Mom Guilt Meets Grace

Unmasking Narcissism

God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone

When God Says No!

The DEEP Method: How to Discover, Explore, Engage, Practice God's Word

Daily Wisdom: A Proverb-a-Day

God Hears Every Prayer

Dog Dad Devotions on Leadership, Loyalty and Love

Creating to Heal: 7 Days of Healing Through Art & Prayer

Losing Lexi: One Mother's Story of Grace in the Midst of Addiction and Loss

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJHN">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="JHN.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Word Became Flesh</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JHN.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JHN.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He was with God in the beginning. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JHN.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JHN.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JHN.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">understood</span></span></span><span class="content"> it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JHN.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JHN.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">There was a man sent from God whose name was John. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JHN.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JHN.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JHN.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JHN.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JHN.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JHN.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JHN.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JHN.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband&#8217;s will, but born of God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JHN.1.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JHN.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JHN.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JHN.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, &#8220;This is the one I spoke about when I said, &#8216;He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;) </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JHN.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JHN.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JHN.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:18 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">but the only Son, who</span></span></span><span class="content"> is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JHN.1.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JHN.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Now this was John&#8217;s testimony when the Jewish leaders</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:19 </span><span class="ft">The Greek term traditionally translated </span><span class="fqa">the Jews </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">hoi Ioudaioi</span>) refers here and elsewhere in John&#8217;s Gospel to those Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus; also in 5:10, 15,16; 7:1,11,13; 9:22; 18:14,28,36; 19:7,12,31,38; 20:19.</span></span></span><span class="content"> in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JHN.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, &#8220;I am not the Messiah.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JHN.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JHN.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">They asked him, &#8220;Then who are you? Are you Elijah?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JHN.1.21"><span class="content">He said, &#8220;I am not.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JHN.1.21"><span class="content">&#8220;Are you the Prophet?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JHN.1.21"><span class="content">He answered, &#8220;No.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JHN.1.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JHN.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Finally they said, &#8220;Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JHN.1.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JHN.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, &#8220;I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, &#8216;Make straight the way for the Lord.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:23 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 40:3</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JHN.1.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JHN.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Now the Pharisees who had been sent </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JHN.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">questioned him, &#8220;Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JHN.1.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JHN.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">&#8220;I baptize with</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:26 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span><span class="ft">; also in verses 31 and 33 (twice)</span></span></span><span class="content"> water,&#8221; John replied, &#8220;but among you stands one you do not know. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JHN.1.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JHN.1.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JHN.1.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John Testifies About Jesus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JHN.1.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JHN.1.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, &#8220;Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JHN.1.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">This is the one I meant when I said, &#8216;A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JHN.1.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JHN.1.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="JHN.1.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Then John gave this testimony: &#8220;I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="JHN.1.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, &#8216;The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="JHN.1.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">I have seen and I testify that this is God&#8217;s Chosen One.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:34 </span><span class="ft">See Isaiah 42:1; many manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">is the Son of God.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John&#8217;s Disciples Follow Jesus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="JHN.1.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="JHN.1.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="JHN.1.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, &#8220;Look, the Lamb of God!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="JHN.1.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="JHN.1.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="JHN.1.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;What do you want?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="JHN.1.38"><span class="content">They said, &#8220;Rabbi&#8221; (which means &#8220;Teacher&#8221;), &#8220;where are you staying?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="JHN.1.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="JHN.1.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Come,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;and you will see.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="JHN.1.39"><span class="content">So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="JHN.1.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="JHN.1.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Andrew, Simon Peter&#8217;s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="JHN.1.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, &#8220;We have found the Messiah&#8221; (that is, the Christ). </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="JHN.1.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">And he brought him to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="JHN.1.42"><span class="content">Jesus looked at him and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> (which, when translated, is Peter</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:42 </span><span class="fq">Cephas </span><span class="ft">(Aramaic) and </span><span class="fq">Peter </span><span class="ft">(Greek) both mean </span><span class="fqa">rock.</span></span></span><span class="content">).</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="JHN.1.42"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="JHN.1.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Follow me.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="JHN.1.43"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="JHN.1.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="JHN.1.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="content">Philip found Nathanael and told him, &#8220;We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote&#8212;Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="JHN.1.45"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="JHN.1.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="content">&#8220;Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?&#8221; Nathanael asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="JHN.1.46"><span class="content">&#8220;Come and see,&#8221; said Philip.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="JHN.1.46"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="JHN.1.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content">When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="JHN.1.47"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="JHN.1.48"><span class="label">48</span><span class="content">&#8220;How do you know me?&#8221; Nathanael asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="JHN.1.48"><span class="content">Jesus answered, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="JHN.1.48"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v49" data-usfm="JHN.1.49"><span class="label">49</span><span class="content">Then Nathanael declared, &#8220;Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v49" data-usfm="JHN.1.49"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v50" data-usfm="JHN.1.50"><span class="label">50</span><span class="content">Jesus said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;You believe</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:50 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Do you believe&#8230;?</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.&#8221;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v51" data-usfm="JHN.1.51"><span class="label">51</span><span class="content">He then added, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Very truly I tell you,</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:51 </span><span class="ft">The Greek is plural.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">you</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:51 </span><span class="ft">The Greek is plural.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">will see &#8216;heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on&#8217;</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:51 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 28:12</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">the Son of Man.&#8221;</span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEXO">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="EXO.