means "be subject to"
            2) Signifying "to place one's self under subjection; to
               render one's self subordinate"
         b. We are to submit "to every ordinance of man"
            1) The word "ordinance" literally means "a creation"
            2) The Greeks and Romans described the appointment of
               officers as the "creation" of them
            3) Thus the expression "ordinance" actually refers:
               a) Not to a particular law passed by government
               b) But to the civil government or institution itself
               c) Cf. "to every human institution" (NASB, NRSV)
            4) Note that we are to submit to every human institution
               (whether it be a monarchy, democracy, totalitarian state,
               etc.)
      -- Our responsibility is clear:  "Let every soul be subject" - Ro 13:1

   B. THE REASON...
      1. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God!
         - Ro 13:1
         a. As emphasized in the book of Daniel - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17,25a,
            32a
         b. Even those that are evil, which God often uses for His
            divine purposes and then replaces - cf. Exo 9:16 (Egypt);
            Isa 10:5-12 (Assyria)
      2. Therefore to resist government means to resist God Himself!
         - Ro 13:2-4
         a. To resist is to bring judgment upon one's self
         b. For government is a minister of God, designed to avenge evil
      3. Peter adds two good reasons - 1Pe 2:15
         a. First and foremost, "this is the will of God"
            1) Cf. also, "for the Lord's sake" - 1Pe 2:13
            2) This will suffice for all true servants of God
         b. That we may "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men"
            1) Because of their allegiance to a heavenly king,
               Christians are often falsely accused of sedition or
               treason - e.g., Ac 17:5-8
            2) By doing good (e.g., by submitting), we can "silence"
               (lit., muzzle) ignorant charges
      -- To avoid wrath and have a good conscience, "you must be subject"
         - Ro 13:5

   C. THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE...
      1. It is not whenever government is oppressive
         a. Consider the government and conditions when Paul and Peter
            wrote
         b. The government was totalitarian, under Nero's evil and
            despotic rule as emperor
         c. Under Nero's reign, Christians suffered greatly - cf. 
            1 Pe 4:12-13; 5:8-9
         d. Paul and Peter were eventually martyred
      2. The only exception:  we must obey God rather than man!
         a. As illustrated by Peter and the apostles - Ac 4:18-20; 5:
            27-29
         b. When government tries to force us to disobey God, we must
            disobey the government
         c. Even then, we may break only the particular law designed to
            force disobedience to God
         d. We have no authority to break other laws in protest to the
            unjust law
      -- When government seeks to stifle our service to God, we must
         obey God rather than man!

[As we return to our text, we note additional duties to government...]

II. PAY WHAT IS DUE

   A. WE ARE TO PAY TAXES...
      1. As an act of submission we should pay our taxes - Ro 13:6
      2. Also other fees that are due, such as customs - Ro 13:7
      -- We may not approve of how the taxes are spent, but I doubt the
         early Christians approved of how Nero spent the government's
         money either

   B. WE ARE TO PAY RESPECT...
      1. Fear to whom fear is due - Ro 13:7
         a. Such as police officers, judges
         b. And if you do evil, be afraid! - Ro 13:4
      2. Honor to whom honor is due - Ro 13:7; cf. 1Pe 2:17
         a. Such as presidents, kings, governors, local leaders
         b. Out of respect for the office, if not for the man (or woman)
      -- Our duty is not limited to those whose political or personal
         behavior we approve

[Before we end our study, we should certainly note another duty to
government that is ours...]

III. PRAY

   A. FOR KINGS AND ALL IN AUTHORITY...
      1. We are to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions - 1Ti 2:
         1-2
         a. Praying for those who lead, not only our country, but those
            around the world
         b. Praying that they rule with wisdom, righteousness, and mercy
      2. We are to offer thanks - 1Ti 2:1-2
         a. Taking time to thank God for those who rule well
         b. Thanking God for when we live in peace and prosperity, and
            for protecting us when we do not
      -- An invaluable contribution Christians can give their country
         are their prayers

   B. THAT WE MIGHT LEAD GOOD LIVES...
      1. Good in a material sense, to enjoy quiet and peaceful times
         - cf. 1Th 4:11; He 12:14a
      2. Good in a spiritual sense, free to be godly and reverent - cf.
         He 12:14b
      -- As God works through the governments of men to bestow peace,
         prayer should be a priority for those who wish to live in peace

CONCLUSION

1. The duties placed on Christians toward their earthly governments are
   clear and simple...
   a. Be subject to governing authorities
   b. Pay what is due in taxes and respect
   c. Pray for all those in positions of authority

2. Beyond this, our involvement in the affairs of government may fall
   into the realm of judgment...
   a. Should we enter politics, serve in law enforcement, enlist in the
      military?
   b. Such questions have been debated by Christians for centuries
   -- One thing is clear, we must obey God rather than man, and avoid
      becoming entangled with the affairs of this life to the neglect of
      our service to God (2Ti 2:4)

As a Christian, are you faithfully fulfilling your duty to earthly
government, while sojourning as a citizen of a heavenly kingdom...?



Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Mark Copeland... Responding To Evil (Romans 12:17-21)


                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                     Responding To Evil (12:17-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. The twelfth chapter of Romans has much to say about what is expected
   of Christians...
   a. In general terms - Ro 12:1-2
      1) They are to present themselves as living sacrifices to God
      2) They are not to be conformed to this world
      3) They are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds
      4) They are to prove what is God's good, acceptable, and perfect
         will
   b. In more specific terms - Ro 12:3-16
      1) They are to fulfill their function in the body of Christ - Ro 12:3-8
      2) They are to love without hypocrisy, abhorring what is evil - Ro 12:9
      3) They are to love brethren as family, esteeming one another
         highly - Ro 12:10
      4) They are to serve the Lord diligently, with fervency of spirit
         - Ro 12:11
      5) They are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation,
         steadfast in prayer - Ro 12:12
      6) They are to share in the needs of saints, pursue hospitality
         toward strangers - Ro 12:13
      7) They are to bless those who persecute them - Ro 12:14
      8) They are to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those
         who weep - Ro 12:15
      9) They are to be of the same mind, with humility and lowliness of
         mind - Ro 12:16
   -- Such behavior is certainly an indication of a transformation!

