2 Samuel 15 Cross References - NSB

¹ Absalom provided a chariot and horses for himself. He had an escort of fifty men to run ahead of him. ² He would rise early in the morning and stand by the road at the city gate. When someone came there with a dispute that he wanted the king to settle, Absalom would call him over and ask him where he was from. After the man told him what tribe he was from, ³ Absalom would say: »My friend, the law is on your side. However, there is no representative of the king to hear your case.« ⁴ He added: »How I wish I were a judge! Then anyone who had a dispute or a claim could come to me. I would give him justice.« ⁵ The man would approach Absalom and bow down before him. Then Absalom would reach out and hug and kiss him. ⁶ Absalom did this with every Israelite who came to the king for judgment. That way he won their loyalty. ⁷ After four years Absalom said to King David: »My lord let me go to Hebron and keep a promise I made to Jehovah. ⁸ »When I lived at Geshur in Syria (Aram), I promised Jehovah that if he would take me back to Jerusalem, I would worship him in Hebron.« ⁹ »Go in peace,« the king said. »So Absalom went to Hebron.« ¹⁰ He sent messengers to all the tribes of Israel. He told them: »When you hear the sound of trumpets, shout: ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’« ¹¹ Absalom had two hundred men who at his invitation traveled from Jerusalem with him. They knew nothing of the plot and went in good faith. ¹² Absalom was offering sacrifices. He sent for Ahithophel, David’s adviser, to come from his home in Giloh. Meanwhile, the conspiracy grew stronger. The number of people siding with Absalom kept getting larger. ¹³ A messenger told David: »Absalom has the hearts of the people of Israel.« ¹⁴ David told all his men who were with him in Jerusalem: »We must run away quickly, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Leave right away or he will catch up to us and bring ruin upon us when he massacres the city.« ¹⁵ The king’s servants told him: »No matter what happens, we are Your Majesty’s servants.« ¹⁶ The king left on foot. His whole household followed him. The king left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace. ¹⁷ The king and his troops left the city on foot. They stopped at the city limits. ¹⁸ All his mercenaries passed by him. The Cherethites, all the Pelethites, Ittai, and all six hundred men who had followed him from Gath marched past the king. ¹⁹ The king asked Ittai from Gath: »Why should you go with us? Go back, and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. ²⁰ »In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.« ²¹ Ittai answered: »Your Majesty, I swear to you in the name of Jehovah that I will always go with you wherever you go, even if it means death.« ²² David answered: »That is fine. March on!« So Ittai went on with all his men and their dependents. ²³ The people cried loudly as David’s followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook. His men followed him. They went to the wilderness. ²⁴ Zadok the priest was there. He had Levites there carrying the sacred Ark of God. They set it down and did not pick it up again until all the people left the city. The priest Abiathar was there too. ²⁵ The king said to Zadok: »Take the Ark of the Covenant back to the city. If Jehovah is pleased with me he will let me come back to see it and the place where it stays. ²⁶ »Let him do to me what he wishes if he is not pleased with me.« ²⁷ He also said to Zadok: »You are a seer, are you? Take your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan and go back to the city in peace. ²⁸ »I will wait at the river crossings in the wilderness until you send news.« ²⁹ Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem and stayed there. ³⁰ David went up the slope of the Mount of Olives. He was barefoot and crying. He covered his head to show his sorrow. Everyone with him was crying. They covered their heads too. ³¹ Someone told David: »Ahithophel is helping Absalom conspire against you!« David said: »Please Jehovah keep Ahithophel’s plans from working!« ³² David reached the top of the Mount of Olives. He met Hushai the Archite at a place of worship. Hushai’s robe was torn, and dust was on his head. ³³ David told him: »You might slow me down if you come with me.« ³⁴ Go back into the city and tell Absalom: »Your Majesty, I am your servant. I will serve you just as I served your father in the past. Hushai, if you do that you can help me ruin Ahithophel’s plans. ³⁵ »Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. You can tell them everything you hear in the palace. ³⁶ »Have them send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what you hear.« ³⁷ David’s advisor Hushai slipped back into Jerusalem. Absalom came into the city at the same time.

⁵ »Abraham said that she was his sister. She said the same thing. I did this with a clear conscience. I have done no wrong!«

²⁰ Jacob made a vow. He said: »If God will be with me and will watch over me on my trip and give me food to eat and clothes to wear, ²¹ »and if I return safely to my father’s home, then Jehovah will be my God.

¹³ »Using your powerful love, you rescued (redeemed) the people.

¹⁴ Jethro saw everything that Moses had to do. He asked: »What is all this that you are doing for the people? Why are you doing this all alone? There are people standing here from morning till night to consult you?«

¹⁶ »They bring their complaints to me. I make decisions on the basis of God’s laws.«

²⁶ They judged the people on a permanent basis. The difficult cases were taken to Moses but they decided the smaller disputes themselves.

¹² »Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land Jehovah your God gives you.

¹⁷ »Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.

¹⁵ »When Aaron and his sons finished covering the holy things and the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites will come to carry all the holy articles. They must never touch the holy things, or they will die. The Kohathites will carry all the things from the tent of meeting.

⁹ However Moses gave none of these gifts to the Kohathites, because they took care of the holy things. They had to carry the holy things on their own shoulders.

³ They came together to confront Moses and Aaron. They said: »You have gone far enough! Everyone in the whole congregation is holy. Jehovah is among them. Why do you set yourselves above Jehovah’s assembly?«

¹³ »Is it not enough that you brought us out of a land flowing with milk and honey only to kill us in the desert? Do you also have to order us around? ¹⁴ »You have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us any fields and vineyards to own. Do you think you can still pull the wool over our eyes? We will not come.«

¹ He said to Balak: »Build seven altars here for me. Then bring me seven bulls and seven rams.«

⁸ »If Jehovah is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land.

¹⁴ So he took him to the Field of Zophim on top of Mount Pisgah. He built seven altars there. He offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

³⁰ Balak did as he was told. He offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

¹⁶ »He must not increase his herd of horses. He must not send the people to return to Egypt to get more horses. For Jehovah said to you: You should never again return that way.

³ They commanded the people, saying: »When you see the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, you should leave here and follow it.

⁶ Joshua spoke to the priests: »Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and pass over before the people.« So they took the Ark of the Covenant and went before the people.