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plague of Locusts</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EXO.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Moses, &#8220;Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EXO.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EXO.10.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EXO.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, &#8220;This is what the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, the God of the Hebrews, says: &#8216;How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EXO.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EXO.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EXO.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians&#8212;something neither your parents nor your ancestors have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221; Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EXO.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EXO.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Pharaoh&#8217;s officials said to him, &#8220;How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EXO.10.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EXO.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. &#8220;Go, worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But tell me who will be going.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EXO.10.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EXO.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Moses answered, &#8220;We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EXO.10.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EXO.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Pharaoh said, &#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> be with you&#8212;if I let you go, along with your women and children! Clearly you are bent on evil.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:10 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Be careful, trouble is in store for you!</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EXO.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">No! Have only the men go and worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, since that&#8217;s what you have been asking for.&#8221; Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh&#8217;s presence.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EXO.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EXO.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Moses, &#8220;Stretch out your hand over Egypt so that locusts swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EXO.10.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EXO.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EXO.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EXO.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail&#8212;everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EXO.10.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EXO.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, &#8220;I have sinned against the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God and against you. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EXO.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God to take this deadly plague away from me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EXO.10.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EXO.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EXO.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">And the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:19 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the Sea of Reeds</span></span></span><span class="content"> Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EXO.10.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">But the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> hardened Pharaoh&#8217;s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plague of Darkness</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EXO.10.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EXO.10.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Moses, &#8220;Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt&#8212;darkness that can be felt.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EXO.10.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EXO.10.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EXO.10.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EXO.10.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, &#8220;Go, worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EXO.10.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EXO.10.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But Moses said, &#8220;You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> our God. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EXO.10.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EXO.10.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EXO.10.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> hardened Pharaoh&#8217;s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EXO.10.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Pharaoh said to Moses, &#8220;Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EXO.10.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EXO.10.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;Just as you say,&#8221; Moses replied. &#8220;I will never appear before you again.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkROM">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="ROM.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Submission to Governing Authorities</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ROM.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ROM.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ROM.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ROM.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For the one in authority is God&#8217;s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God&#8217;s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ROM.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ROM.13.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ROM.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God&#8217;s servants, who give their full time to governing. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ROM.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Love Fulfills the Law</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ROM.13.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ROM.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ROM.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The commandments, &#8220;You shall not commit adultery,&#8221; &#8220;You shall not murder,&#8221; &#8220;You shall not steal,&#8221; &#8220;You shall not covet,&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:9 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deut. 5:17-19,21</span></span></span><span class="content"> and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: &#8220;Love your neighbor as yourself.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:9 </span><span class="ft">Lev. 19:18</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ROM.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Day Is Near</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ROM.13.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ROM.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ROM.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ROM.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:14 </span><span class="ft">In contexts like this, the Greek word for </span><span class="fq">flesh </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">sarx</span>) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="REV.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Their hair was like women&#8217;s hair, and their teeth were like lions&#8217; teeth. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.9.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, &#8220;Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="REV.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="REV.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.9.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood&#8212;idols that cannot see or hear or walk. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="REV.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkSNG">
      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="SNG.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">In Hebrew texts 7:1-13 is numbered 7:2-14.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">How beautiful your sandaled feet,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.7.1"><span class="content">O prince&#8217;s daughter!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.7.1"><span class="content">Your graceful legs are like jewels,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.7.1"><span class="content">the work of an artist&#8217;s hands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.7.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Your navel is a rounded goblet</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.7.2"><span class="content">that never lacks blended wine.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.7.2"><span class="content">Your waist is a mound of wheat</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.7.2"><span class="content">encircled by lilies.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.7.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Your breasts are like two fawns,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.7.3"><span class="content">like twin fawns of a gazelle.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.7.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Your neck is like an ivory tower.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="content">Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="content">by the gate of Bath Rabbim.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="content">Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="content">looking toward Damascus.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.7.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.7.5"><span class="content">Your hair is like royal tapestry;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.7.5"><span class="content">the king is held captive by its tresses.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.7.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">How beautiful you are and how pleasing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.7.6"><span class="content">my love, with your delights!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.7.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Your stature is like that of the palm,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.7.7"><span class="content">and your breasts like clusters of fruit.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.7.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I said, &#8220;I will climb the palm tree;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.7.8"><span class="content">I will take hold of its fruit.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.7.8"><span class="content">May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.7.8"><span class="content">the fragrance of your breath like apples,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.7.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">and your mouth like the best wine.</span></span></div><div class="sp"><span class="heading">She</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.7.9"><span class="content">May the wine go straight to my beloved,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.7.9"><span class="content">flowing gently over lips and teeth.