2. But perhaps one of the greatest signs of transformation...
   a. Is how one responds to evil
   b. Is how one treats their enemy
   -- Human nature responds in kind, with vengeance; is this how
      Christians are to respond?

3. In our text (Ro 12:17-21), we find what Barnes describes as...
   a. "...probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity,
      but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding."
   b. "It is a solemn demand made on all His followers, and it must be
      obeyed."

[This "difficult precept" pertains to how one reacts when mistreated by
those who are evil...]

I. HOW WE ARE TO RESPOND TO EVIL

   A. REPAY NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL...
      1. Thus Paul writes in Ro 12:17a and elsewhere - 1Th 5:15
      2. He is not alone in this prohibition
         a. Solomon's counsel in Proverbs - Pr 20:22
         b. Jesus' teaching in the sermon on the mount - Mt 5:39
         c. Peter's writing in his epistle - 1Pe 3:9
      -- Thus we are prohibited against responding to evil in kind

   B. REPLY TO EVIL WITH GOOD...
      1. Note first what our concern is to be - Ro 12:17b,18
         a. To have regard for good things in the sight of others
         b. To live peaceably with others if at all possible
      2. Therefore, our response to evil is to reply with good - Ro 12:
         20
         a. As the Law of Moses instructed - Exo 23:4-5
         b. As David exemplified in his dealings with King Saul - 1 Sam 24:17
         c. As Solomon counseled, and Paul quoted - Pr 25:21,22
         d. As Jesus taught in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:38-44
      -- Note carefully that the response is to be one of aggressive
         good will and kindness

[People normally respond differently, depending upon their ability
(e.g., vengeance, self-defense, passive resistance, running away,
helpless victim).  Yet Christians are taught to respond with love.  Why?
Paul explains...]

II. WHY WE ARE TO RESPOND WITH GOOD

   A. VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD...
      1. Vengeance is a Divine prerogative - Ro 12:19
         a. He certainly possesses the ability to administer it justly
            - cf. Nah 1:1-8
            1) He is slow to anger
            2) He knows the hearts of men
         b. He has the tools to administer vengeance
            1) E.g., governing authorities - cf. Ro 13:1-4; 1Pe 2:13-14
            2) E.g., giving man up to the depravity of his sins - cf. Ro 1:18-32
            3) E.g., the coming of the Lord in flaming fire - cf. 2 Th 1:7-9
      2. Therefore we are to give place to wrath
         a. The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God
            - Jm 1:19-20
         b. The wrath of man is more often a work of the flesh - Ga 5:
            19-21; Ep 4:31; Col 3:8
      -- It is a mistake to presume that every example of Divine conduct
         means we can do the same!

   B. VICTORY OVER EVIL IS MORE LIKELY...
      1. Our goal is to overcome evil - Ro 12:21
      2. How can we best hope to overcome evil and change the evil
         person?
         a. If we react as:
            1) Avenger, defender or passive resister
            2) We only convince the opposition that might makes right
         b. If we react as:
            1) Runner or helpless
            2) We may only confirm the opposition's view that we are
               cowardly or weak
      3. The most likely way to both overcome evil and change the evil
         person is by reacting with active good will!
         a. Is this not how God sought to change the world? - 
            Ro 5:8; Jn 3:16; Ro 2:4
         b. Is this not how Jesus sought to change the world? - 1Pe 2:
            21-25
      4. Certainly Jesus' example demonstrates a better way to handle
         conflict and evil...
         a. His humility and sacrificial love has motivated many to turn
            from sin
         b. And we are called to walk in His steps!
      5. Those who do follow Jesus' example often make a powerful impact
         on others:
            Kim Joon-gon has seen 2,000 out of 20,000 people on Chunnam
         Island murdered by the Communists.  They dragged his family to
         a spot where 160 people from two villages had gathered to beat
         the Christians.  There Kim's father and wife were beaten to
         death and Kim was left for dead.  When he revived and sought
         safety at an acquaintance's house, he was turned over to the
         Communists.  Only the sudden appearance of an American ship off
         the island coast saved him this time, for the Communist
         soldiers hurried away to battle.
            He hid out in the countryside until the South Korean army
         captured the island.  The Communists who had killed his wife
         and father were arrested.  Because it was wartime, the police
         chief had authority to execute without trial.  But as the chief
         prepared to kill the men, Kim pleaded, 'Spare them.  They were
         forced to kill.'
            The police chief showed great surprise.  'It was your family
         they killed!  Why do you now ask for their lives?'
            Kim replied quietly, 'Because the Lord, whose I am and whom
         I serve, would have me show mercy to them.'
            The Communists were spared execution because of Kim's plea.
         News of his action spread among other Communist supporters in
         the area.  When Kim later ascended a mountain to preach to
         Communists hiding out, he was not killed.  Many of the
         Communists became Christians, and when Kim finally left the
         sland there was a flourishing church of 108 members.
                               - Dictionary Of Illustrations, p. 188

CONCLUSION

1. We may never be called upon to manifest the power of responding to
   evil with good in such a remarkable way, but...
   a. We can begin by how we respond to personal abuses we often receive
      from others
   b. We can react to evil treatment even on a small scale with active
      good will

2. Reacting to evil with good will does not always convert the
   evildoer...
   a. Jesus was crucified on the cross, enduring hostility by sinners
      - He 12:2-3
   b. In such cases we must commit our cause to God, as did Jesus - 
      1 Pe 2:21-23; 4:19

3. But there other reasons for responding to evil with good...
   a. To be different than sinners - Lk 6:32-34
   b. To be like our Heavenly Father - Lk 6:35-36
   c. To receive a blessing (more likely to love life and see good days)
      - 1Pe 3:9-12

Do you desire to "love life and see good days"?  Then be transformed by
the renewing of your mind and demonstrate that God's will for responding
to evil is indeed good, acceptable, and perfect...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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August 2, 2013

From Gary... Memorials are important!!!


