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Numbers 24:15-25
English Standard Version
Numbers 24:15-25
English Standard Version
Balaam's Final Oracle
15 (A)And he took up his discourse and said,
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
16 the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
and knows the knowledge of (B)the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
(C)falling down with his eyes uncovered:
17 (D)I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
(E)a star shall come out of Jacob,
and (F)a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall (G)crush the forehead[a] of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18 (H)Edom shall be dispossessed;
(I)Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed.
Israel is doing valiantly.
19 And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion
and destroy the survivors of cities!”
20 Then he looked on Amalek and (J)took up his discourse and said,
“Amalek was the first among the nations,
(K)but its end is utter destruction.”
21 And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said,
“Enduring is your dwelling place,
and your nest is set in the rock.
22 Nevertheless, Kain shall be burned
when Asshur takes you away captive.”
23 And he took up his discourse and said,
“Alas, who shall live when God does this?
24 But ships shall come from (L)Kittim
and shall afflict Asshur and (M)Eber;
and he too (N)shall come to utter destruction.”
25 Then Balaam rose and (O)went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Numbers 24:17 Hebrew corners [of the head]
Numbers 24:15-25
New International Version
Numbers 24:15-25
New International Version
Balaam’s Fourth Message
15 Then he spoke his message:
“The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,
the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly,
16 the prophecy of one who hears the words(A) of God,
who has knowledge from the Most High,(B)
who sees a vision from the Almighty,
who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:
17 “I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near.(C)
A star will come out of Jacob;(D)
a scepter will rise out of Israel.(E)
He will crush the foreheads of Moab,(F)
the skulls[a](G) of[b] all the people of Sheth.[c]
18 Edom(H) will be conquered;
Seir,(I) his enemy, will be conquered,(J)
but Israel(K) will grow strong.
19 A ruler will come out of Jacob(L)
and destroy the survivors of the city.”
Balaam’s Fifth Message
20 Then Balaam saw Amalek(M) and spoke his message:
“Amalek was first among the nations,
but their end will be utter destruction.”(N)
Balaam’s Sixth Message
21 Then he saw the Kenites(O) and spoke his message:
“Your dwelling place is secure,(P)
your nest is set in a rock;
22 yet you Kenites will be destroyed
when Ashur(Q) takes you captive.”
Balaam’s Seventh Message
23 Then he spoke his message:
“Alas! Who can live when God does this?[d]
24 Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus;(R)
they will subdue Ashur(S) and Eber,(T)
but they too will come to ruin.(U)”
25 Then Balaam(V) got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.
Footnotes
- Numbers 24:17 Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Jer. 48:45); the meaning of the word in the Masoretic Text is uncertain.
- Numbers 24:17 Or possibly Moab, / batter
- Numbers 24:17 Or all the noisy boasters
- Numbers 24:23 Masoretic Text; with a different word division of the Hebrew The people from the islands will gather from the north.
2 Chronicles 1
English Standard Version
2 Chronicles 1
English Standard Version
Solomon Worships at Gibeon
1 (A)Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, (B)and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
2 Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the (C)commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in all Israel, the heads of fathers' houses. 3 And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to (D)the high place that was at Gibeon, (E)for (F)the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness, was there. 4 (G)(But David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.) 5 Moreover, (H)the bronze altar that (I)Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the assembly (J)sought it[a] out. 6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, (K)and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
Solomon Prays for Wisdom
7 (L)In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, (M)and have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, (N)let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous (O)as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to (P)go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for (Q)possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you (R)riches, possessions, and honor, (S)such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 13 So Solomon came from[b] the (T)high place at Gibeon, from before (U)the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
Solomon Given Wealth
14 (V)Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. (W)He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed (X)in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 15 And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 16 And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders would buy them from Kue for a price. 17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels[c] of silver, and a horse for 150. Likewise through them these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Chronicles 1:5 Or him
- 2 Chronicles 1:13 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew to
- 2 Chronicles 1:17 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
2 Chronicles 1
New International Version
2 Chronicles 1
New International Version
Solomon Asks for Wisdom(A)(B)
1 Solomon son of David established(C) himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with(D) him and made him exceedingly great.(E)
2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel(F)—to the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of families— 3 and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon,(G) for God’s tent of meeting(H) was there, which Moses(I) the Lord’s servant had made in the wilderness. 4 Now David had brought up the ark(J) of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, because he had pitched a tent(K) for it in Jerusalem. 5 But the bronze altar(L) that Bezalel(M) son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord; so Solomon and the assembly inquired(N) of him there. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
7 That night God appeared(O) to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me(P) king in his place. 9 Now, Lord God, let your promise(Q) to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.(R) 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead(S) this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth,(T) possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor,(U) such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.(V)”
13 Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.