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:9 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint, Aquila, Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">lips of sleepers</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.7.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I belong to my beloved,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.7.10"><span class="content">and his desire is for me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.7.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.7.11"><span class="content">let us spend the night in the villages.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the henna bushes</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.7.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Let us go early to the vineyards</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="content">to see if the vines have budded,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="content">if their blossoms have opened,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="content">and if the pomegranates are in bloom&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="content">there I will give you my love.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="SNG.7.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="SNG.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The mandrakes send out their fragrance,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="SNG.7.13"><span class="content">and at our door is every delicacy,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="SNG.7.13"><span class="content">both new and old,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="SNG.7.13"><span class="content">that I have stored up for you, my beloved.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch97" data-usfm="PSA.97">
         <div class="label">97</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 97</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.97.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> reigns, let the earth be glad;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.97.1"><span class="content">let the distant shores rejoice.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.97.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.97.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Clouds and thick darkness surround him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.97.2"><span class="content">righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.97.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.97.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Fire goes before him</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.97.3"><span class="content">and consumes his foes on every side.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.97.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.97.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">His lightning lights up the world;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.97.4"><span class="content">the earth sees and trembles.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.97.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.97.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The mountains melt like wax before the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.97.5"><span class="content">before the Lord of all the earth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.97.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.97.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The heavens proclaim his righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.97.6"><span class="content">and all peoples see his glory.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.97.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.97.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">All who worship images are put to shame,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.97.7"><span class="content">those who boast in idols&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.97.7"><span class="content">worship him, all you gods!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.97.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.97.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Zion hears and rejoices</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.97.8"><span class="content">and the villages of Judah are glad</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.97.8"><span class="content">because of your judgments, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.97.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.97.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, are the Most High over all the earth;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.97.9"><span class="content">you are exalted far above all gods.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.97.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.97.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Let those who love the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> hate evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.97.10"><span class="content">for he guards the lives of his faithful ones</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.97.10"><span class="content">and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.97.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.97.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Light shines</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">97:11 </span><span class="ft">One Hebrew manuscript and ancient versions (see also 112:4); most Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Light is sown</span></span></span><span class="content"> on the righteous</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.97.11"><span class="content">and joy on the upright in heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.97.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.97.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Rejoice in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, you who are righteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.97.12"><span class="content">and praise his holy name.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch30" data-usfm="PRO.30">
         <div class="label">30</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Sayings of Agur</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh&#8212;an inspired utterance.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">This man&#8217;s utterance to Ithiel:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">&#8220;I am weary, God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">but I can prevail.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">30:1 </span><span class="ft">With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text </span><span class="fqa">utterance to Ithiel, / to Ithiel and Ukal:</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Surely I am only a brute, not a man;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="content">I do not have human understanding.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I have not learned wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="content">nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Who has gone up to heaven and come down?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Whose hands have gathered up the wind?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Who has established all the ends of the earth?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">What is his name, and what is the name of his son?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Surely you know!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Every word of God is flawless;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="content">he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Do not add to his words,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="content">or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;Two things I ask of you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="content">do not refuse me before I die:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Keep falsehood and lies far from me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">give me neither poverty nor riches,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">but give me only my daily bread.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">and say, &#8216;Who is the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">Or I may become poor and steal,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">and so dishonor the name of my God.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;Do not slander a servant to their master,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="content">or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are those who curse their fathers</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="content">and do not bless their mothers;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">those who are pure in their own eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="content">and yet are not cleansed of their filth;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">those whose eyes are ever so haughty,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="content">whose glances are so disdainful;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">those whose teeth are swords</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">and whose jaws are set with knives</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">to devour the poor from the earth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">and the needy from among mankind.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;The leech has two daughters.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">&#8216;Give! Give!&#8217; they cry.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are never satisfied,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">four that never say, &#8216;Enough!&#8217;:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">the grave, the barren womb,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">land, which is never satisfied with water,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">and fire, which never says, &#8216;Enough!&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;The eye that mocks a father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">that scorns an aged mother,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">will be eaten by the vultures.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are too amazing for me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="content">four that I do not understand:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">the way of an eagle in the sky,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">the way of a snake on a rock,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">the way of a ship on the high seas,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">and the way of a man with a young woman.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;This is the way of an adulterous woman:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">She eats and wipes her mouth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">and says, &#8216;I&#8217;ve done nothing wrong.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">&#8220;Under three things the earth trembles,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="content">under four it cannot bear up:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">a servant who becomes king,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="content">a godless fool who gets plenty to eat,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">a contemptible woman who gets married,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="content">and a servant who displaces her mistress.