July 24, 2013

From Jim McGuiggan... Depend on it—He'll come!

Depend on it—He'll come!

  I wouldn’t suggest that non-Christians don’t really love their families and friends. That would be both nonsense and Christian imperialism of the worst kind. I’d only suggest that if Christians know and remember who they are and that faithful love for their loved ones is a form of “gospeling”. They’re living out of their relationship with Jesus Christ. In any case, isn’t it wonderful to watch a friendship lasting a lifetime? I watched an eighty-eight year old Christian man sitting by a hospital bed holding his dying wife’s hand, hardly able to bear the heartbreak. More than sixty years of marriage were drawing to a close. The unutterable pain he was now feeling was the price he was more than willing to pay for all those lovely years of warmth, friendship, joy and intimacy. It seems obvious to me, if a husband and wife don’t become the closest of friends their marriage hasn’t reached its potential.
  I want to be my wife Ethel’s best friend on earth. I met her when she was pretty and eighteen and she was still eighteen when we married. It isn’t surprising that however we looked when we were young, we’ve lost that youthfulness and some of the things that count for physical attractiveness, but we have warm friendship that counts for more than any measure of good looks or social charisma. When I need a friend to counsel me, sympathize with and challenge or rebuke me, I’ve got her. In her I have someone to laugh and find pleasure with and someone to miss when if I’m away. 
  I know of course that while human loves are a rich gift from God they are never quite the same when they leave his hand and we reach out and take them. Still, they don’t cease to be his gifts and they continue to be witnesses to God’s faithfulness in the face of human betrayal. The beauty of this was well illustrated for thousands of us in a song dating from 1901, written by Edward Madden and Theodore F. Morse. They called it Two Little Boys. It was about the American Civil War but it attracted little or no attention in America though it was taken up in England and sung about the Crimean War. It wasn’t until 1969 that it made a surprise appearance in the popular market.
  Australian television personality, Rolf Harris, recorded the song and it climbed to number one in the charts in Britain. In an interview I heard him tell how Ted Engram had brought the song to him, excited and urging him to release it. Engram began to sing it to Harris and Harris tells us he was thinking to himself, “How do I turn this down without hurting his feelings too much?” The song had nothing to offer the singer until as he himself said, “Then I heard the words, ‘do you think I would leave you dying?’ and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. I recorded it and the rest you know.”
 It’s about two little boys who rode around on their stick horses, enjoying the world, seeing themselves cavalry soldiers. One of the boys accidentally breaks off his horse’s head and starts to cry but his friend says, “Do you think I would leave you crying when there’s room on my horse for two? Climb up here, Jack, we’ll soon be flying, I can go just as fast with two.”
  The years passed and war made its ugly appearance. The two, still friends, join the army and ride together in a cavalry unit. What happens is best told in the words of Morse and Madden.

Cannons roared loud, and in the mad crowd
Wounded and dying lay
Up goes a shout, a horse dashes out, 
Out from the ranks so blue,
Gallops away to where Joe lay, then came a voice 
he knew,
“Did you think I would leave you dying
when there’s room on my horse for two.
Climb up here Joe we’ll soon be flying
Back to the ranks so blue.
Did you say Joe I’m all atremble?
Perhaps it’s the battle’s noise
Or maybe it’s that I remember when we were two little boys.

  “Do you think I would leave you dying?” No wonder Harris felt the hair on his neck standing up. There’s gallantry in every syllable. The kind of thing we see every day without seeing it, the kind of thing we all long to be a part of us; a devotion that many in their better moments would die for; a devotion that so many die without ever giving or receiving.
  But the beauty of this does more than set before us a lovely example, it bears witness to the faithfulness that is behind all our faithfulness, a faithfulness that is the source of all our faithfulness—God’s own Christ who comes in his Father’s name; who comes in his Father’s name saying, “Do you think I would leave you dying?” 
When the New Testament speaks of justification “by faith in Jesus Christ” there are several texts that use a genitive which could easily be rendered “by the faith of Christ” or by “the faithfulness of Christ”. Romans 3:26 is one of those texts and this might be one more than the others that would warrant the translation, “the faith of Christ.” If we should understand it that way (and many scholars are coming around to that view) then we’re being told that God justifies us on the basis of Christ’s own faithfulness. This would mean that we are justified because God in and through Jesus Christ kept his promises, was faithful and wouldn’t leave us to die.
  And these are the kind of people Jesus gathers around him (yes, I know of another kind!). They are people who watch him, admire and rejoice in him and commit themselves to him. Like him, they make their promises and come to stay.
Now...where do I go from here?


©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.... Call him IMMANUEL

Call him IMMANUEL

Half a million mourners followed the cortege of Victor Hugo to his resting place in the Pantheon in 1885. No wonder the French people revered him. He was more than an international playwright, poet and author; he was a statesman, lover of the poor and a Frenchman who loved France with all his heart. He grieved with France through its troubles and when the Prussians moved against Paris Hugo sent word from his safe home in Guernsey to the French capital, "I am coming to Paris."
On his way through Belgium a young Frenchman enquired, "Are you Victor Hugo?" and on being told he was the young man wanted to know, "Is it prudent to go to Paris at this time?" Hugo's immediate reply was, "It is very imprudent. You ought to go." The great man arrived just as the Germans were closing the last avenues of entrance to or escape from Paris. A host of hurting, worried and deprived French people met him and were enthralled with this one who had come to bear with them whatever was ahead and to imprison himself with them in Paris.
As P.T. Forsyth has taught us, It won't do to speak of Christ only as a hero but it is true to say that he came to bear with and for us the judgement of God that was on the rebellious human family. On his way to Paris Hugo had seen the Germans at work in the villages burned to the ground and on his way to Bethlehem and Golgotha the Christ had seen the human race at work and the awful destruction and loss. We might have thought with Matthew Henry that in light of our awful sins and desperate wickedness his name would have been "God against us" but no! When he acts as "God against us" it is because he is God with usand for us. Hugo appealed to the best that was in his people and Jesus dealt with the darkness that was in his people Israel and in us all that he might create within us the best that is in us. And so it is that the Immanuel baby is both our judge and our Saviour. What a holy Judge and what a gracious Saviour, who saw us in sin and error pining, who came and thrilled us with hope and made our souls feel their worth. No wonder we admire and revere the name of Victor Hugo and no wonder we fall on our knees and worship Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:21,23 and Isaiah 7:14.)

