M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Jonathan’s Daring Valor
14 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man carrying his armor, “Come, let’s cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that’s on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Now Saul was sitting on the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree that is in Migron, and the troops with him were about 600 men. 3 Ahijah son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod son of Phinehas son of Eli, the kohen of Adonai in Shiloh, was wearing an ephod. But the troops did not know that Jonathan was gone. 4 Between the crossings by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on one side and another rocky crag on the other side—one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One crag was to the north near Michmas, and the other to the south near Geba.
6 Then Jonathan said to the young man carrying his armor, “Come, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. Perhaps Adonai will work for us, for nothing restrains Adonai from delivering whether by many or by few.” 7 His armor-bearer answered him, “Do whatever is in your heart; go ahead—I’m with you whatever your heart decides.”
8 Then Jonathan said, “Here, we’ll cross over to the men, then let them see us. 9 If they say to us: ‘Wait till we come to you,’ then we’ll stand still in our place and will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up, for Adonai has delivered them into our hand—that will be our sign.”
11 So they both let themselves be seen by the Philistine garrison. “Look, some Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they were hiding,” the Philistines said. 12 So the men of the garrison shouted down to Jonathan and his armor-bearer saying, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson!”
Then Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Follow me, for Adonai has handed them over to Israel!” 13 So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Then they fell before Jonathan, his armor-bearer behind him finishing them off. 14 That first assault that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made struck down about 20 men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. 15 Terror then spread through the camp, in the field, and among all the troops. Even the outposts and the raiders also trembled, when the earth quaked—it was a trembling from God.
16 Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin saw the throng scattering away in every direction. 17 So Saul said to the people who were with him, “Call the roll now and see who went from us.” When they called the roll, behold Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there.
18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God at that time was with Bnei-Yisrael. 19 But while Saul was talking to the kohen, the commotion in the Philistine camp kept increasing, so Saul said to the kohen, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people with him rallied and rushed into the battle. Behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow in utter confusion! 21 Now there were Hebrews who had defected to the Philistines previously and had gone up with them to their camp round about—even they joined the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Also when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they also chased after them in the battle. 23 So Adonai delivered Israel that day. The battle spread as far as Beth-aven.
Saul’s Rash Vow
24 Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed that day, for Saul put the people under oath saying, “Cursed be the man that eats any food before evening, until I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the people tasted food. 25 But when all the people of the land entered the forest, there was honey on the ground. 26 When the people entered the forest, indeed, there was a flow of honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard when his father made the people swear the oath. So he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb, put his hand to his mouth—and his eyes brightened. 28 Then, one of the soldiers told him, “Your father strictly put the people under oath saying: ‘Cursed be the man that eats food today.’ But the troops are exhausted.”
29 Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the people. Just look how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much more, if only the troops had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found? Wouldn’t the slaughter among the Philistines have then been greater?”
31 That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmas to Aijalon, though the people were so weary. 32 Then the people rushed greedily upon the plunder, took sheep, oxen and calves, butchered them on the ground, and the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they reported to Saul saying, “Behold, the people are sinning against Adonai by eating with the blood.”
“You have acted faithlessly,” he said. “Roll a great stone towards me at once.” 34 Then Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and tell them: ‘Each one of you bring me his ox or his sheep, and butcher them here and eat. Don’t sin against Adonai by eating with the blood.’” So all the people each brought his ox with him that night and butchered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar to Adonai; it was the first altar that he built to Adonai.
36 Then Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light, we won’t leave any survivors among them.”
“Do whatever seems good in your eyes,” they replied.
Then the kohen said, “Let us draw near to God here.”
37 So Saul inquired of God, “Should I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him that day. 38 Then Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; investigate and see how this sin was committed today. 39 For as Adonai—Israel’s deliverer—lives, even if it was by my son Jonathan, he will surely die.” But not one among all the people answered him.
40 So he said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.”
“Do what seems good in your eyes,” said the people to Saul.
41 So Saul said to Adonai, “God of Israel, grant a perfect lot.” Jonathan and Saul were chosen, but the people were cleared. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lots between me and my son Jonathan,” and Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you’ve done.”
Jonathan told him saying, “I certainly did taste a little honey—with the end of the rod that was in my hand. Here I am—I must die!”
44 “May God do so to me and even more,” Saul said. “You must surely die, Jonathan.”
45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die? It was he who brought about this great deliverance in Israel! Far be it! As Adonai lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground! For he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan and he did not die.
46 Then Saul broke off pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own country. 47 After Saul had secured his kingship over Israel, he waged war against all his enemies on every side—against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he punished them. 48 He did so with valor, defeating the Amalekites and delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.
49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malchi-shua; and the names of his two daughters were: the name of the firstborn Merab and the name of the younger Michal. 50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 Kish was Saul’s father, and Abner’s father was Ner son of Abiel.
52 Now there was bitter war against the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw any mighty man or any son of valor, he would gather him to himself.