¹⁵ As they carried the ark into the Jordan and the feet of the priests dipped into the water, for Jordan is at food stage at the time of harvest. ¹⁶ The waters stood and rose up upon a heap very far from the city Adam that is beside Zaretan. The waters that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off. The people passed over the Jericho. ¹⁷ The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River. All the Israelites passed over the Jordan River on dry ground.

¹⁶ »Command the priests who carry the Ark of the Testimony that they come up from the Jordan.« ¹⁷ Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying: »Come up from the Jordan.« ¹⁸ When the priests that carried the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah were up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up onto the dry land that the waters of Jordan returned to their place, and flowed over all its banks, as they did before.

⁴ »Seven priests will carry before you seven trumpets of rams’ horns along with the Ark. On the seventh day march around the city seven times. The priests shall blow the trumpets.

⁶ Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them: »Take up the Ark of the Covenant. Seven priests should carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the Ark of Jehovah.«

⁵¹ Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

² It goes out from Bethel to Luz, and passes along to the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

² »Do to Ai and her king what you did to Jericho and her king. Take the spoil and the cattle for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.«

¹⁵ »‘If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshiped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve Jehovah.’«

¹⁰ Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men under his command. Deborah went with him.

¹ Gideon’s son Abimelech went to the town of Shechem. All his mother’s relatives lived there. He told them: ² »Ask the men of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you. To have all seventy of Gideon’s sons govern you or to have just one man? Remember that Abimelech is your own flesh and blood.’« ³ His mother’s relatives talked to the men of Shechem about this for him. The men of Shechem decided to follow Abimelech because: »He is our relative.«

³ His mother’s relatives talked to the men of Shechem about this for him. The men of Shechem decided to follow Abimelech because: »He is our relative.« ⁴ They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith. Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men to join him. ⁵ He went to his father’s house at Ophrah. There on top of a single stone he killed his seventy brothers, Gideon’s sons. Gideon’s youngest son Jotham hid and therefore was not killed.

²⁹ »If I were leading this people I would get rid of Abimelech! I would tell him to: call out your army, come on out and fight!«

¹⁵ But the people of Israel said to Jehovah: »We have sinned. Do to us what seems best to you, only please, save us today!«

¹¹ »You must go back, my daughters,« Naomi replied. »Why do you want to come with me? Do you think I could have sons again for you to marry? ¹² »Return home, my daughters. I am too old to get married again. Even if I thought there was still hope, and got married and had sons, ¹³ »would you wait for them to grow up? Would this keep you from marrying someone else? No, my daughters, you know that is not possible. Jehovah has turned against me. I feel sorry for you.«

¹⁶ Ruth replied: »Do not ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. ¹⁷ »Wherever you die, I will die. That is where I will be buried. May Jehovah’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you!«

¹ Boaz went to the public place in the town and sat down. When the kinsman-redeemer came along, the one he had mentioned, Boaz said: »Come here, and sit down.« He came and was seated.

¹¹ »O Jehovah of Hosts: If you will truly notice the sorrow of your servant. Remember me. Do not turn away from me. If you will give me a son, then I will give him to you, Jehovah, all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.«

⁶ When the Philistines heard the noise, they asked: »What is all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?« The Philistines found out that Jehovah’s ark was brought into the camp. ⁷ Then they were frightened and said: »A god has come into their camp.« They also said: »Oh no! Nothing like this has ever happened before. ⁸ »We are in trouble now! Who will deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with plagues in the desert wilderness. ⁹ »Be strong, Philistines, and conduct your selves like men (with courage). Or else you will serve the Hebrews as they served you. Act like men and fight.« ¹⁰ The Philistines fought and defeated Israel. Every Israelite soldier fled to his tent. It was a major defeat in which thirty thousand Israelite foot soldiers died. ¹¹ The Ark of the Covenant was captured. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

¹¹ The Ark of the Covenant was captured. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

¹¹ Samuel said: »These are the rights of a king: He will draft your sons and make them serve on his chariots and horses, and make them run ahead of his chariots.

⁹ Formerly in Israel, when a person went to ask God a question, he would say: »Come; let’s go to the seer.« This is because a prophet used to be called a seer.

¹³ »As you go into the city, you can find him before he goes to the worship site to eat. The people will not eat until he comes. He blesses the sacrifice. Then those who are invited may eat. You should be able to find him now.«

¹⁸ Then Samuel told Eli everything. Eli replied: »He is Jehovah! He will do what he thinks is right.«

³ The army of Israel retreated to their camp. The leaders of Israel asked: »Why has Jehovah used the Philistines to defeat us today? Let us get the Ark of Jehovah’s Covenant from Shiloh so that he may be with us and save us from our enemies.«

³ The army of Israel retreated to their camp. The leaders of Israel asked: »Why has Jehovah used the Philistines to defeat us today? Let us get the Ark of Jehovah’s Covenant from Shiloh so that he may be with us and save us from our enemies.« ⁴ They sent men to Shiloh to bring back the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah of Hosts who is enthroned over the angels. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas came along with God’s ark.

⁴ They sent men to Shiloh to bring back the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah of Hosts who is enthroned over the angels. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas came along with God’s ark. ⁵ When Jehovah’s Ark came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook.

⁵ When Jehovah’s Ark came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook.

¹ Jehovah said to Samuel: »How long will you mourn for Saul? After all I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Take oil in your vessel and go. I will send you to Jesse, the Beth-lehemite. I have a king from among his sons.« ² »How can I go?« Samuel asked. »When Saul hears about it he will kill me« Jehovah said: »Take a heifer with you and say: ‘I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah.’«

² »How can I go?« Samuel asked. »When Saul hears about it he will kill me« Jehovah said: »Take a heifer with you and say: ‘I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah.’« ³ »Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice. I will reveal to you what you should do. You will anoint the one I point out to you.« ⁴ Samuel did what Jehovah told him. When he came to Bethlehem the elders of the city trembled at his coming. They greeted him and said: »May peace be with you.« ⁵ »Greetings,« he replied, »I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah. »Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and come with me to the sacrifice.« He performed the ceremonies for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

¹³ Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the Spirit of Jehovah took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

³ David again said: »Your father has certainly known that I have found favor in your eyes.« He said: »Do not let Jonathan know this, that he not be grieved. And yet, as Jehovah lives, and you live, there is only a step between death and me.«

²⁶ »Jehovah kept you from spilling innocent blood and from getting a victory by your own efforts. As Jehovah lives and you live, may your enemies and those who are trying to harm you end up like Nabal. ²⁷ »Please accept this gift from your maidservant. And give it to the young men who accompany my lord.