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... As cool as a cucumber

As cool as a cucumber

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
After a world-full of rebellion in every generation the skies open and here comes the Son of God. After a thousand generations had dishonoured God and shut him out of their lives, individually and nationally, God sent his Son to deal with the world. This Son honoured the Holy Father above life itself so when he came we might have expected that he would come like a juggernaut to crush the world for its ceaseless treachery and contempt.
Would he not come in the likeness of the fierce cherubim, the executors of God's justice and defender of his honour, his war-wagon on which he rides to judgement (Ezekiel chapters 1 & 11)? No, he comes as one of us. If we had asked him, "And why did you come as one of us?" he would have said, "Because I didn't come to condemn the world. I came to save it and this is how it's done."
But doesn't he have his nerve? "I came to save the world!" he says, as cool as a cucumber and as serious as a heart attack. Looking at us with steady eyes when he says it. If he had said he would save a person from drowning or a man from bankruptcy, maybe, a claim like that wouldn't be so bad because we could sense it was within our grasp. That'd have some modesty about it but here's this young man talking about saving "a world". A big, round, teeming world of people. It's startling even to hear him saying, "I'm not here to condemn the world." As if he could! Who does he think he is? God?
We'd dismiss him as a crank, a silly young fool who'd know better when he got to be an old man—that's what we'd do...only...

©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 Mark Copeland... Conflict Over Circumcision (Acts 15:1-35)


                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                 Conflict Over Circumcision (15:1-35)

INTRODUCTION

1. During his first missionary journey, Paul saw that God "opened a door
   of faith to the Gentiles" - Ac 14:27
   a. The conversion of Sergius Paulus - Ac 13:6-12
   b. The conversion of many Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:42-49
   c. The conversion of Greeks in Iconium - Ac 14:1

2. It wasn't long before the question of Gentiles in the church became an
   issue...
   a. Should the Gentiles be accepted without first converting to 
      Judaism?
   b. Should they be required to be circumcised, and keep the Law of
      Moses?

[After a "long time" in Antioch of Syria, Paul and the church were
faced with a crisis regarding the issue of the Gentiles...]

I. THE CONFLICT

   A. SOME CAME FROM JUDEA...
      1. Teaching that Gentiles could not be saved without circumcision 
         - Ac 15:1
      2. With whom Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed - Ac 15:2
      3. This conflict might have involved Peter - Ga 2:11-16 (some
         think this was during Ac 15:1-2; others think it was later)

   B. PAUL AND BARNABAS SENT TO JERUSALEM...
      1. Accompanied by "certain others" (such as Titus) - Ac 15:2; 
         Ga 2:1
      2. To talk to the apostles and elders, which Paul did "by
         revelation" - Ac 15:2; Ga 2:2
      3. On the way, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria - Ac 15:3
         a. Describing the conversion of the Gentiles
         b. Causing great joy among the brethren

[Since the men causing disturbance came from Judea, Paul and his 
companions went to Jerusalem, to locate the actual origin of this
problem.  This led to...]

II. THE CONFERENCE

   A. PRELIMINARY MEETINGS...
      1. Formal reception by the church
         a. Paul's party was received by the church, the apostles, and
            the elders - Ac 15:4
         b. To whom Paul reported all that God had done with them - 
            Ac 15:4; cf. Ac 14:27
         c. Some of the sect of the Pharisees objected - Ac 15:5
            1) Likely Jewish Christians who had been Pharisees
            2) Demanding Gentiles be circumcised and keep the Law of
               Moses
      2. Private meeting with some who were "of reputation"
         a. In which Paul explained the gospel which he preached - Ga 2:1-2
         b. Where some false brethren tried to compel Titus (a Gentile)
            to be circumcised, which Paul refused - Ga 2:3-6
         c. James, Peter, and John commended Paul for his work among the
            Gentiles - Ga 2:7-10
            1) Extending to him the right hand of fellowship
            2) Asking only that he remember the poor (something he was 
               careful do on his remaining missionary journeys)

   B. PUBLIC MEETING...
      1. The speech of Peter - Ac 15:6-11
         a. How God selected him to be the first to preach to the
            Gentiles - cf. Ac 10:1-43
         b. How God bore witness to their acceptability by giving them
            the Spirit - cf. Ac 10:44-48; 11:15-18
         c. That God purified them through faith, just as He did the
            Jews
         d. That they should not test God, by placing a burden on the
            Gentiles which they themselves could not bear
         e. That God will save the Jews in the same way, through the
            grace of the Lord Jesus - cf. Ac 2:38 (Jews) with Ac 10:48
            (Gentiles)
      2. The testimony of Paul and Barnabas - Ac 15:12 
         a. How God did many miracles and wonders through them among the
            Gentiles
         b. Which the multitude listened to quietly
      3. The counsel of James - Ac 15:13-21
         a. Reminding them of what Simon (Peter) had just said
         b. Reminding them of the Old Testament prophecy of Amos - Am 9:11-12
         c. Offering his judgment:
            1) Not to trouble the Gentiles who were turning to God
            2) But write to them, asking them to abstain from:
               a) Things polluted by idols (i.e., meats offered to idols)
               b) Sexual immorality
               c) Things strangled
               d) Blood 
         d. This would go a long way in keeping peace between Jewish and
            Gentile converts

[With the testimony of Paul and Barnabas, Peter, and James, supported by
God's approval through miraculous signs and prophetic scriptures, the 
conflict came to a quick resolution (for the time being)...]