14 Solomon accumulated chariots(W) and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses,[a] which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold(X) as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue[b]—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 17 They imported a chariot(Y) from Egypt for six hundred shekels[c] of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty.[d] They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
Footnotes
- 2 Chronicles 1:14 Or charioteers
- 2 Chronicles 1:16 Probably Cilicia
- 2 Chronicles 1:17 That is, about 15 pounds or about 6.9 kilograms
- 2 Chronicles 1:17 That is, about 3 3/4 pounds or about 1.7 kilograms
Daniel 4:1-18
English Standard Version
Daniel 4:1-18
English Standard Version
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
4 [a] King Nebuchadnezzar to all (A)peoples, nations, and languages, (B)that dwell in all the earth: (C)Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the (D)signs and wonders that the (E)Most High God has done for me.
3 How great are (F)his signs,
how mighty his (G)wonders!
(H)His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
(I)and his dominion endures from generation to generation.
Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream
4 [b] I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. 5 I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and (J)the visions of my head alarmed me. 6 So (K)I made a decree that (L)all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then (M)the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but (N)they could not make known to me its interpretation. 8 At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named (O)Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is (P)the spirit of the holy gods[c]—and I told him the dream, saying, 9 “O Belteshazzar, (Q)chief of the magicians, because I know that (R)the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no (S)mystery is too difficult for you, tell me (T)the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation. 10 (U)The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and (V)behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 11 (W)The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. 12 (X)Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. (Y)The beasts of the field found shade under it, and (Z)the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.
13 “I saw in (AA)the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, (AB)a watcher, (AC)a holy one, came down from heaven. 14 He (AD)proclaimed aloud and said thus: (AE)‘Chop down the tree and (AF)lop off its branches, (AG)strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. (AH)Let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from a man's, and let a beast's mind be given to him; (AI)and let seven periods of time (AJ)pass over him. 17 The sentence is by the decree of (AK)the watchers, the decision by the word of (AL)the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High (AM)rules the kingdom of men (AN)and gives it to whom he will and (AO)sets over it the lowliest of men.’ 18 This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O (AP)Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because (AQ)all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for (AR)the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Daniel 4:1 Ch 3:31 in Aramaic
- Daniel 4:4 Ch 4:1 in Aramaic
- Daniel 4:8 Or Spirit of the holy God; also verses 9, 18
Daniel 4:1-18
New International Version
Daniel 4:1-18
New International Version
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree
4 [a]King Nebuchadnezzar,
To the nations and peoples of every language,(A) who live in all the earth:
May you prosper greatly!(B)
2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs(C) and wonders that the Most High God(D) has performed for me.
3 How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!(E)
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures(F) from generation to generation.
4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented(G) and prosperous. 5 I had a dream(H) that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed,(I) the images and visions that passed through my mind(J) terrified me.(K) 6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret(L) the dream for me. 7 When the magicians,(M) enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners(N) came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.(O) 8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar,(P) after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods(Q) is in him.)
9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief(R) of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods(S) is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed:(T) I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.(U) 11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.(V) 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches;(W) from it every creature was fed.
13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed,(X) I looked, and there before me was a holy one,(Y) a messenger,[c] coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree(Z) and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.(AA) 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.
“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[d] pass by for him.(AB)
17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High(AC) is sovereign(AD) over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest(AE) of people.’