⁴² Abigail quickly got up and rode on a donkey with five of her female servants following her. So she went with David’s messengers and became his wife.

³ David and his men and their families lived with Achish at Gath. David brought his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

¹⁴ »We raided the territory of the Cherethites in the southern part of Judah. We also raided the territory of the clan of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.«

² Three days later a soldier came from Saul’s army. His clothes were torn and dirt was on his head. He knelt down in front of David.

³⁶ All the people understood and approved of everything the king did.

⁵ In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he ruled for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

¹⁰ So he decided not to take it with him to Jerusalem. Instead, he turned off the road and took it to the house of Obed Edom, a native of the city of Gath.

¹³ When those who carried the Ark of Jehovah walked six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

¹⁵ »Is this the first time I have prayed to God for him? Not at all! You should not blame my family or me for this. I knew nothing at all about this.«

²⁰ Ahimelech, Ahitub’s son had one son who escaped. His name was Abiathar. He fled to David.

¹³ David and his men, about six hundred in all, left Keilah. They went wherever they could go. Then Saul was told: »David has escaped from Keilah! So he gave up the campaign.«

¹ Later David asked Jehovah: »Shall I go to the towns of Judah?« »Yes,« Jehovah answered. »Which one?« David asked. »Hebron,« Jehovah told him.

⁶ »May Jehovah always show you kindness. I also will be good to you because you did this.

¹¹ In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.

² Sons were born to David while he was in Hebron. His first son was Amnon, born to Ahinoam from Jezreel. ³ The second was Chileab, whose mother was Abigail, Nabal’s widow from Carmel. The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur.

¹⁷ The men carrying the Ark set it in its place inside the tent David put up for it. David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings in Jehovah’s presence.

² The king said to the prophet Nathan: »I live in a house built of cedar. Yet the Ark of God is kept in a tent!«

¹⁵ So David ruled all Israel. He did what was fair and right for all his people.

¹⁷ Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abiathar the son of Ahimelech, were the priests. Seraiah was the secretary. ¹⁸ Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was the commander of David’s bodyguard. David’s sons were priests.

¹⁰ »‘In every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah’s wife. ¹¹ »‘I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble to you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man. He will have intercourse with them in broad daylight.

¹¹ »‘I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble to you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man. He will have intercourse with them in broad daylight.

²³ Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

³⁰ Finally, Absalom told his servants: »Joab’s barley field is next to mine. Set it on fire!« So they set it on fire.

³² Absalom answered: »You did not pay any attention when I sent for you. I want you to ask my father why he told me to come back from Geshur. I was better off there. I want to see my father now! If I am guilty, let him kill me.« ³³ So Joab went to King David. He told him what Absalom said. The king sent for Absalom. He went to the king and bowed down to the ground in front of him. The king welcomed him with a kiss.

⁶ Absalom did this with every Israelite who came to the king for judgment. That way he won their loyalty.

¹² Absalom was offering sacrifices. He sent for Ahithophel, David’s adviser, to come from his home in Giloh. Meanwhile, the conspiracy grew stronger. The number of people siding with Absalom kept getting larger.

¹⁹ The king asked Ittai from Gath: »Why should you go with us? Go back, and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. ²⁰ »In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.«

²⁰ »In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.« ²¹ Ittai answered: »Your Majesty, I swear to you in the name of Jehovah that I will always go with you wherever you go, even if it means death.« ²² David answered: »That is fine. March on!« So Ittai went on with all his men and their dependents. ²³ The people cried loudly as David’s followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook. His men followed him. They went to the wilderness.

²⁷ He also said to Zadok: »You are a seer, are you? Take your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan and go back to the city in peace.

³⁰ David went up the slope of the Mount of Olives. He was barefoot and crying. He covered his head to show his sorrow. Everyone with him was crying. They covered their heads too. ³¹ Someone told David: »Ahithophel is helping Absalom conspire against you!« David said: »Please Jehovah keep Ahithophel’s plans from working!«

³⁴ Go back into the city and tell Absalom: »Your Majesty, I am your servant. I will serve you just as I served your father in the past. Hushai, if you do that you can help me ruin Ahithophel’s plans. ³⁵ »Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. You can tell them everything you hear in the palace. ³⁶ »Have them send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what you hear.«

² »What is all this?« David asked. Ziba said: »The donkeys are for your family to ride. The bread and fruit are for the people to eat. The wine is for them to drink in the desert when they are tired out.«

¹⁵ Absalom and all Israel’s troops came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was with him.

³¹ Then the Sudanese messenger came. Good news for Your Majesty! He said. Today Jehovah freed you from all who turned against you. ³² »Is the young man Absalom all right?« The king asked. The Sudanese messenger answered: »May your enemies and all who turned against you be like that young man!« ³³ The king was shaken by the news. He went to the room above the gate and cried. »My son Absalom!« He said. »My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!«

⁴ David held his hands over his face and kept on crying loudly. »My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!«

⁸ The king sat in the gateway. The troops were told: »The king is sitting in the gateway.« So they went to the king. Meanwhile, Israel fled back to their homes. ⁹ All the people in all the tribes of Israel argued with one another. They said: »The king rescued us from our enemies and saved us from the Philistines. Now he has fled from Absalom and left the country. ¹⁰ »Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, has died in battle. Why is no one talking about reinstating the king?«

³⁵ »I am already eighty years old. Nothing gives me pleasure any more. I cannot taste what I eat and drink. I cannot hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to my lord the king.

³ David left ten of his concubines in Jerusalem to take care of his palace. When he returned, he had them taken to another house. He placed soldiers there to guard them. He gave them what they needed. He never slept with any of them again. They had to live there for the rest of their lives as if they were widows.

⁷ Joab’s men, the Cherethites, Pelethites, and all the soldiers went with Abishai. They left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.

¹⁹ Tamar tore the robe she was wearing. She put ashes on her head. Then she covered her face with her hands. She cried loudly as she walked away.

²⁴ He went to King David and said: »Your Majesty, I am having my sheep sheared. Will you and your officials take part in the festivities?« ²⁵ The king answered: No, my son. It would be too much trouble for you if we all went. Absalom insisted, but the king would not give in. So he asked Absalom to leave. ²⁶ Absalom said: »Will you at least let my brother Amnon come? Why should he?« The king asked. ²⁷ Absalom insisted until David finally let Amnon and all his other sons go with Absalom. Absalom prepared a banquet fit for a king. ²⁸ Absalom gave an order to his servants: »Watch now and when Amnon begins to feel good from drinking too much wine, I will tell you, Attack Amnon. Then kill him. Do not be afraid. I give this order. Be strong and courageous.«

³⁷ David was sad for a long time because Amnon was dead. ³⁸ Absalom ran away to Geshur. He stayed there for three years with King Talmai the son of Ammihud.