III. THE CONCLUSION

   A. DELEGATION AND LETTER...
      1. The apostles, elders, and the whole church agree to send a
         delegation - Ac 15:22
      2. Judas and Silas, selected to accompany Paul and Barnabas along
         with the letter - Ac 15:22
      3. A copy of this letter is preserved by Luke - Ac 15:23-29
      4. Note:  those who caused the trouble are identified as having
         done so without any authority from those in Jerusalem - Ac 15:24

   B. RETURN AND RECEPTION...
      1. Paul and the delegation return to Antioch, and deliver the
         letter - Ac 15:30
      2. The multitude rejoice over its encouragement - Ac 15:31
      3. Judas and Silas exhort the brethren with many words - Ac 15:32-34
         a. Judas eventually returned to the apostles in Jerusalem
         b. Silas stayed in Antioch, later to join Paul on his travels 
            - cf. Ac 15:40
      4. Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch, teaching and preaching
         - Ac 15:35

CONCLUSION

1. The conflict over circumcision and the Law illustrates the challenges
   faced by the early church...
   a. The challenge of transition from the Old Covenant to the New
      Covenant
   b. The challenge of accepting into the church those who were 
      considered "unclean"
 
2. But the challenges were overcome, in large part due to the apostle
   Paul...
   a. A Hebrew of the Hebrews, but also an apostle to the Gentiles
   b. Whom God used to help bridge Jew and Gentile together

To fulfill what Jesus died to accomplish on the cross, to bring peace
between Jew and Gentile, making one new body (Ep 2:11-16).  This ought
to remind us who are Gentiles how blessed we are to be able to come
into the fellowship with God and His people.  

Have we let Jesus add us to His one new body, the church...? - cf. Ac
2:41,47


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

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From Mark Copeland... Paul's Missionary Policies (Acts 14:21-28)


                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                Paul's Missionary Policies (14:21-28)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following the attempt on Paul's life in the city of Lystra...
   a. The next day Paul and Barnabas went on to Derbe - Ac 14:20
   b. Where they preached the gospel and made many disciples - Ac 14:21

2. At this point, Paul and Barnabas began to retrace their steps...
   a. Visiting many of the places where they had established churches
   b. Finally returning to Antioch of Syria where they had started

[In this lesson we will review "Paul's Missionary Policies" that we can
glean from his first missionary journey.  But first, let's briefly
summarize...]

I. THE RETURN TRIP HOME

   A. VIA LYSTRA, ICONIUM, ANTIOCH... - Ac 14:21
      1. Lystra - where Paul healed a lame man, but then was stoned
      2. Iconium - where Paul had spent some time, but the fled an
         attempt to stone him
      3. Antioch of Pisidia - where Paul preached the gospel in the
         synagogue until expelled from the region 

   B. STRENGTHENING THE DISCIPLES - Ac 14:22
      1. Exhorting them to continue in the faith
      2. Telling them to expect tribulations for the kingdom of God

   C. APPOINTING ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH - Ac 14:23
      1. With prayer and fasting
      2. Commending them to the Lord 

   D. PREACHING IN PERGA OF PAMPHYLIA - Ac 14:24-25
      1. Perga - from where John Mark left them earlier - Ac 13:13-14
      2. No mention was made of them preaching before, but now they do

   E. VIA ATTALIA TO ANTIOCH OF SYRIA - Ac 14:25-26
      1. Attalia - a city on the coast of Pamphylia
      2. Antioch of Syria - the place from which they began their journey

   F. REPORTING WHAT GOD HAD DONE - Ac 14:27
      1. To the church that had sent them - cf. Ac 13:1-3
      2. Telling how God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles

[At this point Luke mentions that Paul and Barnabas stayed a long time
with the disciples at Antioch of Syria (Ac 14:28).  Looking back over
Paul's first missionary journey, let's glean what we can about...]

II. PAUL'S MISSIONARY POLICIES

   A. PREACH THE GOSPEL...
      1. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ - Ac 14:7,21
      2. As commanded by Jesus Himself - Mk 16:15-16

   B. MAKE DISCIPLES...
      1. He made disciples by preaching the gospel - Ac 14:21
      2. Not just baptizing them, but teaching them as disciples - cf. 
         Mt 28:19-20

   C. ESTABLISH LOCAL CHURCHES...
      1. Today, missionaries often establish missions (i.e., parachurch
         organizations)
      2. Paul's policy was to establish churches - Ac 14:23; cf. Ro 16:16

   D. STRENGTHEN AND EXHORT BRETHREN...
      1. Which may explain why he retraced his steps - Ac 14:21-22
      2. Which explains why he visited them again and again - 
         Ac 15:36,41; 16:1-5; 18:23

   E. APPOINT ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH...
      1. These were bishops (overseers), also known as pastors 
         (shepherds) - Ac 14:23; 20:17,28
      2. Older men who had to meet certain qualifications - cf. 
         1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9
      3. The quick appointment may be due to Jewish converts, already
         well versed in the Word and who may have served earlier as 
         elders in the synagogues

   F. COMMEND THEM TO THE LORD'S CARE...
      1. The early church did not practice "apostolic succession" - Ac 12:2 
         (James was not replaced)
      2. Instead, apostles left the churches to the grace (providence) of
         God - Ac 14:23; 20:28-32

