⁵ “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied.

⁷ “Because you did this,” Samson vowed, “I won’t rest until I take my revenge on you!”

David’s Instructions to Solomon

28 David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains,^[a] the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom.

Respect for Authority

13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

⁴ They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

²⁶ “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord.

⁸ In despair he fell on the couch where Queen Esther was reclining, just as the king was returning from the palace garden.

The king exclaimed, “Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?” And as soon as the king spoke, his attendants covered Haman’s face, signaling his doom.