³⁸ Absalom ran away to Geshur. He stayed there for three years with King Talmai the son of Ammihud.

¹⁶ David’s friend Hushai from Archi’s family came to Absalom. He said: »Long live the king! Long live the king!«

¹⁶ David’s friend Hushai from Archi’s family came to Absalom. He said: »Long live the king! Long live the king!« ¹⁷ »Is this how loyal you are to your friend?« Absalom asked Hushai. »Why did you not go with him?« ¹⁸ Hushai answered: »Jehovah and the people of Israel have chosen you to be king. I cannot leave. I must stay and serve the one they have chosen. ¹⁹ »After all it seems right for me to serve you, just as I served your father.« ²⁰ Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said: »Give us your advice! What should we do?« ²¹ Ahithophel answered: »Some of your father’s wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father. This will make you and your followers even more powerful.«

²¹ Ahithophel answered: »Some of your father’s wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father. This will make you and your followers even more powerful.« ²² They pitched a tent for Absalom on the palace roof. There in the sight of everyone Absalom went in and had intercourse with his father’s concubines.

²² They pitched a tent for Absalom on the palace roof. There in the sight of everyone Absalom went in and had intercourse with his father’s concubines. ²³ Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God. David and Absalom followed it.

²³ Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God. David and Absalom followed it.

¹ Later Ahithophel said to Absalom: »Let me choose twelve thousand men. Tonight I will set out after David.

⁵ Absalom said: »Bring in Hushai. Let us hear what he has to say about this.« ⁶ Hushai came to Absalom. He told him what Ahithophel planned. Then Absalom said: »Should we do what he says? If we should not, can you come up with something better?« ⁷ Hushai said: »This time Ahithophel’s advice is not very good. ⁸ »You know your father and his followers are mighty warriors. They are as fierce as a mother bear whose cubs have just been killed. Your father has a lot of experience in fighting wars. He will not spend the night with the others. ⁹ »He has no doubt already found a hiding place in a cave or somewhere else. When people hear that some of your soldiers have been killed, everyone will think your entire army has been destroyed. ¹⁰ »Even the bravest man with a heart like a lion would lose his courage. All Israel knows that your father is a mighty man and the men with him are brave. ¹¹ »My advice is to gather all Israel’s troops from Dan to Beersheba. They are as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Lead them into battle yourself. ¹² »Find him and attack him! We will fall on him as dew falls on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. ¹³ »If he retreats into a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city and drag it into a valley. Not even a pebble will be found there.« ¹⁴ Absalom and all the people of Israel said: »The advice of Hushai from Archi’s family is better than Ahithophel’s advice. Jehovah commanded Ahithophel’s good advice to be defeated in order to ruin Absalom.«

¹⁴ Absalom and all the people of Israel said: »The advice of Hushai from Archi’s family is better than Ahithophel’s advice. Jehovah commanded Ahithophel’s good advice to be defeated in order to ruin Absalom.« ¹⁵ Hushai told the priests Zadok and Abiathar: »Ahithophel advised Absalom and the leaders of Israel to do one thing. But I advised them to do something else. ¹⁶ »Quickly send messengers to tell David: ‘Do not rest tonight in the river crossings in the desert. Make sure you cross the river. Otherwise Your Majesty and all the troops with him will be wiped out.’«

¹⁶ »Quickly send messengers to tell David: ‘Do not rest tonight in the river crossings in the desert. Make sure you cross the river. Otherwise Your Majesty and all the troops with him will be wiped out.’« ¹⁷ Jonathan and Ahimaaz were waiting at En Rogel. They could not risk being seen coming into the city. A servant girl was to go and tell them. They were to go and tell King David.

²³ Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed. He saddled his donkey and went back to his hometown. He arranged his affairs in order and he hanged himself. He was buried in the family grave.

² David assigned a third of the troops under Joab’s command. He put another third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah. Then he placed the last third under Ittai from Gath. »I am going into battle with you,« the king said to the troops.

¹⁹ Ahimaaz son of Zadok said: »Joab let me run and tell King David that Jehovah rescued him from his enemies.« ²⁰ Joab answered: »You are not the one to tell the king his son is dead. You can take him a message some other time, but not today.« ²¹ Someone from Ethiopia was standing there. Joab told him: »Go tell the king what you have seen.« The man knelt down in front of Joab and then got up and started running. ²² Ahimaaz spoke to Joab again: »No matter what happens, I still want to run. The Ethiopian has already left.« Joab said: »Why should you run? You will not get a reward for the news you have!« ²³ »I would like to run whatever happens, Let me run,« replied Ahimaaz. Joab told him: »Run!« So Ahimaaz ran along the valley road and got ahead of the Sudanese messenger. ²⁴ David was sitting between the two gates. The watchman walked along the roof of the gate by the wall. He looked at the man running alone. ²⁵ The watchman called and alerted the king. If he is alone, the king said, »He has good news to tell.« The runner came closer. ²⁶ The watchman saw another man running. He called: »There is another man running alone.« The king said: »This one is also bringing good news.« ²⁷ The watchman said: »It appears the first one runs like Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son. He’s a good man,« the king said. »He must be coming with good news.« ²⁸ Ahimaaz approached the king, greeted him, and bowed down in front of him. Ahimaaz said: »May Jehovah your God be praised. He has handed over the men who rebelled against Your Majesty.« ²⁹ »Is the young man Absalom all right?« The king asked. Ahimaaz answered: »I saw a lot of confusion when Joab sent me away. I did not know what it meant.« ³⁰ »Step aside, and stand here,«the king said. He stepped aside and stood there.

²³ Joab was in command of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of David’s bodyguards.

²⁵ Sheva was the court secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

²⁰ »You helped me out of danger. You saved me because you were pleased with me.

¹⁶ The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp. They then drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it. He poured it out as an offering to Jehovah. ¹⁷ David said: »Jehovah, I could never drink this! It would be like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives!« So he refused to drink it. Those were the brave deeds of the three famous soldiers.

¹¹ When David got up in the morning, Jehovah spoke his word to the prophet Gad, David’s seer.