   G. REPORT TO THE CHURCH THAT SENT THEM...
      1. The church at Antioch of Syria had sent Paul on this journey
         - Ac 13:1-3
      2. It was only proper to report back to them what took place - Ac 14:27

CONCLUSION

1. Paul's missionary policies were actually those of the Holy Spirit...
   a. Who sent Paul and Barnabas on their journey - Ac 13:1-4
   b. Who undoubtedly guided them in the work that they did

2. Today, many churches and missionaries involved in foreign work...
   a. Establish missions instead of churches
   b. Create paternalistic oversight of indigenous churches

3. Such practices are without scriptural authority...
   a. Paul and Barnabas established independent, autonomous congregations
      - Ac 14:23; 20:28
   b. They commended such congregations to God's Word and God's care
      - Ac 14:23; 20:32

If we desire to increase the kingdom of God (and not denominations of 
men), then we do well to study carefully and apply faithfully the 
policies of those like Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey...!




Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

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From Mark Copeland... Tribulations For The Kingdom Of God (Acts 14:1-22)


                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

             Tribulations For The Kingdom Of God (14:1-22)

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we read about Paul and Barnabas at Antioch of Pisidia...
   a. Where they experienced both success and conflict - Ac 13:42-45
   b. They were eventually expelled, though leaving joyful disciples
      behind - Ac 13:49-52

2. Paul and Barnabas then went on to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe...
   a. Cities of Phrygia and Lycaonia, in Asia Minor (Turkey)
   b. Establishing churches to which Paul likely wrote Galatians - cf. 
      Ga 1:1-2

[As with Antioch, Paul and Barnabas found success mixed with ill 
treatment (cf. 2Ti 3:11).  Paul's observation about such treatment (Ac
14:22) raises some questions, but let's first summarize...]

I. THE MINISTRY AT ICONIUM, LYSTRA, AND DERBE

   A. ICONIUM...
      1. Again the procedure was to start with the local synagogue - 
         Ac 14:1; 17:1-2
      2. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against the brethren 
         - Ac 14:2; 13:45
      3. Paul and his companions stayed "a long time", speaking boldly in
         the Lord with signs and wonders - Ac 14:3; cf. Mk 16:19-20; He 2:4
      4. It may have been during this time to which Paul had reference 
         when he later wrote to the Galatians of their reception of him 
         - cf. Ga 4:13-15
      5. The city eventually became divided between the Jews and the
         apostles - Ac 14:4
         a. Note that Paul and Barnabas are referred to as "apostles"
            - cf. also Ac 14:14
         b. Likely because they had been "sent" by the Holy Spirit - cf.
            Ac 13:2,4
         c. Not in quite the sense as used of the Twelve - cf. 
            Ac 1:15-26; Re 21:14 
      6. An attempt to stone them forced Paul and Barnabas to flee to
         Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:4-6

   B. LYSTRA...
      1. They preached the gospel throughout the region - Ac 14:6-7
      2. Paul healed a lame man, whom he saw had faith to be healed - 
         Ac 14:8-10
      3. The Gentiles assumed Paul to be Hermes, Barnabas Zeus, and
         prepared to offer a sacrifice to them - Ac 14:11-13
      4. Barnabas and Paul reacted strongly, scarcely restraining them
         - Ac 14:14-18
         a. By proclaiming there is one living God, the Creator of all
            things
         b. Who bore witness of Himself through the blessings of nature
            - cf. Ac 17:24-25
      5. Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the multitude to stone 
         Paul - Ac 14:19; 2Co 11:25
      6. The next day Paul and Barnabas departed and went to Derbe - Ac 14:20

   C. DERBE...
      1. They preached the gospel - Ac 14:21a
      2. They made many disciples - Ac 14:21a

[Paul and Barnabas soon retraced their steps, returning to Lystra,
Iconium, Antioch (Ac 14:21).  There they strengthened the disciples and
exhorted them to continue in the faith, saying "We must through many 
tribulations enter the kingdom of God." (Ac 14:22).  This has led some
to ask...]

II. MUST ALL CHRISTIANS SUFFER TRIBULATION FOR THE KINGDOM?

   A. THE APOSTLES CERTAINLY DID...
      1. As Jesus said they would - Mt 10:22
      2. As Paul mentioned of others and himself - 1Co 4:9-12
         2Co 4:8-10; 11:23-29
      3. Indeed they all died as martyrs, with the exception of John who
         suffered exile

   B. MANY EARLY CHRISTIANS DID...
      1. The church in Jerusalem - Ac 8:1,3
      2. The churches in Thessalonica and Philippi - 1Th 1:6; 2:14;
         3:2-4; 2Th 1:4-6; Php 1:29-30
      3. As Jesus warned those of Smyrna - Re 2:10

   C. BUT NOT ALL EARLY CHRISTIANS DID...
      1. There were periods of peace among the churches - Ac 9:31
      2. Jesus promised the church at Philadelphia they would be spared
         - Re 3:10
      3. Why pray for peace /aspire for quiet lives/ if tribulation is 
         inevitable? - 1Ti 2:3-4; 1Th 4:11

   D. HOW DO WE RECONCILE PAUL'S STATEMENTS...?
      1. Which sound as though all Christians must suffer - e.g., 
         Ac 14:22; 2Ti 3:12
      2. Consider the context:  To whom and when did he say such things?
         a. Was it to those who would be given the privilege to suffer? 
            - cf. Php 1:29-30
         b. Living at a time and in a place where persecution might 
            arise?
      3. It seems that some of the early Christians were permitted to
         suffer
         a. To confirm the testimony of those early witnesses of the 
            faith
         b. But not all Christians suffered the persecutions of others
      4. But Christians were not told to seek out persecution
         a. They were permitted to flee persecution -  Mt 10:23
         b. As Paul did on one occasion - Ac 9:23-25; 2Co 11:32-33 
      5. If they were persecuted for the cause of Christ...
         a. They were told to glorify God - 1Pe 4:16
         b. They were told to rejoice for the honor - 1Pe 4:14; Mt 5:10-12