I have seen this memorial thousands of times, but this is the first time I have ever seen a picture of it.  It is only slightly different than I remember it, because the tribute to those veterans who served in Vietnam wasn't on the monument on the left, when I daily saw this on my way to elementary and high school.  It does bring back memories of my youth- some good and some not-so-good, but all that is "water under the dam" so to speak.  However, remembering the sacrifice that our soldiers have made to keep us free is worth the time and effort on our part!!!   Memories are like that- in a way, they make us what we are; they are memorials to the life we have lived.  Here is a memorial that is worth remembering...

Matthew, Chapter 26

 19  The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.  20 Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.  21 As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.” 

  22  They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?” 

  23  He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.   24  The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.” 

  25  Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” 

He said to him, “You said it.” 

  26  As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”   27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it,   28  for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.   29  But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”   30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 


Celebrating the "Lord's supper" is a remembrance of what Christ has done for us.  It is an acknowledgement that God has made a covenant with us so that our sins are forgiven.  His life for our life- a really personal thing and something that was very difficult for HIM to do.  Now, I know the Bible says that we all have sinned, yet in spite of this God's one and only sacrifice remains valid.  It is up to us to remember its significance and to TRY TO HUMBLY DO THE BEST WE CAN DO TO SERVE GOD WITH OUR WHOLE HEART!!!  The memorial in the picture resides in Schaghticoke, New York and for one reason or another may not be there in future ages to come, but Jesus, the risen Christ of God lives forever. The only question that remains is: will those of us who call ourselves Christians remember what it cost for us to be free from the penalty of sin and do everything we can to be faithful???  Don't forget to remember, memorials are important!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study, August 2



Bible Reading and Study, August 2


The World English Bible


Aug. 2
2 Chronicles 31-33

2Ch 31:1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
2Ch 31:2 Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camp of Yahweh.
2Ch 31:3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings,to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Yahweh.
2Ch 31:4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh.
2Ch 31:5 As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
2Ch 31:6 The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their God, and laid them by heaps.
2Ch 31:7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.
2Ch 31:8 When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and his people Israel.
2Ch 31:9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
2Ch 31:10 Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have eaten and had enough, and have left plenty: for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
2Ch 31:11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Yahweh; and they prepared them.
2Ch 31:12 They brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: and over them Conaniah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was second.
2Ch 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
2Ch 31:14 Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east gate, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the offerings of Yahweh, and the most holy things.
2Ch 31:15 Under him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, as well to the great as to the small:
2Ch 31:16 besides those who were reckoned by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into the house of Yahweh, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions;
2Ch 31:17 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;
2Ch 31:18 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness.
2Ch 31:19 Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every city, there were men who were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all who were reckoned by genealogy among the Levites.
2Ch 31:20 Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he worked that which was good and right and faithful before Yahweh his God.
2Ch 31:21 In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

2Ch 32:1 After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for himself.
2Ch 32:2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,
2Ch 32:3 he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the springs which were outside of the city; and they helped him.
2Ch 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the springs, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
2Ch 32:5 He took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raisedit up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo inthe city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
2Ch 32:6 He set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the broad place at the gate of the city, and spoke comfortably to them, saying,
2Ch 32:7 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him:
2Ch 32:8 with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is Yahweh our God to help us, and to fight our battles. The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2Ch 32:9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (now he was before Lachish, and all his power with him), to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah who were at Jerusalem, saying,
2Ch 32:10 Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, In whom do you trust, that you abide the siege in Jerusalem?
2Ch 32:11 Doesn't Hezekiah persuade you, to give you over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Yahweh our God will deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
2Ch 32:12 Has not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, You shall worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn incense?
2Ch 32:13 Don't you know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand?
2Ch 32:14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations which my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my hand?
2Ch 32:15 Now therefore don't let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither believe you him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand?
2Ch 32:16 His servants spoke yet more against Yahweh God, and against his servant Hezekiah.
2Ch 32:17 He wrote also letters, to rail on Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand.
2Ch 32:18 They cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
2Ch 32:19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem, as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands.
2Ch 32:20 Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.
2Ch 32:21 Yahweh sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he was come into the house of his god, those who came forth from his own bowels killed him there with the sword.
2Ch 32:22 Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.
2Ch 32:23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
2Ch 32:24 In those days Hezekiah was sick even to death: and he prayed to Yahweh; and he spoke to him, and gave him a sign.
2Ch 32:25 But Hezekiah didn't render again according to the benefit done to him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem.
2Ch 32:26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh didn't come on them in the days of Hezekiah.
2Ch 32:27 Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he provided him treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly vessels;
2Ch 32:28 storehouses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of animals, and flocks in folds.
2Ch 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much substance.
2Ch 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper spring of the waters of Gihon, and brought them straight down on the west side of the city of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
2Ch 32:31 However in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
2Ch 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
2Ch 32:33 Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the ascent of the tombs of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. Manasseh his son reigned in his place.
2Ch 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem.
2Ch 33:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.
2Ch 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; and he reared up altars for the Baals, and made Asheroth, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them.
2Ch 33:4 He built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, In Jerusalem shall my name be forever.
2Ch 33:5 He built altars for all the army of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh.
2Ch 33:6 He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and practiced sorcery, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger.
2Ch 33:7 He set the engraved image of the idol, which he had made, in the house of God, of which God said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever:
2Ch 33:8 neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for your fathers, if only they will observe to do all that I have commanded them, even all the law and the statutes and the ordinances given by Moses.
2Ch 33:9 Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that they did evil more than did the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel.
2Ch 33:10 Yahweh spoke to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed.
2Ch 33:11 Therefore Yahweh brought on them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh in chains, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
2Ch 33:12 When he was in distress, he begged Yahweh his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
2Ch 33:13 He prayed to him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh he was God.
2Ch 33:14 Now after this he built an outer wall to the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate; and he encircled Ophel with it, and raised it up to a very great height: and he put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah.
2Ch 33:15 He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
2Ch 33:16 He built up the altar of Yahweh, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel.
2Ch 33:17 Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only to Yahweh their God.
2Ch 33:18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of the kings of Israel.
2Ch 33:19 His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places in which he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the engraved images, before he humbled himself: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.
2Ch 33:20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his place.
2Ch 33:21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem.
2Ch 33:22 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh his father; and Amon sacrificed to all the engraved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them.
2Ch 33:23 He didn't humble himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but this same Amon trespassed more and more.
2Ch 33:24 His servants conspired against him, and put him to death in his own house.
2Ch 33:25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.