⁵ Adonijah, son of Haggith, was very handsome. His mother gave birth to him after Maacah had Absalom. Adonijah boasted about himself, saying, »I will be king.« He got a chariot and horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.

⁸ But the priest Zadok, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the prophet Nathan, Shimei, Rei, and David's thirty special guards did not join Adonijah.

³³ he said to them: »Take my court officials with you; have my son Solomon ride my own mule, and escort him to Gihon Spring, ³⁴ Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him as king of Israel. Then blow the trumpet and shout: Long live King Solomon!

³⁸ So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring.

³⁵ The king made Benaiah commander of the army in Joab's place and put Zadok the priest in Abiathar's place.

³⁷ »If you ever leave and go beyond Kidron Brook, you will die and it will be your fault.«

¹⁶ One day two women who were prostitutes came to the king. ¹⁷ One of them said: »Your Majesty, this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby boy at home while she was there. ¹⁸ »Two days after my child was born she also gave birth to a baby boy. Only the two of us were there in the house. No one else was there. ¹⁹ »One night she accidentally rolled over on her baby and smothered it. ²⁰ »She got up during the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She took him to her bed and put the dead child in my bed. ²¹ »The next morning I woke up and was going to nurse my baby. It was dead. I looked at it more closely and saw that it was not my child.« ²² The other woman said: »The living child is mine, and the dead one is yours!« The first woman answered back: »The dead child is yours, and the living one is mine!« They argued before the king. ²³ King Solomon said: »Each of you claims that the living child is hers and that the dead child belongs to the other one.« ²⁴ He sent for a sword. When it arrived, ²⁵ he said: »Cut the living child in two and give each woman half of it.« ²⁶ With a heart full of love for her son the real mother said: »Please, Your Majesty, do not kill the child! Give it to her!« But the other woman said: »Do not give it to either of us cut it in two.« ²⁷ Then Solomon said: »Do not kill the child! Give it to the first woman. She is the real mother.«

⁴⁴ »When your people go to war against their enemies, they pray to you, O Jehovah, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I built for your name. ⁴⁵ »Hear their prayer for mercy in heaven, and do what is right for them.

²⁸ The people of Israel heard of Solomon's decision and were all filled with deep respect for him. They knew then that God had given him the wisdom to settle disputes fairly.

² His high officials were as follows: The priest: Azariah son of Zadok, ³ the court secretaries: Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha In charge of the records: Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud. ⁴ Commander of the army: Benaiah son of Jehoiada. Priests: Zadok and Abiathar.

⁹ »Praise Jehovah your God! He delighted in you and made you king of Israel. Jehovah’s love for Israel is long lasting, he has made you king, to be their judge in righteousness.«

²⁶ Solomon gathered war-carriages and horsemen. He had one thousand, four hundred carriages and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he kept, some in the carriage-towns and some with the king at Jerusalem. ²⁷ The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem and cedars like the sycamore-trees of the lowlands in number. ²⁸ Solomon's string of horses came from Egypt and from Kue. The king's traders got them at a price from Kue. ²⁹ A war-carriage might be obtained from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They got them at the same rate for all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram.

⁷ Then Solomon put up a high place for Chemosh, the disgusting god of Moab, in the mountain near Jerusalem. And for Molech, the disgusting god worshipped by the children of Ammon.

¹³ He would not let Maacah his mother be queen, because she had made a disgusting image for Asherah. Asa had the obscene image cut down and burned by the Kidron Stream.

² and on the way Elijah said to Elisha: »Stay here for Jehovah has ordered me to go to Bethel.« But Elisha answered: »I swear by my loyalty to the living God Jehovah and to you that I will not leave you.« So they went on to Bethel.

⁴ Then Elijah said to Elisha: »Stay here for Jehovah has ordered me to go to Jericho.« But Elisha answered: »I swear by my loyalty to the living God Jehovah and to you that I will not leave you.« So the two of them went on to Jericho.

⁶ Then Elijah said to Elisha: »Stay here for Jehovah has ordered me to go to the Jordan River.« But Elisha answered: »I swear by my loyalty to the living God Jehovah and to you that I will not leave you.« So they went on,

³⁰ The woman said to Elisha: »I swear by my loyalty to the living God Jehovah and to you that I will not leave you! So the two of them started back together.«

⁹ The letter she wrote is as follows: »Let a time of public sorrow be fixed, and put Naboth at the head of the people.

¹² They gave orders for a day of public sorrow and put Naboth at the head of the people.

¹³ At once Jehu's fellow officers spread their cloaks at the top of the steps for Jehu to stand on. They blew trumpets and shouted: »Jehu is king!«

³ Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. David made a covenant with them at Hebron in the presence of Jehovah. Then they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.

⁸ Ahitub the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Ahimaaz, ⁹ Ahimaaz the father of Azariah, Azariah the father of Johanan, ¹⁰ Johanan was the father of Azariah. It was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem), ¹¹ Azariah the father of Amariah, Amariah the father of Ahitub, ¹² Ahitub the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Shallum,

²³ These are the numbers of armed warriors who joined David at Hebron. They were all eager to see David become king instead of Saul, just as Jehovah had promised.

³⁸ All these men came in battle array to Hebron with the single purpose of making David the king of Israel. In fact, all Israel agreed that David should be their king.

² David insisted that only the Levites carry God’s Ark because Jehovah had chosen them to carry his Ark and to serve him from generation to generation.

⁸ »I thank Jehovah your God, who is pleased with you. He has put you on his throne to be king on behalf of Jehovah your God. Because of your God’s love for the people of Israel, he has established them permanently and made you king over them so that you would maintain justice and righteousness.«

¹⁷ Jehoiada’s son Benaiah was commander of the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And David’s sons were his main officials.

⁵ All these the sons of Heman the king’s seer to exalt him according to the words of God, for God gave fourteen sons and three daughters to Heman.

³³ Ahithophel was the king’s adviser. Hushai, a descendant of Archi, was the king’s friend.

¹⁶ The priests entered Jehovah’s temple to make it clean. They carried into the courtyard every unclean thing that they found in Jehovah’s Temple. Then the Levites took the unclean items outside the city to the Kidron Brook.

¹² Mordecai came back to the king's gate. But Haman went quickly back to his house, sad and with his head covered.

²⁰ Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief. He shaved his head and threw himself face down on the ground. ²¹ He said: »I was born with nothing (naked), and I will die with nothing. Jehovah gave, and now he has taken away. Blessed be the name of Jehovah!«

¹² »He keeps shrewd (crafty) (cunning) people from carrying out their plans so that they cannot do anything successfully.