CONCLUSION

1. When Paul and Barnabas suffered tribulation for the kingdom of God...
   a. They did not give up preaching the gospel
   b. It did not hinder the growth and development of the church

2. We may not suffer the persecution they did...
   a. Ours may in the lesser form of ridicule, or being ostracized
   b. But we must always be prepared to suffer should it become our lot

Are we preparing ourselves with the proper mindset should persecution
come our way?  Willing to suffer for Christ?  Quick to forgive those
who persecute us?  Steadfast in the proclamation of the gospel of
Christ...?


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

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July 23, 2013

From Gary... Black and White


Many thanks to brother Walter Vogt for 
letting me use this picture!!!  

There is no doubt about this picture- there is either black or white, nothing else!!!  This stark contrast reminded me of the state we find our country in today. The political reality is that we have a government who is racist; favoring black over white and Islam over Christianity.  Not only that, it is endeavoring to further divide the understanding between those races and religions by direct intervention.  Remember President Barak Obama's comments about the Zimmerman case recently?  Frankly, I am glad that God is not like that (Acts 10:34 & following).  He does want some things of us though, and these few verses give us a glimpse into his desire...

Micah, Chapter 6

 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.
What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


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

Mark, Chapter 16
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.   16  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. 

If you follow Micah's words, you will do well.  If you acknowledge what the Hebrew writer has said, you will do even better.  And finally, to obey the words found in the second Gospel (Mark) you will do best.  These are but a few of the things God wants of you; but they are essential.  From these essentials, (which are in fact, black and white) I encourage you to follow God even more accurately.  Investigate, learn, practice.  Now, admittedly, I fall short sometimes, but when I do, I seek God's forgiveness and try again.  Simple things, basic things- very straightforward, very plain.  Black and white- and they have absolutely NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT RACE ANYONE IS!!!!!  

From Gary.... Bible Reading and Study, July 23


 Bible Reading and Study, July 23

World English Bible


July 23
2 Chronicles 1-3
2Ch 1:1 Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2Ch 1:2 Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses.
2Ch 1:3 So Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the Tent of Meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Yahweh had made in the wilderness.
2Ch 1:4 But David had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath Jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
2Ch 1:5 Moreover the bronze altar, that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of Yahweh: and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there.
2Ch 1:6 Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the Tent of Meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it.
2Ch 1:7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."
2Ch 1:8 Solomon said to God, You have shown great loving kindness to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
2Ch 1:9 Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to David my father be established; for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
2Ch 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this your people, that is so great?
2Ch 1:11 God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king:
2Ch 1:12 wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you; neither shall there any after you have the like.
2Ch 1:13 So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the Tent of Meeting, to Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.
2Ch 1:14 Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
2Ch 1:15 The king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
2Ch 1:16 The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt and from Kue; the king's merchants purchased them from Kue.
2Ch 1:17 They brought up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver, and a horse for one hundred fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites,  and the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.
2Ch 2:1 Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom.
2Ch 2:2 Solomon counted out seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand men who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
2Ch 2:3 Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As you dealt with David my father, and sent him cedars to build him a house in which to dwell, even so deal with me.
2Ch 2:4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Yahweh our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel.
2Ch 2:5 The house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods.
2Ch 2:6 But who is able to build him a house, seeing heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain him? who am I then, that I should build him a house, save only to burn incense before him?
2Ch 2:7 Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave all manner of engravings, to be with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
2Ch 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and behold, my servants shall be with your servants,
2Ch 2:9 even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.
2Ch 2:10 Behold, I will give to your servants, the cutters who cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
2Ch 2:11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, "Because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over them."
2Ch 2:12 Huram continued, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, that should build a house for Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom.
2Ch 2:13 Now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, of Huram my father's,
2Ch 2:14 the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to devise any device; that there may be a place appointed to him with your skillful men, and with the skillful men of my lord David your father.
2Ch 2:15 Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my lord has spoken of, let him send to his servants:
2Ch 2:16 and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shall need; and we will bring it to you in floats by sea to Joppa; and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem."
2Ch 2:17 Solomon numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with which David his father had numbered them; and they were found one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred.
2Ch 2:18 He set seventy thousand of them to bear burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people at work.
2Ch 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Yahweh appeared to David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
2Ch 3:2 He began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
2Ch 3:3 Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
2Ch 3:4 The porch that was before the house, its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure gold.
2Ch 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with fir wood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains.
2Ch 3:6 He garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
2Ch 3:7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and its walls, and its doors, with gold; and engraved cherubim on the walls.
2Ch 3:8 He made the most holy house: its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.
2Ch 3:9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
2Ch 3:10 In the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work; and they overlaid them with gold.
2Ch 3:11 The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.
2Ch 3:12 The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.
2Ch 3:13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.
2Ch 3:14 He made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim.
2Ch 3:15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.
2Ch 3:16 He made chains in the oracle, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.
2Ch 3:17 He set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

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Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