18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me.(AF) But you can,(AG) because the spirit of the holy gods(AH) is in you.”(AI)
Footnotes
- Daniel 4:1 In Aramaic texts 4:1-3 is numbered 3:31-33, and 4:4-37 is numbered 4:1-34.
- Daniel 4:7 Or Chaldeans
- Daniel 4:13 Or watchman; also in verses 17 and 23
- Daniel 4:16 Or years; also in verses 23, 25 and 32
Proverbs 4:1-9
English Standard Version
Proverbs 4:1-9
English Standard Version
A Father's Wise Instruction
4 (A)Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,
and be attentive, that you may (B)gain[a] insight,
2 for I give you good (C)precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father,
(D)tender, (E)the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 he (F)taught me and said to me,
(G)“Let your heart hold fast my words;
(H)keep my commandments, and live.
5 (I)Get wisdom; get (J)insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
(K)love her, and she will guard you.
7 (L)The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get (M)insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will (N)honor you (O)if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head (P)a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
Footnotes
- Proverbs 4:1 Hebrew know
Proverbs 4:1-9
New International Version
Proverbs 4:1-9
New International Version
Get Wisdom at Any Cost
4 Listen, my sons,(A) to a father’s instruction;(B)
pay attention and gain understanding.(C)
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold(D) of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.(E)
5 Get wisdom,(F) get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;(G)
love her, and she will watch over you.(H)
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
Though it cost all(I) you have,[b] get understanding.(J)
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.(K)
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.(L)”
Footnotes
- Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
- Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get
Luke 24:36-53
English Standard Version
Luke 24:36-53
English Standard Version
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 As they were talking about these things, (A)Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were (B)startled and (C)frightened and (D)thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. (E)Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, (F)he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved (G)for joy and were marveling, (H)he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,[a] 43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, (I)“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, (J)that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then (K)he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus (L)it is written, (M)that the Christ should suffer and on the third day (N)rise from the dead, 47 and that (O)repentance for[b] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed (P)in his name (Q)to all nations, (R)beginning from Jerusalem. 48 (S)You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending (T)the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you (U)are clothed with (V)power (W)from on high.”
The Ascension
50 And (X)he led them out as far as (Y)Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, (Z)he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they (AA)worshiped him and (AB)returned to Jerusalem (AC)with great joy, 53 and (AD)were continually in the temple (AE)blessing God.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Luke 24:42 Some manuscripts add and some honeycomb
- Luke 24:47 Some manuscripts and
Luke 24:36-53
New International Version
Luke 24:36-53
New International Version
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”(A)
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.(B) 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see;(C) a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.(D)
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:(E) Everything must be fulfilled(F) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,(G) the Prophets(H) and the Psalms.”(I)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer(J) and rise from the dead on the third day,(K) 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name(L) to all nations,(M) beginning at Jerusalem.(N) 48 You are witnesses(O) of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised;(P) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,(Q) he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.(R) 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple,(S) praising God.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
English Standard Version
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
English Standard Version
Stand Firm
13 But (A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, (B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you (C)as the firstfruits[a] (D)to be saved, (E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through (F)our gospel, (G)so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, (H)stand firm and hold to (I)the traditions that you were taught by us, either (J)by our spoken word or by (K)our letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, (L)who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good (M)hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and (N)establish them in every good work and word.
Pray for Us
3 Finally, brothers,[b] (O)pray for us, that (P)the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,[c] as happened among you, 2 and (Q)that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For (R)not all have faith. 3 But (S)the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and (T)guard you against (U)the evil one.[d] 4 And (V)we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord (W)direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Footnotes
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 6, 13
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or glorified
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Or evil
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
New International Version
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
New International Version
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you,(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a](B) to be saved(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit(D) and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you(E) to this through our gospel,(F) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm(G) and hold fast to the teachings[b] we passed on to you,(H) whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,(I) who loved us(J) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage(K) your hearts and strengthen(L) you in every good deed and word.
Request for Prayer
3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(M) pray for us(N) that the message of the Lord(O) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.(P) 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,(Q) for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful,(R) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.(S) 4 We have confidence(T) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts(U) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Footnotes
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions
English Standard Version (ESV) 
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