⁷ he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? ⁸ »He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! ⁹ »The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more. ¹⁰ »His children must make amends to the poor. He must give back his wealth. ¹¹ »The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. ¹² »Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, ¹³ though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, ¹⁴ yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. ¹⁵ »He will spit out the riches he swallowed. God will make his stomach vomit them up. ¹⁶ »He will suck the poison of serpents. The fangs of an adder (cobra) will kill him. ¹⁷ »He will not look upon the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. ¹⁸ »What he toiled for he must give back uneaten. He will not enjoy the profit from his trading. ¹⁹ »For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build. ²⁰ »He will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. ²¹ »There is nothing left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure. ²² »Distress will overtake him in the midst of his plenty. The full force of misery will come upon him. ²³ »With his belly full, God will vent his burning anger against him and rain down his blows upon him. ²⁴ »Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow pierces him. ²⁵ »He pulls it out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver. Terrors will come over him. ²⁶ »Total darkness lies in wait for his treasures. A fire will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. ²⁷ »The heavens will expose his guilt. The earth will rise up against him! ²⁸ »A flood will carry off his house. Rushing waters will wash away his possessions on the day of God’s wrath. ²⁹ »This is the fate God allots the wicked, the heritage appointed for them by God.«

¹⁶ »To him belong strength and victory. Both deceived and deceivers are his. ¹⁷ »He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges. ¹⁸ »He takes off the bonds put on by kings and ties a belt around their waist. ¹⁹ »He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established. ²⁰ »He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders.

⁵ »The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. ⁶ »Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds,

¹⁴ »The murderer rises at dusk to kill the poor and needy, and in the night is like a thief.

⁹ He lurks in his hiding place like a lion in his den. He hides there to catch oppressed people. He catches oppressed people after he draws them into his net. ¹⁰ His victims are crushed. They collapse, and they fall into the power of the wicked.

² People speak lies to one another. They speak with flattering lips and with double-heart. (Double Heart: They say one thing but mean another.)

¹ ([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, look how my enemies have increased! Many are attacking me.

¹ ([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, look how my enemies have increased! Many are attacking me.

¹ ([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, look how my enemies have increased! Many are attacking me. ² Many are saying about me: »Even with God on his side, he will not have victory (deliverance) (salvation).«

² Many are saying about me: »Even with God on his side, he will not have victory (deliverance) (salvation).« ³ You, O Jehovah, are a protective shield over me. You are my glory. You hold my head high.

³ You, O Jehovah, are a protective shield over me. You are my glory. You hold my head high. ⁴ I call aloud to Jehovah. He answers me from his holy mountain.

⁴ I call aloud to Jehovah. He answers me from his holy mountain. ⁵ I lie down and sleep. I wake up again because Jehovah continues to sustain me.

⁵ I lie down and sleep. I wake up again because Jehovah continues to sustain me. ⁶ I am not afraid of the tens of thousands who have taken positions against me on all sides. ⁷ Arise, O Jehovah! Save me, O my God! You have slapped all my enemies in the face. You have broken the teeth of wicked people.

⁷ Arise, O Jehovah! Save me, O my God! You have slapped all my enemies in the face. You have broken the teeth of wicked people. ⁸ Salvation belongs to Jehovah! You bless your people.

¹ ([Psalm of David]) Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my trouble. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. ² O sons of men, how long will my glorious honor be turned into shame? How long will you love empty, worthless things and search for the lie? ³ But know that Jehovah has chosen and distinguished the godly man for himself. Jehovah will hear when I call to him.

⁷ Some boast in chariots and others in horses, but we will boast in the name of Jehovah our God.

⁸ O Jehovah, I love the place where you live, the home (spiritual retreat) (heart and mind) where your glory dwells.

⁴ I have asked one thing from Jehovah. This I will seek: to live in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to look at Jehovah’s beauty and search for an answer in his temple. ⁵ He hides me in his shelter when there is trouble. He keeps me hidden in his tent. He puts me high on a rock.

¹⁰ All the paths of Jehovah are loving-kindness (mercy) and truth for those who cling to his promise and written instructions.

⁹ Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

¹ ([Sons of Korah]) As the deer desires the water brooks, so I desire you, O God. ² I thirst for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? ³ My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long: Where is your God?

¹ Judge me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation. Deliver me from deceitful and unjust people! ² You are the God of my strength. Why have you rejected me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? ³ O send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me! Let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling places. ⁴ I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy. Upon the lyre I will praise you, O God, my God. ⁵ Why am I in despair? Why am I so deeply disturbed within me? I will put my hope in God, for I will praise him as my salvation and my God.

⁸ I would hurry to a place of refuge from the raging wind and storm. ⁹ Confuse their language, O Jehovah, because I see violence and conflict in the city. ¹⁰ Day and night they go around on top of the city walls. Trouble and misery are everywhere. ¹¹ Destruction is everywhere. Oppression and fraud never leave the streets. ¹² If an enemy had insulted me, then I could tolerate it. If someone who hated me had attacked me, then I could hide from him.

¹² If an enemy had insulted me, then I could tolerate it. If someone who hated me had attacked me, then I could hide from him. ¹³ But it is you, my equal, my close friend, and a well-known companion! ¹⁴ We took sweet fellowship together and walked into God's house with the crowds.

¹⁴ We took sweet fellowship together and walked into God's house with the crowds. ¹⁵ Let death suddenly take them! Let them go into the grave while they are still alive, for evil lives in their homes and within them.

²¹ His speech was smoother than butter, but his heart was war! His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

⁸ You have kept account of my wandering. Put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book?

¹² Your vows are binding upon me, O God. I will render thank offerings to you.

³ He will send from heaven, and save me, He rebukes the one who is pursuing me. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.

¹⁵ They wander around to find food. If they are not full enough, they will stay all night.

¹² You let people ride over our heads. We went through fire and water, but then you brought us out and refreshed us.

¹⁸ Surely you set them in slippery places. You threw them down into destruction. ¹⁹ How are they destroyed, suddenly! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

⁹ »I remained speechless. I did not open my mouth because you have done this.

¹⁵ »Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.« ¹⁶ But God says to the wicked: »How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my covenant! ¹⁷ »You hate discipline. You cast (throw) my words behind you. ¹⁸ »When you see a thief, you make friends with him. You keep company with people who commit adultery. ¹⁹ »You let your mouth speak evil. Your tongue plans deceit. ²⁰ »You sit and talk against your own brother. You slander your own mother's son. ²¹ »When you did these things, I remained silent. That made you think I was like you. I will argue my point with you and lay it all out for you to see.