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2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 1 1
Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him,
and magnified him exceedingly.
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Jehovah his God was
with him and magnified him exceedingly.
And strengthen himself doth Solomon son of David over his kingdom, and Jehovah
his God [is] with him, and maketh him exceedingly great.
2 Chronicles 1 2
Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and
to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers` [houses].
And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the
judges, and to all the princes of all Israel, the chief fathers;
And Solomon saith to all Israel, to heads of the thousands, and of the hundreds, and
to judges, and to every honourable one of all Israel, heads of the fathers,
2 Chronicles 1 3
So Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there
was the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Yahweh had made in the wilderness.
and Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place at Gibeon; for
there was God`s tent of meeting which Moses the servant of Jehovah had made in the
wilderness.
and they go -- Solomon, and all the assembly with him -- to the high place that [is]
in Gibeon, for there hath been God`s tent of meeting, that Moses, servant of
Jehovah, made in the wilderness,
2 Chronicles 1 4
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kiriath-jearim to [the place] that David had
prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the [place] that David
had prepared for it; for he had spread a tent for it at Jerusalem.
but the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-Jearim, when David
prepared for it, for he stretched out for it a tent in Jerusalem;
2 Chronicles 1 5
Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there
before the tent of Yahweh: and Solomon and the assembly sought to it.
And the brazen altar that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there
before the tabernacle of Jehovah; and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
and the altar of brass that Bezaleel son of Uri, son of Hur made, he put before the
tabernacle of Jehovah; and Solomon and the assembly seek to it.
2 Chronicles 1 6
Solomon went up there to the brazen altar before Yahweh, which was at the tent of meeting, and
offered one thousand burnt offerings on it.
And Solomon offered there upon the brazen altar before Jehovah which was at the tent of
meeting; and he offered up a thousand burnt-offerings upon it.
And Solomon goeth up thither, on the altar of brass, before Jehovah, that [is] at the
tent of meeting, and causeth to ascend upon it a thousand burnt-offerings.
2 Chronicles 1 7
In that night did God appear to Solomon, and said to him, Ask what I shall give you.
In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, Ask what I shall give thee.
In that night hath God appeared to Solomon, and saith to him, `Ask -- what do I
give to thee?`
2 Chronicles 1 8
Solomon said to God, You have showed great lovingkindness to David my father, and have made
me king in his place.
And Solomon said to God, Thou hast shewn unto David my father great loving-kindness,
and hast made me king in his stead.
And Solomon saith to God, `Thou hast done with David my father great kindness,
and hast caused me to reign in his stead.
2 Chronicles 1 9
Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to David my father be established; for you have made me
king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
Now, Jehovah Elohim, let thy word unto David my father be firm; for thou hast made me
king over a people numerous as the dust of the earth.
Now, O Jehovah God, is Thy word with David my father stedfast, for Thou hast
caused me to reign over a people numerous as the dust of the earth;
2 Chronicles 1 10
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who
can judge this your people, that is so great?
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for
who can judge this thy great people?
now, wisdom and knowledge give to me, and I go out before this people, and I come
in, for who doth judge this Thy great people?`
2 Chronicles 1 11
God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or
honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked
wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you
king:
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches,
wealth, or honour, nor the life of them that hate thee, neither yet hast asked long life;
but hast asked for thyself wisdom and knowledge, that thou mayest judge my people,
over whom I have made thee king:
And God saith to Solomon, `Because that this hath been with thy heart, and thou
hast not asked riches, wealth, and honour, and the life of those hating thee, and
also many days hast not asked, and dost ask for thyself wisdom and knowledge, so
that thou dost judge My people over which I have caused thee to reign --
2 Chronicles 1 12
wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such
as none of the kings have had who have been before you; neither shall there any after you have
the like.
wisdom and knowledge are granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches and wealth and
honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall any
after thee have the like.
the wisdom and the knowledge is given to thee, and riches and wealth and honour
I give to thee, that there hath not been so to the kings who [are] before thee, and
after thee it is not so.`
2 Chronicles 1 13
So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to
Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.
Then Solomon came back [from] the high place at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the
tent of meeting, and reigned over Israel.
And Solomon cometh in [from] the high place that [is] in Gibeon to Jerusalem,
from before the tent of meeting, and reigneth over Israel,
2 Chronicles 1 14
Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had one thousand four hundred chariots, and
twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; and he had a thousand four hundred
chariots and twelve thousand horsemen; and he placed them in the chariot-cities, and
with the king at Jerusalem.
and Solomon gathereth chariots and horsemen, and he hath a thousand and four
hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, and he placeth them in the
cities of the chariots, and with the king in Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 1 15
The king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the
sycamore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
And the king made silver and gold in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he as the
sycamores that are in the lowland for abundance.
And the king maketh the silver and the gold in Jerusalem as stones, and the
cedars he made as sycamores that [are] in the low country, for abundance.
2 Chronicles 1 16
The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt; the king`s merchants received them
in droves, each drove at a price.
And the exportation of horses that Solomon had was from Egypt: a caravan of the king`s
merchants fetched a drove [of horses], at a price.
And the source of the horses that [are] to Solomon [is] from Egypt and from Keva;
merchants of the king from Keva take at a price,
2 Chronicles 1 17
They fetched up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and a
horse for one hundred fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria, did
they bring them out by their means.
And they fetched up and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of
silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty; and so they brought [them] by their means,
for all the kings of the Hittites and for the kings of Syria.
and they come up, and bring out from Egypt a chariot for six hundred silverlings,
and a horse for fifty and a hundred, and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and the
kings of Aram -- by their hand they bring out.
2 Chronicles 2 1
Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom.
And Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his
kingdom.
And Solomon saith to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his
kingdom,
2 Chronicles 2 2
Solomon counted out seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand men who were
stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
And Solomon numbered seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand