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;Four things on earth are small,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="content">yet they are extremely wise:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Ants are creatures of little strength,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="content">yet they store up their food in the summer;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">hyraxes are creatures of little power,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="content">yet they make their home in the crags;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">locusts have no king,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="content">yet they advance together in ranks;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">a lizard can be caught with the hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="content">yet it is found in kings&#8217; palaces.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are stately in their stride,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="content">four that move with stately bearing:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">a lion, mighty among beasts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="content">who retreats before nothing;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">a strutting rooster, a he-goat,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="content">and a king secure against revolt.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">30:31 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#8220;If you play the fool and exalt yourself,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">or if you plan evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">clap your hand over your mouth!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">For as churning cream produces butter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="content">and as twisting the nose produces blood,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="content">so stirring up anger produces strife.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEST">
      <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="EST.8">
         <div class="label">8</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The King&#8217;s Edict in Behalf of the Jews</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EST.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EST.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman&#8217;s estate.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EST.8.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EST.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EST.8.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EST.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;If it pleases the king,&#8221; she said, &#8220;and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king&#8217;s provinces. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EST.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EST.8.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EST.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, &#8220;Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Now write another decree in the king&#8217;s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king&#8217;s signet ring&#8212;for no document written in the king&#8217;s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">At once the royal secretaries were summoned&#8212;on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai&#8217;s orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:9 </span><span class="ft">That is, the upper Nile region</span></span></span><span class="content"> These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EST.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king&#8217;s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EST.8.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EST.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The king&#8217;s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">province, together with their women and children, who might attack them;</span></span></span><span class="content"> and to plunder the property of their enemies. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EST.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EST.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king&#8217;s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Triumph of the Jews</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.8.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When Mordecai left the king&#8217;s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EST.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EST.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAL">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="MAL.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAL.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A prophecy: The word of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> to Israel through Malachi.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="fq">Malachi </span><span class="ft">means </span><span class="fqa">my messenger.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Israel Doubts God&#8217;s Love</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAL.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;I have loved you,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have you loved us?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="content">&#8220;Was not Esau Jacob&#8217;s brother?&#8221; declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. &#8220;Yet I have loved Jacob, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAL.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAL.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAL.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Edom may say, &#8220;Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAL.1.4"><span class="content">But this is what the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty says: &#8220;They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAL.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">You will see it with your own eyes and say, &#8216;Great is the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8212;even beyond the borders of Israel!&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Breaking Covenant Through Blemished Sacrifices</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAL.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">&#8220;It is you priests who show contempt for my name.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have we shown contempt for your name?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;By offering defiled food on my altar.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have we defiled you?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="content">&#8220;By saying that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s table is contemptible. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAL.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAL.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAL.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?&#8221;&#8212;says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAL.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAL.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty, &#8220;and I will accept no offering from your hands. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAL.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAL.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAL.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;But you profane it by saying, &#8216;The Lord&#8217;s table is defiled,&#8217; and, &#8216;Its food is contemptible.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAL.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And you say, &#8216;What a burden!&#8217; and you sniff at it contemptuously,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAL.1.13"><span class="content">&#8220;When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAL.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty, &#8220;and my name is to be feared among the nations.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch23" data-usfm="ACT.23">
         <div class="label">23</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.23.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220;My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.23.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Paul said to him, &#8220;God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who were standing near Paul said, &#8220;How dare you insult God&#8217;s high priest!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Paul replied, &#8220;Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: &#8216;Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:5 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 22:28</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.23.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, &#8220;My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.23.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.23.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. &#8220;We find nothing wrong with this man,&#8221; they said. &#8220;What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plot to Kill Paul</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.23.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.23.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">More than forty men were involved in this plot. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.23.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220;We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">But when the son of Paul&#8217;s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.23.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, &#8220;Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">So he took him to the commander.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">The centurion said, &#8220;Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, &#8220;What is it you want to tell me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.23.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He said: &#8220;Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Don&#8217;t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: &#8220;Don&#8217;t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Transferred to Caesarea</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.23.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, &#8220;Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Greek for this word is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He wrote a letter as follows:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Claudius Lysias,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">To His Excellency, Governor Felix:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.23.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.23.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.23.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.23.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.23.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.23.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.23.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.23.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">he said, &#8220;I will hear your case when your accusers get here.&#8221; Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod&#8217;s palace.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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