¹⁸ Favor Zion with your goodness. Build the walls of Jerusalem.

³ This is because my enemy shouts at me and a wicked person persecutes me. They bring misery crashing down on me, and they attack me out of anger. ⁴ My heart is in turmoil within me. The terrors of death have seized me. ⁵ Fear and trembling have overcome me. Horror has overwhelmed me. ⁶ I said: If only I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and find rest. ⁷ I would run far away. I would stay in the desert.

⁷ May he rule forever in your presence, O God. Protect him with your constant love and faithfulness.

⁹ Common people are only a vapor in the wind. Important people are only a delusion. When all of them are weighed on a scale, they amount to nothing. They are less than a vapor in the wind.

¹ ([[Psalm of David] in the wilderness of Judah:]) O God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. I thirst for you. My body longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water. ² I look for you in the holy place to see your power and your glory.

¹⁰ Mercy and truth have met. Righteousness and peace have kissed.

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before you.

¹⁵ When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will deliver you and honor you.

¹ ([Psalm of Korah]) How lovely are your dwelling places, O Jehovah of Hosts! ² How I want to be there! I long to be in Jehovah’s temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. ³ Even small birds have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home. They keep their young near your altars O Jehovah my king and my God.

¹⁰ One day in your courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

³ They surround me with hateful words. They fight against me without reason.

¹ ([Psalm of David]) I was glad when they said to me: »Let us go to the house of Jehovah.«

⁹ For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God, I will seek what is good for you.

⁵ Those who cry while they plant will joyfully sing while they harvest. ⁶ The person who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed, will come home singing, carrying his bundles of grain.

¹⁶ They do not sleep unless they have done evil. Their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.

⁵ If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp. ⁶ Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.

² Pride comes and then comes shame. Wisdom is with the humble.

⁹ A godless hypocrite destroys his neighbor with his mouth. The righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

² A good man obtains favor from Jehovah. He will condemn a man of wicked intentions.

¹⁵ The simple believes every word, but the prudent man gives thought to his steps.

²² Do they not err that devise evil? Those who devise good will find loving kindness and truth.

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times. A true brother is born for adversity.

¹⁹ He who loves transgression loves discord. He who opens his door seeks destruction.

²⁴ A man with friends must be friendly! A friend sticks closer than a brother.

²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination! How much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?

⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

³ A prudent man sees evil and takes refuge. The simple (fool) (inexperienced) keep going and suffers.

²⁵ When he speaks kind words do not believe him. There are seven abominations in his heart.

² Let another man praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips.

¹¹ There is a generation that curses their father, and doe not bless their mother.

¹⁷ The eye that mocks his father, and rejects obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley pick it out, and the young eagles eat it.

⁴ Do not be late in paying a vow you make to God. He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!

⁷ I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking like servants upon the earth.

³ »The Egyptians will become discouraged. I will bring their plans to nothing. They will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.

¹¹ The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools. The wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh: »I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings?« ¹² Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make known what Jehovah of Hosts has purposed (planned) (resolved) against Egypt. ¹³ The officials of Zoan have become fools. The leaders of Memphis (Noph) are deceived. The cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray. ¹⁴ Jehovah has poured into them a spirit of dizziness. They make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit. ¹⁵ There is nothing Egypt can do head or tail, palm branch or reed. ¹⁶ A time is coming when the people of Egypt will be as timid as women. They will tremble in terror when they see that Jehovah of Hosts has stretched out his hand (extended His power) to punish them. ¹⁷ The people of Egypt will be terrified of Judah every time they are reminded of the fate that Jehovah of Hosts has prepared for them. ¹⁸ When that time comes, the Hebrew language will be spoken in five Egyptian cities. The people there will take their oaths in the name of Jehovah of Hosts. One of the cities will be called: »City of Destruction.« ¹⁹ When that time comes, there will be an altar to Jehovah in the middle of the land of Egypt and a stone pillar dedicated to him at the Egyptian border. ²⁰ They will be a sign of the presence of Jehovah of Hosts in Egypt. When the people there are oppressed and call out to Jehovah for help, he will send someone to rescue them. ²¹ Jehovah will make himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Jehovah in that day. They will even worship with sacrifice and offering, and will make a vow to Jehovah and perform it. ²² Jehovah will strike Egypt, striking but healing; so they will turn to Jehovah, and he will respond to them and will heal them. ²³ In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will come to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. ²⁴ In that day Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth. ²⁵ Jehovah of Hosts has blessed, saying: Blessed is Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.

² At that time Jehovah spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him: »Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.« He did this and went around stripped and barefoot. ³ Jehovah said: »Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, ⁴ so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared to Egypt’s shame.

¹⁵ Because you have said: »We have made a covenant with death, and with the grave we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge. We have hidden under falsehood!«

¹⁰ Listen to the word of Jehovah (YHWH), you rulers of Sodom! Pay attention to the Law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! ¹¹ Jehovah says: »What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. ¹² »Who requires you to trample on my courtyards when you appear in my presence? ¹³ »Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies! ¹⁴ »I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They are a burden to me. I am tired of putting up with them. ¹⁵ »When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are full of blood. ¹⁶ »Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil.

²² Hezekiah said: »What will be the sign that I will go up to the Temple of Jehovah?«

¹ Here is my servant, whom I have strengthened. Here is the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation.

⁴ »You fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist. You do not fast today to make your voice heard on high.

⁴ »‘»Do not trust in deceptive words. They say: ‘This is the Temple of Jehovah, the Temple of Jehovah, and the Temple of Jehovah.

⁸ »How can you say you are wise and that you have Jehovah’s Laws? The scribes have used their pens to spread falsehoods. ⁹ »Wise people are put to shame, confused, and trapped. They have rejected the word of Jehovah. They do not really have any wisdom.

³ They bend their tongue like their bow. Lies and not truth prevail in the land. They move from evil to evil. »They do not know me,« says Jehovah. ⁴ »Let everyone be on guard against his neighbor. Do not trust any brother because every brother deals craftily (cunningly), and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer. ⁵ »Everyone deceives his neighbor and does not speak the truth. They have taught their tongue to speak lies. They wear themselves out committing sin.