stone-masons in the mountain, and three thousand six hundred to superintend them.
and Solomon numbereth seventy thousand men bearing burden, and eighty
thousand men hewing in the mountain, and overseers over them -- three thousand
and six hundred.
2 Chronicles 2 3
Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As you did deal with David my father, and did
send him cedars to build him a house to dwell therein, [even so deal with me].
And Solomon sent to Huram king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father,
and didst send him cedars to build him a house to dwell therein [so do for me].
And Solomon sendeth unto Huram king of Tyre, saying, `When thou hast dealt with
David my father, then thou dost send to him cedars to build for him a house to
dwell in;
2 Chronicles 2 4
Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, and to
burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt
offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of
Yahweh our God. This is [an ordinance] forever to Israel.
Behold, I build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God to dedicate it to him, to burn
before him sweet incense, and for the continual arrangement [of the shewbread], and for
the morning and evening burnt-offerings [and] on the sabbaths and on the new moons,
and on the set feasts of Jehovah our God. This is [an ordinance] for ever to Israel.
lo, I am building a house to the name of Jehovah my God, to sanctify [it] to Him, to
make perfume before Him, perfume of spices, and a continual arrangement, and
burnt-offerings at morning and at evening, at sabbaths, and at new moons, and at
appointed seasons of Jehovah our God; to the age this [is] on Israel.
2 Chronicles 2 5
The house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods.
And the house that I will build is great; for great is our God above all gods.
`And the house that I am building [is] great, for greater [is] our God than all gods;
2 Chronicles 2 6
But who is able to build him a house, seeing heaven and the heaven of heavens can`t contain
him? who am I then, that I should build him a house, save only to burn incense before him?
But who is able to build him a house, seeing the heavens and the heaven of heavens
cannot contain him? And who am I that I should build him a house, except to burn
sacrifice before him?
and who doth retain strength to build to Him a house, for the heavens, even the
heavens of the heavens, do not contain Him? and who [am] I that I do build to Him
a house, except to make perfume before Him?
2 Chronicles 2 7
Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron,
and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave [all manner of] engravings,
[to be] with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father
did provide.
And now send me a man skilful to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, and in iron,
and in purple and crimson and blue, and experienced in carving, besides the skilful men
that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.
`And now, send to me a wise man to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and
in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and knowing to grave gravings
with the wise men who [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my
father prepared;
2 Chronicles 2 8
Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, and algum-trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that your
servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and, behold, my servants shall be with your
servants,
Send me also cedar-trees, cypress-trees, and sandal-wood trees, out of Lebanon; for I know
that thy servants are experienced in cutting timber in Lebanon; and behold, my servants
shall be with thy servants,
and send to me cedar-trees, firs, and algums from Lebanon, for I have known that
thy servants know to cut down trees of Lebanon, and lo, my servants [are] with thy
servants,
2 Chronicles 2 9
even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great
and wonderful.
even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house that I build shall be great and
wonderful.
even to prepare for me trees in abundance, for the house that I am building [is]
great and wonderful.
2 Chronicles 2 10
Behold, I will give to your servants, the cutters who cut timber, twenty thousand measures of
beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and
twenty thousand baths of oil.
And behold, I will give to thy servants the hewers that fell timber, twenty thousand
measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand
baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
`And lo, to hewers, to those cutting the trees, I have given beaten wheat to thy
servants, cors twenty thousand, and barley, cors twenty thousand, and wine, baths
twenty thousand, and oil, baths twenty thousand.`
2 Chronicles 2 11
Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because Yahweh
loves his people, he has made you king over them.
And Huram king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because Jehovah
loved his people, he made thee king over them.
And Huram king of Tyre saith in writing, and sendeth unto Solomon: `In the love
of Jehovah to His people He hath given thee king over them.`
2 Chronicles 2 12
Huram said moreover, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has
given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, that should
build a house for Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom.
And Huram said, Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, that made the heavens and the
earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and
understanding, who will build a house for Jehovah and a house for his kingdom.
And Huram saith, `Blessed [is] Jehovah, God of Israel, who made the heavens and
the earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, knowing wisdom and
understanding, who doth build a house for Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom.
2 Chronicles 2 13
Now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, of Huram my father`s,
And now, I send a skilful man, endued with understanding, Huram Abi,
`And now, I have sent a wise man having understanding, of Huram my father,
2 Chronicles 2 14
the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in
gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine
linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to devise any device; that
there may be [a place] appointed to him with your skillful men, and with the skillful men of my
lord David your father.
the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and whose father was a man of Tyre,
experienced in working in gold, and in silver, in bronze, in iron, in stone, and in
timber, in purple, in blue, and in byssus, and in crimson, and for doing any manner of
engraving, and for inventing every device which shall be put to him, besides thy skilful
men, and the skilful men of my lord David thy father.
(son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father a man of Tyre), knowing to
work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stones, and in wood, in purple, in
blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, and to grave any graving, and to devise
any device that is given to him, with thy wise men, and the wise men of my lord
David thy father.
2 Chronicles 2 15
Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my lord has spoken of, let
him send to his servants:
And now the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let
him send unto his servants.
`And, now, the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, as my lord said, let
him send to his servants,
2 Chronicles 2 16
and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shall need; and we will bring it to you in
floats by sea to Joppa; and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem.
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need; and we will bring it to
thee [in] floats by sea to Joppa, and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
and we -- we cut trees out of Lebanon, according to all thy need, and bring them in
to thee -- floats by sea, to Joppa, and thou dost take them up to Jerusalem.`
2 Chronicles 2 17
Solomon numbered all the sojourners who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with
which David his father had numbered them; and they were found one hundred fifty-three
thousand six hundred.
And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the account
that David his father had taken of them, and there were found a hundred and fifty-three