The Composite Bible
The World English Bible
Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.

2 Chronicles


2 Chronicles 31 1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, and
broke in pieces the pillars, and hewed down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and
the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed
them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own
cities.
And when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of
Judah, and broke the columns, and hewed down the Asherahs, and demolished the high
places and the altars in all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until
they had destroyed them all. And all the children of Israel returned every man to his
possession, into their cities.
And at the completion of all this, gone out have all Israel who are found present to
the cities of Judah, and break the standing-pillars, and cut down the shrines, and
break down the high places and the altars, out of all Judah and Benjamin, and in
Ephraim and Manasseh, even to completion, and all the sons of Israel turn back,
each to his Possession, to their cities.
2 Chronicles 31 2
Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man
according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace-
offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camp of Yahweh.
And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests, and the Levites after their
divisions, every man according to his service, as well the priests as the Levites, for
burnt-offerings and for peace-offerings, to serve and to give thanks and to praise in the
gates of the courts of Jehovah.
And Hezekiah appointeth the courses of the priests, and of the Levites, by their
courses, each according to his service, of the priests and of the Levites, for burnt-
offering, and for peace-offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to give
praise in the gates of the camps of Jehovah.
2 Chronicles 31 3
[He appointed] also the king`s portion of his substance for the burnt-offerings, [to wit], for the
morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the new
moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Yahweh.
And [he ordered] that the king`s portion [should be taken] from his substance for the
burnt-offerings: for the morning and evening burnt-offerings, for the burnt-offerings of
the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of the set feasts, as it is written in the law of
Jehovah.
And a portion of the king, from his substance, [is] for burnt-offerings, for burnt-
offerings of the morning, and of the evening, and the burnt-offerings of sabbaths,
and of new moons, and of appointed seasons, as it is written in the law of Jehovah.
2 Chronicles 31 4
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests
and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh.
And he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests
and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of Jehovah.
And he saith to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of
the priests, and of the Levites, so that they are strengthened in the law of Jehovah;
2 Chronicles 31 5
As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first-
fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of
all things brought they in abundantly.
And as soon as the commandment was published, the children of Israel gave in abundance
the firstfruits of corn, new wine and oil and honey, and of all the increase of the field;
and they brought in abundantly the tithe of all [things].
and at the spreading forth of the thing have the sons of Israel multiplied the first-
fruit of corn, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field, and
the tithe of the whole in abundance they have brought in.
2 Chronicles 31 6
The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe
of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their
God, and laid them by heaps.
And the children of Israel and of Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also
brought the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated
to Jehovah their God, and laid them by heaps.
And the sons of Israel and Judah, those dwelling in cities of Judah, they also a tithe
of herd and flock, and a tithe of the holy things that are sanctified to Jehovah
their God, have brought in, and they give -- heaps, heaps;
2 Chronicles 31 7
In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the
seventh month.
In the third month they began to lay the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.
in the third month they have begun to lay the foundation of the heaps, and in the
seventh month they have finished.
2 Chronicles 31 8
When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and his people
Israel.
And Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, and they blessed Jehovah, and his
people Israel.
And Hezekiah and the heads come in and see the heaps, and bless Jehovah and His
people Israel,
2 Chronicles 31 9
Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
And Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
and Hezekiah inquireth at the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps,
2 Chronicles 31 10
Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, Since [the people] began
to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have eaten and had enough, and have left
plenty: for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok spoke to him and said, Since they
began to bring the heave-offerings into the house of Jehovah, we have eaten and been
satisfied and have left plenty; for Jehovah has blessed his people; and what is left is this
great store.
and Azariah the head priest, of the house of Zadok, speaketh unto him, and saith,
`From the beginning of the bringing of the heave-offering to the house of Jehovah,
[there is] to eat, and to be satisfied, and to leave abundantly, for Jehovah hath
blessed His people, and that left [is] this store.`
2 Chronicles 31 11
Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Yahweh; and they prepared
them.
And Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Jehovah; and they
prepared [them],
And Hezekiah saith to prepare chambers in the house of Jehovah, and they
prepare,
2 Chronicles 31 12
They brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: and over them
Conaniah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was second.
and brought in the heave-offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully;
and over these Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was second.
and they bring in the heave-offering, and the tithe, and the holy things faithfully;
and over them is a leader, Conaniah the Levite, and Shimei his brother [is]
2 Chronicles 31 13
Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah,
and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother,
by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel,
and Jismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and
Shimei his brother, at the command of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of the
house of God.
and Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and
Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, [are] inspectors under the hand of
Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and
Azariah leader of the house of God.
2 Chronicles 31 14
Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east [gate], was over the freewill-offerings of
God, to distribute the offerings of Yahweh, and the most holy things.
And Kore the son of Jimnah the Levite, the doorkeeper toward the east, was over the
voluntary-offerings of God, to distribute the heave-offerings of Jehovah, and the most holy
things.
And Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east, [is] over the willing-
offerings of God, to give the heave-offering of Jehovah, and the most holy things.
2 Chronicles 31 15
Under him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the
cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by courses, as well to the
great as to the small:
And under him were Eden and Miniamin and Jeshua and Shemaiah, Amariah and
Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in [their] set trust, to make distributions to their
brethren by [their] divisions, to the great as to the small,
And by his hand [are] Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah,
and Shechaniah, in cities of the priests, faithfully to give to their brethren in
courses, as the great so the small,
2 Chronicles 31 16
besides those who were reckoned by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even
everyone who entered into the house of Yahweh, as the duty of every day required, for their
service in their offices according to their courses;
besides those from three years old and upward who as males were entered in the
genealogical register, -- all that came into the house of Jehovah, as the duty of every day
required, for their service in their charges, according to their divisions,
apart from their genealogy, to males from a son of three years and upward, to
every one who hath gone in to the house of Jehovah, by the matter of a day in its
day, for their service in their charges, according to their courses;
2 Chronicles 31 17
and those who were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers` houses, and the
Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their courses;
-- both to the priests enregistered according to their fathers` houses, and to the Levites
from twenty years old and upward, in their charges, by their divisions;
and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites,
from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their courses;
2 Chronicles 31 18
and those who were reckoned by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons,
and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their office of trust they sanctified
themselves in holiness.
and to all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, the whole
congregation of those entered in the register; for in their trust they hallowed
themselves to be holy.
and to the genealogy among all their infants, their wives, and their sons, and
their daughters to all the congregation, for in their faithfulness they sanctify
themselves in holiness.
2 Chronicles 31 19
Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in
every city, there were men who were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the males
among the priests, and to all who were reckoned by genealogy among the Levites.
And for the sons of Aaron the priests who were in the country, in the suburbs of their
cities, there were, in every several city, men expressed by name, to give portions to all
the males among the priests, and to all the Levites that were entered in the register.
And to sons of Aaron, the priests, in the fields of the suburb of their cities, in
every city and city, [are] men who have been defined by name, to give portions to
every male among the priests, and to every one who reckoned himself by
genealogy among the Levites.
2 Chronicles 31 20
Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he worked that which was good and right and
faithful before Yahweh his God.
And thus did Hezekiah throughout Judah, and wrought what was good and right and true
before Jehovah his God.
And Hezekiah doth thus in all Judah, and doth that which is good, and that which
is right, and that which is true, before Jehovah his God;
2 Chronicles 31 21
In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the
commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
And in every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God, and in the law,
and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered.
and in every work that he hath begun for the service of the house of God, and for
the law, and for the command, to seek to his God, with all his heart he hath
wrought and prospered.
2 Chronicles 32 1
After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into
Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for himself.
After these things and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered
into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to break into them.
After these things and this truth, come hath Sennacherib king of Asshur, yea, he
cometh in to Judah, and encampeth against the cities of the bulwarks, and saith to
rend them unto himself.
2 Chronicles 32 2
When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against
Jerusalem,
And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was minded to fight
against Jerusalem,
And Hezekiah seeth that Sennacherib hath come, and his face [is] to the battle
against Jerusalem,
2 Chronicles 32 3
he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the springs which
were outside of the city; and they helped him.
he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the fountains of waters that
were outside the city; and they helped him.
and he taketh counsel with his heads and his mighty ones, to stop the waters of
the fountains that [are] at the outside of the city -- and they help him,
2 Chronicles 32 4
So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the springs, and the brook
that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and
find much water?
And there was gathered together much people, and they stopped all the fountains, and
the torrent that flows through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of
Assyria come and find much water?
and much people are gathered, and they stop all the fountains and the brook that
is rushing into the midst of the land, saying, `Why do the kings of Asshur come,
and have found much water?`
2 Chronicles 32 5
He took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised [it] up to the towers,
and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo [in] the city of David, and made weapons and
shields in abundance.
And he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised
it up to the towers, and [built] another wall outside, and fortified the Millo of the city of
David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
And he strengtheneth himself, and buildeth the whole of the wall that is broken,
and causeth [it] to ascend unto the towers, and at the outside of the wall another,
and strengtheneth Millo, [in] the city of David, and maketh darts in abundance,
and shields.
2 Chronicles 32 6
He set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the broad place at
the gate of the city, and spoke comfortably to them, saying,
And he set captains of war over the people, and assembled them to him on the open place
at the gate of the city, and spoke consolingly to them saying,
And he putteth heads of war over the people, and gathereth them unto him, unto
the broad place of a gate of the city, and speaketh unto their heart, saying,
2 Chronicles 32 7
Be strong and of good courage, don`t be afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all
the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him:
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all
the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him:
`Be strong and courageous, be not afraid, nor be cast down from the face of the
king of Asshur, and from the face of all the multitude that [is] with him, for with
us [are] more than with him.
2 Chronicles 32 8
with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is Yahweh our God to help us, and to fight our battles.
The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our
battles. And the people depended upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
With him [is] an arm of flesh, and with us [is] Jehovah our God, to help us, and to
fight our battles;` and the people are supported by the words of Hezekiah king of
Judah.
2 Chronicles 32 9
After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (now he was before
Lachish, and all his power with him,) to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah who were at
Jerusalem, saying,
After this, Sennacherib king of Assyria sent his servants to Jerusalem (but he himself was
before Lachish, and all his power with him), unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all
Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,
After this hath Sennacherib king of Asshur sent his servants to Jerusalem -- and
he [is] by Lachish, and all his power with him -- against Hezekiah king of Judah,