⁴ »You will no longer be called »Deserted,« and your land will no longer be called »Destroyed.« You will be named »My Delight.« Your land will be named »Married« (owned as a wife). Jehovah is delighted with you, and your land will be married.

³ Important people send their assistants out for water. They do not find any water at the cisterns. They return with their containers empty. They cover their heads, because they are ashamed and dishonored. ⁴ There is no rain in the land and the ground is cracked. The farmers are disappointed. They cover their heads.

⁴¹ »I will enjoy blessing them. With all my heart and all my being I will faithfully plant them in this land.’«

¹⁴ »‘Woe to him who says: ‘I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows. I will panel it with cedar and paint it bright red (vermilion).’ ¹⁵ Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. ¹⁶ He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy. Then it was well. »Is that not what it means to know me?« Says Jehovah.

²⁸ »This Jehoiakin is like a rejected and broken pot that no one wants. Is that why he and his descendants will be thrown out and cast into another land they have never heard of?

³⁰ »That is why you will prophecy all these things to them and say: Jehovah roars from above. He thunders from his holy dwelling place. He roars against his land. He shouts like those who stomp grapes. He shouts against all those who live on earth.

²⁰ »You are making a fatal mistake. You asked me to pray to Jehovah our God for you, and you promised that you would do everything that he commands.

⁷ »‘»People in you hate their fathers and mothers. They oppress foreigners in you. They oppress orphans and widows in you.«’«

¹⁷ »Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet. Do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.«

²³ ‘«’Your turbans will be on your heads and your shoes on your feet. You will not mourn and you will not weep. You will rot away in your iniquities and you will groan to one another.

¹¹ »This land that has been set apart will belong to the priests who are descendants of Zadok. They took care of my holy place. They did not wander away with the Israelites as the Levites did.

¹⁸ »‘The prince must not take any of the people's property. He must not force them to give up their property. He must give his own property as an inheritance to his sons so that none of my people will be separated from their property.’«

²¹ »A contemptible person will stand in his place. He will be one whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom. He will come in time of security, and will obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

¹² »They will wander from sea to sea and from the north even to the east. They will run to and fro to seek the word of Jehovah, and will not find it.

⁵ Do not put your faith in your neighbor. Do not trust a friend! Guard your lips from her who lies in your bosom (is your intimate companion). ⁶ The son dishonors the father. The daughter rises up against her mother and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man's enemies are the men of his own house.

⁴ »His feet will stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half toward the east and toward the west. There will be a very large valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

¹⁰ Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah.

⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem. He said: »Search diligently for the young child. When you find him, bring me word so I may come and bow down to him also.«

¹⁹ A scribe came to him and said: »Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.« ²⁰ Jesus replied: »Foxes have holes, and the birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.«

¹⁶ »I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

¹ John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming:

³ Isaiah spoke of John when he said: »He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.’« (Isaiah 40:3)

⁴ »Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

¹² »From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been man’s goal, and men of violence have attempted to take it by force.

⁴ »God said, ‘Honor your father and mother.’ ‘He who says evil of father or mother will be put to death.’

¹³ »Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You close the kingdom of heaven to people. You do not invite others to enter nor do you enter.

¹ It was morning. The chief priests and those in authority conspired to put Jesus to death.

²² Pilate said to them: »What am I to do with Jesus, the one called Christ?« They all said: »Put him to death. Impale him!«

⁹ Those going ahead of him and following him shouted praise: »Glory to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jehovah! Glory in the highest!« (Psalms 118:26)

¹⁴ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests. ¹⁵ He asked them: »What are you willing to give me to deliver him to you?« They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

⁸⁰ The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.

¹⁵ »Will you Capernaum be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to the grave.

⁸ »When you are invited to a marriage feast do not take the place of honor. Someone more distinguished than you may be invited. ⁹ »Your host would tell you, give this person your place. Then you would be embarrassed and have to take the place of least honor. ¹⁰ »When you are invited, take the place of least honor. Then, when your host comes, he will tell you, friend, move to a more honorable place. And the other guests will see how you are honored. ¹¹ »Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. And people who humble themselves will be exalted.«

²⁹ When he came close to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples.

³⁷ He was near the descent of the Mount of Olives. The entire crowd of disciples rejoiced and praised God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.

⁴¹ When he came close to the city he wept over it.

³⁷ He taught in the temple every day and he stayed on the Mount of Olives at night.

²⁸ »You have continued with me in my temptations. ²⁹ »I assigned a kingdom to you just as my Father assigned it to me.

³⁹ He went to the Mount of Olives as was his custom and the disciples also followed him.

¹⁷ The law came through Moses. Loving-kindness and truth came through Jesus Christ.

⁶⁶ After this many of his disciples returned to their old ways. They did not walk with him anymore. ⁶⁷ Jesus asked the twelve: »Will you also go away?« ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him: »Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life! ⁶⁹ »We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.«

¹⁸ »I do not speak about all of you. I know whom I have chosen! This way the scripture may be fulfilled: ‘He that eats my bread lifted up his heel against me.’«

¹⁴ »You are my friends if you do the things that I command you.

¹ When Jesus finished his prayer he and his disciples crossed the Kedron winter stream to a garden.

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

²³ When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart.

¹³ Why do you weep and break my heart? Paul answered: »For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.«

⁵ Then Paul said, »I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest. It is written: You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.«

² Do not be conformed to this world (religious, social, political, and economic arrangement). But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

¹⁸ They do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unaware.

¹⁸ They do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unaware. ¹⁹ Your obedience has come to our attention abroad. I am glad therefore on your behalf. Yet I would have you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil.

²⁰ Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

¹⁸ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. It is written: »He catches the wise in their own craftiness (deception).« (Job 5:13) ²⁰ And again: »Jehovah knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (useless) (empty).« (Psalm 94:11)

²⁶ When one member suffers all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

³ I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.

¹⁶ The Lord grants mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains. ¹⁷ When he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant him to find the mercy of God in that day, and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, you know very well.

¹⁶ They profess that they know God; but deny him by their works! They are detestable, disobedient, and not approved for any good work.

³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. ³⁸ The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

¹⁷ Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Reverence and respect God. Honor the king.

³ They speak evil words about you because of their extreme greed. They will exploit you with false evil words. Their judgment from long ago is not idle. Their destruction will not delay.

¹⁰ This is primarily for those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble at glorious ones but speak abusively.

¹⁹ They promise them freedom, while they are bondservants of corruption. A man is brought into bondage by one and enslaved by another.

¹⁵ This wisdom is not a wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.