Be Dead to Self
12 I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given me, I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think—but to use sound judgment, as God has assigned to each person a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many parts in one body—and all the parts do not have the same function— 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah and everyone parts of one another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us—if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy—detesting what is evil, holding fast to the good. 10 Be tenderly devoted to one another in brotherly love; outdo one another in giving honor. 11 Do not be lagging in zeal; be fervent in spirit. Keep serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the kedoshim, extending hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you—bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. [a] 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own eyes. [b] 17 Repay no one evil for evil;[c] give thought to what is good in the eyes of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in shalom with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, loved ones, but give room for God’s wrath—for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,”[d] says Adonai. 20 Rather, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing so you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” [e] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Apocalyptic Vengeance
51 Thus says Adonai:
“Look!
Stirring up against Babylon and those living in Leb-kamai,
a spirit of destruction.
2 I will send strangers to Babylon
to scatter her and empty her land.
For in the day of trouble
they will be against her all around.
3 Let the archer bend his bow at her.
Let him rise up at her in his armor.
Do not spare her young men.
Destroy her whole army.
4 They will fall down slain in the land of Chaldea,
thrust through in her streets.
5 For neither Israel nor Judah will be widowed
by his God, Adonai-Tzva’ot,
though their land is full of guilt
before the Holy One of Israel.
6 Flee from within Babylon!
Each one, escape with his soul!
Be not silenced in her iniquity!
For it is a time of vengeance for Adonai.
He will repay her recompense.[a]
7 Babylon has been a golden cup in Adonai’s hand,
intoxicating the whole earth.
The nations drunk her wine—
so the nations are going crazy.
8 Suddenly Babylon is fallen![b]
Shattered! Howl over her!
Bring balm for her wound.
Perhaps she may be healed?
9 We would have healed Babylon,
but she cannot be healed.
Abandon her!
Let’s go, each one to his own country,
for her judgment has reached up to the heavens[c]
and has risen beyond the skies.
10 Adonai has brought forth our vindication!
Come, let us declare in Zion
the work of Adonai Eloheinu!
11 Sharpen the arrows.
Fill the quivers!
Adonai has roused the spirit of the kings of the Medes.
For His plan is against Babylon, to destroy it.
For it is Adonai’s vengeance, vengeance for His Temple.
12 Raise a banner at Babylon’s walls!
Strengthen the guard.
Station watchmen.
Prepare ambushes.
For Adonai has both planned and accomplished what He spoke about the Babylonians.
13 You dwelling by many waters,
rich in treasures, your end has come,
the measure of your covetousness.
14 Adonai-Tzva’ot has sworn by Himself:
“Surely I will fill you with men like a locust swarm,
and they will shout cheers over you.”
Creator of All, Judge of All
15 One made the earth by His power,
set up the world by His wisdom,
and spread out the heavens by His knowledge.[d]
16 At His giving voice—
tumult of waters in the skies!
He causes clouds to rise from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain
and brings forth wind from His storehouses.
17 All mankind is stupid, ignorant.
Every goldsmith is disgraced by an idol,
for his molten image is a lie—
there is no breath in them.
18 They are futile, a work of delusion.
In the time of their visitation they will perish.
19 Jacob’s Portion is not like these,
for He is the former of all things,
including the tribe of His heritage
—Adonai-Tzva’ot is His Name.
20 “You are My club, a war weapon—
with you I shatter nations,
with you I destroy kingdoms.
21 With you I wreck horse and rider,
with you I wreck chariot and rider,
22 with you I break man and woman,
with you I break elder and youth,
with you I break young man and maid,
23 with you I scatter shepherd and flock,
with you I scatter plowman and ox-team,
with you I scatter governors and officials.
24 I will repay Babylon and all living in Chaldea
for all their evil that they did in Zion,
before your eyes.”
It is a declaration of Adonai.
25 “Beware! I am against you,
destroyer of the Mount!”
—it is a declaration of Adonai—
“Destroyer of all the land—
I will stretch out My hand at you,
roll you down from the cliffs,
and make you a burning hill.
26 They will not even take from you
a cornerstone or foundation stone,
for you will be desolate forever.”
It is a declaration of Adonai.
27 Raise a banner in the land!
Blow a shofar among the nations!
Consecrate the nations against her.
Summon against her the kingdoms—
Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz.
Appoint a marshal against her.
Bring horses up like rough locusts.
28 Consecrate the nations against her,
the kings of the Medes,
its governors and all its deputies,
and all the land of his dominion.
29 Now the land shakes and writhes,
for Adonai’s plans against Babylon arise—
to make the land of Babylon
a desolation without inhabitant.
30 Babylon’s warriors ceased fighting.
They stay in their strongholds.
Their might is exhausted.
They have become like women.
Her dwellings are set ablaze,
her gate-bars are broken.
31 One runner runs to meet another,
and one messenger to meet another,
to tell Babylon’s king that his city
has been taken from end to end.
32 The fords have also been seized
and the marshes burned with fire,
so the warriors are in panic.
33 For thus says Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Israel:
“The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor
at treading time.