and against all Judah, who [are] in Jerusalem, saying,
2 Chronicles 32 10
Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do you trust, that you abide the siege in
Jerusalem?
Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria: On what do ye rely that ye abide in the siege in
Jerusalem?
`Thus said Sennacherib king of Asshur, On what are ye trusting and abiding in
the bulwark, in Jerusalem?
2 Chronicles 32 11
Does not Hezekiah persuade you, to give you over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Yahweh
our God will deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
Does not Hezekiah persuade you, to give yourselves over to die by famine and by thirst,
saying, Jehovah our God will deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
`Is not Hezekiah persuading you, to give you up to die by famine, and by thirst,
saying, Jehovah our God doth deliver us from the hand of the king of Asshur?
2 Chronicles 32 12
Has not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and
Jerusalem, saying, You shall worship before one altar, and on it shall you burn incense?
Has not the same Hezekiah removed his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah
and Jerusalem saying, Ye shall worship before *one* altar, and burn incense upon it?
Hath not Hezekiah himself turned aside His high places, and His altars, and
speaketh to Judah and to Jerusalem, saying, Before one altar ye bow yourselves,
and on it ye make perfume?
2 Chronicles 32 13
Don`t you know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of
the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand?
Do ye not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the countries? Were
the gods of the nations of the countries in any wise able to deliver their country out of
my hand?
`Do ye not know what I have done -- I and my fathers -- to all peoples of the lands?
Were the gods of the nations of the lands at all able to deliver their land out of my
hand?
2 Chronicles 32 14
Who was there among all the gods of those nations which my fathers utterly destroyed, that
could deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my
hand?
Who is there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers have utterly destroyed,
that was able to deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver
you out of my hand?
Who among all the gods of these nations whom my fathers have devoted to
destruction [is] he who hath been able to deliver his people out of my hand, that
your God is able to deliver you out of my hand?
2 Chronicles 32 15
Now therefore don`t let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither
believe you him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my
hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand?
And now, let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you in this manner, neither yet
believe him; for no +god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my
hand, nor out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of
my hand?
`And, now, let not Hezekiah lift you up, nor persuade you thus, nor give credence
to him, for no god of any nation and kingdom is able to deliver his people from my
hand, and from the hand of my fathers: also, surely your God doth not deliver you
from my hand!`
2 Chronicles 32 16
His servants spoke yet more against Yahweh God, and against his servant Hezekiah.
And his servants spoke yet more against Jehovah, the [true] God, and against his servant
Hezekiah.
And again have his servants spoken against Jehovah God, and against Hezekiah His
servant,
2 Chronicles 32 17
He wrote also letters, to rail on Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As
the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so
shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand.
And he wrote a letter to rail at Jehovah the God of Israel, and to speak against him saying,
As the gods of the nations of the countries have not delivered their people out of my
hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of my hand.
and letters he hath written to give reproach to Jehovah, God of Israel, and to speak
against Him, saying, `As the gods of the nations of the lands that have not
delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah doth not deliver His
people from my hand.`
2 Chronicles 32 18
They cried with a loud voice in the Jews` language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the
wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
And they cried with a loud voice in the Jewish [language] to the people of Jerusalem that
were on the wall, to frighten them and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
And they call with a great voice [in] Jewish, against the people of Jerusalem who
[are] on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them, that they may capture the
city,
2 Chronicles 32 19
They spoke of the God of Jerusalem, as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work
of men`s hands.
And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work
of man`s hand.
and they speak against the God of Jerusalem as against the gods of the peoples of
the land -- work of the hands of man.
2 Chronicles 32 20
Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to
heaven.
And because of this, king Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz prayed and
cried to heaven.
And Hezekiah the king prayeth, and Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet, concerning
this, and they cry to the heavens,
2 Chronicles 32 21
Yahweh sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in
the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he was
come into the house of his god, those who came forth from his own bowels killed him there with
the sword.
And Jehovah sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the princes and
the captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. And he returned with shame of face to
his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his
own bowels made him fall there with the sword.
and Jehovah sendeth a messenger, and cutteth off every mighty one of valour --
both leader and head -- in the camp of the king of Asshur, and he turneth back
with shame of face to his land, and entereth the house of his god, and those
coming out of his bowels have caused him to fall there by the sword.
2 Chronicles 32 22
Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the
king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [others], and guided them on every side.
And Jehovah saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of
Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all, and protected them on every
side.
And Jehovah saveth Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of
Sennacherib king of Asshur, and from the hand of all, and He leadeth them round
about;
2 Chronicles 32 23
Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so
that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
And many brought gifts unto Jehovah to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king
of Judah; and he was thenceforth magnified in the sight of all the nations.
and many are bringing in an offering to Jehovah, to Jerusalem, and precious
things to Hezekiah king of Judah, and he is lifted up before the eyes of all the
nations after this.
2 Chronicles 32 24
In those days Hezekiah was sick even to death: and he prayed to Yahweh; and he spoke to him,
and gave him a sign.
In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death, and he prayed to Jehovah; and he spoke to
him and gave him a sign.
In those days hath Hezekiah been sick even unto death, and he prayeth unto
Jehovah, and He speaketh to him, and a wonder hath appointed for him;
2 Chronicles 32 25
But Hezekiah didn`t render again according to the benefit done to him; for his heart was lifted
up: therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem.
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] to him, for his heart
was lifted up; and there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
and Hezekiah hath not returned according to the deed [done] unto him, for his
heart hath been lofty, and there is wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem;