thousand six hundred.
And Solomon numbereth all the men, the sojourners who [are] in the land of Israel,
after the numbering with which David his father numbered them, and they are
found a hundred and fifty thousand, and three thousand, and six hundred;
2 Chronicles 2 18
He set seventy thousand of them to bear burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in
the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people at work.
And he set seventy thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and eighty thousand to be
stone-masons in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the
people to work.
and he maketh of them seventy thousand burden-bearers, and eighty thousand
hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers, to cause
the people to work.
2 Chronicles 3 1
Then Solomon began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where
[Yahweh] appeared to David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had
appointed, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And Solomon began to build the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem on mount Moriah, where he
appeared to David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshing-
floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And Solomon beginneth to build the house of Jehovah, in Jerusalem, in the mount
of Moriah, where He appeared to David his father, in the place that David had
prepared, in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite,
2 Chronicles 3 2
He began to build in the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
And he began to build on the second of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
and he beginneth to build in the second [day], in the second month, in the fourth
year of his reign.
2 Chronicles 3 3
Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of the house of God. The
length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
And this was Solomon`s foundation for the construction of the house of God. The length by
cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
And [in] these hath Solomon been instructed to build the house of God: The length
[in] cubits by the former measure [is] sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
2 Chronicles 3 4
The porch that was before [the house], the length of it, according to the breadth of the house,
was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure
And the porch which was in front was twenty cubits in length, in front of the house
broadways, and the height was a hundred and twenty; and he overlaid it within with
pure gold.
As to the porch that [is] on the front, the length [is] by the front of the breadth of
the house, twenty cubits, and the height a hundred and twenty, and he overlayeth
it within with pure gold.
2 Chronicles 3 5
The greater house he made a ceiling with fir-wood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and
worked thereon palm-trees and chains.
And the greater house he boarded with cypress-wood, which he overlaid with fine gold,
and set on it palm-trees and chains.
And the large house he hath covered with fir-trees, and he doth cover it with
good gold, and causeth to ascend on it palms and chains,
2 Chronicles 3 6
He garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
And he overlaid the house with precious stones for beauty; and the gold was gold of
Parvaim.
and he overlayeth the house with precious stone for beauty, and the gold [is] gold
of Parvaim,
2 Chronicles 3 7
He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and the walls of it, and the doors of it,
with gold; and engraved cherubim on the walls.
And he covered the house, the beams, the threshold, and its walls, and its doors with
gold, and engraved cherubim on the walls.
and he covereth the house, the beams, the thresholds, and its walls, and its doors,
with gold, and hath graved cherubs on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3 8
He made the most holy house: the length of it, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty
cubits, and the breadth of it twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six
hundred talents.
And he made the house of the most holy place, the length of which was according to the
breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits; and he covered it
with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.
And he maketh the most holy house: its length [is] by the front of the breadth of
the house twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits, and he covereth it with
good gold, to six hundred talents;
2 Chronicles 3 9
The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he covered the upper chambers
with gold.
and the weight of the nails [is] fifty shekels of gold, and the upper chambers he
hath covered with gold.
2 Chronicles 3 10
In the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work; and they overlaid them with gold.
And in the house of the most holy place he made two cherubim of image work, and they
overlaid them with gold.
And he maketh in the most holy house two cherubs, image work, and he overlayeth
them with gold;
2 Chronicles 3 11
The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one [cherub] was five
cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was [likewise] five cubits,
reaching to the wing of the other cherub.
And the wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: one wing of five cubits touched
the wall of the house; and the other wing of five cubits touched the wing of the other
cherub.
as to the wings of the cherubs, their length [is] twenty cubits, the wing of the one
[is] five cubits, touching the wall of the house, and the other wing [is] five cubits,
touching the wing of the other cherub.
2 Chronicles 3 12
The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other
wing was five cubits [also], joining to the wing of the other cherub.
And the wing of the other cherub of five cubits touched the wall of the house; and the
other wing was five cubits joining the wing of the other cherub.
And the wing of the other cherub [is] five cubits touching the wall of the house,
and the other wing [is] five cubits, adhering to the wing of the other cherub.
2 Chronicles 3 13
The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their
feet, and their faces were toward the house.
The wings of these cherubim spread forth were twenty cubits; and they stood on their
feet, and their faces were toward the house.
The wings of these cherubs are spreading forth twenty cubits, and they are
standing on their feet and their faces [are] inward.
2 Chronicles 3 14
He made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and worked cherubim thereon.
And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and byssus, and made cherubim
upon it.
And he maketh the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and
causeth cherubs to go up on it.
2 Chronicles 3 15
Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on
the top of each of them was five cubits.
And before the house he made two pillars thirty-five cubits long; and the capital that
was on the top of each of them was five cubits.
And he maketh at the front of the house two pillars, thirty and five cubits in
length, and the ornament that [is] on their heads five cubits.
2 Chronicles 3 16
He made chains in the oracle, and put [them] on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred
pomegranates, and put them on the chains.
And he made chains [as] in the oracle, and he put them on the top of the pillars; and he
made a hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.
And he maketh chains in the oracle, and putteth on the heads of the pillars, and
maketh a hundred pomegranates, and putteth on the chains.
2 Chronicles 3 17
He set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and
called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.
And he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right hand and the other on
the left; and he called the name of that on the right Jachin, and the name of that on the
left Boaz.
And he raiseth up the pillars on the front of the temple, one on the right, and one
on the left, and calleth the name of that on the right Jachin, and the name of that
on the left Boaz.

Study Questions

What did Solomon NOT ask for? 1:11

What was to be given to Solomon? 1:12

The total number of men involved in the building of the temple was_______? 2:1,2

How many strangers were in Israel? 2:17

What were the overall dimensions of the temple? 3:3, 4

Apples were on the chains, true or false? 3:17