A little longer,
and the time of harvest for her will come.”
34 “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me,
crushed me, set me aside like an empty dish,
swallowed me up like a dragon,
filled his belly with my delicacies,
rinsed me away.”
35 The one dwelling in Zion says:
“Let the violence done to me and my flesh be upon Babylon!”
Jerusalem says:
“My blood be on the Chaldeans!”
36 Therefore thus says Adonai:
“Yes, I will uphold your cause
and take vengeance for you.
I will dry up her sea,
and make her fountain dry.
37 Babylon will become heaps,
a dwelling for jackals,
a horror and a hissing, uninhabited.
38 They roar together like young lions,
growl like lions cubs.
39 When they become hot,
I will set out a banquet for them
and will make them so drunk
that they become merry—
and then sleep a perpetual sleep and never awake.”
It is a declaration of Adonai.
40 “I will drag them down
like lambs to the slaughter,
like rams with he-goats.
41 How has Sheshach[e] been taken,
the praise of the whole earth seized?
How has Babylon become
a horror among the nations!
42 The sea has risen over Babylon—
she is covered with its roaring waves.
43 Her cities became desolation,
a dry land, desert, uninhabited land,
through which no son of man passes.
44 I will punish Bel in Babylon—
What he swallowed I will make him disgorge out of his mouth.
Nations will no longer stream to him.
Yes, the wall of Babylon has fallen!
45 Come out of her, My people!
Each of you,
save your soul from the fierce anger of Adonai.
46 Do not be faint-hearted,
or be intimidated by the rumor heard in the land—
one year one rumor comes,
next year, another rumor.
Yet violence will be in the land,
with ruler against ruler.
47 Therefore behold, days are coming
when I will punish Babylon’s idols.
Her entire land will be disgraced
and all her slain will fall in her midst.
48 Then heaven and the earth
and all that is in them
will sing for joy over Babylon,[f]
for the destroyers from the north will come to her.”
It is a declaration of Adonai.
49 Yes, Babylon is to fall for the slain of Israel,
even as the slain of all the earth fell to Babylon.
50 Escapees from the sword, go!
Do not stand still!
Remember Adonai from afar—
and make aliyah to Jerusalem in your heart.
51 “We were shamed
when we heard reproach.
Disgrace has covered our faces,
for foreigners entered
the holy places of Adonai’s House.”
52 “Therefore behold, days are coming”
—it is a declaration of Adonai—
“when I will punish her idols,
and the wounded will groan
throughout all her land.
53 Even if Babylon went up to heaven
and even if she fortified the height of her stronghold,
from Me destroyers will come to her.”
It is a declaration of Adonai.
54 The sound of an outcry from Babylon!
Great ruin from the land of Chaldea!
55 For Adonai is devastating Babylon,
and will silence her loud voice.
Their waves will roar like many waters.
The noise of their voices will resound.
56 For a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon,
and her warriors will be captured,
their bows broken.
For Adonai is a God of restitution,
He will fully repay.
57 “I will intoxicate her officials and sages,
her governors, deputies, and warriors,
and they will sleep a perpetual sleep,
and not awake.”
It is a declaration of the King,
whose Name is Adonai-Tzva’ot.
58 Thus says Adonai-Tzva’ot:
“Babylon’s thick wall will be totally razed
and her high gates burned with fire.
So the peoples are toiling for nothing,
and nations weary themselves for fire.”
59 The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah, when he went with King Zedekiah of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah was quartermaster. 60 And Jeremiah wrote in a single scroll all the evil that would come upon Babylon, including all these words that were written about Babylon.
61 Then Jeremiah said to Seraiah: “When you arrive in Babylon, then see that you read all these words, 62 and say: ‘Adonai, you have spoken concerning this place, to cut it off, that nothing will dwell there, neither man nor beast, but that it will be desolate forever.’
63 “Now when you have finished reading this scroll, you will tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates. 64 Then you will say: ‘Thus will Babylon sink, and not rise again, because of the calamity that I will bring on her. So they will weary themselves.’”
Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Joy Comes in the Morning
Psalm 30
1 A psalm, a song for the dedication of the Temple, of David.
2 I will exalt You, Adonai,
for You have lifted me up,
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
3 Adonai my God, I cried to You for help,
and You healed me.
4 Adonai, You brought my soul up from Sheol.
You kept me alive, so I would not go down to the Pit.
5 Sing praise to Adonai, His faithful ones,
and praise His holy name.
6 For His anger lasts for only a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
7 When I felt secure, I said:
“I will never be shaken.”
8 Adonai, in Your favor
You made my mountain stand strong.
When You hid Your face,
I was terrified.
9 To You, Adonai, I called,
and to my Lord I made my plea:
10 “What gain is there in my blood,
in my going down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
11 Hear, Adonai, and be gracious to me.
Adonai, be my help.”
12 You turned my mourning into dancing.
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
13 So my glory will sing to You and not be silent.
Adonai my God, I will praise You forever.
Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.