2 Chronicles 32 26
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh didn`t come on them in the days of
Hezekiah.
And Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, he and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Jehovah came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
and Hezekiah is humbled for the loftiness of his heart, he and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, and the wrath of Jehovah hath not come upon them in the days of
Hezekiah.
2 Chronicles 32 27
Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he provided him treasuries for silver, and
for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly
vessels;
And Hezekiah had very much riches and honour; and he made himself treasuries for
silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all
manner of pleasant vessels;
And Hezekiah hath riches and honour very much, and treasures he hath made to
himself of silver, and of gold, and of precious stone, and of spices, and of shields,
and of all [kinds] of desirable vessels,
2 Chronicles 32 28
store-houses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of
animals, and flocks in folds.
storehouses also for the increase of corn and new wine and oil, and stalls for all manner of
beasts, and [he procured] flocks for the stalls.
and storehouses for the increase of corn, and new wine, and oil, and stalls for all
kinds of cattle, and herds for stalls;
2 Chronicles 32 29
Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had
given him very much substance.
And he provided for himself cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for
God gave him very much substance.
and cities he hath made for himself, and possessions of flocks and herds in
abundance, for God hath given to him very much substance.
2 Chronicles 32 30
This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper spring of the waters of Gihon, and brought them
straight down on the west side of the city of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
And he, Hezekiah, stopped the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon, and brought it
straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his
works.
And Hezekiah himself hath stopped the upper source of the waters of Gihon, and
directeth them beneath to the west of the city of David, and Hezekiah prospereth
in all his work;
2 Chronicles 32 31
However in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to
inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all
that was in his heart.
However in [the matter of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to
inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might
know all [that was] in his heart.
and so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending unto him to
inquire of the wonder that hath been in the land, God hath left him to try him, to
know all in his heart,
2 Chronicles 32 32
Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision
of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the
vision of the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
And the rest of the matters of Hezekiah, and his kind acts, lo, they are written in
the vision of Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet, on the book of the kings of Judah and
Israel.
2 Chronicles 32 33
Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the ascent of the tombs of the sons of
David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. Manasseh his
son reigned in his place.
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the highest place of the
sepulchres of the sons of David; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him
honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
And Hezekiah lieth with his fathers, and they bury him in the uppermost of the
graves of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem have
done honour to him at his death, and reign doth Manasseh his son in his stead.
2 Chronicles 33 1
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in
Jerusalem.
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in
Jerusalem.
A son of twelve years is Manasseh in his reigning, and fifty and five years he hath
reigned in Jerusalem;
2 Chronicles 33 2
He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom
Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.
And he did evil in the sight of Jehovah, like the abominations of the nations that Jehovah
had dispossessed from before the children of Israel.
and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, like the abominations of the
nations that Jehovah dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel,
2 Chronicles 33 3
For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; and he reared
up altars for the Baals, and made Asheroth, and worshipped all the host of the sky, and served
them.
And he built again the high places that Hezekiah his father had broken down; and he
reared up altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshipped all the host of heaven
and served them.
and he turneth and buildeth the high places that Hezekiah his father hath broken
down, and raiseth altars for Baalim, and maketh shrines, and boweth himself to
all the host of the heavens, and serveth them.
2 Chronicles 33 4
He built altars in the house of Yahweh, whereof Yahweh said, In Jerusalem shall my name be
forever.
And he built altars in the house of Jehovah, of which Jehovah had said, In Jerusalem shall
my name be for ever.
And he hath built altars in the house of Jehovah of which Jehovah had said, `In
Jerusalem is My name to the age.`
2 Chronicles 33 5
He built altars for all the host of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh.
And he built altars to all the host of heaven in both courts of the house of Jehovah.
And he buildeth altars to all the host of the heavens in the two courts of the house
of Jehovah.
2 Chronicles 33 6
He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he
practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and practiced sorcery, and dealt with those who had
familiar spirits, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him
to anger.
He also caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom;
and he used magic and divination and sorcery, and appointed necromancers and
soothsayers: he wrought evil beyond measure in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to
anger.
And he hath caused his sons to pass over through fire in the valley of the son of
Hinnom, and observed clouds and used enchantments and witchcraft, and dealt
with a familiar spirit, and a wizard; he hath multiplied to do the evil thing in
the eyes of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.
2 Chronicles 33 7
He set the engraved image of the idol, which he had made, in the house of God, of which God said
to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all
the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever:
And he set the graven image of the idol that he had made, in the house of God, of which
God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I
have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever;
And he placeth the graven image of the idol that he made in the house of God, of
which God said unto David, and unto Solomon his son, `In this house, and in
Jerusalem that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I put My name to the
age,
2 Chronicles 33 8
neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for
your fathers, if only they will observe to do all that I have commanded them, even all the law and
the statutes and the ordinances [given] by Moses.
neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land that I have
appointed to your fathers; if they will only take heed to do all that I commanded them
through Moses, according to all the law and the statutes and the ordinances.
and I add not to turn aside the foot of Israel from off the ground that I appointed
to your fathers, only, if they watch to do all that I have commanded them -- to all
the law, and the statutes, and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.`
2 Chronicles 33 9
Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that they did evil more than did
the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel.
And Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the
nations that Jehovah had destroyed from before the children of Israel.
And Manasseh maketh Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, to do evil
above the nations that Jehovah destroyed from the presence of the sons of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33 10
Yahweh spoke to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed.
And Jehovah spoke to Manasseh and to his people; but they did not hearken.
And Jehovah speaketh unto Manasseh and unto his people, and they have not
attended,
2 Chronicles 33 11
Therefore Yahweh brought on them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, who took
Manasseh in chains, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
And Jehovah brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, who took
Manasseh with fetters, and bound him with chains of brass, and carried him to Babylon.
and Jehovah bringeth in against them the heads of the host that the king of
Asshur hath, and they capture Manasseh among the thickets, and bind him with
brazen fetters, and cause him to go to Babylon.
2 Chronicles 33 12
When he was in distress, he begged Yahweh his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God
of his fathers.
And when he was in affliction, he besought Jehovah his God, and humbled himself greatly
before the God of his fathers,
And when he is in distress he hath appeased the face of Jehovah his God, and is
humbled exceedingly before the God of his fathers,
2 Chronicles 33 13
He prayed to him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him
again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh he was God.
and prayed to him. And he was intreated of him and heard his supplication, and brought
him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah, he was God.
and prayeth unto Him, and He is entreated of him, and heareth his supplication,
and bringeth him back to Jerusalem, to his kingdom, and Manasseh knoweth that
Jehovah -- He [is] God.
2 Chronicles 33 14
Now after this he built an outer wall to the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley,
even to the entrance at the fish gate; and he compassed Ophel about [with it], and raised it up
to a very great height: and he put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah.
And after this he built the outer wall of the city of David, on the west, toward Gihon, in
the valley, even to the entrance of the fish-gate, and carried it round Ophel, and raised
it up a very great height; and he put captains of war in all the fortified cities of Judah.
And after this he hath built an outer wall to the city of David, on the west of
Gihon, in the valley, and at the entering in at the fish-gate, and it hath gone
round to the tower, and he maketh it exceeding high, and he putteth heads of the
force in all the cities of the bulwarks in Judah.
2 Chronicles 33 15
He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he
had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the
city.
And he removed the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of Jehovah, and all the
altars that he had built on the mount of the house of Jehovah and in Jerusalem, and cast
[them] out of the city.
And he turneth aside the gods of the stranger, and the idol, out of the house of
Jehovah, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of Jehovah
and in Jerusalem, and casteth [them] to the outside of the city.
2 Chronicles 33 16
He built up the altar of Yahweh, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace-offerings and of
thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel.
And he reinstated the altar of Jehovah, and sacrificed on it peace-offerings and thank-
offerings, and commanded Judah to serve Jehovah the God of Israel.
And he buildeth the altar of Jehovah, and sacrificeth upon it sacrifices of peace-
offerings and thank-offering, and saith to Judah to serve Jehovah, God of Israel;
2 Chronicles 33 17
Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only to Yahweh their God.
Nevertheless, the people sacrificed still on the high places, although to Jehovah their God
only.
but still the people are sacrificing in high places, only -- to Jehovah their God.
2 Chronicles 33 18
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who
spoke to him in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of
the kings of Israel.
And the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers
that spoke to him in the name of Jehovah the God of Israel, behold, they [are written] in
the acts of the kings of Israel.
And the rest of the matters of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the
matters of the seers, those speaking unto him in the name of Jehovah, God of Israel,
lo, they are [on the book of] the matters of the kings of Israel;
2 Chronicles 33 19
His prayer also, and how [God] was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the
places in which he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the engraved images, before he
humbled himself: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.
And his prayer, and [how God] was intreated of him, and all his sin and his
unfaithfulness, and the places in which he built high places, and set up Asherahs and
graven images, before he was humbled, behold, they are written among the words of
Hozai.
and his prayer, and his entreaty, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places
in which he had built high places, and established the shrines and the graven
images before his being humbled, lo, they are written beside the matters of Hozai.
2 Chronicles 33 20
So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son
reigned in his place.
And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house; and Amon
his son reigned in his stead.
And Manasseh lieth with his fathers, and they bury him in his own house, and
reign doth Amon his son in his stead.
2 Chronicles 33 21
Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem.
Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in
Jerusalem.
A son of twenty and two years [is] Amon in his reigning, and two years he hath
reigned in Jerusalem,
2 Chronicles 33 22
He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh his father; and Amon
sacrificed to all the engraved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them.
And he did evil in the sight of Jehovah, as Manasseh his father had done; and Amon
sacrificed to all the grave2 Chroniclesn images that Manasseh his father had made, and served them.
and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, as did Manasseh his father, and
to all the graven images that Manasseh his father had made hath Amon sacrificed,
and serveth them,
2 Chronicles 33 23
He didn`t humble himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but this
same Amon trespassed more and more.
And he did not humble himself before Jehovah, as Manasseh his father had humbled
himself; for he, Amon, multiplied trespass.
and hath not been humbled before Jehovah, like the humbling of Manasseh his
father, for Amon himself hath multiplied guilt.
2 Chronicles 33 24
His servants conspired against him, and put him to death in his own house.
And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house.
And his servants conspire against him, and put him to death in his own house,
2 Chronicles 33 25
But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against king Amon; and the people
of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.
But the people of the land smote all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the
people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
and the people of the land smite all those conspiring against king Amon, and the

people of the land cause Josiah his son to reign in his stead.

Study Questions

What did Hezekiah appoint? 31:2,3

Who was in charge of the contributions? 31:12

What prophet aided Hezekiah when he was troubled by Sennacherib? 32:20

Manasseh was the son of ? 33:1

Was Manasseh a good or a bad king? 33:2-9

What did Menasseh do when in distress? 33:!2

What did Amon multiply? 33:23